Tuesday, September 18, 2012 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

920 tankers deployed for fuel distribution, 20 ships arrive Lagos NLNG Train7 to generate N1.89trn FDI UDEME AKPAN AND FRANCIS EZEM Alison-Madueke

Vol. 1 2 N0. 115 450 ROTIMI FADEYI AND OMEIZA AJAYI

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday threatened to withdraw national awards conferred on prominent personalities, whose credibility is found to be questionable. He also disclosed that he had directed the National Honours Award Committee to compile a list of persons conferred with the National Honours with a view CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, said it had deployed over 920 tankers for the distri-

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bution of petroleum products in the country. The aim is to end the lingering fuel scarcity that has

Bakassi: Soyinka asks FG to revisit ICJ judgement P.49

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Tuesday, September June 7, 2011 18, 2012

National honours:

N150 N150

Jonathan threatens to withdraw awards, if... Obaseki, Eso, others absent

Abimboye

Newswatch appoints new Editor

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Akpabio calls for self-cleasing in police

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Judgesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; conference stalls hearing on Iboriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $15m bribe suit P.6

L-R: Senate President David Mark; Vice-President Namadi Sambo; President Goodluck Jonathan; Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal and Chairman, National Honours Award Committee. Hon. Justice Alfa Belgore, at the investiture in Abuja, yesterday. More pictures on page 4.

JTF kills Boko Haram leader, arrests two others 19 die in Maiduguri, Bauchi gun battles Lagos plans law against public smoking, says AG

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News

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

JTF kills Boko Haram leader, arrests two others AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST,

INUSA NDAHI AND EZEKIEL TITUS

he Joint Security Task Force, JTF, in Kano State yesterday killed one person suspected to be a “top member of a terrorist group” and arrested two others during an early morning operation. The arrest is coming on the heels of the killing of 19 people in Maiduguri, Borno State, and Bauchi, in Bauchi State. The JTF spokesman, Lt. Ikedichi Iweha, who confirmed the incident to newsmen, said the operation was carried out in Hotoro area in Kano metropolis. “During the early morning operation, one member of the terrorist group was killed and two other members were arrested,” Iweha said. However, the information that spread within the Kano metropolis has it that the dead kingpin is the spokesman of the Boko

Haram sect, Abu Qaqa, but this could not be confirmed by Iweha. “I have been hearing different names, I cannot confirm to you the identity of the suspects arrested yet, because I don’t have the nominal roll of the terrorist group. “We won’t know who who is for now because we don’t have their list and again we don’t believe such names exist in reality,” he said. Iweha said investigations were still going on with a view to ascertaining the identity of the suspects. “To say the man killed is Qaqa or the person was Shekau would amount to speculation,” he added. He also said that as soon as investigations were completed, the identity of the suspects would be made public. “Investigation has to be completed before I can tell you the identity of the suspects,” Iweha added. A resident of Hotoro area told National Mirror that a heavy exchange of gunfire occurred between

the suspected terrorists and JTF operatives during the operation, which lasted over one hour. In Borno State, at least 10 persons have been confirmed dead in an exchange of gunfire between men of the JTF in the state and some suspected terrorists on Sunday evening. The encounter also led to

the burning of some houses in the area. The cause of the gun duel, our correspondent learnt, was as a result of bomb explosion in Gwange ward of Maiduguri Metropolis around 8:30a.m. An eyewitness, Mallam Usman Abdullahi, who resides in the troubled Gwange ward, one of the

black spots identified by the JTF, told our correspondent that “an Improvised Explosive Device, IED, suspected to have been planted on Sunday by some terrorists targeting a security patrol vehicle in Gwange ward of Maiduguri, the state capital, exploded leaving two men of the JTF seriously injured.

Abdullahi said: “Soon after the explosion, gunshots ensued, but the JTF after repelling the attack quickly cordoned off the area, adding that the gun duel between the JTF and the attackers led to the killing of some people, while several houses were also razed. “I cannot tell whether CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

L-R: Nobel laureate and Guest Speaker, Prof. Wole Soyinka; celebrant, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite; President, Women Arise, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin; wife of the celebrant, Dr. Grace Braithwaite and Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Akin Oyebode, at the lecture to celebrate Dr. Tunji PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI Braithwaite’s 79th birthday in Lagos, yesterday.

Jonathan threatens to withdraw awards, if... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

to ensure that only credible Nigerians deserving of the award were allowed to retain such honour. The President, who stated that the national award was not for people of questionable character said: “I have directed that the National Honours Award Committee to compile a list of persons conferred with the national honours but if their current credibility is questionable; if they are found wanting, our prestigious honours will be withdrawn. “I am convinced that the national honours award is a very important part of the symbols of the country’s values in which deserving persons are admitted into the ranks of those honoured by Nigeria while those holders who fall short of our collective expectations and accept the national honours must, however, be punished.” President Jonathan noted that the decision to strip undeserving Nigerians of the national honours were to ensure that those

who had the national honours were truly worthy of the award and possessed a sense of value as patriotic Nigerians. He spoke yesterday in Abuja at the 2012 National Honours Award Investiture where the Chairman of Globacom telecommunications, Dr. Mike Adenuga who got the highest honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) and 154 other Nigerians including the six gold medalists at the just concluded Paralympics games in London were decorated. The President urged those who received the award to be good ambassadors of the country and rededicate their service to the nation, humanity and God. He noted that the 4,275 Nigerians had received the national awards since its inception in 1963 and that was still a small number. Speaking on the recipients, Jonathan said they cut across far and wide and had distinguished themselves as icons and examples to all. The President singled

out Muhammadd Zakari, a senior information officer on GL 10 in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation for his honesty. Zakari, who was decorated with the Members of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) medal, was honoured for returning a N6 million payment made to him in error in November 2011. Jonathan said Adenuga contributed immensely as a businessman and entrepreneur, to the growth and development of the economy. President Jonathan, however, commended the national honours award committee and the organising committee for the job of selecting the recipients, urging them to continue to be guided by the principles of faithfulness, integrity and the pursuit of excellence. In his welcome address, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, said that the recipients deserved the recognition because of their sincerity, gallantry, integ-

rity, honesty, virtues and outstanding contributions to the country. He explained that the President ensured that the nomination of the recipients was subjected to serious scrutiny before the final selection. Former Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the National Honours Award Committee, Justice Alfa Belgore, noted that the job of the committee in selecting the recipients was arduous. He said that while the number of recipients of the national honours was not as much as that of last year, the committee still ensured that fairness and integrity come into play in drawing up the final list of recipients. Belgore noted that the Nigeria was blessed with abundant natural and human resources, stressing that political instability was the greatest problem of the country. At yesterday’s award ceremony, 11 Nigerians were honoured in the category of the Commander of the Fed-

eral Republic (CFR), they include Hon. Justice Mary Odili, Inspector- General of Police Mohammed Abubakar, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion and the first Governor of Lagos State, Brig.-Gen. Mobolaji Johnson (Rtd). A total of 25 Nigerians were honoured in the category of the Commander of the Niger (CON). They include Governors Gabriel Suswam of Benue, Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta, Martin Elechi of Ebonyi, Danbaba Suntai of Taraba and seven senators. In the category of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR), 24 people were honoured including Mr. Oluwole Olanipekun (SAN) and Mr. Alex Izinyon (SAN) A total of 38 people including Mrs. Esther Gonda, the Permanent Secretary, Special Services office in the office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation, are to be honoured with the Order of the Niger (OON). Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa, the Clerk of the National Assembly and Alhaji Mohammed Ahmed, the Di-

rector General of PENCOM were also honoured in the category. In the category of the Member of the Federal Republic (MFR), 38 people were honoured with the award, including nine traditional rulers and three religious leaders, while 18 others were conferred with the Member of the Niger (MON). The six gold medalists at the just concluded Paralympics in London were honoured with MON. They include Yakubu Adesokan, Esther Onyema, Ivory Nwokorie, Joy Onaolapo, Loveline Obiji and Grace Anozie. Meanwhile, two eminent jurists and a principal officer of the Senate yesterday were absent at the conferment of national honours. Andrew Otutu Obaseki and Kayode Eso, two former justices of the Supreme Court, were number eight and nine respectively on the list of awardees but they were not present for their investiture as Commanders of the Order of CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Good Health

HIV prevention: Now, vaginal rings to the rescue SAM EFERARO

he world seems to be moving closer to a quick fix solution to the HIV/AIDS pandemic following the discovery that a plastic ring containing a drug and inserted into the vagina could prevent HIV transmission during sex. Excited by the positive outcome of studies in animals, scientists believe the vaginal ring could be the long awaited effective preventive therapy for the dreaded virus which currently affects no fewer than 340 million people worldwide. In one of the animal studies study, researchers at the Population Council, an international non-profit group placed vaginal rings treated with either a microbicide or a placebo in macaque monkeys. The animals were then exposed to a single dose of SHIV, a virus that combines genes from HIV and SIV, the monkey version of HIV. Two of 17 macaques with the microbicide vaginal rings became infected, compared with 11 of 16 macaques with the placebo vaginal rings. That means that the microbicide vaginal rings were 83 percent effective in protecting against the virus. “This proof-of-concept study confirms that the investment in vaginal rings as a delivery system for HIV prevention is paying off, Our findings show that rings can deliver an anti-HIV drug to prevent infection.” Naomi Rutenberg, vice president and director of the Population Council’s HIV and AIDS Program, said, Now, two large clinical trials are being conducted in four African countries to test the effectiveness of the vaginal ring

Vagina ring

which promises to provide high risk women a discreet way to protect themselves from the virus that causes AIDS. Both trials are designed to detect at least a 60 percent reduction in HIV risk, but researchers said they hope for even better results, which are expected in 2015. “If proven to be effective, I think this will really revolutionize prevention for women,” Dr. Sharon Hillier, who heads the Microbicide Trials Network at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, said. The ring contains the anti-HIV/AIDS drug Dapivirine, which is slowly released into the vaginal tissue over time. It has proved effective in small scale clinical trials and will now move into large scale tests. The project, dubbed ASPIRE is being

led by the Microbicide Trials Network (MTN) and funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the National Institute of Mental Health, which are part of the US National Institutes of Health. Nearly 3,500 women from high risk areas in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe are already taking part in the studies. The trial is expected to furnish some participants with the ring and others with an identical looking placebo. It will be inserted once a month and the subjects will be monitored for one year. Similar rings are currently on the market in the U.S. but release birth control medication and not HIV/AIDS medication. Because it only needs to be replaced once a month, the ring may help address some of the problems with getting women to consistently use vaginal gels each time they have sex, Rosenberg said during a briefing at the International AIDS Conference in Washington. In Uganda about 250 women are already taking part in the study which is being targeted across 18 sites in the four countries.

“They will be randomized to receive either the 25mg dapivirine vaginal ring or a placebo vaginal ring,” site Principal Investigator, Dr Flavia Matovu Kiweewa, Kiweewa announced at the recent 19th International Aids Conference in Washington, DC, adding that the participants would use the product for a maximum of 24 months. “If proven effective, vaginal rings will only need to be replaced once every month — it’s like remembering to buy sanitary pads once every month — compared to taking a pill daily or relying on your partner to wear a condom.” Dapivirine, according to Dr Kiweewa, was chosen because it demonstrated a potential for development as a microbicide, given its potency and fast-acting properties. ASPIRE is one of the two effective studies of a long-acting microbicide. The International Partnership for Microbicides is conducting another study called The Ring Study, in parallel with ASPIRE, at four sites in South Africa and one in Rwanda.

YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

Women with fear of childbirth endure longer labour, new research shows

omen who have a fear of childbirth spend longer in labour than women who have no such fear, suggests new research published recently in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Between 5 and 20% of pregnant women have a fear of childbirth. Various factors have been associated with increased prevalence of fear of childbirth, including young maternal age, being a first-time mother, pre-existing psychological problems, lack of social support and a history of abuse or adverse obstetric events. This Norwegian study looked at 2206 women with a singleton pregnancy who in-

AVERAGE LABOUR DURATION WAS 8.22 HOURS FOR FIRSTTIME MOTHERS, AND IT WAS 4.91 HOURS FOR PAROUS WOMEN tended to deliver vaginally. Fear of childbirth was assessed by the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire (W-DEQ), a validated psychometric instrument designed to measure fear of childbirth. Women undertook the questionnaire at 32

weeks gestation and fear of childbirth was defined as a score of more than 85. Out of the total number, 165 (7.5%) women scored more than 85. Labour duration was defined as 3-4 centimetres cervical dilatation and 3 uterine contractions per 10 minutes, until delivery of the child. The average age of the participants at delivery was 30.9 years and 50.5% (1113 women) were first time mothers. Average labour duration was 8.22 hours for first-time mothers, and it was 4.91 hours for parous women. The researchers found that women with a fear of childbirth spent one hour and 32 minutes longer in labour than women with

no such fear. After adjustment for other factors associated with labour duration, such as parity, epidural analgesia, instrumental vaginal delivery and labour induction, the difference was still significant at 47 minutes. — ScienceDaily

Photo News

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NATIONAL HONOURS AWARD INVESTITURE

L-R: Chairman Senate Committee on Police Affairs Sen. Igwe Nwagu; Inspector General of Police, Abubakar Mohammed (CRF); Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade, rtd, and Chairman House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Usman Kumo. L-R: Head of the Interim Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan; former Head of State,Gen. Yakubu Gowon and FCT MInister, Sen. Bala Mohammed (CON) during the investiture.

A cross section of the recipients.

L-R: Governors Idris Wada of Kogi, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti and Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State.

L-R: Wife of National Merit Award recipient, Mrs. Omolara Olanipekun; her husband, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN); Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi; other recipients, Onisan of Isan-Ekiti, HRH Oba Sunday Ajiboye (MFR) and Prof. Funmi Olopade (OON). L-R: Governors Gabriel Suswam of Benue State (CON), Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (CON) and Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State (CON).

President Goodluck Jonathan (left) decorating Dr. Mike Adenuga (GCON).

Cross section of Paralympians decorated with MON.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

920 tankers deployed for fuel distribution, 20 ships arrive Lagos CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

engulfed most parts of the country in recent days. The deployment of the tankers became imperative with the continued shutdown of the NNPC’s System B2 pipeline at Arepo in Ogun State after an attack by vandals who have also frustrated efforts to repair the facility. The closure of the strategic pipeline, which carries between nine to 11 million litres of fuel daily from Lagos to Ibadan, Ilorin and the North had resulted in

supply disruptions. Three NNPC engineers were killed last week while trying to fix the pipeline. The Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the Corporation, Mr. Fidel Pepple, said yesterday that the company had increased the number of tankers involved in fuel distribution in order to ensure that adequate quantities of products were made available to marketers and by extension to motorists and other consumers.

“I want to assure Nigerians that NNPC has stepped up fuel supply to marketers and distributors for effective and efficient supply of fuel to Nigerians. As I speak, we have raised the daily supply of fuel from Folawiyo tank farm from 150 tankers to 250 tankers, MRS from 100 to 200 tankers, Capital Oil to 300 tankers, NIPCO to 70 tankers and AITEO to 100 tankers,” Pepple said. He added that fuel delivery and supply to Port

Harcourt, Aba and Calabar has also been augmented, saying that bridging to the North has equally enjoyed robust supply. Pepple also said there were adequate fuel stocks stressing that as at Thursday last week, the NNPC had 32 days sufficiency of petroleum products. The NNPC spokesman also said that the company was collaborating with the security agencies to fix the pipeline destroyed in Arepo so as to restore normal fuel

Gridlock on Falomo Junction as vehicles queuing for fuel on the road blocked the flow of traffic in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA

JTF kills Boko Haram leader, arrests two others CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

those killed were innocent people or the houses, which were set ablaze, belong to the suspected terrorists, but all I saw with my eyes was that some corpses littered the streets on Monday morning. Some houses are still burning as I am talking to you now,” Abdullahi stated. A hospital attendant at the State Specialist Hospital, who did not want his name mentioned, told our correspondent that he saw two patrol vehicles of the JTF with some corpses around the gate of the hospital. He added that each of the vehicles carried five dead bodies on Monday morning. Also on Sunday evening at about 8:45p.m., some gunmen shot and injured a businessman and a top All Nigeria’s Peoples Party, ANPP, stakeholder in Yobe State, Alhaji Mustapha Sheriff Mashidimami. It was gathered that the gunmen, who invaded the family house of the politician in Damboa Road in Maiduguri metropolis de-

manded money, but later shot and injured him before they fled. Mashidimami has been rushed to an undisclosed hospital where he is responding to treatment. Efforts to speak on the telephone to the JTF spokesman, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, and the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Gideon Jibrin, yesterday were unsuccessful. This was because of the epileptic telecommunications services being experienced in the state capital in the past week following the bombing of some telecommunication masts and their base stations, especially in Jere and Maiduguri metropolis. In another development, unknown gunmen yesterday killed nine Sayawa ethnic nationals and injured five others in what appears to be an attack directed at the ethnic group. The incident, which occurred in Zango, a suburb of Bauchi metropolis caused a stampede among residents as shops were hurriedly shut and people ran for their dear lives.

The victims are Ayuba Shehu, Freeman Lumi, Godiya Rimi, Ishaku Samson, Joseph Komo, Inna Zamba, Samuel Mutashi, Ishaya Jauro and Haruna Ayuba while the survivors are Ajiya Kimsa, Yakubu Galibi, Ma’aji Sarauta, Balam IShaku, and Joshua Hassan. An eyewitness, who did not want to be named said that the four gunmen, who were armed with sophisticated weapons arrived the scene in Keke NAPEP (commercial tri-cycle) and immediately opened fire on their victims. National Mirror learnt that the attack was carried out at a spot frequented by people to relax after closing from work, making it a target for terrorists. The corpses have since been deposited at the mortuary of Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa University Teaching Hospital, while the injured are also being attended to at the same hospital. Speaking to National Mirror, Kimsa, who is one of the survivors, urged security agents to fish out the

culprits. He also called on the state government to halt the incessant attacks on the Sayawa people. A resident of the area, Mr. Joshua Dadi, described the attack as a spillover of the ethnic cleansing directed at the Sayawa in TafawaBalewa and Bogoro local governments. Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Bauchi State, Rev. Lawi Pokti, described the attack as shocking and urged Governor Isa Yuguda to fish out the perpetrators to justify people’s confidence in the administration. The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Yuguda, Mr. Ishola Michael, in a telephone interview with newsmen declined comments on the development. He said that the police and the State Security Service, SSS, may brief journalists on the issue. The police however is yet to make any pronouncement on the issue as efforts to speak with both the state police commissioner and the spokesman of the state police command proved abortive.

supply to the affected areas. He reiterated the corporation’s position that the safety and security of oil pipelines are the collective responsibility of each and every citizen and appealed to all and sundry to be vigilant and contribute to making oil installations safe and secure. Commenting on the situation, the second National Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Mr. Mike Osatuyi, who condemned attack on NNPC pipelines and killing of its personnel, said the scarcity occurred because of the disruption of the facility’s operations and inability of marketers to import from the international market. He, however, commended the NNPC for efforts made to stabilise supplies and promised that independent marketers will cooperate with relevant authorities to ensure smooth implementation of new measures adopted by the corporation. Osatuyi said: “We had a meeting with NNPC yesterday to address the shortage. Everyone agrees that the corporation needs all the sacrifice we can make to tackle the scarcity. In fairness to the corporation, it has tried in different positive ways to sustain supplies to filling stations.” The spokesman of Nipco Plc, IPMAN’s oil trading company, Mr. Taofeek Lawal, said the company had enough stock of fuel and had not stopped supplies. “We have commercial supplies of the product and have not stopped delivering it to customers in different

parts of the nation. We will ensure motorists and other users continue to get the product as seamlessly as possible.” The fuel shortage, which became apparent in Lagos and its environs over the weekend, resulted in long queues at filling stations. Shortages had already been experienced in Abuja and some other parts of the country. The scarcity was partly attributed to the recent clampdown on fuel importers by government for fraudulent fuel subsidy claims among other infractions, which prevented marketers from importation. Meanwhile, a total of 353,095 metric tonnes of petrol and diesel shipments have arrived seaports in Lagos aboard 20 tanker vessels. Analysis of shipping activities released by the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, for the various products imports show that a total of 316, 095 metric tonnes of PMS arrived the port on board 14 ships while another six vessels were loaded with 37, 000 metric tonnes of diesel. The shipments were those ordered by oil traders a few weeks ago after government paid verified fuel subsidy claims. Details of the shipping position show that a vessel called God’s Grace has berthed at the Single Buoy Mooring Jetty with 30, 000 metric tonnes of petrol while Ishola Celeste and MT Gunhild arrived Lagos with 28, 000 metric tonnes and 32, 000 metric tonnes respectively.

Jonathan threatens to withdraw awards, if... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

the Federal Republic, CFR. They did not also send representatives to receive the medals on their behalf. No reason was given for their absence. Deputy Majority Leader of the Senate, Abdul Ningi, was, however, represented by his wife, Aisha. Also absent was a traditional ruler, Igwe Peter Chukwuma Ezenwa, who was to be conferred with the award of Member, Order of the Federal Republic, MFR. No reason was advanced for his absence.

National Mirror learnt that the Chairman of the National Honours Award Committee, Justice Alfa Belgore, would, however, forward their medals and certificates to them within the week. In attendance at the event were Vice President Namadi Sambo, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Former Head of Interim Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, and the Senate President, Sen. David Mark. Others were the speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma

News

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Jonathan to lead Nigerian delegation to ITU World KUNLE AZEEZ

igeria will present a high profile delegation at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World 2012 holding in Dubai, UAE, with President Goodluck Jonathan attending as Leader of the Nigerian delegation and Special Guest at the Nigerian Pavilion at the event. The President’s participation was confirmed by the Presidency sources yesterday evening. According to the sources, at the event, the Jonathan-led delegation expected to meet with global ICT leaders and investors at the forum holding between October 14 – 18, 2012 in Dubai. ITU World 2012, being organised by Genevabased International Telecommunications Union, ITU, and prides itself as the biggest ICT forum that brings together governments and the private sector, regulators, investors, operators, vendors, and academia, youths and professionals of different hues, and equipment vendors, operators, and innovators. Nigeria is billed to showcase investment and market opportunities for broadband whose cam-

paign began at the last year’s forum where the Minister for Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, and the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Eugene Juwah, led the delegation that received commendations by the Secretary General of the ITU, Dr. Hamadoun Toure. Meanwhile, the Executive Vice chairman of the NCC has indicated that the theme of the country’s participation at the ITU World is: ‘Nigeria Broadband: A Connected Nation.’ Juwah said the point will be canvassed by the President who will also use the occasion to assure the international community of Nigeria’s readiness to protect investments and promote competition in the spirit of deregulation and private sector participation. At the event, Nigeria is also billed to host the global ICT leaders to a closed door meeting and lunch while a special day has been set aside for hosting key participants at the forum including presentations at the Nigerian Pavilion where public and private institutions and companies are provided spaces to showcase their potentials to the world.

Judges’ conference stalls hearing in Ibori’s $15m bribe suit ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

wing to the on-going judges’ conference holding in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, further hearing was yesterday stalled in a suit before an Abuja Federal High Court over the ownership of the controversial $15m which former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, allegedly offered pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu The trial Judge, Justice

Gabriel Kolawole, was said to be participating in the annual conference. The annual conference traditionally kicks off the beginning of a new Legal Year. The registrar in Justice Kolawole’s court has, suo motu, adjourned further hearing in the matter till October 29, 2012. In the center of the ownership battle of the money are the Federal government, EFCC and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on one side and the Delta state government on the other side.

Abuja in 2003 hosted by the then FCT Minister Mallam El-Rufai, Port Harcourt (Rivers State) in 2004 hosted by the then Governor Peter Odili, Bauchi (Bauchi State) in 2005 hosted by the then Governor Adamu Muazu, Ilorin (Kwara State) in 2006 hosted by the then Governor Bukola Saraki, Osogbo (Osun State) in 2007 hosted by the then Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Kano (Kano State) in 2008 hosted by the then Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, Enugu (Enugu State)

in 2009 hosted by Governor Sullivan Chime, Lagos (Lagos State) in 2010 at the prestigious New Expo Centre of Eko Hotel and Suites and Akure (Ondo State) in 2011 hosted by Governor Olusegun Mimiko. According to Mr Eniola Ashaolu, General Manager of Ideas Communications and General Administrator of NMMA, the Chief Host of this year’s event, Governor Liyel Imoke, will treat all the invited Guests, Nominees and Administrators to the rich hospitality of Cross River State.

he Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) 2012 Grand Award Presentation Ceremony earlier fixed for this weekend in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, has been postponed to a new date which will be announced soon. The postponement, according to the administrators of the event, Ideas Communications Limited, is to enable the organisers, NMMA LBG and the co-host, Cross River State Government, to further prepare for a truly grand

hosting of the media and other delegates to NMMA 2012. NMMA, Africa’s foremost media excellence scheme, is an annual event where the works of the best media practitioners in the preceding year are declared and rewarded. It was held in Lagos from 1992 to 2002, having been flagged off in 1992 with the attendance of the then President of Nigeria and first Grand Patron of NMMA, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida GCFR. The event was also held in

OMEIZA AJAYI

FG appoints Sultan of Sokoto Amirul Hajj

ABUJA

he Federal Government has appointed the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, as head of the delegation to the 2012 Hajj in Saudi Arabia. In a statement signed by the Secretary to the

Government of the Federation, Pius Anyim, the government also named Alhaji Asari Dokubo as member while Mr Ismaila Yusuf is to serve as Secretary. Other members of the delegation are: Senator Abdul A. Ningi, Hon.

The money, allegedly offered as bribe by Ibori to former EFCC boss to compromise the investigation of the fraud allegation preferred against him is being claimed and counter claimed by the Federal Government and Delta State. While the Federal Government is laying claim to the money kept in Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) custody since 2007 on the ground that Ibori denied ownership of the money, the Delta State Government is, however, asking the court to declare it the

bonafide owner of the money, having been allegedly offered by the former governor while in office. National Mirror reports that the Delta State Government came into the picture following an application by the Federal Government before the high court seeking its forfeiture order. The court had, however, issued an order asking anybody or group that has link or owns the money to come before it and so indicate within two weeks or forfeit the sum to the Federal Government.

Traffic gridlock along in Abuja following the National Honours Award ceremony, yesterday.

NMMA postpones 2012 award ceremony

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Mudashiru K. Akinlabi, Hon. Justice Suleiman Galadima and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed. Others are the Emir of Zuru, Alh. Sani Sami, the Otaru of Auchi, H. A. Momoh, Ikelebe III; Am-

bassador Haruna Wando, Hajia Rabi Kundili AbduBinchan, Sen. Walid Jibrin, Alh. Sani Dauda, Amb. Adamu Aliyu, Sheikh Abdul Hafix Abu, Mallam Ahmed Bello and the Emir of Damaturu, Alhaji Baba Shehu Hashimi.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

National honour: No violence recorded OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

ully armed security operatives yesterday manned all roads in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to prevent attempts by any terrorist group to perpetrate violence during the National Honours Award ceremony. As early as 6.00 am, the armed security operatives took over all the major roads in the city and completely locked up most of the roads, diverting traffic and causing traffic hold up in most parts of the city. Even many workers were turned back home by the security officials. There was no official information on why the roads were blocked, but it was gathered that the National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki, had ordered the water-tight se-

curity in order to forestall any likely attack members of the Boko Haram Islamic sect. Even at the Agura Hotel where accreditation of the awardees was done, security operatives closed down business operations. Deputy Force Public Relations Officer (DFPRO), Mr. Frank Mba, explained that there was nothing unusual about the security build-up, stressing that once there is VIP movement, security is normally tightened up.

Dasuki

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ROTIMI FADEYI AND SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN

t was a gathering of prominent Nigerians yesterday in Benin, Edo State, during the 80th birthday celebration of former governor of the old Midwest and Bendel states, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia. At the event, which had the representatives of the government of Delta, Bayelsa and Osun states, the celebrant called for more autonomy for states with “corresponding increased fiscal allocation”. Ogbemudia also argued

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Tuesday, Septembe 18, 2012

At 80, Ogbemudia calls for true federalism that to make the states more viable in a federal system, the controversial derivation principle should be based on 50 per cent while, according to him, if “confederation and zonal aggregations are favoured, there should be Midwest Zone for Edo and Delta states”. Bemoaning the deplorable state of sports in Nigeria, the octogenarian said sports “has the capacity to gainfully and productively engage half of our unemployed youths. Look at

what Europe and America have done with sports, China has since discovered it and they are tapping its dividends. “Sports should therefore find a place, a prominent place, in our constitution. Government should take the lead and encourage private sector participation and eventual take over. What I say about sports here also applies in relevant terms to agriculture.” Delivering a paper entitled: “Reshaping the Nigerian Army in a changing

security environment,” former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Chris Alli (rtd), called for the overhaul of the security forces for them to face evolving organisational and cultural changes. He, however, decried the insufficient budget for Defence. Alli traced Nigeria’s ethno-religious crisis to the agitation for “multi-ethnic nation-state,” adding that since then, Nigeria had been “trying to cope with the problem of ethnicity on

the one hand and the problem of ethno-religious conflicts on the other hand”. The situation, he said, contributed to “incessant recurrence of ethno-religious conflicts, which have given birth to many ethnic militia”. The Chairman of the event, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), lauded the professional standard Ogbemudia maintained while he was in the Army. Gowon, who spoke through the first civilian governor of Edo State, Chief John Oyegun, said Ogbemudia was one of his few friends who provided for him during his days in exile after the 1975 coup,

which ousted him. He said the celebrant’s contribution was immense to the reclaiming of Midwest region which was subdued during the country’s civil war. Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday praised Ogbemudia’s “enduring patriotism, courage, productive leadership and uncommon administrative acumen”. In a letter conveying birthday greetings to the former governor and Federal Minister, Jonathan said: “I write on behalf of my family, the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to express warm felicitations to you on the occasion of your landmark 80th birthday.”

Adeosun’s death, a painful loss –President ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

Some of the Lagos State High Court judges cutting the cake to mark the opening of the 2012/2013 legal year in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA

Sure & Steady report: Jonathan’s administration accountable –Group

he National Vanguard for Democracy and Development, NVDD, has said the release of a scorecard to document progress of projects and activities implemented under the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s administration was a major testament that the administration was serious about good governance and accountability. The Presidency at the weekend released a 155-page book entitled; Sure & Steady Transformation: Progress report of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, Volume One, which documents projects and programmes implemented since the inception of the Jonathan’s administration. However, the Publicity Secretary of NVDD, Emeka Obinagwu, said in a statement that the book had clearly documented a sure and steady approach to the

issue of infrastructure development in the country. He said: “More than ever before, I think Nigerians should now be very confident that they have a man who has very systematic and practical approach to the nation’s problems.” By listing and documenting those projects with pictures, Obinagwu said “the

President has taken himself back to the public to show that his transformation agenda is on course, he should be congratulated for this bold step. “We also need to point out emphatically that this is the first time a president is producing a report card in Nigeria. It shows that our democracy is grow-

ing. We will only advise all tiers of government to emulate Mr. President and come out clearly to engage the citizens about what they have done with public trust.” He, however, advised the Presidency to translate the report into Nigeria’s major languages to make it accessible to Nigerians.

Nigerian becomes first black VC of Illinois varsity OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

n engineering professor of Nigerian descent, Ilesanmi Adesida, made history last month by becoming the first black Provost/ Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs of the wellrespected University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign in the United States. Adesida, a naturalised American, was born in Ifon, Ondo State 63 years ago. He was a former head of

the Electrical Engineering Department of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. The professor is a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, IEEE, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, AAAS, the American Vacuum Society, and the Optical Society of America. He is also the past president of IEEE Electron Devices Society. His work in the field of Nanotechnology, with spe-

cial emphasis on high speed device used in communication, has not only been outstanding but has received accolades in the scientific community. Commenting on his appointment, Prof. Adesida said: “I’m honoured and humbled to be selected as provost of this great campus. This is something I take very seriously. I know how to work very hard and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get the job done.”

resident Goodluck Jonathan has described the death of the distinguished former banker, Chief Oluwole Adeosun, as a painful and sad loss. Adeosun died last Thursday in New Delhi, India where he had gone for a medical check-up. Recalling Adeosun’s laudable career in the banking sector, Jonathan also commended his contributions as Secretary of Transport, Aviation and Communications under the Interim National Government, ING, headed by Chief Ernest Shonekan in 1993. In a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity,

Dr. Reuben Abati, the President said: “As chairman of the National Pensions Commission, PENCOM, Chief Wole Adeosun contributed immensely to pension reforms and the nation will no doubt miss his uncommon experience and expertise.” Adeosun also served on the Presidential Monitoring Committee during Nigeria’s bid to host the Under-23 World Cup in I985 and was the president of NigerianAmerican Chambers of Commerce in 1993. Jonathan, who also commiserated with the Adeosun family in particular and the government and people of Ogun State in general over the passage of the revered Osi of Egbaland, prayed God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest.

Centre holds e-conference on state police FRANCIS SUBERU

leadership and rights advocacy group based in Lagos, the Centre for Patriotic Leadership Initiative, CPLI, on Saturday held the much anticipated E-Conference on the imperative of having a state police in Nigeria. The conference, which took place on the Group Patriotic Forum on facebook, examined the advantages or otherwise of decentralising the present structure of the Nigeria Police Force and allow for state police. It attracted Nigerians from around the world, including young professionals, public policy experts, security consultants, lawyers and media as discussants, even as it recorded one of the

highest participants in any ediscourse in the country. One of the discussants, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Adeniji Adele Division, Lagos, CSP Monday Agbonika, said Nigeria, as presently constituted, was not ripe for state police. According to him, there are still issues that will interfere with the take-off of such venture, especially the issues of indigene/settler dichotomy, etc. He, however, said the authorities should look at the present police force and work out ways to improve its structure, services and performance. Another discussant, a public policy analyst and columnist, Opeyemi Agbaje, said the crux of the matter was achieving true and effective federalism.

South West

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

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Traffic law: LASTMA, KAI officials undergo training MURITALA AYINLA

n line with efforts to effectively implement the new Lagos Traffic Law, about 7,916 law enforcement officers are expected to undergo a career evaluation training next Monday. The officials are drawn

from the Lagos State Transport Management Agency, LASTMA, Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, and the Neighbourhood Watch. It was gathered that Governor Babatunde Fashola ordered the retraining of the officials to continuously improve the quality of personnel of the law enforcement agencies.

The Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Transport Education, Dr. Mariam Masha, said in a statement that the training programmes were practical, effective and consistent with contemporary international best practices. She said the workshop was aimed at equipping the officers with the req-

uisite skills to ensure law and order in the state, adding that it was also expected to enhance the capacity of the officers to effectively implement the new Lagos Traffic Law. The training, which consists of 2,749 LASTMA officials, 1,011 KAI officials and 4,156 Neighbourhood Watch members, is

designed to determine the suitability and ability of the personnel as officers entrusted to promote law and order in the state. Masha added that the need for the training was informed by government’s appreciation of the difficult yet important situation law enforcement officers were exposed to in their duty to

promote law and order. She said: “The project areas include, but not limited to, community service, where officers will work in various communities to tackle issues ranging from traffic, environment and security as well as volunteering in homes, orphanages and rehabilitation centres across the state.”

Ondo guber: Group mobilises voters, decries violence KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

Members of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents locked outside the entrance gate at NAHCOL by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday.

Defected lawmakers will forfeit their seats –Ogun PDP FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

gun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday said it would go to court to declare vacant, the seats of the three lawmakers who defected to the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, from its fold. The PDP, which described the three lawmakers as opportunists who were only looking for refuge in another party, also condemned the claim by the legislators that their defection was occasioned by the internal wrangling within the party. It added that the lawmakers were products of the factions in the party. The state PDP Publicity Secretary, Bidemi Osunbiyi, explained in a statement in Abeokuta, that there had been a precedent in law as regards such illegal defection. He cited the ruling of an Akure High Court

which declared vacant the seat of one Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde representing the Akure South/Akure North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives for crossing to the ACN. Osunbiyi said such would apply to the three lawmakers in Ogun over their defection. He described the three defectors as “chop I chop” lawmakers whose impact had not been felt by their party or on the floor of the Assembly since they assumed office in May 2011. According to the PDP spokesman, the electoral law only permits such defection if there is crisis with the national body of the party, but not as claimed by the lawmakers. Three former PDP lawmakers in the state House of Assembly announced their defection through a letter read by the Speaker, Hon. Suraj Adekunle, during an emergency session two weeks ago. The lawmakers are

Hon. Olusola Sonuga, who was the PDP Whip and representing Ikenne state constituency, Hon. Babatunde Edunjobi representing Egbado South state constituency and Adeyemi Harrison, representing Ogun Waterside state

constituency. Osunbiyi also claimed that the lawmakers used the popularity of the party to win elections, but stressed that PDP would continue to monitor the situation in consultation with its lawyers.

he Centre for Human Rights and Ethics in Development, CHRED, has begun mobilsation of voters for the Ondo State gubernatorial election scheduled for October 20. Its Executive Director, Comrade Moshood Erubami, who made the disclosure while speaking with journalists in Ibadan, said the mobilisation was meant to end the culture of apathy of voters during elections in the country. He said the group was encouraged by the massive turn out of voters for the Edo State gubernatorial poll on July 14 which, he noted, was the outcome of massive and extensive mobilisation of voters. Erubami urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct an acceptable poll. He, however, decried violence dogging the electioneering in Ondo State, citing armed clashes between the supporters of

rival political parties, allegations and counterallegations of thugs vandalising party offices, and allegation of police bias. Erubami, added that the campaigns were not issue-based. He said: “Preparations for the October 20, 2012 governorship election have been fraught with crises and tension. Money, allegedly, is daily shared to sway supporters from rival political parties while the state witnesses daily defection of politicians from one party to the other.” Erubami recalled that provocative statements were freely made during campaigns and at rallies to create tension while politicians did not exercise restraint in campaign speeches. The CHRED executive director added that political thugs were being used to terrorise political opponents and communities across some local government areas in the state, creating anxiety in the minds of voters over whether there would be peaceful election.

Job seekers storm Lagos Secretariat MURITALA AYINLA

undreds of job seekers yesterday besieged the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja to apply for various vacancies. The state had, on September 6, published vacancies in a national daily, urging applicants to submit their application forms on or before Friday. As early as 8am, scores of applicants, mostly youths, had gathered in front of the Lagos State Civil Service Commission office to submit application forms. The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Civil

Service Commission, Mrs. Eniola Yonwuren, told our correspondent that the state had received over 5,000 applications from various quarters. She said: “Various category auditors from level 12

and bellow, librarians, historians, instructors in the technical field, photographic assistant and theatre projection and so on are listed in the advertorial.” Yonwuren, however, was unable to give the number

of existing vacancies. She said: “We cannot categorically tell you the number of vacancies available but we can tell you the number of various areas as published in the paper.”

Lagos plans law against smoking, says Ipaye

overnor Babatunde Fashola’s administration is considering a law to ban smoking in public places in Lagos State. The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, who disclosed the plans yesterday, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that the provisions of the new Traffic Law had pro-

hibited people from drinking or smoking while driving in the state. Ipaye said though the new law was aimed at reducing road carnage, it was also part of plans to ban smoking in public places. He said: “It is an offence to smoke while driving, smoking is totally prohibited for drivers; obviously it is not just for safety reasons,

it is also for health reasons because we are moving towards banning smoking in all public places. “It is an offence to drive drunk if you have been taking alcohol; if you have been taking drugs, this law provides for blood test to determine whether you have ingested drugs which are inconsistent with your ability to drive.”

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South West

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Ondo PDP not capable of winning election –Akeredolu •Discontent rocks Ondo ACN campaign HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AND OJO OYEWAMIDE

he gubernatorial candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cannot win election in the state, saying that the party is dead. Akeredolu, who said this in Akure during an interactive session with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State

council, pointed out that the PDP is fielding a wrong candidate in the person of Chief Olusola Oke, for the election. However, he commended the last administration of the PDP in the state led by former Governor Olusegun Agagu, saying most of the projects initiated by Agagu have been abandoned by the present administration. Akeredolu said Agagu implemented life changing projects that could have turned the state around, but said most of the projects failed to see the light of the day after his exit from office.

His words: “I may not run for this election if Agagu is running because of the respect I have for his administration, but with Olusola Oke, who has a constant record for failure, there is no way the PDP can make any impact in this election. “With Oke’s consistent record of failure, PDP is backing the wrong horse in the election, let’s ask him about his achievement and what he did when he was in OSOPADEC, with him PDP is dead in the state.” He challenged the current administration in the state to

point to any developmental projects executed in the last three and half years in the state, saying that the Mimiko administration has not constructed a single road in the state. In a swift reaction to Akeredolu’s comment, the PDP Publicity Director, Ayo Fadaka, described the statement as disappointing. Fadaka said: “Olusola Oke is both an accomplished lawyer and politician with a pedigree, he knows this state very well and the people know him too. He has distinguished himself in public service and, as such, has not been subjected to investiga-

tion for misdemeanor of any kind. “Akeredolu’s comment against him in this regard is disappointing and absolutely unfathomable that a SAN can rely on rumours and hearsay to draw conclusions, it speaks volume about his content.” Akeredolu, while recalling his role in the sacking of Agagu as the state governor to salvage Mimiko’s mandate said: “I am involved professionally, I am a lawyer and Mimiko and Labour Party are my clients and when I studied the case, I saw that the case has substance and with the catalogue of mal-

practices and manipulation in that election, I came up to defend my clients, so what I have done is basically professional.” Akeredolu discarded the opposition’s statement referring to him as a “Districts Officer” posted by his principal to the state and will be subjected to his masters in Lagos, describing it as only being in the imagination of the opposition. He listed his programmes for the state to include agriculture, knowledge and education, technology, entrepreneurship and provision of basic infrastructure for the people of the state.

Nigeria’s democracy at a crossroad, says Fashola WALE IGBINTADE

agos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, yesterday observed that the nation’s democracy is facing enormous challenges, saying that “our democracy is at a crossroad.” The governor stated this at a special mosque service held at the Lagos Central Mosque to mark the beginning of the 2012/2013 legal year. He said the country is faced with issues of national security and economic development, adding that the socio-economic problems confronting Nigeria has placed much challenges on the doorstep of Nigerian judges. His words: “Man makes law to cater for national security, secure man and protect his property, so our success depends on the success of the judiciary. In Nigeria, road traffic constitutes challenges to our socio-economic development.

“If there is a traffic problem, a worker will not be able to get to his workplace on time. If he stays unduly in traffic, it will affect his health. “We work with lawmakers to create law for good governance, so we should do justice no matter what it takes, you should give your judgment and do justice and ensure that nobody is unjustly punished. “You are economic engineers, how quickly justice is dispensed with will definitely lead to several developments. A lot is expected from the judiciary arm of government,” the governor said. He urged judges to emulate the great men that have performed excellently in the judiciary and learn from them so as to pass such legacies to the incoming generation. At the church service, the Bishop of Lagos, the most Rev. Adebola Ademowo, called for prayers for Nigeria, warning that the country is

L-R: Former Oyo State Governor, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala; his wives, Florence and Oluwakemi, during the thanksgiving and 60- year remembrance service for Pa Joshua Opadoyin Akala in Ogbomoso, Oyo State,at the weekend.

“now on a downward slope.” The bishop, who urged Nigerians to pray more for the country said Nigeria is fast becoming a dangerous place to live in. His words: “I want you to pray for Nigeria, Nigeria was not like this before. We are deteriorating, the standards are not just falling they are collapsing. Nigeria is now on a downward slope.”

Oyo pays N10m bursary to 101 indigenes KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

yo State government has distributed cheques worth over N10 million as bursary awards to 101 indigenes of the state at the Nigerian Law School for the 2011/2012 academic session. State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Adetokunbo Fayokun, who distributed the cheques to the students in Ibadan, the state capital, said the gesture was aimed at assisting them financially.

She said the state government was not unaware of the importance of their school programme, as well as the huge financial resources required for its running, hence the need to come to the aid of the students. The commissioner while pledging that government would continue to implement policies that would enhance the educational development of the youth in the state, charged the students to reciprocate the gesture by being more committed to their studies.

She also urged them to be good ambassadors of the state and shun all acts that could bring disrepute to their families, the state and the nation. The Chairman of the state Scholarship Board, Dr. Adekiitan Babalola, lauded the state governor, Abiola Ajimobi, for approving the payment of the bursary to the students. He said arrangements has also been concluded for the payment of 2011/2012 bursary awards to final year students of Oyo State origin in all federal and state-owned tertiary institutions nationwide.

2012 Hajj: 8, 000 pilgrims to be airlifted from Lagos •As FAAN locks out clearing agents again OLUSEGUN KOIKI

t least 8, 000 intending pilgrims will be airlifted from the Hajj and Cargo terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos, to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for this year’s hajj exercise. A source close to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), who does not want his name in print, confided in National Mirror that the Lagos zone comprises Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Edo, Osun States and the armed forces. The source said NAHCOM has made available a Rapscan screening machine, which would be used for the exercise, adding that Med View and Marx Airlines would operate from the Lagos zone. The machine, the source

said, is for frisking of passengers for security purposes. The source, however, said that none of the two airlines assigned to Lagos, has submitted its flight schedule to the hajj authority, adding that the transportation of the pilgrims would commence by October 2012. National Mirror observed that the facilities at the hajj camp have been renovated in readiness for the exercise, a process that was later confirmed by the source. Meanwhile, all the registered and the unregistered cargo operators and freight forwarders operating at the hajj camp were barred from entering the hajj camp premises yesterday. This is in continuation of the eviction of the agents spearheaded by the

Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). FAAN said the essence of the eviction was to sanitise the hajj and cargo area of the airport. The embattled clearing agents converged at the main entrance to the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCo) shed, while they parked their vehicles in the open space in front of the camp main gate. The situation created a long traffic jam in the early hours of yesterday for those going towards the international airport to transact businesses in Ikeja. At the main entrance to the cargo terminal, mobile policemen and Aviation Security (AVSEC) officials were screening those entering into the cargo terminal to ascertain that they are those who have genuine business doing there.

South East

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

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Enugu approves N213m for MDGs projects’ execution DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

he Enugu State Executive Council has approved the implementation of the state’s 2011 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) conditional cash transfer projects for 10 local gov-

ernment areas. The MDG projects, which will be executed in partnership with the Federal Government, are cost the state government N213m. The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chuks Ugwoke, 100 communities in Aninri, Oji-River, Udi Ezeagu,Igboetiti, Igboeze

South, Nsukka, Isi-Uzo, Nkanu East and Nkanu West local government areas would benefit from the projects. Ugwoke said that the executive council also approved the payment of outstanding state counter fund for the Federal Government’s FADAMA III ag-

ricultural programme. According to the commissioner, the government also approved contract for the procurement of agricultural machinery for the state pineapple project at the cost of $6m. Ugwoke added that the state approved N400m for the renovation, upgrade

and construction of 68 health centres as part of the government’s efforts boost healthcare delivery. According to him, the MDG conditional cash transfer is a grant provided for the extremely poor households in the condition that their children of primary and secondary school

age can go to school and access quality health care. The commissioner explained that the grant has four components of monthly sustenance allowance of N6000 paid bi-monthly and business start up grant of N120,000 payable upon completion of training by applicants.

Anambra to lift PFN hospital with ambulance

kwueme and CD Chairman, Enugu State, Dr Jerry Chukwuokolo, the group revealed a frightening statistics of unemployment rates in the region and concluded that the governors had not done enough to address the situation. CD noted in a survey conducted in the SouthEast recently that Imo State recorded the second highest unemployment rate with 71 per cent, while only 29 per cent are employed, adding that the increase in the unemployment rate in the state was due to the recent sack of 10,000 workers employed by former Governor Ikedi Ohakim.

It said Ebony State, with the highest unemployment rate, recorded the worst political murder, land dispute and other violent crimes. The rights group cited several murder cases, including the killing of over 70 people by militants at Ezillo community in 2010. It said that the sack of non-indigenes in Abia pushed up the rate of unemployment in the state to 68 per cent. According to the group, Abia recorded the high profile killings, especially the murder on December 29, 2010 of the former chairman Campaign for Democracy in the South-East, Mr.

Chidi Nwosu. It said the killers were yet to face judgment. According to the group, Anambra State recorded over 63 per cent of unemployment rate, while that of employment rate stood at 33 per cent. It said that the 63 per cent Anambra State residents were mainly traders, artisans and commercial motorcyclists. The rights group, however, criticised Anambra State Governor Peter Obi for deliberately refusing to lift embargo on employment put in place six years ago by his processor, Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige.

for contributing to the state healthcare delivery system, Obi assured that the association’s schools would benefit from the government empowerment programme. The governor also promised that efforts would be sustained in uplifting quality of life in rural areas to reverse the neglect of many year and fast tract pace of development. He expressed satisfaction that the state had emerged stronger from its difficult past. Earlier in his speech, the National Vice-President of PFN, Bishop Paul Nwachukwu, said the association would also establish mobile clinic in other parts of the state. Bishop Nwachukwu extolled Governor Obi for motivating people and organisations for optimal performance. The Anambra State Chairman of PFN, Bishop David Eberechukwu, also thanked the governor for allocating eight plots of land in Awka to the association. Bishop Eberechukwu said PFN planned to establish one hospital and special school in each of the three senatorial zones of the state. Bishop Eberechukwu, who was represented by the PFN Secretary, Apostle Godwin Chigbata, said the commissioned hospital was open to the general public.

grave disaster. In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, Ogene called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to come to the aid of the flood victims. According to the lawmaker, communities ravaged by the flood include Ossamala,

Atani, Odekpe, Obeagwe, O g w u - I k p e l e, O ch u ch e Umuodu, Akili Ogidi, Ogwu Aniocha, and Akili Ozizor. He said: “The hapless victims of the Ogbaru flood, who are predominantly farmers, have lost not only their crops, farmlands, houses and other properties but also their only source

of livelihood, as the flood washed away all they have toiled for. “I call on NEMA and other relevant agencies to, as a matter of urgency, come to the aid of these victims in the areas of relief materials, healthcare and evacuation, as they are in dire need of assistance, especially as

there is also an obvious danger of outbreak of epidemic in the area as a result of polluted drinking water in the disaster zone. “This appeal becomes necessary because, according to meteorological warning, there is a likelihood of a recurrence in the coming days.”

CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

Director MTN Foundation, Mr. Akinwale Goodluck (left) and Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, during a test running of the security vehicles donated to the state by MTN Foundation in Okwa, yesterday.

Court refuses to vacate interim order on Umeh DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

he Chief Justice of Enugu State, Justice Innocent Umezulike, yesterday refused to vacate interim order he slammed on the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh. Justice Umuzulike had on July 25 retrained Umeh from convoking national, state or local government executive committee meeting of the party pending determination of a substantive suit filed by one Jude Okoli. Justice Umezulike had granted the interim injunction on the ground that many legal weighty issues bordering on locu standi, jurisdiction of the court, abuse of court process and whether the suit was a domestic political matter had been raised.

he Anambra State Government has promised to buy a brand new ambulance for the hospital built by the state chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) at Amawbia within the next 30 days. Speaking at the commissioning of the hospital, doctors and nurses quarters at Amawbia, Governor Peter Obi said that the developmental initiatives of individuals, churches and organisations would continue to receive the support of his administration. Commending the PFN

CD scores South-East low on job creation CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

he Campaign for Democracy (CD) has decried the high rate of unemployment in the South-East with Ebony State recording 77 per cent of joblessness. In a statement jointly signed by the CD Chairman in the South-East, Mr. Dede Uzor A Uzor; CD Chairman, Abia State, Mr. Jude Chukwu; CD Chairman, Ebony State, Mr. Onu O. Onu; CD Chairman, Imo State, Mr. Emeka Ogbonna; CD Chairman, Anambra State, Mr. Vincent Eze-

Rep seeks support for flood victims OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, has described the recent flood that ravaged the Ogbaru Federal of Constituency in Anambra State as a

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South South

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Jonathan tasks judiciary on reform programme TONY ANICHEBE UYO

he judiciary has, again, been asked to embark on a comprehensive reform programme in order to enhance capacity, efficiency and productivity. President Goodluck Jonathan, who gave the charge yesterday during the official commissioning of the Federal High Court, Uyo, said this was one of the challenges the judiciary has to overcome. President Jonathan, who was represented by the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, challenged the federal courts to meet the demands of prompt justice administration and further straighten the faith of Nigerians in the judiciary. “It is the sacred duty of the judiciary to help ensure stability within the polity through the promotion of the Rule of Law, strict guardianship of the Constitution, and constant and unfailing application of the principles of

justice. “The judiciary cannot afford to compromise the essential principles set out in our constitution to ensure justice for all Nigerians irrespective of their political disposition, tribe and race,” Jonathan remarked. “One issue of constant concern to all our compa-

YENAGOA

human rights activist in Bayelsa State, Alagoa Morris, yesterday advocated for state and local government-sponsored scholarships and jobs for non-violent youths in the Niger Delta. He said such scholarships will enable youths from the region study in tertiary institutions both at home and abroad to enhance capacity building the area. Morris noted that the Federal Government was proposing a third phase amnesty for ex-militants from the region, stressing that some citizens are worried that non-violent youths in the region were left to roam the streets searching for elusive jobs. The activist, who is also the Project Officer of the Environmental Rights Action (ERA) in Bayelsa State, spoke in an interview with National Mirror in Yenagoa, saying that the non-violent youths who did not carry arms should be encouraged with scholarship programmes and jobs. His words: “Let it also be known that the underlying reasons which made the Niger Delta youths carry arms are yet to be effectively tackled. Our communities are still largely without access roads, no electricity, no wa-

prepared to support all efforts to enhance the dispensation of justice”, Jonathan said. The President reasoned that a vibrant judiciary, which fulfills its essence as the third estate of the realm was not only a restraining influence on the likely excesses of the executive at the

local, state or federal level, but also builds a tradition of respect for, and inspires confidence in the law. Jonathan’s words: “I charge you to remain totally committed to the cause of justice, to be completely devoted to upholding the rule of law and to the respect and observance of due process.

L-R: Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole; former governor of defunct Mid-West Region and Bendel State, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia and his wife, Yetunde, at the launch of a foundation to celebrate the 80th birthday of Ogbemudia in Benin City, Edo State, yesterday.

Activist calls for scholarships, jobs for non-violent youths EMMA GBEMUDU

triots is that the wheel of justice still grinds rather slowly in our courts. It is instructive; however, that the federal high court, has committed itself to turning the wheel faster and this we applaud and hope you will devote time to in your conference. “Rest assured that we are

ter, no health facilities, very poor learning environment among others. “Buying peace by granting amnesty will not work in the long run unless the developmental challenges of the people are given the desired attention. “If these developmental challenges are attended to, even jobs will be available for the people to make ends meet. Although, the amnesty programme have achieved some successes on the long run. “If the trainees return without jobs, we know what will follow. The idle mind, they say, is the devil’s workshop. To some of us who ply the rivers and creeks of the Niger Delta, we are concerned about the situation in the waterways. “Sea piracy, kidnapping and other violent acts in the creeks should not only be tackled head-on by the authorities, but should be at the back of the mind of government in relation to job creation and the amnesty programme.” Morris regretted that it was glaring that states and local governments in the Niger Delta are not playing any observable role in the amnesty programme, stressing that the original concept of the programme involved the three tiers of government.

Delta to subsidise cost of tricycles

he Delta State government yesterday said it will subsidise the cost of the 1, 250 tricycles that it procured recently for intending buyers by about 50 per cent. Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Benson Igbakpa, who told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Asaba yesterday, said each of the tricycle, which sold for between N350, 000 and N400, 000, would be sold to buyers for N200, 000. He, however, explained that intending buyers would be expected to pay the money in one instalment before collecting the tricycle. “This is to enable the

ministry have direct contact with prospective buyers since the government will not be able to vouch for the integrity of the buyers,” the commissioner said. Igbakpa explained that the method of payment would be for the prospective buyers to pay 25 per cent of the N200, 000 to designated banks and for the banks in turn to make full payment to the government. He said intending buyers would be given the tricycle after they and the banks had agreed on the terms of repaying the loan which would attract only five per cent interest. The commissioner said

though the 1, 250 tricycles would not be enough for all registered commercial motorcyclists in the state, government would use their operations to appraise how Okada riders complied with the new tricycle regime. Igbakpa clarified further that there was no ban on the operations of motorcycles popularly known as Okada in the state as was being speculated. He, however, said that though the government had restricted their operations in cities and towns, they are free to operate in neighbouring communities.

2015: ANPP re-affirms merger plans with ACN, CPC

he National Secretary of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Mr. Tijani Tumsah, yesterday restated the party’s resolve to merge with the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) for the 2015 general elections. Tumsah gave this indication in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt. He said the proposed merger was imperative to rescue the country from

the “doldrums of political and economic backwardness.” The secretary stressed the need for “a compelling force of vibrant political parties to deliver the people. He said the ANPP was ever willing to merge with any political party for the political freedom of the country in 2015. “Nigeria requires urgent rescue which we are ready to offer even in concert with other political parties. “Must everybody die

first before change is effected, no. The change we need must be made available for the prosperity of our beloved nation,” he said. Tumsah said the merger would bring about a desired change in Nigeria. “We are still talking with ACN and CPC, and it is our belief that Nigerians will benefit a lot from the merger. “ANPP is interested in the well-being of our citizens; we will support any move to bring food on the table of Nigerians.”

Failed Bridge: Construction firm did a shoddy job –Rivers govt CHINEDUM EMEANA PORT HARCOURT

he Rivers State government has blamed Bulletin Construction Company, the firm that handled the Air Force Flyover Bridge project which connects Eliozu Junction and Stadium Road for doing a shoddy job, saying that was the reason behind the failing of the bridge. At a media briefing addressed by Commissioners of Works, Transport and Information in Rivers State yesterday, the Commissioner of Works, Mr. Victor Giadom, blamed the contractor, Bulletin Construction Company, which was awarded the contract by Dr. Peter Odili’s administration, for doing a substandard job. However, he said another construction company, RCC, has taken some soil samples from the failing bridge to Israel for testing. The works commissioner also denied that the bridge collapsed as was widely reported, noting that it was only the approach to the bridge, the retaining wall that was faulty. He assured that plans have been set in motion by his ministry to lay asphalt on the bridge and make it usable in a few weeks time. Meanwhile, the Rivers State government has protested the unruly and disorderly conduct of military personnel at the location of the failed Air Force Flyover Bridge. The commissioners alleged that rather than adhere to directions by traffic officers meant to ensure safety and order at the scene, the military personnel chose to flout rules and conduct themselves arbitrarily thereby endangering other road users. At the media briefing, the commissioners said the military officers wanted to force their vehicles through the section of the failed bridge cordoned off by the Rivers State Traffic Management Agency and policemen that had been dispatched to the scene to guide the flow of traffic in the aftermath of the collapse on Sunday.

North

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Again, flood sacks 3,000 residents in Kaduna A ZA MSUE KADUNA

nother flood disaster was recorded yesterday in Kaduna State, which sacked about 3,000 residents and destroyed property worth several millions of naira. About 750 families, especially those residing at the bank of Romi river in the outskirt of Kaduna were hardest hit by the flood. The team leader of Red Cross Nigeria, Mr. Charles James, and Executive Secretary, Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Ishaku

Dogo Makama, confirmed the incident, saying relevant agencies would come to the aid of the victims. A victim, Mrs. Iketum Owoicho Adaje, a widow whose husband was killed in the Easter Sunday bomb blast in Kaduna, said the flood submerged her house. She said: “I leave my fate and the future of my six children with God. Only God will take control. I have been in Kaduna over 40 years with my husband until he was killed by the Easter Sunday bomb blast along Junction Road while on his way to the church. Since the death of my hus-

band, life has been very difficult.” The flood had last week submerged 178 houses in

different parts of Kaduna metropolis. Over 200 victims of the flood have temporar-

ily taken refuge at the Government Day Secondary School, Romi. Gonin Gora Village

Head, Mr. Yusuf Doma, said over 60 buildings, 180 families with 900 people were displaced in his domain.

Plateau gets National Health Insurance Scheme committee JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

he Plateau State Government yesterday inaugurated a nine-member committee to work out modalities on how to implement the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The committee, which has four weeks to submit its reports, has Mr. Azzuwut Martin as Chairman. Inaugurating the committee in Jos, the state capital, Commissioner for Health, Dr Fom Dakwak, said the implementation of the health scheme would begin with civil servants and thereafter cover other segments in the state. According to him, the government planned to commence full health insurance scheme in the next year budget. Dakwak pointed out that since the project was capital intensive, the scheme would take effect with the implementation of the 2013 budget.

The commissioner added that the implementation of the scheme might be done in batches and urged civil servants to cooperate with the government. He also urged the committee members to ensure that only genuine civil servants that participated in the recent biometric data capture exercise were enlisted for the scheme in order to avoid sharp practices. Chairman of the committee, Mr. Azzuwut Martin, assured that members would work within the guidelines given to them to ensure the success of the scheme.

Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang

Improvised Explosive Devices(IED) and weapons uncovered by the Joint Task Force on display in Maiduguri, Borno State, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Kwara Acting Chief Judge sworn in WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

he Acting Chief Judge of Kwara State was sworn-in yesterday by Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed. He is Hon Justice Ayinla Olatunji Bamgbala. Justice Bamgbala succeeded Justice Raliat Elelu who retired last week. Justice Elelu’s tenure was controversial as former Governor Bukola Saraki illegally removed her from office before the Supreme Court nullified the former governor’s action. Swearing in the new Chief Judge yesterday in Ilorin, the state capital, Governor Ahmed promised his administration’s resolve to respect the rule

of Law. According to the governor, no society develops in a lawless environment, especially where leaders who are supposed to promote, protect and defend the sanctity of the law flout the same institution that produces them. He said: “As a beneficiary of the rule of law, I shall not do anything inimical to the constitution”. Ahmed, however, advised the judiciary to stay above board. He commended the state judiciary for “remaining a shining example of judicial efficiency in Nigeria”. The governor promised that his administration would continue to provide support for the quick dispensation of justice through upgrading of ex-

isting facilities. He said: “Government will also ensure constant infusion of new blood into the judicial system to ease the workload of our judges”. Ahmed, however, urged the new Acting Chief Judge to see public office as a public trust by bringing his wealth of experience, impeccable character and sterling quality to bear on the dispensation of justice. Justice Bamgbola described his appointment as another opportunity to serve the state. He called on all arms of government to play their roles effectively for quick dispensation of justice. Justice Bamgbala presented a list of request to the governor. The requests include completion of the

computerisation of the state High Court, repair of judicial offices in OmuAran and Offa, as well as training and retraining of judicial workers. The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Kamaldeen Ajibade, said the appointment of Justice Bamgbola as the new Chief Judge was in line with the provision of the 1999 Constitution.

Ahmed

My administration committed to education –Ahmed WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

overnor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State at the weekend said his administration was commitment to quality education and youth empowerment. Addressing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders in Ilorin, the

state capital, Governor Ahmed said his administration had employed 2000 youths through the Kwara State Bridge Empowerment Scheme (KWABES). He said subsequent absorption of 1,000 youths into the mainstream of the civil service, recent employment of 1,410 teachers and laying of

the foundation stone of the International Vocational Centre were geared towards actualisation of the humancapacity development target of his administration. Stressing that more teachers would be employed and additional classrooms rehabilitated, the governor said the

developmental projects of his administration, which have created jobs for artisans and other skilled workers, would continue as more projects would be embarked upon. On local government workers’ salaries, Ahmed said modalities had been instituted to ensure that workers were paid regu-

larly. He said: “My administration does not dip hands into the funds of local councils; rather, the state government gives 10 per cent to all the local governments to augment their monthly allocations”. The governor added that all contending issues on land urbanisation law

had been resolved. Ahmed said: “Nobody is more interested in the transformation of Ilorin as a state capital than this administration. Ilorin must become the best capital in Nigeria. That is our goal. We are now on the same page on the issue with Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

SUPER TUESDAY

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Public oﬃcers abdicate responsibility with use of siren – Fashola

14&15

Impeachment: Reps’ honour on the line

2015: Will PDP reclaim South-West? The issue in the polity presently, especially in the SouthWest is the planned return of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the driving seat of the political machine of the geo-political zone, which was snatched from it between 2010 and 2011. OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU takes a look at the myths and realities in the PDP plan.

aving lost its position as the ruling party in the South-West, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had in recent times been sounding to all who cared to listen of its intention to take over the zone from the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) with effect from the October 20 governorship election in Ondo State. First to fire the salvo was the National Vice Chairman of the party in the SouthWest and former governor of Ekiti State, Segun Oni, who reiterated the desire of the PDP to wrestle power from the ACN come 2015. He said the non-performance of the ACN administrations in the zone is indicative of why the people of the zone would throw the ACN out, come 2015. Earlier on, the Lagos State chapter of the party had commenced what is popularly known among party stalwarts as ‘Operation Capture Lagos in 2015’, charging Lagosians to use their votes to send the “inept ACN administration” packing at the next polls. At every opportunity, a chieftain of the party and former Minister of Transport, Ebenezer Babatope had been singing it loud and clear that the PDP is battle ready to reclaim South-West come 2015. Babatope told National Mirror that: “By the special grace of God, PDP will storm the South-West again. I don’t believe that the ACN has got the grip of the zone; they can only have a grip if we in the PDP did not have unity among us. If you look at the states which we lost, you will realise that we paid dearly for lack of unity within our party. If you add up all the votes of those that worked against the interest of our party with what we scored, you will realise that we would have won in the South-West be it in Oyo, Ekiti or Ogun. But we have learnt our lesson in a big way and I can assure you that the next election will not be like that.” Recently, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ms. Jumoke Akinjide told members of the Osun State PDP, who visited her in Abuja that the party would capture the South West come 2015.

Tukur

Tinubu

TOP STORY IT IS NOT IN THE INTEREST OF THE ZONE TO BE OUTSIDE THE GOVERNMENT AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL AND IT IS NOT ALSO IN THE INTEREST OF

NIGERIA BECAUSE IF YOU ARE NOT INSIDE, YOU CANNOT BE PART OF THE DECISIONMAKING PROCESS She said that the PDP in the South-West is already aligning itself with people-centred candidates who would return the party to winning ways. Her words: “Our goal as PDP in the South-West is that we must win back all our states because it is not in the interest of the zone to be outside the government at the federal level and it is not also in the interest of Nigeria because if you are not inside, you cannot be part of the decision-making process. You will always view every decision of government with suspicion. So, it is important that the Yoruba people take their place of pride in national politics.” To lend credence to the re-capture singsong by the party top notchers in the SouthWest, President Goodluck Jonathan declared penultimate week that the PDP must

Oni

as a matter of priority re-capture the zone come 2015. The president, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Inter-Party Affairs, Senator Ben Obi, at a civic reception organised for members of the PDP in the state who got national appointment, including the party’s national secretary and former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola in Osogbo, the state capital, said that the party has what it takes to take over the zone from the ACN and the LP. The presence of the who-is-who in the PDP at the event made the pronouncement all the more serious. The event was witnessed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was represented by his wife, Bola; national chairman of the PDP, Bamanga Tukur, represented by Abubakar Mustapha, the Kwara State governor, Abdulfattah Ahmed, the Akwa Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Gov-

ernment (SSG), Obong Umana Okon Umana; and the PDP National Women Leader, Kema Chikwe. Akpabio reiterated the PDP’s resolve to reclaim the South-West and appealed to members of the party in Osun to rally round the party’s leadership in achieving the onerous task. He said: “Let me state here without mincing words that the state and the good people of Osun are looking up to you for leadership and it is my hope that with the calibre of people in the party the stage is now set for the party to form government in this state and other South- West states.” To give fillip to the “Operation Reclaim South-West” of the PDP, National Mirror reliably gathered that President Jonathan had giving marching orders to his aides to fashion out the strategies for the reclamation process and to kick start the process, the Senior Special Adviser on Public Affairs to President Jonathan, Doyin Okupe, recently met with publicity secretaries of the party in the South-West. It was also gathered that a fund-raising committee, to be headed by the acting Minister of Defence and former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Olusola Obada will soon be inaugurated. As part of the process, President Jonathan recently met with former governors in the zone. But it would be recalled that this is not the first time the president would give such marching orders or make such sweeping statements about his party taking over the South-West. In February 2011, in the ancient city of Ibadan, during the flag-off of his presidential campaign in the SouthWest, Jonathan told the crowd that his party was ready to take South-West from ‘rascals’ and chase them out of all the Government Houses in the zone. He had said: “Lagos is a commercial centre and the ruling party must control the state. We will take over Ekiti, Osun and Ondo states. Before 2015, we will take over the South-West. South-West is too educated and civilised to be left in the hands of rascals.” But rather than chase the rascals away, it was the other way round, as the rascals humiliated the PDP and uprooted almost all its vestiges from the governance of the zone. National Mirror investigations revealed that one of the strategies being adopted in this project was putting up the argument that the South-West would be better-off if it is in the mainstream of national politics, an argument that was used to rout the AD governors in 2003. But in a swift reaction to the planned takeover of the South-West, the ACN described it as ‘laughable and a sign of political ignorance.’ CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

Politics

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Public officers abdicate responsibility

Recently, there was a report by The Economist which ranked Lagos as the third worst city to live in the world. What do you make of the rating? For me, criticisms don’t offend me; they challenge me to do more. So, I decided to find out what this ranking was all about. What I observed was that about 140 cities, cities not countries, were ranked across the whole world. For me, there is a plus there. Australia had about six, Canada had about seven, only London was ranked in Britain, so they didn’t rank Manchester. In West Africa, I cannot recollect that Accra made that ranking. Only Lagos was ranked out of the 36 states in Nigeria. If you enter a global ranking of 140 cities across the world, for me, that is a plus. We may be at the tail of the ranking, our challenge now is to begin to climb to the top of the ranking. We are too important in the comity of nations to be neglected. That is the fact – our market, our size, our entrepreneurship and exposure. By size we are bigger than 13 African countries as a state. By Gross Domestic Product (GDP), we are bigger than more than 40 countries. Our GDP for 2010 was $80 billion. My concern is that if we have built more roads, hospitals and put in place more infrastructure, what kind of ranking would have made Lagos remain on the same spot for three years. The two rankings before that of 2009 was the same. So, I asked what are the ranking indices. If we are spending money every year and we didn’t pass, we didn’t fail, then something must be wrong. For me, we are a work in progress and I think that maybe unlike the events across the Atlantic where some people asked their opponents, whether they were better four years ago, I think I can say, that we are very much better off than we were five years ago. And I don’t say that alone, many Lagosians will tell you that, but our work is not yet finished. There have been allegations that the Eko Atlantic City project is responsible for the recent ocean surge in Lagos. How true is this? There is the reality of climate change. Our planet is changing and you know it. Eko Atlantic City clearly was not the cause of what happened in Kuramo neither is it the cause of what happened in Alpha beach. The Eko Atlantic City project area today is what we all know as the Bar Beach. But the problem of erosion there started when the Europeans built the Apapa port. That was what caused the problem. For you to build a port, you must create deep water. The vessels that come from the Atlantic Ocean are channelled into that deep water. In doing so, they built two moles, so there was an intervention to nature. Normally, the sea brings sand and takes sand away. If you build a mole, you interrupt that natural flow, so the beach started taking away more sand than it was depositing. The Europeans built an automated mechanised replenishment system, but when they left, we abandoned it and then the erosion continued without control. Before now, if you were going to the beach, the place where that road is now was the beginning of your journey to see water; you would have to travel another two kilometres to see water, but that is what we have lost. If you superimpose that against the map of Nigeria, clearly our boundaries have been altered in physical terms. The sand replenishment that is going on now is a restoration of what used to be there. So, we are only bringing back what had been lost. What the Federal Government had been doing in the

• Says ‘If any of my commissioners use siren, NM

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, is passionate about the new Lagos Traffic Law, which he believes aims at preserving lives. In this interview with journalists, he shares his thought on the traffic law, state police, adoption of anthem, coat of arms and flag by some state governments, among other issues. AYODELE OJO, who covered the session, reports.

T TUESDAY IINTERVIEW NT

Fashola

BECAUSE WE HAVE NOT ORGANISED ELECTIONS

PROPERLY, THAT IS WHY WE BELIEVE THE POLICE WOULD BE USED TO MANIPULATE ELECTIONS...

SO, ALL

OF THESE ARGUMENTS TEND TO PERPETUATE OUR IMPERFECTIONS last 10 years was pumping sand of about N3 billion per year and the sea just take it away. So, if you calculate N3 or N4 billion over 10 year, it is enough to build a defence. There seems not to be a uniform position of state governors and stakeholders on establishment of state police. There are fears that the governors will manipulate the process to their own advantage. Do you still support the idea? The first responsibility we have is to secure the people and property. We are here with the responsibility of policing many of you. The model is that if you allow the state to have more control on the police, things will be better. The week that I resumed office as governor, I spent every night of the first week either in the outpatient ward because somebody has been shot or in the mortuary because somebody has been killed or visiting homes where elderly citizens had been attacked or robbed. And of course, there seems to be a total lack of capacity. There was no day, every

week at least, a bank would be robbed successfully and we were helpless. All of that are now bygones. Attempts are being made to rob banks now, but none has been successful because we can respond. Yes, there have been arguments, but those arguments do not address the issue. The argument that it would be used for election; excuse me, only the living will participate in an election. The first responsibility is to keep them alive. Because we have not organised elections properly, that is why we believe the police would be used to manipulate elections. If we are able to organise election properly, I don’t see any reason why businesses will be shut down because we are conducting elections. So, all of these arguments tend to perpetuate our imperfections. You have a constitution that creates states and federal governments, creates states and federal legislative houses, creates states and federal courts to adjudicate on laws made by different levels of legislative houses, and it says you can’t have state police. And the argument of fear of abuse is the only argument that they can bring. I am sure that if you genuinely ask Nigerians today to choose between the fear of abuse and the fear of losing their loved ones, they will tell you that the fear of losing their loved ones ranks higher in their consideration. Indeed, is there any police force in the whole world that does not abuse itself or abuse its citizens? You see in the biggest democracy where police beat citizens to the point of death; where police open fire with live bullets on the citizens. Now, you say don’t give them state police because they will abuse it. Are we not abusing vehicles? Are we driving the way we should drive? So, why don’t we put it into the law, ‘don’t give them vehicles because they will drive recklessly,’ we need to do what is right. One major trend recently is the adoption of flags, crests and anthem by some state governments. Do you think

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

with use of siren – Fashola

perpetual emergency? I have insisted that no matter the temptation to use siren, I don’t intend to use it until I leave office. I have been in very bad traffic, we have never put on the siren in my car and it is an absolute rule for my commissioners. We have resolved that you will leave the job the day I find out. It doesn’t make sense. We are entrusted with the responsibility to manage traffic, people contribute their taxes to us to go and make the road better for them, we now take that money to buy siren and we escape and leave them behind in the traffic. We have abdicated our duty. So, if the traffic is bad, come down and go and fix it or stay in there with the people. I don’t know why people are opposed or critical of moves to save their lives? Do we want to continue in that bad way? All the things that we said were not possible in Nigeria have happened because we have refused to change. When Idi Amin was reigning in Uganda, we said no such thing could happen here, but we saw worse. When the currency of Ghana devalued significantly, we said it can’t happen in Nigeria, it has happened. I can begin to count all the things that we said could not happen and they have happened.

he loses his job’

this is appropriate at this material time when insecurity is of concern? All these speak to the essence of our national development. We are a diverse people. Every state wants to be identified. Why does the mastheads of newspapers differ? In Lagos, we don’t have a coat of arms, we have a seal for the government of Lagos and it tells all about us – our culture, our enterprise, our business, our coast. And those are the things you will see. The cowries depicting very clearly our commercial capacity, the wheels showing our industrialisation, the blue sea showing that we are a rich coastal state and the green showing our vegetation, while the crown sitting on the crest talks about our traditional institution. Two weeks ago, when we hosted the Federation Cup final, Lobi Stars and Heartland brought their flags. And you are saying governments cannot have flags; clubs have flags, schools have flags, and banks have flags! Excuse me! In terms of timing, it speaks to the compelling need for us to sit down and renegotiate the terms of this family and commonwealth. It speaks to the current need for a true federalism. That is why it is happening now. The new Lagos Traffic Law is generating controversy in the state. It is not only traffic that is our problem; there are some unsavoury problems that are not compatible with urban life. You see on our highways now, people just come and hang clothes as if it was a laundry. They speak to very serious issues and challenges of urbanisation that we are facing. If you are coming from a less urbanised area where there are no proper roads, so you can drive in the village square, but you can’t do that in Lagos. There is a pattern we drive here. This is not the first traffic law. I saw a photograph of traffic on Carter Bridge in 1966, bumper to bumper. So, this problem has been there for a long time. But why did we act? At that time people were not driving against traffic, but it was organised and that was the time go slow started. It is the same traffic that you see in Lagos that you see in Johannesburg in the morning and evening. The same thing you will see in London in the morning and in the evening, you will see it in New York in the morning and in the evening, you will see it in San Francisco in the morning and in the evening. It is called rush hour traffic. The mayor of New York is imposing a congestion charge and they fought him everywhere. London has congestion charge. Why don’t we have congestion charge? We can’t have congestion charge because there is no congestion. But we seem to be so defensive and sorry for ourselves and taken the victim approach and the people who have congestion have the temerity to come and tell us that traffic is bad and we accept it? I don’t take taxi in New York; I walk because it is quicker to walk than to drive. They have that congestion in spite of an efficient rail system, an efficient water transportation system. It speaks to an inherently superior managerial capacity here than there. Let’s stop feeling sorry for ourselves. There is an image I can present to you, the day the traffic lights in New York shut down, they had no clue. New York was at a standstill for about eight hours and these men and women of LATSMA everyday push this traffic without the aid of technology and instead of encouraging them, we sweep them with the same brush. I will like to take them off the streets for one day in order to explain to us in very practical terms what they do. I wish I could! Let us name and shame the bad ones. But let us protect those who take their duty with dignity trying to keep traffic in Lagos. Yes, people have genuinely expressed concern about awareness, signage. They are concerns but those are easy to resolve and that is why before the law came to force on August 2, we have been slow to enforce but very quick to pursue awareness. In the last two weeks we have installed an additional 2,000 road signs across Lagos, showing that

I HAVE INSISTED THAT NO MATTER THE TEMPTATION TO

USE SIREN,

I DON’T INTEND TO USE IT UNTIL I LEAVE OFFICE... AND IT IS AN ABSOLUTE RULE

FOR MY COMMISSIONERS.

HAVE RESOLVED THAT YOU WILL LEAVE THE JOB THE DAY

FIND OUT we mean well. This is what defines our maturity and our civilisation: transportation. It is what defines ultimately at how much we buy things. If we get it right all of us will be better for it. Recently, we lost four university lecturers in a country that does not have enough. They were avoiding a head on collision and the only way they could go was water. If you go and investigate it, you will see that there was a loss of concentration and that is why a head on collision became imminent. Somebody took his eyes off the road, either he slept off or was distracted. When these accidents happen, irreversible changes follow. From the day that accident happened, we have widows and widowers, you can’t change it anymore. For one second, you will cause an irreversible change in your life. Even if some of them survived, life will not be the same again. For one second, what do you want? You want to smoke? You want to drink? You want to give your baby breast milk? Those are some of the things we see. You know what? Accidents don’t discriminate. It may be you, it may be me. There is nothing wrong with us; we just need to change the way we do things. In all that traffic you see abroad, you don’t see okada running against traffic! Some people even say the law is to generate revenue for the state, I don’t see our prosperity in cash, I see our prosperity as a state in the quality of life of the people we have. That is my balance sheet. The quality of life of the people I serve. How about the use of siren? Now, add to the stress of okada and Keke Marwa (tricycle), is siren. What should be used only for emergency we now put it on every day. And I have been asking this question and nobody has been able to answer it: are we in a

What has been the state of governance in your second term in office? What I have come to understand on this job is really that this is a job that never finishes. It is true that there are places where we have nothing doing and we are elsewhere for longer than we should be. But as I have argued before, if all the work could be finished, maybe Alhaji Lateef Jakande or Asiwaju Bola Tinubu would have finished it before I came. So, it is an on-going process. But we have sought to act methodically, where the problem is most intense. Given the limited nature of our resources, where can we make the biggest impact with those limited resources? For example, in my first term, we focused on the high traffic roads like Funsho Williams, Murtala Muhammed Way, Okota Link bridge, Lekki Expressway and so on and so forth. We started Badagry expressway. We freed up those roads because those were the roads that carried the biggest traffic. I ventured to think what could have happened today if we had gone to the inner roads first. I am sure that the complaint would have been that ‘we can’t get to work’, ‘our children cannot get to school’. So, in our second term, we are focusing on the inner roads and that is what we are addressing now. From Ogudu to Badagry, Itire to Aguda, to Ajegunle, to Agiliti, Lamgbasa, Ilubinrin. These are some places where some of you have never been, but I have been there. So, every time they make this elitist argument, I trust that the people in those areas would say ‘we are being served.’ Sometimes a decision as to what to do in a community is made more difficult by community issues. You may just find a particular group there of either a particular ethnic extraction or by some accident, a religious colouration and it becomes a potential keg of gunpowder that needs to be properly handled so that you don’t lose your objective. For instance, there was a complaint from a church that a commissioner has hatred for them simply because there is need to remove a church that was built on the drainage. We are trying for example to do a refuse recycling and sorting facility inside a waste dump and somebody has gone to build inside the refuse dump and in addition to that, he has taken us to court! How do we handle that? We negotiated until we had to pay a settlement because when I looked at the time, four years to get out of court, but those are not things we will come and celebrate here. We were trying to do a stadium in Ifako Ijaye, a community centre, because we see the traffic of people trying to come to Campos Square from there. The day we moved there, it was a court action and we had to settle. And we know that some people are benefiting from this resettlement hype. They get grants in the name of those people which never get to them. I have gotten some allegations now that we have displaced some millions of people from Makoko, ‘I said give me the number, I will resettle those millions if you can produce them.’

Politics

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Rotimi ASO ROCK FILE

When Canadian, Zimbabwean ministers came visiting

with

Rotimi FADEYI

Health package for retired military officers

he military is an establishment known for high level discipline, loyalty and commitment to work. The institution has made a lot of sacrifice for the defence of the territorial integrity of the country and therefore military personnel either serving or retired are to be given the utmost care and required benefits. Some of the military personnel have lost their lives fighting wars and battles for the defence of the nation, therefore those who have vowed to sacrifice for the defence of the sovereignty of the country needed to get medical care during service and when they retire. It was in realisation of this fact that the Federal Executive Council last week approved the inclusion of military retirees and their immediate families in the National Health Insurance Scheme’s (NHIS) benefit package with the sum of N3.6 billion per annum in the first year. The decision followed the recommendation of the technical sub-committee set up by both the Ministries of Finance and Health to include the military retirees in order to boost the morale of serving men and officers. Though the Health Insurance Scheme was initiated by the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2001, the military retirees were not included in the scheme unlike the civil service. The technical committee had reasoned that the non-inclusion of the retirees in

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the NHIS would negatively affect the morale and dampen the enthusiasm of military personnel still in service with adverse security implications for the country while it was also posing a challenge in the military health facilities as the retirees continue to frequent the hospitals requesting for free medical care as stipulated in the armed forces harmonised terms and condition of service. With about 75,000 military retirees to flag off the inclusion in the NHIS, the Navy, Air Force and Army personnel and their spouses as well as four children under the age of 18 will be beneficiaries of the scheme while biometric data have been captured during a revaluation exercise for pension purposes earlier in the year. Explaining the reason for the inclusion of the military retirees, Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada said: “When the NHIS was introduced by the Federal Government to ameliorate the hardship by Nigerians in accessing healthcare, the Nigerian military retirees were excluded from the scheme despite the fact that in the Armed Forces Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS), Chapter 19, Section 19 stipulates that all retired officers shall be entitled to free medical treatment in armed forces and government hospitals. “To ensure that we appreciate them for the services rendered to the nation, we have brought this memo to Council and it was approved and they have been included also.”

or President Goodluck Jonathan and his vice, Namadi Sambo, whenever a foreign dignitary visits the State House, they always explain to them the vast potentials that abound in the country and how they can encourage citizens of their country to tap into the limitless opportunities. Another opportunity to present the abundant natural and human potentials in the country to the rest of the world came up last week when the Canadian Minister of International Cooperation, Julian Fantino visited the State House. Sambo told his visitor that the Jonathan-led administration has positive plans to transform Nigeria into one of the most developed countries in the world. While speaking about the positive steps the country was taking to achieve this goal, Sambo said that as a measure to addressing factors that are militating against Nigeria’s growth, efforts are directed at revamping the healthcare delivery system, boosting transportation, arresting security challenges, development of education, agriculture, power and other sectors to move the nation forward. He used the occasion to call on Canada

to continue to support Nigeria in these areas particularly in arresting terrorism and militancy while expressing gratitude to the minister for the support a Canadian firm is providing towards driving a successful privatisation programme in the power sector. In his remark, Fantino expressed the interest of the government and people of Canada in the kind of progress being made in Nigeria. Similarly, Sambo took time to enlighten the Zimbabwean Deputy Prime Minister, Thokozani Khupe about the steps being taken to transform Nigeria in the areas of maternal and women mortality, power supply, transportation, agriculture and access to financing being geared towards creating economic corridors that would transform the lives of citizens. The visiting Zimbabwean Minister while thanking Nigeria for agreeing to host the first summit on global power network for women in 2013 also took time to inform Sambo that the formation of the network are mostly drawn from the executives, legislature and judicial arms of government while others come from the civil society organisations.

‘Three wise men’ meet over crisis in Mali

hree African leaders held a tripartite meeting at the State House last week. They are Presidents Goodluck Jonathan, Allasane Quattara of Cote d’Ivoire and Boni Yayi of Benin Republic. Their meeting focused largely on the issue of jointly tackling the deteriorated political situation in Mali. Quattara, who is ECOWAS Chairman and Yayi, as AU Chairman were in the State House to jointly solicit the support of Nigeria in tackling the deteriorated political situation in Mali following the March 22 military takeover of government. Quattara disclosed after the closeddoor meeting that the crisis in Mali has become an issue of great concern to the sub-region and needed urgent attention. The Cote d’Ivoire President said he came to the State House to solicit the advice and support of President Jonathan “on some of the problems we have in the sub region, particularly, the crisis in Mali which has been a problem for leaders in the West African sub-region.” He said the decisions arrived at in resolving the political crises would be made public in the next few days. Following the March 22 coup de tat in Mali, ECOWAS, AU and other international organisations had taken decisive steps to restore democratic order in the country. At the extra-ordinary summit of the

ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Dakar, Senegal on May 3, Jonathan had called for stiffer sanctions against the military junta in Mali but it has refused to heed the directive of ECOWAS to restore democracy in the country.

President Jonathan in warm handshake with some of the Paralympians during the reception in their honour at the Aso Rock Villa at the weekend.

Presidential kudos for paralympics athletes

or members of the Team Nigeria Special athletes at this year’s Paralympic Games in London and junior female football team, the Falconets, it was kudos from President Goodluck Jonathan and all his ministers for their superlative performance. Delighted by their performance, Jonathan hosted them to a special reception in order to appreciate the efforts, commitment and determination that they displayed during the Paralympics and the FIFA Women U-20 Football Championship in Japan. Minister of Information, Labaran Maku who expressed the feelings of President Jonathan said the reception was a clear message that all athletes are important. The Nigerian special athletes at the Paralympics Games won 13 medals; made up of six gold, five silver and two bronze medals where their able-bodied counterpart could not win a single medal at the main London Games London while the Falconets made the fourth position.

On the overall medal table, Team Nigeria finished 22nd position in the world, and placed third in Africa, behind Tunisia and South Africa that placed first and second respectively. At the 2000 Paralympic Olympic Games in Australia, Nigerian special athletes also performed well. They returned home with seven gold, one silver and five bronze medals. Maku stressed that the special athletes have brought smile on the faces of Nigerians who were seriously hurt by the woeful performance of the able bodied athletes. “They have wiped away our tears. The message they have sent is that we need a greater passion in what we do. Their performance confirms that every citizen is important. The reception will send a clear message that all is important,” he noted. On the Falconets, the minister described the performance of the female junior team that came fourth, as ventilating, adding that “they showed a lot of talents and defeated very great football nations.”

Presidential Villa’s visitors 1. President Allasane Quattara of Cote d’Ivoire 2. AU Chairman, President Boni Yayi of Benin Republic 3. Deputy Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, Hon. Thokozani Khupe 4. Charge-de-Affairs of Zimbabwe, Mr. Stanley Kunjeku, 5. Zimbabwean Minister, Mr. Douglas D. Muhwava 6. Canadian Minister of International Cooperation, Julian Fantino 7. Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Chris Cooler 8. Counsellor, High Commission of Canada, Mr. Alexandra Mackenzie 9. Outgoing Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Stefan Scholz, 10. Minister of Environment, Hajia Ibrahim Mailafia 11. Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Viola Adaku Onwuliri 12. Minister of State FCT, Ms. Olajumoke Akinjide

MORE POLITICS STORIES ON PAGES 41-44

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Views

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

On the plight of Nigerians in Diaspora THE WAY NIGERIANS

ADEWALE KUPOLUYI

ARE TREATED ABROAD

Continued from last week

DOES NOT CONFER

t is the same story all over the world. From Eastern Europe to the heart of Europe, from the Philippines to South Africa and from Middle East to deep South East Asia, the maltreatment of Nigerians runs through them. This stems from unnecessary persecutions, stereotyping, false accusations, harassments and other forms of racial abuses. In many cases, these unfortunate citizens receive little assistance or protection at all from our embassies. In what could be best described as selfinflicting or home-induced problem is the issue of the renewal of expired passports. It is a common knowledge that such Nigerians often wait in frustration for several months without succeeding in getting their passports renewed. During this period of despair, they are forced to live like fugitives. Some end up being arrested and deported in the process. The main excuse by our embassies is that of shortage of machines that could produce the passports. What usually happens is that these stranded Nigerians often resort to going to nearby countries to explore the possibilities of obtaining their passports at greater cost, thus encouraging corruption and racketeering amongst dubious embassies staff and touts. This discourse will not be complete if we fail to admit that some Nigerians know-

ANY SERIOUSNESS ON THE INTEGRITY OF THE

FEDERAL

GOVERNMENT

ingly break the laws in foreign lands. Out of their desperation, they get themselves involved in smuggling hard drugs into countries where the punishment is very severe and their own citizens are not spared. Take Thailand for example. The existing legal system lacks the openness and rigour of due process as the existing prison conditions are austere to the point of cruelty. A not-too-serious offence could land an offender in outright death sentence. This was the line of argument of the Senate President, David Mark when he said the country would no longer come to the rescue of its citizens found guilty of criminal activities in foreign countries. His comment came against the backdrop of the concerns raised by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Matthew Ifeanyi Nwaguwu, over the fate of some 18 Nigerian inmates who bagged death sentence in Indonesia, recently. While explaining that the country would always be there for any of its mal-

treated citizens abroad, he declared that those who ran afoul of foreign law would be left to face the consequences of their actions. This, he said, would serve as strong deterrents to others with such devilish intents. Mark said, “We will not defend any Nigerian who breaks the laws of foreign countries. If they break the laws there, they should face the consequences. This is a warning to other Nigerians abroad. They cannot continue to tarnish our image”. This is also the position of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, who in a media interview had said “there is nothing the Federal Government can do if you are caught with drugs on your body. If you are taken to court, our embassy officials will be there, they will watch the proceedings”. The way Nigerians are treated abroad does not confer any seriousness on the integrity of the Federal Government. This is at variance with what obtains in any serious nation worth dying for. Serious countries like the USA, United Kingdom, France and Russian, have on manyw occasions, exhibited such absolute care for the lives of their citizens. It is high time Nigeria changed its lack-luster diplomatic course and put a stop to the reactive strategies at the expense of proactive foreign policy. What the country needs is proactive diplomacy that will enable our envoys anticipate problems before they develop, not the present reactionary and lame mode. In those dark days, during the struggle

for liberation in Southern Africa, Nigeria was designated a frontline state because of the country’s diplomatic and financial commitments to the cause of a free South Africa as several of the nationalities enjoyed Nigerian government scholarships for their academic pursuits in our local universities, aside from the substantial financial support that went to the African National Congress, the main political party confronting the apartheid government. Besides, South Africa now has thriving investments in Nigeria that churn out hundreds of billions of naira in profits annually. The result has been a high level of unemployment among Nigerian youths, thus fuelling their urge to flee the country in droves in search of greener pastures. Those at home have taken to criminalities like kidnapping, armed robbery, 419 and internet scams. Nigeria, according to the WHO, has the second highest infant and maternal mortality rates in the world. The country occupies the lowest rung in the human development index. Yet, globally, Nigeria is reputed to have made the second highest contribution to peacekeeping operations abroad with little or nothing to show for it. On a final note, there is the patriotic need for all to ponder on the state of our nation and tame the monster that drives people away. Concluded Kupoluyi, adewalekupoluyi@yahoo. co.uk, wrote from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

Work on attitude, reduce road crashes JONAS AGWU

his is not my first piece on this subject. It is probably the third. Hopefully, it won’t be the last. In all of my past articles under reference, I tried to x-ray the average behaviour of people behind the wheels. This is because bad road usage and not bad roads, account for our bad crash records. Or how else do you explain the crash record in a place like the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, which boasts of perhaps one of the best road networks and infrastructure in the country, yet has one of the worst crash records. I am compelled to take on this topic for several reasons. The first is because at the commencement of 2012, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) hinted at reducing road crashes by 30 percent and fatalities by 20 percent. Six months later, the Corps told Nigerians that crashes within the first six months of the year saw an increase of 21.7 percent (2,717 crashes as against 2,235 in 2011). However, there was 12.6 percent reduction in fatalities (1,936 dead against 2,218 in 2011). The 12.6 percent reduction in fatalities within the first half of 2012 is in tandem with the benchmark set by the United Nations Decade of Action goals, which seeks to tilt deaths as a result of road crashes. This global call for action on the increasing devastation of road traf-

fic crashes culminated in the 1st Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety held in Moscow in November, 2009 and the consequent declaration by the United Nation General Assembly in 2010 of a Decade of Action on Road Safety 2011-2020 when nations are expected to put in place dedicated plans to reduce Road Traffic Crash (RTC) by 50 percent by 2020. These plans are contained in the Five Pillars of the UN Decade of Action on Road Safety. They include safer road; road safety management; safer vehicles; road user behavior; and post crash care. All the five pillars will be treated in details in my next article. For now, I wish to enunciate on the first pillar which emphasizes that unsafe roads are still being built with international aid money, warning this must stop. The document further notes that safe infrastructure design can save thousands of lives. The result is that the World Bank, regional development banks and leading donors, have now committed to making road safety a priority in their multi-billion dollar lending portfolios. The Make Roads Safe campaign will keep up the pressure to ensure these words are followed by action. A look at the Five Pillars will show that the Corps is involved majorly in the last two, and has indeed put structures in place for that purpose. This explains why specific interventions such as improved patrols and continuous engagement with the motoring public on the dangers and

BAD ROAD USAGE

AND NOT BAD ROADS, ACCOUNT FOR OUR BAD CRASH RECORDS risks of road traffic crashes have been stepped up. Staff capacity improvement has equally received a boost. In keeping with the strategies to achieve the Five Pillars of the UN Decade of Action, the Corps has increased the number of Emergency Ambulance points from four to 12. This was complimented with the public launch of the first national toll free emergency number-122 to improve its response time to road crashes and other emergencies. From September 10, FRSC would embark on a week-long nationwide awareness campaign as part of its strategies to tilt the road crash trend. The campaign will focus majorly on reinforcing the message of safety through road shows, motor park rallies, in addition to extensive domesticating campaign strategies that will involve visit to schools, corporate organisations etc. Between 10th and 14th September enforcement of all traffic laws would be suspended. The suspension of all traffic laws is to make it possible for all traffic offenders to attend the public enlightenment campaign lectures, a prerequisite for their

eventual release. Even applicants for drivers’ licences are also required to attend free lectures. Despite this and many other strategies, the Corps maintains the crash trend can better improve through improved responsible driving. One justification for this novelty is the positive feeler from the various publics of the Corps on the need for it. The second is the identification of public enlightenment as the Fourth Pillar of the UN Decade of Action, which upholds safety education as a vital component that must be harnessed extensively to achieve set objectives, which include reduction of road crashes. Some of the attitudinal traits we hope to change are excessive speeding; distractive driving; under age driving; irresponsible driving behaviours; and driving without the use of seat belt. We need to add driving under the influence of narcotics and alcohol, and what one of my friends calls ‘executive recklessness’. Agwu was the immediate past Corps Commander, Lagos Sector Command, FRSC 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, September 18, 2012

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HEAD, GRAPHICS

Worrisome wave of robbery in Lagos

he surge in armed robbery incidents in Lagos metropolis and its suburbs of late has become alarming. The most visible were those of penultimate Sunday when, in what appeared a coordinated onslaught, dare devil bandits raided victims in Yaba, Gbagada, Agege, Anthony, Ojodu, Itire/Ijesha, Ilasamaja and Ikeja areas of the city unhindered; made away with cash estimated at millions of naira and killed seven people, including three policemen in the process. Most Lagos residents presently live with fear while social and economic activities are approached with carefully measured steps. The said notorious robberies coincided with the visit to Lagos of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mohammed Dikko Abubakar, for the inauguration of about 114 patrol vehicles that were donated to the police by the 20 Local Government and 37 Council Development Areas in the state through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF); as well as 40 power bikes donated by the Coscharis Group. The visibly embarrassed IGP had laid the blame on the doorsteps of the Lagos State

Police Command, whose ineptitude and unpreparedness, according to the police boss, facilitated the spectacular success recorded by the hoodlums. The IGP was quoted as saying: “…no doubt; some of you are sleeping on duty… the story of Sunday robbery should not repeat itself…” Reports from neighbouring states, the Lagos – Ibadan and Sagamu – Benin highways, and indeed other parts of the country also indicate that robbers are freely having their ways. Likewise, kidnappers are effortlessly taking more victims hostage for ransom in many states of the federation. However, the case of Lagos is, perhaps, most confounding considering the huge investment of the Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola government in the security of the state through the police. The IGP while upbraiding his men for their docile performance during the last Sunday robberies, admitted that the state government had given the police everything they needed in terms of mobility, technology and support. Why then the sharp increase in banditry in Lagos? Though the State Police Command, through its Public

WE SHUDDER AT THE UNIMAGINABLE FATE THAT AWAITS THE POPULACE AS THE YEAR DRAWS TO AN END,

SHOULD THE POLICE FAIL TO ACT FAST Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, claimed the police were not taken unawares; and that they did their best to be on top of the situation, it remains to be seen the fruits of the efforts the police made to rout the robbers. Not even the presence of their overall boss in Lagos could prod them to action. It is also unlikely that they have made any arrests in connection with the raids. Indeed, we consider the said robbery exploits an indictment on the police leadership in Lagos and a sad indication that the robbers are thinking ahead of the police. Like governor Fashola rightly stated while handing over the patrol vehicles and power bikes to the IGP, it would be fatal to pretend about the worsening security situation in Lagos. Whatever gains the government recorded in

securing the state before now might be totally eroded if the police fail to be alert, bold and courageous in confronting the resurgence of violent robberies in the city. The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone II; as well as the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Lagos State Police Command and their men should return to the drawing board instead of scouting for excuses to justify the current policing ineffectiveness in Lagos. It would seem the policing strategy in place has given way and would require innovative and alternative strategies. It has been the tradition of the Nigeria Police to beef up security at the onset of the ‘ember’ months. Recent developments, however, strongly suggest that no serious arrangement was put in place to firm up security as the nation approaches the yuletide; and criminals who are exceptionally sharp and creative in mischief and reading situations have latched on the lapses to terrorize residents. This is unacceptable. Indeed, we shudder at the unimaginable fate that awaits the populace as the year draws to an end, should the police fail to act fast.

ON THIS DAY September 18, 2007 Pervez Musharraf announced that he would step down as army chief and restore civilian rule to Pakistan, but only after he was re-elected as president. Pervez Musharraf (August 11, 1943), is a retired four-star general and a politician who served as the tenth President of Pakistan from 2001 until 2008. Prior to that, he was the 13th Chief of Army Staff from October 1998 till November 2007, and was also the tenth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1998 until 2001.

September 18, 2001 The 2001 first anthrax mail attacks in Trenton, New Jersey in the United States. Anthrax is an acute disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. There are effective vaccines against anthrax, and some forms of the disease respond well to antibiotic treatment. The 2001 anthrax attacks in the United States involved the mailing of envelopes containing anthrax spores to several news media offices and two US Democratic senators. Five people were killed and 17 others infected.

September 18, 1997 United States media magnate, Ted Turner, donate $1 billion to the United Nations. Robert Edward “Ted” Turner III (born November 19, 1938) is an American media mogul and philanthropist. As a businessman, he is known as the founder of the Cable News Network (CNN), the first 24-hour cable news channel. He also founded the WTBS, which pioneered the superstation concept in cable television. As a philanthropist, he is known for his $1 billion support to the UN.

Mixed reactions trail construction of 11 new terminals by FG

Regulator lauds rebirth of NICON Insurance 37

SUPER TUESDAY

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Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Reduced listing requirements still failing to attract companies to NSE

perators of the Nigeria Stock Exchange must be pondering why the series of measures geared towards encouraging companies to go public and list their shares on the Exchange have failed to make any impact so far. This is even more worrisome as many market watcher believe that the listing of highly capitalised firms especially telecommunications and oil and gas upstream companies will provide the magic touch required to bring the Nigerian bourse out of the doldrums since the crash of 2008. The listing of companies in the capital market implies the admission of the shares of that company to dealings on a recognised stock exchange. The securities or shares may be of any public limited company, central or state government, quasi governmental and other financial institutions/ corporations, municipalities and so on. The objectives of listing are to provide liquidity to shares, mobilise savings for economic development and protect interest of investors by ensuring full disclosures. Since 2009, going public is not an easy task for companies in Nigeria. Even with myriad moves by the capital market regulators to reduce listing requirements, listing have dropped when compared to the boom period between 2006 and 2008. Investigation by National Mirror showed that the numbers of securities on the Exchange increased to 309 in 2007, up from 288 in 2006. The Exchange approved 65 applications in 2007 for new is-

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

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sues and merger and acquisition valued at N2.4trn or 10.5 per cent of Gross Domestic Product, as against 69 applications for new issued valued at N1.65trn in 2006. Further analysis showed that of new issues approved in 2007, with a total sum of N719.93bn raised through the Initial Public Offers (IPO) and supplementary issues. Major primary market transactions in the year included First Bank of Nigeria Plc hybrid public offer and rights of N250bn and Zenith Bank Plc N129.6bn offer. The defunct Oceanic Bank International Plc and the Afribank Plc also raised N174.6bn and N100bn public offers respectively.

In 2008, the Exchange approved 70 applications for new issues and merger and acquisition in excess of N2.2trn or 9.53 per cent of GDP, as against 65 applications for new issues valued at N2.4trn in 2007 or 10.5 per cent of GDP. Further analysis of new issues approved in 2008 showed that the sum of N608bn was raised through IPO and supplementary issues; N376.51bn through rights issues and N279bn through bonds issue, including the Lagos State Government Bond. By yearend, 23 stocks recorded price appreciations and 159 stocks recorded price declines, while the prices of 35 remained constant. In 2008, 78 stocks recorded price ap-

preciations and 111 stocks recorded price declines, while the prices of 24 remained constant. Things slowed almost to a halt in 2009 on what market analysts attributed to the liquidity crisis and the overriding pessimism of investors following the spectacular crash of a bloated market riddled with speculative activity driven by margin loans pumped to stockbrokers and other investors by banks. Indeed no new IPOs were approved in 2009 (compared to N1.01trn in 2008), while N14.7bn was raised through supplementary issues, N31.72bn through rights CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Inconsistent figures affect Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic growth, says S&P

Stakeholders want ITF to focus on job creation

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

234.6271

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Medical students rally stakeholders over climate change

Business & Finance

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Reduced listing requirements still failing to attract companies to NSE CONTINUED FROM 19 issues and N71.7bn through bonds issue, including four State Government Bonds. The number of securities listed on the Exchange dropped to 266 from 299 in 2008. The trend continued in 2010 but the Exchange approved 31 applications for new issues valued at N2.44trn or 9.8 per cent of GDP, as against 30 applications for new issues valued at N279.2bn or 1.2 per cent of GDP in 2009. Non-banks accounted for 18, seven for banks and four for state bonds but the number of securities listed on the Exchange dropped further to 264. In 2011, however, the Exchange delisted 17 companies and admitted only Exchange Traded Funds on its daily official list, as there was no IPO during the year under review. Despite series of reform in the nation’s capital market, only Austin Laz and Fortis Microfinance Bank listed so far this year. The Exchange had on April 2, reduced listing requirements for prospective companies to encourage indigenous companies, particularly small and medium scale enterprises to list. The General Manager, Listings Sales and Retention of the NSE, Mrs. Taba Peterside, said new listing fees for companies have been reduced from six per cent of the value of the offer to three per cent. She said that five year financial tract record required for listing on the Mainboard has been reduced to three years, while those listing in the Alter-native Securities Market, were reduced to two years. Also, the Chief Executive Officer of the Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyema, said that the NSE embarked on reviewing the listings rules because some stakeholders of the Exchange, including prospects, listed companies, issuing houses and brokers assert that the listing rules of the NSE are inflexible. He said, “The requirement that companies must have a five-year financial and operating track record has been cited as hindrance to many companies that would have been listed on The Exchange. Specifically, this is said to have led to the exclusion of some exploration and production companies which are not in a position to provide such records. “Our research reflects that many leading exchanges have greater flexibility than we do, particularly on the quantitative requirements in the area of profit, market capitalisation, price, public float, among others”. The President of Nigeria Shareholders’ Solidarity Association, Mr. Timothy Adesiyan agreed with Onyema. According to him, listing fees in the Nigerian Stock Exchange is about 30 times higher when compared to Johannesburg Stock Exchange and other part of the world. He challenged the Exchange’s regulators to act as arbiter, soliciting lower taxes for listed companies to encourage new listing. Adesiyan explained further that tax holidays should be granted to new companies and the government should ensures that only laws that passed through the nation’s parliament can make any impact on investments and not arbitrary regulations borne out of personal decision of any individual. On the Federal Government moves to compel telecoms firms in the country to

Andrew Fawthrop

Swaroop

THE REQUIREMENT THAT COMPANIES MUST HAVE A FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL AND OPERATING TRACK RECORD HAS BEEN CITED AS HINDRANCE TO MANY COMPANIES THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN LISTED ON

EXCHANGE

list their shares on the Exchange, Adesiyan noted that forcing them to list might reduce enthusiasm and entrepreneurship of investment in the country. “For instance, the same market where the telecommunication industries are doing very well and are declaring dividends to their private investors is the same market where some listed telecom company are declaring huge losses.” For example, investors who thought the Information and Communication, ICT sector is a money spinner and were persuaded to stake their money in the equity now have one thing to do. Count their losses. Starcomms Plc and Omatek Plc, which listed on the Exchange in 2008, are currently trading at nominal value of 50 kobo per share respectively. The situation in both companies appears very dicey with the prospect of investors recovering their money is getting slimmer by the day. First, since both companies were listed, they have not paid dividend to shareholders. Although, it was reported in 2010 that Omatek Venture had proposed a 10 kobo per share dividend to shareholders for the 2009 financial year, investigations showed that the promise is still awaiting actualisation, as the company is not yet out of the woods. Admitted into the Exchange Daily Official List on June 18, 2008, the share price of Omatek Ventures Plc at listing was N5.14 and for close to five years after, the price has remained the same. A day after it was listed, Omatek depreciated by 24 kobo, a 4.9 per cent drop, leaving the price at N4.90. As at present, Omatek’s stocks sell at the

THE

nominal value of 50 kobo per share. Starcomms Plc which listed on the Daily Official List of the NSE on July 14, 2008 at a share price of N14.33 per share has continued to thread the same path. But unlike Omatek’s equity, which started a price loss the next day after listing, Starcomms Plc appreciated for six trading days before the equity’s price started dwindling, so much so that by the close of the 2008, the stock has shed N10.28 to close trading at N4.05 on December 31, 2008. But the government is insisting that the telecoms companies should list their shares on the Exchange. The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama, had said that the era where multinational companies would come to Nigeria and generate huge profit without the citizenry benefiting would become a thing of the past with the compulsory listing. “We are also trying to encourage new companies to list on the NSE; we want to make sure that MTN, Glo, Zain (Airtel) and all the companies that are doing very well and making billions of profit should also list on the capital market so that Nigerians can share from their profits,” he said. But despite recent reduction in the initial listing and annual listing fees by the NSE, it still remains the costliest stock exchanges in the emerging markets. Apart from charging the highest fees at the point of listing from prospective companies wishing to access the market, both the annual listing fees and costs to investors on transactions done on the floor of the Exchange are relatively high. The former President of Capital Market Solicitors Association of Nigeria, Mr.

Anthony Idigbe, a commercial lawyer, said that the cost of listing on the Exchange, particularly initial listing fees, annual listing fees and cost to investors on transactions are high. According to him, major Exchanges in Africa, namely, Cairo Stock Exchange (CSE), Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE), have all introduced compelling incentives to entice startup firms that might want to access the market following the crippling global financial meltdown. “The Egyptian Stock Exchange (EGX) while opening a new headquarters of the exchange in Cairo recently announced an initial listing fee exemptions for new entrants in the market to allow for fresh listings. The JSE on its own has since eliminated cost on single Futures and Options to encourage liquidity providers and retail investors to continue to patronise the market,” Idigbe said. He pointed out that stiff requirements of listing on the Exchange has led to voluntary delisting by some quoted companies, saying that requirements were stiffer under the old rules but there is an improvement under the new listing guidelines. He attributed the apathy of Nigerian entrepreneurs to go public due to the fear of losing control of their businesses and lack of effective underwriting in the market. Idigbe stressed that the decision of a company to go public should be driven by the market dynamics and economics of capital requirements and not by compulsory legislation, noting that compulsory legislation may hinder foreign investment in the country if the market is considered unfriendly to foreign investors and listing requirements are stringent and cumbersome. He said, “The government should use incentives (through favourable legislation, tax incentives, removal of trade barriers etc) as a means to attract these target companies to list rather than compulsory legislation.” According to him, the Egyptian government provided tax incentives to promote the listing of multinationals on their stock exchange. “This resulted in the listing of Vodafone Egypt on the Cairo and Alexandria Stock Exchange.” Also, this led to the dual listing of MTN in South Africa and India. He hinted that Casablanca Stock Exchange has been considering numerous incentives for listing, which include a 50 per cent government rebate on the corporate tax rate of 30 per cent for the three accounting periods following an initial public offering when companies sell new shares. The Minster of Communication Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson, said that high costs of listing on the Exchange and the inability to access cheap funds from abroad are some of the reasons telecoms firms, especially those with international affiliation, can’t list their companies here. She submitted that listing of telecoms operators cannot be legislated, pointing out that companies, such as MTN would prefer to source their funds from aboard rather than list on the NSE where costs are high. “NSE needs to make it easier and cheaper for companies to list on the Exchange. It is only when costs of listing are competitive that the telecoms can be attracted to list,” she said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business & Finance

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Inconsistent figures affect Nigeria’s economic growth, says S&P JOHNSON OKANLAWON

isparity in fiscal reporting from the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria on budget, capital spending and tax is negatively affecting economic growth of the country. The CBN, for instance, reported the budget deficit of N1.2trn for the 2011, while the budget office reported N1.7trn. Speaking on the Nigeria Sovereign Outlook in Lagos yesterday, the Standard and Poor’s Senior Director, Sovereign Rating, London, Mr. Christian Esters, said the rating agency had limited statistics from Nigeria and those available are not consistent. Esters, who said that the country is rated ‘B+/Positive’, reflecting likelihood of upgrade if reform initiatives support economic growth, build stronger buffers against dependence on petroleum revenue and reduce pressure on exchange rate. He pointed out that weak political institutions, the issue of

L-R: Past President, Lighthouse Toastmasters, Mr. Femi Adeoti; President, Mr. David Ayo and Vice President Education, Mr. Temofe Ugbona during the Charter Presentation and Change of Guard Dinner of the Business club, yesterday in Lagos.

Boko Haram crisis in the North, North-south division and mistrust from the Federal Government and considerable autono-

my of regional states continue to downgrade the country. According to him, main factors considered in the rating are the

country’s institutional effectiveness and political risks, economic structure and growth prospects, external liquidity and interna-

tional investment position. Others are fiscal flexibility and performance, combined with debt burden and contigent liabilities and monetary flexibility. The S&P Associate Director, Financial Services Rating, Mrs. Samira Mensah, who said that the regulatory reform has ttransformed the Nigerian banking sector, noted that the sector still needs longer regulatory track record to stop considering corporate governance and regulatory oversight amongst its key risks. She said that implementing the ‘Basel 11’ guidelines on capitalisation will help banks monitor their use of capital more appropriately. Mensah maintained that long term success of the banks will depend on enhancing risk management, improving governance, diversifying portfolio and securing their fund profile. She said that increased regulatory oversight and cooperation between the banks will improve corporate governance.

Delta Air to save $300m yearly on fuel, BPE opens bids of generation firms, September 25 reiterates confidence in Air Nigeria U A OLUSEGUN KOIKI

ne of the two American airlines flying into Nigeria, Delta Air Lines has said that it hopes to save at least $300m per annum on aviation fuel due to the recent acquisition of a refinery by the airline in the United States of America. Also, the airline has reiterated its confidence in the management of Air Nigeria, saying that it would continue to partner with it whenever the suspension of its operations is lifted. Speaking with journalists yesterday in Lagos on its update on commercial activities around the globe, the Commercial Manager, West and East Africa, Delta Air Lines, Mr. Bobby Bryan, said that the acquired refinery would go a long way in saving costs for the airline. Bryan explained that the airline in the last one year airlifted 160 million passengers’ worldwide and offered services to 350 destinations in 65 countries on six continents. Besides, he informed that the airline is investing more than $3bn through 2013 on customer improvement, airport facilities, fleet renewal, products and technology. Among the investments he said was the introduction of flat bed on the Lagos-Atlanta route for passengers on the business class while economy seats are also re-

adjusted for more comfort for the passengers in the class. Parts of the features of the flat bed according to Bryan are the personal entertainment, Universal Serial Bus (USB), i-pad and laptop chargers and others. He said further that the airline has a strong revenue growth of 10 per cent year-over-year, which had helped it to offset the $1bn impact of higher fuel prices. He further stated that the airline carried nearly 3.5 million kilogramme of cargo between Nigeria and USA in the last one year and assured that the airline would continue to render quality services to its passengers on the route. On its code-share partnership with Air Nigeria, Bryan said that the airline cherishes the agreement with the Nigerian airline, stressing that once it returns to operations, it would continue from where it stopped. He explained that the airline is the only Nigerian carrier with international connections and good maintenance facilities, insisting that management has not lost confidence in the airline. He said, “Air Nigeria is a company that is run to international standards and that was why we entered into a partnership with them. We hope to continue to work with them to develop passengers’ interest. We wish the airline the best and hope that they can come back early and we can continue from where we stopped.”

DEME

KPAN

he Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has concluded plans to open the financial bids of investors, contesting to take over the ownership of electricity generating companies in the nation. Confirming this in a statement, BPE spokesman, Mr. Chukwumah Nyakoh stated that: “the privatisation process is unhurt by Nnaji’s exit and no better evidence can be adduced than that on September 25, 2012, the Bureau of Public Enterprises will open the financial bids of investors for the generation companies whose technical proposals

met the benchmark for success.” He remarked that: “Indeed, the investors for the distribution companies whose technical bids met the benchmark will have their financial proposals opened on October 10, 2012.” Nyakoh stated that it was untrue that the privatisation of the companies has been grounded as speculated by The Economist “It needs to be pointed out that the privatisation process is driven by the core values of transparency and integrity.” The BPE timeline stipulated that the evaluation of technical bids should take place between August 14 and 28 while approval of results of technical evaluation

would take place on September 11, this year. The timeline for the shortlisted bidders for generation companies to submit their letters of credit is September 18, 2012 while October 2, 2012 is the deadline for shortlisted bidders for distribution companies. The agency stated that: “The Nigerian electricity industry has been unbundled into generation and distribution companies and a single transmission company with a view to encouraging private sector participation and attracting foreign and local investment into the Nigerian power sector to ensure economic and reliable electricity supply.”

CBN plans to facilitate coin dispensing ATMs

entral Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it will facilitate the introduction of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) that can dispense coins to encourage Nigerians imbibe the culture of spending them. According to Head of Shared Services department at CBN, Mr. Chidi Umeano this plan was in tune with the currency restructuring exercise. He said that the coins dispensing ATMs would hasten the acceptance of coins by Nigerians and change misconception about their use. “To achieve this plan, what is needed is to facilitate the

inclusion of a process called “add-on” to the ATMs. “Good enough, the existing ATMs have the ``add-on`` feature that will easily make them adapt to coins dispensing, `` he said. Umeano said that the apex bank would ensure that newly deployed ATMs had the ``addon`` feature among others. “It is very possible to achieve Automated Teller Machines that will dispense coins. “This “add-on” feature can be activated on the ATMs at any time by the CBN and this is not new because it is being practiced in advanced coun-

tries. “This proposal is in consonance with our cash-less policy and also in line with the CBN’s effort to encourage Nigerians to appreciate coins, ``he said. The News Agency of Nigeria recalled that Mr. Dipo Fatokun, CBN Director of Banking and Payments System, had in August said that the apex bank would soon facilitate the introduction of multi-functional ATMs. Fatokun said that such ATMs would also be able to accept deposits from customers and credit their accounts immediately.

Business & Finance

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

NLNG Train 7 project to generate N1.89tn FDI OLUFEMI ADEOSUN

igeria will attract fresh Foreign Direct Investment worth N1.89trn ($12bn) within the next four years through the proposed Train 7 of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas project. The project is also expected to generate additional $3bn revenue for the Federal Government annually and create about 13.000 new jobs. These figures were presented to the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, by the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Babs Omotowa, during the minister’s one-day facility tour of the NLNG plant in Bonny Island, Rivers State, yesterday The minister also inaugurated the multi-million naira state-of-the art Finima Women Bakery built and donated to the community by the NLNG, as

part of its corporate social responsibility. “We are expecting Foreign Direct Investment of $12bn from our proposed Train 7 plant, which we hope will be completed within the next four years. The project is expected to create 13,000 new jobs and generate $3bn revenue annually for the government,” the NLNG managing director said. NLNG Limited is jointly owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (49 per cent); Shell (26.6 per cent); Total LNG Nigeria Limited (15 per cent) and Eni (10.4 per cent). Aganga described the NLNG project as a big success story for Nigeria, stressing that the Ministry of Trade and Investment was committed to providing the enabling environment to encourage the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment into the country. He said, “NLNG is one of the biggest success stories in our

country. From what the Managing Director told me, the company has invested $13billion so far since inception and has become a pace-setter in terms of revenue generation for the government, profitability, dividend payment to shareholders, job creation and adherence to international best practices in its operations. “The purpose of my visit today is to assess the key areas that we want to diversify and increase our export base. Also, we are looking for gas to help us develop the petro-chemical sector of the economy, which is critical because we cannot have a strong and virile industrial sector without a strong petrochemical sector which will support the growth and development of the automobile, textile, plastic, chemical and pharmaceutical industries.” The minister also said that his ministry, through its One Local Government One Product initiative, would partner women in rural communities in Bonny Island as part of the ministry’s Micro, Small Medium Enterprises Development strategy.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Etisalat links SMEs with multinationals for business growth ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI

tisalat Nigeria in partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Lagos Business School, has fostered a business network between small and medium scale (SMEs) and multinational companies at the recently held Port-Harcourt edition of the Market Access, a quarterly business networking session. The session with theme, “Facilitating market access to small and growing businesses” was spurred by the need to give growing businesses the platform to meet and interact with big businesses in order to create better business opportunities, The Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Wael Ammar who was represented by the Director, Corporate and Indirect Sales Channels, Mr. Ken Ogujiofor said small and growing businesses are

NCAA to re-certify Aero aircraft after aborted flight OLUSEGUN KOIKI

L-R: Director, Corporate and Indirect Channel Sales, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Ken Ogujiofor; Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Wael Ammar; His Royal Highness, the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adegboye Adesida, Afunbiowo II and Director, Product &Service, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Lucas Dada, during the visit to the Deji of Akure in Akure, yesterday.

Hold FG responsible for bread price hike, say master bakers MESHACK IDEHEN

he Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria has said that the Federal Government should be held responsible for the recent increase in price of bread and confectionaries in the country. The association said the increase in the price of bread and other confectionaries was because the government did not make enough preparations before embarking on the implementation of cassava bread policy. National Caretaker Committee Secretary of the association, Mr. Joseph Adejare told National Mirror on Mon-

day, that part of the challenges master bakers are facing is the inconsistency traceable to government policies, adding that government increase on wheat importation duty to 15 percent levy, and later introduced 5 percent levy on importation of wheat, making it 20 percent in total made the price of bread very high. Adejare disclosed that the association have been holding meetings with the Federal Government on how to find solutions on the issue around and about the use of cassava generally, particularly on how to use it as a substitute for wheat in the baking of bread. According to him, flour millers, including the majors like Flour Mills of Nigeria,

Honeywell, Dangote Flour and many others in order to remain in business have increased the price of flour by more than 30 percent making it difficult for bakers to cope with bakery business. He explained that before now that a small medium sized bag of flour that sold for N6, 500 now sells for between N7, 500 and N8, 000, with the bakers responding by increasing the prices of their products, especially bread, biscuits and cakes by between 20 and 25 percent. Adejare told our correspondent that it was the non committal response of the Federal Government at different meetings held with the national leadership of the association hat made it to instruct its state chapters to increase price of bread by the same margin at which wheat was increased.

important and integral to economic growth in Nigeria. According to him, “Small and Medium Size Enterprises remain the backbone for the development of most economies around the world. They create huge job opportunities at relatively low capital cost, thereby reducing high level of unemployment.” ‘Etisalat is very passionate about empowering the middle class through SMEs. We have a dedicated product for SMEs called easybusiness designed to lower the communication cost of growing business with as little as three employees. Participants at Market Access Nigeria are encouraged to take advantage of this product,’’ he said. Also, the Director General, SMEDAN represented by Mr. Wale Fasanya said networking platforms such as Market Access will create access to a competitive market, build capacity within SMEs and create an enabling environment for growth.

he Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Sunday temporarily grounded one of Aero’s B737 planes for re-certification. The re-certification was necessary following an aborted takeoff of its Lagos bound flight at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja after noticing a snag. National Mirror garthered that as soon as the plane returned to the parking bay, NCAA inspectors insisted on re-certifying the aircraft after the maintenance engineers had rectified the supposed techni-

cal fault that led to the aborted flight. Sources close to the airline confided in our correspondent that the passengers on board were asked by the inspectors to disembark to allow for a test flight of the aircraft by them. It was after they had test flight the plane and certified it okay that they allowed the passengers to re-board the plane for their onward journey to Lagos. The Aero flight crew, it was gathered later apologised to the passengers for the technical hitch that led to the almost two hours delay, saying that the check was in the interest and safety of passengers and the aircraft.

MarketingWorld set for second annual awards ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI

he management of MarketingWorld magazine has announced plans to hold its second annual Marketing World Award, dubbed the ‘Oscars of Marketing in Nigeria’. The annual event designed to promote excellence in branding and marketing in Nigeria is expected to host and reward outstanding brands and marketing experts who have helped enhanced the image of their organisations and significantly contributed to the country’s economy. The CEO of Instinct Group, publisher of Marketing World magazine, Mr. Akin Naphtal, said at a media parley that

the awards pay tribute to brands that present product distinctiveness that adopts measurable and continuous improvement process with long term returns in terms of goodwill and revenue growth. “It aims at highlighting brands that deliver a full spectrum of maintaining the highest standard of quality, exemplify creativeness, developing a corporate culture and provide positive benefits that exceeds customers and stakeholder’s expectation,” he said. He further stated that the nominees for this year’s award were painstakingly chosen by an array of professionals within the industry. He added that any of the company or individuals that wins is worthy of the award.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Jobs & Career

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Stakeholders want ITF to focus on job creation The Industrial Training Fund, ITF, was established more than 40 years ago to set and regulate training standards while also offering industrial and commercial skills training and development, but analysts say the Fund must do more to address the skills and unemployment challenges facing Nigeria, writes MESHACK IDEHEN.

ith a very large pool of current and potential contributors towards its operating mandate, observers are of the opinion that the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), can perform a lot better than it is presently doing its over four decades of existence. This notion by many, may not be unconnected with consideration given to high unemployment rate in the country; a situation experts have traced to lack of adequate technical and vocational skills by the thousands of job seekers that graduated from the country’s educational institutions. It is in that regard, that concerned stakeholders said the contributions the Fund has made towards effectively solving unemployment through adequate skills provision for job seekers be made more available in order to create avenues for more effective performance in the years ahead. Labour activist, Mr. Emmanuel Ezueme, told National Mirror that the ITF’s vision of becoming the foremost skills training and development organisation in Nigeria and one of the best in the world has not been achieved since its decades of existence. Ezeume said the fund is still hugely operating within the context of its old enabling laws; the Decree 47 of 1971, despite being already amended by the 2011 ITF Act, and that the ITF at this level should have gone through fundamental stages of its contributions towards the growth of the Nigerian economy. He pointed out that the reduction of unemployment in the country, through the provision of world class technical and vocational training is a goal the Fund will find difficult to achieve, until it makes its activities more wholistic. According to him, the ITF, with its multiple sources of income that comes

through the compulsory contributions by companies operating in the country, should have no challenge whatsoever in initiating and executing projects that cuts across board, and target employment creation. On his part, the Managing Director of Prot Consulting International (a human resource development firm), Mr. Sunny Agboju, told our correspondent that the objective for which the Fund was established has not been pursued vigorously by successive leadership of the ITF. Agboju said in the four decades of its existence, the ITF has only “succeeded lightly in raising vocational and technical training consciousness amongst few in the country”, adding however that “in real terms, the Fund has also helped in generating a tiny corps of skilled indigenous manpower, but failed in the main to meet and achieve unemployment reduction in the country with its efforts”. He explained that the Fund should make its activities more open to suggestions and criticisms, instead of the rumoured sealed lips order that has been handed down to directors and area managers by the Director General of ITF, Professor Longmas Sambo Wapmuk. Many believed the directors and area managers across the country the backbone of the ITF revenue generation efforts, that is speculated to run into hundreds of millions of naira on a monthly basis. National Mirror’s attempts to get through to the ITF was not successful, as those who spoke with our correspondent insisted on their identities not being disclosed, as a restraining order from the Fund’s leadership in that regards is still in place. Some of the area offices visited by our correspondent include those of

Wapmuk

Secretary to Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim

IN REAL TERMS, THE

FUND HAS ALSO HELPED

IN GENERATING A TINY CORPS OF SKILLED

INDIGENOUS MANPOWER, BUT FAILED IN THE MAIN TO MEET AND ACHIEVE UNEMPLOYMENT REDUCTION IN THE COUNTRY WITH ITS EFFORTS Ikeja, Apapa, and Lagos Island. These visits are exclusive of calls that were not responded to, that were put across to the head office in Jos. However, recently retired Director of Field Operations of the Fund, Mr. Timothy Omoruyi, told our correspondent from Jos, that pursuant to its statutory responsibility that the ITF has expanded its structures, developed training programmes, reviewed its strategies, operations and services in order to meet the expanding, and changing demands for skilled manpower in the economy. He said calls for a change of the Fund’s leadership may not be the solution to the unemployment situation in the country, adding that other nations of the world are grappling with the same challenges, as far as developing skilled manpower and reducing unemployment are concerned. Speaking in the same vein, the Director of the Industrial Skill Training

Centre of the ITF, Mr. Azeez Oladipo Nafiu, said the ITF through the centre has been discharging its mandate, adding that graduates trained by the centre are usually snapped up by companies, because of the high level and quality of vocational skill training provided by the Fund. He explained that the main objective of the centre still remains the provision and improvement of vocational skills training standards, so as to ensure that the right kind of skills needed by local industries are available, and that ISTC aims to empower youths and job seekers through skill acquisition programmes that can create jobs and entrepreneurial development. He added that the centre also liaises with companies, industries and organisations to upgrade the skills of their workforce in specific areas as may be identified, and that all these are some contributions the Fund carry out without having to be loud about it.

ILO calls for urgent investment in youth work opportunities MESHACK IDEHEN

he International Labour Organisation (ILO) has called for an urgent investment in opportunities for young people to tackle the challenge of growing youth unemployment. Speaking at the Global Youth Economic Opportunities Conference in Washington, ILO’s Executive Director for Employment José Manuel SalazarXirinachs stressed the need for

strong collective action following the latest jobless figures, which showed that 12.6 per cent of young people, or some 75 million youths, are out of work . He told delegates that the gloomy figures should not be taken as “a prophecy of inevitable doom”,adding the message on the contrary,is that recovery has been weak and there are still heavy clouds on the horizon,which calls for urgently investment in youth opportunities. He explained that a total of

1.2 billion of the world’s population are between 15 and 24 years old, and that 90 per cent of them live in developing countries and 55 per cent in Asia.He said in Africa, the average age of the population is 19, and that 10 per cent of youth are not in education, employment or training (NEET) According to the ILO Economist,this demographic reality means that the overall unemployment and underemployment problem in most African countries in the next decades

is really a youth employment problem. Salazar-Xirinachs hoewever outlined five key areas for intervention, contained in the call for action agreed by governments, employers and workers at the last International Labour Conference which focuses on education and training, labour market policies, youth entrepreneurship, labour rights for young people and macroeconomic policies for youth employment. ILO further said that jobless rates among young people

would get worse globally, as the spill-over from the Euro crisis spreads from advanced to emerging economies. With East Asian and Latin American economies slowing down and world trade shrinking sharply, the result will be weaker labour markets. According to him, more needs to be done to improve the quality of education and training and to link the world of education and training with the world of work through apprenticeships, skills strategies and improved access to employment services.

Jobs & Career

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Crisis looms in steel sector as workers tackle employers MESHACK IDEHEN

rganised labour in the iron and steel sector under the auspices of the Metal Products Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (MEPROSSAN); have said the association is decrying the flagrant violation of the collective agreement reached with employers in the sector. The association said it has already declared a trade dispute with the National Joint Industrial Council Negotiation after 10 months of fruitless dialogue. President of the association, Mr. Ambrose Oha in an interview with National Mirror, said procedural agreement and Labour Law were against violation of agreement, adding the union wanted salary issues resolved at the plant level, including procedures for redundancy and termination of appointment that is to be effected as reflected in the agreement. He urged employers to direct its member companies to study the provisions of the law carefully before implementation, so that the growing rate of discord between employer and employees will not be extended to individual companies in the sector. The President also said the union is warning employers against tagging workers as a “bunch of

Minister of Labour and Productivity, Mr. Emeka Wogu

rascals.” Speaking further, Oha said unionists are driven by the pains that the masses go through and that they are people who are willing to stop at nothing until employers and government do what is necessary in any society, and not rascals as being classified by employers. “Capital alone cannot generate wealth without labour.

Why working more than 8 hours a day can kill you

f you are accustomed to being the last one to leave the office, new research may offer you cause to rethink your routine. The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, shows that a combination of stress, raised blood pressure and unhealthy diets stemming from long working hours may be the cause of thousands of workers’ serious health problems. The study combined the results of different studies over the last 50 years and found that spending too long in the office resulted in a 40 to 80 percent greater chance of heart disease compared to an eight hour work day. The latest findings discovered by scientists at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health support results from a 2011 British survey that revealed that doing more than 11 hours of work a day raised heart disease risks by 67 percent. Lead researcher Dr. Marianna Virtanen and her team gathered data from 12 different studies going back to 1958, when researchers first suggested that working long hours could be

linked to poor heart health. In total, the studies involved more than 22,000 participants, from Britain, the USA, Japan, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and the Netherlands. “There are several potential mechanisms that may underlie the association between long working hours and heart disease,” study authors wrote. “One is prolonged exposure to psychological stress.” Source :( yahoojobs.com)

he ongoing NNPC 2012 Recruitment (www.recruitment.nnpcgroup.com) for graduates and experienced professionals top job vacancies for the week. NNPC which is the national oil company and a major player in the Nigerian and International oil and gas Industry, said the recruitment is part of efforts in repositioning the Corporation for growth and operational excellence. Successful candidates can look

President Nigeria Labour Congress, Abdulwaheed Omar

They have to co-exist with each respecting the other. We want capital to wear a human face in dealing with workers and sharing of the wealth generated by the workers.” He lamented that the sector has become a dumping ground for cheap and poor quality goods, saying typical examples of these are the importation of finished metal containers, nails, bolts,

screws, window frames, iron rods, galvanised roofing sheets, cooking utensils and a host of others.” He said some employers have capitalised on these challenges among others to downsize without fully exploring other avenues to ameliorate adversities, adding that resorting to downsizing does not really solve the problem facing the private sector.

He appealed to government to come to employees rescue on the issues of expatriate’s quota abuse by some companies, adding expatriates believe they can work harder than Nigerians, because they are paid higher than Nigerian engineers and enjoy free transportation and housing, despite doing the same job with the local workers.

Practical tips for graduate job seekers

Think strategically-Think outside the square. Look at what is in front of you in your current job. Even if it is not the industry you planned on, look for opportunities within your reach and build on them. Get out and about-It’s important for graduates to make every effort to meet with potential employers through careers days and fairs. That’s not necessarily networking, that’s just making the best of opportunities. Pay attention to detailDear Sir/Madam’, just doesn’t

cut it anymore. You need to find out who your application letter should be addressed to and check and double-check your application thoroughly. Do your research-Make an effort to understand the organisation and the people you’re going to meet, do some research beforehand and get ahead of the pack,. Cast your net wide- Graduates should think laterally. Graduates will still find work, but it’ll take a little longer. For some it might not be the jobs they planned or hoped to

get. Really successful graduates will cast their net wide and develop a plan with as many facets as possible. Be persistent-The advantage of going through so many interviews is becoming great at being interviewed. Know your strengths inside-out and develop thick skin. Be confident-Some people come in and just can’t cope with the pressure of interview and become so anxious they can’t build rapport at all. Courtesy: www. anthillonline.com.

Job Vacancies forward to a challenging, culturally diverse and team based workplace. All applicants are to complete the online application form and upload CV and credentials. Please note that no paper application will be accepted, and applicants are to submit only one application as multiple applications may result in disqualification. Also on offer for the week, is the full time position for Head of Department (Commercial Technical/Vocational Education) (www.jobs.vanguardngr.

com) in a firm in Rivers. Specialising in Education/ Teaching/Training, minimum the Qualification for the post is a relevant Degree, with experience of 3 - 5 years required. Some of the responsibilities for the position include maintaining the highest possible standards and ensuring that all teachers within the team are aware of and working towards school and department development priorities, and monitoring teaching at all levels to check that pupils of

all abilities are being taught in the most relevant way in order to maximise their progress. The position of an ASP.NET Developer (www.jobberman. com) in Halisys Limited Lagos is also on offer for the week. Based in the ICT / Telecommunications industry, the minimum qualification of an OND is required alongside experience of between 1 - 3 years. Ability to work with less supervision amongst other criteria is required for the job.

Goshen Beach estate-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Real Estate & Environment dayoayeyemi@yahoo.com 08033312578

Medical students rally stakeholders over climate change Severe flooding in the Northern part of Nigeria

he devastating effects of climate change do not only manifest in form of environmental degradation and alteration of the seamless course of ecosystem, it is fast becoming a serious health issue. For instance, over 1.8milllion people, mainly children die every year from diarrhea caused by contaminated water. Recent World Health Organisation (WHO) report said Nigeria loses over 95,000 women and children annually as a result of indoor cooking smoke. It is also predicted that the situation could get worse as the earth gets warmer. It was in a bid to bring into perspective, the health implications of climate change on the lives of the people and their livelihoods that the Standing Committee on Environment and Population Activities (SCOEPA) of the Nigerian Medical Students’ Association (NiMSA) recently rallied relevant stakeholders to a three-day summit in Abuja with a view to addressing the scourge. Opening discussion at the occasion, the Director General, Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Dr. Anthony Anuforom, in his paper, ”A Climate at Odds with itself-NIMET’s Contribution in Mitigating the Challenges and Consequences of the Climate Odds in Nigeria,” linked some of the dreaded health hazards in the country to the effects of climate change. He said, “Deaths due to temperature related diseases such as malaria, meningitis, measles, have increased over the years in the country due to rising temperatures. Water borne diseases such as cholera have also been on the increase as a result of dirtier air and water. Increases in the risk of illness and death related to extreme heat and heat waves are very likely. Some reduction in the risk of death related to extreme

Overwhelmed by the increasing health implications of climate change on the people, the Nigerian Medical Students’ Association (NIMSA) recently rallied relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA)) to discuss possible adaptation techniques. OLUFEMI ADEOSUN, reports

Members of NiMSA on climate change development

cold is expected.” “Warming is likely to make it more challenging to meet air quality standards necessary to protect public health, while extreme weather causes physical and mental health problems. “Some diseases transmitted by food, water, and insects are likely to increase. Rising temperature and carbon dioxide concentration increase pollen production and prolong the pollen season in a number of plants with highly allergenic pollen, pre-

senting a health risk. Certain groups, including children, the elderly, and the poor, are most vulnerable to a range of climaterelated health effects.” Anuforom, who was represented by a staff in the agency, Dr. Ernest Afiesima, however, regrettably noted that as the scourge continues unabated, the country lacked the needed “legislative will” to deal with it. Other constraints, he argued, included, inadequate vulnerability assessment of the country from climate variabil-

ity, global economic downturn leading to inadequate financial resources to mitigate the impacts of the changing climate, and low level of education. On the roles of NIMET in mitigating the negative effects of climate change, the DG said NIMET’s Climate Information Services’ products provide necessary information on the changes and trend in temperature and other weather parameters that constitute vital Early Warning Services for the country’s varied socio-economic sectors. He said, for instance, the Temperature Alert system provides guidance on need for the necessary vaccines in the event of outbreak of meningitis. In her presentation, the Director General, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Dr. Ngeri Benebo, attributed some of the environmental challenges confronting the country to the refusal of a large majority of Nigerians whose activities impact on the environment, to comply with environmental standards and regulations. Some of the activities, she further noted, included, gas flaring both from oil exploration and manufacturing sector, bush burning, indiscriminate dumping of refuse and a host of other activities that impact negatively on the environment. Giving examples, she said, ”Gas flaring, vehicular and machines emissions reduce air quality, deplete ozone layer and causes various diseases; effluent discharge from manufacturing and printing degrade both land and water, and also causes various diseases; pesticides and herbicides used in mechanized agriculture degrade land and water; construction and associated quarry operations when not properly handled, deCONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Expect massive works on Lagos-Ibadan Road by end of rainy season - Minister DAYO AYEYEMI

ollowing the controversy trailing the dilapidated nature of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and nonperformance of the concession agreement signed with Bi-Courtney Highway Services in 2008 by the Federal Government for the road’s expansion and rehabilitation, the Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, has assured Nigerians to expect commencement of construction works on the road by the end of the rainy season. The minister, while fielding questions from journalists during an inspection tour of the ongoing repairs of Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos at the weekend, stated that the decision had been taken at the highest level of government to implement the concession agreement between the Federal Government and Bi-Courtney Highway Services, the road concessionaire. Considering the importance of the road, being a major road linking other parts of the country to Lagos, Onolememen said that government has decided that the road must be renovated, adding that the only way to do that is to enforce the concession agreement. He said, “The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works, is determined to finally ensure the full implementation of the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Lagos - Ibadan dual carriageway. It is a task that we must accomplish.” Lagos - Ibadan Expressway, a prime road in the country, was concessioned to Bi-Courtney Highway Services in 2008 for major expansion and reconstruction to modern highway with all furniture. It was gathered that last month, the Federal Government engaged the con-

Ongoing repair joints at the Third Mainland Bridge

cessionaire in discussion to look at the grey areas of the agreement; and it was learnt that fresh contentious issues resurfaced at the meeting which were later resolved. Some of the issues that resurfaced include the issues of the right of way, compensation for affected land/property owners, concession duration, and Federal Government guarantee for foreign contractors and financiers. However, the minister has expressed satisfaction over the level of repair

works of the Third Mainland Bridge, noting that the main contractor for its rehabilitation, Messrs Borini Prono Company Nigeria Limited, would deliver the project by the end of October since it is one week ahead of job’s schedule. He noted that the repairs of the bridge was the first in the series of maintenance that the Federal Ministry of Works is undertaking, adding that routine maintenance has already commenced on all other bridges in Lagos after endless reports from the public on the need to carry it

LASG plans rent-to-own housing scheme STANLEY IHEDIGBO

Medical students rally stakeholders over climate change CONTINUED FROM 25

o forestall the menace of shylock landlords and ensure that Lagosians are decently housed, the Lagos State Government has inaugurated a rent-to-own housing scheme to enable occupiers become owners of the house eventually. Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Bosun Jeje, who disclosed this at the weekend during the Real Estate Unite Conference, Exhibition and Awards, organised by 3invest, a real estate investment and advisory firm, said the state government’s efforts at providing shelter for the people in the state has resulted in the recent innovations on housing delivery tagged, “Lagos HOMS”. The Lagos HOMS is a ownership mortgage scheme targeted at first time home buyers who reside in Lagos to rent and later become the owners. He added that the housing construction embarked upon by the state government will create job opportunities for both professionals and artisans while dealers in building materials are also benefiting from the patronage it brings about.

out. He assured that the Federal Government will, as from now embarked on routine maintenance of the infrastructure, noting that in the last 30 years, the ongoing exercise was the first to be contemplated by the authority. On why indigenous contractor was not given the job to do, the minister said the project is a specialist’s work that required a contractor with the right technology such as hydro-demolition technique.

One of the new housing units under construction in Ikeja, Lagos

According to Jeje, apart from the multiplier effect of the provision of houses on the economy and the regulation of transactions in the real estate sector, the initiative will have direct positive impact on all concerned. He said, “The attempt by the government to provide decent accommodation for the teeming populace has resulted

in the construction of over 886 housing units across the state.” The commissioner said he expected that coming together of real estate stakeholders would strengthen the industry connections, while new skills will be learnt and practical solutions to improve the business of the built sector proffered.

grade land and deplete bio-diversity; telecommunication transceiver mast affect environment aesthetic and in some cases, pollute ground water. “ While calling on various stakeholders to rally round the agency in addressing various attacks on the environment, she noted that Medical Students’ Association has enormous roles to play. She admonished the NIMSA to join the NESREA Green Corps at all levels. And in particular, she urged them to imbibe the attitude of proper waste disposal especially medical wastes which are classified as hazardous and very toxic to the environment and human health. “Everyone is important on this issue. It is a collective effort. The Medical Students are key Stakeholders to the effective implementation of the existing National Environmental Regulations, recognizing the fact that most ailments treated in the hospitals have environmental undertone. NESREA is looking forward to effectively partnering with you to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for Nigerians, she said.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Why we failed in Para-athletics –Coach 30

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Sport

Sure, we wanted a wide margin against Uganda. But we are happy with the 1-0 win going into the second leg –Zambia captain, Christopher Katongo

Reps slam stadia rehabilitation committee

Pitch of the mainbowl of the abandoned National Stadium, Lagos, in sorry state

CCL s/finals: Chelsea denies bribery allegation EVEREST ONYEWUCHI

hana’s Berekum Chelsea FC yesterday angrily dismissed a report that it offered money to lose its final African Champions League group game. The club hosted TP Mazembe of the DR Congo in Accra on Sunday and won 1-0 though its team could not qualify for the semi-finals. The result leaves the Congolese with a semi-finals clash against defending champions, Esperance of Tunisia. It will be a repeat of the 2010 final won convincingly by TP Mazembe. But a Tunisian news report had claimed that Mazembe officials offered to bribe Berekum Chelsea to give the Congolese side an easier semi-finals game, since a victory in Accra would have seen them top the Group B and play Sunshine Stars of Nigeria. In a statement yesterday, Berekum Chelsea chief executive, Nana Kwame Nketiah, said there was no meeting with anyone from TP Mazembe. “We have not met any TP Mazembe official or officials, let alone discuss the issuance of bribes or anything thereof. “We want to assure all Ghanaians, Berekum Chelsea fans and members of African football fraternity that we will not desecrate the sanctity of our club and African football with such dubious acts,” the statement said. The club has threatened to take legal action against the Tunisian report,

...as Sunshine Stars await Ahly even as Ghana Football Association (GFA) chairman, Kwesi Nyantakyi, who watched the match, also took a swipe at the allegation. “It damages the integrity of the clubs,” said Nyantakyi, who is also a member of the CAF Executive Committee. Already Nigeria’s Sunshine Stars are getting ready for Al Ahly in the second semi-finals of this year’s CAF Champions League after the Egyptian giants won Group B. Sunshine will host Ahly in the first leg in the weekend of October 5-7, while the second leg will be played in the weekend of October

19-21. Sunshine’s coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, told MTNFootball.com they hope to beat the six-time winners to reach the final of the competition. “I said it earlier when people were saying we will play TP Mazembe that we won’t know our opponents until they play the last game, now we know our next opponents will be Al Ahly,” Ogunbote said. Apart from $1.5million first prize, the teams are chasing a place in the FIFA Club World Cup to be hosted by Japan in December with the line-up including Chelsea of England and Corinthians of Brazil.

‘NPL needs security for new season’

ead Coach of the Akwa United FC of Uyo, Solomon Ogbeide, has urged the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) to ensure adequate security before the commencement of 2012/2013 football season. Ogbeide said in Lagos that should the security challenge of crowd restiveness be addressed, spectators would troop to the stadia to watch matches. The coach also said it was pertinent for the NPL to get a title sponsor for the league before its resumption so as to make it more

credible. “We still have some impediment; first the league has no sponsors and we are still playing in pitches that are not television friendly. “And the league organisers are not taking care of players and officials welfare that should be paramount in their mind. “And security, these are the four areas I want improvement; officiating, fair enough, I won’t lie to you this year, officiating was at least a little bit alright,” the former Julius Berger and defunct Nigerdock FC coach, told NAN.

he Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Hon. Godfrey Gaiya, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan not to entrust the rehabilitation of the six national stadia to the National Sports Commission (NSC). Jonathan had a fortnight ago set up a Presidential Committee on stadia facilities, headed by the Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi; NSC Director General, Chief Patrick Ekeji and the FCT Minister, Alhaji Bala Muhammed, are among the committee members. The committee is expected to work out modality for the rehabilitation of the six stadia located at Lagos, Kaduna, Enugu, Ibadan and Abuja. But Gaiya, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, yesterday, said instead, the Federal Government should lease the stadia to the private sector. The lawmaker said this

Gaiya

was because any amount handed over to the NSC for the rehabilitation might not be judiciously spent. He said the NSC had not been prudent in managing the funds budgeted for the completion of the 44 Mini Sports Centres across the country since 2009, adding however, that if the rehabilitation must be entrusted to the NSC, then the Presidency should have an Intervention committee to liaise with it on the job. “So, I wonder why additional funds should be handed to the Commission when projects entrusted to it in the past have yet to be finished. “How can we use about N60billion to build a facility like the Abuja Stadium and to maintain it becomes a problem?”

Falconets: Blatter thanks NFF again AFOLABI GAMBARI

IFA President, Sepp Blatter, has reiterated his conviction that the Falconets were the most brilliant team at the recent FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan. Blatter, who made the remark in a personal letter addressed to the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Aminu Maigari, described the Falconets as symbol of a bright future for the women’s game on the African continent. “I would like to congratulate Nigerian women’s team on another successful campaign at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, in which the Falconets have once again

been excellent flagbearers for African women’s football and a symbol of a bright future for the women’s game on the African continent,” Blatter wrote. “While it is only natural to be disappointed not to have gone one step further than at the last tournament in Germany, the exciting crop of players that you are developing can only have benefited from their experiences in this tournament. “I wish you all the best with your efforts to continue this excellent run of results and would also like to thank Nigeria for their contribution to the promotion of the women’s game through their creativity, strength and character.”

Sport

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ramos wants improved M Madrid

Tit Bits ‘Arsenal could hammer Montpellier’ Buffon

eal Madrid defender, Sergio Ramos, insists the team needs to improve its attitude after its poor start to the new season continued at the weekend. The Spanish champion lost 1-0 at Sevilla on Saturday, its second loss in four games, as coach Jose Mourinho reacted with fury at the defeat and Ramos admitted that the players needed to look at themselves. “The moment has arrived for us to say we can give more, that we should improve and change our attitude,” said the Spanish defender said yesterday as the team rounded off training for today’s Champions League encounter with Manchester City at the Bernabeu. “I always say that we’re all guilty. When we win, we do it as one and when we lose, it is the same.” Mourinho gave his side both barrels after their latest setback-coming just days before the begin its Champions League campaign. “We were wrong from the first minute to the last,” Mourinho said, adding, “We were lousy and got what we deserved. I did not have a team.” “Against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup we were perfect, aggressive and fast. But we haven’t been so since then. I am the coach and the buck stops with me.” Mourinho, however, rubbished suggestions that Madrid’s poor form was linked to Cristiano Ronaldo’s admission of sadness with his current life at the club. “This has no connection with the rumours of the past two weeks,” the coach insisted.

Ramos

ontpellier midfielder, Younes Belhanda, admits he fears the Ligue 1 club could struggle against Arsenal in the Champions League tonight. Montpellier has taken just four points from five games this season, and suffered its third defeat of the campaign last Friday, losing 3-1 at newly-promoted Reims. Arsenal hammered Southampton 6-1 in the Premier League at the weekend, and Belhanda believes his side could concede eight goals should the side fail to rediscover its form. “If we play like this, we’re going to concede many goals,” he said. “We have to show as quickly as possible that we are men, because we look like kids on the pitch. We’re not dangerous, not sharp enough.” Meanwhile, Montpellier coach Rene Girard at the weekend blasted his players, stating that the squad was a shadow of the league winner.

anchester City midfielder, Yaya Toure, says the club will be front-page news tomorrow after achieving what would be a memorable win over Real Madrid in today’s encounter at the Bernabeu. City, who is current EPL champion, has been set the daunting opening of a game against the current champion of Spain. It does not get much easier for Roberto Mancini’s men as the best teams in Germany and HollandBorussia Dortmund and Ajax, respectively-are also in Group D, an unkind draw on City in just its second season of Champions League participation after the Eastlands side went out in the last campaign’s group stages. But the former Barcelona player, who won the Champions League in 2009, is feeling confident. “I maintain contact with some ex-companions at Barca but I do not need their advice over Real,”

Toure said yesterday. “The City staff have prepared for this match in great detail and that’s enough information for us. Our last campaign was a disaster and we want to change all that. “To win in the Bernabeu is a unique experience, enough to put you in the news. We shall put in our maximum to achieve that. “For me, the key to the result means winning the midfield battles with Xabi Alonso, Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira. This is the key for the match.”

TODAY’S FIXTURES Olympiakos v Schalke Montpellier v Arsenal R. Madrid

v Man City

Dortmund

v Ajax

AC Milan

v Anderlecht

Malaga

v Zenit

Zagreb

v FC Porto

PSG

v Dynamo Kiev

Toure

Ogbonna

Torino defender Angelo Ogbonna, is wanted by Manchester United and Everton, according to reports Ogbonna, 24, h the past two seaso club win promotio A. Born in Italy to N the Italy internation contract until 2016 being at left-back, around £16m. “Angelo would n problems in adapt football,” a Torino

Essien

Olympiakos ambushes Schalke

Toure seeks Bernabeu win

Juventus goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon, Lady will be his l as he awaits talk with the manage “As I already s itching to leave. problem accepti renewal,” the Ita said yesterday.

reek champion Olympiakos begins its Champions League campaign against Schalke 04 today, with both sides enjoying unbeaten starts to their respective domestic seasons. Olympiakos faced German opposition in the group stages of the competition last season, emerging as 3-1 winner against Borussia Dortmund in Athens. Meanwhile, the history points to an open game in Greece, with Olympiakos’ last six home fixtures against German clubs throwing up 29 goals. This match will be Schalke’s 150th game in European competition, with its last success coming in the 1997 UEFA Cup. But the home side will need to improve on its recent record to claim the three points, however, after it failed to score on matchday one in its last four European campaigns. Olympiakos has an almost fully-fit squad to choose from, with Avraam Papadopoulos its only notable absentee as Giannis Maniatis and Vasilis Torosidis return to the starting side. Schalke is expected to remain unchanged from its 2-0 win over Greuther Furth at the weekend. Skipper Benedikt Howedes will continue at right-back, while Lewis Holtby is expected to operate behind Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

Real Madrid coach, Jose Mourinho, says Michael Essien’s arrival will boost morale in the club. Essien joined Ma deadline day from “Michael is very he is like when I me years ago, without problem and with a happiness, great at and a willingness to thing he can to help Mourinho said, add

Dempsey

Tottenham Manager, Andre Villas-Boas, is still not resolved on how to deploy his new buy, Clin who switched ove over the summer Reports said V sured of the impe of the 29-year-old national but woul time to integrate t midfielder.

Hargreave

Reports yesterday said that former Manchester United midfielder, Owen Hargreaves, is being lin as manager David ing for out of contra are allowed to sign transfer window. One such player Wolfsburg and Ast fielder Thomas Hitz is under serious co while 31-year-old C England internation whose career has by injury, could als

, says the Old last club in Italy, ks on new terms ement. aid, I am not So I’ll have no ng the contract ly goalkeeper

yesterday. has shone over ons, helping his on back to Serie

Nigerian parents, nal, under 6 and is at home is rated at

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Enugu budgets N137m for sports

Klopp relishes full squad

orussia Dortmund coach, Jurgen Klopp, has a full squad to pick from as he does not have any injury worries. Star signing Marco Reus started last weekend’s 3-0 Bundesliga win over Bayer Leverkusen from the bench as a precautionary measure, but is expected to return to the starting team for the match versus Ajax tonight. The Germany international’s return could mean that Kevin Grosskreutz is demoted the bench, with Kuba, Mario Gotze and Reus as BVB’s creative line behind lone striker Robert Lewandowski. Meanwhile, Ajax boss Frank de Boer will have to make do without the services of a number of first team regulars as Nicolai Boilesen, Eyong Enoh and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson are all unavailable due to injury. De Boer is not likely to make many changes to the team that recorded a hard-fought win over RKC on Saturday, with Daley Blind expected to get the nod ahead of Mitchell Dijks once more at left-back. Nevertheless, attacker Ryan Babel could be in line for his first starting berth since his return, meaning that Siem de Jong would drop back into midfield at the expense of Lasse Schone.

DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

he Enugu State Government will spend about N137m for the provision of sports facilities and sponsorship of state contingent to the 2012 National Sports Festival in Lagos scheduled for November. Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chuks Ugwoke, who announced this in Enugu yesterday, said over N67m would be spent on the construction of outdoor facilities at the state sports council. According to the commissioner, part of the amount would be used to renovate two buildings at the State Sports Council to accommodate the Ministry for Youth and Sports while preparation and participation of the state contingent to the Sports Festival in Lagos would gulp N69m. “It will cover expenses during zonal qualifiers for the competition this September, one month camping for final athletes in October and the finals of the festival proper coming up between November 27 and December 9. “The sum approved for the festival will enable the officials to commence training on time to prepare the athlete and avoid the fire brigade approach,” Ugwoke said.

not have any ting to English source said.

adrid on transfer Chelsea. motivated and et him seven any physical a contagious ttitude to training o do everyp the group,” ding,

y t Dempsey, er from Fulham r. illas-Boas is asending impact d USA interld need more the scoring

ked with Everton Moyes is lookact players who n outside the

r, former on Villa midzlsperger, 30, onsideration, Canadian-born nal Hargreaves, been blighted o be an option.

Ideye

Chime

Ideye targets Desperate Milan under pressure Velodrome goals C S Klopp

ash-strapped AC Milan is feeling the pressure ahead of today’s Champions League opener against Belgian side Anderlecht at the San Siro. Milan slumped to a 1-0 loss to Serie A minnow Atalanta on Saturday, the first time the club has lost its opening two home games in 82 years. However, despite losing to newly-promoted side Sampdoria and a team which usually fights against relegation, the club’s Vice President Adriano Galliani says coach Massimiliano Allegri’s job is not in danger. Both of Milan’s Brazil forwards, Alexandre Pato and Robinho, are working their way back from leg muscle injuries and Allegri will want the duo back as soon as possible, with the attack struggling after the sale of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Milan has scored just three goals so far this season. All three came in the away match at Bologna and were scored by Giampaolo Pazzini. Midfielder Riccardo Montolivo and defender Philippe Mexes are set to return from injury and that could serve as a boost to a team sorely lacking in confidence. “We have to believe in ourselves more,” defender Ignazio Abate said. Anderlecht knows that this is the best possible time to be facing the seven-time European champion.

AFOLABI GAMBARI

uper Eagles’ striker, Brown Ideye is expected to shine with Dinamo Kiev today as big-spending Paris Saint-Germain marks its return to the Champions League at the Stade Velodrome in Paris. Kiev has made a strong start in the Ukrainian Premier League, losing just two of its opening nine games as the Nigerian netted eight goals. Ideye, who is still snubbed by the Eagles coach Stephen Keshi in the team’s starting line-up, will be relied on heavily by Kiev who seeks a fine start to the Champions League battles. “I have waited for this day and I hope to make the best of it, although it is a fact that the match will be tough,” the former junior international said in Kiev yester-

day. “Of course, we will count on our travelling fans and the players’ resolve to put ourselves on course as we progress to the Wembley Stadium in London next year,” he added. PSG will compete in Europe’s premier club competition for the first time since 2004/05 when they welcome Kiev in this Group A encounter. Carlo Ancelotti’s men have made a solid if unspectacular start to their league campaign, drawing three games and winning their past two as star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has proven unstoppable since arriving in France, netting five league goals. The Swedish international will however need goal-scoring support from the likes of Javier Pastore and Ezequiel Lavezzi if PSG is to progress in the Champions League.

Community games draw curtain

he on-going Olympic Community Games Competition among ten communities, organised by Nutricima Limited, has ended as youths jostled for honours in football, table-tennis and draughts at the Teachers Training College field, Agege Lagos State. Senior Brand Manager of the company, Mrs. Chiaka Eluchie, described the development as heart-warming, saying it was the company’s corporate social responsibility aimed at helping the youth to attain their potential. “We have ensured that the competition cut across gender for maximum participation,” Eluchie said, adding that the company also sought to aid physical and mental growth and development for the youths. Agege boys trashed Orile-Iganmu boys 2-0 win in football while Agege walked Orile Iganmu in table tennis as Orile Iganmu beat Agege 2-1 in draughts. The Community games featured raffle draws with presentation of gifts by the sponsor’s Event and Sponsorship Manager, Linda Akaegbu, even as three consumers of the brand won handsets, t-shirts and umbrellas.

Sport

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

On the track with

YEMI OLUS danyella172003@yahoo.com

Why we failed in Para-athletics –Coach

he performance of Nigeria’s athletes went to sleep after the trials and ing and the results cannot be measured powerlifters at the recently had to struggle to catch up at the last using the same standards,” the coach concluded Paralympics has minute. A combination of these factors counselled. “A lifter is aware of what he or she overshadowed their counterparts and others affected us at the games.” in other sports especially athletics Unuareokpa, however, frowned at the is able to carry but it does not work as the former won 12 out of the 13 comparison between his athletes and the same way in our sport,” he added, medals secured at the games while the powerlifters, saying both sports in- stressing, “Things can go either way so the only similarity is that we trained at the latter could only account for volved different techniques. a single medal on the final day of “Athletics is not as static as powerlift- the same venue.” competition. About 15 athletes represented the country in para-athletics with 12 of them competing in more than one event yet only veteran athlete, Eucharia Iyiazi, took bronze in the women’s shotput, an event she won at the Beijing Olympics four years ago. Para-athletics Head Coach, Joseph Unuareokpa, blamed his wards’ indiscipline for their poor performance at the London Games, saying that the athletes failed to live up to expectations. “Other reasons were also responsible for our performance,” the coach recalled. “We trained in a temperate region (South Korea) but the weather in London was the exact opposite. It was very cold so that affected the athletes’ output. “We also had to battle with a spate of injuries that hit some of them even though I’m not sure what was responsible for that, considering that we ensured that their training routine was not such that could injure them. Under such circumstances, there is no way the athlete can perform optimally. “I also observed that some of the Eucharia Iyiazi won bronze at the London 2012 Paralympic Games

Blake ponders cricket career

ohan Blake’s compatriot and training partner, Usain Bolt, has never hidden his love for football and cricket or the desire to play for Manchester United and the Olympic double sprint silver medallist, Blake, seems to be following suit. Latest reports said Blake seems to be toeing the same line with his love for cricket as he has expressed his desire once again to play in the Big Bash League, seeking a check on how quick the Australian pacers are. “Growing up, I always wanted to bat against Brett Lee because they say that he is really quick, so I wanted to see what he is made of,” Blake told local journalists. “Usain and I said let’s go to Australia and play some cricket; let’s check out the Big Bash and see what it is all about. “I know those guys are really quick, but I am always ready and I am always playing cricket. I have my bowling machine and my batting machine at home, so I have been practising and getting ready for that.” Blake played his first cricket match since the London Olympics on Saturday, scoring 20 off 21 balls which included a huge six, playing for Bartley’s XI against Correctional Services in the St Catherine Twenty20 League at the Spanish Town Prison Oval. During his innings, Blake smashed the windscreen of a car. The 22-year-old Jamaican star is keen to end his athletics career before he turns 30 and hopes to begin a professional career in cricket afterwards. “With this hard training in track and field and I know that cricket training is not that hard and I can make the team and it is my first love, I would go to play cricket. I want to finish this (athletics) as early as possible, so I can play my cricket; like somewhere around 30, 29, 28, in that region,” the athlete submitted.

Osazuwa seeks new start

ittle has been heard about national sprinter, Agnes Osazuwa, after she failed to make the Team Nigeria contingent to the London 2012 Olympic Games but the sprinter has revealed that her season is yet to end. Osazuwa, who is a member of the women’s 4x100 relay team that represented Nigeria at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, revealed that she would participate in a meet in next week in Italy after which she would take time off to regain her form. The 2010 African Championship gold medallist was among the athletes camped in Atlanta, USA earlier this year but failed to impress after placing seventh in the national trials held in Calabar, Cross River State in June. She however disclosed that her poor performance resulted from an injury she sustained while in the USA, making her to miss the London train. “This season was messed up for me because I failed to achieve the target I set for myself. Nevertheless, I still thank God for everything,” Osazuwa said. “I have already started treating my leg but I don’t

know for how long I will be away. If I recover quickly, I would be back next year but if not, I may have to extend my break till 2014 but let’s see how things go. I’m not in a hurry to return to the tracks.”

Yohan Blake (r) in a cricket session

Bekele impresses with Castelbuono victory

thiopian Tariku Bekele, who won the 10,000m Olympic bronze at the London 2012 Games, took the honours at the Giro di Castelbuono, an IAAF Gold Label Road Race, on Sunday. Castelbuono celebrated the 100th anniversary of the oldest road race in Europe held on a sunny afternoon in the mountains of Sycilian Madonie. This year the very popular Italian race changed its date from the traditional date of 26th July, the day which celebrates Saint Anna, Patriot Saint of Castelbuono. Bekele broke away from Olympic 5000m bronze medallist Thomas Longosiwa during the final lap to take the win. Ethiopian runners Muktar Edris Awel, World Junior 5000m champion, and Deriba Merga, fourth in the Bei-

jing Olympic Marathon, went to the front during the first lap and kept the lead until the second lap when Bekele and Longosiwa caught up with the leaders. Longosiwa fell in the early stages of the race in a collision which involved Rachid Kisri from Morocco and Italian marathoner Ruggero Pertile, who was forced to drop out of the race. Bekele, who is also a World Indoor champion in 2008 and a World Junior champion at 5000m in 2006, pulled away during the last lap and romped home in 30:01, 11 seconds ahead of Longosiwa to crown a solid season in which he made a successful transition to 10,000m winning the Olympic bronze and clocking a new lifetime best of 27:03.24 in Birmingham. Longosiwa placed second in 30:12 while Awel was third with 30:21.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Ishaku Mshelia, a lawyer, is the Coordinator, Nigeria Climate Action Network (NigeriaCAN). In this interview with OLUFEMI ADEOSUN, the environmentalist challenged Nigerian government on the implementation of decisions reached at international outings Why do Nigeria government find it difficult to implement some of the decisions reached at the global meetings? I think it is because government has always thought things must be done in some particular ways, which is “business as usual” kind of mentality or approach. What government should do is to muster the needed political will to implement decisions reached at international outings. Without demonstrable political will, there is no amount of policy that will work. If there is no efficient regulation, the person who is bestowed with the responsibility of regulating a particular sector will be clueless. I will give you one critical example, in the climate change negotiations, I am aware that the US, UK, Ethiopia, South Africa, Denmark, even Kenya have all moved climate change issues into the office of their Presidents because climate change is urgent; the impacts are urgent. They are actually eroding most of the gains government is making in other sectors because when people’s capacities are not built to adapt, there is no way the gains will manifest and trickle down to the ordinary level of the people. So, you need to bring issue of this kind to the highest political level and that is what most countries of the world have done. It is not left in the hands of some Ministries or parastatals that lack political influence. I am sure you are indirectly referring to the refusal of President Goodluck Jonathan to assent to a bill recommending the establishment of a National Climate Change Commission. What do you think accounted for his refusal to approve it? What we were made to understand was that the timing was bad; that it came up at a time a Presidential Panel set up by the President and chaired by Former Head of Service, Mr. Stephen Oronsaye, had advised government to prune down the number of agencies to reduce overhead cost. It was said that for this reason government was reluc-

Real Estate & Environment

Govt needs political will to implement environment policies –Mshelia well-funded. We want an institution that will have very strong coordinating powers and all of that are embodied in the provisions of the bill. It is our considered view; the commission will play a critical role in the attainment of sustainable development in Nigeria. Few months ago, the Special Climate Change Unit of the Ministry of Environment was upgraded to a full Department with a view to making it more functional.

Mshelia

I AM AWARE THAT THE US, UK, ETHIOPIA, SOUTH AFRICA, DENMARK, EVEN KENYA HAVE ALL MOVED CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUES INTO THE

PRESIDENTS BECAUSE CLIMATE CHANGE IS URGENT; THE IMPACTS ARE URGENT

OFFICE OF THEIR

tant against the background of that advice for him to create more institutions when he had actually been advised by the panel’s report to streamline its institutions. As a result of this, he was made to exercise some restraints. That was our understanding of why the bill was not

passed. But having said that, I am aware that the National Assembly has also stepped up agitation for the creation of the commission because they believe the country deserves the commission because of the kind of leadership it would provide. We need a National Institution that has adequate capacity and

Don’t you think that, in the thinking of government, upgrading this department would also serve the function of the commission? The view of the Ministry has always been like that. The Ministry had initially supported an agency instead of a commission principally because an agency will still be under the purview of the Ministry. I think that position has not changed. The upgrading of the unit came as a welcome development. But, whosoever is driving the process now must be seen to have sufficient funding, technical capacity and technical knowledge. The unit used to be small and I think they have moved some other divisions of the Ministry into it to give it more bite in terms of service delivery. The renewable energy programme in the Ministry of Environment is coming under the department and I also understand part of the Forestry Department is coming under it. Supposedly, it is going to be a large department with more technical support. For now, in the absence of a national body, we have to make do with the department to coordinate all the areas of climate change. That is why we think before the bill is signed, we will need to support the department because it is in national interest. However, having said that, in my own opinion, I think that can never replace a commission that will be empowered by law and whose funding will be coming from the appropriation of the National Assembly and which will also have the benefit of a standing technical advisory committee made up of all research institutions that are supported and mandated by law. The department will not have the benefits of all those structures.

Nigeria agrees to climate change policy document

he Federal Executive Council (FEC), has approved the adoption of National Policy on Climate Change and Response Strategy (NPCCRS), as a National Document for implementing climate activities in the country. According to the FEC, the approval is to provide the government with a framework for tackling environmental challenges occasioned by global changes in the climate, the effect of which, according to the body, has manifested in

increased flooding and rise in sea level. Minister of Environment, Hadiza Mailafia, who made the disclosure in Abuja on Wednesday, said the policy framework would guide economic and social response of Nigerians to the global trend of climate change. Being a signatory to Kyoto Protocol, Nigeria’s adoption of the policy will enhance her obligation towards reduction of emission of obnoxious substances in the environment even as it emerged that gas flaring in the country has been

reduced to 8% and will improve further as more gas is sent to generate electricity in upcoming power stations, she disclosed. The council argued that as party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Kyoto Protocol, Nigeria has the obligation to ensure the reduction of human induced atmospheric carbon emission to a level that will prevent dangerous interface with the climate system.

Nigeria also needs to undertake numerous activities in the areas of adaptation and awareness creation to ensure the implementation of the UNFCCC policies. This obligation requires a coherent policy on climate change that will holistically view climate change from its multi-sectoral perspective. The policy will explicitly itemise the comprehensive national goals, objective and strategies towards mitigating the consequences of climate change.

Real Estate & Environment

Creative landscape designs for your home

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

aking a plan is of maximum significance: Take a good long survey of what you’ve got to work with and make a plan for the area. It isn’t a great idea to simply start planting trees or plants or placing ornaments that you purchased rashly, anywhere in the landscape. Even with a DoIt-Yourself (DIY) project, measuring the area, getting an understanding of what you’d like to see and for how you intend to use the space, is important to any plan. Copious use of available resources cost nothing and will most likely be of great help in planning your landscaping project. Collect new and old magazines, visit your local library, peruse the gardening section of bookstores and try the gigantic array of net resources available. It is terribly handy, in this phase, to have a scrap book and a note pad where you might document the styles you want to use. Going for a walk in your own community and making note of the landscaping designs you see is another handy resource. Your garden centre will be ready to supply you with designs and recommendations for planting and placement of ornaments. Implement your intention in stages: You do not want to do it all at the same time, particularly if you would like to keep inside a budget. When you have a plan, you can move from stage

to host easily. As you start your landscaping, remember that patience is of maximum significance. While you might like to have quick results, take some time particularly since you’re the one who will be doing all of the work. If you’d like fast results, hire a landscaper. There are some fun elements you can consider when landscaping: You can choose to have a deck, out of doors furniture, a pool or other water feature, fountain, lighting, a rock garden, plants and trees can all be a part of your landscape. What sort of garden would you like? You might like to consider a rock garden, a themed style garden, and other fascinating garden features. Try hard not to have everything in the landscape as you do not want your landscape to look cluttered and rough. Make educated decisions about features based on your plans: One major first investment that you’ll need to make is to procure tools for your landscaping. Without the correct tools, there’s truly no DIY project. Spades , rakes, weeders, edgers, trimmers and a water hose are merely a few of the must have bits of equipment to help you to do your job. As the method continues you might find that you will need more complicated tools, but also know you can save a lot at first by hiring some of the gear you want, like tillers and heavier apparatus.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

FCTA tasks residents on compliance with environmental laws OMEIZA AJAYI

he Federal Capital Territory Administration has advised residents of area councils and satellite towns in the territory to comply with all environmental laws aimed at ensuring clean and green environment in the territory. Minister of state in the FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide, gave the charge at the advocacy and sensitisation programme organised by the committee for stakeholders and residents of Gwagwalada Area Council, Kwali Area Council and Abaji Area Council. Represented by the Chairman, Ministerial Committee on Clean and Green Greater Abuja Initiative, Alhaji Tukur Ibrahim Bakori, the minister said the FCT Administration was prepared to put an end to negative tendencies that could be hazardous to residents. “We have a duty as residents to obey all edicts and encourage the enforcement of environmental laws on offenders especially as it relates to Clean and Green Greater Abuja Initiative. There must be attitudinal change on the part of the residents to salvage the satellite towns from filthiness. “We must imbibe positives attitudes in the area of waste management and maintenance culture. It is our collective duty to ensure that wastes are properly disposed and promptly evacuated,” said Bakori, who is the Director of Satellite Towns Development Agency (STDA) which was reestablished last year by

A scene of environmental degradation in Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan. He noted that a clean environment was vital to a healthy economy and should be sustained through best environmental practices and proper management. Special Assistant on Environment to the minister, Mr. Ayo Sotinrin, also advised residents of the area councils and satellite towns to understand their environment and its related rights. He highlighted environmental rights

Waste management, worst environmental challenge in Nigeria, says NESREA

Benebo

OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

he National Environmental Standards Regulations and Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has said that one of the most daunting environmental challenges facing the country is proper waste management. According to the agency, despite the huge investments in the country’s waste management sector, its proper disposal has remained a huge task. NESREA Director General, Dr. Ngeri Benebo, disclosed this at climate change summit organised by the Stand-

ing Committee on Environment and Population Activities (SCOEPA) of the The Nigerian Medical Students’ Association (NIMSA). She said as a result of rapid urbanisation and poor infrastructural facilities, the issue of waste disposal in the country had become a problem in the country. “Waste management remains one of the most daunting environmental challenges facing the country today. It has continually remained at its lowest ebb despite huge investments in the sector. “Currently, as a result of urbanisation and rapid population growth wastes generation is faster than their management (collection, transportation and disposal) in many cities and towns because there are no corresponding infrastructural facilities to manage them,” she said. On the preponderance of importation of used electronic and electrical equipment (UEEE) imported into the country, she said that recent Surveys indicated that over 500 containers of used computers and other electrical and electronic appliances are imported into the port of Lagos each month, primarily from Europe and North America. Benebo, who was represented by a staff in the agency, Lady Ezinwa Ezeka, however, linked the difficulties in waste disposal system to lack of connectivity between the country’s waste management scheme to

violation to include: improper disposal of hazardous, domestic and industrial waste, indiscriminate defecation in open spaces around the neighbourhood, illegal discharge of sewage as well as industrial effluent into the environment, deforestation and desertification for commercial purpose, and air pollution. “Residents must begin to enforce their environmental rights by demanding that proper care of the environment is taken,

refusing to dump waste at undesignated sites in the satellite towns, reporting all activities that constitute environmental risks, and planting trees and flowers,” Sotinrin stated. The Ministerial Committee on Clean and Green Greater Abuja Initiative was on August 23, 2012 mandated by the FCT minister of state to build effective and sustainable enforcement strategies in the cleaning and greening of the satellite towns.

ActionAid Nigeria tasks govt on National IDP policy TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

s floods continue to wreak havocs in many states with high human causalities and destruction of thousands of housing units, ActionAid Nigeria, a non-government and not-forprofit organisation has called on the Federal Government to hasten the approval of the draft National Policy on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The anti-poverty agency made the call against the background of what it described as “an urgent need to have in place a proper policy framework that addresses plight of poor Nigerians who are usually affected and traumatised in crises period”. The organisation’s Deputy Country Director, Mrs. Ifeoma Charles-Monwuba, who expressed concern over the recent spate of floods across the country and the implications for housing hazards, said that, “the Nigeria government needs to quickly approve this policy to ensure that the people, especially the poor and vulnerable, are guaranteed life and protection as enshrined in the Nigeria constitution.” The draft IDP policy, as she explained “envisions a proactive preparedness for emergencies that guarantees the citizens quick and efficient response in the face of emergencies. She noted that given the increasing number of internally displaced persons in the country, the right to a life

of dignity in the face of emergency for Nigerian citizens should be guaranteed. This she said calls for adequate measures and durable solutions to prevent and mitigate the impact of internal displacement on vulnerable populations.” While demanding that such document with a “broad vision to ensure improvement of the welfare of its citizenry should not be swept under the carpet or its contents politicised”, Charles-Monwuba further called on relevant agencies that have responsibilities for ensuring the federal government’s adoption of the policy to work more in harmony to ensure the realisation of this goal. According to her, it is important for these agencies to understand that their legitimacy and relevance are only assured in their ability to work together to address issues affecting the people. The draft IDP Policy which was presented to the public in July this year is a product of collaboration between government agencies and Civil Society Organisations coordinated by ActionAid Nigeria, with active support from European Union and other agencies. It will be recalled that a coalition of the civil society organisations which comprise, ActionAid Nigeria, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Konyenum Imallah Foundation and Global Relief with support from the European Commission and the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre/Norwegian Refugee Council.

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Greece to lease 40 uninhabited Islands to reduce debt

One of the islands in Greece

reece’s Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund has identified 40 uninhabited islands and islets that could be leased for as long as 50 years to reduce debt as pressure grows on the country to revive an asset-sales plan key to receiving international aid. “We identified locations that have good terrain, are close to the mainland and have a well-developed infrastruc-

ture and, at the same time, pose no threat to national security,” Andreas Taprantzis, the fund’s executive director for real estate, said in a September 6. interview in Athens. “Current legislation doesn’t allow us to sell them outright and we don’t want to.” According to Bloomberg real estate report, while some islands are already privately owned, such as Skorpios by the Onassis shipping heiress Athina

House prices in England and Wales stable

esidential sales in England and Wales increased by 2.5 per cent in August, their highest level so far this year and prices are up 2.6 per cent compared to a year ago, according to the latest LSL/Acadametrics index published at the weekend. According to report from Property Wire, it is not an even picture with considerable regional variations and the north/south divide continuing to grow. Wealthier buyers in London, the south east and the south west are the key driving force in the current residential market and even within cities there are variations. For example, in London Kensington and Chelsea is seeing five time the annual price growth of less affluent boroughs such as Lewisham. ‘The housing market demonstrated its resilience in August, as both house prices and sales activity rose, highlighting the underlying demand from buyers. In place of the usual seasonal slowdown, transactions bounced back by 2.5% in August,’ said Richard Sexton, director of e.surv chartered surveyors. ‘However, rather than signaling a radical shift in the housing market, the improvement reflects a mini resurgence following more sluggish buyer activity earlier in the summer, affected by a combination of the Jubilee bank holiday and historically heavy rainfall. In reality, obtaining a big enough mortgage remains a hurdle for thousands of first time buyers, despite the government’s NewBuy scheme.

While a lack of stock continues to support house prices, it is cash buyers and the equity rich that are providing the impetus for short-term improvements in the market,’ he explained. He pointed out that in light of the difficult economic backdrop, it’s encouraging to see the government place the housing sector in the limelight, extending its shared equity scheme First Buy and supporting new house building. ‘However, to reignite the recovery in the national housing market, these measures need to be supported by a concerted effort from lenders to help unlock the lower tiers, supplying appropriate credit to those first time buyers who need it most,’ he added. There is stability in the market rather than huge changes in price and that is likely to continue, according to Peter Williams, housing market specialist and chairman of Acadametrics.

A London property

Onassis, the state owns islands such as Fleves, which is near the coastal resort area of Vouliagmeni, and a cluster of three islands near Corfu. The fund is charged with raising 50 billion euros ($64 billion) from state assets by 2020 to meet conditions tied to pledges of 240 billion euros in foreign aid. As international inspectors in Athens scrutinize the country’s fitness to receive the latest aid payment, Prime

Minister Antonis Samaras has said commercial exploitation of some islands could generate the revenue lenders need to see to continue funding the country. The shortlist includes islands ranging in size from 500,000 square meters (5.4 million square feet) to 3 million square meters, and which can be developed into high-end integrated tourist resorts under leases lasting 30 years to 50 years, Taprantzis said. The fund announced an action plan to speed up the country’s privatization program yesterday. In its statement, the fund named the companies it’s chosen to proceed to the next phase of tenders in three real estate projects. The benchmark ASE Index was up 5.3 percent at 770.5 points at the close in Athens, the highest since March 23 and the day’s biggest gain among major European indexes. The fund reviewed 562 of the estimated 6,000 islands and islets under Greek sovereignty. While some are already privately owned, such as Skorpios by the Onassis shipping heiress Athina Onassis, the state owns islands such as Fleves, which is near the coastal resort area of Vouliagmeni, and a cluster of three islands near Corfu. Taprantzis declined to identify any of the islands. Legislation needs to be passed to allow development of public property by third parties and reduce the number of building, environmental and zoning permits needed before the plan can proceed, Taprantzis said.

Demand to outstrip supply in London housing market

ew forecasts suggest that demand for London property will continue to outstrip supply over the next decade but some developers may need to recalibrate their expectations when it comes to top bracket sales. The predictions, according to Property Wire, was published in Knight Frank’s new London Development 2012 report and are based on the results of new modelling of household growth forecasts based on the latest census data which give an estimate of demand in central and wider London over the next 10 years. The figures suggest that in the wider London market, an average of around 24,000 units per year could be built over the next ten years, but there will be additional demand for an extra 37,000 homes per year. The shortfall in central London is even more pronounced, especially when the demand for second homes is taken into account. ‘Our figures suggest that overall undersupply will continue to be a feature of the Greater London market. The shortfall in planned housing is around 36% over the next ten years. In central London, which incorporates many of the prime central London postcodes, the shortfall rises to 55%,’ explained Grainne Gilmore, head of residential research at Knight Frank. Knight Frank also warns that the

Liam Bailey

continued undersupply in the market may not guard against possible challenges for schemes which are not priced sensibly, especially those targeting the top end of the market. ‘The strength of sales over the past few years has made developers concentrate on the prime and superprime segments of the market. With values surging across the Capital, it has been tempting for developers to put upward pressure on prices,’ said Liam Bailey, head of residential research at Knight Frank. ‘The problem comes when this strategy is applied to sites with secondary characteristics. This leads to unrealistic pricing, and to unsuitable buildings being brought forward for development,’ he explained.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Aviation

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Mixed reactions trail construction of 11 new terminals by FG

bout two weeks ago, the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah announced the construction of 11 new terminals at the sum of N106billion in different airports. She said that the amount of money for the project was approved at the Federal Executive Council (FEC). At the briefing in Abuja, Oduah informed that the 11 new projects would include five international terminals for commercial flights and six for perishable cargoes and emphasised that the new international terminal projects were distinctively different from the ongoing remodeling and reconstruction of 11 airports in the first phase in the country. She also explained that that FEC had given approval for the award of contracts for the “immediate take off of construction work on the five terminals for international flights. The airports are Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Enugu while the six perishable cargo terminals would also be in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano and Asaba. The minister said that the projects were part of the government’s roadmap to achieve its transformation agenda in the aviation sector and noted that the ministry considered this development a huge opportunity to put to practical effect, the present administration’s transformation agenda. She insisted that the ongoing remodelling and construction of 11 airports would be completed in the next 90 days, while the contract for the new project would take two years before completion. She explained that the projects were to be executed with a concessionary loan from China Nexim Bank in 22 years with five years moratorium at an interest rate of two per cent. “What this means is that before the end of the lifespan of this administration, we would have been able to bequeath to Nigerians the airports of their dreams. Our dream is to also strive to transform Nigeria’s aviation sector into a major contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the airports are pivotal to the actualisation of this dream. “The award of contracts for the construction of the new international airport terminals will, therefore, be a significant first step in this direction,” she said. However, expectedly, mixed reactions have trailed the planned construction of additional 11 terminals from the various aviation stakeholders and professionals. While a section of the industry players see the project as a step in the right direction, others queried the necessity of new terminals at a time the ministry was undergoing remodeling and reconstruction of 11 terminals in the first phase. The stakeholders believed that before the ministry could embark on another gigantic project, it ought to have finished the existing one, rather than muddling the two together. The President, Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Comrade Benjamin Okewu in an interview with National Mirror in Lagos said that the planned construction of new terminals by the minister was a right step, but doubted their viability on the long run. He explained that most developed aviation countries have multiple terminals for aviation activities, but noted that most generate massive revenues from non-aeronautic activities, which he said was lacking in Nigeria. Okewu predicted that the projects would be moribund if the economic activities that would facilitate users to the airports are not developed by the government, saying that for them to be viable there must be a synergy among the surrounding states. He implored the government to concretise arrangement that would beef up the economic activities that will support the terminal growth before the completion in the next 24 months. He said, “I don’t see anything wrong in us having new terminals because if you look at the various blueprint of the existing airports, there are provisions for the development of terminals in phases. You take the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos for instance, if you see the blueprint, it is supposed to be developed in phases and by now, we should be having three to

Stakeholders and professionals in the Nigerian aviation industry are at loggerheads over the planned construction of 11 terminals in the country by the Government. OLUSEGUN KOIKI writes.

Oduah

Comrade Ekanem

IT IS ONE THING FOR YOU TO DEVELOP TERMINALS AND ANOTHER THING FOR YOU TO MAKE SURE THAT THOSE

AIRPORTS ARE ALSO VIABLE.

YES, YOU CAN ARGUE THAT BIG TERMINALS WILL ALSO INCREASE THE AVIATION

ACTIVITIES IN THAT AIRPORT, BUT IT CANNOT WORK IN ISOLATION four terminals in MMIA alone, but I have question with what we are doing now. “The question is that if we know that we are going to continue with the development of the airports in terms of building more terminals as it is in the blueprint in phases, what was the need for the remodeling and the restructuring that we embarked upon? More so that we have not concluded the restructuring and the remodeling that we are doing. “It is one thing for you to develop terminals and another thing for you to make sure that those airports are also viable. Yes, you can argue that big terminals will also increase the aviation activities in that airport, but it can not work in isolation. What that means for instance is that if you are picking Minna Airport as an export zone for agricultural products, you must have in place a synergy where all other states, all the farmers around that area are ready to send cash crops to the airport. “What this simply means is that if you have a gigantic terminal and the activities that you should undertake to make that airport viable are not physically on ground, the tendency is there for the terminal to exist without economic and aviation activities.” He concurred with the minister that the country required modern terminals for aviation activities just like other countries had done in recent time, adding that this would also make the country to project for future growth. Also speaking on the issue, another union leader, Comrade Ekanem Ekanem said the construction of additional 11 terminals across the country was a good move by the

minister, but said that the quality of the works would determine return on investments. Ekanem pointed out that countries like Singapore, Unites States of America and even the United Kingdom have several terminals within an airport, which aids transaction within the airports environment, adding that on completion, it would create job opportunities for young Nigerians. He however expressed fear that the project might be hijacked by money bags who are only interested in profit making at the expense of safety of the users. He said in a bid to avoid such, the project should be supervised by certified engineers who would put the terminals to quality test. He said, “Construction of a new terminal is not a bad idea. Personally, I think it is a move on the right direction. I just hope it will not be hijacked by the money bags, but it is not a bad idea. If the minister wants to embark on it, I think she should be encouraged. “So far, the remodeling of the airports is bringing out some positive results and I hope the new project would be done by certified engineers that will put the structures to quality test and not road side ones that are only interested in lining their pockets and throw safety into the winds. What we need is standards. “There is a similar project in Singapore and if well implemented, I can tell you authoritatively that it will create job opportunities for Nigerians who are currently unemployed. It will also bring market and innovation to the airport, but I want to repeat here that it should not be handled by quacks, but rather professionals who know their onions.” Also, another aviation stakeholder, the Head, Travel High Limited, Mr. Emmanuel Olisemeke explained that the project was definitely good for the development of the industry in particular and the nation in general, but doubted the sincerity of the ministry. Olisemeke alleged that the ongoing remodeling works in 11 airports had already stalled because of paucity of funds and insincerity on the part of the government, stressing that till date, no one in the sector knew who the major contractors are in any of the airports. He further purported that unlike the claim of the minister that the Bi-lateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) funds was not touched for the remodeling exercise, the funds had been exhausted by the ministry, adding that each agencies were equally compelled to contribute to the ongoing exercise. He predicted that the project would be abandoned halfway on the long run.

Aviation

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Med-View aircraft arrive, to commence operations soon STORIES: OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he newest entrant into the scheduled flight operations in Nigeria, MedView Airline over the weekend acquired two Boeing 747-400 for the commencement of domestic flight operations. The aircraft, which were acquired from United States of America, would be used for flight operations into Abuja and Port Harcourt while another expected two would be deployed to Yola, Maiduguri and Kano. Speaking on the planned commencement of scheduled operations at a time the existing airlines found it difficult to operate due to uncomfortable environment, the Managing Director of the airline, Mr. Munir Bankole said that the airline would comply with all the safety and international standards in the sector. Med-View, which is famous for annual hajj operations, Bankole said would operate with total safety at the back of its mind, adding that it was presently going through the last leg of certification from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). He told journalists on arrival at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos that the aircraft are configured to accommodate 144 passengers with 12 leather seats for business class and 132 economy seats.

Bankole

He stated further that the airline has already signed a maintenance agreement with a foreign company, Mytechnic, maintaining that the company is reputable for maintenance of aircraft of all brands all over the world. He could not, however, confirm on the exact date the airline would commence flight operations, but assured that it would commence in a couple of days. He said, “We want to ensure that the aircraft you are flying is airworthy with standard in-flight services, on time departure and reliability of your service so that people will have comfort and believe in whatever you say you are doing. “For purpose of information, we have been in the industry for quite sometime, in average for about 30 years. So, we’ve always been talking about aviation.

That is why we believe what we are giving out to Nigerians is something for them to sleep. “Truly, we’ve been doing pretty good on hajj, carrying over 20, 000 Nigerians annually for hajj operations out of this country yearly for over seven years and we found out that there is a need for us to make our contribution in the domestic market and that is why we believe we are coming in to give our best. “Very soon in a couple of days from now, we will commence flight operations. We can only commence operations after going through the remaining certification process by the NCAA, which is the last leg of it. We are presently in the final leg and that is why you find the NCAA officials with us who came for inspection of the aircraft. We have done all the necessary demonstrations, evacuation and others.

Stakeholder commends minister, FAAN over ongoing projects

he Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah and the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have been commended for the ongoing developments in the sector in the last one year. The Managing Director, Karamba Consulting, Dr. Daniel Young told journalists in Lagos last week that the sector had grown from what it used to be

MMIA

within the last 12 months most especially in the area of infrastructural development and management. Young explained that within the last 12 months, the minister had embarked on the remodeling of 11 airports in the first phase while also considering the construction of multiple terminals across the major airports in the country. He said, “The future is very

bright for players in the sector. For instance, the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) of the Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA), Lagos has been undergoing remodeling and by the time the job is completed, it will be one of the best in the continent. The minister and the FAAN are doing a great job.” Also, speaking on the forthcoming summit organise by Karamba Consulting, ‘1st Annual International Airport Security and Safety Summit Nigeria 2012,’ Young explained that the essence of the summit was to further improve security at the nation’s airports, adding that one of the major partners in the conference, Max Security is a renowned security firm in Israel. The three-day conference, which takes place in Abuja between 24th to 26th October, Young said would further boost safety in all the airports in the country, adding that participants are drawn from both public and private firms across the country.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

An industry of committees

igerians are regularly informed about the setting up of committees by the Federal Government whenever there are burning issues in the country. Some even joked that the government sets up committees to dissolve existing ones when existing committees submit their reports to the government. The situation is not so different in the country’s aviation industry. At present, several committees have been set up by the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah to look at different issues in the sector, but without reports released to the public yet. Among such committees is the aviation fuel committee set up over a year ago by the min-

ister. The committee comprised representatives of the airline operators, fuel marketers and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. Although, Airside learnt the committee has submitted its report to the appropriate quarters, no singular aspect of the report has been implemented by the government as the price of Jet A1 is still high in the domestic market. Another committee is the committee set up by the government on the relocation of the customs agents operating at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos. Airside was informed that the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Engr. Nnamdi Udoh is its chairman.

New spirit of cooperation at MMIA

or sometime now, the Federal Government and indeed various aviation stakeholders and professionals in Nigeria most especially the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren have been calling for information sharing among various security units in the country, but in most times, ego and complex have negated this call. Although, the government is still battling to get a headway on this at least at the top level, but Airside can report authoritatively that this call is already yielding the desired fruits among the lower and middle cadre staff. Airside was at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos recently for a foreign trip and was amazed at the high level of co-operation among the various security units posted to the airport ranging from the

Customs, NDLEA, Police, Quarantine, Immigration, anti-bomb squad and even the State Security Services (SSS), the alliance is amazing. But the unfortunate thing about this synergy is that it only benefits individual officers and not the country as a whole. As these officers ransacked travellers’ checkin luggage, most especially those with massive check-in luggage (in most cases contraband goods) and first time travellers, their palms were continually greased by the travellers. Some even boldly requested for money from the travellers. Airside observed that any traveller with big check-in luggage that contain contraband goods will dip his or her hands into the pocket, bring out some squeezed naira notes, hand it over to a customs officer, who in turn passes it to another on ground.

British Airways expands operations to Liberia

ritish Airways has announced the commencement of flight operations from its base in London, England to Liberia, making the route its 19th to 16 African countries. An online statement signed by the airline’s media consultant in Nigeria stated that the Liberia route was the second increase to its African network in as many months. The airline earlier announced that it would double flights to Marrakech from three to six a week, take over the bmi route to Agadir and start three weekly frequencies to Freetown, Sierra Leone. Its winter schedule will now also include three weekly services to Monrovia via Freetown starting November 5, reducing to two between December 10 to February 4, 2013 for operational reasons and reverting to three

thereafter. The flights will all operate out of Terminal 5. It said it would operate a Boeing 767 to Monrovia in a threecabin configuration; World Traveller, World Traveller Plus and Club World. Other enhancements to the African network include doubling frequencies from Cape Town from daily to 14 a week. The additional services will operate as overnight flights, landing at Heathrow at 8am. Commenting on the new network, the Regional Manager Africa, BA, Mr. Ian Petrie, said that, “We’ve been flying in Africa for over 80 years and the continent remains a key part of our global route network. We’ve really looked at where we can add value to our customers and are flying to the business and leisure destinations they’re demanding.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insurance

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Regulator lauds rebirth of NICON Insurance NICON Insurance Plc has, indeed, come a long way from the turmoil of being a government owned company to a private entity under the control of the Energy Group. The company recently received accolades from the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel following strategic changes by the company to reposition it as Nigeria and Africa’s leading insurance services provider. OMOBOLA TOLU-KUSIMO reports

ollowing the appointment of Mr Fola Daniel, as Commissioner for Insurance in 2007, NICON Insurance Plc had scores of issues to settle with the insurance industry regulator, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM). In 1990, government divested its holdings in the company under the Federal Government’s Privatisation and Commercialisation Programme. The company was thereafter renamed, “NICON Insurance” by a Resolution passed by shareholders at the 29th Annual General Meeting in Lagos, on November 9, 1994. In 1994, NICON became a composite company with operations spanning life, non-life and special risks insurance business following its merger with its composite sister company - The NICON Nigeria Life and General Insurance Company. Ownership of the company changed in 2001 with the new Board redefining the Vision and Mission of the company. That same year, the company went through a re-engineering process to realign its operations to support the new vision and the changing needs of the market. In 2006, it became a member of the NICON Group of companies following the sale of the company to private sector investors through the Bureau of Public Enterprises privatisation programme. Shortly after the recapitalisation exercise in the insurance sector in 2007, NAICOM suspended the Board of Directors and Management of NICON Insurance. The regulator claimed that the board was dissolved because it failed to meet technical and regulatory requirements and failed to render both quarterly and annual returns as required by the Insurance Act and that claims are not being paid as and when due. But the management was restored and the dust settled after issues were sorted out between the company and the regulator. The commission handed over the notes in respect of NICON Insurance back to the Group Managing Director, Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim marking the end of the interim management in the company. Since then, the company had proceeded to strengthen itself by a devising culture of excellent customer service. It also has a stronger asset base, experienced technical staff, IT driven operations to support services delivery among others. Most recently, Daniel praised the company on its achievement so far at a seminar for in Calabar while giving journalists an update on companies that have been taken over by the commission since 2007.

The companies include NICON, Spring Life Insurance Limited, Investment and Allied Insurance Plc and Alliance and General Insurance Plc. Daniel said, “NICON Insurance has done fantastically well in recent times. It will be unfair for me to say NICON has not changed. “Our duty is to have insurance companies that settle claims as it arise which NICON has been doing well. They have also been rendering both quarterly and annual returns as and when due. The company has injected money into the company and everything we said they did wrong has been corrected.”, he added. Managing Director of NICON, Mr. Emmanuel Jegede on his part expressed joy over the commendation by the regulator. According to Jegede, consequent upon the commencement of the second phase of the Federal Government privatisation policy, which came into effect with the advent of democracy, NICON was privatised in December 2005. He said, “With an asset base of N52.4billion gathered over a 40-year period of operation, it is modest to classify NICON as a colossus in the insurance and other financial services sector. The company now has 60 offices across the country for ease of marketing and effective service delivery to our numerous clients making it the only insurance company in Nigeria that has offices in all the states of the Federation. “It is also worthy of note that NICON remains the only insurance company in Nigeria today where the Federal Government has equity participation, thereby enhancing the much needed strength and credibility to handle your risks.” Speaking on what led to the privatisation of the company, he said that it was in response to the global concern that government has no business in business. “World-over, a major role of government is to provide enabling environment for business people to do what they know how to do best and not to be in competition with the private people in any sector of the economy. You will remember that some other companies hitherto owned by the Federal Government were also privatised at about the same time. “Secondly, the company was not doing well at that time. Most of the government owned companies were more of liabilities than assets. In NICON, losses were recorded for about three years consecutively prior to privatisation. For instance, the company recorded N3.6billion and N1.1billion losses in 2004 and 2005 respectively”. Jegede noted that NICON had prob-

Daniel

Jegede

OUR DUTY IS TO HAVE INSURANCE COMPANIES THAT SETTLE CLAIMS AS IT ARISE WHICH

NICON HAS BEEN DOING WELL. THEY HAVE ALSO BEEN RENDERING BOTH QUARTERLY AND ANNUAL RETURNS AS AND WHEN DUE lems with NAICOM following the privatisation because it claimed that NICON failed to render both quarterly

and annual returns as required by the Insurance Act and that claims are not being paid as and when due.

Insurance

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cornerstone Insurance’s profit slumps, sets to merge with Linkage …Appoints new CEO

ornerstone Insurance Plc has posted a Profit after Tax of N166.5m in its 2011 result, a decline from N399.4m posted in 2010. The result was released recently at the Floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). Its gross earnings also dropped from N3.1b in the year under review from N3.3b recorded in the previous year while the gross premium written stood at N4.2b as against N4.022b written in 2010, both representing a decline in the company’s financial results. In the same vein, profit before tax also decreased to N109.5m, a decline from the N482.6m recorded in 2010. Besides, the company has notified the NSE of the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ganiyu Musa, with effect from July 26, 2012. Musa who is to take over the baton of leadership from the in-

cumbent CEO, of Mr. Livingstone Magorimbo is to oversee the company’s insurance operations. Magorimbo took over from Dominic Ichaba in 2010, who was acting as at that time in that capacity. The new CEO’s appointment was disclosed in a statement signed by Josephine Igbinosun notifying the NSE and its shareholders. The appointment precedes an earlier announcement of a proposed merger between Cornerstone and Linkage Insurance Plc. The two institutions had informed shareholders of their plan to merge the entities into one. The merger will thus, result in the transfer of all assets, liabilities and undertakings, including real properties and intellectual property rights of Linkage Insurance Plc to Cornerstone Insurance Plc, and the cancellation of the issued shares of Linkage Insurance Plc.

NAICOM, NIC of Ghana sign MoU on cross boarder supervision

fforts by the National Insurance Commission of Nigeria (NAICOM) and the National Insurance Commission of Ghana (NIC) to strengthen cross border insurance supervision through information sharing and investigative assistance has been boosted. Both regulators have recently signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the apex insurance regulatory agency in Nigeria and the Ghanaian insurance regulatory body. The ceremony was held at the corporate head office of NAICOM in Abuja. Nigeria’s Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of NAICOM, Mr. Fola Daniel signed for NAICOM while Mrs. Nyamikeh Kyiamah, Ghana’s Commissioner of Insurance signed for NIC. Earlier in his welcome address, Daniel noted that the objective of the MoU “is to formalise the relationship between both parties in strengthening cross border insurance supervision which is in conformity with International Association of Insurance Supervision (IAIS) principles. both NAICOM and NIC are active members of AIO and IAIS which recognise the importance of these arrangements for cooperation and information sharing between the two insurance regulators.” He added that the impor-

tance of the agreement is further underscored by the “fact that NAICOM is the home regulator of many insurance companies authorised by NIC to conduct insurance business in Ghana. The increased activities of these Nigerian insurance Companies in Ghana therefore, make NIC Ghana one of our most important regulatory allies.” He appreciated the Ghanaian Commissioner of Insurance for her commitment and dedication towards the development and conclusion of the bilateral agreement and commended her vision and ambitious objective in the development of West Africa’s insurance market. In her remarks, Mrs. Kyiamah stated that the insurance industry is changing rapidly in response to a wide range of legal, regulatory, social, technological and economic forces.

Kyiamah

Silaiman

In consideration of the transfer of all assets, liabilities and undertakings, as well as real property and intellectual property rights of Linkage Insurance Plc to Cornerstone Insurance Plc, the shareholders of the scheme shares of Linkage Insurance Plc so cancelled will be entitled to 30 per cent shareholding, approximately, 74 per cent of the current shareholding in Linkage of Post-Merger Cornerstone Insurance Plc. The application for the merger is however, still under consideration by the Stock Exchange and the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM). The new CEO, Musa, graduated from University of Lagos in 1984 with B.Sc. in Business Administration and a Masters’

degree in Banking and Finance. He started his working career with Pannell Derr Forster (Chartered Accountants) as Audit Trainee and later Audit Senior between 1985 and 1989. He moved to Arthur Andersen & Co (Chartered Accountants) in 1989 as Audit Semi Senior and later Experienced Senior. He joined African Reinsurance Corporation as Senior Accountant in 1992. He was at various times Assistant Director, Finance & Accounts, Acting Director, Finance & Accounts and later Deputy Managing Director, Services. Between 2006 and 2011 he was Insurance Sector Specialist with African Capital Alliance/Cornerstone Insurance Plc. He is also a member of many professional bodies such as Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (Fellow), Chartered Insurance Institute, London and Chartered Insurance Institute, Nigeria. He was the best overall student in order of merit in ICAN Professional Examination in 1988. He has played a lead role in the due diligence, valuation and negotiation of a merger arrangement involving two mid-sized insurance entities. He is a member of the Investment Committee of a $100m private equity fund, and Chairman of the Investment Strategy Committee of a top three (3) Pension Fund Administration company among others.

Reinsurance prices expected to be flat at year-end renewals

einsurers, brokers and other experts meeting in Monte Carlo, Monaco, this week have said that reinsurance prices largely will be flat at yearend renewals, barring any major catastrophes. While reinsurance capacity remains plentiful, the continued influence of 2011 catastrophe losses on the market and low interest rates dampening investment income likely will stifle attempts by cedents to significantly lower reinsurance rates, experts say. And demand for reinsurance may increase next year as insurers in Europe prepare for increased capital requirements under the Solvency II regulatory regime, they say. Reinsurers, brokers and other market participants are meeting in Monte Carlo for the annual Rendez-vous de Septembre reinsurance meeting, which marks the traditional start of year-end renewal negotiations. Reinsurance rates for contracts renewing throughout 2011 have seen increases, but rate hikes have

been moderating as the year progresses, said Ulrich Wallin, CEO of Hannover Reinsurance Co. “Provided that there’s no significant loss between now and year-end, we expect further moderation. Rates likely will vary depending on classes of business, but U.S. catastrophe reinsurance “should see increases of around 5%,” Wallin said. But some U.S. catastrophe programs could see modest decreases in rates, said David Priebe, vice chairman of Guy Carpenter & Co. “U.S. property cat rates represent the most attractive pieces of business in the world … the market feels that the margins in that area are attractive,” he said. Non-catastrophe programs, such as aggregate excess of loss programs, may still see some increases, depending on the individual risks, Mr. Priebe said. “But there is good dialogue between cedents and capital providers on developing program structures and pricing that makes sense.”

How to use your insurance to help your adult children

f you are trying to help your adult children find their financial footing during the current recession, you’re not alone. A study recently presented at a meeting of the Population Association of America found that most young adults today are getting a monetary boost from Mom and Dad. Your children may be hurting financially, but there’s no reason to place your own finances in jeopardy in order to come to their aid. There are a variety of ways to use insurance policies to help them achieve financial security. • Create a legacy through life insurance “Most people think life insurance is for straight death benefit protection,” says Kristen Komer, a spokesperson for MetLife. “But life insurance is a great financial solution for those who want to leave a legacy.” Life insurance benefits are taxexempt, which makes this a good way to transfer wealth from one generation to another. • Use a life insurance policy’s cash value to provide funds A typical permanent life insurance policy has a cash value account that grows over time. If you have such a policy, you can tap into its cash value. According to the Pew Research Center, 39 percent of young adults ages 18 to 34 remain at home with their parents or have temporarily returned because of the tough economy. Komer says borrowing against your life insurance policy’s cash value can be one way to help children pay off loans, buy a home or start a business. That can move them into independent living. “The first thing they need to do is consider their own financial situation,” he says. Consider whether you might need that cash value yourself. • Buy life insurance for your child The main reason to buy life insurance is to replace a wage earner’s income. Although it often is dismissed as unnecessary, buying a permanent life insurance policy for a young child can be beneficial, says Komer. “It’s a great first start to getting them some financial security, something you should think about right away.” For example, Komer says a $20,000 policy purchased at birth may accumulate as much as $4,000 in cash value by age 18. With annual premiums often less than $200, this can be a vehicle for helping a child get cash for college or other needs. • Keep an adult child on your health insurance plan Health insurance doesn’t come cheap. The Kaiser Family Foundation found the average annual cost in 2010 for single coverage on the individual market was $2,580. For that price, many young adults see health insurance as a luxury.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

FG plans to issue N863bn T-bills in Q4 JOHNSON OKANLAWON

he Federal Government has said it plans to raise N863.2bn worth of 91-day, 182-day and one year in treasury bills at its regular bi-monthly debt auction in the fourth quarter. Specifically in September, the Central Bank of Nigerian said it will issue N37.49bn in 91-day paper and N63.73bn worth in 182-day bills on Thursday, while it will also issue N21.84bn in 91-day, N59.08bn in 182-day and N23.78bn worth one year, in September. According to the CBN, bills to be auction in October are N30.16bn bills in 91-day, N73.49bn in 182-day and N68.19bn in one year.

Others are N34.89bn in 91day, N45bn in 182-day and N31.37bn in one year. The apex bank said that N32.06bn bills worth N91day, N50bn in 182-day and N47.79bn in one year will be issued in Novermber. Others to be issued in the same month are N30.65bn in 91-day, N45bn in 182day and N40.54bn in one year. Also, the government is proposing to issue N32.97bn in 91-day, N45bn in 182-day and N50bn in one year in December, 2012. Offshore investors have been showing increasing interest in sovereign debt ahead of next month’s inclusion of Nigeria’s bonds in JP Morgan’s emerging market government bond index

The government issues treasury bills regularly to reduce money supply, curb inflation and help banks manage their liquidity. Meanwhile, naira fell to its lowest in a week against the United States dollar on the interbank market yesterday, as strong dollar demand outpaced thin supply from an oil company and some offshore investors into local debt. The naira closed at N157.75 to the dollar, weaker than the N157.55 it closed at on Friday, but back at the level it was last Monday. Dealers said unit of Addax petroleum sold about $10m to some banks on Monday, while dollar flow from offshore investors

Guinness profit drops in H1, as market makers begin operation today JOHNSON OKANLAWON

uinness Nigeria Plc has declared a profit after tax of N14.7bn for the half year ended June 30, 2012, a decline by 18.2 per cent when compared to N17.9bn recorded in the same period of 2011. The company’s distribution expenses rose by 18.5 per cent to N13.4bn in 2012, from N11.3bn in 2011 half year, while its turnover stood at N126.3bn in 2012, from N123.7bn in the corresponding period of 2011. According to the result presented to the Nigerian

Stock Exchange yesterday, cost of sales increased by 2.1 per cent in the review period, from N68.6bn in 2011 half year to N70.1bn in 2012. Further analysis of the result showed 0.2 per cent rise in the company’s net assets, from N40.35bn in 2011 half year to N40.28 in 2012, while the value of stocks appreciated to N21.9bn in the review period, from N17.4bn in the same period in 2011. The company’s shares were flat at N260.18 on the Exchange on Monday. Meanwhile, bullish trend in equities continued on the NSE yesterday, as more investors took position on

stocks. The All-Share index rose by 0.14 per cent to close at 25,373.83 points, compared to the increase by 0.75 per cent recorded on Friday to close at 25,337.18 points. Market capitalisation appreciated by N11.7bn to close at N8.07trn, lower than the rise by N60.1bn recorded on Friday to close at N8.06trn. Transaction volume in equities dropped by 14.7 per cent, as a total of 361.66 million shares valued at N2.58bn were exchanged in 4,636 deals, compared to 423.74 million shares worth N2.96bn traded in 4,876 deals on Friday.

US stocks fall on Europe woes

nited States stocks fell yesterday, after the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index rallied to its highest level since 2007, as concern grew over Europe’s debt crisis and manufacturing in the New York area shrank more than forecast. Bank of America Corporation and Morgan Stanley slid more than two per cent after two weeks of gains. The Wells Fargo and Company fell 1.2 per cent after being downgraded at Stifel Nicolaus and Company Cliffs Natural Resources Incorporation lost 6.3 per cent after its rating was cut by JPMorgan Chase and

Company Apple Incorporation gained 0.9 per cent as pre- orders of its iPhone five topped 2 million units in one day. Office Depot Incorporation rose 7.9 per cent after Starboard Value LP took a stake in the company. The S&P 500 slid 0.2 per cent to 1,462.22 points. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 39.15 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 13,554.22 points. Trading in S&P 500 companies was down 5.8 per cent from the 30-day average. “It looks like we need to take a smaller breather after the sizable rally that we’ve had,” Randy Frederick,

Managing Director of active trading and derivatives at Charles Schwab Corporation said. “There’s the potential for a small pull-back, but I think we will move back into the bull territory later in the week unless there’s an unexpected negative news event.” The S&P 500 rallied last week to the highest level since December 2007 as the Federal Reserve’s plan to buy mortgage securities fueled demand for riskier assets. Commodity, financial and industrial shares had the biggest gains among 10 groups in the benchmark gauge, helping to extend its two-week advance to 4.2 per

trickled into the market, but not enough to stem the depreciation. The naira has been hovering at around N157 to N158 level for three weeks, owing to dollar sales by the state oil company, multinational oil firms and inflows from offshore investors buying local debt. Dealers said the naira weakened to as low of N157.90 intraday because of buying by some importers, but closed at N157.75 after Addax released its bid result. “We see the naira trending around the present level for the rest of the week because of anticipated dollar inflows from offshore investors in a bond auction later in the week,” one dealer said. The market makers will commence operation on the Exchange today with 16 stocks in their baskets. A market maker can be described as a brokerdealer that stands ready to buy and sell a particular stock on a regular and continuous basis at a publicly quoted price. The stocks are Fidelity Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, UACN Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, LafargeWAPCO Plc, International Breweries Plc, Nigeria Breweries Plc, Diamond Bank Plc, First City Monument Bank Plc and DN Meyer Plc. Others are Sterling Bank Plc, Bagco Plc, Presco Plc, PZ Cusson Plc, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Red Star Express Plc.

cent. The index is about seven per cent away from its alltime high set in October 2007. Stocks fell on Monday as European Union finance ministers failed to agree on a timetable for a more unified banking sector and clashed over terms of bailout requests and the role of the European Central Bank at a meeting September 14 in Cyprus. Citigroup Incorporation became the latest bank to cut its growth forecast for China. At least 13 banks and brokerages have reduced their 2012 economic growth forecasts for the world’s second-largest economy this month.

Source: NSE NIBOR QUOTES 14 SEPTEMBER & 17 SEPTEMBER 2012 25.00 24.00 23.00 22.00 21.00 20.00 19.00 18.00 17.00 16.00 15.00 14.00 13.00 12.00 11.00 10.00

14-Sep-12

17-Sep-12

Source: FMDA

Market indicators Market indicators

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

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

ROYALEX

0.60

0.63

0.03

% CHANGE 5.00

INTBREW

13.60

14.28

0.68

5.00

ROADS

9.74

10.22

0.48

4.93

DIAMONDBNK

3.27

3.43

0.16

4.89

UBN

7.18

7.53

0.35

4.87

UAC-PROP

10.50

11.01

0.51

4.86

FIDSON

1.05

1.10

0.05

4.76

CUTIX

1.51

1.58

0.07

4.64

TRANSCORP

0.89

0.93

0.04

4.49

UPL

4.36

4.55

0.19

4.36

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

CADBURY

21.44

CLOSING 20.37

1.07

-4.99

MAYBAKER

1.65

1.57

0.08

-4.85

NPFMCRFBK

1.05

1.00

0.05

-4.76

AGLEVENT

1.35

1.29

0.06

-4.44

STERLNBANK

1.37

1.31

0.06

-4.38

ASHAKACEM

12.70

12.22

0.48

-3.78

BAGCO

1.89

1.84

0.05

-2.65

24.74

24.16

0.58

-2.34

LIVESTOCK

1.48

1.45

0.03

-2.03

UBA

4.67

4.59

0.08

-1.71

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91-Day

32,970.71

14.10

20-Sep-12

182-Day

50,000.00

15.40

19-Sep-12

364 -Day

60,000.00

9.05

6-Sep-12

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

48Days

7,302.20

14.39

20-Sep-12

118-Day

50,282.86

14.08

30-Aug-12

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$190m

N/A

$130m

17-Sep-12

$200m

N/A

$200m

12-Sep-12

Capital Market

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at September 17, 2012 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

CONTINUED FROM 13 The spokesman of the Lagos State chapter of the ACN, Joe Igbokwe, advised the PDP and the Jonathan presidency to seek for ways of restoring the confidence of Nigerians in their collective capacity to lead the country. Igbokwe said: “The time has come for the president to measure his words and ensure they conform to reality. We feel embarrassed that Nigerians have come to attach less value to the words of their president. “We know that this president and his party are apostles of power without responsibility and he may honestly nurse the dream that with its poor outing in the last 13 years, the PDP can win any election by merely wishing and deploying its rigging power. “We want President Jonathan to know that the PDP in the South-West is a dying group of parodists whose false rise to relevance through election rigging has been successfully frustrated by the people of the zone.” The ACN added that Jonathan should realise that “Nigerians are currently united by how to ensure that his regime, is democratically offloaded to give way for the start of the quest to recover Nigeria.” Stakeholders in the South-West, especially leaders of the ACN, have also reacted to the marching orders handed down to the PDP by Jonathan for the reclamation of the zone. The National Vice Chairman (SouthWest) of the ACN, Senator James Kolawole, laughed off the PDP, saying that it is a mission that cannot be accomplished. He told National Mirror: “It is wishful thinking for the PDP to think, talk less of saying it will win elections in the SouthWest in 2015. Although we are in a democratic setting where anybody can wish anything, but judging by the facts on the ground, it is a mission impossible for the PDP. If the president is going to make any such vow, it should be based on facts. “Throughout its eight years in government in the South-West, it did not do anything that would make any Yoruba man to want it to return to the helm of affairs in the zone. The Yoruba people are enlightened, intelligent and highly sophisticated people and they would only vote for a party based on its performance and not rhetoric. “And when we talk of democracy, you don’t talk of capturing. We are not in a war zone, for crying out loud. You don’t talk of capturing any zone in democracy, people vote for parties to be in government on the basis of what you have done or would do for them. “During the eight years of their reign in the South-West, the roads were in shambles, the infrastructure collapsed completely, our educational system was in shambles, the people of the zone were denied and starved of dividends of democracy and the entire zone was in a state of retrogression, and they said they are coming back, coming back to do what? It is not possible. “In the South-West, the image of the PDP had gone down to level zero and I don’t think there is anything it can do to redeem the image. And I don’t see any miracle it can perform between now and 2015 that would give it any inch of inroad to the South-West.” Others believed that the PDP is still in dream land. In fact a PDP chieftain told National Mirror under the condition of

2015: Will PDP reclaim South-West? THE YORUBA PEOPLE ARE ENLIGHTENED, INTELLIGENT AND HIGHLY SOPHISTICATED PEOPLE AND THEY WOULD ONLY VOTE FOR A PARTY BASED ON ITS PERFORMANCE AND NOT RHETORIC anonymity that his party is simply deluding itself. He said the party is yet to put its house in order and as such cannot present any formidable front to slug it out with other parties in the zone. He cited the intra-party wranglings bedeviling the party in Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti states, wondering how possible it is for a house that is divided against itself to stand before the kind of opposition it has in the South-West. Another chieftain of the PDP, who contested on the platform of the party during the 2011 election also told National Mirror that the PDP plan could remain a mirage unless the party leaders, who have continually short-change the party to satisfy their own selfish interest have a change of heart. He said that many leaders of the party, especially during elections only corner for themselves, money meant for the prosecution of elections, a reason he said was responsible for the party’s dismal showing in the South-West in the last election, especially in Lagos State. His words: “The rating of our party in Lagos and the entire South West is very low and unless something drastic is done urgently to correct this anomaly, 2015 could even be worse for the PDP than 2011. Unless we change the way we do things and handle issues in our party, we would continue to achieve the same results.” Meanwhile, a peep into the past would show that the PDP undid itself by its woeful performance index in the states where it held sway before the 2011 elections. Another factor that undid it was the internal strife that engulfed it in the run up to the 2011 elections. In Oyo and Ogun states, aggrieved members of the party worked assiduously for the success of the opposition as a result of what one PDP chieftain referred to as its exclusive tendencies, where a few party leaders would commandeer the party apparatus for selfish end at the detriment of the party and members. The popular saying that once bitten twice shy would probably denote the mood of the people of the zone who did not see the essence of their coming into the mainstream of Nigerian politics between 2003 and 2010/2011. Analysts from the zone agreed on the fact that the PDP had nothing to point at as what the South-West benefited from belonging to the mainstream politics of the Nigerian nation. Therefore, many political observers believed that the outdated sing-song of belonging to the mainstream once again would not sell in the South West, most es-

Akpabio

Oyinlola

pecially with the glaring marginalisation of the zone in the scheme of things at the PDP-controlled central government. But some observers were of the opinion however, that unless the ACN administrations in the South-West wake up from their slumber and deliver the much-needed democracy dividends to the political savvy people of the zone, it might also found itself at the receiving end of political misfortune and misadventure, come 2015. It was the general consensus of stakeholders in the zone that so far, the ACN governments have not performed up to the people’s expectations. After the exit of Obasanjo from government in 2007, perhaps, the highest post occupied by any South-Westerner was the position of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, first occupied by Patricia Etteh and Dimeji Bankole after Etteh’s removal. It even got worse in the present dispensation as no South-Westerner is found in the top 10 political offices, whether appointed or elected. Another angle to the reclamation mantra, according to analysts and political watchers of events, was that the president is turning to the South-West for a critical support base for his second term ambition. This was just as the president met leaders of the PDP from the South-West, including former governors on the platform of the PDP.

Although the meeting was said to have been called to deliberate on the planned wrestling of power from the ACN, National Mirror reliably gathered that Jonathan also used the meeting to disabuse the minds of former governors of Oyo and Ogun states, Adebayo Alao-Akala and Gbenga Daniel, that he has abandoned them to their fate as they face trials in the hands of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Few years back, the PDP in the SouthWest would have laughed it off, if anyone had told the party leadership that it would be sitting by the sidelines in the political calculations of the zone. The reason for this is not far-fetched. As at June 2010, the PDP was in control of four of the six states in the zone, leaving only one each for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the Labour Party (LP). While the PDP had in its kitty Ekiti, Oyo, Osun and Ogun states, the ACN only had control over Lagos State while the LP was at the helm of affairs in Ondo State. But by a twist of fate, the PDP fell from its Olympian height in quick succession and by the time the dusts raised by the 2011 elections were cleared, it had no single state to hold on to in the South-West; having lost Ekiti and Osun states in quick succession to the ACN in 2010, following the judgements of the Court of Appeal which declared the ACN candidates – Rauf Aregbesola and Kayode Fayemi – in those states the winner of the 2007 election in Osun and the rerun election in Ekiti states respectively. The April 2011 general elections were no better as the party lost the remaining two states, Oyo and Ogun, which were left to it. It not only lost out in the governorship elections, but was roundly beaten in parliamentary elections by the LP in Ondo State and the ACN in the remaining states of the zone. The party has therefore since found itself in the opposition in the South-West politics. At the inception of the present democratic experiment, the South-West pitched its tent with the Alliance for Democracy (AD), which won all the states in the zone in 1999. In 2003, the AD governors, with exception of the then Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, fell for the political dexterity of the former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who sought for their support in his bid for a second term, while also promising the governors a second term in office. The rest as they say, is history as Obasanjo got his second term and also used the opportunity to sweep away the AD from the zone and that marked the beginning of the inroad of the PDP into the South West. With the exception of Lagos State, the commercial nerve-centre of the country, the PDP took control of the South-West like a hurricane and continued with the control in 2007, although there were allegations of widespread rigging in that election. Will the PDP planned capture of the South-West come to reality in the face of the challenges before it in the zone or will it be another mission impossible for the big umbrella? Events in the months ahead will be pointers to whether or not the party would return to the pinnacle of the South West political firmament.

Politics

n the first year of its life, which commenced from June 6, 2011 to June 6, 2012, 203 bills were introduced into the 7th Senate. Out of the lots, the bills passed by the Senate, albeit, the National Assembly and assented to by the president are the 2012 Appropriation Act, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) Statutory Appropriation Acts 2012. They also include the Universities Miscellaneous Provision Act (Amendment) Aill and the retirement age of staff of federal polytechnics and colleges of education bill, both bills seek to address the lingering crises between members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government and amongst others including the 75 years retirement age for professors etc. Also, out of the 203 bills, 23 were passed by the Senate and transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence. In addition, the Senate has constituted a conference committee to harmonise the differences on the bills establishing the 10 federal universities with the House of Representatives. The other bills are currently undergoing various stages of legislation. Besides the bills, the Senate considered very important reports on motions referred to the various committees and took some far-reaching resolutions for the executive to implement. Some of the resolutions taken concerned the following: looming danger of bankruptcy of states, the need for fiscal evaluation, new price regime of number plates and drivers license, plight of awaiting prisoners in Nigerian prisons, state of emergency in certain local government areas in the country, general insecurity in the country, National Assembly procurement process, rescission of the Senate resolution on the committal of the occupational safety and health and the institute of registered safety professionals bills to the committee on health. Others are the dwindling state of Nigerian football – the need for decisive action to reclaim its lost glory, the appointment and inauguration of the National Council on Public Procurement, International Women’s Day celebration, failed rescue attempt of the abducted British and Italian nationals, non disbursement of federal statutory funds to local government areas under the state of emergency, coup in Mali and election in Senegal and the violation of aviation laws and practices by foreign airlines, amongst others. The Senate also within its first year confirmed very important executive nominations, which included Mariam Alooma Muktar as the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria, confirmation of Justices Clara Ogunbiyi, Musa Dattijo Mohammed, Kumai Bayang Akaahs and Stanley Shenkop Alagoe as Justices of the Supreme Court. Others were the confirmation of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde, confirmation of five nominees as Resident Electoral Commissioners in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), confirmation of three nominees as commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), confirmation of Chairman and nine members of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), confirmation of two persons as members of the Federal Judicial Service Council and Chairman and board mem-

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Onerous tasks as Senate reconvenes THE

PARLIAMENT

The 7th Senate, which resumes from its first year annual vacation today, Tuesday, September 18, will be preoccupied with the review of the 1999 Constitution, new Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), 2013 Appropriation Bill, amendment of the Central Bank Act, 2007, amongst other matters, writes GEORGE OJI.

Mark

Sanusi

bers of the National Human Rights Commission. Also in compliance with section 305(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Senate approved the proclamation of state of emergency declared in some local government areas of Borno, Plateau, Niger and Yobe states. The emergency was declared by President Goodluck Jonathan on December 26, 2011 and ratified by the Senate on January 11, 2012 when the lawmakers resume plenary from their Christmas and New Year break Before it commenced its annual vacation, the Senate took some time out for a one-week retreat, which held at the Le Meridian Ibom Hotels and Gulf Resort, Uyo, Akwa Ibom, which sole aim was to take stock of its performances, to enable the lawmakers keep abreast of the socio-economic and political challenges through direct interaction and intervention targeted at legislation. The theme of the retreat was the “National Assembly and National Security: Securing the future for development.” Also, shortly before its annual vacation on July 20, the Senate received reports on the activities of its respective committees as well as the budget performance of the Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs). The consideration of the reports is expected to be one of the topmost activi-

ties the senators will embark on as they resume today. Besides the consideration of the performance reports of the various Senate committees, another issue for top consideration by the Senate will be the bills that deal with the amendment of the 1999 Constitution. Just before it went on holidays, the Senate constitutional review committee embarked on a two-day retreat in Asaba, Delta State, to brainstorm on the direction of the assignment. Already, the 46-member committee headed by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, had as at July received a number of memoranda from individuals and groups as inputs to be considered in the exercise following the advertisement for the call for memoranda. To ease the work of the Senate on the exercise as well as properly guide Nigerians, it (Senate) has sieved the issues to be looked at during the exercise into 16 items. These include devolution of powers, recognition of six geo-political zones in the constitution, role for the traditional rulers, local government, taking out (land use act, NYSC act, code of conduct), fiscal federalism and amendment of provisions relating to amendment of the constitution, state creation and boundary adjustment – to remove ambiguity. The rest are immunity clause, Nigerian police, judiciary, executive,

THE NEXT ISSUE THAT WILL ENGAGE THE

ATTENTION OF THE RED CHAMBER... IS THE

CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA (CBN) ACT 2007... FOLLOWING THE RECENT REVELATION BY THE CBN GOVERNOR THAT REVIEW OF THE

THE APEX BANK WOULD SOON EMBARK ON THE REVIEW OF THE NATION’S CURRENCIES

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

rotation of executive offices, gender and special groups, mayoral status for the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the residency and indigene provisions. All appear to be fully set for the committee to commence the review process in full steam. In addition, the Senate will be very much occupied with the consideration of the executive bill on the new Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which was forwarded to both chambers of the National Assembly by President Jonathan shortly before the lawmakers embarked on the break. All eyes will be on the National Assembly as they consider the bill for a number of reasons. The bill has been in the works for 12 years and it seeks to amalgamate the 16 laws in the oil and gas sector. Several attempts at promulgating the legislation in the past has been politicised and frustrated. The importance of the PIB is that it encompasses the legal framework that will define and shape the future of the nation’s oil sector. The bill aims amongst others to create a conducive business environment for petroleum operations, optimise domestic gas supplies, particularly for power generation and industrial development, establish a progressive fiscal framework that encourages further investment in the petroleum industry, while optimising revenues accruing to the government, establish commercially orientated and profit driven oil and gas entities as well as deregulate and liberalise the downstream sector. Described by the Senate President David Mark as, “the Bible of the petroleum industry,” the bill when enacted into law will enhance the exploration and exploitation of the petroleum resources for the benefit of Nigerian people, create effective regulatory agencies, promote the development of local contents in the petroleum industry and protect health, safety and environment in the course of petroleum operations. Perhaps, the next issue that will engage the attention of the red chamber as the lawmakers resume today is the review of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act 2007. Before the Senate went on vacation the bill seeking to compel the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to submit its annual budget to the National Assembly for screening and approval had passed its second reading. The bill was in response to the position of the CBN governor, Malam Lamido Sanusi that the National Assembly has by the CBN Act of 2007 donated its powers to appropriate the annual budget for the CBN to the apex bank’s board of directors. Following the recent revelation by the CBN governor that the apex bank would soon embark on the review of the nation’s currencies and the public outcry that trailed the proposal, the Senate will likely seize the opportunity of the current review of the CBN Act 2007 to do something in that direction. The new currency policy, according to Sanusi, seeks a holistic restructuring of the nation’s currencies, with a plan to introduce for the first time in the nation’s history N5,000 banknotes, N5, N10 and N20 coins while other denominations will experience significant changes in their features. Also, the Senate is expected to receive the 2013 appropriation bill from the President before the end of September for early consideration. In all, as the senators reconvene after this eight-week vacation, there are expectations that the lawmakers will work at a very high speed in order to meet the demands of legislation that has been outstanding.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

THE

PARLIAMENT

Politics

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Impeachment: Reps’ honour on the line

Before their adjournment for a two-month recess that ends today, the House of Representatives purportedly issued a threat to impeach the president if the 2012 budget has not been substantially implemented. As at today, the budget remains less than 50 per cent implemented. But the question is: Will the House keep its honour and proceed with its threat this week? TORDUE SALEM writes.

YOU CANNOT MOVE AGAINST WHAT IS

NOT YET THERE... THE

HOUSE IS STILL

LOOKING AT THE PERCENTAGE OF THE

2012 BUDGET, AND IS YET TO COME UP WITH A POSITION.

SO, THE SUIT WAS UNNECESSARY IN THE FIRST PLACE

n Abuja High Court judgement last Friday refusing to bar the House of Representatives from drawing articles of impeachment against President Goodluck Jonathan, over his poor implementation of the 2012 Budget, would certainly bolster the plot to oust the President as the House resumes session today. A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had rejected a plea entered by the National Chairman of African Liberation Party (ALP), Dr. Emmanuel Osita Okereke, against the constitutional rights of the Green Chamber to remove a President over what they consider an abuse of office. The presiding judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, held that the court could not entertain the suit because the impeachment proceedings were yet to begin in the House. In his reaction, a member of the House, Hon. Sylvester Ogbaga (PDP/Ebonyi), said the “court only did what was expected of a sound judicial system.” According to him, “you cannot move against what is not yet there,” adding that “the House is still looking at the percentage of the 2012 Budget, and is yet to come up with a position. So, the suit was unnecessary in the first place.” But today puts the threat of the House to sack President Jonathan on the basis of poor implementation of the 2012 Budget to the test. The lower, but belligerent, chamber of the National Assembly had on July 17, passed a resolution threatening to oust Jonathan on their return from a two-month recess today, if the 2012 Budget remained unimplemented as passed by the National Assembly in the first quarter of the year. The anchor of the impeachment move, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, had argued that the failure of the President to implement the Appropriation Act was a serious breach of an act of parliament and must provoke the invocation of the articles of impeachment on the return of the House from its long recess. The impeachment attracted a response from the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who insisted that 56 per cent and not 34 per cent of the budget was already implemented. She faulted the House, claiming that before their resumption, the budget would have achieved a higher implementation.

But the Senate Committee on Appropriation would later be served with a much more damning version of the implementation of the budget. At a budget defence session, where Okonjo-Iweala was also present, directors at her ministry told the Senate that only about 21 per cent of the budget, as against their minister’s figure was implemented as at one month ago. The House would later cry vindication and even threaten to sanction Okonjo-Iweala if she continued to challenge its figures or percentage. The House also held series of press conferences challenging the figures of the ministry and at a point even accused the minister of ‘smuggling’ into the budget, a N1.6 billion water project for her hometown in Delta State. The lawmakers also accused President Jonathan of trying to blackmail them as looters of constituency project funds, when in actual fact, lawmakers had no business with such money. The plot thickened and extended to the United States where the Speaker of the House, Aminu Tambuwal was hosted by Gbajabiamila to a long meeting, where the impeachment onslaught was said to be further discussed. Splinter groups would however emerge later in the House on the impeachment matter. The South-South Caucus had met severally on how to scuttle the plot, but failed to arrive at a definite plan. But as many issues cropped around and away from the contentious issue, some lull kicked in and Nigerians began to doubt if the House would keep to its impeachment threat. But just when Nigerians thought the sound of war has been drowned by compromise, the Green Chamber sprung from its slumber last Tuesday and ordered its committees to produce a report on the implementation status of the 2012 Budget. To reinforce the earlier threat, the office of the Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Leo Ogor on behalf of the Speaker, issued a statement last week, directing the 85 standing committees of the House to order ministries to within four days, submit precise percentages of their respective budgets. The report of committees is expected to be turned in today at plenary to allow the House to decide on its threat to oust the President. The letter reads in part: “The Honourable Speaker hereby

Jonathan

Tambuwal

requests all committees of the House to conduct a thorough appraisal of the status of implementation of the 2012 appropriation act before resumption of the House from recess on September 18.” According to the letter signed by Ogor, “In this regard, you are to request all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs that you oversight to submit the status of all releases of funds, how much has been accessed, contracts awarded and general implementation status of the 2012 Appropriation Act.”

PIB also tops agenda The contentious Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) would also receive accelerated hearing as the House resumes today. A statement from the Media and Public Affairs Committee, signed by its Deputy Chairman, Hon. Victor Ogene last week, stated that the bill is presently being attended to by the Justice and Petroleum (Up and Downstream) Committees of the House. According to him, “while on recess, committees were engaged with the bill and other matters.” It will be recalled that the House had a few days to closure

for recess lampooned the executive for bringing a reviewed draft of the PIB to the House for consideration. The House described the presentation of the bill before the House “so late”, and as a “deliberate attempt by the Presidency to blackmail” the National Assembly. Speaker Tambuwal said the House had received only 30 copies of the bill and would require at least 400 copies to begin work, saying the executive arm of government is trying ridicule the House of Representatives on the controversial PIB. The House blamed the executive for laying the bill for consideration on the day it was embarking on a long break that ends in September. The House said it could only begin work on the bill on its resumption. The Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Albert Sam-Tsokwa in an interview with National Mirror last week, said he was surprised that it took the executive over one year to re-jig a bill that needed amendments. According to Tsokwa, the executive should be held responsible for the delay in petroleum sector reform, which the piece of legislation is about. According to him, “the House reintroduced the PIB as soon as the 7th Assembly was inaugurated and we took the first reading. But the executive said the House should not do that because they are working on a better version. “We waited for one full year but the executive could not bring their version. Then on the very day the House was going on recess, they brought the bill with the impression that the bill was brought in July and first reading was taken in September. “This is an attempt to blackmail the House and we will not succumb to such a cheap blackmail.” The lawmaker expressed doubts over the seriousness of the Presidency to tackle inadequacies in the sector. He said: “If the executive were committed to the bill, why did it take them more than a year to submit a bill that had been presented in the previous assembly? And because we are serious about the PIB, we have asked the executive to give us 360 copies of the bill for every member so that the issue of fake version would not arise. They are yet to produce the copies.” The PIB is expected to overhaul the country’s oil and gas industry that is entrenched in wanton corruption and maladministration. When passed into law, the sector is capable of attracting investment into natural gas and generating employment opportunities for Nigerians. The PIB, because of its potential for a drastic transformation of the oil sector, has generated a lot interest in and outside the country and has pitted industry players against one other. Other issues that would require urgent attention, would be the re-jigging of Committee on Education as a result of the corruption allegation against its suspended chairman, Farouk Lawan, and a few other committees to fulfil the zoning arrangement in the House. The House on its resumption is also expected to look into other several reports awaiting its consideration.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror NGO to launch entrepreneurship summit in Akwa Ibom

“National problems require active support of the public.” NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER, COL. MOHAMMED DASUKI (RTD)

Confusion trails woman’s death in Onitsha

Flood sweeps away 12-yr-old

NWABUEZE OKONKWO

LOKOJA

ONITSHA

onfusion is now trailing the sudden and unnatural death of an unidentified woman at the Upper Iweka area of Onitsha, Anambra State. While some people allege the deceased may have been murdered by ritual killers who took some body parts while snatching away her son, the police insist she slumped and died. Residents of Onitsha had woken up to discover the lifeless body of the woman lying in a pool of blood which raised suspicion that she was murdered by some unknown persons for ritual purpose. According to eye witnesses, the woman, who was seen in the early morning hours carrying her son, was immediately accosted by some persons who tried to snatch her son, even as she resisted. The sources maintained that following this, the ritualists decided to kill her to enable them kidnap her son. The Divisional Police Officer, DPO, at the Central Police Station (CPS), Onitsha, Yusuf Abdul, who confirmed the death, dismissed the ritualists’ story, saying there was no atom of truth in the speculation.

ADEMU IDAKWO

12 year old boy, Ismaila Idris has been drowned in Ankpa, Kogi State following torrential rains that swept through the town. According to eye witness, the flood, which drowned the boy from Angwa-Ede community, also

swept several vehicles into a gully along Otukpo road. The erosion, which made the major road impassable and a death trap, is causing anxiety among the town’s inhabitants who now live in fears. The interim local government chairman, Mallam Isah Abdul, who undertook an inspection tour of the devastated

Some youths pushing a commercial van on Eko Bridge, Lagos.

Monarch lauds Cross River for cultural tourism OKAY OSUJI

he Cross River State Government has been commended for giving special attention to the promotion of cultural tourism through the celebration of new yam festivals by various communities in the state. This commendation was made by the Onun of Ugbem Community in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State His Highness Onun Moses Esu Eko, in his palace to herald the commencement of week-long activities to mark the 2012, Ugbem New Yam Festival. Onun Eko said the recognition

streets, described the situation as a greatest calamity in the area. Abdul, who visited the erosion controlled site, appealed to the federal and state governments to come to the aid of the local government. “We appreciate the immense contributions of the state and federal government interventions through the

given to cultural tourism has encouraged the celebration of New Yam festivals in Yala, Obudu, Obanliku, Bekawrra and Ikom local governments, which are in addition to the Yakurr Leboku New Yam Festival, which has gained international attention in the nation’s tourism calendar. In another development, the Head of Ugbem Clan, His Royal Highness, Elder Onun Ekpo Ikoko Egim, has appealed to the state and federal governments, as well as philanthropic individuals, to aid the people of the area, following the recent flood disaster that ravaged the community. Onun Egim, lamented that the flood, the worst of its kind since the people settled on the bank of Cross

River, destroyed farm lands and residential buildings, noting that the appeal has become very necessary in order to provide succour to the people to avert imminent danger of famine. The clan head, urged people of the community, at home and in the Diaspora, to join in the new yam celebration, even as he called on the Ayimor Women Association, to commence the cultivation of economic trees, to promote the afforestation programme of the government. He also called on youths to take to farming, noting that by so doing, they will be contributing to food production and become self reliant, rather than depend on white collar jobs that are insufficient in the society.

ecological fund, but there is a complete reversal by this disaster, as we are now helpless, “he stated. The council boss also blamed residents for dumping refuse in the drainages, even as he threatened that the council would clamp down on those misusing the sewage and other waste collection equipment in the area.

PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Court declines out-of-court settlement with factional leader FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

he Magistrate court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, Ogun State has ruled that One Lateef Yekini, has a case of “contempt” to answer rather than allowing him to settle out of court as requested by his counsel. Yekini, is standing trial before the Magistrate Court for organising an illegal body of the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycles Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN) in the state. Lateef Yekini was arraigned on four - count charge of flouting lawful order of the court, to allow the status quo remain, pend-

ing the appeal, coupled with the House of Assembly Committee on Transportation directing him to cease from parading himself as factional Chairman of ACOMORAN. He is also accused of planning to host an illegal body of ACOMORAN, as well as secretly meeting in a hotel last February 27, 2012 to mobilize supporters ostensibly, to wrest power through violent means from the Alhaji Adebayo Samsideen Apelogun led executive. When the matter came up, Yekini through his counsel, Mr. T.A. Akinsola had argued that the case was a union matter and would prefer to settle it out of court in order not to waste time of the court through adjournment.

Community Mirror

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NGO to launch entrepreneurship summit in Akwa Ibom TONY ANICHEBE UYO

non-governmental organization under the aegis of Akwa Ibom Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative, has concluded arrangements to launch a youth entrepreneurship summit on October 15 -16, 2012 in Uyo the state capital. The Director- General of the organization, Hon. Emmanuel Amama, who disclosed this, said the two day summit with the theme “Entrepreneurship Promotion: The Driving Force to Self-reliance, Bedrock of Industrialization,” would be inaugurated by Alhaji Nadada Umar, Director General of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) . Amama, explained that the initiative was borne out of the desire to promote and encourage self-reliance among Akwa Ibom youths,

by stimulating their minds and interests towards private sector driven ventures, instead of depending on politics and white collar jobs for their existence and survival. He added “This initiative is part of our contribution towards the development of the state economy, towards the dream of making Akwa Ibom a private sector driven economy. We have been in the system, and know that outside politics and civil service, the state has no other sources of income. It our expectation now that the government is talking about industrialization, our people should begin to develop the business culture, and focus on other endeavours outside politics, since not everyone succeeds in the vocation. Therefore, the initiative would focuse on orientation and training.” He stressed that the initiative believes that

through proper orientation and training, the business culture of the people and region, particularly the youths could be improved. He added that the initiative would encourage the youths on how best they can utilize funds at their disposal by investing them in useful business ventures, even as he underscored the NGO’s intention to take the awareness campaign to all parts of the state, considering that an industries will be sited in the all the 31 local councils in the state.

Hon. Amama emphasized that there was no way the industrialization policy of government, can be a successful without proper orientation and training of the people, who will be the benefactors as managers and chief executives. He decried situations where people were empowered through the award of contracts and in the end not be able to make proper use of money realized from it. He therefore frowned at the state government for neglecting the aspect of

training and orientation as important factors that could help people towards being self reliant and developing the entrepreneurship culture and among the people. Amama lamented that the state can only boast of earning money through politics and civil service, while non indigenes dominate business, adding that the initiative also recognizes the fact that a mind that is was always preoccupied does not give in to crimes such as kidnapping, thuggery and armed robbery.

According to him, though the organization is targeting the youths, adults and non indigenes, engaged in business ventures and paying tax to the state. He said. “Experience counts and such persons can help in building a formidable structure. Also we are going to partner other agencies such as the NDE and SMEDAN in the area of training and seek financial support other organizations and well meaning individuals and successful businessmen in the state.

Court wants policeman prosecuted for perjury NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

n Ekwulobia Chief Magistrate Court in Aguata Magisterial District, Anambra State, has ordered the police to prosecute a police corporal, Friday Asuquo, for giving false witness as the Fourth Prosecuting Witness (PW4), in the trial of two accused persons, Osita Eze and Verginus Eze in a case of conspiracy and stealing. Handing down the order while discharging and acquitting the two accused persons, the presiding Chief Magistrate, Mrs. P. A. T. Otti, wondered how a police officer could tell lies to the court against the accused persons while on oath. Otti who was visibly irritated by the statements of Asuquo and the charge of conspiracy and stealing of N350, 000 belonging to one Mrs. Theresa Nwonu and possession of a motorcycle without registered particulars, said, there was no conspiracy and stealing, adding that the money in question was not stolen since it was later found in a polythene bag

and handed back to Mrs. Nwonu, the complainant. On the charge that the motorcycle belonging to the first accused person has no registered number, the chief magistrate lamented that the IPO deliberately removed the plate number, to give an impression that it is registered, adding that the IPO refused to produce the motorcycle before the court throughout the period of trial that commenced in 2008, as an exhibit, because he was aware the court would discover it has registered particulars. The court also frowned at the manner with which the IPO re-arrested the second accused person who the then Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at Ekwulobia had ordered released, after investigations into his found him not culpable in any way. She therefore directed the incumbent Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in Ekwulobia to ensure the immediate arrest and arraignment of the IPO for prosecution, to serve as deterrent to would-be-offenders, because according to her, what the IPO did was a total disgrace to the police force.

Two yam sellers waiting in the scorching sun for customers at Ojodu, Lagos.

PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA

Chaplain petitions IGP over threat to life NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

chaplain attached to the Central Police Station (CPS) Onitsha, Anambra State, Rev. Vincent A. Okeke has sent a Save Our Soul (SOS) message to the InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, seeking the protection of from the traditional ruler of Isiala Okporo Autonomous Community in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze J.C. Iwuoha. In the petition, which was copied to Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, Okeke also asked the IGP to investigate the sudden and unnatural death of his father Pa. Paul Okeke Nkpokiri at the age of 107 years. He contended that their problem started on Feb-

ruary 12, 2008, when he received an anonymous phone call telling him that one Mrs. Christiana Uzowuru and her son Ikemefuna were murdered. Okeke said, he was told that Eze Iwuoha alleged his father, Pa. Okeke killed Mrs. Uzowuru and her son and so must be brought to the market square called Afo Ala, and burnt and his house set ablaze. “On rushing home to Isiala Okporo, I went to the Orlu Divisional Police Officer (DPO) who told me that after extensive investigation, my father was not guilty and therefore should go, “he said. He said the DPO handed his father over to the Eze and one Inspector Donatus Oba, to take him home but the later insisted his father was among the suspects. “The Inspector alleged

that my father was a suspect and for that arrested and locked me up in police cell,even when I had not seen my father,” Okeke said. The police in Orlu later took Okeke to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Owerri and detained him for four months. He said, the police invited the monarch for questioning, on why he alleged that Pa. Okeke killed Uzowuru, even as he denied seeing anyone but rather claimed that someone told him the late centenarian was responsible. “Children of the deceased (Uzowuru) had told the police, that we are not responsible for their mother’s death”. Okeke said problem started when the Eze received monetary compensation on behalf of some

community members including his father, for a land acquired for a project, which the monarch did not want to declare,even as he stated that his father who was bold to tell the Eze to stop confiscating people’s land and levying widows. Okeke,said that after nine months in detention, he was released by the AIG in charge of the zone, who but only to be kidnapped on January 29, 2009, at the premises of Etiti High Court by alleged hired assassins of the Eze, later escaped. He said the Eze has chased his family out of town, even as his father’s corpse is still in the mortuary. Okeke therefore implored the Imo State Government and commissioner of police to come to his rescue while ensuring that justice is done to his family.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

“Striking miners have cost South Africa close to 4.5 billion rand (nearly $563 million) in lost gold and platinum production this year.”

Protests: Pakistani PM orders YouTube shutdown

48 PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

olice blocked expelled youth league leader of the country’s leading African National Congress (ANC) from addressing about 3,000 strikers at a stadium near the Marikana mine in South Africa after they tried to march despite a government-ordered clampdown to halt illegal protests. Yesterday’s development came as unions in South Africa began their national congress where the strike at the Lonmin PLC’s platinum mine is expected to top the agenda. Al Jazeera’s reporter from the mine, said that former ANC youth league leader Julius Malema tried to come in, to what he says, was “try to speak to miners”. The police did not allow him to as he would incite violence and asked him to leave, she said. “Malema tried to push his way through the police, there was a scuffle and the police pushed him back into the car. They pushed him back into the car and he then drove off.” Police vehicles and a helicopter hovering above the politician’s car drove Malema out of the town. Earlier armed soldiers joined police in armoured cars as they stood guard at Lonmin. “People thought that Malema was being arrested and started throwing stones at the police cars.” She said that although most people had gone home the situation was still very tense and that the police were on high alert.

South African police bar Malema’s address to miners

WORLD BULLETIN

Libya sacks Benghazi security chiefs after US attacks Libya has sacked its security chiefs for Benghazi after a deadly attack on the U.S. consulate in the eastern city last week, Interior Minister Fawzi Abdel A’al told Reuters. Colonel Salahadeen Doghman will replace the deputy interior minister for the east, Wanis Sharif, as well as the head of national security for Benghazi, Hassan Bou Hmida. “The decision to replace Mr Sharif and the security chief was made last week,” Abdel A’al said. “We will do what we think is right if there is a weakness within the security leadership that has affected the security work in the city.” The U.S. ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens, and three other Americans died when gunmen attacked the consulate and a “safe house” in the eastern city last Tuesday night.

Julius Malema, right arguing with police officers, at Lonmin Platinum Mine near Rustenburg, South Africa, yesterday. PHOTO: AP

Malema was due to address miners that were angry at a police crackdown on Saturday during which rubber bullets and tear gas were fired at a shantytown in Marikana, where officers killed 34 miners on August 16. Elsewhere in the North West region, 42 people were arrested on Monday for public violence after “illegally gathering”, at the Robega Village, near the Rasimone North mine shaft. On Sunday, police persuaded hundreds of strikers at another mine, run by the Anglo American company, to halt an illegal protest without violence. The presence of 1,000 soldiers

brought into the “platinum belt”, 100km northwest of Johannesburg, has escalated tensions over union rivalries and higher pay demands that have stopped work at one gold and six platinum mines. Mutasa, reporting from the mine on Sunday, said the police went out on foot, cocked their guns, then got back in their vehicles and seemingly drove away. “The miners on the road here are defying government orders not to assemble and they are quite defiant now. They are saying that “if the police come back, there will be war”. Meanwhile, at the gathering

Togolese militia stops protest against president militia of some 500 men loyal to President Faure Gnassingbe prevented a march by opposition groups over the weekend. Bare-chested militia men armed with batons, clubs , cutlasses and hoes blocked the path of civil rights groups and opposition political parties allies known as ‘Let’s Save Togo,’ preventing them from demonstrating against recent electoral reforms announced by the government. Tension was rife when

- SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT, JACOB ZUMA

the militia men blocked the streets of Lome’s Adewui neighbourhood where thousands of opposition marchers had planned to start their demonstration. Zeus Atta-Messan Ajavon, leader of ‘Let’s Save Togo,’ accused Togo’s security forces of not protecting the rights of the opposition. But Togo’s Interior Minister Gilbert Bawara denied the allegations saying that “the opposition demos were authorized by the government.”

of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), the major talking point for delegates is the crisis that has gripped the country’s mining sector for the past five weeks. There has also been great criticism of the union movement, COSATU and the ANC. The striking miners have accused union leaders of being too close to politicians. Al Jazeera’s reporter from the congress venue in Johannesburg said the meeting was happening against a backdrop of the labour dispute which has created great ruptures and splits within the union movement.

ECOWAS urges Mali intervention

President Faure Gnassingbe (r)

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

he president of the West African bloc of nations says it “can no longer hesitate” to combat terrorism and criminality in northern Mali, which was overrun by Islamists. Earlier this month, Mali’s interim government requested military intervention, including aerial support and five battalions but leaders of a March coup, who retain con-

siderable influence in Mali’s capital Bamako, have previously opposed foreign intervention. In his remarks, Desire Kadre Ouedraogo, president of the Economic Community of West African States, said yesterday it is important for political and military authorities in Mali to speak “with one voice” on the proposed intervention. Foreign ministers opened a meeting in Abidjan yesterday to discuss details of the deployment, which has yet to be approved by the U.N. Security Council.

Kenyan terror suspect admits bombs possession A Kenyan man pleaded guilty yesterday to possession of six bombs including four suicide vests and being a member of al-Shabaab, the Somali Islamist extremist group allied to al-Qaida that has threatened terrorist attacks in Kenya. Abdi Majid Yassin Mohammed, 26, also known as Ali Hussein, had no defense attorney with him as he entered a guilty plea before magistrate Lucy Nyambura on charges that he was caught engaging in an organized criminal activity by being a member of al-Shabaab, which has been outlawed in Kenya. The U.S. designated Al- Shabaab as a foreign terrorist organization in 2008. Mohammed also admitted that he was in possession of the explosives, 12 grenades and 481 bullets but denied that he was in possession of four AK-47 rifles. His co-accused, Omar Abdi Ada, 24, also known as Salman Abdi, denied 10 charges against him including the weapons charges. The two suspects were unrepresented in court and spoke through interpreters. Ada is Somali. Nyambura ordered Mohammed be taken for a psychiatric examination and be arraigned in court on Tuesday so that charges can read to him again. The suspects were arrested Friday in a raid on a house in a residential area which police said disrupted the final stages of planning of a major terrorist attack. The house is in Eastleigh neighbourhood in Nairobi where a large Somali community resides, earning it the name “little Mogadishu” —after Somalia’s war-torn capital city.

World News

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Islands dispute threatens China-Japan trade ties

Briefs

Suicide bomber kills eight in Baghdad A suicide bomber slammed a car packed with explosives into one of the gates of Baghdad’s heavily guarded Green Zone yesterday, killing eight people including three security officers, Iraqi officials said. Lawmaker Habib al-Turfi and two of his bodyguards were wounded in the blast, said Hameed Maala, a spokesman for the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council, the injured parliamentarian’s bloc. The bombing took place during the morning rush hour near the bridge over the Tigris River connecting the Karradah district and the Green Zone, where most government offices, the parliament and several embassies and foreign missions in Iraqi capital are located. The blast set several cars ablaze, officials said. A hospital official said that 31 people, including eight security officers, were wounded in the explosion. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to brief the media. Violence has ebbed significantly, but insurgents continue to stage high-profile bombings and shooting attacks across Iraq. More than a week ago, insurgents launched a string of attacks across the country, killing 92 people in one of Iraq’s deadliest days this year. Al-Qaida in Iraq claimed responsibility for the attacks, and promised “black days ahead.”

Hamas court convicts four over Italian death A Hamas court convicted four men yesterday of last year’s kidnapping and killing of a proPalestinian Italian activist in Gaza, sentencing two of the defendants to 35 years in prison, a judicial official said in a report from The Associated Press. Vittorio Arrigoni was kidnapped and strangled to death in March 2011 by hardline Islamic extremists. The body of the 36-year-old, who had been living in Gaza since 2008, was found a day after he was kidnapped and after a video showing him beaten and blindfolded surfaced online. The killing was the first such incident in Gaza since the Islamic militant group Hamas seized the coastal territory in 2007. Two of the defendants — 28-year-old Mahmoud al-Salfiti and 27-year-old Tamer al-Hasasna — were convicted of murder and kidnapping, and each sentenced to 35 years in prison with hard labour, the judicial official said on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t allowed to speak to the media. They got 25 years as the maximum sentence for murder under Gaza law and another 10 years for kidnapping. A third man, Khader Jram, 24, was sentenced to 10 years for taking part in the kidnapping. Another man, Amer Abu Ghouleh, 23, was given a year’s sentence for sheltering fugitives, the official said.

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A police officer confronting angry protesters in Jakarta, Indonesia yesterday. Photo: Sky News

Protests: Pakistani PM orders YouTube shutdown

akistan’s Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has ordered that YouTube be suspended in the country, as protests against a US-made film about the Prophet Mohammed raged in Indonesia and Afghanistan. Ashraf ’s office said in a statement that the Ministry of Information had been ordered to block YouTube in Pakistan so that the “blasphemous” video could not be viewed. The announcement came after thousands of people took to the streets across the world, hurling rocks and petrol bombs, as well as burning buildings and flags. One person was killed and two injured in Wa-

rai, in the Upper Dir district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. Police said a crowd of about 800 had set fire to a police station, a magistrate’s house and the local press club. In the Afghan capital Kabul, an angry crowd set fire to police cars and storage containers. The main violence centred on Jalalabad road, where NATO and US military bases are located, Kabul police chief Mohammad Ayoub Salangi said. Gunmen from the crowd opened fire at police, but no one was hurt, police said. “We have not shot back and we won’t,” said Mr Salangi. Police say the crowds

were shouting “Death to America!” and “Death to those people who have made a film and insulted our Prophet!”. Men grabbed rocks from the roadside and lobbed them at Camp Phoenix, a US military base that lies along the Jalalabad road. Meanwhile, Indonesians hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails at the US Embassy in Jakarta. It marked the first violence in the world’s most populous Muslim country since outrage exploded last week.

scalating tensions in China over disputed islands have forced some Japanese companies there, including electronics-production giants Canon and Panasonic, to suspend work, Aljazeera has reported. As protests continued yesterday over the territorial dispute, China pledged to protect Japanese citizens and property and urged anti-Japan protesters to express themselves in an “orderly, rational and lawful” way. Hong Lei, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, said it was up to Japan to correct its ways, and that

the direction of developments was now in Japan’s hands. China’s pledge came after Canon announced that it will stop production at three of its four Chinese factories yesterday and today, citing concerns over employees’ safety. Panasonic has taken similar steps at its plants in China. Uniqlo, the chain of clothing stores owned by Japan’s Fast Retailing, has also said they would close 19 outlets in the People’s Republic today. Asia’s largest apparel retailer had previously closed seven outlets yesterday.

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News

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Bakassi: Soyinka asks FG to revisit ICJ judgement AYO ESAN AND TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

obel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, yesterday urged the Federal Government to revisit and appeal the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on the Bakassi Peninsula. The peninsula was ceded to Cameroun by the ICJ 10 years ago in a dispute involving her and Nigeria. Soyinka while stressing the need for the

Federal Government to appeal the ICJ ruling, averred that the deficit of views and wishes of the Bakassi indigenes before the decision by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo-led administration to secede the area, raised questions about the rights of the minorities. He said the inhabitants of the disputed peninsula should be the one to determine where they want to belong, saying the fact that the inhabitants were not consulted nor listened to before the

ICJ seeded the island to Cameroun is condemnable. Speaking at a commemorative lecture organised by Women Arise to mark the 79th birthday anniversay of foremost human rights activist and social crusader, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, in Lagos, Soyinka in his lecture titled: “Corporate Gains and Human Deficit,” said both Nigeria and Cameroun has no moral right to possess the land without input from the inhabitants. He said the island attracted the attention of the world simply because

of its possession of oil, saying, however, that the inhabitants should be the one to decide whether they want to be Nigerians, Camerounians or whether they want to remain as Bakassi people. The Nobel laureate stressed that Bakassi remain a test ground and therefore the refusal to seek the view of the inhabitants is not a good process. “Were the representatives of the indigent members of the community invited to Hague before the government accepted the

ruling, the answer is no. The wishes of the people in Bakkasi were never considered and that put to the fore the issue about the rights of the minorities,” he said. Speaking on the insurgency in the northern part of the country, Soyinka said the dreadful sect has not only taken arms against the state, but has also declared war on the citizens by unleashing its rage against the people. He said the group has unleashed its rage against the people and

has attacked institutions that are adding values to the society. “To take up arms against the state is different from declaring war against the people,” he said. He also noted that the waves of violence in the country especially in the north can be attributed to large scale unemployment which could be traced to the death of industries like the cotton sector which made youths unemployed thereby making them available tools in the hands of the insurgent group.

Newswatch appoints new Editor

L-R Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Zainab Maina; Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa; his wife, Amina and Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Maria Dogo, at the North-West zone of the second phase of Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria, in Kaduna, yesterday.

Akpabio calls for self-cleansing in Nigeria Police

kwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, has again called on the Nigeria Police to do a thorough self-cleansing to remove those he termed “bad eggs” from its fold. Governor Akpabio, who gave the charge when the Assistant Inspector-General of Police Command, Zone 6, Calabar, Alhaji Muchtari Ibrahim, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Uyo, hinted that seven policemen in the state were undergoing trial for misconduct. Akpabio’s words: “Let’s do some selfcleansing. In Akwa Ibom, we had to do selfcleansing of bad eggs leading to the sacking of seven who collaborated

with criminals having audacity to operate in the state. “I thank the police for doing a great job. The police in the state are collaborating well with other security personnel to fight crime. We take security seriously. Other agencies are willing to help. “That’s why we have Joint Task Force to work hand-in-hand with the police. We have empowered the police under the Quick Response Squad who are battle-ready to police some flash-points. Your men are in control not criminals. I am hopeful that the security challenges would soon be a thing of the past.” The governor, however, advised youths to abhor social vices to avoid facing the wrath of law

when caught. “I would advise the youths to look for something better to do to create a positive impact on the society and the country as a whole. Do not indulge in kidnapping, robbery, terrorism, among others. “Look for another venture because negative vices would not last and when you are caught, you’ll face the consequences. “This country would not be overwhelmed by criminals, rather the country will continue to be peaceful and be united. What we are facing now in terms of security challenges is a phase which would pass away. He congratulated the AIG on his posting to the zone and lauded his track-record, hoping

that he would bring his wealth of experience, knowledge and skills in terrorism and the profession to bear in the performance of his duty; emphasising the need for training and re-training of officers under his command. AIG Ibrahim said he was in the state to witness the official commissioning of the Federal High Court, Uyo, and commended the governor for his developmental strides in the state. Ibrahim thanked Akpabio for the numerous forms of assistance offered the police in the state and pledged cooperation with government in the performance of his official duties and that of his command to rid the state of criminals.

he Publisher and Executive Chairman of Newswatch Communications Limited, Barrister (Dr) Jimoh Ibrahim, OFR, has appointed Mr. Demola Abimboye, as the new General Manager, Editorial and Editor of Newswatch, Nigeria’s premier newsmagazine. Abimboye, a former editor of The News magazine was until this appointment a Principal Associate Editor of the magazine. He brings to the new position his varied 25 year experience in journalism garnered in notable media organisations in the country. He is a 1982 History and Political Science graduate of the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU. He also holds certificates in Advanced Writing and Public Relations from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ikeja, Lagos. He began his journalism career in 1987 at the defunct African Concord magazine, published by the late Basorun MKO Abiola and left the weekly in 1996 as Assistant Editor. In December 1996, he joined the Independent Communications Network Limited (ICNL) publishers of TheNEWS, Tempo and PMNews. Barely a year after, he became Associate Editor of the magazine. In that capacity, Abimboye edited the magazine for three and a half years till May 2001. He had a stint at The Source Magazine as Senior Assistant Editor between October 2003 and May 2004. Abimboye was also the founding General Editor of Leadership newspaper, Abuja. He later became

Abimboye

Executive Editor of New Sentinel, also in Abuja, between 2005 and 2006. He joined Newswatch in December 2007 as Senior Associate Editor and was promoted Principal Associate Editor a year later. Abimboye has attended many courses including: Blueprint for Banking Reforms in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Prospects (organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, July 2010). Corporate Governance Reporting (organised by International Finance Corporation, IFC, and Thompson Reuters Foundation, June 2009). Building and Managing External Reserves for Economic Development (organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, May 2007). Economic Reporting (organised by the United States Information Service, USIS, 1991. Maritime Reporting (organised by Development and Management Consultants, 1988). Abimboye was voted Best News Feature Writer, Concord Press of Nigeria by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Concord Press Chapel in 1990. He was also Co-winner (with Bayo Onanuga), Reporter of the Year, Diamond Award for Media Excellence, DAME, 1998.

Cocktail

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

FOR YOUR SUCCESS

WITH DR. DEJI FOLUTILE

Today's Tonic (4)

People are always more willing to help someone who has been appreciative in the past. **Business Ultimate Resource *** Be Obsessively Grateful! Cultivating the art of gratitude towards man and God is one of the greatest discipline one can engage in. The fact is that we can never be too grateful to those who have contributed to our happiness and progress one time or the other. The Biblical David was known for obsessively gratitude to his God. And he never lost any battle. There must be a connection between gratitude and victory. There must be a connection between success and gratitude. When we always express our gratitude to the Creator, we will keep receiving the grace to soar beyond our expectations. This is the Law of Gratitude. Stay Grateful Always!

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Oddities

Police capture sex offender through Facebook

he next time your boss catches you browsing Facebook while on the job, tell them you just may be helping to solve a crime. After all, the Tazewell County Sheriff ’s Office used Facebook to track down a missing sex offender after his girlfriend “liked” the department’s page on the

social networking site. Local CBS affiliate WJHL reports that Dyllan Naecher, 29, is a convicted sex offender in Maryland. He was allegedly hiding out with his girlfriend Samantha Dillow, 22, in Virginia. We still don’t know exactly what motivated Dillow, but for some reason she decided to

“like” the local police department’s Facebook page. Tazewell County police then used the geographic stamp left by Dillow’s “like” to pinpoint her residence. Naecher was taken into custody and now faces charges in Virginia for failing to register as a sex offender. He could

also face federal charges for crossing state lines. And if he’s given Internet access in jail, don’t be surprised if one of his first activities is unfriending Dillow on Facebook. Dillow herself is also in trouble with the law, facing charges of obstruction of justice for harboring Naecher.

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

Dead man’s home filled with gold

Nevada recluse left behind a stunning treasure when he died this spring -- officials say they discovered $7 million in gold bars and coins in his home. Walter Samasko Jr. died in his Carson City home in May. His body wasn’t found until June after his neighbours complained of the odour emanating from

the house. That’s when the gold was found stored in his house and garage, the Las Vegas Sun reported on Sunday. Carson City Clerk Alan Glover used a wheelbarrow to schlep the gold, which included coins from Mexico, England, Austria and South Africa dating to 1872, to his truck for the trip to a safe location.

Naecher being taken into custody.

PHOTO: TAZEWELL COUNTY

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North

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Benue not ripe for Public Procurement Act –Suswam

overnor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has said that it would be premature for the state to domesticate the Public Procurement Act as a financial policy regulating the conduct of business. Suswam said this yesterday at the opening of a five-day capacity-building workshop on public procurement procedures for civil societies and the media. The governor, who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on International Development, Mr. Sam Agwa, said the state needed to raise the level of consciousness of its civil service first before domesticating the law. He said: “For us to domesticate this act, we need to first of all raise the consciousness of the civil service for it to drive this legislation, otherwise this will cripple the activities of government.’’ The governor, however, admitted that the act was necessary for the overall financial well-being of the state. Suswam challenged Non-Governmental Organisations, NGOs, and civil society groups in

the state to step up activities against corruption by “creating enough noise on vulnerable issues capable of causing corruption rather than wait to blow the whistle”. The Chairman of the Coalition of NGOs in Benue State, Mr. Justin Gbagir, said the purpose of the workshop was to train NGOs, select civil society groups and the media for the purpose of sensitising the people to the act. He said it was impor-

tant for the state to pass the act as a first step toward achieving transparency in government. Gbagir added that its domestication would enable government to save costs and provide qualitative services to its people. He called on the media to use the training to equip itself with requirements of the act for proper sensitisation. The workshop is being attended by senior media practitioners and top officers of the NGOs and civil society groups.

ANPP chieftain held over plot to bomb PDP Secretariat AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

olice in Kano State are detaining two people, including a chieftain of the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, following alleged plot to bomb the state Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The suspects have been in detention since last week at the Bompai headquarters of the state Police Command where investigation into the alleged plot was being conducted. It was learnt that the ar-

rest of the opposition party member followed the confession of a cameraman who was arrested earlier while allegedly filming the PDP Secretariat on Maiduguri Road. A source said the cameraman implicated the ANPP chieftain in his confessional statement to the police, adding that he was apprehended by PDP officials while filming the secretariat and was subsequently handed over to the police. It was gathered that the development, which has

Security men being ferried across flooded areas of Kore Zaki Local Government Area of Bauchi State on Sunday.

PHOTO: NAN

created disagreement between the PDP leadership and the ANPP following claims by the former that the idea behind the filming of the secretariat was to attack it with explosives. The ANPP leadership in the state has made unsuccessful attempts to get its member out of trouble following PDP’s insistence that there was a hidden agenda in the action. The PDP told the police that it was convinced that there was a plot to blow up its secretariat. ANPP, according to investigation, has viewed the action of the PDP as another form of intimidation and blackmail against the opposition party by the government in power. It added that the filming of the secretariat was sponsored by aggrieved and factional PDP leaders in the state, using the suspect. It was also learnt that intense pressure is being piled on the police by influential ANPP leaders to set the suspect free. The state Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Idris, confirmed the incident, adding that it was still under investigation. But the state Secretary of ANPP, Alhaji Rabiu Bako, said he was yet to receive details of the incident as he just returned from Saudi Arabia where he performed this year’s lesser hajj.

We’re starving, retirees FG votes N15bn for maternal, child healthcare P D tell Katsina JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

bout 1,000 retired civil servants in Katsina State said they had been forced to resort to begging to sustain their families because of the inability of the state government to pay their gratuities. The state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, Mamman Abubakar, who disclosed this to newsmen yesterday, said many of them had retired from active service more than a year ago. Abubakar said the retired civil servants were supposed to collect their gratuities at least three months after retiring from service, adding that the plight of those affected had become a source of concern to the union. He said the union had on several occasions taken their plight to the administration

of Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema but till date, nothing concrete had been done about it. Abubakar, who described the condition of the retirees as unfortunate, however, said that the union would ask stakeholders to intervene in the issue. He added that the Emirs of Katsina and Daura, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman and Alhaji Farouk Umar Farouk, would be asked to intervene to make the government pay them. On the new minimum wage implemented for the state civil servants, the chairman appealed to the state government to include pensioners among the beneficiaries. Abubakar, however, commended the government for ensuring the prompt payment of the monthly pensions to his members across the state.

RISCILLA MINNA

ENNIS

etermined to reduce maternal and infant mortality in the country, the Federal Government will between now and 2015 spend N15bn to tackle issues relating to mothers and children’s health. The SURE-P Coordinator of the Maternal and Child Health, Dr. Ugo Okoli, made the disclosure at the opening of an orientation for Community Health

Workers and Midwives for the North Central states in Minna, Niger State. Okoli explained that to kick start the scheme, N3bn had been released from the N15bn set aside by SURE-P. She said at the moment, the maternal mortality rate across the country stood at 545 per 100,000 child birth. Okoli also said that although the maternal death rate had improved, compared to the initial rate of 800/100,000 child birth, SURE-P was determined to

reduce the rate by targeting health care facilities in the rural areas to make midwives’ services accessible to them. According to her, to achieve this goal, 2,000 midwives and community health workers are now being trained across the country, while at least 500 health facilities are to be improved upon for the effective take off the programme. Also speaking, the Executive Director, the National Primary Health Care Devel-

opment Agency, NPHCDA, Dr. Ado Jimada Muhammad, said the aim of the SURE-P maternal and child health care was conceived to reduce maternal and child mortality rate. According to him, the training of the 2,000 midwives was taken to increase access to basic health services in the country in line with the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, as the maternal mortality rate was giving Nigeria a bad image.

1.2m women to benefit from SURE-P health programme –Agency AZA MSUE KADUNA

he National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, has said it would have saved 1,200,000 women by 2015 under President Goodluck Jonathan administration’s SURE-P Maternal and Child Health programme. Its Executive Director, Dr.

Ado Muhammad, said this in Kaduna during the orientation exercise of midwives under the SURE-P maternal and child health project. He said the agency would upgrade equipment and infrastructure of 500 health facilities across the country by end of the year. Muhammad added that the NPHCDA would recruit and deploy 2,000 midwives,

1,000 community and 3,000 village health workers to selected primary health care facilities nationwide for efficient services. The executive director noted that under the oil subsidy re-investment health programme, conditional cash transfer was designed to provide financial incentives to pregnant women and fully immun-

ised children in rural areas. He said: “This is a fulfilment of Mr. President’s commitment to re-invest the savings accrued from the fuel subsidy reduction into programmes that provide social safety nets, build critical infrastructure and provide human resource empowerment training for Nigeria’s populace.”

Emergency Update

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sani-Sidi and volunteerism in disaster management ABUBAKAR JIMOH

n the last two years, many stakeholders both within and outside Nigeria would have noticed the miraculous changes in the sphere of disaster management in the country which could be attributed to the tireless and dedicated efforts of the Director General National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Muhammad Sani Sidi who was appointed in September 2010. It is an indisputable fact that Sani Sidi has turned around the approaches to disaster management in the country using strategic values that have helped to save thousands of lives and billions of naira worth of properties; as well as sustaining and improving the relationship with stakeholders, especially specialized volunteers on disaster management in the country. As one of the beneficiaries of capacity building programmes of NEMA during my national youth service programme, I noticed the deployment of latest technology to advance the cause of disaster management in Nigeria. The last innovation is the introduction of the toll free number (0800CALLNEMA) in the case of an emergency

where the general public could call free. Most of the activities of the agency are undertaken under collaborative efforts with other response agencies and volunteers who are also trained to provide supports whenever required. The volunteer groups include those for top level officers in the public and private sectors known as Executive Volunteers, The Grassroots Volunteers at community level and Youth Volunteers. The successes of the volunteers are noticeable in public awareness campaigns and response to emergencies. Realizing that quality education and awareness campaigns are major pillars towards disaster-risk reduction, NEMA under Sani-Sidi has expended more resources in training and retraining of its staffs and stakeholders through regional seminars, conferences and simulation exercises. There is also tremendous public awareness on disaster management through effective media relations and strategic relations with relevant response agencies. The improvement in early warning alerts by NEMA have assisted in great measures reducing risk from excessive rainfall that have resulted massive flooding this year alone. Though lives and properties have

TIPS ON DISASTER MANAGEMENT ABUBAKAR JIMOH CAUSES OF OIL SPILLS 1. Corrosion of pipelines and tankers associating with the rupturing 2. Equipment outdate, irregular inspection, and poor maintenance 3. Theft and sabotage attempt primarily through bunkering 4. Oil production operations process 5. Loading and offloading offshore platforms 6. Spill from improper disposed oil refuse or waste oil 7. Equipment failures 8. Industrial/Human error, carelessness and fatigue 9. Fires and explosions at the ports or terminals 10. Loading and discharging at ports or terminals

PREVENTIONS AGAINST OIL SPILLS 1. Poverty eradication through creation of massive employment opportunities 2. Full implementation of the 2006 National Oil Spill Contingency Plan 3. Issuance of environmental regulatory guidelines and standards in the petroleum sector 4. Effective inspection and maintenance of all machinery and piping systems 5. Institute appropriate community enlightenment sensitization programme 6. Double-hulling into vessels to reduce the risk and severity of a spill in case of a collision or grounding 7. Effective oil Spill Prevention Containment and Countermeasures (SPCC) program 8. Adequate training and supervision for oil workers 9. Establish necessary measures against fire and accidents at deports and terminals 10. Sufficient oil production facilities

been lost, those that had adhered to the early alerts from the agency were saved. While preventive strategies are antidotes against occurrence, timely response to disaster occurrences are now the hallmark of NEMA going by their response to bomb explosion sites, collapsed buildings, flooded communities among others. While NEMA rescue officers search for victims, relief and rehabilitation teams provide succour to the affected communities. NEMA’s success story in the last two years is not limited to managing challenges in Nigeria but also with the international communities. The agency has rendered various types of assistance and supports to many African countries. For instance relief materials were provided to victims of explosion in Congo Brazzaville, while The Gambia benefitted from deployment of skilled NEMA emergency officers to support in setting up similar agency in that country. In the same vein, stranded Nigerians during the political crises in Arab countries were successfully evacuated and united with their families in Nigeria. Egypt, Tunisia and Libya were cases in point. It is pertinent to note that while NEMA offices are in only six states representing each geopolitical zone of the Federation, Sani-Sidi finds it necessary to improve the capacities of the stakeholders, especially the volunteer groups. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a beneficiary of the gesture. The NEMA-NYSC Emer-

NEMA officials inspect ship wrecks in a beach during on-the-spot assessment of coastlines in Lagos.

gency Youths Vanguard (EYV) has received financial and moral supports for their programmes and projects. For instance, such assistance helped this writer to realise some projects including pamphlets, Zebra crossing, school quiz, relief donations and advocacy visitations during the NYSC days. To the corps members who contributes immensely towards disaster risk reduction campaigns and projects, the NEMA DG single handed provided scholarships to them to pursue Masters Degree programmes on Disaster Management in any of the six Nigerian universities where the programme are offered. Many stakeholders’ initiatives have been developed and sustained from the NEMA-EYV collaboration. A concrete example of these is Youths Against Disaster Initiative (YADI) which is an opportunity for young Nigerians to be advocates and champions of disaster risk reduction in their com-

Oil spillage and its effect

il spillage has become a common disaster in Nigeria especially in the Niger Delta region and parts of Lagos State. This phenomenon could be described as the accidental discharge of petroleum or petroleum products into the environment thereby causing ecological risk to both land and sea creatures. On land, oil spills are usually localized and thus their impact can easily be managed. Marine oil spill on the other hand may result in aquatic pollution covering large areas with its attendant hazards. The primary cause of oil spillage on sea is oil transportation; either by tankers or under-

water pipelines. However, the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria limited (SPDC) is committed to minimizing oil spillage in Nigeria. One of the methods adopted towards this end is prompt response to alerts from either the Contract SPDC Community Surveillance Teams or the general public. The first step taken by the SPDC in case of oil spillage is to shutdown the flow of oil before other steps are taken to rectify the problem. It was recently reported that, in Lagos, oil spill of about three hundred and fifty square miles from a royal Dutch shell platform is slowly

munities. The initiative was influenced by encouragement of Sani-Sidi, who insists “Disaster Management is everyone’s business.” YADI was created through the collaborative efforts of the youths who have been critically involved in sensitization campaign against disaster during their service year at the realm of NYSC. The Initiative majorly aims to: create a framework for sensitizing and enlightening the youths on public safety, security consciousness and disaster risks management across the country; educate and empower youths on public safety, disaster risk reduction, especially in preparing, responding and mitigating natural and man-made disasters through effective collaboration with stakeholders. In view of the above, it is therefore not surprising that NEMA under Muhamad Sani-Sidi has continued to receive accolades for the way and manner it manages disaster situations in the

country. For instance in August 2012, while Governor David Jang of Plateau State commended the agency for is timely response to victims of disasters in the state, the representative of the United Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance, Mr. Ayo Ajayi also acknowledged NEMA’s efficient response and approach to disasters and humanitarian situations in the country. And just recently at World Ministerial Conference on Disaster Reduction in Sendai, Japan, the Head of Secretariat of United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), Ms. Margareta Wahlstrom commended NEMA for its programmes on education and public awareness towards Disaster Risk Reduction, (DRR) in Nigeria. It is expected that Muhammad Sani-Sidi would use the next half of his tenure to sustain, if not improve on what have so far been accomplished in the areas of disaster management in the country.

making its way towards the Southern Nigeria coast resulting in shore pollution and threatening wildlife. More so, operational oil spill mostly occurs when ships are carrying out routine operations at ports or oil terminals, but most of such spills are minimal, with ninety-three percent of them producing spillage of less than seven tonnes. The magnitude of crude oil pollution and damage occasioned by Multi National Oil Companies’ operation in Niger Delta region of Nigeria is incredible. Crude oil or petroleum became richly available in the region about a century ago. The importance of this black gold to the country’s

economy cannot be over emphasized. Also, it is noteworthy that, the devastating consequences of crude oil spillage in the Niger Delta region with its attendant hazards on aquatic, terrestrial and aerial creatures may sometimes have irreversible negative chain effect on both the biodiversity and humans. In 1995, shell was implicated in the hanging of Nigerian activist, Ken Saro Wiwa who led one of the first and best organized campaigns against the oil giant and its irresponsible behaviour in the Niger Delta region as well as its corrupt practices and dealings with the Nigerian government.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Features

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lagos Traffic Law: When anger As residents await full enforcement of the muchpublicised Lagos Traffic Law 2012, opinions are divided as to whether it will put an end to the regime of aggression, arrogance, often compounded by chaotic gridlock on Lagos roads. Some believe it is meant to oppress transport operators, while the government maintains, it is to protect life and property as well as reduce avoidable deaths on the roads. MURITALA AYINLA reports.

henever Mrs Mba, gazes at the portrait of her son, Obinna, on the wall, in her expansive sitting room, sad memories flash past her mind as tears run down her cheeks. The dream of a promising future was suddenly cut short by an unfortunate incident that befell the family ten years ago. Obinna, was killed in a motor accident by a reckless driver, in what otherwise is called ‘hit and run’ on a Monday morning while coming back from a centre where he had gone check his examination result. He was hit by a vehicle that was driving against the traffic and he died instantly! Before the incident, Obinna had phoned his mother to inform her of his outstanding performance in as shown in the result pasted at the board of Agidingi Senior Grammar School where he sat for 2002 GCE Examination. He made eight distinctions in all nine subjects he wrote. But, he did not get home to rejoice with his family as all efforts by sympathizers to save his life proved abortive. He gave up the ghost before reaching the hospital. Tunde Obasa was returning from the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere and had just alighted from a commercial bus popularly called ‘Danfo’ at Ojota, when a ‘fleeing’ motorcyclist trying to evade arrest by traffic control officials hit him. It has been two years since the hitherto ambitious soccer star has been bed ridden at the Lagos Orthopedics Hospital, Igbobi. For now, only a miracle and God’s grace will make him walk again. Such are the pathetic stories of road victims in Lagos and their frequent occurrences have turned many homes into grief while shattering the dreams of many. No doubt, of all reforms and establishment of legal frameworks that will not only change the face of Lagos into a mega city, but also reform the attitude of the residents, the Lagos Traffic Law 2012, stands out. If passed into law, the proponents believe it would change the driving habits and instincts of lawlessness that have become the way of drivers and other motorists in Lagos. Since August 2, 2012 when it was

A typical Lagos traffic gridlock

TO IMPOUND A

VEHICLE, BECAUSE THE DRIVER VIOLATED TRAFFIC RULES IS INJUSTICE TO THE BUS OWNER WHO DID NOT KNOW HOW AND WHEN THE OFFENCE WAS COMMITTED enacted, there are have been diverse opinions on provisions of the law, as some people have hailed the government for daring to bring sanity into the failed transportation sector, even as opponents have berated it for what they see as “ a draconian law with too stringent punishments”. They said the law will not pass the constitutionality test in any civilised nation, as it unduly encroaches on liberty of the citizens. Although, majority of Lagosians are still unaware of the new law, but its provisions stipulate the following: • Driving in a direction prohibited by the road traffic law (that is, driving against traffic, popularly known as one-way driving) will attract a threeyear jail term, while a first offender gets one-year term and the vehicle could be forfeited to the government. • Bullion vans are not exempted from the law, as any one driven in a direction prohibited by the road traffic law will be forfeited, while abandoned vehicles on highways will be fined N50,000 or three years imprisonment, or both fine and imprisonment. • Riding a motorcycle against traffic

and riding on the kerb, median or road setbacks would attract N20, 000 for first time offender, while subsequent offender will get N30, 000 fines or the rider’s motorcycle will be impounded. • Riding motorcycle without crash helmet for rider and passenger will attract N20, 000 or three years imprisonment or both. • Smoking while driving will attract N20, 000 fines. • Failure to give way to traffic on the left at a roundabout, N20, 000. • Disobeying traffic control, N20, 000. • Violation of route by commercial vehicles, N20, 000. • Prohibits under-aged person (under 18-year-old) from riding a motorcycle and where caught would be fined N20, 000. • Operating a motorcycle in a restricted area or prohibited route, N20, 000 or the motorcycle will be impounded. • Any person driving without a valid driving license will have his/her vehicle impounded. Learner drivers with-

out permit will attract a fine of N20, 000; while driving with fake number plate will attract N20, 000, for a first offender and six-month imprisonment or both for subsequent infractions; among several other offences. • Prohibits or restricts use of sirens, and sounding horn or other similar appliances either in general or during specified hours or in respects of specified areas. • The law also demands psychiatric test for any person who drives against normal traffic flow. Such driver will pay for the test. • It forbids abandoned vehicles and encourages owner or occupiers of premises where a vehicle is abandoned, to report such case to relevant agencies or the police. Failure will attract N25, 000 fines. • Beyond this, the law prohibits commercial motorcyclists, also known as ‘Okada’ riders from operating on the highways, bridges and other 475 ma-

Governor Fashola arresting a military officer for traffic violation

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Features

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

and support trail a proposed act THE MOST INTERESTING THING ABOUT THE LAW IS THE PROHIBITION OF THE

“AGBERO”

SYNDROME

An accident scene on a major highway

Another accident scene

jor roads in the state, while touting in motor parks and highways is equally restricted. Speaking on the issue, a motorcyclist, Sulaiman Ibrahim, from Kaduna State, agreed that the planned ban of their operation on major highways will bring sanity into the business. He admitted that the ban on ‘Okada’ in Kwara, Abuja , Akwa Ibom and other states, has really increased the number of motorcycle riders in Lagos State, a development he said, created room for criminals to perpetrate crimes. He said,” If government eventually bans Okada, I will be very happy, because it will persuade me to go back to the mechanic trade, abandoned when I was not doing enough business. Besides, there is too much extortion from the local government council revenue

collectors, police, community development associations, LASTMA and RRS, such that it is increasingly difficult to cater for my family.” Sulaiman who plies between Jibowu and Apapa, said illegal immigrants from Chad, Niger, Mali, Sudan and Senegal now dominate the business in Surulere, Ajah and Apapa. A taxi driver, Salami Adewale, the law could throw many Lagosians behind bars if enforced; given the rate traffic rules are flouted. Another driver, Taiwo stressed that, “the law is designed to oppress the people, especially transporters. Although, we that most Okada riders are stubborn and reckless, but my concern is that vehicle owners will bear the brunt of offence committed by their drivers. For instance, to impound a vehicle, because the driver

violated traffic rules is injustice to the bus owner who did not know how and when the offence was committed. Besides, why will driver be jailed for three or seven years because the vehicle broke down the road? It is a draconian law. Responding to this claim, the Governor, Bbatunde Fashola, has been taking the campaign of voluntary compliance of the law to clubs, churches, mosques and other public gatherings, even as he expressed surprise that some people would complain on the sanctions meant for non-compliance to the laws. According to him, some offences in Nigerian laws carry the maximum capital punishment of death, yet people have not cried out that such provisions are draconian. He said: “If we promote safe behaviour and compliance, then we will be promoting safe behaviour and compliance among those who look up to us”. Fashola reiterated that until the people decide and resolve to abide by traffic rules, whatever strategy put in place may face a lot of challenges. Condemning the use of mobile phones while driving, he said, research has shown that anyone using the mobile phone is at a multiple risk of colliding with another vehicle, since only a focused driver can drive safely and ensure safety of other road users. The governor reiterated that Breathalyzers have been introduced to check the level of alcohol in the system of a driver at any point in time, as visits by health officials from the Health Ministry to major motor parks, have shown that several drivers endanger the lives of their passengers by being under the influence of alcohol while driving. To ensure compliance, the government has provided additional 15,000 road signs across the length and breadth of the state, in addition to the 10,000 that was available before now. He added that the state is working with the Judiciary to ensure that custodial sentences are really the last resort if sentence is passed on any culprit, even as the state wants to reduce the needless sufferings of families who have lost a breadwinner, relatives or loved ones through road mishaps. “That is why we are building the Lagos Light Rail project and why we also started a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which has been expanded to places like Alimosho, Murtala Mohammed Way and other places. We have also awarded contracts for the expansion of Mile 12 into Ikorodu Road with a BRT lane built into it. A BRT lane is also built into the expansion of the Lagos- Badagry Expressway”, he said. Speaking with National Mirror, UK-

based Mrs Gloria Abiodun, gave the state government kudos for introducing such measures for the safety of road users. According to her, traffic offences in foreign countries attract even more stringent punishment than what obtains in the Lagos Traffic Law, saying it is very difficult for anyone to evade punishment, regardless of status. For her, if Nigeria can get it right through restoration of sanity on the roads. And where it fails, the much talked-about development would not only remain elusive, as every other sector would be negatively affected. She said, the law would go a long way to deter reckless driver who, had sent many people to early graves in their bid to beat the traffic and in an attempt to escape from wrath of the law. Her words: “Needless deaths are common in Nigeria and these affect life expectancy. On many occasions, I have witnessed such avoidable accidents, due to the driving habits of so- called danfo drivers or Okada riders. Last year, a middle- age man was knocked down at Ikeja by a commercial bus driver and he died on the spot. Not long ago, newspaper reported on how three siblings were crushed to death while going to school by a motorist driving against traffic. People cannot continue to live lawlessly. This is not done anywhere in the world.” A Lagos based lawyer, Mr. Goddy Okpamen, said since it is a law that affects the government, it could be challenged in the law courts if it is becoming draconian. For Mrs Nike Ogunshola, nothing is so interesting in the law than the prohibition of touting on the highways and garages by miscreants who always demand toll from motorists in the name of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). She said: “The most interesting thing about the law is the prohibition of the “Agbero” syndrome. There cannot be sanity on the road, if touts are not removed. We pray the government would able to enforce this. It got to a point, we were worried on why the government has kept quite on the brazen lawlessness of these touts on the roads”, she said. Meanwhile, the law has created division among transportation unions in the state, especially some commercial motorcycle unions that claim affiliation to the NURTW. While some factions have pledged support for it, some have taken the state government to the court over the provision that prohibits their operation on some highways and bridges. The law categorically restricts all motorcycles except those above 200CC engine capacity to ply the highways and bridges. Commenting on the restriction, the state commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa, said the state is being magnanimous to have restricted the operation of motorcycles on certain routes as against outright ban,even as he stated that crimes perpetrated through the use of Okada and the number of accidents in the state are reason enough to place a total ban on them.

WORLD RECORD

Largest ISS module Vol. 02 No. 450

N150

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Kibo, the Japanese pressurised module, measures 11.19 m long with a diameter of 4.39 m, and has a mass of 14,800 kg. It was developed by the Japanese space agency JAXA and launched on 31 May 2008 onboard the space shuttle Discovery.

Uncertainties over fuel scarcity

ntil last weekend when long queues surfaced in filling stations in the quest for fuel, motorists hardly believed that trouble times over fuel shortage had gone forever. But this was not to be as it became very apparent in Lagos and major towns. It had started in Abuja in the past few weeks. Before the reality of the situation dawned on many in Lagos at the weekend, the issue of perennial scarcity had become so pronounced in other parts of the country such that the people have come to accept it as nor mal. Prior to the development in Lagos, other parts of the country had been going through the harrowing experience of fuel scarcity which

Foundation Dinner organized by world number two Novak Djokovic has raised $1.4m in the tennis star’s first ever opening charity gala party hosted in New York at the weekend. The fund-raising has attracted several big celebrities in Hollywood including Andy Garcia, fashion top model Anja Rubik, Sasha Knezevic,

TALKINGPOINT Seyi Fasugba

seyifasugba@yahoo.com 08053069514 (sms only)

had come to be a recurring experience in our national life. Just like the popular saying that when Lagos sneezes the whole country catches cold, we have watched gradually and not until the shortage hits the commercial nerve centre of the country, it appears as all was well. Whatever may have been responsible for this and whatever the explanation might be, certain things must not just be allowed to such an extent that it will threaten the source of economic activities of the society. The implication of what happened over the weekend must not be underestimated, going by the events of the past few days where vandals have become very bold enough to attack major oil facilities and chase security agents guarding the officials from effecting repairs. The event, which occurred at Arepo, a settlement in Ogun State, in which engineers of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, were killed while trying to repair the pipelines damaged by vandals, is a sad reminder of the dark days of the deliberate economic sabotage of the Niger Delta militants over resource control. The damage done to the pipelines in the region was not only monumental but also

ENSURE THAT

NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW OF THE LAND NO MATTER THE CLOSENESS TO THE CORRIDOR OF POWER played a major role in the country’s backwardness among the oil producing countries. The desperation of the vandals had assumed a dangerous dimension in the past even before their boldness to kill those on a legitimate routine business to fix the ruins they made of the oil pipelines upon which rest the country’s collective wealth. The audacity and the boldness of the vandals should not only be a source of worry for Nigerians, but government’s graveyard silence over the attack must be of major concern. The action of the vandals must not be viewed as sabotaging the economy alone, but rather, a confrontation to the authorities of the Federal Gov-

ernment and its functionaries in the affairs of state. The people of Odi and Zaki Biam who once tried to question the authorities of the state in a similar scenario years back did not only pay dearly for it, but will never encourage their youth to follow that path again. There is no doubting the fact that our nascent democracy is on trial, but it should not be at the risk of undermining the powers of the state due to self interest that will not benefit the majority of the people. The law abiding citizens must not be made to suffer from effects of the greed of the few who are bent on destroying the base of our economy. What we have witnessed in the few months due to the apparent weakness of the capability of the NNPC to safeguard the oil installations demands that we begin to look beyond the mechanisms in place now to a more developed and efficient ways to distribute petroleum product in the country in a way that will beat the machinations of the vandals. The uncertainties that have continued to confront stakeholders in the economy are uncalled for, not in the midst of adequate facilities to enhance the rapid growth of the economy. The trial of oil marketers in the fuel subsidy scam will also go a long way to send strong signals of the serious intentions of gover nment to per manently rescue the critical source of revenue from saboteurs, provided this is also pursued to a logical conclusion. Doubts of the deliberate protection of some influential individuals from trial must be dispelled and action taken to ensure that no one is above the law of the land no matter the closeness to the corridor of power.

Sport Extra

Charity: Djokovic Foundation nets jackpot famous designers Donna Karan and Tommy Hilfiger, Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, former tennis world number one John McEnroe and film producer Milutin Gatsby. Five-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic said he had raised auction

along with his foundation to raise the responsiveness in Serbia of the preschool education, where he desired to enable kids to have access to sport facilities, better food and education. “I am very excited by the partnership with the UNICEF,” the 25-year-

old Serbian, who lost the recent US Open title to British Andy Murray, said yesterday. The foundation has enabled kids to develop in inspiring, imaginative and safe environments along with strategic community facility planning.

Novak Djokovic

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