Wednesday, October 31, 2012 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

Jonathan vows to recover stolen subsidy funds Anyaoku advocates fiscal restructuring for growth P TOLA AKINMUTIMI

WITH AGENCY REPORT

Vol. 2 N0. 481

Leaked report:

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday vowed to recover funds stolen by marketers from the petroleum subsidy

scheme. He also warned that corrupt officials and fraudsters would not be spared; stress-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Clinton heads for Minnesota as poll race tightens P.13

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

N150

Panel members threaten showdown with Ribadu ...committee last met in June HURRICANE SANDY: DEATH TOLL HITS 39

AYO OLESIN

DEPUTY EDITOR (BUSINESS)

P.54

ome members of the Presidential Task Force on Petroleum Revenue are preparing for a showdown with the Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, over the leakage of the draft report, contents of which the government has disowned. The draft report, leaked last week, underlined the huge rot in the operations and management of the nation’s oil and gas sector in the 10-year period beCONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Constitution review process lacks legitimacy –NBA P.4

LEFT: Cars float in a flooded subterranean basement in New York. RIGHT TOP: A hole on South Street Seaport in Manhattan, New York. RIGHT BOTTOM: Boats on Broadway Avenue after they were washed ashore from a boatyard in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, yesterday. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Govt reopens Third Mainland Bridge P.9

PHCN sale: Time too short to meet conditions –Bidders FG warns SURE-P coordinators against corruption

Onolememen

Ihejirika risks jail for disobeying court order

P.2,50 P.50

News

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PHCN sale: Time too short to meet conditions –Bidders UDEME AKPAN

he preferred bidders for the nation’s 11 electricity distribution companies have started working toward meeting the National Council of Privatisation, NCP, conditions. Some preferred bidders,

who spoke with the National Mirror yesterday, said that the conditions were not difficult to meet, adding that they had started working to ensure that the conditions were met within the stipulated period. The Project Director, Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Ltd, Dr.

Olusola Ayandele, whose company emerged as preferred bidder for Ibadan Electricity Distribution Plc, said in a telephone interview that plans were on to meet the conditions set by the NCP. He said: “Our company has the capacity to meet all NCP requirements. I can

confirm to you that we will meet the conditions. “It is necessary that bidders meet the conditions because if they fail to do so, they will be disqualified from the process. It is a critical stage. “I am sure Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Ltd will meet the

L-R: National Secretary, Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Nigerian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Mr. Eyo Asuquo; President Goodluck Jonathan and Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, at the commissioning of the Nigeria High Commission Building in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on Monday.

conditions.” The company is linked to former Head of Satate, General Abdulsalami Abubakar. Others, however, said the time allowed was short. One chief executive, who did not want his name mentioned, said that the 21 days allowed was too short because of the volume of funds required. He said: “There is no doubt that bidders must pay specific sums to the government. We would have expected a much longer time to do so because of the process involved in raising funds through financial institutions in the country and even other economies.” He said: “This means that there may be some firms that will find it difficult to meet conditions not because of lack of capacity but insufficient time.” But NCP Technical Committee Chairman, Mr. Atedo Peterside exclusively told National Mirror that the conditions were in line with global best practice and was made known to po-

tential investors since 2010. The chairman, who expressed his commitment to the successful completion of the privatisation process said: “It is global best practice. Those terms were fixed since 2010 and nobody complained.” While briefing State House correspondents at the end of its sixth meeting presided over by VicePresident Namadi Sambo on Monday, Peterside had noted that after the completion of payment, the handover of the successor companies to the preferred bidders would conclude the transactions. Peterside said that the prospective owners of the electricity generation and distribution firms, popularly known as GENCOs and DISCOs, would be required to post an additional bid security in the form of a letter of credit or bank guarantee for 15 per cent of the transaction value within 15 business days of notification from the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Panel members threaten showdown with Ribadu CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

tween 2001 and 2011. The leakage and reports of an attempt to cover up wrong doings by top officials in the oil and gas sector, prompted President Goodluck Jonathan to order the task force to submit the report by Friday, a situation that has created a rift among members, who are pointing accusing fingers at Ribadu over the leakage. A committee member said last night that Ribadu had failed to carry all members along in the assignment and his methods had pitched him against some members who are senior legal practitioners “We had to caution him at a point when he caused EFCC operatives to arrest some people who were still under investigations,” the source said. However, a member of the task force, Chief Anthony George Ikoli, SAN, responding to the leakage said yesterday that the report was yet to be finalised and disowned the version currently in circulation. He said: “The committee’s work is factually yet to be definitively concluded;

consequently a final report which would be the culmination of the processes and procedures agreed and adopted by the committee cannot exist, especially not in the format being circulated by the media both social and print.” George-Ikoli, the immediate past Attorney- General of Bayelsa State, said that the last time the committee met was in June and that the subcommittee in charge of writing the final report was yet to submit it. “The report writing subcommittee has not received, reviewed, revised and submitted a preliminary report for the committee of the whole for further consideration. “The necessary levels and procedures to identify figures, facts and information as well as mandatory authentication and cross checking to ensure information data integrity and credibility cannot be said to have been done or carried out,” he said. Ikoli said that at the last meeting of the committee, a written proposal presented to the committee members was advised to be “subject-

ed to the established integral norms and procedures of civilized conduct in a setting such as ours. “Many members of the committee are just as shocked and annoyed as I am that such painstaking work being conducted by the committee could be so ridiculed by the unsubstantiated reporting of such a respected global news agency. People of unimpeachable character populate this committee; the manner in which this news story was procured only serves to question the integrity of these people, which is rather unfortunate “I personally believe the distraction generated by this story is unnecessary as it would neither aid the attainment of the anti-corruption agenda of government or the terms reference of the committee,” he added. Apart from George-Ikoli, there are at least three other prominent lawyers in the task force. They are Chief Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; Chief Anthony Idigbe, SAN; and Mr. Olasupo Sasore; SAN, who is also the former Attorney-Gen-

eral of Lagos State, who serves as the secretary of the task force. Efforts to contact Ribadu last night were unsuccessful as calls to his number did not go through. According to the leaked document, the operations of the government agencies charged with managing oil and gas resources have been fraught with lack of accountability, weak legislation, and huge losses as a result of oil theft and short-changing of government by oil firms through unpaid royalties and signature bonuses. For example, the committee found inconsistencies in pattern of allocation of 445,000 barrels per day to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and prices paid for such allocations over the 10 year period and that the government might have been short-changed to the tune of $5bn from the application of price differentials. The task force also found that the exchange rates used in arriving at the naira equivalent of the amounts payable for the domestic crude allocation

differed from the Central Bank of Nigeria’ official rates for six of the 10 years reviewed. “The potential underpayment of amounts payable to the Federation Account over the 10- year period is estimated at N86.6bn,” the report said. The report further pointed out that a total of N37.5bn was due to the government from gas sales from the Bonga field operated by Shell as at 2009. It also raised eyebrows over the pricing of gas sold to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, which was lower than international prices and claimed that the cumulative deficit between the international market value and what was obtained from NLNG was approximately $29bn over the 10 year period. The task force report also faulted the management of the oil block allocations and bid rounds pointing out that there was outstanding balance of $566m unpaid in signature bonuses from the 67 licenses were awarded between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2011 in addi-

tion to $183m outstanding on seven discretionary allocations reviewed, though $321m of this amount was legally disputed The task force also found that “there is no single point accountability for the income and expenditure streams of upstream petroleum operations”, a situation compounded by the current structure of the NNPC and the multiple roles it played in the sector. This is in addition to it faulting the practice of the use of oil traders in crude lifting contrary to the global trend wherein national oil companies develop their own trading arms and raised concern that Nigeria being the world’s only major oil producer that sells 100 per cent of its crude to private commodities traders, rather than directly to refineries. According to the report, the NNPC Joint Venture operations had been riddled with problem as the government had failed to allocate enough funds to meet cash call obligation standing at N459.5bn as at end of 2009 and had resultCONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PAGE

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Midweek Interview I won’t borrow to pay salaries – Amosun Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, recently made some far-reaching revelations about local government funds in a chat with journalists in Abeokuta. He also dwelt on the security challenges confronting the state and benefits of his several foreign trips. FEMI OYEWESO brings the excerpts:

someone will say I tamper with council funds. To make matters worse, the money doesn’t come till the last two or three days of the month and it is the law that the Joint Account Committee (JAC) must sit before anything is done. JAC cannot sit until they know how much to be shared; so the salaries naturally won’t be paid till some days into the following month. JAC don’t usually sit till the last day of the month or the first day of the new month. It is after that they will tell me there is a shortfall and then state will augment it. For us to pay them before the end of the month, it means I will go borrowing at least N3 billion monthly. I will be paying an interest of between N90 million and N120 million and now that the interest rate is shooting through the roofs, it becomes worse. I don’t want to borrow to pay salaries. I won’t do it. With what I am doing, if they go on strike they won’t be paid. I will apply the no work- no pay rule. They see all these things and if they should go on strike, they won’t be paid.

What would you say has been your greatest challenge since assuming office? It is too early to say this is the greatest challenge one has as a governor. The challenge I have is when I will have to demolish homes of people to pave way for roads. I am not happy at all because this has been the abode of people for ages and now they have to move to make way for roads. I am sad by that, but we must plan for our children and work for their future. But what gladdens me was the day we were commissioning the Ibara-Sokori road, for example, and those whose houses had to make way were waving at me because they saw the speed and the commitment we have for it and because they saw that I meant well. Why has the severance allowance for political office holders who served in the last administration not yet paid? I am yet to pay it. If those who are still working now are still being owed a backlog of 11 months unpaid salaries, why would you that caused the whole mess be asking for severance pay? I will pay, but it is not a priority. This is why when I hear those who were owed 19 months and I have reduced it to two or three months saying they want to go on strike because of the backlog, I wonder what is wrong with them. If I haven’t paid the backlog of those still working, how do I now pay those who have left? I will pay it, no doubt, because all those working with me now too are entitled to it and they will collect it too after the end of this administration. But I can’t make that my priority. No, I won’t. If I should go and pay now and leave all these people with backlog, won’t they go on strike? I have made a pledge with my God that I won’t owe anyone working for this state, What are you doing for those living in border communities before demanding that they should pay taxes to Ogun state? The law of the land says that they should pay tax in the place they stay. But we are interfacing with our brothers in Lagos. We are also planning to physically enumerate the houses that fall within Ogun State. I will appeal to them to pay their taxes because we have them in mind in our planning. The state government plans to construct the SangoIjoko-Agbado-Oke Aro to Ojodu Abiodun road. It is a 32 kilometer road and will cost N29 billion as a-four lane road. There are allegations that you deduct on monthly basis, funds from local governments. What is the true story of local government financing in the state? I hate hearing this talk that I am tampering with local government funds. It is annoying because the funds coming from Abuja are just too little. I wonder how someone will touch what is not enough in the first instance. On my honour, since I assumed office, I have been giving the local governments between N400 million and N500 million every month to augment what they collect from Abuja. If I don’t do it, they won’t be able to pay salaries. They were quoting a judgement that they claimed says that the state is at liberty to participate in the payment of primary school teachers. But there is a constitutional provision that says that whatever the state generates from internally generated revenue (IGR), the council should be

Amosun

given 10 per cent. Let’s even say the constitution says 20 per cent. When we came in, the IGR was N736 million. When the past administration sold lands, they got over N1.1 billion. Even at that, just remove the 10 per cent, which is just N200 million. If every month I add N400 million or N600 million depending on what comes from Abuja, have I not given over and above what the law permits? If they are hiding under the fact that the constitution says I should give 20 per cent of IGR and I want to apply that law, then so many local governments won’t be able to pay salaries. There are seven local governments that can’t pay teachers’ salaries not to talk of the staff. For example; Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Ijebu Ode and Odeda, the money that comes from Abuja can’t pay the salaries of primary school teachers in those local councils. Before we came what they do is uniformity. Immediately the money comes, they just divide it and give equal amount to all of the councils, but I said that is not what the law says. If they say from Abuja, Imeko –Afon is X naira then I must give X naira to them not XY naira. When we came in I realised why they were doing the uniformity thing. Some local governments can’t even pay for their teachers. We discovered that the allocation coming from Abuja might be N79 million but the teachers’ salary is N82 million. For Abuja to now release the allocation, we need to pay Abuja the short fall because we normally send the salaries of the primary school teachers to UBEC which then forward it to Federal Ministry of Finance. When they saw this shortfall, they held on to the allocation until the state pays the short fall. Once they pay the teachers, they don’t have money to pay the council staff. So, I wonder how

FOR US TO PAY THEM BEFORE THE END OF THE MONTH, IT MEANS I WILL GO BORROWING AT LEAST N3 BILLION MONTHLY... I WON’T DO IT

What have been the benefits of the foreign trips you made and the investors’ forum you organised for the state? I have travelled out just five times; our situation is different because things are really very bad with winning the confidence of investors which is at the lowest ebb. But they are seeing and hearing reports that things are being done differently in our state. You will soon see those companies coming into the state. You will soon see what we are turning AgbaraIgbesa axis to in terms of companies willing to come in. There has been crisis in the state’s hospitals because the people claim there is a free health programme. What is your take on this? Health is free for babies of between zero to five years and the aged of 70 years and above. What we have seen however is that some people of 35 years of age go there to say Amosun has said we shouldn’t pay. No, that is not true. We said children should not pay because we want to stop infant mortality. We will go on an enlightenment campaign to educate our people that the free health issue is not for all but for the aged and children between the ages zero to five. Is it true that the state government has introduced an insurance levy in schools? I don’t know anything about insurance levy. But I need to clarify it here that much as we desire to do free education, going on excursion is not part of it. We haven’t also said that Parent Teachers Association (PTA) should be abolished. We only want to regulate it. The PTA levy for primary schools shouldn’t be more than N300 and secondary schools, N1,000. It is voluntary and no one should be forced to pay. Why do you think you deserve to be conferred with the award of the best security governor in West Africa? Maybe you will have to ask the organisers why they decided to pick me. But you know the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar was here and he saw what we commissioned and one of the things he mentioned was that this is the first time he is seeing such a large number of security equipment being donated to the police. But then, we were all here last year and we remember how the robbers were on rampage and today you are all witness to what we have. As at today, we have purchased in excess of 200 Toyota Hilux vehicles and I have ordered again for another 30 vehicles. I want the presence of the police to be intimidating in the state. That surely will deter the hoodlums. They will think twice before they attack if they know that the chance of escape is very low, they will think twice before they attack us. The roads we are constructing will also come with full complement of close circuit televisions.

Photo News

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

L-R: Professor of Economics, Oxford University, Prof. Paul Collier; South Africa’s Minister of Finance, Mr. Pavin Gordhan; Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku and Vice-President Namadi Sambo, during presentation of a book, Reforming the Unreformable: Lesson from Nigeria, written by Okonjo-Iweala, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio (left), receiving the Minister of Science & Technology, Prof. Bassey Ita Ewa during a visit to the governor by Okobo sons and daugthers.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Kaduna State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Timothy Gandu; recipient of Inspirational Woman Award 2012, Professor Mopelola Omoegun; wife of Lagos State governor, Mrs. Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola and Governor Babatunde Fashola, at the opening of the 12th Annual National Conference of Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials in Lagos, yesterday.

Professor of Pharmacognosy, Prof. Abayomi Sofowora (left), with President, National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners, Prof. Thomas Oleabhiele, at a stakeholders’ forum in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

National News

Hurricane Sandy may impact on Lagos, govt warns Asks residents to brace up for violent ocean surges

MURITALA AYINLA

agos State Government yesterday warned that the ripple effects of Hurricane Sandy, now battering some United States cities, may hit the state in the next one week. The government said based on past experience and the closeness of Lagos State to the Atlantic Ocean, the state might feel the impact of the hurricane in the United States. The Commissioner for Waterfront and Infrastructural Development, Prince Abiodun Oniru, and his Information and Strategy counterpart, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba, gave the warning yesterday while addressing journalists at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre at the State Secretariat, Alausa. They said the residents should brace up for more violent ocean surges before the end of the year. “We get ocean surge two to three times a year, March, June/July and then

November. We are still expecting one stronger surge before the end of the year,” the commissioners said. “Normally, when such happens, and the magnitude if it hits that part of the world, we always have a ripple effect in Lagos and around the West Coast of Africa. Our main concern is Lagos. It is a warning, but not to create panic. Lagos lies parallel to the South America part of the world on the map, but Super Storm Sandy has hit New York City and Atlantic and the West Part. “That part of the world is northern to us, but we need to note that within the next seven to 14 days, we may get a ripple effect. It is not to create panic, they should be careful around the ocean and lagoon, in the next five to six days,” Oniru said. When asked about the source of the prediction, the commissioner said: “It is from what we have witnessed here in Lagos particularly when any cyclone hits South America part of the world, because of our

proximity to them, the ripple effect happens within seven to 14 days. It comes back to us. It is a trend. “When the wind starts, the wind turns to a hurricane and then high water level begins to rise because of the wind. Imagine throwing water on a glass, it will

flash back. So we may have high wave, high water level. I advise that those who live around the coastline and shoreline to be vigilant and remain calm and if they start seeing storms like that of the 17th of August this year, they should stay off the Atlantic. “The state government is putting in place a plan to

protect the areas that were hit by the recent ocean surge, Kuramo, Oniru, Maiyegun, Okunde, Alpha Beach, etc. Government has put plan in place and work will commence anytime from now to protect those areas from any other strong ocean surge. It is a warning to those on the coastline.” On his part, the Spe-

cial Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Dr. Taofik Folami, urged the residents to refrain from blocking drainages, in case of a flooding effect. Ibirogba said the warning was to inform Lagosians on what to expect should they start to witness the impact of the climate change.

Constitution review process lacks legitimacy –NBA EMMANUEL ONANI ABUJA

he Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has expressed reservation over the process adopted by the National Assembly towards the review of the 1999 Constitution, saying it lacked the required elements of legitimacy. The NBA President, Okey Wali (SAN), said this yesterday at the inauguration of its two committees, the NBA Committee on Constitutional Review and Law Reform and the NBA Rule of Law Action Group. According to Wali, there is no way a one-day public hearing as being

planned by the House of Representatives in the 360 federal constituencies, will provide the people adequate opportunity to make substantial and tangible inputs aimed at producing a people-oriented document. Wali said it was only when a referendum was called to aggregate the wishes and aspirations of a people, that the constitution could be said to be “the people’s constitution”. He also disclosed that the NBA was not favourably disposed to participating in the ongoing efforts to alter some aspects of the constitution, adding that its change of mind was, however, with-

out prejudice to the noticeable “lacunae” in the entire exercise. While recognising the participation of various groups like the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, et al, the NBA president said the association, through its Review and Law Reform Committee would “engage the process through strategic consultation with other actors”. He said: “The NBA has some reservations about the ongoing process as it does not appear to be very orderly. There is no clear agenda or known methodology. In fact, the

House of Representatives will be holding a public hearing session simultaneously in all the 360 federal constituencies in the country on Saturday, November 10, 2012. “Our first instinct was not to be part of this because we did not think that a one-day gathering in 360 constituencies could be productive... but on a second thought, we decided to attend but without prejudice to our reservations on the inadequacy of the process and on any attempt to any legitimacy if Nigerians are not given appropriate opportunities. Nobody will use the NBA to legitimise illegitimacy.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Jonathan vows to recover stolen subsidy funds CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ing that culprits would be severely punished to serve as a deterrent to others. President Jonathan gave the warning in Abuja at the launch of a book titled, “Reforming the unreformable” written by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. The President said that government was taking measures to recover stolen funds from those who defrauded the government in the petroleum subsidy scheme. President Jonathan, who was represented by Vice- President Namadi Sambo, said his administration was committed to various sectoral reforms aimed at creating jobs for the unemployed youths.

He said: “Let me assure you that my administration is not only committed to reform, we are indeed building on some of the reform measures initiated by my predecessors. “On the governance front, we are going after those who commit various economic crimes and corrupt practices with impunity. “As you may be aware, government is taking every legal measure to ensure that those who defraud the government in the petroleum subsidy scheme are made to pay back the stolen funds, and also are severely punished.” The President restated the administration’s commitment to diversifying the nation’s economy with particular emphasis on

agro-business and value addition in the exploitation of other resources to generate employment and create wealth. President Jonathan commended the author for documenting some of the important reforms embarked upon by government. He said: “On a personal note, I see this publication as an attestation of patriotism on the part of the author. “As an administration, we shall always support such enterprise, for the purpose of setting the records straight. “The central message of this important book is hope, hope that Nigeria can reform and grow to become one of the world’s most dynamic economies. “In the past, there was a

lot of cynicism about Nigeria. Many people claimed that the political and economic institutions of this country could never be reformed. “I commend this book for documenting some of the important reforms, which have occurred in Nigeria since our recent democratic transition.” The President frowned at the situation where Africa’s history, economic challenges and progress were being written and narrated by foreign authors. He, therefore, stressed the need for African leaders to invest more in writing about their experiences for the general good of the continent. Also speaking at the event, former SecretaryGeneral of the Common-

L-R: Executive Chairman, Borini Prono, Mr. Bode Emmanuel; Hon. Minister of Works, Mike Onolemenmen and Director, Highways South-West, Ejike Mgbemena, during the commissioning of new-look of 3rd Mainland Bridge Phase II in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA

Panel members threaten showdown with Ribadu CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

ed in NNPC having to borrow money to pay its partners at considerable cost.

A further review of the operations of the NNPC showed that the company and its 16 subsidiaries

were in an operational deficit of about N298bn for the period and that the company was grossly under-

funded while it was being owed about N27bn while the company also owed supplier about $3.6bn.

PHCN sale: Time too short to meet conditions –Bidders CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

He said that the preferred bidders’ banks’ guarantees shall be from a Standard & Poors, S&P, or Moody & Fitch “A” rated foreign bank with a correspondent bank in Nigeria or a Nigerian bank rated “A” by a rating agency approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC. It added that the validity period shall be 21 calendar days. He said that NCP ap-

proved Amperion Power Distribution Company Limited with a bid of $132,000,000 as the preferred bidder for the core investor sale of 51 per cent shares of Geregu Power Plc. Peterside said the NCP also approved that Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, which offered an annual fee of $50,760,665.18 and a commencement fee of $257,000,000 as the preferred bidder for the concession of Kainji Hydro Power Plc. The Council approved

that North-South Power Ltd, which offered an annual fee of $23,602,484.87 and a commencement fee of $111,654,534 as the preferred bidder for the concession of Shiroro Hydro Power Plc. The privatization body also approved Transcorp/ Woodrock/Sumbion/Medea/ PSL/ Thomassen with a bid of $300,000,000 as the preferred bidder for the core investor sale of 100 per cent shares of Ughelli Power Plc while Amperion Power Distri-

bution Company Limited with a bid of $252,000,000, was also named as the reserve bidder. Similarly, the NCP approved that CMEC/ EURAFRIC Energy JV Consortium with a bid of $201,000,000 as the preferred bidder for the core investor sale of 100 per cent shares of Sapele Power Plc as well as JBN-NESTOIL Power Services Ltd with a bid of $106,500,000 is the reserve bidder.

wealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, called for an urgent overhaul of the overbloated government architecture to ensure political stability and sustainable growth of the country in the years ahead. Anyaoku also advocated the structural adjustment of the yearly budgets in favour of more capital provisioning. He noted that there was no way the current structure of government would promote sustainable development “insofar as the larger quantum of available funds are committed to non-productive item heads, particularly avoidable overhead expenditures that have remained draining pipes to the nation’s resources over the past years. “My view of the country’s chances of realising its rightfully desired development and development objectives would be greatly enhanced if the country adopts a major restructuring of its present governance architecture. “I do not believe for example that we can succeed if we don’t reduce significantly the level of expenditure on recurrent expenditure, which at the moment is averaging 74 per cent which I gather that the budget for the next year hopes to reduce to something like 68 per cent. “When you look around the world and particularly, you look around developing countries that started the same stage as we did, you will find that their expenditure on recurrent heads have been far less than what we have been spending. “Because what we have been spending on recurrent budget has left us and continues to leave us with too little for capital development which we need,’’ Anyaoku said. While noting that it would be practically impossible for the nation to become a truly giant nation of the people’s collective dream with the abnormally huge cost of administration under the current political structure of 36 states and Federal capital Territory with all the paraphernalia and institutions for adminis-

tration, the former Commonwealth chief scribe canvassed a halt to further balkanisation of the country to more political units as experiences have shown that this approach will further polarise the peoples. He recalled with nostalgic feeling that Nigeria was making steadier progress in development in the olden days when only three regions existed than now and blamed the military intervention for the gradual descent to political disembarkation of the country. The former Commonwealth chief that only a return to true federalism with each of the units having both political and economic capacities to development can save Nigeria from the potentially dangerous crisis in the future, adding that “I believe that we must return to true federalism if we are to achieve the stability and the level of development that we aspire to and I see this as the preeminent challenge which faces the current effort to review and amend our 1999 constitution.’’ In his remarks at the event, Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi, said the book is a must read for political leaders, especially state governors, as it gives serious insight into why the nation needed to continue to promote savings in the like of the Excess Crude Account, in order to provide the necessary buffers to the economy in eras of uncertainty in the global economy as is currently being witnessed. Professor Paul Collier of the Oxford University; South African Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan and Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra, who reviewed the 198-page book, all identified sound rules and effective institutions as the important pillars for sustained economic development. Earlier, Okonjo-Iweala stated that the essence of the book, which took her four years to complete, was to engender hope in Nigerians. She said the book was also meant for Nigeria to learn from her past experience to shape her future, saying that the book was not her biography.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

South West

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Thugs disrupt Fayose group’s meeting ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

or the second day running, hoodlums disrupted members of the Ayodele Fayose Campaign Organisation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding their meeting in Ekiti State communities.

Groups differ on immunity clause removal, state creation

While the hoodlums attacked the PDP members at the venue of the meeting at Oye-Ekiti on Monday, leaving no fewer than six of them injured with about three vehicles vandalised, yesterday’s meeting slated for Ilawe-Ekiti in Ekiti South-West Local Government could not hold. As the hoodlums gathered in some parts of the community, waiting to unleash attack on former Governor Ayodele Fayose and members of his campaign group, anti-riot policemen were

deployed strategically in parts of the town to prevent breach of the peace. There was palpable tension in the community yesterday as no fewer than 12 police vans were sighted in the city centre. While some vans were parked at a location close to the police detachments, others were patrolling. Sources in the Fayose Campaign Organisation said yesterday’s meeting was put off due to security report which did not favour it. Director General of the

campaign organisation, Mr Gboyega Oguntuase, told journalists on Monday at Afao-Ekiti that the attackers were Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) thugs. He said that no fewer than six of his members were injured by the thugs brandishing weapons, such as machetes and guns, while three of their vehicles were vandalised as well. Oguntuase, who said the attack was one of the attempts by the ACN to ensure PDP members did not gather, added that the ruling

party was only covering up its lacklustre performance with violence. But the ACN spokesman, Mr. Tai Akogun, denied the involvement of the party members in the attack. Akogun, who said PDP should look inward and tell the public the cause of the attack, attributed the situation to the internal crisis in the PDP. The ACN spokesperson described the scenario as a clear case of intra-party wrangling among members of the PDP.

KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

gitation for the devolution for power and creation of more states reverberated yesterday. The Ibadan branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Labour Party (LP), the Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) and the Oyo Elders Forum yesterday joined the call for the devolution of power and creation of state police in the proposed constitution amendment. The groups, in the memoranda presented at a public hearing organised by a committee set up by the Oyo State Government to aggregate the opinion of the people on the constitution amendment, also called for autonomy for local government. But they deferred on issues such as creation of more states, the removal of the controversial immunity clause from the constitution, constitutional roles for traditional rulers and constitutional recognition of the six geo-political zones. The NBA in the memorandum presented by its Secretary, Mr. Kazeem Olaniyan, said instead of more states, more local government areas should be created, and that there was no need for constitutional roles for the traditional rulers. Labour Party Chairman, Mr. Lamidi Bashiru Apampa, kicked against the removal of the immunity clause for governors and president as well as the calls for the scrapping of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

L-R: One of the Awardees, Alh. Yaya Salami of Radio Lagos, Provost, Diploma Section, Arabic and Islamic Training Centre, Agege, Dr. Abdul Mumine Yousuph; Principal Academic, Ustaz Yunusi Yakubu; Rector, Muhammed Habibullah El-llory and former Governor, Alh. Lateef Jakande, during the anniversary of Moricas, recently.

Invasion: Oyo CP apologises to Alaafin KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

he last Sallah day invasion of the ancient Oyo town by a contingent of police has taken a new dimension as the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mbu Mathew Mbu, sent a delegation to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, to apologize over the police action. It will be recalled that the police had, on the day,

allegedly stormed the town to lead the deposed Baale of Ago-Oja, Alhaji Ganiyu Busari Ajiboye, to the praying ground, contrary to a court order which had stopped him from parading himself as a traditional chief. The action, described as provocative, almost led to the break-down of law and order, but for the quick intervention of Oba Adeyemi, who appealed for calm among indigenes of the town . National Mirror learnt

that Mbu raised a delegation led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Operations, Mr. Mohammed Musa, to apologise to the Alaafin for the deployment of Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and police personnel to the services of a deposed chief in the town. Delivering the message, Musa was quoted to have disclosed that the affected police officers had been queried for their action and would be made to face the

full weight of the law. It was learnt that Musa told Oba Adeyemi that Mbu would have personally come to apologise, if not for his indisposition, adding that the police commissioner had, however, vowed that the command would not aid and abet injustice. The Media Officer to Oba Adeyemi, Alhaji Azeez Fehintola, confirmed the visit by the police delegation, adding that the monarch positively responded to the plea by the police.

Boat mishap: Three remaining bodies recovered MURITALA AYINLA

he remaining three bodies of the victims of a capsized canoe drowned in the lagoon of Imude community in OttoAwori Local Council Development Area of Lagos State were yesterday recovered. One of the three bodies

was recovered from the lagoon on Monday at about 7:00 pm, while the remaining two were later sighted afloat on the lagoon. Meanwhile, the aggrieved residents have given the sand mining firm accused of causing the canoe mishap one-week ultimatum to provide the captain responsible for the incident, even as they pre-

pare for a nine-day spiritual cleansing and burial rites for the deceased. Confirming the recovery, the Baale of Imude community, Chief Ajayi Ashade, said the bodies of the nine victims of the mishap had been recovered from the lagoon. The leader of the community’s search and recovery team, Apostle Kehinde

Akerele, who spoke immediately after they returned from the exercise at about 8:30 am yesterday, said that commenced the search as early as 6:00 am. He commended the Commissioner for Rural Development, Mr. Cornelius Ojelabi, for releasing the fund to secure the services of a speed boat to intensify the exercise. Speaking on the one week

Ekiti to consolidate success in health sector

he Ekiti State Government has promised to tackle all primary health issues confronting people as part of the plans to consolidate the achievements recorded in the health sector. Deputy Governor of the state, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka, spoke yesterday when the Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA), led by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Mrs. Folakemi Olusola Falore, visited her. Mrs. Olayinka said the state was determined to continue to create awareness and promote immunization, rather than rest on its oars as a state that has being free from polio since the last 16 years. Stressing that the government was prepared to provide adequate fund for health institutions and health related programmes to guarantee the people of robust health, she said Governor Kayode Fayemi’s administration was prepared to address the issue of obsolete equipment in public hospitals and other health facilities. In her address, Mrs. Falore, accompanied by the Director of Primary Health in the Ministry, Dr. Joshua Ileke, praised women for their awareness and cooperation with PHCDA in its bid to ensure that Ekiti is polio free. Calling for greater vigilance towards guiding against transfer of polio from influx of persons from the Northern part of the country, she requested for adequate funding for the agency. Explaining that Ekiti has the lowest prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in the country, Mrs. Falore said: “The government is working diligently to attain zero level.” ultimatum, Chief Ashade said residents of the community, especially youths had planned to attack any speed boat of Julius Berger Construction Company found on their water ways. However, the Commissioner for Rural Development, Mr. Cornelius Ojelabi, has announced that two survivors had been rescued, adding that nine corpses were also recovered from the water and had been buried.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

FG reopens Third Mainland Bridge to traffic Work’ll begin on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway this year –Minister

DAYO AYEYEMI AND MURITALA AYINLA

fter almost four months of partial closure of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos to allow the repairs of its eight expansion joints, the bridge was yesterday reopened to traffic. Though the repair of the bridge was expected to be completed on November 6, the contractor, Messrs Borini Prono, was able to complete the project 10 days ahead of schedule. Declaring the bridge open to traffic in Lagos yesterday, the Minister

of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, an architect, said that not only was the repair work completed about 10 days ahead of schedule, it was completed at the awarded contract sum, without variation. The contract sum for the repair of the bridge is N1,055,447,608.16, and amount certified to date is N598,224,040.74. Onolememen said the Federal Government had kept faith with the promise to do everything possible to cushion the frustration and other inconveniences caused road users because of the partial closure of the bridge.

He said: “We have kept faith with that promise, as we draw the curtain on the repair works on the bridge. To the glory of God, I now have the honour and privilege to declare the repair works on the Third Mainland Bridge completed. The bridge is hereby fully reopened to traffic.” Besides, the minister said the Federal Government would ensure that the concessionaire of the Lagos - Ibadan Expressway, Bi-Courtney Highway Services, begin permanent construction works on the road before the end of December.

On technology applied for the repair of the Third Mainland Bridge, Onolememen noted that throughout the project, hydrodemolition technique was employed while high pressure water jet was used to remove the concrete around the joints. The minister thanked Borini Prono for the technology and expertise it brought to bear on the project and the good quality workmanship exhibited during the repair. He also applauded the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, for “his wonderful cooperation and collaboration not just on

Rainstorm destroys 200 buildings in Ibadan KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

he residents of the ancient city of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, were yesterday counting their losses after the Monday rainstorm which affected many parts of the city. It was gathered that about 200 buildings, filling stations, shops and worship centres were destroyed by the rainstorm which swept across the 11 local govern-

ment areas in Ibadanland and its environs. Also, electric poles belonging to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, and some trees were uprooted during the rain, which started at about 6.30p.m. When our correspondent visited some of the areas yesterday, fallen trees, high-tension wires and poles littered the ground, causing traffic gridlock in parts of the city. Speaking with newsmen, the Principal Pub-

lic Relations Manager of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Mr. Jide Oyenuga, said officials of the company were working to restore the damaged electric installations. He added that the management of the Ibadan company was still awaiting the final survey report on the damaged property. Areas affected include Ring-Road, Akinyemi, Oke-Ayo, Odo-Ona, Apata, Bembo, NNPC, Owode, Iyaganku quarters, and some

parts of Ibadan North West and South-West local government areas. It was learnt that at the New Garage area of Owode, about 50 people escaped death when the rainstorm suddenly removed the roof of the filling station, where they had gone to seek refuge. The owners of some of the houses whose roofs were blown off engaged the services of artisans to repair the buildings before another rain.

L-R: Ekiti State Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Chief Dayo Fadipe; Deputy Governor, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka; Permanent Secretary, Primary Health in the state Ministry of Health, Mrs. Folakemi Olusola Falore and Director of Primary Health, Dr. Joshua Ileke, during the visit of the Primary Health Care Development Agency to the deputy governor in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday.

Why I exposed Salami, ACN phone interactions –Oni KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

he National ViceChairman (SouthWest) of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Segun Oni, has explained why he petitioned the National Judicial Council, NJC, and

the Presidency on the telephone interactions between the suspended President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, and the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, leaders and counsel. He told an Ibadan High Court that it was borne out of his patriotic duty to re-

port judicial indiscretions. This is contained in a statement issued in Ibadan yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Mr. Lere Olayinka. The former governor of Ekiti State said it was the unethical behaviour which he noticed in Salami’s conduct in the

handling of the appeal of the candidate of the ACN against him that informed his petition to the NJC. He added that it was upon the petition along with other unethical conduct that made the body to recommend Salami’s suspension to President Goodluck Jonathan.

this project, but on all our activities in Lagos State.” The minister appreciated the Nigerian Army, the police, the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, and the Lagos State Transport Management Authority, LASTMA, for providing security, effectively monitoring and coordinating traffic flow on the bridge and all alternative routes during the duration of the repair. The Third Mainland Bridge was partially closed to traffic on July 6, signalling the beginning of the repair of its expansion joints.

Meanwhile, the reopening of the bridge caused a gridlock which grounded business activities in many parts of Lagos metropolis. For almost eight hours, motorists groaned in the gridlock, wondering why the bridge had to be closed when the minister had not arrived Lagos for the reopening ceremony. LASTMA officials had a hectic time trying to manage the traffic. Traffic was diverted from the bridge to Cater Bridge, Eko Bridge, Ikorodu Road and other alternative routes.

Ajimobi’s wife denies arrest by London police KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

he wife of Oyo State governor, Mrs. Florence Abiola Ajimobi, yesterday denied claims of her arrest by the Metropolitan Police in London for money laundering. Mrs. Ajimobi who spoke in a telephone interview with newsmen said the story of her arrest was both shocking and surprising. A social media had run a story of thealleged arrest of the governor’s wife for laundering N500m. But Mrs. Ajimobi told newsmen on telephone last night that she was never invited nor arrested by the Met police on any charge. “I have never been invited by the police. I don’t know where they got the information from. I don’t know what they are talking about. It is all lies,” she said. She however confirmed being in London to attend to her 14 years old daughter, who is schooling in the United Kingdom. She promised to return to the country today. She also denied that she has been to London 52 times since her husband’s inauguration as governor. “It is laughable that I have travelled 52 times. It means that I hardly stay in Ibadan or I travel every week. “I have been living in London since 2007. I have even travelled less since 2011 when my husband became the governor,” she added. Meanwhile, the state government has sued the

Independent Communications Network Limited, publishers of PM News for N1bn for reporting the alleged arrest. The Special Adviser to the governor on Media, Festus Adedayo, disclosed this in a statement yesterday. The evening newspaper had yesterday published a piece entitled: “Anxiety over Florence Ajimobi’s alleged arrest in UK,” where it carried a story purportedly written by an online agency, named Newsleak, which alleged that the governor’s wife was arrested in London for money laundering. According to the statement, the Oyo State Government had the responsibility to ensure that the media does not become an instrument in the hands of blackmailers for such acts. The statement reads in part: “We want to state unequivocally that this report is not only wicked, it is the figment of the imagination of the writers. “Mrs. Ajimobi was never arrested for any offence whatsoever. Even though our investigations have shown that this is the work of some arrowheads of the opposition, it was done in such an amateurish way that beats the imagination of any responsible reader.” The government said though it had a lot of respect for the media, there was the need to take the evening newspaper to court to explain the details of it reports to the rest of the world.

South East

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Flood: Health crisis likely at Anambra camps

CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

ajor health crisis is looming at the two flood relief camps in Anambra State. Officials are crying that they lack essential items, such as drugs and water to take care of the flood victims accommodated at the camps. National Mirror learnt that the victims, especially those accommodated at Father Joseph Secondary School, Aguleri, are now facing the health hazard of living in houses whose roof were destroyed recently by wind. Speaking on the major problem confronting the flood victims at Father

Joseph Secondary School, a member of the camp’s management committee, who also represents Aguleri Ward One in Anambra East Local Government Area, Hon. Hilary Nkesi, said the committee had been confronted with a challenge arising from lack of essential drugs to treat malaria, the common ailment of the victims. Nkesi said: “Majority of the people here are suffering from malaria and we don’t have the necessary drugs to treat them, even ordinary wounds are not treated here.” He said the situation had compelled the committee to refer the sick to private and specialised hospitals, where huge

medical bill amounting to over N400.000 had been incurred. He added that the committee spent about N15, 000 daily to buy water for the use of the victims. Summing up the committee’s experience, Nkesi said: “We the camp leaders, it is a hell of experience for us here. Initially, we were rushing about 18 people to hospitals every day, but now with the health officials around, the situation has improved.” He, however, said that the camp recorded about 58 new born babies, seven set of twins and birth of a triplet. The situation was similar at Umuoba Anam

camp. Shedding light on the state of health facilities at Umuoba Anam camp, where he is the leader, Stan Nwata identified medical issues as the greatest challenge the victims are facing. He said: “For now, no doctor is working with us, a development that does not augur well with the well being of about 4,042 victims accommodated at the Umuoba Anam Primary School and the Community’s Catholic Church. “Absolutely we make do with nurses and other health workers here, all the doctors we have had here were volunteers.” But a health officer at the camp, Mr. Okafor Joseph, said those complaining about health were mainly people who were not resident in the camps and who did not come to the camp for treatment.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Enugu communities to get four projects each –Chime DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

overnor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has said that every community in the state is entitled to four capital projects before the end of his administration in 2015. Chime said that the four priority projects, which some communities already have, were chosen by the communities themselves through the government’s Visit Every Community (VEC)’s initiative. The initiative is forum that gives the communities freedom to choose projects they want the government to execute for them. Speaking yesterday when he commissioned an electricity project at Emudo in Aninri Local Government Area, the governor, represented by the Commissioner for Rural Development, Dr Eric Oluedo, said that the project was one of the VEC’s initiative. He said each of the 472 communities in the state would have four capital

projects before the expiration of his administration. Governor Chime appealed to the benefiting community to support governments efforts to stem the tide of rural-urban migration, insisting that governments was determined to make every rural community an urban city through the VEC’s initiative which will create wealth, employment and boost standard of living. Managing Director of Enugu State Rural Electrification Board (ENREB) Mr. Simon Atigwe, said that a 200KVA transformer was installed for the community, adding that the equipments used for the project were most recent technology. The Chairman of Enugu State Water Corporation Board, Prince Tony Nwoye, commended the government’s effort towards uplifting the living standard of the people, promising that the community would jealously guard all the public property in the area in order to attract more projects from the government.

Obi commissions Onitsha South LG headquarters CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

A L-R: Deputy Registrar of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Mrs. Lolo Egboka; Director of Water Resources, Dr. Bernard Odoh; Group Managing Director/CEO. Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Stella Okoli and Mr. Okey Onyibor, during the demonstration of de-worming process to flood victims at Father Joseph’s Secondary School, Aguleri, Anambra State, yesterday.

LG poll: ISIEC begins ward delineation •ALGON, PDP flay exercise

CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

he Chairman of Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC), Mr. Obi Akwara, yesterday in Owerri, the state capital, said the commission had begun ward delineation in preparation for the forthcoming local government election. Although no date has been fixed for the election, Akwara told journalists that ISIEC had commenced preparation. He said: “We have started preparations for the lo-

cal government election, we have commenced with ward delineation and verification to ensure that those wards where elections were not held in the last elections will be corrected and also to create new wards”. Akwara said the commission had concluded plans to organise an eightweek workshop on administration and legislation for all aspirants in order prepare those who emerge chairmen and councillors after the election for the task of governance. According to him, ISIEC has applied to the Indepen-

dent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the verification of the voters’ register, assuring that ISIEC is poised to conduct free and fair council poll. But the Secretary of the Imo State chapter of All Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon Enyinna Onuegbu, described the planned election as ruse, saying that it would amount to contempt of court for the government to contemplate fresh local government poll while pending suit between the state and ALGON is still in court. Onuegbu said that the tenure of the council chair-

men would constitutionally end in 2013, adding: “We were elected for a three year tenure that will end in August 2013 before we were illegally sacked by the state government and we are in court to seek redress and until all the matters are resolved, there cannot be local government election in Imo State”. He said: “We are aware that ISIEC is collecting N250,000 from each community to create new wards and how can the government source funds to pay the salaries of the number of employees when we know that it has a four-year plan that has tied over70 per cent of the state’s income to capital projects.”

nambra State Governor Peter Obi has commissioned the multimillion naira ultra modern Onitsha South Local Government Headquarters. The three new buildings were initiated and constructed by Governor Obi’s administration. Obi commenced the building projects after relocating the headquarters to the new site to the pave way for the Onitsha South Mini Stadium at Fegge. The governor recalled that he recovered the land for the project from flood and refuse dumps, saying that the buildings would provide conducive environment for workers to promote productivity. He said the project was in line with his administration’s policy to rebuild all sectors of the state and encourage effective local govern-

ment administration. Obi noted that in spite of the lean revenue profile of the state, his administration had continued to meet its obligations because of prudent management of available resources. Speaking on the occasion, the Commissioner for Local Government, Mrs Azuka Enemuo, said Obi’s administration had made a clear departure from the past by rebuilding the local government system. Mrs. Enemuo said: “Our governor is working tirelessly to transform the state in spite of its meager resources.” The Onitsha South Local Government, Mr. Ezeani Ugochukwu, said the project was one of the many testimonies of the governor’s commitments to reposition all sectors of the state. Also speaking, the Chairman of Onitsha North, Mr. Eddie Okosi, said Obi had been fulfilling his pre-election promises.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

CLO alleges toxic waste dump by Agip EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

he Bayelsa State chapter of the Civil Liberties Organisation, CLO, yesterday alleged that the Nigeria Agip Oil Company, NAOC, has dumped over 30 drums of toxic materials along the SabatoruEtiama community in Nembe Local Government Area of the state. This was contained in a letter sent to President Goodluck Jonathan and the leadership of the National Assembly, describing the act by the oil firm as criminal negligence.

While alleging that the toxic waste had spread along the creeks and waterways of Nembe kingdom, state Chairman of the CLO, Chief Nengi James, said the allegation was based on a report of an investigation team set up by the indigenes of the affected communities in the local government. The chairman said the action of NAOC was unacceptable and provocative to the youths and people of the affected clans in the local government. His words: “Act of dumping toxic wastes in drums and abandoning

them in the mangrove is unacceptable and the act contravenes the provided environmental regulations as it is against international best practices.” James, who is also the chairman of Oil and Gas Committee of Nembe kingdom said; “From its fact finding visits by Eni Agi, the CLO discovered that over 30 drums of toxic crude oil wastes have been dumped into the mangrove along Sabatoru-Etiama axis in Nembe Kingdom, where Agip is currently carrying out replacement of its obsolete pipelines. “While we are con-

demning the negligence of NAOC, CLO regretted that multinational oil companies in Nigeria have continued to spill oil with impunity despite its health and environmental hazards.” The community leader urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the proposed bill that will call erring multinationals to order and address the incessant vexing cases of crude oil spills in the country. James observed that the company’s antics was inhuman and against environmental regulations, rights and is morally unacceptable.

sorrowful and devastating condition of the erosion around the medium security prisons here in Uyo, I have to immediately and as soon as possible report to the executive governor. “As you know, Chief Godswill Akpabio is a practical governor who has the interest of the people at heart. So, I believe that when I report back to him later today, he’ll authorise me to take immediate action to at least ameliorate the situation,” he said. The commissioner also used the occasion to call for the intervention of the Federal Government and the authorities in charge of ecological funds to release funds to the state to enable them tackle the problems. He said the situation was so critical, stressing that if urgent steps were not taken, the situation would continue to degenerate. He assured that the state government under the leadership of Chief Godswill

Akpabio, would not relent in its effort to alleviate the sufferings of the people. The commissioner, who was taken round the erosion sites by the Akwa Ibom State Controller of Prisons, Ina Mil-

licent Ngozi, as well as some officers of the state prisons, told journalists after the tour that she is optimistic that the government would come to their aid on the premise that the state governor has been

Suspected cultists invade Bayelsa relief camp EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

t least three suspected cultists have been arrested up by security agents at the displaced people’s relief camp in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Investigations by National Mirror revealed that the suspected cultists, who were allegedly causing trouble at the Bishop Dimieri Grammar School relief camp, were arrested by operatives of the Joint Military Taskforce, JTF. When our correspondent visited the BDGS camp yesterday, some

A’Ibom moves to save Uyo prisons from erosion

TONY ANICHEBE UYO

kwa Ibom State Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Prince Enobong Uwah, yesterday inspected an erosion site at the Medium Security Prisons, along Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo. Prince Uwah, who was accompanied by some officials from the state Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources during the inspection, said the gully erosion in Akwa Ibom, has gone beyond the capacity of the state government hence the need for the Federal Government to intervene. Prince Uwah, who promised to immediately report the condition of inhabitants of the area to the state governor for prompt action, however, raised the alarm over devastated erosion sites in the state. Having seen the pathetic,

kwa Ibom Governor, Chief Godswill O. Akpabio, has reiterated the determination of his administration to continue to support federal agencies in the state. Chief Akpabio, who made the pledge on Monday, when the Controller-General of the Nigerian Prisons Service, Akwa Ibom Command, Mrs. Minicent N. Inah, paid him a courtesy visit at the new Governor’s Office, Uyo. The governor said the federal agencies render services to the Akwa Ibom people and other Nigerians coming to the state, saying that his administration

able to transform the state into a safe haven. The controller also used the occasion to thank the commissioner for a timely response and described the state as being prisons’ friendly.

armed JTF personnel and policemen were spotted trying to step up security in the area. It was gathered that some suspected cultists and rapists, who were believed to be part of those displaced by the flood, had been causing trouble in the camp. A 70-year-old victim, who did not want his name in print, told our correspondent that the suspected cultists had been causing panic in the camp, described as the largest relief camp in the state. The septuagenarian alleged that the cultists and miscreants in the camp had fled the area following the deployment of troops to check the menace. National Mirror was reliably informed that some ladies, who were financially stranded, have turned themselves into emergency sex workers to enable them make ends meet.

L-R: National Rowing Head Coach of South Africa, Roger Barrow; Mr. Ikeddy Isiguzo; Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan and Mary Onyali at the Delta State’s Sports Summit held in Asaba, yesterday.

Akpabio pledges support for federal agencies

does not discriminate between Federal Government agencies and parastatals and state ministries, since, according to him, they work for humanity and the nation. He said federal and state government agencies work towards the same goals and announced a donation of Hilux buses to the prisons service in the state, hinting that; “I had donated three Black Maria trucks to the service. “I have approved Hilux buses for you to assist your organisation in conveying prisoners from the prisons to courts. We would continue

to assist federal agencies because both state and federal parastatals are working for humanity and the nation.” Governor Akpabio commended her; “I thank you for the visit and appreciate your support to the prison services. In fact, we are the only state in the federation that has built a prison and handed it over to the Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS). We did that for transformation to touch all sectors in the country.” The Controller-General of Prisons Services, Akwa Ibom State Command, Mrs.

Inah congratulated Governor Akpabio on the completion of the new Governor’s Office, describing it as ‘one out of a million in the whole of Africa.’ Inah, who commended the governor on his developmental strides in the state, especially erecting an uncommon structure for the prisons service in the state, urged him to continue in his good works, saying that his wife, Unoma Ekaette, is his strength. While praying God to assist him in all his endeavours, she presented a

plaque to the governor on his outstanding reformatory services to the state. Also yesterday, Governor Akpabio received Leaders of Thought under the auspices of the Okobo Development Union led by the Minister for Science and Technology, Prof. Ita Okon Bassey Ewah, on a thank you visit to the governor in appreciation of his uncommon transformation in the state and for carrying the Oron nation along in his administration. Governor Akpabio, who

said since the creation of the state 25 years ago, the minister was the first from Oron nation to be picked, saying that he made the recommendation as part of his policies to carry the people along, assuring that Okobo people won’t be left out in the scheme of things. The governor said his administration has appointed Transaction Adviser/ Consultant for Ibaka Deep Seaport for the development of the port while the Federal Government would soon award the contract for the construction of breakwaters at the seaport costing millions of US dollars.

North

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Fuel scarcity: DPR arrests marketers, shuts four stations in Kaduna A ZA MSUE KADUNA

he Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, yesterday arrested some oil marketers and sealed four stations in Kaduna for hoarding fuel. The Kaduna DPR Zonal Public Relations Officer, Mallam Rabiu A. Bello, confirmed the development. Bello said efforts were being made to arrest other marketers on the run. He said: “We are aware of the bad activities of some marketers. Today, we sealed four filling stations. They are Yanbiyu and Total filling stations, Rigachikun, on the way to Zaria. We also sealed Dumas and Stat filling stations. Right now, I am at a police station looking for police to help

us arrest more marketers. We are working at it.” In a related development, the Manager, Public Affairs, Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, Abuja, Mr. Nasril Imodagbe, said in a statement that there was no reason for fuel scarcity in Kaduna State. Imodagbe said it was illegal for any filling station manager to reserve fuel for any group of people, adding that Kaduna was well supplied with the product. He said: “The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, through the PPMC, has released enough petrol to sufficiently meet the demand in Kaduna and its environs. The continued existence of long queues at filling stations across the

city makes this warning necessary. “Our tour of the stations within Kaduna metropolis reveals that some unscrupulous marketers are deliberately strangulating the market as most of them are not selling, while those selling are selling from one pump. “We have alerted the DPR about the development. We are working in conjunction with the DPR to unravel the identities of those involved in the unpatriotic act. All those found to be involved will be severely sanctioned.” Meanwhile, it was learnt that filling stations in Kaduna have special pumps reserved for the owners of the stations, staff of PPMC, NNPC and DPR. Most filling stations vis-

ited were opened for official buyers who drove in to fill their vehicles and extra containers at the normal price of N97. However, when contacted on telephone, the Public Affairs Manager, Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company, KRPC, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said it was not the business of the company to supervise how the product was sold. He said: “All I can assure you is that our refinery is working and we are churning out products with no disruption. All we do is to hand over what we produce to PPMC. After that, we are not in control. The KRPC now produces about 12.5 million litres of PMS, per day. It is working at 75 per cent capacity.”

L-R: Secretary, Independent Petroleum Marketers’ Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Alhaji Lateef Kamaja; Chairman, Ilorin branch of IPMAN, Alhaji Bolaji Agbolade and Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, during a visit to the governor in Ilorin, yesterday.

Provide more information on terrorists’ sponsors –CAN WOLE ADEDEJI AND A ZA MSUE

he Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has called for adequate information on some prominent Nigerians linked to the dreaded Boko Haram sect. It also called on the National Assembly to enact stiffer laws with corresponding punishment against any act of terrorism in the country. The association’s National Deputy Secretary, (Northern Zone), Rev. Cornelius Fawenu, who spoke in Ilorin yesterday, said prompt release of information on the suspects would be a ver-

itable gauge to measure the sincerity of the President Goodluck Jonathan government to wage effective war against terrorism. This position, according to Fawenu, may top the agenda of the Christian body at its next meeting before the end of the year. Fawenu pointed out that already, CAN had reviewed the onslaughts of Boko Haram on Christians and discovered that the sect was out to decimate them. He said: “If those saddled with the task of giving us protection are no longer vibrant, then we know what to do. Certainly, Nigeria is a secular state. It is in the international convention that Nigeria is

a secular state and nothing can change that.” The cleric was speaking against the backdrop of the Sunday bombing of a Catholic Church (St. Rita’s Cathedral) in Kaduna, which claimed about 20 lives and injured scores of others. He urged security agencies in the country not to relax until terrorism is stamped out in the country. Fawenu appealed to sponsors of the sect responsible for the heinous crimes to sheathe their sword. Besides, he said the Christian body would continue to use the weapon of prayers to usher in the much needed peace in the country.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South blackmailing the North with Boko Haram –Dan-Musa AUGUSTINE MADU-WEST KANO

he Deputy Senate President in the Second Republic, Alhaji Abubakar Mamman Dan-Musa, has denounced the insinuation that the country’s current security problem, brought about by the activities of the Boko Haram sect, was prompted by the shift of power to the South. The former lawmaker and prominent Northern leader also said that the crisis had nothing to do with President Goodluck Jonathan, a southerner, religion or tribe. He told our correspondent on phone from his Katsina base yesterday that such position by some southern leaders and influential politicians was part of a series of unguarded and inciting comments from the region now threatening the unity and corporate existence of the Nigerian nation. Dan-Musa, who was also speaker of the old Kaduna State House of Assembly, said it was designed to blackmail the North, adding that those peddling such negative information were not only insincere but did not wish the country well. He said: “This problem (insecurity) is affecting every segment of the society’s social and economic life, so it has nothing to do with the North or South neither does it have any religious inclination as being perceived in the South. It is a development clearly

prompted by injustice committed to some people.” The politician, who is an associate of the leader of Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, and former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, also noted that proponents of the anti-North campaign were doing so to blackmail the region and its leaders, which would not take the country anywhere. Dan-Musa expressed the fear that inciting comments at this trying period could only worsen the situation, adding that it is God’s intervention that prevented the country from being plunged into a bloody religious war via reckless comments. According to him, dialogue remains the veritable source of peace in this circumstance. Dan-Musa added that the government should also strive to address the high level of injustice prevailing in the country, including corruption in high places. He said: “The mindless looting of public funds in the country by people in authority is capable of provoking such revolutionary act. “A situation where one individual will steal billions of naira and prefers to go to court because he knows with the kind of money he has stolen he can buy the judge does not augur well for a country where millions of brilliant university graduates roam the streets without job. This is another act of injustice that should be addressed.”

Insecurity won’t end without kicking out poverty, says ex-minister JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

nless there is solution to the problem of unemployment, hunger and deprivation, all efforts to achieve peace in the North will be a mirage. Former Minister of State for Niger Delta, Chief Sam Odeh, said this in Jos when the Association of Northern Youths for the Advancement of Peace, Harmony and Development paid him a courtesy visit. He said: “Until the

problem of hunger, deprivation and joblessness is adequately addressed, achieving peace in the North will be a mirage.’’ The minister said although various bodies had put in their best to solve the problem of insecurity and other issues in the North, dialogue still remained the best option. Odeh also faulted the current revenue allocation formula and called on the Federal Government to review allocations to the northern states upward to enable

them meet with their development needs. Earlier, the President of the association, Mr. Melvin Ejeh, said they were in Jos as part of their tour of the 19 northern states to search for unity among stakeholders, seek ways through which the region could return to its original monolithic North, seek how to address the problem of insecurity, seek ways of wiping off politics of sentiments as well as how best to revive the dwindling northern economy.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Nigeria not yet politically, economically independent – Dem

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Katsina: Shema, Inuwa’s unending rivary

Obama updated on Sandy, cancels more campaigns P resident Barack Obama, who cancelled a number of campaign stops in critical battlegrounds this week, received updates through the night Monday into Tuesday on the massive storm that devastated many parts of the East Coast. A White House official said Obama spoke with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, as well as Mayors Michael Bloomberg of New York City, Jerramiah Healy of Jersey City and Cory Booker of Newark, New Jersey. Meanwhile, Obama’s campaign events for today in Ohio have been cancelled, White House Press Secretary, Jay Carney said. Carney said Obama will “remain in Washington, DC today to monitor the response to Hurricane

Sandy and ensure that all available federal resources continue to be provided to support ongoing state and local recovery efforts.” The president was expected to hold phone call with governors and mayors of all affected regions, the White House official said. Overnight, Obama signed disaster declarations for the states of New York and New Jersey, allowing federal grants be used for repairing damage to homes, loans to cover property losses and other programs designed to help individuals and businesses recover from the storm. In New York, Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Richmond, Suffolk, and Queens counties were declared disaster areas. In New Jersey, disasters were declared in Atlantic, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Mid-

dlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Union counties. Speaking yesterday morning, Christie praised the response from the Federal Government, saying

Obama had worked swiftly to ensure the disaster relief process wasn’t held up. The New Jersey governor, a Republican and top surrogate for Romney,

said the upcoming presidential election was not a topic of discussion when he was speaking with the president. “I spoke to the president three times yesterday,” Christie said on CNN’s ‘Starting Point with Soledad O’Brien,’ adding: “He has been incredibly supportive and helpful to our state and not once did he bring up the election. If he’s not bringing it up, you

can be sure that people in New Jersey are not worried about that primarily if one of the guys running isn’t.” The logistics of voting, Christie said, would be sorted out by Election Day. “Right now, I’m much more concerned about preventing any other loss of life, getting people to safe places. Then we’ll worry about the election. The election will take care of itself,” Christie said.

Republican groups launch $50m ad blitz in final week

ey Republicanleaning groups are launching a final week ad blitz totalling almost $50 million. The Republican super PAC American Crossroads and its affiliate Crossroads GPS are buying more than $28 million in both presidential and Senate battleground states, a group spokesman said. Restore Our Future, the super PAC whose primary aim is to support Republican nominee Mitt Romney, announced a $20 million ad campaign that is aimed at President Obama’s economic record. Beginning Tuesday and running through Election Day, it will air commercials nationally on broadcast TV and in the swing states of Colorado, Iowa, Nevada, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin. One of the spots it will air is called “Flatline” and says “If you saw this line in the ER, you’d be panicked. Well, this flatline is Barack Obama’s economy. 23 million looking for full-time

work. Middle-class incomes falling. Spending and debt exploding. And Obama’s second term agenda is the same as the first” then warning “if you don’t jumpstart America’s economy now, your economy stays dead four more years.” The group is also starting to go on the air in Pennsylvania, where Republicans think they are seeing a narrowing as well in Michigan, and Maine, which splits its electoral count by congressional district.

Michelle Obama addressing supporters in Iowa

Clinton heads for Minnesota as poll race tightens

s President Barack Obama spends the day in Washington dealing with the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, one of his top surrogates heads to Minnesota, where the race for the White House has appeared

to tighten in the state once considered a safe bet for Democrats. Former President Bill Clinton was expected to make stops in Minneapolis and Duluth yesterday to stump on Obama’s behalf. The trip was announced

Monday, after a poll over the weekend suggested a close race between the president and his GOP rival Mitt Romney. That survey, conducted by Mason-Dixon for the Star Tribune, was taken entirely after the final

Michelle Obama: President is making hurricane ‘his priority’

er husband may be taking a hiatus from the campaign trail, but First Lady, Michelle Obama isn’t. She told an audience of supporters in Iowa on Monday that Obama is putting his political schedule on hold to make Hurricane Sandy “his priority.” “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by Hurricane Sandy,” she said at a rally of 800

people in Iowa City. “And Barack has assured state and local authorities that he is going to cut through the

red tape and be there to assist with whatever resources and support we need over the next few days.”

Mitt Romney’s wife Ann is also on the campaign trail today, making an appearance in Michigan.

Romney set to return to Virginia tomorrow

fter cancelling events in Virginia before and after a major storm swept through the region, GOP nominee Mitt Romney will return to the commonwealth Thursday for a campaign rally in Doswell, north of Rich-

mond. An invitation to the event said it would start at 1:45 p.m. The bottom of the invitation included information on donating to Red Cross efforts, and encouraged supporters to bring bottled

water and supplies to collection centres at Romney campaign offices for distribution. Prior to the storm, Romney cancelled plans Sunday to campaign in Virginia, which was in the storm’s path.

presidential debate. It indicated the president with a three point advantage over Romney among likely Minnesota voters. 47 per cent of respondents said they would back the president and 44 per cent said they support Romney. Obama’s advantage was within the survey’s 3.5 percentage point sampling error. Sunday’s poll – paired with small ad buys by the Obama and Romney campaigns in Minnesota – suggest a tightening race in a state that turned out overwhelmingly for then-Illinois Sen. Obama in 2008. Obama took 54 per cent of the vote in Minnesota four years ago, compared to 44 per cent that went to Arizona Sen. John McCain.

Politics

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Katsina: Shema, Inuwa’s unending rivary JAMES DANJUMA writes on the politics of the new twist in endless rivalry between Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State and the former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Mustapha Inuwa.

n October 8, Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State sued the former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Mustapha Inuwa at the High Court (2) in the state for alleged defamation of character and that of his office. In a writ of summons with suit number KTH/70/2012, Shema, as plaintiff, accused the former SSG, the defendant, of making defamatory statements on his person and office, claiming damages worth N1 billion. The governor particularly alleged that the defendant had falsely and maliciously published defamatory words of and concerning him and his office which were broadcast by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Hausa Service on July 26. The case is slated for hearing on November 12. The alleged defamatory words roughly interpreted into English in the writ of summons, read thus: “Everyone is aware of the amount given to Katsina State government and its local governments on monthly basis. They are receiving billions to pilot the affairs of the state but there is nothing the Ibrahim Shema’s administration concerned itself with, other than misappropriation of funds. “You are well aware of the ongoing construction of the stadium in which no one knows how much is spent nor the time of its completion. So, also the government has been expending money in the matter of Government House which to date no one knows how much is spent, nor the time of completion. “And there are minor road constructions and other things that are in progress which are useless to the society. So, in fact, what really shocked us, is the loan that Katsina State collected of almost $75 million. “And from the information we have, the debt was incurred for the purpose of building 350 houses. Now, for Allah’s and the Prophet’s sake, just recently they asked local governments to build houses that are useless, which apart from lizards and hooligans, no one us inhabiting the said houses. “You see, this is not the issue of benefiting the people. There is nothing that concerns the people of Katsina with houses that are to be built in Abuja.” But Shema, who was liked by the allegations, while claiming N1 billion in damages also claimed additional 10 percent interest “on the judgment sum from the date of judgment until the judgment is liquidated.” He also sought an “injunction restraining the defendant whether by himself, his servants or agents or otherwise howsoever from further publishing or causing to be published the said words defamatory of the plaintiff.”

Shema

Inuwa

INUWA USED TO BE EDUCATION

COMMISSIONER AND LATER SSG... WHILE SHEMA WAS, AT THAT TIME, COMMISSIONER FOR JUSTICE... RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TWO MEN HAD THEN BEEN SAID TO BE

QUITE CORDIAL, BUT NOSEDIVED SHORTLY Yar’Adua

Weeks before this, Inuwa had also sued the state governor along four commissioners after he had tried to exercise his right under the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act, to access information concerning the finances of the state. The former SSG had written to the state government to furnish him with financial estimates of a ring road being constructed in the state metropolis, the ongoing Olympic-size stadium construction and some other road projects in the state. In addition, he asked for the banks and account numbers where the state and council areas’ monthly allocation from the federation account were being deposited, as well as banks and account numbers for the state’s fixed deposit accounts. He also asked for the agreement terms between state government and the banks with which government operates and or has fixed deposits, as well as information on interests generated in the fixed accounts dating back five years. The case was still pending when Shema filed his, with political analysts coming up with reasons why the governor decided to take the former SSG to court. One group said the litigation was a way

AFTER

YAR’ADUA’S

DEMISE to frustrate Inuwa’s efforts at trying to access the aforementioned financial-related information from the state government through the FoI Act. This is also the belief of the state chapter of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), particularly the faction of the party in which Inuwa belongs to. Another group said it was the rivalry between the two men which had been ongoing for some time now that prompted the governor to sue the former SSG. Inuwa used to be Education Commissioner and later SSG during late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s first and second tenure as state governor, while Shema was at that time, Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General. Relationship between the two men had then been said to be quite cordial but nosedived shortly after Yar’Adua’s demise, with Inuwa pitching camp with the CPC soon after the party was created. A third group said the state governor had gradually become irritated with the series of criticisms against his government that was coming from the former

SSG, especially after the latter had joined the opposition party. According to them, Inuwa had in March last year, called on the state House of Assembly to impeach Shema for performing below expectation in budget implementation, which he alleged was implemented at only 37 percent. They also said the former SSG had constantly condemned Shema’s frequent foreign trips, which he maintained were inimical to the development of the state. But analysts are unanimous that the allegation that the state had borrowed $75 million, or more than N11 billion, for construction of houses in Abuja was more than enough reason to sue the former SSG. Inuwa, in his interview with the BBC, had alleged that the state government borrowed the huge amount to construct 350 houses in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). But the Shema-led administration had always claimed it never borrowed a dime to implement its policies and programmes and that it depends solely on what it gets as federal allocation and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Speaking on the house construction issue, Shema said the project came to be because a land developer, Sahara Homes Limited, had encroached upon a land belonging to the state government in Abuja. Shema said government and Sahara Homes signed an agreement for the construction of 43 houses valued at N512.5 million as 3.5 hectares of the land which measured 16.4 hectares was encroached and developed upon. He said the state government had lodged complaint with the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) after discovering the encroachment, and that the land was later retrieved through series of consultations with the company, leading to the agreement. The governor said the houses to be constructed are four-bedroom duplexes to serve as compensation and that the company would pay an additional N10 million as administrative charges. However, findings from the website of the nation’s Debt Management Office (DMO) revealed figures similar to the one Inuwa had alleged the state collected as loan for building houses in Abuja. On the website’s section on States and Federal Governments’ External Debt Stock, the amount credited to Katsina State as at June 30, 2012 was $74.1 million with a previous figure reflecting what Inuwa said the state had borrowed. The states and federal governments’ external debt stock, according to ehow, is the total debt owed international or foreign lenders, including banks and other nations. The states and federal government, as outlined by the DMO website, repay the debt through a percentage formula with periodic deductions made during Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) meetings. Unless Inuwa has another source apart from the DMO’s website to substantiate his allegation, the state government may have a case in disproving it borrowed $75 million for a housing project, as legal fire works begin on the matter.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Daniel Dem, representing Riyom State Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly is the House’s Majority Leader. He speaks with JAMES ABRAHAM on salient national issues. Excerpts:

Nigeria not yet politically, economically independent – Dem terms of appointment in an entity where they are stakeholders; you see them crying of marginalisation, so it is natural with human beings and such issues being raised should be looked into by those concerned with a view to addressing them. We in Plateau State for instance are agitating for state police because the federal security apparatus is incapable of protecting the citizens. They are being killed almost on daily basis under the watchful eyes of those who should protect them. We believe that if state police is established, they should be able to curtail some of the problems that we are facing. So, if people make demands which they believe can solve their problems and such demands are ignored, then there is bound to be such agitations. But if you are able to listen and solve the problems, then such agitations for autonomy would not arise in the first place. The centre should be able to carry the various component units along to avoid such agitations that tend to tear us apart as a nation. Assuming that the country is to be divided today, how will you do it? I always caution that we don’t take decisions when we are annoyed. It is important to recognise the fact that whatever our grievances are for agitation for autonomy, we should consider the issue of unity of our country. We need to join our hands together to build this country for our collective good and benefit of all.

How do you assess the strides so far made by Nigeria at 52? There are no doubts that we have made progress as a country, but whether this progress is at par with the progress expected of a 52 year old independent nation or not is a question we need to ask ourselves. The truth is that the situation in Nigeria today warrants that a lot still needs to be done. If you cast your mind back, you will discover that Nigeria’s economy used to be better compared to what is obtainable today. Many things have actually changed drastically. For instance, the unemployment situation which has lingered is today so high that you wonder whether people no longer get employed. There is corruption on virtually every facet of the society. And in a country where you find unemployment very high, corruption very high, then the country in question has a very serious problem. Do you think the nation should have rolled out drums to celebrate the independence anniversary? Well in those days when we were still in school, everyone looked forward to celebrating the Independence Day because at that time, the leaders were so committed to the country. They were committed in the sense that all they did was to ensure that the country moved forward. You could see that in their actions and utterances despite the differences they had. You could see that enthusiasm and joy in them any time the nation is about to mark its independence anniversary and such enthusiasm had reverberating effect on Nigerians. But as time moved on, the celebration gradually became low keyed to the point that today, we have almost lost the steam. Why is it so? The reason is simply because we have virtually little or nothing to celebrate. There are problems here and there, crisis and so on without corresponding efforts to solve them. If we have something to celebrate, then the jubilation and enthusiasm that usually accompany such a national day would be justified. As it is, I can tell you that we have very few leaders who are committed to the course of this country. Selfish interests have replaced collective interest which should be the guiding principle of our leaders. Is Nigeria truly independent? It is really difficult to say where the country is really independent. We can talk of political independence when Nigerians are allowed to chose who becomes their leader’. But can Nigerians say today that they are free to elect who becomes their leader. If the answer is no, then where is the political independence? Economically too, Nigeria can hardly claim to be independent. Even the oil that we produce is being refined abroad to the detriment of the economy. Internally too, nearly all the 36 states of the federation depend on monthly federal allocation for survival. Where is the independence? A situation whereby states cannot pay the N18, 000 minimum wage to civil servants due to paucity of fund tell much about the type of independence that we have as a country. There is the problem of roads across the country, power generation and so on. To me, these are serious indicators of a truly independent nation. So, Nigeria is really grappling with underdevelopment challenges. What do you think is responsible for Nigeria’s underdevelopment? Corruption is number one. It does appear that everybody in the country wants to be rich. Whether it is your money or not, people want to accumulate wealth which does not belong to them; you forget that one day you will die and leave everything. To fill your pocket with public till in order to live big; this is the problem and we need a lot of education to be able to change the psyche of Nigerians on this issue because even a messenger wants to amass wealth by all means. You find some of them hiding files and can only bring them out if you give them money. That is corruption. There is the need for every Nigerian to be

Dem

WHEN YOU SEE PEOPLE

AGITATING FOR AUTONOMY,

THERE IS A PROBLEM...

THE

CENTRE SHOULD BE ABLE TO CARRY THE VARIOUS COMPONENT UNITS ALONG TO AVOID SUCH AGITATIONS THAT TEND TO TEAR US APART AS A NATION committed to this country and put the nation first above all other considerations. With that, we can make headway. I think we have reached a stage whereby we must do something to save this nation from further destroying our collective heritage. Do you think we have utilised our potentials as a nation? I think Nigerians must be grateful to God because He has blessed us in this country. In all the states of the federation, God has blessed us with both human and natural resources that should really help us as country. Other countries that are developed today are obviously using what they have, even smaller countries like Ghana that have realised this have gone very far in terms of development. So, I think Nigerians should learn to appreciate God’s given potentials and use them to help themselves. If you go to our hospitals, we lack doctors, yet Nigeria has surplus doctors abroad. What we need to do is to ensure a conducive environment for them to work in; if that is done, the penchant for overseas medical check up by some privileged few would be a thing of the past. Do you see Nigeria remaining one with the quest for autonomy by the various component units? When you see people agitating for autonomy, there is a problem. If you check very well, you will discover that injustice is the spring board of such agitations. If am being oppressed, the natural feeling is that of independence, I want to be on my own. Some feel that they are feeding Nigeria and have nothing to show for it. Some feel cheated in

How would you describe the present democratic experience? There is nothing wrong with our democracy, but how we operate this system of government in this country is the problem. If the operators can follow the tenets of democratic ethos, there is no reason why Nigerians will not enjoy it. If you look at the military for instance, they really took us back, but I have heard people who are annoyed with the system calling on the military to take over. Then I ask; why the military? That is why in electing people into positions; the people should be able to know the antecedents of the persons in question. None of those who are ruling us today came from the moon; we know them in the communities, villages, neighbourhood and what they are capable of doing right from their childhood. We need to elect people with good character. But you find out that a known criminal will throw money to people during an election. At the end, he is elected as a leader and somebody with good intentions and upright character would be ignored because he does not have money to throw about. The same people will start complaining when the criminal begins to manifest his criminal tendencies in governance. In that case, who do we blame? If you were in a position to advice President Goodluck Jonathan, what would be your suggestion on how to move the country forward? As a leader, one should be able to take decisions that will help the people and should be firm. It is wrong and condemnable for a leader to say this today and change it overnight without any reasonable cause. The decision in question must be in line with the aspirations and in consultations with the people. This is important so that people don’t lose confidence in your ability to lead them and most importantly, you don’t make yourself an enemy of the people. As a leader, you should be able to match your words with action. If you promise the people steady power supply within a given period, you should be able to give yourself a target and people should be able to see that there is sincerity in your effort to meet the target. Once this is lacking, it becomes deceit. I know that in the power sector, today, there is an improvement, tomorrow, the improvement is lost. I think Mr. President has to sit up as a leader. We hear that some people are pushing him to contest the presidency in 2015. I think he should ignore such promptings for now and concentrate on how to make this country work. Once, he is able to do this, he can be sure that Nigerians will be the ones to demand for his re-election. I think he should be proactive enough to be able to confront the many problems militating against Nigeria’s development .

Editorial

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

STEVE AYORINDE

MD/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

YELE AKINROLABU

ED OPERATIONS

SEYI FASUGBA

DAILY EDITOR

BOLAJI TUNJI

SUNDAY EDITOR

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SATURDAY EDITOR

LANRE OYETADE

GENERAL EDITOR

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COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD

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SM, STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT

FRANK OBOH

HEAD, GRAPHICS

The Lawan – Otedola bribe investigation

igerians have been waiting patiently for the outcome of the bribery saga between Rep Farouk Lawan and oil magnate, Femi Otedola. There were indications recently that the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice was not happy with what it viewed as the unsatisfactory nature of investigation into the alleged $3 million bribe –for –clearance scandal that led to the suspension of the chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Education, Rep Lawan and Otedola. It is believed, based on information made available by the Ministry of Justice, that the report on the bribe investigation already submitted to the AGF by the police was fraught with loopholes and could not sustain the case of allegation of bribery being made against Lawan. Report on the slipshod investigation, said to have been returned by the AGF back to the police high command for a more thorough work was said to have been held up by the police. The office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has not only vowed not to proceed with the case until a thorough investigation on the bribe case is carried out by the police, but has also predicted that any presiding judge worth his calling will not only dismiss the case, but will, in addition, tongue-lash

WE FEEL SAD THE WAY THOSE SADDLED WITH RESCUING THIS COUNTRY AND THE ENTIRE CITIZENS ARE BEING TAKING FOR GRANTED IN THE

LAWAN – OTEDOLA BRIBE SCANDAL whoever brought it forward for prosecution. The Federal Government, according to reports, has also appointed a private prosecutor to handle the case, notwithstanding the allegation of poor investigation of the widely publicized scandal by the police. Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, in response to the claims of poor investigation by the police, said the police were yet to conclude their probe on the matter. Nor have the police made fresh discoveries on the case. “Every piece of information the police have on Farouk Lawan has been placed in the public domain. For now, I do not have new information… When I do, I shall inform you”, Mba was quoted as saying. We think, however, that the situation is unfortunate, to say

the least. It will be recalled that Otedola accused Lawan of demanding for a bribe of $3 million as an incentive to assist him in clearing his companies indicted by the House of Representatives ad hoc committee on fuel subsidy management. Otedola had alleged that he offered Lawan marked $250,000 as bribe; and another $120,000 in an arranged operation with men of the Directorate of State Security Service (DSSS). It is believed that the audio-visual tape which Otedola provided as evidence showed images of Lawan collecting the purportedly marked money from Otedola. In reaction to the allegation, Lawan had challenged Otedola and the DSSS to produce the evidence they claimed they had against him. Lawan had insisted, and perhaps still insists, that the dollars said to have been handed over to him were meant to serve as proof of Otedola’s desperate attempts to bribe him. Lawan added another ridiculous slant to the scandal when he claimed that the dollars he allegedly collected from Otedola were in the custody of Rep Adams Jagba, the House of Representatives Committee on Narcotics and Financial Crimes chairman. But Jagba, in a press statement, flatly denied being in possession of the ‘marked’ bribe money and threatened to drag Lawan to court if he did not publicly apologize over the alleged

‘misleading’ statement. We believe the unfolding scenario demonstrably highlights the deep rot in the process of investigating high profile cases, whether in the field of corruption or assassination; and the lack of diligence and commitment to the call of duty by the security agencies, particularly the police. In spite of the glaring facts unearthed by the Lawan – Otedola bribe scandal; and the great interest of Nigerians in it, the FG seems to be saying it is no longer interested in it. Even if the police did a shoddy job, whose responsibility is it to direct or enforce proper investigation of the case? Besides, the investigation appeared to have been centered on Lawan alone. But if Otedola allegedly gave bribe to Lawan, that caused the name of his indicted firm to be removed from the original list of oil subsidy fraud culprits compiled by the Lawan committee, as alleged, did it not suggest that the bribe giver is as culpable as the receiver. Can the police, with all sincerity, make any headway in their investigation without digging out the real motive Otedola gave bribe and his company’s name was dropped from the said list? We feel sad the way those saddled with rescuing this country and the entire citizens are being taking for granted in the Lawan – Otedola bribe scandal. We think it is high time the FG, offices of the AGF, and the police, called themselves to order.

ON THIS DAY October 31, 2003 Mahathir bin Mohamad resigned as Prime Minister of Malaysia and was replaced by Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, marking an end to Mahathir’s 22 years in power. Mohamad (born 10 July 1925) a Malaysian politician, was the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia. He held the post for 22 years from 1981 to 2003, making him Malaysia’s longest serving Prime Minister. His political career spanned almost 40 years.

October 31, 2002 A federal grand jury in Houston, Texas indicted former Enron Corp. chief financial officer, Andrew Fastow on 78 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, conspiracy and obstruction of justice related to the collapse of his ex-employer. Enron Corporation was an American energy, commodities, and services company based in Houston, Texas. Before its bankruptcy on December 2, 2001, Enron employed approximately 20,000 staff.

October 31, 1984 Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, was assassinated by two security guards. Riots broke out in New Delhi and nearly 10,000 Sikhs were killed. Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi, nee Nehru (November 19, 1917 – October 31, 1984) was an Indian politician who served as the third Prime Minister of India for three consecutive terms (1966–77); and a fourth term (1980–84). Gandhi was the second female head of government in the world after Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka.

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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

The 2013 Obafemi Awolowo Leadership Prize PUBLIC DOMAIN

DELE

SETEOLU

deleseteolu@nationalmirroronline.net (08033137577 SMS only)

he inaugural leadership prize of the Obafemi Awolowo foundation would hold in March, 2013. This prize is endowed to draw attention to the leadership crises in Nigeria; and identify Nigerians who had strived to excel amidst the decadence and collapse of values. The selection process for the 2013 leadership prize commenced with the call for nominations. The foundation constituted a technical committee that defined the criteria for the award and met on several occasions to short-list nominees. The selection committee would meet to review the list of nominees and select the prize winner. It consists of eminent Nigerians who had excelled in different fields of endeavour. The leadership prize winner would have three months to prepare for a public lecture to coincide with the birthday of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo on 6th March, 2013. The foundation has plan for a art selection committee to review art pre-

sentations for the bi- annual event. This committee has drawn renowned sculptors and creative arts writers. Advertisement has been placed in the media to ask for entries on the artistic design of the prize. The last Obafemi Awolowo annual lecture delivered by the eminent Professor of History at the University of Texas, Dr. Toyin Falola had elucidated on the challenge of leadership in Nigeria. He differentiated between power and welfare politics; and argued that the former Premier of the Western region, pursued welfare politics. He cited the Western regional government’s developmental programmes and landmarks to buttress the welfare leaning of its leadership. Dr. Falola referred to the region’s free education policy as a milestone that elevated the Southwest in Nigeria’s political economy. The lecturer reviewed the formation of the pioneer radio and television stations in Africa in the Western region. He bemoaned, however, the prevalence of power politics in Nigeria’s contemporary political life. The contemporary political elite, he noted, pursues private, self serving interests that alienate and impoverish the populace. He cited instances in the Second and Fourth Republic to buttress his submission on the decline of welfare politics and the ascendancy of power politics. The Obafemi Awolowo leadership prize is significant against the backdrops of increasing political corruption and gov-

THE PRIZE HOPES TO RENEW HOPE IN THE

NIGERIAN PEOPLE AND CREATE NEW TEMPLATES FOR LEADERSHIP ernance, mal administration, mal governance, intellectually weak leadership and predatory political elite. Scholars such as Richard Joseph and Bayart had relied on prebendalism and neo-patrimonialism respectively to describe the nature of politics and character of the governing elite in Nigeria and Africa. The leadership crisis has been cited as a major bane of the Nigerian state. The expectations of post 1960 independence phase dimmed with the contradictions that pervaded the country’s First Republic. The post- independence modest gains were obviated by the census crisis, ethnic politics, western regional crisis in 1962 and 1965; and the 1964 General Elections. The military leadership perverted the country’s federal structure, institutionalized corruption, pursued endless political transition and imposed anti-people economic agenda. The military elite asked for sacrifices of the people amidst the profligate and unaccounting lifestyles of its leadership. The imposition of the Structural Adjustment

Programme, SAP, and the $12.3 billion oil windfall in the Babangida administration are often cited instances. The country’s Second Republic had been documented by scholars such as Julius Ihionvbere, Okechukwu Ibeanu, Oyeleye Oyediran, Kirk Greene, Richard Joseph and Larry Diamond et al. This republic was characterized by a weak Presidency, massive political corruption, poor management of the economy and electoral malfeasance. Meanwhile, the electoral and political reforms since 1999 were intended to recreate the country’s political architecture and the character of its political elite. The questions are; is there a significant change in the character of governing elite in Nigeria? Is there a change in the nature of Nigerian state? Is political corruption declining or increasing among the political elite? Are the anticorruption strategies adequate to moderate the behavior of the political elite? The foregoing suggests increasing problems of the Nigerian state; but the state actors have not shown the intellectual and political commitment to deal with the Nigerian crises. There has been increasing alienation of the populace from state institutions and distrust of the state actors to deliver on electoral promises. The Obafemi Awolowo leadership prize hopes to renew hope in the Nigerian people and create new templates for leadership.

Mimiko’s victory in perspective SOLA FASURE

iven the circumstances, it is very tempting to have a complete misreading of the outcome of the October 20 governorship election in Ondo State in which the incumbent, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, was declared the winner. More foreboding, the significance on Yoruba politics and democracy in general could easily be lost. Some people have erroneously propose the election as a direct contest between Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his lieutenants like Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on one hand and Governor Mimiko on the other. To begin with, neither Asiwaju Tinubu nor Ogbeni Aregbesola was a candidate in the election. Rotimi Akeredolu, was the candidate of their party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). What they did was to deploy their political and campaign skills into Akeredolu’s governorship project. It was the same way Edward Kennedy supported Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign. What they did for Akeredolu was no different from what they did for Adam Oshiomhole in Edo, Abubakar Audu in Kogi, James Akpandohehe in AkwaIbom and Steve Ugbah in Benue State. There is nothing unusual and nothing to be ashamed of. If Aregbesola threatened that he was going to drive out Mimiko from office prior to the October 20 election, it was a legitimate political statement. What would have been bizarre was for him to promise to support Mimiko for a second term when his party was going to field a candidate for that election. The first duty of a political party is to contest electoral offices by fielding candidates and seeking to win. A political party stands for something in terms of ideology,

IT WILL BE UNFAIR HOWEVER TO HOLD

ONDO PEOPLE

RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS MEA CULPA values, tradition, programmes, development agenda etc. When people vote for a candidate of a political party, they are indeed buying into these. The ACN for instance stands for progressivism. This is the tradition directly descended from Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the father of progressive politics in Nigeria. It is a tradition of Fabian socialism with its hallmark of egalitarianism, human development and social welfare. In contrast, a party like Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is descended from a tradition of hierarchy, big money, plutocracy and neo-feudalism. When these parties campaign, this is what they try to sell and those who vote for them have wittingly or unwittingly bought these products. The tendency though is that a party like PDP will see democracy as a system of power, rather than a platform for providing choice for the people. Nevertheless, it is the raison d’etre of a political party to contest elections, seek to win where it was excluded from power and consolidate on where it holds sway. This point is very important in light of the negative campaign of the Mimiko campaign team and a section of the media who either don’t know what democracy is about or have conveniently forgotten that parties seek to win election and were accusing ACN of seeking to extend its influence to Ondo State.To put the records straight, ACN had sought to expand its reaches to other places and narrowly lost in Anambra and other aforementioned states where its governorship candidate is

now a senator of the Federal Republic. It simply beggars belief how supposedly ‘enlightened’ people will urge a political party not to contest election in a particular place because that party is strong in the region. This point is overstretched and expanded into the ‘alien’ and ‘Lagos invaders’ hysteria that ran through the campaign. If this logic is to hold water, only one election is to ever be held in a country and the parties should just be allowed to rule indefinitely in any territory where they win the first election. The Labour Party for instance that had no political base prior to 2008 in Ondo State cannot and should be disqualified from contesting any election anywhere in the country. It is interesting to note that the Mimiko campaign was never about any issue, development agenda or a solid base of first term achievement. Rather, it ran seamlessly on the divisive tide of rejecting the Lagos invaders and a godfather. If we are to accept for a second that Ondo people indeed rejected the Lagos invaders and a godfather, it means Ondo people have alienated themselves from the greater Yoruba agenda and the march of history. On the face value, the consequence of this would have been political isolation of Ondo State by other Yoruba states. But this is not an option. This is the Ondo of Papa Adekunle Ajasin, Papa Adebayo Adefarati and other titans of Awolowo school of political leadership. It fill me with trepidation to think that the Ondo that drove out Akin Omoboriowo in 1983 in order to enforce the enthronement of Adekunle Ajasin who was the candidate of Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), has now degenerated into an insular and other-Yoruba-hating enclave. Of course, there are Ondo indigenes in Lagos and other Yoruba states, doing business and occupying positions of political leadership. If an Ondo indigene for instance is keen, he or she can be a governor in Lagos State that has become the avatar

of Yoruba accommodation and openness. In Osun, there are frontline members in the Aregbesola government who are from Ondo State and are in every sense at home. That is the way it has always been and should be. Some people, for their own selfish reason, have brought this divisiveness into Yorubaland and are being cheered on by a section of the media and Yoruba owned media for that matter. It will however be unfair to ascribe this unwholesome development to Ondo people who indeed are as progressive and well-meaning as they come. Those who engineered this campaign represented nobody but themselves and spoke for no one other than themselves. More importantly, Governor Mimiko was declared winner for fulfilling the requirements of the Electoral Act which states that a winner must have at least one third of the total votes cast in two thirds of the local governments. This interestingly translates into a paltry 260,199, representing only 40 per cent of the total votes and certainly less than two per cent of the population of the whole state. It will be unfair however to hold Ondo people responsible for this mea culpa. It is one of the imperfections of democracy that a supposedly democratic election would produce a most unusual outcome. This confirms again the notion that democracy only offers a platform for choice but does not guarantee a rational one. The people however will have to live with the consequences of their choice, good or bad. Fasure wrote from Osogbo Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

ICT and corruption I

Shame of a nation

think ICT is playing a major role in the fight against corruption; we are in a democratic era where the opinion of the citizens matters or counts, citizens now

have access to public information in order for democracy to function. Access to information concerning governance of the state allows individuals to exercise their

political and civil rights in election processes; challenge or influence public policies; monitor the quality of public spending; and demand accountability. Access to

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information and transparency are thus prerequisites for democracy as well as a key tool in the fight against corruption. ICT can facilitate the work of civil society organization working towards greater transparency and against corruption by sup-

s European landlords stop leasing their houses to Nigerians, Nigerian diplomats had to present themselves as Ghanaians in order to get accommodation. What happens is that the landlords no longer let out their houses to Nigerians because they default. So a Nigerian will have to gather his money, look for a Ghanaian who will pay for a house on his behalf and sign the agreement with the landlord before transferring the house to the Nigerian, who gave him the money. It is that bad,” the source said. Akin Owoade, Ogun state

Caroline Chukwuka, Nsukka, Anambra state

Ajuwon,

End the Osu caste system now

ACN adding to Lagosians’ pain

a wa o! With the ban of Okada on Lagos roads, motorists with glee have hiked transportation fares; adding more pains to Lagosians. ACN is really working hard to lose Lagos state come 2015! Tobore Mit Ovuorie, Ojodu, Lagos

Italy jails six scientists over 2009 quake

hile reading the above story in your print of October 23, 2012. I was so amazed that there is a country in this dispensation that so much believes in professionalism and accountability. I hope our leaders in Nigeria will learn from this so that we can end the era of moving from one fruitless vision to another; maybe by this their vision 20:20:20 will yield fruit. Let our so-called technocrats in government be held responsible for whatever polices they introduce. Paul Agbolade, Ajah, Lagos

It is useless probing Kalu

overnor T. A. Orji’s plan to probe former governor Orji Uzor Kalu’s regime is a waste of time and Abia State’s resources. Is he not part of the failed Orji Kalu’s government where he was the Chief of staff ? Gordon Chika Umukabia, Abia

Nnorom,

porting a mix of methods of campaigning on transparency and educating citizens on what corruption is about and their civil rights. ICT can facilitate information sharing and social mobilization and ultimately provide digital platforms where citizens can report incidents anonymously .Unlike the military era where the citizens cant air their view not to talk of their opinion counting because of fear of what might befall them if the dare to counter the dictates of those in power. ICT has made it easy for people to say their minds or thoughts about issues concerning all sectors of the state, what they like and what they don’t, it unites the people of a country in the fight against corruption.

WHERE DO WE START FROM? Agony of flood victims at Adankolo Camp, Lokoja, in Kogi State.

Okada ban, not the solution

he banning of okada by the Lagos state government in some roads is not the solution to insecurity. Instead of providing jobs for un-

employed youths to prevent them from going into robbery, stopping okada is an avenue to increase robbery and other vices. Lagos State government should

have a re-think about the action or give them time to find alternative work to do. Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia

…Even news dispatch riders are arrested

nother dispatch motorcycle of the Nigerian NewsDirect newspaper that brought newspapers to Radio Nigeria Ikoyi for radio review was seized in front of Radio Nigeria. Efforts of senior editors of Radio Nigeria to ensure the release of the motorcycle from the Police failed. Now Nigerian electorate, this is the government of the Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN). Can we say that senior editors of Radio Nigeria are simply making a wrong defence? Lagos State House of Assembly lawmakers, can you see the hardship and con-

fusion you are creating for the electorate?

Samuel Ibiyemi, Radio Nigeria, Ikoyi, Lagos

Women Arise mourns Sheila Solarin

omen Arise (WA) mourns the passing away of Mrs. Sheila Solarin, wife of late social critic, educationist, humanist and indefatigable defender of the oppressed, Dr. Tai Solarin. The passing away of Mrs. Solarin at the age of 88 is a colossal loss to the Mayflower family, the education community in Nigerian and all admirers of the exemplary life of the Solarins all over the world. We are duty bound to celebrate this woman

Letters to the Editor

of substance who in the years after the death of her husband sustained his educational legacy by keeping on the Mayflower vision even at her old age in a society that has been taken over by unscrupulous leaders and visionless elite. Focused, dedicated and resilient, Sheila Solarin was a rare woman, unique in her steadfastness and totally committed to the heroic principles of her husband. She was indeed a woman in a million. The virtues of the Solarins remain a manual

PHOTO: BAYOOR EWUOSO

Mimiko’s victory is for all

r Mimiko since people of Ondo had spoken, take your victory as consolation of performance you had recorded is victory for all. Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia State for all those who want our country rebuilt on sound values, ethics and character. We shall be part of the celebration of the life of this great woman who complimented our great Tai Solarin in a worthy manner. It is our prayer that the genial soul of mama will rest in perfect peace and may the Almighty God protect all that she has left behind. Goodnight Mama. Dr. Joe Okeı – Odumakın, President, Women Arise

he Osu Caste System had been effectively abolished by the laws of Nigeria when the Osu Supreme law was abrogated. How much has this impacted on the repugnant practice and segregation against fellow Nigerians who are discriminated against by their kinsmen and made to feel less important? They were made Osu by the fetish traditions of long dead men, yet it is such a thing of great surprise that some with all their so-called education and claim to being practicing Christians still hold on fastidiously to the obnoxious man made tradition. It is quite interesting to note that knowing full well a girl or guy was supposedly Osu, some so-called freeborn persons date them and dump them after they have had their fill, claiming family members are against the union. When will our brothers from the East of Nigeria put an end to this debasing custom? Segun Melchizedek Edward II, Lagos

Send your letters or mails to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mirrorlagos@yahoo.com and info@nationalmirroronline.net or, 07033375481, 08035640907 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject letters or photographs. Psuedonyms may be used, but must be clearly marked as such.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

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Health & Wellbeing Nigeria on the brink of yellow fever outbreak

Poor budget allocation threatens sanitation target

21 SAM EFERARO

ust how well do you care for your mouth? Do you use took pick incessantly after each meal? Do you bleed frequently after brushing your teeth or do you have mouth odour that refuses to go even after brushing? According to the experts, of you answer “yes” to any of these questions then it’s time to see a dentist. You could be one of the millions of Nigerians suffering from periodonitis or several other diseases that affect the mouth. Going by the World Health Organisation (WHO) report, there are strong indications that diseases of the mouth are fast bon the increase worldwide, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Experts attribute this mainly to the change in our eating habits, particularly the sharp increase in the consumption of sugar both in our foods and drinks. According to Luis Gomez Sambo the WHO Regional Director for Africa, dome 50 to 85% of children are affected with tooth decay. In an interview with this reporter some time back, a Nigerian preventive dentist, Prof. Sonny Jeboda also revealed that gingivitis or bleeding gums is seen in almost 80% of Nigerian children. These diseases, experts say could adversely affect the individual’s health. And it could lead to a loss of teeth and other serious complications if proper medical attention is not sought early when such diseases are noticed. And they are all caused by poor oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene starts when, without any consideration for our. Teeth, we indulge in eating sugary things which will only damage the teeth. However, further damage is done when the individual fails to take adequate care of the mouth. An expert sums it up this way: “Poor oral hygiene means, for example, a man who wakes up in the morning and does not brush his teeth, or chew his chewing stick, has his breakfast, lunch and dinner, goes to bed and wakes up the next morning still doing the same thing. Before he knows it, says the expert, food debris will start accumulating on the surface of the teeth, turning to a yellowish clay-like substance which dentists call plaque. When this remains on the surface of the teeth for a long period, it starts to destroy them. Then it begins to spread to the gum when there’s still no proper care. After some time, if there’s no adequate care, the plaque becomes calcified (solid) and according to the dentists, this is the stage when the fibres that attach each tooth to the socket can get damaged, resulting in the loss of the affected tooth. Of course, no tooth is lost without some form of pain. Only those who have suffered tooth ache can adequately describe the trauma they had to go through. Unfortunately, the nation is not fully equipped to cope with the management of oral diseases. (State no of dental surgeons in the country. 1200 registered as at 1994.

How healthy is your mouth? Experts say diseases of the mouth are on the increase

Regular visits to the dentist could prevent oral diseases

WHO recommends 1 - 40000. Not only this, the country does not manufacture dental instruments and materials which are usually very expensive. The only option left for the. Individual is thus to prevent diseases of the mouth through a proper oral hygiene. Dentists say there are several ways of cleaning the mouth to get rid of plaque and several other oral diseases. The use of the chewing stick, for instance is said to be quite effective of used correctly. Another major effective way is of course the use of tooth brush. The first thing you must check when buying your tooth paste is to ensure that it contains fluoride, an important ingredient in tooth paste which helps in preventing

Conditions to watch Gingivitis The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums that is called “gingivitis.” In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This form of gum disease does not include

any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place. Periodontitis When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to “periodontitis” (which means “inflammation around the tooth”). In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces (called “pockets”) that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial

dental caries. Dentists say the method of brushing the teeth is by far the most important factor in preventing diseases. It is recommended that the individual must brush his teeth at least twice everyday (first bin the morning and last thing at night). While brushing, the bristles of the brush should be applied in such a way that they will go in-between the partitioning of the teeth and clear out the debris. This means that stroking should be done in an up and down fashion. Chewing stick should also be used this way. Dentists also say that your tooth brush should be one that does not cause any discomfort toyour gum. And the life-span of the brush has a lot to do with your oral health. Experts sayit should be discarded after every three months.

toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed. Thrush (oral candidiasis) These fungal infections appear as red or white lesions, flat or slightly raised, in the mouth or throat. They can be caused by overgrowth of the fungus Candida. This fungus lives naturally in your mouth. Dry mouth (xerostomia) This problem happens when you don’t

have enough saliva in your mouth. Bad breath (halitosis) Bad-smelling breath can be caused by a number of different things. Oral cancer This cancer can affect any part of the mouth. If you smoke or chew tobacco, you are at higher risk. Alcohol use along with smoking raises your risk even more. Yet more than 25 percent of oral cancer affects nonsmokers. Diabetes: Diabetes increases your risk of gum disease, cavities, tooth loss, dry mouth and a variety of oral infections.

Health & Wellbeing

irls and boys can be at risk of sexual abuse and exploitation in their home, school, workplace or community. Measures should be taken to prevent sexual abuse and exploitation. Sexually abused and exploited children need immediate help to stop such abuse. Children need to be protected from all forms of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation. Most children who are sexually abused know their abusers. Most abusers are relatives or acquaintances of the child. A much smaller percentage of offenders are strangers. Most child sexual abuse is committed by men. Whatever the case, sexual abuse or exploitation is never the child’s fault. The responsibility always lies with the abuser. Every person has a unique reaction to sexual abuse or sexual exploitation, regardless of the type, extent or duration. Victims may show a range of emotional responses such as calm, anger, indifference or shock. Some children may be exposed to lifethreatening situations, such as sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Girls may face the added risk of early and unwanted pregnancies that endanger their lives and can subject them to stigma and discrimination. Children can begin to learn early on about ‘good’ touch versus ‘bad’ touch. Children can also be taught to tell an adult they trust if they have experienced a ‘bad’ touch. If a child comes to an adult with such information, the adult must take the child’s claims seriously and immediately ensure that the abuse stops. The abuse should be reported to the authorities, and the child should receive protection services.

SCIENCE Plant-based foods may offer reduced risk for aggressive prostate cancer

resident George W. Bush made no secret that he detested broccoli. With all due respect to our former leader, researchers have found one more great reason to add fruits, vegetables, herbs and tea to your diet. A study by Susan Steck of the Arnold School of Public Health finds that a high intake of flavonoids, a group of compounds found in plants, may lower the risk for highly aggressive prostate cancer. “Incorporating more plant-based foods and beverages, such as fruits, vegetables, herbs and tea, into the diet may offer some protection against aggressive prostate cancer,” said Steck, an associate professor at the Arnold School and an affiliated scholar with the Center for Research in Health Disparities. “Filling your plate with flavonoidrich foods is one behaviour that can be changed to have a beneficial impact on health,” she said. Steck presented her findings at the International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research. The annual event is sponsored by the Ameri-

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

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Protecting your child against abuse (II) Many children and young people who have been victims of sexual abuse or exploitation heal and go on to lead normal lives. Sexual abuse in childhood does not automatically lead to sexually aggressive behaviour. Most sexual offenders have not been sexually abused as children, and most children who are sexually abused do not abuse others. Governments are responsible for ensuring that systems and specific measures are

in place to: prevent child abuse, violence and exploitation enable children to report abuse and exploitation make sure perpetrators of sexual abuse and exploitation are dealt with to the full extent of the law make social services, such as health care, psychosocial support, temporary care, education and legal assistance, timely and available for children who have been abused and exploited. 6. Children are vulnerable to trafficking where protection for children is weak or missing. The government, civil society and families are responsible for preventing

Parents should strive to protect their children against sex abuse

can Association for Cancer Research, whose mission is to prevent and cure cancer through research, education, communication and collaboration. Prior preclinical studies have shown that flavonoids have beneficial effects against prostate cancer, but few studies have examined the effect of flavonoids on prostate cancer in humans. Steck and her colleagues used data from 920 African-American men and 977 white men in the North CarolinaLouisiana Prostate Cancer Project who were newly diagnosed with prostate cancer. Participants completed a selfreported dietary history questionnaire to assess flavonoid intake, which was measured using the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2011 Database for the Flavonoid Content of Selected Foods. Men with the highest total intake of flavonoids had a 25 percent lower risk for aggressive prostate cancer compared with those men with the lowest flavonoid intake. “We found that higher total flavonoid intake was associated with reduced odds for aggressive prostate cancer in both African-American and European-American men, but no individual subclass of flavonoids appeared to be protective independently, suggesting that it is important to consume a variety of plant-based foods in the diet, rather than to focus on one specific type of flavonoid or flavonoidrich food,” Steck said.

trafficking, as well as helping children who are victims to reintegrate into their families and communities, if it is in their best interest. Trafficking of children is one of the fastest growing transnational crimes, occurring in and between countries. Profit from human trafficking has been estimated at approximately US$9.5 billion annually. Children who are trafficked are: treated as commodities subject to violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation and HIV infection. It is calculated that the majority of the children trafficked every year are girls who are sexually exploited. Children and families burdened by poverty and with limited access to information may leave their communities because they believe better opportunities await them elsewhere. Sometimes children are promised a good education, a well-paying job or a better life. Instead they may find themselves smuggled or moved across borders or taken within their own country by traffickers and forced into dangerous situations. These may include domestic servitude, prostitution, forced marriage or begging. It is important for children and families choosing to leave their communities to understand where they are going. They should know: what they can expect potential risks involved during travel as well as at the destination what to do if they get into a trafficking situation.

Sperm’s swimming skills: Discovery shed light on male infertility ... Yields clues to development of male contraceptive pill

ew insights into swimming skills of sperm shed light on male infertility, which affects one in 20 men, and could provide a new avenue to the development of a male contraceptive pill. In a study published in the journal PLoS Genetics, researchers from Monash University, the University of Newcastle, John Curtin School of Medical Research and Garvan Institute of Medical Research, in Australia; and the University of Cambridge, in the UK, have shown how a protein called RABL2 affects the length of sperm tails, crippling their motility (or swimming ability), and decreases sperm production. Professor Moira O’Bryan from Monash University’s School of Biomedical Sciences (SOBS) led the research. In laboratory tests, the team found that a mutation in RABL2 resulted in sperm tails that were 17 per cent shorter than normal. Dysfunctioning RABL2 also negatively affected sperm production, resulting in a 50 per cent decrease. Professor O’Bryan said the research fitted another piece in the jigsaw puzzle of sperm development. “The mutations in the RABL2 gene are very likely to cause infertility,” Professor O’Bryan said.

“Further, as motility is absolutely essential for fertility, insights into tail function may reveal options for urgently needed male-based contraception.” Lead author and PhD student Jennifer Lo, also from the School of Biomedical Sciences, said RABL2 worked with other molecules known as intraflagellar transport proteins that carry genetic cargo along the sperm tail. “Intraflagellar transport proteins are like a train. Our data suggests that the reloading of the train is defective if RABL2 dysfunctions,” Ms Lo said. “The train is still running in sperm tails with dysfunctional RABL2, but it contains fewer passengers. The end result is that sperm formation and motility are abnormal.” Ms Lo said that as mutations in RABL2 decrease sperm count and sperm swimming ability, it may be possible to inhibit this protein in a future male pill. However, as RABL2 is also found, albeit in lower concentrations, in other tissues, such as the brain, kidney and liver, an inhibitor specific to the testes would need to be developed. Professor O’Bryan said that male infertility was often the canary in the coal mine of general health. — ScienceDaily

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Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Mass vaccination remains the way out of looming yellow fever outbreak

Nigeria on the brink of yellow fever outbreak MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

he World Health Organization (WHO) recently warned of imminent yellow fever outbreak in Nigeria and other African nations. Giving its assessment of major cities on the continent, especially West Africa, it said many of the cities “now have an increasing number of overcrowded, informal settlements, or ‘shanty towns’, characterized by low-grade housing, poor roads, inadequate water supplies, sanitation and waste management services. Most people who live here have no access to running water and store drinking water in containers which often serve as breeding sites for the mosquito Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of urban yellow fever. “In addition, the lack of public sanitation services in many large cities prevents the removal of other artificial breeding sites such as metal cans, tires or derelict vehicles. As a result of the increased virus circulation in West Africa and intense population migration from infected forest areas to urban settings, five large cities have already faced yellow fever epidemics in the past four years. Many smaller cities are still exposed to the disease. “Over the last 10 years, there has been an increase in the number of countries reporting yellow fever to WHO; especially in West Africa where 93% of the countries notified cases in the past 4 years, a 30% increase compared to the period 1995-1999. This reveals a worrying increase in the circulation of the virus in a non-immune hu-

man population. The geographical spread of the virus is also disconcerting. Indeed, multiple outbreaks may occur simultaneously in several different places, stressing the response capacity of the country as well as the support capabilities of the international community. “Historically, when yellow fever vaccine was not available, small outbreaks of yellow fever that occurred in a non-immune population in densely populated cities were often forerunners of large urban epidemics. Today, 12 countries with large non-immune populations are at high risk, and immunization needs to be intensified now. For example, the last yellow fever outbreak in Nigeria occurred 14 years ago, but it took 10 years to control the transmission of the virus in the population. Given the low vaccine coverage of children under 14 years old, the number of children at risk in Nigeria has been estimated at 23 million, for those children in urban areas only. Immunizing the urban populations in these high-risk countries would require vaccinating approximately 100 million people,” the United Nations health agency cautioned. This warning, perhaps, jolted Nigeria into impromptu action. A meeting on Preparation for Mass Vaccination against Yellow Fever in high risk states in the country was organized in Abuja, last week. At the meeting, Chief Consultant, Epidemiology division in the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Akin Oyemakinde said Nigeria was one among 13 West African countries which had been identified as a high-risk area for yellow fever.

With large non-immune population, unprecedented urban growth and significant migration, the risk of large-scale epidemic, he noted, was substantial, particularly in places with high vector densities. “Last yellow fever outbreak in Nigeria persisted between 1984 and 1991 with more than 20,000 cases and almost 5000 deaths. These figures were believed to be grossly underestimated. The figures were the highest number of yellow fever cases reported to the WHO since reporting began in 1960. “The recent emergence of the disease in neighbouring countries including Cameroun which had outbreak in 2011 from six districts calls for concern. “There has not been a mass vac-

cination campaign for the past 30 years (in Nigeria), with very low routine coverage over the period,” Oyemakinde declared. It is expected that outbreak of the scourge now may be more catastrophic than ever given seeming state of the nation’s unpreparedness. 25 states, representing 69 percent of total states in Nigeria are currently at risk. They are Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Enugu and Imo. The list includes Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo and Plateau. Others are Sokoto, Edo, Taraba, Yobe, Ebonyi, and Kwara. It is required that routine immunization of children; mass preventive vaccination campaigns; strengthening of and surveillance and improved epidemic preparedness are the mainstays of the yellow fever control strategy. Meanwhile, the epidemiology division of the federal ministry of health in collaboration with National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) had engaged in several meetings on yellow fever preventive mass vaccination campaign in the high risk states in the country, Oyemakinde confirmed to reporters. In his contribution, Dr. Nneka Onwu remarked that most of the countries surrounding Nigeria had all done their mass campaign or had started their mass campaign, leaving only Nigeria which had only done a risk assessment in 2008. He added that Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunization (GAVI) would be providing 66 million vaccine doses and the population to be vaccinated was 145,365,622. Onwu noted that the goal of the campaign was to prevent the risk of outbreaks through immunizing 80 percent of the population risk. A Professor of Virology and

Chairman, Expert Review Committee (ERC) on Polio Immunization, Oyewale Tomori, said at the event that about 377 local government areas in 25 states in the country had been marked out as high risk states. He cautioned that if the nation failed to conduct the vaccination, the unexpected could occur. “Prevention is better than cure,” he urged. Tomori also expressed displeasure over the country’s dependence on imported vaccines for the treatment of her people, noting that there was no reason Nigeria should be depending on other countries for its vaccine. “We had a Vaccine manufacturing firm in Yaba, Lagos in 1994 which has gone under. We need to resuscitate it. Is it not lamentable that a country like Senegal is also one of the countries producing vaccine for us?” Tomori queried. Yellow fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted to humans by mosquitoes with the virus. The virus is said to be contracted from monkeys. Mosquitoes bite the infected monkeys and transmit the virus to humans. It is endemic in tropical areas of Africa and South America. Its name “yellow” comes for the jaundice observed in most cases. WHO estimated that around 200,000 and 30,000 yellow fever cases and deaths respectively occur worldwide every year; the majority of the deaths occur in the 33 sub-Saharan endemic countries where more than 500 million people are exposed. Meanwhile, mass vaccination programme is expected to commence across Nigeria in 2013 and may take up to five years to be completed. Controversies over yellow fever almost led to diplomatic row between Nigeria and South-Africa earlier in the year, when the latter deported Nigerian immigrants on the account of the outbreak of the disease in Nigeria.

Cancer : Women urged on need for breast examination KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

omen in the country have been charged to ensure early and regular examination of their breasts in order to guide against the adverse effect of breast cancer. The founder, BRECAN, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu; and the National Secretary of the organisation, Mrs. Julie Ogbogu, made the call yesterday in Ibadan while speaking on the second BRECAN Breast Cancer Symposium with the theme, “ Uniting to end breast

cancer”, saying early detection of breast cancer could safe a woman from the danger and trauma of cancer. Ogbogu said, “My advice is that women should care for their breasts’ health. We should also note that breast cancer is not only the disease of women though it is very rare in men. “In view of this, both men and women must begin to examine their breasts on a regular basis. Women and young ladies who still menstruate should examine their breasts two days to their menstruation

while those who no longer menstruate should choose a date to check. It is good to do that while standing before the mirror. If you note any colour or feeling on the breast you should visit the hospital.” Anyanwu-Akeredolu, while attributing poverty and ignorance to the prevalence of breast cancer, said, “It is not as if women don’t know what to do but they do not have the money for it. That is why we find that our women go to church instead of hospital. “That explains the reason why we appeal for help from philanthropic

individuals and groups. Little drops of water make a mighty ocean. It is not only millionaires that donate towards this course. We are here to rise up and say enough is enough. This is about disease attacking families. We are not looking at it as a religious group. For us to start serious intervention we need to have serious public enlightenment.” She said the need to educate the public that breast cancer is a medical issue and not a spiritual attack became necessary as a result of the erroneous societal belief.

Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Poor budget allocation threatens sanitation target TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

ith a paltry N47.81 billion proposed for water sector allocation in the 2013 budget, there are strong indications that Nigeria may not be able to achieve the Millennium Development Goals’ (MDGs’) target for improved water and sanitation for the citizens with just about three years to the 2015 deadline for countries to meet the MDGs’ targets globally. A breakdown of budgetary proposals for the

sector showed that capital expenditure would take a larger chunk of the allocation with about N39.88 billion proposed for 2013 fiscal year compared to the N7.93 provided for recurrent expenditure in the Bill. Curiously, the total allocation for the sector is even lower than the about N83.5 billion allocated to the sector in the current financial year out of which N75.19 accounted for capital expenditure. Of the proposed funding, Federal Ministry of Water Resources will spend N24.04 billion compared to

Anambra/Imo River Basins Development Authority’s (RBDA’s) N2.0 billion and Benin/Owena RBDA’s N1.54 billion. Niger Delta RBDA has N2.29 proposed allocation while Ogun/ Osun RBDA is expected to get N1.87 billion and Sokoto Rima RBDA’s N1.92 billion. The poor allocation to water sector sector has been major concern of stakeholders, including WaterAid Nigeria which noted that despite government’s strong commitments to provide access to clean water and adequate sanitation, less than 0.5 per

cent of the nation’s GDP is allocated to sanitation with many critical areas still requiring urgent attention. While estimating that that lack of safe water and sanitation costs the region around 5 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) each year, WaterAid therefore on the Nigerian government and other African leaders to urgently tackle the challenge of safe sanitation in order to address the increasing inequality in access to one of the continent’s most basic services. A recent report by the

NGO stated that: “With over 500 million of our continent’s people living without access to a toilet, the promises and resolutions already passed by governments in Africa have clearly not been realised. “Our research shows that it is the poorest of the poor who are missing out on these most basic human necessities, having a massive impact on the development of our country and indeed the whole of our continent. For Africa to truly flourish, leaders at AfricaSan must honour their commitments and

Experts seek increased campaign on stroke MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

xperts converged on Abuja to promote awareness campaigns on stroke; a non-communicable disease which they said had remained one of the commonest killer diseases, globally, as the world marked World Stroke Day, yesterday. Leading the campaign in Abuja was Nigeria Stroke Assembly which comprised Stroke Action Nigeria, created by Rita Melifonwu, a Nigerian UK based nurse and a Fellow of Mary Seacole Nursing Leadership Centre in the United Kingdom and experts on stroke management from Nigeria. Addressing the gathering, Melifonwu said “It is important that we communicate to people the risk factors and management of the disease. People need to know that stroke is not about spiritual attack, it has to do with the brain. The government should do something urgently in the management of sufferers so that they can get their lives back again. What we have in Nigeria needs to be improved upon, it is not good enough. The immediate families of sufferers are left to cater for them and these ones have limited resources, there is no way they can cope. The treatment and management of the disease is quite overwhelming, this should not be left for individual or

families alone,” she said. She disclosed that her organization would be spread all over the states of the federation, even as she called for support of government and wellmeaning Nigerians in strengthening anti-stroke campaigns. In his contribution, a Consultant Neurosurgeon, Dr. Biodun Ogungbo gave the causes of stroke to include consumption of high cholesterol, lack of exercise, heart disease, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure among others. Ogungbo advised that the best cure for stroke is prevention. “Once it happens once, it will keep affecting other parts of the body,” he stressed. According to him, any part of the human body is susceptible to the ailment, which may lead to permanent disability of the affected part. Dr. Ogugua Osiogbu explained at the event that the only way to prevent stroke was for individual to have a health check at least once in a year “as stroke has been proven to be the second cause of death in Africa with people living with the disease put at 40 percent in Nigeria alone. She observed that late arrival of patients to health workers often compounded the challenge, even as noted that non-availability of imaging equipment and lack of rehabilitation centers for sufferers in Nigeria should be addressed by government.

Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State presenting eye glasses to one of the beneficiaries of the free eye surgery organised by the State Ministry of Health, Indo-eye Foundation & Rotary Club, Palmgroove-Lagos recently.

HELWEI boss urges Nigerians to imbibe positive lifestyle

non-gover nmental organisation, Healthy Living and Women Empowerment Initiative (HELWEI), has urged Nigerians to be conscious of their eating habits to ensure quality health. Ebere Okey-Onyema, executive director of the organisation, at a seminar in Lagos to mark the World Food Day, with the theme – ‘Your Food, Your Health: Key to Productivity’ said “people must eat right and live right.” Addressing a large crowd of different cooperatives and professionals from various fields of endeavour, OkeyOnyema urged them to take charge of their health through adequate nutrition and positive lifestyle even in their pursuit of profit, noting that the major causes of illnesses and untimely deaths in the country include unhygienic lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits. “Have you ever wondered

how quite a number of Okinawa Island people have been able to live more than 100 years of disease-free life? It has been proven scientifically, with facts, that the secret of their highest life expectancy is as a result of their incredible knowledge of nutritional facts in the food they eat. People from this tiny Japanese Island eat nutrient rich, low calorie diet that is composed of low fat, low sugar, small quantity of fish but lots of vegetables and fruits,” the executive director said. In his presentation, D.O. Akinola, deputy director, Federal Ministry of Health, said emphasis had been shifted from curative to preventive medicine, stressing that people must take the issues of nutrition and healthy living seriously. According to Akinola, when healthy eating habits and personal hygiene culture are imbibed, the nation’s medical centres and

clinics would be starved of patients as there would be less traffic of sick people in such places. In his remarks, Adekunle Olushola Israel, chairman, Alimosho Local Government Area, and chairperson of the event, represented by Olaosebitan Emmanuel, said Nigerians needed constant health education to check some unhealthy practices that impact negatively on their health. Commending the organisers of the event, Israel said the country would benefit immensely from the activities of HELWEI and others targeting at improving the health of society. Lending her voice to the campaign, Bose Iro-Nsi, executive director, Women’s Rights & Health Project, said the hard economy situation in the country had placed a huge responsibility on the shoulders of women, urging them to seek avenues of improving their finances.

now deliver on the promises they have made.”

Water-borne diseases decline in Benue HENRY IYORKASE

he General Manager of Benue state water and sanitation agency (BERWASSA) Dr. James Aper has confirmed the appreciable decline of water born diseases such as Cholera, Guinea worm epidemic which were rampant in the Benue south senatorial district particularly in Onus, Obadibo and Agates local government areas of the state. Dr. Aper who spoke to National Mirror yesterday shortly after he and his team were hosted to a reception by the Oju community disclosed that he could now beat his chest that water borne diseases are now a thing of the past following the intervention of his agency to those communities. He explained that the agency, prior to provision of potable water, had also taken time to create awareness among the rural dwellers by sensitizing them on the dangers of leaving their environment untidy. The General Manager further emphasized the need for the people to desist from defecating in bushes or open areas, proper disposal of human waste underground or in toilets as well as proper washing of their hands regularly with soap or ashes to kill germs on their hands. He expressed satisfaction that after embarking on the vigorous exercise the people had yielded to the instructions and also erected toilet facilities within their compound. According to him with the introduction of toilet facilities coupled with motorized bore holes as well as digging of wells for potable water all the issues associated with water borne diseases has completely been erased and the people are now free from the epidemic related problems.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arts Lounge

Promoting artistes can be demanding –Damilola

Ceramic Art: Nigerian exhibitor emerges best in China

Helping highlife find its groove Highlife music, indigenous to West Africa, appears to be losing grip to Western musical influences through dilutions and outright neglect; but efforts are thankfully being made to save this genre of music from extinction. NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

visit to nite clubs in Nigeria will obviously reveal the place of highlife amongst Nigerian music lovers. Although Nigerian- made songs (fondly called Naija beats) are now ruling the music scene, most of the flavours being played are dilutions of the highlife style which made waves some decades ago. For obvious reasons, Nigerians seem in tune with these dilutions. While highlife may not be everyone’s choice of music, it is clear that only a few people ‘actually hate’ it. But what has become of this genre of music, which West Africans should hold dear, is only an aftermath of Western influences. Larry Koldsweat, an actor and musician says that highlife is still the popular choice amongst Nigerians who know what good music entails. For him, highlife is unique in that it takes a lot of hard work for an album of highlife to be made quite unlike the contemporary beats imported from the Western world. “Highlife music is one genre of music that comes from the soul. It is a brand of music that comes with lots of messages, as can be testified from the masters of the music in West Africa. It is a brand of music where your skills as a musician will come to test, because you must know how to play the necessary instruments. I believe that the dilution that has trailed highlife over the years is as a result of the fact that a lot of musicians do not know how to play instruments. They depend on synthesisers, which carry a lot of foreign beats. It is difficult for anyone who cannot play an instrument to rely on that and do highlife.” For veteran highlife musician, Victor Olaiya, highlife is unique in the sense that the instruments are peculiar to the final output: “I think the uniqueness of highlife music lies so much in the musical instruments that we employ in producing highlife. Predominant in Nigerian highlife music are the guitar, talking drum and the bass. The uniqueness is also in the musical arrangement. My arrangement is different and distinct from the late King E.T Mensah’s arrangement. In the first place, the Nigerian highlife has five beats while the Ghanaian highlife has three beats in a bar. Just like you are playing the chords, the arrangement by the artiste concerned is another major factor that makes the highlife different from any other type of music”.

Typical highlife band

Why has highlife lost grounds to the contemporary imports in spite of these peculiarities which do not come cheap? Chizzy Ani, proprietor of Kpakpando TV, a 24 hour Igbo language cable TV station, blames it on the lack of promotion amongst musicians. He told Arts Lounge that highlife is very much loved by people but that the weak promotional efforts towards that genre of music makes it a second choice for people. “Highlife is just having a bad time, but may not be about to die. If you listen to some of the beats making waves on air, they are all dilutions of highlife. Their messages are however different from those of the tradition highlife we know which teaches morals, proverbs, folktales and certain aspects of our culture; but these dilutions have found better ways of promotion in the contemporary hip-hop culture. Only a few highlife musicians bother to promote their songs. In this age, a good video is important for any music to make the desired impact, but highlife hardly has that. On TV, we would like to play highlife tunes, but there’re hardly enough content to back that up. If you watch carefully, the young man who bought the rights of Oriental’s songs launched a promotion by doing a video”. It seems TV is not only the broadcast

PREDOMINANT IN NIGERIAN HIGHLIFE MUSIC ARE THE

GUITAR, TALKING

DRUM AND THE BASS.

THE UNIQUENESS IS

ALSO IN THE MUSICAL ARRANGEMENT.

medium that has relegated highlife to the background. In Nigeria today, radio stations have only devoted a negligible portion of their time belt to highlife. Where it exists especially on the conventional FM stations, they come as thirty minute shows as exemplified on Metro FM and Classic FM in Lagos. But this is not as bad as the conspiratorial neglect by Nigeria’s corporate world. For instance, many musical talent hunt shows like MTN Project Fame, Nigerian Idol and the Maltina Dance All have all mentioned highlife as a passing segment on their shows. Aside this, some of the stars being made in those shows have never considered a career in

highlife. But the interesting thing is that some people are working hard to retain this genre of music which is peculiar to the West African coast. One of these is Femi Esho of Ever Green Music Company, whose efforts have helped in storing songs made by veteran highlife musicians of the past. He spoke about his efforts thus: “I am not rich. But I feel extremely fulfilled, given what we have been able to achieve. If not for our effort, this genre of music, highlife, would have become extinct because there’s no way the younger people would have had access to the works of Eddy Okonta which was done in the 50s, Adeolu Akinsanya, Roy Chicago, Ambrose Campbell and several others. There’s no way they would have heard those songs because the musicians themselves don’t have them. It’s a way of immortalising the artistes, so that the music will not go into total extinction. I want our children yet unborn to know that there was a particular type of music called highlife music. But for our effort, many won’t have the music to enjoy. Right now, I’m doing some forty something tracks for Victor Olaiya which he doesn’t have. From our archives, we got their various songs which they don’t have, approach them and say, look, we want to reproduce your works. And they’ve been very, very happy because the songs would have died with them. So, we sit down at a roundtable, get the legal people and write the normal agreement and get the works reproduced.” Another commendable effort in this direction is the creatively tagged Hi-Life All Stars Club, which started a few months ago initiated by some highlife veterans and stakeholders. They include: Victor Abimbola Olaiya, Victor Uwaifo, Donald Duke, Fatai Rolling Dollar, Benson Idonijie and Orlando Julius amongst others. Commendation in this direction should also go to O Jez, Iwaya, Lagos owned by Chief Joseph Odebeatu has also done quite a lot in bringing back the glory of highlife with his Elders’ Forum, which over the years has showcased highlife veterans. Perhaps, bulk of the job about giving a boost to highlife rests with the media, as rightly observed by Victor Olaiya. “I think much depends on the media; the media seems to be tilting and paying more attention to hip-hop, reggae and other foreign music. The media should lift the tempo and project Nigerian highlife very well and all will be well by the grace of God”.

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

VOICES

The Nigerian film sector and its related copyright challenges TONY OKOROJI

T AL K FAD with

Fidelis Duker

fidelisduker@yahoo.com

Cash-less Nollywood and $200m intervention fund

part from the Yoruba travelling theatre groups, the emergence of television had created the thirst for some home grown dramatised works on TV to fill the space occupied by the many cowboy films from America. One of the first truly celebrated successes in this direction, was the immensely popular, Village Headmaster, the TV series produced by Segun Olusola of blessed memory and broadcast on what was then NBS and later, NBCTV. The success of Village Headmaster inspired many more TV series such as Late James Iruoha’s New Masquerade with the irrepressible Chief Zebrudaya Okorigwe Nwogbe Alias 4.30. This was followed by Peter Igho’s Cockcrow at Dawn, Jab Adu’s Adio Family, Lola Fani-Kayode’s Mirror in the Sun, Mat Dadzie’s Behind the Clouds, Zeb Ejiro’s Ripples, Amaka Igwe’s Checkmate, Patrick Doyle’s Jaded Options. The true birth of the Nigerian motion picture industry which today is referred to asNollywood is however traceable to the overwhelming success of what may have been considered an experimental project by an enterprising Nigerian businessman called Kenneth Nnebue. Kenneth Nnebue’s Igbo language movie, Living in Bondage which was marketed on VHS sold like hot akara. In Living in Bondage, the universal contradictions of love, wealth, greed and crime were captured in a story that everyone could relate to. After Living in Bondage, Kenneth Nnebue made other movies like Glamour Girls and proved that an industry could be built around the sales of home videos using the VHS format. Following the success of Living in Bondage, most of the serious TV drama producers in Nigeria quickly followed the footsteps of Mr Nnebue to make feature films marketed on the VHS format and a new industry was born. Is it therefore not an irony that the VCR which provided a cheap platform for Nollywood to take off also becomes its albatross? While it was relatively cheap and uncomplicated for the producers of Nigerian movies to mass produce VHS copies for sale, it also soon became clear that many unauthorised people were using the same cheap technology to mass produce the same movies and to sell them at extremely cheap prices. There are many in the industry who will swear that for every legitimate copy of a movie sold in Nigeria, five illegitimate copies have been sold. The widespread sale of unauthorised copies of movies remains one of the biggest challenges of Nollywood. In a way, two industries have emerged in Nigeria: one called Nollywood and the other called Alaba and the resultant situation is one of Monkey dey work, Baboon dey chop. The monkeys of course are the incredibly inventive movie producers who sometimes have to sell the only piece of land in the family to raise between three

LET’S

W Chief Okoroji

million Naira and ten million Naira, the cost of the average Nigerian home movie. The base of the typical Nigerian movie Producer is Surulere in Lagos. The baboons feeding fat from the labour of the monkeys are the probably more inventive and devil-may-care traders, a lot of whom have made Alaba market in Lagos their base. As the copyright enforcers at the Nigerian Copyright Commission might testify, any battle between the monkeys and the baboons of the Nigerian movie industry proved to be a mismatch. The baboons, fat and strong with a lot of money always beat the monkeys who are skinny and weighed down by too much debt and too much work. The baboons have always had their private army and often engaged whatever team of riot policemen was brought: AK 47 for AK 47, Bazooka for Bazooka. A few years ago, the Copyright inspectors of the Nigerian Copyright Commission stormed Alaba with lorry loads of riot policemen and expectedly a battle ensued. When the smoke from the battle cleared, the police had withdrawn, a police vehicle had been burnt, several of the enforcers had been thoroughly beaten up, very little pirated works were recovered and this speaker came close to losing some very close friends. One of the attack lines in trying to discourage people from patronising pirated works was to tell them that pirated products are inferior. That line can no longer wash because as the products have moved rapidly from analogue-based technologies to digital formats, there is really no longer any difference between the original and the copy. Indeed, with respect to the packaging of the products, the pirated copies, a lot of which are made in the Far East look better than the originals made at home. Another major challenge which the Nigerian movie maker has faced is that a lot of the people who have seen his movies never bought a copy, whether original or pirated. All they did was to go to the ubiquitous video clubs where they paid very little money and went home with as many CDs as they wanted. Tony Okoroji, the chairman of the Copyright Society of Nigeria,(COSON), presented this paper at ANCOP/FIAFP International Forum on Copyrights which held in Lagos

hen I write most time on issues that bother on the Nigerian movie industry, I tend to express my passion and sentiments on my expectations of an industry I have invested over 20 years of my professional career. Nollywood, as it is today, is cash less and only a major lifeline will bring the industry out of its present state and that lifeline is the $200m intervention fund. Many might argue that Nollywood is doing well but I beg to differ. As an insider there is major problem in the industry today which cannot be restricted to the lack of ‘cash’ alone but the need for practitioners to take a holistic look at improving their practice, business with good structures and regulatory environment. Today you find that several Nollywood generic producers who pioneered the phenomenon in 1992 with Living in Bondage are nowhere to be found and the question you will ask is where are the likes of Kenneth Nnebue and Okechukwu Ogunjiofor of Living in Bondage? Zeb and Chico Ejiro, Amaka Igwe, Kingsley Ogoro, Tade Ogidan, Gabosky, Madu Chikwendu and marketers cum distributors like Amaco, O.J Productions, Infinity Films, Branny Video, Comtech and Bonag Ventures amongst several who unfortunately have become history. The truth of the matter today is lack of funding or to put it more succinctly, the lack of appropriate funding for projects. These set of pioneer producers have had terrible experiences where they have had their fingers burnt as a result of poor distribution from the distribution companies who saw film as a commodity that must either be bought or sold. Nollywood became a ‘trade’ where the creative element of film was thrown into the dustbin and movies were now made to look like buying and selling of clothing, electronics, foodstuff and any other consumables. The practice was for these generic producers (as I call them) to go source for funds, produce these movies and then engage the distributors who are expected to distribute and market the films but sadly, they left their primary role of being distributors and expanding their market. This to a large extent has contributed to the dearth of the industry and the CASHLESS NOLLYWOOD we see today. Some will disagree with me that Nollywood is not cashless as there is high volume of films being produced in Asaba, Lagos and Enugu on a daily basis but the question you should ask is; who are the producers? What kind of films are they producing? Who are the cast of these movies? The answer is simple; these films are produced by upstarts who were either pro-

THERE IS NEED THAT WE GET OUT ACTS TOGETHER AND STRUCTURE THE FILM INDUSTRY LIKE OTHER INDUSTRIES THAT THRIVE duction assistants or waka pass who have been opportuned to be fronted by marketers or distributors to produce this poor quality four or five-part movies which have been the norm in Nollywood where you find one movie divided into five or more parts. It was therefore a relief for entertainers and other practitioners in the culture sector when in April, ahead of the 2011 presidential election, the President announced a 200 million-dollar intervention fund for the entertainment sector but rather strange to most observers were the details of this fund as the Bank of Industry (BOI) and Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM) have both claimed custodians of the funds. The interesting angle to the $200m fund is that during the last Olympics that I was privileged to have been sponsored by the British Council, the Bank of Industry actually mentioned during one of their sessions that the funds are available to the industry while only recently NEXIM Bank, at a press conference, also said they have so far disbursed over N2.2bn of the N32bn fund to the industry. However, the big question on the lips of practitioners is who are those who have accessed this fund even though NEXIM claims to have funded the production of Dr. Bello a USA/Nigeria film production. Curiously, Dr. Bello cannot be termed a local production and the expectation of practitioners is that the funds should be for the development of the local industry. In as much as we are going through this cashless Nollywood, there is a need for the two financial bodies to realise that the only way this fund can be beneficial to the industry is when the loan has a single digit interest rate, medium or long term and the use of our intellectual property (IP) as collateral. It is important to appeal to practitioners to realise that NEXIM and BOI are financial institutions and as business entities with customer funds, there is need that we get out acts together and structure the industry like other industries that thrive so we can access any fund and begin to move from cashless to ‘cash-more’ industry.

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Arts Lounge

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

ARTISTE UNCENSORED

Promoting artistes can be demanding –Damilola With a degree in Banking, one would expect Damilola Adegbuyi to be looking forward to a career in the financial sector, but she opted for entertainment instead.

I CAN TELL YOU TTHAT WHATEVER I STUD STUDIED IN

OYINKAN SOMORIN

hat makes Adegbuyi Damilola different is not just her great looks. It can be found in her carriage; how she has been successfully combining her various attributes. Although she has skills that are more rooted in talent than her university certificate, she is one of those who believe that certificates should not guide one’s choice of career. “I studied Banking and Finance at Olabisi Onabanjo University also known as Ogun State University (OSU); but I have always wanted to be an event manager and promoter, and I can tell you that whatever I studied in the university has no links with what I desire to do in life. By and large, I see certificates as the means to an end and not the end.” Interestingly, Damilola has shifted her interest to the effervescent entertainment industry in Nig e ria.

THE UNIVERSITY H HAS NO

LINKS WITH WHAT I DESIRE TO DO IN LIFE

The 26 year old is planning a show, Smitten, which will be an avenue for upcoming, but talented acts to reali realise their potentials. According to h her, the show is borne out of her experience after working workin with artistes like AY.Com, W4, Saint Janet, DuSai rella and Black r Voice amongst others. Smitten will hold next month to reenact her two year journey in the industry, which she said was kick started by her contact with c a friend called Lukside. L “It all started when a friend, wh Lukside asked me Luk help out with a to h show, I had fun and show really enjoyed it. I rea That’s when I joined entertainment the industry; it’s been two industry now.” years no Since tthen, Damilola has not looked back and

Damilola

seems really thrilled being an artiste promoter. “Actually, when it comes to what inspires me, I don’t know what to say, but all I know is that promotion business is more of a hobby than you think; promoting artistes can be stressful and very demanding, but I enjoy just doing it.” While working at an estate firm, Kola Olanitori Estate Management Company, Damilola is also hoping that this new found love of hers would, someday, transform into a big promotions outfit that would be handling big celebrities. “My dream is to be a big promoter for upcoming and top artistes and comedians like 2Face, Ali-Baba, Wizkid, Ice Prince, M.I, Banky W. Once I can reach my goal, the sky is the limit. When I have things to do, I make sure I get it done, no matter what, and I do it well. So far, so good. My being a promoter has affected the lives of some artistes positively. It’s not going to be easy. I know I will get there one day. Definitely, I am not a lazy girl and I am going to start that by being involved in most things coming up in the music industry, particularly now that the year is coming to an end.” When asked about her impression of the Nigerian entertainment industry Damilola days she sees a lot of hope on the horizon, even for new entrants. “The Nigerian industry is growing fast and I am really proud of them. I remember how boring the entertainment industry was some years back, but today look at us; we are everywhere and not just that, we are one of the best in the world. I am so happy to be associated with the industry and I can’t wait to make it there.” She has advice for others willing to join: “It will not be easy in the beginning; it’s always rough and frustrating but that doesn’t say one should give up. Keep your head up and know that Rome wasn’t built in one day. Work hard, be determined, be prayerful and know the right people. ”

MIDWEEK JUMP

Nigeria Prize for Literature announces winner tomorrow

he winner of this year’s edition of the Nigeria Prize for Literature will be announced at a World Press Conference that will hold tomorrow at Ocean Pearl, Oceanview Restaurants, Victoria Island, Lagos at 10 a.m. The advisory board for the prize, led by Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo, recently announced the shortlist of three books. On the initial shortlist, in alphabetical order by surname are: Onaedo: The Blacksmiths Daughter by Achebe, Ngozi;

Only a Canvas by Olugesan, Olusola and On Black Sister’s Street by Unigwe, Chika. The Nigeria Prize for Literature has, since 2004, rewarded eminent writers such as Gabriel Okara, founding father of modern Nigerian poetry, Professor Ezenwa Ohaeto (co-winner 2004); Ahmed Yerima, for his classic, Hard Ground; Mabel Segun for her collection of short plays, Reader’s Theatre; Kaine Agary for Yellow Yellow, Esiaba Irobi who post-humously clinched the prize in 2010, with his book, Cemetery Road and Adeleke Adeyemi, with pen name Mai Nasara, last year, for The Missing Clock. The prize rotates yearly among four literary genres: prose fiction, poetry, drama and

children’s literature. The 2012 prize is for prose fiction. The prize has a cash value of $100, 000. A total of 214 books were submitted for this edition of the prize.

Arojah Royal Theatre presents The Wizard of Law

ide Attah and Lara Owoeye Wise will star in Arojah Royal Theatre’s production of Zulu Sofola’s The Wizard of the Law, coming to the stage today at the Women Development Centre, Abuja. The production is in honour of the first ever Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice

Mariam Aloma Mukhtar and will feature actors like: Oluwatoba Oyewole, Zeb John, Olwaseun Odukoya, Zuubairu Jide Atta and Lara Owoeye-Wise, among others. The play is a satire about an old lawyer, Ramoni, who tries to impress his wife during a festive period by purchasing nine metres of lace material on credit at a time he is penniless.

October 31 to Friday November 2 at the NICO Training School Complex, National Theatre Annex, Lagos. The 3-day event is aimed at repositioning the Nigerian cultural workers for improved productivity. The event, tagged: ‘Cultural Festivals as tools for socio-economic Transformation’, is the fifth edition.

NICO holds 3-day national workshop

he National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) will hold a national workshop from today

Dr. Ayakoroma

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

FAR AND NEAR

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Idegu Takes Inikpi to Israel TERH AGBEDEH

Mr. Yakubu collecting his prize

Ceramic Art: Nigerian exhibitor emerges best in China IJEOMA EZEIKE ABUJA

igeria has won the highest award at the Jingdezhen International Ceramic Fair which held in the city of Jingdezhen, China from October 18 to October 22. This is making it the fourth time in a row for the country. Also known as the Ceramic Olympiad, the fair which attracts more than 10,000 entries from more than 800 ceramic manufacturers all over the world features competitions in various categories of ceramic arts. Nigeria which was represented at the fair by Dajo Pottery Limited, a manufacturer of ceramic products based in Makurdi, Benue State won the Golden Excellence Award, which it has won consistently since it made its debut as the first and only African participant at the fair in 2009. Showing off his plaque and certificate to newsmen in Abuja, the founder of the company, Mr. Levi Yakubu said his company has taken Nigeria to the apex of the sector by winning the award for country. “The apathy and contempt

shown to the art of pottery and ceramic has been responsible for its poor impact on the economy of Nigeria. Traditionally, it has always been seen as women’s occupation and hardly any society will give respect to any man who ventures into it until God has used me to break the jinx. This economy has deprived Nigeria from competing with China in benefiting from ceramics as there is hardly any home you go to that you will not see various types of ceramics,” he said. Also speaking, a Swiss based director of the company, Mr. Atsen Ahua, expressed the readiness of the company to collaborate with Federal and State governments to train the youth in the art of ceramic-making if they avail the necessary conditions. He called on the President Goodluck Jonathanled administration to take advantage of excellent performance of the company at the exhibition to promote the industry, by giving all the necessary attention to the gold medalist, who he said has done the country proud at the international community.

n far away Israel on Tuesday, October 16 at the ZOA Theatre in Tel Aviv, Professor Emmy Unuja Ikanaba Idegu of the Department of Theatre and Performing Arts, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria staged one of his plays, The Legendary Inikpi. It was staged as a command performance being part of the activities to commemorate the 20 years of the restoration of diplomatic ties of Nigeria with the State of Israel and the celebration of Nigeria’s 52nd year of independence in Israel. The play was performed by the African Israeli Stage based in Israel. The Legendary Inikpi is a play that captures theatrically, the war between the Igala and the Beni people in 1515-1516 Nigeria. History has it that the Ata Igala (the Igala King), Ayegba Oma Idoko was a bosom friend to the Oba of Benin to whom he always made eunuchs for his palace. Somehow, there was some misunderstanding that made this hitherto cordial relationship sour. It turned bitter when the Ata Igala thought the messengers he sent to his friend the Oba who did not return home were captured by the Oba preparatory to taking war to Ida the traditional and administrative headquarters of the Igala kingdom and if possible, annex Igalaland. The Ata Igala, Ayegba Oma Idoko consulted the oracle and the ancestors divined that nothing short of the life burial sacrifice of his most cherished child, Princess Inikpi will suffice. Idegu, a professor of indigenous performance and playwriting is becoming an undisputed advocate of the study of Israeli theatre in Nigeria. Starting his theatre journey that has so far spanned about three decades, not until December 2008 when he was invited as guest to the most popular Israeli theatre festival, the Acco Theatre Festival and to also present a paper at the Theatre Studies Department, University of Tel Aviv, he had never heard or read anything about what he terms the “colossally rich and vibrant Israeli theatre practice”.

Inikpi being inspected by the Ohioga Ata

Distinction ‘Our pride’

Tyna Adebowale identity series. 41inch. x 55 inch

‘The Canopy’ explores role of mothers NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

f course, the role of women in the socio-economic life of a nation cannot be over-emphasised. This is why ConocoPhillips in association with Nike Art Centre has concluded plans to stage a group exhibition of paintings and mixed media works, ‘The Canopy’ which will explore the relationship between mother and child, while highlighting the role of mothers in the Nigerian society. The exhibition, which kicks off on Saturday November 3, will last until Friday, November 9 between 10 am and 5pm daily at the Nike Art Centre, Lekki, Lagos. The seven artistes on parade are: Badejo Abiodun, Tyna Adebowale, Oladimeji Alabi, Owolabi Ayodele, Olawunmi Banjo, Rafhue Distinction and Adeleke Akeem; all of whom were specially chosen by ConocoPhillips because of their vision, inspiration and commitment to the world of art, and as the artists with the greatest potentials. “The exhibition seeks to explore the emotional bond of mother and child, which is rooted in tradition and values passed down from generation to generation. When we think of a mother, we generally envision a person who is nurturing, wise, loving, strict, and patient and who takes care of us. This sheltering role is what inspired the title of the exhibition, The Canopy. The works celebrate this relationship and remind us that it is mothers who pass on the traditions, religious values, antidotes and stories of their lives through the generations. ConocoPhillips dedicate “The Canopy” to the late Tope Ariyibi, a mother and colleague, who lost her life in the Dana Air crash this year,” according to Conoco Philips representative.

Adesanya commended for Reel Views, Behind the Scenes NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

folabi Adesanya, Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Film Corporation, (NFC) has been commended for the presentation of his two books, Reel Views and Behind the Scenes. The books are a collection of reviews, selected speeches and papers on the Nigerian and African film industry. Speaking at the presentation at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotels, Abuja, during the event, Information Minister, Labaran Maku, represented by Sabo Ahmed, Director, Human Resource Management, (FMIC). said that the books

could not have been published at any other better time, than now, especially as it adds up to government’s quest to expand the frontiers of the film industry so that it can continuously serve the main goal of national transformation. He assured guests that all policies and laws that will enable the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) address all critical and germane issues for the development of the film sector will continue to receive government’s attention. He applauded Adesanya for the publications saying that, it will no doubt contribute and proffer insight into public policies that concern the arts and creative sectors.

Frank Nweke Jnr, Director General (NESG) and former Information Minister, said the documentation of issues of the film sector as captured in the books represent the deep reflections of ‘a man who understands the very dynamics of the film sector’. He thanked Adesanya for transforming some of the ideas expressed in the books – especially “Reel Views”, during his almost eight years as the head of the Nigerian Film Corporation. The reviewer, Dr. Adinoyi Ojo described the books as ‘discussing familiar but unresolved issues in the Nigerian and African film industries’. He listed the issues as: content, technical productions, post-production, training and retraining,

distribution marketing and financing. Adesanya, in his speech expressed optimism that the books will be of inestimable value to all stakeholders in Nigeria’s film industry.

Nweke and Adesanya

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Otorogu fumes at Rangers’ claim 30

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Sport

I will be more excited when Nigeria lifts the trophy on November 11. I’m concentrating more on the tournament itself and ensuring that the ladies are ready for the task ahead – Super Falcons’ coach, Kadiri Ikhana

‘Efe Ambrose is good buy’

t 800,000 Euros (about N168 million), Nigeria’s defender, Efe Ambrose, was money well spent, said Celtic boss, Neil Lennon. The 25-year-old Ambrose arrived from Israeli side FC Ashdod in August and has immediately made an impact at his new club. He recently scored his first goal for them in their 5-0 victory at St Mirren. But it’s at the other end of the pitch where he has really shown his quality, most notably starring in

their Champions League tie at Barcelona last week. “We were delighted to get him. As soon as Johan Mjallby and I looked at him we decided to bring him in. At 800,000 Euros or so, it was a no-brainer. Money well spent,” gushed a delighted Lennon. “Efe has hit the ground running. He is a hungry boy from humble surroundings and is very mature for his age. Defensively he makes the game look easy. He is a huge asset.”

Williams sisters excite Lagosians

T Super Eagles’ players celebrating their victory after qualifying for the Nations Cup in Calabar on October 13, 2012

Venezuela friendly: Keshi invites 24 home-based pros

EVEREST ONYEWUCHI

uper Eagles’ coach, Stephen Keshi, will next week begin preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations slated for South Africa in January with 24 home-based players he has called to camp in Abuja. The players, who are expected to hit camp on November 4, will begin earnest trainings for the international friendly match against Venezuela in Miami, UnitINVITED HOME-BASED Goalkeepers: Agbim Chigozie (Warri Wolves), Akpeyi Daniel (Heartland) Defenders: Oboabona Godfrey, Kwambe Solomon (Sunshine Stars), Egwueke Azubuike (Warri Wolves), Zango Umar, Papa Idris (Kano Pillars), Benjamin Francis, Udoh Kingsley (Heartland), Solomon Yaya (Kwara United), Ugwu Uwadiegwu (Enyimba) Midfielders & Attackers: Uzoenyi Ejike, Emeka Eze (Rangers), Ubale Mannir, Rueben Gabriel, Gambo Mohammed (Kano Pillars), Anthony Okputu, Emmanuel Ajia (Lobi Stars), Mba Sunday (Warri Wolves), Henry Uche (Enyimba), Onduku Gomo (Sharks), Sani Sanusi (Gombe United), Azubuike Okey (Niger Tornadoes), Obinna Nwachukwu (Heartland).

ed States of America on November 14. The list includes two goalkeepers, nine defenders and 13 midfielders and strikers. The Venezuela game is one of the friendlies that have been lined up to toughen the Eagles ahead of the South Africa 2013 Nations Cup. Media Officer of the Super Eagles, Ben Alaiya, quotes Team Secretary, Dayo Achor, as advising all invited players to resume at the Bolton White Apartment, Abuja unfailingly on Sunday, November 4. Meanwhile, Eagles will begin final preparation for the AFCON on January 4, according to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Secretary General, Musa Amadu. “It’s a known fact that clubs would not release players for the AFCON until two weeks to the tournament. What this means is that Coach Stephen Keshi has at least two weeks for intensive training. So, with that in mind the Eagles would begin final preparation on January 4,” Amadu said. NFF technical committee chairman, Chris Green, who just re-

turned from South Africa where they inspected training sites and facilities ahead of the championship disclosed that the federation plans to set up a training camp in Europe before the team moves to South Africa. “We are thinking of assembling the players in Faro, Portugal, before proceeding to South Africa for the team’s final phase of camping. The idea is to begin the camp in Faro with players from the home front, then have the foreign-based join up,” Green said.

he Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, finally arrived in Lagos yesterday as widely reported in the media. Venus, the older of the two world’s renowned tennis icons, first landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja, Lagos, at about 3:35pm aboard a Delta Airline flight. She was welcomed by officials of Connect Marketing Services Ltd and scores of journalists, who had waited anxiously outside of the Arrival Lounge of the MMIA. A statement sent to National Mirror by the Group Head, Communications Services of Chain Reactions Nigeria, Mr. Lere Ojedokun, said the younger Williams sister, Serena, who clinched the WTA title in the just-ended competi-

tion in Istanbul, Turkey, was also due to arrive in Lagos at 9pm last night. From the airport, Venus was led straight to a waiting convoy of vehicles and driven to Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island where they will lodge during their tour of Nigeria. The women tennis icons are in Lagos as part of the Nigerian leg of a planned tour of two African countries, namely Nigeria and South Africa.

Venus Williams

Eko 2012: LOC engages 18, 000 security men

he Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the forthcoming 18th National Sports Festival in Lagos has engaged the services of 18,000 security personnel in preparation for the festival. Secretary, Security subcommittee of the festival, Dele Adeniran, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the officers would ensure adequate security during the events.

“The security personnel will mostly be police officers because we do not want to create tension with the presence of other security personnel,” he said. Adeniran added that 2,500 ushers have also been recruited to guide athletes, officials and others to venues, in case they miss their way. The ushers, he said, would include Civil Defence Corps, Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Brigade, Man-O-War

and NYSC members. “They will act as tourist guides to contingents during the festival,” he added. According to him, both the security personnel and the ushers will be trained to ensure they fall in line with the spirit of the festival. AWC: Today’s Matches South Africa v Senegal DR Congo v E’Guinea Result Cote d’Ivoire 5-0 Ethiopia

Sport

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

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Police probe Clattenburg over Mikel’s

Arsenal sets November deadline for Walcott talks

Theo Wa Walcott

rsenal wants a definitive answer from Theo Walcott over his contract dispute by the end of November. Gunners chiefs are planning a final round of talks with the forward’s representatives next month, with both parties still hopeful of reaching an agreement. If a common ground cannot be reached then Walcott will be made available during the January transfer window. Juventus are monitoring the contract stand-off, as are Liverpool and Chelsea. Walcott could head an Arsenal clear-out in an attempt to boost their coffers even further during the January sales. Walcott is seeking a major improvement on his current £60,000-a-week deal, which expires at the end of this season. It is understood that the Southampton Academy graduate wants £100,000-a-week to keep him at the Emirates, a deal which would now make him the club’s highest earner. Wenger, however, is reluctant to go beyond their current £75,000-a-week offer. Walcott and his manager continue to have alternative views over how the forward fits into the Arsenal team. Wenger prefers to play Walcott on the right wing, but the England star, keen to utilise his pace, believes he would make an effective centre forward. Walcott has started only two of his 10 Arsenal games this season, and only one match – the Capital One Cup thrashing of Coventry City last month – since his contract stand-off with the club.

ark Clattenburg is fighting to save his career after the Football Association and police began formal investigations into allegations that he racially abused Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel. Clattenburg has denied making any inappropriate comments and his account will be backed by assistants Michael McDonough and Simon Long, along with fourth official Mike Jones. The referee, at the centre of the storm on Sunday following his handling of Chelsea’s 3-2 defeat by Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, complied with FA regulations by filing an ‘extraordinary incident’ report on Monday. It relates to Chelsea’s allegations that he made inappropriate remarks to two of their players and was later confronted by manager, Roberto Di Matteo, Mikel and chief executive, Ron Gourlay. Mikel did not hear the alleged abuse, but the account has been backed up by two Chelsea players, reported to be Brazilian duo, Ramires and David Luiz who are both prepared to make statements. The £85,000-a-year official has been taken off this weekend’s Premier League match list as the FA compliance department begins a top-level inquiry. Meanwhile, the investigation will jeopardise Clattenburg’s standing in the game and could affect his chances of making it on to the FIFA list for the 2014 World Cup. In addition to Clattenburg’s initial incident report, which was studied by the FA’s governance department on Monday morning, he will be asked to provide a detailed statement of the controversial incidents. Chelsea allege Clattenburg used ‘inappropriate language’ in two separate exchanges with Mikel and Chelsea winger Juan Mata during their first Premier League defeat of the season. Assistants McDonough and Long ,who both ran the line and fourth official Jones will provide additional statements for the FA’s compliance department.

Adebayor hit by new setback

ottenham assistant coach Steffen Freund says Emmanuel Adebayor is exasperated with his fitness strug-

gles. The striker’s latest setback was an illness which is likely to rule him out of Wednes-

Adebayor

Referee Clattenburg (left) and Mikel Obi during the match on Sunda

day’s Capital One Cup clash with Norwich. A string of back and hamstring injuries, as well as the fine form of Jermain Defoe in the lone striker’s role, has meant Adebayor’s opportunities have been limited since joining Spurs permanently from Manchester City. The 28-year-old was expected to have his first start of the season at Carrow Road, but Freund said the striker may not recover in time. “Adebayor came in, he’s really sick, let’s have a look tomorrow. If you’re not playing and you’re injured then of course you are not happy”, Freund told reporters. Freund though, did make sure to reiterate the long-term importance of Adebayor to Spurs and their head coach Andre Villas-Boas, labelling the Togolese international as one of the division’s finest forwards. “He’s a big player. Hopefully he will be back in time. He is one of the best strikers in the Premier League. We are happy to have him back here. We need every Tottenham Hotspur player. If Andre wants to rotate or change the position up front, it’s good to have every player fit”, he said.

Gallas disagree

rsene Wenger is wrong to focus on qualifying for the Champions League over winning trophies, according to Tottenham defender William Gallas. Wenger claimed last week that securing a berth in the top four is more important than winning the FA Cup or League Cup. But Gallas believes landing silverware should be all players’ No 1 priority, not finishing second, third or fourth. Gallas said: “To finish second or fourth is not the same as finishing top, as champions. It is completely different. You are so happy to lift a trophy - it is the real thing to do. For me, a trophy is something you lift at the end of the season and I know it’s a fantastic feeling. “It doesn’t happen many times through your career, so for me to finish second or fourth isn’t the same as finishing top, as champions. It’s completely different. You feel different because you are the

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s claim

Sport

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

KHF embraces SPAN

Freedman warns Bolton players

ew Bolton manager Dougie Freedman has warned his players that their attitude must change or he will ‘deal with

IKENWA NNABUOGOR

them’. Bolton have the second biggest wage bill in the Championship but are languishing in 18th place in the table following relegation from the Premier League in May. It cost Owen Coyle his job and Freedman, 38, is determined to change the mentality at the club after Bolton chairman Phil Gartside persuaded him to leave Crystal Palace and move north. “Certain players believe the club was made for them and that will certainly change. We all need to understand from the beginning that you’re only as good as your last game”, said Freedman. “I will make sure they turn up every day determined to get better and respect each other. If they don’t I’ll deal with them. The attitude of the players can change. I have a feeling the mentality isn’t right. That has probably spread up through the club. “The reason is because they’ve been fighting relegation the last couple of years and were then relegated. There has to be a desire for success, and I will be questioning everybody when they come into work where they are trying to head.”

n a bid to help raise fund to rescue kids afflicted by heart ailment, the Kanu Heart Foundation (KHF) has launched a partnership with the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN) which presented a theatrical production titled “Take Heart’ in Lagos on Sunday. According to the Coordinator of the foundation, Pastor Onyebuchi Abia, the partnership has become necessary in view of the challenges currently faced by the KHF in ensuring heart surgery for the ailing. “We have reached the stage where funds will be appreciated from all sectors because no amount can be too big to save lives of kids who are our future happiness,” Abia, who described the partnership as wonderful, said. “The KHF has treated over 450 children and adults since inception in 2000 and there are still several people waiting to be treated and funds scarcity has become a great challenge,” he added. National Mirror learnt that “Take Heart”, which premiered at Eko Hotel, Lagos last Sunday, was written by Jo Demmer and directed by Gbenga Yusuf, even as it was produced by Star Art Stage Production.

Gerrard

Gerrard dismisses Everton

ottenham assistant coach Steffen Freund says Emmanuel Adebayor is exasperated with his fitness strug-

es with Wenger best team - the best player. You are so happy to lift a trophy - it’s the real thing to do. “It is a long time since Tottenham have lifted a trophy and I don’t know which one we are going to lift. But for sure we want to lift one; anyone will be pretty good so we will wait and see.”

Gallas

Freedman

City’s Richards out for two months

icah Richards will be out for six to eight weeks after undergoing surgery on his injured knee at a Manchester hospital on Monday. The Manchester City defender saw a specialist who recommended immediate surgery to mend a torn knee cartilage. Richards suffered the injury near the end of City’s win over Swansea in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday. There were fears that the England international had damaged knee ligaments, something that could have ruled him out until the end of the season. However, those fears were allayed and Richards was told after his operation that his layoff will be weeks rather than months. The surgery was a key-hole operation, a procedure that reduces the recovery time.

gles. The striker’s latest setback was an illness which is likely to rule him out of Wednesday’s Capital One Cup clash with Norwich. A string of back and hamstring injuries, as well as the fine form of Jermain Defoe in the lone striker’s role, has meant Adebayor’s opportunities have been limited since joining Spurs permanently from Manchester City. The 28-year-old was expected to have his first start of the season at Carrow Road, but Freund said the striker may not recover in time. “Adebayor came in, he’s really sick, let’s have a look tomorrow. If you’re not playing and you’re injured then of course you are not happy”, Freund told reporters. Freund though, did make sure to reiterate the long-term importance of Adebayor to Spurs and their head coach Andre VillasBoas, labelling the Togolese international as one of the division’s finest forwards. “He’s a big player. Hopefully he will be back in time. He is one of the best strikers in the Premier League. We are happy to have him back here. We need every Tottenham Hotspur player. If Andre wants to rotate or change the position up front, it’s good to have every player fit”, he said.

4 Obudu winners return for 2012 mountain race

s many as four former winners of the Obudu International Mountain Race have confirmed their participation in this year’s race which holds next month at the Obudu Ranch Resort in Obudu, Cross River State. Top on the list of the former champions who are staging a return is Ethiopia’s double winner, Abebe Dinkesa who will be gunning for a historic hat-trick of titles at the race. Dinkessa won the men’s title and the accompanying $50,000 top prize in 2008 and 2010 to become only the second man in the history of the race to win the title twice. Another Ethiopian, Habtamu Fikadu won in 2007 and 2009. Also staging a return to challenge for the top prize is the men’s defending champion, Ethiopia’s Hunegnaw Mesfin who ran the second fastest winning time (41:50) to win last year. Dinkesa holds the course record and the fastest winning time ever (41.45 seconds) which he ran in winning his first title in 2008. For the women, reigning Obudu mountain running champion, Genet Yalew of Ethiopia tops the list of champions who are staging a return to the race come next month at the Obudu Ranch Resort. She will however battle Kenya’s Businei Rita Jepto for the title and the $50,000 top prize. Businei was the second African woman to win the race after Ethiopia’s Rehima Kedir succeeded Czech Republic’s Anna Pichrtová as champion in 2006. Yalew, the defending women champion is staging a return, hoping to become the first athlete, man or woman to successfully defend the Obudu title while both women will be hoping to make history as the first woman to win two titles at the race.

Sport

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Nigeria N ig Premier League with

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cricket

IIKENWA NNABUOGOR ikenwa.nnabuogor@gmail.com

Otorogu fumes at Rangers’ claim Kofarmata rejoins Pillars B

ello Musa Kofarmata has rejoined Kano Pillars ahead of the current season which will soon start, from Heartland, where he played for close to three seasons. The fragile winger has even travelled with Kano Pillars to Niger for an invitational tournament with a view to rejoining the club. “Yes, Kofarmata is with the team to Niger. We will see what he is capable of during the competition,” Pillars General Manager, Abba Galadima, said. In 2008, Kofarmata’s goals helped his hometown club to their first-ever league crown before he moved to Heartland. The former Nigeria ‘B’ international is a fast, di-

eturnee former Enyimba striker Ezenwa Otorogu has fumed at the media reports last week that he demanded a N12 million sign-on fee from the 2013 CAF Champions League campaigners, Enugu Rangers, describing the story as false and malicious. Otorogu told National Mirror yesterday that he never asked for such fee, saying that the Rangers officials were economical with the truth. “I only negotiated for a sign-on fee of N5 million and I was shocked when I read that I demanded for N12 million,” Otorogu cried. “I felt so bad because the Rangers officials knew all that happened between us and I wondered why they would go to the press to misrepresent me in such a manner. “It was the same officials that said they could afford to pay me N120 000 in monthly wages which I was still considering. “I knew I was worth much more considering my past record in the NPL but I just needed a fresh start. “I wasn’t even bothered about the fee they were ready to offer but getting started was the most paramount in my aims now. “There are also some younger players who were considered for bigger wages but I didn’t bother because I knew what I wanted. “So, peddling such wicked reports was not good for me at all.” Otorogu was released in the summer from the one-year contract he signed at South African side Bloemfontein Celtic last year. He had earlier played at Orlando Pirates and Club Africain in Tunisia.

Olanrewaju set to join Enyimba

F Ezenwa Otorogu

Gombe United hires Cooreman

Maurice Cooreman

rect right winger armed with a good shot. Another former Pillars star aiming to impress and return to the fold is central defender Ikechukwu Gabriel, who is also on the 32man squad to Niamey. Last season, Gabriel featured for Warri Wolves. Several of Pillars new signings including Promise James (Enyimba), Ibrahim Shuaibu (Giwa FC), Mathias Samuel (Gombe United) and Emma Bivan (Kaduna United) are also on the trip. The week-long Niger tournament kicks off today and the other teams who will feature are Olympic FC and ASFAN both of Niger as well as Rail FC Kadiogo from Burkina Faso.

elgian Maurice Cooreman has signed for Gombe United to become their head coach for the 2012/2013 Nigeria Premier League (NPL) season. Cooreman signed a one-year contract “with many options,” according to chairman of the Gombe State Sports Commission, Mallam Farouk Yarma. “Yes Mr Maurice Cooreman has signed for us. He signed a year contract with many options among which is to help our coaches technically and at the same time put the club in international spotlight through results and style of play. “Cooreman was always our first choice as head coach because of his track record with clubs in the country and working with young players. Remember Gombe United have been in the top flight for a while and sta-

bilised and now we want to compete with the big teams,” said Yarma to supersport.com. Yarma also explained that erstwhile coach, Bernard Ogbe, did not have his contract renewed after it expired last term. Cooreman told supersport.com that he was excited to be in charge of the Savannah Scorpions for the coming season. “It’s good to be head coach here (at Gombe United). I’m ready to help Gombe United become one of the biggest sides in the country just as I’ve done with a number of clubs,” he said. Cooreman, 68, was the head coach of Warri Wolves until last month when he left on mutual consent. The Belgian has also managed Ocean Boys, Kaduna United, Lobi Stars, Enyimba, Gabros FC and Bendel Insurance in the past.

ormer Ocean Boys’ defender Yemi Olanrewaju is set to sign for Enyimba as he was invited by the Enyimba officials last week. The former Vejle Academy player has been training with the Aba Millionaires with a view to signing a contract. Olanrewaju, who is a free agent, having been released from Ocean Boys last season, could be joining the former African champions should he impress the officials. The 19year old defender is said to have caught the eye of the officials who have agreed to have a second look at him. However, agreement on whether the former Kwara United youngster will be offered a contract will be reached in due course before the new season starts.

“I have been going through intensive training here in Aba and I must admit it has been very hectic for me,” he said. “I know I have done well to attract a contract but the decision of the management determines whether I will be signed. “I’d really love to be part of the team this season and team up with my childhood friend Rasheed Olaniyi, who is already an established star here.” He had been linked with an unnamed Egyptian team but was sensationally turned back at the Cairo airport because he was in possession of the Yellow Fever vaccine card. He had also trailed at Norwegian side Aalesund as well as some clubs in Spain.

Yemi Olanrewaju (left) relaxing with some mates

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business & Finance Capital market is not a place to make quick money Managing Director, Trust Yield Securities Limited, Rasheed Yusuff

We shall soon commence the registration of importers of cables into the country in order to develop data base of stakeholders DIRECTOR GENERAL OF STANDARD ORGANISATION OF NIGERIA, JOSEPH ODUMODU

42-43

CBN pegs daily loading amount on stored value card at N50, 000 UDO ONYEKA

he Central Bank of Nigeria CBN has revised guidelines on stored value/ prepaid card issuance. According to the new guidelines themaximum amount that can be loaded on the stored value card shall not exceed N50, 000 per day, while the maximum balance on the stored value card shall not exceed N250, 000 at any time. In a circular signed by Director, Banking and Payments System, Department, Mr. Dipo Fatokun, the CBN said only deposit taking banks or financial institutions licensed by it with clearing capacity shall issue stored value prepaid cards. “Other deposit taking institutions without clearing capacity can issue in conjunction with those with clearing capacity.” “Only one stored value/ prepaid card shall be issued per person, per currency, per product by an issuer at any time. The us-

age limit and frequencies shall be defined by each participating bank. “All card issuers shall render monthly returns to the CBN on the number of stored value/prepaid card in issue, volume of transaction and gross amount of transfer from/ to stored value/ prepaid cards for inclusion in the national statistics on payments. All stored value/ prepaid card transactions shall be subject to current Nigerian Fi-

nancial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) reporting requirements. “All store value/prepaid card amount Naira balances shall be considered deposit liabilities by the issuing bank or financial institution and therefore subject to deposit insurance protection up to the limit provided by the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) for banks deposits”, the circular said among other

requirements. “Stored value/prepaid cards shall be issued without regard to where actual value resides; value shall be held in either centrallyconnected network databases or in non-network attached electronic devices, including, but not limited to, smart/chip cards and mobile handsets. All Stored value/prepaid cards shall be EMVcompliant ( Chip and PIN enabled) The CBN

Guidelines for Transaction Switching and Card Issuance and Guidelines on POS Card Acceptance Services shall also apply to stored value/prepaid cards “ The CBN said this revision was in furtherance of its commitment to promote the development of electronic payments in the country and has asked all Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) to cooperate by enlightening their customers.

irtel Nigeria, one of the country’s mobile networks, said it has restored active operations on 112 of the 192 telecoms base sta-

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Air Nigeria International (Lagos - London) Los- LGW (VK293): Tue, Thurs, Fri & Sat 11.55pm LGW-Los (VK292): Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun 10.50am

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

Aero Contractors

L-R: Minister of State for Trade and Investments, Dr. Samuel Ortom; Managing Director of BKG Exhibitions Limited, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu and Head, Lubricants Oando Marketing Plc, Mr. Jonathan Sanyaolu, during the 14th International Motor Fair in Abuja recently.

Flooding: Airtel revives 58% of 192 affected telecoms sites KUNLE A ZEEZ

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

tions belong to it which were affected by the recent bombings of telecoms infrastructures and raging flood disaster ravaging some parts of the country. National Mirror learnt that the number of base stations so far restored by the telecoms operator represents 58 per cent of close to 200 of sites belonging to the Airtel.

Most of the affected sites were situated in some parts of the Northern Nigeria and Middle Belt, whose damage has impacted adversely on the quality of services on the mobile network. The Director, Regulatory Affairs and Special Projects at Airtel, Mr. Osondu Nwokoro, raised the alarm over the massive damage to its facili-

Africa generates $64bn from aviation annually

ties caused by the relentless terror attacks on its installations in the North as well as the ravaging flood across the country in Lagos yesterday. Speaking on a paper entitled ‘Recent Developments Impacting Te l e c o m m u n i c at i o n s Operations and Quality of Service in Nigeria’, Nwokoro decried the menace of terror attacks

on 53 installations, which has disrupted operations in 193 sites across the Northern part of Nigeria. He said the twin challenges, which had resulted in loss of lives and property, have also led to loss of telecommunications equipment and an attendant degeneration of quality of service.

Wanka calls for collaborative effort against e-fraud

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

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Stakeholders propose measures to ensure adequate fuel supply

Business Finance

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Africa generates $64bn from aviation annually OLUSEGUN KOIKI

he Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Nnamdi Udoh yesterday disclosed that African countries generate at least $64bn annually from aviation industry. Delivering a paper at the commencement of the two-day event organised by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), aeronautical division in his paper titled, ‘Local Content Development in the Aviation Industry,” Udoh explained that aviation is growing rapidly in the continent and challenged the Nigerian authorities to contribute its own quota to the development. Udoh said further that aviation in the continent also provides 7 million jobs for various personnel in the sector, stressing that it drives the economies of most African countries. At the moment, he said it was doubtful if Nigeria was contributing to the development in the sector in the continent over the years, but

L-R: Business Leader HHP, Samsung Electronics, Ghana , Mr. Jaspreet Singh; Revmatas, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mobile Business Leader for Nigeria, Mr. Emmanuel; HHP Business Leader, Samsung Electronics, Senegal Ms. Khadi Gueye ; Director of Mobile Communications, Samsung Electronics, Mr. Craige Fleischer and Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Samsung South Africa, Mr. George Ferreira, during the Samsung Galaxy Note II World Tour in Cape Town, South Africa at the weekend.

noted that the current minister of aviation, Princess Stella Oduah has changed the orientation of most professionals and personnel in the country. He said that to contribute to the development in the sector, Nigeria must develop an action plans to address the 21st

FG inaugurates committee on digitalisation of broadcast industry CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

ederal government will inaugurate committee that would drive the digitalisation process in the broadcast industry in the second half of November, the Director General Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation Mr. Yomi Bolarinwa has said. Mr. Bolarinwa who disclosed this in an interactive session with journalists in Abuja, said the committee would be inaugurated by the Honourable Minister of Information Mr. Labaran Maku. The NBC boss who reiterated his corporation resolve to beat the digitalisation deadline assured that the nation is on track to achieving digitisation in the broadcast industry by June 17, 2015. “The NBC is serious about transition, and I can assure you that we will achieve switch over come June 17 2015. I am sure before the second half of the month of November, the driving force, the DG team, the Committee that will drive the transition officially will be inaugurated by the Honourable Minister of Information Mr. Labaran Maku.” he said. The International Telecommunications Union set the

stage for the transition in 2006 when it set the deadline of June 17, 2015 as the deadline for the world to switch off analogue broadcasting to digital broadcasting. After that date, analogue television receivers are not expected to receive signals from broadcast stations that must have gone digital except the receivers have been equipped with Set-Top-Boxes. Nigeria had earlier scheduled June 17, 2012 target as the target to meet digitisation in the country but had to move the date when it became obvious that the industry and the nation a whole was not prepared for it. Transiting from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting is expected to affect all segments in the broadcasting value chain, namely: content production, transmission and reception, as they will require technical upgrading to support digital broadcasts. Bolarinwa, who gave assurance that the ITU deadline was not going to catch Nigeria napping, said the recently concluded Africast 2012 came at a time when the country was working assiduously towards the final switch over from analogue to digital terrestrial television broadcasting.

century needs of aerospace industry, embark on state-ofthe-art technology acquisition, adding that drivers in the sector must equally develop local content for indigenous professionals in the sector.

He emphasised that for the Nigerian aviation industry to develop expectedly and contribute to the development in the sector, the government must embrace Public-Private Participation (PPP) as presently being

done in other developed aviation industries. He said, “Nigeria aviation industry has gone through various challenges in the past, which culminated with the deterioration of infrastructure in most of our airports. However, we are now experiencing some changes in the sector with the remodeling of some airports in the first phase by the government, but this alone will not make us competitive. “Aviation globally is highly capital intensive and despite this, Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind. Nigeria must develop all-encompassing programmes and improve on its service delivery while also embracing PPP, which will boost incentives in the sector.” He challenged government to support training in the sector, maintaining that the high cost of training technical personnel like pilots and engineers in the sector had prevented the lower class cadres from participating in the sector despite their brilliance.

FCMB announces N12.1bn profit for Q3, concludes merger with Finbank UDO ONYEKA

irst City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc has announced its unaudited IFRS-compliant group financial results for the nine-months ended September 30, 2012. The banking group has also concluded the merger of FinBank, a wholly owned subsidiary it acquired on February 9, 2012. In a statement from the bank, the unaudited Group results for the nine-months showed steady improvement in year-on-year performance of the bank. The Bank’s profit before tax went up by 23 percent to N12.1 billion, with annualized Return on Equity (ROE) also rising by 45 percent in September 2012 to 11.0 percent from 7.6 per cent for the corre-

sponding period of 2011. This was enabled by the improved balance sheet leverage. “The Group Net Revenues for the same period went up by 36 percent (year-on-year) to close at N34.5 billion while net revenue grew by 11 percent (quarter-onquarter) coming from better margins that saw net interest income rising by 13 percent in the third quarter 2012. Non- interest revenue stood at N6.6 billion indicating an eight percent growth. “The Group’s operational expenses (year-on-year) went up by 60 percent. The growth in operating expenses, according to the bank was due to the consolidation of FinBank numbers for the first time in 2012 though it witnessed a decline by seven percent (quarter-to-quarter) coming

primarily from the realization of cost savings from the pre-merger rationalization exercise conducted in the first half of “The bank also recorded loan loss provisions of N1.3billion in the third quarter period against the write-back of N0.8billion it recorded in the second quarter. This, it said came from a recovery of previously-provisioned assets from both FinBank and FCMB. According to the statement the bank’s capital adequacy and liquidity ratios remain strong in spite of risk asset growth at 22 percent and 56 percent respectively. “Low cost deposit mix was 58 percent, representing an improvement of four percent (yearon-year) and 14 percent (quarteron-quarter).

Manufacturing sector decline worries textile workers MESHACK IDEHEN

orkers under the auspices of the National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) have said they are calling on the Federal and States Government to urgently put a stop to the decline in the manufacturing sector of the economy. The textile workers also said that the country is sinking deeper into “de-industrialisation”, and that the economy will experience critical challenges in the near future, if the manufacturing sector

is not rescued. The President of the union, Mr. Oladele Hunsu, who spoke to National Mirror on Tuesday, also urged the Federal and State governments to step up the revival of textile industry in the country. He said before the crisis that hit the sector in 1997 when Nigeria joined the World Trade Organisation, (WTO), that the sector was a mega employer of labour in the country. He said textile workers as a labour movement have realised that the union cannot just be preoccupied with traditional duties that include collective bargaining, grievance and grievance han-

dling, occupational health and safety, industrial relations, without addressing the socio-political issues as witnessed in the present security crises which has further deepened the lingering crisis of development in our country. “Our colleagues from the once vibrant industrial city of Kano will bear witness to the real dangers of insecurity as there are several of our members who have lost their lives in recent times and several industries are forced to scale down operations as the once vibrant Kano Textile market has become a no go area for a lot of traders from other parts of the country.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Finance

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Nigerian airlines overburdened ‘Professionalism, panacea to ICT growth’ by govt – Arik Air Chairman

he Chairman, Ari Air, Sir Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide yesterday declared that Nigerian airlines are operating under very harsh environment, just as he said that the airline has paid N5.8bn as interest on loans and charges. He decried that unlike in other aviation countries where their carriers are given concessions on operations; the Nigerian carriers are not given such opportunities by the Nigerian government. He stated this yesterday at the sixth year anniversary of the airline at its headquarters in Lagos. For instance, he said that some of the airlines the Nigerian airlines are competing with like Ethiopian Airlines do not pay for landing and parking charges in Ethiopian, adding that same thing applies to British Airways, South African Airways and others in their home countries. He said that for Nigerian carriers to remain in business, it requires lots of waivers, add-

KUNLE A ZEEZ

ing that 35 per cent of their incomes return to the government coffers. He insisted that with the massive investments of the airline in aircraft acquisition, Arik Air is still under-borrowing. On the barring of the airline from accessing loans from Nigerian banks, he described it as unfortunate, maintaining that 65 per cent of its debts are sourced from financial institutions outside the country. Ikhide maintained that in 2012 alone, the airline has paid over N5.5bn to banks for interest on loans and charges, adding that the airline online got N10bn from the federal government’s intervention funds. He said, “Arik Air is underborrowing. Our debts is still insignificant to our investments we have on ground. There is no way you can acquire an aircraft without borrowing. It is not just possible. Our aircraft are modern and the best in the country. “That is why when we went

around the world looking for investors to partner with in the sector, the airlines told government to partner with Arik and turned the country down. We intend to go to the stock market in the nearest future so that the public can buy into it. We are presently discussing with Lloyds Insurance to assess our assets and when they are through, we will take the next step.” Also speaking, the managing director of the airline, Mr. Chris Ndulue disclosed that plans were in the offing to expand the existing hangar facilities in Lagos, construct a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in Lagos in partnership with Lufthansa Technic, hopes to construct super hangar facilities for widebody aircraft and establish aviation academy in Benin City, Edo State. He however declined to comment on the cost implication to the airline, but said it would cost some billions of dollars to materialize.

dusoft Limited, a mobile messaging and web solutions company, has underscored the importance of professionalism and strong focus on excellence as key yardsticks to engender growth for the ICT industry. According to the Managing Director, Edusoft Limited, Mr. Bade Ayoade, stated the need for stakeholders in the Information and Communication Technology industry to embrace adherence to professional standards in service delivery. Ayoade while underscoring the need for Nigerian ICT professionals to deploy best tools and practices to sustain the growth in the ICT sector, said Nigeria has the potentials to compete in the emerging global market and as a result. He said on its part, Edusoft was set out to deliver quality tested world class solutions in order to enhance operational efficiency of clients, point-

ing out that the company was poised to leverage on its pedigree to remain a major player in the ICT sector. “Utilising the power and cutting edge tools of the Internet, Edusoft positions itself as the leader in identifying, developing, implementing, branding and maintaining dynamic marketing and communication concepts through the utilization of multiple protocols and media Integrated Online Communications with a definitive focus on Internet based communication,” he said. While speaking on the niche of the company,Ayoade said Edusoft has, over the years, “designed, developed and deployed world-class web applications and solutions for numerous clients in the varied sectors of the Nigerian economy.” According to him, the company has also deployed other commercial web applications currently enjoying considerable patronage from individuals and corporate bodies in Nigeria.

Business Finance

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Unity Bank boss seeks collaborative effort against e-fraud UDO ONYEKA

he Managing Director of Unity Bank Plc, Alhaji Ado Yakubu Wanka has said for the fight against electronic fraud to achieve the needed result banks, regulators and institutions with responsibilities for fraud detection, control and prosecution should jointly and collaboratively form a common front. Speaking at the Nigerian Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF), meeting, yesterday in Lagos, called on the Federal Government to provide all necessary logistics on centralised nation-

al identity data base, which he noted would not only help in fishing out e-frauds but bring banking closer to the unbanked segments of the population. Wanka said the issue of identity management is key in the cashless project, adding that Know Your Customers (KYC) is also an integral part of identity management. “KYC and identity management are key component of cashless strategy, reliable identity management will allow and bring you closer to your customers and be able to render prompt and timely support on an ongoing basis.” While commending the efforts of the Federal Government in

the creation of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), which he said is an essential transformation tool to foster development of mobile payment services sector (MPSS), W anka , however said the identity system is yet to record any significant success. He noted that having a centralised database on identity would certainly go a long way towards ensuring the success of not only electronic payments systems but also national security. “It would enhance the security of the banking system and improve the country’s international ratings”, he said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CCDI mobilises local councils on disaster management DAYO AYEYEMI

orried by the devastating floods that have turned large parts of Nigeria into disaster areas, Community Conservation and Development Initiatives (CCDI), in partnership with Heinrich Boll Stiftung, has engaged local councils on “Local Governments and Disaster Management”. According to Environews, the idea is to prompt local governments over their obligation to form Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs), as directed by the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA), and to explain

Tinapa Resort to trigger Nigeria’s ICT revolution

L-R: Vice Chairman, Nigeria Independent Tobacco Association, Mr. Balogun Bashiru; Chairman, Mr. Rasheed Bakare and Treasurer, Mr. Fatai Amao, during the press briefing to mark the first-ever World Tobacco Growers’ Day in Iseyin, Oyo State, yesterday.

20% port charge hike meant to cut high cargo dwell time FRANCIS EZEM

eaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria, umbrella body for all private terminal operators in Nigeria’s eight seaports has said that the primary reason for the recent hike in rent charges at the various terminals was to discourage the use of members’ facilities for storage by importers and their agents, the freight forwarders. The private concessionaires numbering about 26 spread all over the seaports in Nigerian had effected a 20 percent increase in rent charges, which took effect from October 1, 2012, a development most importers and freight forwarders vehemently opposed, threatening to shut the ports if not reversed. Chairman of the association, Mrs. Vicky Hastruup, who spoke at a recent meeting organised by the Nigerian Ports Authority to resolve the crisis

generated by the increase, assured that the terminal operators would stop at nothing in ensuring efficiency at the various terminals in line with the government’s objectives of the port concession. She however disclosed that storage charges in Nigeria have become so low and so it becomes cheaper and more attractive for importers and their agents to store their imported consignments at the various terminals instead of moving them to warehouses, which worsens the high dwell time of cargo at the ports. According to her, the upward review was based on proven cases of abandonment of consignments at the ports for unnecessarily long periods of time sometimes running into five weeks and thereby making nonsense of government’s resolve to cut down on the dwell time of containers to seven days and the attainment of 48hour cargo clearance.

The STOAN boss, who doubles as executive vice chairman of ENL Consortium had insisted that low storage charges at the ports encourage the use of port facilities as warehouses by importers and their agents. “It was far cheaper to store goods at the port than it is in any warehouse in Nigeria so it has become necessary to reverse that trend because the ports are transit areas. The review of storage charges is not a money-making idea but a genuine attempt on our part to drive down cargo dwell time at the port and ultimately reduce the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports”, she argued further. One of the high points of the meeting was the setting up of a committee comprising representatives of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents and those of STOAN, among several others.

the roles and responsibilities of those committees. The engagement comes under CCDIs “Mobilising Local Governments for Climate Action” project and the three local governments involved, Eti-Osa, Lekki and Yaba, sent members of their LEMCs to participate. Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) was represented by Olusegun Magnus-Davies Magnus and Ganiyu Wewe, the Fire Brigade was represented by George Nwanorim and the Red Cross by Ijeoma Nweke. Dr Olusegun Ojo, an urban planning and disaster risk reduction consultant and former Director of Relief and Rehabilitation at NEMA, was a resource person.

ross Rivers State governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, has expressed the determination of the currently administration in the state to the Tinapa Resort in Calabar, the state capital, to evolve a new wave of Information and Communication Technology(ICT) revolution in the country. The governor made the commitment while speaking at this year’s three-day National Software Conference and Competition organised in the state by the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria, ISPON. Speaking at the conference with the theme: ‘The Cloud and the Future of Software Nigeria,’ Imoke said his administration had seen an opportunity to create an evolving technology in ICT through software development. As part of its effort to drive

such revolution, the governor disclosed that the state had recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Oando in order for Cross River State to have regular power supply to Tinapa to pewter all ICTrelated initiatives being incubated at the centre. According to him, “There will be a ground breaking ceremony next week by Covenant University, which is located opposite Tinapa” noting this and other similar initiatives were all geared towards further encouraging massive investment in the state . “We see this partnership between Nigeria’s private and public sector as opportunity, which has helped to boost the development of ICT in Cross River. And we have tried to grasp that opportunity. Our vision is for CR to become the hub of ICT,” he said.

Agric Ministry to import 173,000 tonnes of fertiliser MESHACK IDEHEN

he Federal Government have said it will import 173,000 tonnes of fertiliser to boost agricultural production in the coming year, and that Nigerians and farmers in particular should not be worried about any food shortages following the aftermath of the flooding that has ravaged many food producing parts of the country. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Dr Akinwumi Adesina in a statement made available to National Mirror on Tuesday by his Special Assistant to on Media,Dr. Olukayode Oyeleye, said further that the importation of the fertiliser by the government would add up to the 260,000 tonnes to be produced locally by December this year.

According to the minister, although 610,000 tonnes of fertiliser are expected by December, records are showing that 167,540 tonnes are already available, going by feelers from those that have responded to inquiries on availability of product. He explained that the ministry wrote to about 12 fertiliser companies and six of those that performed positively have sent their stock position to the ministry on what they can produce between now and December this year, adding also that efforts are already being made to import 173,000 tonnes and produce 260,000 tonnes locally by December. The minister explained that the ministry has started “fasttrack measures” to increase food production through dry season planting before the end of year.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Energy Week

udemea@rocketmail.com 07031546994

Motorists queueing for fuel in Lagos ... last week.

Stakeholders propose measures to ensure adequate fuel supply

uel shortage was first experienced in Abuja, the Federal Capital when members of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), involved in the movement of the petroleum products from one part of the nation to another embarked on strike, demanding payment of fuel subsidy to marketers. Incidentally, the shortage spread to Lagos and its environs as a result of the attack on Arepo pipeline. The pipeline is strategic, particularly as it is used to distribute fuel to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) depots where marketers usually go to lift the product to their outlets. Determined to provide a major alternative, the NNPC deployed over 920 tankers for distribution of petrol and other petroleum products in the country. A visit to some major locations showed that the tankers have already started work. Some stations that were starved of fuel before have started to take delivery of the product. The Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the Corporation, Mr. Fidel Pepple had said “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

For the past two months, fuel shortage has affected some parts of the nation, especially Abuja and Lagos. UDEME AKPAN, who spoke with various stakeholders, presents options for addressing the issue. and AITEO to 100 tankers,” Mr. Pepple disclosed. He stated 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 added that as at Thursday last week, the NNPC had 32 days sufficiency of petroleum products. Pepple called on motorists and other buyers to stop panic buying as there was commercial quantity of petrol and other products to meet demand. Farouk said: “There is no point for consumers to panic. We have sufficient stocks that can last for several days.” Expectedly, many vessels started to discharge imported fuel in the Lagos area. For instance, the Nigerian Ports Authority “Shipping Position,” indicated that 12 ships were waiting to discharge petrol at various oil terminals within the Lagos ports. Incidentally, the efforts did not end the shortage immediately. It continued because of some reasons. First, the situation was worsened by the activities of tank farmers who embarked on strike, calling on the government to withdraw soldiers from the premises of Integrated Oil & Gas whose Chairman, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, was accused of involvement in alleged oil theft. The Executive Secretary of the Jetty and Farm Tanks Owners Association of Nigeria, JEPTFON, Mr. E. B. Kanawa, said

THE SITUATION WAS WORSENED BY THE ACTIVITIES OF TANK FARMERS WHO EMBARKED ON

STRIKE, CALLING ON THE GOVERNMENT TO WITHDRAW SOLDIERS FROM THE PREMISES

OF INTEGRATED

& GAS

OIL

that although negotiations had started with related government agencies, the strike would continue until the soldiers were withdrawn from the premises of the company. Second, the private jetties where marketers load do not have many facilities like NNPC depots. Consequently, many tankers queue for days before they are able to lift products to their filling stations. This partly explains why they are not always able to sustain supplies at their stations.

These have attracted the comments of many stakeholders who believe a time has come for the nation to find lasting solutions to the challenge. The National President of the Oil and Gas Service Providers Association of Nigeria (OGSPAN), Mr. Colman Obasi said: “The Arepo pipeline has not been maintained since it was vandalized. The NNPC should step up efforts needed to rehabilitate it.” He said: “It is a pity that the Corporation lost some of its engineers while trying to fix the pipeline. It should not relent. Efforts should be made to go back to site in order to rehabilitate the pipeline. The rehabilitation of the pipeline would enable the nation to improve on its distribution of fuel, thus ensuring that petroleum products get to consumers without much difficulty.” But marketers hold another view. They believe that regular payment of subsidy would enable them to import petroleum products into the nation. One of them who preferred not to be named said: “The ministry of Finance claimed it has been paying subsidy to marketers. There are some marketers who have not been paid because of some reasons. It is better that all issues that prevent them from being paid be resolved so that all operators may be empowCONTINUED ON PAGE 36

Energy Week

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stakeholders propose measures to ensure adequate fuel supply

Amadi

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35 ered to embark on importation.” However, some who perceive these as short term measures have called for the adoption of long term approaches to solving the problem. These include improved maintenance of the nation’s refineries located in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna with total installed capacity of 445,000 barrels per day (bpd). Besides, there are also others who made strong case for the construction of new refineries in the country. The contention is that with about 37 billion barrels and 187 trillion standard cubic feet of oil and gas reserves respectively, the nation should have no business importing fuel and other products from the global market. In fact, this school of thought believes that the nation that produces about 2.5 million barrels daily should put in place adequate indigenous capacity to refine petroleum products for local consumption. The school believes that this is desirable, particularly as it has the promise to reduce dependence on others as well as create many multiplier effects, especially in the areas of jobs creation, technology acquisition and capacity building. The nation’s refining capacity has remained constant since the 1980’s mainly because no major refinery has been build apart from illegal plants that litter the landscape of the Niger Delta. This shows that the founding fathers of the nation and those who took over showed much interest in the construction of refineries than their modern counterparts. In fact, with the making of commercial oil find in 1956, the need

Alison-Madueke

Olorunshola

WHILE ADEQUATE REWARD SHOULD BE GIVEN TO VOLUNTEERS, VICTIMS CAUGHT VANDALIZING THE FACILITY SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO BOOK TO DETER OTHERS FROM INDULGING IN THE ACT for the commencement of downstream operations – refining, distribution and marketing of petroleum products – became obvious. In 1959, the government commissioned a survey for the construction of a refinery. The construction of the old Port Harcourt refinery which commenced in 1963 was commissioned in 1965 to refine fuel oil, gas oil, petrol and dual purpose kerosene for local consumption and for export. Available data showed that the initial 35, 000 barrels was increased to 60,000 bpd. Still, this did not meet local demand. Fuel shortage nearly held sway in the 70s, prompting the government to set up the Oputa Commission of Inquiry to proffer solutions to the problem. At the end of its seating, the Commission recommended the establishment of two new refineries in Kaduna and Warri. The refineries each had installed capacity for 35,000 bpd, which were later raised to 110,000 bpd for Kaduna and 125,000 bpd for Warri, following expansion of the plants. The increase in the installed capacity of the two refineries, which brought installed capacity of the nation’s three refineries to 295,000 bpd, did little to meet the demand for petroleum products which was continuously increasing. This compelled the government to embark on offshore refining of its crude oil. Still, demand outstripped supply by

as much as 260,000 bpd, thereby, justifying the need for the fourth refinery. The contract for the construction of the fourth refinery, in Port Harcourt, which was handled by a consortium of three companies – HGC Corporation and Marubeni Corporation, both of Japan and Spie Batignolles of France – was awarded in 1984. With the four plants, expectations were high that shortage of petroleum products would be a thing of the past. This was not so, as shortages continued, particularly in the early 1990s. This was mainly as a result of irregular maintenance of the plants and sabotage by some people who profited from causing breakdowns through fires and damage to the plants. None of the factors created the kind of impact that was felt in 1993, when oil workers, under the aegis of the National Union of Petroleum, Energy and Natural Gas Workers of Nigeria (NUPENG), embarked on a nationwide strike to protest the annulment of the June 12 presidential election believed to have been won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola. The strike crippled the economy, for two months. The country suffered unquantifiable losses in foreign exchange from non-sale of crude oil while the strike lasted. The period of inactivity in the oil industry caused further damage to the four refineries, thus causing the nation to import

petroleum products to meet domestic shortfall. In the last few years, the government has considered a number of alternatives as a way of finding a lasting solution to the perennial shortage. These included leasing and privatization of existing plants. It has also shown willingness to allow private investors to construct new plants. In 1996, it granted licenses for the establishment of two private refineries, namely, Brass Refineries Limited and Qua Petroleum Refining Limited. While awaiting the construction of new plants, the NNPC has made efforts to boost distribution. The corporation established 18 depots under the first and second phases of pipelines and depot projects between 1979 and 1980, which turned out to be inadequate. Attention was therefore focused on pipeline interlink project, when it became apparent that non-linkage of refineries and depots contributed to the perennial shortage of petroleum products. The pipeline interlink project involves construction of new depots and expansion and integration of the pipeline system into a national grid, for the purpose of improving network capacity and operational flexibility. With the possibility of inter-connecting refineries and import/export facilities with depots, a minimum of 45 days local demand could be met. However, with increased vandalism, it has become imperative for all stakeholders to be involved in policing the pipelines. While adequate reward should be given to volunteers, victims caught vandalizing the facility should be brought to book to deter others from indulging in the act.

Drop in US demand for Nigeria’s crude, underlines need to diversify economy CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

takeholders have called for the diversification of the nation’s economy following the awareness that the United States of America, the major consumer of the nation’s oil has reduced its imports from the country. A Public Analyst, Comrade Farouk Sanni described the situation as a terrible blow to the 2013 fiscal year adding it is time Nigeria looked for alternative sources of revenue base by way of developing the country’s other economic potentials. Sanni said the development has but-

tressed the clamour for development of other sources such as agriculture, coal and other solid minerals rather than over dependence of crude. “US is a major importer of the Nigeria’s crude, the continued drop in demand from the country will amount to a terrible blow to the economy” he said. He urged the Ministry of National Planning and indeed other political leaders to look inwards and find the economic potentials embedded in their individual states rather relying only on oil revenue. For the President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dr. Solomon

Nyagba the development is good for the country as it will force it to think for itself and develop other revenue sources. According to Dr. Nyagba, federal government should be more concerned on how to block the leakages brought about by corruption in the oil sector and find ways of developing the real sector. It is recalled that in his 2013 budget speech President Goodluck Jonathan had expressed concern about the realities of the changing global economy According to him, the budget proposal was designed against the backdrop of global economic uncertainty.

To underscore the seriousness of the development, Nigeria’s Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy and Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said: “Nigerians should be concerned about these developments. There has been a spate of studies, articles and other information on increased availability of Shale gas and more oil in the U.S. due to more exploration. “In fact, the U.S. has just given Vitol & Shell licences to export oil from the U.S. for the first time. U.S. demand for outside oil is still there but decreasing. These are some of the reasons we went for a sensible $75 benchmark price in

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Week

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

OPEC daily basket price stands at $106.37 per barrel UDEME AKPAN WITH AGENCY REPORT

he price of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) basket of 12 crudes has risen from $105.83 to $ 106.37 per barrel at the international market, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela). The new price recorded on Monday, this week showed that many oil producing and exporting nations still earn foreign exchange in excess of their 2012 budgets. For instance, at the present price, Nigeria can still earn over $34 in excess of the nation’s $72 budget reference price. Available data showed that crude fell for the first time in three days in New York while gasoline rose as refineries curbed operations before Hurricane Sandy strikes the U.S. East Coast. West Texas Intermediate futures slid as much as 1.1 percent, while prices of the motor fuel advanced as much as 1.9 percent. Sandy will probably make

El-Badri

landfall tomorrow, according to a National Hurricane Center advisory. “The crude supply situation has improved, and high inventories are capping prices,” said Michael Poulsen, an analyst at Global Risk Management in Middelfart, Denmark, who predicts that Brent will trade from $105 to $110 a barrel next month. “But we should watch out for Super-Storm Sandy, as refineries are being shut while the storm rages.” WTI for December delivery dropped as much as 94 cents to $85.34 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange and was at $85.63 at 10:51 a.m. London time. Prices are down 13 percent this year. Brent for December settlement dropped 48 cents to $109.07 a barrel on the London-

based ICE Futures Europe exchange. The front-month European benchmark grade’s premium over the WTI contract was at $23.44. “The primary consideration would be disruption to refinery infrastructure,” said Ric Spooner, a chief market analyst at CMC Markets in Sydney. “That has the potential to disrupt markets and cause local and regional product shortages.” Hedge funds reduced bets on rising oil prices for the fourth time in five weeks, cutting net-long positions by 17 percent in the seven days ended Oct. 23, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Commitments of Traders report on Oct. 26 showed. It was the least since the week ended July 31. Oil in New York has technical support along its lower Bollinger Band, around $85.83 a barrel today, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Futures on Oct. 26 traded below this indicator before settling above it. Buy orders tend to be clustered near chart-support levels. Brent in London will trade in a range of $105 to $110 a barrel in the three months ended Dec. 31, according to a forecast by Morgan Stanley. Recent price declines are related to macroeconomic concerns and not fundamental changes in the market, Hussein Allidina, the bank’s New York-based head of commodities research, said in a note today.

Oil export disruptions prop up Nigerian grades

upply disruptions on two key Nigerian oil grades boosted other streams on Friday while Angolan levels also held firm, drawing some support from Asian tenders. Forcados cargoes are now delayed by around 10 days, according to trade sources and Bonny Light by around five days due to force majeure, pinching spot supplies. The disruptions have accelerated sales on outstanding cargoes of non-affected Nigerian grades and one trader estimated only 5-7 remained

Source: Oilprice.com

Oil vessel

unsold from the November programme. Offers on the Qua Iboe benchmark grades held steady at around dated plus $2.40 a

barrel, traders said, but were stronger on small grades such as Erha. The latter grade was heard offered higher at near

Energy & Oil Prices

Source: Bloomberg

OIL ($/bbl) Nymex Crude Future Dated Brent Spot WTI Cushing Spot

PRICE*

CHANGE

% CHANGE

TIME

85.95 111.01 85.54

0.41 0.90 -0.74

0.48% 0.82% -0.86%

07:42 07:52 10/29

PRICE*

CHANGE

% CHANGE

TIME

310.55 275.30

-0.97 -0.38

-0.31% -0.14%

07:37 07:41

OIL (¢/gal) Nymex Heating Oil Future Nymex RBOB Gasoline Future

NATURAL GAS ($/MMBtu)

PRICE*

CHANGE

% CHANGE

11:19

New York City Gate Spot

3.77 3.43 3.57

-0.03 0.09 0.11

-0.84% 2.69% 3.18%

07:43 10/29 10/29

ELECTRICITY ($/megawatt hour)

PRICE*

CHANGE

% CHANGE

TIME

% CHANGE

09/24

Nymex Henry Hub Future Henry Hub Spot

Mid-Columbia, firm on-peak, spot Palo Verde, firm on-peak, spot

32.95 35.23

-0.40 -0.76

-1.20% -2.11%

10/26 10/29

BLOOMBERG, FIRM ON-PEAK, DAY AHEAD SPOT/ERCOT HOUSTON

30.25

2.04

7.23%

10/26

dated plus $3 a barrel. Nigerian supplies are expected to recover by December when exports are set to reach 2.12 million barrels per day. Buying interest for Angola varied depending on the grade, with Asian buyers showing exceptional interest in Cabinda grade. At least three of this grade for December was heard to have sold to Asian buyers Petrochina and Taiwan’s CPC. But going forward, traders said there were concerns if Asian demand in 2013 would match highs this year of 1.69 million bpd due to flatter economic growth. India’s Bharat Petroleum Corp also plans a partial shutdown in the first quarter which could affect demand for West African grades during the period. Taiwan’s CPC awarded a buy tender for December-loading light, sweet crude oil. Two cargoes from the Cabinda stream were heard sold into the tender, traders said. India’s state-run Bharat Petroleum Corp has also issued a tender for December-loading. Traders said they had not yet received the result on Friday.

Energy Week

WAPCo intensifies efforts on pipeline maintenance The West African Gas Pipeline Company which delivers the nation’s gas to Republic of Benin, Ghana and Togo for power generation has intensified efforts to complete the maintenance of the pipeline which was destroyed in August, this year.. The Managing Director of West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo), Mr. Charles Adeniji who confirmed the development said: “We have intensified efforts toward ensuring that the rehabilitation work is completed before the end of this year.” He said: “We are hoping that the rehabilitation of the pipeline will be completed on or before December so that gas will be delivered to users. Adeniji said construction barge was hired on September 24, 2012 while a team was mobilised 28 September 2012, equipped with crane, welders, pipe and machines. 6 Pipe joints loaded on the barge. He said: “Line scraper, called “pigs” will be inserted into and launched at one end of the line to remove water which will be received at the other end. Adeniji said: “Compressed gas or Nitrogen will be used to push the pig- Main line/ Laterals. As the pig travels, water in line will be pushed out, while the compressed gas or Nitrogen will dry the internal surface of the line.” The Managing director said: “The amount of moisture in the gas/ nitrogen will indicate when the line is dried and when pigging can stop. After drying / inerting, the operating valves will be opened to flow, and gas will be introduced into the line and will commence gas transportation operations.” Already, a construction barge has been hired to fabricate the replacement 6-pipe joint spools. Adeniji said: “Concurrently, action plans are being developed for removing water and drying the main and the lateral lines after which gas will be introduced. We expect to commence operations before December 25, 2012. Shareholders have been very responsive and supporting.” The company boss explained that current works on the pipeline was about 10 per cent completed and that by December it would be over 90 per cent complete after which the pipes would be dried through the removal of water and debris in the lines. The WAGP was broken into 2 parts on 28 August 2012 when a vessel dragged anchor over the pipeline at the Lome T- junction. WAPCo has identified the location and the magnitude of the damage. Damaged pipe joints have been removed and are in the process of replacing them.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

STORIES: UDEME AKPAN

he Federal Government has resolved to tackle oil theft through improved security in the country. A Ministry of Petroleum Resources source who confirmed the development said the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke has been consulting with security agencies on how to improve security situation in the Niger Delta. He said the measure aims at creating a conducive environment for operators involved in oil and gas exploration, production and export in the nation. The source said the Federal Government would redouble efforts mainly through the deployment of more equipment and personnel to confront indigenous and foreign syndicates bent on stealing the nation’s oil. A politician, Mr. Patrick Cole disclosed that the main buyers of the estimated 180,000 barrels of oil stolen each day in Nigeria are based in the Balkans and Singapore, a campaigner says. Cole said 90per cent of the stolen oil is being shipped out of the country illegally. He has launched a “Stop the Theft” campaign to end the practice. Nigeria is one of the world’s biggest oil producers but most of its people remain mired in poverty. The campaign is seeking to have ships tracked by satellite and for the money trail to be exposed. “Once you start asking questions and throwing light on this problem, you have solved more than 50% of the problem,” said Mr. Dele Cole, a veteran diplomat and former presidential adviser. “I think you should send out a warning to those who being extremely rich, that their day of reckoning is coming.” The entire oil sector in Nigeria is riddled with corruption, says BBC Many politicians are involved, he says, with part of the proceeds being used to fund election campaigns and buy votes. The Nigerian army is supposed to stop the thieving but, although some arrests have been made, soldiers routinely take bribes of cash or fuel to turn a blind eye to the crime, our cor-

Fuel supply improves in Lagos, environs UDEME AKPAN

uel shortage that held sway in Lagos and its environs has started to improve. A survey showed that unlike the past two weeks, many stations now have the product to sell to motorists and other users. Consequently, the long queues have reduced at many outlets. Motorists were seen driving in to buy fuel at several outlets without much difficulty. A source attributed the development to improved supply. He said: “There are many vessels presently discharging fuel into private jetties in Lagos. A lot of marketers are also making efforts to ensuring that the products get to the filling stations. The loading, it was gathered was being facilitated by about 920 tankers deployed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to ensure that the product gets to the filling stations. The deployment of the tankers became imperative following vandals attack on System B 2 pipeline at Arepo in Ogun State and frustration of efforts aimed

A filling station

at maintenance of the facility. The pipeline is said to be strategic, especially it has the capacity to carry between nine and eleven liters of petrol daily. The Corporation said the attack of the pipeline was a major setback, considering its role in the distribution of fuel in Lagos and its environs. It stated that the Corporation has done a lot to increase the number of tankers involved in fuel distribution in order to ensure that commercial quantity of products are made available to marketers and by extension motorists and other consumers. The Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the Corporation, Mr. Fidel Pepple said the fuel shortage is due to the shutdown of system 2b, a major pipeline that evacuates between nine to eleven million litres of fuel from lagos to Ibadan, Ilorin and the north due to serious vandalism by oil thieves a couple of weeks ago. Pepple said that to alleviate the problems resulting from the shutdown of the pipeline, the NNPC has stepped up distribution through tankers. “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,” Mr. Pepple disclosed. He further revealed 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 added that as at Thursday last week, the NNPC had 32 days sufficiency of petroleum products. On the Arepo pipeline seriously damaged by oil thieves a couple of weeks ago where three NNPC staffers were killed, Pepple stated that the NNPC was collaborating with the security agencies to fix the pipeline in order to restore normal fuel supply to the affected areas.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG moves to

Oil theft

respondent says. Cole said that about 10per cent of the snatched oil was being refined locally by gangs operating in the delta’s creeks and swamps. The rest is mainly going to criminal networks in Ukraine, Serbia and Bulgaria, or to Singapore, which is the world’s top refiner, he said. “It’s been a problem for a long time, but when it was 50,000 barrels, people thought [it] was tolerable. Now we’re at a totally different level,” he told Reuters news agency Many oil firms, including Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited (SPDC) have at various times complained about crude oil theft in the country. The Country Chair and Managing Director of the firm, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu had remarked that the oil theft has reached an alarming proportion, particularly

Dedicate police to oil,

ecommendations for a division of the Nigeria Police Force to be dedicated completely to the oil and gas industry and the establishment of a National Construction Industry Board, were some of the high points of presentations and discussions at this year’s PSRG-Richardson Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Forum which held in Lagos with the theme, “HSSE- Working out an Effective Balance in a Challenging Environment.” The suggestion for an oil and gas police division was premised on the belief that such formation if well equipped and completely dedicated to the industry will enhance security of operations, installations and assets. The rationale behind the proposal for a National Construction Industry Board is that such a vehicle would enable Nigeria take the necessary steps to achieve global standards in the construction industry. Regulation in the oil industry emerged as another main point of discussion at the Forum. The general perception was that the industry was over-regulated with the various regulatory agencies working at crosspurposes. It was suggested that the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) be adequately equipped and empowered to effectively perform its regulatory functions in the oil and gas sector. In a presentation titled, “HSSE: Confronting the Challenges in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Environment,” Emiy Ikuru, Managing Director of Foisi Global Investment Ltd urged the development of a measurable and sustainable HSSE management system in the oil and gas industry. He called for the implementation of a security policy that meets the challenges of increasing crime and effective response strategies to emergencies that threaten the safety of staff, assets and the general public. Segun Ajanlekoko, Past President of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) who proposed the establishment of a National Construction Industry Board, said in his presentation “Construction Safety: Roles and Responsibilities of Operators”, that

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Energy Week

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

tackle oil theft

as it grossly reduced available volume for export. He said; “as a Nigerian and someone who has spent a great deal of my career in that region, one thing concerns me above all the others. This is the incredible growth over the last couple of years of the oil theft and illegal refining activities. We estimate that some 150,000 barrels of oil are stolen from facilities every day.” Sunmonu remarked that: “This is not petty theft undertaken by desperate individuals struggling to make a living. These are well-funded crimes that may be connected with an international syndicate. Our concern is that if this business continues at this rate, the effects could be devastating, not only to the social and environmental structure of many areas of the Niger Delta, but also to Nigeria’s economy.”

gas industry –Forum

the level of awareness of construction workers in Nigeria about safety was low. Noting the regularity with which buildings have been collapsing due to defective workmanship, Ajanlekoko contended that industry operators not only had the professional but also moral obligation to maintain safety standards. Speaking on the “Challenges of Protecting Oil and Gas Industry Assets- An Operator’s Perspective,” Capt. Albert Oti (rtd) said an effective approach to pipeline protection would involve local communities in guarding the pipelines. It will also require the deployment of technology such as sensors which are globally used to monitor pipelines. Discussing the types of security breaches and threats prevalent in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, he said they include facility vandalisation, armed attacks on personnel and installations, kidnapping and hostage taking and the disruption of operations. Others are community protest action, crude oil theft and illegal bunkering, cyber crime and electronic infractions. To address these challenges, Oti urged operators to develop an effective oil and gas infrastructure protection strategy and acquire risk assessment and warning capabilities. They must also evolve an integration of information sharing and control in the security of oil and gas infrastructure between operators and relevant security agencies. Nigeria’s maritime security challenges were one of the key areas of interest at the Forum. Dominic Alim of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) who spoke on “Working out an Effective Solution for Regional Maritime Security Challenges”, said that piracy and armed robbery, drug trafficking, illegal trading in arms and illegal fishing were the main components of the security challenges facing Nigeria and other states in the Gulf Guinea.

STORIES: UDEME AKPAN

ahi 1, a Gbagi-speaking rural community of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja has become the latest beneficiary of Total’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative with the commissioning of a water project sponsored by the company. The scheme which consists of two water boreholes with 6000 litres of storage capacity each, one of which will support the community’s’ clinic, was executed through Women and Youth Environmental Safety and Empowerment Organisation (E-Way for Development), a Non Governmental Organization (NGO). The ceremony to deliver the project was also an opportunity for the NGO to commission the Community Clinic built and equipped with the support of the United States Embassy in Nigeria through grants from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). In his remarks, the GM Corporate (CSR), Dr Justus Pearse, commended the NGO for driving the dream and the community for embracing the projects. “We at Total Upstream are really pleased to be anchoring this initiative as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility here in our corporate Office in Abuja. As we all know, the availability of safe potable water is essential in any community,” he said, explaining that it was in the character of the company to express such gestures in her host communities and locations. Giving a brief on the projects, the Executive Director of the project, Mrs. Anne Addeh said the initiative followed a request from the community leader, Alhaji Adamu Dogo who said water was life to them and expressed gratitude to the company for the gesture. “The TOTAL intervention in Nigerian communities through their Corporate Social Responsibility is vast and immeasurable, and this kind gesture of your corporation will go a long way in reducing vulnerability of children and eradication of water borne diseases,” she said. Community leaders and Women from the commu-

CSR: Total commissions water project for community

Guy Maurice

nity said the projects were the realization of a dream and paid tribute to the NGO and Total for making life better for them through the projects. The ceremony was also graced by dignitaries and people from various walks of life including Nigeria’s Ambassador to Portugal, Mrs. Ijeoma Bristol; a representative of the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria and Country Coordinator PEPFAR, (Mrs.) Shirley Dady; a former Executive Director Human Resources and Corporate Affairs of Total, Mr. John Addeh; a representative of Abuja Municipal Area Council ( AMAC), Dr. Mrs. Adeyinka; the president of Medical Association of Nigeria, Dr. (Mrs) Joyce Barber; former Lady Captain of IBB Golf and Country Club, Mrs. Nana Abubakar and women from the NNPC Cooperative Estate.

Operators, others set agenda for new refineries managing directors UDEME AKPAN

takeholders have set agenda for the new managing directors of Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) and Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC). The National President of Oil and gas Service Providers association of Nigeria, Mr. Colman Obasi said the new managing directors should toward ensuring that the plants are properly maintained on regular basis in order to refine adequate petroleum products for consumers. He said: “If the refineries are operating at their maximum capacities, there would be no need for the nation to embark on massive importation of products at the expense of our scarce foreign exchange.” Others also called on the managing directors to protect facilities put in place to enhance distribution from vandalism. The Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has announced the appointment of

A Nigeria refinery

new Managing Directors for the Port Hacourt Refining Company (PHRC) and Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC). The new Managing Directors are Engr. Ian Udoh for PHRC and Engr Paul Obelley for WRPC. According to the Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of NNPC, Mr. Fidel I. Pepple, a number of other management staff were also promoted while others were redeployed. He named some of those who were promoted to include Farouk Ahmed formerly Executive Director, Commercial, PPMC, now MD NIDAS; Engr. Samuel Babatunde, formerly Executive Director Operations of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, now Project Director Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas Project; Engr. Abdullahi Dandume formerly Executive Director Operations, Nigerian Engineering and Technical Company (NETCO), now Managing Director NETCO; Aliyu Z. Sambo who was General Manager M&P now Group General Manager Accounts and Aholu Don Beks who has been promoted Group General Manager Information Technology Division from his previous position of General Manager Information Services Department.

Energy Week

IEA releases report, hydroelectricity output to double by 2050 The International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Ministry of Mines and Energy of the Federative Republic of Brazil show in a report released today how to double hydroelectricity production by 2050, an achievement that could prevent annual emissions of up to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 from fossil-fuel plants. The report, Technology Roadmap: Hydropower, challenges the notion that the world’s hydroelectric resources have peaked. Instead, it says emerging economies have significant potential to generate electricity from large plants. The publication details action needed from policy makers to allow hydroelectric production to double, and addresses necessary conditions, including resolving environmental issues and gaining public acceptance. “Hydroelectricity is a very cost-effective technology already,” IEA Deputy Executive Director Richard H. Jones said at the launch of the report during the HYDRO 2012 conference in Bilbao. “However, new developments face tough financial challenges. Governments must create a favourable climate for industry investment when designing electricity markets.” Albert Geber de Melo, General-Director of the Brazilian Electric Energy Research Centre (CEPEL), noted that in emerging economies and developing countries, “large and small hydropower projects can improve access to modern energy services, alleviate poverty and foster social and economic development, especially for local communities”. Hydropower is the leading renewable electricity generation technology worldwide, with new capacity additions since 2005 generating more electricity than all other renewables combined. Technology Roadmap: Hydropower describes the sector’s diversity, ranging from run-of-river to reservoir plants plus pumped-storage hydropower, and calls for a holistic approach to deployment that takes into account other aspects of water management. Hydroelectricity’s many advantages include reliability, proven technology, large storage capacity, and very low operating and maintenance costs. Hydropower is highly flexible, a precious asset for electricity network operators, especially given rapid expansion of variable generation from other renewable energy technologies such as wind power and photovoltaics. Many hydropower plants also provide flood control, irrigation, navigation and freshwater supply. The new report urges policy makers to establish or update the inventory of hydropower potential, at river basin level where appropriate, including options to upgrade existing plants or add hydropower units to dams originally developed for other purposes. It also urges them to set hydropower development plans with targets, and develop a policy framework and market design for projects; ensure that developers and operators document their approach to sustainability, such as filing environmental assessment reports or adopting voluntary protocols and include the financing of hydropower on governments’ policy agendas and develop new public risk-mitigating financial instruments, especially for developing countries.

Minister of State for Power, Darius Ishaku

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Power generation stabilises at 4, 400mw UDEME AKPAN

lectricity generation in the nation has hit a peak capacity of 4,400 megawatts (mw), one of the highest in recent times. The feat recorded on Monday, this week showed an increase of 100 mw against an average of 4, 300 mw recorded in the past. The supply, excluding spinning reserves has culminated in improved supply to consumers nationwide. Authoritative data of the Ministry of Power showed that 4,150 mw are dedicated to transmission while 250 mw constituted the nation’s reserves which are not always for transmission and distribution. A breakdown showed that while the older stations of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), including Egbin, apparently the biggest in the nation accounted for over 3,000 mw, the newly constructed plants under the Integrated Power Scheme accounted for 1,000 mw. The Head of Press in the Ministry of Power, Mr. Greyne Anosike who confirmed the development said the feat was achieved as a result increased investment in generating plants and other infrastructure, located in different parts of the nation. He said the improvement was not accidental as the government has in the past few years made enormous investments in the sector. These, he said have gone a long way to building the nation’s capacity to generate substantial mw of electricity. Anosike said there has also been improvement in transmission and distribution facilities nationwide. These are targeted at ensuring that electricity gets to every part of the nation, including the rural areas. He said’ “The former Minister of Power of power, Prof. Bart Nnaji and others assisted in many ways to put in place the right structures. Consequently, power

Power plant

supply will continue to improve not withstanding who occupies one office or another.” Spokesman of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Mr. Yakubu Lawal who confirmed such increased investments in the sector said the firm has commissioned 11 power injector sub-stations in Lagos alone. He said each of the 11 sub-station is 1x15 MVA with the capacity of generating power for about 10,000 residents in Agbowa-Ikosi, Ipakodo, Ijede, Agbara, Ajangbadi, Orile-Coker, Fowler, Alagbon, Bekley, Apapa Raod and Tincan. Lawal said the firm also commissioned 500 transformers of 50KVA each to boost power supply. Lawal assured Lagosians and residents in other parts of the nation that the projects would boost the electricity supply, promising that supply would continue to improve as new plants and facilities come on stream. Incidentally, many consumers have started feeling the impact of improved supply. For instance, the spokesman of Union Bank, Mr. Francis Barde said in a telephone interview that: “We can confirm that there has been an improve-

ment in power supply in recent times. In the past we used to have about two hours of public power supply which compelled us to over- depend on our plants, located in every branch to run our operations. But in the past few weeks, we hae about 10 hours of public power supply” He said: “This improvement has enabled us to depend more on PHCN for supply. We only switch over to our plants whenever PHCN fails to deliver. This has enabled us to reduce high cost of operations.” Consumers who seemed to be heaving a sigh of relief however wished the situation would last. However, industry officials are hopeful. For instance, a source if the Ministry of power said the appointment of Manitoba of Canada as the new manager of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) would assist to boost power transmission in the country. He said: “The new managing contractor of the TCN, Manitoba Hydro International of Canada has started developing and implementing measures, aimed at turning the state owned enterprise into a commercial and efficiently operated private outfit for eventual privatisation.”

BP renews commitment to Energy Institute UDEME AKPAN

ritish Petroleum has renews its commitment to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Energy Initiative (MITEI) through an agreement to provide another $25m for continued energy research over the next five years —bringing the company’s total program funding to $50m. “As the largest energy investor in the US over the past five years, BP is pleased to extend its on-going commitment to academic research in this country through our continued collaboration with MIT,” said Lamar McKay, Chairman and President of BP America, Inc. “Addressing the nation’s energy challenges requires longterm partnerships between the private sector and leading scientific institutions. We believe the MITEI program we helped found is an example of the critical linkage between energy and technology.” Launched in 2006 with BP as the inaugural founding member, the MITEI conducts multidisciplinary research aimed at tackling complex energy challenges

like increasing energy supply, improving efficiency, and addressing environmental impacts of energy consumption. To date, the initiative has sponsored hundreds of energy-related projects ranging from unconventional sources of hydrocarbons to renewables and nuclear fusion. “The MITEI has become a model for large-scale multidisciplinary research in partnership with industry,” said MIT President L. Rafael Reif. “BP’s early engagement and support were essential and we are very happy that this renewed commitment signals success in meeting key objectives of both BP and MIT.” The MITEI program pairs world-class research teams with the energy companies responsible for commercializing the technology. The program’s structure enables industrial partners to jointly support innovative energy-related academic research while simultaneously advancing research directed at specific business challenges. “BP is a valued partner in defining and addressing fundamental energy challenges,” according to Professor Ernest J. Moniz, MITEI Director. “It pro-

vides invaluable industry perspectives and has done much to shape the overall mission of the MIT Energy Initiative. We are thrilled that BP has decided to extend its membership.” Within the program, BP scientists and engineers and MIT researchers collaborate across a range of fields including energy conversion, energy sustainability, materials science, and the modeling of global energy production and use. “MIT faculty and students have proved to be invaluable research partners who embody the Institute’s motto ‘Mens et Manus’ or ‘Mind and Hand’,” said Ellen Williams, BP’s Chief Scientist. “They bring a powerful combination of scientific innovation and rigor along with an awareness of the practical considerations of large-scale energy provision. Over the last five years, MITEI research has provided BP with a range of practical solutions and trusted scientific data, from state-of-the-art process optimisation and modelling tools to ground-breaking analysis of water use in energy production.“

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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Executive Discourse

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital market is not a place to The former President of the Association of Stockbrokers Houses Owners of Nigeria and the Managing Director of Trust Yield Securities Limited, Alhaji Rasheed Yussuff speaks to JOHNSON OKANLAWON on why market making may not only be a panacea to the reforms of Nigerian capital market, the collective investment scheme, the delay of capital market committee report, among others. Excerpts: H How could ld you appraise i the th performance f off market k t makers on the Nigerian capital market? The market makers coming on the market is another step in the total architecture of the market. When you structure the market normally, market maker is an essential part of that structure. But they had been absent in the Nigerian market until September 18, this year when they commenced operation, and so its advent now should be seen as the market taking the structure it ought to have beentaken. Market makers themselves are not panacea to the problems the Nigerian capital market has experienced. Is like the structure had been deficient because in a proper normal market, apart from the brokers, there will be market makers and the authority like the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the Securities and Exchange Commission(SEC). The fact that they were not there was a deficient on the market structure so, their coming is a correction of that deficiency. The market makers stand behind the broker and if you have a customer who wants to buy and you don’t have the stocks, you run to the market makers. So, market makers to some extent guaranty active trade, to make sure that there is constantly buying and selling activities. And by doing that it means we are having active market in the country. If you go back to what we have experienced during the bearish trend, some people were selling their holdings and because the brokers didn’t have people to buy them, the market kept going down. So, what the market makers are doing now is to buy from those who want to sell. But again there is cash unlike the situation we had faced two or three years ago. If market makers say they want to buy from anybody who wants to sell which means they have unlimited source of funding. So, that is why we say market making may not function if even you appoint market makers. And that is why we keep on saying that market makers are not panacea to solve the Nigerian capital market problems. It is a part to ensure that the structure is properly configured. Some analysts are even calling for the appointment of more market makers due to the fact that the market has recorded mostly bullish trend since their coming on board. What is your take? What has happened was that the appointment of the market makers luckily coincided with when some of the quoted companies appear to be recovering. That is, posting of a very impressive figure, which is attracting activities in their stocks and creating enabling environment for market makers to play their roles? Once you have activities in the market, by the time you are now supporting, it will just be ok, you have ten buyers and eight sellers and you as market makers, you are buying only two. It is a completely different situation when all the ten you wanted to sell and there was nobody to buy. So, what I am saying is that two things have happened because I don’t want us to confuse the appointment that the market is doing well now because the market makers are there. They are part of the solution, but not the solution to the problems. If we all say

Yussuff

that the market is recovering because the market makers are there and if tomorrow it turns another way round, people will say the market makers have failed so, I don’t want that. They are there like a referee who can only do his job well when the two teams are playing. What other mechanisms remain to put in place by the regulators? I think, by now, the structure has been reasonably restructured to meet the international standard. We now have the broker, to have the broker-dealers, so that you don’t say because somebody is a broker he must do all the jobs. If I don’t want to be a brokerdealer, I can be a broker. If I want to be a buying broker or a selling broker as it is in other countries, I can decide to be. That does not to say that if I want to be a broker to 100 people or one million people, I must have the same capital. That was part of what was wrong in the past because we adopted a onefit-all approach, which was wrong. But now I think the regulators are moving towards where you have different players playing their roles and establishing necessary capital for you to play that role. So, they have done that, the market makers are in place,

IF I WANT TO BE A BUYING BROKER OR A SELLING BROKER AS IT IS IN OTHER COUNTRIES,

CAN DECIDE TO BE.

THAT DOES NOT TO SAY THAT IF I WANT TO BE A BROKER TO 100 PEOPLE OR ONE MILLION PEOPLE, I MUST HAVE THE SAME CAPITAL

you have the issuing houses and the regulators. In terms of market structure, I think we have done tremendously well in the various reforms. So, we can now say the Nigerian capital market is configured to meet the international standard. They have gone a step further in educating investors because part of what was wrong in the past was that the investors did not really understand what the capital mar-

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Executive Discourse

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

make quick money, says Yussuff ket was all about. They thought it was a place they could go and make quick money; it is not. I think a lot has been done in educating the public. It is a specialized market that is designed for a long term investment, therefore if you don’t want to invest for long term, don’t go there and say you want to invest and the money must double in another two months. What is the benefit of collective investment scheme to the public? The scheme is set up to take care of small investors. What had happened in the past was that everybody thought I could invest in the capital market with just N5, 000 or N10, 000 and asked the broker to buy First Bank shares because the bank was doing well. The broker might advise his client to buy another stock, but because a friend had bought the bank’s shares and made profit, the client would insist on buying. That is a wrong approach. When you go to your broker, you suppose to listen to him because he will ask you the objective of the investment. If the objective is to be getting income on regular basis, or on a long term investment, the broker will structure the portfolio that will meet the objectives. But for that kind of portfolio to be properly structured, you need certain amount. If you really have N10, 000, you really can’t structure that much because you can only buy 1000 units of First Bank’ stocks. So, people like that in other jurisdiction, do have a proper structure investment even though the person has only N10, 000. Then, you pull your resources together may be you are hundred in number, it becomes N100, 000, which can be divided to buy different stocks. Then you have what they call a balance portfolio. Then, that pool is called collective investment; it is no longer your own, my own but our own. The broker is now managing all of you and advising on the investment. So, whatever benefit that is accrued to the investment will be shared on the basis of the contribution. Is it a new scheme in the country? No. It has been there. What happened was when we had the boom in the market all of these professional approaches to investment were not followed both by the client and the market. But if you really look at what happened at that time, it is difficult to blame anybody because everybody was just trying to fit into the situation. At that time especially during the banking sector recapitalization exercise, if you buy a bank share today, in another three months, it has gone up. I knew of many clients I told that the fundamentals of particulars stocks were not good and I won’t recommend it, but three months the line they came to me and said look at the stock you said I should not buy, it has appreciated in prices and people kept on buying it. I kept on telling them until the last minute when the bubble bust. I refused to buy for them except they insisted I should buy them. But they are now exposed to what was happening at that time. Part of the reforms was the various committees set up by the SEC, which you are a member of one of the committees. Some of them are yet to submit their reports, what is delaying it? I don’t think there is to worry about. Some of the committees are not just looking at a particular issue. The reason is that some of them have not completed their work. Don’t forget that the committees involved various trade groups, not just from the SEC. They have to survive in their businesses; they might not have all the time. There may be a meeting and you don’t have a quorum because some of your members had to attend to some others things so, you have to postpone it. And that is in most cases responsible, in my own view, for not have been submitted the report. Not that they are not interested in the report or there

YOU SEE, WITH HINDSIGHT PEOPLE CAN BLAME, BUT IF YOU REALLY LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED AT THAT TIME, IT IS DIFFICULT TO BLAME BECAUSE EVERYBODY WAS JUST

TRYING TO FIT INTO THE SITUATION.

AT THAT TIME, ESPECIALLY

DURING THE BANKING SECTOR

RECAPITALIZATION EXERCISE, IF

YOU BUY A BANK SHARE TODAY, IN ANOTHER THREE MONTHS, IT HAS GONE UP are some major technical issues that is delaying it. The question is how you get everybody at the meeting. If all the people are from the SEC, it is easy for them to meet at a particular time to discuss an issue and come out with result. But if they are from the SEC, the Exchange, the

broking houses, the issuing houses, the custodians, the registrar, you may have meeting today and their bosses in offices may send two of the members to another function within or outside the country. Again we must understand the nature of this committee we are talking about. When we say the report has not been submitted, we are talking of the finalization by the SEC. But that does not mean that investors’ education is not being pursued. What the committee is doing is to dig deep and come out with result that can stand the test of time. It is a more comprehensive report, a guideline being awaited. What was responsible for the poor performance of oil and gas stocks from the beginning of the year? Oil sector has been a subject of various enquiries, crises and subsidy probe. Oil and gas activities are related to fuel supply in the domestic market and we realize that kind of sector has been blazed since the beginning of the year over subsidy removal. That is bound to affect the operation of the companies involved.

Global Business

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Spanish recession deepens as austerity damps outlook

pain’s recession worsened in the second quarter as the government’s austerity push to reduce the euro area’s third-biggest budget deficit and a slump in consumer spending offset growth in exports. Gross domestic product fell 0.4 percent from the previous quarter, when it declined 0.3 percent, the Madrid-based National Statistics Institute said yesterday. That’s in line with an estimate published July 30. Separately, Spain’s borrowing costs fell to the lowest in three months at an auction yesterday after the nation’s bonds rallied this month on optimism the European Central Bank will agree on a plan to help peripheral nations. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy last month gave up on his forecast for a return to growth in 2013 as he unveiled budget cuts that will expand austerity measures to a total of 15 percent of annual GDP by 2014. He hosted European Union President Herman Van Rompuy yesterday for the first in a series of meetings aimed at solving the nation’s funding issues. “We fear that things are likely to get

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy

worse before they get better,” said Martin van Vliet, an economist at ING Bank in Amsterdam, who expects Spain will seek additional financial aid as early as next month. “With much more fiscal austerity in the pipeline and unemployment at astronomic highs, the risks are clearly tilted toward a more protracted recession.”

German consumer confidence to hold steady in September

German Chancellor, Angela Merkel

erman consumer confidence will hold steady in September as rising household incomes offset concerns that the economy will enter recession, GfK SE (GFK) said. The market research company in Nuremberg forecast yesterday that its consumer-sentiment index, based on a survey of about 2,000 people, will remain at 5.9 next month. The last time the index was

higher was when it reached 6 in March last year. Economist predicted a decline to 5.8, according to the median of 25 estimates in a Bloomberg News survey. Unemployment at a two-decade low of 6.8 percent, higher wages and a waning desire to save are boosting household purchasing power even as Europe’s sovereign debt crisis curbs economic growth. Business confidence fell for a fourth straight month in August, the Ifo institute said yesterday. “German consumers’ fears of a noticeable weakening of the economy continued to rise in August,” GfK said in a statement. Still, “a stable job market and the comparatively high wage agreements compared to previous years are proving to be positive factors encouraging major purchases,” and “the inclination to save is also currently regressive,” it said. While a gauge of economic expectations dropped to minus 18.9 in August from minus 5.6 in July, an index measuring consumers’ willingness to spend eased just 2.7 points to 33.1, GfK said. A measure of income expectations declined to 31.6 from 36.3.

South African GDP growth quickens as mining rebounds

outh Africa’s economy, the largest on the continent, expanded at a faster pace in the second quarter as mining output rebounded after 11 months of contracting. Growth in gross domestic product accelerated to an annualized 3.2 percent from 2.7 percent in the first three months, Pretoria-based Statistics South Africa said today on its website. The median estimate of 18 economists polled by Bloomberg was 3.3 percent. Mining expanded an annualized 31.2 percent in the second quarter after contracting 16.8 percent in the previous three months. “It was all on this rebound in the mining production,” Kevin Lings, an economist at Stanlib Asset Management, said in an interview from Johannesburg today. “Unfortunately, of course, it’s likely

to reverse in the third quarter with the platinum industry now back under pressure.” Mining output, which accounts for 8.8 percent of the economy, expanded in May and June as platinum mines resumed production after strikes. The boost to growth may be short-lived after workers started a strike at Lonmin Plc (LMI)’s Marikana complex on August 10 and the European debt crisis erodes demand for exports. Manufacturing expanded less than forecast in June and business confidence fell to the lowest level in 12 years in July. The rand was little changed at 8.4004 a dollar yesterday. in Johannesburg from 8.3935 before the data was released. The yield on the 6.75 percent bond due 2021 was down 1 basis point to 6.82 percent.

Separate data today from the ECB showed that private-sector deposits at Spanish banks fell by a record in July, dropping 74.2 billion euros ($93 billion), or 4.7 percent, to 1.51 trillion euros. That’s the biggest decline since at least 1997, when the ECB’s data series started. The Spanish GDP report showed that

consumer spending dropped 1 percent in the second quarter, investment dropped 3 percent and government spending declined 0.7 percent. Exports of goods and services rose 1.6 percent. The economy grew 0.4 percent last year, less than the 0.7 percent initially stated, the statistics agency said. The 2010 contraction was 0.3 percent, revised from 0.1 percent. Deputy Economy Minister, Fernando Jimenez Latorre said it is too early to tell whether the revision will impact the nation’s deficit goals. He also said the economy is in its worst phase. “We are in the moment of steepest fall and it will surely continue in the second half of this year,” he said. “We will see a correction starting in the first quarters of next year.” The yield on Spain’s 10-year benchmark bond rose 2 basis points to 6.41 percent as of yesterday in Madrid. The yield has fallen since reaching a record of 7.75 percent on July 25 after ECB President Mario Draghi said the central bank may intervene to curb governments’ borrowing costs and win them time to implement fiscal changes.

Hungary to avoid rate cut on inflation, bailout concern

ungary’s central bank will probably refrain from cutting the European Union’s highest benchmark interest rate because of accelerating inflation and possible delays in obtaining a bailout. The Magyar Nemzeti Bank will leave the two-week deposit rate at 7 percent for an eighth month, according to 17 of 18 economists in a Bloomberg survey. One expects a cut to 6.75 percent. Policy makers last month voted five to two to keep rates unchanged, rejecting arguments that easing policy would prop up the economy that entered its second recession in four years, minutes of the July 24 meeting show. The majority argued that the central bank should wait for the outcome of bailout talks with the International Monetary Fund and the European Union before lowering borrowing costs. “We think the National Bank of Hungary will resist pressures and keep its 7 percent base rate on hold, however, this is a close call,” Daniel Hewitt, an economist at Barclays Plc (BARC) in London, said in an e-mailed note. Forward-rate agreements used to wager on interest rates in one month fell 7 basis points to 6.87 percent yesterday, the lowest since November. The FRAs traded 28 basis points below the Budapest Interbank Offered Rate, the biggest spread in more than two years and signaling expectations for a quarter-point rate cut. A basis point is 0.01 percentage point. The European Central Bank this month kept its main interest rate unchanged at a record-low 0.75 percent and the deposit rate at zero. Czech policy makers left their two-week repurchase at a record-low 0.5 percent on August 2, while their Polish colleagues, who surprised the market with a quarter-point increase in May, also kept the benchmark rate at 4.75 percent on October 4.

Hungarian President, Pal Schmitt

A rate cut may add momentum to the economy and would be accepted by investors, Ferenc Gerhardt, a monetary-policy maker said in an Aug. 10 interview. Meanwhile, Simor, speaking after last month’s rate decision, argued for a “cautious policy stance” until the outcome of bailout talks is known. Hungary is set to resume talks with the international lenders on a credit line of about 15 billion euros ($18.8 billion) to protect the economy from euro-area contagion and to lower financing costs. IMF and EU officials are focusing on untangling policies that contributed to an economic contraction in the first two quarters and the downgrade of Hungary’s credit to junk. “Weak second-quarter GDP data further boost the chance of monetary easing, however, we only expect this at the end of September due to accelerating inflation and pending IMF-EU negotiations,”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at October 30, 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)

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Index drops 0.9% as Presco posts N2.7bn in Q3 JOHNSON OKANLAWON

rading in equities closed on bearih note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as profit taking by some investors halted the preceding day bullish trend. Specifically, the AllShare Index dipped by 0.90 per cent to close at 26,739.22 points, in contrast to the increase of 0.40 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 26,982.55 points. Market capitalisation depreciated by N77.5bn to close at N8.52trn, as against the rise of N33.9bn

recorded the preceding day to close at N8.59trn. Transaction volume in equities rose by 19.9 per cent, as a total of 327.62 million shares valued at N3.30bn were exchanged in 4,639 deals, compared to 273.07 million shares worth N3.01bn traded in 4,956 deals the preceding day. Meanwhile, Presco Plc has assured a continous supply of high quality products to its core investors. The company’s Managing Director, Mr. Uday Pilani said this at the presentation of facts behind the figures on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yes-

terday. According to him, the company which listed on the Exchange with Siat of Belgium retaining 60 per cent and 40 per cent to Nigerian investors has been consistently paying dividends to shareholders. He pointed out that as a member of the Siat Group, the company is actively involved in research programmes through regular development of high yielding variety of oil palm seedings. Pilani explained that the company has been playing leading role in the efforts to develop the national interpretation on sustainable palm oil in the

country. Analysis of the company’s result showed operating profit of N2.68bn in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, from N2.12bn recorded in the same period of 2011. The company’s gross profit stood at N3.53bn in the review period, from N2.56bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2011. The result showed increase in the company’s revenue, from N5.73bn in the nine months of 2011 to N6.88bn in the revie period, while the cost of sales rose to N3.35bn in 2012, from N3.17bn recorded in the 2011 third quarter.

Source: FMDA

NIBOR QUOTES 29 OCTOBER & 30 OCTOBER 2012 20.00 19.00 18.00 17.00 16.00 15.00 14.00 13.00 12.00 11.00 10.00 9.00 8.00 7.00 6.00 5.00

2 9 -Oc t-1 2

3 0 -Oc t-1 2

Source: FMDA

Intercontinental Integrity Fund nets to N11.9bn JOHNSON OKANLAWON

ntercontinental Intergrity Fund has declared a net profit of N11.9bn for the financial year ended February 29, 2012, from N5.22bn recorded in the same period of 2011. The company’s investment income rose by 18.2 per cent in the review period, from N16.02bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2011. Analysis of the result showed 13.9 per cent increase in net assets, from N332.7bn in 2011 to N286.2bn in 2012, while the total assets appreciated to N290.6bn, from N336.9bn recorded in 2011. Despite the turbulence in the Nigerian financial

sector last year, Intercontinental Integrity Fund Limited, recorded improved performance in its key bottom lines, the fund manager has said. Speaking at the company’s Annual General Meeting in Lagos yesterday, Receiver to Intercontinental Capital Markets Limited, Mr. Olurotimi Williams, said its performance was attributable to the effort of the fund manager. He said said that the performance posted by the company since its inception has always been borne out of the manager’s disciplined and focus approach to sector allocation and security selection. According to him, the

successful completion of the merger between Intercontinental Bank and Access Bank further strengthened the fund in all ramifications. He said, “One can only imagine the mileage that will be achieved in 2012 financial year given the quality of the crop management and the Access brand now evident.” On the fund outlook, he maintained that the management believe that the uncertainty about the health of the banks has been greatly taken care of by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the associated benefit has strated as the banks have open up to lending. “The industry will le-

verage on young growing population as well as other factors like growth of the financial sector and the positive impact of various reforms. There will also be positive trajectory of the stocks and the bond markets. “Our eyes are on the future, we have refused to be discouraged by the very many challenges on the path to greatness. Our advantage is further strengthened by the brand and market share that our parent company commands. We are ushering in the new financial year with lots of expectations that will be met and attendant reward will cut across all stakeholders, “he said.

US stock futures record little change as hurricane lands

nited States stockindex futures were little changed as investors assessed the impact of Hurricane Sandy, the Atlantic Ocean superstorm that struck the East Coast yesterday. Apple Incorporation retreated 0.5 per cent in German trading after the iPhone maker said some managers are leaving the company. Goldman Sachs Group Incorporation, which stacked up sandbags around its West Street office in Lower Manhattan to guard against flooding, advanced 1.6 per cent, while Ford Motor Company gained 1.4 per cent after

reporting third-quarter earnings that beat analyst estimates. Futures on the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index expiring in December added 0.2 per cent from Friday’s close to 1,411.1 at the end of trading, erasing an earlier decline of as much as 1 per cent. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures gained eight points, less than 0.1 per cent, to 13,062 points. “The short-term risks notwithstanding, the longrun fundamentals of the US economy are stronger than have been fully appreciated,” Mark Hale, chief investment officer at Prytania Investment Advisors told Boomberg.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission canceled equity trading on Monday and yesteray as the 900-mile wide storm caused flooding and blackouts. The S&P/Case-Shiller Index of property values in 20 cities rose two per cent in August from a year earlier, after a 1.2 per cent advance in July, a report showed yesterday. The average estimate by economists in a Bloomberg survey had called for a 1.9 per cent increase. Nonfarm payrolls increased by 125,000 workers in October and the jobless rate rose to 7.9 per cent, reports on November 2 will

show, according to median forecasts of economists surveyed by Bloomberg. “It’s likely some economic reports this week may get delayed, so there may not be data to hold on to,” said Manish Singh, who helps manage $2bn as head of investment at Crossbridge Capital in London. “Until we see a catalyst, it will be a sideways market with low volumes and low conviction.” The S&P 500 has slumped two per cent in October as companies from DuPont Company to Microsoft Corporation reported financial results that disappointed investors.

Market indicators Market indicators

All-Share Index 7,490,286 points All-Share Index 22,191.14 points Market capitalisation 23,531.63 trillion Market capitalisation 7,084 trillion

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

CCNN

4.02

4.22

0.20

4.98

ROADS

6.94

7.28

0.34

4.90

SMURFIT

1.29

1.35

0.06

4.65

ETERNA

2.39

2.50

0.11

4.60

IKEJAHOTEL

1.09

1.14

0.05

4.59

DNMEYER

0.69

0.72

0.03

4.35

AGLEVENT

1.19

1.24

0.05

4.20

ROYALEX

0.51

0.53

0.02

3.92

FIDSON

0.77

0.80

0.03

3.90

LIVESTOCK

1.30

1.35

0.05

3.85

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

UPL

4.32

4.11

0.21

-4.86

NASCON

4.98

4.74

0.24

-4.82

NPFMCRFBK

1.05

1.00

0.05

-4.76

MAYBAKER

1.54

1.47

0.07

-4.55

NEIMETH

0.90

0.86

0.04

-4.44

DANGSUGAR

4.37

4.22

0.15

-3.43

23.75

23.00

0.75

-3.16

REDSTAREX

2.76

2.70

0.06

-2.17

BAGCO

1.57

1.54

0.03

-1.91

SKYEBANK

2.70

2.68

0.02

-0.74

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

58-Day

16,31.94

13.50

1-Nov-12

182-Day

20,000

15.50

1-Nov-12

66 -Days

31,147.28

15.54

8-Nov-12

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

178Days

34,470.71

14.08

8-Nov-12

118-Day

50,282.86

14.08

8-Nov-12

Wholesale Dutch Auction System AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$100m

N/A

$43m

29-Oct-12

$150m

N/A

$142m

24-Oct-12

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror Suspected kidnapper’s bid to regain freedom foiled

“Nobody is above the law; transparency should be the watchword of those entrusted with public office.” ADAMAWA STATE GOVERNOR, MURTALA NYAKO

Igbo conflict resolution center kicks off in Anambra NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

he much desired Igbo conflict resolution center being established by the Ogirishi Igbo Foundation has at last kicked off at the Rojenny Tourists/Games Village, Oba, Anambra State with two separate cases between two women on one side and two men on the other side taking a front burner. The center which is presided over by the Ogirishi Igbo, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, is expected to look into conflicts, disagree-

ments and misunderstanding between two persons or more, after which he would give his final verdict or administer both parties to an oath. Ezeonwuka had in his remarks shortly before he started looking into the conflicts between two businessmen (names withheld) on one side, and two women on the other side, warned both parties to tell the truth to allow for easy resolution of their conflicts or else they would end up being administered to oath at the Ogirishi Igbo shrine which does not hesitate in dealing ruthlessly

with any of the parties found culpable. He noted that the concept of the shrine was so effective that Ndigbo would no longer need to go to law courts or police stations to resolve their conflicts, but to come to the center to get natural law. Taking down the statements of both parties and adjourning further hearing of both cases till two weeks time for final resolution, Ezeonwuka reminded them that undergoing trial at the center is quite different from standing trial in law court or police

stations where at times, money and influence determine cases in favour of one who paid the piper. He expressed concern about the spiritual, diabolical and physical crisis rocking the people of Igbo nation which usually end up in attracting the wrath of the ancestors against the culprits. In his speech, the President of Odinana Anaedo, Igbo traditional medicine, Nnewi branch, Dr. David Igwilo, explained that they decided to bring the matter to Ogirishi Igbo conflict resolution center because they have confidence that the enormous

spiritual power attached to the conferment of the Ezeonwuka as the Ogirishi Igbo, by the Eze Nri and custodian of Igbo culture, Eze Obidiegwu Onyesoh, early this year, is enough to bring back sanity to Igbo tradition and culture. Also speaking, the Ezemili I of Anam and proprietor of Water of Life Healing Center, Dr. Udoji Chigbata, noted that since the absence of the Ogirishi Igbo position within the Igbo race, natural justice had eluded Ndigbo until now when the position of Ogirishi Igbo has been established.

Ataba women kick against destruction of mangroves CHINEDUM EMEANA PORT HARCOURT

omen in Ataba community in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State have kicked against the planned destruction of the mangrove groove in the area called the Ngala groove to give room for a shore protection developmental project. The women said they are not against the developmental project allocated to the town, but expressed sadness that it would require almost all the mangrove land mass in the town to be removed, stressing that the mangrove is where the women pick Periwinkle, cash crayfish and cut firewood for sustenance. The women, under the aegis of the Aegis of Ataba Women Association (AWA) in a petition to the Clan Head of Ataba signed by its president Hon. Kakpoilo Eyekit, and secretary Mrs. Elizabeth Crowther and nine other member of its executives, expressed sadness about the plan to destroy the community’s natural habitat and heritage which is also a source of economic empowerment to the people of the area. “The women of this town feel very strongly about this development and will want the community to know this. Women have tended and cared for these graceful, giant mangroves for generations, a responsibility and duty that have been carried out joyfully by our mothers and now us. “We feel strongly sad about their total destruction because, we care for them and know their impor-

tance. We are fisherwomen who depend on the mangrove swamp for economic sustenance”, the petition reads in part. The women reminded the clan head that the community has not suffered any major disaster through harsh torrential storms peculiar to such coastal communities for decades because the mangroves act as wind breakers protecting houses in the area. The women pointed out that the mangroves, which they described as “silent, giant protectors” have weathered the weather for the community from generation to generation. Moreover, they also noted that the mangroves are things of pride to the community because they present Ataba town elegantly, beautifully and magnificently as an ancient community to visitors.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION: A petrol tanker spewing carbon fumes at Ojuelegba, Lagos.

Oyo set to commercialise waste disposal KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

he Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Habitat, Mr Wasiu Dauda, has expressed the determination of the state government to commercialise waste disposal across the state. He made the disclosure in Ibadan, the state capital, while speaking with journalists on efforts by the present administration to improve on environmental matters across the state. According to the commissioner, the state government in

its efforts at making the state one of the neatest in the country has mapped out plans towards disposing all the refuse generated across the state before calling for Private Partnership Participation (PPP) with which the people of the state are expected to pay certain amount for disposing their refuse. He emphasised that the PPP arrangement is to take off as from November this year as the present administration in the state has zero tolerance for indiscriminate dumping of refuse and waste. Dauda said the state government is committed to putting

in place, a policy that will guarantee adequate waste disposal system in line with the ongoing moves at making the nooks and crannies of the state clean. The commissioner also disclosed that the state government is leaving no stone unturned at preventing flood disaster especially in Ibadan and other major towns in the state, even as he noted that the state government had dredged 43 streams across the state so far to ensure free flow of water during heavy down pour and thereby avoid a repeat of the last year’s flood disaster. Speaking on the ongoing

PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

beautification exercise in the state, he said 10 roads are already slated for beautification in and across Ibadan, the state capital while the beautification exercise would be spread to other parts of the state early next year. He declared that efforts are on by his ministry at enforcing adequate sanitation in and across the state by ensuring that every house in the state has a befitting toilet facility, adding that no fewer than seven house owners had being sanctioned and compelled to provide befitting toilets in their various houses.

Community Mirror

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Suspected kidnapper’s bid to regain freedom foiled NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

n Onitsha High Court in Anambra State, presided over by Justice Pete Obiora has turned down an application for bail filed by Alexander Onyinanya, the seventh accused person in the kidnap saga of a transport magnate, Sir G. U. Okeke. Onyinaya, through his legal counsel, P.O. Anyae-

gbunam had applied that he be granted bail in the interest of justice because, according to him, he is presumed to be innocent until the court finds him guilty of the charge. But the prosecution counsel, Chris Ajugwe opposed the application on the ground that the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Peter Umeadi had just reassigned the matter from Justice H. O. Ozor of Awka High Court to Onit-

sha Administrative Justice C. O. Nweke. He said that the substantive matter ought to come in the court of Justice Nweke not for the accused to engage in “forum shopping by smuggling in an application for bail. He said the transfer of the case followed the information filed by the Attor-

ney-General of the state that the accused persons should be tried for allegedly kidnapping Sir Okeke of the G.U.O. Transport Limited sometime in August, 2009. Ajugwe argued that if the accused is granted bail, he would disappear like the first defendant, Emeka Eze and three others who had

earlier been granted bail and they are now at large. He said that Onyinanya is one of the principal suspects who Chief Okeke is accusing of organizing the other accused persons who carried out the kidnap saga, having worked as a vigilante operative at Adazi-Ani, Chief Okeke’s community.

In his ruling, Justice Obiora agreed with the prosecution counsel that the accused person could jump bail if granted and therefore adjourned the matter to November 19, 2012, when the trial of the substantive case is expected to commence in Justice Nweke’s Awka High Court.

Lovers docked for murder

27-year-old transporter and his 22-year-old girlfriend were arraigned in Lagos on Tuesday for allegedly killing the woman’s ex-lover. The defendants, David Omoregbe and Temisan Bolodeoku, an apprentice tailor, are facing a twocount charge of conspiracy and alleged killing before a Yaba Magistrates’ Court. According to the prosecutor, Inspector Rita Momoh, the offence was committed at about 12.30pm on October 2, 2012 at 20 Adeojo Street, Isheri-Oshun, Lagos State. The prosecutor told the court that the deceased, one Kehinde Owasoye, was an ex-lover of Temisan before

they went their separate ways. But David, who is the present lover of Temisan, learnt that the woman was seeing the deceased again and got upset. According to the prosecutor; “on the fateful day, he traced the lovers to the said address where he found them together in bed and stabbed the deceased with a scissors which caused his death. She said that the offence contravened Sections 221 and 231 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State. Magistrate M.O. Tanimola did not take the plea of the defendants and ordered that they be remanded in prison custody, pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecution.

6,000 youths grab civil service jobs in yobe INUSA NDAHI DAMATURU

he Yobe State Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam has stated that his government has engaged 6,570 youths across the 17 council areas in the state, under the Yobe State Youths Empowerment Scheme (YOYES). The newly engaged youths are placed on a minimum salary of N15, 000. The governor who spoke at the formal presentation of employment letters to the newly engaged youths in Damaturu said, YOYES has become inevitable in addressing the state’s persisting unemployment and poverty among the youths. He charged the youths to use the opportunity provided by the employment to improve their living conditions and move the state

forward. Gaidam noted that joblessness breeds idleness and related social vices, including tendencies to commit crime and drugs abuse; saying it is for these reasons that his administration set up a committee to look into how diploma holders in the state could be gainfully employed so that they would be able to contribute their quotas to the development of their communities. He said: “I am very much glad to announce that the Chiromari Committee’s recommendation that we pay a minimum of N15, 000 salaries has been approved by the Yobe State Executive Council (SEC). They will start receiving their allowances by the end of November this year.” Gaidam assured.

A car over loaded with bags of gari on G.R.A. road, Bauchi.

PHOTO: NAN

Court sends murder suspects back to prison NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

n Ogidi Chief Magistrate’s Court in Idemili North Magisterial District of Anambra State, presided over by Mrs. O. N. Ike yesterday refused the bail application filed by two accused persons, Matthew Ejike and Stephen Nwabike who are standing trial for the attempted murder of Chief Emmanuel Onyeharam. Ejike and Nwabike had through their defence counsel, Barrister C. C. Ononye, prayed the court to grant them bail, to enable them face their murder charge squarely. In the application, Ononye stated that the court has the discretion to grant them bail under the law and under any condition, adding that if granted, it

is their duty to ensure that the accused persons do not jump bail but are produced in court from time to time until the case is determined. He contended that the accused persons are presumed to be innocent until they are proved otherwise, adding that they are responsible citizens who have families and as such cannot abandon their respective families and run away if they are granted bail. But opposing the bail application vehemently, the prosecuting police officer from Zone 9 Police Headquarters, Umuahia, Inspector Mbagwu Celestine, stated that it is too dangerous to grant them bail at this early stage when the police have not yet concluded their investigations in the murder allegation, adding that granting them bail is capable of jeopardising fur-

ther investigations. Mbagwu who tendered a case file containing some photographs of the battered Chief Emmanuel Onyeharam who the accused persons are being charged for attempting to murder, also prayed the court not to grant them bail for security reasons. In her ruling, Chief Magistrate Ike agreed that she has the discretion to grant them bail, as requested but that she would require some time to go through the law books and get the necessary law backing that discretion. She maintained that such discretion must be exercised judiciously and thereby ordered the prosecution to transfer the case file to the state Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for onward transmission to the High Court

for further adjudication. In the two count charge of conspiracy and attempted murder, the accused persons, Ejike (48) and Nwabike (59), and others at large, had on September 26, 2012, at the Old Mercedes Benz Spare Parts Market, Nkpor in Idemili North Magisterial District, did unlawfully conspire among themselves to commit felony to wit: attempted murder. The prosecution further alleged that the accused persons had on the same date and venue, attempted to unlawfully kill one Chief Emmanuel Onyeharam, chairman of the Old Mercedes benz spare parts market, Nkpor, adding that the offences were contrary to sections 495 (a) and 275 of the Criminal Code, Cap.36, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 1991.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

a child of circumstance, Six die, 14 injured in Bauchi auto crash I’m says new Kogi Speaker EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

he Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, in Bauchi State yesterday confirmed that six people died while 14 others sustained injuries in a ghastly motor accident involving three vehicles with 20 occupants. The accident, which occurred on Monday along the Jos-Bauchi Road at about 6.30pm was said to have attracted sympathisers and passers-by as hu-

man parts and blood of victims of the accident littered the road before the FRSC rescue team arrived the scene. FRSC Sector Commander, Mr. Sunday Olatunji, who confirmed this to National Mirror, said the accident involved three vehicles; a passenger bus carrying 10 people, a Volkswagen Passat station wagon and a Peugeot 406 saloon car with two occupants. The FRSC boss attributed the cause of the accident to over-speeding.

He said the Passat car collided with the incoming bus, a development that led the Peugeot 406 car to hit the bus leading to a fire outbreak that roasted six people beyond recognition. Olatunji said the FRSC soon arrived at the scene for a rescue operation and later conveyed the victims to the Abubakar TafawaBalewa Teaching Hospital for medical attention with a charge to road users to be cautious while driving. According to him, the FRSC has been working

round the clock towards sensitising road users on the need to drive safely and avoid over-speeding. Residents of Dungel, a nearby village close to the scene of the accident said they heard a loud bang, but later realised it was an accident involving three vehicles with smoke of fire renting the sky. Also, eye witnesses told National Mirror that overspeeding by the Passat car was the major cause of the accident as the car was trying to overtake the incoming Peugeot 406 car.

ADEMU IDAKWO LOKOJA

he new Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Lawal Momoh Jimoh, has called on the former Speaker of the house, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello and the impeached principal officers to embrace peace and the hands of fellowship extended to them. Jimoh, who spoke yesterday at the first sitting of the new leadership of the house after the impeachment of the former, said he considered himself a child of circum-

Terrorism: Group sues for unity among Muslims, Christians EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

uslim and Christian faithful in the country have been charged to continue to live in peace and unity and pray persistently against the perpetrators of the current killings and attacks on places of worship aimed at disrupting the harmonious relationship between the adherents of the two religions. A socio-political group, the Northern Brotherhood Movement (NBM), gave this charge in a press statement signed by its Chairman and the Danmaliki of Bauchi, Alhaji Aminu Muhammed, which was made available to journalists yesterday. Muhammed, who alleged that the heinous acts were a set up by unscrupulous elements to cause disaffection among Muslims and Christians, hailed the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, for not personalising the bombing of churches in the country and taking reprisal attack on innocent Muslims. “As Muslims celebrate Sallah to mark the Eid-elKabir to commemorate the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim, we wish to extend our Sallah greetings and hand of brotherhood to you and the Christian community in Nigeria. “We did this as a mark of respect and the need to set a new beginning towards strengthening ties of kinship among adherents of Islam and Christianity which the spirit of sacrifice Eid-el-Kabir symbolises.”

L-R: Minister of State for Education, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura and UBEC Acting Executive Secretary, Prof. Charles Onocha, during the minister’s visit to Nasarawa State to inspect on-going basic projects, yesterday.

stance by virtue of the leadership thrust bestowed upon him by the change in leadership. He said there were vital issues, especially the welfare of the people, to be pursued rather than the present crisis, adding that by virtue of the oath members of the party have sworn to, personal interests would not be allowed to override the interests of the masses. The Speaker said he would continue to count on the wisdom, knowledge and wealth of experience as well as the counsel of the former speaker as people of one family since they are from the same place. Jimoh said the approach of the new leadership will be to collaborate with the executive and other organs of government to ensure the overall development of the people. The Speaker commended the prompt intervention of the state governor, Captain Idris Wada, in their earlier face off. Reacting to the new development, the ousted Speaker, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, said the sitting was against the directive of the House of Representatives’ directive to suspend legislative activities of the assembly, stressing that the illegality will be resisted through the due process as well as legislative procedures.

Shettima laments poor pupils’ enrolment in schools INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

orno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, has decried the low enrolment of pupils in primary schools and the high level of dropouts in the northern part of the state. He said the development was worrisome to his government. Shettima, who held a stakeholders meeting at the multi-purpose hall of the Government House yester-

day with elders, educationists, serving and retired principals, chairmen of Parents Teachers Association (PTAs) from two of the 10 local governments that made up the northern part of the state, party leaders, administrators and opinion leaders, said statistics on enrolment and number of pupils dropping out of schools were very alarming. “We have spent a lot of money on education, but if we do not take drastic steps to redress this prob-

lem and encourage our people to allow their children stay in schools, we might be playing with a bigger problem in the future. “Many of us can decide to take our children to the choicest private schools in and outside the country, but believe me, the children of the poor that we fail to encourage to go to school today will later turn out to be monsters that will one day consume us,” he stated.

The governor wondered why an area that once produced educated men and women like the former elected governor of the state, Alhaji Asheik Jar’ma, retired permanent secretary at the federal civil service and an ex-commissioner with NADECO, Alhaji Sheriff Gambo Gubio and former Head of Service in the state, Bulama Mali Gubio, among others, now witness a down turn in enrolment and education

Benue to reticulate water projects with N17bn

he Benue State government said it requires about N17 billion for the reticulation of water projects in Makurdi and its environs. State Commissioner for Water and Environment, Mr. John Ngbede, said this on Monday, during an inspection tour by the Good Governance Team round the Greater Makurdi Water Works Project.

He said the Makurdi water plant, which was commissioned by President Goodluck Jonathan in March, had the capacity to pump 50, 000 cubic metres of water daily. He said the pumping capacity of the plant surpassed the actual water needs of the town, which was 47, 000 cubic metres daily. The commissioner said

although the plant was built according to international standards and was one of the best in Africa, the state still needed to carry out reticulation of the pipelines to enable it function according to the design. Responding, Minister of Information and Leader of the Good Governance Team, Mr. Labaran Maku, said the Federal Government had released N2 bil-

lion to the state to start the reticulation work. The minister said he was impressed with the greater Makurdi water project, which was also funded by the Federal Government. The team also inspected facilities at the Terago Fruit Company, Makurdi, where its Managing Director, Mr. Jide Adedeji, said it planned to increase pro-

generally. Highlighting some of the efforts of government to address the problem of education in the state, the SSG said government constituted a feeding and a quality assurance committee to ensure that students remain in school. He expressed the hope that the meeting would help in permanently addressing the challenges of poor enrolment and school drop-outs in the northern part of the state.

duction to curb wastages of fruits in the state. Adedeji said the interest of the state remained paramount to the company. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fruit concentrate plant is a subsidiary of the transnational corporation, which currently has a staff strength of 60, 000 employees. NAN also reports that the company has a production capacity of 26, 000 tonnes.

News

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ihejirika risks jail for disobeying court order ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

retired Army Major, Ali Abdullahi, and one Sergeant Abdul Wahab Yunusa have sued the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika and Lt-Col Femi Olorunyomi before an Abuja High Court for contempt. Justice U.A. Inyang had, on October 8, ordered the defendants to release unconditionally on bail the plaintiffs who were arrested on August 14, 2012 by Lt-Col Olorunyomi, a member of military task force in Lokoja for alleged complicity in the killing of two soldiers in Okene on August 12. But the judge’s order was treated with contempt as the Army authorities refused to

release the detainees, causing the plaintiffs’ lawyer to seek legal remedy to regain their freedom. Major Abdulahi and Sergeant Yunusa (plaintiffs) had already filed Form 48, which is a notice of consequence of disobedience to court order; a pre-condition for a full hearing of a committal proceedings against the Lt.-Gen. Ihejirika and Col. Olorunyomi. Besides the COAS and Olorunyomi, the Defence Minister and Attorney General of Federation and Justice Minister were also named as codefendants. Following the refusal to heed the court order, the detainees filed form 49 last Monday to push for committal of the army officers. Form 49 is a notice to show cause why order of committal

to prison should not be made. The plaintiffs’ lawyer, Christopher Eiche, asked the court to “further notice that the COAS and Olorunfemi, the 2nd and 3rd respondents/ contemnors are required to attend court on the first mentioned day to show cause why an order for their committal to prison should not be made’’. In 11-paragraph affidavit in support of their Form 49 deposed to by Miss Obosi Costly, the applicants averred that the court granted an order on October 8 releasing them on bail unconditionally to their counsel. The plaintiffs had contended that although the defendants were yet to disclose the reasons for their arrest and incarceration at Mogadishu barrack in Abuja till date, se-

curity operatives have since arrested the hoodlums that killed the two soldiers. Besides, the slain soldiers’ rifles, which were carted away after killing them, have since been recovered without a trace of their involvement. The 1st applicant averred that he had been a member of a vigilance group set up at the instance of the police in Lokoja that was meant to help combat armed robbery in Ebirraland. In the motion on notice earlier filed by their lawyer, the plaintiff asked the court to declare their arrest and endless detention in Mogadishu barracks guardroom illegal. Consequently, they asked the court to make an order compelling respondents to release them unconditionally or arraign them before a

Vehicles plying the 3rd Mainland Bridge after the official reopening of the bridge in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: OLUFEMI AJASA

FG warns SURE-P coordinators against corruption ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

ice-President Namadi Sambo yesterday warned that the Federal Government would not condone any act of corruption from the co-ordinations of the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P). Speaking at the inaugural workshop for the state implementation committees of the Community Services, Women and Youth Employment Project of Subsidy Re-Investment and Empowerment Programme (SUREP), Sambo said that the Community Services

Programme was designed to employ 320,000 of unskilled youth, women and those with physical challenges annually. He said: “It is our hope that as the committees are inaugurated today, members will live up to the expectations of government and justify the confidence reposed in them by their nomination for this assignment. “I need not remind members that they have to be above board at all times. We are the examples Nigerians look up to, and we cannot but reflect those expectations. “Let me also stress that the government will not

tolerate any act of wrongdoing or corruption in the programme.” According to him, the programme and graduate internship programme are part of the benefits of the partial subsidy removal under SURE-P while reiterating the government’s commitment to delivering the dividends of the partial fuel subsidy removal to improve the living condition of the people. He explained that in the Graduate Internship Programme through which 50,000 graduates paid by the Federal Government would receive training from private companies

for a period of one year, President Goodluck Jonathan had approved that the concerned companies be granted incentives through tax breaks and other mechanisms if they retain the graduates after the internship programmes. According to the vicepresident, the present effort under the SURE-P would build partnership between the tiers of government on the one hand and across sectors on the other, saying that the nation should appreciate that no one tier of government can adequately and effectively address unemployment.

competent court of jurisdiction. They asked the court also to make an order compelling respondents to pay the sum of N100 million as compensation for their illegal detention, inhuman and debasing treatment. Justice Inyang had granted their prayer for their unconditional release on the grounds that there were no reasons given for detaining the plaintiffs.

The judge said: “For today, I hereby grant an order releasing the two applicants to their counsel on bail, who must produce them in the court from time to time when the case of the applicants comes up before the court pending the hearing and determination of the suit of the applicants on merit. “This is to enable applicants seek medical treatment from any hospitals of their choice locally.”

Lagos bad roads due to asphalt shortage –FERMA

he Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) said in Lagos on Tuesday that shortage of asphalt had slowed down the rehabilitation of roads across the state. FERMA’s Zonal Coordinator (South-West II), Mr. Oladipo Fagbamila, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the agency was hamstrung by dearth of asphalt. “We have not been working on the roads in the state particularly in the metropolis because of asphalt shortage the agency is experiencing. “It has really affected our operations,” he said. Fagbamila appealed to the Lagos State Government to sell asphalt to the agency to enable it to repair roads in the city which were in deplorable state. According to him, FERMA’s asphalt plant in IjebuOde could not meet the needs of the three states in the zone - Lagos, Ogun and Oyo. “We appeal to the state

asphalt agency at Ojodu -- Lagos State Public Works Corporation -- to sell asphalt to us to repair the bad roads. “The agency should collaborate with us in the supply of asphalt; we have to go as far as to Ibadan and Ogun to buy asphalt. “There should be a synergy between us if we really want to help ourselves. The end-point is that road users would be the ones to benefit from these things. “Road users do not want to know if it is federal, state or local roads; all of us pass through the roads. When our plant in Lagos is ready, it will make our job easier,’’ Fagbamila told NAN. The FERMA coordinator said the agency had been collaborating with the state government and responding to calls to repair bad roads. He said the agency had been using boulders and stone-based materials mixed with cold asphalt to fill potholes and repair failed sections of the roads during the current rainy season.

Otedola vs Farouk: ‘House frustrating panel’s report’ TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

member of the committee probing a claim that former Chairman of the Subsidy Ad hoc Committee, Hon. Farouk Lawan, took a $520,000 bribe from Zenon Oil Chief Executive, Mr. Femi Otedola, told National Mirror yesterday that the House of Representatives leadership was not disposed to having the committee’s report debated. “We members of the committee have done our job according to the

schedule we were giving by the House. We have delivered, but it looks like the leadership of the House doesn’t want our report debated. But our own was to do our job,” said the committee’s member, who did not want it name mentioned. A member of the House had earlier said that the report would be laid before the House in a matter “of two weeks at most”. He said the House “may not compel Mr. Otedola to answer further questions” as the committee had already established some vital facts from him.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

We’ve no expansionist agenda, Bayelsa tells Ijaw elders OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

he Bayelsa State government has told Ijaw elders and chiefs of Kalabari extraction in Rivers State that there is no truth in the rumours making the rounds that there were attempts by some persons to forcefully annex communities and ancestral lands as well as oil facilities and installations in Kalabari land to Bayelsa State for the purpose of claiming derivation entitlements.

The state government, speaking through the Chief Press Secretary to the state Governor, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said that it became imperative to “assure our Ijaw kith and kin in the Kalabari clan of Rivers State that there is no such move to forcefully annex any territory or people into Bayelsa State.” We further wish to state that the Ijaw strategic interest demands that Ijaws, wherever they are should be supported and strengthened and not to be

forced into Bayelsa State.” Bayelsa State was reacting to rumours being peddled by some Ijaw chiefs and elders, alleging plans by the state to annex the Ijaws in Rivers State as well as oil fields, saying that “the purported claim is an attempt by detractors of the Ijaw nation to create unnecessary strife and hostility within the Ijaw ethnic family, to our collective disadvantage.” The state added that the truth of the matter was that “by the 11th edition of the administrative

map of Nigeria published in 2000, Bayelsa State as a state was entitled to derivation and other claims from crude oil production in respect of oil exploration carried out within its territory as stated in the said map.” It continued: “A state’s claim to derivation is by virtue of the oil produced within its territory, which is distinct from land ownership by families, communities and even clans, adding that “Bayelsa State is entitled to derivation in respect of all the oil wells

within the state territory.” Saying that the Rivers State government has been receiving derivation over several oil facilities and installations which are clearly within Bayelsa territory from 1999 till date in spite of the clear boundary delineation in the said map, the state said that it acknowledges the age-long disputes between the Ijaws in Bayelsa in Nembe clan and the Ijaws in Kalabari clan in Rivers State over traditional land boundaries. It added that it has

through its consultants verified and computed all such derivation monies wrongly paid to or received by Rivers State over the years, saying: “We condemn the deliberate and mischievous attempt to link the President to what is clearly an exercise of Bayelsa State government’s right. The government of Rivers State itself has made several such claims of wrongful payments of derivation monies and has severally received refund in deserving cases.”

Minister unhappy over poor projects’ implementation IJEOMA EZEIKE ABUJA

inister of State for Education, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, yesterday expressed disappointment over the poor supervision of work at the Federal Government Special Girl Child School in Lafia, Nasarawa State and called on the management of the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, to improve its monitoring and evaluation of basic education projects to achieve the desired result. Wike while monitoring the school project regretted that the quality of job carried out by the contractor under the supervision of the UBEC consultant was below the specification of the Federal Government. He wondered why the UBEC consultant would write the UBEC management claiming that the school has been fully completed, initiating a takeover process for the school. Wike said: “What has happened here today is the reason why I insist on personally monitor-

ing projects to know their status. I am not happy with this job. The UBEC consultant and the official who commenced the takeover process must be sanctioned.” He said the Federal Government will not condone shoddy execution of basic education projects. The minister also visited the Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko AlMakura, where he called on state governments to improve their surveillance of State Universal Basic Education Boards, SUBEB, over the diversion of books meant for the less privileged. Responding, Governor Tanko Almakura said Federal Government’s investment in education was necessary to entrench development across the country. He commended the Minister of State for Education for embarking on-the-spot monitoring of projects, saying that non-performing contractors have no hiding place under such a system. Wike also embarked on the inspection of projects at the Federal Government College, Keffi.

L-R: Director-General, National Orientation Agency, Mr. Mike Omeri; Chairperson of the occasion, Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe and Minister of Environment, Hajiya Hadiza Ibrahim Mailafiya, at the opening ceremony of ‘Do the Right Thing: ‘Patriotism and Ethics First’ programme in Abuja, yesterday.

Fuel subsidy scam: EFCC to file amended charge against Ahmadu Ali’s son, others FRANCIS FAMOROTI

ndication emerged yesterday at an Ikeja High Court that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to amend the charge preferred against Mamman Nasir Ali, the son of the former National Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Ahmadu Ali, alongside with

Book on Justice Mustapha for launch today

new book on the former Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Abdullahi Mustapha, is to be launched today. The book, “Rethinking the Administration of Justice: Essays In Honour of Hon. Justice Abdullahi Mustapha,” was co-edited by Rickey Tarfa, SAN; Prof. Lanre Fagbohun and Gbolahan Gbadamosi. It will be

launched by 11.00am at the Zuma Hall, New Rockview Hotels, Abuja. The 68th birthday of Justice Mustapha will also be celebrated on the day. Meanwhile, former Justice Minister, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, SAN, in his contribution to the book, described Justice Abdullahi Mustapha, as a judicial officer who rose to the challenges of adjudication in Nigeria.

Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice M. Dattijo Muhammad, JSC, is the chairman of the day while the Chief Launcher is Alhaji Abdu Dantata. The 360-page book also has contributors such as Prof. Sariyu Abiodun Adesanya, SAN; a Lagos lawyer and human rights activists, Mr. Bamidele Aturu and Dr. Bankole Sodipo, among others.

his co-defendants. This necessitated an adjournment of the matter till November 12, 2012 shortly after the court began proceedings. At the resumed hearing yesterday, Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo, deferred again the trial of Ali and others till next month. Ali, his company, Nasaman Oil Services and a Sierra Leonean, Christian Taylor, are being charged by the EFCC for conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, forgery and the use of false documents. When the matter was called on yesterday, EFCC’s counsel, Mr. Francis Usani, told the court that the case had earlier been adjourned till Tuesday for trial, but said the commission would not be able to continue with the trial as originally planned. This he said, was be-

cause of “some pressing issues and development” which would assist the court in the dispensation of justice. According to him, “The prosecution intends to join one Seun Ogunbambo, as defendant in the matter. “This is because as at the time the charge was filed, information relating to Ogunbambo had not reached the EFCC.” The defence attorney, Mr. Cyril Toyin Pinheiro, SAN, did not object the plea but pointed out that the defence team was eagerly awaiting the amendment. His words: “We would wait for the amendment of the charge to be effected. Though I know the defendants have no case to answer.” Nasir Ali and other directors of the oil-marketing firms had earlier been charged with the

criminal offences and granted bail. After they were admitted to bail, the judge adjourned the case till October 30, for commencement of trial. Son of the Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Mahmud and that of the former Chairman of the party, Dr Ahmadu Ali, Nasir, as well as Abdulai Arisekola-Alao, had been arraigned before the court and were released on bail on various counts of offences in the oil subsidy scam. Besides Ali, others arraigned before Justice Onigbanjo in two separate charges were Mahmud, Ochonogor Alex, Arisekola-Alao and Eterna Oil and Gas Ltd for the first case, while Nasaman Oil Services, Maman Nasir and Taylor, were for the second case.

Cocktail

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

FOR YOUR SUCCESS

WITH DR. DEJI FOLUTILE

Today's Tonic (33) “Work is a constant professional psychiatric reassurance.” –Rabbi Daniel Lapin *** Work Is Part Of Our Happiness In Life Many of us don’t realise again what it means to leave home daily for our places of work. Ask the jobless! Ask a typical prisoner! Ask a sick person who cannot work! It’s a privilege to have something to do! Work is part of the therapies of life. Work is a channel for the release of the creative energies in us. it’s a great privilege to have something to do! Work is a way to contribute to the progress of humanity. Work is the way to be a blessing to our loved ones. Without something to do, our self esteem will be severely affected. It’s really a great privilege to have to do! May I ask you to do something right now? Here it is: drop whatever you are doing right now and lift up your hands to thank God for giving you something to do. Remember to pray for the jobless and the sick too! TEL 08104942999 E-MAIL deji.folutile@gmail.com Follow me @TwitterOWOTIDE

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities

Woman arrested for speaking too long at meeting

60-year-old woman was arrested after exceeding her allotted three minutes of speaking time at a California city council meeting. The Riverside PressEnterprise reports that Karen Wright’s arrest was caught on video, when she was handcuffed by police and cited for disrupting a public meeting during a Riverside City Council meeting. “Can you see my wrists? You’re pulling and jerking on my wrists!” Wright says in the video, while police forcibly handcuff her while she is on her knees. “I cannot get up without putting my

hands down!” Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge and other council members denied ordering the arrest, which occurred when Wright was addressing a local sludgehauling contract. When her time expired, one of the two attending police officers began to escort

Wright away, who then resisted and shouted to the council, “I would like you to quit the harassment with the police.” During the video, someone can be heard offcamera shouting, “This is your legacy, Mayor.” For his part, Mayor Loveridge says he has never

heard of another speaker arrested at a city council meeting during his 32 years in public service. Loveridge said the police officers will no longer be allowed to make arrests unless directed to do so by the council chair, which is the position he holds.

Ghost hunters hold meeting in California

bout 50 people, mostly members of the Bay Area Ghost Hunters group, gathered in a San Jose building for a séance. The event, organized by the group and led by Livermore-based psychic adviser Irma Slage, allowed participants Sun-

day at downtown’s The Old Spaghetti Factory to ask Slage questions about deceased loved ones, the San Jose Mercury News reported Monday. “A local historian once told me there are no ghosts in San Jose, but she’s wrong,” said

Deb Wible of the ghost hunters’ group. “Who could even declare such a thing?” The Bay Area Ghost Hunters group is described online as “a networking group for the free flow of paranormal information both in person and on the Internet.”

A Riverside woman is facing misdemeanour charges following her arrest Tuesday for speaking too long at PHOTO: AP Riverside City Council meeting.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

Monster storm cripples New York, U.S. East Coast

PAUL ARHEWE

he Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) and its mediation team began the Needs Assessment Workshop for the establishment of the regional bloc’s Mediation Facilitation Division, yesterday. The brainstorming sessions at the De Renaissance Hotel, Ikeja in Lagos, involved the participations of experts drawn from prominent civil societies, such as West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), West Africa Civil Society Forum (WASCOF), and representatives of the United Nations and Africa Union. Participants proposed pragmatic ways of structuring the mediation unit that would be useful in addressing the growing crises and conflicts within regional member states. In his opening remark, the ECOWAS Director of Political Affairs, Abdel-Fatau Musah said the workshop is an important follow up to the ECOWAS evaluation meeting, on ‘Twenty Years of Peace processes in West Africa,’ held in March this year. Though the treaty that established ECOWAS in 1975 set economic and market integration as its core objective. “Circumstances over the years have compelled the organisation to raise conflict prevention and management to the same level in view of its impact on the integration agenda,” Musah said. Previous efforts at the national and local levels, undertaken by national, civil society and community actors, religious and

wanda’s high court yesterday sentenced a leading opposition politician to eight years in prison, in a case linked to the 1994 genocide and seen as a test of the judiciary’s independence. Victoire Ingabire, leader of the unregistered FDU-Inkingi party, had faced six charges and was found guilty of two: conspiring to harm the country through war and terror and minimising the genocide. Ingabire had pleaded not guilty. She was accused of transferring money to FDLR Hutu rebels and of questioning why no Hutu victims were mentioned in a genocide memorial. More than 800,000 people were killed in the central African

“We continue to try and find ways to move forward on our negotiations (with Iran on Nukes)” – EU Foreign Policy Chief, Catherine Ashton

ECOWAS team brainstorms on regional mediation division

WORLD BULLETIN Libya’s new prime minister proposes new cabinet

Group photograph of participants during the ECOWAS Mediation Needs Assessment Workshop, yesterday at De Renaissance Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Another Somali journalist killed

women’s groups may have served as catalyst for conflict resolution and have complemented regional efforts. However, these national and local efforts often take place in parallel to, and uncoordinated with, the regional processes, the ECOWAS Commission’s official said. “This cannot continue if we are to give real meaning to the new ECOWAS slogan that seeks to transform the region, from an ECOWAS to States into an ECOWAS of Peoples,” he explained. In addition, the representative of United Nations for the workshop, Peter Sampson, said the mediation capacity within ECOWAS are enormous; which ranges from

negotiating of cease-fires, and brokering peace agreements, to setting up national dialogue processes, and addressing unconstitutional changes of power. He emphasised that a strong mediating mechanism like ECOWAS is needed to intervene in the increasing arms trafficking, Narco-terrorism, unconstitutional changes of power, piracy and breakdown of dialogue between people and their authorities. “Everyone wants to do mediation, but few people really know what it means. There is no one size fits all in mediation and thus there is no one support fits all,” Sampson admonished the forum. Already, the purported ECOW-

AS’ Mediation Facilitation Division has started attracting the supports and aids from some developed countries. Musah said, the Danish government has pledged an initial three million US dollars towards the establishment and activities of the mediation unit. Also, the ECOWAS Commission has been in constant exchanges with the United Nations and the African Union in the process. Several other partners, including the governments of Germany, UK, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, and Canada have shown keen interest in this project. The workshop will continue tomorrow and would be rounded off on Thursday, November 1.

Rwandan opposition leader jailed eight years country when an ethnic Hutu-led government and ethnic militias went on a 100-day killing spree in April 1994, indiscriminately killing Tutsis and moderate Hutus. Ingabire, a Hutu, returned to Rwanda in January 2010 from exile in the Netherlands to contest presidential elections but was barred from standing after being accused of crimes linked to genocide denial. The vote was won overwhelmingly by President Paul Kagame. In mid-April this year, Ingabire began to boycott the trial, saying her “trust in the judiciary has waned”. Iain Edwards, Ingabire’s British lawyer, argued that the evi-

dence against her was fabricated and that some of the charges were against Rwanda’s constitu-

tion. Yesterday, Edwards said Ingabire would appeal the verdict.

U.S. lawyer Peter Erlinder (L) greeting Ingabire at a high court in the capital Kigali in 2010. PHOTO: REUTERS

Libya’s new prime minister says he has proposed a Cabinet representing the breadth of the country’s political spectrum and including members of the main liberal and Islamist parties. Ali Zidan told the National General Congress Tuesday morning that he tried to strike a geographic balance between different regions and cities, in order to avoid “past mistakes or provoke the street.” Zidan, a former human rights lawyer elected on October 14, is the second prime minister to be named by the 200-member parliament. His predecessor Mustafa Abushaqur was dismissed after legislators found his Cabinet proposals lacking in diversity and putting forward unknown individuals for key posts.

Journalists in Somalia’s capital say gunmen have targeted and killed another media worker, bringing the number of Somali journalists killed this year to 18. Warsame Shire Awale, who worked at a Mogadishu radio station, was shot dead by two men near his home late Monday. Sharmarke Abukar Amin, a colleague who confirmed the death, said journalists in Somalia are being killed only because of their professional identity. Awale, a veteran poet and playwright, was known for composing dramas and songs for bands and radio stations. The National Union of Somali Journalists said Awale had been receiving threats because of comments he made on air about gunmen targeting civilians. The union said Awale was killed Monday night.

S’Africa police fire rubber bullets at striking miners South African police fired rubber bullets and teargas yesterday at striking Amplats miners who were protesting against a unionbrokered deal to end a six-week wildcat walkout at the top platinum producer. As they moved into a shanty town near the mines, police also deployed water cannons and stun grenades against groups of protesters armed with wooden sticks and stones. Women and children fled as they fanned out through the maze of tin huts. One protester was dragged away bleeding heavily and unable to walk, and was treated by paramedics, a Reuters witness said.

World News

WORLD BULLETIN Ukraine opposition hesitant after ruling party wins Ukrainian opposition parties are scrambling for position after the ruling party scored a confident victory in parliamentary elections denounced as unfair by international observers. President Vitkor Yanukovych’s Party of Regions was poised to retain its majority of seats in parliament, according to nearly final officials results released yesterday. But the opposition appeared uncertain about whether to recognize the election and start building a coalition or focus on protesting the results of the vote. The West has condemned Sunday’s election as a step away from democracy with Yanukovych’s main opponent jailed and allegations of fraud. The jailed former premier Yulia Tymoshenko launched a hunger strike to protest the violations. But her most likely partner, the world boxing champion Vitali Klitschko appeared more focused on forging a parliamentary alliance.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Monster storm cripples New York, U.S. East Coast • At least 39 killed

illions of people were left reeling in the aftermath of monster storm Sandy yesterday as New York City and a wide swathe of the eastern United States struggled with epic flooding and massive power outages. The death toll climbed to at least 39. Sandy, which crashed ashore with hurricane-force winds in New Jersey overnight as the biggest storm to hit the country in generations, swamped parts of New York’s subway system and

Manhattan’s Wall Street district, closing financial markets for a second day. As the weakened but still sprawling storm system continued its trek inland, more than 1 million people in a dozen states along its path were still under orders to evacuate. Sandy left behind a trail of damage - homes underwater, trees toppled and power lines downed - up and down the Atlantic coast. The storm interrupted the presidential campaign a week before Election Day, giving President Barack Obama an oppor-

tunity to look presidential as he oversees the government response. He drew praise from New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who has been a strong supporter of Obama’s opponent. “I want everyone leaning forward on this,” an aide quoted Obama as telling his disaster-response team in the White House Situation Room. “I don’t want to hear that we didn’t do something because bureaucracy got in the way.” Houses and businesses on the New Jersey shore sustained extensive damage from the storm’s

Mother in UK admits killing her two babies A mother who suffered postnatal depression has admitted killing her two children at their home. Felicia Boots, 35, killed Lily Boots, aged 14 months, and her 10-week-old brother Mason in Wandsworth, south-west London, in May. Her manslaughter plea on the grounds of diminished responsibility was accepted by the prosecution at the Old Bailey, and murder charges were dropped. She was ordered to be detained at a psychiatric hospital. The judge, Mr Justice Fulford, said the case was indescribably sad and what she did was a result of psychological forces beyond her control. A preliminary inquest hearing found the two children had been suffocated. Her husband Jeff found the children lying side by side on the floor of a walk-in wardrobe when he arrived home on 9 May.

UK police may sell HQ for over 500 million pounds London’s cash-strapped police force may sell its New Scotland Yard headquarters as part of plans to save 500 million pounds. The 1960s-era complex in the Victoria district could fetch between 150-200 million pounds, property agents said. The Metropolitan Police bought the block from Land Securities in 2008 for 122 million pounds. The possible sale is part of a wider cost-cutting drive to shrink the force’s 900,000 square metres estate by one third by 2016, the Met said in an e-mailed statement. “We won’t keep older buildings any longer than we need to... Our plans relate to all areas of the estate, including all HQ buildings and potentially moving New Scotland Yard from its current location,” a spokeswoman said, adding that no final decision had been made. The 20-storey block, surrounded by concrete blast barriers and famous for its revolving sign.

Emergency workers rescuing residents of Little Ferry, New Jersey, from flood waters brought by Superstorm Sandy, yesterday. PHOTO: REUTERS

onslaught. “The devastation is unthinkable,” Christie told reporters after seeing aerial pictures of the area. In the storm’s wake, Obama issued federal emergency decrees for New York and New Jersey, declaring that “major disasters” existed in both states. One disasterforecasting company predicted economic losses could ultimately reach $20 billion, only half insured. “Make no mistake about it. This was a devastating storm, maybe the worst we have ever experienced,” New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said. All along the East Coast, residents and business owners awoke to scenes of destruction. “There are boats in the street five blocks from the ocean,” said evacuee Peter Sandomeno, one of the owners of the Broadway Court Motel in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey. “That’s the worst storm I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been there for 11 years.” Sandy, which was especially imposing because of its wideranging winds, brought a record storm surge of almost 14 feet to downtown Manhattan, well above the previous record of 10 feet during Hurricane Donna in 1960, the National Weather Service said.

Bahrain government bans protests amid violence

ahrain has banned all protests and gatherings amid clashes between police and anti-government demonstrators. Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Al Khalifah said “repeated abuse” of the rights to freedom of speech and expression could no longer be accepted. Protests would be permitted only once security and stability were sufficient to maintain national unity, he added. Demonstrations were last banned during the three-month state of emergency King Hamad declared in March 2011. The previous month protesters had occupied a prominent landmark in Manama, the nowdemolished Pearl Roundabout, demanding more democracy and an end to what they said was discrimination against the majority Shia Muslim community by the Sunni royal family. At least 35 people, including five police officers, were killed, hundreds were injured and thousands jailed in February and March 2011. Since then, opposition and human rights activists say another 45 people have been killed, a figure which the government disputes. In the past two weeks, officials say two policemen have died of injuries sustained during clashes

with protesters in villages outside Manama. In a statement announcing the ban on rallies and public gatherings, Sheikh Rashid said the government had strived to protect freedom of expression but the privilege had been “abused repeatedly” by organisers, with participants showing a lack of commitment to the law. Riot police chase protesters outside Manama (17 October 2012) The interior minister said any illegal rally or gathering would be “tackled through legal actions” The protests, which the interior minister said had called for the overthrow of the state and leading national figures, were “devoid of respect and intended to humiliate”, and therefore “jeopardised

civil peace and disturbed security and general order”. This, he said, could not be accepted. These events, he added, had

been organised by political societies, led by the al-Wifaq National Islamic Society - the largest Shia opposition group.

Masked Bahraini anti-government protesters carrying petrol bombs ahead of a march in Malkiya, Bahrain recently. PHOTO: AP

Iran urges recognition of its nuclear rights

ran’s foreign ministry spokesman says the standoff over Iran’s nuclear program could be resolved quickly should world powers recognize the country’s right to master the nuclear fuel cycle for peaceful purposes. The Tuesday remarks by Ramin Mehmanparast during a press conference in Tehran underscores Iran’s push to resume talks with the five permanent U.N. Security Council members plus Germany.

Iran has indicated that it will be willing to negotiate suspension of its highest level of uranium enrichment in return for recognition of its nuclear rights and the lifting of tough Western sanctions that have squeezed its economy. The U.S. and its allies accuse Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran denies. Iran is a signatory to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, and says its right to enrich uranium is nonnegotiable.

Meanwhile, Iran’s regular army has begun a two-day ground and air military exercise aimed at upgrading its combat readiness and increasing its deterrence against possible attacks. State TV says the drills involve forces in a wide region in western Iran near the Iraqi border. It showed troops parachuting from helicopters near the towns of Sarpol-e Zahab and Qasr-e Shirin, about 700 kilometres (430 miles) west of Tehran.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Space for Sale

WORLD RECORD

Largest silver sculpture Vol. 02 No. 481

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Placing the nation on a gurney

ast Thursday, Nigerians heard the news of an air crash involving the Governor of Taraba State, Danbaba Suntai. According to it, the incident occurred when he was trying to land his private Cessna 208 plane at the Yola airport. Luckily, he and retinue of aides survived but with varying degree of injuries. But recent reports have it that he has been flown to Germany for intensive care, given that our health facilities are obsolete and not capable of handling such complex medical situation. It would be futile and even otiose to argue on propriety or otherwise of the governor piloting an aircraft at time of the incident. Investigations reveal that Danbaba Suntai had for long been a flying freak and even in his childhood days, harboured a burning desire of being a pilot but ended up a pharmacist.

s’

N150

The largest silver sculpture is a replica guitar made entirely of sterling silver which stands 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) tall and weighs 21.9 kg (48.3 lb). It was created by Nithin Kalkiraju and Sukra Jewellery and measured on 26 June 2009.

former Acting Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Mr. Fanny Amun, yesterday frowned at the Nations Cup semi-finals target given to the Super Eagles’ coach, Stephen Keshi.

Okay Osuji (okayosuji@nationalmirroronline.net) 08034729256 (sms only)

And to satisfy this passion, he enrolled at the National College of Aviation, Zaria and later got a Private Pilot License (PPL) from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in 2010. Since then, he had not come down to earth, as he was always airborne at the least opportunity, whether attending the governors’ forum or any other engagements and even for pleasure. And so it was that he was returning on this particular trip when the aircraft went down in unexplained circumstance. The tragedy in all this is not the piloting proficiency of the governor but in the wisdom of taking to the skies in such expensive piece of machine, in an environment where majority of Taraba indigenes would find it difficult identifying an aero plane if they see one. In a state where more than 80 percent of the citizens subsist on less than $1 a day, it becomes bit of a puzzle, that the person at the helm of affairs will squirrel vast sums of money to purchase an aircraft just to indulge a passion. Recent reports have it that Nigeria has the highest private jet ownership in Africa. This is in sharp contrast with the living standards of the more than 160 million inhabitants, which are among the lowest in the world. In a country with 60 percent illiteracy rate, high youth unemployment and life expectancy of 49 and 55 years for male and female respectively, it beats the imagination that the filthy rich class of state governors, lawmakers, religious preachers, bankers,

RECENT REPORTS HAVE IT THAT

NIGERIA HAS THE HIGHEST PRIVATE JET

OWNERSHIP IN AFRICA oil barons and some others with questionable income will take to buying state –of –the-art aircrafts running into millions of dollars, just to massage their ego. Even at this, it is not inconceivable that such aircrafts are imported without payment of requisite duties and most times operate within the country’s airspace and airports at little or no cost to the owners in the form of taxes. If not, how come that our leaders have been frittering away vast sums of money to buy private jets from overseas manufacturers to the detriment of infrastructure development and economy? And this shame and reality are nowhere starker than in the present circumstance, where Governor Suntai has been flown out of the country to seek medical treatment in a country that is a top manufacturer of private aircrafts, yet their leaders have shun the temptations of acquiring them as trophies. What happened to the much trumpeted National Hospital in Abuja and its vaunted medical facilities and expertise? Why was the

governor not admitted there to prove to Nigerians that the policies of the administration, especially in the health sector are yielding fruits? Now that Governor Suntai has been flown to Europe for first class treatment, what happens to other lesser mortals who were involved in the same accident? Definitely, those will take beds in a district infirmary or at best end up at the much despised Abuja National Hospital. It is a crying shame that all our top politicians and their spouses are in the habit of travelling to more organized climes for medical checkup or even to treat minor ailments, when 99 percent of the population is condemned to put up with the most cruel and primitive medical facilities in the world. Painfully, majority of the rural areas and inhabitants rely on services of trado-medical quacks, prayer houses and self medications to survive in this 21st century. Before the present scandal, the nation’s First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan was known to have spent more than a month in the same Germany, for an illness that still remains shrouded in complete mystery. Curiously, one of the much heard of complaints among those displaced by the recent floods was the lack of medical facilities, which has made the agencies charged with rehabilitating them to warn of impending epidemics in these camps. One begins to get agitated and even wonder what value to place on human life in Nigeria. The total amount spent in purchasing these piece of expensive flying machines, would have been expended in providing the downtrodden people of Taraba State with quality education and health care and even much needed jobs for the teeming unemployed. While we wish Suntai speedy recovery, it is pertinent to advice that when next he is back, he should endeavour to tour the state in a motor car to see how the people are living, rather than flying overhead whenever he is around.

Sport Extra

SA 2013: Amun against Keshi’s target The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has given Keshi a semi-finals target at the Nations Cup finals scheduled to begin on January19 in South Africa.

Amun told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the NFF should first focus on the team’s group qualification rather than give semifinals target to the coach.

“Giving such a target can be likened to practicing witchcraft. Why do you give somebody a target, are you God? Sometimes people turn to be soothsayers. With my wealth of ex-

perience, I don’t think giving target is the best thing to do,” Amun said. The former coach of the Golden Eaglets said NFF’s action was capable of distracting the team’s technical crew from achieving good result at the tournament.

Fanny Amun

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