Leadership

21.08.14

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

THURSday

No. 2,243

NIGERIA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPER

N150

Leadership Newspapers

@leadershipNGA

Why We Reintroduced Charges On ATM Transactions – CBN

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos

Following the reactions of bank customers to the reintroduction of charges on the use of automated teller machines (ATMs) of banks other than the

card issuer, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said the move is to ensure that customers get better service and to promote the

cashless policy.

In a statement signed by its director, Corporate Communications Department,

Ibrahim Mu’azu, the CBN said the removal of the N100 ATM charge had led to an increase in cash transactions and that

‘Umaru’s Posters Destroyed, Plan To Arrest Campaign Team Uncovered’ > Page 8

Chibok Diary DAY 129

some customers abused the use of ATMs through multiple daily withdrawals, a downside to its cashless policy.

The apex bank confirmed that ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Ahead Of Day 130, BBOG Group To > Page 2 Engage Media

Controversy Over FG’s N1.9bn Ebola Fund 5

We’ve not received a kobo - Lagos We’ve approved N200m for you - FG

Firefighters at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Glass House gutted by fire in Abuja, yesterday.

Photo by adefemi adewuyi

NFF Accounts Office Fire: It’s Sabotage – Umeh It’s Act Of God – Maigari > Page 55

2

chibok diary 129

Thursday, August 21, 2014

DAY

Chibok Tweets

@EiENigeria "Our lives begin to end when we keep silent about things that matter." - Martin Luther King @obyezeks DAY127 of our #ChibokGirls abduction.

WE, refusing to allow that THEY be FORGOTTEN, lift our VOICES & DEMAND: #BringBackOurGirls Now&Alive!!! ‫@‏‬rmajayi With #BringBackOurGirls & Boko Haram, I don't know why the #Nigeria Army's partnering with LASG to enforce BRT lanes

GOOGLE + LINKEDIN

The BringBackOurGirls Group has stated that it would engage the media in the country in a bid to enlighten them and all Nigerians on the reason for its campaign, which is the safe release of the Chibok schoolgirls who were abducted by the Boko Haram sect on April 14 this year.

The group, during its sit-out session yesterday, stated that the media engagement, which would be part of its activities to mark Day 130 since the girls were abducted, would also be to reiterate the group’s commitment to continue with its campaign until the girls were returned to their families.

It, however, expressed its displeasure with the Guild of Editors, who, it said, had backed out of the planned meeting with the group ahead of Day 130, with the reason that the group’s activities were anti-government.

The BBOG Group wondered why the fourth estate of the realm, which was supposed to fight for the masses and confront the government when it was wrong, would refuse to identify with the group, whose singular aim was the safe return of the abducted girls.

“If the media are scared to confront the government when it is wrong, what is there for us then?

They are supposed to put the government on their toes. If they don’t do that, then who will?” it said.

The group stated that it was not against the government, but rather sought to remind it of its duty to ensure the safety of the Nigerian people.

To step up its campaign, the group had earlier agreed to meet with political and religious leaders in the country. It had also called on churches, mosques and the entertainment industry to lend their voices to the advocacy for the safe return of the abducted girls.

Interesting Social Media Statistics

INSTAGRAM

Compiled by Iroka Ugochukwu

By Chika Mefor and Ejike Ejike, Abuja

FACEBOOK

@AishaYesufu On this 127th Day what hv our #ChibokGirls been forced to endure just to survive for daring to be educated #BringBackOurGirls NOW & ALIVE

Day 130: BBOG Group To Engage Media TWITTER

@rescueourgirls 127 days since Glory Mainta was taken from #Chibok.

Will she ever come home? Never forget. #BringBackOurGirls @RepWilson No matter how many days go by, we will not rest until our girls are home. #BringBackOurGirls #travel

OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

PINTEREST

@abdulhabiba12 Don't forget the #ChibokGirls 127th Days #BringBackOurGirls @AishaYesufu On this 127th Day of d abduction of #ChibokGirls we declare as always WE ARE ALL FRM CHIBOK based on our shared humanity #BringBackOurGirls

Members of the #BringBackOurGirls Group (BBOG) during one of their sit-out protests in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO BY

USERS ARE:

20 MILLION ACTIVE USERS

17% MALE

83% FEMALE

241 MILLION

5,700

TWEETS HAPPEN EVERY SECOND

ACTIVE USERS

1+ BILLION

1,000,000 LINKS SHARED EVERY 20 MINUTES

ACTIVE USERS

200 MILLION

THE MOST FOLLOWED BRAND IS

ACTIVE USERS

540 MILLION ACTIVE USERS

300 MILLION ACTIVE USERS

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

25-35

YEAR OLDS ARE THE MOST ACTIVE

POWERS

50%

OF THE WORLD’S HIRES

3

our stand Thursday, August 21, 2014

CHIKE OFFODILE,1922 – AUGUST 3, 2014

Exit Of A Legal Juggernaut

F

or almost a week after his death, not many heard about it. The few that did were the initiated and close relations in the Onitsha Traditional Council. Such delayed announcement underscored the role that customs and traditions still play in the demise of first-class chiefs in his part of the country.

Former attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice Chief Chike Offodile (SAN) was not an ordinary mortal. He was the Onowu Iyasele (traditional prime minister) of Onitsha, the trading capital of eastern Nigeria. Since 2003, when he was pronounced by the Obi of Onitsha as the traditional prime minister, he has receded from public glare to his hometown where he dignified the office and discharged his duties with exceptional dedication and ability until his death.

At 92, Offodile lived an exemplary lifestyle. He might have been an outstanding lawyer and public servant of over 50 years, but the crowning glory of that period was as the legal pillar that held the regime of Muhammadu Buhari/Tunde Idiagbon together, to achieve its landmark recognition for discipline in public procurement, environmental

sanitation and foreign relations.

The laws churned out from his chambers might have been “too rigid and uncompromising” but they were inevitable for issues of national significance in urgent need of rebirth at that time more than ever before. Many Nigerians, today, yearn for a government that would tackle these problems. This, however, is not being an apologist for military rule.

With tough laws, which he defended in and out of office, allegations of corruption against many politicians of the Second Republic had their dates with justice and were rightly handed long-term sentences – some as long as three or more lifetimes.

Even when the Nigerian Bar As-

Editor Sadiq Abdullateef Deputy Editor Kazeem Akintunde Editorial Board Safiya M. Adamu, Chairman Christian Ochiama, Deputy Chairman Standards Aniebo Nwamu, Director ’Lara Olugbemi, Assistant Director

sociation barred its members from participating in the tribunals, Gani Fawehinmi, unarguably Nigeria’s greatest rights activist, appeared before the tribunals out of the conviction that looters of the public treasury deserved no mercy. The tribunals effectively put Nigeria’s thieving political elite out of circulation.

But Offodile was a kind-hearted man, a devout Christian, diligent in law and a thoroughbred advocate who rose to the pinnacle of his career as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. He was also in the elite rank of Life Bencher, before becoming Nigeria’s attorney-general and minister of justice.

Born to Ofodile Ezeugo of Umu Obi Udogwu royal family of Ogbeozala village and Umunebe of the Olisa Ojiede family in Odojele village, both of Onitsha, Anambra State, he attended the Immanuel Church Infant School, St. Mary’s Primary School and Christ the King College, all in Onitsha. Offodile travelled to the United Kingdom for further studies and was called to the Bar at the Middle Temple in 1959. He received the National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 2008.

Founder Sam Nda-Isaiah Chairman Hajiya Ireti Kingibe Group Managing Director Azubuike Ishiekwene Group Executive Directors Michael Okpere Dr Kazeem Durodoye Company Secretary/ Legal Adviser Abdulhaleem Amin Divisional Directors Abdulmumin Balogun Ademola Oladosu Iyobosa Uwugiaren Salisu Alhassan Bichi General Managers Aminu Abubakar Sule Zipporah D. Tanko Joy Adekanye

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Managing Director Abraham Nda-Isaiah Executive Director Nnamdi Samuel New York Office Mohammed Bello Shehu London Office Dr Bello Salihu Johannesburg Office Abiodun Oguntuase Business Manager Bilkisu Mohammed Rimi

LEADERSHIP is a national paper symbolically embedded in the nation’s capital.

We shall stand up for good governance. We shall defend the interest of Nigerian people even against their rulers, and we shall raise our pen at all times in defence of what is right. These are the values by which we intend to be assessed.

We shall never, ever for any reason forget the noble reason of our coming into being: For God and country!

4 news extra

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo Buhari, Tinubu, Atiku, Ikimi, Others Make APC BoT List The All Progressives Congress (APC) has shortlisted 74 chieftains to constitute its Board of Trustees (BoT), even as the party holds its first National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting today.

Among the prominent leaders of the party that made the list are former head of state, General Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Lagos State governor Bola Tinubu, Chief Tom Ikimi, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, Chief Bisi Akande and Chief Audu Ogbeh.

Others are Alhaji Baba Magaji, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, Chief Tony Momoh, Timi Slyva, Yusuf Garba Ali, Aminu Bello Masari, all the APC serving governors and their former counterpart, Sen. George Akume and Hon Femi Gbajabiamila among others.

Checks conducted at the party national secretariat yesterday revealed that some appointed BoT members met at the secretariat yesterday while some notable members were not in attendance.

A chieftain of the party who preferred anonymity disclosed that the Board has fixed next week for its first meeting to elect its executive members after the first national convention of the party.

By Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

Revolution: MASSOB Members Revolt Against Uwazurike

Some top members of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) yesterday besieged the country home of their perceived leader, Chief Ralph Uwazurike at Okwe in Onuimo local government area of Imo State, which served as the headquarters of MASSOB and overpowered his security details on guard.

According to an eye witness account, the over four hours battle for supremacy between the rebellious group of MASSOB and the purported Uwazurike “Biafra Army”, which started at about 8:30am, left four persons dead and scores wounded in what has been described as a palace coup.

When contacted, the national secretary of the movement, Comrade Ugwuoke Ibem Ugwuoke, alleged that some thugs recruited

by Uwazurike stormed the headquarters with sophisticated weapons but were resisted by MASSOB commanders who had already taken over the secretariat.

However, when contacted, Uwazurike said he was not aware of such incident, but he got the information that there was a crisis at Okwe, and promised to contact his administrators there to find out what the problem was.

By Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

L-R: PDP national secretary Prof Wale Oladipo, national chairman Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, US ambassador to Nigeria Mr James Entwistle and deputy counselor for political affairs, US Embassy, Mary Johnson, during the ambassador’s visit to PDP Headquarters in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN.

Impeachment: Gov Chime Operates Poultry, Piggery At Govt House – Enugu Deputy Gov

By Nnamdi Mbawike, Enugu

Embattled Enugu State deputy governor, Sunday Onyebuchi yesterday told the panel investigating allegations against him over the ownership of a poultry farm that the state government under the leadership of Governor Sullivan Chime also operated poultry and piggery farms at the Government House.

To prove his claims, Onyebuchi provided copies of state government budgets for 2011 – 2014, adding that several millions of naira was allocated for the maintenance of the farms by the government.

He, therefore, insisted that he had not committed any offence that could warrant his removal from government by the 7-man impeachment panel headed by Mr Uche Franklyn Oraekeiyi.

Arguing further, Onyebuchi disclosed that the poultry at his official residence and that of the

governor were in existence before they came into government in 2007.

The House of Assembly had on July 22 commenced impeachment proceedings against Onyebuchi for allegedly operating a poultry farm at his official residence, flagrant disobedience to directives of the governor including refusal to represent him at the flag-off of Second Niger Bridge by President Goodluck Jonathan at Onitsha in March and refusal to represent the governor at the July 6 meeting of South-east governors held in Enugu.

Addressing newsmen after the panel adjourned for lunch, Onyebuchi, who returned to the panel yesterday after he slumped last week while testifying, denied the allegations against him and provided evidence to support his claims.

“I have always said that this is a straight forward matter. One is the allegation of operating a poul-

try farm. We have been able to put the message across that the House of Assembly resolution is not a law and the resolution was not made available to me. We were able to make the point that there is also a poultry at Government House and that the poultry at the Government House was evacuated with the commencement of the panel proceedings.

“Today, I was able to present to the panel, another evidence to show that there was poultry at the Government House. I got copies of the Enugu State government budget for 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 and in each of these budgets, you have evidence of the allocation for Government House poultry and piggery and the amount attached to it and I was also able to prove that the amount was released.

“If they said there was no poultry, then let’s know why we have all these provisions all these years,” he stated.

Reacting to the allegation that he did not represent the governor at the flag-off of the Second Niger Bridge, Onyebuchi, who played the video coverage of the event before the panel, also drew the attention of the panel to the live coverage of the event by the AIT, adding that he was never communicated in person or by telephone or by any other means to represent the governor during his vacation at the South-east governors’ meeting.

He said, “He did not communicate to me in person, by telephone or whatever means; he never said while going on vacation that he would pass instructions to me through a third party and like I said, this is a straight forward matter and I believe the ball is in the court of the panel.

It is for them to decide whether to stand on the side of truth, on the side of justice which most citizens of Enugu State are asking for.”

Adamawa Guber: Anxiety Over Waiver For Ribadu, Marwa, Others PDP, NWC keeps mum over waiver

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja

The gubernatorial ambitions of former presidential candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Ambassador Buba Marwa, and former ACN governorship candidate, Markus Gundiri, ahead of the Adamawa State election, took a sour turn yesterday as the national working committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) failed to discuss their waiver applications.

Ribadu, Markus and Marwa had

defected from the APC to the PDP and as such, they need the party to grant them waiver before they can vie for the October 11 governorship by-election in Adamawa State.

While next Monday, August 25 has been fixed as deadline to submit nomination forms, the party is billed to conduct its primaries on September 6, 2015.

But it was learnt that while the customary meeting of the NWC held yesterday as scheduled with the party’s zonal chairmen in attendance, the waiver for the aspirants was not raised.

A source hinted that the issue was not raised because there were

still some grey areas which had to be cleared for the party in the state to engineer the process accordingly.

The national secretary, Prof Wole Oladipo had stated that the applications were not sent to his office even though he believed that those involved know what to do before obtaining the party’s gubernatorial forms.

Another source, however, confided in Leadership that though the matter was not discussed, “most of the NWC members seemed favourably disposed to granting them waiver because the party wants the best candidate

for the election.”

However, the waiver is needed by the aspirants to enable them scale the pre-primaries screening exercise.

The NWC is expected to deliberate on the matter and forward it accordingly to the National Executive Committee (NEC) even though the party’s constitution empowers the NWC to issue temporary waivers which will subsequently be ratified upon the convening of a NEC meeting.

It is, however, doubtful whether a NEC meeting will be convened before the clearance which starts next week.

NEWS 5

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Controversy Over FG’s N1.9bn Ebola Fund One health tip daily

LIVING BE BE 100100 LIVINGTOTO Go Fish for the Omega If you’re not a vegetarian, you’ll want to make intelligent choices about the meat you eat. Of all animal products, fish is the healthiest, due to its high protein and low fat content. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish, along with other nutrients, protect blood vessels from plaque, reduce

inflammation, prevent high blood pressure, and help you maintain good respiratory health. Populations with a diet consisting mainly of fish, fresh fruits, and local vegetables experience virtually no cardiovascular disease and have a high percentage of healthy seniors.

Why We Reintroduced Charges On ATM Transactions – CBN FROM COVER

this had also led to increased cost for the banks as they had to pay for the use of other banks’ ATMs by their customers with an astronomical increase in transaction volumes at other bank’s ATMs due to the free cash withdrawals.

It noted further that with increased use, the wear and tear of ATMs had increased significantly, adding that “maintaining an ATM is expensive and it requires economic incentive for owners to deploy and maintain these machines.

“If a part of this cost goes unabated, the banks may be forced to reject transactions coming from their customers at another bank ATMs, thereby frustrating the interoperability of payment systems,” the statement read in

Emefiele

part.

The CBN assured banks’ customers that “the long-term interest and welfare of all bank customers remain the goal of all banking policies,” adding that it “will not endorse any anticustomer policy.” It also debunked claims that the charge was intended to discourage financial inclusion, saying that the charging of fees on interbank networks was a widely acceptable global practice.

The CBN recently announced the re-introduction of the N65 ATM charge on the fourth and subsequent transactions within a month by a customer on the ATM of other banks. The first three transactions are free just as transactions on the issuing bank’s ATM.

By George Agba, Winifred Ogbebo, Edegbe Odemwingie, Victor Okeke, Abuja; George Okojie, Arounke Olayiwola, Lagos; Muazu Elazeh, Katsina; Obinna Ogbonnaya, Abakaliki and Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba,

The seeming delay in the disbursement of the N1.9 billion intervention fund approved by the federal government to contain the outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus disease is generating serious controversy among states and the relevant agencies responsible for executing the master plan for which the money is meant for.

Announcing the approval of a special intervention plan to combat the virus on August 8, 2014, President Goodluck Jonathan had directed that the N1.9 billion must be released immediately for speedy implementation.

But two weeks after the approval of the said money was announced, states of the federation, especially Lagos State which is the worse hit by the deadly Ebola disease, and the relevant agencies said they had not received any money from the federal government.

Though the federal government announced N1.94 billion intervention fund to tackle Ebola Virus Disease two weeks ago, with funfare and pageantry, indications have emerged that the fund is yet to be released.

LEADERSHIP findings have revealed that the controversy seemed to be trailing the fund as concerned parties said that the money was yet to be released.

However, the Lagos State Government disclosed that it was yet to receive money from N1.9 billion intervention fund approved by the federal government to fight Ebola in the country where the disease had killed five persons.

The Lagos state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Aderemi Ibirogba, told our correspondent that the federal government had not given the state a dime to fight Ebola.

He said: “Maybe the federal government will release funds later.

But we are grateful for all the Federal government has done, giving us technical support in the fight against the virus, releasing their staff members for contact tracing, case management, operation of the emergency operation centre and the rapid response team.

“This is a collaborative effort between the federal, state government and other foreign partners. As at now, we are yet to receive money from the federal government.

Ibirogba explained that the money spent so far on the health of the Ebola victims were funds released by the state governor, Babatunde Fashola to combat the disease.

But in an apparent move to

Chukwu

address the situation which was already causing ripples in certain quarters, the federal government announced yesterday that President Goodluck Jonathan had approved N200 million for Lagos State government as federal government’s direct support to tackle the outbreak of the virus.

Rather than staving off the apprehension the delay in releasing the money was already causing, the approval of the N200 million for Lagos had added a deeper crisis dimension to the issue, as stakeholders were beginning to question the modality for disbursing the N200 million for Lagos State out of the N1.9 billion, raising issues over the remaining N1.7 billion.

Apart from the delay in disbursing the money as directed by the president that it should be released immediately, the approval of N200 million for Lagos alone is raising suspicion over federal government’s true motive about the N1.9 billion Ebola intervention fund.

Those raising issues are contending that for the president to have refused to spell out the modality for the disbursement of the fund and the relevant bodies that should be directly involved in handling the fund when he announced its approval two weeks ago was an indication that something was amiss.

They said they were imagining what would happen to other states when only N200 million had been approved for Lagos without the federal government specifying whether the said money was part of the N1.9 billion or not.

Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu who disclosed the approval of the N200 million for Lagos, while briefing journalists at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, also hinted that the United States Government would this week donate to Nigeria 30 body scanners for measuring temperature.

Noting that the scanners were going to be deployed to ports of entry and exits in the country, he said at the moment, Nigeria ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

6 NEWS

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Controversy Over FG’s N1.9bn Ebola Fund FROM PAGE 5

had a total number of 12 cases of Ebola virus disease, including the Liberian-American, Patrick Sawyer, who was the index case.

Minister praises gallant efforts of late Dr Adadevoh Chukwu praised the Consultant.

Physician at First Consultant Hospital Lagos, Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh who died due to exposure to the disease in the cause of treating the late Liberian/American, Sawyer, saying she had to physically restrain this infected person from escaping from hospital when the latter attempted to do so having been communicated that he was ebola positive.

He said: “If that index case had escaped from the hospital at that stage, it would have spelt disaster for Nigeria as many more persons, who would have been very difficult to track could have become primary contacts”, Chukwa said “There is no doubt that Dr. Adadevoh is not only a dedicated, committed and competent doctor but she showed rare courage, rare sense of duty, service and patriotism to her country”, Chukwu said.

On plans to immortalise Adadevoh, the Minister said government was considering a number of options to appreciate her, though he said he could not disclose the options that were being considered by government “Government is considering a number of options but I cannot say that for now because no decision has already government appreciates not only her, the only thing is that she was the leader and did something as the leader of the team that showed the courage and patriotism she had as a doctor”, he stated.

FG did not sack doctors

– Chukwu Meanwhile, the minister has clarified that the directive by the Federal Ministry of Health to suspend all residency training programmes for Nigerian doctors, Resident Doctors and Health workers did not mean that President Jonathan ordered the sack of all resident doctors in Nigerian hospitals.

The directive last week contained in an internal memo dated August 13, according to the Permanent Secretary of Ministry, L.N. Awute, was given following an appraisal of the challenges facing the health sector But dispelling rumours that the doctors were sacked, Chukwu said: “They were not sacked, it is a matter of interpretation. For example, when someone still working actively dies, or whether that person resigned or was dismissed or retired or terminated all mean different things in the public service. But the end point is that the person is no longer working.

“I want us to put things in perspective. Government did not sack anybody, it is true that they themselves have not been working for almost two months, except those in private hospitals. Resident doctors in both federal and state hospitals have not been working for almost two months now and they have not participated in the control of this Ebola virus disease, they have not played any role.

“So, even if government had not taken any decision, they are not there, they are not working and I don’t know why suddenly the media starts taking interest in them. They are not part of this success story.

“This is only in federal hospitals, the federal government is not deciding for the states or private hospitals. It is not a permanent thing, I believe we will quickly

appraise this situation and hopefully government will resume residency programme because honestly we need to train doctors in the specialist areas”.

Lagos receives 5 additional suspected cases Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government on Wednesday said it had received five additional suspected cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), saying the fresh suspected cases were brought in on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press briefing on update of the deadly disease at the Bagauda Kalto Press Centre located in the state secretariat, Alausa, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, said two of the fresh suspected cases were secondary contacts while the remaining three were primary contacts with the late Liberian, Patrick Sawyer who imported the disease into the country.

No new cases of Ebola virus Minister But in another twist, the Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Health Minister, Dan Nwomeh, urged the media to disregard all rumours of new cases of the virus.

A statement made available to LEADERSHIP on behalf of the minister, captioned, “No New Confirmed Case of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria, reads, “The Honourable Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu wishes to reiterate that at present, Nigeria has only two confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease.”

Chukwu said the clarification became necessary following media reports of five new cases in Lagos State, adding that the report should be disregarded.

He said: “However, as at 7 pm today, there is no other confirmed

Ebola Virus Disease case in Nigeria outside the two that are currently under treatment at the isolation ward in Lagos.”

Another Liberian at isolation ward tests positive But the Lagos Health commissioner maintained that the fresh suspected cases had increased the number of patients in isolation wards from two to six; adding that one of the suspected cases was a Liberian brought into the isolation centre from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

The commissioner pointed out that the Liberian had since been released, having tested negative to Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

Idris said, “Till date, we have recorded eight suspected cases, five of which were brought in yesterday.

We have 12 confirmed cases on the whole out of which five have died and five have been discharged. We are currently following up on 213 contacts while 62 have completed the 21-day follow-up”.

Nigeria postpones security summit over Ebola outbreak Citing “precautionary measures” to check the spread of Ebola virus, organisers of a Parliamentary Security Summit scheduled to hold in Nigeria from September 15 to 16, 2014 have put the Summit on hold.

The Security Summit, under the auspices of the National Institute for Legislative Studies and the ECOWAS Parliament was set to examine the causal and aggravating factors of transnational crimes and terrorism in West Africa with a global perspective, the summit organizers, said in a statement yesterday.

The latest and largest outbreak of the Ebola virus disease to date has ravaged Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nigeria, all ECOWAS member-countries. The World

Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday that the death toll had exceeded 1,200.

The summit organisers said the decision to postpone the event was as a result of “directives” by ECOWAS Commission that all ECOWAS meetings be suspended as a precautionary measure to check the spread of Ebola virus among the citizens of member states.

No new date was announced for the summit.

Katsina corps member decamped over Ebola scare One of the over 2000 corps members deployed to Katsina State, Ige Kolawole, has been reportedly decamped from the Katsina NYSC Camp following suspicion of him, having contracted the dreaded Ebola virus Doctor Amadi said the corps member came down with some symptoms of the disease and had to be moved to a better facility for thorough checks.

Amadi said the suspect had severe temperature which had refused to stabilize, prompting the call for his decampment insisting that they were very suspicious and had to use health gear all through while handling the corps member.

‘He came vomiting, had symptoms of upper respiratory infections, all the time he was on admission here had that fever refused to come down. This raised that suspicion” he said.

Ebonyi Bans movement of corpses, inter-state trading In its bid to ensure that the state remained free from the deadly Ebola Virus in Ebonyi State, the state Government yesterday said it had banned movement of corpses from other parts of the country into its environs and also set up a committee to check inter- state trading.

Analysis

Ebola: How Providence, Tact Saved Nigeria From Catastrophe

By Olaolu Oladipo, Lagos

When the Americo-Liberian man, Patrick Sawyer undertook his now famous flight into the country from his native country, little did Nigerians know that an unwanted death carrier had landed.

Sawyer, whose visit to the country had become controversial, was billed to attend a function of the regional organisation, Economic Commission of West Africa (ECOWAS), in Nigeria later checked into a Lagos hospital for treatment of a less known ailment, Ebola Fiver.

The care centre, First Consultants Hospital, a private medical centre has had the unenviable fortune of being the first port of call for the dreaded disease currently ravaging the West African region in the country.

Owing to the fact that the scourge, though have been around

for some was alien to Nigeria, thus it exposed the level of preparedness of the country to emergency medical situation. Though, a high profile personality, Sawyer sought help of the medical facility located at the highbrow Ikoyi area of Lagos.

Due to the status of the facility, it was believed that the efforts to contain the scourge was easy but the situation would probably have been different if the ‘August visitor’ had sought care at a government owned facility where hord of sick people would have been present to like Sawyer seek medical help.

This feeling of anxiety would have further been heightened by the fact that being a very contagious disease the scale of spread would have been huge considering the way the numerous government hospitals had become attractive to the less privileged in Lagos.

For the government efforts to contain it would have become more compounded as the process of profiling the spread would have been difficult from the day the index carrier had done the damage.

The level of awareness would not have helped in the containment efforts as that would have been difficult by government to carry out. Kudos must also be given to the heroic Adadevoh who resisted pressure on her by the Liberian Embassy for the discharge of Sawyer, thus saving the lives of hapless Nigerians who would have been victims of what is now considered as ‘bio-terrorism’.

Such pressure would have succeeded if Sawyer had sought medical help in a public hospital thus putting the lives of other categories of Nigerians at the risk of contracting the dreaded virus, thus widening the

scope of infection not only in Lagos but also in the country.

This sentiment was expressed recently by the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Public Health, Dr. Yewande Adeshina who commended the private hospital for the manner in which it handled the matter helping to prevent a crisis situation for the entire country.

“The hospital, First Consultants, was fantastic in handling this man’s situation and I’m grateful to God that it was the hospital he went to because I’m not sure a lot of our hospitals were truly prepared. They (First Consultants) were so prepared that they had the personal protective equipment on their facility”, she said.

Kudos must be given to both the Lagos and the Federal Governments for the synergy and sense of purpose in their collective drive to contain the scourge as the number of

likely infected persons would have increased.

Added to this is the near comatose state of the various agencies charged with the responsibility of detecting and management of diseases which would have further compounded efforts to nip the spread of the virus in the bud. The implication of this would have been that the response by government would have been uncoordinated and disjointed.

Perhaps, the nation owes late Sawyer, a depth of gratitude for going to a private hospital to deliver his ‘gift’ to the country just as Adadevoh and the other members of staff of her hospital must also be commended for the high level of professionalism in the way they handled the crisis.

The situation would have been different, if Sawyer had chosen to attend a state owned hospital.

news extra 7

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Jigawa Airport Project, Lesson On Judicious Resource Management – Gov Lamido Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has described the N13 billion spent in building Dutse International Airport as an exemplary model of judicious management of public resources.

The governor stated this when he received officials from Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) who paid him a courtesy call during their inspection of facilities at the Dutse Airport.

Alhaji Lamido noted that at a time that some states spent between N47billion and N87 billion in building their airport, Jigawa State government reduced the cost of its airport by more than 60 per cent without compromising quality and standard.

He said that the Dutse Airport, which was the fastest airport project in Nigeria (as it was completed within 13 months) was also another symbol of his government’s determination to achieve its targets within the shortest time possible.

Alhaji Sule Lamido also reiterated the commitment of his government to collaborate with anybody to ensure that the state’s pilgrims were airlifted from the airport to Saudi Arabia for 2014/2015 Hajji.

By Muh’d Zangina Garba

Management Changes At New Telegraph The board of directors of The Sun Publishing Ltd and the Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Ltd have announced management changes at the New Telegraph newspapers.

Mr. Eric Osagie becomes the managing director/editor-in-chief, while Messrs Gabriel Akinadewo and Felix Abugu would serve as deputy managing directors. The appointments take effect from September 1, 2014.

Other appointments which have since been effected include that of Mallam Suleiman Uba. Gaya and Mr. Yemi Ajayi are managing editor and editor, New Telegraph, respectively.

Under the strategic restructuring, Mr Osagie, deputy managing director/deputy editor-in-chief of The Sun, is proceeding on sabbatical to New Telegraph.

A consummate professional, Mr Osagie is expected to bring to bear on the newspaper his wealth of experience and contacts in the political and corporate worlds.

With a robust journalism career spanning over two decades, Osagie rose steadily through the ranks from staff writer to chief correspondent, deputy features editor and was appointed features editor of the National Concord in 1998.

He was also Saturday editor of the National Interest, and had a stint at ThisDay newspaper in 1995.

President Goodluck Jonathan (right), congratulating Mr Danladi Kifasi, during his swearing-in as the new head of civil service of the federation in Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO BY NAN

Boko Haram: PFN Wants Nigerians To Be Patient With Jonathan

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin

City

President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Dr Felix Omobude, yesterday urged Nigerians to be patient with the federal government and President Goodluck Jonathan over the challenges of insecurity and insurgency in parts of the country.

In a chat with journalists yesterday, Omobude also urged Nigerians to shun violence ahead of 2015 general elections just as he said it would be improper as being agitated in some quarters for churches to be made to pay tax.

He said if churches go into businesses, such should be taxed and not the church as an entity registered as nonprofit making organisation.

“You must know that a lot of our forces have paid the supreme price in trying to defend us and extremism all over the world is not an easy war. I mean, nations stronger than us have spent a lot in terms of material and human resources to defend themselves and they are still doing so. So I will ask that Nigerians should be patient, there is not an easy way, it is not like the regular war.

“The federal government and all her forces are working hard and I can tell you from my point of view, no responsible leader can sleep and be careless under such situation. I believe that Nigerians should come together at this time, whether you are a Christian or not, we should come together and unite and fight this common enemy by whole

heartedly giving right information and supporting the efforts of our forces.

“Darkness does not last forever. I believe that Boko Haram is an evil wind blowing on Nigeria and it is not here to stay, it will pass away.”

On payment of tax by churches, Omobude said; “The church is registered as a non- profit organisation; like our own here, our board of trustees don’t earn anything.

The church pays for services rendered to her; the church doesn’t have an annual declaration of dividend. I believe credible ministries are involved in changing lives, touching people and that is the way it should be. Humanitarian services are still being offered by the church.

“Those who clamour for churches to pay tax are only

looking at one or two or three pastors who probably, they feel, are affluent and have not thought of the millions of others who are doing the will of God, serving people, giving hope in a very desperate world.

“As we speak, there are many pastors out there who are not sure of what to eat; so don’t just look at a few and say that is the way it should be.”

According to him, the position of PFN is that the church is a non-profit organisation, but if the church does business it should pay for that.

“If I have a school, like we do, our people pay tax; it generates money, so it pays tax. So I believe that the church should be allowed to retain its nonprofit status so that they can offer humanitarian help to Nigerians when needed.”

Insurgency: Borno Sends Food To Trapped Villagers In Border Communities

By Abdulkareem Haruna, Maiduguri

Villages in border communities that have been cut off from the rest of Borno State

by Boko Haram sect are to receive assorted food items from the state government, officials have said.

LEADERSHIP gathered that thousands of people living around the border communities between Nigeria and Cameroon had been lamenting over hunger and starvation as

By Millie Ibe, Abuja Boko Haram prevents their ac-

cess to the cities for about two months now.

The Cameroonian authorities have also tightened their borders and prevented trapped villagers from crossing over to their country to source for food.

In response to the dire condition of the communities the state governor, Kashim Shettima, yesterday directed that 1,000 bags of processed wheat and maize as well as assorted drugs be delivered to hundreds of people that have been trapped at Banki, a Nigerian

border community near Cameroon.

A member of the Agricultural Transformation Committee of the state government, Alhaji Usman Zanna, confirmed to journalists that “The governor gave the directive following reports that the people of Banki have ran out of food and could not go to Bama because Boko Haram insurgents have blocked the road”.

“As you may be aware, the people of Banki and other communities could not also cross over to villages in Cameroon

as a result of stringent measures put in place by the Cameroonian authorities which include the closure of the border to contain the spread of Ebola virus.

“The governor directed that we should liaise with various security agencies in order to have a safe drive to Banki and neighbouring villages,” he said.

Zannah, a former commissioner for agriculture, said transporting the food items would require heavy military escorts through alternative routes that may not be volatile.

8 News north-central

Thursday, August 21, 2014

David Umaru Posters Destroyed, Plan To Arrest Campaign Team Uncovered – APC

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged that some prominent members of the party have been marked down to be arrested before the August 30, Niger East senatorial by-election.

Also, posters and billboards of its candidate for the election, Barrister David Umaru are being destroyed.

The party’s publicity secretary in the state, Jonathan Vatsa, and a chieftain of the party, Solomon Nyaze, said yesterday in separate interviews that the posters of their candidate, David Umaru, were being destroyed and burnt in the streets just to provoke the party.

Vatsa said it was unfortunate that the posters of David Umaru were being destroyed and the billboards set ablaze noting that this is an indication that the ruling party could no longer bear the fact that the popularity of David Umaru is increasing every day.

He said that the plan was to provoke the key members of the campaign team of David Umaru and

arrest them few days to the election in order to intimidate supporters of Umaru from protecting their votes.

However, the party’s publicity secretary remarked that the move would be checked.

“The plan to arbitrarily arresting our members before election to reduce the chances of David Umaru will be resisted. We will continue to tell our supporters to be law-abiding and peaceful, no matter the level of provocation,” he said.

According to him the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the party in government, should not be seen to be taking steps to breach the peace of the state in a by-election .

Also speaking, Solomon Nyaze, who is also in the campaign team of David Umaru, said, “We are aware that people like us from Niger East have been marked to be arrested few days to the election but I am telling you that it will be like pushing our supporters to the wall and it means that they will be forced to resist arrest unjustly”.

short news

Niger Assembly Considers Private Bills For Stiffer Penalty Against Rape

The vice chancellor of Federal University, Lokoja (FUL), Professor Abdulmumini Hassan Rafindadi, has stated that the institution is unreservedly committed to the ideals of the anti-graft body, ICPC. Prof Rafindadi made the pledge, Tuesday at the university during induction course organised by the Kogi zonal office of the ICPC for FUL members of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Monitoring Unit (ACTU).

He said the members were appointed and sworn in on November 2013, and had the confidence of the university.

Two private-member bills on stiffer penalty for rape and sexual harassment as well as amendment to Child Right Act 2010 were presented at the plenary for first reading at the Niger State House of Assembly.

The bills were presented yesterday at the sitting of the House in Minna and the first bill is a private member bill for a law to amend some provisions of the penal Code Law Cap 94, laws of Niger State of Nigeria 1989 in order to provide for stiffer punishment for offence of rape and to create sexual harassment offences and other ancillary matters bill 2004.

The bill which was being jointly sponsored by the members representing Gbako and Mashegu constituencies, Muhammad Muhammad Alkali, a phamacist and Sa’adatu Muhammad Kolo had passed through first reading.

The second bill is being sponsored by the speaker, Barrister Adamu Usman.

We’re Committed To ICPC’s Ideals – VC

By Sam Egwu, Lokoja

Abu Nmodu, Minna

short news

Kogi Assembly Makes Case For Bad Roads Kogi State House of Assembly has passed a resolution calling on Kogi State Road Maintenance Agency, (KOGROMA) to commence the filling of potholes on major roads in Lokoja, the state capital.

The resolution which was moved by the chief whip, Hon Suleiman Babadoko, representing Lokoja 1 constituency, stated that in view of strategic location of Lokoja as a gateway to many states and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, there is need to ensure that the roads are properly maintained.

By Sam Egwu, Lokoja

Acting IGP Suleiman Abba (left) watches as a policeman is being dressed in a bomb-proof kit at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN.

CVR: Kwara APC Seeks Reversal Of Police Ban On Party Agents

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has called for a reversal of the directive by Kwara State Police Command that party agents should steer clear of voters registration centres.

The party viewed the police’s directive “as unlawful and extrajurisdictional”.

In a statement by its publicity secretary, Sulyman Buhari, the APC said, “The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) as an institution established by law, must allow itself to be guided by law and history rather than arbitrariness.

“The INEC, not Police Command, has the constitutional powers to determine who will be at polling units during CVR exercise.

“The Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise is conducted by INEC not the Police Command. It was INEC that requested the participation of political parties and deployment of party agents to polling booths.

“Meanwhile, It should interest the Police Command that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that gave the directive to political parties to deploy party agents to polling

booths during the CVR exercise has made a public announcement in clear terms to affirm and reiterate the directive.

“In any electoral process, the duty of the police is to ensure voters and would-be voters comply with INEC laws and guidelines, not to give counter unlawful orders.

“Since INEC has affirmed its initial directive that party agents should participate in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, the Kwara State Police Command should summon the courage to reverse itself on the unlawful ban forthwith”.

Oyeyemi Tasks FRSC Officers Over Accident-free Roads

BY Ejike Ejike, Abuja

The corps marshal and chief executive officer of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Boboye Oyeyemi, has urged the commanding officers of the corps to strive for crash-free road across the country.

Speaking during a retreat organised for commanding officers yesterday in Abuja, Oyeyemi also said he was committed to an improved welfare for officers of the corps hence the corps has em-

barked on a housing scheme for the officers.

“We must live by our mandates.

We have about 20,000 workforce and we want a one-man-onehouse system. We are only working towards achieving Mr. President’s transformation agenda.

Federal Mortgage Bank is partnering with us,” he said.

Speaking further at the retreat, which was also aimed at reviewing how far the corps has gone in its yearly tasks, Oyeyemi revealed that the management of

FRSC has provided necessary kits to guide the officers and men of the corps against the Ebola Virus Disease, especially for officers who rescue victims during road crashes.

“We are aware of the risk of our patrol officers on the road and the need to safeguard them from contacting the virus.

Management will provide the necessary kits as well as equip the clinics with necessary equipment to protect them while on rescue missions,” he said.

Kogi Establishes Grazing Ground For Herdsmen

BY SAM EGWU, Lokoja

To forestall incessant clashes between Fulani herdsmen and host communities over grazing grounds, the Kogi State government has set up a grazing ground for Fulani cattle rearers in Ajaokuta.

Governor Idris Wada, who made the disclosure at Egbe, headquarters of Yagba West lo-

cal government, emphasised the need to find a lasting solution to the recurring conflicts between Kogi farmers and Fulani herdsmen.

The disclosure was consequent upon the outcry of Yagba farmers over their ordeal in the hands of Fulani herdsmen in the area and calling on the government for its intervention.

Wada noted that government was doing everything within its means to mitigate the incessant clashes, adding that grazing fields and ranches were provided as a way of stemming the tide.

In another development, the state governor directed the contractor handling Egbe township roads to return to site or face the consequences.

9

Thursday, August 21, 2014

CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA Press Release

Public Communication On The Introduction Of Fees On Remote-On-Us ATM Transactions The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has noted some public comments on its recent circular in respect of fees/charges on the extended use of other banks’ Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

These reactions have been mixed with most commentators showing great understanding and other stakeholders expressing clear lack of understanding of the rationale for this decision of the Bankers’ Committee. Our intention in this public communication is to further explain the rationale and the critical need for this measure which has been taken in order to ensure that ATMs across the country continue to function to the satisfaction of all bank customers.

The following information will surely throw more light on the wisdom behind the introduction of the measures: 1. Cash withdrawal at the ATMs of a customer’s bank is free 2. “Remote-on-Us” transaction is when a card holder goes to the ATM machine of another Bank other than his or her own bank to make a withdrawal.

3. December 2012: The CBN, in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee, transferred the payment of N100 fee on “Remote-on-us” ATM cash withdrawal transactions to issuing banks.

4. The N100 was never removed. It was only transferred to customer’s bank to pay, and this was intended to encourage/promote the use of ATMs nationwide.

5. Having sufficiently raised customers awareness, the first three “Remote-on-Us” transactions in a month are FREE for the card holder but PAID FOR by the issuing bank 6. The N65 charge only applies when a customer withdraws cash from another bank’s ATM other than that of his/her bank. The N65 starts to apply from the 4th transaction at another

banks’ ATM in a month.

7. The charge is not intended to discourage financial inclusion 8. The CBN will not endorse any anti-customer policy 9. Charging of fees on interbank networks is a widely acceptable practice globally 10. Reasons for ATM charges: • To ensure customers get better services • To increase healthy competition among the banks • Transaction volumes at other banks’ ATM have increased astronomically due to the free Cash withdrawal at other banks’ ATM • The wear and tear as well as the frequency of servicing the ATMs have increased significantly.

• Indeed, some Customers were beginning to abuse the use of ATMs through countless daily withdrawals; • This development has led to increase in cash transactions, which negate the Bank’s Cashless policy.

• Maintaining ATM is expensive and it requires economic incentive for owners to deploy and maintain these machines.

• If a part of this cost goes unabated, the banks may be forced to reject transactions coming from their customers at another bank ATMs, thereby frustrating the interoperability of payment systems.

The CBN wishes therefore to reassure the public that the long term interests and welfare of all bank customers remain the goal of all banking policies.

Ibrahim Mu’azu

Director, Corporate Communications Department

10

stories of the Thursday, August 21, 2014

...NEWS WITH A HUMAN FACE

ROBBERY: Car Snatching Suspect Arrested

By OKECHUKWU OBETA, Awka

Aroma junction in Awka, the Anambra State capital, was yesterday thrown into pandemonium as the men of the State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) arrested one suspected car snatching suspect in the area.

The SARS operatives had trailed the hoodlums, who were driving in a Toyota Camry car with tinted-glasses, to the area.

When they noticed that the anticrime operatives were closing in on them, they looked for a way of escape which they could not find because of the heavy traffic in the area.

They jumped out of their car and fled but the police shot one of them in the leg before he was arrested.

He was arrested immediately for more interrogation.

ABANDONED: Cripple Dies In Front Of Uncle’s House

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

A 25-year-old cripple, simply identified as Danjuma, who was rescued by some Good Samaritans after spending over 30 days on a refuse dump site, has died in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

He died in front of his uncle’s house where he was taken to from the dump site.

Danjuma was said to have been abandoned by his uncle, one Mr. Arase, because he was not part of those who benefitted from what Danjuma’s late mother left behind.

Former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Florence Igbinigie, who took him to the hospital, said Danjuma recovered fully when he was discharged from the hospital.

She said, “Doctors treated him well and gave him appropriate medical attention. Everybody saw Danjuma looking very well. Unfortunately, I don’t know what happened. I took Danjuma to the ministry and they told me to wait for the commissioner. They did not call me again only for the SSG to call that I dumped an adult cripple at the ministry. The boy had no problem apart from the physically disabilities.

“The ministry was aware of his condition and a director told me they want to rehabilitate Danjuma, so I took him there. Nobody told me where they took Danjuma to and the commissioner refused to see me. I don’t know who brought Danjuma here. I was surprised to see Damjuma on the floor here,” Igbinigie explained.

A man hawking raffia handicrafts at Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO BY GBENGA OLAJOBI

DEATH: Pastor’s Substance Kills 2 Children Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba The pastor of a Pentecostal Church in Abraka, Delta State (name withheld) has revealed that the substance that allegedly killed two underage children, Prayer Clement (9months old) and Wisdom Clement, 2, is a mixture of water and salt, which he sold to people for N 1,850.

He said the substance was meant to heal various ailments.

The pastor, who is presently in police net following the death of the two children of the same mother, claimed he had

prayed over the substance.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Police Command, DSP Celestina Kalu, men of the force at Abraka Police Station received information that one Ese Oghenevwe, 25, of Urhuoka quarters, Abraka, had killed her two children, namely, Prayer and Wisdom Clement, by giving them a liquid substance to drink.

When Oghenevwe was arrested for allegedly killing her two underaged kids, she implicated one Apostle Austin Eduviere.

ASSAULT: 10 Arraigned Over Breach Of Peace

By JOSHUA DADA, OSOGBO

The Osun State Police Command yesterday arraigned 10 persons before a magistrate court sitting in Osogbo over alleged conspiracy and assault on a middle-aged woman.

The accused persons are Suraju Balogun,78, Azeez Rauf, 27, Oyewunmi Taiwo, 28, Ogundele Sefiu, 25, and Amao Olatunji, 28.

Others are Mukaila Abdullahi, 40, Ogunshina Oladele, 25, Lasisi Muideen, 28, Gasali Akinola, 61, and Mukaila Balogun, 30.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Samuel Idenhi, told the court that the accused persons committed the offence on August 10, at about 10am, at Ikoyi in Apomu, Osun State.

Idenhi said the accused persons conspired together with others at large to assault one Sabiatu Amao, by using cutlass to cut her finger and also beat her up in an unlawful manner.

“The accused persons assaulted the complainant and unlawfully destroyed plastic chairs, clothes, and food items

which were valued at about N130,000.

“They assembled themselves with a common purpose to disturb the peace of the public,” Idenhi said.

He further said, “The accused also assaulted one Faniyi Taiwo, who was with the complainant by cutting him with a cutlass on his head before he and Amao were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.”

The accused persons attacked the complainant on the grounds that the complainant used the name of the Directorate of State Security Service (DSSS) to harass them during the August 9 governorship election.

The prosecutor said the accused persons committed seven–count charges of assault, breach of public peace and conspiracy.

He maintained that the alleged offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 516, 355, 451, 70, and 249(d) of the Criminal Code Cap 34, vol.11 Laws of Osun, 2003.

All the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them in court.

NABBED: 3 Arrested For Diverting Permanent Voter Cards

By MUH’D ZANGINA KURA, Dutse

Three ad-hoc workers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were arrested for allegedly diverting over 201 permanent voter cards in Jigawa State.

The suspects were arrested by officials by of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) who received complaints from the INEC officials in Malam Madori Local Government Area of the state.

Confirming the report, the state commandant of NSCDC, Dr Muhammad Gidado, said his men arrested three persons in connection with the alleged missing permanent voters card at Gandun Sarki polling unit of Malammadori Local Government Area.

Gidado revealed that those arrested included Zaharadden Baita, Muhammad Said and Ibrahim Umar Musa Ya’u, and all confessed to involvement in the missing cards.

The commandant also revealed that he had ordered a thorough investigation into the matter, after which they would arraign the suspects in a court of law.

Speaking to journalist on the issue, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC Alhaji Ibrahim Bagobiri Mafara, stated that one of their ad-hoc staff was given 675 Permanent voter cards for distribution at Gandun Sarki polling Unit, Tanukutaru ward of M/Madori LGA. He said after the close of the distribution exercise, the ad-hoc staff distributed 397 and was expected to return 278 to INEC for continuous distribution at local government level, but he returned only 77.

The REC added that after reporting the case to security, it was in the process of interrogation that 15 cards were recovered from the suspect.

“We are now expecting security to recover the remaining 187 permanent voter cards from the suspect,” said Bagobiri.

day

STORIES OF THE DAY 11

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Photo News

NABBED: Female Cultist, 10 Others In Police Net

BY Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

Three robbery suspects, Samuel Agoko, Samuel Peter and Lawrence Shot, have been arrested in Delta State .

According to a police report, the three suspects attacked Achaja Stanley in his apartment, shot him on his chest and went away with N20,000.

The victim, who is said to be responding to treatment at the time of this report, informed the police at Otu-Jeremi Ughelli South about the incident. The police immediately swung into action and arrested the three suspects.

The culprits have confessed to the crime and are helping the police with further investigation.

President Goodluck Jonathan congratulating Dr Chimaobi Odunze after his oath of office as a commissioner, representing Imo/Abia at the Federal Civil Service in Abuja yesterday. Photo By Nan

FRAUD: 2 Foreigners, 1 Other Arraigned Over Forgery

By Kunle Olasanmi, Abuja

Two foreigners and one Nigerian are to remain in prison custody till September 4, 2014, over allegation of N26 million fraud.

In the First Information Report (FIR), dated August 20, 2014, filed before a Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse, Zone 6, it was alleged that the two foreigners, George Evirpidou and Mike Zakhariahs from Greece, and a manager in one of the new generation banks conspired to defraud BDA Ltd of the sum of N26million.

The oral motion for bail was turned down by the chief magistrate, who ordered that they should be remanded in prison till the next adjourned date.

When the FIR was read to them, all the accused pleaded not guilty to the allegation against them.

The police said in the FIR, “That on

the 20th of June, 2014, one Mr. Victor Chukwudi Amibu, CEO of BDA Ltd ‘M’ of Tillanary Close, off kumasi Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja, reported to the Commissioner for Police, FCT, Abuja, that in February 2013, he entered into a contract agreement with Mr. George Evirpidou ‘M’ of Castley Solution Network Ltd, Lagos for the completion of 32 unit of 5-bedroom detached house and 46 units of 2/3bedroom semi detached house located at Giri, Gwagwalada, Abuja, and requested for Advanced Payment Guarantee of the sum of N26 million from Castley Solution Network Ltd, being a guarantee of disbursement of the funds to Castley Solution Network Ltd for the completion of the job. Consequently, you, Anthony Imkalami issued Advance Payment Guarantee of the sum of N26 million in favour of BDA Ltd”.

L-R: Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs, Dr. Precious Kalamba Gbeneol; head, MDGs Conditional Grants Scheme, Dr Seiyefa Brisibe, and Assistant Secretary-General/Special Advisor on Post-2015 Development Planning, Amina J. Mohammed, during the Presidential Summit on MDGs and Post -2015 Development Agenda in Abuja. Photo Patrick Ebi Amanama

DEATH: Police, Robbers In Gun Battle

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

The police at Enerlien Division, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State have shot an armed robbery suspect identified as Alex Akuraku and arrested him. His other gang members escaped.

The arrest was as a result of a report by one Akpome Gabriel of Oke Isodje

lane, Otor-Ovhe in Isoko North Local Government Area that four robbery suspects operating in a black Camry car robbed him of the sum of N100,000 at gun point at Okoroduda Junction, Effurun.

Immediately the robbers sighted the police, they opened fire and during the gun battle, one of the robbers was shot in the leg and was later arrested.

VANDALISM: Youths Tasked On Protection Of Pipelines

By Kunle Olasanmi, Abuja

Youths in the Niger Delta are set for a sensitization exercise on the effect of pipeline vandalism in the area.

The programme, organised by Youth Coalition (Y-CAV) is expected to run for three years.

The national coordinator of Y-CAV, Rowland Odih, who spoke on the sensitization programme, yesterday in Abuja, said since pipelines are more concentrated in the NigerDelta region, the programme is being organised to enlighten youths in the area on the hazards involved in pipeline vandalism.

He said the flag off of the programme would be followed by workshops and talk shows for the youths so that they can be more equipped on the hazards

involved in vandalism.

Odih said the programme, scheduled to take place in the Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State between August 28-29, will have in attendance, the Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, who is expected to speak to the youths on the hazards of pipeline vandalism.

“The programme is an innovative engagement platform geared at preventing electricity facilities and petroleum pipelines vandalism in Nigeria while also exploring areas of productive endeavours for the youths of the affected areas”, he said The national secretary of the Y-CAV, Comrade Solomon Adodo, on his part, urged the federal government to create jobs for the youths so as to stop vandalism.

L-R: Director-General\CEO, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Dr Ngeri Benebo; Director, Planning and Policy Analysis, Lawrence Anukam, and Director, Administration and Finance, Timothy Okeowo, during a one-day refresher\induction workshop for accredited environmental consultants in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO BY OGOH JOSEPH

L-R: Director of Publications, Rivers Ministry of Information and Communication, Mr Samuel Iyoyo; permanent secretary, Mrs Cordelia Peterside, and director, Public Enlightenment, Mr Paulinus Nsirim, at a media sensitisation campaign on Ebola in Port Harcourt yesterday. Photo By Nan

12

Thursday, August 21, 2014

C O R R U P T I O N : WIKE KNOWS THE FACE IN THE MIRROR an open letter

I

have been made aware of statements by the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike concerning the Justice Adolphus Karibi Whyte Hospital and our Malaria Elimination Program.

In the statement to his supporters, Mr. Wike insinuated that I engaged in corrupt practices in these projects. I would have dismissed Wike’s claims as the ranting of a fast drowning man who is disorientated by his circumstances but my duties and obligations as a public servant, accountable to the people of Rivers State does not allow such luxuries.

Therefore, I am constrained to respond to Wike’s delusional statements.

1. The Karibi Whyte Hospital is an on-going project with a target completion date. I shall in due time brief Rivers people on the progress of the hospital.

May I quickly add that the first contractor was disengaged based on spurious allegations and campaign of calumny orchestrated by Nyesom Wike, then the Chief of Staff and his cohorts. The Governor set up an independent panel of inquiry. The panel exonerated me of any wrong doing and stated that the State had lost no money on the project.

Not satisfied and blinded by his desire to implicate me in some crime pressured the security services and ICPC to arrest and indict me. I challenge Wike to tell Nigerians how much he spent to spread rumours of my arrest while I was in United Kingdom on official assignment. As stated earlier, I will give Rivers people a progress report on the Justice Adolphus Karibi Whyte Hospital. It suffices to state here that the 1,000 bed mega hospital is not an abandoned project and will be commissioned before long.

2. Malaria Elimination Program: Rivers State was the first State in Nigeria to embark on Malaria elimination. The Governor, after consultations with experts in Nigeria, ECOWAS and WHO decided that Malaria Elimination was achievable. Malaria is a disease that has killed more Africans, especially children, than all the world wars and inter tribal wars combined. This noble vision was supported by ECOWAS and even some foreign governments.

We commenced the first trial phase of this program which involved spraying of biolarvicide in select local government areas and towns in Rivers State.

This was done in conjunction with the Cuban government. The analysis and the effects of the spraying are known to the people as the findings were made

public. Malaria incident reduced by as much as 63% in the areas we sprayed.

In fact, it is the effectiveness and efficacy of our trial that led to the National Council on Health adopting Malaria Elimination as a national health policy for Nigeria.

Due to the success of this first phase and the high cost of transporting the biolarvicides we used, government, in order to reduce cost decided to set up a factory to manufacture this essential substance, in our Malaria Elimination Program. The foundation stone for this factory was laid by the ECOWAS President Kadre Desire Quedraogo and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who was represented by Minister for Health Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu at the proposed site Rumuosi in Obio Akpor Local Government Area which is Wike’s local government of birth.

ECOWAS is a partner in this project.

The factory on completion, will supply biolarvicides to the entire country and beyond. Construction of the factory shall soon commence.

Can Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike claim ignorance of these facts?

Honour must be given to whom it is due. Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has done extremely well in conceptualizing and provision of affordable, free qualitative health care to Rivers people. I am proud to have served as his Commissioner for health since the inception of this administration.

I know Nyesom Wike very well. We are both products of the Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi political family. Wike may be described as a son of perdition but he was loved by his family.

As I stated not too long ago, we have entered another political season. But this should not deter us from speaking the truth to our people.

The reality is that all power belongs to God and He gives to whom it pleases Him to bless. If in the quest for power we destroy institutions, malign people and fabricate stories just to score cheap political points, we fool nobody but ourselves. It is like building a structure on quick sands.

I am a man of simple tastes.

My family size is very manageable. I was practicing medicine before politics. God has blessed me. I know my history. I have no desire for primitive acquisition of obscene

wealth as I do not indulge in expensive habits like consumption of drinks that cost hundreds of thousands of naira a bottle. When I travel within and outside Nigeria I am content to do so in commercial airliners. Yet I feel no envy or jealousy towards those who, even as serving public officers, travel in private jets at least twice a week.

I challenge Nyesom Wike to make same claims. Wike has been in public service all of his adult life. There is no record that he has worked anywhere, either as a lawyer or a businessman, yet Nyesom wike has properties in Port Harcourt valued at over N5,000,000,000 ( five billion naira ) I shall give 50% of my August salary to Nyesom Wike or anybody who can prove that the Minister of State for Education has travelled to Port Harcourt on a commercial flight more than two times since being sworn in as Minister of State for Education. I repeat, at least two stubs of flight tickets or manifest that proves that Wike was a passenger on any commercial airline. Who pays for the chattered flights Wike comes to Port Harcourt with at least two times a week?

Wike’s private residence in Asokoro, Abuja, is said to be worth at least N1,000,000,000.00 (One billion naira).

How did the minister of state for education acquire that kind of property?

How can a man who has never managed a private company in his life afford tens of cars which he doles out to his supporters? Did he sponsor some of his supporters to the world cup in Brazil with his salary as Minister? How many years did he save money to sponsor these people to Brazil?

Wike should tell Nigerians who pays for his favorite b r a n d y, Louis XIII,

which costs at least £5,000 (five thousand pounds) or N1,400,000 a bottle?

Conversely, I challenge Wike to tell Nigerians and indeed the world my assets, apart from my house in Okrika, so as to support his allegations against me. He should also expose all the assets acquired by Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi who he claims to have made Governor of Rivers State.

The injunction that “those who live in glass houses should not throw stones” should have been imbibed by Wike.

He claims to be a lawyer but cannot show one brief written by him. His familiarity with court rooms are as a result of being a plaintiff or defendant in law suits. A man with no visible means of livelihood yet owns malls, mansions, and doles out cash and gifts in millions of naira daily; a man whose earnings do not match his assets should be the last person to accuse anyone of corruption.

He needs no one to show him the face in the mirror when he accuses people of corruption.

However, I pray that those who aspire to lead should be very mindful of their utterances and actions, especially in this season. If by the time this election cycle is over our people and institutions have been destroyed who will they govern?

I am ready to stake my character, reputation and integrity against Wike’s.

Let the Rivers people and indeed Nigerians be the judge.

Daily, I remind myself of what the good book says: “Power belongs to God.” DR. TAMUNOIYORIARI S. PARKER Hon. Commissioner for Health Rivers State.

18th August, 2014

Thursday, August 21, 2014

13

14 NEWS/BUSINESS

business news NNPC Grants 20% Interest On Offshore Licence

By Chika Izuora, Lagos with

agency Reports

SacOil Holdings Ltd has confirmed the award of 20 per cent participating interest in oil prospecting licence 233 offshore Nigeria.

The company said the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) granted and authorised the assignment of the equity interest.

According to a report by Alliance New, the African independent upstream oil and gas company, said the assignment would allow it to begin a broader and more proactive work programme over the asset.

SacOil said with the development it would now focus on continuing the progress made on the assets by working in collaboration with its joint venture

partners to deliver reserves and production.

“This is an important milestone in the history of the company which reflects our commitment to progress our assets and ensure the growth of the existing portfolio.”

“OPL233 fits with our strategy of acquiring and exploiting assets with discovered hydrocarbons.

This award now moves us to the next phase of unlocking the resource potential and delivering production,” chief executive Thabo Kgogo said in a statement.

OPL 233 is an offshore oil block that is located in the shallow marine area of the prolific Niger Delta region.

It encompasses an area of approximately 126 square kilometres and is located in water depths ranging from 3 to 10 metres.

NAICOM Seeks Partnership With ICPC To Deepen Insurance Penetration

BY NSE ANTHONY-UKO, Abuja

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has approached the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) for collaboration in its efforts at deepening insurance penetration in Nigeria.

Speaking at a meeting between the two federal agencies in Abuja on Tuesday, the chairman, Governing Board of NAICOM, Chibudom Nwuche, urged the ICPC to join hands with the insurance regulatory body in the fight against fraudulent transactions or activities in the insurance industry.

He reminded the ICPC that the NAICOM was saddled with the responsibility of regulating the insurance industry although it does not have the requisite powers

of enforcement, especially in terms of the arrest and punishment of fraudulent culprits.

Also speaking at the meeting, the commissioner for insurance and chief executive of NAICOM, Fola Daniel, reiterated that the primary responsibility of the commission was to ensure the protection of policy holders.

He solicited the assistance of the ICPC in fighting corrupt practices in the insurance industry, particularly in the area of returned premiums.

Responding, the chairman of the ICPC, Ekpo Nta, expressed his appreciation to the board and management of the NAICOM for the initiative. He expressed the readiness of the ICPC to collaborate with the NAICOM to ensure a corrupt free insurance sector in Nigeria.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

NSE Market Capitalisation Decline By N7bn OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

Equity transaction on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on yesterday closed on a downward note as market capitalisation dipped by N7 billion.

The market capitalisation at the end of the day’s trading recorded N13.799 trillion from N13.806 recorded on Tuesday.

The All-Share Index which opened at 41,812.14 points dropped by 22.58 points to close at 41,789.56 points.

Seplat lost N15 to lead the losers’ chart and closed its shares’ value at N680 per share. Nestle’s stock depreciated by N4 to close at

N1,095, while Nigerian Breweries fell by 50 kobo to close at N179 per share. Stanbic IBTC and Presco dipped by 30 kobo each to close at N30 and N36 per share.

On the gainers’ chart, Forte Oil’s shares were boosted by N2 to close at N238 per share. Guinness gained 88 kobo to close at N191 while Guaranty Trust Bank grew by 31 kobo to close at N29.50 per share.

Wapco gained 21 kobo to close at N118.21 and Oando appreciated by 20 kobo to close at N26.88 per share. UBA Capital was the most traded stock at the day’s trading, accounting for 18.7 million shares worth N40.20

million. Mutual Benefit exchanged 16.92 million shares valued at N9 million while Transcorp sold 13.47 million shares worth N75.64 million.

Diamond Bank traded 11.58 million shares valued at N71 million and UBA exchanged 8.13 million shares worth N59.08 million.

In all, 273.484 million shares worth N3.076 billion were traded in 4,766 deals during the transactions. Yesterday’s trading record showed a 36.70 per cent drop from Tuesday’s record as investors bought 192.115 million shares valued at N1.83 billion traded in 4,477 deals.

L-R: Commissioner in charge of engineering, Standards and Safety Division, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Mrs Mary Emiola Awolokun; chairman/chief executive officer, NERC, Mr Sam Amadi and group executive director, LEADERSHIP Group, Kazeem Durodoye during a visit by a delegation of the NERC to LEADERSHIP’s corporate headquarters in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY JOSEPH OGOH

Why Power Outage Has Continued Despite Privatisation – NERC

By EZRA IJIOMA, Abuja

Despite the privatisation of the Power Holding Companies of Nigeria (PHCN), there is still inadequate supply of electricity because of distortions and disruptions in gas supply to power plants.

This was disclosed by the chairman/chief executive officer (CEO), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Mr Sam Amadi, when he visited LEADERSHIP’s corporate office yesterday.

The NERC boss said that if enough gas is supplied to the power firms, they would be generating a minimum of 5,500 megawatts.

“The price of gas-to-power when compared to price of gas to other industries is not competitive and profitable according to the gas suppliers,” he said.

Also, the contractual framework between the gas

companies and the power firms does not make for regular supply since it is based on best endeavour on the part of the gas companies.

“If there was a small problem, they (the gas companies) can say that they can’t deliver because the agreement was based on best endeavour,” Amadi added.

Thirdly, he said that some of the power plants were set up without due consideration with regards to gas supply.

“Now, we depend on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) finishing its OB 1 and OB 3 projects to connect the East to the West, and power plants in the West need gas to fire their plants.

Also, poor project management caused leakages in the gas supplies,” Amadi noted.

He pointed out that the NERC does not regulate gas supply in the country but that this is the first time the gas-to-

power market is being properly reviewed in terms policy framework and commercial transactions.

He said that the power sector has been neglected for over 20 years and now is the right time to sort it out. Amadi called on the media to support the NERC’s effort in deepening the structural change in the gasto-power plants and creating a dependable and reliable electricity market.

On the financial crisis rocking the power sector, Amadi said that the NERC is working with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ease the loan repayment burden on the power distribution companies and reset the repayment terms.

“We want to use this crisis to improve corporate governance among the power companies,” he said.

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/business

Thursday, August 21, 2014

15

16 NEWS/BUSINESS

Thursday, August 21, 2014

High Level Misconduct, Impunity Still Exist In Civil Service- Jonathan

By George Agba, Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan lamented yesterday that a high level impunity and misconduct still exist in the civil service despite the reforms because civil servants have chosen to continually act wrongly over the years.

Accordingly, Jonathan who spoke, while swearing in the new Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Danladi Kifasi and a new commissioner representing Abia and Imo in the Federal Civil Service Commission, Mr. Chima Odunze, implored the new HoS to ensure that things are done properly and that certain aberrations still being noticed are properly addressed.

Jonathan said, “When we talk about bureaucracy in the civil service, the idea is to make sure that things are properly done and to minimize errors. For

example, if you advise Mr. President wrongly and he puts his signature on something, the effect of that is critical and that is why before the president or the minister should endorse something, that thing must have been properly vetted by the responsible officials.

“We started talking about reforms from the day of Obasanjo to date, we still notice certain aberrations and we believe that as the new head of the civil service of the federation, you will make sure that things are done properly. Your predecessor did very well.

I have worked with four heads of service and they have all done wonderfully well. I believe you will even improve on that.”

Noting, however, that the two people being sworn had been conversant with the management of the civil service, which is critical, Jonathan said, “For any government to

do well, the civil service is at the forefront and for us to succeed as a nation, there must be absolute discipline and good conduct in the civil service.”

On his part, the new HoS, Kifasi, said his vision for the service is to have a compact service that would be “well managed, well focused, committed, highly skilled and very innovative”.

On how his vision for the for the civil service Kifasi said he will set up feedback structures such as “a call centre and a blog, a website, twitter,” so that people can lay complains directly to him.

“I intend to set a limit of fourteen days maximum, any mail or document treated outside fourteen days such officers will be appropriately reprimanded and there will be incentives for those that do well and of course stick for those that don’t do well.”

Civil Defence Recovers N1.5bn From Job Racketeers Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

Men and officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have recovered N1,547,000,000 from over 600 persons arrested for engaging in illegal recruitment activities over the years.

This was disclosed by the public relations officer of NSCDC, Mr. Emmanuel Okey, at the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA), and the Media interactive parley convened by I-Nigerian Initiative in Abuja on Wednesday.

Also, Okey said 380 vandals from across the country were arrested between January and July 2014.

I-Nigerian Initiative is a non-governmental organisation active in the redefinition of Nigerians’ perception of their country.

The latest fraudster was one Michael Ogun from Edo State who was arrested in a suburb of Abuja recently with N495 million and other foreign currencies found in various bank accounts.

While disclosing that over N900 million has been refunded to victims, he advised Nigerians seeking employment with NSCDC to be wary of those peddling fake employment websites and bank accounts as the Corps does not invite applications through the internet and does not demand payment for employment forms.

Of the number arrested, 10 have already been convicted by different courts of law while 364 others are undergoing prosecution by either the Economic or Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Police or NSCDC officers.

Giving a further breakdown, Okey said 293

people were arrested for vandalising oil pipeline and gas installations while the remaining 87 were apprehended for destroying or stealing electricity, telecommunication and railway infrastructure.

He lamented the light convictions that some of the vandals were given and blamed them on available legal lacuna in the form of discretion given to law enforcement agents to either rely on the Legal/Penal Code or the Miscellaneous Offences Act. In the same vein, the Corps registered 61 private security companies within the period under review while 132 others are in different stages of processing. Seventy eight of them were sealed off for contravention and a sum of N180 million was generated from issuance or renewal of licences.

FG Targets 1.7m Households With Schools Agric Programme

BY EVELYN OKORUWA, Abuja

The Federal Government has said the presidential initiative on Schools Agriculture Programme will impact 1,776,000 household members.

This was made known by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Schools Agriculture Programme, Dr. Baraka Sani at the stakeholders consultative forum held to harmonize strategies and brainstormed on the ways to sustain agricultural development in Secondary schools.

She said the expected outcomes of the Programme at its conclusion will see

about 1,850 Students Agriculture Clubs (SACs) established; 222,000 beneficiaries of these Clubs would have become equipped with vital ‘Skills for Life’ while the multiplier effects on 1,776,000 household members would be recorded.

The Programme, with an expected life span of five years (2014-2019), and designed with an exit strategy and the institutional mechanisms to ensure sustainability on the state levels, will also ensure that all SACs are linked with umbrella associations for further development, major market and financial

institutions.

She further added that the programme has, as one of its core pillars, the potential to create decent jobs in sufficient quantity to resolve the protracted problem of youth unemployment and to reduce poverty.

It will also help in promoting diversification of the country’s economy, in line with the vision 20:20:20 and Agricultural Transformation.

Sani said that the pilot scheme will commence in twelve (12) states of the Federation with two States from each geo-political zone, including the FCT Abuja.

BOA Generates 2.42m Jobs In 4 Years

BY WENESO OROGUN, Abuja

The Bank of Agriculture (BOA), the successor to the defunct Nigerian Agricultural and Cooperative Bank (NACB), generated no fewer than 2,416,481 jobs in the four years ending December 2013, LEADERHIP has learnt.

It was gathered that 470,945 persons and corporate bodies, who borrowed a total of N18.169 billion from the bank, generated the over 2 million jobs in the 20102013 period.

Further breakdown

indicated that about 80,000 person borrowed N4.431billion and created about 350, 000 jobs. The year 2011 witnessed a drop in the lending activities of BOA when 45,000 loan beneficiaries received N4.254billion and generated 331,206 jobs.

The bank’s lending operations featured the highest amount of N5.168billion since 2010 in 2012 with 13,314 loan beneficiaries creating 225,731 jobs. Also, about 334,000 borrowers received N4.315billion and provided 1.5million jobs.

Further analysis showed that the percentage of BOA’s total lending to micro-enterprises was 67 (2010), 51 (2011), 49 (2012 )and 65 percent (2013).

The federal government recently announced plans for partial privatisation of both BOA and the Bank of Industry (BOI), the two leading development banks in the country.

Government said the decision is to allow the banks access private funds but the Lagos Chamber of Commerce (LCCI) condemned the decision.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

BUSINESS/AGRICULTURE 17

Agric, Bedrock Of Food And Nutrition Security

The scourge of poverty in the world is unacceptable. While many gains have been made in reducing global poverty, nearly 50 per cent of the world’s people still live below the poverty line. Of the 7.1 billion people in the world, nearly 850 million or one in eight, are hungry. In children, malnutrition is the cause of 45 per cent of annual deaths of under-five years old, about 3.1 million children. Yet global wealth in 2013 rose to a new high, at $241 trillion, up by 68 per cent within the past ten years. This high inequality is untenable.

Much is said about a rising Africa on the global economic stage, with Africa today being home to seven of the 10 fastest growing economies in the world and an emerging middle class, improved governance, and a heightened interest by foreign investors.

Economic growth is rising, but we need more than GDP growth. People will eat food, not GDP growth.

Malnutrition, especially lack of essential minerals and vitamins pose major challenges in African countries. It is estimated that twelve Africans die every minute as a result of hunger and malnutrition. Almost 240 million people in subSaharan Africa do not eat well enough for their health and well-being. Africa has the highest prevalence of undernourishment in the world, afflicting almost every one in four people. Eighty percent of the world’s stunted children live in just 14 countries, of which eight are in Africa.

The disconnect between the nature of growth and the rising number of poor people require lifting millions out of poverty, and creating a model of shared prosperity, which must focus on transforming its rural economies. And the way to do this is to transform agriculture and the rural economy - the new wealth economy. A major reason for high rural poverty and malnutrition in Africa is the poor performance of agriculture - the main source of livelihoods for majority of the poor.

For long, agriculture has been treated as a development sector, as a way to manage, not eliminate, poverty. We must turn things around, and

agric focus

end the treating of agriculture as a development programme, while treating agriculture as a business.

Over fifteen years ago,

By Akinwumi Adesina Howarth Bouis and other scientists thought of developing crops that have micronutrients, to make them easily accessible.

The benefits of that work spearheaded by HarvestPlus are beginning to get to developing countries. After the first global conference on bio-fortification, four years ago, high iron pearl millet has been released in India, provitamin A cassava and maize have been released in Nigeria and Zambia. Orange flesh sweet potato continues to make significant progress in several countries, including Rwanda, Mozambique, Kenya and Nigeria. High iron beans are being cultivated by over 600,000 farmers in Rwanda.

Africa is leading the world in the cultivation of bio fortified crops, with 1.5 million farming households now growing bio-fortified food crops. Nigeria, under President Goodluck Jonathan (the “farmers’ President”) is giving strong political support behind the bio-fortification in Africa, in partnership with Harvest Plus, Global Alliance for Improving Nutrition (GAIN), Bill Adesina and Melinda Foundation, the International Potato Centre and the International biofortified grow Institute of Tropical cassava, maize, sweet potato these nutritionally beneficial Agriculture. and pearl millet in the new crops and consumers need to Vitamin-A cassava and Micronutrient Deficiency eat them. Efforts should be sweet potato have already Control Guidelines that were made to educate the public been released in Nigeria by approved by the National that a bio-fortified crop does our National Roots Crop Council on Health in August not the same as a genetically Research Institute, Umudike.

2013. Strong partnerships modified crop.

Iron and zinc-fortified pearl between Ministries of The fear generated by millet as well as sorghum are Agriculture, Health and this confusion generates now being tested. The Federal Education will enhance the continues to hinder rapid Ministry of Agriculture success of nutrition efforts uptake of bio-fortified crops. and rural development we in Nigeria. Our challenge Greater attention should be distributed stems of proas policy makers now is to put on the bio-availability of vitamin A cassava to over build up demand and scale the nutrients, especially how 100,000 farmers in 2013. up bio-fortified crops to to combine bio-availability This year, we are targeting reach millions of households. with development of pre350,000 farmers. We are To achieve this, we must biotics, non digestible incorporating pro Vitamin-A address supply and demand carbohydrates which can cassava and orange flesh side issues, including policy, greatly improve the rate of sweet potato into our Growth institutional, regulatory and absorption of micronutrients.

Enhancement Support financing of nutrition.

Investment in nutrition Scheme (GES) to reach 2.5 We must expand awareness is investing in the economy. million farm households. among farmers and For our children, it means We are determined to make consumers on the benefits investing in the future. The Nigeria the largest grower of of bio-fortified crops, and future of Africa depends on bio-fortified crops in Africa. include farmers early in the what we do with our kids The minister of health has technology development today.

A hungry child cannot provided support by including process. Our farmers need to

learn and a malnourished kid will become brain impaired, with low income earnings in the future.

The greatest contributor to economic growth is not physical infrastructure but brain power - “grey matter infrastructure.” Brazil understood this when former President Lula launched the zero hunger programme.

Bolsa Familial (family grant), the flagship programme then, provided a monthly income of about $82 to poor families, with requirements to participate in health care (immunisation, prenatal care, child development) and education of children.

By 2010, the programme reached 48 million people per year. School feeding programmes complemented this, with a national school feeding programme that provided about 47 million meals per day, free of charge, across all public schools. A unique aspect of the program is that 30 per cent of the funds must be used to buy food directly from local farmers in the surrounding area, creating an institutional market of $354 million per year for farmers.

Africa must learn from the experience of Brazil’s ‘zero hunger’ programme and make school feeding programmes compulsory. The right of children to food and nutrition must be enshrined in constitutions all across Africa. The right to food must be entrenched in our constitutions.

School feeding programmes focusing on nutrient-rich crops, grown by farmers within their localities, open up huge institutional markets for farmers crops, while feeding their kids with healthy school meals.

Government tax incentives should be given to companies to incorporate bio-fortified crops into their food chains, in addition to the regular fortification of foods. African countries need to significantly invest in scaling up food and nutrition and devote at least three per cent of the GDP to food nutrition interventions.

Adesina, Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, gave this speech at the 2nd Global Conference on Biofortification, in Kigali, April 1, 2014

18 BUSINESS/mines & steel

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Sada

mines & steel REPORT

Miners at work

Reforming Solid Minerals Sector: Policy Or Reality?

Stakeholders and experts in the field have blamed the lack of data as a major lacuna to the development of the minerals and mining sector.

Ruth Tene Natsa writes on the recommendations on the sector and how far they have been implemented.

Information is power and the lack or ignorance of it is the fundamental cause of failure, backwardness and underdevelopment.

It is, therefore, no wonder that stakeholders and experts have blamed the absence of information on the near failure of the nation’s solid minerals as revealed by experts.

The solid minerals sector in Nigeria has been described as a once thriving contributor to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) through the contributions of royalty payments, fees and rents which was said to have formed a significant portion of the nation’s revenue, making the sector formidable for job creation, poverty alleviation, power generation and encourage the use of coal, rather than gas and firewood as household cooking fuel.

When the federal government in the 1970s nearly collapsed the sector through the nationalisation policy which led to the departure of major mining companies, leaving the sector to the mercy of illegal miners who had a fields day mining natural and mineral sources, the illegal miners paid no taxes, gave no heed to the environment and formed such negative impressions that no right thinking investor saw the need to invest in the sector.

Aside the nationalisation policy, the nation’s oil find, which made the interest of all to be riveted on oil and gas, made the sector a shadow of its former self until recent information that the nation’s dependence on oil was risky as the oil will not last.

According to experts, given the next 50 years, Nigeria may not have oil. A recent study has also shown that oil may be found in rocks.

Whether true or not, the President

Goodluck-led government, through its diversification programme, is seeking to divert attention from oil and gas by developing the nation’s agriculture and solid minerals.

The efforts by government to reform the solid minerals sector led to the workshop in Abuja on August 19, 2013, bringing together captains of government institutions and functionaries, captains of industries, experts, and international organisations to brainstorm on issues that have hindered the development of the sector. At the end of the workshop, what majorly came out as a hindrance to the development of the sector was the none availability of data.

Sadly, while many challenges were listed, the absence of data was considered a major hindrance. The president emphasised the need to create a data base that would correct the slow progress of the sector. In his opening remarks, President Goodluck Jonathan spoke on the reasons for government’s interest in reforming the sector. “Nigeria is endowed with abundant coal reserves necessary for the power generation. There is no reason we should not explore that sector.

For example, the coal resource represents an excellent opportunity for us to diversify our economic energy stock. It is our intention that 30 per cent of our electricity generation should come from coal using environmentally friendly clean technology.

“Nigeria has about 44 varieties of minerals in more than 500 locations, seven of which are recognised as strategic minerals owing to their high economic potential. The country has the capacity to expand the contribution of the solid minerals sector to the

economy. The fact that the minerals are spread across the country is a blessing as every part of Nigeria can prosper from there.

Meanwhile, the president Nigeria Miners Association, Alhaji Sani Shehu, in his comments at the workshop, commended the federal government for removing import duties on mining equipment while calling for sustainability of the process to maintain the development becoming evident in the sector. He also appealed to the president to extend funding opportunities as done in the Agriculture sector to enable Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASM) access to funds for their mining project. Sani recommended a buying centre for minerals as a means to checkmate the constant smuggling of mineral products outside the shores of the country which denies the government of huge revenues through royalty payments.

The workshop at its plenary sessions was divided into minerals exploration, finance model for solid mineral development, coalfor-power, legal and environment issues and came out with several recommendations to aid the development of the sector, including the creation of bankable data which can be used to identify the amount of proven reserves available on specific minerals.

Among the recommendations presented by the various chairmen of the groups was a call for the integration of entities involved in the sector, making information available and accessible, prioritisation and emphasis on specific minerals, planning and development of infrastructures for development and financing for exploration purposes.

A buying centre for minerals as a means to checkmate the constant smuggling of mineral products outside the shores of the country which denies the government of huge revenues through royalty payments should be established.

‘implementation Of Roadmap Will Ensure Devt’

By Ruth Tene Natsa, Abuja

The minister of mines and steel development, Mr Mohammed Musa Sada, during the presentation of the solid minerals development roadmap said the desire for the diversification of the nation’s economy away from over dependence on oil as the principal revenue source gave rise to the evolution of the roadmap.

The roadmap, according to him, was aimed at “increasing the sector’s contribution from the current 0.4 to at least five per cent by the year 2015 and 10 per cent by year 2020, creating about three million direct and indirect jobs by 2015, facilitating the production of coal needed to fire coal-fired power plants that would contribute 30 per cent of the nation’s power generation by year 2020.”

He also said other aims included “revitalising the entire steel sector for the operation and production of three million tonnes of liquid steel per annum by 2015 and 12.2 million tonnes of liquid steel per annum by 2020.

“Producing geological maps on a scale of 1:100,000, covering the entire nation by 2020 and achieving enhanced capacity to supply 50 per cent of the skilled manpower required for all segments of the minerals and metal sector, among others were other purposes the development of the solid minerals development roadmap meant to attain,” Sada stated. He also re-emphasised that the purpose of the roadmap was to take advantage of the rising international and local commodity prices and the global resurgence of exploration and exploitation activities with their attendant huge investments in the sector.

Speaking with LEADERSHIP, the president, Nigerian Miners Association, Alhaji Sani Shehu, was of the view that the progress since the presentation of the roadmap has been slow but steady.

“In the first place, the roadmap is a guide on how the Mining and Minerals Act can be regulated and implemented as well as ensuring effective implementation of government policies. The roadmap cannot be divorced from the rules and regulations guiding the sector,” Shehu said.

As for some of the developments that have accrued to the sector since the implementation of the roadmap, Shehu said, “So far we have seen the creation of the Solid Minerals Development Fund which has been created in principle but lacks the necessary funding to achieve the development anticipated by the sector. So far, the development has been slow and steady but as long as the sector lacks funding, not much can be done.”

Also, a recent NEITI report has revealed that there was a reversal in the sector’s contribution to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) as the sector which is said to contribute virtually nothing has been seen now to be contributing almost .5 per cent while at the same time remaining a huge platform for employment generation.

commerce/BUSINESS 19

Thursday, August 21, 2014

AfDB Pledges N34.7bn In Grants To Curb Ebola Outbreak

By Kingsley Alu, Abuja

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) this week approved a $60million(N9.9billion) investment grant as part of a $210 million (34.7billion) package for immediate implementation to help strengthen West Africa’s public health systems in response to the Ebola crisis.

The bank’s board, traditionally in recess during the month of August, convened an emergency meeting demonstrating the urgency of the situation and the bank’s commitment to curb this global public health emergency.

With over 2,000 cases and 1,145 people confirmed dead, the bank said this was a tragedy that could have been prevented if investments were directed towards building stronger health systems.

“This is one of the most complicated health crises we have ever known. We are not simply dealing with a health problem but with the breakdown of entire health systems in some of the countries in the (West Africa) region,” AfDB president, Donald Kaberuka, told executive directors in Abidjan who participated in the board meeting through video and telephone link-ups.

This grant is part of a $210 million package which includes $150 million in both loans and grants, along with the $60 million grant, which has been awarded to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) sub-regional Ebola Outbreak Coordinating Centre located in Conakry, Guinea, given their extensive experience with global epidemics.

The $60 million sum includes four emergency assistance grants of $1 million to each of the four countries affected by Ebola to help them contain the disease.

The project will support ongoing efforts to reduce morbidity, mortality from Ebola and help break the chain of transmission of the disease by strengthening

sub-regional public health systems. It will support West Africa’s Ebola disease outbreak response plan from August to December 2014.

Kaberuka said In the long-term (2015-2017), the bank’s assistance would support overall strengthening of public health systems in West African countries to facilitate early detection

and response to potential threats arising from epidemic and pandemic prone diseases.

The proposed project, he maintained, critically seeks to respond to the specific needs identified by the expert community in response to this category 3 world emergency epidemic.

Board members commended the speed

with which the bank designed the project and emphasised the need for close monitoring and follow-up mechanisms for effective implementation.

The bank’s chief medical officer, Dr. Nelly Iteba, described the current figures on the impact of the disease as not adequate capture the scale of the epidemic in the West African region considering

the difficulty encountered by health officials in collecting data in such a huge crisis situation.

“Failure to contain the spread of Ebola is an example of the failure of health systems in Africa, not just the lethal nature of the disease,” said Dr Agnes Soucat, director for human development at the African Development Bank. “This is why we

are investing in mobile technology deployment (m-health) and building human resources for health.”

According to the bank, the project would be coordinated by the WHO sub-regional Ebola Outbreak Coordinating Centre, based in Conakry, along with the West African Health Organization (WAHO).

20 BUSINESS/ENERGY

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Power Sector Reforms: NEMSA Bill Is In Order Since the recent privatisation of the power sector in Nigeria, a lot has been said of the need to ensure that the privatisation policy where assets close to N350 billion committed into the hands of investors would boast of a sound regulatory agency. In this piece, Duro Meseko writes that the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Authority Bill 2014 (NEMSA Bill 2014) could not have come at a most appropriate moment.

The bill being sponsored by Philip Aduda and Patrick Ikhariale, chairmen of the committees on power in the Senate and House of Representatives respectively, has passed the Second Reading in the House and is at the stage of public hearing.

When the first public hearing was held few weeks ago, both Aduda and Ikhariale harped on the need for the power sector to have an agency that is technically qualified to handle issues such as meter testing and certification, enforcement of technical standards/regulations among others.

They noted that these functions are not under the technical jurisdiction of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Ikhariale specifically noted that the NEMSA bill, when operational, would serve to curb line and power cuts, electricity accidents, systems shutdown and blackouts amongst others, while Aduda submitted that the Bill would instill the much needed standardisation sanity which the sector unfortunately lacks.

The speaker of the House of Representative, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, also added his voice to the urgent need for an effective and efficient regulatory authority that would promote best practices in the power sector, saying that “trial and error must give way to appropriate standards.”

The idea behind the NEMSA Bill is to effectively make the Electricity Management Services Limited (EMSL), one of the power successor companies, more effective and alive

to its responsibilities as enshrined in Part 1 (one) Section 8 of the Electric Power Sector Reforms Act 2005 and the Supplementary Regulations numbers 46 and 47 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria official Gazette No. 85 Vol. 97 and Government notice 374 of 2010 respectively.

The EMSL is an offshoot of the Electrical Inspectorate Services (EIS), a department of the Federal Ministry of Power, before the power sector reforms with full complements of technical staff and laboratory and test equipments spread across the country. Currently, the EMSL has no less than 16 area offices across the country in order to move its services closer to the people for greater efficiency.

Apart from this, the EMSL has three standard National Meter Test Stations/L aborator ies located in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kaduna to perform functions of meter testing, calibration and type test to verify and confirm accuracies whether they conform with international standards or not.

Over the years, the issue of technical gap in the enforcement of technical standards and certification in the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) has raised serious concerns amongst stakeholders.

At the Asaba Power Summit in August 2012, the then minister of power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, had directed in the summit communiqué that the EIS Department of the Federal Ministry of Power, now the EMSL, should continue to perform these all important technical statutory/ enforcement functions.

Thus, the Bill, when

passed, and the NEMSA becomes a full fledged agency that would have the mandate to ensure amongst others, that electrical materials, equipment and instruments used in the NESI are of the right qualities, standards and specifications; that power systems and networks put in place have been well planned, properly designed and executed before use to ensure that such systems are capable of delivering safe, reliable and regular electricity supply to consumers nationwide, thereby guaranteeing safety of lives and property within the NESI and offgrid networks.

The NEMSA is also to ensure that electric meters and instruments used in the

NESI are of the right type, quality, class and accuracy for proper accountability of energy delivered, supplied and utilised by the consumers. It would ensure that the inherited existing non-core assets such as meter test station, clinics, central stores, chemical laboratories, central mechanical and transformer repair workshops are efficiently utilised to provide improved services in the power sector amongst others. At a recent meeting with journalists in Abuja, the managing director/chief executive officer (CEO) of the EMSL, Mr Peter Ewesor, disclosed that some of the services to be offered by the EMSL when fully operational include facilitating “logistics

services for the movement of generation, transmission and distribution equipment from ports to site and also transportation of damaged equipment to the EMS repair workshops” while also providing “storage facilities for all electric power sector players and other related businesses.”

He also said that the EMSL would “utilise the printing press to print security and nonsecurity documents, for instance bills, connection/ disconnection forms, receipts, e.t.c.” and also “provide data, information and library services for stakeholders, investors, researchers, academics, e.t.c.” amongst others.

Although some critics have argued that the

NEMSA Bill, when passed, would amount to duplication of functions between the NEMSA and NERC, there is no where in the enabling laws establishing the NERC where the above is embedded. Indeed having suffered several years of backwardness and crass inefficiency in the power sector, Nigeria certainly deserves no less than the best which the NEMSA Bill seeks to entrench in the industry.

The National Assembly should be commended for the speed with which it has processed the bill and should be encouraged to pass it without further delay.

—Meseko wrote in from Lagos.

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Thursday, August 21, 2014

LETTEr TO THE PrEsIDEnT, nIEGrIAn BAr AssOcIATIOn

GEE PLAZA HOTEL LIMITED 158/MCC/URATTA ROAD, OWERRI, IMO STATE TELEPHONE: 0702-333-2956

RC:874321

18th August, 2014

The President, Nigerian Bar Association, National Headquarters, Garki, Abuja, FCT. Sir,

NOTIFICATION OF THE FLAGRANT DISREGARD OF THE JUDGEMENT OF COURT CONCERNING THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE OWERRI, VENUE OF THE PROPOSED ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE BAR The above refers.

On behalf of the entire management and staff of Gee Plaza Hotel Limited, majority owner of lmo Hotels Limited, I wish to congratulate and identify with you for the pivotal roles the Bar has been playing in our body polity as the mouthpiece of the downtrodden.

There is no doubt that majority of Nigerians have found hope and rays of light owing to your sterling and exemplary leadership qualities. May the good Lord continue to guide and protect you.

Sir, due to the investment drive of the past administration in lmo State, Gee Plaza Hotel Limited acquired the majority and controlling shares in the then lmo Hotels Limited. The payments for the shares were segmented into two and to be paid vide cash and investment in lieu of cash. Gee Plaza Hotel Limited complied and proceeded to refurbish the hotel so as to bring it up to the best international standards. Alas, that was not to be as the government of Governor Rochas Okorocha began subtle moves to truncate the process by frustrating all the developmental efforts of Gee Plaza Hotel Limited. They pulled down the existing structures and dissipated the assets of the hotel.

Unable to stomach the continued infraction, Gee Plaza Hotel Limited went to court with a view to safeguard its investment. After exchange of pleadings, the trial court Per 1.0 Agugua J found for us and declared the actions of lmo State Government as null and void (copy of the judgement is herewith attached). Several letters were also written to the government and its agents in that regard [copies herewith attached]. While the matter was in court, the government of lmo State began to foist fait accompli on the court by constructing the International Conference Centre

and other structures on the property. They went ahead to even construct access road therein and refused to obey the judgement of court till this day. This is a flagrant abuse of power and executive lawlessness. As it stands today, Gee Plaza Hotel Limited is the lawful owner of the whole property known as old lmo Hotels Limited and its consent has not been sought for use of the premises to host the forthcoming annual general conference of Nigeria Bar Association.

As a reputable and law abiding organisation, we strongly believe that the leadership and entire members of NBA will not lend itself to this antidemocratic tendency and trespass. As a body of lawyers who should lead by example, we hereby call upon you to boycott the annual event sought to be hosted on property and or relocate to another venue. Already, we have commenced legal moves to make sure that this abuse of power and emasculation of a n innocent investor do not materialise.

While thanking you for your anticipated understanding and cooperation, please accept the assurances of our warm regards and esteem.

Yours faithfully, Pp: GEE PLAZA HOTEL LIMITED

Chief Athan N. Achonu MD/CEO.

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Thursday, August 21, 2014

Please, let sen. ali sheriff be!!

Our attention has been drown by barrage of orchestrated campaign of calumny against Sen. Ali Sheriff by media houses through persons sponsored by enemies of progress in Borno.

Some of the narratives seek to suggest that because Boko Haram came to the fore during his tenure, that he should be blamed for. This is not only unfair, but a calculated attempt to mar his ever surging popularity in the politics of Nigeria. If their assertions that because the crises started during his tenure, therefore he should be blamed for it holds any water, then we should also comfortably blame Gov. Abubakar Rimi of blessed memories for all the atrocities of Maitatsine and as well as President Obasanjo for Niger-Delta militancy.

It is rather unfortunate that allegations are rife that the chief Beneficiary of the Ali Sheriff led Govt is romoured to be the one sponsoring all this blackmail. “Et tu, Brute” Caesar would have said. In fact rumours are making rounds that whenever Gov. Kashim visits Abuja, his lodge is turned to a Mecca of some sort for freelance journalist trying to outdo each other on who blackmailed SAS the most. Some who are not creative enough were given already prepared scripts to play out the blackmail game.

This is a person that defied all odds, even against the wish of his own family, and all major political stake holders to ensure that a novice, an armature politician, a near invisible, whose political adventure started in 2007 emerged as the candidate for the ruling All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). He didn’t leave it at that, he went further to ensure that this unknown novice was elected Governor of Borno State.

As if that was not enough, Kashim Shettima was the only Governor in the History of Nigeria who took over office with a resounding bank balance of over Sixty Billion Naira. Haba! If SAS

doesn’t have Borno at heart, would he have left so much? Haba! If he didn’t mean well for Kashim, he would have easily mortgage the state to him, upfront.

This feat of betrayal and disloyalty is unprecedented and one of its own kind.

Haven’t Kashim looked at his colleagues in the south-west, of recent, the social media was flooded with scenes of celebrations in Osun state. However, one other picture stands out, the picture of Gov. Rauf bowing to chief Bisi Akande was legendary and speaks volumes on respect and loyalty.

As if possessed by a diabolic agenda, the amount of energy and resources deployed to this blackmail agenda are staggering, we heard. How could one devout so much resources and energy to such a frivolous issue, we wonder. If Borno, that’s war ravaged, with its decimal economic activities would still be made to bear this recklessness, then we think its handlers are not only being unfair but highly irresponsible.

Again, the recent comments attributed to the Gov. Kashim Shettima that Boko Haram started 25 year ago throws another dimension to the whole imbroglio. Where then does SAS fit in here, or is it another desperate attempt at distorting history in order to court new friends or what.

In all of this, we are hereby calling on whosoever that is bent on soiling SAS’s name to desist from this unwarranted campaign of calumny. We are also calling on those so called journalist that have found a new trade in blackmailing SAS and seeking to distort history to desist from abusing jounalism. We also wish and want to believe that the allegations labelled against the state Gov is not true. A word is enough for the wise.

Signed:

bukar ali kawuri

23

job search Thursday, August 21, 2014

INTERVIEWS NETWORKING PERSONAL BRANDING JOB SEEKER PROFILES

5 Reasons You Should Network With People Who Aren’t In Your Industry There are a ton of people out there who believe networking should remain strictly within their field or industry. Why would anyone else benefit them? What could they do to help those outside of their industry? Unfortunately, this closeminded approach isn’t the smartest networking strategy. In fact, it’s extremely beneficial to network with professionals who aren’t in your specific industry. Why? Here are five great reasons: 1 They Can Be Good References Although it’s important to have references who are in your specific field of interest, it’s not a bad idea to include professional references who aren’t in your industry. Although they might not be able to speak to your specific skill set, they can provide insight into your character, work ethic, and ability to build professional relationships. Just make sure you give your contact a heads up before you list them as a reference! Not only is it inappropriate to just list someone without asking for their permission, but it’s also not a good strategy for you. If you don’t allow them to prepare for the call, they might say the wrong thing. Not good for anyone!

2 They Could Become A Customer Branching out and networking with professionals from different

You Should Network With People Who Aren’t In Your Industry

industries can seem unproductive, however, it can really give your sales a boost. Let’s say you’re a website designer. If you’re only making an effort to network with other website designers, you’re probably not going to get many clients. However, if you’re actively seeking to network with people who you think could benefit from having a website (ahem, pretty much everyone), you could really increase your client base.

3 They Might Know Someone Let’s say you’re a writer who is looking for professional writing or blogging opportunities. Let’s also say you just met this delightful person at an event who works in

marketing. Since content marketing is in such high-demand right now, it’s very possible that person knows someone in the publishing industry who is looking for professional writers. The truth is, you just never know who someone knows!

4 Or YOU Might Know Someone And the same goes for you – you might have someone in your network who could benefit from connecting with this marketing professional. Maybe they need some marketing work done for their brand – you could help both parties by simply providing an introduction. They will remember your generosity and repay you later.

5 They Can Provide a Different Perspective It’s always good to have people in your pocket who are willing to give you feedback. It’s especially helpful to know people who have little to no ties to your industry, products, or services because they can give you honest feedback on things like marketing strategies.

What did they think about a certain phrase you used to promote your brand? Did they feel like they understood exactly what you were selling and why they needed to purchase it? Having people who are outside your field of expertise can be extremely beneficial in terms of feedback.

1. They Can Be Good References They can provide insight into your character, work ethic, and ability to build professional relationships.

2. They Might Know Someone The truth is, you just never know who someone knows!

3.They Can Provide a Different Perspective It’s always good to have people in your pocket who are willing to give you feedback.

INTERVIEWS 4 Things You Must Do During a Skype Interview

Make sure everything is correctly set up and working before the interview Run some tests to make sure the camera is working and that people can see you properly. Put the camera in the right place so that it is neither too close

nor too far from your face. Test the microphone as well to make sure that it works and that the interviewer can hear you well. The best way to do so is to do a mock interview with a friend who will tell you if you need to make some adjustments. Charge your laptop the day before so that it is fully charged for the Skype call. You don’t want it to switch off during the interview!

not to play with your hair if you are nervous! The interviewer will be focused on your face as it is the only part of you s/he can see and seeing you doing that will either annoy or distract him/her. Do not forget to smile and be enthusiastic!

It is harder to stay focused in a Skype interview so you need to interest the recruiter and make sure s/he is having a good time interviewing you.

2 Look professional It is not because you are at home that you shouldn’t be dressed professionally. Wear a shirt and a suit, make sure your hair looks good and sit up straight. Be careful

3 Be aware of the environment Even if you set up the camera so that the recruiter can only see your face, there is always a part of the background that will be seen.

A messy room with an undone bed and teenager’s posters will not make a good first impression!

Choose a room with a nice natural light, tasteful decoration and, above all, tidy! It is also very important that you are in a quiet environment. A noisy background will annoy both the recruiter and you as you’ll have to repeat what you say and won’t be sure you understood what the other said properly.

4 Have everything you might need within reach Keep a notepad and a pencil by your laptop in case you need to write down something. By doing

so, you won’t have to stand up to look around and make the recruiter wait. Have your resume and portfolio ready to be sent in case the interviewer asks you for it.

Think of documents you could use to complement your speech. While you are talking about student projects, previous experiences or hobbies, send the related documents to the recruiter to give him/her a better idea of what you are talking about. It can be a poster you designed for an event you organised or an article about your performance in a sport you practice for example. It makes the interview more interactive.

Compiled by Olujide Olusola

24

Delivery Personnel in True Rebel Fashion Company Nigeria Limited, Yobe BSc Entry Level Visit: http://jbng.me/364780 Or send your CV to: 346fc@jbng.me The True Rebel Fashion Company is a fashion e-commerce venture that recently launched. We specialize in the nationwide retail of jewelry items offering a payment on delivery service Nationwide. The company is a young company filled with young people in their twenties and early 30’s. We have fun in each other’s company and also get all the required work done.

We are currently in need of delivery persons in every state of the country EXCEPT Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt Job Description • Delivery of fashion items to persons within state of resident and environs.

• Safely transport products to customer locations in a timely, safe and courteous manner • Adhere to all safety requirements particular to the products.

• Responsible for contacting customers to verify delivery address.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

• Focuses sales efforts by studying existing and potential volume of dealers.

• Keeps management informed by submitting activity and results reports, such as daily call reports, weekly work plans, and monthly and annual territory analyses.

• Monitors competition by gathering current marketplace information on pricing, products, new products, delivery schedules, merchandising techniques, etc.

• Recommends changes in products, service, and policy by evaluating results and competitive developments.

• Resolves customer complaints by investigating problems; developing solutions; preparing reports; making recommendations to management.

Conditions • Applicants must be residing in the very place they are applying for • Applicants must understand the dialect of the place they are applying for • Applicants must possess 3-7 years of reasonable working experience • Knowledge of FMCG sales is an added advantage • Minimum of lower diploma certificate

Job Prerequisites • Should have a first degree.

• Must be fluent in English.

• Must be male.

• Must be familiar with the terrain of the state you are applying for • Must be able able to provide two referees who would vouch for your character and take responsibility in incident of theft or any other unusual behaviour that can dent the image if the company.

• Must be level headed.

Special Skills & Qualifications: • Customer Service, Meeting Sales target, Territory Management, Negotiation, Energetic, Presentation Skills, Client Relationships, Motivation for Sales.

Remuneration • Attractive commission for every delivery we send your way.

• We would cover all expenses such as transportation and phone credit.

• We would be hiring you full time as we expand enough to have more deliveries going your route.

What you need to do • Interested candidates should forward a copy of their CV + Cover letter

Method of Application Interested and qualified persons should click on the APPLY button indicating “delivery personnel/State of resident.

E.g Delivery personnel/Oyo state, Delivery Personnel/Delta State, Delivery Personnel/Kano State etc.

Regional Sales Representative in DOGAN’S Sugar Limited, Yobe BSc 3 - 5 years Visit: http://jbng.me/361429 Or send your CV to: 339e5@jbng.me Dogan’s Sugar Limited requires the services of qualified candidate for this position Job Description • Obtains orders, and establishes new accounts by planning and organizing daily work schedule to call on existing or potential sales outlets and other trade factors.

Motivation After the review of applicant’s CV, successful candidates will be invited for interview in our factory premises, Lagos.

Cost of transportation TO & FRO will be catered for.

Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) Deputy Program Manager in Action Against Hunger (ACF), Yobe BSc, 3 - 5 years Visit: http://jbng.me/363703 Or send your CV to: 342c7@jbng.me Action against Hunger | ACFInternational is recruiting interested and suitably qualified candidates to fill the position: The FSL Deputy Program Manager will primarily be responsible for implementing the Livelihood sub sector of the Humanitarian multisectorial rapid response mechanism (RRM) program in Yobe state, Nigeria implemented by ACF and funded by USAID. Livelihood restoration sub sector aims to protect and restore livelihoods of people affected by insurgency in Yobe State through the replacement or rehabilitation of pre-existing livelihood assets and inputs, through cash based interventions and the capacity building to improve skills or production in preexisting livelihood assets.

Summary of Key Objectives: • Provide support to the ACF’s RRM Specialist to implement the program successfully, harmonizing and developing technical approach, and ensuring that the technical standards, guidelines and methodologies developed are applied.

• Manage field teams within livelihood sub sector to ensure compliance, technical quality and coherence in all FSL interventions.

• Ensure tracking and reporting of technical activities under Livelihood subsector.

• Recruitment, capacity building and coaching of field staff within livelihood sub sector.

• Provide support to FSL Coordinator to implement FSL strategy.

Qualifications & Essential Skills: Essential • Degree in FSL related studies e.g. agro-economy, natural resource management, anthropology, etc.

• Professional, motivated, open, creative, mature, responsible, flexible and, culturally sensitive • Excellent team, budget and project management and representation competencies • Previous experience with food security and livelihoods programming.

• Three years relevant work experience • Microsoft Office Skills (Outlook, Excel, Power Point, Word) • Willing and able to be based and travel regularly within remote areas, where services are limited.

• Fluency in Hausa and English • Commitment to ACF mission, values and policy Preferred • Previous experience managing cash based interventions (i.e. cash for work, cash transfers or cash vouchers) • Previous experience with ACF • Experience implementing programming on behalf of donor (i.e.

USAID, ECHO, DFID, CIDA) funded activities Method of Application Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV together with their Cover Letter as an email attachment.

Freelance Sales Executive in Maximus Prime, Plateau SSCE, Entry Level Visit: http://jbng.me/363994 Or send your CV to: 343ea@jbng.me A new textile company URGENTLY requests the service of an Independent full-time/part time Sales Representative, who is able to find and manage new customers and provide them with our quality goods and services.

Responsibilities: • Responsible for meeting the sales targets of the organization.

• Must understand who can perform a particular task in the most effective way.

• Devise strategies and techniques necessary for achieving the sales targets.

• Map out potential customers and generate leads for the organization.

• Be able to look forward to generating new opportunities for the organization.

Qualification and Requirements: • A Minimum of SSCE • A good command of English language • Self-driven and a go-getter • Passionate

Van Sales Representative in Recruitment Agency, Kwara HND, BSc 1 - 3 years Visit: http://jbng.me/363723 Or send your CV to: 342db@jbng.me Our client, a FMCG firm seeks to fill this position with the right candidate Job Summary Accountable for delivering target daily/ weekly Volume, superior coverage and in-store presence (Distribution, Pricing, Shelving and Merchandising) in all stores in coverage. VSR is accountable for superior execution of Van selling Elements.

Job Description: • Responsible for selling Volume, Distribution and Pricing to all channels in coverage area.

• Responsible for ensuring quality execution of sales fundamentals in all stores. Included are: Distribution of all SKUs/brands; retail pricing objective met, Van selling Criteria met, or exceeded.

• Responsible for identifying and developing new and potential customers to ensure target number of productive customers per week. This includes extensive work to convert unproductive customers in current route plan and identify new ones.

• Ensure superior customer service and total customer satisfaction with all customers.

• Responsible for perfect reporting to Retail Distributor Manager, Field Sales Manager and Sales Manager. This includes; Competitive information, Sales fundamentals, Daily Coverage Reports etc.

Qualification/Requirements: • HND AND B.Sc or Equivalent Discipline To Either Of The Two Qualification • At least 6 months’ experience in selling in FMCG distribution sector.

• Persuasive communication skills, Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, problem solving and decision making • High level proficiency in Microsoft Office suite particularly in Excel, Word & PowerPoint.

• Ability to drive, with a valid Driver’s license

Chemistry Teacher in Emmaculate Group Of School, Kwara BSc, 1 - 3 years Visit: http://jbng.me/363768 Or send your CV to: 34308@jbng.me Emmaculate Group of School requires a suitable candidate for this position.

25

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Responsibilities: • Planning and preparing lesson notes for students learning • Teaching, setting and marking of class work and homework • Assessing, recording and reporting on the development, progress, and attainment achievements of students • Communicating and consulting, in accordance with schools guidelines, with the parents..

• Participating in employee evaluations of pedagogy and overall performance • Participating in schools activities and adhering to regulations • Preparing and supervising students for external examination Requirements: • Minimum of BSC in any related discipline.

• 2-3 years’ experience.

Liason Officer in International Rescue Committee, Adamawa BSc, 1 - 3 years Visit: http://jbng.me/364376 Or send your CV to: 34568@jbng.me The International Rescue Committee, one of the world’s largest humanitarian agencies, provides relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of natural disaster, oppression and violent conflict in 42 countries. The IRC is committed to bold leadership, innovation and creative partnerships.

Active in public health, education, livelihoods, women’s empowerment, youth development, and protection and promotion of rights, IRC assists people from harm to home.

IRC entered Nigeria in October 2012 in response to a widespread flood disaster. The IRC is now in the process of establishing long term presence in Nigeria. An office has been established in Adamawa state, north east Nigeria and are providing critical humanitarian assistance to conflict affected people.

Job summary: The Liaison officer will be working under the supervision of the field coordinator to foster acceptance in areas of intervention and safe appropriate programming through accurate vernacular knowledge and the development of a broad network of stakeholders while keeping/safeguarding necessary independence as well as sharing IRCs values, mandate and actions.

Responsibilities: • Establish a communication framework for good dialogue and exchange with beneficiaries, host communities, IDPs, Administrative, traditional authorities, local operators and government agencies on the basis of an approach to advocacy, capacity building and stakeholder involvement in an integrated development process.

• Contribute to understand, analyze the complex security situation ,related trends throughout the region and advise program design / implementation accordingly • Contribute to establish appropriate safety and security environment for the implementation of IRC program.

• Give advice the team regarding security developments in the area of intervention.

• Listen actively to beneficiaries, authorities and partner on the activities / programs to determine the expected and unexpected impacts; and when necessary, make suggestions to improve the re implication in the implementation and design of the program.

• Assist the team in the effort to understand and take in consideration , social, ethnical, religious and political mechanism with contextual dynamics • Contribute to integrate programs into each other, in good coordination with the support departments following a concerted and coherent approach.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Bachelor or Master degree in International Affairs or International Development; • Previous experience working with international non-governmental organizations in the area of program development and management; prior experience working with US, EU, and World Bank donors an advantage; • Possess ability to analyze information to develop a complete picture of security situations.

• Good communication (verbal and writing) and interpersonal relationships development skills.

• Flexible and good team player • Cultural sensitivity, with a Good knowledge and experience in the IRC operation area.

• Excellent organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills; • Computer literacy _ Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint; IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability

GBV Coordinator in International Rescue Committee, Adamawa MSc, 3 - 5 years Visit: http://jbng.me/364374 Or send your CV to: 34566@jbng.me The International Rescue Committee, one of the world’s largest humanitarian agencies, provides relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of natural disaster, oppression and violent conflict in 42 countries. The IRC is committed to bold leadership, innovation and creative partnerships.

Active in public health, education, livelihoods, women’s empowerment, youth development, and protection and promotion of rights, IRC assists people from harm to home.

IRC entered Nigeria in October 2012 in response to a widespread flood disaster. The IRC is now in the process of establishing long term presence in Nigeria. An office has been established in Adamawa state, north east Nigeria and is providing critical humanitarian assistance to conflict affected people.

Job summary: The WPE Coordinator will be responsible for general management of Women Protection and Empowerment

programs, provision of technical support, donor compliance and contribute to the development of WPE programming in Nigeria. The Women Protection and Empowerment Coordinator will be based in Mubi Adamawa state with frequent and regular travel in Yola / Abuja and potentially elsewhere as programs expand.

Responsibilities: • Utilize IRC’s GBV program tools and approach developed for GBV programming in Adamawa and Yobe • Develop program work plan and activities consistent with the goals and objectives of the program.

• Provide training, mentoring and support to staffs partners in order to strengthen local capacity and sustainability • Supervise psycho-social support to survivors of GBV, including case management and referrals • Provide oversight and monitor GBV project activities to ensure all activities are safe, gender-sensitive, and client-centered, in accordance with international standards • Compile monthly data using GBV Information Management System • Provide managerial oversight to GBV staff • Create linkages between the different components of IRC Nigeria program with a view to integrating the components into the overall strategy • Program Design & Development • Work with the technical unit to design the GBV strategy for the IRC Nigeria program and monitor its implementation • In collaboration with others sectors, assist in conducting needs assessments, identifying new program opportunities and supporting emergency projects • Assist with the coordination and the development of new proposals and initiatives • Maintain ongoing relations with, donors, bilateral and multilateral coordination bodies, and relevant government institutions, community stakeholder.

• At the local level, represent IRC and liaise with local authorities, UN, and international and national NGOs to facilitate successful coordination of activities and ensure transparency, accountability.

• Collaborate with other sectors to monitor the situation in the targeted communities and respond to any GBV related issues • Provide updates on the program, discuss emerging challenges, and collaborate on the design of new programs or changes to existing programs • Develop and maintain strong working relationship and coordinate with County authorities, relevant international and local agencies engaged in similar activities.

• Advocate quality GBV prevention and response services and the integration of protection and gender considerations in other sectors to promote risk reduction among beneficiaries.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Master’s Degree in Social Work, Public Health, International Human Rights, or other related field

• At least 3 years’ experience working on violence against women and girls,, protection, gender or human rights related project / conflict fragile/ complex context environment • Strong organizational, strategic, analytical, and writing skill • Good knowledge of violence against women and girls international best practices, including IASC GBV Guidelines, Caring for Survivors, SOPs • Excellent work experience in training facilitation, mentoring and capacity development • Diplomacy and assertiveness; the ability to confront and discuss sensitive issues with respect • Demonstrated experience in project design and monitoring • Strong coordination skills with proven ability to work across multiple sartorial areas simultaneously, supporting and mentoring multiple staff members • Good computer skills (Microsoft Office, Email, etc) and data management.

• Ability to work remotely in coordinating and managing GBV activities in multiple sites • Ability to work independently as a strong team player with proven supervisory skills • Familiar with the issues and cultures in Northern Nigeria • Proven ability to work cooperatively with others in a team environment • Highly motivated hands-on selfstarter, ability to work independently and has ability to incorporate and open to constructive feedback • Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines, effectively managing multiple priorities • Flexibility and willingness to adjust to changing responsibilities or needs as they arise • Willingness to frequently travel and live in remote and security difficult situation • Cultural and gender sensitivity is essential • Additional qualities: flexibility, ability to multitask, ability to handle pressure well, ability to improvise • Team player • Ability to work under pressure in challenging working and living conditions • Excellent written and oral english skills IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability

Health Coordinator in International Rescue Committee, Adamawa MD/ RN/ MPH, 5 - 7 years Visit: http://jbng.me/364375 Or send your CV to: 34567@jbng.me The International Rescue Committee, one of the world’s largest humanitarian agencies, provides relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of natural disaster, oppression and violent conflict in 42 countries. The IRC is committed to bold leadership, innovation and creative partnerships.

26 Active in public health, education, livelihoods, women’s empowerment, youth development, and protection and promotion of rights, IRC assists people from harm to home.

IRC entered Nigeria in October 2012 in response to a widespread flood disaster. The IRC is now in the process of establishing long term presence in Nigeria. An office has been established in Adamawa state, north east Nigeria and are providing critical humanitarian assistance to conflict affected people.

Job Summary: The Health Coordinator is the focal point for health programs in Nigeria and will ensure the implementation of quality primary health care programming in Adamawa state and other IRC locations in Nigeria. The Health Coordinator will be responsible for maintaining regular contact with all partners, including the Federal Ministry of Health, UN agencies and other NGOs, and will also be responsible for fulfilling IRC strategic objectives for the health sector. The Health Coordinator supervises other health staff, and reports to the Adamawa Field Coordinator. The position is based in Mubi with regular trips to IRC’s health programs throughout Nigeria. The Health Coordinator will receive technical support from the Technical Advisor Health Programs.

Responsibilities: • In collaboration with the other health program staff in Nigeria, oversee the implementation of health projects implemented by IRC Nigeria.

• Provide technical supervision and guidance of all IRC health projects.

Extend technical support and supervision to the IRC’s implementing partners as the need arises • Ensure that health programs utilize standardized protocols, policies and guidelines, as outlined by the Federal Ministry of Health and WHO. Ensure that all health activities are consistent with established best practices.

• Promote the quality of the IRC’s health programs by setting up quality assurance mechanisms and checks in collaboration with other staff.

• Ensure sound data collection and information management systems are in place for ongoing performance analysis and programmatic action based on data and identified needs.

• Ensure that the stated goals and objectives of all health projects are met with strong monitoring and evaluation (M&E) follow up, including any required operational research, with technical support from the Health Information Management team in New York Health Unit and the Country Technical Advisor as needed.

• Participate in the design of robust M&E plans and design/adapt health information systems including surveillance systems for the IRC health programs in Nigeria • Provide technical support to the health program for program design, proposal development and reporting, ensuring that IRC programs are of high quality and that programs are driven by data and learning, working in conjunction with other colleagues in the IRC Nigeria program.

• Provide supportive supervison to the other health staff to develop work plans to guide implementation

Thursday, August 21, 2014

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of approved grants. Support the Field teams in the implementation and monitoring of the work plans ensuring that activities reflect the commitments IRC made to the donor and community.

Review Budget vs. Actual expenditure for health programs on a monthly basis with staff.

Participate in the development of staff development plans for health staff based on performance reviews in collaboration with the human resources department and contribute to the training of health staff (mentoring, on-the-job sessions as well as formal trainings). Review performance evaluation of health staff in the field.

Develop/organize training opportunities to build the capacity of the health staff and local partners in order to transfer skills. This includes staff training in program management areas such as reporting, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation, and supervision.

Oversee the implementation of health sector priorities, ensuring that program growth is in line with country strategic plans.

Review all reports prepared by the health staff and provide appropriate feedback to the concerned staff, and ensure that reports are written and submitted to concerned bodies in a timely manner.

In coordination with the Country Director and the Field Coordinator, actively develop and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders in Nigeria including donors, government actors, UN agencies, international and local NGOs, and other relevant actors.

Develop strategic partnerships with local organizations, wherever possible.

Represent IRC to local communities, government departments, international agencies, local partners and donors as required.

Upon request by the Senior Management in Nigeria, assist in organizing donor site visits by supporting field staff in the smooth design and implementation of agendas and visit activities.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Health professional (MD or RN) with an MPH. • Five years’ experience in coordinating, implementing and managing health programs in developing countries.

Experience working in Nigeria/West Africa a plus.

• Background in situation analysis, health assessments and program implementation.

• Experience implementing health programming in hard to reach areas/ displaced communities • Demonstrated skills in project design/ proposal development and grant management.

• Experience in staff capacity building and mentoring .

• Knowledge, skills and experience in participatory methods, community development and partnership.

• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and facilitation skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and problemsolving skills.

• Team player

• Ability to work under pressure in challenging working and living conditions • Excellent coordination and networking skills.

• Willingness to travel extensively in Nigeria • Excellent written and oral English skills • Excellent computer skills in programs such as: MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint.

• Additional qualities: ability to multitask, ability to handle pressure well, ability to improvise, be flexible , and adaptability to transitions.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability

Civil Engineers in, AIM Consultants, Adamawa BSc, 5 - 7 years Visit: http://jbng.me/364519 Or send your CV to: 345f7@jbng.me Our client is an engineering firm currently hiring professionals to join their esteemed organization Job Summary: Candidate will be deployed to work on a site.

Qualification: • B.Sc in Civil Engineering • COREN Registration as an added advantage • Computer literate Working Hours: Monday to Saturday Requirement: Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Design works

Customer Care Officer in Ascentech Services Ltd, Abuja BSc, 3 - 5 years Visit: http://jbng.me/363958 Or send your CV to: 343c6@jbng.me Ascentech Services LTD seeks qualified candidates to fill this role Responsibilities: • The candidate would be required to supervise the centers and handle customers’ queries, complaints and satisfy them.

• Ensure the smooth running of the shop and call center Qualifications and Requirements: • Minimum of a degree in a related discipline.

• 3-5 years of experience

Marketing Officer in Portal Realties Ltd, Abuja OND, Experience Does Not Matter Visit: http://jbng.me/364039 Or send your CV to: 34417@jbng.me PORTAL REALTIES LTD is one of the largest independent property management companies in the marketplace, providing the most

sophisticated property solutions for all types of investors.

The strength of PORTAL REALTIES LTD stems from our over-riding commitment to work in partnership with our clients. It is what our clients expect and is undoubtedly the reason why PORTAL REALTIES LTD is the industry leader in real estate development and management.

Responsibilities: • The marketer is responsible for meeting the sales targets of the organization.

• As a marketer, you must understand who can perform a particular task in the most effective way.

• As a marketer you should devise strategies and techniques necessary for achieving the sales targets.

• As a marketer you should map out potential customers and generate leads for the organization.

• Be able to look forward to generating new opportunities for the organization.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Minimum of OND in any relevant field.

• Good communication skill.

• Must be a go getter and ability to work with little or no supervision.

• Must be confident.

• Must be smart.

Senior Engineer in China Harbour Engineering Company, Abuja BSc, 3 - 5 years Visit: http://jbng.me/364046 Or send your CV to: 3441e@jbng.me Work place: other states in Nigeria (requires to travel at times) No accommodation provided Responsibilities: • Responsible for collecting information, sourcing, investigating & marketing for the engineering projects • Responsible for all work relevant to project agreement, drafting & negotiation, cost estimation, bidding budget, claim/compensation negotiation etc.

• Responsible for project bidding cost estimation etc.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Should be Male • Education Level: Graduate in port & channel/civil Engineering/architecture or any other related field & above • A minimum of 5 years work experience in project bidding, have worked at least on one construction site for senior engineer • Have a good knowledge of the content and standard of Bill of Quantity • Familiar with commercial law and contract law • Able to read drawings, familiar with common technical standards, process and cost management • Proficient in use of CAD and Microsoft office suite of tools • Certified budgetary estimator or quantity surveyor is preferred • Fluent English and Good communication skills

Thursday, August 21, 2014

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Thursday, August 21, 2014

DEFENCE FOCUS 29

Thursday, August 21, 2014

NSCDC And Security Challenges

T

he Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) came into existence in 1967 as a voluntary organisation with prominence in Lagos. The NSCDC was established by Act 2 of year 2003 with numerous security responsibilities. This Act was amended in year 2007, to further strengthen and empower the Corps for better service delivery.

The incumbent Commandant General, is Dr Ade Abolurin who, unarguably has brought the Corps from obscurity to the limelight since his emergence in 2005.

It is statutory empowered to license and supervise and monitor operations of Private Guard Companies.

The Corps also have power to arrest with or without a warrant, detain, investigate and institute legal proceedings by or in the name of the Attorney – General of the Federation in accordance with the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria against any person who is reasonably suspected to have committed an offence under this Act or is involved in any: Criminal activity; Chemical poison or oil spillage nuclear waste, poisoning; Industry espionage or fraud; Activity aimed at frustrating any government program or policy; Riot, civil disorder, revolt, strike, or religious unrest; or Power transmission lines, or oil pipelines, NIPOST cables, equipment, water board pipes or equipment vandalization; Maintain 24hours security surveillance over infrastructure, sites and projects of the Federal, State and Local Government. Monitor, investigate and take every necessary step to forestall any act of terrorism, and Rescue and providing emergency medical services and shelter during period of emergency.

Year 2014 has witnessed renewed vigour in its sustained war against crime and other forms of criminality leading to arrests of several criminal elements. Among those arrested are vandals/bunkerers and other criminal elements. Several trucks, jerry cans, barges, boats alongside other tools used by these criminal elements were equally impounded.

The Corps has also continued

to sanitize the Private Guard Security Industry and has been sensitizing them to make meaningful contribution to national security. Erring guard companies are also being given appropriate sanctions. At the same time we have continued to maintain constant surveillance over critical infrastructure and national assets to guard against attacks by criminal elements, while sustaining the robust relationship with sister agencies and relevant stakeholders to stamp out crime from the system.

According to the spokesman of the agency, Emmanuel Okeh, in the oil pipeline/gas installation between January - July, 2014, the Corps have made a total arrest of 293, out of which, 291 are already under prosecution while two have been convicted.

He also disclosed that a lot of vehicles, trucks, motorcycles were recovered while illegal refineries destroyed.

Speaking on efforts to counter terrorism, Okey said the Corps is presently strengthening surveillance and intelligence gathering mechanism, staff training and retraining and purchase of necessary equipment adding that NSCDC officers are actively involved with other security agencies in insurgency hotspots.

Fifteen thousand personnel of the Corps have been trained

by Nigerian Army on counter terrorism and weapons handling in addition to establishing emergency response units at air and sea ports.

In the area of anti vandalism, within the same period, 87 suspects have been arrested, 73 under prosecution while not fewer than eight have been convicted.

Okeh also disclosed that 61 companies were given the licence to operate private guards, 132 are awaiting theirs while 78 illegal companies have their premises sealed, 218 licenses renewed while N180 million was generated from the issuing of licences alone.

The Disaster Management Department has been reinvigorated to enhance quick response in emergency situations.

The Corps has established Emergency Response Units at

defence focus

By BAYO OLADEJI

Jonathan

Ade-Abolurin

Airports located in Lagos, Abuja, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Kano and has stationed emergency response ambulances along major routes in the country for quick response in emergency situations. The Corps also partners with NEMA and other stakeholders to enhance proper management, mitigation and reduction of disasters in the country.

The Corps has persistently taken measures aimed at enhancing the training and retraining of its “personnel locally, nationally and internationally. The Corps three training Colleges located in Abuja, Katsina and Abeokuta are now operational. These are part of measures being taken to ensure capacity building, skill acquisition, and operational efficiency. Within the period under review, the Corps has trained over ten thousands (10,000) of its personnel both locally and internationally. The effect of these trainings has equally impacted positively on the performance of the Corps at the ongoing general elections”.

Speaking further, he said, “To enhance the capacity of our men to fight the war against crime we have intensified training and retraining of our personnel with the Nigeria Army and the Army Intelligence School, while negotiation are in progress for further training with the Military, the SSS etc. Between January and June 2014, over two

thousand personnel have been trained across the States and the National Headquarters”.

The Corps has been incorporated into the operations of the Joint Task Force (JTF), operating within the Niger Delta Region.

Members of the Corps contingent to this special squad have been distinguishing themselves in the discharge of their duties in this regard and have contributed immensely to the successes recorded by the Joint Task Force (JTF) so far.

The Corps has also gone into partnership with Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) where the Corps has contributed armed personnel to secure NIMASA facilities while providing round the clock security in-conjuntion with the Nigeria Navy on Nigerian waterways, to checkmate the menace of piracy, oil theft/illegal bunkering.

The Corps was recently incorporated into the Special Mines Task Force established by the Federal Government to counter the menace of illegal mining activities in the Country.

The Corps has been mandated to ensure the safety of the entire critical infrastructure and national Assets spread across the nation. To this end the Corps has mapped out strategies to effectively and efficiently carry out this mandate. This includes

Profile: Suleiman Abba

Abba

The new acting Inspector General of Police, Mr Suleiman Abba, was until his appointment an Assistant Inspector General, AIG, in charge of Zone 7 command, a position he occupied since May 25, 2012.

Mr. Abba, 55, is from Gwaram local government area of Jigawa State. Born on March 22, 1959 and has degrees in History and Law. He enlisted in the Nigerian police as cadet inspector on December 31,

1984 and is due for retirement on March 22, 2019. He was promoted AIG on February 22, 2012.

Positions previously held by him in the Police include Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, FCT Command, Deputy Force Secretary and Commissioner of Police, Rivers State. His appointment is with effect from Friday, August 1, 2014.

training and retraining of its armed personnel, surveillance and intelligence gathering which some selected Corps personnel are currently undergoing. The Corps is also working out modalities for collaboration with the Ministry of Power, Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Telecoms operators, Ministry of Solid Minerals etc. for effective policing of their infrastructure. The Corps has equally created a Special Weapon Tactics Unit (SWAT) for the same purpose.

The Disaster Management Department has been reinvigorated to enhance quick response in emergency situations.

The Corps has established Emergency Response Units at Airports located in Lagos, Abuja, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Kano and has stationed emergency response ambulances along major routes in the country for quick response in emergency situations. The Corps has collaborated well with stakeholders in various rescue operations of accident and flood victims across the nation.

Terrorism is assuming a very dangerous dimension in the country with the wave of kidnapping and violent attacks by militant groups in the country.

The Corps is therefore taking proactive steps to ensure that the violent activities of these terrorist groups are reduced to the barest minimum. Part of steps being taken includes strengthening our surveillance and intelligence gathering mechanism, staff training and retraining, purchase of necessary equipment etc.

The Corps ensured effective monitoring, which has translated to the successful conduct of JAMB Examinations, NECO Examinations, and the Polytechnic (MPCEME) examination of recent.

The Corps through its Peace and Conflict Resolution Unit recently went into partnership with the UNDP in the area of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism. To this end, hundreds of the Corps personnel have benefitted from training and retraining programme on Alternative Dispute Resolution methods as a proactive measure in resolving disputes before they escalate into crisis situations.

Top 3 DEFENCE STORIES ➊ Suspected suicide bomber arrested at Lagos Airport ➋ 12 killed

in Nasarawa, Borno communities

➌ We wont fight Boko Haram with Bare Hands- Soldiers

The suspected suicide bomber arrested at Lagos Airport

30 THE NATION’S CAPITAL

FAHIS Takes Health Insurance To Kwali, Abaji

By Igho Oyoyo

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Health Insurance Scheme (FAHIS) has taken its health insurance scheme to Yewuti community in Kwali and Abaji area councils of the FCT. In her speech during the distribution of insurance cards to residents of Yewuti community and Abaji town, coordinator of the Community Based Health Insurance Scheme (CBHIS), Dr. Grace Aganaba, urged the residents to utilise the opportunity of affordable health scheme made available by the FCT Administration.

Aganaba promised Yewuti residents that FAHIS would assist them in improving the condition of the primary health care centre in their community, saying that the FCT Minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, was committed to providing affordable and accessible health care delivery to indigent people in rural communities of the FCT. She said, “the health of the people is very important to the FCTA. It is believed that a healthy people is a wealthy society that is why the minister of state is doing everything possible for Abuja indigenes and residents to stay health through the community health insurance scheme.

NGO Donates 30 Wheelchairs, Ambulance To Foundation

By Ebriku John Friday

A US- based organisation, Grace Project International, has donated an ambulance and 30 wheelchairs to an Abujabased GSK Foundation.

A statement signed by managing director of the foundation, Mr. John Sabo and made available to LEADERSHIP, said the medical equipment, which was presented to DSK officials, will enhance the humanitarian in Taraba State, where the foundation is currently assisting health challenged citizens.

The statement read in part, “this will enable the foundation to offer quick response to those in urgent medical need and get them the help they need.”

Grace Project International (GPI) is a not for-profit multidimensional ministry that demonstrates God’s love and compassion to the sick and weary by reaching out with God’s hand of grace to people of all classes, gender and tribes.

It is based in the USA, with branches in the United Kingdom and in Nigeria.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

UNHCR Trains FEMD Officials On Humanitarian Protection

by Nkechi Isaac

The United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees(UNHCR) has trained officials of the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) on humanitarian protection and protection of Internally Displaced Person’s (IDP’s).

Speaking at the capacity building workshop, the The UNHCR representative to Nigeria, Ms Angele Dikongue – Atangana, emphasized the need for the protection of IDP’s in the society.

The country representative said the training focused on IDP’s and their right to protection, because

these groups of vulnerable people are usually neglected.

According to her, the training was a partnership at developing the capacity of FEMD officials because their mandates are related.

She said, “UNHCR focuses on refuges but FEMA as a department has the mandate to take care of IDPs and that is why we are helping to train their staff.”

Ms Dikongue – Atangana, however, said the workshop was not enough to become experts in IDPS protection, adding that the officials would need more seminars and workshops, especially in the area of camp coordination and management to

further enhance their capacity.

In his response, the director of the department, Alhaji Abbas Idriss, expressed gratitude to the FCT Administration and UNHCR putting together the workshop.

Idriss said, “the course content was in-depth and will greatly assist the protection staff of FEMD in discharging their duties whenever the need arises.”

A statement by the head of public relations unit of the department, Mrs Josie Mudasiru, said the capacity building was a train the trainers workshop, where participants are expected to train other staff members on ground on what they learnt.

2015 Elections: WiPF Convenes In FCT, Decry Low Participation Of Women

By Ruth Tene Natsa

Women under the aegis of Women in Politics Forum (WiPF), North East Zone, have expressed concern over the seeming low participation of women in the forthcoming 2015 general elections.

The fear was expressed at a two days mentorship program for young WiPF, North-West Zone which held in Abuja, on Thursday, supported by the Democratic Governance for Democracy(DGD),a joint fund with contributions from the European Union (EU), UK Development Fund for International Development (DFiD),Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) aimed

at ensuring credible elections in 2015.

Speaking at a two day mentorship program for young WiPF in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, the keynote speaker, Ms Felicia Onibon, who delivered a paper on “women’s political participation : lessons for young women”, noted that the participation of women was very low.

She said, “I cannot see a revolution in 2015 but I can see one in 2019 if the tempo in capacity building is maintained and if some of the gaps in the education of women are bridged.

“Six months preparation to the general election is not enough. I do not see women excelling much if no drastic action is taken, which will require a lot of money.

The only thing we can do now is to create awareness for women to come out in their numbers to register and vote.”

In her remarks, the former member of the House of Representatives, Mrs Florence Aya, said that chances for women are very bright, but only if they will key into available opportunities, plan and work towards it.

“Nobody is going to give it to us on a platter of gold. We will have to key in, plan and work for it, even as cultural and religious beliefs as well as family issues are challenges which must be tackled.

For us in the north, we have to convince the men that women also have a role to play through our performances into the appointive and other elective positions.”

Deserving Residents Get Non-indigene Excellence Award

by Abah Adah

Some eminent Nigerians were honoured with Awards in Abuja recently at an event put together by a non-governmental and nonpolitical organisation, the National Association of Non-indigenes Welfare (NANWE) in recognition of their detribalised contribution to national development and human capacity building.

Also part of the highlight of the Occasion was the unveiling of a magazine produced by the group.

Performing the unveiling, Comrade Emma Ezeazu, who is one of the awardees, admonished Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of one Nigeria and shun sentiments of ethnicity, religion and politics “for us to move forward as a people”.

Other awardees at the event are: Hon. (Mrs) Hailmary Aipoh, High Chief Offodum Vitus, Mr Awoyinka

Ayoola and FCT State chairman of the APC, Alh. Abdulmalik Usman.

The group which is strongly opposed to the idea of indigene/nonindigene status which it noted as a bane to peaceful co-existence among Nigerians, said the awardees were carefully selected based on their track record of service to Nigerians without considering the state of Origin of their beneficiaries.

NANWE’S National President, Comrade Sam Osarumwense Omoruyi, in his opening address, also spoke on the mission of the group.

“We hear of people relieved of their duties and appointments so that indigenes of the states where they reside will take over their jobs. We know of instances where people could not enjoin their fundamental right of standing for elections in the state where they reside because they have labelled non-indigenes. We decided

to take the challenge and intervene hence this organisation was born to stand against all forms of injustice done to non-indigenes their states of residence throughout Nigeria. Those to be awarded here today were chosen based on track record of service devoid of sentiments,” he said.

According to him, membership of the association is opened to all Nigerians from all walks of life. The Chairman of the occasion Comrade Jude Imagwe Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth and Student Matters was unavoidably absent but sent his regrets.

education

31

Thursday, August 21, 2014

2015

to witness total CTB for UTME

F E AT U R E S N E W S R E P O R T S I N T E R V I E W

Candidates during a CBT

2015 UTME: Are Nigerians Fully Prepared For Total CBT ?

September 2014 seems to be the most sought after month of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), as it will flag off the sale of forms for 2015 prospective Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates. What makes this month unique is not the sales of the forms, but the fact that the Paper Pencil Test (PPT) and the Dual Based Test (DBT) will be history as applicants will have to register for the CBT. Kuni Tyessi takes a critical look at the opportunities offered and the potential landmines on the pathway of the fully digitalised CBT exercise

Cases of incomplete results will be eliminated

Ahead of the 2015 Computer Based Test (CBT) the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has fine tuned arrangements with CBT Centres to regulate the registration of prospective Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates into tertiary institutions. By implication, all registrations will be done by the Board’s CBT centres and no cyber café will be allowed to register any candidate.

The Registrar/Chief Executive

of JAMB, Prof. ‘DibuOjerinde, at the brainstorming meeting with the CBT service providers on regulated registration platform in Abuja, commended them for their services in nurturing the new examination regime and the various consolidation efforts as the Board fully enforces the deadline in 2015 UTME. The registrar further urged the service providers to upgrade their facilities to meet with the Board’s stipulated guideline on CBT centres even as he urged those

that have met the regulation and standard to expand and keep regular checks at the existing system for maximum productivity.

Ojerinde pointed out that the synergy with the service providers was in line with global best practices to enhance efficient and effective delivery.

Presentations were made by Quality Assurance departments, Information and Technology Services departments and Finance and Accounts department on the regulated platform to keep every stakeholder abreast of their responsibilities.

As widely reported, come 2015, JAMB will completely phase out PPT and DBT which it previously adopted as options for the CBT. The reasons adduced for adopting CBT fully in the conduct of UTME is that it would completely curb examination malpractices as well as eliminate

result blackout.

Moreover cases of incomplete results will be eliminated and above all it would save the Board the rigors and challenges of logistics associated with the conduct of the examination simultaneously in all the states of the federation.

Again JAMB believes CBT will provide candidates’ with immediate results as well as ensure precise ability estimation.

JAMB at the moment is making serious effort to meet the expected targets of having enough CBT centers for the conduct of 2015 CBT examination.

Close observers of the education sector have come to see the trend of malpractice as steadily fading away as the CBT have come to block all loopholes for cheating.

To further curtail the menace of malpractice, JAMB has decided to invoke the 1999

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32 EDUCATION/NEWS

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Edo-owned Tertiary Institutions Shut Down Over Staff Demands

short news

Ag-Gov Appoints 2 Varsity Dons

By: Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

Activities in Edo state owned tertiary institutions came to a complete halt as both academic and non-academic staff made real their earlier threat to embark on a seven day strike over what they described as insincerity on the part of the state government to pay their 16 months’ salary arrears owned staffers of the institutions arising from differencies in the implementations of salary structure of CONPCASS AND CONTEDISS from July 2009 to October 2010.

The affected institutions are College of Agriculture Iguoriakhi, College of Education, Ekiadolor, Institute of Management Technology, Usen and College of Education, Igueben.

Meanwhile, students at the College of Education, Ekiadolor were disappointed when they came for lectures only to discover that lecturers had abandoned the classrooms while some students who called for truce between the warring sides were sighted returning back home.

The aggrieved lecturers also frowned at the inadequate funding, irregularity in payment of monthly salaries, decay and dilapidation of infrastructures and nonaccreditation of some courses in the institutions.

President of the Coalition of Unions, Comrade Fred Omonuwa said their demands were articulated to the state governor through the commissioner for special duties and establishment .

By Halima Bala Mohammed, Yola

The Ag. governor of Adamawa State, Hon L-R Vice chancellor of Commonwealth University, London, Prof. Michael Addison, presenting a certificate to Hon Bamidele Ahmadu Umar Oyedele Faparusi, representing Gbonyin/Ekiti East/Emure Federal Constituency. With them is former deputy chancellor Fintiri has apand the guest speaker, Prof. Bruce Duncan, at the doctorate conferment ceremony in Abuja proved the appointments of Prof. Abdullahi LimanTukur as the Secretary to the State Government and Dr. K. G. Farauta as the chairperson, Adamawa State Universal

By Kuni Tyessi, Abuja was at “its low ebb in Nigeria” story. and there was an urgent need The media consultant said Basic Education An expert in the field of to revive it in the interest of all though the fact remained that Board (ADSUjournalism and executive member stakeholders. there were many challenges BEB). of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, The ViceIn the paper presentation such as meeting deadlines and (NGE) Alli Hakeem has criticised titled: “Investigative Journalism: doing the bid of one’s employer Chancellor, Prof the Nigerian media, saying it The endangered Genre”, he said that could hamper the job of an Kyari Mohamis gradually reneging on its a content analysis of a Nigerian investigative reporter. med congraturesponsibility to address critical newspaper today revealed that He, however, said such lated them, challenges be-deviling the country adverts and straight stories issues were surmountable describing through in-depth investigative occupied prominent displays through painstaking efforts and their appointjournalism. leaving out investigated stories doggedness on the part of the ments as well Hakeem gave the task in or issues. deserved and reporter.

Abuja in a paper he delivered at He recalled the Watergate a confirmaAccording to him, contemporary the end of a two-day capacity journalists had become too scandal in the U.S. which the tion of their building workshop for journalists content with doing verbatim government tried to cover up, but outstanding organised by the National reporting rather than in-depth which was “set off by a few stray performance Examinations Council (NECO). reportage of raging issues leaving facts that two daring reporters in their area of He said investigative journalism many unanswered questions in a chose to follow up on”. specialization.

‘Investigative Journalism Going Into Extinction In Nigeria’

2015 UTME: Are Nigerians Fully Prepared For Total CBT?

31

Examination Malpractice Act which stipulates that any candidate who is involved in any act of examination malpractice would be banned from sitting for the Board’s examination for one (1) to three (3) years depending on the gravity of the offence.

In its fight against malpractice, JAMB has also taken measures in the conduct of the examination and admission of candidates into tertiary institutions that all institutions during registration of admitted candidates must request for the presentation of the Board’s admission letter, photo album and biometric data verification.

JAMB’s twin decision to go full CBT in 2015 and the resort to the registration of UTME candidates through the newly established CBT centers nationwide in difference to

the original use of Cyber cafes, has suddenly placed huge responsibilities on these CBT centers especially as it affects their responsibilities of training, which most of the centers are initially established for and for the conduct of examination and registration of candidates.

Not a few stakeholders are still questioning the choice of using CBT centers for registration and their ability to live above board by maintaining uttermost transparency, shun the perpetration of examination irregularities and indulgence in fraudulent activities which were noticed in the use of Cyber cafes.

The above palpable fear is hinged on the fact that the centers in the first place are business oriented and cannot easily isolate themselves from profit making overtures and

can therefore be easily induced or seen to induce candidates to compromising behaviors for the sake of profit making. However, the Board said it has put in place measures to checkmate their activities and any of them found wanting will be disqualified from the exercise The functionality of facilities to be provided by the CBT Centers may be called to question during the exercise, especially given Nigerian’s penchant to economize responsibilities rather than provide ideal facilities that will guarantee uttermost efficiency.

Simply put, the CBT Centers may deny the candidates stateof –the- art facilities for the examination and give them substandard ones. This was debunked by the Board that with the 100% increased in fee by

the Board and the caliber of the centers approved, the centers would have no option but to live up to expectation and perhaps improve on their service.

The anticipated challenge most potential 2015 UTME candidates may experience is their familiarity with the IT system and the efficiency of the technologies available.

Most candidates especially from the rural centers are not computer literate and unfamiliarity with simple applications, meaning that they may find the CBT applications a difficult huddle.

However, the past experience has shown that one does not need much knowledge of ICT to write the CBT examination as the 2014 exercise was adjudged to be successful even in rural dwellings.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

33

34 FEATURE/EDUCATION

Thursday, August 21, 2014

SCHOOLS REPORTS

Inadequate Nursing Educators, Bane Of Nursing Education In Nigeria – Council

BY Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

President Goodluck Jonathan (fifth left) and Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele (right) and other students of Government Secondary School , Garki, during the 18th annual Micro Small Medium Finance Conference and Entrepreneurship Awards in Abuja on Tuesday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN

FG Reiterates Commitment To 2015 MDGs Deadline Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

Despite the fact that it is less than one year to the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs targets, the Federal Government has said it is very much on track.

Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau stated this in Abuja, at the 3-day Federal Ministry of Education/MDGs task force/ team implementation status.

He said appreciable progress can be accredited to education sector.

According to Shekarau, “With about one year remaining to the 2015 target date of achieving MDGs, progress towards these targets is mixed.

“Nigeria is on track on some targets but off track on many others.

Appreciable progress has been accredited to education, especially in the areas of primary and secondary school completion rate, gender parity in primary and secondary enrolment, increased access, quality etc. However, there are still varying challenges of cultural and behavioral issues, in adequate services and infrastructure, low commitment of some state government in completing the federal government’s funding of the almajiri education and supply of qualitative teachers to the programme.

“Other challenges include nonaccess and utilization of UBE matching grants by and from

states inadequate budgetary allocation and late release of funds coupled with lack of accurate statistical data”.

The Minister stressed the importance of the meeting, “This meeting is crucial and the outcome will have a reaching effect on the MDGs initiative”.

In his welcome address the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. MacJohn Nwaobiala, said given the fact that millions of Nigerian children are still on streets and they are yet to be located and couple with the insurgent’s challenges in the country, lot of people has doubted the achievement of MDGs targets in education sector.

South African Commission Engages UNILAG Students In Empowerment Programme

By TaiwoOgunmolaOmilani, Lagos

South African High Commission in partnership with Multi-choice Nigeria has engaged 20 final year Students of University of Lagos (UNILAG) in a day empowerment programme.

The programme which was tagged, “Take A Girl Child to Work” initiative organized by South African High Commission held at MultiChoice Head Office, Tiamiyu Savage, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Timothy Okwu who is the spokesperson for Multichoice explained that the programme was organized to encourage female students from universities, saying they want to educate them on what they need to know after school.

Speaking with the participants, Amina Lawal, a 400 level student from the department of English Language said, “I received sms from the Dean of students Affairs (DSA)that any female final year student who wants to have a

day out to work should put down their name and I was lucky to be part of the 20 students chosen.

Also speaking, Aremu Elizabeth,a Biochemistry final year student of University of Lagos, who expressed her feelings said “it helps girls to know that they are not limited to one thing after school”.

Most times, girls think they will end up being full time house wives, which ought not to be. As girls, we can do a lot of things and be useful in different ways”.

The Chairman of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria on Tuesday identified inadequate Nurse educators and lecturers as factors militating against Nursing education in Nigeria.

He said there exist a rapidly rising population of young people who were interested in Nursing education but the available opportunities in the country are inadequate.

Speaking at the 2014 Examiners’ Workshop on “Professional Examinations for Nurses and Midwives in Nigeria: Prospect and Challenges in a Technological Era” held at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, he argued that there were a lot of strength, opportunities and prospects in the areas of Nursing education and practice which if properly harnessed, would stimulate tremendous growth and development in nursing profession in this technological era.

He said the mobilization of computer-based packages for examination means that educators must sharpen their IT knowledge and skills for better performance, adding that students and candidates must not be left out.

NANS Counsels Youths Over Politics, Governance

BY SAM EGWU, Lokoja

The National Association of Nigeria Students, NANS has urged youths in the country to participate fully in politics and governance through which they can make constructive contributions for better Nigeria.

This challenge came from the Kogi State chairman of National Association of Nigeria Students, NANS, Comrade Chris Audam yesterday in Lokoja at the conferment of certificate and award of excellence on Mr Thomson Abutu at NUJ press centre, Lokoja, Kogi state.

He noted that bad leadership is the bane of the country which has led to under development, calling on all students and youths to emulate the awardee whom he said has touched many lives, through his philanthropic gestures.

Irate MOuau Students Set Bus Ablaze Over Death Of Colleague

by MATTHIAS NWOGU, Umuahia

(MOUAU) PON Monday went on rampage and set ablaze an Akwa Ibom State commercial vehicle that crushed to death a female student of the university.

The first year female student was alleged to be going back to her hostel after the days’ lectures when the bus knocked her down in front of the university gate where she was standing. Eye witness account said that the female student was waiting for a friend of hers who had gone across the road to make some purchases when the accident occurred.

It was alleged that the bus, which was on high speed lost control and swerved to wards the university where it hit the female student who was said to have died almost immediately from the impact of the vehicle. Angered by the sudden death of their colleague who had not disobeyed any traffic rules and right in front of the University gate, the students on the spur of the moment set ablaze the vehicle even asthe Driver of the bus was said to have escaped and was un the run.

ISSUES 35

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Boosting Agro-allied, Manufacturing Sectors: Issues At Stake

By Ofem Uket

Agriculture became the major source of revenue earning in Nigeria several decades ago, and the National budget of the country was predicated on revenue from palm oil, cocoa, groundnut, palm kernel, leather and other notable agricultural produce.

The country exported major cash crops to other parts of the world to serve as raw materials for the production and manufacturing of some major import commodities from Europe, Asia and other super power Nations in industrialization.

The nation gradually lost its major investment in the Agricultural sector which led to the collapse of major industries in the country with a drop in production capacity of essential commodities and forced the country to rely more on exports.

The absence of location and localisation of industries which determine the supply of needed raw materials from the agricultural sector has adversely affected the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the nation and placed it on a consuming scale than production.

However, the Nigerian Export Import Bank has in recent times made various efforts to revamp the sector through its four core areas of development in its initial mandate which, of course, will complement the efforts of other development finance institutions like the Bank of Industry and others.

The managing director of the bank, Roberts Orya, said NEXIM Bank has, in the last five years, focused on the manufacturing,

agro-processing, solid minerals and services sectors. A lot of the bank’s commitment and lending in these sectors have aimed to de-risk the sectors, provide information support and funding for businesses to enhance export growth and prosperity of Nigerian exporters.

“By this, we have lent support to the brightening of our sectors of focus.

He noted that the link between good policies and realisation of their targeted outcomes is disciplined execution. “This essential policy success factor has not always been very evident on the Nigerian policy landscape. As such, disciplined execution was something we appreciated because of what difference we thought it would have made, as opposed to the power of its presence, and as the strong link between good policies and the realization of their targeted outcomes.”

He did note that in recent years there have been momentous changes which have brought about a learning paradigm. “Our understanding of what works is no longer predominantly influenced by what didn’t work or what might have been. Nigerian policymakers and policy observers now see the influence of persistent execution of policy strategies in the realization of the outputs of public policies.”

The turning point would be when, 15 years ago, Nigeria opted for a democratic system of government. “Public expectations on good governance and the accountability requirement of democracy put more demand on a representative government and,

Jonathan

The absence of location and localisation of industries which determine the supply of needed raw materials from the agricultural sector has adversely affected the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the nation and placed it on a consuming scale than production more generally, on policymakers.

It was for this reason that the successive administrations we have had since 1999 embraced the need to deliver the ‘dividend of democracy’ to Nigerians.

In other words, a governance framework that is result-driven and that is validated by positive

policy outcomes is what is now afoot in Nigeria, notwithstanding the challenges we face.” Indeed, the commitment of government to addressing the challenges is evident; whether we look at the investment commitments that are being made in infrastructural development, efforts to continue

to brighten the investment outlook of Nigeria and programmes that target improvement in citizen’s welfare.

These efforts are long-term commitments. However, some of them have begun to produce results that have stayed with us as a country and as a market.

For instance, continuous reform of the fiscal space has ensured macroeconomic stability; Nigeria is no longer a jurisdiction that is marked by volatility arising from unsound fiscal management.

Industry-specific reforms have in the past 10 years designated a new banking industry that has become significantly bigger, stronger and that is supported by an independent central bank to ensure macro prudential supervision and soundness of the banks. Moreover, assiduous pursuit of price stability has more recently become more appreciable as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) maintains a resolute stance on maintaining stable exchange rate in spite of speculative attack on the local currency and the fact that other emerging economies have yielded to the pressure of currency devaluation.

This ‘new’ Nigeria has not faltered; it is the environment of low, single-digit inflation rate we continue to have due to consistent monetary stance. Happily, we have had no dire need of even orderly wind down of the extant policy.

The new CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele has just renewed the commitment to price stability by the central bank.

– Uket wrote in from Abuja

Jimmy Johnson Every Thursday Mobile: 08072001812

email: jimyjayjohnson@yahoo.com

Where Are The Miracle Pastors?

All the one hundred and seventy million people, there about, in Nigeria have one problem or the other. Everybody has a problem.

People want to be educated; people want to get rich; those looking for a job; women are looking for husbands and some who are married are looking for children; men are looking for good wives; quite a handful want to leave the country for greener pastures elsewhere; politicians are looking for how to win elections; civil servants are looking for promotions and the retired praying for pensions to be paid; traders fighting to make profit; our rulers face vicious criticism; the sick want to be healed; parents with problem children; even criminals are

looking for ways to commit crime and go scot free without being apprehended. We can go on and on.

On top of the personal problems, the country in itself has problems that we are all bound in. These are political, social, economic and currently security problems.

All these problems, particularly the individual problems have given rise to various claims by numerous people who say they have potential powers to solving problems. Notably are the native doctors and pastors who claim to have powers to tackle any problem and solve it. They choose the areas in which they can help, be it job seekers, healing the sick as the case may be and they go all out to recruit

those who have the problems and need solution.

Today we are all witnesses to the number of houses of worship that claim to have powers to solve various problems. They claim that miracles take place in their premises where the sick is healed, demons cast out of victims of witchcraft, deliverance from the clutch of evil spirit – the claim is unlimited for various problems. And to give credibility to these bogus claims, thousands of people flock the places of worship in total belief and submission to the demands of the leaders of the houses of worship.

They are known to contribute their hard-earned money and maintain absolute faith in these

houses of worship for months without any positive results while very few parade and shout their testimonies to having received miracle healings or answers to their problems.

Whether their claims are true or false, the fact remains that the numerical strength of members keeps rising. Whatever informs the large increase in the number of people looking for miracles is inexplicable as the number of those yet to receive their miracles or be healed grossly out number by far, those who claim to have been healed or received their miracles. Yet the flock is on the increase.

Our country is currently faced with security problems and these

places of worship headed by pastors who claim to speak with God are in every nook and cranny of the country. A Lagos-based pastor once claimed that God told him to contest a presidential election which in the end his God did not help him to win. Are we to blame President Jonathan also not to have turned to these pastors to help in performing the miracle which will bring back our abducted girls? Do the pastors themselves not feel it, or they lack the milk of human kindness to know that their miracles are urgently needed to rescue our girls? When else do our miracle pastors want to show the world that they have potent powers to speak to God and make things happen?

36 OPINION

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Other Side Of Ribadu’s Defection

by Maikano Ubandoma

Apparently, the conscience of this nation lies with our moral angels, the newspaper columnists, TV anchors and hosts of talk-show orgies that provide viewers with a daily dose of political pornography.

Only in this country does one see these impatient anchors jumping out from the restraints of journalism and physically flanking their disagreements with political positions simply because they do not conform with their innermost convictions.

They have assumed the roles of political puritans. Only in Nigeria are the views of political puritans and their followers, more powerful than those of political players and the democratically elected, public representatives. Only here can we expect, in the aftermath of a decade-long conflict, displaced peoples, devastating economic disasters, a region isolated and its disappeared children unaccounted for, kidnapped children unrecovered and those at home still contracting and dying of measles. In Nigeria, political revolution is neither about people nor freedoms. It’s about settling scores.

I am recounting these as a corollary to the Ribadu argument, of which there seem to be only two important features. These are the spectacle, Nuhu Ribadu himself and the lessons of a politics that is without an identifiable cause.

Since Ribadu moved from the APC to the PDP only the skies have remained where they are but the roofs have all but fallen. Nobody seems to find the nexus between theory and practice. When a man is full of decent theory, he would also require a platform to implement

Ribadu

them and that is where the need for certain structural adjustments become very necessary.

Many have described Ribadu as having committed class suicide. But the man is in the PDP for the love of his people and not for the love of lucre. This much a lot of people can attest to but many simply just ignore. The performance factor is obvious. Ribadu has the lead role in the plot of the play where ethnicity is calculatedly mixed with politics.

His defection may not be legitimate in the eyes of electoral democracy or serious political scientists, but this is the occupational hazard of grandstanding for political purposes – you become a spoiler for both disciplines. Ask the northern politicians, to them, the only thing worth defecting to is APC. Anyone who knows Ribadu knows that he wants the Millennium Development Goals back in Adamawa – shelter for all, education for all, employment for all, with some sprinkling of gender equality and minority rights. Ribadu is also

Many have described Ribadu as having committed class suicide.

But the man is in the PDP for the love of his people and not for the love of lucre

a proponent of peace and religious harmony. But his investment in representative national politics has not paid off. He had no constituency and suffered from ethno-religious identity-based politics. His political relevance depends only on a performance of promissory and not on delivery.

The PDP’s performance, on the other hand, has simply been one of a cringe-worthy lack of political intuition. Worse, the PDP leadership is not just prone to being counterintuitive but, since several of them and their advisers have been identified with garrison politics, they tend to revert to a do-or-die-style of it. Their thinking, vocabulary, attitude and methodology seem to be taken straight out of some militant manual. Outside of their exclusive board rooms, they often seem enamoured by their own power and destiny but are having a hard time convincing others of their wisdom and deliverability.

It doesn’t help to have Nuhu Ribadu explaining the nutritional importance of his defection to the people. They should know that his intentions are altruistic and far from selflish. His clinching power will spell the end of power breakfast for the states cruel stakeholders.

The economic disobedience of the elite to the people of Adamawa State (it’s not civil) after deep introspection, has just made every tax-evading member of the upper and trading classes a rebel – now with a cause. Such a complex PDP economic plan must be inspiring to all progressive economists who have for years advocated for restructuring the economy by doing exactly the opposite.

– Ubandoma, a publice affairs analyst wrote in from Abuja

As NSA Seeks Solutions To Crises Among Pastoralists And Farmers

by HAMMID TAJU

In most communities in Northern states of Nigeria, peace, social cohesion and tolerance had prevailed within society and between ethnic groups prior to the spate of violent clashes witnessed since year 2000. In agricultural communities, operational boundaries which existed to identify the spheres within which farmers and pastoralists functioned independently were sustained as inalienable. Indeed parties, crop growers and mobile cattle breeders maintained mutual cooperation enabling harmonious relationship.

Causes of frequent malignant clashes Collapse of operating boundaries resulting from acute shortage of space and essential

farm and cattle breeding resources inflamed tension in communities. Debilitating impact of climate change, accelerated population increase in persons and livestock, usurpation of grazing reserves, dispossession of massive farmland compounded by transhumance influx into the country intensified insurgency and violent confrontations.

Cattle rustling, an act of violent theft of large number of animals from breeders, often perpetrated with murder of victim and abduction of relations continuously devastate pastoralists and livestock farmers. In a nutshell, competitive struggle for scarce resources, suspicion, insecurity and frustration from inadequate outlet for cattle made violent conflict inevitable. Multiple grievances

were criminalised in many communities and the impact turned contagious.

Aggravation of conflict Accelerated economic growth in the country resulting in urbanisation, massive infrastructure layout and extensive highway construction deprived grazing reserves and cattle routes critical funding and effective management.

Facility depletion has been compounded by failure to gazette existing grazing reserves. Continuous reduction in size of farm land, cattle route obstruction, diminishing number of reserves, absence of pasture, water, and resting points on migration corridor portray constraints which defy solution.

Regional dimension of the conflict unfolded with drought

in the Sahel and desertification thereby intensifying North South transhumance movement characterised by ubiquitous trans-border migration. Further onslaught on resources magnified tension and mystified perpetrators of conflict. It is anticipated that government will complement ECOWAS programme on sustainable condition for transhumance including integration of the security ingredients, particularly the adoption of pastoral transhumance certification with view of mitigating the disastrous impact of cattle population pressure on farming communities along the migration corridor.

– Taju is former executive director/co-ordinator, Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc

Inside Out

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Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh: She Died That We Might Live

I

mean no blasphemy by the headline. Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh, a senior consultant physician and endocrinologist, discovered Ebola in Nigeria. She died after a brave battle to save herself and the country from the dreadful viral disease. She died on Tuesday.

She contracted the disease in the line of duty. She was the lead physician that treated the index case in the country, late Patrick Sawyer. The burly LiberianAmerican was first brought into First Consultant Hospital in Obalende, Lagos, she sensed, he might be suffering from the ailment. Sawyer denied any contact with the disease or its sufferer. Meanwhile, his sister died July 8 and he was as a chief mourner all over the corpse.

Dr. Adadevoh physically stopped Mr. Sawyer from leaving First Consultant Hospital even when the Liberian ambassador pressured her to release him (Sawyer). She summoned uncommon courage, ignored his denials and queried Ebola. This was the same Sawyer that scaled through the labyrinth of airport. Not held for carrying light weapon, narcotics and enjoyed the VIP treatment because there was an ECOWAS protocol man on his trail, hiding a weapon that could wipe out the whole country. What airport security was ill-equipped to detect and what he denied was laid bare by Dr. Adadevoh.

Professionally, she arranged for blood analysis, and skilfully turned his hospitalisation into quarantine. By doing this, she stopped an epidemic and saved a nation from a deadly virus.

The table expectedly turned when her patriotism was turned to sorrow after the death of the index case. It was also then that her thoroughbred professionalism became a subject of public discourse.

Today, many laud the public office holders who are busy doing quarantine business and lacing their accounts.

But Dr. Adadevoh selflessness lived and died through a traceable trajectory of illustrious physicians, politicians, statesmen and clerics. I was not surprised that she was sired by a physician father, the late Dr. Babatunde Kwaku Adadevoh, Harvard University-trained and former vice-chancellor of the University of Lagos. Her grandmother was the daughter of Sir Herbert Samuel Macaulay, a foremost politician and founder of Nigerian nationalism in the early 1940s.

Macaulay himself was the grandson of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther, who was ordained the first African Bishop of the Anglican Church in Nigeria in 1864, making Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh, his great-greatgreat-grand daughter. The Adadevoh family can trace their roots to the Creoles in Sierra Leone, Ghana and South-west Nigeria.

So, I was irritated by what the late Sawyer did to a great daughter of the sub-region. So, on Saturday when the minister of health Onyebuchi Chukwu announced that a doctor that treated the index case survived the deadly ailment and had been discharged, I was so exhilarated like many others because we thought God had seen through her heart and healed her.

Reverse was the case when she died. I’ve heard how Liberian President, Ellen Sirleaf offered apologies, but what does that amount to. President Goodluck Jonathan was so miffed that he cursed the here-after of Sawyer and called him unprintable names. But how does it compensate for giving her life that we all might live?

ZMapps, the drugs that could have saved her was denied her and given generously by the US magnanimously to Liberian doctors ailed by the same Ebola.

politics today Thursday, August 21, 2014

REPORTS ANALYSES REVIEWS INTERVIEWS

Ribadu

Mu’azu

Adamawa PDP And The Ribadu Question With the shock of his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gone, the test for the value of the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, as an aspirant in the PDP has just begun. Chibuzo Ukaibe writes.

For Ribadu’s fellow aspirants, his decision to join the party is all good so long as it does not have the endorsement of the presidency to clinch the ticket to run

T

he irony of Malam Nuhu Ribadu’s possible candidature under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the race for governor of Adamawa State is quite gripping when one considers that while on a rescue mission for the eventually sacked governor, Admiral Murtala Nyako (rtd), Ribadu got caught up or perhaps could not resist the magnetic pull and allure of the office he tried to save for his former party member.

The former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had reportedly called in a few favours from his political connections at the height of the impeachment

move on Nyako by an adamant Adamawa State Assembly.

Still, there was little inkling that Ribadu would hurriedly dump the All Progressive Congress (APC) where he assumed some appreciable measure of prominence having contested as presidential candidate in 2011 under the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), a key partner in the APC merger.

But his move to the PDP, it was gathered, was precipitated by what some analysts have regarded as his being muscled out politically by the superior political machinery of the former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who naturally, assumed the leadership of the party in the state.

Upon his defection from PDP to APC, Atiku, a seasoned and deft politician, effortlessly and strategically took hold of the APC machinery in the state.

As such, with the disastrous exit of Nyako, Ribadu was all too grateful to seize the moment when the offers started coming from the PDP for him to jump ship.

Ribadu has since purchased the governorship form and is poised to participate in PDP’s ward congress on September 1 and party primaries on September 6, 2014, ahead of the governorship election in Adamawa State in October 11.

Wooing Ribadu.....

With the exit of Nyako imminent, the political machinery of PDP in the state got to work. Nyako, even while in the PDP, was at war with most of PDP’s stakeholders in the state, especially the immediate past national chairman of the party, Dr. Bamanga Tukur, under whose tenure he defected to the APC alongside four other governors.

So with Nyako out of the way, it was time for the party stakeholders to retake the state and so the meetings began. It was gathered that at a meeting in Abuja between top national PDP leaders and major stakeholders from Adamawa State, perhaps in a bid not to implode the party ahead of the contest, it was agreed that any aspirant was open for the contest except aspirants backed by former PDP chairman, Tukur and former minister of health, Prof. Jubril Aminu.

It was however alleged that following another meeting in Kaduna, an agreement was reached that one of the contenders and son of former national chairman, Auwalu Tukur, should withdraw from the contest and make his structure available to work for Ribadu. But the younger Tukur has since denied the existence of such a deal, stressing that he is very much in the contest to become governor.

On the other hand, leveraging on their long relationship, principal secretary to President Goodluck Jonathan, Hassan Tukur and Ribadu’s former classmate was at the fore of cajoling the former anticorruption czar to join the party and run for governor of the state.

With easy access to the presidency, the calculation was reportedly that Ribadu would enjoy the support of the president to get the PDP ticket to run for governor while the APC’s influence in Adamawa is cut down .

Some people however argue that the decision to root for Ribadu who is from Adamawa Central, was to block other party bigwigs like Marcus Gundiri, Sen Abubakar Girei, Ahmed Modibbo, Auwal Tukur, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong from running, as it is their turn to produce a governor.

Opposition within For Ribadu’s fellow aspirants, his decision to join the party is all good so long as it does not have the endorsement of the presidency to clinch the ticket to run.

The move to bring Ribadu into the PDP and make him eligible to contest for the party’s ticket is facing resistance from some ➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 38 Donald Ojogo, Group Politics Editor

37

38 POLITICS TODAY

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Adamawa, PDP And Ribadu’s Governorship Ambition ➔ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

Smarting from their defeat in Osun State, the PDP, it seems, cannot afford to let Adamawa slip from its grip, having reclaimed it through the impeachment of Nyako

members of the party who fear that the process of his entrance into the party threatens their chances. It was gathered that another grouse they have is on moral grounds as, according to them, it is wrong for the presidency and the PDP to ask him to join the party and run for the top office under the party’s platform.

Besides Auwal Tukur, other aspirants for the governorship seat include former political aide to President Goodluck Jonathan, Ahmed Gulak, Marcus Gundiri, Sen. Abubakar Girei, Ahmed Modibbo and the acting governor, Ahmed Umaru Fintiri.

But one of the fiercest challenge yet to Ribadu’s ambition has been expressed in a spat from Gulak, who said Ribadu is free to join the PDP provided he is ready to eat his vomit over negative comments he made against the PDP. Gulak, who spoke while purchasing his governorship form at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, described Ribadu as “a friend and brother”, and recalled that the former EFCC chairman had been a presidential candidate of the ACN and was in the vanguard of the APC merger.

Gulak, who quoted a statement made by Ribadu on radio upon the merger of the APC, stressed that Ribadu had declared he would not join PDP even if he was offered the presidential ticket for free.

“If he (Ribadu) decides to sommersault and eat his words, he is welcome to PDP,” he stated.

He however warned those moving for special consideration for Ribadu above others that while “he is welcome anytime, any day, whether in APC or any other party, it is the people that will elect him. Nobody can sit somewhere and decide who becomes governor of a place.”

The former political adviser noted that his former boss, the president, is aware of his ambition as he has intimated him before picking his form.

He also took at jab at the eligibility of Ribadu, Marwa and others who just joined the party, citing section 50 of the PDP’s constitution which provides a two year period for waiver.

“I am not aware that Marwa and some others have followed the waiver provisions as contained in the party’s constitution as long as anyone wants to contest. “ He added, “procedures for waivers are clearly spelt out in the constitution beginning from the ward through the

Awwal

zonal levels. You must have been a member of the party for two years.”

On whether he consulted the president on his ambition, Gulak said, “Mr president is the leader of the party and father of the nation. Everybody is supposed to intimate him of his intention to stand but he is always by the people and he knows that the voice of the people is the voice of God. “I have informed Mr President of my ambition just like other aspirants ought to have done and he will not tell you not to since it in an ambition.”

On his part, former minister of Health, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong, has waved off Ribadu as no threat, adding that he has never thought of him as a sole candidate of PDP. Speaking with newsmen shortly after he picked his nomination forms at the party’s secretariat in Abuja, Hong said “the party (PDP) has the prerogative of giving waiver to whoever it wishes but the idea of him becoming a sole candidate is unfounded, it is not true”.

He added, “as a democrat, it is about expression of interest, it is about politics, it is about the will of the people, so I am not afraid of anything,” Hong added.

He however expressed optimism that the national chairman of PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu has insisted on internal democracy. “He has insisted that nomination will take place, so we have noted. We have absolute confidence in this party,” he added.

Meanwhile, Auwalu Tukur, has also declared that he has no deal to step down for Ribadu, thereby putting speculations to rest last week. However, it seems Ribadu compounded the fears of other aspirants by picking the

Hassan

PDP form for the governorship contest.

While he has tried very much to stay off the media spotlight; his form for expression of interest and nomination was picked by his aide, Alhaji Hamidu Mahmoud, the former police top brass has found it hard to shake off allegations that he is the president’s candidate.

Mahmoud, while speaking on behalf of his boss, informed journalists that Ribadu has applied to the PDP national leadership to waive section 50 of its constitution to allow him contest the party’s primary election.

He said,“We are not aware that the president wants to impose Ribadu as governor of Adamawa State.”

In another breath, he gave some life to the suspicion of other aspirants as to the special consideration when he disclosed that it “was some PDP chieftains who called on Ribadu to come and contest for the governorship of Adamawa. So, the question of the president wanting Ribadu does not arise in this case.”

Still, the work load for Ribadu isn’t going to be wished away easily by a presidential magic political wand. There have been questions about Ribadu’s political muscle in the state.

When he ran for president in 2011, many thought of him as a political neophyte who was taking on more than he could bear, but unsurprisingly, he came third in that election.

However, he suffered an embarrassing loss in his home state and senatorial zone. Even now, some analysts believe that he does not have a formidable political structure in the state to face the more grassroots grounded politicians in the state.

It is yet to be seen how bad

his decision to join the PDP would portray him as a political opportunitist, considering the harsh stand he took against the PDP when he championed the cause of APC’s emergence. This, nonetheless, raises the question of where his first (political) love lies, particularly in this political dispensation, considering the way he served under the PDPled government under former President Olusegun Obasanjo until he went on exile and returned under the opposition platform. Even then, his return and aligning with the then ACN was suspect.

But there are greater concerns for Ribadu. The ambition of the acting governor, Fintiri, is one that might play a major spoiler role for him as it stands. It was gathered that thinking within the camp of the acting governor is one of under appreciation as there are grumbles of having been used to do the dirty job of removing the former governor and been discarded without being offered the right of first refusal.

The import of this bye-election is such that whoever emerges has a strong foot within the threshold ahead of the general election in 2015.

However, the burden for the victory of the PDP, lies largely with the national leadership of the party under Dr Adamu Mu’azu.

Riding the wave of recent successes with regards to attracting huge political assets into the party and assuring members of a level playing field, the mere perception that it intends to shift the goal post for Ribadu sends not just a wrong signal to other party faithful, but opens up the party in the state to the astute capitalisation of the APC under Atiku.

POLITICS TODAY 39

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Nigeria Needs No Foreign Assistance To Fight Boko Haram – Sen Oji Senator Sunny Oji represents Ebonyi South in the Nigerian Senate. In this brief encounter with Ruth Choji, the vice chairman of Senate Committee on Appropriation speaks on war against insurgency, need for federal government to negotiate with Boko Haram members to free abducted Chibok girls and other national issues.

Insecurity in the country continues to get worse by the day.

What are we not doing right?

The dimension it has taken is unprecedented and as a matter of fact, it requires more urgent attention than it is being given now. Recently, some people were reportedly escorting a corpse to my senatorial constituency, the army suspected the movement of the people and decided to stop them and search the vehicle.

Immediately, some of the people started scampering and the army shot one of them in the leg and insisted that they open the casket.

When it was opened, it was filled with arms and ammunition. The army arrested the people and handed them over to the police.

I like to say that quite a number of people have not done things right. When Nigerians took over the governance of this country, we followed the structure laid down for us by the colonialists and made zero effort to restructure governance to suit our different ethnic groups.

The colonialists structured Nigeria to suit their needs and that structuring was billed to fail. It was a huge amalgamation but there was no integration. Everything, from education, legal system and other things, were not done to suit the people and I say we did not help matters. Maybe things would have been better if we had restructured on our own. As long as civilian administration remains in Nigeria, we will have better things than we have now.

Do you think if presidency returns to the north, insurgency will cease?

When they talk about poverty and illiteracy level, it is because those who have administered this country in the past have failed

The question is, why would some people ever think that way? Is it that President Goodluck is not qualified as a person to be president or that he has served so long that he should not continue to be there? Or is it that there must be some people that must be president before the country can have peace? I refuse to accept any of the propositions.

Goodluck Jonathan is qualified by the present constitution to have a second tenure. We are looking at the constitution which is the grand norm as to what action to take.

Nobody has the power or right to stop him from going in again. Those who have the belief that if they stop

him, things will be right are out of their minds because nobody has the monopoly of the administration of this country. I want to say that some people are saying let it go up north and come south, but check, all the past administrators, including the military administration until Obasanjo came, had always lived in the north. So why should it continue that way? I am one person who believes that there should be equity. What is good for the goose is good for the gender. Anybody who has ambition after Goodluck should wait whether for rotation or whatever, but Jonathan should exercise his constitutional right unless he decides not to run by his personal volition.

Some have also attributed the crises in Nigeria to poverty, do you concur to that?

When they talk about poverty and illiteracy level, it is because those who have administered this country in the past have failed. On paper, we are a unity government but in reality, it is not happening.

Let’s look at federal structure in the world. Every federating unit has the power to administer itself while still being loyal to the federal.

Like America, where we copy our democracy, some states there hold elections after two years, they have state Senate while still having state House of Assembly and also federal Senate. But in education, they have a standard all over the country.

Labour is negotiated per state and other civil services are negotiated with the federal government, but in Nigeria, it is across board. We have a federation that is truly not a federation. We are unable to administer our people according to the status.

Federating units should be able to provide sufficient administrative power over their constituency. We have the state police, state judiciary and the rest on paper, but they are not as functional as they should be. Education in the South is what came from the west and in the North, it is a mixture of oriental and western education. There is no oriental education in the South so why shouldn’t the North be allowed to combine this mixture since it suits their culture? That is why Almajiri schools have failed. It is not succeeding because it is not

Oji

enough to build structures, it takes more than that. That is why we are not able to track the herdsmen. In the past, no herdsman used to carry agun, it used to be stick. But that is not what we see now. Before the advent of the White man, trading used to be borderless and till date, some people want it to remain borderless. We must understand that, there are some things that the Whiteman brought that do not suit us. We still have our kith and kin in neighbouring countries. If we have federating units, each will administer to their people based on their culture and tribal practices.

Would you say Nigeria is a failed state?

How old is Nigeria’s democracy?

Compare it with America of hundreds of years, they were by far worse than what we are seeing now.

They were ready to kill, maim and destroy, they didn’t obey rules and laws. Their constitution came out of those trying periods. It is their experience that made them put ‘in God we trust”. The Americans who have assigned themselves as the police of the whole world have predicted that Nigeria will disintegrate, sometimes I tend to feel that America has a hand in what is happening in Nigeria today. They have seen that their prediction was not going to come to pass so they instigated Boko Haram and even when Nigeria was saying that Al Queada has a hand in Boko

Haram , they were saying that, no, it is not true, it is an organisation that is fighting corruption because the government and system is corrupt.

If we are talking about corruption, is there any country in the world that there is no corruption?

Corruption is not an Igbo word, it is a White man word. Why did it take them so long with their FBI, Interpol and the rest to discover that Boko Haram was linked to Al Queada? They have always known that it is funded from outside Nigeria but they didn’t not reveal it because they wanted them to really destroy the fabric of the county before they intervene. They want us to get to a stage where before you travel from one country to another, you will be made to produce an identity card. What they forget is that anytime there is an election in every country, there will definitely be tension and those that cannot manage it will end up in crises.

Should amnesty be granted to Boko Haram?

No amnesty for Boko Haram. It is a terrorist group and so you can’t give amnesty to a terrorist group but you can reach a point of agreement. For example, the Chibok girls, I am of the opinion that government enter into an agreement for exchange of prisoners if we agree that the girls are not prisoners of war and some of the Boko Haram detainees are prisoners.

40 news north-East, north-west

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Adamawa Probe Panel Begins Sitting Amidst Startling Revelations

By Mohammed Ismail, Yola

The seven-man panel constituted by the acting governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, to probe the administration of former Governor Murtala Nyako from June 2007 to June 2014 has commenced sitting amidst startling revelations of economic sleaze against some officials of the former administration.

While making his testimony

before the probe panel sitting at High Court II in Yola, permanent secretary of the state Ministry for Local Government, Mr Kennedy Dauda, said former Aide de camp (ADC) to Governor Murtala Nyako has been collecting N48million raised by the 21 local government areas as assistance to the police on monthly basis.

Dauda also told the panel that the local governments also contribute N10.5 million monthly

for the operations of the three state owned media organisations through the Ministry of Information.

He further told the panel that the local governments through his ministry also paid the sum of N167 million in 2012 to a company that was awarded contract for CCTV cameras but was not sure if the contract has been executed.

When asked about the position of contracts for the building

of 210 housing units across the 21 local governments of the state and the purchase of 110 number of Hilux vans, the permanent secretary said he was not in the full picture of such contracts as he was not in charge at that period.

Chairman of the panel, Justice Umar Bobbo, said the panel would get in touch with relevant individuals and organisations to verify the claims by the permanent secretary.

L-R: Special adviser on projects to Bauchi State Governor, Mr Aliyu Jibrin; Bauchi State Airport consultant, Mr Begha Nyakome, and team leader, National Hajj Commission, Capt. Talba Alkali, during the commission’s inspection of Bauchi State International Airport for 2014 hajj operation on Monday.

PHOTO BY NAN

short news FG To Boost Maternal, Child Healthcare In Taraba The federal government yesterday said it is set to boost maternal and child healthcare services in Taraba State through its SURE-P/MCH Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme.

Executive director of National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Ado Muhammad said this in Jalingo during the inauguration of a 12-manSteering Committee that will ensure smooth execution of the programme in the state.

Shagari Tasks New PDP Leaders On Unity

By Millie Ibe, Abuja

The deputy governor of Sokoto State and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader in the state, Alhaji Muktar Shehu Shagari, has called on the new leadership of the party in the state to maintain peace and unity among the party supporters in order to ensure the success of the party in 2015 general elections.

He stated this at the swearingin ceremony of the newly elect ed party leaders of the state held in Sokoto, yesterday.

Shagari challenged the new lead-

ership on commitment, discipline and unity of the party saying this was necessary to ensure the victory of the party at both state and national levels.

He described party unity as an important yardstick towards ensuring success, noting that the PDP is the only forum where each and every Nigerian can express his political views without molestation.

In his goodwill message to the new leadership, the former Caretaker Committee chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi, challenged the new leadership to use their political knowledge and grassroots supports to

bring new life to the PDP in Sokoto State. He said no party can survive without unity and understanding among the stakeholders, as such he called on all party supporters to cooperate with the new leadership for the success of the PDP in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the new leadership, the new party chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Milgoma, assured all the party members in the state of their loyalty, determination and commitment to ensure the party’s success in 2015 elections. Milgoma solicited for the advice of the party elders towards ensuring good leadership in the state.

Ndume Cries Out Over Impact Of Insurgency On Borno South

By Mohammed Ismail, Yola

The senator representing Borno Southern senatorial district, Senator Ali Ndume, has cried out over the activities of insurgents saying that his people are the most affected by the insurgency currently ravaging parts of the north east of the country.

Senator Ndume stated this durBy Andrew Ojih, ing a sympathy visit to some InJalingo

ternally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Adamawa and Gombe states alongside governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shetima.

Speaking to journalists yesterday in Yola, the senator lamented the unabated killing of innocent people by the insurgents saying his people have been at the receiving end of the insurgents’ onslaught.

He said he and other like minds

are doing their best to ensure that the insurgency is nipped in the bud adding that the war against insurgency must be won.

“Our hope is not lost because we keep praying that the insurgency will soon come to an end. This is not the first time in history of the nation that the insurgency attack is happening. It had happened before, only that the way Nigeria is handling it is quite different.”

short news NEMA Releases Relief Materials To Kebbi Flood Victims NEMA has presented two truck-loads of relief materials to Kebbi State government for distribution to flood victims in the state.

Some of the relief items included rice, maize, cooking oil, sugar, salt and mattresses among others.

The head of operations of Sokoto Zonal Office of the agency in charge of North West Zone, Saad Ibrahim who led the delegation of NEMA yesterday were received at the office of the deputy governor, Alh. Ibrahim Aliyu.

By Yahya Sarki Kebbi

Emergency Rule Suffocates Businesses In Adamawa

Business and economic activities have been completely pulverized in the towns and villages located along the major road leading to the capital of Madagali local government of Adamawa State as the towns have been deserted by the people following the escalation of insurgent attacks across Adamawa North senatorial district.

LEADERSHIP reports indicate that towns and villages affected in Madagali local government include Bakin Dutse, Hyambula, Kafin Hausa, Mildu, Gubla, Magar, Chakawa, Gori, Gatha, Chakurat and Waga which have been deserted as businesses, educational and social activities have collapsed.

The insurgency has taken its toll on Mubi, Hong, and Gombi affecting social, economic and educational activities as even recently, hundreds of residents of Garkida in Gombi local government, fled the area for the fear of another insurgent attack.

Apart from the negative effect of insurgent attacks, the emergency rule imposed on Adamawa State to arrest the insurgent attacks has also lead to severance of business and economic activities as many businesses including operators of night clubs and suya were forced to close shop.

By Mohammed Ismail, Yola

Kebbi Civil Servants Risk Losing Salaries Over Absenteeism – HoS The Kebbi State Head of Service (HoS), Alhaji Babale Umar Yauri has warned civil servants in the state to be committed to their work or lose their salaries.

The head of service who expressed dismay over the nonchalant attitude to duty by the state civil servants gave the warning on Tuesday in the company of the state deputy governor, Alh. Ibrahim Aliyu while inspecting part of the state secretariat damaged by torrential rainfall.

He lamented the low turnout of civil servants to work. ‘’My office will not condone any act of truancy, absenteeism and late coming to duty”, he warned.

Yauri, explained that very soon Time Book will be introduced to checkmate those who come late to work and those who left before closing of work for the day. ‘’The Time Book register shall be a measure to know those who report late to duty; if you work, we pay and no work, no pay,’’ he added.

By Yahya Sarki Kebbi

41

Thursday, August 21, 2014

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT

Congratulations to

IBB @ 73!

The government and good people of Plateau State join your family and associates to congratulate you and thank God Almighty for his favour as you mark your 73rd birthday.

We pray for good health and peace upon you in the years ahead.

Happy Birthday Sir!

General Ibrahim

Badamasi Babangida, (Rtd.) GCFR

Signed: Jonah David Jang

Governor Plateau State/ Chairman NGF

42

Thursday, August 21, 2014

TARABA STATE COUNCIL OF CHIEFS

AN HONOUR TO A

DESERVING SON

T

he Aku Uka, President Wukari Traditional Council and Chairman of the Taraba State Council of Chiefs, Dr. Shekarau Angyu Masa Ibi Kuvyo II CON, on behalf of himself, people and the entire Traditional Rulers in Taraba State, wish to congratulate Barrister Danladi Irimiya Kifasi on his appointment as the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

We have no doubt in your ability to contribute your quota to overall development of the Federal Civil Service in accordance with the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

May the Almighty God continue to guide, protect and direct your ways as you serve your father land.

We wish to sincerely appreciate President Goodluck Jonathan for considering our illustrious son worthy of appointment to this exalted position.

Once again, Congratulations!

Signed:

Dr. Shekarau Angyu Masa Ibi Kuvyo II CON Aku Uka, Chairman, Taraba State Council of Chiefs

Barrister Danladi Irimiya Kifasi Head of Civil Service of the Federation

43

Thursday, August 21, 2014

EDO STATE GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA

Prince of Niger @

73

Twenty-one years after you left office as military President, your stature as a statesman and mentor remains undiminished. It is only because, while in office, you built durable bridges across various divides.

Today, while our nation is being severely undermined by centrifugal forces and erstwhile national heroes have regrettably transmuted to ethnic champions, you remain a soldier for national unity.

As you hit 73, I, on behalf of myself, government and good people of Edo State, wish you many more years in good health and clarity of vision in the service of our fatherland.

General Ibrahim Badamasi

BABANGIDA

Signed:

Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, mni, CON Governor, Edo State

44 news south-west Ondo Govt On Vacation – APC

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Fayose Inaugurates Transition Committee

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State yesterday described the state government as being on vacation since the second term election of the state governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko.

The state chairman of the party, Hon. Isaac Kekemeke who stated this in an interview with journalists , also wanted the government to explain the terms through which the Owena Motels was given out to private investors.

Besides, the APC helmsman asked the government to release funds for the local government,ministries, departments and parastatals for the development of the state.

Kekemeke said, “We are concerned about the vacation that Ondo State government has since gone on. Our officers are not functioning again,local government are no longer doing noticeable project because of the non release of funds allocated to them.

“Government owes the people of the state a duty to function both at state and local government levels.

I appeal to government to release funds to Ministries, Departments and Parastatals for quick recovery of all the government activities in the state.

On the demolition of the state own property(Owena Motels)and the desire to construct shoprite and five star hotel,Kekemek said it is a welcome idea but the government must show commitment on the project so that it would not be abandoned like the “Dome” project.

By Tope Fayehun, Akure

By Alo Abiola, Ado-Ekiti

The Ekiti State governor-elect, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has constituted a transition committee in preparation for his October 16 inauguration.

The nine-man committee, chaired by Chief Dipo Anisulowo, according to Fayose, was to advise his incoming administration on how to deliver on its electoral promises to the people of the state.

Inaugurating the committee in Ado Ekiti yesterday, Fayose, who decried the debt profile of the state under Governor Kayode Fayemi, said members are to work with the state government’s committee to ensure a smooth handover.

While expressing regret that the present administration had plunged the state into huge debt, he said it is necessary to make state of financial position of the state known to the people because of high expectations among the people.

But the commissioner for information, Mr Tayo Ekundayo, advised Fayose to stop throwing tantrums at the government and wait until he takes over before making policy statements.

He said N13 billion had been paid back out of the bond taken by Fayemi’s government and added that the government had not taken other loans apart from the N25 billion borrowed

from the capital market.

He said, “Does Fayose has the account of the state? We have never hidden anything from the people. He is a governor-elect and he must not jump the gun. He cannot be commenting on issue he has no record about.

“It is like the man is eager and he must stop making comments until he takes over to be able to ask about the finances of the State.

Other members of the committee include: Mrs Modupe Alad (secretary), Pastor Kola Oluwawole, Barr Owoseeni Ajayi, Rev Wale Komolafe, Mr Biodun Alasoluyi, Mr Benjamin Komolafe, Mr Seye Alade and Mr Dayo Ajayi.

Voters being registered at Orolodo Unit of Omu-Aran Ward 2 in OmuAra n , I re p o d u n LGA of Kwara, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN.

4 Killed, 9 Arrested Over Cult War No fewer than four people were killed and several others injured in Apapa Road, Ebute Metta, area of Lagos State when rival cult groups clashed on Tuesday.

LEADERSHIP investigation revealed that at about 3am suspected cult groups engaged themselves in a fierce battle of supremacy.

They were said to have attacked themselves with guns, broken bottles, cutlasses, daggers and other dangerous weapons at Otto Ilogbo part of the place.

The police were said to have arrested nine suspected members of the hoodlums and recovered four dead bodies and some dangerous weapons.

A police sergeant attached Denton police station who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the quick intervention of the police saved the situation as many more persons would have been killed.

According to the sergeant, “The battle was just about 20 minutes In progress when we arrived the scene and four persons had already died,” A resident said, “I sighted some group of boys around our area and became afraid. I had to take another route because cult war is a common thing in our area.”

By Matthew Dike, Lagos

Traditionalists Call For Teaching Of Ifa In Osun Schools

By Joshua Dada, Osogbo

Traditionalists under the aegis of Traditional Religion Worshippers Association, Osun State branch yesterday reiterated their demand for the introduce of Ifa Studies in the education curriculum in both primary and secondary schools in Osun State.

The president, Tradition-

al Worshippers Association, Osun State branch, Chief Idowu Awopetu while speaking at a colloquium to mark this year’s Isese Day in Osogbo said despite government’s assurance to introduce Ifa studies in the curriculum, nothing has been done.

Chief Awopetu who appealed to the state government to allow teaching of Ifa Studies in

both public primary and secondary schools in the state insisted that studying Ifa by young people would prevent juvenile delinquencies in the state.

He urged the state government to support the traditionalists in their bid to develop Ifa School located in Masifa in Ejigbo local government area of the state.

Osun State government had declared yesterday as a public holiday in commemoration of World Traditional Religion Day otherwise tagged “Isese Day”.

To celebrate the day, traditional worshippers from all the 30 local government areas of the state converged on Government Technical College, Osogbo where they organised a colloquium and held special prayers. for

Robbery: 5 Remanded At Agodi Prison

By Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

Five accused persons were on Wednesday remanded at Agodi Prison, Ibadan, Oyo State, on a four-count charge of robbery and illegal possession of firearms.

The accused were yesterday arraigned before Magistrate F. A. Badrudeen of the Iyaganku Chief Magistrate’s Court, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The suspects, Rasheed Adedokun, 23; Ridwan Sulaimon ,

23; Idowu Adekola, 25; Ridwan Oladepo, 28 and Sile Opawole , 29, were arraigned on a fourcount charge of robbery and illegal possession of firearms.

The prosecutor, Inspector Adewale Amos, informed the court that Rasheed Adedokun, Ridwan Sulaimon and Idowu Adekola on June 26, 2014 conspired at Molete area of Ibadan, in the Ibadan magistrerial district to commit armed robbery and thereby committed an offence contrary to and

punishable under section 6(b) of Robbery and Firearms Laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Also, he said that Ridwan Oladepo, on June 29, 2014, “did possess one locally cut-to-size double barrel gun without authority contrary to section 27(a) (1) of Firearms (Special Provision) Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2004”.

Sile Opawole was said to have on June 30, 2014 illegally possessed one locally cut-to-size

double barrel gun without licence.

“Rasheed Adedokun , Ridwan Sulaimon and Idowu Adekola on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned magisterial district did arm yourselves with one locally cut-to-size double barrel gun and robbed one Bajaj motorcycle with registration number SSU 573 QA valued N112,000, property of Belli Tajudeen, and thereby committed an offence.

news Lagos 45

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Ebola: LG Boss Tasks Nigerians On Clean Environment The chairman, Yaba local council development area, Hon Jide Jimoh, has advised Nigerians to ensure environmental cleanliness and personal hygiene to avoid contracting Ebola virus.

He gave the advice yesterday in an interview with newsmen, saying the local council has embarked on fumigation exercise and sanitary inspections in the community.

He added, “What we need now is the enlightenment of our people on environmental cleanliness and personal hygiene which we have been doing through broadcast jingles.

“If we continue to educate our community, we will not run into limbo of any viruses be it Ebola or any other communicable disease”.

The chairman explained that proper hygiene will prevent the virus from spreading, saying with sanitised environment, there will be no problem.

“As a responsible and responsive government, we would continue to educate our people on Ebola virus through our environmental and health department.

“I want to tell Nigerians not to be too careless with their lives, health and environment. Always ensure sanitation and follow the instructions that guide against contracting the virus,” he said.

Celebrities Mourn Adadevoh On Social Media

By Olaolu Oladipo and Samuel Abulude, Lagos

Nigerian celebrities have taken to the social media platforms to pay glowing tributes to the memory of Dr Ameyo Adadevoh, the consultant physician who died on Tuesday after contracting the Ebola virus.

The late medical practitioner was one of the primary contacts that treated the index case from Liberia, the late Patrick Sawyer.

Specifically, the celebrities paid

tributes to the deceased whom they stated saved the country from a possible epidemic by refusing to give in to the pressure by the Liberian Embassy to allow Patrick Sawyer leave the hospital where she worked.

They also urged the federal government to accord the late doctor a posthumous national award.

Those who took to their social media platform, www.twitter. com and instagram include actress Rita Dominic, singer

Lynxx, Weird MC and Stella Damasus Aboderin.

Singer Weird MC tweeted “Dr Adadevoh Thank you ….Fly like an Eagle….Thanks ever so much.”

On her part, Damasus wrote, “Kind and beautiful Dr Ameyo Adadevoh stood her ground to protect Nigeria. She refused to allow Mr. Sawyer leave First Consultants Hospital even when the Liberian Ambassador pressured her to release him.

Imagine what would have happened if she had let him go”.

The late Adadevoh

short news Fashola Signs N11bn Bill To Reorder 2014 Budget

By Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

Ikosi Isheri LG Chair Impeached, Assembly Promises To Wade In The chairman of Ikosi Isheri local council development area (LCDA) of Lagos State, Engineer Fatai Oyesanya, has been impeached by the councillors of the council.

Consequently, the chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Local Governments, Hon Moshood Oshun has promised that the House will investigate the issue.

Speaking in an interview yesterday, Oshun said, “I was told that they have been invited by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The issue is not strange to us but I can assure you that justice will be done”.

The lawmaker emphasised that the Assembly needs to investigate the matter, saying a letter has been sent to the speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji on the issue.

It was gathered that the impeachment took place on Tuesday, August 19, 2014, at the council secretariat, Ikosi road, Ketu, and all the seven elected councillors in the council led by their leader, Owolabi Taiwo, participated in the impeachment exercise.

By Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (right) congratulating the new Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Funmilayo Atilade, during her swearing-in in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN

Fashola Swears In New Lagos CJ

By Olugbenga Soyele, Lagos

The Lagos State governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), yesterday swore in Justice Oluwafunmilayo Olajumoke Atilade as the fifth female chief judge of the state.

Justice Atilade, who was appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State in July 1996, is taking over from her elder sister, Justice Ayotunde Philips who retired after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 65.

The sisters, who made history as the first siblings in Nigeria to succeed each other as Chief Judge, are daughters of late Justice James Williams, a

former judge of the Lagos Judiciary.

In his remarks at the event, Fashola said that the swearing in of the new CJ is a call to service because the reward of hard work is more hard work.

The governor, therefore, charged the chief judge to continue the reforms started by her predecessor and also do more in taking the state judiciary to greater heights.

He also commended the immediate past CJ, Justice Ayotunde Phillips for her numerous reform programmes while she held sway.

In her acceptance speech, Justice Atilade promised to complete the computerisation process of the judi-

ciary and make a case for the appointment of more judges to speed up hearing of cases in the courts.

Justice Atilade further said she would continue with the decongestion of prisons started by her predecessor, especially with those awaiting trial.

The new CJ, who said her elevation was ordained by God, also promised to see to the lifting of embargo on employment in the state judiciary.

“As I assume office today, I promise to see to the decongestion of our courts, prisons and work with the bar to ensure speedy dispensation of criminal cases”.

Towards the containment of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease(EVD) and reversal of the Lagos State University (LASU) fees, Lagos State governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola yesterday signed a bill to reorder the state’s 2014 budget.

While signing the bill at the Conference Room, State House, Alausa, Fashola said the current health and security challenges as well as the reversal of school fees at LASU informed the adjustment in the budget.

The budget analysis showed that the adjustment totalling N11.66billion did not in any way affect the initial size of the 2014 budget which still remains N489billion.

By George Okojie, Lagos

Group Condemns Sack Of 16,000 Resident Doctors

By Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

A non-governmental organisation, the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR), has condemned the sack of 16,000 resident doctors and suspension of residency training programme in all federal hospitals by the Jonathan-led federal government.

This was contained in a statement signed by the group’s pub-

licity secretary, Chinedu Bosah, yesterday.

The group said: “It is the height of insensitivity and dictatorship for the federal government to sack 16,000 doctors and suspend residency training in a crisis-ridden and collapsing health sector.

This repressive action is similar to the unjustified mass sack of 774 doctors by the Fashola-led Lagos State government in 2012.

“The sack and suspension of

the programme will further aggravate the already problematic health sector. This draconian policy of the federal government further confirms the fact that government and the ruling elite are not interested in reviving the present appalling state of public health care.

“Currently, public hospitals lack the required numbers of quality personnel as well as basic facilities. The government and the rul-

ing elite are paying lip service to quality and affordable health care for Nigerians.

“The long term and continuous underfunding of public healthcare is responsible for the crisis in the health sector”.

“We are appealing to the medical doctors to suspend the ongoing strike, harmonise positions with other health workers with the aim of defending sustainable improvement in the health sector.”

46 news south-South south-East Edo Assembly Crisis: APC Youth Leaders Challenge Police Over Selective Justice

Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) youth leader, Comrade Yakubu Emmanuel, yesterday described the ‘selective’ enforcement of law by the police as a dangerous trend which if not checked would lead to anarchy.

Comrade Emmanuel challenged the police to apply the same method used to solve the Ebonyi crisis to the Edo Assembly crisis.

He also described the arrest of 14 lawmakers of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly loyal to Hon Helen Nwobasi by men of the Nigeria police as “selective democracy in Nigeria”.

Emmanuel, who is the executive director to the Edo State government on youth affairs, wondered why policemen in Edo State decided to look the other way in the Edo State House of Assembly crisis, where the suspended lawmakers allegedly broke into the Anthony Enahoro Complex to hold a parallel plenary.

Fourteen Ebonyi lawmakers were reportedly arrested Tuesday by the police outside court premises when they appeared over the leadership crisis between Hon Nwobasi’s group and the Chukwuma Nwazunku-led faction.

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

Karibi-Whyte Hospital Project Not Abandoned – Rivers Commissioner Rivers State commissioner for health, Dr Sampson Parker, has said that contrary to claims by the minister of state for education, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, the 1,000-bed mega hospital project named after retired Supreme Court judge, Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte has not been abandoned.

This is as the commissioner accused the minister, who served as chief of staff, Government House, during the first tenure of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, of being a corrupt government official, alleging that the junior minister’s private residence in Asokoro area of Abuja is worth about N1billion while he has several properties in Port Harcourt worth over N5billion, and wondered how Wike as a public servant acquired such properties.

Parker, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, was reacting to an allegation by Wike that Amaechi had refused to relieve him of his appointment despite evidences that the commissioner embezzled funds meant for the construction of the 1,000-bed hospital and the malaria elimination programme in the state.

By Annayo Onukwugha, Port Harcourt

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Police Summon Agip Staff, Bayelsa Community Leaders Over Threat To Blow Up Obama Flow Station

By Osa Okhomina, Yenagoa

The assistant inspector general of police (AIG), Zone 5, yesterday summoned the officials of the Italian oil giant, Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and the representatives of six communities in Nembe Kingdom in Nembe local government area of the state over an alleged plot by some youths to blow pipelines belonging to the Obama Flow Station.

Security sources confirmed to LEADERSHIP that the meeting was fixed for today, and that the people were summoned over the petition by the representatives of the aggrieved communities of Obama, Olugbobiri and Ogboinbiri on the alleged refusal of the Agip Oil Company to honour a contractual agreement reached on pipeline surveillance and anti-illegal bunkering work on pipelines belonging to the Obama

Flow station and Tebidaba flow station.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the agreement was reached on the 24th of May in Port Harcourt, Rivers State between the representatives of the aggrieved communities, Hon Nyenye Kuro Mathias (Obama), David Lyon (Olugbobiri), Tonye Kiri (Ogbonbiri) and Doogood (Ogbobiri) and the representatives of Agip, Fotana Salvado (CRV manager)

and Giovani Azzarulu (transport manager).

It was learnt that the refusal of the Agip Oil Company to honour the agreement was allegedly due to unbearable influence by the state deputy governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah due to his interest in pushing the job for the Nembe local government council led by Eminah Benneth to handle through a yet to be established Task Force on illegal bunkering.

short news Anambra: INEC Fails To Commence Continuous Voter Registration Hundreds of people in Anambra State yesterday trooped out to the various registration centres to be registered in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) slated to commence yesterday in the Enugu State Deputy Governor, Mr Sunday Onyebuchi (right), addressing newsmen after a session with the impeachment state, but were panel constituted by the Enugu State House of Assembly, in Enugu, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN disappointed as the commission failed to commence the exercise as planned.

When contacted, the resident electoral commissioner

By Bernard Tolani Dada, Uyo (REC), Professor turned in protecting the citizens tions, Deacon Aniekan Umanah, Chukwuemeka from the scourge. recently pleaded with residents of There was traffic gridlock at the Onukaogu told Some visitors were turned back the state to take some protective Government House gate yester- after the screening and no reason measures and avoid contracting LEADERSHIP that day in Uyo as workers and visi- was given for preventing them the ailment. the exercise could tors going into the complex from from entering the complex. not commence Advising the people to adopt the Barracks Road end were thorbecause they But one of the visitors who a high level of hygiene, Umanah oughly screened by some health left in annoyance told our corre- urged the people to stay off areas were still awaiting workers and cleared after being spondent who was also screened prone to the epidemic, and called the registration certified as Ebola-free. materials from at the gate that he was in a hurry on travellers from Akwa Ibom to Although no Ebola cases have and would rather come back later be conscious of the danger of such the national been reported in the state since in the day. headquarters, movement and take appropriate the outbreak of the disease, the Abuja.

A government statement measures to safeguard their lives state government has said it signed by the commissioner for while on transit to other countries

By Okechukwu would not leave any stone un- information and communica- or states.

Obeta, Awka

Ebola: A/Ibom Govt House Workers, Visitors Undergo Rigorous Screening

Ex-Militant Leaders Disown Gen Ogunboss Over Comment On Gov Dickson

By Osa Okhomina, Yenagoa

Ex-militant leaders under the aegis of the Leadership for Peace and Cultural Development Initiative (LPCDI) yesterday disowned the former member of the Upper Chamber of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), Comrade Eris Paul, known as General Ogunboss, over

his alleged derogatory comments against the state governor, Hon Seriake Dickson.

According to the group, though the claims by the former MEND leader on the alleged attempts on his life by some unknown persons allegedly sponsored by the officials of the state government are not known to it, it will ensure a process of

peaceful settlement of the raging war of words between Comrade Eris Paul and Governor Seriake Dickson over alleged threat of assassination and disloyalty to President Goodluck Jonathan.

The ex-militant leaders. led by the national coordinator of the (LPCDI), Pastor Reuben Wilson, however, dissociated

themselves from the claims by the aggrieved Eris Paul on the alleged payment of N.3million by ex-militant leaders to hire the state-owned Ijaw House, known as Izon Warri.

He said their decision to initiate peaceful resolution of the crises is to stop any act capable of derailing the re-election project of President Goodluck Jonathan.

news NATIONAL 47

Thursday, August 21, 2014

My Guber Aspiration Not A Do-or-Die Affair – Dr. Umar Ardo

As the gubernatorial contest of Adamawa State gathers momentum, a gubernatorial hopeful under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Dr Umar Ardo, has disclosed that his aspiration to lead the state was not a “do or die affair” saying that he is ready to accept any outcome whether favourable or not as long as level playing ground is provided in the contest.

Ardo made the statement at the state secretariat of the party where heindicated his interest to contest the state’s plum job under the party.

He said the best he could do was to express his intention to contest for the seat, noting that the decision to vote rested with the people.

He, however, advised the people to make a wise decision in order not to enthrone an autocratic government which will not respect the wishes of the people.

By Mohammed Ismail, Yola

Kaduna PDP Crisis: Ex-Aviation Minister Dismisses Yero’s Endorsement Former Aviation Minister, Mr. Felix Hassan Hyat and founding member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State has dismissed recent endorsement of Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero to continue as governor come 2015.

Some politicians under the auspices of elected and appointed office holders had last week endorsed the candidature of the state governor ahead of the 2015 general elections.

The former minister, who just returns from United Kingdom, said it was unholy for some elements in Southern Kaduna to have endorsed the governor when they are suppose to produce the next governor under the PDP.

By Midat Joseph, Kaduna

Wamakko Swears In 2 Commissioners, 1 SA Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko yesterday swore in two new commissioners and a special adviser at the Government House in Sokoto.

The governor, while performing the state function, equally urged the new appointees to not only be cautious of the task ahead of them but also adhere to the tenets of their oath of office.

The two newly sworn-in commissioners are Alhaji Isa Bajini Galadanci and Alhaji Abdullahi Garba Sidi while Dr Kulu Haruna Abubakar was given as the Special Adviser slot.

Wamakko advised that new appointees to be responsible to the government as well as the people.

By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto

2015: US Cautions Against Electoral Violence

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja

The United States yesterday cautioned the political class in Nigeria against electoral violence ahead of 2015 general elections, pledging to support the electoral process to ensure its success.

This was disclosed by the Ambassador of the United States to Nigeria, Mr James Entwistle, during a courtesy visit on the National Working Commit-

tee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Entwistle, advised Nigerian politicians against violence during elections because it threatens democracy across the world.

He therefore encouraged potential party candidates to publicly commit themselves to democratic ideals noting ``they would not encourage, forment or engage in violence before, during and after the election”.

The ambassador added that

it was necessary for politicians to begin to make such commitments from now till the 2015 general election.

Pledging the support of the US ahead of 2015, he said ``from our own historical experience, we understand the importance of election. ``The United States will support the Nigerian people in their quest to ensure a credible and transparent election that they want and deserve.

``That is what we stand for and as part of that, I will try to be in touch with all parties to understand them, so that we can be knowledgeable about the electoral process here. I think it is incumbent on all of us to work towards this, history shows us that one election can make the difference. It may not happen over night, but genuine change in every society is only possible in a true democratic process.’’ Entwistle said.

short news Rivers Assembly Probes Health Mgt Board The Rivers State House of Assembly has launched a probe into the activities of the State Primary Healthcare Management Board over allegations of fraud and shady deals.

The probe followed a motion moved on the floor of the House yesterday by Deputy Leader and member representL-R: National Coordinator, Goodluck Initiative for Transformation (GIFT), Mr Chinedu Okpalanma, head, Public Relations, Ms Ogenna ing Ahoada-East 1 Ekwubiri, director of finance, Mr Haruna Madisca, and executive director, Contact and Mobilisation, Mr. Godwin Osigbeme, during Constituency, Hon. an international press conference on the Goodluck Initiative for Transformation Talent Reality Show in Abuja. PHOTO BY OLUGBEGA OLAJOBI Nname Robinson Ewor.

In moving the motion, Ewor, averred that

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja fecting.”

(PDP) Dr. Adamu Mu’azu. the board had Sen. Smart said “ I have a vision He however noted although the abandoned its duties The Senate committee chairman that people like Buhari, Kwankwa- opposition is needed in the counin line with the law on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), so, Tinubu will come back to PDP try, it must be for the progress of Sen. Smart Adeyemi, ‎yesterday after the opposition’s conven- the country and must help to enthat established it threw a jab at the opposition, All tion. People are calling for Presi- trench democracy. since 2010 when it Progressives Congress (APC) pre- dent Jonathan to declare for 2015 was constituted.

He however flayed incumbent dicting that most of their leaders, and I ask where are his opponents. governors who fly around in priHe lamented that including Gen. Muhammadu Bu- PDP should not bother about Jon- vates jets while their is unemploysince 2010 that the hari, former Lagos State Governor, athan’s declaration, he is already ment in the polity.

House passed the Bola Tinubu and incumbent gov- crusing to victory.”

He charged such governors to Law and governernor of Kano will defect to PDP While he pleaded with the PDP sell the jets and use the proceeds ment constituted the after APC presidential convention. national chairman to accommo- to create jobs. He however deboard, this law had Smart Adeyemi, who represents date the APC chieftains when they clined to mention names of such been abandoned by Kogi West on the floor of the Sen- defect, Sen. Smart added “the only governors. the board manageate, stated this when he paid a sol- thing sustaining the opposition is On his part, Mu’azu stated that ment. idarity visit to the national chair- their congress. When they have PDP will continue to remain the

By Anayo man of Peoples Democratic Party their congress they will start de- dominant party in the country.

Onukwugha,

Buhari, Tinubu, Kwankwaso Will Defect To PDP – Sen Adeyemi

Modu Sheriff’s PDP Posters, Banners Flood Maiduguri

ByAbdulkareem Haruna, Maiduguri

Ahead the expected return of former Borno State governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, to Maiduguri for his official defection to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), supporters of the former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday flooded the state capital with posters and banners bearing his photographs.

Mounted right in the center of

Maiduguri’s main round-about that welcomes every visitors to the state capital, is a huge banner with bold emblem of the PDP, and inscriptions describing Sheriff as “A Leader We Can Trust”.

Speaking with some of the young men mounting the banners in some other parts of Maiduguri, one of them, Ba’kura Muhammed, who described himself as member of the SAS campaign organization said “the leader is coming home soon and it will be

a big ceremony of reception for him when he would register officially and collect his PDP membership card”.

Muhammed added that we have mobilized all the wards and units of Maiduguri to begin hoisting our flags, that is why if you go to densely populated areas like Shehuri (vicinity of the Shehu’s palace), Bulumkutu, Old Maiduguri, Ruwan-Zafi and so on all you would see is the PDP flag; the change is coming and it is for

sure this time around”.

Also speaking on the development, a member of the state House of Assembly from the northern Borno senatorial district, who does not want to be named said: “There is no going back on our defection to PDP; as a matter of fact 12 of us have fully made our intentions clear, while the rest are just marking their time to get whatever they want to get from the state government before joining us.”

48 news NATIONAL 25 Registered Parties Move To Outlaw Crosscarpeting By Office Holders The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), an association of all the 25 registered political parties in Nigeria, has called on the National Assembly to outlaw “cross-carpeting” by politicians to other political parties after winning elections on the platform of a party.

Already, the just-concluded National Conference has recommended that anyone who got elected into office and later dumps the party which gave him ticket will automatically lose the office for which he or she was elected.

The recommendation by the Confab, meant to be enshrined in the new constitution for Nigeria, is aimed at curbing the abuse of political process in the country in which political office holders dump the parties which offered them tickets on flimsy excuses to join other parties at will.

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja

FG Charges Engineers To Match Foreign Counterparts The federal government has challenged Nigerian engineers to up their game by matching the standard of professionalism offered by their counterparts abroad, saying it is only by so doing that they can reverse the trend of foreigners dominating the construction industry.

President Goodluck Jonathan gave the charge yesterday at the opening ceremony of the 23rd Engineering Assembly, with the theme, “Commercialising Engineering, An Imperative for National Development,” organised by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) in Abuja.

By Millie Ibe, Abuja

No Ebola Outbreak In Rivers – Commissioner Rivers State commissioner for health, Dr Sampson Parker has allayed fears of the people of the state on the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), saying there is no reported case of the disease in the state.

Rivers State is a hub to visitors and there have been fears of possible infiltration of the disease by visitors or those who travel in and out of the state.

But in his presentation before the state Assembly on his ministry’s level of preparedness and prevention, yesterday, Parker said the state was yet to record any case.

Parker, who fielded questions from the lawmakers, stated that the ministry has acquired protective kits, while a group of foreign medical experts have already been contracted to come and train medical personnel in the state.

By Anayo Onukwugha, Port Harcourt

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Jega Condemns Masked Security Agents During Elections

By Kunle Olasanmi, Abuja

Apparently referring to the just concluded governorship poll in Osun State, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, has condemned security agents who covered their faces during elections.

The INEC boss also disclosed

that elections in the country cannot be perfect.

Jega, who spoke in Abuja yesterday during the Situation Room organised by Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre to review the Osun governorship election, condemned the deployment of hooded security agents for the election.

According to Jega, the overzealousness of some security agents

almost marred the Osun governoship election.

He said, “Election cannot be perfect. I have always said this, and anytime I say it, journalists always feast on it but I will say it again.

“The presence of security agents does not create panic, rather, it gives voters the courage to come out and vote.

“For the first time, we saw hooded security men during the election. Transparency requires that they should be identifiable, so that if anything goes wrong, we will be able to address it”, Jega said.

He added that politicians should begin to learn that they cannot win elections with the help of security agents, the police and thugs but by the support of voters.

short news HOS Appointment: Proposed Protest, A Blackmail – CSOs As reactions continue to trail the appointment of Mr Danladi Kifasi as the new head of service of the federation (HOS) with the threat of protest over allegations of corruption against him, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations has Intending voters checking their names for collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at LEA Primary School, Byazhn, Kubwa condemned the polling unit, Abuja, yesterday. proposed protest, describing it as blackmail.

Addressing a press conference

BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kaduna train you and sensitise you on how of the camp; I thank the governor yesterday in Abuja, to go about it before the election of Kaduna for his development in the national presiAhead of the 2015 general elec- begins next year, so don’t collect the camp.” dent of the group, tions, the director general, Na- any form of financial reward or He encouraged the corps memComrade Etuk tional Youth Service Corps gifts from politicians where you bers not to be deterred by anyBassey Williams, (NYSC), Brigadier General John- will be assigned during the elec- thing as their security will be taken said the call for the son Bamidele Olawumi has tion”. care of throughout their camping removal of Danladi charged corps members not to alGeneral Olawumi advised the period, and tasked them to be paon the grounds of low themselves to be used by pol- corps members to learn the tra- triotic and committed to the develcorruption allegaiticians during the election in or- ditions, cultures and religions of opment of the community where tions was a plot to der not to tarnish the good image their places of primary assign- they are going to serve. deny him his right, of the scheme. ments, and ensure that they are Also speaking, the coordinator as the case cited The DG gave the advise yester- friendly with the people. of NYSC, Kaduna State, Mr Hilaagainst him has day while addressing the corps He commended the camp ad- ry Nasamu commended the DG for been decided upon members during his supervisory ministration and the state gov- his visit, saying “The visit is special by a High Court, visit to the Kaduna NYSC camp. ernment for their commitment, to us as the DG cannot visit all the which ruled in his He said, “As you all know, you adding “The camp is very well or- camps; the camps he visits are carefavour. have become part of the elector- ganised and I am particularly im- fully selected and when he came, al process in the country; we will pressed with the administration he was not disappointed,” he said.

By Ebriku John Friday, Abuja

2015: Beware Of Politicians, NYSC DG Warns Corps Members

Doctors Set To End Strike Convene stakeholders’ meeting after Mark’s intervention

By Jonathan Nda-Isaiah, Abuja

The striking members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) are set to end the industrial action embarked upon following disagreement with the federal government over alleged unpaid allowances.

President of NMA, Dr Kayode Obembe gave the hint yesterday

in Abuja after a prolonged meeting with the president of the Senate, Senator David Mark, who waded into the imbroglio.

Senator Mark along with the Delta State governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, who is himself a medical doctor, Senator Tunde Ogbeha and the senior special assistant to the president on public affairs, Dr Doyin Okukpe, met with the doctors from Tuesday night until Wednesday morning in the Apo residence of the Sen-

ate president.

A press statement issued by his chief press secretary, Paul Mumeh, said Senator Mark had at the closed-door meeting reminded the doctors of the implications of the strike to the health of the citizens.

There were indications that government complied with a reasonable number of their demands, following which they resolved to brief their members before taking the final decision to call off the strike.

But Dr Obembe said he would

not give the exact date and time that the strike would be called off until he reported back to his members, adding however, that “the meeting with the Senate president was very successful.”

He denied the allegation that the striking doctors abandoned the nation during a trying time of major heath emergency on account of the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), saying, “We have been alive to our duties as professionals. and to our fatherland.”

49

crime Thursday, August 21, 2014

F E AT U R E S

Is IGP Abba Nigeria’s Dream Police Chief?

Acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Suleiman Abba, may have received his first baptism of fire with the Osun State governorship elections. Many Nigerians are however still watching his dance steps and body language to determine among others how the 2015 general election would fare. CHIKA OTUCHIKERE writes.

J

ust when the country appeared to be in a crossroads over the best and safest approach to rescue over 200 Borno State, Chibok LGA schoolgirls abducted by the bloodthirsty Boko Haram sect, the federal government retired the former Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Abubakar.

Immediately after abubakar’s retirement President Goodluck Jonathan appointed the then AIG, Suleiman Abba, formerly in charge of Zone 7. LEADERSHIP learnt that certain interested persons lobbied to renew the former IGP’s tenure on the grounds that he had put so much to revitalise the police force.

The presidency did not give any reasons other than his attainment of the statutory age for his retirement. Abubakar’s retirement led to the subsequent compulsory retirement of all the then Deputy Inspectors General of Police.

IGP Abba did not mince words during his maiden briefing with senior police officers when he announced that his regime would tackle all the issues which the former IGP also tackled but would pay premium on the change of the attitude of his officers and men.

While he acknowledged that the ex-IGP Abubakar begun the process of refining the country’s officers and men into the ideal police personnel Nigerians desire, he insists that there were still much to be done to finetune the force personnel.

It was evident from that maiden briefing which journalists were allowed to cover only the opening ceremony that IGP Abba does not feel any restraints about his feelings and disposition to the work of policing the nation.

In his opening address, he pointed out that ordinarily he does not give written addresses

but was literally compelled to make a written address on that meeting. He showed his freedom of expression during the question and answer session.

“This meeting is going to be an eye-ball to eye-ball, heart to heart discussion. And we won’t discuss anything other than the problems before us. We cannot pretend, we cannot look aside; there are problems and when I say problems, I mean problems of insecurity, problems of safety of the people in this country and particularly, some parts of this country and our responsibilities as police officers.

“That is what this meeting is all about. I may not need to go further than this so that we can show each and every one the urgency that is required in arresting the situation that we have found ourselves. What are the problems and what can we do to improve on what we have met? All my predecessors have tried their very best, including the immediate past IGP. But that does not mean we will say there are no issues needing urgent solutions,” Abba stated during his opening remarks.

The IGP succinctly cleared the air about his personality and some of the appointments he had been privileged to enjoy as a police officer. He stated categorically that he had never had any of the appointment based on any godfather., stressing that there was no division in the police.

“Let me say that the greatest weapon I want to use is a change of attitude to work from the police officers in Nigeria. That’s the greatest weapon, if you want to call it weapon, strategy, plan or whatever.

“I have never believed that one person can do it alone. I have believed, like the Japanese proverb that says, ‘none of them can be stronger than all of us’.

That’s the approach. That’s why

IGP Abba

I said I am meeting my officers eyeball to eyeball.

“We are strategizing and working together as a team. If you want me to say it, one of the problems is that we don’t want to hear anything about division in the police again. I have never believed it existed anyway. Those who know me would tell you that I have never had a godfather in the police, never! I have never believed in anything called godfather. I have never had. But God in his infinite mercy, there is no office I have not occupied. “ I was appointed ADC police to the head of state. I got there without nomination from anywhere. In fact, people were interviewed. Let me tell you this, Kafur is a living witness, Yar Adua is a living witness, Akaya is a living witness. They were all nominated and they were interviewed and one was selected. But there was something wrong with the interview and it was cancelled and someone that was not interviewed was picked.

“Those who know will tell you, we returned from NIPSS 2009, the same day we reported to the IGP, the same day a change in Rivers was to be effected. They asked the governor, what does he want, who does he want and he said he has nobody in mind but he wants an incorruptible officer, a lawyer, that’s all. By God’s grace, the same day that information was given was the same day we returned from

NIPSS. “And somehow, the then IGP felt, ‘this man has those qualities’, so that’s it. When it was time, I didn’t even go on the normal two weeks leave, I was asked to proceed to Rivers.

I remember officers who were waiting for that vacancy,” Abba said.

The police boss also stressed his commitment to the welfare of the officers and men, and pointed out that he had been the chairman of the Police Cooperative Society which he said was instrumental to all the welfare projects embarked by the police including housing accommodation for the offices and men.

Abba who may have an onerous duty of ensuring that the standard set by his predecessors is improved also disclosed that he chaired the planning committee for the 2015 general election as well as the election duty commissioner of police in 2011 leading to arrangement for security for the governorship election in Osun.

The IGP’s antecedent may have prepared him for the office of highest law enforcement officer in the land, but Nigerians are of the view that being the officer to superintend the 2015 general elections may present the police force with challenges whose handling could determine the continued existence of the country.

Those who know me would tell you that I have never had a godfather in the police, never!

50 NEWS /CRIME

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Police Dismiss Corporal Over Robbery

By Tope Fayehun, Akure

Ondo state Police Command yesterday dismissed one of its officers, corporal Omini Nkanu over his alleged involvement in a robbery operation.

The State Commissioner of Police, Isaac Eke also said not fewer than 31 other suspects have been arrested by the men of the state police command in the last one month.

Eke disclosed this while briefing journalists on the activities of his men in curbing crimes in the state said, the police corporal snatched a Toyota Camry car from one Oretan Oluwadamilare around

Oba Ile in Akure North Local government area of the state on the 24th of July.

The Police Commissioner however said nemesis caught up with Nkanu when a team of Federal Highway Patrol attached to Abia state intercepted him on his way to dispose the car.

The police corporal with Force Number, 399471 and attached to Oba Ile Division of the state command however confessed to the snatching of the car at gun point and said the robbery was carried out with some members off his gang who are now at large.

Eke said the police corporal has been dismissed from the

force saying the suspect would soon appear in court.

The police boss also informed that a murder suspect, Busayo Ayowele will soon face the wrath of law for killing one Anthony Idowu who was her man friend.

According to him, the suspect, Busayo called his man friend and soaked him with Petrol before setting him ablaze and killing the man in the process.

He said “ A case of attempted murder involving the lady was transfered to the Department of Criminal Investigation Akure from Fanibi Division.

During investigation, the suspect confessed to have

soaked his man friend with petrol and set him ablaze which resulted to the victim’s death, the suspect was arraigned in court for murder and case is still pending in court” Eke however reiterated his commitment to flush out criminals in the state urging all criminals to‎ relocate elsewhere and appreciate all other security agencies in the state calling for more synergy with the security agencies He also called on the law abiding citizens in the state to go about with the lawful duties and hold not envisage to report any criminal or criminal activities within their environment.

Police Partner With FCDA To Upgrade Hospital The acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Suleiman Abba, has assured residents of the Mohammed Abubakar Police Barracks that the Police will collaborate with the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to upgrade its 40-bed hospital at the police barracks.

Abba gave the assurance yesterday when he visited the barracks and inspected some of its facilities. He said he had visited the senior officers quarters and decided to also visit the barrack “I hold the junior officers dearly. The force is making plans to provide school for the children of the personnel in the barracks. What I know about the hospital so far is that it is a small hospital.

“We will collaborate with the FCDA to expand the hospital to a standard hospital, and we will make it open for members of the public, who we serve, to access,” he said.

Abba assured that all inadequate facilities at the barracks would be identified with a view to address them appropriately.

By Chika Otuchikere, Abuja

Rotary Club Utako Partners Police, Creates Security Awareness

L-R: United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr James Entwistle and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mr Suleiman Abba during the ambassador’s courtesy visit to the IGPat his office in Abuja. INSET: A kitted police officer standing beside one of the bomb disposal robots.

US Ambassador Donates Bomb Disposal Robots To Police

by CHIKA OTUCHIKERE, Abuja

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria His Excellency, James F. Entwistle, yesterday paid a courtesy visit to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Suleiman Abba during which the ambassador donated some high tech bomb disposal robots to the Nigeria Police.

Force spokesman, ACP Frank Mba made this known in a statement made

available to LEADERSHIP in which he said the IGP restated his commitment to reform the Force for better service delivery.

Entwistle who congratulated the IGP on his new appointment and thanked the Nigeria Police Force for its high level of co-operation and huge partnership with the US Embassy in Nigeria, also reassured the Ag. IGP that his country will continue to render relevant supports

to the Force in the areas of training and security cooperation.

The IGP, while responding, appreciated the Ambassador’s courtesy visit and thanked the US government for assisting the Nigeria Police Force in areas of investigation, management of scene of crime as well as position of equipment.

Describing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

executed by the Nigeria Police Force and the US government recently as a huge partnership that will improve and modernize Police training in Nigeria, the IGP restated his commitment to continue to drive reforms and transformation of the Force in order to reposition the Force for better service delivery and promised that the newly donated equipment would be put to effective use.

Members of the Rotary Club of Abuja, Utako yesterday organised a security awareness workshop where members and the general public were exposed to the tips on how to enhance their security.

President of the club, Mr Oke Epia, in his welcome remarks said there was need for the public to be exposed to security tips on how to manage the current security situation.

Epia who stressed that the Rotary Club was a humanitarian organisation which contributes its role to better the lot of mankind said Nigerians do not need to be ignorant of the proper measure to adopt in a time of insecurity.

Guest speaker of the event, Divisional Police Officer of Utako Police Station, CSP Usman Umar, in his speech said the task of combating insecurity was the responsibility of everyone and urged everyone to collaborate with the police to end insecurity.

Umar who traced the origin of insurgency in the country and particularly in the FCT, said the situation now calls for all hands to be on deck to ensure that the insurgents do h=not have an upper hand.

By Chika Otuchikere, Abuja

51

Thursday, August 21, 2014

world

news ➌

➎ ➍ ➋➊ ➏ ➐

➎ Dozens Of

Residents Die In Donetsk Fighting

Fighting in Ukraine’s mostly rebelheld region of Donetsk has killed 34 local residents and wounded 29 others in the past 24 hours, authorities have said.

Government troops trying to

quell the pro-Russia insurgency in eastern Ukraine have been focusing on encircling Donetsk, the largest city still in rebel hands, and driving the rebels out of the city of Luhansk.

Pakistan’s powerful military has called for talks to resolve a weeklong political drama as tens of thousands of protesters marched on parliament in a bid to depose the prime minister.

Men, women and children of all ages staged a sit-in outside the parliament building after defying a government ban on entering Islamabad’s “red zone”, which houses key buildings in the capital.

At least 32 people have been killed in landslides that struck Japan’s Hiroshima prefecture, officials say.

The landslides happened in a residential area near a mountain

in the Hiroshima city outskirts.

They were triggered after the equivalent of a month’s rain fell in the 24 hours up to Wednesday morning, Japan’s weather agency said.

➊ Hamas Military ➋ Strikes Resume Chief’s Family Buried In Gaza

Between Israel, Hamas After Talks Fail

Several thousand mourners have joined the funeral procession for the wife and baby son of Hamas’ military commander Mohammed Deif.

Addressing the mourners, a young man passed on the condolences of the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, and prayers were read for two other men who died earlier yesterday when a rocket hit their motorcycle in the northern town of Beit Lahiya.

Strikes and counter-strikes between Israel and Hamas resumed as talks aimed at agreeing to a longer-term truce fell apart.

Since the temporary ceasefire crumbled Tuesday, at least 137 rockets have been launched from Gaza, the Israeli military said. Of those, 94 hit Israel and 24 were intercepted.

Israel has retaliated with airstrikes on Gaza, attacking some 80 suspected militant sites.

➏ Pakistan Army Pushes For Talks Amid Protests

➌ Protesters Back On ➍ Scores Killed As Arab The Streets In US Suburb Tribes Clash In Darfur

Protesters in the US suburb of Ferguson have taken to the streets again after more than a week of racially-charged rioting since the killing of an unarmed black teenager by a white policeman.

The police have struggled to cope with a combination of peaceful protestors and looters who have smashed windows and torched buildings.

Scores of people have been killed in fresh clashes between two Arab tribes in Sudan’s troubled western region of Darfur, witnesses from the rival camps have said.

One person said at least 30 members of his Rezeigat tribe were killed in the fighting, in which heavy weapons were used, with Maaliya tribesmen over territorial claims in the Umm Rakuba district, the AFP news agency reported.

➐ Japan Landslides Kill 32 In Hiroshima Prefecture

52 WORLD NEWS

Thursday, August 21, 2014

The late Foley just before his execution. photo by BBC

TERRORISM: IS Group Beheads US Journalist

By Iroka Ugochukwu, with agency report.

The Islamic State group yesterday released a video purportedly showing one of its fighters beheading US journalist James Foley, who had gone missing in Syria nearly two years ago.

US President Barack Obama has said the beheading of US journalist James Foley is “an act of violence that shocks the conscience of the entire world”.

Obama said the ideology of Islamic State (IS), the group which made a video of Mr Foley’s killing, was “bankrupt” and would ultimately fail.

A grim-looking Obama said the US would continue to do “what is necessary” in the fight against IS militants, and described them as “a cancer”, saying they had “no place in the 21st Century”.

“No just God would stand for what they did yesterday or what they do every single day,” he added.

He said the future would be won by those such as James Foley, who built rather than destroyed.

In the IS video, titled A Message to America, a man identified as James Foley is dressed in an orange jumpsuit, kneeling in desert-like terrain beside an armed man dressed in black.

He gives a message to his family and links his imminent death to the US government’s bombing campaign of IS targets in Iraq.

Clearly under duress, he says, “I call on my friends, family and loved ones to rise up against my real killers, the US government, for what will happen to me is only a result of their complacency and criminality.”

Then the masked militant, who speaks with a British accent, delivers a warning to the US government: “You are no longer fighting an insurgency.

We are an Islamic army and a state that has been accepted by a large number of Muslims worldwide.

“So any attempt by you Obama to deny the Muslims their rights of living in safety under the Islamic caliphate will result in the bloodshed of your people.”

After he speaks, the militant appears to start cutting at his captive’s neck before the video fades to black.

His body is then seen on the ground.

Another captive, identified as American journalist Steven Sotloff, is shown

at the end, with the warning that his fate depends on Obama’s next move.

“The life of this American citizen, Obama, depends on your next decision,” said a masked man in the video posted on social media sites, speaking English with a British accent as he held a prisoner the video named as Steven Sotloff.

Sotloff was abducted in northern Syria a year ago.

Family Reacts Foley’s mother, Diane Foley, released a statement through a Twitter account the family had used to campaign in which she confirmed his death and said he died “trying to expose the world to the suffering” of the Syrian people.

“We implore the kidnappers to spare the lives of the remaining hostages.

Like Jim, they are innocents. They have no control over American government policy in Iraq, Syria or anywhere in the world,” the statement read.

“We thank Jim for all the joy he gave us. He was an extraordinary son, brother, journalist and person. Please respect our privacy in the days ahead as we mourn and cherish Jim.” Revealing his faith in Foley’s bravery in the face of certain execution, his father John said he was certain his son would not have shirked from the dire situation and would have offered to take someone else’s place because, ‘that is who he was.’ Talking about his brutally murdered son, John Foley said “He was a martyr for freedom. His brother and I are both sure he volunteered to go first.”

UK PM In Emergency Talks Over Killing UK Prime Minister David Cameron interrupted his holiday to return to London after the video was released.

He condemned the killing as “deeply shocking” but said it was “not a time for a knee-jerk reaction”.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called it “an abominable crime that underscores the campaign of terror”.

Earlier, French President Francois Hollande told Le Monde: “I think we are in the most serious international situation since 2001” - the year of the 11 September attacks in the US.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

53

54

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Falconets For Finals, Demolish Korea DPR 6-2 Four goals from Asisat Oshoala and two goals from Courtney Dike and Uchechi Sunday ensured the Falconets qualified for the final of the on-going FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada.

In an almost one-sided game, Dike opened the scoring as early as the second minute, before the Koreans replied through Un Sim in the 31st minute.

Defensive flaws and a brief

loss of attention had nearly caused the Koreans to come back into the game before the break, but Oshoala’s second in the 24th minute ensured the Nigerians went into the break as leaders.

The second half saw a flurry of goals, as Oshoala scored again in the 60th minute. The Koreans replied via a penalty kick in the 62nd, before the Nigerians girls

took the game out of their reach via goals from Oshoala, Dike and Sunday.

Prior to the game, the coach of the team, Dedevbo, had promised the nation a win.

The team captain, Okoye, had also assured the nation of a win against the Koreans.

The Falconets will play in the final game on Sunday, for the ultimate prize.

FIFA Rejects Barcelona Appeal On Transfer Ban Barcelona will be unable to sign players until January 2016 once the current transfer window shuts, after world governing body FIFA rejected the club’s appeal against a transfer ban.

The Spaniards were given the 14-month ban after being found to have breached rules on signing international players under the age of 18.

It was suspended after they appealed, allowing them to sign Luis Suarez. Barcelona will now take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The ban will start in the next transfer window, early next year, which means their summer acquisitions will be unaffected. And the Catalan club could, if they wanted, sign more players before the current transfer window ends on 31 August.

In a statement, the club said it would “continue defending its interests before the highest sporting authority, in this case the Court of Arbitration for Sport”. Barcelona added that the punishment was an “affront to the spirit” of their “world renowned” academy La Masia, which is regarded as being the foundation of the club’s success in recent years.

Players are instilled with a philosophy of how the game should be played and many of the first team, such as Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez, have graduated from the academy which is situated near the Nou Camp.

The Spaniards have also been ordered to pay a fine of 450,000 Swiss Francs (£305,000) and been told by Fifa “to regularise” the situation of all minor

players concerned.

“FC Barcelona is to serve a transfer ban which will see the club prevented from registering any players at both national and international level for two complete and consecutive transfer periods,” read a Fifa statement. Meanwhile, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has been told to pay a fine of 500,000 Swiss Francs (£340,000) and told to “regularise its regulatory framework and existing system concerning the international transfer of minors in football” within a year. The Catalans have signed eight players during the current transfer window for a total of about £130m.

They paid a reported £75m for former Liverpool striker Suarez, although Barcelona subsequently said the figure

was nearer £65m, while defender Thomas Vermaelen was bought from Arsenal for £15m.

Barcelona were originally sanctioned by Fifa’s disciplinary committee on 2 April for breaking the rules in the case of 10 minors. After the club followed through on their promise to fight the ban, Fifa decided that because of the complexity of the case and the possibility of a further appeal to the Cas, it was unlikely to be concluded before the opening of the current transfer window on 1 July, and therefore suspended the punishment.

FIFA rules state that international transfers are only permitted for players over the age of 18 - unless the player in question meets one of three Messi qualifying criteria.

Why Osaze Was Dropped From AFCON Qualifiers - Keshi For Osaze Odemwingie, I left him out of the games to give other players a chance

Coach Stephen Keshi has revealed why he left out Stoke City striker Osaze Odemwingie from two AFCON qualifiers list he forwarded to the Nigeria Football Federation.

He said the move was to allow him try other players.

Nigeria battle Congo on September 6 and four days they will be away in Cape Town to face South Africa in another qualifying match for next year’s Nations Cup to be staged in Morocco.

For leaving out Osaze from his 23-man squad for the two matches, he said. “For Osaze Odemwingie, I left him out of the games to give other players a chance,” the coach, who has yet to finalise a new contract with the Nigeria Football Federation revealed. “I don’t know what is wrong, but watched Stoke’s game at the weekend and he was not in action. I have not been able to speak with him, but I want to

2014 World Cup Superstars: Sanchez

Sanchez

Name: Alexis Alejandro Sanchez Date of Birth: 19th December, 1988 Place of Birth: Tocopilla Club: Arsenal World Cups: 2 Appearance: 8 Goals: 3 He was Chile’s best player in South Africa, and he has improved since then - as the two goals he scored in the win over England last year testify. Those goals at Wembley gave him a running tally at that point of eight goals in seven internationals not bad in a team better known for its defensive strength than its attacking exploits. His first that night was a stooping header after

he stole half a yard on Leighton Baines at the far post. His second came from a well-timed run down the left flank followed by a confidently flicked finish over debutant goalkeeper Fraser Forster. He also showed off his talents as a provider, setting up Jean Beausejour for a goalscoring opportunity that needed a Forster save.

With a final score of 2-0, however, a little bit of history repeated itself that night. In May 1998, Chile had visited London for a warm-up friendly just ahead of the World Cup, and had come away with a 2-0 win. The scorer of both goals that night was Marcelo Salas, the man considered to be the greatest player ever to wear the red and white.

believe all is well.”

The outspoken player had also hinted on quitting international football after Nigeria crashed out of the 2014 World Cup. Keshi recalled Osaze for the recent World Cup after a public spat between coach and player before last year’s Nations Cup in South Africa. Osaze scored Nigeria’s all-important match winner in a group game against BosniaHerzegovina at Brazil 2014.

Osaze

University Don Hails Golden Eaglets Dr. Sam Iheanacho, University of Calabar (UNICAL) Director of Sports, has commended the Golden Eaglets’ for consistently keeping to their training regimen even in the face of inclement weather.

The associate professor at UNICAL’s department of Human Kinetics and Health Education said he was impressed the team’s general attitude come-rain-or-sunshine since the Nigeria’s Under-17 national team shifted their session to the Abraham Ordia Stadium inside UNICAL. “First and foremost, I want to use this opportunity to commend the technical crew of the Golden Eaglets,” said Iheanacho after posing for a group photo with the team.” Personally, I like the

seriousness with which they carry about their duty which is commendable.”

Iheanacho said he had taken a special interest in the activities of the team and was pleasantly surprised with their overall conduct.

“I have noticed so much commitment on the part of the technical crew and players,” noted Iheanacho.” Even under heavy rainfall, you would see them at training and that shows their level of commitment.”

He equally reiterated the support of the university’s community towards all levels of the national teams:” Though there is huge pressure on our pitch because of renovation work on other pitches in Calabar, we are happy to accommodate the Golden Eaglets.

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/sports

sports 55

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Fire Guts NFF Chief Accountant, General Secretary Offices * It’s sabotage — Umeh * No it’s act of God — Maigari

By Salifu Usman, Abuja

More troubles have befallen Nigerian football following the engulfment of the head office complex of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), at Wuse Zone 7 in Abuja, yesterday by fire.

The incident which was said to have started at about 9:30 am to 10 am, started from the office of the Chief Accountant in the third floor of the building as smoke which later developed into full blown inferno destroyed all valuable items including files in the offices of the Chief Accountant, the General Secretary and the ICT unit before the arrival of the men of the Fire Service.

The combined team of the operatives of the FCT Fire Service, Federal Fire Services, who were said to have arrived the Glass House 15 minutes after the fire had started, could not gain access into the building premise until 10 minutes later.

Deputy Controller in Charge of Operations, FCT Fire Service, Mr. Julius Opetunsin, blamed the ravaging effect on his men’s inability to gain immediate access to the complex.

He also complained about the nature of office and its parking space.

“The manner cars were parked on the premises prevented us from gaining quick access to the scene of in-

cident,” he stated.

He said the cause of the fire could not be ascertained until investigations are conducted. Some NFF staffs who were in the office before the fire started suspected that it could have been triggered by electrical fault.

The three offices; that of the Chief Accountant, General Secretary and ICT unit affected by the fire are located on the third floor of the building alongside office of the NFF president and are believed to be where the most sensitive documents are kept. The NFF has been in the news in recent times following leadership tussle and factionalised between its president Aminu Maigari and other members loyal to his vice Mike Umeh. The fire incident occurred two days after the NFF president returned to office following his dismissal by Mike Umehled faction of NFF executive committee.

Minister of Sports and Chairman National Sports Commission (NSC), Reacting to the incident, NFF president, Aminu Maigari, described the fire incident as an act of God. “I won’t want to apportion lame, let just take it as an act of God. We want to thank the fire fighters for responding within a short period of time,” he said.

He added that the NFF office will be moved to the New Permanent headquarters, Sunday Dankaro House at the Package B of the Abuja National Stadium. “We have been

trying to move to new permanent site built for us. But now, we will move there immediately.”

But the other group led by Mike Umeh alleges the fire incident was a deliberate attempt to cover up some dirt by Maiagari and the secretary Musa Amadu whom they claim are allegedly going to be investigated for misappropriation of funds. Umeh said it was simply an act of sabotage by some people aiming at destroying the future of Nigeria’s football. He insisted that NFF elective congress slated for August 26 to elect new members of the executive committee will still hold.

“If they like, let them burn the whole of Abuja. We must hold our election on the 26th of this month that is our stand. It may be an act of sabotage otherwise what kind of fire incidence is this?

“This thing happened during the working hours. It didn’t happen in the night neither was there power failure and I understand that our big oga, the general secretary was here watching the fire burning.” he stated.

Another influential member of the Umeh led faction cried. “This is a signal that that there is something to hide. It is pure cover up ploy, there is obviously something to hide because we have said that the leadership of the federation be probed for financial misappropriation. Why is it that this is happening only two days after Maigari resumed? This is laughable and it tells how rotten football ad-

ministration in Nigeria has become.”

Umeh said the NFF executive committee under his leadership was not party to the meeting presided over by Aminu Maigari on Tuesday, insisting that his committee has nothing to do with Maigari who is still provisionally dismissed as well as Chris Green and Ahmed Fresh provisionally suspended. According to him, the desperate move by Aminu Maigari to reassume office as the president of NFF is a clear indication of his penchant for serial contravention of the NFF/CAF/ FIFA statutes as there are inbuilt mechanisms for such. “These mechanisms have till this moment not been explored by Aminu Maigari, Chris Green and Ahmed Fresh. Consequently the executive committee of the NFF, in keeping with FIFA’s advice, hereby advices the provisionally dismissed/suspended persons to toe the line of decorum.”

Meanwhile, Sports Writer Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to investigate the cause of the fire. The national secretary of the association, Andrew Abba alleged that the two vital offices, Account and general secretary might be set on fire deliberately by some persons just to cover up something. “We urged the President to look into this incident.

We can’t continue with this careless attitude of some people who feel it doesn’t matter and want to hide things from the public.”

Kutugi Now Niger Hockey Boss

By Salifu Usman, Abuja

Member Representing Lavun/Mokwa/Edati of Niger State federal House of Representatives, Hon. Sani Kutigi has been appointed as Chairman of Niger State Hockey Association.

The appointment which was approved by Niger state Ministry of Sports Development was contained in a letter signed by the permanent secretary of Niger State ministry of sports development, Mr John Tamaha and made available to newsmen.

According to the letter addressed to Hon. Kutigi “The ministry of sports Development has approved your appointment as Chairman of the above association. Your appointment is based on merit and keen interest in promoting sporting activities in Niger state in particular and Nigeria as a whole.”

“The ministry is counting on your wealth of experience to be wielded in the development of sports in the state and take Niger State to the next level based on our

Kutigi

vision 20:20:20. “We hope through your commitment and dedication as we prepare for major competitions and more especially the 19th National Sports Festival tagged ‘Paradise Games’ holding in Calabar laurels would be won and placed Niger state amongst the first 10 on the medal table. ” Responding, Kutigi said the appointment was a call to duty, adding that he would use his wealth of experience and contact for the benefit of the association.

Dortmund In Double Injury Blow Borussia Dortmund suffered a double injury blow days before the start of the Bundesliga with midfielder Oliver Kirch ruled out for two months and Ji Dongwon set to miss at least four weeks, the club said on Wednesday.

Last season’s Bundesliga runners-up, who open their campaign against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday, will be without Kirch for at least eight weeks with a thigh muscle injury, it said in a statement.

His South Korean teammate, who joined from Augsburg this season, will be out for an estimated four weeks with a thigh

muscle tear.

Both players were injured in training on Tuesday afternoon and underwent checks in a Dortmund hospital on Wednesday that confirmed their injuries.

Dortmund are also competing in the group stage of the Champions League, starting in September.

ropean champions competing in Stockholm.

The Briton, who was third in the 100m and won sprint relay gold in Zurich, runs in a 100m featuring 2013 world bronze medallist Nesta Carter. Briton Chijindu Ujah also lines up in the 100m, and European bronze medallist Laura Weightman competes in the 1500m. Pole vault

Murray

Kirch

Murray Seeded 8th In US Open Britain’s Andy Murray has been seeded eighth for the 2014 US Open, which starts at Flushing Meadows on Monday. The 27-year-old, who won the tournament in 2012, has not won an ATP ranking event since Wimbledon in 2013.

Britons Daniel Cox and Naomi Broady will not be joining Murray in the main draw after losing

their first-round qualifiers in straight sets. Cox, 23, was on court for just 69 minutes as he suffered a 6-3 6-3 defeat by Serbia’s Filip Krajinovic.

Broady, 24, who was part of the qualifying draw for a third consecutive year, lost 7-5 (8-6) 7-6 (7-2) to American Tornado Alicia Black in two hours and 16 minutes.

Britons James Ward,

Daniel Evans and Daniel Smethurst play their firstround qualifiers in New York yesterday. The seedings for the women’s tournament will be announced on Wednesday, with the draw taking place the following day. Men’s top 16 seeds: 1) Novak Djokovic, 2) Roger Federer, 3) Stanislas Wawrinka, 4) David Ferrer, 5) Milos Raonic, 6) Tomas Berdych, 7) Grigor

Dimitrov, 8) Andy Murray, 9) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, 10) Kei Nishikori, 11) Ernests Gulbis, 12) Richard Gasquet, 13) John Isner, 14) Marin Cilic, 15) Fabio Fognini, 16) Tommy Robredo.

Euro Champs Set for Diamond League Action Britain’s Harry AikinesAryeetey returns to Diamond League action on Thursday as one of 10 Eu-

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FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

ince I started writing this column, I have always avoided writing on the Arab–Israeli conflict.

This is because I consider them “bloody cousins” from their Abraham lineage, as Gen. Murtala Muhammed once described them. Secondly, although over 75 per cent of the total population of Arabs in the world are in Africa, apart from Nasser of Egypt, Gaddafi of Libya and, to a lesser extent, Bouteflika of Algeria, all the other Arab leaders hardly factor in Africa in their foreign policies.

They are only Africans by geography and perhaps during football.

As a full-blooded African, I pay attention to only those who care about Africa and what concerns Africa. But, as a human being, I am appalled and disgusted by the level of brutality, arrogance and impunity of the Netanyahu regime in Israel, especially the latest war on Gaza.

What inspired me to write this piece today is a speech made by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to his cabinet in July, which was reproduced by one Aftan Sosido for the African National Congress Youth League, which is on the internet. Netanyahu was quoted to have said: “We are not obliged even the least to try to prove to anybody and to the blacks and Arabs that we are superior people. We have demonstrated that to the blacks and Arabs in 1001 ways. The State of Israel that we know of today has not been created by wishful thinking. We have created it at the expenses of intelligence, sweat and blood… we do not pretend like other whites that we like the blacks. The fact that blacks and Arabs look like human beings and act like human beings does not necessarily make them sensible human beings. Hedgehogs are not porcupines and lizards are not crocodiles because they look alike.

If God had wanted us to be equal to the blacks and Arabs, He would have created us all of a uniform colour and intellect. But He created us differently: whites, blacks, yellow, rulers and ruled. Intellectually, we are superior to the blacks and Arabs; that has

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been proven beyond any reasonable doubt over the years. I believe that a Jew is honest, God-fearing person, who has demonstrated practically the right way of being… By now every one of us has seen it practically that the blacks and Arabs cannot rule themselves. Give them guns and they will kill each other. They are good in nothing else but making noises, dancing, marrying many wives and indulging in sex. Let us all accept that the Blackman is a symbol of poverty, mental inferiority, laziness and emotional incompetence.

Isn’t it plausible? Therefore, that the Whiteman is created to rule the Blackman…. And here is a creature (Blackman) that lacks foresight. The average Black does not plan his life beyond a year.”

Now, if half of what Netanyahu was quoted as having said is true, then, my black pride, sensitivity and sensibility is touched, and no true African will ever be neutral on this. However, we must understand the fact that Netanyahu and his policies are not subscribed to by all the Jews in the world. We must avoid generalization based on the conclusion of a wayward, arrogant murderer and racist who happens to be the prime minister of Israel to think that all Jews are like that. That is far from the truth, as Adamu Adamu wrote on the back page of Daily Trust of August 8, 2014: “the Neturei Karta, the Guardian of the City (of Jerusalem), a community of pious orthodox Jews, who do not recognize the Zionist state, described Israel as a secular anticipation of the religious Messiah, and is a state ‘conceived in atheism, led by Marxism, ruled by chauvinism, and trusting in militarism’”.

For good and bad, the Jews have always been part of world history. Like every people there are the good ones and the bad ones, Netanyahu being one of the worst. Directly or indirectly they have been involved in virtually every conflict throughout history. They started or are major proponents of almost every ideology in world history. They

are the greatest capitalists, and Karl Marx, the founder of communism, was a Jew. Even this guy in Iraq, Abubakar Al Bagdadi, who woke up one day and started hallucinating that he is at the head of an Islamic Caliphate, is a Jew. His real name is Elliot Shimon and both of his parents are Jews. Can you now see the connection between so-called Islamic terrorism and Zionism?

But if Netanyahu and the Israelis are fighting the Arabs, killing Palestinian children, women, old people, youth, and taking over their lands, why insult us the blacks? What did we do to deserve these clearly irresponsible and contemptuous comments?

We Africans have never gone to anywhere to grab other people’s lands. Others who describe themselves as civilized come here to fight us, colonize us and subjugate us. And it is true we marry women and give birth to children since even animals do not subscribe to homosexual and lesbian behaviours of the Zionist-controlled world. Netanyahu must also be reminded that when his ancestors were scattered all over Europe and Russia for their sins of usury and crucifying God’s messengers, our ancestors were already building empires here in Africa!

The Israelis do not export anything to the world except defence and security gadgets. Like those who sell coffins, therefore, they are out of business when there is peace. That is why Netanyahu wants to drag Africa into their fight by insulting blacks to get business for his people and ultimately so that they could grab African lands as well; after all, Israel is the only country in the world whose boundaries are not defined. They have already started reaching out to Africa by taking some Africans and granting them Israeli citizenship and making some African leaders sign overt and covert deals.

Former US president Jimmy Carter wrote this in his book, Palestine Peace Not Apartheid, il-

lustrating how arrogant and paranoid the Israelis are: “As usual, I got up quite early and began a jog around the old city, in East Jerusalem and beyond – an intriguing route of ancient sites and steep hills. I was accompanied by an American Secret Service agent and two young Israeli soldiers, who insisted on leading the way.

We proceeded from our hotel to the Jaffa Gate, then turned north around the outside of the ancient walls. As we were running eastward alongside the Jericho road, I saw a group of elderly Arab men sitting by the curb, reading their newspapers. The sidewalk was almost empty and wide enough for us to pass easily, but one of the soldiers cut to the right and knocked all of the newspapers back into the faces of the startled readers. Some of the papers fluttered to the ground. I stopped to apologize to the old men, but they could not understand me.

Then I told the soldiers either to let me run alone or not treat anyone else in a belligerent manner.

They reluctantly agreed, insisting that one could never tell what was being hidden behind newspapers.

This was a sharp demonstration of our different perspectives.”

History is on the side of the oppressed.

GHANA MUST GO Controversial Abuja Police Commissioner Joseph Mbu promoted AIG

— News

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