Leadership

17.07.14

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

THURSday

No. 2,224

N150

NIGERIA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPER

NSCIA Faults FG’s Use Of Security Apparatus For Persecution

By Abdullahi Umar, Abuja

The National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NCSIA) has called on the federal government to avoid using Nigerian security apparatus

for persecution. This was after media reports revealed that the Maiduguri International Airport was made available to

a prominent politician.

In a press statement signed by the acting director of publicity, Muhammad Qasim,

NCSIA said the same airport was suddenly shut against Muslim pilgrims taking their flight to Saudi Arabia for the

Jim Ovia Now Zenith Bank Chairman > Page 15

Chibok Diary DAY 94

lesser Hajj, despite an earlier clearance to use the airport.

“Apart from denying the pilgrims the use of the facility, the Muslims were subjected ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Okupe Lied About Jonathan's Meeting With Chibok Girls' Parents - BBOG Group > Page 2

Lead Us To Sambisa, Danjuma Tells Jonathan 6

As president seeks N165bn foreign loan to fight Boko Haram

ramadan timing Day 20 Abuja Magrib - 7.00 Alfijir - 5.01 Kano Magrib - 6.53 Alfijir - 4.55 His Eminence, Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi II, with members of Northern Youth Development Foundation (NYDF), at his palace, yesterday.

PHOTO by ABUBAKAR SALIHI

Kaduna Magrib - 6.57 Alfijir - 5.00 Lagos Magrib - 7.12 Alfijir - 5.18 Sokoto Magrib - 7.07 Alfijir - 5.08 Full table on page 5

Northern Traders’ Registration: Kano Groups Want Emir Sanusi To Intervene > Page 41

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chibok diary 94

Thursday, July 17, 2014

DAY

CHIBOK TWEETS @DeleMomodu Good Day Africa!

I've watched with wonderment how our Govt continues to fumble over #BringBackOurGirls saga; all I can say is carry on! @Chude All of these are deliberate distractions to deligitimise this citizens movement.

Why don't they just #BringBackOurGirls so it all ends? @omojuwa Three days ago it was 90 days, 7 days to come, it will be 100 days! #BringBackOurGirls @obyezeks At every turn of our ADVOCACY for our #ChibokGirls all manner of LIES are thrown @ us to DIVERT our FOCUS. Why? Just #BringBackOurGirls. @aligthebaptist Everywhere is Malala Malala Malala, leave d kid alone, ask your govt and the ppl they v problem with to #BringBackOurGirls #Nigeria jokers! @BringGirlsBack Thank you to all the people who do their best to keep #BringBackOurGirls on the agenda. They are not back: our work is not done yet! @obyezeks WE were SO DELIGHTED to have Malala- a PEER of our #ChibokGirls visit & help amplify their VOICE & DEMAND: #BringBackOurGirls Now & Alive!!!

Okupe Lied About Jonathan's Meeting With Chibok Girls' Parents – BBOG Group

BY EJIKE EJIKE AND CHIKA MEFOR, Abuja

The #BringBackOurGirls campaign group has denied being responsible for the cancellation of the planned meeting between President Jonathan and the 12 parents as well as the escaped five Chibok schoolgirls.

In a statement signed by its coordinators, Obiageli Ezekwesili and Hadiza Bala Usman, the group maintained that even though some members of the movement were surprised at the sudden invitation to meet with the president, “its leadership concluded that session by emphasizing that it was the absolute right of the Chibok community to decide on the matter”.

“It is instructive to note that majority of those at the Unity Fountain on that day were visiting from the Chibok community and were mostly the ones who vehemently expressed dismay at the information from the chairman,” the group stated.

According to the group, the chairman of the Chibok community “clarified on the manner the invitation was conveyed to him and the parents at that meeting and reassured his community that he would schedule an emergency meeting to discuss the matter further.

“We want to repeat, for the avoidance of doubt, that we are not responsible for the cancellation of the meeting with the president by the 11 parents and five escaped girls from Chibok as being insinuated by some government officials,” the statement noted The group further described the controversy surrounding the cancelled visit as an escalation of the pattern of the campaign of calumny by government officials on its advocacy for the rescue of the Chibok girls.

Noting that it was not aware nor was it part of the discussion of the said visit to the president, the group said at the BBOG daily sit-out it was informed by the chairman, Abuja Chibok community, of the outcome of a meeting held with officials of the presidency in Malala’s suite immediately after her speech.

“Meanwhile, it is pertinent to firmly state that since the inception of our movement in April 2014, we have remained steadfast and adopted all means and channels of civil engagement in the advocacy of our singular issue, which is #BringBackOurGirls NOW and ALIVE,” the group added.

In the same vein, the Kibaku (Chibok) community in Abuja and representatives of the 12 parents and five schoolgirls who escaped from Boko Haram said yesterday that the presidency lied on the cancelled visit to President Goodluck Jonathan.

Kibaku community noted that they take full responsibility as to why the girls and their parents did not meet with the president, even as they described the formal invitation by Jonathan for the follow-up on Malala’s visit as a welcome development.

The senior special assistant on public affairs to the

COMPILED BY UGOCHUKWU IROKA

ity for our decision and welcome the formal invitation by the Presidency as a follow-up to Malala’s visit which we received this morning.

“We the members of the Kibaku (Chibok) community and representatives of the 12 fathers and five escaped girls who were hosted by Malala during her visit to Nigeria hereby speak on their behalf to offer to Nigerians the facts as they are and to put the records straight and correct the erroneous impression making the rounds in the media on the botched meeting with the president.”

Noting that the parents and escaped girls did not come to Abuja at the instance of government or its representatives for a meeting with the president, the community noted that they had come based on the full understanding that they were coming to meet with Malala.

It said that, in the course of their interactions with Malala, the parents of the escaped girls never asked for a meeting with the president or any government functionary, adding that “the narrative back home was to persistently ask why the president has not visited them in Chibok since the abduction”.

Insurgency In Nigeria: The Human Cost January to June 2014 data

YOBE

BORNO

KANO

ABUJA

PLATEAU

ADAMAWA

OVER

2053

DEATHS

Boko Haram has killed more than 2053 civilians this year: Human Rights Watch 23.7 million

3.16 million

Upcoming events Saturday 100 Days rally in Melbourne, Australia

president, Dr Doyin Okupe, had on Tuesday accused the leadership of #BringBackOurGirls campaign group of deliberately stopping the 12 parents and five escaped schoolgirls from meeting with Jonathan as scheduled.

Following the promise he made to Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl-child education campaigner, when she visited him at the presidential villa, Abuja, on Monday, Jonathan had promised to meet with the parents of the girls.

But the community of Abuja-based Chibok indigenes, in a statement signed by its co-founder, Mr Rotimi Olawale, faulted Okupe’s claim, saying the logistics and meeting between the 12 fathers and five escaped Chibok girls and Malala was facilitated by them and the citizens’ platform of BringBackOurGirls with their consent based on trust and considering the group’s sustained and focused advocacy for the rescue bid of their daughters.

Faulting Okupe’s position, Kibaku said: “It is totally misleading, unjust and without foundation to hold the citizens’ platform of BringBackOurGirls responsible for the decision made by the 12 parents and our community. We therefore take full responsibil-

Members of the BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) group in a meeting at the Unity Fountain in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

1.58 million

Polulation of all affected states Number of peple touched by the crisis Number of people in need of immidiate aid

OVER

350,000 Displaced persons

3

our stand Thursday, July 17, 2014

Politics As Cause Of Insecurity

A

t a recent Ramadan fast break he hosted for journalists in his palace, the Sultan of Sokoto and president-general, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, spoke the minds of many Nigerians on the root cause of killings and general insecurity problems in the country. “Politicians are the main problems of this country,” the Sultan said. “The insecurity problem in the country is geared towards 2015, nothing more. If there is no election in 2015 and it is in 2030, everything will cool down. Everybody is pushing to be at vantage position to gain electoral might. The whole thing is about political office, nothing more. What is painful is that innocent people are being killed every day.”

Although the spin doctors of the beneficiaries of the country’s insecurity continue to muddle the waters, Sultan Abukakar’s position on this issue is in tandem with the one held by millions of Nigerians.

Nigerians are convinced that the 2015 general election has given a fresh impetus to the so-called insurgency in the

country and that many politicians have taken out a terror franchise to kill and maim the very people whose mandate they would seek come 2015.

It appears that politicians in this country believe they cannot win election in a free and fair contest, hence they must resort to underhand means including orchestrated elimination of their opponents by means of assassination or mass murder directed at the general populace in order to discredit the current occupiers of the office they eye.

While insurgents and other violent groups are truly active in parts of the country, it beggars belief to continue to attribute the rising numbers

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

of killings in the country to the usual suspects. To be sure, murderous politicians are at it again, killing Nigerians under the guise of terrorism and allied acts of violence. Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom, and we commend this to the Nigerian people.

As 2015 approaches, we urge Nigerians to be alert and not give in to the rhetoric of violence many politicians have apparently resolved to bring to the contest. As the sceptre of violence looms large over the country, we ask all Nigerians to reject all politicians who harbour violence tendencies.

It will not be out of place now for all leaders of thought and opinion makers in the country to start a campaign against violence in the 2015 poll.

Government agencies like the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the political parties themselves must take the lead in this campaign. We also demand that all security agencies serve the Nigerian people as they are duty-bound to end all killings in the country and bring the murderers behind them to book.

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

Leadership Holdings

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, July 17, 2014

Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo No Plan To Ban Tobacco Smoking – Reps CSO Seeks Regulated Tobacco Consumption In Nigeria The House of Representatives yesterday stated that it had no plans to ban tobacco smoking in the country.

Instead, the House clarified that a proposed legislation it was presently considering sought to “regulate” tobacco production, packaging and promotional activities.

A Joint House Committee on Health and Justice, made the clarification at a public hearing on 11 health-related bills, including the tobacco smoking bill in Abuja.

“The major aim of this bill is to provide a legal framework for the control of the production, manufacture, sale, labelling, advertising, promotion, sponsorship, use of tobacco products and exposure to tobacco smoke in order to promote the health of the individual,” the joint committee lead chairman, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, told stakeholders at the session.

Elumelu (Delta/PDP) who chaired the House Health Committee said the clarification became necessary following reports doing the rounds that the House planned a total ban on tobacco smoking.

In another matter, the joint committee co-chair, Hon. Ali Ahmed, said the House was aware of the rights of smokers, but owed Nigerians the duty to protect non-smokers and regulate smoking.

“Nigeria is lagging behind in the framework of tobacco regulation.

About 10 million Nigerians are currently at risk,” Ahmed (Kwara/ APC) who chairs the justice committee, stated.

Stakeholders led by international tobacco giants, British-American Tobacco, and Initiative for Public Policy Analysis backed the Bill.

They however cautioned that regulation should not trigger “unintended consequences”.

British-American Tobacco Head of Regulation, Mr. Shola Dosunmu, called for amendments to the bill to guard against creating avenues for illegal markets.

Meanwhilw, a Civil Society Organisation, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy has called for a strict regulated tobacco consumption and a Tobacco Bill that would check the control of tobacco in the country.

The call was made yesterday by the programme officer of the advocacy group, Mr Austin Erameh, when he led his management team on a courtesy call to the corporate headquarters of LEADERSHIP Newspapers, Abuja.

He also called for a harmonization of the executive bill and that of the private members sponsored bill, saying that it would go a long way in actually regulating the manufacturing and distribution of tobacco in the country.

By Edegbe Odemwingi and Winifred Ogbebo, Abuja

L-R: PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) Chief Uche Secondus, Mr Fola Adeola, Chairman of the Committee on Victims Support Fund Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), Mr Cosmas Maduka, Director General National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Alhaji Sani Sidi and President Goodluck Jonathan after the Inauguration of the committee on Victims Support Fund at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN..

25 Pro-Amaechi Lawmakers Formally Declare For APC As kidnapped lawmaker regains freedom Plot to impeach Amaechi with 6 lawmakers will fail – Aide

By Anayo Onukwugha, Port Harcourt

Twenty-Five members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, loyal to Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, yesterday formally declared for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This is as the kidnapped member of the House, Hon. Golden Ngozi Chioma, regained his freedom after about one week in captivity.

Speaking during a session, House Leader, Hon. Chidi Lloyd, said they had ceased to be members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), adding that further correspondence to them should bear the APC. Lloyd said: “The 25 pro-Amaechi lawmakers have asked me to

declare our formal defection to All Progressives Congress (APC).

Henceforth, 25 of us should be referred to as All Progressives Congress members. We are telling the world today that we are all members of APC.” Responding to the defection, the Speaker, Hon. Otelemaba Dan-Amachree, requested his colleagues to document their decision.

Meanwhile, one of the proAmaechi lawmakers, Golden Chioma, who was kidnapped by gunmen, has been freed by his captors.

Chioma’s release yesterday morning came less than 24 hours, after the seventh Legislative Assembly, in a motion of urgent attention, appealed to the suspected kidnappers to free him unhurt.

The lawmaker, who represents Etche Constituency II and Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, was abducted by unknown gunmen on Tuesday, July 8, 2014, in Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.

It was reported that the captors did not establish contact with the victim’s family. It could not be ascertained if ransom was paid before he regained freedom.

Chief of Staff to Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Hon. Tony Okocha, has declared that the alleged moves by some forces operating from Abuja to use six members of the Rives State House of Assembly to impeach the governor will not succeed.

This is as the APC in Rivers State has described as ‘shocking and retrogressive’ the impeachment of the governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako , by members of the Adamawa State House of Assembly doing the bid of ‘undemocratic elements’ operating from Abuja .

Okocha, who made the comment yesterday when two groups, the APC Youths League and Igbo Professionals in Rivers State, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt, said the type of Nyako’s impeachment

will never happen in Rivers State, as majority of members of the State House of Assembly are loyal to the APC and Amaechi.

Okocha also said members of the Rivers State House of Assembly will never give in to such rascality as exhibited by their Adamawa counterparts.

He said; “I wish to assure all APC faithful and the entire good people of Rivers State that they should continue with their normal business activities as no effort by some unscrupulous undemocratic elements will succeed in thwarting or tampering with the mandate they freely gave to Governor Amaechi as I am very convinced that we are capable and ready to defend the mandate no matter the odds.”

Meanwhile, chairman of APC, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, alleged that the impeachment of Nyako was spearheaded by those he described as ‘undemocratic elements’ operating from Abuja.

2015 Presidency: APC Needs Nda-Isaiah, Ribadu, Others To Make Impact

Sam Nda-Isaiah Seeks Justice For All Nigerians

By Obinna Ogbonnaya, Abakaliki and Olaolu Oladipo, Lagos

A former Ebonyi State chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and now a stakeholder of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Elder Samuel Igwe, yesterday said that for APC to make any meaningful impact and wrest power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 presidential election, the party must consider giving its presidential ticket to a selfless young politician and someone who has not looted the country.

Speaking with newsmen yesterday in Abakaliki on the chances of

APC ahead of the 2015 general election, Elder Igwe said that those who will make impact in the presidential election if given the party’s ticket include the chairman of LEADERSHIP Group, Sam Nda-Isaiah, the former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) boss, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the Former Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nasir El-Rufai.

He remarked that the younger generations were now taking over the leadership positions of different countries and doing very well for their countries.

“We can’t keep recycling old hands. APC would do well if new generation politicians are given the ticket of the party,” he insisted.

“APC is offering Nigerians brand

new set of persons who have served the country and humanity in different capacities without looting the nation. Chairman of LEADERSHIP Group, former EFCC boss and former FCT minister are the brand of young politicians that would hold the torch for the people.”

According to him, “another personality would be the Speaker, House of Representatives, if he eventually joins the party. There are few others but I believe these persons have all it takes to give Jonathan a run for his money. Nigerians no longer need old politicians that have hung onto power for more than 20, 30 years”.

Meanwhile, the founder of LEADERSHIP Newspaper, Sam Nda-Isaiah has said that his aim of aspiring

to the office of the president is to give justice to all Nigerians.

Nda-Isaiah made this comment in a televised interview relayed in a Lagos-based station, Channels Television, monitored by our correspondent yesterday.

Nda-Isaiah pointed out that the level of fear among the citizens of the country had never been so high, saying that President Goodluck Jonathan had failed to provide adequate security for the people to thrive.

While stating that the issue of national unity will form the core of his programmes and policies in office, he noted that the continued insurgency in the country was the result of the lack of justice in the way the country was managed.

news 5

Thursday, July 17, 2014

National Conference: Northern Govs Condemn Tag Of North As ‘Leech’ ByAbu Nmodu , Minna

Following the controversy over derivation percentage at the National conference, the chairman Northern States Governors Forum and governor of Niger State, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu has condemned tagging the northerners as leeches.

Aliyu made the position of the forum known yesterday in a press statement signed by his chief press secretary, Mr Israel Ayegba Ebije. The governor stated this during Ramadan break fast on Tuesday night with a group advocating for re-

ligious harmony in the country.

Addressing members of the inter-religious group led by Solomon Dalung on security situation in the country, Aliyu said religion was not really the problem of Nigeria but politically and economically influenced negative comments, attitude and actions.

“Only a few days ago I hosted some members of the National Conference and I was saddened to hear that some members of the conference are calling the northern states leeches on account of the ongoing debate on resource control.” The statement read in part

Senate Okays Osita Chidoka, Sulaiman As Ministers

By Uchenna Awom, and,Jonathan Nda-Isaiah, Abuja

The Senate yesterday confirmed the Federal Road Safety Commission(FRSC) boss, Mr Osita Chidoka and Dr Abubakar Sulaiman as substantive ministers.

Their confirmation followed their screening in the open plenary where they fielded questions from senators on varied topical issues.

President Goodluck Jonathan had forwarded their names to the Senate last week for confirmation as ministers to fill in the vacant slots for Anambra and Kwara states respectively.

During his screening FRSC boss cleared the air on the controversial relocation of the com-

mission’s training school from Jos to Enugu.

According to him, the training school are two in the country, one in the north which is in Mubi, Adamawa State and the other one in the south, which is located in Enugu.

He said that it was as result of cash constraints then by the Enugu State government that made the school to be taken to Jos on temporary basis.

However, Chidoka said when the governor of Enugu State made provision for 200 hectares of land, the commission had no other option than to relocate it to Enugu which was the original plan.

He also revealed that most Nigerian airports are run at a loss except Abuja and Lagos airports which can run themselves.

Appeal Court Affirms ICPC Act 2000, Upholds 7-year Sentence Of Bakkat

By Ejike Ejike,Abuja

The court of appeal sitting in Makurdi, Benue State has reaffirmed the validity of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, even as it upheld the seven years sentence of Mr Ayuba Bakkat who was convicted for collecting bribes totaling N205,000 from applicants.

According to a statement sent to LEADERSHIP by the ICPC, “The court upheld that the citing of Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2003 in prosecuting cases “is null and void.”

Mr Bakkat was sentenced to seven years imprisonment in 2012 by a Keffi High Court having collected bribes from Philip

Adejoh and Obinna Ugwueze to help secure employments into the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for Ugwueze Amarachi and Andrew Elem.

The case against Bakkat was brought to the court by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on a 3-count charge of corruption punishable under Section 10(9) (ii) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.The charge sheet states that Ayuba Bitrus Bakkat between November and December 2009 received from one Ugwueze Obinna the sum of N70,000 to facilitate the employment of one Ugwueze Amarachi into the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

ramadan timing Day 20 Towns

Magrib

Alfijr

Abuja

7.00

5.01

Aba

6.56

5.04

Abakaliki

6.53

5.03

Abeokuta

7.10

5.20

Akure

7.03

5.12

Ankpa

6.57

5.06

Argungu

7.12

5.10

Auchi

7.02

5.10

Awka

7.03

5.05

Azare

6.50

4.48

Bama

6.39

4.34

Bauchi

6.51

4.53

Benin

7.05

5.11

Bichi

6.58

4.56

Bida

7.05

5.06

Birnin Gwari

7.04

5.04

B/Kebbi Gwandu

7.13

5.10

Biu

6.42

4.41

Calabar

6.50

5.01

Damaturu

6.42

4.40

Daura/Kazaure

7.01

4.41

Dutse

6.52

4.53

Enugu

6.54

5.03

Funtua/Malumfashi

7.02

4.59

Gembu

6.47

4.47

Gombe

6.45

4.45

Gusau

7.01

5.02

Gwadabawa

7.12

5.03

Hadejia

6.50

4.48

Ibadan

7.14

5.15

Ife

7.09

5.12

Ilesha Baruba

7.11

5.11

Ilorin

7.07

5.13

Jalingo

6.42

4.45

Jere/Suleija

6.59

5.00

Jos

6.56

4.54

Kabba

7.04

5.06

Kafanchan

6.58

4.57

Keffi/Nasarawa

6.58

4.57

Kaiama

7.13

5.14

Kafin Maiyaki

6.58

4.54

Kaduna

6.57

5.00

Kano

6.53

4.55

Katsina

7.01

4.57

Kontagora

7.07

5.09

Lafia

6.53

4.57

Lagos

7.12

5.18

Lokoja

6.57

5.09

Maiduguri

6.35

4.38

Makurdi

6.54

4.56

Minna

7.01

5.07

Missau

6.47

4.47

Monguno

6.38

4.30

Mubi

6.37

4.37

Nguru

6.47

4.45

Ningi

6.51

4.52

Okene

7.07

5.07

Ogbomosho

7.12

5.15

Onitsha

7.00

5.10

Oyo

7.14

5.17

Port Harcourt

6.59

5.14

Potiskum

6.45

4.43

Saki

7.06

5.17

Shagamu

7.07

5.23

Sokoto

7.07

5.08

Umuahia

6.58

5.02

Warri

6.57

5.17

Wukari

5.45

4.57

Wurno

7.11

5.03

Yenagoa

6.39

4.40

Yola

6.36

4.40

Zaria

6.58

5.01

Cotonnou-Benin

7.16

5.20

Ndjamena-Chad

6.27

4.27

Niamey-Niger

7.22

5.19

Zinder – Niger

6.59

4.46

Younde-Cameroun

6.40

4.46

Garoua – Cameroun

6.34

4.39

(Source: Timing Committee, Islamic Research and Timing Organisation Kaduna)

Recommended DU’A for Day 20 Pray 8 Raka’ah after Surah A Faatih’ah, recite any other Surah.

Then say: ALLAHUMMAF-TAH’ LEE FEEHI ABWAABAL JINAAN WA AGHLIQ A’NEE FEEHI ABWAABAN NEERAAN WA WAFFIQNEE FEEHI LI-TILAAWATIL QUR-AAN YAA MUNZILAS SAKEENATI FEE QULOOBIL MOO-MINEEN. Meaning: O Allah, on this day, open for me the doors of the heavens, and lock the doors of Hell from me, help me to recite the Qur’an, O the One who sends down tranquility into the hearts of believers.

Compiled by Al-Amin Ciroma

Ramadan Q and A

with Muhammad Usman musman@kindasa.com

Question: How could the Shaytaan appear to the disbelievers in the battle of Badr when he is chained up during Ramadan and the battle was in Ramadan?

Aminu Harisu Kaugama, Jigawa Answer: It is well-known in the books of tafseer and seerah that the Shaytaan was present at the battle of Badr and that he appeared in the form of Suraaqah ibn Maalik. That is mentioned in the commentary on the verse in which Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning): “And (remember) when Shaitan (Satan) made their (evil) deeds seem fair to them and said, ‘No one of mankind can overcome you this day (of the battle of Badr) and verily, I will be your protector.’ But when the two forces came in sight of each other, he ran away and said ‘Verily, I have nothing to do with you. Verily! I see what you see not. Verily! I fear Allah for Allah is Severe in punishment.’” [al-Anfaal 8:48].

It was narrated by at-Tabaraani in his Tafseer (13/7).

At-Tabaraani narrated in al-Mu‘jam al-Kabeer (5/47) from Rifaa‘ah ibn Raafi‘ al-Ansaari a report similar to that of Ibn ‘Abbaas, but its isnaad is da‘eef. It includes ‘Abd al‘Azeez ibn ‘Imraan, who is da‘eef; he was classed as da‘eef by al-Haythami, who gave reasons for that, in Majma‘ azZawaa’id (6/82).

Perhaps something that will strengthen the meaning of these two reports is a mursal hadeeth that was narrated

by Maalik in al-Muwatta’ (944) from Talhah ibn ‘Ubaydullah ibn Kareez, according to which the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: Iblees is never seen on any day smaller, more humiliated, more defeated and more angry than on the day of ‘Arafah, because of what he sees of the descent of mercy and forgiveness for sins, except what he saw on the day of Badr.” They said: O Messenger of Allah, what did he see on the day of Badr? He said: “He saw Jibreel organising the angels.”

What is meant by “organizing the angels” is that he was putting them into rows for battle.

Because this story has several chains of transmission, it may be sound and acceptable.

With regard to the confusion mentioned by the questioner, it may be answered from several angles, including the following: 1. That the one who took the form of Suraaqah was one of the shayaateen (devils); as for the devils that are chained up, they are the maarid (rebellious) devils .

An-Nasaa’i (2108) narrated that ‘Utbah ibn Farqad (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “In Ramadan, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and every shaytaan mareed is chained up.”

It was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh anNasaa’i Ibn Khuzaymah narrated in his Saheeh (3/188) that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “On the first night of Ramadan, the devils, the maarid (rebellious) jinn, are chained up.” Imam Ibn Khuzaymah included this hadeeth in a chapter entitled: Chapter which explains that what the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) meant when he said that “the devils are chained up” is the maarid (rebellious) jinn among them, not all the devils, because the word shayaateen (devils) only applies to some of the jinn.

2. It is not possible to be certain that what the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said about the chaining up of the devils was said when fasting was first prescribed. The fast of Ramadan was prescribed in the first year after the Hijrah, and the battle of Badr occurred in the second year; that may have been said after the battle of Badr.

3. The chaining up of the devils only has to do with the believers who are fasting, not the disbelievers.

Abu al-‘Abbaas al-Qurtubi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: They are only chained up and kept away from those whose fast fulfils the necessary conditions and who pay attention to its etiquette.

Sharh az-Zarqaani ‘ala Muwatta’ al-Imam Maalik (3/137).

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Thursday, July 17, 2014

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NSCIA Faults FG’s Use Of Security Apparatus For Persecution FROM COVER

to physical and psychological trauma as a result of their grilling by the Nigerian security apparatus; the pilgrims were subsequently forced to embark on agonising travel by road to Kano,” the statement said.

The NSCIA warned the federal government that it is perilous to use the security establishment to persecute Nigerians, and that a situation in which religious profiling is camouflaged as part of security measures does not bode well for the country.

The council urged the federal

government to exercise caution in the discriminatory use of military and aviation facilities in order to protect the political neutrality of the national establishment.

“It is our belief that the federal government has enough powers constitutionally guaranteed to tackle its perceived enemies rather than denying Nigerians the use of public facilities under the guise of fighting insecurity,” the statement said.

The council also called on the military authorities to protect and safeguard the credibility of the profession by not being partisan.

Jonathan Is Obsessed With Re-Election In 2015 At All Cost – Odigie-Oyegun

By Bayo Oladeji and Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja

President Jonathan has been accused of being so obsessed with his re-election bid next year that he has declared war against the opposition as manifested in the impeachment of Murtala Nyako on Tuesday and plans to move to other opposition governors. The national chairman of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, raised this alarm yesterday while addressing a press conference at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja as a reaction of his party to the impeachment of Nyako.

Those who were in attendance with him included Senator Bukola Saraki, Chief Audu

Ogbeh, deputy chairman( north) Senator Lawal Shuaibu, national vice chairman (northeast), Engr B.D. Lawal, national publicity of the party Lai Mohammed; minority whip, House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; and Hon. Dino Menaye.

“Our freedoms are being emasculated, our economy being run to the ground, and our only hope of bringing about change -- our democratic expression -- is being smothered before our very eyes all because President Goodluck Jonathan is so obsessed with re-election in 2015 at all cost that he is destroying not just all our key institutions but indeed the entire country.

“At this critical juncture of ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Oyegun

Lead Us To Sambisa, Danjuma Tells Jonathan

By George Agba, Uchenna Awom and Jonathan Nda Isaiah, Abuja; and Mohammed Ismail, Yola

President Goodluck Jonathan declared yesterday that there was no hiding place for members of the terrorist group Boko Haram that have unleashed untold mayhem on innocent Nigerians. The enemies of humanity, he said, must be fished out and brought to justice.

“For those who take pleasure in seeing innocent human beings in pains, to see limbs being shattered and blood flowing in all directions after terror attacks, we say, you shall have no hiding place.

Nigerians will expose you. The people of conscience around the world have rejected you,” the president stated on Wednesday, while inaugurating the Boko Haram Victims Support Funds.

But the chairman of the committee, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd) promptly rejected the president’s advice that they go everywhere including the dreaded Sambisa forest (where the Boko Haram sect are said to be holding the abducted Chibok schoolgirls captive) except President Jonathan who is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces chooses to take them there.

The president lamented that 2009 seemed to be the tragic turning point for the country, as it was the period when the “assemblage of heartless individuals” called Boko Haram took it upon itself to unleash terror on the country.

The devilish sect, Jonathan said, has turned women to widows. He said: “They have killed and maimed and struck fear into law-abiding citizens. They have destroyed villages, attacked property and terminated people’s livelihoods without a care in the world.

“They have engaged our security agencies in a meaningless warfare that has wasted unimaginable human and material resources.

“The reality today is that we are confronted with individuals whose minds have been so twisted and tutored to believe they are doing God a service.”

Noting that good will conquer evil, the president said those who capitalise on the vulnerability of Nigerians to spread extremist doctrines and recruit them for murderous errands are enemies of humanity.

He assured, however, that no efforts will be wasted in bringing the individuals responsible for crimes against

Danjuma

humanity to justice, even as he said the duty of the Danjuma-led committee is to kick-start the process of providing succour to people who had been directly affected one way or the other by acts of terrorism in the country.

Jonathan said: “As a developing nation with lofty dreams, I would rather be here inaugurating a committee on development initiatives.

But this is the unfortunate situation where we have found ourselves because of the lawless acts of a few misguided individuals who are shedding the blood of innocent people in our nation.

“It is very necessary for us to refresh our memory before we proceed. Nigeria has not always been like this. In the past, it is true, we had communal and sectarian clashes. There is no human society that has been insulated from conflicts. But as a people created by God, we have managed to live within the realities of our challenges and have worked hard to strengthen the bond of our togetherness.”

In his remarks, chairman of the committee TY Danjuma stated that the Boko Haram sect seemed to be having the upper hand, recalling that he had earlier pointed out that what the country was facing was more deadly than the civil war.

The former defence minister said: “One thing we will not do is to go to Sambisa forest.

The commander-in-chief will lead and we will follow the commander-in-chief.

“But, seriously, this war must be brought to an end. We must win this war immediately. It is taking too long. I called it civil war when it began, and people said it’s insurgency.

The insurgents appear to be having the upper hand at this very moment. They pick and choose where to strike; they are even holding positions and displacing us.

“We must win this war, Mr President; we must do so ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

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Thursday, July 17, 2014

Lead Us To Sambisa, Danjuma Tells Jonathan FROM PAGE 6

immediately. We will raise the funds, we will disburse it‎.

I promise you we will do so diligently and transparently but we must win this war, Mr President. May God bless our country.”

On his part, the national security adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), assured that the war against terrorism would be won.

Jonathan seeks additional $1bn (N165bn) foreign loan to fight insurgency President Jonathan yesterday wrote the Senate seeking its approval for an external borrowing of not more than $1b (N165billion) to tackle the ongoing security challenges in the country.

The amount is in addition to the N968.127billion already appropriated for the defence sector for the same purpose in the 2014 budget.

In the letter addressed to Senate president David Mark and read on the Senate floor, President Jonathan

premised his reason for the loan on the need to upgrade the equipment, training and logistics of the armed forces and security services to enable them more forcefully confront the serious threat of terrorism in Nigeria.

The letter reads in part: “You are no doubt cognizant of the ongoing and serious security challenges which the nation is facing, as typified by the Boko Haram terrorist threat.

This is an issue that we have discussed at various times.

“For this reason, I seek the concurrence of the National Assembly for external borrowing of not more than $1b including governmentto-government arrangement for this upgrade.

“While counting on the steadfast support of the distinguished members of the Senate as always, please accept, distinguished Senate president, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

The letter was however silent on the source of the loan.

Minister of finance Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala had, while

speaking on military funding in the 2014 budget, debunked claims that poor funding had posed an impediment to a successful military campaign against terror in some northern states, arguing that government had continued to provide the needed funds to prosecute the war.

Boko Haram abducts a German in Gombi Unknown gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect numbering about 10, on Wednesday morning, abducted a German in Gombi town, about 100km from Yola, the Adamawa State capital.

Residents of the area said the gunmen stormed the area on five motorcyles at about 6:45am local time at Anguwan Faransa area of the town.

The abducted German national was the principal of Government Technical Skill Acquisition Centre in Gombi town and was abducted while on his way to work, local sources said.

A resident of the town, Mr Joseph Ga’anda, said that the

abducted German, who was simply known as Mr Mr Fisch, is a very popular figure in the town due to his philanthropic disposition.

“Our suspicion is that the abductors had slept near his house or came in the wee hours, because we saw their abandoned blankets near the house.

“The gunmen suspected came on motorcycles. And as soon as the man came out and was about to get into his car, two persons on foot approached him and pointed a gun at him. They then called two others who carried him away on their motorcycle,” Mr Ga’anda said.

“Almost everybody in this town knows him because he helps us a lot, especially in the area of repairing the town’s water boreholes. Most of the time, he uses his own money to buy equipment and repair our boreholes,” he added.

Another resident who did not want his name in print said at the time the incident took place the police escort attached to the German was

Jonathan

not with him.

Efforts to get details from the TTS, the firm handling the training scheme in Adamawa, proved abortive during a visit to their office in Yola, as none of the senior staff was available for comments.

In the meantime, the German Embassy in Abuja, when contacted over the telephone, said it was not yet aware of the incident.

The spokesperson of the police in Adamawa State, DSP Othman Abubakar, confirmed the incident, saying the police had mounted a rescue mission to save the abducted German.

Adamawa Acting Governor Swears In New SSG

BY Mohammed Ismail, Yola, Bayo Oladeji, Halima Tiffi, Abuja and Donatus Nadi, Lafia, with agency report

The acting governor of Adamawa State, Alhaji Ahmad Umaru Fintiri, on Wednesday performed his first function by appointing Professor Liman Tukur as the secretary to the state government.

Speaking shortly after the swearing-in of the SSG, the acting governor said the appointment of Tukur was based on his excellent record of service and glaring performance.

He added that the appointment of Tukur as the SSG was a step at ensuring that the government got the right hands as the onerous task of rebuilding the state needed competent hands like Tukur.

I have not sent my resignation letter to Governor Nyako – Ngilari Confusion enveloped Adamawa State, less than 24 hours after governor Murtala Nyako was impeached by the State House of Assembly, as information emerged that Barrister Bala James Ngillari did not resign his appointment as the deputy governor of the state.

Sources close to the deputy governor’s office said the purported resignation letter read on the floor of the House by then speaker Hon. Fintiri, who is now the acting governor of the state, was obtained from

Ngilari under duress.

The source disclosed to LEADERSHIP that the drama took place when the deputy speaker, now the acting speaker, Kwamoti Laori, went to the deputy governor’s official residence with an army of soldiers and ordered Ngillari to tender his resignation letter as directed from above.

The source added that deputy governor had never written any letter to the governor as demanded by the constitution to intimate him (former Governor Murtala Nyako) that he wanted to resign from the office.

While confirming the development, the embattled deputy governor said “the truth is that I have not sent any letter of resignation to the governor up till now, because the representative of the House only came to my house yesterday asking me to tender my resignation and asked me to address the letter to the speaker of the House, which I did”.

When asked whether he signed the letter under duress or not, Ngillari said what he did was to simply send the resignation to the speaker as requested.

The impeached governor, Murtala Nyako, has called for the reinstatement of his deputy as the governor of the state, following his illegal removal.

Nyako, who spoke through his press director in a press release made available to

journalists in Yola, said: “Our attention has been drawn to the purported resignation of the deputy governor of Adamawa State, Barrister Bala James Ngillari, which was supposedly read on the floor of the State House of Assembly.”

While accepting the appointment as SSG, Tukur said the recent happenings in Adamawa was a democratic version of a revolution.

“The appointment is a challenge on me. I promise to be fair and equitable in discharging my duty,” Tukur said.

Before his appointment,, Tukur was a professor of Geography in the Department of Environmental Sciences , Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola.

Nasarawa impeachment: soldiers hold protesters hostage Following the attempt by the Nasarawa State House of Assembly to serve impeachment notice on Governor Umaru Tanko AlMakura, concerned members of the public who came out in large numbers to demonstrate against the move were yesterday held hostage by soldiers.

The aggrieved persons who gathered at the premises of Akwanga local government headquarters about 9am intent upon demonstrating round the town were barred by soldiers who barricaded the gates, holding them hostage

for hours.

Jacob Martins, a college student, who spoke with our reporter said armed soldiers and policemen locked the gates of the local government secretariat while the protesters were about to register their disapproval of the impeachment move before filing out to town for a peaceful protest.

The story was not different in Lafia, the state capital, where soldiers dispersed hundreds of protesters, mostly minors, youths and women, who were making their way to the state House of Assembly complex about midday.

In a swift reaction that averted a breakdown of law and order, however, the Emir of Lafia, Alhaji Isa Mustapha Agwai I, dispatched several teams of town criers on vans mounted with public address systems pleading and warning protesters to exercise restraint.

One of the protesters, Idi Umar, said the step taken by the Assembly was untimely and not in the best interest of the people of the state. “The PDP wasted 12 good years with nothing to show for it apart from brazen display of corruption. What moral standing do they merit to impeach Al-Makura who is the only governor we have ever had that is ready to work for the development of this state?” he queried.

In Keffi, headquarters of Keffi local government area, the story was not different

Al-Makura

as youths protesting the impeachment move came out in their numbers, but their attempt to demonstrate round the town was foiled by the presence of mean-looking soldiers deployed from the 177 Guards Brigade in the town.

The story was the same in Shabu, Lafia North development area; Keana, headquarters of Keana local government; and Wamba in Wamba local government.

Ngilari’s resignation illegal – Nyako’s aide However, the director of press and public affairs to the former governor, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, said the resignation of the deputy governor was illegally done as he ought to have tendered his resignation letter to Governor Nyako.

In a statement made available yesterday, Sajoh said: “Our attention has been drawn to the purported resignation of ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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Thursday, July 17, 2014

Adamawa Acting Governor Swears In New SSG FROM PAGE 7

L-R: Speaker, House of Representatives Hon Aminu Tambuwal, Chairman, House Commitee on Power Hon Patrick Ikhiare, and Chairman, Senate Committee on Power Senator Philip Aduda during a one-day public hearing on power at National Assembly, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

Jonathan Is Obsessed With Re-Election In 2015 At All Cost – Odigie-Oyegun FROM PAGE 6

our history and despite our desire for restraint and mature engagement with President Goodluck Jonathan and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), it is evident that inaction is no longer an option and we must resist it.

“Indeed, keeping quiet in the face of the ceaseless and unrelenting reckless violations of all known laws of the land and the constitution will amount to complicity in the lawlessness and impunity that has become the norm under President Goodluck Jonathan,” he said.

Oyegun disclosed that the ruling party was not satisfied with the recent loss of Ekiti State to it but wants to have Nasarawa, Edo, Osun and Rivers states as well.

“We know it has been the dream of the ruling PDP to rule for 60 unbroken years, not minding if Nigeria becomes a desert land in the process. Their evil machination has manifested in Ekiti. It has manifested yesterday in Adamawa, They have carried it to Nasarawa, and they have Edo, Osun and Rivers in their sights.

“In the states mentioned, all of them opposition strongholds, Jonathan and his party have abused national institutions, resorted to crude use of force and engaged in unprecedented financial inducements to achieve their objectives. All these anti-democratic tactics come under the umbrella of power with impunity!”

According to him, President Jonathan “does not care whether every institution of state, be it the military, the courts, INEC or any other one, is destroyed. All that matters now is his re-election. This explains why he has embarked on this war against the opposition, this war against all of Nigeria”.

He accused Jonathan of destroying some public institutions such as the military, the police, the judiciary, electoral umpire and then adopted

impeachment as a tool of destabilising the opposition.

“Having bastardized the army, the police, the courts, aviation and the electoral commission, he has now moved to the next level: impeachment.

Every impeachment or threat of it in recent times has the imprint of President Jonathan.

“As we speak, the governor of Adamawa, Murtala Nyako, has been impeached at the instance of the president and his party; they have moved to Nasarawa, their next stop, while Rivers, Edo and Borno, all APC states, are not being spared the destabilization that precedes their new-found weapon.”

The party faulted the impeachment process that removed its governor in Adamawa, describing it as “the worst manifestation of impunity”.

“What was Nyako impeached for?

Offences he allegedly committed five years ago. Those offences were not impeachable when he was in the PDP. But the moment he decamped to the APC, they became impeachable.

“The entire ‘impeachment’ of Governor Nyako is so fraught with irregularities, bias, judicial contradictions and in violation of every procedural and constitutional provisions that it is the worst manifestation of impunity. We intend to mount an immediate and rigorous challenge to this gross injustice to the party and people of Adamawa State.”

On the plot to remove Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, APC argued that President Jonathan was as guilty as its governor over extra-budgetary spending.

“What is Gov. Al-Makura of Nasarawa being threatened with impeachment for? Allegations of extra-budgetary expenditure, the same offence that President Jonathan has committed many times. In fact, only on the 10th of July 2014, the Senate passed a resolution asking President Goodluck Jonathan to prepare and submit to

the National Assembly supplementary budget to cover the over-expenditure in the sum of N90.693 billion (US$585 billion) for PMS subsidy 2012 and the sum of N685.910 billion (US$4.430 billion) for kerosene (DPK) subsidy expended without appropriation by the National Assembly in 2012 and 2013!”

The party accused the Presidency of inducing legislators with a view to using them to impeach the governors of Adamawa, Nasarawa and Edo states.

“In Adamawa, each member of the State House of Assembly was allegedly given $300,000 as partpayment to impeach Gov. Nyako; some N500 million has allegedly been moved to Nasarawa to induce the state’s lawmakers to impeach Gov. AlMakura, and in Edo, each lawmaker has allegedly been offered N75 million to impeach Gov. Adams Oshiomhole.

“Now, who is more guilty of gross misconduct than a president who is frittering away our common wealth to induce perfidious legislators to impeach their state governors? Who is more guilty of gross misconduct than a president who deploys troops to harass, intimidate and arrest the opposition during an election? Who deserves to be impeached for gross misconduct more than a president who uses national institutions against the opposition, and shuts airports arbitrarily?”

The party further stated that Jonathan was heading towards making a record of being the president when many governors were impeached.

“President Jonathan’s desperation knows no bounds, and he is willing to set a record of presiding over the greatest number of impeachments under his tenure. Before Nyako’s impeachment on Tuesday, a total of five impeachments had been carried out in all of the 15 years of the Fourth Republic. But between now and 2015, President Jonathan is championing five impeachments -- in Adamawa, Nasarawa, Edo, Rivers and Borno.

the deputy governor of Adamawa State, Barr Bala James Ngillari, which was supposedly read on the floor of the State House of Assembly. We wish to state categorically that Section 306 (5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, requires that the deputy governor resign not to the House of Assembly but to the governor.

“As at the time the supposed resignation was said to have been tendered in the House, Murtala H. Nyako was the governor of Adamawa State. No such letter was written to him, none was received by him and none was approved by him.

“It should therefore be known that, in the eyes of the law, the deputy governor has not resigned. Barr Bala James Ngillari is still the deputy governor of Adamawa State. This clarification is necessary to avert another subversion of the constitution since the other processes relating to the impeachment saga have all been in contravention of the constitution and the law.”

We are not rattled by impeachment, will soon reclaim our mandate – APC The All Progressives Congress (APC), Adamawa State chapter, yesterday condemned the impeachment of Governor Murtala Nyako, calling it a crude show of power by the PDP-led government to steal power from the party.

The party made the position known through a press release signed by the state publicity secretary of the party, Rev. Phineas Padio, and made available to newsmen in Yola.

The statement reads in part: “The socalled impeachment and resignation of the governor and the deputy governor respectively clearly signals a rape of democracy that must not be allowed to stand. To us and all other good citizens, Tuesday’s action clearly climaxed PDP’s planned invasion of our dear state and betrays their political brigandage just as it exposes their desperation to rule the state against popular wish.”

Pro-Al-Makura protest over impeachment notice Following the impeachment notice served the Nasarawa State governor, Tanko Al-Makura, commuters and road users plying the road had it rough yesterday as thousands of Al-Makura’s supporters staged a peaceful protest in Mararaba against the impeachment plot of the governor.

According to the Hausa service of the British Broadcasting Service (BBC), the protesters marched from Keffi to Mararaba axis, a boundary settlement annexing the Federal Capital Territory Abuja.

Top on the protesters’ demand was the call on the PDP and its elected members of the House to rescind its decision and halt the impeachment plot against AlMakura.

The protesters recalled that this is about the ninth time the House of Assembly is making an attempt to impeach Al-Makura and therefore advised the aggrieved legislators to rescind their action in the interest of peace and progress of the state.

for the record Thursday, July 17, 2014

Wole Soyinka: 80 Years Of Genius And Prophetic Outrage continues from yesterday By bishop matthew hassan kukah

Let no well meaning relation even think of bringing my body home as long as that monstrosity holds power over a portion of earth that I consider my own

While the struggle went on by other means, Hollywood stepped in. Hollywood chose the theme of inter-racial marriage to make the point.

The aspirations, ideals and visions encapsulated in the Civil Rights Act found expression in the historic film, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner which was made in 1967. In an unforgettable performance, Spencer Tracy, Sidney Poitier combine with Catherine Hepburn and Catherine Houghton to offer the life changing performance of a lifetime. Cecil Kellaway’s brilliant performance cast him as Catholic priest, Msgr Ryan, Tracy’s Golf mate and friend who served as a mediator and moderator on his friend’s excesses. That film had tremendous impact on the world.

Even as an outsider, it had a great impact on me. Think for example if some Nigerian dreamer, artist, writer, film maker had the imagination to craft such a powerful story in this our thoroughly divided society where in some parts of Nigeria, as the one I come from, some Muslims believe it is haram for a Muslim woman to marry a non-Muslim!

Human beings, as we see from childhood and through life, live by imitation. Imagine what so many young people dream of becoming in life. This is what I mean by life imitating art.

There are as different views, opinions, and perceptions of the celebrant as there are Nigerians. This is how it should be. Fame breeds controversy.

Unfortunately, I personally do wish I had known him more and that his works had been more accessible even in our Seminaries. What impact or what influence has the celebrant had on Nigerians? This is hard to gauge and I am not so sure whether it matters. However, it does seem clearly that as we

Soyinka

have tried to show, controversy and trouble have been his middle names.

Whereas most Nigerians knew his vile hatred for Abacha, few including myself believed that he did not get on with some of the people or institutions we thought he was close to. For example, he found Abacha so detestable and disgusting that he did not wish to be buried in Nigeria as long the General was Head of State. His note or warning to his friends: Let no well meaning relation even think of bringing my body home as long as that monstrosity holds power over a portion of earth that I consider my own.

Even in exile one would have thought he was the brain box of NADECO. Here, again the reader is shocked because of NADECO, he said: I was temperamentally ill suited to that company.

The celebrant and Tony Enahoro were the only twosome who opted out of the Obasanjo Political Reform Conference with fanfare. Like millions of Nigerians, I believed that both of them were birds of the same feather and that they were busy working out a new Constitution for the country based on their

radical ideological convictions.

But, no, for, on Tony Enahoro, he said: He thrived in endless meetings, corpious minutes, points of order, standing orders and moving and seconding motions….he galvanized the already simmering rivalries within the movement, causing them to burst open.

More interesting is his comment on Gani Fawehinmi.

Of him, he said: Nearly every colleague, collaborator or beneficiary of Gani, virtually without exception, has gone through a phase of temporary derangement when they wondered whether it would not be much better, for the sake of the very cause that he advocated, if Gani were to be heavily sedated, kidnapped and hidden away, then revived and released only when the challenge had been resolved.

My intention has not been to assess the celebrant and his works. Professor Abiola Irele who knows him and his works will be doing that on Sunday. My job has been to use the platform I have been offered to celebrate a very complicated man of genius. My view is to see him as an extra ordinarily talented

man whom God has endowed with incredible gifts of dreams and imagination and equipped him with the tools to express himself. As for his politics, his abilities to play football or tennis, his place of worship and so on, I have no idea. I have simply come to celebrate one of the greatest writers to come out of our country and continent.

One last word: Prof, had you listened to your mother, life would have been easier for you.

Remember she warned you: Wole, Itirayi ni gbobo nkan.

Perhaps it is just as well that you did not believe in merely trying for then, you would not have had a Nobel Prize. For a failed trader, failed farmer, a soldier on AWOL, you did well by choosing Literature and Art. Unless the British come to arrest you for court martial, I wish you many more years of good health, joy and peace. As you walk towards the sunset, turn to the Lord and may He let His face shine upon you and bless you. Thank you very much for the rare opportunity to be here. God bless you. God bless our dear country. concluded

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stories of the Thursday, July 17, 2014

...NEWS WITH A HUMAN FACE

THEFT: Police Arrest Store Keeper For Stealing

By YAHYA SARKI, Kebbi

The Kebbi State Police Command have arrested one Faruku Zaki, a store keeper with the Ministry of Health for allegedly stealing items worth N29.6 million, belonging to the ministry.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Kabir Bawa Rawayau, disclosed this yesterday in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital while parading the suspect before newsmen.

He said sometime in the year 2012, the Kebbi State Government awarded contract worth N2billion for the supply of hospital equipments and furniture to some of the newly built hospitals in the state.

According to the PPRO, when the items were delivered at the school of Nursing in Birnin Kebbi, zaki was said to have stolen some items from where they were kept.

He said the police was able to recover items worth N20.8 million from the suspect. ‘’ This act by a civil servant is a breach of trust under section 315 of penal code and as soon as we finish our investigation , we will send him to court’’ , he said.

Rawayau called on the general public to come forward with any useful information that could assist the command in making Kebbi a crime free state .

Fraud: Randy Pastor, 2 Others In Police Net

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

A randy pastor with a popular Church in Abraka, Delta State, simply identified as Phillips (surname withheld), and two other members of the church are currently in custody of the police at the state criminal investigating department (CID), Delta State Police Command, for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting members of the church to the tune of N1.6 million.

It was gathered that the pastor had allegedly put two female members of the church into family way sometimes in 2013 and was suspended. He was later pardoned by the church.

DSP Celestina Kalu, police public relations officer in the state confirmed that the suspects were arrested in Abraka police division before the matter was transferred to the state CID. She said that the suspects, especially the pastor, who claimed to have studied Biochemistry confessed to the crime, saying that he is only a fraudster and not an armed robber.

Meanwhile, the police in Akukwu-Igbo community near Asaba, have arrested a homosexual pastor, who has been indulging in sexual intercourse with same sex in the last three years.

Sources said that before nemesis caught up with him had allegedly been in the habit of sleeping with female members of his church after which he pays them N10,000 each.

Young men participating in Mgba Okposi Traditional Wrestling Festival at Egbo Ameluagu Okposi in Ebonyi. PHOTO BY NAN

BODY ODOUR: Housewife Kicked Out

Of Matrimonial Home

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba A housewife in Igbodo community of Delta State, identified as Evelyn Obiomah, has been sent out of her matrimonial home over her body odour.

It was gathered that trouble began for the woman, a mother of two, when the husband, a prominent farmer in the area married a second wife and began to pick constant quarrel with her.

It was also gathered that the husband had threatened to make life unbearable for the woman The woman, according to report, was dragged before the elders in the community to

settle the quarrel between her and the husband but could not reach amicable settlement.

A source said the problem between the woman and her husband further degenerated when the woman allegedly attacked her rival.

A substance suspected to be water was said to have been poured on the woman which later developed into rashes.

She was said to have treated the issue lightly only to have observed few weeks later pervasive offensive body odour that subsequently sent her out of the house.

Speaking to our correspondent, the victim said “I have used several drugs to no avail as the odour continues in a very offensive way that has removed me from my husband’s house”.

HIT AND RUN: Accident Leaves Teenager’s Leg Amputated

BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kaduna

A teenager, Joshua Tope, 17, a victim of a hit and run driver, who suffered serious injury to his right leg, has had the leg amputated after efforts to save the leg failed.

The young boy could not have survived the accident if not for the intervention of a good Samaritan doctor who came to his rescue when he found him in the pool of his blood after the yet- to- be- identified driver hit him and ran away.

Subsequently, a Non-Governmental Organization, the Arewa Youth Parliament, on hearing the news, decided to honour the doctor who rendered such humanitarian service to the young boy, Dr. Musiliu Kolawole Odumola.

Presenting the award to Dr. Odumola in Kaduna yesterday, the President of the Youth Parliament, Comrade Bashir Mohammed Maru, said the recipient has shown that medical practice is not about making money but saving lives as exhib-

ited in the case of Joshua Tope.

Comrade Maru said Tope who is a secondary school student was on his way home when he was knocked down along Muhammadu Buhari Way, and the driver of the car zoomed off.

All attempts, according to Comrade Maru, to save Tope proved abortive as many hospitals demanded police report and it was in the process that Dr. Odumola drove by and saw him in his pool of blood. He quickly put him inside his own vehicle and drove him straight to his hospital, Almansur Specialists Hospital, at Rabah Road, Kaduna, where he and a team of medical officers struggled to save the life of Tope.

But, unfortunately, his right leg had to be amputated.

The victim of the accident, Joshua Tope who seems to have lost his memory and could only remember; “give me your money”, is still on admission at Dr. Odumola’s hospital where all medical and feeding expenses are being borne by him.

ROBBERY: Police Nab 4 Suspects From Chad, Recover Arms, Others

BY MATTHEW DIKE, Lagos

Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspected armed robbers from Chad and recovered pump action guns and other weapons.

Operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja, arrested the Chadians for armed robbery.

The police recovered four pump action guns, locally made pistols, cutlasses and charms from the hoodlums.

The suspects, Jamal Nasiru, Ahmed Mohammed, Umaru Abubakar and Sale Abubakar are currently being detained in SARS’ cell, in the command’s headquarters, Ikeja.

The police also arrested the buyer of the stolen goods.

The state Commissioner for Police, Umar Manko, was said to have been alerted by some patriotic Nigerians on the activities of a notorious armed robbery gang terrorising residents of Magodo, Omole, and their environs..

A police sergeant attached to SARS disclosed that the informant also revealed how robbers operate along the Lagos -Ibadan expressway by the long bridge .

The source said the robbers usually place dangerous obstacles on the highway to puncture tyres of unsuspecting motorists in other to rob them .

He said Manko ordered the officer in charge of SARS, SP Abba Kyari, to investigate the matter and ensure that the suspects were arrested.

He said the receiver of the stolen goods was also arrested by a joint team of policemen from Isheri Police Station and SARS. “ The policemen from Isheri Police Station tried very well. It was a joint team of policemen from SARS and Isheri Police Station that did the good job. Policemen from Isheri first arrested their buyer with many laptops at Ojodu Berger.”

STORIES OF THE DAY 11

Thursday, July 17, 2014

day

photo news

Crime: Illegal Oil Dealer Bags 1-year Jail Term

BY EJIKE EJIKE, Abuja

Justice M.S. Abubakar of the Federal High Court, Warri, Delta State, has convicted and sentenced one Shedrack Ofose, to one year imprisonment without an option of fine, for conspiracy and illegal dealing in petroleum products.

Justice Abubakar found him guilty of the 2-count charge preferred against him by the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and sentenced him to six months jail imprisonment on each count. The sentences are to run concurrently.

In a press release signed by the EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, the con-

vict had been arraigned on March 5, 2013 and one of the counts that sent Shedrack to jail reads; “that you Shedrack Ofose, on or about the 17th day of November, 2012 at Kaigbodo waterside in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, within the jurisdiction of this honorable court without appropriate licence did distribute petroleum products to wit: 3,950 litres of Automated Gas Oil (AGO) loaded in 10 drums conveyed in a White Ford Bus with Reg. No. (Bayelsa) XB 258 YEN and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 4(1) of the Petroleum Act CAP P10 of the Law of the Federation of Nigeria (Revised Edition) and punishable under Section 1(6) of the same Act.

Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Osita Chidoka (middle), riding on a bicycle during his screening and appearance before the Senate as ministerial nominee with him are the senior officers of the Corps, in Abuja, yesterday PHOTO

by OYEDELE OMOKABO

CULTISM: Police Fault Report On Killing Of 3 Students

BY OSA Okhomina, Yenagoa

Authorities of the Bayelsa State Police Command yesterday faulted the reported killing of three students of the State owned Niger Delta University in Wilberforce Island of Ammassoma community in Southern Ijaw Area of the State.

According to the Police, though the cult clash occurred outside the campus of the Niger Delta University, two students suspected to be cultists were not killed but sustained machete cuts on the head and arm.

The Bayelsa State Police Command, through its spokesman, Mr.Alex Akhigbe, said no killing took place in the school.

“The report was false, unfounded and

lack merit. “It is a calculated attempt to cause apprehension and incite students against the school authority.”

Akhigbe said “the cult clash between AY Vagas cult groups,which the report alluded to happened outside NDU campus and not inside examination hall. One of the cultist sustained machete cut injury on his forehead,while in another clash, 100 level student had his palm severed. No live was lost in the two cult related incident.”

“The reported killing, is to say the least, misguided, unfounded and lacks merit. It was a calculated attempt to cause apprehension and incite students against the school authority and the government of the State.”

Director, Mass Housing, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Mr Gambo Jibrin, commissioning the Federal Housing Estates for public servants (fourth left) Head of Service of the federation in Pyakasa village, Abuja. PHOTO BY OGOH JOSEPH.

Stealing: Dismissed Police Corporal, Prison Staff Arrested Over Car Theft

By OSA Okhomina, Yenagoa

A dismissed police corporal from the Delta State Police Command and a staff of the Nigerian Prison Service in Rivers State, were yesterday arrested by the men of the Bayelsa State Police Command for alleged car theft along the Owerri axis in Imo State.

While the dismissed police officer was arrested in Patani ,Delta State, for the alleged theft of a Mazda 323 car with registration number AR 244 UGH, the Nigerian Prisons Service staff was arrested at the weekend for an alleged theft of a red Colored Gulf Car

with registration number KMR 128 XA. In a statement released yesterday by the Bayelsa State Police Command and signed by the spokesman ,Mr.Alex Akhigbe,the dismissed corporal was identified as CPL James Bekem.

According to the statement, “the Mazda 323 was stolen in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, and traced to Patani in Delta State. One Corporal James Bekem, a dismissed corporal that served in Delta State was arrested in connection with the stolen car, He has confessed to the crime and will soon be charged to court.”

Oyo State Governor Ajibola, Ajimobi and Hon Mudashiru Akinlabi discusing after a meeting at aw Government House, Oyo State.

FLOOD: Policeman Dies As Death Toll Rises In Edo By: Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

As affected flood victims in Igarra and environs in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area continue to count their loss , the community was yesterday thrown into more grief as a result of last Sunday’s flood following the discovery of the body of a middle aged woman in Sasaro village, apparently swept away by the flood.

With this, the death toll from the Sunday rains is now six made up of five females and a male who is said to be a pastor that was staying in Afekhai area of Igarra.

Meanwhile, a policeman died in that same

area yesterday as a result of a crash involving their patrol vehicle and a moving truck.

A leader of the vigilante team in the area, said the policemen were from Afuze Division and were on the trail of persons suspected to be conveying cannabis near Sasaro when their vehicle in an attempt to intercept the vehicle conveying the suspected cannabis rammed into a moving truck.

When contacted yesterday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Noble Uwoh, confirmed that there was an accident where a life was lost but that the patrol team was not after anybody but on their way to get fuel for the vehicle.

L-R: Communication officer, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre Abubakar Jimoh, programme officer Austin Erameh secretary Abimbola Miro, assistant programme officer, Vivian Ejinwa, and assistant finance officer, Timbut Gonji during their courtesy visit to the corporate headquarters of LEADERSHIP GROUP in Abuja yesterday. Photo by Joseph Ogoh

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Thursday, July 17, 2014

FORUM OF PDP LOCAL GOVERNMENT PARTY CHAIRMEN OF DELTA STATE

PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY Power to the People

The National Chairman, Alhaji Dr. Adamu Mu’azu Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Wadata House, Wuse, Abuja

DELTA STATE OF NIGERIA

14th July, 2014

Sir,

RE: DR. (MRS) MARIAN ALLI’S UNPROVOKED PHYSICAL ATTACK ON OUR STATE CHAIRMAN DELTA STATE CHAPTER; A CASE OF EXTREME BOTHERATION ON THE IMAGE AND BRAND OF OUR GREAT PARTY We, the elected Twenty Five (25) PDP Local Government Party Chairmen wish to bring to your kind attention and that of the National Working Committee of Our Party the very uncivilized misdemeanor of Dr. (Mrs.) Alli on the event of 11th July, 2014: the Official Presentation by our Governor, His Excellency Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan (CON), of 25 new vehicles to us being purchased by the State Executive Committee of our Party in Delta State.

The following facts needs to be stressed, Sir. a) All the invited Party Leaders/Elders we nominated from our various Wards in the Local Government Area had peacefully arrived the venue of this meeting: the magnificent new Secretariat of our Party built by the Barr. Peter Nwaoboshi lead Executive Committee. b)

As we were chatting and bantering happily’ waiting for the arrival of our Governor and His Deputy, Dr. (Mrs.) Alli stormed into the venue with her black SUV Jeep, briskly she ascended the podium and sat on the chair designated and tagged for the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Prof. Amos Utuama. All entreaties by the Master of Ceremony (MC) to correct this breach of protocol against the office of the Deputy Governor by Madam Alli fell on deaf ears.

c)

Before we could say Jack our Madam physically attacked, slapped and viciously rough-handled our State Party Chairman who was sitting on the same podium, to our consternation and surprise.

Indeed our Chairman left the venue in tattered clothings from the effect of Mrs. Alli’s attack.

d)

When tempers cooled down with the arrival of our most revered Governor who pleaded alongside some of our Elders that we should all calm down and face the business of the day, this ‘epochal solidaristic’ event ended on a good note with the official handing over of the vehicles to us individually by His Excellency.

e)

May we use this medium therefore, to plead with you Sir, to call Dr. (Mrs.) Alli to order by invoking the swift application of the constitutional provisions against this kind of atrocity in a way that will proactively put a full stop to Madam Alli ever displaying this form of bullish, uncouth behavior that is a smear to the good image and electoral fortunes of the Greatest Political Party in Africa, the PDP.

f)

We feel it is paradoxical that under your peaceful reign so far due to the diplomatic, all inclusive, brotherly leadership ethos which

you have implanted into our Political Party machinery, Dr. (Mrs.) Alli ‘s open display is the direct opposite of what you stand for, hence we should not sweep this under the carpet. We the 25 Party Chairmen of Delta State are resolutely behind your smooth-withelegant princely-finesse leadership style; YOU CAN COUNT ON OUR UNFLICHING SUPPORT AND LOYALTY. LONG LIVE THE DELTA STATE CHAPTER OF PDP! LONG LIVE THE NATIONAL CHAIRMAN OF OUR GREAT PARTY (PDP)!!

LONG LIVE THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA!!!

We remain yours sincerely, for and on behalf of the Forum of PDP Local Government Party Chairmen of Delta State.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

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14 News north-central

Thursday, July 17, 2014

2015: Northern Youth Groups Want Saraki For Presidency

By SOLOMON AYADO, Makurdi And Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

Youths under the aegis of North Central Youth Consultative Assembly have urged the former governor of Kwara State, Senator Bukola Saraki to join the 2015 presidential race to salvage the nation.

This was contained in a communique signed by the chairman, Comrade Abubakar Ibrahim, and secretary, Comrade David Audu, and made available to LEADERSHIP after the general assembly meeting of the group yesterday in Makurdi, Benue State.

It said the country was fast crumbling and needed a viable and purposeful leader like Saraki who, according to it, is a bridge between the older and new generations, stating categorically that the unique combination is the needed edge in developmental trends, as he will surely serve as the buffer between both generations and the provision of an all-inclusive government.

“It is in the light of after deliberation and consideration, leaders of

short news ‘Ebola Virus Deadlier Than HIV/AIDS’ Ebola Virus is the most difficult health challenge confronting the third world countries and is deadlier than HIV/ AIDs,medical experts have declared.

A professor of Epidemology and Community Health Science,University of Ilorin, Tanimola Akande and a one time Clinical Virologist at Hoston Texas,United States of America,Dr.Olajide Agbede made the declaration in Ilorin, Kwara state yesterday during their seperate lectures delivered at an Awareness Campaign on Ebola Virus sponsored

by Chairman, LUBCON Group of companies,Alhaji Jani Ibrahim.

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

the 22 youth groups in the North Central and the youth Assembly after deep and conscientious scrutiny of candidates who have presented themselves for leadership from various regions of Nigeria and found none deserving of such elevation, have decided to call upon Sen. Bukola Saraki, to throw his hat in the race to salvage the nation which is fast crumbling.

Also, a non-governmental organisation – the Nigeria Need Positive Change Group (NNPCG), has joined in the clamour for Saraki to contest the 2015 presidential election.

The Ilorin-based group appealed to Saraki to take a shot at the presidency in the interest of salvaging Nigeria, in the next year’s general elections.

The NNPCG, in a statement signed by its national coordinator, Alhaji Mas’ud Aluko and made available to LEADERSHIP in Ilorin, described Saraki as ‘architect of modern Kwara’ and a worthy representive of Kwara Central senatorial district at the National Assembly.

Nasarawa Begins Measure To Reposition LG System The Nasarawa State government has taken strict measures towards ensuring that delivery of service at the local government level is repositioned in view of the fact that local government staff no longer go to work except on salary days.

Chairman of the Nasarawa State Local Government Service Commission, Alhaji Musa Isa Mustapha, disclosed this in Lafia, yesterday, during special session with the Directors of Personnel Management (DPMs), saying service delivery at the third tier of government in the state is in a deplorable state.

“The introduction of unified service system where staff are posted to local governments other than their own with the hope that their new environment will bring out the best in them is not helping matters, ” Mustapha noted.

He expressed regret that the policy had been thwarted by some officers who continue to manipulate the exercise by abandoning their work places longer than necessary on the pretext of going for their salaries.

He charged the DPMs to be exemplary, and maintained that “the report reaching us at the commission indicates that some of the DPMs themselves are the first culprits.”

By Sam Egwu, Lokoja

short news Kogi Assembly Sets Panel To Probe LG Chairman A panel to investigate, authenticate and confirm the allegation of gross misconduct and high handedness leveled against the embattled chairman of Dekina LGA has been set by Kogi State House of Assembly.

The embattled chairman, Comrade Mohammed Ali was suspended from office by 10 councillors, out of eleven on allegation of gross misconduct against the members of the council.

The five-member panel held its meeting yesterday after plenary at the Assembly complex, Hassan Kastina road, Lokoja, and were mandated to unearth the riddles surrounding suspension of Dekina LGA chairman, Comrade Mohammed Alih.

By Sam Egwu, Lokoja

Youths protesting over planned impeachment of Governor Tanko Al-Makura in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, yesterday. PHOTO BY PHOTO BY NAN

Niger APC Wrong To Condemn Gov Aliyu Over Debt – State Govt

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

The Niger State government has stated that the position of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) on the state civil service and the bonds secured by the government has shown its shallowness in assessing governance.

Niger State governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu, in a statement by his chief press secretary, Israel Ayegba Ebije, yesterday in Minna debunked claims that it had not conducted the promotion of civil servants or paid leave grants in the past seven years, insisting it was cheap propaganda by the

state APC. The statement said, “The Niger State opposition has once again showed how shallow its assessment on governance and government policies are.

“For the avoidance of doubt and to correct the jaundiced perception of the Niger APC, issues of promotion, payments of salaries and leave grants have never been a problem since the Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu agministration came on board in 2007. It is therefore curious for the opposition to state otherwise,” Ebije said.

According to him, “Issues of promotion and payments of leave

grant are included in the consolidated service scheme and no single civil servant due for any has missed it.”

He therefore insisted that the opposition is out to sell falsehood in its desperate attempt to be politically relevant.

On the allegation that salaries and servicing of loans are paid with SURE-P funds, Governor Aliyu’s spokesman said: “It’s a shame on the Niger APC to raise puerile issues that have no bases. It’s just a figment of the imagination of cantankerous elements in the opposition to smear the good work of the chief servant.

Why Parents Of Chibok Girls Did Not Meet Jonathan – Melaye

By PAUL UWADIMA, Abuja

Contrary to the allegations by the Presidency that the parents of the abducted Chibok Girls were prevented by the leadership of the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) campaign from meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan penultimate Tuesday, a prominent member of the group has said that the decision not to meet with the president was

entirely that of the parents.

A prominent member of the BBOG campaign and former member of the House of Representatives, Hon Dino Melaye told LEADERSHIP yesterday in Abuja that the parents decided not to meet with the president because of the way previous parents that visited the Presidency on the invitation of the First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan were treated.

According to him, the parents were “talked down upon by the First Lady”, adding that it was wrong for the president to have waited for three months before showing interest to see the parents.

“I can assure you that if 17-yearold Malala from Pakistan had not come, the president would not have deemed it necessary to see the parents of the Chibok Girls, to empathise with them,” he said.

NSCDC Officials Invade JAMB Office, Beat Staff, Journalists

By Donatus Nadi, Lafia

Over 200 men of the Kogi State command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) yesterday invaded the Lokoja office of Joint Admission and Matriculation Board and gave the workers a beating of their lives.

According to investigation, the heavily armed NSCDC men stormed the office at about 10am and forcefully dragged the security men manning the office to their cell. Their grouse was that JAMB refused to use their services in securing its office, and that SPITEC, the security organisation contracted to guard the JAMB office, was not registered with

them and as such must be disbanded The invasion was led by one R.C.M Jegede who allegedly ordered his men to shoot any staff member who refused to ‘cooperate.’

When the state co ordinator of JAMB , Mr Daniel Agbo, and staff members pleaded with the corps that the issue was being handled by JAMB headquarters, they reportedly went berserk and unleashed terror on the workers, beating a pregnant woman to coma, while another woman, Miss Victoria Tachio, had her clothes torn.

Also, the JAMB accountant and one Ada Ugbole were also stripped naked and beaten black and blue before being dragged to the NSCDC of-

fice about 100 metres to the JAMB office .

Mr Agbo, who showed journalists bruises all over his body, expressed surprise at the commando-like manner the civil defence corps invaded their office, describing it as crude and uncivil.

When journalists visited the office of the state Corps commander, Mr Dayo Adesuyi, to hear their own side of the story, the corps members barricaded the road and began to rain abuses on them.

One of the officers, Akusebio T. O. threatened to deal with the journalists and ordered his boys to beat the journalists, even as he ordered that the tyres of their vehicle be deflated.

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Thursday, July 17, 2014

business news

Jim Ovia Now Zenith Bank Chairman

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos

Zenith Bank has appointed Jim Ovia, its former chief executive as its board chairman, taking over from Steve Omojafor who resigned last June.

The appointment which took immediate effect has

been approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) whose governor is the immediate chief executive of the bank.

Ovia retired from the bank about three years ago in line with the CBN policy which limits the tenor of banks’ chief executives to a maximum of 10 years.

Godwin Emefiele, the new central bank governor was appointed from Zenith Bank in February by President Goodluck Jonathan, and assumed his position at the apex bank in June after the tenure of the suspended governor of the bank, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi expired.

Higher Electricity Tariffs, Others Push Inflation To 8.2% In June

BY NSE ANTHONY-UKO, Abuja

Higher electricity tariffs imposed in the country has resulted in a general high in prices which pushed up inflation index to 8.2 per cent in June 2014, compared to 8 per cent the previous month.

This is the fourth consecutive month of year-on-year increases in the headline index since the pace of price increases eased in February. The price increases recorded in June’s headline index were as a result of an increase of all the divisions that contribute to the index.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that price increases were recorded in the Food and Core sub-indices.

The increase in the Core subindex was as a result of price increases across various group items, in particular electricity prices, jewelleries, clocks and watches, furniture repair prices.

Specifically, food prices as observed by the Food sub-index edged marginally higher to 9.8 per cent from 9.7 per cent in June.

Prices were pushed higher as a result of higher prices in the Bread and Cereals, Meats, Fish, and Dairy groups. The price increases in this sub-index were, however, weighed down by relatively slower increases in the Oils and Fats, Fruits and Vegetable groups. Prices measured by the “All items less farm produce” or Core sub-index increased at a faster rate in June.

L-R: Deputy Chairman, house of Representatives Committee on Land Transport, Dr. Sokonte Davies; Director, Civil Engineering, Nigeria Railway Corporation (nrc), Mr Halim Amodu; nrc District Manager, Eastern Region, Mr donatus Ogbodo and Managing Director, Mr Seyi Sijuwade, during an inspection of reconstructed nrc bridge ‘15’ at Nyama, Enugu State, yesterday. photo by nan

Harmonisation Of Biometrics Databases: MDAs Complying With SGF’s Circular–Investigation

By WENESO OROGUN and CHIBUZO UKAIBE, Lagos

Federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) that are implementing identity databaserelated projects have begun complying with the presidential directive on harmonisation and integration of biometric databases with the national identity management system (NIMS) housed in the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), a LEADERSHIP investigation has confirmed.

Sources close to some of these institutions confirmed that they have since been in serious discussions with the NIMC which had long ago set up a Harmonisation and Integration Implementation Committee (HIC), a multi-agency body which has since been working towards ensuring that government expenditures can be reduced through providing a unified standard for demographic and biometric data.

In response to enquiries by LEADERSHIP, head, media and public relations of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Ayo Osinlu assured last week of the corporate commitment of NHIS to uncompromised compliance with

the presidential directive as well as the SGF’s circular on biometric harmonisation of its data base with NIMC. “It will interest you to note that NHIS serves on the Governing Board of NIMC, hence our subscription to the success of the organisation towards the ultimate and common objective of national development.

“Pursuant to efforts in the direction of our compliance, NHIS was fully represented, alongside other Government Institutions; at a crucial meeting about fortyeight hours ago with No facilitate the process of accomplishing that national objective, both in good time and of high quality.

Subsequent meetings are scheduled to follow in due course.

I can assure you that the Scheme has empanelled a high- calibre team of top ICT staff to drive the process of the harmonisation, which will soon be completed.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) also recently confirmed to LEADERSHIP that; ‘the commission has already designed a template that can be used to integrate its database into the national system housed in NIMC stressing that the agency is on course to meet the December 31,

2014 deadline. The NIMS system is supposed to receive biometric data from it and a minimum of 13 other federal MDAs by end of December 2014- a strategy that would assist the NIMC populate its database to fill the unfortunate gap created by the failure of the private sector to meet its obligation in that respect.

NIMC’s deputy director, corporate communication, AbdulHamid Umar, explained that while NIMC is expecting the various agencies involved in biometriclinked databases to forward them to the industry regulator, it is important for MDAs to recognise that the NIMC identity management infrastructure requires 10 fingerprints obtained in batches of divided four, two, four, ‘headshot photograph’ and digital signature, to achieve seamless integration.

Chief press secretary to INEC Chairman, Kayode Idowu told LEADERSHIP that the commission complied with this requirement when it compiled its register of voters in 2011. He confirmed that INEC has been engaged in discussions at the highest level with all stakeholders including government as regards aligning their voters’ registration database to fit into the national biometric system. He nonetheless

added that the discussions on the centralisation of database is still ongoing.

His words: “we designed the voters registration template in 2011 specifically to fit into the national biometric registration system. That was why INEC settled for 10 fingers prints unlike two that were done in previous registrations. The one that was done in 2011 captured 10 fingerprints and it was done deliberately to make it conformable with the national biometric registration system.

“And even before now, discussions have been ongoing at the topmost level on how to adopt the INEC biometric data from the base and co-opt it into the national biometric system. Discussion has been ongoing long before now.

In the financial sector, however concerns remain over the Bank Verification Number (BVN) project being promoted by the CBN. Under the scheme, Nigerian Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) will begin biometric registration of all bank account holders at an initial cost of $55 million (approximately N8.579bn) from the apex bank’s purse which will in turn be recovered from the Banks who of course will ultimately pass it on to the unsuspecting

customers with a premium. The contract which was awarded to a German company, Dermalog, a manufacturer of automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS) will see the banks conclude the registrations in 18 months, six clear months behind the December 31 2014 presidential deadline.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the CBN and the NIMC had worked tirelessly for several months on the appropriate supporting policy on the national identification number, the ‘NIN’ as a minimum know-your-customer (KYC) instrument but the policy was withdrawn by CBN about three weeks after it was released in 2012 and the apex bank gave no reasons. However, sources confirmed to LEADERSHIP that the CBN had agreed to share its database from the BVN with NIMC except that this will also take some time to harmonise, if at all. Industry experts believe that by not harmonising from the onset since the NIMS project has already taken off before it, the harmonisation will be a ‘tall order’ if at all it is undertaken. Experts point to the proprietary solutions in the BVN as the key problem.

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/business

16 NEWS/BUSINESS

Tincan Fire Incident: FG Cautions Vessels Owners

By Evelyn Okoruwa, Abuja

The federal government has cautioned operators of vessels in Nigerian waterways to ensure strict compliance to international best practices in order to avert fire incidences.

This warning was giving by the minister of transport Sen. Idris Umar, while receiving the report of a 10- man marine board of inquiry set to find the cause the fire incidents and explosion involving a ship and barge – Barge S215 and MT African Hyacinth which occurred in both Lagos port and Port Harcourt port respectively in 2013.

Umar had constituted and inaugurated the marine board of inquiry on November 20, 2013 to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the two incidents and recommend appropriate measures aimed at

averting future incidences.

Receiving the report on behalf of the minister, the ministry’s permanent secretary Mr Nebolisa Emodi, explained that the main purpose of setting up the board of enquiry was to establish the actual cause of the oil incident and to make sure that compliance and monitoring procedures were in line with both the Merchant Shipping Act and the ISPS code.

“It is necessary that owners of vessels that ply our waterways comply to certain standards, making sure that the crew that operate these vessels are adequately trained to comply with international best practices.

I hope you have done a very good job with this assignment and that the recommendations that you have submitted will be used to ensure that standards of compliance and monitoring are drawn to the next level,” he said.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

WAMZ Single Currency: January 2015 Convergence Date Not Feasible

BY NSE ANTHONY-UKO, Abuja

Strong indications have emerged that the January 1, 2015 deadline for the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) countries to achieve monetary integration by the adoption of a single currency is no longer feasible.

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele , while addressing the meeting of the Committee of Governors in the zone, yesterday, said the launch of the monetary union in January 2015 was unlikely.

“The launch of the monetary union by January 2015 is unlikely at this time.Despite this disappointing update, we need to use the new period created by this to redouble our efforts towards the final realisation of this objective.”

Emefiele, who was also elected the new chairman of Committee of Governors of the WAMZ by a unanimous vote noted that the performance of member states on the convergence scale relative to that required for the establishment of a monetary union was still inadequate.

Feelers from the mid-year statutory meetings of the WAMZ holding this week in Abuja, indicated that the member countries were in favour of a shift of the convergence date to January 1, 2020, as recommended by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of State and Government, in view of inability of all the countries to meet the convergence criteria in a single year.

“Our appraisals have continued to show that the level of

macroeconomic convergence in the Zone remained inadequate relative to the set targets. Since 2009, no two countries satisfied all the four primary convergence criteria consistently for two consecutive years.

“Accordingly, we have missed several launch dates for the monetary union. This may have informed the decision of the Heads of State and Government to approve the Modified Gradualist Approach to monetary integration by 2020.”

Nigeria is the only country that met all primary convergence criteria in 2013.

Emefiele also noted that member countries’ business cycle synchronisation in terms of real GDP, inflation, broad money and interest rates remained weak, and their level of institutional preparedness for the monetary union remain inadequate.

Financial Inclusion: Forum Calls On CBN, NCC To Drive Mobile Money

By Chima Akwaja, Abuja

Financial technology experts at this year’s Aitec Banking and Mobile Money West Africa Conference have called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), two regulators in the financial and telecommunications spheres, to seek closer collaboration in order to ensure that mobile money takes firm root in Nigeria.

The experts who were shocked by the poor growth recorded in the mobile money space by the operators in Nigeria blamed poor regulatory foresight for the sluggish performance of the initiative. Nigeria’s mobile money is bank-led and agent-

led models which see mobile network operators as mere infrastructure providers.

The head of compliance and risk control, M-Commerce, Ericsson, Mr Olutunmbi Idowu,, United Kingdom said there has to be a partnership approach to make mobile money work. “If there is no infrastructure in place, if the financial regulator is not talking to the telecom regulator and if the operators are talking to the consumers, then there is a problem.”

He said as long as the regulators and the operators work in silos, there was a problem. He noted that the social promise of financial inclusion was attainable through effective partnership.

NDE DG Tasks NIMC Over NIN The director general, National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mallam Abubakar Mohammed has applauded the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for creating, maintaining and managing a national identity database in the country.

The DG who paid a courtesy call to the director general of NIMC, Barrister Chris E. Onyemenam at the NIMC headquarters in Abuja with his top executive management staff, expressed satisfaction at the measures put in place by the commission to ensure a standard data capture process.

After enrolling for the National Identification Number (NIN) and issued his NIN slip, Mohammed called

on all eligible citizens who are yet to enrol for the NIN to avail themselves of the opportunity.

According to him, NIMC has shown great competence towards achieving the mandate to create, maintain, operate and manage a National Identity Management System, and “Every responsible Nigerian must avail himself to be part of the process.

We must assist the NIMC to capture all of us.

“For the first time, we are on a very serious route towards living in the 21st Century. We can no longer live in situations where we don’t know how many we are in the country; and the identity of individuals cannot be verified in the case of emergency or security breach,” he said.

L-R: Retail cluster head for Kano, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited Mr Jude Ameh, another staff of FCMB Mr Godspower Uwaoma, winner of N1million of the FCMB 30th Anniversary Promo Reloaded for the North Region Chizoba Perpetua Asilugwu and the bank’s zonal head (North-west) Mr Abdullahi Mainasara at the presentation of the cheque to the winner in kano yesterday.

Power: Tension Over Bill Seeking New Agency

By Juliet Alohan, Abuja

The Ministry of Power and the sector regulators are presently divided over a Bill seeking to establish the Nigerian Electricity Management Authority (NEMSA), which is presently known as Electricity Management Services Ltd (EMSL).

The Bill which has passed first and second reading at both the House of Representatives and the Senate is sponsored by the chairman, House Committee on Power, Patrick Ikhariale.

Making his presentation yesterday at a public hearing organised by the House Committee on Power, at the National Assembly, the chairman of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Mr Sam Amadi, argued that the Bill is null and void because it negates the principle of the ESPR Act

and assigns to NEMSA roles which overlaps and conflicts with those of the regulator.

He said, “It is our considered view that any instrument, which is inconsistent with the extant provisions of the ESPR Act, is to the extent of such inconsistency null, void and of no effect whatsoever, as it negates the principle behind the power sector reform as articulated in the ESPR Act.” Emotions ran high during the hearing when the NERC chairman stated that supporting the Bill, which could retard progress so far being recorded in the sector, will not be in public interest but would amount to self-interest, even as he clarified that the remark was not directed at the minister or permanent secretary.

In his presentation, the permanent secretary in the ministry, Amb Godknows Igali, stated that the ministry is

consulting within the sector to create clear demarcation and avoid conflict of roles.

Igali, who took exception to the comment made by Amadi was quick to put on record that neither the minister of power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, nor the minister of state for power, Mohammed Wakil as well as himself deals on personal interest.

He said, “I want to assure that the ministry, as the sector leaders, will do our best to ensure that this process is resolved. I will like to say that this body was not established by the present leadership of the ministry.

“We must build institutions that will last for our grandchildren; if we are to give everything to the NERC, we will do it. Tempers are a little bit high now, but the minister has said that we need time to look at these things and we will get back to you (the committee).”

Thursday, July 17, 2014

17

18 BUSINESS/AGRICULTURE

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Nigeria Inches Closer To Rice Self-Sufficiency agric focus

… As President Commissions Olam Rice Farm, Factory

The long awaited moment has come. Now is the moment when arguments on Nigeria’s ability to meet its rice needs should take a back seat and be put to final rest, given the unfolding reality. On Monday, this week, President Goodluck Jonathan was at the Olam integrated rice facility at Rukubi village in Doma local government of Nassarawa State to officially kick-start the commercial milling of rice grown at the precinct of the factory that was ready for commissioning. In other words, what comes from Olam mill is wholly Nigerian rice.

Armchair critics and nighttime tourists who claimed to have traversed Nigeria without seeing where rice is grown in commercial quantity should come off their track for a while, make a detour and travel in the broad daylight to see what is presently happening in Olam, just one of the rice mills that have sprung up in the past two years in response to the federal government’s policy intervention in local production and processing of rice.

With the increasing number of rice processors newly establishing or bouncing back into business under the agricultural transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan, it is no longer helpful to express doubt or dwell on the past, but to look forward in optimism. This optimism was aptly captured on Monday in the words of the Country Head of Olam in Nigeria, Mr. Mukul Mathur, during the commissioning of Olam’s rice mill by President Jonathan.

“And, when the country decided to be self-sufficient and food secured, we thought to present to you the largest rice farm in Africa,” Mathur enthused, while speaking of the newly commissioned Olam rice mill. Investors don’t are very serious when dealing with statistics.

Describing the new integrated rice mill, Mathur said “our largest contribution is the rice facility: the largest in Africa. It is a fully mechanised irrigated facility. The mill commences today. Olam will like to dedicate this facility to the people of Nigeria.”

A company executive that has been operating in that capacity for well over 10 years in Nigeria knew what he saw when his organisation took a ‘plunge’ into rice milling on a large scale.

The company’s motivation could be summed up in the following statements made

by Mathur, while addressing President Goodluck

By OLUKAYODE OYELEyE Jonathan as he said “what we have achieved so far, Your Excellency, it is your vision and your aggressive agricultural transformation agenda which has actually encouraged us to invest…in this country. The total capital invested N169 billion, which is over $1 billion in Nigeria.

In the last three years, we have invested N100 billion additional, which is over half-a-billion dollars in this country, building broad-based participation across the value chains.”

He saw what many critics of agricultural transformation agenda failed to see, pointing out that, “as we reach our 25th year, I am proud to say that Olam has become a case study exhibiting how a company emerging from emerging market can actually move to developed market.”

Olam’s encouragement to situate such a gigantic mill in Nassarawa State is a testimony to the impact of agricultural transformation agenda and the reality of Nigeria’s Adesina ability to meet its rice needs as well as produce sundry reduced for export. in ensuring that his our food import bill to six Given our food import bill expectation that “we shall hundred and eighty four as a nation, the time has truly continue to work very hard to point seven billion naira come to do something drastic meet our goal of unlocking all (approximately $4.35 billion) to reverse the unwholesome our agricultural potential” is as at December 2013.” trend. President Jonathan’s transformed into a reality.

The positive correlation presence in Olam underscores Preaching by example, the in the growth of paddy the vital role Olam is expected number one citizen disclosed production volume and the to play in contributing to food on Monday “as a proud local increase in functional rice security in Nigeria. “Indeed,” consumer of Nigerian rice,” mills is no longer difficult the president said, “this is that, “in the state house, to establish. Recently the a mark of confidence in the it is only the Nigerian rice number of integrated rice success of our agricultural that is served.” This has mills has grown from one policies, the effective been adjudged as tastier and functional three years ago to implementation and the healthier than imported 18 today. resilience of our economy. rice.” They come “fresh from These mills are producing Nigeria’s position today as the farm” and are not stored high quality local rice that the largest economy in terms for donkey years. It will help meet international standards of GDP is important but not then to take the presidential and compete well with enough on its own. We must counsel that “if we like to eat imported rice.

The president, continue working towards rice, then we have to produce in pursuit of self sufficiency becoming the largest producer more.” and exporter of food.”

To be sure, rice has received in food production, noted that “our rice production Policy analysts need a top priority in the federal to follow the president’s government’s policy under the programme has continued to assertions and his positive transformation agenda as was receive very focused attention along the national dry season outlook. “We cannot justify amplified by the president on the huge amount of rice Monday. “That is why we have farming policy last year, so that we can grow two or three we import each year,” he placed total self-sufficiency cycles in the year instead of president said on Monday, in rice production as a only one each year.” adding that “we have the priority for our country. Our “It is encouraging,” he potential to produce rice commitment is to continue to added, “that our national locally.” We need to share in reduce our food importation paddy rice production has the president’s “firm belief bill to the barest minimum,” grown by an additional that, with our vast land, water he said. and labour resources, Nigeria It is worth noting therefore, seven million metric tons within three years. This is has no business being a net as the president disclosed, food-importing country.” And, “that from a total food import remarkable, but we have to work even harder still. since his words have been bill of 1trillion, one hundred The private sector is key to matched with action, he needs billion naira (approximately to be supported by all and $7 billion) as at 2009, we have our transformation agenda

and agricutlture; and rice production cannot be an exception. As we make progress, I expect that Nigeria will become a net exporter of high quality finished rice within the next five years. I look forward to the day when Nigerian rice will be traded beyond our shores and be traded and enjoyed internationally. With the pace and rapid result being achieved under the agricultural transformation agenda, I believe this goal is well within our reach.”

The host governor, Tanko Al-Makura, was not swayed by political differences.

Coming from an opposition state, Nassarawa, it was heartwarming to hear Governor Al-Makura attesting to the reality of transformation in rice production and processing in Nigeria. His comments: “To say we are happy today is an understatement. We are indeed pleasantly excited at the honour that Mr. President is personally here for this event.” The governor described the president’s visit as “recognition of Olam in registering Nassarawa State and indeed Nigeria, our dear country, in the hall of fame as a major player in rice cultivation and production in Africa.”

“This,” according to AlMakura, “is a demonstration of the vision of the federal government in the transformation agenda in the agricultural sector. The initiative will certainly expand its scope of multilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Singapore.” Governor AlMakura has provided support for the Olam initiative from the state end of the spectrum.

“This administration has fast-tracked, facilitated and eased the process of land acquisition for Olam farms and other investors across the state. It is in the same vein, that, in view of isolated security challenges, we have encouraged and sustained a peaceful relationship between Olam farms and the people of the host community in Doma local government area, as well as other investors across the state.”

“This, no doubt, is to support Mr. President’s initiative in this regard, knowing the significance of the multiplier effects on the economy of the state and Nigeria at large in terms of employment opportunities, entrepreneurial development, creation of agriculture and commodity trading and other associated value chain activities,” Al-Makura said.

COMMERCE/BUSINESS 19

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Jaiz Bank Chairman Advocates Sharia-compliant Instruments For MSMEs STORIES BY KINGSLEY ALU, Abuja

The chairman of the Board of Directors of Jaiz Bank Plc, Umaru Mutallab, has charged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and other regulatory authorities in the banking sector to urgently consider developing Sharia-compliant liquidity management instruments for non-interest Islamic banks to invest in, adding that the process needed to be expedited to create a level playing field for all the participants in the financial service sub-sector including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that so badly needed non-interest

loans for their businesses.

Mutallab, who noted that people of all faith were beginning to understand and embrace non-interest Islamic banking and finance as the earlier controversy that trailed its introduction by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had been cleared, was speaking at the Maidah Foundation Stakeholders’ Forum on NonInterest Financing for an Allinclusive MSME Support which held yesterday in Abuja.

While stressing the need to explore more opportunities to enable the system grow, Mutallab emphasised that In many parts of world, Islamic banking has evolved from

being just a niche offering, into being part of the mainstream financial service landscape and therefore commended the organizer of the event for bringing together all Nigerians to share in the understanding of the fundamental principles, operations and potentials of Islamic Banking and Finance in engendering socio-economic development of the country.

Meanwhile a communiqué issued at the end of the stakeholders’ forum organised

by Maidah Foundation, a network of Nigerian Muslim women entrepreneurs and signed by its president, Dr Shakirat Animashaun Oriyomi, said: “Maidah’s belief

is that non-interest finance is capable of bringing millions of unbanked Nigerians to the formal sector within a short period and provide an allinclusive financial support to entrepreneurs, especially the women,” adding that the objective of the foundation was to contribute towards the economic development of women entrepreneurs in Nigeria and beyond through strong partnership with strong institutions and brands such as the Jaiz Bank, Sterling Bank and other well-meaning individuals like Alh Umaru Mutallab, Alh Umaru Kwairanga and Alh Ahmed Tunde Popoola.

The communiqué therefore

prayed the federal government to strengthen the role of Islamic organisations in the creation of funds for the Nigerian entrepreneurs; create a robust platform to educate Nigerians on the benefits of non-interest bearing financial packages especially the use of social media, word of mouth and relevant television programmes; encourage a broader participation of the relevant institutions in the promotion of non-interest banking in Nigeria and beyond and the provision of resources, relevant certification and research materials for capacity building for stakeholders and professionals.

Manufacturing Sector Now Major Economic Growth Driver In Nigeria – Report The manufacturing sector is now the major driver of economic growth in Nigeria, the latest economic report by Renaissance Capital, has revealed.

According to the report, with Nigeria’s rebased Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the manufacturing sector is currently growing faster than the telecommunications, oil and gas and agricultural sectors.

The report entitled: “Nigeria’s

GDP: Bigger but Slower – Manufacturing is the Engine of Growth,” was released on Monday.

The report further strengthens recent figures by the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN) which showed that there was an increase in manufacturing capacity utilisation from 46.3 per cent recorded in the first half of 2013 to 52.7 per cent in the 2nd half

of 2013.

Specifically, the Rencap report stated that the manufacturing sector recorded 22 per cent growth in 2013, as against the 14 per cent it recorded in 2012, noting that the growth was largely driven by the textile, cement and food sub-sectors, among others.

The growth recorded by the manufacturing sector within the period under review, it said, accounted for one third of the

total growth in the economy.

The report said: “Manufacturing is growing strongly, despite power deficit.

The manufacturing sector is a much bigger, faster-growing sector under the new series (nine per cent of GDP as against the four per cent previously).

In 2013, it recorded substantial growth of 22 per cent (as against 14 per cent in 2012), comprising one-third of total growth.

Food, beverage and tobacco producers account for half of the manufacturing sector. The subsector’s growth accelerated to 12 per cent in 2013, against 7 per cent in 2012.

“An analysis of the growth drivers shows that telecoms is a maturing and slower-growing sector. The growth sectors are manufacturing (particularly food, cement and textile producers) and real estate.”

20

Thursday, July 17, 2014

energy news OER Expands Business Portfolio With Acquisition Of Medal Oil

By Chika Izuora, Lagos

Oando Energy Resources (OER) Inc, a subsidiary of Oando Group which focuses on oil and gas exploration and production in Nigeria, has expanded its oil and gas business to top other indigenous companies making deep penetration in the industry.

The company at the weekend announced that it has completed the acquisition of Medal Oil Company Limited in order to boost its oil production.

The purchase price of $5 million was satisfied by the issuance of 3,491,082 units, each unit consisting of one common share of the company and one-half of one warrant to purchase an additional common share at a price of $2 per common share for a period of 24 months from the date which the company closes the acquisition of the Nigerian upstream oil and gas business of ConocoPhillips.

Lagos State Govt Seeks NipCo Collaboration On LPG Utilisation

By Chika Izuora, Lagos

Lagos State Government is seeking fresh collaboration to deepen utilisation of liquefied natural gas (cooking gas) as a way of cleaning up the already polluted environment.

The state commissioner for energy and mineral resources, Mr Taofiq Tijani, who sought for this partnership

identified Nipco Plc as a major stakeholder to drive the initiative.

Tijani expressed the hope that the collaboration would enhance usage and availability of cooking gas for rural dwellers and low income households in the state.

Such partnership, he noted, will broaden options for the successful implementation for the Eko Gas

Initiative of the state government launched last year, especially taking into consideration the massive storage capacity of the company at its LPG plant in Apapa, Lagos.

Tijani was particularly delighted at the small-sized cylinders showcased by the company at the just concluded African Outdoor Advertising Conference and Exhibition.

Electricity Market Remittances By Discos Still Poor

By Juliet Alohan, Abuja

The average monthly invoiced revenue remittances from privatised electricity distribution companies in Nigeria are still unimpressive, the Operator of the Nigerian Electricity Market (ONEM) known as the Market Operator (MO), has said.

Speaking at a training forum for participants in the industry in Abuja, the acting director of the MO, Ngozi Osumbor, stated that most of the distribution companies were still doing below 50 per cent of their required monthly invoiced

remittances.

She stated that the development was irrespective of findings in a study conducted by the MO which discovered that most of the distribution companies were capable of doing more than their assigned monthly remittance thresholds.

She also stated, however, that in addition to a new punitive measure of deducting outstanding balances from new remittances made by distribution companies, the MO was equally looking forward to checkmating poor revenue remittances with the commencement of the Transitional Electricity Market

(TEM) which is a contract-based regime.

She disclosed that distribution companies will not be guaranteed power supply in the event of indebtedness to the market in the TEM, adding that the market will fully assume all aspects of its contractual character.

“We all know that the market performance so far is not impressive. We are doing less than 50 per cent of our total expectation. I want to quickly say that whereas most of the Discos are performing up to 90 per cent, some are actually performing with a 100 per cent of the amount allocated to them.”

170 Nigerians Get PTDF 2014/2015 Scholarship

By Juliet Alohan, Abuja

The permanent secretary, Ministry of Power, Mr Godknows Igali, presenting a gift to the commandant, Defence Command and Staff College, Botswana Defence Force, Brig. Shadrack Moloi during a visit to the ministry in Abuja, recently.

Total Unsure Of Meeting 3m Barrels Oil Production Target French oil giant, Total, is considering cutting down exploration expenditure following failed efforts to meet set target.

The company is also faced with security challenges in key production environment, including Nigeria where unrest has impacted negatively on its operations.

The chief executive of the company, Christophe de Margerie, is giving himself until the end of the year to strike oil at a big new field before considering whether to change direction and cut the exploration budget or not.

The Paris-based oil major, which launched a drilling strategy that it termed “high-risk, high-reward” two years ago, has had disappointing exploration results

so far.

“Iti is not a success in terms of results for the moment,” Christophe de Margerie told Reuters in an interview. “But exploration takes more than two years to yield results.” de Margerie said the company may not likely drop the expensive strategy before the end of the year. “If we have to change, we’ll do it, but there won’t be a revolution where we stop everything and start over,” he said, adding that the company had yet to drill so far in countries such as Angola, South Africa and Bulgaria. In any event, he expected Total’s exploration budget to drop next year from the $2.9 billion set for this year, which represented an increase of

about 12 per cent compared with 2012.

Total, like other big oil majors, has been under pressure from shareholders to cut costs and raise dividends.

France’s biggest company by market value and the western world’s No. 4 oil and gas firm said last year it would engage in what de Margerie called a “softlanding” in capital investments. He also played down the importance of reaching the production capacity target of three million barrels of oil equivalent per day which he set for 2017.

“It’s clear that if we continue to have problems like we do today in Nigeria, Venezuela, Libya and other countries with problems beyond our control, then we can’t reach the three million,” he said.

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has awarded scholarships for the 2014/2015 academic sessions to 170 successful candidates to study overseas.

The scholarship award which is for MSc programmes in oil and gas-related courses in top rank universities abroad followed the outcome of an aptitude test conducted by the fund in December last year as part of the processes for the selection of candidates for the award.

The successful candidates, according to a statement by the PTDF’s head, Press and External Relations, Kalu Otisi, are made up of four best performing candidates in the aptitude exams from each of the 36 states and two from the Federal Capital Territory.

“Others selected for the award include two additional candidates from each of the nine oil-endowed states of Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, Rivers and Bayelsa states, while six female candidates with the highest scores in each of the six geo-political zones also received scholarship awards on gender consideration,” he added.

Otisi further stated that “though the aptitude exams were written by candidates who applied for the 2013/14 and 2014/15 Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS), there was no discrimination on the basis of year of application in considering those selected for the award. Furthermore, the candidates assessed performances were based on their states to reflect the federal character principle.”

BUSINESS/mines & steel 21

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Mining Taxation: Panacea to Sectoral Funding The challenge of funding in the mineral and mining sector continues to be clog in the wheels of the sector’s progress.

While many blame the government for lacking the will to fund the sector, others are of the view that proper taxation of minerals could be a solution to some of the funding challenges, Ruth Tene Natsa writes.

T

he development of the mining and mineral sector is almost comatose due to the many challenges of the sector which include illegal mining, poor legislation which is compounded by poor funding, poor revenue base as well as

the poor taxation of the sector which leaves miners, especially illegal/informal miners, paying almost nothing, and in most cases absolutely nothing, to the government.

Stakeholders had earlier justified the poor funding of the sector as being due to the poor revenue or

income the sector is said to generateas reported by the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

NEITI’s reports in the pasts revealed that the entire sector contributes as low as 0.4 of the entire gross domestic product (GDP), stating that the solid

minerals sector between 2007 and 2010 had shown a loss of over N4 billion on granite, sand and laterite.

But that was before the recent report which revealed that the sector had in 2011 alone earned a total of N26.9 billion from solid minerals, but showed no record of royalty payments or taxes on gold and barites.

This unfortunately has been blamed on the absence of the metallurgical bill to guide activities in the sector.

The national president, Progressive Miners Empowerment Association (PMEA), Mr Sunday Ekozin,

was of the opinion that it was because the internal structures to monitor mining activities do not exist that operators get away with anything.

“The capacity to generate data is not there and the only functional office of the sector is the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development’s headquarters in Abuja, as almost all the state offices are comatose.

“Operators can sneak out all kinds of mineral products by labelling them agriculture products or scrap. There is no scientific

basis for data collection and as such there is no efficient monitoring system. This, sadly, will continue to be so until the right thing is done,” Ekozin said.

Meanwhile, according to the executive secretary of the NEITI, Zainab Ahmed, the new report revealed that “the said N26.9 billion represented funds paid by companies, even though it noted that the difference between what the companies paid in taxes, levies, royalties and what government actually received in its coffers was N33.1 million.”

mines & steel REPORT

The Work Of NSRMEA

By Ruth Tene Natsa, Abuja

National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency is strategically positioned to carry out the exploration of the mineral raw materials requirement of not only Ajaokuta but other Steel plants in the country with the mission to become an outstanding outfit that generates a database of mineral raw materials for the iron and steel industry and other solid mineral based industries through detailed mineral exploration.

In an earlier stakeholder’s forum organized by the Agency in Abuja, it was recommended that the Agency should not only cover steel raw materials but all other minerals apart from oil and gas.

In an exclusive chat with LEADERSHIP recently, Director General of the Agency, Alex Ohikere, said “the role of iron and steel industry in the industrialization of any nation cannot be over emphasized, national levels of consumption of iron and steel is an index of industrial growth and development.”

He noted that “The rate of growth of solid mineral sector is relatively low due to the absence of major mining operations even though, many investors are showing interest, especially from China, India and Australia” “A major component of the Transformation Agenda of this Government is industrialization. There is no way you can industrialize without having an iron and steel base.

Activities involved in industrialization process will generate employment opportunities for our teeming youth, who will be engaged in the various stages of the value chain, beginning from exploration, then mining and processing, liquid steel making, manufacturing and marketing”. Ohikere said He added that considering that the consumption of steel is an index of development, our consumption of about 10kg/ capita of steel products per annum compared to the global average of 150kg/ capita reinforces the need for urgent action. Our current consumption amounts to a capital flight of about $170m (N2.38 billion) per annum which will rise to $1.70 billion (N238 billion) when our target consumption of 100 kg/capita is achieved in year 2020”.

“A steady and continuous supply of raw material requirements of the iron and steel plants is better achieved through exploration and exploitation of the raw materials available in the country. It must be noted that when fully operational Ajaokuta and Delta steel plants alone would consume 8 million tonnes of iron ore annually. This means the iron ore requirement will cost the nation about 800 million dollars per annum if imported, if we fail to explore and exploit the local raw materials” he said The Agency’s vision is to be a world class geo-scientific information centre for investors not only in the iron and steel sector but the entire solid mineral sector through the collective efforts of well trained, dedicated and motivated workforce that is technology driven and focused.

The Agency hopes to be classed in the same category as similar exploration outfits in major developing and developed countries, like the National Mineral Exploration Corporation of India and Metal Mining Agency of Japan.

22 INTERVIEW /BUSINESS

interview

We seem to be witnessing the escalation of terror in the country. What is your reaction to this?

Well, Nigeria is under siege by a well-coordinated and resourced enemy. You do not need to look far to know that the Boko Haram terrorists are bent on destroying the economic and social base of this country. So the attack on Emab Plaza, Wuse Abuja, was not unexpected because the terrorists are now looking at soft targets such as markets..

We have largely failed to contain the on-going mayhem as evident in the seeming ease with which these attacks are being carried out.

How would you explain the current situation?

The reasons for this are not farfetched.

This whole type of terrorism is relatively new in this clime. Besides, the intensity, sophistication and resources available to the terrorists seem to be much more than the expectations of many.

Consequently,Therefore, the mode of operations of our security and defence forces, their training, experience and equipment require to be fully adapted to the level, sophistication and spread of the violence being levied against the country by the insurgents. Then of course is the fact that this is a religious and and ideological phenomenon.

Also,there is the challenge of poor or lack of critical infrastructure upon which any meaningful counter measures can be effectively grafted electricity.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Time For CitizenCentred Security Strategy – Okoror In this interview with WENESO OROGUN and CHIKA OKEKE conducted after the EMAB plaza bombing in Abuja, the directorgeneral, Africa Diaspora Initiative, David Ewanlen Okoror, strongly advocates a citizencentred security strategy.

Okoror

e.g.

enduring security strategy: the ordinary citizen.

So what would you say is not being done right?

I think all along we have left the people out of our concepts and strategies for dealing with our security challenges. Any security strategy that is not built around the ordinary citizen would fail as we have now seen. For instance, the concept of security which we practice is still defined by military-style gunboat and bullet approach.

We have been inadvertently running a system that is fixated on protecting the state from its citizens. Here, security is principally the protection of the state and its patrons. It is like the state versus its citizens.

Therefore, the citizens are not really given any role because they are perceived as part of the problem. Consequently the ordinary citizens are not to be trusted with issues of state security. Due tothis way of thinking, we left out the most important component in designing an effective and

What strategy should we adopt then?

I think the first thing is to build trust between the security establishment and the ordinary Nigerian citizen. Currently, there is a high level of mutual suspicion and distrust between the the security agencies and the people. Yet, we badly need these two groups to work together if we must win the war against evil people.

However, in adopting any security strategy, we must take proper notice of things that constitute strength or weakness in our situation. For instance, we must take cognisance of our lifestyle as a people, especially in relation to our culture of communality.

This is a big plus for any security strategy and represents a favourable factor.

Our settlement patterns in the urban, suburban and rural areas; the lack of basic infrastructure and current levels of development; the

A citizen-centered security strategy empowers ordinary citizens to take charge of the security of their own space and immediate environment

challenges of poor training and equipment of our security and defence forces compared to our huge population and our very expansive land mass are significant weaknesses. On the upside is the fact that Nigerians having experienced unbaiting terrorism and violent criminal attacks first hand, are willing to support any credible and transparent security strategy that would provide a role for them. This is a big national asset that needs to be recognised and managed effectively.

What are your suggestions?

I would strongly suggest that we refocus our security strategy around our citizens by adopting what I would term a citizencentred Security Strategy.

You require such a strategy to galvanise the abundant energies and creative abilities of the ordinary Nigeria citizen to protect the land. Under this concept, the active participation of the Nigerian citizen would become the fulcrum of any new security strategy.

With this approach, citizens

would be empowered to take charge of the security of their own space and immediate environment.

In other words, each citizen would be empowered to become the number one security agent around his own space and immediate environment.

This way you would have 170 million or so security agents, so to speak, working to protect and secure their environment.

Meanwhile security, law enforcement and emergency services would constitute the secondary and tertiary levels of response.

How can government empower citizens to play this role?

Awareness creation is key here.

Government must garner the will to invest in massive awareness creation to help ordinary citizens get understanding of critical issues of security. Areas of focus should cover personal security, organisational security as well as basic anti- and counterterrorism measures. Every citizen would be taught how to secure and protect his or her immediate environment, how to identify or recognise suspicious items, suspicious persons or activities. For instance, citizens would be empowered to identify explosive devices or items for making them. Citizens would learn what they can do in any given situation.

Massive campaigns would need to be commissioned, using faith-based organisations, community organisations, nongovernmental organisations, schools, hand bills, print and electronic media, drama, films etc. This simple awareness campaign could be titled: “See Something, Say Something, Do Something.�

A very important component of this strategy is that government emergency response must be up and working. There should be a widely advertised three digit number which citizens can call and get speedy response.

The current situation whereby Nigerians are expected to use all manners of confusing eleven digit numbers is a major drawback to any serious initiatives to integrate citizens into security and emergency programmes. Thirdly, security and law enforcement agents must be equipped, trained and motived to provide effective second tier and tertiary response when required.

Additionally, the deployment of security resources must henceforth be focused significantly on the citizen as against the state as currently obtains. These sets of suggestions hold an immense promise to help in addressing the security challenges currently facing our dear nation in the short and long run.

23

job search Thursday, July 17, 2014

INTERVIEWS NETWORKING PERSONAL BRANDING JOB SEEKER PROFILES Getting a job can be a major challenge, especially if it is your first job or you’re over 50. Think of the job market in your area and how many people will be applying for a job listed on an online job board or local newspaper. All applicants are your competitors for the prized job. How will you give yourself the best chance of success in finding a job? How do you stand out from the crowd? How can you get the inside running?

Every person you know could become your sponsor, supporter, and a referrer for the opportunity you want. Consider the following to help you network your way to a new job: 1 Consult with Recruitment Agencies Meet and discuss opportunities for employment. Agents can directly market you to their contacts. Also some jobs are not advertised and you can connect directly into this market via the recruiter who will look for suitable candidates to present to their customers.

2 Use LinkedIn Get your profile out to the market place. Connect with your friends and contacts and ask to be recommended, endorsed and introduced to new potential contacts. Take out a subscription for the Job Seeker package and become a featured applicant and send InMails to the recruiter.

3 Utilise School/Employment Careers Officers, Friends, Family, and Acquaintances All of these people can also be another good source of information, as you have many people who can spot jobs for you and recommend you to their networks as well.

4 Do Tertiary Training Training that is tailored to your

INTERVIEWS

10 Ways To Network Your Way To A New Job intended career path and will meet your potential employer’s needs will put you a step ahead of other applicants. Many large companies line up at the universities/training colleges and hire graduates.

5 Take Job-Specific Training Courses These are great for getting recommended to potential employers by your teacher, coach or trainer.

7 Join Community Organisations Rotary club, Lions Club International, women’s clubs such as Zonta and Soroptimist International are involved in charity fundraisers and other community/cultural events.

Toastmasters are especially good, as this club has members who want speaking self-improvement for professional or personal reasons.

6 Join Business Networking Organisations Take a look at your local business network clubs, and maybe even a political party. Ask to attend your local Chamber of Commerce meetings and your City Council’s social or formal events with a working friend who has an invite.

These are great for meeting CEO’s of the local companies.

8 Join a Club Sports clubs, golf, tennis, ski, hiking, men’s/women’s social clubs, yacht, and swimming clubs are all great opportunities to connect. Most clubs have people who make employment decisions, or know someone who does! Getting on club committees can showcase your ability and potential. Ask friends for invites

9 Find a Mentor or Patron Work with a patron who can recommend you. Be guided by your mentor/s, and their network of contacts.

10 Impress Your Customers Work hard and impress your customers with your competence.

They may just be your next employer. Getting the first and last jobs in your career can be the hardest challenges, but if you review the list above and try these options, success will come.

Remember that the job you want is waiting for you. Use your new and existing contacts to find it.

Good luck and happy job-hunting!

1. Join Business Networking Organisations Take a look at your local business network clubs, and maybe even a political party.

2. Join Community Organisations This club has members who want speaking self-improvement for professional or personal reasons.

3. Impress Your Customers Work hard and impress your customers with your competence.

They may just be your next employer.

3 Most Important Things To Do In A Job Interview do you develop a strong enough relationship from a job interview to strengthen and lock in your chances at a job offer?

A job interview can be a nervewracking experience, especially when you have been removed from the job market for an extended period of time. It is one thing to sell on paper with the resume and another thing to sell in person at the interview.

So the question becomes how

to attend private clubs and organisations. Some of my best past job offers have come from members of clubs that I have been involved in.

ways Profiles Are Killing Your Career

1 Use Appropriate Body Language What you don’t say matters just as much as what you do say. Your body language and facial expressions inform an employer how engaged you are in conversation and how interested you are in the opportunity.

Smile, exhibit confidence, and listen carefully so you respond appropriately and know how to build on the conversation.

2 Seek More Information Asking questions expresses to an employer that you are engaged in the conversation. Try to ask questions to probe for additional information.

Instead of simply addressing what’s asked of you, respond and follow up with a question of your own and turn the interview into a conversation.

This expresses to the employer that you have an interest to learn more.

3 Demonstrate You Are Up For the Challenge There are challenges with every job.

What is important to an employer is that you are up for the challenge and that you have the ability to succeed.

Research information in advance of your interview by reviewing the company’s website and information in the news. You will have a better understanding of what challenges or changes the company has recently been through, and how it may impact the position you are interested in.

Ask related questions during the interview to find out more.

This informs an employer that you have come well-prepared for the interview. You can also take the opportunity to relay how you have experience with similar situations and how you dealt with them.

The more confident and

comfortable you are with yourself in the interview, the easier it will be for the employer to develop a strong rapport and relationship with you.

This is not to say you sit back and relax as though you are sitting in your own living room. Instead, the point is to be open to conversation and for it to be developed with ease.

Consider a candidate sitting stiff, head down, and who is brief in response to conversation and questions asked. It makes it difficult for him as well as the employer to try to establish good rapport and the relationship. Don’t let that be you!

Compiled by Olujide Olusola

24 JOB SEARCH

Thursday, July 17, 2014

career advice The Office Newbie’s Survival Guide: Surviving Day 1

Top 50 FRANCHISE IN 2014 (2)

6. About 7-Eleven Inc. 7-Eleven’s origins date back to 1927, when an employee of the Southland Ice Company in Dallas, Texas, began selling milk, bread and eggs in addition to the ice blocks.

7. Servpro Servpro started out in 1967 as a painting business.

Two years later, founders Ted and Doris Isaacson began franchising it as a cleaning and restoration company.

8. Denny’s Inc. In 1953, Harold Butler opened Danny’s Donuts in Lakewood, California. Six years later, there were 20 shops in the chain and the company changed its name to Denny’s.

Congratulations!

It’s a tough environment in the employment world these days, but you’ve managed to get yourself on the job ladder.

Elation, joy, and excitement are some of the common emotions you’ll probably experience upon acceptance of your new job, but as your first day slowly gets closer and closer, you’ll start feeling the nerves.

Preparation is key for your first day and it can set you up for a long and fruitful relationship with your employer. You will only have one chance to make a positive first impression and your first day is the day to do it. Not only will you be wanting to impress your new boss, but also your co-workers, the ones who you will be working much closer with.

Don’t be afraid though, mistakes and a lack of understanding on your ‘honeymoon’ period of your new job is expected by your boss

and co-workers. But playing your “Sorry, I’m new here” card can only get you so far for so long. Your co-workers will start to question your ability for the job, which is never a good thing.

Your first task for your new job is to survive your first day.

Many jump in the deep end and end jump finding they’ve been a bit overzealous. Taking the day slowly and thinking twice before you act is the best place to start. You’ll be required to take in a lot of information on the first day, and not just about the job requirements itself.

From co-workers names, how people take their coffee and to remembering the safety procedures, you will be required to take all this in on the first day. Obviously, some of the information will be more important than others, but it will be best to take notes on everything you’re told during the day, which will help you reflect on it later

Send your profiles to olusola.olujide@leadership.ng and all profiles should not exceed 200 words

9. Pizza Hut Inc While college students in Wichita, Kansas, Frank and Dan Carney were approached by a family friend with the idea of opening a pizza parlour. Inspired, the brothers borrowed $600 from their mother, purchased secondhand equipment and rented a small building on a busy intersection in their hometown.

10. Dunkin’ Donuts In 1946, Bill Rosenberg founded Industrial Luncheon Services, a company that delivered meals and snacks to workers in the Boston area. The success of Industrial Luncheon Services convinced Rosenberg to start The Open Kettle, a doughnut shop in Quincy, Massachusetts.

4 Best Tools For Creating Online Portfolios Anyone who is on the lookout for a new or different job knows how important it is to have a solid portfolio. However, the kind of portfolio you want to establish is dependent on the field you’re in.

An artist, for example, is going to have a very different one from a sales manager, whose portfolio will look very different from an executive’s. Knowing and understanding what tools are available to you will help you make the most of yours.

Remember, everyone has a portfolio – you have to make yours stand out.

Choosing Correctly Okay, this isn’t so much a tool that you can actually use, but it should be the first thing that comes to mind. This article can’t cover everything, but most importantly, it can’t tell you what will work best for you. Many portfolio tools work wonderfully for traditional jobs – advertising, business, sales, and anything artistic lend themselves well to these tools. However, some positions require more complex documents and, as such, a more delicate hand.

A job with the government, for example, can be difficult to acquire, and the job requirements are often far from traditional. Receiving some help with these, such as using a federal resume writing service, will increase your chances significantly. If you’re applying for a traditional job though, the following tools are great platforms for your unique portfolio.

Have you heard about the women who decided to Instagram their daily yoga practice or their best outfits? Suddenly, they exploded in whatever field they had chosen to showcase. Similar to Pinterest, Instagram is slightly different in that there is less of a chance that you’ll face direct competition and you can essentially create a visual “lookbook” of the work you’ve done and the progress you’ve made.

3 Carbonmade Carbonmade is perfectly made to showcase an artists’ designs. Unlike Pinterest, you can’t just pick and choose images to share, and people can’t take your work. You’re encouraged to upload your own, and the site is wonderfully designed to showcase images and videos. As a free site, it offers not only encryption services, but it is specifically designed as a portfolio site, so the people who are viewing your work are other working professionals. Think of it as the LinkedIn version of Pinterest.

1 Pinterest If your work involves any sort of tangible objects, Pinterest can work for you. Wedding planners, artists, photographers, sales managers and executives, crafters – this is a great platform to let people see what you do.

This is especially good for freelancers or business owners who are looking to drum up clients, especially if your clients are end-users. This is a difficult site to use if your work is mainly text or audio. Music producers and writers may have a harder time making use of this site, since you can’t pin audio or plain text (yet).

4 Visualize.Me For those of us who have less artistic jobs, or at least jobs where it may be more difficult to showcase your actual work, Visualize.Me is your new best friend. If, for example, you work as a programmer or network designer, it may violate your contract to make specifics of your work public knowledge. With this site, you can skip that contract killer while still making your value easy to understand for those that may lack the technical expertise.

Essentially, this site allows you to create a visual representation of your career – including everything from education to recent job titles, as well as your interests and hobbies.

Since you’re looking to start an actual portfolio, it is important to look beyond LinkedIn, which is pretty much an online resume. It’s still useful and very important to have, but it doesn’t allow you to showcase the same variety of talents that some of these other sites do.

Remember – a picture is worth a thousand words, so let your work speak for itself.

2 Instagram

Compiled by Olujide Olusola

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Thursday, July 17, 2014

Pharmacy Manager In Abuja HND/BSC: 3 - 5 years Email: 33150@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/359232 We are a Nigerian organization unique in her divine foundation with a world class culture.

In our Organisation, we do not believe in just providing the best of services and products, we believe in building a workforce that is highly professional and of international standard.

We require the services of a qualified candidate for this position Job Description • Pharmacy operations to achieve business objectives by increasing sales and gross margins.

• Managing equipment, limiting expenses, directing operations to minimize wait times, monitoring store performance metrics, upholding proper pharmacy and general safety procedures and standards.

• Coordinate pharmacy schedule; direct and monitor pharmacy personnel and performance • Focus on customer satisfaction and needs, ensuring that customers are provided World class customer service through use of best practices • Maintenance proper pharmacy and general safety procedures and standards, including department cleanliness Qualifications and Requirements: • A minimum of HND/BSC in a relevant field • 3-5 years’ experience • Must have his/her license available • Gender: Male or Female

Area Sales Manager In Sharubutu Ltd, Kano B.Sc/HND: 1 - 3 years Email: 3303f@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/358959 Sharubutu Bottling Company Ltd, a leading player in the FMCG industry, requires the skills of an Area Sales Manager.

Responsibilities: • Maintaining and increasing sales of your company’s products • Reaching the targets and goals set for your area • Establishing, maintaining and expanding your customer base • Servicing the needs of your existing customers • Increasing business opportunities through various routes to market • Setting sales targets for individual reps and your team as a whole • Recruiting and training sales staff • Allocating areas to sales representatives • Developing sales strategies and setting targets • Monitoring your team’s performance and motivating them to reach targets • Compiling and analysing sales figures • Possibly dealing with some major customer accounts yourself • Collecting customer feedback and market research • Reporting to senior managers • Keeping up to date with products and competitors Requirements: • Candidate must possess a Bachelor’s degree or HND. • Candidate must possess cognate experience.

• Candidate should be able to speak Hausa fluently or moderately.

• Candidate should possess a valid driving license as the job requires travelling around the country.

Sales Manager In Sharubutu Ltd Abuja B.Sc/HND: 1-3 years Email: 3301d@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/358925 Sharubutu Bottling Company, a leading player in the FMCG industry requires the skills of a Sales Manager.

Responsibilities: • Determines annual unit and grossprofit plans by implementing marketing strategies; analysing trends and results.

• Establishes sales objectives by forecasting and developing annual sales quotas for regions and territories; projecting expected sales volume and profit for existing and new products.

• Implements sales programs by developing field sales action plans.

• Maintains sales volume, product mix, and selling price by keeping current with supply and demand, changing trends, economic indicators, and competitors.

• Establishes and adjusts selling prices by monitoring costs, competition, and supply and demand.

• Completes sales operational requirements by scheduling and assigning employees; following up on work results.

• Maintains sales staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees.

• Maintains sales staff job results by counselling and disciplining employees; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results.

• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.

• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Candidate must possess a Bachelors’ degree or HND • Cognate experience in FMCG industry.

• Candidate should have excellent communication skills.

• Candidate should be able to speak Hausa fluently or moderately.

• Candidate should possess a valid driving license as the job requires travelling around the country.

General Country Manager (Ref GCM/111) In 7 Acres Nigeria Limited, Kaduna Degree: 7 - 10 years Email: 32dc2@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/358322 Vacancy in an international company under a new and promising industry, in Kaduna State with an operational office on the Mambilla plateau, Taraba state of Nigeria Reporting: Directly to the executive body Required Work Experience: Minimum of 7 years post NYSC experience with a fast growing business institution – Banking, Telecoms, Agriculture, etc.

Job Description: The General Manager’s position is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive internal and external marketing and operational plan for which would build business processes, business management, increase revenues and profits. This position is expected to uphold the mission and values established by the board.

Job Qualifications: • First Degree with a minimum of second class lower • The possession of MBA will be a definite advantage • Must not be less than 35 or above 50 years of age.

Other Skills and Competencies: • A business developer and builder • Must have a very good working knowledge of Microsoft office • Business Acumen • Strategic Thinking • Problem Solving/Analysis • Financial Management • Customer/Client Focus • Communication Proficiency • An excellent Time Manager.

Perks: • Salary: - Very attractive • Comes with a house and an official Car. N/B: Interested Candidates should send a cover letter and an attached Resume

Sales Executive In Bintrop Nigeria Limited (Mc Dowell’S No1, Nassarawa OND/HND/BSc: 3 - 5 years Email: 32df6@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/358374

and sending copies to the sales office, or entering figures into a computer system; • Reviewing your own sales performance, aiming to meet or exceed targets; Qualifications and Requirements: • A minimum of OND/HND/BSc in a relevant field • 3 years FMCG/spirits/wine sales experience • Must have a valid driver’s license in conformity with the new Nigerian Traffic Laws NB: • Applicants must be resident in job location.

• Applicants must also attach a photograph alongside their CV.

Project Management / CRM Instructor In Kogi Degree/HND: 1 - 3 years Email: 32f17@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/358663 An ICT/Telecommunications firm requires the services of a qualified candidate for this position Job Summary: • Training of students.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Degree/HND in economics, business management, etc.

• A sound knowledge of project management and customer relations management.

• 2 to 3 years relevant work experience as an instructor.

• International certifications in project management and customer relations management.

Bintrop Nigeria Limited- We are a major importer and distributor of Mc Dowell’s Whiskey, VSOP Rum and Goana Wine. We are in need of very competent applicant to fill this position.

Analyst In Doreo Partners, Kaduna

Responsibilities: • Listening to customer requirements and presenting appropriately to make a sale; • Maintaining and developing relationships with existing customers in person and via telephone calls and emails; • Cold calling to arrange meetings with potential customers to prospect for new business; • Responding to incoming email and phone enquiries; • Acting as a contact between a company and its existing and potential markets; • Negotiating the terms of an agreement and closing sales; • Gathering market and customer information; • Representing their company at trade exhibitions, events and demonstrations; • Negotiating on price, costs, delivery and specifications with buyers and managers; • Challenging any objections with a view to getting the customer to buy; • Advising on forthcoming product developments and discussing special promotions; • Creating detailed proposal documents, often as part of a formal bidding process which is largely dictated by the prospective customer; • Liaising with suppliers to check the progress of existing orders; • Checking the quantities of goods on display and in stock; • Recording sales and order information

Doreo Partners requires the services of a qualified candidate for this position.

Degree: 3 - 5 years Email: 330fd@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/359149

Responsibilities: • Designing and conducting both primary and secondary research • Supporting Operations Office with data entry • Designing solutions for a range of agrorelated issues • Preparing reports, presentations, memos and proposals in Microsoft Word • Working with senior staff to streamline processes related to data collection and data retrieval • Supporting the Operations team as required • Responding to requests for data and reports from all levels and units of the organization • Compiling information, analyze results, make interpretations, and write comprehensive reports based on data Qualifications and Requirements: • Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Finance, Economics, Business Administration or related discipline.

• 2-5 years relevant working experience • Excellent analytical skills with the ability to use excel at an advance level • Ability to analyze, source and present information in a logical manner • Strong project management skills organized and structured thinking

26 • Strong client facing and sales skills with the ability to communicate effectively (oral and written) • Ability to work with a diverse group of people, including internal team members, subject matter experts, managers, executives, and civil servants • Strong organizational skills; ability to execute multiple tasks with competing demands for resources • Proficiency in working in a fastpaced, innovative, dynamic business environment • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft packages such as excel and powerpoint

Thursday, July 17, 2014

• • •

• •

Procurement Assistant In Mercy Corps Nigeria, Gombe Degree: 1 - 3 years Email: 32d08@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/358136 Mercy Corps has been working in Nigeria since 2012. With a team of over 25 people, our country programs currently focus on conflict mitigation, economic development, girls’ education, and women and girls’ financial inclusion. Mercy Corps Nigeria is launching a new program, in consortium with other NGOs, aimed at promoting household economic development and financial inclusion.

Job Description: • The Procurement Department is committed to implementing and maintaining the highest standards of efficiency and integrity in the purchase of goods and services. The overriding objective for all Mercy Corps procurement activity is the prompt and effective provision of materials and services to Mercy Corps’ beneficiary populations in compliance with donor specifications.

• The Procurement Assistant is responsible for facilitating the procurement aspects of Mercy Corps’ logistic operation. Working closely with Program, Administration, Finance and Logistics, the Procurement Assistant is instrumental in supporting program activities through his/her services.

Responsibilities: • Daily coordination of MC procurement activities; • Has a full understanding of MC procurement policies and formats. Assists, as needed in training staff on these policies; • Assists staff as needed on creating clear and understandable purchase requests and other documentation; • Collects quotations and bids from the market for PR-s as assigned by Senior Procurement Officer – as per Mercy Corps standards and formats; • Interact with Vendors during collection of quotations – explain Mercy Corps formats and ensure that vendors will use the provided forms.

• Ensure fair competition and strictly adhere to MC procurement rules regarding vendor relations as described below • Always accord prompt and courteous reception and fair and equal treatment to all vendors/suppliers and their representatives.

• Provide equal opportunity for vendors/ suppliers to make price and specification quotations.

• Guarantee the confidentiality of all specifications and price quotations made by vendors/suppliers.

• Decline to take advantage of vendors/ suppliers’ errors, and show consideration for vendors/suppliers’ difficulties by cooperating with them whenever possible.

• Avoid subjecting vendors/suppliers to

• • • •

•

• • •

needless expense or inconvenience when requesting quotations or returning goods.

Explain as clearly and fully as possible to vendors/suppliers the reason(s) for the rejection of their bids/proposals.

Remain scrupulously free of obligations to any vendor/supplier.

Remain informed about sources of supply, methods, services and materials and encourage vendors/suppliers to test and develop improved or expanded products and services.

Inform vendors/suppliers about current and anticipated requirements.

If, for any reason, one vendor/supplier is permitted to re-quote (submit a revised quotation), all competitors should be given the same opportunity. Re-quoting should be kept to an absolute minimum.

Interact with contractors, in coordination with the Senior Procurement Officer & Operations Manager; Ensure that the required documentation of supplies and transactions are completed to MC standards.

Assist the P&L management and office staff with procurement activities, as required; Assists P&L Management with asset management. Identify assets during the course of procurement and notify the Asset Controller on receipts of assets.

The Procurement Assistant will conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.

Maintain and update MC procurement files.

Raise payment request for vendor’s payments and monitor the status of each payment.

Other duties as assigned

Qualification and Requirements: • Degree in a relevant business field is desired.

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in procurement, preferably within an INGO; international business or related field.

• Strong organizational skills; ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel.

• Good oral and written English skills.

• Good computer skills on MS Office programs, especially in MS Excel.

• A demonstrated ability to multi-task and process information into action as to not delay program activities. A clear understanding of procurement ethics and donor compliance is essential.

Personal skills: • Conscientious with an excellent sense of judgment.

• Ability to work simultaneously on multiple tasks.

• Willingness and ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work as part of a team and coordinate with project personnel.

• Good spoken and written English.

• Computer literate and strong organizational skills.

recovery, installation & configuring of servers, desktop PC UPS, printers & other peripherals.

• Will also be responsible for installation & maintenance of networks (LAN), WLAN and Wi-Fi based networks.

• Internet configuration and implementation of security features.

Qualifications and Requirements: • A minimum of a degree in a relevant field • A minimum of 15 years’ experience • Broad and deep understanding of datacenter and IT infrastructure concepts; • Experience managing Cisco routers and switches (CCNA level); • Experience working with VMware vSphere hosts in a clustered configuration; • Experience working with firewalls and configuring access rules, VPN connections, etc.; • Active Directory, software installation/ removal, data backups/restores antivirus/ firewalls/security, Internet/networking/ wireless connectivity; • Strong documentation skills and the ability to identify repeatable processes that should be documented for future use by other team members; • Knowledge of TCP/IP and routing protocols.

• Ability to work through after hours change windows as necessary for customer patches and upgrades • Must have exceptional customer service and time management skills in addition to technical experience managing an IT infrastructure environment.

Mode of Application: Applicants that meet the above requirements should send their CVs with attached passport photograph.

Maintenance Manager In Premiere Academy Abuja

Degree [LL.B]: 3 - 5 years Email: 32f9e@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/358798

HND/B.Sc: 5 - 7 years Email: 33088@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/359032

Prof. C.J. Amasike & Associates, a dynamic and leading law chambers seeks qualified candidates to fill this position:

Premiere Academy requires the services of a qualified candidate for this position.

Responsibilities: • Attending court hearings (and doing the preparation beforehand) • Drawing up contracts and other legal documents • Negotiating (not all cases will end up in court) • Explaining the law and giving general legal advice • Settling disputes and supervising any agreements • Researching and gathering evidence • Analysing legal documents • Supervising legal assistants.

Qualifications and Requirements: • 3 years’ work experience.

• Must possess a Degree [LL.B]. Masters [LL.M] is an added advantage. Graduated with a Second Class Lower both in university & law school.

• Must possess good computer skills Administrative Officer In Amtel Web And Graphic Technology, Abuja HND/B.Sc: Entry Level Visit: http://jbng.me/358838

Degree: 15+ years Email: 32f94@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/358788

Job opportunities are now available at Meqstar Global Ltd, Abuja for proficient and experienced Administrative Officer. This is a dynamic, fast-paced outfit and successful applicant will start immediately.

Responsibilities: • Provide overall technical support in software and hardware maintenance, troubleshooting, system backups, disaster

You will need: • Excellent administrative skills and experience • Must possess HND or B.Sc qualification in any discipline.

• Must have good Writing Skills • Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team • Ability to effectively time manage and prioritise multiple tasks • Excellent communication and customer service skills • Strong problem-solving skills • Good working knowledge of Computer applications • Must have good command of English • Proficiency in the use of Internet • Professional attitude and presentation

Lawyer In Prof. C.J. Amasike & Associates, Abuja

Microsoft/CISCO Specialist In Viacove LTD, Abuja

Viacove LTD requires the services of a qualified candidate for this position

Responsibilities: • Be the first contact for client’s enquiries.

• Manage client’s enrollment processes, documentation and records.

• Organise meetings and prepare minutes.

• Provide regular contributions to the review and customization of administration policies and processes • Manage record-keeping and related activities.

• Maintenance of the company’s database • Assist in the organisation and implementation of company’s programmes.

Job Summary: In this role you will provide client support services on the companies training programmes and other services.

Responsibilities: • Incumbent will carry out assessments on existing structures, estate and make appropriate recommendations for upgrade and renovations.

• Work with the procurement team to examine, analyze and review requisitions for renovations and reconstruction works in conformity to the specification and related data.

• Provide technical expert advice to contractors at various sites • Maintain appropriate documentations of renovations and generate progress/ activity reports on the various assignments.

• Liaise with stakeholders at sites in provision of upgrades that meets needs of the sites and other considerations such as warranty, maintenance, standardization or compatibility.

Qualifications • HND/Bachelor’s degree in Building, Civil engineering, Architecture or related discipline.

• At least 5 years’ experience in related role within a reputable organisation preferably a school.

• Be capable of challenging physical activities.

• Be attentive to details; • Be capable of working with minimal supervision

Consultant Psychiatrist In Center for Psychological Medicine, Abuja MBBS: 5 - 7 years Email: 32db9@jbng.me

27

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Or Visit: http://jbng.me/358313 Synapse Services is a “Center for Psychological Medicine”, based within the Abuja metropolis, that specializes in the provision of psychological and counseling services, inpatient facilities/treatment and rehabilitation services. We retain the services of a robust mixture of local and internationally trained staff that provide excellent, client focused services to treat all forms of disorders related to your mental health. We are currently expanding and would need part time and full time Consultant Psychiatrists Employment Type: Part time – 30 hours a week including alternate Saturdays Full time Location: Abuja, Nigeria Responsibilities include but are not limited to: • Assessment, Diagnosis and treatment: Responsible for patient assessment prior to admission, in patient care, discharge planning and aftercare • Construct an accurate summary of patient’s needs, strengths, and a comprehensive individualized risk assessment that contributes to care planning.

• Collaborate with Medical Director in taking overall clinical responsibility for monitoring client treatment and delivery of services • To communicate effectively through regular contact with patients, relatives and any other concerned bodies.

• To contribute to other departments in the organization – Business development, Administration and Management.

• Responsible for treating and managing mental illness, emotional disturbance and abnormal behavior in patients by prescribing psychotherapeutic treatments and medication.

• Provide Clinical leadership in interaction, planning and collaboration with multidisciplinary team comprising of Psychiatric Nurses, Social Workers, and Clinical Psychologists in delivering a comprehensive high quality service.

• Management of complexity, severity and risk to the patient, contain anxieties within the team and have overall responsibility of patient treatment plans whilst liaising with the multidisciplinary team.

Required Qualification and Experience • Applicant must have a degree in Medicine (MBBS) from a well-known institution • Ability to synthesize medical and psychiatric data and formulate effective and evidence based clinical recommendation • Should have a comprehensive understanding of mental illness, signs and symptoms, side effects, psychotropic medication and contemporary treatment models.

• Applicant must be a registered member of Medical and Dental council Of Nigeria and should still own a valid practicing license Licensed • Consultant Psychiatrist • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting Application How to Apply: Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications to: Note: The subject of the email should be “Consultant Psychiatrist”

Junior Advisor (Financial Sector Development) In Abuja MBA/MBS: 3 - 5 years

Email: 32dba@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/358314 A consulting firm requires the services of a qualified candidate for this position Job Description: • The Junior Advisor in Financial Sector Development (FSD) will be working on behalf of the Pro-Poor Growth and Promotion of Employment (SEDIN) Program of GIZ (German International Cooperation). The overall objective of the Program is to integrate poor population groups in a sustainable process of growth, enabling them to take up productive employment and entrepreneurial activities. One of the Program’s Units, FSD, shall contribute to an improved and increased access to financial services for economically active poor and MSMEs. The key aspects of the Component are improving the relevant legal framework, capacity building for Micro Finance Banks (MFBs) and selected Deposit Making Banks (DMBs) and introduction of improved products and delivery methodologies as well as capacitating (awareness building, financial literacy) the client groups (MSMEs).

• The Junior Advisor will work closely with the International Senior Advisor in FSD and assist him in following areas: • Developing of concepts in strategic fields of sector interventions on bank, associational and regulatory level (e.g. social performance management, board governance, strategic and operational business plan development and implementation, lending technology, product development, value chain and SME finance, pricing & efficiency, risk management, rating, costumer protection/financial literacy); • Preparing and facilitating of capacity building / training activities for partners (MFBs, selected DMBs, Association of MFBs/NAMB State Chapter) in close cooperation with the respective State FSD Advisors (Niger, Plateau and Ogun state); • Planning, organizing, monitoring and following-up of above mentioned activities and respective documentation.

Core Prerequisites: Good knowledge in banking / finance; experience in banking operation, especially in micro finance and preferably in financial servicing of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); ambitious for propoor development work; highly adaptive and initiative; ready to regularly travel field offices and partners in the program’s partner states (Niger, Plateau, Ogun state).

Qualifications and Requirements: • A minimum of MBA/MBS in a relevant field • 3-5 years’ experience

Sales Executive In U-CONNECT HUMAN RESOURCES LIMITED, Abuja HND: Entry Level Email: 32e3f@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/358447 U-Connect limited is a wholly owned Nigerian company with its head office in Lagos, Nigeria. Established in 2004, with an aim to transform your business into customer centers through our innovative Human Resources and pro-active Customer care solution.

Responsibilities • Organizing sales visits • Demonstrating / presenting product • Establishing new business

• Reviewing sales performance • Negotiating contracts • Promotional prospect are excellent progression can be into senior roles / Management Requirements: • Minimum of HND in any related • Excellent communication

Business (Sales) Manager In StreSERT Services Limited, Abuja HND/ B.Sc.: 3 - 5 years Email: 32cdf@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/358095 Our client is a trading company and they sell all types of party products ranging from de’cor items, makeup accessories, commercial balloons and designing of invitation cards. Due to massive growth and expansion, the position of a Business (Sales) Manager has become vacant in Abuja Job Summary: • Responsible for ensuring profitability of the outlet assigned.

• Managing budget, data systems analysis and administration with center manager.

• Ensuring orderliness in the outlet assigned.

• Maintains social network platforms, presence on Liknedin, Pin interest, facebook and center website.

• Any other duty as may be assigned by the Line Manager.

Education, Experience & Skills Required: • HND/ B.Sc. in marketing / business related discipline.

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience.

• Must be IT savvy.

• Good communication & interpersonal skills.

• Proven aptitude for sales and customer service.

• Excellent knowledge of products & services to be promoted.

• Proficiency in market analysis.

• In-depth knowledge of sales territory • The ideal candidate must possess skills in Customer Service, Meeting Sales Goals, Closing sales, Territory Management, Negotiation, Self-Confidence, Presentation, and Client Relationships.

Work Period: • Days: Monday – Friday ( 9:00am – 8.30pm ) • Saturday - Sundays ( 9:00am – 9: 00pm ) • Work period includes shift rotation( 9: 00am – 3:00pm & 3:00 pm - 9:00pm ) & weekend off days Mode of Application: Qualified candidates should please forward CVs using ‘Business Manager’ & your location’ as the subject of application. i.e.

Business Manager Ikeja or ‘Business Manager Abuja’. Submissions not properly addressed will not be opened.

Business Development Manager In Abuja OND: 1 - 3 years Email: 32d14@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/358148 A highly articulate candidate is urgently required to drive the business of growing medium sized business in Abuja.

Responsibilities: The ideal candidate must have a very strong experience in real estate and property marketing and development, and must be able to satisfactorily carry out the following

responsibilities: • Prospect for potential new clients and turn this into increased business.

• Cold call as appropriate within your market or geographic area to ensure a robust pipeline of opportunities.

• Meet potential clients by growing, maintaining, and leveraging your network.

• Identify potential clients, and the decision makers within the client organization.

• Research and build relationships with new clients.

• Set up meetings between client decision makers and company’s practice leaders/ Principals.

• Plan approaches and pitches.

• Work with team to develop proposals that speaks to the client’s needs, concerns, and objectives.

• Participate in pricing the solution/service.

• Handle objections by clarifying, emphasizing agreements and working through differences to a positive conclusion.

• Use a variety of styles to persuade or negotiate appropriately.

• Present an image that mirrors that of the client.

Qualifications and Requirements: • A minimum of OND in a relevant field • 1-3 years’ experience • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Network Engineer In Atlantic Synergy, Abuja HND/B.Sc: 1 - 3 years Email: 32c56@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357958 Atlantic Synergy, an engineering company requires the services of a qualified candidate for this position Responsibilities: • Establishes networking environment by designing system configuration; directing system installation; defining, documenting, and enforcing system standards.

• Maximizing network performance by monitoring performance; troubleshooting network problems and outages; scheduling upgrades; collaborating with network architects on network optimization.

• Securing network system by establishing and enforcing policies; defining and monitoring access.

Qualifications and Requirements: • A minimum of HND/B.Sc in a relevant field • 1-4 years’ experience

Content Writer In Diamond Education Magazine, Abuja B.Sc: 1 - 3 years Email: 32c50@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/357952 Diamond Education Magazine, a media company requires the services of a qualified candidate for this position Responsibilities: • Research, write and edit web and intranet content from scratch • Write web content based on material supplied by client or employer • Edit print documents for publication online • Edit web pages for on-screen readability Qualifications and Requirements: • A minimum of B.Sc in a relevant field • 1-2 years’ experience

28

Thursday, July 17, 2014

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Thursday, July 17, 2014

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30 DEFENCE FOCUS

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Terrorism: Be Patient With The Military- COAS

T

he top brass of the Army this week gathered in Abuja to review its performance in the counter-insurgency operation and other internal security challenges, in the Northern part of the country with a view to re-strategize if the need be in order to end the war which is taking its toll on the Nigerian economy.

The programme under the aegis of the ‘Chief of Army Staff, Third Quarter Conference 2014,’ involved all the Commanders of Army Formations, Departments and Units took place between 13and 16, July, 2014.

Speaking with journalists after declaring the event opened, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah pleaded with the populace to be more patient with the military as it searches for the panacea to the menace which is attracting international attention.

Hear him: “The Nigerian army is performing and I also know the expectation of the Nigerian Citizens, the expectations is rather too in haste, we need some time, we need patience, we are fighting terrorism, and we are not fighting a conventional war.”

General Minimah reminded the cynics that, “Nigerian army is a conventional army, we are also now fighting terrorism, the terrorist is someone you don’t know, maybe someone who sold food to you or fruits to you in the morning, by the afternoon he is a terrorist.”

He also said, “I know the expectation of the Nigerian citizen is that this thing should have been over by yesterday but the reality is that it couldn’t have been over by yesterday, because of the structure and dynamics of fighting this type of terrorism, we are

fighting Nigerian citizens, we are not fighting foreigners so caution must be exercised.”

When he was asked if the military is not facing the problems of obsolete weapons and ammunitions, Minimah said, “Yes! We have equipment, and the Federal Government is also introducing fresh and newer equipment to us, which will soon be home.”

On the issue of deserting soldiers in counter terrorism operations, He said, “desertion is part of warfare; we must accept that since the Carthaginian wars, soldiers have deserted from battle field.”

He explained that, “now in our own case, we are doing our recruitment now, we are also receiving persuasions from people who want their wards enlisted in the army.”

“Now if we don’t have a through recruitment, mind you there is high level of unemployment on ground, most people want jobs, if that job means joining the army, fine!, it’s a source of employment, but when the reality of military service comes, he drops his riffle and runs away,” Genaral Minimah said.

Earlier, in a prepared speech, General Minimah while referring to the recent mutinous acts in Maiduguri and reported destruction of properties in Lagos, charged commanders to put all measure in place to check acts of indiscipline, misconduct and unprofessional conduct by troops under their command.

He also said, “in the past six months, my focus has been primarily on tackling the insurgency by Boko Haram terrorist in the northeast, a lot of gains have been made in the various operations but still more needs to be done.”

“We have taken measures to enhance our capabilities through improved training,

defence focus

BY BAYO OLADEJI

Jonathan

Minimah

equipment repairs, and attention to troop’s welfare and motivation. These efforts should be replicated by Commanders at all level, supported by staff officers at the army headquarters,” General Minimah said.

Earlier, the Chief of Policy and Planning, Maj.-Gen. Jack Nwagbo, said that the army had embarked on series of strategies and efforts toward addressing the various security challenges facing the nation.

Nwagbo said that the focus of the conference was to appraise the performance and challenges of the army in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations with a view to surmounting them.

Meanwhile, a Non-Government Organisation has called on the Western world to stop what it called ‘ denigration’ of the Nigerian government and the military in the pretext of assisting the country fighting ter-

rorism.

The Citizens Initiative for Security Awareness (CISA), a civil society group engaged in creating and spreading security awareness among Nigerians made this call yesterday in a statement issued in Abuja on the on-going counter-insurgency operation.

The organisation states, its members “have noted with grave concern, the orchestrated denigration of our military and by extension the Federal Government over the prosecution the counter-terrorism operation by some foreign interests and their local collaborators”.

“The recent condescending statement against the Nigerian military credited to an official of United States, just like many other such mischievous pronouncements since they joined in the search for abducted Chibok girls, has once again brought to question the

worth of the so-called assistance by ‘our foreign friends’ in the search for our missing girls. As Africans, we cherish the neighbor who comes to our aid in our time of distress but we consider it ‘salt upon injury’ the antics of a ’friend’ who denigrate us all in the name of assisting us.

“We thank the international community for their support so far. We still believe that whatever assistance and from where ever source that can lead to the rescue of our girls are welcome. However, as a sovereign nation and one that has played and continue to play key role in global peace through the participation of her troops in international peacekeeping, we believe that Nigeria and her military deserve some respect, even from the ‘almighty’ United States. International support for each other in times of need should be on the basis of mutual respect and not with any supremacist mind set or condescending disposition”.

The statement signed by Mallam Aliyu Ibrahim does not spare the political class too who uses similar approach to get prominence and called them to order.

“Even more despicable is the attitude of some highly placed politicians whose pastime it has become to vilify our revered institutions. It seems to us that the cheapest means to grab public attention these days is to denigrate our military and lampoon the Federal Government over the fight against terror.

This is certainly not acceptable!

“Although we recognize freedom of expression as an inalienable right of every citizen of Nigeria, we also caution that this right must be exercised with utmost sense of responsibility, especially in times like this. As citizens who have stake in the corporate existence of our dear country, we must all know when to draw the line!”

PROFILE: Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN)

Turaki

Turaki was on Monday 4th February, 2013 sworn-in by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Subsequently, he was appointed as the Honourable Minister of the Ministry of Special Duties, Presidency, on Wednesday 6th February 2013 and he assumed duty immediately.

He was born 54 years in Birnin-Kebbi in Kebbi State. Barrister Tanimu Turaki attended the University of Jos, Plateau State, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Law. He was called to the bar

after completing his studies at the Nigerian Law School in Lagos.

He has over 25 years post qualification experience having worked in the private and public sectors making unassailable impacts. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). He is also a traditional title holder as Dan Masani.

He has served in various Presidential Committees. He is currently the chairman of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North.

TOP 3 DEFENCE STORIES ➊ Chibok Girls Will Be Rescued Alive-Jonathan ➋ Fulani Herdsmen Kill 60 in Zamfara, Plateau ➌ Release Abducted Schoolgirls Now, Malala Tells Boko Haram

L-R: Father of Malala, Ziauddin Yousafzai, Malala Yousafzai and President Goodluck Jonathan during her visit to President Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

education

31

Thursday, July 17, 2014

10.5

million out of school children in Nigeria

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

Pupils of Almajiri Tsangaya Model Primary School, during the inauguration of the school in Bauchi

FG Reiterates Commitment To Enrol 2m Children By 2015 Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

She urged leaders at the three tiers of government to desist from the blame game over whose responsibility it is.

The federal government is targeting enrolment of additional 2million children by September 2015 when the next academic year would be rounding up.

This was revealed by the minister of state for education, Barr Nyesom Wike when Malala Yousafzai, the young Pakistani girl and education rights campaigner, who survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban paid him a courtesy call.

He noted that there have been concerted efforts by the government to reduce the out of school children in Nigeria, which accounted for the injection of over N139billion between 2011 and 2014 into the sector by the current administration.

Wike also explained to the visiting delegation that Nigeria runs a federal system of government which constitutionally places the responsibility of basic education delivery at the shoulders of States and Local Government Councils.

He said despite this,Federal Government’s intervention comes in form of support to build Almajiri schools in each of the states in the North. This has seen nothing less than 180 of these schools built

and about 135 of them have been furnished and by 2015 nothing less than 300 of such schools would have been built.

“In Nigeria we run what is called the federal system of government, where we have the federal, states and local governments. And each of this tier of government has it constitutional roles and the basic education is under the purview of the state and local governments.

“What the Federal Government does is to give support to the states government in order to improve the basic education in the country.

“That takes me to the issue of the statistics of 10.5 million out of school children in Nigeria. And out of this figure we have about 9 million in a particular region, that is northern part of this country,”he said.

Wike however said he doubted the 10.5million out of school children’s figure estimated by the United Nations and speculated by the international community.

“I doubt the number of 10.5 million out of school children because there is no basis, but we are assuming, let us believe it is 10.5million. Basically, we are doubting the statistics of United Nations, but however we don’t want to debate on it too much so

let us work on the figure.

“I believe by 2015 Nigeria should be talking about 7 million of out of school children.

“We expect from now till next year that at the basic education level, we should have nothing less than 2 million out of school children that have been enrolled in school, from now till 2015,”he stated.

In response, Malala tasked the Federal Government to step up efforts at reducing the number of out of school children in Nigeria,currently estimated at 10.5million by the United Nations.

She also bemoaned the continued incarceration of over 200 Chibok school girls abducted by the Boko Haram sect in Borno State,saying government should do everything within its power to free them from the abductors and make education safe and pleasurable for children.

She urged leaders at the three tiers of governance to desist from the blame game over whose responsibility it is to provide basic education,noting that they ought to work in synergy to boost basic education delivery.

“Specifically, I want to highlight the issues of the the girls who were abducted and the girls who escaped, they are out of school now, there is

no security for them and they are feeling insecure and so what should the education ministry do for them.

“I am hoping that the three tiers of government would sit together and become united and they would consider the crisis in education as a national issue.

“Especially issues of children that are out of school. They shouldn’t blame it on each other,they should sit down together because this is the future of this country and if they want the future of this country to be bright and shining then they should increase the efforts they are making on education and they should increase the budgetary allocation to education.

“As much as it can be increased.

Hopefully by the time I come back to this country, I hope there would be zero number of out of school children in Nigeria. No child should be deprived of getting education and I am hopeful that the girls that escaped from the abduction are able to go to school and they get full protection. I have a lot of expectations from the government.

“I know it is difficult for government to do things quickly but hopefully, I hope by the time I come back education would have improved in Nigeria.

32 FEATURE/EDUCATION

Thursday, July 17, 2014

SCHOOLS REPORTS

Bristow Donates Helicopter To Aviation School

By Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

As part of its contribution to improve the quality of education, Bristow Helicopters Nigeria Limited has donated a helicopter to the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.

The handing over of the helicopter took place at Bristow Head office, General Aviation Area Muritala Muhammed Airport Ikeja.

Head of Human Resources of Bristow, Olufemi Collins said the reason for donating the equipment to the school is to empower the students that would affect the country positively.

“The helicopter is not to be flown but meant for training of engineers. The more we equip the school, the more we empower Nigerians. We have been contributing to manpower development and also partner with the school”, he said.

Bursary: Kwara Poly Students Get N50m

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

Winners of the Ejele Mathematics Competition proudly displaying their prizes

Ratio Of Mathematics Teachers To Students 1:350-NMC Boss

By Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

The Director and Chief Executive of the National Mathematical Centre(NMC), Adewale Solarin has underscored the importance of Mathematics and English language to national development but lamented that the ratio of mathematics teachers to students at the basic school level stands at 1:350.

He said this on Monday,in Abuja at the commencement of a twoweek capacity building workshop for English and Mathematics teachers of Federal Unity Colleges taking place at the National Mathematical Centre,Sheda.

While justifying the training,he

said students’ poor performance in both English and Mathematics in the nation’s primary and secondary schools is both disturbing and worrisome to all stakeholders within the education industry.

He said,”It is an open secret that there is an acute shortage of qualified English and Mathematics teachers at these levels.

“Consequently,the performance of Senior Secondary School students in public examinations like WAEC,NECO and JAMB has been poor,a development which has serious negative implications for candidates’ admissions into tertiary institutions in particular and national development at large.

“It is not debatable that,one

major strategy for the improvement of the teachers’ effectiveness in the classroom is through retraining.

“This is because teachers undoubtedly,still remain the key factors in improving the ways English and Mathematics are taught and learnt in schools”.

Meanwhile,Super vising Minister of Education,Nyesom Wike who declared the training programme opened, said Federal Government has shown much commitment in its quest to develop the education sector hence the recent recruitment of more teachers and regularisation of the appointment of over 890 Parents Teachers’ Association(PTA) teachers in the system.

Insurgency Promoted By Greedy Elements –TETFund Boss

By Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund(TETFund),Prof Suleiman Bagoro has said people who are promoting violence to discredit President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration were greedy elements, bent on edifying themselves to the detriment of the larger society.

He said a larger proportion of the Nigerian citizens are certainly not happy about this development,noting that it behoves on all stakeholders’ to try to do everything possible to give

understanding to those elements of society that appreciate the need to promote dialogue, understanding and peaceful coexistence cross culturally.

He made these comments when he received an award from the UFUK Dialogue Foundation,a non-governmental initiative geared towards promoting peace and social dialogue across all facets of our national life.

“Mr President is genuinely concerned about the need to secure this country and we are certainly not happy that some elements in this country are doing the exact opposite.

“It does not glorify any society,it

does not glorify any nation, I can tell you this award emboldens me to continue to do whatever is possible to give understanding to those elements of society that appreciates the need to promote dialogue understanding and peaceful co-existence cross culturally,”Bagoro stated.

Speaking on the significance of the award bestowed on him,he said there can’t be a better society where there is no peace, “believe me take away peace you just can’t do any other thing,any environment that has no peace from the physical to the social, all aspects of life effectively ceases”.

Me anw hile ,Per m anent

The Kwara state government has released the sum of N50 million for the payment of bursary to 11, 000 indigenous students of Kwara state polytechnic, Ilorin.

This was announced by the secretary of the state Scholarship Board, Alh. Zakari Mohammed.

This development came just as the students of the institution elected new leaders of their union.

The election witnessed the emergence of Abdulrahman Muhammed of Marketing Department as the President, Salaudeen Taiwo Hassan of Mass communication Department as vice president, Abdulrahman Saliu of Estate Management as Speaker, Ibrahim Idayat as Treasurer, Ajiboye Samuel as General Secretary, Abdulrahman Sambo as Assistant General Secretary, Olayinka Afeez as Social Director 1.

The Rector of the institution,Alhaji Mas`ud Elelu,described the election as free and fair .

The Scholarship board scribe disclosed that more fund would be released by the state government for payment of bursary to another set of 4, 000 students of the institution before the end of the current academic session.

“The state government has released this sum for payment of the students’ bursary and we have commenced payment but had to stop due to the ongoing examination in the institution.

Lasu: Ssanu Vows To Continue Strike

by NAN

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo Chapter, on Tuesday vowed to continue its monthlong strike, until its demands were met.

The union’s Chairman, Mr Saheed Oseni, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, that the decision to continue with the strike was taken at the union’s congress on June 23.

NAN reports that the union had embarked on an indefinite strike on May 26, to press home some of its demands.

They are demanding for the repeal of the ‘no vacancy, no promotion’ policy of its management, a reduction in the tuition fee hike and the implementation of the 65 years retirement age policy.

Oseni said that the National Executive Council (NEC) of the union, at its meeting on June 19, pledged to support the union in its struggle for the implementation of its demands.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

UniAbuja: The VC’s Appointment And Matters Arising

By Abah Adah, Abuja The crisis that has trailed the emergence of the new Vice-Chancellor recently at the University of Abuja is far from over as three lecturers from the ivory tower have dragged the university authorities before the National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja.

Among questions being asked for determination include; whether or not the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the University of Abuja, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, can legally or validly appoint Prof. Adikwu as the Vice-Chancellor of the university which is said to be in contravention of the provisions of the University (Miscellaneous Provision) Act 2003 as well as whether or not the provision of Section 8 of the Federal Character Commission (Establishment) Act is not mandatory in the appointment of a ViceChancellor in the University. Stakeholders are also claiming that the Governing Council of the University of Abuja failed to observe merit in the appointment process, as they alleged that “the most qualified candidate on merit, performance as well as under the Federal Character principle is Professor Umaru Garba Danbatta who scored the highest mark in the interview referred to above.”

However, from the report of the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board on the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor for the University of Abuja, submitted to the Governing Council at its 34th Extra-Ordinary meeting of Tuesday, 24th June, 2014, and which was attached as exhibit before the court, the three candidates were shortlisted based on their academic achievements which were outlined as criteria or precondition for appointment as Vice Chancellor.

According to the report, Prof. Danbatta, who hails from Kano State, has one academic publication to his credit in the last two years and attended two international academic conferences and presented two papers. He supervised and graduated two doctoral students as well as 16 Masters’ degree students in the last ten years.

Prof. Lawal, whom the claimants alleged came second, has four academic publications to his credit in the last two years, attended one international academic conference and presented one paper. He supervised and graduated eleven Doctoral students in the last ten years.

The new Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adikwu, was alleged to have thirteen academic publications to his credit in the last two years, attended one international academic conference and presented one paper. He supervised and graduated seven Doctoral students as well as forty Post Graduate Students in the last ten years. Apart from these, the Vice Chancellor has, among other academic laurels, the prestigious Nigeria Academy of Science Award which he won in 2006, as the Nigerian best scientist of the year, a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science and Fellow of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria.

In terms of catchment area and geopolitical zones, Prof. Danbatta, a professor of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, is from Kano State (North West), Prof. Lawal,

Adikwu

a professor of Language Education, is from Kwara State (North Central), and Prof.

Adikwu, a professor of Pharmacy and is from Benue State (North Central).

While the claimants alleged that on the basis of the above assessment, the three top candidates were graded with Prof. Danbatta scoring the highest grade of 86 per cent in the screening and interview exercise, Prof.

Lawal came second by scoring 73 per cent and Prof Adikwu came third with 65 per cent, they however failed to provide the basis of the score as the alleged second and third candidates seemed to be better in terms of academic output., which was said to have been a critical factor in the choice of the new vice chancellor.

The claimants are praying the court for a declaration that the purported appointment of Prof. Adikwu as Vice Chancellor by the Governing Council of University of Abuja “is null and void and of no effect whatsoever.”

They are equally seeking an order compelling the Governing Council to observe merit and the provisions of the university miscellaneous Act and the Federal Character Commission’s Act and the 1st defendant’s Senate Rules in proceedings of the appointment of the post of the Vice-Chancellor. As a result the asked the court to make an order compelling the Governing Council to appoint the candidate with the highest score on his merit and performance in the screening and interview.

Meanwhile, President of the National Industrial Court, Justice Babatunde Adejumo affirmed that the matter will be assigned to a judge of the court and hearing notices will be served on parties.

However, what stakeholders are worried about is not the crisis in itself; it is the future of the university which over the years has suffered a whole gamut of set-backs ranging from poor infrastructural development to academic and administrative crises. And based on the facts above, it is clear that the authorities not only considered the result of the screening and interview but also looked into the catchment area and past performances of the three selected applicants and saw that the newly appointed VC has a richer credential and what it takes to steer the long embattled university to enviable greatness.

EDUCATION/feature 33

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Thursday, July 17, 2014

KADUNA STATE GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA

2014/2015 OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME The Executive Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency, Dr. Mukhtar Ramalan Yero (Dallatun Zazzau) has approved the establishment of an overseas scholarship scheme with the objective of enhancing human capital development, job creation and general development of the State.

The scheme is aimed at raising the skills and competencies of indigenes of the State in some critical areas of Medical sciences, Engineering as well as Applied and Natural sciences. In pursuance to this, applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates of Kaduna State origin for selection in the 2014/2015 overseas scholarship programme.

2.0 FIELDS OF STUDY A. Postgraduate: (Ph.D and MS.c) in the following areas: • Medical Sciences • Engineering • Natural and Applied Sciences B. Undergraduate: • MBBS 3.0 BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF SCHOLARSHIP: A. POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP AT Ph.D LEVEL: Applicants must hold a Masters Degree and must not be above 40 years of age.

B. POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP AT MS.c LEVEL: Applicants must hold first Degree with minimum of 2nd Class (Honours) or equivalent and must not be above 35 years of age.

C. UNDERGRADUATE (MBBS): Applicants must possess minimum entry requirement applicable for MBBS programme in a recognized university.

4.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: A. Candidate must be an indigene of Kaduna State.

B. For Postgraduate programmes, candidate must possess NYSC Discharge/Exemption Certificate.

5.0 METHOD OF APPLICATION Application forms can be obtained at the Kaduna State Scholarship Board (KSSB), Bida Road, Opposite Central Bank, Kaduna.

Duly completed Application Form should be returned to the Scholarship Board within two (2) weeks from the date of this publication.

For further enquiries please contact: The Director, Kaduna State Scholarship Board, Bida Road, opposite Central Bank, Kaduna. Email address: kssb.kad@gmail.com. Phone No: 08085164292 or 08023097703.

HAMZA ISHAQ DANMAHAWAYI SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT

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Thursday, July 17, 2014

GOVERNMENT OF IMO STATE RE: THE SENATE’S DELIBERATION AND RESOLUTIONS ON THE NON-EXISTING ISSUE OF REGISTERATION OF NORTHERNERS IN IMO STATE BY THE STATE GOVERNMENT WITH THE AIM OF GIVING THEM IDENTIFICATION CARDS On Thursday, July 3, 2014, the Distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria were deceived or tricked into deliberating and passing resolutions on a matter that did not exist and still does not exist in lmo State and that is the claimed registration of Northerners in the State by the State Government, with he aim of issuing them identification cards.

The senators discussed the rumour and passed resolutions on it without taking the expected steps to find out the truth or otherwise, of the allegation, even when liberal minded senators like Dr. Andy Ubah had advised that the senate should send a delegation to Imo State on facts-finding on the issue. To the senators, that was not necessary because some of the senators from the State are among those leading the unnecessary political war against Governor Rochas Okorocha and his government.

When we first heard the rumour which began in Abuja. we thought it was a joke. But we discovered that it was a joke taken too far when a member of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Suleiman Kawu issued a press release on the issue in Abuja. We responded promptly and strongly denied the allegation and also told those behind the falsehood to come up with proof since the burden of proof is always on the accuser.

Our denial was widely reported both in the print and electronic media. It was therefore disturbing that in spite of that stout denial to that effect by the Imo State Government. the distinguished senators or the Senate seen as the conscience of the nation because of the calibre of men and women there, accepted to deliberate and pass resolutions on an issue that was neither here nor there. An allegation that only existed in the imaginations of those behind it.

Those behind that falsehood could not do the same in the House of Representatives because they would have met serious challenge from some of the parliamentarians from the state who knew it was all politics or mere fallacy concocted out of’ the unnecessary desire to harm the towering political image or profile of Governor Okorocha.

They saw the senate as a fertile ground for their campaign of calumny because, the three senators from lmo State are all of the PDP, and again, governorship aspirants who perhaps wrongly believe that, the only way they could stop Okorocha in 2015 is by telling lies against him and his government.

However, as a government that has penchant for thoroughness on issues like that, before reacting to them, we also discovered that the Northerners in the state on their own and under their leader, Alhaji Baba Saidu Suleiman, Sarik Hausawa, Imo State, had decided to have what they called Data bank of their People in the state to enable them check infiltration. The Sarik and other leaders like the Chief Imam of the state, and Waziri Hausawa, Aihaji Dauda Onyeagocha and their council members had also had press conference to tell the world that what they were doing had no bearing with the Imo state government.

They were even appealing to the government for assistance to enable them carry out the exercise. The Imo State Government is not connected with the exercise either directly or indirectly. We stand to be proved wrong on this claim.

So, there is nothing these opponents of the government have not said or done against Governor Okorocha to reduce his popularity among Imo people, but Imo people have vehemently refused to listen to them. They have always met brick walls on the side of Imo people. And there is no other offence Rochas Okorocha has committed against them except that what they could not achieve or do in the State in 12 solid years they held sway, Owelle has done in 3 years. That is the crux of the matter, that is the bone of contention.

Having failed in the State, they now decided to fight him from outside. And this latest campaign of calumny over the alleged registration of Northerners in the State with the plan of issuing them identification cards was fabricated to cause disaffection between the Northern leaders and Governor Okorocha because they know that the man is enviably popular in the North and of course, across the nation and has been talking about contesting the presidency. They have also failed because in the course of doing that, they have shot themselves on the foot by portraying themselves as shadow-chasers”.

Do not forget that, twenty four hours after the bomb incident at the Winners Chapel Church in Owerri, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the State issued a statement to the media accusing Governor Okorocha of allowing many Northerners into the State, hence, the bomb incident at the Church. Does it not now call for concern that the same people are today accusing the same person of registering the same Northerners with the aim of giving them I.D. Cards. This can only explain the level of desperation to get at Rochas Okorocha whose only crime is working hard to make Imo State better than he met it and making the people of the State to experience what leadership is all about- services to God

and humanity. And not all about Gala Night.

The truth and the whole truth is that, the Imo State Government with Owelle Rochas Okorocha as governor was not and still not registering northerners as alleged for any reason, It does not also contemplate doing that, It is all politics. We are used to such gimmicks. Our only concern this time is that, they have dragged the distinguished senators into their ill-tailored propaganda. it is now left for the senators to demand from whoever that was responsible for that motion to furnish them with proofs of the allegation since we have strongly denied it and even demanded an apology from the senate for maligning and blackmailing the people and Government of Imo State for no just reason. We challenge anybody with evidence of the alleged registration to come forward with it. And also mention the registration centres since registering people must be done somewhere and not in the vacuum.

We know those behind this blackmail. They used the senators because the three senators in the senate are all of the PDP and all governorship aspirants who want to replace Governor Rochas Okorocha. They are entitled to their aspirations, but our worry is the crude tactics they have employed. We want to again tell Nigerians that the Imo State Government has not, and does not have any plan to register Northerners in the State with the plan of issuing them ID cards. We stand to be challenged or contradicted on this denial.

In the whole of this campaign of calumny, our greatest regret was the unexpected action of the Senate, the Red chamber of the National Assembly. The Senators were deceived into deliberating and passing resolutions, with a very questionable speed, on an issue that did not and still does not exist in the state. Senator Abdul Ningi who was also deceived into moving that motion on the issue did not have the correct information. He acted on rumour.

The Senators would have nipped that embarrassment in the bud if they had sent a delegation to Imo state on fact-finding or if they had got in touch with the federal Government security outfits in the state like the police, SSS and Civil Defence. Indeed, the Senate was tricked into acting like an opposition party to the state.

It was against the backdrop of this misplaced action that we demanded for an apology from the Senators. They have to apologize to the Governor of the state,Owelle Rochas Okorocha, the good people and government of’ Imo state for an action we had seen as a blackmail. We insist on extracting the apology from the Senators or let them come up with their evidence, that can also be verified by other interest groups. The Senate should also demand an apology from Senators Ningi for luring them into a venture that could better be described as cock and bull story.

We are also aware that Senator Ningi had, in another development given his colleagues the reason they should not oblige us with the demanded apology. He made reference to an aide of the governor who told a local tabloid in the North that the exercise in contention was real. He did not mention the name of the aide and the newspaper in question. The claim was also vague or doubtful. But we make bold to say that no aide of the governor could admit the reality of what is not in existence. We challenge Senator Ningi to tell his audience and Nigerians in general the name of the aide and the newspaper since he has them.

The Northerners in Imo State have enjoyed long existing hospitality more than they have done in any other state in the South-East and in most of the states in the country. Those desperate to come back to power in Imo State are bent on destroying this long existing conviviality between Imo people and the Northerners in the State. But the God we worship will not allow them succeed.

We want to emphasize that the claim that Governor Okorocha or his government was registering Northerners in the State was not true. It was manufactured by elements desperate to come back to power in the State in 2015. We want to he contradicted on this denial.

The Imo State Government therefore wishes to particularly take exception to what transpired in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly, the Senate, on Thursday, July 3, 2014. The distinguished senators engaged in wild goose chase by allowing themselves to be deceived on this issue. The claimed registration of Northerners in Imo State with a view of issuing them identification cards remains blurred to the best of our knowledge.

Signed: Sam Onwuemeodo SSA to the governor on Media

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Thursday, July 17, 2014

politics today Thursday, July 17, 2014

REPORTS ANALYSES REVIEWS INTERVIEWS

Obasanjo

Fayose

Fayose: South-West PDP’s New Spark For 2015?

The governor elect of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayo Fayose is currently basking in the euphoria of his recent political triumph over the current occupant, Dr. Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) last month.

OLAOLU OLADIPO in this piece appraises his recent ‘thank you’ tours to state chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the SouthWest.

T As usual, Fayose launched into tirade against the APC in the region, that they should be ready to quit the region

he weather was a mix grill with the sky giving up some showers at one point during the many hours long wait just as the sun shining brightly on hordes of party faithful who gathered at the famous epicenter of agitation. Mr Ayodele Fayose was the person to be seen and the crowd was the hoard of supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Notwithstanding the fluctuations in weather, they endured the pang of both the sun and the rain and their wait was rewarded when those seen as ‘lesser attractions’ began to make their separate ways to the ‘podium’ standing next to the statue of the late Chief Ganiyu Oyesola Fawehinmi, the enigma whom the venue is named after.

First to speak at about 12 noon that Friday July 11 was the Minister of State for Defence,

Senator Musiliu Olatunde Obanikoro who reeled out the perceived ‘sins’ of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the way its governments have managed the affairs of their respective states, especially in the South-West.

To the controversial minister, the governments under the control of the APC are too detached from the people they are governing. According to him, most of the policies being implemented by them are far too elitist and harsh to the common man.

The atmosphere became electrified when their man, Fayose finally arrived with his entourage including the acting zonal chairman, Chief Ishola Filani, Chairman of the contact and mobilisation committee of the PDP, Kashamu Buruji, a chieftain, Chief Kola Balogun to join the local leaders of the party

who had kept the gathering alive.

Addressing the audience in Yoruba and English, Fayose flayed the APC, accusing them of habitually applying double standard in their relationship with the people. “When I joined them to campaign against Engineer Segun Oni I was a good man then but immediately I left them, I became a killer, a fraudster.”

In euphoria, he boasted that “I have the antidote and formula for removing incumbents; Governor Kayode Fayemi said, Adebayo is his godfather, now I have defeated both the godfather and godson.”

As usual, Fayose launched into tirade against the APC in the region, that they should be ready to quit the region, saying as he had said in previous tours that the PDP was ready to win back the states in the region and add Lagos, the prized possession of the APC to its kitty.

Fayose also used the opportunity provided by the tour to drum up support for President Goodluck Jonathan, saying nothing can stand in the way of his re-election bid next year, adding that he possesses the right strategy to reclaim the zone for his party.

“We have gotten the strategy and master plan to displace

them and put our president back to power in 2015. If they think they can go into hiding and start throwing bomb to frustrate the ambition of our man they are joking, come 2015 President Jonathan would continue piloting the affairs of this country,” he said.

He faulted the Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola over his comments regarding the outcome of the Ekiti governorship poll, saying the Lagos state helmsman lacks the necessary credentials to pass comments on him.

“How can somebody who was imposed on the people of Lagos by a certain godfather fault an election that threw up a grassroots politician like me?”

He claimed that Governor Fashola became the governor through the influence of former governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and cannot lay claim to his deputy governor and commissioners as they were all imposed on him.

“I really don’t want to join issues with them, particularly, Governor Fashola because I like him so much. I like his person and I have a lot of respect for him. But Governor Fashola is talking from ➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 38 Donald Ojogo, Group Politics Editor

37

38 POLITICS TODAY

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Fayose: South-West PDP’s New Spark For 2015? ➔ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

two sides of his mouth.

Dust raised by visitations His visitations have no doubt elicited reactions from both friends and foes alike. For instance, no sooner had he left the borders of Oyo State that the state chapter of the APC in a statement warned him to steer clear.

Lagos State Governor, his aides or the government have not deemed it fit to respond to his tirade but sources close to the seat of power told LEADERSHIP that the decision might not unconnected to the need to ignore him.

But a statement by Oyo State Chairman of the APC, Mr. Akin Oke, dismissed what it called the “pedestrian politics” being played by Fayose and warned the governor-elect to concentrate his energy on his Ekiti people as Oyo would be too hot for his kind of politics.

“We have watched Fayose’s flippancy getting worse by the day since his alleged victory in Ekiti.

We do not have any qualms with his riding on a roller coaster of this supposed victory and talking down on everybody while telling them that he is the newest thing to happen in South West politics.

“We only warn him that that brand of murky politics which saw him grandstanding and riding roughshod over everybody will not work in Oyo State. We are a people who do not allow foreign Generals lord it over us.”

The APC decried what it called Fayose’s sudden and uncontrolled attack on everyone, including leaders of the Yoruba people, stating that he should learn a lesson in keeping his mouth shut so that he does not court the wrath of the ancestors of the Yoruba people.

Osun State Governor, Mr. Raufu Aregbesola dismissed Fayose saying he (the governorelect) is merely intoxicated by his recent victory. To the state chapters of the PDP, members seem to have been re-invigorated by both the victory and the tours, saying they have become added fillip to their desire to win their respective states.

Though attempt to speak with the publicity secretary of the party was unsuccessful but a source within the Lagos chapter of the PDP in a chat with our correspondent stated that the visit have indeed served as a tonic needed to rev the engine of the party ahead for the forthcoming polls.

“You might not know, members of our party are indeed rejuvenated after the visit by the Ekiti State governor-elect. It

George

Obanikoro

Buruji

has taken so long for us to really mobilize our members the way we did that day.” The source who is a member of the state executive who pleaded not to be mention said.

of governorship aspirants within the party that attended both the rally in Ojota and dinner the party hosted in Fayose’s honour.

The rally in Ibadan was similarly well attended by those jostling for the governorship ticket of the party such as a former governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, Hazeem Gbolarumi, Femi Babalola, Seyi Makinde, Teslim Folarin, Kehinde Olaosebikan and several members of the party.

former president or senator.

I left the party when I had misunderstanding with it and returned when we resolved our differences. The door is open for them to leave.”

Though Obasanjo himself has insisted he remains a member of the PDP when his opinion was sought by newsmen, most of his supporters have defected to the APC mostly because of the treatment meted out to them by the PDP, whom they have continually accused of sidelining them.

One case in point is the former National Vice Chairman of the party and immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Engineer Olusegun Oni who was elected to the same office in the last national convention of the APC. Another prominent member, Olagunsoye Oyinlola is still torn in-between jumping ship or fighting his judicial war to retain his office as the national scribe of the PDP to a logical conclusion.

Scores of others in the various states have left the PDP for the rival APC, saying their leader instructed them to do so. The claim is yet to be ascertained as at the time of filing this reports but it is not unlikely that some elements loyal to Obasanjo might be using the schism between him (the former leader) and his protégé to feather their political nests.

Added to the gradual erosion of the Obasanjo political machine is the continued loss of relevance of a former national deputy chairman of the party, Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George whose influence is being whittled. In Lagos, where he presides over things, the total loyalty that he initially enjoyed has shifted in principle to Obanikoro.

The victory of the PDP in Ekiti and a possible repetition of the feat in Osun no doubt have altered the permutations and calculations in the region, the dominance of two politically antagonistic tendencies personified by Obasanjo and Tinubu.

Is Fayose leading an emergent PDP leadership in the South West?

The circumstances that threw up Fayose as Ekiti State governorelect were very contentious, pitching the PDP against the rival APC. Since the declaration of the Afao-Ekiti-born politician a lot has happened which have prompted pundits or watchers of trends in the region to seek to speculate whether a paradigm shift was in the making in the region.

Fayose, though in the middle of emergent equation in the South West PDP, is said to be utilising the opportunity provided by the victory to launch himself into reckoning as the rallying point in the party in South West.

Other gladiators said to be gradually nudging themselves forward include the Minster of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Olatunde Obanikoro and his counterpart in the Police Affairs Ministry, Abduljelili Adesiyan.

Others working assiduously for the victory of the PDP in the region and by extension, the reelection bid of President Goodluck Jonathan is the Chairman of the Contact and Mobilisation Committee of the party, Prince Buruji Kashamu.

Both former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and the incumbent governor of Ondo, Abdulrahaman Olusegun Mimiko are said to be holding forth in the Labour Party, possibly working for the same goal.

With the trend of things, Fayose seems to be utilising his victory to galvanise party members thus throwing away the old order in the party. This fact seemed evident in the number

Gradual demystification of Obasanjo and his group One major casualty in the unfolding political melodrama in the PDP is former president Olusegun Obasanjo and his group, who seem to have schemed out of the emerging equation. A source told our correspondent that the fate of the former leader would be sealed after the polls in Osun if the PDP wins.

“Sincerely, the people are waiting for the outcome of the Ekiti governorship election to determine whether Baba (Obasanjo) will still be relevant within the PDP owing to the frosty relations that exist between him and President Jonathan,” another source said.

Fayose, who himself has one axe or two to grind with the soldier-turned politician made allusion to this at the Ibadan rally when he stated in a very clear terms that the party will not prevail any ex-president, exgovernors or ex-senators wishing to defect from the party.

“This is the last time that any member of the party, irrespective of his position, whether former governor or president will be begged to remain in the party. If they want to join other parties, they can go. They should not disparage the party again because if they do, they will go.

“They have enjoyed benefits in the party so they should respect the party, whether

They have enjoyed benefits in the party so they should respect the party, whether former president or senator

OPINION 39

Thursday, July 17, 2014

online

reactions

Chibok Girls: Tambuwal Asks FG To Negotiate With Boko Haram Onyia Shanko Anslem We have designated as terrorists and we don’t negotiate with them. We weep for those who have fallen into the hands of these maniacs.

17/07/2014 Nasarawa Impeachment: AlMakura Rushes To Abuja To Meet Jonathan Mustapha Adamu Kubau Jonathan will never help you, AlMakura, ask God to intervene.

Ijeoma Bella Uchendu Mr Speaker, you can liaise with the BBOG groups to initiate a negotiation process by going to Sambisa to implement your agenda.

Bamituni Abamu Why running to President Jonathan now? This was the same president you and your party said was clueless.

Richard Ojuba Tambuwal, you have been given the mandate as the number four citizen to negotiate with your ‘boys.’

Igwe Fidelis Start the negotiation, Mr Tambuwal. Your are the number four citizen of Nigeria, which government are you now talking of?

Olatubosun Oriola Abraham Will you lead the delegation to Sambisa forest?

President Jonathan Playing With Fire

Al-Makura

Tambuwal

Group Stopped Me From Seeing Parents – Jonathan

Henry Chibuzor Obi APC, get to work and stop running to the press.

Anthony Nwoko Jonathan is not playing with any fire.

You Can Follow Us On Twitter: @LeadershipNGA Facebook: Leadership Newspapers Google+: Leadership.NG Linkedin: Leadership Newspaper Blackberry PIN: 7530EC8C

‘We Are Not Rattled By Impeachment’

Senate Confirms Chidoka As Minister

Duncan Victor Ayemere Idokogi Why meet Jonathan? Who is he?

Is he no longer a weakling and a clueless president?

Nats Aaron Kune Why running to Jonathan? Why not run to your APC leaders?

David Aminu Anyone saying this should be interrogated.

Jeff Chimex Christopher PDP will go after all those governors who used their platform and resources to get to power, but later defected to the opposition. The Nigerian constitution is very clear on the matter. Soon, there will be election in Adamawa, the APC should stop making noise and get to work to win that state, if they are as popular as they claim on the pages of newspapers.

Keep up with updates on these stories @ www.leadership.ng

Olatubosun Oriola Abraham He should stop running and appear before Nasarawa State House of Assembly to clear himself.

Igweh Henry Ekachukwu Why run from pillar to post if your hands are clean?

David Aminu Politics is sweet o, I just dey laugh!

Jonathan

Lami Bilkis Jimoh May be it was CAN that stopped them because 98 per cent of the Chibok girls’ mothers are Christians. That’s the plain truth!

Nengak Yohney Yakubu I think Jonathan is the one politicising the abduction of the Chibok girls, and not the opposition. Why must their parents be summoned for a meeting

with the President before their daughters are rescued?

Rabil Yakub Can you name the groups that stopped you and why they did that, Mr President.

Don Asty It’s unfortunate that those selfish #BringBackOurGirlscampaigners have politicised everything.

Ekowo Francis Pundit Al-Makura must go!

Kenneth Dayil It is too late to cry when the head is cut off. Let him stay and reap the fruit of his labour. What goes around, comes around. When you were busy planning with your political allies to stop GEJ from contesting 2015, you didn’t know that the political nozzle would turn on you.

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40 ISSUES

BY AHMAD JAMIL IDRIS

I detest the habit of politicians who identify with the people only when they desperately need their votes. The bad reputation of politics stems from the attitude of those who use the people as mere tools to attain power and wealth and abandon those that gave them the mandate once they are sworn into office. Our politicians are so selfish that the moment they are sworn into office, they shut their doors against the people. They easily forget that the overnight prosperity they are enjoying today was a result of the people’s mandate. Riding on the back of the people is in the nature of the average Nigerian politician. Selfishness is their middle name.

While the electorate is economically gasping for breath because of grinding poverty, the lifestyle of our elected leaders is a callous reflection of indifference to the hardship of the ordinary voters. Obscene display of wealth acquired at the expense of the people is against the spirit of whatever democracy stands for.

Thanks to politics, people rise from rags to riches and easily forget their humble origins.

While their people are suffering in their constituencies, elected lawmakers and other political officeholders continue to acquire posh cars, and buy houses in the choicest parts of Abuja.

The most annoying of all is that these so-called representatives

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Politics Of Compassion of the people can afford to rent expensive houses for their mistresses. Most so-called high society ladies that ride in fashionable and state-of-the-art cars get them from elected officeholders.

When you travel to the constituencies of most of these socalled elected representatives, there is little evidence that they are effectively touching the lives of the people. They only distribute a few motorcycles and sewing machines here and there in the name of poverty alleviation.

While an elected politician can afford to spend N8million to buy a car for his mistress, he will not spend the same amount on any ordinary voter in his constituency, even as Zakat. These opportunistic mistresses who didn’t vote them into office will abandon them, the moment they lose their seats.

Let us be frank about this issue; an elected politician should identify himself with the people at all times. Since they are riding the backs of the people to attain power and wealth, the politicians have no excuse not to help the people. A struggling man of yesterday can easily rise to a millionaire status because of politics.

And the voters are well aware of the fact that you are using their mandate to make money. Politicians must stop being selfish to avoid the potential anger of the

Abacha

The widening social distance between elected leaders and the voters is a potential time bomb.

How can politicians be making millions for himself at the expense of the people? people. An APC House of Representatives member was almost lynched recently in Kaduna by the people of his constituency.

The widening social distance between elected leaders and the voters is a potential time bomb.

How can politicians be making millions for himself at the ex-

pense of the people and refusing to identify with them without facing the risk of arousing their anger? Instances of elected leaders being booed by members of their constituencies suggest the level of dangerous alienation between the people and their socalled elected leaders.

Despite the selfishness and opportunistic attitudes of politicians, one must make some exceptions and that exception is Mohammed Abacha, a former CPC gubernatorial aspirant in Kano State. Unlike other politicians that abandon the people once they failed to achieve their ambitions, Mohammed Abacha is the only politician I know who has steadily maintained a common touch with the ordinary people. This was a man who didn’t realise his gubernatorial ambition, but he never abandoned the people because of that. Rarely do I come across a politician like Mohammed Abacha who finds pleasure in helping the people consistently, despite the fact that he didn’t realise his ambition.

The only secret of the late Abiola’s success and enormous popularity was his compassion towards the people. Mohammed Abacha has a lot in common with Abiola, because he is always deeply and sincerely moved by the hardship of the ordinary people. He is a genuine politician who proudly and cheerfully identifies with the people, while other politicians hide away from the people in posh hotels in Abuja to avoid being “burdened” with the problems of the ordinary people. If all our politicians had the kind of genuine compassion of Mohammed Abacha, I am sure the level of hardship facing the ordinary people would have been greatly reduced.

– Idris wrote in from Kaduna

Akpabio And A Doubting Thomas’ Blackmail

By John Akpaide

Journalism as a profession operates with a body of ethics. As a profession, it requires a period of training, which enables the acquisition of skills and exposure to its dynamics

Every responsible practitioner of journalism in Akwa Ibom State would heave a sigh of relief at what seemed as a rescue of the profession from the clutches of blackmailers and medium the state has witnessed these past years.

Thomas Thomas and his notorious medium, the Global Concord, are obviously anti-Akpabio elements in Akwa Ibom State. The paper has earned for itself the unenviable distinction of serving as a benchmark and a reference point in quackery as far as the practice of journalism is concerned. And the character has also acquired the notoriety of “Journalism Boko Haram” of Akwa Ibom State.

The mischief-making local tabloid debuted when Governor Godswill Akpabio stood at the barricade of public interest against a certain politician’s interest who wanted to stampede the governor into fleecing the state in his favour. Because Governor Akpabio refused to accede to that request, the bubble burst and hell was let loose with the man’s fury knowing no bounds. It was from such miasma of anti-people’s interest that this platform of

serial blackmail was birthed.

The arrowhead, an incompetent user of English language, has not disappointed his paymasters. In halted English often replete with grammatical somersaults, he has remained relentless in the “demonisation” of Governor Akpabio and his administration. There is no prefix or lexical item capable of disparaging someone that he has not freely employed against the person of the governor. Sometimes, it is so flagrant that one wonders whether the pen-assassin remembers that the man he is often referring to is the executive governor of his state. The idea of screaming headlines like: “Akpabio is a Rogue”; “Akpabio is a Thief”; “Akpabio Caught in London with $75 million” with a rider, “Assam Assam to the Rescue”, are all manifestations of intemperate rage against an office that should be protected.

Recently, this media mercenary decided to be more inventive and brazen. Not content with the series of publications in the anti-Akpabio newspaper that has made him an object of dread, nuisance and extremely contemptuous to Akpabio and his administration, he purported a recorded message that is

the subject of issue. He is reported to have gone to some rulers in the state to play for them a tape of a purported conversation he allegedly had with one of the members of a team of assassins that he alleged the governor empanelled to kill the two paramount rulers. According to him, one of the assassins called him and he decided to record the message.

This serial character defamer allegedly informed the paramount rulers that the matter concerning their elimination was urgent and would be executed with dispatch.

Of course, this caused extreme panic and fear, as the two paramount rulers had to go into hiding.

Severely troubled by the strange development, one of the paramount rulers in line with traditional norms sent a traditional injunction to the governor. Tension came upon the state like a plague with its attendant deepening of ethnic mistrust.

Politicians cashed in on it with all manners of insinuations and interpretations. The fact is, when one pointedly accuses a governor of plotting the elimination of the citizens he is expected to govern, especially like paramount rulers or any other important personali-

ty, especially if such persons come from an ethnic divide other than that of the governor, wrong signals are sent which flag the health of that polity.

Journalism as a profession operates with a body of ethics. As a profession, it requires a period of training, which enables the acquisition of skills and exposure to its dynamics. It is such exposure that breasts practitioners with the overriding need to preserve national interest over and above other considerations. It also imposes on them, the moral demand to ensure that stories are balanced.

But in Akwa Ibom State, the practice is peopled more by quacks than professionals. For them, they delight in maligning public officeholders for pecuniary recompense from their sponsors or for sheer illusory fame. But fame does not come from infamous actions. It comes from sterling contributions.

This should be food for thought for the likes of the doubting Thomas at the centre of what could be rightly called the most horrible embarrassment to the Fourth Estate of the Realm in Nigeria.

– Akpaide, a public affairs analyst, wrote in from Akwa Ibom

news north-East, north-west 41

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Northern Traders Registration: Kano Groups Want Emir Sanusi To intervene

By Abubakar Salihi, Kano

The Northern youths groups under the auspices of Arewa Youth Development Foundation, AYDF, has called on the emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, to as a matter of necessity and urgency intervene in the recent harassment of northerners residing in the south in the name of fighting

insurgency and the unacceptable silence of the federal government.

The group yesterday paid a visit to the emir at his palace to express their concern over the predicaments of the region and other unwarranted happenings in the country.

The group of youths stormed the emir’s palace in the early hours of yesterday carrying

banners and placards that contained various inscriptions.

In their address the group strongly advised all nonnortherners residing in any part of Northern Nigeria to relocate to their various regions of origin within two weeks to make room for accommodating the northern brothers and sisters who would be returning home from the south.

The ultimatum was contained in a statement read and jointly signed by the group’s national president, Barrister Aliyu M. Usman and its secretary, Comrade Alfred Solomon during a visit by the group to the emir of Kano Muhammadu Sunusi II in his palace.

“The group observed for the past four years a systematic policy of direct subjugation.

L-R: Beneficiary, Safiya Aliyu, receiving materials from representative of the chairman, Presidential Committee on Distribution of Relief and Rehabilitation of Flood Victims, Alhaji Sani Lugga, while Hamlet Head of Ungwan Turaki in Bauchi, Alhaji Ayuba Garba, gives a helping hand, during the launch of distribution of relief materials to victims of insurgency and communal clashes in 10 states in Bauchi, yesterday . photo by NAN

short news Jigawa: Kiyawa LG Opens 300 Ramadan Free Feeding Centres Kiyawa local government of Jigawa State has opened about 300 centres to provide free meals to the less privileged persons in this holy month of Ramadan.

The council chairman Nasir Ahmed stated this while speaking to journalist in his office.

He said, the council opened the centres in line with the state government’s policy that introduced the Ramadan free meals seven years ago aimed at assisting the less privileged persons in observing their obligatory fasting.

By Muh’d Zangina Kura, Dutse

Stop Taking Arms Against State, JNI Tells Insurgents

By ISAIAH BENJAMIN , Kaduna

As the Holy month of Ramadan enters its last 10 days, the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI) has again called on those taking arms against the state to rescind their decision and become peaceful.

In the same vein, the Islamic umbrella body has also called on Muslim Ummah to embark on special prayers of Al-Qunut for the people of Borno State, the entire North East and the nation at large where insurgency is the order of the day.

JNI in a statement issued yesterday and signed by its secretary general, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu and made available to LEADERSHIP in Kaduna,

urged the Muslim ummah to intensify on prayers against all manners of upheavals against the nation.

“We also once again call on those who took arms against the state to rescind their decision and become peaceful.”

According to JNI, “Bearing in mind, the significance of the last 10 days of Ramadan, Nigerian Muslims are hereby called upon to maximally put to use the last 10 days by reciting more of the glorious Quran, being punctual in observing the daily obligatory prayers, the Tarawih and Tahajjud in congregation.

“More importantly, they should watch out for Laylatul Qadr (the night of power) which often comes up on one

of the five exceptional nights within the last 10 nights of Ramadan. The five nights, according to authentic hadith of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) are 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th.

“As always, we therefore urge Muslim faithful to intensify prayers for the Ummah against all manners of upheavals, particularly special prayers (Al-Qunuut) for the people of Borno.

State, the entire North East and the nation at large, should offer, as they are being massacred with seeming impunity almost every day,” it stated.

JNI also implored the Muslim ummahs to intensify their generosities in giving alms to the poor, needy, orphans and handicapped in the society.

APC Secretary Faults FG’s Politicisation Of Institutions, Infrastructures By millie ibe, Abuja

The national secretary of the All Progressives congress (APC), Alhaji Mai Mala Buni,has condemned the politicisation of government institutions and infrastructures by the federal government.

The secretary said, “It is unfortunate and unacceptable for government to employ selective use of public institutions and infrastructures constructed with public funds.”

He decried a situation where pilgrims from Borno and Yobe states

traveling to Saudi Arabia were refused usage of the Maiduguri Airport and had to travel by road to Kano to take off to Saudi Arabia while an individual was allowed to use the same airport.

He said, “Bor no state governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima and Senator Ali Ndume were also denied take off from the airport but, the authorities opened the airport to Ali Sherrif to facilitate his defection to PDP. “This is a repeat of what happened during the Ekiti State governorship elections where APC governors were

refused landing at the Akure Airport.”

Mala pointed out that the PDP government was orchestrating primitive politics which does not speak well for Nigeria and development of democracy.

“I think government must urgently stop this dirty politics and concentrate on issues that will improve the lives of Nigerians instead of these brazen abuse of public office with impunity,” he said.

The secretary noted that a serious government should be concerned with the disturbing trend of insecu-

Kwankwaso Appeals To CBN Over New Bureau De Change Policy Kano State Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso has appealed to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to revise its new policy on Bureau De Change, BDC, operation in the country, saying that part of the measures introduced to sanitise the sub-sector will be counterproductive.

Kwankwaso spoke while receiving a Micro finance banking team from the Central Bank of Nigeria and a team of financial experts from Bangladesh who visited him at the Government House, Kano.

The governor added that as entailed in the new policy, the increase in the minimum capital requirement of N35million for Bureau De Change operation in the country, representing 250 per cent raise from the previous N10million would render many operators out of business.

According to the governor, many of the operators cannot meet the new benchmark, saying that there is the need to note that majority of them are form northern part of the country.

The CBN had recently issued what it called “Guidelines for International Money Transfer Services in Nigeria”, which the apex bank explained was in line with the provisions of the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 17 of 1995 and the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, BOFIA of 1991, which empowered it to license and regulate BDC operations in the country to achieve set objectives.

Kwankwaso said, “Although it is imperative to sanitise market operations, check money laundering activities and regulate the transfer of foreign currency within and outside the country, the increase in minimum capital requirement will likely throw many operators out of business and worsen the unemployment situation in the country”.

He stated that his administration recently signed a law that would protect and support micro finance bank establishment in order to encourage people, especially in rural areas to take advantage of banking services, adding that the CBN has granted approval for the take-off of 35 such banks in the state.

The Leader of the team and the CBN Director of Development Finance, Mr. Paul Nduka, had earlier told the governor that members of the team were in the state to assess the performance of Kano Micro Finance Banks, adding that the CBN approved the use of Bank of Bangladesh methodology in micro finance operation in Nigeria.

Nduka said that the team from Bangladesh would provide technical assistance to Kano micro finance banks in areas of risk management, structure, governance and others, adding that they would also provide two weeks training to all officials of the banks.

By Abubakar Salihi, Kano

42 news Lagos Use Of Quacks Responsible For Building By Chika Izuora and Olayemi Collapse – Guild Sowunmi, Lagos

Thursday, July 17, 2014

DFID Forum Votes LEADERSHIP No 1 Newspaper In Gender Reporting

The Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) has said that the use of quacks or wrong professionals have been responsible for virtually all the buildings that have collapsed in the country.

This disclosure was made by a civil engineer, Friday Chukwu, at a press conference organised by the BCPG at the Yaba local council development area secretariat.

While noting that building collapse has become a recurring decimal in Nigeria, he pointed out that in Lagos alone, more than 140 building collapse incidents have been reported over the past seven years, which is an average of 20 reported incidents per year.

By Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

The Leadership Newspaper has emerged the number one Nigerian newspaper in reporting genderbased issues.

The newspaper took the lead after extensive and exhaustive review of major national newspapers by experts in gender issues and journalists who attended a two-day media training workshop on ‘Gender and Social Inclusion Reporting’ in Lagos.

The forum was organised by the Lagos State Gender

Advocacy Team (LASGAT), an advocacy partner with the State Accountability and Voice Initiative (SAVI), a state level programme funded by the Department for International Development (DFID) in Nigeria.

Speaking before declaring the workshop open, State Team Leader (STL) of SAVI, Mr Felix Obanubi identified the media as a critical partner in social development, playing critical role in shaping policies for improving gender consideration in all facets of government.

Obanubi, however, noted that

there are some gaps in reporting gender issues in the media hence the need to partner media owners and journalists to adopt a paradigm shift in gender reporting.

He said no society would grow without mainstreaming gender in policy formulation and implementation, adding that striking a balance promotes equity and justice and will reduce if not eliminate restiveness.

While appreciating the media for proactively engaging the political class to incorporate balance in the administration of governance, Obanubi called for a more robust

media space in reporting issues that concern the socially excluded persons in the society.

He observed that people living with disability are largely excluded and reminded those in government that many people in that group have attained respectable heights in their professional calling but seem to be forgotten.

The STL also made a case for other vulnerable groups like the women and children and charged the media to scale up reports of abuse of these groups so as to prompt government into action.

short news Lagos Moves To Curb Open Defecation

Court Adjourns Suit Against PENGASSAN To Sept 25 The National Industrial Court in Lagos yesterday adjourned hearing of a suit filed against the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) by two of its members over alleged breach of their rights to September 25.

The members, John Nwanosike and Jonathan Omare, are seeking an order, restraining the defendants from holding any delegates’ conference, pending the determination of the suit.

Joined as defendants in the suit are PENGASSAN, its Chevron Branch, Mr Esanubi Frank and Mr Ayanate Kio, while the claimants are members of the Chevron branch of the association.

By Olugbenga Soyele, Lagos

Power Shift To North ‘ll Ensure Peace In Nigeria Lagos APC Spokesman The publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Mr Joe Igbokwe has linked the likelihood of peace in the country to powershift from the South to the North come 2015.

Igbokwe at a press conference he addressed in Lagos yesterday also did an appraisal of the nation’s democratic experience, saying both the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Presidency pose a mortal threat to the survival of civil rule.

Though Igbokwe said he spoke in his personal capacity as one of the activists that fought for the enthronement of democratic rule 16 years ago, he nonetheless stated that his position is not too distant from that of his party.

By Olaolu Oladipo, Lagos

Chief Nursing Officer, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital,(LASUTH), Mrs Salimat Ola-Aroyewu (left) receiving gifts items presented by officials of Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) and Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), at the children’s ward in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO B Y NAN

Lagos Youths Adopt Remi Tinubu For Second Term

By Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

About 500 youths in the Lagos Central Senatorial district yesterday passed a vote of confidence on the senator representing the zone in the National Assembly, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

The youths, at a meeting held at Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), gave their unalloyed support to the sena-

tor whom they described as resourceful.

The youths, under the aegis of Lagos Central Youths, maintained that Senator Tinubu is capable of representing them for a second term.

Tinubu had some weeks ago, accused the Senate of taking a partisan stance on national issues, just as the Senate leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, accused the senator of attempting to malign the leadership of the Senate.

One of the youths, Ralph Fatona from Victoria Island, Iru local government of the state, moved the motion to support Sen Tinubu, urging her not to be intimidated by those he described as unscrupulous people within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Fatona’s motion was seconded by the youth leader, Fatai Alli-Balogun, who expressed absolute confidence in the senator while others unanimously adopted it.

Piqued by the menace of open defecation in the Lagos metropolis, the state government has inaugurated a committee to manage six solarpowered public toilets at Agbalata market and four other toilets in Ajara market in Badagry area of the state.

Speaking at the inauguration of the committees, the commissioner for rural development, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi said the need for a management committee for the toilets arose in order to sustain the projects and ensure that they are well maintained.

He noted that if the toilets are not well maintained and clean all the time, the people will go back to their old ways of open defecation which has adverse effects on the people’s

By George Okojie, Lagos

Lagos Tree Planting Initiative Records 5m Trees In 6 Years

By Olushola Bello, Lagos

The governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola has said that six million trees have been planted in Lagos State since the state government initiated the tree planting campaign as part of measures to reduce the effects of the global climate change.

He made the disclosure during the commemoration of the 2014 edition of the annual Tree Plant-

ing Day. The 2014 Tree Planting Day with the theme “Life is better with trees” was jointly organised by the state government through the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency and Guinness Nigeria plc.

According to the governor, apart from the aesthetic value of trees, the health and environmental benefits are also innumerable.

“This exercise has also generated over 75,168 employment opportunities for horticulturists, pruners, gardeners, welders, tanker drivers, security personnel, down to the water boy, all of who help to keep the trees alive”, he said.

In his remarks, managing director and chief executive officer, Guinness Nigeria plc, Mr Seni Adetu noted that the company was honoured to partner

the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency on environmental preservation and restoration through this year’s industrial tree planting exercise.

“Guinness Nigeria plc is committed to minimising environmental impact across the full range of our operations, and we are working to extend environmental standards further through our supply chain,” Adetu said.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

A/Ibom 2015: Ibibio Monarchs Make U-Turn, Bless Jonathan’s SSA Traditional rulers in Ibibio land led by Uyio Ikpaison, Edidem Dickson Umoette, have accepted and blessed the governorship candidacy of Prof Richard King, chairman, Presidential Committee on the Niger Delta Projects Monitoring, from Eket Senatorial District, as against their earlier position on the zoning policy announced by the state government this year.

Umoette and other monarchs gave their blessing over the weekend at his palace in Etinan local government area during a consultation tour by Richard King on his governorship ambition.

The development has brought to an end the tension within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State following a lasting controversy over a zoning arrangement which will exclusively reserve the governorship contest at the October primary for Eket Senatorial District, with stiff opposition from the predominant Ibibio in Uyo Senatorial District.

By Bernard Tolani Dada, Uyo

news south-South south-East 43

Mariam Ali/Nwaoboshi Clash: 25 Delta PDP LG Chairmen Petition Mu’azu

By Sola Adebayo, Warri

Controversy lingered yesterday over last Friday’s clash between a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP’s) Board of Trustees (BoT), Mrs. Mariam Ali and Chairman of the party in Delta State, Chief Pete Nwaoboshi, as chairmen of the party in the 25 councils of the state petitioned the PDP’s National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu.

The chairmen in the petition per-

sonally signed by all of them, called for a sanction against the wife of a former national chairman of the party, Ahmadu Ali. It will be recalled that disagreement between Ali and Nwaoboshi at the party’s secretariat in Asaba, the state’s capital, on Friday, degenerated to a fight by the two PDP leaders.

Ali had protested alleged shabby treatment by Nwaoboshi as a seat was not provided for her at an event held at the party’s office.

But, the chairmen in their petition, described the BoT member and Special Adviser to the President on Intergovernmental Affairs as the aggressor.

According to them, the event, which was packaged to present official cars to them was on course before the arrival of Ali’s wife at the venue.

In their account, which conflicted with the one given by Mrs Ali, the chairmen said, “All invited party

leaders and elders nominated from our various wards in the (25) LGAs had peacefully arrived the venue of this meeting and we were chatting and bantering happily waiting for the arrival of our governor and his deputy, when Dr. Mrs. Ali stormed into the venue with her black SUV Jeep, briskly she ascended the podium and sat on the chair designated and tagged for the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Prof. Amos Utuama.”

short news 2015: NUJ Boss Charges Journalists To Be Security Conscious

Rivers: Rainbow Town To Be Completed In 2015 – Firm The Rainbow Town Estate project in Port Harcourt will boost the economy of Rivers State when completed in the third quarter of 2015.

The managing director/chief executive officer of the Rainbow Town Development Limited (RTDL), Mr Chima Ucheya, disclosed this yesterday during the unveiling of the Rainbow World in Port Harcourt.

The Rainbow Town project is a partnership between the Rivers State government and First Bank plc and the MoU was signed in February 2008.

By Anayo Onukwugha, Port Harcourt

Danjuma, Anenih, Others To Lead Women Conference In Edo The first female senator from Edo State, Mrs Daisy Danjuma and Mrs Josephine Anenih are among dignitaries that will converge on Benin for a one-day women conference.

A statement issued in Benin and made available to Leadership yesterday, signed by the conveners, Prof Yinka Omorogbe and Dr Roseline Okosun, said the conference with the theme “Edo Women Conference: Our Issues, Our Voices”, will hold at the popular Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre.

The statement revealed that the conference is meant to unite women, from the market woman to the senator in their pursuance of a greater future for the Edo girl.

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

L-R: PDP Woman Leader, Mrs Kema Chikwe, PDP Vice Chairman, Uche Secondus, Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio, PDP National Chairman, Adamu Mu’azu and Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, at the ground breaking of Akwa Ibom PDP permanent headquarters in Uyo, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN.

2015: Okorocha Will Not Get Fayemi Treatment – Aide

By Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

The defeat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi in the recently conducted governorship election in the state will not deter the Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and APC from winning the 2015 governorship election in Imo. The senior special assistant on media to the Imo State governor, Sam Onwuemeodo, stated this while reacting to insinuations by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state that Ow-

elle Okorocha will suffer the same fate as Dr Fayemi in 2015.

He said, “Since the loss of the governorship election in Ekiti State by the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Kayode Fayemi to the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Ayo Fayose, the leaders of the PDP in Imo State have continued to use that incident to disturb the peace of Imo people and by extension the peace of Nigerians.

“The leaders of the party in the state have continued to threaten that Governor Rochas Okorocha

would suffer the same fate with Dr Fayemi without embarking on critical analysis of the situations in the two states, and as they also affect the two personalities involved, Dr Fayemi and Owelle Okorocha,” Onwuemeodo said.

He disclosed that the latest of such threat was credited to a PDP chieftain from the state, who was also a commissioner in the immediate past PDP government in the state, Nze Elvis Agukwe, who he said told the media in an interview in Abuja that Okorocha would receive the Fayemi treatment in 2015.

APGA Inaugurates Imo Caretaker Committee

By Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Grand Alliance has inaugurated the newly reconstituted 30-member Imo State Caretaker Committee pending the conduct of its next congress in the state.

The swearing-in ceremony which was conducted by the ex-

ecutives of the party in Abuja yesterday followed the dissolution of the former committee by the NWC on the 24th of June, this year.

With this development, Barrister Peter Ezeobi is now the state APGA chairman while Dr David Iwuagwu is his deputy. Three vice chairmen representing Okigwe, Orlu and Owerri are Chief Ben

Ogbuehi, Sir Eugene Obi and Dr Chima Nwosu respectively while the state secretary is Mr Victor Chidi Diala.

Others include Chief Tony Mgbeahurike who is the publicity secretary while Mrs Uche Duruzor Agbasi is the women leader.

Charging the newly elected officials, national chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh asked the

National president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Mohammed Garba, yesterday in Calabar charged journalists in the country to be security conscious ahead of the 2015 general elections.

He gave the charge during a training workshop organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with Democratic Governance for Development (DGG).

Garba, who also called on journalists to comport themselves ethically during, before and after the forthcoming elections, stated that the issue of safety must not be taken for granted.

“The most significant message I have for my colleagues is to be conscious of their safety at all times whenever they are covering events, especially with the forthcoming elections” he said.

By Lanre Arotimi, Calabar

caretaker committee to ensure that they work diligently to nurture the party in Imo State and deliver the governorship and National Assembly seats to the party which he noted has well established followership in the state.

“You have been diligently and carefully put together to take care of the party and prepare it for forthcoming elections”, he said.

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48 NEWS

Thursday, July 17, 2014

2014 Guber Poll:

OsunDECIDES

Saturday, August 9

Osun First Lady Rallies Support For Husband Omisore Vows To End Cash Crunch In Osun Wife of the governor of Osun State, Alhaja Sherifat Abidemi Aregbesola has called on the electorate to ensure that the ongoing transformation continued unabated by ensuring that Governor Rauf Aregbesola emerged victorious in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

Alhaja Aregbesola who gave the admonition in Osogbo, Osun State Capital at a rally tagged: “Women in Politics” organised by her office and Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, enjoined women in the state to always champion the crusade for peace by warning their children to shun acts of thuggery and violence in the coming election.

The event which was held at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo was attended by political

office holders, party chieftains, lawmakers, civil society groups and market women among others.

Mrs Aregbesola, who appreciated the support of women for her husband, however appealed to women to support her husband by voting for him in the coming election.

She also called on women to participate more in politics saying that it was a better way of widening the frontiers of development in the society.

While speaking, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, expressed optimism in women, stressing that his administration has been recognising their role since inception.

He said his harmonious relationship with women has given him courage, promising that more slot will be given to women if

Aregbesola

re-elected.

Recounting his support for women in the last three and a half years, Aregbesola said that the prayer of widows is enough to make him emerge victorious in the coming election.

However, the guest speaker, Mrs Olusola Oluyamo, called on government at all levels to make sure that women are given more recognition in governance.

The flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the August 9, governorship poll slated to hold in Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore yesterday described what he called cash drought in the state as unacceptable.

Addressing his supporters at the popular CMS junction in Osogbo, the state capital, in continuation of his campaign tour of the state, Omisore blamed the alleged cash crunch on capital flight to Lagos which he attributed to the style of administration of Governor Rauf Arrgbesola, the All Progressives Congress(APC) candidate.

According to Omisore, Aregbesola has pauperised the state by not only awarding contracts to those he described as foreigners but “importing” even casual workers from

Lagos to Osun State while the people wallow in abject poverty.

He assured traders, artisans and small scale businessmen of financial assistance in the form of soft loan adding that he would ensure credible employment for youths in the state.

He told his listening crowd that he would ensure the completion of projects that are in the interest of the people and also ensure that the people feature prominently in the execution of the projects.

Omisore who re-emphasised his commitment to the welfare of the people promised to embark on

programmes and projects that would touch the lives of the people positively.

He admonished the electorate in the state to vote for him so that his aspiration to transform the state to an enviable one among its contemporaries could be realised.

Stories By Joshua Dada, Osogbo

SOUTH-WEST Apete Community’s Pedestrian Bridge Collapses Again Residents of Apete community in Ido local Government area of Oyo State have once again been cut off from neighbouring communities as a result of Tuesday night’s heavy rainfall.

This happened barely three weeks after the pedestrian bridge which link the community with other parts of the state collapsed, resulting to the deaths of over 15 residents.

LEADERSHIP learnt yesterday that another heavy downpour washed away a temporary bridge hurriedly created across the river by the state government for the pedestrians and which was commissioned about a week ago.

It would be recalled that the densely populated community was in the news in 2011 following the August 26, flood disaster that ravaged the Oyo State capital which washed away the only bridge linking the community with the rest of the world and during which several lives were lost and properties worth billions of naira destroyed.

By Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

Ekiti Guber: Election Tribunal Holds Inaugural Sitting

BY ALO ABIOLA, Ado-Ekiti

The Election Petition Tribunal set up to look into the issues relating to the conduct of the recently concluded governorship poll in Ekiti State yesterday held its inaugural sitting in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

Security was beefed up around the premises of the Ado Ekiti High Court, where the sitting was conducted, as armed policemen barricaded the dual carriage way that links Fajuyi Park with Basiri side of the capital city.

Justice Mohammad Siraj of the Federal High Court, Jos Division and the chairman of the three-member panel was the only judge present at the hearing.

The ex-parte motion filed by the petitioner, All Progressives Congress, APC, seeking to compel Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) to allow it inspect the materials used for the conduct of the poll was however struck out

by Justice Siraj.

Mr Kabir Akingbolu held brief for Alhaji Lateef Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria(SAN) who is to lead the APC legal team during Wednesday’s proceedings.

No legal representation was made at the tribunal by the 1st and 2nd respondents, Mr Ayodele Fayose and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as they are legally precluded from announcing their appearances in argument that rested on motion ex-parte. The petitioners’ action

for the withdrawal of the motion, according to the APC counsel was premised on the fact that event had overtaken the demand and that the parties that were joined in the application were different from the parties in the substantive petition filed against the respondents.

The APC had on July 11, 2014, in a petition deposed to by its Interim chairman, Chief Jide Awe, called for the invalidation of the election based on three grounds.

The grounds include that Mr Ayodele Fayose, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the election and winner, was not fit to contest the election on ground of his impeachment in 2006 as the governor of the state.

Oyo Converts Kidnappers’ Den To Model School

BY ADEBAYO WAHEED, Ado-Ibadan

Residents of Soka community in Oluyole local government area of Oyo State can now heave a sigh of relief as the kidnappers’ den in the community is to house a model school with modern facilities including hostel accommodation.

The Baale of Soka and environs, Chief Bello Olupoju told journalists yesterday that the kidnap-

pers’ den was cleared over the weekend while a big school is to be constructed there.

The 19 acre site which was formerly a thick bush had been cleared while the various buildings on the site formerly used by the kidnappers have also been demolished and levelled to the ground.

It was gathered that government is to construct a model

school with hostel facilities on the site.

A visit to the site showed that preparations for the construction of the school have already commenced, as several loads of sand, gravel and blocks were seen on the site.

Scores of bricklayers and technicians were also seen on the site, digging the foundation for the project.

Omisore

SHORT NEWS MURIC Warns Security Agencies Over Harassment Of Northern Muslims The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has warned Nigerian security agencies to stop harassing northerners and Muslims resident in the South-East, just at it denounced the constant raids on mosques which have become recurring decimal in the South Eastern part of Nigeria.

MURIC’s director, Professor Ishaq Akintola said in a statement that the unfolding pattern reveals overzealousness on the part of the security operatives based in the SouthEast. According to MURIC, flimsy excuses are being used to persecute Muslims and northerners resident in their midst.

By Adebayo Waheed,

news NATIONAL 49

Thursday, July 17, 2014

2014 Editors Conference Holds In Katsina

The All Nigerian Editors Conference (ANEC), the annual conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors will hold in Katsina, the Katsina State capital, from August 27-31, 2014. The conference which has as its theme, “Credible Elections and the Nigerian Editor”, will be hosted by the Katsina State government.

About 300 editors in electronic, print and online media are expected to attend the conference where new members and new fellows of the Guild will be inducted. Already, an array of international and national speakers has been lined up for the conference.

State governors and other top government officials are expected to grace the executive session.

President of the Guild, Femi Adesina, in a meeting with the planning committee in Abuja, charged the committee headed

by Garbadeen Mohammed to ensure a hitch-free conference that will impact professionalism and nation building.

Mohammed on his part promised a robust outing for the NGE, and disclosed that other details of the conference will be unveiled soon.

By Aronke Olayiwola, Lagos

Reps Hold Public Hearing On NEMSA As part of efforts to ensure effective and quality service delivery in the power sector, the House of Representatives has held a public hearing on the Bill to Establish Nigerian Electricity Management Services Authority (NEMSA).

The bill seeks to provide for the agency to enforce technical standards, inspection, testing and certification of electrical equipment/ materials, power systems, networks, safety regulation and adherence to best practices.

Speaking while declaring the hearing open, speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal expressed concern over the poor service delivery in the power sector.

Calling for deliberate action towards addressing various challenges in the sector, Tambuwal lamented that the epileptic power supply in the country has adversely affected the nation’s economic development.

Contributing at the event, chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, Sen Philip Aduda, expressed support for the passage of the NEMSA bill, saying it will ensure delivery of reliable electricity to Nigerians across the country.

However, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), opposed the establishment of the agency which it said will serve personal interests of some people.

By Edegbe Odemwingie, Abuja

End To AIDS By 2030 Possible – UN

By Aronke Olayiwola, Lagos

A new United Nations report has said that it will be possible to control the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030 and eventually end it “in every region, in every country”.

The report also said 19 million of the 35 million people currently living with HIV are not aware that they have the virus and concluded that, “Smarter scale-up is needed

to close the gap between people who know their HIV status and people who don’t, people who can get services and people who can’t and people who are protected and people who are punished.”

“Whether you live or die should not depend on access to an HIV test,” said the executive director of the UN’s AIDS programme (UNAIDS), Michel Sidibé. “If we accelerate all HIV scale-up by

2020, we will be on track to end the epidemic by 2030. If not, we risk significantly increasing the time it would take – adding a decade, if not more.”

Sidibé appealed to the international community to seize the opportunity to change the future of the epidemic.

“We have a fragile five-year window to build on the rapid progress that have been made,”

he said. “The next five years will determine the next 15.”

According to new data analysis, for every 10% increase in treatment coverage, there is a 1% decline in new infections among people living with HIV. Ending the epidemic by 2030 would avert 18 million new HIV infections and 11.2 million AIDS-related deaths globally between 2013 and 2030.

short news Tax Evasion: C/ River Revenue Board Seals Off NTA Calabar Station The premises of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Channel (9), Calabar has been sealed off by the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service for allegedly evading tax payment.

The exercise, which was effected yesterday by a combined team of the State Internal Revenue staff and L-R: Minister of State for Agriculture and Natural Resources Asabe Asmau Ahmed, Minister of Trade and Investment Mr Olusegun the police, it was Aganga, Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs Arc Darius Ishaku, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Moham- gathered, came on med Adoke (SAN) and Minister of Interior Comrade Abba Moro, during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential the heels of a court Villa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN. order.

An assistant director in the state’s IRS, Mr Ata Emmanuel, disclosed House. ty and we are looking forward to that a court of comAs PDP Strategises on Speaking before they went into having a peaceful election in Osun petent jurisdiction Takeover Of State a closed door session, Sambo said State. with court order No.

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja “I want to assure you that the that the PDP is making efforts “to RCT/MSC./6/2014, ensure that we bring back Osun to mandate that was taken through gave approval The vice president, Arc Namadi where it belongs.” the back door will come back to to seal the NTA Sambo, yesterday declared that Sambo who stated that the es- PDP as it was seen after the elecpremises over its the All Progressives Congress sence of yesterday’s meeting was tion in Ekiti State. The people will indebtedness to the (APC) got its current mandate to “strategise and ensure that the now have the chance to choose for board to the tune of in Osun State through the back people of Osun State are given an- themselves where they belong N42.5million. door, stressing that the PDP is other opportunity to decide their and they belong to PDP.” According to Empoised to replicate the Ekiti State mandate”, added “We all know He reiterated that his boss, manuel, the court victory in Osun on August 9. that Osun belongs to PDP. Those President Goodluck Jonathan, order to seal the NTA Sambo stated this during a people there now never went has assured that there will be free premises came from strategic meeting of the national through a successful election.” and fair election in Osun State. the Cross River chief campaign committee of the Osun He continued, “PDP is a party He assured the party and the judge, Justice Okoi governorship election. The meet- that respects elders, traditional committee that he will continue Itam. ing lasted for close to two hours rulers, the youth, women and ev- to “work diligently to ensure PDP

By Lanre Arotimi, behind closed doors at Legacy erybody. We are a peaceful par- wins back Osun State.”

Calabar

Osun Belongs To PDP – Sambo

National Identity Card Issuance To Begin Soon – NIMC Boss

By Patience Ivie Ihejirika, Abuja

The director general of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Barrister Chris Onyemenam, has expressed confidence that the National Identity Card issuance will begin soon.

Onyemenam stated this while taking the director general, National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mallam Abuba-

kar Mohammed, through the process of enrolment when he paid a courtesy call to the NIMC Headquarters in Abuja.

He said, “No doubt, Rome was not built in a day, and so, gradually, NIMC shall get to greater heights as it begins card issuance as well as the harmonisation and integration process.”

On his part, the NDE DG, Mallam Abubakar Mohammed, applauded the commission for a

well articulated effort towards creating, maintaining and managing a National Identity Database in the country.

Mohammed expressed satisfaction with the measures put in place by the commission to ensure a standard data capturing process.

He called on all eligible citizens who are yet to enrol for the National Identification Number (NIN) to avail themselves

of the process, after he was enrolled for his NIN and issued his NIN slip.

According to him, NIMC has shown great competence towards achieving the mandate to create, maintain, operate and manage a National Identity Management System, and “every responsible Nigerian must be part of the process. We must assist the NIMC to capture all of us.

50 news NATIONAL

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Soldiers Recover 218 Cows From Rustlers

Reps Summon Jega Over Distribution Of Permanent Voter Cards

The soldiers attached to the Special Task Force (STF) operating in Plateau State have recovered over 218 cows from some cattle rustlers.

This was made known in an update on the official website of the Defence Headquarters yesterday.

Some of the animals were said to have been rescued when troops on special patrols invaded the camp of the rustlers who were said to have made away with some cattle after allegedly killing some herdsmen in Kanke town.

Another separate operation was said to have been undertaken by the STF operatives in Panchiki, culminating in further recoveries.

The text of statement read thus “Operatives of the STF in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria have recovered over 218 cows stolen by cattle rustlers in various parts of the state.”

By Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

By Adesuwa Tsan and Edegbe Odemwingie, Abuja

FG Doles Out N1.3bn For Standard Rail Feasibility Contract The federal government yesterday approved the sum of N1.3 billion for a contract involving the feasibility studies of standard rail gauge system along six rail corridors in the country.

The decision was taken at the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting after identifying the rail corridors under the 25-year strategic railway development policy of the federal government.

Minister of Information, Mr, Labaran Maku gave the hint while briefing State House Correspondents alongside his Transport and Industry, Trade and Investment counterparts, Alhaji Idris Umar and Dr. Olusegun Aganga.

Minister of Transport said the contract included identification of business and economic activities along the selected corridors.

By George Agba, Abuja

Protest Over LCDA Headquarters Indigenes of some towns in the newly created Ero Local Council Development Area have expressed their dissatisfaction over the siting of its headquarters in Igogo Ekiti.

The people, drawn from Erinmope, Irare, Ikun and Ikosun Ekiti - all in the present Moba Local Government - stormed the State House of Assembly and the State Independent Electoral Commission office in Ado-Ekiti in protest of the council creation decision.

They described government’s action as unjustifiable, and capable of creating animosity among the constituent communities. They said the choice of Igogo Ekiti did not represent the collective interest of all the seven towns in the constituency.

By Alo Abiola, Ado-Ekiti

The House of Representatives has summoned the chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, to appear before the House Committee on Electoral Matters within 48 hours to give a progress report on the distribution of per-

manent voter cards across the country.

The lawmakers took this decision after considering and adopting the prayers of a motion of urgent national importance moved

by Hon Yakub Balogun (APC, Lagos).

Leading the debate on the motion, Balogun said the House was interested in a status report on

the distribution exercise to prevent any loophole through which the electorate could be disenfranchised especially as people who fail to replace their temporary cards with permanent ones would not be eligible to vote in future elections.

“The House is further aware that INEC has directed that all holders of Temporary Voter’s Card will not be allowed to vote in subsequent

elections in Nigeria and also directed that all eligible voters must compulsorily replace their Temporary Voter’s Card with the new permanent voter card.

“Worried that available reports indicate that INEC has not been able to effectively replace all the TVCs with permanent ones in all the states of the federation,” he said

short news Court Declares Oyo Directors’ Sack Illegal The National Industrial Court, Ibadan Division, has declared the termination of appointment of seven directors in service of the Local Government Service Commission in Oyo State as illegal.

The affected directors were sacked by the state government in February 7, 2013.

The presiding judge, Justice Edith Agbakoba, ordered the reinstatement of L-R: Plateau Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Sarah Yusuf; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women the affected directors Affairs, Mrs Sumaye Hamja , and representative of Category Business Manager, Nutrition, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mrs Abiola Ofulue, at a to the civil service and payment of workshop on nutrition for managers and care givers of orphanages in Jos, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN. N100,000 to each as compensation.

The affected officers, who were out the knowledge, authority or tion restraining the defendants,

By Olugbenga Soyele, Lagos led in a suit NCIN/ consent of the claimant. its servants, agents or privies IB/44/2013 filed In their quest to take possession The two defendants in the suit from, in any way or manner, inby Prince John of one of their father’s property, are: Diplomat Investment Ltd terfering with the claimant’s posAdeyinka Adeleye, the children of late Biafran war- and Clear Essence California Spa session of the property. challenged the Oyo lord, Chief Odumegwu-Ojuk- and Wellness Resort.

OTL further wants an order State governor, Oyo wu, have filed two separate suits OTL also prayed the court to granting immediate possession State Government, against two Lagos-based compa- declare that the lease agreement of the property located at 13, AlAttorney- General nies before a Lagos High Court purported to have been grant- exander Avenue, Ikoyi to OTL. and Commissioner sitting in Igbosere. ed by the claimant to the defenThe plaintiff also want an orof Justice, and the The children, who filed the suit dants and registered as No. 62 der setting aside the lease agreeLocal Government through one of the deceased’s at page 62 in volume 2211 at the ment being relied upon by the deService Commission, company, Ojukwu Transport Land Registry, Lagos, in respect fendants.

Oyo State, against the Ltd (OTL), alleged that the lease of the above-named property is Early this year, OTL had withwrongful dismissal documents being relied upon by null and void. drawn a similar suit against “unfrom service last year. the companies over the properThe plaintiff also want the known persons” on the same

By Adebayo ty were allegedly obtained with- court to issue an order of injunc- property.

Waheed, Ibadan

Ojukwu’s Children Institute Fresh Suit Over Father’s Property

Again, Robbers Attack Interior Ministry, Steal Vital Items

By Christiana Nwaogu, Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Interior has again suffered a heavy burglary attack as unknowned gunmen were said to have broken into the heavily guarded office premises for the third time, making away with yet to be disclosed items.

This attack, LEADERSHIP gathered, came few months after the ministry reduced half of the number of security operatives taken from all the paramilitary agencies under its supervision, claiming its can no

longer meet up with the payment of their allowances.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the Ministry had sometime in August and September 2013 been burgled within a space of eight days, leaving the minister’s and the permanent secretary’s offices badly damaged.

Investigation revealed that the burglars first gained entry into the office of the Personal Assistant to the Minister of Interior on Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) matters allegedly in search of documents, which our sources at-

tributed to the “ongoing subversive plot against the minister, Comrade Abba Moro.”

Other offices burgled at the weekend include the Audit, Press office, Protocol office, Special Duties, Director of Press and P. A. to the Minister, and but the thieves failed to gain entrance to Office 327, Office of Special Assistant, Technical.

A dependable source, who does not want her name mentioned, blamed the recent trend at the ministry on the permanent secretary, Mrs. Fatimat Bamidele, who is said

to be uncomfortable with the number of security operatives posted to the ministry since she resumed duty there.

The source said Mrs. Bamidele had complained of paucity of funds to pay their allowances.

Before the reduction, 88 security officers with total monthly allowance of N362, 500 were being owed 14 months in total sum of N4, 760, 000.

Documents reliably obtained by our Correspondent has shown arguments put up by the Permanent Sec-

OPINION 51

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Re: 2015: Why Jigawa Needs More Robust Leadership

By Adamu Muhd Usman

“You can become blind by seeing each day as similar one. Each day is different one; each day brings a miracle of its own. It’s just a matter of paying attention to this miracle” – Paulo Cogh One of the beauties of democracy is the freedom of expression, which is why no one can stop one Lawal Kaugama for his opinion letter which appeared on page 35 of the leadership newspaper of Monday, July 7, 2014 in respect to Jigawa State government. When this present administration came to power in 2007, Jigawa was at the peak of political, social, economic and even mental degeneration. But within a short time the state has restored a new social life for the people by providing succours that have changed the social, economic and mental thinking of the people of the state.

Before the coming of the Governor Sule Lamido-led administration, just few days to the expiration of Saminu Turaki’s tenure, Jigawa was sunk in financial recklessness and moral ineptitude that people began to wonder whether the state was governed by a sane person. You cannot imagine seeing the condition of our schools, hospitals, roads and other infrastructures which were in total state of dilapidation.

The case between the EFCC and Saminu Turaki which is still before the Federal High Court Dutse is pointer to the kind of embezzlement

Lamido

and damage done by the rampaging governor.

Well, there seems to be an oppressive tendency of desperation, ingratitude, falsehood and deceit on the psyche of some people, like Lawan Kaugama, or else, how can someone compare Saminu’s tenure to that of Lamido and even accuse Lamido of foisting a successor on the people of Jigawa State? Let me remind Kaugama that, despite the so call monies distributed during Saminu Turaki’s era in the name of financial support (Kudin Kwati) to the people, that didn’t protect them from poverty, because, in 2007 Jigawa State was ranked the poorest among the states in the federation

by Professor Chukuma Soludo’s led Central Bank. Also, the state was either first or second on maternal and infant mortality rate index.

The political gladiators in the state, if not in the region cannot produce a match to Lamido in terms of his ideologies, credentials and achievements

There was massive students’ failure in SSCE and other examinations conducted. However, all these challenges were reversed, oweing to the purposeful leadership of Lamido.

The entire populace is convinced that the political gladiators in the state, if not in the region cannot produce a match to Lamido in terms of his ideologies, credentials and achievements.

Lawal’s assertion that the 486 northerners arrested in Abia were mostly from Jigawa and it was the level of poverty that led them to go searching for better economic prospects, is not true.

The holistic approach of Jigawa State government in tackling poverty is unprecedented in the history of Nigeria, because everyone with sense of history knows that the state hosted the first ever Talakawa Summit in the country in 1998, the outcome which was the present administration’s giant strides in the area of poverty alleviation for women, youth, and the physically challenged with the aim of improving and enriching their lives by making them more productive.

Of course, Lamido will leave office in 2015 with his experience, foresight and the wisdom of old age, who is to succeed him? That is the crucial and the biggest question in Jigawa politics for now.

Imposing candidates will not be the criteria based on Lamido’s political ideologies.

– Usman is the special adviser to Jigawa State governor on Media

2015: Which Way For Kogi East Politics? by musa wada

Letters & Opinions Letters to The Editor, P. O. Box 9514, Garki II, Abuja.

Text: 08116759791.

E-mail: Opinions@ leadership. ng (no attachments please).

Fax: 09-2345360

Democrac y, representative democracy though a good and convenient system for modern societies, comes not without pitfalls. The pitfalls I speak about are not necessarily situated in the democratic system itself. Infacts there is nothing seriously wrong with representative democracy as it is the nearest means of having everyone involve in governance. The problem is really with the general attitude that underlies the process at least in our part of the world.

The accumulation of negatives which have fuelled widespread public discontent and disenchantment is fast demeaning the significance of representative democracy.

Indeed, democratic values have been misplaced and replaced with politics of the stomach and thus, the greatest damage to representative democracy. Politics of the stomach is to blame for all the assault on democracy in Nigeria. The one who aspires to be elected is not motivated by a sence of service to the people but of service to pockets. Those who will vote are wont to do so in so far as it can be determined how heavier their pockets become after

the exercise.

This two way problem is selfreinforcing and have succeeded in characterising our democracy with cynicism, mistrust, greed, instability and unhealthy rivalry.

At the receiving end of this ugly development is the society. Another victim is the political system. While it puts our system of representative democracy in peril, it equally erodes support for our political system.

It hinders the development and progress of our land and people.

It weakens the bond and unity of purpose amongst our citizens, and their representatives. It clouds our judgement and mislead us into assailing the character, and damaging the reputation of otherwise talented and concerned representatives.

Where we are meant to appreciate, we blindly denounce. We must not forget that our leaders are humans and will naturally find motivation in our appreciation.

When we deny them that, we drive them to confusion and loss of focus. A worrisome scenario of these concerns is to be found in Kogi East senatorial district. The volatility of political activities, the astounding conflicts of interest, and

the fiendish partisanship has all but denied this district the dividends of representative democracy, its most damaging effects are conspicuously felt at the level of the federal legislature.

Whether it be the House of Representatives or the Senate, politics of the stomach as typified in the campaigns of changes or ‘no comeback’ politics is grievously taking its toll on the legislative developments and achievement in Kogi East federal constituencies and senatorial district.

Few people really understand what goes on inside the National Assembly and as a result of this inadequate knowledge or information about the affairs of the Congress, we conveniently rush to town heaping blames on our senators and representatives and ascribe to them names such as ‘ I concur member’ the mute member’, etc. This attitude is quite demeaning and tends to roll back the frontiers of our legislative achievements.

This ridiculous attitude rather than spurring such congress men to action, produces a negative effect on their resolve, disposition and interest in the legislative business.

–Wada wrote in from Abuja

Inside Out

KUNLE SOMORIN Feed back: kunlesomorin@yahoo.co.uk 08023339626 (SMS only)

Al-Makura: A Cockroach In Chickens’ Court The political drama that is playing out in the country is as revealing as it is absurd. When I wrote last week about the foretold tragedy of Admiral Murtala Nyako impeachment, I wasn’t under any illusion that those who revel in his downfall will forever be at peace. I was also certain that a lion that taste in human flesh will not stop at one.

Nyako may have walked into a trap with his eyes wide open, but do we say Governor Umaru Al-Makura is also like a dog destined to go astray that will definitely be deaf to the whistle of the hunter? After him who else: Rotimi Amaechi, Adams Oshiomhole or is it Rauf Aregbesola that will take the rough ride out of Oke Fia? Was Al-Makura abroad when Chief Olusegun Obasanjo left blood in his tummy and spat out white spittle when he officially opened the official residence of Senate President Chuba Okadigbo, who he had schemed to remove the next day?

What transpired in Lafia on Monday was a tragedy foretold as the political death of Nyako the same day. Didn’t he envisage a Balarabe Musa treatment?

The lawmakers in the State House of Assembly were ostensibly on a mission and the plot, like the governor’s special adviser on Special Duties, Abdullahi Mohammed said had been ongoing. I heard when PDP spokesman said Olisah Metuh’s stand that they “are going about dropping the name of Mr President, saying the minister of Petroleum and some PDP governors have indicated interest in footing the bills”.

We know that someone must foot the bill on a matter like this. The governor’s aide had said the lawmakers were each paid N30m. They have not denied. We also know they have been shuttling Abuja as a group more recently.

Now after their month-long investigation into the expenditure profile of the state government since 2011 and several meetings that took place outside the chambers, they have resuscitated the Francis Orogu (Keana)-led ad-hoc committee to look into reports of the House committees on Public Accounts; Health; Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Commerce and Industry and Capital Market. The purpose, of course, is to justify the alleged extra budgetary expenditure amounting to about N3 billion and nail the governor. Let someone tell me if what was dug up is worse than what the Ahmed Makarfi committee exhumed in the extra-budgetary expenses on oil subsidy amounting to trillions?

All I know is that the governor could be likened to a cockroach in the web of chickens. Can he be justified? Originally, elected as the only governor on the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), one of the legacy parties of the APC, Al-Makura should have seen that he was threading on a floor strewn not only with banana peels, but a floor brazed with palm oil before the peels were laid. It was double-jeopardy.

When the Ombatse cult killed no fewer than 100 policemen and security operatives in Eggon community, it was linked to the fear that the Eggon-speaking natives, who aided Tanko AlMakura to power, felt he had reneged on his pledge to serve for only a term of four years.

Rather than address the ‘private army’ politically, he kept boasting of how “myself and my administration are bent on bringing to book criminals and perpetrators of the dastardly act in Alakyo”. Now Baba Alakyo is free, but Al-Makura is hiding from being served impeachment charges. What a country?

52

Thursday, July 17, 2014

world

news ➌ ➎ ➊

For Some Srebrenica Deaths

A court has cleared the Netherlands of liability in the deaths of most of the 8,000 Bosnian Muslims slain in the Srebrenica massacre, but says it has to compensate the families of more than 300

men.

The court ruled that the Dutch state was responsible for the deaths of those 300 victims in the worst atrocity on European soil since World War II.

➏ Gaza Deaths Pass 200 As Israel, Hamas Trade Fire

The death toll from Israeli air strikes in Gaza has passed 200, as militants and Israel have traded rocket and missile fire for a ninth day.

In the latest Palestinian casualties, four children were killed in an

Israeli strike on a beach near Gaza City.

Hamas and other militants have fired more rockets after an initial Egyptian attempt to broker a ceasefire failed.

The governor of Kenya’s coastal region of Lamu has appeared in court on allegations of links to a spate of massacres, with the prosecution requesting more time to complete investigations.

Governor Issa Timamy of Lamu

county was arrested in connection with last month’s killings in the town of Mpeketoni and nearby villages, which were claimed by the Somali armed group al-Shabab, but blamed by the government on local political networks.

➎ Dutch Held Liable

➋ ➍ ➏ ➐

➊ EU Donates

➋ 7 Given Life For

The Federal Ministry for Power (FMP), The European Union (EU) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) announced yesterday a scale up of the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), through a N3.4 billion grant.

imprisonment for sexually harassing and attacking women during a number of public rallies in Cairo’s Tahrir Square.

Wednesday verdicts are the first such heavy sentences against perpetrators of sexual violence after the government’s decision to toughen penalties.

N3.4b In Support Of Egypt Assaults An Egyptian court has Power Sector sentenced seven men to life

America, Land Of The Free?

1 4

Of the entire world’d prison population in

is imprisoned in the land of the free.

➌ End To Aids Epidemic ➍ Syria’s Assad Sworn By 2030 ‘Is Possible’

In For Third Term

There is a chance the AIDS epidemic can be brought under control by 2030, according to a report by the United Nations Aids agency.

It said the number of new HIV infections and deaths from AIDS were both falling.

However, it called for far more international effort as the “current pace cannot end the

Bashar al-Assad has been sworn in for a third term as Syria’s president in a ceremony in Damascus, after an election his opponents said was a “farce”.

Assad on Wednesday swore by the Quran before parliamentarians in an extraordinary session, 40 months into a conflict estimated to have killed more than 160,000 people.

➐ Kenyan Governor

Tried Over Lamu Massacres

53

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Federation Cup: El-Kanemi Warriors Arrive Lafia For Dolphins Players and officials of El-Kanemi Warriors yesteray arrived Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital ahead of their Federation Cup round of 16 clash with Dolphins FC today.

The media officier of the club, Obaseki Anthony told Goal that the Borno Army has been boosted with the return of Flying Eagles star Ifeanyi Matthew for the

game with the Pride of Rivers for a place in the last 8.

“The team always travels two days for any of their away matches. Since we got our letter for the round of 16 on Monday from Abuja, the management has taken care of all the logistics as our team left Maiduguri on Tuesday, rested a night somewhere and

moved to Lafia the venue of our match on Wednesday to play on Thursday.

“All our players are in good shape, coach [Salisu] Yusuf who just came back from the World Cup in Brazil will bank on Flying Eagles star [Ifeanyi] Mathew who secured the winning goal against Abia Warriors.

Baribote To Withdraw Case Against NFF Today The suit filed against the Nigeria Football Federation at a High Court in Jos by owner of Nembe Football Club, Mrs Ebiakpo Baribote, is expected to be withdrawn today, which is also the new deadline given by Fifa for the reinstatement of the Aminu Maigari-led NFF board.

According to Goal, top sources at the National Sports Commission and State House revealed yesterday that Mrs Baribote has been persuaded to withdraw the case in the interest of Nigeria while the powers that be will ensure the 15-year ban imposed

on her husband Victor Rumson Baribote is not only lifted but will also have the luxury of returning to the Nigeria Football Federation but with a clause - through due election.

The complainant has agreed with the top sports administrators that held a meeting again on Tuesday with her and her husband and have also set machinery in motion to get the case thrown out from the Plateau State High Court in Jos. “As I speak with you now, some top officials from the federal government level have waded

into the matter and Mr President (Goodluck Ebele Jonathan) wants the issue to be resolved early enough not to incur Fifa’s ban, because as a sports lover he knows what football means to an average Nigerian fan and youths too.

“So I am confident that by tomorrow (Thursday) the case will be withdrawn for Fifa to lift the suspension placed on Nigeria which is the most important issue on ground now,” a top sports administrator told Goal.

There is the danger of Nigeria missing out of the party in Canada next month if the ban is not lifted.

Baribote

NSC Throws Weight Behind Akanu Ibiam Super Cup BYSALIFU USMAN, Abuja

We are engaging the services of Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF) to handle the screening of the players for the games and we will be thorough because we want to ensure only the right players participate in the competition Alhassan Yakmut, Director Grassroots Sports Development, NSC

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has assured of its commitment towards ensuring successful organisation and hosting of the Ezeogo Dr Akanu Ibiam Super Cup U-18 male football tournament, saying it would enhance talents discovering and sports development.

Sports Minister and chairman National Sports Commission, Dr Tammy Danagogo gave the assurance during the official unveiling of the trophies in Abuja.

The minister, represented by the Director Grassroots Sports

Development, Alhassan Yakmut said NSC would ensure that only the players within the age limit participate in the competition designed to honour the former governor of the Eastern Region, Ezeogo Dr Akanu Ibiam.

“We are engaging the services of Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF) to handle the screening of the players for the games and we will be thorough because we want to ensure only the right players participate in the competition. Our appeal to the participating states is for them to ensure that they eschew cheating which might defeat the essence of the games,” he said.

I Will Continue Silencing Arsenal’s Critics – Ramsey

Ramsey

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey enjoyed proving his doubters wrong last season, but has vowed not to allow complacency to creep in.

Ramsey came of age in 201314, scoring the winner in the FA Cup final against Hull City and chipping in with a career-best 16 goals in all competitions.

Despite the fact that the 23-year-old spent just over three months sidelined with a thigh injury, Ramsey believes that his performances last term will have silenced his critics.

“I’ve been through a lot in my short career so far,” Ramsey told the club’s official website.

“I’ve had a bit of everything so it was nice to have a good season, score the number

of goals that I did and be recognised a lot more.

“I’ve always believed in myself and what I can do, and I think a lot of people realised that last year and that’s what I’m more happy about.”

Pre-season training recently started at Arsenal and Boreham Wood provide the first friendly opposition for Arsene Wenger’s men this weekend.

“It’s always important to get a good pre-season in you,” added Ramsey. “I want to keep on working on my game.

“Hopefully I can keep improving and get better and better. That’s my target now just to improve on my game and keep on building every season.”

Speaking further, he described the tournament as a standard platform for youths of the old Eastern Region states to showcase themselves, stating that the talents will be harness for national development. “NSC and its agency, NFF will harness all the talents that will be unveil during the tournament for national teams.”

The event which has also received full endorsement of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the government of Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and River States.

Tammy Danagogo

Khedira In Madrid Talks Amid Arsenal, Chelsea Interest Arsenal and Chelsea target Sami ly Telegraph. “I don’t think a Khedira is holding crunch talks fee has been agreed, otherwise with Real Madrid to decide his I would have been told. future, according to the player’s “When a club have an interest agent.

I am sure they will call me and The Gunners are willing to we will speak about things. The match Real Madrid’s €25 mil- same goes for Chelsea.

“We are talking to Real Malion valuation of the midfielder, but have baulked at suggestions drid about his contract, but the player wants a €250,000-a- nothing is close to being decided. Sami has just returned from week salary.

Khedira has just one year re- the World Cup and has gone on maining on his current deal, holiday.”

Should Khedira stay at the with Jorg Neubauer admitting an extension is “not close”, but Santiago Bernabeu, he could insists no offer has yet to be ac- face further competition for a cepted for the World Cup win- spot in the Blancos XI should his ner.

Germany team-mate Toni Kroos “We are not in talks with Ar- be signed from Bayern Munich senal,” Neubauer told The Dai- in the coming days as expected.

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/sports

54 sports

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Juventus Confirm Allegri Appointment

DStv Basketball League action

DStv PBL Playoff Semi-final Cracker Holds Tomorrow

BY ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

The two semi-final games of the 2013/2014 season of the DStv Premier Basketball League will hold on Friday at the Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Group-A leader and defending champion, Kano Pillars basketball club will take on Group-B runner-up Gombe Bulls basketball club at 4pm while Group-B winner Mark Mentors basketball club of Abuja battles Dodan Warriors basketball club of Lagos at 6pm.

Pillars led by prolific scorer Abubakar Usman who poured in 31 points in the 84-79 big win over Dodan Warriors basketball club on Match Day-3 on Tuesday won all its three group games against Warriors (8479), Union Bank (88-71) and recorded the highest point margin defeated of Plateau Peaks by 93-53 points to earn maximum

points in the group while its semi-final opponent Gombe Bulls posted an impressive 2-1 record with wins over Islanders (45-42) and Oluyole Warriors (53-34) but lost to Mark mentors by 5876 points.

The second semifinal match-up between Mentors and the Warriors saw both teams earning points like the two first semi-final opponents.

Mentors won all it group-B games against Oluyole Warriors (82-61), Gombe Bulls (76-58) and Islanders (53-50) while Dodan Warriors who gave Pillars some moment to reflect on in both sides last group-A pairing on Tuesday finished the preliminary round with 2-1 record just like Gombe Bulls defeating Plateau Peaks and Union Bank (71-57 and 65-52) before going down to Pillars (79-84).

The Pillars versus Bulls game have been described as a walkover given Kano Pillars,

pedigree in the league as a team that possess some of the best players on the local scene.

Most pundits says Coach Abdulrahman Mohammed and his Gombe Bulls side will have their hands full as Pillars will not give them any room to operate and posited that Pillars are already through to the final but were quick to add that Pillars should not be too complacent like Islanders who were shocked by the Bulls (45-42) and the first day of the play-off which became the greatest undoing of the Atlantic Conference regular season winner.

The Mark Mentors, Dodan Warriors matchup would be an epic battle as both sides share lots of similarities with several players on the roster of the Abuja-based Mentors have at one time or the other played for Dodan Warriors in the past including Mentors assistant coach Chris

Okoh while Mentors head coach Peter Ahmedu was until last season in-charge of the Warriors coaching crew, many believe this factor will work in favour of the Mentors.

Day-1 Results: Dodan Warriors 71 – 57 Plateau Peaks Mark Mentors 82 – 61 Oluyole Warriors Kano Pillars 88 – 71 Union Bank Islanders 42 – 45 Gombe Bulls

Juventus have confirmed the appointment of Massimiliano Allegri as their new head coach.

The Serie A champions were looking for a new trainer following the shock departure of Antonio Conte on Tuesday and they have now named the former AC Milan coach as their new boss.

“For me it is an honour to be called as coach of Juventus,” he told reporters at a press conference to reveal his arrival on Wednesday. “I am content and happy to coach Juventus.

“Today and tomorrow I begin my work. I am at the club’s disposal. I know this is an important role. Juventus have won the Scudetto for three straight years, I am here to continue to winning with this team.

“I am lucky because for four years I had the fortune to coach Milan, and now I have the opportunity to coach another big team like Juventus. It is an honour and I want to keep winning.

“We will fight for the Scudetto until the bitter end. In Europe we have

a duty to put in a big showing in the Champions League.”

Allegri had been out of work ever since he was fired by the San Siro side back in January and he will now be looking to redeem himself at Juve.

The 46-year-old started his coaching career at Aglianese and also took charge of Real SPAL, Grosseto, Sassuolo and Cagliari before taking over at Milan in 2010.

He guided the San Siro outfit to the Serie A title in his first season, but failed to replicate that feat in the following seasons - partially due to the departure of stars such as Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Allegri will be looking to guide Juventus - who confirmed the deal on their Twitter - to their fourth consecutive Scudetto, while the club’s board of directors will also expect European success.

Juventus were disappointingly eliminated in the group stages of the Champions League last term after making it to the quarterfinals the season before.

Day-2 Results: Oluyole Warriors 43 – 63 Islanders Kano Pillars 93 – 53 Plateau Peaks Gombe Bulls 58 – 76 Mark Mentors Union Bank 52 – 65 Dodan Warriors Day-3 Results: Union Bank 77 – 71 Plateau Peaks Oluyole Warriors 34 – 53 Gombe Bulls Islanders 50 – 53 Mark Mentors Dodan Warriors 79 – 84 Kano Pillars

Allegri

Gateway Step Up Preparation For Bayelsa United Tie

Bayelsa United players

Gateway United defeated Go Round FC of Port Harcourt 1-0 at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta in the continuation of the Nigeria National League(NNL) matches on Tuesday as they prepare for the Federation Cup tie with Bayelsa United tomorrow in Abuja.

The Ogun State side was expecting the tie to be played on Wednesday but

the refusal of the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) to shift their Federation Cup Round of 16 tie with the Restoration Boys on Friday meant that the game with Go Round FC had to take place on Tuesday to allow for their trip to Abuja well ahead of their Friday tie with Bayelsa.

Speaking with Goal from Abeokuta on Tuesday night, Gateway United’s head coach, Henry Nwosu

said that his boys were very wasteful against Go Round and that they lost a penalty kick and also had two goals incorrectly ruled out.

Michael Okolo’s freekick was all Gateway United needed to beat Go Round on Tuesday but Nwosu revealed that his boys would play better against Bayelsa United as they seek a place in the quarter finals of the competition.

sports 55

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Transfer News As Europe prepares for the commencement of another league season, several clubs are searching for players that would beef up their teams and make their participation in their various leagues worthwhile. Clubs that would be participating in the UEFA Champions League and the Europa Leagues are also in frantic search for players that would give them an edge over opponents. Our correspondent, ONJEWU DICKSON brings you latest transfer gists and rumours in this compiled piece.

Atletico Replace Courtois With Oblak Atletico Madrid have confirmed the signing of Jan Oblak on a sixyear deal in an attempt to fill the void left by Thibaut Courtois’ return to parent club Chelsea.

Jose Mourinho has publicly insisted that the Belgian shotstopper will not be loaned out for a fourth successive season to the Vicente Calderon by the Blues and the signing of the Slovenian goalkeeper suggests that Diego Simeone is ready to move on.

The 21-year-old was

part of Benfica’s treblewinning team last season, making 25 appearances between the sticks for Jorge Jesus’ men, and is reported to have set La Liga’s holders back a hefty €16 million.

Vidal Won’t Be Sold To Man Utd – Marotta Juventus chief executive Giuseppe Marotta has insisted Manchester United target Arturo Vidal is “not for sale”.

New Old Trafford manager Louis van Gaal has reignited his interest in bringing the Chile star to Old Trafford after initially being quoted a €50 million-plus-Nani fee.

Antonio Conte resigned as Juventus coach on Tuesday over reported displeasure with the Serie A champions’ transfer plans - including the potential sale of the 27-year-old.

But, following Massimiliano Allegri’s appointment at San Siro yesterday, Marotta has underlined Vidal’s importance to the

Barca Confirm Mathieu Bid In CentreBack Pursuit Andoni Zubizarreta has confirmed that Barcelona have submitted an offer for Valencia centre-back Jeremy Mathieu as the club step up their centre-back pursuit.

Valencia are reported to want €20 million for the Frenchman, who at 30 years old would hardly represent a long-term solution to the void left by Carles Puyol’s exit but would patch up the defensive gaps somewhat.

With Luis Suarez, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Claudio Bravo and Ivan Rakitic already in the

bag this summer, the club’s sporting director stressed than Barca’s first priority now is to sign a central defender but conceded that many other top clubs are in the same boat.

“Valencia already know our offer and we want to maintain privacy in the negotiations,”

Man Utd Take Starlet Ogo Obi On Trial

squad.

“Vidal is not for sale, he is one of the most important players in the squad,” Marotta told reporters at Allegri’s unveiling.

“Vidal is happy to be here.”

Vidal admitted earlier this week that he would “love to join one of the biggest club’s in the world” when questioned on United’s interest.

Watford starlet Ogo Obi has joined Manchester United on trial as the Premier League giants consider snapping up the talented teenager.

The 16-year-old is rated as one of the best players for his age in the country and Watford have been desperate for him to agree professional terms at Vicarage Road.

The Hornets rate Obi so highly they have offered him scholarship terms with a three-year deal attached.

Obi, though, is yet to decide where his longterm future lies and has readily accepted the chance to link up with United, after Watford

agreed to let him train with the Red Devils.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have also expressed an interest in Obi, but United are in pole position.

Under the Elite Player Performance Plan, Watford would be due compensation should the player opt to join United or any other club.

France’s M’Vila Signs For Inter

Chelsea Agree Deal For Filipe Luis

France midfielder Yann M’Vila has signed for Inter Milan from Rubin Kazan, the Serie A club announced on Tuesday.

“Now it’s official: Yann M’Vila is an Inter player.

He will be unveiled to the media on Saturday,” Inter said on their official Twitter feed.

The club are yet to announce the details of the deal, but the 24-yearold is likely to join on a year-long loan with Inter having the option to buy at the end of the season.

At the end of last

Chelsea have reached agreement with Spanish champions Atletico Madrid to sign Brazilian left-back Filipe Luis.

The 28-year-old will now discuss personal terms and have a medical at the Premier League club.

Last season, Luis made 44 appearances as Atletico won La Liga for the first time since 1996 and reached the Champions League final.

Luis looks likely to be a direct replacement for exEngland left-back Ashley Cole, who joined Roma last week.

month, M’Vila finished a 16-month ban from playing for France following an unauthorised night out while on international duty with his country’s under-21 side.

“It has been a few memorable years,” Luis tweeted yesterday. “Thank you for supporting me always Atletico.”

Atletico said the exDeportivo La Coruna player.

Besiktas Confirm Ba Signing Demba Ba has completed his move from Chelsea to Besiktas, the Turkish club and player have confirmed.

Since moving to Stamford Bridge from Newcastle United in January 2013, the Senegal international has scored 14 goals in 51 games for the Blues.

The 29-year-old soon fell behind Fernando Torres and Samuel Eto’o in the pecking order, however, and the arrival of Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid this summer has freed him to look for a new club.

Besiktas confirmed

the move on with a statement on their website before Ba followed suit via his official Twitter page.

“I feel so happy because Besiktas fans interest me a lot and the construction of the new stadium impressed me,” Ba added.

Kroos Reveals Imminent Real Madrid Move Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos has revealed that he will go to Real Madrid to thrash out the final details of his transfer in the next couple of days.

The Germany star, 24, was pivotal in Joachim Low’s World Cupwinning team this summer and Castrol’s Fifa index suggested he was the best player in the tournament.

His performances in Brazil - and for Bundesliga champions

Bayern over the past couple of seasons - have landed him firmly on Real Madrid’s radar and Carlo Ancelotti looks close to securing his first big transfer coup of the summer.

Zamora Signs New QPR Deal QPR striker Bobby Zamora was rewarded for firing his club back into the Premier League as he signed a new one-year contract on Wednesday.

Zamora scored the lastgasp goal that earned Harry Redknapp’s side a 1-0 win over Derby in the Championship play-off final in May. The 33-year-old was out of contract following his Wembley heroics and it seemed he may not join QPR in the top-flight as he held talks with other clubs including Championship team Millwall.

But former Tottenham and West Ham star Zamora, whose winner against Derby was worth an estimated £80 million

in additional revenue for QPR, has now agreed a 12-month contract extension.

“I’m over the moon. I’ve had an up-and-down time at QPR. I started off really well but then picked up a couple of injuries and didn’t perform as well as I wanted to,” Zamora told QPR’s website.

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17.07.14 www.leadership.ng

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

Below are excerpts from an interesting article by Mr Femi Orebe which appeared on page 16 of The Nation on Sunday newspaper of June 29, 2014. f Olatunji Dare, up there in a class of his own, could get it wrong, who the hell am I to dare proffer another reason for the APC “shellacking” in the Ekiti election?

Personally, I concede the bragging rights of ignoramuses. But how I wish they were right! Those who planned the Ekiti capture were deliberate and painstaking. They made sure the process was seemingly ‘credible’ as far as INEC was concerned, but rogue elements within it, the government and the PDP, fooled all and succeeded in foisting the ‘Zimbabwe model’ on Ekiti, if not on Nigeria.

Come the 2015 elections – Osun governorship election has already been signed, sealed and delivered same way to the PDP but it will extend to all – presidential, legislative as well as the remaining 34 governorship elections. That way, rogue scientists have clinically gifted President Goodluck Jonathan a life presidency well in advance if he so wished.

For little minds, clearly incapable of deep thinking and unable, therefore, to decipher a PDP that has morphed into a curse on Nigeria, I serve them and my dedicated readers, this Sunday morning, the ZIMBABWE MODEL. ELECTION RIGGING SCANDAL DEEPENS IN ZIMBABWE: www. theindependent.co.zw/2013/08/ election rigging deepens.

‘ELECTION rigging allegations involving Nikuv International Projects (NIP), a shadowy Israeli security company, deepened this week amid revelations the former Mossad spooks used several methods to fix elections in favour of President Robert Mugabe and Zanu PF. The row over Zanu PF’s ‘Madein-Israel’ landslide has delayed Mugabe’s inauguration as his opponent, Morgan Tsvangirai, intends to challenge the disputed election results. This comes amid revelations Nikuv hastily shut down its Avon-

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hose who planned the Ekiti capture were deliberate and painstaking.

They made sure the process was seemingly ‘credible’

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The Thursday Column

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dale offices in Harare three days after elections and relocated to an unknown Ballantyne Park address as part of on an ongoing cover-up mission. The sudden closure also suggested the company’s executives were running scared as the rigging racket escalates. Sources said Nikuv officials also worked out of army headquarters at KGVI where there is a “Situation Room” in which they converge with Joint Operation Command (JOC) chiefs to map out election scenarios and the way forward.

“Last week’s results would have been worked out in the ‘Situation Room’ at KGVI or some such command centre.”

Sources said Asher and his colleagues were in charge of the voters’ roll which is riddled with ‘duplicating of names, names of people outside the country, names of dead people and other irregularities which could have been manipulated to engineer results’. Apart from Zimbabwe, the company has made a fortune through its activities in Angola, Botswana, Ghana, Nigeria, Lesotho and Zambia where it was taken to court in 1996 on allegations of election rigging. It was also a bidder in Ghana’s US$60 million national identification card project in 2004 which got entangled in a web of corruption in neighbouring Nigeria where former strongman, ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo, had to sack some ministers. Nikuv reportedly also issued fake voter registration slips which were used by Zanu PF supporters to vote at multiple polling stations. This was prevalent in Harare where police arrested individuals in Hatfield found in possession of multiple copies of voter registration slips, as well as in Mount Pleasant where busloads of baldheaded youths masquerading as police recruits were unearthed. Nikuv’s rigging allegations were worsened by reports by a private South African-based intelligence, Nasini Projects, which said the Israeli firm supplied a special water marked ballot used to give Mugabe a resounding victory. “From our findings so far we are 99.9% convinced the election was rigged via a ballot paper; a special watermarked ballot paper was

used to give President Mugabe a resounding victory,” Nasini CEO Lucia Mordi said. “The ballot paper had a water x against Mugabe’s name such that if any ink is placed on the paper the substance on the paper will react and remove the ink and activate the water marked x into print.”

Please note that I am not saying here that NIKUV INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS is involved in any way in the Ekiti election of 21 June, 2014.

I have only reproduced what happened somewhere else in Africa, quoting a story that has not been successfully controverted.

Without the slightest doubt, I believe that the above scenario is what has just played out in the Ekiti election. The PDP’s umbrella must have been specially watermarked and the special ink, which voters observed barely made a clear imprint on the ballot even after as many as three times try, must have reacted with the substance pre-impregnated on the ballot paper, removed the ink and activated the water marked PDP space into a bold print of the same brightness, size and colour during vote counting as voters have since testified. Voters confirmed that ballot papers were placed face down on the table and were rolled up before handing over to them just so it will not be exposed to sun’s rays in which case it might activate with a print against a party even before a voter had voted. The ink promptly dried from their fingers.

This is the only way the complete crush of the APC and Labour becomes intelligible at all. Therefore, every lover of this country must insist on this Armageddon being exhaustively investigated and whichever persons or government funded this manner of electoral conquest, and complete destruction of our electoral system must be run out of town. Whoever has a hand in this electoral heist does not deserve to live among human beings.

Since the result, all manner of analysis have been bandied about.

Some who publicly endorsed Fayemi’s performance have since come out to insult us about the desideratum of Ekiti never being in opposition to a federal government whose

head, the president, early this month confessed he never did a single thing for. Even the US embassy in Nigeria got misled, for once. We were told, for instance, that Fayemi lost because he did not locate the state’s treasury at the Erekesan Market in the state capital for all Ekiti to take their pick. Whoever believes Fayose’s votes almost doubled Fayemi’s or that Engr Segun Oni, the APC deputy national chairman, who went to his polling unit with 10 members of his family, is so hated in his home that his party, the APC, got only one vote and that a sitting governor Fayemi did not win a single local government because he does not eat boli and epa (roasted plantain and groundnut) on the streets of AdoEkiti – hogwash – will believe anything, and must, in fact, be a moron.

This time round, PDP has stolen more than the owner and it must not go scot-free, lest Nigeria be destroyed. APC must either get to the bottom of this imminent national political enslavement or simply withdraw from the Nigerian political space as it would otherwise be clinically evaporated. It must insist on a forensic/scientific examination of that ballot paper or it would suffer real annihilation in the Osun election.

A stitch in time, they say, saves nine.

GHANA MUST GO Jonathan seeks $1bn loan to fight Boko Haram — News

To be stolen again?

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