Leadership

02.07.14

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

Wednesday

No. 2,215

N150

NIGERIA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPER

Chibok Diary

DAY 79

'Displaced Persons From Village Near Chibok, Source Of Worry' > Page 2

Rescue N11trn Onne Port, Investor Tells FG

By Anayo Onukugha, Port Harcourt

The federal government has been called upon to move in quickly and rescue the fast-dilapidating infrastructure at the N11trillion oil and gas port at Onne, near

Port Harcourt in Rivers State.

Making the call in Port Harcourt, the executive director of Orlean Invest, one of the major oil companies in the

region, Mr Damir Miskovic, said the once fastest growing oil and gas hub in Africa is now wobbling under the huge weight of decaying social amenities and

Jonathan, Gowon, Others Mourn Umaru Dikko > Page 4

neglect from the authorities.

Onne Port is one of the three ports concessioned to Orlean Invest by the federal government. Others are Calabar, Warri and Lagos ports. ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Police Ban Sale Of Newspapers At Power House Junction In Abuja > Page 4

56 Killed, 68 Injured In Borno Market Blast 6

Bomb blast injures 2 in Kaduna Customs to begin joint border patrol

Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, when he visited the scene and victims of the bomb blast at a market in Borno, at the Professor Umaru Shehu Hospital in Maiduguri, yesterday. Photos by borno government house

Doctors’ Strike Paralyses Hospital Activities Nationwide > Page 4

2

chibok diary 79

Wedneday, July 2, 2014

DAY

Chibok Tweets

@Chxta If you cast your mind back, remember that on the same day, #BokoHaram sent a letter to #Chibok telling them that they'll be back? @umaru_salisu GEJ, may wish to carve #Chibok out of 9ja due pressure of #BringBackOurGirls I pitty the shoeless! @VladDuthiers Nigeria's military saying they have arrested a "key actor" in the #Chibok kidnapping - a small step to #BringBackOurGirls ...? @fidelisMbah #Nigeria Girls’ abduction: Military arrests key suspect #BringBackOurGirls #Chibok @KrissyPearlie "It was the Civilian JTF that managed to kill two of the attackers.

When they run out of ammunition, they run." #Chibok @fidelisMbah #Nigeria: There is a huge military presence in and around #Chibok community but villagers get attacked, killed almost daily. @rakidi #Nigerian troops 'bust a terrorist intelligence network & arrest businessman who participated in abduction of #Chibok girls'- army statement

Displaced Persons From Village Near Chibok, Source Of Worry – Schoolgirl's Father

By Kareem Haruna, Maiduguri

The father of one of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls has lamented that the continued influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs) into Chibok town from neighbouring communities that have been attacked by insurgents had become a major source of worry for them.

The distraught parent, Mr Lucky Chibok, told LEADER-

SHIP in a phone chat yesterday, that while they continued to look up for divine intervention in the issue of the rescue of their daughters from Boko Haram captivity, the continued attacks on nearby villages had been weakening their resolve to remain hopeful.

“These are really trying times for us as parents who have to battle with the agonies of having our daughters out there in the hands of insurgents and no

one seems to be doing anything yet,” Chibok said.

“Our fears only got worse when we began to see our brothers and neighbours from villages not far away from us now running to Chibok to seek refuge, because gunmen had attacked their homes, killed their people and sent them packing.

“We cannot count the number of people that have entered into Chibok in the past weeks.

They are coming from Kwa-

rangilam, Kwada and Kautikari villages. When we see these people our hearts get broken the more and we begin to doubt if we would ever see our girls again,” Chibok lamented.

Since the abduction of over 200 final year female students of Government Secondary School, Chibok on April 14, the quiet town and neighbouring villages have suffered repeated attacks by the Boko Haram sect.

National Information Centre Lying To Us – BBOG Group

BY Chika Mefor, Ejike Ejike, Abuja

The BringBackOurGirls group has lambasted the coordinator of the National Information Centre, Mike Omeri, over what it described as a concerted effort to lie to the people about the security situation in the North East.

The group was reacting to the co-ordinator’s speech at the media briefing on Monday, where he claimed that security operatives had come to the rescue of the villagers attacked near Chibok.

According to the group, the people of Chibok and the neighbouring villages that were attacked had confirmed that no military or any other security operatives came to their rescue until a few hours after the Boko Haram sect had finished their attack.

The group also wondered why the centre would keep lying to the public that there were about 20, 000 security personnel in the North East fighting the insurgents, when the attacks seemed to be increasing and called on the government to be truthful about the efforts to rescue the abducted schoolgirls.

Omeri, while addressing the media at the National Information Centre on Monday, had stated that the security personnel had to repel the attack on the villagers from the air and on

CHIBOK TRENDING

@hanneymusawa #Ramadan, may our thoughts & prayers remain with the #Chibok girls, their families & all others that have been taken unlawfully.

land. When journalists sought to know why the sect members appeared to always be a step ahead of the security operatives with their attacks, even with the federal government’s boasts of on-

the-ground military action, Omeri had insisted that citizens should protect themselves first and provide information to the security agents when the need to arises.

2015 AU Proposes $522.12m Budget 32%

32%

17%

The percentage by which the 2015 budget proposal is higher than that of 2014 2014

Nigeria is responsible for about 17 per cent of the operational budget of the AU

2015

THE AU HAD CONSTITUTED A PANEL ON ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF FUNDING PRESIDED OVER BY FORMER PRESIDENT OLUSGEUN OBASANJO

58

The number of member states of the Africa Union

28%

Percentage of the budget to be financed by the 54 member states of the AU, while their partners would be responsible for 72 per cent

Upcoming Events

Today Rally in Santa

Cruz, California, USA COMPILED BY TUNDE OGUNTOLA

Members of #BringBackOurgirls group chanting the solidarity song in support of the quick rescue of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO

BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

INFOGRAPHICS BY Matthew Akhabue

3

our stand Wednesday, July 2, 2014

A Word For Radio Presenters

A

lthough Nigeria gained independence nearly 54 years ago, the recolonisation of the country’s public psyche, especially the youth segment, is gaining traction through our local radio stations today, particularly among those broadcasting on the Frequency Modulated (FM) band. Anyone who holds our country and cultures in high esteem will not fail to note that the Nigerian radio airwave is filled with many presenters who are either in doubt of their identity as Nigerians or are in want of education on their listeners. Today’s radio presenters -- they now go by the pseudoexotic appellation “On Air Personality” (OAP) -- appear out to force on listeners their affected English/American accents, which drip of nauseous fakery.

Coming from young Nigerians entirety schooled in the country or who have some sort of academic stint abroad, no matter where and however short, perceptive listeners are at a loss why these OAPs aim for their highfaluting accents that are patently phoney to all.

The English language has travelled around the world.

Only an inveterate anglophile would expect that language to

remain the same after its global voyage and “conversations” with other tongues. While we expect radio presenters to have a good grasp of the oral nuances of English, only the neo-colonial suffering from an identity crisis among them would ape the “Queen’s English” when the fare is largely meant for us Nigerians. There is something called “Nigerian English”. This is taught under various course titles in our universities. We are content that it is not inferior to the “Queen’s English.” It is in fact a legitimate, comprehensible covering of English in our indigenous garbs, which has earned its right to be heard everywhere Nigerians speak it, including the airwaves. Therefore, we enjoin Nigerian radio presenters to speak to the country in

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

this language, and stop forthwith their pathetic attempts to sound British or American.

Worse still, we note that except those broadcasting in indigenous languages and pidgin, most FM stations in Nigeria now play only foreign music sparsely garnished with local musicians singing in English.

This is a flagrant contravention of a cardinal requirement of radio broadcast in the country, to wit: “…every licensee is required to adhere to a minimum of 80 per cent local broadcast content for radio.” This rule, we believe, was included in the National Broadcast Code for a variety of nationalistic ends.

Why are the FM stations flouting it? What is wrong with the music of Dan Maraya Jos, Celestine Ukwu or Haruna Ishola-Bello and their protégés on Nigerian stations broadcasting in English? Do radio bosses hold indigenous music in contempt? Are they now allies of those who dismiss us as primitives of no history or culture? If Nigerian radio stations won’t play indigenous music, where should we turn for it?

Is the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) not complicit in this great betrayal of indigenous creativity in favour of the foreign? We demand answers -- and action -- from all stakeholders. Today!

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 Julianne Omofuma Divisional Directors Abdulmumin Balogun Salisu Alhassan Bichi Iyobosa Uwugiaren Ademola Oladosu General Managers Joy Adekanye Aminu Abubakar Sule Zipporah D. Tanko

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

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo Jonathan, Gowon Others Mourn Umaru Dikko Elder statesman and former Minister of Transport and Aviation in the Second Republic, Umaru Dikko, is dead.

Dikko died in the early hours of yesterday at his London residence at the age of 78.

Confirming his death at his Kaduna residence, his younger brother, Alhaji Lamido Dikko said the family received the news of his death as the will of Allah and prayed God to give him Aljanah Fidaus.

President Goodluck Jonathan who reacted to his death said that the late Umaru Dikko’s contributions in building stronger and disciplined political parties have since secured him a place in the history of the country’s political development.

Former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon described Umaru Dikko’s death as a great loss to the country.

Senate President, Senator David Mark described Dikko as a political strategist who contributed to the political evolution of Nigeria.

The Northern States Governors Form (NSGF) described Dikko’s death as a further depletion in the ranks of Northern states leaders adding that it is time for sober reflection and a time for the region, the nation to remain committed to building leadership inspired by service.

By Midat Joseph, Isaiah Benjamin, Kaduna, George Agba, Jonathan Nda-Isaiah, Millie Ibe, Abuja and Abu Nmodu, Minna

House Of Reps Not A Secret Cult – Tambuwal Speaker, House of Representatives Aminu Waziri Tambuwal yesterday stated that the House was not running a “secret cult” as perceived in select quarters.

Tambuwal’s who made this disclosure at yesterday’s inauguration ceremony of the 2014/2016 Executive Council of the House of Representatives’ Press Corps in Abuja, said this to counter insinuations that federal lawmakers have deliberated stalled on disclosing information on some of its affairs.

Information surrounding lawmakers’ allowances and status of key legislations such as the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) remain knotty issues.

The Speaker insisted that anybody could access any information of public interest from the House and that the leadership of the House and its members are transparent and ready to avail the public with relevant information.

“We are not running a secret cult in the House. We are very transparent. Approach us for any information and we shall make it available. The legislature is receiving a lot of bashing from the public, but we have our limitations.

By Edegbe Odemwingie, Abuja

L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan flanked by the director- general, National Pension Commission, Ms Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, Vice President Namadi Sambo (left), PDP national chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu and Justice Minister, Mohammed Adoke, signing the 2014 Pension Reform Bill into law at the State House, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN.

Doctors’ Strike Paralyses Hospital Activities Nationwide

By Winifred Ogbebo and Victor Okeke, Abuja, Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan, Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin, Okechukwu Obeta, Awka, Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba, Aronke Olayiwola, Lagos, Solomon Ayado, Makurdi

The directive by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike has elicited total compliance by doctors across the country.

As a result, healthcare delivery service was yesterday paralysed at various government hospitals and healthcare centres nationwide.

However, nurses and matrons, according to checks carried out by our correspondents, have taken over care in the hospitals especially those ones in critical condition.

At the National Hospital Abuja, the doctors too abdicated their duty posts, even though some of them were seen loitering in empty hospital corridors, under “essential duty” designation.

A pregnant woman, Priscillia Edoh, who went there for ante natal care, was not attended to despite her four-hour wait.

“We were told to wait. Up until now, they have not come,”

the pregnant woman said, as she stayed alone in a waiting room that had emptied since morning.

At Maitama General Hospital, Abuja, the management of the hospital said it was in a meeting with the doctors even as it rebuffed attempts to interview its officials.

Also, most of the patients at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, were not attended to by the striking doctors as they were denied medical attention except those on emergencies.

Speaking on the strike, the chairman, NMA, Oyo State, Prof Adefolarin Malomo, said the association had been pressed most painfully to resume her suspended strike.

At the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, (NAUTH), Nnewi , all the patients in the teaching hospital were discharged yesterday at about 12 noon by the hospital management because of the doctors’ strike.

But the situation was different at the Anambra State University Teaching Hospital, ANSUTH, where the medical doctors were seen attending to patients.

At the University of Ilorin Teaching along Oke-Oyi, medical activities were totally grounded as doctors failed to turn up for

duty except for some consultants who were seen attending to patients in critical conditions.

Relatives of some patients were also seen searching for taxi cabs, apparently in a bid to relocate their sick ones to other medical facilities.

An official of the hospital who pleaded for anonymity said medical workers would maintain their stance until government was ready for negotiation.

It was the same scenario at University of Ilorin permanent site clinic as doctors, acting on the directive by the national headquarters of NMA, joined the strike.

Also, at various hospitals in Delta State, especially at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, only the consultants and some senior medical officers were on hand to attend to patients that had been on admission before the strike started, but fresh admissions were not allowed.

At the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, a young man who identified himself as Dayo Adeyeni brought his uncle to the accident and emergency unit for urgent medical attention, but they were, however, turned back as the security guards told them the doc-

tors were on strike and no one would attend to them.

At the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, the hospital was scanty as it had been during the recent strike embarked upon by the resident doctors.

According to the Vice President of the Association of Resident Doctors, LUTH chapter, Dr, Akinkunmi Afolabi, doctors at LUTH were not on duty.

“We are observing total compliance with the strike. If you see any doctors walking around, they are only doing referrals for their patients to go to other hospitals where they can get medical care. Although the strike is painful, however, the government needs to correct some segments of the health sector,” he said.

The Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, and other public hospitals in Benue State yesterday shut down as a result of the strike.

LEADERSHIP’s visit to some of the public hospitals in Makurdi, Gboko, Otukpo and other local government areas revealed that medical doctors were not in the places to offer medical services to patients, but nurses and administrative staff were seen performing their duties.

Police Ban Sale Of Newspapers At Power House Junction In Abuja

By Chika Otuchikere, Abuja

The police yesterday issued an ultimatum to newspaper vendors plying their trade around the Power House Junction in Abuja to stop selling newspapers around the place as from tomorrow.

LEADERSHIP learnt that the order was passed by the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in charge of the Asokoro Division who was said to have passed the orders

purportedly based on intelligence report.

The latest planned clampdown on the media is coming few weeks after the military embarked on similar action by confiscating newspapers including the LEADERSHIP, The Nation and Daily Trust, among others.

The action cost the publishers millions of naira but the military claimed that they were acting on security intelligence report which

revealed that insurgents had infiltrated the newspaper vendors and were using their vans to distribute bombs and weapons. The military clampdown and confiscation of newspapers spread across the country and lasted several days.

Chairman of the Abuja chapter of the Newspaper Vendors Association of Nigeria, Mr Samuel Jimoh, who reacted to the planned clampdown said the action was an infringement on the vendors’

right to do business.

He told LEADERSHIP that the officers came from Asokoro Police station and handed down the warning.

“A police sergeant whose name tag read, Esther Mbang, came to the vendors at the Power House Junction and informed the vendors that they should not come out to work on Thursday. She did not explain anything but passed the warning and left,” he said.

news 5

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

1.3 Billion People Lack Electricity Globally – Kufuor

ramadan timing

Day 5

Towns

Magrib

Alfijr

Abuja

6.58

4.55

Aba

6.55

4.58

Abakaliki

6.52

4.57

Abeokuta

7.09

5.16

Akure

7.02

5.06

Ankpa

6.56

5.00

Argungu

7.11

5.04

Auchi

7.01

5.04

Awka

7.02

4.59

Azare

6.49

4.42

Bama

6.38

4.28

Bauchi

6.50

4.47

Benin

7.04

5.05

Bichi

6.57

4.50

Bida

7.04

5.00

Birnin Gwari

7.03

4.58

B/Kebbi Gwandu

7.12

5.04

Biu

6.41

4.35

Calabar

6.49

4.55

Damaturu

6.41

4.34

Daura/Kazaure

6.59

4.35

Dutse

6.51

4.47

Enugu

6.53

4.57

Funtua/Malumfashi

7.01

4.53

Gembu

6.46

4.41

Gombe

6.44

4.39

Gusau

7.00

4.56

Gwadabawa

7.11

4.57

Hadejia

6.49

4.42

Ibadan

7.13

5.09

Ife

7.08

5.06

Ilesha Baruba

7.10

5.05

Ilorin

7.06

5.07

Jalingo

6.41

4.39

Jere/Suleija

6.58

4.54

Jos

6.55

4.48

Kabba

7.03

5.00

Kafanchan

6.57

4.51

Keffi/Nasarawa

6.57

4.51

Kaiama

7.12

5.08

Kafin Maiyaki

6.57

4.48

Kaduna

6.56

4.54

Kano

6.52

4.49

Katsina

7.00

4.51

Kontagora

7.06

5.03

Lafia

6.52

4.51

Lagos

7.11

5.12

Lokoja

6.56

5.03

Maiduguri

6.34

4.32

Makurdi

6.53

4.50

Minna

7.00

5.01

Missau

6.46

4.41

Monguno

6.37

4.24

Mubi

6.36

4.31

Nguru

6.46

4.39

Ningi

6.50

4.46

Okene

7.06

5.01

Ogbomosho

7.11

5.09

Onitsha

6.59

5.04

Oyo

7.13

5.11

Port Harcourt

6.58

5.08

Potiskum

6.44

4.37

Saki

7.05

5.11

Shagamu

7.06

5.17

Sokoto

7.06

5.02

Umuahia

6.57

4.56

Warri

6.56

5.12

Wukari

5.44

4.51

Osun Guber: Jonathan, Oyinlola Hold Secret Meeting In Aso Rock

Wurno

7.10

4.57

Yenagoa

6.38

4.34

Yola

6.35

4.34

Zaria

6.57

4.55

Cotonnou-Benin

7.15

5.14

By George Agba, Abuja

Ndjamena-Chad

6.26

4.21

Niamey-Niger

7.21

5.13

Zinder – Niger

6.58

4.40

Younde-Cameroun

6.39

4.40

Garoua – Cameroun

6.33

4.33

By BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt

Former President of Ghana, Mr. John Kufuor has said that no fewer than 1.3 billion people across the globe do not have access to electricity, despite the fact that the United Nations (UN) set 2015 as dateline for the actualization of the millennium development goals (MDGs).

He said in sub-Saharan Africa, only four out of the about 30 countries in the region, are on course in the provision of electricity and other aspects of the MDGs, which will increase up to at least 25% by 2015.

Kufuor made this remark yesterday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, in a keynote address he presented at the 2014 Energy, Environment, and Investment Forum (EEIF), with the theme; ‘Sustainable Energy, The Key To Africa’s World Integration.”

The forum was attended by former French Prime Minister, Francois Charles

Fillon; former Prime Minister of Spain, Jose Luis Zapatero; former President of Poland, Lech Walesa, and former President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mohamed Ibn Chambas.

Others were former Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Ian Bowles; Consul-General of Peoples’ Republic of China, Liu Khan; member, British House of Commons, Eric Joyce, and president, Energy Globe Foundation, Professor Edward Ayensu.

The former Ghanaian leader said: “According to the World Energy Outlook 2011, a report of the International Energy Agency, there are 1.3 billion people around the world in developing countries without access to electricity. More than 2.7 billion are forced to cope, using obsolete technologies. This is a large portion of the world’s population confronted with absolute energy policy. These people are trapped in the vicious circle of poverty.”

Adamawa Lawmakers Order Nyako To Pay Workers’ Salaries

By MOHAMMED ISMAIL, , Yola

As the relationship between Adamawa State Executive and legislative arms of government continue to deteriorate, Adamawa State lawmakers have unanimously resolved to order the state governor to effect the payment of the workers’ June salary without further delay or face their wrath.

The House, during yesterday’s plenary, adopted two resolutions asking the governor to immediately pay the state civil servants their June salaries just as the House urged the EFCC to continue its seal on the capital projects account of the state.

While presenting the debate under matters of urgent public importance, the lawmaker representing Hong constituency, Mr Wafarniyi Theman,

Former national secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olagunsoye Oyinlola, yesterday made a surprise appearance at the presidential villa, Abuja, where he met with President Goodluck Jonathan.

Oyinlola whose running battle with the leadership of the PDP forced him to be fraternising will All Progressives Congress (APC), however, maintained his ground that he remained the authentic national scribe of the party .

The former Osun State governor was removed from office as the secretary of the PDP, but he headed for the court where he got judgment in his favour.

Although he did not disclose the reason for his visit to Aso Rock, LEAD-

chided Adamawa State government for subjecting civil servants of the state to untold hardship following its deliberate failure to pay two months’ salary arrears which the government owed the state workers when the former embarked on industrial strike in 2011 just as it called on the governor to immediately pay the June salaries.

“We have prevailed on the government to pay the workers the two months’ salaries to no avail. Despite that, they also refused to pay workers the June salary,” he said.

He called on the House members to take serious action to assist the people they were representing including the state’s civil servants.

Deputy speaker Kwaomoti La’ori said the administration’s refusal was a harsh measure against the innocent civil servants.

ERSHIP gathered that Oyinlola’s visit to the president may not be unconnected to the oncoming Osun State governorship election in August.

After he left the president’s office, Oyinlola who addressed State House correspondents on the controversy surrounding his position as PDP secretary said, “All I am telling you is that Oyinlola in the face of the law remains the authentic secretary of the PDP; anybody in that office for now is a pretender.”

Oyinlola, it was also learnt, visited Aso Rock on Monday with his supporters, and when asked about what was discussed at the meeting, he said, “I was taken to the Villa by the chairman of the party, PDP, and we had some discussions as to how to move the fortunes of the party forward.”

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

Recommended DU’A for Day 05 Pray a 2 Raka’ah Nafilah, in every Raka’ah after the recitation of Surah Al Fatiha, recite Surah Al-Ikhlaas 50 times : and after the Salaam say “Salawaat” 100 times.

Then recite: ALLAAHUMMAJ-A’LNEE FEEHI MINAL MUSTAGHFIREEN WAJ-A’LNEE FEEHI MIN I’BAADIKAS’S’AALIH’EENAL QAANITEEN WAJ-A’LNEE FEEHI MIN I’BAADIKAS’ S’AALIH’EENAL QAANITEEN WAJ-A’LNEE FEEHI MIN AWLIYAAA-IKAL MUQARRABEEN BIRAAFATIKA YAA ARH’AMAR RAAH’IMEEN Meaning: O Allah let me be, in this month, from among those who turn repentant and ask forgiveness for their sins; let me be from among those who do good and obey (Thee); let me be from among those who are Thy close friends, through Thy kindness O the Most Merciful.

Compiled by Al-Amin Ciroma

Ramadan Q and A

with Muhammad Usman musman@kindasa.com

Question: What, exactly, does moderation in islam mean?

Marwa Abdallah, Bauchi Answer: What God requires from a Muslim is not overly burdensome. He prescribes moderation in every walk of life.

I remember a conversation I recently had with my neighbor and friend who happens to be a non-Muslim.

I had just returned from an Islamic conference. When she came to know about it, she looked worried, and asked: “No one advocates extremism at these sorts of things, do they?”

I almost laughed, but realizing the seriousness of her concern, I reassured her that advocating any kind of extremism was definitely not on the agenda.

I was struck by the unfortunate irony that extremism is often associated with Islam when in fact, moderation is supposed to be one of the most fundamental aspects of the Muslim’s creed. Allah Almighty says: “Thus We made you a “wasat” (moderate) nation, that you might be witness for all of humanity, and the messenger a witness over yourselves.” (Qur’an, 2:143) The word “wasat” in Arabic can be defined in several ways. It means just, balanced, moderate, and the best. [i] This verse clearly explains the view Muslims have that God wants them to be a balanced and moderate nation so that they may serve as a “witness” or model for the rest of humanity.

It will be appropriate to understand extremism before we value the concept of moderation in Islam.

Extremism in any form, of anything, in brief is an abnormal human behavior, which is far from reasonable, or acceptable in a civilized society.

Being too liberal or too harsh in understanding Islam is also an exercise in extremism, which is again not in line with normative Islam. Either of the approaches hence greatly hurts the image of Islam in its own way.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “I fast but not every day, I pray at night but not all night, and I am a married man; whoever does not wish to follow my way, he is not from me.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim,143) The Prophet (peace be upon him) therefore often warned his companions against extremism and always advocated moderation in everything. When given two choices, he always chose the easiest, so long as it did not violate the rules of Islam. [ii] Islam advocates a middle course in everything. This includes the way Muslims follow God’s commands, the way they think about God and the way they interact with and invite others to Islam.

Often, out of enthusiasm and ignorance, a Muslim may take on much more than he or she can handle in the way of acts of worship.

Imagine a person who one fine morning begins enthusiastically all the prayers, including all the sunnah and nafl prayers, waking up in the night for prayers and keeping fasts twice a week and reading Qur’an everyday without fail. He suddenly went to the extreme level in worshipping God, only to later find himself spiritually drained, which in turn made him indifferent and disappointed.

6 NEWS

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

LIVING LIVING TOTO BE BE 100100

One health tip daily Go Fish for the Omega

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

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

Rescue N11trn Onne Port, Investor Tells FG FROM COVER

“For one, Onne Port, in spite of its economic significance, does not enjoy power supply from the national grid,” Miskovic told newsmen in Port Harcourt. “Its 20 megawatt power requirement is provided by generators at huge costs to the companies.

Secondly, the access roads from Port Harcourt are virtually nonmotorable in some areas.”

He explained that today a journey of less than 50 kilometers takes more than two hours, thus compromising safety, wasting invaluable manhours and limiting the urge of investors and customers alike to reach the professional services and economic opportunities at Onne.

“A modern oil and gas port that serves the entire Gulf of Guinea with an investment of well over N11trillion, made by over 170 leading companies, surely deserves better access roads, power and other critical infrastructure,” he said.

Onne Port was conceived as a terminal for light vessels to take some of the traffic pressure off the Lagos port. With the stimulus of the concessioning agreement between the federal government and some visionary investors, including Orlean Invest, the parent company of Intels, the port blossomed into a huge economic powerhouse, providing service for oil and gas companies in the Gulf of Guinea.

Miskovic notes that Onne Port is home to over 170 registered companies, and many auxiliary service providing organisations, creating such an enviable bond between oil companies and service providers that has culminated in the creation

of accelerated discharge and dispatch for vessels, a one-stop shop servicing and maintenance.

He argued further that the port provides a convenient and cost-effective platform for the operations of government port agencies and an exemplary business hub whose current investments are in excess of $6 billion.

“Over the years, the Onne Port companies have created no less than 28,000 jobs, with Orlean Invest alone currently providing over 4,000,” he said.

Miskovic said the Onne Port should naturally be in the heart of the Nigerian authorities, considering what it represents to the world. With its two terminals, Onne Port is the heart of the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone.

He pointed out that the free zone has become “the largest in the world, measured by physical area, number of client or volume of investments”.

In 2006, Invest Orlean was awarded the concession for Onne, Warri and Calabar ports for 25+25 years.

“It is worthy to note that as a result of the confidence the Nigerian government has, in the company through its satisfactory operations coupled with the government’s aim of industrialising the county, set up needed infrastructure; the president (Jonathan) gave support for the development of the free zones, including Lagos, operated by the company.”

Orlean Invest’s concerns in the four free zones, Miskovic stressed, span a total of 8,000 meters of jetty, 3,700,000sq meters of industrial area, 250, 000sq meters of Quay Apron, 200,000sq meters of warehouses and 79sq meters of offices.

56 Killed, 68 Injured In Borno Market Blast

By Kareem Haruna, Maiduguri; Juliet Alohan, Igho Oyoyo, Abdullahi Umar, Abuja; Abiodun Oluwarotimi, New York; Midat Joseph, Isaiah benjamin, Kaduna; and Joshua Dada, Osogbo, with agency reports

At least 56 people have died and 69 others injured in the Maiduguri market suicide bombing that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, military officials, Borno State government officials and the Civilian-JTF have said.

There were conflicting accounts, however, on the brand of vehicle the suicide bomber used to carry out the attack, as witnesses either claimed it was a Pickup van loaded with charcoal while others insisted that it was a Peugeot wagon.

But most eyewitnesses said the suicide bomber was spotted driving a rickety Peugeot wagon car moving from Gwange area, a crowded central part of Maiduguri towards the market about 8am.

A member of the Civilian-JTF, who identified himself as Musa, said: “Wallahi, if I had inkling that the man had an evil intention I would have pulled him out of the car and dealt with him.

“I was on a tricycle moving towards the market when I noticed the man trying to park by the roadside and the earlyrising traders who were displaying their grocery by the roadside kept telling him to move ahead, that he was not supposed to park in front their displayed wares. We all managed to overtake him while he was still busy trying to get a parking space. His vehicle trunk was filled with sacks of what looked like charcoal. It was when we were a little bit ahead of him that we heard the deafening explosion and everywhere was dark with thick smoke.”

LEADERSHIP gathered that the suicide bomber later parked in front of old Elkanemi Cinema, now converted to a car park for inter-city bus taxis.

Most of those that fell victims to the blast were old women who usually sold groundnuts and lemons as well as commuters trying to make their way to their offices, schools or markets as well as labourers waiting to offload goods from trucks that arrived at the market overnight.

Borno State governor Kashim Shettima had visited the scene of the blast where he was told by the general manager of Monday Market, Maiduguri, Alhaji Babagana Bukar, that only 17 people among them nine members of the Civilian-JTF died.

Governor Shettima, who also visited hospitals to sympathize with victims, condemned the blast, describing it as “the worst act of man’s inhumanity to man,

Badeh

which is not only bestial but dastardly”.

“We will not be deterred by the antics of Boko Haram; we will continue to provide services to our people,” he said.

Though Governor Shettima had announced that the members of the Civilian-JTF should be identified, verified and compensated with the sum of N1million each, the leaders of the Civilian-JTF led by the state secretary-general, Sadiq Abba Tijjani, said that no member of their group was killed in the blast, but they had been able to pick over 56 bodies.

“We have been able to pick 21 dead bodies that could still be identified; we also picked about 35 corpses that were either burnt or mangled beyond recognition.

We took 19 injured persons to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital; five others were rushed to the State Specialists Hospital and 21 were conveyed to the Nursing Home, while nine were taken to Umaru Shehu UItramodern hospital,” said Abba.

All witnesses that gave their accounts said most of the victims were women and children.

A man who was seen weeping at the scene of the blast said he was on his way out with his two wives to visit a patient in the hospital when the blast occurred.

“I came out with my two wives, but after the blast, I could not locate my second wife and the first one is badly injured in the arm as a result of the blast,” the confused man who did not identify himself told Governor Shettima at the General Hospital, Maiduguri.

Another member of the Civilian-JTF said the suicide bomber had engaged in an argument with some traders who said he was parking his car wrongly in front of their stand and as such they demanded that he move his car.

“The bomber later agreed to move the car but begged some traders to help him push the car to start as the battery was weak to kick-start the engine. It was in the process of pushing the car that he let the bomb go off and he and those pushing the vehicle were shredded by the blast,” said ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Minimah

NEWS 7

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

56 Killed, 68 Injured In Borno Market Blast FROM PAGE 6

the witness.

The Sector-3 Commander of the Civilian-JTF, Iliya Saidu, under whose area of jurisdiction the blast took off, had told Governor Shettima at the council chamber of the Government House, Maiduguri, after the governor had gone round to visit victims of the blast, that they were able to carry 17 people out of which 15 were their members.

The entire scene of the blast was cordoned off for about five hours until after the police antibomb squad were able to sweep the entire area to ensure that it was safe before vehicles and other commuters were allowed to move towards the area.

Explosives ‘hidden under charcoal’ Yesterday’s explosives were hidden under a load of charcoal in a pickup van, according to witnesses who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, the Associate Press reports Trader Daba Musa Yobe, who works near the popular market, said the bomb went off just after the market opened at 08:00, before most traders or customers had arrived.

Other witnesses said they saw about 50 bodies, and that five cars and some tricycle taxis were set ablaze by the explosion.

They said the toll could have been worse but fewer than normal traders and customers were around because most people stay up late to eat during Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting from sunrise to sunset.

A security official at the scene confirmed the blast, saying many casualties are feared. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not permitted to speak to the press.

Explosions last week targeted the biggest shopping mall in Abuja, Nigeria’s central capital, killing 24 people; a medical college in northern Kano city, killing at least eight; and a hotel brothel in northeast Bauchi city that killed 10.

Bomb blast Injures 2 In Kaduna A bomb went off last night at about 7:30pm in Asikolaye area of Kaduna south local government area of the state and close to the resident of the famous Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi with two persons sustaining minor injuries while two vehicles had their windscreen shattered.

Confirming the incident, Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Aminu Lawan said, “It is true that there is a minor bomb blast in Asikolaye area off Nnamdi Azikiwe by-pass at about 7:30pm, as I speak to you now, I am at the scene of the blast.

“The blast occurred near a gutter and only two persons who

were passing sustained minor injuries, they have been treated and discharged, no live was lost and no property was damaged.”

According to Lawan, “our men upon the distress call went there immediately and the area was brought under control with people going about their normal activities.”

Lawan also said that men of the Anti-bomb squad were on ground to ascertain the calibre of the bomb and what caused it, adding that investigation has already commenced to unravel what was the cause.

He, however called on the citizens to be more security concious and promptly report any suspected person, group or unknown object to the police for necessary and prompt action.

One of the residents of the area also said, “It’s not up to an hour that I walked pass the place and I was close to my house when I heard a loud sound. As usual I thought it was the NEPA transformer in our area that sparked only to hear that it was a bomb blast”.

Boko Haram’s attacks horrific – UN The United Nations yesterday described the ongoing attacks by members of the Boko Haram sect on innocent Nigerian citizens in the northern parts of the country as horrific.

Making this known in his capacity as the United Nations secretary-general, Mr Ban Kimoon said that the world body would not relent until those behind the insurgences in Nigeria were captured, tried and sentenced.

Ki-moon also regretted that such violence had become an almost daily occurrence, just as he reiterated the readiness of the United Nations to support Nigeria with every resource required to tackle terrorism in the country.

In the condemnation which he made through a statement obtained by journalists in New York, the United Nations chief added that the attacks which the terrorists carried out over the weekend on villages and churches near Chibok were unacceptable to the international community.

“The secretary-general reiterates the readiness of the United Nations to support Nigeria as it responds to this challenge in a manner consistent with its international human rights obligations. He also conveys his solidarity and sympathy to the victims of the violence and to the people of Nigeria,” reads the statement.

Terrorism: Customs to begin joint border patrol – Abdullahi Bakko The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said that the modalities to begin a joint cross-border patrol with neighbouring African customs administrations are

being worked out as part of efforts to win the war against terrorism.

Comptroller-general of the Service, Abdullahi Dikko, stated this yesterday in Abuja while briefing journalists on updates of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in March

by Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, Benin Republic and Chad.

He stated that the offshoot of what the director-general of Customs did was further replicated at a higher level when President Goodluck Jonathan led West African neighbours to Paris where a security meeting was held.

“While the leaders at the top have accepted that terrorism is quashed, we are working hard to see that whatever we can do within our mandate as Customs, we do it,” Dikko said.

“The other Customs administrations that we agreed with are making consultations with their home government to work out the modalities of how we are going to operate. Nigeria Customs has already acquired vehicles for that purpose for when we are ready to begin,” he added.

Dikko whose tenure as the vice chair of the World Customs Organisation for West and Central African (WCO-WCA) region ended last week at a handingover ceremony in Brussels said his tenure brought tremendous benefits to Nigeria.

Dikko handed over to Cameroon after serving two terms of two years each. He listed some of the achievements to include increased visibility of Nigeria in the WCO’s activities and technical expertise into the establishment of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, now designated as a WCO regional training centre.

“From our interactions with WCO members in our region and other parts of the world, we have been exposed to global best practices in Customs administration and we are bringing this experience to bear on the management of Customs in Nigeria,” he added.

The Customs boss also listed the hosting right for the WCO Policy Commission held in 2011 and the special invitation of President Jonathan to the 50th anniversary celebration of the WCO in 2012 as important highlights of his tenure as WCO vice chair for the region.

Gowon on insecurity: Not worrying about Nigeria’s security is irresponsible Former military head of state General Yakubu Gowon yesterday said that anyone who is not worried about the security of this country is irresponsible.

Gowon who spoke with reporters in Kaduna said as a Nigerian he was concerned about the security situation and hoped that everybody should be worried about the situation.

“I can assure you that this

government is very responsible, trying its best to deal with security problems in the country.

“Who caused the security problem? it is caused by all Nigerians and the outsiders who are invited to cause the havoc that we have in the country.

“So let us all put our heads together and see what we can do in checking this menace,” he said.

Speaking on the atrocities of the dreaded Boko Haram, the former head of state said the Boko Haram is giving Islam a bad name.

“I was in Kano about two days ago and I made a comment on these people who are doing this thing in the name of Islam. It is very sad, giving Islam a very bad name.

“Islam that I know in the country, those that I have worked with, and throughout my life – certainly, Islam is not about murderous people. This group that is doing this is probably not Nigerian Islam but imported, distractive Islam.

“So let us all put our heads together and deal with this particular problem,” he said.

Stop Boko Haram massacres now, northern CAN tells FG Northern Christian elders under the auspices of Christian Elders Forum of Northern States (NOSCEF), which is also affiliated to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), have called on the federal government to immediately end the massacres being carried out by Boko Haram in Nigeria.

The chairman of NOSCEF, Olaiya Phillips, who made this call yesterday during the Forum’s national conference in Abuja, which was tagged “Voices Against Violence”, said that the northern elders are also demanding that the federal government and the army start putting effective pressure on Boko Haram to stop killing innocent Nigerians.

According to Phillips, the army should stop being timid and harness military intelligence and police support in order to end the deadly insurgence.

With the situation so dire, northern communities need all the help they can get to end the persecution that they are presently going through, he said.

ICRC helps 50,000 displaced persons in north-east Meanwhile, as armed conflict and violence intensify in some parts of the northeast, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society have said that the group has brought aid to almost 50,000 displaced and vulnerable people in the first five months of the year.

Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in Nigeria, Zoran Jovanovic, said the conflict in north-eastern Nigeria has flared up in recent months, while

Gusau

other areas have seen growing tensions and armed violence.

“The number of people killed, wounded or displaced is on the rise, with children being targeted in attacks or abductions, more and more displaced people are seeking refuge in neighbouring villages, states and countries, often taken in by host communities,” said Jovanovic.

Bomb scare hits Osun Fear of bomb explosives rocked the ancient city of IleIfe, Osun State, yesterday when information filtered round that explosion had rocked a certain part of the town.

The development, which reportedly generated tension among residents and inhabitants of the town, threw them into a state of confusion as they ran for safety in different locations.

Investigations however revealed that an explosive device exploded at about 4:30am around the Agbedegbede area of the town.

Informed sources stated that “the bomb exploded in the area with a loud bang and also affected a house in the area, damaging the roof in the process”.

At the spot of the incident, the bomb squad unit of the state police command was seen on ground performing their lawful duty while the state police commissioner, Mr Ibrahim Maisanu, who was on assessment visit was also seen physically at the scene of the incident.

However, more explosives were said to have been detected by the anti-bomb unit of the Osun State police command, as members of the unit combed the area.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the assessment visit, the state commissioner said that it was not a bomb as being carried about by the members of the public but that it was an explosion from dynamite.

He said that there was no casualty as a result of the explosion and charged the people of the state to be securityconscious at all times.

The police boss further maintained that his command would do its best to protect the lives and properties of the people of Osun.

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Wednesday, July 2, 2014

conference By joe dudun, amina alhassan and BODE GBADEBO

Committee Opts For Legalised Power Rotation

Recommends State of the Nation address

As confab votes for abolition of SIECs, Democracy Day

L-R: Obi of Obinugwu, HRH Eze Cletus Ilomuanya; Amanyanabo of Nembe, HRH Edmund Daukoru and Lamido of Adamawa, HRH Muhammed Barkindo Mustapha discussing at plenary, yesterday. PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

‘New Constitution’: Cabal Out To Discredit Confab’s Deputy Chair – Investigation We’re aware of plan ‑ source

Barring last minute change of mind, a group of delegates from a particular section of the country have perfected plans to discredit the deputy chairman of the ongoing National Conference, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, for what they perceived as his “overbearing influence” and his almost flawless handling of the proceedings of the conference, LEADERSHIP can authoritatively reveal.

Accusations and counteraccusations at plenary on Monday arose from the front page publications of an Abuja-based newspaper last Sunday and Monday alleging hidden agenda by the confab leadership particularly the deputy chairman, who is alleged to be at the forefront of consultation with Northern delegates with a view to convincing them to accept a purported “new constitution”.

An investigation by LEADERSHIP afterwards showed that the National Conference has no such term of reference as writing a new constitution and at no time was its leadership involved in any subterranean move to cajole anybody or group of persons into accepting a “new constitution” outside the purview of the conference’s business in the name of doing President Goodluck Jonathan’s bidding.

The document referred to as the proposed “new Constitution” was discovered to be a working document by a group of delegates from across the six geo-political zones of the country which was meant to help them in negotiation and trade-off so as to avoid undue contention during plenary. One of the members of the group told LEADERSHIP that leaders of all the geopolitical zones at the conference are part of the arrangement and was surprised at the turn of events.

A source in the confab secretariat told our reporter that they are aware of plots to scuttle the conference, especially given the success it has attained so far; and particularly because the turn it has taken is outside the expectations of some of the delegates.

“Those newspaper reports you are referring to are a bunch of cheap blackmail and you need to ask yourself whether it makes any grain of sense that the deputy chairman would be involved in any underhand dealing on behalf of the chairman against the North’s interests.

“The sponsors of those reports are using their connections and resources to tarnish the image of the conference by mischievously blackmailing

the deputy chairman. The deputy chairman has been a stabilising factor in the conference through the routine consultations he has been holding with delegates across board at very critical stages in the life of the conference. Unfortunately those who have some agenda are now turning such good intentions into instruments of blackmail using the media, but the truth is obvious”, the source said.

The source said that it would even amount to insulting the integrity of delegates to the conference to insinuate that someone is lobbying them with huge sums of money to agree to something that is obviously not under the contemplation of the conference.

Attempts to speak with Professor Akinyemi after yesterday’s sitting were unsuccessful as he was said to be attending to visitors. But one of his aides, who also craved for anonymity, confided in LEADERSHIP that the professor of political science might not speak to the press on the matter.

“Gentlemen, Prof may not be in the mood to speak to you now because, in spite of knowing what the truth is, you allow yourselves to be used or deliberately write unfounded things to tarnish peoples image”, he said.

The sponsors of those reports are using their connections and resources to tarnish the image of the conference by mischievously blackmailing the deputy chairman

The Standing Committee on Restructuring and Forms of Government at the ongoing National Conference has recommended for constitutional provisions in the current Electoral Act and various constitutions of political parties for power rotations both at the federal and state levels.

The proposal is one of the many others in the committee’s report presented at plenary yesterday and slated for debate and consideration today.

“The Committee in dealing with this issue agreed that: the Electoral Act and the Constitution of political parties should provide for: The principle of zoning and rotation of elective offices at the Federal and State levels on the basis of equity, justice and fairness,” the committee said.

The committee also approved one additional state for the South-east geopolitical zone, saying it became necessary in the spirit of equity and fairness while recommending that all other pending requests for state creation should be treated by the government on merit.

There was also a proposal for the periodical State of the National address by the president as practiced in the United States of America.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, delegates adopted the report of the Committee on Political Parties and Electoral Matters with various far-reaching recommendations.

Delegates unanimously resolved that the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) established by the 36 states of the federation be scrapped and their functions be transferred to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Also, delegates rejected the date ‘May 29’ as Democracy Day and voted that it should no longer be seen and observed as such henceforth.

News north-central 9

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

‘Gov Aliyu Did Not Misappropriate LG Funds’

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

The Niger State government has said that the state governor, Babangida Aliyu has never misapplied the funds of the 25 local government councils in the state.

Making the position of the government known yesterday at a news conference in his office, the commissioner of information, communication and strategy, Mallam Danladi Ndayebo said the allegation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) about misappropriating the local government funds was just “tales by moonlight”.

Ndayebo described the opposition party’s allegation as a deliberate ploy to distract attention from the landmark achievements of the PDP-led government in the state.

He maintained that the state government has never misapplied funds meant for its 25 local government councils and wondered why the APC has been feeding the people

short news Reps Pass Harmonised Prison Bill The House of Representatives yesterday adopted a harmonised report by both legislative chambers on a Bill for an Act to repeal the Prisons Act, 2004.

The Prisons Act, Cap P29 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 when fully operational among others would make comprehensive provisions for the administration of prisons in the country.

The motion sponsored by Hon Umar Bature (Sokoto/PDP) is entitled, “Receipt and Adoption of Conference Report on a Bill for an Act, Cap P29 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and to make Comprehensive Provisions for the Administration of Prisons in Nigeria”.

By Edegbe Odemwingie, Abuja

of the state with outright lies and whipping up cheap sentiments.

The commissioner challenged the APC to fault the ruling party’s record of achievements with facts or remain quiet.

According to him, the issues which APC rushes to press with are those that it could find answers to if it cares to cross-check from appropriate ministries, departments and agencies.

“The kind of false accusations being heaped on the current administration by the APC can only come from a lazy opposition whose preoccupation is to concoct lies with the objective of heating up the polity”, he said.

While saying the state government does not intend to abridge the right of the opposition to criticise government activities, he cautioned that blackmailing the government is not in any way synonymous with constructive criticism.

Late Senator Kuta Was My Confidant – Gov Aliyu Niger State governor, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu has said that the late Senator Dahiru Aweisu Kuta had been his political confidant and not a political adversary.

Aliyu stated this yesterday at the valedictory session in honour of the senator at the House of Assembly complex, Minna.

He denied insinuations in some quarters that he was quarreling with the late senator, saying that the fact that some political variables were playing out between them did not mean they were quarrelling.

“There were some people who said we quarreled; as far as I know, there was no quarrel, but in the field of politics, certain variables come to play,” Aliyu said.

He said even before he became governor, he and the late senator confided in each other on political issues and, therefore, had no cause to quarrel.

During the occasion, the house members showered encomiums on the late senator, saying he has left a big vacuum that will be difficult to fill.

Meanwhile at the session the Speaker of the state house of assembly Barrister Adamu Usman said Late Senator Dahiru Aweisu belonged to the class of Politicians who fought during military era to bring back democracy.

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

short news Chibok Girls: Bring Back Our Girls Group To Hold Protest Tomorrow In commemoration of the 80th day since the abduction of the over 200 girls from the Government Secondary School, Chibok, the BringBackOurGirls campaign group will hold a protest tomorrow to ask the government the reason it is yet to fulfil the promises of bringing the girls back to their families.

The group disclosed that the protest will start at the Unity Fountain and move to the National Assembly.

The group will also hold a media briefing today with the hope of re-engaging the media on the reaction of citizens to the current state of the rescue operation and to create public awareness regarding new developments within the campaign.

By Chika Mefor, Ejike Ejike, Abuja

Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly, Hon Adamu Usman (left) welcoming Governor Babangida Aliyu to the state Assembly complex, during a valedictory session in honour of late Sen Dahiru Kuta, yesterday.

PHOTO BY GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

Senate Moves To Avert Crisis Over Boundary Adjustment Nigeria may lose Obudu Ranch to Cameroon

By Uchenna Awom and Jonathan Nda- Isaiah, Abuja

In a bid to avert a crisis between Nigeria and Cameroon, the Senate yesterday mandated its Committee on States and Local Governments to investigate the United Nations’ decision to undertake another round of boundary adjustment in the border area.

The Senate also warned that the country may lose Obudu Ranch to Cameroon if the adjustment takes place.

The Upper House also condemned in strong terms the attempt to cede part of Danare and Biajua commu-

nities of Boki local government to Cameroon based on what it described as “an imaginary projection of the Joint Technical Team and in disregard to subsection 12(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

Subsequently, the Senate urged the attorney general of the federation to ensure a more effective supervision of the boundary demarcation exercise to ensure that the country is not short-changed under any guise.

In a motion sponsored yesterday by the Senate leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, on the impending border crisis between Nigeria and Cameroon, the lawmaker noted with anxiety the recent activities of the Joint Technical Team, a sub body of the Nigeria-Camer-

oon Mixed Commission mandated to carry out field work to trace, ascertain and reinforce the boundary points between the two countries who went to the villages of Danare and Biajua in Boki local government, Cross River State, aided by Nigerian soldiers to arbitrarily enforce demarcation of the boundary between the two countries.

He lamented that on the two occasions that the exercise was attempted in the area, there was no representation from Cross River State in the United Nations team led by a Zimbabwean national, Mr Paul Mbaya and at the moment, Cameroonian security forces are guarding their border communities but there is no security presence on the Nigerian side.

Court Throws Out Oyinlola’s Suit Against AGF

By Kunle Olasanmi, Abuja

Former governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola has lost his bid to have a private telecommunications service provider, MTN Nigeria prosecuted for allegedly suppressing evidence at a Federal High Court in Abuja.

The court dismissed his suit on the grounds that the attorney-general of the federation has the constitutional power to use his discretion in initiating public

prosecution.

Oyinlola had last year filed an application for judicial review for an order of mandamus to compel the minister of justice and attorney general of the federation (AGF), Mohammed Adoke (SAN), to initiate criminal prosecution against MTN for allegedly suppressing evidence.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola in his judgement yesterday held that although Section 174 of the Constitution provides for the granting

Benue Teachers Suspend 9-Months Strike

BY SOLOMON AYADO, Makurdi

Primary school teachers in Benue State under the aegis of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) yesterday suspended their ninemonth strike.

The striking teachers have downed tools since October 2013 to press for the implementation of the N18,000 minimum wage by the state government.

Governor Gabriel Suswam had claimed that the state government lacked adequate funds to

commence payment of the wage.

But the Benue State government had last Monday in Abuja reversed its decision and detailed a delegation led by the deputy Governor, Chief Steven Lawani, who signed a Memorandum of Understating (MoU) with the national body of the NUT to begin the payment and also attend to other demands of the teachers.

The development prompted the state chairman of the NUT, Comrade Godwin Anya, to announce the suspension of the prolonged

of order of mandamus against a public officer to compel him/her to perform his public responsibility, the section equally provided the attorney general with the discretion to initiate public prosecution.

The judge held that granting order of mandamus under Section 174 of the Constitution, which Oyinlola relied on in his application, is discretionary in nature, and that the court has the discretion to grant or refuse it.

strike. Anya, who stated this in a statement yesterday, added that the suspension of the strike was in the interest of the educational development of the state.

According to Anya, suspension of the strike will take effect from 7th July 7, saying that the development was sequel the outcome of the agreement between the Benue state government and NUT. He also appealed to teachers to resume classes and urged the state government to abide by the terms of the MoU.

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stories of the Wednesday, July 2, 2014

...NEWS WITH A HUMAN FACE

BUILDING COLLAPSE: Scores Cheat Death In Police Barracks

by GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

Scores of people escaped death by the whiskers in Lagos yesterday when a twostory building collapsed at the Police Barrack, Pedro area of the state.

Our correspondent gathered that the two-story building, comprising 27 flats collapsed because it was already dilapidated.

Residents said part of the building caved - in and collapsed and became rubble as a result of the weak structure which had since betrayed its structural integrity.

It was observed that the particular side of the building which collapsed was made of thick wooden frame acting as support for the pillar before it caved in.

The General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Authourity (LASEMA), Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, the building collapsed partially at Block six, Pedro Police Barrack, Shomolu, adding that the block is a two-story building.

He said ,“The entire structure of the toilets and bathroom ripped off and reduced to rubble. No life was lost and there was no injury. Victims were advised to vacate their homes.”

Fighting crime: Police Nab 6 Rapists, 159 Cultists In 6 Months

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

Police detectives at the Delta State Police Command, Asaba have arrested in the last six months, six rapists and 159 cultists across the state.

DSP Celestina Kalu, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, who confirmed the arrest of the suspects, disclosed that the command also recorded in the period under review, 33 cases of cultism, adding that the suspects have since been charged to court upon interrogation and confessional statements.

While regretting the increasing rate of cultism in the state, DSP Kalu assured that the Police would do everything possible to eradicate all forms of cult groups in the state, adding that the police recently adopted strategies with a view to bringing to book, their sponsors as well as members of various cult groups.

Investigations revealed that cult related activities thrive extensively across the state among unemployed youths who were “shut out” of oil bunkering and other oil crimes by the joint military task force operatives (JTF).

But speaking further, the Police Public Relations Officer explained that the recent measures by the police have drastically contributed to the reduction of crime rate in the state, adding that unlike before when residents slept with one eye open, it is no longer business as usual for perpetrators of crimes.

Flood covering part of road at Iganmu in Lagos after an early morning downpour yesterday.

Photo By Nan

RITUALS: Pastor Kills Friend, 54

BY MATTHEW DIKE, Lagos Police operatives attached to Ogun State Police Command have arrested a pastor, Abimbola Alonge, for allegedly killing his friend, Yusuf Kamilu.

Kamilu, who hails from Abeokuta and was living on Ade Oshunowo Street, Giwa Junction, Oke Aro, near Agbado, was said to have visited Alonge on June 10, 2014 when he was found later, lying unconscious at a junction.

A resident, Jinadu said he was deeply shocked to see Kamilu, 54, lying stone dead.

According to him, the victim’s eyes and tongue had been removed.

LEADERSHIP investigation revealed that the victim was brutally murdered.

The incident was said to have been reported at Ayinla police division.

The policemen were said to have rushed the victim to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital LASUTH), Ikeja, where he died on Friday, June 13.

Kamilu allegedly told his wife that his pastor friend said they were both going to an important meeting but did not disclose the place to him.

The pastor of Exodus Anointed Church of Christ,

Adiyan, Agbado in Ogun State, and Kamilu, a theatre practitioner, had been friends for about 15 years.

Also, while Kamilu is married with two children, the pastor is said to have married three wives, but retained only one who gave birth to two children.

Speaking with our correspondent on Friday, Kamilu’s wife, Adijat, explained that when her husband was found at a junction lying half-dead the following morning, the pastor had lied to them on phone that he travelled.

She said, “At about 10am when he left the house on Tuesday, Alonge called him on phone, and my husband replied that he was already about leaving.

He promised to come back at about 6pm because I was not feeling alright too, and I was even using drugs.

“By 3pm that same day, I called him on phone again asking whether my ATM card was with him because I needed to withdraw some money. He still answered me cracking a joke, and I heard the voices of about four persons laughing in the background.

He said it was my ATM card that he was eating now in pastor’s house. That was the joke, but it made me to know that he was still at that place.

STEALING: 27-yr-old Man Bags 2 Years Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

Twenty seven-year-old man, Wasiu Moshood was on Tuesday sentenced to two years imprisonment without an option of fine for stealing a Blackberry phone.

The accused was said to have committed the offence during the commissioning of a new branch of Shoprite on Basorun MKO Abiola Way (former Ring Road) in Ibadan on Friday June 19, 2014.

Appearing before Chief Magistrate, O.A Amzat, the convict had pleaded guilty to the charges of stealing and was remanded in Agodi Prison till yesterday, the adjourned day.

The presiding Magistrate said that since

the accused had pleaded guilty to the charges, he should be remanded at Agodi till the adjourned date.

Efforts by the Magistrate to obtain information from the accused on where he sold the phone, proved abortive, as he declined, claiming that he could not remember, following which the court delivered its judgement.

It was gathered that the phone, estimated at N45,000 belonged to a woman, Adekoya Falilat, who the convict reportedly beat to a stupor because she accused him of theft.

According to the prosecutor, Phillip Amusan, the offence was a violation of Section 390 of the Criminal Code of Oyo State, 2000.

FRAUD: Court Orders Arrest Of Cross Country Transport Boss

By OLUGBENGA SOYELE, Lagos

Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo of the Lagos High Court in Ikeja yesterday ordered the arrest of the Managing Director of Cross Country Transport Limited, Bube Okorodu, for refusing to appear before the court to take his plea over an alleged N82.8 million theft charge.

Justice Lawal-Akapo, apart from issuing the bench warrant also directed the police to arrest and produce Okorodudu before the court on July 8 for his arraignment.

Okorodudu and his company were charged along with Car Link Ltd before the court by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a nine counts charge of stealing, conspiracy to steal, forgery and altering.

According to the EFCC, the accused persons conspired among themselves and stole the money being proceeds of alleged fraudulent sales of 17 units of Volkswagen transporter buses belonging to AG Moeller Ltd. The transporter and his two companies--- Cross Country Limited and Car Link Limited were charged to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

It will be recalled that the court had on May 26 dismissed Okorodudu’s application to quash the charge, assuming jurisdiction and ordering the defendants to appear in court on July 1 for their arraignment.

At the resumption of proceedings on Tuesday, the EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, reminded the court of its order and submitted that the non appearance of the defendants was a flagrant disobedience of the court’s order.

The lawyer said, “My Lord, the reason adduced for the absence of the first defendant (Okorodudu) is not cogent.

STORIES OF THE DAY 11

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

day

photo news

SMUGGLING: NSCDC Arrests 3 In Sokoto

BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Sokoto State Command, said yesterday, it had arrested three suspects involved in inter border fuel smuggling ventures, just as it revealed that a total of 655 cans and two drums of petroleum was intercepted from the suspects.

The Commandant, Alhaji Yusha’u Yamel, who made the disclosure, also informed that each of the 655 cans intercepted contained 30-liters while the two drums had 300-litres capacity

individually.

Divulging that the smugglers were on their way to the neighbouring Niger Republic through Illela before they were intercepted around 2am in the night, Yusha’a said the products were lifted from NIPCO filing station in Sokoto State.

The product was also carried in a vehicle with registration number Sokoto BLE 18 XA and was heading towards Illela to cross over to Niger Republic before it was intercepted.

The Commander noted, “we will soon charge the suspects to Court as soon as our investigation is completed.”

Former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola briefing State House correspondents during his visit to President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN

homeless: SEMA Confirms 10,000 Displaced Persons

BY MIDAT JOSEPH, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), yesterday confirmed that a total of 10,000 people have been displaced from their homes following attacks by gunmen on communities in Sanga Local government Area of the state.

Sanga communities have come under attacks from gunmen killing over 200 people within a space of three days.

The Executive Secretary of the agency, Mr. Ishaku Dogo Makama, who disclosed this yesterday, said relief materials have also been presented to the displaced in seven camps.

According to Makaman “During the rapid assessment, it was discovered that five communities were attacked. These are Akpongs Nangu, Kobin village, Fadan

Karshi, Dogon Daji, and Ugwan Haruna and not fewer than 10, 000 people, men, women, and children were displaced.”

He said the displaced persons are in seven camps located at ERCC, The Divisional Police Station Gwantu, the chief of Gwadogwado residence, Primary School Nandu, Ungwar Haruna, ERCC Akwanga in Nasarawa state and the Sanga Local government Vice Chairman’s house in Gwantu.

“Items donated include- maize, rice, beans, millet, sugar, wrappers, blanket and mattresses while arrangement are being made to provide more food stuff to assuage their sufferings,” Makama added.

Receiving the items, Sanga Local government Chairman, Hon Emmanuel Adamu commended the state government for the gesture.

ACCIDENT: Phones, Over-speeding, Cause Of Road Crashes – FRSC

By Bernard Dada, Uyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has attributed most road crashes in the country to the use of cell phones while driving.

The Senior Commander of the corps in Akwa Ibom Mr.Musa Yerima stated this yesterday in Uyo while fielding questions from newsmen.

Yerima who said that the Corps recorded 14 deaths and 22 road crashes between January and June in the state explained that ’the use of cell phone while driving distracts the attention of the drivers, which invariably makes them ramp over broken down vehicles on the road.

He stated that, ‘The predominant risk factors attributed to Akwa Ibom State are speed limit violation and dangerous driving, which is a very important factor that we are campaigning against.

‘We have fashioned out strategies on

how to minimize road crashes in the state especially now that we are in the peak of raining season’. The command, he noted, has been campaigning for the need of speed limit devices to be installed in all commercial vehicles in the state as measure to check over-speeding by drivers.

Yerima, said that the command would not relent in its efforts to carry out public enlightenment campaigns across all motor parks in the State and advised drivers that before a vehicle leaves the park it should undergo necessary checks to determine its road worthiness, effective breaks and good spare tyres to avoid crashes.

He appealed to the Federal Government to urgently rehabilitate the Abak Ikot Ekpene-Itu-Calabar Road describing it as one of the worst routes in the state and cautioned drivers to be careful while driving, saying that ‘no matter how bad the road is, the consciousness of the driver is very important because it will influence his decisions at the end of the day.

L-R: National Coordinator of Women for Change & Development Initiative, Dr Princess Rabi Ibrahim; wife of Works Minister and patron of the programme, Mrs Bibian Onolememen and Works Minister, Arc Mike Onolememen during the inauguration of the group in Benin City, Edo State.

L-R: Representative of the Niger State Governor, Hon James Baritachi, Brig General Aaron Danpome and representative of Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Commandant Jonathan Iyogho at Defence Armoured Vehicles West Africa Conference and Exhibition in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

i

L-R: President of Women Arise, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin and National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria, Ambassador Dickson Akoh during the presentation of award of excellence to Odumakin in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

12 news north-East, north-west

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Wamakko Condoles With NUJ, Correspondents’ Chapel Over Chairman’s Death

Ramadan: Sokoto PDP Disburses 4,880 Bags Of Rice To Party Members

By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto

Sokoto State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday distributed 4,880 bags of rice to it’s members across the 23 local government areas of the state, just as it announced that it is battle ready to take over power in the state come 2015.

The rice, which is meant to assist the party faithful in the Ra-

madan fast, is to be shared 20 bags per ward.

Sokoto State has 244 council wards and the gesture is aimed at meeting party faithful’s need in the fasting period, according to the state PDP chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Milgoma.

Enjoining members of the PDP to be ready to take over power come 2015 general elections, Alhaji Milgoma urged

them to ensure equitable distribution of the commodity.

“Each of the 244 council wards would be given 20 bags of rice for onward distribution among party members within their domain. This is simply a token from the party at the state level,” Milgoma noted.

Speaking earlier, Nigerian ambassador to Morroco, Senator Abdallah Wali, urged the par-

ty leaders at the council level to have the fear of God and ensure that the rice is judiciously disbursed to their members.

Responding, a party faithful who prefers anonymity said, PDP remained a party to beat both in the state and at the national level, expressing optimism that the party will emerge victorious in the 2015 general elections.

A blind man and his wife sitting in front of their house burnt by unknown gunmen that attacked Nahuta village in Dandanko District in Bauchi on Monday night. PHOTO BY NAN

short news Jigawa Cholera Outbreak: Death Toll Rises To 10 The cases recorded from the cholera outbreak in Hadejia, Jigawa State yesterday rose to over 1,000 just as the death toll also rose to over 10.

LEADERSHIP gathered at the Hadejia General Hospital, that dozens of cholera victims are still on admission receiving treatment.

Besides Hadejia, the disease was also said to have been reported in some LGAs of the state including Gwaram and Kirikasamma.

Confirming the rise in the cases reported, the state commissioner of health, Dr Tafida Abubakar said the cases recorded were over 1,000 as at yesterday.

By Muh’d Zangina Kura, Dutse

Southern Kaduna Killings: Numana Community Pleads For Govt Protection

By Chika Mefor, Abuja

Following the recent mass killings in Southern Kaduna by unknown gunmen, the Numana Community has pleaded with President Goodluck Jonathan to provide maximum security for the people of the area to prevent another attack.

Making this plea during a press briefing yesterday, the national president of the Numana Community Development Organisation (NCDO), Sunday Audu, stated that the

community has not been given adequate protection by the government, adding that more needs to be done to protect the people from more attacks and killings.

Audu who stated that crops worth millions of naira were also lost in the attack said the entire livelihood of the people had been affected, adding that if nothing is done, it will result to hunger in the area.

“The entire livelihood of the people had been affected hence if immediate steps are

not taken, there might be hunger in the entire local government. To make matters worse, our people cannot go to their farms as many of them are being attacked and killed in their farms,” he said.

The president who added that about 138 people were killed in the attack with others still missing, stated that on their own, the people have organised youths who keep vigil and were advised to report to the relevant authority if they sense any danger.

Water Scarcity Hits Kebbi, Residents Cry For Help

By Yahya Sarki, Kebbi

Residents of the Kebbi State capital, Birnin Kebbi, and its environs are grappling with serious water scarcity for over two weeks.

The situation has caused untold hardship to residents of Shiyar Sarakuna, Badariya, Illelal Yari, Rafin Atiku and the old town of Birnin Kebbi.

A resident of Shiyar Sarakuna, Nasarawa II in Birnin Kebbi, Aliyu Birnin Kebbi, told Leadership that they have been

facing water scarcity for over two weeks, a situation which he described as pathetic, and appealed to government to quickly intervene in the situation. ‘’We have been facing water problem for two weeks and with the commencement of Ramadan fasting, life will be very difficult for us. We have to buy wheelbarrow of water at the cost of N300 to N400 daily’’, he said.

Another female resident of Badariya area, Fatima Abdullahi also lamented the situation,

saying “It’s unfortunate that we are suffering because of water scarcity in the state capital; our children now go to school late because they have to go and fetch water daily,” she said.

Reacting on the matter, the general manager, Kebbi Water Board, Engr. Mahamud Ahmed Gwandu told journalists that the water scarcity being experienced in some parts of the state capital is as a result of a broken pipe that supplies water from the main tank reservoir to the areas.

short news Late Kano Emir Stood Against Boko Haram – Mark The late emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero stoutly stood against Boko Haram insurgency as a prominent traditional leader in the North while alive.

The Senate president, David Mark, who said this when the Senate paid tributes to the late emir, said the monarch personally told him at the beginning of the insurgency that Boko Haram had nothing good whatsoever for Nigeria and that government should move fast against it.

By Uchenna Awom and Jonathan Nda-Isaiah

Sokoto State governor, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, yesterday condoled with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State chapter and the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ in particular over the sudden death of its chairman, Alhaji Bello Mohammed Gusau.

Bello Mohammed Gusau who died after a brief illness was until his death the Sokoto State correspondent of Tribune Newspaper and chairman of the Sokoto State Correspondents Chapel of the NUJ. Wamakko in a condolence message signed by his special assistant, Press Affairs, Mallam Abubakar Dangusau and made available to LEADERSHIP extolled the leadership qualities of Bello Gusau, even as he described him as a rare gem that will be missed by all.

He said that aside from being a very good writer, Bello Gusau was a man of integrity, benevolence, and a very patriotic Nigerian who believed in the greatness of the nation.

He added that his death would be felt by all, especially the good people of Sokoto State where he was serving before his death.

By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto

Kaduna Killings: SEMA Confirms 10,000 Displaced Persons The Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) yesterday confirmed that a total of 10,000 people have been displaced from their homes following attacks by gunmen on communities in Sanga local government area.

Sanga communities have come under attacks from gunmen who killed over 200 people within a space of three days.

The executive secretary of the agency, Mr Ishaku Dogo Makama, who disclosed the number of the displaced persons, said yesterday that relief materials have also been presented to the displaced in seven camps.

He said, “During the rapid assessment, it was discovered that five communities were attacked. These are Akpongs Nangu, Kobin village, Fadan Karshi, Dogon Daji and Ugwan Haruna, and no fewer than 10, 000 people, men, women, and children were displaced.”

He said the displaced persons are in seven camps located at ERCC, the Divisional Police Station, Gwantu, the chief of Gwadogwado’s residence, Primary School, Nandu, Ungwar Haruna, ERCC Akwanga in Nasarawa State and the Sanga LG vice chairman’s house in Gwantu.

By Midat Joseph, Kaduna

13

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

2014 Guber Poll:

Osundecides I’ll Return Schools To Owners – Aregbesola Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola has disclosed his administration’s resolve to return schools to the original owners immediately government has enough accommodation for its teeming pupils through its ‘O’ School programme.

Aregbesola who made the disclosure at Osogbo during an interactive session with Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Osun State chapter, gave assurance that no fewer than 10,000 pupils would be accommodated by December courtesy the ongoing construction of new classrooms across the state.

Aregbesola, who attributed his achievements to God, said what his administration has achieved within less than four years in office despite the paucity of funds was beyond human capacity.

According to him, his commitment to the welfare

of the citizens of the state informed his numerous programmes and projects targeted at the well being of the people, adding that every citizen had been impacted upon positively in o ne form or the other.

On allegation of Islamization of Osun State, Aregbesola said his government was poised to ensure equal rights to all religions adding that Christians were more favoured in his appointments.

He disclosed that out of 36 executive council members, 24 are Christians, while only eight of the 34 permanent secretaries he appointed are Muslims, saying that government was fair to all religions in its dealings.

He insisted on ensuring equal recognition to all religion, saying this he has pursued without bias since he

Aregbesola

became the governor of the state.

Welcoming the governor, the chairman of CAN, Osun chapter, Prophet Elisha Ogundiya, said the organization had invited some governorship candidate to tell the people about their manifestoes, saying there is the need for the candidates to showcase what they intend to do when elected into office.

By Tope Fayehun, Akure

Saturday, August 9

Group Lauds Jega, INEC Over Akeju’s Redeployment As new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Mr Segun Agbaje, resumed work in the state yesterday ahead of the forthcoming governorship election, a human rights group, the Centre for Human Rights and social Justice (CHRSJ) has commended the Professor Attairu Jega-led Independent National Electoral (INEC) over the removal of the controversial outgone REC, Mr Rufus Akeju from the state.

It advised the electoral body not to allow Akeju to be redeployed to any state of the federation again till his tenure lapses in July 22, 2015, because of his dented image within the commission.

In a statement issued and signed by the group’s Executive chair-

man, Comrade Adeniyi Alimi Sulaiman, a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State yesterday, maintained that the removal of Akeju was a welcome development towards have credible governorship poll in the state, insisting that removal of Akeju was long over due but “it is better now than never.”

Comrade Sulaiman declared that Professor Jega had written his name in gold as the chairman of the electoral body that believes in deepening the current democratic experiment, saying that only the true lover of democracy would see the development as a good omen for our democracy in the state.

The group however

Omisore

called on the Presidency, National Assembly, INEC, Department of State Service (DSS) and Nigeria Police to investigate the four years of Akeju’s activities in the state and those behind the pro-Akeju advertorial against the editorial opinion of Nigerian Tribune in the two national dailies of March 19, 2014.

By Joshua Dada, Osogbo

south-west Ramadan: Omirin Urges Muslims To Reunite With Allah The Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dr Adewale Omirin, has urged Muslims in the state to use the month of Ramadan as time of devotion and reflection on the tenets of Islamic faith.

Omirin in a statement by his Special Adviser of Media, Wole Olujobi, yesterday in Ado-Ekiti said Muslim faithful owed it as a duty to reflect on the footsteps of Allah for accelerated development of the country and to seek reunion with Allah in the conduct of their affairs.

While calling for the restraint on mundane excesses to get the full benefits of Ramadan, the Speaker said, “As you begin the Ramadan fasting, the essence of restraint to seek the favour of Allah should not be lost on our Muslim brothers and sisters.

“The period calls for close relationship with Allah, who is the author of life and its goodness.

Therefore, we must begin to show all the attributes of the Almighty Allah in this holy month so that together we can build an enduring relationship based on restraint and show of love,” Omirin said.

Nigerians irrespective of their religious inclination should show tolerance in their relationship with one another.

By Alo Abiola, Ado-Ekiti

NMA Wants Pharmacists, Nurses Roles Sustained

By Alo Abiola, Ado-Ekiti

The Ekiti State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has cautioned the federal government against the idea of appointing nurses and pharmacists as consultants and chief medical directors in the public health institution in the country.

The body which joined its public hospitals members in a nationwide strike which began yesterday also called for the scrapping of Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU).

Addressing a press conference in Ado Ekiti yesterday, the NMA

chairman in the state, Dr Obitade Obimakinde, said such proposal by the federal government could cause internal confusion in the country’s health sector and take its toll on the patients.

While stating that pharmacists and nurses should be allowed to continue to play supportive roles and take directives from doctors, Obimakinde said clinical structures of the hospitals could be eroded if the proposal was adopted.

On the scrapping on the JOHESU, he said such will pave way for each professional affiliate body to operate through its parent organ-

isations.

The erosion of some demarcations among medical experts in the hospitals, according to him, would cripple the health sector and lead to its total collapse in the presence of poor health indices, like high child and maternal mortality rates that are rampant in the system.

The NMA said, “We are not saying there shouldn’t be career progression for nurses, pharmacists and other medical and paramedic officers, but they should be made to play supportive roles to doctors or else this may cause chaos and confusion in the system.

Former AG Challenges Fashola Over Ekiti Guber Polls

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja

Former attorney-general of Ekiti State, Barrister Owoseni Ajayi, has chided Lagos State governor Babatunde Fashola for disparaging the people of Ekiti State over their choice of the Ayodele Fayose as governor, urging him to come to terms with the result.

Commenting on the Ekiti guber polls, Fashola had expressed reservations over the outcome of the

election, raising questions over the loss of the incumbent governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, at the June 21 election.

But according to a statement issued in Abuja by Barr. Ajayi, who disagreed with Fashola’s view on the outcome of the election in a back pages of some national dailies last Monday, the position of governor amounts to a direct insult on the sensibility of Ekiti people.

He said, “In his previous inter-

views, Governor Fashola desperately and pathetically attempted to detract from the credibility of Governor Fayose’s victory by insinuating that it was a sheer impossibility for the governor-elect to win the Ekiti State gubernatorial election with such landslide; defeating the incumbent Governor, his deputy, three senators and all their House of Assembly members in their various local governments.

short news LCDA: Ekiti Community Rejects Proposed Headquarters The people of Erinmope-Ekiti have vowed not to subjects themselves to the supremacy of Igogo-Ekiti as the headquarters of the proposed Ero Local Government Development Area of Ekiti State.

The national president of Erinmope Development Union, Alhaji Lasisi Salami who spoke to journalists on behalf of the paramount ruler of the town Oba James Aina in AdoEkiti, described the government‘s action as a big slap on the community’s face, saying Igogo is lesser in traditional hierarchy to the community.

By Alo Abiola, Ado-Ekiti

14 news Lagos Osun 2015: South West PDP Intensifies Move

by GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos To Take Over Zone

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Use Unauthorised Siren, Get 3-year Jail Term, Lagos Warns

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the South West zone, met on Monday night in Abuja to fine-tune their strategy to take over the zone ahead of 2015.

They resolved to back the continuation of incumbent national secretary of the party, Prof Oladipo Wale, in a bid to bring to an end the tussle over the slot of PDP national secretary which was zoned to the region by the national secretariat of the party.

The party leaders at the meeting, organised by former deputy national chairman of PDP, Southwest Chief Olabode George, further resolved to present Oladipo for the post ahead of the forthcoming National Convention of the party.

They, however, agreed that the decision to endorse Oladipo would be jettisoned if the Supreme Court rules in favour of embattled former national secretary of the party, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who has since approached the court to reclaim his position.

Oyinlola had appealed the High Court ruling which removed him from office.

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja.

The Lagos State government has banned the indiscriminate and unlawful use of siren in the state, saying anyone who contravenes the law will be prosecuted and jailed for three years.

The state attorney general and commissioner for justice, Mr Ade Ipaye, who revealed this in a notice obtained by our correspondent emphasised that the state government will prosecute anyone caught using siren unlawfully in its metropolis.

He urged drivers and other road users in the state to desist from using siren to paint a picture of a polity in rancour.

The attorney-general said that the use of siren and other noisy devices in vehicles are prohibited under the Lagos State Road Traffic Law. He noted that the only exceptions allowed by the law are vehicles in use for emergency purposes such as ambulances, fire engines and law enforcement vehicles on urgent call.

Ipaye added that apart from

those listed, nobody is allowed to use siren or other noisy devices in a vehicle within the territorial boundary of the state.

The commissioner added that the use of siren and other noisy devices have caused unnecessary harassments to innocent road users and resulted in many instances of traffic congestion, avoidable motor accidents, damage to property and personal injury.

He told the road users in the state to note that under section 24(c) of the Lagos State Road Traffic Law 2011, it is a criminal

offence to use or deploy siren or other noisy devices in a vehicle within the state.

“By virtue of section 36(1) of the same Law, convicted offenders may be fined up to N30, 000 and/ or imprisoned for up to three years.”

In addition to the above penalty, Ipaye said offenders would be held fully responsible for damages or injury caused by this contravention, and the offending vehicle is also liable to be forfeited to the state by virtue of section 36(2) of the Law.

short news Ogun Development My Focus – Amosun

Lagos To Introduce New Transport System For Live Animals Lagos State government yesterday said it has concluded plans to introduce ‘Live Animal Truck’, a transportation method aimed at reforming the process of transporting live animals especially cattle within the state.

The state governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola who disclosed this after inspecting the OkoOba Abattoir located in Agege local government area of the state said the new strategy will help improve the quality and quantity of cattle before they are slaughtered for consumption.

He said, “When a cow walks long distance before it is slaughtered, its value depreciates.

“The new trucks will be deployed to transport cattle. And it will help the cattle traders to stop moving their animals on foot at night.”

“Also, the state government will be reconstructing their trailer parks to modern standard. We will also build a camp that will serve as temporary accommodation for cattle traders from other states and others to have a place to sleep, wash, eat and support their business”.

Fashola said this was part of the reason the state sponsored about 39 butchers to Kenya and Botswana, to learn mechanised process of slaughtering and processing cattle in the state.

By George Okojie, Lagos

Lagos State governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (middle), commissioner for energy and mineral resources, Engr. Taofeek Tijani (second right), commissioner of police, Aliyu Mohammed Manko (second left), director of State Security Services, Mr Ben Achu Olaiyi (left) and the commander, 9 Brigade, Cantonment, Ikeja, Brig-General A. S. Maikoba (right) during Governor Fashola’s meeting with Tank Farm owners on the need for vigilance and support for government’s regeneration efforts in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO BY GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

INEC Has Improved On Conduct Of Election In Nigeria – Jega

By By Olaolu Oladipo, Lagos

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega has stated that the commission has improved significantly in the way it conducts elections in the country.

A statement issued by the chief press secretary to Jega, Mr Kayode Idowu stated that Jega made the assertion yesterday while receiving in audience, the Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, Gu Xiaojie who paid him a courtesy visit.

Idowu in the statement obtained

by LEADERSHIP quoted Jega as saying that INEC was working hard to make the forthcoming election in Osun State a better one compared to last month’s poll in Ekiti State.

“He said no effort would be spared to make the Osun election scheduled for August 9, 2014, more qualitative in all aspects than the June 21Ekiti State election which has been widely acclaimed as the best so far by the commission,” Idowu wrote.

“Since 2011, we have been doing our best to keep on improving the integrity and transparency of the

electoral process. We have cleaned up the Register of Voters, and we have been doing our best to address the challenge of logistics of deployment, which has been a major obstacle to our conduct of good elections,” Idowu wrote.

He added, “I am pleased to say there has been progressive improvement in the series of governorship elections that we have conducted since 2011, culminating in the Ekiti election that we conducted two weeks ago, and which has been generally acknowledged as perhaps the best election.

Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has said that developing Ogun State in terms of infrastructure and human capital remains his focus.

He said this yesterday at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, while inaugurating the new chairman of the state Council of Obas, Oba Adeniyi Sonariwo, the Akarigbo of Remo land.

Amosun, who said he has been inundated with calls since the APC suffered defeat in Ekiti, said some concerned party members had suggested that he should start sharing rice and money to the residents, so that he could get massive votes during the 2015 governorship election.

By Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

EMAB Plaza Bombing: HURIWA Seeks Establishment Of Civilian JTF In Abuja By millie ibe, Abuja

A democracy inclined non-governmental organization, -Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has canvassed for the setting up of civilian joint task force (Civilian JTF) to partner with security operatives in Abuja to fish out undesirable elements with links to the

dreaded armed insurgents.

The group which condemned the spate of bomb attacks in the nation’s capital, also called on the minister of the Federal Capital Territory Senator Bala Mohammed to put into place mechanism for compulsory residential biometric registration for all residents of the FCT. The group also called for the

setting up of coordinating council of all the districts of the FCT to be composed of trusted and tested landlords and tenants with credible crime free records to monitor activities of all residents of their residential areas and document and track movement of all persons on daily basis.

HURIWA, which spoke through its national coordina-

tor, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and the National Media Affairs Director Miss Zainab Yusuf stated that since Abuja residents have become endangered species from the imminent and present danger of attacks by insurgents, it has become imperative that urgent measures are adopted to save the lives and property of Nigerians.

15

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

business news

NSE Trades 620.83m Shares

BY Olushola Bello, Lagos

Investors on the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE), yesterday traded a total of 620.83 million shares worth N4.98 billion in 5,454 deals.

The volume represented an increase of 52 per cent over the 408.52 million shares valued at N7.57 billion exchanged in 5,882 deals on Monday.

The All-Share Index, which opened at 42,482.48, grew further

by 128.82 points or 0.30 per cent to close at a higher rate of 42,611.30 as a result of price gains sustained by some highly-capitalised stocks.

Also, the market capitalisation appreciated by N42 billion or 0.30 per cent to close at N14.070 trillion against the N14.028 trillion posted on Monday. Seven UP led the gainers’ chart with a gain of N9.53 to close at N102.53 per share. It was followed by the United Africa Company of Nigeria (UACN) which

gained N3.10 to close at N65.10, while International Breweries inched by N1.30 to close at N28 per share. Presco rose by N1.09 to close at N36.10, while Lafarge Wapco gained N1.01 to close at N112.01.

On the other hand, MRS topped the losers’ chart, depreciating

by N6.82 to close at N63.18 per share. Forte Oil trailed with a loss of N6.30 to close at N200, while Guinness dipped by N2 to close at N198.

N35m capitalisation: BDC Operators Lobby Senators

BY Jonathan Nda-Isaiah, Abuja

Against the backdrop of the N35 million capitalisation proposed by the Central Bank Of Nigeria (CBN) for operators of the bureau de change, the operators yesterday met with the Senate Committee on Finance to seek the intervention of the Upper House.

The chairman of the committee, Ahmed Makarfi, had on Monday described as unfair, unjust and inequitable, the N35 million minimum capital base slammed on the operators, adding that the National Assembly were already making moves to intervene in the matter with a view to ensure justice.

The leader of the delegation and acting president of the

Association of Bureau De Change of Nigeria, Mr Aminu Gwadabe, stated that they met earlier in the day with the governor of Central Bank, Mr Godwin Emefiele, on the issue.

He explained that his group held a fruitful deliberation with Emefiele and that the apex bank boss pledged to look into the issue. Gwadabe lamented that the policy, if implemented, will worsen the already bad unemployment problem and maintained that the policy would further lead to a devaluation of the naira because many operators would close down, a situation, he added, would lead to the emergence of various black markets across the country and increased circulation of foreign currencies.

Nigeria-China Trade Volume hits $13.6bn – Khan

By Chika Izuora, Port Harcourt

The Consul-General of the Peoples Republic of China in Nigeria, Mr Liu Khan, has sought for increase in Chinese investment in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

Khan, who made the request at the on-going 3-day Energy Environment and Investment Forum with the theme “Sustainable Energy, the Key to Africa’s World Integration” in Port Harcourt, said that China would also be encouraged to transfer technologies and train personnel to increase local job opportunities.

He said that trade volume between Nigeria and China is over $13.6 billion, while export and import trade volume stood at $210 billion last year, which represents about 5.9 per cent and that the bilateral business relations between the two countries has resulted in foreign direct investments in various sectors of the economy.

“Both countries have entered into mutually beneficial trade agreements which have created rapid development of the Nigerian economy. There are currently more than 40 Chinese companies that have been playing positive roles in the satisfaction of demand and creation of jobs in Nigeria,” Khan said, adding that China has been actively involved in the manufacturing, retailing and agriculture sectors of the economy.

Khan commended the federal government for creating an enabling environment for foreign businesses to thrive, while calling for the protection of Chinese entrepreneurs’ in the country.

“Chinese enterprises invest in Nigeria’s seed cultivation and have become the Nigerian government’s seed providers which helps to boost local self-support in grain. Chinese and Nigerian enterprises have joined hands in operating satellite networks, with digital television signals covering 84 per cent of the African country, which promoted cultural exchanges of both countries,” Khan said.

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/business

L-R: Executive director/chief financial officer, UAC, Mr Abdul Akhor Bello; general managing director, UAC, Mr Larry Ettah; chairman, UAC, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, and company secretary/ legal adviser, Godwin Samuel, at the 2014 annual general meeting of UAC of Nigeria, held in Lagos, recently. Photo By GBENGA OLAJOBI

Cashless Policy: FG Transacts N12trn On e-Payment Platform

BY Chima akwaja, Lagos

With the take-off of the cashless policy across the 36 states of the federation yesterday, the federal government (FG) has conducted over N12 trillion transactions on the integrated government e-payment powered by a one-stop multibank electronic payments, e-collections, e-payroll and e-schedules platform, Remita.

Adopted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as the e-payments and e-collections platform of the federal government and used by the 22 commercial banks, and over 400 microfinance banks (MFBs), the platform built by Nigeria’s software powerhouse, Systemspecs Limited, has significantly assisted government to revolutionise e-payment industry in Nigeria.

The CBN commenced the cashless policy nationwide yesterday while

deferring charges in the 30 states where it was newly introduced till July 1, 2015. The policy places daily limits on amounts that can be withdrawn and by customers over the counter.

The policy was earlier operational in Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Abia, Anambra, Kano, Ogun and Rivers states. According to the apex bank, the cashless policy aims at reducing the amount of physical cash circulating in the economy and encouraging more electronic-based transactions (e-payments for goods, services, transfers, etc). The cashless policy will drive the development and modernisation of Nigeria’s payment system nationwide as all individuals and corporate organisations will be encouraged to adopt the electronic payment and banking options.

The chief executive officer,

Systemspecs, Mr John Obaro, speaking yesterday to mark two years of the cashless Nigeria by the CBN and the take-off of the policy across the 36 states, said the Remita platform is recording an average of N500 billion transactions on a monthly basis, addressing myriads of challenges facing pensioners, staff salaries and e-payments.

“Our working with the CBN has really helped to revolutionise e-payment over the past two and half years. It accepts various card payments like the Verve, MasterCard, Visa and UnionPay and the money is paid directly into your accounts. It is extremely easy for individuals and organisations to set-up and you can begin to collect money instantly. We believe organisations should not see the cashless policy as a CBN mandate, they should see it as an advantage for their businesses,” Obaro said.

Unity Bank Emerges Best In Agric Financing

by Olushola bello, Lagos

Unity Bank Plc has emerged the best bank in agriculture financing in the 2014 BusinessDay Annual Banking Awards held in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the bank’s managing director/CEO, Mr Henry James Semenitari, declared that it was not a surprise that the bank won the award this year because it had consistently been at the forefront in agriculture financing.

This is evidenced in the bank’s wide

range of agriculture products for both small and large scale farmers – collectively known as the Unity Greens, which cover general agroallied financing, industrial as well as cooperative leasing, support schemes and products.

The bank is also widely acclaimed as one the most active implementers of the federal government’s multibillion naira agriculture intervention schemes such as the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS), Growth Enhancement Support Scheme

(GES), Nigeria Incentive Based RiskSharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), Agriculture Credit Guarantee Scheme (ACGS) and the Agriculture Trust Fund Model (ATFM).

With over 150 branches along the Nigerian agrarian belt, the bank has long recognised this positioning as an area in which it can make its impact felt.

This year’s awards had the theme “Deepening Nigeria’s Economy through industrialisation: The Role of Banks, Challenges and Opportunities.”

16 NEWS/BUSINESS

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Investors On Aviation Pension Thieves Get 10-yr Jail Term FG Partners Chinese Ortom expressed the federal further explore the opportunities

by EZRA IJIOMA, Abuja

... As Jonathan signs bill into law

BY George agba, Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday signed the Pension Reform Bill 2014, into law, hence repealing the Pension Reform Act, No 2, 2004.

With the 2014 pension reform bill being assented to by the president, any pension thief convicted for embezzling pension fund will be sentenced to a 10-year jail term.

The bill which was passed by the House of Representatives on May 27, and received the same nod by the Senate on June 3, is designed in such a way as to punish offenders in order to deter those who might be nursing the plan to misappropriate or divert pension funds assets.

The new law also increased the the minimum rate of Pension Contribution from 15 to 18 per cent of monthly emolument, with eight per cent to be contributed by employee and 10 per cent by the employer. The said percentange is to provide additional benefits to workers’ retirement savings accounts so as to enhance their monthly pension benefits at retirement.

The law further reduced the waiting period for accessing benefits in the event of loss of job by employees from six to four months.

The new law also empowers the pension commission to take proactive corrective measures on licenced operators whose situations, actions or inactions tend to jeopardise the safety of pension assets, apart from providing further fortress for the pension assets against mismanagement and or systemic risks. It also provides for the creation of additional permissible investment instruments to accommodate initiatives for national development, such as investment in the real sector which includes infrastructure and real estate development.

This is provided without compromising the paramount principle of ensuring the safety of pension fund assets.

The law also makes provision, compelling an employer to open a Temporary Retirement Savings Account (TRSA) on behalf of an employee that fails to open an RSA within three months of assumption of duty.

Nigeria is partnering with Chinese investors to develop the nation’s aviation sector.

This was disclosed yesterday in Abuja when the supervising minister of aviation, Mr Samuel Ortom, received some Chinese investors who are found in almost every sector of Nigeria’s economy with the aviation industry being their latest conquest, and trade between the two countries totalling $13.6 billion last year.

$5bn Investment In Steel Plant: FG Commends Chinese Investor

By Kingsley Alu, Abuja

The permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Abdulkadir Musa, has commended the PAN Steel Corporation of China for taking advantage of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) to invest $5 billion new steel plant in Nigeria.

He stated this during a courtesy visit by the president of the PAN Steel Group Corporation, China, Mr Zhang Dade, to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

The permanent secretary who represented the minister, Mr Olusegun Aganga, at the occasion said that the NIRP has made steel central in the industrialisation process of the country which was aimed at addressing the issue of the manufacturing sector in Nigeria.

“The intention is to boost industrialisation in Nigeria, especially in the manufacturing sector, create employment among Nigerians and reduce our import bills based on the products we can produced in the country.

“The steel industry in Nigeria is quite open

and transparent and we welcome people who want to participate in the development of steel in Nigeria,” Musa.

He said that government has endorsed the legislation in the National Assembly to empower entrepreneurs and protect their investments in the country, adding that leading manufacturers in the automobile industry have come from different part of the world to embrace the federal government’s auto policy.

“NISSAN has started production and not quite long ago, we were riding Chinese automobile in the country. Others will roll out before the end of the year,” Musa said.

He expressed delight that the law of the country has made it possible for an investor to own 100 per cent of his investment.

“You are allowed to install a company and own it 100 per cent and Nigeria is the focal market. So, whoever stays here to produce will not only produce for 167 million Nigerians but the entire West Africa market,” he said.

Earlier, the president, PAN Steel Group Corporation, China, had pointed out that Nigeria had good investment environment which had prompted them to decide to invest $5 billion for a new steel plant that would produce 4-5 million metric tonnes per annum.

government’s preparedness to partner the Chinese investors in both public and private aviation business.

He said as the largest economy in Africa, there is need for Nigeria to have a national carrier.

Nigeria has had no national carrier since the liquidation of the Nigeria Airways under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.

He said it is gratifying to note that the Chinese aviation experts and bankers are in the country to

of collaboration in the sector.

He said that experts from the Nigerian government will include officials from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Nigerian Airspace Management Authority (NAMA) In a remark,the managing director of China Academy of Civil Aviation Science Technology, Mr Zhu Nuo, expressed confidence that the discussion would yield tremendous economic benefits to Nigeria.

L-R: Former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, kaduna State Governor, Mukhtar Ramallan Yero and minister of industry, trade and investment, Mr Olusegun Aganga at the flagoff of Peugeot 301 and the commissioning of the proposed site for autumotive component cluster park in Kaduna yerday. Photo by gbenga abiola

Sambo Flags Off Local Production Of Peugeot Cars Amid Controversy

BY MIDAT JOSEPH, Kaduna

Vice President Namadi Sambo yesterday flagged off the commencement of the local assembly of Peugeot 301 in commercial quantity by the Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) Ltd. This signifies that PAN Nigeria is restarting its production activities, which will stimulate multiplier effects within the Nigerian economy.

Accusations among the dignitaries almost marred the ceremony as the federal government accused state governors of patronising imported vehicles instead of locally produced ones.

This is even as the Peugeot Dealers Association on the other hand blamed the federal government of being the biggest patrons of imported vehicles at the detriment of Nigerian made cars.

The chairman of the association, Mr Nnamani Onyemuche, who spoke on behalf of the dealers said, “We are looking at a situation wherea serving minister will threaten

to resign from office if the federal government insists on importing official vehicles. It is the federal government that is breaking the policies they make, thereby making life difficult for Nigerians.”

But Sambo, who spoke for the minister of industry, trade and investment, Mr Olusegun Aganga, said the survival of locally produced vehicles were in the hands of state governors.

“Without a governor creating the enabling environment for businesses to thrive, some of these things will not work. They will not also work without constant electricity generation, and I know that in Kaduna State, the power generation will soon be stable. Some of these things will happen if only governors ensure the construction of roads and work very closely with the federal government.

“None of these will happen without a governor that is committed to patronising PAN products locally.

We will do everything to support locally produced

vehicles because the producers are supporting us and all Nigerians. So we must commend them and do everything we can do to support them.

“Let me make it clear that we must produce what we consume and consume what we produce as a nation. Before now, there is no policy in place, so people acquire cars from anywhere, but now there is a policy that ensures local patronage. It is for you to monitor it and make sure it remains Effective.

“I think for those who are afraid of policy summersault, we hope it will not happen this time around,” Sambo said.

The managing director, PAN Nigeria Limited, Mr Ibrahim Boyi, who spoke earlier said, “Today counters the belief of pessimists and skeptics as to the viability and value of the recently rolled out National Automotive Development Plan as a component of the National Industrial Revolution Plan.

“The policy has made it possible to reopen our industrial production for Peugeot vehicles after six years of inactivity.

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

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18 BUSINESS/BANKER’S BANK

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

FSS 2020: Driving Growth For National Devt

L

ast April, Nigeria was officially named the largest economy in Africa and the 26th in the world. This is only six steps away from the goal of the Vision 20:2020 which is to make Nigeria one of the top 20 economies in the world.

In 2005, a Goldman Sachs research team predicted that Nigeria, as one of two possible African countries, has potentials to join the league of the 11 world powers on or before 2025. It was this prediction that gave birth to the Vision 20:2020.

The Vision 20:2020 statement says that “by 2020 Nigeria will be one of the 20 largest economies in the world, able to consolidate its leadership role in Africa and establish itself as a significant player in the global economic and political arena.”

Prior to 2005, the country had gone through various reform programmes that yielded no fruit and it became imperative that the financial system of the country needed to be fast-tracked to ensure enhanced economic growth and development.

However, this cannot be achieved without financial stability. Financial stability is a state in which the financial system, that is, key financial markets and the financial institutional system is resistant to economic shocks and is fit to smoothly fulfil its basic functions which includes the intermediation of financial funds, management of risks and the arrangement of payments.

To this end, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in August 2009, launched the Financial System Strategy (FSS) 2020 to fasttrack the achievement of the country’s vision 2020.The CBN put together a number of local and international consultants

to realise this aim of the federal government.

Consequently, the FSS2020 programme was put in place, producing a report that would take Nigeria to the promised land come year 2020.

The FSS 2020 is a national

By Bukola Idowu reform programme aimed at developing and t r a n s fo r m i n g Nigeria’s financial sector into a growth catalyst to fast-track the achievement of the Vision 20:2020 and e n g i n e e r Nigeria’s evolution into an international financial centre.

The FSS 2020 is aimed at strengthening and deepening the domestic financial m a r k e t , enhancing the integration of the domestic financial markets with Some entrepreneurs at a job opportunity center the external financial market, objectives that will supporting the real sector and enable the Nigerian economy promoting sustainable economic become one of the world safest and fastest growing economies development.

Based on the recognition of by the year 2020.

The CBN has constantly the linkage between financial evolved appropriate regulations deepening/growth and and laws to power the new economic developments, the economy.

Some of them include vision of the FSS 2020 is to make the Nigerian financial sector the policies such as the three-tiered fastest growing financial system Know Your Customer, gradual among the emerging economies phasing out of the commission while the mission is to drive on turnover (COT), cashless rapid and sustainable economic Nigeria, which kicked off growth primarily in Nigeria and yesterday, revised bank charges, creation of a secondary market Africa.

From the on-set, the FSS 2020 for the mortgage sector through which forms an integral part of the Mortgage Refinancing the national vision was designed Company amongst others.

By the end of 2012, the FSS and developed with strategic

banker’s bank

2020 was reviewed and refined to strategically make use of the various structures within the financial sector to achieve its goals. Its focus was redirected at the pension, mortgage, and insurance industries as well as medium, small and micro enterprises (MSME), the financial market and the entire populace.

According to the head, FSS 2020 Programme Management Office at the CBN, Oluwatoyin Jokosenumi, the reviewed FSS 2020 will collaborate with regulators in the pension industry as well as its key stakeholders to structure and

develop products suitable for pension investments so as to enable pension fund administrators (PFAs) to partner with their international counterparts to structure and invest in domestic infrastructure projects.

With Nigeria’s housing deficit at over 17 million units and still growing, providing affordable and comfortable housing to all remains paramount in achieving the FSS 2020 and by extension the Vision 20:2020. Jokosenumi in a paper titled “GDP Rebasing and Implications for the FSS 2020” at a seminar organised by the apex bank for finance correspondents said the FSS 2020’s aim is to ensure that the contribution of the mortgage sector to the overall GDP increases from the present 1.4 per cent to over 10 per cent by 2020.

For the MSME sector, which is the engine of the nation’s growth, the CBN’s FSS 2020 aims at ensuring increase in the provision of long term low interest financing for the sector as well as collaborating with other stakeholders on the development of financial services, products and channels.

Asides this, it also targets promoting financial reporting and governance whilst collaborating with quality control organisations to ensure that MSMEs output meet national and international standards. The revised FSS 2020 is also expected to couple the enhancement of access to finance with business development support and work with the government to drive SME development in the country.

Excess Charges Top List Of Customer Complaints - CBN The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that excess charges constituted 50 per cent of customers’ complaints treated by the bank as of May 2014.

The CBN also said it had treated 4,142 fraud-related petitions against banks in the country.

This, it said, resulted in the refund of N14.69 billion ($1.1 million) to aggrieved customers.

The director, Consumer Protection Department (CPD), CBN, Umma Dutse, stated this in Lagos, at a summit with the theme “Value-based banking: banks and their customers” organised by the Bank Customers’ Association of Nigeria (BCAN). Dutse, who delivered a paper on ‘“Banker/

customer relationship: expectations and realities,” said that the total number of 4,142 petitions recorded was from the inception of the office when it was still known as the Financial Policy and Regulation Department in March 2010 to May 2014. Specifically, she stated that the petitions were generally for issues relating to excess charges, unauthorised deductions, dishonoured cheques, cheque conversion, foreign remittances, and automated teller machine frauds.

The CBN director, however, noted that the excess charges constituted more than half of the petitions the CPD had received and treated within

the period. He listed some of the reasons for the ugly trend to include greed, poor service delivery by banks as well as failure to adhere to the provisions of extant guidelines and agreements.

He said, “We had received many petitions where banks charged COT in excess of the provisions of the Revised Guide on Bank Charges or where banks introduced fees that were not initially in the agreement between them and their customers. In these, and similar cases, the banks involved invariably breached the customers’ right to fair treatment.

“Another reality of the banker/customer relationship

is the inadequacy of disclosure by banks to their customers.

This is even more pronounced in today’s competitive banking environment where banks churn out different kinds of products and engage in aggressive marketing to enhance their market share.

The president, BCAN, Mr Uju Ogbunika, said there was the need for the banking business to be conducted based on values and best practices.He explained that banking activities should exceed just promoting and supporting fairness between providers and consumers of banking services, noting that stability, growth and sustainability of the banking system should be the focus.

Emefiele

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Environment

Feature

NESREA Partners Military Over Environmental Crimes

Revolutionising Land Administration With e-Governance

Page 21

Page 22

News ‘Right Policy, Mortgage Can Boost Housing Development’

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news

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Completed buildings in a housing estate

‘Right Policy, Mortgage Can Boost Housing Development’

By Evelyn Okoruwa, Abuja

The housing sector has been described as a prime driver of socioeconomic development in terms of creating employment for the teeming population. Considering the fact that housing is the most important human need after food, the sector has a huge market and if potentials are fully harnessed could be a major driver of the economy.

However, in Nigeria, there exists a huge housing deficit that has been placed at about 17 million. Though a very important human need, because of its high cost, it is not readily available to many who are in the class of low income and no-income.

Even housing developers are not left out of the problems in the housing sector. They are faced with a myriad of challenges, among them, double taxation, lack of funds and difficulty of acquiring land for development among others.

This is not to forget the fact that any cost incurred by the developer in the development process is transferred to the end user making the prices of houses go up. And the end users also face challenges of lack of funds and an under-developed mortgage sector which cannot cater for their needs, among others.

President, Quantity Surveyors Registration Board Of Nigeria,

Mallam Husaini Dikko, in his address during the during the 4th Building and Construction Economic Roundtable of the board, emphasised that affordability is a major issue in house ownership and is of major concern to the government and citizens.

He said reliance on interplay of market forces would not be helpful in resolving the problem of access to home ownership in Nigeria, noting that intervention in form of subsidies and the safety nets to the segments of the citizenry that are most vulnerable to deprivation of access to home ownership is necessary.

“A master plan that would consider the multi-faceted ramifications and the various perspectives to home ownership is required. These perspectives may impel a publicpublic partnership (PuPuP), publicprivate partnership (PPP), private sector initiative, government policy intervention, direct government production, a fiscal policy-driven initiative, a monetary policy-driven initiative and a combination of fiscal and monetary policies and initiatives,” Dikko said.

According to him, other measures that can be put in place to reduce the prices of housing should include a fiscal polity regime that would crash the prices of cement and other

major building materials to not more than 40 per cent of their current market prices and re-examine our mortgage system and find out why the mortgage system which works very seamlessly in the United Kingdom for example does not work in Nigeria.

“Also, access to land for housing should be made easier, less expensive and affordable as well as reduction in the manner of levies and fee regimes on developers before they can obtain land for housing development.

When developers pay so much for land, they definitely pass on the cost to buyers with built in profits and interests and this contributes to the high cost of new homes in Nigeria.

“State governments should not appropriate undue surplus from land because land has no marginal productivity. Land which is meant for housing should not be a target for increased internally generated revenue (IGR) by state governments because it is counter-productive and slows down development of the housing sector. Housing belongs to the social sector of the economy while commercial developments belong to the economic sector. This distinction

should be noted so that land for housing would be treated separately from land for commercial and industrial development which are used for productive and income yielding activities,” he stressed.

He further added that QSRBN is developing a Construction Cost Data Base (CCDB) that would assist government and the private sector in the costing and quality cost management of housing construction projects and associated infrastructure to ensure value for money and efficient management of national resources allocated to the housing sector.

“The vision is to reduce the current trend of profiteering which militates against the provision of housing for Nigerians through over pricing by developers and others assigned with similar responsibilities. It will also put a check on corruption and corrupt practices among major actors in the provision of housing in Nigeria,” Dikko added.

Despite the challenges that abound, the sector still has the potential to become one of the highest employers of labour in Nigeria.

Underscoring the importance of the built sector in employment generation, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, stated that the number of jobs that can be created through housing provision and maintenance can be enhanced by between three to five times with the appropriate substitution of people for machines through the use of the labour-based technology or employment intensive methods.

Speaking during the event, he said housing development and maintenance using locally based resources can therefore play a major role in sustainable employment generation. As such he noted that in order to maximise job creation through housing expenditure, the National Action Plan on Employment Creation (NAPEC) recommends domiciliation of labour-based methods of construction in Nigeria by massive building of capacity of public and private entities to be able to plan and implement housing delivery through labour-based methods.

“It is for this reason that my ministry in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) is promoting the use of labour-based technology in infrastructure development and is currently developing a policy in that regard which would guide all tiers of government,” the minister added.

HOMES & PROPERTY 21

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Firm Unveils Property Search Engine In Lagos

By GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

A flooded street in Lagos

NESREA Partners Military Over Environmental Crimes

By Evelyn Okoruwa, Abuja

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) is collaborating with the Nigerian Military in the fight against environmental crime in the country, the agency has said.

NESREA in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP said the pact was made when a delegation from NESREA led by the chairman of its governing board, Barr Huzi Ishaku Mshelia paid the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh, a courtesy visit.

The statement quoted Mshelia to have noted that due to the extreme environmental challenges faced globally, governments all

over the world had taken such challenges as security issues and that the partnership with the military would ensure a more effective response to environmental crimes and problems.

Director general of the agency, Mrs. Ngeri Benebo also identified environmental crime as a serious problem which can directly or indirectly impact on the economy and security of the nation as well as human existence.

Noting that environmental components may be used in terrorist activities, she called for the assistance of the military in tackling environmental crimes such as illegal trade in wildlife and controlled chemicals.

Benebo outlined the areas of collaboration to include en-

vironmental education and awareness in the military barracks nationwide as well as sanitation and waste control.

“Capacity building and human resource development including lectures, technical presentations at various military training institutions are also covered under the partnership,” the statement said.

It further said Badeh in his response, expressed the military’s preparedness to work with NESREA to combat environmental crimes.

He disclosed that some controlled substances were being used in the fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), hence the need for inter-agency collaboration to ensure effective control of such substances.

Lagos Allays Fears Of Flooding

By GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

The Lagos State Government has urged residents of the state not to panic over torrential rainfall being noticed in the state, which some have expressed fears may result in flooding.

The state Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello who stated this while speaking with journalists said the state government had put measures in place to curb disasters associated with rainfall.

“As we are in the peak of the rainy season, Lagosians must

have noticed that it has been raining heavily across the state in the last four weeks while we must have also noticed occasional flash flood on some roads around the state. This is as a result of the rains of high intensity which has greatly slowed down the percolation rate of storm water generated and the high saturation level of the soil.

“There is the need to explain that what we are experiencing is a peculiarity of a coastal city like Lagos, where it is normal to have storm water on the road whenever it rains consistently across

the State,” Bello explained.

The commissioner further said the trend naturally leads to a rise in the lagoon and ocean which automatically locks up all the canals in the state.

“However, it is pertinent to explain that water on the road after continuous rainfall is not flooding, but flash flood which will definitely disappear in a matter of time because our canals are already functional,” the commissioner added and urged residents not to panic but go about their normal business activities.

OLX Nigeria has unveiled property and vital services search engines to make property transactions easy for prospective home owners.

Speaking at the launch of OLX Make Me Happy campaign in Lagos, the Country Manager, Lola Masha said the platform has made sale and renting of property easy.

She explained that the process of looking for property to buy has become cumbersome, making the prospective buyers and those in need for accommodation to rent susceptible to fraudulent transactions.

“We’ve connected buyers and sellers that have become lifelong friends and have given our sellers the opportunity to make some money to take care of critical family needs. Our goal is to provide a platform that empowers individuals and contributes to the economic growth of the country. With our focus on enabling customer to customer trade, it is essential that we showcase stories of successful trades to encourage others users to try OLX,” she explained.

‘Final Engineering Design For Abuja Land Swap Districts Ready’

By Evelyn Okoruwa, Abuja

The final engineering design of some designated land swap districts undertaken by nine developers have been completed checked and approved, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has said.

The territory’s minister, Senator Bala Mohammed who disclosed this, said the final engineering designs of these districts underway are preparatory for its ground breaking.

He reiterated that with these new districts coming on board, it would assist in unbundling land and reduce housing deficit across the FCT. The minister also disclosed that the administration had embarked on the extension of water supply to Abuja Technology Village and private developers’ housing estates, to fast-track development in these areas and was also providing primary roads to mass housing areas (Road S30) to make such places more habitable.

Mohammed noted that five out of six roads under resurfacing of existing roads in Wuse I district had been completed and handed over to the FCT administration just as the final engineering design production of tender documents for interceptor sewer schedule V for Kaura, Duboyi and other districts of Phases II & III of the Federal Capital City, Abuja had also been completed.

“There are 21nos ongoing consultancies for the final designs, 3nos ongoing resident supervision for airport, ONEX and B6/B12 and 3nos ongoing consultancy projects for subsoil and geophysical survey in some districts of Phase II,” he added.

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Wednesday, July 2, 2014

13

People are reluctant to disclose the cost of their land transactions because they want to do an all-inclusive cost, 13 per cent, 10 per cent government charge and all that.

2012

The state government promulgated its Land Use Act (Title Document Registration) 2012

Revolutionising Land Administration With e-Governance

By GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

The fact that technological development in the information and communication technology has found its way into modern human societies through such concepts and practices as the Electronic (e)-government, egovernance, e-business and ecommerce is no longer in doubt.

What has remained baffling in climes like Nigeria is the assimilation of these technological innovations into human society, especially in the area of land administration.

Experts say using digital revolution in land policy and management in Nigeria could reduce administrative and bureaucratic bottlenecks in smooth administration, documentation, and perfection of land business in the country.

They affirmed that the use of the medium of information and communication technology (ICT) will fast-track service delivery to the citizen apart from ensuring reduction in the real cost of transacting business with the government and also ensure a boost in the revenue drive of government.

The Chairman of Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA), Lagos chapter Architect Ladi Lewis said it is nigh time the federal and state governments deployed ICT systems on land documentation administration and perfection.

In line with new global best practices in development control processes, he urged the state governments to move away from the present complex manual process to planning information and approval processes which are time consuming and allow for corrupt practices by government officials to e-planning which would be faster and more efficient.

As a radical departure from the past, in Lagos State, the immediate past and the current administrations have adopted the use and application of ICT for service delivery.

To make impact, the Lagos State government in 2005 em-

barked on a computerisation programme to take Lagos State into the vintage position of corporate e-governance through robust financial reengineering, anchored on the world renowned Application Implementation Methodology (AIM) powered by Oracle financials.

The state government promulgated its Land Use Act (Title Document Registration) 2012, saying the purpose was to improve service in land administration in the state.

Governor Babatunde Fashola said the process of land administration in the state would be greatly enhanced by the operation of the Act, pointing out that it would also empower citizens of the state.

He said with the conversion of all land documents into an electronic format by his predecessor and the geographic mapping of all the land in the state by the present administration as well as the automation of the process, the stage had been set to fast track all land transactions in the state for the prosperity of residents.

The governor said the state government has embarked on series of reforms including the present Act to eliminate the problem of implementation.

“Many years ago, the only way to conduct research on land issues was to go to the land registry and open records and begin to search and that led to so many anomalies including mutilation and destruction of documents.

My predecessor took a bold step by scanning all the documents and putting them in an electronic format.

“Now, at least, the originals of the documents are safe in the strong room while you can conduct your research on the screen.

But we are not done yet because you still need to get there to conduct the search. We have ensured that if you have internet access, not only will you conduct your research from your office, you will pay from your desk”, Fashola said.

He noted that the electronic Certificate of Occupancy had

Gov. Babatunde Fashola

been flagged off would replace the yellow paper “because the yellow paper is not as secure as we would like it. So we have introduced a format that is more difficult to forge.

“We are also looking at the land rate. We see that there is a disconnect between the market realities and what we see with people. People are reluctant to disclose the cost of their land transactions because they want to do an all-inclusive cost, 13 per cent, 10 per cent government charge and all that.

“We intend to bring all that down but in doing so, you also have a responsibility to disclose the cost of your property.”

On their part, property owners said the deployment of ICT In land administration has put an end to the age long delay in the certification and titling of property in the state.

Though the state government said the old document remains valid until government is ready to make the total changeover, those that got the new e-C of O copy have continued to marvel at the swiftness of the process.

They said the state government has demonstrated its preparedness to certify land titles to ensure safety of the investments that people put their life savings to acquire.

One of them, Alade Mubau, said, “ín few hours, I was able to fill and download the form online, pay the application fee online and scan and upload my

passport photograph. I received an instant acknowledgment and within one month from my e-mail address. Save for the online application fee, and money I paid at the cybercafé, there were no hidden charges, no hoarding and it was a seamless and corruption free process and I thank the state government for introducing the method.”

Another recipient of the new C of O, Mrs. Abimbola Akinyemi also lauded the state government for the initiative saying “it will put the minds of property owners at rest.

“I feel so great getting this document and I want to commend the state government for the idea. With the new C of O, property owners can now feel safe as it has eliminated many documents with the old paper document. I applied online some time ago and here am I with the document. This is unbelievable and it is really commendable,” she said.

For the Permanent Secretary of the Lands Bureau, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the bureau has fully commenced the process of issuance of the electronic C of O. He also assured members of the public that the existing yellow Certificate of Occupancy remains valid until the government starts the process of recertification where members of the public will come in with the old ones to get the new electronic formatted ones.

We have ensured that if you have internet access, not only will you conduct your research from your office, you will pay from your desk

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

HOMES & PROPERTY 23

home decor Creative Shoe Storage Ideas For Kids Kids generally do not like tidying up and they need a little bit of help to get this discipline going. And the most amazing part is that they seem to have so much gear for such little people! Items of clothing and toys can easily get cluttered if you do not employ some creative storage ideas.

Shoes especially must be stored neatly to protect them as well as to have a neat and tidy home. The thing is that shoes are used every day and your kids are likely to have several pairs, which means that you have to come up with clever ideas to make access easy and avoid clutter.

Shoe racks are the most obvious storage solution for your kids’ shoes. These come in a variety of sizes and styles and even with limited room you can still find a way to accommodate a stylish shoe rack into your décor. Kids’ shoe racks come in interesting styles that appeal to children which then motivates them to tidy up their shoes. Some have interesting features like cartoon characters and tiny spaces ideal for little shoes and hands too. There are also some which look like wheels and actually turn to put shoes in or to remove them. You may also let your kids choose the colour that most appeals to them.

In some cases especially when floor space is limited, a shoe rack may not be the best option to store your kids’ shoes. So you must come up with other ways that will utilise what you already have such as the wall. Vertical shoe storage is great and quite interesting. It is also an opportunity to add depth into the room not to mention some colour and texture too. An extra drawer can be converted into a pull out shoe rack which keeps the room tidy and is also within reach for your little ones.

tips for decorating with table mats

Make mats the focus of your table decoration.

Use colours that match the table cloth.

Use colourful an or patterned mats for extra effect.

Place mats by each chair on the table, according to the number of chairs.

Use mats made from easy-to-clean material.

24 issues

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

The Nigerian Equation And The Categorical Imperative Of National Ideology from yesterday

By Yusufu Ameh Obaje

The Gentiles made use of the key of knowledge and experienced all kinds of development and transformation of lives and society in general. But overwhelmed by their huge success, they turned their backs on God and raised all kinds of idols and graven images as substitute.

The anger of God descended upon them and to this day, they have not found real rest. They have become victims of earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, wars, violence, conflicts, terrorism, incurable diseases, drought, famine, economic downturn, political crises and all kinds of afflictions.

The only hope for the Gentiles now is to return wholeheartedly to the one and only God, the giver of the master key of knowledge, for salvation and restoration.

To the Jews, God gave RELIGION as the master key that will open all the doors leading to everything that they need in life as a people and as a Nation.

God gave them the same charge as presented to the Gentiles as follows: ‘Thou shall use this master key to gain access to success in all areas of life and above all to honour me as your one and only God of all creation. You are also required to love your neighbour as yourself. But if you fail to live accordingly, my wrath will descend on you.’

The Jews made use of the master key known as RELIGION to achieve greatness in many areas of life. However, like the Gentiles, their achievements also entered their heads and they failed to honour God as required of them. They were busy trying to define the phrase, ‘my neighbour’ and never took time to love their neighbour as themselves.

Consequently, they have since been living in fear of neighbourhood terrorism and widespread insecurity. At the same time, most of the citizens are still residing outside their homeland. The way forward for the Jews is also to wholeheartedly return to the one and only God and to live according to his righteous will for them and the rest of the world.

To Nigerians, God gave a master key known as RESOURCES, which is designed to open all the doors leading to human and societal development, as well as transformation in all areas of life.

With the key, Nigerians will realise true greatness in life and like the Gentiles and the Jews, God gave them the same charge: ‘Thou shall use this master key to gain access to success in all areas of life and above all to honour me as your one and only God of all creation. You are

Obaje

also required to love your neighbour as yourself. But if you fail to live accordingly, my wrath will descend on you’.

The first reaction of Nigerians after the presentation of the master key was an allnight celebration party. By the time they woke up in the morning, they began to quarrel about who should be in charge of the master key, or which religious body, ethnic or regional group should control the resources key. In the midst of the heated debate and crisis of custodianship or ownership, they misplaced the RESOURCES master key. Since then, the search for the missing key has taken their attention. Meanwhile, Gentiles and Jews decided to capitalize on Nigerian’s selfinflicted misfortune, by reaping from the untapped wealth of Nigerians for their own development and transformation.

At the same time, Nigerians are wasting away in poverty, corruption, insecurity, violence, criminality and all kinds of godlessness. Meanwhile, some have succeeded in escaping to foreign lands in search of greener pastures, even in most unwelcome conditions.

There is only one option left for recovery and restoration for Nigerians and that is to return to God wholeheartedly.

In conclusion, the doctrine of man is all about man’s prodigality and the response of the benevolent supreme authority called God. It can only be well for human beings if only they learn to live according to the rules set by the unmoved Mover, who moves all things around but he himself remains unshakeable as the Lord of all’.

So, help us God! Amen.

Concluded

The Jews made use of the master key known as RELIGION to achieve greatness in many areas of life. However, like the Gentiles, their achievements also entered their heads and they failed to honour God as required of them

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

25

26

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Happy Birthday On this occassion of your 53rd birthday, we Taraba state caucus in the National Assembly and the good people of our various constituencies congratulate and felicitate with your Execellency, Danbaba Danfulani Suntai.

You are a shinning light in the annals of public service in Taraba state and a beacon of hope that Taraba can get better.

At a time like this when the political atmosphere is dark and cloudy, we still see hope ahead because somebody like you is around.

May Almighty God give you good health and strength in the years ahead.

Signed: Senator Emmanuel Bwacha Taraba South Senatorial District Senator Umar Abubakar Tutare Taraba Central Senatorial District Hon. Ishaka Mohammed – Chief Whip Wukari/Ibbi Federal Constituency

His Excellency

Suntai Danbaba Danfulani

Executive Governor, Taraba State

Hon. Albert T. Sam Tsokwa Takum/USSA Federal Constituency Hon. Jerry S. Manwe Karim Lamido/Lau/Ardo Kola Federal Constituency Hon. Ibrahim Tukur El-sudi Gashaka/Kurmi/Sardauna Federal Constituency Hon. Haruna Manu Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency Hon. Aminu Ibrahim Malle Jalingo/Yarro/Zing Federal Constituency

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Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Minds

FOREVER ON OUR

I

t is exactly two years today since Senator Usman Albishir left us. He died on July 2, 2012, in a road accident in the course of duty. His death was a loss that has proved irreplaceable.

It created a vacuum. It left many hearts in pain — a pain that has remained as fresh as our hope in the mercy of Allah has remained evergreen.

Although Senator Albishir is gone forever, the bonds of friendship he forged on his life have remained solid and unbroken even by his demise. And the many people he touched with his caring spirit and with his generosity have remained eternally grateful, and are every day engrossed in prayer for the continuing repose of his soul in the most perfect of peace.

May God continue to cover Senator Albishir with His mercy.

SENATOR USMAN ALBISHIR Signed: GENERAL ABDULSALAMI A. ABUBAKAR, GCFR and FAMILY

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Interval E N T E R TA I N M E N T S P O R T s

Wednesday, July 2, 2014 Black Maskuraderz Expresses The Essence Of Akula As A Music Genre

Davido Wins Best International Act At Bet Awards

LEISURE

Ali Nuhu, Funke Akindele Unveiled As Omo Ambassadors

Tuface Idibia Features Victor Uwaifo In 6th Album

By SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos

By SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos

Ice Prince Sinach with her hubby Pastor Joseph

Sinach Weds Hubby In Style

By SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos

Queen of gospel music and anointed songstress, Osinachi Kalu popularly known as Sinach last Saturday, June 28th, 2014 got married in a glamorous ceremony.

Sinach referred to as Pastor Chris Oyakilome's minstrel, exchanged vows with her beau, Pastor Joseph at Christ Embassy Church, Ikeja, Lagos, in the presence of her pastors, family, friends and well wishers.

Amidst tight security

at the well furnished and decorated auditorium, the wedding ceremony attracted dignitaries and some gospel music icons who came to show love to Sinach.

The new bride is famous for churning out great christian music. She has mentored Frank Edwards, Joe Praize, Eben and other artistes under Loveworld records. Sinach is much adored by fans courtesy of her songs like 'I Know Who I Am' which has become a church anthem among many others.

Darling Prince of Kannywood, Ali Nuhu and Nollywood actors Chioma Chukwuka and Funke Akindele have been unveiled as the faces of Omo detergent.

At the event in Lagos last week, the trio were introduced to the public as ‘iconic ambassadors’ for the Ali Nuhu brand. The choice of the ambassadors is very strategic, covering the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria – Igbo ( C h u k w u k a - Ali Nuhu Akpotha), Hausa owned and manufactured (Nuhu) and Yoruba (Akindele). Omo is by Unilever.

OAP Dan Foster Joins City FM

By SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos

Celebrated radio personality, Dan Foster who was the highest paid On-Air-Personality (OAP) with Inspiration FM in 209 has jumped ship to City 105.1 FM. The American who left his country to settle down in Nigeria received

a N1.6 million per month, according to NET and he added impetus to the radio station combining marketing with his role.

The broadcaster who assumed duty last week is expected to build the radio audience base and will work with Oscar, Smallzz and JLuv at City FM.

African pop icon, Tuface Idibia has unveiled the plan to release his sixth solo album in the month of July.

The singer who held an exclusive listening album party at Ariz Bar and Grill a fortnight ago said it took him over two years to record the LP and expressed strong conviction that the much awaited album would propel him into another landmark achievement.

The album named

Tuface

'Ascension' features Vector, Iceberg Slim, Dammy Krane, Rocksteady and veteran Victor Uwaifo.

The American singers who did collaborations include Bridget Kelly, Sean Wayne.

Club Quilox Goes On A Month Break by solomon nda-isaiah, Abuja

Club Quilox, West Africa’s biggest nightclub has announced it is proceeding on a one-month break.

The pause is part of the club’s unique schedule, which makes room for two clubbing seasons in a calendar year with a 30day break in-between. The break, which is scheduled to take place during the holy month of Ramadan, will be starting on 30th of June 2014 and run till the 31st of July 2014.

Since its opening on December 20, 2013, the superior, international night club with its impeccable design, opulent finish, unique decor and

lighting has held countless events and is known to have transformed Nigeria’s elite nightlife.

Owned by Shina Peller, Quilox is situated on 873 Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The premium nightclub is expected to re-open after the break in a magnificent style.

“We love our customers and appreciate their continuous patronage.

We urge everyone to look forward to an even more explosive season when we return as we prepare to introduce fresh and exciting new clubbing events as well as offering you the finest from our brand new restaurant,” the management said.

‘This World Cup Na Helele’

A young man who was reading a copy of Complete Sports just hissed aloud. After he turned another page, he sighed. “This Super Eagles no serious o! I pray make dem sack Keshi after this World Cup, wallai.”

“Bros,” said a bearded fellow, “if you wan enjoy this World Cup, you need to dey watch all dem matches of better nations dem. Person wen put hope for Super Eagles go get heart attack. See, Keshi don get offer from South Africa after World

Cup, so weda una win or not for World Cup, nothing concern am.

Afterall, South Africa no go owe am salary.”

More than a few heads turned their way. The discussion was becoming interesting.

A youth corps member weighed in with his opinion: “Echiejile is good, but after the injury, dem drop go carry Uzoenyi wen be forward. Their excuse be say him dey versatile. Which kind nonsense be dat? Gabriel Reuben for dey Nigeria here make Nose Igiebor go World Cup, but no,; because Keshi wan please Amokachi, him carry am follow bodi.

“Who is Nwofor? A few goals do not make him a star. Mba nu.

What happened to Ikechuwu

Uche? What happened to Obafemi Martins who is scoring goals daily? Dis World Cup go be helele for dem o!”

“Why can you people be thinking like this every time? Well, I don’t blame any of you; if you are puton the pitch can you play as much as this guys? Some of you have never kicked a ball in your lives, but you are the first to criticise the coach and his players. How many of you here are good at your jobs? If we come una office, we go see say some of una never even get promotion for many years.

Pray for the Eagles and enjoy the World Cup. Of course, we must be patriotic, but within reason,” said another young chap whose hand was draped over his girlfriend’s

shoulders.

“See this one don dey on top of woman dey talk rubbish,” the beginner of the discussion said. Huge laughter followed.

Another fellow, a very light-complexioned man began: “Wether Keshi play politics or not, seriously, the coach and his people need to be forward-thinkers. Every coach has a philosophy and that of Keshi is to give preference to young players. That is why the Super Eagles have the second youngest team at the World Cup…” “Dem dey give cup based on that one?” Quipped in another. More laughter. This time, even the driver joined in.

“No, dem no dey give the cup based on that,” continued the fel-

low who was interrupted, without animosity. “But it is to our advantage. Bosnia never come World Cup before, but we need young guys to match them strength for strength, speed for speed. Argentina defence don old. We need young guys to give dem helele. Iran sabi football and Keshi need guys wen go listen to instructions to play teams wey get better coaches. So, stop blaming the coach and support the team,” he finished. A few heads nodded.

A ‘fish roll’ seller chose the moment of brief quietness to hiss.

“We dey say Boko Haram dey bomb everywhere and people dey talk about football. What if dem bomb the places wen people dey watch football?”

INTERVAL/feature 31

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Tee A Announces 3-Country Tour by solomon nda-isaiah, Abuja

...Sean Tizzle, Omotola, Ramsey Nouah, Funke Akindele, others star in new season Tyme Out with Tee A, the internationally acclaimed variety and comedy TV show with a reach of over 50 countries, is heading out to London, Johannesburg and Accra this summer.

After a series of soldout live edition concerts in Lagos and Abuja, the pioneer stand up act is warming up to go global, with the announcement of the first three cities in what promises to be a non-stop world tour.

Along with show superstars MC Abbey and Madam Princess, and yet-tobe-announced headline acts and show guests, Tee A is taking the virally popular TV show to fans, ‘due to popular demand’.

‘We’re going round to deliver the live edition concerts to our fans in Africa, Europe and elsewhere. The demand has been crazy and I’m glad we can now take the show to the passionate fans who have been asking’, he said in Lagos on Monday.

“The success of past editions makes this even more exciting as the concert tour for the first time is moving to London, Johannesburg and Accra.

Guests should expect a unique tour comprising of live personality interviews, ribcracking comedy sketches, musical performances and special guest appearances,” he added.

The scheduled tour will take place in the last quarter of the year with more details on the dates and venue in each city to be revealed soon.

Several A-list celebrities and artistes are expected in attendance this year.

Past live edition guests include D’Banj, Tiwa Savage, Shina Peters, Daddy Showkey and many more big names.

Black Maskuraderz

Black Maskuraderz Express The Essence Of Akula As A Music Genre ... A journey and not a destination

by solomon nda-isaiah, Abuja

You sabi that lizard wey dem call Chameleon, anything wey near am, him go take their colour form. Now that is the wahala about engaging the Maskuraderz, you fit start to pour kerosene before we finish oh, was how the Black Maskuraderz started this very intriguing encounter.

Del da Oracle speaking on behalf of the Maskuraderz said “we have been pacing

patiently inside the shrine of the Maskuraderz for years, so many things have happened in the music industry and so much to say. As a Maskuraderz you know we must to yarn that which ancestors have ordained us to do. Whether you like am ehhh, no be we dey talk na message we they pass.

The forthcoming album “e be like Silhouette Symphony” is definitely packed. This trio from Jos-Plateau has kept the fire of Akula burning and is ready to

light up the Naija music scene once again. Del the Oracle recalled with fun memories some of their experiences in the industry, the Lagos hustle, working RMD on the OST “Out of Bounds”, hanging with Ayo Animashaun, chilling with TuFace in Festac, encounter with Dele Momodu, Mayor Akinpelu and building the dream with Leslie, life is surely a bundle of memories better enjoyed in retrospect, he stated.

Their new tripartite singles

Akula Reloaded, Guard the Key and Ihotu, were released to keep faith with fans of the Black Maskuraderz and followers of Akula.

Mr. Pupah, the Informer in a sneak peak said the three track release was to shadow the three tribes of the Black Maskuraderz “Del da Oracle – Black Chiff da Preacher and himself the Informer. He further noted that Guard the Key is soul searching and for hiphop lovers and Ihotu is a love song to show a soft and tender Maskuraderz side while Akula Reloaded is an expression of the essence of Akula from the Shrine of the Maskuraderz as inspired by those that were here before us.

In commendation and appreciation of constructive contributors to the rapid growth and elevation of Nigerian music in content and character, Black Chiff, the Preacher expressed some reservations about the gradual decline of depth and creativity in the general outlay of the Naija music industry. A free spirited focus on your music and not fame and fortune will explode creative insights into the metaphorical caterpillar to butterfly transition, stated this Preacher of Akula. In a word of encouragement to all artistes in the creative industry, know thyself and express your art in its purity and uniqueness as processed by you.

Akula is a journey not a destination said Del the Oracle, the sound of the Maskuraderz will guide you, as Akula can only be experienced for oneself. Just listen to the Maskuraderz and you will get the spirit of the music, he said. Akula forever.

Unimaid VC: The Tougher The Battle, The Sweeter The Victory by solomon nda-isaiah, Abuja

This is the sober reflection of Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, the new Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri.

He is still overwhelmed by his victory in last month’s Vice Chancellorship ‘poll’. The contest was protracted, intense and bitter; fought from the interview room-where he shone- to the petition arena where the ghost petitioners fell flat again.

Njodi was eventually ‘swornin’ on June 3, 2014. And the academic of thirty year’s experience is beginning to measure the scope of his new office, and the heat of its seat for “uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. For example, He has started endless rendezvous with various people, including those outside of the

Prof. Njodi (left) receiving the Handing Over note from the outgoing VC, Prof. M M. Daura.

University. He has dialogued with the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Ahmed Usman Muazu. He has also done a tete-a-tete with Prof. Julius Okogie, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, NUC, a former

Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture now the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAAB, Ogun State.

On June 3, 2014, Professor Njodi received the handover note from his predecessor, Professor M. M. Daura. That was after he had received his

Letter of Appointment from the Registrar, Mallam Babagana Aji. To put the icing sugar on the cake, professor Njodi finally received the keys to his new official car, a brand new Toyota Camry.

Thereafter, Newsmen.

Popularly called Journalists, swarmed all over him asking questions.

“To me, this is indeed a twist of event. It wasn’t easy, but thank God for everything” he intoned.

He then recapitulated General Yakubu Gowon’s statesmanly and immortal post-war reunification declaration “No Victor, No Vanquished.” So it is for Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi Indeed, as the late Reggae Musician, Bob Marley sang, the tougher the battle, the sweeter the victory.

32 INTERVAL

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Davido Wins Best International Act At Bet Awards by solomon nda-isaiah, Abuja

...Epic performances by Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Tiwa Savage, Jennifer Hudson, Nicki Minaj, Yolanda Adams and others It was a night of electrifying performances, emotional speeches and unforgettable moments at the ‘BET Award '14’ - also known as the ‘Black World Cup’, according to hilarious host Chris Rock - which took place at the Nokia Theatre at L.A. LIVE on Sunday 29 June.

Young Money and Beyoncé both took home three awards, as did acclaimed film ‘12 Years A Slave’ which swept the film award categories.

Pharrell Williams and August Alsina each won two awards, while Nigerian phenomenon Davido brought home the trophy for Best International Act: Africa.

Presenter Kerry Washington, making her first television appearance since giving birth to daughter Isabelle in April, got in on the night's fun with co-presenter Kevin Hart, who tried to convince the crowd that he was, in fact, Oliver Pope, a reference to Kerry's alter-ego Olivia Pope on her hit show ‘Scandal’.

Pharrell Williams opened the show with an energetic rendition of ‘Come Get It Bae’ surrounded by a bevy of cheerleaders, and was joined by surprise performer and fellow Virginia native, the amazing Missy Elliott, who brought the crowd to their feet to ‘Pass That Dutch.’ Williams became a familiar face on the stage after winning both ‘Best Male R&B/Pop Artist’ and ‘Video of the Year,’ and again coming on to present music icon Lionel Richie with the Lifetime

Achievement Award.

Chris Brown also made a triumphant return to the BET Awards’ stage that drew a standing ovation. He proved he hasn't missed a beat delivering an incredible performance of ‘Loyal’, which was amped up even more with appearances by Lil Wayne, Tyga and Travis Barker.

Taking a cue from Ellen DeGeneres' pizza delivery at this year's Oscar® Awards, Rock provided the audience with a delivery of Roscoe's Chicken 'n Waffles, which they accepted with enthusiasm. Rock had the crowd laughing throughout the night, thanks to his riffs on a range of hot topics, from Donald Sterling to Jay-Z and Solange to Dr. Dre and the Beats/Apple deal.

A taped performance of Beyoncé and Jay-Z of ‘Partition’ capped the epic night, which delivered on its promise to be the hottest ticket in town.

The BET Awards '14 drew the biggest names in music, entertainment and sports, with appearances by Gabrielle Union, Keke Palmer, Regina Hall, Larenz Tate, Bow Wow, Keshia Chante, Eva Marcille, Terrence Jenkins, Keyshia Cole, Mike Tyson, Nick Cannon, Zendaya, DeSean Jackson, Boris Kodjoe, Gary Owen, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Chadwick Boseman, Tyrese and Nate Parker.

Tim King (Founder, President and CEO of Urban Prep Academies) and Denzel Thompson (a 19-year-old founder and manager of a successful community urban farm and garden) were recognized as the 2014 Shine-A-Light recipients.

The BET Awards is one of the most watched award shows on cable television according to

the Nielsen Company. The ‘BET Awards’ franchise remains as the #1 program in cable TV history among African-Americans, and it is BET's #1 telecast every year.

It recognizes the triumphs and successes of artists, entertainers and athletes in 19 categories.

The complete list of ‘BET Awards ’14 winners is: Best Female R&B/Pop Artist Beyoncé Best Male R&B/Pop Artist Pharrell Williams Best Group Young Money Best Collaboration Beyoncé f/ JAY Z – Drunk In Love Best Male Hip Hop Artist Drake Best Female Hip Hop Artist Nicki Minaj Video of the Year Pharrell Williams – Happy Video Director of the Year Hype Williams Best New Artist August Alsina Best Gospel Artist Tamela Mann Best Actress Lupita Nyong’o Best Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor YoungStars Award KeKe Palmer Best Movie

Participants showing their certificates after the speech contest

KCC Marks First Korea Speech Contest

By Anthony Ada Abraham, Abuja

In what could be termed first of its kind in the city of Abuja, the

Korea Cultural Centre, Abuja, hosted its very first Korea speech context on 26th June, 2014 at its studio established in

2010.

The director Korea Cultural Centre, Kwon Young Ik, said KCC, through the contest,

Davido

12 Years A Slave Subway Sportswoman of the Year Serena Williams Subway Sportsman of the Year Kevin Durant Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award August Alsina f/ Trinidad Jame$ - I Luv This intended to invigorate its language class (King Sejong Institute) by encouraging the students to get more motivated.

"With the contest, KCC aims to nurture its students as proKorean near the future by allowing them to continuously work hard on their language study and keep their interest in Korea culture," he said.

About 30 contestants participated at the event and took turns to prove not only their mastery of the language, but also their competence in it.

The theme of their speech was based on the Korean language and the country and each contestant was given about 3-5 minutes to perform. The speech varies from diary, essay and poem and also the event saw some of the contestants rendering songs that were also translated into Korean language.

Centric Award Jhené Aiko – The Worst Best International Africa Davido (Nigeria)

Act:

Best International Act: UK Krept & Konan FANdemonium Award Beyoncé Judges at the contest were Kwon Young Ik, the director, KCC, Lee Hyun Ji, cultural programme officer, KCC, and Jee Mee Yeon, cultural consultant, KCC. They were judged on accuracy of pronunciation, appropriate subject, power of expression, and creativity.

N30,000 cash prize went to the winner and N20,000 went to those on the second position.

And those on the third price received N10,000.

The prize winners went home with certificates and participants went home with various souvenirs.

The centre has promised that from next year, the Korea Cultural Centre will push ahead with a plan of granting a scholarship programme in Korea to the best contestants sponsored by universities in the country.

INTERVAL 33

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Zakat: A Man’s Devotion To His Conviction

By SOLOMON NDA-ISAIAH

One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust.

The word Zakkat means both 'purification' and 'growth'.

Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for the needy and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.

Zakkat is the amount of money that every adult Muslim, mentally stable, free and financially able, has to pay to support specific categories of people.

The obligatory nature of Zakkat is firmly established in the Qur'an, the Sunnah (or Hadith), and the consensus of the companions and the Muslim scholars. Allah states in Surah at-Taubah verses 3435: "O ye who believe, there are indeed many among the priests and anchorites, who in falsehood devour the substance of men and hinder (them) from the way of Allah.

And there are those who bury gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah. announce unto them a most grievous penalty. On the day when heat will be produced out of that (wealth) in the fire of Hell, and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, their flanks, and their backs.This is the (treasure) which ye buried for yourselves: taste ye, then, the (treasures) ye buried!"

(The Holy Qur'an 9:34-35).

This is the principle on which Alhaji Abdulrahman Buhari, magatakardan Kontagora, has stood for as long as he can remember. A man who considers his substance as a gift from God which he must use to bless other men

IT’S NOT

OVER OMENESA ORUMA AKOMOLAFE

oruma@yahoo.com 08176324382 (SMS)

It's July. The 2nd half of the year. I looked at my Planner and noticed that I have not even done half of all I need to do to complete my year. I have contracts that I've not gotten, simply because I have not yet written my proposals.

How on earth do I expect to have an accomplished year if I go on like this? I ghost write for clergy, senators...

who are not as privileged as he is; Buhari has become a benefactor many look up to. Annually, for a number of years, he has continually showered the less privileged, indigent, homeless, orphaned and a number of others with his substance. On Saturday, June 28, 2014, this same class of people gathered at the Kontagora Town Hall to witness, once Again, the benevolence of Buhari.

Money, clothes, provisions, footwears and all sorts of daily essentials were handed out to deserving folks who were, evidently happy to be remembered in this way.

“I started Zakkat with N500,000 and, today, I give over N36m. Last year we were here and we are here today again. We thank God for another year and especially another Ramadan, a month of blessings.

“Zakkat is one of the pillars of Islam. Wealth is from God and it is written in the Holy Quran that those who bless others with their wealth will also be blessed. Am happy today, because you all my brothers are here today to partake in the blessings Almighty Allah has blessed me with. I am very happy because you are here today to help me help you,” Buhari said.

Buhari also advised the well-to-do to also remember the less-privileged “as much as they can, especially in this month of Ramadan”.

Buhari was grateful for the opportunity to help the people and prayed that more beneficiaries will turn out next year.

Tanko Ibrahim Fari, one of the recipients of the kind gesture, echoed the need for all Muslims to toe Buhari’s path.

“We are happy with this

Recipients poured into the Kontagora Town Hall to partake in Buhari’s kind gesture

servant of Allah who has made it a point of duty to interact with us every year, especially during this month of blessings. We should copy him because he is like a messiah to us,” Fari said.

A retired permanent secretary, Alhaji Bala Zugai, who coordinated the zakkat, also emphasised that the action is expected of every Muslim during this period of fasting.

“We call on individuals in Niger State to do same all over the state. With this kind of gesture, I don’t think there will be any poor person in our society,” he said.

Zugai also revealed that besides his annual zakkat,Buhari also caters for the hospital bills of all who come to him within this period.

“It is all a matter of conviction and the need to be blessed by Almighty Allah,”Zugai said.

2ND HALF people who are busy-bees, but I've not even made my fliers for this year, neither have I sent out manuscripts to some potential clients. God, please forgive me. This is not good enough.

Okay, let me not beat myself up. I've done a pretty good job thus far. I won "The International Business Woman of the Year" in London, got to sing at a lot of church and government events, and got to preach on my father's pulpit for the first time (Bishop Ben Oruma).

That's tremendous progress,

but it is not enough.

I need to get hungry for more. I cannot afford to be comfortable with the minimum. Are you like me?

Well, 2 things. 1. Appreciate your progress thus far. You've covered some ground. 2.

Hunger for more, and GET MORE. The high light of my year thus far was travelling to Asaba to minister at a summit with Fela Durotoye and Sam Ikoku. Yes, the Sam Ikoku, the grand son of the man on the 10 naira note (Evans Ikoku).

Yep! I missed my flight to Asaba. My husband and I were

Buhari making a speech during his ‘zakkat’

chatting away in the airport.

Can you imagine? Anyway, we missed it. We decided to fly to Owerri, after making up an 18,000 naira ticket difference, when we got to Owerri, we took a bus to Onitsha. We were squeezed like sardines.

We got to Onitsha, and took another bus to Asaba, and the traffic lasted forever. We ate boiled eggs on the road, as well as ube and corn, and everything that God made.

What's my point? We were not going to miss meeting Sam Ikoku and Fela Durotoye.

That was a

connection we deserved. We got there. I sang 2 songs at the summit, preached a bit about my testimony, and off we flew back to Abuja.

Our decision to have an insane trip to Asaba was not stemmed by obligation.

We could have called the converner to apologize. It was stemmed by hunger. We wanted more. Though we were distracted and missed our flight, but we learned to pay attention while we're on a mission, and you will conquer all. Enjoy the 2nd Half of this race!

34

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL ADVISER ON COMMUNICATIONS, PRESS UNIT, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE E-mail: pressunitgovthouseborno@gmail.com PRESS RELEASE

POLITICAL CABAL WORKING AGAINST JOINT COUNTER INSURGENCY EFFORTS BY PRESIDENCY, MILITARY, BORNO STATE GOVERNOR The office of the Special Adviser to Governor Kashim Shettima on Communications, respectfully alerts members of the Nigerian public and relevant establishments on the activities of a political cabal, working very hard to ensure there is complete disunity between the Presidency, the military and the Borno State Governor; a plot that clearly undermines a joint effort that is critical in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the troubled Borno State.

The office would have ordinarily ignored the activities of the political group for their shoddiness but for the fact that keeping silent could affect existing coordination between the Presidency, the military and the Borno State Government and which when overlooked, would not be in the interest of Borno citizens, the Presidency, the Military and indeed other Nigerians, especially if one takes into account, the fact that disintegration between the three groups would cause cracks in a joint counter insurgency effort that had been in place since 2011 which had succeeded in relatively freeing some major towns in the State that were hitherto, under the full control of the Boko Haram insurgents, even though so much work still needs to done in the light of recent attacks across the State.

The cabal, made up of some discontented politicians, some serving and former leaders, has a single agenda which is to create problems between the Presidency, Military and the Borno Government in order to dubiously secure the political blessings of the Presidency and top ranks of the military with a view to seizing control of the Military, the police force and State Security Service, divert the security’s attention away from counter insurgency, drag them into politics, destabilize the polity and use security agencies in furthering their political ambitions ahead of the 2015 elections.

The cabal have been deploying all possible means including publishing falsehoods and spreading same on the social media to accuse the Government of so many wrong doings that include unimaginable financial misappropriation that is beyond the income of the Government, making efforts for personal contacts with a section of the military and other security agencies in Abuja and to feed them with falsehoods aimed at creating an impression that the Borno State Governor and his administration was funding insurgents, making efforts for personal contacts with close associates of the Presidency and other Presidential aides to induce and talk them into misinforming and misleading the Presidency on false roles of Borno State Government as well as creating an impression through the same channel that Governor Shettima had vowed to ensure the President was not re-elected, all in a bid to sever any kind of relationship between the Presidency, Military and the Borno State Governor and his administration, mainly for their selfish political interest at the expense of the stability of Borno State and the northeast as well as the success of the ongoing counter insurgency operation which, when achieved, would be of credit to the Presidency.

The office has noted that in the early hours of Sunday, June 29, 2014, the cabal created a sham fakebook page, bearing the name and picture of Governor Kashim Shettima and started posting mischief; on Monday morning, the cabal published a complete falsehood raising all manner

of allegations in line with their agenda, on a Newspaper associated with them, while on Tuesday morning, the same cabal planted a fictitious and evil minded interview on a website site it created to pursue its agenda, claiming in the interview that a certain arrested and detained member of the Boko Haram (that is none existent) had admitted to being sponsored

by Governor Shettima and some officials close to him, all in a vicious and inhuman attempt to set the Presidency and the Military against the Governor and the administration with only 2015 elections at the back of their minds.

It is important to note that successive commanding officers of the military, the police, DSS and other security agencies working in Borno State from 2011 when Governor Shettima was elected and sworn-in, till date, have serially acknowledged the outstanding support their formations have received from Governor Kashim Shettima and his administration in the last three years. Some top military officials have had basis to, in the presence of the media, paid tributes to the Governor not only for the easy access to his office which he created for all security heads in Borno State, through a deliberate instruction, but also for his prompt responses to their requests for support and most importantly, too, for sourcing and passing on credible information to them as well as doing so much to build public confidence between the military and citizens across the State as well as the manner in which the Governor approves the release of funds to families of soldiers and policemen killed by insurgents to provide immediate relief to them. It might be necessary to also recall how Governor Shettima, about two months ago, came out strongly to defend the military when a media house reported an unknown soldier, linking the military with the promotion or execution of insurgency activities.

Governor Kashim Shettima is certainly not desperate about re-election.

He feels that 2015 in the hands of God. He is particularly concerned about the deaths of citizens in Borno State and the need for synergy between the State and Federal establishments to sustain a coordinated fight against insurgency so as to secure precious human lives and property.

The Governor believes that power squarely lies in the hands of God; for it is God that gives power or keep anyone in it. It is for that reason that he respects the institution of power which is why he has the highest respect for the Presidency and has shown that in his regular interfaces with the Presidency in the last three years, in his prompt acceptance and delivery of tasks assigned to him by the Presidency and in the manner in which he ensured that the President was well received, respected and accorded his due courtesies during his Presidential visit to Borno State in 2013 and also in the fact that the Governor had never at any time, disparaged the person of the President in all his speeches and public commentaries.

Those who have come in direct contact with the Governor have always parted with feelings about his unconscious humility, realness, openness, friendliness, his farthest passion and commitment towards ending the insurgency and his assiduous works on the solid foundation he has since laid, for the regeneration of Borno State.

ISA UMAR GUSAU

SPECIAL ADVISER ON COMMUNICATIONS, JULY 1, 2014

35

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

online

reactions

Ex-Militants To Jonathan: Contest 2015 Election Or Don’t Return Home

Oluchi Florence If you force him to declare for second term, will you also force Nigerians to vote for him?

Tombochim Kris Only God can decide who will be the next President of Nigeria.

02/07/2014 Bauchi, Kaduna Killings: We’ll Bring Perpetrators To Book – Jonathan Ogwuojone Justice As usual! Mr President, are you not ashamed and tired of saying this all the time without action and results?

Prince Isah Ojodomo Olimene Same story! I just don’t know when this son of a fisherman will act as a president and stop telling us stories.

Akindele Yusuf Lanre What if Jonathan loses the election? Will you break up the country?

Keep up with updates on these stories @ www.leadership.ng You Can Follow Us On Twitter: @LeadershipNGA Facebook: Leadership Newspapers Google+: Leadership.NG Linkedin: Leadership Newspaper Blackberry PIN: 7530EC8C

Stop Boko Haram Now, CAN Tells FG

Adeola Adeyinka Will there still be a country called Nigeria after 2015?

Ayyub Sabi Sure, God will look upon His children with mercy.

Auwalu Umar Of course, you won’t see him at home, because he will go kirikiri straight from the presidential villa where only few of you will have the privilege to see him.

Aminu Garba Once a thug always a thug!

Ujah Rodman Contesting does not automati-

How I Phoned My Father From Sambisa – Escapee Schoolgirl Lawal Shuaibu Super story!

Victor Obot Can you imagine what this girl is saying? If this is for real, what is the federal government waiting for? It means the Chibok schoolgirls can actually be traced and rescued.

Eremie Tamunotonye According to 2face Idibia” e be like sey dem want to tell us another story again o.”

Yero

Jonathan

cally translate into winning.

Ndudi Ajieh Nigerians need to pray seriously over 2015 general election.

Abdullahi Yusuf We are prepared, ready and waiting!

Ben A. Audu Super story!

15 Days After Threat Letter: Boko Haram Strikes 4 Villages Near Chibok

Dauda Solomon Ibrahim Jonah! Jonah! Jonah, you have come with your usual story-telling!

Ismail Muhammad Mr President, act like a president and keep quiet if you have nothing else to say.

Muhammad Labaran Tales by moonlight!

Sagir Yakubu Aliyu Na so you dey talk everytime. Na today?

Sunmie Fasogbon Can you do as you have said, Mr President?

Mariah Anyamele Even after the threat letter, there was no security beef-up.

Akindele Yusuf Lanre How come we still have these senseless killings in a state under emergency rule? I think they are playing on our intelligence.

Olushina Taiwo Mr Jonathan, I also condemn the dastardly act of Boko Haram, yet I’m not the president.

Does that mean there is no difference between you and me?

Something is terribly wrong with Jonathan and all his advisers!

Doctor’s Strike Paralyses Medical Service

Shettima

Okoro Sylvester Where are the military troops deployed to Borno? Are they still alive?

Esther Habila Which book are you talking about, Mr President? Exercise book or text book; because we have different types of book. You had better wake up from your

Subscribe to LEADERSHIP Newsletter today for your daily news highlight.

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36 THE NATION’S CAPITAL

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Dei-Dei Traders Protest Planned Take Over Of Market

By David Aduge-Ani

A Vehicle Inspectorate Officer checking the papers of a taxi driver in Central Area, yesterday. Photo by Patrick Ebi Amanama

1 Killed In Fresh Communal Clash In Shezoko

By Chika Mefor

A Fulani herdsman has been killed in a fresh communal clash between cattle rearers and farmers in Shezoko community in Gwagwalada area council.

Speaking during his visit to the community, the chairman of the council, Alh. Abubakar JibrinGiri, condemned the killing of the herdsman, urging residents to ignore violence and embrace peace as there can be no meaningful development

where discord exists.

The chairman who led the Agora of Zuba, Alhaji Muammad Bello, district head of TunganMaje and members of the council’s legislative arm said that the incessant clashes between farmers and Fulani cattle rearers portrays the area council in a bad light.

A relative of the deceased, Malam Audu Datijjo, said they are not happy because the police prevented them from burying their brother in

the Muslim way, narrating that the policemen from Zuba divisional headquarters came and carried the corpse after the incident.

While addressing the people, Alh. Bello, also condemned the killing of the herdsman and urged security agents to ensure that the culprit was brought to book.

In his address, the chairman of the FCT chapter, Miyyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Adamu

Abdullahi, appealed for calm among the Fulani herders in the community.

He emphasised the need for both farmers and herders to always live in peace with one another. He commended the efforts of elders of the community in arresting the culprit and handing him over to the police.

Abdullahi cautioned all the Fulani herders residing within the community against any reprisal attack, adding that the culprit will face the wrath of the law.

Insurgency: FEMA Urges Residents To Use Emergency Number

By Nkechi Isaac

The director- general of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Alh. Ababs Idriss, has called on residents to fully utilise the 112 emergency numbers in times of disaster or security insurgency.

Idriss who spoke through the director of admin and finance of the agency, Mrs Alice Odey-Achu, made this call while fielding questions from journalists on the agency’s

readiness to handle emergencies in the FCT, adding that the agency still maintains its five minutes response time to emergency.

While condemning last Wednesday’s bomb blast in Emab Plaza, Odey-Achu noted that two trucks from FCT fire stations were on ground immediately after the explosion.

She said, “even though we don’t pray for emergencies, we are always prepared to handle emergencies when they occur.

When the bomb blast occurred on Wednesday our men were

on ground within minutes of the explosion; within seven minutes of getting the call Asokoro Fire Service was already there and was later joined by Gwarinpa Fire Service. The two fire stations were able to put the fire under control.”

She reiterated the agency’s readiness to combat emergencies, saying they have engaged voluntary workers, known as Voluntary Vanguard, to assist in rescue operation in times of emergency, saying the vanguards exist in all the

six area councils of the FCT. Odey-Achu commended the management of the DIFF hospital for their resourcefulness during the bomb blast incident, adding that three ambulances from the hospital were on ground to help evacuate the dead and injured from the site.

She further called on other private hospitals to emulate the resourcefulness of the DIFF and find ways of partnering with the government for effective emergency management.

Placard -carrying traders at the popular Dei-Dei international building market yesterday protested the planned takeover of the market by the Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL).

The protest led to the closure of the market, which left customers who had come to shop at the market stranded.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP, the chairman of DeiDei I termination building, Mr. Tony Chukwuneke, explained that the protest was as a result of the planned takeover of the market by the AICL. He said that a subsidiary of the company, the Abuja Markets Management Limited (AMML) issued a letter of ownership to the market association.

According to him, the content of the letter shows that the AICL wants to invalidate the original ownership title issued to them.

He insisted that the market association would not agree with the move, stressing that the market was built by the individual traders, not the government.

He vowed that the traders will go to any length to protect their right and will not allow the administration “impose task” master on them.

NIDAN Adopts Kuje School For Deaf As CRS Project

By Igho Oyoyo

The Nigeria Diaspora Alumni Network (NiDAN) has adopted Kuje school for the deaf as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project, in order to improve on the learning standard of the pupils.

In a chat with journalists, the chairman of the network, Prof. Manny Aniebonam, said that visual aid was paramount in the education and development of the students.

Aniebonam promised that the network would provide the children with computers and projectors to assist the teachers and aid the provision of additional skills for special needs teaching.

He said, “teachers will take part in a half-day training session provided by professional teachertraining specialists from the NiDAN group.

“The computers will be donated by Global Distance Learning Institute (GDLI), managed by AfriHUB Nigeria Ltd. It will greatly enhance learning experience for both the students and children. We are delighted that we have chosen the school as one of our CSR projects.”

Also speaking with journalists, the network’s spokesperson, Christine Shuaibu, said that they will ensure that the kids have a conducive environment to learn.

She said, “having made several visits to the school on a fact finding mission, NiDAN has decided that their IT and teacher training needs were paramount.

This warrants for at least one year support, if not more.

“The school will benefit from new IT equipment as well as repairing all 16 computers that have not been functional over some period.

“The official launch will take place in early July, but prior to that date, in the true spirit of NiDAN, members will be putting on their ‘Do it Yourself’ (DIY) gear and grabbing their paint and brushes to give the Library a mini make over.”

politics today Wednesday, July 2, 2014

REPORTS ANALYSES REVIEWS INTERVIEWS

Katsina And Politics Of Local Government Polls After years of waiting game and complaints, especially by the opposition political parties, the ruling People’s Democratic Party-led administration in Katsina state, through the Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission (KTSIEC) fixed local government elections in the state for August 2nd. In this piece, Muazu Elazeh writes on the emerging tone ahead of the council polls.

The two page letter which was addressed to the chairman of the state electoral body also faulted the payment of prescribed fees as contained in the election guidelines

Barring any hitches or change of plans, the much awaited local government election in Katsina will hold on Saturday the 2nd of August, 2014, in line with arrangements made by the Katsina state Independent Electoral commission (KTSIEC).

The August election, is the first since the state last had council polls early in 2008, shortly after the emergence, in 2007, of Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema as the governor after the eight years of late president Umaru Musa Yaradua.

The chairman of KTSIEC, Abubakar Lawal Malumfashi, in announcing the commission’s readiness to conduct the polls insisted that all preparations had been made and noted that the state government has provided all the financial requirements for the conduct of the polls.

He said the state government has provided “100 percent of the commission’s election financial requirements” even as he appealed to stakeholders to cooperate with the commission in ensuring successful polls.

He said electioneering campaigns had commenced from 2nd June and end a day before the election and warned against displaying posters at public buildings or utilities.

“The commission is empowered to stop or postponed the conduct of elections at Polling Unit, ward or Local government level on account of the use of force, violence or any serious breach of public peace by party supporters” he enthused.

Of course, as expected, Malumfashi, assured that the KTSIEC under his leadership would provide a level playing ground for all contestants and insisted that machineries had

been put in place for the conduct of free, fair and credible polls.

Indeed, the council election which has been a subject of debate between the ruling PDP and its cronies on one side and the opposition on the other, has continued to generate issues within politicals circle since the KTSIEC fixed the date. ...APC, PDM’s Chances Shortly after the KTSIEC, on 2nd June 2014, in giving notice for the council polls, announced August 2nd as the date, the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC) faulted the sixty days notice given as against the constitutionally-guaranteed ninety days notice. The party has since insisted that it would approach a court of competent jurisdiction to contest the guidelines issued by the KTSIEC. In fact, the APC wrote the KTSIEC asking it to ensure compliance with the legal requirements of 90 days notice of elections and, to cause the voter register to be updated by INEC. The APC, in a letter signed by its chairman, Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa, urged the state electoral body to “as a matter of urgency review the requirement of 5 or 10 years experience as additional qualification requirement of candidates for the election” The two page letter which was addressed to the chairman of the state electoral body also faulted the payment of prescribed fees as contained in the election guidelines.

Speaking to our correspondent through phone, few days after the letter was served on KTSIEC, Inuwa, said the party was giving KTSIEC up till Friday to respond to the party’s letter or risk court action.

Shema

Kaita

Inuwa said the party would approach the court to seek for an injunction stopping conduct of the poll if by Friday 27th June, the KTSIEC did not reply the party’s letter.

“We are not bothered about anything other than to ensure that the right thing is done so the right thing has to be done” the APC chairman enthused.

To make good its threat, the APC did not send names and particulars of its candidates to the KTSIEC before the final day of receipt of such names.

Addressing the press at the expiration of date for

the submission of names and particulars of intending contestants from political parties, the KTSIE declared that the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC) did not submit list of names and particulars of its intending contestants for the forthcoming council polls.

The KTSIEC boss said only five political parties comprising All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Labour Party (LP), Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), Progressives People’s ➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 38 Donald Ojogo, Group Politics Editor

37

38 POLITICS TODAY

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Katsina And Politics Of Local Government Polls ➔ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

But then of course, it was not only the APC that has issues with the elections as the opposition Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), though seen by many as doing the bidding of the ruling PDP, also faulted some procedures for the polls

Alliance (PPA) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have submitted the lists of their contestants with APC conspicuously missing.

Malumfashi said the date for submission of list of candidates and their particulars had expired and the commission was not contemplating any extension noting that it was in line with guidelines and time table issued to the parties earlier.

He said the ruling PDP fielded candidates for all the 34 chairmanship seats, vice chairman and 361 councillorship positions while PDM fielded candidates for 33 chairmanship and vice chairmanship seats, APGA fielded 14 while LP and PPA fielded 12 each for chairmanship and vice chairmanship seats.

“All arrangements for a conduct of free, fair and credible elections are in place and in strict conformity with the relevant laws and guidelines” Malumfashi noted and appealed for maximum cooperation from all stakeholders.

However, Inuwa said the party did not submit particulars of its candidates because it was not convinced with responses it got from KTSIEC on issues it (the APC) raised penultimate week.

Inuwa said APC was not comfortable with the way KTSIEC was handling the entire exercise and would “approach the court to seek injunction stopping the exercise until the correct thing was done” adding “there is just no how we can be part of that rubbish”.

But then of course, it was not only the APC that has issues with the elections as the opposition Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), though seen by many as doing the bidding of the ruling PDP, also faulted some procedures for the polls.

While APC appears uncomfortable with some issues including mandatory ninety days notice, the Katsina state chapter of Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) is concerned about the outrageous fees charged by the KTSIEC. PDM insisted that the fee of two hundred and fifty thousand naira (N250, 000) charged on chairmanship candidates and that of one hundred and fifty thousand naira (N150, 000), and, one hundred thousand naira (N100, 000) for Vice chairman and Councillors respectively, was outrageous.

Speaking to newsmen, the Katsina state PDM chairman, Yushau Armayau said the fees was unrealistic and urged the electoral body to be “reasonable in fixing prices for the forms”.

Armayau urged KTSIEC to borrow a leaf from its counterpart in Kano state which fixed the cost of forms for chairmen and

Mu’azu

Oyegun

councillors at fifty thousand naira (N50, 000) and twenty thousand naira (N20,000) respectively.

The PDM, according to Armayau, may consider exploring the option of litigation should the KTSIEC not oblige its request to reduce the cost of nomination forms.

He said the party would go into the race as contender noting that the PDM has fielded candidates for councillors and chairmen in all the wards and local government areas of the state.

“We are confident of victory at the poll. In fact, if there is free and fair election we will capture many local government areas. We pray that the KTSIEC will be fair to all at the poll” ...Shocker for PDP LG Caretaker Chairmen But more than anything else, preparations for the elections provides shocks to scores of care taker committee chairmen of local government areas in the state as most of them were out rightly denied the party’s ticket.

Expectedly, virtually all serving caretaker committee chairmen for the 34 local governments who

are members of the ruling PDP, reportedly commenced lobby for the party’s ticket.

However, as political parties commenced screening of candidates, the ruling PDP surprised scores of the caretaker chairmen as it substituted the names of over 85% of them and replaced them with new names.

Findings by our correspondent reveals that in Funtua zone, only caretaker committee chairman of Musawa local government, Tanimu Kira, got the PDP’s nod to run as a candidate at the polls while all the rest including that of Faskari, Isiyaku Ahmed, an Inlaw of the deputy governor, were denied the party’s flag.

Similar scenario played out in Daura zone where only three out of the eleven caretaker chairmen got the PDP’s approval to stand as candidate at the election.

Although the leadership of the ruling PDP in the state declined comments, sources at the party’s secretariat said the party’s action was informed by both lack of confidence on the caretaker chairmen and the need to please some vested interests.

As things stands out,

prominent figures in the PDP including former governor of the old Kaduna state, Alhaji Lawal Kaita and elder statesman, Alhaji Amadi Kurfi, had been edged out as the party deny their scions ticket to run as candidates at the poll.

While the son of former governor, Kaita, Abubakar Lawal Kaita, was denied the ticket to run for Kankia council poll, having held sway as caretaker chairman for two years, the son of Alhaji Amadi Kurfi, Nura Amadi Kurfi was denied the ticket for Kurfi chairmanship seat.

It would be recalled that former governor Kaita is a chieftain of the ruling PDP and was at a point in time, member of its board of trustees. His influence was reportedly instrumental to the emergence of the son as the caretaker committee chairman of Kankia council area.

Our correspondent reports that Abubakar Lawal Kaita, the eldest son of Kaita had initially been tipped to fly the party’s flag at the August 2nd council polls.

However, due to last-minute intrigues, the party, through what many described as an arranged primary election, handed the ticket to one Hamisu Abu Sukuntuni, a former vice chairman in Kankia local government.

Already, speculations are rife that the party denied Kaita its ticket for the Kankia chairmanship seat because of the alleged closeness between the former governor and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

An official of the ruling PDP who is also a native of Kankia council area of the state told our correspondent that seven people contested for the party’s ticket ahead of the forth coming council polls noting “but Hamisu Sukuntuni polled the highest votes so he is the party’s candidate for chairmanship seat” ... Shape of things to come Already, views are being expressed that the PDP was perfecting plans to clinch all the seats and the deliberate refusal of the opposition APC to join the race is all the PDP needed to perfect its plan.

It is widely held that the reports that some political parties like the LP, PPA and APGA, which have little or no history of existence in the state, have fielded candidates for the poll may well be PDP’s grand ploy to help give the election some modicum of credibility.

But one thing is certain and that is the fact that there are discordant tunes ahead of the council polls. But the way and manner in which it is handle will go a long way in determining the undercurrents of politics in the state.

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

zonal watch

OYO STATE OGUN STATE LAGOS STATE ONDO STATE EKITI STATE OSUN STATE

Ogun Set To Take Road Traffic Education To Schools - Odubela

By Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

The Ogun State government is set to ensure that road traffic education is included in the curriculum of secondary schools to improve safety consciousness among the youths.

Commissioner for education, science and technology, Barr. Segun Odubela made this known during the grand finale of the 3rd Annual TRACE Club Quiz and Essay Competition among secondary school students in Abeokuta.

According to him, the state government is making efforts at en-

suring that the National Council of Education, as the highest policy making body in curriculum development, includes road traffic education in the secondary school curriculum in the state.

“Fortunately for us, Ogun State is hosting the National Council of Education, which is the highest decision making body, this August. God willing, we will ensure the inclusion of road traffic education in the curriculum,” Odubela said.

He stated that the inclusion of this type of education in the school curriculum would help to safe-

guard the future of Nigeria as the students are leaders of tomorrow.

Earlier in his welcome address, the commander of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), Ayo Sangofadeji said the goal of the competition was to create awareness and prepare the future generation on the need to be safety conscious on the road at all times.

“For us, TRACE has succeeded in creating a roadmap through competitive learning by involving as many students as are willing and also encouraging them to imbibe basic road safety education that

will remain a guide for all their undertakings on the road,” the corps commander said.

Sangofadeji said there would be no better time to begin the process of entrenching the education into the school curriculum than now when there is the need to have a better generation of road users.

He noted that children are vulnerable to road traffic crashes and as future generation, inculcating safety consciousness in them at a tender age would go a long way in enlightening them on how best to use the roads and save them from avoidable road accidents.

Ogun: Drug Abuse, A Threat To National Devt - Soyinka

By Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

A cross-section of Muslim faithful during the Ramadan Lecture and Special Prayer for the Nation with the theme, “In the Spirit of Ramadan”, organised by the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Council, at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Race Course, Lagos, on Sunday.

Osun Urban Devt: Aregbesola To Pay N2bn Compensation

By Joshua Dada, Osogbo

The governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has promised to pay a whopping sum of N2billion as compensation to the property owners whose properties were affected by the urban renewal project of the government before the end of the year.

The affected people include

landlords and tenants along the popular MDS corridor, Fakunle-Olaiya axis, OldGarage-Igbona-Ayetoro, Ogbaagbaa-Okefia-Rasco, Ajegunle-Moshalashi Gaji to Orita Baba Onisekere as well as Railway Line axis, all in Osogbo, the state capital.

Aregbesola commended the peaceful manner in which the affected people conducted themselves while

the separation exercise lasted.

The governor said he understands the pain and hardship the urban renewal project has brought to the people.

He said the project is not an attempt to cripple people’s businesses or inflict pains on their means of livelihood but to further open the state to the international community for desirable investment.

Ramadan: Fashola Urges Lagosians To Be Vigilant, Security Conscious

by George Okojie, Lagos

As Lagos Muslims join their counterparts worldwide to observe the Ramadan fast, the state governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has called for vigilance among all Lagosians, saying although government has put necessary structures in place to ensure the safety of residents, they have every reason to be

vigilant.

Governor Fashola, who spoke at the Onikan Stadium, venue of the annual Ramadan Lecture of the State Council of the Ansar-UdDeen Society of Nigeria, urged Lagosians to be vigilant and security conscious, pointing out that since they live in the territorial area called Nigeria, they should be concerned with whatever happens in the coun-

try.

“When the country does well, we do well; when it is challenged, it means that we are challenged because our brothers and sisters are challenged too. This is the season of internal vigilance. We have put in all of the structures to be sure you have no cause to fear, but you have every reason to be vigilant”, the governor said.

Drug abuse and trafficking are threats to socio-economic and national development, Ogun State commissioner for health, Dr Olaokun Soyinka has said.

Speaking at a press conference to mark the 2014 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Abeokuta, he noted that drug abuse and trafficking in narcotic and psychotropic substances are global phenomena threatening not only the health of the citizens but also destroying the social cohesion, including economic and political stability of the nation.

He said the menace is a major threat to the survival and effective functioning of human societies, adding that instances of deaths from accidents and violent crimes like armed robbery, car snatching, theft, assassinations and arson have been traced to the activities of persons under the influence of hard drugs.

“Some of our youths, particularly our girls under the influence of drugs, parade themselves on the streets at night as prostitutes, thereby exposing themselves to various forms of sexually transmitted diseases, including Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS),” Soyinka said.

Calling on stakeholders, particularly teachers and religious leaders to educate students and members of the society on the dangers of drug abuse, the commissioner said the theme of the event, “A Message of Hope: Drug Abuse Disorders are Preventable and Treatable,” was apt now when teenagers and youths needed it the most.

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Wednesday, July 2, 2014

project report

FUNAAB: Where Students Construct Roads Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

Education, experts argue, transcends the ability to read and write. Rather, an educated fellow is someone who has the ability to identify a problem and then solve it. A popular sentiment among Nigerians, especially old folks nowadays is that the standard of education has fallen to ridiculous levels.

These old people will recount their days of education with nostalgia as the perfect age when students were students and teachers behaved as teachers. Most of the elders will swear by all the gods in the land that today education is dead. That what students have now is the long lost handicapped cousin of the education they had in the days of yore.

A former minister in Nigeria even concluded that Nigerian graduates are unemployable and Gen. Ibrahim Babangida once said that today’s youths are not ready for leadership positions. But many in that generation also disagree.

A good example is found in the autobiography of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo “AWO”, wherein the pioneer premier of the old Western region confessed the academic inadequacies of some of the teachers that taught him in primary school. It took Chief Awolowo’s better exposure to discern such deficiencies of his former tutors.

There are many examples similar to that perfectly concealed in the argument of “education for a golden generation”.

But in many African cultures, elders are accorded mythical wisdom that cannot be challenged by children. Whether it is right or otherwise, is a function of cultural position.

No institution is proving these people wrong better than the students of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).

The ivory tower sits atop 10,000 acres of land. With such expanse of land, there are many roads snaking across the institution.

These roads, owing to constant usage are bound to wear off. That is the story of many universities... bumpy roads that make commuting a nightmare both within and outside the tertiary institutions. This situation sometimes makes foreigners wonder whether these roads lead to universities as claimed or scrap yards.

But the undergraduate students of FUNAAB have found an ingenious way of dealing with the wear and tear of the roads. They have made a solemn oath to themselves

Fayemi

News Behind The News

Fayemi/Fayose: From Amity To Enmity (1)

By Olaolu Oladipo, Lagos

A portion of the Camp - FUNAAB road repaired by the students

that all roads shall receive the anointing of their blessed hands.

What makes their effort more commendable by all Nigerians is that the Engineering students of the institution are not limiting their efforts to their campus; the road leading to their school is also receiving adequate attention.

They are making a bold statement that the present generation of Nigerians are not as hopeless as some would have us believe. They are reminding the older generation that in the midst of the chaos daily besetting education in the land, something laudable can still be produced.

It is a case of practising what they profess. A recent visitor to the place would be fascinated by the amount of energy the students have exerted into fixing their campus road which had for a while been begging for attention.

This reporter had visited the institution before and the road to the ivory tower immediately after leaving Abeokuta - Ibadan old road was to say the least, terrible.

The commercial buses commuting the students to and from the school bear the testimony of the daily war they encounter on the road. The buses are rickety and the interior feels like bakery ovens.

Perhaps it was a combination of these factors that spurred the students to approach the school authorities with a resolve to make a difference in their own little way and save thousands the stress of incessant migraines occasioned by bumpy rides.

According to their VC, Professor Olusola Oyewole, the students approached the school authorities with the proposition that they could have the road fixed if some equipment could be provided for them. The university bought into

The road leading from Camp to our school gate had for sometime been in terrible shape.

Everybody travelling on the road in recent past would confess that the experience has not been the best

the idea and the result has been unbelievable.

The VC was particularly impressed that the students thought big by not confining their efforts to the four walls of the university. The main road leading to their school is a link to many rural communities especially Alabata, their immediate neighbour. This means that by repairing the road, many surrounding communities are benefitting from their noble gesture. Being farmers, their perishable farm produce will not have to rot away on account of lack of motorable road. Talk of good neighbours!

“I am proud to inform you that the efforts of my students at repairing roads is not confined to our campus. The road leading from Camp to our school gate had for sometime been in terrible shape.

Everybody travelling on the road in recent past would confess that the experience has not been the best.

“Today, the story has changed owing to sheer ingenuity of my students. They have done a professional job worthy of commendation. At first people had their misgivings on the ability of undergraduates repairing roads.

“I mean, that is forgivable when you consider a host of factors. It has not happened before, so the fears were indeed founded. But the students have proved to all of us that they can do it,” the VC said with pride.

Exuding confidence as he shook hands with some of the young engineers on site repairing the failed portion of the campus road, the institution’s head stressed the need for Nigerian students to task their intellect and challenge themselves to take up leadership positions by contributing to the development of the land.

Owing to many factors, the process of electioneering usually generates acrimony especially from gladiators and their teeming followers.

Pundits have adduced this level of schism to the high stakes involved in the act of governance, where public office holders have undue and unfettered access to state resources.

In the Nigerian political clime, the ability to wield official (in some cases unofficial) powers is usually commensurate with the latitude with which the holder can dispense such power in terms of appointing people to offices as well dispensing favours.

As the essence of attaining power is to corner state resources, the contest for power in Nigeria has been dotted by needless bloodletting by politicians who in the process have come to adopt desperation approach to achieving their aim of capturing power.

This is the reason why most contests for public offices are never resolved amicably by those vying for power. Years after electoral contests have ended, it is the norm for litigations arising from such outcomes to drag on for some time considering the fact that gladiators know the advantage of being in office.

With the conclusion of the governorship polls in Ekiti State that threw up a former governor of the state in person of Mr Ayodele Fayose, a new chapter of tolerance seems to have commenced in the nation’s political landscape.

Credit must be given to the outgoing governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi who have broken away from the norm, which dictated that outcomes of elections are not only rejected but they also end up polarising the political space as wide gulfs of confidence between camps are not only entrenched but are also widened, thus stunting societal progress and growth.

Fayemi in his immediate reaction to the outcome of the polls told a stunned nation that he believed that the will of the people of Ekiti State had been made manifest by the ballot and that it transcended his political ambition to earn a second term in office.

In a statement he issued, which was followed up by a television broadcast to the people of the state, Fayemi said, “If indeed this is the will of the Ekiti people, I stand in deference to your will. If the result of the elections is an expression of the voice of our people, we must all heed your voice.”

To demonstrate his commitment to peace, he said: “I have just spoken with my brother, Mr Peter Ayodele Fayose, congratulating him on his victory. ➔ TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

FRSC Blames Road Accidents On Use Of Phones, Over-speeding The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has attributed most road crashes in the country to the use of cell phones while driving.

The senior commander of the commission in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Musa Yerima stated this yesterday in Uyo while fielding questions from newsmen.

Yerima, who said that the commission recorded 14 deaths and 22 road crashes between January and June in the state, explained that the use of cell phones while driving distracts drivers, which invariably makes them crash into broken down vehicles on the road.

He said, ‘The predominant risk factors attributed to Akwa Ibom State are speed limit violation and dangerous driving, which is a very important factor that we are campaigning against.”

By Bernard Dada/Etoro Effiong

news south-South south-East 41

Oshiomhole Blasts Ize-Iyamu, Warns Edo People Against Political ‘Pastors’

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

Edo State governor Adams Oshiomhole yesterday asked Edo people to be wary of those who parade themselves as pastors to gain political relevance ahead of the 2015 and 2016 elections in the state, just as he challenged former secretary to the state government during Mr Lucky Igbinedion’s tenure, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu to give

account of his stewardship as the SSG. Ize-Iyamu is the arrowhead of a rebellion against Oshiomhole’s administration which saw the defection of some lawmakers and other APC leaders to the opposition PDP. Oshiomhole threw the challenge yesterday when he received over 2,000 market women from across the 18 local government areas of the state who paid him a solidari-

ty visit at the Government House, Benin City.

He said, “I defeated the Peoples Democratic Party in all the wards and local governments in the last election conducted and that was due to the massive support from you market women. After the defeat, a man who claims to be a pastor, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, insisted on being imposed on Edo people as the governor. I refused because as

I said, as former chief of staff to the state government, what did you do?

“What effort did you make in bringing development to Edo people? Did you give your people electricity? Did you give them water?

Did you give them good roads?

How did you influence the government in bringing development to even your constituency? Did you bring hospitals to the people?”

short news I’ll Take Imo To Next Level – Amanze

Protest Trails Igbinedion’s Multimillion Plaza In Benin Controversy is currently trailing the ownership of the plot of land on which former Edo State governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, last year erected a multi-million naira entertainment centre complete with cinema halls and gaming machines, called Kada Plaza in Benin City.

This follows a law suit brought by a popular musician, Chief Saka Balogun Omo Lawal Osula, the Arala of Benin, against the former governor’s father, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of the kingdom and one Chief (Mrs) Irene Ododo Odaro, asking the state High Court to declare him the rightful owner of the plot of land.

In the suit number B/368/14 dated 30th June, 2014, Chief Omo Lawal Osula prayed the court to declare him the rightful owner of the plot of land called Number 111, Sapele road, Benin City.

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

Gov Orji Inaugurates New LG Bosses, Commissioners

Abia State governor Theodore Orji yesterday swore-in 17 transition local government council chairmen and two commissioners with a declaration that rotation of political offices and positions in the state is sacrosanct.

Governor Orji also said that this set of transition chairmen would be the last to be appointed and called on those who are desirous of becoming local government chairman to begin to prepare to contest election.

The declaration is seen by many that Governor Orji may hold elections into the local government councils before he leaves office next year. No election has been held into local government councils since the second term of his administration.

By Matthias Nwogu, Umuahia

L-R: President, Energy Globe Foundation, Prof Edward Ayensu, former Massachusetts Secretary of Energy And Environmental Affairs, Ian Bowles and former President of Poland, Lech Walesa, at the Energy Environment and Investment Forum in Port Harcourt, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN

Non-implementation Of UNEP Report Forced Me Out Of PDP – Sen Abe

By Anayo Onukwugha, Port Harcourt

The senator representing Rivers South-East senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, has said that the refusal of the administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to implement the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Ogoni land forced him out of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said his decision to decamp

to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was based on his strong belief that unlike the PDP, the APC, when elected into power come 2015, will implement the recommendations of the UNEP report to the letter.

Abe, who spoke in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital during a dinner of Ogoni Young Professionals, organised by the Ogoni Generation Next Project (OGNP), said the delay in the implementation of the report was no longer the making of oil giant, Shell, but that of the Nige-

rian government.

He said; “About two years ago, Shell told us during the annual general meeting in London, that the $1billion for the clean-up of Ogoni environment was ready.

If you watch, we no longer disturb Shell over this issue. They said it is now left for the government to move into action. I have met with the minister several times over the clean-up and I have met with Governor Amaechi, who met President Jonathan over the same issue, but nothing happened.

Bayelsa Warns Street Traders Against Obstructing Road Projects

By OSA Okhomina,Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State government yesterday warned property owners and street traders along sites of ongoing road construction works in the state to relocate or face arrest, following their alleged obstruction of work on ongoing projects in the state.

The government through the state commissioner for works and infrastructural develop-

ment, Mr Lawrence Ehwrudjakpo, accused the property owners and traders along project sites of disturbing accurate mapping and execution of quality jobs by the contractors.

The commissioner, who took a tour of the project sites, expressed concern over the activities of the traders, saying “I am not happy the way people are still reluctant to relocate their businesses from the construction site.

The road is for us, Bayelsans”.

“Let me announce that all property owners, roadside traders and taxi operators along Igbogene road project site should leave immediately; they should relocate their businesses. The road is not a market place where you can run your business; we are saying that no business should be allowed along Igbogene road project site.”

“But if they refuse to leave,

A medical practitioner, Dr Charles Amanze, yesterday said that he will make Imo State the number one state in terms of industrialisation, infrastructural development, education, health and security if he becomes the governor in 2015.

The former chairman of the Board of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, while formally declaring for governorship in his Uvuru ward in Aboh Mbaise local government area, also said that he is prepared to restore Imo to its enviable position bequeathed to it by the late Sam Mbakwe.

While seeking the support of his people, he said his quest to be governor will put him on a better pedestal to render more selfless services to humanity.

By Millie Ibeh, Abuja

we will apply force on them because Bayelsa government is not willing to tolerate such delay,” Ehwrudjakpo said.

The commissioner said the plan to open up roads for the state was to change the face of Bayelsa and to create adequate room for a standard economy. Ehwrudjakpo further urged the contractors to redouble their efforts and ensure that they meet the deadline for the completion of the project.

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Wednesday, July 2, 2014

news NATIONAL 43

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

APC Will End Insecurity, Unemployment, Other Ills – Youth Leader The All Progressives Congress (APC) will put to an end the menace of insecurity, unemployment, epileptic power supply and other social ills bedeviling the country if it wins the 2015 general election.

This assurance was given by the newly elected APC national youth leader Ibrahim Jalo Waziri, in Abuja yesterday while speaking with some journalists.

“Look at what is happening in PDP; is there government in Nigeria today? There is insecurity everywhere, corruption everywhere, youth unemployment - name it.

This is a total failure by all standard Nigeria government has failed; therefore, the only opportunity we have in this country today is APC, and that is why many of us left the ruling party to join the APC because we believe that APC is only the party that can change this country,” he said.

By Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

Varsity Administration Is A Pilgrimage – UniAbuja VC The newly appointed Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja, Prof.

Micheal Adikwu, yesterday, has described the administration of a university as akin to a pilgrimage.

The new VC stated this in Abuja during the handover ceremony from his predecessor Prof. Sunday Adelabu.

He said he would ensure the institution had the best academic standard in Nigeria.

“The running of a university is a pilgrimage; it is a continuous process. As I was informed, the school is currently on forced vacation, so the first approach is to see how we can bring back both the lecturers and students of the school, so that normal academic activities resume soonest,” he said.

By Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

GSK, ‘Save The Children’ Offer $1m For Reduction Of Child Deaths A pharmaceutical giant, GSK, and an international non-profit organisation, Save the Children, have contributed $1 million to an ambitious partnership, known as the Healthcare Innovation Award, which aims to save the lives of a million of the world’s poorest children, GSK and Save the Children yesterday announced the launch of their second annual $1 million Healthcare Innovation Award at the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health meeting in South Africa.

The award was established to identify and reward innovations in healthcare that have proven successful in reducing child deaths in developing countries.

By Winifred Ogbebo, with agency report

Abuja Bombing Victims Need Blood Donations – Hospital

By Winifred Ogbebo and Victor Okeke, Abuja

Medical authorities at the Mataima District Hospital, where a majority of last Wednesday’s Emab Plaza bombing victims are receiving treatment, have called on Nigerians to donate blood for the victims.

The hospital secretary, Mrs. Angela Effiong told newsmen that the hospital is in dire need of blood supplies because of the persistent spate of bombings in Abuja in recent times.

Mrs. Effiong said that “blood donors play an integral role in the survival of these bomb blast victims as many lifesaving medical

treatments and procedures involve blood transfusion.”

According to her, “Whenever there are medical emergencies, you don’t ask victims to bring blood,; we get blood from our blood bank, which are donations from people like you.”

She said that the hospital needed blood donations now

more than ever as there was an increasing need for blood by patients every day.

“Some patients need blood every second and just one pint of blood can save up to three lives.

Healthy adults who are at least 17 years old may donate about a pint of blood every 56 days, or every two months,” she explained.

short news Group Decries Low Participation Of Elite In Politics Decrying low participation of Nigerian elite in politics, the National PDP Professionals and Business Group, NPPBG, has called on Nigerian academicians and elites to take active participation in politics, rather than the indifference that has been exhibited by many over the years, so Hon Mudashiru Kamil Akinlabi and Speaker Aminu Tambuwal exchanging ideas after plenary a during the inauguration of new execu- as to pave way for tives of the House of Representatives Press Corps, at the National Assembly, in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO. development.

Speaking during the official inauguration of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT chapter of the NPPBG, coorByOLUGBENGA SOYELE,Lagos Rights and Accountability Proj- the N446.3bn corruption chargdinator, Moses ect (SERAP) has dragged the fed- es against Abacha is illegal and unObisesan made Worried by the recent withdraw- eral government to court. constitutional having regard to this call, stressing al of corruption charges against In a suit filed before the Feder- Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constithat it is only by the son of the late Nigeria mili- al High Court sitting in Lagos by tution of Nigeria, which provides so doing that tary dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha, SERAP yesterday, the organisa- that the state shall abolish all corthe elites who Muhammed, a civil society or- tion is praying court for an order rupt practices and abuse of power. are usually very ganisation, the Socio-Economic directing the defendants to reinIt added that FG’s action was quick to criticize Rights and Accountability Proj- state the corruption suit against contrary to public interest, intergovernment ect (SERAP), has dragged the fed- Muhammed Abacha. est of justice and the need to preactions, can help eral government to court.

Joined as respondents in the vent abuse of legal process. in effecting the Following the withdrawal of cor- suit are President Goodluck Jon“This means that the respondesired change by ruption charges against the son of athan and the Attorney General dents are to prevent the exploitaensuring that the late Nigeria military dictator, Gen. of the Federation (AGF), Moham- tion of Nigeria’s human and naturight persons get Sani Abacha, Muhammed Aba- med Adoke. ral resources for any reasons other into public offices. cha, a Non Governmental OrganSERAP also want the court to than for the good of the commuBy Tunde isation (NGO), Socio-Economic declare that the withdrawal of nity,” it noted.

Oguntola, Abuja

N446.3bn Loot: SERAP Sues FG Over Withdrawal Of Charges Against Muhammad Abacha

Bonny Federal Poly To Gulp N1bn As Takeoff Grant

By Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, has approved the establishment of Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas in Bonny, Rivers State, with a takeoff grant of N1billion for the Polytechnic to commence academic activities.

Meanwhile, the presidential committee on NEEDs Assessment of public polythecnics and colleges of education, yesterday,

urged the federal government to allocate money for the rehabilitation of public polythecnics and colleges of education in the country.

Chairperson of the committee, Mrs. Hindatu Abdullahi, stated this at public presentation of the report of NEEDS Assessment of public polythecnics and colleges of education in the country.

Jonathan also approved the appointment of Professor Elijah

Tamuno Iyagba as rector, while Mr. Willabo A. Gilbert is to serve as reegistrar.

The president further approved the appointment of Mr Akpomeyoma Gabriel as bursar and Mr Ata John Woke Ajala as polytechnic librarian.

Supervising minister of education, Barr. Nyesom Wike described the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas in Bonny, Rivers State

as a practical expression of the President’s commitment to improving access to tertiary education, creating employment and empowering the youths with the necessary skills to contribute to national development.

Abdullahi said from the findings of the committee members it was discovered that physical infrastructure was inadequate, while available ones were utilised beyond the installed capacity.

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Wednesday, July 2, 2014

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS MOFUNANYA OBIAGELI COMFORT

Tertiary Education Trust Fund Abuja WHO DIED ON THE 23rd September, 2013

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 1st DAY OF JULY, 2014

APPLICANTS FOR GRANT Pastor Okey Mofunanya and Chike Mofunanya No 21 Simeon Akinlonu Crescent Oniru Estate Lagos The widower and son of the said deceased

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SODIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

LOSS of OF DOCUMENT DOCUMENT LOSS loss OF document This is to inform the general public of the loss of LETTER OF ALLOCATION with REF. N0. FHA/ES/ PH/TA/BILL/4BD for the property knwon as house N0. 01, road 313 Trans-Amadi Estate (Trans-Amadi Gardens) Port-Harcourt belonging to mr. aniche victor chkwuemeka was missing. All efforts made to trace the said document proved abortive.

If found, please return to the nearest police station.

Signed: MR. ANICHE VICTOR CHUKWUEMEKA

josephine

I formerly known as Miss oladipuo josephine omolola ikwusomro now wish to be known as mrs josephine oladipupo augustine. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

augustine

I formerly known as augustine ani now wish to be known as augustine chijioke joseph.

All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS

APPLICANTS FOR GRANT

INSP. SUNDAY SAMUEL Miss Larai Sunday and Timothy Sunday Nigeria Police Force WHO DIED ON THE 17th Kabusa Village Amac Abuja October, 2013 The daughter and son of the said deceased

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 1st DAY OF JULY, 2014 SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SODIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

LOSS of OF document DOCUMENT loss LOSS OF DOCUMENT

LOSS of OF DOCUMENT DOCUMENT loss LOSS OF document

LOSS of OF document DOCUMENT loss LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of the loss of Right of Occupancy with File No. KN.62384 belonging to USMAN ADAMU MOHAMMED of 3, Abubaker Rimi Close, Apo Abuja, FCT. All efforts made to trace the abovementioned document have proved abortive.

If found please return to the nearest Police Station.

GLORY JENNIFER

This is to inform the general public of the loss of Original Allocation Paper of property No. 282-A04 Ref No. AMMA/P&R/S.500 dated 3rd July, 2007 during parking from old office No. 32 Port Harcourt Crescent off Gimbiya to our new office at Asokoro No. 282. was missing.

All efforts made to trace the said document proved abortive. If found, please return to the nearest police station.

This is to inform the general public of the loss of Original Allocation Paper of Plot No. H-262, located within Kubwa Extension III, Conveyance of Approval dated 24/07/1998-Ref No. MFCT/LA/94/ BN1848 bearing mr. andrew mc agoh but sold to mr. innocent obelle was missing. All efforts made to trace the said document proved abortive.

If found, please return to the nearest police station or contact 08033973088, 08037759015 or 08033190873

I formerly known as IBOLI ELE EZOKE now wish to be known as GLORY IBOLI EJEJE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known as JENNIFER YAKWO now wish to be known as JENNIFER MICAH. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

LEE

I formerly known as MISS OKONGWU NNEKA FLORENCE now wish to be known as MRS LEE NNEKA FLORENCE. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

OLOYEDE

I formerly known as MISS OGUNLADE TINU-OLA ADERANNIBI now wish to be known as MRS OLOYEDE TINUOLA ADERANNIBI. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

Nuhu

FOR SALE 1X1

FOR SALE 1X1

FOR SALE 1X1

I formally known and called Nuhu Sale now wish to be known and called Nuhu Sule all former documents remain valid all the authority concern and general public to take note.

adolphus

I formerly known as miss irunokhai gloria now wish to be known as mrs adolphus gloria. All former d`ocuments remain valid. General public to please take note.

OKORIE

I formerly known as MISS UNEKE MAUREEN now wish to be known as MRS OKORIE MAUREEN UCHECHI. All former d`ocuments remain valid. General public to please take note.

amam

I formerly known as chinegwu ogochukwu chineze sylvia now wish to be known as amam chukwu ogochukwu chineze sylvia. All former d`ocuments remain valid. General public to please take note.

IBRAHIM

I formerly known as MISS DANIEL HELEN now wish to be known as MRS IBRAHIM DANIEL HELEN. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Immigration Service and the general public to please take note.

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

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SCHOOLS, EDUCATION, & FAITH PLATFORM

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF

SPECIALISED CLASSIFIEDS PAGES TRUE PATRIOTS FOR DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

HELPINGHAND GLOBAL HEPATITISPREVENTION INITIATIVE

FORON INDIGENOUS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

The general public is hereby informed that the above named initiative has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby informed that the above named initiative has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied for with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR OSE UGBEBOR 2. MRS ADEKOYA OLUBUKOLA 3. MR. TIJANI ADESINA 4. BARR. IZEVBUWA OMORUYI 5. MR ODELANA OLABANJI OLADELE

THE Trustees are: 1. Hon. Ngo Sarah Reng Ochekpe 2. Barr. Pam Luka Musa 3. Prof. John Yohanna Dung Gwom 4. Hrh Da. Engr. Bulus Pam Bot 5. Yakubu Pam Gam Sakondong 6. Da Isaac Deme Jang Dusu 7. Da Musa Chuwang Dang 8. Da Daniel Tsok Chun 9. Engr. Markus Chun Pam

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DR.ADELEYE OLUSEGUN SUNDAY 2. MISS JONAH DELU ADAMU 3. DR.EKAMA HAMILTON ATUYOTA 4. MISS ABDULRAHAM MARIAM ORAHACHI MIMI 5. MISS AWOYEMI OLUWABUKOLA GRACE 6. ELDER AYODELE JOHNSON OLUWAROTIMI 7. MR THOMAS AYODELE BAMIDELE 8. DR.OKPARA ANTHONY UZODINMMA 9. ALHAJI MUSA AHMED BATURE 10. MRS OKAFOR CHIDI IRENE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO BRING TOGETHER ALL MEN AND WOMEN OF GOODWILL UNDER ONE NATIONAL UMBRELLA. 2.TO SERVE AS FORUM FOR MEMBERS TO SHARE THEIR PROBLEMS WITH A VIEW TO FINDING SOLUTION TO THEM. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR.FOLAKE OWOEYE, 08056140355

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF HEPATITIS IN THE SOCIETY. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: IZEVBUWA OMORUYI ESQ 08036568686

- Chairman - Secretary

Aims and objectives are: 1. To foster unity, peace and harmony among Foron indigenes.

2. To live in harmony with one another as one indivisible and indissoluble entity under God protection.

3. To promote inter-ethnic and religious solidarity, world peace and national co-operatin and understanding.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: BARR. PAM LUKA MUSA

RHEMA LIBERATION FIRE MINISTRY

FCT SATELLITE TOWNS WASTE MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

BODY ENHANCEMENT ANNUAL RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY (BEARS) FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for Appointment of Turstees Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

Change Of Name From body enhancement annual reconstructive surgery (bears) foundation to body enhancement foundation This change has become to widen the spectrum of the foundation

The Trustees are: 1. Pastor Wisdom Great Isong 2. Pastor (Mrs) Jane Wisdom Isong 3. Mr. Anthony Amos Etuk 4. Mrs. Blessing Anietie Akpan 5. Mr. Idorenyin Friday Frank 6. Mrs. Agnes Idongesit Ukpong

The Trustees are: 1. Ikpeama Beneth - Chairman 2. Abdulrafiu Tunji Towolawi 3. Ajiri Uloma 4. Anolaba Josiah Okoro 5. John Mark 6. Eric Imakoji Sule 7. Mazi Emmanuel Olugbuo

- Chairman - Secretary - Treasurer

The Aims and objectives 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Aims and objectives 1. To cater for the welfare of members.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

SIGNED: secretary

SIGNED: ERNEST C. IDIMAH, ESQ

THE Trustees are: 1. Julius Isikopeje Ozolua 2. Funke Oloko 3. Eugene Ozolua 4. Modupe Ozolua

- Removed - Removed - Removed - Retained

THE Trustees are: 1. Oluwaseun Ozolua-Osunbade 2. Kabiru Turaki 3. Edith Jibunoh 4. Dr. Paul Orhii

- Newly Appointed - Newly Appointed - Newly Appointed - Newly Appointed

Aims and objectives are: 1. To bring hope and healing to Africa’s less privileged regardless for age, race, religion or gender.

2. To educate and sensitize the people about the causes and prevention of various types of illness, deformities, abnormalities and HIV/AIDS virus.

Any objection to this change should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

KWARA UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB ILORIN

OPERATORS OF PRIVATE ABATTOIRS AND BUTCHERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

GLITTERING ASSEMBLY BIBLE CHURCH

The general public is hereby notified that the above named CLUB has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria cac for registration under part ‘‘c’’ of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED RELIGIOUS ORGANISATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE:1. PASTOR ONEGLON SEGUN GODWIN (GENERAL OVERSEER) 2. PASTOR (MRS) ONEGLON BOSE PAULINE 3. WHESU SIMEON SONAYON 4. WHESU AMOS MAWUYON 5. ORENE IBAMA BENSTOWE

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1, MR SUNNY OMOKARO 2, MR MACAULAY OBAZEE 3, MRS GLORIA IMUWAHEN UWAGBOE 4, MRS JULIET EHIGIATOR OSAGIE

The Trustees are: 1. Alh. Haruna Muhammed Maigidan Sanma 2. Oguntokun Dele Nelson 3. Hon. Popoola Saheed Lekan 4. Ajiboye Rhoda Funmilayo The Aims and objectives are: 1. To enable the club become a co-operate organisation.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO PROMOTE THE INTEREST OF MEMBERS Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within –twenty eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

Signed: MRS GLORIA IMUWAHEN UWAGBUE SECRETARY

SIGNED: Secretary

AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1. TO PREACH AND TEACH THE WORD OF GOD TOTHE WORLD, TO RESCUE AND SAVE SOULS. 2. TO DISTRIBUTE GOSPEL MATERIALS, BOOKS, CONDUCT IN AND OUTDOOR SERVICES. TO TRAIN PEOPLE OF GODLY CHARACTER. 3. TO VISIT, BUILD ORPHANAGE HOMES AND ENCOURAGE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. AND ESTABLISH SCHOOLS. ETC. ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, P.M.B.198. MAITAMA, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: G. SECRETARY/ 08053076427

YOUTH & WOMEN FOUNDATION FOR EMPOWERMENT & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

PARENTS TEACHERS ASSOCIATION, LITTLE SCHOLARS SCHOOLS KADUNA

muslim-CHRISTIAN PEACE FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for the registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above mention ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above mention FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Alhaji Malami Sarkin-Pawa 2. Dr Saleh Abubakar 3. Dr Abdulkareem Durosinlorun 4. Mal. Mahamma Sulaiman 5. Mal. Sadeeq Omar

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Francis Ikechukwu 2. Muhammed Isah 3. Oluleye Rotimi Soji 4. Hadiza Abdullahi 5. Haruna Muhammed Kabir 6. Laduwa Umar

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To foster understanding and mutual respect between teachers and parents and also parents to parents relationship.

2. To afford the school the opportunity of ensuring that both the parents and teachers work for the common good of the child.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To serve as a medium negotiation between Christian and muslim in Jigawa State.

2. To conscienctise and sensitize the followers of the two faith on the need for peaceful co-existence.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to The RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to The RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

Signed: secretary

Signed: secretary

The Trustees are: 1. Bernard Hom (San) 2. Sir Stephen Ahembaga Orsule 3. Lady Grace Mnena Orsule Aims and objectives 1. To facilitate and promote rural development through capacity enhancement, advocacy and public enlightenment.

2. To promote youth empowerment and community development.

3. To promote and encourage vocational skill acquisition amongst members in particular and the society at large.

4. To promote communal peace and civic obligation in the society.

For booking or inquiry call

> HENRY UBIMAGO 08068640944

> augustine 08061602706

> GLORIA OKwUM 08038722368

> ABIGAIL SAMBO 08064382438

> GLORIA RAPHAEL 08061356519

> GLORIA ODIO 08034285851

> GRACE OJO 08035054444

50

Wednesday, July 2, 2014 FATHER JEREMIAH DERMOT O’CONNELL EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

LEGAL NOTICE

This is to inform the general public that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Abuja for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied matters Act No 1 of 1990 (as amended)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS APPLICANTS FOR GRANT

The Trustees are: 1. Father Jeremiah Dermot O’connel 2. Paul Lawrence 3. Amb. Zubairu Dada 4. Margaret Abarah

- Chairman - Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To encourage excellent academic activities among students.

2. Aimed at creating a scholarship scheme for the developmetn of education.

3. Help to discover the full potential of our teaming youth in a wa to harness the God given talents of the students

DANIEL JOHN ABIN (AKA DUNIYO & ABOI) Abin Yashim Emmanuel and Abin Ba’iya Esther Department of Urban Affairs Amac FCT Abuja WHO DIED ON THE 24th April, 2013 No 5 Asmara Street Zone 6 Wuse Abuja

The son and widow of the said deceased

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 1st DAY OF JULY, 2014

Any objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate affairs commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SODIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

Signed: Secretary

THE ENDOWMENT TRUST FUND FOR THE COLLEGE OF MEDICINE UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA NSUKKA

THE AUSTRALIA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

This is to inform the general public that the above named COLLEGE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Abuja for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied matters Act No 1 of 1990 (as amended)

This is to inform the general public that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Abuja for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied matters Act No 1 of 1990 (as amended)

The Trustees are: 1. Professor Basden Jones Chinweonum Onwubere 2. Professor (Mrs) Ifeoma Okoye 3. Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo 4. Dr. Peter Odili 5. Mazi Dr. Nkemka Jombo-Ofo 6. Professor Stephen Dike 7. Dr. Sam Chidi Ibeneme 8. Professor Stanley Okolo

The Trustees are: 1. Chikezie Isiguzo 2. Ozegbe Ndidi Jennifer 3. Tunde Aina 4. Barr Bisi Lawal

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote excellence in health science and among health care practitioners/ researchers.

2. To develop required infrastructure within the college of medicine.

3. To facilitate the establishment of new skills/competencies among the staff and student of the college of medicine.

Any objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate affairs commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Sign: Secretary

Bayero University Alumni Association (IT/CAC/5982) This is to inform the general public of the loss of the original copy of BAYERO University, KANO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION certificate of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

All efforts to find the said original copy of the certificate prove abortive the association has since apply for a certified true copy from the Corporate Affairs Commission.

Members of the general public are kindly advised to note. if found, kindly return to the nearest police station or the coorporate affairs commission, Abuja or any of its branch in Nigeria.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote the interest of members of the Alumni.

2. To promote the development of education in Nigeria.

3. to provide scholarship facilities to indigent students.

Any objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate affairs commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Sign: UCHE CHIKWEM

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS APPLICANTS FOR GRANT AHMADU SALIHU Maimuna Salihu guardian to

Mohammed Salihu Power Holding Company of Nigeria WHO DIED ON THE 29th April , 2014 First Gate Gwandara, Nyanyan Karu

Nasarawa State

The widow and son of the said deceased

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 1st DAY OF JULY, 2014 SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SODIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

Jesus warriors of the cross chaplain This is to inform the general public that the above named ORGANISATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Abuja for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied matters Act No 1 of 1990 (as amended) The Trustees are: 1. Prophet John James Akpan - President 2. Success John James - Member 3. Uduak Nsima Umo - Secretary AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and promote chaplaincy outreach in prisons, military, para military and to the society at large.

Any objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate affairs commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: PresideNt

LEGAL NOTICE

SOLUTION INTERVENING CHRISTAIN FOUNDATION

THE HEAVENLY GLORIOUS VISION CHURCH

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

This is to inform the general public that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Abuja for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied matters Act No 1 of 1990 (as amended)

This is to inform the general public that the above named ORGANISATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Abuja for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied matters Act No 1 of 1990 (as amended)

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS

APPLICANTS FOR GRANT

DORGLAS AKOBE Jennifer Akobe guardian to Franklyn Akobe SKG Pharmaceutical Company WHO DIED ON THE 24th Akuwanne Street Suleja Club, Suleja January, 2014 Niger State

The widow and son of the said deceased

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 1st DAY OF JULY, 2014 SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SODIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

CHUKWUMA

I formerly known as MISS CHUKWUMA ZEPHINA TEMABO now wish to be known as MRS. CHUKWUMA DAVINA. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

GLADYS

I formerly GLADYS UJUNWA E. OBI, now wish to be addressed as GLADYS UJUNWA E. OKEKE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

The Trustees are: 1. CHIDINMA MBANEFO 2. ONYEKA UZODINMA 3. GLADSTONE MBANEFO 4. BLESSING OTAIGBE 5. JUDE AJUZIOGU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: a) To assist the less privileged and needy in the society b) To meet both spiritual and physical needs of the poor c) To alleviate suffering in the Christian community d) To promote the welfare of poor people or needy e) To hold seminars,symposium and lectures on charity issues f ) To do such things that are reasonable or incidental to the attainment of objectives of the Foundation or other charitable purposes beneficial to the Christian community and society at large.

Any objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate affairs commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

JOY

I formerly known as MISS JOY OJONUGWA APEH now wish to be known as MRS. JOY OJONUGWA YAKUBU. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

ATTAH

I formerly MISS WADA VICTORIA now wish to be addressed as Mrs. ATTAH VICTORIA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

ILLOH-ORAGE

I formerly known as MISS ILLOH ADAEZE MARY now wish to be known as MRS. ILLOH-ORAGE ADAEZE MARY. All former documents remain valid. National Productivity Centre and the general public to please take note.

OJINNAKA

I formerly known as MISS ODILI MARTINA UZOAMAKA now wish to be known as MRS OJINNAKA-ODILI MARTINA UZOAMAKA. All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the general public to please take note.

EUPHEMIA

I formerly known as EUPHEMIA EDEM now wish to be known as EUPHEMIA OMONIYI LAWAL. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

NANFE

I formerly MISS NDEN NANFE CLAPPERTON now wish to be addressed as MRS NANFE ALAO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

The Trustees are: 1. APT.DR. EFFIONG ERASMUS UDO 2. EVANG UDOH EDET THOMAS 3. DEAC. MRS NELSON RITA EKERE 4. EVANG. AKPAN PAULINUS EFFIONG 5. DEAC. MRS EFFIONG NDIFREKE ERASMUS 6. DEAC. MRS JOE COMFORT HORGAN AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Any objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate affairs commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Chairman

UCHE

I formerly known as MISS UCHE RITA OPENE now wish to be known as MRS UCHE RITA ABEY. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ADAMU

I formerly known as MUHAMMED SANI ABDULLAHI now wish to be known as ADAMU SALIHU. All former documents remain valid. SSMB, UBA Plc and the general public to please take note.

AHUKANNA

I formerly known as MISS OKOLO CHIZOBA OMULUZUA now wish to be known as MRS AHUKANNA CHIZOBA OLIVIA. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

GODIS

I formerly known as GODIS C. EKWEARIRI now wish to be known as GODIS AMICABLE ALUU. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

51

Wednesday, July 2, 2014 Hon. Charles odedo cheers foundation for youth empowerment

PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

UNCTION TO FOUNCTION POWER MINISTRY

This is to inform the general public that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Abuja for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied matters Act No 1 of 1990 (as amended)

The general public is hereby notified that the above Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs commission Abuja for a change of name and also on Registration of one of the trustees, the number of the trustees are now 7 in compliance with part ‘C’ OF THE Company and Allied matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE OLD NAME IS PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

The Trustees are: 1. Apostle Oluwagbemiga Peter Olanrewaju - General Overseer 2. Mr. Olajolo Bukola Olajire - Secretary 3. Pastor (Mrs.) Folakemi Favour Olanrewaju 4. Mr. Adebisis Adedayo Michael 5. Olajolo Abosede Beatrice 6. Olasoji Margaret 7. Adebayo Oluwole Funmilola Esther 8. Barrister Branham Toyin Oluwole

The Trustees are: 1. Hon. Charles Odedo - Chairman.

2. Okoli Richard ugochukwu - Secretary.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. For economic , education ,and health empowerment of the people of idemili north & south federal constituency of Anambra state.

Any objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate affairs commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Barr onyeanu Lyn chioma Legal practitioneer. 07068002601

LAFIA PETROLEUM PRODUCTS DEALERS ASSOCIATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. ABUBAKAR TURAKI MUSA - Chairman 2. ADAMU LIMAN - SECRETARY 3. ALH HAYATU ANNAS 4. MUHAMMAD UBANDOMA ALIYU 5. SULEIMAN MUHAMMAD TSOHO 6. ABUBAKAR SHEHU USMAN 7. MUHAMMAD LAWAL MUSA 8. YUSUF ADE IDASHO 9. ENGR UBA IBRAHIM 10. JIBRIN MOHAMMED THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote unity and peaceful co-existence among members.

2. To regulate activities of dealers in line with best practices.

3. To check adulteration of products to ensure quality.

THE NEW NAME IS PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS CHRISTIAN MINISTRY THE NAME OF THE OLD TRUSTEE ARE: 1. ADEHBENRO SOLA RETAINED 2. JOSEPH ABOROWA RETAINED 3. NIYI OSUNSANYA RETAINED 4. ODUNLAMI KEHINDE RETAINED 5. ELEBUTE AKOREDE RETAINED 6. ABIOLA SALAWU RETAINED 7. FOLA ADEDEJI RETAINED 8. JOSEPH PETERS RESIGNED

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1.To preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

THE NEWLY ELECTED TRUSTEES ARE 1. ADEGBENRO SOLA 2. JOSEPH ABORONA 3. NIYI OGUNSANYA 4. ODUNLAMI KEHINDE 5. ELEBUTE AKOREDE 6. ABIOLA SALAWU 7. FOLA ADEDEJI

Signed: Secretary

Any objection to these changes in the name of the Ministry and registration of one of her trustees should be forwarded within 28 days to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

PUBLIC NOTICE This is to inform the general public that the constitution of the above named Ministry shall be amended due to change of name and also registration of one of her trustees to reflect the new name as follows: Page 1 Article xi of page 10, Article xv of page 12 of the amended constitution .

Any objection to these changes in the constitution should be forwarded within 28 days to the Registrar.

THE LAST BATTALION PROPHETIC MINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Abraham Emmanuek Nzubechi 2. Mr. Chibuike Abraham 3. Mrs. Gloria Abraham 4. Ndubuisi Nwogbe 5. Blessing Onyekachi 6. Engr. Edet William 7. Godswill Maduakolam Aims and Objectives 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ worldwide.

2. To serve as a place of worship for believers in Jesus Christ.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

Signed A. U. Abdullahi

Signed: Barrister Emmanuel Ogwuche

THE YES OF GOD GOSPEL MINISTRY

LEGAL NOTICE

FULLFLAME INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CENTRE

This is to inform the general public that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Abuja for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied matters Act No 1 of 1990 (as amended)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Rev.Olowoniyi Sunday Rotimi - President/General Overseer 2. Rev. (Mrs) Olowoniyi Bukola Roseline - General Secretary 3. Mrs Dadeni Hellen Tinuola - Treasurer

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS

Any objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate affairs commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

MRS JUSTINA NWALOKO MOWAH Benjamin Emeka Mowah and Victor

Mowah Central Bank of Nigeria (RTD) WHO DIED ON THE 26th March, 2014 21 Road, FHA Estate Lugbe Abuja

The sons of the said deceased

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 1st DAY OF JULY, 2014

Signed: REV. OLOWONIYI SUNDAY ROTIMI (PRESIDENT/GENERAL OVERSEER)

APPLICANTS FOR GRANT

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SODIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Reverend Benny Chuks 2. Pastor (Mrs) Bosede Benny Chuks 3. Pastor (Engr.) Paul Eguavoen 4. Minister Okechukwu Joseph 5. Deacon Monday Nwosu AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:1. To preach the word of salvation to sinners and restoration to the saint.

2. To make the world know that God’s grace is assured.

3. To bring non-believers to faith in Christ both locally and worldwide.

4. To train our children by our God given rights in grace and law of Jesus Christ.

5. Building individual members to full maturity in Christ.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: REVEREND BENNY CHUKS President

LEGAL NOTICE

BETHEL FIELD MISSION

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

This is to inform the general public that the above named organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Abuja for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied matters Act No 1 of 1990 (as amended)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS APPLICANTS FOR GRANT MR. GODWIN ATSUA Sewuese Godwin guardian to Terngu David Godwin Julius Berger Nigeria WHO DIED ON THE 17th May, 2014 New Nyanyan Phase 4, Angwan Tiv Abuja

The daughter and son of the said deceased

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 1st DAY OF JULY, 2014 SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SODIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

The Trustees are: 1- PASTOR ADEGBILE ADEWALE PETER 2- PASTOR MRS. MOJISOLA OLUFUNKE 3- ADEYANJU EMMANUEL ADENIYI 4- DOCTOR BELLO MICHAEL OLUWATOSIN 5- BARRISTER OSULA OLUSOLA ABISOYE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach and spread the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 2. To convert the heathen and pagan to Christian faith and educate on Christian doctrine 3. To bring the Kingdom perspective to our environment through education, empowerment workshop, Healthcare and other social services.

Any objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate affairs commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Sign: BARRISTER OSULA OLUSOLA ABISOYE Secretary

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS APPLICANTS FOR GRANT KIYENPIYA SUNDAY AYUBA Dacci D. Gunat, Pankyes Gunat and Peret

D. Gunat National Institute for Sport WHO DIED ON THE 5th April , 2014 Sterling Bank Plc Bjingre Road Jos Plateau State

The father, brother and sister of the said deceased

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 1st DAY OF JULY, 2014 SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SODIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

LOSS of OF document DOCUMENT loss LOSS OF DOCUMENT

LOSS OF OF DOCUMENT DOCUMENT loss LOSS of document

LOSS of OF document DOCUMENT loss LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of the loss of Original Allocation Paper of open space in Utako Ulta-Modern International Market N0. STB 12 Ref. N0. PH.II.D/ UUMIM/AMAC/2175 belonging to KATE NWAFOR was missing. All efforts made to trace the said document proved abortive. If found, please return to the nearest police station.

This is to inform the public of the loss of the Original Acknowledgement letter in respect of Plot No AA478 measuring about 900m2 in Jikwoyi Extension III Layout, Abuja with file No FCT 41976 belonging to Ango Madaki issued by AGIS dated 06/05/05 and Receipt of payment granted by Abuja Municipal Area Council. All efforts to trace the missing document proved abortive. If found, please return to the nearest police station

This is to inform the public of the loss of the Original Acknowledgement letter in respect of Plot No A542 measuring about 1.600m2 in Dutse Alhaji, Abuja with file No BN 41621 belonging to Adeka Amedu Ikwue dated 15/06/95 and Receipt of payment granted by Abuja Municipal Area Council. All efforts to trace the missing document proved abortive.

If found, please return to the nearest Police station

52 news NATIONAL Suswam In Nairobi, Seeks Ties With Kenya Benue State governor, Gabriel Suswam yesterday in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, called for the removal of logistic challenges militating against profitable trade and partnership amongst African countries.

This, he noted, had been a situation that has made Europe, USA and other climes more involved in exploring Africa’s potentials even as he observed that a good interface between the legislature and executive arms of government in Africa needed to be strengthened in order to enable legislations and policies that will practically support infrastructural development.

A statement sent from Nairobi by his special adviser on media and public affairs, Dr Cletus Akwaya, noted that the governor who said this when paid a courtesy call on the Governor of Nairobi County, Dr. Evans Odhiambo Kidero, as part of the state government’s technical team visit to Strathmore University in Nairobi, canvassed for more sustained interaction amongst African leaders especially at sub-national entities.

Suswam stressed the need for building trust and confidence which are the necessary ingredients for an enduring Africa partnership to enhance trade and general socio-economic development.

By George Agba, Abuja

Jega Reiterates Pledge To Make Osun Poll Better Than Ekiti’s Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Professor Attahiru Jega has assured that no effort would be spared to make the Osun election scheduled for August 9, 2014, more qualitative in all aspects than the June 21 Ekiti State election.

Jega made the pledge yesterday when he received the Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China, H. E. Gu Xiaojie, who paid a courtesy visit to the commission’s Headquarters in Abuja.

Jega said the present Commission had since 2010, when it came on board, been devoted to improving the electoral process in Nigeria “to make it more participatory and ensure that it is more transparent, that elections are conducted consistent with international best standards and in accordance with our own electoral laws.

“Since 2011, we have been doing our best to keep on improving the integrity and transparency of the electoral process. We have cleaned up the Register of Voters, and we have been doing our best to address the challenge of logistics of deployment, which has been a major obstacle to our conduct of good elections.”

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Ramadan: Change People’s Perception Of Islam, Idowu-Fearon Tells Muslims

By Millie Ibe, Abuja

TheBishop of Kaduna Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rev Josiah Idowu-Fearon has called on all Muslims to use the month of Ramadan to change the opinions that people have about Islam.

He said Idowu Fearon stated this yesterday in a state-

ment made available to LEADERSHIP while felicitating with Muslims over the importance of Ramadan.

“We have expressed to the leadership of the Muslim Umma, on different occasions, that the opinion people have of Muslims and Islam today is at an all-time low. It is our prayer that by observing

this holy month of Ramadan, the Muslim community in this country will exemplify the best of the Muslim character as they interact with the wider society,’’ he said.

Idowu Fearon also reminded Muslims to remember those suffering in many parts of the northern states as a result of religious bigotry and pleaded that

they be remembered in prayer during this holy month “as the prayer of a fasting person is accepted by God the Almighty.”

He also congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto, President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islam in Africa as well as the Jama’atul Nasir Islam and prayed that they have a peaceful Ramadan.

short news Ibadan Flood: Apete Bridge To Be Completed In 100 Days – SSG

Flood Akin Adesola street,Victoria Island in Lagos, yesterdays. PHOTO BY Gbenga Olajobi

JAMB Pegs Varsities Cut-off Mark At 180, Polys,COEs At 150

By Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

The federal government, in consultation with the Joint Admission and Matriculations Board (JAMB), has concluded that the cut-off mark for the 2014 admissions into Universities is 180, while that that for Polytechnics and Colleges of Education(COE) is 150.

The cut-off points were arrived at yesterday after the 5th Combined Policy meeting on admissions into tertiary institutions held at the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike who declared the meeting open, frowned at the inability of most tertiary institutions to utilise their admission quota.

Wike however said in view of efforts to boost access, institutions which fail to utilise their admission quota for 2014 will be sanctioned.

“This disservice to the Nigeria child is totally unacceptable.

In line with efforts of the federal government to improve access, let me urge you all to with effect from today, work assiduously to ensure

that all admission spaces in your institutions for the current year are fully utilised within the approved time frame,” he stated.

Registrar and Chief Executive of JAMB, Dibu Ojerinde, in his presentation said after the conduct of the 2014 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination(UTME) candidates who applied for degree awarding institutions or universities totalled 1,584,348 representing 97.070, NCE applicants totalled 25,767 representing 1.579, ND a patlry 22,072 representing 1.349 while NID had just 46 representing 0.003.

The Oyo State government yesterday explained the delay in the completion of Apete Bridge in Ibadan within the record time, saying it was due to the weather and climatic conditions of 2013, as well as other factors like design revisions and alterations of the project.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Ismail Olalekan Alli at a joint press conference in Ibadan, promised that government would complete the reconstruction of another pedestrian bridge to replace the collapsed one at Apete Bridge within the next 100 days.

He added that the bridge under construction would be made passable to pedestrians by September 2014.

He urged residents to use the routes at Ajibode and Akufo areas, pending the completion of the bridge.

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin

Senate Begins Screening Of Shekarau, Others Today

by UChenna Awom, Abuja

The Senate will today screen former Kano State governor Ibrahim Shekarau, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye (Ekiti), Dr. Stephen Orhu (Delta), and Dr. Abdul Bulama (Yobe) for appointment as min-

isters.

The Upper House will also today debate the latest policy by the Imo State government which mandated all residents of the state from the northern parts of the country to procure and wear identity cards to enjoy free move-

ment within the state.

Senate President David Mark announced yesterday that the screening of the ministerial nominees will take place today.

On the issuance of ID cards to northerners in Imo, a point of order was raised on by the Dep-

uty Senate leader, Senator Abdul Ningi, who noted that the action of the Imo State government was unconstitutional and should be condemned in its totality.

Mark concured with Ningi and ruled that the issue be exhaustively debated by on the floor today.

OPINION 53

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

The Senate And Oluremi Tinubu’s Freedom Of Speech

BY AHAM NJOKU

The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Thursday, June 26, 2014 mandated its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to investigate comments allegedly made by Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central) which was said to have disparaged members of the Senate. She was said to have accused leaders of the Senate of providing uninspiring leadership and always pandering to the whims and caprices of the executive arm of government.

The Committee headed by Senator Ayo Akinyelure (Ondo Central) was given two weeks to conclude their assignment and report back to the Senate.

Specifically, Mrs. Tinubu, the quiet and easy-going wife of the former governor of Lagos State Senator Bola Tinubu, a leader of the opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC) was accused of saying, “The Senate is not a place I really want to go back to except APC becomes the majority. But if it is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government, I don’t think it is the environment I want to be again. I have had my fill”.

She then allegedly said that the Senate had failed Nigerians.

There have been insinuations that the swiftness with which the matter was tabled before the Senate by the Majority Leader Senator Ndoma-Egba a member of the PDP before the presiding officer, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu also of the (PDP) has political coloration.

It has been suggested by some women activists that the action is driven by male chauvinism.

Others are of the view that the

Tinubu

whole probe is targeted not at embarrassing Mrs. Tinubu herself, but her husband, a frontline leader of the APC, Asiwaju Tinubu.

This writer is not interested in the above insinuations but is greatly disturbed that the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria sitting in Abuja which should be addressing serious national issues including the debilitating insurgency threatening to destroy the fabric of the Nigerian nation, crude oil theft, mass unemployment, kidnappings, armed robbery, crisis in the education sector to mention but a few should busy itself with a comment made in faraway Lagos by a politician which should have attracted little or no attention if they were actually busy addressing critical issues affecting the common man.

In the first place, the probe is a gross violation of Mrs. Tinubu’s

Budgets have never been passed on time for several years. Important Bills like the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) have been in limbo for many years without receiving due attention, while they focus on unimportant issues

right to freedom of expression as enshrined in Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution. Section 39(1) provides, “Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression including freedom to hold opinion and to receive and impact ideas and information without interference”. The point to note here is that the constitution being the supreme law of the land is far and above any other law including the Rules of the Senate.

Secondly, since the allegation against Mrs. Tinubu is coming from the Senate itself, is it right for the Senate to sit in trial against her? One of the cardinal rules of natural justice is expressed in the Latin Maxim “Nemo judex incausa sua”. In other words, one cannot be a judge in his own case. Here, apart from the constitutional violation of abridging Mrs. Tinubu’s right to freedom of expression, the Senate is the accuser, the prosecutor and the judge. It is doubtful if the Committee can turn in a fair and impartial verdict under the circumstance.

Further, the Senate should be aware that Nigerians have over time been worried about the parliament, including the House of Representatives and how they have been using their time to serve Nigerians. Budgets have never been passed on time for several years. Important Bills like the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) have been in limbo for many years without receiving due attention, while they focus on unimportant issues. It is like the proverbial adage of a man chasing rats while his house is on fire. A classical case of misplaced priority.

– Njoku, a lawyer, is based in Abuja

7th NASS: A Critical Overview

By Joy Gyakyor

Your editorial of June 3, 2014, entitled “7TH NASS at 3” was not off the mark.

I know the policy thrust objectives of the 7th National Assembly and can confirm its vibrancy, effectiveness and responsiveness. The Assembly, however, owes a lot to its political and administrative strata with regards to the sponsoring of bills and their movement at the committee stages.

I wish to align myself with the standpoint of those who say that the 7th Senate and House of Representatives “hit the ground running”.

Indeed, they have exhibited a high degree of dedication

and legislative fervor in their desire to transform the statutory and regulatory landscape of the nation.

On the flip side, it must be emphasized that, as is usually the case, the human orientation is far from perfect. There has been a series of controversies and “distractions” which has tended to cast skepticism on the motives of the affected members. Some Nigerians seem to believe that the probes and public hearings that are conducted might not be for entirely altruistic and selfless purposes on the part of the legislators.

But some of the farreaching policy initiatives of the National Assembly

administration under the leadership of the clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa (Chiroman Keffi), cannot be ignored. Some aspects of the administrative reforms embarked upon by the present CNA regime include constant training and re-training of staff and management to meet the challenges posed by an increasingly dynamic and fast-changing global system; the enthronement of a system of transparency, accountability, due process and the rule of law in the award of contracts, procurements, postings, promotions etc. Also there has been a distinct bias towards the strict obedience

of court orders by the present NASS administration. In fact, the strict apolitical stance adopted has earned the CNA a deserved accolade and admiration from the most exacting of critical observers.

As far as the NASS administration is concerned, politics is for the politicians while policy implementation is for the civil servants. All these creative innovations, visionary transformations and policy thrust formulations all point to a dedicated, consistent and foresighted approach to administrative leadership by the Maikasuwa regime.

– Gyakyor is of the Legislative Policy Research Centre, Abuja

Rights Watch Emmanuel Onwubiko www.huriwa.blogspot.com

Steps To End Insurgency

N

igerian government has over the last two years worked on different methods of seeking an end to the bloody insurgency in Northern Nigeria which has resulted in the massacre by armed Islamic terrorists – Boko Haram of over 12, 000 Nigerians.

But there is a cacophony of opinions from a cross segment of the Nigerian society that the heightened situation of further attacks by these armed marauders has demonstrated that the methods employed by the Nigerian government is either not working or is too slow to show positive results. One of those ways that the current government has made up its mind to seek a resolution of these insurgencies is through what it calls ‘carrot and stick’ approach meaning that both force and constructive dialogue are on the cards.

Although these methods have been applauded by very prominent Nigerians, including the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Grace John Cardinal Onaiyekan and also the President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Pastor Ayo Oritshejafor, but in the last couple of days, Southern Kaduna has witnessed two severe attacks by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen against some ethnic people of that area that is dominated by christians in what is however seen not as a religious unrest but as rising tension over landed assets between the indigenous people and the Fulani settlers.

Most Nigerians have already condemned these spate of attacks which resulted in the killing of over 100 persons who were murdered in their sleep by suspected Fulani herdsmen. At the weekend, five churches were attacked by armed insurgents and dozens of worshippers killed in Chibok, Borno State As someone with vast knowledge of the diverse geopolitical regions of Nigeria by virtue of my cosmopolitan outlook and experiences over the last three decades, what affects one region of Nigeria will surely have repercussions across board since Nigeria is one huge home for all Nigerians meaning that there is hardly any part of this country that you cannot find both indigenous people and the socalled settlers in their huge numbers. For instance, in Maiduguri, Borno State and other parts of the north east region, I am sure of the fact that from my little village alone in Imo State, we have a significant percentage of our people that have stayed and have indeed embraced the north eastern region as their home and only return to their villages from time to time especially for festivities.

Therefore it is safe to state without any fear of contradiction that it is in the self enlightened interest of all Nigerians that the on-going bloody civil unrests are quickly brought to a half by all legitimate means possible.

In the last couple of months, we at the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria have watched with trepidation the rash of attacks targeted against innocent Nigerians both in cities and the villages including Abuja and have decided to articulate our views on how the Nigerian government and people can work collectively under a united platform to defeat the on-going attacks by terrorists. It is our belief that what Nigeria needs now is not baseless criticism directed against the person of the president of Nigeria but the need to resolve these killings by all means possible, including but not limited to military force and of course constructive dialogue.

54 WORLD NEWS

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Workers Strike: South Africa Hit By Engineering Strike

Engineers and metal workers during a protest yesterday in South Africa.

Engineering and metal workers in South Africa have gone on strike after talks yesterday failed to reach an agreement over pay.

The country’s largest union, the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA), claims that more than 200,000 members are striking.

The union is demanding a 12 per cent wage increase, almost double the rate of inflation.

So far employers have offered an

Winner

8 per cent pay rise.

Marches have been taking place in six major cities across the country, including Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

A few thousand people were gathered at a rally in central Johannesburg, where they shouted slogans and danced.

“I’m striking because I’m working but I’m getting peanuts,” said one man.

“I’ve got 50 years of age, and

LOSer

of the day

➔ UK PM’s ex-aide faces retrial in hacking case Andy Coulson A former top aide to British Prime Minister David Cameron, Andy Coulson, will face a retrial on some of the charges in his phonehacking trial, prosecutors have said.

Murder: Israel Holds Murdered Teenagers’ Funerals

Sanction: BNP Paribas To Pay $9Bn To Settle Sanctions Violations

of the day

➔ Anthony Noto The company announced Tuesday that former Goldman Sachs banker Anthony Noto will be its next chief financial officer.

I’ve got 30 years working at that company, and I’m earning 29 rand ($2.72) per hour, which is an insult to an old man like me” One woman declared “No! We don’t want 8 per cent or 10 per cent; we want 12 per cent or 15 per cent! Because we’ve been struggling at the company we’ve been working at.”

NUMSA also wants to receive a The abductions of Naftali Frenkel, Gilad Shaar and Eyal Yifrach sparked housing allowance of 1000 rand a massive search operation ($94;) a month.

The union’s secretary-general Irvin Jim has said it will not settle for less than a double-digit increase.

“We have a long list of demands The youths’ bodies were found that has been reduced because we By By TUNDE OGUNTOLA, with agency report on Monday evening, more than two have to be objective,” he said weeks after the trio went missing.

“Originally we had a mandate for Thousands gathered around ModMr Netanyahu has said Hamas demanding 15% [pay increase]... ein cemetery, as the BBC’s Yolande will be made to pay a price for the but we have reduced that to 12 Knell reports killings. per cent “.

The funerals of three teenagers Speaking at the joint funerThe union has about 340,000 who were abducted and murdered members in total, but only around while hitch-hiking in the occupied al held for Naftali Frenkel, Gilad two-thirds were planning to go on West Bank have been held in Israel. Shaar and Eyal Yifrach in central Israel, Mr Netanyahu said “a broad strike.

Addressing thousands of moral gulf separates us from our —BBC mourners, PM Benjamin Netanyaenemy. They sanctify death, we hu described their killers as “hei- sanctify life”. nous murderers”.

The funeral took place at ModIsrael has blamed the Palestin- ein cemetery in central Israel. Moian militant group Hamas for the dein, which is between Tel Aviv and deaths. Hamas has denied any in- Jerusalem, is close to the boys’ famvolvement. ily homes.

France’s largest bank, BNP Paribas, has agreed to a record $9bn (£5.1bn) settlement with US prosecutors over allegations of sanctions violations.

As part of the deal, the bank will plead guilty to two criminal charges of breaking US sanctions against trade with Sudan, Iran and Cuba.

It will also be prevented from clearing certain transactions in US dollars for one year from the start of 2015.

The settlement is the largest for such a case in US history.

“Between 2004 and 2012, BNP engaged in a complex and pervasive scheme to illegally move billions through the US financial system,” said US Attorney General Eric Holder in a press conference.

In doing so, the bank “deliberately and repeatedly violated longstanding US sanctions”, he said.

“Add that to a ‘heads must roll’ approach and the US regulators certainly appear more aggressively on the front foot than those in Europe” Mr Holder added that he hoped the settlement would serve as a warning to other firms that did business with the US that “illegal conduct will simply not be tolerated”.

As part of its agreement with US authorities, BNP agreed to fire and not re-hire 13 individuals who were associated with the sanctions violations.

BNP said as a result of the fine it would take an “exceptional charge” of 5.8bn euros (£4.6bn) in the second quarter of this year.

It said this was on top of the $1.1bn it had already set aside to cover the cost of the US penalties.

However it said it expected “no impact on its operational or business capabilities”, and said it would post “solid results” for the second quarter.

BNP chief executive Jean-Laurent Bonnafe said resolving the issue was “an important step forward” for the bank.

“We deeply regret the past misconduct that led to this settlement,” he added.

—BBC

VEIL BAN: European Court Upholds France’s Face Veil Ban European Court of Human Rights terms law legitimate contested by woman who said her freedom of religion was violated.

The European Court of Human Rights has upheld France’s law banning face-covering Muslim veils from the streets, in a case brought by a woman who said that her freedom of religion was violated.

The ruling by the Strasbourgbased court was the first of its kind since France passed a law in 2010 that forbids anyone to hide his or her face in an array of places, including the street.

The court’s Grand Chamber re-

ICRC Partners Nigerian Red Cross Society In Responding To Emergencies

Debt: Argentina In Next Round Of Debt Talks

By By TUNDE OGUNTOLA, Abuja

While the South American nation may be busy celebrating the heroics of its star soccer player Lionel Messi in the World Cup, a federal judge Thursday blocked one path for the country to avoid default.

The dollar-starved country, which just slipped into recession, faces a Monday deadline to pay two groups of bondholders. The way things proceed from here will determine Argentina’s ability to move past its 2001 default and regain access to much-needed foreign funds.

Argentina owes $900 million to the socalled “exchange” group of bondholders who were willing to lose some money and accept discounted bonds tied to

As armed conflict and violence intensify in some parts of Nigeria, the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), and the Nigerian Red Cross Society are responding to emergencies, managing and evacuating the wounded and dead, and helping people driven from their homes. Together they have brought aid to almost 50,000 displaced and vulnerable people in the first five months of the year.

“The conflict in north-east Nigeria has flared up in recent months, while other areas have seen growing tensions and armed

Argentina’s default on $93 billion in debt in 2001. It deposited a payment to that group on Thursday.

But Argentina also owes a $1.3 billion payment to the so-called “holdouts,” led by hedge funds Aurelius Capital Management and Elliott Management subsidiary NML Capital, who refused to take the discounted bonds.

Last week, the Supreme Court declined to hear Argentina’s appeal of an earlier decision by a federal judge that required the country to pay the holdouts in full.

The country’s stock market fell 10% and bond yields spiked (yields rise when prices fall).

jected the arguments of the French woman in her mid-20s, a practicing Muslim not identified by name. She said she does not hide her face at all times, but when she does it is to be at peace with her faith, her culture and convictions.

She stressed in her complaint that no one, including her husband, forced her to conceal her face, something of particular concern to French authorities.

The court ruled that the law’s bid to promote harmony in a diverse population is legitimate and does not breach the European Convention on Human Rights.

—Aljazeera

violence. The number of people killed, wounded or displaced is on the rise, with children being targeted in attacks or abductions,” said Zoran Jovanovic, head of delegation, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Abuja. “More and more displaced people are seeking refuge in neighbouring villages, states and countries, often taken in by host communities.”

According to him, ‘’An increasing number of inter-communal clashes between farmers and pastoralists in central Nigeria are driving people to flee their homes and destroying their livelihoods.’’

DAY With

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Ishaku Kigbu

20

Top Scorers So Far

Quarter-final: Neymar Will Be Ready – Brazil

Brazil coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari

Brazil insist striker Neymar will have overcome his thigh and knee injuries in time for Friday’s World Cup quarter-final clash against Colombia.

The Barcelona forward picked up the knocks during the Samba Kings’ penalty shoot-out win over Chile in the last-16 on Saturday, and fears suggested he could be facing up to 10 days on the sidelines.

However, following a consultation with

team doctor Jose Luiz Runco on Monday, it appears Neymar is likely to sit out training, but should be fit and ready for the last-eight.

“The worst is the knee, it’s what’s hurting the most,” Brazil spokesman Rodrigo Paiva said.

“He may be rested from practice if needed.

“He will be evaluated again, but Runco said fans don’t have to worry because he’s not a concern for the match.”

James Rodriguez

Yesterday’s results • Argentina 1-0 Switzerland • Belgium 0-0 USA (ET: 2:1)

Lionel Messi

Today’s Matches • Rest Day

Tomorrow’s Matches • Rest Day

Thomas Mueller

Top Scorers • James Rodriguez (Colombia), 5 goals • Lionel Messi (Argentina), Thomas Mueller (Germany), Neymar (Brazil) 4 goals • Robin Van Persie, Arjen Robben (both Netherlands), Karim Benzema (France), Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland), Enner Valencia (Ecuador). 3 goals • Andre Ayew, Asamoah Gyan (both Ghana), Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Perisic (both Croatia), Wilfred Bony (Cote d’Ivoire), Tim Cahill (Australia), Clint Dempsey (United States), Memphis Depay (Netherlands), Gervinho (Cote d’Ivoire), Martinez (Colombia), Ahmed Musa (Nigeria), Bryan Ruiz (Costa Rica), Alexis Sanchez (Chile), Islam Slimani (Algeria), Luis Suarez (Uruguay). 2 goals

Action captured from the Argentina vs Switzerland match yesterday

Di Maria Strikes To Seal Quarter-Final Spot For Argentina Argentina booked their place in the World Cup quarter-final after Angel Di Maria struck in the dying minutes of injury time to secure a 1-0 win over Switzerland.

Not for the first time this tournament, Alejandro Sabella’s men struggled to make their presence felt in attack for large spells, with the Real Madrid midfielder guilty of conceding possession on a number of occasions.

However, Di Maria popped up with just two minutes of extra-time remaining to sweep home after some

good work by Lionel Messi.

Substitute Blerim Dzemaili headed against the post for Switzerland before time was up, and should have done better with the rebound.

The result sets up a last-eight meeting for Argentina with Belgium or the United States in Brasilia, and was ultimately harsh on a Switzerland side who defended resolutely in what will now prove to have been Ottmar Hitzfeld’s final game in charge before retiring.

Argentina were forced into one

change, with Ezequiel Lavezzi coming in for injured striker Sergio Aguero, while Switzerland stuck with the same XI that triumphed 3-0 over Honduras in their closing Group E fixture.

Xherdan Shaqiri ran riot with three goals in that convincing victory, but chances were few and far between for both sides in the opening stages in Sao Paulo - a Gonzalo Higuain header that comfortably cleared the crossbar was as close as either came to hitting the target inside the first 25 minutes.

Neymar

Robin Van Persie

NFF Denies Keshi’s Resignation The future of Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi remained a mystery yesterday after the Nigerian Football Federation denied reports he resigned following their World Cup exit.

Nigeria went out of the tournament in Brazil at the round of 16 stage after a 2-0 defeat to France, after which Keshi said: “It’s time for me to go back to my

family and face fresh challenges.”

That was widely interpreted as a sign he had quit and it appeared to be confirmed when the Super Eagles’ official twitter account retweeted a story stating Keshi had indeed stood down.

However, when contacted yesterday, a NFF spokesman said: “Coach Keshi has

not submitted an official resignation letter.

“He was not employed in the mixed zone [after the France game] or on Facebook.”

Keshi, who took over as Nigeria coach in 2011, has stepped aside before only be to convinced to return, after the Confederations Cup last summer.

Ahmed Musa

AMUSEMENT PARK

i am free of all prejudices. i hate everyone equally

02.07.14 No. 2,215

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

Hannatu Musawa

S

He is currently homeless, at the mercy of friends and is terrified for his life

ome days ago, I came across a clip on the internet that left a big impression on me. It bothered me very much. The video was posted on YouTube by one Mr Moses Olafenwa from Ogun State and it is a cry for help regarding the ordeal of a Mr Gabriel Olafenwa and his family.

Ordinarily, I would not respond to such appeals online; after all, hardly a day goes by without some sort of scam being sent to one’s inbox or social network page in the form of a cry for help. But there is something affecting about this particular clip.

There is something about it that struck me as being earnest and grave.

I picked up the phone and called the number that was left at the end of the clip and asked if I could please speak to Mr Gabriel. He happened to be the one who answered the phone and I went ahead and introduced myself and explained how I came across his story and was interested in knowing his version of what really transpired and what his situation is presently.

My first impression of him, over the phone, was that he was a man who was quite articulate but was so franticly desperate to be heard. In his anxiety to give me his full story in the best way he could.

From the information that I gathered from Mr Gabriel, he is currently homeless, at the mercy of friends and is terrified for his life. He broke down his version of the events that pushed him to make and post the clip I saw on YouTube.

The narrative concerning events that led to the attack on Mr Olafenwa’s, his family and property is as follows: On April 30, 2014, the vice chairman of Yewa South local government area, Ogun State, allegedly led a mob of arsonists to attack and burn down the house of Mr Gabriel Olafenwa on claims that the latter’s house was used for ritual activities. By the end of the search, apparently nothing incriminating was found in the house. According to Gabriel, the vice chairman together with health officials led the mob to ransack the house. During the raid, Gabriel and his family narrowly escaped being lynched. From his

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— W.C. Fields

Endangered Family hannatu@leadership.ng

account, the genesis of these events which led to the eventual destruction of his house began in 2008.

Gabriel explained that trouble started brewing a couple of years ago when a group of landlords living in his vicinity had purportedly agreed to frequently collect illicit fees from the community on the pretext of purchasing electric poles, wires and repairing existing functioning PHCN power installations. When these fees were demanded from him, on one occasion, Olafenwa refused to succumb to paying what he believed to be illegal fees.

According to Gabriel, in response his electricity was disconnected and he reported the case to the Ilaro police station. Subsequently, those identified to have facilitated the disconnection were duly arrested. They were later released on bail with a stern warning of dissociating themselves from electricity disconnection due to the fact that they were not PHCN officials. Gabriel recounts that, in the aftermath of that incident, some of those that were apprehended began waginga retributive war on his household by allegedly throwing stones, broken bottles and human faeces into his compound.

Ultimately, the apparent persecution of Gabriel culminated in an attack on his property in which a team of officials, a cameraman and a mob descended and rummaged through his house. Gabriel asserts that the people who searched his house did so under the pretext of searching his compound on the allegation that it was being used as a ritual den.

Throughout the attack on his family, he says, the police were neither part of the team nor informed about the purported search. Olafenwa, however, stood his ground and told the group of people who came to search his house that the police had to be involved and a search warrant had to be produced before he would agree to the search. He recounts that the police were later called and they assured him that a search warrant had been issued before the search had been conducted. Although Gabriel never saw a search warrant, he

eventually allowed for the search to be conducted. After the search, nothing incriminating was found in any part of the compound.

But even after that particular search was over, Gabriel says that another group of people later made their way forcefully into his compound and began to wreak havoc. They allegedly looted and destroyed everything in sight. The few policemen that were present merely looked on and did nothing to stop the attack.

The mob, from Gabriel’s account, at that point attempted to lynch him and his family. However, at that stage, a few of the policemen at the scene intervened and rescued the Olafenwa family and took them away from the vicinity. It was not until some hours after that Olafenwa learnt that his compound, containing his home, the registered office of his storage construction company, Olafetech Nigeria Limited, and its workshop, equipped with industrial machines and tools had been burnt down by arsonists in the attack.

Subsequently, some of the people involved in the destruction of Olafenwa’s property were arrested and charged to the Isabo Magistrate Court in Abeokuta on May 7, 2014.

Shockingly, however, the case was withdrawn from court the very day it was charged by the police. On enquiring further, Olafenwa’s said that he discovered that the case was withdrawn on the request of some government officials within that locality. Apparently, they had pleaded for an out-of-court settlement, with the promise to pay for all that was lost to Gabriel in the attack. Mr Olafenwa was subsequently offered the sum of N200, 000 and a rented apartment.

He rejected this offer.

As a result of his rejection of this offer, Gabriel says, they continued to persecute and harass him and there has been no action in regards to his case by the authorities in Eleweran, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Most worrying to me as I heard the account is Gabriel’s allegation that there was a plot to assassinate him in order to cover up the case. “June 30 marks exactly two months that the arson took place. The fact that

all the perpetrators of the injustice, including the vice chairman, are walking about scot-free and all they could offer is a plan to put me in a rented apartment so that they could easily have access to me and assassinate me, hence, I cry out to seek justice.”

If authentic, this indeed is a very pathetic story and deserves to be looked into thoroughly by the appropriate authorities. This is the 21st century and no one, irrespective of position or class, should be above the law.

I urge the government, human rights commission, legislature, every appropriate authority and the Nigerian people to watch the video Gabriel posted online through Mr Moses Olafenwa’s YouTube page on http://youtu.be/pNcV7N8JB0 to see the full story and pictures from the scene. I appeal to the authorities to further investigate the claims of Mr Olafenwa and his family and I call on all these bodies to critically look into this case without prejudice or favouritism and ensure that lives are protected and justice is served.

I invite you to: Follow me on Twitter @hanneymusawa Like my Facebookwww.facebook.com/hannatu.musawa Subscribe to my Youtube Channelwww.youtube.com/HannatuMusawa

GHANA MUST GO Nigeria achieving steady economic progress despite challenges — Jonathan

Chai!

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