Leadership

08.07.14

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

TUESDAY

No. 2,218

N150

NIGERIA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPER

Chibok Diary

DAY 85

Chibok Girls: ICC To Serve Nigeria For Negligence This Week > Page 2

Gunmen Kill 45, Injure 95 In Taraba

BY ANDREW OJIH, Jalingo; ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto; CHIKA OKEKE, EDEGBE ODEMWINGIE, PATIENCE IVIE IHEJIRIKA; ABDULLAHI UMAR, Abuja AND KAREEM HARUNA, Maiduguri

2015 is the cause of insecurity in Nigeria – Sultan

No fewer than 45 people were killed, 95 injured and 200 houses burnt down in Gashaka, Bashiri,

Panwen, Barimini, Sabongida Zaga and Suntai in Bali local government area of Taraba

N4.6trn 2014 Budget: Reps Begin Probe Of MDAs > Page 15

State when gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen invaded a Tiv settlement. Among those killed was the chief of Tiv’s representative in Zaki Koti Anyima in Bali LGA. The police confirmed the ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Delegates In Heated Debate Over Resource Control, Derivation > Page 8

ADAMAWA IMPEACHMENT

Panel Ignores Holiday, Begins Sitting In Hotel Nyako cuts short Abuja trip, returns to Yola

L-R: Gov Babangida Aliyu (Niger); Gov Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta); chairperson, World Pension Summit Africa Special Work Group, Mrs Grace Usoro; chairman and founder, World Pension Summit, Mr Harry Smorenberg; President Goodluck Jonathan; acting director-general, National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Chinelo Anohu-Amazu; chairman and cofounder, World Pension Summit, Mr Eric Eggink; coordinating minister for the economy, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; and Kogi State governor Idris Wada, at the first day of the World Pension Summit Africa in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN

6

2

chibok diary 85

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

DAY

CHIBOK TWEETS @endgenocide 63 girls escaped from #BokoHaram extremists, but our work is not done until all hostages are free. @omojuwa I suspect that the so called 'escape' of kidnapped victims of BH are results of secret negotiations. #BringBackOurGirls @obyezeks I count it ALL JOY that some young & even old people are these days earning a living, abusing me. Just help me add #BringBackOurGirls to it! @Abu_Aaid 84th day.. no visits to the parents and no consoling words to them from our President. #BringBackOurGirls #StopBokoHaram @TigerTiger439 How on earth can you end an investigation when a child/children remain missing?

Collusion? @Sakoelabo Me too. The helplessness of the #Nigerian govt. is pathetic. The silence from all others as well. @omojuwa 84 Days since some teenage girls were abducted. Some won't ever see their parents again because they died waiting #BringBackOurGirls @freethe200 We're not Governments, Politicians nor the Army. Just people who care. But united we can be a special force. #freethe200 COMPILED BY UGOCHUKWU IROKA

Chibok: Abike Dabiri Chides FG Over Poor Response

BY ABIODUN OLUWAROTIMI, New York

A member of the House of Representatives representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency and chairman, House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, yesterday chided federal government over what she called a ‘very slow’ response to the plight of the over 200 schoolgirls in Chibok by the Boko Haram sect, on April 14.

Addressing Nigerians during a BringBackOurGirls rally organised in New York by the Nigerians in the Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Abike-Dabiri said she wondered why the federal government did not respond until three weeks after the girls had been abducted.

Her words: “It is a shame that three weeks after the girls were abducted, nothing was done. It is a shame that the Nigerian government did not take the right step.

Nigeria must not relent in demanding that these girls must come back. It is a shame that Nigeria is now in the mode of Pakistan, Iran and others.

“There are challenges in Nigeria today and nobody will save Nigeria but Nigerians

tional community to rise up to support Nigeria to put an end terrorism in the country.

Lauding the efforts of the United States government to defeat Boko Haram in Nigeria, Ugoh made it known that the rallies were held to garner support for the federal government in its fight against the insurgency in the North Eastern part of Nigeria.

He commended NIDO for believing that Nigerians should take their destiny into their own hands and thanked them for uniting against terrorism.

In his letter of support sent to NIDO during the rally, a member of the United States Congress, Rep Christopher Smith, expressed his support for the thousands of Boko Haram victims in Nigeria, adding that he would ensure his continued commitment to seeing that the US provided appropriate and effective help in the struggle against the plague of insurgency.

The congressman further said that it was imperative that the US and the international community continued and redoubled their efforts in helping to bring relief to Nigeria, having met with a number of the victims of the Boko Haram violence.

themselves.

“I want to commend you for your efforts, but let your voices be heard and ensure you demand the kind of leadership that you want in Nigeria. You may not be able to vote now, but encourage your people at home to make sure that their votes count.

“Ensure that this democracy survives, ensure that we demand the best of our leaders. We must join hands to fight terrorism. We must ensure that Boko Haram is defeated in Nigeria. We must work together to ensure that Nigeria changes for better.”

In his speech, Nigeria’s consul-general in New York, Hon. Habib Baba Habu, said the federal government was making concerted efforts to rescue the abducted girls alive, adding that it was time for Nigerians to learn to appreciate their government and stop unnecessary criticism. He also noted that the federal government was doing everything possible to flush terrorists out of Nigeria.

Also speaking during a separate rally in Atlanta, Georgia, the coordinator and chieftain of the organisation, Elder Victor Ugoh, urged Nigerians and the interna-

Girls' Abduction: ICC To Serve Nigeria Over Negligence This Week

BY CHIKA MEFOR, EJIKE EJIKE, Abuja

The BringBackOurGirls Group has said that the International Court of Justice (ICC) will this week serve the federal government for over its inability to rescue the over 200 schoolgirls abducted in Chibok on April 14, 2014.

A member of the BringBackOurGirls group, Dino Melaye, who stated this yesterday, said the ICC negligence would serve the government after he wrote them on 14 grounds of criminal negligence by the federal government in the bid to rescue the Chibok girls.

He said: “With the help of two professors and a Swedish lawyer, we were able to put together a 14-count charge of criminal negligence and within this week, the federal government will be served.

We are hoping that with the help of the ICC and the international community, our government will be forced to expedite the action on the rescue of the schoolgirls.

Malaria Scourge Nigeria Needs N112bn

Nigeria would require no less than $700 million (N112 billion) to tackle malaria, maternal and infant mortality scourges in the country.

- National Coordinator, National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Dr Nnenna Ezeigwe Malaria kills one child every 30 seconds

50%

40%

Percentage of the world’s population living in areas with malaria risk

Between 2009 to date, over 60 million insecticide treated nets have been distributed across the country. However, utilisation of these nets is about 50 per cent No malaria Malaria risk

DEATHS

BY REGION (WHO) Nigerians protesting in Chicago over abducted Chibok schoolgirls and insurgency on Sunday.

PHOTO BY NAN

90% Africa 6% S/Asia 2% E/Mediterranean 1% The Americas 1% W/Pacific

90%

Percentage of malaria dealths in Africa

INFOGRAPHICS BY Matthew Akhabue

3

our stand Tuesday, July 8, 2014

America’s First Female Admiral

M

ichelle Howard, an African-American woman, was recently promoted to the rank of four-star admiral (equivalent of army general) in the United States Navy. It was the first time a woman was reaching that height in America’s 238-year history, a development that has been described by analysts as a milestone for females in the American military. She was also promoted to vice chief of naval operations, the No. 2 job in the service. Pentagon sources noted that she had earlier shattered barriers in previous posts in the navy.

Records indicate that Howard, 54, is known for commanding a counter-piracy task force in the Gulf of Aden that oversaw the 2009 rescue of a commercial cargo ship skipper, Captain Richard Phillips, who was abducted by Somali pirates. The rescue operation that involved the Navy SEALs (Sea, Air and Land services) was later depicted in a movie.

Secretary of the US Navy Ray Mabus, speaking at the ceremony, said that Howard had earned her promotion through a brilliant naval ca-

reer and hailed it as a historic first. Navy chief Admiral Jonathan Greenert observed that she would bear the burden of a role model, pointing out that Howard had blazed a trail since graduating from the Naval Academy in 1982. She was the first African-American woman to command an American naval ship in 1999, taking the helm of the USS Rushmore, a dock-landing vessel that transports amphibious vehicles.

Although she is the first female four-star admiral in the navy, the US Army and Air Force already have had women serve as four-star officers.

But the achievement of this outstanding African-American woman should serve as a source of inspiration to her

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

Nigerian counterparts and affirm that nothing worthwhile comes easy. This lady joined the military as a combatant and rose to the peak of her career, beating all gender and race barriers to compel the powers that be to recognise her abilities, to appreciate who she is and what she is capable of achieving.

The lesson in her career for Nigerian women is that they should take up more challenging assignments. It is good to be a nurse, doctor, accountant, architect, teacher, cook or steward in the armed forces, but such positions cannot give one a command role such as Admiral Howard’s even if one rose to be a general.

Are Nigerian women in the military equal to the challenge? They should demand to be given commands to fight Boko Haram, for instance. It is not enough to play support roles, essential as they are.

The place to start is by enrolling in the Defence Academy to be groomed in military duties that would shape and direct their careers. They must not wait for 238 years. This is not about affirmative action.

It is about one taking the bold steps to prove oneself.

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

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo World Population Day: Nigeria’s Teenage Population Hits 60m NPC Boss Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Chief Eze Duruiheoma, yesterday revealed that Nigeria’s teenage population has risen to 60 million from 44 million in 2006 and is expected to rise to 73 million by 2020.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja in commemoration of the 2014 World Population Day, with the theme “Investing in Young People”, Duruiheoma said that the commission is set to launch a platform where it can interact with young people.

He said, “We are partnering with young people, including adolescent girls. Safe, successful and healthy passage from adolescence into adulthood is the right of every child. We are giving them the centre stage and we are encouraging mentoring, with older persons exchanging their experience, cultural and practical know-how and the young teaching them new technologies amongst others.”

According to the 2006 census, young people aged 10-24 stood at 44,470,448 (33.1 per cent) of the total population.

In 2014, it increased to 60,447,431. By 2020, the number of young people is expected to reach 73,188,057 out of a projected population of 221 million.

By Patience Ivie Ihejirika, Abuja

‘FG Expended N246bn On UBE In 7 Years’ The executive secretary, Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), Dr Suleiman Dikko, has disclosed that the federal government expended over N246billion on Universal Basic Education in seven years.

He stated this in Minna yesterday during a seminar for 613 nomadic education teachers from the North Central zone, organised by the National Commission on Nomadic Education in conjunction with the National Teachers Institute.

He said the amount included N1.5billion annual donation from each state for the general enhancement of basic education in the states of the federation.

According to him, government is not unaware of the fact that security and other challenges facing the nation could be resolved through the provision of basic but sound education.

He added, “This is the reason for the attention given to basic education and the huge funds invested in it”.

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

Delta State commissioner for information, Chike Ogeah (2nd left), during an inspection of the installation of new broadcast equipment for the digitisation of the Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) in Asaba. With him are board chairman, DBS, Mrs Theo Azinge (3rd left), acting general manager, DBS, Mr Godwin Eruobaga, Mr Mohammed of Comfax Limited and engineering manager, DBS, Mr Monday Imarhiagbe.

SANs Aiding Corrupt Judges – CJN

By Kunle Olasanmi, ,Abuja

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mariam AlomaMukhtar has accused senior advocates (SANs) of colluding with some judges to tarnish the image of the judiciary in the country.

She also called on chief judges of states in the country not to be an appendage to the chief executives of their states.

She said henceforth, the National Judicial Council (NJC) will make public guidelines for the appointment of judges.

Speaking yesterday in Abuja at the opening ceremony of a judicial reforms conference with a theme titled: “Putting our Best Foot Forward: The Judiciary and the Challenges of Satisfying Justice Needs of the 21st Century”, jointly organised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Unit-

ed Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the European Union (EU), Access to Justice (AJ) and the OSIWA, the CJN said some judges under probe appear before the NJC with as many as six senior advocates.

She lamented that corruption has become a cankerworm that has refused to depart, adding that the NJC is trying to ensure the eradication of corrupt practices.

“The judiciary should let the judicial arm know that there is seperation of power. We made ourselves the appendage of the executives. The solution is for the chief judges to stop constituting themselves into a nuisance to the Government House. They should maintain their stand at a distance.

“The constitution guarantees our independence. We should also learn to manage what we

have rather than allow ourselves to be used. We should learn to refuse interference from the two other arms.

“Corruption is a cankerworm that refused to depart. The NJC is doing its best to get rid of it.

We receive petitions and we try to hear from both sides. Some judges appear before the NJC with about six SANs. I always say that some of the judges committed the offence in connivance with the SANs who appear with them. Lawyers know the judges that are corrupt and they should do their part to rid the judiciary of corrupt judges”, the CJN added.

President of the NBA, Mr Okey Wali (SAN), said nobody should be appointed judicial officer without input from the Bar. He said the NJC has a lot of roles to play in the appointment

and discipline of judges.

Lawyers, according to the NBA president, should be appointed not only as judges in the High Court but also as judges in the appellate courts.

Joseph Otteh, director, Access to Justice (AJ), in his welcome address, said that the challenges of delivering justice in the 21st Century are huge and daunting, adding that there is increasing public distrust of the judiciary as well as disconnect from and disenchantment with the quality of services offered by the judiciary in many countries.

Those present at the conference included the president of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, Justice Mary Peter Odili, the chief justice of South Africa as well as several other CJs from Edo, Ondo,Yobe and the FCT High Court.

MKO Abiola’s Efforts Wasted – Okei-Odumakin

By NAN

Women Arise for Change Initiative has said that the democratic efforts made by the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the late Moshood Abiola, are being wasted.

This is contained in a statement by its president, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, as the group marked the 16th anniversary of the death of Abiola yesterday.

The group pointed out that the socio-economic and political problems that Abiola struggled and died for are still threatening the existence of Nigeria.

It said, “All the troubles of Nigeria which Abiola’s victory was about to abolish are the very

things that are threatening the corporate existence of the country today.

“A country that elected Abiola with a Muslim running mate would not hear of such today as it is badly divided along regions and religions.

“We are now remembering MKO in the midst of insurgency ruins, Chibok abductions and people burying their dead in the Boko Haram harvest of blood.

His memory challenges us to end terror in Nigeria.”

The statement added that the late politician should be honoured by the country’s leaders by bringing the nation out of the current doldrums.

It said, “The very democratic tree his victory planted

has withered as we are still in search of real democracy in our clime.

“The only reparation Nigeria can pay MKO is to ensure that a new order emerges from the ongoing national conference to instil justice, equity and fairness in our body politic. These are the very virtues MKO defended till he died.”

This year, the group marked the 16th anniversary of Abiola’s death at his Ikeja residence in Lagos with a wreath-laying ceremony and a rally.

Okei-Odumakin said, “Once again, we salute the memory of President M. K. O. Abiola, the only truly elected President of Nigeria whose election was clean, free and fair and ad-

judged so by local and international observers.

“July 7 marks the 16th anniversary of the liquidation of President MKO Abiola, the man popularly elected by Nigerians as president on June 12, 1993.

“Abiola was eliminated after over four years of incarceration and his blunt refusal to compromise his principled belief that a mandate given by over 14 million Nigerians could not be overturned by one gap-toothed general and few aides in crime.

“16 years after his elimination, Abiola still stands tall than all his adversaries and his murderers. He represents what Nigeria is capable of being, but which we are not because of the machinations of a greedy cabal.”

news 5

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Guber Poll: APC/PDP Clash In Osun

By Joshua Dada, Osogbo

Supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party candidate in the forthcoming August 9 gubernatorial election in Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore and those of his All Progressives Congress opponent, governor Rauf Aregbesola yesterday engaged in a clash that left scores of people injured.

The incident which occurred at Enuwa-Itagogun in the ancient town of Ile-Ife in the evening, also left many shops looted while vehicles were torched during the melee.

It was gathered that in continuation of its door-to-door campaign for the re-election of governor Aregbesola, the APC campaign team led by member, House of Representatives, Hon Rotimi Makinde, was allegedly attacked by supporters of Senator Omisore.

However, another version of

the clash claimed ‘the coordinated attack on PDP members was launched immediately after a rally of the APC addressed and coordinated by Hon Makinde’.

The version claimed that the attack on PDP members was led by Makinde, Dayo Eluyemi, the chairmen of two local governments within Ile-Ife and political thugs allegedly funded by the state government .

It was gathered that casualties were recorded from both sides while normalcy have returned to the ancient town as at the time of filing this report.

Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Folashade Odoro who confirmed the clash, said the situation had been brought under control with a warning that anybody found fomenting trouble in the state would be brought to book.

Alleged $620,000 Bribe: Judge Warns Farouk Lawan, Emenalo Against Delay

By Kunle Olasanmi, Abuja

Justice Adebukola Banjoko of an Abuja High Court in Gudu, has warned former chairman, House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy Regime and its ex-secretary, Farouk Lawan and Boniface Emenalo, to desist from employing “delay tactics” in the defence of their case.

Justice Banjoko handed down the warning yesterday, after the Lawyer to the Farouk Lawan and Emanalo Mr Akinyemi Aremu, drew the court’s attention to a pending motion of stay of proceedings at the Court of Appeal.

Aremu said, “The matter is slated for hearing, however, we have filed a motion for stay of proceedings at the Court of Appeal, dated July 4.

“As settled in plethora of deci-

sions, the proper and tidy thing to do is to stay proceedings pending a resolution of the motion at the Court of Appeal.

“If the court proceeds with the hearing of the matter, the application would have been rendered nugatory.

“The nature of our application is preservatory, and once steps are taken, it would destroy the matter”, Aremu said.

He urged the court to grant an adjournment to enable parties report back to the court on level of development made at the Court of Appeal.

Earlier, lead prosecution Lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), said he had been served with the pending motion at the Appeal Court, but expressed displeasure over the pending application.

Strike Continues Until Improved Service Conditions Are Met – COEASU

By Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), has said that it will delay calling off the ‘month old industrial action it jointly embarked on with Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) until certain grey areas regarding their demand for improved conditions of services were urgently addressed by government.

The president of the association, Dr Emmanuel Asage, made the declaration in Abuja yesterday, during the inauguration of a technical committee on the Dual mode of award of Degree by colleges of Education, performed by the education minster Nyesom Wike.

He said “it is not about ego game, there is no victor, no vanquished in

this matter. We are happy at the inauguration of the committee, but we look forward to concluding negotiations on our outstanding salaries, guarantees that there will be no victimisation of those who participated in the strike, and the signing of a final agreement before we can call off the strike”.

Earlier in his address at the occasion, the supervising minister of education barrister Nyesom Wike said that the inauguration of the committee should be seen as government’s effort in addressing a key demand by COEASU. He appealed to the chairman of the committee and permanent secretary in the ministry, Dr Mac-John Nwaobiala to ensure that the assignment is concluded in four weeks time as there will be no extension.

ramadan timing Day 11 Towns

Magrib

Alfijr

Abuja

7.00

4.58

Aba

6.56

5.01

Abakaliki

6.53

5.00

Abeokuta

7.10

5.17

Akure

7.03

5.09

Ankpa

6.57

5.03

Argungu

7.12

5.07

Auchi

7.02

5.07

Awka

7.03

5.02

Azare

6.50

4.45

Bama

6.39

4.31

Bauchi

6.51

4.50

Benin

7.05

5.08

Bichi

6.58

4.53

Bida

7.05

5.03

Birnin Gwari

7.04

5.01

B/Kebbi Gwandu

7.13

5.07

Biu

6.42

4.38

Calabar

6.50

4.58

Damaturu

6.42

4.37

Daura/Kazaure

7.01

4.38

Dutse

6.52

4.50

Enugu

6.54

5.00

Funtua/Malumfashi

7.02

4.56

Gembu

6.47

4.44

Gombe

6.45

4.42

Gusau

7.01

4.59

Gwadabawa

7.12

5.00

Hadejia

6.50

4.45

Ibadan

7.14

5.12

Ife

7.09

5.09

Ilesha Baruba

7.11

5.08

Ilorin

7.07

5.10

Jalingo

6.42

4.42

Jere/Suleija

6.59

4.57

Jos

6.56

4.51

Kabba

7.04

5.03

Kafanchan

6.58

4.54

Keffi/Nasarawa

6.58

4.54

Kaiama

7.13

5.11

Kafin Maiyaki

6.58

4.51

Kaduna

6.57

4.57

Kano

6.53

4.52

Katsina

7.01

4.54

Kontagora

7.07

5.06

Lafia

6.53

4.54

Lagos

7.12

5.15

Lokoja

6.57

5.06

Maiduguri

6.35

4.35

Makurdi

6.54

4.53

Minna

7.01

5.04

Missau

6.47

4.44

Monguno

6.38

4.27

Mubi

6.37

4.34

Nguru

6.47

4.42

Ningi

6.51

4.49

Okene

7.07

5.04

Ogbomosho

7.12

5.12

Onitsha

7.00

5.07

Oyo

7.14

5.14

Port Harcourt

6.59

5.11

Potiskum

6.45

4.40

Saki

7.06

5.14

Shagamu

7.07

5.20

Sokoto

7.07

5.05

Umuahia

6.58

4.59

Warri

6.57

5.14

Wukari

5.45

4.54

Wurno

7.11

5.00

Yenagoa

6.39

4.37

Yola

6.36

4.37

Zaria

6.58

4.58

Cotonnou-Benin

7.16

5.17

Ndjamena-Chad

6.27

4.24

Niamey-Niger

7.22

5.16

Zinder – Niger

6.59

4.43

Younde-Cameroun

6.40

4.43

Garoua – Cameroun

6.34

4.36

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

Recommended DU’A for Day 11 Pray a 2 Raka’ah Salaat, In every Raka’ah after the recitation of Surah Alfatiha, recite Surah Al-Kawthar 20 times. After salaam: ALLAHUMMA H’ABBIB ILAYYA FEEHIL IH’SAAN WA KARRIH ILAYYA FEEHIL FUSOOQA WAL I’S’YAAN WA H’ARRIM A’LAYYA FEEHIS SAKHAT’A WAN NEERAANA BI-A’WNIKA YAA GHIYAATHAL MUSTAGHEETHEEN. Meaning: O Allah show love to me, in this month, by bestowing favours, inspire me with aversion unto that which corrupts my morals or lures me to sins, and through Thy help defend me by granting immunity from penalty and flames of the Fire, O He who comes to the help of those who cry for help.

Compiled by Al-Amin Ciroma

Ramadan Q and A

with Muhammad Usman musman@kindasa.com

Question: Is it permissible for the imam to say the bismillahi (i.e., the phrase “Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem) out loud so as to soften the hearts of the worshippers?

Umar Nuhu, Kaduna Answer: Recently I was appointed as an imam in a mosque, temporarily, and I started to lead the people in prayer. According to the best of my knowledge, there are two opinions regarding the matter of saying the basmalah (i.e., the phrase “Bismillah ir-Rahmaan ir-Raheem (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful)”) out loud in the prayer, and the more correct opinion is that it is not to be said out loud, so I did not say it out loud. But the people are upset about that and they have started to talk about this and complain behind my back; they are saying: “Why does this imam not say the basmalah? He should do the same as the other imams who came before.” They also criticise me for not reciting some soorahs that are customarily recited on certain days, such as reciting Soorat al-Falaq and an-Naas in Maghrib prayer on Fridays. I am trying to ignore such matters, but I do not want to stir up trouble or be a cause of trouble being stirred up. I can easily resign from this position and delegate it to someone else, because it is a temporary post after all.

Please advise me: Can I say the basmalah out loud in the prayer or not?

Can I recite those soorahs that they are used to hearing?

Or should I give up this post altogether?

Praise be to Allah.

Firstly: We appreciate your keenness to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) in his prayer, and we appreciate your asking for the ruling on going along with the worshippers in that which they are used to. You have done well, because some of those who follow the Sunnah think that they do not need to be gentle or kind when advising people! Even if the application of the Sunnah – according to what they think is more correct – causes trouble and creates enmity and division among the Muslims, they do not hesitate to insist on applying it, no matter what the negative consequences to which that may lead.

Undoubtedly this is wrong and it is not the way of the leading scholars of Ahl as-Sunnah, in the past or more recently, as we shall see below.

Secondly: Undoubtedly saying the basmalah out loud in al-Faatihah in the prayer is permissible; it is not a bid‘ah (innovation) or haraam. But most of the time in his prayer, the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) did not pronounce it out loud; rather he recited it quietly.

It was narrated from Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), and Abu Bakr and ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) began the prayer with the words “Al-hamdu Lillahi Rabbi l-‘Aalameen (Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds).”

Narrated by al-Bukhaari (743) According to a report narrated by Ahmad (12868), “They did not recite out loud the words ‘Bismillah ir-Rahmaan ir-Raheem (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful).’”

This is the view of the Hanafis and Hanbalis. The Shaafa‘is differed from them and said that it is Sunnah to recite it out loud, even though the proven Sunnah is not to recite the basmalah out loud. But there is nothing wrong with reciting it out loud, especially if their madhhab is that it is to be recited out loud, so as to soften their hearts.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: Nevertheless the correct view is that it is not to be recited out loud, although it is prescribed to recite it out loud if that serves a definite interest. Hence it is prescribed for the imam to do that – sometimes – for example, to teach the people who are praying behind him. It is permissible for the worshippers to recite a few words out loud sometimes, and it is also permissible for a man to forego something that is preferable, in order to soften hearts and unite people, lest they be put off from what is in their best interests.

6 NEWS

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

LIVING LIVING TOTO BE BE 100100

One health tip daily You Snooze, You Loose

Staying active and exercising regularly are the foundations for living a long and healthy life. It’s no surprise that caged animals have more health problems and a shorter life span than free-range animals. Research with

humans confirms that as a rule, the more active you are, the longer you will live. In one study, the group that burned more than 3,500 calories a week lived the longest. Being lazy can actually shorten your life!

Gunmen Kill 45, Injure 95 In Taraba

45 95 KILLED

TARABA

INJURED

200

INFOGRAPHICS BY Matthew Akhabue

FROM COVER

incident to LEADERSHIP yesterday.

A resident of Bashiri village, Mr Sam Ngada, who spoke to LEADERSHIP on phone, said that the armed men numbering over 120 invaded the villages at about 1:42am on Saturday after a heavy downpour and engaged in shooting and burning of houses.

Ngada, who said he narrowly escaped the attack, also confirmed to LEADERSHIP that over 55 people were killed by the Fulani, who injured over 95 others and razed down over 200 houses.

He said the invaders were identified to be Fulani herdsmen who had been terrorizing and killing innocent people in the southern part of the state.

“None of us knows what the Fulanis actually want. Three months ago, we all signed an agreement to put an end to all these killings, but we don’t know their reason for all these attacks and killings,” he said.

When contacted, the spokesman of the state police command, ASP Joseph Kwaji, told LEADERSHIP through a text message that five people were killed by the attackers in Sabongida Zaga and Suntai districts in Bali local government area of the state.

He also confirmed in the

HOUSES RAZED

message that the chief of Tiv’s representative in Zaki Koti Anyima was killed by the attackers.

He noted that the command had since Friday drafted its men to the affected villages while investigation into the matter continued.

Also, when contacted, the chairman of Bali local government, Mr Andy Yerima, told our correspondent on the phone that the crisis in his local government stopped for over a week, adding that the Saturday breach of peace in some villages as reported was in Gashaka local government area of the state.

2015 is the cause of insecurity in Nigeria – Sultan The Sultan of Sokoto and president-general, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, said yesterday that the devastating degree of insecurity in Nigeria was simply high-power politics ahead of 2015 political offices. This was just as the traditional-cum-religious leader fingered politicians as the main problem of Nigeria and added that every Nigerian should see himself/herself as a leader who is in the business of ensuring we live in peace. ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Panel Ignores Holiday, Begins Sitting In Hotel

BY MOHAMMED ISMAIL, Yola

Amidst tight security, the seven-man panel constituted by the acting chief judge of Adamawa State, Justice Ambrose Mammadi, began sitting in defiance of the public holiday declared by the state government to forestall further moves against Governor Murtala Nyako.

The panel’s inaugural sitting, which held at J & J Holiday Villa located at Atirwucha Close in Karewa GRA of the state capital, reportedly compelled Governor Nyako to cut short his trip to Abuja even as reports had it that he was contemplating resignation to pre-empt the outcome of the panel’s report and the state lawmakers’ next line of action.

The resignation rumour could not be confirmed as at press time. The governor’s chief press secretary, Ahmed Sajoh, could not be reached but an aide of the governor confirmed to our correspondent that the governor was on his way back to Yola.

“We are on the way back to Yola -- I mean the governor is returning to Yola from Abuja.

I cannot say anything now.

I will call you as soon as it is convenient to do so,” he said.

Buoyed by the holidays declared for Monday and today (Tuesday), and the expectation that the seven-man panel needed to be inaugurated before it commenced work, Governor Nyako was said to have left Yola for Abuja yesterday on an official assignment.

The declared holidays were said to be moves on the part of the governor to outwit the state legislature and the chief judge whose tenure expires today.

But the lawmakers have also described the holidays as selfserving and ill-timed.

It was gathered that the panel’s sitting commenced shortly after the chief registrar of the High Court, Yola, Abubakar Babayola, told journalists that the inauguration of the committee was not a requirement as it was nowhere in the constitution.

At the venue of the panel’s sitting, security was heavy, just as journalists were barred from covering the maiden sitting. Stern-looking soldiers and policemen maintained surveillance at strategic positions in and around it.

But civil servants in the state complied with the holiday given by the government yesterday as all government offices across the state were under lock and key.

Earlier in the morning, the panel was scheduled to be inaugurated as announced by the chief registrar of the

Nyako

state High Court, Babayola, but that was not to be as the state government, on Sunday, declared Monday and Tuesday as public holidays ostensibly to prevent the acting chief judge from inaugurating the panel.

Commenting on the development, the chief press secretary to the Speaker of the House, Mr Solomon Kumanga, disclosed that the House has no powers to interfere with the committee’s duties as its mandate has been completed when it ordered the acting CJ to constitute the panel.

Declaration of public holiday ill-timed, self-serving – Adamawa lawmakers Meanwhile, the Adamawa State House of Assembly has condemned the two-day holidays declared by the state government, saying it was illtimed and self-serving.

In a press statement signed by the chairman, House Committee on Information, Mr Adamu Kamale, and made available to journalists in Yola, the House contended that the declaration of the two-day public holidays could have been more appropriated when Adamawa State lost many of its indigenes in violent attacks by gunmen in Numan, Lamurde, Michika, Madagali, Maiha, Ganye, among others, in the past.

The Assembly also chided the state government for its failure to settle workers’ salaries, adding that “information available to the House shows that Adamawa State salary account has never been frozen at any time by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); rather it is the capital account that was frozen”.

The lawmakers commended the judiciary for setting up the seven-man investigative panel, challenging the governor and his deputy to use the avenue to clear their names against the allegations of gross misconduct brought against them.

“Now that the panel is in place, the stage is clear for the governor ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

NEWS 7

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Gunmen Kill 45, Injure 95 In Taraba FROM PAGE 6

“We must all come together to fight insecurity,” the Sultan stated, adding that Nigerians should learn to separate politics from religion.

“As religious leaders, we must be apolitical, but we must also show concern for our leaders who rule us.”

The Sultan asked: “All of us claim to be very religious but the question now remains, are we doing what our religions say? Let’s take a look at where we are coming from.”

Frowning at recent developments where Muslim leaders are always being criticized for not doing enough to curtail insurgency in Nigeria, the Sultan urged people to do research and advise them on what else they should do, since people don’t seem to be satisfied with their open condemnation of the acts of insurgency in the country.

The Sultan lamented that it has gone so bad that anywhere they see a northerner, whether a Christian or a Muslim, he is termed a Boko Haram member.

Doing a census to determine how many Nigerians from other regions reside in one’s domain is simply a waste of time, he said, because “God has a reason for bringing us together and, as such, we should appreciate staying together at all times without discrimination”.

“Certain meetings are very important in our lives as leaders.

Though all of us are leaders in one way or the other, it should be noted that what we say, do or do not say as leaders matters.

“All of us are in the same boat of ensuring a safe country; therefore, all of us are stakeholders when it comes to helping one another.

“As for those who are saying we should not dialogue with insurgents, I believe that there are issues we must all face. We read, watch and see all what happened elsewhere. All of us are adults; we read what you journalists write, watch on the television screen or listen to the radio; and there is nowhere in the world where the use of force has ended anything related to insurgency. There is nowhere in the world that it has ever worked out.

“We are shedding too much blood of the innocent people who know nothing about leadership, enjoy nothing about the government but suffer the same pain as we do. But we should understand that those causing insurgency in Nigeria are not spirits; they are there. People should understand that Danfodiyo

Jihad never forced people to join Islam; he only transformed the way those that claimed to be Muslims were practising the religion. Religion is so important in our lives but it is important for us to come together to collectively tackle the issue of insecurity.”

On the part of the Nigeria security and the velocity of the Boko Haram insurgency, Sultan said, “Nigerian security agents are doing their best, just that they have not been used to that before; therefore, we have to pity the condition which the Nigerian security operates. And we have to collectively pray for the end of the insurgency. However, besides the prayers, we must get up and be doing something. We must come together to fight insecurity and, as such, young people have to be nurtured for a better tomorrow to be able to discard provocation.”

Bomb blast: 197 traders killed, 137 injured in four months Worried by incessant bombings of markets, the national president of the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), Mr Ken Ukoha, has disclosed that about 197 traders were killed while 137 were injured in separate attacks by Boko Haram insurgents in Abuja, Borno and Plateau states within four months.

Addressing a press conference yesterday in Abuja, he noted that the figures were not inclusive of victims of incessant open-fire attacks on traders in Zamfara, Borno, Nyanya, Gombe, Kano and Kaduna even as he said the barbaric act had left traders helpless and sorrowful.

“It would be noted that on 20th March, we lost 16 traders at Ngurosaye village in Borno State; on 20th May, we lost 122 people while 42 were injured at the Terminus Market Jos; on 27th June, we lost 24 people while 27 were injured at the EMAB Plaza bomb blast in the FCT; and on 2nd July, we lost about 35 members while 68 were injured at the Elkanemi Roundabout Monday Market in Borno State.”

Ukoha regretted that commercial and economic activities were currently dwindling at a time when the country emerged as the largest economy in Africa, saying that markets were gradually turning to testing grounds for insurgents’ missiles and explosives.

Commiserating with the victims, he called on the federal government to take a critical look at the security system by ensuring that the security outfits have not been compromised and infiltrated

by insurgents.

Boko Haram: 7 more northerners arrested in Abia About seven northern Islamic leaders have been arrested by security operatives in Aba local government area of Abia State in a raid at various locations.

The Hausa service of the British Broadcasting Service (BBC) reported that the victims including the chief imam of Aba Central Mosque, Malam Idris Bashir, his deputy and five others were arrested in Aba and Cattle Market in Lokpanda respectively for investigation.

Last month, 486 northerners travelling in a convoy of 35 Toyota Hiace buses were intercepted by soldiers of the 144 Battalion in the state and were labelled Boko Haram suspects.

According to the BBC, authorities of the security agencies were yet to comment on the incident at the time filing this report.

Book Haram: FG denies knowledge of escaped 63 women The federal government yesterday denied knowledge of the escape of 63 women out of 68 reportedly abducted two weeks ago from three villages around Chibok by Boko Haram members.

The coordinator of the National Information Centre, Mr Mike Omeri, stated this while briefing journalists on government’s efforts in the mission to rescue the abducted Chibok girls.

He said, “We are communicating with our people over there to verify this. We still have not been able to verify actually what happened and the figures involved and we don’t want to speculate and say things without confirmation.”

The commission had earlier denied knowledge of the abduction of 60 women and girls who were said to have been abducted in villages within Borno State by gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members.

Omeri said, “Landlords must check clearly where their tenants are coming from because, of late, people with dubious character and intentions have moved to new areas and most of the people moving to these areas are the people we are actually looking for. So, know your tenants as you welcome them into your premises,” he advised.

Security agencies close to rescuing schoolgirls – Omeri Omeri also said that security agencies were getting close to rescuing the over 200 schoolgirls

abducted from Chibok, Borno State, on April 14, Channel TV reports.

Omeri stated this while briefing the press yesterday in Abuja on the security personnel’s rescue efforts.

“Security intelligence efforts had led to several arrests which would assist the security agencies in the rescue operation and in the fight against insurgency,” he added.

‘80% Boko Haram attacks unreported’ A staggering 80 per cent of terror attacks by the Boko Haram, is not reported, a House of Representatives member from Borno State, Hon. Abdulrahman Terab, disclosed yesterday.

Terab represents the insurgencywracked Bama/Ngala/Kala Balge federal constituencies of Borno State, part of areas in the country’s north where violence linked to the Boko Haram insurgency has resulted in an estimated 10,000 deaths between 2002 and 2013, according to credible monitors.

Addressing newsmen at the National Assembly on the state of affairs in the north-east, Terab lamented that, despite the state of emergency already in its third lap, the insurgency was worsening.

The Borno lawmaker urged the federal government to be guided by international precedents in considering Boko Haram’s request for prisoner swap deal for the release of over 200 schoolgirls abducted by the sect.

Colonel injures during Damboa attack LEADERSHIP further gathered from a military source that a Commanding Officer of the 243 Battalion, Col Shu’aibu, was shot and wounded by Boko Haram members during the bloody encounter in Damboa local government area on Saturday.

Police defuse bomb in Gombe School The police yesterday defused an explosive device planted in front of a pilot Secondary School in Tasha Dukku area of Gombe metropolis.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the incident occurred at about 10:30am.

Boko Haram Opens Fire On Soldiers Heading To Damboa Barely 48 hours after they carried out what the military described as a daring attack on a military facility in Damboa town of Borno State, Boko Haram gunmen yesterday nearly repeated the Saturday episode which led to the death of 12 soldiers and four policemen.

Though the Boko Haram terrorists had also suffered huge

Gusau

loss of men as claimed by the military officials, the insurgents still attempted another daring attack when they laid ambush on the convoy of military vehicles heading for Damboa.

The soldiers were not alone on the dangerous MaiduguriBiu road which leads to Damboa.

Another convoy of the police was also conveying the corpse of one of the policemen that was killed during the shootout in Damboa on Saturday.

According to one of the relatives of the deceased police officer being conveyed in the police patrol van to his country home in Marama, Hawul local government area, “We thought with the soldiers moving in such large convoy going to Biu on that road that it was safer, but it turned out to be the most dangerous risk we’ve ever taken.

“We were barely 30km away from Maiduguri, even as our vehicles were moving at the snail speed of 50km per hour, that suddenly we started hearing heavy shooting coming from tree tops and from inside the surrounding bushes. It was the Boko Haram gunmen that were shooting from everywhere.

“Our luck was that they started firing from afar, and that gave us enough time to wriggle ourselves out of danger by reversing and fleeing back at neck-breaking speed to Maiduguri. Every one of us including the soldiers could not stand the shooting as one of the policemen was shouting ‘move fast, move fast, they are using RPGs’.”

The source, who did not want to be named as he feared offending the military personnel, said he could not believe that the Boko Haram gunmen, after the bloody encounter, could inch as close as 30km from Maiduguri to lay ambush on soldiers.

In Maiduguri, LEADERSHIP observed that many dwellers of Damboa Road had begun to flee in panic when they saw the convoy of soldiers running back to the town at neck-breaking speed.

The situation had almost caused stampede as truck drivers and commuters struggled to find the way to safer zones.

Panel Ignores Holiday, Begins Sitting In Hotel FROM PAGE 6

and the deputy governor to disprove the allegations against them as required by

the constitution rather than throwing stones at the House.

“It is pertinent to note that the recent statement by the governor of Adamawa State,

Murtala H. Nyako, exonerating the Presidency from complicity in the service of the notices of allegation of gross misconduct against the duo has vindicated

the position of the House,” the statement noted.

The lawmakers pledged to continue rendering their constitutional responsibilities

to the Adamawa people despite threats on their lives in the wake of impeachment notice they served on Governor Nyako and his deputy.

8 NEWS

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

conference

BY JOE DUDUN, AMINA ALHASSAN AND BODE GBADEBO

Confab: Yadudu Denies Alleged Destabilisation Plot

STRATEGISING? L-R: Amb Yerima Abdullahi, Umaru Hadejia and ex-governor Adamu Aliero discussing on the sidelines of the conference plenary, yesterday. PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

Delegates In Heated Debate Over Resource Control, Derivation, Others Let’s discuss derivation not ownership – Committee It’s 100% resource control or nothing – Briggs

Delegates to the ongoing National Conference yesterday began the debate on the much awaited report of the Standing Committee on Devolution of Power. Expectedly, it was a heated debate as delegates spoke passionately on the issues of devolution of power, resource control, derivation principle and revenue sharing formula, among others.

The committee was co-chaired by ex-governor Obong Victor Attah and former IGP Ibrahim Coomassie. Their report examined 68 items cited in the Second Schedule, Part 1 of the 1999 Constitution which deals with the Exclusive Legislative List and 30 items contained in Part 2 of the Fourth Schedule that deals with the Concurrent Legislative List.

Most of the delegates from the South-South and South-East, who commented on the report, said derivation principle should be increased from the present 13% to 50% contrary to the recommendation of the committee which put it at 13%.

However others suggested that it should be reduced below the current 13%.

Prof Auwal Yadudu while commenting on the report said it is full of conciliatory and inclusive ideas and that it should be recommended for adoption by others. He however recommended that if it is appropriate to raise the current derivation principle, it should not include offshore and onshore settlements and also calculate what is available to the states on the account of intervention schemes like the NDDC, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and Amnesty Programme. “Someone says these are temporal administrative arrangements, yes they are but they also eat into what is available to the federating units. Therefore, if one has to raise derivation, then you must exclude the items mentioned,” Yadudu said.

For her part, Ms Annkio Briggs, who was denied speaking at plenary as a member of the committee despite her argument that she did not append her signature to the report, later told journalists that her people from the oil producing states of Niger Delta will not accept any recommendation of the confab that does not make provision

for a 100% resource ownership across the country.

The debate was apparently along North-South divide except for few delegates who discussed other issues as they relate to other interests they represent at the conference.

Proponents of the idea of state’s ownership and control of their resources said their arguments were based on the tenet of devolution of power, which allows the states to only pay taxes to the central government.

While the opponents of the idea pointed to the fact that mineral resources in Nigeria are owned in law by the Federal Government as contained in Section 44(3) of the 1999 Constitution.

Meanwhile, the report, which is subject to the adoption of the conference, said the committee members unanimously recommended that the issue of derivation should be discussed instead of resource control.

The committee added that its decision was informed by the emotive nature of the issue, which in its view was capable of destabilizing the country.

The debate was apparently along North-South divide except for few delegates who discussed other issues as they relate to other interests they represent at the conference

A delegate representing the NorthWest geopolitical zone at the ongoing National Conference, Prof Auwalu Yadudu has denied insinuations suggesting that he was out to destabilize the conference.

Yadudu had, before the presentation of the Devolution of Power Committee’s report at plenary yesterday, addressed the conference to state his own part of the story on the raging controversy over an alleged clandestine moves to write a “new Constitution” for the country on behalf of the conference and his membership of a ‘Consensus Group’ which is at the centre of the controversy.

The professor of law debunked insinuations that he, alongside a team, was primed to “scatter” the conference as claimed by Chief Raymond Dokpesi, insisting that his decision to opt out of the Dokpesi’s group was informed by the fact that most of the decisions adopted in the ‘position paper’ of the group, which were to be presented to the plenary are not part of any of the 20 Standing Committees’ recommendations.

“I know of no team that he referred to, I know I am a bonafide member of this conference and I have done nothing in my conduct, activities or whatever I do in this conference to warrant an allegation that I am here to scuttle the conference. I find it most disappointing,” Yadudu said.

Recall that this matter came up for discussion last Monday after a newspaper publication alleged that the Dokpesi group was behind the moves to force some recommendations outside the purview of the conference down the throat the of the delegates in connivance with the conference leadership, an allegation which chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi, has since denied.

Yadudu’s response came on the heels on an earlier comment by elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, who had addressed the conference and harped on the need by delegates to put the interest of the country above sectional and personal interests.

Clark expressed regret that the Consensus Group constituted to resolve contentious issues that may arise in the course of adoption of the recommendation of committees was “scattered” midway.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

AT THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE 9

CONFERENCE MAIN SAY...

CONFERENCE FLAKES

I know of no team that he referred to, I know I am a bonafide member of this conference and I have done nothing in my conduct, activities or whatever I do in this conference to warrant an allegation that I am here to scuttle the conference. I find it most disappointing”

Time For The Youths

Not one but several delegates spoke on the need to allow the youths have their chance at acquiring experience in the political space. One of the delegates, Prof. Ezenwa Nwogu, who represents the Civil Societies said it was necessary to review the age of candidacy, considering that the voting age is 18 years and above. Of course, one other prominent voice in support of this was Mrs. Felicia Sanni also known as ‘Mama Market Woman’ who lent her voice to the recommendation calling for a consideration of having youths as leaders.

“Our time has passed,” she said. “We should allow our children to contribute their quota to nation building. We need the guidance of the elders but we need the intelligence of the younger ones.

My granddaughter made 14 distinctions in her exams; you know I am an intelligent woman, so I have to have intelligent progeny” she emphasized in her usual humorous manner.

Prof Auwal Yadudu, while dissociating himself from alleged plan to scuttle the confab.

Mr Chairman, Call My Name!

As the debates continued yesterday, there were agitations by delegates who had not been called upon to make their contributions. Prof. Marietu Tenuche from Benue State raised a point of observation and called on the Chairman to lay her complaint. “Mr Chairman, I’ve written down my name several times but I have not been called upon to speak. When I raise my hand, you cannot see me because most of us are too far away for you to see us, sir.” To this, the ever-patient Chairman in his considerate way promised, “Ok madam, we shall look for your name and call you. Thank you.”

L-R: High Chief Raymond Dokpesi and elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark at plenary, yesterday.

Music To The Ears

Who says one cannot enjoy some humour while discussing serious issues? A particular name always elicits laughter whenever the delegate in question had cause to contribute at plenary. This is because of the peculiar way he introduces himself. In fact, it has become sort of habitual for delegates to insist the distinguished Senator introduces himself whenever he had a contribution to make. And he does it so well.

‘I am Senator Nimi Barigha Amange.’ There is usually the resounding emphasis on the last name – ‘A-m-a-n-g-e.’ This, of course, elicits laughter from delegates.

L-R: Prof Onje Gye-wado, Alh. Aliyu Akwe Doma and Senator Ladan Shuni discussing, yesterday.

APGA Is Galloping

L-R: Chief Kola Jamodu and Prof Munzali Jibril at plenary, yesterday.

PHOTOS BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

Less than 3 weeks to wind up the ongoing national conference, the confab has admitted two new delegates representing the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and they were introduced to the old delegates last week Tuesday. They are the party national chairman, Victor Umeh and secretary, Sani Shinkafi.

The following day, Umeh’s name appeared on the register where other old delegates had entered their names 24 hours earlier in order to comment on the report of the Committee on Restructuring and Forms of Government as the house norm required.

Consequently some aggrieved delegates like Prof Ishaq Oloyede protested openly while others murmured against the way APGA is galloping over others thereby interrupting Umeh’s speech.

But trust the politician, he had this to say: “Mr chairman, this is one of the problems; when people don’t want other Nigerians to speak.”

10

stories of the Tuesday, July 8, 2014

...NEWS WITH A HUMAN FACE

BRAWL: Prostitute Fights Customer Over Unpaid Bills

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

A commercial sex worker at a popular brothel along Anwai, Asaba Delta State, is currently helping the police in its investigation, after she allegedly bathed her customer with water she used in washing her genitals over unpaid bills.

Reports said that the customer was given a bill of N3000 per ‘round of sex’ after he had allegedly overstayed without ejaculating and was given an extra bill which he promised to pay on completion of the second round.

But this was not to be as the customer threatened to beat up the commercial sex worker after he had finished the second round.

This had enraged the commercial sex worker who raced to the corner of the room where the washing basin was kept, and poured the water which she had earlier used to wash herself on the customer and proceeded to tear his clothes to shreds.

It was gathered that while the fight lasted, other commercial sex workers in the brothel joined in beating the customer which later resulted in a police case.

Reacting to the incident, the police public relations officer in the state, DSP Celestina Kalu, confirmed that the fight ensued when the customer failed to pay his bills, adding that the suspect was arrested for inflicting injuries and assault.

Murder: Son Kills Father Over Advice Against Smoking Of Indian Hemp

By Nnamdi Mbawike, Enugu

Tension has heightened in Ugwuoba Community in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State following the brutal murder of Mr. Christopher Onu by his son, Ikenna Onu over an argument on drug use. Ikenna allegedly hacked his father, Mr. Christopher Onu, to death with an axe.

When contacted, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, the State Police Public Relations Officer, said investigations into the matter have commenced.

He said the deceased, who is a farmer by profession, allegedly called his son, Ikenna into his room on July 4, 2014, after returning from the farm and advised him to stop taking hard drugs suspected to be Indian hemp.

According to Amaraizu, the fatherly advice did not go well with Ikenna, who was believed to be under the influence of the hard drug at the time of the advice.

Amaraizu disclosed that Ikenna angrily took an axe and cut his father’s head wide open, adding that the deceased immediately slumped and bled to death before help could come.

He added that the suspect has been arrested, and is currently in custody at the Criminal Investigations Department of the State Police Command in Enugu.

A young man taking a nap under a tree in Wuse, Abuja, yesterday.

Photo by Patrick Ebi Amanama

betrayal: Police Ambush Civil Defence Officers, Aid Vandals

By Abdullahi Umar, With Agency Report The anti-vandal team of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been attacked by the Nigeria Police officers in the early hours of yesterday in Niger State.

According to a monitored news report, the policemen deliberately ambushed the men of antivandal team of NSCDC with the intent to aid escape of the vandals.

A close source at the scene of the incident said, “We got the information that there is likely to be vandalisation activities by suspected vandals in the area, and our men swung into action as usual. But on getting close to the area, our men were stopped by policemen and told not to enter the bush.”

“One of the policemen said we (NSCDC) had no right to operate in the area,” the source said.

The NSCDC men explained that it was their duty

to protect all government facilities including oil pipelines.

He said the police know full well that both NSCDC and police are supposed to be agents of the federal government and to protect infrastructure, not to aid and abet vandals.

Witnesses said the incident happened between midnight and 2 a.m.; and alleged that the suspected vandals had contacted the police officers who then ambushed the NSCDC team.

“Immediately the police got wind of the information, they laid ambush for the Civil Defence officers and deflated the four tyres of their vehicle, threatening to open fire on the NSCDC patrol vehicles,” a witness said.

According to the news agency, efforts to contact the Niger State Command PRO of both the police and NSCDC were unsuccessful as at the time of this report.

church attack: Gunmen Injure 3 Worshippers In Jos

BY ACHOR ABIMAJE, Jos

Unknown gunmen in Jos South Local Government area of Plateau State at the weekend opened fire at worshipers in Bukuru, injuring three.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the incident occurred around 8:00pm during prayers, after breaking of fast.

The secretary, Bukuru Elders Committee, Bala Baba Mohammed, confirmed the incident to our correspondent in Jos yesterday.

According to him, the gunmen opened fire at a group of worshipers, saying, “sometime ago, a rocket launcher was shot at us, then grenades were also thrown at us”.

He added that there have also been per-

sistent shootings without any idea of who is behind it and, in his words, “we don’t know why they are attacking us.”

“We, the Bukuru Elders Council are calling on the federal, state and local government to intervene. We are also using this opportunity to call on our attackers to come forward for dialogue so that we know why they keep attacking us.”

Two of the victims of the attack, Lawal Muhammad and Bashir Iliyasu were presently hospitalized in Jos while the third victim has been discharged.

Meanwhile, the Special Task Force (STF), Media and Information Officer, Captain Ikedichi Iweha ,also confirmed the attack on phone to our correspondent, saying that the situation was brought under control by the task force.

SUICIDE: Bank Manager Hangs Self In Ogun Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

The police detectives attached to Ibafo Divisional Headquarters led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Salawu Jimoh, have discovered the body of one Mr Habeeb Olatunde, 44, a native of Kwara State.

Until his death, he was working as a manager in one of the commercial banks and had been declared missing since 18th June 2014.

His body was discovered in an uncompleted building at Arepo, near Ibafo, last Saturday.

The decomposing body was found hanging in the building when the police detectives arrived at the scene.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the top bank official committed suicide by hanging.

The police command had circulated the news of his missing case as reported at Ibafo Division on 19th June 2014 and the men of the force have intensified efforts to find him before his body was discovered after a thorough search with the help of members of the community.

While investigation was on, it was revealed that the deceased actually complained of stress in the office and was permitted to have a rest.

He committed suicide while he was on casual leave.

His corpse had been released to his family for burial according to Islamic rite as no mark of violence was seen on the body and no foul play suspected.

The commissioner of police Ogun State, CP Ikemefuna Okoye, has commended members of the community for their support and usual cooperation towards achieving adequate security of lives and property in Arepo and Ogun state in general.

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STORIES OF THE DAY 11

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

photo news

AUTO CRASH: Pregnant Woman, Others Die In Ibadan-Ife Road

by Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

No fewer than three people including a pregnant woman on Monday lost their lives in a ghastly motor accident while six others sustained injuries along Ibadan- Ife road.

The accident which involved three vehicles, occurred at New Iyana Agbala junction in Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State around 7.15am.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Egbeda Unit Commander, Abiodun Akinlade, who confirmed the incident, said the victims died before any medical attention

could reach them.

Describing the accident as multiple, Akinlade gave the particulars of the vehicles involved as Micra with registration number YNF 963 AA, a Toyota Siena with registration number XD 451 KAK and Volkswagen FST 452 BH. He added that the long vehicle that caused the accident did not stop.

He explained that it was the long vehicle that hit the commercial Micra before hitting other vehicles.

According to himC, the pregnant woman was about crossing the road when she was hit by one of the vehicles.

L-R: Kano State Governor, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso and French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Jacques Champgne de Labriolle exchanging signed cooperation agreement that will promote the teaching of French in Kano schools in Kano Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja, yesterday. Photo by Government House

Nabbed: Human Trafficker Arrested In Sokoto

by Ankeli emmanuel, Asaba

Luck yesterday ran out on a chronic human trafficker, Musa Usufu as he was apprehended along Tureta, Sokoto road while transiting three girls outside the shores of Nigeria, by men of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Sokoto Command, manning the road.

Usufu, a 38 year-old indigene of Benin City, Edo State, has been engaged in the business of child trafficking, according to his statement, and those of the girls he was traveling with before they were caught.

Though he was able to obtain ECOWAS visa for the three girls before they embarked on the journey, Usufu, who claimed to be a businessman according to his passport, resides at number 16 Ormoruyi Street, Off

Upper Sakponda, Benin City.

Giving his statement, he said his job was to get those ladies to Libya where his sister and a partner in the human trafficking business would continue from there.

“Am taking them with the consent of their parents enroute Sokoto through Niger Republic, and to finally hand them over to my sister in Libya. My sister will then continue the journey with them to Italy which is their final destination. I have been in Libya before so I know all the route” Usufu said.

Though he denied ever participating in such human trafficking business when LEADERSHIP asked him, the ladies confirmed that he has been in it hence the knowledge about his business route shows it all. “But he never told us we were traveling to Italy”, the ladies cried.

L-R: John Kennedy Opara presenting the package cost for NCPC 2014 Christian Pilgrimage to the Governor of Plateau State, David Jonah Jang during NCPC’s 2014 sensitization visit to Plateau State. Photo by Government House

MISCONDUCT: Patient Drags Hospital To Court Over Expired Drugs

by Tope Fayehun, Akure

One Mrs.Oyeniyi Mojisola has dragged the management of the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, before the High court for treating her with expired drugs.

Oyeniyi said the drug administered on her on June 7and 8 nearly resulted to her death, describing it as negligence.

In a suit no; AK/ 164 / 2014 filled by her counsel, Segun Akanmode, the patient is praying the court to grant her the sum of N10 million as general, exemplary and aggravated damages for

negligence.

She is also asking for the sum of N6, 000 collected from her as payment for the expired drugs among other claims.

Attached to the suit were copies of prescription notes by the doctor on duty, hospital receipts duly signed, the expired drugs and other related documents.

But the hospital’s chief medical director ( CMD), Dr. Adeniran Ikuomola, said the claims of the patient were not correct, adding however, that he would like it if the counsel could meet with the management to resolve the matter.

L-R: Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Alhaji Adewunmi Adewale; National Treasurer of the association, Alhaji Gbadamosi Murtala; acting president, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe and chairman of ABCON, South West Zone, Mr. Taiwo Ebenezer during the association’s South West meeting in Lagos, yesterday. Photo by BENEDICT UWALAKA.

crime: Police Bust Robbery Syndicate, Recover 17 Stolen Vehicles

By CHIKA OTUCHIKERE, Abuja

The Lagos State Police command has made a major recovery of 17 stolen vehicles following the smashing of a suspected deadly armed robbery gang.

The Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, ACP Frank Mba made this known yesterday in a statement in which he urged Nigerians with evidence of ownership of the vehicles to come forward and make their claims.

According to Mba, the Police commenced Investigations into the activities of the gang, which he said, specialised in robbing state of the art cars and selling same to

unsuspecting members of the public. The action was said to have followed a petition by one of their victims who complained that he was robbed of two vehicles and other valuables at his Ile-Ife home.

“Following discreet, sustained and painstaking investigation, Police Detectives attached to the Federal Special AntiRobbery Squad, (FSARS) Force CID Annex, Lagos, smashed a deadly armed robbery gang and arrested key members of the gang in addition to recovering seventeen (17) exotic cars and other exhibits, which they had stolen from different parts of the country.

L-R: Director, Finance and Investment, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Ibrahim Abdullahi; Director General, Chris Onyemenam and Director, Human Capital Management, Winifred Ojeih during the 7th meeting of NIMC harmonization and integration in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY JANE OKEKE

12 News north-central

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Nasarawa 2015: Kinsmen Dump Deputy Gov For Al-Makura NSUBEB Chairman Absolves AlMakura Of Blame On Contract Award

By Donatus Nadi, Lafia

The ripples of the defection of Nasarawa State deputy governor, Hon Dameshi Barau, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is far from over as his kinsmen have opted to pitch camp with Governor Al-Makura for 2015.

The Mada nation expressed unanimity in the belief that dumping Al-Makura now would amount to great disservice to their collective aspiration and would be a sign of ingratitude to the governor.

Speaking at a press conference in Lafia yesterday, the coordinator of “Mada for Taal Movement”, Comrade Kasim M. Kasim, said after due consultations with all the principal stakeholders and the paramount ruler of Mada land, the Chun Mada, HRH Samson Gamu Yare, the embattled deputy governor’s kinsmen have chosen to back Governor Al-Makura for obvious

short news Speaker Charges Kwarans On Voter Cards The speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Barr.

Razak Atunwa yesterday urged eligible voters in the state to acquire their permanent voter cards to enable them exercise their franchise during the 2015 elections.

Atunwa made the call in Afon, Asa local government area while distributing food items and cash gifts worth over N1.5million to his constituents.

The speaker who described the voter card as their only weapon to elect their leaders advised eligible voters to register and obtain permanent voter cards to enable them exercise their civic responsibility.

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

reasons.

He recalled that it took the courage and doggedness of Al-Makura to restore the stool of the Chun Mada after over 30 years.

“He did not only restore our dignity and lost glory as a nation but went ahead to create additional chiefdoms of Ngah and Nunku and subsequently approved the appointment of Chun Mada and Chun Ngah on first and second class status respectively,” he said.

Meanwhile, The executive chairman of Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), Mallam Abdulkarim Mohammed Abdullahi, has absolved Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of any blame in the award of contract for the construction of desks to a state-owned establishment, Relevant Technology.

Mallam Abdullahi gave this defence at a public hearing before the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petition members who drilled him and other members of his management team on issues of financial irregularities.

Nasarawa Commences Biometric Screening Of Public Servants Following concerns of concurrent rise in salary and pension burden, Nasarawa State government is to commence biometric screening exercise for public servants in the state.

Inaugurating the exercise in Lafia yesterday, Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura said when his administration came into office in May 2011, it inherited a public service whose morale was generally low as a result of poor remuneration and lack of sundry incentives to public servants.

He stressed that the exercise is aimed at ascertaining the size of the service, eliminating the ghost worker syndrome and improving the lot of civil servants to stimulate dedication, hard work, accountability, and eliminate corruption.

He said, “Following the implementation of the minimum wage, the salary bill of the Nasarawa State Public Service has shot up astronomically above N2billion.

This has, no doubt, added to the plethora of challenges that we face in our development endeavour”.

By Donatus Nadi, Lafia

short news NEMA Donates Relief Materials To Fire, Rainstorm Victims In Kogi The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has donated relief materials to victims of rainstorm and fire disasters in Kogi State.

Executive secretary of Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA), Mrs Alice Ogedengbe, who disclosed this to newsmen yesterday in Lokoja, said the donation followed an assessment of damages done to the victims of the disasters by NEMA officials in May this year.

According to her, items donated include bundles of roofing sheets, bags of rice, plastic buckets, cups, plates, blankets, clothes, mosquito nets, cartons of soap, detergent, bags of nails, tin tomatoes and mattresses.

By Sam Egwu, Lokoja

L-R: Chairman, Mangu Local Government Area, Mr Caleb Mutfwang, Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr Idi Waziri and representative of Minister of Water Resources, Mr Moyi Kabir, going through a document during inspection of Gindiri Dam in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN.

Saraki Lauds APC Chieftains For Distributing Ramadan Gifts

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

The senator representing Kwara Central at the National Assembly, Dr Bukola Saraki has praised chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State for assisting the less privileged through the distribution of grains and other items as Ramadan gifts.

Saraki particularly applauded the organisational ability exhibited so far by those in charge of distributing the Ramadan items to members of the public in Ilorin Emirate.

The politician in a statement by his media aide, Bamikole Omisore admonished those charged with the responsibility of distributing

the food items to ensure that the items get to the targeted beneficiaries.

Saraki who quoted the saying of the prophet of Islam on the importance of alms giving, especially during the month of Ramadan charged privileged Nigerians to emulate the lifestyle of the prophet by assisting the needy with food items and other materials that could make the observance of Ramadan fasting easy for them.

“This is the month of charity in which believers’ sustenance is increased. Whosoever feeds a fasting person or gives a fasting person a sip of water to break the fast, for him there shall be forgiveness of his sins and he will be

saved from the fire of hell, and for him shall be the same reward as for him (whom he fed),” he quoted the holy Prophet to have said.

He further advised Kwarans and indeed Nigerians to consider the numerous blessings in this holy month by praying for peace and restoration of the country.

On the new modality he adopted in distributing Ramadan gifts to Kwarans this year, Saraki said “leadership is about dynamism, responsibility and organisation; I have directed the items to be distributed to over 800 units, which means the food items and other materials can easily be accessed by those in the grassroots without having to go through stress.”

Niger To Recruit 4000 Teachers To Boost Free Education

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

Niger State government is to recruit 4,000 additional teachers to boost its free education programme in the rural areas and nomadic education in the state.

The governor, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, represented by the commissioner for education, Alhaji Danladi Abdulhammeed

Umar, disclosed this yesterday while declaring open a capacity building workshop for nomadic school teachers in the North Central Zone.

The governor said at the workshop organised by the National Commission for Nomadic Education (NCNE) in collaboration with National Teachers Institute in Minna yesterday, that

the state would remain committed to education and literacy for all in the state.

He stated that the teachers posted to rural areas in the state would be given special allowances to serve as an encouragement for them to stay in the rural areas, adding that there are no fewer than 274 nomadic schools in the state.

Kogi ALGON Boss Debunks Fraud Allegation By sam egwu, Lokoja

The chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kogi State chapter, Aloysius Okino has described as false and malicious a publication in a national daily that there was massive fraud in the local councils in Kogi State.

A statement signed by the special adviser, media and strategy to ALGON, Ibrahim Obansa, said that the hatchet job of the

reporters has no value other than the sensation it has created, adding that the report is nothing but a figment of the imagination that has been presented as facts.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the crisis in the payment of salaries in the local government councils pre-dates the current state and local government administrations in the state,” he said, stressing that the issue is an inherited problem which the governor, Capt. Idris Wada, has

been tackling frontally with the active involvement of the council chairmen.

He said that the imaginary people, Isaac Ibe and Mallam Hassan Otse which the reporters presented as staff of Igalamela/Odolu and Ijumu local government areas respectively, are nothing but ghost names, not known to the councils, saying that the names were merely invented to buttress concocted lies and evidence.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

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Tuesday, July 8, 2014

NEWS/BUSINESS 15

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

business news

NSE Opens On Bearish Note

BY Olushola Bello, Lagos

Equity transactions on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) opened for the week yesterday in a downward trend as the market indices decreased by 0.64 per cent.

The market capitalisation depreciated by N90 billion to close at N14.119 trillion when compared with the N14.209 trillion posted on Friday. Equally,

the All-Share Index decreased by 273.79 basis points or 0.64 per cent to close at 42,758.02, against the 43,031.81 achieved on Friday.

Nestle led the gainers’ table

by N10 to close at N1,100 per share. Guinness followed with a N1.77 gain to close at N196, while Nigerian Breweries and CAP appreciated by 50 kobo each to close at N174 and N39 per share respectively. Transcorp gained 26

kobo to close at N5.50 per share.

On the other hand, Seplat topped the losers’ chart by N18 to close at N702 per share. Dangote Cement trailed with a loss of N5 to close at N245, while UACN dropped N3.63 to close at N62.37 per share.

Forte Oil dropped N2.08 to close at N198 while Unilever lost N1.99 to close at N53.01 per share.

FG Partners IAEA On Nuclear Technology In Food and Agriculture

By Ruth Tene Natsa, Abuja

The federal government through the ministry of agriculture and rural development has revealed its readiness to partner with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to transfer the application of nuclear technology in food and agriculture.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development , Dr Akinwumi Adeshina, dropped this hint yesterday in Abuja when he received in audience, a delegation from the IAEA led by its deputy director-general, Dr Kwaku Aning, and the executive chairman/chief executive

officer of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission(NAEC), Dr Franklin Erepamo.

Akinwumi said the federal government wants to collaborate with the IAEA in the areas of institutional capacity building, technical training assistance particularly on fisheries and marine technology as well as research and development, and collaboration through fellowship and grants.

“Nigeria must look for ways to raise productivity, ensure environmental sustainability and human health and must not be afraid of technology as it is the only way to open up opportunities,” he said.

CBN Extends BDCs’ Recapitalisation Deadline to July 31

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos

Following outcries by bureau de change operators in the country on the short period given for recapitalisation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) last night extended the deadline to July 31, 2014, from the initial July 15 date.

The CBN had on June 23, 2014 raised the capita base for bureaux de change from N10 million to N35 million and also raised the mandatory cautionary deposit to N35 million, giving the operators 21 days to comply or have their licenses revoked.

The CBN in a letter signed by the director, Financial Policy and Regulation department, Kevin Amugo said “Further to our Circular ref: FPRD/ DIR/GEN/CIR/01/009 of June 23, 2014 on “New Requirements for the Operation of Bureau De Change in Nigeria”, the Central Bank of Nigeria, based on representations from stakeholders, clarifies as follows: Deadline for compliance with the New Licensing Requirements has been extended to July 31, 2014; ii. Interest will be paid on the mandatory cautionary deposit of N35 million, based on banking industry savings account rate; iii. The Central Bank of Nigeria, on the expiration of the deadline of July 31, 2014, will cease to fund any Bureau De Change that fails to comply with the new requirements; and iv. Only Bureaux De Change that meet the new requirements will qualify to be engaged as Agent by the licensed International Money Transfer Operators for inward and outward money transfer business in Nigeria.

“Meanwhile, all BDCs that paid the mandatory caution deposit of N500,000.00 to the CBN prior to 2009, are advised to apply for their refund.” The letter read.

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/business

L-R: President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Mr Chidi Ajaegbu, Auditor General of the Federation Mr Samuel Ukura and ICAN Council Member, Dr Etofolam Osuji, during a courtesy visit of ICAN President to the auditor general of the federation in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

N4.6trn 2014 Budget: Reps Probe MDAs

By Edegbe Odemwingie, Abuja

In a bid to ensure full implementation of the N4.6 trillion 2014 budget, the House of Representatives have directed all federal government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to submit details of their respective mid-year budget implementation.

The directive was reportedly communicated to the 89 standing committees from the House leadership.

In line with the directive, the standing committees have written MDAs they oversee to submit details of monies released by the Ministry of Finance and Budget Office with a view to ascertain cashbacked releases for the implementation of

capital projects and personnel and overheads components of the 2014 national budget on or before July16, 2014.

Details of the N4.695 trillion approved in the 2014 Appropriation Act showed that the sum of N408.687 billion was for statutory transfers; N712 billion was for debt servicing; N2.454 trillion was for recurrent expenditure while N1.119 trillion was earmarked for capital expenditure.

The chairman, House Committee on Health, Ndudi Elumelu, in one of the letters (NASS/7HR/CT.42/005) titled “Request for information on releases of funds from the Federal Ministry of Finance from January 1 to June 30, 2014,” dated June 30, 2014, to the minister of health,

Onyebuchi Chukwu, requested details of monies released so far for the implementation of capital, personnel and overheads components of the budget.

Elumelu also directed the health minister to provide evidence on details of expenditure of his ministry and various departments and agencies, including the Federal Medical Centres (FMCs) for the period under review on or before July 16, 2014.

A member of the House Committee on Appropriation and Finance, Abdulraham Terab, confirmed yesterday that the House has concluded arrangement to ascertain the level of compliance with the 2014 budget.

Jonathan Orders Construction Of 2nd Abuja Runway

BY NSE ANTHONY-UKO, Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan has directed that the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Bala Mohammed, coordinating minster of the economy, Ngozi OkonjoIweala, and supervising minister of aviation to meet immediately to ensure that the second runway project for the Abuja airport commences next year.

Declaring open the World Pension Summit, Africa Special, yesterday in

Abuja, the president apologised to guests who arrived for the summit over the weekend and had to land at other airports because of the temporary closure of the Abuja airport which was closed from Saturday night to Sunday morning to allow for repairs on the only runway.

The Nigerian aviation authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), had explained that the closure was to allow the repair of pot holes on the runway.

Only last year, the Abuja airport

was shut for about 18 hours after a Saudi B747 cargo aircraft veered off the runway while landing and ran into the maintenance area. This incident had elicited calls for the construction of a second runway for the Abuja airport, Nigeria’s second busiest, in order to forestall a recurrence.

According to statistics from the FAAN, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, is the nation’s second busiest after the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

16 NEWS/BUSINESS

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

BUA, Ibeto, Dangote Pledge Commitment To Producing 42.5 Cement Grade

By Kingsley Alu, Abuja

Major cement manufacturers have pledged their commitment to align with the House Representatives position that the 42.5mpa cement grade should be the minimum standard of quality that should be produced in the country, while all expired ones be withdrawn forthwith from the market. Already, cement manufacturing companies such as Bua, Ibeto and Dangote said long before the quality review by the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) which pegged the 42.5 grade as being for general purpose use, that they have been producing the quality grade and nursed no intention to produce lower quality cement.

It would be recalled that Hon Dogara’s ad-hoc committee on cement composition and pigmentation had after a public hearing from stakeholders submitted its report to the House of Representatives, in which it asked the SON to commence implementation of its cement standardisation and that manufacturers should retool their machineries for the

production of the higher grade of cement.

Its recommendation according to the report was based on the fact that if offered the chance of choosing between 32.5 and 42.5 grades of cement, consumers would choose the 42.5 higher grade and that because those employed for building structures are mostly nonprofessionals, it would be in the national interest to adopt a cement grade that is less susceptible to wrong application.

Also the committee submitted that any cement manufacturer or distributor implicated in the sale of expired cement must be maximally sanctioned to ensure that sanity prevails in the nation’s cement manufacturing and construction industry.

Chairman of Bua Cement, Abdulsamad Rabiu, said after a meeting in Lagos that what the House of Reps has done was a patriotic one that should be supported by all manufacturers with the safety and well-being of the people at heart.

Wema Bank Secures $50m Credit To Boost SMEs

By Chima Akwaja, Lagos

Wema Bank Plc said it has secured over $50 million credit from various foreign correspondent banks and development finance institutions to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) amongst others in Nigeria.

The bank which has been on a strong growth path to recovery said the foreign direct investment (FDI) exceeded the $20 million it had initially looked forward to receiving for its trade lines of credit from foreign correspondent banks.

GSMA Urges CBN To Transfer Mobile Money Scheme To Telcos

By Chima Akwaja, Lagos

The global trade body of mobile operators, the Global System for Mobile Communication Association (GSMA), has called on Nigeria’s regulatory authorities, especially the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to allow mobile telecommunications service providers to fully implement mobile money in Nigeria in order to reach the large number of unbanked populations in the country.

The GSMA in its

June 2014, Mobile for Development (M4D) report on Nigeria’s mobile market said major growth of mobile money services has thus far been largely outside West Africa in general, in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, where operators have used extensive distribution networks and brand to grow scale and catalyse development of other sectors through payments, transfers and insurance.

It noted that the inability of Nigeria’s

regulatory authorities to allow telecom operators implement mobile money is slowing the rate of acceptance of the scheme. “We think there is a strong case for permitting operators to operate mobile money services in Nigeria. More widely, a facilitating regulatory environment can help unlock successful services in other M4D sectors closely aligned with economic growth and social improvement (Sri Lanka is a good example), for which Nigeria is a prime candidate,” it said.

Minister Wants More Attention On Minerals Sector

By Ruth Tene Natsa, Abuja with Agency Report

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Musa Mohammed Sada, has called on the Government to pay more attention to the solid minerals sector as it needs to find space in the nation’s new development plan.

“Government is launching an industrial revolution plan that relies on creating value chain and there is no sector that creates more value chain than the minerals sector,” Sada said when he spoke at the “Mining on Top” event which held on June 26, 2014 in London.

Speaking on the challenges facing the sector ,the minister said it was primarily in the area of policy.

“The first key challenge is around the area of policy, it is very important that government takes a stand.

The current government has taken a decision to diversify the economy of the country and pay a little more attention to minerals sector. As witnessed in current global trends, mining is now wholly a private affair. However, if you want to bring in the private sector you have to be sure of what you are presenting to them. There is

a lot of work that the sector should do in generating the operating, legal, technical and institutional framework.

“Currently, to ensure that these frameworks are in place and institutionalised, the ministry is taking a lot of time to implement them with the hope of developing a fully functional system,” he said adding that, “The major immediate challenge now is to convince investors to come and invest in the sector.

“However this does not only rely on the sector itself but the general investment environment of the country is important.

A statement from Wema Bank said through this development, the bank has reaffirmed its capacity to handle large international trade transactions, provide necessary finance and support for SMEs whilst also underscoring the confidence of foreign financial institutions in the bank’s risk management systems.

In a previous statement, Wema Bank said that it remained committed to providing the valueadding financial support to various sectors of the Nigerian economy especially as it relates to SMEs. Wema Bank’s recent return to profitability

has been hailed as outstanding by industry watchers and investors given the challenges faced before the new management came on board.

However, the management’s commitment to the transformation process it put in place has been hugely successful and has seen it return to profitability within 4 years, whilst also instituting sound corporate governance and risk management frameworks in the process. Established in 1945, Wema Bank offers various international trade and treasury services to its customers.

L-R: Acting Director-General of the pension commission, Ms Chinelo AnohuAmazu , Mr Wale Kolawole and Managing Director First Pension Custodian Limited, Kunle Jinadu during the World Pension Summit Africa Special in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO

BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

FG Target $100bn Pension Assets By 2034,

BY NSE ANTHONY-UKO, Abuja

The federal government, yesterday, said it is targeting to see pension assets growth to about $100 billion in the next two decades, which would represent about 75 per cent over the $27 billion garnered in the last 10 years since the passage of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) in 2004.

President Goodluck Jonathan, while declaring open the inaugural World Pension Summit, Africa Special, in Abuja, yesterday, noted that pension assets rose from the deficit of about N2 trillion (about $12.9 billion) in 2004 to accumulated pension assets of over N4.21 trillion (about $27.2 billion), by March this year.

He agreed with the coordinating minister of the economy and minister of finance, Ngozi OkonjoIweala, that Nigeria’s pension assets may grow to $100 billion in the next 20 years.

“Within 10 years of sustained policy

innovation and meticulous management, we have facilitated confidence and credibility in our pension system and administration. We have also strengthened our pension institution from the deficit of about N2 trillion then, that is about $12.9 billion in 2004, to accumulated pension assets of over N4.21 trillion, that is about $27.2 billion by March this year.

Speaking earlier, Okonjo-Iweala called on the private sector to increase its participation in the contributory pension scheme (CPS) by enrolling its workforce.

She decried that while the ratio of pension assets to gross domestic product (GDP) for most developed economies were very high, Nigeria’s and those of most African were quite insignificant.

“With over $70 trillion in assets in 2013, institutional investors like the pension funds have the muscles to invest in real productive assets and drive growth.

In the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

region, total pension assets were on average 67.1 per cent of GDP in 2009.

“The growth in value of pension funds has been phenomenal in countries like the Netherlands, United Kingdom and the United States where pension asset amounted to 155.4 per cent, 104 per cent and 74.5 per cent of their 2012 GDP.” In Africa, the story is not quite the same. While a few countries like South Africa and Namibia had pension assets to the tune of 78.19 per cent of GDP in 2012, many African countries are not quite in the same league.

In Nigeria, the value of pension assets grew from about $4 billion in 2007 to $25 billion now, which is the equivalent of 9.7 per cent of our old GDP and five per cent of our newly rebased GDP. We are positioned to do more with the drive by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) to expand the contributory base. I expect that two decades from now, Nigeria’s pension assets will be more than $100 billion in value.

AVIATION/BUSINESS 17

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Implementing Aviation Roadmap

BY NKEM OSUAGWU, Lagos

Despite fears by aviation stakeholders that the remodelling of airport’s projects may have been jettisoned by the federal government, the supervising minister of aviation, Mr Samuel Ortom, has assured that the aviation master plan is being executed according to plan.

“The projects under the aviation roadmap as approved by the federal executive council (FEC) are being implemented,” he reiterated.

This is coming following fears that the project might have been abandoned due to paucity of funds as contractors have pulled out of sites because the government has been unable to meet up with payments for works done, resulting in the inability of the

ministry to deliver some of the remodelled projects as scheduled.

Ortom, dispelling fears by stakeholders, said in executing the project, the Ministry of Aviation would have to prioritise the projects based on the budgetary allocations, even as he stressed that the allocation might not be enough to complete the projects. On the debt incurred in executing the projects, Ortom said they should not be regarded as bad debt because they are tied to projects.

“The N174 billion debt is not a bad debt and as it is tied down to projects.”

Some of the projects include the establishment of perishable cargo terminals at Abuja, Akure, Calabar, Ilorin, Jalingo, Jos, Kano, Lagos, Makurdi, Minna, Owerri, Port Harcourt and Uyo airports, as well

as the aerotroplis projects which would encourage the processing and value addition to agricultural products and processes, and promote business clusters around the airports respectively.

The argument going for perishable cargo terminals is that though Nigeria is rich in agricultural resources, it cannot be found on the map of agricultural product exporting countries and consequently its farmers do not have the advantage of earning from the over N250 billion annual air freight export market from Africa.

The incorporation of perishable cargo terminals in the aviation road map, according to aviation watchers, would transform the aviation sector into a major revenue earner for the country in addition

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to improving the fortunes of local farmers and curtailing the rural-urban migration since agriculture could employ a significant number of youths who throng to the cities in search of the elusive white-collar jobs.

Government also believes that the aviation industry has the potential to boost the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) from services besides oil and gas and that exporting agricultural products through the airports would bring about the growth and development of the society as well as provide a platform for farmers in the states and the neighbouring communities to live a good life beyond mere survival or subsistent existence.

The minister underscored this fact recently during his tour of the Makurdi Airport where he stated that government sited the biggest perishable cargo terminal at the airport because of the huge farming capability of Benue State, which earned the state the nickname, ‘Food Basket of Nigeria.’

It is also a fact that the country records high volumes of waste in farm produce annually, hence the construction of a large facility that would provide opportunities for the farmers to access ready markets in Nigeria and abroad.

Ortom said when the facility becomes operational, local farmers in the state and neighbouring ones would be better empowered as they would be able to sell their products in foreign currencies.

“The perishable cargo market in Africa is in excess of N250 billion annually and Nigeria is an insignificant player in the market.

Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, among others, form major beneficiaries. The perishable cargo programme is expected to bring about a bottom-up growth and development of the Nigerian society. It will also provide a platform for farmers in the state and the neighbouring communities to export their commodities and earn more income to improve their living conditions,” The perishable cargo terminal in Makurdi will serve Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, some parts of Cross River, Enugu and Taraba states.

Benue State is considered the food basket of Nigeria because of its agricultural capability, producing items ranging from oranges, mangoes, yams, cassavas, rice, vegetables, sesame seeds, millet, maize, guinea corn, etc. But much of what the farmers produce is grossly under-priced as a result of lack of local capacity to absorb the huge harvests annually,” he said.

18

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Aviation/BUSINESS 19

Travel Essay Informs Youths About Opportunities In Aviation The president of Aviation Round Table (ART), Captain Dele Ore, has described the National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC 2013/14) and 4th Youth Empowerment Seminar (YES) as veritable platforms to sensitise and enlighten the youths about opportunities in the air transport industry.

He said this at the grand finale of the 5th NTEC 2013/14 and the 4th YES seminar held recently at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Headquarters Annex, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

This year’s event had as its theme, “Finding Your Place in A Vibrant Air Transport Industry”.

In his paper entitled, “Sensitising the Youths in Aviation Careers,” the veteran pilot noted that over the years the NTEC and YES have been veritable platforms to sensitise and enlighten the youths about opportunities in the air transport industry as well as encourage them to follow a career in the sector. He itemised the various careers that can be taken advantage of as well as the required qualifications.

Earlier in his welcome address, the founder and coordinator of the NTEC, Mr Ewos Iroro, informed that in the past five years, the contest has gradually gained acceptance among secondary schools in the country and has come of age. He, however, noted that in spite of the giant strides that have so far been made, a lot still needs to be done to sensitise youths, and indeed the public, about the air transport industry and its potential to transform the fortunes of

the nation and called on the private sector and well meaning organisations to identify with the initiative.

This year’s competition witnessed not only the secondary schools category but also saw the launch of the tertiary institutions category. The topic of discussion chosen for the secondary schools was: “Helicopters: How Important To Our Daily Life and Economy? while that of the tertiary institutions was “Safety Versus Profit In Airline Operations: Which Comes First?”

This year’s contest was supported by Bristow Helicopters as title sponsors in conjunction with the organisers. Hence, the contest was renamed “The 5th Bristow Helicopters/Travel and Business News NTEC 2013/14).”

A total of 50 secondary schools were invited to take part in the competition with an average of two students taking part from each school. Of this number, the top 10 students with performances ranging from 72 per cent - 96 per cent were invited to the grand finale to compete for the top prizes.

At the end of the keenly contested oral assessment in defense of their written works, the top three winners emerged as follows: Karimat Sowemimo of the MMA Secondary School (MMASS), Tolulope Ogunkoya of International School (Unilag) Lagos, and Divine Nwachi, also of MMASS in first, second and third places.

Karimat Sowemimo went home with N100,000 cash and a free ticket to any destination of her choice including Cairo, Dubai or London courtesy of Egypt Air.

20 BUSINESS/CUSTOMS

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Assessing Dikko’s Performance As WCO West/Central Africa Vice Chair The comptroller-general of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Abdullahi Dikko, was barely six months old in office as the comptroller-general when he was elected in March 2010 as the vice chair for the West and Central African region of the World Customs Organisation (WCO).

The position is one that comes with great responsibility given that there are 23 customs administrations in the region which automatically fell under Dikko’s leadership. All these customs administrations have their unique challenges and considering the fact the Dikko was new to the office of the comptroller-general, many expected that he would perform poorly.

On the contrary, however, Dikko’s tenure as the vice chair of the WCO/WCA has been characterised by remarkable successes and fulfilment which came to a glorious end recently at the headquarters of the WCO in Brussels, Belgium, where he handed over the leadership of the region to Cameroon after serving two terms of two years each.

To succeed in the position, Dikko’s strategy was to prioritise leadership to become all-inclusive, promote wider participation among members in the sub-region and draw attention to capacity gaps which existed in the region’s customs administrations.

It was based on his impressive first tenure of two years in office that the directors-general of customs administrations in West and Central African region reelected Dikko as the vice chair for a second term of two years which ended recently.

Dikko was returned unopposed at the end of the regional conference which was held in Cotonou, the capital of Benin Republic, in March 2012.

Announcing the decision of the directors-general taken

during a closed session of the conference, the directorgeneral of Cameroon Customs, Mrs Libomli Minette, informed delegates that Dikko’s impressive performance during his first term in office and the remarkable performance of the regional structures informed the decision to give him a second term.

While accepting the mandate and expressing his gratitude to his colleagues for the opportunity to serve, Dikko promised to continue offering visionary leadership to the region. He enumerated a number of challenges faced by customs administrations in Africa and called for a concerted action to tackle them. According to him, in addition to economic issues, customs administrations in the sub region must now accord priority attention to regional security concerns.

As at 2010 when he was elected to the office in the region, less than half of the 23 customs administrations in the region could participate in regional meetings and programmes. However, at the time of his handing over four years later, the region had achieved full participation from all members based on the support and assistance offered the weaker administrations.

This was a critical achievement in view of the fact that customs operations is that of interconnectivity as well as sharing of intelligence and data on new ways to ensure trade facilitation while also preventing the smuggling of illicit and dangerous materials and securing the borders. Consequently, the success story of one customs administration in the region would be meaningless in the midst of other weaklinks within the region. It is imperative that everyone is up to date with necessary information.

It was against this

customs focus

By JULIET ALOHAN

background, that the region, under Dikko’s tenure, committed various forms of assistance to eight customs administrations which were seriously in need of various forms of assistance programmes.

The assistance was in the areas of improvement of relationship with regional economic groups, improvement of visibility of activities and operations of member administrations Dikko and systematic capacity building strategy.

In this light, having realised the low level of communication between customs administrations of the region and the regional economic groups such as the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) and West African Economic and Monetary Union (also known UEMOA), the vice chair reached out to the regional bodies to promote the activities of the customs and enhance communication.

The vice chair further facilitated the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the WCO secretariat and ECOWAS on the one hand, and the UEMOA and WCO secretariat on the other with a view to improving the relationship between customs administrations in the region and regional economic groups.

Furthermore, opportunities

were given to customs administrations to host regional meetings and events of the WCO in order to raise awareness of customs activities in their countries.

Also, through the strong support of the regional office for capacity building being hosted by the customs administration of Cote d’Ivoire in Abidjan, Dikko initiated the regional administrative assistance programme known as the regional coaching programme.

During his tenure, the region supported Sao Tome and Principe to participate in WCO activities, and supported Guinea Bissau, which was the newest member from the region, to pay its annual subscription to the WCO for 2012 and 2013.

The administration was also supported to participate in WCO activities while

interpreters where sponsored to regional meetings hosted in the country.

Other support given in terms of material donations include the donation of 10 Hilux vans and fully equipped ambulance to the Republic of Niger, donation of another four Hilux vans and 10 motorcycle units to the Central African Republic.

Liberia and Sierra Leone were also supported with computer sets, photocopiers, printers, scanners office furniture and one unit Hilux van each, while Gambia’s Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) system was supported to the tune of $100,000.

During the period, various forms of support were also given to the customs administration of the Republic of Chad and Republic of Benin while the regional office for capacity building was also not left out within the period.

The director was sponsored to the WCO Council Session in 2013 and 2014 and also to the Piccard conference in Marrakesh, Morocco, in 2013.

The contribution of the vice chair towards the regional capacity building plans, the successful signing of the MoU with the West African Regional Economic Bloc, ECOWAS and bilateral assistance programme between Nigeria and Sierra Leone were some of the highlights of Dikko’s teneure that will continue to ring a bell.

Other strategic issues such as the focus areas of capacity building and the regional structure as well as its funding and the regional coaching programme implemented by the Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB) for sharing best practices in customs reform in the region which were achieved during Dikko’s tenure will also be written in gold in the history of the region.

FG Assures Investors Of Better Trading Environment Nigerian traders have been assured of better trading processes through plans put in place by the federal government to create a more conducive environment for investment opportunities.

This assurance was given by the minister of trade and investment, Mr Olusegun Aganga, while giving a keynote address on Nigeria’s investment climate at a

trade facilitation/policy briefing with African businessmen in London recently.

The minister who spoke extensively on the low level of involvement of Africa in global trade expressed optimism that the situation is fast changing due to the introduction of some strategies by the government to make the country more competitive in global trade.

“Nigeria is going for higher levels of intra-African trade and will ensure that the African economy block remains strong, relevant and modernised to meet the needs of our people. Domestic trade is important to us and as such, we must focus on it as we also focus on regional trade,” he said.

Speaking further, Aganga said, “Nigeria boasts of becoming the

third largest nation in the world after India and China and that tells us the direction the market is going. With a consumer market of roughly 400 billion by 2013, everyone wants to be a Nigerian as there is money to be made in the country.

“Domestic policy is critical and in order to optimise and benefit from the domestic and regional trade strategy, Nigeria

has taken decisions to invest in infrastructure, technology and processes.”

Commending the efforts of the comptroller-general of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Dikko Inde Abdullahi, for taking the lead in implementing trade facilitation agreements, the minister lauded the service for innovative thinking and investments made in facilitating trade.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

2013

The Year Of Greatest Number Of Identity Breaches

552m

E-BUSINESS/BUSINESS 21 The total number of breaches in the year 2013

ATTACKS ON FACEBOOK USERS The total number of breaches in 2013 was 2013 81%

56%

2012

HACKED

Hacking continued to be the primary cause of data breaches accounting for

34%

of data breaches in 2013

62% greater than 2012.

Also larger than the

208

The number of spear-phishing campaigns themselves saw a dramatic 91 per cent rise in 2013

breaches in 2011

INFOGRAPHICS BY Matthew Akhabue

ITU, Operators Baffled Over Breach Of 552m Identities Online STORIES BY CHIMA AKWAJA, Lagos

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has called for greater vigilance among telecom subscribers and internet users following the revelation that 552 million identities were breached in 2013, putting consumer’s credit card information – birth dates, government identity (ID) numbers, home addresses, medical records, phone numbers, financial information, email addresses, login, passwords and other personal information – into the criminal underground.

Two separate cybersecurity reports, ‘Internet Security Threat Report 2014’ by Symantec Inc. and ‘Blurring Boundaries: Trend Micro Security Predictions for 2014 and Beyond’ by Trend Micro in partnership with the ITU obtained

by LEADERSHIP, revealed strategies of hackers who launch millions of attacks on hapless internet users on

a daily basis.

According to Symantec, the total number of breaches in 2013 was 62 per cent greater than in 2012 with 253 total breaches and also larger than the 208 breaches in 2011.

Eight of the breaches in 2013 exposed more than 10 million identities each. In 2012, only one breach exposed over 10 million identities. In 2011, only five were of that size.

While targeted attacks continue to rise, Symantec observed an interesting evolution in these attacks.

It said attackers added wateringhole attacks to their arsenal. While the total number of emails used per campaign has decreased and the number of those targeted has also decreased, the number of spearphishing campaigns themselves saw a dramatic 91 per cent rise in 2013.

The secretary-general of the ITU, Hamadoun Toure, said, “The loss of cyber trust on networks and confidence undermines the benefits

of information and communications technology (ICT) as an enabler of global social and economic development.

A crucial element in effectively countering cyber threats is having the right information at the right time.

This is achieved through specialisation of cybersecurity activities coupled with efficient information sharing.

“This report provides a solid analysis of the current cyber threat landscape and predicts the future cyber attack trends for year 2014 and beyond. I believe that it will enhance awareness and provide vital information to ITU-member states with regard to existing and emerging cyber threats as well as guide them through their cybersecurity building and threat mitigation efforts.”

He added that having a good grasp of the current cyber threat landscape is important but having an appreciation of what lies ahead brings added value and enables ITU-member states to be better prepared in their journey in cyberspace.

E-BUSINESS REPORTS

MTN, Entrepreneurs Identify Bane Of SMEs In Nigeria MTN Nigeria and over 300 young business owners have identified lack of capital and lack of information as major hindrances to the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, noting that information is key to survival in today’s business environment.

This was revealed at the MTN Link Forum, a platform designed to create an avenue for young entrepreneurs to learn from the experience of successful business men so that they can make informed decisions as they set out to establish and grow their businesses Notable business icons such as the chief executive officer (CEO), Quatum Business School, Port Harcourt, Mr Victor Itayo; the CEO, Swanu Creation, Mrs Chinwe Endora and the managing director (MD), Jumia Nigeria, Mr Jonathan Doerr, explained in practical terms, the various strategies and winning principles for growing a successful SMEs and converting them into global businesses.

Samsung Excites Customers With Galaxy K Zoom Smartphone Samsung Electronics West Africa has unveiled its new Galaxy K Zoom smartphone, a revolutionary product that delivers on the company’s mission to create a single device that fulfills the role of both an industry-leading smartphone and a highend smart camera.

Boasting the very latest Android operating system, alongside a large and vivid 4.8” high-definition super AMOLED screen, the smartphone has an advanced camera system that offers consumers the control and functionality of a professional camera.

The device features a 20.7 megapixel sensor which is capable of capturing high-quality images with sharp, life-like colours that are clear in all lighting conditions.

It also comes equipped with an Optical Image Stabiliser (OIS) which reduces blurring caused by movement during photography, a 10x optical zoom and a new retracting lens technology. Its quality optics and precise zoom ring adjustments lets users create professional quality visual content with every shot. It integrates advanced camera usability features and functions, including Auto Focus and Auto Exposure Separation, which ensures a precise balance of light and clarity, and a Selfie Alarm that allows users to take perfectly timed selfies with ease.

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22 Features

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

By EZRA IJIOMA

Including young people at every stage of the design, implementation, and monitoring of programmes would ensure that interventions have greater legitimacy and ownership, encourage active participation in society, and help mitigate frustration, apathy and social exclusion

The theme of the just-concluded World Economic Forum on Africa (WEFA) held in Abuja was ‘Forging Inclusive Growth, Creating Jobs’.

It was recognised that though Africa is experiencing profound economic growth, many Africans were not enjoying the benefits of the growth. Nigeria, with an economic growth rate of 7.2 per cent in 2013, has been the poster boy of Africa’s renaissance but most Nigerians cannot identify with that growth. According to a 2013 World Bank report on Nigeria, the country is displaying ‘a puzzling contrast between rapid economic growth and quite minimal welfare improvements for much of the population’.

Youth unemployment has been called a ‘time bomb’ that leaves Nigeria sitting on a ‘keg of gun powder’. Social studies analysts point to a correlation between youth unemployment and increasing violence in a society. The Rivers State ministry of youth development in one of its studies on youth restiveness said, “The long neglect of the youth development sector has resulted in youth restiveness , militancy, unemployment etc and if not properly addressed may lead to national insecurity and chaos hence the need for a comprehensive plan and programmes for youth development.” Though youth unemployment does not directly cause violence, logically it is easier to recruit unemployed youths than employed youths into violent conflicts and associated criminalities. It is estimated that Nigeria needs 4.5 million new jobs yearly to gainfully engage its youthful population that grows at 3.5 per cent annually. This has led the federal and state governments to design and implement various youth empowerment and employment programmes over the years.

These programmes captured under different names range from skills acquisition, business start-ups, soft loans, constituency projects, vocational trainings, scholarships and many others, have not actually empowered or gainfully employed the youths given the rising wave of violence and criminalities in the country. There is a ministry of youth at the federal level and in all states and billions of naira are sunk into youth projects yearly.

However, a recent report has shown that governments’ youth employment and empowerment programmes, though well-intentioned, have not actually translated to real gains and enhanced security in Nigeria.

The report Winners or Losers: Assessing the Contribution of Youth Employment and Empowerment Programmes to Reducing Conflicts in Nigeria commissioned by Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP) and funded by UK Department for International Development (DFID) surveyed youth’s perception of such programmes and found out some key perceptions; that 79 per cent of the youth population perceive that only those close to pol-

L-R: Director General, National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Dr. Shuaibu Mohammed Ada; Programme Manager, Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP), Dr Ukoha Ukiwo; Director, MacArthur Foundation, Dr Kole Shettima; Head, Economic Programmes, UK Department for International Development (DFID), Mr Simon Kenny, and Lead Researcher and Consultant, NSRP, Mrs Jessica Banfield, at the launch of the research report on youth employment and empowerment programmes tagged, Winners or Losers? Assessing the contributions of youth employment and empowerment programmes in reducing conflict risk in Nigeria in Abuja recently.

Interpreting Youth Employment And Empowerment Programmes In Nigeria iticians are selected for such programmes, 64 per cent of female youth are discriminated against, 26 per cent said the programmes had contributed to reducing youth employment and only 39 per cent agreed that government publishes information on the selection process for such programmes.

The study, which had Jessica Banfield (International Alert Associate) as the lead author, also identified some challenges and shortcomings of these programmes at the federal level and Rivers, Kano, and Borno States. Some of the shortcomings of the study were inconsistent quality of programme design, outreach and delivery; weak systems for monitoring and evaluation across the spectrum of programmes; corruption and misuse of programmes funds; a culture of limited consultation with the youth; politicisation of youth employment and empowerment programmes; lack of research of gender composition resulting in lack of gender analysis and responsiveness, and lack of conflict-sensitivity.

The study examined major youth empowerment programmes designed to tackle unemployment like Subsidy Re-Investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YouWIN), Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO) and other youth programmes captured within the agriculture transformation agenda of the federal government and sampled some other youth empowerment and employment programmes in the selected states.

The report of the research launched in Abuja on Thursday, June 26, showed that youth employment and empowerment programmes have an important role to play in reducing violent conflict if properly designed and administered. Most of these programmes are viewed with scepticism because of unfairness in distribut-

ing the opportunities and lack of consultation with the youth. One of the youths in Borno State interviewed during the research was quoted as saying, “The introduction of Keke-NAPEP by the Borno state government was delayed even when it was finally brought in: corruption, favouritism and marginalisation marred the distribution process as only youths close to ‘godfathers’ got it.” Also, a participant in Rivers State said, “In my LGA [local government area] as I know very well, the chairman usually calls some of his executive members to say ‘this is what is on ground’, and asks them to bring names of the people that they want to be empowered. That was how one of my uncles, an account manager in the council, fixed my brother. So it is not open: rather, it is a man-know-man affair.”

In the worst case scenario, the report said that these programmes only “exacerbate a sense of exclusion and frustration” as opportunities are seen to be unfairly distributed and “beyond the reach” of the youths. As a result, this can only encourage violent acts to protest the injustice and unfairness.

In designing many of the programmes, especially in the technical and vocational educational training, the policymakers failed to carry out market assessments that would enhance relevance and marketability of the trainings. Thus, youths are trained with skills that they cannot sell. Also, there was limited communication between the policymakers and the private sector, as potential employers, in designing and determining courses and training approaches should be prioritised. Even when the youths are trained and empowered, they are not rigorously monitored after graduation and their progress not adequately evaluated. Hence, any mistake in training is simply repeated over and over again. On what should be done, the report recommended, “Including young people at every stage of the design,

implementation, and monitoring of programmes would ensure that interventions have greater legitimacy and ownership, encourage active participation in society, and help mitigate frustration, apathy and social exclusion. It would ensure that policies and practices are more targeted, context-specific and thereby more effective.”

The report also recommended that youth programmes should carry out gender analysis and be gender sensitive as women are largely discriminated in labour issues. It said that more interest in female participation in the programmes would support women in economic activities and also promote their safety while participating in such programmes.

Nigerian youths should be winners in the employment and empowerment programmes but the challenges are making them losers. To ensure that they become winners, government at all levels should ensure better planning and coordination by creating a clear roadmap for all involved in youth programmes to key into. Programmes should also be result-oriented with improved monitoring and evaluation. Fairness, inclusion, transparency and accountability must guide every programme to reduce risk of breeding anger, resentment and even violence over perceived injustice and corruption in administering programmes.

The Special Assistant to the President Goodluck Jonathan on Job Creation, Josephine WashimaAttah, said that the research was timely. “This report could not have come at a better time, a time when the current administration is working to stimulate the necessary sectors to provide the needed economic opportunities for our teeming youths.” Whether the administration will integrate the findings and recommendations in designing and implementing future youth empowerment and employment programmes remains a burden it has bear.

science Tuesday, July 8, 2014

23

130

Since 2006 till date, the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa has considered about 130 projects, submitted by different consultants from different African countries, under the Nigerian Technical Cooperation Fund

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

Researchers at work.

NOTAP Harps On Promotion Of Indigenous Technologies

By Nkechi Isaac, Abuja

NOTAP will look at the Nigerian technologies that can create jobs, improve entrepreneurship, give Nigerians skills and engage Nigerians to create wealth

The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has stressed the need for the promotion of indigenous technologies, insisting it is the panacea for rapid industrialization.

The director-general of the agency, Engr. Umar Bindir stated this in an exclusive chat with LEADERSHIP in Abuja, pointing out that NOTAP was focussing on promoting entrepreneurship from indigenous technologies for rapid industrial and economic development.

This, he said, would further encourage the federal government’s desire of promoting entrepreneurship, job and wealth creation.

He said, “NOTAP will look at the Nigerian technologies that can create jobs, improve

entrepreneurship, give Nigerians skills and engage Nigerians to create wealth. In fact, even when we see foreign technologies that are in line with the values of Nigerian skills and demand, we will invite them.”

He reiterated the agency’s commitment to promotion of indigenous technologies, saying the focus of most of its activities this year was all about jobs, entrepreneurship, skills and wealth creation.

Speaking on the achievements of NOTAP, Bindir said the agency through the promotion of indigenous technologies and transfer of technology had contributed to the development of Nigeria.

He said that his administration had been able to standardise and shorten the time for registering technology transfer agreement in the office from months to 48 hours.

“In 48 hours, the papers should be able to get out of this office, either approved or rejected. We do get some delays sometimes but they are purely problem of industries.

Either they don’t have complete documentation or they did not respond on time, which is not our fault,’’ he explained.

Bindir added that the agency had also developed a data base to measure its performance and the number of agreements received and approved over a specific time.

According to him, “this also helps us to know how much money has been approved for remittance and how much money we have saved the economy by reducing, cutting or not approving documentation.

“This data base is what will set the agenda for Nigeria to know that this is what we are importing, areas we are not good

Engr. Bindir

at and where we need to pump our resources.’’

He said that the agency in the last few years had been able to build synergy among research institutions, professional bodies, academics and industries to ensure technology advancement.

24

24 SCIENCE/news

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

NOTAP Harps On Promotion Of Indigenous Technologies 23

“When I assumed office, there was a wide gap between universities and research institutions to the extent that you cannot pinpoint a technology that has emerged from Nigerian knowledge system.

“Today, I have managed to ensure that many industries are actually using universities and research institutions for certain research.

“We have started the NOTAP-Industry Partnership Programme to narrow the gap between the operating industry and the innovation system of Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, “some industries are actually signing MOU or agreement with some research institutions to take up their technologies to enhance their productivity. Many small and medium enterprise owners

now patronise polytechnics, universities, research institutions for technologies that can help them progress, generate employment and create wealth.’’

Bindir said the agency was also promoting synergy among government agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and

Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), among others.

The NOTAP boss explained that the synergy was being promoted on the basis that their activities affect technology transfer and development.

He said the agency was also making progress in the establishment of Intellectual Property Technology Transfer Offices (IPTTOs) in research and tertiary institutions.

IAEA To Partner NNRA On Manpower Development Nigeria Reactivates Technical Aid Programme With Jamaica

By Edegbe Odemwingie, Abuja

The Department of Technical Aid Corps (TAC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have reactivated the technical aid corps programme between Nigeria and Jamaica after over ten years of its suspension.

The Director-General of the TAC, Dr. Pius Olakunle Osunyikanmi made this disclosure at a meeting between his organisation and the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The chairman of the House Committee, Hon. Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje who recalled the good diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Jamaica, commended the recent transformation at TAC, while reiterating the need to further strengthen the relationship.

She stressed the need for Nigeria and Jamaica to cooperate in the area of petroleum and energy, trade and banking and tourism.

“I must commend the DG of TAC on this landmark achievement in successfully reviving the Technical Aid Programme with Jamaica. This shows that TAC is working and marketing the country abroad,” Elendu-Ukeje further stated.

Earlier, the TAC DG briefed the House Committee on the activities of the agency, particularly on the third session of the Nigeria-Jamaica Joint Commission, which was held in Kingston on the June 25-26, 2014.

According to him, while the Nigerian delegation to the session was led by the minister of state 1 for foreign affairs, Prof.

(Mrs) Viola Adaku Onwuliri, the Jamaican side was led by the minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade, Senator the Honourable Arnold J. Nicholson.

Top 3 HeadlineS ➊IAEA To Partner

NNRA On Manpower Development ➋ Nigeria Reactivates Technical Aid Programme With Jamaica

➌ Bayelsa, Julius

Berger Sign Pact On Construction Of Business Park L-R: The deputy director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Dr. Kwaku Aining, signing the visitors register during a courtesy call on the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, while the director-general, Prof. Lawrence Dim looks on

By Nkechi Isaac, Abuja

Senate Committee Angry With NIMASA Over Marine Institute The Senate Committee Chairman on Marine Transport, Hajiya Zainab Kure has expressed displeasure over the non release of funds for the completion of the Institute of Marine Studies IMS at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai.

Kure, who was on an inspection of the projects at the university at the weekend said the non release of funds by the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to the contractors handling various projects at the permanent site of the Institute of Marine Studies at the university was unacceptable .

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has said it is willing to partner the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) in human capacity development for effective implementation of nuclear safety and radiological protection regulations in Nigeria.

The deputy director-general of

Bayelsa, Julius Berger Sign Pact On Construction Of Business Park

By Osa Okhomina,Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State government weekend announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with construction giant, Julius Berger International for the implementation of the proposed review of its capital city masterplan, the development of the Yen-

the agency, Dr. Kwaku Aining, made this known during a courtesy call on NNRA in Abuja.

He said IAEA, the world’s centre of cooperation in the nuclear field would assist Nigeria through the authority to take the next step further to achieve the objectives in this regard, citing nuclear power facility regulation as an instance.

“Your responsibilities are going

agoa/Azikoro Business Park and other infrastructural projects in the state.

In a statement issued at the weekend by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr.Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the state government said the signing of the agreement was done at a brief ceremony at the company’s international headquarters in Wiesbaden, Germany, pointing out that the new partnership would serve as a veritable framework to fast-track the infrastructural development

12 kilometre 12-kilometre Isaac Boro Road, the NNPC mega station flyover and the Opolo-Imiringi road among others

to triple because you are going to handle high radiation sources and deal with the fuel for a nuclear power plant and waste facilities but we are prepared to assist you to achieve the required staff training to achieve your goals”, Aining said.

Earlier while reading its proposal to the agency, the director-general, Prof. Lawrence Dim, said NNRA had challenges in the training of its diverse workforce and pleaded with the agency to continue to be committed to supporting it in its activities by assisting with training, education and exposure in areas related to emplacement of nuclear power programmes to boost capacity to be able to implement and play roles expected of the authority in the new nuclear energy programme.

Dim said, “the agency will do this by involving the authority in its training and education programmein the area of regulation, oversight functions and inspection and enforcement activities and involving the authority in other education and training activities organised by other internationals to which the IAEA is many times involved.” of the state.

Governor Seriake Dickson, while speaking at the event, expressed satisfaction with the performance level of Julius Berger in the execution of projects in the state.

According to him, the new found relationship has brought about the construction of new roads and the expansion of a number of old roads within the state capital and its environs, including the 12-kilometre Isaac Boro Road, the NNPC mega station flyover and the Opolo-Imiringi road among others.

SHESTCO Boss Tasks FG On Research And Development Outcomes

By Nkechi Isaac, Abuja

The director-general, Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), Prof. Sunday Thomas, has called on the federal government to demonstrate the political will in supporting the outcomes of research and development in the country.

He made the call in an exclusive chat with LEADERSHIP at the just

Prof. Thomas

concluded 13th National Council on Science and Technology meeting in Minna, Niger State.

He told government to show commitment to the development of the science and technology sector by providing an enabling environment for a proper linkage between industrialists and research institutions.

He said, “government needs to demonstrate greater political will in supporting the outcomes of re-

search and development, whether from the universities or from the research institutes to ensure that these products are actually brought to the market place.

“One thing every country does is that government must look seriously at the possibility of encouraging the development of these research and development products in the laboratory and bring them up to the level of commercialistaion.

NEWS /SCIENCE 25

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

science

titbits

Compiled by Nkechi Isaac

➏ ➐

➋ ➋ ➌➊ ➎

➍

➊ 3-D: Printer To Aid The Visually Impaired Students Braille is a tactile writing system, which is commonly used by the visually impaired and partially sighted. With the recent development of braille printers, written materials in braille has greatly helped the visually impaired and partially sighted individuals but, this is not to say that there are still many remaining problems such as books that are immobile due to their size and volume as well as durability.

➋ Researchers Discover Organ

Regeneration Gene In Planarians

❹ Engineers Discover A New

Way To Keep Electronics From

Overheating Computer technology has transformed the way we live, but as consumers expect ever more from their devices at faster speeds, personal computers as well as larger electronic systems can overheat. This can cause them to slow down, or worse, completely shut down.

Now researchers are reporting in the ACS journal Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research that liquids containing nanoparticles could help devices stay cool and keep them running.

Top 3 Headlines ➊ Researchers

Discover Organ Regeneration Gene In Planarians

➋ 3-D: Printer To Aid The Visually Impaired Students ➌ Innovation: Magnetic Field Conductors

Researchers have announced the discovery of a gene zic-1 that enables stem cells to regrow a head after decapitation in flatworm planarians.

Professor Christian Petersen and Ph.D. student Constanza VásquezDoorman of Northwestern University discovered zic-1 by investigating planarians, an animal that uses pluripotent stem cells to regrow any missing tissue lost from injury.

The study, entitled “zic-1 Expression in Planarian Neoblasts after Injury Controls Anterior Pole Regeneration,” was reported in PLOS Genetics.

Many species across the animal kingdom have the ability to regenerate, but the mechanisms that connect injuries to stem cell activation and the production of new tissues are not fully understood. Developmental biologists have established that in the early embryo most animals use “tissue organizers” that secrete proteins to allow cell-cell communication for the formation of organs. But it was not clear how such tissue organizers could be produced from scratch to allow adult regeneration in animals like planarians.

➌ Innovation: Magnetic

Field Conductors

A Catalan, German and Austrian group of physicists has developed a new technology to transfer magnetic fields to arbitrary long distances, which is comparable to transmitting and routing light in optical fibers. Oriol Romero-Isart and his colleagues have theoretically proposed and already tested this new device experimentally. The field of possible applications is broad and includes spintronic and quantum computers among others.

In today’s high-tech world, transferring electromagnetic waves is essential for many technologies.

This can be seen with information being circulated worldwide via optic fibers. However, a device capable of doing this with static magnetic fields does not exist as the transferred field rapidly decays with distance from the source.

➏ Scientists Expect Traces Of Ocean Radiation Soon

High Energy Stereoscopic System Detects Its First Pulsar The HESS-II (High Energy Stereoscopic System) telescope in Namibia has detected gamma rays of only 30 Giga electron volts (GeV) from the Vela pulsar. This is the first pulsar to be detected by HESS and the second -- after Crab in 2011- to be spotted by groundbased gamma ray telescopes. These results have been obtained by the HESS collaboration involving the CNRS and CEA. The HESS experiment in Namibia, which was upgraded in 2012, now boasts a fifth and larger reflecting telescope. It is the first Cherenkov system with telescopes of different sizes detecting cosmic TeV gamma rays in sync.

Nanoparticles

➎ Scientists

Engineer Nanoparticles To Prevent Bone Cancer, Strengthen Bones

Research collaboration between Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) has utilized nanomedicine technologies to develop a drug-delivery system that can precisely target and attack cancer cells in the bone, as well as increase bone strength and volume to prevent

bone cancer progression.

The study is published the week of June 30, 2014 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

“Bone is a favorable microenvironment for the growth of cancer cells that migrate from tumors in distant organs of the body, such as breast, prostate and blood, during disease

progression,” said Archana Swami, PhD, BWH Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Biomaterials, co-lead study author. “We engineered and tested a bone-targeted nanoparticle system to selectively target the bone microenvironment and release a therapeutic drug in a spatiotemporally controlled manner.

26 SCIENCE/feature

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

By Nkechi Isaac, Abuja

short BIO OF Mrs Omobola Johnson

Mrs Omobola Olubusola Johnson is the supervising Minister of the Science and Technology ministry. She holds a Bachelors degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Manchester and a Masters Degree in Digital Electronics from Kings College, London

In the face of the deepening global world economy, nations have no choice other than to cooperate on all facets of human endeavour. In fact, globalisation has made cooperation, collaboration and networking, rather than competition, the panacea for sustainable development, especially where there are commonalities in the resource base, opportunities and challenges of these nations.

Schools of thoughts have posited that for Africa nations to effectively and profitably compete and be able to cope with emerging challenges of globalization, they must of necessity, take advantage of their own individual strengths to assist one another in order to facilitate real development of the continent.

Experts have insisted that for developing nations to catch up and compete effectively in the global economy, it must embrace technology, which has been described as a game changer in socioeconomic development of a nation. It is no secret that the countries which are commonly described in the world today as the World Tigers were able to turn the fortunes of their economies around by embracing science and technology.

Speaking at the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) Abuja at a forum organised by the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA) and African ambassadors, the president of AUST, Prof. Wole Soboyejo, highlighted the need to bridge the technological divide between African nations to provide a platform they could leverage on to compete effectively in the global world.

Soboyejo reiterated the commitment of the federal government of Nigeria in playing its role as the big brother in Africa by carrying other African countries along in its quest for technological development.

The AUST president said the nation intended to achieve this through strategic partnership with relevant organizations in training other African countries in areas and fields that would help in their national development.

He said, “DTCA and AUST have formed a partnership in which different countries can bring their

Lagos Ranked Africa’s Largest Market For Illegal Ivory Nigeria’s commercial hub, Lagos has the largest number of ivory trinkets on open sale in Africa, the Kenyan-based campaign group Save the Elephants said in a new report.

“The surge in the price of ivory is driving a wave of killing of elephants across Africa that shows little sign of abating,” the group noted.

The group rated Angola’s capital city, Luanda as the second African city with the largest ivory sales.

–VENTURES AFRICA

L-R: The president of the African University of Science and Technology, Prof. Wole Soboyejo and the acting director-general of Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa , Mr. Shuaibu Suleiman at a forum organised for Africa Ambassadors in Abuja. photo by nkechi isaac

Fostering Sustainable Technological Development Across Africa well qualified students for training here in Nigeria on scholarship and then we’ll train people in areas that are relevant to the development of those countries. Those people will then go back to their countries to train others in a way that makes them independent of us but able to address their own needs.

“For example if a country were to decide to pursue this, we’ll give them a template where they can prepare a small proposal to DTCA. Their governments can administer the scholarships, and then afterwards they place the well trained students in suitable positions where they can use their knowledge to develop their country and this is all done within an African framework. So, essentially this allows us, without having to run around Africa, to have a template that can diffuse around the continent,” Soboyejo stated.

In his remarks, the acting director-general of DTCA, Mr. Shuaibu Suleiman, said the significance of the partnership between the two organizations was the promotion of cooperation amongst African

countries.

Suleiman said, “the partnership is significant to us because both institutions have Africa as their focus and the mandate is to see how best both of us in our respective mandates can promote and facilitate cooperation and integration of the African economy so we can compete favourably within the global economy.”

He remarked that the role of DTCA in the partnership was to make funds available to the AUST from the Nigerian Technical Cooperation Fund (NTCF) to enable them build the capacity, particularly in science and technology, of students across the African continent.

He disclosed that about 12 students from Sierra lone had gotten sponsorship to study petroleum engineering-related courses, while four students from Malawi got scholarship to study ICT and 11 students from Liberia also got scholarships.

“So, the essence of this kind of collaboration is to enable us to bring students across Africa, about 39 countries in Africa to narrow

down the divide that has continued to separate us as brothers and sisters. Of course one of the mandates of the NTCF is to promote African brotherhood and solidarity and this is one of the best ways to do that,” he added.

Highlighting other African driven projects which have been considered by the DTCA since the NTCF actively took off in 2006, Suleiman said: “Since 2006 till date, we’ve considered about 130 projects, submitted by different consultants from different African countries, under the NTCF and out of these some were viable and do-able, in terms of achieving the mandates of the fund and thus far we’ve completely executed 17 projects, 17 are on-going at various stages of completion and about 35 have been processed and approved and will take off any moment.

“Of course we’ve rejected about 56 for various reasons; particularly those that fail to meet the mandate of the fund which is to focus on Africa. This takes cognizance of Africans that are willing to serve in Africa.”

Seplat Records 404% Profit Growth

MTN Launches Business Directory Services App Trending Science Stories ➊ New Supercon-

ductor World Record Set ➋ Potentially Habitable Earth-Like Planet Discoveredmelanoma ➌ Ocean on Saturn’s Moon Titan Could Be as Salty as Earth’s Dead Sea

➍ SMuscle-Powered Bio-Bots Walk on Command

African telecommunication giant, MTN has launched the MTN Business Directory Services app that helps entrepreneurs place their business on a map. This will provide adequate visibility for small business owners in Africa.

The Business Directory Services app uses new location and algorithm technology to highlight the most appropriate businesses and point of interest locations and also includes emergency services closest that are within users’ vicinity which can be assessed at the touch of an ‘SOS’ button.

The app uses location-based positioning that provides a comprehensive and highly practical directory service.

–VENTURES AFRICA

Thus far we’ve completely executed 17 projects, 17 are on-going at various stages of completion and about 35 have been processed and approved and will take off any moment

Top THREE electricity generation companies IN NIGERIA

➊ ➋

Egbin Generation Company

Ughelli Generation Company

➌

Sapele Generation Company

404 per cent Seplat Petroleum Development Company has reported a massive profit increase of 404 percent for the full year 2013

Nigeria’s largest indigenous upstream operator, Seplat Petroleum Development Company has reported a massive profit increase of 404 percent for the full year 2013.

The figures that would be exciting to shareholders of the dual-listed company – on the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) and London Stock Exchange (LSE) – were contained in the 2013 annual reports released at the first Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company as a public entity.

“The future of our company is very bright,” declared the excited chairman of Seplat, ABC Orjiako, who was impressed by the continued exponential growth of the company amid uncertainties shrouding the oil and gas sector on the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and reduction in US demand for Nigerian crude oil, among others.

–VENTURES AFRICA

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

zonal watch

27

ANAMBRA IMO ABIA EBONYI ENUGU

NGO Gives Succour To Widows, Disabled Persons

BY OBINNA OGBONNAYA, Abakaliki

No fewer than 1,000 widows, 20 disabled persons and 70 unemployed youths across the 20 wards of Ikwo local government area of Ebonyi State, at the weekend, received sewing machines, wheelchairs, motorcycles, bags of rice and other empowerment equipment from a non-governmental organisation (NGO), the Chiboy Foundation, based in Abakaliki.

The foundation also built and commissioned major proj-

ects across the 20 wards of the council area. Some of the projects commissioned by the foundation include bridges, town halls, three- bedroom bungalows built for widows, and culverts. It also presented 200 bags of cement for the building of Governor Martin Elechi Town Hall Meeting Centre.

Others include Alike-Ikwo water scheme, St Theresa’s Catholic Church borehole, Agubia Ikwo 300KVA electricity transformer and the donation of another 300 KVA transform-

er to Amagu-Ikwo community among others.

Speaking at the occasion, president of the foundation, Comrade Chinedu Ogah, said the donations coincided with the celebration of his 38th birthday anniversary, adding that he wanted to identify with his people, especially the less privileged in the society.

Comrade Ogah, who is also the national president of Ebonyi Youth Assembly (EYA), regretted that most politicians in the country do not use their

resources to help less privileged persons, adding that politicians only remember the poor, less privileged and the entire masses during electioneering campaign periods and disappear after winning elections.

Ogah urged the people to support the present administration under the leadership of Governor Martin Elechi, so as to enjoy more government presence in the council area, even as he urged youths in the state not to allow themselves to be used by desperate politi-

cians ahead of the 2015 general election.

In his remarks, Senator Emmanuel Onwe, a former member of the National Assembly, lauded the donor for empowering the widows, the disabled and less privileged in the area, and urged him not to relent in giving succour to the needy and supporting the people.

Some of the beneficiaries who could not hide their joy thanked Comrade Ogah and prayed God to bless him bountifully.

Abia To Wage War Against Erosion Menace

BY MATHIAS NWOGU, Umuahia

HEADS FROM THE ZONE ➔ Abia State governor, Chief Theodore Orji, has asked his Imo State counterpart, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha, to reinstate Abia indigenes disengaged from Imo State Civil Service, saying it is the best way to reciprocate the re-engagement of Imo indigenes into the Abia State Civil Service. ➔ Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State and 30 members of the state House of Assembly are currently in the US ostensibly to learn the workings of the presidential system of government in that country.

But not a few indigenes of the state described the trip as a jamboree.

L-R: Abia State governor Theodore Orji, his deputy, Sir Emeka Ananaba and Chief Charles Ekwueme, chairman, Umuahia South LGA at the official flag-off of Land Reclamation/Erosion Control project along Holy Hill International Academy, Old Umuahia in Umuahia South LGA.

Imo Signs MoU For N16bn International Market

BY STANLEY UZOARU, Owerri

The Imo State government at the weekend signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Graceland Channels Limited, for the construction of a N16billion Heartland Gateway International Market to be located in Mgbidi, Oru West local government area of the state.

The construction of the multi-billion naira project which is also in collaboration with the Heartland Gateway International Market Limited, and facilitated by the Ohaneze Ndigbo, La-

gos State branch, is said to be aimed at creating a oneshop business environment, thereby boosting the economy of the state and the nation in general.

The chief executive officer (CEO) of Graceland Channels Limited, Pastor Nath Omoruyi, disclosed this while receiving members of the Traders Protection Rights Initiative, Lagos branch and other stakeholders, who visited the site at the weekend.

According to him, the Heartland Gateway International Market, Mgbidi, when completed, would be the

most modern mega integrated shopping mall, as well as the biggest market of international standard in subSaharan Africa, to serve the sub-region and beyond.

The market, he said, would be constructed on a 28, 097 hectares of land with adequate provision for expansion.

When fully operational, Omoruyi said that the market would generate between N300million and N500million in volumes of trade and business transactions daily, noting that the first phase of the project is expected to cost N16billion.

Abia State governor Theodore Orji has vowed that his administration will wage a relentless war against gully erosion ravaging some parts of the state, describing it as the highest natural disaster in the state.

Speaking in Afo-Ibeji in Old Umuahia, Umuahia South local government area of the state, during the flag-off ceremony of land reclamation and erosion control at Holy Hills, Umueledi near Assemblies of God Divinity School, Governor Orji said that though the cost of checking erosion was enormous, he believed that the situation would improve once effective erosion control measures were put in place.

He regretted that the prevalence of gully erosion in the state had helped to hike the cost of road construction, adding that it would be proper to check erosion in the affected areas before commencing work on road construction.

The governor said there were many erosion sites in the state, but the administration lacked the necessary resources to tackle the erosion menace.

He, however, commended the federal government’s collaboration and intervention in the reclamation of erosion sites in the state.

Governor Orji urged all Abians to express their gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan for awarding the contract for the reclamation of erosion sites in the state to a reputable contracting firm.

He also thanked the people of Old Umuahia for allowing the destruction of their crops following the efforts of the government to provide permanent solution to the erosion menace in the area, and appealed to residents especially those living in erosion prone areas to adopt habits that would not worsen the situation.

The president general of Old Umuahia Development Union Federated and Overseas, Chinedum Ureka , appreciated the governor for extending dividends of democracy to the people of the area, and for keeping to his promise of bringing the erosion in the council area under control.

Oluchi Ibeji, member representing Ikwuano/ Umuahia federal constituency in the House of Representatives, thanked Governor Orji for the good relationship existing between him and the people of Old Umuahia, describing the occasion as uncommon.

28 zonal watch (South-East)

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

project report

Gov Okorocha Gives FaceLift To Imo Roads

BY STANLEY UZOARU, Owerri

Traffic congestions in major cities in Imo State, especially Owerri, the state capital, had before now constituted serious problems to successive administrations in the state despite efforts to give commuters and motorists a respite.

Consequently, residents of the state are daily confronted with heavy gridlock on the roads as they move around the state, a situation which experts had attributed to non-compliance with the original master plan of the affected cities by the previous administrations in the state.

But all that is history now as the government of Governor Rochas Okorocha has stepped in to provide succour to road users in the state by opening new roads and rehabilitating the existing ones.

Since assumption of office in 2011, Okorocha’s administration had concentrated on the even development of roads in the three zones in the state, namely Orlu, Owerri and Okigwe.

The administration actually began with the opening of new roads in the state capital after noticing that the state had only one major road linking it to its neighbouring states which is the Assumpta road through the ever busy Douglas road.

All vehicles coming into the state from the Onitsha/Owerri road axis had only this entry point to ply through to Aba/Owerri road and environs. Even the heavy duty trucks had to make use of this only route coming inside the state.

To ease the congestions and pains of travelling on this road, he created alternative roads at the new Owerri, such as Owerri Boulevard road and Akachi road linking Nekede and Aba roads.

Residents of the state who want to connect Aba road without going through Douglas road can now shuttle at ease via the Egbeada road to link the new Wetheral/Nekede road constructed recently.

Alternative routes also abound in the new Owerri created by the present state government, such as the Sam Mbakwe road linking the Warehouse bus stop and Orlu road.

One remarkable feature of this road is that it is beautified and decorated with street lights, and situated very close to the Freedom Park, where citizens of the state can express their views without fear of being molested. The new International Conference Centre is also situated on this road.

About a hundred metres away is also the new Concorde Avenue

Chime

News Behind The News

Enugu Denies Involvement In Diaspora Elections

BY MIKE UBANI, Enugu

road which linked Port Harcourt road and the Onitsha/Owerri road.

This road used to be the hideout of criminals in the state before it was pulled down by Governor Okorocha for the new road.

Another remarkable thing about the landmark construction of the roads by the present administration is the feat by the governor in constructing the roads almost at the same time with the other roads in the other two zones of Okigwe and Orlu.

The Orlu/Owerri road which used to be a death trap because of its single lane has now been dualised from the Owerri axis down to Orlu, while the Ubomiri/Orlu road which causes flood thereby making the road impassable for road users is being rehabilitated.

Initially, Okorocha did not find it easy constructing the roads especially the ones that are inconsistent with the original master plan of the state.

As the buildings sitting on top of the roads were pulled down, their owners complained bitterly despite adequate compensation paid to them.

The distinctive features of the roads constructed by the state government are the good drainage system and beautifully constructed roundabouts to facilitate free flow of traffic on them.

Of all the roads constructed by the present administration, none could be said to be more difficult to construct as the roads connecting the Warehouse junction.

The junction serves almost as the tollgate of the state with four roads linking Orlu, Onitsha/Owerri road and Sam Mbakwe road.

Previous administrations in the state had attempted to ease the traffic congestion on this junction without success.

The administration actually began with the opening of new roads in the state capital after noticing that the state had only one major road linking it to its neighbouring states which is the Assumpta road through the ever busy Douglas road

Even the present government had to construct and reconstruct the road before it finally got it right; now motorists can ply the roads with ease.

In order to ease the traffic congestion in the state, especially in the capital city, Governor Okorocha has constructed bridges at the old Nekede road and is presently laying a bridge across the Nworie River to enable vehicles coming from Owerri/Onitsha road to divert, crossing the bridge to the heart of the town and linking Port Harcourt road.

The Nworie Bridge under construction has remained a controversial issue; the river was proposed for dredging at the cost of N6billion during the administration of Chief Ikedi Ohakim; the contract handled by Chief Tony Chukwu only stopped at the excavation of sand from the river before Okorocha’s ongoing construction of a bridge on it.

Another abandoned bridge at the Amakohia/Orlu road started by the immediate past government is also presently receiving attention as the incumbent government has already awarded the contract to that effect.

Residents of this area have always complained bitterly of flood taking over their farms and homes, but a drainage system has been constructed on both sides of the road, giving way to a free flow of traffic on this road.

Additionally, the roads constructed to ensure easy movement of traffic have been supported with the state civil guards who man some of these roads to ease traffic congestion.

Most of the roads have also come with gigantic city gates, especially the one in the state capital, to beef up security in the state.

The Enugu State government has described as false and mischievous, a report in a national daily (not LEADERSHIP), claiming that the government was involved in the recent elections of the ENUGU-USA, an organisation formed

by Enugu State indigenes living in the United States.

A statement signed by the state commissioner for information, Mr Chuks Ugwoke, said the report was the handiwork of opponents of the state government who, having failed in previous attempts, have continued to search for avenues to embarrass the government.

He explained that contrary to the claims in the report, the government had merely sent a delegation to represent it at the annual convention of the organisation in line with a policy and tradition it has maintained from inception, of identifying with the ENUGU-USA and similar diaspora groups involving Enugu people across the globe.

Mr Ugwoke stated that the delegation participated in the opening ceremonies of the convention as well as a gala night and an interactive session where the members fielded questions on the policies, activities and plans of the state government after which they left the venue.

He stressed that no government official attended or participated in the election and none was even anywhere near the venue of the exercise, adding that this fact clearly showed that the claim that the government backed a candidate in the election, was a “wicked, unfounded and apparently sponsored fabrication”.

He further stated that the government had no reason whatsoever to be interested in the election of officers of the ENUGU-USA, as it has always worked with and supported successive leaders of the organisation in the effort to ensure the rapid development of the state and the improvement of the lot of her people.

While urging the public to discountenance the report in its entirety, Ugwuoke assured that the government will not allow itself to be distracted by such antics, but would rather remain focused on its drive to improve the living standards of the people.

Meanwhile, Governor Sullivan Chime is currently spending his annual leave in the United States, and before leaving the state, he handed over power to his deputy, Mr Sunday Onyebuchi, who now acts as governor of the state.

zonal watch (South-East) 29

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

news behind the news

Why Gov Obiano Took 30 Anambra Lawmakers To US

BY OKECHUKWU OBETA, Awka

Both the executive and legislative arms of the Anambra State government have literally been relocated to the United States of America, barely few months after Chief Willie Obiano, elected on the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) succeeded Chief Peter Obi of the same political party.

For the eight years that Obi presided over the affairs of the state reputed for producing eminent personalities such as Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, both of them now late, and Dr Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, former vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Obi never contemplated the luxury of organising an overseas trip for the legislators.

Not a few described the exgovernor as tight-fisted, hence his refusal to send the state legislators even to the nearby Republic of Benin. But that is not to say that the legislators who operated during Obi’s regime did not enjoy one patronage or the other from the executive arm of government.

And apparently determined to prove that his generosity exceeds that of late Chief M. K. O. Abiola, acclaimed winner of the controversial June 12, 1993 presidential election, Mr Obiano, on June 28, 2014, gave 30 members of Anambra State House of Assembly the leeway to use public funds to travel to the United States of America.

The governor was said to have joined the team in America a few days later.

Sources say the legislators led by the speaker of the state Assembly, Princess Chinwe Nwaebili, would be in America for one week, but the lawmakers may likely overstay their welcome given the allure and ambience which the country offers to visitors from African countries, particularly Nigeria, where life is suffocating and unbearable.

Though all efforts by LEADERSHIP to obtain the official reason why the governor and the lawmakers travelled to the US failed as both the chief press secretary to the speaker, Mr Fidelis Nwakwesili and the special assistant to the governor on media, Mr Emeka Ezumba, claimed that they were not briefed by their bosses, not a few people in the state have criticised the governor and the lawmakers for the overseas trip.

Many described the trip as a jamboree that certainly would not add value to the development of the state.

For instance, a former member

Obiano

of the state Assembly, Hon Vincent Atuigwe (Ekwusigo constituency), was emphatic that the lawmakers went on a “jamboree” that would give them an opportunity to squander the state’s funds.

He reasoned that if the trip was meant to avail the state lawmakers an opportunity of learning the American legislative system, it did not require all of them to go in one fell swoop.

He said: “If the purpose of their going to America was to go and learn the American legislative system, the whole 30 of them shouldn’t have gone. Only a few should have been selected to go and when they come back, they will teach others. For all of them to go to America shows that they are on a jamboree, just to go and squander the money of the state.

I don’t see anything the state will benefit from that trip. It’s a waste”.

Also reacting, a former chairman, Awka North local government council, Chief Dennis Ngene, described the trip as “unjustifiable”. He stated that for the whole 30 legislators to travel to the US means that they have relocated the state Assembly to that country. Besides, he stated that the trip will certainly eat deep into the treasury of the state government.

Others who spoke to LEADERSHIP wondered why sponsoring the lawmakers’ overseas trip should be a priority of the state government now, considering the fact that the administration is barely 100 days in office, and as such, is yet to establish a strong hold on the

mechanisms of the government, especially as it concerns the financial status, more so that the government claims that it is passing through difficulties because of lean financial status.

The chief of staff to the governor, Professor Joseph Asike, whose office allegedly coordinated the lawmakers’ overseas trip, denied when contacted that his office had anything to do with the state legislators’ trip. He argued that the legislature is independent of the executive arm of government, operates its own budget and runs the affairs of its members without recourse to the executive.

A source who pleaded anonymity also said, “Governor Willie Obiano sponsored them (legislators) to travel to America.

So, I am now asking: What is the benefit of their going to America to the people of Anambra State if not to go and waste the money of the state”?

About two weeks ago, the national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, during the flag-off of contract for the construction of three fly-overs on Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, warned non-APGA members in the Assembly that unless they take necessary political decisions early enough, next year’s general election might elude them.

During his eight-year rule, Obi was widely criticised for being frugal to a fault. It was believed that his refusal to dole out money to the state legislators led to his impeachment barely three months after he was sworn in as governor

of the state.

For instance, many political observers strongly believe that virtually all other strong political parties in the state, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) and Labour Party (LP) would have gone extinct during the eight-year reign of former Governor Obi if not for his tight-fisted nature.

So, due to the frugal nature of the former governor, most of the seasoned politicians in the state refused to defect to the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). As a result, what really sustained the grip of APGA on the state’s jugular was the mass followership which it commanded due to the massive infrastructural achievements recorded by the ex-governor in almost all the communities in the state, including the state capital, Awka, Nnewi and Onitsha.

And to ensure that the programmes and achievements of the administration were popularised among the populace, the former governor co-opted the town union leadership made up of the traditional rulers and presidents-general of the 178 communities in the state as part of the administration, and accorded it the status of a fourthtier government.

It is strongly believed in political circles that Governor Obiano had been advised that one of the ways to endear his administration to the people of the state, especially politicians is to prove to them that in addition to providing the much needed dividends of democracy, he should be able to put smiles on the faces of people by not being as tight-fisted as his predecessor.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the governor was advised that the only way APGA would win overwhelmingly in the 2015 general elections in the state, especially the 30 seats in the state Assembly, is to prove that he will patronise politicians unlike his predecessor.

A source close to Government House, Awka, said that while in America, the governor and the lawmakers would hold meetings to strategise on how APGA will win the State Assembly and National Assembly elections in the state in 2015.

It is believed that the legislators who are interested in returning to the House next year would be given automatic tickets to contest on the platform of APGA. The arrangement is most likely to frustrate plans by the rival PDP to win substantial votes in the state during next year’s general elections.

If the purpose of their going to America was to go and learn the American legislative system, the whole 30 of them shouldn’t have gone. Only a few should have been selected to go and when they come back, they will teach others

30

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

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fct watch

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Tuesday, July 8, 2014

300

We have recorded over 300 healing and miracles since 2011 till date. We have had 30 prophecies coming to pass about this nation.

– Shiloh Word Chapel

ABAJI AMAC BWARI GWAGWALADA KUJE KWALI

ABAJI LG Boss Promises Basic Amenities The chairman of Abaji area council, Hon. Yahaya Garba, has said that the provision of basic amenities, like portable water, rural electrification, access roads amongst others in rural communities in the council, is his main priority. This was even as he called for the support of residents to make his administration’s desire a reality.

—By Igho Oyoyo

AMAC Jiba Urges Nigerians To Support Jonathan Against Terrorism The chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Micah Jiba, has urged Nigerians to support President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration and pray for the federal government’s success in the fight against terrorism, saying that development cannot thrive where there is terror.

—By Igho Oyoyo Security guards checking cars at the entrance of Garki Market. PHOTO BY NKECHI ISAAC

Security Insurgency: How Safe Are The Markets?

BY NKECHI ISAAC

Activities of Boko Haram insurgents have peaked in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) lately, following the recent bomb blast at the EMAB Shopping Mall.

Prior to the attack, two successive attacks had been recorded in the FCT, in Nyanya, within two weeks, causing the loss of more than 150 lives.

Sequel to these attacks, mobile phones of residents were inundated with all forms of security alerts, most warning people to stay away from crowded places – malls, parks and markets – a development which has forced the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to strengthen security at the entry and exit points of the FCT, as well as the city roads, hotels and markets.

Not wanting to leave their fate entirely in the hands of the security agents, markets across the FCT have taken drastic measures to safeguard the lives of customers and traders.

Speaking exclusively to LEADERSHIP, the manager of the Garki Market, Ibrahim YahayaJoe, said the market’s management has taken practical security steps to ensure that the market is made conducive for traders and customers alike.

“We have also improved our internal surveillance. First and foremost, we’ve centralised the access control. We have put

emphasis on access control; we have centralised entry and exit and you’re body-checked and scanned before entry. Also, the cars are checked thoroughly. We also have the CCTV cameras at the access points to keep an eye on those who are coming in, in such a way that all vehicles coming into the market are accounted for. So, you cannot enter the market without being checked,” Yhaya-Joe said.

He further disclosed that the market has formed a Community Safety Partnership (CSP) with the aim of making everybody a key player, in order to ensure security.

“We have formed a community security partnership that engages the traders to be conscious of their security. So, there’s a partnership with the traders themselves. The larger partnership which we have formed with the security agencies has made it possible for them to be here to monitor the perimetres of the market. These are multilevel collaborations to ensure that public places are checked,” YahayaJoe said.

The market’s manager also spoke on how the current security situation has affected the market and the degree of patronage which it once enjoyed. He did reassure that the security measures put in place are gradually bringing about increased customer confidence and that, in no time, the prevailing security situation will be a thing of the past.

“I know that, as a country,

the hands of all security agents, organs of government, the FCT administration and all partners have their hands on deck and, surely, will be able to overcome the security issues very soon,” he added.

In her remarks, the chairperson of the CSP committee, Princess Kofo James, said the partnership was about moving closer, knowing your neighbor, immediate environment and the people around you.

James reiterated that security is now everyone’s business, as even ‘ordinary’ citizens have roles to play in ensuring that everyone is brought aboard via the CSP. “When we’re talking about security, it is the business of everybody. It should not be left for the police, military or the government alone. We also have a role to play in it. If you notice anything strange in your community, it is your responsibility to raise the alarm,” James pointed out.

She maintained that, irrespective of the security situation in the country, people will still patronise the market once they realise that it is safe to come to.

“The security situation has affected patronage drastically. Sales have suffered and so has everyone; that is why we want to tackle it to let people know that the market is safe; both lives and property are secured and once you enter the market you’ll see that we’re still

BWARI Youths Want Provision Of Skill Acquisition Centres Youths in Bwari area council have called on the council’s administration to provision skill acquisition centres in various communities in the area.

They noted that such centres will help unemployed youths to acquire skills and become self reliant.

By Chika Mefor

GWAGWALADA Residents Commend Council Over Refuse Evacuation Residents of Gwagwalada area council have commended the administration its prompt response to the call of evacuating the refuse dumps that was defacing the council.

In a chat with LEADERSHIP, residents said the exercise will improve the aesthetics of the council and also help to promote a clean and healthy environment.

—By Chika Mefor

KUJE Tete Commences Distribution Of Breakfast Materials To Muslims In the spirit of Ramadan, the chairman of Kuje area council, Hon. Shaban Tete, has commenced distribution of Millet, Sugar and Milk to Muslims in the council for breakfast, urging Muslims and Christians to work together for the development of the council.

—By Igho Oyoyo

KWALI Residents Commend Council Over Free Medical Care

32

Residents of Kwali area council have commended the council’s administration over the free medical services given to residents.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP, residents said that the exercise enabled indigent residents to benefit from the health care service delivery, adding that it was the first time any administration have rendered such service.

—By Chika Mefor

32 FCT watch/NEWS

Cleric Cautions FG Against Swapping Insurgents For Chibok Girls

By Igho Oyoyo

The general overseer of Shiloh Word Chapel, Prophet Ikechukwu Samuel, has cautioned the federal government against swapping captured Boko Haram insurgents for the abducted Chibok girls, saying it exacerbates the security challenges in the North East.

The cleric said that releasing the sect members would not only be against national interest but would also cast a dent on the image of the nation.

He said, “if you release the girls in place of people that the law says should remain in detention, the people have not changed their mindset, you have not changed their agreement, you have not changed their spirit, their heart and decisions. It will be a costly mistake, the administration will regret it.”

According to Samuel, rather than embark on such actions, they should be interrogated by security agencies to ascertain their real mission, agenda, grievances and sponsors.

“The security agencies should ask them questions to know more about their activities, they should be interrogated to know about their emotional status; Why they hate mankind; Who are their sponsors What is their mission?” he added.

The cleric highlighted that since 2011, the mission of the Church has been to raise a generation that will change the land, saying they have been winning souls for Christ, raising men to serve God and to serve humanity.

“We offer free services for the less-privileged. We offer help, provide shelter and offer educational scholarships to indigent people.

“We have recorded over 300 healing and miracles since 2011 till date. We have had 30 prophecies coming to pass about this nation.

Through our church, God has changed the lives of a lot of people,” he added.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Natives Urge FG To Secure FCT Against Terrorism

By Igho Oyoyo

Natives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the auspices of Original Inhabitants Development Association of Abuja (OIDA) have called on the federal government to protect the nation’s capital against terrorist’s attacks and compensate all victims and families of victims of such attacks.

OIDA also commended delegates at the national conference for giving voice to the aspirations of natives through the approval of a Mayoral status for

Abuja; a ministerial slot; two additional federal constituencies; two additional area councils; an FCT commission for indigenes. They asked the federal government to expedite action on the compensation of owners of seized lands in the FCT. A statement by OIDA media adviser, Sumner Shagari Sambo, also said that a democratically elected mayor and deputy mayor will aid good governance and accountability to the FCT electorate, unlike the present ministerial system that lacks transparency and accountabil-

ity to the people.

According to OIDA, it will also put Nigeria on the global map as one of the countries with an elected mayor that runs its capital city in accordance with democratic best practices.

“The recommendations of the Gen. Ike Nwachukwu and Mohammed Kumalia led-Committee on Political Restructuring and Forms of Government is in tandem with the natives’ desire for a democratic system that allows Abuja indigenous people and other Nigerians res-

ident in the city to freely elect leaders that can be directly held accountable by them.

“The National Conference recommendation gives credence to Abuja natives’ quest for democratisation of governance in the FCT as contained in its memoranda submitted to the National Assembly in 2013 and as earlier proposed by the former Minister of State (FCT), Barr. Solomon Ewuga-led ministerial committee on FCT Indigeneship, Land and Political Administration in Year 2000,” it stated.

Cross-section of Federal Road Safety Commission officers during FRSC monthly walking/jogging exercise in Abuja.

PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

Big Mike Holds Sports Clinic For Pupils

By Uche Uduma

The Big Mike Foundation at the weekend hosted over 3,000 school children at the annual sports clinic tagged “the big Mike sports clinic” at the National Stadium, Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the founder of foundation, Chief

Chike John Erokwu, said the objective of the clinic was to keep children active and also mentor them to become good leaders through sports.

Chief Erokwu said, “everybody knows that children holds the future of the nation; they are our tomorrow, but nobody is thinking about them. The

foundation believes in sponsoring and supporting the Nigerian children. We are here to empower the children, teach them the right values and how to be leaders through sports. We have Big Mike FC which we started last year. The club sponsors and helps talents. If we see someone that has talent but doesn’t have

backing, we assist in promoting such talent.”

In his remarks, the coordinator of the event, Mr Stephen Osadebay, said the foundation, which is in partnership with National Sports Commission (NSC) and Ministry of Youth Affairs, will sponsor talents picked from the event.

Security Insurgency: How Safe Are The Markets?

31

improving on it,” she added.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP, the representative of yam traders section in the market, Mrs Lami John-Zhiwa, said the CSP’s main goal is encouraging everyone to “be your brother’s keeper”.

John-Ziwa, who is also the leader of the Gbagyi women in the market, highlighted that the partnership was about being security vigilant.

“We’re trying to see that we and the customers are all safe. If we are watchful vanguards, we can’t allow evil to come near our neighbours.

The meeting is all about being

vigilant and accessing the character of your customers when they come to patronise you.

“Through such contacts you’ll be able to find out when someone truly has any genuine business of being in the market or not. If you discover that a prospective customer is acting strange, acting suspiciously or tries to drop off something around your area, it is your duty to draw the attention of your neighbour and hold that person down till security agents get to the area,” she said.

John-Zhiwa pointed out that, contrary to insinuations, the

We’re trying to see that we and the customers are all safe

partnership was not only meant to tackle the security situation, but to also check petty crimes like shoplifting and the activities of pickpockets in the market.

She conceded that the patronage of traders inside the market has reduced drastically and those who come to but things dash in and out of the markets.

The popular Wuse Market has not been left out. Security measures have also been increased, as those who venture into the market from any of its many entrances must be subjected to routine checks. Also, policemen

and private security personnel have been strategically positioned at key areas of the market to ensure free flow of traffic, stop-and-check vehicles and checking of hand bags before anyone else enters the market premises.

LEADERSHIP checks also revealed that the Utako Market which was rumoured to have been bombed last week was not left out, as well. Security personnel were spotted at different points in the market to ensure that vehicles are properly searched and well parked to prevent gridlocks and congestion.

NEWS /FCT WATCH 33

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Abaji Boss Reiterates Commitment To Provision Of Basic Amenities

BY IGHO OYOYO

620

620 youths and women were engaged to serve as cleaners and vigilante members in their various communities

The chairman of Abaji area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Yahaya Garba, has called on residents of the council to support his administration, pledging his commitment improve the living standard of the people.

Garba, who made this call in Abaji at a sensitisation and enlightenment programme for the council SURE-P beneficiaries, said that part of his administration’s de-

sire to key into the transformation agenda of the federal government in terms of wealth creation and poverty reduction, saying the council has engaged the services of 620 youth and women across the 10 political wards.

According to the council boss, the 620 youths and women were engaged to serve as cleaners and vigilante members in their various communities, adding that it was targeted at bringing governance closer to the people and making

life easier for the indigent in the rural communities.

Garba further pledged to support the youth and women in the council through the federal government’s SURE-P programme, in order to make them self reliant and be useful to themselves and the society at large.

He urged the SURE-P beneficiaries to be dedicated to the jobs that would be assigned to them and utilise their allowances judiciously.

NGO Calls On Youths To Imbibe Reading Culture

Garba

An NGO, Youth Initiative for Sustainable Development and Creative Change (YISDCC) has called on youths in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to imbibe the culture of reading, saying it would help them in their daily dealings in life.

In an interview with LEADERSHIP, the president of the group, Mr Anthony Adio, said that the group has come up with plans that will help the youth in the territory to bring back the spirit of reading.

He said that the group was concerned that the reading culture have decline a great deal among youths, adding that the group has taken it upon themselves to gather youths with the main purpose of cultivating this declining habit.

Adio said, “we have this activity that we call Project Read For Life Nigeria. It is a club where we read one book every month. This is an activity geared towards improving the reading culture among youths.

We give the books freely to each member of the group. We review the book every month and we intend to give prize to the best reviewer.”

By Chika Mefor

Council Set To Construct Toilets

A bulldozer evacuating waste in Gwagwalada Market. PHOTO BY CHIKA MEFOR

Council Commences Evacuation Of Refuse In Gwagwalada Market

BY CHIKA MEFOR

The Gwagwalada area council has commenced the evacuation of the refuse dump situated inside Gwagwalada Market.

Recall that LEADERSHIP reported, last week, on how the traders and customers alike brave the dump to carry out their business transactions.

A visit to the market at the weekend saw bulldozers and tippers briskly evacuating the refuse from the market to a dump site.

Speaking to journalists, the head of environmental department of the council, Tijani Ado, said the evacuation of refuse from the market was

delayed due to lack of funds and promised that the exercise will be a continues one, saying that the minister of state for the FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide has intervened in the matter.

Ado said, “we have completely evacuated the refuse last December. But the evacuation of this one was delayed because of lack of fund. We were waiting for the budget to be passed. Since the minister has intervened, it will not stop until December when the fund will return to the council. We hope the council will continue to make things easier for the work to progress.

“Presently, we are evacuating all the refuse collection points in the council and the market.

We are evacuating refuse from streets like Angwan Dodo Primary School; Phase 3 Secondary School; police post and the Sharia court axis. We are also doing litter control on our major streets, which we do every day. We are also doing the evacuation in Zuba and Tungan Maje.’’

Ado noted that the refuse collection point in the market was not a dumpsite and urged the traders to find a way to manage waste through disposing them in designated areas. ‘’This place is not a dumping site. The waste accumulated because the neighbourhood turned it into a dumping

site. This site is illegal. Our agreement with the leaders of the market was if we finish evacuation of the refuse, they will police the place so as to prevent anyone from dumping refuse there,’’ he added.

Speaking in an interview, the chairman Gwagwalada Main Market Association, Nura Rimi commended the council for the exercise and pleaded with it make the evacuation a weekly activity.

He stated that he will sensitize his people on the best way to dispose their refuse and promised to mount guards in the area to prevent people from disposing waste were they are not supposed to.

The head of environment, Gwagwalada area council, Tijani Ado, has revealed that the council is set to start the construction of toilets across the council in order to reduce the level of open defecation in the area.

Ado who was speaking in an interview stated that the council has mapped out six sites for the proposed toilets, adding that it will soon advertise for interesting persons to submit their proposal for the project.

The departmental head who explained that the project will be under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement called on gwagwalada residents to avoid open defecation as it was not safe for the environment.

By Chika Mefor

DID YOU KNOW THAT The Federal Government has approved $170million to boost power distribution in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

❂❂❂

Over one million visited and benefitted from services from the 12 district and general hospitals of the FCT in 2013.

❂❂❂

Of the 79 districts and nine sector centres of the FCT, only 11 districts and two sector centres, representing 20 per cent have been developed.

❂❂❂

Nyanya satellite town is one of the most populated in Abuja.

34 FCT watch/feature

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Natives fetching water at a bore-hole at Shezoko village in Gwagwalada council.

Shezoko Community: Awaiting Provision Of Basic Amenities

By Chika Mefor

Good roads, electricity and portable water are some of the basic amenities that make life worth living. These amenities have always been ‘scarce commodities’ in most interior communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Though such communities have continued to survive without these amenities, the lack of them has, however, hampered the level of their growth and development.

Shezoko is one of such communities, situated close to Niger State but among the communities in Gwagwalada area council of the FCT, the community for years has suffered the lack of basic amenities. The challenges of commu-

nities like Shezoko first emerge from being far from its headquarters. The safest and accessible way to get to the community is moving through Zuba express way, all the way to Niger State through Iziom. Therefore accessible road remains their greatest challenge.

Speaking exclusively to LEADERSHIP, a resident of Shezoko, Yakubu Pada said, “you have seen the community. Accessible road remains our greatest challenge.

I am sure that is the reason the council administration finds it difficult to come here to see us and know our problems. We are closer to Niger State than the FCT. I am one of the youth in this community and I know that the remoteness of our village is the reason for the neglect.’’

He said the bad road has hindered the development of the community, saying that many people who would have settled in the community always gets discouraged because of the road situation.

“I know of a teacher who was posted to teach at our primary school, she couldn’t stay. She just stayed for a week and stopped coming. This is the type of problem we face,’’ he said.

Pada added that apart from the problem of inaccessible road, the people in the community suffer from lack of potable water for domestic uses. He disclosed that a single borehole serves the community, adding that the borehole is not enough to carter for the domestic needs of the community

with the minimal increase of residents.

According to him, “our only source of drinking water is the borehole. Since it is just one, we keep wondering what will happen to us when it packs up. Our women have to wait for several hours before they can get water. We need more boreholes because we can’t survive without water. We are pleading with the area council administration to help us in this regard.’’

Another resident, Ibrahim Adamu, explained that the people complement the water from the borehole with what they can get from the stream, adding that the water from the stream was not drinkable.

Adamu said, “We mostly use them to take our bath and wash our clothes. The one from the borehole is what we drink and cook with.

“Even the water we get from the stream becomes scarce during dry season, with the crops looking frail and cattle rearers’ trav-

el for kilometers in search of water. If the community has to go through this challenge during rainy season, one wonders what it will be like during the dry season,’’ he asked.

Commenting on the development, a farmer in the community, Bawa Shaba said, ‘’ the streams are drying up; we don’t know what is happening. We just hope it will rain soon. That will help us and our crop too. It will also help the Fulani herdsmen in our community because they have to travel far distance in search of water for their cattle.”

LEADERSHIP checks revealed that another major challenge of the community is the lack of health facilities.

Residents said that they travel all the way to Iziom in Niger State to access health care services.

They noted that the bad road constitutes a problem for sick people, saying that pregnant women travel this far distance to get care and deliver their babies, a journey that is always a nightmare for them.

Selling Live Chicken Is Lucrative But... – Imam

By Chika Mefor

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Auwal Imam, a Kano State indigene, has been in the poultry business for 20 years. In an exclusive chat with LEADERSHIP, Imam recounts that he started with few poultry but now enjoys a blossom market.

Imam popularly called Mai Kaza is very popular in the poultry section of Gwagwalada main market, as his name is always in the lips of customers who come to patronise him from far and wide.

Imam

However, his popularity also comes with a price, as he confided in our reporter that most of his customers buy chicken from him on credit and end up paying in installments.

He said, “In this kind of business it is better to get your money in bulk because when customers pay in installment it almost becomes worthless, that is if they even completes the payment eventually. There are those who have owed me for a long time now, what they normally do is go to another place to buy their

chicken.”

The Mai Kaza who added that his profit per day depends on the particular day and festive period, however, said that most people complain about lack of money these days which has made the business slow.

“I make a maximum of N30, 000 to N70, 000 per day; depending on whether sales are good on that day or during festive periods. Normally, I sell more during Sallah, Christmas and Easter period. I also make good sales on weekends too,” he said.

OPINION 35

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

online

reactions

Nyako Moves To Outwit Adamawa Assembly Asuku Jeg Nyako, why are you afraid of being investigated if your hands are clean? Politicians!

08/07/2014 Boko Haram: 63 Women Escaped, Slain Colonel Abubakar Shonba Emmanuel Proofy Ojeka I think the media should stop feeding the people with misleading information, even though the craftiness of our leaders have crippled our passion to fight for justice. Why are they playing on our intelligence?

Hayatu Abubakar It is Adamawa people who are suffering the hardship occasioned by the Nyako impeachment saga. If this is what politics is all about, then it is unfortunate. Adamawa workers are being owed salaries due to this crisis. GEJ and PDP are responsible for all this!

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

2015, Cause Of Insecurity In Nigeria -Sultan

Musa Adamu Madaki What business does the military have with the political crisis in Adamawa? Are there no policemen to protect the state chief judge?

Shuaibu Abdullahi Babayo I don’t see anything wrong with what the State Assembly is doing. It is the price Nyako has to pay for giving 25 per cent votes to Jonathan in 2011 against the will of his people. After all, what

Nyako

development has he brought to Adamawa in the past seven years of his administration? Nothing, except enriching himself and his

family!

Shettima

Zakari Ilyas Nura We are with you, Nyako!

Kabiru Maishanu The women reportedly escaped by breaking the fence of the forest when the terrorists watching over them were taking a rest due to the fatique of fasting. Can you imagine this lie? Is there any fence that surrounds the Sambisa forest?

Security Agents Bar BringBackOurGirls Protesters From Entering Villa Abubakar

300 Level Undergraduate Kills Father, SAN Over Prayer Oyemade Muda Many parents neglect their responsibilities just as many religious organisations are now after money. May the good Lord have mercy on us.

Steve Brudus We are really living in end times! What a wicked world!

Ben Durueke The protesters are doing the right thing, but instead of going to the villa, they should go to Borno Government House.

There is a governor in Borno, who is the chief security officer and who should be held responsible for any security lapses in his state.

Eremie Tamunotonye No women were kidnapped!

Imagine 63 women out of 68 escaping from Boko Haram camp! How did it happen?

What happened to the other five? Were they sick or too weak to run?

Ihenzie Heephy They should go to Sambisa where the girls are. Aso Rock is not for jobless persons like the BBOG. Richard Ojuba They should direct their protest to Sambisa forest or Borno Government House. Shettima

Ibrahim Baba How could over 50 women escape from the Sambisa forest and none of the Boko Haram members woke up or saw them? Let us be realistic here!

Chukwuma Alaoma Matthew Who is fooling who?

Sarki Abubakar Story, story! is releasing them in batches to end his unpopular script.

Ahmed Adamu So Sambisa forest even has a fence!

‘80% Of Boko Haram Attacks Unreported’

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36 feature

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Bayelsa: Dickson’s Scholarship Scheme And Youth Empowerment

BY OSA OKHOMINA, Yenagoa

Education is the greatest legacy we can bequeath to the succeeding generation

Unlike other educational schemes embarked upon by past administrations in Bayelsa State, Governor Seriake Dickson’s administration in the state has initiated a scholarship scheme that has given an average youth in the state a better deal.

The scheme was initiated during the 2012 state of emergency, which the state government declared on the education sector and has over 900 students who have benefitted from it both within and outside the country.

A breakdown of the figure indicates that 250 students are at post primary school level, 150 are doing their doctorate degree programmes and 400 in the masters’ degree level. According to the state government, it costs government about half a billion naira a year to sponsor about 250 pupils, while it spends over N5billion for that of post-graduate students, excluding the school infrastructure that government is putting in place.

While most of the government officials told LEADERSHIP that the scheme has, however, not been without some problems of finance, change of environment for the students and huge applications from hundreds of qualified youths, has placed the state in an advantageous position of increase in qualified labour for intending investors.

Governor Dickson, apart from providing a morale booster for beneficiaries, has assured them of the readiness of the state government to provide the needed funding for their studies. He gave the assurance when he visited the students at the Lincoln University in the United States of America (USA) and the United Kingdom.

According to the governor, the first-hand visit and interactions with the indigent students studying in foreign institutions has led to the approval of the second batch of beneficiaries to the Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, USA, by September this year.

Also approved by Dickson is an expansion plan to the state scholarship scheme with the introduction of online studies into the undergraduate category of the programme, which is expected to take off by September this year in Yenagoa.

At the Lincoln University, the governor led other officials of the state government to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the leadership of the Lincoln University, as part of efforts to upgrade the capacity of lecturers and students at the state-owned Niger Delta University, Amassoma.

He told the president of the

Lincoln University, Dr Robert Jennings and the beneficiaries of the state’s special scholarship programme, that the officials of the State Scholarship Board, the vice chancellor of the NDU and the state Ministry of Education have been directed to work out the modalities of the MoU. Accompanied by the chairman of the board, Evangelist Foster Ogola and Prof Steve Azaiki, Dickson said he was highly impressed with the academic performance and conduct of the students, which informed his decision to send another set of students to study at Lincoln.

He said, “As a result of your encouraging performance and the way you are comporting yourselves, government is encouraged to send another set of students in September this year. You all should aspire to the top of the academic pinnacle before coming back home. It is my desire that you get to the top of your academic career before you return home as leaders of tomorrow.”

The governor said his administration is making huge investments in their educational advancement and expects them to contribute to the development of the state upon their return, adding, “It costs government about half a billion naira a year for the sponsorship of about 250 pupils while government spends over N5billion for that of postgraduate scholars, excluding the school infrastructure that government is putting in place.”

Encouraging the students to continue to be good ambassadors of the state, the Ijaw nation and the country as a whole, the governor urged them to aspire to the pinnacle of their educational career and study hard to meet the expectations of the government and people of the state.

He said, “In the new Bayelsa, there is no room for failure and mediocrity. The restoration government is more about service to the people, which is what we owe our people. Our expectations of you are high. We are preparing the foundation for a great and prosperous future and that is the relationship between you and that future.”

Speaking, a lecturer at the Lincoln University, Prof Lundy Connie expressed delight in the choice of Lincoln University, where the first president of Nigeria, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe was a student and urged the students to carry on his legacies.

During his visit to the beneficiaries of the state scholarship scheme in the United Kingdom, Dickson announced the decision of the state government to expand its scholarship scheme with the introduction of online studies into the undergraduate cate-

Dickson

gory of the programme.

Already, he has approved that 480 indigenes of the state should participate in the newly introduced online studies programme for the 2014/2015 academic session with various degree awarding universities.

Dickson, while speaking during an interactive forum with students on the state’s scholarship in London, the United Kingdom, explained that the online scholarship scheme would be spread across universities in six continents including Australia, America, Asia, Africa, Eastern and Western Europe.

Describing education as the greatest legacy any government can bequeath to the next generation, the governor noted that his administration decided to sustain and expand the scholarship programme to promote human capacity development and Ijaw national integration.

He said, “Education is the greatest legacy we can bequeath to the succeeding generation.

Any society that does not invest sufficiently in its human capital development is living on borrowed times. Any society that does not take the education of its people seriously is sitting on a keg of gunpowder.

“That is why the state government declared a state of emergency on education as well as declared compulsory and free education. We are introducing compulsory boarding in secondary schools and government will take responsibility for their feeding, upkeep and maintenance.”

The governor, who blamed the slight delay in remittances to the students on the sharp decline in revenues accruing to the state from the federation account, said government had nonetheless paid part of the pending scholarship obligations totalling N6.5billion.

He stated, “In 2012, I made a budget of N1billion for this allimportant programme, but the total bill amounted to N6billion as against the N1billion set aside.

And so, we had to rationalise, because if we had kept to that initial amount, only 15 or 20 of you would have been studying here.

“But knowing the depth of our manpower deficit, I considered it a disservice at this time to see young people, who are hungry for education, and then decide to look the other way for any reason. That’s why I took the bull by the horns to send all of you on scholarship.

“But quite unfortunately, the allocation to the state from the Federation Account came crashing and yet, we have other expenses to meet such as contractual obligations to various construction companies which are tearing up our forests to construct roads and other critical infrastructure. That is why our remittances to you have not been as regular as we would have wanted them to be. This development is not peculiar to you.”

Earlier, chairman of the board, Evangelist Foster Ogola disclosed that in keeping with a promise made by the governor in May 2014, the state government approved the sum of one million pounds sterling to be released to beneficiaries studying in the United Kingdom.

Ogola, who was represented by his special assistant, Dr Benagha Oye, explained that United Kingdom has the largest concentration of beneficiaries of the scholarship programme, adding that about 140 scholars are pursuing doctorate degrees, over 400 for masters’ degree with 193 undergraduate students studying various courses ranging from law, medicine, engineering to the social sciences in both foreign and Nigerian universities.

politics today Tuesday, July 8, 2014

REPORTS ANALYSES REVIEWS INTERVIEWS

Jonathan

Obasanjo

Mu’azu

Lamido

What Role For Obasanjo In 2015?

Recent developments within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), especially as regards the frosty relationship between former president Olusegun Obasanjo and President Goodluck Jonathan have painted a broader, plain picture of a suppressed animosity. With the former Nigerian leader gradually inching away from the affairs of the party and President Jonathan’s 2015 ambition, DONALD OJOGO asks, what other roles would he play in 2015?

W

According to a former aide of Obasanjo, the former president ‘defends even the indefensible’ when the need arises

hile I believe that a good and truly national political party must be a microcosm of the nation in its membership, made up of all sorts of characters from near-saints to near-satan, I also believe that on no account should a known habitual criminal that is wanted abroad to face criminal charges levelled against him be extolled as a political leader in a respectable and wholesome nation-building political party.

“Buruji Kashamu has been so extolled in PDP in SouthWest geo-political zone which I personally find unsavoury.

Politics played by any national political party must have morality, decency, discipline, principles and leadership examples as cardinal practices of the party.

“Since I stick in my practice of party politics to the hallowed and cherished principles enunciated above, I take this opportunity to let you know that while I continue to remain a card-carrying member of

PDP, I cannot and I will not subscribe to a wanted habitual criminal being installed as my zonal leader in the party; a criminal for whom extradition has been requested by the US government.

“In the meantime, I will consider withdrawing my activity with PDP at local, state, zonal and national levels until the anomalous and shameful situation is corrected.”

The above, being part of an epistle forwarded to the national leadership of the ruling party by former president Olusegun Obasanjo, candidly sparked off a no less deeper, more suspicious relationship between him and his erstwhile godson and president, Goodluck Jonathan.

Before the letter, Obasanjo had written the president, highlighting various infractions, political and otherwise allegedly committed by the president.

He had taken time to examine the president’s envisioned 2015 second term ambition just as he concluded by raising moral questions and posers for Jonathan. Expectedly too,

President Jonathan, albeit a long delay, fired back.

For close watchers of the former president, his interest is as important as the national interest as he often equates or juxtaposes both. For this reason, whatever he finds detestable at a point finds a place in national discourse.

According to a former aide of Obasanjo, the former president ‘defends even the indefensible’ when the need arises.

“To those of us close to Baba, (as Obasanjo is fondly called), we wait for his mien and actions whenever issues of national importance come up for his attention; we don’t just jump into conclusion simply because he is involved.

“Some issues you think will attract his anger usually take a reverse form and vice versa; so largely, the former president’s reaction to issues depends largely on his personal likeness or hatred for the point man of such issues at hand,” he said.

Perhaps, the former president’s aide may have made a valid point as events leading to the eventual defection of the five former PDP governors provided a near-proof of sort.

To the surprise of many political watchers, not only did Obasanjo play host to the governors who had had an open confrontation with President Jonathan, he indeed, usher in hitherto ‘detestable’ political foes to discuss national issues as far as the focus of the discourse centred around a subjectJonathan.

Even though somewhat

ambivalent traces of political rapprochement have occasionally reared for attention, the relationship between both Obasanjo and Jonathan has displayed a suppressed animosity for each other; and several instances abound as regards this.

True to his threat to stay away from all activities of the PDP, the party watched from a hapless distance as one of Obasanjo’s trusted allies and former governor of Ekiti state, Engineer Segun Oni dumped the party for the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) just a few weeks to the now decided governorship election in Ekiti state.

Even though the former president appeared ambivalent in the case of Oni’s defection to the APC, the political disadvantage that would have been visited on the PDP could only be better imagined than experienced.

The indisputable fact would have been a gradual, sustained and smooth of switch in political preference from the PDP to the APC if the later had won the governorship election in Ekiti.

Political pundits are of the view that former governor of Osun state, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, one of Obasanjo’s main men in the southwest was said to be awaiting the outcome of the Ekiti election to commence his move to the APC. LEADERSHIP gathered that Oni’s move to the APC was to ➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 38

37

38 POLITICS TODAY

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

What Role For Obasanjo In 2015? ➔ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

As 2015 approaches, political actors within the polity will no doubt bring on board very interesting angles to the contest.

One of those to dot the spots remains Obasanjo.

But in 2015, where would he bend towards, APC or PDP

serve as a precursor to a gale of Obasanjo-induced APC-bound defections in the south west ahead of the 2015 presidential election.

A source close to the former president said the move was aimed at weakening the PDP support base in the region even as its main objective was to surge a forceful political base for the Kano state governor, Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso as he prepares for the APC presidential contest.

By implication, it was not unlikely that all Obasanjo supporters nationwide would have taken a cue from the planned mass movement into the APC for the Kwankwaso project.

But even at this point that the APC’s loss of Ekiti appears to have slowed down the pace of political activism in the southwest, Obasanjo appears set to back Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido to challenge the president at the primaries.

That may have informed moves by the southwest leadership to bother less about reconciling Obasanjo and the president, at least for now.

“We have stopped discussing PDP with Obasanjo again because we know he has made up his mind not to have anything to do with our party.

Remember, he once hosted the APC chieftains and he said he had become the father of all parties in Nigeria.

“People like Kwankwaso have been visiting him for consultations and discussing the party with him has become a thing of the past at least for now,” a PDP BoT member told our correspondent.

Obasanjo’s underhand moves notwithstanding, the current leadership of the PDP in the southwest appears set to curtail his activities with some advising the former leader to play the fatherly role rather than persistent interference in partisan politics.

Already, one time SouthWest leader of the ruling party, Chief Bode George, declared that Obasanjo has no need to be getting himself involved unnecessarily in Nigeria’s politics.

George, who granted an online interview to a national newspaper(Punch) urged the former Head of State to stay in Ogun State, where ‘we would all go to consult him’as he advised Obasanjo to learn from former president Shehu Shagari and General Abdusalami Abubakar, who he said have enjoyed

Kashamu

Fayose

Mimiko

Oyinlola

Kwankwaso

Oni

praises from Nigerians because of their calmness on politics and other national issues.

In his words: “He (Obasanjo) is dancing to music which only he can hear. He has no need to be getting himself involved unnecessarily. Baba Obasanjo should stay in Ogun State, where we would all go to consult him.

Look at former president Shehu Shagari and General Abdusalami Abubakar (rtd.), who many say birthed democracy. Abdulsalami is being praised today. You should do things that will make you be remembered for good tomorrow. After two terms and a glorious ending, he should be a father to all.”

But if George was pensive enough, governor-elect of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose was not ready to pamper Obasanjo. In a recent interview, Fayose warned Obasanjo to stop sitting on the fence or get booted out of the party.

“Even in the PDP, in the south-west, no leader will disparage the party. We would suspend you. It doesn’t matter whether you are a former president or former governor;

if you disparage the party again, we will take you out. I am telling you expressly.

“By no small means, posterity has put me in this position; if anybody wants to join the APC, let him go there. If former president Olusegun Obasanjo wants to join the APC, let him go to APC. Segun Oni has gone, we don’t beg for membership.

“We want loyal members of our party. Obasanjo should stop making uncomplimentary statements about the party. If he continues, we will suspend him; nobody is bigger than this party,” Fayose said.

But a political disciple of Obasanjo accused the PDP especially President Jonathan, of being ungrateful to the man who brought him to political limelight and said if Jonathan needed him he knows what to do.

“Those accusing Baba Obasanjo of working against the second term of Jonathan should be fair to themselves.

When Baba accused Jonathan of planning for the second term instead of honouring the gentleman’s pact he

struck shortly before the 2011 election, he not only denied it but his foot soldiers were calling him all sorts of names. Till today, President Jonathan has refused to appreciate what the southwest under Obasanjo did for him,” a former senator said.

The source also accused Jonathan of ignoring his advice to stop interacting with Buruji Kashamu because of his alleged criminal activities in the United States.

“You would agree with me that Jonathan has not been showing any interest in reconciling with his political mentor. Look at the case of Buruji Kashamu, whom Baba disclosed he is having a pending mater in the United States; the president has turned a deaf ear to that counsel; instead…the same man is now the de facto southwest leader of the PDP.” As 2015 approaches, political actors within the polity will no doubt bring on board very interesting angles to the contest. One of those to dot the spots remains Obasanjo. But in 2015, where would he bend towards, APC or PDP?

39

labour matters Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Omar

Are Labour Unions In Nigeria Becoming Toothless ?

In the past, labour unions in the country were dreaded by the government as they are always holding the government accountable.

However, many observers are beginning to raise the question, if labour unions in the country have become toothless in the face of many challenges facing workers in the country and the seeming inability of the unions to force government to become accountable to the Nigerians MICHAEL OCHE and TAIWO OGUNMOLA –OMILANI taka a look at this .

O

bservers say they wanted to know if labour unions have slipped to a theatre of the absurd because the whole essence of unionising are not been achieved by the union leaders in the country.

He said, “It was typical of TUC and NLC in Nigeria; they know the problem, the solution, but they don’t want to go for the solution. I don’t know why and I don’t know if they have compromised.”, he said.

Continuing, he said in the past labour unions were actively involved in the struggle to consolidate the nation’s democracy, adding that the present crop of labour leaders had failed to demand

good governance for Nigerians.

“The fact that a few people are stealing the money in itself is social, economic and political violence. I remember when I was a student leader; you cannot arrest a student union leader without schools closing all over Nigeria. You cannot steal that kind of money that is being stolen in Nigeria without all the universities going demonstration and schools all over the country will be closed.

You cannot do that without labour union coming out to the streets.

“Today all of us who are labour leaders are junketing and enjoying with politicians. So, the poor masses are suffering because they have nobody to speak for them.

They (poor masses) are voiceless and there is no leader to lead the voiceless. They are hungry and there is nobody to address their hunger.

“You as labour leaders have not asked of what we need to do to get this democracy working? Why is there impunity? Why are policemen being used against Nigerians? Why should Nigeria lose 200 children and nobody is talking? It could be your turn”, Amaechi said.

In recent times, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as well as Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP) and Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) have all embarked on strike but many have raised the questions if the actions by the unions are to better the lives of Nigerians or just for their members.

In the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) for instance there is no doubt that the union has always have challenges over leadership.

Though the past leaders of the union tried their best in solving the challenges and to put smile on the faces of workers, but it has always failed.

The exit of Babatunde Ogun as President and his utterances about his experience in office simply buttress the fact that the present administration needs to go the extra mile to make any meaningful impact.

Though Comrade Ogun emerged as President three years ago through a popular mandate for a term of three years (2011 – 2014) inherent challenges made it impossible for him to achieve his dreams during his tenure .

Speaking on his stewardship for the period, he said in the last three years, the labour industry has been enmeshed in a lot of regulatory and policy inconsistencies, economic, social and political challenges, all of which have impacted negatively on our operations and targets.

He said, “ In the face of these daunting challenges, which characterised our activities and operations as well as give chance to very little to cheer, we remain steadfast and focused on our mandates to our members.”

He stressed that in the last three years, his administration embarked on aggressive drive and organisation of potential members and the sustenance of existing ones.

Part of the problems he cited are that of casualisation and contract employment that should ordinarily be permanent and pensionable in nature has continued unabated in the oil and gas sector in Nigeria as many employers now result to changing the permanent model of employment to suit their personal purpose.

According to him, “Our position as labour is that any employment model or policy that is found to be deceptively exploitative and dehumanising will be resisted.

“The union also advocates for decent working conditions, fair and adequate compensation and benefits for all categories of members with unrestricted legitimate right for workers to union activities, collective bargaining and other lawful engagements in resolving issues with social partners.

“In collaboration with NUPENG and other stakeholders and with the help of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, we have been able to gazette guidelines for contract employment in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, as part of what he did.”

He also charged Federal Government on local refineries we call on them to provide enabling environment as well as a level playing field to ensure their efforts come into reality.

He condemned vehemently attempts by government to sell the four state owned refineries in Kaduna, Port Harcourt and Warri after several failures to do Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) on them.

“We have noted government’s insincerity in implementing the agreement reached with NUPENG and PENGASSAN during the January 7, 2014 meeting on the sale of refineries.

“We are watching closely all the subterranean attempts by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to go ahead with the sale of these refineries in spite of our engagement and agreement with the government.

“We earnestly yearn for stronger commitment and push to improve and increase local refining with specific date to end importation of petroleum products and gas flaring”, he added.

From Ogun’s utterances and issues raised it is becoming clearer that he has done the little he could before leaving office.

The labour leader also advised the coming president to ensure he stand for truth and pursue it.

Though, Ogun in his tenure had rancour with the leadership of Trade Union Congress (TUC), who accused of not carrying them along as a body he managed to escape their wrath.

They also said he singlehandedly ran the association, even as some equally said it was because he lost the election to Bala Kaigama .

The reality on ground tend to suggest that all is not well with the union, whether the present executive will swim or sink time will tell.

You as labour leaders have not asked of what we need to do to get this democracy working?

Why is there impunity?

Why are policemen being used against Nigerians?

Why should Nigeria lose 200 children and nobody is talking

40 ISSUES

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

The Drama Of Illegality In Adamawa

By Afrah Sadiq

That the Adamawa State House of Assembly has initiated an impeachment procedure against Governor Murtala Nyako and his deputy, Bala Nglari, is no longer news. However, the news is the fact that behind this seemingly legitimate legislative process is an ordous breach of law and legal procedure. The reports we read in the newspapers is largely insufficient and not reflective of the entire drama unfolding before the eyes of the people of Adamawa state. Indeed the contradictions and somersault we see from the beginning of the process to date, point to a move bereft of sincerity. It is the insincerity of it that explains the impunity with which the dramatis personae – namely the state Assembly and some elements in the judiciary, are going about this.

I explain.

When the Adamawa State House of Assembly first made public its intention to impeach Governor Nyako and his deputy, via an impeachment notice issued out on June 18, nineteen members endorsed the impeachment notice.

However, the attempt by the House of Assembly to serve the Governor the notice of impeachment, in order to explain himself, as provided for by the law failed as Governor Nyako was not in Yola on that day.

It was the same case with deputy governor. The Assembly then sought a substituted service on the duo which the state acting Chief Judge, outrightly rejected. Ruling on the Assembly’s application on June 23, Justice Ambrose Mammadi relied on a Supreme Court pronouncement on the issue of serving such notice in a matter like this, held that “service of the notice of allegations against the respondents must Nyako be by personal service”.

However, while there was no service on Governor Nyako in person, as the law required, the Assembly went on to demand the acting Chief Judge to constitute an investigative panel to probe the allegations against the governor and his deputy. Strangely, the acting CJ, in disregard of his own ruling, has gone ahead to name a sevenman panel as demanded by the “lawmakers”. This is one leg of the illegality in the process.

Secondly, there is a case instituted by the All Progressive Congress (APC) against three of its members in the House of Assembly who have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Interestingly, these three members were among the 19 members who signed the

impeachment notice. The members are Hon. Abubakar Jerengol (Mubi North), Hon. Wafarninyi Theman ( Ho n g ) a n d Hon. Simon Isa (Song ). Two of the three lawmakers were elected under the banner of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) while the third was elected on the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), both parties have since collapsed into the APC. APC had therefore approached court on June 20, challenging the cross carpeting of its members and demanding the court to declare their seats vacant for a fresh election.

While waiting for the court to hear the issues in the originating summon, the APC lawyers filed for a motion ex-parte for an “interim injunction restraining the defendants [which include the State Assembly and the Speaker] from acting upon in any manner whatsoever or taking any further step in pursuance of the Notice or allegation of misconduct in the matter of impeachment of the 6th defendant [Governor Nyako]”. The court granted the

BananaRepublic RESTAURANT

prayer as requested and issued an order with a lifespan of seven days.

Surprisingly, however, within the span of the order, and without the court vacating it, the state Assembly, in sheer contempt of the court order, wrote to the acting CJ to request for convocation of a panel of investigation. However, instead of frowning at the contempt by the state Assembly, the Chief Judge, acting in sync with the lawmakers’ script, went on to name a panel on Friday, July 4th, the same day he also extended the order restraining the House of Assembly!

I took time to explain the above scenarios to underline how the socalled impeachment proceedings lack legitimacy because of the various breaches of due process and court orders. As could be deduced from the foregoing, the actors in this “made in Abuja” script have no patience to at least implement their heinous and scripted agenda within the ambit of the law. Their resort to impunity and disregard for due process portray the whole action in its true colours that it has: a selfserving move to pave way for some individuals to achieve their personal desires, not minding whatever consequence their actions would have on the peace and tranquility enjoyed in Adamawa today.

The ferocity with which the action is being prosecuted also clearly point to a greater interest and pressure.

Only this weekend, the papers reported how the acting Chief Judge was allegedly compelled at gunpoint to agree to name the investigative panel, to consolidate their illegality.

To say that this whole impeachment drama has the “blessing” of Abuja is to understate it. As a matter of fact, the rumours are ripe on how two top officials of the Federal Government and their cheer crowd, made up of some disgruntled Adamawa politicians, are actively teleguiding those executing the plot in Yola.

At a time parts of Adamawa state are bedeviled by activities of miscreant terrorists, it is shocking that anyone would want to instigate anything that may cause rifles in other parts that are now peaceful.

This is also potentially subjecting the state to a precarious change of government from a legitimate one to one that is appointive. It is now the duty of all well meaning Nigerians and respecters of rule of law to rise up against this legislative recklessness which is clouded in federal impunity. Impunity thrives when the people are silent and, indeed, silence is complicity in the midst of lawlessness and wrongdoing. Democracy should not be allowed to be rubbished and ridiculed in this manner because if it is allowed to happen in Adamawa today, no one would know what will happen in, and where, next.

– Afrah Sadiq writes in from Yola

41 news north-East, north-west

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Traders Protest Soldiers’ Clampdown On Businesses In Mubi

BY MOHAMMED ISMAIL, Yola

Anxiety has enveloped the commercial and border town of Mubi, Adamawa State, as traders staged protests against a directive by the Nigerian Army for them to vacate all temporary commercial structures along the major roads of the town.

The protesters who are mainly subsistent business operators

stormed the streets of Mubi yesterday to protest the directive saying it will shut thousands of people out of business.

The businesses that will be mainly affected by the proposed clampdown include owners of kiosks, barbecued (suya) meat sellers, tea sellers, road side petroleum products vendors and gsm recharge cards sellers.

The traders who trooped to

the emirs palace to register their grievance told newsmen that the one week ultimatum given to them by the local government council based on directive from the army was not only unfortunate but wicked.

One of the protesters who preferred anonymity said over 20,000 people would be affected by the clampdown if allowed to sail through, adding that the situ-

ation may even jeopardize the precarious security situation as many youth would be rendered jobless.

The protesters decry the move by the soldiers just as they said it was unnecessary in view of the harsh measures being adopted by the soldiers.

“Are the soldiers here to protect us or to harass us? We are under curfew for from 7pm to 6am for months.

A Muslim family while breaking their fast along Sokoto road, Kaduna, yesterday. photo

by GBENGA ABIOLA

short news Group Lauds KTSIEC Over Preparation For Katsina LG Poll A Katsina based group, Accountability and Good Governance (AGG), has commended Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission (KTSIEC) for “transparent arrangements towards the conduct of local government election in the state”.

The Chairman of the group, Comrade Mansur Abdullahi made the commendation while addressing newsmen yesterday in Katsina.

He said that the group was particularly happy that the rules and regulations of the election were being respected.

2015: We Can’t Be Intimidated By Opposition – Audu Bajoga

BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kaduna

Kaduna State Deputy Governor Ambassador Nuhu Audu Bajoga has said that the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) cannot be intimidated by the opposition, expressing optimism that the PDP will emerge all round victorious in all elections in Kaduna State in 2015.

The deputy governor stated this in Kwoi, Jaba local government area of the state during the party’s stakeholders meeting, adding that no opposition can challenge the PDP in Kaduna State.

He said despite moves by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to obstruct the growing influence of the PDP, the party has already strategised on modalities to counter the opposition.

Bajoga reiterated that the feat recorded by the party since the return of democracy will be repeated in 2015 because PDP has remained the same since it was formed sixteen years ago.

On his discussion with the stakeholders, Bajoga said, “I told them precisely, that the message between now and 2015 is to unite and make sure

that PDP wins all elections in Jaba local government. We have done it before and we shall continue to do it.

“We shall not be intimidated by any new party that has come up. PDP has remained the same with the same logo and flag since it started in 1998. And so, by the grace of God, we shall clear our elections by 2015”.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Bajoga has called on party faithful to remain committed and loyal to the party, while assuring that the PDP government will continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the citizens.

Ramadan: Lawmaker Distributes 10 Truck-loads Of Rice To 21 LGAs In Kebbi

By YAHYA SARKI, Kebbi

In an effort to bring succour and put smiles on the faces of thousands of people in this period of Ramadan Fasting, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Peoples Democratic Party, representing Kebbi central Federal

By Muazu Constituency has distributed to Elazeh, the 21 local governments of KebKatsina bi State, ten trucks loaded with

six hundred bags of rice to ease Ramadan fasting for people in the state.

This is also in addition to various groups and associations such as NARTO, NLC, and Kabo Kabo as well as Fishermen and the Butchers who also benefitted from the magnanimity of the legislator for this month of Ramadan.

Abubakar Nayaya Birnin Keb-

bi who is the senior assistant to Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu made this known to newsmen yesterday in Birnin Kebbi while supervising the distribution exercise.

Nayaya explained that even before the commencement of political activities in the state, it has been the tradition of Senator Bagudu to reach out to people especially those in need in the society.

short news LG Boss Tasks Youths On Food Security Acting chairman of Matazu local government area of Kasina State, Mouktar Aminu-Bakori has urged youths to embrace agriculture as their contribution to complement government efforts on food security.

Bakori said youth’s involvement in agriculture would surely enhance food production in rural areas, noting that their efforts would further strengthen government programmes geared towards achieving food security in the country.

He spoke shortly after inspecting the distribution of 1,166 bags of grains donated by the state government for distribution to people as Ramadan feeding assistance.

By Muazu Elazeh, Katsina

Tofa Condemns Plan To Register Northerners In S/East Elder statesman and former presidential candidate under defunct NRC, Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa, expressed utter condemnation of what the Governments of Imo State and, probably others in the East, supported by the Ohanaeze Ndi’gbo, are about to do: that all Northerners in those states should be registered and issued with IDcards!

In a statement made available to LEADERSHIP, the elder statesman said he was shocked that other responsible leaders, like former presidents and heads of state and government, as well as traditional and political leaders, chose to keep mute in this very sad affair that is very likely to cause wide spread disaffection and retaliation.

“When government and traditional leaders shirk their responsibilities for fear of something; when politicians turn their heads away from matters like this, because they need to protect their aspirations, then this country is doomed; and beginning of the end is surely near,” he averred.

By Abubakar Salihi, Kano

Firm Distributes 2,961 Bags Of Cotton Seedlings To Farmers In Taraba The Supernova Global Investment, an Agro-allied company has distributed 2,961 bags of cotton seedlings to farmers in Taraba State to boost the production of the commodity in the state.

The managing director of the company, Mr Sani Marke, disclosed this yesterday in Jalingo during the distribution ceremony to farmers in the state.

Marke said 47 co-operative groups with an average of 30 members each, amounting to 1,500 farmers, registered to participate in the pilot scheme of the programme.

The MD explained that each cooperative group was entitled to 63 bags of cotton seedlings in the pilot project, spread across six local governments of Jalingo, Lau, Karim-Lamindo, Bali, Gassol and Ardo-Kola.

Marke said he was inspired to venture into agriculture because of the transformation agenda of the federal government in the sector.

“Even though I am a trained lawyer, I am inspired to go into farming because of what the minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina is doing in transforming and revolutionalising the sector,” he said.

By Andrew Ojih, Jalingo.

42 NEWS

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

2014 Guber Poll:

OsunDECIDES

Saturday, August 9

Aregbesola Commissions N2.32bn Ayegbaju I’ll Provide Road Network For Ejigbo, Songbe, Market, Expresses Commitment To People’s Welfare Ife Odan Communities – Omisore

Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola yesterday expressed his commitment to the welfare of the people of the state irrespective of their religious or political affiliation.

Speaking at the commissioning of the first and second phases of the multi-billion naira Ayegbaju International Market located in Osogbo, the state capital, Aregbesola promised to make Osun the nerve centre of commerce in the South West and Nigeria in general.

Addressing the huge crowd consisting of top politicians, traders and market women that witnessed the commissioning, the elated governor said the successful construction of the market was a testimony that his administration’s less than

four years rule could not be compared with the seven and a half years of of the previous administration.

Aregbesola said the acceptability of his programmes and projects continued to motivate him to do more, adding that what the people have seen will be a tip of the iceberg compared to what he would do when re-elected for second term.

‘Farmers To Enjoy Dividends Of Democracy Under Aregbesola’s Administration’ Meanwhile, Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in continuation of its doorto-door campaign for the re-election of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, has assured farmers in the state of dividends of democra-

Aregbesola

cy through the provision of their basic needs which include herbicides, insecticides and farm implements at cheaper rates.

The party equally gave assurance that Governor Aregbesola would provide link roads for rural communities to facilitate transportation of farm produce to markets and urban centres if elected for second term.

In continuation of his house-to-house electioneering campaigns, the flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the August 9, 2014 governorship election in Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore has promised to provide electricity and good road network for the people of Idigba, Songbe, Ejigbo, Ife Odan, among others.

Omisore who observed that the area is suffering from lack of roads maintained that the welfare of rural dwellers would be accorded topmost priority by his administration if elected as governor of Osun State.

Responding to the request for the rehabilitation of Songbe-Ilawo road, the PDP candidate affirmed that concrete action would be taken to bring the road

to standard the moment he is declared winner of the forthcoming election.

He assured that he would review the present school merger and same school uniform policy and reverse the school reclassification programme of the present administration, adding that he would employ more teachers to boost teaching services in public schools.

Omisore, who was received by the communities in large numbers, assured that all the socio-economic problems confronting the people would be promptly addressed when the PDP takes over power.

He charged residents who have not obtained their voter cards to do so without further delay, pointing out that “this is the only weapon you can use to bring about good governance and

Omisore

end poverty in Osun State.”

Receiving him in his palace, the Olu of Songbe, Oba Kamilu Oladiran recalled that there was a tie between his father and Senator Omisore’s father during their time as civil servants, just as he described Omisore as a complete gentleman who loves to help people around him contrary to the speculations in some quarters.

By Joshua Dada, Osogbo

SOUTH-WEST Education: Gov Amosun Promises Better Days For Students Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has pledged his continuous support for excellence in the educational sector in the state.

The governor stated this yesterday while addressing members of the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS), FUNAAB Chapter, who staged a peaceful protest to his Oke Mosan office in Abeokuta over their unpaid bursaries.

The students who had converged on the popular Kuto roundabout as early as 7am, caused some gridlock in the area as Monday was the Kuto market day, thus, giving the security agents including traffic wardens a hectic day.

The students numbering over 200 moved from the Kuto roundabout straight to the governor’s office, carrying placards with various inscriptions and chanting songs.

Addressing the protesting students, the governor commended them for the orderly manner in which they comported themselves, promising that by next month, all the outstanding bursaries will be paid.

By Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

Ondo Poly Students Protest Fee Hike

BY TOPE FAYEHUN, Akure

Students of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), Ondo State, yesterday took to the streets to protest sudden hike in their tuition fees by the school management.

It was gathered that full-time students who are indigenes are expected to pay over N60,000, nonindigenes over 70,000, while newly admitted students are expected to pay over 90,000.

The students were also protesting the conditions attached to writing examinations and the recent unified test introduced by the

management of the institution.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the decision to embark on protest was taken at a students’ union stakeholders’ meeting which was held on Sunday.

The management had directed that students would commence a unified test yesterday in the whole institution with the condition that only students who have paid their fees would be allowed to write the test.

The angry students blocked the institution’s gate as early as 6am and prevented lecturers and other members of staff from gaining entrance into the school premises.

They barricaded the Benin/ Abuja Expressway and stopped vehicular movement for several hours.

Several properties including the girls’ hostel building, a new generation bank Automated Teller Machine (ATM), the bank’s signage and some billboards were damaged.

The protest was later extended to the newly dualised Owo township road where they made bonfires in most junctions in the town.

Meanwhile, the management of Owo Poly has shut down by the institution, following the protest embarked upon by the students yesterday

Sen Adeseun Finally Dumps APC For PDP

BY ADEBAYO WAHEED, Ibadan

The All Progressives Congress (APC) senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial district in the National Assembly, Ayoade Adeseun has finally joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), putting a stop to speculations on his romance with the PDP. Adeseun registered yesterday at Baya Oje ward 1 in the Surulere local government area of

Oyo State.

Addressing supporters after the exercise, he said he would collaborate with former governor Adebayo Alao-Akala to bring development to Ogbomoso.

“It is true that I and Alao-Akala fought each other in the last political dispensation, and now we have resolved our differences.

“We are very good friends and have realised that development

can be achieved only when we close ranks,” he said.

He further said that Alao-Akala would run for the governorship ticket of the PDP, just like him, adding that they have both agreed to team up with whoever emerges among them.

“I urge my teeming supporters to go out en masse and register for the PDP. I know by the time the campaign starts, Ajimobi will run from the heat.

SHORT NEWS Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority Gets New MD President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of Engineer Akintunde Soyemi as the new managing director of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Abeokuta.

The appointment which is for a period of four years takes effect from June 5, 2014. Until his appointment, Soyemi was the authority’s executive director, planning and design.

A statement by the deputy director, public relations of the organisation, Mr Femi Dokunmu, said Soyemi, a native of Abeokuta, joined the services of the authority in 1981 as an agricultural engineer.

Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

news Lagos 43

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Ladipo Market Crisis: Appeal Court Lifts Restriction On Exmarket Leader The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal yesterday lifted the restriction placed on former president of Aguiyi Ironsi International Trade Centre, popularly called Ladipo Market, Jonathan Okoli from entering the market.

The appellate court also set aside the order of Justice Lateefat Okunnu of the Lagos High Court in Ikeja mandating Okoli to report at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba once in a month on a specific day and time throughout the duration of the case.

But the court refused to vacate the order banning the appellant from participating in the affairs of the association.

The appellant was arraigned before Justice Okunnu on a 12-count charge of conspiracy, attempted murder, unlawful display of arms, causing of grievous harm contrary to Section 243 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.

He was arraigned alongside others accused of attempting to kill five members of his market association during a protest in 2012.

By Olugbenga Soyele, Lagos

Commuters Stranded In Lagos, As NURTW Enforces Vehicle Accreditation

by GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

Many commuters were yesterday stranded at various bus stops in the Lagos metropolis as members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) enforced accreditation of commercial vehicles in the state.

LEADERSHIP observed that drivers who refused to comply with the earlier directive by the state government and the road transport unions were prevented from picking passengers at the motor parks.

At the New Garage located in Ikeja, Lagos, vehicles not fully accredited were barred from entering the motor parks to pick or drop passengers.

A commuter who gave his name as Gregory Sodiq told our correspondent that he had been stranded at the Ikeja bus stop for some hours.

He said, “We have been standing here on the queue and buses are not available to carry us to our destinations. The NURTW officers have been driving away buses that wanted to pick passengers because

they have not registered”.

An official of NURTW, named Sikiru, told our correspondent that, “We have sent a message to some of them that are stubborn not to joke with us today if they do not want to see their blood flowing.”

Though he did not specify the number of buses impounded by the union, Sikiru said the vehicles will not be released to the owners until they comply with the Lagos state government’s directive.

The Lagos State chairman of the NURTW, acting on the orders

of Lagos State government, had given commercial drivers in the state up till yesterday to comply with the state government’s directive on vehicle accreditation or face punitive action from the union.

The state government, as part of its efforts to improve service delivery in the transportation sector as well as security in the state, directed vehicle owners, drivers and conductors to register their vehicles at designated Vehicle Inspection Offices in the state.

short news 70 Retire In Lagos Education District

We Don’t Need To Create More States In Nigeria - Lawmakers Members of Lagos State House of Assembly have observed that creation of states is not a priority of Nigeria at this period, saying good leadership is what the country needs.

Hon Gbolahan Yishawu representing Eti-Osa constituency 2, while reacting to the recommendation of the ongoing National Conference, however, said that creation of states is provided for in the constitution, adding that such exercise should be taken to the National Assembly.

“The issues we have in Nigeria are not about creation or noncreation of states. We all know our problems; no power, poor education, bad roads; all these are within the power of the federal government.

“Even the states that we have, are we running them like a true federation? There is no implementation of the rule of law; if you don’t believe in the rule of law, it is unnecessary to create more states,” he said.

In his own contribution, Hon Bisi Yusuf representing Alimosho 1 added, “I don’t think we need more states but a goal getter and purposeful leadership.

No matter the number of states created, we need true federalism”.

By Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

L-R: Son of late Chief MKO Abiola, Abdulmumuni Abiola, former president of Nigerian Bar Association, Dame Priscilla Kuye, president, Women Arise and Campaign for Democracy, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin and president, Kudirat Initiative for Democracy/daughter of the late MKO Abiola, Mrs Hafsat Abiola-Costello, laying a wreath to commemorate the16th anniversary of MKO Abiola’s death at the Abiolas’ residence in Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO BY GBENGA OLAJOBI.

N500m Money Laundering Charge: Lagos Speaker Knows Fate July 11

By Olugbenga Soyele, Lagos

A Federal High Court in Lagos will on July 11 decide whether the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had made a prima facie case against the speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji to compel him to open his defence.

The trial judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba fixed the day after listening to the argument on a no case sub-

mission filed by the speaker and his personal assistant, Oyebode Atoyebi.

Ikuforiji and his co-accused, Atoyebi were arraigned before the court by the EFCC on a 56-count charge of conspiracy and laundering the sum of N500million.

While arguing his client’s case, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) submitted that the prosecution had failed to link the speaker to the charge before the court to warrant him entering the dock

to open his defence.

Chief Olanipekun formulated several issues for determination including the constitutionality of the charge, jurisdiction of the court and the sovereignty of the office of the speaker.

According to the senior lawyer, the office of a speaker of a House of Assembly of a state was constitutionally created, and so, by parity of reasoning, the first accused was sovereign as presently constituted.

No fewer than 70 staffers of the Lagos State Education District have retired from the state public service.

Speaking at a ceremony held in honour of the 70 workers from different cadres who have served the state meritoriously in various schools under the Education District V1,the state head of service, Mrs Oluseyi Williams, said the retirees contributed their quota to the development of the state.

Williams, represented by Mr Tajudeen Atiko-Balogun, advised the retiring workers to invest their money only in businesses for which they have carried out feasibility studies.

By George Okojie, Lagos

Lagos Assembly Charges Military To Respect Constitution

By Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the military to respect the Nigerian law and protect the sanctity of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by desisting from taking laws into their hands whenever their relationship with civilians is strained.

The chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, Security and Publicity representing Epe Constituency II, Hon Segun Olulade made the call while reacting to the recent fracas involving some military personnel on Ikorodu road, Lagos which saw the destruction and burning of commercial buses belonging to the Lagos State government.

He described the incident as worrisome and wondered what could have prompted soldiers to take to the streets in large numbers, destroying vehicles and humiliating innocent civilians.

“I am seriously worried by various security reports involving our security personnel. The army is a respected institution by Nigerian standard.

The army is seen as reserved and cul-

tured. What happened was very surprising but it is a gradual fallout of the recent misappropriation of the Nigerian Army by the apex authority in the country”, Olulade said.

He added, “The army orientation is not civil but military, hence it is expected that the army would stick to discipline whenever there is a negative incident in the civil community.

44 news south-South south-East 2015: PDP Move To Install Ogboru As Delta Gov There are strong indications that the decision of Chief Great Ogboru, former chieftain and governorship candidate of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), to dump the party for Labour Party is a ploy and calculated move endorsed by some ‘mafias’ of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to pave way for his emergence as the governor of Delta State at the 2015 elections.

Impeccable sources close to the ‘mafias’ indicate that the party’s political structure in the state which is still being controlled by the former governor, Chief James Ibori, may not be favourably disposed to President Goodluck Jonathan’s ambition to ensure a free and fair election in the state.

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

A/Ibom Remains Highest Contributor To Sovereign Wealth Fund – NSIA Akwa Ibom State remains the highest contributor to Sovereign Wealth Fund in the country for 2013, it has been revealed.

The managing director/chief executive of the Nigerian Sovereign Wealth Investment Authority (NSIA), Mr. Uche Orji, who stated this when he and his team paid Governor Godswill Akpabio a courtesy visit at Governor’s Office, Uyo, hinted that Akwa Ibom Government contributed the highest to the fund particularly counterpart funding.

Mr. Orji said they were in the state to partner the state government and invest in the state, as well as to be a part of the uncommon transformation of Governor Akpabio, hinting that the group invests in real estate, agriculture, power and seaport, among others.

By Bernard Tolani Dada, Uyo

Judge Advocates 3-year Tenure For NBA Exco With one week for Nigerian lawyers, under the aegis of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), to elect new officers to run its affairs for the next two years, Justice Pius Idiong of Akwa Ibom State Judiciary sitting in Ikot Ekpene has called for the tenure to be extended to three years.

Justice Idiong, a former Vice Chairman of Ikot Ekpene branch of NBA before his elevation to the bench, made the suggestion at the inauguration of the new executive committee of the branch led by Gabriel Ette, witnessed by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Ekpenyong Ntekim and the former national assistant publicity secretary of the NBA, Gbolahan Gbadamosi, among other guests.

By Bernard Tlani dada Uyo

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Edo Assembly: Factional Assembly Passes Separate Resolutions

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

The crisis in the Edo State House of Assembly further deepened yesterday when the warring sides in the crisis, the APC and PDP lawmakers, held separate plenary with resolutions to the Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

The nine PDP lawmakers, with protection from a large deployment of armed security personnel in early hours of Monday,

gained entry into the Anthony Enahoro Assembly Complex and held a sitting at the balcony of the complex.

However, the 15 APC lawmakers also held a sitting at the Old Assembly Complex in Government House, presided by the Speaker, Hon Uyi Igbe.

The APC faction, in its resolution, called on President Goodluck Jonathan, the ECOWAS Security Council, and the Inspector General of Police to wade into

what they described as the “ungodly” use of the Nigeria Police against APC members in Edo State.

The motion calling on the President to control the Police, which he accused of behaving like an arm of the PDP, was moved the Hon Kabiru Adjoto (APC) and seconded by Hon Sunday Aghedo (Ovia South west).

Majority Leader Hon Phillip Shaibu, in a consequential motion, added that the president

was aware of the crisis rocking the House, and called on the United Nation and ECOWAS to come to the aid of Nigeria, even as he wondered why such a large deployment of Police was not sent to Sambisa Forest to rescue the missing Chibok girls Also, the impeached Deputy Speaker, Hon Festus Ebea, who acted as Speaker yesterday, also called on banks to henceforth stop any dealing with the Uyi Igbe-led faction and his cohorts.

short news First Cargo Plane To Land In Bayelsa Oct 2015 – Works Commissioner The Bayelsa State Government yesterday announced that the ongoing state cargo airport located at Amasoma community in the Southern-Ijaw loacal government area of the state would be ready for use by October 2015.

Mr Lawrence Ewrudiakpor, State L-R: Governors, Martin Elechi (Ebonyi), Theodore Orji (Abia) and Anambra State deputy governor, Nkem Okeke, ad- commissioner for Works and dressing journalists after South-east Governors’ Forum in Enugu on Sunday. PHOTO BY NAN Infrastructural Development, disclosed this to newsmen yesterday in Yenagoa after inspecting the

By Anayo Onukwugha, Port Harcourt bers as the main reason, after Mr. Kayode Igbarago, said the project. unknown arsonists burnt down Union was in solidarity with the “The cargo The Judicial Staff Union of Ni- a State High Court at Ahoada strike in the state, adding that airport will enable geria (JUSUN) may embark on Town, in Ahoada-East local gov- national leadership of the Union us to key into the a nationwide strike in solidarity ernment area of the state. will meet in Abuja tomorrow to global economy with their counterparts in RivThe state government and take a position in solidarity of and development; ers State if the face-off between the NJC had been at logger- the the strike in Rivers State. and we are the state government and the heads over the decision of the Igbarago maintained that JUstillstanding by National Judicial Council (NJC) latter to appoint Justice Daisy SUN cannot take instructions our October 2015 lingers.

Okocha as the Administrative from two masters and called of the first plane The Rivers State chapter of Judge of the state. on the NJC and Rivers governlanding here in JUSUN had last month emAddressing journalists in Port ment to settle their differences Bayelsa. barked on an indefinite strike, Harcourt yesterday, the nation- before the workers can call of

By Osa Okhomina, citing insecurity of its mem- al publicity secretary of JUSUN, the strike.

Yenagoa

Amaechi-NJC Face-off: Judicial Workers Threaten Nationwide Strike

Drivers Without Number Plates To Face Prosecution In Delta

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

The Delta State government yesterday declared as a “criminal offence” the act of driving vehicles, tricycles, and motorcycles without number plate or approved identification in the state.

The State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Benson Igbakpa, told LEADERSHIP that the culprits of such vehicles were a se-

curity risk to the state and that henceforth such vehicles would be impounded, and the culprits prosecuted for breaching traffic laws.

The state government’s reaction came on the heels of a scuffle between officials of the Delta State Traffic Management Agency (DSTMA) and some security personnel attached to one of the old generation banks in the state where the DSTMA officials were prevented by

the bank’s security personnel from impounding the bank’s customers’ vehicles.

Speaking further, the transport commissioner however called on various security agencies in the state to educate their officers on the need to comply with the state government’s approved laws, stressing that such personnel, as part of the executive arm of government, should be seen to be en-

forcing the laws and not breaking them.

“Let me use this medium to call on security officials in the state to call all their officials to order. I urge them to continue to obey the state traffic rules and regulations; the DSTMA is a law in the state and security personnel should stop doing traffic work as traffic work is domicile in the state directorate of transport,” he said.

45

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

GOVERNMENT OF AKWA IBOM STATE OF NIGERIA PRESS STATEMENT

RE: STATE OF INSECURITY IN AKWA IBOM STATE AND THE THREATS TO LIVES OF POLITICAL OPPONENTS OF GOVERNOR AKPABIO (BLACKMAIL TAKEN TOO FAR) Once again, the attention of the Akwa Ibom State Government has been drawn to a petition from the Chambers of Uzomah Ibegbulem & Co. purportedly acting on behalf of Hon. Umana Okon Umana and the entire broth of his friends, family, associates and members of the Steering Committee of his 2015 Governorship ambition, to the Inspector General of Police, and the National Human Rights Commission, dated 12th May 2014 with the title “STATE OF INSECURITY IN AKWA IBOM STATE AND THE THREATS TO LIVES OF POLITICAL OPPONENTS OF GOVERNOR AKPABIO.” An earlier response had been made by Kanu Agabi, SAN, on behalf of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State. However, given the publicity the petitioner has given to the petition in various fora, including as an advertorial in local and national tabloids and circulated on the Internet, it is appropriate to issue this response as unsuspecting members of the public may be misinformed or hoodwinked into believing the baseless allegations.

ALLEGED ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT ON CHIEF SUNNY UDOM: It is unfortunate that a robbery incident at the office of Chief Sunny Udom has been misconstrued as an assassination attempt. It is on record that the State Security Service, SSS, had since smashed an armed robbery gang, and subsequently paraded them before the press, for which they made confessional statements as those responsible for the attack on Chief Sunny Udom’s office on May 6, 2014 at No. 7 Umoh Essien Street, off Obio Imo Street, Uyo. We rely on the brief of the Department of State Services to the press which unequivocally noted that “while, this investigation was ongoing, local and national media were inundated with sensational headlines of orchestrated State Government sponsored assassination and political attacks targeted at key opponents particularly, using the attack on Soni UDOM (Chief), Campaign Director of Umana Okon UMANA gubernatorial aspiration as a reference point.” The brief further stated that “The Command in the course of this investigation scrupulously interrogated the suspects on possible Government complicity/ sponsorship of their operation to which they all corroborated one another in refuting and denouncing any such action but rather affirming that their operation was strictly robbery based.”

LATE (ENGR.) ALBERT UKPANAH: The labeling of this known PDP stalwart and personal friend of Governor Godswill Akpabio, as his ‘opponent’ in the petition will baffle any observer who knew the depth of the relationship between both men. Chief Ukpanah was not only a member of the SWC of the PDP, but also coordinated the Godswill Akpabio Campaign Organisation in Ukanafun.

On the morning of March 5, 2014, the same day he was assassinated, (may his soul rest in peace) Chief Ukpanah was at the Hill Top Mansion, where he met with Governor Akpabio, to solicit for, and received assistance in aid of his wife, who was receiving medical attention at a Lagos hospital. It is curious how the same governor, who gladly assisted his friend, will turn around to send assassins after him. Their purported claim to the 2015 Senate ambition of Governor Akpabio, is fictitious and ill-conceived. It is a sad commentary that for these politicians could condescend to make political capital out of the tragic and brutal murder of this elder statesman.

However, it is important to know that this matter is subjudice, as Government has been briefed that some persons have been arraigned in court over this matter.

HON. EKPERIKPE EKPO: A more incorrigible lie is the alleged threat to Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo by Governor Godswill Akpabio. The fact of the matter is that, at St. John Pro-Cathedral, Abak, where the Governor attended the wedding ceremony of his niece, Kubiat Udosen, nee Ebienang, he took time out to interact with leaders of the Church and Ekperikpe Ekpo on the issue of compensation for the catholic Church in Abak, due to its proximity to the major highway; a discussion which I was privy to. We make bold to state that at no point, whatsoever did the Governor threaten Ekperikpe during the convivial discussion on 1st February, 2014, nor was any mention made of the so called three Gs -an acronym that can only be explained by the authors who originated it.

UMANA OKON UMANA: The alleged trailing of Umana Okon Umana by hired assassins is the height of irresponsibility, all

aimed at re-jigging his flappy campaign machine for 2015 Governorship election.

It is on record that Umana Umana, until he left office as Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, sometime in 2013, was one of the most outspoken salesmen of the good governance witnessed in Akwa Ibom State, under the leadership of His Excellency, Chief Godswill Akpabio. Among many other positive statements standing to his credit, can be found in the IMPACT magazine, volume 2, No. 13 of September 2012, page 40 -41, where Obong Umana said “When you are dealing with people who are not patriotic, what you do is exactly what Governor Akpabio is doing -remain focused and continue to do the things that are good for the people, that is whether they appreciate it or not because the vision is bright and the generality of the people of the State are behind the Governor.” He further stated that “I don’t think we should bother too much about those who may be for personal reason or for whatever reason are not prepared to join hands with the Governor to build an Akwa Ibom State we can be proud of.”

It is the light of this sincere appraisal of the Akpabio administration by Obong Umana that we dismiss related spurious allegations of other political associates, sympathizers and members of his Steering Committee, listed in the petition.

TOWN HALL MEETINGS: The lame attempt to discredit the highly successful town hall meetings held across the 10 Federal Constituencies is another hard sell in the petition. Governor Akpabio has commendably aligned with the overwhelming desire of the people of Akwa Ibom State to zone the 2015 Governorship slot to Eket Senatorial District, an apparent sin against Mr. Umana Okon Umana.

It is noteworthy that since the creation of Akwa Ibom State, Uyo Senatorial District has produced as Governor the late Obong Akpan Isemin (1992 to 1993) and Obong Victor Attah (1999 to 2007). From 2007, Chief Godswill Akpabio from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District has had a shot at the governorship and will by the grace of God, complete his tenure in 2015. An overwhelming majority of Akwa Ibom people have therefore affirmed that for the sake of justice, equity and peaceful co-existence of the people of the state, the next Governor should come from Eket Senatorial District which has not produced a Governor since the state was created. This is Umana Umana’s only grouse against Governor Akpabio.

OTHER ISSUES: As for Monty Suites, which is referred to in petition, as “regular meeting point for assassination meetings”, nothing can be farther from the truth. The hotel facility is one of the private hospitality outlets in Uyo and perhaps we should ask the petitioners to tell the world and security agencies more about the alleged killer gang using the facility as a meeting point.

The catalogue of purported victims of political assassinations and kidnappings cited in the petition, are merely recycled false allegations, some of which Obong Umana Umana, then as Secretary to the State Government, had absolved the government of complicity and which police investigative report of November 25, 2011, endorsed by then Commissioner, CP Solomon E. Arase, fdc., covering a gamut of the cases listed in the petition, cleared the Governor and other officials of State of any involvement in the said crimes. To be precise, which is annexed hereto, reads in part, “It is pertinent to affirm that neither the State Governor nor any functionaries of the State was indicted in any way for any of the conspiracy, kidnapping or murder cases investigated or charged to court so far. ...the Governor has been consistent in his drive towards riding the state of high-level crimes, particularly, kidnapping, murder and armed robbery.”

We therefore urge the public to discountenance the said petition, which is merely vindictive politics, taken too far and lacking in substance, while we charge the political class to refrain from comments and concocting fictitious allegations, which are capable of undermining peace and security in our State, even as we approach the critical 2015 general elections.

Signed:

Aniekan Umanah Hon. Commissioner for Information & Communications

46 news NATIONAL Nigeria Reactivates Technical Aid Programme With Jamaica The Department of Technical Aid Corps (TAC) and the ministry of foreign affairs have reactivated the Technical aid corps programme between Nigeria and Jamaica after over ten years of the suspension of the programme.

This was disclosed at a meeting between the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Director General of the Department of Technical Aid Corps (TAC), Dr Pius Olakunle Osunyikanmi.

Chairman of the House Committee, Hon Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje commended the recent transformation at DTAC. Elendu-Ukeje recalled the good diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Jamaica and reiterated the importance attached by both countries to the need to further strengthen the relationship.

By Edegbe Odemwingie, Abuja

Chibok Girls: ProJonathan Group Slams Ezekwesili A Pro-Jonathan, Youth for Ebele Jonathan (YEJ) has criticised the former minister of education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, over her alleged statement concerning the president over the continued abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls.

The national coordinator of YEJ, Chief Robert Opara, also slammed Ezekwesili and others whom he described as “political jobbers”, saying they should understand that fight against insurgency needs time for training and other logistics to place security agencies in the right position to adequately tackle the scourge.

Opara spoke yesterday in Abuja during a press briefing on a proposed community medical intervention programme in collaboration with Soteria-Afrique Rural Healthcare Initiative (SARHI).

By Paul Chiama, Abuja

Nigerian Air force Gets New Spokesman The Nigerian Air Force has appointed Air Commodore Dele Alonge as the new Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), replacing the outgoing Air Commodore Yusuf Anas.

It was Anas himself who made this known to newsmen at a press conference in Abuja yesterday.

The new spokes person, Alonge, was born on February 8, 1963 at Okebunkun, Kabba/Bunu local government area of Kogi State.

He was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as a member of Regular Combatant Course in September 1984 and graduated in 1988 with a BA Hons.

Before his new appointment, Alonge was the Deputy Director Air Force Public Relations and Information.

By Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Shema Is The Best Gov In Nigeria – Adamu Muazu

By Muazu Elazeh, Katsina

The national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Alhaji Adamu Muazu, has said that Katsina State governor Ibrahim Shema has no equal among all the 36 governors in Nigeria.

Speaking yesterday, in Katsina, during the presentation of PDP flags to chairmanship candidates ahead of the August 2 council election, Muazu said the ruling PDP was impressed with the perfor-

mance of Shema and hence, was proud of his stewardship.

“There is no governor like Shema in Nigeria. PDP is assuring you that it believes in your work and we know you are a just leader.

Justice is on ground for all to see.

PDP is proud of you,” he enthused.

Muazu who spoke through the PDP Vice chairman for North West, Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure, assured people of Katsina State that a bigger position awaits governor Shema after the comple-

tion of his second and final term as governor by 2015.

The National chairman of PDP stressed that “apart from PDP, there is no other party. All the rest we call them club,” noting that PDP will continue ruling for the next one hundred years to come”.

In an address, Governor Shema urged people of the state to ensure peaceful election by conducting themselves in an orderly manner by adhering to the guidelines released by Katsina State in-

dependent electoral commission.

Shema who presented the flags to all the party’s chairmanship candidates for the state’s 34 council areas enjoined them to engage in house to house campaigns, and expressed optimism that the ruling PDP will clinch all the seats at the polls.

Meanwhile, the ruling PDP in Katsina has presented membership cards to four members of the Katsina State executive council who joined the party.

short news Pay More Attention To The Nations Mineral Sector – Sada The minister of Mines and Steel Development, Architect Musa Mohammed Sada has called on the Nigerian government to pay more attention to the solid minerals sector as it needs to find space in the new development plan of the government.

He added that “Government is L-R: Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr Osita Chidoka, Executive Director, Nigerian Export Promotion Council launching an in(NEPC), Mr Olusegun Awolowo and National Coordinator, Special Marshal, Mr Sini Kwabe at the Honorary Investiture Special in Abuja, dustrial revolution plan that relies yesterday. PHOTO BY JANE OKEKE on creating value chain and there is no sector that creates more value

By Millie Ibe, Abuja no better time than now to invite and other friends of Buhari from chain than the Buhari to salvage the ugly situa- across the country. minerals sector A political group, Buhari Friends tion in the country.

According to Okon, “This projwhen he spoke Organisation Network (BFO) has Okon described Buhari as a ect, Buhari Friends Organisaat the “Mining on called on the leadership of the All true democrat and only Nigerian tion Network is borne out of the Top” Event which Progressives Congress (APC) and politician with natural follower- premise that for too long now in held on June 26, its members to adopt Muhamma- ship devoid of money politicking. the Nigerian political develop2014 in London. du Buhari as the party’s presiden- He said Buhari’s credibility, integ- ment as well as governance in all Speaking on the tial candidate for the 2015 gener- rity and zero tolerance for corrup- respects, there has been a total challenges of the al elections. tion and good governance, made disconnect, high level of unemsector, he asserted Making the call at the week- him the most credible and best ployment, corruption of monuthat the first chalend during its inaugural general candidate for 2015 presidency. mental dimension, insecurity and lenge was in “the meeting in Abuja, the National The inaugural general meeting, other social vices in the polity and area of policy”.

Coordinator of BFO, Saint Atha- with the theme, ‘Buhari repre- all these problems seem to defy nasius Okon said with the high sents peace and good governance efforts by successive administralevel of corruption, insecurity we need now’, had in attendance tions since 1999 when democratBy Ruth Tene and unemployment, there was members of the organisation ic governance was introduced.

Natsa, Abuja with Agency Report

2015: Group Wants Buhari As APC Presidential Candidate

NFVCB Approves Half A Yellow Sun, Others ByMillie Ibe and Halima Tiffi, Abuja

The national film and video censors board (NFVCB) has approved Half a yellow sun and 77 other movies.

According to a statement signed by the acting head corporate affairs of NFVCB, Mr Caesar Kagho, all the movies fulfilled the regulatory conditions of the board. It also stated that fifteen of the movies have also

been approved for theatre exhibition category among which is Half a yellow sun.

“Other exhibition movies approved along with their classifications are: Edge of Tomorrow, Tokarev, Maleficent, Vampire Academy, Blended, Dead Drop, 22 Jump Street, Holiday, A Soldier is never off Duty, Finding Fela, How to Train your Dragon, Under the Skin, The Fault in our Stars, Half of a yellow Sun, Mil-

lion Dollar Arm and Transformers: Age of Extinction,” he said.

In none exhibition category meant for home audience, 62 movies were approved: 16 English movies, 25 Yoruba, 19 Hausa and 2 Ibibio languages respectively.

Meanwhile, NFVCB is set to burn N10 million worth of pornographic and unwholesome movies seized within FCT and environs during targeted operation between

January and June 2014. In the operations which covered Gwagwalada, Karu, Kubwa, Wuse market and Airport Road, over two million films were seized, of which 60 per cent were pornographic while 40 per cent were uncensored, unwholesome and pirated.

The board is currently working with the Federal Ministry of Environment to secure a dump site to burn the seized films.

news NATIONAL 47

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Troops Clear Terrorists Bases In Balmo Forest, Capture Foreign Mercenaries The Defence Headquarters has disclosed that troops have cleared and taken over Balmo forest in a military operation that lasted throughout the weekend.

Prior to the operation, Balmo forest stretching from Bauchi through Jigawa State with links to the fringes of Sambisa Forest was used by terrorists as bases and hideouts for launching attacks.

Director of Information of Defence Headquarters, Major General Chris Olukolade, made this known in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday.

Olukolade said, “Terrorists and armed gangs operating in the forests were completely rooted out while some were captured during the operation. Among those captured were two foreigners who are suspected to be mercenaries.

“Also captured are several weapons and equipment including power generating sets, communication equipment, vehicles, motorcycles, foodstuff and kitchen utensils”.

In another development, over 44 terrorists have died in Kerenoa and adjoining communities, following an encounter with troops who repelled their attack on the communities.

Armed with IEDs and other high calibre weapons, a large number of terrorists had carried out a predawn attack on the communities but met with stiff resistance of the troops.

The defence headquarters added that during the operation, several of them were captured as well as weapons and ammunitions of various calibre.

Meanwhile, troops on routine patrol around Banki and Miyanti in Borno State during the weekend fought through an ambush laid by terrorists resulting in casualties on both sides.

Altogether, a total of six soldiers were lost in the various encounters with terrorists during the weekend while those wounded are receiving treatment.

By Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

Cultist Clash Claims 1 Student In Kwara The Oro community was thrown into pandemonium when a student of Kwara State College of Education, Oro, Oladokun Kayode, was murdered by suspected members of a secret cult.

Another student, AbduRasak Abdullahi was also macheted by the rampaging cultists.

Oladokun, a 300-level student of Computer Science/Mathematics department was reportedly shot and murdered outside the school campus while returning from a football viewing centre at about 9pm.

The chief security officer of the college, Mr. Bamisaye Caleb, who confirmed the incident, said the incident happened off campus and that the police had called their attention to identify the deceased.

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

EFCC Arraigns 3 Over N141m Shares Fraud

BY Ejike Ejike, Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned three suspects, Mohammed Rabiu Lawan, 65, Raphael Olorunfemi Okomoda, 50, and Adegbesan Theophilus, 38, before Justice Lawal Akapo of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja on different criminal counts, all bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by presence, stealing, impersonation, forgery, using false document and money laundering.

While Lawan was charged

with 19 counts, Okomoda and Theophilus were charged with seven counts each.

According to the statement signed by the EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, the defendants, Lawan, Okomoda 50, and Theophilus 38 got into trouble when they were arrested by operatives of the Commission following a report of fraudulent sale of shares of two deceased shareholders who had shares in several blue-chip companies including Agip Nigeria Ltd, Total Oil, Union Bank Nigeria Plc, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mobil Oil Nigeria

Plc, Unilever Nigeria Plc and Nigeria Breweries Plc. The stocks originally belonged to Alhaji Shande Ako Dzungwe and Alhaji Isa Koto (both deceased) but were fraudulently claimed, converted and sold by the three defendants.

Lawan allegedly forged Identity Cards, Driver’s License, School Certificates and International Passports of both Dzungwe and Koto, to perfect the scam.

The total value of shares allegedly sold by the three defendants was over N141.7 million.

They pleaded not guilty to all the

charges preferred against them.

In view of their plea, prosecuting counsel, Fadike Giwa, prayed the court for a trial date and the remand of the defendants in prison custody, but their counsel , J. H. Bashir, prayed the court to admit the defendants to bail “owing to their fragile health condition.”

Justice Akapo, after listening to both counsel, adjourned the case till July 8, 2014 for ruling on bail applications and ordered that the defendants be remanded in Kirikiri Maximum Prison, Lagos.

short news Katsina Free From Religious, Ethnic Discrimination

Muslim faithful buying food items for breaking their fast at Dopemu Market in Lagos. yesterday. PHOTO: BENEDICT UWALAKA

497 Inmates Await Trial In Minna Prisons

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

A total of 497 inmates, representing 70 percent of the inmates in Minna medium and old prisons are awaiting trial while 134 inmates, representing 30 percent of the inmates were serving their terms, the state comptroller of Prison, Musa Mayaki has disclosed.

The comptroller stated this yesterday in Minna while conducting the state commissioner of Education, Dalandi Umar Abdulhameed, round the prisons during

a working visit to the facility.

He disclosed that there were 292 inmates out of which 69 were convicts, 217 were awaiting trial, 12 others were in condemned people’s cell and 79 on culpable homicide charges.

He noted that the old prison in Minna was holding 296 inmates out of which 65 had been convicted while 280 others were on awaiting trial list.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner said that the Niger State government had put in place arrangements for the provision of basic

education and skill acquisition for inmates of Minna prisons.

He stated, after the visit to the prison, that the government was determined to ensure that inmates had access to education in order to make them better citizens when re-absorbed in the society Danladi praised the Life Rehab Programme of the state governor’s wife, Hajia Jumai Babangida Aliyu, for impacting on many inmates, especially in the areas of literacy programmes and computer training.

Katsina State has been described as a state free from religious and ethnic discrimination.

A businessman, philanthropist and All Progressives Congress (APC) state House of Assembly aspirant in Katsina State, Alhaji Jamilu Mohammed Katsina, made this observation during a Ramadan media chat.

He advised Muslim in Katisna State to take advantage of the Ramadan as a period for sober reflection, prayers for peace, unity and security in the entire Northern Nigeria.

According to him, every Nigerian should learn to be his or her brother’s keeper, irrespective of religious differences.

By Muazu Elazeh, Katsina

Water Treatment: Africa Needs 2m Water Technicians, Technologists – ED

By Isaiah Benjamin, Kaduna

The executive director of National Water Resources Institute, Dr Olusanjo Bamgboye, yesterday said that Africa would require no fewer than two million water technicians, technologists and specialists to adequately manage the continent’s water treatment system.

Bamgboye stated this while

addressing the workshop for the Development of Curriculum for HND/ND Water Resources Engineering Technology at the National Board for Technical Education Centre for TVET yesterday in Kaduna.

He added that other African countries were looking unto Nigeria to use its vast experience to train the required manpower to

fill the positions.

According to him, the institute was established in 1979 to promote water resources education and it had since been running a diploma programme in civil engineering and higher diploma programme in water resources, which was accredited by both NBTE and Council for Registration of Engineers (COREN).

He said that 75 percent technicians and technologists and 25 percent engineers will equally be needed because of the water treatment systems to be built and maintained, adding that the curriculum to be developed will be used in training water resources technicians at the ND level and water resources technologists at the HND level.

48 WORLD NEWS

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

world

news ➏

➎ ➊ Ghani Leads

➌➍➐ ➊➋

Tear Gas At Protesters

Police have fired tear gas in central Nairobi to disperse a crowd of a few hundred anti-government demonstrators in the streets, a

Reuters witness said, as others gathered peacefully for a mass rally called by the opposition at a nearby park.

➏ Ukraine Crisis: Bridges Destroyed Outside Donetsk

Three bridges have been destroyed on roads leading into the city of Donetsk on Monday ahead of an expected offensive from government forces.

It was unclear who was behind the explosions but Ukrain-

ian media said the bridges were blown up by rebels as Ukraine’s military advanced.

Ukrainian troops regained control of the key rebel strongholds of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk on Saturday.

Senior Hamas leaders have threatened revenge against Israel after air raids in the Gaza Strip killed nine people, the single highest death toll since the 2012 cross-border war.

Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas spokesman, on Monday accused Israel of a “grave escalation” in violence and threatened to retaliate, saying Israel would “pay the price”.

➎ Kenyan Police Fire

➋ Palestinian

Afghanistan Presidential Run-off

Teen’s ‘Murder Suspects Confess’

Preliminary results in Afghanistan’s presidential polls have put Ashraf Ghani, the country’s former finance minister, in the lead, but the electoral commission has emphasised that the results are not final.

Yesterday, an official of the Afghan presidential commission said Ghani, an ex-World Bank economist, was in the lead with 56.44 percent of the vote.

Three people have confessed to murdering a Palestinian teenager whose death sparked riots in occupied East Jerusalem, the AP news agency and Israeli media have said.

An unnamed Israeli official told AP the suspects on Monday were reenacting the killing of Mohammed Abu Khdeir for authorities. Haaretz and the Jerusalem Post newspapers reported similar comments by unnamed officials.

➌ Iraq Parliament Delays ➍ Muslim Leaders Reject Session Until August

Baghdadi’s Caliphate

Iraq’s newly elected parliament has postponed its next session until mid-August, state television said, amid political deadlock over choosing a new prime minister.

Parliament met last Tuesday for the first time since its election in April and had planned to meet again today.

Muslim scholars and movements from across the Sunni Islamic spectrum have rejected the caliphate declared by the Islamic State group, with the fighters receiving scathing criticism from both mainstream religious leaders, and those associated with their former allies, alQaeda.

➐ Hamas Threatens

Revenge After Gaza Air Raids

WORLD NEWS/business 49

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Obama-era Trade Law Survives Chinese Appeal At WTO

China failed to overturn a U.S. law targeting unfair trade subsidies on Monday, when the World Trade Organization’s Appellate Body said it did not have enough information to uphold China’s appeal against an earlier WTO ruling.

China had claimed that the U.S. “Public Law 112-99”, also known as the GTX legislation, which was signed by President Barack Obama in March 2012,

broke world trade rules, but a WTO dispute panel ruled against it in March.

The Appellate Body disagreed with several of the panel’s interpretations of the law but said it did not have enough information to rule one way or the other, effectively leaving the March ruling intact.

However, the Appellate Body also left intact another part of the panel’s ruling, which

said that the United States had wrongly “double counted” when punishing Chinese goods for being both subsidised and unfairly priced.

In a statement, China’s Ministry of Commerce said the dispute was “another significant victory of China’s challenge against the United States’ abuse of trade remedy measures”.

The U.S. tariffs affected photovoltaic cells and modules used in solar power, various steel products, off-road tyres, aluminium goods and towers for windfarms.

China said the annual value of trade affected was $7.2 billion.

It launched the complaint in September 2012, in an apparent tit-for-tat move that came hours after the United States lodged a complaint against China’s support for car exports.

There was no immediate comment from the U.S. Trade Representative’s office.

—Reuters

German Industrial Production Drops In May Winner

of the day

➔ Mohamed Dionne The former adviser to President Macky Sall was announced as new prime minister of Senegal after resignation of predecessor.

LOSer

of the day

➔ Wall Street US stocks fell on Monday, pulling back from record levels as investors held off from making big plays before the start of earnings season.

German industrial production saw its biggest drop in two years in May, weighed down by sharp falls in the construction and manufacturing sectors.

Industrial production fell 1.8% in May from April, according to the country’s statistics agency Destatis.

The fall was a surprise, with the majority of economists expecting industrial output to be

unchanged.

Destatis also cut April’s industrial production figure slightly to -0.3%.

Germany’s statistics agency blamed the timing of May bank holidays and weakness in the construction sector for the fall, but said “geopolitical factors” may also have had an effect.

German think tank Ifo said it thought both the Ukraine crisis and the impact on oil prices by the insurgency in Iraq were factors concerning German businesses.

Dekabank economist Andreas Scheuerle said May’s fall was a “massive disappointment”.

“Even if some of this is down to missing days at work... and might be recovered later, there was simply not the momentum in the second quarter,” he added.

In the first quarter, Germany’s economy grew by 0.8% but it is expected to see a slowdown in the second quarter.

—BBC

Network Rail In Record £53m Fine For Late Trains Network Rail has been fined a record £53.1m by the rail regulator for “shortfalls in performance”.

The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) said the firm had fallen “significantly short” of punctuality targets.

It also said Network Rail had failed to deliver on some of its plans to improve its service and did not know enough about the condition of some key assets.

Network Rail said punctuality had suffered from running more services to meet higher demand.

“We accept that we have fallen short of the regulatory targets for train punctuality and that this is, in part, down to our failure to reduce infrastructure faults quickly enough,” said the company’s chief executive Mark Carne.

“At the same time, the sharp increase in passenger demand has led us to run more trains at peak times, even when we know this will lead to a more congested railway and punctuality targets may suffer.”

He said less crowded trains were a key priority for passengers, but providing more trains to ease congestion led to more delays.

The money from the latest record fine will be spent on faster wi-fi for commuter trains across England and Wales.

The £90m plan to provide faster internet - up to 10 times faster than is currently available - should be completed within three to four years.

Commuters will be able to get a connection through equipment installed alongside the track, rather than having to find a satellite signal.

“It is only right that passengers benefit from the fine, which is why we are investing all of it to improve wi-fi on trains,” said Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

“We all know how frustrating it can be to have our phone calls and internet use constantly disrupted by poor signal.”

—BBC

Mohamed Fahmy, Peter Greste, and Baher Mohamed during their court hearing on July 1

PRESS FREEDOM: Egypt’s President ‘Regrets’ Al-Jazeera Trial Egypt’s President Abdul Fattah alSisi has said he wishes the three alJazeera journalists imprisoned last month had never been put on trial, reports say.

Peter Greste, Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed were sentenced to between seven and 10 years in jail after being found guilty of aiding a “terrorist group”.

Mr Sisi was quoted by the alMasry al-Youm newspaper late on Sunday as saying the trial had “very negative effects”.

His remarks received a mixed response from the journalists’ families.

Foreign governments, media

organisations and human rights groups accused the Egyptian authorities of restricting freedom of speech.

Al-Jazeera said it defied “logic, sense and any semblance of justice”.

At a meeting with local journalists on Sunday, President Sisi sought to counter claims that the case had been politically motivated.

“The verdict issued against a number of journalists had very negative effects; and we had nothing to do with it,” he said, according to al-Masry al-Youm. “I wished they were deported immediately after they were arrested instead of being put on trial.”

Ebola Outbreak: Ghana Tests US Citizen A US citizen is being tested for the Ebola virus in Ghana, which has had no confirmed cases of the virus in the current West African outbreak.

The man has been quarantined at the private Nyaho Clinic in the capital, Accra, health officials say.

The virus has so far killed more than 460 people since it broke out in Guinea in February and spread to neighbouring Liberia and Sierra Leone.

It is the world’s deadliest outbreak to date and there is no cure for Ebola.

The US embassy in Accra said it had been informed that a US citizen was being tested but would not give any more details, Reuters news agency reports.

The man was believed to have vis-

ited Guinea and Sierra Leone in recent weeks.

Ghana’s health ministry said it had put in place “precautionary measures” and people should stay calm.

Staff at the clinic had also been quarantined and provided with protective clothing, it added in a statement.

The clinic was awaiting the results of blood tests to see whether the patient, whom the ministry did not identify, really had Ebola, the statement said.

“We will like to assure the general public that we have everything under control,” Tony Goodman, the health ministry’s public relations officer, said.

—Reuters

SEXUAL ABUSE Pope Francis Meets With Victims Pope Francis has met with victims of paedophile priests for the first time, as a Vatican commission moves to address the problem of clerical sex abuse in developing countries.

Six victims from Britain, Germany, and Ireland met with the pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church at his private residence near Saint Peter’s Basilica, in a gesture aimed at expressing his closeness to the tens of thousands of people abused by priests globally.

According to reports from the Vatican, the pope also officiated a mass for his guests.

Also present at the meeting was Sean O’Malley, the cardinal of the US city of Boston, where a sex abuse scandal rocked the Ameri-

can Catholic church 10 years ago.

The private meeting - the first with abuse victims since Francis was elected in February last year - has been awaited by victim support groups who have criticised the Argentinian for not acting earlier.

Francis has been slow to speak out on the issue, which has hugely damaged the Catholic Church for over a decade, but in May he branded the sexual abuse of children by priests a crime and promised “zero tolerance”.

Monday’s encounter comes a day after a meeting of the commission set up by Francis to advise on the sexual abuse crisis and draw up protocols for the pope to consider.

—BBC

50 Analysis

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Post-sanctions Iran: The Next China?

T

he lightning advance of the group now calling itself the Islamic Caliphate (formerly known as Islamic State in Iraq and Levant) throughout the north and eastern portions of Iraq has rattled governments across the region and beyond. For the first time in recent memory, there is the possibility that a terrorist group could end up controlling the geographical heart of the Middle East, home to one of the world’s largest hydrocarbon reserves.

Quite paradoxically, such a worrying prospect has pushed Tehran and Washington closer to each other, as the two powers contemplate a modus vivendi to contain the menace and aid the flailing Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki-led government in Baghdad, which has been criticised for its lack of inclusive governance and increasingly authoritarian tendencies.

Given their shared strategic concern over the rapid proliferation of violent groups such as the Islamic Caliphate, there is a growing conversation about the possibility of a tactical alliance between the West and Iran - paving the way for a fundamental reconfiguration in the regional balance of power.

Above all, however, the greater issue at hand is the gradual re-emergence of Iran, currently among the world’s 20 largest economies, as a serious international power, after years of geopolitical isolation and bitter ideological competition with the West. And it is the combination of pragmatism and resilience that underpins Iran’s increasingly successful bid for (retaking) a pride of place among the world’s leading nations.

Iran has managed to attain growing selfsufficiency in terms of space and nuclear technology

Beyond deng and gorbachev After his landslide victory in mid-2013, when tens of millions of Iranians unequivocally voted for greater pragmatism and moderation in the country’s domestic and foreign policies, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani assembled one of the most capable governments in Iranian history. In fact, his cabinet boasts more American PhDs than the White House. Today, Rouhani oversees a highly professional, technocratic government, with an intimate understanding of not only international affairs, but also the US political system and its vagaries.

A year into office, the Rouhani administration has not only addressed pressing

Iranians shopping at a Bazar

macroeconomic issues, particularly an explosive inflation and a collapsing domestic currency, but it has also managed to sustain a series of high-stakes negotiations with world powers to resolve a decade-long crisis over Iran’s nuclear programme.

Obviously, critics at home and abroad have sought to derail the Rouhani administration’s efforts to negotiate a permanent settlement of the Iranian nuclear crisis with Western powers, especially Washington.

There is a high possibility that the ongoing negotiations will be extended beyond the July deadline, as Iran and world powers enter the final stages of negotiating a longterm nuclear agreement, which would theoretically allow Tehran to retain a measure of domestic enrichment capability in return for an end to Western sanctions against Iran’s financial and hydrocarbon sectors.

Nonetheless, one can’t deny that for the first time in decades, there is a real possibility of more normalised relations between Tehran and the West, potentially sparking a huge influx of Western investment and technology into the country.

As the current head of the Iranian government, President Rouhani has managed to carefully navigate Iran’s multipolar domestic power structure.

Emphasising regime stability and preservation, he has convinced leading conservatives to support his often contentious diplomatic overtures towards the West. Meanwhile, he managed to attract the support

of leading pragmatists and reformists by constantly emphasising his advocacy for greater socio-political freedom, economic revival, and political engagement with the wider world.

In many ways, Rouhani represents one of the most consequential pragmatists in the opening decades of the 21st century.

Far from emulating the Soviet Union’s President Mikhail Gorbachev, whose political reforms precipitated the collapse of the Soviet Union, and China’s Deng Xiaoping, who constantly pushed for economic liberalisation at the expense of political freedom, Rouhani is laying the foundations of an Iran that is economically dynamic, politically vibrant, and geopolitically powerful.

The lion awakens Long dismissed as one of the weakest teams in this year’s World Cup, the Iranian football team, also known as Team Melli, had to overcome a pernicious combination of financial difficulties and administrative nightmares to prepare for the likes of Argentina.

Due to Western sanctions, which prevented Tehran from collecting funds from international sponsors, Iran could barely organise a decent preparatory campaign ahead of the World Cup tournament. But against all odds, they eventually managed to win the respect of millions of fans across the world, cementing Team Melli’s reputation as one of the most powerful Asian teams in recent history.

One could argue that initial misperceptions vis-a-vis Team Melli somehow mirror the broader misunderstanding of Iran as a country, and its achievements in recent decades.

The West has long sought to dismiss Iran as a rogue nation, with limited human capital and underdeveloped technological and scientific capabilities.

Given Iran’s dependence on hydrocarbon exports, Western powers sought to change Iran’s strategic by imposing restrictions on Iran’s ability to conduct international trade and finance its domestic development.

Without a question, the sanctions have been devastating, severely undermining Iran’s macroeconomic conditions as well as its access to basic necessities such as food and medicine.

But a combination of resilience and increasing pragmatism has allowed Iran to not only emerge as a sporting powerhouse, especially in Asia, but, more importantly, as one of the most dynamic countries in the developing world.

Today, Iran stands among leading countries in cuttingedge sciences such as stem cell research and nanotechnology.

As the Middle East’s leading scientific power, Iran has managed to attain growing selfsufficiency in terms of space and nuclear technology, while leading Iranian universities have been producing among the best engineers in the world. After decades of rural development and pro-active developmental policies, Iran is among the leading Asian countries in terms of human development index, while boasting among the largest steel and automobile manufacturing bases in the developing world.

Overall, the main strength of the Rouhani administration is its profound realisation of the necessity to launch a creative diplomatic approach to remove artificial political constraints, which have prevented the full flowering of the immense potential of the Iranian people and the efficient utilisation of the country’s immense hydrocarbon wealth.

As we inch closer to a postsanctions Iran, we shouldn’t be surprised to hear more leading global financial institutions describing the country as one of the most promising economies of the 21st century - and perhaps the next China.

—Al Jazeera

Analysis 51

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

D

I put double curtains in my room and still, there’s light when I’m going to sleep

uring this year’s holy month of Ramadan, when consumption of food and water is prohibited between dusk and dawn, how do Muslims observing the fast manage in the far north of Scandinavia, where the sun never sets?

An estimated 700 Muslims are spending Ramadan in the mining town of Kiruna, located 145km north of the Arctic Circle and surrounded by snowcapped mountains throughout the summer. Many of them are recent asylum seekers, sent to Kiruna while their claims are processed.

The sun stays up around the clock from May 28-July 16, which constitutes half of the fasting period this year.

“I started Ramadan by having suhoor with the sun shining in my eyes at 3:30 in the morning,” said Ghassan Alankar from Syria, referring to the meal just before dawn.

“I put double curtains in my room and still, there’s light when I’m going to sleep.”

Since there is no central authority in Sunni Islam that could issue a definite religious ruling, or fatwa, Muslims in the north are using at least four different timetables to break the fast.

Alankar sticks to Mecca time, Saudi Arabia, “because it’s the birthplace of Islam”. But he is worried about whether his fast will be accepted by God. “I’m not sure I’m doing the right thing,” said Alankar, who arrived in Kiruna seven months ago after a hazardous journey via Lebanon, Turkey and Greece “Only when I’m in God’s house, if I make it to heaven, I will know.”

No dusk, no dawn The start of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the new moon, which moves about 11 days back in the Gregorian calendar each year.

About every 33 years, Ramadan falls at the same time.

A majority of those who fast in Kiruna follow the timings of the capital Stockholm, 1,240km further south, after being advised by the European Council of Fatwa and Research (ECFR), a Dublin-based private foundation composed of Islamic clerics.

“In Stockholm, there’s day and night,” Hussein Halawa, secretary-general of the council, told Al Jazeera, explaining the decision. He was personally invited to northern Sweden from Dublin this year to experience the lengthy daylight and give advice.

Idris Abdulwhab, from Eritrea, follows the ECFR fatwa, which means his longest period of fasting will be 20 hours.

Idris Abdulwhab,a resident of Kiruna displays the time, 5 minutes before midnight, while the sun remains bright.

Ramadan In Sweden With No Dusk, No Dawn “Zero, 15, 25 or 45 hours, it doesn’t matter as long as you believe in what you’re doing,” he said. “But we’re human beings; of course it’s hard sometimes.”

One of those who has chosen to fast according to the local prayer times listed online is Fatima Kaniz.

In a homely apartment overlooking mountains and mining facilities, she prepares a Pakistani fast-breaking dinner, or Iftar, for 8:30pm as the persistent sun penetrates the window blinds. Oil sizzles in a pan as she drops in pakoras, a vegetable snack made with chickpea flour.

She recalls her first day in Kiruna five years ago, in June.

“I waited for the sun to go down so I could pray maghreb,” she said, referring to the sunset prayer. “I waited until 3am, until my Chinese roommate at the asylum centre found me and explained it was pointless to wait. I thought, ‘What kind of strange place is this?’”

The fare of the day consists of the Pakistani Ramadan staples chapati and pakoras served with raita, with the addition of Swedish fish fingers and lentil stew.

During two-thirds of Ramadan, following the Kiruna prayer times means that Kaniz fasts for about 18 hours. But due to the sun’s movements, she will fast for a whole 23 hours during one of those days.

“I live in Kiruna, and I pray according to Kiruna time all year round. Why

should I change this during Ramadan and suddenly follow Stockholm?” she asked.

She followed the same system during four previous Ramadans - the last one also at the height of summer.

“Sometimes I got tired and took the bus home from work instead of walking, but otherwise, I felt fine,” she said.

“But I looked at the clock many times.”

The weather in Kiruna varies widely during the summer months. Within a day, 25 degrees Celsius and sunshine can turn into 10 degrees and pouring rain.

December Ramadan: Perpetual darkness When Ramadan falls in December, however, Muslims will face the opposite of midnight sun: polar night. For two weeks, the sun does not rise above the horizon.

“Why don’t they come to me to ask about Ramadan then?” asks Halawa of the ECFR. He said a conference will be held later this year to issue a winter timetable for both fasting and prayers.

Muslim prayer times also follow the sun - which means that during winter, all five prayers can fall within a time span of two hours.

Abdulnasser Mohammed, of Somali origin, was new to Sweden and Kiruna the last time Ramadan fell under the Midwinter night, in year 2000.

“There was no really established Islamic

organisation at the time, or information on the Internet. I had to make up my own rules, he said. “I fasted for about five hours.”

Mohammed, who is now the chairman of the Islamic association in Kiruna, follows the fasting times of Istanbul in the summer, since Turkey is the Muslim country closest to Sweden.

But he explains, in his view, everyone is free to choose.

“Islam isn’t rigorous,” he said. “Ramadan is not about starvation or about inflicting injury on yourself. People must choose what works for them.”

Apart from the Syrians, who have fled the war in their homeland, Eritreans form the largest Muslim community in Kiruna. Hawa Fidel and Alia Hassen host a plentiful Iftar at Stockholm’s fast-breaking time, 10:10pm, in the apartment they share. They have prepared seating on the floor and filled trays with sponge-like injera flatbread, spicy beef stew, pastries, and other traditional Eritrean food.

The men chatting in the living room are already planning their next communal meal. They have set up a system to share the costs fairly, with participants paying different amounts depending on their incomes. Some have jobs.

Others, whose applications for asylum have been rejected, get by on a monthly $200 grant provided by the government.

—Al Jazeera

DAY

Players To Watch Brazil Vs Germany

27

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

SAFA Refutes Keshi Appointment

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

Keshi

Contrary to rumours making the rounds, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has come out in full to renounce any reports, speculations and rumours that have suggested that Stephen Keshi has been offered the Bafana Bafana coaching position.

During the course of the last week, Stephen Keshi was reportedly to have resigned as reported by several international media after the Super Eagles crashed out of the World Cup at the second

round 0-2 defeat to France, which heightened speculations that he had resigned as coach of the Nigerian national team.

All attention was the shifted to South Africa, wher it was believed Keshi would be heading, to coach their national team, Bafana Bafana after he had been quoted that he had received an offer from the South African FA. “There is no iota of truth in this statement.

SAFA has not offered any coach the Bafana Bafana coaching job and we don’t take kindly to such rumours,” said SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan.

Manuel Neuer

Yesterday’s results No matches

Thomas Müller

Today’s Matches • Brazil Vs Germany (Belo Horizonte) 9pm

Tomorrow’s Match Toni Kroos

• Netherland Vs Argentina (Sao Paulo) 9pm

About Belo Horizonte • Population: 2.5 million • Economy: Belo Horizonte receives large numbers of visitors, as it is in the Brazilian main economic axis, exerting influence even on other states. Both multinational and Brazilian companies, like Google and Oi, maintain offices in the city. The service sector plays a very important role in the economy of Belo Horizonte, being responsible for 85% of the city’s gross domestic product (GDP), with the industry making up for most of the remaining 15%.

Belo Horizonte has a developed industrial sector, being traditionally a hub of the Brazilian siderurgical and metallurgical industries

Fans gather to welcome back Colombia soccer team to the country yesterday after their quarter-final defeat

Di Maria Injury Piles More Pressure On Messi – Raul Angel di Maria’s unavailability for Argentina’s World Cup semi-final against Netherlands piles more pressure on Lionel Messi, according to Raul.

The Albiceleste booked their spot in the World Cup last four with a 1-0 victory over Belgium at the Estadio Nacional de Brasilia on Saturday but their win was marred by the loss of Di Maria to a thigh strain.

The Real Madrid winger will now miss Wednesday’s meeting with Netherlands in Sao Paulo and Raul believes his absence will make Argentina even more reliant

on Messi, who carried his country through the group stages.

“Messi played from a little behind the strikers [against Belgium] and I expect this to be [coach Alejandro] Sabella’s ploy again,” the former Spain international told The Times of India.

“This forces the opposition defenders to move up to keep an eye on him and creates space for others.

“Di Maria’s skill and speed would have been ideal to exploit such a scenario. His absence means the pressure on Messi will increase, and the prospect of the world’s

best player shouldering additional responsibility in his first World Cup semi-final makes this all the more interesting.

“They [Argentina] were too reliant on him in the previous matches, and this win suggests they are a ready to rally around him and play a team game. They must keep it up, as the side they face now is looking keen to settle a few old scores.

With Brazil starlet Neymar already having been ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup with a broken vertebrae, Raul believes the likely loss of Di Maria is as big a blow.

Fred

Ramires

Halilhodzic Hits Out At Media After Quitting Algeria Post Vahid Halilhodzic has lashed out at unspecified members of of Algeria’s media after resigning as national team coach, saying he will “never forgive or forget” the treatment he received at the hands of a small group of journalists.

The Bosnian made history by

leading a country that had never before survived the group stages into the last 16 of this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

Halilhodzic has nonetheless decided to stand down, explaining that it had been a difficult decision to do so, while at the same time taking

a parting shot at the press.

“I am proud of my record after serving out my contract with the FAF,” the Bosnian stated. “Having lived for three years in Algeria, my family obligations and the attraction of new sporting challenges weighed heavily on my decision.

Dani Alves

sports 53

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Zuniga Escapes Punishment For Neymar Foul

Mikel Doesn’t Deserve Nigeria No. 10 Jersey – Etim Esin Former Nigeria star Etim Esin has disclosed that Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel is not worthy of putting on the is not worthy wearing Nigeria’s number 10 jersey following his below par outing at the ongoing 2014 Fifa World Cup. Esin who wore the country’s national team respected jersey number between 1988 and 1992 lambasted Mikel after his disappointing display that led to the country’s exit in the round of 16 to France.

“Mikel was a big flop in Brazil.

He wears Nigeria’s No.10 jersey but he did not show he is worthy of wearing it at the big stage like the World Cup,” Esin told NigeriaNewsWatch.

“He rose to the occasion in South Africa but in Brazil he was not committed and ended up as a monumental disaster.

“Look at how other players

who wore No.10 jerseys for their respective countries have been playing including Messi, Neymar, Sneijder and the young chap from Colombia, James Rodriquez.

“He failed to carry Eagles along as the pilot of the team. Have you seen a No.10 that did not make a goal attempt let alone of scoring.

Jokes apart, Mikel has not shown he deserves to wear our No.10 jersey.”

He however called on the former Flying Eagles midfielder to improve his game and follow the path of the country’s legends like Henry Nwosu and Austin Okocha who shone wearing the jersey number during their active days for Super Eagles.

“He should go and watch the video clips of Henry Nwosu and Jay Jay Okocha including my humble self and get some tutorials on how they played as Nigeria’s No.10.

Juan Camilo Zuniga has escaped punishment for his World Cupending challenge on Neymar during Colombia’s World quarter-final loss to Brazil - but Thiago Silva’s appeal against the yellow card he incurred in the same game has been rejected.

Fifa’s disciplinary committee were called upon to investigate the incident that left Neymar with a fractured vertebra, while

the Selecao also attempted to overturn the booking that has ruled team-mate Thiago Silva out of the last-four meeting with Germany in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday night.

However, it was confirmed on the eve of the semi-final that Zuniga will not face any sanction.

“In this specific case, no retrospective action can be taken by the Fifa Disciplinary

Committee since the incident involving the Colombian player Juan Camilo Zuniga Mosquera did not escape the match officials’ attention,” a statement read.

“First and foremost, though, the chairman of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee wishes to state that he deeply regrets the incident and the serious consequences on Neymar’s health.

Mikel

‘No Way Neymar Can Play In World Cup Final’

There is “no way” that injured Brazil forward Neymar could play any further part in World Cup 2014, according to Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) medical chief Jose Luis Runco.

The Barcelona attacker suffered a fractured vertebra in his country’s quarter-final win over Colombia and was promptly ruled out of the remainder of the tournament.

Reports subsequently surfaced that Neymar could be fit for any final appearance by the host nation with the aid of

an intensive treatment plan put together by the player’s former club, Santos.

However, those rumours have been quashed by Dr. Runco during an interview with ESPN. “Absolutely no way he’s playing a World Cup final,” the CBF’s medical chief declared. “He may follow the group, okay, but there’s no chance of being on the pitch. There’s just no way this could happen.”

Runco’s stance was backed up by the CBF, who explained that Neymar has been told to

James Rodriguez

of the day

➔ Juan Camilo

Neymar on the pitch

rest at home until after the World Cup is over.

“We clarify that the visit by the Santos FC’s doctors that

took place yesterday [Sunday] was only a cordial measure,” read a statement.

“The club from Santos has made

available its entire structure for Neymar Jr’s treatment and recovery after the World Cup is over.

World Cup 2014: Colombia Squad FIFA Confirms Referees For Final Four Matches Welcomed Home By Thousands By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja the list after careful monitoring of Thousands of fans turned out in Bogota to welcome home Colombia’s footballers after their best performance at a World Cup finals.

Coach Jose Pekerman guided his side to their first quarter-final appearance before they lost 2-1 to hosts Brazil.

Winner

James Rodriguez scored six goals at the finals, and remains the tournament’s top scorer ahead of the semi-finals.

The Monaco midfielder’s total included a spectacular volley in a 2-0 last-16 victory over Uruguay in Rio de Janeiro.

Under the chairmanship of Jim Boyce, the FIFA Referees Committee has confirmed the list of referees that will be used to cover the last four matches of 2014 FIFA World Cup. In a statement made available

by FIFA, In total, 15 out of the 25 referee trios will remain in Brazil and are available for selection for these matches. The committee defined

all referees and assistant referees on a daily basis together with the technical staff. In line with how designations have been made throughout the tournament, quality was the main criteria while physical, medical and technical aspects were also taken into consideration.

FIFA’s Head of Refereeing Massimo Busacca took the opportunity to thank the entire referee team.

Page edited by Onjewu Dickson

Zuniga of Colombia has escaped punishment for his World Cup-ending challenge on Neymar during Colombia’s World quarter-final loss to Brazil

LOSer of the day

➔ Brazil fail to win a FIFA appeal that wuld seeto Thiago Silva play in their crucial semis vs Germany

54 sports

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Transfer: Juventus Sign Coman From PSG 3rd left, President Hockey Federation of Nigeria, Senator Abdul Ningi, Pakistan High Commissioner Lt. Gen Mohammed Ashraf Saleem (rtd), with Hockey Federation board members when a courtesy call was paid at the embassy last Wednesday

Hockey Federation Rolls Out Activities

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

Aimed at further increasing the popularity of the sport, the second half of 2014 will be very busy for the Nigeria Hockey Federation, as several programmes and activities are scheduled to commence from August.

Disclosing this to LEADERSHIP Sports, Secretary-General of the federation, Balewa Augustine Aaron hinted that Kaduna will host the first activity which is a 3-day seminal for umpires from 8th to 9th,

while the National Super League for male and female will also hold in Kaduna from August 1017.

“From September 2 to 7, we will commence camping in Kaduna ahead of the Hockey World League (men and women) billed for Kenya.

Abuja will from October 18 to 26 host the Bukar Abba Ibrahim U-21 National championships also to feature male and female teams, alongside a 2-day national seminar for judges,” he explained.

The secretary-gener-

al went on to say that Abuja will from November 8 to 15 host the Africa Cup for Clubs Championships which will also feature male and female category, as well as a 3-day coaching clinic.

When asked if the tempo of activities would be sustained, he explained that plans have been concluded to commence the National Super League from next year.

“From next year we will have a National Super League and a National League 1. The teams

of the National Super League will be drawn from the top six teams that will emerge from the 2014 edition of the National Super League billed for Kaduna. The teams of the National League 1 will be made up of other teams that did not finish among the top six teams,” he added.

Also as a morale booster to participating teams and clubs, he disclosed that the winner of the National Super League will represent Nigeria at the Africa Cup for Club Championship (ACCC).

Juventus have confirmed the signing of Kingsley Coman from Paris Saint-Germain on a five-year deal.

The 18-year-old French midfielder has joined the Bianconeri having made only three league appearances for the Ligue 1 champions.

He made his debut for the club in February 2013, becoming the Parisians’ youngest-ever player in the process.

Coman is described by the official Juve website as “predominantly rightfooted, a technical and cre-

ative player blessed with extraordinary pace, longrange shooting ability and a unique vision to dictate the game.”

He was born in Paris on June 13 1996 and began his career at the US Senart-Moissy academy before moving to the Parc des Princes in 2004.

The youngster has represented France at every youth level from U-16 to U-21 and he made his Les Bleuets debut in June of last year, scoring in a 6-0 victory over Singapore.

British Number One Murray, 10th In ATP World Rankings Britain’s Andy Murray has slipped to 10th in the world rankings - his lowest position for six years - following his quarter-final exit at Wimbledon.

The Scot, 27, was ranked fifth ahead of Wimbledon, where his defence of the men’s singles title was ended by Grigor Dimitrov in the last eight.

The last time Murray

was ranked so low was after Wimbledon in 2008, when he also exited in the quarter-finals.

Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic has replaced Rafael Nadal at number one.

Djokovic, 27, beat Roger Federer in five sets to secure his second title at SW19, having lost to Murray in last year’s final.

Jonathan Has No Hands In Maigari’s Impeachment – Kurfi

By Salifu Usman, Abuja

Chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and president Future African Sports Academy, Alhaji Aminu Balele Kurfi has said that President Goodluck Jonathan has no hands in the impeachment of the former NFF president, Aminu Maigari and his executive

committee members.

He said the dissolution of the Maigari-led NFF board during the extra-ordinary General Assembly of the NFF held on Saturday at the Bolingo Hotels and Towers Abuja was in flagrant disregard to existing court order.

He warned the Sports Minister and chairman

National Sports Commission, Dr Tammy Danagogo not to allow himself to be misused or drag the President’s name into football matters.

“As a genuine stakeholder with vested interests, my fear in this matter is FIFA’s sanction and the future of our football. We have talented footballers within

and outside the country and this is the only source of their livelihood.”

“I am so confused that the minister, who is a lawyer and aware of court orders will allow such charade arrangement to take place under his nose.

“As far as I am concerned, the President has no hand in this illegality.”

Murray

Real Madrid Icon Di Stefano Passes Away

Di Stefano

Real Madrid icon Alfredo Di Stefano has died at the age of 88.

The club’s honorary president was in a critical condition after suffering a heart attack in the street close to the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, just a day after his birthday, and passed away after his health worsened dramatically yesterday morning.

Di Stefano started his career at River Plate and moved to Madrid from Colombian side Millonarios in 1953, having originally been close to joining Barcelona.

The Argentine forward defined an era at the Bernabeu, leading Madrid to eight Liga titles and five European Cups between 1953 and 1964.

The ‘Saeta Rubia’ (Blond Arrow) netted 308 times in 396 appearances for Los Blancos and remains second on the club’s list of alltime top goalscorers behind Raul (323).

Madrid confirmed the news with a statement on their official website.

“Real Madrid’s honorary president, Alfredo Di Stefano, passed away at 17:15 at the Hospi-

tal General Universitario Gregorio Maranon de Madrid,” it read.

“The president of Real Madrid, Florentino Perez, and the club’s board would like to express their deepest condolences and affection to his children, family and friends.

“The club would also like to extend those condolences to everyone who has felt sadness at the loss of the greatest player of all time.”

Perez will addressed the media at the Bernabeu later yesterday.

sports 55

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Bako Unsure Of Falconets In Canada

Eto’o

Eto’o In Italy For Roma Talks Roma will hold talks with the representatives of Samuel Eto’o on Monday afternoon, Goal can reveal.

The Serie A club will meet with the Cameroonian’s camp in the Italian capital in a bid to persuade the former Chelsea striker to follow Ashley Cole to the Stadio Olimpico.

Roma manager Rudi Garcia

is a big admirer of Eto’o, who is a free agent after his one-year contract with the Blues expired at the end of June.

The striker did not score for Cameroon during their dismal World Cup showing, missing two of their three matches through injury, but he netted 12 times for Chelsea last season following his move from Anzhi

Makhachkala.

The Giallorossi’s swoop for Eto’o comes as they finalise the capture of his former teammate Cole.

The 33-year-old left-back arrived in the Italy capital on Monday morning to put the finishing touches to his move and sign a two-year contract worth €48,000 per week after tax.

Chairman of Bako FC Moses Bako has said the Falconets may record their worst ever outing at the 2014 Fifa U20 Women’s World Cup in Canada due to poor preparation and federation’s administrative crisis.

The Falconets will face Korea, Mexico and England in Group C of the competition to be staged between August 5-24.

In a chat with Goal, he said the dissolution of NFF boards including that of the women league could dampen the team’s chances of making an impact at the tournament.

Bako also blamed the dwindling performance of the women national teams over a decade on the pitiable attention offered to the teams during their preparations for international competitions.

“The major area of concern is that we don’t know if Falconets will get the needed logistics and motivational package for the

World Cup. As we have no board that will oversee women football after the dissolution of the various boards under the NFF,” Bako told Goal.

“My fear on the team succeeding is because of our poor preparation. They needed to have a training tour of Europe. For me playing against fellow African team, not even Ghana who is our neighbour. It’s a different ball game playing African teams like us. The team needs grade A friendly matches and not playing against age-grade boys.

“Going to Canada, I fear the weather maybe a challenge for our girls. With less than 30 days, our problem with the Federation is the neglect of women national teams.

“Little attention or technical support to women as much that of the men. That’s the major reason why the dominance of Nigeria women team has dropped in last six years, he continued.

Prandelli Confirmed As Galatasaray Boss Cesare Prandelli has been confirmed as Galatasaray’s new coach nearly two weeks after he stepped down as Italy boss following the Azzurri’s World Cup failure in Brazil.

The Turkish giants revealed the news on their website on Monday, stating that the 56-year-old will replace compatriot Roberto Mancini on a two-year deal.

Prandelli will arrive in Turkey on Monday evening before signing his contract and visiting the club’s training base to meet the players on Tuesday.

Galatasaray had been in talks with Prandelli after the

56-year-old resigned from the Italy job when the Azzurri were eliminated from the competition, having failed to get out of their group.

Prandelli will replace Mancini at the Turk Telekom Arena following his departure from the post by mutual consent in June after just nine months in charge.

Mancini led the club to a second-place finish in their domestic league, and to the last 16 of the Champions League.

Galatasaray sporting director, Tomas Ujfalusi, recently admitted that Prandelli’s knowledge and experience

within Italian football would be important in helping him build on the work that Mancini did while at the club.

“When Mancini did not want to continue, I wanted to bring in Cesare,” Ujfalusi was quoted as telling Gazetta dello Sport.

“In Florence he coached me and thanks to him I grew so much. At the World Cup he was unfortunate, but he had a great four years.”

He added: “The Italian schooling can also help Turkish football. Roberto has worked so hard on tactics and did improve the team.”

Arsenal Set To Seal €10M Debuchy Deal

Debuchy

Arsenal are hopeful of completing the signing of Mathieu Debuchy from Newcastle United by the end of the week.

The Gunners are closing in on the France right-back after agreeing an €10 million fee with the Magpies.

Debuchy, 28, revealed he was in talks to join Arsenal in the wake of France’s exit from the World Cup last Friday.

Negotiations are at an advanced stage and the Londoners are confident the deal for Bacary Sagna’s successor can be wrapped up in the coming days.

Arsenal’s spending on transfer fees could reach the €50m mark in the next week as they are also on the verge of capturing Alexis Sanchez after agreeing a €40m fee for the Chile star with Barcelona.

Arsene Wenger moved for Debuchy after deciding to buy a proven right-back rather than a more inexperienced player in the mould of the 21-year-old Toulouse defender Serge Aurier, who had been closely pursued by the Gunners after it became clear than Sagna was joining Manchester City.

Tour De France action

Tour De France 2014: Kittel Wins Third Stage In London German Marcel Kittel headed a late sprint to win the Tour de France’s third stage from Cambridge to London.

The Giant-Shimano rider, who has won two of three stages in this year’s race having triumphed on Saturday, prevailed as thousands watched on The Mall.

Slovakia’s Peter Sagan finished second, ahead of Australia’s Mark Renshaw in third, on the final leg in England.

Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali retained the race lead, while Britain’s defending champion Chris Froome remains fifth.

Kittel said his sixth Tour stage victory was among the biggest of his career.

“No surprise with the winner, the only surprise is Andre Greipel was not there with him. He faded away after his Lotto-Belisol team-

mates did so much work. With Mark Cavendish away there was no point in looking at anyone other than Kittel here on The Mall.”

“Emotionally, this win is close to the one I got on the ChampsElysees in Paris last year,” the 26-year-old said.

“Winning on The Mall, that’s what I dreamed of. It’s really fantastic to win here. On the finishing line, the crowd was fantastic.

I love the atmosphere.”

Froome and his Team Sky colleagues were similarly happy with their efforts over the first three days as they safely negotiated two tricky stages in Yorkshire and a slippery rain-soaked finish in London.

The 29-year-old is two seconds behind Nibali, who is one of his main rivals for the overall race win.

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08.07.14 www.leadership.ng

Comrade Timi Frank

Tuesday Column:

I

Ironically, Diezani is presently asking a federal high court to stop the National Assembly from hearing how she squandered N10billion to fly private jets in just two years

am not mad because doctors are on strike. I am livid because it is the poor that have been left to die. The doctors shall likely have their 24-point demand met and return to work after a few compromises here and there, but not all the patients now forcefully displaced shall return to the hospitals. Some of them are dead.

Even though the doctors have the right to go on strike, the patients have no right to be consigned to death as a result of poverty. And they are poor because of massive corruption being perpetrated by the political class. They may not have sought medical remedy to their ailments in these often decrepit and understaffed “consulting clinics” if not for poverty. Apart from administrative issues in the doctors’ demands, other financial issues could easily have been settled if funds being looted by government officials on a daily basis were still in government coffers. I hold that the missing $20billion from the NNPC could have gone a long way to relocate these patients to private hospitals, if only to save their lives till the storm is over. Yes, what is the duty of government if not the welfare of the people?

What do we have here? The minister of petroleum resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, who hould be called to account for the missing cash, is supervising the forensic auditors - Pricewaterhouse and Coopers - investigating the heist.

Ironically, Diezani is presently asking a federal high court to stop the National Assembly from hearing how she squandered N10billion to fly private jets in just two years Just like patients are dying as a result of poverty, those who have caused the death of poor people by reason of their appointment as ministers are being handsomely rewarded.

Comrade Abba Moro, minister of interior, has put the death of 23 immigration jobseekers behind him for good. After all, there is nobody to hold him to account. His master, the president, is still pleased with

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

No. 2,218

TUESDAY

N150

The Limits Of Image Laundering 08070888888 (text only)

him. The president has of course forgotten that he promised to give jobs to the next-of-kin of those who died in that avoidable stampede across the country after N770million was extorted from the hapless jobseekers in the name of application fees. Elsewhere in the world, would over 770,000 applicants be vying for fewer than 4,500 vacancies?

This is a direct function of poverty engendered by corruption. The same government that did not to “give a damn” this past one year that polytechnics and colleges of education students have been at home will not also give a damn if our doctors decide to stay at home for eternity. Unfortunately, the only thing that catches the fancy of this president at the moment is how to “recapture power” in 2015 – the reason his foot-solders have chosen to station his campaign banners around the Unity Fountain and daily blare music from loudspeakers to muffle the voices and cries of the #BringBackOurGirls mpaigners. It is almost three months since over 200 schoolgirls were kidnapped in Chibok, Borno State, yet no word as to their whereabouts, apart from surreptitious efforts the Jonathan administration is making to rescue them.

There is no gainsaying the obvious fact that the president hired a US-based public relations firm for $1.2million to help sell his candidature to powerful leaders across the world ahead of the imminent opening of his 2015 presidential bid. The PR firm fired the first salvo last week when it sponsored an oped article in the Washington Post.

President Jonathan should not forget that it is one thing to attempt to mollify an international audience with flowery talk through an op-ed in a foreign newspaper. But it is another thing to walk the talk on the home turf where he needs to show the electorate concrete proofs of his performance. It is tragic to sweettalk and gain the approval of foreigners who have no way of verifying claims made in the media. It is also tragic for the citizens when

their leading lights engage in subterfuge with empty talk to display non-existent laurels. The ongoing strike by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has put a lie to all that chest-thumping by the president in the Washington Post. Nobody needs a “babalawo” to know that the present administration has since gone on perpetual sabbatical. Of a truth, they don’t give a “damn” if our roads turn to open graves and our health care centres are unmanned. The patients - the sick, the infirm and the weak among us -- be damned? God forbid! These are truly perilous times in our dear country. The government does not care because they can fly private jets to the ends of the earth to seek cure for common cold and catarrh.

Not to talk of tommy-tuck and burning of belly fat! They don’t care because their children are in Ivy League institutions abroad, so polytechnics and colleges of education students can be damned.

Again, God forbid! They don’t care if $20billion disappears from the nation’s oil money just because they are yet to draw a line between “stealing and corruption”. So what is the purpose of this image laundering with which the president and his advisers hope to turn stones into bread or snakes to fishes? How can he launder his official imprimatur on corruption through making life more difficult for decent, honest and hardworking Nigerians while pardoning and rewarding criminals?

Since nobody can deny the president his right, if any, to re-contest the 2015 presidential election, let him bring back our girls before any public declaration of his intent.

Let him ensure that poly and education lecturers are back in school. Let him ensure that Nigeria is safe. Let him give INEC unfettered licence to conduct truly credible elections in 2015. Let him congratulate Sanusi, let him visit Chibok, let him go to Sambisa. Let him find the missing $20billion. Let him ensure that Abba Moro and Diezani are sacked.

Let him ensure that the jobs he promised the next-of-kin of those who were crushed to death dur-

timifrank@leadership.ng

ing the ill-fated Immigration recruitment are made good. Let him show Nigerians how much of the 2013 capital appropriation was implemented.

Ditto for 2014. Let him show how many bills passed by the National Assembly in the last three years have been assented to. Let him show why the dredging of the River Niger has been abandoned after gulping over N45 billion. Let him show which of the proposed four greenfield refineries have commenced. Why are the nation’s oil refineries not able to produce sufficient petroleum products to meet local demands?

How many foreign direct investments has he attracted to the country since 2011? How many of the subsidy thieves have been successfully prosecuted? Let him show what the SURE-P has achieved, if it was not created to service the PDP machinery in the states? How many kilometres of roads he had constructed and equally the ones rehabilitated? Enough of these pulpit and op-ed diplomacy! Nigerians know better even if they have been rendered so weak through crippling poverty and the manipulation of religion and ethnicity to keep them divided. At best that article was a fuzzy attempt to replace competence with cosmetics. It failed, of course!

GHANA MUST GO Power supply may not be stable for the next 20 years — Ex-Gov Ladoja

Wonderful campaign promise!

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