Leadership

29.07.14

TUESday

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

No. 2,230

N150

NIGERIA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPER

TCN Plans $8bn Investment, Targets 20,000mw Electricity

BY NSE ANTHONY-UKO, Abuja

Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) plans to inject $8 billion into its operations to achieve 20,000 megawatts electricity supply in the

country, its executive director, Mohammed Shaike, has disclosed.

Receiving members of

the Senate Committee on Privatization led by Olugbenga Obadara, who visited the company’s regional office

in Oshogbo last week in continuation of their oversight visit to privatised enterprises in Osun State, the ED said that

Jonathan Paying Lip Service To Credible Elections – APC > Page 45

Chibok Diary DAY 106

TCN would work jointly with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) to achieve the target.

He informed the senators ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Female Suicide Bombers: BBOG Group Raises The Alarm Over Kidnapped Schoolgirls > Page 2

Fresh Kano Attacks

Two Teenage Female Suicide Bombers Kill 3 4 soldiers, 46 others killed in fresh Adamawa attacks Nigeria has failed at fighting terrorism – US

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Scenes from yesterday’s bomb attacks in Kano.

Fatalities of Kano attacks: January to date

May 8, 2014

4

Dead

June 23, 2014

July 27, 2014

July 28, 2014

Dead

Dead

Dead

12

6

53

2

chibok diary 106

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

DAY

L-R: President, Voice of the Poor Foundation, Prof. John Bosco Akpan; President, Golden Movies Ambassadors, Mr Saidi Balogun; National President, Deaf Women Association of Nigeria, Deaconess Adedoyin Beyioku; guest speaker and President Women Arise, Dr. Joe OkeiOdumakin; Former President, PMAN, Dr. Omatshola Iseli CEO, OzzyBoscoSmile Foundation, Chief Nonye Mojekwu and Ace Media Personality, Ms Wofai Samuel, during the campaign for the safe release of Chibok girls. PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

CHIBOK TWEETS @ogundamisi The world has forgotten the Nigerian girls #BringbackourGirls @omojuwa You don't need 105 days to indoctrinate an innocent girl.

Some of those Chibok girls may never be 'innocent' again #BringBackOurGirls @omojuwa I wish Chevron, Shell or one of these MNCs will just announce oil discovery at Sambisa forest today #BringBackOurGirls @Rinsola_Abiola That's why a Maku/ Okupe would link #BringBackOurGirls to the 'opposition' instead of simply doing his job. @EiENigeria Day 101.

We didn't think we'd still be saying #BringBackOurGirls.

Reminds us of other girls, women, boys, men abducted. #NotJustNumbers @rescueourgirls Abuja’s Unity Fountain is becoming an iconic symbol of both unity and activism, @obyezeks DAY100 Unwavering FOCUS on our #ChibokGirls should INSPIRE us all to RAISE OUR VOICES on this DAY & DEMAND: #BringBackOurGirls Now & Alive!! @Melvin0duah 100 days gone and still counting. How sad! #BringBackOurGirls @Funmilola This image of weeping fathers of Chibok broke my heart and fuelled my voice. Some have died, daughters still stolen.

Female Suicide Bombers: BBOG Raises The Alarm Over Kidnapped Schoolgirls

BY CHIKA MEFOR, EJIKE EJIKE, Abuja

Following what appears to be a new trend of using girls as suicide bombers by the Boko Haram sect, the #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG0 Group has raised the alarm over the security of the over 200 kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls, who are still in the captivity of the sect.

The group, which was reacting to the suicide bombings in Kano where young girls were used, also noted that the prolonged stay of the girls in the insurgents’ camp could spell doom, as they could be used to perpetrate bomb attacks.

The group said, “We are scared. Some girls are being used as suicide bombers.

This indicates that something needs to be done seriously. We have been hearing that ‘we know where they are’; why hasn’t something been done? Please, they should get the girls out. They know what to do for the girls to be rescued now. The girls could be brainwashed that they have to revenge on the society that has failed them.”

Recall that the Nigeria Police had stated on Monday, that “a lone female suicide bomber died in an attempt to bomb Northwest University in Kano.

The female, estimated to be 16 years of age, was walking suspiciously towards the gate of the university when police guarding the area spotted her, isolated her and called for reinforcement from female police officers adept at handling Muslim females.

“Also, a second attack by a female suicide bomber outside a shopping centre in Nigeria’s Kano city injured six people yesterday, after a similar blast killed three people at a petrol station,” the police said.

Meanwhile, a female suicide bomber was reported to have killed three persons at a filling station in the Hotoro area of Kano State. It was gathered that the suicide bomber joined a queue of people waiting to buy kerosene at the

station and detonated the bomb minutes later.

The group also called for the reintegration of the girls who had escaped from the sect’s captivity.

“Even the 57 girls are still suffering. The girls have wounds that they have refused to even return to school. Something needs to be done and fast,” the group said.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES FLIGHT 17

UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

INFOGRAPHICS BY Matthew Akhabue

The crash, which killed all 298 aboard, has turned a volatile Ukrainian region into a global problem.

Here are eight questions we don't yet have answers to 298 KILLED

Flight MH17 was shot down using a surface-to-air missile Who shot down the plane?

What happened to the black boxes is also unclear Where are the so-called black boxes?

Why a passenger plane?

There's no way to tell. Rebels are keeping most of the bodies in two refrigerated train cars Have all the corpses been recovered?

Ukrainian authorities had closed airspace in the region below 32,000 feet, but opened to MH17 Why flying over a war zone?

No one knows yet when they will be identified or where they will end up What will happen to the remains?

Was the plane mistaken for a Ukrainian military craft?

No one knows.

There's no doubt Russian-backed rebels are in control of the site - Tony Abbott

When will crash site be accessible?

This is very complicated How will Russia respond?

3

our stand Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Free Apapa-Oshodi Highway Of Gridlock

F

or some time now, the plight of motorists plying the Apapa-Oshodi expressway in Lagos has been evident in the media. According to reports, it is not uncommon to spend hours without end on a one-way trip on this major highway to the country’s biggest ports and tank farms.

A number of reasons have been adduced for this horrendous traffic jam. Chief among these is the seemingly endless rehabilitation works being carried out by the federal government on the dual-carriageway. There is also the presence of articulated vehicles plying the road in their numbers as they either go to the ports to ferry imported goods or to the many tank farms in Apapa to evacuate fuel. It has been alleged that the construction company handling the work on that all-important highway has been less than serious in the execution of that job. Some have, however, traced this apparent slow pace of work to non-release of funds to the construction firm. Then, there is the manufactured nuisance created by tanker drivers.

With thousands of man-hours

lost to the gridlock, the economic implication for businesses along this expressway and the economy at large is enormous. Perhaps the situation has festered for this long because of the country’s infamous culture of scant respect for time. Regardless, it is an unacceptable development which all stakeholders should work to stop forthwith.

If funding is truly responsible for the delay in finishing the construction work on this expressway, then, we urge the federal government to expedite action by giving the project the priority it deserves. The construction company handling the highway should also work faster. We sug-

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

Founder Sam Nda-Isaiah

gest that the firm work out a flexible time that would make for easy traffic flow on the road when economic activities start and peak, to ease the hardship commuters face and reduce the loss businesses incur as a direct result of the logjam.

Even more importantly, the Lagos State government must crack down on unruly articulated vehicle drivers, especially fuel tanker drivers who appear to have become lords unto themselves on that expressway. The relevant authorities would also do well to consider decongesting traffic on the road by, perhaps, moving away the tank farms in Apapa to another part of the state like Epe, to open up some backwaters in the state. Or better still, they could compel the drivers and their owners to take turns in bridging fuel from the tank farms.

It is time the authorities called the bluff of NUPENG and its members who often resort to blackmail each time they are reminded of the need to be disciplined enough to respect the rights of other road users by going on strike.

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

Leadership Holdings

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

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

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

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

4 news extra

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo Comment Over Terror Attack On Buhari: AsariDokubo Under Fire The president of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Alhaji Mujarhedeen Asari-Dokubo, has come under fire over his comment on the terror attack on former head of state, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd).

A group, Centre for the Vulnerable and the Underprivileged (CENTREP), has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to call AsariDokubo to order.

Asari-Dokubo in a recent statement alleged that Buhari masterminded the terror attack on his convoy in Kaduna to kill innocent Nigerians in a desperate bid for him and his group to take over power from Jonathan in 2015.

Reacting to the allegation, CENTREP’s executive director, Mr Oghenejabor Ikimi, described AsariDokubo’s statement as “childish.”

Ikimi, in a statement issued in Warri, Delta State, yesterday, asked Nigerians to condemn the statement and urged the Presidency to disassociate itself from the statement.

Ikimi said the statement could polarise and threaten the corporate existence of the country.

He said, “In as much as I do not hold brief for Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, I submit that remarks such as the one made by Alhaji Dokubo-Asari are capable of further polarising our polity to the detriment of the vulnerable and underprivileged Nigerians and I call on all well-informed Nigerians to condemn same, and in particular for the Presidency to dissociate itself from the above vexatious and inflammatory statement owing to the closeness of its author to President Goodluck Jonathan.”

“We are all living witnesses of the Sheikh Lemu’s Committee set up by President Goodluck Jonathan after the 2011 general elections to probe the electoral violence that took place in the north during the general elections. The Committee’s report subsequently exonerated Gen Muhammadu Buhari of any wrongdoing. We are also not oblivious of the fact that three years after the Committee submitted its final report to President Goodluck Jonathan, his administration is yet to implement same, so it would be foolhardy to associate a man of Gen Buhari’s standing with violence.”

He further said that rather than launder the image of President Goodluck Jonathan and that of his administration by engaging in mutual respect and cooperation with others, some of his close associates and tribesmen like Dokubo-Asari had chosen the opposite.

Ikimi called on the president to call his misguided supporters to order for the sake of a peaceful and a united Nigeria.

By Sola Adebayo, Warri

Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, during Sallah Durbah in Kano, yesterday.

US Group Mobilises For Protest Against Jonathan by millie ibe, Abuja

A group yesterday called on Nigerians in Diaspora to prepare for a protest against President Goodluck Jonathan in Washington DC. The executive director, Gatekeepers Foundation, Blessing Agbomhere, made the call in a statement in Abuja.

Agbomhere said the protest became necessary due to the inability of the Jonathan administration to secure the life

and property of Nigerians.

He said the protest was meant to demand the immediate rescue of the over 200 girls in Boko Haram captivity since April and the recovery of the $20billion unaccounted for by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The statement, entitled ‘President Goodluck’s visit to the US: A Call for Massive Protests”, reads in part: “This is calling on all patriot-

ic Nigerians and Gatekeepers Foundation Volunteers in the United States of America with committed interest in the growth and development of our country to come out enmasse to protest rallies holding in Washington DC to demand that President Goodluck Jonathan bring back our girls alive and bring back our $20billion or resign.

“The protest has become necessary as a result of the insincerity of the Jonathan-led

government in providing security of lives and property in the country, while deliberately perpetuating and protecting corruption and corrupt government officials.

It, therefore, called on Nigerians in Diaspora, especially in the US, to come out with their placards to occupy the streets of Washington DC until President Goodluck was ready to rescue the girls and recover the $20 billion or resign.

Soldiers, Shi’ites Clash: El-Zakzaky Blames Presidency

By Midat Joseph, Kaduna

The leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, has accused the authorities in Abuja of killing three of his sons and 32 others during a procession in Zaria.

Sheikh Zakzaky who made the allegations after the Eid prayer at Husainiyyah baqiyyatullah, Zaria, said his three sons where shot to death by one Brigadier-General S. Okuh.

Meanwhile, the cleric’s three sons were buried yesterday at Shuhada graveyard, along Dembo Village in Zaria.

El-Zakzaky was speaking on the backdrop of the current wave of killings in northern Nigeria, saying that the Quds Day shooting clearly indicated where the orders came from.

“There is nothing like a religious group taking up arms in Nigeria as they are trying to make us believe. On our own part, they came in broad daylight in their military uniforms, fully armed with military inscriptions on their vehi-

cles and committed arson and murder. From this you will understand those killing innocent citizens either in Birnin Gwari forest or Zamfara and other places,” he said.

According to the Sheikh, it is unbelievable that sporadic killings were going with a democratically elected government claiming to be ignorant of the issue.

“There is nothing like Boko Haram killing people; we cannot be fooled. Those in authority are the sole authors of the atrocities,” he added.

Commenting on how his sons were targeted, Zakzaky said: “As they targeted my sons for arrest, in the process they killed one, Mahmoud, whom they shot in the abdomen and he died. They also arrested three others, Ahmad, Hamid and Ali. Through a link, we demanded them to release them to us, but the Commandant of the Basawa military barracks said he would not release them but rather will take them to ABU Teaching Hospital, Shika, for medication. They were in good

condition when they were arrested. As they were boarding them into the vehicle, he shot Ahmad three times and threw him into the vehicle.

“He was alive and talking, then, they broke his arms and legs. They started beating Ali, and while Hamid was trying to protect him, they turned to Hamid and stabbed him several times with knives, even on his head. Ahmad was already dead, but Hamid was still telling them words and they shot Ali on his legs. When they realized that Hamid was still talking, they continued stabbing him with knife until they made sure he was dead before they reached the hospital. The name of the person who shot them was Brigadier-General S. Okuh; he is the C.O. Engineer of Bassawa.

“When I demanded the release of my sons through the GOC 1 Mechanised Division, Okuh said he would release them, but not alive. By Allah’s infinite mercy, Ali is alive, he saw how his brothers were brutally murdered before his eyes. He is presently receiv-

El-Zakzaky

ing medical attention, as a result of compound fracture on his leg, from the several shootings on his leg.

“When this happened, people really sympathised with me without the usual display of difference instilled in them.

This is another calamity they brought among the Muslims.

They created groups fighting one another on the basis of sect, but with this nasty event the idea was eradicated completely. We received several condolences from the government circle and even past leader.

NEWS 5

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

LIVING LIVING TOTO BE BE 100100

One health tip daily soup that is low in salt rehydrates as it nourishes and flushes waste from the body. Bottom line: people who eat one or more bowls of soup each day lose more weight than those who eat the same number of calories but don’t eat soup.

Homemade is best, as canned soups are loaded with salt and chemicals.

TCN Plans $8bn Investment, Targets 20,000mw Electricity FROM COVER

that in its determination to develop the technical manpower of the company, TCN’s management contractors – Manitoba International – had trained some of the technical staff abroad to acquire technical and strategic skills.

TCN’s general manager Mr M.J. Lawal said the company’s power lines accommodate a maximum voltage of 330kv and that its transmission coverage extends to Benin and Niger republics.

He said that despite the low power generation from the generation companies, plans were on to upgrade the transmission lines to accommodate more voltage to distribute to the distribution

companies.

Lawal listed the challenges faced by the company to include poor office accommodation, lack of safety facilities and lack of training for the technical staff.

Responding, chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatization Olugbenga Obadara decried the low level of investment in power generation resulting in unstable and unreliable power supply in the country.

At the Nigeria Machine Tools (NMT) Limited, its managing director, Mr Norbert Chukumah, said since privatisation in 2007 the company had embarked on massive rehabilitation and upgrade of its facilities to bring it to modern standards.

Despite Blasts, Emir Sanusi Perform ‘Hawan Daushe’ Durbah

By Abubakar Salihi, Kano

Kano emir, His Eminence, Muhammad Sanusi II, has performed a traditional evening ‘Sallah ‘durbah (Hawan Daushe/ Hawan Babban Daki) yesterday.

The traditional ‘Sallah’ durbah tagged ‘Hawan Daushe/Hawan Babban Daki/ Hawan Yamma’ is one of the traditional durbah functions that followed immediately after two eids.

As tradition ordained, emir Sanusi II, has yesterday observed the ‘Hawan Daushe’ in a combatable Rolls Royce

car.

Every Kano emir has to on the second day of every eid observed ‘Hawan Daushe’ in which he should embark on a horse riding and went through ‘Kofar Kwaru’ one of the gates of the emirs house and took a journey of less than two kilometers.

Emir Sanusi II, and his entourage continue the journey and has been receiving praises and greetings from the people on the road side.

He finally arrived at ‘Babban Daki’ where his mother started her new life and stayed for a moments.

By Abubakar Salihi, Kano, George Agba, Abuja, Mohammed Ismail, Yola; Abiodun Oluwarotimi, New York

To Slim Down, Fill Up with Soup Obesity has become epidemic throughout the industrialized world. As a result, the rates of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes are rising with alarming speed.

One simple dietary change can cut your risk of being counted in the premature death statistics-eat soup at least once a day. A nutritious

Two Teenage Female Suicide Bombers Kill 3

Emir Sanusi

Two female suicide bombers blew themselves off and killed three people, injured seven people and two policemen at separate bomb blasts in Kano yesterday.

Kano Police Commissioner, Aljaji Adenrele Shinaba, confirmed that a female wearing explosives detonated it at Hotoro NNPC mega filling station which killed three people and injured seven others.

He added that the incident occurred when innocent citizens queued up to purchase kerosene.

Alhaji Shinaba also confirmed that a 19-year-old girl suicide bomber blew herself up and injured two policemen at the entrance of the multi-billion naira Ado Bayero Mall near Kano Trade Fair ground in metropolitan Kano.

Shinaba said the teenage girl hid the bomb in her hijab and detonated it as policemen at the gate were about to search her. He said she blew herself off while policemen asked her to spread her hands for scanning and searching.

Police Public Relation Officer, ASP Magaji Musa Majiya, who confirmed the incident in a press statement he made available to LEADERSHIP, said that the blast occurred at about 10am, adding that the force’s anti-bomb squad had cordoned off the area.

Management closes Ado Bayero Mall The management of the Ado Bayero Mall has shut the mall following the blast that occurred at the place.

The management of the mall, which disclosed this in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday, said it was taking the measure in the interest of public safety, noting that the situation was being monitored closely for further action when necessary.

Boko Haram: Jonathan Condemns Kano, Adamawa, Cameroon Attacks President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday expressed shock over the random bombings in the northern states of Kano and Adamawa, including the kidnap of Lamido of Kolofata in northern Cameroon, Lamido Seini Lamine, and wife of Cameroon vice prime minister.

In a statement issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, the president condemned the gory

Gusau

activities of Boko Haram, saying they are not only “callous and reprehensible” but a descent to an inhuman campaign by and total disrespect for the dignity of the feminine gender.

According to Abati, the president, while imploring the security operatives to be bloody bold, lauded the decision taken by the defence ministers of Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Benin and Niger “to further strengthen existing partnerships in order to forestall the desperate attempt by misguided elements to turn the sub-region into a battleground for terrorism and radical extremism”.

The statement made available to LEADERSHIP last night reads in part: “President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan wholeheartedly condemns the recent terrorist attacks in Kano and Adamawa states as well as the kidnap of the Lamido of Kolofata in Northern Cameroon, Lamido Seini Lamine and the wife of the Vice Prime Minister of Cameroon.

“The President describes as shocking, callous and reprehensible the multiple bomb blasts that occurred in Kano within 24 hours, and the unrelenting attacks by the Boko Haram at a time the Muslim faithful are observing the holy festival of Eid el Fitri. He commiserates with the families of all those who lost their loved ones in the Kano and Adamawa attacks and wishes the injured speedy recovery.

“President Jonathan further notes that the deployment of young women as suicide bombers represents a new low in the inhuman campaign by these terrorists and an expression of utter disregard for the dignity of the female gender as well as a wicked exploitation of the girl-child.

“The President states that the abduction of the Lamido of Kolofata and the wife of the Vice premier of Cameroon clearly underscores the regional security threat that Boko ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Jonathan

6 NEWS

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Two Teenage Female Suicide Bombers Kill 3 FROM PAGE 5

Haram has become.

“He welcomes the recent resolve by the Defence Ministers of Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Benin and Niger to further strengthen existing partnerships in order to forestall the desperate attempt by misguided elements to turn the sub-region into a battleground for terrorism and radical extremism.

“President Jonathan urges the security forces to remain resolute, and not be discouraged by the desperation of the agents of evil. He believes that with the continued cooperation between Nigeria’s security forces and their counterparts in neighbouring countries, the war against terror will surely be won.”

Boko Haram kills 4 soldiers 46 others in fresh Adamawa attacks No fewer than 50 people including four soldiers were killed on Sunday by members of the terrorist group Boko Haram in coordinated attacks across three local government areas of the state.

The attacks on Madagali, Hong and Gombi local government areas have caused serious anxiety across the length and breadth of the state. Local sources said four soldiers were killed in Garkida, Gombi LGA, during a fierce gun battle that lasted many hours between the members of the sect and soldiers while many civilians who were caught up in the crossfire were also killed.

Those feared killed by the sect in Madagali LGA where the incumbent acting governor of the state, Hon. Umaru Fintiri, hails from were many, while food items and cows were taken by the insurgents.

The hoodlums also visited mayhem on three communities in Hong LGA: they killed about 30 people.

The affected villages that came under attack of the Boko Haram include Zar, Lube and

Mubeng, just as the village head of Zar community, a retired wing commander, Dauda Daniel, was abducted.

It was gathered that 20 people were similarly slaughtered at Mubeng village while the attacks lasted as many scampered into nearby bushes to avoid being killed by the marauders.

Some relatives of the head of Zar said the community leader was yet to be found after the raid and that he might have been abducted by the gunmen.

The figure of those killed in Lube was yet to be ascertained, one of the villagers who fled the community as a result of the attacks said.

An eyewitness who identified himself as Markus said most of the people in his community Lubeng were able to run to safety because they learnt of the coming of the sect members beforehand.

He added that not all were lucky to escape as children and the elderly who could not escape were trapped by the insurgents.

However, the acting governor of the state, Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has commiserated with the families of the victims in the affected local government areas of the state.

The acting governor who spoke through his chief press secretary, Mr Solomon Kumanga, said that the government was collaborating with security agencies to bring down the activities of the outlawed group.

The spokesman of the Adamawa State police command, Haa Michael, however confirmed the attacks just as he said information about the number of casualties remained sketchy.

Nigeria has failed at fighting terrorism – US The United States government yesterday said that the Federal Government of Nigeria has failed in its fight against terrorism, adding

that the failure was a result of the inability of the Goodluck Jonathan-led administration to adequately equip and train security forces to contain violent extremist groups in the north who attacked religious freedom.

Making this known in the US International Religious Report for 2013, which was released in Washington, DC, yesterday, secretary of state John Kerry said that the federal government did not act swiftly or effectively to prevent or quell communal or religious-based violence and only occasionally investigated and prosecuted perpetrators of that violence.

“The government also failed to protect victims of violent attacks targeted because of their religious beliefs or for other reasons,” the report a copy of which was sent to our correspondent in New York said.

Citing instances, the report said legal proceedings against five police officers charged in 2011 with the extrajudicial killing of Boko Haram leader Mohammed Yusuf did not resume during the year, adding that the court was not in session on continuation dates set in February, March, May, and June after the presiding judge transferred to a different jurisdiction in 2012.

It stated further that there were no indictments or prosecutions following three fatal attacks on high-profile Muslim leaders in late 2012.

It pressed further that local and state authorities did not deliver adequate protection or post-attack relief to rural communities in the northeast, where Boko Haram killed villagers and burned churches throughout the year.

The report also berated reported discrimination and a systematic lack of protection by state governments, especially in central Nigeria, where communal violence rooted in decades-long competition for land pitted majority-Christian farmers against majority-

Muslim cattle herders.

It added that federal, state, and local authorities did not effectively address underlying political, ethnic, and religious grievances leading to this violence.

“Recommendations from numerous governmentsponsored panels for resolving ongoing ethno-religious disputes in the Middle Belt included establishing truth and reconciliation committees, redistricting cities, engaging in community sensitization, and ending the dichotomy between indigenes and settlers. Nationwide practice distinguished between indigenes, whose ethnic group was native to a location, and settlers, who had ethnic roots in another part of the country.

“Indigenes and settlers often belonged to different religious groups.

Local authorities granted indigenes certain privileges, including preferential access to political positions, government employment, and lower school fees, based on a certificate attesting to indigene status.

The federal government did not implement any recommendations despite ongoing calls by political and religious leaders to do so” the report read.

Furthermore, the US report noted that the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati WalJihad, or “people committed to the propagation of the prophet’s teachings and jihad” continued to commit violent acts in its quest to overthrow the government and impose its own religious and political beliefs throughout the country, especially in the north.

“Boko Haram killed more than 1,000 persons during the year. The group targeted a wide array of civilians and sites, including Christian and Muslim religious leaders, churches, and mosques, using assault rifles, bombs, improvised explosive devices, suicide car bombs, and suicide vests.

“An attack on the Emir of

Commonwealth Games: Okagbare Wins Gold, Sets Games Record Nigeria grabs bronze medal in table tennis Ugochukwu iroka, Abuja

Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare won women’s gold medal at the ongoing Commonwealth Games yesterday.

She clocked a Games record 10.85 seconds to beat the Jamaican duo of Veronica Campbell-Brown and Kerron Stewart who

took silver and bronze at Hampden Park in 11.30 and 11.07 seconds respectively.

Another Nigerian, Gloria Asumnu, did not make it to the medal zone in the race.

Nigeria also won bronze in men’s table tennis.

In men’s discus, Nigeria’s Okigbazi picked a bronze, while Itohan Ebireguesele won silver in weightlifting.

Badeh

Kwankwaso

Kano in January was widely believed to be an attempt by Boko Haram to silence the anti-extremist Muslim leader, although the group did not officially claim responsibility.

On September 28, Boko Haram killed at least 50 mostly Muslim students at a technical college in rural Yobe State. After this and other incidents, security forces faced public criticism for arriving at the scene hours after the assailants had fled.

“Government attempts to stop Boko Haram were largely ineffective. Actions taken by security forces under the state of emergency, declared in May in the three northeastern states of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, often increased the death toll, as bystanders were caught in crossfire during urban gunfights, security forces committed extrajudicial killings of suspected terrorists, and detainees died in custody,” the report noted.

news extra 7

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Rivers: Obio-Akpor LGC Empowers 250 Women Obio/Akpor local government council in Rivers State has empowered over 250 women after a skills and craft training organised by the council’s Caretaker Committee led by Lawrence Chukwu.

Presenting certificates of participation to the women at the end of their training in Port Harcourt, wife of the Rivers State governor, Dame Judith Amaechi who represented the governor, hailed the Obio/Akpor caretaker committee for its pragmatic efforts in empowering women to be selfreliant and employers of labour.

Amaechi said his administration is poised to encourage infrastructural and human capital development as well as empowerment of the citizenry as priority projects till 2015.

He said, “Rivers State must be developed in the interest of the citizens and our future generations. The legacy of this administration has shown Rivers people and indeed those who live and do business here that there is a difference between a government called by God and that made by man. We are grateful to God that He has been behind this government since 2007. My problem with those in the opposition is nothing but the fact that they don’t know how to do good to our citizens; they don’t even know the difference between evil and God.” This government is planted on the foundation of God. My administration entered into gigantic projects men thought could not be finished, but we are proud to say with God all things are possible.”

Amaechi urged the women of Obio/Akpor to see the developmental initiative by the caretaker committee of the council as a step in the right direction.

He advised them to resist attempts by the opposition to lure them with material things and propaganda in the face of truth.

He urged the women to channel their energies towards the victory of APC in 2015.

“I want the women of Obio/ Akpor to refuse attempts by the devil and the opposition to deceive them with material things.

Women in APC have to stand for the truth and reality, because you trust in God Almighty and not in man. No matter the storm that will come our way, you need to be steadfast, and be assured that with God, everything will standstill. That is the way to be Ambassadors of Christ. It is time for women to be responsible in governance and ensure the people experience and feel the dividends of democracy,” Amaechi stated.

Government House Chief of Staff, Chief Tony Okocha at the event, said empowerment initiative in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area is a monthly exercise aimed at improving the living standard of citizens in the area.

By Anayo Onukwugha, Port Harcourt

Sheikh El-Zakzaky (left), Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Saeed Koozechi and others during the envoy’s condolence visit to Zakzaky in Zaria.

PHOTO BY MIDAT JOSEPH

Medical Consultants Raise The Alarm Over FG’s Plans To Privatise Hospitals

By Winifred Ogbebo, Abuja

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has said that it has uncovered plans by the federal government to privatise and outsource its hospitals’ services, while it proscribes the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the umbrella body of doctors in the country.

A statement signed and made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday in Abuja by the president of the association, Dr Steve Oluwole, said unnamed government officials have leaked government’s plan

to proscribe the NMA to the press.

He added that the federal government through the Federal Ministry of Health, was considering enforcing the ‘no work no pay’ principle and that doctors who are interested in resuming duties would be protected while new ones would be employed to take the place of adamant ones.

According to him, the interview of the minister of health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, published in one of the national dailies (Not LEADERSHIP) on 25th July, 2014 indicated the position of the federal govern-

ment regarding the current crisis.

The MDCAN president said statements credited to Chukwu in the said interview that “we do not want to take drastic steps...”, and “... there are things government can do to have its way by force” , “ … declare positions of those on strike vacant, and replace them with unemployed and retired doctors ...” give credibility to the rumours and threats of proscription.

He said that there are laws that established the tertiary health institutions and wondered if privatisation of Teach-

ing Hospitals would fulfil the objectives for which they were established.

“Private hospitals are for profit rather than for training and research. Will they serve the primary functions as defined in the Acts that established the hospitals?”

Oluwole further queried, “Will the Ministry of Health find suitable replacements for all specialties in Teaching Hospitals, from unemployed and retired doctors? Will the Ministry of Health reconstitute the entire health system even if it is intended that foreign doctors will be imported?”

PDP Has Revealed How It Will Rig Osun Guber Poll – APC

By Joshua Dada, Osogbo

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has revealed how the Presidency, INEC, the Police and the Army will work together to rig Osun governorship election on August 9.

The APC said, “The result of the August 9 election is already known to the PDP and the secret was let out of the bag by the chairman of the PDP in Ekiti State, in a strange moment of mad arrogance, when the chairman boasted to close friends in Ekiti that PDP victory in Osun is a foregone conclusion”.

A release by Osun APC’s director of publicity, research and strategy, Barr. Kunle Oyatomi stated that a credible source, who is one of the friends of the Ekiti PDP chair, quoted him as saying that “any running up and down by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbes-

ola to avoid defeat is an exercise in futility”.

The PDP chairman was said to have disclosed that “Osun masses would be jolted and embarrassed a few days to the election when the army and police would unleash militia dressed in full combat uniform and armed to the teeth, who would suddenly appear all over the state.

“The PDP chairman further disclosed that as the militia intimidate citizens on land, the assistant inspector general of police in the zone and his aides, the police minister, Jelili Adesiyan, the minister of state for defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, PDP national chairman and Omisore himself would be on a close patrol from the air and on ground of all polling units to ensure that nothing goes wrong. ‘That was how we won Ekiti; we will repeat it in Osun, the chairman said”.

APC further alleged that the Ekiti PDP chairman said, “The PDP will capture Ijesha axis from Rauf, in the same style they made Fayemi in Ekiti to lose in his ward,” and that “PDP is making serious efforts to penetrate Muslim leadership with large sums of cash which will be donated by Kasamu Buruji from Ogun State.

The amount PDP has earmarked for distribution to Muslim leaders is N1billion”.

“Efforts are being made to also compromise the leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria in the State of Osun”.

“Continuing his startling revelation, the PDP chairman in a most unguarded display of arrogance and power said, ‘the Presidency, Senate led by David Mark and PDP governors promised to open their vaults to fund the rigging exercise of Osun votes”.

Oyatomi further said, “As at today, APC gathered that not less

that N6.2billion has been released to Omisore”.

To crown the revelations, the PDP chairman was alleged to have said that President Goodluck Jonathan is only waiting for Osun result to pronounce his second coming.

But the APC said that the only way the PDP can rig the election is for INEC to buy into this plan.

The party said, “We already have strategic information to that effect; and from what INEC is doing thus far about the permanent voter cards, including its sudden bold face on the card reader and the former electoral commissioner in the state, Professor Attahiru Jega’s integrity has already suffered a knockout blow”.

“INEC may have been sucked in, in PDP’s plans and they must be ready for genocide and the consequences of their evil plot”, the APC said.

8 News north-central

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Niger Issues Security Alert: Beware Of ‘Carelessly’ Parked Cars

By Abu Nmodu,, Minna

The acting governor of Niger State, Hon. Ahmed Musa Ibeto has charged the people of the state to be wary of “carelessly parked cars” in public places in the state in view of the security challenges in the north.

Hon. Ibeto disclosed this yesterday at Government House, Minna while receiving the emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Faruk Bahago who paid him Sallah Homage.

While calling for more fervent prayers for God to bring to an end the various security challenges facing most parts of the north, he said that the challenges has retarded the developmental goals of the region.

According to him the people should always alert the security operatives nearest to them if vehicles parked carelessly in public places had been abandoned for unusual length of time.

He said part of the strategy government adopted to check security challenges in the state was the decision to ban the use of motorcycles for commercial purposes in the

short news NBA Tasks FG On JUSUN Strike

The Minna Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has called on the federal government to as a matter of urgency take steps to resolve the ongoing strike

by Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).

The new NBA chairman, Mr Adamu Umar who made the call yesterday in an interview said that the independence of the judiciary the union was agitating for was critical for the role of judiciary in the nation’s democracy.

According to him the strike has adversely affected the administration of justice in Nigeria which was why the members of the bar were rooting for quick resolution of the strike.

By Abu Nmodu Minna

state capital.

He said it was banned because it was found that they were being used to commit crime hence since the ban crime rate has reduced drastically.

On street begging, the acting governor pointed out that the Niger State House of Assembly has banned street begging in major towns of the state because most of the beggars were being subjected to ridicule.

Consequently, he said that government has designated areas where beggars will be allowed to stay in dignity and those who wish to give alms could go there to assist the less privileged ones.

Meanwhile, he urged the people to support 2016 census saying that the people of the state were under counted in the 2006 census as a result of the fact that the people did not come out to be counted.

Earlier, the emir of Minna, Dr Umar Farouq Bahago had praised God for the successful completion of this year’s Ramadan before urging the people not to relent in their prayers for peace in the country.

2015: Emir Of Ilorin Urges Kwarans To Shun Thuggery Ahead of 2015 general elections, the emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari has urged the people of Kwara State to rise in unison against the employment of political thugs by politicians to prosecute electioneering campaign.

Sulu- Gambari made the call in Ilorin yesterday while addressing his subjects at Ilorin Eid praying ground.

The monarch lamented that the recent violent clashes in Ilorin were perpetrated by political thugs who relocated to the town after being dislodged from Lagos State.

He pointed out that if the perpetrators of the clashes were indigenes of the town, they would have heeded the warning of elders and traditional rulers in the state.

Sulu-Gambari charged the people of the state to rise against the thugs and combat incessant violence in the state.

Saying that the state is known for its peaceful nature, the emir said nobody should be allowed to throw the state into anarchy.

He urged the state government to provide more employment to jobless youths in the state, stressing that “An idle hand is the devil’s workshop”.

By Solomon Ayado, Makurdi

short news Chibok Girls: Group Wants FG To Parley With Boko Haram The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWG) has urged the federal government to enter into negotiation with the Boko Haram insurgents to secure the release of the abducted schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State.

The group reasoned that the problems of insecurity in the country could only be surmounted through negotiation and intensive prayers.

The MMWG in a Sallah message by its coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim AbdullahiIn called on the security agencies in the country to use advanced intelligence-gathering mechanism to locate the sponsors and perpetrators of insurgency in the country .

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

L-R: Emir of Ilorin Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, his son Abubakar, Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, former minister of sports Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi and Secretary to the Kwara State Governmenrt Alhaji Isiaka Gold observing Eid-el-Fitri prayer at eid praying ground, Ilorin, yesterday. PHOTO BY PHOTO

BY GBENGA OLAJOBI.

Impeachment: PDP To Contest Constitution Of Probe Panel Against Al-Makura

BY DONATUS NADI, Lafia

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State said it would contest the constitution of the membership of the probe panel inaugurated by the state chief judge, Justice Suleiman Dikko, last Friday to investigate allegations of gross misconduct and constitutional breach levelled against Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura.

The public relations officer (PRO ) of the PDP, Mr. Mark Neto, who made this position known to newsmen said some of those serving on the panel are card carrying

members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) saying the PDP is taking measures to ensure that they are substituted.

“Two of the members are card carrying members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and we must contest their inclusion into the committee because it is a constitutional breach,” he said, adding that already steps have been taken to ensure that the matter is resolved amicably in the coming days.

Following weeks of uncertainty as to whether Nasarawa State governor, Governor Umaru Tanko AlMakura, would appear before the

recently constituted probe panel to look into allegations of gross misconduct levelled against him by the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, it has now been confirmed that the governor will appear before the panel.

The senior special assistant ( SSA ) to the governor on public affairs, Hon. Abdulhamid Kwarra, made this known to LEADERSHIP in Lafia in an exclusive chat.

Hon. Kwarra said as a law abiding citizen who has nothing to fear, Governor Al-Makura would present himself before the probe panel for scrutiny on the allegations levelled against him.

2015: I’ll Reconcile Akume, Suswam – Ortom

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

The minister of state for industry, trade and investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom said yesterday that he would strive to evolve workable measures to reconcile senate minority leader, George Akume and Benue State governor Gabriel Suswam to enhance the development of the state.

LEADERSHIP reports that the duo of Akume and Suswam have been in alleged disagreement over a senatorial seat in the state.

However, Ortom while informing journalists of his intention to run for governor in 2015 lamented the situation and said Benue is seriously lagging behind and needed the peaceful cooperation of its leaders to move it forward.

According to the minister, the state is underdeveloped in areas of industrialisation, unemployment and job creation and assured that he would boost commercial activities in the state if elected the next governor.

“If I have my way I will recon-

cile Akume and Suswam so that Benue would move forward. I respect Akume anywhere I see him but I don’t share in his disagreement with Suswam. I can only build bridges of peace rather than encourage violence.

If elected, I will industrialise Benue State in order to create wealth and reduce unemployment. I will end exportation of primary products and encourage patronage from foreign investors to boost commercial activities,” Ortom stated.

Plateau Demolishes Jos Inland Container Depot

By Achor Abimaje, Jos

The group general manager, Duncan group of companies, Dr. Godfrey Bawa Shitgurum has lamented that despite federal high court, Jos, injunction restraining Governor Jonah Jang and the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB), the duo still went ahead to demolish structures at the site of Jos Inland Container Depot (ICD) Heipang in Barkin ladi local government area of the state.

According to him the injunction

was served and received by JMDB and the Plateau State Ministry of Justice on Monday July 21, 2014 by one Christiana G Bot of JMDB and Huwa Samuel of the State Ministry of Justice, respectively.

Efforts to get the general manager of JMDB, Brig. Gen. Musa Gambo (rtd) to speak on the role of JMDB in the demolition exercise carried out by his agency could not yield any fruitful result as his mobile phone was switch off as at the time of filling this report.

The group general manager

made the disclosure while addressing newsmen in Jos yesterday.

He said, “It has become imperative for us at Duncan Maritime Ventures Limited to state our position following the destruction of our facilities at the Jos Inland Container Depot Heipang by the Plateau State government through its agency, the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) with the view to putting the record straight and disabuse certain misconception”.

news north-East, north-west 9

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Bomb Scare Causes Panic In Kaduna

BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Abuja

There was panic and pandemonium within Kaduna metropolis yesterday following fear of a bomb at Ahmadu Bello Way in Kaduna.

Residents were thrown into a state of panic by the unknown content of a polythene waste bag packaged in a sack and wrapped with cellotape which was dumped by an unknown person at the ever busy Ahmadu Bello way just before the central market.

The sack whose content was not known earlier was suspect-

ed to contain an explosive device by shopowners around the scene who hurriedly scampered for safety after calling the attention of the police anti-bomb squad.

The news of the ‘bomb’ which spread round Kaduna town created serious panic, and motorist hurriedly took to other routes thereby causing serious traffic jam at such places.

Shops owners within Kaduna metropolis also locked up their shops and took to their heels as our correspondent who was at the scene of the bomb scare on his way to the office observed that people were running for

safety and shouting bomb! bomb!!, causing more panic.

A combined team of security personnel comprising of men of the police anti bomb squad, army and other security operatives hurriedly arrived at the scene of the scare and condoned off the area, while people were asked to stay away from the area pending when it could be authenticated that it was a bomb or otherwise.

After carrying out necessary checks with the aid of an antibomb equipment, the sack was discovered to contain waste polythene bags wrapped in the sack.

Meanwhile, a military offi-

cer who addressed shop owners around the area said it was a wheel barrow man that dropped the sack there, while urging them to be more vigilant and ensure that such persons are not allowed to go without been interrogated.

Our correspondent confirmed that a man was however picked at the Jos Road by the police anti bomb squad. One of the antibomb squad officers who spoke to our correspondent explained that the man was detained because they wanted to question him after “we saw him filming and taking pictures”.

Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris (right); Magajin Garin Zazzau, Mallam, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli and other title holders at the eid prayer ground in Zaria, yesterday.

Iranian Envoy, Makarfi, Na’abba Pay Condolence Visit To Sheikh Zakzaky The Iranian ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Saeed Koozechi, yesterday delivered a letter of condolence to the leader of Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky over the killing of 33 members of the sect.

The Iranian ambassador presented the letter to the sheik on behalf of his government over the killings by Nigerian military forces and expressed deep sadness over the incident.

Receiving the letter, Sheikh Zakzaky expressed appreciation on the visit and the concern shown.

Meanwhile, former governor of Kaduna State, Sen. Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi and former speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’abba also paid separate visits to commiserate with Sheikh Zakzaky at his Gyellesu residence same day.

By Midat Joseph, Kaduna

Sallah: Gov Shema Urges Muslims To Pray For Nigeria

Group Accuses Gov Umar Of Plot To Remove PDP Chairman

By CHIKA MEFOR, Abuja

A Taraba State Youth group, Taraba PDP Youth Congress has accused the Taraba State acting governor, Alhaji Garba Umar of stage-managing a mass protest to discredit and sack the state PDP chairman, Mr Victor Bala Kona.

The allegation was made yesterday in a statement signed by some executives of the group, including Umaru Bature, Hassan Bako, Altine Samson, Gabriel Inuwa Sabo, Japhet Nuhu and made available to LEADERSHIP. The group alleged that after the acting

governor failed to get the required number of signatures needed to impeach the chairman, the governor took a different route to achieve the same goal.

“We are once again constrained to bring to the notice of the general public fresh plans by the Taraba State deputy governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, to sack the state’s PDP chairman, Hon. Victor Bala Kona.

“Having failed to get the required number of signatures needed to impeach the chairman, Umar has now taken a different route to achieve the same goal. He wants to intimidate local government chairmen of all the 16 local government to mobilise a paid

crowd to stage manage a demonstration in Jalingo.

“Information reaching us is that Umar would today at 4 pm meet with all the 16 local government chairmen at a location in Jalingo with a view of intimidating and inducing them to gather a crowd that would stage a mockery of a protest.

“The protesters would be coached to scream around town that they do not want Victor Bala Kona. This, Umar hopes, would instigate the national leadership of the party to think that Kona is truly not popular and thus buy into the plot to remove Kona,” the statement read.

Sultanate Council To Establish Female Medical Varsity Soon

By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto

The Sultanate Council has disclosed that plans are in top gear for the actualisation of an all female medical university in Sokoto.

The council disclosed this through the Sultan who also added that has applied to the state government for land to be used for that purpose and is getting favourable response from them.

Coming from the state meeting of Educational Development Trust Fund which often holds on the 2nd of Shawwal yearly, the Sultan maintained when functional, the

university will not only boost female education in Sokoto State but Nigeria at large.

According to him, another meeting would be conducted with all and sundy from the state in December, 2014 to scrutinise and rate educational position of the state.

Sultan said, “A technical committee for the meeting has been set up and it will soon swing into action.

While commending the people of the state for their cooperation, the Sultan praised the state governor, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko for his commendable achievements in all ramifications, especial-

ly in the educational sector. He also commended other sons and daughters of the state who have contributed their own quota towards the educational upliftment of the state.

Earlier, former president and chairman of the board trustees of the state educational trust fund, Alhaji Shahu Shagari disclosed that the board had not less than N90 million in its account at the time of holding the meeting which was gotten from consistent donations from the state government as well as the 23 local governments and the sultanate council.

Shema Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema has urged Muslims all over the country to pray for peace and harmony in Nigeria and the north in particular.

Shema gave the charge in a Sallah message signed by his senior special assistant on Press Affairs, Lawal Ahmad Matazu, where he also enjoined Muslims in Katsina State to pray for adequate rainfall and a bumper harvest.

The governor expressed deep gratitude to the entire people of Katsina State for the co-operation and understanding accorded his administration which he said has helped towards ensuring full benefits of democracy.

He urged people of the state to be security conscious and report any suspicious character to the immediate authority.

By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto

10

stories of the Tuesday, July 29, 2014

...NEWS WITH A HUMAN FACE

ARREST: Soldiers Nab Suspected Armed Robbers

By Muazu Elazeh, Katsina

A group of armed robbers, said to specialize at robbing hapless travellers on the highway, have been apprehended by a military detachment in Katsina State.

Soldiers arrested the suspected robbers at the Barhim Housing Estate, within the Katsina metropolis.

An eyewitness who lives in the estate, said the military detachment had swooped on a house close to his, surrounded it and forced men in the house to come out at gun point.

He said the men who were four in number, were taken away in the military vehicle, and that several arms and ammunition were taken away from the house by the military men.

However, the eyewitness said several people in the estate suspected that the apprehended men were members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect and not armed robbers.

This suspicion has raised fears among many as rumours had earlier circulated in the state metropolis that some Boko Haram members had been apprehended by the military.

But the Commanding Officer, 35 Battalion, Alhassan Girema, who confirmed the incident, allayed fears raised by people on the issue.

GUNRUNNING: Illegal Arms Dealing Lands NSCDC Officer In Police Net

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

The police in Asaba, Delta State, have arrested one Felix Ibrahim, an operative of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in the state, over alleged involvement in illegal arms operations.

DSP Celestina Kalu, police public relation officer in the state, who confirmed the arrest of the suspect, said that he was arrested in Ogwashi-uku town on a tip-off by the police detectives attached to the command last Thursday, adding that the suspect is currently helping the police for further investigation.

She said that the detectives recovered 6 different Ak 47 rifles including a large chunk of ammunition from the suspect adding that the suspect 33, upon interrogation confessed to the crime that he bought the arms and ammunitions as his own contributions to assisting Ogwashi-Uku community in combating crimes.

It was gathered that the suspect among two others of the officials of the corps have been arrested severally over allegation of stealing and possession of illegal arms, among others but DSP Kalu further disclosed that the suspect had made useful information to the police that may lead to the arrest of other sponsors.

The police added that he would be arraigned in court as soon as investigation into the case is completed.

Children celebrating Eid-el-Fitr at Wonderland playground, Abuja, yesterday. Photo OGOH JOSEPH

SUICIDE: Man, 43, Kills Self Over

Inability To Pay Rent

By Abu Nmodu, Minna A 43-year-old auto mechanic, Obi Orji, killed himself yesterday in Minna following his inability to pay his house rent and threat of eviction from his landlord.

LEADERSHIP gathered that Obi committed suicide by drinking a poisonous chemical in the early hours of yesterday in Minna.

Obi who resides at Kateren Gwari, Minna, it was learnt, had been unable to meet his obligation of paying his house rent which was put at N35,000 annually.

He committed the act after his wife and five children had left for Church for the morning mass, leaving only him at home by the time he took his life.

It was further learnt that he committed suicide following the expiration of the date he gave his landlord to pay his house rent.

A colleague of the deceased at Mechanic Bye Pass, Minna, said Obi’s landlord, simply identified as Alhaji Lateef, had constantly traced him to his workshop at the Mechanic bye-pass in Minna, threatening to forcefully evict him out of the house if he failed to pay his rent at the appointed date.

It was learnt that when the date expired and the deceased could not meet the obligation, he decided to take his life instead of facing the embarrassment and humiliation from his landlord When LEADERSHIP visited Minna General Hospital yesterday, the body of the deceased had been deposited in the mortuary and a mortuary attendant confirmed to LEADERSHIP that a body of a man that committed suicide was brought to the mortuary but further enquires could not be made from the hospital management following the strike by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA).

PEDOPHILE: Police Nab Man For Defiling Minor Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

The long arms of the law have caught up with a man, Qudus Giwa, of Sabo Area, Ijebu Ode, when the anti-crime detectives attached to Obalende Division, Ijebu Ode of the Ogun State Police Command, arrested him for having carnal knowledge of a 15-year-old girl.

The ugly incident occurred on July 21 at Sabo Area, Ijebu Ode, when the suspect forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of the young victim.

According to a statement by the command’s PRO Muyiwa Adejobi, the victim, unlike others like her, summoned up courage and personally reported the matter to the police.

The suspect who is 22 years old, has been transferred to the Anti Human Trafficking and Child Labour Unit of the Department of

Criminal Investigation, Eleweran, Abeokuta, Ogun, for proper investigation and prosecution as directed by the Commissioner for Police, Ogun State, CP Ikemefuna Okoye.

The commissioner for police has commended the victim for her courage to report the matter to the police not minding any social stigma; and promised to make sure that justice is done in the case.

He also reassured the general public in Ogun State of adequate security of lives and property and proper investigation of all cases reported to the police in the state.

“This action of the girl is very commendable. Ordinarily, victims of rape mope in silence. But in this case, she refused to suffer in silence by reporting to the appropriate authority. The police will ensure justice is done to serve as deterrent to others. I want to reassure the good people of Ogun State that criminals will have no hiding place here.”

POLICE, ARMY CLASH: 5 Dead In Zuru

by YAHYA SARKI, Kebbi

Barely few hours to Eid-el Fitri celebration that climaxed the 30-day- Muslim Ramadan fasting, operatives of the Nigerian army and the police clashed yesterday, resulting in the death of one soldier and four policemen. .

LEADERSHIP investigation revealed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Zuru Local Government Area (LGA), had gone out in company of a lady to cool off at a drinking joint in the town when the incident happened.

The report had it that the DPO, after cooling off, was driving back home, when a fast driven car overtook him in a reckless manner which provoked his anger and he in return sped off and over took the car and blocked it at the front.

However, inside the car that overtook the DPO were two soldiers from the 242 Light Tank Battalion of the Nigeria Army in the town.

An argument ensued between the DPO and the two soldiers who were said to be in mufti at the time and the police officer was in uniform.

But this did not deter the soldiers as they pounced on the DPO and rained blows on him, giving him the beating of his life.

This scenario, according to reports, drew the attention of two other policemen who were mounting security at one of the first generation banks in town, who, on getting to the spot, they discovered that it was their senior officer that was being manhandled by the soldiers.

This led one of the policemen to fire a shot that hit and killed one of the soldiers instantly.

It was reported further that when the area commander in charge of the zone heard of the ugly incident, he took four of his men with the intention to go for a fence mending mission with the commanding officer of the battalion.

day

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

STORIES OF THE DAY 11 Eid-el-Fitr celebration

Extortion Fake Police Inspector Arrested By kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

Police detectives at the Delta State Command have arrested a fake police detective in Warri, after a tip off.

Police public relations officer in the state, DSP Celestina Kalu, said that the detectives arrested the fake inspector identified as Freeborn Abednego, 32, based on report around Ogbe-Ijoh town of Warri.

She said after interrogation, the suspect confessed to many crimes, saying that he has swindled many unsuspecting persons of various sums of money by promising to assist them get recruited into the police force.

She said that the said Freeborn claimed

that he was recruited into the police force in 2007 and left voluntarilyy in 2009 adding that items recovered from him include 3 pairs of police uniform with different name tags, 2 extra pair of police trouser, one police cardigan, one fake rank and file identity card, identifying him as an inspector of police.

The police said the suspect is currently helping them at the state CID and would soon be charged to court.

Meanwhile, anti crime patrol team in Aladja police division while on patrol along the road opposite DSC company, Ovwian Aladja, intercepted a red Golf car with Reg No. AL968JRT with six occupants (4 males, 2 males).

Kids celebrating at the National Children’s Park and Zoo, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO

BY JANE OKEKE

NABbed: Taskforce Arrests 23 In Delta By kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

No fewer than 23 persons suspected to be involved in illegal activities around Coka junction, Asaba, Delta State, have been arrested by members of the taskforce on illegal activities, recently inaugurated by the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Confirming the arrest of the suspects, the state Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Benson Igbakpa, who is the head of the taskforce, disclosed that the suspects were arrested at the Coka Junction while allegedly involved in extorting money from un-

suspecting members of the public.

While charging members of the public to be careful on whom they are dealing with, the commissioner said that the suspects upon interrogation, confessed to the crime, saying that for lack of employment, they were involved in illicit means to make ends meet.

He said that the suspects had been handed over to the police for further prosecution, adding that members of the taskforce have been positioned at strategic places in Asaba and its environs to bring to book, those suspected to be carrying out illicit activities.

Children riding toy horses to mark Eid-el Fitr at the Wonderland Park, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OGOH JOSEPH

CULT CLASH: 7 Killed, 10 Houses Razed In Benue

BY SOLOMON AYADO, Makurdi

There was a clash between two rival cult groups in Agboul community of Makurdi, the Benue State capital yesterday, killing seven persons and about 10 houses razed in the process.

LEADERSHIP reports that the Agboul metropolis has been under cult and communal clashes for quite some time and the situation escalated yesterday because of disagreement that ensued between the rival cult groups. Two traditional rulers were also matcheted as a result.

The Police Public Relations Officer,

DSP Daniel Ezeala, who confirmed the incident to newsmen, yesterday said the clash occurred between the red skin and black skin cult groups.

Ezeala said men of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), and that of the operation Zenda ,have been deployed to the affected area to maintain law and order.

However, it was gathered that trouble erupted when a girlfriend of one of the members of the rival cult was approached by another and she blatantly agreed to the relationship. The situation angered the opposite cult which sparked the crisis.

Children riding Tarmac Motor at the Abuja Wonderland Park during the Eid-el-Fitr celebration in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OGOH JOSEPH.

Kidnap: Gunmen Abduct 86-year-old Man OSA Okhomina, Yenagoa

Unknown gunmen yesterday stormed the country home of the former Bayelsa state governor, Chief Timipre Sylva and abducted his 86-year-old uncle, Pa Benson Adigio-Eseni.

According to sources, Adigio-Eseni, who is a community leader and father of Sylva’s former personal assistant, Austin Adigio, was abducted at 2am on Sunday night from his residence.

Many have alleged that the kidnapping of the old man has a political undertone, due to the decision of Austin to return to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and to also contest the state House of Assembly election

but others claimed the kidnap is another attempt by some jobless youths to collect ransom from known wealthy families members of the Octonegerian.

Many indigenes, who spoke with LEADERSHIP on telephone, expressed concern over the recent activities of gunmen along the upland and waterways of Brass and Nembe area.

They recalled that the kidnap of the Octonegerian is coming barely 10 days after two persons, Bukuromo Odidikuma and Awotimigha Iyabi, an aide to Sylva’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Nathan Egba, were shot dead by gunmen suspected to be sea pirates operating on the Nembe-Brass River.

Muslim faithful praying at Alfathu-l-Qareeb Mosque, during Eid-el-Fitr prayer at Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: BENEDICT UWALAKA

12 NEWS

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

2014 Guber Poll:

OsunDECIDES

Saturday, August 9

I’ll Be Victorious By The Grace Of God – Aregbesola We’ll Not Abandon Aregbesola’s The All Progressives Con- word for all and sundry.

Beneficial Projects – Omisore His said, “I urge us all gress (APC) flagbearer in the August 9 gubernatorial election in Osun State, Governor Rauf Aregbesola has said that he is believing in God and the overwhelming support of the people of the state to be victorious at the poll.

Addressing Muslim faithful and his supporters shortly after the Eidel-fitr prayers at Osogbo yesterday, Aregbesola said he has done much to make life abundant for the people of Osun State.

According to him, it is in good life that the people can enjoy their existence, stressing that if the essence of life is for human beings to live well then peace which is the only guarantee of happiness must be the watch

to embrace love and endurance, it is when there is peace that we can pursue productive engagements that will guarantee for us good life”.

Earlier in the day, the governor’s convoy, which snaked through the capital city from the Government House in Oke Fia to Oke Baale praying ground created excitements as residents trooped out in a show of solidarity with the governor.

Apparently in the spirit of the forthcoming governorship poll slated for August 9, many of the residents who displayed Aregbesola’s campaign posters, brooms and other insignias of support for the governor, also chanted vari-

Aregbesola

ous songs which indicated their support for him.

At the various points in the capital such as Oke Fia, Orita Olaiya, Gbeemu,Oja Oba, up to the praying ground, the residents held Aregbesola’s convoy ‘hostage’ as they insisted he must stop to listen to their songs and see them display their support for him.

The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate in the August 9 governorship election in Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore has said that he would not abandon any ongoing project of the Governor Rauf Aregbesola administration if elected governor of the state.

Speaking through the director general of his campaign organisation, Akogun Lere Oyewumi, while addressing newsmen in Osogbo, Omisore said that he would complete the projects that are beneficial to the people of the state.

Oyewumi allayed the fear in certain quarters that Omisore will abandon some ongoing projects embarked upon by Governor Aregbesola’s administration.

He said, “On roads and

other infrastructural facilities, we have seen that we are going to inherit even more than we bargained for, but we have promised the people of Osun State that we are not the type of government that will abandon any project because they were initiated by somebody else, no, the modalities of doing them may be different.

“How do we stop Gbongan-Sekona road? or how do we stop the roads passing through Osogbo-Ikirun-Esa Odo? the design of this was even done by Omisore himself when he was in the National Assembly.

“All this are federal government roads, the present governor is doing it so that he can get the money from the federal government and send it to La-

Omisore

gos but unfortunately, the president could not give him such money because he did not pass through the normal channel before embarking on the federal roads. They must agree on the cost, all this were not done, they just started the road and when they got to certain point, they approached the federal government and it said, ‘we were not consulted.’”

Stories by Joshua Dada, Osogbo

SOUTH-WEST Ladoja Condemns Plot To Impeach Ajimobi Former Oyo State governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, has condemned the alleged plan by the state lawmakers to impeach the incumbent governor, Abiola Ajimobi, describing it as wrong.

Speaking with newsmen in Ibadan yesterday, the leader of Accord Party who washed off the hands of Accord lawmakers in the state House of Assembly from purported moves by the state lawmakers to impeach Governor Abiola Ajimobi, maintained that the timing of such planned moves was wrong if it is true at all.

“I know what it means to be impeached as I have been a victim of impeachment before and I don’t wish it for my brother, Ajimobi. If the purported moves by the lawmakers to impeach the governor are true at all, Accord lawmakers in the Assembly are not part of it.

“We have met our lawmakers and we have told them that Accord will not be part of any moves to impeach the governor, if at all the report is correct,” he said.

The former governor maintained that whatever Ajimobi’s alleged misconduct might be, the state lawmakers should have published such misconduct before their purported moves.

By Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

Osun Guber: INEC Accredits 29 Observers

BY CHIBUZO UKAIBE, Abuja

As the build-up to the August 9 governorship election in Osun State intensifies, 29 domestic and international observers have been accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

This was disclosed by the chief press secretary to INEC chairman, Kayode Idowu, yesterday, who further stated that the European Union delegation in Nigeria will lead the pack of other international observers to monitor the governorship poll, which will be the second to be conducted by

the commission this year.

Other foreign observers include the United States Mission to Nigeria, the High Commission of Canada, the British High Commission as well as the Embassies of Switzerland, Kingdom of Netherlands, Federal Republic of Germany and France.

Among the domestic observers are the Forum for State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON), the Justice Development and Peace Commission, Nigeria Bar Association Election Working Group, NEPAD Nigeria, Institute for Peace and Conflict Res-

olution, etc.

The commission further noted that while 20 candidates have been cleared for the election, a total of 1.4 million voters are expected to vote.

Leading the pack of candidates are the incumbent, Rauf Aregbesola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Senator Iyola Omisore of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Further breakdown of voter population as unveiled by the commission shows that 745,828 (about 53 per cent) of the eligibe voters are female while 661,394 (about 47 per cent) are male.

Alaafin Accuses Europeans Of Destroying Other Cultures, Traditions

BY ADEBAYO WAHEED, Ibadan

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, has accused Europeans for deliberately setting out to destroy other people’s cultures.

Delivering his speech at the 1st Brazil-Nigeria International seminar on “Preserve Shared Cultural Heritage” held at Salvador/Bahia, Brazil, the monarch said the Europeans super-imposed their own cultures and values on peoples in

order to perpetuate the relationship of inequality and inequity so as to achieve their purpose.

In the paper entitled, “Perpetuating Sango Oyo Heritage Continuity in Oyo and the Diaspora” delivered by the Alaafin and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, yesterday, he maintained that “Our traditional religion is part of our heritage, which needs to be preserved and recognised”.

Alaafin observed that the religious foundation of the Yoruba tra-

ditions and culture was presently under serious threats posed by guest faiths in Africa”, adding that the parlous socio-economic conditions in Africa, a creation of neoliberal economic policies, have continued to impoverish many African states.

“The guest faiths are therefore feeding on this to preach the gospel of individual prosperity and wellbeing on earth, they have abandoned the earlier gospel of earthly denials in order to enjoy heaven.”

SHORT NEWS Ekiti Deputy Gov-elect Urges Constructive Criticisms The Ekiti State deputy governorelect, Dr Olusola Eleka, yesterday said that constructive criticisms from members of the opposition would be welcomed by the incoming Peoples Democratic Party’s administration.

Eleka, who was the running mate to the governor-elect, Mr Ayodele Fayose in the June 21 governorship poll in the state stated this while speaking with journalists yesterday in Ikere-Ekiti.

The academic turned politician said that the familiarity of his principal with Ekiti political terrain would work for the success of the administration.

By Alo Abiola, Ado-Ekiti

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

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Tuesday, July 29, 2014

business news

Zenith Bank, Virgin Group Support Young Entrepreneurs

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos

Two young Nigerian entrepreneurs have emerged winners of the Enterprise Challenge competition organised by the British Council and Virgin Atlantic in partnership with Zenith Bank, earning a business master class from the founder and chairman of Virgin Group, Sir Richard Branson.

Miss Eseoghene Odiete and Mr Nasir Yammama, emerged winners in the online competition called the Enterprise Challenge, which was organised for Nigerian entrepreneurs aged 18-35 and living in Nigeria or studying in the United Kingdom to help them develop their entrepreneurial skills. The competition attracted over 1000 young Nigerian

entrepreneurs.

According to the organisers, the apprentice-style competition took place over three rounds, during which candidates wrote an essay on their entrepreneurial journeys, created a video pitch for their businesses or business plans, and had their ideas scrutinised by a panel of experts in Nigeria and the UK.

Honeywell Flour Mills Records 17.86% Increase In Profit

by OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

Honeywell Flour Mills Plc has reported a 17.86 per cent rise in its profit for the financial year ended March 31, 2014.

The company financials currently at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed that the company generated N3.352 billion in profitafter- tax. The figure represents a 17.86 per cent rise on the N2.844 billion it generated in the same period of 2013.

According to the firm, it appreciated to N10.458 billion in the review period from N7.921 billion in the corresponding period of 2013.

The company’s revenue

appreciated by 20.51 per cent to N55.084 billion in 2014 from N45.709 in 2013, while cost of sales grew by 18.1 per cent to N44.627 billion in 2014 from N37.788 billion in 2013.

According to the firm, increase in operating costs, which rose by 46.13 per cent from N3.72 billion to N5.436 billion between comparative periods in 2013 and 2014, was due to increased overheads necessary to operate the expanded production capacity, among other things.

The company’s total assets grew by 15.14 per cent to N63.83 from N55.437 billion in 2013, while the earnings per share went up to 42.26 kobo from35.86 kobo in 2013.

Ebola Virus: NCAA Suspends ASky Operations To Nigeria

By NKEM OSUAGWU, Lagos

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA), has suspended all ASky Airline operations to Nigeria with immediate effect.

Acting director- general of NCAA, Mr Benedict Adeyileka, made this announcement yesterday afternoon at the agency’s in Lagos.

He said the regulatory authority has to take this action to protect Nigerians from the deadly ebola virus which was ravaging some parts of east and central Africa.

ASky Airline is an important player in the west, east and central Africa operating 80 flights into Lagos and Abuja weekly. The airline flew the Liberian, who was obviously infected with the virus into Lagos.

The passenger has since died and the country manager of the ASky was invited to the headquaters of the agency to offer explanation to the Authority on the incident and show evidence of actions taken by the airline since the pandemic.

The airline’s representative could not offer any conclusive or substantial evidence neither did he demonstrate any capacity to be able to prevent a reoccurrence .

This is contrary to the provision of Article 14 of the Chicago Convention,1944, which states that, “Each contracting State agrees to take effective measures to prevent the spread by means of air navigation, of cholera, typhus (epidemic),smallpox, yellow fever, plague and such other communicable diseases as the contracting state shall from time to time decide to designate.....”

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has similarly prescribed measures (standard practices) in Annex 9 to the Convention which a state must take to prevent the spread of communicable disease in the event of an outbreak.

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/business

L-R: Director, UN-Habitat, Prof. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka; Deputy Executive Director, UN-Habitat, Dr Aisa Kirabo; Minister of Youth Development, Mr Boni Haruna; Nigeria’s Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya, Amb. Moh’d Rabiu Danjaji, during the signing of an agreement at the UN-Habitat office,

Bank Loans Record Marginal Growth In H1 2014

by Bukola Idowu, Lagos

Despite the financial inclusion drive of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), banks are recording less deposits from customers, just as the half year results of some banks which were released last week showed a slight growth in loans and advances to customers.

So far, eight out of those listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Union Bank, United Bank for Africa, Zenith Bank, Wema Bank, Unity Bank, Stanbic IBTC, First City Monument Bank and Sterling Bank have released their half year report ended June 30, 2014.

UBA which recorded a rise of 8.7

per cent in its gross earnings in the first half of the year had its PAT drop by 19.5 per cent buoyed by increased spending on personnel as well as operations.

Total assets of UBA had dropped to N2.49 trillion as against the June 2013 figure of N2.64 trillion, with its loans and advances to customers recording a 3.5 per cent decline to N904.24 billion, just as deposits from customers dropped by 8.2 per cent to N1.98 trillion.

Commenting on the results, group managing director and chief executive of UBA, Phillips Oduoza, assured that the UBA Group remained focused on its medium and long- term strategies

to grow market share in all its businesses across Africa, manage costs down and ultimately deliver value to all stakeholders.

“We are confident that business returns will be much better in the remaining period of the year as we continue to deploy new and innovative ways of delivering value adding products and services” Oduoza stated.

For Sterling Bank, the 16.3 per cent improvement in gross earnings which rose from N41.85 billion to N48.69 billion was eroded by increase spending as well as its impairment for loan loss, as PAT dropped by 6.6 per cent.

New DG For NCAA: FG Gets 2-week Deadline

By NKEM OSUAGWU, Lagos

Following the expiration of the 21 days ultimatum given to the federal government to appoint a substantive director-general for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority of Nigeria (NCAA), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) has given a fresh 14- day ultimatum to the government.

In a letter entitled: “Re- Demand for a Substantive Director- General of NCAA,” addressed to the secretary to the federal government of the federation (SGF), Senator Ayim Pius Ayim, dated July 24, 2014,

and signed by the deputy national secretary of ATSSSAN, Tarnongu Captain, the union said it was driven by deep patriotism and commitment to contribute their quota to the transformation agenda of Mr President in the aviation industry.

Tarnongu in the letter drew the attention of SFG to the leadership vacuum existing in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) making reference to their earlier letter on the above subject matter dated June 18, 2014.

The letter reads: “As a stakeholder in the industry, we are aware of the enormous responsibility of

this Authority as chief regulator of standards, and custodian of safety in the aviation industry. Thus, we are justifiably disturbed on the inability of government to appoint a substantive director-general for the Authority.

“We are by this letter, giving notice of the extension of our earlier 21 days ultimatum for another 14 days to lapse on Tuesday, August 12 , 2014, by which time we expect the Government to confirm a substantive director-general for the organisation, failing which, we shall be at liberty to deploy any other legitimate means to press home our demands.”

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Eid Mubarak to You, Our One- customer.

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16 NEWS/BUSINESS

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

FG To Roll Out 600 Agric Equipment Hiring Centres

By Ruth Tene Natsa, Abuja

The minister of agriculture and rural development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has said the federal government was set to inaugurate 600 agricultural equipment hiring centres (AEHC) across the country in two weeks.

Speaking during a media chat in Abuja yesterday,the minister said, “We will be rolling out in exactly two weeks, 600 agricultural equipment hiring centres across the country that would have tractors and full components of mechanisation so that farmers can go and actually hire these equipment.”

While reaffirming government’s commitment to be self- sufficient in rice production by 2015, he said, “paddy rice pyramids were springing up all over the north of the country acknowledging that what was left to be done was to increase investment in rice mills.”

Adesina said the country had been able to attract private investment of about $1.5 billion into rice adding that in three years time, the country would be a net exporter of rice.

“We have declared over 55 of these thresher across the country to help them thresh and winnow their rice,” he further disclosed.

He said the centres would have heavy farm machines that would enable farmers move from manual labour agriculture to full mechanisation at

very affordable rate.

“The amount of paddy rice needed to feed Nigeria was about 17 million tonnes and 9.2 million had been achieved,he said,adding that “the country would achieve 13million tonnes at the end 2014 dry season” “We are well on our way to being self sufficient in rice, we are doing quite a lot in milling and massive level of investment is going in to rice mills to enable us do finished rice.”

Adesina stressed the need for more attention for women in agriculture saying that President Goodluck Jonathan had said 35 per cent of agriculture loans from banks should go to women farmers,adding that “through the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme, a lot of farmers had been empowered and corruption had been eliminated from distribution of fertiliser as seed and fertiliser companies were increasing investment.”

He noted that the National Assembly would soon commence the process of enacting a law that would back the GES to ensure sustainability.

He also said the budgetary support for agriculture was likely to increase as the ministry had effectively utilised the little they got.

Adesina said at the end of 2015, the federal government would have surpass the target of 20millin and go way above 22million tonnes of additional food.

Nigeria May Become Major Economic Force In 2030 – Report

by ABIODUN OLUWAROTIMI, New York

The newly released report of the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) has said that Nigeria has the potential to expand its economy by roughly 7.1 per cent per year through 2030 and this could make the country become a major economic force in the coming decade.

A copy of the report which was made available to our correspondent yesterday said although there was no disguising the challenges that Nigeria was facing, the world was well aware of the concerns around terrorism and Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with poverty.

The report tagged: “Nigeria’s Renewal: Delivering Inclusive Growth in Africa’s Largest Economy,” examines Nigeria’s economic potential and finds that with the right reforms and investments, it could become one of the world’s leading economies by 2030.

The report further states that Nigeria had since 1999 proven to be both politically and economically stable, adding that the new data released this year showed that it was now the largest economy in Africa, in addition to being the most populous.

“The new data also show that Nigeria’s economy is far more diverse than previously understood. While the nation’s rich oil reserves remain a critical source of government income and exports, the entire resources sector today is only 14 percent of GDP. Agriculture and trade are larger and faster-growing. It is also not generally recognised that Nigerian productivity, which remains low, has been growing recently and now contributes more to GDP growth than does the expanding population” said the report which was

presented by Reinaldo Fiorini, director and location manager of McKinsey’s Lagos office .

According to Fiorini: “What people overlook is Nigeria’s extraordinary advantages for future growth, including a large consumer market, a strategic geographic location, and a young and highly entrepreneurial population. The results of Nigeria’s progress, however, have not been spread evenly across its economy. More than 40 per cent of Nigerians live below the nation’s official poverty line and 130 million (74 per cent of the population) live below the MGI Empowerment Line, a level of income and access to vital services that provides a decent standard of living” He added that the chief reasons for Nigeria’s persistent poverty included low farm productivity due to limited access to fertiliser and mechanised tools, and inefficient markets. “At the same time, urbanisation has not raised incomes the way it has in other developing economies. This is because formal job creation and skill development in Nigeria’s cities have been weak, making productivity in urban sectors such as manufacturing lower than in agriculture” noted Fiorini.

Looking ahead, the report finds that Nigeria has the potential to expand its economy by roughly 7.1 per cent per year through 2030, raising GDP to more than $1.6 trillion. This could make Nigeria a top-20 global economy—with higher GDP than the Netherlands, Thailand, or Malaysia in 2030.

What’s more a large consuming class is developing in Nigeria, with potentially as many as 160 million members by 2030, more than the current populations of France and Germany combined.

Cashless Policy: Keystone Bank Calls For PoS Awareness

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos

Managing director and chief executive, Keystone Bank Limited, Mr Philip Ikeazor, has said the cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has gathered momentum and running at full speed except in the area of Point of Sales (PoS) that needed more education.

In his assessment of the cashless policy at a media parley in Lagos, Ikeazor noted that given what happened to the Nigerian economy prior to the cashless policy, the country has come a long way.

However, he said the only area that financial services providers should do more was in the education on PoS uptake, noting that it was only in the PoS that the market was slow in understanding the cashless policy.

“I don’t have the statistics here. But if you see the volume of cash that goes through Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and the volume of cash that goes through

internet transfer alone, it shows that banks have improved in the country in terms of efficiency of transfers and cost reduction.

“We should understand that before the advent of internet banking and the advent of using ATM cards, we carried around huge cash with the inefficiency that comes with it. But, today that story is different. All that our customers require from us is to ensure that our channels work.

“Banks have done very well in terms of internet transfer. Banks have also done very well in terms of providing ATMs. The only place that the cashless policy requires education is the uptake of PoS machines,” he said adding that Nigeria still has a long way to go in the cashless policy when compared to her counterparts abroad, “We have not reached anywhere in terms of what we have abroad. If we can get to that level, then we can get to the stage where PoS machines that can be used to send details and the money goes straight into a customer’s account,” he said.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

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Tuesday, July 29, 2014

NAAPE Laments NonAppointment Of Industry Professional As Aviation Minister

Stories by NKEM OSUAGWU, Lagos

The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has lamented the inability of the federal government to heed to the calls of industry stakeholders to appoint an aviation professional as the minister of aviation.

NAAPE expressed this regret following the recent appointment of Mr Osita Chidoka, as aviation minister by President Goodluck Jonathan last week, stating that members of the association received the news of the appointment with “mixed feelings.”

“While Mr Chidoka’s youthful, vibrant and forward-looking disposition and antecedent call for enthusiasm and hope, his apparent lack of aviation experience is clearly a major cause for concern.

“Over the years, NAAPE has consistently called on Mr President to give us an experienced aviation professional as

minister. But this call has consistently been unheeded. The result is that the aviation industry has suffered stunted growth. This is because successive ministers who have not been aviation professionals needed ample time to acclimatise, a luxury which was always denied them, evidenced by successive short tenures of less than two years on average.

“This bad situation is worsened by the danger of such persons who lack personal understanding of industry settings and set ups falling into the hands of unscrupulous insiders who would willfully misdirect them for pecuniary benefits. This has happened over time,” said Bunmi Gindeh, public relations officer, NAAPE in a statement made available to journalists in Lagos.

He said while NAAPE had been in the vanguard of appreciating the positive impact of the immediate past minister, Stella Oduah, in the aviation sector, her record

of successes would have been more if she had had the added experience as an aviation professional.

“Notwithstanding the above, we stand in humble submission to the right of Mr President to appoint whosoever he pleases as minister of aviation. More importantly, we are willing to give Mr Osita Chidoka, the benefit of the doubt.

As a matter of fact, we actually are hopeful that he would be a good minister for our industry.

Accordingly, the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers(NAAPE) welcomes Mr Chidoka with open arms and hopeful hearts to the aviation ministry, as we look forward to working closely with him to move the sector further upwards,” he further added.

However, he warned Chidoka to beware of “many wolves in aviation that appear in sheep’s skin. His first and most important task, therefore, would be how not to be hijacked by the wolves.”

NCAA Advises Terminal Operators On Facilities Upgrade The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has charged all firms managing the terminals in airports in the country to work towards improving their facilities in order to ensure passenger facilitation and comfort.

NCAA’s director, Consumer Protection, Alhaji Adamu Abdullahi, made this call in Lagos recently during the commissioning of the new escalators installed at the MMA2 Terminal building

by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services (BASL).

Abullahahi stressed that the regulatory authority would continue to keep all the terminal operators in the country including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, (FAAN), on their toes to make sure that they improve passengers’ experiences within the

airport environments.

Adamu while commending BASL, said, “It is good they are doing this and they will be able to put FAAN on its toes.

FAAN with this now has no choice than to improve on its facilities and give world - class operations in its terminals.”

Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, (BASL) said it would continue with the upgrade of facilities at the MMA2 Terminal in Lagos. The company which recently commissioned two new escalators installed at the terminal said the recent upgrade was its fourth phase in its facility upgrade estimated to cost over N500 million.

The management disclosed that the facility upgrades which include the changing of the cooling system among others

would be completed in 2016.

Chief executive officer (CEO), Mr Christophe Pennick, stated that there were 11 phases in the facilities upgrade by the company, adding that seven more phases would still be carried out.

Pennick apologised to the passengers, terminal users, airline operators and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA), for inconveniences caused them since the management commenced the facility upgrade.

Other phases commissioned earlier by BASL according to Pennick were the automation of the car park, installing of new dual billing system at the cargo section and the expansion of the checkin counters from 33 to 45 counters.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

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Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Terrorism: Urgent Need To Begin Joint Cross Border Patrol

It has become glaring that the challenge of terrorism which Nigeria has been battling against is fast spreading to neighbouring African countries with the recent reported kidnap of the Cameroonian vice prime minister’s wife. This eliminates previous doubts, if any, that it was a Nigerian problem.

There is therefore, the urgent need for the commencement of the planned joint cross border patrol between men of the Nigeria Customs Service and other neighbouring customs administrations of Cameroon, Niger, Benin Republic and Chad in line with the Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) reached in March this year.

The agreement to this effect, was reached in a meeting of director-generals of neighbouring customs administration, in which the national security adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, and the comptroller- general of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), David Paradang, among others, were present.

At the end of the meeting held in Abuja which was hosted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), it was agreed that national governments of the five proximate countries should support joint cross border patrols through the provision of adequate vehicles and equipment for operatives.

The meeting also expressed support for current efforts to establish joint border posts between countries in the proximate region, while taking concrete actions to put in place the modalities for actual implementation.

Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Dikko, recently stated that the modalities to begin the joint cross border patrol with neighbouring African Customs administrations were being worked out as part of efforts to win the war against terrorism.

Dikko, who stated this in Abuja while briefing journalists on updates

of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)signed in March between Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, Benin Republic and Chad, said what they did at their own level was further taken to a higher level when President Goodluck Jonathan, led West African neighbours to Paris where a security meeting was held.

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

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

Dikko until recently, was the vice chair of the World Customs Organisation for West and Central African (WCO-WCA.) His tenure recently came to an end at a handing over ceremony in Brussels. With the mantle of leadership now handed over to Cameroon, it is expected that the new WCO regional leader would take the stakes even higher than Nigeria did and work assiduously to ensure the commencement of the planned joint cross border patrol in the interest of the region.

Even the WCO secretary general, Kunio Mikuriya, who visited Nigeria recently acknowledged that a better coordinated border patrol would help Nigeria in tackling security issues in the country.

While the Nigeria Customs has acquired all necessary equipment and ready for the start of the joint patrol, neighbouring African countries should as well make haste in fine-tuning modalities and kick-starting the process.

It must be noted here, however, that this fight goes beyond the Nigeria Customs alone, all security agencies

customs focus

By JULIET ALOHAN

including the Nigeria Police, the Immigration Service, the Civil Defence Corps, the military, and the State Security Services (SSS) must leave no stone unturned in playing their roles to put an end to insurgency in the country.

However, the critical role of inter-agency partnerships and knowledge sharing should not be undermined, it must be prioritised amongst the security Dikko agencies during this period while civilians on the other hand, must be vigilant and forthcoming with useful tips to support the security personnel.

Harping on this point, the WCO boss, stated that the organisation constantly provide risk indicators, expertise and training in the area of risk management to member Customs administrations, adding, “we provide coordinated border management approach meaning that Customs should provide information not only within a country’s Customs administration, but with other governments’ security and law enforcement agencies, this is also essential in security,” Mikuriya said.

It was to this end that the emergency meeting of the directors -general of Customs in March reached a resolution on intelligence sharing and agreeing in the communiqué to

communicate significant seizures and method of concealment among the Customs administrations to enable the building of formidable risk profiles of cross-border operators.

It also noted that the use of ICT tools would help facilitate exchange of information between the Customs administrations even as the directors-general clearly established the documents and instruments that would be exchanged between the countries to ensure transparency while working towards the conclusion of mutual administrative assistance agreements between them.

On joint cross border patrol, the communiqué specifically commended the joint border patrol currently in operation between Nigeria and Niger and urged the other countries to make consultations with

their governments to seek necessary approvals to extend same to the rest of the region and to work out the modalities, supporting logistics as well as the command and control structure.

It also called on national governments to support joint cross border patrols through the provision of adequate vehicles and equipment and expressed support for current efforts to establish joint border posts between countries in the proximate region as well as to take concrete actions to put in place the modalities for actual implementation. This is the part of the agreement that government of the respective countries should take very seriously before the challenge assumes an even larger scale.

The meeting also resolved that awareness seminars be organised to build compliance among stakeholders as well as training programmes to build the capacity of Customs operatives, while focal points should be established within the Customs administrations to communicate within the region movement of goods and pursue on-going projects related to interconnectivity of computer systems. According to the communiqué, the resolutions were reached in consciousness of the worrisome situation along the borders of the five proximate countries of Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria.

Also the resolutions were arrived at in view of the close economic and cultural bonds that exist between the peoples and nationalities of the proximate countries.

The meeting which pointed out the critical role played

by Customs in facilitating intra-regional trade and security stressed the need for collaboration of the regions’ Customs administrations in the areas of patrol operations, sharing of intelligence and capacity building as crucial to the fight against terrorism in the region.

Trade Facilitation: Int’l Organisations Pledge Commitment To Developing Countries Recognising the extensive potential benefits to developing, transition and least developed economies from the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), international organisations have pledged their commitment to support countries in need in the area of trade facilitation.

This is with an view to helping enhance their participation in

global supply and value chains, improved competitiveness, increased transparency as well as ensure greater integration into the global economy and significant economic growth and development for the countries.

The measure is expected to further respond to the clear needs of such economies for technical assistance, capacity

building and support in implementing and securing long term benefits from the TFA. The international organisations and development partners include the International Trade Centre, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, United

Nations Economic Commission for European, the World Bank Group and the World Customs Organization.

The respective organisations have reaffirmed their support in a comprehensive and coordinated manner to such economies in implementing the TFA, in close collaboration with the WTO and the donor community.

A statement jointly signed by the organisations said: “We commit to assisting developing, transition and least-developed countries, drawing on our respective strengths and areas of expertise.

This will take the form of immediate assistance, for example in determining the categorization (A, B, or C) of measures under the TFA.

INTERVIEW /BUSINESS 21

Tuesday, July 29, 2014 You rolled out a six-point agenda on assumption of office, would you say you have fully implemented them?

Actually I can summarise the sixpoint agenda in the following way; we wanted to consolidate the progress made before we came, and we wanted to improve quality of service (QoS), to enhance broadband implementation, improve competition, provide diversified choices for consumers at good quality and price and improve our presence in the international space.

On consolidation of the progress made so far, I think we have achieved significant progress in this area.

If we start from the parameters, we’ve increased teledensity from 63 per cent in 2010 when I came in, to more than 90 per cent in 2014. We’ve increased subscriber base from 88 million in 2010 to more than 130 million, this is an improvement of almost 50 per cent in four Juwah years that I have been here. And you should remember that the 88 million was for 10 years before I came. So we’ve done remarkably well in this area.

We’ve also done remarkably well in the contribution to the Nigerian economy in terms of contribution to the GDP. We’ve increased it from 5 per cent when I came in to 8.5 per cent as announced recently during the rebasing of the economy.

Finally, looking at investment in the sector, we increased it from $18 billion in 2010, to more than $32 billion today. The sector has created the most stable jobs and as investments grew in the past four years, more jobs, both direct and indirect, had been created and are still being created.

For QoS, we would like to have done better but we’ve always been striving to do better. We’re rolling out our initiatives for broadband implementation, as we promised, it has just started and it is progressing at a very great speed. We have also improved competition by looking at the competition space within the telecoms industry; looking at operators that are dominant and imposing some limitations on them.

I must say, like I’ve always said that dominance is nothing bad but what you do with your dominance matters. Dominance means that you’ve been doing everything correct, you’ve been doing things well and that’s why you’re dominating, but if you use your dominance in uncompetitive practice, that’s when the regulator intervenes. We’ve also rolled

interview

‘Our Regulatory Style Ranks Among The Best In The World’ Four years ago, the Executive Vice Chairman, EVC, and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah, was confirmed by the Senate as the 4th EVC of the Commission. Since assuming office, he has taken some decisions including fining operators and slashing tariff on short message service. In this chat with media executives, he gives an insight into the landmarks that have defined his tenure.

KINGSLEY ALU was there for LEADERSHIP.

The Council is not embarking on indiscriminate sale of government enterprises!

What we have done so far is to take a hard look at each of the State owned enterprises and determine if they are actually been run efficiently

out Mobile Number Portability (MNP), this deepens competition; if you don’t like your operator you move to the next one holding your number. We’ve provided diversified choice for consumers.

There’re many products being rolled out which we are approving.

We have reduced prices significantly. In fact, if you look at voice services, we’ve reduced price at more than 45 per cent in four years; we’ve slashed the prices of SMS from N10 to N4. We have actually provided good choice for consumers at reasonably good price. As for our presence in the international arena, we’re taking part in all the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) conferences, in fact, the whole world know us because we organise what we call Leaders Launch in every ITU World Telecom event where all the big shots in telecoms come and listen to us, and remember that in the recent ones we had, people like Carlos Slim, one of the richest men in the world and a huge investor in telecoms came and we had the opportunity of explaining what we’re doing in Nigeria to him. We’ve achieved a lot in our six-point agenda.

Your expectation on mobile number portability?

The operators that have large market share will not want it. The operators that think that they’re providing good service will want it. So it was important that the regulator provide a level playing field. We consulted all stakeholders about what we’re going to do, it took some time, then we offered

a bid for the database provider for MNP. It started in April 2013, initially the transactions were slow and people thought that it was not successful, but if you go to countries like Ghana and Kenya that have done it before, it always starts slowly and then keeps on increasing.

It is starting to take off now and one of the issues that actually hindered a strong regulatory intervention is that there were really no regulations but there were business rules. I’m happy to announce that the regulation for MNP has been gazetted by government, now we have full power by law to descend on any operator who is not carrying out MNP guidelines. It is a success, and I hope the public will appreciate it and give us the credit.

Did you ever expect to be Nigeria’s telecom regulator?

As you know, I’ve been in the ICT industry for a very long time, starting from my days in the early 70s at Shell. In 1990 I specifically moved to telecoms, so I’ve had the advantage of seeing the development of telecommunication in Nigeria.

And since 1990, I’ve worked in telecoms and interacted intensively with the regulators. I have also quarreled with them and admired them depending on what issue is at stake here. I must tell you honestly, I never aimed at being the primary telecom regulator in Nigeria. I admire regulators when they did things that were in my favour when I was in the private sector. And I quarreled with them when they did things against me.

But as I said, I never aimed to be the regulator until I was asked to

apply. Graciously Mr President selected me and the senate confirmed the selection.

What informed the slashing of SMS tariff?

We never did anything without studying it.We started by getting a consultant that has a lot of experience in that area and then consulting stakeholders including the operators and consumers.

Slashing SMS price came from our cost-based study for SMS; I don’t want to tell you the cost of SMS to the operators, but I can tell you it is very much lower than N4, so the operators were making what I’ll call an unacceptable profit when it was at N10 and that’s why you see there was no terrible uproar against it and we believe we have protected the consumer by implementing the slash.

Did you slash the interconnect rate because of the consumers?

Interconnect rate according to international best practices must be cost-based. It must be based on the cost of making a call, so we hired PriceWaterhouseCoopers from London which has a good model for determining the cost of making a call in Nigeria. Of course these calls are average and so they interviewed all the operators, got their data, put it into their model and came up with the price of making calls today. You see, it must keep on coming down because equipment are being amortised.The new equipment that they bought are not as big as the ones they started with. You can see the dropping in interconnect rate. We adopted what is called a gliding model, where it is reducing year by year from N6.40k and by the end of the third year which is next year, it will be N3.90k. Operators like that, but what they argued about was that our model was asymmetrical in nature.Asymmetrical means that the bigger operators pay smaller operators bigger sums to interconnect.

This is important to protect some of the operators. We said that operators that have less than seven and a half per cent of the subscriber base will be regarded as small operators. This includes the CDMA and new operators that are coming. You know small operators pay huge money to big operators whenever interconnection is considered, so by tweaking the interconnect rate to favour small operators, we try to strike a balance.They still pay huge amount but at least we’ve mitigated it.

Achieving a balance between consumers and operators?

The regulator is a referee, he stands between the operators and the consumers. His duty on one hand, is to provide consumers with a plethora of products that are of good quality. For operators, we have a mandate to safeguard their investments, so it is a tight balance.

22 E-Business/BUSINESS

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

E-business REPORTS

Banks, Telecom Operators Build Call Centres

Telecommunications mast

Multi-Links Emerges Fibre Operator As CDMA Network Collapses Stories by Chima Akwaja, Lagos

Multi-Links Limited, pioneer Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network operator, has emerged a prominent fibre optic broadband operator as the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) market, which once boasted of over a dozen strong small operators in Nigeria has collapsed.

President of the Association of Licenced Telecommunication Operators in Nigeria (ALTON), Mr Gbenga Adebayo, said MultiLinks was part of the collapsed Capcom deal which would have seen Multi-Links, Starcomms and MTS First Wireless, combine their 20MHz to build a 4G network. Multi-Links built its broadband network using Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) fibre optic ring.

He said the broadband operator now has a robust telecom backbone that offers greater capacity and higher redundancy to provide alternative routing for traffic whenever downtime was experienced on the network on account of vandalisation or other service disruption.

Multi-Links broadband

network covers Nigeria’s major cities including Lagos, Benin, Ibadan, Abuja, Jos, Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Zaria, Ife, Akure, Warri, Sapele, Aba, Umuahia, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Asaba, Markudi and Onitsha using DWDM ring.

Currently, Starcomms, Multi-Links and MTS voice telephony networks have collapsed.

According to Adebayo, the CDMA network referred to as private telephone operators (PTOs) comprised MultiLinks, Intercellular, Mobitel, Starcomms, MTS 1st Wireless, 21st Century Telecoms, VGC Communications Ltd, Gitex Wireless, Reltel Wireless (ZoomMobile), Disc Communications, WiTEL and O’Net (Odua Telecom) have all disappeared except Visafone who emerged by absorbing Cellcom, Bordex Telecoms and Independent Telephone Network (ITN). Adebayo had three years ago, called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to bail out the CDMA operators or face the collapse of the CDMA network operators in the country but the regulator refused to heed his call.

Today, the CDMA operator who once controlled 20 per cent of the telecom subscriber base,

The broadband operator now has a robust telecom backbone that offers greater capacity and higher redundancy to provide alternative routing for traffic

now have only one per cent market share.

LEADERSHIP had on April 22, 2014 published a story entitled ‘15 Telecom Operators Face Collapse As Subscribers Shrink’ which listed Multi-Links among 14 others as inactive voice networks. Helios Towers Nigeria, had acquired Multi-Links in controversial circumstances from Telkom South Africa for $10 million.

Following the divestment of Helios Towers Nigeria from Multi-Links fibre business for about $62 million, the former CDMA operator now has over 35 of the biggest corporate clients cutting across the oil and gas, manufacturing, information technology, financial institutions, education and public sectors in the country.

Investigations by LEADERSHIP showed that the African Export Import Bank (Afrexim) funded a large part of the Capcom transaction with the sale of Multi-Links Limited’s fibre cable assets to Suburban FibreCo. Afrexim provided Surburban FibreCo $62 million loan to acquire Multi-Links, now a broadband operator with lots of dark fibre cable in the country from Helios Towers Nigeria.

Nigerian telecommunications operators and financial institutions, are quickly adopting call centres using leading edge technologies such as speech recognition and voice commands to address increasing customer needs. Operators such as MTN, Airtel and Etisalat have call centres outsourced to third party companies while Globacom has its own call centres with direct employees.

The managing director of Odilum Technologies Limited, Mbuela Luwawu, an Interactive Intelligence partner in Nigeria said call centres have evolved and transcended beyond ordinary telephone calls. He said Nigeria has the ability to take market share away from India, predicting that there would be lots of contact centres outsourcing for Nigeria from Europe and America.

“Five years ago, no bank had a contact centre but since 2009, you can pick up your phone, call your contact centre and speak to your customer service officer directly. The adoption has been quite positive. Call centres are helping African governments to provide efficient and effective services to citizens,” he said.

Glo Introduces IDD Calls To US, Others At 10kobo Globacom has introduced three new International Direct Dial(IDD) Packs which offer millions of prepaid subscribers on the network the lowest call rates to various international destinations. One of the new packs is called Combo Pack 1, which comes at a rental rate of N100 with bundled airtime of N100 and a call rate of 14k per second to United States, Canada, India, China and fixed lines only in the United Kingdom.

The package comes with 7 days validity for the bundled airtime. Combo Pack 2 has a 15-day validity for the bundled airtime at a rental rate of N200 with bundled airtime of N200 and a call rate of 13k per second for calls to United States, Canada, India, China and United Kingdom (Fixed lines only).

The third offer tagged Combo Pack 3, has a rental rate of N500 with N500 bundled airtime, while calls to United States, Canada, India, China and fixed lines only in the United Kingdom, are fixed at 10k per second. It has 30 days validity for the bundled airtime.

Speaking on the offer, the commercial director of Glo 1, Mr Ajay Mathur, said the company was delighted to launch the Combo IDD Packs as they offered customers attractive rates to call specific countries as applicable.

“The new IDD Packs will make international calls cheaper for our esteemed subscribers as they offer the most competitive rates for international calls. The prevailing call rate in the market is about 20k per sec,” he added.

More Nigerians Are Embracing e-Commerce – Report Terragon Group Research report for the second quarter of 2014 had showed tremendous growth in the state of digital media and users’ online behaviour in Nigeria over the past 12 months, indicating heightened growth in the area of internet usage, social media participation and e-commerce, and the opportunities the trend presents for marketers.

The report was compiled after a recent survey from a pool of online participants across various locations in the country.

It showed growth patterns from 2013 to 2014, with focus on mobile phone and internet usage, broadband penetration, mobile number portability, and mobile money. Interesting to note were the insights presented

for e-commerce which showed that there had been a 15 per cent increase in users’ purchases online from results in 2013.

As at the end of June 2014, 63 per cent of Nigerian internet users had bought at least one item online. 60 per cent of these buyers claimed to have used their mobile phones for these purchases. Considered to

have influenced this increase in e-commerce activities, was the increase in internet penetration through mobile, increase in data bundle purchases and online activities such as search, social media interaction, downloads and emails, within the period.

The intelligence leader, Terragon Group, Eniola Moronfolu, who spoke on the findings stated,

“The increase in e-commerce activities is very encouraging for an environment such as ours. It was interesting to note that a huge number of these purchases were mobile driven, and that mobile is the first and major point of access for all internet activities.

Hence, marketers need to start thinking first of mobile for online campaigns.”

science Tuesday, July 29, 2014

23

3,000

No fewer than 3,000 youths from the 3 senatorial districts of Delta State are currently undergoing six months skill acquisition training in the state youth development and skills acquisition centre Asaba

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

The national programme coordinator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Global Environmental Facility (GEF), Mr. Etiosa Uyigue; Prof. Ephraim Aniebona of Novena University, Ogume, Delta State; the vice chairman of the 2014 technical committee meeting on household refrigerating appliances, Prof. Chris Okoro and president of the committee, Engr. Ayodele Esan during a stakeholder’s meeting in Lagos.

Minimum Energy Performance Standard For Refrigerators Under Way

By Nkechi Isaac, Abuja

We’re sure that with this standard we’ll be able to get refrigerators that will be energy efficient

In a bid to improve energy efficiency in Nigeria, stakeholders in the energy sector have met to develop a new minimum energy performance standard (MEPS) for household refrigerators.

Speaking at the 2014 technical committee meeting on household refrigerating appliances sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Global Environmental Facility (GEF) in collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in Lagos, director of the organistaion, Dr. Joseph Odumodu represented by the head of electrical electronics department, Richard Adewumi, said it would begin the enforcement as soon as the new standard was okayed by the standards council of the organization.

Adewumi said, “this meeting is concentrated on the appliances that consume energy especially the refrigerator, when this standard is done with we’ll have a MEPR for the refrigerator, so

that once we set the minimum any appliance that does not conform with it will not be permitted into the country.

This standard will set that requirement which will make it enforceable.

“Once this standard is approved by the Standards Council of SON it automatically becomes part of the SON conformity assessment programme. This means that anybody bringing in refrigerator in this country must conform to the standard.

“We’re sure that with this standard we’ll be able to get refrigerators that will be energy efficient and then also for our local manufactures we’ll use it for the mark out scheme, which implies that you must comply with the requirement of that standard. So, in some months to come you’ll begin to see the results of this.”

According to him, “automatically, as soon as the standard council approves it will become part of the score card project, that is immediately you’re bringing in products into this country it must comply

to that standard and also our inspectors when they go to the factory they’ll ensure conformance to this standard.”

He explained that the Nigerian government was doing all it could to ensure that there was enough energy available for users in the country, “but one of the things we’ve also discovered is that where this energy is available the challenge we’re having is that the appliances we use consume more energy than necessary unlike what we get in other parts of the world.

“Worldwide generation of energy consumes a lot of money and its important that if we save more energy we also make it available for use. For instance, if we’re able to generate 10 megawatts now and through all these processes we’re able to save up to two megawatts that means we’ll have more energy available for people,” he further stated.

Earlier in his remarks, the chairman of the technical committee, Engr. Ayodele Esan, advocated the use of more energy efficient appliances, saying the nation could conserve a lot of energy by cutting down

Etiosa Uyigue

power wastage.

Esan said: “A lot of our energy consuming devices like light bulbs, refrigerators, air conditioners, pressing iron and others are not as efficient as they should be. So, the ultimate is that the economy should advocate the use of more energy efficient

24

24 SCIENCE/news

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Minimum Energy Performance Standard For Refrigerators Under Way 23

appliances.

“The nation can save a lot of additional capacity if we’re energy efficient. This means that instead of building more power stations we can reduce energy consumption because it is a demand and supply situation and electricity is a commodity you cannot store because as we generate it is consumed by these appliances.”

In his remarks, the national programme coordinator of the UNDP GEF, Mr. Etiosa Uyigue, revealed that they had procured energy performance testing laboratory equipment for SON to enable them effectively enforce

A/Ibom Seeks Support Of Indigenes On Industrialisation

By Bernard Tolani Dada, Uyo Indigenes of Akwa Ibom based outside the state have been enjoined to assist government in the industrialization of the state.

Governor Godswill Akpabio made the call yesterday when he received members of the Akwa Ibom Concerned Professionals, Lagos branch led by Mr. Udeme Ufot who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Uyo. He also enjoined them to take a critical look at the banking industry so they could assist in the establishment of a state-owned financial institution, pointing out that the Cooperative Development Bank owned by the state government was acquired as a result of the banking reforms.

The governor also tasked his guests to venture into the establishment of a newspaper where they can tell their stories and have a voice in the country, saying the best his government had done in the last seven years was to move the state forward by providing infrastructural foundation.

Describing the visit of Akwa Ibom Concerned Professionals to the state as a glorious return, he said the avalanche of criticisms of government from the professionals some years ago spurred the administration to complete numerous projects adjudged today as world class.

Earlier, the leader of the group, Udeme Ufot, who commended Akpabio for the quality of infrastructure provided in the state explained that for the sustenance of the uncommon transformation of the state, someone who had the required credentials should be the governor’s successor.

He pledged the support of the Akwa Ibom Concerned Professionals to the Akpabio administration and appreciated the governor for giving three of group’s members the opportunity to serve in the state.

the standard that would be decided by stakeholders.

He also said the UNDP and GEF had earlier this year sponsored staff of the SON, Energy Commission of Nigeria and the National Centre for Energy Efficiency and Conservation (NCEEC) to the United States of America (USA) to receive training on the installation and maintainance of the testing equipment for refrigerators.

Giving the history of the GEF-UNDP energy efficiency programme in Nigeria, he said the project “Promoting energy effieciency in residential and public sector in Nigeria” was

The nation can save a lot of additional capacity if we’re energy efficient

inaugurated in 2011 to improve energy efficiency of series of end use appliances through sensitization and awareness creation; support for the formulation of appropriate policy guidelines; establishment of energy efficiency testing laboratories; human and institutional capacity building and the creation of enabling environment for increased penetration of energy efficient appliances.

He said the project had made significant achievements since inception, adding “the programme has supported SON to develop the minimum

energy performance standards for Compact Flourescent Lamps (CFLs), which has since been approved by the Nigerian Standards Board and is now enforceable in Nigeria.”

He further saidthe programme had procured and installed two complete set of light testing equipment in SON and NCEEC and had enhanced the ability of the SON to enforce the newly lighting standard.

He added that the testing equipment in NCEEC was complementing the laboratory in SON and at the same time serving as a platform to strengthen research in the area of efficiency.

NMA Solicits Ebonyi Govt’s Assistance On Infrastructure Development

By Obinna Ogbonnaya, Abakaliki

Top 3 HeadlineS ➊3,000 Youths

Undergo Skill Acquisition Training In Delta ➋ A/Ibom Seeks Support Of Indigenes On Industrialisation

➌ NMA Solicits Ebonyi Govt’s Assistance On Infrastructure Development

UUTH Commissions Modern Amenity Ward

By Bernard Tolani Dada, Uyo

As part of effort towards enhancing healthcare delivery in the state, authorities of University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH),Uyo, Akwa Ibom State yesterday commissioned an ultramodern20-room amenity ward.

The Chief Medical Director of the UUTH, Prof. Etete Peters explained that the project conceived by the current management of the hospital was to encourage patients to seek medical refuge under a congenial and comfortable environment.

Gov. Elechi

The Ebonyi State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), weekend called on the state government to assist the association with the provision of basic amenities in the proposed model estate (Doctor’s Village) along Enugu-Abakaliki expressway.

The state chairman of association, Dr. Chidi Esike made the call during the foundation laying ceremony of the estate and the commissioning of the NMA road and entrance vista in the state.

He said: “Having pursued the

3,000 Youths Undergo Skill Acquisition Training In Delta

BY KOLA EKE-OGIUGO, Asaba

No fewer than 3,000 youths from the 3 senatorial districts of Delta State are currently undergoing six months skill acquisition training in the state youth development and skills acquisition centre Asaba.

The administrator of the center, Mrs. Peace Okonye told leadership that the skill acquisition training which included information communication technology (ICT), computer

development of our estate this far which is as far as we can go infrastructurally, we plead with our government and especially our dear governor to assist us to make these dreams to be actualized fast.

“We need government’s assistance in properly building a befitting tarred road with the complete compliment of drainages and pedestrain path to the estate and the internal roads in the estate.

“We also pray for social amenities especially light and water to be brought to the estate as this will enhance our finishing it on

engineering, catering, fashion designing, hair dressing, barbing and electrical installation was in line with the state government’s human capital development agenda aimed at empowering the youths for a better future.

She said “at present, we are organizing a 2 week orientation programme for the first trainees that have just been admitted into the centre. We are training them basically on life skill programme so as to enable them key properly into vocational and technical training that will kick-start next week.”

She pointed out that the orientation would be centered on project management, team building, interper-

2

weeks At present, we are organizing a 2 week orientation programme for the first trainees that have just been admitted into the centre

time for occupation”.

Esike further appealed to the state government to intervene through the Abakaliki Capital Territory Development Board (ACTDB) to ensure that the part of the state where the Doctor’s village is located was planned in line with the estate model to avoid disparity in construction of buildings in the area.

The occasion was attended by the chief medical director of the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA), Dr. Paul Ezeonu and the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sunday Nwangele amonst others.

sonal relationship, adding that the objective was to prepare the minds of the trainees towards developing themselves and ensure that projects of their dream were actualized and successful.

She posited that the training which is at no cost to the trainees would be aimed at addressing youth unemployment, youth restiveness as well as making the youths not only self reliant, but also employers of labour.

“This training programme will go a long way to complement the human capital development agenda of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan-led administration known to be youth friendly,” she added.

Nigerian Bags European Academy Fellowship

By Ejike .O. Ejike, Abuja

The only Nigerian to be inducted into the prestigious European Academy of Science and Arts, Monsignor Professor Obiora Ike, was at the weekend celebrated by Nigerians at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja.

The European Academy of Science and Arts is a learned society of around 1,500 top scientists and artists. Among its members are 29 Nobel laureates.

Based in Salzburg, Austria, the Academy focuses on three core areas, namely developing knowledge, disseminating scientific information and implementing major multi-national projects.

Various speakers at the event

Obiora Ike

extolled the virtues of Monsignor Ike, who is currently the parish priest of St. Leo the Great Parish, Federal Housing, Enugu and was appointed a Papal chamberlain, prelate by Pope John Paul II in 1999, the youngest recipient at the time.

Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who was represented at the event by his Special Assistant, Stanley Anyade said the honour done to the priest, normally restricted to acclaimed Europeans was a testament that Africa has many talents which are not discovered.

He said he was proud of the achievement of Monsignor Ike, who is also from his constituency and urged all Nigerians “to identify achievers among

us and honour them”.

He described Monsignor Ike as a person who always says the truth as he sees it. He said the honour to the man of God was not just for him and the people of Enugu, but to Nigeria and indeed Africa.

Former President of the Senate, Ken Namani in his short remark said the Europeans did what was right by inducting a man into a body he truly belonged.

He commended the organisers of the dinner, saying it was high time Nigerians “appreciated what is good in us”.

He said Nigerians should not just compete locally but at the global stage because of the latent talents that abound in the country.

NEWS /SCIENCE 25

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

science

titbits

Compiled by Nkechi Isaac

➏ ➐

➋ ➋ ➌➊ ➎

➊ GM Crops: UK Scientists Call For New Trials A new report on genetically modified (GM) crops, commissioned by the prime minister, calls for more UK field trials and fewer EU restrictions.

The Council for Science and Technology (CST) wants “public good” GM varieties to be grown and tested in the UK. It says GM crops should be assessed individually - like pharmaceuticals - taking potential benefits into account.

—(BBC)

➋ Planet X Myth Debunked

Layer Identified

➍

❹ Scientists Expect Traces

Of Ocean Radiation Soon

Scientists have crowdsourced a network of volunteers taking water samples at beaches along the U.S. West Coast in hopes of capturing a detailed look at low levels of radiation drifting across the ocean since the 2011 tsunami that devastated a nuclear power plant in Japan.

With the risk to public health extremely low, the effort is more about perfecting computer models that will better predict chemical and radiation spills in the future than bracing for a threat, researchers say.

—(Newsdaily)

Top 3 Headlines ➊ ‘Careless

Farming Adding To Floods’

➋ GM Crops: UK Scientists Call For New Trials ➌ Scientists

Expect Traces Of Ocean Radiation Soon

➌ New Threat To Ozone

It was an elusive planet that for 200 years appeared to explain Uranus’s wobbly orbit. And there was the sister sun theorized to be near our solar system that caused asteroids to swerve toward Earth.

There is just one problem: neither “Planet X” nor “Nemesis” ever existed, researchers now say.

Or probably not.

“The outer solar system probably does not contain a large gas giant planet (“Planet X”), or

a small, companion star (“Nemesis”),” concluded University of Pennsylvania astronomer Kevin Luhman, who directed the study using NASA’s Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) telescope.

The results were published in the most recent edition of The Astrophysical Journal.

Most theories had estimated Planet X to be up to four times the size of Jupiter -- the biggest planet in our solar system.

—(Newsdaily)

Scientists have identified four new man-made gases that are contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer.

Two of the gases are accumulating at a rate that is causing concern among researchers.

Worries over the growing ozone hole have seen the production of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) gases restricted since the mid 1980s.

But the precise origin of these new, similar substances remains a mystery, say scientists.

Lying in the atmosphere, between 15 and 30km above the surface of the Earth, the ozone layer plays a critical role in blocking harmful UV rays, which cause cancers in humans and reproductive problems in animals.

—(BBC)

➏ SpaceX Supply Run To Space Station Postponed The next supply run to the International Space Station has been delayed.

SpaceX was scheduled to launch a cargo ship from Cape Canaveral, Florida, before dawn on Sunday. But on Thursday, the private company said it needed more time and postponed the launch for two weeks, until March 30.

The unmanned capsule named Dragon holds about 2 tons of supplies and experiments. It will also take up a pair of legs for the humanoid robot at the space station. Until now, Robonaut has been stuck on a pedestal.

—(Reuters)

Careless farming

➎ ‘Careless

Farming Adding To Floods’

The UK government is discussing new rules to stop farmers contributing to flooding through poor land management.

Experts say careless farming has made floods worse in Somerset and elsewhere.

Some upland farmers have caused soil and water to flush

into rivers by leaving fields bare and compacting land with cattle and heavy machinery.

Environmentalists say grants should be withheld if farms are managed in a way that encourages floods - but farmers don’t want more regulations.

Scientists are particularly

concerned about maize, the crop that creates most rainfall run-off.

Some experts want maize to be banned from steep slopes altogether because its bare rows contribute so much to flooding and silt.

—(BBC)

26 SCIENCE/feature

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

FG Should Promote Pozzolana Cement – Atiemo Dr Eugene Atiemo is the director of the Building and Road Research Institute, Kumasi, Ghana. In this interview with NKECHI ISAAC, Atiemo gives an insight into how the Ghananian government came about the use of pozzolana cement and highlighted the need for the federal government to borrow a leaf from Ghana, saying Nigeria stands to gain by adopting and utilising the product.

How did Ghana adopt the use of pozzalana cement?

It was a cabinet policy that by the year 2015, which is next year, that 60 per cent of materials used in constructing houses will be locally sourced materials.

As such, it has increased the use of pozzolana and other building materials like burnt bricks.

When did you begin the use of pozzolana cement?

We began small-scale production in the year 2000, but we now produce about 300 bags daily, though we have a factory which is supposed to produce about 5000 bags daily.

And it is currently being utilised?

Yes. Totally.

short BIO OF Dr Eugene Atiemo

Dr Eugene Atiemo is the director of the Building and Road Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Kumasi, Ghana.

This is relatively new in Nigeria per se. What do you think the federal government can do to get Nigerians to use alternative cement instead of the mainstream one?

It is good that we are having this summit now. What the government needs to do is to market it daily or weekly in the media. They should be seen to be visibly promoting the positives of using pozzolana. Once they do that, the individual who wants to own a house will be convinced about it and there will be no need for government intervention. Notwithstanding that, beyond the marketing and the use of the properties, the state must promote the use of

Many raw materials can be used for pozzolana. Which

raw material do you use in Ghana?

We use clay, just like the NBRRI is doing. There is slack from the steel industry, there is flyash from the coal industry, there is spent oil from the oil refining industry and even rice husk. So, if you produce a lot of rice here, it comes in very handy (if it is well burnt).

So, how has the pozzolana revolution affected Ghana?

It has, but, as I said, we have just a commercial plant and one pilot plant, so the market share is below one per cent. Daily, we are inundated with demands for it. Like I said, also, the private sector is not willing to invest in it, but the little we produce is always sold. Recall that I said we produce 300 bags.

Any side-effects?

No, there are none. But in what terms do you mean?

I am talking about the mixing process, the percentage mixture and all that…

Oh, there are no side effects.

In fact, there are technical benefits apart from the economic ones. You see the normal cement bags have a number of inherent problems. When it comes to cracking, you see that when you pour your concrete there are lots of cracks. Pozzolana will reduce these cracks totally. When it comes to bonding in doing your block work, the ordinary cement is not made to bond. But when you use pozzolana, it does it better.

When I spoke with the DG, he thought pozzolana would take a longer period to bond than the normal cement…

You see people think that is a disadvantage, but it is not.

Bonding, plastering and mass concrete, the reason why the ordinary cement cracks is that it is produced in such a way that within a few days it gains 70 per cent of its strength, which is not the best. It is like stress-

ing the cement. That strength is supposed to be gained in 28 days and within three days it has bonded 70 per cent. There are reasons for that. The contractor wants the materials to bond, so that he can continue his work within the next few days. With cement, so much heat is released, hence the stress. After three days, the cement will have more strength than the pozzolana, but that does not mean that it (the pozzolana) will be soft. According to standards, the pozzolana gains a strength of 10 in about two or three days. The ordinary cement may be 12 or so, but the quality of the pozzolana is more. If you pour the concrete into the cement, the following day you see a lot of cracks. For the pozzolana, when you go to site the next day, you will see no cracks. None.

This case is also peculiar to Nigeria, but many people think it is about cement quality, whether it is 32.5 or not.

It is because the builders cannot wait to pour the concrete.

Normally, if you pour the concrete, you should wait for seven days, but the builders resume construction after three days. It is supposed to gain strength in seven days, but if you put a lot of stress on it after three days, how do you expect it to stand up to that? The next time you see the building, it is collapsing. I think that the cement is the least of the problems; it is the practice.

Trending Science Stories ➊ HIV Eliminated

from Cultured Human Cells ➋ New ‘Sponge’ Converts Solar Energy Into Steam ➌ Biologists Warn of Earth’s 6th Mass Extinction

➍ New World Record for Electrical Current

Science Daily

Toronto Stock Exchange-listed New Dawn Mining Corporation (New Dawn) which owns Falcon Gold Zimbabwe is set to dispose its closed Dalny Mine – oldest in Zimbabwe – for $8 million to United Kingdom-based African Consolidated Resources (ACR).

In a notice, Falcon Gold Zimbabwe said “extraordinary general meeting will be held on August 13 to authorise the directors to execute all necessary procedures for the disposal of the assets (along with related liabilities) of Dalny Mine, a division of Falcon Gold Zimbabwe Limited, as contemplated in the memorandum of agreement signed on May 8, 2014 with African Consolidated Resources PLC.” New Dawn owns approximately 85 percent of the Dalny Mine.The mining giant also owns 100 percent share in four other gold mines in Zimbabwe, namely Turk and Angelus Mine, the Old Nic Mine and the Camperdown Mine.

–VENTURES AFRICA

What the government needs to do is to market it daily or weekly in the media.

They should be seen to be visibly promoting the positives of using pozzolana

Chinese Manufacturing Group Invests $150m in Morocco Steel industry

Zimbabwe’s Oldest Mine To Go For $8m

Nigeria Gets First FreeTo-Air Digital TV Platform Computer Warehouse Group (CWG) has partnered with world-leading satellite operator, SES, to launch Nigeria’s first free-to-air (FTA) DTH digital TV platform, to quicken digital migration for local and international broadcasters and allow them to reach millions of homes in West Africa quickly and economically.

The platform was launched on the SES’s ASTRA 2F satellite at 28.2° East. It will begin service in the last quarter of the year and should provide growth opportunities to local and international broadcasters across the region.

the products, especially for the use of public structures – clinics, buildings, schools, etc. That should be their area of concentration.

For us, even when the cabinet memo came out, we heard the minister talking about it at every forum. When the individuals see the government using these materials for its own projects, they will go for it. Nigeria is large and I am sure even a local authority can snap up everything which has been produced.

But the main agenda should be producing it commercially and to convince investors to go into commercial investment, because what we may do may be pilot production (which will not meet the demands). If the state is not willing, then the private sector should facilitate it to go into production so as to reduce the cost of housing, which is the main aim.

Atiemo

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$150 million

Morocco has reached a $150 million deal with Shandong group to install modern manufacturing plant

Morocco has reached a $150 million deal with Shandong Shangang group, a leader in the manufacture of steel products, to install modern manufacturing plant for the production of steel pipelines.

“This contract reflects the determination of the strategy implemented in Morocco to bring in a number of Chinese manufacturers looking for competitive alternatives,” said Morocco Minister of Trade, Industry, Investment and Digital Economy, Moulay Hafid Elalamy.

The plant will be located in Morocco’s free trade zone of Tangier Automotive city.

This memorandum brings to life a modern steel production unit that is estimated to produce a total of 250,000 tonnes of steel pipelines yearly which will be exported to other African countries and Europe.

–VENTURES AFRICA

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AVIATION/BUSINESS 27

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Flying Is Safe – IATA STORIES BY NKEM OSUAGWU, Lagos

“With three tragedies The tragedies in the in such quick succession, industry began on many people will, July 18 when Malaysia The International Air understandably be asking Airline’s Flight 17 was Transport Association questions about aviation allegedly shot down over (IATA) has maintained safety. Our number one eastern Ukraine with 298 that flying is safe despite priority is safety. And people on board. the recent air tragedies despite the events of the This is in addition recorded in the global past seven days, flying is to the mysterious civil aviation industry. safe. disappearance in March The world body in its “Every day, of Malaysia Airline’s response to the recent approximately 100,000 Flight 370 with 239 air disasters said, “With flights take to the sky and people on board. three tragedies in land without incident. In Also included is the such quick succession, 2013, more than three McDonnell Douglas many people will, billion people flew and MD-83 passenger plane, understandably, be there were 210 fatalities. operating on a flight asking questions about Regrettably, we have for Air Algérie, which aviation safety. Our surpassed that number crashed in the area of number one priority is already this year. But Gossi, Mali. All 118 safety. And despite the even so, getting on an occupants in the aircraft events of the past seven aircraft is still among the died in the accident. days, flying is safe.” safest activities that one Flight AH5017 departed It further described the can do.

Ouagadougou Airport, week as a very sad one for “Safeguarding our Mali to arrive at Algiers, everyone involved with customers from harm Algeria. aviation.“The accident is as we transport them This fatality recorded one too many. around the world is core in these three tragedies The greatest respect to the mission of the is far higher than that we can pay to aviation industry. It has what was recorded in the memory of those been that way throughout the whole of last year involved is to leave our development over which is regarded as nothing unturned in our the last century. And the safest year in civil quest to understand the we continue to do aviation by IATA and cause and to take steps everything in our power the International Civil to ensure that it is not to make flying ever safer,” Aviation Organisation repeated.Abuja In-Market Crew Preadded (ICAO).

IATA. launch ad_Leadership NP 180x260mm.pdf 1 7/22/14 11:50 AM

Dana Air Appoints New Head Of Safety, Quality Assurance As part of Dana Air’s strategy to further boost its entire operations, the airline has appointed Mr Louis Spanoghe, as head of safety and quality assurance.

Spanoghe is a seasoned aviation expert with over 25 years in aviation and proven skills in aviation regulations and excellent working knowledge of aviation maintenance and assurance matters.

He was until his appointment, manager, safety and quality assurance at Aero Contractors.

Spanoghe had in the course of his career managed a mix of projects including obtaining AMO and AOC approvals as well as in the introduction of new aircraft, conduct of operational, safety, quality and technical audit amongst others.

Given his pedigree, Spanoghe will definitely bring his wealth of experience to bear on Dana Air’s operations as previously demonstrated in similar roles.

Dana Air said it was constantly reviewing its

entire operations with a view to sustaining standards in the industry in line with global best practices. Only recently, Dana Air reintroduced flights from Lagos to Uyo as well as onward connections to Abuja.

The airline has an array of innovative products that includes the FlyDana Mobile App which enables guests to search, book and pay for tickets on-the-go as well as its efficient customer service, world-class inflight services, on-time departures and arrivals.

Overland Airways Introduces Online Check-in Platform Overland Airways, a domestic airline in Nigeria said it has introduced an online check-in service which would enable passengers check-in online after flight booking and issuance of ticket.

Passengers are simply required to log on to the airlines’ website through

an internet enabled mobile devices, laptops or desktop computers after booking and issuance of tickets to check-in and choose their preferred seats. On completion of the check-in, passengers can print their boarding passes to fly to their desired Overland

destinations.

According to the chief operating officer of Overland Airways, Mrs Aanu Benson, “the online check-in service creates convenience for our customers as they can now check in and select their preferred seats online.

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Tuesday, July 29, 2014

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Tuesday, July 29, 2014

THE ELECTABLES Special Edition on July 30th, 2014

Who makes the list?

The best among Nigeria’s politicians; the best among those who aspire for political and elective office; the most popular candidates; the traiblazers; Nigeria ‘s most presentable candidates and those who have the vision and sense of mission to lead.

This is a must read!

For ENQUIrIES PLEASE CALL: AbujA:

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A

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STAnlEY ZAngInA MIDAT rICHArD bEnjAMIn bICHI bEllo SAlIHI MuAZu jAMIl SAM AbDullAHI ADEMolA YuSuF VErA DonATuS Abu FEMI DAVID SAFIu ADEbAYo ACHor AnAYo AnkElI AnDrEW AbbA

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Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Delta PDP Crisis Deepens, Group Drags Chairman To EFCC Fresh crisis of confidence and other related acts have deepened the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Delta State chapter hierarchy as a group, Delta Patriotic Network (DPN), yesterday petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged recklessness and fraudulent activities of the party chairman, Barrister Peter Nwaoboshi.

In the petition to the EFCC chairman, Mr Ibrahim Lamorde, a copy of which was made available to LEADERSHIP, the group urged the EFCC boss to immediately institute a probe panel to thoroughly investigate the chairman on what it described as “litany of frauds”.

news south-South south-East 31

Niger Delta Still In Bondage Of Injustice, Mental Slavery – Alamieyeseigha

By Osa Okhomina, Yenagoa

The first civilian governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, yesterday said the people of the Niger Delta region are yet to conquer the realities of injustice, under-development and mental slavery in spite of the emergence of a South-south president.

According to DSP Alamieyeseigha, though known Ijaw heroes like Major Isaac Adaka Boro, Sam Owonaro and Not-

nam Dick in their battles for justice helped the Niger Delta people to know the realities of life and the injustice meted out to them by the then federal government, the needed justice and equality for the Niger Delta people are yet to be achieved.

The former Bayelsa State governor, while speaking during the 70th birthday of one of the Ijaw heroes and the second in command to late Major Adaka Boro, Captain Sam Owonaro, described the “Twelve Days

Revolution”, being a book written by late Major Isaac Adaka Boro as an eye-opener to the Niger Delta people, as it caused the people to know the realities of life and the injustice meted out to them by the then federal government.

The former governor who was the chairman of the occasion, said, “These three gentlemen, Isaac Adaka Boro, Sam Owonaro and Notnam Dick, did not just jump up to fight a formidable army but because of

the cries of the men and women of Ijaw land. These were like guardian angels that were sent to open our eyes and to liberate us in human form”.

He said the Twelve Days Revolution was aimed at emancipating the Niger Delta people from mental slavery and injustice, adding, “It is because of the sacrifice the heroes made that we are able to assemble here today in Kaiama, the hometown of the leader of the Twelve Day Revolution.”

short news Ebonyi Sun Correspondent Joins NASS Race

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

Sallah: Imo Deputy Gov Calls For Peace, Unity Imo State deputy governor, Prince Eze Madumere, has joined other eminent Nigerians to felicitate with the Muslim faithful as they mark this year’s Eid-el-Fitri.

He congratulated them for successfully observing the Ramadan fast, which he noted afforded them the opportunity of spiritual rejuvenation and communing with God. Madumere, therefore, called on Muslim faithful to use the period to reflect on the security situation in the country and pray for peace to reign, affirming that it is the only factor that can guarantee unity in Nigeria.

He also observed that the event calls for sober reflection by citizens of the country especially with the current shedding of blood by the Islamic extremist group, Boko Haram, while praying God to grant the nation the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of lives.

By Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

Power Supply: Asaba Residents To Wait Till August 28 Residents of Asaba, the Delta State capital and environs hoping to enjoy enhanced power supply following the near completion of the multimillion naira 330/132/33KVA sub-station scheduled for preliminary commissioning last Friday, will have to wait till August 28.

Speaking to our correspondent yesterday at the project site, the project manager, Engineer Odinaka Amobi said that but for some technical hitches from the sub-contractor handling the tower line, every other thing was ready.

The project engineer had two months ago given July as the date for the commissioning of the project, thereby raising the hope of the people of Asaba and its environs following poor electricity supply to the areas in the last 15 years.

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

Former Ebonyi State Sun Newspaper correspondent and a stakeholder of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ebonyi State, Chief Emmanuel Uzor, has said that his resolve to contest the Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency election in the 2015 general election under the platform of the APC is borne out of L-R: Abia State Governor Theodore Orji, celebrant, Rev Fr Leonard Uzuegbu, wife of the governor, Mercy Orji and wife his desire to give of the deputy governor, Nene Anambra, after the first Holy Mass of Rev Fr Uzuegbu at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, the people proper representation that Ugba Ibeku in Umuahia. has eluded them since 1999.

Briefing journalists yesterday in Abakaliki,

By Anayo ONUKWUGHA, Port HarChief Uzor said Represented by his deputy, president general, Nigeria Supreme court that for several Engr. Tele Ikuru, Governor Amae- Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), years, democracy chi urged Muslims in the country to Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor, said Rivers State governor, Rotimi use the occasion of the 2014 Eid-el- this year’s celebration calls for sodividends have Amaechi, yesterday urged Nigeri- Fitri to unite against terrorists and ber reflection in recognition of the eluded the people ans, especially Muslims to unite other extremists who hide under Is- unending terror being unleashed of the area, adding against terrorists and extremists lam to perpetrate violence, thereby by the Boko Haram sect on Nigethat successive unleashing mayhem on the peo- bringing the religion to disrepute. rians under the guise of fighting a administrations at ple, saying those killing and maimthe federal level have The governor thanked members holy war. ing during the holy month of Rama- of the Muslim community in the all the resources In another development, Rivers dan are not Muslims. to give the people state for their support for his ad- State deputy governor, Engr. Tele Governor Amaechi said this while ministration and promised to con- Ikuru, has asked the Rivers peotheir fair share but addressing a cross-section of the tinue to pursue policies that will en- ple not to relent in their support failed to do so due Muslim community in the state who gender peaceful co-existence in the for Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s adto lack of proper visited him in Government House, state. representation. ministration, as it is committed to Port Harcourt as part of activities to Earlier, the leader of the Muslim completing all people-oriented projBy Obinna mark this year’s Eid-el-Fitri. community in the state and vice ects and programmes in the state.

Ogbonnaya, Abakaliki

Amaechi Urges Muslims To Unite Against Terrorists, Extremists

Late General’s Family Petitions Jonathan, Mark Over Father’s Property

By Anayo Onukwugha, Port Harcourt

The family of late Brigadier-General Lawrence Zidougha has appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan and the president of the Senate, Senator David Mark, to prevail on the Nigerian Navy to stop the unlawful occupation

of their father’s property in Port Harcourt.

The family also appealed to the chief of defence staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, and the chief of naval staff, Admiral Usman Jubrin, to order the Nigerian Navy out of the property, which they alleged has been unlawfully occupied for

the past 25 years.

General Zidougha, until his death on November 8, 2001, was of the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport, and died while still serving as commandant of the Nigerian Army Barracks in Kogi State.

Addressing journalists in Port

Harcourt yesterday, the first son of the late general, Mr Bodiseowei Zidougha, said his father purchased the property, situated at plot 81, GRA, phase 1, Port Harcourt in 1989, through a sales agreement between him and the Rivers State Housing and Property Development Authority.

32 labour matters

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Nigeria Will Overcome Security Challenge If... NLC

By Michael Oche, Abuja

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said it believes that when those in government put the collective interests of Nigerians before all other interests, we will overcome some of the major challenges to our collective development.

The union said the most virulent of these challenges being violent attacks across the country; especially the killing of innocent citizens through bomb attacks, kidnappings and assassinations, stressing that this must be seen and confronted as a major challenge to our collective wellbeing in all ramifications.

It also stated that it is time the political class look beyond political differences and redirect state structures and machineries at their disposal to secure our country, her citizens and other legal residents.

The NLC in a sallah message by its president, comrade Abduwahed Omar said all Nigerians, no matter what class, creed, ethnic, religious or political space we belong should rededicate themselves to a strong, united and vibrant Nigeria that will be our collective pride.

“Though we face several challenges at the moment, but it is our belief that none of these challenges can weaken our zeal for peace, collective progress and

a stronger country that is united in all ramifications” he stated.

He stated further that, “While we renew our call to all those foisting violence on our country to lay down their arms and embrace the path of peace, we call on government at every levels; federal, state and local governments as well as all arms of government to recommit themselves to good governance.

“Our economy and collective image have suffered enough damages. And it is our collective responsibility to do all we can to stop the growing mindless carnage in our country. There can’t be any desired growth under our present

circumstance.

“We must all work for peace towards strengthening our unity for the purpose of national development.”

Omar said it is indeed unIslamic not to love ourselves as part of the same human race regardless of racial, class, ethnic, political or religious backgrounds.

“This is what strengthens the labour movement across the world and we believe all other segments of the society, particularly the Nigerian society, can be strengthened by adopting our commitment to unbridled commonality in purpose and focus,” he said.

Organised Labour Urged To Invest In Human Capacity

By Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

Organised labour and right activists in the country have been urged to invest in human capacity building to advance their position and interests in the course of engaging employers and government.

The General Secretary of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), comrade Joe Ajaero, made the call during the condolence visit of the NLC to the country home of late Comrade Bamidele Francis Aturu in Lagos.

According to him, the call was necessary because the only way to honour late Aturu and fill the vacuum created by his death is to promote human right and labour movement through aggressive human capacity development.

“Our call is necessary because Aturu, until his death, was not only our official lawyer; he was a very resourceful ally of the entire labour movement and a consistent comrade who committed his entire adult life to the struggle for a better society”, he added.

“The labour leader, who led the NLC’s delegation to late Aturu’s resident also emphasized that Labour’s mobilising and organising capacities, for instance can more ingeniously be utilised to advance its position and interests, in the context of engagement with other stakeholders.

“I am of the view that labour and right groups must increasingly restate their relevance in the field of development to clearly demonstrate a capacity to engender progressive policies, working in institutional arrangements with other relevant stakeholders such as employers and government through capacity building.

Minister of labour and productivity, Emeka Wogu (right) and others during the commissioning of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity Skills Aquisition Centre in Bauchi

Labour Minister’s Intervention Avert Maritime Workers Strike

by Michael Oche, Abuja

But for the quick intervention of the minister of labour and productivity, Emeka Wogu, the nation’s maritime sector would have been through into another round of strike action.

The union had earlier issued a 14 – day ultimatum to the federal government to embark on an industrial action.

The union through a letter to the government with reference no. MWUN/HML/UL/269 dated July 16, 2014, raised several issues which demanded the federal government to fix all access roads to the Sea Ports, remove all the Tank Farms along

the access roads to the Ports, and removal of Petrol Tankers and Trailers along the access roads to the Ports.

However, following a meeting with the federal government delegation, it was resolved that the union allow the government time to address and resolve the issues in dispute.

A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting reads in part, “In consideration of the demand by MWUN for immediate palliative measures/works while awaiting the execution of the main contracts, the meeting concluded as follows: That sixty (60) days is slated for the completion of the palliative works,

“The meeting would reconvene in thirty (30) days time to reassess progress made, and a Standing Task Force Committee would be put in place to ensure clearing of tankers and trucks from Port Access roads. The Standing Task Force Committee will have MWUN and other relevant stakeholders as members.

On the remove all the Tank Farms along the access roads to the Ports, and Removal of Petrol Tankers and Trailers along the access roads to the Ports, the meeting noted that the issues of removal of Tank Farms and Petrol Tankers would involve the input of the minister of petroleum resources.

Group Alleges Plot To Discredit Customs Reforms

by Michael Oche, Abuja

A group, Nigerians Alliance For Good Governance (NAGG) says it has uncovered a plot by certain anti-Nigeria interests operating within and outside the country to incite the Nigerian public against the management and officers of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in a bid to discredit the activities of the service currently headed by the comptroller- General, Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi Inde.

The group, in a statement yesterday in Abuja which was signed by its interim National Coordinator, Malam Hussein Umar alleged that the brains behind the plot have recruited and engaged propaganda merchants and rumour mongers to concoct and spread false information about the management, staff and officers of the Nigeria Custom Service.

He said the intention is to incite the Presidency, the National Assembly, top government functionaries, stakeholders and the general public against the customs thereby causing disharmony and disaffection capable of thwarting revenue collection, anti-smuggling and other critical statutory responsibilities of the service.

The group cited as proof of the plot a false publication a few days ago by Shipping World, a Lagosbased maritime magazine which accused the Dikko-led customs of sundry allegations that were not substiated with facts.

The group described the report as a false, baseless and mischievous publication and that it should be ignored and disregarded entirely, pointing out that the publication was part of the plot deliberately and hurriedly packaged to discredit the organization as a vision-driven and purposeful agency that is fully committed to taking its rightful place in the successful Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government.

“The authors of the said report were obviously in a hurry to discredit the Nigeria Customs Service hence their shameful resort to a cocktail of lies, willful fabrication and concoction of a false narrative aimed at rubbishing the good image of the highly performing organization whose revenue collection profile is only next to oil, courtesy of the committed and conscientious officers and men of the service led

by Comptroller-General, Dikko Abdullahi”, the group said.

“The antics of the unpatriotic elements are well known to us.

They are working against the system creating the impression that PAAR has failed whereas the system has recorded reasonable degree of success. The customs management has left none in doubt that the old regime is against the interests of the Nigerian people.

fct watch

33

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

N120 m

We equally commissioned another road around the Abuja mechanic village extension, about 1.2 km, which cost almost over N120m – Jiba

ABAJI AMAC BWARI GWAGWALADA KUJE KWALI

‘FCTA Does Not Tamper With Our Allocations’ Hon. Micah Jiba is the chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). He is also the chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), FCT Chapter, in this interview with IGHO OYOYO, Jiba explains that the FCTA does not deduct money from the local government allocations, saying that the increase of monthly allocation to the area councils will aid the execution of more projects at the grassroots.

There is this presumed lamentation by council chairmen that deductions from local government allocations by the FCT Administration (FCTA) has greatly affected the implementation of projects at the grassroots, do you share the same opinion?

I do not understand what you mean by allocation deductions of the area councils. I do not know the people peddling such rumors or what they mean by that. Is it the teacher’s salary they are talking about? If it is the teacher’s salary, it is the responsibility of the area council to pay teachers. This is the FCT policy that we met on ground and it is functioning. That is the only deduction that I know, except if there is another that I do not know of, and it may not be illegal.

It is our responsibility to pay teachers their salary, because they teach and take care of our children at the grassroots.

Are you saying that the FCT Minister is faithful in releasing your allocation?

I do not think the FCTA tampers with our allocation, the allocation is coming as at when due. We are six councils in number; if we do not see the allocations, we can inquire from the minister. But, as it is now, such a thing has not happen to the best of my knowledge.

There is this clamour from your colleagues that the monthly allocation that they are getting is not enough for them to execute quality projects and they have been calling on the federal government to increase it. Do you share the same opinion?

You see, the FCT is a peculiar issue; it is an area that you cannot compare with other states of the federation. You will agree with me that the FCT is counting on the

issue of population explosion; that is the fact that people come to the FCT every day, not just to visit and go back to their states but to stay with their families. Whenever people troop into the FCT to reside, they cannot stay in the city which is very expensive, they prefer to stay in the less developed areas in the council.

But, I want to appreciate this administration, because we are better than most of our contemporaries in some local government areas at the State level. This is due to the fact that after the salary at State level nothing will be left for the chairmen to carry out their administrative duties. I want to tell you that we are doing quality projects in our councils; we are constructing primary schools, sinking boreholes in rural communities, which are the fundamental duties for the administration to execute.

But, you know we are human beings and not God, if you are opportune to get one child today, you ask God for two and more.

If you have one million today, you will still ask for more, it goes on and on. So, if more money is given to the council’s chairmen, you’ll see more infrastructural development in terms of projects execution compared to the few we have on ground presently. I was opportune to be in South Africa two months ago for a workshop.

I kept repeating that if I could have more resources in AMAC, I will ask the FCTA to suspend whatever they are supposed to do in the satellite areas and continue with FCT projects, so that the area council would continue to do what they are supposed to do.

You are one year into your second tenure, so far what has the council administration been able to achieve in terms of infrastructural

ABAJI Eid-el-Fitr: Garba Preaches Unity The chairman of Abaji area council, Hon. Yahaya Garba, has urged Muslims to extend the love of Eidel-Fitr celebration to Christians within and around their environment as a sign of unity. He also wished Muslims in the council a happy and blissful sallah celebration.

—By Igho Oyoyo

AMAC Jiba Says Unity Can Make Nigeria Great The chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Micah Jiba, has said that only unity amongst Nigerians, irrespective of their beliefs, can make Nigeria great and stand it out amongst other great nations of the world, thereby urged Muslims and Christians to unite with the federal government to fight against the security challenges plaguing the country.

—By Igho Oyoyo

Jiba development?

When I came on board in 2010, I made a pronouncement to residents of the council. I assured them that I will do what am supposed to do to represent them; that I will never disappoint them and will never deviate or shift from my responsibilities. Agree with me that in May 20, 2014, we celebrated one year in second term in office. We commissioned many projects and distributed about 10 vehicles to 10 divisions in the council during the celebrations, which the Minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide commissioned. In the aspect of Police Divisions, we have almost 26 divisions in AMAC, but as the saying goes ‘Rome was not built in a day, and a journey of a thousand mile begins with a step’ by the grace of God we will touch other areas that have not been reached or covered yet. We also commissioned a clinic in Waru community under Kabusa ward.

In fact, that clinic is functioning now. We equally commissioned another one around the Abuja mechanic village extension, about 1.2 km, which cost almost over N120m and was commissioned on May 20, 2014. We have contributed our quota at the city center too, we sunk a borehole at Area 1 section which was also commissioned by the minister of state. It did not stop there; we also commissioned a comprehensive borehole in Gishiri community under Gwarimpa ward. I finished my secondary at Government Secondary School in Tudunwada.

After I became the chairman in 2010, I told them that I am going to build a legacy in that school, that if other persons have not done it, I am going to do it. They asked me what I am going to do.

I told them that were best known me and on May 20, 2014, we commissioned a Staff quarters in

BWARI LG Boss Promise To Aid Promotion Of Reading Culture The chairman of Bwari area council, Hon Peter Yohanna, had pledged to aid the promotion of reading culture in the council.

Yohanna who was speaking while receiving a group, Youth Initiative for Sustainable Development and Creative Change, noted that the spirit of reading needs to be revived amongst the Nigerian youths.

—By Chika Mefor

GWAGWALADA Insecurity: Giri Seeks Community Cooperation The chairman of Gwagwalada area council, JIbrin Abubakar-Giri, has called on various communities in the council to furnish security agencies with the necessary information that will help them curb insecurity.

Speaking in an interview with journalists, Giri stressed that security was everybody’s business, adding that security agencies and residents in the various communities should work hand in hand in securing lives and properties.

—By Chika Mefor

KUJE Sallah: Tete Says Love Is Key To Security As Muslim faithful celebrate the Eid-El-Fitr, the chairman of Kuje area council, Hon. Shaban Tete, has urged Muslims in the council to share love with Muslims and Christian’s alike, adding that only love can unite residents of the council against the current security challenges and other external aggressions.

—By Igho Oyoyo

KWALI Chairman Reiterates Commitment To Education Development

34

The chairman of Kwali area council, Ibrahim Daniel, has reiterated his commitment to the development of the standard of education in the council.

Daniel promised to put education in his priority list, stressing that education remains the key to development.

—By Chika Mefor

34 FCT watch/NEWS

‘Why I Want To Represent AMAC/ Bwari Federal Constituency In NASS’

BY PAUL UWADIMA

An Abuja based legal practitioner and promoter of entrepreneurial empowerment, Mr Jude Ifesemen, has said that lack of proper representation of AMAC/Bwari federal constituency by the present representative of the constituency was one of the reasons why he wants to contest for the AMAC/Bwari constituency seat in the National Assembly.

Speaking with LEADERSHIP in Abuja yesterday, Mr Ifesemen said that there was a disconnect between the incumbent representative of the constituency in the National Assembly and the people and wondered where the representative was while insecurity is bedevilling his constituency.

He said, “Most of the bombings in Abuja are taking place within AMAC/Bwari federal constituency with several lives lost, yet we have not seen our representative commiserate with the victims and their families. We have not seen him visit the victims receiving treatment in the hospitals. I have not seen a press statement from him even if it is just to condemn the action of the terrorists. It was as if AMAC/ Bwari constituency has no representative.”

The legal practitioner also lamented that the constituency despite being part of the nation’s capital was lacking in infrastructural facilities such as roads, hospitals, and pipe borne water and blamed the deficiencies on the representative who has abandoned the people.

While insisting that he is yet to choose a political platform to run for the seat, Ifesemen said that it was time for the public to stop voting for public office holders on the basis of political party affiliation but rather they should choose the man best equipped to deliver the dividends of democracy irrespective of his political party.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Sallah: Residents Celebrate Amidst Tight Security

By Chika Mefor

Residents of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) trooped out in gardens to celebrate the Sallah with families and friends amidst tight security.

LEADERSHIP investigation revealed that there was tight security around various parks and fun spots in the city.

When LEADERSHIP visited the Unity Fountain and Millennium Park, Muslim residents were spotted moving around celebrating

the day with police vans parked at strategic places at the area.

In a chat with LEADERSHIP, residents who turned up to celebrate Sallah at these fun spots said that it was a day of celebration and that the security situation in the nation will not discourage them from taking part in the celebrations.

“Everybody is going to die.

We will all die one day. So, I will not hide at home and not celebrate Sallah because of the fear of bomb blast. Yes, I have heard

of bomb blast and all that, but this is the only time I have to celebrate with my friends and I won’t stay at home and do that,’’ Mustapha Kakus, a resident, opined.

Another resident, Abdullahi Usman, said that his children have been anticipating a visit to the park for every long time, adding that he was not prepared to disappoint them because of the security challenge in the country.

He said, “life is ordered by God. It is only God that owns life. If

God says I will die today, I will. If he says I won’t, I won’t. It is impossible for anyone to expect me not to celebrate with my family, my daughter have been anticipating this moment for a long time and by coming out here I have fulfilled that promise.’’

Another resident, Zainab Fatima Ibrahim, who decried the security challenges in the country, however, added that the presence of the security personnel have given residents a sense of security.

Parents and their children celebrating Eid-el Fitr at the National Children’s Park and Zoo, yesterday. PHOTO BY JANE OKEKE

Sallah: BringBackOurGirls Group Remembers Abducted Girls

By Chika Mefor and Ejike Ejike

The Bring BackOurGirls Group (BBOG), Abuja family were among those spotted at the Unity Fountain among the Muslim faithful who trooped out to celebrate Sallah.

Recall that since the abduction of the Chibok girls by the dreaded Boko Haram sect on April 14, the group meets every day at the Unity Fountain for

a sit out, as part of their campaign of demanding for the safe return of the girls by the government.

Some Muslims among the group who came out for the usual sit out stated that the Chibok girls were more important to them than anything, adding that it was the reason they decided to attend the meeting instead of celebrating at home with their families and friends.

One of the members, Nurudeen Abah, said he was at the fountain in continuation of the promise he made within himself to continue to attend the sit out until the abducted girls were brought back safe and alive.

“I am here to keep my promise to these girls. We have promised to stand with them and that is the reason we keep coming even during the celebrations. And no matter what, life continues to go

on even with the security challenges, we still have to keep living,’’ he said.

Members of the group who celebrated the Sallah wondered the anguish and pain the abducted girls will be facing in the hands of their abductors, adding that the Muslim amongst them have shelved their Sallah celebrations just to come out and show solidarity with the abducted girls.

‘FCTA Does Not Tamper With Our Allocations’ 33

the school. I want to tell you that these are just few of what we have done. There is an ongoing project in Jiwa Township Road, and Damagaza, which involves surface dressing of the area being handled

by AMAC. AMAC comprises of 12 political wards, not just Wuse or may be Garki or City Center; other wards are Jiwa, Gwagwa, Guyi, Karshi, Kabusa and others.

I want to tell you that we have touched the lives of people in almost every nook and cranny of AMAC. If I did not keep to my promise to my people, even God will not forgive me.

There are speculations that you are not doing much in this tenure compared to your first term in office because you want to run for the House of Representative in 2016, how true is it?

Well if you are a straight forward politician, you have no limit. You can do and undo.

This was not my first time in this particular position. I have been a councillor two times.

When I started as a councillor I continued for about eight years and people said that I should go for third term, I said

I believe that you cannot buy the people’s conscience

that I am okay with my second term. We are carrying out most fundamental projects that local government is supposed to do.

We have given the people health centers, primary schools, light, feeder road, water boreholes etc. Except if my people say that I have not met their expectations, I have not in any way finished carrying out my responsibilities.

Because of what I am doing, additional portfolio has been added to me. It is by the grace of God and hard work to meet the demands of my people, that out of the six area council, it was

AMAC that won NUJ award. I did not buy the award. I believe that you cannot buy the people’s conscience, because they are much disciplined. The journalists reported what they saw on ground. Even my councillors are happy with what we are doing in the council. I have not deviated from my responsibilities. So the issue about me going for the House of Representatives is not for me to decide, but for my people to decide. They decided for me to be councillor for the first and second tenure and I finished successfully.

FCT watch/feature 35

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

The mini inter household drainage constructed by students of the FCT School of Midwifery, Gwagwalada.

Ushafa Community And The 5 Florence Nightingale

By Chika Mefor

Florence Nightingale was a Italian nurse who was known as the ‘Lady with the Lamb’ who came to prominence during the Crimean War where she tended to wounded soldiers. She was called the ‘Lady with the lamb’ after her habit of making rounds and catering for the wounded soldiers at night. Nightingale’s life of caring for the sick has become an example to many nurses, that even the pledge taken by new nurses was named in her honour, ‘the Nightingale pledge.’

In Ushafa, Bwari area council, five student midwife nurses, Awe Modupe, Okenini Onome, Bristone Chimda, Ademoyegun Omolora and Ogwuche Caroline set out to do their ‘Nightingale’ duty in the community. The five women were pioneer students on community midwifery experience from FCT School of Midwifery, Gwagwalada. When

Top 5 Secretariats in fct ➊ Education ➋ Transport ➌ Agriculture and Rural Development ➍ Health and Human Services ➎ Social Development

they got to the community where they were to gain experience, they were tasked with the responsibility of diagnosing the health challenges of the community and proffer solution through mobilisation and participation of the community.

The five women, though with limited time, set out to diagnose three health challenges of the Ushafa community, which include ineffective refuse and sewage disposal system, poor toileting system and poor inter household drainage. Since it was only five of them, they could not achieve the desired effect they had wanted. But at the end, they came up with a plan.

The secretary of the team, Awe Modupe, explained that the group had wanted to take up the ineffective refuse and sewage disposal system and poor toileting system challenges and come up with solutions but had encountered some problems on the way. The team decid-

ed to take up the poor inter household drainage problem. ‘’We are five here. We were sent to communities to diagnose their health problem. In this community experience, they usually send students every year into the community to go and mobilise and ensure they help communities in solving their health problems. We noticed here that they have three health challenges. One is ineffective refuse and sewage disposal system, poor toileting system and poor inter household drainage. You see, their houses are littered with refuse and liquid waste. It is rather unhealthy. Though they have lived with this for years, we fathom that since we have the opportunity to be in the community, we have to teach them the difference between right and wrong, so they will remember that and try and maintain the culture when we leave,’’ she said.

Modupe explained that the in-

ter- household drainage system which they decided to take up was the construction of mini drainages across the houses, adding that the drainages will aid free flow of water. ‘’Many people in the rural areas hardly use net. So, when this type of stagnant water is here and it breeds mosquitoes that spread malaria, it will definitely affect people, especially children. Having drainage where there is free flow of water is really important in rural communities,’’ she added.

She explained that they were able to construct the mini drainages through the help of some people in the community and the health department of the area council.

Modupe said that their greatest achievement was the ability to mobilise and sensitise the participants who took part in the project in the community.

She noted that without the participation of the community, the

project would have been viewed as a private project rather than a community project, adding that the community has a stake in the project and this conviction will drive them to maintain and sustain it. ‘’we were able to achieve this through several sensitisation and mobilization drive. They are already used to government solving their problems. When we came to them and told them what we wanted to do they were asking if we were government. After much sensitization they agreed to corporate with us.

Our mission is to mobilise the community so that we will be able to work with them. They came out fully to participate in the project.

The little project we have there is a pilot stage which others can emulate from. Right now, they have started expanding the little one we did.

Tailoring Keeps Youths From Crime – Tukur

By Nkechi Isaac

Tailoring popularly called Mai Dinki in Hausa, Obioma in Igbo and Paada in Yoruba has been described as an enterprise that keeps youths from crime and vices.

Speaking in an exclusive chat with LEADERSHIP, a Hausa youth, Mohammad Tukur from Niger State said that even though the mobile tailoring enterprise is seen as lowly by many, it is actually a noble profession that keeps many from venturing into vices that stems from idleness.

Tukur who has been doing the

Tukur

business for the past two years revealed that it doesn’t take much start the mobile tailoring business.

According to him, you can venture into the tailoring business with as low as N3, 000.

He said, “it really doesn’t take much to start the tailoring business. You can buy a second hand machine between N3, 000 to N6, 000 depending on how sound it is, but if you have money then you can go for the brand new hand machine which sells for N12, 000.”

According to him, “we’re in business because most full fledge tailors do not have the time or pa-

tience to mend clothes but because we don’t have shops we bring our services to people’s door steps.”

Speaking on the remunerations of the business, Tukur said it varies depending on how good the market was for the day.

“At times I make as much as N3, 000 and above in one day if the market is good but when business is slow I make about N1, 000.

People look down on this business but by the time you collect between N50 to as much as N300 from a customer, if you add it up it amounts to something tangible at the end of the day,” he said.

36 ISSUES

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Wole Soyinka’s White Hairs

BY TUNJI OLAOPA

Winston Churchill once expressed his frustration about Russia in an often quoted statement, “It is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.” It is easy for me to recontextualise that statement as a linguistic ode to the greatness of Professor Wole Soyinka(WS). On this occasion, I employ that statement as a critical challenge to all Nigerians about our ethical and political duty to unravel the significance of WS before he ceases to be among us.

I want to call to our minds to Prof.

Soyinka’s humorous poem, “To My First White Hairs.” Written when WS noticed the first three strands of grey hair invading his dark and bushy hair, he was alerted to his own metamorphosis, and the need to forecast the time while we still have the chance.

“Three White Hairs! frail invaders of undergrowth interpret time. I view them, wired wisps, vibrant coiled beneath a magnifying glass, milk-thread presages Of the hoary phase”.

Like WS’s three white hairs, we have also arrived at a defining moment when we can no longer ignore what Soyinka portends for the task and responsibility of nation building in Nigeria. Soyinka’s greatness consists especially in embodying the Nigerian Project in his personal and literary evolution as a scholar and social activist. His classic prison memoir, The Man Died, represents one of my initial introductions to the problems with Nigeria. When I first met Kongi 48 years ago, it was at Aáwé when he

Wole Soyinka

“Three White Hairs! frail invaders of undergrowth interpret time. I view them, wired wisps, vibrant coiled beneath a magnifying glass, milk-thread presages Of the hoary phase” visited in company of Prof. Ojetunji Aboyade (whose family house adjoined the Olaopa’s). Their visit

was usually in the company of Akin Mabogunje, Femi Johnson, Allison Ayida, Michael Omolayole,

and so on. I remember vividly the task assigned to me of bringing the inevitable kegs of palm-wine from Oje’s brother.

WS would later move from these usually seminar cum social fellowship to a larger, more vocal and more critical and literary analysis of the Nigerian predicament. He would, for instance, later bluntly challenge his generation as a wasted one which refused to deploy its social capital as a significant arsenal that confronts Nigeria with the image of its own anomie and how to wriggle out of it.

Soyinka’s hairs are all white now; a leonine and willowy testament to the wisdom of his struggle to make us better against our own corrupt inclinations. Yet, Nigeria is still struggling (as I earlier gave expression in the article titled Generational Capital in the Nigerian Project) to turn against its own anomic existence. Reissuing his books today, especially The Man Died, has the significance of instructing my own generation against a wastefulness that comes from neglecting our own patriotic duties to Nigeria. Soyinka is still very much with us today, but have we all learned anything from the enigma?

Is it not time we institutionalise his memorable insights to national rebirth and regeneration (even if we haven’t done enough to institutionalise the legend himself)?

The hero of our time, I say Kabiyesi o, Happy Birthday, kalamu ikowe yin a di abere o – may your pen grow and grow in size to become needle.

– Tunji Olaopa, a permanent secretary, wrote from Abuja

Nobody Spoke So Beautifully About Peace…

by Adam Michnik

Hypocrisy, stupidity and silence of the intellectual elite, of artists, scientist and the media in the face of advancing Nazi and Stalinist totalitarian regimes will always remain the sad memory of the twentieth century. Closing our eyes to the annexation of Austria, Czechoslovakia, and the Baltic states will always remain the shame of Europe. Nobody spoke so beautifully about peace and international laws like Hitler and Stalin; and no one committed so many crimes like these dictators.

Today, Europe is silent about the aggressive imperialist policy of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.

The West silently tolerates his aggressive policy which explicitly violates the sovereignty of other countries: Moldova, Latvia, Georgia, and - first of all 0 Ukraine.

The European Union acts as if it was a large version of neutral Switzerland in the modern world - this is particularly true political

and business elites. But Europe is not like Switzerland, just larger.

Two bloody world wars started here.

Therefore, we - intellectuals, journalists, scientists - have duty to be vigilant and alert like the Capitoline geese of our times.

We must not fall under the old illusion; we must not accept our easy conformism. We have a duty to speak clearly and emphatically today.

Mr. Putin should not be identified with the Russian nation, just like we did not identify Brezhnev with the Russian nation, when he started war in Afghanistan. It was Andrei Sakharov, fair and courageous dissident, the real and true voice of Russia then. Years later he called it in Russian parliament “the disgraceful war”.

The present war with Ukraine, started with annexation of the Crimea, and continued provocations to the east of the country are shameful, tragic and dangerous. They are accompanied

by decisions by Mr. Putin’s government that stifle democratic freedoms in Russia.

Appeasement is the road to nowhere. Putin is not a politician European type; a politician whose way of life is permanent adventurism. There are ominous signs that he already opened a can of worms. Adventurers and chauvinists, amateurs of conquests and blood travel from Russia to Ukraine. Arming these bandits with excellent military equipment is a crime.

We - chief editors of newspapers from all over Europe - urge the leaders of European Union countries to stop aggressive policy

They are accompanied by decisions by Mr. Putin’s government that stifle democratic freedoms in Russia

of president Putin. Experience teaches that dialogue with Mr. Putin is a waste of time - if it is not backed up with unity and firmness. Mr. Putin does not care about weak and spineless opponents. He apparently perceives the European Union countries that way: they only talk, while Kremlin keeps crossing more and more “red lines”. Mr. Putin is still supplying arms and mercenaries to the eastern Ukraine. He continues to gather his troops along the border. But Ukraine has the right to choose the path of European democracies, and Ukrainians have right to live in an honest state. Perhaps the future of the European Union decidestoday in eastern Ukraine.

The countries of European Union should use all means of pressure: stopping the supply of all weapons to Russia, economic and political sanctions. Solidarity against Mr. Putin is the real answer to Ukrainian crisis.

– Adam Michnik editor-in-chief, “Gazeta Wyborcza”

E-Business/BUSINESS 37

politics today Tuesday, July 29, 2014

REPORTS ANALYSES REVIEWS INTERVIEWS

I’ve Forgiven Those Who Stopped Me In 2007 – Araraume

structure, all you have to do is look for your best. That is why when people claim to be popular, that is where the party will play a role not just at the local level, but at the centre.

If you are a governor, you won’t think of yourself alone but of everyone that supported. At the end of the day, if things are done properly, the number will reduce and those who lose will support those who will win if the process is transparent.

Why haven’t you given up on the desire for the governorship of Imo State?

My desire to serve is born out of the love I have for my people. And I have always seen Imo State as a place that should be better than it has been and because those things I thought should be in place are still not there. We are still in search of a lot of things.

Since 2007, when some persons who thought they could play God decided to truncate the desires of the people, Imo State has not seen peace because we haven’t experienced development yet.

Nothing has worked; the local government has never functioned, those who found themselves in power cannot differentiate between state purse and individual purse.

The local government in Imo State last functioned when Achike Udenwa was the governor. You have a situation where federal allocation do not get to the local governments.

It is really unacceptable. Some governors in Imo will build a road and it will be almost impassable.

What is happening in Imo today is that the man who is there does not have any procedure, he does not believe in the rule of law, he does not follow due process. Looking at our education and hospitals in the state, there is hardly any local government that does not have a hospital but in those hospitals, you can hardly find any medical equipment there now and they even lack trained doctors. Instead, the man is interested in acquiring properties for himself which is so unacceptable.

The worst part is that even the government that will take over in 2015 does not have records of past projects to work with.

You mean you still intend to run for governor come 2015?

Yes, I am running.

What is happening in Imo today is that the man who is there does not have any procedure, he does not believe in the rule of law

If you look at your party structure, PDP is about to repeat the same mistakes of the past. How are you sure that years after you left the party, there is still room for you to aspire within the existing structures?

For me, democracy is all about grassroots, those who don’t get it right are those who wish to impose their desires on the people. Allow the people to make their choices.

It’s been 7years since I left the Senate and I am also not a board member of any government agency,

But is PDP the only party? Why PDP in spite of what you suffered in the hands of the party?

Araraume

Senator Ifeanyi Araraume was a force to reckon with in the Senate when he was a member between 2003 and 2007. He sought to govern Imo State in 2007 and indeed, won the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but was denied participation in the elections. In this interview with CHIBUZOR UKAIBE, Araraume says he has forgiven those who manipulated the 2007 process against him.

I am simply doing my business but in doing my business I have offered more service to my people than when I was a senator.

The president visited Imo and promised that the party will be fair to all its members and the only way to ensure that party maintains its leading position in this country is to ensure that things go the right way and to make sure that the primaries or any other form of selection process is fair to everybody concerned.

Also, compensation can be made to anyone who couldn’t get through with governorship and placed in another position. I believe that political parties as a matter of urgency should try to identify people within their membership who can handle positions, it will help the parties. I don’t think the leadership of PDP will do the wrong thing because it has caused the party a lot of problems.

But have you considered the issue of waiver because you just returned to the party after years of sojourn in another political party.

We have a party constitution that says if you are a member of

the party that left and returns after 12months, you can contest any election without seeking for approval.

At the time I left the party, which was as a result of injustice, I was told to come back by the party’s founding fathers in the state and Mr President too. So I came back to the party and registered in my ward so I don’t need a waiver and even I do, the party chairman and the president have said it that in Imo State, all those who came back will be given automatic waiver.

I was thinking that the major challenge in Imo State is in respect of zoning. How do you intend to surmount that challenge?

It is a good thing you asked that question. The truth is this, we are a party that is in opposition and all of us know and appreciate this much and the party in opposition does not do zoning, you look for your best to win because when in government, you have your structure to help you win elections.

But when you are not in government, you don’t have the

PDP is not the only party but in 2007, it was in the party I had my primaries, first one was cancelled, second one was out and I won, the party did not stop me.

We had processes, expression of interest, screening. If the party wants to stop you, it can, but the party didn’t stop me. Whoever played a role against me then, I have long forgiven them.

It was said that the former Imo State governor, Achike Udenwa, played a role in stopping you and suddenly the two of you are now back to the PDP. What has been your relationship between then and now?

I never joined APC, I was in ACN. When they moved to APC, I didn’t move. Achike Udenwa is someone I respect very well because we have some natural similarities; also through him, Imo State saw what good governance was.

I also respect him because he was not a corrupt person. Some of the legacy projects that we have in the state now were during his administration. I haven’t seen any other person that has done what surpassed what Achike Udenwa did.

So for any role anyone played that time, I have left it for history and moved on. Today we are great friends and we are working together.

What basic lessons have you learnt so far?

The basic lessons will not be different from lessons of life. That in anything you do, always factor in some unexpected occurrences so that when they happen, you don’t feel like it is the end of the world.

With such thoughts, you won’t be caught up with disappointment.

Donald Ojogo, Group Politics Editor

38

reps diary

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

A Speaker’s Dilemma: A Broom Or An Umbrella?

Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Tambuwal’s recent sitting on the fence over activities of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and his refusal to make a pronouncement on his ambition as regards 2015, has attracted interesting reviews with some people urging him to take a definite stand and clear the air on his political riddle, EDEGBE ODEMWINGIE writes.

H

is body language gives him away, some say; his opposition party alliance makes complex his political riddle and his statements and other actions have been tagged “anti-party” by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The ongoing romance of the House of Representatives with the APCled opposition under his watch is well reported. Today, the speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal is the darling of the opposition-led All Progressives Congress (APC).

It is not surprising that Tambuwal, as a result of past “sins” (some fresh) in the PDP, is grouped in the party’s “rebel” category; the man went against the president and PDP’s choice for the headship of the House. Riding on a bloc opposition vote, Tambuwal snubbed a PDP arrangement which favoured Mrs. Mulikat Adeola-Akande to emerge as speaker of the House.

Tambuwal has been a major contributor to the bashing his PDP ilk and President Goodluck Jonathan has received from several high-level quarters. Recently, Tambuwal spoke of Jonathan’s “body language” as encouraging corruption, drawing applause from the APC while the president and the PDP got loathed.

The president was reacting to the House of Representatives’ probe of “missing” oil revenues and the petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, over allegations of spending N10billion on hiring private jets.

Recently, while responding to

Tambuwal has been a major contributor to the bashing his PDP ilk and President Goodluck Jonathan has received from several high-level quarters PDP’s pleas to stop its party lawmakers from defecting to APC, Tambuwal insisted that he would not stop any lawmaker who wants to defect from doing so. The case at the upper chamber is different as the leadership there has been loyal in a ruthless fashion to the PDP’s cause, even dropping subtle threats to declare defecting lawmakers seat vacant.

This month, PDP Reps met with Jonathan at the State House where they passed a vote of confidence on Jonathan and endorsed him for second term. Tambuwal was absent at the meeting. His deputy, Emeka Ihedioha attended.

State House correspondents questioned Tambuwal’s absence.

The House majority leader, Mulikat Adeola-Akande, had this to say. “I am sure when you see Mr. Speaker, you will ask him. This is a PDP meeting, obviously he will have his reasons why he was not at the meeting”.

However, a reaction by Tambuwal’s spokesman, Imam Imam, stated in part: “The speaker was away in Sokoto. He came back only this morning (Tuesday). He went to see the people of his constituency; you know he likes to relate a lot with his people at the constituency.”

Payback In June this year, the political friction between the two parties attained an ugly dimension when security operatives stopped Tambuwal’s motorcade and searched his official car. Expectedly, accusing fingers were pointed in the direction of the presidency.

The speaker had no plans to be beaten in the game. He played the victim card effectively. In the aftermath, he attracted a bulk of the public sympathy. The presidency went home with public scorn.

The widely reported incident occurred at the entrance to Hotel 17 in Kaduna, venue of an international conference on security organised by the office of the national security adviser.

Tambuwal cleared that he was not averse to being subjected to scrutiny or screening by “constituted authorities”, but expected to enjoy some protocol and privilege by virtue of his position as the speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria.

“I want to state that I am not above the law. As recently as last week Wednesday when I was travelling to Paris, I subjected myself to screening by staff of Air France here at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport”, he explained.

Going further, he added, “My luggage was requested to be searched and I obliged them; I gave them my luggage. My physical person was frisked and I allowed that to happen without any resistance. That is to show everyone that I am not averse to being subjected to scrutiny or screening by constituted authorities.

“The difference between that and what happened in Kaduna is the fact that I expected to enjoy some protocol and privilege as the speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, moreso, from the authorities established by law.

“No one out there should have any impression that any of us here in the House of Representatives or in the National Assembly is above the law; that is not the message we are sending.”

Plan B Taking Tambuwal’s political stand aside, the man remains hugely popular with the Nigerian masses. This is largely on account of his pro-people stance on government policies and general governance. Nigerians will not forget in a hurry the role he played alongside other House members in the reversal of the federal government removal of fuel subsidy.

On the security challenges Nigeria grapples with, Tambuwal has consistently affirmed that Nigeria’s unity is not negotiable. He has severally branded the Boko Haram-led insurgency as anti-people and unislamic.

Politicians, especially in these climes, will do anything to stay politically relevant. With 2015 drawing close, some buffer plans reportedly mulled by Tambuwal have been widely reported. The speaker is reportedly eyeing Aso Rock (president or vice unclear) or the Sokoto governorship seat, curiously both under the APC. While the guessing game continues, Nigerians patiently wait to see how the puzzle shapes up.

Repertoire Privatisation Of Government Hospitals: The Poor Will Suffer With the federal government unable to meet striking doctors N13 billion wage demands for 2014, the House of Representatives Committee on Health has hinted it will be recommending the privatisation of medical centres and hospitals maintained by government.

The hint was dropped at the third reconciliatory meeting between the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), health ministry and the finance ministry convened by the Ndudi Elumelu-led House of Repre-

sentatives Committee on Health.

At the meeting, Elumelu called for alternative ways of funding the country’s health sector which according to him has been paralysed by incessant strikes.

Nigeria’s finance minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who was represented by the director general of the Budget Office of the Federation, Bright Okogu reported that government was presently battling with general wage bill which has risen from N857 billion in 2009 to N1.8 trillion in 2014.

Okogu however cautioned the House Committee against privatisation of government hospitals insisting that such policy will be detrimental to poor Nigerians. He said government presence was needed in the health sector, same as education.

He said: “I have my personal view on this matter which necessarily I don’t have to bring here, but professionally, I believe that you do need the presence of the government in the health sector, same as education.

“The extent of it is really the issue, I don’t think we are advocating 100 per cent absence of government in respect to the health sector, that is not my own position.

“In any single country, we need to have government’s presence in the health sector, it is one of the cardinal service that any government will want to provide for its citizens. Not everybody can afford to pay the market price for health services. So I am not an advocate of outright privatisation.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

zonal watch

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ANAMBRA IMO ABIA EBONYI ENUGU

River Blindness Affects 22m Nigerians

BY STANLEY UZOARU, Owerri

No fewer than 22 million Nigerians are vulnerable to river blindness, while about 120,000 of this number have already lost their sight following the spread of the disease, says Prof. Agwa Amadi, of the Federal University of Technology (FUTO) Owerri,

Imo State.

Amadi who is a specialist in environmental health and safety, and head, Department of Public Health, (FUTO), disclosed this at the weekend during the institution’s 25th inaugural lecture, with the theme, “Environmental health: the dynamics, application,

implications and the way forward in Nigeria’s health care delivery system.”

Prof. Amadi who described the disease as endemic, further said that 40 million Nigerians might be exposed to the disease in the future due to poor sanitary conditions in the country.

He also attributed the high rate

of child mortality in the country to diarrhea and malaria, which according to him is caused by poor environmental health, as well as negligence by parents.

“A child dies every three minutes in the country, largely because of poor sanitary conditions. Apart from diarrhea, other diseases that could be

linked to poor sanitation and hygiene are scabies, typhoid fever, malaria, trachoma, ringworm and river blindness”, said Prof. Amadi.

He regretted that government had always placed more emphasis on provision of water supply, without adequate attention to sanitation and hygiene.

50 ESUT Students Escape Death As Commuter Bus Catches Fire

BY NNAMDI MBAWUIKE

HEADS FROM THE ZONE

➔ The speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Chukwuma Nwazunku, was last week impeached by his colleagues for alleged financial impropriety, and Hon Helen Nwobasi, installed as the new speaker.

The development has, however, resulted to the division of the PDP-controlled legislature into two factions.

➔ The Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu, has upheld the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), of Chief Willie Obiano of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA), as the winner of the November 16, 2013, Anambra governorship election.

Burnt Enugu Coal City Bus Enugu

POWA Abia Command Empowers 64 Widows

BY MATTHIAS NWOGU, Umuahia

The Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), Abia State command , has demonstrated empathy, love and care to 64 widows of policemen by empowering them with various equipment to enable them fend for their families .

Speaking at the occasion held at Police Officers Mess, Umuahia, the Abia State commissioner of

police, Adamu Ibrahim, said the association found it necessary to empower the widows rather than gather them together and interact with them only.

He further said that POWA in the state had in the past recorded great achievements including the establishment of a school for police children, adding that it has been of great benefit to the society’ The items, which

included complete hair dressing equipment , sewing machines, grinding machines and cash were handed over to the beneficiaries by the wife of the CP, Alhaja Khadija Ibrahim.

The CP urged them to make effective use of the items to enhance their earning capacity, as well as commended POWA for showing concern for the widows, and by extension honouring the fallen heroes.

Over 50 students of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), at the weekend came within a whisker of being killed when a mysterious fire gutted a shuttle bus conveying them to the institution’s temporary site in Enugu, the state capital.

An eye witness said many of the students and other passengers sustained serious injuries, while jumping out from the windows of the bus with the inscription - Enugu Coal City Shuttle Bus. LEADERSHIP gathered that valuables including laptops and handsets belonging to the students were completely destroyed by the fire which occurred around 2pm near the Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) junction.

The coordinator of the Coal City Shuttle Bus, Nnaemeka Ojibe, who spoke to our correspondent, attributed the fire incident to the vehicle’s battery which he said was faulty.

A victim of the fire disaster and a student of computer science, Miss Ebere Okechi, told our correspondent that the fire was discovered by people outside the vehicle. “ I lost my Nokia phone, all the passengers inside the vehicle did not know that the shuttle bus was burning, until outsiders shouted fire! fire!! before we started jumping out from the bus,” she said.

Although operatives of the Enugu State Fire Service arrived swiftly at the scene of the incident, the mysterious fire succeeded in destroying almost all the vital parts of the bus and valuables of passengers.

But the firemen succeeded in preventing the blaze from spreading to other property within the area.

In a related development, a Duplex located along Brown and Brown in Independence Layout Enugu was gutted by fire around 11am. No life was lost in the inferno.

2015: APC Vows To Take Over Enugu Government House

BY NNAMDI MBAWUIKE

The chairman of Enugu State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Ben Nwoye, has expressed optimism that the main opposition party in the country would in 2015 sack the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the Lion Building, the official residence of the state governor.

Nwoye stated this at the weekend during the formal

inauguration of the state executive committee of the party in Enugu.

He assured that his executive would do everything humanly possible to put in place all the needed structures to realise the dream of the party to control power in the state in 2015.

Nwoye, a lawyer turned politician, said like other states being controlled by the PDP, Enugu State people were seriously

yearning for change, assuring that by the time APC would take over government at all levels in 2015, the culture of impunity and corruption would be a thing of the past both in Enugu and Nigeria in general.

Also speaking, the leader of APC in Enugu State, Brigadier- General Joseph Okoloagu (rtd), warned that the ongoing impeachment of opposition governors was an invitation to anarchy.

Chime

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Tuesday, July 29, 2014

news behind the news

Why Speaker Nwazunku Was Impeached By Ebonyi Lawmakers

BY OBINNA OGBONNAYA, Abakaliki

On July 21, 2014, the lawmakers as early as 6 am converged at the premises of the Assembly in a plenary that did not last up to five minutes during which the impeachment of Speaker Nwazunku was announced, and Hon. Nwobashi, installed as the new speaker

Following last week’s purported impeachment of the speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Chukwuma Nwazunku, by some of his colleagues and the election of Mrs. Helen Nwobashi, as the new speaker, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the state, has been divided into two factions, with one group aligning itself with Nwazunku, while the other group is solidly behind Nwobashi.

Succinctly put, the supposed removal of Nwazunku as speaker of the PDP-led legislature has brought about political tension, insecurity, accusations and counter accusations amongst the members of the House of Assembly, and PDP stakeholders in the state.

While some members of the House loyal to Hon. Nwazunku, strongly claim that they neither signed the impeachment document nor approved of it, those loyal to Nwobashi, insist that they did not only sign the document but attended the several meetings that preceded the impeachment.

LEADERSHIP had exclusively reported that the suspension of Hon Frank Onwe, Hon Eni Uduma Chima and the deputy speaker, Hon Blaise Orji would markthe beginning of trouble in the State House of Assembly and the change in the political equation in the state.

As predicted, on July 21, 2014, the lawmakers as early as 6 am converged at the premises of the Assembly in a plenary that did not last up to five minutes during which the impeachment of Speaker Nwazunku was announced, and Hon. Nwobashi, installed as the new speaker.

Though, the assembly has been sealed and condoned off by security operatives, the alleged impeachment of Nwazunku is still raising dust in the political landscape of the state.

One week after the purported impeachment, Hon Nwazunku still operates from the speaker’s official lodge, while Hon. Nwobashi is optimistic that she would take over the lodge as soon as the dust settles down.

She is actually waiting for the commissioner of police, Ebonyi State command, Mr Maigari Dikko, to direct his men to recover the official property of the Assembly in Nwazunku’s possession to forestall further breakdown of law and order.

Hon Eni Uduma and other aggrieved lawmakers have made it clear that nothing would make them reverse their decision adding

Elechi

that at the same time, they would not want to do anything that would lead to the breakdown of law and order in the state.

Ebonyi State House of Assembly before now was regarded as the most peaceful House of Assembly in the country, but trouble started in 2011 when the former speaker, Hon Ikechukwu Nwankwo, perceived as the spiritual son of th state governor, Chief Martin Elechi was impeached by the legislature.

At the time of the incident, Governor Elechi was overseas on a medical trip. Since then, the lawmakers have engaged in war of attrition by suspending or impeaching members on the slightest provocation, once the victim is suspected to have parted ways with the cabals within and outside the House.

Before the alleged impeachment of Hon. Nwazunku, he had a nineman cabal that masterminded the impeachment and suspension of members of the House.

However, in the last three years of his administration, three members of the cabal were in May suspended for alleged causing of disaffection between the executive and the legislature.

Some PDP stakeholders in the state who had before now expressed dissatisfaction with Nwazunku’s style of administration, and who are core loyalists of Governor Elechi, said Nwazunku had shot himself on the foot by suspending some members of his cabal.

Five out of the nine - member cabal were penciled down for suspension, but two were suddenly

dropped. The three affected lawmakers were deputy speaker, Blaise Orji, Eni Uduma Chima (Afikpo South West) and Hon. Frank Onwe.

The House carried out their activities without any suspicion of the activities of the suspended members but while they wined and dined, the suspended members were busy sowing seed of discord against the speaker.

Hon Odefa Obasi Odefa and Hon Ogbonnaya Nwifuru – notable members of the House, and some other legislators who had an axe to grind with Nwazunku, conspired with the three suspended members of the cabal to plot against the removal of the speaker without his knowledge.

In an interview with LEADERSHIP, Hon Odefa stated that his group moved against Hon. Nwazunku because he supported Governor Elechi’s insistance that the next governor of the state must come from Ebonyi South senatorial zone.

Nwazunku hails from Ebonyi North senatorial zone, the same senatorial zone with the wife of the governor, Mrs. Josephne Elechi.

Speculations are rife that the elder brother to Mrs. Elechi, Senator Chris Nwankwo(Ebonyi North senatorial zone), is desperate to be the next governor of the state, at the expiration of Elechi’s tenure on May 29, 2015. Senator Nwankwo, according to sources bankrolled Nwazunku’s election into the legislature, and his elevation to the position of speaker, and therefore, many of his kindsmen (Izzi) are wondering aloud why he is kicking

against the governorship aspiration of his kinsman and benefactor.

A commissioner in the state who hails from Izzi, and a loyalist of Senator Nwankwo was said to have threatened to make the legislature ungovernable for Nwazunku, for supporting the emergence of the next governor of the state from Ebonyi South senatorial zone, which includes Afikpo, Ohaozara, and Uburu.

Senator Nwankwo is seen by many as the political leader of Izzi clan, and therefore, anybody who stands against his political aspiration, is viewed by Izzi people as an enemy of the clan. Indeed, sources say Mrs. Elechi wants his brother – Senator Nwankwo to succeed her husband.

Therefore, for supporting the movement of power to the south, Nwazunku, became a prodigal son who must be pulled down and thought a bitter lesson. The three Izzi council chairmen, businessmen from the clan, commissioners, permanent secretaries and general managers of state-controlled corporations, were alleged to have raised millions of naira to ensure the ouster of Hon Nwazunku.

According to a source, the money was used in getting the 18 members of the House of Assembly who purportedly impeached Nwazunku.

And barely 20 minutes after Nwazunku was purportedly impeached, the wife of the governor sent a congratulatory message to Hon Nwobashi, and later had a private discussion with her.

For now, not a few are also wondering who authorised the use of the Women Development Center hall for the sitting of the Hon Nwobashi-led Assembly members.

Beyond Nwazunku’s support for power movement to the south, his accusers say he embezzled N120million released to them by the state government as imprest, but emerging facts had it that the money, as at the day of his impeachment was yet to be received by the embattled speaker.

Sources also disclosed to LEADERSHIP that the money was sourced through contractors and it was still being processed by the cashier of the House, Mr Paul Nwogha. But the lawmakers against Nwazunku went to town with the allegation that the money had been diverted by the embattled speaker.

“The problem revolves around Izzi clan. The Izzi peopl threatened to make the seat ungovernable for Nwazunku, and that it is what is playing out now. All the accusations leveled against him are false.

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Tuesday, July 29, 2014

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42 BUSINESS/FEATURE

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Tuesday, July 29, 2014

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Number of agency linked to NIMC’s fibre optic system

Nigeria: Accelerating March To Modernity Nigeria’s emerging National Identity Management System (NIMS) has been described as a game-changer that will confirm the nation’s status as a knowledge society. In this report, WENESO OROGUN examines issues that dominated the recent stakeholder workshop on implementation of the presidential directive on harmonisation and integration of biometric databases in the country.

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) was established by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007. The commission has the mandate to establish, own, operate, maintain and manage the National Identity Database in Nigeria, register persons covered by the Act, assign a Unique National Identification Number (NIN) and issue General Multi-Purpose Cards (GMPC) to those registered individuals, and to harmonize and integrate existing identification databases in the country.

Already, NIMC has deployed a metropolitan area network by firbre linking 13 government agencies including FRSC, FIRS, INEC, NCC, NpopC,

Anyim

l-r: Representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. Fegnant Agwu Director General National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Mr Chris Onymenam and Permanent Secretary, ministry of communication technology. Dr. Tunji Olaopa at the stakeholder workshop on presidential directive on hamanisation of biometric databases

CBN, Immigration, Nigeria Prisons, PenCom, Police, EFCC, SSS etc. LEADERSHIP learnt that this important infrastructure was developed

by NIMC which awarded the contract to Galaxy backbone Plc, a government establishment. This elicited recent assurances by the commission that it has the technical capacity to successfully pilot the project.

Stakeholders Workshop Despite assurances by NIMC that it has put in place a first class identity management infrastructure in the country, some stakeholders had continued to entertain doubts about its readiness. Hence the commission recently organised a stakeholder workshop designed to achieve two objectives. The first was to create awareness amongst all MDAs and key stakeholders of the existence of standards on biometric demographic and interoperability in the harmonisation and integration framework.

The second objective of the workshop was to secure the buy-in of all MDAs and stakeholders on the proposed harmonisation and integration implementation roadmap whilst promoting participatory and all-inclusive posture in the journey to December 31, 2014 deadline set by President Goodluck Jonathan.

In his remarks at the workshop, the Secretary to the Government of the federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, has charged ministries departments and agencies of Government to quickly streamline, integrate, consolidate and switch over to NIMC identity database for identity authentication and verification for Nigeria.

Anyim, who was represented by the special assistant to the President, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. Ferdinand Agu expressed hope that the presence of MDA’s and the private sector will aid in-depth technical and

Already, NIMC has deployed a metropolitan area network by firbre linking 13 government agencies

FEATURE /BUSINESS 43

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

100m

156

Number of people to be enrroled on the National Identity Managemnt S ystem by 31st december 2014 as per presidential directive

children killed in Beslan attack, Russia

Through Identity Management robust implementation of Presidential directive that will meet the desired impact on the transformation agenda of this administration.

“I commend the Board and Management of the NIMC for its efforts at ensuring that MDA’s comply with the Government’s Policy directive by hosting this workshop. The impressive turn out itself consisting of most MDA’s, signifies the critical role a harmonized Identity Management System will play for the socio-economic development and improved security of the country”.

Anyim observed that hitherto, separate databases ranging from personal information, demography; data capture and biometric capture were collected and kept by different Government agencies that served the purpose of managing demography unique to these MDA’s. According to him, these databases not only have overlapping functions but have become uncommon financial burden to government.

He said that in an evolving world, with sophisticated modern technology and a competitive global environment, Nigeria as a global player should use identity management as a reliable tool for accelerating socio-economic development. To this end he called on the MDA’s to fast-track the process and comply with the Presidential directive by the December 31st, 2014.

Earlier, the Director-General NIMC, Barr. Chris ‘E Onyemenam during his welcome remarks called on the MDA’s and stakeholders that make up the HIC to close ranks with NIMC, stressing that NIMC has achieved a milestone in the issuance of the e-ID card starting from the internal staff as test case pending the launch

by Mr. President before the cards can be issued to all Nigerians that have so far enrolled. Barrister Onyemenam said that the need to conclude on the integration and harmonisation of all databases and commence authentication and verification exercise cannot be overemphasised considering the consequential security challenges currently facing our nation.

Pledges of Cooperation Meanwhile, some major stakeholders have been pledging to cooperate with NIMC to achieve its mandate. For example, the Nigeria Police has

pledged support to the National Identity Management System which is managed by NIMC. The Inspector–General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar made the pledge after being enrolled for the National Identification Number (NIN) at the police Headquarters.

Also, Ambassador/Head of Delegation of European Union (EU) to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), His Excellency, Ambassador Michel Arrion recently declared that NIMC’s mandate to create a unified identification system in Nigeria will help bring real and recognisable benefits to Nigeria and other countries across the globe. The submission was made by the new.

In response to enquiries by LEADERSHIP, head, media and public relations of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Ayo Osinlu assured of the corporate commitment of NHIS to uncompromised compliance with the presidential directive as well as the SGF’s circular on biometric harmonisation of its data base with NIMC. “It will interest you to note that NHIS serves on the Governing Board of NIMC, hence our subscription to the success of the organisation towards the ultimate and common objective of national development.

“Pursuant to efforts in the direction of our compliance, NHIS was fully represented, alongside other Government Institutions; at a crucial meeting about forty-eight hours ago with No facilitate the process of accomplishing that national objective, both in good time and of high quality. Subsequent meetings are scheduled to follow in due course. I can assure you that the Scheme has empanelled a high- calibre team of top ICT staff to drive the process of the harmonisation, which will soon be completed.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) also recently confirmed to LEADERSHIP that; ‘the commission has already designed a template that can be used to integrate its database into the national system housed in NIMC stressing that the agency is on course to meet the December 31, 2014 deadline.

Bank Verification Number In the financial sector, however

concerns remain over the Bank Verification Number (BVN) project being promoted by the CBN. Under the scheme, Nigerian Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) will begin biometric registration of all bank account holders at an initial cost of $55 million (approximately N8.579bn) from the apex bank’s purse which will in turn be recovered from the Banks who of course will ultimately pass it on to the unsuspecting customers with a premium. The contract which was awarded to a German company, Dermalog, a manufacturer of automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS) will see the banks conclude the registrations in 18 months, six clear months behind the December 31 2014 presidential deadline.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the CBN and the NIMC had worked tirelessly for several months on the appropriate supporting policy on the national identification number, the ‘NIN’ as a minimum know-yourcustomer (KYC) instrument but the policy was withdrawn

by CBN about three weeks after it was released in 2012 and the apex bank gave no reasons.

However, sources confirmed to LEADERSHIP that the CBN had agreed to share its database from the BVN with NIMC except that this will also take some time to harmonise, if at all. Industry experts believe that by not harmonising from the onset since the NIMS project has already taken off before it, the harmonisation will be a ‘tall order’ if at all it is undertaken.

Experts point to the proprietary solutions in the BVN as the key problem.

However, BVN project manager, Oluseyi Adenmosun told LEADERSHIP that data gathered by the project will be harmonised with the NIMC infrastructure. “The biometric data being gathered during the bank verification number collated

by NIBSS will be harmonised with what NIMC is doing”, Adenmosun assured. How this will be done was not stated.

The unfortunate issue is that the presidential directive had been issued ever before the BVN started and the NIMC is already on-going.

Meanwhile, sources close to group managing director (GMD) of Access Bank confirmed

that it is leading the Banks participation in the activation of the payment applications, one of thirteen applications on the new National Identity Smart Card recently introduced by NIMC- a development roundly applauded by CBN which has thrown its weight behind it, advising the NIMC to ensure that all Deposit Money Banks and all payment platforms have equal opportunities to participate in the programme.

Also, MasterCard has continued to use its new found relationship with the NIMC to advantage, exploring further opportunities and breaking new grounds. In Osun and in Anambra States, it has partnered with CHAMS Plc to introduce exactly what it is doing with the NIMC for these states.

Unfortunately this needless duplication is being championed by the same company that is said to be unable to perform its duties under the concession it won in 2007 from the NIMC. MasterCard, the provider of the payment applet which has been wrongly interpreted to mean that they are the ones producing the National Identity Card, is also providing the payment applet for the State Residents’ Cards in partnership with the First Bank and the CHAMS Plc. It should be noted that the 1999 contrition of Nigeria puts identity management on the exclusive list making it a no-gob area for sub-national units.

Jonathan

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Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Osun Poll: Jonathan Paying Lip Service To Credible Polls – APC Following the alleged invasion of the offices of a firm contracted

by Osun State to collate public opinion for the August 9 gubernatorial election by state security agents, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked President Goodluck Jonathan to walk his talk of ensuring the conduct of free and fair elections in the country, saying all the assurances so far given by the president have not translated into credible elections.

In a statement issued on Monday in Lagos by its national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party urged the president to go beyond mere rhetoric and take concrete actions to ensure that elections in the country are not marred by the intimidation and harassment of opposition party members and supporters as well as the deliberate disenfranchisement of voters, which hallmarked the Anambra and Ekiti gubernatorial elections, among others.

Mohammed explained, ‘’On the same day the president’s latest assurances of a free, fair, credible and transparent elections in 2015 were being reported, agents of the Jonathan-led federal government were ransacking the offices of a company hired to carry out an opinion poll for Osun State ahead of the 9th August gubernatorial election. ‘’If the opposition can no longer freely carry out opinion polls, if the companies hired to carry out such polls are harassed and intimidated by SSS officials as they did to tnsrms, the offices of which were searched for six hours, after which top officials of the firm were dragged to the SSS offices in Shangisha and computers carted away, then how can any president convince anyone that free and fair elections can be held under his watch? ‘’If the Ngozi Okonjo Iweala-linked NOI polling firm has never been harassed for its choreographed opinion polls that favour the Jonathan administration, why should other firms be subjected to the kind of Gestapo- tactics that tnsrms was exposed to? This is why we are asking President Jonathan to walk to talk,’’ APC said.

The party said that already, the foundation was being laid to rig next month’s governorship election in Osun at source as INEC has been frustrating attempts

by APC members to obtain their permanent voters cards, even as the PDP has continued to boast that it will again use the military to illegally shut down the state and bully the opposition in Osun, just like it did in Ekiti.

By George Okojie, Lagos

Ebola: Dead Victim’s 59 Contacts Placed On Surveillance

BY GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

As part of measures to avert the spread of the deadly ebola virus disease, no fewer than 59 contacts of the late Patrick Sawyer, the Liberian patient who died of the disease recently in Lagos, have been placed on close surveillance.

The Lagos State commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, who disclosed this at a press briefing held in conjunction with Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) officials at the Staff Clinic in Alausa, said there was no cause for alarm.

According to him, “So far, a total of 59 contacts have been registered, consisting 44 hospital contacts, 38 healthcare workers and six laboratory staff and 15 airport contacts comprising three Economic Communities of West African States (ECOWAS) staff driver, liaison and protocol officer, Nigerian ambassador to Monrovia, two nursing staffers and five airport passenger handlers.

“As of the time of this report, 20 contacts had been physically screened, of which 50 percent had type one contact and 50 percent

had type two contacts.”

The commissioner lamented that the manifest of the Asky Airline Flight No KP50 that brought the victim into the country has not been provided by the airline at the time of this report, saying the precise number of passenger contacts is yet to be ascertained.

He pointed out that two flights were involved (Monrovia-Lome and Lome-Lagos), noting that there was no report of medical incident filed.

Harping on case management, infection prevention and control,

he said an isolation ward has been designated by the Lagos State Ministry of Health at the Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba for case management.

According to him, “The designation of three other health facilities is underway. A total of 100 Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)s were procured by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) under the FMOH and distributed to the private hospital and the State Ministry of Health. World Health Organisation also donated 250 PPEs to the NCDC/FMOH.

L-R: Organising Secretary, Oyingbo market, Kamorudeen Oluwatoyin; promotion executive, Obal Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Anuoluwapo Famoyin; personal assistant to Iyaloja of Ejigbo, Adetoyinbo Lukman; Public Relations Officer, Oyingbo market, Alhaja Biliki Balogun, and financial secretary, Ganiu Orilowo, at the natural food fortification campaign by NAFDAC and GAIN, at Oyingbo market, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO BY GBENGA OLAJOBI

We Must Not Give Up On Nigeria – Tinubu

By Olaolu Oladipo, Lagos

A leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has urged Nigerians not to give up hope on the country, saying that rather, prayers should be offered by all to redeem it.

This charge was contained in his Sallah message wherein he urged Muslim ummah to imbibe the lessons learnt during the holy month of Ramadan.

The message which was issued one of his aides, Muyiwa Dare on Monday, quoted the APC leader as urging the people to forge a

common front to rescue the nation from its current state.

“We must not give up on Nigeria particularly in the face of our current security and political challenges. We shall overcome if we all remain steadfast in our patriotism and prayers.

“We must at all times imbibe the spirit of unity, no matter our religious political affiliation or ethnic grouping. Nigeria belongs to us all and all must come together to defend our togetherness.

“Those that insist that they are more patriotic than other Nigerians because of dif-

ferent political or religious affiliations must desist.

They do this country great harm by seeking to exploit our present circumstances to gain political space and advantage.

“At the end of it all, no one is greater than Nigeria as we will guide our unity with a singularity of purpose and superiority of vision.

“I call on all well-meaning Nigerians of all faiths to seek the face of God at this most trying of times. Insurgency is an unwanted and dangerous guest in our midst; we must be resolute and consistent in confronting it. We can only do this with a united front”, he stated.

2015: PDP Does Not Need Daniel, Bankole – Kashamu

By Olaolu Oladipo, Lagos

A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Ogun State, Prince Buruji Kashamu, yesterday said that the party did not need former governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole win the 2015 general elections.

Kashamu, who is the chairman, Organisation and Mobilisation Com-

mittee of South West PDP, stated this in reaction to speculations lately that the PDP and Labour Party would work out an arrangement to defeat the incumbent All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration in 2015.

The politician, who spoke to newsmen at his Ijebu-Igbo residence shortly after his Omo Ilu Foundation distributed Sallah gift to people across the state celebrate the Eid-

el-Fitri celebration.

Kashamu also stated that the former governor betrayed the PDP in the past and may not hesitate to do it again if given a chance in the party.

He also faulted Bankole for allegedly working against the interest of the South West zone by installing Aminu Tambuwal as Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2011.

He said, “We don’t need any alliance with Labour Party or any oth-

ern party in Ogun State before we can win because we have done our home work very well and have put our house in order.

“Let me make this categorical statement without any fear of contradiction that PDP will never work with Labour Party both for the governorship and presidential elections.

Let each party test its popularity and strength before the electorate,” he state.

46 news NATIONAL CNPP Hails Jonathan Over Appointment Of New FRSC Boss The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has hailed the appointment of Mr Boboye Oyeyemi as the new corps marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) being the highest ranking officer in the organisation and advised President Goodluck Jonathan to continue along this line.

CNPP said in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, by its secretary general, Chief Willy Ezugwu, that the appointment was commendable given that it was done without delay and without creating rancour within the FRSC as had been the case with some organisations.

“We expect that President Goolduck Jonathan will allow the same seamless transition to occur in national institutions whose leadership positions become vacant particularly the Nigeria Police Force.”

By Millie Ibe, Abuja

Wakil Urges Insurgents To Embrace Peace Minister of state for power, Hon Mohammed Wakil has restated his calls on insurgents to embrace dialogue and peace, even as he distributed relief materials worth several milions of naira to victims of Boko Haram attacks in Borno State.

In an Eid-el-Fitri message sent from Saudi Arabia, Hon Wakil said the concluded holy month offered opportunity for all believers to rededicate their lives to the service of Allah by eschewing all actions in breach of Allah’s commandments.

The minister said Borno State and North East in general have witnessed a lot of bloodletting which cannot be justified under Islamic tradition, advising that Ramadan as a month of repentance and service to God should create the atmosphere for dialogue and put an end to the insurgency.

By Millie Ibe, Abuja

Gov Orji Tasks Muslims On Unity Abia State governor, Chief Theodore Orji has tasked Muslims to see Nigeria as one indivisible entity where everyone should live as one family irrespective of differences in religious beliefs.

He said that as they celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitri, they should be more committed to the indivisible state of Nigeria in spite of the security challenges that have been given religious colorations and interpretation.

Speaking at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia yesterday, when he received the Muslim community in Abia who paid him the traditional Sallah homage, he said that no religion preaches hatred and disunity that the insurgents are propagating.

By Matthias Nwogu, Umuahia

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Rise Up To Protect Democracy, Mark Charges NBA

By Jonathan Nda-Isaiah, Abuja

Senate president David Mark has sent a congratulatory message to the newly elected national executive of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), just as he challenged them to rise up to the responsibility of protecting and defending the nation’s democracy.

Senator Mark, in the congrat-

ulatory message to the executive members led by Austine Alegeh (SAN), expressed happiness over the smooth conduct of the election held in Abuja.

The Senate president urged the NBA executive to sustain and improve on the sanctity of professional excellence, rule of law and human rights which the legal profession is known for.

In a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Paul Mumeh, Mark said, “History has placed the leadership of NBA on you at this moment. It is incumbent upon you to justify the confidence reposed in you. You will do this by upholding your integrity, professional excellence and being a team player.

“Besides, the ordinary Nige-

rian believes that the Judiciary is the last hope of the common man. You should do more to ensure that Nigerians have trust and confidence in the Judiciary at all times.”

Senator Mark reminded the NBA of the need to continue to stand and defend the defenceless, as well as protect the weak and the vulnerable in the society.

short news Youth Council Wants Public/ Private Sector Partnership On Job Creation The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has advocated equal inputs from the three tiers of government and the private sector in creating jobs in order to cut down the growing number of unemployed youths in the country and reduce poverty to Wife of the Rivers State governor, Dame Judith Amaechi, presenting certificate of participation to one of the women at the Obio/ a minimum level.

Akpor empowerment ceremony, while Government House Chief of Staff, Tony Okocha watches.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Council meeting in Yenagoa, BayBy Christiana Nwaogu, Abuja by character assassination, which our economic reforms can lead elsa State at the are capable of inciting violence to economic independence and weekend, signed As the August 9, 2014 guberna- among members of the public. the attainment of our millenniby the president, torial election in Osun State apProf Abolurin, in a statement um development goals.”

Com. Yakubu proaches, politicians aspiring for signed by the corps public reHe further harped on the need Shendam, the the number one seat of the state lations officer, Mr Emmanuel for Osun citizens to vote accordcouncil said that have been advised to refrain from Okeh, appealed to political lead- ing to their conscience in the fighting idleness intemperate and uncivilised lan- ers to apply wisdom during their forthcoming gubernatorial elecamong Nigerian guage, and rather address issues campaign rallies to reduce the tions, stressing that this was a youths will require that affect the lives of the pop- rising tension in the country. necessary condition for the enthe input of other ulace.

He said, “Nigerians want to thronement of credible leaders at arms of governThe commandant-general of know how politicians will address the various levels of governance. ment and other the Nigeria Security and Civil De- issues bordering on security, povThe NSCDC boss pledged the stakeholders for fence Corps (NSCDC), Prof Ade erty, unemployment, energy, re- Corps readiness to liaise with siseffectiveness.

Abolurin, who gave the advice, ligious disharmony and the mar- ter security agencies to ensure charged political office seekers ginalisation of women. We need maximum protection of lives and

By Christiana to desist from campaigns marked a campaign that will discuss how property.

Nwaogu, Abuja

Osun Guber: NSCDC Boss Counsels Politicians Over Foul Language

FG To Complete East-West Road In 2014 – Oru

By Bernard Tolani Dada, Uyo

The minister, Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr Steve Oru has disclosed that the ministry will complete the multibillion naira East-West road before the end of this year.

Oru who disclosed this in Uyo, at the Induction of Dr Val Attah as the 31st President of Uyo Rotary Club, regretted that the rains have affected the pace of work, but assured that as the flagship project of the ministry, attention

will be accorded it to ensure its prompt completion.

He said the main strategy put in place to ensure completion of the project is to provide funds for the contractors working on the project.

“They have been complaining that they have a lot of outstanding payments; we have to make sure they are paid on time.

“I have also assured them that more money will be made available by Mr President through APP, SURE-P and all other means

that will facilitate prompt payment; that is an encouragement and I believe they are going to bring out all their equipment and get the road running”, he stated.

To address the issue of restiveness in the Niger Delta region, the minister who used the medium to announce that some youths have just returned from Israel on agricultural training, noted that no meaningful development can thrive amid violence, hence the need to regularly engage youths from the region in various forms

of training. “We are committed to making the youths forgo restiveness”, he pledged.

Oru who noted that the ministry is also working hard to ensure that the era of the Niger Delta youths seeing criminality as a way of life by bursting pipelines and not being gainfully employed is over, called on families to be involved in the process of redeeming the mindset of the Niger Delta youths from all forms of restiveness to meaningful ventures.

news NATIONAL 47

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

UBA Assures On Better Result For 2014 Financial Year With its half year earnings up by 8.6 per cent, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has said it plans to post better returns in the second half of the 2014 financial year.

According to the group managing director and chief executive of the bank, Philips Odozua, the banking group remains focused on its medium and long term strategies to grow market share in all its businesses across Africa, manage costs down and ultimately deliver value to all stakeholders.

The bank which posted its six months result for the period ended June 31, 2014 had recorded a rise in its gross earnings from N127 billion to N138 billion.

Growth in gross earnings was boosted by an 11% increase in interest income to N98.5 billion in the first half of 2014 from N88.6 billion in the comparative period of 2013. It however had its PAT drop by 19.5 % buoyed by increased spending on personnel as well as operations.

Total assets of UBA had dropped to N2.49 trillion.

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos

Founding Fathers Mediate Over Ebonyi Speaker’s Impeachment

By Obinna Ogbonnaya, Abakaliki

With legislative activities halted in Ebonyi State since the controversial impeachment of the speaker of the 24-member House of Assembly, Chief Chukwuma Nwazunku, the state governor yesterday, brought in the founding fathers of the state to mediate on the matter.

In a four-hour meeting at the Women Development Centre (WDC), Abakaliki, the founding fathers made up of the elder statesmen who fought for the creation of the state and National Assembly members met with all the members of the State House of Assembly including those in the opposition political parties.

The outcome of the meeting

which was held amidst tight security ended with many Ebonyi people still speculating on the possible decision reached on the impeachment saga as newsmen were barred from the parley.

It was however learnt that the founding fathers used the opportunity of the meeting to hear from the embattled Speaker Nwazunku and the female speak-

er, Mrs. Helen Nwobashi.

A reliable source that was part of the meeting revealed that the founding fathers urged the aggrieved lawmakers to sheath their swords to avoid heating up the polity, a resolve the Nwobashi group found difficult to swallow.

As at the time of filling this report, other issues discussed at the meeting was still sketchy.

A woman selling edibles being patronised by a buyer at Ikeja in Lagos, yesterday.

Flood Destroys 50 Houses In Sokoto No fewer than 50 houses in Kutufare village of Gudu local government of Sokoto State has been destroyed by flood.

The flash flood which was as a result of a river that over flowed its bank, equally destroyed farmlands.

While sympathising with the victims, the member representing the affected communities in the state House of Assembly, Alhaji Sani Yakubu said the destruction was a colossal one, even as he maintained that, the flood has destroyed properties worth millions of naira.

According to him, the flood destroyed no fewer than 65 farmlands as well as the crops planted therein and even those stored in the silos.

The farm produce destroyed include sweet potatoes, millet, guinea corn, beans, cassava, millet among others.

While disclosing that the affected victims and their families are currently taking refuge in the village primary school, the lawmaker said, adequate data about those affected has been collated.

He said, “ We have collated the names of the victims and their losses and we will soon send our report to the state and national emergency management agencies and other relevant agencies.

We are also preparing to provide immediate relief assistance to them, before succour comes to them from the relevant authorities and donor agencies.”

By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto

PHOTO BY BENEDICT UWALAKA

Rivers Guber Race: Consult Other Ethnic Groups, Kuku Tells Kalabaris

By Anayo Onukwugha, Port Harcourt

Special adviser to the president on Niger Delta Affairs, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, has advised the people of Kalabari Kingdom in Rivers State, to consult other ethnic nationalities in their clamour to produce a successor to Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi come 2015.

Kuku made the call yesterday while speaking at a reception to mark the third anniversary of Kengema Unity Forum (KUF), a socio-cultural organisation, at Idol Town, in Asari-Toru local government area of the state.

Represented by former

chairman of Akuku-Toru local government area, Hon. Aroloye Brown, he stated that the clamour by Kalabari people to produce the next governor of the state was a step in the right direction.

Also speaking, an Ijaw leader, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, said the Niger Delta had contributed more resources to the national revenue and deserved to be given more attention, pointing out that the Kalabari people deserved to produce the next governor of Rivers State.

In his welcome address, president of KUF, Mr Sobomabo Jackrich, said the group believed in one man, one vote, and urged the Kalabari people to unite and work hard to

produce the next governor of the state.

Jackrich, popularly known as Egberi Papa, commended the amnesty programme for ex-militants in the Niger Delta, adding that the amnesty programme had trained former militants who were in his camp, as pilots and other professionals.

He said recently, five exmilitants trained as commercial pilots, have started flying passengers planes while others trained as engineers, welders and technologists had been employed in various trades.

The KUF leader said, “The federal government amnesty has changed the reasoning of several youths in the Niger

Delta.

It has touched some people to know that actually, there is no way we can achieve anything in a volatile region.

“There is no way we can achieve any development when there is disunity. There is no way we can achieve even human capital development when we don’t have peace among us, when we don’t have a profession of our own.

“And so , I give kudos to the federal government and the amnesty programme , the amnesty committee led by Hon. Kingsley Kuku. So many of our youths are now engineers , so many of our youths that are skilled are now abroad, practicing their skills.”

IBA, Others Hail Gbadamosi As NBA Spokesman

By Ugochukwu Iroka, Abuja

Deputy Director of the International Bar Association (IBA) Tim Hughes has congratulated the newly elected National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Gbolahan Gbadamosi, urging him well in the office.

In a statement Hughes, said,

“I hear with great pleasure that we have two wonderful reasons to give our heartiest congratulations to you – first on the recent arrival of your baby son, and second on your election as National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association.

What a time in your life. We wish you happy times ahead in both role .All best wishes, and

see you in Tokyo” Gbadamosi is a Media Partner of IBA since 2002.

Also the Secretary General of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity(OATUU) Comrade Owei Lakemfa from his Accra, Ghana office in his message noted that, “GG ,I knew it would be a matter of time before lawyers in the coun-

try appreciate your worth. Congrats I know you will give your best”.

To the Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA), ‘’your election as the National Publicity Secretary of NBA was well deserved. God bless you”.

The statement was signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko.

48 WORLD NEWS

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

world

news ➐

➊ Syrian Army

➋ John Kerry

The Syrian army has recaptured a gas field east of the central city of Homs that was seized by fighters from Islamic State earlier this month, according to state media and opposition activists.

Syrian television showed footage of soldiers running and deploying in a vast desert area which it said was the Shaer gas field in the desert region of Palmyra.

US Secretary of State John Kerry’s efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza have made him and the White House the subject of blunt criticism within Israel, adding tension to an already strained diplomatic relationship.

Kerry spent much of last week shuttling between Cairo, Tel Aviv and Ramallah trying to end the three-week Israeli offensive, which has killed more than 1,000 Palestinians, many of them civilians.

Deaths a year per 100,000 workers

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labour INFOGRAPHICS BY Matthew Akhabue

➏ Deadly Blasts Hit Gaza, Israel

A lull in violence in Gaza has been shattered by explosions that hit the compound of the territory’s main hospital and a nearby park, reportedly killing 10 people.

Meanwhile, Israeli media is re-

porting that four Israelis have been killed in a mortar strike near the Gaza border.

Earlier, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged an immediate halt to the violence in Gaza.

The downing of the Malaysia Airlines jet in Ukraine may be a “war crime”, the UN’s human rights chief says.

Pro-Russia Ukrainian rebels and the Ukrainian authorities have

accused each other of shooting down flight MH17.

A Ukrainian official said on Monday that MH17’s data recorders show a “massive explosive decompression” caused by a rocket.

Roofers 32.4

7

Sanitation Workers 29.8

3

Airplane Pilots and Flight Engineers 70.6

8

Truck Drivers/Delivery workers 21.8

4

Farmers and Ranchers 41.4

9

Industrial Machine workers 20.3

5

Mining Machine Operators 38.7

10

Police Officers 18.1

Logging workers 91.9

Oil has “out may and

Takes Flak Over Gaza Ceasefire Bid

Top 10 Deadiest Jobs Fishermen 6 1 116.0 2

Libya’s National Company (NOC) described the fire as of control” and says it cause a humanitarian environmental disaster.

➎ Tripoli Fuel Fire

➏ ➎➋➊➌ ➍

Retakes Gas Field From Fighters

‘Out Of Control’

The government blames clashes between rival militias for starting a fire, which has engulfed Libya’s biggest fuel storage facility in the capital, Tripoli

➍ Deaths Reported In ➎ Liberia Shuts Borders

Iraqi Army Raid

An Iraqi government raid on targets of armed groups in a town southwest of Baghdad has killed 17 people, including at least three civilians, according to medical and tribal sources.

Among the dead in Fadhiyya district, in the town of Jurf alSakhr, were two women and a child, Sheikh Mohammad alJanabi, a tribal chief from the town, said yesterday.

To Curb Ebola

Most border crossings in Liberia have been closed and communities hit by an Ebola outbreak face quarantine to try to halt the spread of the virus.

Screening centres are also being set up at the few major entry points that will remain open, such as the main airport.

Meanwhile, Nigeria largest’s airline, Arik Air, has suspended all flights to Liberia and Sierra Leone.

➐ Downing Of MH17 Jet In Ukraine ‘May Be War Crime’ - UN

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

WORLD NEWS 49

Emirates To Stop Flying Over Iraq After MH17 Disaster our customers and crew,” said Emirates.

Emirates’ president Sir Tim Clark told The Times MH17 “changed everything” and it was “very nearly in European airspace”.

Sir Tim said he thought other airlines would follow.

He predicted the airline industry would start to look at Aid is distributed to Iraqi Christians who fled to Hamdaniya, east of Mosul how it assessed the danger of flying over conflict zones.

Sir Tim said he was “not comfortable” with the situation in Iraq, as fighting in the country intensifies.

Emirates Airline will stop flying MH17 was shot down while flying The MH17 disaster is largely over Iraq to protect against the over Ukraine. attributed to a missile fired The French government says it in the Socialist government.

A senior Christian cleric in Emirates said it is already re- on the ground in Ukraine by is ready to offer asylum to Irathreat of Islamic militants on the Iraq, Patriarch Louis Sako, estiqi Christians forced to flee by Isrouting some flights. ground. pro-Russian rebels, although lamist militants in the northern mated that before the advance of It will take a few days for the Russia has blamed the Ukranian The airline told the BBC it was Iraqi city of Mosul.

IS, Mosul had a Christian comtaking “precautionary measures” re-routing to be completed, the government.

Many fled Mosul after the munity of 35,000 - compared and “working on alternative airline added.

Emirates’ president told The “We are closely monitoring Times greater intelligence from Islamic State (IS) group which with 60,000 prior to 2003. routing plans for flights using According to the UN, just 20 the situation along with the government about the safety seized much of northern Iraq Iraqi airspace”. told them to convert to Islam, families from the ancient ChrisThe move follows the Malaysian international agencies, and will of airspace would be welcome. pay a tax or face death. tian minority now remain in the Airlines’ Flight MH17 disaster. never compromise the safety of —BBC Iraq is home to one of the city, which Isis has taken as the world’s most ancient Christian capital of its Islamic state. communities.

Islamic State was previously Two top ministers said, “We known as Isis (Islamic State in are ready, if they so desire, to Iraq and the Levant).

On Saturday, France’s far help facilitate asylum on our terPHLX housing sector index .HGX slid 1.8 percent. Shares of right opposition party the Naritory.”

D.R. Horton Inc (DHI.N), the No. 1 U.S. homebuilder, tumtional Front organised a rally in It was a joint message from bled 2.9 percent to $20.98.

Laurent Fabius and Bernard Ca- Paris in support of Iraqi ChrisActivity in the US services sector stayed at its highest levzeneuve, respectively foreign tians. el in 4-1/2 years in July, though readings for new business —BBC minister and interior minister and employment growth weakened, according to financial data firm Markit’s preliminary data. [ID:nN9N0N301A] “This isn’t the first soft data point we’ve gotten on housing recently, which suggests the sector is decelerating, a real discouragement,” said Liam Dalton, president of Axiom Capital Management Inc in New York. “The data US stocks slipped yesterday as weak data on the housing suggests it is time to be cautious over the idea of a robust market and services sector gave the latest indications that economy.”

By Ruth Tene Natsa, Abuja responsibly manage its forestry, economic conditions were getting worse, taking the S&P Later this week, data on second-quarter U.S. gross doagriculture and fisheries sectors.”

500 below a key support level. mestic product and the July nonfarm payrolls report will Minister of International DevelEfforts will focus on providing While acquisition activity limited the market’s decline be released. opment and La Francophonie, skills and entrepreneurship trainand kept the Dow and S&P 500 near record levels, invesThe Dow Jones industrial average fell 28.1 points or Senator Don Meredith, on behalf ing for young people so they are tors found few reasons to buy because the data followed 0.17 percent, to 16,932.47. The S&P 500 lost 4.14 points or of the Honourable Christian Par- better equipped to secure jobs adis yesterday revealed Canadian and start and grow businesses some high-profile disappointments in earnings, including 0.21 percent, to 1,974.20. The Nasdaq Composite dropped support for a new project to help in the country’s resource-based from Amazon.com (AMZN.O) and Caterpillar (CAT.N) last 16.90 points or 0.38 percent, to 4,432.66. increase job opportunities and economy. Today’s announcement week.

With the day’s move, the S&P 500 fell below its 14-day promote entrepreneurship among builds on Canada’s work with NiAn index of pending home sales unexpectedly fell 1.1 moving average, a level that had served as support on young people in Nigeria. percent in June, according to the National Association of Friday. The benchmark index remains less than 1 percent gerian organizations and governSenator Meredith made the an- ment bodies to improve how the Realtors. The report followed a drop of 8.1 percent in June away from an all-time record reached last week. nouncement in an address to the country manages its natural renew home sales, the biggest slump in almost a year. The —Reuters inaugural national convention of sources”. the Akwa Cross Association of “Canada, under the leadership Canada. of Prime Minister Harper, is recAkwa Cross is non-profit organi- ognized as a global champion for zation dedicated to promoting the improving maternal, newborn Russia will appeal a court decision ordering it years for this decision.” preservation of the cultures in the and child health. The work we are to pay $50bn (£29.5bn) in damages, the biggest However, in a statement, the Russian ministry said: Nigerian states of Akwa Ibom and doing with our partners is saving compensation package ordered to date.

“Because of substantial shortcomings in the rulings Cross River. the lives of women and children Russia was told to pay the money to former of the arbitration court, the Russian Federation will According to him“The need for in Nigeria, and across the develshareholders in the now defunct oil producer Yukos. challenge the rulings of the arbitration court in Dutch meaningful, sustainable employoping world,” We need to provide The Hague court said Russian officials had courts and expects to obtain a fair result there”. ment, especially for youth, is a people with not just the ability to manipulated the legal system to bankrupt Yukos, GML’s lawyer Emmanuel Gaillard said: “This is an and jail its boss. historic award. It is now judicially established that critical issue in Nigeria. Creat- survive, but the tools they need The Russian finance ministry said the ruling was the Russian Federation’s actions were not a legitimate ing sustainable economic growth to thrive.

The need for meaningful, sus“flawed”, “one-sided” and “politically biased.” exercise in tax collection but, rather, were aimed at is the best way to break the cycle The ministry added that the Hague’s arbitration destroying Yukos and illegally expropriating its assets of poverty and create shared pros- tainable employment, especially for youth, is a critical issue, court “had no jurisdiction to consider the questions for the benefit of State instrumentalities Rosneft and perity,” Senator Meredith said “Canaand Canada is proud to help init was given”.

Gazprom.” da is proud to help increase emcrease employment, support Dr Florian Otto from risk advisory company The claim was filed by a subsidiary for the financial ployment, support small entrepresmall entrepreneurs and secure holding company GML, once the biggest shareholder Maplecroft said that Russia will be hoping to win neurs and secure livelihoods for livelihoods for youth.”he said, time and reduce publicity. in Yukos Oil Co. He said: “For Russia, paying the money is out young women and men in areas Nigeria is one of Canada’s 10 MaGML Executive Director Tim Osborne said: “The majority shareholders of Yukos Oil were left without of the question, as this could be construed as an such as agriculture and forestry.” ternal Newborn and Child Health “Canada’s support will help (MNCH) countries of focus. Cancompensation for the loss of their investment when acknowledgement that the seizing of Yukos’ assets stimulate private-sector-led ada is also committed to promotwas illegal - a viewpoint the Kremlin will never Russia illegally expropriated Yukos.” growth in Nigeria’s Cross River ing sustainable economic growth “It is a major step forward for the majority accept.

State by creating the conditions to in the country.

—BBC shareholders, who have been battling for over 10

Iraq France Offers Asylum To Christians

Wall St. Dips As Housing Data Disappoints

Canada Announces Project To Create Jobs In Nigeria

Russia To Appeal $50bn Yukos Shareholder Payout

50 Analysis

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Abu Bashar

The Last Of Jordan’s Ramadan Singers

E

Misaharati is not a part of Islamic teaching but it is not against it either. It evolved as the need for it increased

very day at around 2am during the holy month of Ramadan, Zaid Daifallh, better known as Abu Bashar, leaves his house with only a drum and stick in hand. As his drum beats louder, children flock to him as he strolls between the small alleyways, decorated with flashing lights shaped like crescent moons, stars, and lanterns.

Daifallh is there to remind residents of Wihdat camp in eastern Amman that it is time for Suhoor, a meal Muslims eat at dawn before starting their daily fasts during the holy month of Ramadan.

“Twenty years ago, these narrow streets would be empty and dark as nobody would be awake at this hour,” the 42-year-old recalled, as he spoke to Al Jazeera about how his profession has evolved. “I would not leave a street until I saw all homes lit and people are up,” he added.

The tradition of waking up other community members for Suhoor has existed since the early days of Islam. The importance of the meal is said to have been laid out by the Prophet Muhammad, who encouraged Muslims to eat the meal. In one Prophetic tradition (hadeeth), he is reported to have said: “Eat Suhoor as it has blessings.”

“During the Prophet Muhammad’s time, a call for

prayer or adhan was used to alert people to eat Suhoor before the actual adhan for Fajr (dawn) prayers, after which people would abstain from eating,” explained Abdul Rahman Ibdah, an expert of Islamic history at Jordan’s ministry of Islamic affairs.

“Misaharati is not a part of Islamic teaching but it is not against it either. It evolved as the need for it increased,” he told Al Jazeera.

Some historians believe that the first Misaharati appeared in Egypt in the year 853. Egypt’s governor at the time, Otbah Ben Issac, started the tradition while walking through Cairo’s street on his way to eat Suhoor.

The Misaharati’s traditional chant is a wakeup call for people to remember God: “Please wake up to worship the creator.”

More than 11 centuries later, the few Misaharatis who are still strolling through Amman’s streets are struggling to keep the tradition alive in light of most Jordanians’ dependence on technology. Before people had access to alarm clocks and mobile phones, the profession of Misaharati was a necessity.

“It is sad how this valuable form of art is dying,” said one Misaharati, Abu Saad Moghrabi, who inherited the practice from his father, a follower of Sufism or spiritual Islam.

The 50-year-old, who works at a juice bar in downtown

Amman during the day, said he feels a responsibility to stroll the streets of the Jabal al-Hussein neighbourhood, the same place he began calling for Suhoor more than 30 years ago.

“I used to hold a lantern and walk with my father as a little child. I feel a strong spiritual connection to these streets,” he said.

Sitting on the benches outside her house, Jameela Yusuf recalls how she relied on the drum beats and chants of Misaharati to wake her up to prepare Suhoor for her children. “Back in the day, there was only one family in the entire camp that could afford to buy a three-dinar ($5) alarm clock,” the 60-year-old said.

“Nowadays, each person in the family has at least one mobile phone on them and they wake up with no problem.”

In the absence of official research and statistics about how many Misaharatis still operate in Jordan, merchants selling drums have seen a massive decline in numbers. “In the past, I used to sell drums, and nowadays I just rent them or lend them to the Misaharatis for free,” said Hamada Saeedi, a drum seller in east Amman.

As the need for Misaharatis has declined, the role has evolved to become a source of entertainment for children.

For that reason, the Misaharati chants heard today are different from the traditional chants

they sang 20 years ago. “I sing with these children to engage them as they want to have fun,” Abu Bashar said.

Many Misaharatis have adapted to that change by singing a mix of Sufi and other Islamic songs and chants. “Our father was a dervish, so he taught us that the profession is just more than just beating a drum,” Abu Assad said.

In wealthier neighbourhoods in western and northern Amman, residents say Misaharatis have almost vanished.

“Some come occasionally, and sometimes we only hear the sound echoes from neighbouring places,” said Akram Khuraisat, an engineer residing in the Jubaiha neighbourhood in north Amman.

“When Ramadan falls in the summer, many families stay up late almost until when it is time for the Misaharati to start beating his drums,” Khuraisat said.

Ultimately, for Misaharatis like Abu Assad and Abu Bashar, the profession has become a lifestyle that they cannot abandon.

“Each year, I say I am getting older and tired and this year might be the last year,” said Abu Assad. “But on the first eve of Ramadan each year, I find myself grabbing the drums and leaving the house at 2am.”

—Al Jazeera

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Analysis 51

Women In Gaza Bear Psychological Scars Of War

F

In Gaza, some women tell their children that the explosions are just fireworks, and the war is just a game

or Hayat Abu Amer, the search for food has become a dangerous task under Israeli bombardment.

The 47-year-old mother of 14 has regularly risked her life in search of sustenance, until her family was forced to flee the east Gaza neighbourhood of Shujayea on Sunday.

Like many other families in the besieged strip, they survived the first days of the Israeli military offensive on supplies they had stored for Ramadan, but when that ran out, Abu Amer sought help from a charity at the Maghazi refugee camp.

“My husband begged me to stay home, but I still went,” Abu Amer tells Al Jazeera. “Each time, I said goodbye to them as if it could have been the last time Ibtesam Abu Sharia searching for her children’s clothes amid the rubble of her destroyed home in the Sabra we saw each other.”

More than 1,031 Palestinians neighbourhood. have been killed, and another 6,000 injured, since Israel’s bombardment of Shujayea, evacuate their houses, just like forgotten in times like this, as military operation into Gaza which killed at least 120 the inhabitants of Shujayea this focus shifts towards the injured.

On a typical day, Farra arrives and injured time, under the Israeli shelling,” began on July 8. Forty-three Palestinians Israeli soldiers have also been hundreds of others. Dozens Araj tells Al Jazeera, noting the at the health centre early in the killed, along with two Israeli of dead bodies have been trauma can manifest over time morning, leaves around 7pm and removed from the rubble in the through a variety of symptoms, takes the Red Crescent car to civilians and a Thai worker.

In Gaza, some women tell their neighbourhood. from parental withdrawal to distribute food to those in need children that the explosions are - part of her work as director Shifa has received a surge of clinginess. just fireworks, and the war is just patients, but the CT scanner is Parents often neglect their of the Middle East Children’s a game. Abu Amer, meanwhile, not working - and any moment own personal needs to ensure Alliance. The alliance visits watches to ensure her children now, doctors expect an influx of their families are safe, although hundreds of families who were do not wander into a morgue or patients for basic diagnostics some still try to maintain a sense forced to leave their homes, or the hospital, as the family finds and treatment, Farra explains. of normalcy. who cannot afford food.

In some homes, families sit in On the day she fled Shujayea, temporary refuge in a small As the health chair of the Red Crescent Society in Gaza, she one woman recalls awakening agony, mourning the dead. Many garden behind Shifa hospital.

At the hospital, Dr Muna is responsible for coordinating at 6am, taking a bath, applying are crowded onto mattresses on response and her makeup and donning her the floor, tears rolling down el-Farra coordinated the flow emergency of patients following the managing a hotline that offers nicest clothes; her friend joked: their faces.

“I am so, so sad. He was my “Don’t let the journalists see bombardment of Shujayea, psychological support.

“We receive many, many, you.” Another woman packed all favourite, my most beloved, which killed at least 120 Palestinians and injured many phone calls about children her clothes into two big suitcases the youngest one. This missile hundreds of others. Dozens in horror. Terrified, anxious before she left her house in was waiting especially for him,” of dead bodies have been children. Their mothers do not northern Gaza. “I might have to cries the mother of Muhammed removed from the rubble in the know how to calm them down. lose my house, but at least I can Hammoud, a 20-year-old who Our psychologists recommend save my wardrobe,” she later told was killed in the empty streets neighbourhood. of Beit Lahiya.

“My husband begged me to basic relaxation techniques to a surprised friend.

With many parts of Gaza “He just took his final high stay home, but I still went,” Abu start with; something as simple Amer tells Al Jazeera. “Each as deep breaths can help,” Farra difficult for ambulances to school exam, we were still reach due to heavy Israeli waiting for his results… Who can time, I said goodbye to them as said. if it could have been the last time If you ask Palestinian women bombardment, Farra says her bring my son back, who?” we saw each other.”

At the entrance to their in Gaza how they manage hotline was also developed More than 1,031 Palestinians during times of conflict and to help families address daily home, an elderly woman sits have been killed, and another what they view as their chief health necessities. “Because on a plastic chair, guarding the 6,000 injured, since Israel’s responsibility, most will speak of the severity of the shelling, doors. Subhiya Hammoud, the military operation into Gaza of their children. Fida al-Araj, patients call to find out how to slain man’s aunt, is a native of began on July 8. Forty-three a psychologist and programme handle simple health situations. Beit Lahiya and has seen many Israeli soldiers have also been coordinator at the Women’s If possible, our teams visit the rulers pass through the area. killed, along with two Israeli Affairs Technical Committee, patients and distribute basic “I saw the British, the civilians and a Thai worker.

Egyptians, the Israelis. We had a Palestinian organisation medical kits,” she says.

In Gaza, some women tell their that seeks to eliminate gender In one case, Farra recalls, two Hamas and Fatah fighting, we children that the explosions are discrimination, says many fear young men and their mother had three wars from the Israelis. just fireworks, and the war is just for their children’s lives. She had to evacuate their home I am tired of wars,” she tells Al a game. Abu Amer, meanwhile, also worked with women after in Shujayea. The mother, who Jazeera. “During the British watches to ensure her children the Israeli incursion into Gaza was diabetic, had forgotten her times, it was enough that we do not wander into a morgue or in 2008-2009. insulin at the house, so Farra’s hid under the trees; there were the hospital, as the family finds “The kids used to complain: team retrieved it and brought it no aeroplanes bombing people. temporary refuge in a small my mother is smothering me, back to the hospital. “Without Now they have aeroplanes, they garden behind Shifa hospital.

I can’t go anywhere, she is too one dose of insulin, she could shoot one missile and a whole At the hospital, Dr Muna frightened for me.””I worked have gone into hyperglycemia family disappears… I just want el-Farra coordinated the flow with people who were from and died,” Farra explains, noting the Israelis to leave me in peace.”

— Al Jazeera of patients following the the buffer zones. They had to chronically ill patients are often

52

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Spotlights FC Dedicate Victory Over Tornadoes To Gov Shema The hard earned 1-0 victory of Katsina State club, Spotlights Football Club over Niger Tornadoes in the Week-22 encounter of the Nigerian Professional League has been dedicated the state governor, Ibrahim Shema by the players. The club’s coordinator, Ayuba Umar who stated this while briefing newsmen shortly after the

match at the Katsina Township Stadium, last Saturday, explained that the victory, which he expressed optimism will spur them to greater heights, was also part of Eid-El-Fitr celebration gift to Governor Shema and the people of Katsina State. He said all hands must now be on deck to help consolidate on the impressive perfor-

mances in the league so far.

Umar further said that all necessary arrangements are in the pipeline by the club to ensure that the state government release its fund for the third quarter with a view to making the players and coaching crew feel more comfortable for the remaining league matches.

Heartland’s New Boy, Bobby Fulfilled With Debut Goal

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja For Glo Premier League debutant in Heartland’s shirt, Clement Bobby, it was a fairytale start that was only blighted by their eventual defeat to hosts Lobi Stars in Katsina Ala on Match Day 20.

Recently recruited from Nigeria National League (NNL) side, the forward made his appearance count when he fired the Naze millionaires into a first half lead that they sustained until the home boys battled back to claim all three points with two second half goals.

But despite the defeat for his new club, Bobby expressed a sense of personal fulfillment in justifying not just his midseason transfer but also being on the starting list. He showed poise and confidence that stood him out as though he has all along been in the elite ranks.

“It was not good that we lost but there is a personal fulfillment for me that I scored and as a forward, that is simply what you are fielded to do, remarked Bobby post match.

“Yes, this is my first game in the Premier League but it is the same football and I have always

had the confidence that I can play in any league. It is an inner ability to succeed that pushes me”, he told www.lmc-ng.org.

Bobby insisted he was not tensed even though the initial thoughts of travelling to play against a big club like Lobi Stars in his first elite league game made him a bit nervous.

“I feel great scoring on my debut because it is not easy playing first league game and scoring.

It is not easy featuring in the premiership for the first time and doing well at the same time; I feel great and give all glory to God.”

Premier League action

Lobi Coach Eyes Team Improvement In 2nd Stanza

By Ishaku Kigbu, Abuja

We also reorganized our team a little bit and Lobi is a team under reconstruction with a combination of new and old players with 50/50 representation Evans Ogenyi, Lobi Coach

Lobi Stars of Makurdi head coach, Evans Ogenyi has boasted that the team will be better in this last lap of the league. The Benue State clubside posted a remarkable win over Naze Millionires-Heartland of Owerri 2-1 at home at the Chief Emmanuel Akume Atongo Stadium in Katsina-Ala this evening with a man down.

Ogenyi who led his boys from behind after Heartland took the lead in the first half through premier league debutant Clement Bobby in the 35th minute to win the game through goals from

Bunde Moses via penalty in the 60th minute and Essien Joseph in the 92nd minute said the resilience and fighting spirit of his boys gave them the day. He described the encounter as highly explosive.

“It was actually an explosive match.

Heartland actually refurbished their team and they capitalized on the defensive lapses of my boys and scored the first goal.” He began “But the team that comes from behind to win a match shows a lot of character. I give kudos to the fighting spirit of my boys.”

He said like most of the teams in the Glo Premier League, Lobi

2014 World Cup Superstars: Iker Casillas Fernandez (Spain) NAME: Claudio Andres Bravo Munoz Date of Birth: May 20, 1981 Place of Birth: Mostoles Club: Real Madrid World Cups: 3 APPS : 15 Goals: 0

Casillas

Casillas’ 2002 full debut for Spain came after firstchoice goalkeeper Santiago Canizares carelessly dropped a bottle of aftershave on his foot This is Casillas’ third World Cup, and before that he played in the Under 20 World Cup and the Under 17 World Cup. And it would be hard to argue that at just 33 years of age he might not have another, unbelievable, fourth World Cup in 2018.

That would really put him amongst the stellar superstars of this competition, among the Peles, Maradonas and Charltons.

So what makes him so great? Easy. He’s the perfect goalie. As agile as he is intelligent, his positioning means his remarkable reflexes are rarely tested. He’s a big unit too, but at 6’1” not so big that he’s immobile. He communicates superbly, distributes cleverly and works ludicrously hard off the pitch to stay in the incredible shape he’s always enjoyed.

is also undergoing restructuring,” We also reorganized our team a little bit and Lobi is a team under reconstruction with a combination of new and old players with 50/50 representation. If you look at the team they are entirely a new set and they are still gelling. If you look at the formation today it is 50/50 and the team is getting stronger by the day.” He said both sides showed hunger and determination to win but the determination of his boys gave them the day. “The two teams gave good account of themselves.

It was actually an explosive encounter. I feel happy getting the three points.”

Ogenyi

Serbia Appoint Advocaat As Coach Serbia have appointed Dutchman Dick Advocaat as their new coach for the Euro 2016 qualification campaign.

Advocaat, who takes over from Sinisa Mihajlovic, has signed a two-year contact, which could be extended if Serbia reach the tournament in France.

The former Netherlands and South Korea coach, 66, takes over a team that failed to reach the 2014 World Cup. “We have only one target, and that is to qualify,” Advocaat said. “That is the only option we have.”

Mihajlovic left his post as Serbia boss in November 2013 to take over at Sampdoria, leaving

Ljubinko Drulovic in caretaker charge.

Advocaat guided Netherlands to the 1994 World Cup and Euro 2004, South Korea to the 2006 World Cup, Russia to Euro 2012 and has also coached the United Arab Emirates and Belgium.

He was in the running to become South Africa boss earlier this month.

On the task ahead at Serbia, Advocaat said: “I have seen around 10 games, especially the last games, but I saw already what I need to know about the team.

“They have very talented players, but are still not qualifying for the tournament and that is what we have to try to change.”

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/sports

sports 53

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Uzochukwu Back At Training New Chippa United signing Ugonna Uzochukwu has returned to training after recovering from a foot injury which sidelined him for the past week.

The Nigerian midfielder signed a two-year deal to join the National First Division champions from Enugu Rangers, following a convincing trial with the club.

He was set to make his

debut for the PE-based outfit in the friendly against Kaizer Chiefs, but hurt his foot in their last training session ahead of the game.

Chippa defender James Okwuosa has since confirmed that his countryman is fit and has rejoined his new team-mates to prepare for the new campaign.

Everton Sign Besic On 5-year Deal Chambers

Chambers Has Tremendous Quality – Wenger Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hailed new signing Calum Chambers after the Southampton starlet completed his move to the Emirates Stadium.

The teenager, who could the Gunners a total of €20m, is expected to provide competition to new signing Mathieu Debuchy, while his arrival also paves the way for Carl Jenkinson to leave the

us,” he told the club’s official website.

“The way he adapted to the Premier League last season with Southampton at a young age shows that he has tremendous quality.

“He has a lot of the attributes that we look for in a young player and I am sure that he will do well with us.”

Chambers, a Southampton academy

club.

Chambers become the fifth player to leave the Saints this summer, alongside Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Dejan Lovren, and Wenger says he is delighted the Englishman has opted to make the move to north London.

“We are very pleased that Calum has agreed to join

graduate, follows in the footsteps of Theo Walcott and Alex OxladeChamberlain in making the move from the south coast to north London.

The 19-year-old could be joined at Arsenal by former team-mate Morgan Schneiderlin, with the Gunners hoping to beat off competition from Tottenham.

Everton have signed Ferencvaros midfielder Muhamed Besic for an undisclosed fee.

The 21-year-old, who played in all of BosniaHercegovina’s matches at the World Cup, has agreed a five-year deal.

He joined Everton’s preseason tour of Thailand last week prior to their friendly with Leicester.

The ex-Stuttgart player is Everton’s second summer signing after Gareth Barry moved from Manchester City following a successful

loan spell.

“Muhamed is a young footballer who has developed massively in the last two seasons,” Everton boss Roberto Martinez told the club’s official website.

“He has been playing as a centre-half and as a defensive midfielder at an incredible level.

“He showed in the World Cup that he is a really mature footballer, that he covers the ground really well, that he is very dynamic and technically very gifted.

Blues ‘Need’ Drogba – Mourinho Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has stressed the importance of Didier Drogba returning to the club, saying he is needed in the squad.

The former Blues striker returned to Stamford Bridge last week on a one-year deal following spells in China and Turkey.

And Mourinho says it’s like the Ivory Coast international has never been away and insists he has an important role to play next season.

“First of all when he came, it looks like he never left the club,” the Portuguese tactician was quoted on Sky Sports.

“It was so normal,

nothing new at all, because he knows everybody and everybody knows him.

“He was ever present even when he wasn’t here. Chelsea belonged to him, even in the last two years when he was away playing in a Galatasaray and Shanghai shirt.

“So it looks like he

just went for a short holiday and came back, so everything is normal. But yes, I think we need him. We need him as a player for our squad to be the way I like.

“I like my squad with different qualities, not just as football players but also in terms of personalities.”

Besic

Mata Praises Van Gaal

Mata

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has heaped the praise on new manager Louis Van Gaal, claiming the Dutchman will restore the club’s winning mentality.

The Red Devils appointed Van Gaal following David Moyes’ illfated season in charge which saw the club finish the league in seventh position.

United have put on dominating displays in their two pre-season friendlies thus far, edging out Rome 3-2 following a 7-0 win over LA Galaxy last week.

Van Gaal has been putting the team through the paces since his return from the World Cup and Mata is relishing playing under such a demanding manager.

“He is right to be demanding.

As a player you want a coach like this – always demanding more,

wanting us to play better and trying to win the games earlier or in a different way,” said the Spaniard.

“We feel the manager is a great manager who has brought a strong mentality.

“This club is made for a winning mentality and I think he has it.

He has had success in different countries.

“We are happy with him and the way he works. Everything is new but we are adapting well to his style of football.”

The lack of Champions League football has seen United struggle to land their top targets, like James Rodriguez, Angel Di Maria, Mats Hummels and Arturo Vidal, with Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera the only arrivals as yet for a combined £58million.

54 sports

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Cristiano Ronaldo Wins Goal 50 Award

Jovetic takes a shot at goal

Jovetic Ready To Lead Manchester City Line - Pellegrini Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini tipped Stevan Jovetic for big things this season, if the forward can stay fit.

Jovetic struggled with fitness during his debut spell in England, making just 13 league appearances - only two starts among them - for three goals, but scored twice in a 5-1 pre-season win over AC Milan on Sunday.

And Pellegrini was hopeful the former Partizan and Fiorentina man could play a role for the Premier League champions this season.

“Well Stevan had a lot of bad

luck last year,” Pellegrini said, following their rampant win in Pittsburgh.

“He had a lot of injuries during the whole year so it is very difficult for a player to have an important performance when he cannot play three games in a row.

“In this year he started the pre-season the same how he finished last year playing well.

“I think now he works hard and continues every day, he will demonstrate why he is here at Manchester City because I think he is very good player.”

Pellegrini said to win in such

emphatic fashion - City were 4-0 up on Filippo Inzaghi’s men inside 26 minutes - was particularly pleasing.

“I think it was a very good game for our team, it is always important to win and also important to score five goals,” the Chilean tactician said.

“But not only that, I thought that we played with good pace and that is very important in the pre-season and we must continuing trying to improve our team and playing this game.

“You can win, and winning the way we did today is better.”

Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Goal 50 award for the world’s best footballer after a magnificent 2013-14 season.

The Real Madrid forward claims the title for the third time in recognition of an incredible campaign during which he led his club to a long-awaited 10th Champions League crown.

The 29-year-old, who also bagged the Copa del Rey, struck 51 goals in all competitions for his club. He shared the European Golden Shoe with Luis Suarez and earlier this year picked up the 2013 Fifa Ballon d’Or. After receiving the trophy, Ronaldo said: “It’s a very big honour for me to have been chosen as the best player. I’m sincerely grateful.

“I’m convinced that I wouldn’t have been able to win this award without the constant support from all the people at Real Madrid.”

The Goal 50 is regarded as one

of the most credible and respected awards in sport because it is chosen by the world’s biggest football website.

Voting takes place at the end of domestic and international seasons for the majority of countries.

More than 600 Goal journalists from our 35 editions around the world vote to select their top 50 players, giving a truly global view.

Ronaldo heads this year’s list in front of second-placed Arjen Robben, who starred for Netherlands at the World Cup and helped Bayern to four trophies in 2013-14.

Last year’s winner Lionel Messi finished third after another prolific season for club and country.

Commenting on the results, Graham Shaw, Editorial Director, said: “Goal 50 gives a truly global view on the players who have lit up an epic season. Congratulations to Cristiano Ronaldo who fully deserves to top this year’s list after a sensational campaign.”

Atletico Madrid Agree Deal For Griezman Atletico Madrid will sign winger Antoine Griezmann from Real Sociedad subject to a medical.

The 23-year-old was part of France’s squad at the 2014

Fifa World Cup and helped the side to reach the quarter-finals in Brazil.

“The young French footballer will sign a contract with our team once he pass-

es his medical,” said a statement from the Spanish champions.

Griezmann joins Mario Mandzukic in signing for AtRonaldo letico this summer.

Liverpool Sign Lovren From Southampton For £20m Liverpool have made Southampton defender Dejan Lovren their fifth summer signing in a deal worth £20m.

The 25-year-old Croatia centreback joins on a four-year contract and is the third Saints player to move to Anfield during this transfer window.

He had spoken publicly about his wish to make the switch and follows former team-mates Rickie Lambert, 32, and Adam Lallana, 25.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers said: “This is a very important signing for us.”

Lovren will join up with the squad on their US tour.

He said: “After I played at Anfield last season, I said to myself: ‘One day I hope I’ll be able to play here for Liverpool’.”

Rodgers told Liverpool’s offi- Lovren cial website: “He is a commanding and powerful presence and for. clearly has leadership skills, “He is still relatively young, which is important - he fits the so his peak years are ahead of profile of player we are looking him and I believe he will im-

prove and progress even further with us.”

Saints boss Ronald Koeman says the club are “close” to sign-

ing a replacement.

Liverpool have already bought striker Lambert and midfielder Lallana from South-

ampton this summer and Lovren’s addition means they have paid the South Coast club £49m in transfer fees in the last three months.

However, Lallana will miss the start of the new Premier League season with a knee injury.

Lovren, who joined Southampton from Lyon for £8.5m last summer, leaves St Mary’s 12 months into a four-year contract.

With Luke Shaw joining Manchester United for £27m and Calum Chambers set to sign for Arsenal in a deal in the region of £16m, Southampton will have sold five players for a total of approximately £92m.

Koeman has also confirmed the club are looking to offload £15m striker Dani Osvaldo, while Arsenal have enquired about midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, 24, and Tottenham are interested in striker Jay Rodriguez, also 24.

sports 55

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Giggs Wanted Me To Stay At Manchester United– Ferdinand

Falcao

Falcao Poised For Monaco Comeback In Emirates Cup Radamel Falcao is expected to make his eagerly awaited comeback when Monaco take part in the Emirates Cup next week.

The Colombia international has been absent since damaging his cruciate knee ligament in a Coupe de France tie against Monts d’Or Azergues in January.

Falcao missed the World Cup as a result of the injury, despite a desperate late bid to be fit for the tournament in

Brazil.

However, the 28-year-old is poised for a return to action when the pre-season tournament takes place at the home of Arsenal.

“I think he will be able to start playing again at the Emirates Cup,” Monaco head coach Leonardo Jardim told L’Equipe.

“He is now in the final phase of his recuperation.”

Falcao’s future at the Stade Louis II has been called into

Rio Ferdinand believes he would have stayed at Manchester United with Ryan Giggs in charge - but he has no regrets over his move to QPR. The veteran centre-back brought an end to his trophyladen 12-year stay at Old Trafford when his contract expired last season and subsequently reunited with Harry Redknapp, who he worked under at West Ham. “[Giggs and I] had that chat when he got the job, he had to look at it as if he would still be there and he did tell me I would have stayed and been a part of his plans,” Ferdinand said at his QPR unveiling.

“But things change quickly, the new manager came in and wanted a new direction. I dusted myself down and moved on.

“I said at the time that Man United would have to tell me they didn’t want me for me to

leave the club. That’s what happened - they said ‘thank you and goodbye’.

“It has to be that way. The club is bigger than any player. I’m here now and I’m glad that Harry and [QPR chairman] Tony Fernandes gave me the chance to come here.”

Ferdinand also confirmed he had other offers but the lure of moving back to London helped make the decision.

He added: “I play to win whether that’s a match or in training. We have to put points on the board. That’s what we did at Man United that’s what we’ll do here. A successful season is staying in the Premier League.

“There were teams in the Premier League and teams abroad but when Harry gave me the call and the chance to return to London [I could not turn it down].”

question amid rumours of a return to La Liga with Real Madrid, with the striker having previously represented rivals Atletico.

Goal understands Madrid are willing to part with Angel Di Maria for €60 million in order to fund a possible move for the Colombia star.

But Jardim is hopeful Falcao will lead the line for Monaco in Ligue 1 this term, adding: “For now, he is a Monaco player and I am counting on him.”

FIFA Investigates Manchester City, Italy Racism Claims FIFA is investigating claims a Manchester City player was racially abused during a match in Croatia.

World football’s governing body is gathering information after City alleged midfielder Seko Fofana, 20, was targeted during an Under-21 match.

Meanwhile, Fifa has also asked the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) to investigate comments made by the favourite to become its next president.

Carlo Tavecchio reportedly made racist remarks about African players.

Tavecchio is alleged to have made the comments at the summer assembly of Italy’s amateur leagues A Fifa spokesman told BBC Sport they were aware of the alleged incident in Croatia, which saw City coach Patrick Vieira take his side off the field.

He added: “We are in contact with the relevant member associations to enquire and monitor the situation. We will be in a position to further evaluate the matter, once we gather all the relevant information.”

The Croatian Football Federation has already said it will investigate City’s claim.

With regards to Tavecchio, a Fifa spokesman added: “Media reports concerning alleged racist comments by one of the presidential candidates for the Italian FA have alerted

Rafael with Loius van Gaal

Manchester United’s Injured Rafael Leaves American Tour

Yaya Toure

Fifa’s Task Force against racism and discrimination and its chairman Jeffrey Webb.

“As such, Fifa has written a letter to the Italian FA asking it to take the appropriate steps to investigate and decide on this matter and report to Fifa.”

Manchester United defender Rafael has returned to England for treatment on a groin injury.

The Brazilian suffered the problem during training in Denver on Friday ahead of the 3-2 win against AS Roma.

In Rafael’s absence, Antonio Valencia started in the right wing-back role, with Ashley Young taking over in the second-half.

United open their Premier League campaign against Swansea at Old Trafford on 16 August.

“As he was unlikely to participate in the remaining tour games, returning to the training complex affords the best overall option for his recovery in time to continue preseason preparation when the team returns,” said a United statement on their website .

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AMUSEMENT PARK IT IS DIFFICULT TO SEE WHY LACE SHOULD BE SO EXPENSIVE; IT IS MOSTLY HOLES

— Mary Wilson Little

29.07.14 www.leadership.ng

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

No. 2,230

TUESDAY

N150

Jonathan’s Tuesday Column: Impeachable Offences Comrade Timi Frank

I

he has committed impeachable offences which the National Assembly has chosen to turn a blind eye to

t is no longer news that instigated impeachment gale is sweeping across opposition states in the country. What is news is that the National Assembly has decided to overlook the avalanche of impeachable offences committed by the chief instigator of the impeachments, President Goodluck Jonathan. Nowhere was this more glaring than in the report of the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led Senate Committee on Finance which recommended that the Senate should call on the president to present a supplementary budget to cover unbudgeted expenses in the name of kerosene subsidy for the year 2011 and 2012. This is not only unconstitutional but an impeachable offence, and the world is still watching to see how the Senate intends to sweep this gross financial misconduct by the president under the carpet.

Our National Assembly, as an arm of government, must stop genuflecting before the executive. The legislature, by its sheer population, presupposes that its members are harbingers of reason, rationality, logic and wisdom. So they must not become pawns in the hands of the executive. This refusal to activate its oversight functions has today bred monumental corruption and tyranny in the Presidency. The president feels all-powerful. He is presently deploying his powers inordinately to impeach progressive governors at will.

When the National Assembly came up with the Doctrine of Necessity which saw then Vice President Jonathan become acting president, one had the feeling that this is a National Assembly that could be relied upon to defend our hard-earned democracy. But the events that have since defined the character of the assembly leave one pondering so many unanswered questions.

Nobody should entertain any illusion. As it stands today, the National Assembly is only being tolerated rather than respected by the executive and the judiciary as a necessary evil. It is like, “Let them have their say, we (executive and judiciary) will have our way.” If not, what accounts for so many resolutions of

08070888888 (text only) the National Assembly that the executive had failed to implement? Why are bills passed during the 5th and 6th National Assembly still forming the bulk of the legislative activities of the 7th National Assembly? There is however no assurance that the same bills will not dominate the 8th National Assembly. Why is the judiciary today so audacious as to order the legislature to suspend critical investigations while it dillydallies in the face of frivolous court processes? Why should the National Assembly asphyxiate itself by proposing to bury illegalities emanating from the executive or the judiciary?

Where then are the checks and balances envisaged in the principle of Separation of Powers? If the National Assembly becomes a sellout, then, it is bye-bye to freedom of the people because they represent the grass roots. Collectively, they are supposed to hold the government accountable to the people far above what a thousand non-governmental organisations can do. Their failure is the cause of our stagnated development.

Due to over-protection by the Peoples Democratic Party-led National Assembly, especially the Senate under David Mark, the president is today deploying excessive powers to annihilate the opposition. The president has caused the impeachment of Adamawa governor Murtala Nyako. Yet he has committed impeachable offences which the National Assembly has chosen to turn a blind eye to. President Jonathan has lined up the removal of progressive governors like Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa, Adams Oshiomhole of Edo as well as those of Oyo, Rivers, Borno and Yobe before the 2015 elections. Yet, the Senate has chosen to sweep his impeachable offences under the carpet.

Since 2011, no capital appropriation has achieved up to 35 per cent performance and yet no money was returned to the treasury by either the minister of finance or any of the MDAs. But, between 2007 and 2009, most MDAs returned their unspent budget. Is this not an impeachable offence?

The president has refused to assent to a total 120 bills passed by

the current National Assembly. He has not sent any communication as to their rejection as stipulated in Section 58 (1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution. Yet the National Assembly has failed in its duties to invoke the necessary constitutional provisions to veto the bills. I believe that this is one of the reasons many analysts believe that the National Assembly as it stands today is just a moneyguzzling machine without utilitarian value. So those calling for the scrapping of one of the chambers or that the legislature as presently constituted be made to sit on part-time basis are spot on after all. They must not continue to drain N150billion from the nation’s resources annually without adequate workable laws in the country to show for it. If all they do is fight for contracts, then, they have no reason to be there.

The National Assembly has, like Esau, sold its democratic rights to the Presidency. If I had my way, most of those over-indulging the president would never be allowed to find their way into the hallowed chambers in the next elections. They have ripped the people off by abandoning their sacred duty, which is to hold the government accountable to the people.

They are today after filthy lucre.

Those who have failed deserve no chance to be re-elected. Their place let another take.

Elections would be due in the first quarter of 2015 -- just three months to the expiration of the 7th National Assembly. Are we to be deceived that lawmakers that would be encumbered by re-election matters at that time would still have the time to look at the PIB or even the ongoing Constitution Review process? Except a miracle happens, the legislators of the 8th National Assembly would still be saddled with the same bills the 7th Assembly has failed to pass in four years. What a waste!

The judiciary must not soil the temple of justice. Judgements influenced by cash or political considerations will ultimately blight our democracy and doom our nation. This will not be in the interest of all. The judiciary must not collude with legislators to thwart the will of the people. Judges and magistrates must

timifrank@leadership.ng

know that, in their judgments, they judge themselves. Such judgements don’t lie.

Now that the president has begun to instigate the removal of APC governors over alleged gross misconduct, he should also be prepared to weed out all those that have been accused of corruption around him.

A good example is the minister of petroleum resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, who has failed to account for the alleged missing $20billion in NNPC or how she allegedly squandered N10billion to fly private jets in two years.

The National Assembly as the bastion of our constitutional democracy cannot afford to stifle the maturation of our democracy on the altar of personal interest. Our lawmakers are yet to regenerate themselves.

They are still awash with pedestrian and parochial interests.

Finally, much as nothing is wrong with probing an erring public officer, probes with intent to impeach should not be instigated from outside. It should come from a constitutional process of lawmakers being alive to their responsibilities. If our democracy fails, some of our lawmakers who have colluded with the executive both at the state and national level to rob the people should be held responsible. One of such collusions is their refusal to sponsor impeachment notice against Jonathan for gross misconduct.

GHANA MUST GO Nigeria beats Somalia in terror casualties — Report

A new medal for Jonathan!

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