Leadership news

25.09.14

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

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No. 2,263

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$9.3m: Reps Ethics C’ttee To Probe Alleged $50,000 Bribe > Page 46

US Denies Blocking FG’s Purchase Of War Aircraft Claims giving advice on intelligence, investigations, others Boko Haram killed 13,000 Nigerians in 5 years - Jonathan 5

PUTTING HEADS TOGETHER LITERALLY: US President Barack Obama and former US president, Bill Clinton at the Annual Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), in New York City, yesterday. Photo By afp

Nigeria Retains Top Air Safety Rating

By NKEM OSUAGWU, Lagos

The Nigerian aviation industry has retained the Category One Certification status issued by the United States of America’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), thus

retaining its top rating in aviation safety. The Category One Certification gives indigenous airlines

access to fly directly to the United States and vice versa.

Minister of aviation, Chief Os-

ita Chidoka, who received the certification in the US, promised to reform and strengthen the Accident

2015: I Can Fix Nigeria If Elected – Atiku > Page 4

Chibok DAY Diary

164

Investigation Bureau (AIB) in line with the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), for greater efficiency and service delivery. ➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 5

16 DAYS TO GO...

Boko Haram Members Abandon GRADUATION CEREMONY OF 25 > Page 2 FIRST Sick Chibok Girl In Bush BAZE UNIVERSITY, ABUJA

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chibok diary 164

Thursday, September 25, 2014

DAY

Chibok TweeTs @obyezeks DAY163 of OUR#ChibokGirls WE are perplexed but not in despair and so WE are unrelenting as WE ECHO: #BringBackOurGirls! #BringBackOurGirls!! @DEMOLAEXPOZE Until then let's wait till they #BringBackOurGirls @Gidi_Traffic "@Austynzogs: The Borno State govt said it has set aside N100m annually for the education of the 57 escaped #ChibokGirls #BringBackOurGirls @obyezeks DAY163 OUR #ChibokGirls WE care not 4 voice of mockery cos OUR VOICES RING: #BringBackOurGirls! #BringBackOurGirls!! #BringBackOurGirls!!!!! @Chude Will also be interesting to see how the candidates drive #BringBackOurGirls.

Anyone who doesn't underscore the imperative would worry me. @omojuwa Your Defence spokesperson released the statement, he retracted same but tweeting about #BringBackOurGirls is dark? I give up! @BBOG_Nigeria Day 164: Its now more tha 5 harrowing months for parents and families of over 200 chibok girls that were abducted by #bokoharam #BringBackOurGirls @etinmagbe Our hearts are crying and aching with pain! Is there anyone listening?? #BringBackOurGirls #BringBackOurGirls @rescueourgirls 121 days since Tabitha Thomas was taken from #Chibok.

Will she ever come home? Never forget. #BringBackOurGirls Compiled by Iroka Ugochukwu

Borno Sends 36 Chibok Girls To International Schools sToRies by Chika MefoR and ejike ejike, Abuja

The Borno State government yesterday granted scholarships and relocated 36 schoolgirls that escaped abduction at Government Secondary School, Chibok, in Borno State when Boko Haram insurgents attacked the school and abducted over 270 final year female students on April 14, 2014.

The 36 schoolgirls who have been admitted into International schools in Abuja, Kaduna and Plateau States were part of 57 female students that either escaped abduction or fled from captivity after the attack. Fifty one of the girls were meant for admission after six secured a scholarship at an international school in Yola, Adamawa State.

The Borno State government is spending a minimum of N1.4 million annual fees on each of the schoolgirls in their new schools besides other costs for welfare.

Governor Kashim Shettima pleaded that the names of the schools should not be revealed in order to shield them from public distraction and to ensure their security and those of the new schools.

Boko Haram Members Abandon Sick Chibok Girl In Bush An unfortunate condition appears to have worked for the good of one of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls, as she was found abandoned after health issues obviously forced the Boko Haram sect to drop her off at Kalaha, a remote village in Borno State.

The girl, who was discovered and identified by students in the village, gave her name as Susan Ishaya.

She explained that she had been abandoned two days earlier, having been driven to the area in a Volkswagen Golf car.

Revealing this to the members of the #BringBackOurGirls Group yesterday, the chairman of Chibok community in Abuja, Tshalaba Hosea-Abana explained that a man identified as Rev Enoch had called to brief him on the situation of the abandoned girl.

Hosea-Abana explained that from the pictures of the abducted girls released earlier, the girl was identified. However, the name Susan Ishaya was not on the list.

“One of the Chibok schoolgirls was abandoned in the bush. One Rev Enoch called me that she was seen at Kalaha. People were running away, because they thought she had come to bomb them. She was disoriented. She was taken to a police station in Maraba Mubi. And when she was interviewed, she said that her name is Susan Ishaya.

“Rev Enoch said she had been taken to the hospital and is receiving treatment. We were told that she was carried in a Golf car and thrown in the bush where she stayed for two days until she found herself at Kahala,” he said.

He explained that names on the list of the abducted girls similar to hers are Hauwa Ishaya and Susan Yakubu and noted that the traumatic conditions the girl had been exposed to might be responsible for the name mix-up, as the abandoned girl was reported to be critically ill and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

He called on the relevant authorities to interview her and get information from her that could assist further investigations.

The governor, who made the above comments at a brief farewell held for the girls at Government House in Maiduguri yesterday, said he opted to spread the girls in different schools so as not to allow unnecessary visits that would continue to make them subject of public focus given the global attention on them.

Shettima called on the schoolgirls to be of good behaviors, obey the rules of their new schools, put their bitter experience behind them and focus on their Girl-Child activist, Kaka Oyinbo, and Dr. Joe studies so as to achieve their dreams in Oke-Odumakin seeking for the release of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls. life.

Don’t Admit Schoolgirls In Kaduna, BBOG, Chibok Community Tells Borno Govt The #BringBackOurGirls group and the Chibok community in Abuja yesterday kicked against the idea of admitting some of the escaped girls in schools in Kaduna as this will further expose them to harm.

The group, which was reacting to the plan by the Borno State government to send the escaped Chibok girls to Kaduna, blamed the state government for not making adequate plans for them to

be admitted into unity schools in safer states.

The group lashed the Borno State government for exposing the girls to danger earlier in the week when they were made to travel by road without adequate security and wondered why a responsible state government would still be planning to send traumatised students back to areas where insecurity still prevails.

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our stand Thursday, September 25, 2014

One Affront To The Judiciary Too Many

T

uesday September 23 2014 will go down in the history of the Nigerian judiciary as one of its most humiliating moments and a milestone of the level to which we have sunk on the decadence scale. To simply say we condemn what took place at a court premises in Ekiti State would be glossing over the matter. What happened must be seen not only as an affront to the entire judiciary, but also a calamity of sorts.

That thuggery could be taken that far is both alarming and frightening and the fact that it involved a governor–elect makes it tragic.

On Tuesday, thugs loyal to the governor-elect of Ekiti State invaded the premises of an Ado-Ekiti High Court and successfully disrupted the proceedings of the court, which was sitting to determine the eligibility or otherwise of Mr Ayodele Fayose to have contested the June 21st governorship election in Ekiti State. The ignoble activities of the thugs is reported to have lasted for hours, during which time some persons were beaten up and the judge had to be ferried to safety by the

policemen stationed at the premises. The ‘youths’ went to the premises armed with all sorts of weapons, like cudgels and clubs.

We are of the opinion that a situation where a party feels aggrieved over an anticipated unfavourable judgement and therefore resorts to lawlessness in order to disrupt legitimate court proceedings is both barbaric and unacceptable.

This level of impunity must not go unchallenged and its perpetrators must be made to face the full wrath of the law. The judiciary has suffered enough assault and disrespect and that was one incident too many. The fact that we are in a democratic dispensation

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

should not be license for individuals to revert to precivilisation and acts capable of throwing communities into chaos.

We may add, however, that the judiciary does, sometimes, give room for the affronts it suffers, by its acts and conduct.

It is still the institution that is vested with the powers to beat society into order and ensure that laws, rules and laid down procedures are followed and acted upon though, as is done in all civilised societies of the world. The judiciary must stand up and confront this particular insult with all that it’s worth and with as much speed as it can possibly muster, in order to send a clear message to the conspirators and perpetrators of this act that the courts and the judiciary must not be taken for granted. It is time for this arm of government to fight and get back its autonomy and powers. If the judiciary cannot assert justice and compel obedience, then we are afraid we do not have a prayer to get it right in this country. We must not lose this country by any means, not to miscreants or rag-tag insurgents and certainly not to so-called “important personalities”.

Chairman Hajiya Ireti Kingibe Group Managing Director Azubuike Ishiekwene Group Executive Directors Michael Okpere Dr Kazeem Durodoye Divisional Directors Iyobosa Uwugiaren Ademola Oladosu Salisu Alhassan Bichi General Managers Aminu Abubakar Sule Abdulmumin Balogun 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

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

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

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

4 news extra

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo 2015: Police’ll Stop Candidates With Criminal Records – IGP Acting Inspector-General of Police Suleiman Abba has declared that political parties’ candidates with criminal records would be stopped from contesting the 2015 general elections.

Abba, who gave the warning yesterday during a meeting with deputy inspectors-general of Police, assistant inspectors-general of Police, and command commissioners of Police to strategise on the 2105 elections, said that the police would ensure tight security for the elections and the electorate.

Abba disclosed that the Force would collaborate with the Department of State Security (DSS) to carry out the task, adding that he had made adequate security arrangements for all activities leading to the elections, including party primaries, conventions, and campaigns by parties and their candidates.

He explained that electoral materials would be well protected ahead of the elections, and accompanied to the polling units, noting that the police would also protect the results.

By Chika Otuchikere, Abuja

NYSC May Review N4,000 Online Registration Fee The director of Press and Public Relations of the NYSC, Mrs. Bose Aderibigbe, had stated that the N4,000 to be paid by prospective corps members for printing of callup letters online and other services including infrastructure to be deployed for the services, might be reduced subsequently.

Aderibigbe disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the meeting held yesterday in Abuja between the directorgeneral of the NYSC, Brig.- General Johnson Olawumi, and the special assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Youth Affairs, Mr. Jude Imagwe.

She stated that though the reduction of the fee cannot be done immediately, the review of the whole service would be made by the management of the scheme and the collaborating firm, Messrs SIDMACH Technologies Nigeria Limited adding that the money might be reduced in the future.

“Imagwe came to find out what is going on about the outcry against the payment of N4,000 online registration fee by prospective corps members.

The DG told him that the N4,000 being paid is not for call-up letters but just for the operation and provision of infrastructure in all NYSC camps and its 37 secretariats.

By Chika Mefor Abuja

L-R: Group executive director, LEADERSHIP Group Mr. Mike Okpere and president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Abuja Chief Emeka Mbagha during a courtesy visit by the group to LEADERSHIP‘s corporate headquarters in Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO BY JANE

I Can Fix Nigeria – Atiku Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

Former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, yesterday said he has what it takes to fix the myriad of problems confronting the nation if given the mandate to lead the country.

Atiku said that Nigeria should never again be subjected to leadership experimentation or those learning on the job.

He made this known in Abuja where he publicly declared interest to seek the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2015 general elections.

Atiku had participated in the similar race in 2007 and 2011.

APC planned to hold its pri-

maries in December 2nd ahead of the 2015 general elections The Turaki Adamawa, who recalled some landmarks recorded when he was number two to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s government, said that the present government has wasted all the legacies inherited.

“We need a strong, dynamic, decisive, competent and visionary leadership that can halt the current drift of the ship of state, fight corruption, create jobs, rebuild our infrastructure, provide social services and tackle insecurity in a decisive, robust multipronged way. This is the change we want and deserve and this is the change the APC is primed to offer. And that is why I am a

proud member of this platform for change.

“To fix Nigeria, an APC government will promote a new socio-political order which will compel the leadership to always balance power and authority with service and accountability.

“My passion for governance is that of a man who wants to do more because there is so much more to be done in fixing Nigeria.

“This passion continues to grow as long as this government is not really doing the fixing. I have what it takes to bring people together and turn things around for the better. Therefore, I want to play a leading role in the transgenerational efforts to save this country and improve the lives of

OKEKE

our people,” Atiku said.

According to him, if given opportunity he will lead a government that will create “A Nigeria for All”, adding that he will not centre on the North or South, Christian or Muslim, but about a better tomorrow where every citizen will feel secure, act with patriotism, having assurance of the fulfilment of his or her aspirations.

“I want to lead a government that will rebuild the institutions of governance with zero tolerance for corruption and nepotism, where hard work and dedication are adequately rewarded.

“I want to assemble the best brains in the land and provide the political will.”

2015: PDP Govs, Others Sacrificed Ambitions For

Jonathan – Akpabio

By Chibuzo Ukaibe,, Abuja

Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio, has said that PDP governors and other leaders in the party sacrificed their own ambitions by endorsing President Goodluck Jonathan as sole candidate of the party.

The PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) had endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan as the sole presidential candidate of the party for the 2015 general elections last Thursday.

Governor Akpabio who stated this yesterday in Akwa Ibom State during the PDP Performance Publicity tour said “the opposition is rattled” because of the ability of the governors and leaders of the PDP to sacrifice their individual ambitions and rally behind the president who has “performed exceedingly well.”

Akpabio noted that besides the adoption by NEC being democracy in action, the party was trying to emulate the United States, where incumbent president does not go through primaries.

“We are not saying that the president will not face the general elections. So the idea of him spending presidential time, instead of facing insurgency, food insufficiency and other things that may affect the country and begin to campaign for the party ticket when he is already the incumbent president is what we want to avoid . I think this is a very fantastic model of internal democracy.

“What we only said and did is, let’s sacrifice our individual ambitions so that Mr. President will have a second term. We are not saying that other people should not contest election, but saying that, as PDP governors, that we want to join hands and sup-

port him to win the second term. It does not mean that any person who wants to contest should not contest.

We are indeed deepening democracy by sacrificing our own ambitions.”

The governor added that the PDP governors by that decision also resolved to stabilise the party and avoid the unfortunate situation that leaves the party fractured after primary elections.

“Instead of fracturing the party at the end of the convention, we want to move as one family to elect the presidential candidate at the convention. And that is democracy in action. So I don’t think anybody should criticise it, rather we should be commended for not behaving like past governors who, by now, nine or 15 of them would have declared for presidency and then confusion will start in the party. So the people who sacrificed their ambition to support the president; should they be

castigated or commended? I must therefore thank the PDP NEC for adopting the position of the PDP governors. It is left for the National Convention to ratify. This is an evidence that Nigeria is changing.

“I think the opposition is rattled. Any time that the PDP makes a move and the opposition is criticising, then you know that that thing is biting them and if they praise you, you should be worried.”

Speaking earlier, the national publicity secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh who led the Performance Tour commended the governor for “the world class infrastructures which have turned Akwa Ibom into a national and international destination.”

He said, “This is our legacy. This is the legacy of our great party, the PDP. We can’t thank this governor enough for the faithful implementation of the manifesto of the PDP.”

NEWS 5

Thursday, September 25, 2014

US Denies Blocking FG’s Purchase Of War Aircraft

By Sadiq Abdullateef, Bayo Oladeji, Abuja; George Agba, New York and Abdullahi Umar, with agency report

The United States embassy in Nigeria has faulted a story of its purported blocking of the sale of CH-47 Chinook transport aircraft by the state of Israel to Nigeria.

Responding to the story published by ThisDay newspaper, that the US had prevented Israel from selling the cargo helicopters to Nigeria, the embassy’s press attaché, Sean J. McIntosh, said his country had a good diplomatic relationship with Nigeria.

“The United States remains committed to helping the government of Nigeria address the threat posed by the terrorist organisation Boko Haram. We continue to support Nigerian efforts to bring about the safe recovery of the abductees and to advise the government of Nigeria on its response,” he said.

He further added that, “We are advising on issues of survivor support, humanitarian assistance, criminal investigations, intelligence and strategic communications.”

He, however, declined to give any assurance of a mutual complement of arms purchase policy that is not in conformity with that of his country and its interests.

“U.S. Departments of State and Defense review all potential arms transfers for their consistency with US policy and interests, as detailed in the US Conventional Arms Transfer Policy, updated by President Obama in January. This includes any requests for one country to transfer US-origin defence items to another country,” McIntosh said, emphasising that he could not comment on any specific application of the policy.

Meanwhile, Mukhtar Dan’Iyan, the editor-in-chief of the 15Past8 Media Group based in New York City, who is also an expert on Africa and Middle East policy and security gave his opinion on the matter in a tweet he posted.

Dan’Iyan wrote, “Israel does not use CH-47 Chinook transport helicopter, so selling surplus (or any stock) to Nigeria or any other nation is not even a possibility. The story about USA blocking the sale of non-existent equipment from Israel is therefore non-sequitur.

“Incidentally, Israel uses the Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion as its heavy transport helicopter, and Boeing would do anything to get that business for its Chinook,” he wrote.

Boko Haram killed 13,000 Nigerians in 5 years - Jonathan President Goodluck Jonathan has in New York, United Statesthat the Boko Haram sect has killed about 13,000 persons in Ni-

geria since 2005.

Addressing the United Nations Security Council High-Level Meeting on the Threat of Terrorism to Global Peace and Security yesterday , Jonathan, who urged the international community to act immediately to stop the troubling new phenomenon of terrorists and foreign fighters attacking and trying to hold parts of sovereign nations, stated that there was the need to support countries like Nigeria which are in the frontline of the war against terrorism.

Informing the UN Security Council that his administration has continued relentlessly to confront the menace of terrorism with unrelenting determination, Jonathan said the federal government has also evolved initiatives to alleviate the plight of people in affected communities.

He said, “Nigeria knows too well the destructive effects of terrorist activities. Over the past five years, we have been, and are still confronting threats posed by Boko Haram to peace and stability predominantly in the North Eastern part of our country.

“The costs are high: over 13,000 people have been killed, whole communities razed, and hundreds of persons kidnapped, the most prominent being our innocent daughters from Chibok Secondary School, in North East Nigeria.

As daunting as the challenge may be, we have faced it with unrelenting determination, mobilising all the resources at our disposal to ensure that the scourge of terrorism is rooted out of our nation.

“In addition to our counterterrorism efforts, we have evolved initiatives to alleviate the plight of the population in the affected communities. These include a holistic effort through the Presidential Initiative for the North East (PINE) which is aimed at providing immediate relief and fast tracking the infrastructural re-development of the region. It also has as a core goal, an integrated effort at achieving the de-radicalisation of potential terrorist recruits.

“We have also launched a Victims Support Fund which has already raised about $500million of the expected minimum of $1billion in direct support of the victims of acts of terrorism. This is in addition to the. Safe Schools Initiative championed by Mr. Gordon Brown, former British Prime Minister and currently the UN Special Envoy for Global Education which is being rigorously supported by Nigeria’s Federal Government”.

Jonathan further urged the international community must also do more to support countries like Nigeria which are in the frontline of the war against terrorism.

He said, “There is no doubt that ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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Nigeria Retains Top Air Safety Rating FROM FRONT PAGE

Chidoka also urged the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to commence exchange programmes in air navigation, to deepen knowledge and promote best practices among professionals.

Chidoka was issued the certification after the Nigerian aviation industry, propelled by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other agencies in the sector closed all the identified open items when the FAA team visited the country in April for a reassessment.

FAA had carried out an intensive safety assessment of the sector earlier in the year and there had been fears among industry stakeholders that the country might not retain the status it earned in September 2010. This was due to some lapses by the regulatory authority, like inadequate number of safety inspectors and the plan by government to merge the NCAA, the regulatory body, with service providers Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

The minister, in a statement personally signed by him, said that the US FAA informed him that Nigeria had continued to meet the safety oversight requirements under the international aviation standards.

Chidoka noted that the retention of Category One status was hard earned and promised that the government would continue to ensure that the country retained the status and attained other future safety certifications in a seamless way.

During his visit to the US, Chidoka said that plans were underway to reform the AIB in tandem with other international bodies, for efficient service delivery.

Chidoka added that the NTSB team also provided insight on the operations and activities of the board and advised the visiting Nigerian team on some best practices to institutionalise, to achieve the desired outcomes.

Chidoka also implored the US Department of Transportation

(DOT) to extend its assistance to the Nigerian aviation industry in a bid to improve safety and security components.

On the final leg of the official trip, Chidoka met with the US Transport Security Administration (TSA) to explore opportunities for capacity building and strengthening of aviation security systems and infrastructure.

“The minister requested for hands-on training and exchange programmes between the two agencies that will result in direct and more meaningful transfer of expert knowledge in different aspects of airport security,” the statement read.

The TSA promised to support the efforts of the present administration to enhance airport security and improve the operational performance and intelligence of security agents working in the air transport sector. The minister and his team also inspected the Transportation Security Operations Centre (TSOC) in the state of Virginia.

“On commercial and private sector investment, the Honourable Minister also met with operators in the industry. In Montreal, Canada, he met with different teams from Air Canada and Bombardier and while in the United States, he discussed extensively with Boeing.

“During these meetings, economic regulatory and operational issues relating to the aviation sector were discussed and the national carrier project was also mentioned,” it stated.

Chidoka and his team also held technical meetings with the World Bank Transport Group where previous World Bank-supported programmes and the status of implementation were reviewed.

The team from the World Bank reportedly made a strong case for Nigeria giving its critical size, to lead the liberalisation of air transport in West Africa and take full advantage of open sky agreements with major regions such as the European Union.

6 NEWS

Thursday, September 25, 2014

US Denies Blocking FG’s Purchase Of War Aircraft FROM PAGE 5

foreign fighters have added a troubling dimension to this emerging phase of terrorism. From targeted attacks by Al Qaeda a few years ago, we now have mobile bands of thousands of terrorists sweeping across vast areas, destroying lives, and even attempting to hold territory. This is unacceptable; we must act now.

“We must capitalize on the commitment and evident determination of the Security Council to seek more innovative responses to the threat of terrorism and in particular to the growing menace of foreign fighters. The Council should be concerned about the existence of sources of arming and funding terrorists.

Evidence has shown that Boko Haram, for instance, is resourced largely from outside our country.

“We must also commit to ensuring that countries which are in the frontline of this challenge, receive adequate support from the international community.

Only by united action and firm resolve can we check this raging threat to humanity, and also build the enduring structures that will resist their re-emergence”.

Reject cancer of violent extremism, Obama tells the world ...Denounces ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram United States president, Barack Obama has called on the world to join him in the effort to degrade and ultimately destroy militants terrorising the world.

Addressing the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York, Obama highlighted efforts being made to build an international coalition to combat ISIS and Al-Qaeda terrorists, who are taking some parts of the countries affected by their activities.

According to Obama, the militants were terrorising people in Iraq and Syria, gunning down innocent children and subjecting mothers, sisters and daughters to rape as a weapon of war.

“Bodies have been dumped in mass graves. Religious minorities have been starved to death. In the most horrific crimes imaginable, innocent human beings have been beheaded, with videos of the atrocity distributed to shock the conscience of the world.

“In this effort, we do not act alone. Nor do we intend to send US troops to occupy foreign lands.

We will train and equip forces fighting against these terrorists on the ground. We will work to cut off their financing and to stop the flow of fighters into and out of the region.

“The ideology of ISIS or Al-Qaeda or Boko Haram will wilt and die if it is consistently exposed, confronted and refuted in the light of day,” Obama said.

He cited as an example a new Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies and Sheikh binBayyah, who described its purpose: “We

Obama

Jonathan

must declare war on war, so the outcome will be peace upon peace.

Look at the young British Muslims who responded to terrorist propaganda by starting the hash tag #NotInMyName campaign, declaring ‘ISIS is hiding behind a false Islam’.

“Look at the Christian and Muslim leaders who came together in the Central African Republic to reject violence. Listen to the Imam who said, ‘Politics tries to divide the religious in our country, but religion shouldn’t be a cause of hate, war, or strife’.”

President Obama urged the world – especially Muslim communities – to explicitly, forcefully and consistently reject the ideology of Al-Qaeda, ISIS and Boko Haram.

“It is the task of all great religions to accommodate devout faith with a modern, multicultural world. No children, anywhere, should be educated to hate other people. There should be no more tolerance of socalled clerics who call upon people to harm innocents because they are Jewish, Christian or Muslim.

“It is time for a new compact among the civilised peoples of this world to eradicate war at its most fundamental source: the corruption of young minds by violent ideology. It’s time to end the hypocrisy of those who accumulate wealth through the global economy and then siphon funds to those who teach children to tear it down,” he said.

Contesting the space that terrorists occupy, including the Internet and social media, he said, “Their propaganda has coerced young people to travel abroad to fight their wars and turned students into suicide bombers. We must offer an alternative vision.

“All religions have been attacked by extremists from within at some point, and all people of faith have a responsibility to lift up the value at the heart of all religion: do unto thy neighbour as you would have done unto you,” Obama said.

week, but the military prevailed.

One Mohammed Bashir, who had been posing in videos put out by the sect as the deceased Abubakar Shekau, leader of the sect, was killed during the onslaught by the army.

Addressing journalists at the Defence Headquarters yesterday, its director of information, Major General Chris Olukolade, made this known. He showed video footage and photographs of the dead insurgents and those who had surrendered to the army.

“Nigerian troops have been conducting coordinated air and land operations in furtherance of efforts at containing the terrorists in the North East part of the country. Somehow, it became apparent that the terrorists in continuation of their campaign of terror were determined to take over communities around Maiduguri, which is their prime target.

“There was therefore the need to ensure that communities such as Konduga were protected. It is noteworthy that the terrorists made no less than four attempts between 12 and 17 September 2014 to violate the security and enter Konduga to perpetrate their atrocities. Air and land forces were subsequently deployed to handle the situation.

“The convoy of combat vehicles typical of terrorist missions that involve their top commanders was fiercely engaged by the land and air forces. Several of the terrorists, including some of their commanders lost their lives in the encounters, which lasted an average of about five hours each.

“The troops captured some of the terrorists and their equipment. In the course of those encounters, one Mohammed Bashir, who has been acting or posing in videos as the deceased Abubakar Shekau, the eccentric character known as leader of the group, died,” Olukolade said.

He further said, “Since the name Shekau has become a brand name for the terrorists’ leader, the Nigerian military remains resolute to serve justice to anyone who assumes that designation or title, as well as all terrorists that seek to violate the freedom and territory of Nigeria.”

Olukolade said that it was the residents of the community who were victims of the insurgents’ activities that corroborated information on the identity of Bashir Mohammed alias Abubakar Shekau, alias Abacha Abdullahi Geidam,

We’ve killed Shekau’s impostor - DHQ Nigerian troops used both land and air forces to stop Boko Haram insurgents from getting into Konduga in their bid to capture Maiduguri. Members of the sect are subsequently reported to be surrendering in droves, after the killing of their purported leader.

There was a fierce battle between the troops and insurgents last

alias Damasack, etc.

“The recent devastation on the leadership of the insurgents is attributable to the renewed commitment to the mission of eradicating terrorism in our country,” Olukolade said.

According to him, a total of 135 terrorists had as at Tuesday evening surrendered to troops, along with equipment, in the Biu local government area. A group of 88 submitted themselves at Mairiga/ Bun–Yadi, while another group of 45 insurgents were taken around Mubi–Michika.

He said, “They are all being interrogated and processed in conformity with the dictates of standard best practices.”

Jonathan To UN: We’re doing our best to rescue Chibok girls President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday in New York told the United Nations (UN) that the federal government was still doing everything possible to rescue the schoolgirls abducted from Chibok, Borno State as well as curb the gory and cruel activities of the Boko Haram sect.

Delivering Nigeria’s annual speech to the 69th United Nations General Assembly, Jonathan, who also urged the United Nations to urgently review its peacekeeping operations across the world, said pressing challenges to global peace and security had made it imperative that urgent action be taken on the reformation of United Nations Security Council.

Speaking on the Chibok girls, Jonathan said, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the countries and organizations that expressed solidarity with us, and have continued to support our determined efforts to free our daughters. Although it has been over three months since they were abducted, we have never relented in our efforts to set them safely free.

“Together with our partners, we are working assiduously to free our daughters and reunite them with their families. Let me underline today, that we shall not waiver until we end this mindless war on the innocent, and bring all the perpetrators to justice. We will triumph over terrorism”.

Asking the global body to urgently review its peacekeeping operations across the world, Jonathan said, “Mr. President, the failure of unanimity of action by the Security Council over pressing challenges to global peace and security, in Syria, Iraq, the conflict in Ukraine, and the renewed aggression between Israel and Palestine, have strengthened the case for the reform of the Security Council.

“Today’s challenges can only be resolved by a Security Council whose working methods engender transparency, inclusivity, and common ownership through equitable representation of all regions in the decision making process of the Council. It is imperative that we take advantage of 2015, which also

marks the 50th Anniversary of the 1965 reform, to make concrete progress on the reform of the Council.

“We call for a fast-tracked process, in line with the initiative of His Excellency John Ashe, President of the 68th General Assembly, for establishing a working Group on reform. Indeed, the Security Council requires the collective resolve of all member states to ensure that 2015 brings decisive progress”. The Nigerian president lamented that, the UN was established about 70 years ago to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, it was sad that the world continues to experience conflict and human suffering.

He said, “Today’s terrorism is vicious and aimless. Its consequences are extremely agonizing, marked by a tendency to annihilate victims, and completely destroy infrastructure and properties. The involvement of foreign fighters has remained a common feature of terrorist groups - whether Al Qaeda in the Maghreb, Al Shaabab in Somalia, Boko Haram in Nigeria, or the newly emerging Islamic State (I.S).

“The new dimension introduced

by I.S. to conquer territory and establish its destructive ideology, is a major challenge that must be collectively halted before it becomes the norm. This refocuses attention on the need to review present tools for United Nations peacekeeping operations”.

On to the outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus disease in West Africa, Jonathan who confidently assured the United Nations that Nigeria was now free of the disease, noted however that the world must act in unison to stop the disease from becoming a global disaster.

He said, “While Nigeria was able to respond effectively to control the spread of the disease, the situation in Liberia and Sierra Leone requires sustainable, collective global action to contain. Through the concerted efforts of our healthcare professionals, the World Health Organisation and our international partners, we have been able to contain the EVD and we can confidently say that Nigeria is today, Ebola-free.

“We have however continued to support efforts at containing the spread of the disease in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. It is pertinent to stress the need for the international community to properly appreciate the enormity of the EVD challenge.

“Indulging in isolationist and discriminatory tendencies will only worsen an already critical situation. To prevent the disease from becoming a global catastrophe, the UN must accord it the concerted effort it deserves,” the President said.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s belief in the indispensable role of the UN in the global bid to overcome the challenges of conflict, terrorism, climate change and economic development, even as he said, “We have been, and will remain a reliable and active partner, especially as we collectively work to resolve the new and emerging threats to global peace and security”.

news extra 7

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Deportation of Nigerian Student A Mistake, Egypt Air Tells Reps The legal representative of Egypt Air, Robert Clarke (SAN), yesterday admitted before the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora that the airline’s wrongful routing of a Nigerian teenager’s ticket to Kiev, Ukraine, led to his maltreatment and deportation by immigration authorities.

Joshua Abdul-Azeez, 17, was on his way to school in Kiev, the Ukrainian capital, when his passport was seized and torn by immigration officials at the Istanbul Airport in Turkey for not possessing a visa to his preferred destination, Moldova.

While admitting fault, Clark said the incident of maltreatment and harrassment did not occur while the complainant was still in the physical custody of Egypt Air. He said, ‘’Although, my clients made a mistake when his ticket was being routed which had to do with the exchange between Egypt Air and a Turkish airline’’. ‘’However, the boy partly caused the problem for himself when he entered a Turkish airline that was not going to Kiev. He tried to board a plane that was going to Moldova; that was when it was discovered that he did not have a visa to the that destination.’’

By Adesuwa Tsan and Edegbe Odemwingie, Abuja

30 Unregistered Coys Executing Niger Delta Projects – Reps

A House of Representatives’ probe into contracts being handled by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has revealed 30 firms executing multibillion naira projects without due company registration.

The Warman Ogoriba-led House Committee on Niger Delta disclosed yesterday that it would release a comprehensive list of the indicted companies at the end of its ongoing five-day public hearing on progress of work on the 338 km East-West Road.

Also, the committee summoned the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Steve Oru over illegal contract awards. Oru is expected to answer queries on the shady transfer of road contracts awarded to Trata but allegedly transferred to a third party construction company, Heartland.

The House committee directed Heartland to stop work on the road.

Ogoriba, “Those companies were not registered with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). About two years ago I did a verification of those companies and discovered that they were not registered.”

Ogoriba threatened the ministry with zero allocation in the 2015 budget due to the inability of the various contractors handling Niger Delta road projects to show results.

By Edegbe Odemwingie and Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

L- R : A d a m a w a State APC chairperson, Hon Binta Masi Garba, former Vi ce Pre s i d e n t Atiku Abubakar, Senate Minority Leader Sen George Akume, Sen Bukar Abba Ibrahim and others d u r i n g At i k u ‘s declaration for 2015 presidency in Abuja yesterday.

P H OTO BY OYE D E L E OMOKAGBO

2015: Jonathan Not Eligible To Contest – PDP, APC Members

By Kunle Olasanmi , abuja

presidential election twice, won and took the oath of office Some members of the Peoples and allegiance twice in respect Democratic Party (PDP) and of that office can no longer All Progressives Congress present himself for election to (APC) have approached a that office the third time. federal high court sitting The suit marked: FHC/ABJ/ in Abuja to restrain the CS/662/2014, with Adejumo Independent National Mansouru Ajagbe (a member Electoral Commission (INEC) of the PDP from Lagos State) and the attorney general of and Olatoye Wahab (a member the federation (AGF) from of the APC from Osun State) as allowing President Goodluck plaintiffs, listed the AGF and Jonathan to participate in the INEC as defendants.

2015 presidential election.

The case, filed by James In a suit filed by four Senior Ocholi, Abiodun Owonikoko, Advocates of Nigeria, the Okon Efut and Mahmu Magaji plaintiffs argued that by (all SANs), has been assigned the 1999 Constitution (as to Justice Ahmed Ramat amended), the president, Mohammed for hearing. having contested the

They raised five questions for the court’s determination and are seeking seven reliefs: to include an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the AGF and INEC from accepting as candidate in the 2015 presidential election any body caught by “two previous election limit and eight year term limit.”

PDP Aspirant wants Appeal Court to join him in suit against President’s candidacy A presidential aspirant under the platform of the PDP from Adamawa State, Dr, Umar Ardo has applied to be joined in the

appeal against the judgement of Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi, which declared that President Goodluck Jonathan is eligible to contest the 2015 election.

Ardo, through his counsel, Dr. Amuda Kannike (SAN), in a motion on notice begged the court to join him as an interested party in the party filed by Cyriacus Njoku.

Justice Oniyangi who was a judge of the High Court of the FCT, (now elevated to the Appeal Court) dismissed the case brought by Njoku and declared that President Jonathan is eligible to contest next year’s Presidential election.

Nyako’s Impeachment: Fintiri Files Application To Stop Judgement

BY OLUGBENGA SOYELE, Lagos

Worried that the judgment fixed for September 30 by the federal high court in Lagos, in a suit seeking reinstatement of sacked governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, may not go his way, the acting governor of the state, Umaru Fintiri has filed an application seeking to stop the judgment.

In the application filed before Justice Okon Abang, Fintiri, through his lawyer, Chief Wole Ola-

nipekun (SAN), want the court to set aside all the proceedings so far conducted in the suit.

It would be recalled that a Lagosbased lawyer, Olukoya Ogungbeje had filed the suit to contest the legality of Nyako’s impeachment and had maintained that the development was a clear departure from established due process of law.

After Nyako’s impeachment and the resignation of Nyako’s deputy, Fintiri, who was then the speaker of the Adamawa State House of As-

sembly, emerged as the acting governor.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed October 11, 2014 for the gubernatorial by-election in the state.

Justice Abang had fixed judgment in the case after the two parties duly filed their processes for and against the matter and the conclusion of arguments in the matter.

However, Olanipekun, a former President of the Nigerian Bar As-

sociation (NBA), is arguing in the fresh motion that his clients were not served in accordance with the law, and as such, the court should strike out the entire proceedings.

Olanipekun further argued that the address for service on Fintiri, Mammadi and House of Assembly as put in the originating motion was vague, and that Nyako himself had filed a separate suit to challenge his removal at the Adamawa State High Court, Yola Division.

LEADERSHIP reports that Fulani gunmen numbering over 100 invaded Gidan Gambo village on Tuesday morning, killing 12 people and razing over 40 houses.

Fielding questions from journalists, Buldi who was held captive by the youths at Gidan Gambo disclosed that he was caught while trying to escape with his Fulani kinsmen after an attack on the community.

He divulged that he was hired along with over 100 others by Alago

people to carry out serial attacks on Eggon communities in the southern senatorial zone of the state.

He said, “I don’t know that it will turn out to be bad for me.It is my fellow Fulanimen from Keana, Azara and Obi, about 200 of us were hired to come and attack the village and kill Eggon and burn their houses.’’

When asked who hired them, he said, “The Alago people contracted us; they gave our elders N300,000 and when our elders rejected the

amount. They added N100,000 and the money was taken to us at Ipkosogye where we are camping.

When they gave us the money they also gave us ammunition and some new big guns they gave us food and water at the camp too ’’ Asked the location of the camp, Buldi said: “The place is at Ikposogye, we normally hide under the broken down heavy duty equipment at construction site along Ikposogye–Obi road.’’

Captured Gunman Reveals Sponsors Of Nasarawa Crises

BY DONATUS NADI, Lafia

Alleged Fulani gunman, Abdullahi Buldi, captured after the invasion of Gidan Gambo village in Lafia East development area of Nasarawa State on Tuesday morning, by the youths in the area has revealed their sponsor.

Buldi, 25 , was captured by his victims at the scene of the attack while trying to escape after the early morning attack.

8 News north-central

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Defection Of Members: APC Can’t Intimidate PDP – Kogi PDP

BY SAM EGWU, Lokoja

Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described as “motion without movement” Tuesday’s defection of some members of the party to the opposition, All Progressives Congress (APC), saying APC cannot intimidate PDP in the state.

The party alleged that only two members of the state House of Assembly led by a former speaker of the House, Hon Abdullahi Bello left the party, disclosing that their action is a “misadventure”.

The state public relations officer of the PDP, Mallam Abdulkareem Mohammed in a statement in Lokoja, yesterday said the PDP in Kogi State “is not losing sleep over it” as the defectors will not be missed.

Mohammed who queried the authenticity of the figures said to have defected, described the few

short news Kogi Flags Off Sanitisers’ Distribution As primary and secondary schools set to resume in Kogi State, Ministry of Education has flagged-off the distribution of hand sanitizers against ebola disease in the state.

Commissioner of education, Dr Agnes Okhai, who displayed the items before education stakeholders yesterday in Lokoja, said this would be used to forestall any possible contact with the deadly disease.

Okhai expressed appreciation to the governor of the state, Idris Wada for taking prompt action in response to the emergency demanded to fight the contact and spread of ebola virus in the state.

By Sam Egwu, Lokoja

who left as political entrepreneurs who have lost relevance.

According to him, the APC leadership is fond of ‘sweet-mouthing’ their strength on the pages of newspapers, adding that the latest claim of 5000 newly acquired members would have to be proved at the poll.

Abdulkareem also faulted repeated references to former speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon Abdullahi Bello as a former acting governor, pointing out that, “Bello was speaker; he never acted for one second as a governor in Kogi State’s history.”

He posited that the philosophy behind the defection is what makes it worthless for the PDP to worry about. “Let’s start with the ring leader, Clarence Olafemi; he was everything in Kogi State except a substantive governor; twice he was in the assembly, he was speaker of the House.

Church Declares 4-day Fasting For Peace In Nasarawa The Evangelical Reformed Church of Christ (ERCC) has directed its members nationwide to dress in sack clothes and undertake four days fasting and prayers to seek God’s intervention in the prolonged killings of Nasarawa citizens by insurgents.

President of the church, Very Rev. Lakayana Otso, gave the directive yesterday at the ERCC headquarters in Alushi, near Akwanga when over 500 clerics converged to offer prayers and supplications for the restoration of lasting peace in Nasarawa State.

Very Rev. Ezekiel Rhila, who delivered words of exhortation, tasked Christians on serious soul searching and self examination saying societies are bedeviled by crisis today because man has turned away from his creator.

Taking scriptural passage from the book of Leviticus 26:14-46, which central theme was “God will punish his people when they turn away from him through wars, epidemics and famine”, the cleric charged believers to always turn to God when in difficulty for intervention rather than resorting to violence.

By Donatus Nadi, Lafia

short news ‘Federal Agencies Also Depend On State Govt’ Niger State governor, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu has stated that despite the poor revenue standing of the state, federal agencies in the state still get financial assistance from the state government and therefore called for a review of the revenue sharing formula for the states.

Aliyu who received the new sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC), Mr Ugochukwu Ugbona and the UNICEF chief of field, Mr Uptal Moitra jointly at Government House said without support from the state governments some of the federal agencies may not function well in the states.

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

Chairman, board of directors, KCMB Microfinance Bank, Mr. Demola Banu (2nd left), during the presentation of dividends of KCMB to the Kwara State governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed (2nd right), at Government House, Ilorin, yesterday. They are flanked by a director of the bank, Mr Alex Okoh (right) and another member of the bank, Mrs Adekemi Akande.

I’m Not Behind Tambuwal/Amaechi Presidential Ticket – Gov Aliyu

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

Niger State governor, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu has denied promoting speaker of House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal and Rivers State governor, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi as presidential and vice presidential candidates respectively in 2015 election, describing the speculations as the handiwork of his political enemies aimed at misleading Nigerians.

The governor who made his position known in a statement by his

chief press secretary, Israel Ayegba Ebije, stated that Amaechi who was fingered to have made the revelation has since denied knowledge of the story and has distanced himself from the online publication.

Aliyu therefore, maintained that the publication which claimed he and Lamido had deceived Amaechi to leave the PDP for the opposition to pursue political ambition as vice president in the next general election is spurious adding that it was aimed at

misleading Nigerians.

“Let me state clearly that Lamido and I never asked Rotimi Amaechi to contest the 2015 presidential election with Tambuwal. Why should we be the ones to ask him to run for vice president when he is capable of pursuing any career of his choice without our counsel?”

“I believe those behind the publication have been hired to mislead Nigerians. They intend to engage in wrong claims purposely to satisfy the narrow interest of their paymasters.”

2015: Leaders Must Ensure Free, Fair Election Or Risk Revolution – Shehu Sani

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

The president of Civil Congress of Nigeria, Comrade Shehu Sani has urged those in power to ensure that elections in 2015 are free and fair or risk revolution because people were getting more enlightened about the need for good leadership.

Sani who spoke yesterday at a lecture to mark the Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), press week at the IBB Pen House Minna, posited also that religious and ethnic affiliations should not be the basis for electing leaders.

He stated that the ordinary citizens across the country were not concerned about where their leaders come from but have been in need of good leadership devoid of any regional, religion or primordial considerations.

He said based on the desire of the people, “Those running the affairs of the country must ensure that 2015 election is free and fair or risk revolution, citizens are getting enlightened and are prepared to fight for their right”.

According to him, President Goodluck Jonathan’s impact as president has not been felt in the Niger Delta area by ordinary people

but just few privileged individuals.

Sani said akin to when the northerners were occupying the leadership position of this country only few privileged individuals enjoy in Niger Delta to the detriment of the majority of the people.

“Those who benefited when Northerners occupied the position of authority are the bourgeoisie. when they were united, while the ordinary northerners suffered, even not only Bourgeoisies militants, agents of Multinational Corporation and some few political leaders that are enjoying President Jonathan administration in the Niger Delta”, he said.

Ebola: ASUP Calls For Preventive Measures

BY ACHOR ABIMAJE,Jos

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has called on government at all levels to put in place the necessary preventive measures towards a complete eradication of ebola virus disease (EVD) in the country.

ASUP also frowned at September 22, resumption date for primary and secondary schools noting

that the unpreparedness of government in securing the lives of both teachers and students in both primary and secondary schools before resumption is most unfortunate.

According to a communique issued at the end of its 78th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and signed by the national publicity secretary, Comrade Clement Chirman and made available to LEADERSHIP in Jos yesterday, the

union lamented the threat of ebola virus disease in West Africa saying that all hands must be on deck to ensure total eradication of the disease and prevent its spread to other neighbouring countries.

They called on federal, state and local governments as well as non-governmental organisations to step up the fight against ebola virus disease with a view to eradicating the deadly disease in the country.

news north-East, north-west 9 Tikau Emirate Raises 2,175 Trees For Planting In 87 Schools

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Kano 2015: I Want To Kick Poverty Out Of Kano – Gen Murtala’s Son

By Abubakar Salihi, Kano

Former special adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on foreign affairs and Kano State gubernatorial aspirant, Abbah Risqua Muhammed has said that his gubernatorial aspiration under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is meant to kick poverty out of Kano State.

Abbah, who is the only surviving son of late former head of state, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, stated this when he led

his campaign team on a visit to the newly elected state party chairman, Rabi’u Dan Sharu at his residence in Kano.

He added that his aspiration is based on the zeal to contribute his quota towards the development of Kano State and the nation in general.

Abbah, who said he had been part and parcel of the state’s politics since 2007, added that he had accepted to run for the gubernatorial seat in 2015 after careful examination of the state’s political trends.

“I have been a PDP member all along and I attempted to contest in 2007, but due to certain reasons, I withdrew. My aspiration to contest the governor’s seat is not a do-ordie affair.

“I believe in democracy and its tenets; therefore, I am optimistic that politics will thrive under equity and fairness,” he said.

In his response, Kano State PDP chairman, Rabi’u Dan Sharu stated that the party has received many aspirants, adding that the leaders of the party wished them all well

and asked them to respect the principle of party supremacy.

According to him, the leadership of the party in the state will ensure that justice and fairness play a vital role in whatever they do.

Abbah later paid a visit to the late Mallam Aminu Kano’s residence at Mumbayya House after visiting his father’s grave at Murtala Muhammed Friday Mosque. where Sheikh Kabiru Badamasi Dan Taura led a special prayer session for the late General Murtala Ramat Muhammed.

L-R: Chairman, Adamawa PDP, Chief Joel Madaki (left), presenting the acting governor, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri, as the party’s candidate for the October 11 governorship byelection at a campaign rally in Jada lga, Adamawa State, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN

short news 2015: Katsina APC Legislators Endorse Buhari For Presidency Members of the Katsina State House of Assembly under the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday endorsed former head of state and leader of the party, General Muhammadu Buhari for the 2015 presidential elections.

Minority leader of the House, Hon Ibrahim Mahuta, representing Malumfashi constituency in the state, disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Kaduna.

By Isaiah Benjamin, Kaduna

Kaduna Killings: Sanga Natives Started Crises – Kaduna Govt

BY MIDAT JOSEPH,, Kaduna

Kaduna State government yesterday disclosed that the genesis of the crises in Sanga local government area was the killing of Fulanis by the natives of the area.

The commissioner of information, Mr Ben Bako who disclosed this while speaking to journalists said, “The genesis of the crises in Sanga local government has to do with the killings of Fulanis by the natives, followed by the retaliation by the Fulanis and another retaliation by the natives precisely in Numana Chiefdom, and

that is why it is only in the Numana Chiefdom that the killings are taking place.”

LEADERSHIP gathered that the villages of Sanga local government have seen over 12 attacks with a total death toll of 300 since July this year.

The commissioner said the government was doing everything possible to arrest the security challenges in the state, adding “the fact that we still have security challenges in few areas of Kaduna State does not mean that we have not achieved a lot in terms of security in this state.”

“There is no day we don’t get reports of one killing or the other in Birnin Gwari local government; maybe it is not given any colouration because Birnin-Gwari is a predominantly Hausa and Muslim settlement; so it cannot be given the kind of impression that is being given in Southern Kaduna where you have a chunk of Muslims and Christians living together.

“In fact, killings in Southern Kaduna are from time to time, but there is no day we don’t get reports of one killing or the other in Birnin-Gwari,” he said.

‘I Received 500 Threat Calls Over Nyako’s Impeachment’

BY MOHAMMED ISMAIL, Yola

One of the Adamawa State lawmakers who actively participated in the impeachment of Governor Murtala Nyako, Hon Hamman Tukur Yettisuri has alleged that he received about 500 threat phone calls intended to scare him to drop the impeachment drive.

The lawmaker who represents Jada-Mbulo constituency in the state House of Assembly made the confession during the campaign tour of acting Governor Umaru Ah-

madu Fintiri who was at Jada and Mayo Belwa local governments in continuation of his campaign tour.

“I received about 500 threat calls each day during the impeachment proceedings that culminated in the impeachment of Nyako,” he said.

Yettisuri explained that one of the reasons behind the lawmakers’ success in their bid to remove the former governor was their steadfastness, adding that the lawmakers were not self-seeking in their disposition.

He said several insults were hurled

at him throughout the period that the impeachment saga lasted, adding that other lawmakers were also not spared the fury.

Meanwhile, the Jada campaign rally witnessed an unprecedented attendance by people in each of the local governments visited as four of the PDP aspirants who stepped down for Fintiri ahead of the party primaries namely Awwal Tukur, Senator Abubakar Girei, Enginneer Markus Gundiri and Jerry Kumdisi were on the entourage to drum support for the acting governor.

short news Sokoto 2015: ‘Shagari, Wali Should Support Gada’ Chairman of the Senator Abubakar Umar Gada Foundation in Sokoto State, Hon Nasiru Garba Kalanbaina has called on Senator Abdallah Wali and the deputy governor of the state, Alhaji Mukhtari Shehu Shagari to lend their support to the candidature of Sen Abubakar Umar Gada for the governorship of the state under PDP. He noted that Gada as a loyal and committed party member had suffered a lot to ensure the survival of the party’s unity and progress in the state.

By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto

The emir of Tikau in Yobe State, Alhaji Muhammed Ibn Abubakar Grema, has said that his Emirate Council has raised 2,175 trees for planting in 87 schools under his emirate.

Speaking to journalists in his palace after his council meeting on the first phase of a five-year tree planting initiative in Nangere local government area, he said the emirate council has adopted a fresh approach to tree planting in schools and along major roads to fight desertification.

He added that 25 trees will be planted in each of the 77 primary schools, three junior secondary schools and seven senior secondary schools in the emirate.

The emir announced that his emirate’s tree planting committee had on its own raised 2,000 economic tree seedlings and distributed them to its five districts to add to their already raised seedlings for distribution.

By Hussaini Jirgi, Damaturu

600,000 Adamawa Farmers To Benefit From GES About 600,000 farmers in Adamawa State are billed to benefit from fertiliser subsidy under the federal government’s Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) this year.

This was revealed by the state director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Walia Hamman, during the flag-off of the second phase of GES fertiliser distribution at Kofare Ward of Yola.

Hamman noted that the development followed a request sent to the minister of agriculture and rural development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina by the acting governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, aimed at boosting agriculture in the state.

He explained that under the programme, each farmer would be given two bags of subsidised fertiliser, and expressed the hope that the gesture would lead to a bumper harvest.

In his address, the state commissioner for agriculture, Chief John Elias, said the state government had received the supply of 1.2 million bags of fertiliser for this cropping season.

By Mohammed Ismail, Yola

10

stories of the Thursday, September 25, 2014

...NEWS WITH A HUMAN FACE

ACCIDENT: 6 Die In Auto Crash

By Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

No fewer than six persons have been reported dead in a ghastly motor accident involving an 18 seater bus and a truck along Owerri/Aba road yesterday.

According to an eye witness account who disclosed the incident to LEADERSHIP, the commuter bus which was en route to Lagos State from Aba, was said to have failed its brake and consequently, rammed into the truck , killing about 10 passengers on the spot.

The witness further narrated that the incident which occurred at about 8 15am saw many sympathizers trying to rescue the victims before the arrival of the officers of the Federal Road safety Commission (FRSC) to the scene.

Among the dead, according to an eyewitness, is the driver of the bus who was said to have died along five other passengers of the bus, asserting that the survivors of the incident were all in critical condition.

“I doubt if they can all make it, from the way they look, it would only take the grace of God to keep them alive” said the witness.

However, confirming the incident to LEADERSHIP, the state sector commander of FRSC, Yusuf Salami said that six persons from the bus died on the spot while nine were seriously injured.

DEATH: Cable Vandal Electrocuted

By Muazu Elazeh, Katsina

A yet-to-be identified middle-aged man suspected to be a cable vandal has been found dead near a transformer sub-station in Katsina municipal.

It was gathered that the lifeless body of the suspected cable vandal was found, Wednesday, near a transformer at the popular Open Air Theatre along Jibiya road in Katsina metropolis.

Sources said staffers of the Katsina State History and Culture Bureau who resumed for work at the Katsina Open Air Theatre, reportedly found the lifeless body of the deceased and they called the men of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) believed to be on patrol around the area”.

While addressing reporters at the scene of the incident, the head of anti vandal unit of the Command, CSC Bishir Dansada Kurfi, stated that his men who were on patrol, were alerted by the officials of the Katsina State History and Culture Bureau and quickly rushed to the scene.

Kurfi said preliminary findings revealed that the deceased was out on a mission to vandalise cables and may have met his untimely death while attempting to disconnect cables from the transformer.

An overloaded vehicle on OtuIseyin road in Oyo State, yesterday.

Photo By Nan

RAPE: Man Gets Life Sentence

By JOSHUA DADA, Oshogbo

A High Court of Justice sitting in Ilesa, Osun State, has sentenced Mr. Obafemi Kolawole to life imprisonment for raping a pregnant woman.

Justice A. B. AbdulKareem sentenced Kolawole on a one-count charge of rape preferred against him by the police.

According to the prosecution, Mrs Racheal Ojimi, the convict committed the offence contrary to section 358 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 vol. II, Laws of State of Osun.

Mrs. Ojimi told the court that on 15 September, 2007, the convict at about 7:30pm went to the house of the victim in Ilesa but when the victim sighted him, she took to her heels.

The convict, however, pursued her, beat her up and in the process overpowered her, tore her clothes and went further to tear her underwear.

He subsequently had carnal knowledge of

her, plucked out her pubic hair and forced the hair into her mouth and forced her to wash the hair down her throat with dry gin.

Besides, Kolawole brutally inserted a bottle opener into his victim’s genital.

Mrs. Ojimi presented a medical report to the court which was obtained from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH), Osogbo, that confirmed that the victim was raped even while pregnant at the time of the incident.

The court consequently agreed that the prosecutor Mrs. Ojimi, a Chief State counsel from Osun State Ministry of Justice has proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.

Justice AbduKareem in his judgment noted that Kolawole did not deserve to be left alone to corrupt the society with impunity, adding that his action is not only wicked but heartless.

He therefore convicted him to life imprisonment.

DOCKED: EFCC Arraigns Fishermen For Unauthorised Fishing

by OLUGBENGA SOYELE, Lagos

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned six fishermen and their company, Oshine Resources Ventures Limited before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, for allegedly engaging in illegal fishing.

The accused persons; Adekunle Oshingbosi; Momodu Ibrahim; Idowu Tuesday; Togbosi Christian; Benjamin Eyinle; Anthony Medoho and Oshine Resources Ventures, were earlier arrested by officers of the Nigerian Navy for fishing in Nigerian territorial waters without necessary approval on March 27, 2014 .

They were arraigned before the court presided over by Justice Ibrahim Buba by the EFCC on two -count charge of conspiracy and economic crime.

According to the commission, the accused

violated Sections 1(1)(2) of the Seas Fishery Act Cap S4, 2004 by engaging in fishing activities in the Nigerian territorial waters without obtaining lawful authority .

They pleaded not guilty to the charge and their counsel, Kehinde Yekeen, moved a bail application on their behalf.

The lawyer urged the court to admit the accused persons to bail in liberal terms, ‘especially in view of the poor health of some of them’.

The prosecution did not object to the bail application, a development that made Justice Buba to grant them bail in the sum of N10 million each with one surety in like sum each, who is to produce two recent passport photographs.

The court also ordered that the accused persons should be remanded in the Ikoyi prisons pending when they would perfect their bail conditions.

JAILED: Ex-convict Bags 4 Years

by JOSHUA DADA, Osogbo

For engaging in burglary, stealing and setting shop ablaze, a 22-year-old exconvict, Dare Adedokun, was sentenced to four and a half year imprisonment by a magistrate court sitting in Osogbo.

Dare who pleaded guilty to a five-count charge of conspiracy, burglary, stealing and setting a shop ablaze was arraigned along with Adeniran Joshua aged 23 and Sherif Orelope 30.

It was gathered that Joshua connived with Dare to commit the offence between 19- 29 of August, 2015. pleaded not guilty to the five- count charge against him.

Orelope was alleged to have received one of the stolen items, Nokia B 30 from Dare and Joshua, an offence contrary to, and punishable under section 427 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 vol. II law of Osun State of Nigeria 2003.

The police prosecutor, Corporal Adepoju Sunday told the court that Joshua and Dare had committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 516, 411 (1) (2), 390(9), and 433(a) of the Criminal Code Cap. 34 vol.II law of Osun State of Nigeria 2003.

Corporal Adepoju revealed that Dare and Joshua burgled Ismaila Alamu’s beer parlour located along Ika road in Ajepos compound in Ejigbo, and went away with valuables worth N30,000 on 19th, August.

He stressed that the duo later, willingly, and unlawfully, went back to set the beer parlour ablaze on 22nd September.

Dare was represented by a defence counsel, Mrs Ngwu Nnenna while Joshua and Orelope were represented by Niran Ojekale.

Ojekale sought bail for his clients in liberal terms saying that the duo is still proved as innocent until the charge is proved while Nnenna prayed to the court to tamper justice with mercy

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STORIES OF THE DAY 11

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Photo News

HUNGER: Man Fakes Madness Over Food

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

For lack of money to pay for a plate of rice and beans, a middle-aged man working with a private waste management agency in Benin City yesterday feigned madness in a restaurant located at the Kings Square, to the surprise of on-lookers and passers-by who had gathered.

The man, who later identified himself as Imafidon at the Oba Market Police Station, was reported to have gone to the restaurant where he ordered for food and after eating the food, he decided to leave without settling his bill, an action that did not go down well with the restaurant’s owner.

Rather than settling the bills, he (Imafidon) decided to play a fast one on the woman by feigning madness, assaulting the owner of the restaurant and eating from a dust bin.

The woman, however, invited the policemen of Oba Police Station who subsequently arrested and took him to the station for interrogation.

His employers were later contacted who identified as a staffer of the waste management agency and denied the claim that the young man was mad.

The manager said he was shocked to hear that his worker could feign madness to evade paying for food and pleaded for mercy on his behalf.

L-R; Minister of Works Mike Onolememe, minister of state for Finance Amb Bashir Yugudu, minister of Mines and Steel Development Mohammed Musa Sada, minister of Police Affairs Abduljelili Oyewale Adesiyan and minister of Special Duties Alhaji Taminu Turaki during the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN

CRIME: Estate Agent Absconds With Tenant’s N750,000

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

An estate agent, Patrick Okoli, who allegedly collected the sum of N750,000 rent from a tenant and failed to remit it to the landlord, has absconded in Asaba, Delta State.

Reports said that the estate agent recently moved into Asaba from Onitsha where he had been operating with dubious manners until the recent bubble burst.

It was reliably gathered that the tenant has sought for a three bedroom flat around Ogbeke square, Asaba when he entered into an agreement with the estate agent who claimed to have been in the business close to 20 years with no blemish.

But the agreement, as it were, after payment of the N750, 000 backfired when the property agent who used to socialize freely in the area with a sign post, “estate agent

here,” last Monday, allegedly disappeared with the money.

While the tenant was attempting to move into the house, his attempt to bring in his property met a brick wall during which the landlord of the house, Ogbueshi Albert Chukwudi refused him to move in, saying he had not received any money from the agent.

Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Celestina Kalu, confirmed that the police have moved into action with a view to tracking down the run away agent, adding that the tenant reported to the police, who, immediately, swung into action.

DSP Kalu disclosed that some agents in the last few weeks had been arrested for similar offences and warned members of the public, especially those looking for accommodation, to be wary of who they give their money to.

L-R: Deputy Inspector-General of Police Azumi Doma, Inspector-General of Police Suleiman Abba and Deputy Inspector-General of Police Mamman Tsafe during a meeting in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: JANE OKEKE

Death: Ex- Council Chairman Slumps, Dies

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

A former chairman of Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Alhaji Kareem Adewumi is dead.

Adewumi, 55, was said to have slumped at his residence along Ilofa-Omu-Aran road before he was rushed to Omu-Aran General Hospital where he was confirmed dead .

A relation of the deceased, Dayo Adewumi, who confirmed the incident described Adewumi’s death as shocking.

“This is shocking and unbelievable, we

were together since morning and he even drove his wife to the shop without showing any sign of imminent death.

“We only noticed he was struggling for breath and later slumped and we immediately rushed him to the hospital where he was pronounced dead,” he said.

Adewumi was the chairman of the council between 2003 and 2006.

Alhaji Luqman Owolewa, the present council chairman described the death of Adewumi as a great and irreparable loss to the community and the state in general.

L-R: Chairman, Northern Elder’s Council, Malam Tanko Yakasai; former IGP, Alhaji Gambo Jimeta and former Nasarawa State governor, Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma, at the Northern Elders’ Council meeting in Abuja, yesterday. Photo by nan

OIL BUNKERING: Navy Destroys 53 Illegal Refineries

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Warri, Delta State, said it has destroyed no fewer than 53 illegal refineries in Ashafama forest, Warri South West Local Government Area of the state.

The commander of the NNS in the state, Capt. Musa Gemu who made this known to journalists in Warri yesterday, disclosed that the 53 tonnes of crude were also burnt during an operation against bunkering in the area.

He said that no suspect was arrested during the exercise but three make-shift tents

of the criminals were destroyed, adding that the command would continue to fight illegal oil bunkering until the illicit business is completely eradicated.

While saying that the exercise was carried out at the weekend, the commander warned those who engage in illegal oil bunkering to desist from it or face the wrath of the law.

According to him, “Oil bunkering is gradually reducing in the area and I assure you that we will not relent on it until it is completely eradicated. I have been given the mandate to apprehend bunkers and destroy illegal crude oil, we will not relent.”

L-R: Senator Ado Darki, NEMA director-general Muhammad Sani-Sidi and the commandant, NSCDC, Ade Abolurin, during the unveiling of the logo belonging to NEMA ‘ See Something, Say Something’ along Kubwa expressway in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO BY OGOH JOSEPH

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land with registered title in Nigeria in sq.km

Naira Hits 2-Week High On CBN Intervention

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos with agency report

The naira, yesterday, hit a two-week closing high of N162.65 against the dollar, after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sold greenbacks directly to banks to prop up the local currency, dealers said.

The local currency closed 0.76 per cent firmer on Wednesday, a level last seen on September 9, 2014, compared to the Tuesday’s close of N163.90 to the dollar.

L -R: Group head, IT Rsik Management, UBA Plc, Mr Sam Okenye; chief risk officer, Interswitch, Mr Osioke Ojior; managing director/CEO, Digital Jewels Limited, Mrs Adedoyin Odunfa; director, e-Government, Federal Ministry of Communications Technology, Mr Tope Fashedemi; and general manager, ICT, NAMA, Mr Ifanyi Ogochukwu, during the unveiling of Security Sense Online Widom Pack by Digital Jewels.

Dealers said the central bank sold an undisclosed amount of dollars to the interbank market.

The naira has been falling for the past two weeks, weakened by the impact of the decline in global oil prices and low offshore inflows into the debt and equity markets, dealers said.

Currency traders said Italy’s Eni sold $18 million yesterday, while France’s Total sold $128 million on Tuesday, as part of their month-end dollar sales, which helped lift the naira.

Signing Of Gas Agreements Stalls NIPP Sales – BPE

BY NSE ANTHONY-UKO, Abuja

The delay in the privatisation of the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) power plants has been stalled by the delay in the signing of the gas agreements that would make the transaction bankable.

Director-general of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr Benjamin Dikki, who made this clarification, also emphasised that the project was not stalled because of politics but that the delay was occasioned by the problems of gas supply.

Speaking during a panel discussion, “Making the Power Sector Privatisation Work in a Privatised Environment,” in Lagos Dikki stated that concerted efforts were being made to secure reliable gas supply that would enable the signing of the

Equities Appreciate By N90bn

By OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

Equities market took a positive direction yesterday following gains recorded by 21 companies led by Guinness, Dangote Cement and GlaxoSmithKline.

The NSE All-Share Index appreciated by 0.67 per cent or

gas agreements.

He noted that the privatisation programme was anchored on the attainment of clearly defined goals and parameters, adding that in the case of the generation companies, capacity was expected to be ramped up from the current low levels to those that meet the minimum target capacities specified under the respective business plans submitted by the core investors.

For the distribution companies, he said, the performance of the business operations of the new owners would be measured on the basis of their abilities to reduce the AggregateTechnical, Commercial and Collection (ATC&C) loss targets specified in their business plans.

The BPE boss further enumerated the key objectives of the reform and privatisation of the power sector, 272.12 points to close at 40,809.32 against the 40,537.20 achieved on Tuesday. Also, the market capitalisation, which opened at N13.385 trillion, rose

by N90 billion to close higher at N13.475 trillion.

Guinness topped the gainers’ chart, gaining N6.01 to close at N180 per share.

Dangote Cement came second on the gainers’ chart with N6

amongst which is “to reduce the cost of doing business in Nigeria so as to attract new investments through the provision of quality and dependable power supply, which is necessary to grow the economy through industrial, commercial and socio-domestic activities.”

Others, he said, are to provide Nigerians with basic and affordable electricity infrastructure; a key to enabling them create employment for themselves; To create a robust commercial, competitive and sustainable electricity market that is private sector driven; To inject private sector managerial expertise and capital into the sector; and To reduce government expenditure in the sector and redirect savings to other sectors to meet government’s social responsibilities to its citizenry.

The director-general projected

to close at N225, while GlaxoSmithKline rose

by N4.74 to close at N64.74 per share.

Guaranty Trust Bank grew by 90 kobo to close at N28.90, and Champion Breweries gained 43 kobo to close at N9.45 per share.

On the other hand, Nestle topped the losers’ chart, dropping N19.90 to close at N1, 050 per share. Seplat followed with a loss of N10 to close at N640,

that the capital expenditure (Capex) needs of the eleven distribution companies would be around $1.8 billion in the next five years - an average of about $360 million per annum.

The DG however noted that the power sector generally would require billions of dollars of expenditure over the next five years and this expenditure was needed in order to achieve the goals of the electric power reform programme.

He added that the BPE has ensured that the purchasers were contractually obligated to make investments, adding that the federal government (through the BPE and Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission) would monitor the implementation of these requirements closely and continuously.

while Mobil dipped N5.95 to close at N174 per share.

Forte Oil lost N5.85 to close at N219 and Wapco dipped

by N1.50 to close at N128.50 per share.

In all, a total of 427.766 million shares valued at N11.90 billion, were exchanged in 4,342 deals, representing an increase of 45.31 per cent, as against a turnover of 294.390

BUSINESS QUOTE If you think your boss is stupid, remember: you wouldn’t have a job if he was any smarter.

John Gotti, gangster (1940-2002)

million shares, worth N3.49 billion, achieved in 5,097 deals on Tuesday.

UBA Capital emerged the most traded stock, accounting for 154.38 million shares valued at N324.15 million. It was trailed by AIICO Insurance, which sold 42.62 million shares worth N34.10 million, while NEM Insurance accounted for 27.19 million shares, valued at N22.91 million.

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/

Thursday, September 25, 2014

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Nigerian Customs Generates N3trn Revenue

BY Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has been able to collect total revenue of N3,048,314,862,310.03 between January 2011 and August 2014.

The spokesperson of the NCS, Mr Wale Adeniyi, who gave the figure at the I-Nigerian Initiative briefing of the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA) in Abuja, said within the first eight months of 2014 alone, over 3,961 seizures were made with majority of

them consisting of rice, textile materials, poultry, wine and alcoholic beverages and vehicles.

Adeniyi said in 2011, the service collected N741.8 billion, and in 2012, it was N850.8 billion. In 2013, the NCS collected N622.2 billion and by the end of August 2014, the service had raked in N622.2 billion.

He noted that in order to improve efficiency, the NCS has concluded the training of 3,000 of its men with their counterparts from the Nigeria Immigration

Service (NIS) and Nigeria Police while the service donated patrol vehicles for a joint patrol with the two other agencies. According to him, relevant agencies of government are now working together and linking their e-platforms for smooth clearance of goods being imported into the country.

He explained that since the service took over the management of the destination inspection services in December last year, an average of 22,500 clearances had been issued per month as against

the combined figure of 15,000 done by the three agents used in the past.

Unfortunately, progress was slowed down because a lot of machines and equipment inherited from the agents were broken down while some others were not even installed at all during the seven-year contract period.

“When we took over the Destination Inspection services in December 2013, one of the things we told government was that we needed an independent audit to let us establish the state of the health of

these machines, not just scanners but everything that was done by the Destination Inspection service providers because the project was on build, own, use and transfer basis. They were to build all the infrastructure that were needed over the period of seven years (that was the last contract) maintain it, train customs officers on how to operate and use these equipment and then transfer it at the expiration of the contract.

And so, scanners are just one infinitesimal part of the process.

Sterling Bank Targets N8.5bn Deposit From New Initiative

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos

Sterling Bank Plc has set a target deposit of N8.5 billion from its new initiative, Third Party Acquirer (3PA), by the end of December 2014, having realised over N2 billion deposit in the first six months of its introduction.

The Sterling Bank 3PA is an initiative that provides opportunity for those engaged in either formal or informal employment as well as institutions such as multi-level and strategic fund managers to make additional income by referring potential customers to the bank and in the process make additional income.

According to the executive director, Finance and Strategy of Sterling Bank, Mr Abubakar Suleiman, the scheme has so far been a success story having enlisted over 1,000 Nigerians since its inception.

“We celebrate one of the many innovations that Sterling Bank has introduced in the nation’s banking industry. We are also celebrating a scheme that has provided additional income for over 1,000 Nigerians who have enlisted in the initiative so far and one that has elicited overwhelming reaction from the market and has generated a deposit of over about N2 billion in the first six months of its introduction,” he said.

Suleiman while addressing journalists in Lagos noted that the bank has set an achievable target of N8 billion in deposit liabilities from 3PA by the end of the year when the bank would celebrate the first anniversary of the initiative.

“We all need to think of initiatives to support our people to make additional income and in the process enrich their lives just as the bank also benefits. We are using the 3PA initiative to add value to the lives of our people by providing a platform for them to sell banking solutions to the banking public at a premium,” he added.

The bank’s group head, Retail Banking Directorate, Mr Donald Osa-Edokpolo, on his own part said the success story of the initiative was based on the process put in place to ensure that only the right people were engaged by the bank.

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Senate Moves To Amend Oil, Gas Export Authority Bill

By Jonathan NdaIsaiah, Abuja

The Senate, yesterday, moved to amend the Oil and Gas Export Free Zone Authority Bill in order to produce a more legally and economic sustainable document for operations of the zone.

The Senate

President, David Mark, while declaring open a public hearing, yesterday, on the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority Cap Amendment Bill organised by the Joint Senate C o m m i t t e e on Trade and Establishment and Public Service said the fundamental ideology behind

free trade zones were economically viable laws that act as catalyst for economic growth.

He said, “The importance of the oil and gas export free zone to our economic sustenance and future cannot be undervalued, hence, the emphasis on its amendment by this gathering. This is

borne out of the need to enhance the sector, address grey areas and set it in motion for a more gainful economic contribution.

“On the part of the National Assembly, we will continue to ensure that policies geared towards economic and technological empowerment, employment

creation and human development receive the appropriate legislative framework.”

The chairman of the committee, Senator Odion Ugbesia, in his welcome address said free zones all over the world were instrumental in boosting industrial and economic growth.

500,000 Farmers To Benefit From USAID, Syngenta MoU Signing

BY RUTH TENE NATSA, Abuja

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Syngenta Nigeria, yesterday, signed a three- year memorandum of understanding (MoU) to train over 500,000 farmers and agro-dealers in Nigeria.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the US deputy chief of mission, Maria Brewer, said the MoU was targeted at spurring inclusive agricultural sector growth, boost nutritional outcomes, particularly among women and children, and increase investment in the sector.

Brewer, in her address, expressed optimism about the competence of Syngenta’s expertise as one of the global leaders in agribusiness, adding that partnering with them would benefit over 80 per cent of Nigerian farmers.

“As one of his first foreign policy acts, President Barrack Obama launched the Feed the Future Initiative in 2010 in 20 countries. This initiative combines the expertise of various US government agencies, including the USAID, with that of other international partner organisations and private sector firms.

“Together, our goal is to work with host country governments like Nigeria to spur inclusive growth, boost nutritional outcomes, particularly among women and children, and increase investment in the sector.

“In Nigeria, the Feed the Future Initiative is aligned with the federal government’s agricultural transformation agenda. Together, we partner to develop agribusiness, improve skills, strengthen extension services, support capacity and implement good policies.

“Our teams are not only teaching farmers how to plant, but also helping them learn how to run successful businesses. That means forging public-private partnerships to make sure the entire chain from farm to market table is profitable.”

However, the minister of agriculture and rural development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, who witnessed the signing, applauded the initiative, noting that without partnerships like this, there would not be significant achievements in the agriculture sector.

The minister maintained that Nigerian farmers could not and would not be allowed to use crude implements for agriculture, disclosing that in this respect, government was working hard to ensure that the sector adopts relevant technologies to boost food production.

SEC, Oteh Shine At African Investor Awards

By Friday Atufe, Abuja

The Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been adjudged as the most innovative capital markets regulator in Africa at the Africa Investor (Ai) CEO Institutional Investment Summit held at the New York Stock Exchange in the United States (US) on Tuesday.

Also, the African Capital Markets Personality of the Year was awarded to the director-general of the SEC, Arunma Oteh, for her outstanding work at the SEC in Nigeria.

The Ai is a leading international investment and communications group, which is the organiser of the awards. It was launched in 2007 and is linked to the Ai Index Series. The Ai Index Series Awards are the only pan-African awards designed to recognise Africa’s best performing stock exchanges, pension and sovereign wealth funds, listed companies, investment banks, research teams, regulators, socially responsible companies and fund managers. It is a uniquely African capital markets platform.

Commenting on the winners, Hubert Danso, CEO of Ai said, “Congratulations to all Ai winners. Once again, this latest Academy of Ai Index Series Awards winners attests to the world class quality and investment leadership that prevails in Africa, and we are delighted to be able to recognise them, along with all the shortlisted companies in all the hotly contested categories.”

Thursday, September 25, 2014

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LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES LIMITED (A SUBSIDIARY OF LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPERS GROUP)

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CONFERENCE & AWARDS CEREMONY Chairman MR. SAM AMUKA Publisher, Vanguard Media Limited Keynote Speaker MR. BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA, SAN Executive Governor, Lagos State STAR AWARDS 2013

LEADERSHIP PERSON OF THE YEAR General Yakubu Gowon GCFR LEADERSHIP GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan

LEADERSHIP POLITICIANS OF THE YEAR The G-7 Governors Dr. Babangida Aliyu (Niger) Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano) Alh. Sule Lamido (Jigawa) Alh. Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) Alh. Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Ameachi (Rivers) Alh. Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) LEADERSHIP BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR Mr. Olatunde Ayeni

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Venue: ThisDay Dome, Abuja Time: 9:00am Date: October 14th, 2014

Thursday, September 25, 2014

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Nigeria, Kenya Partnering On Agribusiness Nigeria and Kenya recorded a remarkable achievement in bilateral cooperation a fortnight ago at the landmark official launch of the KenyaNigeria Agribusiness forum in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital.

The impact of Nigeria’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda became evident as the budding Agribusiness Group (NABG), midwifed by the minister of agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, featured prominently at the forum. The president of NABG, Sani Dangote, led 38 business people from Nigeria to the event.

An excited crop of Kenyan business community at the event took advantage of the meeting to commence business-to-business relationships between the two countries in areas of opportunities that could be mutually beneficial to parties involved.

“We want to build on cooperation,” said one of the Kenyan officials, who asked for a greater access of Kenya to Nigerian market. Dr. James Mwangi, chairman of Kenya-Nigeria Joint Business Council, wondered why tea produced in Kenya has to go to Europe and be processed and labelled before making its way to the Nigerian market. “Our tea goes to Europe and then to Nigeria.

Nigeria can consume the total production of tea from Kenya. You don’t have to look for middlemen from Europe to make that trade work,” he observed, suggesting that such a product could be brought to Nigeria directly from Kenya. According to Mwangi, Nigeria’s cassava flour could be produced and called an African name. This could be sold to Kenyan consumers.

Sani Dangote from Nigeria told the Kenya delegation that “Nigeria has woken up to transform agriculture from just primary production.”

He described NABG, which he leads, as “a united front to address the issues of agriculture in Nigeria, to make it private sectordriven.” Dangote noted that “we have realised that Nigeria was not taking up its role in agriculture, but now has realised that the way forward is agriculture, and not oil.”

On the Agribusiness forum,

Dangote noted that “this platform shows that we can partner with Kenya in unlocking the potentials in agriculture. When we look at West African market, Nigeria constitutes up to 77 per cent. Nigeria has started to look beyond the borders into inter-African relationships.”

He expressed appreciation for the “vision of the two presidents for looking into the opportunities between the East and West to unlock these.” Specifically, Dangote identified dairy as one of the areas Nigeria and Kenya can partner. “If it can be done in Kenya, such an opportunity can be unlocked soon.” He expressed gratitude to the governments of Kenya and Nigeria for making what he described as “fast track” relationship.

Six months ago, Kenyan president instructed that there should be an increase in trade between Kenya and Nigeria by 50 per cent.

The two countries took these as commitment, and began transforming this into action. At the Nairobi forum, the parties on both sides signed an MoU to solidify the relationship expected to lead to enabling framework for enhancing bilateral trade.

As observed by the Kenyan cabinet secretary (minister) of agriculture, livestock and fisheries, Felix Koskei, at the event, “today marks one year since Nigerian and Kenya signed bilateral agreement on trade and agriculture.” According to him, “65 per cent of Kenya’s export is from agriculture. Kenya’s rose flower has a market share of 38 per cent of the European Union market.”

“To move agriculture forward,” Koskei remarked, agribusiness must be given more attention through investment and trade in the agriculture sector.” Koskei lamented that “inter-African trade was not up to interAsian trade of 17 per cent.”

According to him, “this forum should act as a catalyst to spur development and competitiveness is possible through economy of scale and value chain creation.” He emphasised that “expanding trade is key to accelerating cooperation between the two

agric focus

BY OLUKAYODE OYELEYE

Adesina

countries.”

He observed that technology and knowledge exchange were key drivers to agriculture where the two countries have comparative advantages. He noted that Kenya could benefit from Nigeria’s e-wallet system and fertiliser distribution methods as well as cassava, while Kenya could be of help to Nigeria on cooperative marketing approach.

In Koskei’s view, there was a dominance of primary production and marketing in crude forms, common to Nigeria and Kenya. This, he said, translates to low prices, few job opportunities and low incomes for farmers.

“Changing these will increase the income of our farmers,” he pointed out.

He observed that Kenya spends a lot of foreign exchange in importing edible oil. “The two countries can collaborate in setting up large- scale oil palm plantation, and fish can be a great opportunity for

trade.” The Kenyan minister was emphatic on the need to reduce postharvest losses.

This appears to have caught the attention of the participants from Dubai who attended the forum at the invitation of Akin Sawyerr of ALTS Consulting, who is also the executive secretary of the Agricultural Fresh Produce Growers and Exporters Association of Nigeria (AFGEAN).

Waleb Hareb Al Falahy, CEO of Dubai Consultancy, a business arm of Dubai Government, was quick to point out how the regions (Kenya and Nigeria) could work together to produce food for Dubai.

Al Falahy disclosed that, in Dubai, “We have an immediate problem of food security. We depended on the West but they failed us.

We started with Nigeria. We will still come to Nigeria.

Whatever you produce, the excess we will take.” He noted that cargo planes coming

from Nigeria fly near empty back to Dubai, but suggested that “Dubai is very strong in logistics, particularly airlines and shipping. We can come in and bring our logistics and capabilities to support production and supply chain.”

Mr Emmanuel Ijewere, coordinator of NABG, pointed out that dried meat and dried fish export could thrive in Dubai.

Nigeria’s minister of agriculture and rural development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, underscored the benefits accruable to Nigeria and Kenya through the bilateral cooperation on agriculture. According to him, “Africa produces 75 per cent of the world cocoa. Kenyans love chocolate. We must work actively to make sure we add value through processing.

On what Nigeria can offer Kenya, Adesina said, “We have introduced into Nigeria today tropical wheat varieties giving five to six metric tons per hectare as opposed to the less than one metric ton varieties.”

In Nigeria, he added, “We want, by three years, to reduce our wheat imports by half. We want joint business ventures.” On the bilateral relationship, the minister pointed out that “we don’t need MoUs, but we need IoUs.” He asked: “Why don’t we grow together?” and added that, “we want Kenyan business people working with Nigerian business people.”

On agricultural financing, he said he would “like to have Kenyan banks work with us to have financial instruments on agriculture.”

Adesina emphasised, however, that, “to everything we do here (at the forum), we should have definite timeline and we should hold ourselves to the timeline.”

The agribusiness partnership forum was mandated to promote agribusiness, to enhance trade between Kenya and Nigeria and to achieve the Joint Trade and Investment Council’s target to increase trade between Kenya and Nigeria by 50 per cent in the next four years. The identified areas of collaboration include tea, cassava, cotton, oil palm, horticulture, floriculture, beef, dairy, rice and

BUSINESS/mines & steel 21

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Abiola Ajimobi

mines & steel REPORT

Oyo Leads In Development Of Gem Buying Centres

Solid minerals

Can Solid Minerals Be Viable Alternative To Oil?

Based on presumptions that oil, which the Nigerian economy depends on, will some day dry up and the economy be at a loose end, the federal government has refocused attention on agriculture while other sectors still remain neglected.Ruth Tene Natsa writes on the viability of the solid minerals sector compared to oil.

The chairman, House Committee on Solid Minerals, Alhaji Tafida Isa Hassan, has bemoaned the lack of interests in the development of the sector, compared to the oil sector, which he said “would in no doubt dry up within two or three decades.

“Solid minerals is the main thing as there is no doubt that in the next two or three decades oil will dry up but there is no doubting the fact that it could take hundreds of years for solid minerals to fizzle out.”

The lawmaker asserted that “the United States by the year 2020 will be the highest producer of oil and will have no need of Nigeria’s oil, thus, the need to focus on reawakening the sector.

“We need to look inward and concentrate on our solid minerals right here but unfortunately, what is happening in Nigeria is that the budget dispensation is not done in a democratic way. When you look at some small organisations that have just been created such as the Fire Service and Nigeria Metrological services (NEIMET), under aviation, and others under works and housing, their total allocations could be almost 10 times higher than the whole solid minerals allocation for the year.

How do we then move forward?”

Hassan queried.

The minister of mines and steel

development, Mohammed Musa Sada, has said the sector is a very viable alternative to Nigeria’s dependence on oil. He asserted that the present government transformation agenda seeking for an alternative to the high dependence Nigeria has on oil, has found a good alternative in the solid mineral sector.

With the certainty that oil will dry up one day and leave Nigeria a crumbled economy because of its high dependence on oil to the detriment of all other possible producing sectors, such as the solid minerals and agriculture, it behoves on each and every Nigerian to take up the fight to find an alternative to oil. The solid mineral sector had in the 1960s/1970s contributed close to 10 per cent of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) but collapsed to below one per cent after the oil find and government’s nationalisation policy to take over 60 per cent of all shares of major companies in Nigeria.

It turned out that the stringent measures imposed by government to nationalise these companies and enterprises did not benefit either the government or the investors as most foreign miners abandoned their mines and returned to their countries. Other challenges which

led to the near collapse of the sector were the absence of a regulatory framework, privatisation and sales of mining equipment by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), lack or poor infrastructures, lack of access roads to mining communities, lack of capacity and expert workers in the field, lack of power and water supply to mining communities, among other reasons.

The incompletion of the Ajaokuta/Itakpe steel complexes were further problems to the sector as billions had been invested with no profit in sight, while several other projects had been abandoned, including the Nigerian Coal Corporation (NCC) which was a very active and productive branch of the sector. It is not in doubt that Nigeria is rich in mineral products, with every state having one or more mineral resource. But it is also no news that the solid minerals sector contributes below one per cent to the GDP of the nation’s economy.

The wealth of the nation lies unexplored and unexploited .

Even when the minerals are exploited, it is done illegally the effect of which is that it enriches a few, gives no revenue to the government, depreciates the environment and leaves the community at risks (as recorded in the Zamfara incidence where lead, mined illegally, exposed the whole community to lead poisoning, killing hundreds of children and inflicting other severe physical handicaps, including blindness, on children and other members of the community.

But then there is still much hope in the sector if government will take advantage of the readiness of Nigerians to harness the natural abundant resources.

He asserted that the present government transformation agenda seeking for an alternative to the high dependence Nigeria has on oil, has found a good alternative in the solid mineral sector

By Ruth Tene Natsa, Abuja

The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to the public Private Partnership (PPP) with the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development to establish a gem buying centre and develop its marble deposit.

The governor of Oyo state, Abiola Ajimobi, who was represented by his deputy, Moses Alake Adewumi, made the revelation while leading a delegation of the state government officials to the minister of mines and steel development, Musa Mohammed Sada, recently.

The deputy governor said their mission to the ministry “was to seek for more collaboration with the ministry, particularly on the establishment of the International Gemstone Buying Centre as well as the development of its marble deposit located in Igbeti community in Oyo State.

The idea for the establishment of the buying centre, in partnership with the PPP, was conceived in 2005 between the Oyo state government and the ministry which up until now had not seen the light of the day, Ajimobi said, while asserting that the federation was blessed with one mineral deposit or the other.

“Unless we are able to harness all these minerals and make sure that we prepare for the rainy day, I think Nigeria will be in trouble,” he further stated.

He expressed the determination of his state government to set up the International Gemstone Buying Centre, in collaboration with the ministry, while disclosing that the state has a marble deposit located at lgbeti community.

He explained that since 2001, there had been no mining activity on that mineral deposit which would have generated a lot of revenue to both the federal and state governments and called on the federal government to assist the state in its bid to develop the mineral deposits as he believed it would go along way in boosting its revenue generation and employment opportunities for its youths.

In his contribution, the special adviser to the governor on Solid Minerals Development, Mr Isaac Oyedokun, lauded the existing relationship between the state and the ministry which he described as cordial. He urged other states of the federation to collaborate with the federal government for the sustainable development of mineral resources and expressed hope that if such collaboration existed, the future of Nigeria would be bright.

Meanwhile, the minister, in his response, said, “We are looking at setting up three mineral buying centres; it does not have to be gemstones but depends on what minerals are being exploited in each state. This will be just a pilot programme.”

22 commerce/BUSINESS

Thursday, September 25, 2014

commerce REPORTS

SON Sensitises Block Moulders, Launches Labelling For Cement Bags OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

A scavenger on duty at Nyanya in Abuja, yesterday. photo by jane okeke

US Consortium To Invest N35bn In Nigeria’s Power Sector stories By Kingsley Alu, Abuja

The quest by the Federal Government to attract investment into the Energy Sector and boost electricity supply in the country may have received additional boost as consortium of American Investors have indicated interest to inject about 100 Mega Watts of electricity in Abuja and Kano State.

The value of the renewable energy investment is N35billion about ($212 million) and is expected to come on stream by the third quarter of 2015. The consortiums of American companies who have indicated interest are Global Business Resources USA, Global Resources Network USA, Flatbush Solar USA and Charbourne & Parke,

LLP USA. The Group which was led by Mr. James C. Nicholas, executive partner of Global Business Resources USA disclosed this yesterday when they paid a courtesy visit on the executive secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Mrs. Saratu Umar, in her office. The group is in Nigeria to explore opportunities in renewable energy development under the Umbrella of Power Africa Initiative of President Obama.

The group has already begun discussion with Abuja Distribution Company and would be visiting Kano to discuss on where to site the project and other logistics. They are also desirous to embark on rural electrification

project across the country with a view to supplying electricity to rural dwellers and provide relevant tools or device that will assist in monitoring and securing of electricity infrastructure in the country.

Responding, Umar commended them for their interest to invest in Nigeria and help develop the power sector which is very critical to the economic development of the country.

She assured of the Commission’s readiness to provide them with all necessary assistance and support for the smooth take-off of the project in Abuja and Kano, stressing that NIPC as an agency of the federal government has the mandate to encourage, promote, coordinate and monitor all investments in the Nigerian economy.

We Are Targeting Over N1.5bn From Abuja Fair – ABUCCIMA The Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA) has said that over N1.5 billion turnover was expected to be generated at the 9th Abuja International Trade Fair kicking off today.

The president of ABUCCIMA, Mr Solomon Nyagba,said at a pre-fair press conference in Abuja, said Egypt, India, Ghana, Senegal and Burkina Faso were among the foreign participation expected at the event starting from September 23 to October 6, 2014, with theme, ‘Strengthening Small and Medium Enterprises for Economic Growth.’

Nyagba, who disclosed that over 200 foreign exhibitors were expected at the fair stressed that the event would focus on strengthening small and medium

economic growth in the country in addition to promoting accelerated development of commerce and industry.

“The trade fair is targeted at promoting accelerated development of commerce and industry, and revitalisation and diversification of the economy by promoting the nation’s non-oil exports, particularly the agro-allied products and mineral resources,” he said.

Nyagba further informed that as part of its prime objective, apart from directing attention to the role of private sector in the Nigerian economy, the fair would focus on how access to resources and technology findings could be provided.

Commenting on measures put in place to ensure adequate security he said, “We are conscious of the current security

challenges in our country; hence we have been working closely with the security’s agencies in the city to ensure a hitch free trade fair.”

He also assured of adequate medical care for both visitors and exhibitors.

“We have acquired a dedicated generator to take care of power supply challenges that would sustain the whole fair and new pavilion for the foreign exhibitors,” he added while appealing to the government to provide enabling environment that would promote competitiveness in production and innovation.

“This request becomes necessary as they are veritable tool that can be used and improve the nation’s economy,” he stated.

Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has reiterated its ability to combat buildings collapse in Nigeria by sanitising block moulders in construction industry, this is also as it launched new cement bags labelling.

The director- general and CEO of SON, Dr Joseph Odumodu, speaking at the sensitisation forum on sandcrete blocks and showcasing of new cement bags labelling, organised by SON in Lagos yesterday said the forum was essential and crucial in order for SON to have a common ground.

Odumodu said it was within the organisation’s mandate to fight building collapse and construction failures.

He affirmed that the organisation was not only setting standards, but its task also include training the operators, continuous monitoring and enforcement and ensuring workable and healthy collaborations with industry operators and players.

SON at the forum introduced three different packages of cement which comprises yellow colour for 32.5 grade, blue for 42.5 grade and red for 52.5 grade.

Speaking on cement bags’ labelling, Odumodu said the parameter was not static. “We need to employ creativity and aesthetics to it. The onethird portion of the labelling on the cement can be adjusted and placed at the middle of the bag instead of down the bag,” he said.

Accion MFB Donates N2m To CIBN Endowment Fund

By Mbachu Godwin Nnanna, Abuja

A Lagos- based Accion Micro Finance Bank has announced an endowment award of N2million to the Chartered Institute of Banks of Nigeria (CIBN) for excellence in micro finance banking education.

Making the presentation yesterday at the CIBN annual conference in Abuja , Accion Microfinance Bank’s managing director and chief executive officer, Mrs Bummi Lawson, said “The development of micro finance within the Nigerian economy will help improve access to financial services for those currently excluded.”

She assured that the bank would continue to support CIBN and its programmes aimed at building adequate capacity for the micro finance banking sector in Nigeria .

Speaking while accepting the endowment on behalf of the institute ,chairman of the Council of the Chartered Institute of Banks of Nigeria (CIBN), Mrs Debola Osibogun, stated that the donation would further engender professionalism and stimulate improved performance on the part of the students writing the institute’s microfinance certification examination.

She thanked the bank for the endowment adding that it was a valuable contribution towards supporting capacity building for the micro finance banking sector and the economy The CIBN endownment fund was established by the institute to encourage the development of banking and finance industry by individuals and corporate bodies.

The micro finance bank award goes to the best overall graduating students in the micro finance certification programme.

BUSINESS/ENERGY 23

Thursday, September 25, 2014

ENERGY REPORT

HSE: AEDC Warns Against Electricity Theft

Oil spill

Nigeria, Others Endorse UN Global Strategy To Slash Emissions

By Chika Izuora/Agency Report, Lagos

Nigeria, which is sixth in the ranking of global oil producing states, has joined other major producing countries to adopt a global strategy which aims at reducing methane emissions.

Multinational oil and gas companies, major producing states and over two dozen cities, yesterday, joined forces to slash methane emissions in a partnership that can have an immediate impact in reducing global warming as part of the United Nations (UN) secretarygeneral, Ban Ki-moon’s strategy to tackle climate change.

“I am so glad to see concrete initiatives that will help reduce the release of short-lived climate pollutants into the atmosphere,” Ki-Moon said of the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership launched on the same day that he hosted the largest-ever summit of world leaders on climate change at the UN Headquarters in New York.

“These announcements show how governments, corporations and civil society can work together to reduce emissions.”

Short-lived climate pollutants, including methane, black carbon (soot), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), are responsible for a substantial portion of the increase in global temperatures and efforts to reduce them can have immediate impact in slowing the rise in global

temperatures expected over the next 35 years by as much as 0.6°C while benefiting people’s health and the production of food. LEADERSHIP learnt that Nigeria reportedly flared about 13 billion cubic metres of gas as the end of 2013.

According to a recent World Bank Group report, Nigeria loses about 2,000 megawatts (mws) of electricity for lack of gas supply while a huge volume of gas is flared daily. In the report titled “Global Gas Flaring Reduction, Proposed New Initiative,” the group said Nigeria has about 150 million people with only 6,500mws power generation capacity of which nearly 2,000mw stands idle for lack of gas and adequate infrastructure. It is also disclosed that Nigeria’s 150 million people has capacity for 6,500mws of power generation of which nearly 2,000mws stands idle for lack of gas and inadequate infrastructure.

Only half the population has electricity network access and it’s unreliable, according to the report.

Experts say that as a coping mechanism, 4,000mws is generated by household-sized diesel generators while flaring 13 billion cubic metres of gas as at the end of 2013; enough to feed 6,500mws of power.

Significant action is needed, especially by the oil and gas sector which is responsible for more than 20 per cent of the world’s methane emissions, second only to the agriculture sector.

Industry partners in yesterday’s endorsement include ENI of Italy; Petróleos Mexicanos or Pemex; Southwestern Energy, the U.S. gas company; Norway’s Statoil Group; BG Group, the former British Gas, and Thailand’s oil and gas company, PTT. Governments which have signed on include those from major oil and gas producing countries such as Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Russia and the United States.

One of the planks in the strategy seeks to reduce pollutants from municipal solid waste and over 25 cities are committed to carry out quantifiable plans of action to cut them by 2020.

The network is anticipated to expand to 50 cities by next year with the goal of 150 cities by 2020, and eventually to include 1,000 cities.

Solid waste landfills are the third-largest human-caused source of methane, making up about 11 per cent of estimated global methane emissions.

The transportation sector contributes roughly 22 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and about 19 per cent of emissions of black carbon (soot), a powerful pollutant with significant adverse health impacts, and the plan seeks to slash these emissions with green freight programmes in key countries and regions, particularly in developing economies where freight growth is projected to expand rapidly.

Short-lived climate pollutants, including methane, black carbon (soot), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), are responsible for a substantial portion of the increase in global temperatures

By Juliet Alohan, Abuja

As part of efforts to sensitise its customers on Health, Environment and Safety (HSE) issues, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has called on electricity consumers to avoid tempering with electrical installations and infrastructure within their environment.

The company, which recently carried out its 3rd HSE sensitisation programme since taking over on November, 1, 2013, also asked electricity consumers, particularly those within its operational areas in the FCT as well as Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger states, to avoid theft of electricity.

Addressing journalists during the programme, the company’s director, Commercial Service, Ernest Mupwaya, said the HSE is fully integrated in the AEDC’s operations as a company striving to improve its services.

He said, “We value issues of health and environment because it’s not just about selling electricity and making money. If our product is not handled properly, it can cause injury or death. We take it as our primary responsibility to educate our customers in the safe handling of electricity. Particularly in the areas of avoiding vandalism, encroachment on installations, and tempering with installations because these are areas where accidents can potentially occur.”

The AEDC, he said, will continue to seek ways to mitigate vandalism of its installations, noting that the company is partnering with relevant security organisations in that regard, even as he warned that vandalisation of installations is a criminal offence punishable by law. He also called on customers not to part with money for repairs of faulty installations to any staff or anyone purporting to be a staff of the company. He said customers are free to report such issues to the company’s call centres, adding that it is their sole responsibility to fix any fault.

Receiving the AEDC team at Lugbe, Abuja, the chairman, Lugbe Community Development Association, Price Mustapha and Lugbe Youth Leader, Gauis Anini pledged to support the company in the protection of their installations within the area while showing appreciation for the sensitisation programme.

24 ENERGY /BUSINESS

Thursday, September 25, 2014

‘Enabling Law, Not Price Increase, Needed For Gas-to-power’ In this interview with JULIET ALOHAN, industry analyst and former senior technical assistant to the former minister of energy, Dan Kunle, suggests the need to advance gas production and supply through use of executive frameworks rather than price increase.

It is understood that the recent increase in gas price is intended to ensure better supply to the power sector by bridging price disparity.

What’s your take on this?

Those excuses are just derivative excuses; they are not the fundamental reasons.

The fundamental reason is that there is no specific law that has addressed gas exploration and production. The 1969 Petroleum Act which was a military degree had no law governing gas. The law provided so much for oil exploration and mining because at that time gas was not yet a phenomenal commodity. It wasn’t until 1999 when the decree for the Bonny LNG was signed that a specific law was signed in respect of gas production.

So the International Oil Companies (IOCs) know that there is no exact legal framework that guides gas exploration, processing and monetisation within the Nigerian domestic economy, therefore, an executive order is needed from the president. The enforcement we need to flow from government is to realign and modify such windows, since the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) is not yet in place, and use such executive frameworks to advance the production and supply of gas.

It will be doable for the IOCs if they see the enabling political push from government.

In your view, will the new gas price address gas supply challenges in the power sector?

Do you know the reflective cost per kilowatt hour? If care is not taken, it will be about N40. Which domestic consumer will pay that in this country? Nobody has shown me the arithmetic but if what we are paying currently is $1.50 and consumers are paying between N14 and N25 depending on their category, by the time you escalate the price to $3.30 what will be the price that the domestic consumer will pay? Will the distributor be asked to pass this cost or will the distributor be given the cost but be mandated to sell electricity at the old price and who will give the difference?

The electricity industry in Nigeria is currently in financial deficit in excess of $2.2 billion because of all the legacy debt accumulated when the sector was under government management. Who is going to underwrite this $2.2 billion is still a question. Will the

federal government underwrite it through issue of bond or ask the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to use their internally generated revenue to write it off? And when you free the industry of the deficit, how do you now grow the graph without new deficit being accumulated again?

What do you make of the recent statement by the new Total Nigeria CEO regarding the price of gas in Nigeria?

I have not met her but I welcome her to Nigeria. However, she has done a firework which is not good, particularly, for the electricity industry and the Nigerian government should not just ignore her statement. She’s already setting an agenda for a spiral upward review of gas price but the people in government should be guided not to use gas as a single driving lever for the electricity industry in Nigeria.

In Nigeria we have comparative advantage of gas, so I expected that statement to have been immediately addressed by the relevant government agencies.

She said $3.30 is not yet the right economic price for gas; that means she’s pushing for international price of gas in Nigeria. Can government ignore such statement? Can we use the international price of gas to develop our economy? She’s pushing for an international price so that her company can take advantage to make more money from our gas.

Is it possible for government to have a law directing gas producers in the country to supply a specific percentage of their production to the power sector without breach?

It is possible. Once you have a law that is investment friendly, they will oblige because gas by nature is more complex to handle than oil. It is an instantaneous product. Once you distort it from its natural formation and reserve, all the processes you need to handle it to the end user are very complex. You must put flow lines and pipe it to where it is needed, and if they are not ready where you are taking it, you can only store it by liquefaction.

Nigeria’s liquefaction plant in Bonny is doing 22 million tonnes a year. But the commodity is being taken to the international market because we want to make money. We are not taking

Kunle

it to the domestic market, but we are currently selling it at the international market and government owns 49 per cent of that 22 million tonnes. So that political will that made government to create 22 million tonnes ventures in Bonny LNG should also be used to create such fortunes for the domestic market.

The Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) has said it is currently the largest producer of gas in the country.

Can’t government ask it to assign a certain amount of the gas it produces for domestic consumption just as we have crude set aside for local refining?

Let me say this, the current minister of petroleum is audacious in that she has tried to realign the upstream and shift it a bit in favour of the indigenous companies which we call local content. She has taken a very bold step in that regard. But how fast those indigenous companies can go is another issue because of technical capacity, knowledge and finance which resides with the IOCs. Luckily, we have a lot of technical experts in Nigeria. But the indigenous companies cannot rapidly, because of the complexity of gas, build up investment and gas infrastructure that will be near sufficient for the power industry at an economic price.

What then can be done to empower them?

They need incentive. The minister of petroleum will have to go further and fight for additional incentive for them so that they can accelerate their development. They should give them incentives such as tax holiday and import duty

waiver for all the equipment they are going to bring. They should free them from the various taxes that add up so much cost at the end of the day because whatever they want to do will have bill of quantity to minimise the foul play and fraudulent tendencies that may go with such blanket waivers.

Then they should be given two pricing mechanism: one price to power sector at an economic rate and one price to the commercial arena from where they can recoup their investment.

What happens if they fail in the supply obligation despite these incentives?

If you define your electricity generating segment properly, which of course is scientific, they will not fail. You know how many volume of gas a 100 megawatt power plant needs per day; you know where it will come from.

That is why you have the market operator, the gas aggregator and the bulk trader to ensure issues like this. Once you set the framework and the rules, they will abide by it. They know for instance that 20 per cent of what they produce goes through a particular pipeline to a particular power plant.

Once they fulfil that obligation, they know they have the remaining 80 per cent to sell to petrochemical or urea armorial plants at commercial price.

Also government can intervene in the pricing mechanism of some critical industries such as aluminium and fertiliser plants so as to stimulate the domestic economy.

25

Thursday, September 25, 2014

CELEBRATING BAZE UNIVERSITY’S Baze University, a world class private university in Abuja holds its first graduation ceremony on Saturday October 11, 2014.

FIRST GRADUATION CEREMONY

The visioner and Pro-chancellor, Senator Baba Datti Ahmed Phd, invites friends and well-wishers to witness the making of history.

LEADERSHIP, the official newspaper of the university, will publish a special pull-out on the landmark achievements and defining impact of the school.

It’s an inevitable platform for your adverts and congratulatory messages!

Nigeria Tactical fare ad-NP 7x5.pdf

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www.bazeuniversity.edu.ng

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HENRY on 08068640944 e-mail: henro101@yahoo.com MR. IBE REGINALD on 08037880164 e-mail: ibereginald@yahoo.com

YOU CAN’T BEAT THIS!

9/7/14

1:53 PM

JOB VACANCY Senior Operations Research Advisor, Northern Nigeria

Position Summary

The Targeted States High Impact project (TSHIP) is a six year USAID-funded project aimed at raising the quality of maternal, child health and reproductive health services in Bauchi and Sokoto states. The Senior Operations Research Advisor has responsibility to guide the development, implementation, and dissemination of the findings of key operations research activities related to MCH/FP/RH service delivery.

Key Responsibilities · · C

M

Y

· · ·

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Lead state teams and local counterparts through a process of designing and implementing research studies Identify salient topics for research in conjunction with TSHIP technical leads and local stakeholders Coordinate research studies Contribute to data analysis and report writing Contribute to the dissemination and communication of research findings to selected audiences.

The Advisor is supported by local project staff in Nigeria as well as US-based advisors at the Futures Group. The Advisor will work closely with TSHIP Project Support Team (PST), the M&E Advisor and the project Chief of Party.

Qualifications:

An advanced degree in Public Health or Social Sciences 7+ years' experience in research of public health programs Proven experience in study design, developing data collection tools, collecting quantitative and qualitative data, data analysis and data presentation · Experience in managing research involving multiple stakeholders and development partners · Experience in capacity building for research desirable · Sound understanding of reproductive health and child survival health issues in Northern Nigeria. · Strong and demonstrated organizational, personnel management and interpersonal relationship skills · Excellent communications skills, including writing and oral presentation skills.

Hausa language skills strongly preferred. · Experience working in Northern Nigeria strongly preferred.

To apply, send your CV with a brief cover letter to aosuala@futuresgroup.com Deadline: October 10th ,2014. · · ·

26

Thursday, September 25, 2014

A call to the

Beloved of

Bishop Oyedepo is a P 60 Pa

The presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide PAPA DAVID OYEDEPO clocks 60 on September 27, 2014.

The global church has its roots in Northern Nigeria, where LEaDERSHIP remains the most influential platform.

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Thursday, September 25, 2014

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Thursday, September 25, 2014

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29

30 ISSUES

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Rethinking Nollywood In The Nigerian Project

by Dr.Tunji Olaopa

There is no doubt that today, Nollywood has become a national brand. It has become the foremost signifier of our cinematic energy as a creative people. Nollywood began small, but today it has become a huge contributor to the national economy. In the recent GDP rebasing exercise, Nollywood contributed 1.2% to the national economy. If that appears little, then you have no knowledge of where and how Nollywood began.

Its beginning is founded on a shoestring budget and a creative ingenuity of a few entrepreneurs who had to face commercial risk and cinematic scorn to achieve their objectives. If you want an exact date for the beginning of Nollywood, scholars point at Kenneth Nnebue’s 1992 movie, Living in Bondage. Today, Nollywood has achieved global reckoning by its sheer capacity to proliferate beyond all its economic, political and social limitations. Nollywood is second only to Hollywood in global entertainment ranking; Bollywood, the Indian film industry, has since been displaced to third place.

On another significant level, Nollywood can rightly be considered as the sole heir of the tradition of African cinema pioneered by the likes of Ousmane Sembene, Souleymane Cisse, Haile Gerima, and others. In spite of being founded on the format of the home video, Nollywood has captured the imagination of Africa in its attempt at a cinematic representation of African, and Nigerian, cultural themes, values, conflicts and challenges. It is therefore possible for some to think that Nollywood cinematically represents Nigeria and its cultural and historical complexities. It shouldn’t even be far-fetched to consider Nollywood as Nigeria’s national cinema, especially with its many attempts at exhibiting issues that speak to our collective predicament as a people.

In spite of these adulations, there are so much that are still wrong with this film industry. And my point of interrogation is its capacity to not only adequately reflect and recreate, but also to challenge the national

project in Nigeria. Nigeria is a plural society, divided along religious, linguistic, cultural and ethnic lines. This is the first fact that precipitates the need for national integration of all the diverse groups and nationalities forcefully amalgamated into the Nigerian state. Nollywood therefore already has its work cut out for it: it is to cinematically map the terrain of failures, successes, and possibilities of this Project in a manner that challenges all of us, government and the governed, to pause and rethink our collective existence as Nigerians. It isn’t enough to cinematically represent what is wrong with us, and to do it badly. We don’t need a national cinema that is merely exhibitionist.

‘Movies for me,’ says Steven Spielberg, ‘are a heightened reality.’ This is critical: the cinema acts as a mirror which is deployed to re-examine our collective experience. And the more traumatic the experience, the more disturbing the movies should be. The cinema therefore ought to be able to tell the Nigerian and non-Nigerian audiences something; it should, for instance, reveal to them how the Nigerian project is faring.

These audiences are not just to be entertained; rather, the experience of visiting the Nollywood cinema or watching the movie should add to their perception of what is going on, what is working, what isn’t working, what needed to be done, and so on. My worry, however, is whether Nollywood, as presently constituted, will be able to do this adequately.

Nollywood hardly speaks to us the way it is right now. The statistics may be favourable; the cinematic experience is however what counts in the final analysis. And in nine cases out of ten, the rush to produce a movie almost always kills the creative genius.

A normal Nollywood movie is predictable and boring; you sit for hours through mostly ordinary depictions of city and rural life that you are already familiar with. You are also treated to a rehash of historical moments not properly researched. When the movie finally ends, you get up and you are not the

wiser for it. You sure would find many actors to praise for sterling performances, and on top of my head are actors like Pete Edochie, Olu and Joke Jacobs, Gabriel Afolayan, Genevieve Nnaji, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Ramsey Nouah, Funke Akindele, Odunlade Adekola, to name just a very few. You even get to laugh too watching movies like Osuofia in London and Jenifa. But then, it isn’t just the stars that make for compelling movies that speak to our collective conditions as Nigerians. There should be more that Nollywood can do beyond its stars, and comedy and bland storylines.

I am talking about aesthetic sophistication, technical quality and convincing plot and storyline with historical and philosophical weight.

It is in this sense that I find the newest volume on Nollywood a commendable and compelling redirection for rethinking and rescuing the Nollywood phenomenon.

Auteuring Nollywood (edited

by Dr. Adeshina Afolayan, of the Department of Philosophy, University of Ibadan) is a work that captures the several worries of Nigerian about the Nollywood phenomenon, and the question of whether or not it has the capacity to do more in terms of contributing to the transformation of Nigeria and our assessment of who we are and what we can hope to be. To achieve this critical contribution, Nollywood must first transform itself through several internal adjustments and rehabilitations. It doesn’t matter if Nollywood drops behind Hollywood and Bollywood in term of the quantity of films it injects into the market; that would seem a fair price to pay for the need to produce qualitative films that matters. The various contributors to Auteuring Nollywood were united in their recognition of the urgency of a revolution of the aesthetic and technical forms of the movies in terms of good storyline, coherent plots and reasonable casting.

The book particularly asked for an auteur; a director that stands at the forefront of the cinematic revolution with a vision.

Olaopa Worte in from Abuja

education

31

Thursday, September 25, 2014

76

students were shortlisted for the final live competition

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

Pupils in the class

Repetition Of Classes Considered Archaic Stakeholders in the country have called for the total overhaul of the education sector. The reason for this cannot be far from the fact that its standard, which used to be rated very high, has declined with remedies to find. In this piece, Kuni Tyessi looks at the inability of schools to make students who perform poorly repeat classes as one of the possible reasons for the decay.

It is expected that all of them will write the same exams irrespective of what they feel about the subjects

The long vacation that stakeholders, particularly school children look forward to, especially in the primary and secondary school levels have come and gone with extra weeks added due to the Ebola scare. However, many schools except the public schools have resumed on Monday, while others are planning to do so in October. Reasons for the break have to with the fact that classes will be changed because the exams

sat for at the end of the term were promotional exams and this means many things to many people, especially judging from the fact that one is advancing not just in age but also in status, level and career as the case may be.

However, this might not be properly done or achieved as repetition of classes seems to be regarded as old fashioned. It’s a well known fact that no two humans are the same. Not even the ones

that have grown at the same time in one womb. This fact further confirms what the holy books have said about the uniqueness in the creation of every individual, and that is why we all are peculiar and should be dealt with in different aspects of life.

Based on this background, it will be foolhardy to expect that all pupils of primary schools and students of secondary schools will understand at once and at the same time all that has been taught them in class, and this has to do with teaching techniques and the ability to make the students understand with ease.

For while some students are science inclined, others are arts driven. That is to say that when science-related subjects like integrated science, health science, mathematics, etc are taught, the

science inclined are bound to understand and appreciate the period unlike the arts inclined who can’t wait for the period to end and the teacher takes his/her leave.

At the end of the term and session, it is expected that all of them will write the same exams irrespective of what they feel about the subjects and the teachers that have taught them. At the end of the day, papers are marked, scores and grades are given and the performance of all is usually places on notice boards for all to see.

It is at this juncture that pupils and students who are expected to repeat a class are known and measures which are expected to have been in existence are ‘enforced’ as it used to be but not anymore as students these days do not repeat classes but are promoted on trial with the hope that they will

32

32 EDUCATION/NEWS

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Repetition Of Classes Considered Archaic

31

improve if given a chance and this includes the poorly performed students.

Research has shown that most times, the students promoted on probation do not improve in the new class because what was expected to have been understood is still hanging and yet to be grasped

as well as other several factors. It is common to note that with this impediments, the school does not take them back to the old classes with the belief that the syllabus have gone far and ironically, their cases will be different.

Investigations have revealed that schools that have exorbitant fees do

not repeat their students for fear that parents will withdraw their children and wards and take them to ‘rival schools’, thereby making them to lose students who are more/less customers. This also shows how the education sector has been taken for granted with no one at a vintage position to

scream wolf.

While it is true that the economy is harsh and biting harder, should that be a reason why parents will not allow teachers to repeat their children? Is that also good enough for schools to deceive parents that their children are good enough to be promoted to the next class?

Senate Commitee Secures N50M For AOCOED

FME Moves To Halt Poor Academic Performance In Schools

By Taiwo Ogunmola-Omilani, Lagos

By Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

The senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has disclosed that a sum of N50 million was secured from TETFUND in August this year to enable Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED) construct 10 additional classrooms at Ijanikin campus.

She disclosed this recently at a town hall meeting held in Victoria Island, Lagos, saying “the Senate Committee on Education met with Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to discuss implementation of appropriated statutory funds from 2011 to 2013 and their submissions were presented”.

Tinubu said the committee made oversight function tours to federal educational institutions in Ogun and Ondo states.

“The committee raised questions on budget performance by the institutions while nothing the challenges facing them and obvious challenges across board relates to paucity of funds, poor capital releases and infrastructural deficit”, she noted.

It would be recalled that Senator Tinubu early last year presented a cheque of N108 million to the Lagos State University (LASU) as grant from Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) for the development of the institution.

Despite that the university was located outside Senator Remi Tinubu’s constituency, she said she gave the grant as a sign of love, adding “the bond between us, the senators representing the state at the National Assembly is a strong one that cannot be thwarted by allocations”.

In its bid to curtail poor academic performance of secondary school students, the federal Ministry of Education has commenced a training workshop for school counselors across the country.

At the opening of the capacity building workshop for school counselors in the South-East zone in Enugu, the FIS zonal director, SouthEast zone, Mrs. N. I Okoye, said the training would expose the participants to strategies to handle issues concerning poor academic performance and anti-social vices, which have become challenges in the education system.

The permanent secretary, Enugu State Ministry of Education, Mazi Ude Augustine, commended the Federal Ministry of Education for organizing the workshop.

He enjoined the participants to get the best out of the training.

short news

National Library

LRCN Mulls National Library And Information Services Policy

By Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

Plans are underway to develop a National Library and Information Services Policy (NLISP) for Nigeria, the Registrar/CEO of Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria, Dr. Victoria Okojie has said.

She stated this at the 5th induction of certified librarians held recently in Abuja. A policy is a plan of action and a statement of ideals proposed or adopted by a government. As at date, Nigeria has no policy in place for its library services sector, hence the need for a well crafted policy that will provide a framework for the coordinated and strategic development of libraries in Nigeria.

“We are looking ahead and we have grand plans to develop a national policy for library services in Nigeria,” she said.

To achieve this, LRCN will do desk research leading to preparation of a background paper on the history and current best practice; develop case studies and a draft library policy framework; facilitate consultative meetings and

workshops to discuss and finalize documents and publish a model framework for the library policy.

The Minister of State, Education Barr. Nyesom Wike said “a well-articulated policy for the sector will provide a clear direction for the stakeholders to contribute to national growth and development.” Wike, who was represented by his special assistant, special duties, Mr. Lambert Opara congratulated the LRCN for taking the initiative to develop a library and information services policy for Nigeria.

Underscoring the relevance of librarians and information professionals to national growth and development, the Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. MacJohn Nwobiala noted that information constitutes the building blocks for national development, pointing out that every planning process that leads to the sustainable development of any nation should be based on reliable and adequate information.

“Librarians as information providers have big roles to play in national development.

Consequently, to guide us in taking advantage of the information resources at our disposal, it is pertinent to have professionals with the requisite knowledge and competence at all levels to oversee the collection, management and dissemination of information,” he said.

The chairman, House Committee on Education, Hon. Aminu Suleiman said no nation could develop without access to the right information, adding the library profession has a key role to play in this area. Popularizing the profession and expanding the frontiers of librarianship by injecting into the system, skilled, well equipped and qualified librarians who will offer world class services in the different sectors of the economy is therefore a step in the right direction, he stated.

Okojie said LRCN would continue to contribute its quota towards ensuring that the library and information science sector delivers maximum impact on education and learning.

FEATURE/EDUCATION 33

Thursday, September 25, 2014

SCHOOLS REPORTS

Award-winning Canadian Filmmaker Joins AUN

By Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

Ebola: Pupils of Golden Ladder Academy, Lugbe, Abuja, being taught hand sanitisation .

PHOTO BY JANE OKEKE

13 Federal Scholarship Awardees Off To China Under BEA

By Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

Thirteen young Nigerians are billed to travel to China to pursue further studies in various fields under the 2014/2015 Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) between Nigeria and China. Three of the awardees are for doctorate degrees while the rest are for masters degrees.

Presenting the letters of award to the recipients at a predeparture briefing/orientation for the awardees in Abuja, the permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. MacJohn Nwaobiala,

congratulated the awardees and enjoined them to make Nigeria proud.

“The People’s Republic of China is one of the countries that grants scholarships to Nigerians annually in spite of the global economic problems and the onus is on you, scholars to appreciate them by making the best use of this rare opportunity,” he said.

Nwaobiala thanked China on behalf of the government for the kind gesture and consistency in offering scholarship to Nigerians under the BEA, saying it had contributed immensely to Nigeria’s manpower development.

While advising the awardees to always obey the laws of the host country, he enjoined them to remain focused and “keep in mind the aim of being in that country.”

Earlier, the director, Federal Scholarship Board, Ms Ifeoma Agunwah expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the minister and the permanent secretary in particular, for the efforts at ensuring that Nigerians benefit from the Bilateral Education Agreement.

She advised them to be prudent in spending as their allowances would be paid through budgetary allocation.

Education, Major Tool For Sustainance Of Peace – Edebiri

By Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

A non-governmental organization, Global Network For Peace in Nigeria (GNPN), has attributed the absence of peace in the country to high rate of illiteracy.

Speaking at a book launch in Abuja at the weekend, its chairman, Dr. Solomon Iyobosa Edebiri described education as one of the major tools that contribute to the development and sustenance of peace in any

nation.

Saying sustainable development and peace can only be achieved through mass literacy, he counselled that “the level of illiteracy in Nigeria must be addressed to create better understanding of the concept of peace as it relates to sustainable development”.

He said the title of the book ‘Peace: The Roadmap T Sustainable Transformation’ was apt at this time in the history of the nation where peaceful co-

existence is being threatened by various forms of violence.

“In the 21st century, the rate of threat to lives and property, peaceful co-existence and sovereignty of a nation has been on the increase and there is no sign that it will make a reverse to take the option of decline in the nearest future. In Nigeria, it was Niger Delta militants at a time, now it is Boko Haram which has rendered many homeless, killed and destroyed many lives and properties,” he further said.

A top Canadian communication expert, Don North, has joined the faculty of the American University of Nigeria’s School of Arts & Sciences this Fall to teach in the Communications & Multimedia Design program.

President Margee Ensign, announcing the arrival of Professor North at AUN, said that at this critical moment in Nigeria’s history, it is important to train communication students in investigative, objective news writing and multimedia skills.

Besides years of professional writing experience, North holds the Advanced International Reporting qualification of the Columbia School of Journalism, New York. In 1984, he was an Associate Professor of Journalism at the Ryerson College, Toronto, Canada.

A veteran documentary filmmaker, Professor North has participated in training journalists for the Voice of America in Serbia, Afghanistan, Indonesia, and Montenegro. In 1996 he was sent to train journalists in Bosnia from the Institute for War and Peace Reporting, London. He has worked for the ABC News and NBC News and has filmed, produced, and directed more than 30 documentaries/TV programs.

In 2005, Professor North won the Best of Show at The Aurora Awards, with his documentary “Remembering Saddam,” and subsequently won Best Reporting Award at the Overseas Press Club. At the New York Film Festival, he won a Gold Medal with his “Time of the Jackals.” At the Berlin Film Festival, he won the Gold Medal for another of his works, “Siege of Beirut 1982.” In print, North told the story of his own career in Inappropriate Conduct: Mystery of a Disgraced War Correspondent.

At a welcome dinner with senior management and faculty at the President’s house, Professor North reflected upon his professional principles, emphasizing that every story should be factual and checked.

Learn Africa Congratulates NECO Candidates On 2014 Results

By Taiwo Ogunmola-Omilani, Lagos

Learn Africa PLC has congratulated the National Examinations Council (NECO) and the candidates that sat for the June/July 2014 Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCE) on the great success recorded in the examination, with results showing, among others, 72.58 percent credit pass in English Language and 69.49 percent credit pass in Mathematics. The organization promised to hold this year’s edition of the LearnAfrica-NECO Excellence Awards to appreciate and celebrate outstanding NECO candidates, their teachers and the schools that produced them in all states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, as part of its policy of promoting academic excellence.

The managing director of the organization, Mr. Segun Oladipo disclosed this, saying “it is also heartwarming to note that only 0.44 percent of the candidates that sat for the examinations were involved in any form of malpractice; this is a clear testimony that NECO is winning the war against this monster.

“On our part, we promise to continue to introduce relevant new titles and re-align our current publications to keep pace with the dynamics of the educational system.

34 OPINION

Thursday, September 25, 2014

An African’s Memo To Arabs And The West

By Yushau A. Shuaib

I am in a state of total confusion by the way and manner global affairs are being shaped by largely activities of Arabs World and the Western Powers.

You may appreciate my bewilderment only if you tune in to any broadcast channel from these two axis. What we see on daily basis are cold blooded shedding of human blood for spurious reasons ranging from attempts to enthrone democracy, propagation of religion and enforcement of rigid ideologies.

Probably realising the gravity of the danger that these recent developments are posing to our world especially considering situations in Syria, Iraq and other parts of the Arab world, President Barack Obama of the United States of America (USA) recently sought an alliance with some Arab leaders towards eliminating the emerging challenges from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) a group that has already occupied some large territories of those beleaguered countries.

The Arab World and Western Powers should realise that the world was saner until the unfortunate incident of September 11, 2001 infamously referred to as 9/11 in the United States where over 3000 citizens from different countries around the world perished in a terror attack masterminded by Al Qaida.

In a desperate attempt to redeem its image against intelligence in the build up to that event and reassert itself as superpower, the American government led an alliance that invaded Afghanistan, the haven of Al-Qaida and its leaders. Thousands of lives were lost in that expedition.

While many would support the attacks on Afghanistan because it is the home of Taliban, subsequent incursions into other countries by the West were quite inimical to world peace and global survival.

At that period, Iraq was relatively peaceful and there has been no evidence that it was involved in state terrorism since the defeat of

Obama

Sadam Hussein since the end of First Gulf War. Just like a tide from the blues, America and Britain brought allegations that Iraq under Saddam had stockpiled Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). The allegation were engineered and triggered by some leaders in the Arab world who despised Saddam so passionately not minding that they were those arming him decades earlier to fight the Iranians who are non-Arab.

Not done, Libya, a peaceful African-Arab country, with better welfare for its people under Muammar Ghaddafi later became another country that was attacked through the influence, collaboration and conspiracy between the Arabs and the West by instigating the revolts by citizens who became rebels against their government.

Before the early protests in Damascus, Syria was one of the most peaceful governments under democratic rule in the Arab world.

It is an open secret that Arab leaders are publicly supporting illegal oppression of Syria through the sponsorship and promotion of rebels against the Syrian government and its military.

While Western powers claim that their intervention is to enthrone democracy most of their

As an African Muslim with many Christian friends and even non-believers in faiths, I am fully convinced and aware that no religion, creed and culture promote animosity, hatred and criminal violence

Arab allies who are supporting the rebels in Iraq, Syria and Libya and other places are not democratic.

I am bemused when some of the crises are linked to religious propagation and enthronement of democracy. The fallacy of the islamisation theory or conspiracy is easily exposed in realization that the affected Arab countries that are predominantly Muslims witness the killing of Muslims by Muslims.

Arguments about democratisation in the Arab World is easily defeated as most Western allies in that region are monarchical rather than democratic as they are ruled

by Kings and their families.

As the world faces challenges of insecurity, we must call on Western powers and their allies in the Arab World to give the rest of the world the peace we desire for the survival of the universe as events in Africa are pointing to similar clandestine interruptions through insurgency and terrorism with clear support from global players.

May I appeal to Western Powers and the Arab World to kindly spare the continent of Africa the kind of barbaric atrocities being perpetrated daily and over the years in the Middle-East in the name of Islamization and enthronement of western democracy.

As an African from Nigeria, I tend to smell rotten fish that if Africans refuse to face and squarely address the current insecurity in the continent, our land may become the next arena for deadly experimentation through bloodshed in the name of religion and democracy.

As an African Muslim with many Christian friends and even non-believers in faiths, I am fully convinced and aware that no religion, creed and culture promote animosity, hatred and criminal violence. My prayers is therefore for our leaders and people to learn from this history in motion while we appeal to the Arab World and Western Power to give us breathing space.

Shuaib wrote in from Wuye District, Abuja

Right Of Reply

by PRINCE KASSIM AFEGBUA

Our attention has been drawn to a news report in your Wednesday newspaper an Page 42, credited to Dr Cairo Ojougboh, National Vice Chairman, South-South, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where in a fit of hallucination, he said the PDP would reclaim Edo State in the next governorship election.

We find it hypocritical

that Ojougboh, who reportedly planned to beg the hardworking Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to support his project has now made a quick U-turn simply because he went to pay courtesy call on the minister of works.

While it is instructive to note that Oshiomhole’s good works and achievements are visible to the blind and audible to the deaf, Ojougboh has chosen to be both blind

and deaf and has clearly decided to spin a lie to cover up for his deficiencies.

We are not unaware that Ojougboh is a political jobber whose failure, in the past, to secure the Governorship ticket in his Delta State has warped his sense of reasoning. While we do not quarrel with Ojuogboh’s right to own an opinion, we make bold to state that such right must be exercised with integrity, honesty and truth,

and not just raking up lies and falsehood to score cheap political points.

Rather than lazying about making reckless statements, we wish to invite Ojuogboh to Edo State on a facility tour in order for him to gain firsthand knowledge about the developmental tsunami that the Comrade Governor has unleashed on the State.

Afegbua is Special Adviser, Media and Public Affairs to the Edo State Governor

Inside Out

KUNLE SOMORIN Feed back: kunlesomorin@yahoo.co.uk 08023339626 (SMS only)

Governance

By Gossips

E

very Nigerian move in the last few months has been enmeshed in peculiar mess. From the manner we have undemocratically recruited our leaders by endorsement, to how we embarrassingly hoped to buy arms through third parties and in defiance against all known money laundering laws; and the confusion in the information management over the missing Chibok girls.

Everything about us is approximated by hearsay. Those who say our intelligence gathering is nothing but conjectures from beer parlour gossips may not be wrong after all. I cannot imagine sighting a bus from Chibok filled with girls of school age and the next thing that an intelligence officer and General in the Nigerian Army would do is rush to the BBC of all news organs to confirm that 57 schoolgirls have been released.

Yes, the 57 girls seen were from Chibok. But far from being those in captivity since April 14, the girls in the bus were being taken to Maiduguri for safety reasons and en-route their new schools in Kaduna. Like the ubiquitous policemen in several checkpoints, what interests them is kola and not the expiring dates on vehicle licenses and particulars. You are hailed at the sight of N50 or if you indulge them a little more, you earn a ‘rankaidede’, no matter what contraband you have in your car. Although the bus was stopped by troops, the soldiers went into excitement that they had scored a bull’s eye by assuming that the girls were the ones in Boko Haram captivity.

If it were the Nigerian media that broke the news and quoted the military high command, the organisation and its editors would have been visited by our tormentors who receive salaries from our taxes. But thank God it was the BBC, and the General could not say he was misquoted.

The BBC was told by Nigeria’s military that a number of girls taken from the village of Chibok were now in the safety of military custody. The broadcaster said Brig Gen Chris Olukolade did not reveal exactly how many girls had been rescued, but that their release was part of an “ongoing exercise”. However, the Nigerian military has now retracted its statement, saying there were girls in custody but they were not from Chibok.

Thank God too, that the Nigerian media know their onions by not totally relying on the BBC. They asked those who should know. Chairman, Chibok Community, Abuja, Tsambido Abana, told Nigerian journalists that the girls were indeed from the Government Secondary School, but they were the few lucky enough to have escaped from the insurgents about a week after their school was raided and about 250 of their classmates were abducted at night.

We have heard of swap deals allegedly being brokered between by the Red Cross to simultaneously set free Boko Haram’s 18 key commanders and get the girls back. We have been told of the death, for the third time, of Abubakar Shekau, the notorious gangster leading the terrorists to trouble our country.

But a Dubai-based Nigerian journalist, who is familiar with Boko Haram operations, Ahmad Salkida, said on his Tweeter handle that no negotiation was going on as at Monday. With these contradictory statements, who and where do we turn to for authentic information. Now it is 165 days and the world is still insulting us with #BringBackOurGirls

ISSUES 35

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Shagari, 2015 And Matters Arising by mua’zu ibrahim

On page 67 of Leadership Sunday appeared interesting satire and outright innuendo

by Ayuba Ahmad crafted to market the candidacy of the PDP chieftains in Sokoto, particularly the deputy governor. It was a profound literary endeavour but with slant of falsehood in every intent. It has been acknowledged that the current leadership, specific, that of Governor Aliyu Magatarkada Wamakko has replicated in entirety the virtuous leadership qualities of the great Sardunan Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello or the glorious legacies of Sokoto Caliphate.

Wamakko has created enviable development landmarks that many generations of the people shall for very long relish in impact and appropriate identification.

The projects executed by this administration were carefully select desirable elements that target areas of poverty alleviation of the people.

The administration started development from the rural areas by provision of critical roads that made the areas accessible to the other parts of the state and subsequently constructed major roads that connect to major markets. That creates greater interconnectivity in movement of farm produce across market frontiers. This is in recognition of the fact that large percentage of the population (80%) are farmers.

Ready markets guarantee fair prices for their produce.

The administration of Wamakko followed up by provision of rural water and electricity, a twin infrastructure

that sustains the tempo of life to modernity to stem the tide of rural urban immigration. That has encouraged many citizens to stay back in the villages while pursuing their daily business in Sokoto city.

Moreover, Governor Wamakko’s administration has in many ways encouraged farmers to increase farm input which subsequently resulted in tremendously increased crop yields and economic capacity of the farmers. The administration has remained equitable in distribution of this opportunity that no complaint has emanated from any section of the state against marginalisation based on any awkward consideration.

The leadership qualities of Wamakko have been characterized by fairness in siting and distribution of amenities and availing of opportunities. This is an administration that has carved out niche of selfless service and people oriented programmes, especially the youth centred empowerment programmes.

As educationist, Wamakko on assumption of office seemed displeased with the state of education in the state; the morale of teachers was at its lowest ebb as condition for teaching and learning was dismally pathetic.

In his own words “when we came in 2007 we met our schools in shambles and teachers’ morale was at its lowest ebb”. As a teacher he became challenged to redress the situation.

In the area of science and technology education all science schools in the state received adequate equipment and laboratory chemicals for experiments. First, the schools

Wamakko

when we came in 2007 we met our schools in shambles and teachers’ morale was at its lowest ebb

were rehabilitated such as GSS Yabo, GGCSS Tambuwal, GGC, Sokoto, Olusegun Obasanjo Technical College, Bafarawa, Government Technical College, Farfaru, Nagarta College, Sokoto.

In partnership with UBEC primary education has received similar boost that there is noticeable increase in primary school enrolment and sustainability which feeds the secondary schools admission.

Wamakko formulated a novel

strategy to ensure every child enjoys right of education in the introduction of Almajiri Model School. The school runs integrative system of education where the curriculum is designed to incorporate western and Islamic education. Federal government copied from his innovation which it is now introducing in parts of the north of the country.

Since 2007 when Governor Wamakko’ administration took

the saddle of the administration, the State Government has spent over close to N4.6 billion on servicing scholarship of Sokoto State students. This demonstrates the adequate attention the administration has given to education, particularly the manpower need of the State, and by extension youth empowerment.

Governor Wamakko has reciprocated the goodwill of Sokoto people that voted him to power by addressing critical issues of their needs. This is why he towers above all his adversaries.

Politics is about choice and in making that choice individuals should not disparage others in a bid to selling their candidates.

Besides in Nigeria positions are not won on the pages of newspapers or even by people who are distant onlookers. The Sokoto voters determine what they want and their decision is ultimate. No amount of gutsy press opinions or primordial sentiments can sway the people of Sokoto.

People are much wiser now and cannot be preys in the hands of political loafers. We no longer believe in what people can offer but what have they done before, how have they related to and identify with our problems? While we are not begrudging Ayuba for his newfound relationship with Muktari Shagari, we earnestly look forward to see him garner votes for his new boss. How he does it from his outside base is what remains to be seen.

Ibrahim Sokoto Patriotic Front

Fixing Nigeria, The Nuts And Bolts

By Adamu Muhd Usman

It will be remembered for a long time as one of the most memorable deliberations on Nigeria’s contemporary problems due to its brilliant conception and the weight of its discussants. The Kukah Centre organised it and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, Roman Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, himself moderated the discussion. To discuss the issue, Fixing Nigeria: The Nuts and the Bolts were two of the most successful state governors in Nigeria, Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State and Sule Lamido of Jigawa State.

The Kukah Centre, whose focus is faith, leadership and public policy, selected the two governors to share their governance experiences. Fashola is an APC member while Lamido is a PDP founding father but both men have made highly appreciable impact in the governance of their states in the last eight years.

While Fashola is credited with transforming the megapolis of Lagos, Lamido is credited with enormously transforming a rural state into an enviable position.

The moderator Bishop Kukah threw questions at the two discussants on security, economy, leadership and good governance in Nigeria.

Sule Lamido’s responses reflected his rich experience as a politician of many decades’ standing, a top notcher in several political parties in four republics, a former federal lawmaker, a state and national party official, a minister and a state governor.

In his view, insecurity, he said, is collective problem that requires collective efforts to solve.

He said the current insecurity problem bedeviling the country is not limited to the north-east since it has other facets such as kidnapping, vandalism, baby factories and the selling of human parts that prevail in other parts of the country as well. The problem

must not be seen in isolation, he said.

Lamido also said the problem of Nigeria is leaders appropriating public wealth to themselves, their associates and their cronies at the expense of the people they are supposed to serve. For Nigeria to develop, he said a leader must focus on building strong institutions rather than rely on the good luck of having strong leaders. He also said we must avoid the practice of converting public institutions to private estates that serve individual interests to the detriments of the public good. His administration, Alhaji Sule said, focused on the building of strong institutions that would anchor the state’s development agenda, this is why his administration built a brand new secretariat and a judicial complex as well as made massive investments in education, health and human development.

Leadership, Lamido also said, is about trust and good governance while democracy is

about people’s participation in the affairs that concern them.

He spoke about how he dedicated telephone lines where he receives complains and advice from people across the state. During the first three months, he said he mostly received abuses and insults but later on, out of over 300 hundred text messages he receives on daily basis, 90% of them praised his efforts in various areas.

Lamido spoke at some length about his administration’s revolutionary approach to poverty alleviation which kicked off with the convening of the Talakawa Summit. He said the summit was very revealing to him and it propelled his desire to confront poverty head on. He said, “All those at leadership level in Nigeria must be ready to be accountable to the people while the citizens must be bold enough to demand for their rights from leaders.”

Asked about the economy, Lamido lamented the poor patronage of Made in Nigeria

products. He said unless we abandon this attitude it will be difficult for the Nigerian economy to advance. He cited as examples of dwindling industries of hides and skins, textiles and cotton, groundnuts and cocoa, which he attributed to the poor patronage of products made from these crops.

On President Jonathan’s planned meeting with state governors, Lamido said Dr. Goodluck Jonathon is his PDP-sponsored presidential candidate but after the election he automatically becomes the Nigerian president. As such, he said, he would continue to give him advice just like any other governor in Nigeria.

On the whole, the discussion at the Kukah Centre was an important contribution and I hope this noble gesture should be a continues event to enhance good relationship among Nigerians, a source of enlightening the people and updating the citizens about the happenings in the society.

Adamu wrote in from Dutse

36 the LAW

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Campaign: Political Parties Exploiting Electoral Act’s Loose Ends The Director, Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Mr. Clement Nwankwo, in this interview with KUNLE OLASANMI, political parties campaigning ahead of the 2015 general elections are taking advantage of the loose ends of the Electoral Act. Electoral Act and campaign The electoral Act is quite clear that it is only a political party that can canvas for votes for a candidate. What we can see here is an exploitation of the loose end of the Electoral Act because you cannot say at this time that any candidate has emerged. Those who are canvassing for votes are hiding under this lacuna that they are not campaigning for a candidate and that they are only campaigning for someone to be a candidate and so they are stretching the meaning of the law to give themselves the latitude to make this expenditure. Look at the adverts that have been carried out by one or two campaign groups on behalf of the president to get him to be a candidate. It would be very obscene and vulgar, because no less than 50 advertisements occur daily in different media houses, radio and television and newspapers in favour of a sitting president to be candidate. In a normal political accountable society you should ask the question, where is the money coming from? On TV alone each of those adverts would cost N1 million per minute, so if you find that a group is spending close to N100 million daily then there is a huge scandal that needs to be exposed. It is vulgar, obscene and unacceptable. That is why there is no political will to deal with corruption. Those monies cannot be coming from individual pockets and it is coming from the public treasures by some contrivance. The question is why is this going on?

Why is it allowed to go on?

What we can see now calling the President to come out and contest, is it different from political campaign?

Without going into names, the electoral act itself leaves a vacuum that some of these amorphous groups who are united by money are pursing to say “we are not violating section 91 of the electoral Act, we are simply saying a particular person should declare his intention and run. But at this time the electoral Act say don’t spend money on a candidate and there is no candidate, that is their simplistic understanding of what is going on but there is a moral question about these campaigns that are going on- the vulgarity and obscenity of the expenditure is a huge challenge for the ordinary Nigerian.

Jega as an unbiased umpire There have been moves in the past by people who have been uncomfortable with Prof.

Jega as Chairman of INEC. Civil society groups will challenge any spurious attempt to remove Prof. Jega as chairman of INEC. Removing him will discredit any discussion on the 2015 elections.

If people are calling for his removal on the grounds that we see, that cannot justified it is clearly worrying for me and the civil society groups how much politics have crept into this. He has said that he would not resign and we support him because we don’t see any reason for him to resign.

Additional polling units

Nwankwo

Where there is a perception that a particular action of the umpire appears to ignite concerns about fairness, then INEC cannot pretend that it is not aware of that concern and insist on enforcing its decision.

Perception is very important and INEC is to address that perception in the minds of a segment in the Nigerian population that they have been unfairly treated in the allocation of polling units.

INEC must address the perception issue but I do not believe that what has happened warrant Jega’s resignation. The call for Jega’s resignation is politically motivated as there are people who do not value the importance of an INEC chair that has shown capacity to be balanced and to be none partisan in the discharge of his duties and those are the people we are worried about. That sort of environment for the 2015 elections, I think that they should pull back because civil society would challenge any undue interference with the independence of INEC ahead of the 2015 elections.

INEC chairman’s tenure We were in the National Assembly when the confirmation of Prof. Jega came through in 2010 July. The tenure of the chairman of INEC is five years, it will only elapse next year so anybody arguing about his tenure elapsing is again giving a dog a bad name to hang him and there are people who are very desperate to have Jega not to preside over the 2015 elections for political

reasons. There is no other evidence we know that the PDP and the APC at various times accused Jega but as civil society we have not seen sufficient reasons to ask that he vacates his position. The position of INEC chairman is very sacrosanct and cannot be interfered with because it goes to the root and basis of our democracy. Were that to be tampered with, then this democracy would be in serious danger. We cannot interfere with the independence of an election umpire ahead of an election. If this government or any party wants to interfere in it than they might as well prepare that there will be no elections in 2015. We think he is doing a good job, there are challenges but we are prepared as civil society to support INEC to deliver on its responsibilities.

INEC needs to look at the complaints from across the country, the basis for its calculation of creation of polling units and go back to the drawing board and address these concerns but I do not think that what has happened is sufficient to call for Prof. Jega’s resignation.

He cannot be removed except by the National Assembly as well. Prof. Jega is not the governor of CBN, not the chairman of National Population Commission, he is the chairman of INEC and the sanctity and independence of INEC is the foundation of the continued existence of Nigeria’s democracy this fourth Republic and if it was to be interfered with then it would pose a serious challenge for the survival of this current democracy.

The electoral Act is quite clear that it is only a political party that can canvas for votes for a candidate.

What we can see here is an exploitation of the loose end of the Electoral Act because you cannot say at this time that any candidate has emerged

politics today Thursday, September 25, 2014

REPORTS ANALYSES REVIEWS INTERVIEWS

2015: The Nigerian Youth And 30 Percent Affirmative Action The struggle to include Nigerian youths in the nations’ political administration has led to the first documented Agenda with a call for 30% Affirmative action for Youth Participation in Politics, Ruth Tene Natsa writes.

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The agenda further advocates financing youth participation in politics through the Establishment of the National Youth Political Trust Fund (NYPTF) as well as the need for political parties to apportion two –five % of their yearly financial earning to fund youth electoral activities through the Party Youth Electoral Support Fund (PYESF)

he Nigerian youth agenda on political participation, a pressure group of young Nigerians recently canvassed their views and aspirations of young people in providing a template for increasing youth participation in politics and decision making in the country.

The agenda of the group is aimed at articulating the political and socio economic interests of young people in a concise advocacy and monitoring document that sets the benchmark for youth participation in politics. It also targets at providing easy access for young people to actively participate in electoral politics, facilitating the creation and strengthening of platforms for youth participation n politics and decision making at all levels of governance as well as promoting political party development and deepening electoral processes in Nigeria The Agenda identifies five broad issues that possess the potentials to improve the quality of youth participation in electoral politics. These includes Youth legal framework which will take into focus the proper classification of youth, legally backed classification of youths as persons between the ages of 18-35 years, removal of age restrictions for elective posts at all levels, political parties to ensure their constitutions and internal party instruments as well as the granting of concessions to young people aspiring to contest elections.

Another agenda, is the Youth Affirmative Action in political and elective positions which advocates for 30% representation of youth in all structures, positions, committees and congresses of political parties, and to ensure that 30% quota is reserved for young people in all elective and non elective positions as well as reserving the position of national youth leader in all political parties for young person’s within the age bracket of 18-35 years.

The agenda further advocates financing youth participation in

politics through the Establishment of the National Youth Political Trust Fund (NYPTF) as well as the need for political parties to apportion two –five % of their yearly financial earning to fund youth electoral activities through the Party Youth Electoral Support Fund (PYESF) Other recommendations include the reformation of party structure, administrative processes and democratic standards for election management. It demands for the removal of the appointment of the INEC Chairman, National commissioners, Resident Electoral commissioners by the President and state independent electoral chairmen by State governors respectively.

The National Youth Agenda however enjoin youths to join political parties, involve in mobilizations, organize issue base debates on national issues among members of political parties, solicit for funds, explore the social media towards advancing and improving political party development and contribute in party financial base through payment of dues .

Speaking, head Research Policy and Advocacy, Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (YIAGA) Mr.Samson Itodo urged the youths to focus on addressing the issues of political participation towards strategic planning, communication, organization and evaluation .

Mr Bola Abimbola said the prospects for Nigerian youths in 2015 were interesting, our hopes are quite high.”I do not just ascribe to the fact that we are leaders of tomorrow, but rather that our leadership begins today, with everything I have seen, I feel the passion and vibe for the Nigerian youths to want to do what is right and synergies to take Nigeria to take Nigeria to the next level” commenting on the call for 30% affirmative action for the Nigerian youth, Abimbola stated that ”I know a lot of people reading this may not like what I say, but on a personal note, I think it will be a bit difficult for now, but for a start,

Haruna

we need to be better organized to be able to land our demand, so that when we sincerely push for the affirmative action, we would be listened to but as it is now, I sincerely doubt we are that organized” Miss Ruth Oyedia Kalu of Abia state legal development unit noted that Nigerian youths were very ready for the 30% Affirmative action. In her words “ The Nigerian youth agenda is a very good and practical document and the youths are very ready to take the 30% Affirmative action What I will be expecting from the youth after the awareness is created is to start engaging the political processes meaningfully and purposefully through the political parties while those who are not in political parties should join so as to be able to effectively engage the process since not much can be done as non members” Dr Sadeeq disclosed that the Nigerian Youth Agenda on political Participation as well as the popularization workshop among many other activities are being supported by the Democratic Governance for Democracy (DGD) which is a joint fund with contributions from the European Union (EU), UK Development for International Development (DFiD), Canadian International Development Agency(CIDA) and

the United Nations Development Program(UNDP).

“The DGD operates on four platforms, these include the Independent National Electoral Commission( INEC ) component, National Assembly/Political parties, CSOs/Media and Gender and Youths Components and the youths component cuts across all the other components, this he said “ is because the DGD places high premium on effective participation of youths in the democratic processes.

South East Coordinator, Youth Alliance on Constitution and Electoral Reforms (YACORE) Chima Jeff Maiwai, said “ I think the Nigerian youths are well ready for the 30% Affirmative action premised on a whole lot of agitations surrounding youth involvement and the agenda is defining and setting an attainable objective” Speaking on political participation in the north east, he urged the need for change “political participation of the youth is very low owing to the fact that cultural values of the Igbo’s are predominantly business and not much given into politics, this has created an apathy and indifference towards political participation by the youths” Donald Ojogo, Group Politics Editor

37

38

reps diary

Thursday, September 25, 2014

OML 29 Sale: A Forgotten Probe?

Alison-Madueke

Federal lawmakers reported discrepancies in the sale of a large Nigerian oil field, Oil Mining Licence (OML) 29 and launched a probe. EDEGBE ODEMWINGIE reports on controversies surrounding the oil field.

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n July, the House of Representatives named a seven-man Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and the country’s petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, over the sale of the Oil Mining Licence (OML 29).

Presiding, the deputy speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, constituted the probe panel sequel to a June 2, House resolution following allegations that

The Suleiman-led Ad-hoc Committee was expected to establish the validity of the transactions and report back to the House within two weeks Shell and other oil majors may have hidden under the cover of waivers, usually granted by the minister of petroleum, to embark on the sale of

RepeRtoiRe

the OML 29 and others.

The seven-member committee chaired by Aminu Suleiman (Kano/ APC) has Babatunde Adejare (Lagos/ APC), Irona Alphonsus Gerald (Imo/ PDP), Binta Maigari Bello (Gombe/ PDP), Ismaila Ahmed Gadaka (Yobe/ APC), Umaru Haliru Aliero (Kebbi/ PDP), and Sunday Akpodiogaga Emeyese (Delta/PDP) as members.

The Suleiman-led Ad-hoc Committee was expected to establish the validity of the transactions and report back to the House within two weeks.

Three months after, nothings has been heard from the Ad-hoc committee detailed to carry out the probe, prompting suggestions by monitors that the probe has been forgotten.

Federal lawmakers reported that the OML 29 has been in the custody of Shell for more than 52 years and one-half of the area of lease has not been relinquished to the federal government as stipulated by the Petroleum Act. Item 12(1) of the First Schedule to the Petroleum Act stipulates that 10 years after the grant of an oil mining lease, one-half of the lease shall be relinquished to the federal government.

Last week, petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke was accused of illegally backing an energy trading company, Taleveras Group in a bid to buy Oil Mining Licence (OML) 29, the largest of four Nigerian oil fields Royal Dutch Shell has put up for sale.

In March, Reuters reported that two Nigerian energy firms, Taleveras and Aiteo, had made the highest bid of $2.85 billion for OML 29, but the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security, Aliyu Ibrahim Gebi reported Wednesday that the petroleum minister gave “preferential treatment” to Taleveras.

LEADERSHIP reports that

the federal government has a considerable stake in OML 29.

Shell last year put up for sale its 30 percent shares in four oil blocks in the Niger Delta -- Oil Mining Licence (OML) 18, 24, 25, 29 -- as well as a key pipeline, the Nembe Creek Trunk Line. Shell, along with many other oil majors, is undergoing a broad process of asset sales across the world in an effort to cut costs and boost profits.

Gebi, who is also a member of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) made the disclosures at the National Assembly.

Gebi: “We cannot have an oil sector owned by the government where there is no transparency and accountability, deals are done in a very dubious manner. There is no reason why one company should be preferred above others, even if they are competent, even if they are as financial stable or more competent.

“There is no reason why Taleveras should be getting preferential treatment especially on the issue of OML 29, I believe some people behind the scene are making sure against all odds Taleveras get OML 29.

“I am talking about the Minister of Petroleum. It is clear there is a relationship between the minister and Taleveras. If you go back to the issue of Faruk Lawan during the petroleum subsidy probe, who was the beneficiary of the shady and non transparent crude swap?

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) had in a report submitted to the House Joint Committee on March 26, 2014, accused Taleveras and three other oil traders of under-delivering 500,075,239.3 litres of products worth $8billion entered in crude swap in 2011.

According to the NEITI report, Taleveras owned by Nigerian businessman, Igho Charles Sanomi, under-delivered 152,308,878 litres.

No Tribute For “Black Scorpion”

On Tuesday, a House of Representatives special session in honour of late Nigerian civil war hero, Brigadier-General Benjamin Adekunle (rtd) was momentarily disrupted as some federal lawmakers of Igbo extraction protested tributes to the late General.

Ofcourse, the lawmakers are still nursing the wounds from Black Scorpion’s legendary military campaigns against the then Biafra rebels. Many thought the

Igbos have moved on, the lawmakers don’t think so.

For the record, Gen. Adekunle (June 26, 1936September 13, 2014), popularly nicknamed “The Black Scorpion” played a major role in the Nigerian army defeat and recapture of the breakaway Republic of Biafra from 1967 to1970.

Arua Arunsi and Udo Oluchi Ibeji, lawmakers from Abia state sat down in defiance when House members rose at plenary to observe a minute silence for the late General.

House majority leader, Mulikat Adeola-Akande had officially reported Gen. Adekunle’s death at Tuesday’s plenary. She went ahead to eulogise the wartime exploits of the late General who hails from Ogbomosho, Oyo state, same with the House Leader.

Hon. Ibeji in protest to the minute silence for the late General shouted severally “I don’t care if he (Adekunle) is dead or alive”.

The lawmaker was eventually called to order by the presiding House Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal paving way for the minute silence.

Quote of the Green ChAMBer

➔ house Speaker, Aminu Waziri tambuwal on new amendments to the house Standing orders, 8th edition.

“We have just heard what are the new provisions for our rules; which say that we can now sit from Monday to thursday starting from 10 am; and that only two matters of urgent public importance can be entertained at a sitting...And as you may well know, there are some matters that we may think passionately as urgent but which in the real sense of it are not, and that should have ordinarily come as motions on notice”.

39

Thursday, September 25, 2014

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Thursday, September 25, 2014

Engineers Call For Rural Industrialisation

By Paul Chiama

The Abuja chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMECHE) has called for siting of industries in rural areas as a way to engage the rural population and ensure sustainable security in the country.

This call was made by the chairman of the institution, Engr. Aderemi Ayodeji Adegbola, made this call during a media interaction with journalists ahead of the chapters annual general meeting with the theme, “promoting rural industrialization as a veritable strategy for combating unemployment and security challenges in Nigeria” billed to hold in Abuja today, Thursday, September 25, 2014.

Adegbola also said that siting of industries in rural areas would reduce rural-to-urban migration among the youths as well as bring development in the rural areas.

Adegbola said, “we believe that an idle man is the devil’s workshop. A lot of people are coming to the urban areas because of infrastructures, because of what to do and we believe, as a chapter, that if we can take industrialisation to the rural areas and establish industries there, youths can stay in rural areas.

“Of course, in the rural areas, you have the raw materials. If we establish industries there and get the people engaged, if somebody goes to work and is gainfully employed, I don’t think that person will think of kidnapping, committing any crime or those things that will threaten the security of the country.”

FCT NUJ Inaugurates FOI Desk

By Ruth Tene Natsa

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT council, yesterday, inaugurated a Freedom of Information (FOI) desk to handle issues related to the act in Abuja.

The three- man committe headed by Barr. Akin Orimolade has Ruth Tene Natsa and Okere Mollet Chinyere as members.

Speaking during the inauguration, the council chairman, Mr Chuks Ehirim, tasked the committee to report infringements on the rights of journalists in the course of their duty.

He said, “the import of the FOI desk is to ensure that journalists within the FCT are protected from inherent harassment in the course of their duties.

“There are lots of violations to the rights of journalists, not only in the FCT, and it is only right that we rise to the occasion to ensure they are protected from all forms of harassment in the course of their duties.”

He assured the committe of the full backing of the council, adding that the chapter will write to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and other related agencies to ensure an effective working relationship with committee towards the protection of journalists rights.

In his response, the committe chair, assured the chapter that they will justify the faith reposed on them by successfully carrying out the onerous task.

He said, “I want to sincerely thank the chapter for the confidence they have reposed on us and we promise to carryout this onerous task we’ve been entrusted with by ensuring that no member of the council will be hindered from getting the necessary information under the FOI act.”

“We are aware of the wordings and intention of the FOI act and will ensure who ever stands in the way of journalists effectively carrying out their duties will be made to bear the full brunt of the law.”

Abuja Enviromental Protection Board task force officials carrying an apprehended hawker at Wuse 2, yesterday

Hawking, Begging Remain Banned In FCT – Okoya

By Nkechi Isaac

The coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Arch. Reuben Okoya, has reiterated that hawking and begging remain banned in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), saying there is zero tolerance for such activities in the city.

Speaking to journalists during a special enforcement operation by the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), yesterday, Okoya warned residents to desist from patronising such unlawful activities, adding that the board

will go tough on beggars, hawkers and residents that patronise them.

The coordinator said, “the law calls for penalising of hawkers and those that patronise them.

Am aware that we have focused on hawkers in the past but the new policy of government, just as its being done in Lagos State, is to focus on those who actually patronise those hawkers. So, the law applies to both parties and as you can see we’re out here in force to ensure that these laws are actually enforced.”

According to him, “we have to

make sure that people realise that patronising hawkers and beggars is against the law and penalise them. So, we’re out here to ensure that people realise that it will not be condoned and we have to stop it through serious enforcement, monitoring and sustained the tempo on our activities.”

Earlier in his remarks, the acting director of the board, Baba Lawan Shehu, emphasised that residents and business premises that shield, aid and abate the proliferation of hawking activities in the city will be sanctioned.

Shehu said, “Abuja is a clean

city that has zero tolerance for begging, hawking or any form of environmental nuisance on our streets. Residents and business premises, like plazas, are warned that shielding or abating hawkers is a punishable offence which the board would not tolerate. Any business premises found to be harboring hawkers will be sealed.”

He stressed that there are designated shops for every form of business in the city, urging hawkers and business owners to find the kind of outlet that is most suitable for the kind of business they want to do and use such.

Stakeholders Dialogue On Advancing Sexual Reproductive Right

By Chika Mefor

Stakeholders have met in Maraba, Nasarawa State, yesterday, to dialogue on advancing adolescent sexual reproductive right and access forum for young men and women on sexual reproductive health.

Speaking during the dialogue, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Youths Development, Dr Henry Akpan, said that the objective of the programme was to bridge the gap in the implementation of programmes on young people’s sexual reproductive

health, and to address critical population health challenges such as maternity mortality, universal access to reproductive health information and services.

Akpan further said that the programme, organised in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund Agency (UNPFA), was a milestone in providing succour to youths on reproductive health issues.

He also said that the ministry, apart from the programme, has shown great commitment to tackling the peculiar challenges amongst youths by developing variety

of policy documents and implementing programmes that focus on young people’s reproductive health.

He said, “there is need for an effective programme to address the realities and poor life outcomes of young people and help them explore how social norms around gender and sexuality shape their own attitude and behaviour.

“The ministry will support all efforts to advance sexual reproduction health, education and communication to transform social norms and stigma that often stand as barriers to young people. It will harness

the innovation of social media to expand access to quality information and engage in advocacy to advance youth sexual reproductive health and right, and also support strong collaboration among stakeholders to foster uniform implementation of existing policies and relevant documents.”

In his remarks, a representative from UNPFA, Dr Aidzubaida Abubakar, said that the agency was ready to support programmes that will help the youths, adding that they constitute a major number of the world’s population.

DEFENCE FOCUS 41

Thursday, September 25, 2014

T

When NASS Investigates The Seized $9.3m

he National Assembly is investigating the circumstances surrounding the seizure of the $9.3 million in South Africa. Although in the Senate, they invited the service chiefs to come and discuss with its relevant committee but the House wanted it discussed first and this was denied and it led to a harvest of controversy leading the members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to stage a walk-out.

It was the Defence Committee Chairman Senator George Thompson Sekibo who spoke with journalists after a threehour meeting with Service Chiefs led by Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh.

He explained that investigation over the saga was already on-going and confirmed that the seized money belonged to the Federal Government.

Hear him: “We are still investigating. We have started the investigation; when we get through the investigation, we will brief you.”

He told the journalists that “the money belongs to the Nigeria government.” But also added: “There were several questions here and there and we are digging to find out details and facts about what happened. The committee is satisfied that we are on top of the matter.”

But in the Lower chamber, on Tuesday, the Deputy Minority Leader, Mr. Suleiman Abdulrahman-Kawu, had raised the issue on matters of urgent public importance. But, the House rejected to debate his motion in a majority voice vote during the plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha.

The APC lawmakers who could not believe the development stormed out of the chambers angrily, abandoning the rest of the proceedings for their Peoples Democratic Party colleagues who ignored their pro-

test.

The Minority Whip, Mr. Samson Osagie Osagie, who sat on the front row, sprang up and beckoned on all the APC members to walk out of the chambers.He was followed by Abdulrahman-Kawu; the Deputy Minority Whip, Mr. Garba Dhatti; Ms. Jumoke OkoyaThomas, Mr. Rasaq Bello-Osagie and other APC members.

Addressing journalists shortly after, the APC lawmakers expressed disbelief over the turn of events.

They said they could not comprehend how a matter bearing on corruption, security and the integrity of Nigeria was easily rejected by some members.

Osagie, who spoke for his angry colleagues, described the “illegal” cash movement as “a very scandalous, very disgraceful issue.”

He explained that the reason some lawmakers sought to debate the motion was to ensure that necessary actions were taken to protect the image of Nigeria.

Osagie said, “We are disappointed and most shocked that the debate was denied. How would a matter having to do with corruption, financial crime and money laundering be denied debate?

“What are we hiding? In any case, what is sensitive about an issue that has dominated the public domain for days?

“This is an illegal transaction and the Federal Government must explain to Nigerians how this is not money laundering.”

However, the House dismissed the protest by the APC members, insisting that no rules were breached in rejecting the motion.

But, the APC caucus posed a number of questions to the government to answer without delay.

Minority Whip Samson Osagie told reporters: “We are here this afternoon to bare our minds on a very scandalous,

defence focus

By BAYO OLADEJI

Badeh

Mark

very disgraceful and very appalling event that took place a week ago that borders on the image of our country, Nigeria.

“Let me state clearly that we are not just here as members of the APC caucus of the House. We are also here as concerned Nigerians who hold the mandate of the Nigerian people to defend their interest, to ensure that corruption is reduced to the barest minimum, if not totally eliminated, to ensure that our country’s integrity remains intact in the eyes of the international community.

“We are all aware that a week ago or so, the South African government impounded an aircraft purportedly belonging to a top religious leader in this country that was used to carry $9.3 million.

They were said to be in mints and have never been used.

“As if that was not enough, the Federal Government has come up to own up that it was that such money was carried and that it was meant for the purchase of arms and ammunition for the purpose of fighting insurgency. The questions that we have for the Federal

Government are as follows: “Is it faster or safer to do an international transaction of such magnitude by ferrying cash across the continent or simply wire transfer that can go through in matter of seconds or matter of few hour?

“If indeed the matter involves security issues like the purchase of arms by a foreign government like Nigeria, why was the South African government not brought into the picture before hand and how could South African government be sure that the arms were purchased legitimately by the Nigerian government and not by the insurgents when there were no officials of the NSA’s office or the Director of State Security Department that accompany such money?”

“If indeed the manufacturers of such equipment were expecting large sums of money by cash, why did they not make adequate arrangement with the authorities in South Africa to declare the cash on arrival since it was the law in South Africa that you must declare any amount in excess of

2,500 dollars.

“Why was the money belonging to the Federal Government and meant for the purchase of equipment for the Federal Government moved by a private jet when we have over five to six airplanes in the presidential air fleet?

“Why was the money not accompanied by the officials of NSA and DSS? “Why would the government that is at the peak of promoting cashless policy in our country be the chief breaker of that policy by moving such amount of cash if, indeed, it was a legitimate transaction of The Federal Government?

“Why were the officials of our embassy in South Africa not on hand to make the entry easier and smoother? Since the South African government has said the amount is above the limit of cash allowed into the country, why would a whole government like Nigeria not know the simple immigration law of a sister country and why would they have to take it out of the Oliver Tambo international airport and went to land in a village where you have a local Airport?

“Why would government of Nigeria seek to smuggle 9.3 million dollars? A country that is regarded as a giant of Africa smuggling amount worth 1.5 billion naira, in a country where citizens are wallowing in poverty for an unexplained reasons?

“Is it just a wicked coincidence that the aircraft belonging to a personal friend and an unapologetic ally of the president in the person of the chairman of the CAN was used to smuggle the cash?

“If contrary to the above posers, the transactions were contracted out to a private company in Nigeria. Does it amount to the offence of money laundering under our laws for the federal government to have allowed that company to attempt to pay for the equipment by cash to the tune of that amount without passing through financial institutions?

Profile: Major General Mobolaji Koleoso

Koleoso

Major General Mobolaji Adeleke Koleoso is the new Director of Administration at the Defence Headquarters. He had served as the Director of Information and Public Relations for Nigerian Army. He was born on 15 September, 1960. He was commissioned as a regular combatant on 10 December, 1983.

He attended Ibadan Christ Apostolic Grammar School, Ibadan, Kabba Teachers’ College, Kabba, School of Basic Studies, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, University of Lagos, Bello University, Zaria. Other institutions attended are Command Staff College,

Jaji, Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration and National defence College, Abuja.

He had served as the Colonel Standard – Army hq. Dase, Deputy Director Operations- Army hq. DAOPS, Chief Of Staff Hq Infantry Corps Centre, Director Personnel Services (Army), Directing Staff (Member Of Academic Faculty), Director Army Public Relations, Chief Of CivilMilitary Affairs, Director Armed Forces Simulation Centre and Director Of Administration (Defence Headquarters).

Top 3 DEFENCE STORIES ➊ ‘Shekau’ Is Dead- DHQ ➋ Reps At War Again Over $9.3m ➌ $9.3m Belongs To Nigeria-Senate

Some of the surrendered insurgents

42 news south-South south-East 2015: Why Govs, PDP Adopted Jonathan

By OKECHUKWU OBETA, Awka stituency in next year’s general – Dickson election has been awarded to the

Thursday, September 25, 2014

2015: Gov Obiano’s Wife Stirs Hornets’ Nest In Ogbaru Hon. Ogene, also an APGA stalwart who is strongly believed to have indicated interest to seek reelection.

Mrs Obiano’s pronouncement at the event, which obviously embarrassed the party leaders, threw the crowd into a rowdy shouts of disappro val and protestation, which almost degenerated to a free-for-all between supporters of Hon. Ogene, who were also there to receive the first lady and those of Speaker Nwaebili.

Only two months ago, Speaker Nwaebili, who is the daugh-

ter of the Igwe of Ogbakuba, had preveiled on her father to stop the conferment of a chieftaincy title which the Ogbakuba community had earlier scheduled in honour of Hon. Ogene, who had attracted a number of projects to the community.

Some APGA leaders in both Awka and Abuja APGA secretariat are said to be embarrased by Mrs. Obiano’s political statement in Ogbaru, especially as the party is yet to conduct its 2015 election primaries where candidates will legitimately emerge.

Bayelsa State governor Seriake Dickson yesterday explained the reasons for the unanimous adoption of President Goodlcuk Jonathan by state governors and the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the party presidential candidate for 2015 general elections.

According Governor Dickson, the action by the PDP state governors and the party leadership was to institutionalize the right of first refusal for an incumbent president and reduce the huge cost and infighting within existing political parties.

Ther governor, while speaking on Tuesday night during an interactive session with the members of the Federated Correspondent Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists(NUJ), said the action of the PDP was to promote stability in the political system and promote party responsibility to the electorate.

He, however, claried that the adoption of President Jonathan.

“It is not a declaration of sole candidacy. The term sole candidacy connotes a far cry from what we have done.What we have done is to stabilize the political system.”“What we have done is to say that we don’t want to subject our members to the costly and stressful experiences.”

By Osa Okhomina,Yenagoa

Supporters of the lawmaker representing Ogbaru federal constituency in the House of Representatives and House Committee chairman on Media and Public Affairs, Sir Victor Afam Ogene, and those of the Speaker of the Anambra State Assembly, Princess Chinwe Nwaebili, have clashed following the declaration by wife of the state governor, Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano, that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) ticket for Ogbaru Federal Con-

Reps Ask NEMA To Assist Edo Flood Victims

L-R: Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson (1st right) signing two bills - the Bayelsa State College of Agriculture Technology and the Bayelsa State Directorate for Education Inspection & Policy Services, into law while the speaker, Bayelsa Assembly Hon. Konbowei Benson (left), clerk of the House Mr. Aaron Timiye (2nd left) and the deputy governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd) (2nd right), look on, during the State Executive Council meeting, at Government House, Yenagoa.

The House of Representatives has asked the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to urgently provide relief materials to victims of a devastating rainstorm in Fugar, Etsako central local government, Edo State.

The storm, according to Hon Abubakar Momoh (PDP, Edo), who brought the matter to the attention of the House in a motion yesterday, affected over 300 houses two weeks ago.

The lawmaker said NEMA’s assistance will enable the victims rebuild their houses and cover for other losses.

Momoh explained while moving the motion that the rainstorm completely blew off roofs of houses, thereby rendering the occupants homeless.

“If nothing is done to assist the victims to rebuild their houses, a majority of them who are peasant farmers will remain homeless for the rest of their lives and this will negatively affect their children who already have been living in congested apartments with relations outside their native homes,” the lawmaker said.

The matter was referred to the House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness for further legislative action.

By Igho Oyoyo, Abuja

Speaker.

The governor’s wife’s declaration at the Ogbaru local government secretariat, Atani, Tuesday, during her maiden visit to the area as part of her familiarization tour of the state, shocked the teeming crowd which included APGA leaders and other party faithful.

Speaker Nwaebili, who hijacked the event with several of her support groups, has been variously reported as eyeing the National Assembly seat currently occupied by

short news UNIBEN ASUU Raises Alarm Over Appointment Of New VC

PHOTO BY NAN.

Alleged Brutality: Edo Painter Settles Dispute With Airforce Officer

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

Solicitors to a 35-year-old painter Tony Oni, Otamere and Otamere, whose client claimed to have been brutalized over alleged inability to deliver to the latter a painting job given to him by officer, G.O. Charles, of the Nigerian Airforce, 81 Maritime Command in Benin City said the issues had been resolved by all the parties.

In a strong statement released from the chamber and signed by

O. A. Otamere, which was made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday , said: “We humbly write to inform you that that the dispute between our client, Tony Oni, and the Nigeria Airforce, 81 Air Maritime Command, Benin City, was a contractual dispute which has been resolved by the parties. We further gathered that the said issue was unnecessarily orchestrated.”

However, the image maker of the Command, Flying Offi-

cer Evelyn Ochada, reaffirmed the command commitment in fostering a cordial relationship between it and the members of the public, and said irrespective of profession, gender, religion or status, the command respects the dignity and sanity of all.

“The Nigerian Airforce is very well positioned to ensure continued good relationship with all its neighbours as we all move to make the country better than it is.”

University of Benin Chapter of ASUU yesterday called on the governing council not to bow to the pressure and antics of persons who are determined to resort to criminal means in the appointment of a new vice chancellor for the Institution.

The union, at a press conference yesterday, insisted that the only way to sustain the peace and harmony in the ivory tower is to ensure that the process of the appointment of a VC is peaceful, transparent and just.

The union’s chairman, Dr Anthony MonyeEmina, also raised an alarm over a letter allegedly written to the minister of education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau with a forged union’s letter headed paper.

Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

Gov Orji Lauds Military On Counter Insurgency

By MATTHIAS NWOGU UMUAHIA

Abia State governor, Chief Theodore Orji has congratulated the military for the role they are playing in fighting insurgency in the northern part of the country.

He made this comment at the Government House, Umuahia, when he received the flag officer commanding, Naval Training Com-

mand, Lagos, Rear Admiral Goody Anyakpele, who paid him an official visit.

He said that their effort in combating insecurity in the north was commendable, noting that military men have sacrificed their lives in the process.

The governor said the government depends on the military and other security agencies for securi-

ty now that election was around the corner and assured of his readiness to continue supporting the military.

Chief Orji said his government remains eternally grateful to the military for helping it nip kidnapping in the bud and help restore security in the state.

In his remarks, Rear Admiral Anyakpele said he was on inspec-

tion visit of Naval schools under his command to assess facilities and thanked the governor for supporting security personnel in the state to discharge their duties effectively.

He thanked him for the vehicles he has given to the Navy School of Finance and Logistics Owerrinta and the accommodation he provided and urged him to do more.

news south-west 43

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Odumakin, Nollywood Stars Call For Chibok Girls’ Release

Human rights activist, Dr Joe OkeiOdumakin and some notable Nollywood stars have made fresh calls for the release of Chibok girls who have been in captivity of Boko Haram insurgents since April 14, this year.

They made the calls yesterday in Ibadan during a public awareness programme on the continuous voter registration organised

by Women Arise for Change Initiative and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the ancient Mapo Hall, Ibadan.

Odumakin, Saheed Balogun, president, The Golden Movies Ambassador, Babatunde Tokunbo, Kola Olaiya, Rasak Olayiwola and many other Nollywood stars lamented that the innocent girls had been in captivity for the past 162 days, praying that God would prevail on the insurgents to release the girls to their traumatised parents.

Odumakin said the purpose of the rally was to sensitize the public on the need to use their voting power to choose the leaders of their choice in the 2015 elections.

“We have to stop agonizing. The voter cards is the only weapon we can use to choose our leaders. We must not sell our conscience,” she said.

By Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

Amosun Promises Better Roads

Ogun State governor Ibikunle Amosun continued his local government assessment tour yesterday with a visit to Ikenne local government where he promised to complete the Sagamu-IkenneOdogbolu road abandoned by the last administration.

Amosun also reiterated his commitment to the infrastructural development of the area, stressing that more dividends of democracy would be felt in the area.

“What we have come to do today is to thank all residents and indigenes of Ikenne local government for your support every time.

When I was coming today, I saw the bad state of Sagamu- Ikenne road, but by the grace of God, we will soon begin work on that road.

If we cannot construct six lanes there, we should be able to do four lanes at least”.

“When we start from Sagamu, it will pass through Chief Awolowo house and terminates at SagamuBenin road,” Amosun promised.

The governor said other areas would enjoy similar gesture.

“I will also extend my urban renewal programme to Iperu-Remo.

Quite a number of road projects will be constructed and rehabilitated in Ikenne, Iperu-Remo axis.

My government will connect all the roads in Ikenne-Iperu Remo-Ogere remo axis of the local government.”

By Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

Court Invasion: NBA Wants Security Beefed Up Around Judges

By ALO ABIOLA,, Ado-Ekiti

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ekiti chapter has called on the state commissioner of police, Mr Taiwo Lakanu to beef up security around judges while handling sensitive cases.

At a press conference addressed by the chairmen of the Ado, Ikere and Ikole branches of the NBA in Ado Ekiti, the

association, while condemning the attack by some irate youths on the High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti last Monday, urged the police to prosecute those arrested in connection with the disturbance.

Some youths had on the day invaded the court during the hearing of a case involving the governor-elect, Mr Ayodele Fayose over his eligi-

bility to contest the June 21 election, where the presiding judge, Justice Segun Ogunyemi and some lawyers narrowly escaped death.

The suit, which was instituted by E-11, represented by one Mr Adeniyi Ajakaiye and Citizens Popular Party, claimed that Fayose was not fit to stand for election on the premise of his impeachment

on October 16, 2006 by the then House of Assembly.

The chairman of NBA in Ekiti, Mr Joseph Adewumi, said such unwarranted attack on the hallowed chamber of justice could erode the sanctity of the court and people’s confidence in the rule of law, which is dangerous to the growth of democracy in the country.

L-R: Nollywood star Mr Rasaq Olayiwola (a.k.a. Ojopagogo) and president, Golden Movie Ambassadors (TGMA), Mr Saidi Balogun and president, Women Arise & Campaign for Democracy, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, and others during public awareness rally on continuous voter registration organised by the Women Arise group in affiliation with the Independent National Electoral Commision (INEC) in Ibadan yesterday.

Ineligibility: Fayose Heads For Appeal Court

BY ALO ABIOLA, Ado-Ekiti

Ekiti State governor-elect, Mr Ayodele Fayose has appealed against the ruling of a High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti on its jurisdiction to hear a case filed by a socio-cultural group, E-11 against him.

This was even as a Coalition of Ekiti Youths and women groups yesterday stormed the High Court premises to protest against the socio-cultural group for instituting the suit against Fayose.

In the appeal deposed to by his lead counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN), Fayose averred that the presiding judge, Justice Segun Ogunyemi, who had been reported to have withdrawn from the case, misdirected himself in the ruling that the

court has jurisdiction to hear the case.

Joined in the suit are Mr Adeniyi Ajakaiye, Mr Olufemi Ajayi, PDP and INEC. The appellant said the trial judge also erred in law to have assumed that he has become functus officio and thus could not set aside a ruling granted ex-parte.

Subsequently, Fayose sought an order setting aside the order of the Lower Court delivered on June 6, 2014, abridging the time within which the appellant was to file and serve a counter-affidavit to the originating summons in this action.

He further sought an order setting aside the interlocutory ruling of the Lower Court delivered on September 22 un-

der the jurisdiction of Justice Ogunyemi in respect of the case and an order extending time within which the appellants may file their counter-affidavits and other relevant processes at the Lower Court in respect of the action.

He stated that the appellant has 14 days within which to file and serve a counter-affidavit to the originating summons pursuant to Order 17 Rule 16 of the Ekiti State High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2011.

Mr Joel Ogunmodede who spoke on behalf of the protesters said it would be a great disservice to Ekiti for e-11 to thwart the mandate freely given to Fayose in the June 21 governorship election over frivolous allegations against him.

short news UPN Will Have Its Presidential Candidate – NEC The Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) has resolved to participate in every election planned for next year including the presidential poll.

This is part of the resolutions reached at the third meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party held in Abuja.

According to the communique, the meeting presided over by the deputy national chairman of the party, Dr Manzo Abubakar, made far reaching decisions on the structuring of the party and nomination of candidates for the 2015 election.

“The NEC approved the State Caretaker Committee of the party that would conduct congresses into some State, Local and Ward organs.

“For the 2015 election, the NEC decided that candidates for Presidency should buy forms for N5,000,000; Governorship N2,500,000; Senate N1,500,000; House of Reps N50,000 and House of Assembly N25,000”.

By Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

Ebola: Osun Government Assures Teachers Of Safety

by JOSHUA DADA, Osogbo

Following the announcement of October 6 as the resumption date for students in public a nd private schools in Osun State, the state government has allayed the fear of teachers of possible spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the state.

The permanent secretary, State Ministry of Education, Mr Lawrence Oyeniran, gave the assurance yesterday at a parley with

members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Osun branch, on Ebola Virus Disease held at the Conference Hall, Ministry of Education, Osogbo.

According to him, the safety of teachers and students against the EVD that currently constitutes a health challenge to the nation had been considered by the state government before the announcement of 6th October as resumption date for schools across the state.

Oyeniran said that various measures had been put in place by the government under Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola to curtail the spread of Ebola virus in schools which include training of teachers.

He insisted that Osun is Ebola free with a guarantee from the reports of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Osun branch.

The permanent secretary maintained that Ebola is a deadly disease that can be prevented and treated if detected early, which

informed the government’s decision to provide infrared thermometers for all schools in the state starting from tomorrow.

He disclosed that government will no longer allow any student to stay in the school without adequate medical attention, adding that the appointment of Ebola Desk Officers in all schools is for easy detection of students with high temperature and their prompt recommendation for treatment.

44 news NATIONAL

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Ebola Threatens West Africa’s Stability, Group Warns

Prosecute Oghenedoro Or Release Him, MRA Tells SSS

The Ebola crisis threatens to become a political crisis that could destroy years of efforts to stabilise West Africa, the International Crisis Group (ICG) has warned.

In a statement issued from its headquarters in Brussels, the global conflict and security think-tank observed that the three countries worst hit by the epidemic (Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea) “now face widespread chaos”.

It said the situation in these countries is being aggravated by the poor response of their governments.

“In Liberia, the hardest-hit with approximately half of the total deaths, and also in Sierra Leone, governments have substituted a largely misguided military response for a robust focus on medical needs”, the statement said.

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on the State Security Service (SSS) and the Niger State government to immediately prosecute Tega Oghenedoro, the journalist arrested for allegedly demanding N50million bribe, in a court of competent jurisdiction, if they have actionable evidence against him or release him without further delay.

The organisation contended that Oghenedoro’s detention

By Ruth Tene Natsa, Abuja

without charge is illegal and constitutes a violation of his fundamental rights. It called on the SSS and the Niger State government to release him forthwith if they have no evidence to charge him to court.

In a statement signed by MRA’s deputy executive director, Ms Jennifer Onyejekwe, yesterday, the body condemned the action of the SSS in parading him before the media, thereby subjecting him to media trial, instead of taking him before a court of law.

She noted that any person accused of any offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction, and wondered why the security agency and the Niger State government opted to parade him before the media instead of charging him to court, following their claim of having mounted an elaborate sting operation to ensnare him, which should have given them sufficient evidence with which to try him, if their claims are true.

Oghenedoro, a staff of the Ni-

gerian Television Authority in Asaba, Delta State, allegedly using the pen name of “Fejiro Oliver” was initially declared missing on September 19, 2014, but was paraded by the SSS before the media in Minna on September 22 for allegedly demanding a bribe of N50million to suppress a story about Governor Mu’azu Aliyu of Niger State.

Governor Aliyu’s spokesperson, Israel Ebije accused Oghenedoro of “using mushroom online platforms to blackmail innocent Nigerians”.

short news Kidnap: JTF Rescues Rivers Commissioner’s Mother

By Victor Okeke, Abuja

Mark Vs Onoja: ‘Only PDP Primaries Can Stop Me’ In a bid to obtain the Benue South senatorial ticket against the reelection of Senate President David Mark, an aspirant in the race under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Mike Onoja said yesterday that only the forthcoming primaries of the ruling party can stop him.

Onoja, a retired permanent secretary in the Federal Ministry of Defence, stated this while fielding questions from newsmen. He insisted that the Zone C senatorial seat must be rotated among the Idomas to ensure equity and fairness.

He said the people of Benue South senatorial district have not enjoyed dividends of democracy in the past 16 years and his mission is to enhance developmental projects in the areas.

By Solomon Ayado, Makurdi

Senate Moves To Ban Tobacco Use A Bill for an Act to Repeal Tobacco (control) Law and to Enact the National Tobacco Control Bill to provide for the regulation or control of production, manufacture, sale, advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco or tobacco products in Nigeria was yesterday passed for second reading by the Senate.

The bill if passed seeks to regulate and control the use of tobacco and exposure to tobacco smoke in order to protect the health of the Nigerian public.

The bill was further referred to the Committee on Health for further legislative work and is expected back in plenary in four weeks.

Leading the debate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa lamented that tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death globally as it kills nearly six million people annually.

By Jonathan Nda-Isaiah

Men of the Joint Task Force in Rivers State, on Tuesday rescued Mrs Gloria Tolofari, the mother of Rivers State commissioner for transport, Mr George Tolofari, who was abducted about two Adamawa State Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief John Elias (third left) presenting fertilizer allocation at the flag-off of the months ago. second phase of sales of subsidized fertilizer under the Growth Enhancement Scheme (Ges), at Kofare Ward of Yola, yesterday Army public re. PHOTO BY NAN lations officer, Major Michael Etete, in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP

BY CHIKA OTUCHIKERE and BODE Mbagha who was received by the nual Igbo Day to showcase our culin Port Harcourt, GBADEBO, Abuja management and editorial team of ture and we are set for another one yesterday, said the newspaper, led by the group ex- soon,” he said.

Mrs Tolofari was The Abuja chapter of the Ohanaeze ecutive director, Mike Okpere, said The chairman who averred that rescued from Ndigbo has concluded arrange- Ohanaeze Ndigbo was established 80 per cent of traders in Abuja marher abductors ments to mark the 2014 Igbo Day in the FCT to galvanise support for kets are of Igbo origin said part of at Azuzuama in celebration in the Federal Capital members, promote Igbo culture the association’s responsibilities is Southern Ijaw Territory (FCT), Abuja. and bring it nearer to their children to mediate whenever there is fricarea of Bayelsa The chairman of the chapter, born outside Igbo land, among oth- tion with fellow Igbos or persons of State, through the Chief Emeka Mbagha, who led the ers. He added that they felt it was other tribes. joint effort of the executive committee members of important to acquaint themselves In his response, group executive DSS and the Antithe association to the headquar- with the most influential newspa- director Okpere informed the group kidnapping Unit ters of the LEADERSHIP Newspa- per in the country. of LEADERSHIP’s towering record of the 2 Brigade, pers Group yesterday on a courte“We came here today to seek your amongst its peers within 10 years of Nigeria Army, Port sy visit, said the aim of the visit was collaboration for our forthcoming its establishment. “We will give you Harcourt. to seek collaboration with the news- Igbo Day celebration, knowing that cooperation like our motto says; we

By Anayo paper to give adequate publicity to your newspaper is the most influ- will stand by the truth anytime no Onukwugha, the event. ential in the FCT. We organise an- matter whose ox is gored,” he said.

Port Harcourt

Igbo Day: Ohanaeze Ndigbo Seeks LEADERSHIP’s Collaboration

Fayose Accuses Fayemi, Judiciary Of Plotting To Scuttle His Swearing In Your allegation is Baseless – Ekiti Gov

By Olaolu Oladipo, Lagos

Ekiti State governor-elect, Mr Ayodele Fayose has accused Governor Kayode Fayemi of colluding with the judiciary to scuttle his swearing in.

Addressing newsmen in Lagos, the governor-elect said the APC has hatched a plan to com-

promise some judicial officers with the intent to truncate his coming into power, adding that the people of Ekiti will not allow their mandate to be stolen.

This is coming just as he absolved his supporters from the fracas that occured at the State High Court when some hoodlums chased away the trial judge and beat up litigants during the resumed hearing of the case regarding his eligibility or other-

wise to contest the polls.

Reacting to the allegations, the chief press secretary to Fayemi, Mr Olayinka Oyebode, however, urged Fayose not to drag the state government into the matter, but rather face the allegations levelled against him.

Oyebode added that the case is a civil one which the government has no hand in, and that it was instituted by E-11 prior to the June 20 governorship polls.

According to Fayose, the governor alongside a pressure group, E-11, are scheming to stop his October 16 inauguration through a back door court injunction.

“The whole scheming in Ekiti State is just about the APC obtaining judgement through the back door after losing elections on June 20, 2014. You will recall that Segun Oni’s tenure was truncated through this

news Lagos 45

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Why We Shut Oko– Oba Abattoir – LASG Lagos State Government has said that it has it decided to shut the Oko- Oba abattoir in Agege area of the state over unhygienic practices and non-compliance with the relevant laws governing meat slaughtering.

The Lagos tate Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperative and Society, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, disclosed this to journalists in Lagos yesterday.

He added that the abattoir was temporarily shut to enable the government sanitise the environment and ensure cattle slaughtered in the facility are safe for consumption.

According to him, the facility was shut to enable the state government carry out the ‘massive cleanup’, saying that the abattoir would be reopened today.

Lagos Assembly Directs Fashola To Rename IDH After Adadevoh

By Taiwo Ogunmola-Omilani,

Lagos

The Lagos State House of Assembly has directed the state governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, to immortalise the late medical consultant of the First Consultant Hospital, Stella Adadevoh, by renaming the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) after her.

This decision was reached

during plenary yesterday after a motion was moved by the member representing Mushin Constituency 1, Adefunmilayo Tejuoso, that the hospital be named after the late Adadevoh for her role at ensuring that the Ebola Disease Virus (EVD) was not spread across the state.

At yesterday’s plenary session, Tejuoso moved the motion while it was supported by the member

representing Apapa Constituency 2, Olumuyiwa Jimoh, who told his colleagues that the late Adadevoh was a grand-daughter of late Herbert Macaulay.

The speaker, thereafter, directed the Clerk of the House, Segun Abiru to communicate the decision of the House to Governor Fashola.

The lawmakers, had on Monday called on both the Lagos State and the federal governments to honour

the late Dr. Adadevoh while they further stated that it would not be out of place to name the IDH after her if the federal government refused to honour her.

It would be recalled that Adadevoh was the medical consultant, who headed the team that handled the case of the late Liberian-American, Patrick Sawyer, who brought the Ebola Virus Disease into Nigeria.

short news $9.3M Cash: TUC Charges Lawmaker to Investigate

George Okojie, Lagos

2015: APC Vows To Stamp Out Corruption In Nigeria The Lagos State chairman of All Progressives Congress(APC) Otunba Henry Ajomale yesterday said the problem of corruption in Nigeria will be a thing of the past when the party wrest power from the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in 2015 general elections.

Ajomale said this at Lagos residents empowerment programme organised by Conference 57, the umbrella body of chairmen of the 20 local government areas (LGAs) and 37 local council development areas(LCDAs) at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in the state.

He said the party has decided to tackle the menace of corruption in the country and focus on three cardinal areas.

By George Okojie, Lagos

N25.7bn Theft: Power Outage Stalls Former Bank PHB MD, Wife’s Trial The on going trial of a former managing director of Bank PHB (now Keystone Bank), Francis Atuche and his wife, Elizabeth was yesterday stalled due to power outage at the premises of the Lagos High Court in Ikeja.

The couple are standing trial before Justice Lateefat Okunnu alongside a former chief financial officer of the bank, Ugo Anyanwu over alleged theft of N25.7 billion belonging to the bank brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

It would be recalled that the trial was adjourned till Tuesday by the judge for the continuation of Atuche’s testimony.

By Olugbenga Soyele, Lagos

L-R: Director, Brand Communication and Sponsorship, All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, Matlou Tsotetsi, executive producer, AFRIMA, Mike Dada and jury member, Benin Republic, AFRIMA, Oscar Kidjo at the AFRIMA 2014 nominees unveiling press conference at Protea Hotel, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO BY BENEDICT UWALAKA

FG Urged To Investigate Cash-For-Arms Deal

By NKEM OSUAGWU, Lagos

An Association of Muslim women in business and the professions, The Criterion, has called on the federal government to conduct a thorough investigation into the cash-for-arms scandal with a private jet belonging to the president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Ayo Oritsejafor.

The association, in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos, said thorough investigation into the matter is imperative in the interest of the nation and to unveil the mask behind the use of illegal arms to un-

leash terror on innocent citizens in the northern part of the country.

The statement signed by the national amirah (president) of the association, Dr. Saudat Salah AbdulBaqi said the group is shocked by the admission of Pastor Oritsejafor to the ownership of the private jet seized last weekend

by South African authorities in which $9.3million was stashed to purchase arms and the subsequent statement credited to the federal government admitting ownership of the cash.

The association is requesting the National Assembly to wade into the matter and tell the whole world whether

the Air Operators Certificate (AOC) issued by NCAA to Oritsejafor permit him to lease his privately owned aircraft to another company for commercial purposes or not.

Worried about the imbroglio, The Criterion wonders why the federal government resorted to using private aircraft belonging to Oritsejafor, a very close confidant and friend to President Goodluck Jonathan and his family, despite the well known fact that the federal government has several official private jets and aircrafts in the fleet of the Nigerian Air Force.

Court Fixes October 23 For Hearing Of FoI Suit Against NIS OLUGBENGA SOYELE, Lagos

Justice Saliu Saidu of the federal high court sitting in Lagos will on October 23, 2014 hear a Freedom of Information(FoI) suit filed against the National Institute of Sports (NIS), and two of its officials.

Justice Saidu, adjourned hearing of the suit at the instance of the applicants’ counsel, Banji Abuloye who informed the court that he needed time to study and reply the affidavits and other application served on him by the counsel to the respondents.

The Academic Staff Union of Research Institute, NIS branch, its chairman, Comrade Akinremi Francis, and the union’s secretary, Comrade Ken Omezi have dragged the institute, its director and registrar before the court for none release of some official documents, records and information to them.

The applicants had urged the court for an order of mandamus compelling the respondents, as a matter of urgency, to release the certified true copies of the demanded documents and information.

They are also praying the court for an

order of mandamus compelling the respondents to allow them to have access to the said documents and information.

However, the court had on June 6, 2014 ordered that the applicants can apply for an order of mandamus, compelling and directing the respondents to allow the applicants to have access to information sought though its letter dated March 31,2014.

The court had also granted the applicants leave to apply for an order of mandamus compelling or directing the respondents to release onto the applicants all the information sought for.

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has charged all members of the National Assembly, irrespective of their party affiliations, to unite as one body and thoroughly investigate the reported case of Nigeria’s $9.3m cash presently in the custody of the South African authorities.

This was contained in a press statement signed by its president general, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama yesterday.

According to him, rather than the unnecessary squabbles “we saw on the floor of the House of Representatives, is what Nigerians expect. The issue at hand is so delicate, especially as the said money was taken out of this country without due process.

“We commend those lawmakers and other Nigerians who insist that the matter be dispassionately looked into.

Indeed it is one very scandalous, disgraceful and appalling issue that no one should venture to play politics.

By Taiwo OgunmolaOmilani, Lagos

46 news NATIONAL NHIS Declares Increase In Coverage The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has declared as inspiring, recent improvement in enrolee under the scheme, even as it says that it has pressed forward with its various efforts to attain the presidential mandate of providing health insurance coverage to no less than 40 per cent of the Nigerian population by the end of 2015.

The executive secretary of the scheme, Dr. Femi Thomas revealed that there has been a movement in the scheme’s enrolee data base from 5.5million to about 7.5million within the last nine months.

He made the revelation at a mid-term management retreat of the organisation which took place recently in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP by the head, Media and Public Relations Division of the scheme, Ayo Osinlu. .According to the NHIS boss, “Between 2011 and 2013, only about 600,000 lives were added to the scheme’s data base, while this year alone the number has grown by about two million. This is by no means a small achievement, and we therefore congratulate everyone that has played a part in this major leap”.

Thomas ascribed this success to the new culture of doing things right.

By Winifred Ogbebo, Abuja

Glo Promises Exciting Times For High End Customers Glo is promising exciting times for customers as the company prepares to launch a unique product, which offers mouth-watering benefits to its premium subscribers.

Globacom in a press statement in Lagos, stated that the new product, called Glo Prive, will accord premium recognition and offer special privileges to high value subscribers on the Glo network. “ The formal unveiling of the package comes up during a high profile launch ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, October 1 at the Grand Ball Room of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos,” the statement added.

Globacom explained that Nigeria’s Independence Day was chosen for the launch event because it was a public holiday and, as such, offered the ideal setting for guests to relax and soak in the thrilling offers being unveiled. Although different packages targeted at premium customers already exist in Nigeria’s telecommunications market, Glo Prive is said to be refreshingly different as its offers from both Glo and its partners, comprising leadin service providers in other sectors of the economy, are unmatched by any other such product.

By Kunle olasanmi Abuja

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Akpabio Dismisses Ex-Gov Atta’s Claims Over Creation of A/Ibom

By Bernard Tolani Dada , Uyo

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio has dismissed the claims of ex-Governor Victor Attah over the creation of Akwa Ibom State by former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida in 1987.

Akpabio during a state broadcast explained that the creation

of Akwa Ibom State was not an event but a process started by the forefathers at Afaha Oku in 1953 when they made the first demand for state creation in Nigeria.

Akpabio noted that five months after the coup of August, 1985, which heralded the General Ibrahim Babangida administration, Babangida set up a 17-member Political Bureau with

Sylvanus J. Cookey as chairman, and Abdullahi Augie as executive secretary.

The Bureau, according to the governor, believed that the creation of more states was necessary in the interest of a much more balanced and stable federation.

Akpabio explained that the Bureau also believed that the cre-

ation of more states would ease political and social tensions, which had bred instability and frustrated the country’s march towards national greatness.

Akpabio said, “Akwa Ibom people took advantage of this and we intensified our demand for a state of our own. We submitted memoranda upon memoranda to justify our demand.

short news Kogi Assembly Upholds Suspension Of Dekina LG Boss Kogi State House of Assembly yesterday upheld the suspension of Dekina local government chairman, Mr Mohammed Ali and urged the Legislative Council to commence his impeachment processes immediately.

The resolution Health workers screening pupils for ebola virus disease at a private school in dougirei near jimeta in Adamawa State yesterday. of the House at yesPHOTO BY NAN terday’s plenary followed the adoption of the report of the adhoc committee constituted by the House to investigate the crisis that led to the suspension of the council boss on

By Kunle olasanmi, Abuja this in Abuja yesterday while receiv- been positive.

July 10.

He said, “We have not found any ing the Regional representatives for Presenting the The National Human Rights Com- West Africa Office of the United Na- act of extra judicial killing by the report, the commitmission (NHRC) has exonerated the tions High Commissioner for Hu- military. When we come out with tee chairman, Mr Nigerian military of any extra judi- man rights in his office. our report, we expect security agenGabriel Daudu (PDPcial killings, saying that it has begun According to the NHRC boss, cies in the country to punish any inOgori-Magongo) probe into the report of Amnesty in- the commission is already hold- dicted officer. The commission is said the committee ternational which accused the Nige- ing meetings with various security still probing the allegation and afwas set up on July ria police and other security agen- agencies in the country over the re- ter the probe, we will come out with 15. cies of torture. port, saying that the response which a report. We will continue to ensure The Executive Secretary of the the commission has been getting that the rights of Nigerians are reBy Sam Egwu, NHRC, Prof. Bem Angwe, stated since the probe was initiated has spected”.

Lokoja

Amnesty Report: NHRC exonerates Nigerian military over extra-judicial killings

$9.3m: Reps Ethics Committee To Probe $50,000 Bribe To PDP Lawmakers

By Edegbe Odemwingie And Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

The House of Representatives Committee on Ethics and Privileges has been directed to probe a ‘$50, 000 bribe’ allegedly given to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in the House, to ‘kill’ a motion to probe the controversial $9.3million seized last week by the South African authorities.

The smuggled cash seized from two Nigerians and an Israeli at the Lanseria Airport was intended for the procurement of arms from South Afri-

ca on behalf of the Nigerian government, according to reports.

However, a Tuesday motion to probe the incident was voted out without debate in contentious circumstances, causing a walkout by aggrieved APC lawmakers.

The federal lawmaker who made the allegation on Tuesday, Hon Aliyu Sani Madaki (Kano/ APC) was yesterday sent before the Ethics and Privileges Committee to prove his allegation, a development that could result in his suspension, if he fails to do so.

Presiding deputy speaker,

Emeka Ihedioha, who described the allegation as “grievous” and “regrettable”, threw subtle threats at Madaki.

“These are indeed trying times. For those who were in the last Assembly, I must also remind us that times like this have casualties and I don’t pray that any of us becomes a casualty... I am very certain that if you take your time to check the Hansard, maybe some that took some actions wouldn’t have done that...

This matter is referred to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges. The committee is to report back in two weeks.” Ihe-

dioha stated while delivering ruling on the matter.

Madaki, however, told newsmen after Wednesday’s plenary, that the bribery allegation was not a “rumour” but factual.

“As at today (Wednesday) it is no longer a rumour. I have the information that PDP lawmakers in the House of Representatives received $20, 000, while senators received $50, 000,” Madaki said.

LEADERSHIP reports that communication from the PDP and presidency is traditionally routed through the office of the House majority leader.

47

Thursday, September 25, 2014

KADUNA VISIONARY MOVEMENT TEL: 08033149912, 08026499700

23RD SEPTEMBER, 2014

CLARION CALL AND PASSIONATE APPEAL TO DISTINGUISHED SENATOR HARUNA AZIZ ZEGO TO CONTEST THE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION OF KADUNA STATE IN THE 2015 GENERAL ELECTIONS We, the undersigned, for ourselves and on behalf of Kaduna State P.D.P for sustained Good Governance have, after a careful evaluation of the political clime in Kaduna State, reached the firm and unequivocal conclusion that the best and most suitable candidate to govern the state come May 29, 2015 is Distinguished Senator Haruna Aziz Zego. We are hereby making this passionate appeal and clarion call on him to pick up the gauntlet and contest for the Gubernatorial election in the next general elections. Our clarion call is predicated on several salient factors which are as follows:1.

DISTINGUISHED SENATOR HARUNA AZIZ IS A LOYAL PARTY MAN Distinguished Senator Haruna Aziz Zego has proven that he is a PDP loyalist to the core by his conduct, and by working assiduously for the success of the PDP in all elections, not only in Southern Kaduna Senatorial Zone but also in Kaduna State in general. Having worked, and is still working for the success of the party, it is only fair, just and equitable that he should be called upon and supported to contest and win the governorship election.

2.

HE IS AN UNSHAKABLE SUPPORTER OF PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN Distinguished Senator Haruna Aziz Zego is our best candidate for Kaduna as a result of the fact that he is an unshakable Gubernatorial candidate for Kaduna State as a result of the fact that he is an unshakable and demonstrated supporter, advocate and mobilizer for the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan which has positively transformed the Nation in all spheres.

3.

DISTINGUISHED SENATOR HARUNA AZIZ ZEGO IS A UNIFYING FACTOR Another point that strategically stands Distinguished Senator Haruna Aziz Zego out as the most worthy candidate for the Governorship of Kaduna State is the fact that he is generally acceptable across tribal and religious divides in Kaduna State. He is also a complete grassroots politician who has always, and is still in touch with all strata of the populace in Kaduna State. Thus, his accepting to contest, his contesting, and winning the Governorship election will foster greater peace and unity in Kaduna State.

4.

DISTINGUISHED SENATOR HARUNA AZIZ ZEGO HAS A TRACK RECORD OF PERFORMANCE We are also resolute in our clarion call for Distinguished Senator Haruna Aziz Zego to contest the governorship election based on the fact that he is tested and trusted, and has a track record of performance in various elective and appointive positions in Kaduna State and Nigeria in general.

He has distinguished himself meritoriously served as Chairman Southern Kadima Political Forum and as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and this has proven to all that he is reliable, dependable,loyal and grassrootbased politician who can be entrusted with positive mandate of the good people of Kaduna State.

5.

DISTINGUISHED SENATOR HARUNA AZIZ ZEGO: A QUIET PERFORMER, SILENT ACHIEVER AND EMERGING NEW FACE OF KADUNA STATE He is by no means a small fry. His name strikes a chord familiar with the masterly strokes of the legendary Mozart. He is well known in the corridors of power, yet is never distant from the people as the grassroots whom he holds so dear to heart.

He is an astute politician, a seasoned retired Air-force Officer, an efficient leader and manager of men and resources, and in his own description of himself a planner. His leadership credentials are as impressive as his repertoire of accomplishments and awards across nations and continents. His vast contributions to Kaduna State development are evidenced by his consistent engagement across tasks, government and administrations for which he always graciously and selflessly makes himself available with a signature of assurance of excellence success.

He is a statesman, stoic in his convictions, fair in his judgments, friendly in his disposition, humble and sincere in character and transparent in his dealings, he is one resolute citizen impassioned in his drive to make the Kaduna State project a reality.

Distinguished Senator Haruna Aziz Zego is tried, tested and proven. A trust worthy and dependable man, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan appointed him as chairman of Chad Basin Development Authority in 2013. This speaks volumes of the confidence reposed in him, and over the years, he has not failed nor faltered; but he is quietly working as the vehicle by which the precise and specific plans and policies of government are given overall benefit and value.

6.

CONCLUSION For the aforestated reasons, and for our love for sustainable development, peace and increased attraction of Dividends of Democracy to Kaduna State, we are hereby making his passionate appeal and clarion call on Distinguished Senator Haruna Aziz Zego to help take Kaduna State to the next level by immediately acceding to our appeal by accepting to contest the governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

We hope that your love for your people, the Good people of Kaduna State will spur you to accept our plea and Immediately declare your intention to contest.

Yours faithfully,

Hon. Sani G. Garba State Coordinator

48

crime

Thursday, September 25, 2014

F E AT U R E S

‘How Nigerian Security Agencies Use Torture To Get Information’ A report on the situation of torture in Nigerian detention facilities and the methods used by the agencies to extract information was last week presented to Nigerians. The report also came with illustrative paintings of some of the gruesome methods, CHIKA OTUCHIKERE, Reports

T

he international human rights group, the Amnesty International, last week released its 2013 situation report on the use of torture by security operatives in Nigerian detention facilities to extract information from suspected criminals. The report which indicted the Nigeria police and the military has however been roundly criticised by both agencies as false and misleading.

While indicting both the police and military for using extreme measures of torture to extract information from the suspects, the report detailed incidences of torture in the various facilities including police stations and military establishments using illustrative paintings According to the Amnesty International, a wide variety of methods of torture is used by security forces in Nigeria in what it terms “violation of the absolute prohibition against torture and other ill-treatment”.

The group documented some of the most common methods of torture used by the security agencies. They said the information is based on over 500 interviews with victims, relatives of victims, human rights defenders, lawyers and several detainees and former detainees in police and military detention centres across Nigeria.

Beatings: Many of the detainees alleged that they were beaten or whipped by the operatives who they said used objects including gun butts, machetes, batons, sticks, rods and cables. According to them, beatings can last for hours and before being beaten, detainees are often stripped, either naked or above the waist, and their hands are restricted and heads covered.

Rape and sexual violence: The Amnesty International said it received consistent reports of women being raped or sexually abused by the police. The group said while such violations take place even in public locations, they are most common during transfer

of women to police stations, during their detention or in the police station when women visit male detainees in police custody.

According to the group, rape and other forms of sexual violence, including inserting bottles and other objects into a woman’s vagina, are also used by the police to extract confessions and other information.

Shootings: Amnesty International said a number of interviewees including former and current detainees reported being shot in the leg, foot or hand during interrogations. They said many said they were left to bleed for hours without medical care or treatment.

Nail or tooth extractions: the report affirmed that detainees’ teeth, fingernails and toenails were often removed using pliers, scissors and other objects.

Suspending detainees by the feet.

The report further disclosed that many former detainees - especially those held in police custody-have described being suspended upsidedown with their feet tied to a ceiling fan. This, the report said can last for several hours.

Suspending detainees from a pipe or rod: Former detainees also described being made to lie face down, with their knees bent and ankles tied, and with their arms raised and wrists tied. A pipe or rod, attached to a rope hanging from the ceiling, is then passed between their legs and arms, and the detainee is hoisted upwards and suspended in the air.

Starvation: The detainees also reported receiving barely any food while in custody. Some reported receiving food only once a day with sub-standard food, as much as would fit in their cupped palms.

Sitting on sharp objects: The report disclosed that a number of former detainees reported being forced to sit on a board covered with protruding nails, spikes and other sharp objects. This, they said usually occurred after detainees had been beaten and were barely able to stand.

IGP Abba

Electric shock: Electric shock is another method reportedly used by the operatives. Former detainees also described being subjected to electric shocks, from use of electricity current or hand held battery based objects being placed on sensitive body parts.

Choking: this method was also mentioned by the detainees who described how ropes are tied to their neck with two police officers pulling from both ends choking the victim until he faints.

‘Tabay’: The report noted that former detainees and serving members of the Nigerian military and police have described the common use of ‘Tabay’. In this form of torture, detainees’ elbows are tied behind the backs before the person is suspended from a stick or forced to sit awkwardly on the ground.

‘Water torture’: Amnesty International said it interviewed several former detainees who claimed they had hot or cold water poured on their naked bodies, either while they slept or shortly after being beaten -when wounds were raw and bleeding.

According to the report, some former detainees also described other forms of abuse that may violate the absolute prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment, including experiencing mock executions and being forced to watch other people being extrajudicially executed.

They said as a result of increased scrutiny by human rights nongovernmental groups, Nigerian human rights organizations have reported new methods of torture

aimed at hiding visible marks on the body of victims. This, they said, include covering the ropes used in tying up suspects with cloth to avoid any mark on the body; and tying the upper arm of suspects with rubber to choke the flow of blood and covering detainees with plastic and placing them in the sun until they die.

As part of its recommendation, the Amnesty International urged the Nigerian authorities to take all necessary steps to ensure that no detainee is subjected to torture or other ill-treatment by members of the security forces.

“Amnesty International is calling on the Nigerian leadership to demonstrate their total opposition to torture and other ill-treatment and publicly condemn such practices unreservedly whenever they occur.

“The Nigerian Government must also take action to pass a bill to criminalize torture and other ill-treatment. The practice of incommunicado detention must be ended: all detainees should be provided access to their family, a lawyer and doctor without delay.

The Nigerian authorities should also ensure access to national and international human rights organisations to visit all detention centres.

“All allegations of torture or other ill-treatment must be promptly, impartially and effectively investigated by an independent body and where admissible evidence is found, suspects should be brought to justice in accordance with international standards for fair trial,” the report stated.

The Nigerian Government must also take action to pass a bill to criminalize torture and other ill-treatment

49

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Graduate Trainee Access Bank Plc Entry Level Visit: http://accessbank.jobberman.com Access Bank Plc is a financial institution with presence in 9 countries in Africa and the United Kingdom and in all major cities in Nigeria. Also referred to as Africa’s Bank of Best Practice, Access Bank operates on a platform of strong ethics, governance and professionalism.

Our people remain our competitive advantage and we constantly seek to recruit high performing talents who are passionate about working in the banking industry.

We are seeking Graduate Trainees to occupy positions nationwide.

Job Description: The Graduate Trainee Programme is designed to equip young, bright, ambitious, talented and fresh graduates with requisite skills (professional and soft) necessary to assume leadership roles and be exposed to a functionally based and corporate intensive programme. After a highly competitive selection process, successful candidates will undergo a systematic training programme involving formal training. At end of the training programme, successful candidates will be considered for vacant positions in the company.

Required skills and Qualifications: • Minimum of a degree in any course from an accredited University.

• Must have concluded NYSC, and must have a discharge certificate in hand.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Computer literacy is a must.

position Job Description • Professionally and effectively employs sales skills to achieve targeted sales.

• Increase the level of sales and business mix from individual clients • Increase share of each market sector • Research and Database • Maintain an accurate and current database • Identify and develop sources of potential clients Requirements: • Minimum Qualification- BSc • Must be smart and target driven • Required Experience-0-2 years

Direct Sales Executive In Taraba Experience: Does Not Matter Visit: http://jbng.me/371487 Or send your CV to: 3612f@jbng.me A licensed finance company seeks to fill this position with suitable candidates. If you meet the qualifications, kindly apply.

Job Description: • Marketing of Bank products • Sourcing of Customers for the bank • Maintenance of existing customers of the bank Qualification: • Professional Certification/University Diploma/OND/NCE/HND/B.Sc./B. Tech/B. Engr./MSc/MPA etc.

Volunteer /Intern (Solar) In Arnergy Solar, Niger

Business Trainee (Solar) In Arnergy Solar, Zamfara

Experience: Does Not Matter Visit: http://jbng.me/372066 Or send your CV to: 36372@jbng.me

OND, 1 - 3 years Visit: http://jbng.me/372096 Or send your CV to: 36390@jbng.me

Arnergy Solar is an energy company located in Nigeria and they require the services of a qualified candidate to fill this position.

Arnergy Solar is an energy company located in Nigeria and they require the services of a qualified candidate to fill this position.

Job Responsibilities • Responsible for communications • Responsible for creating awareness about the Solar Home System, its health and cost saving benefit in comparison to Generator • Responsible for training of other Solar entrepreneurs on the company business model and growth strategies

Job Responsibilities • Responsible for championing go green initiative to switch Nigerians using “ I Pass My Neighbour generator” to Solar Home System • Responsible for creating awareness about the Solar Home System, its health and cost saving benefit in comparison to Generator • Responsible for training of other Solar entrepreneurs on the company business model and growth strategies.

Requirements: • Minimum Qualification - OND • Years of Experience - 2 Years Sales & Marketing Experience • Salary Range is dependent on Experience

Business Development Executive In AMERICAN PROJECT MANAGEMENT COLLEGE USA, Taraba BSc, 1 - 3 years Visit: http://jbng.me/371030 Or send your CV to: 35f66@jbng.me American Project Managers - We are seeking suitably qualified graduates to fill this

Requirements: • Minimum Qualification - OND • Years of Experience - none

Van Sales Representative In Recruitment Agency, Kaduna BSc, 1 - 3 years Visit: http://jbng.me/371247 Or send your CV to: 3603f@jbng.me Our client in the FMCG Industry seeks to hire for the above position.

Job Description: • To sell the company product to our current and potential customer.

• To create distribution and visibility of the company product in their route.

• Ensure sales route is followed diligently.

• Weekly customer visits, positive calls and average invoice value to be maintained.

• Report competitor activities in their route.

• Cash sales collection and on time

submission.

• Maintain vehicle in proper condition.

Qualification/Requirement: • Should be HND/Bsc Holder.

• Fluent in English Language and Hausa Language also an added advantage.

• Basic communication skill(verbal,written,presentation).

• Relationship building and selling skill.

• Team player.

• Able to driver with valid Driver’s licence.

Nutrition Co-coordinator (SPRING) In Save The Children, Kaduna MSc, 1 - 3 years Visit: http://jbng.me/371280 Or send your CV to: 36060@jbng.me Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in over 120 countries around the world. Recognized for our commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration, our work takes us into the heart of communities, where we help children and families help themselves.

We work with other organizations, governments, non-profits and a variety of local partners while maintaining our own independence without political agenda or religious orientation. Save the Children’s mission is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.

Save the Children is looking for experienced development professionals to work within the Nigeria Country Program Responsibilities • As a member of the SPRING Team, the Nutrition Coordinator will work under the direction of the SPRING/Nigeria Nutrition Advisor in the day-to-day successful implementation of the SPRING/Nigeria.

Project at the State level.

• Overall, the Nutrition Coordinator is responsible for the support and capacity building of the UGM partners (including CSOs) and the Government counterpart.

Qualifications and Requirements: • The incumbent should possess a master’s degree or equivalent work experience in the field of nutrition, health, or development, experience working with an international NGO is a plus.

• Candidate must also possess strong computer skills especially in MS office package and strong organizational/ communication skills.

• S(he) should demonstrate ability to assess priorities and handle multiple tasks simultaneously to meet deadlines with attention to detail and quality; • S(he) must be able to also work independently and manage various projects in a team setting,with limited supervision;fluency in English and Hausa.

Method of Application Interested candidates should send their C.V. and covering letter on or before the Closing date explaining why you are suitable and state position clearly in the subject field as applications without appropriate subject will be disqualified.

Packaging Assistant In Mubeco Petroleum Company Limited, Kaduna SSCE, 1 - 3 years Visit: http://jbng.me/371374 Or send your CV to: 360be@jbng.me

Mubeco Petroleum Company Limited is in need of a suitable candidate for this position Job Description• Candidate must not be older than 32 and must have a minimum of SSCE or equivalent with credit in mathematics and English language.

• Must also have relevant experience of at least 2 years on pneumatically controlled oil filling or similar lines, and have ability to function with little supervision.

Qualifications: • Years of Experience- 2 years • Mini Qualification- SSCE

Sales Agent In Virtual PA LTD, Kaduna Experience: Does Not Matter Visit: http://jbng.me/371376 Or send your CV to: 360c0@jbng.me Virtual PA LTD is in need of a suitable candidate for this position Responsibilities • Promote and Cross-sell banking products (Debit Card, Mobile Banking, etc) and liability products (Target Saving accounts, Early Saver accounts) to new or existing customers in target market • Interact with existing customers to reactivate dormant accounts and increase accounts turnover.

• Address customer inquiries and ensure their needs are continuously met.

• Document and maintain all records of sales activities and provide updates as required.

Job Description• Candidate must not be older than 25.

• No experience required.

• Good telephone manner and an upbeat personality is essential.

• A degree in either LAW or Accounting will be an advantage.

Sales Representative In Kaduna Degree, 3 - 5 years Visit: http://jbng.me/371854 Or send your CV to: 3629e@jbng.me A Vibrant Company, Manufacturer of Consumer products for the retail sector and is interested in recruiting vibrant and dynamic Nigerians to fill the following position: Job Description: • Meet sales target through effective planning and budgeting.

• Devise techniques and strategies necessary for achieving sales targets.

• Map potential customers and generate leads for improved sales.

• Maintaining and improving relationship with clients. Client relationship management is a major key performance index.

• Implement sales action plan.

• Monitor changing trends and economic indicators as well as competitors.

• Maintain sales volumes, product mix and keep current with supply and demand.

Desired Skills/Experience: • Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.

• At least 3 years marketing experience.

• Excellent computer skills related to reporting • Must have highly effective interpersonal communication skills to interact with all

50 levels of an organization.

Community Mobilization Specialist In Save The Children, Bauchi Degree, 1 - 3 years Visit: http://jbng.me/371277 Or send your CV to: 3605d@jbng.me Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in over 120 countries around the world. Recognized for our commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration, our work takes us into the heart of communities, where we help children and families help themselves.

We work with other organizations, governments, non-profits and a variety of local partners while maintaining our own independence without political agenda or religious orientation. Save the Children’s mission is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.

Save the Children is looking for experienced development professionals to work within the Nigeria Country Program Job Description S/he will build and maintain good relationship with stakeholders at the State and IGA levels; ensure commitment and involvement of State and Local Government authorities in the program and support community mobilization to ensure participation, support and sustainability of the program Qualifications and Requirements: • University Degree in communications or related social science field with substantial experience in advocacy and policy development Research in the development context; • Good understanding of the possibilities and tactics for influencing decision and policy makers, politicians, donors, and other key actors; Knowledge of the media and its role in raising awareness and shaping public policy: • Excellent conceptual and analytic skills and demonstrable ability to think strategically, innovatively and practically to ensure achievement of desired change objectives; • Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences at local, state and national levels.

Method of Application Interested candidates should send their C.V. and covering letter on or before the Closing date explaining why you are suitable and state position clearly in the subject field as applications without appropriate subject will be disqualified.

Child Protection in Emergencies Coordinator In Save The Children, Gombe Degree, Entry Level Visit: http://jbng.me/371309 Or send your CV to: 3607d@jbng.me Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in over 120 countries around the world. Recognized for our commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration, our work takes us into the heart of communities, where we help children and families help themselves.

We work with other organizations, governments, non-profits and a variety of local partners while maintaining our own independence without political agenda or religious orientation. Save the Children’s

Thursday, September 25, 2014

mission is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.

Save the Children is looking for experienced development professionals to work within the Nigeria Country Program Job Description • This position is responsible for assessment, response analysis, design and implementation of the child protection components of Save the Children (SC) Nigeria’s emergency response.

• S/he will need to coordinate with other Emergency Response team members and SC staff, especially Implementation Management, health, education and other relevant technical sectors, to ensure a rapid, proportionate and effective response.

Qualifications and requirements: • Candidate should have a university degree in Law, International Law, political Sciences or related field with good knowledge of International Refugee, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law; • S/he should have minimum of 5 years (of which at least 3 in the field) of progressively responsible professional experience in child protection, humanitarian affairs, human rights, and related fields; • Good knowledge and understanding of DO NO HARM principles and established international child protection standards (especially UNCRC); • Experience with participatory approaches to protection, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management. or other related area.

• Good communication skills and knowledge of local languages especially in Hausa.

Method of Application Interested candidates should send their C.V. and covering letter on or before the Closing date explaining why you are suitable and state position clearly in the subject field as applications without appropriate subject will be disqualified.

Experienced Sales Executive – Tyre In SOMOTEX NIGERIA LIMITED, Kano Degree, 1 - 3 years Visit: http://jbng.me/370974 Or send your CV to: 35f2e@jbng.me We are a leading distributor of Tyre in West Africa with branches all over Nigeria and over 1000 employees seeking for a competent candidate to fill in this role Responsibilities: • Builds business by identifying and selling prospects; maintaining relationships with clients.

Sales Executive Job Duties: • Identifies business opportunities by identifying prospects and evaluating their position in the industry; researching and analyzing sales options.

• Sells products by establishing contact and developing relationships with prospects; recommending solutions.

• Maintains relationships with clients by providing support, information, and guidance; researching and recommending new opportunities; recommending profit and service improvements.

• Identifies product improvements or new products by remaining current on industry trends, market activities, and

competitors.

• Prepares reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information.

• Maintains quality service by establishing and enforcing organization standards.

• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; benchmarking state-of-the-art practices; participating in professional societies.

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

Skills/Qualifications: • A good degree in any related discipline • At least 1 - 3 years’ experience • Presentation Skills, • Client Relationships, • Emphasizing Excellence, • Energy Level, • Negotiation, • Prospecting Skills, • Meeting Sales Goals, • Creativity, • Sales Planning, • Independence, • Motivation for Sales

Secretary In Doldort Global Enterprises, Nasarawa OND, 1 - 3 years Visit: http://jbng.me/317187 Or send your CV to: 28d13@jbng.me Doldort Global Enterprises requires the services of a secretary for this position.

Responsibilities: • A secretary will have to take notes and dictation from the boss for drafting the correspondence or executing the work.

She can either record the dictation and transcribe it later or write it down.

• Will have to keep a record of appointments and ensure that each one is conducted smoothly and on time.

Follow up for attendance, venue booking, arranging notepads, pencils, water bottles, glasses, etc. are also the duties of a secretary.

• Handling difficult situations without any assistance is one of the prime duties of a secretary. A secretary might face managerial or administration problems; she has to sort them out on her own without the interference of the senior management.

• One of the prime duties of a secretary is to arrange for the travel and boarding requirements of the boss or staff.

This needs to be done flawlessly and meticulously especially when foreign travel and HOTEL BOOKINGS are involved. A minute-to-minute itinerary should be prepared for the convenience of the travelers.

• Organizing fun employee engagement activities and events for the department is not a secretary’s core activity, but it can definitely help in honing her leadership prowess.

• It is the duty of the secretary to maintain the archives of documents and paperwork regarding foreign delegation visits, customer visits, inaugurations, new product launches, activities, events, etc.

• A secretary has to ensure timely and accurate delivery, and pick up of important office material. Items to be couriered should be sent on time, tracked and followed up for efficient delivery.

• A secretary also undertakes the responsibility of maintaining guest relations. Welcomes the visitors and makes them comfortable by offering refreshments. Might also require to book dinner reservations or accommodation

for the guests.

• It is the duty of the secretary to manage and renew memberships to various business forums, institutes, societies, etc.

• Keeps a tab on the available stock of office supplies, stationery, office equipment, etc. and makes arrangement for placing a new order.

• A secretary will have to write, edit and disseminate information through PRESENTATIONS, spreadsheets, letters, mails, minutes of the meetings, memos, itineraries, etc.

• A secretary has to schedule, organize meetings and maintain a record of the agenda, minutes and maintain a followup of the tasks.

• The secretary has to carry out general office administration duties from time to time.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Minimum of an OND in a relevant field • 3 years’ experience as a secretary • Good communication skills.

• Knowledge of Excel, Microsoft word and must be conversant with the internet

Sales Executive/Customer Service In Abuja HND, 1 - 3 years Visit: http://jbng.me/372284 Or send your CV to: 3644c@jbng.me We provide branding and business development solutions and ensure customer’s peace of mind through best business practices, credible skills, support system and responsibility.

Responsibilities: • Work closely with BDM (Business Development Manager) to design, implement, analyze and deploy new business prospects.

• Develop New Customer and drive sales to optimal level.

• Track all business development activities, analyze quarterly progress and suggest new strategies based on findings.

• Build and maintain successful relationships with partners and customers.

Qualification and Requirements: • Experience with Branding and Print Media is an added advantage.

• Minimum of Degree/HND. • 1-3 years’ work experience.

Business Development Manager In PlanetCorps, Abuja OND, 1 - 3 years Visit: http://jbng.me/369592 Or send your CV to: 359c8@jbng.me A highly articulate candidate is urgently required to drive the business of growing medium sized business in Abuja.

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

• Cold call as appropriate within your market or geographic area to ensure a robust pipeline of opportunities. * Meet potential clients by growing, maintaining, and leveraging your network.

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

• Research and build relationships with new clients.

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

• Plan approaches and pitches. * Work with team to develop proposals that speaks

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Thursday, September 25, 2014

to the client’s needs, concerns, and objectives.

• Participate in pricing the solution/service.

• Handle objections by clarifying, emphasizing agreements and working through differences to a positive conclusion. * Use a variety of styles to persuade or negotiate appropriately.

• Present an image that mirrors that of the client.

Qualifications and Requirements: • A minimum of OND in a relevant field • 1-3 years’ experience • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills • The ideal candidate must have a very strong experience in real estate and property marketing and development, and must be able to satisfactorily carry out the following responsibilities:

Government Teacher In Voyage International School, Abuja BSc, 1 - 3 years Visit: http://jbng.me/372302 Or send your CV to: 3645e@jbng.me Voyage International School is in need of a suitable candidate for this position Responsibilities: • The teacher uses the Curriculum, and current research based instructional practices to develop interdisciplinary units of instruction that meet both the group and individual needs of students.

• The teacher is responsible for maintaining an on-going dialogue with other specialty teachers and coordinating curriculum integration and implementation with these teachers.

• The teacher works with students of various abilities assigned to the classroom, including those with learning differences as diagnosed.

Qualifications: • Must be a Muslim • Must reside in Abuja • Years of Experience-2 years • Minimum Qualification- BSc

Admin Manager (Reference Code CKA- H/AM 0914) In ChristopherKings And Associates, Abuja BSc, 5 - 7 years Visit: http://jbng.me/372333 Or send your CV to: 3647d@jbng.me A contemporary restaurant & bar with an international appeal situated in high-brow Maitama, Abuja is seeking to recruit wellseasoned, hands-professionals to occupy vacant positions Summary The Administrative Manager will be responsible for the coordination of general administrative and personnel activities.

With maintaining of quality standards and profitability of the business as his/ her primary goal, the job holder will be responsible for coordinating all support functions to assist the Core operations department achieve its objectives. This will be driven by ensuring that all working methods are reviewed and best practice is achieved so we in turn can grow our business whilst delivering excellent customer service.

Duties and Responsibilities • Organizing stock and equipment • Ordering facility maintenance/ management supplies and overseeing building maintenance, cleanliness and security

• Planning and working to budgets • Maximizing profits and contributing to achieving sales targets set by management • Payroll and benefits administration • Oversee the Recruitment new staff for support department/unit • Provide support for the recruitment and selection of personnel for CORE department/units • Provide support for training and developing existing staff • Staff Performance Monitoring, Management and reporting • Motivating and encouraging staff to achieve targets • Coordinating staff scheduling and rotas; • Working to ensure standards of hygiene are maintained and that the general facility complies with health and safety regulations • Provides support to ensuring agreed standards of customer service are maintained; • Implementing, and instilling in staff, company policies, procedures, ethics, etc; • Devising and marketing promotional campaigns • Preparing reports and other performance analysis documentation to the managing Director • Reporting to and attending regular meetings with other department managers or unit heads.

• The Administrative Manager will also manage all internal stakeholders: both, other departments within House 43 facilities who deliver support services to the operational CORE department as is required.

• Ensures that all subordinates have clearly defined job tasks and are actively engaged • Monitor performance of subordinates within the entire organisation and business units.

• He/ She will be responsible for maintaining and helping enforce the agreed brand standards for each unit by conducting and managing monthly audits • He/ She will liaise with the Sales and Marketing team to collate and respond to all customer correspondence, ensuring this is communicated to the entire Food and Beverage team and management where appropriate • He/ She will maintain the entire invoices and journals, manage and monitor total expenditure associated with maintenance and equipment repair, manage the company’s asset register and assist in budget setting each year for all departments and their business units • He/ She will also manage the incentive scheme, allocating and verifying spending and assisting in report analysis on stock and sales, highlighting and acting on any anomalies.

• The Administrative Manager will assist in creating and be required to operate within efficient staffing budgets for each financial year, tracking labour spending and providing input regarding capital projects and initiatives • They will also take full responsibility for managing and meeting all committed budgets related to the Staff Restaurant • The Administrative Manager is expected to provide constant leadership, counselling, advice and feedback to his/ her subordinates • He/ She must provide an environment of openness and trust, with constant feedback and performance coaching Sales/Marketing • Assist in developing and implementing marketing and sales activities of House 43 food and Beverage products/Services • Monitor Competitor Activity and Guest

Feedback • Contribute to ensuring that marketing and sales plans are appropriate for each sales period, including special plans to maximize patronage

territory is managed and effectively run and train sales team on affiliate relationships in each territory.

• Build and maintain successful relationships with partners.

Requirements: • A B.Sc./HND in Finance, Accounting, Administration, Management or any related discipline.

• Professional Certificate – Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM) or related • Minimum 7 years of relevant post NYSC experience.

• Good Computer skills, MS Office • Attention to detail and ability to work under pressure • The ability to work under little or no supervision • Knowledge of the hospitality industry is an added advantage • Age range-Minimum 30 years

Required Qualifications: • National Diploma in Any Discipline.

• Demonstrated results in meeting Sales quotas or Business Development goals.

• Proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.

• Experience leading and motivating a team and driving results.

• Knowledge of the sales process with the ability to understand and interpret customer needs using fact-finding to identify sales opportunities.

NB: The hiring company is an equal opportunity employer; hence the opportunity is open to both national and international applicants.

Chef In Voyage International School, Abuja 1 - 3 years Visit: http://jbng.me/372288 Or send your CV to: 36450@jbng.me Voyage International School is in need of a suitable candidate for this position Responsibilities: • To supervise all food production areas with a view to maximize profitability whilst controlling costs and to make sure quality of food is maintained.

• From time to time to monitor equipment meets the required hygiene standards.

• To minimize wastages.

• Encourage team effectiveness by communicating in all aspects of production.

• To supervise buffet layouts.

Qualifications: • Must have catering experience • Must be a Muslim • Must reside in Abuja • Years of Experience-2 years • Minimum Qualification- OND

Customer Account Executive In MAPLESGATE LIMITED, Abuja Entry Level Visit: http://jbng.me/372283 Or send your CV to: 3644b@jbng.me A newly established organisation, centered on Marketing, Advertisement, IT DMT, Business Branding needs the service of a qualified candidate to fill this position; Job Summary: The CAE is responsible for managing, implementing, and deploying new business processes and partnerships to increase sales and industry reach. This position offers a true ground-floor opportunity for an experienced Business Development or Sales Professional to JOIN our exciting, fast growing company.

Responsibilities: • Work closely with BDM to design, implement, analyze and deploy new business processes.

• Track all business development activities, analyze quarterly progress and suggest new strategies based on findings.

• Work alongside BDM to ensure specified

Preferred Qualifications: • A high level of passion to succeed and a strong level of self-motivation.

• An effective team player with a strong work ethic.

Instructor In Interior Concepts, Abuja OND, 1 - 3 years Visit: http://jbng.me/371822 Or send your CV to: 3627e@jbng.me Our Vocational Training Institute is currently expanding to include Catering Courses.

The training will focus on Easy-to-Make Appetizers, Desserts, Cocktails, Smoothies, Fruit baskets, Salads, Sandwiches and various finger foods.

Responsibilities: Develop and maintain training curriculum for the students and participants Requirements: • Minimum of OND in relevant discipline • Experience: 0-1 year

Sonologist In Firmcare Consulting Ltd, Abuja BSc, 3 - 5 years Visit: http://jbng.me/335411 Or send your CV to: 2d443@jbng.me A reputable healthcare company situated in Abuja - Nigeria, is currently recruiting to fill this position Duties/Responsibilities • Carry out ultrasound examinations • Attend to inquiries and troubleshoot complaints that may arise in course of operations • Good knowledge and ability to teach the principles of ultrasonography .

• Perform all tasks, duties and tests related to Ultrasound services.

• Validate and report results of tests performed.

• Able to meet Turnaround time and in conformance with applicable confidentiality requirements.

• Ability to work as part of a team as well as supervise the work of more junior staff in the laboratory Qualification/Requirements: • BSc/MBBS/Relevant Qualification • Minimum of 3 years’ experience in abdominal, pelvic, prostate, occular and transfontanelle scans • Fully qualified and registration with relevant professional bodies • Experience in ultrasound scan, mammography and other relevant equipment will be an advantage • Must be computer literate

52

Thursday, September 25, 2014

world

news ➌

➊ ➋

➐ ➏

➍➎

➎ French Hostage Herve Gourdel Beheaded In Algeria

France has confirmed that an Algerian jihadist group linked to Islamic State (IS) militants has beheaded tourist Herve Gourdel, seized on Sunday.

Jund al-Khilafa killed Mr

Gourdel, 55, after its deadline for France to halt air strikes on IS in Iraq ran out.

French President Francois Hollande condemned the killing as a “cruel and cowardly” act.

A suspected US drone has fired four missiles at a vehicle carrying Uzbek and local fighters in Pakistan’s northwestern tribal region near the Afghan border, killing 10 of them, Pakistani officials said.

The missiles hit the moving vehicle when it was about 500 metres away from the Afghan border in the Pakistani border town of Datta Khel in North Waziristan, the intelligence officials said.

The United States military has confirmed it had launched a fresh round of air strikes on Syria, targeting fighters of Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), in a second day of attacks on the

armed group in war-ravaged country.

US Central Command said in a statement on Wednesday said at least one strike hit a Syrian area northwest of the Iraqi border.

➊ India’s First Mars ➋ Snowden

Satellite ‘Mangalyaan’ Awarded Swedish Enters Orbit ‘Alternative Nobel’

India has successfully put a satellite into orbit around Mars, becoming the fourth nation or geo-bloc to do so.

The Mangalyaan robotic probe, one of the cheapest interplanetary missions ever, will soon begin work studying the Red Planet’s atmosphere.

A 24-minute engine burn slowed the probe down enough to allow it to be captured by Mars’s gravity.

Edward Snowden has been declared one of the winners of a Swedish human rights award for his disclosures of top secret government surveillance programmes.

Snowden split the honorary portion of the 2014 Right Livelihood Award, also referred to as the “alternative Nobel” with Alan Rusbridger, editor of British newspaper The Guardian.

➏ Fatal Drone

Attack Hits Pakistani Tribal Area

BlackBerry Chief Executive John Chen introduces Passport smartphone during an official launching event in Toronto, yesterday.

➌ Jordan Clears Abu ➍ Ebola-hit Qatada Of Terror Charges Nations May ‘Face A Jordanian court has acquitted Collapse’ Salafist preacher Abu Qatada of charges of providing spiritual and material support for a plot to attack tourists during Jordan’s New Year celebrations in 2000.

After a legal battle that lasted for decades, Abu Qatada is due to reunite with his family in their home in Amman, according to his eldest son Qatada.

The Ebola outbreak threatens to become a political crisis that could unravel years of effort to stabilise West Africa, a think tank has warned.

“The worst-hit countries now face widespread chaos and, potentially, collapse,” the International Crisis Group (ICG) said.

➐ Fresh US Air Strikes

Hit ISIL In Syria

Thursday, September 25, 2014

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Thursday, September 25, 2014

CAF Ban Kabylie Over Player’s Death Algerian club JS Kabylie have been barred from African competitions for two years over the fatal assault on Cameroonian footballer Albert Ebosse. The decision was taken

by African football body CAF during a meeting in Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.

Kabylie finished runners-up in the Algerian title race last season,

entitling them to compete in the 2015 CAF Champions League.

CAF acted after Algerian football authorities ordered Kabylie to stage home fixtures behind closed doors at neutral venues this season.

Ebosse died in hospital last month from head injuries having being struck by a piece of slate allegedly thrown by a

Kabylie supporter upset at a defeat.

The 24-year-old was hit as he left the field at the end of a league match Kabylie lost 2-1 to Algiers club USMA. Kabylie are based in northern city Tizi Ouzou and have won the Champions League twice, the African Cup Winners’ Cup once and the CAF Cup three times.

All Set For N20m Apkabio Scrabble Classics

By SALIFU USMAN, Abuja

All is now set for the ancient city of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, South-south of Nigeria to as from today all through weekend, September 27 hold the 8th Godswill Akpabio International Scrabble Classics.

Players around the world, including the reigning world champion, Nigel Richard, who was beaten to sixth position in the last year edition, three former and the current African Scrabble champions as well as four former winners of the Akpabio Scrabble Classics will

compete for the N20m prize event.

According to the president of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), Suleiman Gora, this year’s edition attracted influx of both foreign and local players jostling for the honours at stake. “This will be the first time ever in any competition worldwide that you have up to 400 entries and we are in the process of updating our software to accommodate the influx, especially in the Open Category,” he said.

He said the event would serve as a good tune-up for Nigerian players for the African and

World Scrabble Championships coming up in Cape Town, South Africa and London in October and November respectively. “Remember we are also using this high profile event to prepare our players for the African and World Championship coming up soon in South Africa and London respectively,” Gora stated.

The International Scrabble Classics will be declared open today by the sponsor and Akwa Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio. The governor, who also plays scrabble, will take on the world champions in a demonstration match.

Cross session of participants during the 7th Godswill Akpabio International Scrabble Classics in Uyo

Eaglets Return To U.J Esuene Satdium Calabar is our home and it is on record we have not lost a game at the U. J Esuene Stadium.

I’m using this opportunity to call on the fans to come and cheer us to victory on Saturday Emmanuel Amunek, Golden

Eaglets’ Head Coach

Golden Eaglets’ Head Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, has called on Nigerians especially football fans in Calabar and its environs to troop out en mass on Saturday when they take on Gabon in a decisive CAN Under-17 qualifier, even as he hailed the magnanimity of Senator Liyel Imoke(CON) yet again.

Nigeria’s Under-17 team finally returned to their ‘hallowed turf’ of the U.J Esuene Sport Stadium in Calabar on Wednesday, a year after their predecessors mauled Diamond Football Club of Umuahia 5-1.

It is on record that the 2013 World Cup-winning Golden Ea-

glets won all their matches including three CAN Under-17 qualifiers and four international friendly matches played at the U.J Esuene Stadium last term.

The complex has been under renovation ahead of the forthcoming National Sport Festival in November and Amuneke is excited about Eaglets’ return, calling on fans to troupe en mass for the cracker against Gabon.

Speaking after his wards’ workout yesterday’s evening ahead of Saturday’s African Under-17 second leg-final round qualifier against Gabon, Amuneke called on the fans to rally behind the Eaglets in their customary

way.

“First and foremost, we want to really thank Governor Imoke and the people of Cross River State for their usual support to the Golden Eaglets,” said the 1994 African Footballer of the

Year.

“Calabar is our home and it is on record we have not lost a game at the U. J Esuene Stadium.

I’m using this opportunity to call on the fans to come and cheer us to victory on Saturday.”

Giwa, Nembe Replay Match Day 18 On Independence Day Martins For Improved 2-year Contract Deal October 1, the nation’s Independence Day has been announced as the date for the replay of the Match Day 18 fixture between Giwa FC and Nembe City. The replay was in consonance with the ruling of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) which on June 12 ordered a replay of the match which was earlier ruled a walkover by the League Management Company (LMC) following Nembe City’s failure to show up for the encounter.

Chief Operating Officer of the LMC, Salihu Abubakar said in a notice to both clubs that the rescheduled match will hold at the Rwan Pam Stadium, Jos and wished both clubs a successful match. It will be recalled that Match officials led by the Match

Commissioner, Musa Talle had performed the walk-over ceremonies and awarded three points and three goals to Giwa FC. But Nembe City appealed the preliminary decision to the NFF Organising and Disciplinary Committee

citing the report of their vehicle breakdown. Their appeal was upheld by the NFF which ordered for a replay. Abubakar said “the fixture will provide independence day football delight to fans in Jos and its immediate environs”.

Red-hot Nigeria striker Obafemi Martins is set to sign a new improved two-year contract extension with MLS side Seattle Sounders worth $12 million. The contract of the former Levante forward will expire at the end of the year, Sounders striker Obafemi Mar- Martins tins will likely be staying in Seat- only scored double-digit league tle with a deal worth $6 million a goals one other time in his career, year, which is more than double his with Newcastle in the 2006/07 current wage, according to nbcs- season when he bagged 11. ports.com Martins has wanted to stay in The increase in wage will make Seattle for a while now, not-sothe Arsenal nightmare the eighth subtly campaigning for a new deal highest paid designated player since the summer. from the ninth-highest designatMartins has been invaluable to ed Player he is at present. He is en- his club this year in a number of joying himself in the MLS, with 13 ways, as he and Robbie Keane are league goals so far and five regu- the only MLS players in the top 10 lar season matches still to go. He’s in both goals and assist.

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/sports

sports 55

Thursday, September 25, 2014

FCT Coaches Appeal To NFF Congress

Mcllroy

Mcllroy Hails Ferguson’s Pep Talk World number one, Rory McIlroy hailed the sage words of Sir Alex Ferguson after the former Manchester United manager delivered a stirring speech to Europe’s Ryder Cup team.

Ferguson spoke to captain Paul McGinley’s players about the key to winning as favourites as the home side look to win their eighth contest in 10. McIlroy said: “United were favourites and whenever he was managing, they made Old Trafford a bit of a fortress - when teams went there, it was very hard to compete against United.” He added: “We’re slight favourites for a reason. We deserve to be. We’ve played well this year. It’s not something that we should shy away from. It’s something that we should embrace.” McIlroy, the dominant player in golf this year and the biggest superstar on show at

Gleneagles, admitted to being starstruck by his audience with the man who led his favourite team to such success over 27 years. The 25-yearold was booed after mentioning United in his winner’s speech at this year’s Open Championship at Hoylake. He said: “For me, being a Manchester United fan, it was the highlight of the week so far. I was just sitting there and looking up at him, and I didn’t take my eyes off him. I was in this trance just listening to everything that he was saying, thinking, this is all the stuff that he’s probably said to Manchester United teams over the years.

“It was very useful, because we got to ask some questions, about what he thought was the key element to being successful, and successful as a team. He’s a very inspirational sort of man when he talks. He’s got a lot

Ahmed Flags Off Sports Summit

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

Kwara state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed yesterday in Ilorin flagged off the State Maiden Sports Summit with a call on governments at all levels to actively support and promote sports in all its ramifications as a way of enhancing national unity.

He said achievement of excellence in sports is anchored on long term planning, early identification and growing of talents and private sector participation.

“For me, normative sports development with the endpoint in mind, with a clear idea of where we want to be, in what sports, with what resources and based on clear

yardsticks, I hold, therefore, that success in this vital sector lies in adopting a corporate structure in which strategic long-term planning and private sector participation are critical success factors”, he submitted.

The governor was of the view that for effective and result oriented sports administration, the private sector should play active role while government should be an enabler of a conducive environment.

Ahmed said it was expected that the Sports Summit, with the theme, “Sporting Nation, Sporting Kwara: Setting the Winning Agenda”, would fashion a framework for sporting excellence by leveraging on identified areas of strength of Kwara State.

of authority and the room just goes quiet and everyone listens.”

Before Ferguson’s address, McGinley explained the thinking behind inviting the Scot to speak to his players. “He is a guy who I played with at pro-am about 15 years ago and when I became captain I asked if he would do it,” he said. “I always loved the way his teams played. The more I met him the more it seemed a natural fit.” The celebrity speech has become a fixture in the build-up to Ryder Cups, with the USA having used former president George W Bush and celebrated F16 pilot Major Dan Rooney in past years to lift their teams.

US captain Tom Watson revealed his side were addressed by members of Wounded Warriors, an injured servicemen charity, at Gleneagles on Tuesday night.

road to go with the six he has won on the track. “I knew coming into it that I had the legs,” Wiggins said afterwards.

“Once I saw the course I realised if I was ever going to beat Tony again it was on a course like this. It’s been an up and down year - obviously I didn’t ride the Tour de France. I want to dedicate this to my family because they had to put up with me when

ball stakeholders for their maturity in checking the crises in the Nigeria Football Federation which he earlier described as a virus that should be contained with immediate effect. He admonished members not to rest on their oars, urging them to lay down a new foundation for the growth of football in Nigeria. He advised the congress to apply adequate care in the unfolding recruitment into the Board of the Federation and warned that if members are not meticulous in their choice, it will tantamount to another crisis either soon after or later.

In his response, the Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Football Association, Saeed Musa Talle promised to personally talk to his colleagues in the 36 States of Nigeria to see the appeal coming from the Coaches as a genuine request that should be granted by all lovers of the game.

Maigari

He reiterated his administration resolve to restore the state’s past glory in sports, especially in some sports. His words: “For us, glory in sports should no longer remain the stuff of fables but an inherent element of our identity as Kwarans just like our identity as Kwarans just like our reputation for successful commerce.

Former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, in his keynote address, said the economic values of sports have been under estimated in Nigeria over the year, adding that sports administration should maximize the economic potentials of sports rather than the participatory and entertaining aspects of sports.

Wiggins Wins Road World Championship Title Great Britain’s Sir Bradley Wiggins clinched his first road world title with a thrilling time trial victory at the World Championships in Ponferrada.

The 34-year-old beat three-time champion Tony Martin by 26.23 seconds on a hilly 47.1km course in Spain. After finishing second to Martin in 2011 and 2013, Wiggins finally has a rainbow jersey on the

The Chairman, Nigeria Football Coaches Association (NFCA), Federal Capital Territory Chapter, Godwin Bamigboye has appealed to the Congress of the Nigeria Football Federation to unanimously vote for the representation of the Association on the Board of the Federation come September 30 election.

He made this appeal during a visit to the Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Football Association, Saeed Musa Talle. He told the Football Association Chairman that the Nigeria Football Coaches stand solidly behind its President, Bitrus Bewarang, who he described as a man who has contributed immensely to football development in Nigeria.

Bamigboye stated unequivocally that any vote for Bewarang translates to love for the football coaches, who undoubtedly are the heartbeat of football.

He commended the foot-

I was at home in July. It’s my last Road World Championships and I’ve finished with a gold medal.”

Martin trailed Wiggins by 9.64 seconds at the final time-check and the Briton extended his lead in the final 12km. Wiggins clocked 56 minutes 25.52 seconds to claim a convincing win over Germany’s Martin, who was chasing a fourth-successive title.

Arsenal Fans Raise Alarm Over Kroenke £3million Withdrawal An Arsenal supporters’ group has raised concerns after the club’s accounts showed majority shareholder Stan Kroenke has taken £3million out of the club.

Arsenal say the payment is for strategic and advisory fees from the American’s company KSE, but fans claim that it is similar to the amount raised by ticket price increases this season.

The club have disputed that claim and have said that ticket prices at the Emirates have gone up on average by 1% a year, which is below inflation.

But Tim Payton, of the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust, believes that Kroenke still has things to answer for over the issue.

He said: “Arsenal have a history of custodianship and all money in the club

going back into the club.

“For this to happen, and happen at a time when ticket prices are being pushed ever higher and are forcing the ordinary fan out of coming to watch Arsenal, we are certainly going to pick up on this issue and ask Stan Kroenke questions at the AGM on the 16th October.”

He added: “Reading the small-print, the worry in the way it’s phrased is if this is going to become an annual payment.

“People may say that £3million isn’t that much, it’s a fraction of a footballer, but it’s exactly the amount that was raised by the 3% rise in ticket prices and people are really struggling with those tickets.

“We think that it’s a lot of money and we are concerned that this money has gone out of the club.”

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25.09.14 www.leadership.ng

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

araba is nature’s gift to Nigeria. It is naturally beautiful and, until recently, one of the most peaceful parts of the universe. Yours sincerely only saw the ailing governor of Taraba, Pharmacist Danbaba Danfulani Suntai, only once.

He was then very hale and hearty.

I was fascinated by his noble bearing, his simple charming manner and his genuine humility. He simply reminded me of the late President Yar’Adua whom I also knew.

Little did I know that Governor Suntai would also be a prisoner of some “cabal” when he had a plane crash and that the group could hold the state to ransom like the cabal around the dying President Yar’Adua did to Nigeria. Most unfortunately, it was not the fault of Yar‘Adua and it is not the fault of Suntai.

It all started when Governor Suntai crashed in a plane he was piloting near Yola, on October 25, 2012, with Suntai receiving serious injuries. He was first taken to a hospital in Yola and, the following day, was moved to the National Hospital, Abuja, from where he was flown to Germany for further medical treatment on October 27, 2012. The Taraba State House of Assembly dutifully passed a resolution empowering his deputy, Garba Umar, to step in as acting governor in line with Section 190 of the Constitution just before Suntai’s departure for Germany.

Suntai was relocated to a hospital in the US in March 2013, where he remained until his first return to Nigeria on August 25, 2013.

On August 26, 2013, a letter was transmitted to the State Assembly in which Suntai was alleged to have announced he was back and ready to take charge of state affairs!

There was a clear division of opinion over this development; party chieftains and lawmakers loyal to the acting governor rejected the letter on the grounds that it was forged while those sympathetic

THURSDAY

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NO 7, Ex-Minister’s Quarters, Off Rabah Road, Near NDA Officers Mess, directly opposite Arewa House.

Tel: 062-837235, 08061699406

with the ailing governor insisted the signature was a non-issue.

It was clear Suntai had still not recovered and the situation was not tenable. In the end, common sense prevailed and he was flown out for further treatment again, this time to the UK. He was there receiving treatment when suddenly, against the advice of the British doctor treating him; against the consent of the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK himself an accomplished medical doctor and former Chief Physician to the Nigerian President, Suntai was bundled into a chartered plane and flown into Abuja on the night Saturday September 13, 2014. Obviously the people who are handling Suntai are not being fair to him.

They are callous, selfish and heartless.

From the Abuja airport, Suntai was driven to a guest house in Asokoro area of Abuja, having earlier been received by former Taraba governor Jolly Nyame, former Taraba SSG Emmanuel Njiwah, minister of state for Niger Delta Affairs Darius Ishaku and Senator Emmanuel Bwacha. Acting governor Garba Umar who was at the airport to receive him was dribbled until he missed seeing his principal. At Asokoro, Suntai could only say in a faint voice, “I am just coming from Abuja”, certainly oblivious of the fact that he was in Abuja and not coming from Abuja!

This second coming of Suntai came days after the State Executive Council asked the State House of Assembly to set up a medical panel to determine his state of health. Obviously, there is no way the state can have a perpetual “acting” governor, now already with this state of affairs getting to two years. This logjam has to be broken since the constitution does not envisage a situation where there will be an acting governor forever.

In this regard, President Jonathan has to take a decisive action

to end the drama: first, because the president’s constituency is the entire nation and, secondly, he is the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party that is in power in Taraba. Thirdly, he has also faced a similar situation when Yar’Adua took ill and it was not properly managed but for the intervention of the National Assembly. The script being played by the people around Suntai is morally indefensible, logically incomprehensible, and politically irresponsible. President Jonathan has the moral authority to back the ongoing constitutional process to its logical conclusion. That is the rational thing to do.

Already, a medical team has been constituted as required by law to ascertain the medical fitness of Suntai and report back to the Taraba State government.

This is the most legal, constitutional and even moral means of ending the terrible drama in Taraba. Otherwise, everyone is laughing at Nigeria since there is a constitution but it appears some people do not want to follow it. No one can lecture President Jonathan on this issue and everyone knows that power comes from God who gives it to whoever He wants at the time He wants.

Those who are resisting the peaceful, constitutional transfer of power to allow the ailing governor have proper medication and relief are only living in illusion.

Their actions are caused more by a passing mood of primordial and parochial sentiments than by mature reflections and constitutionalism. They know that the current arrangement is not sustainable.

Minimum cooperation and maximum competition between different groups is their stock-in-trade but this is clinging to old methods in a world that is changed forever.

Let me conclude by quoting from the Daily Trust newspaper editorial of Monday September 15, 2014: “…it is in this light that the Taraba Executive Council’s move is

both pertinent, though long overdue. It is in accordance with Section 189 subsection 1(a) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

The legislature is expected to act on this resolution by appointing a three-member medical panel, one of which must be the governor’s personal physician. If the panel’s report finds that Governor Danbaba Suntai is not physically or mentally fit to perform his duties, then he would be declared incapacitated. This is one of the four ways in which an elected executive officer can lose position; the others being death, impeachment and resignation.

“The latest move is likely to be resisted by forces that are not so much bothered by Danbaba Suntai’s health as to want to use the powers of his office to gain political advantage in the run-up to 2015.

Consistent with that process was last weekend’s episode in which the ailing Suntai was more or less smuggled back into the country.

The prevailing state of uncertainty should not be allowed to linger for much longer; two years is far too long to resolve a simple medical diagnosis, which the panel must now determine without external pressure or other encumbrances.”

GHANA MUST GO My friend, Nyesom Wike, can’t be Rivers governor — Chief Igbe

How can a woman wrapper be governor?

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