news Lagos 37
Monday, January 12, 2015
Lagos Assembly Correspondents Honour Speaker, Others Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly Correspondents Association (LAHACA) have honoured the Speaker of the Assembly, Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji and some other lawmakers for their outstanding performances. While Hon Ikuforiji got the awards for "Legislative Leadership" and as the "Best Speaker in Nigeria," the deputy speaker of the House, Hon. Musibau Kolawole Taiwo was honoured for his "Exceptional Legislative Services." Others, who were honored by the association, were a former member of the Assembly, who is now in the House of Reps, Hon. Adeola Olamilekan, who was honoured as an "Outstanding Ambassador of LAHA" and Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu as the "Best Lawmaker in Time Out With The Press," a forum designed by the association to interact with the lawmakers. Also honoured at the event, which was held at the lobby of Lateef Jakande Hall in the Assembly, were Hon. Ramotallahi Akinlola-Hassan as the "Most Media-Friendly Lawmaker (Female)," Hon. Segun Olulade as the "Most Media-Friendly Lawmaker (Male)." By Taiwo Ogunmola-Omilani, Lagos
I’m In The Race To Serve – Ambode
By George Okojie , Lagos
The governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, has reiterated the core reason for putting himself forward for the highest job in Lagos State – service to humanity. In his campaign across different areas of the state, the APC candidate used the whole of the weekend to reassure
supporters and stakeholders as well as woo undecided voters that he is in the race to serve and lead by example. In a press release signed by his director of Media and Communications, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Ambode said Lagos had witnessed a record of excellence service in the past 15 years and the more than 17 million people living and working in this Africa’s largest city-state “deserves a tested hand who will continue in
that tradition of excellence. “The governor that Lagos State deserves at this period of our continued growth and development is a man with a track record of performance and excellence; a man who is tested, who understands governance and is an experienced administrator who will not experiment with the resources and growth template of this state. "I, Akinwunmi, Ambode, is that man,” he announced at different
for a over the weekend. His message of selfless service and leadership by example, according to the release, was the focal point of his eventful weekend. This was the message he delivered at the MUSON Centre, Onikan where he was the special guest at the 3rd Annual Lecture of the January 9 Collective (J9C), where he spoke to the topic, '2015 General Polls: Beyond the Rhetorics of Credible Elections.'
Nigeria Must Not Disintegrate, LP Warns Politicians Barely 34 days to the commencement of the nation's general election, Labour Party (LP) has warned politicians in the country to desist from acts that would disintegrate the country. The national secretary of Labour Party, Barrister Kayode Ajulo, who gave the warning at the City People monthly lecture held in Lagos yesterday, noted that the ongoing political campaigns in the country were not issues- based but full of blame-game and attacks on individuals. Ajulo said the inflammatory statements being made by political gladiators can cause violence in the country, counselling them to tell Nigerians how they would improve their living conditions. He said, "It would interest you that, today, in Nigeria our party is the only ideological party and which is evidently committed to uplifting the condition of the ordinary people, especially the working people, youth and women. "True to our ideological perspective, it is our believe that whereas the political arena is the place where the fate of the people is decide and what society produces shared amongst the people, politics rests on economy and derives its strength or weakness, as the case maybe from how studious, robust and enduring the economy is." By George Okojie, Lagos
L-R: Lagos State commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr Ben Akabueze; Lagos State governor Babatunde Fashola; deputy governor Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and commissioner for finance, Mr Ayo Gbeleyi, during Fashola's signing of 2015 budget into law, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN
Fashola Signs N489.69 Billion Budget Into Law By George Okojie, Lagos
Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola yesterday signed the 2015 budget of N489.69 into law. Probably to speed things up in view of the rev in politicking r this is the first time the governor in his two tenures as the state's helmsman is signing the budget into law outside the office and in an unofficial period at his State House residence in Marina. Speaking at the brief ceremony, Fashola said the occasion was meant for Monday but that he had to call it forward to enable him attend a national meeting fixed for tomorrow in Abuja by the All Progressives Congress (APC), so that Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, could continue with work while he is in Abuja. He said, “We are a government that is open to planning;, part of the planning is for government to set the budget for the beginning of the year. Lagos is the second state to sign the document
after Ogun State, which is also an APC State. “When we presented the budget, there were financial challenges but as you know, our revenue has been based largely on our common contribution; that is how we build our common wealth here. “We need to be innovative, inventive and hard-working; that is what we have given in the last eight years and we won't give anything less with the support of the people of Lagos. They are the owners of this government and all of its service delivery programmes and I think, as difficult and challenging as the revenue issue may be, we will consolidate and finish as many project as we possible.” Also speaking , the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr Ben Akabueze said the oil slump in the international market had been factored into the budget and expressed hope that the price would rise as the
year progresses. Akabueze said over 70 percent of the state’s budget was sourced through internally generated revenue, and that much of the oil fall impact would not affect the budget sharply. The budget size of N489.69 billion is the same as that of 2014, but with a slight difference in the capital to recurrent ratio. In 2014, the capital to recurrent ratio stood at 52:48. The 2015 budget proposal has a capital to recurrent ratio of 51:49. The 2015 budget is made up of capital expenditure of N249.7419 billion and a recurrent expenditure of N239.948 billion in the ratio of 51:49 respectively. While there is an increase in recurrent expenditure and a slight decrease in capital expenditure, compared to the 2014 budget, the state government is going to spend more money in settling contractors’ liabilities, which the governor ascribed to in his budget presentation.
The exciting aspect of budget is maintaining zero deficit in order to ensure that the next government does not inherit a deficit. This, the governor explained, would give the incoming administration room to start off very quickly when their programmes began to crystallise and might need to raise funds in order to start off. A breakdown of the budget showed that economic Affairs has the highest allocation of N146.305 billion, followed by general service, N107.69 billion, and education, N82.14 billion. Housing and Community Amenities, N49.033 billion, Health, N44.619 billion and Environmental Protection, N34.953 billion. Others are: Public Safety and Order, N15.547 billion; Recreation, Culture and Religion, N3.118 billion; Social Protection, N1.589 billion, Planning Reserve, N2.26 billion and Contingency, N2.448 billion.
38 news south-west Ondo PDP Crisis: Leaders Accuse Mimiko Of Injustice The crisis rocking the Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) may be far from over as some aggrieved leaders of the party accused Governor Olusegun Mimiko led faction of injustice and sabotaging all efforts aimed at resolving lingering crisis within the party. They said the actions of the governor and his followers have largely contributed to the mass defection of some leaders and members to the opposition party APC in the state. This is contained in a communique issued and signed at the end of a stakeholders meeting held at Helena Hotel in Akure at the weekend.
Monday, January 12, 2015
February Election Critical For Change – Aregbesola
By JOSHUA DADA, Osogbo
Osun State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, has said that Nigerians should consider the February elections as very critical for the much desired change they had longed for. Aregbesola stated this yesterday at the Special Thanksgiving Service organised for him at the Freedom Park, Osogbo by the national headquarters of an Islamic organisation, Nasrul-Lahi-il Fatih Society of Nigeria
(NASFAT). He stated that the general election will bring a leader in General Muhammadu Buhari who will turn around the much eroded fortunes of the country for the better. The governor explained that though the nation is going through a lot of problems, he was confidence that after the February elections things will begin to change for the better. Aregbesola lamented the dastardly acts of people who hide under the ban-
ner of Islam to perpetrate their atrocities, saying these kinds of people do not preach or represent Islam in whatever form. He argued that the prophet of Islam, Muhammad, suffered the worse forms of humiliation during his time and he never contemplated revenge. The president of NASFAT, Kamil Bolarinwa, earlier in his speech, said for a country to be great, there must be justice, fairness and security of lives and property of the entire citizenry.
By Tope Fayehun, Akure
Group Backs PDP Guber Candidate In Ogun A group, Ado Odo Youth Movement, in Ogun West senatorial district of Ogun State has declared its support for Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial candidate in the state at the February election. Speaking with newsmen at the weekend after the adoption of Isiaka, chairman of the group, Hon. Hamzat Bakare said they are supporting the governorship candidate and other candidates of the party to boost the chances of PDP at the general elections. He said this became very imperative so as to attract meaningful development to the area. “We have tasted real development during the past administration in terms of gainful youth employment, road rehabilitation and construction and not promises we get from the current administration even when they know our roads are in deplorable condition,” Bakare said. By Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta
Jonathan’s Campaign Team Visits Ibadan Today President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign team will visit Ibadan today in continuation of his nation-wide campaign tour. Jonathan is also expected in the Oyo State capital. The campaign train, LEADERSHIP learnt yesterday in Ibadan would pay courtesy call on the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1. The president is also expected to meet with the members and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state before addressing a mega rally at the ancient Mapo Hall. By kazeem akintunde
Promoter, Olokun Festival Foundation, Otunba Gani Adams, (middle) flanked by head, Centre for School & Community Science and Technology Studies, (SACOST), University of Education, Winneba, Ghana, Prof Kolawole Raheem (left) and Osadio of Ife, Oba Otajide Farotimi at a press briefing of the annual Olokun Festival held in Lagos, yesterday.
Ajimobi Pledges Assistance To Ibadan Fire Victims By Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan
Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has pledged his administration’s readiness to assist the victims of the fire that gutted Araromi Iron Rod Market on Friday. The governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr Festus Adedayo said in a statement in Ibadan yesterday that the governor made the pledge on Saturday while on an assessment tour of the burnt market at Agodi Gate, Ibadan. Although, he said that the source of
the fire incident had yet to be established, Ajimobi said the government would give some amount to the affected iron road dealers to cushion the effect of the inferno. He also advised the dealers in the market to imbibe safety culture and fire precautionary measures by ensuring that all electrical appliances were switched off after the close of work. While expressing sadness over the devastating fire incident, the governor enjoined traders in all the markets across the state to seek the servic-
es of insurance firms so that they could promptly come to their aid in cases like this. The fire disaster, which occurred on Friday, destroyed several iron rod shops, gas cylinder shop as well as a mosque located within the market. Some of the leaders of the market, while showing the damaged properties to the governor, described the incident as unfortunate but expressed appreciation to him for his prompt visit to identify and sympathise with them during their moment of grief.
short news
EFCC: Ladoja Challenges Ajimobi On Return Of N500m Former Oyo State governor and Accord Party gubernatorial candidate, Senator Rashidi Ladoja has challenged Governor Abiola Ajimobi to present to the people of the state the N500 million cheque issued to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The former governor in an interview with newsmen in Oyo after flagging off his campaign called on the state governor to name the exgovernor whom he alleged returned N500m to the coffers of the state. The director general, Ladoja Campaign Organisation, Hon Adeolu Adeleke had while addressing the crowd debunked claim that his leader had returned money to the coffers of the state government. Adeleke, former speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly insisted that Ladoja did not return any money and “he did not steal from the coffers of the state government. “I challenge the governor to present the cheque that was refunded by the Accord Leader. Ladoja is a man of integrity, honour and economically wise and have the love of the people. By Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan
Ekiti NUT Tackles ASUSS Over Members’ Check-off Dues By ALO ABIOLA, Ado- Ekiti
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Ekiti State has described the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) as an illegal body, advising Governor Ayodele Fayose to stop its operation in the state. NUT in a petition dated January 7, 2015 and addressed
to the governor, claimed that ASUSS was never a duly registered trade union and should not be recognised to prevent a breach of the constitution. The petition entitled, “Illegal Collection of Check-off Dues By ASUSS- A Teachers Association Not Registered As A Trade Union”, was signed by NUT chairman in the state, Com-
rade Samuel Akosile. Attached to the petition were NUT’s certificate of incorporation dated 1931, a letter dated October 5, 2007 and signed by the registrar of Trade Unions in the Federal Ministry of Labour, Mr. I.A. Fagbemi confirming that ASUSS is not registrable, and other documents as related to ASUSS’s proscrip-
tion in Ogun and Oyo states over non-compliance with registration rules and guidelines , among others. The teachers’ umbrella body advised Governor Fayose to derecognise ASUSS and refrain from inviting it to any meeting where issues relating to academic matters will be discussed.
politics today Monday, January 12, 2015
REPORTS ANALYSES REVIEWS INTERVIEWS
Mark
Onjeh
Benue South Senatorial Contest: Battle Of David And Goliath? As the countdown for the crucial 2015 general elections begin, Nigerians are waiting with bated breath to see how the entire exercise would turn out. CHIKA OTUCHIKERE looks at the impending electoral battle for Benue South senatorial zone
Daniel Onjeh made allusion to the semblance of the forthcoming electoral conquest in his senatorial zone to the reinvention of the David and Goliath saga
O
n the surface, the contest for the seat of the Benue South senatorial zone in the National Assembly can be likened to the biblical contest between the Jewish lad, David Jesse, and the hunky, well experienced Philistine giant warrior, Goliath. The battle for the coveted Benue south senatorial zone seat has now narrowed down to a battle between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the avant grade, All Progressives Congress, APC. While the PDP is fielding Senator David Mark, incumbent Senate president and senator representing the zone for 16
years running, the APC on the other hand, is fielding Comrade Daniel Ojeh, a former president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) who does not boast of any legislative experience. Drawing an allusion to the famous encounter between David and Goliath, which has been reproduced into epic movies and best-selling books, the Philistines, having the veteran warrior who had led his people to several victories on the battlefield, the people were over confident that the Israelites would be made a mince meal of and served to the dogs in the field and birds in the air. The Israelites on their part,
having full knowledge of the character of the one leading the Philistines to the battlefront and his legendary exploits, could not find a volunteer among the well experienced soldiers in their Israeli army to confront Goliath. A chance visit to the battlefield and happenstance on the bragging of Goliath and his vilification of the God of the Israelites compelled David to volunteer to confront Goliath. Meanwhile, David was certain that by his own strength and abilities on the battlefield, he did not stand one-in-a-million chance of defeating Goliath. Rather, angered by Goliath’s vituperations against God, he depended completely on the strength and ability of the God of Israel, whom Goliath had openly challenged to the battle, to fight for him and ultimately give him victory on behalf of the Israelites. Senator David Mark, having contested the Benue south senatorial seat from 1999
when the country returned to civilian rule and being in the Senate for all the years of the current democracy, may not, like Goliath, boast or vilify the God of his opponents, but is more than confident that he would still win the election for the umpteenth time. What with Mark’s reported huge financial war chest which Daniel’s can in no way equate, the scenario appears like a Goliath with his massive spear and arrow and a David with his little sling and a few stones. Having knowledge now that his only opponent in the contest is the APC candidate, a rookie in the legislation business by every standard, Mark can only brag, like Goliath did those days, saying, “Am I a dog that thou comest to with staves?” Daniel Onjeh made allusion to the semblance of the forthcoming electoral conquest in his senatorial zone to the ➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 40
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40 POLITICS TODAY
Monday, January 12, 2015
Benue South Senatorial Contest: Battle Of David And Goliath? ➔ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39
The APC is rooting to cause a major upset, including routing the PDP and causing a major historical upstage by defeating a sitting president
reinvention of the David and Goliath saga. According to him, Sen Mark may have all the experience in the Senate and immense wealth amassed over the years both as a military administrator, minister and now professional senator, but all these endowments have not affected the people of the Benue south senatorial zone. “The better part of my life has been politics. I am a political activist. It is in the quest and the desire to serve and sacrifice for the people that I continued politics after my sojourn as a student activist. It has become a part of me. I didn’t intend to stop living my life for the people that is why I went into politics. “I ventured into politics in 2007. I came out for Senate but at some point, I was prevailed upon by some party chieftains in Benue State to step down for Col Onoja Lawrence, after he lost in the PDP primaries to David Mark. So, in due deference to Chief Audu Ogbe and former governor George Akume, I stepped down for Onoja and he ran for the Senate while I ran for House of Representatives under the ACN. “It’s not news that I won the election at that time but It was rigged against me because the person who was my opponent forged a certificate. I was in the court for a period of four years trying to reclaim my mandate. It was long and tortuous but you know, we have a very, very weak judiciary in Nigeria. Justice has not found its bearing yet in our judiciary. I was about going to the Supreme Court when I realised that another election year was around the corner, so immediately I had to stop and concentrate on the election. “I came out for the senatorial race again, and finally, I emerged the senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC. Today, I stand the only candidate to challenge Senator David Mark in the February 2015 election and I’m very confident to win because the people of the Benue South senatorial zone have resolved, not only to organise and mobilise votes this time around, but also defend their votes to ensure the votes count to oust Senator David Mark. “He’s been there for 16 years and he’s still asking for another four years which I believe will not be the end of his ambition to remain in the Senate. We don’t have problem with that, but the problem we have with him, particularly, is that he has made promises he couldn’t keep. In 1999 when he came back from
Onoja
exile, the Idoma people gave him the mandate. “They called him and gave him the mandate, in honour of his perceived steadfastness and uprightness during the dark era of the Abacha regime. That’s why the people gave him the mandate. But after people realised that he wasn’t really representing their interest or his conduct didn’t suggest he was the voice of the Idoma nation, they didn’t vote for him subsequently. All other election after the 1999 elections was embroiled in one controversy or the other. “Of course, you know about the issue of Alh. Usman Abubakar, also known as the Young Alhaji, who won the 2007 election but was rigged out. The mandate was given back to him at the appeal tribunal in Makurdi. They later went to the court of Appeal and under the presiding Justice Bulkachuwa, the tribunal ruling in Makurdi was upturned and that is how David Mark got back the Senate. “Year in, year out, the political gambit that David Mark throws up is the creation of the Apa State. He took advantage of the less privileged to mislead the Idoma people. He hung the hope of the people. It was later made clear that it was just a decoy. He played on the collective intelligence of the Idoma people. “But all of that have fallen flat and now they have come up with a new issue; that a new entrant or greenhorn into the Senate will not be as influential as David Mark to create jobs for people and all sorts of story. But we have a simple argument here; all the federal constituency projects that are piloted by the various ministries, how has that helped us? Our people remain the most impoverished despite having the
Abubakar
number three citizen all these years. “The die is cast! I will slug it out with Sen. David Mark; I am poised to give him a run for both his money and status. My team has mapped out a comprehensive strategy to win the election”, Onjeh said. Senator David Mark contested the 2014 PDP senatorial seat of the Benue South senatorial district primary held at Otukpo, Benue State, in which he contested with the another candidate, Mike Onoja. All other candidates stepped down for him on the advice of the party chieftains. At the last minute. the only other contender, Onoja, a former defence permanent secretary, stepped down, making Mark the only contender to the seat. Onoja, who stepped down just before voting commenced, said he decided to step down in view of the cordial relationship that exists between him and Mark and intervention of elders who said they anointed him as the sole candidate. Mark noted that what Onoja did was commendable and for the interest of the Idoma nation. He dedicated his victory to the people of the zone. The PDP candidate assured his people that he would continue to provide quality leadership and representation. “I will not let you down. I will do only those things that will bring honour and glory to the people of Benue South, the state and the nation at large. After his victory in the 2011 primaries, the Senate president was quoted to have said, “I can assure you from the bottom of my heart that I will not betray this trust and confidence. I will do my best to meet the yearnings and aspirations of
my people. What is dear to all of us is the creation of Apa State. I will drive the will to assure its actualisation.” He however dismissed insinuation that he had lost the election, saying “you can see from the INEC result that I won overwhelming, squarely and convincingly. The Senate president reechoed the same promise of creation of Apa State to his people after they returned him as the PDP senatorial candidate for the zone. He vowed to do everything humanly possible to actualise the creation of Apa State for his Idoma people. He was said to have given the assurance in Otukpo, the ancestral headquarters of Idoma kingdom, after accepting the nomination form bought for him by the 9 local government chairmen from Zone C to run for the Senate. While addressing the mammoth crowd that converged in his honour, Mark thanked ALGON, Zone C, for the kind gesture and promised never to let them down. The chairman of the Zone C PDP caucus, Gen. Geoffrey Ejiga, was also quoted to have affirmed that any indigene that does not vote for David Mark in 2015 is a disappointment to the Idoma nation. He said Mark was the only candidate and remained the only person who will make the dream of Apa State creation come true. As the clock ticks to the election date, while the ruling PDP is poising to consolidate its hold on leadership at all levels, including the National Assembly, the APC is rooting to cause a major upset, including routing the PDP and causing a major historical upstage by defeating a sitting president.
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Monday, January 12, 2015
Inna Lillahi wa Inna llaihi Rajiun
Late Alhaji Abdullahi Inde (Magajin Garin Musawa)
A
llah ya yi wa Mahaifin mu Alhaji Abdullahi Inde, Magajin Garin Musawa Rasuwa ranar Juma’a da karfe 9 na dare, wanda aka yi janaizarsa ranar asabar 10 ga wata January, 2015 a Musawa cikin Jihar Katsina da misalin karfe Sha daya (11am) na safe. Magajin Gari ya rasu yana da Shekara 93 da haifuwa (1922-2015) ya bar ‘ya ‘ya 23, a cikin su akwai Dr. Abdullahi Dikko Inde, CFR, Comptroller General Nigeria Customs Service. Don Haka Madadin Iyalai da ‘yan uwan marigayi muna Mika godiya ga duk yan uwa musulmi da suka samu hallarta wannan jana’iza. Godiya mai dumbin yawa ga Sarkin Katsina da Sarkin Daura da kuma manya maaikatan gwamnatin Jihar Katsina da na Tarayya ba kida daya. Allah ya saka ya kuma ba da lada..Ameen Summa Amen. Allah ya rahamta masa ya kuma sa Aljanna Fiddausi makoman sa..Ameen Sanarwa Daga
Alhaji Sada Abdullahi Inde
A Madadin Iyalan MagajinGarin Musawa
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stories of the Monday, January 12, 2015
...NEWS WITH A HUMAN FACE
INFERNO: Stampede As Fire Guts Petrol Tanker, Car In Ondo by Tope Fayehun, Akure
Several people in Okitipupa, Ondo State, scampered for their lives on Saturday night as fire gutted a 33,000 litters petroleum tanker preparing to offload at Emmadore petrol station. The inferno burnt the tanker, including a commercial Toyota Picnic car beyond recognition as passersby panicked. Although, no life was lost but the tanker driver sustained degrees of injuries as he drove out the burning tanker to save the filling station from being burnt. An eye witness at the scene of incident, Adebola Olakunle, who spoke with LEADERSHIP said that the fire broke out from the tanker as a result of an electric spark from the tanker. Olakunle said he was waiting to buy petrol at the filling station around 9:30pm when the fire incident started, adding that if not for the effort of the driver, several casualties would have been recorded. “I was at the filling station when the tanker arrived around 9pm, they were trying to offload the product when a spark occurred from the tanker. “The driver took courage to drive the vehicle out of the filling station else the station would have been razed and several casualties recorded,” Olakunle said.
IMPERSONATION: 6 Fake Legionaries Nabbed By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba
In order to make good its threat to stop those engaged in the printing and sale of Nigerian Legion stickers to unsuspecting commercial vehicle owners, no fewer than six fake legionnaires were at the weekend arrested by taskforce members of the Delta State Command of the Nigerian Legion. The Nigerian Legion is the only organisation authorised by law to print and sell Nigerian Legion Stickers and operate ex-service men transport scheme, but the suspects were said to have been operating in this manner of printing the stickers in recent times before they were arrested. Disclosing this to our correspondent, the chairman of the taskforce for the implementation of stoppage of fake Nigerian Legions stickers in the state, Major Moses Ogboru (CNC), said that the suspects were arrested on a tip-off, adding that upon interrogation, they could not explain in clear terms where they belonged. He said that the suspects had since been handed over to the police for further prosecution, adding that the decision to stop the use of fake Nigerian Legion stickers was reached at the state executive of the legion meeting, with the intention of protecting members of the public and commercial vehicle operators from the fraudulent acts of those behind the printing of such fake stickers.
Gbagyi cultural dancers at the Fct Cultural Heritage Day in Kuje, yesterday. Photo By Nan
ROBBERY: Robbers Snatch N1.3m From Rep, Kill Driver BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Police Command has launched a manhunt for suspected armed robbers who robbed a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Gogo Bright, killed his driver and dispossessed him of N1.3 million in Port Harcourt. Bright, who is the member representing Okrika/Ogu/Bolo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, was in company of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Okrika Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Datorudimabo Adams, and his driver, who is also a former councillor in Okrika local government area, Hon Hope George, when the hoodlums attacked them, killing George in the process. Commissioner for Police in the state, Mr. Dan Bature, who spoke to newsmen in Port
Harcourt yesterday, shortly after visiting Bright in his residence, said the hoodlums trailed the federal lawmaker from a bank along Olu Obasanjo Road in the state capital where he had gone to withdraw the money, and finally blocked his vehicle near Saint John’s Bust-Stop, along Aba Road, where they killed his driver and robbed him. Bature, who ruled out any political undertone in the attack on the federal lawmaker, said the police had begun a manhunt for the hoodlums. The leadership of PDP in the state had on Saturday insisted that the attack on its members, including the killing of Friday Mbadee Onura at Eleme were carried out by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), acting on the instructions of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and the party’s governorship candidate in the state, Dr. Dakuku Peterside.
BOKO HARAM: 16 Arrested On Suspicion Of Membership BY MOHAMMED ISMAIL, Yola
Sixteen natives of Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State currently under the siege of Boko Haram insurgents have been arrested by police on suspicion of being members of the militant sect. Reports indicate that the arrested persons who had become Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) following the annexation of their town mid last year were heading for Lagos. The arrested persons had reportedly boarded a luxurious bus belonging to a popular transport company before one of them alighted from the bus and entered a local beer parlour to take beer before commencing the journey.
However, some people at the joint suspected him to be a Boko Haram member when they noticed that the key holder he was using was an empty bullet shell, sparking suspicion that he may be a member of the dreaded sect. This led to his arrest. Upon interrogation by police, he said they were 16 heading for Lagos to look for means of livelihood following the annexation of their town by Boko Haram insurgents. The manager of the company Mr. I. K. Ekwuruke, confirmed the incident. Following the annexation of territories of Adamawa State by the insurgents, many people especially youths, have been travelling out of the state to connect with friends and relatives outside the state to begin a new life.
FRAUD: 3 Arrested Over Mass Purchase Of PVCs By Abu Nmodu, Minna
Ahead of the February general election, three persons have been arrested over mass purchase of permanent voter cards (PVCs) from prospective voters in Niger State. LEADERSHIP investigation revealed that the three persons were arrested in possession of the PVCs in Kalgara Rafi local government area which they were alleged to have purchased from villagers in preparation for the general election. = It was gathered that the men arrested over the weekend have been linked to one of the leading political parties in the state and were said to have been purchasing the cards between N10,000 and N20,000. A source revealed that the practice is a common feature in most local government areas in Niger State and where it was not possible to be purchased, the PVCs meant for the communities were forcefully hijacked without recourse to the individual’s consent. The source revealed: “For instance at Kutriko in Agaie local government area of the state, there are allegations about a candidate of a political party who threatened to confiscate the PVCs of the people who were not ready to support his party, and freely allow those identified to be his supporters to collect their cards.” It was gathered that the situation nearly caused confusion as the said member of a political party, allegedly hijacked the process of continuous voter registration, allowing only their supporters to be registered. Investigation revealed that those arrested in Rafi local government with the cards were transferred to the Niger State Police Criminal Investigation department for further interrogation.
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Monday, January 12, 2015
Photo News
BIZARRE: Bees Sting Mother, Child To Death In Delta By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba
A strange drama seemed to have played out at the weekend in Ogwashi-Uku community near Asaba, Delta State, when a woman in her mid 50s and her teenage son were allegedly stung to death by strange bees. The woman, a vice principal in one of the secondary schools in Agbor, was said to have gone on sightseeing with her son and a woman friend,who had visited them on a fateful weekend to the state-owned polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku. It was reliably gathered that the victim, alongside her husband and her children, was in Ogwashi-Uku, their hometown to celebrate the New Yam Festival. Our informed sources said that the victim had driven her son and her woman friend to the Fine and Applied Art Department
area located within the permanent site of the polytechnic to see the development going on in the institution when they were allegedly attacked by the wild bees. According to report, the wild bees came from nowhere and allegedly attacked the boy when he fell to the ground and was covered by the rampaging bees before his mother rushed to save the little boy. It was said that the bees instantly diverted to her, covering all parts of her body so much so that no part of her body was left. The victim’s friend who witnessed the incident was said to have raised the alarm that attracted both the security people and the men of the state-owned fire service posted to the institution but their effort to reduce the effect of the sting, as they used a liquid substance on the victims, were abortive.
L-R: Sen Ahmed Markari, Vice President Namadi Sambo; Kaduna State governor Mukhtar Yero and Kaduna State PDP chairman, Abubakar Haruna, at the inauguration of Goodluck and Sambo 2015 Presidential Campaign office in Kaduna, yesterday. Photo By Nan
OIL THEFT: Navy Nabs 14 Suspects In Akwa Ibom By Bernard Tolani Dada, Uyo
The Nigerian Navy says it has arrested 14 suspected oil thieves, including two women at Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom. Briefing journalists during the weekend, the Commanding Officer, Forward Operation Base Ibaka, Commodore Abdul Odumu, said the suspects were all arrested on the high sea following a vigorous surveillance of the maritime area by his men. Various items impounded from the criminals, according to Commander Odumu, included a 60- feet long smugglers boat laden with over 200 drums of petroleum Motor Spirit ( PMS, ) containing 150 litres each, four standard pumping machines, and 20 drums of illicit gin. Commander Odumu lamented the continuous activities of criminals on the
nation’s territorial waters despite tough measure taken by the security agencies, and urged those involved to desist from such act as their activities is affecting the revenue base of the country. While handling over the suspects and the products to Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSDSC), Odumu, expressed the total commitment of the Navy in ensuring that the maritime sector remains an uncomfortable environment for illegal oil thieves and assured that his command would henceforth deal ruthlessly with any saboteur found on the nation’s territorial waters. Responding, the Akwa Ibom State Commander of NSCDC, Mr. Pedro Ideba, commended the Nigerian Navy for creating an unprecedented record in protecting the nation’s water ways and for their zero tolerance to illegal oil bunkers in Akwa Ibom.
PROTEST: Businesses Shut Down Over Killing Of Bizman BY SOLOMON AYADO, Makurdi
A build-up of anger and resentment has continued to swell over the abduction and killing of a businessman in Makurdi, Benue State, whose his corpse was dumped on the street few days after the kidnapping took place. The deceased, Edwin Okechwukwu, was managing director of Our Choice Table Water in Makurdi. Several shops and supermarkets in the agrarian state capital were not opened for business since the ugly incident happened last Friday. The strange abduction and killing of the business tycoon has not just thrown his associates into a state of agitated confusion but many traders in the town are apparently trying to figure out what
must have led to the situation. Because of the dumping of the man’s corpse on the street few days ago, various Igbo community associations have been convening series of secret meetings to unravel the cause of death and fish out perpetrators of the heinous act. A source at the family residence of the deceased, who preferred anonymity, revealed that “family members and associates made serious arrangements to pay the ransom demanded by the kidnappers before our brother was killed and his lifeless body dumped on the street.” Although kidnapping is a trend that is becoming rampant in Makurdi, LEADERSHIP recalls that most of the victims of the dastardly act are Igbo traders.
L-R: Data entry supervisor, Apc Data Centre, Ebun Ilori; Lagos Apc spokesperson, Joe Igbokwe; national spokeperson, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and supervisor, Apc Data Centre, Atuche Chinedu, at a news conference on the arrest of workers of Apc Data Centre in Lagos, yesterday. Photo By Nan
Permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Mr Linus Awute (middle), with member of the Committee of Heads of Pharmacy in Federal Health Institutions during the group’s courtesy visit to the former in Abuja. Photo by Adefemi Adewuyi
Nema officials helping an accident victim on Airport road, Abuja, yesterday. Photo By Nan
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Monday, January 12, 2015 USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY
Council endorsed the useful phone numbers submitted by the security agents for easy access in case of any emergency on the metropolitan Roads. Accordingly, the public may easily Contact KAROTA for: Breakdown of Vehicle(s), Traffic Congestion, Accidents, Illegal / Wrong Parking to kindly Call KAROTA through the following number – 08091626747. Similarly, the State Police Command could be contacted on – 08032419754, 08123821575. In addition, the State Fire Service can also be contacted on – 07051246833, 08191778888.
KANO STATE GOVERNMENT
183rd KANO STATE EXECuTiVE COuNCiL MEETiNG PREPARED BY COUNCIL AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KANO.
ENGR. RAbi’u MuSA KwANKwASO, FNSE Executive Governor, Kano State
Confident and in steady progress to complete the initiated good work across all sectors, the Kano State Executive Council held its one hundred and eighty third (183rd) sitting on Thursday 8th January, 2015 (17th Rabi’ul Awwal, 1436AH) under the Chairmanship of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Thirty (30) memoranda from ten (10) MDAs were tabled for deliberation of which Council approved sixteen (16) cutting across four (4) sectors for execution with an expenditure of Nine Hundred and Ninety Four Million, Eight Hundred and Forty Two Thousand, Three Hundred and Ten Naira, Seventy Two Kobo (N994,842,310.72) covering twelve (12) projects while the remaining three (3) are on policy issues. Thus; 1. THE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT/ MAINTENANCE SECTOR Of the sixteen memoranda approved for execution at the one hundred and eighty third (183rd) sitting of the Kano State Executive Council, nine (9) are under the infrastructural development/maintenance sector which typically centers on provision of qualitative physical facilities, utilities, structures, etc. for use by the public in the State. Achievements recorded under performances of the infrastructural development/maintenance sector, as guided by the leadership of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE in his second (2nd) term, are beyond comparison as they cut across aspects that transformed the quality of life of the citizenry for the better. Volumes that can be written on this are beyond this medium but the following examples can be cited. • Transportation Numerous new roads were constructed/under construction while several others are expanded. All categories of roads are continually maintained. Flyovers, pedestrian overhead bridges constructed/under construction. Street lighting provided along all categories of Kano Metropolitan roads. Garden interlock tiles provided along pedestrian
These two (2) executed work to 75% completion level walkways of most metropolitan major roads. Rill drainage provided for all categories of roads valued at N26,426,849.03. Current remaining work is valued to cost the sum of N10,870,129.97 which was in Kano Municipality, etc. requested for release. Approval was granted for the two (2) new Contractors • Facilities Schools at all levels constructed/renovated/ to continue the project to completion stage according to the details presented. maintained. Health care delivery facilities (Hospitals/ iv. Request for funds for the installation of double arm new street lights along Sani Abacha Youth Institutions constructed/maintained). Government secretariats/institutions Center – Madobi Bridge Road (9KM):- The State Taskforce Committee on the Installation/ constructed/maintained/renovated, etc. Repairs/Reactivation of the Street and Traffic Control Lights identified and estimated this project to cost the • Utilities sum of N196,211,595.20 which was requested for Potable water supply provided/maintained. Independent supply of electricity from Tiga and release. Accordingly, Council considered and approved as Challawa Gorge Dams initiated, etc. Continuing with the laudable trend, the nine (9) requested. memoranda approved for execution by the Kano State Executive Council at its one hundred and eighty third v. Request for funds to enable payment of (183rd) sitting under the infrastructural development/ compensation for property affected by the maintenance sector can be sub – divided into three (3) renovation of Obasanjo/Ajasa Road:– viz; five (5) = roads and related structures; two (2) = - The Ministry of Land and Physical Planning submitted this request for consideration by Council. Details facilities (housing, secretariat); two (2) = schools. were presented on the affected structure valued for compensation at the sum of N689,000.00 which was a) Roads and Related Structures i. Request for funds to enable provision of speed requested for release. Council noted, considered and approved as requested. breakers across roads at seven (7) locations:Facilities Sabon Bakin Zuwo Road; State Road by Magwan b) Presentation of information memorandum on Junction; Iyaka Road; Sallari Junction; Nassarawa i. Hospital Center; Aminu Kano Hospital Center and the relocation of the Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps Magajin Rumfa Junction were identified for the cited (NSCDC) State Command’s Headquarters:The Kano State Command of the Nigeria project estimated to cost the sum of N9,275,000.00 Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) relocated to which was requested for release. Council noted, considered and approved as requested its newly constructed office situated at Kwankwasiyya and the project to be executed on Contractual Modern City along Zaria Road. The Command Office was arrangement under the supervision of the State constructed by the State Government as part of its effort towards providing conducive working environment to Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport. the Security Agencies in the State for better efficient ii. Request for funds to enable construction of services. Madobi Bridge – Madobi Town Road (beginning Council acknowledged the presentation of the report appreciatively. of 5KM dual carriage way road section):- The Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport ii. Request for funds to enable provision of substantiated to Council, through contents of this furniture at six (6) staff houses of Agriculture memorandum, the need for the execution of the cited Academy Rurum:project estimated to cost the sum of N539,833,612.50 - The Ministry of Education submitted this request to Council for consideration. Details with the financial which was requested for release. Council considered the project as relevant and approved implications to the tune of N3,570,835.65 which was as requested since a reputable Contractor is available. requested for release were presented. iii. Request for funds for the construction of Council noted, considered and approved as requested Kwankwasiyya – Type Modern Drainage at for the commitment. Gidan Sani Hanga – Chiromawa, Municipal Local c) Utilities Government Council Area:- This project was initially approved for execution at i. Request for funds for the maintenance/upkeep the Contract sum of N32,538,376.73. The Contractor of Public and Voluntary Schools:commenced work but was disengaged at some point - Cognizant of the free education policy of the present due to non – performance. Two (2) other Contractors administration in the State, the Ministry of Education submitted this request for consideration by Council. The were engaged to replace the original.
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Monday, January 12, 2015
details estimated to cost the sum of N186,084,900.00 which was requested for release were summarized and presented for consideration as follows; S/N
i.
Organization
No. of Schools/ Centres
Enrolment
SSSMB
940
586,451
41
Amount per head (N)
Total (N)
300.00
175,935,300.00
24,806
300.00
7,441,800.00
8,816
300.00
2,644,800.00
1
210
300.00
63,000.00
1,031
620,283
300.00
186,084,900.00
ii.
STSB
iii.
SAME (Women 46 Centres)
iv.
SUBEB (Boarding PS, Minjibir) Total
Accordingly, Council considered and approved for the release of the stated sum for the undertaking.
ii. Request for funds for the construction of perimeter wall fence at a Primary School opposite a Filling Station along Madobi Road (Kuyan – Ta – Inna), Kano:- Details on the requirements for the construction of a perimeter wall fence and a standard gate for the school in question were summarized, estimated to cost the sum of N13,189,847.40 which was requested for release. Council considered the details submitted as appropriate and granted approval as requested. 2. THE EMPOWERMENT SECTOR Empowering the citizenry in Kano State for self actualization as God fearing, patriotic, productive, knowledgeable, Law abiding, wealthy people is the cardinal preoccupation of the present administration in Kano State. Series of approvals were granted for the execution of public spirited/oriented projects/schemes/ programmes under the empowerment sector. The list of beneficiaries is impressively long and cut across all segments of the society. Access to professional/academic education (through sponsorship); access to the acquisition of employable skills (through training); access to capacity building for serving civil servants; access to financial and/or material support; etc. are provided by Government under the present administration inherent in activities of various MDAs. For example, over 5,000 Kano State Indigenous Qualified Students are sponsored to undergo professional/academic courses at under and postgraduate levels in colleges/universities in Nigeria and abroad; employable skills acquisition institutes established; series of empowerment schemes conducted for underprivileged women; etc. Along this line, Council approved the execution of three (3) memoranda under the empowerment sector at its one hundred and eighty third (183rd) sitting as follows; a) Request for Funds to Enable Purchase of 2015 JAMB Forms and Conduct of Training for the Beneficiaries:Office of the Deputy Governor/Honourable Commissioner, Ministry for Local Governments submitted this request to Council for consideration. Details were presented with the financial implications to the tune of N17,000,000.00 which was requested for release for the stated purpose. Council noted, considered and approved as requested and approved the sum to be utilized as follows; i. Purchase of 2,000 JAMB forms at N5,500.00
= N11,000,000.00. ii. Training of N6,000,000.00.
2,000
candidates
=
b) Request for Funds to Enable Payment of Registration Fees for WAEC and NABTEB Examinations of Science and Technical Colleges (2015):The Ministry of Education submitted this request for consideration by Council. Details were summarized and presented to Council for consideration along with the financial implications to the tune of N23,391,750.00 which was requested for release. Council noted, considered and approved as requested and the approved sum to be utilized according to the details presented. c) Presentation on Four (4) MBBS/Pharmacy Kano State Indigenous Students formerly Sponsored for Studies in Institutions Abroad by their Parents:The office of the Secretary to the State Government endorsed the list of the four (4) candidates referred in this case and presented their case for consideration by Council. The details presented were favourably acknowledged as Council approved their inclusion amongst the list of beneficiaries in the 2014/2015 academic session. 3. THE HEALTH SECTOR The Kano State Government, under the present administration, upholds that “Health is Wealth”. Cognizant to this, its continually approves execution of projects/programmes/schemes etc. under the health sector so as to improve the quality of lives of the citizenry in the State. The two (2) memoranda approved for execution at this sitting under the health sector only added to the impressive series. Thus; a) Request for Funds to Enable Preparation for Commissioning the Renovated Kano Dental Center, Zaria Road and the Eye Clinic at Murtala Muhammad Hospital:The Ministry of Health submitted this request for consideration by Council. Applause and commendations were accorded to the State Government under the capable leadership of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE for granting series approvals for the execution of vitally required projects, schemes and programmes under the health sector aimed at positive transformation of the health delivery system in all ramifications be it in the infrastructural development/maintenance sense, material/consumable sense; personnel/professional sense; etc. Along these lines, Council was presented with the request contained in this memorandum for the release of the sum of N2,125,640.00 to enable preparing two (2) recently renovated health care delivery facilities for commissioning which include the following; i. Kano Dental Center, Zaria Road = N1,304,540.00. ii. Eye Clinic (Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital) = N821,100.00. Accordingly, Council considered ad approved for the release of the stated sum for the smooth conduct of the exercise. b) Presentation on the Accreditation Status of the Schools of Health Technology Kano and Bebeji:-
The Ministry of Health submitted this presentation for consideration by Council. Council was categorically informed, through contents of this memorandum that, a team of inspectors from the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria was at the two (2) Schools on re – accreditation/accreditation inspection visitation respectively. The team granted full accreditation status for the courses offered at the two (2) institutions for a period of four (4) years. Specifically, School of Health Technology Kano scored 71% while that at Bebeji scored 73%. Nevertheless, ten (10) areas that require improvement in both schools were highlighted to Council pending the next accreditation visitation in four (4) years. Council acknowledged the presentation of the report appreciatively. 4. THE ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION/ PROTECTION SECTOR A clean serene environment connotes living in good health which interpretes to successful productive existence and economic wellbeing. This and more informs the present administration in the State to leave no stone unturned in granting series of approvals for the execution of projects/schemes/programmes under the environmental sanitation/protection sector. One (1) memorandum was approved at the one hundred and eighty third (183rd) sitting as follows; Request for Funds to Enable Payment for the Weekly Airing of the Programme “Mu Kyautata Muhalli”:This laudable environmental sanitation sensitization programme was aired every week in two (2) years at the total cost of N1,200,000.00. Thus; • First (1st) – forty four (44) Week in 2013 = N600,000.00. • Second (2nd) forty four (44) Week in 2014 = N600,000.00. Total = N1,200,000.00. Council appraised the request and approved for the release of N600,000.00 to cover one (1) year. UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES AT THE 183RD KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SITTING • CELEBRATION OF MAULUD AND LAUNCHING OF KWANKWASIYYA FREEDOM SQUARE Council acknowledged the successful Launching of Kwankwasiyya Freedom Square located at the newly constructed Mahaha Sports Complex Kofar Na’isa by the present administration on 1st January, 2015 at 12:59am. Subsequently, the 1436AH Maulud Nabiyyi Celebration was marked at the same venue, same day by His Excellency Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. • SIGNING OF YEAR 2015 PROVISIONAL WARRANT Council noted the successful signing of the year 2015 Provisional Warrant on 6th January, 2015 by His Excellency Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE.
Signed:
Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports & Culture
www.kn.gov.ng/new
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Monday, January 12, 2015
INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE REPORT ON THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) SENATORIAL PRIMARIES HELD AT THE RESPECTIVE SENATORIAL ZONES OF ANAMBRA STATE ON SUNDAY 7TH DECEMBER, 2014
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Monday, January 12, 2015
ENTONU
CHRISTIAN REVIVAL MINISTRIES INC.
I formerly known as ajakpa omokude cynthia now wish to be known and addressed as arowosegbe omokude cynthai. All former documents remain valid. General public note.
Saliu
sholadoye-oluwole
I formerly known as miss Shittu oluwafunmike afolashade now wish to be known and addressed as mrs Saliu oluwafunmike afolashade. All former documents remain valid. General public note.
SULEMAN
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HENRY
I formerly known as HENRY NNABUO now wish to be known and addressed as HENRY OHUNWU. All former documents remain valid. General public note.
Beauty
SANDRAH
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BLESSING
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NASIR
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MUSTAPHA
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AISHATU
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AFOLAYAN
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ABIODUN
OJO
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2X2 SPACE FOR SALE
AYODEJI
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ELIJAH
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Mercy
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arowosegbe
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2X2 SPACE FOR SALE
48 ISSUES
Monday, January 12, 2015
Gombe’s Small And Medium Scale Business Loan Scheme By Junaidu Usman Abubakar
In all democratic governments the world over, certain programmes and concept such as basic social infrastructure, good governance, security, quality education, good road network and others have become the benchmark to define the responsibilities of a government to its citizens. In assessing how much the Goverrnor Dankwambo-led administration has faired in relation to the post-Danjuma Goje era in Gombe State, there is need for comparable analysis of a whole range of policy areas and programmes. The Gombe State that has evolved in terms of intellectual approach to Government policies and programmes is far better, well-organised, disciplined than what was hitherto happening when few politicians and those who have access to the corridor of power have everything. Talban Gombe Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo Recent loan disbursement to the business community in Gombe is a sublime way of reconcilling the wide gap between the rich and the poor which should not go unnoticed by well-meaning people within the society, coming at a time when most state administrations’ revenue in the country have dipped due to the plunge in international oil price and unemployment continuing its steady upward climb. By its recent loan disbursement to the business community in partnership with Jaiz Bank at interestfree, Governor Dankwambo’s Talban Gombe approach to wealth redistribution is in consonance to global trend in philantrophy, synonymous with world rich men like Bill Gatesin their struggle to eradicate poverty abnd fight the challenges the contries face in globval efforts to combat poverty. In his bid to continue the uplifting of socio-economic development even close to the expiration of his first term in office, he has continued to wax stronger, powered by peerless pedigree of outstanding antecedents and impeccable credentials of performane, not only as a politician but a professional of high repute. Close watchers of socio-
economic and political developments in Gombe State between 2011-2015 with open and objective minds, mindful of the great impact Dankwambo’s policies and programmes have had on the lives of the majority of Gombawas would realise that the people have no better friend than Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo Talban Gombe and should use their votes wisely in deciding what is best for them at the forthcoming election. For the first time in the history of the state, we have an administration that has successfully initiated an effective framework and resources in tackling poverty which has resulted in the setting up of a social network for the poor a.k.a the Conditional Cash Grant, CCG, providing for the old, the poor and the downtrodden in society, a commendable initiative targeting the poor for social assistance. Determined that the Government should share in whatever pain the society in Gombe is passing through marks the sterling leadership quality especially in his application of macro and micro economics and what its effect should be on the society. Ethically apt and socially appropriate,Dankwanbo’s apoproach to the social ills bedevilling the social sector have found an answer in his recent loan scheme, preceeded by his most recent distribution of 250 (Nos] fuel-efficient taxi cabs in the transport sector; his skill acquisition programme that has benefitted over 30,000 unemployed youths; the 1st Lady’s HAWEP Programme with over 40,000 women beneficiaries; Governor Dankwambo’s administration in Gombe could not have come at a better time. Dankwambo’s wide acceptance to Gombe electorate as exemplified during the last local government election in the state speaks volume about the trickle down effect of his policies and programmes within the past four years, whether in terms of massive educational infrastructures. –Junaidu Usman Abubakar is special assistant on press to Gombe governor
In his bid to continue the uplifting of socioeconomic development even close to the expiration of his first term in office, he has continued to wax stronger
Monday, January 12, 2015
zonal watch
49
EDO DELTA BAYELSA RIVERS AKWA IBOM CROSS RIVER
PDP Kicks Off Guber Campaign In Rivers
BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt
Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike has declared that he will review all the anti-people policies and programmes of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-
led government in the state. Addressing a mammoth crowd at Isiokpo, headquarters of Ikwerre local government area of the state, during the governorship campaign rally, Wike said the APCled government has deliberately impoverished the people through programmes aimed at enriching a few government officials.
He regretted the wanton illegal sale of state government assets and companies by the state government, urging the people not to despair as help is on the way through a PDP victory. The governorship candidate said that his administration would revive critical infrastructure across the state for the empowerment of
the people. Wike stated that if elected into office, his administration would lay premium on provision of secondary healthcare facilities to address the decay in that sector in the state. He said, “We will build general hospitals across the state to ensure our people have access
to secondary healthcare. We will improve qualitative basic education with special emphasis on vocational and technical education. “We shall develop a functional civil service structure that will benefit from the wealth of experience of my deputy, Dr Banigo.
Suspected Cultists Kill 2 In Rivers Community Police Nab 17 Suspects
Heads
BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt
FROM tHe ZONe
➔ dr. Goodluck ebele Jonathan. President Jonathan last week launched the campaign for his re-election on February 14, 2015 on the platfrom of PdP.
➔ Chief ezebunwo Nyesom Wike. the governorship candidate of PdP in Rivers state ezebunwo Nyesom Wike formally received the party’s flag for the February 28, 2015 governorship election in the state.
➔Mrs. Nancy Jonathan-Olei President Goodluck Jonathan’s sister, Nancy Jonathan-Olei died last weekend at a hospital in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state.
R-L: All Progressives Congress (APC), governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dr Dakuku Adol Peterside; APC presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari; his running mate Prof Yemi Osibanjo and Hon Asita Honorable shortly after the handover of the party’s flag to Peterside
Rivers: CP, Monarch Lament destruction Of Campaign Billboards, Posters BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt
The commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Mr. Dan Bature, and the traditional ruler of Akpor Kingdom in Rivers State, Eze Anele Orlu Oriebe, have expressed worry over the manner in which politicians and their supporters go about defacing and tearing campaign bill-boards, banners and posters of their political opponents in the state. They believe that such antidemocratic propensity is capable of overheating the polity and causing needless altercations or confrontations between supporters of different political office seeking candidates. Bature spoke in a statement issued in Port Harcourt while Oriebe voiced his concern when the All Progressives Congress
(APC) candidate for Obio/Akpor federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Tony Okocha, visited him at his palace at Ogbogoro in Obio/Akpor local government area of Rivers State. The police commissioner in the statement signed on his behalf by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmad Muhammad, said, “Political parties and officeseeking candidates are by this release advised to prevail on their supporters to refrain from such undemocratic tendencies and pursue politics of decorum, as enshrined in the Electoral Act. “The Command will not take it lightly against anyone arrested destroying, defacing or tearing posters, banners and billboards of a political opponent, such person(s) or entity will be made to face the full wrath of the law,.” On his part, Oriebe, who
is also the vice chairman of Supreme Council of Ikwerre Traditional Rulers (SCITR), said the destruction of billboards, banners and posters of political opponents were not good for the nation’s democracy, and called on politicians in the state to embark on issues-based campaigns ahead of the February general elections. He said, “My candid advice to politicians is to avoid thuggery, violence and instead, embark on issues-based campaigns. I believe this is the way forward for our politics, so that Nigerians will know what the politicians have for them.” In his remarks, former chairman, caretaker committee of Obio/Akpor local government area, Mr. Chikaodi Dike, called on the people of the area to vote for the APC, so as to enjoy democracy dividends.
No fewer than two youths, including a barber, were feared killed on Thursday when suspected cultists invaded Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/ Egbema/Ndoni local government area of Rivers State. The cultists were said to have attacked the community in the early hours of Thursday where they killed the barber who was simply identified as Albert, and later relaunched another attack in the community late Thursday night, killing another youth. Residents of the community have deserted their homes over increasing cult activities that have left many dead and maimed, and also led to the destruction of property worth millions of naira. A source in the community told LEADERSHIP that series of crimes are committed on daily basis in the area and the police have become helpless since these hoodlums use sophisticated weapons. He said, “A lot of people are leaving Omoku because of insecurity. In the early hours of Thursday, some unknown gunmen invaded Omoku and killed one Albert, a barber by occupation who resided at Anamorji Street. They destroyed a lot of property worth millions of naira. “Later in the evening they attacked and killed another youth again. The police were there but they are helpless. These guys are more armed than them so the police are not able to do anything to handle the situation.” The source stated that residents of the community, which hosts most of the multinational oil and gas firms, have been subjected to fear as no one is aware who the next victim is. He called on the police and security operatives to come to the aid of the people. When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Ahmad Muhammad confirmed the situation, saying the command was aware of the death of the two youths. Muhammad said, “We are aware of such fight between two rival cult groups where two persons died and 17 persons were arrested.
50 zonal watch (South-South)
Monday, January 12, 2015
news behind the news
Rivers: Buhari’s Visit And Attack On Apc Members BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt
The leadership of the APC also joined in accusing the PDP of involvement in January 6 attack on its members who were on their way to Port Harcourt for the presidential campaign rally
On Tuesday, January 6, 2015, former Head of State and presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari was in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, for the flag-off of the party’s presidential campaign rally. Although, the campaign rally, held at the Adokiye Amasiamaka Sports Complex, in the Greater Port Harcourt City, was successful, members of the APC who were coming into the state capital for the event were attacked at different points in the state. Masked gunmen were said to have opened fire on commercial buses conveying the party supporters from Khana, Akuku-Toru, and Degema local government areas of the state, leading to the hospitalisation of most of the supporters. The ugly incidents occurred at Yeghe community, along the BoriSakpenwa Road, in Khana local government area, as well as at Okpo community in Asari-Toru local government area of the state. To Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who is also the DirectorGeneral of the Buhari/Osibanjo Campaign Organisation, the main opposition political party in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was responsible for the attack on the APC members. Amaechi said, “I heard today, that members of APC from AsariToru and Khana local government areas were attacked on their way to this place. The PDP believes in guns, we believe in God and man. We shall stand and face their bullets; we shall stand and face their guns.” The governor, also spoke after accompanying Buhari, his running mate, Professor Yemi Osibanjo, and the national chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, to see no fewer than seven injured members of the party at their hospital beds at the Kesley Harrison Hospital, Emenike Street, Mile One, Diobu, Port Harcourt, where he said Nigerians and indeed members of the party expect President Goodluck Jonathan and the leadership of the
PDP to condemn the attack. He said, “We as APC members are the people, the people expect to be violent, yet, we are a peaceful party. Imagine the President going for campaign in Katsina or in Kano, and his convoy is attacked, imagine; we will condemn it. In the same manner we expect the president and the Peoples Democratic Party to condemn these attacks by their members and we expect that they should be able to hold back their members. “The president promised us a violence-free election and our people are already experiencing violence. We are saying that if the government fails to provide security for individuals, individuals will provide security for themselves, and I pray that people don’t begin to provide security for themselves; I pray that the state should provide security. The fact that people are being attacked here and there is an indication that the PDP is not prepared for a fair and violence-free election.” The leadership of the APC also joined in accusing the PDP of involvement in January 6 attack on its members who were on their way to Port Harcourt for the presidential campaign rally. Chairman of APC in the state, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, who addressed newsmen in Port Harcourt, accused the PDP of introducing a “very dangerous style of politics we have never witnessed before.” Ikanya called on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to investigate the incident, and get to the root of it so as to bring the perpetrators to book, saying, “Let me tell my brothers in the PDP, you don’t need to kill to score any mark. No one person has the monopoly of violence. PDP should stop attacking us.” However, the leadership of the PDP in the state came out almost 24 hours after the incident to distance itself from the attack, describing members of the APC in the state as pathological liars. A statement signed by Jerry Needam, special adviser on Media to the state PDP chairman, reads in part, “The PDP describes members of the APC as pathological lairs, regretting that the outgoing
Amaechi
governor of Rivers State and the Dakuku Peterside Campaign Organisation have kept lying against the PDP in the name of criticism. “The PDP hereby makes bold to say that no member of the party was involved in the alleged shooting of suspected members of the APC. Gunmen are not members of the PDP and they are not also working for the PDP. Members of the PDP are God fearing and cannot be part of any activity that will spill blood. “The PDP urges the APC to settle their internal crisis, which is gradually tearing the APC apart, arising from the imposition of Dakuku Peterside as governorship candidate without due process, and leave the PDP alone. Rivers people are wiser and cannot yield to APC’s lies. “The PDP would remain unwavering as we commence our campaigns to introduce our candidates for all coming elections and launch our programmes and policies that would put smiles on the faces of Rivers people. We would not be distracted by the antics of a failed party, the APC.” The Rivers State Police Command, in a statement issued on Thursday, January 8, 2015, dismissed any political undertone in the attack on members of the APC, saying the incident, especially the one that occurred along the Saakpenwa Bori Road, in Yeghe community, Khana local government area of the state, was pure armed robbery attack. The statement, which was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Ahmad Muhammad, reads in part, “The Rivers State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that on 06/01/2015 at about 1240 hours information by a Good Samaritan was received that on the same date at about 0500 hours between Yeghe and
Sakpenwa in Gokana LGA some unidentified armed men suspected to be armed robbers had attacked innocent commuters. “Police patrol vehicles raced to the scene where they cleared the road-block, combed the forest around the scene where the armed robbers were suspected to have fled to and maintained presence. “Information received later indicated that a commuter bus was attacked at the scene where some victims sustained various degrees of injuries. The said victims were traced to a hospital where they are responding to treatment. The case is under investigation, while aggressive manhunt of the fleeing armed robbers is ongoing. “The Command further reiterates its determination to provide adequate security to all, as demonstrated by the effective crowd and traffic control within and around the venue of the launching of the presidential campaign of All Progressives Congress which ended without any adverse incident.” But, the claim by the Police did not go down well with the leadership of the Greater Together Campaign Organisation (GTCO), the campaign machinery of the APC governorship candidate in the state, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, which alleged that the PDP was being economical with the truth. The GTCO, in a statement signed by its director of Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, said the position of the Police was “nothing than a hasty and unprofessional job done by a security agency associated with partisanship and allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).” Semenitari said, “We are shocked at the speed with which the police in Rivers State concluded their so-called investigations which to us would be record-breaking considering their appalling records in investigation.”
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Monday, January 12, 2015
SCHOOLS, EDUCATION, & FAITH PLATFORM
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF
SPECIALISED CLASSIFIEDS PAGES HOPE UlTImATE SUPPORT INITIATIvE
EmP EdEH INTERNATIONAl FOUNdATION FOR wORld PEACE
AFRICAN CHRISTIAN HERITAGE ANd dEvElOPmENT FOUNdATION
The General Public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for Registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act,1of 1990.
This is to notify the general public that the above named FOUNDATION has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2004.
The General Public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, No 1 of 1990
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Azike Festus 2. Azike Blessing 3. Azike Benita 4. Azike Ifunanya Achukwu 5. Azike Joshua THE AImS ANd ObjECTIvES ARE: 1. To carter for the needy in the society. 2. To empower youths with the needed information (literature, lectures, symposiums, seminars, debates and workshops). 3. Advocacy, create awareness in the society with prevailing event. 4. Be of assistance and support to members. 5. To initiate and facilitate the establishment and operation of cultural activities that will promote unity among members. Any objection to the registration of the above named Church should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.
AImS ANd ObjECTIvES: 1. To achieve practical and sustainable global peace through prayers, peaceful negotiations and acts of charity to all mankind. Any objection to the registration of the above named Church should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED bARR. OKEy lEO OHAGbA (SOlICITOR)
SIGNED: E. R. OPERA & COmPANy
KAlImERA FOUNdATION This is to inform the General Public that the above named Association has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the companies and Allied Matters Act. 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastot Sankey Danjuma 2. Mr Pwajok Nyam 3. Pastor (Mrs) Comfort J Bangoji 4. Rev. (Dr.) Barnabas Arastus Nyanebowe 5. Titus Karik Namiji
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Rev. Fr. Oseni Jude Osilama Ogunu, OMV - (Founder/President) 2. Charles A. Ajuyah (SAN) - Member 3. Mrs. Esther Uduehi - Member 4. Prof. Michael Alasa Ogunu - Member 5. Mrs. Queen Ugwu - Secretary 6. Prof. Michael C. Asuzu - Member
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Hon. Dubem Gideon Onyia - Chairman 2. Mr. Elvis Chi Nwosu - Secretary 3. Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Edeh 4. Dr. Sharon Stroud 5. Mr. Ostain Flaten 6. Prof. Michael Umale Adikwu
- Chairman - Member - Member - Member - Member
THE AImS ANd ObjECTIvES 1. To administer assistance to the less privileged members of the society. 2. To sensitize the less privileged members of the society on available channels and platform for accessing assistance from other local and international non governmental organisations. 3. To collaborate with individuals and Governments, ministries, agencies and parastatals in implementing governmental policies for the less privileged members of the society. 4. To ensure cordination and cooperation among the less privileged, government and other NGOs on matters bothering on the less privileged in compliance with ethics and practice. Any Objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris-Crescent, Off. Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication. Signed: bARR I. b. IbRAHIm
AImS ANd ObjECTIvES 1. To promote and sustain evangelisation enculturation and the integral human development, understood according to the teachings of the catholic church. 2. To promote, product and defend fundamental human rights. Any objection to this application should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: jOHN ERAmEH & CO SUITE 300, 3Rd FlOOR, COPPER HOUSE, ZONE 5, wUSE AbUjA
ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN FISHERIES SCIENTISTS
HEIRS OF GOd EXCEllENCE mISSION
This is to inform the general public that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, No 1 of 1990.
The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Prof. SOLOMON LAMAI LAMBUDA 2. Prof. AUGUSTINE EYIWUMI FALAYE 3. Prof OYEDAPO ADEWALE FAGBENRO
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Rev. Onyenekwe Wilson 2. Mrs. Onyenekwe Juliana 3. Chimauchem Isreal 4. Mrs. Idedevbo Sarah 5. Wilson Benjamin
THE AIm ANd ObjECTIvES ARE: 1. To promote Sustainable Conservation, Utilization, Management and Development of Aquatic Resources through Research. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication. SIGNED: bARR. AdEwOyE OlUGbENGA 96, Fajuyi Road, Adamasingba, Ibadan 07030170905, 08058485069
- Chairman - Secretary
THE AIm ANd ObjECTIvES ARE: 1. To promote creativity amongst Nigerian Youths. Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: KASImU mUSA; 08055114723
PREZENS FOR CHARITy FOUNdATION
AHAlU SHAKIRIyyA ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA
ASSOCIATION OF Old STUdENTS OF FEdERAl GOvERNmENT COllEGE, bIRNIN yAURI
THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990
THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.
The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.
TRUSTEES: 1. FRANCIS OBAYE ASAPOKHAI 2. CATHERINE AGIONOMOISI ASAPOKHAI 3. ARNETTA MARIA ASAPOKHAI
TRUSTEES: 1, HABEEB IMAM SHEKARAU 2, ALH AHMADU ZARIF MUSA 3, MUSA ABUBAKAR 4, BARRISTER GARBA BAKO WUSHISHI
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Muktar Bashir 2. Abubakar Jibril 3. Ummul-Khulthum Sani Adamu
AImS & ObjECTIvES: TO PROMOTE SOCIAL WELLBEING OF THE SOCIETY. TO PROMOTE PEACE UNITY & DEVELOPMENT.
THE AImS ANd ObjECTIvES ARE 1. To foster mutual cooperation amongst old students of Federal Government College Birnin Yauri.
ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.
Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C) P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.
SIGNED: SECRETARy
SIGNED: SECRETARy
AImS ANd ObjECTIvES TO ENGAGE IN HUMANITARIAN SERVICES ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARy
ST GERAld’S CATHOlIC CHURCH HOSPITAl KAKURI, KAdUNA
bElIEvERS dIvINE COURT mINISTRy INT’l
The general public is hereby notified that the above named CHURCH has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.
The general public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.
THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Rev. Sis. Danladi Beatrice Tambaya - President 2. Dr. Adejoh Shuaibu Mustapha - Secretary 3. Bukola Thomas Omolola - Treasurer
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THE AImS ANd ObjECTIvES ARE 1. To propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C) P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.
Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C) P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.
SIGNED: SECRETARy
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Monday, January 12, 2015
world
news ➊
➍
➌ ➏ ➎
➐
➋
➊ Scores Dead In Pakistan Road Crash
➋ Paris Attacker Seen
At least 59 people have been killed after an oil tanker apparently speeding in the wrong direction crashed into a passenger bus in southern Pakistan, igniting a fierce blaze, medical sources have said. The bus was en route to the town of Shikarpur from the southern port city of Karachi when the collision occurred along a stretch of dilapidated road early on Sunday. Senior police official Rao Muhammad Anwaar said that the bus caught fire after the accident.
A video has emerged of one of the armed men carrying out the Paris attacks pledging allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The video of Amedy Coulibaly, 32, who seized hostages in a Paris kosher supermarket on Friday and killed a policewoman, was circulated by the video-sharing website Dailymotion on Sunday. The clip shows Coulibaly with a gun, exercising and giving speeches in front of an ISIL emblem.
➎ Croatia Votes In Tight Presidential Runoff
A liberal incumbent and a conservative rival are pitted against each other in a surprisingly close showdown in Croatia’s presidential runoff, held amid deep discontent over economic woes in the European Union’s newest
member. The Sunday vote is seen as a major test for Croatia’s center-left government, which is preparing for parliamentary elections this year under a cloud of criticism over its handling of the financial crisis.
Protesters have burned tyres and thrown rocks and glass bottles at riot police during another antigovernment demonstration in Haiti’s capital amid a political stalemate over long-delayed
elections. The demonstration of mostly young men reached a peak of about 1,500 in downtown Port-au-Prince as protesters called for the departure of President Michel Martelly.
A German newspaper in the northern port city of Hamburg that reprinted caricatures of Prophet Muhammad from the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo was the target of an arson attack, according to police. The regional tabloid daily,
the Hamburger Morgenpost, was attacked on Sunday after it had splashed three Charlie Hebdo cartoons on its front page after the massacre at the Paris publication, running the headline “This much freedom must be possible!”
In ISIL Allegiance Video
➏ Haiti Protesters
Call For President’s Departure
A man trying to push and dig out a car that was stuck in the snow after intense snowstorm in, Ramallah, Gaza.
➌ Sydney Siege: Victim ➍ Nusra Front Claims Was ‘Hit By Police Bullet’ Lebanon Suicide Attack One of the victims of the Sydney cafe siege may have died after being struck by a police bullet, Australian media reports say. Katrina Dawson, 38, was killed when fragments of a police bullet ricocheted and hit her in the heart and shoulder, Sydney newspapers report. She was one of two killed when officers stormed the cafe where Man Haron Monis was holding 17 hostages.
Double suicide bombings at a coffee shop in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli have killed nine people and wounded more than 30, officials said. “Nine people were killed and 37 others wounded,” the Health Ministry said in a statement. The Nusra Front - Syria’s al-Qaeda branch, fighting the regime of President Bashar al-Assad - claimed responsibility for the attack via Twitter.
➐ German
Newspaper Attacked ‘Over Cartoons’
Business/WORLD NEWS 53
Monday, January 12, 2015
Huge Crowds Attend Paris Unity Rally
Young and old joined the march, which filled boulevards and spilled into side streets
Hundreds of thousands of people joined by dozens of world leaders are attending a rally through Paris to honour the 17 people killed in some of the worst attacks on French soil. Among those attending Sunday’s march are family members of the 12 people killed during the massacre at the Charlie Hebdo weekly, a satirical publication that often published cartoons lampooning revered religious figures. Assailants also targeted a kosher supermarket and police, killing five people. Each of the families of the Charlie Hebdo staff wore a white
bandana on their head with the word “Charlie” written across. About 2,200 security personnel will guard the route of the march, which will run 3km from the historic Place de la Republique to Place de la Nation in the east of Paris, France’s interior minister said, with snipers stationed on rooftops. Some of the foreign dignitaries attending the event include David Cameron, British prime minister; Mariano Rajoy, Spain’s prime minister; German Chancellor Angela Merkel along with Sigmar Gabriel, vice-chancellor and energy minister, and Frank-Walter Steinmeier, foreign minister.
Others dignitaries are Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, and Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian president, as well as Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko. Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Queen Rania are also attending the march. “Tens and tens of thousands of people are already in the Square and more are expected,” say reports from France said. According to the reports, French Muslims were having difficulty taking part in a march “where Israeli leaders are participants because they view them as war criminals”, an apparent reference to last summer’s offensive between the Palestinian group Hamas and Israel, which killed more than 2,100 Palestinians and 72 Israelis. Paris was rocked by violence on Wednesday with an attack on the office of Charlie Hebdo, that has published cartoons of Prophet Muhammad and other religious figures. In that attack, Cherif and Said Kouachi shot dead 12 people including some of France’s bestknown cartoonists.
US Economy Adds 252,000 Jobs In December
The US economy added 252,000 jobs in December, while the unemployment rate fell to 5.6% from 5.8%, according to Labor Department figures. In addition, figures for the number of jobs created in October and November were both revised upwards. The jobless rate is now at its lowest since June 2008. But weak wage growth and low inflation are likely to give the Federal Reserve pause for thought over raising interest rates. The increase in jobs was higher than expected with the strongest growth in professional and business services, construction, healthcare and food services, according to the data released by the US Labor Department.
However, there was little improvement in December for part-time workers wishing to work more hours, and average hourly earnings fell by 5 cents after rising 6 cents in November. The fall in the jobless rate was largely due to a drop in the number of people seeking work. Over the whole of 2014, job creation averaged 246,000 a month. The figures highlight the contrast between the US economy which continues to pick up pace and that of the eurozone which this week slid into deflation. Whilst eurozone policymakers are considering expanding their stimulus measures to include government bond-buying, or quantitative easing, the US jobs data will encourage expectations of an interest rate rise later this year. “This is probably a good enough number to allow the Fed to stay on course in terms of adjusting policy, but it probably won’t cause them to change their timing from mid-year,” said Peter Cecchini, chief market strategist at Cantor Fitzgerald in New York. Lower oil prices and weak inflation will take the pressure off the Federal Reserve to raise rates soon. –BBC
Cyprus Airways Grounded By EU Ruling Cyprus’ national carrier has ceased operations after an EU decision it must repay over 65m euros (£50m) in illegal state aid. The EU Commission said the Cypriot government had breached rules on support for struggling companies. Cyprus Airways has repeatedly received aid between 2007 and 2013. The government, which owns 93% of Cyprus Airways, had searched unsuccessfully for outside investors.
“The company has ceased being a viable entity, and cannot continue to operate,” said finance minister Harris Georgiades. He said there would be alternative arrangements covering Cyprus Airways flights from Saturday. The Commission undertook an in-depth investigation after the government in Nicosia approved Publishing the investigation’s results, the Commission was highly critical of Cyprus Airways’ restructuring plans. It said they
were based on “unrealistic assumptions”, failed to address the cause of the airline’s difficulties and were taking longer to implement than EU rules permitted. Under EU rules, struggling companies can be given aid under what the Commission terms the “one time, last time” principle. Governments may grant a oneoff tranche of aid to support a restructuring process once within a period of 10 years. The rule is intended to prevent companies becoming reliant on government
Search teams during the search for the main fuselage and the black box
AirAsia QZ8501: ‘Black Box’ Flight Recorders ‘Found’ Indonesian divers may have located the flight recorders of missing AirAsia flight QZ8501, the head of the search and recovery operation has said. Bambang Sulistoyo said he believed they had been found and divers would try to retrieve them on Monday. They are buried on the seabed underneath the aircraft’s debris, officials say. The possible discovery comes amid intense efforts to find the main fuselage of Flight QZ8501. It disappeared in bad weather on 28 December with 162 people on board. The aircraft was flying from Surabaya in Indonesia to Singapore and is lying 30m (98ft) below the surface of the Java Sea. Three Indonesian ships had detected signals from two different locations about 3.5km (2 miles) from where the aircraft’s tail was discovered, Co-ordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Indroyono Soesilo said. “The two are close to each other, just about 20 metres
[apart],’” Mr Soesilo said. “Hopefully, they are the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder.” AirAsia chief executive Tony Fernandes tweeted on Sunday that he had been “led to believe” that the recorders had been found. But Mr Fernandes said that his “main concern” was recovering bodies from the aircraft’s fuselage. Earlier he tweeted: “Let’s hope today is a major breakthrough day and we can find main fuselage.” An official said earlier that a large object resembling the plane’s body had been found in a sonar scan of the search area in the Java Sea. But Supriyadi, operations co-ordinator for Indonesia’s search-and-rescue agency, later told the BBC’s Indonesian service that reports that the fuselage had been found had not been confirmed. Supriyadi has said that if the main body of the plane is found, the first priority of search teams will be to remove the remains of victims.
Sri Lanka ‘Peaceful Transition’ Questioned Sri Lanka’s new government will investigate a reported attempt by Mahinda Rajapaksa to stay in power after it became clear he had lost last week’s presidential election, according to a spokesperson. “People think it was a peaceful transition. It was anything but,” spokesman Mangala Samaraweera said on Sunday. Rajapaksa stepped down only when the “army chief and the police inspector-general refused to go along with him”. the AFP news agency quoted Samaraweera as saying. Rajapaksa had been widely praised for conceding defeat early on Friday, even before the last votes in Thursday’s
election had been counted, when he realised that his rival Maithripala Sirisena had an unassailable lead. But Samaraweera said that the 69-year-old, who had ruled the country since 2005, tried his best to annul the poll and cling to power. He said police Inspector General N K Illangakoon was “very vocal and did not want to be a party to this”. Army chief Daya Ratnayake stood by the police and refused to deploy troops for Rajapaksa to seize power, while the state attorney general’s department warned of dangerous consequences, the spokesman said. – Al Jazeera
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Monday, January 12, 2015
Juventus Want Balotelli Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has revealed that he will like to sign Liverpool forward Mario Balotelli. Allegri managed Balotelli at AC Milan before his sack while the player moved to Anfield in a £16m deal but has failed to sparkle as he has only scored twice in all competitions for Liverpool. However, the former Inter Milan forward is yet to score a premier league goal since his re-
turn to England having played for Manchester City which has lead the club to a search for a new striker. “I’ve had him with me [at AC Milan] and he had a very good season,” he said. “Mario has built a character out of the world of football which attracts most of the attention. But he has excellent quality, although he must prove it. “Would I love to have him back?
I like to have better players,” Allegri was quoted as saying by Tuttosport. Balotelli has struggled at Anfield mostly because fans expect him to fire them to success like Luis Suarez did before he moved to Barcelona last summer. A move back to Italy will appeal to the player born to Ghanaian parents and reunion with Allegri may just be what he needs to get his career back on track.
English Clubs Chase Ambrose Efe Fresh reports from England claim that two London-based EPL clubs West Ham United and Crystal Palace are interested in signing Super Eagles defender Efe Ambrose from his present Scottish club Celtic FC. According to the UK Mirror both the Hammers and Eagles are interested Celtic’s $3million-rated defender Efe Ambrose. Ambrose, 26 has been a key
figure in the backline of the reigning Scottish champions since his summer move from Israeli club FC Ashdod back in 2012. This is not the first time the Nigerian defender who can play at centre-back or rightback has been linked with EPL clubs but Celtic Coach Rony Deila claimed there have been no official inquiries from the
touted clubs said to be chasing Ambrose. With the January window now in full swing, it is yet to be seen if the official bid will be coming in for Ambrose who overtime has declared in times past that he would fancy playing in the EPL but with a caveat that he is nonetheless happy at Parkhead with Celtic at the moment.
Efe
Glo Has Boosted African Football - Hayatou by ishaku kigbu, Abuja
The President of the Confederation of African Football, Alhaji Issa Hayatou has expressed appreciation for the efforts and contributions of Globacom to the development of football in Africa. Hayatou who was speaking at the third contract signing ceremony between Globacom and CAF for the sponsorship of the Glo CAF Awards, said that the company’s sponsorship of the annual event has spurred young and old talents to excellence on the world stage. Globacom Limited, signed a fresh deal with the Confederation to sponsor the annual African Player of the Year Awards for another four years.
The parties signed the first agreement in 2005 in Paris, France, while the second signing ceremony for the extension of the partnership was held at the CAF Headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, on Friday, August 27, 2010. The decision to renew the deal again was reached following the satisfaction of both parties with the resounding success of the annual Glo-CAF Awards. Speaking at the brief signing ceremony, Mrs. Talabi, said that Globacom had thus far kept the commitment it made at the first contract signing to use the Glo-CAF awards to promote the growth of the game of football in Africa.
Hayatou
“Through these past ten years, we have consistently, brought great value to the profile, stature and rating of the Glo-CAF Awards which has now acquired the status of the Oscars of African Football. With the signing of this third agreement, we wish to reiterate our commitment to further stimulate and inspire the growth of football in our treasured continent,” she said. She expressed delight that the winners in the various categories of the annual awards, especially the youth segment, had proved their mettle in the round leather game and had emerged as global brands and credible role models. “Our Chairman, the pillar of
We’ll Buy Only Quality Players – Van Gaal No Favouritism In African Player Award – Ikpeba After signing former Barcelona keeper Victor Valdez, Manchester United are poised to bring in more new faces to Old Trafford but manager Louis van Gaal has warned it will only be quality additions or nothing. The Dutchman who for the first time has the compliment of his full squad going into the Southampton game today believes that everything is not down to money which the club is willing to make available when needed but on quality which can improve his side. ‘’When I cannot improve my selection, then I wait. And then I maybe have to wait a year more. Maybe you think that there are so many fantastic players, but it is not like that.
Van Gaal
Former Nigeria international has said the African Player of the Year selection process is not partial as some have claimed following Yaya Toure’s win over local favorite Vincent Enyeama as 2014 Africa’s best. The former Super Eagles player has latched out at those claiming the African Player of the Year is bias, insisting that Nigeria players must step up their game. The 1997 African Player of the Year said the inability of Nigerians to win the award since Kanu Nwankwo last did in 1999 is a question of the performance of the players and club they play for. “It has to do with the clubs
which the players play for and their performance for national team from January to December,” Ikpeba told media. “The coaches have nothing to do with who wins the award. If you play in the right club, definitely you can win the award. “Yaya Toure is playing with some of the best players in the World. He plays alongside Aguero, Nasri, Silva, Kompany . Besides he is one of the best midfielders in the World. He also urged media to educate fans towards having a bias mind that the award favours Ikpeba one region than the other. Follow these reports on leadership.ng/sports
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Monday, January 12, 2015
Palace Most Honest Team – Pardew It came as a shock to football followers in the EPL when Alan Pardew decided to quit Newcastle United for Crystal Palace but he had his reasons which were genuine and pure. And in another astonishing statement after his second premier league game which the club he once played for ,Pardew has claimed that his lads are the most honest footballing side in the premier league.
He lead Palace to a hard earned victory against Tottenham Hotspurs yesterday after going a goal behind – he praised his team’s fighting spirit and reversed special accolades for former Manchester United winger, Wilfred Zaha. “This team is too honest and that is a strange statement for a Premier League manager to make. We need a maverick to release ourselves, we did not do
that until the second half and once we did we looked a good side and total dominated from that spell onwards. “Hopefully a victory today will give the likes of our midfield players the ambition to go up the pitch a bit, five yards would do. “Wilfried Zaha is a little negative about the team not giving him the ball and I left him out of the starting line up in a
Bony
Man City Agree Bony’s Deal Manchester City are on the verge of signing Wilfried Bony after reportedly agreeing a £28 million fee with Swansea to acquire his services this month. An official announcement of the deal is expected to be made in the next few days after it emerged last week that City had stepped up their interest in the Swans striker. The Ivory Coast international, who is currently away on international duty for his country’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, has seen his stock rise his joining
the Welsh club in July 2013. Bony scored 16 goals in his debut season to help Garry Monk’s side finish 13th in the league, while he has found the back of the net another nine times this term. That goal-scoring form attracted the attention of top-flight rivals, and the Citizens appear to have won the race to sign the 26-year-old, who scored his ninth goal of the campaign to earn a 1-1 with against QPR on New Year’s Day, which could well have been his final outing for the Swans.
Shaqiri Happy At Inter New Inter Milan winger Xherdan Shaqiri has spoken about his decision to join the Serie A side when array of other suitors were fighting for his signature. The Swiss international moved from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, where he struggled to play regularly. Numerous clubs were linked with the attacker, including Liverpool and Stoke City, but he chose Roberto Mancini’s side. “In the end I had a lot of options, very lucrative offers,” Shaqiri revealed, quoted by FootballItalia. “I was on the phone with very many coaches who talked to me about their ideas, but just I felt that Inter did most to get me. My
Shaqiri
gut feeling was with Inter. “I just felt when talking to Roberto Mancini that he is the man who can take me further. He wanted me at all costs and is a winner. I also got many titles with Bayern, so Mancini and I both came to Inter to win a great deal. “I had wanted to join Liverpool over the summer, but Bayern would not agree to it. That was not easy for me, but I had to accept it. That’s why I am glad that it has worked out with this move in the winter.” Shaqiri’s new team are 12th in the Italian top-flight table, well off the pace for the Scudetto and the more highly contested battle for third.
Pardew
Chadli Demands Fresh Start
Chadli
Tottenham winger Nacer Chadli says his side need to push on after their 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace on Saturday. In-form striker Harry Kane put Spurs ahead at Selhurst Park, but a Dwight Gayle penalty and a strike from Jason Puncheon secured the win for Alan Pardew’s side. The defeat comes on the back of a 1-1 draw with Burnley after their thrilling 5-3 win over Chelsea on New Year’s Day. The Belgian attacker was hoping that his side would gain momentum, but the defeat means they have to start from scratch. “After the first goal we had to push for the second, unfortunately we didn’t and Palace came back into the game with a penalty,” he told the club’s official website.”I thought we were in control at 1-0 but after the penalty we were not in the game anymore and that’s a big disappointment for everyone. “Like we did before, after a loss we have to make things clear again and make a fresh start - and that’s what we going to do.”
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I expected to hear about a security plan to restore Nigeria’s territory that was lost to terrorists and how to bring back the girls abducted in Chibok, the president sadly said nothing
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Presidential Declaration: My Take Away
By Babatunde Raji Fashola
n Thursday 8th of January, 2015, the PDP came to Lagos, warts and all, in furtherance of a presidential campaign flag-off. They had advertised this flag-off with a promise to show what they had done in Lagos. I anticipated this visit because I hoped it would provide an opportunity to discuss issues important to the people. When they left, they left nothing tangible behind except violence, attacks and robberies on citizens who had been trapped in the traffic they created. The APC National Convention had held in the same city of Lagos a few weeks ago without violence and robberies. But that is not my take away. My take away was the presidential speech. Having ridden to office on the back of civil society (a.k.a Doctrine of necessity), and having been elected by an impassioned campaign of emotion and sympathy (a.k.a ‘I had no shoes’), I expected that a president seeking reelection will understand that his record of service and not sympathy would be the vote catching message. Even though I was in Benin to attend the APC vice presidential candidate’s town hall meeting, I took the time to listen to the presidential flag-off speech. Mr. President had my attention when he said his message that day, and for the
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rest of the 35 States and FCT, was going to be focused on young people. And just as I thought he was going to raise hope, he did what no leader should ever do. He dashed hope. He told young Nigerians that his generation had failed. Yet he seeks their votes to lead them. This compounded the problem. If the President admits personal failure, he was uncharitable in seeking to paint everybody in his own service record. What then is his “Transformation Agenda” about? Failure? My take away: Leaders don’t dash hope, they inspire it. To be fair, he quite rightly set out the agenda and burning issues on the minds of the Nigerian people when he opened by stating that he was going to address 3 (three) issues of corruption, insecurity and the economy. I expected to hear about a security plan to restore Nigeria’s territory that was lost to terrorists and how to bring back the girls abducted in Chibok, the president sadly said nothing. Instead, Mr. President went for the sympathy message again, that there was an assassination attempt on his life 4 years ago. My take away: Mr President, this is a good try but it took four years and on the eve of election campaign for you to disclose such grave national security information. Any attempt on your life as our leader is an attack on all
of us as a people and a nation. Twenty four hours before this Lagos Presidential flagoff, there was an attack of terror in Paris in which 12 people were killed. By midnight, arrests had been made; the Government of France had swung into action with 80, 000 combined security forces in a manhunt for the terrorists. They pursued the terrorists into a forest, evoking memories of Sambisa Forest. As I conclude this piece, three terrorists had been killed and one was on the run. After six years, there was no message or plan in this Presidential re-election bid speech on how to solve our security problem. Mr. President spent a lot of time accusing his predecessors of not buying arms. Those young people whom Mr. President sought to impress must remember than in the last 20 or so years, our armed forces have been involved in wars/peacekeeping missions in Somalia, Sierra-Leone and Liberia, and their performance was globally adjudged to be outstanding. They used arms. If Mr. President’s predecessors did not buy arms, which arms did these soldiers use for those operations? It seems to me very simple to accept that armoury management is a matter of inventory management; use and replace. I think young people must see these accusations against
predecessors as being without basis. Assuming there is a basis, General Buhari left office in 1985; the technology of arms has improved rapidly and it cannot be his fault that a President in 2015 is seeking to use 1985 arms. Mr. President still owes Nigerians an explanation about the $9 million cash seized in a plane in South Africa, in an amateurish attempt to buy arms through the back door. As far as corruption was concerned, the president’s silence on the forensic audit report about $10 billion & $12 billion or $20 billion, (depending on whose version between the ministry of finance or central bank), showed an unwillingness to defend his record. I think it would have helped Mr. President’s re-election bid if he spoke about losses to the economy as a result of pipeline vandalism and huge ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 35
GHANA MUST GO 90-year-old asked to bring 1950 appointment letter to get pension — News
Which fool wants the letter?
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