Leadership news

14.01.15

WEDNESDAY

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

No. 2,327

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Fresh Plot To Arrest Danjuma Goje Uncovered > Page 8

Reps, Jega Disagree Over Voter Card 5

Allow voters to use temporary cards – Lawmakers No, it must be permanent voter card – INEC

L-R: All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Chief John OdigieOyegun; APC vice presidential candidate, Prof Yemi Osinbajo; APC presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari; former president, Olusegun Obasanjo; Chief Bisi Akande; APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other APC stalwarts, when they visited Obasanjo at his Hilltop residence in Abeokuta, yesterday.

L-R: All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Chief John OdigieOyegun; APC vice presidential candidate, Prof Yemi Osinbajo; APC presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari; former president, Olusegun Obasanjo; Chief Bisi Akande; APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other APC stalwarts, when they visited Obasanjo at his Hilltop residence in Abeokuta, yesterday.

Rice Importation: Olam, Popular Farm, Others Owe FG N36bn – Minister

By Olushola Bello, Lagos

Olam Central Trading and Export, a popular farm and mills enterprise, and three other

companies owe the Nigerian government N36.56 billion

for rice import above their quota allocation, the Federal

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) has

FG’s N450bn IGR Insufficient As Oil Continues Free Fall > Page 12

Chibok Diary DAY 275

stated.

The ministry, in a press statement, also denied the allegation by a group, Stakeholders ➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 5

9 Months After Abduction, BBOG Group Seeks Obasanjo, Soyinka's Assistance > Page 2

2

chibok diary 275

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

DAY

Chibok TweeTs @ad_Vassilli Will #GEJ & Govt match for #ChibokiGirls over 230days&counting?

They'll rather clamp on #BringBackOurGirls #IamBaga @ZaraChiron #JesuisCharlie and we are all bloody hypocrites. Who gets to decide which lives are worth standing in solidarity over? #BringBackOurGirls @AishaYesufu I am from the North East and I feel like a failure. I should have come out earlier says a first timer at the #BringBackOurGirls Sit Out Members of #BringBackourGirls (BBoG) group singing a solidarity song for the abducted Chibok girls during a meeting at the Unity fountain in abuja. PHOTO BY OYedele OmOkagBO

@SegunObasanjo I'm more ashamed about Nigeria celebrities. Same people that carry placards for #BringBackOurGirls have gone to wear uniform to support GEJ.

9 Months After Abduction, BBOG Group Seeks Obasanjo, Soyinka's Assistance

By Chika Mefor and ejike ejike,

Abuja @VictorShikhman The solidarity march in France, unless it comes with policy changes, will be as effective as #BringBackOurGirls. Empty sentiment is nothing. @nursingdean Paris March don't forget #BringBackOurGirls let's hope France leads the world in standing up

The BringBackOurGirls Movement, as part of efforts to continue to put the abduction of the 219 ChibokGirls and other similar abductions in Nigeria on the front burner of national discourse, is embarking on an advocacy visits the country’s elder statesmen to elicit their assistance towards the release or rescue of the abducted Chibok schoolgils.

In a press release signed by its head of media, Rotimi Olawale, the group stated the group’s visit to three elder statesmen, Presi-

dent Olusegun Obasanjo, Professor Wole Soyinka, and Ambassador Christopher Kolade was aimed at amplyfying the campaign for the release of the abducted girls.

“The visits in Abeokuta and Lagos today (yesterday) will seek to call on the Elder Statesmen to intervene in amplifying the #BringBackOurGirls campaign by reaching out to government to provide clear information on the status of the rescue operation and for Government to prioritise the rescue of all abducted Nigerians on the top of national agenda,” it said.

The BBOG has remained the only group in the country which

has continued the advocacy for the rescue of the girls and the proper tackling of insurgency by the federal government.

Members of the group organise a daily sit-out at the Unity Fountain to continue with their advocacy, with protests, media engagement and visitations to relevant stakeholders as some of the strategies they use to push home their request.

Meanwhile, the group will today organise series of media engagement to mark the ninth month the abducted Chibok school girls have stayed in the hands of their abductors.

The event is aimed at reminding Nigerians and the government that the girls are still in the hands of their captors nine months after the abduction. The group which started its advocacy for the release of the abducted girls added that it won’t relent on its advocacy until the girls are brought back to their families who are anxiously waiting for their return.

Today marks nine months since 276 girls were abducted from their school, Government Secondary School, Chibok. Though, 57 managed to escape, a large number of about 219 remain under captivity .

@EnglishSmarts Let's not forget. 271 days since the kidnapping. #BringBackOurGirls

@Bukkyshonibare Day 272 of abduction 34 days to Presidential Election #BringBackOurGirls

@JJTabane #bringbackourgirls....does anyone even remember? ...

Members of #Bring BackourGirls (BBoG) group during a meeting at Unity fountain in abuja. PHOTO BY

Compiled by Ugochukwu Iroka

OYOdele OmOkagBO

3

our stand Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Need To Revamp The Fire Service

G

oods worth millions of naira were recently destroyed in a fire incident at the popular Balogun Market in Lagos State. The fire happened on the heels of similar disasters at the Sabon Gari Market, Zaria and Ibadan Spare Parts Market, where goods estimated at hundreds of millions of naira were destroyed. As has become typical of every Harmattan season, there has been a spate of fire disasters recently. In the weeks preceding the market fires, a family of six was burnt to death in Benue in a midnight fire, just as in a fire that razed a private clinic, the proprietor was burnt to death. These are only a few of such deaths and loss of property to fire disasters lately.

While the causes of fires remain unknown in some cases, the inability of fire service operatives to respond in good time has often been said to be the reason for the extent of damage as a result. Recently, officials of the Lagos State Fire Service raised the alarm over the increasing rate of fire incidents in the state, with a call on residents to be more vigilant. According to them, 48 emergency calls were recorded

in Lagos in the first five days of 2015 and 44 were fire alerts. Lagos is not an isolated case.

We are worried by the loss of life and destruction of property in these incidents. It is equally disturbing that at this point in the nation’s development, many states in the country, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which, according to its master plan, ought to have at least one fire station per district, cannot boast of an efficient fire fighting system. Stories abound of how fire fighters reportedly turn down emergency calls, citing the lack of water and fuel in the trucks. In cases where they do respond, it is usually not

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

swiftly enough to effectively manage the situation. There is, therefore, the need for people to be more careful in the handling of inflammable materials, especially in the Harmattan season.

This is important, even though the fire service has debunked insinuations that weather is a major cause of fires spreading.

However, there is no doubt that the season contributes, hence the need for people to be cautious. Particularly, bush burning should be avoided.

More importantly, we urge the government at all levels to properly equip the fire service, where it has stations, with modern equipment and set up new stations where there are none.

We also advocate provision for fire exits when buildings and markets are being planned and constructed. Development control agencies in various cities must also ensure that there are hydrants strategically located for fire fighters to access water, and there must be adequate supply of fire trucks, fitted with the necessary equipment and chemicals. Loss of life and property from fire incidents must be prevented, because it is preventable.

Founder Sam Nda-Isaiah

Group Managing Director Azubuike Ishiekwene Group Executive Directors Michael Okpere Dr Kazeem Durodoye Divisional Directors Iyobosa Uwugiaren Salisu Alhassan Bichi General Managers Aminu Abubakar Sule Abdulmumin Balogun Zipporah D. Tanko

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

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

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

4 news extra

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo PDP Presidential Train In Osogbo: I’ve Fulfilled My Promises – Jonathan President Goodluck Jonathan who is seeking re-election in the February 14 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that he has done what he promised Nigerians four years ago, adding that he deserves to be re-elected.

President Jonathan who spoke in Osogbo, Osun State capital yesterday in continuation of his campaign noted that the coming election is between light which he represents and darkness which his opponent represents, warning that it would be retrogressive for Nigerians to leave the destiny of this nation in the hands of a man without sound education.

He said that since assumption of office four years ago, every sector of the country has been touched, stressing that the rail transport sector which has been abandoned by successive administrations in Nigeria has been revived, and promising to use his next mandate to transform the country.

He said, “I implore first time voters to get their permanent voter cards and vote for me and all the candidates of the PDP. We know that over 8 million young Nigerians apply for jobs every year; we will create 2 million job opportunities every year and before our tenure ends in 2019, we would have reduced unemployment drastically in the country.”, Jonathan said.

“We have done reasonably well since assumption of office despite the challenges. We have put in place cottage industries and smallscale industries that will make our youths to be self reliant. The neglected trains are now working and this in a few years will galvanise the mass transit system in the country. The resuscitated train system in Osun State is done by PDP government and today, our people are happy”. ...Promises Sincere Govt, Creation of 8 Million Jobs In 4 years Meanwhile, Jonathan has promised to provide a real and sincere government to the people, if reelected. He also voiced his government’s resolve to generate about 8million jobs in the next four years.

Jonathan made the promise yesterday during the PDP presidential rally in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

At the event, held at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Jonathan noted that the PDP government was redefining politics devoid of deceit. “In the education sector, more Almajiri schools have been established across the country, while universities in the South West have benefitted more from TETfund since my assumption of office”.

By George Agba in Osogbo and Alo Abiola, Ado-Ekiti

L-R: Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega; INEC commissioners, Dr Abdulkadir Oniyangi and Dr Chris Iyimoga, during their meeting with all political parties and official publication of voter register for the 2015 election in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI.

Buhari Meets Obasanjo, Promises To Focus On Security, Economy, Corruption As ex-president absolves him of PTF Corruption

By Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

Barely 24 hours after President Goodluck Jonathan secretly met with former president Olusegun Obasanjo, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday met with the former president at his hilltop mansion in Abeokuta, where he reiterated his determination to revive Nigeria’s economy, improve the deteriorating security in the country and fight corruption.

Obasanjo told Buhari who was accompanied by his running mate, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, the party’s national chairman, Dr John Odigie-Oyegun, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Barnabas Gemade, Chief Audu Ogbe, Senator Bukola Saraki, Chief Bisi Akande among others, that he, as a mark of respect, asked his boys to cancel any engagement he had outside Ogun State yesterday in anticipation of Buhari’s visit even though Buhari did not inform him he was coming.

The APC train stormed Obasanjo’s mansion by 11:25 am to inform the ex-president of the APC’s road map for tackling the country’s crippling challenges as well as seek his “sup-

port, trust and understanding” that their in-coming government at the centre, would give the country “better” and “quality” leadership.

Buhari told the former president that they came to consult him because he (Obasanjo) knows Nigeria’s problems better than all of them, in spite of the fact that Obasanjo had told him he remained a PDP member.

“Sir, it’s a fact that you know more than we all know about the problem that we are in. But we’ll try to convince you to believe us that we are going to do better.”

“We expect your understanding and support, although you insist on remaining in PDP. I have reached a certain degree of frustration in my attempt for you to try to shift a bit but you have refused.”

“Briefly, we have been going around three fundamental issues: security, economy, corruption. This vicious circle is what the APC is determined to break.”

“Because without security, there is no way the country can settle down not to talk of living in it. So many people, educated and uneducated, some said up to 60 per cent, will say Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gun powder.”

“And then corruption; we believe that if we are able to stop corruption, a lot of resources will be available to invest in in-

frastructure, get the factories to reopen, get jobs, and get goods and services.”

“So, we are talking about the economy in terms of employment, production, manufacturing, goods and services, and then agriculture will again give impetus to employment,” Buhari said.

The APC presidential candidate lamented that Nigeria abandoned agriculture, our mainstay before the discovery of oil, and regretted the neglect.

“We have to be systematic and work to make sure that the vast land we have is cultivated not only to produce food, but also to produce raw materials for agroallied industries, which used to be very viable but which we allowed to die because everybody has concentrated on getting oil money.”

“Now the oil money is dwindling rapidly; I think we better come back to our senses,” he said.

He dismissed the insinuation in some quarters that he is too rigid, saying he is a dynamic person.

“Sir, briefly, this is what we intend to do and this is contained in our manifesto. We are not going to be inflexible the way some people accused us of doing.”

“We are going to be dynamic as we go along and that’s why

I said we are here to seek your understanding, your support, in spite of the political card you hold.”

Responding, Obasanjo said he and Buhari have crossed paths many times and with his encounters with him, Buhari has always come out as a clean person.

He specifically mentioned the probe he instituted into the activities of the defunct Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) while Buhari was the chairman and how the panel pronounced him clean of corruption.

“Our paths have crossed on a number of occasions and when I was told you are going to be coming to Ogun State, I wasn’t sure whether you will come here or not.”

“But I told my boys; I said well, whatever programme we have outside Ogun State for today, let us shelve it just in case Muhammadu and his party and his team decide to call here.”

He maintained that as Buhari noted, he is a card-carrying member of PDP, adding however, that beyond party politics, what is paramount to him is the interest of the country.

Obasanjo said Buhari’s programme encapsulates what Nigeria needs now but begged him to include infrastructural development in their programme.

NEWS 5

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Reps, Jega Disagree Over Voter Card

By Adesuwa Tsan Edegbe Odemwingie, Bode Gbadebo, Chibuzo Ukaibe, and Jonathan Nda-Isaiah, Abuja

In view of the seeming inability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to distribute the permanent voter cards (PVCs) to all registered voters ahead of the February polls, the House of Representatives has directed the electoral umpire to allow eligible voters to vote with their temporary voter cards (TVCs) during the forthcoming general election.

The House arrived at the decision at yesterday’s plenary after adopting a motion by the House minority leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila to that effect.

While leading the debate, Gbajabiamila (Lagos/APC) stated that it was “very unlikely” that INEC will be able to distribute the Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) to all registered voters before the elections.

“The general elections being just four weeks or 31 days from now, it is very unlikely that the commission will be able to distribute the permanent voter cards to all registered and eligible voters before the elections.

“If the current position of the commission - that only those voters with the permanent voter cards are qualified to vote - is not addressed, many registered and eligible voters will be disenfranchised in the 2015 general election to the detriment of the growth of democracy in Nigeria,” he said.

But few hours later, INEC insisted that only voters with PVCs will be allowed to vote in the 2015 general elections, saying it has not received the House of Reps’ directive to the contrary.

INEC chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, disclosed the commission’s stance ‎yesterday at a press briefing in Abuja, where he also revealed that there are currently 68,833,476 million eligible voters in INEC’s register for the 2015 general election. This figure is below the initial 73 million voters.

Similarly, he revealed that after conducting business rules, which involves the verification of fingerprints, 681,485 persons will not get the PVCs, adding that over four million persons were identified as multiple voters after the sanitisation process.

Jega, who formally unveiled the development at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja to political parties, said the commission was yet to get official notification from the House of Representatives on the use of Temporary Voter Cards (TVC).

He further stated that the commission had taken delivery of 132,000 units of card readers for the elections in the 120,000 polling centres in the country.

Jega also revealed that the electoral umpire had received all the funding it needs for the 2015 election from the federal government. He, however, declined to state the actual figures for fear of being misquoted, referring

journalists to the website of the commission.

The director of ICT department, Chidi Nwafor, made a presentation of how the commission arrived at the figure of 68 million in voter register. He recalled that the voter register rose from 73miilion to 74 million after the 2011 election but that after the weeding out of multiple voters, it came down to the current figure.

But while addressing a late press conference, Jega said INEC had now formally signed off the register for the conduct of elections in February this year, telling those present that the document would be in the commission’s website.

Jega noted that while 14 presidential candidates were in the race, 739 senatorial candidates are in the race while 1,780 candidates are running for seats in the House of Representatives.

According to him, the list of nominated governorship and state house of assembly candidates will be published on January 27.

On the directive by the House of Representatives that Temporary Voter Cards (TVCs) should be used for the 2015 elections, Jega noted that the commission was yet to get such directive.

“I can tell you that we are committed to ensuring that the 2015 election is conducted only using the PVCs and we are committed to doing that because we have introduced technology to reduce fraud.”

Saying the the card readers will stop the fraudulent process in elections, he declared that such cannot be achieved with temporary voter cards.

While he said the commission would respond to the motion from the House Reps, he noted the commission was doing all that is possible to ensure that all registered voters get their cards before the poll day.

He lamented that PVCs had been lying at local government centres, and that many Nigerians left it late for collection, even as he revealed that the commission had taken additional procurements of PVCs for distribution before the 2015 election.

On elections in the insurgency-ravage North East, the INEC boss said the commission was also prepared to conduct elections in all the states, including the North East states experiencing terror attacks.

He denied having said anything that raised doubt over the conduct of elections in the three North East states.

“I do not entertain any doubt in the capacity of INEC to hold elections in these states. What I said is that some areas are unlikely to take place in these areas. That does not mean that we are ready to conduct elections in the states.”

On voting by internally displaced persons, Jega noted that a stakeholders’ meeting will be held to discuss the ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

LIVING LIVING TOTO BE BE 100100

One health tip daily Check Your Randon Reading

In outdoor surroundings, the radioactive gas called radon is generally found in such low concentrations that is poses no threat to human health. In enclosed buildings, however, radon may build up to carcinegenic levels. Its presence also varies by region, with areas rich in uranium deposits showing especially high radon density. The gas causes an estimated 20,000

cases of lung cancer each year.

To find out whether your house or office has high levels, you can purchase a radon detector and send it to a laboratory for analysis. The basic rules for minimising radon exposure are simple: seal all cracks in your basement floor, do not sleep or prolonged periods of time in belowground rooms, and keep your home and workplace well ventilated.

Rice Importation FROM FRONT PAGE

in the Rice Industry, that it granted waivers and rice import quotas indiscriminately to investors who had no verifiable investment in the industry, causing a N40 billion loss in government revenue.

According to the ministry, Nigerians need to be aware that there is no N40 billion missing; rather, there is N36.56 billion owed to government by some foreign importers of rice.

According to the data obtained from the Nigerian Customs Service by the ministry, one of the firms, Popular Farm, imported 300,204.53 million metric tonnes (MT) in excess of its quota and is owing the government N19.38 billion, while Olam imported 244,126.63 MT in excess of its quota and is owing N9.03 billion. Others are Conti-Agro, Central Trading and Export and African Farms which imported 98,285MT of rice without approved quotas and are indebted to the tune of N8.16 billion.

Also, from July 1, 2014 to December 3, 2014, a total volume of rice import of 1.12 billion MT, valued at N73.45 billion, was imported by 48 rice importers.

The minister of agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, said that every company must pay the government what is due it for the excess volume of they were allocated to import or for rice imported without a quota.

“All who owe the federal government must pay what they owe and Nigeria must lose no single naira. No amount of malicious misrepresentation will derail the new rice policy,” he said.

He pointed out that with the devaluation of the naira, all hands must be on deck to ensure that all leakages are blocked, and that the president had given its officers

the marching orders to make Nigerian selfsufficient in rice, a task the ministry is keen to achieve.

LEADERSHIP recalls that in May 2014, a new rice policy was approved by President Goodluck Jonathan to encourage investment in local rice production and milling through the introduction of an import duty differential on imported.

One of the conditions precedent to import quota allocation includes investors that have milling capacity with verified Domestic Rice Production Plans (DRPP).

They are to enjoy an import duty of 10 percent and levy of 20 percent while traders will pay an import duty of 10 percent and levy 60 percent.

The ministry noted that the matter at hand was not the first time that foreign importers had tried to derail government rice self-sufficiency policy.

“They have always sabotaged every rice policy of the federal government, even the efforts of the presidential initiatives on rice put in place between 2001 and 2003 by the government.

“Nigerian farmers have shown an impressive performance in response to government’s new rice policy that favours local rice production and milling. Nigeria has grown in paddy production from 4.5 million MT in 2012 to 10.7 million MT in 2014,” the statement noted.

At stakeholders’ meetings and consultations with members of the Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RIPAN) and Rice Importers and Distributors Association of Nigeria (RIMIDAN), a national supply gap of 1.5million MT was determined. The national supply gap of import grade rice is expected to decline to ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

6 news extra Alleged Missing N600m: N’ Delta Ministry Recovers N100m, Arrests 3 Following the recent revelations on the missing N600million Zonal Intervention Fund, allocated to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs (MNDA) by the House of Representatives, over N100 million had been recovered and more than three suspects arrested from the account department, with the help of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

A source, close to the antigraft agency investigating the matter, revealed that the prime suspect, a grade level 12 officer, names withheld, of the Account Department secretly returned the said amount after petitioning the EFCC, alerting them of the involvement of some directors and senior account officers who deliberately served him a query.

The source, who pleaded anonymity revealed that the prime suspect, who is signatory to the N600million account alongside two other colleagues, opened the can of worms about all the persons involved in the fraud after being issued a query, questioning the source of a property he recently purchased in Garki and an on-going building project in Gwarimpa.

LEADERSHIP gathered that although the minister, Dr. Steve Oru had described the scandal as a mere noise by politicians who could not return to the National Assembly, the Anti- Graft Agency is bent on exposing all those who looted the constituency fund.

According to the Source, ‘the minister is just not bothered about the scandal making the rounds. He is not even moved that his image is being dented.

It appears, he has godfathers that he so relies on. To him, newspapers owners are just after making sales, after which they will relax.’

It would be recalled that the House of Representatives Committee on Niger Delta Affairs had invited officials of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to appear before it to explain how an alleged N605million zonal intervention fund allocated to the ministry suddenly got missing.

The House committee had alleged that, the money allocated to the ministry was to ensure that certain vital infrastructural development projects nearing completion are completed before the February 2015 general election.

However, when contacted, the EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren said he cannot give detail information on the case as he is not privy to such information.

By Christiana Nwaogu, Ejike Ejike, Abuja

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

President Goodluck Jonathan (right) acknowledging cheers from supporters during a presidential campaign rally at the Freedom Park, Osogbo, Osun State, yesterday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN

Twitter War: Nigerians Die Daily Due To Incompetent Leadership – Buhari

By Ebriku John Friday, Abuja

As the twitter war rages on ahead of the February 14, presidential poll, the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, has said that the daily death of Nigerians during attacks by insurgents was due to the incompetence of the government.

Buhari, who stated this yesterday through his twitter handle @Thisisbuhari, with the hashtag #ThingsMustChange, said the essence of humanity and empathy are fast eroding as a result of these losses of human lives, insisting things must change.

The APC presidential flagbearer who was referring to the recent Baga attack, stressed that it is the responsibility of government to protect and respect the lives of Nigerians, regardless of their political leaning or the coming elections.

According to him, “Every Nigerian life is sacred. On #Baga, 150 or 2000, every Nigerian life matters. We cannot continue like this. #ThingsMustChange.

The responsibility of the Nigerian government is to protect and respect the lives of Nigerians, regardless of politics, or elections.”

He said in his tweet, “It is

unacceptable to ignore or minimise the deaths of Nigerian citizens because of elections.

It is heart-breaking. This must change. We cannot be the country that loses the essence of our humanity, the meaning of empathy. Nigerians are dying everyday due to incompetence.”

While lamenting the lingering situation in the country, he queried, “We must ask ourselves these questions - how did we become like this? How did we get to this point? What kind of country have we become?

“These Nigerians who have died because our government cannot protect them, they are not politicians. They deserve better. We deserve better.”

He added that beyond the politics, and the rhetoric, ask yourself this: “Do you truly want a country where your life is not safe? Do you want a country where you cannot say for certain, if our enemies come at us, you have a government that can and will protect you?

“Let these thoughts guide us.

Let these thoughts speak to us.

Let them shape our opinions, our choices. We are better than this. Good morning, Nigeria. #ThingsMustChange”.

Choose wisely, Jonathan tells Nigerians Meanwhile, President Good-

By Christiana Ejike Ejike, luck Jonathan, has He Nwaogu, added that, “Youths are called on Nigerians to make leaders of today Abuja under Jonahim their Valentine and choose than. They are not leaders of wisely their preferred candidate a tomorrow that never comes. in the February polls. #GEJNigeriasVal” Jonathan, who bared his The tweet further said, mind yesterday, through the “While others banned the Natwitter handle of his special tional Association of Nigerian assistant on new media, Reno Students, Jonathan promotes Omokri, @renoomokri, with the NANS and listens to them #GEhashtag #GEJNigeriasVal, said JNigeriasVal” his re-election will help lead “While others jailed musician youths to lead tomorrow.

Fela who sang for the masses, The president’s tweets com- Jonathan appoints musicians pared his achievements with like @OnwenuOnyeka into his that of his main contender in government #GEJNigeriasVal the coming presidential elec“While others raided Papa tion, in the areas of education, Awolowo’s house and seized his youth development, women passport, Jonathan honoured empowerment amongst others. Awolowo by naming a stadium According to him, with free after him #GEJNigeriasVal education he (Buhari) rose to “Under Jonathan, Nigerithe top to build prisons, but an students receive scholarthat he (Jonathan) had free ed- ships. In their time, Nigerian ucation and rose to the top and students received detention. built schools.

Choose wisely #GEJNigeriasVal He said in the tweet, “They “Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiruled your grandfather and ti flaunts his certificates from your father. Now they want primary to youth corps then to rule you. Jonathan leads says “Let General Buhari flaunt you so you can lead tomorrow. his certificate”!

They tell you ‘I will change Nige“‘Does the presidential canria’. Jonathan tells you ‘we will didate of the APC have a school change Nigeria together’”. #GE- certificate?’-Governor OlusegJNigeriasVal un Mimiko On women, the tweet reads “We are producing three “Women are equal partners times the quantity of cocoa we under Jonathan. He believes used to produce before”-Presin First Ladies not ‘Behind the ident Jonathan #GEJNigeriasScene’ Ladies. #GEJNigeriasVal Val.

news NATIONAL 7

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Reps To Debate 2015 Budget Today The House of Representatives will today debate the N4.3 trillion national budget. The speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal announced this at yesterday’s plenary.

If successful, the budget will be passed for second reading and referred to relevant committees for further legislative work.

For the second year running, the 2015 national budget was presented on December 17 by proxy to the National Assembly in a drab ceremony which lacked the typical fanfare and pomp that followed past presentations.

President Goodluck Jonathan sent the N4.3 trillion 2015 budget proposal through one of his political appointees.

UNIABUJA: NUC Lifts Embargo On Distance Learning Programme

By Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has lifted the four years embargo it had placed on University of Abuja distance learnng programme following the university’s tackling of the problems that had warranted the closure by the commission since 2011/2012 academic session.

The vice chancellor of the institution, Professor Micheal Umale

Adikwu who disclosed the cheering news to newsmen in Abuja yesterday during the two day orientation workshop organised for 3000 newly admitted year one students, said that preprations are underway for the announcemnt on the commencement of the sale of forms for new year one intake, assuring that the university will address all NUC requirements for the successful running of the programme.

Prof. Michael Adikwu who also advocated a re-focus of Nigeria’s education system towards creativity in order to achieve meaningful economic development said current education system could only prepare people for office works and not for creative tasks.

According to him, the future of education must be one that has the capacity, not only to be creative but to engender rapid

change. ``Our society is becoming more complex and dynamic; economic development is largely driven by innovation, concentrating on the dynamics of process, product and organisational changes. ``You must take this as a serious challenge; it will take serious discipline on your part to achieve a different direction to growth and prosperity from the present direction of confusion.

short news

Osun Speaker Wants Politicians To Run Issues-based Campaign

By Edegbe Odemwingie and Bode Gbadebo, Abuja

Jonathan Will Sweep South-east Votes – Gov Orji The chairman, PDP South East Presidential Campaign Organisation, Governor Theodore Orji has said that the zone is fully committed to delivering all the votes to President Goodluck Jonathan in the February’s election.

Governor Orji stated this while addressing journalists after a meeting of state coordinators of the South East presidential campaign committee held at the Government House, Umuahia to strategise on how to deliver all the PDP candidates in the zone.

The governor said that they had discussed and having seen their deficiencies are ready to make amends to ensure victory for the party at all levels.

By Matthias Nwogu Umuahia

Ekweremadu Combats Malaria With 20,000 Doses Of Anti-malaria Drug To Constituents The Ikeoha Foundation, a nongovernmental organisation founded by the deputy president of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, yesterday, presented 20,000 doses of free anti-malaria drugs to the people of Enugu West senatorial district as part of efforts to fight malaria scourge in the state.

The drugs, Artecxin Child, an Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy, ACT, for combating malaria in children valued at over N16 million were donated in partnership with the Afrique Biotech West Africa Limited.

By Jonathan Nda-Isaiah

Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salaam has tasked candidates in the ongoing electioneering campaign to discuss issues rather than attack personality.

L-R: Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede;All Progressives Congress ( APC) Addressing leggovernorship candidate for Lagos State, Mr Akinwumi Ambode; Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola and deputy gover- islators and staff nor, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, at a town hall meeting with the transport sector in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO BY BENEDICT UWALAKA. of the parliament at its first sitting in 2015, Salaam said it is necessary to avoid campaign of personal attacks particularly now that Nigerians of indomie, 1500 cartons of spaghet- kind gesture, saying it signalled the By abdulkareem haruna, Maiduguri are looking up ti, 1500 cartons of maggi , 400bags of signs of brotherliness and goodwill to the leaders to The Forum of Wives of Northern Gov- rice and 300bags of beans. needed across the country. bail them out of ernors, led by the wife of the Benue He said it was encouraging to note The Benue State governor’s wife poverty.

State governor, Mrs Yemesi Doshima who prayed for peace to return to the that the governors’ wives had put aside Salaam noted Suswam was in Maiduguri yesterday state, said she was optimistic that peace political differences to make the visit that issues of where it donated items worth millions would soon be restored and insurgen- and donation to the state. national security to victims of insurgency in Borno State. cy made a thing of the past in the state.

“We must put aside religious, ethnic and economy The forum members present include She said the forum was disturbed by and political differences if we are to be should give all wives of the governors of Niger, Nasar- the plight of victims of insurgency in our brother’s keeper and ensure that an critical stakeawa, Kogi, Adamawa, Taraba and Ka- the state and hence the donations. injury to one is an injury to all. holder serious duna states.

Receiving the items, Governor “The pains of others must be felt by concern.

Items donated to the Borno State Kashim Shettima of Borno State all and sundry, especially by our leadBy Joshua Dada, government included 1500 cartons thanked the governors’ wives for their ers and the privileged few.

Osogbo

Insurgency: Wives Of Northern Govs Donate Items For Victims

Strike: Law Officers Issue FG 21-Day Ultimatum

By Michael Oche, Abuja

Law officers at the Federal Ministry of Justice have issued a 21-day ultimatum to the federal government to look into their grievances, part of which include payment of outstanding robe allowances and promotion arrears dating back to 2013.

The workers, under the aegis

of Law Officers Association of Nigeria(LOAN) are hinging the decision on the non-uniformity of salary structure for law officers in the public service, saying failure of the federal government to comply with the ultimatum will lead the association to join the ongoing strike by Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria(JUSUN).

The ultimatum by LOAN which

is expected to elapse on the first week of February, 2015 was also to compel government to provide for the staff peculiar allowances for purchase of books, law reports, hazard allowance, court appearance, car loans among others. National president of LOAN, Solomon Ibhadon told journalists in Abuja yesterday that the crisis had lingered on for 20 years, add-

ing that efforts by stakeholders to resolve their grievances had not yielded any positive effect.

He said, “Our proposed industrial action is meant to press home the implementation of the circular on harmonisation issued by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in 1994 which circular has now been implemented by states.

8 NEWS

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Reps, Jega Disagree Over Voter Card modalities to address their needs.

Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr. Yunusa Tanko, commended INEC for its strict compliance to the timetable as demanded by law and asked that the copies of the voter register are presented to parties to clear doubts.

More defections as Reps resume plenary As members of the House of Representatives resumed from a three-week break yesterday, five of them officially notified the House of their decision to defect from their parties.

At the resumed plenary, Speaker Aminu Tambuwal read out separate letters from the affected members to this effect. The members, who have changed their political parties are Hon. Eddy Ifeanyichukwu Mbadiwe who defected from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA, Imo) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Mbadiwe specifically gave “irredeemable factionalisation” of his former party as the reason for his defection.

Others are Hon Murtala Kayode Busari, formerly of the Accord Party (AP, Oyo), and now of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Similarly, Hon. Ibrahim Adeniyi Olaifa (AP, Oyo) has also moved to the SDP. Meanwhile, the ruling PDP lost two members as Hon. Jerry Mamwe (Taraba) moved to SDP, citing “shoddy treatment” meted to him and his supporters as reasons for his action, while Hon. Ibrahim Eibo (formerly PDP, Niger) joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Reps probe alleged APC hacking of INEC database In a related development, the House of Representatives has launched an inquest into the Department of State Services’ (DSS) allegation that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was planning to hack into the database of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The probe followed a motion moved by the House Deputy Leader, Leo Ogor (Delta/PDP) who asserted that the motion was not politically motivated.

The probe report is expected in two weeks

Jega

“The allegations are weighty.

It is important we investigate their veracity. The probe is not motivated from any political interest and is in the interest of the 2015 election.

“The allegations coming at the heels of an election period calls for concern that should not be treated with levity. INEC data base contain highly sensitive data and if compromised could cast heinous aspersions on the integrity of the forth coming elections,” he said.

A DSS spokesperson had told newsmen at a news conference in early January that items retrieved from the APC data centre on November 20, 2014, showed that the party had plans to clone the INEC Permanent Voter Card.

Nigeria will not disintegrate after elections - Mark ..... Says INEC must ensure all eligible Nigerians vote Senate President David Mark has assured that contrary to public apprehension that the country may disintegrate after the general election, he remains optimistic that the country has the strength of character, the political will, the perseverance and maturity to rise above all the challenges that lie ahead.

This is just as he also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that all eligible Nigerians vote in the coming elections.

Mark also urged Nigerians not to politicize the insurgency ravaging the North East part of the country on the grounds that when the bombs go off, they are non-partisan in their destructive nature.

These comments were

contained in his welcome speech to senators yesterday at the Senate chamber of the National Assembly after the resumption of their three-week recess.

Mark also lamented that he was disturbed and saddened by the war songs emanating from many quarters, particularly from highly placed Nigerians who are threatening fire and brimstone, adding that elections need not dissolve into theatres of war.

“It is my belief that war mongering will only result in a legacy that we will all regret. As distinguished senators, we have a role to play in ensuring that Nigeria witnesses a peaceful general election.

Despite the much vaunted fear, apprehension and anxiety that our nation may not survive the elections by some dooms day prophets, I personally remain optimistic that we have the strength of character, the political will, the perseverance and maturity to rise above all the challenges that lie ahead.

We are all leaders and I know that we will work towards peace and harmony. Our nation will not disintegrate after the elections!” Mark insisted.

Senator Mark also charged government to do all it can to end insurgency, saying that this is a war that the country must win and win quickly.

He also urged the armed forces and government to intensify efforts to rescue the Chibok girls who have been in captivity since April last year “The truth is that the North Eastern part of our country is under siege. The tendency is to blame government for this sore state of affairs. Every Nigerian, irrespective of partisanship, must demonstrate patriotism to our country. We must support our armed forces and other security operatives to stop this evil. Bomb blasts are non-partisan in their destructive nature. Insecurity plagues all of us and must be tackled holistically,” the Senate president noted.

On the forthcoming general elections, he told politicians and the entire political class that, in order to achieve free, fair, transparent and credible elections, they must INEC to carry out its responsibilities without hindrance.

Corrigendum In the LEADERSHIP publication of Monday, January 12, 2015, we used a wrong headline, “Money Laundering: 2 Indian Firms Use Names Of First Lady, Governors” instead of “2 Chinese Firms Use Names Of First Lady, Governors”. The story had nothing to do with any Indian firm but was centred on the activities of Chinese officials of the two firms.

The mix-up is regretted – Editor

Fresh Plot To Arrest Danjuma Goje Uncovered

By Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

A plan to frame up the former governor of Gombe State, Senator Danjuma Goje over allegations of sponsoring terror attacks in the state has been uncovered.

The plot is allegedly being hatched

by Goje’s predecessor, Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership in the state, it was learnt.

Gombe has witnessed an orgy of violence in recent times. Governor Dankwambo has called for Goje’s arrest.

Dankwambo, who called on security operatives to act swiftly on the ex-governor, accused him of unleashing mayhem on him (Dankwambo) and on the citizens of the state.

The governor, represented by his chief of staff, Alhaji Ahmed Yayari Ahmed, made the plea recently at a joint press conference with the PDP national publicity secretary, Olisa Metuh.

Ahmed remarked that the governor had been attacked by thugs popularly called ‘yan kalare’ who were allegedly sponsored

by Danjuma Goje on the day the governor visited Kasheri town.

He said the conference was aimed at telling the world the atrocities being perpetrated by the senator through the outlaw group, adding that the All Progressives Congress (APC) raised a false alarm about violence against the PDP state government in Gombe led by Dankwambo.

The APC national publicity

secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, had accused the Gombe governor of working hard to obliterate APC’s presence in the state, in addition to victimising the party’s members in the state.

Ahmed, however, refuted the allegation, describing it as “completely baseless and clear fabrication by the APC in an attempt to discredit and distract the hard working and humble Governor Dankwambo, overheat the polity and stall the wheel of progress in the state.”

The Dankwambo administration has insisted that since Goje left the PDP, he has been orchestrating violence and causing confusion, all in an attempt to undermine and dislodge the PDP-led administration in the state.

On Thursday, December 18, 2014, it was alleged that Goje mobilised a team of political thugs to ambush the governor’s convoy with dangerous weapons while the governor was on his way from a federal university located at Kashere where he had gone for a visit on the invitation of the vice chancellor.

The thugs, it was further learnt, unleashed terror on the governor’s entourage, injuring some persons and destroying some vehicles in the convoy.

A source close to Goje accused Dankwambo of ordering the police and the Army to break into Senator Goje’s family house, tear-gassing those they met, arresting his relations and ordering the removal of all APC billboards and posters in Kashere town.

Rice Importation FROM PAGE 5

1.0 million MT in 2016 and to zero in 2017, when the country is expected to become selfreliant in rice production, when new rice mill being purchased by investors, such as Dangote Group, Honeywell, Wacot, to mention few, come on board.

Following, a transparent exercise was conducted by

FMARD to allocate 1.3 million MT of rice quotas, out of the 1.5 million MT national supply gap of import-grade rice, to deserving companies.

RIPAN chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, praised the transparent manner in which the rice quotas were issued, noting that it was not influenced by any beneficiary as was the case in the past.

Bomb Blast Hits Gombe

By Abdullahi Umar, with agency

reports

A device suspected to be Bomb exploded in Kasuwar mata area near security check point popularly known as Anti-Kalare in Gombe metropolis.

According to Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), scene of the blast was very close to the state university but casualties remain unknown as details was sketchy at the press time.

It was also unclear whether the blast was suicice bombing as the Boko Haram now change it attack tactics in using young girls who were

sent to die with a bomb strapped to their chests but some witnesses said that it suicide bombing.

An eyewitness also said, “The suicide bomber wanted to enter a mosque, but before he reached there, the thing exploded.”

“We don’t know the casualty toll yet, but it won’t be high. If the bomber had succeeded in entering the mosque, it would have been a different story.”

Gombe state has been hit by attacks blamed on Boko Haram. The Jihadist group seeking to carve out an Islamist state in the northeast of the country which is most active in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.

news Lagos 9

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Nigeria's Election Will Be Like Sri Lanka's - Jimoh The former chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area, Hon Jide Jimoh has said that Nigeria's general elections will be like Sri Lanka's presidential election where the opposition party won with massive votes.

In a statement issued yesterday in Lagos, Jimoh noted that All Progressives Congress (APC) will win the forthcoming elections because Nigerians have grown wiser and need a change of government.

According to him, what happened in Sri Lanka where the opposition party won the presidential election by a wide margin will be replicated here in Nigeria this year because people want change for good governance.

Jide Jimoh who won the APC ticket for the House of Representatives charged President Goodluck Jonathan and INEC to allow a transparent, free and fair election.

Jimoh, who faulted the president's speech during his campaign in Lagos, said "All what President Jonathan said were blatant lies which Nigerians knew. People expected him to talk about his stewardship and what he intends to do at the campaign, rather than abusing the personality of APC presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.

Your Failure Is Personal Not Generational, Fashola Tells Jonathan

By George Okojie, Lagos

Lagos State governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola yesterday said President Goodluck Jonathan's comment that his generation has failed Nigerians is personal to him, urging him to accept responsibility for his failure to address the challenges confronting the nation.

Fashola who spoke at a town hall meeting organised by the

State Ministry of Transportation which featured various associations under the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) said the president should summon courage and own up to his government's failures in the last six years rather than point accusing fingers to past leaders.

The governor noted, “He said his generation has failed; he should account for himself, Fashola said,

adding that he refuses to join the generation the president was referring to.

“He is in his 50s, I am also in my 50s, and we appear to be in the same generation but we are not; I don’t even want to join that generation because my own generation has not failed; I have done well on my job and I am proud to say so. If he has failed, let him account for himself; he should not

join us”.

He noted that the issues that will form the basis of debate for the elections will be how well the citizens of the nation have fared under the present administration.

Fashola said he was pained by the situation in the North East where citizens have become refugees in their country due to the inability of the government to tame the Boko Haram insurgency.

short news Media Tasked On February Election

By Taiwo Ogunmola-Omilani, Lagos

February Poll: TUC Condemns Violence By Parties, Supporters The State Administrative Committee (SAC) of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Rivers State has condemned in strong terms the violence by political parties and their supporters, and urged all politicians not to see the election as a do-or-die affair.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the state chairman, Comrade Hyginus Onuegbu and secretary general, Comrade Jones Okere yesterday.

TUC said, "We condemn in strong terms the recent upsurge in violence by political parties and their supporters.

"We the SAC urge all politicians not to see the 2015 general elections as a do-or-die affair but a process that will allow Nigeria to come out victorious".

TUC, therefore, appealed to all political parties and their candidates to avoid campaigns of calumny and focus on how they intend to improve the welfare and security of the people including workers.

"We SAC reiterate the need for all political actors to make the present campaigns issues-based devoid of personal attacks and inflammatory statements which have contributed in heating up the polity," it said.

By Taiwo Ogunmola-Omilani, Lagos

Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), signing the condolence register opened for the Spiritual leader & founder, Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church (Ayo ni o), late Prophet Gabriel Olubunmi Fakeye, during his visit to the family residence at Dopemu, Lagos, yesterday.

NGE Boss Tasks Media On Credible Reporting Of Elections

By GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

The president of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr Femi Adesina has urged the nation's media organisations to live above board in the reporting of the forthcoming general elections to enhance the credibility of the country's media.

Adesina who is also the managing director of The Sun Newspapers spoke at the 7th Media Tweet-A-Ton programme tagged, "Promoting Media Role And Citizens’ Participation In Credible 2015 Elections" organised by the International Press Centre (IPC).

He said the need to follow the guidelines in the new Nigeria media code of election in the forthcoming polls coverage cannot be over-emphasised.

Adesina, represented by the executive director, special duties, The Sun Newspapers, Mr Bolaji Tunji said it is with trepidation that Nigerians await the general elections in February, adding that the drumbeats of war is scary.

He said,"Before the advent of the year 2015, there had been a huge dose of worry among the populace on what the year portends, because it is an election

year.

"In Nigeria, elections are like battle cries, and because the stakes are quite high in the polls ahead, the sense of foreboding is even much more palpable. A large number of Nigerians are simply praying that the cup will pass over them quickly.

“If the elections would go well without negative incidents, a lot will depend on how the media do their work. There are several factors that instigate electoral violence, but a key one is the perceived sense of injustice through electoral manipulation.

The Nigerian media have been urged to play its role of being the watchdog of the nation to help the citizenry in making the right decisions in the February general elections.

The call was made by Commander Monde Umo (rtd) in Lagos yesterday. According to him, it is the duty of the media to be a guiding light to the people and lead the country out of its political mess this year.

Umo who noted that the civil society has a responsibility to determine who leads them, said failure to do so is invitation to crisis, instability and possible chaos.

“The media is free to support the top-down or the bottom-up selection process, but it must be willing to accept the consequences of its actions and inactions thereafter", he said.

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos

Fashola To Rebuild Burnt Section Of Balogun Market

By GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola has said that the state government will give priority attention to the rebuilding of the burnt popular Balogun market.

The governor who visited the market yesterday to get first-hand assessment of the burnt section of the market, pledged to help re-

build the market and give succour to traders who lost their wares in the fire disaster, which burnt four high-rise buildings in the market on Monday.

He described the incident as sad and assured that government would stand by the traders and help them revive their businesses.

Fashola urged the market leaders to help government identify those

who owned wares in the market to enable government to assist them.

The governor said, “We want to know what the estimate of losses is.

You have to liaise with the market leaders. We will help you. This will also apply to all the plazas affected.

It is impossible for us to count the number of people while we are here.

“The commissioner for special duties is here; he will liaise with all

the people and the plazas affected to have a clear view of the type of businesses they do and the estimate, and we assure you that we will help you.”

The governor said he gathered that the fire might have resulted from an electrical surge, counselling the people to beware of illegal connections, especially at this period of dry season and harmattan.

10 news south-west Oyo Procures 99 Farming Machines Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi yesterday inaugurated and presented 99 earth moving equipment, including bulldozers, graders and low beds to all the 33 local government councils in the state to facilitate accessibility to rural areas.

Inaugurating the equipment at the Governor’s Office Car Park, the governor said that the move was aimed at promoting rural integration and development as well as ending the regime of waste of farm produce.

He explained that the equipment would enhance movement of farm produce from the hinterland to urban centres, stressing that farm produce were hitherto destroyed due to lack of accessible roads to farmlands.

According to him, the procurement of the graders and bulldozers would improve road rehabilitation, especially in the rural areas at cheaper costs.

Also speaking, the caretaker committee chairman of Ibadan North-West local government, Mr. Wasiu Olatubosun said the administration of Governor Ajimobi was the first to achieve such a feat in the history of the state.

He said that the equipment would be used to open up new roads and to rehabilitate the existing ones in all the local government councils in the state.

By Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

Cleric Tasks FG On Prisons Reform Federal government has been called upon to restructure the nation’s prisons for inmates to acquire skills that would make them relevant and economically independent after serving their jail terms.

The founder and general overseer, Holy Trinity Authority Prophetic Church International, Prophet James Omitade made the call yesterday in Ado Ekiti while donating 50 mattresses and 3.5kva generator and other materials to Ado Ekiti Prisons as part of the Church’s social responsibility.

The cleric pointed out that the inmates would be properly rehabilitated and be useful to the society after being released if prisons were reformed.

While noting that harsh conditions in the nation’s prison was making the inmates to be more hardened, he said such scenario could spell doom for the country if not corrected.

According to him, “We have to remember that some of them are there by circumstances beyond their control. Some were not even guilty of the offences they were charged for , yet they were convicted. So, we need to give them support and show them love.

By Alo Abiola, Ado-Ekiti

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Ondo PDP Loses Prominent Members To APC

By Tope Fayehun, Akure

What could be described as political tsunami occurred in Ondo State yesterday as prominent members and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state defected to the opposition, All Progressives Congress(APC) .

The defectors who are manly members of Olusegun Agagu’s cabinet comprises of former chief of staff to Agagu, Mr. Femi Agagu, former commissioner for Works, Mr. Laitan Ayeni, former commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Niran Sule, former commissioner for Women Affairs,

Mrs Tola Aworh among others.

The occasion also witnessed the defection of former speakers of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Olabimtan , Hon. Taofeek Abdulsalam and a governorship candidate of the Alliance for Democracy, Mr. Bankole Oluwajana.

The leaders who were at the APC secretariat at Oyemekun roads Akure, the Ondo State capital to formalise their defection noted that they have resolved to embrace change which the APC represents and drum support for the victory of General Muhammadu Buhari and Prof.

Yemi Osibajo.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors Mr. Femi Agagu said, they took the decision after lengthy sessions of consultation with friends,political associates as well as their supporters across the 203 wards of the state.

He said, “Today is indeed a watershed in the political history of Ondo State.

Never before have so many notable people chosen to desert a political party at the same time like this. We have also received the confidence of distinguished elder statesmen, young and elderly citizens who are concerned about the future of our dear state and country.

L-R: Chief Lateef Oyelade; Chief Theophilus Akinyele; representative of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Ekerin Balogun, High Chief Tajudeen Abimbola; governorship candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde; Oloye Lekan Alabi and president general, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Bayo Oyero, at the public presentation of a book titled “Election Law Practice in Nigeria”, published in honour of Makinde in Ibadan, yesterday.

NANS Endorses Jonathan For Second Term

By Tope Fayehun, Akure

Ahead of February 14 presidential election,the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Ondo JCC Axis yesterday adopted President Goodluck Jonathan as its candidate.

The students came to this resolution after an extraordinary meeting of SUG presidents, Ondo JCC chairman, Odunayo Kowe, NANS Southwest Zone D

treasurer, and the vice president (National Affairs) Timilehin Ayenuro at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).

The students hinged their support for Jonathan on his achievements in the education sector like the establishment of 150 almajiri modern schools to boost education in the north, establishment of nine new federal universities, and equipping of 51 federal and state

polytechnics with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.

They also said the federal government’s scholarships to students, release of N200billion intervention fund for the education sector, establishment of several youth empowerment schemes like the YouWin initiative to make young and enterprising students job creators, rather than seekers informed their decision to support the president.

short news Oyo Muslims Urged To Collect PVCs For Election The chairman, Muslim Community of Oyo State (MUSCOYS) Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, has urged Muslims in the state to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC’s) to enable them vote at the general elections.

The Islamic leader in a statement in Ibadan yesterday advised the electorate on the significance of the PVCs during the elections.

He said the voters’ card was the most important weapon in the hands of the electorate that could be used to vote into office any candidate of their choice. ``This is not the time for Muslims to be lethargic and unconcerned about the political developments in the state and the nation at large,’’ he said.

Sanni said the only way Muslims in the state and indeed in Nigeria could achieve the feat of voting for the candidates of their choice was to collect their PVCs and to ensure their active participation at the polls. He said reports from the electoral body, INEC, of people not collecting their PVC was not encouraging.

By Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

Stay Clear Of South-west, COSEG Tells Jonathan

by Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

The re-election bid of President Jonathan has suffered a set back in the South West region of the country, as he has been advised to stay away from the region because he has failed the region since he became president.

The Coalition of Oodua Self-determination Group (COSEG) gave the advice after a crucial meeting, where issues of common interest in the country, especially

the region was discussed and positions taken. COSEG’s chairman, Ifedayo Ogunlana in a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan yesterday stated that the president who enjoyed the support of the region in the 2011 election had become ineffective.

“We have carefully x-rayed the candidates, contesting the 2015 presidential election next month, and from the situation of things, the incumbent president Goodluck Jonathan that was massive-

ly voted for by our people in 2011 has betrayed the confidence reposed in him. Since 2011, he can’t reel out his achievement in the South West of the country under him; insecurity is the order of the day; unemployment of teeming youth continue to soar, corruption on the increase, oil theft unchecked and above all lack of vision for the country.

“How or what do we use to convince our people to vote a nonperformer like President Jona-

than.

The group posited that though his handlers have been wooing people with illegally acquired money, they maintained that the people will collect the money and vote according to their conscience, as ‘“our people can’t be fooled again.’’

COSEG maintained that Nigeria at this crucial period in her history deserves a leader that is disciplined, forthright and patriotic.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

business

NEWS/BUSINESS 11

8%

The percentage at which the consumer price index (CPI) which measures inflation rose in December

Inflation Inches To 8% On Higher Prices

BY NSE ANTHONY-UKO, Abuja

The consumer price index (CPI) which measures inflation rose by eight per cent (year-on-year) in December, 0.1 percentage points up from the 7.9 per cent recorded in November.

The data indicates that inflation has steadied in the single digit range for 24 consecutive months, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data stated.

The latest inflation figures released by the NBS, yesterday, indicated specifically that in December, the fast pace of price increases recorded by the headline index was as a result of

advances in a broad array of divisions that yield that index.

Food prices edged slightly higher in December as a result of the festive period. Over that span, the food sub-index rose by 9.2 per cent (yearon-year) up from the 9.1 per cent recorded in November. The NBS noted that this was the first uptick in rates of food prices observed in four months. While higher increases were recorded in the meat, fish, and dairy groups, the food sub-index was weighed upon by slower rises in the bread and cereals, oil and fats, and fruits groups.

However, the pace of advances

recorded by the All Items less Farm Produce or core sub-index slowed for the first time since August 2014.

According to the NBS, the core subindex eased in December, increasing by 6.2 per cent after increasing by 6.3 per cent in the previous four months. While prices increased in most divisions that contribute to the core sub-index, slower increases were recorded in the communication, recreation and culture groups.

The headline index is made up of the core index and farm produce items. As processed foods are included in both the core and food sub-indices, this implies that these

sub-indices are not mutuallyexclusive. The headline index rose by 0.82 per cent (month-on-month) in December, higher from the 0.59 per cent recorded in November. This represented the highest month-onmonth increase since March 2014.

Prices increased in most classification of individual consumption by purpose (COICOP) divisions that yield the headline index prices but eased in the communication and education divisions.

Year-on-year, the urban index increased at the same rate in December as in November, by 7.9 per cent.

BUSINESS QUOTE Ten minutes are not just one-sixth of your hourly pay.

Ten minutes are a piece of yourself.

Divide your life into ten-minute units and sacrifice as few of them as possible in meaningless activity.

Ingvar Kampard, founder of IKEA (1926-)

CBN Relaxes Rule On Banks’ Forex Holdings

BY Bukola Idowu, Lagos

Barely one month after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) stopped banks from stocking foreign exchange (FOREX) overnight, it has relaxed the rule, allowing financial institutions hold up to 0.1 per cent of their shareholders’ fund unimpaired by losses as foreign currency trading position at the close of each business day.

The apex bank had reviewed the net open position of banks from one per cent to zero per cent last year December, a move that had further crushed the value of the naira.

When the CBN made the announcement on December 18, 2014, the value of the naira dropped to N190 to the dollar and has hovered around N183-N185 to the dollar.

The CBN, in the circular issued yesterday, said, “Banks are required to utilise funds purchased from the autonomous/interbank FOREX market within 72 hours from the value date, failing which such funds must be returned to the CBN for repurchase at the bank’s buying rate.”

This may, however, not immediately strengthen the naira according to the head, Research, at Vetiva Capital Management Limited, Pabina Yinkere.

“The naira will still remain under pressure because the forces weakening the currency are more fundamental. The expectation of dollar shortages as oil price continues to fall is what is affecting the naira. The revision will increase by a little the ability of banks to fund transactions as they can hold dollars for longer. There’s not going to be a dramatic boost to trade,” the analyst stated.

The naira weakened as much as 1.8 per cent before paring the decline to trade 0.3 per cent lower at 181.90 per dollar yesterday. While the currency is up 0.8 per cent this year, it fell 10 per cent in the past three months, the most among 24 African currencies tracked by Bloomberg. Brent crude has fallen almost 60 per cent since June to $45.72 a barrel yesterday.

Interbank trading dried up last month after the bank introduced the tighter rules. Also, fewer banks had participated in the twice weekly retail dutch auctions where the CBN sells FOREX to banks. An average of nine banks had been participating at the auctions and in some cases, only four out of the 21 banks had bought FOREX from the apex bank.

L-R: Vice chairman, General Electric (GE), John Rice; chief executive officer (CEO), BanyanTree, Onye Mba Uzoukwu and director, Nexus Alliance, Akin Idowu after GE awarded the contract to develop and manage the GE Training Center in the Calabar Free Trade Zone to the BanyanTree consortium, recently. PHOTO BY BENEDICT UWALAKA

Declining Oil Price: Developing Countries To See Growth – World Bank

BY Bukola Idowu, Lagos

The World Bank Group has said developing countries should see an uptick in growth this year boosted in part by soft oil prices, a stronger United States (US) economy, continued low global interest rates and receding domestic headwinds in several large emerging markets.

The group’s Global Economic Prospect (GEP)’s report, released yesterday, projected that the global

economy which grew by 2.6 per cent in 2014 would expand by three per cent this year, 3.3 per cent in 2016 and 3.2 per cent in 2017.

Developing countries grew by 4.4 per cent in 2014 and are expected to edge up to 4.8 per cent in 2015, strengthening to 5.3 and 5.4 per cent in 2016 and 2017 respectively.

According to the group’s president, Jim Yong Kim, “In this uncertain economic environment, developing countries need to judiciously deploy

their resources to support social programmes with a laser-like focus on the poor and undertake structural reforms that invest in people.

“It’s also critical for countries to remove any unnecessary roadblocks for private sector investment. The private sector is by far the greatest source of jobs and that can lift hundreds of millions of people out of poverty.”

Also the chief economist and senior vice president of the World Bank, Kaushik Basu, noted that lower

oil price, which is expected to persist through 2015, “is lowering inflation worldwide and is likely to delay interest rate hikes in rich countries.

“This creates a window of opportunity for oil-importing countries such as China and India; we expect India’s growth to rise to seven per cent by 2016. What is critical is for nations to use this window to usher in fiscal and structural reforms which can boost long-run growth and inclusive development.”

12 NEWS/BUSINESS

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

NNPC Denies Spending N152bn On Turn Around Maintenance

By Juliet Alohan, Abuja

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has raised the alarm over what it described as a deliberate distortion of facts and figures about its operations by desperate vote-seeking politicians.

The corporation, in a statement issued yesterday by its spokesman, Ohi Alegbe, noted that as a public entity with fiduciary responsibility to the government and people of Nigeria, the corporation is focused on its mandate and would not be distracted by the spate of politically inspired polemics against its operations.

While calling on members of the public to discountenance sensational comments about its operations being bandied about by some desperate politicians, the NNPC said that it is specifically worried about the recent report credited

to some civil society organisations alleging that it has committed N152 billion to execute the turn around maintenance (TAM) of the nation’s four refineries between 2011 to 2013.

According to the NNPC, while a decision was taken in 2011 to rehabilitate all refineries using the original refinery builder (ORB) of each of the refineries, the corporation made recourse to a new strategy after the ORBs declined participation and nominated some partners in their stead who came up with outrageously unfavourable terms.

“The nominated partners, as sole bidders, came up with humongous price offers after two years of thorough and exhaustive scope of work definition and price negotiations. The proxies were also unwilling to provide post rehabilitation performance guarantees,’’ Alegbe said.

He added that the new arrangement which kicked off in October 2014, entails phased and simultaneous rehabilitation of all refineries using in-house and locally available resources in line with the spirit and letters of the Nigerian Content Law. The strategy he added, also embraces the direct use of original equipment manufacturer representatives to effect major equipment overhaul and rehabilitation.

The statement further informed that it is projected that the new strategy would create 70 per cent reduction in costs which would help in mitigating the financing challenges of the NNPC visa-a-vis refinery rehabilitation.

“The phased rehabilitation programme started in October 2014, after the required funding stream was established, and will last for 18 months,” Alegbe stated.

NASS Committed To Speedy Passage Of Budget, PIB – Mark

By Adesuwa Tsan and Jonathan Nda-Isaiah, Abuja

The Senate President, David Mark, has assured that the National Assembly (NASS) is committed to passing the 2015 Budget and the long awaited Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) in good time.

On December 17 last year, the minister of finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, presented the 2015 budget estimates of about N4.3 trillion before the NASS. However, they are fears by a cross section of Nigerians that because of the forthcoming general elections the NASS may not pass the 2015 Budget in good time just as they are also fears that the Seventh Assembly may not pass the PIB. In his resumption speech to senators, yesterday, Mark assured of the speedy

passage of the budget.

However, he stated that the NASS must allow for a deliberate, meticulous and exhaustive debate of the estimates.

“The National Assembly is committed to the passage of the 2015 Budget. Before we do that, however, we must allow for a deliberate, meticulous and exhaustive debate of the estimates.

This is an important process which affords us the opportunity to make inputs for the common good of the people. I must emphasize that this is a constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly,” he said.

Mark also stated that the continued diversification of the country’s economy into other sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and trade and services is now inevitable.

“In the face of declining oil prices, it is clear that our over-reliance on a mono-product is unhealthy and unsustainable. This reality makes it even more pertinent that the federal and state governments work assiduously to develop other sources of revenue generation outside the oil and gas sectors.

“I would like to reassure Nigerians that the National Assembly will work hard to ensure that the 2015 Appropriation Bill is passed in good time.

“As we resume this last lap of the Seventh Senate, we shall endeavour to pass the lingering Petroleum Industry Bill. We are conscious of the concerns of various stakeholders (Nigerians and foreigners).

It has taken long but we should do all we can to pass it,” Mark said.

FG’s N450bn IGR Insufficient As Oil Continues Free Fall

By Friday Atufe, Chima Akwaja, Olushola Bello, and Bukola Idowu, Lagos

The federal government plan to raise about N450billion through internally generated revenue (IGR) for the 2015 budget would not be sufficient going by the continuing fall in the price of crude oil at the international market experts have said.

The government’s 2015 budget proposal was sent to the National Assembly on December 17, 2014 on the benchmark of $65 per barrel of crude oil.

As at yesterday, crude oil

sold at $47 per barrel.

Government’s actual receipts have grown from about N182 billion in 2011 to N274 billion in 2013 and then, N328 billion as of October 2014.

The minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala recently admitted that there are still leakages and incidences of non-remittance of requisite funds to treasury by some agencies. She said government is going to improve tax revenues not by increasing tax rates as many have advised, but by strengthening its tax

administration.

The 2015 budget has an aggregate budget revenue of N3.602 trillion made up of: oil revenue of N1.918 trillion and nonoil revenues of N1.684 trillion (implying a ratio of 53 per cent oil revenues to 47 per cent non-oil) to fund an aggregate budget expenditure of N4.46 trillion proposed for 2015 Budget.

This expenditure figure is made up of N412bn for statutory transfers, N943bn for debt service, N2.616bn for recurrent (Non-debt) and N634bn for capital expenditure.

Investors Stake N3.61bn On Stocks

By OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

Investors on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), yesterday, staked N3.61 billion on 327.454 million shares transacted in 4,530 deals.

The turnover increased by 6.35 per cent compared to the 307.911 million

shares worth N3.11 billion traded in 5,149 deals on Monday.

Access Bank emerged the most traded equity with 89.12 million shares worth N429.10 million.

FBN Holdings came second on the activity chart, accounting for 57.51 million shares

valued at N445.81 million while Aiico Insurance traded 18.43 million shares worth N13.57 million. Wapic Insurance sold 16.7 million shares valued at N10.02 million while Guaranty Trust Bank transacted 15.13 million shares worth N293.55 billion.

2015 NIGERIAdecides 30

13

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

COUNTDO W

THE CAMPAIGN FALLOUTS, THRILLS & FRILLS

Rivers: Police Arrest Hospitalised APC Leader, Member

Osinbajo

Obasanjo

Monday, January 12 2015 was scheduled for President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital and hometown of his estranged political godfather, either by default or design, former president, Olusegun Obasanjo.

The frenzy generated by an impending visit of Jonathan to Obasanjo’s backyard was not strange, as the strained relationship between godfather and godson seemed irredeemable.

Therefore, when it became clear that the ex-president was to receive Jonathan, the former insisted there must be witnesses to the parley, which was the latter’s last-minute attempt at fence-mending ahead of the presidential election.

The general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye and the founder of Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, became the witnesses at the late night meeting, held at Obasanjo’s Hilltop residence, where the former president was said to

The frenzy generated by an impending visit of Jonathan to Obasanjo’s backyard was not strange, as the strained relationship between godfather and godson seemed irredeemable

Buhari

have reiterated his grouse with Jonathan.

Less than 24 hours after Jonathan’s visit, Obasanjo, who can currently pass as Nigeria’s political oracle, received another august visitor - the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, retired General Muhammadu Buhari, who openly sought for his host’s assistance.

Speaking at the meeting, Buhari sought Obasanjo’s support for his candidature, appealing to him to endorse him, saying the country needs a capable government to tackle the current challenges of the nation.

“When I set about the programme of going round the states, somebody had the temerity to ask me that when I come to Ogun State, shall I call on Chief Olusegun Obasanjo?

“I don’t think I answered the man, I just looked the other way.

I think that I should not come here (Abeokuta) in whatever capacity without calling to pay my respects,” Buhari said.

FACTCHECKER

Jonathan

According to the final report of a research

by Nigeria Survey and Corruption Survey ‎Study, Institute for Development Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 2003, the most corrupt agencies and institutions of government were the Nigeria Police, political parties, national and state assemblies, local and municipal governments, federal and state executive

O

oddbAlls

BODE GBADEBO writes on the underground intrigues that characterised separate visits of leading presidential candidates within 24 hours to former president, Olusegun Obasanjo.

Jonathan

DAYS T OG

www.election2015.leadership.ng

Untold Story Of Jonathan, Buhari’s Visits To Obasanjo

N

Did Buhari Forget The Name Of His Running Mate?

Trending videos on YouTube have captured the All Progressives Congress, (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, mispronouncing the name of his running mate, Prof Yemi Osinbajo during an APC rally in Owerri, Imo State capital on Monday.

While acknowledging the dignitaries present, Buhari said, “The chairman of our great party, Chief Oyegun. Your Excellency, my vice presidential candidate, Professor Yemi Osibade….”

Already, the gaffe is making supporters of President Goodluck Jonathan happy, with the special adviser to the president on Social Media, Reno Omokri, saying it justifies Jonathan’s allusion that Buhari should not be voted for because of his age.

As if the burden of recuperating from cutlass wounds inflicted on them by suspected political thugs was not enough, the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ward 17, Rumuorlumeni, Obio/ Akpor local government area of Rivers State, Mr. Kingsley Emenike, and another member of the party now have the police to contend with 24 hours after they were hospitalised.

Emenike was taken away by the police with a member of the APC, Mr. Chukwu Nwoha, on their hospital bed at Ebony Clinic, Rumuola.

It was gathered that the duo were taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) before they were bailed and asked to return to the department.

The victims of suspected political violence were attacked with cutlasses on Sunday while preparing for an APC rally in Obio/ Akpor.

Former chairman of Obio/ Akpor local government council, Hon. Chikordi Dike, who spoke to newsmen in Port Harcourt yesterday, disclosed that Emenike and Nwoha had their drips removed from their hands before they were arrested.

Amaechi

Corruption Now Happening In Higher Places Of Government Than It Was 10 Years Ago councils, traffic police and Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

In a twist, between 2013 and date, corruption has been reported in higher institutions and corridor of power. There are cases of pension scam, petroleum sector fraud, fuel subsidy fraud and other running to multiple billions of naira at federal and

state levels with no conviction recorded yet.

Instead, charges against some of the alleged kingpins were controversially dropped.

Anti-corruption campaigners say President Jonathan has failed in the fight against corruption by refusing to sanction officials proven to have misused public funds.

Last year, Jonathan said what most Nigerians call corruption were cases of

stealing and that stealing was not the same as corruption.

“Over 70 per cent of what are called corruption (cases), even by EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) and other anti-corruption agencies, is not corruption, but common stealing,” the president said on national television. He said most corruption claims were politically motivated.

14 NIGERIA DECIDES NUMBERS 3 ➊ Number of states where

elections will not hold in some parts because of insurgency

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

QUOTES

The Women Behind Buhari, Osinbajo

➔ Olusegun Mimiko “They don’t belong to this generation.

Some of them cannot even click a computer yet they want to be president in Nigeria in 21st century. We say no, we say no, I don’t have much to say. We want a 21st century compliant president”.

2 Number of clergymen that All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Gen Muhammadu Buhari, has picked as vice-presidential candidate.

He picked Pastor Tunde Bakare of Latter Rain Assembly as his running mate in 2011 and presently has Prof Yemi Osinbajo, a pastor in Redeemed Christian Church of God, as his running mate for February polls.

➋

4 ➌ Number of times General Bu-

hari has contested for the post of president at the general elections.

He contested in the 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015 elections

15 ➍ Number of states under op-

position governors in Nigeria.

21 ➎ Number of state under

governors of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party 1 ➏ Number of open letters

written by former president, Gen Olusegun Obasanjo, to President Goodluck Jonathan, criticising his governance.

L-R: Mrs Oludolapo Osinbajo and Mrs Aisha Buhari, during APC’s presidential campaign in Ogun State, yesterday.

PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN

EFCC Warns Politicians Against Frivolous Petitions The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has warned politicians to desist from attempting to use the commission as a tool to fight their opponents during this 2015 election period.

In a statement sent to LEADERSHIP yesterday by the commission, EFCC noted that in recent weeks, it has received overwhelming petitions from politicians against their opponents alleging financial impropriety.

Commenting further, the EFCC, which appreciates the ability of citizens to forward petitions for investigations, however warned that they should not wait till election time before forwarding some frivolous petitions which are only meant to witchhunt political oppositions.

Part of the statement reads that “the EFCC wishes to sound a note of warning to politicians

INECWATCH

not to attempt to use it as a tool for political warfare.

“In recent weeks, the EFCC has received many frivolous petitions alleging high crimes against leading political figures. Some of them came from the opponents of such individuals. While it is important for citizens to be whistle blowers, it amounts to self help to attempt to instigate the EFCC against a political opponent. Citizens do not have to wait until election time to report alleged financial malfeasance.”

The statement further noted that “it is equally important that members of the public realise that it is an offence under the EFCC Establishment Act to write false petitions or supply misleading information to the commission. Also, the trend where persons engage in acts of criminality and attempt to

The standard bearer of any political party for any political office does not amount to immunity from investigation or prosecution for any acts of criminality

blackmail the EFCC from going after them by imputing political motives to the commission’s enforcement activities is most unfortunate. Nobody is above the law.

“The fact that a politician is the standard bearer of any political party for any political office does not amount to immunity from investigation or prosecution for any acts of criminality.

The core mandate of the EFCC is fighting all forms of economic and financial crimes. Crimes of this nature have no political or religious colourations.

For some category of politicians, elections are nothing short of open warfare where any weapon that can swing the tide in their favour is fair. It does not matter whether such weapons deviate from the acceptable norm.”

—By Ejike Ejike, Abuja

➔ Kofi Anan “I also urge politicians and their supporters to be careful with their language, for words can inflame, incite and provoke.

But they can also calm, soothe and reconcile.

Nigerians should remember that their destiny is a common one, whether you are Muslim or Christian, northerner or southerner, for the PDP or the APC.”

➔ Hon Femi Gbajabiamila “The general elections being just four weeks or 31 days from now, it is very unlikely that the commission will be able to distribute the permanent voters’ cards to all registered and eligible voters before the elections.”

Jega Assures Of Elections Across Nigeria

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, yesterday reiterated the commission’s determination to conduct February general elections in every part of the country, including the troubled states of the North East.

Jega who spoke at the African Policy Research Institute, however added that it was unrealistic to expect that elections will hold every where corner in the North East states.

He alluded to places like Baga, Chibok and which bear the fears of insurgency.

He however noted that the election will be conducted in a way that will make up for those areas that is not able to conduct elections.

“A place like Borno State, unless something is done about those that have been displaced, even return for the governor-

ship might be difficult, if not impossible under the circumstances. To be realistic, we must say that it may be impossible to do elections in everywhere, in every local government, in every constituency in those three states” he said.

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja

NIGERIA DECIDES 15

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

INEC Not Capable Of Conducting Credible Election – Chukwuani

voices

We Want Fresh Primaries – Delta Youths

If the Nigerian military could not secure the area, which youth corps member or INEC staff can do it or risk his or her life to go there and work for INEC? Chief Chidi Chukwuani is the national chairman of the defunct National Democratic Party (NDP). In this interview with MBACHU GODWIN NNANNA, he speaks on the 2015 general election and other sundry issues.

INEC lacks any confidence in conducting any free and fair election.

It is not only its inability to give permanent cards in the troubled areas of the North East, but the whole of Nigeria. If INEC cannot give permanent voters’ card to Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Enugu, Imo and Plateau States that are not in a state of war, then what hope for people in areas like Borno, Yobe Adamawa, and Taraba where we have insecurity? So INEC under the leadership of Prof Jega has concluded plans to have a mock election in 2015. We cannot have a credible election next month, given the body language of INEC. INEC has said that it will conduct election for internally displaced presons in next month election.

Do you think election should hold in the three states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, given the security challenge in the area?

then election later. Is Jonathan not supposed to canvass for votes there?

Your party was among those deregistered by INEC. Fresh party, led by its presidential candidate, Pastor Chris Okotie, challenged its own de-registering in court and got judgement against INEC. Why didn’t you take the same step?

We are still in court with INEC. They are deliberately delaying the matter, that is where we are now.

The court is shut down as they are on strike. INEC is the number 1 law breaker of Nigeria. Fresh Democratic Party got a judgment against INEC’s decision to de-register the party but INEC refused to implement the judgement. The court said that the de-registration was unconstitutional and the parties should be allowed to exist. Despite the judgement, INEC refused to obey, that is the height of impunity in the country. How can we be in a country where the rule of law cannot work? I remember when the court gave judgement on the impeached governor of Adamawa State directing the chief judge to swear in the deputy governor who was impeached along with Gov Nyako and it was obeyed.

Obviously, INEC is incapable in conducting election in that area. If the Nigerian military could not secure the There are fears and apprehension of a likely outbreak of vioarea, which youth corps member or lence after next month’s election INEC staff can do it or risk his or her . What are your expectations? life to go there and work for INEC? So who will INEC leave with Boko If you remember, I said that the Haram? Baga has been burnt down, election has presented Nigeria in a are there no Nigerians there? Are situation. If Jonathan is declared they not entitled to participate in winner by Jega, there the 2015 election? INEC is coming will be massive with the story of conducting election protest in for internally displaced persons, it the North, should stop fooling us, the election is if Buhari a crucial matter. If you exclude three is declared states in Nigeria, you must exclude winner by all. If the election cannot hold in Jega, the in three states of the North East , it means it cannot hold in other areas. Common sense says you must secure the people first andAduroshakin Chukwuani

militants in the South-South would perceive it as kangaroo. When the additional 360 polling units were created the south accused Jega of shortchanging the south. These are the things. People are foreseeing danger ahead. We need to tell ourselves the truth and begin to plan for the eventuality ahead. We should not allow ourselves to be turned to Syria, Libya Iraq.

How would you rate President Jonathan in the fight against corruption in the last three and half years?

It is clear that since he has been president, Transparency International has continually rated Nigeria low on corruption.

There is no other rating than that.

In his broadcast, he described corruption going on as petty theft and institutional theft. I am only repeating what an independent body, Transparency international has stated, so Jonathan’s government did not tackle corruption.

Rev Ejike Mbaka has come under attack over his New Year message where he advised his followers to vote for change. What do you make of it?

We live in a country where we deceive people a lot. Mbaka was truthful and candid to remind his followers that in 2011 he supported Jonathan against other candidates, nobody abused him. Mbaka, been a deeply spiritual man, gets his visions. One of the qualities of a priest is to always speak the truth when you see the light and know the truth. What Mbaka said he saw was the truth and came to the conclusion that it made no sense to support somebody that cannot deliver on promise made. Hired people like the Ohanaeze youth feel that they have grown and are raining abuses on Mbaka, God does not leave his own.

ANSWERS

QUIZ TEST YOUR POLITICAL IQQ 1.

2.

Who was the pioneer chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)?

How many politi-

3.

cal parties are in Nigeria?

How many parties merged to form the All Progressives Congress

4.

(APC)?

Who was the last national chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria?

5.

Under which political party did Imo State’s Governor Rochas Okorocha get elected in 2011?

1. Chief Solomon Lar 2. 26 3. 4 4.Chief Bisi Akande 5. APGA

There is outcry over the non provision of permanent voters’ card by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), how would you assess its preparation for next month’s election?

Uduaghan

Some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Youths from Delta State, under the aegis of Concerned Anioma Patriotic Forum, yesterday stormed the national headquarters of the ruling party, demanding the rerun of all primaries that held in Delta State.

They further warned that the PDP will lose woefully in the state unless the anomalies of the primaries are rectified.

The youths who arrived the PDP national secretariat at early as 9:am arrived in about

three buses, and later moved to the entrance of the party secretariat carrying placards and chanting angry songs.

While they expressed support for President Goodluck Jonathan at the presidential level, they however described all the PDP primaries in Delta State that held in 2014 as lacking in popular delegate vote, froth with widespread manipulation and favouritism and insensitivity.

Speaking on behalf of the group, its state chairman, Mr. Patrick Amechi Okoh, added that the outcome of the primaries has resulted in “disaffection among faithful who are in disguise threatening the chances of the party in all elective positions.”

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja.

trending Buhari’s call to Nigerians to demand for more because they deserve better is trending Muhammadu Buhari @ ThisIsBuhari These Nigerians who have died because our government cannot protect them, they are not politicians. They deserve better. We deserve better.

#ThingsMustChange

MuheenaOduwaye@ MOduwaye @ThisIsBuhari @ GMBVolunteers Yes we deserve Better!

Saint Alfredson @SirALfredson @jadbalz1 @Babygiwa @ ThisIsBuhari it’s jus 2 scor political points,u shud b sensibl enuf 2 nt make such remarks...we won’t ignor such na

Mantleicon skiman@ presisamlinks @ThisIsBuhari God Almighty who sets GEJ on thrones says I will unseat him and replace him with BUHARI without certificate. So #GEJ mostgo _Inse_Cure @iamchidi1 @ThisIsBuhari what Elections can make yu say/do. Govt can’t protect God does Peace Muhammadu Buhari@ ThisIsBuhari Beyond the politics, and the rhetoric, ask yourself this: Do you truly want a country where your life is not safe?

Yemi@Babygiwa @SirALfredson wen d late sage Awo contested pres elections in 1983, he was 74. Moraji Desai became d PM of India at 81.

Wat r u now saying?

Prof Yemi Osinbajo@ ProfOsinbajo It doesn’t matter if one person was killed in Baga, or 1000. We should all pray for the repose of their souls. God keep us all... @allygucci @ProfOsinbajo ask FG. What do want the Prof to do at this point? Wait till he gets sworn in May Otunba Bizzy @dhiwanna @qutetony @PrinceTochukwux @ProfOsinbajo ..ur utterances Tochukwu is unacceptable. Pls be guided!

16

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

PeoPles Democratic Party (PDP) Power to the People

MEETING OF PDP NORTH-CENTRAL ZONAL PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION There will be a meeting of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign, North-Central Zone comprising the following: 1. All PDP Governors in North- Central Zone; a. His Excellency, Dr. Mua’zu Babangida Aliyu OON b. His Excellency, Da. David Jonah Jang CON c. His Excellency, Captain Idris Wada (Rtd) d. His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Suswam PhD, CON 2. All PDP Gubernatorial Candidates in North-Central Zone and their Running Mates.

3. All PDP State Chairmen in North-Central Zone including FCT 4. PDP Zonal Chairman and Secretary, North-Central 5. All State Coordinators, PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation including FCT DATE:

FRIDAy, JANuARy 16, 2015

VENuE:

SENATE PRESIDENT’S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE, APO, GARKI, ABuJA

TIME:

4PM PROMPT

Signed: RT. HON. GAbRIEL TORwuA SuSwAM PHD, CON North-Central Zonal Coordinator, PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

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Wednesday, January 14, 2015

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Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Letter to NigeriaNs Once again, Nigeria is at a crossroads—unsure which way to go. It is threatened by an intractable insurgency, unprecedented carnage, a rise in the menace of riots, communal violence, cattle rustling and sundry criminality in several states. This unfortunate situation, which is daily being made worse by a display of immaturity on the political scene, calls for sober reflection, frank talk and the telling of uncomfortable home truths to each other.

At such moments, it is the duty of leaders at all levels to tell truth to power in order to help correctly identify and diagnose the causes of disaffection and anger in the land—and do something about them.

And, today, we need to do this very fast.

And, unfortunately, as the election approaches and as politicians get busy criss-crossing the country to sell their party programmes and their candidates, the spectre of violence is already rearing its ugly head. Needless to say, this is an election Nigeria cannot afford to mess: whatever happens, it must get it right. So far, the government has committed itself to conducting a credible, free and fair election.

This is the least expected of any government; and the greatest legacy it can bequeath to the nation is to help entrench a democratic culture of free and fair elections.

rules; and, in their politicking, adopt the highest ethical conduct, especially during campaigns and the conduct of the elections themselves. The inordinate ambition of some of our politicians, especially their do-or-die attitude in their quest for power, their way of subverting the electoral process in order to get to power must be checked by this nation or else they will terminally checkmate it. All Nigerians of goodwill must therefore rise to tell politicians and, indeed, all Nigerians that Nigeria is greater than the ambition and ego of any of its citizens; and at every encounter with whoever, this nation must prevail.

The same is expected of all Nigerians. So, I would like to urge all Nigerians to do whatever is necessary to ensure that peace and normalcy prevail before, during and after the coming elections in February.

Political parties must ensure that their members avoid campaign of calumny, character assassination; and that they shun and condemn the developing culture of political violence as they strive to enthrone an ethic of politics without bitterness.

And at this juncture, I would like to seize this opportunity to offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of all the victims, the governments and people of all the states of the Federation that have been hit by insurgency. Yet, despite our pain, we must be able to realise that what is happening has nothing to do with any religion; and it should be obvious enough by now that satanic forces are at work to set us against each other.

There is palpable desperation everywhere in the land: we are in a situation in which everyone is dissatisfied with what is going on, but nobody is sure what to do, or what is going to happen next. And there are many dangers facing the polity today— danger from an intractable insurgency, danger from elite mistrust, danger from poverty and penury as a result of glaring economic hardship: so much so that we have today reached a time when the rich Towards this end, I call on all Nigerians to sit up It is therefore in our own interest to learn to be cannot sleep because the poor are hungry, angry— and live up to their civic responsibilities and protect our brothers’and sisters’keepers; because, to begin and awake. and safeguard their future. Political with, we have nowhere else to go: and, in the end, there will either and communal leaders must be What exactly is happening? And why should matters made to watch and weigh and be security and safety for be allowed to deteriorate to this level? No doubt, guard their utterances; and everyone or there will be security and safety for no on the issue of the insurgency, this nation has if they don’t, we should all one. In the circumstance, suffered greatly and lost thousands of lives to the rise as one and condemn I therefore call upon all Boko Haram insurgency, with more than a million them, along with whoever our people to draw close people displaced within the country, and tens of preaches, threatens or thousands have been forced across our borders into practices violence in Nigeria. together irrespective neighbouring countries. In one of the most senseless It is at these times that the of religion, section or attacks, more than 2,000 people were said to have nation’s security agencies ethnicity and defeat been killed in a single attack in Baga town of Borno are called upon to live up to the forces of darkness.

State last week. This is clearly unacceptable, and we their responsibilities and not So that Nigeria finally feel the time has come to restore people’s confidence shy away from dealing with gets a chance to realise in the ability of government to confront, repel and whoever threatens the peace its full potential. put a stop to the impunity of the insurgency; and and unity of this country. reassure them of its capacity and readiness to protect Along the way, we them at all times. must force our In order to be able to do this, the government must politicians to continue with its efforts to ensure that all its military accept and and security forces are sufficiently equipped to learn to confront the task at hand. In such a situation, the play by General government may wish to consider the mobilisation t h e and re-absorption of all retired able-bodied security abdulsalami a. abubakar, GCFr personnel, and undertaking fresh recruitment into Former Head of State the police force and other paramilitary agencies.

Federal Republic of NIgeria

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Wednesday, January 14, 2015

c

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES LIMITED (A SUBSIDIARY OF LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPERS GROUP)

2015 ANNUAL

CONFERENCE & AWARDS CEREMONY Chairman PRINCE JULIUS ADELUSI-ADELUYI Former Minister of Health and Chairman, Juli Pharmacy Plc.

Keynote Speaker PROF. IBRAHIM GAMBARI

Former Nigerian Permanent Representative To The United Nations

Theme: “Reclaiming Nigeria: A Pathway” STAR AWARDS 2014 LEADERSHIP PERSON OF THE YEAR Chief Olusegun Obasanjo LEADERSHIP GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR Alh. Kashim Shettima

LEADERSHIP POLITICIAN OF THE YEAR Gov. Tanko Al-Makura LEADERSHIP BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR Adewale Jubril Tinubu

AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE 2014

LEADERSHIP CEO OF THE YEAR Benedict Peters Founder, Aiteo Group LEADERSHIP COMPANY OF THE YEAR Stallion Group LEADERSHIP BANK OF THE YEAR Jaiz Bank LEADERSHIP BANKER OF THE YEAR Henry James Semenitari MD/CEO, Unity Bank LEADERSHIP GOVERNMENT AGENCY OF THE YEAR Small & Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria SMEDAN

LEADERSHIP PRODUCT OF THE YEAR Innoson Vehicle LEADERSHIP MICROFINANCE BANK OF THE YEAR Fortis Microfinance Bank Plc. LEADERSHIP PUBLIC OFFICER OF THE YEAR Gimba Ya’u Kumo Former MD/CEO, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria LEADERSHIP BRAND OF THE YEAR Brains and Hammers LEADERSHIP ARTISTE OF THE YEAR Ali Nuhu LEADERSHIP YOUNG PERSONS OF THE YEAR The Chibok Girls LEADERSHIP SPORTS PERSON OF THE YEAR Asisat Oshoala

Venue: Sheraton Abuja Hotel Time: 9:00am Date: February 5th, 2015

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

PR O PER T Y

Resuscitating Real Estate Sector To Cope With Naira Devaluation Page 22

Feature

Curbing The Effect Of Environmental Degradation Page 23

News Cornerstone Housing Schemes Target Midincome Buyers Housing: Construction Firm Laments Difficulty In Accessing Fund Transformation: FHA Inaugurates 10 Task Team

22 HOMES & PROPERTY

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Resuscitating Real Estate Sector To Cope With Naira Devaluation

by GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

Virtually 80percent of building materials employed in the production of buildings are imported and devaluation will send the prices up with ripple effects on the cost of development

If the economic climate in Nigeria were normal, the Nigeria real estate sector would be on track to a reasonable expansion in 2015.

But to economic experts, the Nigerian economic landscape is in turmoil arising from declining oil prices.

Increased construction of housing estates, which is an indication of vibrant real estate activities and highbrow housing schemes development that would attract foreign investment are absent in the Nigerian real estate sector.

Experts trace the lull to June, 2014, when price of crude oil, the mainstay of the Nigerian economy crashed from $101 per barrel to $85. As the clock ticks, the anticipation of consumers and manufacturers that market would readjust itself has waned with the current realities.

However, price of oil in the international market has continued to dwindle rather than reverse the trend. To worsen the situation, the nation’s light crude hitherto embraced around the world, particularly in the United States has become unattractive.

The stark reality, according to experts, is that the country is on the path to economic recession, which prompted the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to deval-

ue the Naira; this is even as the economic team declared austerity measures.

In the face of this economic pressure, the real sector appears the most hit and experts argue that the continued devaluation is unhealthy for the economy.

In the real estate sub-sector of the economy, professionals have continued to fret over the lull in the sector, occasioned by naira devaluation.

Experts say the construction sub- sector of the nation’s economy may not perform optimally in this current year, in the face of the present fiscal policy in the naira devaluation regime.

Dissecting the situation, President of the Guild, Mr. Kunle Awobodu, said that naira devaluation is a bad omen for real estate development in the country, pointing out that the nation’s economy depends on imported materials, especially, the finishing materials.

“Granted that cement and reinforcement are being produced locally, electrical cables, plumbing materials and other fittings are largely imported,” he said.

He reasoned that with naira devaluation, there would be the possibility of importing substandard materials into the country.

Awobodu said, “If you borrow

One of the estate in Abuja

money to build a house and the purchasing power of the wouldbe buyers is affected, what will happen?”

“The developer will be in debt and the buildings would just be lying fallow. It would just be a product for the super rich in the society. Strive for ‘housing for all’ would be defeated.”

The renowned Builder pointed out that the positive area in the policy favours Nigerians in diasporas,” who are in possession of foreign currency, because with small amount of dollars or pound sterling, they will buy a lot of naira to buy the houses of their choice. But how many are they?

“Another thing I would love to suggest is that with price of crude oil nose-diving, the federal government should be wise enough to bring down pump price of petrol and diesel. This would assist the local production of building materials, assisting the transport sector and at the same time, cushion the hardship that devaluation would have on people’s purchase.”

The Managing Partner, Akin Olawore & Co., Estate surveyor & Valuer, Mr. Akin Olawore,

said devaluation would have financial, economic and social effects on the people and the economy, from the production to consumption level.

He pointed out that, “Virtually 80percent of building materials employed in the production of buildings are imported and devaluation will send the prices up with ripple effects on the cost of development. Besides, the devaluation will affect availability of funds and interest rate such that cost of funds will go northwards and ultimately add on to the cost of development.”

The realtor noted that the cost of labour would definitely go up as the value of salaries become inadequate to live on, saying these factors would add to the cost of production, while at the consumption level, disposable income will reduce thereby reducing effective demand in the market.

He said, “In a nutshell, development costs are likely to go up, effective demand will go down thereby creating a glut in supply of developments already in the pipeline; there is a high possibility of rent defaults in the market as well.”

HOMES & PROPERTY 23

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Curbing The Effect Of Environmental Degradation

By Patience Ivie Ihejirika, Abuja

People lived in smaller communities and the effect on the environment was minimal and localized

The persistent increase in the degradation of environment has been attributed to human activities and lack of simple environmental practices.

Research has also shown that when human population was smaller, people lived in smaller communities and the effect on the environment was minimal and localized. However, the rise in human population and standard of living has culminated in damage to environmental resources.

This implies that more waste is being produced resulting in pollution. Human beings are destroying habitats and reducing the amount of land available for other organisms.

Also, modern day farming has affected the environment in many ways. Farmers now apply pesticides on weeds, insects and rodents. While trying to increase food production, they kill other wildlife in the process and pesticides may be washed into water supplies, which contaminate drinking water, while food for human consumption is also contaminated.

Environmental issues have also been linked to the unrelenting felling down of trees for both domestic and commercial purposes that result in desertification.

Also, smoke from wood burning have been said to be harmful to human health and the ecosystem, resulting in the killing of 95,300 women and children, according to a world health report.

As the negative effect of climate change remains a global worry, it has become pertinent for more collaborative efforts between countries to end the menace through the provision of environmental monitoring equipment such as automated

weather stations.

According to the Executive Director of the International Center for Energy, Environment and Development (ICEED) Mr. Ewah Eleri, there is the need to provide cleaner cooking energy to prevent women and children from dying as a result of cooking with wood.

As such, he said the clean stove initiative should be canvassed for Instead of using wood and charcoal efficient clean cook stove should be used.

In addition, it has been estimated that 43.3 per cent of the total land area of the country is prone to desertification.

With this development, Nigeria is believed to be losing approximately 320,000 to 350,000 hectares of land per year with at least 35 million people facing threats of hunger and economic downturn due to the present state of desertification.

Desertification, which is affecting most of the northern states is considered as the most pressing environmental problem resulting in increased soil erosion and loss, decrease in soil productivity and fertility, contributing to and increasing negative impact of climate change, fewer jobs, increased poverty and immigration, increased financial and security burden on the government.

However, the Federal Government in its commitment to combat the menace has adopted many strategies, including the presidential initiative on afforestation under which one million seedlings were raised and distributed in each of the 36 states of the federation. Other initiatives include the Great Green Wall programme which N10 billion was approved for and other ongoing projects, targeting the vulnerable rural dwellers and pastoralist in order to arrest desert like condi-

Environmental Degradation

tions and rehabilitate affected areas.

Also, the REPSAHEL project was created to curb the issue of desertification and climate change in general in the West African sub- region.

REPSAHEL is principally aimed at equipping West African countries and some of its sub regional organisations with appropriate environmental monitoring tools to support their sustainable development efforts.

It also has a view of enhancing the socio-economic conditions and well-being of the Sahelian population living in the dry lands through strengthening their resilience to environmental changes including climate change.

REPSAHEL,which is also aimed at improving the Sahelian population’s resilience to environmental changes is being

funded by SDC Switzerland for three years (2012-2015).

The project also aims at consolidating environmental observation networks and adapting them to the needs of the Sahelain countries, particularly in relation to climate change adaptation.

Even though the Federal Government is making efforts to address the environmental problems, the situation calls for concerted and coordinated efforts among stakeholders and Nigerians in general.

An Environmentalist, Mr. Idris Haruna advised that Nigerians should avoid indiscriminate felling of trees, burning substances openly and indiscriminately, avoid littering the place with and dirt and most importantly plant a tree. “Our environment is our life, destroying it will lead to loss of lives,� said Haruna.

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Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Transformation: FHA Inaugurate 10 Task Team

By Patience Ivie Ihejirika, Abuja

The new Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Professor Mohammed Al-Amin, has set up ten task teams to handle various aspects of the authority’s transformation.

Inaugurating the teams at the Authority’s headquarters in Abuja, Prof. Al-Amin said the Authority’s Interim Management Team decided on the initiative as a way to generate effective coordination In a statement delivered to newsmen in Abuja, the MD L-R: Director, Fire Service, Mr Razak Fadipe; Lagos state governor, Babatunde Fashola, and general manager, Lagos State Emergency said although the existing Management Agency, Dr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, as the governor paid an accessment visit to popular Balogun market razed by fire, in organogram for the AuthorLagos, yesterday. ity would be retained, the task teams would serve as an interventionist structure to achieve set goals.

He said that the Management under him was poised to implement wide ranging reforms that would give the Authority a new lease of life.

Prof. Al-Amin praised the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) for coming up with the He said the housing schemes Estate is strategically located and with 1 Room Boys Quarters, 4

By GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos reform document for the Auwas another giant stride in our has proximity to the Ikeja Central bedroom Semi-Detached Houses thority which he said was acFor medium income earners efforts to deliver qualitative and Business District (CBD), Lagos with 1 Room Boys Quarters to 3 companied with a good implewishing to own their homes, or affordable housing to teeming State Government Secretariat, Bedroom Terrace Houses. mentation mechanism.

“Each house is built on an wanting to invest in property, Nigerians desirous of having a the commercial Allen Avenue, However, he said his ManLagos/Ibadan Expressway, the average land area of between Cornerstone Real Estate Ltd roof over their heads. agement team was of the view According to him, “The newly local and International Airports 426m2 - 450m2. The ground floor (COREL), pioneer housing that members of staff, as critiunveiled estate is in a rare location , among others. space area includes the entrance developers in Nigeria is a viable cal stakeholders, could drive at Oregun, which promises to be He added that the five acres lobby, foyer, main living room, destination. the reform agenda adding Speaking at a press conference one of the few possible locations of land is covered by a registered dinning, kitchen, store, visitors’ that all assignments envisaged in Lagos, the Managing Director for housing estate development Deed of Conveyance, saying they toilet, and a one room Boys in the reform document had of Cornerstone Construction Nig. in Ikeja metropolis; going by the also offer allottees Deed of Sub- Quarters en-suite,” he said. been broken into assignments “The first floor space area Limited (CCNL), Mr. Lanre Okupe Lagos State Model City Plan, Lease as evidence of their title to for the various task teams to includes the family lounge with said the new housing estates has been earmarked as our site their respective plots. implement.

He said there are three types of balcony, 2 bedrooms (en-suite) unveiled in Lagos by the company for high brow Housing Estate He said each of the teams dwelling units which ranges from and the master’s bedroom enwas to be a modern estate offering Development.” was being given a timeline for Okupe explained that the a 3 bedroom Detached Houses suite.” comfort, quality and peace. its assignment and that the members would articulate deliverables and their key performance indicators.

In a vote of thanks, the Executive Director, Business Development, Mr. Aniedi Akpabio thanked the Managing Director for the opportunity given them to serve on the various teams.

He assured the chief executive of the commitment and

By Patience Ivie Ihejirika, Abuja for assessment of loan as they finish the first phase of the project that delay their process and out dedication of the members in and also have enough to cover part of frustration, we just had to working towards the realizademand C of O. One of the construction firms He said, “My challenge is of the second phase, saying the continue with my resources which tion of his dreams for the Auhandling the Federal Housing basically finance. When we entire project 822 unit. has taken this far.” thority.

Authority (FHA)’s projects in the signed the MoU with FHA, it “I have even pledged many of He regretted that with all Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was anticipated that when we get the efforts by the company, the my properties with to a bank but ENL Construction, has lamented to certain level, I will be able to company still finds it difficult to they are asking for an agreement it faces difficulty in accessing borrow from bank. unfortunately, access loan from banks, even from between them, FHA and ENL loan from banks due to lack of no bank wants to take any of the FHA, saying the last money they before they can release the fund,” Certificate of Occupancy (C of O). documents we have, we only have accessed from FHA took almost he disclosed.

The Chairman of the company, MoU, there is no C of O and no one year before they access it.

“They are asking that the FHA Prince Adesayi Haastrup, who bank is ready to accept it.”

According to him, “The FHA should extend the deed of lease stated this while responding Haastrup said that they have style is like that of ministry and years which is ending this year to questions at a press briefing planted about 478 units at various not the commercial that they because they believe that they during FHA inspection recently stages and that they had enough are supposed to be because need more years to be able to in Abuja, said only have an MoU, materials on ground for them to there are so many procedures recoup their fund..” which no bank is ready to accept

Cornerstone Housing Schemes Target Mid-income Buyers

Housing: Construction Firm Laments Difficulty In Accessing Fund

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

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26 issue

by Wole SOYINKA

Our predicament is universal, and this is what we have stressed from the very beginning. The nature of religious zeal that would routinely maim, kill, or enslave the object of its proselytizing – that sometime euphemism for brainwashing – rather than let it thrive and contribute to humanity from within his or her limitations and uncertainties, from within its questions or skepticism, a mental cast that equates the mere absence of exhibitionist ardour or rigid conformism with impiety and apostasy, punishable by death or mutilation, is no different, in effect, from the tyrannical temper of the political dictator of any age. Both can only grasp the substance of their being through an inverse reflection of themselves, that is, in the complete and evident submission of their citizens, their flock, their human charge, in every aspect of their lives, without questions, without the concession of a possible alternative order of social being to whatever ideology or religious absolutes that they choose to peddle.

Total submission, laced with adulation, remains the driving goal of the authoritarian temper - never mind that it is covered in mufti, khaki or clerical regalia.

The objective remains – Power over others! And if ever there was an unholy marriage entered into to plague human existence, it is the obscene wedlock of the theocratic and secular mandates of power. Its issue has always been guaranteed as enslavement, misery, death and destruction. It is this that represents the greatest threat to human freedom, and its creative will. This is the proposition that acutely confronts the African continent today, following upon centuries of enslavement, colonialism, and the mutated versions of both in her dealings with the rest of the world. No wonder then, that we feel compelled to ask ourselves: what were our people’s struggles for liberation about? True Liberation? Or reenslavement?

Algeria has gone off the radar in recent times, but I must continue to stress this, especially on the continent: we would do well to keep our mind on that nation, not so long freed – and not even completely as yet – from a malady that is currently consuming other parts of our continent and the world. In our own interest, for the survival of our humanistic values, we could do worse than keep that nation in our minds as a crucial cautionary template, so that we can begin to grasp the enormity of Boko Haram,

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Humanity Against The Narcissists Of Death al Shabab, al Queda and other active carriers of the same spore of human deformity. It is only at our peril that we forget that we have been here before, and elsewhere, that there is nothing new about the extremes to which the power urge can exert itself. For those who perhaps were not born during that prolonged internal struggle for a people’s total liberation – and I am not speaking of the brutal struggle against French settler colonialism – or who were miraculously shielded from its vicious and prolonged intensity, or whose education has stopped short of the chilling testimonies of its survivors, I recommend a sobering and thoroughly authenticated compilation by Professor Karima Bennoune with the title – Your Fatwa does not Apply Here. All that is necessary is that we immerse ourselves in the tragedy of that nation to enable us to grasp the ruthless enterprise of terminal censors, the shadowy killers, the obsessed enemies of creativity, crippled minds whose notion of a divine mission is the eradication of all knowledge, and truncation of the reaches of the imagination.

Then we would cease to be surprised by the fate that nearly overcame, and still threatens our neighbour Mali, that ancient warehouse of Africa’s intellectual heritage whose capital, Timbuktu, became a household name even in the racially jaundiced histories of European scholars.

Perhaps it is time that we constructed Walls of Remembrance, on which we shall inscribe the ever lengthening roll-call of victims of this ongoing resurgence, and their place names, in order to give flesh and blood to statistical losses sustained to blind doctrine, victims young and old, extinguished before the full bloom of their creative powers. We are speaking of musicians, cineastes, writers, journalists, intellectuals, even the consumers of their products, condemned for daring to taste the forbidden fruit of knowledge. My mind immediately goes to – among others – fellow authors like Tahar Djaout to whose posthumously published work, The Last Summer of Unreason, I had the honour of contributing a preface. The kind of monument I speak of is one that should occupy the centre of every state capital

Wole Soyinka

Algeria has gone off the radar in recent times, but I must continue to stress this, especially on the continent: we would do well to keep our mind on that nation, not so long freed of the African continent and of the African Diaspora. For those who still believe in, or simply dream a resurrection of the pan-African idyll, such a project offers us a purpose, a propelling motivation towards a holistic self-recovery. It will serve to remind us that we are a people to whom tolerance is a norm, knowledge an eternal pursuit, and pluralism the foundation of our communal ethos. Such monuments will represent milestones of the human journey towards enlightenment, a shrine to the real martyrs of human civilization. They will restore meaning and dignity to that word “martyrdom” that has become hideously corrupted, degraded and blasphemed against by those who wage war against infants, yet wallow in their own perverse conception of bravery and valour. Nor must we neglect those who survived their mindless onslaught, damaged yet intact, and undaunted – the Malalas of our world.

The wages of morbid narcissism in the extreme – or should I say ‘supreme’? exercise of power remain the coveted prize for the selfappointed warriors of a new blood-thirsting godhead that has been extracted and distorted from the religion of islam. If this speaker had put Abubakar Shekau – or any of his multiple incarnations – on stage, you would only have granted him the grudging concession of a satirist, yet Shekau remains real, deadly and ludicrous, a clown, yet a human obscenity. Those of you who watched him taunting Nigerian humanity and the world after the abduction of the Chibok girls will understand my evocation of the banality that is power. Not indifferent to, but clearly relishing the anguish of parents, family, and the trauma of victims, cavorting, rather like one of those advertising balloon marionettes you may have encountered in front of American gas stations, he gloated: We have your girls.

We are going to sell them off as slaves, and there is nothing you can do about it”. Shekau felt that he had the entirety of the world in his palms to squeeze as the mood directed him. Shekau indeed, in those moments represented the solipsistic totality of power at its most banal. So did the solemn assemblage of the holy warriors in Northern Nigeria around a pit clotted with blood, as they interrogated a captured Nigerian soldier before slitting his throat, turning the chorus Allah Akbar into a parody of piety.

It is the same savoring of the trickle-down potion of power that sustains the hooded figure, allegedly straight from a humdrum life in faraway, sedate England, standing over a kneeling health volunteer or journalist before beginning his gory task. It is what nerved the commander of the killer squad in Peshawar to slaughter a hundred and thirty school children and gloat: I want you to feel the pain. It is not piety, but the seepage from the obscene communion of power that induced the massacre of twelve French protagonists of the freedom of expression and leveling of divine afflatus in the affairs of mankind - the Charlie Hebdo martyrs. The narcissists of morbidity – these are the elite beneficiaries of the toxin of power and its pursuit.

Let us learn to repudiate the language of “Political Correctness” that attempts to dim the incandescent rage that is justly felt in us as response to assaults on our humanity, to pretend that history, or societal or state corruption justifies the invasion of a community of children, blowing them to bits, then hunting the rest down one by one as they cower under their desks. We are being programmed to understand and accept their fate, and the fate of their peers in Nigeria who are called out by name from their dormitories one by one in a sanctuary of learning to meet their end. Often, the analytical language of media pundits merely panders to, indeed encourages criminality, especially through misplaced emphasis. Without actually intending to, it enfeebles moral outrage, nudges readers into accepting that the abduction of over two hundred school pupils in Nigeria, whose fate is to be turned into sex slaves, into suicide bomb conscripts, is a logical response to all kinds of governance criminalities and infelicities, or indeed the brutality of a military. We are being inducted into the credo that the serial slaughter of school children and their ➔ continue on the next page

issue 27

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Sexual Harassment: Mixed Reactions Trail Female Entertainers’ Stories ➔ CONTINUED frOm ThE prEvIEOUs pagE

teachers across a widening swathe of Northern Nigeria is an understandable response to the decadence of western society across the globe, that the amputation of hands which clasped each other across the gender barrier in Somalia under al-Shabbab, the live burial of women to be stoned to death in Northern Mali under affiliates of al Queda, or the open decapitation of aid volunteers in overrun parts of Syria and Iraq, the execution of anti-polio workers, be it in Northern Nigeria or the Middle East are all “traceable” to association with the devilish west and its ways, and usury on the world markets. This is the language of appeasement, an indulgence that urges Africa to accept a renewed condition of enslavement – this time by religious overlords.

Appeasement is the diet of impunity. For those who seek explanations for the intolerable in the role of memory, in historical precedents, in distant causes and effects even from remote times – these are all

legitimate zones of enquiry, and corrective action in the present becomes a social and political duty. So does the whittling away of contradictions within society, thus cauterizing the breeding grounds for future recruits to the ranks of homicidal maniacs. Surely, by this present, we should have learnt to stop parroting the time-worn clichés of social disaffections as acceptable causative factors for the dehumanizing of our kind. It is time to confront the long persistent question of what truly fits, unsentimentally, into our definition of humanity.

Definition by race, colour, gender or faith have ever been derogatory and untenable, contributing to the world’s current dilemma in furtherance of the agenda of power.

Our parameters must now transfer to social conduct, to the manifestation of blind attachment to creeds that contradict and dismiss our very aspirations as thinking, reflecting and expressing beings. If the world shies away from that task, we on the African continent, should take

on that duty, and annunciate what, for us, constitutes basic humanity. From those whose acts place them outside of such a definition, we must withdraw recognition, protect ourselves and take the battle to all such outcasts.

Let me underline the foregoing in the specific language of a political precedent. Once, under a president who was considered somewhat intelligence challenged, the public in the United States evolved a shortcut mantra for bringing the reality of a national recession to his notice. That mantra was “It’s the economy, stupid”. The world is not stupid, but I have come to suspect that it often falls asleep, even falls comatose, and thus requires some kind of wake-up call, a bluntly heretical viewpoint to check the assigned primacy of economics as the material base of all social upheavals. What is required today is a balancing of the economic catechism through a saturation of vulnerable environments with variations of the complementary mantra that becomes a mental ticker-

tape: It’s the power drive, sucker”!

After Baga, surely no one can be left in any doubt: the world is confronted with the narcissists of death. Study the killers as they strike poses for the iconic photos before setting forth to earn their socalled martyrdom in a terminal, dastardly act. Watch Shekau of Boko Haram prancing about in his propaganda video as he taunts the world – We have your girls. We are going to sell them into slavery. Share the testimonies of survivors as they grope for language to convey the cultivated swagger of these killers as they go from hut to hut on invading a hapless village, where they massacre the men and herd the women before them for enslavement, their studied posturing and comportment of self-adoration.

The exploits of this breed bring to my mind the apocalyptic acronym of the policies of power blocs during the Cold War - M.A.D. – Mutual Assured Destruction, the doctrine of the balance of nuclear terror. At least that madness was mutual our ongoing orgy of destruction

is anything but mutual. It is arbitrary, dictated, onesided, yet equally Doomsday determined. The narcissists of morbidity contemplate their images in troughs of blood as they slit throat after throat of their captives ululating with snatches of praise songs to their Almighty.

The challenge is out, and it is couched in anything but the language of spirituality. It is humiliating, I know, but let us be sufficiently humble as to admit the truth: this is one scourge that laughs in our faces, mocks the comfort zone of the rational, the schematic, the contextual, even comparative habit of mind, defies probability theories and historical precedents. And what choice of responses do we imagine has been forced on us, the rest of humanity? The expression, I believe, is – damned if you do, and damned if you don’t. This phenomenon understands only one language: Excerpted from recent Overseas lectures on our common concern, for the BRING BACK OUR GIRLS Visitation, Jan 13, 2015

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Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Implementation of The National Auto Policy NAMA, the Nigerian Automobile Manufacturers Association, members of which body invested billions of Naira in setting up facilities for automobile assembly are bewildered by the vacillation of the Federal Government in the implementation of the national auto policy so proudly referred to by government as one of its key achievements. We are bewildered because this same government saw the need to revive our auto sector when it announced the national auto policy and identified what fiscal policies must be put in place for a turnaround.

We are disappointed that the national auto policy has not been implemented as approved. Continued postponement of its implementation has undermined investments made by the assembly plants, as the market is being flooded daily with substandard used cars for as long as the old policy persists. The effect of an over supplied market is that production volumes drop, costs are on a higher side because of high unit overheads and effective demand drops. In an environment with high holding cost such as ours, the cost deferral of the auto policy puts the assembly plants in grievous danger.

The investors now regret the enthusiasm with which they embraced government's announcement of the nd policy. When the policy was announced on 2 October 2013, private investors put up hard-earned dollars in direct reaction to the policy. The government went to the world stage and made promises to international investors, inviting them to put money in this economy and assuring them that there is no possibility of the policy just passed by the Federal Executive Council being reversed.

We understand government's intention is to further defer implementation to April 2015. No one is deceived by the story that the scheme is being deferred for the proposed vehicle financing scheme. The financing scheme will not take off in April. It is nowhere near ready to be launched. Such a project will require at least a further 6 months to launch, with all attendant infrastructures, training and stakeholder involvement.

The effect of another postponement will be further flooding of the auto market with discarded used vehicles from other economies, causing further glut in the market and putting further pressure on the operations of local auto assembly plants, the ones employing Nigerian engineers and technicians and working towards self-sufficiency in automobile manufacture. The development of the secondary auto components manufacturing industries will be further pushed into the background with attendant loss of jobs.

What is more disconcerting is that unscrupulous importers are bringing in brand new vehicles and declaring them as used to evade the higher duty payable. The arbitrage is made possible by the existence of dual rates, a nightmare for Nigerian Customs.

Failure to implement the auto policy in favour of short term support of importers of new vehicles camouflaged as used and genuinely used vehicle reflects lack of political will to pursue long-term industrial development. We call on the government to make good the promise it made to reform the auto sector. We cannot continue to shift the goal post for short-term gains to unproductive sectors of the economy. We appeal to the Federal Government not to sacrifice our This promise notwithstanding, the government industrial revolution on the altar of expediency. continually reneged on the implementation date, We earnestly plead with the Federal Government to initially succumbing to pressure from importers. The instruct relevant agencies to implement the auto policy effective date for applying the tariff to ALL vehicles was as approved in the interest of the NIGERIAN people shifted from March 2014 to July 2014, then to and the development of its auto industry.

December 2014.

Thank you Mr. President.

POLITICS TODAY 29

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

zonal watch

OYO STATE OGUN STATE LAGOS STATE ONDO STATE EKITI STATE OSUN STATE Akinlade, Group Declare Support For Isiaka

BY GBEnGA ADEBoYE, Abeokuta

The chairman House of Representatives’ Committee on Science and Technology Hon Abiodun Akinlade, has thrown his weight behind the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State, Gboyega Isiaka.

In a statement signed by Akinlade

and made available to journalists in Abeokuta, Akinlade urged his supporters to back Isiaka saying his emergence is a realisation of a long struggle for Ogun West to produce governor in the state.

“To all my supporters, I humbly plead for your understanding in this regards. Ultimately, as we stand on the threshold of history, I remain committed to the yearning

and aspirations of our people by joining hand with my brother Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka to provide the needed leadership and understanding towards the socioeconomic and political emancipation of our people.

“We must henceforth stop agonising about our short-comings and predicament but get organised for the good and sake of our people.

Time to set forth is now.”

Meanwhile, a group, Ado Odo Youth Movement, in Ogun West senatorial district of Ogun State has also declared its support for Gboyega Nasir Isiaka.

Speaking with newsmen at the weekend after the adoption of Isiaka, chairman of the group, Honourable Hamzat Bakare said they are supporting the governorship

Ondo PDP: Party Leader Accuses Mimiko Of Injustice

L-R: osun State governor, ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; representive of the speaker of State House of Assembly Hon Muhammed Ibraheem; national chairman, Board of Trustees of nasrul-LahiFatih Society of nigeria (nASFAT) Lateef oladosu; president nASFAT Worldwide, Kamil Abayomi and chief missioner, Abdulahi Akinbode, during nASFAT’s special prayers on the governor’s election victory, at Mandela Freedom Park, osogbo on Sunday

BY ToPE FAYEHun, Akure

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 contributed to the mass defection of some leaders and members to the opposition APC in the state.

In a communique issued and signed at the end of a stakeholders meeting held at Helena Hotel in Akure, the party leaders said, Governor Mimiko must do everything possible to halt the mass movement of the party members to the APC. The statement reads in part, “We observed with regret the movement of some PDP leaders and members to opposition party APC. We request that Governor Mimiko should redress the situation in the party to halt the movement.

“We regret in its entirety the appointment of Mr. Tokunbo Modupe an extraction of New PDP as the state coordinator of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ) campaign.

The Governor being the South West Coordinator make the appointment negatively skewed against Old PDP members. We insist that the appointment should be reserved for Old PDP member.”

The leaders resolved to give unf linching support to the re-election of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, urging him to create enabling environment for them to do so.

They plead with the members of the party across the 18 local government of the state to remain loyal to party and wait for further instructions from the leaders on the way forward.

candidate and other candidates of the party to boost the chances of PDP at the general election.

“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.

413,588 PVCs Await Collection In Osun – INEC

by JOSHUA DADA, Osogbo

No fewer than 413,588 registered voters representing 29.41 per cent are yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) in Osun State.

This was disclosed by the chief public affairs officer of the

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Osun State Directorates, Mrs. Adenike Tadese, while speaking with newsmen in Osogbo.

She explained that a little over 70 per cent of the registered voters have so far collected their permanent voter cards.

She declared that Osun INEC had received 1,460,0147 PVCs from the national headquarters of INEC. She disclosed that as at December 24, 2014, 992,559 PVCs representing 70.59 per cent have been distributed to the electorate in the state.

Buhari Will Defeat PDP In February – Arewa Community

BY MATTHEW DIKE, Lagos

The Buhari Campaign Organisation Arewa Community South West Zone has vowed to legally flush out President Goodluck Jonathan and other PDP candidates in this year’s general elections.

Speaking during the endorsement rally for Gen. Muhammadu Buhari held at Talimul Islam Ahmadiyyah Primary School, Herbert Macaulay way, Ebute Metta, Lagos State, yesterday, the Arewa community declared total support for the APC

candidates in the country.

The group said apart from voting Buhari into power, they are ready to vote for every APC candidate to ensure that they remove all the ‘enemies’ of Nigeria from office.

The chairman of the group, Umar Mohammed said that President Goodluck Jonathan did not care about the feeling of Nigerians saying that was why he failed to visit the families of those killed by the Boko Haram sect.

He said this is the time to flush out PDP now that the wind of change is blowing.

He said Jonathan knows that he

has lost the coming presidential election to Buhari. He said the president also knows that PDP will not win the election. He said Nigerians should join hands and fight so that APC will succeed in the coming election.

The zonal coordinator of the group, Adamu Abubakar Jega said the purpose of the rally is to ensure and sensitise all APC supporters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

Jega said, “The PVC is the weapon we need for a change.

There is no security in the country.

People are hungry.

30 analysis

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

news behind the news

Feb 14: As Jonathan Targets South-West Votes

by GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

Displaying a clear understanding of the Lagos politics, the president was in the palace of the Oba of Lagos Oba Rilwan Aremu Akiolu 1 to pay homage to him and seek his blessings before going to the campaign venue

Last week was a week of crucial decision for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate President Goodluck Jonathan, as they congregate at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos for the flag-off of its presidential campaign.

Expectedly, the PDP chieftains and members were thrilled to have taken the decision to set their campaign train in motion in Lagos, the nation’s densely populated commercial nerve centre located in the South West, generally perceived to be the stronghold of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

As far as political observers were concerned it was an ultimate act of courage on the part of President Goodluck Jonathan and his party to realise his ambition of retaining his seat as the number one citizen of the country in the forthcoming presidential election. He was flagging off his campaign amidst strong conflicting variables in the zone that that aided his quiet ride to power in 2011.

Having been endorsed in the South East for a block vote, political pundits say, President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP think tanks are targeting a minimum of four million votes in the South-West out of the six million voters to ensure his reelection in the 2015 presidential poll.

Displaying a clear understanding of the Lagos politics, the president was in the palace of the Oba of Lagos Oba Rilwan Aremu Akiolu 1 to pay homage to him and seek his blessings before going to the campaign venue.

The monarch seemed to have given him some words of encouragement when said, “What will be, will be; God Almighty will give the best person the opportunity to lead this country.

“Mr. President, God knows the best. I am happy. What I want is free and fair elections.”

For the governorship candidates he said both the PDP governorship candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, and his APC counterpart, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, are his children.

The monarch went ahead to strike a chord of contradiction by saying he had presented Ambode’s candidature for God’s blessing at the 2014 Amir Hajj in Saudi Arabia but noted that God would always have the final say.

The teeming party supporters that came from across the country gyrated to periodic stage performances by the energetic

Jonathan

Obesere, Oritsefemi, and Sammy Okposo and waited for the party leaders of the party to flag-off the campaign.

The director of the JonathanSambo Campaign Organisation, Ahmadu Ali set the tone for the political rally when said that the PDP, unlike the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, belongs to all Nigerians.

He said, “The PDP is not the exclusive preserve of an individual who has turned Lagos into a cow to be milked.”

Olusegun Mimiko, the Ondo State governor, while welcoming the president to the zone told the crowd to settle for a presidential candidate who according to him is as “cool as a cucumber,” rather than one who is not “21st century educated.”

He said, “In spite of the antics of the opposition, that you (President Jonathan) is the most abused, most insulted, most negatively-profiled president in the history of our nation, you have refused to roll out any obnoxious law of the semblance of Decree 2 of 1984.”

Mimiko who is the chairman of the party’s Local Organising Committee, South West saluted the president’s candour, saying, “We thank you. We do not take you for granted.”

Mimiko knowing the presidential race is a two horse race between President Goodluck Jonathan and General

Muhammadu Buhari recalled how Buhari stopped a major rail project in Lagos when he was head of state saying that, “A project the Jakande administration had committed a whooping $75 million at that time that was meant to put an end to traffic nightmare in Lagos metropolis through installation of a circuit of rail lines that would have stretched all the way from Agege to Marina, Ikorodu in the north and Badagry in the east, ferrying nearly a million people a day, 31 years ago.”

The minister of state for Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide corroborated this when she said that the nightmarish traffic experience in Lagos would have been history had Mr. Buhari not cancelled the metro project.

She said, “We have a presidential candidate, during his tenure we had political exiles, political prisoners, and we had bodies in crates.

“Now we have another candidate, today in Nigeria there is no political exile, no political prisoner, which one is the better one?”

For Bode George, a leader of the PDP in the South West, the crowd must be wary of reports by newspapers, saying they are “lies and propaganda”.

He asked rhetorically, “I want to ask you, the last 16 years, have you enjoyed anything in Lagos?” and the crowd roared “No!”

According to the Senate President David Mark, the choice of either PDP or APC was like a decision between day and night.

Mark said, “What we are asking you to do today is to go back and vote for Mr. President so that he can consolidate all he had done in his transformation agenda.”

The chief servant of Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, called on the party’s supporters not to allow a repeat of the 2011 post election violence.

He said, “Today I’m going to speak to you about violence. We in the PDP abhor violence. We in the PDP have respect for our fellow human beings including those in the opposition. We must not fall for propaganda. We must understand the difference between sentiments and reality, and we will be ready because PDP is going to win this election. We saw what happened in 2011.”

Determined to win the South West, a battle ground for both parties to grab power, the Akwa Ibom State governor, urged the youth not to vote a candidate who would jail their parents and uncles to 300 years.

Akpabio, the chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum said, “These are the united governors of the PDP in Nigeria. Any person that was elected as a governor who is not here today must have been aggrieved because he wanted the seat of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.”

“And because he could not get it, he decided to join what they call the Aggrieved People’s Congress, APC. Nigeria cannot afford to hand over this country to people who are aggrieved. We cannot afford to hand over leadership to people who are bitter.

“Are you ready to go to prison?

Some of you, your fathers, your grandfathers were given 310 years for crimes they did not commit.

Some of them were given 180 years. People like Jim Nwobodo, the governor of the old Anambra State.

“A person who was in the habit of collecting democrats and locking them up cannot today come and pretend to be a democrat. Can a leopard change his skin?”

Adamu Muazu, the PDP national chairman, said a vote for the party is a step in the right direction, saying, “Our party has no owner. Our party is our party, you and I and all of us. And everybody has the singular chance and opportunity to be anything in this party.

“Whatever your tribe, whatever your ethnic group, whatever your religion, you equally have the opportunity to be whatever.

31

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

REPORT OF THE

TRANSFORMATION

AGENDA

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

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LEADERSHIP in a bid to provide a true and objective picture of the successes and challenges of the Transformation Agenda is publishing THE REPORT OF THE TRANSFORMATION AGENDA as told by the key actors themselves in their own words unedited.

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The Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan has been hailed as successful in several areas like agriculture, power, roads, macro-economic stability, foreign-direct investment inflow, and the health sector, among others. Critics cite poverty, youth unemployment, insecurity and the contracting middle class as evidence that the Transformation Agenda is not working. So who and what do you believe? Welcome to the Situation Report.

Ministries, Paratatals and Agencies who have made impactful contributions to the Transformation Agenda are invited to tell their success stories in the REPORT OF THE TRANSFORMATION AGENDA. Private sector companies and contractors who have successfully executed Transformation Agenda projects are also invited to show and tell their success stories in the historic REPORT OF THE TRANSFORMATION AGENDA.

To participwiathteph:otographs, charts and graphs and call

n’s achievements along nry Ubimago: 08068640944, tio sa ni ga or e th le pi m co y Simpl 3143902, He 7 Iyobosa Uwugiaren: 08:03 6, Tosin Allen: 0805211670wspaper 76 52 45 06 07 in am nj Be ne Adebayo nt Abuja resident a in m o d e th in it Show and tell

32 THE NATION’S CAPITAL

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Natives Vow Not To Vote Jonathan, Buhari Unless...

By Igho Oyoyo

Natives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have vowed not to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan or General Mohammadu Buhari unless the two top contenders visit their indigenous communities and tell them their developmental plans for the communities.

This was disclosed by a local vanguard group, the Original Inhabitants Development Association (OIDA), at the third FCT heritage day celebration in Kuje area council of the FCT. Speaking on behalf of the group, the group’s president, Pastor Danladi Jeji, said that if the presidential candidates fail to visit

their communities and tell them programmes that will directly impact the lives of the natives they will have no choice but to cast their votes elsewhere.

Jeji said, “As the nation embarks on the 2015 general elections, we call on all presidential candidates, especially of the two biggest political parties, APC and PDP, to proceed from the Federal City Centre to indigenous towns like Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Bwari, Karu, Karshi, Zuba amongst others to campaign vigorously for their votes.”

According to him, “Unless the two top contenders, President Goodluck Jonathan and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari step into our

indigenous communities to tell us what their governments will do for us, we will have no choice but to cast our votes elsewhere, depriving them of the critical one-quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least two-thirds of all the states in the federation and the FCT. “Also, we reiterate that a situation where the entire country will be voting for governorship elections on February 28, 2014, without the participation of Abuja is unacceptable. We call on the federal government and the National Assembly to ensure that all constitutional amendments that will allow FCT natives and residents to vote for a governor or mayor in the 2019 general elections is affected.”

Residents Commend Gwagwalada Chair Over Free Medical Service

By Chika Mefor

Residents of Gwagwalada area council has commended the chairman of the council, Alhaji Abubakar Jibrin-Giri, over the free medical services he has organized for people of the area.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP, yesterday, some of the residents said the chairman’s gesture in providing the service shows that he has the good of the people at heart.

One of the beneficiaries, Yahaya Jibrin, said the chairman’s free medical services has gone a long way in ameliorating the suffering of the less privileged in the council.

Jibrin narrated that he got sick went to a hospital where he was told he will be operated on for appendix, saying he approached the area council for help and was operated on for free.

He said, “I met the supervisory councillor for health in the council who directed me to the hospital where I was treated for free. I am grateful for the help the chairman gave me. I wouldn’t have known what to do.”

Another beneficiary, Mohammed Isa, said the chairman paid for his wife’s hospital bill after she gave birth.

Isa said, “My wife put to bed but I didn’t have money to pay her hospital bill so I approached the chairman through the supervisory councillor for health and her medical bill was prompted paid by the chairman. The chairman has tried a lot for me and I am grateful. There are lots of people that have money but they hardly help.”

Speaking exclusively to LEADERSHIP, the supervisory councillor for health in the council, Ismala Kukeri, said he was the link-man that take sick patients to the hospital and commended Gwaninta hospital Dangiri for treating the patients even when they were not paid up front.

Kukeri said, “I take patients to those clinic and they get treated immediately. We are happy that the clinic has agreed to the arrangement because the chairman pays for their treatment later.

“We partnered with the clinic because they understand us well; they understand the importance of saving lives and have been doing it without hesitation since we started in 2013,” he added.

UBEC Boss Tasks Natives On Cultural Heritage Preservation

By Igho Oyoyo

Director of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Universal Basic Education Board (UBEC), Dr Adamu Jato Noma, has tasked Abuja natives on the preservation of their cultural heritage.

Speaking at the FCT heritage day organised by the Original Inhabitants Development Initiative Association (OIDA) in Kuje area council, Noma urged the residents to protect their tradition despite the influx of people from all parts of the country to the FCT. He said, “Culture is part of education, so, with this cultural display our young children will see that we have a culture that should be emulated by everybody. In fact, so many people that have come to the FCT, though not original inhabitants will be educated on the cultures of the natives.

“The culture of the original inhabitants of the FCT is a culture to be identified with, we do not want our culture to die, and we want our children to continue with our culture when we are no more. We want the culture of the natives to be sustained hence the yearly cultural heritage day by residents should be lauded.”

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

33

34 OPINION

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Masari: A Call To Duty

By Bature Sani Malumfashi

Rt. Honourable Aminu Masari, former Speaker of the House of Representatives lived up to his political billing recently; when he braced the finishing line of the Katsina gubernatorial primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC), leaving his six other eminent competitors in the distant rear.

The primaries confirmed the former speaker as robustly engaged to the grassroots. The loss of the state to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2011 was not unconnected to the maneuverings in the then Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), which threw the party into acrimonious litigation and weakened it considerably.

The clinically and meticulously conducted primaries of the current dispensation, which produced the former speaker as the APC governorship candidate has paved way for the party to occupy the Katsina government house.

Even with the seriousness of the conduct and outcome of the APC gubernatorial primaries in Katsina, a certain defeated aspirant, Alhaji Kanti Bello who is not even questioning the integrity of the process that he lost gallantly but without much grace, is staging a comic diversion.

The latest antics of Alhaji Kanti Bello, that the former number 4 citizen has issues with his academic certificate has obviously, the incredibly hallmarks of a bad loser. However, the former speaker and Dallatu Katsina, Alhaji Aminu Masari does not in any way, seem distracted with the show of comic diversion. He has seen the distraction before and it did not stop him from going ahead to

Masari

lead the House of Representatives in one of its most pivotal and dignified era.

Masari would bring to the Katsina people if elected, a rare experience and exposure that he has acquired in his key role in the federal government. Masari, with his unique dynamism of a thorough-bred grassroot politician and enormous contact and goodwill in the federal bureaucracy and other centres of federal authority would accelerate, in an unprecedented scale, the overall development of the state.

Beside substantial contact and goodwill with the federal authorities, Alhaji Masari would likely deploy his international contacts to the benefit of the Katsina people. As Speaker of House of Representatives he is

Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, no doubt, will also bring his unique vintage position in the federal government to bear heavily in the management of the state

Guest Columnist By armed r. oluwasanjo

best known for his tact, maturity and due regard to diligent process in handling of matters. Under him, an ambience of functional co-operation existed between the legislature and the executive in a way that reinforced mutual respect.

The Katsina people should expect a mutually respecting state legislative and executive branches under the governorship of Aminu Masari. The state assembly should equally expect a constructive engagement from the state executive led by Masari.

Having presided over a House of Representatives where he demanded respect, consultation and co-operation from the federal lawmakers, the Katsina State legislature should expect no less from the state executive presided over by him.

The country over, state assemblies are widely viewed as little disguised appendage of the executive. Perhaps Katsina could set the pace that an independent state assembly is not necessarily incompatible to a strong and purposeful executive branch.

Masari, no doubt, will also bring his unique vintage position in the federal government to bear heavily in the management of the state.

However, his acute understanding of the Katsina politics and the unique place of the popular masses in it, would mean that governance under the state executive led by him, would define priorities according to time-tested utilitarian concept of the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

– Malumfashi wrote in from No 51, Daura Street, Kofar Kaura Layout, Katsina

Prince Audu And The Burden Of History By musa wada

In the quest for change to accord democracy room to flourish and to foster, the peoples’ experience has shown that change does not necessarily mean having new sets of people in the saddle of leadership, but the real issue is about responsible, positive and progressive change.

A democratic change needs to be reflective; it has to be able to sustain the acquis of the preceeding years, and advance on such achievements in more dynamic and progressive ways.

Indeed, changes are needed so that democracy can grow from strength to strength, become deepened and the citizenry able to gain more and live a better life A change may be successful or unsuccessful. Nothing says that human judgement could be infallible. Sometimes too, even an informed and participating citizentry can

make mistakes in the quest for change just as an ignorant, impassioned and disengaged one can make terrible mistakes in the search for change .

The premise for such mistakes are quite understandable. For one, our people are wont to subscribe to a democracy of cash in which people thoughtlessly vote for the man and party with more currency notes to share, bags of rice to give not minding what the party manifestoes, campaign promises and personal tastes and principles of the candidates say.

Two, we are given to a democracy of trust, in which we vote in deference to a candidate’s social pedigree, social or religious alliance rather than siding with his policy preferences. And third, democracy of convenience, wherein change is desired for its own sake without clear, constructive purpose.

Here, we just chose to rely

on a candidate because he is coming in a fresh air. Alas, not all fresh air is fresh afterall. A fresh air sourced from a rotten base soon becomes fouled.

This experience has taught us that the need for change must arise from genuine transition hinged on a consolidation programme of sustainable development and socio-political transformation.

A change sought for its own sake without a definite agenda and laid out framework for achieving transformational change in the context of the given social construct turns democracy over its heads.

Democracy promotion as envisaged in change is about social progress and not retrogression. Democratic change is about making democracy deliver on the social contract between the government and the people whereby their yearnings and aspirations are met with a corresponding high degree of

civic sense.

It is not for me to draw attention to the obvious and generally known scenario at the centre where the government of the day is energetically dedicated to the inglorious legacy of social stagnation and ethical decay; where “stealing is not corruption”. All we should do is take a peep at Kogi State where the PDP-led government over the past 12 years perfected the lose of the hard-worn momentum of development wave set in motion by Prince Abubakar Audu.

Prince Audu is a visionary in a class of his own, and a man always wanted for his headstrong determination to actualise his vision of institutionalising world-class educational institutions, hospitals, tourism activities and other environmental projects in the state.

– Wada wrote in from Abuja

The Kagame Example

O

ne important factor that determines what a country achieves, when, and how, is good leadership. It has no substitute and no one becomes one without adequate preparation that births competence and good performance. Good leadership can be an elixir as poor leadership is a disaster to any country no matter its oil and foreign reserves. No nation does better than its leaders can.

But, when shall Nigerians face the reality that we need a competent leader than a lucky one? I leave Nigerians to answer this. Let’s take some lessons from the outside world.

Barack Obama came on board as the American president at a critical period when the US economy was in a shambles. There were no jobs and the country had just suffered a devastating attack from Osama bin Laden and his cohorts.

This great orator of African descent gave Americans hope from his campaign slogan, “yes we can”. Today, Americans are not crying of unemployment as before; Osama has become history while the US is proactive to forestall any form of terrorist attack within it shores. Barack’s coasting to victory during his re-election was only a confirmation of his performance, glaring and convincing enough to woo the electorate.

One example I would like to emphasise was the swift response of the American government to the Boston Marathon bombings that claimed the lives of five Americans in 2013. Coming back to Nigeria, when put side-by-side, the number of security operatives mobilised for elections in Ekiti and Osun and the response of our government to Nyanya bomb blast, Chibok girls’ abduction and Yobe school attacks would leave us with a question: do we have a government?

Another visionary leader like Sheik Mohammed Bin Rahid Al Maktoun, the constitutional monarch of Dubai, envisaged global oil price fall like we are experiencing presently. He understood that oil cannot be there forever and, even if that is the case, other countries are discovering oil which brings about stiff competition in global oil market and diminishes it monetary value; therefore, diversification was vital. He embarked upon the Dubai Burj Khalifa (tallest building in the world) project, a real estate and tourism investment that cost just $1.5billion, far less than $20billion which Sanusi Lamido Sanusi alleged was not remitted by the NNPC to the federation’s coffers - though finance minister OkonjoIweala confirmed the figure to be $10billion. Of course, to save face, the ‘oga at the top’, President Goodluck Jonathan, ordered a forensic audit, but you can be sure that the result will only be released to Nigerians on Judgment Day. On Narenda Modi of India, a survey according to The Economic Times of India, revealed that, “Nearly 66 per cent of voters in a survey have expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Narendra Modi government, and 68 per cent approve of his style of functioning”. This was a leader elected just about eight months ago, Can this be said of our leader? Your response to this would reveal who you are.

Paul Kagame is our African brother who became the president of war-ravaged Rwanda in April 2000, just six years after the 1994 Rwanda genocide that led to the deaths of close to one million people and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of others. Under Kagame’s watch, Rwanda’s recovery has been phenomenal.

This won him re-election and several other international awards.

ISSUES 35

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

EFCC, Not A Sleeping Giant

By Ochuko Ekpekurede

Prior to the appointment of Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde as the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in 2012, the Commission had suffered an integrity crisis, particularly towards the tail end of the Farida Waziri-led administration. Indeed, anyone who has been following the story of the EFCC with unalloyed interest will attest to the fact that it was almost like the dark days in the annals of the anti-graft agency as development partners, including leading international law enforcement agencies, almost severed any relationship with the Commission.

So, Lamorde, a super cop bursting with ideas, immediately hit the ground running, with the sole aim of restoring the lost shine of the Commission. All he needed to do was to come up with a carefully designed programme of re-professionalisation that set new benchmark for professional and ethical conducts among the staff. And it worked wonders, as allegations of corruption among EFCC staff have since reduced considerably in the past years.

Also, Lamorde, an advocate of professionalism, had to set a new way of doing things.

Ironically, because his style abhors unnecessary sensationalism and media hype, many ignorantly think the Commission has become a toothless dog. But bury the thought!

The Commission’s scoreboard would prove cynics wrong: in 2013, the Commission recorded 117 convictions and it garnered 126 convictions in 2014, even in the face of the shenanigan that goes on in the Nigerian judicial system. When viewed against the 64, 68 and 67 convictions recorded in 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively, it becomes obvious that there is something the EFCC, under Lamorde, is doing right. Perhaps, it is worth telling that not a single case initiated by the Commission under Lamorde’s

watch has been thrown out by any court in Nigeria for lack of evidence or proper investigation.

But the Commission’s success story, under Lamorde, is not limited to investigation and prosecution.

Its profile in assets recovery has also improved. The Commission recovered N9, 755,924,635.69 in 2011; N41, 548, 665,730.69 and $1,520,410.00 in 2012 and N11, 276,108,536.81, $2,190,127.00, 45,585.00 Pounds and 7,090.00 Euros in 2013.

The EFCC has also become a terror of sorts to undisciplined elements who engage in criminal act of moving bulk cash out of the country without declaring them to the Nigeria Customs Service.

The EFCC, to put it mildly, is like a nemesis to undisciplined cash couriers. The likes of Abubakar Sherriff Tijjani, Alhaji Tasiu Ilu Kura, Idris Hamza, Umar Musa Kibiya, Adetula Akinyele, Hyginus Ezedimbu, Abdulrasheed Ibrahim, Onwuekwe Anthony Chidi, Mrs. Hassan Ganiyat Oloruntoyin, .

Mr. Oteh Prince Emenike , Mr Osewingie Billy, Chukwuonu Nnaemeka John, Igweadianu John Chinedu and Alhaji Aminu Sule were arrested and prosecuted by the Commission between September and December, 2012.

Apart from this, the EFCC, under Lamorde, has vigorously pursued the trial of some former state governors and other politically exposed persons accused of corruption. This includes cases involving Saminu Turaki, ex- governor of Jigawa State; Chimaroke Nnamani, ex- governor of Enugu State; Rashidi Ladoja, exgovernor of Oyo State; Alao Akala, ex- governor of Oyo State and Orji Uzor Kalu, ex-governor of Abia State, among others.

More importantly, since Lamorde came into the saddle, the malfeasance in pension administration in Nigeria has, to a great extent, been addressed.

In other words, sanity, to a considerable extent, has been restored to the system, no thanks to

commenced the enforcement of compliance with the provisions of the Money Laundering Act 2011

by Designated Non-Financial Institutions, DNFIs, (Hotels, real estate firms, auto dealers, audit and accounting firms, casinos, supermarkets, bureau de change, law firms etc), with the arrest of officials of seven companies in Abuja.

Against the backdrop of the foregoing, global confidence in the EFCC has been restored; thus, many donor organizations are now eager to do business with the EFCC. Consequently, operatives of the Commission travelled to Perth Australia and Madrid Spain in April 2014 to work with the West Australian and Spanish National Police. Through this programme they were able to assist the host Agencies in pending transnational investigations and also gain exposure in international best practices. So far, international

Memoranda of Understanding or Joint Working Agreements have been signed with the Australia Federal Police, The Global Fund, United States Federal Trade Commission, The World Bank, African Development Bank, West Australian Police, Higher Authority against Corruption and Related Offences (HALCIA) Niger Republic, British Serious Fraud Office, Economic Crimes Network (New Zealand), Association of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa, United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Nigeria’s Consumer Protection Council (CPC), among others. The Commission has also signed MoUs with the Nigerian Customs Service, Copyright Commission, Stock Exchange and Federal Capital Development Authority, among others.

In furtherance of the mandate to enlighten the populace on corruption, the Commission has strengthened its communications section with the creation of the Directorate of Public Affairs which, in the last three years, has stepped up the Commission’s sensitization efforts through the three units in the department: media and publicity unit, public interface and enlightenment and re-orientation units.

Another milestone was recorded on December 9, 2014 when the Commission launched the Interfaith Anti-corruption Training/ Preaching manuals produced by the Interfaith Anticorruption Committee (IAAC).

It coincided with the 2014 Anticorruption Day (IAAC). The well researched manuals are to be used in teaching and preaching against corruption in churches and mosques nationwide.

No doubt, the EFCC is on the right track to addressing the corruption challenge. From all indications, things can only get better with the right support from Nigerians and other stakeholders.

– Ekpekurede, a public affairs analyst, lives in Abuja

broom revolution to win back his senatorial seat.

Let us assume that he succeeds in dislodging Gov. Dankwambo as the executive governor of the state; let us also assume that he succeeds in securing the 35% votes for President Goodluck Jonathan; does that mean his anointed APC candidates will jettison the litigation and acquit him over the corruption charges levelled against him by the EFCC? Is it by imposing unpopular candidates under the APC platform in Gombe, Kwami, Funa-Kaye and Akko federal constituency to clear

way for his political sons that he will be able to give President Jonathan the 35% he’s looking for in Gombe State?

Gombe, Kwami, Funa-Kaye federal constituency has 450,000 registered voters, while Akko federal constituency has 250,000 registered voters.With a sum total of 700,000 registered voters in those two constituencies, it is now left for the people of these constituencies to take their destiny in their own hands.

– Sani, a public commentator, wrote in from Gombe

Lamorde

The EFCC has also become a terror of sorts to undisciplined elements who engage in criminal act of moving bulk cash out of the country without declaring them to the Nigeria Customs Service vigorous law enforcement activities of the EFCC, which resulted in the arrest and prosecution of senior officials of both the Police Pension and the Pension Office in the office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

Also, the investigation leading to the trial of persons and organisations indicted in the abuse of the Petroleum Support Fund in the guise of subsidy for imported fuel formed the bulk of the economic and financial crimes cases successfully charged to court by the EFCC in 2012 and 2013. It is doubtful if anyone can fault the Commission’s effort at checking the incidence of oil theft so far.

It is on record that it has arrested and prosecuted offenders, with the assistance of sister law enforcement organisations notably Nigerian Navy and the Army.

It is also heart-warming that the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, SCUML,

2015 And Politics Of Imposition by bala sani

As we step into the new year and get ready for the 2015 elections, it becomes pertinent to ask if Sen Danjuma Goje is a progressive. If indeed he is, why is he imposing unpopular candidates in order to favour his political sons?

Sen. Goje imposed Alh Umaru Barambu,a three term member of the Gombe State House of Assembly who is less than two weeks in the party, in Akko federal constituency, as well as aspirants like Hon. Khamisu Mailantarki, Eng.

Dankawu and Chiroma Bacciji from Gombe Kwami,Funa kaye federal constituency.

This was a deliberate act aimed at giving undue advantage to Samaila Hassan Kashere who is from the same village as Goje and who served him as commissioner for eight years, when he (Goje) was governor of the state between 2003 and 2011.

Another favoured political son is Alh. Yau Muhammad Marafa Kwami (PDP candidate) who was GM of Cooperative Financing Agency as well as the MD of CFA Community Bank.

It is clear that he is working for the PDP to secure the 35% votes for President Goodluck Jonathan.

Therefore, history is about repeating itself. We all remember what transpired in 2011.

He is in the APC to settle a personal fight because it gives him the perfect vehicle and not because he is a progressive. His plans is first to remove Governor Dankwambo who has refused to do his bidding by initiating the withdrawal of corruption charges pending in a federal high court against him.

Second, is to hide behind Buhari’s

36 news south-South south-East Edo PDP Chieftain Condemns Party’s Attack On Oshiomhole

By Obinna Ogbonnaya, Ebonyi suspected to be improvised explo-

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Another Bomb Scare In Ebonyi

A member of the House of Representatives and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Hon West Ehioge-Idahosa, yesterday condemned what he described as “undue criticism” of Governor Adams Oshiomhole. He noted that in spite of the attack, the governor has given the state a face lift in the past six years.

He therefore urged the governor to ensure that a credible candidate succeeds him in office in order not to draw the state backward. The three term lawmaker was one of the senatorial aspirants of the PDP in Edo South, in the just concluded primaries of the party.

According to him, “There is no question whether the governor has performed even though you want to deny the governor of some credit because he is in the APC. While I am in the PDP my conscience will not allow me to completely deny him the credit. When you fly into Benin for example, and take an aerial look of Benin you will see that things has changed.

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

Doctors Give Oshiomhole 21-Day Ultimatum Over

Salaries

The Edo State chairman, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Prof. Afekhide Omoti has given the Edo State government 21 days ultimatum within which to pay the July and August 2014 salaries of doctors or face strike.

Omoti in a statement yesterday in Benin city, said if the state government did not heed to the demands of the association, all doctors working in public hospitals in the state would soon withdraw their services to press home their demands.

They said the failure of the state government to implement the consolidated Medical Salary CONMESS, poor infrastructure and lack of appropriate working tools as well as gross shortage of manpower in Edo State necessitated the 21 days ultimatum.

Omoti, while lamenting dearth of medical infrastructure in the state and deplorable state of existing state owned hospitals and other health facilities, said gross shortage of manpower in Edo State has resulted in the “work overload for the few available unmotivated hands rendering services in extremely difficult working conditions.”

He alleged that the Edo State government have withheld the emolument of its doctors working in the state for the month of July and August 2014.

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

48 hours after the Ebonyi State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the State Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were attacked by unknown persons, another set of suspected hoodlums in the late hours of yesterday attacked the Labour Party campaign office in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital with an object

sive device (IED).

The APC incident closely followed the destruction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) office and the homes of the party’s supporters in Ohaukwu local government, by gunmen said to be wearing police uniform.

The device, according to workers at the party office, which belongs to the Labour Party gubernatorial running mate and chairman Senate

Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Paulinus Igwe Nwagu, was discovered early in the morning when they came to work.

A source who spoke on condition of anonymity, said “We came to work this morning and noticed smoke coming from the back of the building. We went closer and discovered that the walls had been charred by a mild fire from a paint bucket they used in making the explosive. From what we saw, we sus-

pect that it would have been more deadly if the explosive materials inside the paint bucket had caught the fire.

“We thank God it didn’t happen as they planned it. If that had happened, the building would have been damaged or even burnt down”.

When LEADERSHIP visited the scene, security personnel from the state police headquarters had cordoned off the area.

short news Group Seeks Funding To Clean Up Benin Moat The Benin Heritage group has appealed to Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to provide the necessary fund for the state Committee on Environment headed by Comrade Mukhtar L-R: Women leader, Enugu State APC, Lolo Ngozi Nwankwo; South-East spokesperson, Comrade Osita Okechukwu and Yusuf -Osagie the State deputy chairman, Comrade Alphonsus Udeh, during a news conference in Enugu, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN to complete the ongoing clean-up of Benin Moat.

In a press conference

BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Odual local government area can talk of peace if you don’t for the establishment of addressed by Harcourt of the state, to seek his roy- look at the foundation that police stations in strategic the leader of the al blessings for his governor- promotes peace; that is jus- communities in Abua/Odugroup, Prince Governorship candidate of ship bid. al local government area. tice.

Ekhator Joseph it All Progressives Congress “Where there is love and He said, “Your majesty, I As well as ensure that wasaid the appeal (APC) in Rivers State, Dr. am here to inform you, as unity, peace reigns. Where terways in the area and othbecame necessary Dakuku Adol Peterside has our traditional and spiritu- there is no peace, if you er parts of the state are adeas the ongoing declared that if elected gov- al leader that your son has like, construct the best road quately secured. clean-up have ernor of the state on Febru- been nominated by one of there, put the best electricPeterside promised to been abandoned ary 28, 2015, his adminis- the leading political parties, ity there; there will be no uplift farmers in the area, by the committee tration would be committed the All Progressives Con- peace there. Your majesty, through credit support to on the excuse to the restoration of peace in gress, to run for the gover- we will need your support enable them maximise the of shortage of all communities in the state. norship of Rivers State on and partnership as we pur- agricultural potentials of fund to continue Peterside made the dec- February 28, 2015, and to sue peace in Rivers State.” communities in the area, the good job laration yesterday when he seek for your blessings.

The APC governorship pointing out that the peowhich was highly visited the paramount rul“One of our cardinal pro- candidate said his adminis- ple of Abua/Odual will be commended er of Abua Kingdom, King grammes, if we are elected in tration would liaise with the part of the economic boom by the Benin Kaleh Obuge, in his palace at February, is to pursue peace federal government and rel- of the state under his admonarch.

Otari community, in Abua/ in our communities. Nobody evant government agencies ministration.

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

We Will Pursue Peace In Rivers – Peterside

C’River Neglects Traditional Rulers – Royal Father

By Lanre Arotimi, Calabar

Cross River State remains one of the states that does not take care of traditional rulers, according to His Royal Highness, Ferdinand Ekpamdu, Clan Head of Edor community in Ikom area of the state.

He stated this yesterday in Edor while receiving the Labour Party’s Cross River central senatorial district candidate in the forthcoming election, Dr. Sandy Onor.

This is even as His Royal Highness, Okim Nsor of Ekpache Nkome Kingdom also in Ikom gave his royal blessings to the aspiration of Onor to represent the people of Cross River central in the Senate.

While wishing Onor, the former national chairman of Association of Local Government Nigeria (ALGON), well on his future endeavor, Ekpamdu said “In Nigeria, I think Cross River is the state that pays least attention to

traditional rulers. And we are the people that government in the state should have been taking care of. When you go there, take cognizance of traditional rulers; we are suffering.”

The royal father, who prophesied that only a sincere political party will emerge victorious in the forthcoming election, urged Onor to be wary of traitors among his supporters.

“I started by saying you should

seat down; God said you should sit down. God spoke to me that any sincere party will surely win.

As you are going out, carryout your rally peacefully and we are saying that nothing whatsoever shall hinter your progress.

I haven’t known you before, we are traditional rulers and we are fathers; we don’t have to criticize anybody here but my advice is that the followers should be true followers.

politics today Wednesday, January 14, 2015

REPORTS ANALYSES REVIEWS INTERVIEWS

Dickson

Gov Dickson, Patience Jonathan’s Cold War In Bayelsa The argument of the loyalists of the first family is that there is the need to put a loyal governor in place at the state Government House to consolidate on power after the anticipated second tenure of the president expires in 2019

In the last three months, there has been a raging war between the state governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson and the first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan. Osa Okhomina examines the recent political onslaught between the governor and loyalists of Dame Jonathan

U

nlike other states of the federation, the centre of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa, the home state of President Goodluck Jonathan, seems weakened and unable to hold in the face of the raging cold war between the state governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson and the wife of the president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

While many state chapters of the PDP are being reconciled ahead of the 2015 presidential elections, the relationship among the members of the Bayelsa PDP, the state governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, and loyalists

of the wife of the president, Dame Patience Jonathan, have become strained, threatening to give victory of the 2015 presidential and National Assembly to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

How It Started While many followers of the party have blamed the struggle for who emerges as 2016 governorship candidate of the party for being responsible for the crises, others have argued that the sour relationship created between Dickson and members of the National Assembly over the

outcome of the party’s primary election in the state and National Assembly is the cause.

Some section of the state have also argued that the overbearing influence of the first family, particularly Dame Patience Jonathan, may have sparked off a clash between her and the governor.

Unlike the personality clash that swept away the former governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, from office in 2011, the battle of wits between the Dickson and Dame Jonathan may define the strength or weakness of the political influence of President Goodluck Jonathan in Bayelsa State.

Already, many politicians in the state, including those appointed by the state governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, seems to have divided support and are waiting for the outcome of the 2015 presidential election. According to calculations, the victory of President Goodluck Jonathan may embolden the first lady and her team of loyalists to go all the way and deploy their war chest against the governor.

The argument of the loyalists of the first family is that there is the need to put a loyal governor in place at the state Government House to consolidate on power after the anticipated second tenure of the president expires in 2019 and that by the time President Goodluck Jonathan retires to Otuoke community in Ogbia local government, he will still be capable of calling the shots in the polity of the state.

They alleged that the actions and utterances of Governor Dickson showed a proud person that may fight the president in retirement.

The existing scenario between the former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, was painted to back their claims.

One of the loyalists claimed that Dickson is deceitful and disrespectful to the president, a claim that has been dismissed by the aides of the governor and even the governor himself on numerous occasions.

According to the camp of Dame Jonathan, who was not disposed to the emergence of Seriake Dickson after the removal of Timipre Sylva, the emergence and three years stay in office of Gov. Seriake Dickson has reduced the influence of the first family.

Dickson, who has left no one in doubt of his independent mindedness and desire to effect a change in the infrastructural sector of the state, has continually declared his readiness to fight for his political survival. An example of his resolve was shown during the primaries for the legislature in the state.

Out of the 24 slots in the state House of Assembly, Dickson’s political machinery known as Restoration claimed 16. In the eight slots of the House of Representatives and Senate, the Restoration boys had six, with the Silverbird chief executive emerging as an additional intake into the group.

Dame Patience, in a show of displeasure over the rising influence of the governor, resigned her appointment as a “super” permanent secretary in Bayelsa State Civil Service. Dickson had in July 2012, five months after his inauguration, allegedly overstepped moral bounds to appoint Patience Jonathan as one of the 17 new permanent secretaries in the civil service.

While sources from the Ministry of Education said the 57-year-old Patience Jonathan left the service voluntarily, one of the sources who pleaded anonymity said the first lady opted for voluntary retirement.

As a preliminary to the open declaration of war between Mrs Jonathan and Gov.Dickson,there was a gathering of some politicians loyal to President Goodluck Jonathan in an alleged plot to unseat Dickson in 2016.

The gathering of Jonathan’s loyalists, which was convened and held at the country home of the senior special adviser to the president on Domestic Matters, Dr. Weripamowei Dudafagh, was considered by the aides to Governor Dickson as a plot against the present administration in the state.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the meeting, which was tagged “end of the year party for former and present state House of Assembly members, commissioners and former aides under the administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan”, was considered by Governor Dickson’s aides as unsettling and provocative.

In attendance at the gathering were the former acting governor and state coordinator of the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN), Hon. Werinipre Seibarugu and former commissioners in the state, including former state information commissioner, Chief Nathan Egba, Engr. Mike Ogiasa, former secretary to the state government, Gideon Ekeuwei, former Finance commissioners, Stephen Oguala and Charles Opuala.

Former state assembly members include Hon.Nelson Belief, Hon. Elliot Osomu, Hon.Alaibo, Hon. Etebu and Hon.(Mrs) Vivian Imanamagha. The incumbent state assembly members present were Hon.Amallayon Yuosuo (Brass) and ➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 38

37

38 POLITICS TODAY

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Gov Dickson, Patience Jonathan’s Cold War In Bayelsa “It is important to state for the records, especially at this period of heightened political activities that, while politicians and groups are free to set up campaign structures to promote their personal, political aspirations and canvas for votes from the electorates; they must do so within the confines of the law. These should not in any way amount to destabilisation of the state. Security agencies in the state must be alive to their constitutional roles and duties to protect the security and stability of the state”.

➔ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

James Ayobegha (Nembe).

Dudafagh was quoted as saying that the gathering was convened due to his long absence from the state and being out of communication with friends and political associates.

Dudafagha was apologetic and asked his political friends to work for the total victory of the president in the state and the South-South as a whole.

An aide to the governor, who spoke to LEADERSHIP under condition of anonymity, said though the gathering was tagged end of the year party, “we considered it as a political gathering for the failed purpose of removing the governor in 2016. They will fail as they have been failing. We will remain focused and would not allow distractions.”

Some members of the PDP said such gathering may not have been considered “unsettling” if it had been organised by some loyalists of the state governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson.

According to the PDP members, Dudafagha is a known loyalist of Dame Jonathan and an identified contender for the governorship position of the state come 2016.

Dame Jonathan and Governor Seriake Dickson’s relationship has become frosty recently over this issue.

A former commissioner under the administration of Timipre Sylva, who spoke with LEADERSHIP on condition of anonymity, said though the gathering was made up of dependable politicians, “it was simply a social gathering for wives and children of some politicians that were present.”

Governor Seriake Dickson accused politicians of creating divisions among the women, mostly to serve their own selfish interest and personal aggrandisement other than that of the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria, TAN

Renewed Hostilities The cold war between Dickson and the wife of Dame Patience Jonathan blew open last week with the sack of the state commissioner for local government, Mrs. Marie Ebikake and the special adviser on Federal Government Projects, Chief Remi Kuku, over alleged divided loyalty.

Mrs. Marie Ebikake and Chief Remi Kuku were members of the Governor Seriake Dickson administration that participated in the reception to welcome Dame Patience Jonathan to Otuoke community ahead of the wedding ceremony of the president’s foster daughter, Miss. Inebai Paul and Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi at Otuoke, Ogbia local government area of the state.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the duo of Ebikake and Kuku allegedly shunned a blanket order asking all political appointees to shun the Nigeria first lady due to a similar rebuff extended to the governor and his wife, Dr. Rachel Dickson.

The state government, in a statement signed by the chief press secretary to the governor, Mr.Daniel Markson-Iworiso, did not give reason for the sack of Marie Ebikake and Remi Kuku but warned the youths and women in the state

Jonathan

of the presence of politicians out to destabilie it.

It was gathered that the venue of the traditional wedding ceremony of the foster daughter of the president was turned into a battle ground by women loyal to the wife of the president, Patience Jonathan and Bayelsa State governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson.

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and dignitaries in Otuoke community who were present at the wedding showed signs of worry over the development.

LEADERSHIP gathered that during the Friday arrival of the president to Otuoke community in a presidential helicopter, the women under the aegis of the Women for Change Initiative controlled by Dame Patience Jonathan engaged in loud singing of praises of their mentor and reportedly threw painful banter against the administration of Governor Dickson.

But the Women of the state, mobilised in huge numbers, stormed Otuoke community with drums and large banners, singing in favour of Governor Seriake Dickson and blocked out the women under the women for Change Initiative.

Some of the women attached to Change Initiative were nearly beaten up and engaged in fisticuff. A senior aide of the governor who spoke under condition of anonymity said the scene was tensed.

“The women hired by the Women for Change Initiative were insulting the governor but the loyal women of Bayelsa put up a show affirming their support for the state governor.”

A loyalist of the president’s wife and aide to the sacked national vice chairperson of the Women for Change Initiative, Remi Kuku, told LEADERSHIP under condition of anonymity that the alleged refusal of by the wife of the state governor, Dr. Racheal Dickson and state government officials to accord the first lady courtesy also angered the women within and outside the state.

“We were not abusive but giving support to our Mama Peace,” she stated.

Dickson’s Defence Initially, Gov Dickson claimed the sack of the two female political appointees was part of efforts to ensure service delivery and fulfillment of his restoration agenda. Governor Seriake Dickson, in a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Mr. Daniel Markson-Iworiso, said the minor cabinet reshuffle is in furtherance of his commitment to deliver more robustly on its administration’s restoration agenda.

The governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, however, accused the former state deputy governor, Hon. Werinipreye Seibarugu and members of the pro-Jonathan group, the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) of planning to destabilise the state and destroy the work of the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the re-election of the president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

According to Gov. Dickson, the immediate past deputy governor of the state, Hon. Werinipre Seibarugu and Mrs. Remi Kuku and their supporters, while operating under the aegis of the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria, TAN, rallied senior members of the previous administration in the state to engage and promote the politics of subversion and needless divisions amongst the women and other groups, who were mobilised to attend and honour the president on the occasion of the traditional marriage of his niece.

Governor Seriake Dickson accused politicians of creating divisions among the women, mostly to serve their own selfish interest and personal aggrandisement other than that of the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria, TAN. “Mrs. Kuku did not only create division among the women, but displayed total disrespect for senior officials of the Bayelsa State government by her actions and this can no longer be condoned in a disciplined set up like the Restoration Government”.

The Role Of Bayelsa TAN In The Saga In response to the accusation of plot to unseat him as governor of the state, the director of Publicity of Bayelsa State chapter of the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN), Chief Nathan Egba, dismissed as false, claims by some politicians in the state that the wife of the president, Dame Patience Jonathan, has concluded plans to use the organisation as a tool to unseat Dickson.

According to Chief Egba, TAN is a socio-political organisation set up to inform and mobilise the people of Nigeria towards the re-election of the president, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in 2015 and therefore not out to unseat the state governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson”.

Egba also said the appointment of the former state deputy governor, Hon. Werinipre Seibarugu, was not to antagonise the present administration in the state but to add more vigour to the mobilisation of the people of the state and the region for the re-election of the president in 2015.

According to him, “TAN has nothing whatsoever to do with any plot to unseat the Bayelsa governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson. The group was established to publicise the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan. There is no member of the Bayelsa TAN that is working against the administration of Governor Dickson in the state.”

On the relationship of TAN with the first lady, Chief Egba noted that TAN in Bayelsa State will consider it a honour to interact with the wife of the president and first lady of the federation based on her position as the most dependable ally of the president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

“We will relish any opportunity to interact with the wife of the president towards the realisation of the re-election bid of the President in 2015”, he stated.

He flayed the description of the new executive committee of TAN in Bayelsa State as allies of a former governor in the state. According to him, “Rt. Hon. Seibarugu was the speaker of the state assembly at the time the present governor was attorney-general under the administration of President Jonathan when he was governor of Bayelsa State, so he has had a robust relationship with Mr President which has lasted many years.”

News north-central 39

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Ombatse Killings: PDP Lambasts Apc Over Security Operatives’ Welfare

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja

The Presidential Campaign Council of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday lambasted the All Progressives Congress (APC) over its claim that President Goodluck Jonathan is not serious about the welfare and security needs of the nation’s security agencies as evidenced by the Ombatse killings in Nasarawa State in May 2013.

The PDP presidential campaign described the statement by APC as another example of the unconscionable insensitivity and crass opportunism of the opposition party.

According to a statement by the director of media and publicity of the PDP Presidential Campaign team, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, the position of the APC on the Ombatse killings “shows how the desperation of the APC presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, for power has pushed his party’s campaign organisation into a frenzied search for any imaginable reason or grounds to

short news IPMAN Members’ Death: Ahmed Urges FG To Repair Federal Roads The Kwara State governor, Alhaji AbdulFatah Ahmed, yesterday urged the federal government to live up to its electoral promises by repairing all federal roads in the state in order to protect the lives of Nigerians travelling on the roads.

Ahmed made the appeal in a condolence message on the death of three members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association (IPMAN), Ilorin depot and one woman in two separate automobile accidents along Ilorin-Old Jebba road in Ilorin.

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

accuse President Jonathan of incompetence in the handling of security matters.

“The crisis that led to the death of the security personnel, in the first instance, was as a result of infighting within the political echelons of Nasarawa State, which is controlled by the APC. “As is the case with the Boko Haram insurgency, after the APC has wilfully exacerbated a dangerous security situation through its unguarded utterances and encouragement to rogue elements within its ranks, the party now turns around and tries to profit from further politicisation of the fallout of a heinous deed in which it is complicit.”

“This marks a desperate low for the APC and is tantamount to a new form of political voodoo, which involves trying to raise political capital and electoral sympathy from the deaths of our brave fallen security personnel. In view of this, we condemn in the strongest language the APC’s insensitivity and opportunism.”

Sen Kure Inaugurates Campaign Committee The senator representing Niger South senatorial district and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the Senate in the February election, Sen. Zaynab Kure has inaugurated her campaign committee even as he said all PDP members must synergise to ensure the success of the party in all elections by next month.

Inaugurating the committee yesterday in Minna to pilot the affairs of her electioneering campaign in Niger South, Sen Kure said the committee should adopt door-to-door campaign strategy and work in conjunction with the campaign committee of the party.

The senator who set up a sixmember committee for each of the three Federal Constituencies in the zone, and also a 10-member committee in each of the eight local government areas that make up the zone, charged members of the committees to work tirelessly to ensure that all candidates of the party at all levels are delivered at the zone.

She also stated that the committees of the various local governments will also constitute the ward committees to ensure that everyone is carried along.

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

short news Plateau: Pwajok Flags Off Campaigns Today Plateau State governorship candidate of the PDP, Sen. GNS Pwajok will flag off his campaigns in Mangu LGA of the state today.

LEADERSHIP gathered that Pwajok will present his manifestoes to the people of the state at the rally which will be attended by people from the three Senatorial zones and PDP supporters across the state.

The leader of the Elders Forum, Hon Damishi Sango, said at a meeting of the forum with Sen Pwajok, that the elders have resolved to support him because of his intelligence and integrity.

By Achor Abimaje, Jos

Niger State governor Babangida Aliyu (left) trying his hunting skills with a bow and arrow shortly after being decorated as the Shikshank Ngas by the Ngas Community led by the Ngolan Ngas, Nde Mohammed Dawaki ( right) and Capt Moses Kwadri (second right) during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Minna.

Polls: Niger Police Outlaw Street Campaign, Procession

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

Niger State Police Command has outlawed the use of Street Urchins popularly known as “Yandaba” in Hausa from being used by political parties and candidates in the state for campaigns ahead of next month’s general elections in the country.

Addressing a meeting of the political parties and their governorship candidates yesterday at the police headquarters, Minna, the commissioner of police, Emmanuel Oluso-

la Amore also banned the candidates and their parties from embarking on street rallies and processions during the electioneering campaigns.

The “Yandabas” are notorious for the deployment of dangerous weapons in street fighting especially at the state capital, Minna.

The commissioner said they were banned to forestall outbreak of violence among supporters of the contestants before, during and after elections.

“All rallies must be held at a

specified venue so that the police can provide adequate security before and after such gatherings. We will not tolerate a situation whereby party supporters will clash in the streets to trigger violence,” Amore declared.

The commissioner also said that political parties must obtain permits for rallies at identified venues for adequate protection by security agents, saying that the police will occupy rally venues without any permit.

‘Maku’s Defection, PDP’s Death Knell In Nasarawa’

By Donatus Nadi, Lafia

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, Alhaji Abubakar Gada Mohammed, has said that the defection of the former minister of information, Mr Labaran Maku to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) sounds the death knell for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the build-up to the February 28 gubernatorial election.

Alhaji Gada observed that the history of Maku’s political sojourn

in the state is replete with cases of his betrayal of his kinsman and political godfather, Sen. Solomon Ewuga, which consistently prevented the Eggon nation from realising their long sought goal of producing a governor for the state.

He said Maku’s defection to APGA from the PDP is best described as an ignoble betrayal of the party that brought him to limelight and President Goodluck Jonathan who placed enormous trust in him.

The APC chieftain said Maku has moved on from being the po-

litical nemesis of Eggon to that of the PDP and President Jonathan who are both going to concede defeat in the February polls as far as Nasarawa State is concerned.

Jonathan Not Behind Maku’s Defection – Ayitogo The North Central vice chairman of the PDP and chairman, Reconciliatory Committee of the zone, Alhaji Yusuf Ayitogo has denied allegations that President Goodluck Jonathan is behind Mr Labaran Maku’s defection to APGA in Nasarawa State.

Election: Gov Wada Warns Cabinet Members

By Sam Egwu, Lokoja

Less than 30 days to the presidential election, Kogi State governor, Capt.

Idris Wada, yesterday ordered all political office holders to deliver their wards to PDP or get booted out of office.

Wada’s directive which received a loud ovation from party chieftains at a stakeholders’ meeting yesterday in Lokoja was coming at a time APC is

gradually losing ground in the state.

“Your continuous relevance in this administration is dependent on your ability to deliver the state to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general election”, he said.

Wada, who told the commissioners to go home and ensure they deliver their constituencies, hinted that it is no longer business as usual, stressing that the continuous retention of any commissioner would

largely depend on the outcome of the election.

The governor said that his office had been inundated with reports of so many political somersaults of some commissioners who take delight in spending weekends and relevant hours in hotels and unnecessary outside-the-state functions, adding that their appointment into various offices was not an excuse to abandon the grassroots.

40 news north-East, north-west

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Adamawa SDP Guber Candidate Dies

BY MOHAMMED ISMAIL, Yola

The gubernatorial candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Adamawa State, Rev Hakila Yerima is dead.

The death of the guber candidate few weeks to the general elections has thrown party officials and followers into a sombre mood.

Yerima became the candidate of the party after winning the gubernatorial primaries of the party which held on the 6th of December, 2014.

Confirming the development in Yola, the state secretary of the party, Dr John Luka said the party’s candidate took ill and has been in hospital for some time before his final de-

parture.

Dr Luka said, “Our party’s flag bearer, Hakila Yerima was hospitalised for a liver related illness before Christmas celebrations in Gombe and he died on the 6th of this month.”

The secretary of the party said prior to his death, Yerima had sent a letter to the party on the 27th of December, 2014,

withdrawing his candidature as the party’s flag bearer because of his failing health.

Luka further said that the party has notified INEC of the development and that the national secretariat of the party is working round the clock to usher in a new candidate for the party to partake in the February polls.

L-R: Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Kaduna State, Hon Bala Bantex, APC governorship candidate, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and senatorial candidate, Kaduna Central, Comrade Shehu Sani, at the APC Kaduna State governorship flagoff campaign in Kaduna, yesterday.

PHOTO GBENGA ABIOLA

short news

‘I’m In Taraba Guber Race To Save My People’ The gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) in Taraba State, Kabiru Dodo has said that his decision to contest the governorship seat of the state was to save the people of the state who have been suffering from bad governance over the years.

Answering questions from journalists yesterday at his Jalingo residence, he said that the people of Taraba need somebody who would deliver them from the long years that could be better described as wasted.

By Andrew Ojih, Jalingo

Taraba LG Chairmen Warned Against Absenteeism

By Andrew Ojih, Jalingo

Following frequent complaints that some local government chairmen in Taraba State do not stay in their councils to attend to issues in the councils, the permanent secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Bello Yero has warned that any local government chairman who stays away from his council

would be severely dealt with.

Speaking while briefing journalists yesterday in Jalingo, the permanent secretary said the chairmen should remain in their duty areas to attend to issues for which they were given the mandate.

Yero, who noted that there were security challenges in the various areas in the state, said the council chairmen should endeavour to attend to such security

challenges promptly to avoid their escalation.

He said that the bureau, in addition to carrying out other functions for the benefit of the people of the state, has equally embarked on the inspection of the SURE-P projects at the local government councils and about six local governments were so far covered, stressing that the implementation was encouraging.

Gov Shema Commissions Water Project, Canvasses Support For PDP

By Muazu Elazeh, Katsina

Katsina State governor, Ibrahim Shema, yesterday, commissioned the multi-million naira upgraded Maiadua semi-urban water supply scheme with a call on the people of the state to vote overwhelmingly for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Shema told scores of PDP faithful and other citizens of the area present at the commissioning to support the ruling PDP by voting for all its candidates at the forthcoming polls considering the de-

velopmental strides of the party in the state.

He vehemently canvassed for votes for the state gubernatorial candidate and his anointed successor, Musa Nashuni, and the Senatorial candidate for Daura zone,Yau Umar Gwajo-gwajo.

Shema told the teeming supporters, party faithful and community leaders that to ensure continuity of all the good works his administration has been doing across the state, there is the need to vote for the party at the general elections.

He said that Katsina has been

a faithful PDP state and has benefitted tremendously from its development programmes, adding that what the people need is continuity and not change.

Shema noted that the water project was upgraded in line with the state government’s commitment to provide potable drinking water to the populace.

He said the PDP government in the state has accorded topmost priority to water supply hence the huge investment in the water sector which he noted, had been yielding positive results.

short news

Nigeria Legion Solicits Govt’s Assistance As Nigeria remembers her fallen Heroes, the Kebbi State chapter of the Nigeria Legion has called on the state government to assist it logistically.

Making the request at the premises of the Government House while launching this year Armed Forces Remembrance Day appeal fund, the Chairman of the Legion, Usman Attahiru Gwandu, said the time has come for the turn around of the Legion.

By Yahya Sarki, Kebbi

Potential Of River Basins Yet To Be Fully Harnessed – MD Upper Benue The managing director of the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority (UBRBDA), Engr Aliyu Jijjiwa has disclosed that the potential of the country’s River Basins to feed the nation has not been fully harnessed over the years despite the federal government’s huge investment in the sector.

He noted that the problems militating against optimal utilisation of the River Basins include funding gaps, slow execution of projects and policy somersaults which affect timely completion of dam construction projects and irrigation canals.

Jijjiwa, who made this disclosure while briefing newsmen on the activities of his agency in the 2014 fiscal year, said the River Basins which were conceived to boost food production across the country by providing irrigation water for farming through dams have remained under-utilised, adding that when fully utilised, they have the potential to feed the nation.

Jijjiwa noted that for the River Basins to attain their maximum capacity utilisation and ensure food sufficiency for the nation, efforts must be directed towards solving the problems enumerated.

By Mohammed Ismail, Yola

Polls: Group To Organise Guber Debate In Adamawa

In an attempt to enhance quality leadership in the next general elections in Adamawa State, Gotel Communications in collaboration with T. C. Consult Services has organised a debate for the gubernatorial candidates that will participate in the February elections.

The debate, which is the second of its kind organised by the group in Adamawa State, tagged “The Great Debate”, seeks to provide a platform for the electorate to make informed choices of their future leaders based on their qualities, and will take place on 7th February, 2015.

One of the organisers of the debate, Bolaji Adams noted that they have already invited five gubernatorial candidates including Senator Jibrilla Bindow of APC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu of PDP, Dr Ahmed Modibbo of PDM, Engr Markus Gundiri of SDP and Mr Amos Yusuf of PPN. “This debate is to help present the candidate with the best ideas to make Adamawa State better than what it is, and for the candidates to unfold their ideas, while the viewers can choose for themselves which of them has the courage, capacity and character to do what needs to be done when elected as governor,” Adams said.

By Mohammed Ismail, Yola

news NATIONAL 41

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Kofi Anan Warns Politicians Over Inciting Comments

By Kunle Olasanmi, Abuja

Former secretary general of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Anan has cautioned politicians over inciting statements capable of dividing the country and causing violence before and after next month’s general election.

Anan, currently the chairman of the Global Commission on Elections, Democracy and Security said, while delivering a keynote address during Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room roundtable on the “role of civil society in ensuring electoral integrity” organised by Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC)

that politicians should watch their utterances in order not to make inciting statements.

Also speaking at the round table, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Abdulwaheed Omar described corruption as a major threat to election in Nigeria.

He noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is a culprit as far as corruption is concerned, adding that some of its officers do compromise.

He further stated that the Judiciary among others also contribute to the level corruption during the electoral process.

In his keynote address, Anan noted

that every election since 1999 has been fraught, and marred by violence.

He said, “Many people I have spoken to worry that violence might once again disfigure and undermine the electoral process. So I entreat all Nigerians, and especially the political actors, not to put the amazing progress Nigeria has made in jeopardy. ”Nigeria has the largest population of any country on the continent and has the biggest economy. It plays a major role on the international stage, especially at this time, when it holds a seat at the Security Council. Nigeria is one of the largest contributors of UN peacekeepers.”

Violence: APC Demands Peace Meeting With PDP By. George. Okojie, Lagos

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has restated its call for a meeting of the leadership of the APC and the PDP to stem the rising cases of violence ahead of next month’s polls.

In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said such a meeting will send a powerful message of zero tolerance to violence to the supporters of both parties, those of other parties and indeed the entire people of Nigeria and the international community, and douse

the tension that is building up ahead of the election.

It said the call is a follow-up to the practical steps that have been taken by the party dating as far back as May 2014, when it first wrote to the leadership of the PDP calling for such a meeting.

PDP: Jonathan Is What Nigeria Needs Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has attacked the change slogan of the All Progressives Congress (APC) arguing that the continuity of President Goodluck Jonathan is the

real change the nation needs.

PDP said no change could be better than the rapid change in all sectors which Nigeria has undergone in the last four years under Jonathan.

A statement by the national publicity secretary of the PDP, Olisa Metuh, yesterday, said no administration in the history of Nigeria has turned in high flying, all sectors delivery in its first four years as Jonathan, saying that in adopting change as its slogan, the APC has shown it is out of tune with reality as change has since begun under the present administration.”

Katsina PDP Loses Members To APC By muazu elazeh, Katsina

No fewer than 60 members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Mai’aduwa local government area of Katsina State, citing the failure of the state government to provide democracy dividend in the area in the nearly 16 years the party has been in power in the state.

Announcing their defection at the campaign

rally of the Katsina State APC gubernatorial candidate, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari in Mai’aduwa yesterday, the defectors stated that they decided to leave the PDP because it had long abandoned the area without anything tangible to show for their loyalty to the party.

Leader of the defectors and erstwhile PDP zonal vice chairman, Alhaji Danladi Kanawa Mai’aduwa, said that they were particularly let down by the state government.”

Baga Attack: 5,000 Refugees Storm Maiduguri – MSF

By Abdullahi Umar, Abuja with agency report

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has said that over 5,000 refugees fled to Maiduguri, Borno State capital in 10 days after deadly attack on Baga town by the Boko Haram fighters, Hausa service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reports.

Head of MSF’s pro-

grammes in Nigeria, Isabelle Mouniaman-Nara told the agency that MSF team is willing to support some residents but because of the volatile situation in Baga, the MSF teams are currently unable to reach the area to assess people’s medical and humanitarian needs.

“MSF will support the camp’s health centre, with a focus on the health of pregnant women and children.”

42

stories of the Wednesday, January 14, 2015

...NEWS WITH A HUMAN FACE

CAMPAIGN POSTERS: 1 killed, Several Injured As PDP, APC Supporters Clash In A/Ibom

By Bernard Tolani Dada, Uyo

As the next month’s general elections gather momentum, there are strong indications that the polls might not be violent-free in Akwa Ibom State.

This followed Monday night clashes involving supporters of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and their counterparts of the main opposition, All Progressives Congress (APC), which one person was feared killed and five others injured.

The incident, it was gathered, occurred late Monday night along the popular ‘Maitama’ Road leading into the Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo. It was learnt that the deceased, a member of the APC, was defacing and removing the campaign posters of the PDP House of Representatives candidate for Uyo Federal Constituency, Mr. Michael Enyong, popularly called ‘Baba Ntan’, when the PDP supporters emerged from their bus to accost him.

“Yes, the person was trying to remove the posters of the PDP candidate, Baba Ntan, and suddenly, the PDP supporters came with their bus and arrested him.

He was heavily beaten and his head was broken when he ran for his dear life into Nteps’ Supermarket.

The security at the supermarket blocked him from entering the place with his blood soaked body”, Emem Bassey, an eye witness told the incident told our correspondent, adding that “he was eventually pushed into the gutter by his pursuers”.

In the reprisal attack that followed, he stated that no fewer than five others sustained various degrees of injuries.

Worried by the development, the Commissioner for Police, Mr. Gabriel Achong, has warned politicians to play by the rules and urged them to restrain their supporters from tampering with the campaign posters of others for fear of violence.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Etim Dickson (DSP), on behalf of his boss, appealed to the people to imbibe high ethical standards during the election year and warned against being used by politicians as thugs as the election approaches.

Dickson urged supporters of both parties to refrain from removing or destroying posters of their opponents as this contradicts the electoral laws.

The police image maker therefore warned that anybody caught defacing or removing party posters would be prosecuted.

A man carrying a bag of maize on his back in Bauchi, yesterday. Photo By Nan

CAMPAIGN: Police Warn Hoodlums Ahead Of Jonathan’s Visit To Nasarawa

BY DONATUS NADI, Lafia

The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Police, Mr. Yakubu Usman, yesterday restated the command’s resolve to deal decisively with any hoodlum in the state who attempts to disrupt the campaign flag-off of President Goodluck Jonathan in Lafia scheduled for January 27, 2015.

Mr. Usman who handed down the warning in a chat with journalists in his office in Lafia, the state capital, charged politicians in the state to play politics according to the rules, and to avoid anything that is capable of causing disharmony in the forthcoming general election.

He said the police was fully prepared for the forthcoming general election in the state and would not hesitate to bring to book, any politician who tries to create social unrest, no matter how highly placed.

“Anybody in the state that tries to launch an attack on Mr. President will have him or herself to blame”

he warned.

According to him, “We have gone far in preparation and so we are aware of these things from the word, go. So we are preparing very highly and I have no doubt about that and battle ready for it.”

He assured that security would be provided in all the polling units across the state during the general election, adding that any attempt by political thugs to snatch ballot boxes would be resisted by his men.

On the visit of the presidential candidate of All Progressive Congress, APC, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) to flag -off his campaign in Lafia, the Police boss said he was yet to be informed officially on his visit.

He, however promised to provide security to ensure the safety of lives and property if he eventually comes.

“I am just hearing the information that he will be in Lafia on the 17 of January, 2015 and I am not being officially informed about his visit, but anytime he comes to the state.

EXTORTION: Traders Beat 3 Fake Marshals To A Pulp

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

Provoked by what was described to be incessant harassment and other related acts, vendors of electronic gadgets along Nnenbisi road, Asaba, Delta State, yesterday descended on three suspected fake sanitation marshals and beat them to pulp.

Eyewitness said that the fake marshals had allegedly swooped on one of the traders, possibly to extort him, and when it proved abortive, resorted to violent attack on the trader.

But while the suspects engaged the trader in a fight, it attracted other traders to the scene, who in turn, pounced on the suspects, with hard wood, beaten them to a pulp.

It was reliably gathered that the fake sanitation marshals have been extorting money from the traders in recent times before nemesis caught up with them but some police officers who were later invited to the Scene for arrest and did not want their name in print, confirmed the story.

But they added that the traders took the law into their hands when they beat up the suspects without taking them to the police.

STORIES OF THE DAY 43

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

day

Photo News

CORRUPTION: EFCC Quizzes 2 Ebonyi Commissioners

BY Ejike Ejike, Abuja

Two serving commissioners in the administration of Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State and the accountant general, are currently being quizzed by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at its head office in Abuja.

According to dependable sources in the EFCC, the trio of the Commissioner for Finance, Timothy Ogbonnaya, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Cele Nwali, and accountant general, Igbele; who arrived Abuja yesterday’s morning, are being quizzed on allegations bordering on corruption and financial recklessness involving local government funds.

They are said to be telling interrogators all they know about an asphalt project earmarked for the 13 local governments of

the state by the Elechi administration for which monies running into millions of naira was deducted at source, from local government account.

The sources also informed LEADERSHIP that it was Nwali, who directed all 13 local government areas in Ebonyi State to erect asphalt complexes in their local government headquarters.

Although six of the local councils complied, seven did not but funds were deducted from the accounts of all the local governments.

Nwali is also fingered as the brain behind the deduction of one million naira from each of the council ostensibly to fund the production of T-shirts for the Centenary celebration. There is said to be no evidence that the T-shirts were produced, while the N13million remain unaccounted for.

KIDNAP: Police Nab 3 Suspects In Benue

BY SOLOMON AYADO, Makurdi

The police in Benue State have arrested three suspected kidnapping syndicates that are abducting persons in the agrarian communities.

There have been rampant cases of kidnapping in the state where a lifeless body of an abducted businessman in Makurdi , was recently dumped on the street . The incident caused apprehension within the communities.

Police public relations officer (PPRO), DSP John Bako, who revealed this to LEADERSHIP in Makurdi yesterday, stated that the command was getting closer to information

The Delta State Police Command has arrested no fewer than 25 kidnap suspects, 16 armed robbers and six female traffickers in the last one month.

The command said that many of the suspects had been charged to court upon completion of investigation.

Speaking to our correspondent in Asaba yesterday, the police commissioner in the state, Alkali Baba Usman, however, warned politicians and their supporters to go about their campaigns for 2015 general elections in peaceful manner, adding that the command would not tolerate any breach of peace from anybody no matter his or her status in the society.

According to the Police Boss the suspects include, a 25- year-old female, 300 level under graduate of the state owned university, who allegedly arranged her own kidnap with her

L-R: Emir of New Karshi, Dr Mohammed Bako Il; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah; national president, Naval Officers Wives Association (NOWA), Mrs Lami Jibrin and Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, at the inauguration of hostel rooms and classrooms at NOWA Education Centre, in Karshi, Nasarawa State, yesterday. Photo By Nan

so as to fish out more suspects and totally eradicate the ugly trend.

According to Bako, the three suspected kidnappers were arrested within the ember months and that 35 additional suspects have also been arrested on account of other offences.

Commenting further on the kidnapping and killing of the businessman, the police spokesperson accused the family of the deceased of ransom negotiation with the kidnappers, without involving the police.

He, however, advised members of the public to have confidence in the police and always provide information that would enable nabbing of suspects.

CRIME: 20 Kidnap Suspects, 16 Robbers, 6 Female Traffickers Arrested

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

L-R: NLC president, Abdulwaheed Omar; executive director, Policy & Legal Advocacy Centre, Clement Nwankwo; former UN secretary-general, Kofi Annan; Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan; Nigeria country officer, OSIWA, Udo Jude Ilo, and chairperson, Nigeria Senators’ Forum, Khairat Gwadabe, during the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room Roundtable on role of civil society in ensuring electoral integrity in Abuja, yesterday. Photo By Dele Damisa

boyfriend with the aim of extorting money from the parents and another who masterminded the abduction of his aged grandmother Usman said other suspects include those arrested in Ogbe-ijoh Community with arms and army uniforms, adding that those who abducted a 90-year-old woman in Ume Isoko south local government area and some members of car snatching syndicate were arrested in Asaba, among others.

On the successes recorded so far in the state, the police boss explained that the peace being enjoyed in the state today is as a result of the proactive and adequate security measures put in place to check security challenges which led to the arrest of the suspects.

On the forthcoming 2015 general elections, the police commissioner warned politicians to stay off trouble as the police would deal ruthlessly with anyone who create problems in the state.

L-R: National president, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Ekaette Judith Umoh; president, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), Joy Onyesoh; manager, Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme, Eleanor Nwadinobi, and executive director, Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, during the presentation of Women’s Situation Room of the Women Platform for Peaceful Elections in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY JANE OKEKE

L-R: Representative of inspector-general of police, Mr Fatai Owoseni; national president, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Alhaji Najim Yassi; representative of INEC chairman, Mr Ismail Igbani and resident representative, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung to Nigeria, Dr Klaus Peter Treydte, during the dissemination of findings on‘Election Security: Stakeholders Perspectives’ in Abuja ,yesterday. PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

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

iyabo ojo

Silence In The Cinemas

By SaMUeL aBULUDe, Lagos

Award winning movie, SILENCE has finally hit the cinemas. The movie produced by Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo is now being screened in some selected cinemas across the states. Silence which featured Ini Edo, Priscillia Ojo and others is Iyabo Ojo's first attempt at an English-speaking movie.

The movie is beginning to attract lovers of great works since last Friday and slimbuilt Iyabo along with her

friends were at Silverbird Cinemas in Ikeja Shopping Mall to meet her fans as the movie that centres on child abuse was screened.

Silence by Fespris Productions focuses on child abuse and educates parents, children and agencies on how to negotiate one's rescue against sexual abuse, domestic abuse, emotional and mental abuse.

'Beyond Disability' featuring Halima Abubakar is another movie by Iyabo Ojo set to be premiered soon.

LEISURE

Fathia Balogun, Antar Laniyan, Feature In EWATOMI

Waje Advises Youths To Vote Positive Leaders

By SaMUeL aBULUDe, Lagos

Agency Report

E-WA-TO-MI! which features the best of thespians from Yoruba movie industry such as Antar Laniyan, Muyiwa Ademola, and not forgetting the delectable, Fathia Balogun The new movie is from the stable of Okiki Films. Its all about beauty,love, trust, fortune and the aftermath of it all, the compromise between the two actors which led to the crime and they met their waterloo.

Ewatomi is a story that is centered around a very wealthy man who has no immediate family other than his workers at home and in the office.

One of Nigeria’s female vocal leading artiste, Aituaje Iruobe, popularly known as Waje, on Monday called on youths to elect leaders that would impact positively on their lives.

Waje, who made the call in interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, urged the youth to use their votes wisely in the forthcoming general elections. ``We, as young people, desire to live in a community where everything that we want to see, infrastructure and structures in our society are provided, not just in buildings and things but

aDeriBigBe toLULoPe with

Balogun

He falls in love with his secretary, Ewatomi and that was the beginning of the end for him. The movie is all about love, deceit and betrayal.”

Ewatomi was shot within the Lagos axis while it was directed by actor cum director, Kunle Aford and also casted actors like Antar Laniyan, Muyiwa Ademola, Joke Juyiwa and others.

Waje

in the system as well.

So, I believe that young people should go out there and speak for people that are willing to represent the dream that we speak for.’’

She also urged youths to avoid being used by unscrupulous politicians to achieve their selfish aims which are mostly through violent means.

2face

Orezi Releases SHUPERU Video

VoteNotFight: 2face urges Nigerians To Vote With Love

By SaMUeL aBULUDe, Lagos

By Patience ivie ihejirika,

Fresh from the camp of Alhaji Orezi comes a new video titled Shuperu.

The dancehall cum afropop song features Alhaji Orezi in his element dancing amidst beautiful dancers. Orezi can be said to be a master in great upbeat video. With videos like You Garrit, Shoki, Booty. Bounce and the award winning Rihanna, Esighene Orezi Allen is sure to dazzle fans and lovers of dancehall, himself a great

Sexual Harassment: Mixed Reactions Trail Female Entertainers' Stories

Nigerians React On Entertainers’ Campaign For Politicians

Abuja

orezi

dancer. Orezi in September 2014 released the french version of his Shoki song.

Shuperu is directed by great video director, Moe Musa. The singer who drops his debut album early this year is a graduate of Urban and Regional Planning from University of Lagos.

Music icon, 2face, has urged Nigerians to vote with love in the forth coming election, holding on February 14th, being Valentine's Day. The artiste who took to his twitter handle over the weekend said it does not matter who is voted in, saying what is important is to vote wisely.

"I think they put the

election day on feb14 because they want us 2 vote with love 4 nigeria. #VoteNotFight. " Violence can never be the only way out because 2 wrongs cannot make a right.

"The major thing is to vote wisely. #VoteNotFight.

"It doesn't matter who you support. We just have to shun violence.

It's not easy because majority of nigerians are fed up but"

ay

30 Days In Atlanta To Premiere In Ghana aDeriBigBe toLULoPe with Agency Report

Popular crooner of dance comedy, Ayo Makun set to premiere is first movie 30 Days In Atlanta in Ghana on January 30th.

AY made it public known on January 11, 2015 through his Twitter page.

The initial release of the movie in Nigeria was in December, 2014 and warmly received, leading to impressive box office earnings it is. The movie was awarded the highest grossing movie in Nigerian movie history.

The Nigerian comedian now turned filmmaker, AY was recently rated on LEADERSHIP list of Top 10 producers of 2014 as number 8. Due to the rating of the movies, he has received enormous global recognition.

INTERVAL 45

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

A

ll over the world cases of sexual harassment has continued to be exposed by the victims. Many celebrities have had their names thrown to the mud because of issues.

The word “sexual harassment” has become a common phrase in Nigerian especially in the entertainment industry, whereas entertainers are meant to be part of those who correct the ills in the society.

However, drawing from the point of view that people are addressed the way they are dressed, some entertainment fans have traced the menace of sexual harassment in the industry to female entertainers.

According to them, sexual harassment is basically prompted by the dress sense of most female entertainers, noting that if these divas should learn to dress decently, sexual harassment; rape, assault among others would be avoided.

A trending sexual harassment case worldwide is that popular actor, Billy Cosby who has three women accusing him of harassing them at one point in time.

Though his wife, Camille didn't attack her husband's accusers, but said the media has been way to quick to pass judgment on him as "a different man has been portrayed in the media over the last two months. It is the portrait of a man I do not know."

But that didn't stop people from talking and wondering why would it take the women so long to come out to speak.

In Nigeria entertainment industry, there are many cases of sexual harassment. Many who did not want their names on print have explained that before a young lady gets a role to star in a movie or gets a music contracts, they are forced to have sex with them just as they said, ' nothing goes for nothing.'

Majority who are desperate ends up sleeping with these men while in the long run failing to bag the supposed contract.

Others who refuse to give in to their demands are not given any opportunity to showcase their talents.

According to Nollywood popular actress, Chizzy Alichi she revealed that though something like that might be happening, in her case she explained "I didn't experience any of it since I came into the industry. Nobody has ever demanded such from me. If you are good, no one will ask of such from you."she explained.

But in a contrary reaction, Ruthex is one of the upcoming Abuja based music acts whose

Dorathy

Yemi

Oguebie

Tiwa

Sexual Harassment: Mixed Reactions Trail Female Entertainers' Stories In every industry, there are situations whereby the players have a thing going for them either mutually or under compulsion and it’s no different in the Nigerian entertainment industry. ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM , PATIENCE IVIE IHEJIRIKA and ADERIBIGBE TOLULOPE write videos are currently enjoying airplay. She opened up on the challenges she went through when wanting to bag a contract for her songs.

She said: "A lot of men do tell me they like my song and performances, they call me for sponsorship, but will only invite me to a hotel and start telling me nothing goes out for nothing.

"They also insisted that I should sleep with them or they can't help again. I don't fall for that because I believe when I

keep working harder God will help me achieve my dream.

They are too many I don't want to mention names." she added.

In her own experience Rita Oguebie (Finest Girl in Nigeria, 2014) said it's a phenomenon that has to be curbed.

"This issue of sexual harassment is rampant in the world, a lot of female in the industry are complaining seriously. When an upcoming model, artist or actress visits a director or producers office, they mostly harass the ladies

because they feel the lady wants or needs what they have to offer so they asked for sexual intercourse as exchange.

"Am advicing females to not be desperate and have confidence in themselves.

We shouldn't succumb to the advances or threats, the talent will be projected one way or the other."

For popular musician, Gina ,"Naturally, females are treated as lesser than men, females are mostly looked at as inferior to the males which is basically due to our culture and traditions.

The males will still want to overshdow.

"In respect to Sexual harass problems, I feel if a lady doesn't put herself down, she wouldn't be harassed or looked down on. For instance, as an artiste, when am approached by male investors or sponsors, I direct

A lot of men do tell me they like my song and performances, they call me for sponsorship, but will only invite me to a hotel and start telling me nothing goes for nothing

46 INTERVAL

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Sexual Harassment: Mixed Reactions Trail Female Entertainers’ Stories them to my management.

Because I don't want to be harassed sexual so I wouldn't feel bad. I put myself in high esteem. " she enthused.

Dorathy Njemanze is a popular Nollywood actress and also a campaigner for women's rights. She said women should respect themselves first.

"Shortcut doesn't take anybody anywhere, it doesn't take anybody very far in life.

Harassment exist mostly due to these reasons following reasons.

"My biggest issue are those people who buy roles from producers . Some also pay for equipment for producers and some even approach them personally and suggest.

Now, I wonder at what point will females will start to take ourselves seriously and stop looking for quick means of being famous.

She also added that "for females that are just confronted by randy directors or producers, I don't see any reason why they shouldn't speak out. There is no harm in exposing them, which will caution them and protect future preys from them." she advised.

In her own experience, Benedicta Akpana (Miss Heritage Nigeria 2014) didn't believe that talent could be bought nor sex given as a ransom to attain a feat. She used her crown as an example to show that talent must be considered before achieving in life.

"I don't think if winners of pageants were hooked up because then I would have been hooked up right from Face of Sofa.

'I believe that I am beautiful enough to be chosen for anything but for me not to make Face of Sofa then, it means it wasn’t hooked up, it was a challenge. Nobody has harassed me before and I don't think you go through the challenges, you show them what you have got, what you’ve got is what they want then you are in for it. You are going to win definitely. If you think you want to use your body, you won't win.

'I don’t believe that what people sit at home and assume is what is really going down.

If you go in there and see for yourself then you can be able to observe things and know the differences in the game." she explained.

But with the view of fans, Oluchi Osita, a resident of Abuja who is a Nollywood fan, said it is basically the fault of the female entertainers as they are always ready to do anything

Gina

to acquire fame as soon as possible.

She said “it is the fault of the female entertainers because some of them want the fame so fast that they don't want to wait for the fame to come gradually and the best option for them is to sell themselves to the directors and they dress so horrible and nude all in the name of acting. So is the fault of female entertainers.”

Another fan, Joseph Okoh, also believe that it is the manner with which the female entertainers portray themselves what gives room for unnecessary harassment.

“Yes, it is the way they portray themselves; the way they talk in the public and the impression they give about themselves that expose them to sexual harassment” he said.

Also, Ruth Adams, a student of the University of Abuja, shared the view that indecent dressing remains a basic factor as far as sexual harassment is concerned.

According to her, “To an extent, it is the fault of the female entertainers because their dressings are always extreme considering that their foreign partners dress the way they do for certain reasons and places. Also, those who harass them do so with impunity, knowing that they can get away with it, because the victims are too ashamed to report and even when they do, little punishment is given and truly society is not too sympathetic to issues of harassment.”

Still blaming the situation on indecent dressing, Kate Aminu, a youth corper in Abuja said “to an extent it's the fault of the female entertainers. Some of

Bill-cosby

them dress in provocative ways and since men are moved by sight, they get easily attracted to ladies that don't dress decently.”

Meanwhile, others perceived the issue of sexual harassment as a two way thing. According to them, in today’s entertainment industry, both the dudes and the divas have a common proble.

One of the observers, David Ofurom, a civil servant in Abuja said “If the eye does not see, the mind is not likely to develop a craving. So the exposure of the body has a major role to play in generating the drive to assault in the mind of the opposite sex “On the part of the assaulters, the lack of discipline to quickly replace the mental picture and thought of an indecent exposure with something positive & mentally engaging leads to the growth of the sexual image of the lady into thought, then desire, then obsession and then the action of assault result. So the fault is both ways.”

In addition, Aibe Moses, an Abuja based journalist said “I think it's a two way thing.

According to a popular saying, you are addressed the way you dress. If the female entertainers dress decently, nobody will harass them sexually.

“And at the same time, in today's entertainment industry, sex sells, music videos and movies are all enveloped in Sexual fantasy, the idea of great sex and they give the fans that impression and the fans don't know they are entertainers, it’s a belief, and it is what they are paid to do. The male counterparts should learn to separate reality from make

belief. And self-control is the watchword.”

However, Chizoba Amos argued that sexual harassment is beyond physical attraction.

According to her, “Any guy that rapes a woman is sick and needs help. Either psychiatric or spiritual help may be both.

If men can rape mad women, imbeciles, infants and even their own daughters then whatever is driving or pushing them is beyond physical attraction.

“If I may ask, why are the women not raping the men?

You know that where there is a will, there is a way. Even the physiology of men can be overcome with medical science if a woman wanted it as badly as these men that rape women do. And it is not as if some men don't take delight in showing off their muscles and all and some women really get turned on by stuff like that. They don't rape such men rather they usually resort to seducing them at the most and seduction takes mutual consent.”

Considering whether the act is also a factor in broken marriages and non-getting married among entertainers, Adams said sexual harassment has nothing to do with marriage. According to her, I have not heard of any case of broken marriage in the industry as result of sexual harassment or that an entertainer has not gotten married due to sexual harassment. I think the issue of broken marriages in the industry would rather be linked to pride, fame and deceit.

With the mixed reactions, it is certainly worthy of note that many female artistes have been in one way or the other

If the female entertainers dress decently, nobody will harass them sexually

INTERVAL 47

Wednesday, January 14, 2015 "Young Nigerians were doing things fantastically well, they were acting films and these very people were snubbing them, they were playing music and these very people were abusing them. But we are encouraging them and the world has accepted them."

These were the words of President Goodluck Jonathan at the flag-off in Lagos of his reelection campaign. To further attract the celebrities and the youth and ultimately secure their support, he declared "Nigeria must move forward, Nigeria is for the youth. Nigeria is not for old people like us.

The young generation must redefine this country. We must take this country to where we want it to be. Nobody can push us backwards. The past is past.

They have led us backward and backward."

Online comments by Nigerians register the disappointment of many on the attitude of some of our celebrities who for some nottoo-dignifying reasons have joined the campaign train of some of our politicians whose claim of performance in office is in doubt. Many people express regret that many of these celebrities who should use their fame to fight for change are now the ones backing failed leaders and asking that they be supported to remain in power.

All for selfish reasons.

These are some of the reactions Segun Oshioke said 'See Black Arrow (Segun Arinze), Ibinabo, Kate, Mama Onyeka! . . . All in support of President Goodluck Jonathan till 2019, this no be film o! Watch out for Part 2!'

For Ekene Napoleon Ojei, "GEJ's administration is nothing but a complete disaster to Nigerians. You people (entertainers) should enjoy your pay abeg but remember the day of reckoning too. The truth is always bitter but must be told any time, any day. God will surely deliver

IT’S NOT

OVER OMENESA ORUMA AKOMOLAFE

BB Pin: 2BD4E5DB 08169583699 (SMS)

My trip to Mumbai in India was quite an eye opener. I rushed to catch my flight from Abuja to India, via Ethiopia.

In Ethiopia, the connecting flight to Mumbai was too close to take off, so I missed it. It was ridiculous. After being in the air for about 5 hours, now I had to spend a night in acountry I could barely

Some entertainers on campaign train of a politician

Nigerians React On Entertainers’ Campaign For Politicians At a rally last week in Lagos to kick-start his re-election campaign, President Goodluck Jonathan, surrounded by Nigerian celebrities said his generation had failed the nation.

ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM, in this piece, captures reactions in the social media Nigerians from this turbulence and mountainous problem we suffer now as a nation. We pray God Almighty to show us Nigerians and Nigeria mercy from this evil trailing the land, Amen. It's well and God bless us all, Amen' Adedapo Tunde-Olowu simply wrote "Money at work.

It is their time to chop!"

In the words of Francis Az Peter: "GEJ is the biggest pay master in town. What do you

expect? The easiest way to make money in Nigeria right now is to float a group and start campaigning for GEJ. If GEJ loses the coming election and there is another election in 2019, the same people (entertainers) would campaign for GMB. That is Nigeria for you. People have no conscience or ideological belief! May God save Nigeria!"

But Bobby Edwin has a different opinion: ‘Hmmmm

my people, if una no need GEJ why una no try other person not Buhari. Never! Wetin aboki get? People wey dey kill and them no get nothing, why una go vote for this aboki people again. He get juju wey them dey use for una abi na aboki get NIGERIA? For how long north go dey rule Nigeria and I dey surprise say una don sell the country give aboki them.

Rex Ubes Ik, there is no change with Buhari, take it or leave it. Let them eat their money (entertainers). No be Nigerian film be this.'

Mondeo Awass replied: “As you no want aboki make you bring your mama come out make we vote for am."

However, Osayande Uwagboe asked: "Can someone who is

more educated than me help the poster of this comment to think back in the era of Buhari.

Nigerian actors and musicians were some of the poorest in the society. Mr Jaguar was the highest comedian I grew up to know. His entire family was acting but their living condition was miserable. Papa Aluwe was a tenant. To feed and train his children to school was wahala.

I said this thing before but my comment was deleted. Edna Ogholi, Blacky, Ras Kimono, Isaac Black, just to name a few were all tenants even when OBJ was in power.

Nigeria Entertainment industry was not booming like this, there was no better strategy for them but since 4-years ago, even America which is a super power in entertainment industry is bowing down for Nigerian entertainers now. Look at our entertainers like little Davido, Wizkid, KCee, Tonto Dikeh, Ini Edo, Genevieve, Ukwa, Mr Ibu and others, they are all millionaires.

Have you seen PSquare's villa? Some African countries’ seat of power is not anywhere near their villa not to talk of the Don baba, Don Jazzy who just bought a villa in VGC for 1.2 million dollars. If you are in their shoes who will you support? The man who will lead you to light or the one who is going to lead you to darkness?'

Even with the points raised

by Osayande, Ilenaye Odion Francis replied "and how many votes do Segun Arinze and Mama Onyeka have? Is it not one one vote? My friend, go sit down!"

Concluding the massive debate on entertainers and their support for politicians, Mark Brain urged Nigerians to unite and stop being used as a weapon of destruction.

"Let's stop castigating our leaders, let's just allow the masses chose and stop corrupting the people’s mind.

None of these will help us because the masses will decide in the end”.

Who Cares About Ethiopia?

spell! As I checked into a very elaborate Ethiopian Hilton, I kept pondering on my very tedious trip but was thankful that I made it safely. My flight had gone without me, but I was thankful. I lay in bed and gave myself a much deserved sleep.

I woke up to eat at the exotic restaurant, with every choice in the buffet. Afterwards, I spent over two hours in the wet sauna and slept in the massage room for about an hour. Total bliss! That's how I felt. As I was getting ready to leave for the airport the next day, I noticed

that I felt rested, more put together, and rejuvenated, and I had gotten a chance to see Ethiopia. Not just the airport, but I actually went into the city.

I made my flight to India, and the next day, I was in Mumbai.

"Who cares about Ethiopia?" was the first thing that came to my mind when I realized that I would be stuck there for one day. Little did I know I had cause to thank God for the interruption. Every stumbling block is an opportunity to take a bow- either on your knees or in your spirit. You can decide to

retreat and pray, or ly and rest.

A bow! Sometimes, we just need to take a nap. Sometimes we just need to stop the rushing, the pushing, the tugging.

Sometimes we truly need to miss an opportunity. Missing my flight caused me to sleep. It made me rest. It forced me to actually use a sauna, which I have free access to in Abuja but never used. I was finally in a position, where I had a pause. Who do I know in Ethiopia? Nobody! So what will I be doing there but resting. The detours in our lives are orchestrated by God. Most

of them are, while few of them are planned indirectly by our carelessness or miscalculations.

Either way, a detour is not always such a bad thing. It gives you a different experience, and accelerates you to the next level.

Embrace your detours. Take the route with a smile on your face.

When you get to a T Junction, don't freak out, remember that Ethiopia is not so bad after all.

Take that turn. Sure or not! At the end of the day, you will still get to where you need to be, but this time, more experienced, and fully prepared! Soar High.

48

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

SCHOOLS, EDUCATION, & FAITH PLATFORM

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF

SPECIALISED CLASSIFIEDS PAGES ROYAL ARmY cHURcH OF GOd The General Public is hereby notified that the above named CHURCH has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for Registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act,1of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Emmanual Bor 2. Pastor Mrs. Ruth Emma Bor 3. Deacon Lawrence Ogu 4. Deacon Rachel Austine 5. Mr. Perry Ikoro

ALmIGHTY jEHOvAH mIRAcLE mINISTRY

GOdPOWER UmEjURU AKE FOUNdATION

This is to notify the general public that the above named MINISTRY 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. Pastor Chibuike Marksman Ekezie - President 2. Evangelist Miriam Oguchukwu Ekezie

THE AImS ANd OBjEcTIvES ARE: 1. To propagate the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. To preach the words of God as in the Holy Bible.

3. To evangelize and win souls for God’s kingdom.

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: PERRY IKORO, ESQ 13 jOHANNESBURG STREET, WUSE ZONE 2, ABUjA SEcRETARY

AImS ANd OBjEcTIvES: 1. To evangelise for soul winning into the kingdom of God. 2. To educate the people about the knowledge and love of God. 3. To care for the needy and to uplift lives.

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 U. P. NjImOGU ESQ 08036925757

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Chief Godpower Umejuru Ake 2. Mr. Omesuru Ake 3. Mr. Ukadike Ake 4. Mr. Eberechukwu Ake 5. Mr. Ozuruoke Ake AImS ANd OBjEcTIvES 1. To promote and encourage sports and related activities within Ogba/ Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Rivers State and Nigeria.

2. To promote education and educational related activities within Ogba/ Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Rivers State and Nigeria.

3. To promote and engage in poverty alleviation activities within Ogba/ Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Rivers State and Nigeria.

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: mRS. FREdA mALEdO 08023615834

INFANT jESUS EUcHARISTIc AdORATION FAmILY

LEAGUE OF EBIRA PROFESSIONALS

YILAKUKALA WOmEN ASSOcIATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration 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 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 ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Rev. Fr. Kennedy Ekwedigwe 2. Bro. Anthony Obiajulu 3. Mrs. Ijeh Felicia Nwanneamaka 4. Mr. Chinedu Nnoli 5. Mr. Jonathan Ozor 6. Mr. Obi Valentine Maduka THE AIm ANd OBjEcTIvES ARE: 1. To spread the good news of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth.

2. To reach out to the poor and needy in the society.

3. To heal wounded souls and break the yoke of sins and bondages.

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: cHAIRmAN

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Musa Ibrahim - Chairman 2. Dr. Sani Abdullahi Ozomata - Secretary 3. Barr. Abdulrahim Opotu Shaibu 4. Engr. Abdulsalam Muhammad 5. Dr. Abdullahi Anate 6. Arch. Alhassan Abdulmumuni 7. Engr. Mohammed Ahmed 8. Abbas Suleiman 9. Hussein Yakubu 10. Barr. Suleiman Abdullahi THE AIm ANd OBjEcTIvES ARE: 1. To provide social stability, personal and capital development and economic empowerment to the youths in our society.

2. to encourage skill acquisition and promote literacy amongst the youths in our society.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Christiana Josiah (Jp) 2. Hauwa Usman 3. Asibi Enoch 4. Safiya Sabo 5. Christiana Dogara 6. Rhodah Bisala 7. Saratu Zaphaniah 8. Saratu Mark 9. Jummai Micah 10. Sabo Angulu

- Chairman - Secretary

THE AIm ANd OBjEcTIvES ARE: 1. To foster unity among members.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

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: SEcRETARY

Signed: SEcRETARY

INITIATIvE FOR THE NORTH cENTRAL dEvELOPmENT

YOUTHS FOR HUmAN RIGHT PROTEcTION ANd TRANSPARENcY INITIATIvE

IdUNG UmANA YOUTH ORGANISATION, EKPENE OBO

The general public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE 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 INITIATIVE 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 ORGANISATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. Kenneth Uwadi 2. Engr. Peter Emeka 3. Mr. Ikenna Ossai 4. Mr. Prince Uwadi

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Samuel David Asindi 2. Francis Friday Ekong 3. Ini Sunday Daniel 4. Margaret Friday Assam

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Prince Mark Elayo (Turakin Keana) 2. David Akoji 3. Alhaji Mohammed Keana 4. Paul Odenyi

- Chairman - Member - Member - Secretary

THE AImS ANd OBjEcTIvES ARE 1. To see to the development of the country especially the North Central Zone.

- Chairman - Secretary

THE AImS ANd OBjEcTIvES ARE 1. To fight for immediate and unconditional reinstatement of all victimized workers, trade unionist and student traders.

2. Abolition of discrimination against women, equal civil, property and social rights of women.

3. Equal pay for work of equal value, tax relief for women as well as men.

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

SIGNED: BARR. HELEN OKHIRIA 08060415732

dE – XQUISITE GENTLEmE ASSOcIATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ONUOHA VITUS – SECETARY 2. NNAJI STANLEY – CHAIRMAN 3. AMAH KALU 4. EZE PATRICK 5. ALAGBA FRIDAY 6. EZINKWO NNAMDI AIm ANd OBjEcTIvE: 1. TO CULTIVATE THE SPIRIT OF MORAL ASSISTANCE IN ASSOCIATION. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE R – GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: TRUSTEES

For booking or inquiry call

> HENRY UBIMAGO 08068640944

> AUGUstINE 08032325988

- Chairman - Secretary - Member - Member

THE AImS ANd OBjEcTIvES ARE 1. To promote unityand social justice for members and indigenes.

2. For the advancement of environment and educational pursuits of the community and members.

3. For the promotion of socio-cultural values of members.

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: BEN NdEddE, ESQ (SOLIcITOR); 09090690909

dUKKU YOUTHS cONSULTATIvE FORUm

HEIRS OF GOd EXcELLENcE mISSION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named FORUM 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 has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Chairman Dr Umar Gurama 2. Secretary Abubakar M Saidu 3. Financial Secretary Adamu Danazumi Hashidu 4. Treasurer Muhd Umar Ganawaji Malala 5. Pro Usman Gorki Dugge 6. Vice Chairman Abubakar Yahaya THE AImS ANd OBjEcTIvES ARE 1.To foster unity among the youth of dukku LGA 2. To participate in the cultural and socio economic development 3. To organize workshops, seminars,symposia 4. To identify individuals potentials and to encourage them to actualized those potentials.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Rev. Onyenekwe Wilson 2. Mrs. Onyenekwe Juliana 3. Chimauchem Isreal 4. Mrs. Idedevbo Sarah 5. Wilson Benjamin

- Chairman - Secretary

THE AIm ANd OBjEcTIvES ARE: 1. To minister healing, deliverance and restore freedom to the captives.

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, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: UmAR IBRAHIm ESQ 08032575961

Signed: KASImU mUSA; 08055114723

> GLORIA OKwUM 08038722368

> ABIGAIL sAMBO 08064382438

> GLORIA RAPHAEL 08061356519

> GLORIA ODIO 08034285851

> GRACE OJO 08035054444

49

Wednesday, January 14, 2015 KAGARA EMIRATE COMMUNITY HEALTH FOUNDATION

CIVIL AWARENESS AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVES

OSISOMA NEWA BETTER LIFE MUTUAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1 OF 1990.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVES HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR ADDITION OF TRUSTEES UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1 OF 1990.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Alhaji Abdullahi Usman Katako 2. Alhaji Shahbuddeen Isa 3. Dr. Chindo Bisallah 4. Alhaji Muhammadu Salihu Tanko 5. Alhaji Mu’azu Abubakar Jibrin 6. Hajiya Hauwa’u Sani Ringa 7. Alhaji Abdulkadir Bala Kagara

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Nwaigwe Oke Chukwu Kirian 2. Nwaokoro Lawrence 3. Christian Nwankwo 4. Ikechukwu Abangwu 5. Anselem Amechi 6. Sunday Onyekachi Chinasa 7. Gogoh Chimere Dike 8. Alulegwu Joshua

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Alh. Aliyu Mohd Habibu 2. Mr. Agenyi Enejo Cornelius 3. Mr. Felix Onwokocha 4. Alh. Bala Iggi Gambo

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To facilitate provision of community health care services.

2. To collaborate with relevant Institutions in facilitating the health care delivery services.

3. To enlighten the members of the community in preventive medicine on outbreak of diseases in the community.

THE NEW TRUSTEE IS: 1. Ibrahim Ahamdu Gambo

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS ADDITION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

Signed: SECRETARY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE THE SAME

Signed: SECRETARY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To improve access to healthcare of the members of the association.

2. To promote good and healthy living among the members.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. Signed: CHRISTIAN NWANKWO

DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS INTL CENTER FOR WOMEN & YOUTH ADVANCEMENT

GOLD INITIATIVE FOR EMPOWERMENT & SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

NIGERIA -TAIWAN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CENTER HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1 OF 1990.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1 OF 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV. UDUAK DANIEL 2. REV. BASSEY DANIEL 3. DR. ALBERT UDOH 4. DR. DENNIS NKANGHA 5. BARR. QUEENCY PATRICK

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DR.OLAORE ADESHOLA 2. MRS OLAORE MOJISOLA AYODELE 3. DR. ONAOLAPO ABDUL RAHAMAN ADEKUNLE 4. MR AFOLABI YAKUB OLAYIWOLE 5. MR NOJEEM BADMUS 6. BADMUS OMOLARA HALIMAT 7. DR. JOSEPH NWOBIKE (SAN) 8. HAJIA NAFISAT SAMAILA

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DR. JULIUS JIBRIL BALA 2. MALLAM MUKTAR ABUBAKAR TAFAWA-BALEWA 3. PROFESSOR IBRAHIM AGBOLA GAMBARI 4. CAPTAIN MOSES GOWON 5. FRANKLIN IKE CHUDE The Aim and Objectives: 1. To serve as a center for the gathering and dissemination of information and material for the promotion of business between Nigeria and Taiwan

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE YOUTH & WOMEN ECONOMIC MENTEMPOWER. 2. TO PROMOTE HEALTH ISSUES SENSITISATION.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. COMMUNITY BASED WORK 2. POVERTY INTERVENTION & ELIVATION

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

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: SECRETARY

Signed: MARK MAILUMO 08035909111

SIGNED. SECRETARY

FIREBRAND PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF GOD INTERNATIONAL

The Rope of Hope Foundation

PILLARS BELIEVERS EVANGELICAL CHURCH

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 Foundation 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 CHURCH HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES 1. Justus Ogbuagu 2. Sandra Ogbuagu 3. Obinna Okafor

TRUSTEES 1. PST OMOTAYO KAYODE BENJAMIN 2. ASS. PST OGUNBUNMI OLUTAYO 3. MRS OMOTAYO OLUWATOYIN DEBORAH 4. MR AKINTUNDE MOSES OLUSOLA 5. MR OMOTAYO OLUWASOGO EMMANUEL AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO PREACH THE WORD OF GOD WORLDWIDE. 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

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To support the less privileged in our society.

2. To raise followers that will hold the rope in the nation in the area of economy, politics,media and entertainment.

3. To support the development of human capital.

4. To educate and train young people on the values of integrity, service, accountability and responsibility.

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.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR CHCRISTAIN NWOGWUGWU 2. CHIKA NWOGWUGU 3. ELDER CHINEDU ELENDU 4. DECON IKECHUKWU OGAH 5. ELDER RICHARD ANYANWU AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR – GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: TRUSTEES

SIGNED SECRETARY

Touch-Life Africa Initiative

WINGS OF LIFE CHURCH

PARENTHOOD DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

The general public is hereby notified that the above mentioned Initiative has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration in accordance with Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act LFN (cap 20)

The general public is hereby notified that the above mentioned CHURCH has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration in accordance with Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act LFN (cap 20)

The general public is hereby notified that the above mentioned INITIATINE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration in accordance with Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act LFN (cap 20)

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1. PASTOR AGASHUA JOSEPH TIVZUA 2. EMMANUEL EPHRAIM NTEYEN 3. ENGR. (MRS) AGASHUA LUCIA OMOLAYO

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1. KOLAWOLE PAUL OLADAPO - PRESIDENT 2. ADISA ARANIDE OMOLOLA - SECRETARY 3. ADENIYI ISAAC OLA - TREASURER 4. OLUSINA AYODELE MATTHEW - MEMBER 5. REVD. DAVID ADEAGBO - MEMBER

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1) MRS. ANNIE MBOSOWO OROK 2) ENGR. ANIEFIOK ETIM OROK 3) DR. MRS. AFFIONG CLEMENT ISOK 4) DR. MRS. MFON ETOP EKWERE 5) MR. ANIEKAN MBOSOWO OROK 6) MR. JOSEPH UDEME EKONG AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. To promote sustainable development Any objection 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: Eno-Obong Akpan, ESQ, 164 Nwaniba Road, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

OGOCHUKWU

I, formerly known as Miss Ogochukwu Blessing Ogburie now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OGOCHUKWU BLESSING EBELE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

- PRESIDENT - Secretary - Treasurer

AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. To help humanity to realize that there is salvation, deliverance and hope in Christ Jesus 2. To carry out evangelism through the church, preach and propagate the gospel of Christ 3. To seek and save the lost through evangelism, outreach programs, planting of churches, engage in educative programs and projects 3. To provide financial assistance, educational scholarships to the less privileged and poor in the society and to do Bible teaching.

Any objection 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: TRUSTEES

Asmau

I, formerly known as Asmau Adamu now wish to be known and addressed as Asmau I. Tuggar. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

EMIKAY

I, formerly known as MISS EMIKAY UZEZI OGBEIDE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EMIKAY ALHASSAN-MOHAMMED. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

VALENTINA

I, formerly known as MISS IJEOMA VALENTINA AHAMEFULE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS VALENTINA IJEOMA INYANG. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To empower parents to help in reduction of poverty in society 2. To build support for family and community development .

3. To educate citizens on the importance of involvement in governance.

4. To nurture positive attitude and behavior among the youth and general population in prevention of infectious disease.

Any objection 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 : TRUSTEES

EJIMOGU

I, formerly known as OPARA MICHAEL CYNTHIA now wish to be known and addressed as EJIMOGU MICHAEL CYNTHIA. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

HYCIENTH

I, formerly known as Asogwa kenneth Ikechukwu now wish to be known and addressed as HYCIENTH KENNETH IKECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

50

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

TITAN BROTHERS CLUB OF ENUGU

TOTAL ASSURANCE FOUNATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE 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 IN THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1 . ANYAORAH SUNDAY KINGSLEY - CHAIRMAN 2. UGWUANYI ISREAL - VICE CHAIRMAN 3. ONWE STEPHEN - PROVOST 4 . IWU CHUKWUMA - SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHIEF. ROWLAND OJU FREDRICKS - CHAIRMAN 2. MISS. ROWLANDA ROWLAND FREDRICKS SECRETARY 3. MRS. AMA ROWLAND FREDRICKS 4. FREDRICK ROWLAND FREDRICKS 5. MRS CHIOMA ONYEJIEKWE

AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. TO HELP MEMBERS ACHIEVE THEIR OBJECTIVES.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO HELP MEMBERS ACHIEVE THEIR AIMS. 2. FOR THE INTERESTS OF HER MEMBERS.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR – GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR – GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

LOSSOF loss OF ofDOCUMENTS document DOCUMENT LOSS

This is to inform the general public of original C of O in respect of plot STP 10, off Suleiman Barau Road, Suleja Niger State with file number NGS 2406-CERT/365, bearing Alh. Muhammadu Babagidi of P. O. Box 399, Bida, Niger State.

All effort made to trace the missing document proved abortive. If found please return to the nearest police station. General public to please note.

HANNAH

I firmally knon as HANNAH NKECHINYERE UKONNE now wishh to be known as HANNAH NKECHINYERE AMOS BAWA. All fomal documents remain valid.

General public take note.

PHILOMENA

I firmally knon as MISS PHILOMENA ARIBHOR now wishh to be known as MRS PHILOMENA OMOLE. All fomal documents remain valid. NYSC and the general public take note.

ODOH

I formerly known as MISS OKEGBE PAULA CHINEDU now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ODOH PAULA CHINEDU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

NGOZI

I formerly known as MISS NGOZI IJOMAH now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NGOZI DAVID-CHINWUBA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

okwudiboye

I formerly known as Miss Olukoya funmilayo fatima now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs okwudiboye lfeoma vivian. All former documents remain valid. General public note.

OLUFUNMILOLA

I firmally knon as AINA PRECIOUS OGUNSUYI (MISS) now wishh to be known as OLUFUNMILOLA PRECIOUS ADEREMI (MRS). All fomal documents remain valid. General public take note.

MARTHA

I firmally knon as MISS MARTHA OJONOMA AMEH now wishh to be known as MRS MARTHA OJONOMA EKPAH. All fomal documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic, Idah and the general public take note.

LOSSOF loss of OFDOCUMENTS DOCUMENT document LOSS

This is to inform the general public of a loss of title document Re-certification and re-issuance of C-of-O acknowledgment dated 4-12-2005 with file No. 156 and plot No. 1386 Jahi District, Cadastral Zone B08, Abuja, FCT which belong to Mr. Felix Gbenga Fasemire and was sold to Mrs. Helen Okoeguale of flat 3B NO. 3, Zinguinchor Street, Zone 4 FCT, Abuja. And Power of Atorney between Mrs. Helen Okoeguale and Mr. Felix Gbenga Fasemire was done on 3rd February, 2009. All effort made to trace the missing document proved abortive. If found please return to the nearest police station.

General public to please note.

BARAU

I formerly known as BARAU MOHAMMED DAWAI now wish to be known and addressed as BARAU MOHAMMED KAMARAWA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

DURU

I firmally knon as MISS DIM CHINWENDU CYNTHIA now wishh to be known as MRS DURU CHINWENDU CYNTHIA. All fomal documents remain valid.

General public take note.

NGOZI

I formerly known as MISS SAMIAT OMOBOLANLE BALOGUN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SAMIAT OMOBOLANLE OLAWUYI. All former documents remain valid. University of Abuja and the general public take note.

Collins

I, formerly known as Okoro Chimdinma now wish to be known and addressed as Collins Stanley Chimdinma. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

OGWU

I firmally knon as MISS OJO KEMI FELICIA now wishh to be known as MRS OGWU KEMI FELICIA. All fomal documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ALHERI

I firmally knon as ALHERI MAGAJI now wishh to be known and addressed as ALHERI HUSSAINI. All fomal documents remain valid.

General public take note.

2X2 SPACE FOR SALE

This is to notify the general public that FARRAH SAID is now married to ADEBOLA BABATUNDE ALBERT. General public should please take note.

ORJI-EZE

ONAH

NJIDEKA

IBRAHIM

I firmally knon as MISS EZENNAYA NDIDIAMAKA ESTHER now wishh to be known as MRS UJARI NDIDIAMAKA ESTHER. All fomal documents remain valid. General public take note.

I firmally knon as ADIGIO JESSICA CHIOMA now wishh to be known as NNANTA JACINTA CHIOMA. All fomal documents remain valid. General public take note.

AKOMA

CHANGE OF NAME

I firmally knon as MISS NJIDEKA YOLANDA NWABUEZE now wishh to be known and addressed as MRS NJIDEKA YOLANDA NWABUEZE OLUOHA. All fomal documents remain valid. General public take note.

I firmally knon as MISS ISAH HALIIMAT now wishh to be known as MRS IBRAHIM HALIMAT. All fomal documents remain valid.

General public take note.

UME

I firmally knon as MISS DESTRI NAULI ROHANA LUMBAN TOBANG now wishh to be known as MRS UME DESTRI NAULI. All fomal documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CYNTHIA

I formerly known as CYNTHIA ERHI AYA now wish to be known and addressed as CYNTHIA ERHI OGHIFOBIBI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

3X2 SPACE FOR SALE

LOSS loss OF of DOCUMENT document NOTIFIC ATION OF MARRIAGE

I firmally knon as OGBONNAYA IFEOMA RITA (MISS) now wishh to be known as MRS ORJI-EZE OGBONNIA IFEOMA. All fomal documents remain valid. General public take note.

odoemenem

I firmally knon as Akuta perpetua chizoma now wishh to be known as odoemenem perpetua chizoma. All fomal documents remain valid. General public take note.

LOSSOF loss OF ofDOCUMENTS DOCUMENT document LOSS

This is to inform the general public of loss of certificate of occupancy in respect of plot 738, Cadastral Zone B03 with file No. MISC 50973 Wuye District Abuja belonging to Mansfield Engineering Limited of 1250B, Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Asokoro, Abuja. All effort made to trace the missing document proved abortive. If found please return to the nearest police station. General public to please note.

Signed: Barr. Ogechi Okorie

UJARI

I formerly known as DEMEYIN DAVID MODE now wish to be known and addressed as AKOMA DAVID MODE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Hajara

I, formerly known as Miss Hajara Yusuf now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Hajara Ometere Yusuf. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

Ojo

I, formerly known as Miss Oladapo Ruth Tosin now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ojo Ruth Tosin. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I firmally knon as MISS KPASA PRECIOUS AUZHIOLUKA now wishh to be known as MRS ONAH PRECIOUS AUZHIOLUKA. All fomal documents remain valid.

General public take note.

NNANTA

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ORITSEJUBEMI ORIGHOMISAN OMABUWA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS ORITSEJUBEMI ORIGHOMISAN ANNIE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

Rosita

I, formerly known as Rosita Ujunwa Akasike now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Rosita Ujunwa Akasike Enuh. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Chiasia

I, formerly known as Elumeze Rosemary Uzor now wish to be known and addressed as Chiasia Rosemary .F. Uzor.

All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

3X2 SPACE FOR SALE

51

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

world

news ➊

➍

➌ ➏ ➎

➐

➋

➊China Sending Large Ebola Team To West Africa China is ramping up its assistance in the fight against Ebola by dispatching an additional 232 army medical workers to West Africa, state media reported.

The latest contingent to be sent to afflicted nations will depart on Tuesday evening, with 154 of them headed to Liberia and 78 to Sierra Leone, according to the China Daily newspaper.

➎ Crucial AirAsia Cockpit Black Box Recovered

Indonesian divers have retrieved the black box cockpit voice recorder from the wreckage of the AirAsia plane that crashed in the Java Sea two weeks ago, local media has quoted a transport ministry official as

saying.

The black box was found on yesterday near the location of where another flight data recorder was retrieved a day earlier, the Indonesian news channel MetroTV reported.

Egypt’s high court overturned the only remaining conviction against Hosni Mubarak and ordered a retrial in his embezzlement case, opening the way for a possible release from jail for the ousted former

president.

Mubarak, 86, was sentenced to three years in prison in May for diverting public funds earmarked to renovate presidential palaces and using the money to upgrade family properties.

A bad batch of unlicensed bootleg liquor has killed at least 28 people out of more than 100 who had been admitted to a trauma centre in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

The victims were taken to the

King George’s Medical University Trauma Center on Monday after being poisoned by the illegally brewed liquor.

Doctors said some patients were relying on artificial ventilation and some had lost their eyesight.

➋ Sudan Recaptures Darfur Areas From Rebels

Sudan’s army has recaptured areas in the western region of Darfur and South Kordofan regions from rebels, a military spokesman has said, adding that a number of soldiers were killed and wounded in the fighting.

Darfur has been embroiled in conflict since mainly non-Arab tribes took up arms in 2003 against the Arab-led government in Khartoum, accusing it of discrimination.

➏ Egypt Court

Orders Retrial Of Former President’s Case

An old man trying to climb the rubble of the national road between Sidi Ifni and Guelmim that was washed away during a severe flood in Morrocco

➌ Berlin Meeting Fails To Agree On Ukraine The foreign ministers of Germany, Russia, Ukraine and France have failed to make enough progress in closed-door meetings on Ukraine’s conflict with pro-Russian separatists to move ahead with a higher-level summit.

German Foreign Minister FrankWalter Steinmeier said on Monday that their four-hour meeting in Berlin was a “very open exchange”,

➍ Uganda Wants To Try LRA Rebel Commander

Uganda’s government said it wants to try a Lord’s Resistance Army rebel commander who recently surrendered to US forces for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Dominic Ongwen is in US custody in the Central African Republic after surrendering there on January 6. He is wanted by the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands.

➐ Illegally Brewed

Liquor Kills Dozens In India

52 Business/WORLD NEWS

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Victims Of French Attacks Laid To Rest died in the assault on Charlie Hebdo staff on Wednesday and in a bloody hostage situation at a Jewish supermarket two days later.

Franck Brinsolaro, 49 and Ahmed Merabet, 40, were killed during the attack on Charlie Hebdo.

The third police officer, Clarissa Jean-Philippe, 26, originally from A woman laying flowers on the grave of one of the victims of the earthquake the French Caribbean island of Martinique, was shot the next day when she arrived on the scene of Female poll bearers carry the body of slain police-woman as president a car accident in in the southern Hollande watches on in France, yesterday.

Haiti has marked the fifth in Place St Christophe in the still suburb of Montrouge.

Four Jewish victims of the anniversary of the massive damaged capital, he paid tribute French President Francois France in Paris on Tuesday as the kosher supermarket siege were earthquake that devastated an to the sacrifice of Haitian and Hollande has pledged that his Marseillaise anthem rang out. already impoverished nation, foreign rescuers who flocked to buried in Israel on Tuesday. country will “never yield” to “Our great and beautiful France Thousands of mourners as officials struggle to resolve a Port-au-Prince in 2010. “terror” while honouring three will never break, will never yield, gathered at a cemetery in political standoff that has stalled “Five years later, are we ready to police officers killed during the never bend” in the face of the Jerusalem for the funeral of Yoav elections for three years. face other catastrophes that could attack on the Charlie Hebdo threat that is “still there, inside Hattab, 22, Philippe Braham, 45, Five years after the strike Haiti?” he asked. satirical newspaper. and outside” the country, Hollande Yohan Cohen, 23, and Francois- unprecedented category seven Haiti’s most immediate He pinned France’s highest said. quake killed at least 300,000 challenge is not another Michel Saada, 64, who were killed Seventeen people, including on Friday. decoration, the Legion of Honour, disaster, however, people and left more that a million natural on coffins draped in flag of journalists and police officers, Al Jazeera homeless, the nation paused but institutional breakdown for a “Day of Reflection and combined with persistent poverty.

Commemoration” on Tuesday.

As of Monday, parliament’s President Michel Martelly led mandate ended with no date set the official tributes, calling for for a new election, raising the unity to better prepare Haiti for prospect that Martelly might its next challenge. be left ruling by decree like the Laying flowers at a monument country’s former dictators. tions of a 3.9% rise. “[Falling imports also] reflect declines in other key commodity prices such as iron ore and coal on Chinese import figures in recent months,” said IHS Asia-Pacific chief economist Rajiv Biswas.

There has been speculation that the Chinese governChancellor Angela Merkel is set to record 25,000 marchers to its 12th ment would soon introduce fresh stimulus measures to join a Muslim community rally to weekly rally in Dresden, located boost economic growth, but analysts said the betterpromote tolerance, condemn the in the former communist East than-expected data would give the government some attacks in Paris and send a rebuke Germany, the AFP news agency reprieve. to Germany’s growing anti-Islam reported. Flag-waving members “Net exports are providing a positive contribution to movement. held a minute’s silence for the Chinese [economic] growth at a time when domestic dePresident Joachim Gauck victims of the Charlie Hebdo China’s December trade figures have beaten expectations mand has been moderating, particularly due to the slowwill address the vigil starting attacks in Paris last week. with exports up 9.7% and imports down 2.3% from a year down in the residential construction sector,” Mr Biswas at 17:00 GMT at Berlin’s iconic Their latest protest was met said. earlier.

Brandenburg Gate on Tuesday, by about 100,000 counterChina’s economic growth slowed to 7.3% in the third The final numbers for the year mean exports rose 6.1% organised by the Central Council demonstrators nationwide, who in 2014 compared with 2013, while imports rose 0.4%, quarter, marking its weakest quarter since the global of Muslims in Germany under the accused PEGIDA of exploiting financial crisis as a cooling property market and tighter state news agency Xinhua said. banner “Let’s be there for each the French attacks, and who The December figures leave the country with a surplus credit conditions weighed on growth. voiced support for a multicultural other. Terror: not in our name!”

Mr Biswas said he expected Chinese merchandise exof 304.5bn yuan ($49.1bn; £32.34bn) for the month.

Merkel, to be joined by most German society.

Analysts expected imports to fall more than 7% and ports would grow at 7.7% this year, “helped by stronger Merkel on Monday thanked of her cabinet at the event, has growth in the US economy and some improvement in EU exports to rise by 6.8%. spoken out against the right- leaders of Germany’s four-millionThey said a continued fall in imports reflected the im- growth, as falling oil prices provide a positive stimulus to wing populist “Patriotic Europeans strong Muslim community for the US and EU economies”. pact of the continuing plunge in world oil prices.

Against the Islamisation of quickly and clearly condemning —BBC In November, China’s imports fell 6.7% against predicthe Occident”, or PEGIDA, and the violence committed in the stressed on Monday that “Islam name of their faith in last week’s bloody attacks in Paris. belongs to Germany”.

—Al Jazeera PEGIDA on Monday drew a

Haiti Marks Fifth Earthquake Anniversary

China’s Exports Beat Expectations With 9.7% Rise

Merkel To Join German Muslim Tolerance Rally

Civilians Killed In Ukraine Shelling Ukrainian officials say 10 civilians have been killed and a further 13 wounded in rebel shelling of a military checkpoint in the country’s east.

The Donetsk regional administration answering to the central government in Kiev said in a statement that the rebels shelled the checkpoint on Tuesday near the town of Volnovakha in the Donetsk region while a passenger bus was passing through it.

The claim about the source of the fatal shelling could not be independently verified.

The head of the regional police department told AFP by telephone that 10 civilians were killed and 13 injured.

Donetsk regional interior ministry department chief Vyacheslav Abroskin said the rocket appeared to have gone astray after being fired at a road block set up near the town of Volnovakha.

“It was a direct hit on an intercity bus,” Abroskin said.

“An investigation is in progress.

The road between Donetsk and Mariupol has been closed,” he said in reference to a strategic port city controlled by Ukrainian forces.

There was no immediate comment about the incident from any of the main separatist leaders.

The rebels and Kiev frequently blame each other for stray rocket and artillery fire that kills and wounds civilians in the eastern in-

dustrial war zone on an almost daily basis.

Kiev earlier reported the death of three civilians and a soldier in the past day of fighting.

Fighting between the Ukrainian government troops and pro-Russian rebels has killed more than 4,700 people since April.

Hostilities have intensified in recent days, jeopardising hopes for a peace deal.

The news of the shelling came amid reports that the US plans to provide up to $2bn in loan guarantees to Ukraine this year, according to the Treasury, as part of a broader international package to stave off bankruptcy in the country.

—Al Jazeera

Pope Calls For Sri Lanka Reconciliation Pope Francis has arrived in Sri Lanka at the start of a weeklong Asian tour, saying the island nation cannot fully heal from a quartercentury of ethnic civil war without pursuing truth for the injustices committed.

The pope delivered a speech on the tarmac of Colombo’s international airport on Tuesday, in the first papal visit in two decades.

“The process of healing also needs to include the pursuit of truth,” said the pope, whose visit will focus on reconciliation in a country still recovering from a 37-year ethnic conflict that pitted Tamil separatists against government troops.

“All members of society must work together; all must have a voice. All must be free to express their concerns, their needs, their aspirations and their fears”.

The pope arrived to a colourful welcome ceremony, complete with traditional drummers and dancers from both the Sinhalese and Tamil groups, and a children’s choir singing a song of welcome in both languages of Sri Lanka - as well as English and Italian.

Al Jazeera’s Minelle Fernandez, reporting from Colombo, said a lot of excitement has been seen, not just among the Catholic faithful but from the population as a whole.

—Al Jazeera

53

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

NFF Appointment: I am Yet To See My Appointment Letter– Amodu

by SALIFU USMAN, Abuja

Former Super Eagles head coach Shuaibu Amodu, more than a year after his appointment as the technical director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and its subsequent confirmation two months ago by Amaju Pinnick-led NFF board, has said that he is yet to resume work.

Amodu, who was at the Glass House yesterday but declined speaking to newsmen said since he has not received his appointment letter as the technical director, he has nothing to say to the media because he has not started work, saying newsmen are expected to report his work and not his person.

“You are expected to report my work and not my person. I have

not resumed because I am yet to see my letter and I will not start work until I get the letter,” he said.

The former BBC Lions of Gboko and Bendel Insurance handler was recently confirmed as the NFF technical director by the new NFF board, a year after his appointment by the Aminu Maigari-led executive committee of the NFF.

Salami Heads To Serbia For New Club

by ISHAKU KIGBU, Abuja

Warri Wolves striker and Super Eagles striker, Gbolahan Salami has left the team’s camp in Dubai to go and complete details of his contract with a Serbian side. To this end, Salami will not be available for this weekend’s encounter. Nineteen players and their officials are the ones in Dubai preparing for the Yemeni friendly with Daniel Amokachi in charge. The coach gave the play-

ers yesterday as off day with stern declaration that rigorous training for the game against Yemen will resume today. The players in the United Arab Emirates for the double header friendly against Cote d’Ivoire and Yemen believe the NFF was proactive in prosecuting the friendlies stating that the mere fact that the team did not make it to the Equatorial Guinea 2015 Nations Cup was enough to demoralize the NFF, but the Executive

Committee and the Secretariat of the body, still thought it wise to arrange a January outing for the team, almost the same time the Nations Cup will be starting. According to team captain Chigozie Agbim and his deputy Azubuike Egwuekwe who spoke on behalf of the players, they said they are delighted with the trip and the first class facilities that the team have been exposed to in the course of the friendly games. “We must say a big thank you to the NFF for this

visionary move and all we can say is forgive the team for not qualifying and we vow that it will never happen again in our time”, Agbim declared. Egwuekwe added: We know we are better than most of the teams that are going to the Nations Cup but we made mistakes along the line and we must thank Nigerians for forgiving us and also thank the NFF for being forward looking despite the mishap, we will reward them next time.”

Salami

Eagles To Face Yemen Not Sudan In Friendly

by ISHAKU KIGBU, Abuja

The Super Eagles Team B will no longer play an African team as planned in its second international friendly with Sudan scheduled to play Eagles have withdrew from the encounter.

And following the last minute withdrawal of the Sudanese national team from the international friendly against the Nigerian side, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has replaced the Sudanese with the national team of Yemen. This is to ensure that the team plays a game on Saturday, January 17 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates to take advantage of the

friendly opening. Sudan, which gave no reasons for its sudden withdrawal was scheduled to play Nigeria January 17 and Finland, January 22, both games were scheduled for Dubai. Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, said in order not to distort the schedule of the national team for the New Year, Yemen was approached and accepted to play the Eagles and later Finland on the scheduled dates.

The Nigeria versus Yemen game will be played at the Sevens Stadi-

Eagles

Blatter Mourns Buzanszky In a letter to the President of the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ) Sandor Csanyi, FIFA President Blatter has noted his sadness at the passing of Jeno Buzanszky, the last of the famed ‘Magical Magyars’ Hungary team of the 1950s.

Buzanszky passed away on Sunday 11 January at the age of 89 following a long illness. After making his debut for his country in 1950, the unassuming defender went on to make 49 appearances during a period of dominance for the Hungarians. He played in both the 1953 ‘Match of the Century’ against England and all five games at the 1954 FIFA World Cup™, including the famous Final defeat to West Germany.

Nigerian Basketball League Begins March 6 by ishaku kigbu, Abuja

Buzanszky

um in the bubbling city of Dubai with the Secretary General of the Yemen Football Federation, Dr Hamid Alshaibani sending a letter to the organizers a copy which was made available to the NFF accepting to test the might of his side against the reigning African Champions who will not be in Equatorial Guinea to defend the title. The Super Eagles who lost narrowly by 0-1 to Cote D’ Ivoire last Sunday and are preparing for the game against the Yemeni side.

The much anticipated Nigerian Professional Basketball League season for Men and Women, the DSTV Premier Basketball League and the Zenith Bank Female Leagues will resume this March, LEADERSHIP has learnt.

Already the leadership of the federation and secretariat of the NBBF are perfecting plans to ensure that basketball fans across the country are treated to the best basketball when action resumes. The NBBF has also revealed that across the country mouthwatering action in the 2014/2015 DSTV Premier

League will start from March es respectively are teams re6, 2015 while the traditional admitted into the elite league 1st Phase of the Zenith Bank fold this season alongside the Female League in Abuja will 13 other teams that will josbegin from the March 15 to tle for the Premier league 25. crown. In the Zenith League, According to the NBBF, the four times league champileague was planned to com- ons, First Deepwater basketmence earlier but for the po- ball club will hope to get their litical climate of the country trophy back from First Bank especially the General elec- basketball club having lost the tions coming up in February. title last season after winning In this season, the defend- the title in four of the last five ing champions Kano Pillars seasons. The season will also will be gunning for their 4th experience the emerging force straight title in the DSTV Pre- of Dolphins of Lagos who look mier League. Newly promot- set to win the title for the first ed Delta Force and FCT Rocks time after an inspiring 2014 representing both the Atlan- African Champions Cup camtic and Savannah conferenc- paign in November.

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/sports

54 sports

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Three Nigerians Clinch 2015 ITF AJC Final Places Nigeria continued her impressive run at the ongoing ITF West and Central African Circuit in Togo yesterday with three of the country’s players securing places in the finals of the tournament which is in two categories.

In the boys 16 & Under, Martins Abamu recorded a 6-4 7-5 win over Frederick Coulibaly of Benin Republic to set up a final match against Antoine Gbadoe of Togo, who on his part defeated Nigeria’s Godsgift Timibra 7-6, 7-5.

Nigeria will also be competing at the final of the girl’s 16 & Under as Adetayo Adetunji crushed Marie Ange of Cote d’Ivoire 6-2, 6-2 to set up a clash with Joanne Celestine of Gabon, who narrowly edged Nigeria’s Angel McCleod with a 5,7, 6-4, 6-4 win in a match that lasted more than two hours.

The boy’s 14 & Under team

shared similar fate like their colleagues in the 16 & Under as Michael Oshewa forced the hosts to taste another pill of defeat from a Nigerian as he defeated Togo’s Danielle Goutjinou 6-3, 6-3 but he won’t have the chance of facing his compatriot Ayoola Michael in the final following the latter’s 6-4, 6-3 lost to Ehaya Isaac of Cote d’Ivoire.

Nigeria Tennis Federation President, Engr. Sani Ndanusa in his reaction to the performance of the Nigerian players at the tournament featuring nine countries, commended the team for living up to their promises to sustain Nigeria’s top ranking in the tournament.

He assured that adequate support will be given to the junior team, stressing that the country’s dominance will translate to the continent’s dominance at senior level in the next few years.

Coaches Are Lazy – Bosso

by SALIFU USMAN, Abuja

Former Flying Eagles gaffer, Ladan Bosso has slammed Nigerian coaches in the domestic league for accusing club chairmen of interfering in their work because of their laziness.

The former Wikki Tourists and Niger Tornadoes handler, who is currently managing Abia Warriors said coaches are afraid of consulting or consulting club chairmen for suggestion or advise.

He insisted that club chairmen, who serve as a link between the clubs and their government have responsibility to protect the club and government interest.

“When I hear coaches complaining of interference I always laugh because they cause it. They fail to submit to their club chairmen prob-

ably because they are afraid of their job.

“There is no way a chairman of the club will not interfere because he is the link between the club and the government. If things are not going well, he is the one that will be held responsible and accountable to the government. Government will not ask the coach. So he has to protect the club and his government.

So, when he talks to you as a coach, you to have listen to him because he is the one in-charge of the team for government,” he said.

He said Abia Warriors chairman, Emeka Inyama has never called to interfere in his work because he is open to him. “Somebody like Inyama has never one day interfered in my work. I always submit to him even when he is away. Every match,

after pre-match meeting, I will send him the team line-up and tell him to just bless it for me. If there is any advice he will say why this or that and I will explain it to him and he will say best of luck.”

Those who added their voices include, NFF Technical Committee Chairman, Felix Anyansi Agwu, General Secretary, Musa Amadu and HOD Technical Department, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme. They commended the manner the Super Eagles approached the game after staying together for only nine days before the match. According to Anyansi, it was a fantastic advertisement for the Nigerian league, noting that with more time together the team will go places and probably be champions of the forthcoming CHAN tournament.

Boateng Still Hungry For Success Jerome Boateng says that his success with Bayern Munich and the German national side has not diminished his hunger to win trophies.

The centre-back has claimed consecutive Bundesliga titles and the European Champions League since joining Bayern from Manchester City in 2011, and last year he helped Germany win the World Cup in Brazil.

However, he says that the victories have only made him crave further success with Bayern and on the international stage.

“The World Cup has given every player even more confidence.

A tournament like that spurs you on,” Boateng told the Bayern Munich website.

“We’ve experienced a lot of positive things and won trophies with FC Bayern and the national team. I’ve also developed in the right way personally. Let’s hope it continues.”

Boateng

Bayern currently hold a commanding 11-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga, with Wolfsburg in second place on 34 points and Bayer Leverkusen third on 28.

Pep Guardiola’s side are still undefeated in the competition after racking up 14 wins and three draws in their games.

Bayern have been similarly dominant in the UEFA Champions League, failing to win on only one occasion in the group stage. They face Shaktar Donetsk in the round of 16 in February.

This year the final takes place in Berlin, Boateng’s home town.

He said playing in the Champions League final in his home city would be a “massive experience”.

“We’re well-placed in every competition. There are plenty of trophies to win and our priority has to be doing just that.”

Abia Warriors FC team

Fenerbahce Deny Emenike’s Transfer Fenerbahce remain adamant that Nigerian striker Emmanuel Emenike is not set for a move to English Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur.

Emenike

With Spurs reportedly looking for a striker to take the goal scoring burden off Harry Kane, there has been talk that Eminike is a target for the north London club.

Emenike’s agent, Erdem Konyar, has been happy to fuel this fire, recently saying: “Tottenham only really have one striker right now so it is not a surprise that they are interested.”

Konyar, however, admits that Fenerbahce have not received any interest yet.

“However, I do not think Fenerbahce have received an official bid yet. If Fenerbahce give us permission we could enter negotiations,” he said.

The club have made it clear they do not plan to let go of their prized asset, who has scored 25 goals in 40 games since arriving from Spartak Moscow in an £11.2m move 18 months ago.

“Emmanuel Emenike is a Fenerbahce player and has a contract with us until 2017, there are currently no transfer talks,” read a club statement.

It has also emerged that the Istanbul-based team have already rejected an offer for Emenike from Spurs.

“The offer for Emenike came and they offered 10 million euros. However, I trust him; therefore, I rejected the offer,” Chairman Aziz Yildirim told the Daily Sabah last week.

sports 55

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

2015 AFCON 2015 AFCON 2015 AFCON 2015 AFCON 2015 AFCON

Gabon players

Gabon Name 23-Man Squad Tunisia players

Tunisia Complete AFCON Squad Tunisia head coach Georges Leekens has had an easy task of selecting his final 23-man squad for the upcoming 2015 AFCON due to injuries.

Leekens was left with just 24 of his initial 27-man squad after Hertha Berlin midfielder Anis Ben Hatira and Lens striker Yoann Touzghar were forced to withdraw due to injury.

With just one player to cut from the preliminary squad, Leekens’ axe fell on veteran Club Africain defender Yassin Mikari.

However, the Eagles of

Carthage could still be forced into a change ahead of the tournament with news that striker Saber Khalifa is a doubt with a muscle injury.

Leekens, though, will give Khalifa as long as possible to recover before contemplating calling up a replacement.

Tunisa squad: Goalkeepers: Moez Ben Cherifia (Espérance de Tunis), Farouk Ben Mustapha (Club Africain), Aymen Mathlouthi (Etoile du Sahel).

Defenders: Mohamed Ali Yaâk-

oubi (Espérance de Tunis), Aymen Abdennour (AS Monaco), Rami Bedoui (Etoile du Sahel), Syam Ben Youssef (Astra Giurgiu), Ali Maâloul (Club Sportif Sfaxien), Hamza Mathlouthi (CA Bizertin), Bilel Mohsni (Glasgow Rangers), Slim Ben Jemai (Laval).

Midfielders: Yassine Chikhaoui (FC Zurich), Stéphane Nater (Club Africain), Mohamed Ali Moncer (Club Sportif Sfaxien), Houcine Ragued (Espérance de Tunis), Ferjani Sassi (Club Sportif Sfaxien), Jamel Saihi (Montpellier), Wahbi Khazri (Bordeaux).

Gabon coach Jorge Costa has named his 23-man squad set to do battle at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.

The former Portugal international, who took over at the Panthers helm in July last year, comfortably steered his side to the top their qualifying group as they recorded three wins and three draws.

Costa has kept faith with the players who remained undefeated throughout the qualification campaign as he looks to steer the Panthers past the quarter-finals stage for the first time.

Borussia Dortmund forward

and Gabon skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be tasked with providing a large chunk of their goals at the tournament, while experienced goalkeeper Didier Ovono will be relied upon to keep their opponents at bay.

A number of exciting prospects will also be involved, with Morocco-based duo Johann Lengoualama and Malick Evouna cracking the nod, along with midfielders Ibrahim N’Dong, Andre Poko, Samson Mbingui and Levy Madinda.

Young defenders Randal Oto’o, Henri Junior Ndong, Johann Obiang and Aaron Appindangoye have also made the final 23-man squad.

Aguas Names Strong Cape Verde Squad

Sakho

Senegal Plan To Block Sakho’s West Ham Chance

Cape Verde players

Cape Verde head coach Rui Aguas has named his final 23-man squad for the upcoming 2015 AFCON, with a largely unchanged selection from the 2013 tournament.

The island nation made their Africa Cup of Nations debut two years ago and went all the way to the quarter-finals, before being knocked out by Ghana.

It is no surprise then that the coach has kept faith in the same players, with Sporting Lisbon and Lille forwards Heldon and Ryan Mendes expected to play key roles.

Aguas wasted no time in cutting Thierry Graca, Jozimar

Lima, Pecks, Stenio, Sita, Ricardo Gomes and Ze Luis from his initial 30-man squad.

Cape Verde were drawn in Group B with Zambia, Tunisia and DR Congo for the 2015 tournament and kick off their campaign against the Eagles of Carthage on January 18.

Cape Verde squad: Goalkeepers: Josimar Dias (Progresso Sambizanga), Kevin Sousa (Nacional), Ivan Cruz (Gil Vicente) Defenders: Carlos Daniel Garca (Universidade Craiova), Carlos Tavares (Apoel Limassol), Nivaldo Santos (Teplice), Fernando Vare-

la (Steaua Bucharest), Ianique Tavares (Videoton), Admilson Barros (Maritimo), Jeffrey Fortes (Dordrecht).

Midfielders: Elvis Macedo (Estoril-Praia), Sergio Semedo (Olhanense), Luis Carlos Soares (CSKA Sofia), Nuno Monteiro Rocah (Universidade Craiova), Tony Varela (Excelsior), Carlos Lima (Progresso Sambizanga).

Forwards: Jorge Djaniny (Santos Laguna), Julio Tavares (Dijon), Ryan Mendes (Lille), Heldon Ramos (Sporting), Garry Mendes (Elche), Odair Fortes (Reims), Jailton Alves Miranda (Estoril-Praia).

Senegal plan to prevent Diafra Sakho featuring for West Ham in the Premier League throughout the duration of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Striker Sakho will miss the tournament that starts in Equatorial Guinea this month due to a persistent back injury.

However, Senegal officials have been angered by the nature of Sakho’s withdrawal and have accused West Ham of a “lack of respect” for not alerting them to his injury sooner.

Senegal Football Federation president Augustin Senghor plans to go as far as to request

that Sakho not be allowed to represent his club should he return from injury sooner than expected.

Senghor told the Senegal Press Agency: “Obviously, West Ham have shown a lack of respect in waiting until the last minute before alerting us to Sakho’s unavailability for six weeks and even his inability to travel by plane to come and join the squad.

“We’re going to Fifa and the English FA to make sure our rights and the regulations are applied and as such Diafra will not play for the specified time of his unavailability.”

AMUSEMENT PARK

A true friend does not stab you in the back, he stabs you in the front

— Oscar Wilde

14.01.15 No. 2,327

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

www.leadership.ng

N150

The Wednesday Column

New Year’s Resolution; #BeABetterMe

Hannatu Musawa

I

have never been one to earnestly celebrate the New Year. I have never really enjoyed it or regarded it as a time that meant much personally to me, although I do appreciate its significance. I appreciate that, for many, it’s the most amazing time of the year. But I’ve never viewed the New Year through those lenses.

I appreciate that, for the majority, New Year is a time for over-eating, relaxation, holiday lights, music, so much excitement and more. But it doesn’t have that same effect on me. Even when I go out to watch the fireworks or gather with family and friends to celebrate the coming of a new time, the concept of New Year just does not resonate with me.

But, even with my unenthusiastic view of the New Year, the one practice that I usually look forward to at this time is that of making resolutions. For as long as I can remember, I have always made it a point to make a bunch of resolutions; determinations which I undertake to uphold for a full 365 days. And Yes, as you may have guessed, my ability to make these resolutions far outweighs my ability to keep them.

This year, I have decided to continue my practice of making resolutions. But in order to make sure that I am more successful in sticking to the resolutions this year than I have been in prior years, rather than look at this year’s resolutions as a change or sacrifice of something or a practice, I will look at it as a gift that I am giving to myself, my family, my community and my country. I will look at it as a gift I am giving to the world; as my way of enhancing humanity. The gift that I will give will be one that can make the world better and one that I can steer in a way which can achieve that purpose.

The one thing and one person that I have full assurance to have full control over is myself. And as such, I will give myself in a way that will enhance all around me; My resolution this year is to #BeABetterMe. For the last two years, on some of my social media pages (Twitter @

WEDNESDAY

hannatu@leadership.ng hanneymusawa), I have ran a series which gives tips and encouragement on how to #BeABetterYou. They are tips I post every once in a while to which I get a response from, mainly, young people. It is a series of advice that I post but don’t always stop to consider it and reflect on my life. If others took the time to look at their lives and considered how they could improve on being better people, it will have a widespread and huge effect in making the world better.

Most of us think we are good people. And we probably are. I mean, it’s not like we run around hurting, killing and destroying lives on a daily basis. Unfortunately, this seems to be the test we use to score ourselves. Even if we don’t go around committing mass murder, as long as there are instances in our lives where we have treated others badly, cheated them, been unfair to them or refused to assist them, then there is room for us to work on being better people.

Every single one of us has flaws and it is never too late to change and improve a part of our character that will make us into better people.

You need it, those around you need it, and the world needs it. Literally everyone you interact with and anyone you’ll ever meet is looking for it somewhere. By becoming better people we will leave the world with the prospect of a brighter, better future. Basically, we all need to strive to become better people.

I have decided to do just that; to #BeABetterMe. I have made up my mind right here and now to try and wake up each day with the attitude that no matter what happens throughout the day, I am going to give my life the very best I have to offer. I am going to live my life in a way that makes me want to continue being better than I am and to continue trying to grow and progress into the person I (ideally) want to become. Every single one of you out there can do so to if you choose to #BeABetterYou. To #BeABetterYou, you must continue to be grateful for small blessings by focusing on the good parts of any situation in your lives.

No matter how bad things get, chances are, if you focus, you will find something positive.

To #BeABetterYou, you must let go of being defensive, being in denial and making excuses so that you will be able to dig deep and work at becoming a better person.

To #BeABetterYou, you must learn how to accept situations that one cannot change.

To #BeABetterYou, you must learn to forgive people who may have done you wrong and let go of resentment towards them.

Forgiveness is one of the most powerful practices of life but it is also one of the hardest, especially if you feel you have been hurt badly. But by forgiving, you release yourself from the negative experiences of the past and open yourself to channels where you are able to appreciate the bad experience and wisdom you learnt from that negative journey.

To #BeABetterYou, you must always forgive yourself. Forgiveness should always start from within. Be ready to forgive yourself for mistakes done so that you can channel your energy to the future instead of the past.

To #BeABetterYou, you must always try to be honest, genuine, authentic and direct when articulating your thoughts, feelings and ideas to others. You must have the courage to show the world who you truly are, even if it is at the risk of being criticised. Honesty is the best remedy for any situation.

To #BeABetterYou, you must always try to be sympathetic to other people’s feelings and have empathy for other people’s situations; to be compassionate, kind and considerate towards others. Before judging people, you should always strive to understand other people’s individual situations by putting yourself into their shoes.

To #BeABetterYou, you should always try to behave in a way that shows integrity by showing consistency in character, being reliable, and sticking to your word.

To #BeABetterYou, you should always be willing to change aspects of your character that needs to be

To #BeABetterYou, you must always try to be honest, genuine, authentic and direct when articulating your thoughts, feelings and ideas to others. You must have the courage to show the world who you truly are, even if it is at the risk of being criticised changed. Change can be very hard but it often is necessary in order to emerge into the person you strive to be.

To #BeABetterYou, you always try and listen to what people are saying to you. Everyone these days is busy with their families, and lives.

People hardly have time to listen to what others have to say. But you can try and be the one who will pay attention and is interested in what others are telling you and care enough to follow up To #BeABetterYou, you must be able to acknowledge fault and stop making excuses for everything.

Whenever things go wrong in life, it is a natural human reaction for one to find fault in the actions of others. We must train our minds from making excuses that exonerate us from fault and take accountability for our own mistakes.

You can achieve so much more from taking accountability because by understanding your mistakes, you can use that mistake to learn from it.

To #BeABetterYou, you must educate yourself. That is the only way you can eradicate ignorance and fear. It is the only way you can understand points of view different from your own.

To #BeABetterYou, you must treat everyone as if they are important, despite the calling and placing in life.

Everyone deserves to be treated well.

Don’t be in the group of people who don’t treat others well.

To #BeABetterYou, you stop being angry: Many people let anger and rage alter their decision-making skills. Anger damages relationship,

makes you look unreasonable, causes hypertension and does not help you solve problems. Controlling anger is an extremely difficult skill but a beneficial one. Instead of getting angry, change your negative emotion or remove yourself from a situation until you can let go of the anger.

Once you allow anger to fester, you put yourself in a situation where you make unwise decisions.

To #BeABetterYou, you must always be helpful when you can.

Being helpful is one of the easiest and most effective ways to practise becoming a better person. You will find that the more you help others, the better you will feel about yourself and everyone around you.

To #BeABetterYou, you always try to be polite. Being polite to someone can make their day. Being pleasant and polite can make a world of difference to someone. Being respectful of others’ time, thoughts, ideas, feelings, work, and everything else is part of ways you can adopt to be polite. You don’t have to agree with everything everyone says, but people have a right to their opinions and yours is not necessarily correct.

To #BeABetterYou, surround yourself with positive people. We become the company we keep.

Keep company with those who are optimistic, uplifting, pious and kind, and your world will become more of the same.

GHANA MUST GO Insurgents have ruined us

— Gov Yuguda

Your presidential candidate apparently doesn’t know that?

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