Leadership news

09.12.14

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Tuesday, December 9, 2014

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our stand Tuesday, December 9, 2014

N9.2bn Stoves On The Eve Of Elections?

T

he Federal Executive Council (FEC) two weeks ago approved the sum of N9.2billion for the purchase of 750,000 cooking stoves and 18,000 ‘wonder bags’ for rural women under the National Clean Cooking Scheme.

The government said, “The National Clean Cooking Scheme is an aggressive drive to engender clean cooking culture amongst the poor rural women, to reduce and possibly eliminate cooking with solid fossil which is detrimental to health. The scheme is expected to provide 20 million clean stoves over a five-year period at the rate of four million stoves per annum, which will be distributed free of charge. It will also reduce incessant felling of trees, which exposes the country to ecological problems.”

The timing of this project, coming on the eve of the 2015 general elections is highly suspicious.

Why now? Who are defined as rural women? What significant value will 750,000 stoves and 18,000 wonder bags create in a population of 160 million people, almost 50 per cent of which are women? There are over 700 local government councils in Nigeria, what would be the criteria for distribution? If N9.2bn can fetch

only such an insignificant number of these items, what then would it cost to acquire four million units?

We share the concerns of Nigerians who have been speaking up since the issue came into the public domain. The fact that the decision to purchase the stoves and wonder bags is coming at a time when the economy of the country is threatened due to falling oil prices, following which the government announced austerity measures and devalued the Naira, is disturbing.

While we appreciate government’s efforts aimed at mitigating climate change we find the action ironic, given that President Jonathan has tacitly refused to assent to a Bill seeking to establish a Cli-

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

mate Change Commission in the country. Establishment of a Climate Change Commission would create a body that would coordinate a national strategy on climate change, contain greenhouse emission and regulate the carbon market. A harmonised version of the Bill was sent to the president in December 2010. Four years on, it has not been assented to.

The president’s refusal to assent to the Bill when juxtaposed with the speedy approval of funds for the cooking stoves and wonder bags makes the motive even more suspicious.

Findings have revealed that there may have been a trade-off of an item in the budget for the purchase, as checks of the 2014 budget did not find any subhead representing the National Clean Cooking Scheme. For instance, the budgetary allocation to Women Affairs stands at N4, 530,575,191, some N5billion short of the N9.2billion approved for this purchase. Neither was there any such sub-head listed in the budgetary allocations to the Ministries of Environment and Health. The coordinating minister of the economy should take a rain check on this, because it smacks of an attempt to rip the Nigerian people off.

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

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chibok diary 239

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

DAY

Chibok TweeTs

@BBOG_Nigeria We thank @ LeadershipNGA for naming the #ChibokGirls young persons of the year #BringBackOurGirls @Truthwillnotdie IF you give up protesting then you have already Lost We are more free because people in our past did not give up. #BringBackOurGirls #JSIL @abdulhabiba12 238 Days I am Wondering if the WILL to rescue #ChibokGirls is there....Sadly we keep counting Days. #BringBackourGirls @ElvisIyorngurum "We found Bin Laden, why can't we find our girls?" -Madam Diop, AU special envoy on Women, Peace & Security. #BringBackOurGirls @FisayoAransiola "We found Bin Laden, why can't you find young girls "- Bineta Diop (AU Special Envoy) @ #BringBackOurGirls Sit-Out protest @ChiomaChuka Will our girls spend Christmas in captivity?

7months after!

Dear @abati1990, @ doyinokupe what's the plan to rescue them? #BringBackOurGirls

Members of #BringBackOurGirls group advocating the rescue of the abducted schoolgirls during one of its protest in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

AU Envoy Visits BBOG Group, Pledges Support

BY EjikE EjikE, Abuja

The African Union envoy on women, peace and security, Binta Diop, yesterday visited the #BringBackOurGirls group to show support for the continued advocacy of the group in the rescue of the Chibok girls and pledged to raise global awareness concerning the abducted school girls and insecurity in the north east.

While speaking at the BBOG sit-out, Diop noted that though it might look so late for the intervention of AU since the abduction of over 200 girls seven months ago, AU had never forgotten

Nigeria and its problems, adding she visited Nigeria in May to over the same issue during the World Economic Forum.

Speaking to the team unbehalf of the Chibok Community, the chairman of Chibok community in Abuja, Tsambido Hosea-Abana urged the group to take the plight of the community and the north east to African leaders.

He further tasked African Union leaders to take action against the Boko Haram insurgency which he had ravaged his community, adding the Nigerian leaders had failed in their handling of the

crisis.

Lamenting the effect of the insurgency on the people of north east and Borno in particular, Fatima Abubakar, one of the leaders of the BBOG lambasted the AU for not coming to the aid of Nigerians at this difficult situation, saying Nigeria which had always stood up for other African countries had not received same support from other African countries.

She challenged the team, comprising many women to task Africa leaders on the need to return peace in Nigeria by coming to the rescue of the troubled country.

“I feel the AU is here now because of fear of the spill over of the Boko Haram crisis.

If you had good intentions, you would have successfully intervened in this crisis long ago to show that you never abandoned Nigeria and the people of the north east.

“I challenge you to task African leaders to comppel our president, Goodluck Jonathan to ensure that lives and properties of the people of north east are secured for posterity sake. Nigeria has always assisted other Africa countries in times of need and now is the time to reciprocate,” she stated.

@Topsyken Will you grow weary of adding your voice to the demand for our #ChibokGirls ' release? #BringBackOurGirls @Gidi_Traffic "@Umar2k: DAY238.D WORLD WILL NOT B DISTROYED BY THOSE WHO DO EVIL,BUT BY THOSE WHO WATCH THEM WITHOUT Compiled by Ugochukwu

Members of #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) group in a village square meeting at the Unity Fountain in Abuja. PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

NEWS 5

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

pdp primaries

Wike, Yero, Nasko, Ribadu, Others Win Amidst Walkout Lagos: Agbaje; Abia: Okezie; Imo: Ihedioha; Kebbi: Bagudu

By our correspondents

As predicted by political analysts, the governorship primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in states across the country were characterised by gunfire, parallel elections, protests and walkouts staged by some of the dissatisfied candidates.

Many of the governorship primaries started late in the day, with many of them lasting well into the night. Serving governors, Ramallan Yero of Kaduna State and his Gombe State counterpart Ibrahim Dankwabbo got the PDP ticket to contest for a second term in office.

In many states, anointed candidate of the incumbent governor emerged the flag bearer of the party to the disapproval of other opponents.

While in Rivers, former minister of education Nyesom Wike, perceived as the anointed aspirant of President Goodluck Jonathan, picked the ticket of the party, in Akwa Ibom, the governor’s candidate, Emmanuel Udom, emerged the candidate of the party. It was a similar case in Niger State where the governor’s chief of staff, Umar Nasko, was elected to contest the governorship election.

Similarly, the chief of staff to Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, scaled through the primary, while in Enugu, four candidates in four factional primaries were elected to fly the party’s gubernatorial flag in 2015.

In Katsina State, eight out of the nine aspirants staged a walkout from the election venue, while Akwa Ibom and Rivers states witnessed a boycott of the exercise by other candidates who described the exercise as “charade”.

Rivers State: Nyesom Wike Wike emerged the PDP governorship candidate in Rivers State, polling 1,083 votes to beat his closest rival, Hon. Dumbari Ben-Dimkpa, who got 21 votes.

The PDP governorship primary, supervised by the chairman of the party gubernatorial election panel for Rivers State, Hon. Etifa Bekeakpo, was held amidst tight security.

Wike, and Ben-Dimkpa as well as three other governorship aspirants, including Hon. Ibinabo Michael-West, who scored three votes, and Senator Lee Maeba and Mr. Emmanuel Georgewill, who scored one vote each, participated in the primary, but 16 other aspirants stayed away from the exercise.

Niger State: Alhaji Umar Mohammed Nasko

Wike

Yero

Ribadu

Former Chief of Staff Alhaji Umar Mohammed Nasko clinched the governorship ticket, polling 908 votes to beat eight other challengers among them the Niger State deputy governor, Alhaji Ahmed Musa Ibeto who scored 34 votes.

Former Minister of Commerce, Mustapha Bello, scored 11 votes like Alhaji Sahabi Danrangi, while Engineer Hannafi Sudan returned 57 votes.

Alhaji Dukku and former Kano State governor Aminu Isa Kontagora did not get any vote.

However, the aspirants, in a joint press conference addressed by Mustapha Bello, rejected the election, saying it was full of aberrations.

scored 33 votes to come third. Oil magnet and owner of Masters Energy Ltd, Dr Uche Ogah, came second with 103 votes.

The other contestants, Mr Friday Nwosu and former deputy governor of the state Chief Acho Nwakanma polled five votes each, while Mr Okey Emuchay and Chief Mac Wabara got three votes apiece and as chief Okezie Orji scored one vote.

ruling of an Abuja High Court.

He argued that using the statutory delegates for the primary was against the PDP Electoral Guidelines and Electoral Act (as amended).

Kaduna State: Gov Mukhtar Ramalan Yero Incumbent governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero garnered 970 votes to beat Senator Zego Aziz who got only one vote: his own.

Yero will contest the governorship poll on the PDP stable.

The returning officer and Chairman of the Kaduna State Electoral committee Dr Steve Oru, before the commencement of the election, read a letter from three other aspirants who said they had withdrawn from the contest. They include Samaila Yakawada, Air Commodore Ajeye and the former minister of aviation Hassan Hyet.

Abia State: Winner Dr Okezie Ikpeazu Dr Okezie Ikpeazu was declared winner of the Abia State PDP governorship primary. He scored 487 votes to defeat seven other contestants including the former Minister of Labour and Productivity Chief Emeka Wogu who

Oyo State: Senator Teslim Folarin Former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin defeated other aspirants to win the Oyo State gubernatorial ticket. Six governorship aspirants, including former state governor, Chief Adebayo AlaoAkala, Engineer Seyi Makinde, Femi Babalola Kehinde Olaosebikan, former deputy governor Taofeek Arapaja and Dr Babalola Owolabi shunned the primaries.

The presiding officer, Abba Aji disclosed that Folarin polled 167 votes to beat other nine contestants. According to him, there were 211 votes, 14 invalid votes and 198 valid votes.

The governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State was yesterday held under tight security. The 208 delegates, it was gathered, were given N250,000 each by one of the aspirants and were lodged in an hotel for three days.

Two of the governorship aspirants, Senator Ayo Adeseun and Professor Taoheed Adedoja left the venue at the middle of the exercise.

The personal aspirant to Seyi Makinde, Akeem Azeez told LEADERSHIP that his principal would not take part in the primary because it was illegal and unconstitutional, as it contradicted the

Enugu State: 4 Candidates Emerge No fewer than four PDP gubernatorial candidates emerged in Enugu State as parallel primaries took place in different parts of Enugu, the state capital yesterday.

Senator Ayogu Eze was elected in one of the primaries conducted in Filbon Hotel premises, New Haven, Enugu.

While a total of 672 delegates were accredited for the primaries, the Returning Officer, Prince Obi Nkwonta, announced that Eze polled 526 votes to beat his closest rival Mr. Chinedu Onu, who scored 31 votes. Eleven votes were declared invalid.

Meanwhile, the PDP Election Committee, led by King Asara Asara, held another gubernatorial primary at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, where by press time yesterday Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi was coasting to victory.

LEADERSHIP gathered that Dr. Sam Maduka Onyishi, and Professor Onyeke Onyeke held their own primaries at different locations in the state capital.

It was gathered that trouble started yesterday morning when during a meeting with the aspirants, at Allen Hotel, off Nza Street, Independence Layout, Enugu, Asara produced a delegates list which Senator Eze, Onu and Onyishi described as fake, and vowed not to submit themselves to any ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

6 news extra

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo 15m Children Affected By Violence In 2014 – UNICEF The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said that over 15 million children suffered under extreme violence, destruction and forced displacement in 2014.

In a statement made available to LEADERSHIP, UNICEF director, Anthony Lake referenced children who had been kidnapped, tortured, raped or sold into slavery.

“Never in recent history were so many children exposed to such unspeakable brutality,” Lake said.

UNICEF reported that over 15 million children suffered from violence in current conflict areas of Iraq, Syria, Gaza, Ukraine, South Sudan and the Central African Republic (CAR).

According to the aid organisation, tens of thousands of children have been forcibly recruited or abused by armed groups and attacks on schools and hospitals in many places have increased.

UNICEF report said the 50-day war between Israel and the Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip killed 583 children and injured over 3,000, while in Iraq at least 700 children have been estimated to have been injured, killed or even executed this year.

By Abdullahi Umar, with agency report

Jonathan’s Supporters Overheating The Polity – APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that the comment by Chief Edwin Clark, that if the opposition has its way it can poison or kill President Goodluck Jonathan just to take power, is absurd, incendiary and unbecoming of an elder statesman of the chief’s stature.

In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said Chief Clark’s comment, which was widely reported by newspapers, is the latest in a string of statements

by President Jonathan’s supporters that are overheating the polity ahead of the 2015 general elections and are even threatening the peace and unity of the country.

“We have waited for several days to give Chief Clark the opportunity to deny making such a fallacious statement, but he has not done so, which means he was not misquoted and that he indeed meant what he said.

“It is time for the president himself to call his supporters to order for the sake of the peace and unity of our dear nation. They have been threatening fire and brimstone if the president is not re-elected in 2015, as if elections are won by threats. One has even gone as far as saying there will blood on the streets if the president is not re-elected,’’ it said.

By George Okojie, Lagos

A bus with goods and passengers leaving Mubi Central Market as peace returns to the town yesterday. PHOTO

BY NAN

Normalcy Restored In Recaptured Towns Of Adamawa

BY MOHAMMED ISMAIL, Yola

Normalcy have gradually returned to Gombi, Hong, Maiha towns and the commercial border town, Mubi that were recently recaptured by Nigerian troops from Boko Haram insurgents.

When LEADERSHIP visited Mubi, decomposing bodies of the insurgents were seen at some places while their bombed hard wares including APCs, Hilux vans and motorcycles lies at various locations especially at Mararaba Mubi where intense fighting took place leading to the destruction of many buildings.

Some residents of the area who spoke with LEADERSHIP

correspondent in Mubi expressed happiness with the recent situation as they said that they feel secured now as the town is in the firm control of the military adding that the soldiers have been kind to them.

A visit round the town shows low level of human activities as major streets of the town remain deserted while shops across the major streets of Mubi have remained under lock and key save for some few traders at the Central Market who have opened shop and started trading their wares.

A trader at the market, Mallam Bello Datti said he is happy that normalcy is returning to the town and thanked the author-

ities for restoring order to the town.

“As you can see, we have started opening our shops in a peaceful atmosphere without the fear of being molested. This is a welcome development,” Datti said.

It was similarly observed that almost all the Commercial Banks in the town have been vandalised by the Boko Haram insurgents.

Soldiers have already started a mop up operation in preparation for the opening of the town and the return of displaced residents as every inch of the town was combed by soldiers. Also Nigerian Police Force and Immigration Services were fully in operation as a visit to the area

command at Mubi indicated.Our correspondent observed police officers on duty while their vehicles on patrol were seen combing the town as they also mounted stop and search operation with the aim of fishing out remnants of Boko Haram insurgents.

Residents however called on the government to ensure the restoration of GSM network to the area as its absence constitute a major stumbling block to the dissemination of information to displaced residents.

“Please help us tell the Government that it should restore the GSM network to us. so that we could tell our brothers to come back,” a septuagenarian Mallam Sule Yau said.

No Weapon Found In Impounded Antonov Aircraft- NAF, France FG Releases Aircraft Modu Sheriff denies link with aircraft

By Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

The controversial Frenchowned Antonov aircraft, which was impounded on Saturday at the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano Nigeria enroute to N’Jdamena, Chad was released yesterday at the instance of the Presidency.

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshall Adesola Amosu, who announced this yesterday at NAF Headquarters, Abuja, during a joint press conference with the

French Defence Attache (DA) to Nigeria, Col. Marc Humbert said the federal government is satisfied with the outcome of the investigations.

The CAS explained that although Nigeria and France have an annual permission arrangement called ‘block clearance’ whereby both countries’ aircraft are allowed to land or use the airspace under certain conditions, the seized aircraft did not follow proper procedure required in the arrangement. And this led to the action taken by the Airforce.

He noted that NAF and other relevant agencies took the right decision by impounding the air craft for proper investigation due to the security challenges occasioned by the global terrorism of

which Nigeria is facing its own local challenge in the North East that borders both Chad and Niger Republic.

He said, “The situation we have is that on December 6, 2014, an Antonov 124 aircraft with registration RA 82038 departed Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR) for destination to Ndjemena, Chad.

“However, from our records, we had no such clearance to operate into Kano although with the French Government, we do have a ‘block clearance’ to cover up most flights throughout the year”.

“This is what we and the French Government had but the block clearance that we do have, have some exceptions tabulated on the document. About seven ele-

ments that ought to be avoided, when you operate using the block clearance”, he added.

Amosu noted that “one of the condition is that the aircraft must not be bearing toxic waste, or dangerous materials; should not be carrying nuclear or bacterial or any issue used for chemical weapons; and troops must not be carried”.

Meanwhile, former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff has denied the media report linking him with the aircraft, saying that the development was the most ridiculous attempt to denigrate his image. He said the allegations fashioned against his person by his political detractors would not stand the test of time as it was all false.”

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

news south-South south-East 7

What I Miss Most About My Late Wife – Oshionhole

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

On the fourth anniversary of the passage of his wife, Clara, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State says he misses her spiritual guidance and intercessions which are key in building the family and making him a more compassionate person.

Speaking at a memorial mass held on Sunday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Iyamoh, Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government Area when he led his children and other members of his family to mark the 4th year anniversary of the call to glory of his wife who died on December 7, 2010, Oshiomhole said his late wife was humble to a

fault.

“My late wife was my spiritual guardian. When I met her and proposed to her, she said, I know you are a Christian, but are you baptized?

“I listened to the bishop talking about the most important title as being the baptism name, I realize even the more what she helped me to accomplish by insisting that I must formally get baptized. She encouraged me to study catechism which I needed to be baptized and I was baptized with the name Eric,” he said.

He continued: “Coming to this particular church is more than symbolic because Clara’s interest in this church was something I may

not be able to describe.

“While she was alive, she was constantly reminding me on the need to support the community to build a church and even as a u activist, she would always remind me to be certain that we had provision for the church “I believe in all we have done, what would excite Clara most is the effort that we have all made to build this church to this level and I imagine how she would have felt to begin to worship in this church”.

Governor Oshiomhole stressed that the family agreed to celebrate the anniversary on a low key with thanksgiving and prayer at the church as it was the first time the anniversary would fall on a Sunday.

“We are not arranging any big ceremony, we are not inviting the whole world, we are not setting up big canopies to do celebration, to dance nor are we crying because if Clara were with you and you ask her how she would want to be remembered, I know she would say, let’s go to church and pray”.

In a homily, the bishop, Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Dr. Dunia extolled the life and times of late Mrs. Clara Oshiomhole and admonished all Christians to live a holy and righteous life.

Dunia said, “Clara Oshiomhole during her life time focused on heavenly things. She lived a fulfilled Christian life and that is what Christianity entails.”

‘Akpabio’s Victory, Reward For Hardwork, Achievements‘

By Emeka Samuel, Uyo

The special adviser, Bureau of Technical Matters, Engr. Etido Inyang has described the victory of Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom in Sunday’s senatorial primaries for Ikot Ekpene senatorial district, as reward for the governor’s commitment, hardwork and achievements in the state.

Inyang said the victory was anticipated and was a deserved reward for Akpabio’s efforts at strengthening the unity of the PDP members in the country.

The special adviser told newsmen yesterday that the honour accorded Akpabio by the people of Ikot Ekpene senatorial district was a testimony of the confidence which the people reposed on the governor and in his ability to represent them well at the National Assembly as he had done in the state.

“The significance of the success of today is that right from the day one he entered office, he has been up and doing, he went working, even when people took him to court, he kept performing. When you are keeping one office of responsibility you should be able to work to satisfy everyone and that is exactly what he did. The victory means a lot for us because for me in particular I am an astute follower of the governor and I have seen the result of hard work completely.

“We are not taken unawares with the success of today. You can imagine the quietness of the whole environment; it’s as if we were there for thanksgiving. Delegates are completely conducted orderly, the screening exercise didn’t take much time. And the two aspirants, the governor and the incumbent senator actually showed up for election, the others, of course have seen the fire-power because everybody around them had told them to step down for Akpabio but to avoid the shame, they refused,” he stated.

He also described the decision by incumbent Aloysius Etuk to step down for the governor as a reciprocation of the efforts made by the governor in 2011 to enable him get a second term in the Senate.

8 NEWS

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Wike, Yero, Nasko, Ribadu, Others Win Amidst Walkout FROM PAGE 5

governorship primaries whose delegates list is bogus.

Asara told the aspirants that their duty was to conduct the governorship primaries in the state, saying that the list was given to the committee by the PDP national secretariat, Abuja.

Adamawa State: Nuhu Ribadu Former EFCC chairman Malam Nuhu Ribadu emerged the PDP governorship candidate for Adamawa State, polling 688 votes to beat Marcus Gundiri, 33 votes, and Auwal Tukur (son of former PDP chairman Bamanga Tukur), 24 votes.

Former chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Mohammed Modibbo scored 30 votes while the incumbent governor Bala James Nggilari got 26 votes. However, Nggilari and some other aspirants were conspicuously absent from the contest.

Akwa Ibom State: Udom Emmanuel Apart from Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, Governor Akpabio preferred candidate, all other aspirants for the 2015 governorship race in Akwa Ibom State boycotted the delegates’ poll to choose the party’s candidate for the election next year.

All 23 aspirants including Nsima Ekere, Patrick Ekpotu, Helen Esuene, Effiong Abia, Ekpenyong Ntekim, Effiong Usin, Peter Esuh, Larry Esin, Benjamin Okoko, Asuquo Okpo, Mike Sebastian, Assam Assam, Chris Abasi-eyo, Samuel Udonsak and others staged a walkout, citing irregularities and lack of transparency in the conduct of the exercise.

Speaking to journalists before they stormed out of the Uyo International stadium, venue of the contest, Chief Assam Assam (SAN), alleged that Akpabio employed fake delegates’ list to conduct the poll, disclosing that the list was not made available for agents of each aspirant to vet and ascertain those listed to vote in the contest.

Katsina State: Engr Musa Nashuni Engr Musa Nashuni, the anointed candidate of Governor Ibrahim Shema, has clinched the ticket, polling 1,309 votes to defeat eight other candidates at the party’s primary election, which held at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Katsina yesterday.

The results indicated that Senator Ibrahim Ida got 16 votes, Ahmed Aminu polled four votes, Tukur Jikamshi got seven votes while Engr Kabir Barkiya and Abdullahi Umar Tsauri polled two votes each.

Three other aspirants, Nasiru Chakis, Nura Khalil and Gide Yaradua, got zero votes each.

Our correspondent reports that Nashuni emerged winner despite a walkout staged by the eight out of the nine aspirants shortly after Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema cast his vote at about 3pm.

Ebonyi State: Chief Dave Umahi The Ebonyi State deputy governor and former PDP chairman in the Chief Dave Umahi emerged the governorship candidate of the party, polling 541 votes

Ihedioha

Nasko

Agbaje

to defeat his closest rival Senator Igwe Nwagu (PDP, Ebonyi Central) who polled 15 votes.

Meanwhile, supporters of Governor Martin Elechi, the leadership of the party in the state and the mainstream members of the party, according to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Onyekachi Eni, did not participate in the election following the court injunction asking INEC not to recognise any primary conducted by Chief Joseph Onwe.

The former minister of health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu was said to have boycotted the election following the court injunction.

LEADERSHIP also gathered that some of the delegates who are loyal to one of the aspirants received a sum of N50,000 each while other aspirants gave between N10, 000 to N5000 to each of their delegates. The total number of delegates accredited by the committee stands at 592.

district in the upper chamber of the National Assembly yesterday polled 406 votes to defeat David Edevbie who scored 299 votes Announcing the results, the returning officer, Mr. Sunday Karimu, declared that Senator Okowa scored 406 votes, David Edevbie , 299 votes ; Victor Ochei, 185 votes ; Charles Elumelu, 50 votes ; Elder Godday Orubebe; 49 votes , and Dr Ngozi Olejeme, 2 votes.

defeated former Minister of State for Defence, Ambassador Musiliu Obanikoro, to clinch the Lagos State PDP governorship ticket for 2015.

Agbaje scored 432 votes while Obanikoro received 343 votes.

Jigawa State: Malam Aminu Ibrahim Ringim The chief of staff to Jigawa State governor Malam Aminu Ibrahim Ringim emerged the PDO governorship flag bearer. He was unopposed after two other contestant cleared by the party withdrew from the race few minutes to its commencement.

Those withdrawn from the contest were former state commissioner of Land Architect Aminu Kane and former member of the National Assembly Hon Abba Anas.

Cross River State: Senator Ben Ayade Vice chairman, Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, Senator Ben Ayade, yesterday emerged as the PDP governorship candidate in Cross River after scoring 752 votes to defeat his Mr. Goddy Jedy Agba and Mr. Francis Eworo with five votes each.

Prior to the election proper, four out of the10 aspirants shortlisted for the exercise, led by Mr. Fidelis Ugbo, withdrew from the race to support Ayade.

Ayade, a serving senator representing Cross River North in the Senate, is a professor of microbiology.

Delta: Senator Ifeanyi Okowa Serving Senator Ifeanyi Okowa representing Delta North senatorial

Ogun State: PDP ignores, NWC holds guber primary ...Obasanjo, Daniel absent The PDP, through its national publicity secretary, Olisa Metuh, postponed the gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State, but the state chairman of the party, Engr Bayo Dayo, said he was unaware of any directive, and insisted that the exercise should go ahead.

However, only three aspirants were present at the exercise held at the PDP Oke Mosan secretariat, Kayode Amusan, Segun Adewale and Gboyega Isiaka. At the end of the exercise, Gboyega Nasir was declared the winner having polled 705 to beat, leaving Kayode Amusan, 150 votes, and one vote for Segun Adewale.

On the delegates’ list, were names of former president Olusegun Obasanjo and Otunba Gbenga Daniel who were conspicuously absent. The name of former speaker of House of Representatives, Hon Dimeji Bankole, believed to be anointed candidate of the presidency, was not on the list.

Pandemonium at Plateau PDP Guber Primary There was pandemonium at Rwang Pam Township Stadium, Jos, venue of the PDP governorship primaries just before the commencement of voting by delegates.

The agents of some aspirants protested that labels bearing each LG names be removed from the ballot boxes. They explained that some local delegates are under threat from the state government that if they did not vote for the anointed aspirant alongside their LG chairmen. At the time of filing the report, voting was yet to commence as there was confusion everywhere.

Lagos State: Jimi Agbaje A pharmacist, Mr Jimi Agbaje, has

Hoodlums cause violence ...aspirant wears bullet proof vest to venue The PDP governorship primaries in Lagos witnessed violence as hoodlums in their hundreds stormed the Oregun, Ikeja, venue of the exercise, with security personnel, including policemen having a hectic time warding them off.

The police had to fire several canisters of tear gas, resulting in a stampede.

An aspirant, Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi, caused a stir when he appeared at the party’s governorship primary in a bulletproof vest, which according to him, was to protect him from stray bullets following the violence that erupted earlier in the day.

Imo State: Emeka Ihedioha Deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Emeka Ihedioha, has won the PDP governorship primary conducted in Imo State yesterday.

Ihedioha got 346 votes to beat his closest rival, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume who polled 336 votes. Former state governor Ihedi Ohakim came third with 213 votes. A total of 1,064 delegates were accredited for the election and 1,017 delegates voted.

Nasarawa State: Yusuf Agabi A retired federal civil servant, Dr. Yusuf Agabi, has emerged winner of the PDP governorship primary in Nasarawa State as he defeated the former minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, Senator Solomon Ewuga and six other contestants.

Agabi polled 214 votes, his closest opponent Maku got 160 votes, former governor Aliyu Akwe Doma had 129 votes while initial favourite Sen. Ewuga got 31.

Former deputy governor Chief John Abdul scored 28 votes while former Zamfara State military administrator Col. Jibrin Bala Yakubu got four votes.

In a related development, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu has defeated Gen. Ahmed Aboki to clinch APC senatorial ticket for the Nasarawa West senatorial zone.

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Monday, December 8, 2014

Public Officer Of The Year 2014

Gimba Ya’u Kumo

(MD/CEO, Federal Mortgage Bank Of Nigeria, FMBN) For making housing finance a central issue in the nation’s economic development, helping to expand access to mortgage finance and improving the coverage rate from 25 percent to 40 percent in three years, Gimba Ya’u Kumo is LEADERSHIP Public Officer of the Year 2014.

In arriving at the decision, the editors recalled that in the last three years, Kumo through his well thought out initiatives as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Mortgage Bank Of Nigeria (FMBN), has been able to prove that housing and housing finance are key drivers of economic development, political stability and contribute a huge part to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). To appreciate the good work Kumo is doing at FMBN, it is interesting to note that before now the

home ownership rate was a paltry 25 per cent. But that has improved to 40 per cent. Kumo was born on November 5, 1959 in Gombe, Gombe State. He holds a B.sc in Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1983 and a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Management (MBA) from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi in 1999.

He is a member, Nigeria institute of Management (NIM); Fellow, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCITN)

; Fellow, African Business School (ABS); Fellow, Institute of Research & Leadership Technology (IRLT) Member, Institute of Management Executive & Administration of Nigeria (MIMEA), Member, Nigeria Institute of Certified Credit Administrators (AICCA).

Mr. Gimba Ya’u Kumo was appointed MD/CEO of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria on December 4, 2010. He is married with children. He was conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

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CEO Of The Year 2014

Benedict Peters (Founder, Aiteo Group)

For a path-breaking deal that deepens the country’s capacity to manage its oil assets and one that will create local content valued at $2.7billion, Benedict Peters is LEADERSHIP CEO of the Year 2014.

Mr. Peters is the founder of Aiteo Group and is responsible for managing the company in terms of strategic development, policy formulation and execution.

A graduate of Geography and Regional Planning from the University of Benin, Peters has over 14 years of strategic experience in energy trading, commodity trading and banking. Six of his seven years in energy trading were in senior and top executive positions where he gained invaluable industry knowledge serving at top Nigerian energy trading companies that include Ocean and Oil Limited, MRS Oil and Gas (Managing Director) and

OUR GROUP (Group Vice President).

Under him, Aiteo Group has grown rapidly within the last decade, becoming a significant player in the Oil and Gas industry in Nigeria. Its latest feat is the acquisition of 85 per cent equity in Oil Mining Lease, OML 29, being divested by the Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC. The purchase of the asset, reputed as one of Shell’s most prolific oil block makes it Aiteo’s largest asset in Africa from local content point of view. Peters and Aiteo sealed the deal worth $2.7billion, which also includes the Nembe Creek pipelines.

Product Of The Year 2014

For his entrepreneurial exertions and single-minded commitment to create a truly Nigerian automobile brand symbolised by the Innoson 4-wheel drive, Innoson Is LEADERSHIP Product of the Year 2014.

On October 15, 2010, President Goodluck Jonathan officially commissioned Innoson Motors range of products which comprise 17 and 43 seater buses (luxury buses, midi-buses and minibuses), pick-up vans and sports utility vehicles.

Made in Nigeria Cars: Recently, cars were added to the Innoson Motors range.

The vehicles are about 80 to 90 percent made in Nigeria as all the components are designed and moulded by the company

while other parts are sourced from several automotive parts companies in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Innoson Group Nigeria Limited, a Nigerian Automobile Company which manufactures the vehicles dates back to 1986 when it started with the importation of motorcycle parts into the country.

How it all began: By early 2000s the company decided to start the local production of motorcycle parts and its assembling in Nnewi in

order to reduce the price of motorcycles in Nigeria. The success of this motivated Innoson to go for the bigger picture which is the manufacturing of vehicles.

THE House of Representatives Committee on local content, in appreciation of the effort, has approved the use of Innoson vehicles for its official activities. The approval was endorsed by the law makers after visiting the motor plant at Nnewi, Anambra State.

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Monday, December 8, 2014

Company Of The Year 2014

Stallion Group

For its consumer-focused approach, commitment to expansion and quality, and for giving a truly Nigerian face to a global brand in spite of the daunting odds, Stallion Group is LEADERSHIP Company of the Year 2014.

The LEADERSHIP Board of Editors in arriving at this decision considered the company’s contribution to the nation’s business and economy.

Stallion is a 40-year-old business enterprise that has grown from its modest start in West Africa into a fledgling multibusiness conglomerate, one of the largest in the sub region.

Today Stallion has a multinational presence in 18 countries involved in commodities, agri-business, food, industries, automobiles and services. It draws its strength from

its high calibre and experienced human resources with extensive operational expertise in the complex African markets. It targets to be Africa’s leading company through pioneering global best practices and playing an integral role in achieving Africa’s unlimited potential. Recently, the Nigerian government listed it among the 100 top businesses in the country. From the very beginning, Stallion’s approach to business was highly consumer oriented – delivering the best quality product

at the most economic pricing.

Sensing the growing demand for quality products,

Stallion invested heavily in infrastructure comprising warehousing, cold storages, factories, office buildings, showrooms, workshops, logistics equipment and transportation. Stallion established a stable infrastructure that supported optimal distribution of products at the most economic terms to its customers.

Stallion also employed several thousand local staff and invested in their development through education, training and experience across industries.

Government Agency Of The Year 2014

SMEDAN

(Small & Medium Enterprises Development Agency Of Nigeria) For its outstanding contributions in core mandate areas of focusing on skills acquisition, entrepreneurship training and access to finance, SMEDAN is LEADERSHIP Government Agency of the Year 2014.

The LEADERSHIP Newspapers Board of Editors in voting the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) as the Government Agency of The Year 2014, considered its policy of tackling the challenges of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria in a holistic manner.

With the introduction of the National Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP),

the agency set out to generate 3.5 million jobs and an estimated five million direct and indirect jobs between 2013 and 2015. It is also focusing on Skills Acquisition, Entrepreneurship Training/Business Development Service (BDS) and Access to Finance.

The entrepreneurship training component of NEDEP is being executed under the One Local Government One Product (OLOP) platform.

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Microfinance Bank of The Year 2014

Fortis Microfinance Bank Plc For its sterling and robust record in providing micro-credit to vibrant but disadvantaged economic groups, including hundreds of women and young graduates, Fortis is LEADERSHIP Microfinance Bank of the Year 2014.

The LEADERSHIP Board of Editors has voted Fortis Microfinance Bank Plc as the Microfinance Bank of the Year 2014. It was a unanimous vote powered by the bank’s track record of performance over the years especially in the small and medium enterprises sector.

Fortis is a leading Nigerian financial institution licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2007 and listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange as the first private sector led Microfinance Bank in 2012. The bank provides flexible banking solutions to support the development

of entrepreneurship and empowerment of the economically disadvantaged micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSME) as well as individual.

Fortis runs a viable business model that provides access and financial empowerment to those at the base of the economic pyramid that constitute over 80 per cent of the about 160 million Nigerians and also provide huge returns on investments.

The bank currently has a growing customer base, made up of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), individuals and groups who

have benefited from Fortis loans and other value added services Its microcredit scheme is created to encourage women who engage in petty trading and other economic regenerative activities to grow their businesses and eventually become economically independent. These women are organised into small self-select groups (5 to 8) and are coached through a mentorship programme to determine their suitability for the microcredit. As part of its contribution towards poverty reduction, wealth creation and promotion of

entrepreneurship, it engages in strategic partnerships with relevant public agencies including the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP), Development Finance Department of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA) and the National Directorate of Employment (NDE). Through these relationships, it disburses credits, build capacity, promote entrepreneurship among youths, and individuals.

Bank of The Year 2014

For rapidly growing its asset base in spite of the difficult circumstances of its initial take off, expanding liquidity enjoying the confidence and patronage of wide customer base, including many circular depositors and businesses, Jaiz Bank is LEADERSHIP Bank of the Year 2014.

Jaiz Bank Plc emerged as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) from former Jaiz International Bank Plc with the aim of establishing Nigeria’s first non-interest bank. By noninterest banking, Jaiz seeks to offer almost all the services offered by conventional banks except that they do not give or receive interest, nor finance anything that could cause harm to society like alcohol, tobacco and gambling. In 2011, it sought a regional banking

licence to operate in the Nigerian banking space and has since proved its viability as the country’s premier non-interest bank. Its banking principle is based on the ethical principle of fairness, transparency and objectivity.

Its non-interest banking model has also elicited wide interest among Nigerians.

When it went to the market for its Initial Public Offer (IPO), it was oversubscribed by 120% because of the huge demand

for interest-free banking in Nigeria.

Beyond interest-free banking, Jaiz Bank has also proved its competence in products development with innovative banking products that cater for a wide gamut of Nigerians. The Jaiz Auto Financing (JAF) designed for salary account holders in public, private and other reputed organisations has made it easy for Nigerians to purchase brand new cars. The

bank has also taken the lead in mobile banking. It recently entered into partnership with Teasy Mobile on mobile money services with the aim of implementing financial services inclusion to meet the needs of the unbanked in the society.

Jaiz also recently applied to the CBN for a national banking licence to operate in every nook and cranny of Nigeria, an indication that interest-free banking has been profitable.

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Monday, December 8, 2014

Brand Of The Year 2014 Real Estate Development Infrastructure

For emerging as one of the fastest growing real estate firms in Nigeria with over 600 housing units in Abuja and for setting up the first fully dedicated customer service department in the real estate sector, Brains & Hammers is LEADERSHIP Brand of the Year 2014.

Brains & Hammers, a real estate firm, has been voted Leadership Newspapers Board of Editors’ Brand of the Year 2014. The company is one of the fastest growing Nigerian real estate development and management companies in the Federal Capital Territory. In a sector that is generally fraught with poor construction and finishing of buildings, it has stood out as one with a knack for high grade buildings, finished with quality fittings. Since its entry into the

real estate sector of the nation’s capital city about five years ago, the company owned and managed by a group of young enterprising Nigerians has become one to be reckoned with.

This is in terms of the quality of its projects and general service delivery.

Brains and hammers started operations in 2011 and has risen to become one of the fastest growing real estate firms in Nigeria with a focus on the mid luxury range. By maintaining

control throughout the design and construction process, the company ensures that each of its estates is built to the highest quality standards, with utmost attention to detail.

The budding company has built over 600 housing units in Abuja.

Good customer service is at the core of the company’s business.

Brains & Hammers is actually the first company that started a dedicated customer service department in real estate in Abuja.

Brains & Hammers has also distinguished itself by adding value in all the areas where it finds itself through the provision of access roads, bridges and culverts as well as street lights which serve other residents of the areas. As a direct consequence of its provision of infrastructure which is a responsibility of the government, such areas open up and the value of property in the areas appreciates. This is one of the qualities that stand it out as our brand of the year.

Young Persons Of The Year 2014

Chibok Girls

For their fortitude under the most inhuman conditions and their place as the rallying point in the struggle against terrorism the Chibok girls are LEADERSHIP Young Persons of the Year 2014.

On the night of April 14, 2014, 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town of Chibok in Borno State, Nigeria.

Responsibility for the kidnappings was claimed by Boko Haram, an Islamic Jihadist and terrorist organisation based in northeast Nigeria. Ever since, and typical of most things Nigerian, the fate of those unfortunate girls has become like a pun on the nation’s political chessboard. Their continued detention by those purveyors of evil has continued to generate outrage around the country and internationally. The anguish of their parents is unimaginable and we empathise with them. Our hearts are always with those lovely girls who are suffering for daring to take their destiny in their own hands by going to school.

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Artiste Of The Year 2014

Ali Nuhu

For his talent, versatility and genuine role model qualities, Ali Nuhu is LEADERSHIP Artiste of the Year 2014.

Handsome, Kano based actor, Ali Nuhu, is Leadership Newspapers Board of Editors’ Artiste of the Year 2014. He is perceived one of the most celebrated stars of the Hausa movie industry, who bestrides the North/South divide like a colossus he really is. Born on the Ides of March, (March 15) 1974, his father hails from Balanga town of Gombe State while his mother is from Bama town of Borno State.

A graduate of University of Jos, Ali Sarki as he is fondly called by his fans, he holds a B.Sc degree in Geography and has to his credit over 160 Hausa movies, plus over 65 English movies. He has become the goto-actor for Nollywood movie

producers who want to market their movie in northern Nigeria.

Over time, Ali became a trendsetter being the only one to have successfully cut across the Northern and Southern axis of Nigeria as a multiple award actor. Many in Nigeria’s movie world call him a king with two palaces. He is presently one of the brand ambassadors to Nigeria’s leading Indigenous Telecom Network Company, GLOBACOM, Omo detergent (Unilever Plc) and Samsung Mobile Nigeria.

He got it all in managing his fame and stardom; the triumphant actor is regarded as one of the most successful artistes in the motion picture industry in Nigeria today.

Sports Person Of The Year 2014

Asisat Oshoala

For inspiring the Falconets, Super Falcons and her club Rivers Angels to the finals of global and regional championships and winning gold medals in all of them Asisat Lamina Oshoala (MON) is LEADERSHIP Sports Person of the Year 2014.

Born on October 9, 1994, the Nigerian professional footballer who plays for Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt was the best player and highest goal scorer at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Asisat was a delight to watch at world stage and got crowned as the best player and second top goals scorer with Nigeria’s women’s senior team the Super Falcons who won the 2014 African Women’s Championship. Although originally an attacking midfielder in the national teams, Oshoala has continued to find success as a forward. In September 2014, Oshoala was made a Member of the Order of the Niger by President Goodluck Jonathan. To pursue her

dream as a footballer, Oshoala incurred the wrath of her parents when she dropped out of school to take to football as a career. The 20 year old, born in Lagos, started her career at FC Robo in Mushin in Lagos State before moving to join the Rivers Angels. Asisat won both the Adidas Golden Ball and Adidas Golden Boot awards at the FIFA World Cup, scored the second-fastest goal in the history of the U-20 football World Cup of Women and helped Nigeria against the North Korean’s U-20, with a hat-trick. Overjoyed with the honour as MON, she dedicated it to her parents and team mates in both the Falconets and Super Falcons.

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Monday, December 8, 2014

Upsets, Parallel Elections Rock PDP NASS Primaries Nationwide FROM FRONT PAGE

governor Godswill Akpabio. Another senator losing out is Nenadi Usman who also lost her seat to represent Kaduna South in the Senate.

However, it was a sweeter tale for other Senate bigwigs: Senate President David Mark, his deputy Ike Ekweremmadu and deputy Senate Leader Abdul Ningi all won their respective primaries.

As expected, all PDP governors eyeing Senate seats won at yesterday’s primaries.

They are: Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Theodore Orji (Abia) and Jonah Jang (Plateau).

Recall that the governors of Delta and Enugu states, Emmanuel Uduaghan and Sullivan Chime, dropped their bids to come to the Senate in 2015.

ENUGU The deputy Senate president Ike Ekweremadu yesterday emerged the PDP candidate for Enugu West senatorial district for the 2015 election.

He was returned unopposed after polling a total of 294 out of the 299 votes cast by the accredited delegates.

Ekweremadu became PDP’s sole aspirant after the state governor, Sullivan Chime, withdrew from the race. In his acceptance speech, the deputy Senate president dedicated the victory to Governor Chime, describing his victory as an act of God. Meanwhile, three parallel primaries were yesterday held in Enugu East senatorial district.

While Gilbert Nnaji, the senator currently representing Enugu East, emerged victorious in the primary conducted at Nkwo Nike in Enugu East local government area, the former chief of staff, Enugu Government House, Mrs Ifeoma Nwobodo, emerged victorious in the primary election held at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

Former minister of information Mr Frank Nweke jnr emerged victorious in another primary conducted at a different location in the state.

The result of the primary held to elect the senatorial candidate in Enugu North was still being awaited at press time yesterday.

BAYELSA In President Goodluck Jonathan’s home state, Bayelsa, drama played out with parallel PDP Senate primaries taking place.

The chairman, Senate Committee on Oil and Gas, Downstream Sector, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, and former directorgeneral, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mr Ben Murray Bruce, emerged PDP flag bearers for Bayelsa Central and Bayelsa East senatorial districts in the 2015 general election.

Senator Heneiken Lokpobiri and Dr Foster Oguola emerged in separate primaries at the Bayelsa West senatorial district.

This was contained in the result declared by the chief returning officers in the three

senatorial districts and coordinated by the chairman, Bayelsa State National Assembly Primaries Electoral Committee, General Idi Adamu (rtd).

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NIGER Niger State governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu and Senator Zainab Kure have picked the PDP senatorial tickets of Niger East and Niger South respectively while Hon. Halidu Abba was returned unopposed for Niger North.

For Niger East, Aliyu defeated Alhaji Adamu Idris Kuta with 281 votes against 86 votes to pick the ticket yesterday in Minna. In Bida, Senator Kure defeated the Immediate past chairman of PDP in the state Hon Abduraman Mahmud Enagi with 328 votes to 8 votes to clinch the ticket for Niger South.

There was no contest in Niger North Akintan – zero votes .

Meanwhile, the primary for Ogun as Hon Halidu was the only candidate Central was postponed. of the party. He was just affirmed by the delegates at Kotagora, the headquarters PLATEAU of the zone.

Plateau State governor Jonah Jang was declared winner of the Plateau North NASARAWA Senator Suleiman Adokwe secured senatorial primaries of the PDP held at PDP’s senatorial ticket for Nasarawa Treasure Inn Hotel, Rayfield, Jos. Jang polled 73 votes to defeat his South Zone. He scored 163 votes to defeat closest and only opponent, Ambassador Alhaji BalaZakari who scored 46.

Ibrahim Kassai, who polled 18 votes.

Hon. Philip Gyunka is set to replace Former governor of Plateau State and Sen. Solomon Ewuga in the Senate after defeating four other contestants the Senator representing Plateau Central for Nasarawa North in the primaries Senatorial Zone, Chief Joshua Dariye, conducted in Akwanga yesterday. He won the ticket of the PDP for the Plateau polled 89 votes to beat Prof Onje Gye- Central zone.

Dariye got 104 votes to beat Alexander Wado, a former deputy governor, who Molwus who received 84 votes, Satty got 55.

Gogwin who had 12 votes, as well as Two other contestants, Ezekiel Maichibi Emmanuel Go’ar and Andrew Abbas who and Sen. John Damboyi, scored zero votes while the fifth contestant, Musa Umaru, got 14 votes each.

The PDP senatorial primaries in the withdrew at the last minute.

Maichibi and Sen. Danboyi, however, Plateau South Senatorial Zone was still filed a petition before the electoral ongoing by the time of filing this story at committee and left the premises of the 7 pm yesterday. election.

EDO Senator Odion Ugbesia of Edo Central KATSINA Speaker of Katsina State House of and a diehard loyalist of the chairman, Assembly, Yau Umar Gwajo-Gwajo, PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Tony yesterday emerged the PDP senatorial Anenih, yesterday scored 62 votes against Clifford Ordia who polled 141 voted to flag bearer for Daura zone.

The speaker was the consensus stop the incumbent lawmaker’s return bid candidate and received the endorsement to the red chamber in a freely contested of over 2,000 delegates who affirmed his primaries. candidacy in line with the provisions of EBONYI the electoral law.

Former Ebonyi State governor Dr Sam Egwu, former state PDP chairman Chief KWARA Former special adviser on Security Obinna Ogba, the embattled Speaker Matters to former Kwara State governor of the state House of Assembly Hon Bukola Saraki, Yinka Aluko, yesterday Chukwuma Nwazunku and the defunct emerged the winner of the PDP primaries chairman of Ezza South local government for Kwara Central, after polling 83 votes area Chief Laz Ogbe emerged PDP Senate candidates in the Chief Joseph Onwe-led to defeat AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq. faction of the primaries.

Others who emerged at the primaries OGUN The chairman, Mobilisation and include the senator representing Ebonyi Organisation of the PDP in the South South Sunny Ogbuoji, the younger West, Buruji Kashamu, has been elected brother to the national president of as senatorial candidate for Ogun East Ohanaeze Ndigbo and former chairman of Afikpo North LGA Chief Idu Igariye, senatorial district in the 2015 election.

At Ijebu Ode, venue for the, Kashamu the member representing Ohanaivo garnered 365 to beat two other aspirants, federal constituency Hon Linus Okorie, Dayo Oriola - four votes, and Taiwo and the member representing Abakaliki/ Izzi federal constituency Hon. Sylvester

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Ogbaga among others.

The primaries which were conducted amidst tight security witnessed low turnout of party faithful following a court injunction restraining the INEC from recognizing any primaries conducted by the state deputy chairman of the party, Chief Joseph Onwe.

OSUN Senators Adetunji Adeleke, Babajide Omoworare and Sola Adeyeye emerged All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates for the February 2015 senatorial elections for Osun West, East and Central senatorial seats.

Also, Chief Francis Adenigbagbe Fadahunsi, a retired deputy comptrollergeneral of Nigeria Custom Service, and former minister of Youth Affairs, Senator Akinlabi Olasunkanmi, emerged the senatorial candidates for the PDP in Osun East and West senatorial districts respectively.

Fadahunsi defeated former National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) boss, Chief (Mrs.) Remi Olowu with 265 votes to 116 to clinch the PDP ticket for Osun East at yesterday’s poll.

The other two Senatorial candidates of the APC had earlier emerged. Senator Babajide Omoworare and Professor Sola Adeyeye were returned as the candidates of the party for Osun East and Osun Central senatorial districts.

The result of PDP senatorial primaries for Osun Central was still being expected at the time of filing this report.

Chief Kunle Alao and Dr Daisi Aina are the two aspirants seeking the party’s nod to contest 2015 senatorial election in the district.

CROSS RIVER In a keenly contested primary held in Ikom, Hon John Enoh of the House of Representatives defeated the Senate leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, and one other candidate to clinch PDP’s ticket for Cross River Central.

Out of the 276 total votes cast, Enoh, according to the returning officer, Mr. Oko Enagu, polled 217 votes while NdomaEgba had 37. ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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Monday, December 8, 2014

Dabiri-Erewa Bows Out Of Reps When the House of Representatives opens for business in the next dispensation, one of its most vociferous voices and most influential personalities will be missing from the crowd.

After spending 12 productive years in the House of Representative, Hon. Abike Kafayat Oluwatoyin Dabiri-Erewa (Lagos/

APC) has decided to take a bow. She will not be returning to the House in the next dispensation.

According to sources in her camp, having paid her dues, Dabiri-Erewa believes it is time to give others the opportunity to serve as well.

Dabiri-Erewa, 52, is a third term

member of the House of Representatives at the National Assembly. As the Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora Affair, Dabiri-Erewa is known to have the widest network of Nigerians in the diaspora.

Fondly called “Mother Teresa of the tube”, she prides herself in her

outstanding career as a broadcaster.

She spent 15 years of distinguished and meritorious service at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

A wife and mother of two, she has continued to play her motherly role in her constituency, Lagos, Nigeria and All Progressive Congress (APC).

Upsets, Parallel Elections Rock PDP NASS Primaries Nationwide FROM PAGE 15

ABIA Governor Theodore Orji at the Umuahia Township Stadium clinched the PDP senatorial ticket for Abia Central. He was the sole candidate and polled 221 votes in an open secret ballot system that recorded only one void vote At the Enyimba Stadium, Senate spokesman Enyinnaya Abaribe recorded a land slide victory with 169 votes to pick the ticket to represent Abia Central for a third term.

His only rival Chief Prince Ojeh got only 2 votes. The primaries which was peaceful and transparent recorded six void votes Similarly, in the primary held at the Ohafia local government secretariat, Mao Ohuabunwa beat his closet rival, Chief David Ogba Onuoha, by 103 to 67 votes while the incumbent, Senator Uche Chukwumereije, came a distant third with 21 votes.

IMO Chief Hope Uzodinma, incumbent senator representing Orlu, Imo State clinched the PDP ticket in the senatorial primary election held in the state yesterday. He defeated his closest rival with 200 votes.

KADUNA A retired deputy director with Pension Office, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mr Danjuma La’ah, yesterday defeated the incumbent senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial district, Sen. Nenadi Usman, at the primaries.

La’ah defeated the senator and former minister of finance with a six votes, polling 129 votes to Nenadi’s 123 votes.

Senator Ahmed Makarfi, representing Kaduna North, won the primary unopposed. He is to face either Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed or Suleiman Hunkuyi of the APC in next year’s election.

The Kaduna Central senatorial seat, which is currently occupied by APC’s chieftain Sani Saleh, a one-time senator, Ahmed Mukhtar Aruwa, is the flag bearer of the PDP. Aruwa polled 156 votes to defeat two other aspirants, Ahmadu Inuwa and Talatu Shehu, who scored 113 and 28 votes respectively.

DELTA The incumbent, Senator James Manager, clinched the PDP slot to contest for Delta South. He beat a relatively unknown aspirant, Mr. Okorodudu.

However, the senatorial primaries of the party in the two other senatorial districts of Delta State were ongoing at the time of filing this report.

Voting was ongoing at the Ughelli Township Stadium where Chief

Ighoyota Amori and Senator Emmanuel Aguriavwodo were slugging out for the Delta Central ticket.

Former chairman of the party in the state, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi and the wife of former PDP national chairman Ahmadu Ali, Mariam, were vying for Delta North ticket.

BENUE Senate President David Mark, Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and Chief Mike Mku yesterday won the senatorial tickets of the PDP primaries in the state.

Mark polled 384 out of 389 delegates accredited. Governor Suswam won the ticket with 312 out of 321 delegates while Chief Mku had 168 votes. Suswam and Mark won through affirmation voting, as they had no opponents while Mku defeated Laha Dzever and Terseer Tsumba, a former speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly.

Mark seeks to represent Benue South for the fifth time, Suswam seeks to replace former PDP national chairman Barnabas Gemade for Benue North East while Mku aims to represent Benue North West respectively.

KANO The Senate Chief Whip, Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, was endorsed and ratified by 513 delegates from the 13 local government areas of the senatorial.

ADAMAWA Major upsets emerged yesterday at the Adamawa State Senatorial primaries in Abuja, as former political adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan Barr.

Ahmed Gulak, former minister of health Dr Idi Hong and Sen. Silas Zwingina emerged candidates for Adamawa North, Central and South senatorial zones.

In Adamawa Southern Zone, Sen. Silas Zwingina scored 274, while Sen. Ahmed Barata got 39 votes. In Adamawa Central, Dr Aliyu Idi Hong scored 242 votes to beat Hon. Aishatu Biyani with two votes.

For Adamawa North, Gulak got 184 votes while all other contestants scored zero. One invalid vote was recorded.

BAUCHI The deputy Senate leader, Senator Abdul Ningi was unanimously returned unopposed during the senatorial elections for Bauchi Central senatorial district.

ANAMBRA The immediate past minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, won the PDP ticket for Anambra North senatorial seat.

In a result announced in Nteje, Anambra State, Ms Oduah polled 259 votes to defeat Margery Okadigbo, the incumbent and wife of former Senate president Chuba Okadigbo. Mrs Okadigbo got eight votes.

Other contestants for the ticket

Mu’azu

included Sam Ikefuna, 10 votes, and John Emeka, 15 votes.

It emerged that five parallel PDP senatorial primaries were held in Anambra yesterday. Stella Oduah won in Anambra North, Uche Ekwunife won in Anambra Central, Annie Okonkwo also won in Anambra Central, Andy Uba won in Anambra South, his brother Chris Uba also won in Anambra South.

PDP picks Reps candidates In Kogi, the vice chairman, House of Committee on Information & Communication Technology (ICT), Hon. Tajudeen Yusuf on Saturday won PDP primary to represent Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu federal constituency of Kogi State for second term.

The lawmaker polled 51 votes to beat two other candidates, Hon. Jethro Funsho and Omolade Ibikunle, who scored 37 and 23 votes respectively.

In Imo, three House of Reps members at the weekend lost their return bids.

The affected lawmakers are Hons.

Gerald Ironna representing Ohaji/ Egbema, Jerry Alagboso representing Orlu/Orsu and Oru East and Chudi Uwazuruike representing Okigwe West.

In Cross River, amidst sporadic gunfire, Hon. Bassey Ewa scored 88 votes to beat his main rival Alex Egbona and others to grab the PDP ticket for Abi/Yakurr federal constituency. Frank Eta got one vote while Egbona (Governor Liyel Imoke’s former chief of staff) and Patrick Okomisi had zero votes respectively.

For the Calabar/Odukpani Federal Constituency, the immediate past

chairman of Calabar Municipal Council, Hon. Eta Mbora, defeated the incumbent, Hon. Nkoyo Toyo, to grab the party’s ticket.

Mbora, a former chairman of Appropriation Committee in the State House of Assembly, polled 48 votes against Toyo’s 40 votes.

Also, incumbent member for Calabar South/Akpabuyo/Bakassi Federal constituency, Hon. Essien Ayi, dealt a blow to popular actress and major rival, Kate Henshaw, to pick the party’s ticket for another slot.

For Ogoja/Yala federal constituency, SURE-P helmsman in the state, Jarigbe Agom, defeated the incumbent Hon Rose Oko to obtain the party’s ticket.

APC elects NASS candidates The speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Barr. Razak Atunwa and former minister of state for Health, Princess Funke Adedoyin were among those elected as APC flag bearers for the House of Representatives elections next year.

Atunwa will vie for Asa\Ilorin West Federal constituency seat while Adedoyin will contest election in Irepodun,Isin, Oke-Ero federal constituency.

Other candidates that emerged at the APC primaries are Dr Abubakar Kaninke (Ilorin East\Ilorin South federal constituency), Hon. Tope Olayonu (Offa,Oyun\Ifelodun), Hon. Zakari Muhammed (Kaima\Baruten), and Hon. Ahman Patigi (Edu,Patigi\Moro constituency).

All the elections were mere formality as all the six candidates presented won.

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Person of The Year 2014

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

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ur choice of Obasanjo was a difficult one, but we were compelled by the need to focus on the message rather than the messenger.

We are not unmindful of the fact that his choice would come to many of our readers as a surprise, if not disappointment. Yet it is precisely because we have held his feet to the fire whenever we deemed it necessary that we have the courage to acknowledge his message.

We know that the former president was the architect of a number of the current problems facing the country; yet his persistence in speaking up when other statesmen preferred to play the ostrich by burying their heads in the sand make it difficult to ignore him.

From his famous exchange of letters to his direct challenge on President Goodluck Jonathan’s government to curb corruption and save the country from insecurity, Obasanjo spoke up for millions of Nigerians who may not like him but who cannot deny that he said what needed to be said and has stayed on the message.

If he had been silent like the rest who want to be esteemed publicly but prefer to claim privileged access to the powers that be when their voices should have been heard, it is almost certain that things might have been worse than they are today.

Military life In his two decades in the military, Obasanjo advanced steadily through the ranks. From 1958 to 1959, he served in the 5th Battalion in Kaduna and the Cameroons. In 1959, he was commissioned a second lieutenant. The following year, he was promoted to lieutenant and served in the Nigerian contingent of the UN Force in the Congo. In 1963, he became commander of the only engineering unit of the Nigerian Army. The same year, he was promoted to captain. He became a major in 1965, lieutenant-colonel in 1967, and colonel in 1969.

In his autobiographical work, My Command: An Account of the Nigerian Civil War, Obasanjo wrote this of that tumultuous period in Nigeria’s history: “Within a space of six months, I turned a situation of low morale, desertion and distrust within my division and within the Army into one of high morale, confidence, cooperation and success for my division and for the Army....A nation almost torn asunder and on the brink of total disintegration was reunited and the wound healed.”

Life after the war Following the war, Obasanjo returned to his former position as chief of army engineers. After he was promoted to brigadier-general in 1972, he enrolled in an advanced training course at the Royal College of Defence Studies in London. Two years later, he returned to Nigeria and was appointed federal commissioner for works and housing.

Military head of state During his time in office, Obasanjo proved himself to be a tough leader, unafraid to stand up to colonial powers. At one point, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher refused to restore British authority in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) after the country’s white population usurped power. In response, Obasanjo nationalised British Petroleum’s interests in Nigeria, those of Barclays Bank and threatened to boycott British imports. Thatcher eventually relented, and began the process that led to free elections and majority rule in Zimbabwe.

Hand over to civilians In 1979, after three years as Nigeria’s leader, Obasanjo handed power to elected president Shehu Shagari. In doing so, he became the only military ruler in Nigeria’s history, albeit, in ➔ ConTInUes on PaGe 18

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Person Of The Year 2014

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo FROM PAGE 17

Africa, to voluntarily step down in favour of a democratically-elected government.

While in office, Obasanjo oversaw the creation of a new constitution for Nigeria, and implemented a wide range of governmental reforms.

Obasanjo the farmer Having retired from the armed forces as a general in 1979, Obasanjo started a company called Obasanjo Farms Nigeria Ltd., in Otta, Ogun State. According to Jonathan Power, writing in the Los Angeles Times, “Obasanjo was so obsessed by his countrymen’s refusal to come to terms with economic chaos, not least the running down of the country’s precious agricultural base, that he decided to show what could be done with the land.” He supervised the construction of the farm closely, often choosing to spend the night in the half-built structures.

“I call myself a chicken farmer,” he told Rushworth M. Kidder of the Christian Science Monitor. “Some of my friends don’t like that, but some do!”

Life as a writer Obasanjo also became a fellow at the University of Ibadan’s Institute of African Studies.

During the 1980s and 1990s, he wrote prolifically, publishing My Command and numerous books and articles on Africa’s development. He served on a variety of policy research and advisory committees concerned with the future of African countries. “Democracy, farming, and disarmament are Obasanjo’s passions,” Jonathan Power wrote in the Los Angeles Times, “and he has relentlessly promulgated them.”

Obasanjo was quoted as saying in the Los Angeles Times: “The improvement of living standards and the wealth of nations are more of a journey and less of a destination.”

In his view, it would take three or four generations for Africa to transform its centuries-old culture to fit with the demands of the global marketplace, but at the same time African culture should not be devalued.

“What, for example, is wrong with our traditional society, which respects age, experience, and authority?” he was quoted as saying in the Los Angeles Times.

“Or the norm that everybody is his brother’s keeper? Or the practice of stigmatising and ostracising evil doers and the indolent?”

June 12 In 1993, a civil election was held in Nigeria, but the country’s military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida, refused to hand over power to the winner.

“We demand that the Babangida administration be terminated forthwith,” Obasanjo was quoted as saying in the Boston Globe.

In protest, the European Community suspended aid to Nigeria, but the military government held on.

Phantom coup By 1995, leadership had passed to General Sani Abacha, who jailed Obasanjo and other military officers on charges of plotting a coup. Obasanjo strongly denied the charges, and after international pressure was applied, he was soon released from prison, although he was restricted to his hometown indefinitely.

Abacha and Abdulsalami In the summer of 1998, Abacha, whom the Economist once called “the worst ruler Nigeria has ever” had died suddenly - whether from natural or unnatural causes is still uncertain. In his place came General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who quickly announced his intention to restore Nigeria to civilian rule after 15 years of army dictatorship. He released a number of political prisoners, including Obasanjo. Almost immediately, rumours began circulating that he would run for office. In November of 1998, Obasanjo confirmed the rumours, arousing both interest and controversy.

“More than issues, however, the election is about the complex balancing of hundreds of ethnic interests. However, his years spent in house arrest were a definite asset for his campaign: Mr Obasanjo’s aura as a political martyr is expected to help him to overcome the handicap of his uniform,” La Guardia observed.

Why I came back He told the Daily Telegraph that he had to return to power to “bring Nigeria out of the mess it has been put into by a succession of corrupt army dictators. I believe I have something to offer.

If someone has something to offer, he should say so and let the electorate decide.”

Awards Selected Awards: Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1980; Africa Prize for Leadership for the Sustainable End of Hunger, 1990; several honorary degrees.

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Governor Of The Year 2014

Alhaji Kashim Shettima For his steadfastness and abiding faith in his people in the face of terrorism and for being a true servant and comforter despite the terrifying odds, Governor Kashim Shettima is LEADERSHIP Governor of the Year 2014.

H

is state was and still is the hotbed of the Boko Haram insurgency that has brought tears, blood and wanton destruction in its wake. That unfortunate situation thrust him in the eye of the storm and has marked a defining moment in the affairs of that state that held a lot of promise for rural development. In spite of this, the governor has not only identified with the people that voted him into office, but has remained steadfast in his pursuit of the common good (even as the crisis gains a crescendo almost on a daily basis) based on the courage of his conviction - that moments of trials and tribulation and one’s approach to them make the difference between one leader and another. But as the crisis continued to take its toll in a manner that tasked the resolve of even the most committed and gifted leader, Shettima, possibly in exasperation -after the apparent helplessness of the security forces - admitted publicly that leadership at all levels had failed the people as far as resolving the Boko Haram issue was concerned. The matter-of- fact manner in which he uttered his regret, particularly after the abduction of the Chibok girls, and his general candour and humility were touching and fully conveyed the feelings of the people. Shettima has remained admirably unrelenting in his pursuit of measures geared towards the elimination of insurgency in the state even as he continues to provide quality leadership to a people struggling to make a meaning out of the whole mess.

Boko Haram This insurgent group has continued to pose the greatest challenge to Governor Shettima’s administration. The abduction of the Chibok girls, in real terms, placed him in the eye of the storm, with the state attracting global attention. But he has not let his people down as he has stuck with them in their moments of grief in a practical display of what it

takes to be a leader.

The man Kashim Shettima was born on September 2, 1966, in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

He studied Agricultural Science at the University of Maiduguri and graduated in 1989 and did his national service in Calabar with the Nigerian Agricultural Cooperative Bank (NACB) from 1989 to 1990. He enrolled for his Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics the following year. His career in banking can be traced to 1989 -1990 when he served as youth corps member with the NACB in Calabar.

His career After a stint as Lecturer 11 with the Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Maiduguri, from 1991 to 1993, he joined Commercial Bank of Africa Ltd as its officer and head of Accounts Unit at its Ikeja Office in Lagos State from 1993 to 1997.

In 1997, he secured appointment with African International Bank Ltd, Kaduna branch, as deputy manager and later rose to be manager between 1997 and 2001.

In 2001, he was appointed deputy manager/branch head of Zenith Bank Plc, Maiduguri Office. In five years, he had occupied various positions in Zenith Bank’s management cadre.

Kashim Shettima’s exemplary qualities made the then outgoing Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff to invite him to continue the development of the state with his experience as a financial guru.

Can-do man Consequently, Kashim Shettima contested the gubernatorial polls in the state on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in the April 2011 general election and won.

The can-do approach to governance by the Kashim Shettima administration in Borno State serves as a tonic to ginger the people into action and work toward making the state achieve meaningful development in all spheres of life.

The Borno State government is currently showing its com-

mitment to act fast and close the gap in human development as well as in the provision of infrastructure.

Governor Kashim Shettima has directly taken on the task by using a multiple approach strategy because of the urgency required in confronting the challenges posed by the developmental needs of Borno State.

The intervention by his government to eliminate unemployment is a policy designed to

create equilibrium so as to ensure that the income generated by the state and the products it produces are consistent with the full employment potentialities of its labour force. It is in realisation of this objective that his administration believes that government intervention in developing agricultural sector has become necessary in its desire to move towards achieving full employment and economic wellbeing for the people of the state.

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Politician Of The Year 2014

Alhaji Tanko Al-Makura For surviving a malicious political onslaught, resisting a vicious attempt to undermine the will of the people and expanding the frontiers of the rule of law, Governor Tanko Al-Makura is LEADERSHIP Politician of the Year 2014.

A

gainst all odds, he was elected governor on the platform of the Congress for Progress Change (CPC) in a PDP dominated state.

Ever since, it has been for him a walk in a minefield.

The situation was not helped even with the fusion of the party into the All Progressive Congress (APC); instead of the turf war between him and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) creating undue anxiety and helplessness, the political struggle toughened him and has brought out the best in this quintessential politician. Al-Makura has deftly manoeuvred, and survived, the banana peels in the Nasarawa House of Assembly placed in his path by the dominant PDP. With all the cards stacked

against him, and everyone believing that his exit was just a matter of time, Al-Makura weathered an impeachment plot mainly because he allegedly did business with the PDP leadership in Abuja, made easy by the resolve of the people to make the state ungovernable if he was removed. Political expediency prevailed and good sense won the day. As an apostle of realpolitik, he stooped and he conquered.

Political career In 1980, Al-Makura became the youth leader of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the old Plateau State. He was elected to the Constituent Assembly of 1988–89, representing the Lafia–Obi Federal Constituency of what is now Nasarawa State. Al-makura was a founding member of the

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State in 1998.

He defected from the PDP after losing the primary elections for the governorship and was elected governor of Nasarawa State on the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) on April 26, 2011.

Born in 1952, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura was businessman before his election as governor Impeachment struggle On July 14, 2014, the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly gave a notice of impeachment to the Clerk of the House to serve on Tanko Al-Makura.

The document contained allegations of gross misconduct and was signed by 20 of the 24 Assembly members. Four APC members opposed it. Youths

from the state took to the state to protest the move by the lawmakers, even vowing to start recall processes for them if they continued with the impeachment process.

On July 20, 2014, it was reported that Nasarawa traditional rulers had called on both sides to refrain from holding rallies for or against the impeachment so as to avoid violence. On July 23, four members of the Assembly tried to seize the speaker’s mace to delay a motion to ask the Chief Judge of the state to set up a seven-person panel to review the allegations of gross misconduct. The members of the House met 20 minutes later and passed the motion by 20 votes against four. Even with this, the governor was eventually acquitted of all counts.

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Banker Of The Year 2014

Henry James Semenitari (MD/CEO, Unity Bank Plc)

From rallying the bank from a shrinking asset base to the position of seventh largest bank in Nigeria, with shareholder’s fund at N51.2 billion, Henry James Semenitari is LEADERSHIP Banker of the Year 2014.

When James Semenitari took the reins of management at Unity Bank Plc in 2011, it was evident that he had his job cut out for him. At the time, Unity Bank was still consolidating its hold on the Nigerian banking space after emerging from the largest merger and consolidation in Nigeria’s banking industry.

Semenitari, however, came ready for the job; he proved himself a marketer who knew his onions beyond rhetoric.

He went to work, chiseling

away every impediment to the emergence of Unity Bank as one of Nigeria’s leading banks.

He also brought to bear on Unity Bank his more than two decades banking experience and the result is exciting to both customers and shareholders.

However, Semenitari was not done with repositioning Unity Bank; he took the bank to the next level in the consolidation ladder through rights issue and private placement of N39.224 billion. Perhaps, Semenitari did

not bargain for the outcome of the issue; the N39.224billion offer was oversubscribed.

Prior to assuming the position of MD/CEO in 2011, Semenitari served as executive director, Public Sector and Government, First City Monument Bank Plc . He has valuable and consistent banking experience in Operations, Internal Control, Commercial and Retail Banking, Consumer Banking, Corporate Banking (Energy), etc., acquired from various

banks over a 22-year career at First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Zenith Bank, Diamond Bank, United Bank for Africa, ACB International Bank and Continental Trust Bank.

Mr. Semenitari holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from University of Lagos (1987) and an MBA from University of Navarra (I.E.S.E.), Barcelona, Spain (2000). He is also an alumnus of both the Harvard and the Cambridge Judge Business Schools.

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business person Of The Year 2014

Adewale Jubril Tinubu For turning Oando into a global brand and creating wealth that has impacted scores of businesses and thousands of lives, Wale Tinubu is LEADERSHIP Business Person of the Year 2014.

Forbes Africa magazine described the Chief Executive Officer of Oando plc, Mr Wale Tinubu, as “the Nigerian Oil Baron Buying up America”.

His successful spearheading of the Conoco-Phillips deal marked him out as one of a kind in the corporate world. Oando, which he heads, started 20 years ago with no money and today are probably an enterprise of $3.5 to $4 billion. By the time it completed its last acquisition, Oando has a valuation of USD $6 billion with zero equity. Explaining the success of his enterprise, the oil chief said he had relied essentially on the minds and intellectual prowess of his workforce.

However, Wale believes that it is one thing to have an idea, or a team that can execute it and it’s another thing to raise the capital for it and noted that most of the time, the capital for business in Nigeria is unconventional and said that his first loan was at 10 per cent per month in interest and paid back at 120 per cent a year. Wale is excited

by the rise of the indigenous entrepreneur who enable capital to flow into the continent and effectively bridge the economic gap by pulling in global sources, technology and knowledge. He attributes the success of Oando to the emphasis on people who are not only intellectually superior but people who have a curiosity and aspiration to understand how things are doing in other markets. In particular, having a “first world” mentality helps in the process of implementing and executing on things and in a manner that you can extract a valuable return. More importantly, he not only works hard but also works smart and has been able to attract to his organisation the super smart, people with a certain intellectual capacity, who are able to deal with problems and challenges.

“In my experience, I found that the only way you are going to get someone to lead is if they are very knowledgeable in their area of expertise, they are confident and they have a sense of right

and wrong.” That is our Business Person of the Year.

Career: Wale Tinubu started his career with the family law firm, K. O. Tinubu and Co, where he was responsible for corporate and petroleum law. In 1994, he partnered to found Ocean and Oil Limited, an indigenous oil company, to supply and trade petroleum products globally. He also co-founded Oando PLC, and guided its strategic development leading to the acquisition of Unipetrol during the Federal Government of Nigeria’s privatisation exercise in 2001.

Beginning of Acquisition: In 2002, Tinubu led the largest ever acquisition of a quoted Nigerian company, with the acquisition of Agip by Unipetrol through an international bid conducted by Agip Petroli International B.V. In 2003, he oversaw the merger of Unipetrol and Agip Nigeria to birth Oando.

Oando Heads for the Skies: Oando is the first African company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange with a market capitalization of more than three billion South African Rand. This is considered to be the biggest single listing since telecommunications giant Telkom came to the South African market a few years ago. Oando also became the first Nigerian company to achieve a crossborder listing.

Wale Tinubu is widely recognised for his role in the successful transformation of Oando from a petroleum marketing company to an integrated energy group, adding international supply & trading, gas & power, energy services and exploration and production. Presently, Oando PLC has investments across the energy value chain, and is one of sub-Saharan Africa’s foremost indigenous integrated energy solutions group providing employment to over 15,000 direct and indirect employees.

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Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Public Officer Of The Year 2014

Gimba Ya’u Kumo

(MD/CEO, Federal Mortgage Bank Of Nigeria, FMBN) For making housing finance a central issue in the nation’s economic development, helping to expand access to mortgage finance and improving the coverage rate from 25 percent to 40 percent in three years, Gimba Ya’u Kumo is LEADERSHIP Public Officer of the Year 2014.

In arriving at the decision, the editors recalled that in the last three years, Kumo through his well thought out initiatives as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Mortgage Bank Of Nigeria (FMBN), has been able to prove that housing and housing finance are key drivers of economic development, political stability and contribute a huge part to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). To appreciate the good work Kumo is doing at FMBN, it is interesting to note that before now the

home ownership rate was a paltry 25 per cent. But that has improved to 40 per cent. Kumo was born on November 5, 1959 in Gombe, Gombe State. He holds a B.sc in Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1983 and a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Management (MBA) from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi in 1999.

He is a member, Nigeria institute of Management (NIM); Fellow, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCITN)

; Fellow, African Business School (ABS); Fellow, Institute of Research & Leadership Technology (IRLT) Member, Institute of Management Executive & Administration of Nigeria (MIMEA), Member, Nigeria Institute of Certified Credit Administrators (AICCA).

Mr. Gimba Ya’u Kumo was appointed MD/CEO of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria on December 4, 2010. He is married with children. He was conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

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CEO Of The Year 2014

Benedict Peters (Founder, Aiteo Group)

For a path-breaking deal that deepens the country’s capacity to manage its oil assets and one that will create local content valued at $2.7billion, Benedict Peters is LEADERSHIP CEO of the Year 2014.

Mr. Peters is the founder of Aiteo Group and is responsible for managing the company in terms of strategic development, policy formulation and execution.

A graduate of Geography and Regional Planning from the University of Benin, Peters has over 14 years of strategic experience in energy trading, commodity trading and banking. Six of his seven years in energy trading were in senior and top executive positions where he gained invaluable industry knowledge serving at top Nigerian energy trading companies that include Ocean and Oil Limited, MRS Oil and Gas (Managing Director) and

OUR GROUP (Group Vice President).

Under him, Aiteo Group has grown rapidly within the last decade, becoming a significant player in the Oil and Gas industry in Nigeria. Its latest feat is the acquisition of 85 per cent equity in Oil Mining Lease, OML 29, being divested by the Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC. The purchase of the asset, reputed as one of Shell’s most prolific oil block makes it Aiteo’s largest asset in Africa from local content point of view. Peters and Aiteo sealed the deal worth $2.7billion, which also includes the Nembe Creek pipelines.

Product Of The Year 2014

For his entrepreneurial exertions and single-minded commitment to create a truly Nigerian automobile brand symbolised by the Innoson 4-wheel drive, Innoson Is LEADERSHIP Product of the Year 2014.

On October 15, 2010, President Goodluck Jonathan officially commissioned Innoson Motors range of products which comprise 17 and 43 seater buses (luxury buses, midi-buses and minibuses), pick-up vans and sports utility vehicles.

Made in Nigeria Cars: Recently, cars were added to the Innoson Motors range.

The vehicles are about 80 to 90 percent made in Nigeria as all the components are designed and moulded by the company

while other parts are sourced from several automotive parts companies in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Innoson Group Nigeria Limited, a Nigerian Automobile Company which manufactures the vehicles dates back to 1986 when it started with the importation of motorcycle parts into the country.

How it all began: By early 2000s the company decided to start the local production of motorcycle parts and its assembling in Nnewi in

order to reduce the price of motorcycles in Nigeria. The success of this motivated Innoson to go for the bigger picture which is the manufacturing of vehicles.

THE House of Representatives Committee on local content, in appreciation of the effort, has approved the use of Innoson vehicles for its official activities. The approval was endorsed by the law makers after visiting the motor plant at Nnewi, Anambra State.

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Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Company Of The Year 2014

Stallion Group

For its consumer-focused approach, commitment to expansion and quality, and for giving a truly Nigerian face to a global brand in spite of the daunting odds, Stallion Group is LEADERSHIP Company of the Year 2014.

The LEADERSHIP Board of Editors in arriving at this decision considered the company’s contribution to the nation’s business and economy.

Stallion is a 40-year-old business enterprise that has grown from its modest start in West Africa into a fledgling multibusiness conglomerate, one of the largest in the sub region.

Today Stallion has a multinational presence in 18 countries involved in commodities, agri-business, food, industries, automobiles and services. It draws its strength from

its high calibre and experienced human resources with extensive operational expertise in the complex African markets. It targets to be Africa’s leading company through pioneering global best practices and playing an integral role in achieving Africa’s unlimited potential. Recently, the Nigerian government listed it among the 100 top businesses in the country. From the very beginning, Stallion’s approach to business was highly consumer oriented – delivering the best quality product

at the most economic pricing.

Sensing the growing demand for quality products,

Stallion invested heavily in infrastructure comprising warehousing, cold storages, factories, office buildings, showrooms, workshops, logistics equipment and transportation. Stallion established a stable infrastructure that supported optimal distribution of products at the most economic terms to its customers.

Stallion also employed several thousand local staff and invested in their development through education, training and experience across industries.

Government Agency Of The Year 2014

SMEDAN

(Small & Medium Enterprises Development Agency Of Nigeria) For its outstanding contributions in core mandate areas of focusing on skills acquisition, entrepreneurship training and access to finance, SMEDAN is LEADERSHIP Government Agency of the Year 2014.

Nagari Farm Yoghurt

The LEADERSHIP Newspapers Board of Editors in voting the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) as the Government Agency of The Year 2014, considered its policy of tackling the challenges of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria in a holistic manner.

With the introduction of the National Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP),

the agency set out to generate 3.5 million jobs and an estimated five million direct and indirect jobs between 2013 and 2015. It is also focusing on Skills Acquisition, Entrepreneurship Training/Business Development Service (BDS) and Access to Finance.

The entrepreneurship training component of NEDEP is being executed under the One Local Government One Product (OLOP) platform.

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Microfinance Bank of The Year 2014

Fortis Microfinance Bank Plc For its sterling and robust record in providing micro-credit to vibrant but disadvantaged economic groups, including hundreds of women and young graduates, Fortis is LEADERSHIP Microfinance Bank of the Year 2014.

The LEADERSHIP Board of Editors has voted Fortis Microfinance Bank Plc as the Microfinance Bank of the Year 2014. It was a unanimous vote powered by the bank’s track record of performance over the years especially in the small and medium enterprises sector.

Fortis is a leading Nigerian financial institution licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2007 and listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange as the first private sector led Microfinance Bank in 2012. The bank provides flexible banking solutions to support the development

of entrepreneurship and empowerment of the economically disadvantaged micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSME) as well as individual.

Fortis runs a viable business model that provides access and financial empowerment to those at the base of the economic pyramid that constitute over 80 per cent of the about 160 million Nigerians and also provide huge returns on investments.

The bank currently has a growing customer base, made up of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), individuals and groups who

have benefited from Fortis loans and other value added services Its microcredit scheme is created to encourage women who engage in petty trading and other economic regenerative activities to grow their businesses and eventually become economically independent. These women are organised into small self-select groups (5 to 8) and are coached through a mentorship programme to determine their suitability for the microcredit. As part of its contribution towards poverty reduction, wealth creation and promotion of

entrepreneurship, it engages in strategic partnerships with relevant public agencies including the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP), Development Finance Department of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA) and the National Directorate of Employment (NDE). Through these relationships, it disburses credits, build capacity, promote entrepreneurship among youths, and individuals.

Bank of The Year 2014

For rapidly growing its asset base in spite of the difficult circumstances of its initial take off, expanding liquidity enjoying the confidence and patronage of wide customer base, including many circular depositors and businesses, Jaiz Bank is LEADERSHIP Bank of the Year 2014.

Jaiz Bank Plc emerged as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) from former Jaiz International Bank Plc with the aim of establishing Nigeria’s first non-interest bank. By noninterest banking, Jaiz seeks to offer almost all the services offered by conventional banks except that they do not give or receive interest, nor finance anything that could cause harm to society like alcohol, tobacco and gambling. In 2011, it sought a regional banking

licence to operate in the Nigerian banking space and has since proved its viability as the country’s premier non-interest bank. Its banking principle is based on the ethical principle of fairness, transparency and objectivity.

Its non-interest banking model has also elicited wide interest among Nigerians.

When it went to the market for its Initial Public Offer (IPO), it was oversubscribed by 120% because of the huge demand

for interest-free banking in Nigeria.

Beyond interest-free banking, Jaiz Bank has also proved its competence in products development with innovative banking products that cater for a wide gamut of Nigerians. The Jaiz Auto Financing (JAF) designed for salary account holders in public, private and other reputed organisations has made it easy for Nigerians to purchase brand new cars. The

bank has also taken the lead in mobile banking. It recently entered into partnership with Teasy Mobile on mobile money services with the aim of implementing financial services inclusion to meet the needs of the unbanked in the society.

Jaiz also recently applied to the CBN for a national banking licence to operate in every nook and cranny of Nigeria, an indication that interest-free banking has been profitable.

leadership award 27

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Brand Of The Year 2014 Real Estate Development Infrastructure

For emerging as one of the fastest growing real estate firms in Nigeria with over 600 housing units in Abuja and for setting up the first fully dedicated customer service department in the real estate sector, Brains & Hammers is LEADERSHIP Brand of the Year 2014.

Brains & Hammers, a real estate firm, has been voted Leadership Newspapers Board of Editors’ Brand of the Year 2014. The company is one of the fastest growing Nigerian real estate development and management companies in the Federal Capital Territory. In a sector that is generally fraught with poor construction and finishing of buildings, it has stood out as one with a knack for high grade buildings, finished with quality fittings. Since its entry into the

real estate sector of the nation’s capital city about five years ago, the company owned and managed by a group of young enterprising Nigerians has become one to be reckoned with.

This is in terms of the quality of its projects and general service delivery.

Brains and hammers started operations in 2011 and has risen to become one of the fastest growing real estate firms in Nigeria with a focus on the mid luxury range. By maintaining

control throughout the design and construction process, the company ensures that each of its estates is built to the highest quality standards, with utmost attention to detail.

The budding company has built over 600 housing units in Abuja.

Good customer service is at the core of the company’s business.

Brains & Hammers is actually the first company that started a dedicated customer service department in real estate in Abuja.

Brains & Hammers has also distinguished itself by adding value in all the areas where it finds itself through the provision of access roads, bridges and culverts as well as street lights which serve other residents of the areas. As a direct consequence of its provision of infrastructure which is a responsibility of the government, such areas open up and the value of property in the areas appreciates. This is one of the qualities that stand it out as our brand of the year.

Young Persons Of The Year 2014

Chibok Girls

For their fortitude under the most inhuman conditions and their place as the rallying point in the struggle against terrorism the Chibok girls are LEADERSHIP Young Persons of the Year 2014.

On the night of April 14, 2014, 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town of Chibok in Borno State, Nigeria.

Responsibility for the kidnappings was claimed by Boko Haram, an Islamic Jihadist and terrorist organisation based in northeast Nigeria. Ever since, and typical of most things Nigerian, the fate of those unfortunate girls has become like a pun on the nation’s political chessboard. Their continued detention by those purveyors of evil has continued to generate outrage around the country and internationally. The anguish of their parents is unimaginable and we empathise with them. Our hearts are always with those lovely girls who are suffering for daring to take their destiny in their own hands by going to school.

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Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Artiste Of The Year 2014

Ali Nuhu

For his talent, versatility and genuine role model qualities, Ali Nuhu is LEADERSHIP Artiste of the Year 2014.

Handsome, Kano based actor, Ali Nuhu, is Leadership Newspapers Board of Editors’ Artiste of the Year 2014. He is perceived one of the most celebrated stars of the Hausa movie industry, who bestrides the North/South divide like a colossus he really is. Born on the Ides of March, (March 15) 1974, his father hails from Balanga town of Gombe State while his mother is from Bama town of Borno State.

A graduate of University of Jos, Ali Sarki as he is fondly called by his fans, he holds a B.Sc degree in Geography and has to his credit over 160 Hausa movies, plus over 65 English movies. He has become the goto-actor for Nollywood movie

producers who want to market their movie in northern Nigeria.

Over time, Ali became a trendsetter being the only one to have successfully cut across the Northern and Southern axis of Nigeria as a multiple award actor. Many in Nigeria’s movie world call him a king with two palaces. He is presently one of the brand ambassadors to Nigeria’s leading Indigenous Telecom Network Company, GLOBACOM, Omo detergent (Unilever Plc) and Samsung Mobile Nigeria.

He got it all in managing his fame and stardom; the triumphant actor is regarded as one of the most successful artistes in the motion picture industry in Nigeria today.

Sports Person Of The Year 2014

Asisat Oshoala

For inspiring the Falconets, Super Falcons and her club Rivers Angels to the finals of global and regional championships and winning gold medals in all of them Asisat Lamina Oshoala (MON) is LEADERSHIP Sports Person of the Year 2014.

Born on October 9, 1994, the Nigerian professional footballer who plays for Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt was the best player and highest goal scorer at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Asisat was a delight to watch at world stage and got crowned as the best player and second top goals scorer with Nigeria’s women’s senior team the Super Falcons who won the 2014 African Women’s Championship. Although originally an attacking midfielder in the national teams, Oshoala has continued to find success as a forward. In September 2014, Oshoala was made a Member of the Order of the Niger by President Goodluck Jonathan. To pursue her

dream as a footballer, Oshoala incurred the wrath of her parents when she dropped out of school to take to football as a career. The 20 year old, born in Lagos, started her career at FC Robo in Mushin in Lagos State before moving to join the Rivers Angels. Asisat won both the Adidas Golden Ball and Adidas Golden Boot awards at the FIFA World Cup, scored the second-fastest goal in the history of the U-20 football World Cup of Women and helped Nigeria against the North Korean’s U-20, with a hat-trick. Overjoyed with the honour as MON, she dedicated it to her parents and team mates in both the Falconets and Super Falcons.

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32 OPINION

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Devaluation Of The Naira (1) By boniface chizea

Following recent developments with the oil market in the purview of precipitous fall in the price of oil, we have been inundated with comments to the effect that the Naira should be devalued. This is despite the assurances of the monetary authorities that devaluation is not the route they would prefer to take the country through for many reasons, not the least of which is that devaluation is a strategy better suited to an economy that would gain from such a move by making exports cheaper to boost productivity within the economy with the benefits pertaining thereto.

There has been this shrill and persistent clamour that we should devalue the currency which experientially has not proven the panacea it is being touted to be and which to some extent will be, a confirmation of the worst fears of the foreign investors against the shock which the economy has been subjected to following the developments with the oil price in the international market Let us carefully engage ourselves in the following discussion by asking what the country stands to achieve should it decide to devalue the Naira. If Naira is devalued we should ask ourselves what level of devaluation would really impact the appetite of those truly dependent on foreign exchange to do business.

What is likely to happen is that demand would persist at the same level if not worse as the market sentiments would be that once you get on that trajectory that no one is in a

Okonjo-Iweala

position to predict when and where it would bottom out.

With that type of market psychology, the Naira will even be subjected to speculative attacks to worsen the scenario as operators would prefer to hedge their bets by buying forward to avoid being caught in an even worse situation.

What is more likely to happen is that economic agents would simply buy and be ever grateful to be able to source this lifeblood requirement for their businesses and simply pass on the cost increase to the consumer thereby worsening the inflationary spiral. Therefore to expect a sharp drop in the demand for foreign exchange is to exhibit an attitude which is not consistent with the experience of the country so far.

And therefore the level of devaluation of the Naira which is likely to impact substantially on the demand for foreign exchange is that no authority

It is difficult to police a situation whereby for the same commodity in an economy there are two prices which are so disparate

can accommodate as the level of disruption is unimaginable particularly with national elections in view. Those who were around during the onset of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) would attest to this observation.

Upon the commencement of SAP, the rate of exchange of the Naira was overnight devalued from around 22 Naira to the dollar to over 80 Naira. And to worsen the situation some transactions were preferred and allowed to be financed at the official rate of 22 Naira while others were to go through the autonomous market. It was simply bedlam. And this was when round tripping at the highest level was perpetrated and when some of the ‘big boys’ around today who were in management positions made a killing.

It is difficult to police a situation whereby for the same commodity in an economy there are two prices which are so disparate. And most of the bad loans which are yet to be resolved even today were due from those who got foreign currency denominated loans which could no longer be serviced within the purview of the massively depreciated Naira.

It is correct to observe that this development commenced the demise of organizations such NERFUND and the like which until today are yet to recover. And what is most instructive and what we should bear in mind as we undertake this discussion is that the rate of exchange has since then been on a down ward spiral and had never recovered!

Chizea wront in from Lagos

Menace Of Child Hawking In Our Society

By Hanifa Adam Jibril

Child hawking which is a common sight especially in the urban cities in Nigeria is one of the many problems we are facing in the society.Even though we cannot condemn it entirely because of its impact on the economy it has certain negative impacts as well.

Although poverty is one of its major causes, it is not just the absence of enough money to meet the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter. Poverty is also the lack of being able to participate in recreational activities; not able to pay medical bills, school fees, etc.

We sometimes think

that poverty is only being hungry, homeless, unwanted, unloved and uncared for. We must start in our own homes to remedy the problem of poverty.

Also, child labour refers to the employment of indigent children, thereby interfering with their education as they cannot attend schools regularly because they have to fend for themselves.

There are several problems pertaining this action, among which is illiteracy. Therefore to eradicate illiteracy, we must take necessary steps which include, but not limited to provision of good educational background which will definitely help them in building their

future. Also, parents should know they are the ones that should work hard in order to earn a living for their children..

So, as the wise saying goes, “If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse”.

Child abuse is the physical, sexual or emotional maltreatment or neglect of a child or children. Child abuse can take several forms, among which are child neglect, the failure of a parent or other persons with responsibility for the child to provide the needed food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision to the degree that the child’s health,

safety, education and wellbeing are threatened with harm which also can lead to the increase risk of committing crimes.

As it is often said, we should learn to appreciate the things we have, before time forces us to appreciate the things we once had”.

From the above mentioned, it should be enough ground for child hawking to be eradicated in order to have a crime-free and knowledgeable society, so as to decrease the risk of child abuse and also for better standard of living for our children.

– Jibril wrote from the Department of Mass Communications, Bayero University, Kano

Guest Columnist

Tony icheku

Ribadu: Bringing Courageous Leadership To Governance

A

head of the 2015 general elections, the coast is becoming clearer as to who becomes the next governor of Adamawa State. The emergence of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP indicates to a large extent who may become the next governor of the state .

Perhaps laying the background for Adamawa’s metamorphosis is the unexpected unanimity that heralded the election of Ribadu. It will be recalled that the political gladiators who elected him were ready only some few months back to do battle. But by their action, they have sheathed their swords, ready now to allow peace reign.

What had given some observers sleepless nights is whether Ribadu, a new entrant to the party would be acceptable to the party’s stakeholders.

However, his overwhelming victory in the primary had proved such pessimists wrong. Adamawa people have broken with the past politics of rudderlessness, bickering and inept leadership. By embracing Ribadu, they sealed a pact with him to rebuild the 31 year old state which had for long been beleaguered by multifaceted challenges.

Ribadu, former Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) chairman, is a man with exceptional passion.

Passion for excellence and passion for a better society. Such passion enabled him carve his name on gold as a no-nonsense anti-graft tsar under former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.

During his tenure as EFCC boss, Ribadu showed his passion to change society. He spoke out against the cancer called corruption. He did his EFCC job courageously.

His exit from the EFCC and subsequently from the Nigeria Police Force did not quench this passion.

His subsequent entry into politics elicited the widest reactions. But Ribadu is not in politics to make a statement. He wants to win.

Perhaps this explains his hasty entry to the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN to fly its presidential flag in the 2011 presidential election. His defection from the party and entry to the PDP equally stirred the hornets nest. Many who saw him as their hero felt disappointed. But such is life: ideals and pragmatics are clearly intertwined at every junction of decision.

And not all good decisions have the appearance of a rose flower.

Ribadu, the pragmatic had chosen the mundane, pragmatic job of service to humanity, to his Adamawa people in particular. One does not therefore need to go too far to rationalise his reason for choosing the PDP to pursue his governorship ambition. It offers him the political structure to make it possible.

Beyond the 2015 general election, what looms large is the future and development of this state which could be described as being in the doldrums for now.

Axiomatically, Adamawa is not lacking in human resources needed to propel the state actualise its potentials. From all sectors of both the public and private sector, the military and professional sector, one would find quality intellectuals from the state.

If the elites from the state had been so concerned, Adamawa State could have transformed to a paradise.

Exploiting the resources of the state would be a fruitless exercise if bold and courageous leadership to take the hard decisions is lacking. But Ribadu already has a reputation for taking hard decisions.

Under his watch, the EFCC charged prominent bankers, former as well as serving state governors, ministers, senate presidents, high ranking political apparatchiks and party members, commissioners of Police, and “419” operators to court.

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issues Tuesday, December 9, 2014

A Reminder As APC And Its Delegates Go To Presidential Primaries

By Harry Thomas-ODEY

Let me start by confessing that I am not a politician, but I am political because I am a human being and most of all a HUMANIGERIAN. What has not become clear to us Nigerians is that we are all guilty and responsible for the current state of affairs of our country. Some more so than others, but we all must share in the guilt. This is one point we must all accept if we are ever going to make progress in uniting ourselves for nation building. What we have become very good at, is finger pointing, ascribing fault to others and none to ourselves.

Let’s all look back and ask ourselves who elected all those in positions of political authority today?

Who compromised and allowed those in these positions to get there on the back of one failed promise or the other? Who yielded to elect or canvassed to elect those in positions for reasons other than selfish, on the promise of some future personal advantage?

Who refused to come out and question candidates for these positions on the basis of not knowing any of the candidates and as such will not vote? Who accepts to elect candidates based on the fact that they are from our ethnic group? Who accepts without questioning to vote for candidates recommended for us by others be there Godfathers or otherwise? The answer is Nigerians, all of us whether we voted or refused to vote and that is the reason we must share in the guilt.

When delegates accept money to vote for candidates, they are in fact selling their rights to complain thereafter as whoever emerges, having paid, considers that having paid they do not owe any responsibilities of service thereafter. This is what we have seen time after time and when we need to act in the larger interest we still acquiesce to poor judgment.

Two achievements of the present PDP government that we must concede to them is one; that they have succeeded in dividing the country along

ethnic and religious lines whether deliberately or not, but that is our current reality.

Today the average southerner still sees the insurgency in the North East as a political game

by Muslims to Islamize the whole country and because they hate the person of our President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. The other is that Nigerians today have become so dehumanized that deaths, suicide bombers, mean nothing anymore, it has become normal to see our fellow citizens beheaded, destroyed, degraded. We have become bestial even if primitive as a people. The challenge now is how to recover our common humanity!

As APC delegates for its presidential primary cast their votes they should understand that their choice, even when the larger political leadership does not see that it will make or mar our fortunes as a nation. The choices before the APC delegates are Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso and Sam Nda-Isaiah all of them are eminently qualified. BUT I wonder whether they all appreciate that we are at a very bad place in the history of our Nation, whether they appreciate the thinking and mindset, rightly or wrongly, on the street of those who are going to vote at the presidential elections.

If they do not appreciate the mindset on the streets then I wonder whether how they intend to tackle the challenge of uniting this country which is where any government that means well for us as a people must start.

Against the backdrop of the deep polarization along religious lines that is our reality, do Alhajis Buhari, Atiku, and Kwakwanso think they can win a presidential election and have a peaceful citizenry to develop? Even if and I doubt, any of them wins and goes to win the Presidential elections and the insurgency stops, will it not be a confirmation that it was all along a political game to win power? The discerning minds know that that is not the

Odigie-Oyegun

If they do not appreciate the mindset on the streets then I wonder whether how they intend to tackle the challenge of uniting this country which is where any government that means well for us as a people must start correct reading, but do majority of Nigerians know that? Will it not be an invitation for other insurrections from other parts of our country?

Why for instance are Alhajis Buhari, Atiku and Kwakwanso not able to see these realities and rally behind Sam NdaIsaiah, who for instance does not have any political baggage, and pair him up with say Babatunde Raji Fashola as vice president and have a team that can give the presidential election meaning? A pair like this would not only stand a very good chance of winning the presidential elections but would also hanker down and put our nation on the path of meaningful development. For one thing they would enjoy the confidence of most if not all Nigerians. Our nation would

have the opportunity of a fresh start. A pair like this would enjoy the benefit of doubt of most Nigerians. What with Sam Nda-Isaiah’s capacity for innovation and Fashola’s record in Lagos? A youthful pair like this would immediately calm nerves and restore confidence of Nigerians in Nigeria.

In our current state of ‘national disrepair’ Alhajis Buhari, Atiku and Kwakwanso even though eminently qualified to be President of Nigeria with their past records and experience should be able to read correctly that they cannot heal our nation at this time not because they don’t have the capacity but because of the dehumanized minds of the average Nigerian today.

Political baggage and political experience is what has brought

us to this nadir, let us for once look for people with a different kind of experience the type that can heal us quickly and work through our current challenges.

Lastly, Alhaji Mohammadu Buhari is Sam Nda-Isaiah’s boss, ‘father’ even, and I wonder why he is comfortable standing on the same stage contesting what he could ordinarily support his ‘son’ to achieve. The same goes with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, why is he not able to call Sam Nda-Isaiah who is younger and without baggage and support him. I would have thought that experience would mean that they can see clearly where we are at as a Nation and understand that Sam Nda-Isaiah is better placed at this point in time to achieve their development dreams for our country.

In closing the delegates must see their duty in the larger interest of their party and the nation and to vote for who they think has the better chance of winning the Presidential elections in our current state and not just who has given them more money. They should also be mindful that whatever choices they make, we all will reap the benefits whether good or bad and time will tell. They must see their votes crucially for what it is –A Vote To Keep Pdp In Power Or Replace It With An Apc Team With The Cpmpetence And Capability To Restore Us As A People.

Closing as I started delegates must understand the consequences of their choices and relate it to the larger interest of all. I am not a soothsayer but in our current state of disunity, if Alhajis Buhari, Atiku or Kwakwanso should emerge as Presidential candidate of the APC, the PDP will start an early victory party as the presidential election will almost be a no contest not because they are not credible or capable but because of the unfortunate times we find ourselves in as a nation, divided along ethnic and religious lines particularly in the minds of the ordinary Nigerian.

Thomas-Odey can be reached at harryodey@yahoo.com

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Tuesday, December 9, 2014

H

E

.

Invites

LEADERSHIP

.

PUBLIC POLICY

S

V

P

arthurmartinsaginam@gmail.com 081 46937133, 081028963626

Ag. Director, The Kukah Centre

Dr. Arthur-Martins Aginam

R

(Founder, The Kukah Centre)

Chief Host

Guests of Honour

(President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria)

Special Guest of Honour

Chairman

Guests should be seated by 11:30am

Time: 12 Noon Prompt Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2014 Venue: Auditorium, Merit House, 22 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja

the public to her

FAITH

KUKAH C E N T R E

T Tuesday, December 9, 2014

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Tuesday, December 9, 2014

THEME

NATIONAL BROADCASTING COMMISSION

Broadcasting Digitisation in an era of

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) cordially invites all broadcasters and relevant stakeholders in Kaduna and its environ to a 2 day training programme on digitization, with the theme: "Broadcasting in an era of Digitization".

Broadcasters will have the unique opportunity to update themselves, on the latest policy direction and technical requirements of the digital transition in Nigeria.

Date:

Venue:

Time:

11th - 12th December 2014 Asa Pyramid Hotel, 13, La ia Road, O Independence Way, Kaduna 9.00 am-4:00pm daily

COURSE FEE:

only

N50,000

PER PARTICIPANT

www.nbc.gov.ng

Your Right to Quality Broadcasting

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

BUSINESS/CUSTOMS 37

PAAR Deployment Impacts Customs Operations As Revenue Soar Since taking over from the service providers last year, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has grown in leaps and bounds, and recorded huge success on many fronts.

One of the landmark achievements is the successful design and deployment of the PreArrival Assessment Report (PAAR) which replaced the Risk Assessment Report (RAR) previously used by the service providers. The deployment of this system has in many ways changed the face of doing business in Nigeria.

The technology has simplified the entire trade process in Nigeria and attracted more business men to the country. This has consequently impacted on the agency’s revenue collection for the federal government and improved Nigeria’s ranking on the doing business index.

Revenue generation by the NCS, which stood at N850 billion last year, has soared to N1 trillion with the year yet to come to an end. Confident that more success would be recorded from the PAAR, the service is targeting a revenue collection of about N1.2 trillion by the end of the year.

The PAAR, which came into effect on December 2013, has earned the NCS accolades from within and outside the country. The Comptroller General of Customs Abdullahi Dikko, while speaking at a meeting with Customs officers in Lagos, stated that the NCS was confident of meeting the N1.2 trillion revenue target set by the federal government, and possibly surpass it.

Dikko expressed satisfaction with the revenue generated so far by some major commands as well as the record seizures by the Federal Operations Units (FOUs), the anti-smuggling arm of the service.

While expressing the hope on the ability of NCS to meet the set target, the CGC attributed the high revenue collection to effective implementation of the prearrival assessment report regime. To this end, Dikko has advised officers and men of the service to maintain due diligence by ensuring that no revenue leakage is recorded and to avoid unnecessary job delay in order to ensure trade facilitation.

Meanwhile, the Customs boss has congratulated

customs focus

President Goodluck Jonathan and the Coordinating Minister of Economy and Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi

By JULIET ALOHAN Okonjo-Iweala on the one year anniversary of the PreArrival Assessment Report regime.

According to Dikko, the president’s “Leadership style which places premium on transformation provided the impetus for the Nigeria Customs Service to look inward and develop a Nigerian made electronic platform, Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) that replaced the Risk Assessment Report (RAR) of the erstwhile service providers on the 1st December, 2013.”

He added: “The confidence and trust you had in the ability of the Service to deliver was the basis for the take-off of what has become a model for other Customs administrations.”

Today, apart from saving the nation billions of Naira that would have been paid to the service providers, PAAR has enabled the Dikko service to hit a Trillion Naira revenue collection coming from an annual , records indicate that out of agreement on trade revenue collection of N850 about 201, 330 requests for billion in 2013.

PAAR so far received 188,424 facilitation.

This higher demand From all indications, it have been released with from member Customs can only get better for the 108,169 uplifted with a total administration consequently, Nigeria Customs which has Cost Insurance and Freight led the organisation to undergone a modernisation (CIF) of N5.6 trillion. Apart embark on the update programme that has made from increasing the revenue it a reference point in trade profile of the Service, the new of the Single Window Compendium, to provide facilitation, risk management clearance procedure has also members with richer and revenue collection in the helped in reducing cost and content, particularly through global Customs community. time of clearance of goods the inclusion of national best Thanking the president for at the port, thus facilitating practices. his confidence and trust in trade.

The Nigeria Customs According to the WCO, one the Nigeria Customs Service, Service has gained the such national best practice, which led to the termination recognition of the World which it considered worthy of of the service provider’s Customs Organization as inclusion in the compendium contract in 2013, Dikko rea result of the successes was the Nigeria Trade Hub pledged the agency’s loyalty recorded since the due to its uniqueness. and total commitment to introduction of PAAR. Due to its uniqueness, the effective discharge of its The WCO has also hailed PAAR recently won the statutory duties towards a the Nigeria Trade Hub Portal, service, the runner-up transformed Nigeria. an online medium deployed position in the Best MDA While the revenue figure the Service and has since Category in the NITDAcollected by the agency as included it in its revised Nihilent e-Governance of the close of November Single Window Compendium Awards while the Trade Hub represents a 23.4 per cent for the benefit of its about Portal won the Best Web increase over what was 180 member countries Portal Category due to its collected by the agency for around the world. trade simplification features. the same period in 201: The WCO Single Window The NITDA-Nihilent the scheme has also saved Compendium provides e-Governance Awards is the country N36. 9 billion useful knowledge for WCO collaboration between representing a 1 per cent member administrations National Information Comprehensive Import embarking on Single Technology Development Supervision Scheme (CISS) Window development Agency (NITDA) and Nihilent charges on import hitherto journeys. According to the to recognise and promote paid to service providers, organisation, demand from excellence in implementation which has since stopped members for resources in of e-Governance and ICT since the Service took over the area of Single Window initiatives. the Destination Inspection implementation is growing, The Nigeria Trade Hub Scheme in December last particularly in view of the (NTH), which won in the year.

As of the close of November recent conclusion of the WTO Best Web Portal Category,

is a trader’s introduction to international trade in Nigeria. It is an interactive portal designed by the Nigeria Customs Service which provides importers and exporters the correct and timely information to enable them make decisions about doing business in Nigeria.

The portal which was commissioned by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, provides necessary information about all government agencies which a trader will be required to liaise with to obtain all necessary permits and certificates to import or export in and out of Nigeria.

Based on the product and transaction type selected, the portal will provide importers and exporters with details including the regulatory stakeholders of the particular product and transaction type as well as documents required.

It also provides information on the cost of administering the documents, duties and tax payable as well as the number of processing days and any controls or restrictions that may apply.

The trade hub is seamlessly linked to the Nigeria National Single Window ensuring that once the decision is made to go ahead with the import or export transaction, all selected details captured during the search are transferred to the single window, therefore saving the importers or exporters time and cost of re-entering all information.

In all, the interactive and intuitive portal which is accessible 24 hours helps the business community with classification tool, contact directory, document library, currency conversion, Customs procedure code search, payments and tax simulator as well as duty and payment calculator.

The Portal, www. nigeriatradehub.gov.ng a non-restrictive online medium, was first showcased before the international business community in Netherlands last year.

The event was organised by the Nigeria Customs Service in collaboration with the Dutch government.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Abdullahi Dikko, led the Nigerian delegation to the history making event.

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40 E-Business/BUSINESS

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

E-business REPORTS

Samsung, MTN Offer Subscribers 12 Months Free Data

A cyber cafe

Experts Seek Regulatory Intervention As Telecom Growth Declines

stories by Chima Akwaja, Lagos

Mobile operators and experts in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector have called on the nation’s regulatory authority, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to intervene in the sector and stem the reversal of growth, especially, the broadband subsector, which is fast declining.

Sectoral players highlighted the challenge at the first edition of the Nigerian ICT Festival with the theme ‘Broadband: Path to Digital Future’ organised by Business Journal Magazine.

The players, comprising of mobile operators, lamented the dwindling fortune of the Nigerian telecoms sector hitherto one of the fastest growing in the world.

The mobile operators said much of the expected programmes and policies that would have been implemented to expand telecommunications, especially in broadband are still mere talks. They pointed to the failure of the NCC to licence regional wholesale broadband infrastructure companies (InfraCos) as well as the recent indefinite suspension placed on the 2.6 Gigahertz (GHz) licence auction that would have taken place this December.

The operators blamed telecom policy inconsistency on the part of the NCC for the missed opportunities the country could have reaped this year, stressing that Code Division

Multiple Access (CDMA) market has collapsed with only one operator, Visafone remaining.

They emphasised that running a telecom network is becoming very tough as the only operator, who has consistently made profit, MTN Nigeria, witnessed reversal of its fortunes in the third quarter 2013, losing over 80,000 subscribers.

For his part, the chairman of the event, Mr Titi OmoEttu, who also doubles as chief the executive officer, Telecom Answers Associates, said that the journey to telecom development is continuous.

“As of today, anything we do to promote the growth of broadband can never be a waste. Although everything is in the reverse in this country– the economy, telecom sector, energy and monetary policies– we cannot give up hope,” Omoettu said.

He further added that “we have been talking about broadband in the past few years; everybody is moving in the same direction.

I hope when I go back to my village, I will have broadband. I want to be told in the next few years that things are improving.”

The chief executive officer, Connect Technologies Limited, Mr Chris Uwaje, who represented the director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr Peter Jack, said that the agency believes strongly in the advocacy of broadband for national development. He stated that most of the traffic congestions

If last mile issues are addressed and local content is provided to meet rural dwellers needs, Nigeria will return on the path of growth

on Nigeria’s roads in the urban areas could be addressed with close circuit television cameras (CCTV) powered by broadband internet.

He called for local content implementation in telecom sector to avert the rampant exportation of hard currency in the name of purchase of ICT equipment and technologies.

Uwaje said, “If last mile issues are addressed and local content is provided to meet rural dwellers needs, Nigeria will return on the path of growth.

Local content should be promoted to ensure productivity in our homes, economy and security of the nation.

“Without local content, our intellectual property will not be patented and appreciated”, he said calling for the inclusion of broadband as an educational course starting from the kindergarten to university levels, noting that broadband has become a way of life and part of the future for everybody,” he added.

The executive secretary, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr Jibola Olude, who represented the president of the association said that broadband is the future, even as he emphasised that there is need to speedily implement the policy on broadband development because it is an infrastructure that enables other sectors of the economy to move their industries forward.

Samsung Electronics West Africa and MTN Nigeria have started a promotion tagged Samsung Galaxy Spin Wheel that will see customers enjoy six months free access to WhatsApp, free 18GB data spread over 12 months on MTN’s monthly bundle activations as well as a unique opportunity to enjoy instant internet connectivity on their Samsung devices.

Expressing his delight at partnering with MTN Nigeria, the director, Information Technology and Mobile for Samsung’s West Africa operations, Mr Emmanouil Revmatas, said, “Nigeria is a very important market with high potential and it is very rewarding to know that people here support our business.

“The promo is our way of showing appreciation to our consumers for their loyalty and support throughout the year. Our partnership with MTN Nigeria provides us with a platform through which we can achieve this goal. We look forward to having more initiatives of this kind in the years ahead,” he said.

Glo Offers Subscribers 200% Bonus

In its bid to serenade subscribers with mouthwatering rewards in this festive season, telecoms giant, Globacom, has launched two mega promos, Glo Overload and Allawee, which gives 200 per cent airtime, data bonus as well as N18,000 worth of free airtime for calls and text messages.

A subscriber who recharges with N200 will automatically get N600 airtime; a N500 recharge will give a subscriber N1,500 airtime; a N1,000 recharge will give N3,000 airtime to the subscriber; N2,000 recharge will give N6,000 airtime and N5,000 recharge will give the subscriber a whopping N15,000 airtime.

Additionally, Glo Overload gives subscribers 200 per cent bonus data for new data plans or renewals from N2,000 and above. Consequently, subscribers get 2GB of data for N2,000 worth of data they buy, 4.5GB for N3,000 data plan, 12GB for N5,000 data plan and 24GB for N8,000 worth of data plan they purchase.

Internet Web Addresses Grow To 280m The internet recorded an additional four million registered website addresses popularly known as domain names in the second quarter, up 1.4 per cent from the first quarter, according to the latest Domain Name Industry Brief by VeriSign Inc., a global leader in domain names and internet securities.

The addition brought the total number of registered domain names as of June 30, 2014, to 280 million worldwide across all top-level domains (TLDs).

Worldwide registrations grew by 18.6 million, or 7.2 per cent, year over year.

The .com and .net TLDs reached a combined total of 128.9 million domain names, up 3.7 per cent from the year before. The number of .com registered names reached 113.7 million names, while .net equaled 15.2 million names. New .com and .net registrations hit 8.5 million in second quarter, from 8.7 million the year before.

In the quarter, Verisign’s average daily Domain Name System (DNS) query load was 95 billion across all TLDs operated by the company, with a peak of 204 billion. Compared to the previous quarter, the daily average increased 11.7 per cent and the peak increased 70.4 per cent.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

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Tuesday, December 9, 2014

news Lagos 43

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

I’ve Not Stepped Down For Any Aspirant –Obanikoro The immediate past minister of state for defence and a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Lagos State, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro has said that he has not stepped down for any aspirant of the party, contrary to reports.

Obanikoro, while addressing journalists at the venue of the PDP governorship primary in Oregun, condemned alleged attacks against his supporters.

Asked to speak about the conduct of the primary, the ex-minister declined comment, noting that he was still making assessments.

He said, “Nobody can persuade me to step down. I resigned the coveted office of a minister to participate in this primary. I am glad I am here today despite all rumours that has been in the air.

“I have told my supporters to remain calm, even in the face of intimidation and persecution.

Nothing good comes easy. Whatever God says shall come to pass.”

There were pockets of violence in and around the venue of the congress but the police and other security agencies were able to prevent it from escalating.

As at the time of filing this report, voting had not commenced, as some of the delegates are just being accredited.

How Ex-Chevron Accountant Converted N5bn Property To Personal Use – Witness

By OLUGBENGA SOYELE, Lagos

A prosecution witness in the on going trial of a former accountant with Chevron Nigeria Limited, Michael Adenuga, Sunday Oyeniran, yesterday told a Lagos High Court in Ikeja how the accused person allegedly fraudulently converted a N5 billion landed property they jointly owned to his personal use.

Oyeniran made this allegation while testifying at the resumed trial of Adenuga before Justice Yetunde

Ogunsanya over a three-count charge of stealing, forgery and use of false documents preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Adenuga and his company, Covenant Apartment Complex Ltd., were alleged to have fraudulently converted a 22.68 hectares of land located in the Lekki area of Lagos between February 2008 and September 2011, to their own use.

According to the anti-graft commission the property, situated

at Ayetoro Ikota, in Lekki area of Lagos, was jointly owned by Covenant Sugarland Property Development Ltd., and Sunday Oyeniran.

The accused persons are also accused of forging a document titled, “Contract of Sale between Covenant Apartment Ltd. and Kingview Realty Ltd.,” to facilitate the theft.

The EFCC further alleged that the said document was later presented by Adenuga to one of its officers, James Buzugbe, as

genuine.

The commission maintained that the offences contravened sections 278 (1) and 285 (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

While being cross-examined by counsel to the accused, Dr. Muiz Banire, Oyeniran said he and other investors under his group has 50 per cent ownership of the property but were surprised to know that Adenuga had converted title of the property to his personal use and even used the property documents to obtain a personal loan.

By Taiwo Ogunmola-Omilani, Lagos

Wabara’s Abduction Saga: Court Fixes March 28 For Ruling A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos will on March 28, 2015 deliver ruling on a suit filed by the Associate Editor of The Sun Newspaper, Ebere Wabara, and his colleague, Chuks Onuoha, over alleged breach of their fundamental right by the police.

The journalists instituted the fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abia State Chief Magistrate, Mr. John Ukpai and the Attorney General (AG) of Abia State, Umeh Kalu over his abduction by the police from Lagos to Abia State.

It would be recalled that Wabara was allegedly abducted from his Surulere, Lagos home on March 28, 2014 by men of the Abia State Police Command, who later took him to Umuahia in handcuffs.

After his release on bail, on Saturday, March 29, 2014, at 10.15p.m Wabara landed in hospital due to the ordeal he went through in the hands of his captors.

His ill health did not stop the police from slamming him with 10-count charge bordering on seditious publications against the person of the Abia State governor, Theodore Amaefule Orji.

By Olugbenga Soyele, Lagos

Managing director, Access Bank of Nigeria Plc , Mr Herbert Wigwe; managing director, Infrastructure Bank, Mr Adekunle Oyinloye and managing director, Standard Chartered Bank, Mrs Bola Adesola, at the signing of agreement between Infrastructure Bank and Consortium of firms in Lagos- Ibadan Expressway project in Lagos, yesterday PHOTO BY NAN

CAN President Wants Court To Stop Demolition Of His Church

By OLUGBENGA SOYELE, Lagos

The president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Pastor Ayo Orisejafor has dragged the Lagos State government and six others before the Lagos State High Court sitting in Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) over alleged plans to demolish his church.

In the suit instituted by the

Incorporated Trustees of Word of Life Bible Church, the claimant is praying the court for an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants, privies or otherwise from demolishing or further demolishing, destroying, dispossessing or forcibly ejecting the claimant; or continuing to take steps or in any other manner engaging in any activities detrimental or con-

trary to the rights of the ownership or possession of the claimant in respect of the claimants land located at Plot 21E, Abdulrahman Okene Close, Off Ligali Ayorinde Street Victoria Island Annex Lagos.

Respondents in the case are: the Governor of Lagos State, Attorney General of Lagos State, Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Develop-

ment, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority and Lagos State Task Force on Environmental Sanitation.

The claimants in an affidavit attached to the suit, avered that after applying for the approval of its building plan from the respondents and it was not forth coming within the regular period.

Money Laundering: Court Fixes Feb 23 For Fani-Kayode To Open Defence

by OLUGBENGA SOYELE, Lagos

Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday fixed February 23, 2015 for former aviation minister, Femi FaniKayode to open his defence in the money laundering case filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Fani-Kayode is standing trial before the court on a two count charge

of laundering the sum of N2.1 million, while he was serving in the Obasanjo’s administration.

He was specifically accused of conducting financial transaction exceeding N500,000, which was not done through a financial institution by accepting cash payment of various sum which was further carried in cash to First City Monument Bank Plc (FCMB)) through some of his associates.

It would be recalled that Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia on November 17 while delivering ruling on a no case submission filed by the former minister had discharged and acquitted him of 38 out of the 40 counts charge preferred against him.

She had, however, ordered him to enter his defence with respect to counts 25 and 26 of the charge, on which allegations of monetary payments were made.

Counts 25 reads: “That you, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode on or before 20th Sept. 2006, while serving as minister of culture and tourism of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, made a transaction exceeding N500,000 which was not done through financial institution, by accepting cash payment of N1 million, which sum was further paid into your personal account.

44 news NATIONAL 943 Candidates Compete For 100 Presidential Scholarship Slots There were no fewer than 943 first class graduates from different universities across the country who sat for the Presidential Special Scholarship for Innovation and Development (PRESSID) in Abuja, yesterday.

The examination which is being coordinated by the National Universities Commission (NUC) was initiated three years ago by the Presidency to train critical mass of experts where the nation is lacking behind especially in science and technology.

A member of the Presidential Special Scholarship for Innovation and Development (PRESSID) Implementation Committee, Professor Olurotimi Tayo supervised the conduct of the examination.

By Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

Supreme Court To Hear Suit Challenging Jonathan’s Eligibility Dec 16

The Supreme Court has yesterday fixed December 16 for hearing the appeal filed by a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dr. Umar Ardo, challenging the judgement of the Court of Appeal, Abuja division which refused to join him as a party in an appeal filed by one Cyriacus Njoku.

The apex court fixed the date considering the fact that nomination of candidates by political parties will close on December 18.

Njoku had earlier approached an Abuja High Court in 2012 to stop President Jonathan from re-contesting in 2015 but Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi, who has now been elevated to the Court of Appeal, on March 1, 2013 dismissed the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

By Kunle Olasanmi Abuja

12 Varsities, 2 Govt Agencies Collaborate To Research On Infectious Diseases

The West African Infectious Diseases Institute (WAIDI) is pushing for collaborative research in “high-target impact” areas of health care delivery after it said that not enough research was being done about the sort of diseases that challenge Nigeria.

WAIDI, which was launched in Nigeria last week in Abuja, seeks to build collaboration between university researchers and private sector to drive research of international standard in the country.

The interim director of the institute, Dr Iorwa Apera said, “It is never too late to recognise that there is a gap that needs to be filled.”

He said that “There are so many research findings sitting on the shelves of MPH (Masters in Public Health) students and clinicians.

By Victor Okeke, Abuja

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

EU Doles Out €35m To End Polio, €20m For Immunization In Nigeria

BY VICTOR OKEKE, Abuja

The European Union (EU) is committing about €55 million to polio eradication and sustainable routine immunisation in Nigeria.

This was disclosed yesterday at an EU organised workshop to train state technical assistants and EUstate counterparts on effective governance of the project.

According to the EU health programme manager, Anthony Ayeke, “The total project started with €55

million, €20 million for polio eradication and €35 million for the routine immunisation component which is a very key part of polio eradication.

“We are having current conversations with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and we are about adding an additional €10 million to the polio eradication component.”

Ayeke explained that “Polio eradication is really at the top nutch as we have not had any case of wild polio

virus since July and only have about six cases right now which is an impressive development.” He said that even when polio transmission is interrupted, we still need to go on surveillance for a number of years to ensure that we can be fully certified.

“One of the lessons we have learnt is that there is need to actually focus on the governance of the project, issues that resolve around building a management capacity, accountability issues and ensuring that there

is enough critical mass of trained people that can deliver quality immunisation services as well as providing the infrastructure that is required to do that. All of these are against the backdrop of the rational of weak management capacity,” the EU Project Team Leader, Dr Goli Lamiiri said.

He said that was why the project is designed in two components- “A routine immunisation to address the weak management capacity.

short news 2015: The Will Of God Must Prevail – Cleric Against the mounting anxiety over 2015 general elections, Nigerians have been told that the will of God would prevail in the country.

The general overseer (GO) and senior pastor, Christos International Worship Centre (CIWC), Abuja, Dr David N. Ogudu, stated this at the church premises in Abuja.

Vice President Namadi Sambo casting his vote during the Kaduna State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship The GO was primary election in Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO BY GBENGA ABIOLA. speaking during the public presentation and unveiling of his book titled “The Apocalypses of Prophesy: Unveiling and maximizing the prophetics” which existing 129 centres to capture all states’ Motor Licensing AuthoriBY Ejike Ejike, Abuja took place during a intending drivers seeking for the ties and Sector Heads of Drivchurch service.

The corps marshal and chief ex- driver’s licence, it has become nec- ers’ Licence Centres yesterday in The CIWC ecutive of the Federal Road Safe- essary for the corps to establish Abuja, also identified some of the founder also ty Corps (FRSC) Boboye Oyeyemi an additional 71 centres, so that challenges facing the new drivers’ assured Nigerians has revealed that the corps is cre- by the end of the year, the FRSC licensing system to include rackethat there would ating additional 71 capturing cen- would have succeeded in activat- teering, low uploading of data and be peace in the tres across the country to ease the ing 200 centres nationwide so as slow collection of printed original country. challenges of people waiting to be to reduce congestion across the Drivers’ Licence cards.

By Paul Chiama, captured. nation.

He however noted that a more Abuja The corps marshall said after Oyeyemi, who was speaking at efficient distribution system is bethe obvious inadequacy of the a one day workshop organised for ing put in place.

New Driver’s Licence: FRSC To Create Additional 71 Capturing Centres

Jonathan Directs Ministers, Villa Visitors To Wear Armed Forces Emblem

By George Agba, Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday directed ministers, government officials and visitors to Aso Rock to wear the Armed Forces Remembrance emblem for one month.

He also directed his Chief of Staff, General Jones Arogbofa (rtd) to compile the list of those who failed to redeem their pledg-

es to the Nigerian Legion during the inauguration of the emblem last year and ensure that about N75million outstanding pledges are redeemed.

The president gave the directive at the inauguration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem at the Presidential Villa.

Business mogul, Jimoh Ibrahim donated N30million and 10 vehicles to Nigerian legions

at the event.

Jonathan’s directive entails that ministers, government officials and visitors will be prevented from gaining entry into the Presidential Villa without wearing the emblem till January 15, next year during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day. He said wearing the emblem was a sign of solidarity for those who died in the course of serving

their fatherland, even as he saluted the courage of the armed forces in defending the sovereignty of the country and maintaining peace and security.

The president implored Nigerians and private organisations to donate generously to the launch of the emblem as a sign of appreciation for the sacrifice made by fallen heroes, as well as encouraging those still in the service.

politics today Tuesday, December 9, 2014

REPORTS ANALYSES REVIEWS INTERVIEWS

N

With Nigerian governors in firm grip of their respective states, they possess overwhelming powers to swing votes to candidates of their choice, as evident in past presidential elections

igerian governors are some of the most powerful officials in the country. Some control budgets bigger than many African countries (some more than $1billion a year), and they determine the political direction of not just their respective states, but the country.

Aside politics, the influence of the governors stretches to the country’s economy, policy and even dangerous extremes such as the country’s security.

The Nigerian Governor’s Forum (NGF) has no place in the constitution yet it wields overwhelming powers over national issues and elections.

Depending on who is talking, the unconstitutional NGF formed in 1999 to serve as a platform for exchange of ideas, has become a political monster of some sorts.

Many have criticised the forum as having overbearing powers; too powerful, others say. It is stale news now that there is a crack within the forum with the formation of a splinter group.

The same NGF has been recognised as a political joker for anybody with the intention to become president in Nigeria. Past presidents since 1999, Olusegun Obasanjo; Late Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua and incumbent Goodluck Jonathan will explain better.

With Nigerian governors in firm grip of their respective states, they possess overwhelming powers to swing votes to candidates of their choice, as evident in past presidential elections. So, gathering under the forum, the potency of the governors’ powers becomes all too glaring, scary too, especially when they (governors) take a unified position.

Many, including former defence minister, Theophilus Danjuma and the resident electoral commissioner in Cross River State, Mike Igini, have called for a review of the constitution to check the powers of state governors. “...there is nobody who can emerge as the president of Nigeria in PDP unless the governors want it; you cannot do it. The governors today are the most powerful group of people in the political system.

Until we face up to that fact and find solutions to it, we are all in trouble”, Danjuma said at LEADERSHIP Newspapers’ annual conference in September 2012.

If Jonathan decides to have a grip on the workings of the NGF, It is a smart and safe move since he has intentions to return in 2015.

In February 2013, the president

Akpabio

Amaechi

Dickson

Uduaghan

Powerful Governors And The Road To 2015 On the road to Nigeria’s 2015 general elections, political parties, power blocs and sundry political interests will disregard the influence of governors in the country’s political calculation at their risk, EDEGBE ODEMWINGIE reports. held a four-hour closed-door meeting with the governors of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in State House, Abuja, during which Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State emerged as the chairman of a newly formed PDP Governors’ Forum.

Political pundits saw the parallel

forum of the governors from the PDP as intending to achieve the emergence of a splinter group as a counterweight to neutralise the influence of the larger NGF and/or any other similar associations that may be formed by the opposition governors.

The PDP Governors’ Forum is to work towards President

Jonathan’s 2015 re-election bid, pundits also say.

For clarity, the leadership of PDP and the presidency tried to engineer the Rivers State ➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 46

Donald Ojogo, Group Politics Editor ojogodonald@yahoo.com

45

46 POLITICS TODAY

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Powerful Governors And The Road To 2015 ➔ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45

governor, Rotimi Amaechi’s exit as chairman of the forum leading to the formation of the PDP Governors Forum headed by another PDP governor, Godswill Akpabio.

The recently concluded PDP primaries to choose candidates to fly the party’s flag in next year’s National Assembly elections is a clear testament to the powers of the governors

The Bayelsa experience Talking politics, there are many instances showing the influence of governors. The recently concluded PDP primaries to choose candidates to fly the party’s flag in next year’s National Assembly elections is a clear testament to the powers of the governors.

Bayelsa State governor, Henry Seriake Dickson, in a brazen show of political muscle in the state, blocked all (but one) the state’s incumbent House members from returning to the House; at least through PDP. The lawmakers who are incidentally staunch backers of President Goodluck Jonathan, lost at the PDP primaries following an earlier declaration by Dickson that none of them would return in 2015 on the platform of the party.

The Senate has practically become a playground and retirement home for the governors. It is popular as the favourite destination and transit point for ex-governors and deputies after serving their constitutionally allowed eightyear two terms in office. In April 2011 alone, seven ex-governors won seats in the current session of the Nigerian Senate.

The reason for the Senate lust is not far-fetched. With the pecks of office, many recesses and so called ‘jumbo pay’ enjoyed by federal lawmakers, the Senate appears a good retirement home for the exstate executives after an equally lucrative two-term in office as governor or deputy.

Section 63 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) states: “The Senate and the House of Representatives shall each sit for a period of not less than one hundred and eighty-one days in a year” – leaving a whopping one hundred and eighty-four day to spare in a year, that is, half a year basically.

In August, immediate past vice-president of the World Bank (Africa) and former minister of Education, Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili, made startling disclosures that the National Assembly has, between 2005 and 2013, received over N1 trillion from the federal purse.

In the seventh Senate, exgovernors and deputies are well represented; some are: Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia/deputy governor); Chris Ngige (Anambra/ governor); Andy Uba (Anambra/ governor); Sefiu Gbenga Kaka (Ogun/deputy governor); David

Tinubu

Mark (Niger/military governor); Muhammed Shaaba Lafiaji (Kwara/governor); Bukola Saraki (Kwara/Governor); Abdullahi Adamu (Nasarawa/governor); Joshua Dariye (Plateau/governor); Danjuma Goje (Gombe/governor); Bukar Abba Ibrahim (Yobe/ governor); Kabiru Gaya (Kano/ governor); George Akume (Benue/ governor); Ahmed Sani Yerima (Zamfara/governor).

Although the governors of Delta and Enugu States, Emmanuel Uguaghan and Sullivan Chime, have lost out in their bids to come to the Senate in 2015, there are other schemes. From Akwa-Ibom to Benue, amongst others, other governors are angling to come to the Senate in 2015 but not without a fight from some of the incumbent senators.

The political machination of the governors in the selection and rotation of lawmakers that populate the National Assembly has presented Nigeria with an unflattering ranking in retention rates in parliaments in the world.

A survey of parliaments in twelve top democracies revealed that Nigeria had the lowest retention rate of federal legislators in the world. Which means that Nigeria also has the highest turnover (exit) rate of federal legislators in the six African democracies surveyed.

The survey released in November was contained in a presentation titled: ‘Elections and retention rates in the National Assembly’ by the director general of the National Institute for Legislative Studies (NILS), Dr. Ladi Hamalai.

Since the dispensation of the late Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua in 2007, governors have maintained a solid grip on who occupies

Fashola

Aso rock. Recall that Yar’ Adua contested and won the 2007 presidential election after serving one-term as governor of Katsina State. The incumbent, President Goodluck Jonathan and his deputy, Namadi Sambo, were also governors of Bayelsa and Kaduna States respectively before their current assignments.

The influence of governors picking their successors is traditional in this clime. Recent and notable instances showed in the case of Sokoto and Rivers States were successors have emerged through a clear handpicking by the states’ incumbent governors.

However, in Lagos, the case in different. Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola lost out in the successor race to Lagos ultimate kingmaker and All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

While Tinubu,a former governor, backed winner of Thursday’s APC gubernatorial primary in Lagos, Akin Ambode, who is a former accountant general in the state, Fashola preferred Supo Shasore, a former attorney general and commissioner for Justice in the state.

The influence of the governors have also been reported in federal policies. In 2011, governors of the 36 states of the federation dragged the federal government before the Supreme Court over plans to transfer $1 billion from the Excess Crude Account to a new a new account known as the Sovereign Wealth Fund.

A seven-man panel of the court assumed jurisdiction of the legal dispute following an outright collapse of an out-of-court mediation between the warring parties.

In efforts to amend the country’s constitution at the National Assembly and the recently concluded National Conference, the manipulations of the governors were also widely reported. Some of the governors actually called for state police and rejected moves to grant local government autonomy, among others issues. Some governors have equally frustrated the passage of the revolutionary Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

Talking national security, a former governor has been severally accused of creating the security monster, Boko Haram that Nigeria presently grapples with.

A strong opposition Last year, the activities of the defunct G7 governors dominated political discussions. Political monitors credit their merger with the APC as the most strategic move that gave the APC the clout it has today.

There are visible impacts. On paper, there is a real possibility of President Jonathan being a one-term president. By political calculations, it will be difficult for any presidential candidate to win any election without bagging 25 per cent of the votes in any two of Kano, Lagos and Rivers, the three states now safely in the pouch of the APC. According to 2011 records of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the three states account for 13.7million votes, about 25 per cent of total number of registered voters in the country.

At the state level, the PDP is still in control of 18 out of the 36 states while APC now controls 16.

POLITICS TODAY 47

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Saraki, Ibrahim Emerge APC Senatorial Candidates

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

Immediate past governor of Kwara State and serving senator, Dr. Bukola Saraki and a member of the House of Representatives, Dr Rafiu Ibrahim, yesterday emerged as All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates for Kwara central and south senatorial zones respectively for next year’s election.

Saraki won the senatorial primaries for his Kwara central constituency with a total of 1540 votes cast by delegates to the primary.

Ibrahim polled 2,463 votes at the primary election held in OmuAran, Irepodun local government area of the state. Just like Saraki, Ibrahim was also a sole contestant in the election.

The delegates election which produced Saraki as the party’s flag bearer was held peacefully on the field of Kwara Hotel, with Saraki as the sole contestant.

Speaking with journalists after his election , Saraki charged President Goodluck Jonathan to come clean on the state of the nation’s economy.

He noted that Jonathan “has so far been less than truthful on issues bordering on the health of the economy”.

He said arrangements have been made to ensure that the APC presidential primary was rancour free.

He equally expressed optimism that any of the presidential aspirants of the APC who loses out in the primaries would see himself as sacrificing personal ambition to rebuild the country and therefore, would stand with the winner to ensure a successful outing for the party at the general elections.

He described the emergence of his former security adviser, Yinka Aluko, as senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara central zone, as a sign that the opposition party in the state does not have quality mind and so, had to pick someone trained by him to contest against him.

Taraba Pdp Guber Primary Postponed

By Andrew Ojih, Jalingo

Taraba State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced postponement of its gubernatorial primaries which was earlier scheduled for yesterday.

In a statement issued by the state party chairman, Hon. Victor Bala Kona and made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday in Jalingo, the party said the postponement was attributed to the inability of the PDP National Working Committee members to

Oyegun

resolve some internal electoral procedures for the state.

The statement read in part:“The earlier publication in respect of gubernatorial primary election scheduled to hold on Monday, December 8, 2014 has been postponed... and the PDP national working committee members are yet to resolve some internal electoral procedures for Taraba State gubernatorial, Senate, House of Representatives and the state House of Assembly.”

The statement noted that delegates and members would

be communicated as soon as the issues are resolved.

But in a swift reaction, the director of Information and Publicity, Garba Umar Campaign Organisation, told our correspondent on phone that he was not aware of the postponement.

“As far as we are concerned, primary election is going to hold today as scheduled. We are not aware of any postponement.

The officials from PDP national headquarters are already in town and we are ready for the election,” he

Saraki

noted.

He stressed that this is the fourth time that PDP primary election in the state is being postponed.

“The first was House of Assembly, House of Reps, Senate and now governorship primary” he said.

The postponement, LEADERSHIP gathered, may not be unconnected with the political power tussle in the state which led to the sacking of the former acting governor, Garba Umar, by the supreme court.

Lokpobiri

APC Assures Delegates Of Security

By George Okojie, Lagos

The National Convention Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has assured delegates to the 3rd national convention of the party holding in Lagos between 10th and 11th December of adequate security during the period of the convention.

The committee said in a statement issued in Lagos on Monday that it was collaborating

with the Lagos State government, which is the host government, and all relevant security agencies to put in adequate arrangements aimed at ensuring security of delegates and reducing the burden of traffic congestion throughout the period of the convention in place.

According to the committee, the relevant authorities in the state have mapped out strategies to ease traffic congestion around the venue of the convention, while adequate arrangements have also

been made for the transportation of delegates from their hotels to the designated accreditation centres and the venue of the convention at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.

The arrangements include, but are not limited to, diversion of traffic in some routes and restriction of vehicular movements in some areas.

The committee therefore urged all delegates to cooperate with security and traffic management

officials during the period of the convention, while members of the public who might be inconvenienced as a result of the diversion are enjoined to see it as part of the needed sacrifice for the advancement of democracy.

The committee promised to make the convention, which features the election of the APC presidential flag-bearer, a reference point in the history of successful conventions in the country.

I Was Duly Elected By Authentic Pdp Bayelsa Delegates- Lokpobiri

By ADESUWA TSAN

Chairman of Senate Committee on Water Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has maintained that he is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s flagbearer for Bayelsa West senatorial district, having been voted by accredited delegates to the primary who were commissioned to determine the candidate for the election next year.

In a press conference in Abuja yesterday, the senator insisted that he won the PDP primary election

held on Sunday.

He explained that it became necessary to set the records straight because of “misleading media reports” that he lost the primary.

Lokpobori, while narrating what transpired during the election, told newsmen that rather than comply with Article 28 (b) of the PDP, which stipulates that “accreditation of delegates should take place from 8am to 12noon”, some unknown officials were collating the results before 12 noon.

“It is also important to put it on

record that Sunday’s senatorial primary did hold and it was my good self who won the primary.

“The video clips are even there for the world to see. By the party’s guidelines, accreditation starts by 8:00am and is expected to end by 12:00pm. I got to Sagbama town, which was the venue of the Bayelsa West senatorial primary by 10:45am and I was confronted with the roads being barricaded with security vehicles…

“I got to the venue with my supporters at about 11:00am and

I saw somebody who purportedly was counting the results of the primary! I quickly asked him, ‘what are you doing? The primary is supposed to end by 12:00pm!’ I told them that we still had one hour to the end of the accreditation and I was there to present myself for the exercise. I was there in company with some statutory delegates including former acting governor, Hon. Nestor Binibo and deputy chief whip of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Empere Ebamua.

“After I insisted that the

accreditation was supposed to be ongoing at that time, there was pandemonium. The governor left and others, including the person purportedly collating the results, scampered out of the venue!

“Thereafter, the authentic delegates converged in another venue, in an assembly hall of the secondary school in Sagbama, the accreditation was then done, it ended by 12:00pm and then, voting took place and I was duly declared with 93 votes by the returning officer, Peter Bufumoh.

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issues

By Olu Akanmu

“To this war of every man against every man, this also is consequent; that nothing can be unjust. The notions of right and wrong, justice and injustice, have no place. Force and fraud are in war the two cardinal virtues. Justice and injustice are none of the faculties neither of the body or mind “ -Thomas Hobbes Elected representatives of the people are climbing high fences in agbada and three piece suits with their shoes falling off behind them. The hallowed chamber of the people’s representative is teargassed. Elected representatives of the people struggle with handkerchiefs to clean their red and peppered eyes from police tear-gas inside their hallowed chambers. A judge is slapped by an elected governor with the police as spectators. Thugs invade a court and its judges take to their heels with their robes flying behind them like parachutes. Seven or is it nine legislators impeach a speaker of a twenty-six member parliament.

The Speaker and the legislators go into hiding. Journalists supposedly representing the free press, covering an event which the President would have attended in the Delta are kidnapped under broad daylight by war lords with the official security of the state as on-lookers and later negotiators.

In the basins of the Benue river, armed bandits invade farming communities, slaughter the men and destroy farmlands. Noone knows the armed bandits.

They come, they go as they wish, marauding Nigeria’s north central region. Close to the Chad, armed bandits invade a town, behead the men, capture the women as objects of war and shoot the Emir.

The animal state is here.

The animal state is where the rule of law is suspended or no longer holds, where might is right.

Anyone who controls the means of coercion whether legitimately or illegitimately can break the law, use the means of coercion as he or she wishes without recourse to the rule of law. It is the state of war of all against all. The selfinterest of the controller of means of coercion is what matters. In non-animal states, where the control and the deployment means of coercion is legitimately delegated to managers of a state as a government, by the people as sovereign, the managers of the state must act not in their self interest but within rule of

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

The Descent Into An Animal State engagement or the law given by the people sovereign. It implies that the right to control the means of coercion and security forces can be abused by managers of the state if they act in their self interest outside the rule of engagement of the law.

In non animal societies, where there is law and order, no-one else controls the means of coercion, which is largely arms or an armed body of men, except the government. A legitimate armed body of men and the state are so organically linked that Vladimir Lenin was famously quoted to have said that the state in the last analysis consist of armed bodies of men. Essentially, on the long run, state power is wielded by absolute use of force. It must however be done within the rule of law. The tragedy is that in Nigeria today, we have several armed bodies of men with means of coercion existing independently of the state such as the Boko Haram, and the diverse ethnic and riverine militia operating across the country. These private armies enforce justice according to their own rule and interest making the state look increasingly like a jungle where anything goes like an animal state.

While it was not palatable, we seemed over the last few years to have reconciled ourselves as a people to these illegitimate private armies and private police operating outside the control of the state. We tacitly accepted that ours in Nigeria is a state with failing security, law enforcement and judicial institutions where people largely have to resort to self-help in pursuit of their self-interests. Essentially, we tacitly accepted those who have invoked the law of the jungle on our collective psyche, that you can take the law into your own hands especially if you can build your own private means of coercion, your own private army and enforce your self-appointed rule on the larger society. That is why until Chibok woke us up, we seem as a nation to no longer blink at news of kidnappings and the criminal mass murder of young children. We just move on especially if it did not happen

Jonathan

The animal state is where the rule of law is suspended or no longer holds, where might is right.

Anyone who controls the means of coercion whether legitimately or illegitimately can break the law, use the means of coercion as he or she wishes without recourse to the rule of law near us.

If we tacitly accepted the marauding illegitimate private armies and private police, coercing us as they wish as in the jungle, the last we should accept is the capture of the legitimate security institution of the state by a narrow political elite using it to enforce its wish and will on society. This will be tantamount to a double jungle, a double jeopardy. If Boko Haram, the ethnic and riverine militias are operating with laws of the jungle, we cannot afford our official security forces to act and operate the same way outside the rule of law. If they do, the

double jungle situation akin to an animal state will quickly tear down our fragile social cohesion along the visibly open sectional, religious and demographic cracks. It is therefore critical that the managers of the state act within the law and the rules of engagement in the deployment of the police and the army. While the executive arm of government has a legitimate obligation to control and deploy the security forces, it must recognize that this obligation comes with a sacred moral responsibility to rise above politics and self-interest in the deployment of the official security apparatus of

the state. If not so, it will breach social trust as a government of all.

Our political experience is showing that we need to strengthen the rule of engagement of our security forces, especially the police to prevent them from being abused by executive arm of government. The office of Inspector General of Police needs to be made more independent of the executive. The National Judicial Council should nominate the Inspector General of Police and his or her appointment ratified by the Senate for a fixed constitutional term. He or she should only be removed from office by a twothird majority of the national assembly just as it applies to the office of the Chief Justice. As it has been canvassed severally, the office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation should be separated. Prosecutorial powers of the state should be taken from politicians and given to an Attorney General appointed for a fixed term who cannot be fired by the President except if he is so recommends to parliament and parliament accedes.

The legislative arm of government at federal and state levels also need to become more independent of the executive for check and balance and moderation of executive powers. Our executive-legislative relationship at several levels of government has been rather too incestuous. It is an open secret that because the legislative arm of government tends to be financially compromised or settled by the executive, it tends not to command executive respect. The tear – gassing of the hallowed chamber of the House of Representatives of the people show how low, how un-hallowed the executive and its organs takes the legislative arm of government. Whatever crises are in the national assembly, the executive and its organs should leave the national assembly to resolve it within themselves or with the courts as a de-facto independent arm of government.

The national assembly especially the Senate must take all necessary actions to reclaim its respect and independence after the recent national assembly events. If not, some day, in the future, an overbearing executive, using the precedent of recent events, will sack the national assembly akin to a constitutional coup, just because the national assembly refuses to kow-tow to it.

– Akanmu publishes a blog on Strategy and Public Policy on

Monday, December 8, 2014

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PDP SPECIAL NATIONAL CONVENTION 2014 List of Chairmen and Members of Convention Sub-Committees ELECTORAL COMMITTEE 1.

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H.E. Sen. Ken Nnamani Chief Tom Ikimi Governor Suswan Barr. Victor Kwon H.E. Adamu Alero Sen. Joy Emodi Nuhu Ribadu Funmi Falade Sen. Muhamadu Ibrahim Kirikasama Sen. Ita Giwa Alh. Aliyu Sani Mohammed H.E. Engr. A. Kure Sen. Hope Uzodinmma Sen. James Manager Hon. Leo Orgar Sen. Lee Maeba Chief Mrs Adebiyi Sherifat Adewale Mrs Adeyemi Onadipe Cecilia Udie Hon. Nkoye Toyo Mrs. Teringuwusen Koholl Hajiya Yelwa Sani Amb. Abdullahi Bage Hajiya Hauwa Ibrah Gana Sheikh. Halliru Abdullahi Maraya Auwal Salihu Malami Alh. Isyaka H. Nagode Princess Mary Eze-Ekwue Alh. Tanimu Scan Scan Alh. Bala Abdullahi M. Mrs. Julie Coker H.E. Celestine Omehia Hajiya Aisha Nana Saulawu Sen. Chris Adighije Hon. Abba Sadiq Comrade Jude Imagwe Barr. Ehilebo Anthony Hon. SamiuAdabanija Austin Okha Biyi Goroye Abba Bello Mohammed Mr. Francis Onah Dr.Nkem O. Jambo-offo Hon. Ifeanyi Nnaji Mr. Manny Ofodile Mubarrake Gambo Barr. Mba Nkechi Isyaku Ilalla Dr. Kabiru Illela Akin Oyegoke Mba Nkechi (Barr.)

Yemi Tadema Alh. Ahmed Kaura

- Chairman - Dep. Chairman - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Secretary

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PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITEE Chief Olisa Metuh Sen. AnietieOkon H.E. Dr. Peter Obi Barr. Ibrahim Jalo Hon. Frank Nweke Mike Omeri Chief Raymond Dokpesi Hon. Nurudeen Mohammed Mallam Abba Dabo Alhaji Umar Sani Dr. Reuben Abati Hon. DoyinOkupe -

Chairman Vice Chairman Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member

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Prof. Nnaji Godswill Ike Abonyi Hon. Emma Oguaju Hon. Tunde Akogun Ibrahim Dikko Ahmed Hon. Sani Toro Dr. Bilkisu Magoro Comfort Obi Chief George Igbo Moji Makanjoola Dr. Ronke Bello Mubarak Gambo Alhaji A.Y. Gombe Dr. Okey Ikechukwu Chief Femi Fani-Kayode Dr. Eddy Olafeso Sen. Nicholas Y. Ugbane Andy Agbaji Hon. Mrs. Carol Osigwelen Mr. Simon Onyife Mr. Sunny Enewari Otumba Yinka Akerele Chief Okey Ezenwa Okey Otibiaku Mrs. Obianuju Ogoko Chief Mrs. Joy Okocha Alh. Abubakar Dasuki Inusa Susha Halima Labo Yusuf Shehu Makarfi Bala Gazara Chief TonnyAmadi Alh. Ado Sura Alh. Danlami A. Durumi Alh. Isa Morno Alh. Yusuf GarbaAlkaleri Mrs. Shade Balogun Mrs. HadizaSambo Alh. FarukGamboJahun Alh. Kabir S/Ruwa Alh. TambariSakwa Alh. AminuMakama Alh. Adamu Circular Alh. Inuwa Malamin Kasuwa Paul Mumeh Alh. Saidu Sulaiman Dorazo Mrs. Offiong Akpabio Chief Emma Okafor Abukakar Usman Tanko Ferdinand Agu Richard Ihediwa Victor Uwaje Dr. Uzochukwu Comr. Kunle Adebayo Sam Ogunmusi Mrs. Chinwe Nnorom- Onuoha

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Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Secretary

SECURITY SUB-COMMITEE 1.

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Chief Mike Okiro, IGP (Rtd) H.E. Jolly Nyame Hon. Abduljalili Adeshiyan Gen. A. B. Mamman, (Rtd) Hon. Bitrus Kaze Elder Bulus Bareng Col. Aminu Isah Kontagora (Rtd) Mrs. Roli Bode George Alh. Mohammed Murtala Abbas Gen. A.T. Ibrahim, (Rtd)

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Chairman Vice Chairman Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member

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Alh. Isa Tafida Mafindi Hon. Gesiye Isowo Sen. Abubakar Sodangi Hon. Aliyu Bindawa Hon. Adetokunbo Kayode Hajiya Mario Habib Hon. Abubakar Musa Gen. Charles Airhiavbere Barr. Salulu Mamama Habu Mu’azu Hon. Julius Oputu Ade Tokunbo Modupe Mr. Ahmed Yaro Alh. Abba Madaki Bashir Sufi Victor Nwafor Mr. Ben Wilcox Mr. Onyebuchi Barr. Mrs. Nkechi Mba Dr. Sola Oledehinde Prince Ken Nwakyi Mrs. Ahmadu Ali Amb. (Dr) Wale Okoroafor Dr. (Mrs.) Bekky Igwe Mr. Emmanuel OwanTawo Hon. (Deacon) Collins Agbo Alh. Sauha Adegunwa Mrs. Annah Dadoh Hon. JoiceRamnap Gen .T. Teidi Alh. Muhammadu A. Bunza Comrade Smart Edward Sen. JIbrin Wowo Hon. Sulaiman Nakowa Alh. Maikudi Tela Alh. Likita Ibrahim Mr. Douglas Jeb-Weiya Dogo Mr. Blossom Apoluma Alh. Mahmood A. S/Kofa Alh. Musa Abdullahi Alh. Musa Liman Alh. Ibrahim Biu Alh. Maigari Yerima Alh. Abdullahi Balh Alh. Munnir Umaru Hajiya Hasana Abdullahi Toks Akerele Alh. Dandada Tafawa Balewa Alh. Audu Hassan Air Cmdr Labaran Halliru (RTD) Gen IdadaIkponmwen Ali. Shehu Turaki Alhaji Aliyu Maula Prince G. Lombin Alh. Mahmud Balarabe Alh. Abdul-Hamid Usman Amadu Umaru Gwawon Barr. Yinka Orokoto Pastor Godwin Akpovie Barr. Shehu Garba

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Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Secretary

ENTERTAINMENT/ WELFARE SUB-COMMITTEE 1.

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Amb. Dr. Kema Chikwe Dr. Agbo Emmanuel Alhaji Buhari Bala H. E. Hajiya Salimot Badru Ms. Juliet Ango Jide Adelugba

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Chairman Vice Chairman Member Member Member Member

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Jide Ogbolo Chief Alaba Isijola Hajiya Zainab Maina Dr. Nimota Akanbi Barr. Halima Alfa Chief Jide Ipinsagba Gen. Idada Ekponwen (rtd) H. E. Erelu Olusola Obada H. E. Joshua Dariye Yeye Bolanle Dare Sen. Saidu Kumo Mohammed Abdu Bunza Sen. Ita Giwa Hon. Iquo Minima Dr. Bauku Sani Mohammed Abdu Bunza Jakpara Edwin (Okpolo) Tony Onu (Austen Papa) Pan Nkpanam Zainab Ibrahim Gamawa Hon. Mrs. Monica Gwon Mrs. Dolap Omomu Kuyo Hajiya Hafsat Yahaya Hon. Zainab G. Abdulmalik Pastor Josephine Ejeh Dr. Banji Ajaka Maimuna Johnson Yusuf Suleiman Jibiya Lawal Usman Futua Ado Dan Turai Chief Elizabeth Aro Muhammad Guto Mrs. Ola-irinyemi Hon. Nwachukwu Steve Alhaji Tanko Baba Alh. Danjuma Daddere Barr. Salihu Namama Akeem Jimoh Reuben Akpah Barr. Darlington Fatima Ibrahim Hon. Toyin Omoyele Engr. J. A. Adeyemi

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Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Secretary

FINANCE SUB-COMMITTEE 1.

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Elder Bolaji Anani Alh. Fatai Adewale Adeyanju Alhaji Buhari Bala Sen. A. Agboola Sen. Ahmed Makarfi Hon. Ghali Umar Na’aba Amb. Hassan Adamu Hon. Chidubem Nwuche Alh. Dahiru Maigal Alh. Sani Dauda Alh. Abubakar Garinmalam Hon. Saudatu Sani Chief IfeanyiUbah Sen. Ben Collins Ndu Chief Ogban Ebok Barr. Chika Ogbe Rufai Adam Ayodeji Rita Mba Mohammed Arzika Dakingari Amb. Adamu Aliyu Hon. Austine Opara Eng. Orus Tim Mike Williams Boma Iyalla Azubuike Eze Barr. (Mrs) Modupe Sasore Chief Layi Ogunrinade Dr. (Mrs.) Angela Mba Barr. Tony Ceasar Okeke Amb. Fidelis Njeze Mrs. Edith Usoh Sen. Emmanuel Iboh Essien Barr. Collins Alu Ogar Otunba Tola Odulaja Chief Bisi Johnson Elder Yemi Akinwunmi Barr. Simon Joks Hon. Hari Sulaiman Chief Okeagu Ogadah Hon. Okongwu Ogbonna Alh. Bello Danfari Prof. G. Lombin

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Chairman Vice Chairman Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member

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Alh. Mahmud Ahmed Dabban Hon. Aminu Suleiman Gwada Hon. Rabiu Bello Hon. Suleiman Lawal Kaura Dr.Basheer Balarabe Alh. Danladi Maiauduga Umaru Dan Abba Alh. Bashir Bukar Alh. Ado Sura Alh. Abubakar Shehu Alh. Kabiru Sarkin Ruwa Hajiya Amina Bature Haijiya Baba Tela Alh. InuwaMalaiminKasuwa Hon. Lepe Pius TimiOlowotoyekun Amb. Dr. Hassan Adama CON Sen. Umaru Ibrahim Tsauri Dan Ochu-Baiye Hon. O. E. Alabi Osasu Igbinedion Chief Alaba Isijola Dr J.O Omuya

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PROTOCOL SUB-COMMITEE 1.

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Chief Olajumoke Akinjide Alh. Inua Baba Hon. Iquo Minima Chief Olusola Oke H.E. Ibrahim Kazaure H.E. Biodun Olujimi Sen. Solomon Adokwe Alh. Hassan Sale Hon. Tony Nwoye Alh. Bala Karia Hon. Val Elosiuba Mr. Chuka Ugoagwa Mr. Jude Ememandu Mrs. Helga Nosiri Peter Tsava Mrs. Chizoba Onyia Chief Mrs. Ada Dozy Hajia Talatu Kano Chief Mrs Monica Ukasanya Mrs. Kemi Adewumi Gabriel Onwe Mr Daniel Kure Chief Chris Agbobu Amb. Eddy Unuoha Gaddalu Enwezor Maria Ojello Doris Onyia Alh. Nasiru Aliyu Usman Aliyu Gari Hajiya Rabi Gimbia Hussiani Umar Mohammed Garba Buba Umaru Ahmed Ziko Mr. Bola Oguntuga Mr Johnson Adeshuda Shamalli Bello Kawimi Alh. Mohammed Magaji Mohammed Tulde Umar Alh. Babangida Danja Kumo Alh. Garba Sakwa Salisu Mohammed S/Kasinawa Barr. Ann Eyo Ahmed Saeed Babayo Katuken Misay Musa Galadima Gora Alh. Surafuddeen Mahmoud Abdullahi Musa Toro Mohammed Hassan Katagum Abdullahi Ali Vono Aminu Kurbi Balele Ms. Uzoamaka Obiajunwa Dr. Zimako O Zimako Hon. Toyin Omoyele Hon. Alfa Ebijimi Bello Mohamud Jama’are Ngozi Nzeh Mammy Balame Hussaini Umar Chief Bernard Ifeanyi Maurice Oripanye Musogboriwon Ade Aisha Aliyu

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Chairman Vice Chairman Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member

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Ajia Ogugua Femi Bello Okuntade Glory Momoh Jacob Deacon Ayo Fayefunmi Hon. Idowu Leke Ayo Fadaka Hon. Malachy Ugwu

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ACCOMMODATION SUB-COMMITTEE 1.

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Alh. Bala Buhari Gov. Achike Udenwa Alhaji Adewole Adeyanju Alh. Lado Kankia Victor Elenwa Hon. Bello Mohammed Jibrill A.A. Duhi Yusuf Alhassan Gwagwa Babangida Sarkin Magena Mustapha Yar’adua Modibbo Pariya Ahmed Modibbo Sen. Abubakar Danso Sodangi Bob Odumegwu Dr. Sam Amadi Chief Handel Okoh Hon.Osita Chidoka Dr. Udenta O. Udenta Oroto Douglas Aisha Aliyu Lemu Sen. Umaru Ibrahim Hon. Salisu Dabo Mrs Chinyere Chiaka Millicent Jack Mrs Genevive Edu Chi-Chi Rosemary Ajoku Eng. Ebele Okeke Ngozi Agudozi Nona Adimorah Alh. Lawal D. Anche Mr. Rich-Arisco Osemwenge Hon. Udo Ekpenyong Joel Okedi Alh M.K.O Olaoluwa Sunday Adewale Alh Bello Gololo Alh. Abubakar A. Chiroma Alh. AliyuAminuGaru Alh Ibrahim Baba Balawa Alh. Gida Yelwande Dr Tony OKam Ms. Tonia Ukanwoke Comdr. Alaba Ijisola Prince Idowu Leke Hon. Boma Iyaye Sen. Hosea Agboola Tommy Levi Horsefall Yusuff Kunle, MON Sa’adatu Abdullahi Jimeta Mr. Blossom Akpuluma Henry Johnson Alh. Ado Sura Usman Aliyu Hashimu Idris Kabir Usman Alh. Nasim Baram Chief Geofrey Mgbada Patrick Aiden Diwa (Sec) Aminu Yadima Hon. Steve O. Nwachukwu Chief Bisi Johnson Hon. Tunde Ayemo John Okunoghe Dr. Talatu Nasir Dr. Zimako O. Zimako Debo Ikuesan Mrs. Dunni Odu

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Chairman Dep. Chairman Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Secretary

TRANSPORTATION SUB COMMITTEE 1.

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VENUE SUB COMMITTEE Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed Sen. Stella Omu Dr. Aliyu Modibbo H.E. Jolly Nyame H.E. Salimot Badru Darlington Agogbu Am. (Dr.) Hassan Adamu, CON Chief Grace Akanwa Pastor Osagie Ise Oyamu Sen. Emma Anosike Dr. Chaliya Lar Chief Bekeakpo Etifa Ms. Mariam Mattar Hajiya Amina Jambo Chief William Makinde Mrs. Chinyere Ogugua Iyom Josephine Anenih Hon. Tola Alabere Alheri Yusuf Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar Hon. Sera Adetungbogbo Sen. Joy Emodi Engr. Ismaila Adamu Hon. Akinwade Moruf Hon. Ezeobi Okpara Laila Buhari Barr. Jude Dandison Ositah Egbuche Paul Ayagwung -

Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Secretary Chairman Vice Chairman Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member

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Otunba Adekunle Sunday Mbah Mrs. Regina Adaodi 33. Hajiya Mairo Tafida 34. Hajiya Rabi Mukhtar 35. Mrs. Lami John 36. Hon. Sabinus Nwankwegu 37. Solomon Eze Ali J. O. Mafor Amb. Abubakar Shehu Gumi Hon. Umaru Ajilo Rabiu Birnin Gwari Hon. Chris Iroegbu Dr. Kabiru Iilela Alh. LallaIsyaku Alh. Sani Musa Karama Alh. Mohammed Soja Ibrahim Aminu Ibrahim Hassan Baba Nafawu Alh. Uba Garba Sagir Kwanche Kura Rabiu Dan Kyarana Abubakar Billy Balewa Engr. Olu Temishe Yusuf Alhassan Kanoma Alh. Abubakar Shehu Alh. AuwaluShehu Alh. Babayo Udubo Hon. (Mrs)Sera Adetungbogbu Alh. Abduhassan Sarkin Sudan (BH) Engr. Munachi Chukwu Engr. Ajewale Oke Bar. O. K. Akuiyibo Engr. Humphery Ohapora Bashorun Ade Kukute Mrs. Anthonia Okorie Hon. Nosiru Akinromale Barr. Onwe S. Onwe 68. Umelo Uzodinma 69. Mr. Chuks Akwitti

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Alh. Abubakar Mustapha, MFR, mni Amb. Sani .S. Bala Barr. Onwe S. Onwe Alhaji Adewole Adeyanju Elder Bolaji Anani Amb. Dr. Kema Chikwe Hajiya Zainab Maina Mr. Jude Gabriel Imagwe Femi Olaleye Hon. Okey Nnadozie Hon. Micah Yohana Jiba Hon. Margaret Ichien Chief Mrs. Nkechi Mba Dr. Udenta Udenta Solomon Ogba Hon. Kudi Obayan Engr. E. Akinbobola Barr. Jerry Eneh Chief Ben Chuks Nwosu Yuccee O. Uwah Barr. Abba Mohammed Hon. Mohammed Kumalia All National Vice Chairman (PDP) Dr. Mrs. Nimota Nihinola Akonbi Alh. Bello Doya Musa Ibrahim Daniellera Rex Onyeabo Sen. SaiduU. Kumo Mr. Dema Iyalla Barr. Nnamdi Anosike Chief (Mrs) Uzo Nwandu Mrs. Funmi Odunsi Otunba Bami Akinyola Chief Okey Ezenwa Sen. Joy Emodi Hannatu Ullum Pastor Dr. Ojong Okongor Barr. Idi Baba Yakubu Mrs. Bimbo Balogun Mrs. Wurrola Arojo Emmanuel Bassy Ekpe Engr. Fidelis Okuonko Hon. Yiljab Abraham

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Hon. Sam Karuri Alh. Bello Alkali Alh. Mahmond Balarabe Comrade Sadiq Bisalla Comrade Tony Nwonye Rilwanu Shehu Mahmoud Bichi Prof. Jerry Agada Umaru Dahiru Sen. Abubakar Maikafi Haruna Alfa Ahmed Madaki Hamma Bar. Richard Alomore Bala Sulaiman Murtala Ladan (Byda) Sanusi Baban Takko Hon. Sani Ahmed Toro National Vice Chairman south-south National Vice Chairman south-east National Vice Chairman south-west National Vice Chairman north-west National Vice Chairman north-east National Vice Chairman north-central Aisha Kaita Hon. Vin Atuigwe Alh. Sani Musa Chief Adewale Fatona

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Prof. Wale Oladipo Kashim Imam Dr. Aboki Zahwa Hassan Ali Musleh Hon. Nnaemeka Madugun Josephine Ejeh Mainuna Johnson Samaila Nababa (Hon) Hashimu Idris Sandra Arokoyo Adebayo D. Ogunlowo Edeh Ndidiamaka Michael Aniakor Gode Chaphas Bola Ajakaye Chioma Eke Elisha Okoh Mercy Onah Humphrey Ohagwa Kabiru Magaji Nasiru Yahaya Florence Adeyemi Nanchang Ndam Hamza Jaji Scholarstical Kanebi Hon. Imafidon Samson Baba Mohammed Becky Ekine Elizabeth Buter Maria Adeyemi Cordelia Nsofor Amadi F. Chika Prince Nnnanna Agogbuo Ap. Henry Zeblon Nosiru Abinromade Chief Innocent Oparadike Mr. Francis Ogbodo Eyibobola Obagbemi Ononiwu Sylvaline Ngozi Alh. Usman Mohammed Agwara Alh. Alhadan Kpakiko Hon. Aminu Yandayi Mal. Idris Ibrahim Ibrahim Dikko Ahmed Princess Caroline Olubitan.

Chief Hilary Otsu Chief Evelyn Igbafe-Omokhodion Chief Okeagu Ogadah Chief Anicho Okoro

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Chairman Vice Chairman Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Secretary

All members of the above sub-committees are invited to a meeting on Monday, December 8, 2014 at the National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja at 4pm prompt.

Signed:

Chief Olusola Oke

Secretary, Special Convention Planning Committee

3

NEWS /HEALTH 53

Monday, December 8, 2014

Cross section of U.S Medical team, National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America/ Canada(NANNNA),in partnership with Kogi state first lady, dispensing drugs to a beneficiary at Adavi,during the 3-day free medical exercise held in the state, yesterday.

PHOTO BY GOVT HOUSE

HRORBN Inducts Over 900 Graduate Health Records Officers

BY VICTOR OKEKE, Abuja

The Health Records Officers Registration Board of Nigerian (HRORBN) has inducted over 900 qualified health records officers and technicians at its maiden induction event.

According to the Supervising Minister of Health who was represented at the occasion by the permanent secretary the ministry, Mr Linus Awute, the induction ceremo-

ny was historic being the first of its kind since the establishment of the board in 1989.

“As the gateway way to health, record officers chronicle the implementation of the National Strategic Health Development Plan right from the health facility attendance by patients, investigations, diagnosis and management of cases especially data collection, storage and retrieval,” the Minister said.

He charged the inductees not to

betray the confidence reposed on them by the public while assuring them of government’s commitment at ensuring that unlicensed persons do not occupy health records offices nationwide.

Earlier, the chairman of the board, Hon. Ibrahim Jubrin Sokoto stated that the profession has suffered identity crises in the health sector for a very long time while stressing that gone are the days when other professionals looked down on them as

just card issuers.

“On our part, we have taken a number of steps at the policy level which will go a long way to transform the profession in particular and health sector in general,” Sokoto said.

Responding, the registrar of the board Mohammed Ibrahim Mami reminded the inductees of their need to migrate from paper record keeping to electronic health record keeping as that is where the trend of the profession is moving.

NGO Takes Drug, Sexual Abuse Awareness Campaign To Schools

BY VICTOR OKEKE, Abuja

A non-profit organization, Reconnect Health Development Initiative (HDI), said it is to embark on several community programmeds that target children and young adults to educate and create awareness on drug and sexual abuse.

This initiative is an off- shoot of Synapse Services; a centre for psychological medicine, providing in and out patient psychological intervention and drug rehabilitation services in Nigeria.

The Medical Director of the centre, Dr Vincent Udenze, said the aim is to eradicate stigma, tackle drug abuse problems and support access to curative and pre-

ventive services.

Speaking in an event which had principals/heads of schools and chairpersons of PTA, representatives from the Junior and Senior Secondary Education board and also from the Federal Ministry of Education in attendance, recently in Abuja, he said the organisation was currently setting up free school based clubs for raising awareness about illicit drug use in secondary schools According to him “The number of young people who abuse drugs and other illegal substances are gradually on the rise, as most of them are between the ages of 12 – 14years.”

He said, “the age of first-time illicit

drug use has since dropped to 12 years, and the World Federation of Mental Health show a significant number of mental ill health to be mediated by drug addiction.”

Udenze, a mental health expert, said these substances range from common over-the-counter drugs such as Panadol or cough syrup to hard drugs such as cannabis.

“The issue of illicit drug use has become endemic within educational institutions; Universities, secondary schools and even primary schools. In our facility for instance, we have admitted over 80 young adults from well-established secondary Institutions;”

FG Launches Mobile Cash Incentive For Pregnant Woman

By Patience Ivie Ihejirika, Abuja

In order to strength the demand for Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services in the country, the federal government has launched the first mobile Conditional Cash Transfer (mCCT) at Dobi Primary Health Care in Gwagwalada.

At the event, the Executive Director of the Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Ado Muhammed said “What we are doing is to further strength the demand for MCH services.”

“We observed 75 per cent drop in actual delivery in hospitals. Women actu-

ally access antenatal services but there is a sharp decrease in delivery at hospital which that quiet a number of these women are not attended to by skilled birth attendants which increases their chances of complications and diseases,” Muhammed said.

He said that the mCCT was introduced to encourage these rural women to deliver at clinics where they would be attended to by qualified birth attendants adding that of the 550 women who have enrolled in the programme, 428 are from Dobi community.

According the Project Director, SURE-

P MCH Project Implementation, Dr Ugo Okoli, ‘’The beneficiaries of the mCCT programme are pregnant women and traditional birth attendants who identify women and refer them to Primary Health Centres (PHC)to be enrolled in the programme, antenatal care, and delivery in the presence of skilled birth attendant.”

Dr Okoli said the programme has successfully enrolled 42,017 women across the pilot states and over 26,461 women have received cash transfers following their enrollment totally over N69,697,935 in eight states.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks itself, causing chronic joint inflammation. While it primarily affects joints, it can also cause inflammation of organs as the disease progresses. People with RA may experience an increase in symptoms –called flares – that can last for days or weeks. They may also have periods of remission where they have few or no symptoms. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but medications can slow the progression of the disease and ease symptoms.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, rheumatoid arthritis affects about 1.5 million people in the U.S. Women develop RA two to three times more often than men, and symptoms in women tend to appear between the ages of 30 and 60, while symptoms usually develop later in life for men. There may also be a genetic basis for the disease. Cigarette smoking is also a risk factor, as are certain infections.

The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis remains unknown, but several risk factors have been identified. Women are diagnosed with RA more often, and it is suspected estrogen may play a role.

Muscle Cramps

5

The number of states with the highest burden of diarrhoea in the country according to the NPHCDA

426

The number of women who have already for the SURE-P mobile conditional cash transfer

50%

The percentage of women affected by menstrual cramps

A muscle cramp is an involuntarily and forcibly contracted muscle that does not relax. Almost everyone experiences a muscle cramp at some time in their life.

There are a variety of types and causes of muscle cramps. Numerous medicines can cause muscle cramps. Most muscle cramps can be stopped if the muscle can be stretched. Muscle cramps can often be prevented by measures such as adequate nutrition and hydration, attention to safety when exercising, and attention to ergonomic factors.

When we use the muscles that can be controlled voluntarily, such as those of our arms and legs, they alternately contract and relax as we move our limbs.

Muscles that support our head, neck, and trunk contract similarly in a synchronized fashion to maintain our posture. A muscle (or even a few fibers of a muscle) that involuntarily (without consciously willing it) contracts is in a “spasm.” If the spasm is force-

54 NEWS /HEALTH

Monday, December 8, 2014 with the people, we’re happy with the system. We have never gotten a single negative response from our publics. Rather, they call to thank and praise us. The feedback is really encouraging. So the cost has not actually discouraged us.

Instead, we want to invest more and more. Our goal is to be the best hospital in Africa, so that people will stop going abroad for health reasons.

One of the reasons health seekers travel overseas is kidney transplant. Why is that a challenge with hospitals here?

Ibeh

We Handle All Medical Cases At Turkish Hospital - Ahsen Nigerian-Turkish Nizamiye Hospital, Abuja was commissioned last yearamidst pomp and celebration. On that occasion, a highly impressed President Goodluck Jonathan declared the era of people going abroad on medical tourism was over with the state-of-the-art equipment in the hospital. One year on, themedical director of the hospital, Dr. Mustafa Ahsen, says the hospital has not disappointed as it can handle all medical cases. VICTOR OKEKE reports.

For decades, your group has been associated with the education sector in Nigeria. Why veer into the health sector now?

Education is at the centre of all human developments. So we started with education and then later veered into health, using your words. We went into health sector because health rivals education.

True, there is no health without education. But there can’t be any meaningful education without good health. That’s why we went into education. And we started in Turkey with seven hospitals.

In time, we decided to share our experience here, and thus started this hospital last year.

short BIO OF

Dr Mustafa Ahsen

Ahsen is a general surgeon and specialist at laparoscopic surgeries with 2-3 hole.

What are the prominent services you offer in your hospital?

First of all, we are unique with all the departments we started here. Particularly, we are foremost hospital in kneecap and hip joints replacement, open heart surgery and laparoscopy; where we operate on a patient without cutting him or opening his body. We are unique with that. We will continue to invest in higher technology.

Talking of investment, how much have you invested in your hospital?

We’ve invested over $20 million. That’s over N3 billion.

But for a world-class hospital, that shouldn’t be a ceiling; it has to progressively continue. So in the next five months, we will be investing another $2 million. Our plan is not to invest too massively and become passive afterwards.

We want to continue to invest.

As we speak, additional advance medical equipments are arriving Nigeria from Holiday for us. The equipments will help prevent heart attacks and other serious ailments. With that equipment, which is first of its kinds, we can actually forestall a heart attack.

The maintenance of facilities is quite a challenge, although we’re doing very well in this respect. The thing is, we send our facilities to Turkey for regular maintenance.

They fix them and send them back to us. This has seriously increased the cost of service delivery. Yet, we insulate our patients from this, as our cost is standard, irrespective of the huge cost we incur. We really spend a lot on maintenance. But we don’t transfer the burden to our clients. Our price policy is standard.

But the support and appreciation we get seem to compensate for this. We’re happy

To start with, you must run detailed and sensitive tests before the surgery, because sometimes the patient’s body would reject the donated kidney. So there are advance tests that are carried out to check for compatibility. The challenge is to readily find the facilities for these tests in Nigeria.

I am not aware of any hospital, apart from our hospital, which has got that capacity. I really don’t know.

Secondly, kidney transplantation requires a lot of care in post-surgery management. This is because the body sees the transplanted kidney as a foreign object and it’s inclined to reject it. Thus the immune system sets out to attack it. After the surgery, you really have to give a robust medication. The first challenge in this regard is to ensure you put the patient in a wellsterilized environment for quite some time. The reason is that the immune system would have been lowered after the transplantation, which leaves the patient very open to very dangerous infections.

Otherwise, the immune system will work against the kidney. In a very tropical area like this country replete with diseases, deliberately weakening the immune system requires more than what is being done in the West and other places.

It is much more difficult to achieve this here than other places. This is a major huddle for any Nigerian hospital.

Not to be taken lightly is also the difficulty in getting donors.

How many people are ready to give their kidney up, even at death?

Again, what factor determines who gets the kidney, because there is usually a queue? Will it be based on financial capability? Or will it be on first-come-first-service basis?

This is important. Even getting the organ transferred from where it was donated to where it is needed is not an easy task. You need to apply advance solutions to achieve that.

And lastly, there must be effective regulation, both in framework and implementation. Nigeria is trying in many areas, but this area needs more attention. For us at NigeriaTurkish Hospital, this is our only challenge. More than any other hospital in this country, we are staff-prepared and facility-ready to undertake kidney transplant. But first, the regulatory framework got to be in place.

Surgeon’s Turf Dr Biodun Ogungbo MBBS, FRCS, FRCSEd, MSc. Consultant Neurosurgeon

08122221616 (SMS only)

What Makes Teeth Fall Off? My paternal grandmother, since I was old enough to know her, didn’t have a single tooth in her mouth. I grew up believing that was the norm. I waited patiently for my better educated second grandma to lose all of her teeth as she grew older but to my annoyance she died at the ripe age of 83 years old with her full complement of teeth! It got my little mind confused.

It took me many years, dental school to be precise, before the confusion of almost 2 decades was solved with one word, Periodontitis!

Periodontitis (peri-odon-ti-tis) Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the gum and destroys the bone that supports your teeth. Periodontitis, if left unchecked will either cause tooth loss or worse, an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and other serious health problems. Periodontitis is the main reason why most old people lose their teeth at the later stages of their life.

Periodontitis is common but largely preventable. Periodontitis is usually the result of poor oral hygiene and neglect. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily and getting regular dental checkups can greatly reduce your chances of periodontitis.

Healthy gums are firm and pale pink in colour. If your gums are puffy, dusky red and bleed easily, or show other signs or symptoms of periodontitis, see your dentist immediately. The sooner you seek care, the better your chances of reversing damage from periodontitis and potentially preventing other serious health problems.

Periodontitis can even be diagnosed at home. These are the signs to look out for: Swollen gums Bright red or purplish gums Gums that feel tender when touched Pus discharge between teeth and mouth Unexplained teeth movement Elongated teeth as a result of gum recession New spaces developing between your teeth Bad breath Shaking teeth Bad taste in your mouth Bleeding gums while brushing There are different types, or classes, of periodontitis with the most common one being chronic periodontitis. It affects mostly adults, though children can also be affected. Aggressive periodontitis (another type) usually begins in childhood or early adulthood and affects only a small number of people.

How does periodontitis start?

Studies show that periodontitis begins with plaque formation. Plaque simply put, is a sticky film on the teeth which is composed mainly of bacteria (germs). It is adherent on your teeth when starches and sugars in food interact with bacteria normally found in your mouth. Brushing and flossing your teeth will remove plaque.

But plaque re-forms quickly, usually within 24 hours which is the reason why it is advisable to brush twice daily.

Plaque that stays on your teeth longer than two to three days will harden on your teeth and also under the gums into what is called calculus or tartar. Calculus also may form as a result of the action of the mineral content of your saliva. It is believed that the calcium in the saliva causes plaque to harden into calculus. Calculus makes plaque more difficult to remove and acts as a reservoir for bacteria. You can’t get rid of tartar by brushing and flossing, you need professional dental scaling and polishing to remove it.

Monday, December 8, 2014

zonal watch

55

EDO DELTA BAYELSA RIVERS AKWA IBOM CROSS RIVER

Group To FG: Don’t Renege On Commitment To Amnesty Programme

BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt

A group, the Association for Non-violence in the Niger Delta (ANND) has called on the federal government not to renege in its commitment in the ongoing presidential amnesty programme, being enjoyed by some youths of the Niger Delta region, especially

as the 2015 general elections draws near.

ANND president, Mr. Kennedy West, made the appeal while speaking at a one-day voters’ sensitisation seminar organised by the association for young voters in Bakana community, Degema local government area of Rivers State.

West observed that some desperate politicians may take advantage of the idleness of some youths in the region to achieve their political aims, if the federal government fails to implement it amnesty programme to an acceptable standard.

He said, “We are using this medium to call on the federal

government to ensure prompt payment of amnesty stipends and training. As it is, the boys are roaming the streets.

“The federal government should ensure that they disburse enough money to the amnesty committee so that all of those youths who have been sent to one vendor or the other can immediately go on

Taxation: FIRS Goes After Tax Defaulters In Rivers

Heads

BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt

FROM tHe ZONe

➔ dr. emmanuel Uduaghan.

Governor of delta state, last week withdrew from the race for delta south senatorial district in the 2015 elections.

➔ Chief ezebunwo Nyesom a governorship aspirant on the platform of the PdP in Rivers state, Nyesom Wike last weekend concluded his tour of the 23 local government areas in the state, where he solicited for the votes of the party’s delegates.

➔Mr. Henry Odein ajumogobia a governorship aspirant on the platform of the PdP in Rivers state, Henry Odein ajumogobia, is asking a court in abuja to nullify the just concluded congress of the party.

their training.

“An idol mind is the devil’s workshop. These youths are the youths who have participated in the non-violence workshop.

As a matter of fact they have a beautiful dream now because most of their friends are now in Dubai, London and other foreign countries.

L-R: Rivers State governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and APC governorship candidate in the state, Hon. Dakuku Peterside, during the party’s gubernatorial primaries in Port Harcourt.

2015: Group Launches Peace advocacy Campaign In N/delta

BY OSA OKHOMINA, Yenagoa

A United Kingdom based nongovernmental organisation, the Stakeholders Democracy Network (SDN) has begun a campaign against violence amongst youths of the Niger Delta.

The group, currently working across three states – Bayelsa, Rivers and Delta, recently organised a road walk, tagged, ‘Dawn in the Creek’ to sensitise the youth to the significance of peace in nation building.

The assistant programme manager of the SDN, Mrs. Brenda Bepeh, while speaking at Sagabama, headquarters of Sagbama local government area of Bayelsa State, said the

show was part of the group’s campaign against violence and training of 21 youths from the three states on community film making.

Bepeh stated that the gesture was to change the negative narrative that youths of the region were synonymous with violence, kidnapping, sea piracy, pipeline vandalism and other social vices through community film-making.

She advised youths of the Niger Delta to channel their energies and resources toward positive thinking on how to resolve conflicts through nonviolent means, shun negative influence during and after the 2015 polls.

One of the trained film

makers, who is from Nembe Ogbolomabiri, in Nembe local government area of Bayelsa State, Jim Nengimote, commended the group for impacting positively on the youth.

Nengimote was trained as a script writer. recalled that he had been a graduate for years without a job, saying his encounter with the group had rekindled his hope in life.

The ‘Dawn in the Creek’ road show was attended by large number of youths, including men and women.

The show featured film/music festival, wrestling competition, interactive session and seminars.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has embarked on aggressive tax enforcement drive on ‘traditional tax defaulters’, made up of companies, firms, and individuals in Rivers State.

FIRS said it decided to embark on the enforcement drive after series of friendly approaches, pleadings and conventional discussions to exercise tax compliance failed.

Speaking to newsmen in Port Harcourt, leader of the enforcement team, Mr. Edward Adeosun, said the team, working with security operatives from the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Nigeria Police, has arrested top management staff of some tax-defaulting companies and firms.

Adeosun, who is also the tax controller in-charge of Rumukurushi-Port Harcourt office of FIRS, stated that most of the companies and firms have been defaulting in filing tax returns, and effect any reasonable payment for close to eight years now, despite series of sensitisation programmes to create awareness of tax payment. He said despite the fact that tax evasion is a criminal offence against the state; many of the companies in Rivers State turned themselves to traditional tax defaulters.

Akpabio Tasks NERC On Quality Service Delivery

BY BERNARD TOLANI DADA, Uyo

Akwa Ibom State governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, has tasked Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to enforce quality service delivery and regulate efficient pricing across the states.

Akpabio made the charge in Uyo during the opening of the third seminar on regulation in the electricity power sector for judges by Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission in collaboration with National Judiciary Institute (NJI) with the theme, “Enhancing Judiciary Capacity in Resolution of Current Legal Issues in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry”.

He also called on NERC to support the efforts of Akwa Ibom in making the state a model for steady power supply in Nigeria and the judiciary to use their potentials to help create an investor-friendly climate through informed dispute resolutions in Nigeria power sector.

The governor said, “As members of the judiciary, your role as upholders of the constitution and interpreters of the law is crucial. The judiciary has great potentials to help create an investor- friendly climate through informed dispute resolutions in Nigeria’s power sector.”

Akpabio described the seminar, as a turning point in the electricity and power sector, pointing out that the seminar shows their dedication and passion.

56 zonal watch (South-South)

Monday, December 8, 2014

news behind the news

Peterside: As Rivers Apc Gets Set For 2015 Guber Election

BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt

On Thursday, December 4, 2015, the All Progressives Congress (APC) held its governorship primaries in more than 30 states in Nigeria. The party’s governorship primaries in Rivers State, held at the Alfred Diete-Spiff Civic Centre, could be described as mere gathering of 4,574 delegates to ratify the endorsement of a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dakuku Adophus Peterside, as the party’s consensus governorship candidate.

Few days earlier, stakeholders of the APC in the state met at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Port Harcourt, where they endorsed Peterside, who represents Andoni/Opobo/ Nkoro federal constituency in the National Assembly, as the party’s consensus gubernatorial candidate in the 2015 general elections.

The emergence of the Opoboborn former commissioner for works did not go down well with a section of the people of Ogoni ethnic nationality of the state, who believed that the governorship slot should have been given to one of their own, and senator representing Rivers South East district in the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe. To this end, Abe, and his loyalists, especially, members of the House of Representatives and the Rivers State House of Assembly, mostly of Ogoni extraction stayed away from the governorship primaries, an indication that all may not be well with the APC, as a result of the choice of the consensus governorship candidate.

Speaking at the event, Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi stated that the choice of Peterside, who is also the chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), was not his, but that of the APC caucus in the Rivers South-East senatorial district of the state.

Amaechi said, “The flag bearer of the party today, by the grace of God and by your grace will be Dakuku Peterside. That is because we sat and agreed on that. That does not mean that my good friend, Senator Magnus Abe is not qualified to be the governor. He is eminently qualified; I respect him a lot; he is a very intelligent man.

“There are two Nigerians from Rivers State that I respect their level of intellect. The two Nigerians are; Senator Magnus Abe and Odein Ajumogobia. Don’t worry that Odein is in the other party;

Peterside

he will not win the primaries; don’t worry. They won’t let him win primaries; they will rig him out.

“Now, I told Magnus, the same way I told my deputy (Tele Ikuru) that he is eminently qualified to be a governor. I hope all of you remember that in my absence, my deputy had led all of you to war.

Remember when we were fighting; when they wanted to remove us. If I didn’t trust him, I wouldn’t have left the state for him. One thing my parents taught is to please, always watch your back, but, with my deputy, I never watched my back.

“There were other people who are from others zones that were qualified to be governor, but I said now, the Rivers West senatorial zone produced my former boss, Dr. Peter Odili, and my zone, Rivers East produced me. So, equity demands that it should go to the Rivers South-East senatorial zone. In the South-East zone, the caucus met and decided that we should present Adolphus Dakuku Peterside. Presenting him does not mean that he is more qualified than the rest.”

In his acceptance speech after a total of 3914, out of the 4,574 delegates, the APC governorship candidate, Peterside said his desire to be governor of the state in 2015 is a product of deep commitment to serve and a passion to expand the economic opportunities of the people of the state.

He said, “May, I crave your indulgence to specially acknowledge the sacrifice and commitment of some of our leaders. My elder brother, friend and a distinguished patriot,

The flag bearer of the party today, by the grace of God and by your grace will be Dakuku Peterside. That is because we sat and agreed on that. That does not mean that my good friend, Senator Magnus Abe is not qualified

Senator Magnus Abe as well as my boss and friend, His Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Engr Tele Ikuru, FNSE; two men whose loyalty to the party and Rivers State is unequivocal.

“They are men whose honour and integrity are worthy of commendation and emulation.

I shall be relying on them more and more in the coming days, months, and years. May, I also reassure these patriots, and fellow party men and women that your sacrifices will not be in vain.

“My desire to be the governor of our dear state is a product of deep commitment to serve and a passion to expand economic opportunities for all our people.

My aspiration is not about the pomp, perks and privileges of office, but out of a desire to make Rivers State greater. I have had the privilege of political tutelage under our leader and I have seen his passion for excellence and a new and better Rivers State. I have been challenged by this passion and believe that a greater Rivers State is possible if we all join hands.

“Together I believe we can provide leadership that will accelerate the actualisation of a greater Rivers dream of improved middle class, first class safe environment, equal and more socio-economic opportunities and create a greater sense of community, a Rivers State that will be the pride of Africa.”

Recall that immediately after his endorsement by the APC caucus, the governorship hopeful headed to the state secretariat of APC in Port Harcourt, where he picked nomination form and expression form to contest the governorship election under the platform of the party.

Speaking immediately after picking the forms, the consensus governorship candidate, assured that he will not disappoint the people of the state, if elected governor during the general election, and commended the people of the state for the outpouring of love in appreciation of his endorsement.

He said, “We will take Rivers State to the next level. We will soon unveil our roadmap to prosperity.

Rivers people’s support for me is overwhelming. I really appreciate the outpouring of love. I thank all Rivers people. I will not disappoint you.

“I will continue to rely on God. I do not depend on my strength or ability. I will ensure unity in Rivers State. All Rivers people will have roles to play in my administration.

Amaechi

News Behind The News

Rivers Arrest Of 9: Apc, PDP, Police Sing Different Tunes

BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt

The Rivers State Police Command, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seem to be singing different tunes in respect of nine youths, including two females who were arrested at a hotel in Elele Town, Ikwerre local government area of the state.

The hotel, known as Okabique is owned by a chieftain of the PDP, Chief Okechukwu Okah, who is alleged to be a staunch supporter of the immediate past minister of state for education and governorship aspirant on the platform of the PDP in the state, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike.

While the state Police Command is insisting that the youths, who were arrested late Thursday night, were internet scammers, who were trying to break into a code, the APC is insisting that the suspects were in the hotel to carry out illegal registration of voters for the 2015 general elections in the state.

The PDP, on its own, denied involvement in any illegal registration that led to the arrest of some boys with machines and registration materials, belonging to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) registering people in a hotel in Elele.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Ahmad Muhammed, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, said, “Following a tip off that some persons with questionable characters were seen entering a hotel at Elele with concealed items in a carton, the Police immediately raided the hotel and arrested nine suspected youths, who admitted that they were a syndicate of internet scammers trying to break into a code. Meanwhile, investigation has commenced to unravel the true position.”

A chieftain of APC in the Elele Town, Elder Chidi Wihioka had told journalists in Port Harcourt that the suspects were in possession of three registration machines and other sensitive items belonging to INEC as at the time of their arrest.

Wihioka, who is also aspiring to represent Ikwerre/Emohua federal constituency in the House of Representatives on the platform of the APC, said, “At about 7.30 pm on Thursday, we started hearing rumours that some people have INEC machine in a hotel in Elele where they are registering voters’ cards, using people’s photographs. We took it as a joke, but the calls continued. At the point, I didn’t know what to do because to be sincere, I was afraid of the Nigerian Police.

news NATIONAL 57

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

APC Primaries: NASS Member Seeks Restoration Of Mandate

Sen Atiku Bagudu Emerges Kebbi APC Governorship Flagbearer

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

By YAHYA SARKI, Kebbi

The member representing Ovia federal constituency of Edo State in the House of Representatives, Mr Nosakhare Osahon has called on Edo leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) to declare him winner of the primaries of the House of Representatives.

Osahon who is seeking re-election, made this call at a media briefing in Benin on Monday.

He said the call became necessary as his opponent disrupted the primaries during the counting of votes when it became obvious that he was losing.

The lawmaker alleged that the disruption was part of a grand design by his opponent to ensure he lost the party ticket.

He said: “The primary which was conducted on the 7th day of December which the delegates voted in line with the party’s guideline was going on peacefully un-

til my opponent, one Mr Charity Aimayaenvbo, discovered I had won.

“The total number of votes cast by all delegates were 662, the total number of voided votes were 8 while the total number of valid votes were 654.

“After counting my votes which was 297 while the second aspirant, Mr Orobosa Omo-Ojo votes were 65, from simple arithmetic, it became obvious that the left votes of 292 were for Aimayaenvbo”.

“Soon after, Omo-Ojo embraced and congratulated me for this clear victory but the agent in conjunction with the supporters of Aimayaenvbo commenced the pandemonium and kicked away the collation desk to stall the counting of Aimayaenvbo’s votes.

“I am in possession of a copy of the DVD of the events of the primaries and all what I said are evident in the DVD for the world to see.”

Following The Conclusion Of Kebbi Apc Governorship Primary Election Yesterday , Senator Atiku Bagudu Who Recently Dumped The Peoples Democratic Party (Pdp) For The The All Progressive Congress (Apc) Has Clinched The Party’s Ticket. He Scored 2, 625 Votes To Defeat Other Four Candidates.

The Accreditation Of Delegates Started On Sunday Night At Race Course In Birnin Kebbi While The Actual Voting Took Place At Makerar Gandu Model Primary School In The Early Hours Of Yesterday Monday With Delegates From The 21 Local Governments Que Up To Cast Their Votes Peacefully.

The Chairman Of The Electoral Committee , Alh.Umar Danbo, Had Shortly After The Election Declared Senator Ati-

ku Bagudu As Winner With 2,625 Votes, Followed By Dr. Yahya Abdullahi, 363, Buhari Bello 62 , Abubakar Chika Malami 57, And Nasir Salla Koko 18 Votes Respectively.

According To The Chairman, Out Of The 3125 Total Votes Cast, Only One Was Invalid.

He Then Congratulated The Winner For The Victory And Thanked Party Supporters For Their Patience And General Conduct Throughout The Election Period.

Responding, Bagudu Expressed Pleasure Over The Out Come Of The Election And Assured His Opponents Of His Continued Respect And Consultation With Them In Solidifying The Party’s Structure To Face The General Election And Appeal To Them To Join Hands Together For The Apc To Succeed.

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS ALPHONSUS HELLON Nigerian Police WHO DIED ON THE 14th July, 2014

APPLICANTS FOR GRANT

Nelly Alphonsus guardian to Rheman Alphonsus Kuje Mopol 44 PMF, Block 16, Flat 1, Abuja The widow and son of the said deceased

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 8th DAY OF DECEMBER, 2014

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS RIMAMSOMT CHRISTOPHER Office of the Head of Service (FCT) Abuja WHO DIED ON THE 4th January, 2014

APPLICANTS FOR GRANT

Puna Kafiya and Rimamfeten Christopher RCCN Gu Trinity Kwambai, Tukum, Taraba State The brothers of the said deceased

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS CHIEF GODFREY OSATOANMWEN AIWERIOBA NIA Senior Staff Quarters FHA Lugbe Abuja WHO DIED ON THE 2nd July, 2014

APPLICANTS FOR GRANT

Chief Bob Aiwerioba and Chief Charles Edobor No 39 Iham GRA Benin City Edo state The sons of the said deceased

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 8th DAY OF DECEMBER, 2014

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 8th DAY OF DECEMBER, 2014

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE

DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS

DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS

DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS MR ISAIAH IGBA National Union of Road Transport Abuja

HAJIYA MARYAM BASHIR AKAN MARIYA AHMAD LIMAN B72 Flat 4 Legislative Quarters, Abuja WHO DIED ON THE 28th August, 2014

APPLICANTS FOR GRANT

Hon. Bashir B. Koko and Alh. Haliru Haruna B72 Flat 4 Legislative Quarters, Abuja

MUSA A. HAMBALI National Mosque Abuja WHO DIED ON THE 31st October, 2014

The widower and brother of the said deceased

APPLICANTS FOR GRANT

Bilki Salihu, Baha Hambali and Sahura Hambali guardian to Hamisu Hambali Garo Kobo LGA Kano state The widows and son of the said deceased

WHO DIED ON THE 20th December, 2012

APPLICANTS FOR GRANT

Hilda Igba guardian to Noah Isaiah Igba CAC Church Kuchikau, Nasarawa state The widow and son of the said deceased

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 8th DAY OF DECEMBER, 2014

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 8th DAY OF DECEMBER, 2014

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 8th DAY OF DECEMBER, 2014

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE

DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS

DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS

APPLICANTS FOR GRANT

APPLICANTS FOR GRANT

Garba Fatima and Gwatana Bako

MARTINS GARBA Federal Road Safety Corps, Abuja

Emilia Martins Garba House no 22 EFAB Estate Olokogoma, FCT Abuja

WEMBENI JOY SHENENI Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps 1313 Road Angwani Dodo

WHO DIED ON THE 1st January, 2011

The widow of the said deceased

WHO DIED ON THE 7th September, 2012 The sister and widower of the said

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 8th DAY OF DECEMBER, 2014 SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

Gwagwalada Abuja deceased

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 8th DAY OF DECEMBER, 2014 SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

3x2 space for sale

58 zonal watch (SOUth-EaSt)

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

news behind the news

South East Presidency: As UPP Fills The Vacuum Left By APGA

BY PAUL UWADIMA, ABUjA

As happened in 2011 the APGA under the leadership of Chief Victor Umeh and Peter Obi who recently defected to PDP has made it clear that it will not be presenting a presidential candidate in 2015

When the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was formed in 2002, the founder of the party who eventually emerged as its pioneer national chairman, Chief Chekwas Okorie said that it was to give a voice to the people of South East in the democratic equation in the country especially the opportunity to produce a presidential candidate.

This was informed by the noticeable marginalisation of the zone by the major political parties including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) who allegedly schemed out aspirants from the zone in their parties.

It was in furtherance of giving voice to the South East that APGA in 2002 shortly after it was formed zoned its presidential ticket to the zone. The beneficiary of this arrangement was late Biafran leader, Dim Ikemba Odumegwu Ojukwu who became the party’s presidential candidate in the 2003 presidential election. Even though APGA was formed few months to the 2003 presidential election, the party was able to campaign vigorously mobilising Nigerians on the need to support their candidate and in the end its candidate Dim Ojukwu finished a respectable third position in the presidential race.

However since that laudable performance by APGA the party had been embroiled in leadership dispute that took its eyes off the ball and at the end of lengthy legal dispute the party had become a shadow of itself and literally became an appendage of the ruling PDP so much so that former Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State elected on the platform of APGA was seen as one of the most trusted ally of President Goodluck Jonathan. As a result of the close relationship between APGA and PDP the party failed to present a presidential candidate in the 2011 general elections, instead choose to support the candidate of PDP, President Goodluck Jonathan. Not a few supporters of the party felt betrayed, but the leadership of the party were not bordered.

As happened in 2011 the APGA under the leadership of Chief Victor Umeh and Peter Obi who recently defected to PDP has made it clear that it will not be presenting a presidential candidate in 2015 thereby declaring its support for the re-election of President Jonathan. In fact even before Obi defected to PDP, the former governor and the incumbent governor, Willie Obiano as well as

Okorie

Umeh

well as Victor Umeh were in a sort of competition over who supports Jonathan more. Unmindful of the feelings of the founding fathers of APGA, Governor Obiano and Victor Umeh recently held pro-Jonathan rally which was televised live across the country.

With what many considered apparent betrayal by APGA at the run-up to the 2015 elections the only person from the South East in the major opposition party the All Progressives Congress (APC) who has shown interest in the presidential race is the governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, but he stands a little chance in the race as the position appeared to have been zoned to the north by the party.

Given the aforementioned scenario, it is apparent that the hope of the South East to produce a president in 2015 lies squarely on the shoulders of the leadership of the United Progressive Party (UPP). The UPP shortly after it was formed, at its first NEC meeting decided that its presidential candidate in 2015 will come from the South East. In furtherance of that commitment the party will at its National Convention at the commercial city of Aba, Abia State hold its presidential primaries that would produce a candidate of South East extraction.

Incidentally the founder of UPP, Chief Chekwas Okorie was also the founder of the now crisis ridden APGA. Many observers of Nigerian politics were not surprised that UPP like the pre-crisis APGA choose the South East as the zone that should produce a president following the apparent marginalisation of the zone by the ruling PDP and other major opposition parties.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP recently the national chairman of UPP, Chief Chekwas Okorie lamented what had become of APGA that he founded and the philosophical underpinning of the UPP which has vowed to present a South East presidential candidate in 2015.

“I want you people to understand that what happened to APGA was not a normal thing. APGA was a victim of political kidnap and there is nobody who will kidnap any person, a child for instance and would have the same kind of feeling the father of that child will have over the child’s growth and development. In fact often kidnap is done to hold the victim as ransom to make money. That is exactly what happened to APGA. Those who kidnapped APGA did not see it from any point of view except from the point of view of a source to enrich themselves. Myself that you are speaking to right now has a completely different view on APGA and that was why it took me seven years and three attempts at INEC to found APGA and to have a national political party that have sympathy for Igbo political agenda in Nigeria.

“That was part of the vision and that was why when it was founded the first policy statement of APGA was to zone the presidency to the Southeast and that was in 2002. So by the 2003 election we actualised that policy position. Without it Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu would never have been a presidential candidate in his entire lifetime.

No Igboman would have been because they have all tried it in PDP, APP/ANPP all of them people of tremendous means and political clout but their clout and means did not yield them the opportunity to even participate not to talk of winning or losing. “ And so I watched and discovered that the dream has been hijacked and derailed and so after about eight years at the various courts including going to the supreme court twice with so many Igbo people who could have come to the rescue standing akimbo and thinking it was Chekwas Okorie’s personal fight, I brought it to a halt personally, out of my own volition. I say that there were no more needs for going to court. I took the certificate of APGA which I have in my possession and return

it to INEC with a letter, the very first time in this country that the certificate of a registered political party will be returned to the issuing authority by the person holding that certificate. The case were still in court but it was just to underscore the fact that the case has ended.

And then I made a profound statement that I have gone with the soul and spirit of the party and that the soul and spirit will reincarnate in another platform and at that time UPP was not yet registered and so we proceeded to register another party and at the end of the day in spite of the obstacles put in our way we registered UPP with the same vision and so it was not surprising therefore that in the first NEC meeting of UPP the same policy position was taken to zone the party’s presidential ticket to the South East.

“You can say that UPP is another party from the same parentage with APGA, so the DNA is the same, the political DNA is the same. And what they have done is that APGA is totally ruined and like I said in another statement that what I had left for them is decomposing carcass of APGA. Again, it should not surprise Nigerians because of all the 28 political parties registered only one is so sympathetic to the Igbo political situation in the country as to give the Igbo people of Nigeria the opportunity to have one of their own fly their presidential flag in 2015 and it is the UPP founded by the same man and for the first time too in the history of this country a national political party is taking its national convention to the southeast geopolitical zone, to the Igboland, and this time to the commercial city of Aba, that is where our 2014 convention will be held and that is where the presidential candidate will emerge along with his running mate on the 11th of December.”

While insisting that the UPP zoned the presidency to South East to ensure equity in the polity he disagreed that UPP is an Igbo party emphasising that it is a national party like other parties in the country as the constitution does not recognise ethnic or regional parties.

“Even when APGA was founded I did not for one day call it an Igbo party because the law of the land does not permit that but it was those who kidnapped it and destroyed it; those who are finding a way to justify what they did that began to input all sorts of things including giving it a tag which was not the original intention of the founding fathers.

FCT watch/feature 59

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

PDP Govt Has Failed FCT People - Candido Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido is the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in this interview with IGHO OYOYO, he speaks on the government of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the FCT, describing it as total failure, that APC would restructure the failed government after 2015 general election.... Excerpts speak with you, the area councils find it difficult to paid staff salaries, because, the government gives their money with the right hand and takes it with the left hand. So, there is nothing to show as far as meaningful development is concern.

Go to Garki village, where they said they want to resettle the aborigines, go and see the kind of houses they are building for FCT people, can the FCT Minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed take his village people to live in Apo resettlement? Can he ask his old grandparents to go and live in such mushroom houses, that are said to be resettlement for people who have unified this country? He cannot, because he knows that as a leader of this territory what he is giving to us is inhuman treatment. But, unfortunately, here comes our people who are dying of hunger, who poverty has almost killed, that having lost opportunity to be in government for some time, are now singing his praises that he should stay in the FCT. Well, it is to the glory of God, but come 2015, Bala Mohammed will have to relocate to his village in Bauchi State, by the grace of God. Candido How would you describe the government of the PDP in the FCT?

Nigerians should be told that those who went all out to speak the supposed voice of the FCT people, are what I described as very hungry striking politicians

That is the area I would say that the PDP people should bury their heads in shame, because for 15 or 16 years they have been in government of the FCT, with a minister appointed by the President, all they have been doing these years is advancing the course of empowering themselves, at the expense of the larger percentage of the FCT people. The FCT people has nothing to show for all these years, as far as the PDP government is concerned, apart from the abysmal failure in area councils in view of the fact that they pretend to say their allocations are coming to them freely as at when due, but, the allocations are still been taking away by the government. That is why as I

Do you not think that there might be a light at the end of the tunnel, based on the promise made by President Goodluck Jonathan to the FCT indigenes?

The FCT people should recall that the only military government that gave FCT indigenes ministerial positions, was that of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, who graciously appointed one of ours, in the person of Abdullahi Bagudu Mamman as a Minister of Internal Affairs and later as Minister of Industry. That was the only government that FCT can be proud to say that it had recognised FCT needs as possible.

But, after that, no indigene has ever been appointed as a minister again. So, to come and promise us that when you win election, you will give FCT people a ministerial position, that is a blatant misplacement of promise, because he has misplaced it before. He made the same promise in 2011, only but to renege and it was never given.

The only Permanent Secretariat position that FCT had in the person of Dr. Aboki Zawa from Rubochi in Kuje area council, was snatched away and taken to the

South-South by the same President Goodluck Jonathan, who is today telling FCT people that he is going to offer them another ministerial and Permanent Secretary positions. All these are blatant words to confuse the generality of the people.

But, we are wiser now, FCT people are wiser by the day. We have rejected the request, we do not want it, because we have found solace in a new party that has already promised the FCT people ministerial position, just like any other state of the federation, irrespective of if it is defined by the constitution of Nigeria or not. Because, the APC is sensitive to the yearning of the FCT people. APC will correct all the anomalies that the FCT people are experiencing today, when it takes over in 2015, by the grace of God. How has APC gone in the FCT to capture the minds of residents as the 2015 general election approaches?

If I say anything, it would seem as if I am exaggerating, but from what we are seeing, I am convinced that the people across the six area councils of the FCT have come to embrace the APC as the better alternative to PDP misrule in the last 15 to 16years. We came in as a new political party, but from all indication, we are cashing in on maladministration and focusless government of the PDP, especially, the inhuman and denigration of the people of the FCT by the administration of Sen. Bala Mohammed. The treatment melted to us is more than what the South-South people went through. Ours is a total eclipse of the entire human beings. Original inhabitants of the FCT have done so much to unify the country, but what we have been given as reward, are policies of government that on daily basis are making us look as if we not real citizens of Nigeria. The little resources that is there for us, which is the land that we use as means of livelihood, is been taking away from us by the government on daily basis. In the entire Federal Capital City (FCC) today, which is more of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), has already been taken over by government and that is the only resources our people look up to as theirs. The government of the FCT came up with an inhuman policy called the land-swap and it has done nothing, but finally turned us abysmally to the grapevine, in such a way that we can no longer pretend to be living as others are doing, we are only existing. We are not living as true Nigerians are living, because of the inhuman policies of the government.

If the government of FCT has failed, why did the indigenes persuade Sen. Bala Mohammed not to go to Bauchi State to contest for governorship position?

I read report from newspapers where some FCT indigenes were celebrating Bala Mohammed and even told him not to go to his Bauchi to contest for gubernatorial position. Unfortunately, Nigerians should be told that those who went all out to speak the supposed voice of the FCT people, are what I described as very hungry striking politicians. They were once in office, and because they have been out of office for a long time, poverty have eaten deep into them, so, they do not have any other choice, than to sing praises of the government to pretend that all is well, because, of what they want to get. All they are doing is to tell the minister that all is well, while all has never been well since the coming of Bala Mohammed to the FCT. 2015 general election is already around the corner, how would APC dislodge the political structure of PDP political gladiators like Ambassador Ayuba Ngbako who control the affairs of politics in the FCT?

I think those who hold this notion are living in the past, because the situation has changed. The political gladiators, like Ambassador Ayuba Ngbako and the rest of them in PDP, are all managing to survive. That is why you see them romancing around government today, they have lost it. Even in Garki ward today where he comes from, I want to assure you that he is not a gladiator, because new gladiators have since emerged that would redirect how things would look like. So, forget about the old names, they do not hold the ‘say’ any longer. For us, we do not look at persons, we identify communities, we identify new gladiators and issues, then we will bank on that and get our result. We are not looking at what you were before, even a serving senator, whatever you are, we are not looking at you from the angle of your position. But, we are looking at you from the angle of what you have been able to do, if you have failed the people, we will find new gladiators to check you. So, forget about the old names, they are old names living in old books, a new chapter has been open for the proper advancement of the FCT politics. That is where APC is heading to and we have since identified that.

‘I Am Proud To Be A Water Vendor’

By Igho Oyoyo

Mallam Sabiu Awan, popularly called ‘Yellow’ is a water vendor at Dutse Baupma in Bwari area council of Abuja.

Awan, married with two children, said when he realized he was getting older and still jobless, he decided to leave his family in Katsina State to move to Abuja, so as to hunt for a means of survival.

According to him, when he got to Abuja, knowing that he

was not skilled in any profession and being an illiterate, he decided to go into the water vendor business, using welded trucks to supply houses with domestic water.

“Since I have been into this business, I have been able to save money to start a small-scale business for my wife in Katsina. Now, my children are living well. I am proud being a water vendor and it is helping me and my family a lot.

“Most times, I make more than N20,000 a month during rainy season, but during the dry season, I

make between, N30,000 to N40,000 a month. I do not regret being a water vendor, because it is better than begging for alms. My customers call me most times on phone when they need water and I supply them.

“I will like to advice my northern ethnic brothers who are still begging for alms to stop it and think of something to do, to make ends meet. They should not be shy to do any manual job to survive, as far as it makes ends meet. It is more honourable than begging for alms,” he said.

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labour matters Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Xmas: No Increase In Transport Fares – RTEAN President ra, how will it affect the transport sector?

If there is devaluation of naira, it is not just going to affect the transport sector. That is why we have been calling for vehicle assembling plants in Nigeria. If you devalue naira and you want to import vehicle, it will be on the high side. But if we encourage the assembly plants in Nigeria, then you can get your vehicle according to the value of the naira.

You stated some time ago that you were putting up some measures that are beneficial to your members, can you tell some of this measures?

TOP LABOUR UNIONS IN NIGERIA

1. The Radio Television Theatre and Art Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) is an umbrella Union comprising of all Radio, Television presenters and producers 2. The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) Registered as an umbrella body of judiciary workers across the country 3. The Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) Umbrella union of health workers across the country

Isewele

Chief Musa Isewele is the president of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN). In the interview with Michael Oche, he spoke on how the union is working to ensure an accident hitch free yuletide season. He also allays fears that the union will increase transportation fares during the yuletide We are approaching Christmas and many Nigerians will be travelling home, what are doing to educate you drivers to ensure accident hitch free Christmas?

Because of this Ember months, some drivers can over work themselves, they also over speed which usually leads to accidents on the highways. So we have taken several measures to ensure safety of passengers this season.

We are conducing enlightenment for our drivers and ensuring that drivers don’t drink alcohol before they drive. And I have advised my members nationwide, nobody

should increase transport fare this December. Because the passengers are our customers. They are not foreigners. They are our brothers and sisters. And the secondly, we have a committee that takes care of drivers health status before they leave the park. If a driver is loading his vehicle, people will be there interacting with him and if they perceive any smell of alcohol on him, they will transfer his passengers. He will not be allowed to drive. All these are measures taken to ensure the safety of our passengers The recent devaluation of nai-

I have 400 vehicles down already.

The FCT administration has given us operator licence on high capacity buses, on mini buses and on taxis. As we speak, we have 300 high capacity buses in Lagos.

We have gone to inspect them.

By the grace of God, we want to commence this December. It is some of the conditions that are too rigid. We wanted to put 100 in Abuja, 100 in Lagos, 100 Anambra, then 100 in Enugu.

The whole vehicles we are making arrangement for, are about 9000.

Also, We are partnering with some foreign partners to build drivers academy. There is going to be training centre and vehicle assembly centre in different parts of the country This era of insecurity, what measures have you put in place at your park to ensure safety of passengers?

Security is a collective responsibility. I have been saying times without number that in Nigeria, we need modern motor parks. What I mean is a park that will have CCTV, where you have all the security apparatus in the park.

What we have now are just fenced space, they are not modern motor parks. If you go to South Africa or Saudi Arabia, you will see modern

motor parks. Even the vehicle after loading, there is a machine that it is going to pass under for screening. But here we don’t have anything like that. Here when we load from the park, we don’t have police escort, so you can’t guarantee what will happen on the road. But in our area, we had a meeting, we are observant. We have educated our people. If you see any dubious movement we report to the police. If you see any car parked for long, we report to the police they come and tow the vehicle.

The union has been conducting elections of state chapters here in Abuja. Why are the elections not holding in the affected states?

If you recall, I visited Ekiti earlier this year when there was crisis in the state. The members were fighting. I dissolved the executive and set up a caretaker. If we hold the election here, it will be more peaceful that in the state. Because not everyone will get what they want. If we are bringing them here for the election, we write the Inspector General of police, informing him of the date and venue. So, he directs the zone and the command to give us security.

But we inaugurate them at the state and present certificates to them there.

Ahead of the 2015 general election, what advice do you have for politicians?

Times without number some politicians through their statements have been inciting the youths. They are undermining the security of the country. I give an example of a sitting governor who said, if they don’t win, they will form a parallel government.

That statement was wrong from a politician. Politicians should be careful with the kind of statement they make as we head to the elections.

I have advised my members nationwide, nobody should increase transport fare this December

Austerity Measures: NUP Holds NEC Meeting On Plight Of Pensioners By michael Oche, Abuja

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) will today hold a crucial National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to discuss the plight of pensioners as oil prices continue to dwindle.

The union has raised concern over the fall of oil

prices, expressing fears that the austerity measures being introduced by the federal government may affect its member Head of information at the NUP, comrade Bunmi Ogunkolade told leadership that the NEC is also expected to discuss the payment of arrears of

the 33 per cent pension increase recently approved by the federal government.

It will be recalled that the federal government only recently agreed to the implementation of the 33 per cent pension increase for pensioners.

Ogunkolade said, “we will be looking at a lot of issues. But we

need assurances from the federal government that the fall of oil prices will not affect the stipends being paid to pensioners. The austerity measures being put in place is of great concern ot our members most of whom are aged. So we will be looking at how “We will also be looking at

the payment of arrears of the 33 per cent pension increase.

This is very important because it is battle that we fought for a long time. We are happy when the federal government agreed to the implementation of the 33 per cent but now we need them to pay the arrears. So it is a crucial NEC meeting”.

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Tuesday, December 9, 2014

world

news ➊

➍

➌ ➏ ➎

➐

➋

➎ Mexico Missing Students: Family Mourns Alexander Mora

Relatives and friends have been mourning the death of Alexander Mora, one of the 43 Mexican students who went missing on 26 September after clashing with police in the town of Iguala.

Forensic experts confirmed on Saturday that charred remains found in a river near Iguala were those of Mr Mora.

Tests continue on more remains found at the same location and other places.

A huge fire has swept through an apartment building under construction in downtown Los Angeles.

Almost 250 firefighters were attempting to tackle the blaze early on Monday morning.

The fire could be seen from miles away and it shut portions of two major freeways.

The cause is not yet known. It is not thought anyone was in the building at the time and there were no initial reports of any injuries.

At least 23 people have been killed, many of whom in central Philippines, after Typhoon Hagupit hit, Red Cross officials say.

Richard Gordon, chairman of the Philippine National Red

Cross, told Al Jazeera on Monday that most of the fatalities were from the province of Eastern Samar.

“We hope it [death toll] won’t go up anymore, but the reality is it may likely still go up.”

➊ Date Set For ➋ Kenya Police Tunisia Presidential Admit ‘Extrajudicial Runoff Killings’ Moncef Marzouki and Beji Caid Essebsi will face off on December 21 in Tunisia’s second round of presidential voting to decide who leads the nation that sparked the Arab Spring.

“Voting will take place on December 21,” the head of the ISIE electoral organising body, Chafik Sarsar, told a news conference yesterday.

Kenya’s police squads have admitted for the first time to carrying out extrajudicial killings.

Speaking to Al Jazeera’s Investigative Unit, the officers discussed their involvement in the Kenyan government’s assassination programme targeting suspected Muslim radicals.

BY THE NUMBERS

10-16% of the population worldwide is affected by Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

➏ Fire-fighters

Battle Huge Los Angeles Blaze

American adults have some level of CKD

➌ 8 Sentenced To

➍ Syria, Iran

Death For China Attacks

Condemn Damascus Air Strikes

A court in China has sentenced eight people to death for allegedly carrying out two deadly attacks in the violence-torn farwestern Xinjiang region, state media said.

Five others were given suspended death sentences, a penalty normally commuted to life in prison, state broadcaster CCTV reported on yesterday.

Syria has called for UN sanctions against Israel over alleged air strikes on Syrian soil, including one on Damascus’ main international airport.

There was no threat of retaliation, but the Syrian Foreign Ministry said yesterday it had asked Ban Ki-moon, UN secretary-general, and the Security Council to impose sanctions on Israel, describing

➐ Philippine

Typhoon Death Toll Jumps

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Tuesday, December 9, 2014

FCMB Promises Excitement At COPA Beach Soccer

By Taiwo Ogunmola, Lagos

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, a major sponsor of the Copa Lagos Beach Soccer tournament, has promised to make this year’s edition more exciting than ever for its customers, football fans and the general public.

The tournament, which is being organised by Kinetic Sports Limited, will hold from December 12 to 14, 2014 at the Eko Atlantic Beach in Lagos.

It will feature the Beach Soccer teams of Cote D’ivoire, Ghana, Senegal and defending champion Nigeria.

The Beach soccer teams of Barcelona Football Club of Spain, Enyimba Football Club, Stationery Stores Football Club and Pepsi Academy; all of Nigeria, will also partake in the tournament, where soccer skills will be showcased.

In a statement, FCMB’s Head, Communications and CSR, Mrs. Uchenna Mojekwu, explained that

FCMB has been sponsoring Copa Lagos Beach Soccer tournament for the past four years owing to the added value it brings the people. “Soccer is not only a great way of maintaining fitness and cardiovascular health, it is also a sport that unifies people, thereby benefiting humanity and the society.

At Copa Lagos Beach Soccer tournament, the games, which are very competitive, can be watched in a relaxed atmosphere.

Eagles AFCON 2015 Lost Caused By Administrative Distractions – Shodipo

By TAOFEEK LAWAL, Abuja

Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Kola Shodipo has attributed the inability of Nigerian Super Eagles to book a place in the 2015 edition of African Cup of Nations (AFCON) slated for Equatorial Guinea to incessant distractions from administrative wing of the football body. Shodipo disclosed this while briefing newsmen in his office ahead of a soccer competition tagged CP Cup, de-

signed to be played among the four area commands and four other Police formations in the state.

The police boss who was part of government delegations to the last FIFA World Cup hosted in Brazil said the nation is blessed with enough abundant talents that should placed us above board in continental football but the unrest rocking the nation’s soccer governing body is causing distractions for the team. “Desperation

and do or die attitude shown by people managing our football does not portray them as somebody that has the genuine love for the development of the game at heart, and that is what the national team is paying for, no team can strive under such bickering”, Shodipo who is the Chairman of Technical Committee for the Biennial Police Games noted. He however, described sports as a good tool to promote peace while reassuring Oyo citizens of effective

and people’s friendly policing.

The Oyo CP Cup starts today at the Police playing ground Eleyele Ibadan with eight teams namely Iyaganku Area Command Team, Agodi Area Command Team, Oyo Area Command Team, Ogbomoso Area Command Team, Headquarters’ Ops Team, Anti Bomb/ Skynet Team, Band and Mess Team and a Team from Mopol 4 according to the officer-in-charge of sports in the state DSP Segun Famuyiwa.

Keshi

Mohammed Wins 11th KRPC Amateur Golf Championship Mudi Mohammed of Kano Golf Club has emerged the overall winner of the Eleventh KRPC annual Amateur Golf Championship played at the Kaduna Golf Club over the weekend.

Mohammed finished with a gross score of 76 in the category 1 handicap 0-9 to beat his closest rival Abu Ahmed who pulled a gross score of 77 in this category.

While in category II handicap 10-20 Arabi Bello of Kaduna Golf Club finished with a net score of 65 to win that category, he was closely followed by Kunle Kolade of same Kaduna Golf Club who garnered a net score of 66.

In the ladies categories, Rakiya Mustapha of Kaduna Golf Club was the overall winner with a net

The overall winner Mudi Mohammed; managing director (KRPC), Engr Saidu Mohammed, and vice captain, Kaduna Golf Club, Chief Mike Okpere, at the presentation of the 11th KRPC Amateur Golf Championship held at the Kaduna Golf Club at the weekend. Photo By Gbenga Abiola

score of 71, while Amina Anebi pulled a total net score of 72 to be

the runner-up. Oliver N won the veteran category with a net score

of 69, while Frank Onotu finished second with net score of 71.

Kaduna state deputy governor, Amb. Nuhu Bajoga won the MD invitees category by pulling a net score of 77 and he was closely followed by Adamu Hassan who played a net score of 78.

For the NNPC/KRPC staff category Kurah Ibrahim finished top by pulling a net score of 71 after count back to beat his closest rival Adamu Garba who pulled a net score of 71.

Other anciliary prizes won were Longest drive which Raymond Yaki and Ivy Achir of Kaduna Golf club won for men and ladies categories respectively. While Kaka Kazeem and Amua Iember both of Kaduna Golf Club won the nearest to the Pin for men and ladies categories respectively.

UBA Win 2014 Nigeria Bankers Games

Team UBA with trophy

Cyprian Onyekachi may have scored the match winner for UBA to end Skye Bank’s four year’s dominance of the football event of the Nigeria Bankers Games (NBG) but the tournament hero for Africa’s famed largest bank was goalkeeper Shola Thomas. A late second half goal decided the match in favour of UBA who reclaimed the trophy they lost in 2011 to Skye Bank. The final day of the NBG which had only the football event began with a novelty match between NBG Hall of Fame members and online shopping giant, Jumia and the Bankers Games All Stars proved their mettle winning by a lone goal. A disciplined backline stuck to UBA’s

game plan of containing the Skye Bank’s famed attacking quartet of Ismaila Sani, Seun Mohammed, Shola Akintayo and Mustafa Abdulraheed, keeping them quiet for most of the first half. Apparently buoyed by the presence of their Chairman, Tony Elumelu, the UBA squad showed early intent as they pushed to reclaim the title they lost to Skye Bank in 2011 and almost won back in 2013. Though a colourless first half went the way of the new champions when Martins Udeaja’s free kick cannoned of the cross bar with Rasheed Oshun beaten. And that was sufficient warning to the former champions

that their hold on the trophy was at risk. Then came Onyekach’s free kick goal with very few minutes left and the drama unfolded to a pulsating finish. As was the case last year when Skye Bank got a late equalizer, a penalty late in the game gave them a huge opportunity to level scores and drag the match to extra time. But, Goalkeeper Shola Thomas had other ideas and stood firm to deny Skye a repeat of last year’s late comeback. It was UBA’s fifth football title and brought them at par with Skye Bank and Thomas of UBA was rightly voted Best Goalkeeper, UBA player, Emeka Okolie was voted Best Defender.

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/sports

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

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