Leadership news

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

17

13.01.15

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

TUESDAY

No. 2,326

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Girls' Rescue: Ezekwesili Chibok Diary DAY 274 Chibok Faults Jonathan's Leadership Stock Market Shows Signs Of Recovery

> Page 2

By Olushola Bello, Lagos

The Nigerian stock market took a reverse to open trading this week to end losing trend that

has extended for six consecutive trading days as it gained 0.30

per cent.

The All-Share Index rose by

0.30 per cent or 91.70 points to close at 30,234.72, from

Insecurity: There May Be No Elections In Parts Of North-east – Jega > Page 6

the 30,143.02 achieved on Friday. Similarly, the market capitalisation, which opened at N9.980 trillion, increased by

Gunmen Invade APC Chairman’s House ➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 5

5

I’ll create 2 million jobs annually if re-elected – Jonathan My presidency’ll end Boko Haram insurgency in months – Buhari

Real Madrid and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo smiles after receiving the 2014 FIFA Ballon d’Or award for Player of the Year, during the award ceremony at Kongresshaus in Zurich, yesterday.

Photo by afp

President, Obasanjo Meet In Abeokuta To Mend Fences > Page 5

18 BUSINESS/CUSTOMS

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

2015: Customs Year Of Coordinated Border Management For the year 2015, issues of coordinated border management (CBM) will be the focus of global customs administrations following the need to ensure an improved trade facilitation which is a crucial aspect of customs operations involving cross border trade between countries, the World Customs Organisation (WCO), has said.

It is hoped that the choice of the global customs 2015 theme, “Coordinated Border Management - An inclusive approach for connecting stakeholders,” will also help in safeguarding the lives and properties of citizens of countries by protecting the borders against the influx of dangerous arms and ammunitions through tools that would be developed in this regard.

The secretary-general of the WCO, Kunio Mikuriya, who announced that 2015 will be dedicated to promoting coordinated border management said WCO members will have the opportunity to promote the enhanced coordination practices and mechanisms that they have implemented within their administrations and with other customs administrations and government agencies as well as with economic operators involved in cross-border trade.

The term coordinated border management (CBM) refers to a cooperative approach by border control agencies, both at the national and international level, in the context of seeking greater efficiencies over managing trade and travel flows while maintaining a balance with compliance requirements. The initiative can result in more effective service delivery, less duplication, cost-savings through economies of scale, enhanced risk management with fewer but better targeted interventions. It can also result to cheaper transport costs, less waiting times, lower infrastructure improvement costs, wider sharing of information and intelligence as well as strengthened connectivity between all border stakeholders.

According to a statement by Mikuriya, made available on the organisation’s website, all border agencies are expected to work together through this

customs focus

initiative for the purpose of achieving the overall good of the country.

“It behooves on all the

By JULIET ALOHAN border agencies to work together for the common good despite varying regulatory mandates. With this in mind, the WCO and customs administrations have long supported the notion of CBM which aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the multiple public service functions undertaken at borders,” Mikuriya stressed.

Emphasizing the need for knowledge sharing, the WCO boss added, “Over the course of 2015, I invite all WCO members to promote and share information on their domestic and international coordination efforts with other border entities, including economic operators involved in crossborder trade.”

The 2015 theme will be launched on the International Customs Day (ICD) which is celebrated annually by the global customs community on January 26 in honour of Dikko the inaugural session of the Customs Co-operation Council (CCC) which took called for better transparency the Nigeria place on January 26, 1953. and predictability in doing Customs Ruling Centre, Mikuriya has already called business in the country, Abuja, during the visit, said, on the global customs he said his position was “The IT that we just saw at community to mark the informed by the traders’ the Customs Ruling Centre date in their diaries with complaints about the can really provide the basis a view to simultaneously multiple agencies at the for connectivity; we are living celebrating it worldwide. ports which could result to in the 21st century so we The global customs theme some transaction delays. He have to make the best use of for 2015 is apt in view of the explained that during his IT that can connect customs present challenges faced in visit to Apapa ports, Lagos, to customs and customs to Nigeria in the area of security, he met members of the business. Through this, we and the need to ensure a business community who can live up to the e-commerce secured border. Apart from were keen to improve the world.”

Calling on the business helping to address issues functionality of the port with community to be more of security, the initiative a view to gaining economic compliant, the WCO boss would also go a long way competitiveness. To this end, maintained that doing so will in boosting Nigeria’s trade Mikuriya emphasised that ensure a win-win situation facilitation efforts. Mikuriya the customs can provide the to increase competitiveness had, during one of his visits big push for that economic in a globalised world. to Nigeria, advocated the competitiveness given that While restating the WCO’s need for a better CBM as a the agency is at the borders commitment to ensuring way to improve the country’s and that the customs’ issues that governments of trade facilitation efforts are about connectivity. member countries rake in and, ultimately, economic While stating that more revenue for economic activities. stakeholders were highly development, Mikuriya said Speaking against the positive and supportive of that by providing better background of his interaction the customs modernisation, investment environment with the business community he noted that a more with the WCO’s support, the in Nigeria, the WCO boss coordinated border system customs can contribute to submitted that a better CBM using the Single Window at the country’s entry points environment and information providing more sources for future revenue. will go a long way to boost technology (IT) system could He said, “If we will like to economic activities. While help boost the current gains increase revenue efficiency, pointing out that the trading in this regard. Mikuriya, who the customs should simplify community in Nigeria has was also conducted round

procedures using more technology and in that way enhance efficiency. This is what we are doing and by providing investment environment, the customs can contribute to providing more sources for revenue in the future.”

In this regard, he advocated for the diversification of the sources of revenue, noting that diversified revenue would result to faster economic development for any country even as he added that the customs service can help to promote ease of doing business and, therefore, enlarge the tax base which will go a long way in boosting government’s revenue base.

He added that the customs can also help small and medium sized enterprises engage in more export and import activities as well as help the informal sector to move into the formal sector.

This, he said, can be achieved using the IT system to identify compliant traders who can then be supported to expand.

Speaking of Mikuriya’s visit to Nigeria, the comptrollergeneral of customs (CGC), Abdullahi Dikko, said, “The secretary-general has had interaction with officers and stakeholders in Lagos on and he was impressed with what he saw. In terms of manpower we have done so well; we have no complain from stakeholders. In terms of revenue generation, we have seen the positive impact and the additional efforts the service has put in to make sure there is now better performance than what it was.

In terms of capacity, officers are now better developed and motivated to deliver.”

Coming at a time when the federal government has terminated the service providers’ pre-shipment inspection contract, and the Nigeria Customs taking over full responsibility of the entire import and export value chain, it is expected that the tools and frameworks which would be deployed by the WCO this year in support of the year’s theme would further boost the operations of the NCS in this regard. It is also expected that the theme would translate to better trade facilitation and ultimately more revenue base for the nation.

2

chibok diary 274

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

DAY

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

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

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

Chibok Girls' Rescue: Ezekwesili Faults Jonathan’s Leadership

By Chika Mefor and ejike ejike,

Abuja @VictorShikhman The solidarity march in France, unless it comes with policy changes, will be as effective as #BringBackOurGirls. Empty sentiment is nothing. @nursingdean Paris March don't forget #BringBackOurGirls let's hope France leads the world in standing up @EnglishSmarts Let's not forget. 271 days since the kidnapping. #BringBackOurGirls

Former Minister of Education, Dr. (Mrs) Oby Ezekwesili, has stated that the failure of President Goodluck Jonathan to rescue the over 200 Chibok girls, who were abducted by Boko Haram gunmen in April 2014 has shown how unfit he is as a leader.

Ezekwesili, who spoke yesterday, pointed out that President Jonathan’s slow response to free the girls from the hands of the Boko Haram sect has shown incompetence in the country’s affairs.

The former minister compared the French government’s quick response to terrorists attack on the country three days ago with Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram, saying the latter has not

demonstrated the requisite willpower to rescue its territory from invaders.

Ezekwesili, who is one of the leaders of #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) group expressed concern over the increasing number of female suicide bombers in Nigeria, stressing that the development points to the failed security index of the nation.

She however added that she will continue to fight for the freedom of the girls even in the face of blackmail, intimidation and threat to her group by the federal government.

Meanwhile, the BBOG group has stated that it would intensify its advocacy for the release of the over 200 abducted Chibok School girls by invading different churches.

Speaking in it’s normal sit-out,

one of its member, Seun Idowu stated that the church invasion will help to put the issue of the abducted girls on the front burner of national agenda.

Idowu stated that it was unfortunate that even after so many sit-outs and protest, nothing has been done by the government to bring the abducted girls back to their families.

While speaking on the situation in France where about 90, 000 police officers were deployed to tackle about four terrorists who had attacked the Charlie Hebdo, the group stated that if the government had taken desisive step after the abduction of the Chibok girls, the world would have stood by the country the way it had stood with France.

“It is the way the president has behaved that other world leaders

have not identified with our situation. If the government has taken a decisive step and took care of the problem after the Chibok girls’ abduction, the world would have stood by us.

“The world would be wondering why the issue of Chibok girls and insurgencey have not be taken care off in the country,” it said.

The group lamented that so many people have been killed by the insurgency while many more were being killed for lack of food and shelter as they had to sleep in the cold weather.

“So many people are trapped with no food. Another problem is shelter. Most of them are sleeping outside. Some have died because of cold. People are suffering, yet nothing has been done. We are in serious humanitarian crises in the Northeast,” it said.

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

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

Compiled by Ugochukwu Iroka

Members of the #Bring BackourGirls (BBoG) group during their daily sit-out meeting at the Unity fountain in abuja. PHOTO BY OYOdele OmOkagBO

E-BusinEss/BUSINESS 19

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Telcos, IT Practitioners To Tap Into $190bn Local Content

by Chima akwaja, Lagos

Telecommunications service providers and information technology practitioners are being rallied to tap into the over $190 billion local content market following the creation of the Nigerian Content Consultative Forum ICT (NCCF-ICT) sectoral working group by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

Also, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has set up an ICT Local Content Association to ensure that ICT practitioners are allowed to benefit from the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act which has provided them the right and platform to participate in the provisions of ICT goods and services in the oil and gas sector.

The executive secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr Ernest Nwapa, said the Nigerian Content Act

meant that the $191 billion investment would be retained in-country and could create hundreds of thousands of jobs in manufacturing, engineering, sciences and technical services in a matter of years.

“Conversely, wealth generated in the private sector will be more beneficial to millions of Nigerians, especially in job creation and knowledge diffusion (we call it technology transfer),” he added.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP, the chairman of the NCCF-ICT, Mr Sikiru Shehu, who is also the registrar and chief executive of the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), said there is lack of awareness/information about the provisions of the NOGICD Act. The Act, in recognising the importance of IT/ICT to the oil and gas sector specifically in section 58(f) of the Act directed the NCDMB to set up the NCCFICT required to consist of stakeholders, government and regulatory agencies in the ICT.

According to Section 12 of the NOGICD Act, Nigerians are to be given first consideration for the provisions of goods and services in the sector. They are also permitted, in the schedule to the Act, to provide certain percentage of the goods and services in the oil and gas sector.

The Act allows Nigerian IT practitioners who are to provide up to 45 per cent of network installation/support services 51 per cent of software development and support services, 51 per cent of computer-based modeling services, 51 per cent of computer-based simulation/ training programmes services and 51 per cent of CAL/CAP services. Others include 50 per cent of hardware installation support services, 50 per cent of operating system installation/ support services, 60 per cent of user support/help desk services, 70 per cent of library service, 50 per cent of IT management consultancy services, 50 per cent of data management services, 60 per cent of telecommunication

installation/support services and 60 per cent of data and message transmitting services. Also, the Local Content Act allows Nigerian ICT players to provide 75 per cent rental of communication lines, 85 per cent telecommunication subscription services; 95 per cent public address system services as well as 75 per cent other information system/ IT services.

Shehu, who said it is a huge market for the ICT industry to tap into, informed that the CPN, in collaboration with the NITDA, is currently organising meetings with stakeholders in the ICT industry to inform them of the provisions of the NOGICD Act and sensitise them of the arrays of opportunities for them in the oil and gas industry.

“Stakeholders at the meetings also agreed to come together under a platform by forming an association that will promote our interest. This led to the creation of the ICT Local Content Association which will represent the interest of ICT practitioners in the oil and gas sector. The

registration of the association with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is at an advanced stage.

“The association already has a secretariat, a local content desk, a live website – www.nccf.cpn. ng – and has commenced plans for a sensitisation campaign to persons engaged in all areas of ICT products and services required in the oil and gas sector as enumerated in the schedule to the NOGICD Act. Upon completion of registration with the CAC, the association will work closely with the NCDMB to promote and protect the interest of ICT practitioners,” the CPN registrar said.

On his part, a director, at the NITDA and coordinator of the ICT Local Content Association, Mr Inye Kemabonta, said the director-general of the NITDA has promised to fund the incorporation of the association with the CAC as well as fund its administrative and secretarial activities until it is able to stand on its own.

3

our stand Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Jonathan’s Foreign Policy Somersault

I

rrespective of the ideological inclinations of individuals in power at the federal level in Nigeria, the country has always managed to stay on the side of justice and fair play in international relations. During the First Republic, Nigerian students brought the nation to a standstill in protest against the Anglo-Nigerian defence pact that would have allowed the British retain control over the Nigerian armed forces.

The Nigerian House of Representatives had, by a vote of 166 to 38, approved the agreement.

On November 14 1960, Nigerian students and youth organisations surrounded the Parliament Building in Lagos, while their counterparts in other parts of the country carried out anti-Defence Pact rallies. The All Nigeria People’s Conference, which was convened mid-1961, endorsed the position of the students and called for the abrogation of the pact. The largely conservative Nigerian government bowed to popular will and announced the abrogation of the Anglo-Nigerian Defence Pact on January 21 1962.

In later years, Nigeria continued to show leadership in foreign affairs, with Africa as the centre point of her foreign policy. In 1976, the Murtala Mohammed

military administration loudly proclaimed this point and went on to match words with action when imperial powers continued to collude with the racist regimes in southern Africa. The Nigerian military government nationalised some assets of foreign sympathisers of the racist regimes and gave diplomatic status to representatives of liberation movements posted to Nigeria. Thus, Nigeria was referred to as a ‘Frontline State’. Further on in time, Nigeria was at the head of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), to restore sanity to troubled West African states, and it also led the pack in observing the African Union’s resolution sup-

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

Founder Sam Nda-Isaiah porting Palestinian statehood.

Curiously, the current government in Nigeria seems to have abandoned the time-honoured support for oppressed people all over the world. At the last United Nations (UN) Security Council session, a last-minute abstention from voting by Nigeria helped defeat a resolution calling for an end to Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory by 2017. Looking for a creative way out of the deadlock that has always attended peace talks on the matter, the Palestinians had approached the United Nations with the resolution. Nigeria’s U-turn caught many people unawares, because as recently as 2011, the Nigerian government still confirmed, through its then foreign minister, Olugbenga Ashiru, that the country was committed to “a solution whereby two states, Palestine and Israel, will live peacefully side-byside”. Sadly, Nigeria’s abstention at the last UN Summit does not tally with that statement.

It is true that in politics, as in foreign relations, there are no permanent friends or foes, but permanent interests. But we make bold to argue that policy somersaults raised to the level of statecraft are not in the best interest of the country.

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

Leadership Holdings

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

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

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

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

20 E-Business/BUSINESS

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Nigerians To Monitor Elections On Multimedia Portal stories by Chima Akwaja, Lagos

A Nigerian home grown information technology firm, Media Range Limited, has built a sharing site and a free online multimedia portal named Voto, designed to aid Nigerians tell their stories visually and which would be used effectively to report the 2015 general elections.

Beside basic uploading and sharing to friends and associates via other integrated social media networks, the site allows users to create or join specific thematic tags around personal events

or events that affect the wider society to facilitate ease in grouping, storage, searching and retrieval.

“We like to think of Voto as YouTube and Flickr rolled into one. It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. A video possesses this capacity in an even higher degree.

Voto allows Nigerians to share both videos and photos, direct from mobile devices or desktop computers, maximising the use of web technology for communication as both a social and journalistic activity.

“One of the immediate uses that Voto is being targeted for is the

upcoming 2015 general elections. It will easily lend itself to being used as a crowd sourcing platform for widespread coverage of the election across all states of the federation by citizens as well as journalists. A special theme tag, 2015Elections, will be in use during the period,” the statement read in part.

The site runs on a dedicated virtual private server (VPS) with a five terrabyte capacity.

The server also has the FFMPEG software installed for faster and more robust video processing and ImageMagic for processing images.

MTN Deploys Local Software To Drive Internet Usage MTN Nigeria has declared that it secured 60 million subscribers as at December 31, 2014, and is deploying an indigenous software application developed

by NEO2 Limited to maximise internet usage on smartphones and desktops by subscribers.

The general manager, Corporate Communications, MTN Nigeria, Ms Funmi Onajide, highlighting current trends

in the telecoms industry as evidenced in the movement from predominantly voice services to data and digital services, said they have deployed an application, My2015 BetterMe App, to encourage Nigerians to access prophesies, events, news, daily deals, gossips, fashion, healthy living and lifestyle tips, educational and jobs opportunities on the internet.

“In the past, the focus

was on voice - that is the ability to connect people so that they could make phone calls. That dispensation was known as Telco 1.5. Now we are moving to Telco 2.0 which is characterised by full scale focus on data and digital services leveraging the power of the internet,” said Onajide.

She added that the new app would build on the innovative drive among the youth.

OSUN STATE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ILESA P.M.B 5089, ILESA

INVITATION FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION AND TENDER

The Osun State College of Education, Ilesa is inviting competent and interested Tenderers for prequalification to tender for the Construction and Furnishing of 250 capacity Lecture Theatre for Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) 2013 Special Interventions.

S U B M I S S I O N O F P R E QUALIFICATION/TENDER DOCUMENTS

The relevant pre-qualification and tender documents should be neatly package in binders and sent in separate sealed envelopes for the project and clearly marked at the top left corner “PRE-QUALIFICATION” OR The pre-qualification documents which must be well “TENDER” DOCUMENT FOR THE PROJECT ON bounded and arranged in this order must contain the THE YEAR 2013 TERTIARY EDUCATION TRUST following; FUND (TETFUND) SPECIAL INTERVENTION a. Evidence of Company Registration with Corporate clearly indicated at the top right corner of the envelopes Affairs Commission The companies submitting the Pre-qualification and b. Company's Tax Clearance for the last three (3) years Tender documents should write the names and mobile phone numbers of a contact person at the bottom left with Evidence of payment (2011,2012 & 2013 corner of the 2 envelopes for prompt communication. c. Verifiable list of similar and the jobs successfully Bid document containing specifications on the project executed with their locations can be obtained from the Director of Works of the d. Verifiable list of plants/machinery with years of College upon payment of non-refundable tender fee of manufacture and locations of the equipment to be fifty Thousand Naira (#50,000) on Bank draft payable used for the project. Please state whether the to “The Bursar, Osun State College of Education, Ilesa. equipment are on lease, hired or wholly owned by the The package should be delivered to the address given company with evidence of purchase where below not later than 28th January, 2015 (4.oopm on the applicable. closing date e. Detailed Company profile including Curricula Vitae The Secretary of key Company Staff Tenders Board f. Company's financial details and audited accounts for Osun State College of Education the three years (2011,2012 & 2013) P.M.B. 5089, Ilesa g. Value Added Tax Certificate (VAT Certificate) with evidence of payment.

NOTE:

h. Evidence of Current Pension Clearance/Exemption I. The Pre-qualification and Tender documents will be letter from PENCOM. opened by 10.00am at the College Board Room on 29th January 2015 All those who had submitted i. Evidence of Compliance with Industrial Training their documents by the deadline are hereby invited to Fund Act 2011 attend. Only the Tender documents of pre-qualified j. An affidavit disclosing whether or not any officer of contractors will be opened. the relevant committees of the Osun State College of Education, Ilesa or the Bureau of Public ii. Interested Contractors must note that Osun State College of Education and its Consultant reserve the Procurement is a former or present Director, right to verify claims made in the Pre-qualification shareholder or has any pecuniary interest in the document submitted to them. bidding company.

Signed: Bursar and Secretary to the Tender

4 news extra

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo Boko Haram Won’t Disrupt 2015 Elections – Obama’s Aide

Sect attacks Cameroonian military base

United States president, Barack Obama yesterday said he was optimistic that attacks from the Boko Haram sect would not disrupt a peaceful conduct of the 2015 general elections in Nigeria.

Obama who spoke through Ms. Jen Psaki, one of his spokespersons in Washington DC, also said that the federal government should ensure that it is not discouraged or prevented from carrying out credible and peaceful elections that would reflect the will of the Nigerian people in February, even in the face of all the terrible attacks from the Boko Haram terrorist organisation.

The US leader said further that his country’s cooperation with Nigeria on a wide range of issues, including security issues, was part of a recent dialogue that the secretary of states, Mr John Kerry, had with President Goodluck Jonathan at the tail end of last year.

He also said that the US remained committed to supporting Nigeria as it addresses the violence caused by Boko Haram.

On the accusation that US government is not providing enough support for Nigeria, Psaki said: “I can’t speak on what their specific requests are. I can convey that we continue to provide a range of assistance to Nigeria. We remain committed to our counterterrorism relationship and our strategic relationship in that regard, and we remain in close contact as is evidenced by the secretary’s calls with the president.”

Meanwhile, the United Nations Refugee Agency has reported that the number of Nigerian refugees seeking safety in Chad had almost quadrupled over the past 10 days after attacks by Boko Haram insurgents in North-eastern Nigeria uprooted thousands.

Meanwhile, The Boko Haram sect has attacked a BER military base in Kolofata, Cameroon, killing at least one soldier while several sect members have been reported killed, the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reports.

The attack occurred about a week after Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, threatened attacks on Cameroon after the country’s military launched repeated assaults against the sect.

Boko Haram has conducted several raids in Kolofata in the past, which were often repelled by the military.

By Abiodun Oluwarotimi, New York and Abdullahi Umar with agency report

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan and PDP national chairman, Adamu Muazu acknowledging cheers from a cross-section of PDP supporters during the presidential campaign rally in Ibadan, Oyo State, yesterday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN.

L-R: Imo State governor Rochas Okorocha; All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen Muhammadu Buhari; his running mate, Prof Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) and Senator Chris Ngige, during the APC presidential campaign rally in Owerri, Imo State, yesterday. PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

Money Laundering: EFCC To Investigate Use Of First Lady, Govs’ Names

BY BODE GBADEBO, Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a massive investigation into the money laundering scam involving eight officials of two Abuja-based Chinese firms - Sanju Sunny Nigeria Ltd and China Railway Engineering Nigeria Ltd - who dropped the names of the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan and some state governors in the country to siphon money into their country, China.

LEADERSHIP had exclusively reported the ingenious money laundering scam where some errant officials of the two firms claimed to have bribed certain government officials with millions of local and foreign currencies whereas the said monies were laundered to their country

of origin.

The eight officials of the two firms (some of whom are now at large) prepared cash vouchers for false returns to their parent companies in China between 2010 and 2013. The suspects are Geng Xiancheng, Cheng Qian, Tian Hui, Liu Zuzhi (at large), Ms Tian Xue (at large), Tian Wei (at large) Qin Fuhua (at large) and Li Pengtang (at large).

A top official of the anti-graft agency, who sought anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the matter, told LEADERSHIP last night that: “I can authoritatively tell you that operatives of the commission have begun massive investigation into the matter. I can also tell you that certain arrests were made while some of the suspects are at large.

“Some of the suspects have

made useful statements to the commission. I can also tell you that we are about to conclude investigation into the matter. As soon as investigation is concluded, we are going to charge them to court for corruption, money laundering and other financial crimes.

“We are ready to pursue the matter to its logical conclusion as we believe that some of these foreign firms have been doing this kind of racket in order to tarnish the image of the government. How can you claim to bribe government officials here while the same bribe money is wired to your country? We are ready to put an end to this,” he said.

Recall that LEADERSHIP investigation had revealed that the errant officials of the two

firms demanded millions of dollars and naira from their firms to bribe federal and state officials, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) officials and agencies to facilitate certain projects in Nigeria.

The modus operandi of these firms’ officials is novel. Apparently taking advantage of the reputation of Nigeria as a country mired in widespread corruption, these officials would demand certain amounts of money from their firms and a voucher would be prepared for the alleged non-existing beneficiaries, but the said amount would be wired to the personal accounts of some of them in China. They would then record the amounts in the firms’ account books as funds used to bribe certain government officials to facilitate phantom projects.

Jonathan, Buhari Twitter War Hots Up

By Ebriku John Friday, Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have intensified debate on Twitter on why they should be elected in the February 14 presidential poll.

Jonathan, speaking yesterday through his special assistant on new media, Reno Omokri, in his twitter handle @renoomokri with the hashtag #2015theyearofGoodluck, harped on the many achievements of his administration.

He said, “For Defeating Polio in Nigeria, Nigerian Parents say #2015theyearofGoodluck! For reducing hunger levels in Nigeria, Nigerians say #2015theyearofGoodluck! The Candidates Human Rights

Record #2015theyearofGoodluck!

“For ordering the Nigerian Defence Academy to admit women for the first time, women say #2015theyearofGoodluck! For increasing Youth Corpers Allawee, Corpers Say #2015theyearofGoodluck!; For constructing, reconstruction and repairing 24,000 Kilometers of Federal Roads #2015theyearofGoodluck! ” On his human right record, the tweet said, nobody was arrested for criticism and that under his government the Freedom of Information Law was signed.

But that Buhari’s military junta fined Guardian newspapers and issued Decree No.4 that tampered with press freedom.

On gender equality record, GEJ appointed 12 female ministers, first female chief justice of Nige-

ria (CJN) and ordered NDA to accept female cadets.

But that Buhari, did not appoint a single female minister and threatens to ban office of first lady if elected.

On the candidate’s ascension to power, Jonathan tweeted that, he came to power in a way that can only be described as divine. But that Buhari came to power via a military coup.

On Jonathan’s democratic credentials, he said, he midwifed credible elections in Anambra, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun and Niger, while Buhari did not conduct any elections as he had no transition programme.

On the railway record, the tweet reads, “GEJ revived Lagos-Kano rail, Port-Harcourt-Enugu rail, provided air-conditioned diesel trains

for Lagos. Has just finished Abuja-Kaduna Standard gauge rail. But Buhari cancelled Jakande’s Lagos Metroline project.

On education record of his presidency, the tweet reads, GEJ created 14 universities and over 150 almajiri schools. But that under Buhari, there was zero universities, zero Almajiri schools, he banned NANS and ended subsidised feeding in universities.

Buhari To Nigerians: Get your PVC, Vote, defend your vote Make sure you get your PVC. Make sure you vote, Make sure you defend your vote. Make sure that your voice is heard.

When the righteous rule, the people rejoice. When the righteous are in power, the people rejoice. Is there rejoicing for you under this present government? – Osinbajo

aviation/BUSINESS 21 aviation REPORTS

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Chidoka

L-R: Founder and chief executive officer, Computer Warehouse Group Plc, Mr Austin Okere and managing director, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr Nnamdi Okonkwo at the maiden edition of the annual Fidelity SMEs conference held in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO BY BENEDICT UWALAKA

Ministry Of Aviation Set To Check Corruption stories by Samson Echenim, Lagos

It is no longer news that falling oil price has led to dwindling government revenue in the last six months; what may be the concern of many citizens is what the various ministries are doing, or are being tasked to do to help gear up the falling government income.

This appears to be a major concern to the minister of aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, who, in December last year, said the high level of corruption in the aviation sector must be stopped.

In addition to tackling corruption, the minister has also resorted to ending the perennial indebtedness to aviation agencies by airlines and other beneficiaries of the agencies’ services.

Placing an embargo on indebtedness to agencies in the aviation sector, he warned that agencies under the ministry which provides services to any airline and allows indebtedness by such airlines would be sanctioned.

Chidoka left the impression that it was no longer business as usual and noted that the aviation sector must be seen to yield more income to the government coffers than as it is currently doing at the opening ceremony of a workshop on anti-corruption in the airports held in Lagos in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

The aviation boss also hoped to see a resultant effect that would increase the contribution to the gross

domestic product (GDP) of the sector from its current meagre 0.4 per cent.

“The South Africa Airport Authority had generated over $21 million with 2,225 employees, but Nigeria generated only $28 million with a greater number of employees reaching 5,250. It is disheartening that while South Africa aviation sector contributes 2.1 per cent to its country’s GDP, aviation in Nigeria contributes only 0.4 per cent to the GDP,” Chidoka said.

Aviation firms, especially domestic airlines are reported to have been heavily indebted to aviation agencies. One of such agencies is the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) which had in December last year announced plans to withdraw services from local airlines that are indebted to it to the tune of over N5 billion. The non-payment of service fees by the airlines to the NAMA was reported to have taken a toll on the agency’s ability to execute its core programmes as it struggled to carry out its critical functions of upgrading facilities, training staff, payment of staff allowances, among several others. This is in spite of the fact that the agency is mandated to remit operation surplus to the Consolidated Revenue Account of Nigeria as required by the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007.

With severe indebtedness staring his agencies in the face, the aviation minister has, therefore, recommended the grounding of the operations

What our forefathers have suffered to build, corruption can destroy in one day

of any airline operator owing government as he stated that “the period of owing the government is over,” adding that “all debts must be collected by the agencies.”

He said the campaign became necessary because the industry is in a worrisome situation with regard to corrupt activities.

The minister said that as the dwindling oil revenue should make Nigerians to begin to realise that there is more reasons for the country to build institutions that would sustain good governance.

He stressed that corruption would continue to slow down the country if not checked as it can steal in a day what takes a life time to build.

“What our forefathers have suffered to build, corruption can destroy in one day,” he noted.

He maintained that his leadership believes in dialogue and seeking understanding rather than being in a hurry to fish out corrupt officials in the airport.

“What we are doing today is about creating an alignment for us to know that whatever we do at the airports impact a lot on the country. We are not using the “catch the fish” strategy because we could have a plan with the ICPC to send their men to the airport to arrest corrupt officers but we are not doing so.

Instead, we want the process of engagement, dialogue, education and enforcement because education without enforcement becomes entertainment,” he explained.

SAHCOL To Open New Bonded Warehouse Soon One of Nigeria’s leading aviation handling companies, Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL), said its bonded warehouse project, which is the largest in West and Central Africa, has reached 90 per cent completion and would be opened for business in March this year.

The managing director of the company, Mr Olu Owolabi, who spoke to journalists at the company’s headquarters shortly before a tour of the multi-billion naira project at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport complex, said the project was designed as a “global village” and had taken care of all internationally stipulated procedures for cargo handling.

The warehouse has facilities for handling human remains and dangerous goods; it also has cold-room storage facilities and freezers.

There are also sections for the handling of radio-active materials, perishables, such as vaccines and pharmaceutical products, as well as a strong room for safe keeping of valuables.

He said, “We are providing facilities for all the necessary needs that are expected in a warehouse.

The rules and procedures of cargo handling are applicable internationally and we should respect and operate as stipulated. The freighters arrive with their fuselage load of cargo. You offload to the cargo warehouse, palletise, de-palletise and stack them on to the racks for customs examination. In fact, the new warehouse has taken cognisance of these procedures so that cargo operations are not in a mess once the warehouse begins operation.

It has taken care of airlines’, passengers’, and customs’ needs in terms of their pallets, baggage and facilities to be provided to allow them function well. All these are now being provided by us.

“Before the end of February, we will start the test running of the facilities provided in the warehouse. The type of facilities there are a complete village on its own and we are looking at March for its formal opening.”

Owolabi explained that the facilitation of trade goes side by side with cargo handling depending on which side one wants to focus on and the type of facilities that are provided by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

“What we have been able to do to complement government as one of the handling agents in the country,” he noted.

NEWS 5

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Gunmen Invade APC Chairman’s House

By Bode Gbadebo, Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja; Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri; Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan; Kareem Haruna, Maiduguri; Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta and Muh’d Zangina Kura, Dutse

Identified gunmen early yesterday invaded the Abuja residence of the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, a situation which compelled him to be absent at the commissioning of the party’s campaign headquarters and inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC).

The director-general of the PCC and Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, made this disclosure during yesterday’s event, where he revealed that the attackers tormented Oyegun’s family members.

“I start this speech today on a sad note; our chairman is not here because armed robbers attacked him last night. They broke into his house and thoroughly tormented his family.

“I had to break the news because we were supposed to be protected by the federal government of Nigeria, and if Abuja is no longer safe, only God knows where else will be safe.

“If the APC chairman could be robbed like this in his house in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, what is the hope of the common man under this administration?”

APC raises the alarm over Oyegun’s safety Meanwhile, in a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by the APC national publicity secretary, Lai Mohammed, the party said that while it hopes that a police investigation will unravel what happened, it nevertheless asserted that the attackers were either robbers or assassins.

The party further revealed that while its national chairman was away attending a meeting in Abuja when the invaders struck, his wife who was at home was left deeply traumatised. ‘’The facts of the raid as available so far point to a sinister motive. For example, only Chief Oyegun’s room was ransacked in the whole house. Common sense dictates that if the invaders were robbers, they would have ransacked the whole house in search of money and other valuables which they might have believed were in the residence. ‘’The invaders, two burly men, removed the window anti-burglar bars to gain access to the residence from the back, and then made straight for the bedroom of our national chairman. Police security was in place at the residence when the incident happened,’’ APC said.

The party said while it did not know who was behind the raid, it is worth noting that the “angry rhetoric and vitriolic personality attacks” that have been directed at the opposition by the top leadership of the ruling PDP and their spokesmen have heightened tension and put the lives of opposition politicians at risk ahead of the forthcoming elections.”

I’ll create 2 million jobs annually if re-elected - Jonathan President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday sought the votes of the people of the South West in the February 14 presidential election with a promise to provide two million jobs annually.

Speaking at mega rally in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, Jonathan, who noted that about five million graduates are produced every year, gave the assurance that within five years of his next administration, the rate of unemployment in the country would be reduced drastically.

The president reiterated that if voted for, his administration would surely win the terror war, adding that government would continue to update Nigerians on the situation in Baga.

Speaking on corruption, he said his administration was working hard to fight the menace through the application of Information Communication Technology (ICT).

“We are going to fight corruption; not in the number of people that were jailed. If we jail 10 million people for corruption, it will not win the war against corruption. We are going to use technology to prevent people from stealing. We are working very hard to win the war against corruption. We are going to use technology to block loopholes through which people steal money,” he said.

He disclosed that a lot of projects had been carried out in the South West which include construction of power substations, N10 billion Tetfund for state and federal institutions, the Lagos-Ibadan-Kano rail line and the ongoing rehabilitation Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

On agriculture, Jonathan reiterated his government’s commitment to cocoa production to increase revenue generation.

He gave the assurance that the Ibadan Airport would be upgraded to international standard while dry ports would be established in all states of the federation to reduce congestion at the Lagos port.

In his remark, the party’s governorship candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin, called on the people of the state to vote for PDP and Jonathan in the February elections to ensure the creation of Ibadan State.

Folarin lamented the decay in the education sector of the state economy and identified youth employment as the toughest challenge facing the state.

“The issue of Ibadan State is important to us in Oyo State. We have to vote for Jonathan because we want a state,” he said.

My presidency will end Boko Haram insurgency in months - Buhari …APC will sign undertaking with Nigerians The APC presidential Gen Muhammadu Buhari has said that his presidency will tackle the Boko Haram insurgency and bring it to an end within a few months of coming into office.

Buhari made this pledge yesterday during the grand finale of his rally at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, the Imo State capital, where he was received by a mammoth crowd.

He promised that his APC-led government, when actualised, would sign an undertaking of good governance with Nigerians.

According to Buhari, who has always avowed that his administration would solve the problem of insecurity in the country, he would also provide massive employment opportunities for the youths and other cadre of unemployed citizens in the state.

“If we are elected, in a few months, Boko Haram will be a thing of the past,” he ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

LIVING LIVING TOTO BE BE 100100

One health tip daily You Snooze, You Loose

Staying active and exercising regularly are the foundations for living a long and healthy life. It’s no surprise that caged animals have more health problems and a shorter life span than free-range animals. Research with

humans confirms that as a rule, the more active you are, the longer you will live. In one study, the group that burned more than 3,500 calories a week lived the longest. Being lazy can actually shorten your life!

Stock Market Shows Signs Of Recovery FROM FRONT PAGE

N30 billion to close at N10.010 trillion.

Market breadth also improved with 18 gainers and 24 losers. Seplat led the gainers’ chart by N15, to close at N315 per share. Dangote Cement gained N7.75 to close at N166.40, while Seven Up grew by N1 to close at N161 per share.

Presco appreciated by 90 kobo to close at N27, while Oando went up by 49 kobo to close at N15.54 per share.

On the other hand, Nestle recorded the highest price loss of N42.75, to close at N812.25 per share. Julius Berger trailed with a loss of N5.07 to close at N46.95, while Nigerian Breweries dipped by N2.13 to close at N144.40 per share.

Glaxosmith lost N2.13 to close at N40.66, while Stanbic IBTC depreciated

by N1 to close at N26 per share.

Zenith Bank emerged as the investors’ delight, accounting for 96.29 million shares worth N1.53 billion.

Mutual Benefit exchanged 64.03 million shares valued at N32.02 million, while FBN Holdings sold 25.46 million shares worth N200 million.

Access Bank traded 21.33 million valued at N112.41 million and FCMB sold 20.60 million worth N45.26 million.

In all, the volume of traded shares decreased by 27.55 per cent as investors exchanged a total of 327.454 million shares worth N3.61 billion in 4,530 deals as against the 451.969 million shares valued at N2.73 billion traded in 4,545 deals on Friday.

Jonathan, Obasanjo Meet In Abeokuta To Mend Fences

By Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday took a desperate shot at peace with former President Olusegun Obasanjo as he was a night secret guest at the hilltop mansion where he held a night meeting.

The president and former president has been working at cross purposes since Jonathan indicated his interest to stand for re-election which Obasanjo vehemently opposes claiming Jonathan had promised to run for one term.

The crisis reached point of no return when in December 2013, Obasanjo wrote an open letter to Jonathan accusing hin among other things of incompetence, corruption and allegation of a ‘Hit Squad’ by the presidency.

Jonathan replied the letter in no less pungent language and since the crisis became public, the duo has been using every opportunity to attack each other.

The opposition of Obasanjo to the reelection aspiration of President Goodluck

Jonathan, presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had earlier played out in the day as the former president snubbed his campaign.

Obasanjo, described by Jonathan as his greatest benefactor was conspicuously absent at the MKO Abiola Stadium, venue of the event.

Jonathan, who arrived the M.K.O stadium 3: 50p.m in company of Vice president Namadi Sambo, governors Segun Mimiko and Peter Obi, moved into the state box, together with other members of his entourage.

Correspondents in the state capital had from 12pm laid siege to the hilltop mansion of Obasanjo in anticipation of the arrival of Jonathan.

A credible source told LEADERSHIP, the former president did not have Jonathan on the list of guests expected at the sprawling abode yesterday.

At 2: 59p.m, a Prado Jeep accompanied by ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

22

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

6 news extra Pre-election Violence: Police Will Hunt Down Suspects – IGP The inspector general of police (IGP) Suleiman Abba, has assured Nigerians that perpetrators of the recent preelection violence in Plateau and Rivers states would be hunted down and made to face the music.

Abba made this known in a statement by the force spokesman, CP Emmanuel Ojukwu, and made available to LEADERSHIP, in which he condemned the burning of vans and destruction of properties.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Suleiman Abba, has condemned in strong term the two pre-election violence where campaign vehicles, buildings and valuable properties worth millions of naira, belonging to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) were damaged in Jos and Port-Harcourt respectively.

“Saddened by the ugly development, IGP reminded politicians, party supporters and well-meaning Nigerians, that politics is a means of enthroning custodians of the people’s common wealth.

By Chika Otuchikere, Abuja

FG Moves To End JUSUN Strike The federal government has said that it is working with stakeholders in the judiciary to end the ongoing strike action embarked upon by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).

In a statement issued by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke and signed by his director of information, Charles Nwodo, the AGF noted that the strike is unfortunate as it has paralysed the activities of the judiciary throughout the federation.

But the JUSUN has vowed to continue with the strike until their demands are met.

The union described as untrue and total blackmail the allegations that some politicians are instigating the ongoing strike. The union after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Labour House, Abuja, JUSUN vowed that the strike which started on January 2, 2015 will be sustained until all stakeholders comply with the Federal High Court, Abuja judgement on the financial autonomy of the judiciary.

Also yesterday, a former president of Nigerian Bar Association and co-ordinator of Rule of Law Development Foundation, J.B. Daudu, has said that the demands being sought by the JUSUN is not executable.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Security guard screening pupils at school gate of Dougirel, Jimeta, Yola, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN

Jonathan, Buhari Won’t Be President In 2015 – Cleric

By Nnamdi Mbawike, Enugu

An Enugu- based Prophet Anthony Nwoko has predicted that neither President Goodluck Jonathan of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party nor his opponent, Gen. Muhammad Buhari of the All Progressives Congress(APC) would be president after next month’s election.

It would be recalled that Nwoko, who briefed newsmen in Enugu yesterday on the state of the nation, had in 1993 prophesied the end of the military regime of former head of state, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida(rtd).

In 1998, he also prophesied that

late military ruler, Gen. Sani Abacha, would leave governance of Nigeria in a mysterious way.

He lamented that the nation was turning very ungodly, saying, “I had told IBB in 1993 to leave office and it happened and in 1998, I prophesied that Abacha would leave office mysteriously, and you saw what happened”.

On the current Jonathan presidency and the prospects of his reelection, Nwoko said, “In 2010, I told Nigerians that they should not expect much or any miracle from Jonathan. Now, in this coming election, Jonathan will only serve as John the Baptist and Buhari has not got any heavenly crown to rule

and he will not rule this country because he hasn’t got that crown.

“Don’t take my prophesies for granted because I had also told Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar not to make Obasanjo president and I had also warned Gen. Obasanjo not to make late former President Yar’Adua president and my advice was not heeded and you saw what happened”, he pointed out.

When asked what would happen since he has prophesied that the two leading presidential candidates would not be president after February elections, the 64- year old prophet said “I can see the glory of Nigeria in the South East and I don’t agree with Wole Soyinka that

Jonathan is Nebuchadnezzar ; Jonathan is a forerunner to the glory of God”.

Reacting to recent comments by fiery Enugu Catholic cleric, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mabaka, Prophet Nwoko said he was not condemning the priest but “I want to tell him that I can see the glory of God in the South”.

The prophet said he is not married even at his advanced age of 64 and that he has no home of his own and has not set his feet on the soil of his Umuahia country home in Abia State in the past 45 years, saying he would only visit Umuahia after accomplishing the prophetic task for which he was called home from America by God.

Insecurity: There May Be No Elections In Parts Of North-East – Jega By.Chibuzor Ukaibe and John Ebriku Frday, Abuja

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Professor Attahiru Jega, has said that unless there is a significant improvement in the security situation in the north east, next month’s general elections may not take place in some local government areas of some states in the North-east zone.

Jega spoke in Abuja yesterday during a forum in Abuja, organised by the African Policy Research Institute.

He said, “A place like Borno State, unless something is done about those that have been displaced, even the returns for the governorship might be difficult, if not impossible under the circumstances. To be realistic, we must say that it may be impossible to do elections in everywhere, in every local government, in every constituency in those

By Kunle Olasanmi, Abuja three states”.

He however pointed out that the commission is working hard to limit the number of Nigerians that may be disenfranchised as a result of the insurgency.

Jega also announced that the commission has made adequate plans for internally displaced persons to vote in designated areas in the north east.

“First and foremost, we know that there is many internally displaced persons in Nigeria but our focus is going to be on the north east zone and it will only be for internally displaced persons that are in the states”, he added.

Also speaking at the forum was the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, called on politicians who steal the nation’s resources to be cautious.

He noted that “our problem is not in terms of wealth but in terms of distribution of the wealth; the social distribution”.

Parties

Barred

From

Withdrawing Guber, State Assembly Candidates Political parties can no longer withdraw or replace their governorship and state house of assembly candidates from February 28, elections after today.

This is spelt out in the guideline released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and backed by provision of section 35 of the Electoral Act (2010) which provides for this to be done not later than 45 days before the election.

For the presidential election and national assembly candidates, that phased was crossed December 30, 2014.

The 2015 General Elections will take place on February 14 (presidential and national assembly) and February 28 2015.

This comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is to formally present to political parties copies of the Voters’

Register to be used in conducting the 2015 General Elections today.

Section 20 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) provides that the Register of Voters for an election shall be published at least thirty (30) days before the elections.

Also, the Timetable And Schedule of Activities for the 2015 General Elections released to the public on 24th January 2014 shows under item 10 that the Commission shall release/ publish the official Register of Voters for the election on January 13, 2015.

Similarly, the Commission shall publish the list of nominated candidates contesting for the Presidency and National Assembly on today as mandated by Section 34 of the electoral act which provides that it should be done 30 days before the election.

The list of those contesting for the offices of Governor and House of Assembly will be published on January, 27 2015.

science Tuesday, January 13, 2015

23

8,000

The senator representing Kano North at the National Assembly, Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, has constructed over 8,000 wells for dry session farming in his senatorial district.

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

Organic farm produce

Why FG Must Sign Biosafety Bill In 2015

By Nkechi Isaac, Abuja

She said “the absence of a biosafety law has greatly hampered research and development in modern biotechnology in Nigeria

The director-general of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Prof. Lucy Ogbadu, has emphasised the need for the Federal Government to sign the biosafety bill into law in 2015, insisting the absence of the law is under-developing Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

It would be recalled that the biosafety bill was initially passed by the sixth National Assembly (NASS) in 2011 but was not assented to by the president and it became time barred.

Speaking recently at an Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) session in Abuja, the NABDA boss said the inability of President Goodluck Jonathan to sign the biosafety bill into law under the sixth National Assembly greatly hampered research and development in modern

biotechnology in Nigeria, stressing that of the four major economies in Africa, Nigeria was the only country that does not have a biosafety law.

She called on government to ensure the bill is signed into law in the seventh National Assembly, which has about one year to go, while expressing worry that the absence of the law might make Nigeria a consumer nation of foreign GMO foods, particularly maize products, instead of a producer, thereby holding Nigerian farmers hostage to those of other countries.

She said “the absence of a biosafety law has greatly hampered research and development in modern biotechnology in Nigeria”.

According to her, of the major economies in Africa, namely Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt and Kenya, South Africa is the first African country to sign a

biosafety bill into law which it did in 1989; followed by Egypt in 1995; Kenya in 2009.

She added that countries in the ECOWAS sub-region had equally signed their biosafety bills into law, with Burkina Faso doing that in 2008 while Mali, Togo and Ghana signed theirs in 2011.

Tracing the history of modern biotechnology regulation, the NABDA boss said Nigeria signed and ratified an international treaty known as the Cartagena Protocol on biosafety in 2000 and 2003 respectively, and equally signed the Nagoya Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol meant to give adequate protection to the conversation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the practice of modern biotechnology and the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

Parties to the protocol, she explained, were required to

domesticate it through legal and administrative frameworks.

“Consequently the Federal Government through the Ministry of Environment developed a national biosafety bill in collaboration with the Nigerian Customs Service; Nigeria Veterinary Research Institute and ministries of justice; health (NAFDAC), agriculture and rural development; science and technology (NABDA); foreign affairs and education; industry, trade and investment (Consumer Protection Council).

“This was with a view for Nigeria to legally adopt modern biotechnology and GMOs to derive the benefits associated with the technology in the areas of agricultural biotechnology, industrial growth, health improvement, environmental sustainability, and job and wealth creation.

The bill was therefore, intended

24

News north-central 7

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Election: Jonathan’s Exministers Destroying PDP – Ayitogu

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

The vice chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in charge of North Central, Alhaji Yussuf Ayitogu has said that those who served in the government of President Goodluck Jonathan are the ones betraying him ahead of the February election.

Coming down heavily on such political appointees who left the president’s cabinet but are now working against the party because they could not get the ticket, he said former information minister, Mr Labaran Maku from Nasarawa State is one of such people, and described him as a destroyer and an ungrateful party man.

Ayitogu who took a swipe at the former minister in Minna yesterday also said that Labaran Maku is out to destroy the PDP

short news

Election: Mokwa PDP Stakeholders Strategise For Victory Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders in Mokwa local government area of Niger State have resolved to rededicate themselves to the mobilisation of the electorate to vote for all the party’s candidates in next month’s general elections.

A resolution at the end of the meeting held in Mokwa over the weekend resolved to adopt a doorto-door campaign strategy in the rural areas to win the hearts of the electorate for the party.

The resolution is contained in a statement by Musa Umar Bologi, the coordinator of media, SSG’s Office, Niger State.

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

in Nasarawa State by his defection to the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

He said that after Maku lost out in the PDP gubernatorial primary election in the state, he became ungrateful and started taking steps to destroy the party and the chances of the president in Nasarawa State. ‘‘Maku is a destroyer who wants to reduce the votes of the PDP in Nasarawa State; he is biting the fingers that fed him,” he said, adding that it was the PDP that made him what he is today, rising from commissioner to deputy governor and lately a minister.”

The party chieftain who led the reconciliation team to reconcile PDP members who lost the primary elections in the state said it is unfortunate that Maku has defected to APGA which is nowhere in Nasarawa State.

Nasarawa PDP Running Mate Gets Vehicle From ECDA The Kaduna State chapter of Eggon Cultural Development Association (ECDA) has donated a 505 Saloon car to Nasarawa State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial running mate, Barr John Matthew.

Presenting the car with registration number AM 902 ABJ, in Akwanga yesterday, the president of ECDA, Kaduna branch, Engineer Barnabas Nangba said the gesture is their way of lending support and showing solidarity with the PDP in its bid to reclaim the state.

Engr Nangba who urged the people of the state to rally round the PDP to ensure its success in the forthcoming general elections, revealed that Nasarawa State indigenes in the diaspora have registered massively to vote in their various communities in the coming polls.

He said that the association has confidence in the PDP team and will be willing to join hands to create awareness across the state for the electorate to understand the need to vote the PDP throughout the election.

“We have decided to extend our hands of fellowship to the PDP, especially with people like John Matthew as the running mate; the team is complete and success is for the PDP”, he added.

By Donatus Nadi, Lafia

short news

PDP Social Media Group Targets N500m Election Fund Next month’s presidential election may witness unprecedented online activity as different candidates and parties have launched social media platforms to advance their campaigns.

One of such groups, the PDP Social Media Group, an organ of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation, yesterday formally launched an online mass fund raising aimed at generating N500million in support of President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the national coordinator of the group, Barr Michael Okorie, commended the achievements of Jonathan’s administration and urged Nigerians to reciprocate by supporting the re-election of the president.

By Paul Chiama, Abuja

L-R: President, Omo-Oodua of Abuja Yoruba Community, Prince Muftau Adewale Adelabu with HRM Olofa of Offa, Oba Muftau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, at an event in Offa, Kwara State.

We Will Deliver Plateau To PDP – Hon Dati

By Achor Abimaje, Jos

A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Committee on Planning, Research and Strategy, Hon Yakubu Dati, has said that Plateau has been a traditional home of the PDP and cannot afford to fail the party this time around.

He also said that the people of Plateau State will vote massively for the party at all levels in the February general elections.

Dati, who spoke in Tunkus, headquarters of Mikang local

government area of the state during the reception he organised for the director general of GNS Pwajok Campaign Organisation, said that members of the party will work hard to deliver their candidates, from the House of Assembly to the Presidency.

He said that President Goodluck Jonathan has delivered on all his promises, adding that what remains now is for the administration to consolidate the gains of the last four years.

Dati, who is a former chairman of the council and former com-

missioner for information in the state, urged the people to come out en masse and vote PDP, starting with the February 14 presidential election.

He said, “Plateau has been a traditional home of PDP. We did it in 2011; we are going to do the same in 2015,” adding that appointing Kungmi who is the chairman of the local government as the DG campaign Organisation was a testimony to the confidence Governor Jonah Jang and the PDP have in Mikang people to deliver.

Why We Stopped WAEC Fees In Kogi – Gov Idris

By Sam Egwu, Lokoja

Kogi State governor, Capt. Idris Wada has said that payment of WAEC examination fees by the state government was stopped as a result of manipulation by some dubious people scattered around the project.

Addressing political office holders yesterday at Glass House, Lokoja, the governor lamented that the WAEC fees had been inflated by some unscrupulous persons, adding that this did not go down well with

the state government considering what the state gets from the Federation Account monthly.

According to him, when he assumed office in 2012, N270million was paid as WAEC fees for the students, stressing that in 2013, the amount jumped to over N300million and in 2015, it increased to about N500million.

He said that the state government does not have such amount of money at present, noting that any parent that paid the WAEC fees of his or

her wards can forward the receipts to the government for a refund.

“I am convinced that the figure they have given us was inflated and we cannot be throwing money away because we have a lot of development to do”.

“It’s unfortunate that people we entrusted with the good intention have turned around to manipulate instead of serving the people; we have looked into it and we are taking a major step to correct this unwarranted act,” he said.

Jos Violence: ‘A Wake-up Call For Security Agencies’

By Donatus Nadi, Lafia

The running mate to the Nasarawa gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barr John Matthew, has said that the recent incident in Jos where hoodlums burnt down vehicles bearing President Goodluck Jonathan’s posters, is a wake-up call for security agencies ahead of next month’s general elections.

Barr Matthew who made the remark yesterday in Akwanga regretted the level of ignorance and intolerance still pervading

the political system in the country, calling for concerted efforts on education of voters and party supporters.

He assured that no amount of intimidation or arson would deter the PDP from returning President Goodluck Jonathan in next month’s general election.

While noting that clashes of interest are a normal occurrence in politics, he stressed that the Jos incident has underscored the need for security agencies to ensure proper monitoring of activities of pol-

iticians, political parties and their supporters.

He said: “If anybody believes that the elections would go on without incidents like this, I would say we are being over-optimistic. However, I think this is a call for the security forces to be more alert in monitoring the activities of those who are bent on causing trouble ahead of this year’s elections”.

He identified reasons for the incident as fear by the opposition party and an attempt to indimidate the PDP through arson and threats.

24 SCIENCE/news

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Why FG Must Sign Biosafety Bill In 2015 23

to domesticate the Cartegena Protocol on biosafety,” she added.

Speaking on the benefits of biotechnology, a scientist from the Institute of Agricultural Research Institute, Zaria, Prof.

Ishiyaku, said Nigeria should not be allowed to remain a market

for other people’s technology, stressing biotechnology is a veritable tool for the agricultural development of the nation.

He said, “We have a job before us, the climate is changing; even the pattern of the rain is becoming very scary. It is only the adoption of new

immensely once the biosafety bill was signed into law.

According to him, “biotechnology will make Nigeria a very agriculturally competitive nation because once we embrace this technology, our youths will definitely become interested in farming.”

Ministry Partners Mosanto To Revive Nigeria’s Cotton Industry

Gwarzo Constructs Over 8000 Wells For Dry Season Farming In Kano

By Abubakar Salihi, Kano

The senator representing Kano North at the National Assembly, Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, has constructed over 8,000 wells for dry session farming, as well as, the provision of pump machines for the farmers in his senatorial district.

In his remarks during the flag-off of the distribution of empowerment tools held at his farm house, BUK road, Kano, where pumping machines and other empowerment tools were distributed to the beneficiaries.

Gwarzo said he embarked on such empowerment programme to relieve people from poverty and creating job opportunities.

Gwarzo, who is contesting for the fifth time under the People’s Democratic Party, further said that he built 68 solar boreholes, 24 hospitals, 243 classrooms in many junior and secondary schools in his constituency and also constructed a mega Girls Science Secondary School with 30 students per class, chemistry, physics and agric laboratories and e-library.

He further said that he will soon commence the construction of an International conference center in Bayer University, Kano, which is billed to cost over N866 million.

The Senator said to have secured employment for over 138 graduates at various federal government agencies, and constructed dams at Bakoshi Town worth over N177 million and another dam worth N220 million all in his constituency.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Education and Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, landed the gesture, saying it is among the good work that Allah requires leaders to be doing ton their subjects.

The event witnessed the presence of all the PDP executives in the state, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aminu Wali, PDP governorship candidate and his running mate, senatorial aspirant from Kano Central and Kano South among others.

technologies that will allow us to produce new crop varieties that would withstand draught and other soil diseases.”

In his remarks, the chairman of the National Cotton Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Hamman Kwajaffa, reiterated that the country would benefit

Egg Glut: Poultry Farmers Want Plateau Govt, Others To Intervene The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Plateau chapter, on Sunday, appealed to the Plateau government and other stakeholders to help to mop up excess eggs caused by an egg glut in the state.

The vice chairman of the association, Mr. Hyacienth Na’anmiap, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos. Na’anmiap said that the glut was affecting their business in the state.

NAN recalls that there was serious glut in 2012, which led the state government to intervene by releasing N30 million for a mop up.

NAN also recalls that the eggs, which the Plateau government bought through its ministries of agriculture, women affairs and education.

Bulama

By Nkechi Isaac, Abuja

The Ministry of Science and Technology has entered into a partnership with a multinational agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology corporation, Mosanto, with a view to reviving the moribund cotton industry in Nigeria.

NIMC Sources Local Companies For e-ID Card Production

By Patience Ivie Ihejirika, Abuja

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has commenced the process of sourcing local companies to champion the production of Nigeria’s eID card in the future.

A statement by the commission made available to journalists said the financial bid opening for the local production of the National eID Card, which was launched by the president in August 2014 was a concrete step in the selection of local manufacturers for the eID Card.

The statement said six firms, including Electronic Pay Plus Ltd, the Nigerian Security Printing

Speaking when he received a delegation of the company led by the commercial leader in West Africa, Notalia Voruz, the minister, Dr Abdul Bulama, said Mosanto’s expertise and technological innovations in BT cotton over the years were the key ingredients Nigeria needed to revive her own cotton.

Bulama noted that the activities of Mosanto, which are focused on improving high breeds, agricultural production and development of farming in general, were quite significant to the realisation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda which has strong base in agriculture for employment generation and wealth creation.

He said the partnership would be anchored on three major areas, namely strengthening the biotechnology sector, capacity

and Minting Plc and Secure ID Ltd were involved in the final race for a possible selection.

NIMC, it was learnt, plans to appoint a few of the firms and guide them in the process of attaining the appropriate technical specifications and global standards which it has set.

According to the statement, no local manufacturing firm has been certified and accredited or has sufficient experience to produce the eID Card currently but strategic plan has been put in place to ensure that local manufacturers with various related levels of competencies are enabled to acquire the required technical expertise and would be guided to achieve the set standards and certification.

The measure is to ensure that in the near future, the commission will no longer have to import the eID cards the way it currently does, even as it will help build local content level, indigenous expertise and technology transfer as well as create employment opportunities.

The general manager, finance and investment, NIMC, Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi, who chaired the proceedings at the bid opening, explained that the process which has been ongoing for sometime now included a

150

million The fact that the NIMS’ card scheme, when fully issued will have in excess of 150 million in circulation and with an estimated annual replacement rate of about 15 percent

building through technology transfer and developing farmers with improved seed production.

He applauded Mosanto and said his visit to the corporation headquarters had given the ministry the opportunity to see the well organised management, the production pattern and the overall technological innovations to develop Nigeria’s agriculture.

He reiterated his commitment to getting the legal framework which is the Biosafety Act to underpin all biotechnology activities in the country.

Speaking earlier, Voruz said they were in the ministry to partner it in reviving the cotton industry in Nigeria. She stated the readiness of Mosanto to offer capacity building to this effect. She noted that Nigeria was a leading country in cotton production which boosted her textile industries which later went moribund.

study of the existing card Industry, both card manufacturing and card personalisation to ascertain the best strategy to adopt to support possible local manufacturers to achieve the required capacities and competencies within a short time.

According to him, the commission is also mindful of the fact that the NIMS’ card scheme, when fully issued will have in excess of 150m in circulation and with an estimated annual replacement rate of about 15 percent.

He explained that the commission worked on the design of the card for over one year, saying it partly accounted for the long time it took to start issuing the cards after government gave its approval in November 2012.

The NIMC, he added, could confidently describe its card as unique and very difficult to counterfeit or forge.

Since the card was launched in August 2014, Abdullahi said the commission had taken delivery of about 6.6m cards, part of the 13m cards under the pilot scheme approved in 2012, adding the cards are already being issued to their owners from Abuja and Lagos and in another week or two, from all state offices of the NIMC nationwide.

8 NEWS

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Gunmen Invade APC Chairman’s House declared.

Buhari attributed the rampant crimes in the country to the epileptic power supply which, he noted, would encourage a legitimate business.

The former head of state further carpeted the present Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government, describing it as the worst leadership the country has had. He urged the electorate to vote en masse for the APC to give the country a chance to revive its moribund institutions.

“We will build roads, provide drinking water, power; in the last 16 years, the likes of good education, health care and security were not there. This government has been the worst, so on 14th of next month, vote en masse and make sure they (your votes) are counted. If you don’t do it, it’s a risk to your life and wellbeing,” Buhari said.

Buhari gets Igbo name Meanwhile, Buhari was yesterday christened ‘Okechukwu’ (God’s portion) by the people of Imo State and announced by Governor Rochas Okorocha.

According to Okorocha, the new name will guide Buhari to victory for him to turn Nigeria around.

Okorocha, who received the party’s flag for next month’s governorship election, promised to build more industries and employ youths if he wins a second term.

While urging the people of the state to vote for Buhari, he dismissed the rumour that PDP was planning to rig the elections, maintaining that the feat would be impossible for PDP in the state.

Buhari, not a religious hardliner - Okorocha Governor Okorocha also dispelled the rumour that Buhari will Islamise the country if he comes to power.

“Buhari is not wicked, nor selfish, nor corrupt. They told us that Buhari will Islamise Nigeria, yet his cook for over 25 years is a Christian, his driver for 30 years is a Christian, his last daughter is married to a Christian, and he did not Islamise Nigeria when he was a general (military ruler); that is a fabricated fallacy,” Okorocha said.

Yomi Osinbanjo assures of change Buhari’s running mate, Prof Yomi Osinbanjo, noted in his speech that the country would definitely see a change after APC takes over the reins of power.

Osinbanjo promised that Buhari government would what every responsible government should do.

“When the righteous are on

the throne, the people rejoice, but the reason we are not rejoicing is because the righteous are not yet in power.”

Nigerians will feel impact of their national wealth - Chris Ngige Senator Chris Ngige, in his speech, assured the people of a messiah that would open their eyes to the benefits and lucrative nature of the government at the centre.

“We are bringing you a man that would make you know that there is money in the federal government just like I opened the eyes of Anambra people,” Ngige said.

Jonathan better than Buhari performance-wise, PDP says ***Says Buhari has no development project to show The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday claimed that the APC presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, cannot boast of any development project in any sector of the economy during his regime as head of state, so he “is not and cannot be a match for President Jonathan.”

PDP national publicity secretary, Olisa Metuh, in a statement, said Gen. Buhari failed because “he lacked the capacity and the capability to comprehend complex issues at the highest level of governance.”

He accused the APC presidential candidate of lacking in “team spirit, a principal component of public private partnership critical for national development, a character for which his colleagues in the military rejected and kicked him out of office.”

In a sector-by-sector juxtaposition of the General Buhari and Jonathan administrations, the PDP observed that “while Buhari suspended the constitution and led Nigerians by the nose, President Jonathan exhibited excellent democratic credentials by enhancing the rule of law wherein Nigerians, including Buhari, now relish all kinds of personal freedoms which he denied the citizens during his rule.”

The party recalled that while Buhari enacted the Military Decree 4 of 1984 with which he abolished the freedom of the press, President Goodluck Jonathan not only signed into law the Freedom of Information Act, which not only strengthened press freedom but also consolidated the rule of law in the country.

He further argued that while the Buhari administration carried out extrajudicial killings of innocent Nigerians using a

widely condemned retroactive law, President Jonathan has never trampled on the rights of any Nigerian; instead he has remained sincere, humble and calm despite all unwarranted provocations.

The PDP spokesman also remarked that under Buhari, no effort was made to revitalize the railways as an instrument of mass transport in the country; instead he scrapped the Lagos Metroline Project at a loss of over $78 million to the Lagos taxpayer.

We are fully ready for elections – PDP ***Says APC guilty of hacking The PDP has said that, contrary to insinuations, it is fully prepared for the 2015 general elections, noting that the support it enjoys among Nigerians from the ward to the national levels is a sure guarantee of victory.

PDP national publicity secretary, Olisa Metuh, in a statement yesterday described APC’s allegations of plots to postpone the elections as a tactic to divert attention from the findings of the State Security Services (SSS) that it (APC) had devised means to hack into INEC’s data base, clone the Permanent Voter Cards and ultimately compromise the outcome of the elections.

PDP said nothing can be more evident that the APC was not preparing to face the electorate than the unfounded allegations and use of propaganda in an effort to hoodwink Nigerians even in the face of clear proof of culpability.

‘North East will work for Buhari’s emergence as if lives depend on it’ - Gov Shettima Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, who is also the North East campaign coordinator of General Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said he would deploying all his energy to ensure the victory of the ex-military head of state in the presidential contest.

Shettima said only Buhari’s victory at next month’s presidential poll will guarantee the future of the war-torn zone which, according to him, had been neglected by the incumbent PDP government.

He spoke shortly after he collected his voter card at his ward’s polling unit, Laisu Jabbamari Polling Unit 024, in Maiduguri, the state capital.

“We will work for Buhari’s victory as if our lives depend on it,” said Governor Shettima. “And in all honesty, in all truth, our lives here in northeast Nigeria literally depends on his emergence as the next president of this country,

because the change we need in this part of the country - just like any other parts - is almost an inevitable experience that awaits us all come next month.”

Obasanjo shuns Jonathan’s campaign in Ogun The opposition of former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, to the re-election aspiration of President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday played out in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, as he snubbed the campaign.

Obasanjo, described by Jonathan as his greatest benefactor, was conspicuously absent at the MKO Abiola Stadium, venue of the event.

Jonathan, who arrived the M.K.O stadium 3:50p.m in company of Vice President Namadi Sambo, Governor Segun Mimiko and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, moved into the state box together with other members of his entourage.

Correspondents in the state capital had from 12pm lain siege to the hilltop mansion of Obasanjo in anticipation of the arrival of Jonathan.

A credible source told LEADERSHIP that the former president did not have Jonathan on the list of guests expected at the sprawling abode yesterday.

At 2:59pm, a Prado Jeep accompanied by a security vehicle left the mansion through the private gate of the former president.

Later, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) who had earlier been at the residence left the place at exactly 3:36p.m when it became obvious that Jonathan was not visiting.

Meanwhile, the Vice President Namadi Sambo, who arrived Abeokuta earlier in the day, had visited the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, without visiting Obasanjo in Abeokuta.

At the campaign, Jonathan promised to continue his transformation agenda if voted back into office.

He however mentioned the name of former president Olusegun Obasanjo while reeling out names of great leaders from Ogun State.

He said Ogun had produced great leaders like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Olusegun Obasanjo and MKO Abiola, the winner of June, 12, 1993 presidential election.

He urged the people of the state to vote for him at the February election.

It was, however, not certain whether President Jonathan would be visiting Obasanjo after the campaign later in the night.

Presidency: My victory will be landslide, unprecedented – Buhari ...Says ruling party is clueless All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, retired General Muhammadu Buhari, has said that his victory at the February 14 presidential poll would be an unprecedented landslide against theruling People Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan.

Buhari gave the assurance yesterday during the commissioning of his campaign headquarters and inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) in Abuja. He said he believes that with such a team he and his party have assembled coupled with the unprecedented goodwill the APC enjoys across the country, the question of his victory is settled.

“The question is not whether the party will defeat the PDP, but the question is the nature of the landslide with which the clueless party will be sent packing. I promise you that the landslide will be unprecedented,” he added.

Buhari said his party intends to prosecute the campaign to win, adding emphatically “and we shall win.” He specially thanked party leaders who gave up their personal offices to ensure the emergence of an APC campaign office.

Buhari, who started his speech with a minute’s silence call for the victims of Baga massacre in Borno State, said: “We undertake to end the impunity of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), a party that has proved clueless in every material particular. It has failed to address any of the important concerns of the people of this country. It has failed to deal squarely with the great security challenge that has faced this nation within these last five years. And it has remained touchy and impervious to all constructive criticisms, and without concern for human life and for the suffering going on in the land.”

Earlier, in his welcome address, PCC director-general and Rivers state governor, Rotimi Ameachi, appealed to all members of the party to come forward and participate in the management of the campaign, saying “No one person can deliver APC except God, the people and everybody in attendance.” For his part in a votes of thanks speech, the vice presidential candidate of the party, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, said the wind of change is already blowing across the country, adding that “No one has been able to stop the wind and nobody can stop it.”

12, 1993 presidential election.

Jonathan however decided to visit in the night devoid of prying eyes.

He arrived at the house around 7:30pm and zoomed out at 9:56pm.

Attempts by our correspondent to get detail of the meeting were abortive as security operatives attached to the former president stopped journalists from covering the event.

Jonathan, Obasanjo Meet In Abeokuta To Mend Fences FROM PAGE 5

a security Hilux left the mansion through the private gate of the former president.

Later, operatives of the State

Security Service (SSS) who had earlier been keeping tabs on the residence left the place at exactly 3: 36p.m when it became obvious that Jonathan was not visiting.

He however mentioned the

name of Obasanjo while reeling out names of great leaders from Ogun State. He said Ogun had produced great leaders like chief Obafemi Awolowo, Olusegun Obasanjo and MKO Abiola, the winner of June,

SCIENCE/news 25

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

science

titbits

Compiled by Nkechi Isaac

➏ ➐

➋ ➌➊ ➎

➋

➍

➊ Spacex Rocket Return Test Ends In Crash The American SpaceX firm says its experiment to bring part of its Falcon rocket down to a soft landing on a floating sea platform did not work.

The vehicle was launched on a mission to send a cargo capsule to the International Space Station.

But once the first-stage of the rocket completed its part of this task, it tried to make a controlled return.

The company CEO Elon Musk tweeted that the booster hit the platform hard.

(BBC)

➋ Saturn Pinpointed To Within One Mile By Giant Telescope

➌ Brain Imaging May Help Predict Future Behavior Noninvasive brain scans, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, have led to basic science discoveries about the human brain, but they’ve had only limited impacts on people’s day-to-day lives. A review article published in the January 7 issue of the Cell Press journal Neuron, however, highlights a number of recent studies showing that brain imaging can help predict an individual’s future learning, criminality, health-related behaviors, and response to drug or behavioral treatments.

The technology may offer opportunities to personalize educational and clinical practices.

(Sciencedaily)

❹ Most Fossil Fuels

‘Unburnable’

Most of the world’s fossil fuel reserves will need to stay in the ground if dangerous global warming is to be avoided, modelling work suggests.

Over 80% of coal, 50% of gas and 30% of oil reserves are “unburnable” under the goal to limit global warming to no more than 2C, say scientists.

University College London research, published in Nature journal, rules out drilling in the Arctic.

And it points to heavy restrictions on coal to limit temperature rises.

(BBC)

Top 3 Headlines ➊ Spacex Rocket

Return Test Ends In Crash

➋ Most Fossil Fuels ‘Unburnable’ ➌ Brain

Imaging May Help Predict Future Behavior

Thanks to a continent-wide radio telescope, astronomers say they know where Saturn is - to within one mile.

The calculation is many times more accurate than previous estimations and will be useful for the future study of our solar system and beyond.

It used signals sent by the spacecraft Cassini, orbiting Saturn since 2004.

Ten antennae scattered from

Hawaii to the Virgin Islands performed the precise measurement, despite Saturn being nearly a billion miles away.

This powerful assembly is known as the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA), a giant telescope in ten parts.

The findings were reported at a meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Seattle.

(BBC)

➏ Record-Breaking Black Hole Outburst Detected

Forest

➎ 3-D ‘pop-up’ Silicon

Structures: Transforming Planar Materials Into 3-D microarchitectures

Researchers at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign have developed a unique process for geometrically transforming two dimensional (2D) micro/nanostructures into extended 3D layouts by exploiting mechanics principles similar to those found in children’s ‘pop-up’ books.

Complex, 3D micro/nano-

structures are ubiquitous in biology, where they provide essential functions in even the most basic forms of life. Similar design strategies have great potential for use in a wide variety of human-made systems, from biomedical devices to microelectromechanical components, photonics and optoelectronics, metamaterials,

electronics, energy storage, and more.

Researchers noted that existing methods for forming 3D structures are either highly constrained in the classes of materials that can be used, or in the types of geometries that can be achieved.

(Sciencedaily)

Last September, after years of watching, a team of scientists led by Amherst College astronomy professor Daryl Haggard observed and recorded the largest-ever flare in X-rays from a supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way. The astronomical event, which was detected by NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, puts the scientific community one step closer to understanding the nature and behavior of supermassive black holes.

Haggard and her colleagues discussed the flare today during this year’s meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Seattle.

—(Newsdaily)

news south-west 9

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Ajimobi Blames FG For States’ Financial Woes

Oyo State governor, Abiola Ajimobi yesterday blamed the federal government for the inability of states to meet their financial obligations to workers and contractors.

He disclosed that the federal government had directed financial institutions not to grant credit facilities to states, in spite of the dwindling allocation from the centre.

Speaking during the inauguration of the state chief judge, Justice Munta Oladipo Abimbola, at the executive council chambers of the Governor’s Office, Ibadan, yesterday, Ajimobi said allocations to the state from the federation account had been reduced by more than 40 per cent in the last seven months, thereby forcing the state to device ingenious ways of meeting its financial obligations.

“This is indeed a hard time for all of us in this country. Like other states, allocation to this state has been reduced by more than 40 per cent in the last seven months.

In spite of this, the federal government directed financial institutions not to grant credit facilities to the states.

“This has painfully led to our inability to meet our obligations to contractors and workers. We have a monthly wage bill of about N5 billion and we are receiving an average of N2.9billion monthly from the federation account, thus leaving a shortfall of N2.1billion.

“But, we have to look inwards by devising ingenious ways to ensure that workers do not suffer untoward hardship because of this. We have been striving to pay workers’ salary as at when due in spite of the dwindling revenue,” he said.

The governor commended the judiciary for its exemplary conduct and understanding in the face of dwindling revenue allocations to the state.

Acknowledging the ability of the new chief judge to steer the ship of the state judiciary successfully, the governor said the new judiciary helmsman had paid his dues in the private and public sectors before rising to his new position.

He implored Justice Abimbola to discharge his duties in accordance with his oath of office by ensuring that his personal interests did not influence his official conducts.

Responding after taking the oath of office, Justice Abimbola promised to partner with other judges in the state to put fresh initiatives in place that would enhance the administration of justice in the state.

He promised to discharge his duties in line with his oath of office and the constitution.

Of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, assuring the governor and the people of state that the state judiciary would rank among the best anywhere in the world during his tenure.

By Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

Feb14 Poll: Chances Of Jonathan Bright In Osun – PDP Chieftain As President visits State today

By JOSHUA DADA, Osogbo

Ahead of February 14 presidential election, former Assistant Controller of Customs Service, Chief Francis Adenigbagbe Fadahunsi yesterday said the chances of President Goodluck Jonathan in South West remains very bright.

Speaking at the Osun State Correspondent Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) personality interview programme, “News Point,” Fadahunsi, who announced the visit of Jonathan to Osun State in furtherance of his

nationwide campaign tour, said the president will be in Osun to expain what he has done and hope to do if elected for another term.

Fadahunsi, who is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Osun East senatorial district in the coming election, assured that the South West would vote to return the president into office for another term because of visible accomplishments of his administration in the region.

According to him, PDP has put machinery in motion to win Osun East senatorial district in the coming poll and debunked insinuations that the candidate of the party in the last Osun governorship poll, Senator Iyiola Omisore, was

Sango Ijoko Road in Ado Odo, Ota local government area in Ogun State, yesterday.

against his ambition.

He said“Omisore remains our leader and throughout the period of our struggle for ticket, he was neutral. He is in full support of my ambition. We don’t have issues within our party presently and whoever is claiming to be aggrieved now is not our member”.

The former chairman of Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, CRIN, Ibadan blamed the underdevelopment of the state on the inability of politicians to create opportunities for the people of the state at the federal level.

Fadahunsi, who expressed his commitment to impact positively on his people, said manpower development will be his priority.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL OBASA

Amosun To Take Over FG’s Abandoned Projects In Ogun

By Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

Ogun State governor, Senato Ibikunle Amosun has promised to take over federal government’s abandoned housing projects in the state.

He made the promise yesterday, at Obada Oko, in Ewekoro local government area, during his re-election campaign to the council area.

According to the governor, President Shehu Shagari initiated the project but it was abandoned thereby making the site a haven to miscreants who pose security threat to the area.

He further stressed that the move is to ensure that affordable housing is provided for the people of the state and to further develop the

state.

Amosun noted that the possible take-over of the housing project would further afford the people the opportunity to own houses in the state and to shore up the state’s economic base.

“We must find a way of developing the federal government abandoned housing project here at Obada Oko; we know that it was initiated by the federal government then after the state government had allocated it, but the state of the housing estate today is an eye-sore.

“We are now negotiating with the federal government for a possible take-over of the abandoned housing project,” Amosun said.

In her remarks the general manager of Ogun

State Housing Corporation, Jumoke Akinwunmi, said the state government was considering the spread of mortgage scheme to cover the take-over and immediate construction of the abandoned project, adding that the corporation was working on the value and modalities for which the take-over pact would be perfected and finalised.

Akinwunmi submitted that there would be “work at a value and understanding as to what to do with current structure and terms.”

“We are also considering the spread of mortgage to cover the Memorandum of Understanding with the federal government,” Akinwunmi added.

Oyo Deserves Better Under Jonathan – Olubadan Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Samuel Osundiran Odulana Odugade 1 yesterday welcomed President Goodluck Jonathan with list of demands, saying that Oyo State deserves better treatment than what she got from the present administration.

Speaking through the Osi Ol-

ubadan, Senator Lekan Balogun, the royal father drew the attention of President Jonathan to the abandoned inland dry port and the airport.

Calling on Jonathan to upgrade the port, Olubadan said the airport should be upgraded to international standard.

The monarch reiterated call for the creation of Ibadan State,

arguing that creation of additional state would bring development nearer to the people.

He said that the state deserves full ministerial position and not junior minister, adding “we have brought all these to your table for positive consideration.”

Earlier, while thanking the monarch for receiving him at the

palace, Jonathan said he would have arrived earlier but for the bad weather.

Jonathan, who disclosed that he was in the palace to inform the monarch of his intention to contest for the presidential election and seek his (Olubadan) blessing, said “We cannot go to the campaign ground without coming here to pay our respect.”

26 SCIENCE/feature

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Why NOTAP Needs Technology Transfer Agreement Benchmark – Okejiri Over 90 per cent of Nigerian industries are basically driven by foreign technologies. Experts have said Nigeria loses billions of naira in the importation of foreign technologies that drive various sectors of our economy. In this interview with NKECHI ISAAC, the director, technology transfer and registration at the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Dr Ephraim Okejiri, underscores the need to develop a benchmark. Excerpts Do you think NOTAP has achieved its aim of bringing stakeholders together in a roundtable to deliberate on how to regularize technology transfer agreement in a bid to have a standard for regulation of foreign technologies?

short BIO OF Umar Buba Bindir

Bindir is the DirectorGeneral of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion.

He obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.sc) degree in Agricultural Technology from the University of Maiduguri in 1983.

He later obtained a Master of Science (M.sc) degree in Agricultural Machinery Engineering (1987) and a Doctorate degree, PhD in Agricultural Machinery Design (1991) from the prestigious Cranfield University, United Kingdom.

First of all, NOTAP as you know, is a government agency that has been mandated to regulate the inflow of foreign technology in Nigeria and the telecom sector is one of the sectors that come to the office for registration and in the last few years we have received a lot of agreements from this sector and there are challenges in evaluating these agreements. One of these challenges is that as a new sector and a growing sector, we at NOTAP do not have a benchmark for regulating this sector hence the need for an interaction between the stakeholders and telecom operators in the sector to be able to identify areas where our current regulation is weak and how to improve on the processes. This is specifically in pursuant of our mandate which is to assist the companies to do business in Nigeria while also using the experience to develop our own internal capabilities.

So, the forum was a huge success because the operators have been able to tell us their challenges and have also recommended ways that we can improve on such. On our own part we have also been able to tell them the areas where they can make their documentation better so that it can also become easy for us to treat their

Investors To Sink $2.6bn In Nigeria’s Sugar Industry According to The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), NATCOM, a consortium run

by Skye Bank’s chairman, Olatunde Ayeni, the founder of Sahara Energy, Tonye Cole, and two other companies, has paid $75.7 million as part of its payment for the 252.5 million dollars valued NITEL and MTEL, thereby meeting the required 30 percent payment needed to lock down the acquisition of Nigeria’s flagship telco.

–VENTURES AFRICA

Trending Science Stories

agreements, give them certificates on time and then it will be a win-win situation both for the government

and the private sector for the development of Nigeria.

Am sure the office and operators have come up with some resolutions, when can the resolutions be implemented?

We have come up with various degrees of resolutions, some of the resolutions can be implemented immediately while we need to set up processes to be able to implement others. Some of them may take longer time, for example, if we need to amend our enabling act to be able to address it further, but the most important thing is that we have had the view of stakeholders on the path we need to take. But of course, we have to give ourselves timeline for deliverables so that we’ll be able to achieve certain results at a particular point in time. Generally, we should be able to address the issues that have been raised in two or three years.

So, can we now say that a new technology transfer regulatory framework will soon be rolled out?

Yes, that is certain. Nevertheless we still need to consult our fellow regulators like the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which is the main regulatory agency for the telecom operators; the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)

Okejiri

relates with the issue of tax because the approval we give to companies are treated as tax deductible expenses and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), it manages the foreign exchange and then other private sector support organisations, like the local vendor companies, because at the end of the day whatever resolutions we come out with will have to go into the CBN manual. By so doing it will be binding on all the other sectors and this will improve our regulatory process and those of

our sister regulatory agencies.

Why are local vendors carried along in this venture?

Local vendors are also key players because they were basically established so they can learn by participating in the distribution of contracts in the telecommunications sector.

This will help them overtime to develop their capacity which they will implement not only for the telecoms companies but also for other sectors of the Nigerian economy.

South Africa To Boost Renewable Energy Base With 100MW Of Solar Power

Calabar Becomes Nigeria’s First Digital City

Calabar, the capital of south eastern Cross River State has become Nigeria’s first digital city following the successful installation of its metropolitan dark fibre ➊ Shell Agrees To Nigeria’s Oil Spill optic network infrastructure.

Deal The smart city initiative had been championed ➋ Saturn pinby the Ministry of Communications Technology pointed to within last year as a way to kickstart Nigeria’s evolution one mile plan of becoming a full-fledged digital economy. The ➌ Scientists Discov- coastal state achieved this feat via a partnership with telecommunications giant MTN. The mobile operator er Game-changing oversaw the laying of extensive infrastructure Antibiotic comprising 120km of 96 core fibre cables and open ➍ N‘Alien Earth’ access ducts spanning the entire city of Calabar.

Among Eight New With this accomplishment, Calabar has become the Planets most comprehensively wired city for voice, data and video telecommunications and various technology driven services in the country.

—(BBC) –VENTURES AFRICA

One of these challenges is that as a new sector and a growing sector, we at NOTAP do not have a benchmark for regulating

120

Kilometre The mobile operator oversaw the laying of extensive infrastructure comprising 120km of 96 core fibre cables and open access ducts spanning the entire city of Calaba

Top THREE Communication Parastatals In Nigeria

➊ ➋ ➌

NCC NITDA NIGCOMSAT

A consortium of power service providers led by SolarReserve, a leading global energy company and Saudi Arabian International Company for Water and Power Projects (ACWA Power), has been awarded preferred bidder status for a 100megawatt (MW) Concentrating Solar Power (CSP), by the South Africa Department of Energy (DOE).

The project was developed in response to the DOE’s Round 3 (CSP) Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).

–VENTURES AFRICA

10

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Anti-Corruption Network No. 3 Toamasina Street, Off Kolda Street, Off Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja - Nigeria. Email: info@anti-corruptionnetwork.org www.anti-corruptionnetwork.org. Telephone: 09-2910033

His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Aso Villa, Abuja.

January 12, 2015

ATTN: General Olusegun Obasanjo Sultan of Sokoto Ooni of lfe Oba of Benin General Mohamadu Buhari National Chairman, PDP National Chairman, APC European Union German Ambassador Pastor Ayo Orisejafor Primate Okoh Cardinal Onaikan Senate President Speaker, House of Representatives Chief (Dr.) E.K. Clark Chief Tony Anenih General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Your Excellency,

RE: THE SCAM CALLED CENTENARY CITY Mr. President, permit us to start by acknowledging that you are aware of the sordid details of above enterprise. We therefore make bold to request you to take urgent steps to address the issue as you have consistently stated that you abhor corruption and that you will not cover up for your aides who soil their hands.

We decided to write you this open letter, since recently you promise to tackle issues of corruption with new vigor. We also have drawn the attention of men of conscience and good standing in Nigeria to this epic fraud.

The issue is the Centenary City: This phantom project covers an area of land twice the size of Maitama, Garki, Wuse and Mabushi districts. Your Secretary to the Federal Government, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim puts the land equity to $4 Billion [see ThisDay of 07 March 2013].

This project is not a Public Private Partnership enterprise as claimed during the grand-breaking ceremony by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

The Centenary City Plc owner of the Project is a property of Company First Limited and Basic Start Limited both of 17 A Wumego Crescent, Off Christ Avenue, Lekki, Phase 1, Lagos. Company First Limited is represented by Esther Onoji as Director while Basic Start Limited is represented by Jennifer Orah.

Basic Start Limited was incorporated in 2009 ‘with share capital standing at 10,000 shares but was purchased by some of your aides and share capital increased to 1 Billion shares in 2013 for purpose of this fraud.

Sir, of all the Directors including Mr. George Marks of Julius Berger Plc, only the 2 companies above are shareholders/subscibers. To deceive and confuse Nigerian prominent citizens including Abdulsalam Abubakar, Adetokunbo Kayode and others were listed as Directors and no shares were allocated to them. Messrs Esther Onoji and Jennifer Onah work for one of your aides.

Centenary City was not registered as a Free Zone and is not so described as a free zone at the Corporate Affairs Commission.

The Board of NEPZA has affirmed that it did not receive any application neither is it aware that the Centenary City is a free zone. The Board of NEPZA also says the Centenary City does not qualify as free zone.

The idea of certifying the Centenary City a free zone is to give waiver to the owners of the project through the back door. Consequently, the result of granting Free Zone status to the Centenary City is to rob Nigerian masses of revenue and reserve the industrial growth that is much desired. The Nation has spent in excess of NI 00 Trillion to develop Abuja and individuals are scheming to own half of the Abuja common wealth by stealing.

It is worthy of note that no single dollar of foreign investment has been received by the Centenary City and this we confirmed by inquiring from the Ministry of Finance and CBN. Rather, your aides used the Certificate of Occupancy for the land as lien to borrow money locally.

Also note, Sir, that if the Centenary City is to be a Free Zone, the Certificate of Occupancy will be in the custody of NEPZA that is the Federal Government.

Meanwhile, Certificate of Occupancy is the collateral used to obtain money from innocent Nigerians.

We must call the attention of the Germany Embassy and the European Union to the ignoble part Julius Berger Plc is playing in this sordid affairs.

PRAYER: Mr. President, the Centenary City Certificate of Occupancy and land allocation was obtained by fraud. The project does not qualify as a free zone and it will kill the Nigerian economy if allowed to continue because some of these companies are using it as a purported ploy to evade import duties for cement, machines, technicians, labour etc, not only for the Centenary City but for her other contracts. Nigeria will lose over 500,000 jobs through this fraud.

We therefore urge you to withdraw the free zone satus and cancel the certificate of Occupancy. failure to do so, we will involve the Anti-Graft Agencies and then take legal actions in Court.

God bless Nigeria Yours faithfully,

Otunba Dino Melaye Executive Secretary

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Tuesday, January 13, 2015

ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC)

APPRECIATION On behalf of the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, APC supporters and the good people of Sokoto State, we wish to express our heart-felt happiness and profound gratitude to all well-meaning Nigerians and the teeming crowds of youth and voluntary Associations, women and disable organizations, politicians and others too numerous to mention.

We are particularly grateful to the National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun; our presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari; Chief Bisi Akande; Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the Asiwaju; their Excellencies, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed of Edo and Kwara States; the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State Alhaji Ibrahim Wakalla; the Vice Chairman North-West Zone, Inuwa Abdukadir, Esq; Senator Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura; Senator Adamu Aliero and Senator Atiku Bagudu.

Others are Senators and members of the National Assembly from Sokoto State and other parts of Nigeria who attended; the former Deputy Governor Alhaji Chiso Abdullahi Dattijo; Hon. Speaker and members of Sokoto State House of Assembly; Chairmen and Secretaries of wards; Local Governments and State Executives of APC from Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and other places; Acting Chairmen and Secretaries of the 23 Local Government areas of the State and others too numerous to mention.

Indeed, your presence has not only made the occasion auspicious and colourful, but added value to it.

It is our belief that as you came to make the flag off of the campaigns worthwhile, so shall Allah crown our efforts by making us win all the available positions in the 2015 general elections.

May Allah continue to reward and bless you all for your commitment and steadfastness in trying to usher a new dawn in Nigeria.

Thank you all.

ALH. MUHAMMADU MAIGARI DINGYADI (Katukan Sokoto) Director General 2015 General Elections Campaign

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Tuesday, January 13, 2015

business

N19.8bn The Bank of Industry (BoI) has earmarked the sum of N19.8billion to fund Micro Small and Medium Enterprises in states across the federation

BOI Earmarks N19.8bn For MSMEs Funding In States

BY Kingsley Alu, Abuja

The Bank of Industry (BOI) has earmarked the sum of N19.8 billion to fund micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in states across the federation.

The managing director, Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa, dropped this hint during the Africa Capitalism Institute’s inaugural global advisory meeting which discussed: “Africa Capitalism: Maximising Local Value Creation,” meant to provide fresh insight on what should be done to raise the level of industrialisation and intra-African trade as well as raise an army of entrepreneurs in the continent.

Olaoluwa, who represented the federal government at the panel discussion, further disclosed that the bank has signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with 18 states governments to support the MSMEs as a way of facilitating its support to the MSMEs in those states.

According to him, the BoI and the affected state governments had agreed on certain criteria for the support.

“Before we grant a loan, the state government must recommend because we usually deal with the Ministry of Commerce in the states. So they will be the ones to recommend the applicants to us.”

According to him, the

development of the MSME sector in each of the participating states, majorly through the Bottom of the Pyramid Scheme, is a new initiative aimed at deepening the bank’s credit offerings to micro entrepreneurs through micro finance banks in each state. Olaoluwa further told the panel that the bank launched its own sector specific fund called the “Cottage Agro Processing (CAP) Fund” with the sum of N5 billion to support the agro industry in the country in the last quarter of 2014, adding that many applications had been received with respect to accessing the fund.

The CAP Fund, according to him, is designed to finance 1,000 cottage projects with focus on

processing activities across the country. Olaoluwa stated that loan applicants had only to come prepared with viable business plans to access the fund and were expected to utilise the loans judiciously, add value and create jobs.

He disclosed that the loans are given at a single digit interest rate of nine per cent per annum with a total management fee of one per cent, for five-year tenure with a moratorium of six months and was expected to create an estimated 20,000 direct and indirect jobs. The priority products for each state have been identified and a number of partners have been pooled together to ensure effective operation.

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

Ten minutes are a piece of yourself.

Divide your life into ten-minute units and sacrifice as few of them as possible in meaningless activity. Ingvar Kampard, founder of IKEA (1926-)

Fidelity Bank, Experts List Secrets To Sustainable SMEs

BY Chima Akwaja, Lagos

L-R: Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole; president, Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Gen Lawrence Onoja; former permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Edugie Abebe and secretary-general, AANI, Comrade Issa Aremu during the institute’s 2015 reunion and fund raising in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY JANE OKEKE

Gwarzo Emerges SEC Acting DG

BY NSE ANTHONY-UKO, Abuja

The erstwhile executive commissioner, Operations, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria, Mr Mounir H. Gwarzo, has taken over from outgoing the director-general (DG) of the commission, Ms Arunma Oteh, as the acting DG. This was announced by Oteh at a formal handover ceremony in the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, yesterday.

Oteh, while handing over to Gwarzo, described her five-year tenure at the commission as absolutely outstanding, attributing it to the cooperation she received from every member of staff.

She said, “When I joined the SEC in January 2010, I was absolutely certain about why the SEC was important and what its role and agenda was. I was able to articulate it in one phrase: building a world class market.

“To have a vision and have

everyone, whether it is capital market operators, shareholders and other stakeholders, connect and align to it, was very rewarding. But I don’t think it would have been possible without each and every one of you accepting the challenge to try something in a different way or to do something in a way that you are not quite sure of.”

She said that what the commission has been able to achieve in summary is to lay a foundation for the nation to see a capital market that will help

tackle its infrastructure challenges; help people who are setting up businesses or own businesses raise millions of naira in capital.

“Our aim is to build a meritocracy so that it is the viable businesses that get funded, and not necessarily the ones that have connections, so that we can also tackle some of what we are seeing in our world today, whether it is security challenges we face or the security challenges that everybody faces,” Oteh said.

Fidelity Bank Plc and business experts have listed secrets that could guide budding entrepreneurs to build sustainable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that would stand economic shocks and become the backbone of the Nigerian economy.

Speaking at a panel discussion on the theme “Leveraging Technology for SME Growth” at the maiden edition of the annual Fidelity SMEs conference in Lagos, recently, the experts said most businesses fail because the proprietors abandon them as soon as they face challenges.

The panel featured outstanding entrepreneurs in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, such as the founder of Zinox Technologies, Chief Leo Stan Ekeh; the chief executive officer (CEO) and co-founder of Jumia, Mr Nicolas Martin; CEO, Swift Networks, Mr Charles Anudu; founder, Easy Taxi, Mr Bankole Cardoso; co-founder, Jobberman, Mr Opeyemi Awoyemi and CEO, Main One, Mrs Funke Opeke, .

The managing director, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr Nnamdi Okonkwo, in his opening speech, maintained that the bank’s commitment to building Nigerian entrepreneurs is one of its core business focuses.

“We have gathered here today to deliberate on the challenges faced by the SMEs in Nigeria and proffer solutions that would guide entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses. Our goal is to produce more successful businessmen like Alhaji Aliko Dangote from our entrepreneurs that are in SME category for now. We have watched Dangote transform from a merchant who went into manufacturing to an owner of a multinational conglomerate,” he explained.

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/business

28

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

zonal watch

ANAMBRA IMO ABIA EBONYI ENUGU

Anambra: Lawmaker Promotes Arts, Culture

BY OKECHUKWU OBETA, Awka

The preservation and promotion of Igbo arts and culture, received a boost last week following the commissioning of an art and cultural heritage centre built in Akpu community, Orumba South local government area of Anambra State, by the member representing Orumba North/

South federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Ben Nwankwo.

Speaking while commissioning the centre named ‘Ofesiodo Arts Centre’, Ola Oloidi, a professor of arts and culture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, (UNN), praised the federal lawmaker for his vision and commitment

towards the promotion of arts and culture, adding that Nigeria’s chances of attaining technological advancement depends essentially on the creativity of the youths.

He decried the unemployment rate in the country, particularly among the youths, saying that the cultural centre would provide an avenue for talent

development, which according to him, would translate into employment generation for the unemployed youths endowed with creative talents.

The chairman, governing board of the National Gallery of Arts, Hippo Onwuegbuke, stated that with the building of the arts and cultural centre, the federal lawmaker has

bequeathed on the youths of the area a legacy that would unlock their creative potentials as according to him, arts and culture constitute the bedrock for both community and national development, adding that it gives vent to technological sophistication, economic empowerment and political enlightenment.

‘Why We Will Not Vote For Jonathan’

BY OBINNA OGBONNAYA, Abakaliki

Heads FROM tHe ZONe

➔ the ebonyi state House of assembly, has directed the dissolution of the newly appointed Local Government Caretaker Committees and 28 development Centre Coordinators in the state, on the grounds that due process was not followed before Governor Martin elechi, announced the appointment of the affected officers.

➔ the presidential candidates of the two major political parties in the country – the Peoples democratic Party (PdP) and all Progressives Congress (aPC), President Goodluck Jonathan, and General Muhammadu Buhari, stormed the south-east last week to scout for votes ahead of the February 14 presidential poll. Both rallies attracted large crowd of supporters.

Popular Nkpokiti dancers entertaining guests during the commissioning of Ofesiodo Community Arts and Heritage Centre, Akpu, OrumbaSouth, Anambra State

Okorocha’s aide Urges Imo electorate to Vote aPC For Continuity

BY STANLEY UZOARU, Owerri

Ahead of the February 2015 general elections, the Imo State commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Chidi Ibeh, has urged the Imo electorate to vote the candidates of the main opposition All Progressives Congress(APC) for continuity of the projects of the present government in the state.

Addressing journalists in Owerri, the Imo State capital, Ibeh urged the electorate to reject any candidate presented by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the next general elections, saying that to do otherwise would mean impeding the on-going transformation of the state by the APC-led government of Governor Rochas Okorocha.

Ibeh warned that the present free education programme in the state would suffer a setback if the PDP is allowed to take over the state, saying that the programme has made education possible for children of the poor in the state, adding that from 1999 to 2011 when PDP ruled the state, the people suffered from avoidable pains and misery.

South-East Sets Agenda For Buhari

BY MIKE UBANI, Enugu

Ahead of the February 14 presidential election, the people of South-East at the weekend gave the presidential candidate of the main opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), a shopping list as basis for supporting his presidential ambition.

Speaking on behalf of the zone during Buhari’s presidential campaign rally at Okpara Square, Enugu, the Enugu State capital, the governor of Imo State, Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha, said Ndigbo will vote overwhelmingly for Buhari on the understanding that if elected president, he will help the zone realise its aspiration to get additional state, to bring the

number of states in the zone to six.

Okorocha who is running as governor for a second term in office on APC platform, also said the zone would expect the APC administration at the federal level to speed up construction work of the Second Niger Bridge, as well as construct the Aba-IkotEkpene and the Enugu-Onitsha roads.

Ahead of President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign visit to Ebonyi State, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Hon Sylvester Igwe, has said that over 50 per cent of members of the party in the state, including citizens of the state would not vote for the re-election of President Jonathan in the forthcoming February 14 presidential election following what he described as the president’s inability to curb the activities of the Boko Haram Islamist insurgents, as well as his failure to ensure the release of the abducted Chibok girls.

In an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP in Abakaliki, the state capital, Hon Igwe claimed that the people of Ebonyi State and the nation in general are tired of President Jonathan’s lackadaisical attitude towards the continued killing of innocent Christians and Igbos in the North, and the non-prosecution of corrupt officials in his cabinet.

He said the development of the country would be made possible if leaders found to be corrupt are arrested, prosecuted and made to refund funds looted from either state or federal treasuries.

The PDP chieftain maintained that the country needed a change, saying that “since 1999 till date, our party has been in power and because of the belief that the party would continue to be in power for 60 years, those occupying different political positions on the platform of the party are the worst breed of politicians the country has ever produced since our independence.”

He said, “It is painful when we read in the pages of newspapers how much the country has spent in curbing the menace of Boko Haram, yet no meaningful achievement has been recorded. We have lost count of the number of days our girls have been in the custody of the Boko Haram without any trace of them.

“Those who loot the country’s resources and are wanted for corrupt practices are those who donate millions to his re-election campaign.

“Our dear country is heading to the rocks with President Jonathan as the captain of the ship.

Irrespective of party affiliation, what we need now is change.

“In our dear state Ebonyi and other states of the federation where PDP conducted primaries, how many of those states would you say free, fair and credible primaries were conducted? There is problem in Enugu, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibiom, Imo, Rivers and his own state Bayelsa.

“To the best of my knowledge, Nigerians can never trust him to take us to the Promised Land. It is most unfortunate that President Jonathan after a meeting with Governor Martin Elechi, informed the gathering and the governor that there won’t be primaries in four states, but to the surprise of many, his directive was jettisoned by the national leadership of PDP, yet he did nothing. We no longer need a weak president.

12 NEWS/BUSINESS

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

NCC To Announce Licensees For Broadband Infrastucture

BY Chima Akwaja, Lagos

There are indications that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) may have concluded the pilot auction of broadband infrastructure companies (InfraCos) that will provide fibre optic broadband services to Lagos and north central zones.

The proposed InfraCos according to the Open Access Model adopted by NCC would offer fibre penetration, available on a non-discriminatory basis complete with a strategy to ensure cooperation of existing operators. NCC plans to licence seven companies as broadband

InfraCos in Lagos and the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.

A top source within the commission informed LEADERSHIP yesterday that the regulator would soon announce the winners of the InfraCos licence. The delay has been due to the absence of the executive vice chairman of NCC due to the yuletide and the inability of the NCC board to meet and ratify the decision of the management on the awardees.

The source said, “The process for the award of the InfraCos licences has been concluded.

The foreign consultant hired by the commission has given

its submission. NCC Board will meet soon to deliberate, ratify it and thereafter, the winners will be announced. This will be very soon.” The sources added that Lagos was given a special status different from the six geo-political zones because of its prominent place as the telecom capital of Nigeria.”

According to NCC, the InfraCos would deploy metropolitan fibre and provide transmission services which would be available at access points (fibre to the node or neighborhood - FTTN) to access seekers, leverage existing inter-city fibre to deploy their services.

Executive vice chairman of NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah, said the InfraCos that would be licenced would key into the already existing national fibre optic network for broadband to boost high-speed Internet services across Nigeria.

“They are expected to aggregate fibre optic links of other existing operators and will also get a one-off subsidy from government.

“The idea is to have a neutral wholesale provider of fibre optic which is part of the government initiatives to achieve Next Generation Broadband Network (NBN) in Nigeria,”Juwah said.

According to him, the

objective of this initiative is to stimulate a new national broadband network that is not only more widespread but faster and more secure than what is available today. He noted that this would stimulate other sectors of the economy and leading to higher economic spinoffs for Nigeria.

NCC also plans to provide the InfraCos provide take-off grants to extend their broadband services to underserved and unserved areas and who have over time bemoaned the excessive taxes, levies and duties charged by different levels and arms of government.

Agric Boosted With N3.41bn ACGS Funding In

BY Bukola Idowu, Lagos

The Nigerian agriculture sector was boosted by not only favourable weather in 2014 but also increased funding as a total of 17,618 farmers received a cumulative funding of N3.41 billion under the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme (ACGS) in the third quarter of last year.

The ACGS funding which is an initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) represented an increase of 3.0 and 16.6 per cent above the levels in the preceding quarter and corresponding period of 2013, respectively, according to the apex bank’s economic report for the third quarter of 2014.

A sub-sectoral analysis showed that food crops obtained the largest share of 77.2 per cent, about N2.36 billion was guaranteed to

13,607 beneficiaries. This was followed by livestock, N429.8 million accounting for 8.9 per cent of the amount guaranteed to 1,566 beneficiaries, mixed crops had N340.6 million or 8.2 per cent guaranteed to 1,450 beneficiaries, while others received N111.0 million or 2.8 per cent guaranteed to 478 beneficiaries.

Also about N47.4 million or 1.5 per cent was guaranteed to 263 beneficiaries in the Cash Crop sub-sector, while Fisheries sub-sector received N111.4 million or 1.4 per cent guaranteed to 254 beneficiaries.

The scheme had funded farmers from 34 states of the country including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with the highest and lowest sums of N584.5 million or 17.1 per cent and N4.7 million or 0.1 per cent guaranteed to Benue and Yobe States, respectively.

Chams Appoints New Director, CFO

BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

Chams Plc has appointed Dr. Josephine Awosika to its board of directors and Mrs. Christianah Olaniyan as its new chief financial officer (CFO).

Awosika, who also serves on the board of Access Bank Plc and Capital Insurance Nigeria Limited as non-executive director, is a technocrat with extensive and meritorious public and private sector experience. She is expected to bring her wealth of experience at executive and boardroom levels in technology, power and banking sectors to bear on the business of Chams Plc. She retired from the federal civil service as the permanent secretary, ministry of power in January 2013. Being a fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of

Nigeria (PSN) and Institute of Directors (IoD), Awosika is also a member of the Great Britain Clinical Pharmacists Forum.

For her part, Olaniyan was the general manager, Special Projects for Chams until her appointment to the new role of CFO. He holds a degree in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brooks University, UK and is an associate member of the institute of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA, UK).

Prior to joining Chams Plc, Olaniyan worked with Supercard Limited, a subsidiary of Chams Plc, for three years as an assistant general manager, Corporate Services, where she was responsible for formulating and managing policies on the company’s finance, accounts, human capital development and administrative functions.

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/business

Wife of Lagos State governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola, presenting an award of recognition for outstanding performance in entrepreneurship conferred on Globacom chairman, Dr Mike Adenuga, represented by head, Operations, Globacom, Mr Bisi Koleosho at Eko Hotel, Lagos.

Filling Stations Urged To Comply With Pump Price Regime

BY Godwin Mbachu, Abuja

Filling stations across the country have been urged to emulate Master Energy Oil Ltd which sold petroleum products at the government regulated pump price of N97 a litre for petrol and N60 a litre for kerosene during the

festive period.

A statement signed by the national coordinator, Ndi- Igbo Ezu, Igwekala Leo Ugomaduefule and obtained by LEADERSHIP, said such gesture has relieved Nigerians of the burden of buying the products at exorbitant prices.

While saluting the effort

of the company’s chairman, Dr Uche Ogah, the statement saluted the giant strides of the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan and urged government to ensure full compliance of the pump price regime by filling stations across the country.

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Tuesday, January 13, 2015

news behind the news

Why Ebonyi Lawmakers Dissolve Caretaker Chairmen, Others

BY OBINNA OGBONNAYA, Abakaliki

These are trying moments for Governor Elechi, whose tenure expires in the next four months. The leadership of the PDP in his state, has literally been taken away from him, and given to his deputy, Chief Dave Umahi

Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State, was conspicuously absent at the Presidential and Governorship campaign rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on January 9, 2014.

Though the rally was limited to the Enugu State chapter of the PDP, Governor Elechi had in the past attended similar outings in the coal city, apparently to demonstrate solidarity with his Enugu State counterpart Governor Sullivan Chime, and by extension President Goodluck Jonathan, who is the leader of the party.

But these are trying moments for Governor Elechi, whose tenure expires in the next four months.

The leadership of the PDP in his state, has literally being taken away from him, and given to his deputy, Chief Dave Umahi, who is also candidate of the PDP in the state in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

And just two days before the Enugu outing, the state House of Assembly, directed the dissolution of the newly appointed 13 Local Government Caretaker Committees, and 28 Development Centre Coordinators in the state.

The House also ordered that the reconstituted boards of the state’s Local Government Service Commission, Universal Basic Education Board, and Secondary Education Board be dissolved with immediate effect.

The legislature further directed Governor Elechi, who came to office on May 29, 2007, following his victory at the poll, to submit to the House, details of the federal allocations, internally generated revenues and funds “accruable to the state from January 1 to December 2014”.

The House based its action on the premise that the appointment of the affected officers did not follow due process.

The appointment of the Local Government Caretaker Committees, and the 28 Development Centre Coordinators, was sequel to the sacking of the 13 elected council chairmen by a Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki, the state capital.

The court had declared as illegal the use of open ballot system in the conduct of the local government election that threw up the 13 council chairmen.

And apparently not willing to allow a vacuum to exist in the council system, Governor Elechi, appointed the 13 caretaker chairmen, and 28 development centre coordinators to oversee the council areas, pending the

Elechi

amendment by the State House of Assembly, the Ebonyi State Electoral Law, and conduct of a fresh election by the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC).

Not a few public commentators in the state have linked the sacking of the 13 caretaker committee chairmen, and the 28 development centre coordinators, to the row which accompanied the primaries of the PDP at the ward, local government and state levels.

And moving forward, the emergence of Umahi instead of Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, former minister of health, as the PDP gubernatorial candidate for the forthcoming general elections, had forced most loyalists of Governor Elechi to move into the opposition Labour Party (LP). The affected council officials and board chairmen are also said to be members of the LP in a state presently controlled by the PDP. Though Governor Elechi had publicly and privately declared his continued membership of the PDP, as well as his readiness to work for the success of the party in the state during the forthcoming general elections, all those tormenting him say he is a green snake in a green grass.

Governor Elechi’s opponents accuse him of using the affected caretaker committee chairmen as well as the development centre coordinators as tools to further the interest of the LP, to the detriment of the PDP. Indeed the LP, which had

virtually gone into comatose, prior to the beginning of the crisis in the state chapter of the PDP, has suddenly grown like an oak tree, and there is a groundswell of opinion here that if left unchecked, the party could produce the next governor of the state.

The action of the House is largely seen as an attempt to uproot the LP, while at the same time strengthening the grip of the PDP on the state.

According to Chief Ifeanyi Ugwu, a chieftain of LP in the state, and a veteran journalist, “What transpired at the House of Assembly shows the desperation of PDP. For the first time in the history of Ebonyi State, PDP is now being referred to as an opposition party.

“The action of the House of Assembly to the best of my knowledge was politically motivated. The House is now convinced that with the massive presence of Labour Party in all the wards, local government and state levels, the PDP will not win any election in the state.

“When some PDP candidates for the House of Representatives and House of Assembly seats went on an electioneering campaign trip to some parts of the state, they were amazed when on arrival at the venue of the rally, they shouted PDP, and the audience responded by shouting Labour Party. The devastated candidates had to leave the venue in a hurry for fear that they might be attacked by the people they met there.

“The Labour Party has taken over the state, and the House wants to whittle down the powers of the party, by announcing the sack of the caretaker committee chairmen, and the development centre coordinators.”

A first term member of the House from Ebonyi North Senatorial zone who spoke to LEADERSHIP on condition of anonymity said that some members of the House were taken aback when the issue of the sack of the caretaker committee chairmen, and development centre coordinators was tabled before the floor of the House.

He said, “Some of us who were there that fateful day were deceived into believing that we were coming to deliberate on the budget estimate presented to us by the governor.

“We were informed that we would be sitting to deliberate on the budget, but we never knew that four persons who are members of a cabal had plotted and sealed what they wanted to achieve. But I must tell you that whatever we did that fateful day was an illegality.

“A lot of impunity is going on in the House now, and we have decided to just watch and see how far it would take us. It was at the point when we wanted to raise the budget issue and the cabal brought up the issue of dissolution that we realised that we had been brought to the chambers for a different agenda.

“It was also at that point that we realised that our most vibrant members were not invited for the sitting. The members of the cabal now move around with thugs, and from experience, any attempt to challenge them would result to the political thugs unleashing mayhem on us, so we have decided to let them be”.

Meanwhile, the state attorney general and commissioner for justice, Chief Ben Igwenyi, has described members of the House who initiated the sacking of the caretaker committee chairmen and the development centre coordinators as “rascals and people without integrity”.

Briefing journalists in Abakaliki, Chief Igwenyi also accused those he referred to as “desperate politicians” who want to rule the state without contesting elections of destabilising the polity.

According to him, resolutions of the House are only persuasive and advisory, as the executive can decide to accept or reject them.

Nevertheless, some members of the House loyal to the PDP are said to be pushing for the impeachment of Governor Elechi, as according to the group, only the removal of the governor would bring to an end the intimidating presence of LP in the state.

2015 NIGERIAdecides Tuesday, January 13, 2015

THE CAMPAIGN FALLOUTS, THRILLS & FRILLS

www.election2015.leadership.ng

Re-elect Me, Get 2 Million Jobs Annually-Jonathan

oddbAlls

Our Landlord Bombed Our Office- Abia PPA

... they have done their best – Buhari

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, President Goodluck Jonathan, has wooed Nigerians with 2 million jobs if re-elected next month, a feat his major contender of the All Progressives Progress (APC), Gen Muhammadu Buhari, says is impossible as the PDP-led government has given all it can offer to Nigerians

Fayose

Jonathan

Buhari

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan has promised to provide 2 million jobs for teeming unemployed youths in Nigeria annually if he gets their votes to return him to Aso Rock on February 14th.

Speaking at mega rally in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, Jonathan said with that number of jobs, the five million graduates produced on yearly basis will not all join the already overflowing number of unemployed graduates in the country.

He also reeled out his administration’s projects in the South West, including construction of power substation, N10 billion Tetfund for state and federal institutions, the Lagos-Ibadan-Kano rail line and the on-going rehabilitation Lagos-Ibadan express road.

On his plans for agriculture, Jonathan reiterated commitment

The five million graduates produced on yearly basis will not all join the already overflowing number of unemployed graduates in the country

to cocoa production to improve on revenue generation, while assuring that the Ibadan Airport would be upgraded to international standard while the dry ports would be established in all states of the federation to reduce congestion at the Lagos port.

Meanwhile, presidential flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen Muhammadu Buhari, has called on Nigerians to ensure that they guard their votes closely during the February 14 elections.

This is just as he urged them to push out the ruling party with their votes next month for performing below expectations of Nigerians.

Buhari made these statements in Owerri, Imo State capital, when he and the governor of the state, Governor Rochas Okorocha, held aa campaign rally ahead of next month’s polls.

FACTCHECKER

Amaechi

13

Did Fayose Ask Workers To Attend Rally Or Forfeit Salary?

Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State is reported to have given a directive to all government workers in the state a directive to attend President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign rally tomorrow in Ado-Ekiti or be prepared to forfeit their January salary.

Fayose, it was gathered has sent out a circular to all state public school teachers, civil servants and their local government counterparts to this effect while a register will be opened and placed at the entrance of the venue for workers to put down their names as they show up.

As the heat of elections intensify, weird happenings are occuring on a daily basis. The chairman of Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) in Abia State, Prince Emeka Okafor yesterday accused the landlord of the premises where their party secretariat is located of masterminding a bomb blast that rocked the building after previously placing a coffin in their office.

“We suspect our landlord, the Abia State government and PDP, they destroyed our party office in Umuokpara, we reported the matter to The police and nothing happened. They went about the city of Umuahia saying that PPA was dead; they even placed a coffin at the secretariat. They have destroyed our posters and billboards in Aba. We don’t know what we have done to Abia State government, yet it was our party that produced the incumbent governor; there are death threats but I am happy they are not gods. The fact that we are peaceful does not mean we are cowards. There should remember there is freedom o f association”, Okafor stated.

Orji

Shagari, Not Buhari, Quashed Maitasine

Governor of Rivers State and director general of Buhari Presidential Campaign Organisation, Rotimi Amaechi, recently attributed the crushing of Maitasine riots to the former head of star and presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, Gen Muhammadu Buhari. But checks reveal that the menace was indeed curbed by Gen Shehu

Shagari’s regime with the leader of the terrorist group, Mohammed Marwa, killed in 1980.

Buhari did not kill the terrorist group called Maitasine as being alleged by his supporters. While he cannot control everything his supporters say, the presidential aspirant has not denied the claim that he was the one that

exterminated Maitasine, particularly as his supporters have been using this to justify his claim that he would route out the terrorist Boko Haram sect if elected president.

Buhari was not the head of state in 1980, it was Shagari’s regime that killed him.

In fact, during this period, Buhari was outside the country on official course at

the US War College and upon his return in 1981, he was made the GOC of the 4th infantry Division, Enugu. The new leader of the Maitasine who emerged after the death of Marwa was Mai Makaniki and they continued to instigate religious violence in the North, even when Buhari was briefly head of state. Makaniki was captured in 2004.

30

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

THE On January 16th, 2015 Who Makes The List Of The Right Candidates To Be Voted In 2015 General Elections

Who makes the list?

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14 NIGERIA DECIDES

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Labour Party Will Liberate Osun East – Aduroshakin

voices

What We Want From Tarzoor Benue People

Abimbola Olasheye Aduroshakin is the Labour Party senatorial candidate for Osun East senatorial district of Osun State. In this interview with EKELE PETER AGBO, he talks about his political aspiration, his plan for the people, and his mission to the Senate, saying the Labour Party is set to liberate Osun East by February

My decision to contest for Osun East senatorial district was informed by call of my people. The people have decided that I should go to Senate to represent this time around, and who am I to say no?

I have served them in various capacities in the past, and it is based on that they are confident that I can give them quality representation. Besides, I have a great passion for public service, especially the kind of service that will uplift the lives of my people and the entire country. My heart desire is to see an economicallyviable Osun East. My mission to the Senate is to give my people voice, so that they can actually have a say on issues that affect them.

In fact, Osun East and the entire Osun State will benefit from my quality of representation. I am very much in touch with the aspirations of my people for a better and improved representation that will help them live their dreams.

As their senator, my cardinal responsibility will be on how to address their needs and ensure that they are carried along in every aspect of governance. My mission in the Senate is to project my constituency!

my aspiration is about quality and effective representation for the people of Osun East senatorial district. I intend to give them effective and quality representation at the Senate. I am talking about laws that will help the people grow and develop and not laws that will make them perpetual economic slaves of a very few. Since the return of democracy in 1999, we have had several people going to either the lower or upper chamber of the National Assembly expectedly to represent the people. But how many of these people can we say have actually represented the people the way they should?

God willing, when I get to the Senate, I will strive to uphold the rule of law in the course of discharging my duties as a senator and thereby, give my constituents the true and quality representation that they have not had since the inception of democracy in 1999.

Ife/Ijesha federal constituency cannot boast of viable fe deral

government presence, in spite of the fact that it is the largest of the three senatorial districts in Osun State in terms of landmass, with a population of over 1.2 million.

I will draw the attention of the federal government to what and what needs to be done in my constituency. I will also facilitate the renovation of cottage hospitals, where we have one, to enable the people in the rural areas have access to quality healthcare.

I intend to, therefore, use the parliament as a social engineering to deliver dividends of democracy to my people. They have been neglected for too long, it is high time they were liberated. I don’t intend to be ‘I concur’ senator.

I will use all the legislative tools at my disposal to fight the cause of my constituents. I don’t also intend to be an Abuja politician whom the people only get to see during electioneering period. I will collate their individual aspirations and needs and translate such into convincing presentation at the upper chamber. The Labour Party will liberate Osun East, and I am the vessel of honour and purpose that the LP will use.

Are you not afraid of contesting against the APC candidate, Senator Jide Omoworare?

I am not afraid of any opponent, because I have been anointed by the people. My decision to contest is an answer to the call of the people to come and give them quality representation.

When you have the people by your side, you are a ma jor ity and need not be afraid of any individual or group.

What would the people of Osun East senatorial district gain by voting for you?

I am going to the Senate in order to add value to the legislative process and invariably contribute my quota to the enactment of laws that will have positive impact on our people. In other words, Aduroshakin

ANSWERS

QUIZ TEST YOUR POLITICAL IQQ 1.

2.

How many aspirants contested for APC’s 2015 presidential ticket?

Who was the

3.

first chairman of Nigeria’s electoral body?

How many years has President Jonathan been

4.

president of Nigeria?

Gen Buhari has contested for president of Nigeria how

5.

many times?

How many aspirants vied for PDP’s 2015 presidential ticket?

1. 5 2. Chief Eyo Esua 3. 6 4.4 5. 1 Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone.

What informed your decision to contest Osun East senatorial seat in the 2015 general elections?

Tarzoor

Supporters of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State said yesterday that they are expecting the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)! Terhemen Tarzoor, to boost agricultural production and ensure adequate payment of salaries.

The party supporters also said they expect any incoming leadership of the state to alleviate poverty and create wealth through abundant job opportunities.

Asen Nyor, PDP supporter, Kwande LGA “The flag off of Tarzoor’s campaign in Gboko signifies the coming of progress in the state. We are happy but to be factual, we are expecting a boost in agriculture because most of our farm produce are wasting without viable industries to utilise them”.

Hon. Ene Ocholi, women leader and community mobiliser “The commencement of the campaigns is a welcome development but the ruling PDP must seriously enhanced timely and adequate payment of workers. It should not be owing workers salaries again and I believe that the incoming governor will implement it.”

By Solomon Ayado,

trending Jonathan and Buhari are the issues that were trending on twitter last night. While #GEJ focused on achievements that will get him votes next month, Buhari’s followers are joyous that US War College confirms his military certificate #GEJwillwin Abbey Aromasodu @abbeyaro

US War College Confirms Buhari Graduation

How many megawatts? “@ Oluchiii: President Jonathan’s FG built Omotosho II Power plant from ground zero to finish and commission #GEJwillwin_

9icezamarni @9icezamarni1 nicezamarni@gmail.com US War College Confirms Buhari Graduation (See Certificate): General… http://goo.gl/fb/ jgm1C7

d grego @gad2j I’m afraid of large support GMB received in his south South campaign #GEJWillwin_ Dee @onu99 Best or notin”@lanreariyo: How much are you guys paid for trending this? #GEJWillWin_ Thankfully, the elections won’t be held on twitter :D” Rome Empire @sadayeayowale Twitter shoki”@OfficialUwem: Name of the last movie you watched #GEJWillWin_ #GEJWillWin_” Fizzy @fizzy_talkin #GEJWillWin_ IF I HEAR??

#BringBackOurGirls DailyNews

@NG_

US War College Confirms Buhari Graduation: General Muhammadu Buhari, the presidential candid... http://bit. ly/1Bc7Iud via @36update_com #BringBackOurGirls @NG_ DailyNews #Nigeriandailynews US War College Confirms Buhari Graduation: General Muhammadu Buhari, t... http:// bit.ly/1y4J51u Pls RT&Drop Comments Gist Master GM@kingbebestic US War College Confirms Buhari

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

31

NIGERIA DECIDES 15

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Faces From Jonathan’s Rally In Ibadan QUOTES

NUMBERS

26 Number of registered political parties that will take part in the 2015 elections

➊

72 ➋ Age of General Muhamadu

Buhari, candidate of the All Progressives Congress

4 ➌ Number of times General Bu-

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

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

1 ➍ This is the first time Profes-

sor Yemi Osinbajo General Buhari’s running mate for the 2015 elections will be running for elective office.

N295 mil➒ lion Worth of President Jonathan’s assets as at 2007

3 Architect Namadi Sambo, President Jonathan’s running mate for the 2015 general elections was in office for 3 years before he was chosen as the vice president.

Cross section of PDP supporters at. the Oyo State presidential campaign rally at the Mapo Hill, Ibadan, Oyo State. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN

We Must Focus Campaigns Away From Pastors, Imams – Oshiomhole Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has stressed the need to focus electioneering campaigns away from pastors and imams and generate discussions around the real drivers of the economy.

He said discussions should be centered on how serious socioeconomic issues that will translate to better quality of life for the ordinary Nigerian would be addressed, and not one where pastors, imams and traditional rulers will take centre stage over issues they are not competent about.

The comrade governor was speaking in Abuja yesterday at a reunion conference of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) with the theme: “Managing Democratic Transition in a Diverse Country.”

This is even as the former Ghanaian president, John Kofi Ku-

INECWATCH

fuor, who was the guest speaker at the event, said having conducted four democratic transitions, Nigeria should be teaching other African countries how to conduct free and fair elections. He stressed that the need to ensure a smooth transition in the coming polls should far overweigh issues of religion and ethnicity.

Meanwhile, commending AANI for organising the event, Oshiomhole said, “It is right that we generate discussions because if we are going to build a prosperous united country, such that will be expressed in the quality of life of the ordinary man, then we need to deepen discussion.

“If we are going to focus electioneering campaigns away from pastors and imams to the real drivers of the economy, then we must put issues on the table in which pastors and imams are not the most competent. And if we

It is right that we generate discussions because if we are going to build a prosperous united country, such that will be expressed in the quality of life of the ordinary man, then we need to deepen discussion

are going to move away from usual sentiments we need to put serious social economic issues on the table so that traditional rulers will not take over the space.”

He said Nigerians should not be afraid to create as many platforms as possible “so that we can continue to interrogate, not only those who wield political power, but also interrogate ourselves whether at our level we are doing what we ought to do.”

He said Nigerians must not be passive observers of the present happenings in the society but to be active participants, adding “we know that a better society is not as a result of miracles, they are the act of responsible leadership, efficient management of resources, clarity of mind, coherent policies and a citizenry that is active, committed, productive and has courage to stand for its nation.”

By Juliet Alohan, Abuja

➔ Buhari The question is not whether the party will defeat the PDP, but the question is the nature of the landslide with which the clueless party will be sent packing. I promise you that the landslide will be unprecedented.

➔ Metuh The PDP is fully ready for the coming elections. Our leaders and members are working hard in all the nooks and crannies of the country leveraging on our existing grass roots appeal, widespread political structures, a track-record of performance and abiding affinity and loyalty to the people.

INEC Presents Voters’ Register To Political Parties Today

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will today formally present to political parties, copies of the voters’ register to be used in conducting the 2015 general elections.

Section 20 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) provides that the register of

voters to an election be published at least thirty (30) days before the elections.

Also, the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2015 general elections released to the public on 24th January 2014 shows that under item 10, the

commission shall release/publish the official register of voters for the elections on January 13, 2015.

Similarly, the commission shall publish the list of nominated candidates contesting for the presidency and national assembly today as mandated by section

34 of the Electoral Act which provides that it should be done 30 days before the election.

The list of those contesting for the offices of governor and House of Assembly will be published on January 27th, 2015.

Chibuzo Ukaibe

32

fct watch

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

N15 000

ABAJI AMAC BWARI GWAGWALADA KUJE KWALI

KTA pays the members of the vigilance group about N15, 000 each to maintain peace and security around the area and they have been doing a good job for us

AbAji Youths Pledge Support

For APC

Youths in Abaji area council under the auspices of Youth For Good Governance led by Comrade Danladi Mohammed, have pledged support for the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the upcoming general elections, urging youths to vote for APC candidates to effect the needed societal change.

–By Igho Oyoyo

AmAc Elections: Jiba Calls For Peace The chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Micah Jiba, has called on politicians in the council to play politics with love and peace by shunning violence during political campaigns and the elections proper.

By Igho Oyoyo

bwAri Residents Task Council On

Provision Of Social Amenities

Natives during the FCT Cultural heritage Day

Cultural Heritage Day: Why FCT Needs Indigenous Developmental Change

By Igho oyoyo

Most Nigerian cultural heritage, like most Nigerian languages, are gradually being eroded with the arrival of a modern society forcing indigenous arts languages, cultural food and traditional wear into gradual extinction.

It is common belief is that the collective memory of any society is vital in preserving cultural identities, in bridging the gap between the present and the past and in shaping the future. There is no gainsaying that the documentary heritage in homes, libraries, palaces and archives constitute a major part of that memory which reflects the diversity of arts, languages and cultures of the Nigerian society.

However, the tides and times in the society shows that this memory is fragile and may slowly die off if not properly nurtured.

The question remains “how much of this heritage are the custodians of our culture promoting or preserving?”

Art and heritage are important part of the social, cultural and educational history of any society. The mission of custodians

and archives traditionally is to preserve written knowledge and cultural treasures, to collect and store information for future reference.

In its bid to preserve the rich cultural heritage of its tribe, the Original Inhabitants Development Association of Abuja (OIDA) organised an FCT heritage day in Kuje area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with the sole aim of showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the nine indigenous tribes of Abuja, which are Amwamwa, Bassa, Egbura-koto, Gade, Ganagana, Gbagyi, Gbari, Gwandara and Koro.

In his keynote address, the group’s president, Pastor Danladi Jeji, said the cultural festival, which witnessed the display of different masquerades and traditional dancers, apart from showcasing their cultural heritage, was meant to show how peaceful and accommodating the original inhabitants of Abuja are.

The president said the group has continued to champion the course of Abuja natives by contributing to the educational, socio-economic and political

development of the original inhabitants through offering free legal representation for shortchanged and oppressed indigenes.

He said, “We have been promoting healthy intercultural relations between the nine indigenous tribes in Abuja and other Nigerians resident in the FCT. We have also supported the federal government and nongovernmental organisations on the implementation of interventionist and developmental policies targeted at FCT natives and have also promoted the building of leadership capacity through civic education among others for the original inhabitants of the FCT.” Jeji further urged the federal government to implement all the National Conference recommendations for FCT, which includes the granting of a mayoral status for Abuja; one ministerial slot for FCT; two additional federal constituencies; two additional area councils; an FCT commission for indigenous people and an accelerated compensation for owners of seized lands in the FCT.

Residents of Bwari area council have called on the council administration to better the lives of residents by providing various basic amenities in the area.

gwAgwAlAdA LG Boss promises Development The chairman of Gwagwalada area council, Alhaji Abubakar Jibrin-Giri, has pledged to continue to render selfless service for the betterment of the less privileged in the council, this was even as he called on well to do residents to always assist the less privileged.

–By Chika Mefor

Kuje Cheiftain Warns Youths

Against Violence

The Gomo of Kuje in Kuje area council, Alhaji Haruna Jibrin, has urged youths in the council not to allow themselves to be exploited by insincere politicians for political thuggery, violence or rigging of election results, saying such actions will invariably affect genuine development in the future.

KwAli Daniel Preaches Peace

Among Residents

33

The chairman of Kwali area council, Ibrahim Daniel, has called on residents of the council to live in peace with each other in order to promote rapid development in the council.

–By Chika Mefor

16

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

c

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES LIMITED (A SUBSIDIARY OF LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPERS GROUP)

2015 ANNUAL

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

Keynote Speaker PROF. IBRAHIM GAMBARI

Former Nigerian Permanent Representative To The United Nations

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

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

AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE 2014

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

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

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

FCT watch/NEWS 33

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

‘Allow Holders Of Temporary Voter Card To Vote’

By Chika Mefor

The chairman of the FCT chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Usman Abdulmalik, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to allow holders of temporary voter card to take part in the upcoming general elections.

Speaking to journalists, Abdulmalik urged the commission not to disenfranchise eligible voters over lack of Permanent Voter Cards (PVC’s), as many registered voters were unable to obtain their PVCs. The chairman said that many of the party supporters were people from the grassroots who did not know about the PVC collection deadline until it was too late.

He said, “I urge INEC to reconsider its stand or many people will be disenfranchised which will be rather unfortunate. They should allow those who have laboured to get the temporary voters card to express their civic rights because it was quite stressful for people to even register during the registration.”

He called for continual support from supporters and party members. He cautioned members against doing things that could disintegrate the party or bring disorderliness in the territory, urging them to always be law abiding, while calling on the youths to be agents of peace especially during the election, urging them to come together to speak with one voice on issues concerning APC in FCT for the party’s progress.

FAHIS Set To Take Health Scheme To Bwari

By Igho Oyoyo

In its bid to improve the health standard of people living in rural communities, the FCT Community Based Health Insurance Scheme (FAHIS) has promised to take the scheme to every nook and cranny of Bwari area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

This was disclosed by the coordinator of CBHIS, Dr.

Grace Aganaba, when she led a delegation to visit the Esu of Bwari, Alhaji Ibrahim Yaro, in his palace, yesterday.

She revealed the groups intention to massively take the scheme to communities within the council, even as she sought the chieftain’s support and blessing for the success of the scheme.

Responding, Yaro, commended the leader of the

delegation and her team for the visit, saying that health insurance scheme is very important because it helps to improve the health level of the people, especially at the grassroots, at an affordable rate.

He said, “I enjoyed such scheme when I was a civil servant. I call the entire councillors in Bwari to support the scheme by ensuring proper

registration of people in their wards. I am willing to contribute my best to ensure the success of the scheme in my area. I know it will be successful here.

“I will call my village and district heads to have a meeting with them to discuss how to go about sensitising our people on how to register for the scheme because, if I decide to do it alone, the people will not get the real message.”

A marketer advertising his product at Gosa market, along Airport Road.

Cleric Urges Parents To Be Productive At Home

By Chika Mefor

The Anglican Bishop of Jalingo, Rt. Rev. Timothy Yahaya, has called on parents to be productive at home and ensure the well-being of the children God has given them.

Yahaya said this in Gwagwalada during the dedication of the new Holy Trinity Cathedral in Diocese of

Gwagwalada. He lamented that most parents have decided to make their offices their home, leaving the care of their children to their nannies.

He urged parents who have made pursuit of money their priority to desist from such act as it would not only affect negatively their children in the future but will also affect the society.

He said, “Some parents go to fight the children’s teachers if they beat their children and they do not have time for their children, yet they expect everything to turn out right in the end,” Yahaya also urged them to work towards being good parents so they will leave indelible legacies when they leave the world.

In his remark, chairman of the fund raising committee for the building, Mr Ndanusa Alao, said the journey to the execution of the project was a difficult one.

He attributed the success recorded in the project to support from the primate, members of the church as well as other well-meaning individuals and corporate bodies

Cultural Heritage Day: Why FCT Needs Indigenous Developmental Change

32

He said, “Although OIDA was deliberately not invited by the powers-that-be to join the delegation of FCT traditional and political officeholders that were, recently, invited to the presidency to meet with President Goodluck Jonathan; we are, however, thankful to Mr. President for his promise to grant FCT indigenes one ministerial and one permanent secretary slot. We hope to pressure the federal government of Nigeria to fulfill these promises from May 29, 2015.

“We have sensitised residents and other Nigerians on the statelessness of our people;

massive demolition of our houses and confiscation of our ancestral lands. We vigorously followed up the memoranda OIDA submitted to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which later held a public hearing to that effect and we are still awaiting the outcome.”

Speaking on the issue of Landswap, Centenary City, Aerotropolis project and other land use policies of the federal government in Abuja as anchored by the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, he said that the goup remains adamant on the need for government to involve FCT natives in policy formulation

from the start to avert crisis of confidence or breakdown of law and order whenever allottees or investors come to communities to start development.

“We praise the minister for several efforts set up to reduce tension between indigenes and the administration but we are disappointed with the Machiavellian tactics adopted by most of the committees set up to resolve issues and the outcome of such committees remain top secret, unreleased to the public or are mostly one-sided and in favour of the government.

“We plead with the minister to reconsider the demands of OIDA

and other FCT stakeholders for the restructuring of such landswap agreement to include 30 per cent ownership for the project affected communities through legally signed documents with office holders that have the interest of original inhabitants and FCT residents at heart,” he added.

In his remarks, the Gomo of Kuje, Ahaji Haruna Jibrin, commended the group for organising the heritage day for the third time in FCT, saying that despite the challenges being faced by indigenes, God will definitely grant their desires one day.

34 FCT watch/NEWS

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Kpaduma II: A Community In Need Of Social Amenities

Kpaduma community

By Chika Mefor and Ben Kati

We know that security is important in this community; we also know that even when the government can’t do it we have to help ourselves

Call it a tale of two cities, the rich and the poor, and you will not be far from the truth. That is the ironic tale of the Kpaduma II, a community that is situated close to the rich and affluent area of Asokoro District in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), ironically, the only thing the two areas share is their proximity to each other.

Speaking with LEADERSHIP on the dire situation of the community, one of the original settlers of Kpaduma, Mr Amos Awoshekwodna, said that his people, the Gbagyis, migrated to Kpaduma I and Kpaduma II in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), from area where the African Independent Television (AIT) acquired its current property at Abiako Koyi for the construction of its electronic media outfit.

Awoshekwodna said that his people are currently facing untold hardship as they are not adequately compensated after their lands were

taken from them, adding that the people who are predominantly farmers, no longer have farmlands.

The youth leader who lamented the plight of youths in his community stated that most of them are languishing in poverty due to lack of employment.

He said, ‘’Most of these youths who are not educated do not have the relevant skills to be usefull to themselves and the society while others who were able to go to school are still searching for work and the farmers are also finding it hard to continue because their lands have been taken away from them,’’ he added.

He noted that the only thing the Kpaduma’s residents enjoy is the steady power supply, made possible by the donation of transformers by the AMAC chairman, Hon. Micah Jimba and Senator Philip Aduda.

According to him, other facilities such as potable drinking water, schools, hospitals, good roads are lacking in the community.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP,

another resident, Mrs. Grace Yakubu, said that the absence of a primary school in the community have forced children to trek kilometres on daily basis to attend primary school in Kpaduma I, adding that the distance had contributed in discouraging male children from going to school.

She also decried the nonavailability of health centre in the community, adding that sick residents and pregnant women experience difficulties because they have to go to Asokoro before they access health care services.

According to her, ‘’I know of a woman, she is one of my neighbors, who was in labour about two months ago, who gave birth to a baby boy, in a taxi, on her way to Asokoro Hospital around 10 pm; the incident was quite unfortunate because but for the grace of God the woman would have died if there was complications during the delivery, a situation that can be easily averted by siting a health centre in the community.”

Waste Collection, Not An Easy Job- Ali

By Chika Mefor

Top 5 eatries in fct ➊ KFC ➋ Drum Sticks ➌ Mama Cass ➍ Tantalizer ➎ Mr Biggs

Yayaha Ali is a local waste collector at Kubwa, Bwari area council. He has earned a living through this handiwork for many years now. A native of Kano, Ali had come down to stay with his brother, a commercial motorcyclist, in Abuja. Ali, however, said he delved into the business of waste collection, after a day apprentice with my friends, when he was unable to get any other, readily available, job.

He said, “There was no work available for me to do when I came to Abu-

Waste collectors

Also speaking to LEADERSHIP, the chairman of Kpaduma Traders Association (KTA), Mr James John, said that many facilities being enjoyed by residents in the community was gotten through community effort, adding that the association has also formed a vigilance group to protect lives and property of residents.

John said, ‘’we know that security is important in this community; we also know that even when the government can’t do it we have to help ourselves. KTA pays the members of the vigilance group about N15, 000 each to maintain peace and security around the area and they have been doing a good job for us.’’

According to him, the efforts of the vigilance group have helped to reduce crime rate drastically, adding that the group were able to arrest four petty thieves who stole handsets at midnight on Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, and hand them over to the police for further interrogation and prosecution.

In his remarks, another resident, George Kato, said that though the police in the area were doing their best to protect the lives and property of people in the community, they lacked manpower, equipment and decent office environment that will motivate them to do the work.

Kato wondered why several wealthy people who reside in Asokoro which is very close to Kpaduma II, cannot contribute a little to aid the development of the community.

He enjoined the FCT Administration to provide schools, hospitals, markets, good roads and potable drinking water to the over 6,000 poverty-stricken Nigerians in area.

The residents of Kpaduma community called on the government to help the community which is just a stone-throw from the highbrow, Asokoro District of Abuja, stating that their experience was likened to the same fate like Moses, who saw the Promised Land

ja, so, my brother asked me to do this work. I joined some of the people that do it one day, to know how they do it, and where they dump the refuse, and I started my own too.”

The young lad said he wakes up every morning to face his normal routine. This very routine, according to him, starts with his prayers and, his breakfast, and then work begins in earnest. He has a cart which he says he hires for N100 daily and moves from one household to the other, getting people’s attention by hitting his cart.

Ali, a primary school dropout, said the business has helped clothe him, put food on his table and send tokens to his people at home. He further said that his target is to get a motorcycle, like his brother, adding that operating a commercial motorcycle will enable him make more money to get married and start his own family.

“We don’t really make much; people who we park their refuse give us from N20 to N100 depending on the size. I make between N300 to N500 in a day. We hit our cart as we move from one place to the other and those

35

issue Tuesday, January 13, 2015

by dr. ado muhammad

The Federal Government through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) supports and provides leadership for the development of primary health care (PHC) system in Nigeria. The Agency has seven goals as follows: control preventable diseases; improve access to basic health services; improve quality of care; strengthen institutions; develop high performing health workforce; strengthen partnerships; and strengthen community engagement.

It achieves these goals by supporting States and LGAs in developing sustainable system of PHC services that are accessible, affordable and of good quality through the participation of individuals, families and communities in partnership with government and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).

In the recent past, some major accomplishments have been recorded in the increasing coverage for routine immunization (RI), midwives service scheme (MSS), measles control, and the polio eradication initiative (PEI)1. The improvement in the RI coverage has immensely contributed to the reduction in the morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs).

For instance; the sustained OPV3 coverage >80% is most probably responsible for the significant reduction in the WPV transmission in the country; sustained improvement in the measles RI coverage >80% in most States is also responsible for the reduced morbidity and mortality from measles cases nationwide.

Some of the key factors responsible for improved RI performance in the country are sustained vaccine availability; the overhauling of the immunization system in general, coordinated planning in collaboration with our development partners and other key stakeholders, and the new vaccine introduction in the country.

The NPHCDA has ensured that this is on-going on a sustainable basis. Infectious diseases are still responsible for nearly 30% of all deaths worldwide while more than 15 million people die every year, mostly in low-income and middleincome countries.

The Global Immunization Vision and Strategy (GIVS) 2006-2015, for fighting VPDs has three priority objectives: (1) immunize more people against more diseases (2) introduce a range of newly available

New Vaccines: Improving Immunization Coverage, Child Survival vaccines and technologies, and (3) provide a number of critical health interventions through immunization.

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) prescribes attainment by 2015, of an under 5-mortality rate of not more than 75/1000 live births (MDG4). The 2008 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) estimated Nigeria’s under 5-mortality rate to be 157, declining at a rate of 1.2% annually. This rate of progress was deemed insufficient to keep the country on track to achieve MDG4.

Nigeria must therefore commit to and implement high impact interventions aimed at reducing the child deaths. (i) Pentavalent Vaccine Introduction The Pentavalent vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects infants against the following five diseases: diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) pneumonia and meningitis.

Prior to 2012, the RI schedule consisted of the traditional vaccines: BCG, OPV, DPT, Measles and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Commencing in May 2012, Nigeria introduced the Pentavalent Vaccine into its national immunization schedule in a phased manner over a 3-year period; in order to reduce substantially child mortality from pneumonia and meningitis and thus save up to 30,000 lives annually following full introduction. Currently, it is available in all PHC facilities nationwide.

However, pneumonia is a disease that can be caused by a number of other infectious agents that include bacteria, viruses and fungi; the most common in children being Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). The Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) – is the second most common cause of bacterial pneumonia.

Other causes are the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and in infants infected with HIV, Pneumocystis jiroveci is one of the commonest causes of pneumonia.

Alhassan

Nigeria must therefore commit to and implement high impact interventions aimed at reducing the child deaths (ii) Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine-10 (PCV-10) Introduction Most recently, we have also introduced the PCV-10 to protect infants against the diseases caused by the pneumococcal bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae) such as pneumonia, meningitis and bacteraemia. The national launch event was conducted on the 22nd December 2014 at Lokoja, Kogi State.

The 12 States of the federation that commenced this phased introduction were selected on zonal basis, immunization coverage and their capacities to receive and store the new vaccine, viz: Adamawa, Yobe, Kaduna, Katsina, Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, Osun, Edo, Rivers, Anambra and Ebonyi.

This introduction of the PCV-10 is continuing in a phased manner that by 2017, it will be available to infants in all the States and the FCT.

(iii) Supplemental Immunization Vaccines Other supplemental vaccines such as Measles, Yellow Fever and the newer MenAfriVac vaccine that protects against the commonest cause of cerebro-spinal meningitis (CSM) serotype A are also given as needed. In the period 20112014, the MenAfriVac vaccine was administered through the 23 meningitis belt States in Nigeria to an extended age-group of 1 – 29 years old in an effort to eliminate CSM serotype A as a major public health issue.

The NDHS 2003, 2008 and 2013 have indicated a gradual, sustained improvement in child survival indices. The introduction of these new vaccines will further reduce childhood mortality rates in Nigeria. (iv) IPV Introduction as End Game Strategy for the PEI The country has made an

unprecedented progress in its polio eradication strategy (PEI) in the past one year. There have been only six confirmed cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in two states in 2014 compared to 50 cases in nine states for the same period in 2013; with the date of onset of latest WPV case being 24th July 2014. There have been no confirmed WPV3 since November 20124.

The import of the above is that Nigeria has now achieved the interruption of the transmission of the wild poliovirus (WPV) ending 2014. Through the combined efforts of governments and other key stakeholders, we are going to even put up more efforts into the next two years to ensure certification of the country as polio-free.

Hitherto, only variants of the oral polio vaccine (OPV) have been used in our RI and the PEI efforts. However, as the country enters into the polio endgame, we have now introduced the injectable polio vaccine (IPV) to complement the supplemental effort.

Initially, the IPV was introduced in the polio-endemic States of Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi and Kano. But, commencing from the first quarter of 2015, the IPV will also be available to be delivered in the RI schedule to all eligible children at age of 14 weeks, in addition to the OPV that is given in the traditional four-dose RI schedule. The IPV given at that age is intercalated with the OPV and is expected to boost the child’s immunity further to confer higher protection against the poliovirus. (v) The Rotavirus Vaccine The rotavirus vaccine is an oral vaccine against rotavirus infection, a common cause of diarrhea and sickness, typically striking babies and young children. The unpleasant bouts of diarrhea are sometimes followed with vomiting, tummy ache and fever. The disease accounts for about half of the hospitalizations for severe diarrhea in infants and children.

A significant number of those children affected by the infection may die. The incidence and severity of the rotavirus infection have declined significantly as seen in those countries that have added Rotavirus vaccination to their routine childhood immunization.

When introduced into our RI schedule in the 3rd quarter of 2015, it will be administered to infants on two visits at ages of 6 and 10 weeks.

– Muhammad, is executive director/CEO, National Primary Health Care Development Agency

36 OPINION

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Ohuhu And The First Lady’s Connection

By Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele

Ohuhu people are historically believed to originate from Ngwa people, who designate all nonNgwa people as Ohuhu, particularly Umuahia people. The Ohuhu clan is bordered by Obowo to the North,

by Bende to the East, by Umuopara to the West, and by Ngwa to the South.

The origin of Ohuhu and that of most Igbo community seems to date back to those earlier centuries of long-distance trade in Igboland.

The Ohuhu people are naturally two families, “Uhu and “Uga,” being the reason they were originally called Umuhu-na-Okaiuga. The Ohuhau clan today is made up of many communities and have their various traditional rulers. The clan is rich in culture, which is manifested in child-birth, new yam and end of the year festivals.

Friday, December 26, 2014, will forever remain etched in the hearts of the Ohuhu people of Abia State and indeed the South East states of Nigeria. It was the day that witnessed the highest gathering of crème de la crème of the society – very important personalities including top government functionaries from all over the country.

They all came to the ancient town to felicitate and celebrate with “our very own Mama Peace,” Dame Patience Jonathan, Nigeria’s first lady, who was honoured in a grand red carpet reception at Ohuhu.

The auspicious event took place at Ohuhu Community Secondary School, Umuahia, North local government area, on Enugu – Port Harcourt express way, Abia State.

Dame Patience

It was a day laced with razzmatazz, pomp and pageantry as the ancient town came alive to receive the mammoth crowd that graced the epoch-making event. The first lady arrived with an A-List entourage that included the “Who is Who” in the South East region.

The first port of call was no other place than the palace of the ancient kingdom to pay her homage and respect. She was received by the 13 traditional rulers that make up the ancient town. The first lady explained to the paramount rulers her mission to the town and used the occasion to also intimate them of some salient achievements of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration and the key role the traditional rulers have been playing as the heart-beat of the nation, to stabilise the polity.

His Royal Highness, Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna, chairman, Ohuhu Council of Traditional Rulers, responded

The first lady unveiled the plaque, and commissioning the project, she pledged her total support to full realization of the noble objective of the civic centre

that “since the inception of the President Jonathan’s administration, traditional rulers across the country are all being accorded their respects, honour and privileges.”

The main purpose of the first lady’s visit was the ground breaking of an ultra modern centre for the entire community. The first lady unveiled the plaque, and commissioning the project, she pledged her total support to full realization of the noble objective of the civic centre.

After the ground-breaking, she immediately proceeded to the Ohuhu Community Secondary School, where a mammoth crowd was awaiting her entry and it was indeed spectacular as she took her strides all over the community ground to pay her respects and salute the gathering before going back to her seat.

The event dove-tailed into the fund-raising programme for the civic centre, which was carefully managed to the consternation of everyone present as pronouncements of huge sums of donations, ably supported

by Chief Arthur Eze, and other sons and daughters of the region, showed that the centre would be built in the shortest possible time.

The crux of the event was the official presentation of the First Lady, as Nkalari Ohuhu.

The response by Africa’s pride and mother of the nation was spectacular as she went down memory lane to mention what and how her upbringing in Ohuhu had impacted her positively in her everyday life. She recalled her growing up years.

– Aigbegbele wrote in from Abuja

Benue 2015 And The Race For Excellence

By Philip Agbese

One is finally having cause to heave a sigh of relief with the emergence of Prince Terhemen Tarzoor as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Benue State.

The relief of course has to do with the reassurance that the achievements of the outgoing governor, Gabriel Suswam will be sustained by his successor.

The term successor is used here with all sense of confidence contrary to the barrage of misinformation making the rounds as to the true state of affairs in Benue State, particularly in the wake of electioneering process around parties’ primaries.

The tales that have been spread outside of Benue State give the impression that are at best misleading and often laughable since elections

are not won by stridently repeating falsehood.

As opposed to what naysayers are peddling, the administration of Suswam is leaving behind achievements that will make Prince Tarzoor’s election a walk over given the positive impact it has made on the lives of Benue citizens.

Confirmation that the duo would successfully work as a team is already a reality with Tazoor picking the state commissioner for Works and Transport, John Ngbede, as his running mate. This is the hallmark of a political family that is able to reach decisions amicably without unnecessarily heating up the polity. This is what gives one the assurance that Benue State is guaranteed a seamless transition in the aftermath of the elections.

A Tarzoor governorship

is also certain to guarantee the completion of on-going projects initiated under the Suswam governorship since government is a continuum.

The same can be said of the growth-oriented policies of the outgoing administration.

These facts must be borne in mind by Benue people as they head for the polls since the trend has shown the penchant for people-oriented projects to be ignored or completely abandoned when there is a change of political parties at the helms of affairs.

When this happens, there is the resulting cost to the state as the amount already expended on the projects are lost or the gains from policies are truncated once discontinued.

The need to avoid such bleak future is already glaring given the manner of campaign emanating from those who

lost out to Tarzoor at the primary. They are not just satisfied with defecting but have embarked on a campaign of actively working to confuse the people as well as confuse the issues.

Instead of coming up with campaign messages that address issues, they have resorted to name calling and manipulation of information with the sole intention of brewing disaffection ahead of an imminent Tarzoor win in the coming weeks.

Such tantrums, coming from people who could not win primaries in their original political parties, should ordinarily be dismissed with a wave of the hand but it is important to set the record straight so that Benue people get to know what they should really be talking about.

– Agbese contributed this piece from Abuja

Guest Columnist

By Sebagen Noboh

Behold Emperor Erdogan!

A

whole new epoch gathers momentum in Turkey, where democracy is compelled to dress in Sultanate regalia. Behind the cloak of civilian administration, the constitution would transmogrify into draconian decrees. The parliament, the judiciary and the media would be turned into mere departments of the presidency. That is if this is not so already. Turkey is indeed on the threshold of that age.

The clampdown on the media mid-December brings to fore the new Erdogan. He finally bared his fangs. Over 20 media executives and practitioners were hauled into the dark hole, except that the court liberated a few of them later. But that did not come without denunciations from local and international critics. However, like the stubborn Pharaoh, he will not let the rest of my people go. He is obstinate like Nebuchadnezzar. He is taking in more media hostages, who he now labels terrorists. What is their real offence? They preferred to remain free and report all sides to the story than to be presidential mouthpiece.

He will not even spare minors. A 16-year-old schoolboy, who reportedly called him the chief of corruption, was incarcerated. The court, again, gave him temporal freedom after protests from school children and lawyers. Democracy is sure in tatters.

Edogan wants to be emperor. He will not learn from his former colleagues in Iraq, Libya and Egypt.

He has forgotten what happened to Saddam Hussein, Muammar Gaddafi and Muhammad Hosni Mubarak.

Really, he who the gods want to destroy, they first make deaf.

After being in power for over 12 years, he wants to build an empire. He has already built a palace for that purpose, illegally. He has asked Washington to extradite Fethullah Gülen, a cleric who was instrumental to his climber-upwards to power. A man who gave him support during his decadal successful stewardship. Why is he after the preacher? Because Gulen is opposed to his recent anti-democratic behaviour. That was too much for him to swallow. He wanted Gulen to continue to fire his political rocket.

He even wanted the cleric’s network to become his political machinery. He misunderstood Gulen. His movement wasn’t created to fan personal ambition or ego.

Erdogan began with a presidential palace. What the court ruled he rebuffed. He will now chair a meeting with the cabinet next week. A cabinet of the Prime Minister. When he was Prime Minister, did the president then ever did the same? Power, they say, corrupt; and absolute power corrupt absolutely. He has been a mayor, a good one. He has been a prime minister, an effective one. Now he is president. How else will you define absolutism? So he wants to be an emperor! He wants to be a powerful executive president in a parliamentary system.

“There is an article in the Constitution that says the president can chair the (cabinet) meeting and call one when necessary,” he claimed. But the constitution says it can only be in an extraordinary circumstance. What extraordinary circumstance exists now to warrant that?

Tried he may, he cannot pocket the whole country, at least not for long. Discord is already raring its head in the political sphere. Opposition is mounting from other parties. The parties’ top echelon is opposing his planned totalitarianism. They are against his quest for more power.

But Erdogan, as expected, may not budge. He believes opposition parties are too small to match his heavy war chest. He won’t know that times are changing. He cannot cut the lines between dreams and daydreaming. They, the tyrants, are always moving far behind reality. They cannot move with the tide until the tide is turned. The Turkish President will not be an exception.

politics today Tuesday, January 13, 2015

REPORTS ANALYSES REVIEWS INTERVIEWS

Electioneering Over Legislating ith several important pending bills before it, the House of Representatives has gone on several recesses in this last legislative year and will today reconvene from the yuletide and New Year break. Therefore, in consideration of the high pitched politicking going on across the country, all eyes will be on members to see how they will possibly discharge of their legislative functions as required of them given the short time left for the 7th Assembly to elapse.

Not a few people have expressed fears that legislative duties of the legislators will suffer on the altar of electioneering campaigns all over the country by the same legislators, with many wondering how they can at the same time be in Abuja to carry out their constitutional responsibility of lawmaking for the country.

Fears of likely abdication of duty are not far-fetched.

The speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, is currently a frontline governorship candidate of the All Progressives Party (APC) in Sokoto State and had kicked off his campaign just a couple of days ago. He is expected to go round the 23 local government areas of the state. Besides, Tambuwal might also join the presidential campaign train of his party from one state to the other in the coming days.

Ditto for the House deputy speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, who also picked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s ticket for Imo State governorship.

Therefore, with the principal officers’ potential absence from the House for the remaining days of the legislative calendar, the workload before the House may not be dispensed with by the end of the 7th Assembly as promised earlier by its leadership.

W

In consideration of the high pitched politicking going on across the country, all eyes will be on members to see how they will possibly discharge of their legislative functions as required of them

Matters Before The House As the House resumes, it is expected to expedite actions on the 2015 Appropriation Bill and others which are of public interest still pending for some time now. These bills also include the all important

Tambuwal

Ihedioha

2015 Elections And Workload Before House Of Reps As the House of Representatives resumes today and few weeks to the commencement of the 2015 general elections of which they are contestants, many of the pending Bills and probes before the House may not scale through as the 7th Assembly prepares to wind up. BODE GBADEBO writes on the challenges and legislative workload before the members in view of likely time constraint Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

The ad-hoc committee of the House on PIB led by Hon Isiaka Bawa had been issued a 21-day ultimatum for the submission of its report by the speaker on September 16, 2014, a time frame which has since elapsed with no report to show.

Consequently, on October 28, 2014, Bawa requested for oneweek extension of time in order for the ad-hoc committee to present the much expected PIB report. Incidentally that same day, the House embarked on a five-week recess in order allow members participate in their party congresses.

The House spokesman, Hon Zakari Mohammed, while debunking rumours of unseen hands blocking the PIB report, said: “We don’t give credence to rumours. The PIB

is a very sensitive legislation.

A number of issues have come up with political and zonal connotations. There are no unseen hands stalling the presentation of the PIB report.”

For the umpteenth time, Mohammed assured that the PIB will be passed before the end of the 7th Assembly, hinting that the PIB report will be considered when the House resumes from its recess today.

“The PIB will be on ground before we round off this assignment. The chairman of the House adhoc committee on PIB, Ishaka Bawa, told me that their work is concluded. The leadership of the House believes that the PIB is one of the best legacies this assembly will be bequeathing Nigerians,” he said.

While the House might deserve a benefit of the doubt,

the fears in some quarters is the fact that once the 7th Assembly ends, all pending Bills will start their journey afresh, resulting in waste of financial and other resources invested in the previous legislative processes on the abandoned bills.

Apart from the pending Bills, there are also uncompleted House-initiated probes as part of its oversight functions.

The probe into the N10bn expended by the minister of petroleum resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke, on hiring of chartered jets for her official trips, may also attract attention of members on resumption after a Federal High Court gave an order stopping the probe.

The House spokesman had also on December 18, 2014 gave an indication of possible appeal by the House, while describing the court order setting aside the House invitation to AllisonMadueke to appear before it to explain her bogus spendings on chartered planes as dangerous precedence.

“There is a possibility of appeal and any statement from our side could affect our case. It is sad that this kind of development is happening,” Mohammed had said.

37

38

labour matters Tuesday, January 13, 2015

the day and therefore, these are serious challenges that I think as a centre we must take up headlong.

Therefore, our major policy will be to engage these neo-liberal policies that are imposed by IMF and World Bank so we can liberate our country.

My major focus will be to bring back the principle and ideology of our founding fathers i.e., standing in for the workers, the Nigerian public and defending their interests whatever it takes and gaining their confidence.

In the face of falling oil prices and foreign interference in our economy, many may argue that achieving these will be difficult, so how will you do that?

Wada

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

Labour Must Tackle Govt On Anti-workers Policies – Waba

Comrade Ayuba Waba is the president of the Medical and Health Workers. In this interview with selected journalists in Abuja, he spoke on various issues and the dream for a more vibrant NLC. Michael Oche was there.

Some Nigerians say they are losing confidence in the ability of NLC to protect workers interest. As a leading contender for the position of NLC president; how do you plan to restore this confidence?

I have a programme of actions that I want to put in place remembering the fact that in 1999 when the leadership of NLC emerged after a four year ban by Abacha, the crux of the agenda then, was how to rebuild a new NLC coming out from the ban that affected most of our organisational structures, our finances and the capacity of the NLC then under a sole administrator to engage policies and programmes that were detrimental to the overall interest of Nigerian workers. The quest then

was to build NLC into a fighting organisation that would earn the confidence of workers and also that of the employer. That I think has sufficiently been achieved if you look at 1999 to date.

But I think new issues are emerging because whether you like it or not, the fact now is that with globalisation, a lot of new issues are emerging, even gains that were made in the past are gradually being eroded especially by neo liberal policies; outsourcing which is affecting membership of unions on a daily basis, privatisation, most government corporations are being privatised and outsourced and the workforce is shrinking by the day which affects the socio-economic fabric of the country.

Unemployment is increasing by

There is always an alternative to every policy. Most policies that are being churned out by IMF and World Bank, a lot of other countries have had alternatives and it is working for them. Therefore, my preoccupation is to engage every policy that we think is detrimental to Nigerian workers and the masses and also come up with alternative.

This we will do vigorously because we will not allow the gains that we have made in the past to be eroded.

Our founding fathers made a lot of sacrifices and therefore had made a lot of gains for Nigerian workers.

When you look at our labour laws, you find out they are one of the best around the world; on daily basis, you will hear people insinuating that they need the labour laws to be reviewed so that the gains made by workers can now be reduced. This will be a very serious contestation.

What other plans do you have for the NLC and by extension Nigerian workers and citizens?

Part of our agenda is also to strengthen the unions and also the state councils as well as all our state structures. We cannot continue to be the fighting organisation NLC is known for if our structures are weak. As it is today, the capacity of some of our unions because they have lost membership is going down. The capacity of our state councils is also going down. We have not been able to organise all the local government structures of NLC despite the fact that it is provided in the constitution; our first major task to make sure that we galvanise all our structures, empower them both educationally in terms of capacity and also the quality of leadership that will emerge so that all of us will be on the same page and then we will have the capacity to fight those neo-liberal policies and also engage in meaningful dialogue with our

employers because nothing good comes easy. Workers have to be on their feet to gain their freedom and also maintain whatever gain they have made in the past.

Nigerian youth don’t seem so interested in activism. Do you have any plans on the recruitment process?

Yes, we are also going to put a structure that will give youths a voice in the labour sector because whether we like it or not, there is the issue of aging which also affecting our movement; the culture and the tradition that we are known for is gradually being eroded. Imagine the next 10 years, what would be the crop of labour leaders that will be in place? We have not built enough in terms of succession. We are going to establish a youth wing and it will be strengthened so that all these ideologies that our founding fathers are known for and most of the trainings they have received across the world will continue to live. Those opportunities are no longer there because most of them trained in the eastern bloc in a lot of labour training institutes across the globe and it was free in those days.

Those institutes no longer exist. We also a proposal to institutionalise the labour college, we are going to build a labour college and all these our veterans, most of their exploits within the labour movement have not been documented, we are going to document them.

They are going to be the main resource persons in the labour college and the labour institute where policy issues will be examined and we come up with informed decisions and positions that will guide our actions and inactions in order to effectively represent Nigerian workers.

In the labour college setting, the youth and women are going to be well integrated because it has been proven all over the world that in every struggle that you want to succeed, you must take the youths on board. Therefore, our young workers will be, I don’t want to say indoctrinated, but they need to be trained and informed about how our struggles started, the ideology of how the unions came about and consciously impact into them the fact that they need to also to join into the struggle. These are some of the critical structures that hopefully by the special grace of God, my team is working on and we will put in place. Once we do that, we will then institutionalising work on how to impact knowledge and skills for trade union leaders in our country.

Unemployment is increasing by the day and therefore, these are serious challenges that I think as a centre we must take up headlong

news north-East, north-west 39

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Taraba: I’ll Spring A Surprise By Feb – Sabo Kente

By Andrew Ojih, Jigawa

The governorship flag bearer of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Taraba State, Chief David Sabo Kente has said that he will spring a surprise in the state come February 28 with his grassroots followership and political plans.

Kente, who said this in an interview, explained that he has continued to enjoy the acceptance of the people, emphasising that the overwhelming crowds of peo-

ple that cheer him in recent times were a sign of his popularity.

“My fascinating attitude and level of followership attracted personalities to me since I indicated interest to contest the governorship of Taraba State”, Kente said.

He said that he has so far been able to prove his capacity to govern the state with his ability to manage and control the attacks and killings that have been rocking the Southern part of the state.

He noted that his unbeatable

track record of achievements, especially in the area of providing infrastructural facilities and the empowerment of youths in the state had earned him the acceptance of his people.

He added that he has also used his foundation to touch the lives of the common man in the state.

“As I am speaking with you, my foundation has embarked on several developmental projects across the state aimed at alleviating the suffering of the downtrodden masses across the 16 lo-

cal government areas.

“With all these that I have done, Tarabans have seen that I am the only person who can come and save the people of the state who have been suffering from bad governance over the years”, he noted.

The SPD gubernatorial flag bearer added that his decision to leave PDP was informed by what he described as irregularities that characterised the party’s primaries which Darius Ishaku was said to have won.

L-R: Kaduna State chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon Haruna Gaiya; director general, Yero/Bajoga campaign, Hon Felix Hassan Hyat and Kaduna State governor Ramalan Yero, during the flagoff campaign of Yero/ Bajoga, at Murtala Square in Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO GBENGA ABIOLA.

short news Sen Gwarzo Constructs 8,612 Wells For Dry Season Farming

By Abubakar Salihi, Kano

By Mohammed Ismail, Yola

The immediate past special adviser on political matters to President Goodluck Jonathan, Ahmed Gulak has maintained that he remains the substantive Senatorial candidate of Adamawa North Senatorial zone under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) having contested and won the party primaries.

Gulak who made the declaration during a press conference in Yola yesterday said he partook in the party primaries conducted in Abuja and defeated six other aspirants to win the election with 84 votes,

noting that with that development, he remains the candidate of the party.

“Seven of us contested the seat and I emerged victorious in Abuja,” he said.

He added that a candidate can only be substituted if he either dies or has willingly resigned through writing, adding that he has neither died nor resigned from the contest.

He noted that the substitution of his name with that of the state governor, Bala Nggilari, remains null and void having fulfilled all requirements of the primary election which made the party to submit his name to INEC as the winner

of the election.

“I am the authentic candidate for Northern Senatorial zone having contested and won the primaries with 84 votes.

“The substitution of my name with that of Bala Nggilari remains null and void and the result of the primaries have been documented for anyone to see,” he noted.

Gulak noted that there was no way Ngillari could become the Candidate of the party as he has not even contested the ticket noting that the governor bought the gubernatorial ticket and was even screened and cleared in Bauchi state and did not vie for senate ticket.

Kaduna Guber: We Can’t Be Intimidated – Yero

By Isaiah Benjamin, Kaduna

Apparently worried by the utterances of the opposition party which he considered as provocative and intimidating, Kaduna State governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, has said that nobody has the monopoly of violence, stressing that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not succumb to any form of intimidation by the opposition.

He said that PDP as a party believes in peace and issues-based campaigns,

but warned that anybody who engages in violence will be taught how to live in peace. He added that should they fail to live in peace, the government will have no option than to make such persons face the full wrath of the law.

Yero stated these yesterday during the inauguration of his campaign team in Kaduna with former aviation minister and gubernatorial aspirant, Dr Felix Hassan Hyet as the campaign director general.

The governor, who vehemently warned all those that allegedly threatened to engage in destruction of PDP vehicles, banners and billboards, hate and instigative speeches, told the PDP supporters, “If you are touched, protect yourself; if you can tell us, we will protect you,” stressing that it pays to live in peace than in pieces.

He added that politics should not be seen as a do-or-die affair because power comes from God and He gives it to whoever He wishes at His own time.

As the campaigns towards the February general elections gather momentum, the United States ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle has urged Nigerian political leaders to refrain from intimidating people and making inflammatory utterances that can heat up the polity, just as he appealed to Nigerians to avoid any act of violence.

Addressing a Journalism Training Workshop organised by the US Embassy in Abuja and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) national secretariat holding in Kaduna, the American envoy called on the federal government, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the political parties to ensure that all registered voters are allowed to vote for candidates of their choice, so that Nigeria will hold free, fair and credible elections next month.

“Just 33 days from today, the 2015 general elections will begin. The United States strongly supports a free, transparent, credible, inclusive and non-violent electoral process.”

By Isaiah Benjamin, Kaduna

Election: Katsina APC May Drag Tata To Court Barring any change of plan, the Katsina State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) may drag the APGA gubernatorial candidate in the state, Abdullahi Tsauri Tata and other party candidates to court for using the APC presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari on their billboards and posters ahead of the general elections.

Our correspondent reports that several candidates across the state, prominent among whom is the APGA guber flag bearer, Tata, are using Buhari to woo voters.

Obviously incensed by this act, the APC said it will no longer condone it and urged its members to vote for the APC across the board.

The state party chairman, Mustapha Inuwa said already, the party has asked its lawyers to write a warning letter to Tata and others over their actions, assuring that it will equally notify INEC as the action contravenes the Electoral Act. Inuwa said that if the candidates fail to heed the warning, the party will have no option than to approach the courts to seek redress.

,

The senator representing Kano North in the National Assembly, Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo has constructed 8,612 wells for dry season farming and distributed pump machines to the farmers in his senatorial district.

During the flagoff of the distribution of the empowerment tools at his farm house, BUK road, Kano, pump machines and other empowerment tools were given to hundreds of members of his constituency.

Senate: Don’t Appease Nggilari With My Ticket, Gulak Warns PDP

Election: US Envoy Urges Nigerian Politicians To Shun Inciting Utterances

By Muazu Elazeh, Katsina

40 news south-South south-East Edo Assembly Proposes 55 Days Business Calendar For 3rd Quarter BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Har- pected to be dynamites, in the early

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Rivers: PDP Condemns Bombing Of APC Secretariat

The Edo State House of Assembly yesterday in Benin proposed a business calendar of 55days for the third quarter of the fourth session of the Fifth Assembly.

Meanwhile, the House yesterday observed a minute silence for fallen Nigerian soldiers who laid down their lives in defence of the nation and asked for support for the Armed Forces in overcoming the insurgency in the North East.

Presenting the proposal for adoption at the resumption of the Assembly, majority leader of the House, Mr Philip Shaibu, said that if the calendar is adopted, it would amount to 161 if added to the past two quarters.

court

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State has condemned the bombing of the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Okrika local government area of the state, by unknown gunmen.

The APC secretariat, located at Abam-Ama community in the area, was destroyed with explosives sus-

hours of Sunday, January 11, 2015, leading to the loss of party documents and property worth over N15 billion.

Chairman of APC in the area, Mr. Christian Asifamaka had, in a statement issued immediately after the explosion, accused the members of the opposition party of carrying out the dastardly act in an attempt to draw the APC into a battle that would destabilise the crisis-torn

Ijaw community.

But, the PDP in a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday and signed by Jerry Needam, special adviser on Media to the state chairman, called on security agencies to ensure that those behind the act were brought to book.

The statement reads in part, “The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, receives the reported destruction of a building accommodating the Local Govern-

ment Council Office of the All Progressives Congress in Okrika with sadness, and calls on the security agencies to ensure that perpetrators of such needless action are brought to book.

“The party believes that whoever carried out such reckless act may have done it out of ill-conceived motive, not germane to democratic principles, appealing to all politicians to play politics with love, tolerance, and fairness.

short news Senatorial Election: C’River Youths, NANS Support ExALGON Chair

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

A/Ibom People Defy Harmattan To Welcome Emmanuel From Lagos The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mr Udom Emmanuel has said that he was overwhelmed by the show of love and solidarity by the people who defied the biting cold of the harmattan to welcome him back home after receiving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag in Lagos.

Udom told newsmen yesterday in Uyo that the flag symbolises the unbreakable unity of the state despite all the challenges, noting that the oneness of the state was captured by the fact that he came back with just one flag.

By Bernard Tolani Dada Uyo

Civil Defence Trains 100 In Weapon Handling In Edo As part of efforts to improve efficiency in the protection of lives and property in the country, the Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, has trained 100 of its personnel in weapon handling.

The officers who were trained in collaboration with the Fourth Brigade Command of the Nigerian Army, were also grilled in field craft.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the operatives held at the Fourth Brigade Garrison, Ekehuan Barrack in Benin, the state commandant, Mr. Idris Haruna, explained that the training was also part of federal government’s plan to form a synergy among various security agency in the fight against “dare devil economic saboteurs.”

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

The youths, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and women organisations drawn from central senatorial district in Cross River State have drummed support All Progressives Congress (APC) members protesting over the APC secretariat which was bombed on Sunday in Port for the aspiration Harcourt, yesterday. of former acting national chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria

BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port the various political par- have the privilege to host protest to the state head(ALGON) Dr. Sandy Harcourt ties jostling to take over the flag-off of General Bu- quarters of Nigeria Police Onor, to the the Government House hari’s presidential cam- and office of the DepartSenate.

The All Progressives Con- during the February 28, paign and we wish to as- ment of State Security Leaders of the gress (APC) in Rivers State 2015 governorship elec- sure him that both Rivers (DSS) in Port Harcourt, various groups has assured the party’s tion in the state.

State and the entire Ni- over incessant attacks on spoke respectively presidential candidate, Chairman of APC in the ger Delta region are sol- them. yesterday in Etung General Muhammadu Bu- state, Dr. Davies Ibiamu idly behind him.

The protest came barelocal government hari, of victory in the Feb- Ikanya, in a statement isly less than 48 hours after area during the ruary 14, 2015 presiden- sued in Port Harcourt yes- APC Protests Incessant hoodlums attacked memsecond lap of tial polls in the state. terday also congratulated Attacks bers of the APC during Sandy Onor’s This is as the party said Buhari on the flag-off of Hundreds of members their rally at Ward 10, Ruelectioneering its governorship candi- his presidential campaign of the All Progressives mueme community of the campaign within date in the state, Dr. Da- rally in the Rivers State Congress (APC) in Obio/ area, leading to the hosthe central kuku Adol Peterside has capital.

Akpor local government pitalisation of no fewer senatorial district. no equal among the govIkanya said, “It was a area of Rivers State yes- than six members of the ernorship candidates of thing of honour for us to terday staged a peaceful party.

By Lanre Arotimi, Calabar

APC Assures Buhari Of Landslide Victory In Rivers

Nigeria Must Remain United – Gov Uduaghan

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

As Nigeria remembers its fallen heroes, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has called for actions which will deepen the peace and unity of the country.

Uduaghan made the call at an inter-denominational thanksgiving service as part of activities marking 2015 Armed Forces Remembrance Day held at the Cathedral Church of St. Peters (An-

glican Communion), Asaba.

According to him, it was important for Nigerians to shun actions that are capable of dividing Nigerians stating that peaceful co-existence should not be compromised on the altar of selfish ego.

“Terrorism is not a Nigerian affair, it is a worldwide phenomenon. We need to support our security agencies in the fight against terrorism,” he said. “By

the grace of God, this nation will remain one indivisible entity,” he added.

He said there are fears of election violence in the country disclosing that his administration has taken preventive measures to curb such violence in the state.

“Next month elections will come, there has been a lot of security concern for the elections; there have been prayers everywhere to prevent violence be-

fore, during and after the elections. As a government we will not sit and watch it occur. We have put in place preventive programmes so that our people will know that nobody needs to die in an election.

“We will mobilise our religious leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups and elders to educate our people to minimize election violence and reduce the work of security agencies,” he added.

27

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC)

APPRECIATION On behalf of the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, His Excellency Alh. (Dr) Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko On behalf of the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, APC supporters and the good (Sarkin Yamman Sokoto), the leadership and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the people of Sokoto State, we wish to express our heart-felt happiness and profound good people to of Sokoto State, we wish toNigerians express ourand heart-felt profound to all gratitude all well-meaning the happiness teemingand crowds of gratitude youth and well meaningAssociations, Nigerians and the teemingand crowd of youth, women groups,politicians association of people with voluntary women disable organizations, and others too numerous mention. politicians and others too numerous to mention who attended the disability, voluntarytoorganizations, flag off of the 2015 general elections campaigns of our great party on Sunday, January 11, 2015, at the We are particularly grateful to the National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun; our permanent Trade Fair Complex, Sokoto.

presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari; Chief Bisi Akande; Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the Asiwaju; their Excellencies, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; We are particularly grateful to the Chief John presidential candidate, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed of National Edo andChairman, Kwara States; theOyegun; Deputyour Governor of Zamfara State Alhaji Ibrahim Wakalla; the Vice Chairman North-West Abdukadir, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd); Chief Bisi Akande; Senator Ahmed BolaZone, Tinubu,Inuwa the Asiwaju; their ExEsq; Senator Ahmad YarimanAlhaji Bakura; Senator Adamu andStates Senator Atiku cellencies, Comrade AdamsSani Oshiomhole; Abdulfatah Ahmed of EdoAliero and Kwara respectively; Bagudu. the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State Alhaji Ibrahim Wakalla; the Vice Chairman North-West Zone, Inuwa Abdulkadir, Esq;Senators Senator Ahmad Yariman Bakura; Adamu Aliero andfrom Senator Atiku Bagudu.

Others are and Sani members of theSenator National Assembly Sokoto State

and other parts of Nigeria who attended; the former Deputy Governor Alhaji Chiso Our gratitudeDattijo; also goesHon. to Senators and members of the National Assembly from Sokotoof State and other Abdullahi Speaker and members of Sokoto State House Assembly; Chairmen and Secretaries wards; Local Governments and Alhaji StateChiso Executives APC parts of Nigeria who attended theof ceremony; the former Deputy Governor AbdullahiofDattijo; from Sokoto, Zamfara Acting Chairmen and Secretaries of Hon. Speaker andKebbi, members of Sokotoand Stateother Houseplaces; of Assembly; Chairmen and Secretaries of wards; Local the 23 Local Government areas of the State and others too numerous to mention.

Governments and State Executives of APC from Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and other places; Acting Chairmen and Secretaries of the 23 Local Government Areas the of theoccasion State and others too numerous to mention.

Indeed, your presence has not only made auspicious and colourful,

but added value to it.

Indeed, your presence not only made the occasion auspicious and colourful, but added value to it.

It is our belief that as you came to make the flag off of the campaigns worthwhile, so shall Allah crown our efforts by making us win all the available positions in the It is our belief that as you came to make the flag off of the campaigns worthwhile, so shall Allah (SWT) 2015 general elections. crown our efforts by making us win all the available positions in the 2015 general elections.

May Allah continue to reward and bless you all for your commitment and steadfastness in trying to usher new dawn Nigeria.

May Allah (SWT) continue to reward andabless you all for in your commitment and steadfastness in trying to usher a new dawn in Nigeria.

Thank you all.

Thank you all.

ALH. MUHAMMADU MAIGARI DINGYADI (Katukan Sokoto) Director General 2015 General Elections Campaign

news Lagos 41

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

APC Members In UK Endorse Ambode, Donate Bus To Campaign Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), United Kingdom has thrown their weight behind the party’s governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr Akinwumi Ambode, and donated a bus to boost his campaign.

The APC UK Lagos State publicity secretary, Ladi Vera-Cruz, in a statement made available to journalists said they were supporting the candidate to ensure continuance of positive change in the state.

The statement reads in part, “APC UK Lagos State stands shoulder to shoulder with Mr Akinwumi Ambode as he seeks the mandate of the people and presents him and his campaign team with this bus as a sign of solidarity and belief in his aspiration to become the next executive governor of Lagos State.

“The mantle of leadership can be very demanding and you have shown through your years of selfless service at different levels in Lagos State that you are up to the task to take our precious and beloved Lagos State to the next level.”

The APC members in the Diaspora who acknowledged the spirit of excellence in Ambode to be at the helm of affairs in Lagos State, said his wealth of experience would enable him to deliver the dividends of good governance to the indigenes of the state.

PDP Denies Plans To Sack Workers In Lagos

By George Okojie, Lagos

The Lagos State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denied allegations making the rounds in the state that its governorship candidate, Mr Jimi Agbaje, would sack workers if voted in as governor of the state on February 28.

The party in a statement by its publicity secretary, Mr Gani Taofik, said the only plan Agbaje has in the offing right now is to wrest power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos as Governor Ayo Fayose did in Ekiti State.

The statement reads: “For the

sake of clarity, Fayose sacked APC in Ekiti and not workers.

Fayose has in fact employed workers in Ekiti and with better remuneration than did Fayemi.

The workers now under probation in Ekiti were hurriedly employed

by Fayemi to burden Fayose.

“Very many are not even with employment letters. Fayose is screening them and we can assure you that the qualified workers will continue in office and others redeployed to proper offices.

“Interestingly, in Lagos, even Ambode is planning to declare emergency in employment drive by inaugurating employment

trust fund, an admission of inadequacy in that expectation.

This is an indictment on APC in Lagos.”

“The APC has failed Lagos workers and is already jittery of the resolve of Lagos workers to reject the party in the February election. The APC is aware of plans by Agbaje to improve the welfare of Lagos workers.”

PDP assured that Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) sweepers will not only be used as adverts on the roads but also paid handsomely.

“The LASTMA staff will be sent on periodic trainings in Europe and America; all Lagos civil

servants shall enjoy all bonuses hitherto suspended. APC knows the realisable plans will be unfolded at our rallies.

“They have thus resorted to mudslinging and falsehood. On the contrary, it is even Ambode that initiated the current obnoxious salary scale in the Lagos Civil Service. Agbaje will correct this as well as lift the embargo on promotions and other rewards”, the party stated.

The Lagos APC through its publicity secretary, Joe Igbokwe had issued a statement, alleging plans by Agbaje to sack Lagos workers as allegedly done by Fayose in Ekiti State.

By George Okojie, Lagos

TUC Condemns Transfer Of MOPOL Commander Over Xmas Largesse The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has condemned the transfer of Mobile Police (MOPOL) Commander, Gabriel Selenkere over his refusal to allow mobile policemen in his command to queue in public to collect Christmas largesse from the state government.

This was contained in a statement signed by the TUC president general, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama yesterday.

The Congress said, "We are not averse to giving and collection of gifts from whoever; rather, our worry is why should the commissioner, Mr Lakanu encourage his men to queue to collect rice in full public glare? What one could deduce here is that the police authority in the state is at the beck and call of the state government, compromising its neutrality and loyalty to the entire public.

"While we demand the immediate transfer of the state commissioner of police, Mr Taiwo Lakanu for his gross misconduct, we ask that Mr Selenkere be handsomely rewarded instead of being victimised for defending the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force as it could have been done in a saner environment".

By Taiwo Ogunmola-Omilani, Lagos

Fire fighters putting out the fire that ravaged Balogun Market in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO BY BENEDICT UWALAKA

Traffic Congestion As Fire Guts Buildings In Balogun Market

By George Okojie, Lagos

Traders at the popular Balogun Market in Lagos Island were thrown into a state of confusion when fire razed six buildings in the market.

The traders in an attempt to salvage some of the items in the buildings were seen darting in and out of the complex trying move out their goods.

In the process, there was terrible vehicular traffic in the Lagos Island, following the large number of traders and passersby that besieged the vicinity to catch a glimpse of the inferno.

Officials of the state and Federal Fire Service and other agencies deployed to the scene had a hectic task gaining access to the building to put out the fire.

Witnesses said at least 100 shops were affected by the fire in the newly built Balogun Market, adding that the fire started around 4am.

One of the witnesses, Kehinde Babatunde, said “Not less than 100 shops were affected by the fire. Look at those buildings, six of them were affected. The least among them is three-storey building which are four, while the remaining two are five-storey buildings."

The traders said the six buildings house hundreds of shops and warehouses where assorted materials like clothes, shoes, electronics and others were being sold.

Confirming the inferno, the director, Lagos State Fire Service, Rasak Fadipe told our correspondent that the fire started around 4am and that six build-

ings were involved.

He added that about six fire tankers had been deployed to fight the fire, saying the cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained.

Fadipe lamented that the presence of a large crowd is affecting the fire service operation, saying that the fire has affected several shops in the buildings.

He said fire trucks from Sari Iganmu, Isolo, Ilupeju and Alausa were battling the fire and that it was still raging seriously at the time of filing this report.

Also speaking on the incident, the general manager, LASEMA, Dr Femi OkeOsanyintolu said the fire started around 4am and the agency and others were on ground to put out the fire to stop it from spreading to adjoining buildings.

42

stories of the Tuesday, January 13, 2015

...NEWS WITH A HUMAN FACE

ROBBERY: 6 Suspects In Police Net

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

The police in Ozoro Divisional Police Command, Delta State, have arrested six suspected robbery syndicates that have been terrorizing the community and its environs in the recent times.

CSP Steve Yabanet, the Divisional Police Officer in the area, who confirmed the arrest of the suspects, disclosed that the police will do everything possible to eradicate all forms of nefarious activities in the community, adding that the suspects upon interrogation confessed to have been waylaying unsuspecting members of the public as well as dispossessing them of their belongings along Ozoro/Ughelli Road in the recent times.

CSP Yabanet maintained that the police will continue to deal with robbery syndicates in and around the community especially those who aid and abate them, disclosing that the police in the last few weeks have arrested over eight suspected armed robbers who operate across the state.

He charged officers and men of the police at the division to put in more efforts in combating crime as well as maintain the fundamentals of justice which empowers them to work accordingly with the guided constitution to bring about efficient and effective performance of their statutory functions at a given time.

He said that the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigation and warned that it would no longer be business as usual for all forms of criminal activities in the area.

ASSAULT: NGO Condemns Wife Beating, Child Rape

BY SOLOMON AYADO, Makurdi

The founder and president of a nongovernmental organization (NGO) Keep Hope Alive Vineyard Initiative International, Mrs. Patricia Nyemeziem has described men who engage in wife battering and rape as having mental illness.

The organization called on the state government to come to their aid to get rid of their psychological challenges.

Mrs. Nyemeziem, while speaking to journalists in Asaba yesterday during an interactive section, disclosed that men who rape underage children are equally having mental illness or psychological problems.

“I know most of these men are rich and influential. They bribe their ways through when arrested.”

She explained that something must be done urgently to stop the urgly incident.

According to her, “Parents should be closer to their underage children and allow them to grow in maturity and once they are true they will be able to take care of themselves and avoid unforeseen circumstances.”

Scavengers pushing a truck load of used tyres in Kubwa, Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO BY ADFEMI ADWUYI

RANDY BANKER: Man, 38, Accused Of Assaulting 9-yr-old Maid By: Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

The whereabouts of a 38-year-old man, simply identified as Mr. Ojuigo of Upper Sakponba Road in Benin City, remain unknown to family members and friends following a revelation by their nine-year-old house maid, Ada, who accused him of forcing her to engage in oral sex with him when the wife had gone to work.

Ojuigo, who is said to have lost his job six months ago in one of the new generation banks along Airport road in Benin, got into trouble when the nine-year-old girl revealed to his wife that the husband had on several

occasion forced her to perform sex acts with him with a promise to give her money. He also threatened to kill her if she told his wife or any other person.

However, the victim was said to have confided in another girl who lives in the same compound who later told the wife of former banker.

Angered by embarrassment, the wife who is a banker, was said have publicly confronted the husband who stoutly denied the allegations.

She was said to have reported the matter to his in-laws and church elders, but he declined several invitations to appear before them.

INFERNO: Fire Renders Hundreds Homeless

BY MATTHEW DIKE, Lagos

Tears flowed from the eyes of people in Igando area of Lagos State where fire razed houses and rendered hundreds of people homeless.

Property estimated at millions of naira was also destroyed.

The fire which was said to have begun around 10am on Sunday raged till the time of filing this report yesterday.

LEADERSHIP investigation revealed that the inferno began from a refuse dump close to the general hospital in the area.

The inferno was said to have raged uncontrollably, destroying 15 buildings at Raimi Ajibowo street.

Five of the buildings were completely destroyed while 10 others were badly affected.

Hoodlums were said to have stormed the area, carting away people’s property before policemen from Igando police station arrived the scene.

The billowing smoke was said to have disturbed patients in the general hospital. Many of them were evacuated from the wards to another place.

A doctor who spoke on the condition of anonymity said no casualty was recorded because nobody was brought to the hospital for treatment of burnt during the period.

An official of Lagos State emergency and fire services (name withheld) disclosed that the fire began as a result of burning of refuse at the dump cite.

He said the fire spread to the buildings at Raimi Ajibowo street where it destroyed many buildings and rendered many people homeless.

A resident, Yemisi Akingbala disclosed that the fire had rendered hundreds of people homeless.

Akingbala said hoodlums also cashed in on the situation to loot people’s property.

She said property worth millions of naira were destroyed.

BOOMING MARKET: Umbrella Sellers Hail PDP For Holding Campaign Rally In Gboko

BY SOLOMON AYADO, Makurdi

Traders selling umbrella yesterday praised the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue state for holding the gubernatorial campaign rally in Gboko town of the state.

This is even as the Mzough U Tiv, a socio-cultural organization of the Tiv nation called for a peaceful and issuebased campaigns.

President of the association, Engr.

Edward Ujege assured Terhemen Tarzoor the total support of the organization.

The umbrella sellers made bliss business in the place as thousands of party supporters procured the commodity and were using it to symbolize their unflinching support for the ruling PDP. Gboko is the ancestral town of the Tiv nation and the flag off of the PDP campaign rally in the area is to immortalized the legendary of the late Joseph Sarwuan Tarka, who fought for the emancipation of the people.

The governorship flag bearer, Terhemen Tarzoor and his running mate, John Ngbede, Benue state Governor Gabriel, his deputy Chief Steven Lawani, as well as senate president David Mark among other prominent indigenes of the state attended the event.

However, the umbrella sellers were obviously happy selling their products, just as they commended the party for enabling them to make great profit. The products nearly became insufficient because buyers scrambled to purchase it.

STORIES OF THE DAY 43

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

day

Photo News

DEATH: 4 Die In Auto Crash

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

Two separate road accidents in Ilorin, Kwara State, at the weekend claimed the lives of four persons three of them members of the state’s chapter of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association (IPMAN).

The three IPMAN members lost their lives when their car, a Prado Jeep, lost control along Oke-Oyi section of the Ilorin-old Jebba road as they were returning from a meeting of the Youth Wing of their association at the Oke-Oyi NNPC Depot.

One of the deceased, Alhaji AbdulWaheed Abese, was a chairmanship aspirant in the association’s election slated for next month.

The other two victims were Alhaji Bola Taiwo and Hajia Rasheedat Gada. Alhaji Taiwo was a dealer with Forte Oil and had a station along the popular Murtala Mohammed road in Ilorin while the third victim was the owner of Ramwat filling station around Sango area of

the metropolis.

The lone survivor of the accident, Hajia Sekinat Lukman told newsmen that the driver of the vehicle in which they were traveling had attempted to avoid an oncoming car when he lost control and somersaulted before landing in the bush.

The vehicle reportedly somersaulted about six times and was a total wreck when sympathisers rushed down to rescue the victims. But while she survived, her three other colleagues, died immediately from the impact of the crash.

Other deceased have also been buried according to Islamic rites.

In the other incident, a woman, simply identified as Alhaja Iya Ganiyu, was crushed to death when a car ran into her trading kiosk located at Ori-Oke junction in Sango area of the state capital. An eyewitness account claimed that the deceased was observing her ‘Asr’, Islamic prayers inside her kiosk when the incident occurred.

L-R: National president, Nigerian Union of Journalists, (NUJ), Malam Mohammed Garba; Former Dean of the College of Journalism and Mass Comminications, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Prof. Gary Kebble and National Secretary of NUJ, Mr Shuaibu Leman, at the opening of five-day Journalist Training Workshop for Editors and News Managers in Kaduna, yesterday. Photo* By Nan

n1.2m FRAUD: They Used Charms To Defraud Me – Victim

BY MATTHEW DIKE, Lagos

A woman who boarded a cab in Agboju area of Lagos State has lamented how she was defrauded of her N1.2 million through charms used by the fraudsters.

The woman, Adebisi Jinadu, told LEADERSHIP at FESTAC that she boarded a cab on Saturday morning from Agboju area on her way to Idumota market where she wanted to buy gold jewelry for sale in her new shop.

Jinadu said three people were in the car when she boarded it, only for another person to join at Mile 2. She said on the way, the driver pretended as if the vehicle had developed fault near Alafia bus stop.

She said the driver begged other passengers to alight and give the vehicle a push and they complied. The victim said in the process, the driver saw something he perceived to be unusual in the vehicle.

According to her, the driver asked who

owned the carton in the boot of the vehicle filled with dollars.

The passenger sitting in the front passenger seat said he was the owner.

He inquired where and how he got the dollars which is over $100,000.

The victim who claimed to be a widow said the passenger explained that it was a long story. “But one thing led to another the driver talked to me about joining in doing the business of sharing the money equally. I never knew how I agreed. It was not ordinary. I was charmed. This is something I would never agree to do in my life.

“The man said he wanted to go to somewhere in Lamgbasa area, after Ajah where he had other money. In a house at Lamgbasa, he went to the backyard and came back with a bucket. He put some paper inside and later brought them out and we saw ten $100 bills. He said he needed money to wash the remaining dollars. He said if they washed all the money it would amount to $10million.”

ASSAULT: Resident Laments Rape, Robbery

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

A group identified as Concerned Citizens in Okpanam community near Asaba, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, has urged the police authorities to mobilize relevant section of the police force to embark on the regular surveillance and patrol of the old Okpanam/Ibusa Road in the community.

The group, while speaking to our correspondent alleged that the road has turned out to be den of bandits and in the surrounding bush to their permanent base within the last one year for alleged raping married women, dispossessing of people of cash and GSM handset unchallenged.

Expectedly, the group said that recently along a bush path, two middle aged women who live at Doctor Sylvan Ebiegwe Lane, Obodogba Quarters, Okpanam, went to the bush for their routine

firewood business and ran into robbery gang numbering five as the women were dispossessed of their handsets and money.

Accordingly, the group said, “the armed robbers,( addressing the frightened women in mixed Igbo/Aniocha Oshimili dialect) also ordered their victims to quickly move into the bush under a bamboo tree to rape them or be killed. The oldest of them was about 70 years who cried out saying, ‘please I have not had sex for about 19 years except you want to kill me in the process.”

A younger woman from Akuku-Igbo, aged 49, passionately pleaded, saying, ‘my husband is dead and my children will suffer if I die here, please let me go in the name of God. Both of them were ordered to run away from the bush”.

The group disclosed that ever since the incident occurred, widows and other women who seek their daily bread from their farms have deserted their farms for their safety.

Permanent secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr Macjohn Nwabiala (right), inaugurating members of Technical Working Groups of the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NGREN) in Abuja, yesterday. With him is executive secretary, National Universities Commission, Prof Julius Okojie .

Traditional rulers at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Gombe, yesterday. Photo By Nan

A man injured during a suicide blast is carried on a mattress by relatives at the General Hospital in Potiskum, Yobe State, yesterday. PHOTO BY AFP

44

healthful

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

. . . C O N D U C I V E TO G O O D H E A LT H O F B O D Y O R M I N D

Lowering Blood Sugar

Diabetes And Foot Problems Facts

2015 Could See Increased Attacks On Hospitals’ Data Medical information is especially useful for criminals targeting to theft or bank fraud because hospitals store most of these data insecurely, they become prone to such attacks. VICTOR OKEKE writes Along with vast troves of credit card information and celebrity snapshots, hackers stole a record number of medical records from health-care facilities around the world last year. In 2015, attacks targeting health data will become even more common, according to security researchers.

Just recently, the Health Records Officers Registration Board of Nigeria (HRORBN) sought the support of the federal government for the approval of a university degree programme in health information management to counter the growing trend of health information management.

The board also wants the government to enforce a minimum standard of practice for health information managers at all level and establishment of health information database.

The Board Chairman of HRORBN, Dr Ibrahim Jibrim Sokoto disclosed this when he led members of the board on a courtesy visit to the Supervising Minister of Health, Dr Khaliru Alhassan.

Dr Sokoto said “This is to ensure that professional members are sen-

sitized and sanitized of sharp practices and to eliminate incompetence and quackery from the health information management system in Nigeria.”

“The data that are produced by the members of health records professionals are critical and instrumental to policy formulation and implementation in the health care sector,” he said.

He added that the board has taken many innovative steps to ensure that the members of the profession compete favourably with emerging challenges of information technology through capacity building workshops, review of curriculum, and enlightening members on electronic health records management.

Also, when the board inducted about 900 trained health information managers in Abuja recently, 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.

The HealthRecords Officers Registration Board of Nigeria is one of the regulatory bodies under the Federal Ministry of Health established to set standards for health information managers in training institutions and service areas such as hospitals.

A principal security analyst for Websense, Carl Leonard says hackers are breaking into the computer networks of health-care facili-

ties with increasing frequency and taking valuable personal information that is often secured improperly. In August, Websense researchers reported that over the previous 10 months they had observed a 600 percent increase in attacks on hospitals. Leonard’s group now predicts that in 2015 the health-care industry will see a “substantial increase” in thefts of data.

The reason for all these cybercrimes is not hard to diagnose. Medical organizations across the world are switching to electronic medical records, and computer security is not always a high enough priority during the process, says Leonard.

Besides that, he says, easy and fast access to medical information often trumps security.

Various studies suggest that cyber-thieves have identified health data as a soft target. The Ponemon Institute, a U.S. privacy think tank, found that 40 percent of health-care organizations surveyed in 2014 reported being attacked by malware designed to steal data, up from 20 percent in 2010. The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, which tracks large computer security breaches, reports that nearly four million more records were stolen this year than in any previous year.

Credit card information is less valuable on the black market than it was several years ago, says Don Jackson, director of threat intelligence at the security firm PhishLabs.

Top 7 for Living With Eczema Use ➊ eczema medication

when needed.

Mois➋ turize dry, itchy skin often.

Manage ➌ extreme temperatures at home.

Don’t ➍ scratch eczema patches Keep ➎ sweating to a minimum

to avoid eczema flare-ups.

Wear ➏ comfortable clothes that don’t irritate skin.

Watch ➐ your stress level to

avoid eczema flare-ups.

Two main conditions, peripheral artery disease (PAD) and peripheral neuropathy, are responsible for the increased risk of foot problems in people with diabetes.

People with diabetes have an increased risk of ulcers and damage to the feet. A number of different kinds of foot problems can occur in people with diabetes. These include bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, fungal infections, dryness of the skin, and ingrown toenails.

Treatment depends on the exact type of foot problem. Surgery may be required for some cases.

Gangrene (dry gangrene) is tissue death due to absence of blood circulation. It can be life-threatening if bacterial infection develops (wet gangrene). Many diabetes-related foot problems can be prevented by good control of blood sugar levels combined with appropriate care of the feet.

How can diabetes cause foot problems? Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes cause damage to blood vessels and peripheral nerves that can result in problems in the legs and feet. Two main conditions, 1) peripheral artery disease (PAD), and 2) peripheral neuropathy are responsible for the increased risk of foot problems in people with diabetes.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD), sometimes referred to as peripheral vascular disease (PVD), means that there is narrowing or occlusion by atherosclerotic plaques of arteries outside of the heart and brain. This is sometimes referred to as “hardening” of the arteries. Diabetes is a known risk factor for developing peripheral artery disease.

Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage to the peripheral nerves directly as a result of diabetes. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include decreased sensation in the nerves of the legs and feet, making it difficult to perceive injuries due to lack of feeling. Peripheral neuropathy also causes a tingling, pain, or burning in the involved areas. It can also cause the muscles of the feet to work improperly, leading to misalignment of the foot that can put pressure on certain areas of the foot.

Some diabetes foot-related problems can be prevented by taking careful steps to observe and care for your feet. Keeping blood sugar levels under control (in the ranges advised by your doctor), and following your recommended diet and exercise program are the best way to prevent all complications of diabetes, including foot problems.

45

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

2012

Nigeria witnessed a monumental flood disaster in 2012 with many people displaced from their homes in many of the states affected

70%

The primary health care system by standards is meant to be closer to the people and to manage over 70% of the disease burden .

Snacking On Almonds Can Reduce Belly Fat According to Pennsylvania State researchers, including almonds in your daily diet can help reduce belly fat, which is a well-established heart disease risk factor.

Researchers found that eating 1.5 ounces (42 gram) of almonds daily as part of an overall healthy diet reduced belly fat and improved a number of heart disease risk factors.

“Our research found that substituting almonds for a high-carbohydrate snack improved numerous heart health risk factors, including the new finding that eating almonds reduced belly fat,” said lead researcher of the study Claire

Study Reinforces Link Between Low Birth Weight, Diabetes Risk A new study that confirms that underweight babies are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes later in life also identifies factors associated with that increased risk.

The findings may help pinpoint which physical processes are disrupted by a low birth weight, eventually resulting in diabetes, the Brown University researchers said.

The study authors looked at more than 1,200 women with type 2 diabetes and

Petty ‘Crimes’ Sometimes Tied to Dementia Thefts, traffic violations may be first signs of mental decline, researchers say. Some older adults with dementia unwittingly commit crimes like theft or trespassing, and for a small number, it can be a first sign of their mental decline, a new study finds.

The behavior, researchers found, is most often seen in people with a subtype of frontotemporal dementia.

Frontotemporal dementia accounts for about 10 to 15 percent of all dementia cases, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Meanwhile, older adults with Alzheimer’s -- the most common form of dementia -- appear much less likely to show “criminal behavior,” the researchers said.

Regardless of the specific behavior, though, it should be seen as a consequence of a brain disease and not a crime, experts said.

Culled from HealthDay

nearly 1,800 without the disease. Those who had been born with a low birth weight -- less than 6 pounds -- were 1.27 times more likely to have diabetes than those with a birth weight of 6 to 8 pounds, and 2.15 times more likely to have diabetes than those with a birth weight of 8 to 10 pounds.

Factors associated with increased risk of diabetes among those with a low birth weight included insulin resistance.

Berryman from Pennsylvania State University.

“Choosing almonds as a snack may be a simple way to help fight the onset of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases,” Berryman added.

The results showed the diet containing the almond snack, compared to the muffin snack, decreased abdominal fat, total cholesterol, LDLcholesterol non-HDL-cholesterol and other blood fats. In addition, the diet with the muffin snack reduced HDL (good) cholesterol more than the almond diet.

Culled from HealthDAY

Exercise Could Buy You Extra Years Of Healthy Life Debunking the common assumption that ageing results in one becoming progressively frail, researchers have found that physical activity could help extend the strength and health of youth.

The study of amateur older cyclists found that many possessed levels of physiological function that would place them at a much younger age bracket compared with the general population.

With similar levels of exercise, the researchers found little physical difference between people aged 79 and those aged 55.

“Inevitably, our bodies will experience some decline with age, but staying physically active can buy you extra years of function compared to sedentary people,” said Norman Lazarus from King’s College London in Britain.

Culled from ScienceDaily

Culled from HealthDay

Gene Decides Why Some Kids Turn Into Troubled Adults Researchers from North Carolina-based Duke University have identified a gene variant that may serve as a marker for children who are among society’s most vulnerable.

The findings are a step toward understanding the biology of what makes a child particularly sensitive to positive and negative environments.

“This gives us an important clue about some of the children who need help the most,” said Dustin Albert, research scientist at the Duke University’s Centre for Child and Family Policy.

The study found that children from high-risk backgrounds who also carried a certain common gene variant were extremely likely to develop serious problems as adults.

If left untreated; 75 per cent of people with the gene variant developed psychological problems by age 25, including alcohol abuse, substance abuse and antisocial personality disorder.

The findings could be a first step toward potential personalised treatments for some of society’s most troubled children.

Culled from Zeenews

healthful Q &A How do I know if I have colon cancer?

The only way to definitively know if you have colon cancer is to be evaluated for it. There are many different ways of screening for colon cancer. Colonoscopy is considered the standard because it not only can detect cancer and precancerous polyps, it can also serve as a way to biopsy the abnormal tissue for diagnosis.

In some cases, the doctor can completely remove the polyps before they become cancer. You should have a discussion with your physician to see if and when you should undergo a colonoscopy.

Oftentimes, colon cancer or precancerous polyps do not produce any symptoms. In other words, there is nothing that suggests they are there.

That is one of the reasons colonoscopy is so important as a screening tool.

Sometimes, patients will have symptoms that could be caused by colon cancer, such as a change in bowel habits (for example, new onset of constipation or need to strain, diarrhea, and/or thinning of the caliber of stools), crampy abdominal pain, or bleeding from the anus with or without bowel movements.

Culled from my.clevelandclinic.org

46 news NATIONAL Explosion Rocks Abia PPA Secretariat

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Terrorism: UN Assures Nigeria Of Full Support

In a statement signed by the demned this depraved act at the statement reads in part, “The UnitAbia State police command has By Ruth Tene Natsa, Abuja United Nations Information Cen- hands of Boko Haram terrorists” stepped up investigation on the exed Nations stands ready to assist Adding that “the Secretary-Gen- the Nigerian government and all afplosion that occurred at the Progres- The United Nations(UN) Secretary tre National Information Officer, sive Peoples Alliance (PPA ) party General Ban Ki-moon has reiterated Oluseyi Soremekun, it said “Only eral is appalled about reports of fected neighboring states in bringthe support of the UN to the Nigeri- yesterday, it is reported that a 10- hundreds of civilians killed around ing an end to the violence and to alsecretariat in Umuahia.

The police public relations offi- an government in the fight against year old girl was used to detonate the town of Baga, Borno State, near leviate the suffering of civilians with a bomb at a market in Maiduguri, Nigeria’s border with Chad in the all available means and resource.” cer, Geoffrey Ogbonna who con- terrorism.

The secretary general gave the as- also in Borno State, killing at least past week.” firmed the explosion that occurred The statement further revealed on Sunday night said though it was surance while reacting to the recent 19 people.”

The statement revealed that “The that “The situation in Nigeria and minor the police have stepped up in- attacks in Borno State where over The statement revealed that “the United Nations stands ready to as- the region remains at the top of the vestigation on the cause of the ex- 20 people were killed.

Secretary-General utterly con- sist the Nigerian Government” The Secretary-General’s agenda.” plosion and what explosives if any was used.

The state chairman of PPA Prince Emeka Okafor who spoke to journalists in Umiuahia said he was informed of the explosion at about Provost 7pm on Sunday while he was in Tasks FG Over Ukwa.

Commitment To For the final of a football match he organized by the secretary of the Infrastructural Party Mr Uche Enyioko.

Development Prince Okafor who said that the The provost of Fedthe PDP was the prime suspect in eral College of Educathe explosion said he had to put calls tion (Technical) Delta across to PPA supporters to go there State, Dr. Nwanze and see what could be done but by Ignatius Ezoem has the time they got to the scene the urged the federal traders around the complex and bygovernment to show standers had helped to put out the more commitment fire. to the infrastructural He alleged that it was discovered development of the that the explosion was caused by a school. locally made improvised explosive Dr. Ezoem while device contained in two paint tins commending the connected with a motorcycle battery, federal government saying that though no life was lost, for setting up the the explosion blew open the pipe school and provision that bore water to the overhead tank of basic materials which also helped to put out the raghowever appealed Magajin Garin Zazzau/former managing director, Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company, Malam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli on ing fire.

Prince Okafor said upon the dis- a horse during the Durbar marking 40-year anniversary of the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris as the 18th Fulani Emir of Zazzau, for more capital projects in the institution covery he invited a police patrol team in Zaria, yesterday. in the days ahead. which confirmed the items as exploThe provost was sive and took the tins away. He said exchanging views the anti bomb unit had come to the with journalists. scene and investigation was still onIn Asaba yestergoing. day said, “the college

By Chika Mefor, Abuja operational exigencies. tional exigencies, corps members will has in the last three

By Matthias Nwogu, Umuahia The statement added that the 2015 be mobilised in only two batches this years embarked The National Youth Service Corps Batch ‘A’ Orientation Course has been year, i.e., 2015 Batch ‘A’ and 2015 on a number of (NYSC) has stated that prospective scheduled to take place from Tuesday, Batch ‘B’. capital projects at corps members will be mobilised in 5th May to Tuesday, 26th May, 2015, “Furthermore, the 2015 Batch ‘A’ the permanent site Ahead of the 2015 presidential and not in the month of March as it Orientation Course has been sched- including ultra modonly batches A and B this year. election, the All Progressives In a release signed by the director has always been in the previous years. uled to take place from Tuesday, 5th ern lecture theatres, of Press and Public Relations in NYSC, “We wish to inform the general May to Tuesday, 26th May, 2015, and office complexes.

Congress (APC) in Diaspora unMrs Bose Aderibigbe, it stated that the public, especially prospective corps not in the month of March as obtained der the aegis of APC-Diaspora,

By Kola EkeCanada chapter has declared supchange became necessary due to some members, that due to some opera- in the previous years,” it said.

Ogiugo, Asaba port for the election of General Muhammadu Buhari and his running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbanjo.

In a statement signed by the chairman of APC-Diaspora, Can- By Jonathan Nda-Isaiah, Abuja On the 2015 Appropriation Bill, Amendment Bill from the State As- tion or build their capacities. ada chapter, Dr. Kayode AlaHe explained, “Nigerians are hunhe said in a press statement issued semblies shortly before the Christgry for quality education and trainbi and forwarded to journalists, The 2015 budget and the Constitu- by his special adviser Media, Uche mas break. they said that the policy frame- tion Amendment Bill are to receive Anichukwu that “Basically, we are “We are hopeful that this week, ing. So, I believe it would be cheapwork by the APC standard-bear- the utmost attention of the Senate resuming to take care of the issue we are going to report formally to er and more convenient for us to er, Gen Buhari and his running on the resumption of plenary, today. of the 2015 budget. God willing, plenary on the returns from the bring a highly reputable institution mate, Prof. Osibanjo was the way This was made known by the dep- we will go through the second read- states. We will let Nigerians know like Johns Hopkins University here. out for the country to come out uty president of the Senate, Sena- ing and send the Appropriation Bill the specific clauses that have been I am happy that following my disfrom the doldrums of under-de- tor Ike Ekweremadu while speaking to our committees for a thorough successfully amended; that is, those cussion with them in Washington with reporters after a meeting with work. That means we may have to that received the positive votes of DC last year, the school authorities velopment.

According to Alabi, they are a delegation of the School of Ad- break off from the plenary and deal two-thirds of the 36 State Assem- have agreed to come and set up exblies. We are going to articulate it fi- ecutive education programmes here, agreeing absolutely with the is- vanced International Studies, Johns with the budget”. sues raised by Prof. Osinbanjo on Hopkins University, Washington The lawmaker who also chairs the nally and send it to the president for which we hope would blossom into a how the administrations of suc- DC, USA, in Abuja yesterday.

Senate Committee on Review of the his assent”. full-fledged university in the future.

This was even as he has expressed 1999 Constitution further assured “We have had fruitful discussions cessive governments have been On the collaboration between characterised by graft and cor- hope that the presence of the Johns that there would be expedited ac- the NILS and the Johns Hopkins today, drawing up a roadmap. In a ruption, whose effect inhibits Hopkins University in Nigeria would tion on the Constitution Amend- University, Senator Ekweremadu couple of days we should be able to the nation’s progress and devel- help to boost the nation’s capacity ment Bill. said that it would help to meet the finalise and sign an MoU and I want for good governance and developAccording to him, “We received demands of “Many Nigerians who to assure that within this year 2015 opment. the report on the Constitution travel abroad to seek quality educa- the programmes would kick-off.”

By Igho Oyoyo, Abuja ment.

short news

Corps Members To Be Mobilised In 2 Batches – NYSC

APC In Diaspora Declares Support For Buhari

Budget, Constitution Amendment Top Senate’s Agenda – Ekweremadu

news NATIONAL 47

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Buhari Is Honest, Trustworthy, Patriotic – Gov Lamido

By Muh’d Zangina Kura, Dutse

In what appeared to be a political somersault, Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido, who is one of the Peoples Democratic Party’s founding fathers, over the weekend showered encomiums on the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as an honest, trustworthy and patriotic leader.

Governor Lamido stated this while addressing thousands of PDP supporters during the party campaign tour held in Maigatari local government of the state.

Lamido stated that Buhari is an incorruptible person with a high-profile integrity, honesty and

national patriotism, adding that he does not have any problems with him.

The governor explained that he only has problems with those who lost relevance in PDP and are now hiding under the Buhari profile, calling PDP all sorts of names.

“Those defectors who were glorified by PDP and after losing relevance left the party because of their selfish interest, we would do everything possible within the law to ensure that they fail despite their hiding under Buhari”.

“Those defectors are not agents of any change; rather, they are just ungrateful and political liabilities,” he said.

Lamido then charged all the people of the state and indeed the country to vote out the defectors

from the country’s political system.

The mammoth gathering of PDP members appeared to be happy and smiled when the governor showered praises on the APC presidential candidate. This may not be unconnected with the failure of their party candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan to fulfill all the campaign promises he made to them in 2011.

The PDP members in Jigawa State are not happy with President Jonathan due to his failure to fulfill his 2011 campaign promises to them.

LEADERSHIP gathered that this may affect his re-election as the party in the state already restricted its campaign to governorship, senatorial, reps and State Assembly.

UNICEF Alarmed Over Use Of Girl-child As Suicide Bombers

By Abdullahi Umar, with

agency report

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern over what it called “escalating violence against children in Northern Nigeria.”

UNICEF executive director, Anthony Lake, in a statement said that the images from Northern Nigeria should be searing the conscience of the world.

The statement came af-

ter two explosions ripped through a GSM market in Potiskum, Yobe State on Sunday, killing scores including the two bombers.

The attacks were said to be carried out by two young girls. Sunday’s explosions came after a bomb strapped to a girl exploded in Maiduguri, killing at least 19 people.

UNICEF Nigeria representative, Jean Gouge said that the latest trend of using young girls to carry out such attacks is particularly worry-

ing.

“We are seeing a new trend of using girls and women, and now of children, as suicide bombers. This is something that is new to this conflict.

So, this trend is very worrying to us because this is something that is very difficult to find solution to,” she said.

Gouge said UNICEF is trying to figure out what is responsible for this trend. She said the most likely explanation is that someone is getting them to kill.

Boko Haram: Nigeria Needs Same Support As France – Archbishop

By Abdullahi Umar, with agency report

Catholic archbishop of Jos, Ignatius Kaigama has called on the international community to support Nigeria in tackling Boko Haram as it supported France after the terror attack on a media organisation last week. He accused the international bodies of ignoring Nigeria on insurgency.

“I see the very positive response of the French government in tackling this issue of religious violence after the killing of their citizens,” said Kaigama.

“We need that spirit to go round, not just when it happens in Europe. When it happens in Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and many other poor countries, we have to mobilise our inter-

national resources to confront the people who bring such sadness to many families,” he told the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

Kaigama was speaking after another bloody weekend in the Northeast, in which three female suicide bombers, including one thought to be as young as 10, killed over 20 people in the region.

I Want To Rescue Yobe – Waziri

By Hussaini Jirgi, Damaturu

Former minister of police affairs and PDP gubernatorial candidate in Yobe State, Adamu Maina Waziri, has said that he would rescue Yobe State if voted into power in February.

Maina Waziri disclosed this to Leadership shortly after obtaining his nomination form for the governor-

ship election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He stressed that he is better equipped to lead the state with his credentials than the incumbent Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to him, Yobe State needs someone who is qualified, exposed and experienced to govern the state.

“What Yobe needs is a qual-

ified governor in 2015, no matter where he comes from; it is good to do justice to the state; a qualified and experienced person should be the governor of the state this time around”, he said.

Waziri added “My agenda for the state is to harness the wealth of Yobe for the people of the state; the problem we have in this clime is lack of creativity in governance.”

National Mathematics Centre Partners Turkish College To Host 2014 Competition

By Victor okeke , Abuja

The National Mathematics Centre is partnering the Nigeria Turkish International College (NTIC) to host this year’s National Mathematics Competition across the country.

The college in collaboration with the National Mathematics Centre (NMC) has for the past

11 years organised the National Mathematics Competition. Pupils from various schools in the country within the ages of five and six had sat for the competition.

For these past years, the competition has made the study of Mathematics fun as winners continued to emerge. This year’s first stage of the compe-

tition will be held in the 36 states of the country including FCT on January 24.

Over the years, the number of registered pupils for the examination has continued to increase.

While about 28,500 pupils sat for the examination last year, over 34,000 pupils are expected to sit for the competition this year.

Fayose Directs Workers To Attend Jonathan’s Rally Today

By Alo Abiola, Ado-Ekiti

Ekiti State Government has directed all civil servants in the state to attend President Goodluck

Jonathan rally in Ado-Ekiti today.

The State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose was alleged to have issued a circular to that effect which was re-

ported on Monday by some online newspapers.

The circular was said to have been forwarded to all all ministries, agencies and parastatals in the state.

48 ISSUES

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Local Government Autonomy (2)

By Dan Agbese

Those who opposed to local government autonomy do have good reasons too. They argue that the local government is not technically a third tier of government. It is merely a politico-administrative province of the state governments. It is the responsibility of each state government. Ideally, a state government should decide the form and the system of local government best suited to its political and administrative needs.

The generals created a constitutional problem since 1979 when they decided to define states by the composition of their local government areas. See Part I of the first schedule to the constitution.

This has been used to argue, incorrectly, that states are not empowered by the constitution to create local governments because doing so would require a constitutional amendment. They argue that a newly created local government area is perfected only when the schedule is amended and it is listed therein among the local governments in the state that created it.

This argument did not arise in the second republic. Governors felt free to create and some of them created new local government areas and did not have to perfect them through a constitutional amendment. It became a problem under Obasanjo. He did not want states to create more local government areas. As far as he was concerned, more local government areas would not necessarily make good and responsible governance.

They would be a drain on the national coffers. I am equally so persuaded.

Obasanjo brought states that defied him to their knees by withholding their local government funds. He, of course, acted illegally.

The Supreme Court said so when the Lagos State Government took the matter before the apex court.

The president did not budge. The states gave in by downgrading the new local government areas into development areas. The change of title satisfied Obasanjo but it did not cure the legal defect.

The development areas function fully as local governments, not as subordinates to the local government areas listed in the first schedule.

The irony was lost on Obasanjo.

And so, we have the current situation in which some states have two sets of governments at the local level: local government areas and development areas. Perhaps we need to amend the constitution to legitimize this obvious oddity.

We have been running around the question: What do we do with the local government system?

The question prompted at least two major studies in the past.

One was the Ibrahim Dasuki committee set up by the Obasanjo administration in 1976; the other was the committee set up by the Babangida administration in the eighties. Many of the reforms introduced on the strength of the recommendations of these committees have been rolled back.

Under the Babangida reforms, for instance, the local government became a third tier of government.

It received its statutory share from the federation account directly from sources, not through the state governments. The reforms abolished the ministry for local governments and chieftaincy affairs. Or more correctly, it downgraded it to a division in the governor’s office. It has since been rolled back.

The Mantu committee, perhaps reading Obasanjo’s mindset, offered its most comprehensive proposed constitutional amendments on the local government system. It wanted local governments to a) receive their fund directly from the office of the accountantgeneral of the federation, b) the auditor-general of the federation to audit the accounts of the local

governments and c) INEC, not the so-called state independent electoral commissions, to conduct local government elections. These and its other proposals on the local government system would have made the local government a full federal responsibility. It would have amounted to an extreme but wrong solution to a simple administrative problem.

The various reforms have muddled the concept of the local government system. We cannot see our way clearly out of this muddle any more. The more we try, the more we splash in the mud. It is not difficult to appreciate the anger of those who feel that it is wrong to fund the local governments from the federation account and allow the state governors to do as they wish with them – including the stealing of their fund and rendering them worthless as a system of government.

Although we do not seem to be entirely persuaded that the local government should be the third tier of government, its current structure makes it a de facto third tier of government. Federal and state government structures are duplicated at the local government level: an executive arm headed by an executive local government chairman and a unicameral legislature headed by the speaker.

Only one thing is missing: the judiciary as the third arm of the local government. The local government stands on two legs instead of three.

Do we need three tiers of government? We have been mealymouthed about this question.

Nigeria has 811 governments.

If you add the development areas that fully function as local governments, we probably have more than 900 governments – the largest in the world. That is a huge burden on the federation account. You can see why federal, state and local governments do no more than service recurrent expenditure. Development suffers

at the three tiers of government.

I think it is foolish to push for a third tier of government using the euphemism of local government autonomy. Let us roll back and put the local government system and its place in our system of government in proper perspective.

The colonial authorities conceived the NA system as essentially a grassroots system of government.

They did not think of it as a tier of government.

They thought of it as an administrative unit of the regional governments, hence the full participation of traditional rulers in the NA administration.

The NA enjoyed a measure of autonomy, thanks to the sensible devolution of powers to them by the regional governments. It is to be noted that although the regional governments shared in the concept and the philosophy of the native authority system, there was no uniformity in its administration.

In the Northern Region, each NA set up and fully funded its own police force and its own prison service. They operated within defined parameters set by the regional government. There was, therefore, no uniformity in the functions of the native authorities or in their relationship with the regional governments. Each NA had enough latitude to generate its own revenue and use it to service itself. None of them went to the regional headquarters at the end of each month for a monthly hand out from the regional government.

None received one penny from the federation account. A fully functional system that served the needs of each regional government and its people has been rendered incompetent and almost useless, thanks to the endless experiments by the generals.

It is not going to be easy to roll back to the days of the native authorities unless we demonstrate the will to do so.

The immediate problem is that

the local government made the grade as a numbered item in the revenue allocation formula.

Under the current system, the more local governments a state has, the more money it collects from the federation account. This is the singular motivation for the eagerness of state governors to create more local government areas as soon as the country returned to civil rule in 1999.

Had Obasanjo allowed them, we probably would have close to 2,000 local government areas in the country today. States will fight to retain the current system because it puts more money in their coffers – and thence into the pockets of their excellences.

But rolling back is the only sensible way to go. Autonomy amounts to dancing around the problem. Let us give the local governments back to the states.

Let each state decide the form and the system of its local government.

We do not need uniformity in local government administration in the country. Each state should decide what would best work for it. If a state government decides not to retain the current system of wastage, it should feel free to throw it out. If a state feels it does not want local government elections, it should feel free to devise what it believes will work for it. Let each state determine the number of the local government it can reasonably fund.

Constitutional amendments are about fundamental and even at times radical changes forced on a country by contemporary political and other exigencies. The national assembly should have the courage and the moral compunction to shake the system and help to constitutionally pull this country from the anomaly of a federal system of government hobbled by a unitary system of governance.

Cosmetic constitutional amendments merely tease the system and generate only motion, not movement.

High Points Of Talban Gombe’s 2015 Budget

By Junaidu Usman Abubakar

The high points of Gombe State Budget for 2015 tagged, Budget of Accomplishment is being presented as a reference volume for authentic and updated facts in collaboration with the Office of the Honorable Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Muhammad Hassan (Baraden Bojude)with informed comments.

The 2015 Budget presented under a total sum of N87,776,880,208.32k is undergoing a rapid and an allengulfing transformation under

the impact of the dippening international oil prices which account for 75% of the nation’s total revenue. It is prepared in response to the changing global scenario and world economic order, taken in the best longterm interest of the state’s economy.

Determined that government activities must go on unhindered inspite of global decline in revenue and international oil price, the imperative to develop the state on a large scale, road construction, education, agriculture and health services

in line with the administration’s projects/programme profile, as pro-poor as the 2015 Budget is, it is prepared in the context of institutional framework of the economy.

The theoretical concept and policy application which shows a decline of N6,772,420,811.18k to the 2014 Budget has been prepared to feed upon and grow out of each other to ensure that all outstanding projects of the current administration in the state are completed in compliance with its policy and programme implementation;

an attempt has been made to satisfy this criterion in the present budget, still committed to a rapid economic growth.

There is an undercurrent of‘growth’ and ‘welfare’ in the 2015 Budget with proposed Capital Expenditure atN42,801,783,039.50k, a projected decrease of 8.24% to the expenditure ofN46,652,088,531.50k recorded in the previous fiscal year (2014).

Comparative analysis of the 2014/2015 Recurrent Expenditure is at variance

of 6.23%decrease which recorded N46,897,212,488.00 in 2014 against the 2015 projected estimate ofN43,971,097,168.82k.

The basic nature of any economy lies in the scarcity of the productive resources in relation to its wants. The current administration’s wants are everincreasing and recurring while availability of resources for satisfying them lags behind.

– Abubakar is special assistant, press to Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of Gombe State

49

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

world

news ➊

➍

➌ ➏ ➎

➐

➋

➊Syrian Dares Assad In Snow Bucket Challenge A young Syrian actor has urged President Bashar al-Assad to do more to support refugees sheltering in makeshift camps as the country is experiencing one of its worst snow storms in decades.

In a video posted online, Ehab Yousef gets himself covered in snow and challenges the Syrian president to come out in the cold for two minutes with his children or spend a night in a camp.

➎ Cuba Frees Remaining Political Prisoners

The Cuban government has freed all 53 of its political prisoners, as part of its normalisation deal with the US, according to a senior Obama administration official say.

Yesterday’s development

follows last month’s agreement between the US and Cuba, leading to President Barack Obama ordering the initiation of steps to normalise relations between the two countries, ending a 54year US trade embargo on Cuba.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has nominated ministers for his new cabinet after three months of attempting to establish a working government to tackle the violencewracked country’s problems.

Abdul Salam Rahimi, Ghani’s

chief of staff, announced the 25 cabinet nominees at an event attended by Ghani in the presidential palace in Kabul on Monday.

The list will now go before the parliament for approval.

Cafe Omran, a popular hangout for the residents of Jabal Mohsen, was packed on Saturday night when a suicide bomber walked in and blew himself up at approximately 7:30pm. A second bomber was said to have

detonated at the entrance.

“One of the terrorists walked into the cafe, but the other didn’t come in,” one eyewitness and resident of Jabal Mohsen said.

“The other stayed at the door and blew himself up there.”

➋ Poisoned Beer

Leaves Scores Dead In Mozambique

Contaminated traditional beer has killed 56 people in Mozambique, health authorities in the southern African country said.

An additional 49 people were admitted to hospitals in the Chitima and Songo districts in the northeastern Tete province, and 146 more people have reported to hospitals to be examined for the poisoning, district health official Alex Albertini told Radio Mozambique.

➏ Afghan President

Nominates New Cabinet

A young woman praying to ‘ask for a previous boyfriend to return’ to her, at a love temple in Bangkok, Thailand

➌ Obama To Beef Up ➍ Ukraine Ex-leader Laws On Privacy, Data Yanukovych Wanted

By Interpol Breaches US President Barack Obama is set to propose three new laws that all deal with the way data is handled.

One will require companies to let customers know within 30 days if their personal information went astray in a data breach.

Another will attempt to give people more control over what can be done with the data companies gather about them.

Interpol has placed deposed Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych on its wanted list, almost one year after he fled to neighbouring Russia.

He is accused by Ukrainian officials of embezzling millions of dollars in public funds.

Mr Yanukovych was ousted after clashes between police and protesters in Kiev left dozens dead, mainly demonstrators.

➐ Twin suicide

Bomb Attacks Rock Lebanon

50 Business/WORLD NEWS

Tuesday, January 12, 2015

Peshawar Army School Reopens After Massacre

A crossing guard helping students across a busy road in Peshawar, Pakistan

Peshawar’s Army Public School, the site of a massacre that killed 141 people almost a month ago, has reopened amid tight security in the capital of Pakistan’s Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.

Helicopters flew overhead as dozens of army soldiers patrolled the streets around the APS, tightly screening entry and exit points to the school, early on Monday morning.

Grim-faced soldiers stood guard as hundreds of children and their parents streamed into the school, where a memorial service was held in the presence of the country’s army chief, General Raheel Sharif.

The mood among the students was sombre, but defiant, as they entered the premises. Many of the children were brought to the school in army trucks, which

doubled up as school buses on the first day of school in the new year.

Access to the school was tightly controlled, with army soldiers standing guard on several pickets established in the streets around the school, as well at the graveyard immediately adjacent to it.

Particular attention was paid to the locality behind the school, from where at least seven gunmen broke into the premises on December 16, in an attack that saw them go room by room, killing 141 people in all, the deadliest attack in Pakistan’s history.

More than 130 of those killed were students, many of them executed in their classrooms and in the school’s main auditorium.

In the wake of the attack, Pakistan lifted a moratorium on executions in what it called “terrorism cases”, and constituted military courts to try said cases.

—Al Jazeera

Russia Reveals Huge Cost Of Supporting The Rouble

The Russian central bank has revealed the huge cost of trying to prop up the value of the rouble.

In the past year, the bank spent $76bn and 5.4bn euros as it repeatedly bought roubles on the foreign exchanges.

The Russian currency has been under sustained pressure because of Western sanctions over Ukraine and because of the falling price of oil.

In the event, during 2014, the rouble dropped by 41% against the dollar and by 34% against the euro.

Along with restrictions on the importation of foreign food,

the severe fall in the rouble’s value helped to push up the official Russian inflation rate to 11.4% by the end of the year.

Prices rose by 1.3% in November and then by 2.6% in December alone, according to the country’s Federal Statistics Service.

The biggest bouts of so-called “intervention” on the foreign exchanges, aimed at stemming the rouble’s slide, came in March when Russia annexed Crimea, and then in October and December when the fall in the price of oil was particularly steep.

The rouble lost nearly a quarter of its value in just two days - 15 and 16 December - when Russian citizens panicked and tried to convert their money into foreign currencies.

As a result, the central bank said that its reserves of foreign currency during December stood at less than $400bn, their lowest level for five years.

The net effect of these problems has been to tip the Russian economy into recession.

It shrank by 0.5% in November, which was the first monthly fall in national economic output since October 2009.

And the government has forecast a fall in output of nearly 1% during the whole of 2015.

—BBC

2015: US Envoy Tasks Journalists On Best Practices

By Ugochukwu Iroka, Abuja

With the general election less than two months away and the general political pulse approaching fever pitch, the United States ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle has tasked Nigerian journalists on the important role they have to play during the period.

Speaking in Kaduna at a workshop organised to train journalists on new techniques in election reporting, Entwistle said that journalists are responsible for informing the electorate, reporting on the issues that voters want politicians to address and helping to hold elected officials accountable for their campaign promises.

He said, “In any country, cov-

ering an election is a great professional challenge for reporters.

Journalists are expected to become experts who report on election rules—from how those rules govern the preparation of voter rolls to the tallying of final vote counts. Journalists in democracies have the vital task of reporting on the issues that voters want politicians to address—and helping to hold elected officials accountable for their campaign promises.

“Your readers, viewers, listeners, and social-media followers are counting on you to portray accurately and fairly the positions of the candidates and parties and to explain clearly the details of policy issues so that as voters, they can go to the ballot box with accurate in-

formation to inform their choices.

“Your work carries a tremendous amount of responsibility, and the shape and outcome of the electoral process depend in very great measure on the good work you do.”

The ambassador also reiterated the United States’ commitment to partner Nigeria in its democratic endeavours.

“The United States stands with Nigeria as you continue on the democratic path. We do so as your friend and partner. You have many friends and partners who want Nigeria to succeed, and the United States stands at the front of that line. I look forward to reading, listening to, and watching your reports in the weeks to come,” he said.

A soldier standing guard at a Jewish school in France

Paris Attacks: France To Deploy 10,000 Troops France is mobilising 10,000 troops to boost security after last week’s deadly attacks, and will send thousands of police to protect Jewish schools.

Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said troops would be in place from Tuesday evening in sensitive areas.

It is the first time troops have been deployed within France on such a scale.

Seventeen people were killed in Paris last week in attacks at satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, on a police officer, and at a kosher supermarket.

On Sunday, an estimated 3.7 million people took to the streets to show solidarity with the victims, including 1.5 million people in Paris.

About 40 world leaders joined the start of the Paris march, linking arms in an act of solidarity.

President Francois Hollande ordered the deployment of troops during a crisis meeting with top officials early on Monday.

Mr Le Drian said the deployment, the first of its kind, was needed because “threats remain present”.

French defence minister: “The mobilisation started this morning” Interior Minister Bernard Cazaneuve announced that nearly 5,000 members of the security forces would be sent to protect France’s 717 Jewish schools, and that troops would be sent as reinforcements over the next two days.

Prime Minister Manuel Valls said synagogues would also be protected, as would mosques, following some retaliatory attacks over the Charlie Hebdo killings.

—BBC

UNICEF Bemoans Escalating Violence Against Children In NIgeria …As ECOWAS Condemns Paris Attack

By Ugochukwu Iroka, Abuja

Against the backdrop of several terrorist attack carried out by female suicide bombers, the United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) has expressed outrage at the extreme violence being perpetrated against children in the North-eastern part of the country by members of the insurgent group, Boko Haram.

Speaking in a press statement signed the Executive Director Anthony Lake, UNICEF stated that recent developments in terms of increased violence should act as a spur to galvanise action against terrorism in the region.

“These images from Northern Nigeria should be searing the conscience of the world. Some two thousand innocent children, women and elderly reportedly massacred in Baga. Young girls sent to die with a bomb strapped to their chests in Maiduguri. Lest we forget, more than two hundred girls stolen from their families, still lost. “Words alone can neither express our outrage nor ease the agony of all those suffering from the constant violence in northern Nigeria. But these images of recent days and all they imply for the

future of Nigeria should galvanize effective action. For this cannot go on,” the statement read.

In another but related development, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the terrorist attack on the French magazine Charlie Hebdo which resulted in the death of several people.

The statement, signed by Kadré Désiré Ouégraogo, the President of the Commission, read in part, “the Economic Community of West African States followed with utmost dismay and great outrage the inhuman act perpetrated on Wednesday 7January 2015 against the offices of the French magazine Charlie Hebdo, which resulted in loss of life.

“In these difficult times for France and quiet reflection in the memory of the illustrious dead, martyrs of freedom, ECOWAS joins in the mourning of the French Nation and offers heartfelt condolences to H.E. François Hollande, President of the French Republic, his Government and bereaved families.”

Ouégraogo stated that the attack served as a reminder to the internal community “of the need to continue, with great resolve, all the efforts to combat obscurantism, extremism and terrorism in all its forms.”

Analysis 51

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

K

arim Mokhtari, a Frenchborn civil rights activist, was 18 when he was sent to jail in the city of Amiens, south of Paris, in 1996. Fellow inmates, who described themselves as Salafists — adherents of an austere version of Islam shared by many in extremist movements — quickly approached him. He admired their inner strength and resilience, and under their guidance, Mokhtari converted to Islam.

Before the group’s spiritual leader was transferred to another institution, he urged Mokhtari to “fight for Islam” upon his release, as Mokhtari recalled. This, he was told, would involve traveling to Afghanistan and Pakistan for military training.

“I had had enough of violence, and he was proposing more violence,” said Mokhtari. “I was able to say no, unlike many others.”

Mokhtari’s story is the kind of account that sends a chill down many French spines. The notion that French citizens are being fanaticized on French soil is now widely accepted — the men involved in the recent Charlie Hebdo massacre and hostagetakings were all French nationals — and feared.

Being Muslim in France is not always easy. The recent Paris attacks have led to Islamophobic incidents. Mosques have been desecrated with graffiti, and at least one, in the Alpine town of Aix-lesBains, was partially destroyed by fire. Investigators have yet to determine if it was arson.

Being Muslim in a French prison or jail is worse. Like other depressed, sometimes suicidal, inmates, it is not unusual for Muslim prisoners to seek help in religion. Researcher Céline Béraud recently interviewed 200 prisoners and 50 chaplains in eight prisons to understand how religion plays out behind bars. The University of Caen sociologist found that religion typically allowed prisoners to regain not only a sense of self-worth, but also the esteem of others.

“But it’s not because people turn to religion that they become a danger for society,” Béraud cautioned in an interview.

A turn to religion may be common among prisoners of all faiths, but a certain hostility to Islam in the wider society may intensify some Muslim prisoners attachment to their faith

Faith as a fortress A turn to religion may be common among prisoners of all faiths, but a certain hostility to Islam in the wider society may intensify some Muslim prisoners attachment to their faith, according to Foudil Benabadji, a long-time jail chaplain who founded the mosque in Aix-les-Bains.

Benabadji has argued in his books and public lectures that faith becomes a “fortress” for these prisoners, which leaves them more open to extremist interpretations.

When reached by phone recently, Benabadji was standing outside the fire-damaged mosque he founded in Aix-les-Bains. The Algerian-born Benabadji recently turned 75, the

A terrorist poses with a copy of the Koran

French Prisons As Breeding Ground For Extremism age limit for chaplains in France, so he will soon have to stop his jail visits.

Benabadji was incensed by the fire, adamant that it was arson.

Mention of the hundreds of young French fighters returning from Syria turned his anger to outrage.

“It makes me furious,” he roared.

The Muslim community itself should do more to prevent this, he added.

“Imams should talk about French secularism in mosques. What is secularism? It’s the respect of religion, of all religions, something we didn’t have in the countries where we come from.”

He disputed the notion that prisons churn out extremists. But he admitted that some inmates are “full of prejudice and hatred.” He explained that as a chaplain his first task was to resolve their practical problems, the bane of day-to-day life in prison. Only then could he hope to tackle spiritual issues.

The numbers But how many Muslim prisoners ever meet bona fide Muslim chaplains?

Mokhtari, recounting his incarceration in his book, said he first met a chaplain after six years in jail, shortly before his release.

According to the latest Justice Ministry figures, of the 1,470 prison chaplains, only 178 are Muslim. It’s a difficult assignment.

They cater to inmates from a diverse community with conflicting religious and political views.

If many agree that more chaplains are needed, no one agrees on how many Muslims are incarcerated in France. About 60 percent, or 40,000 French inmates, are of “Muslim culture or religion,” according to a parliamentary report tabled in October by Guillaume

Larrivé, a member of parliament with a conservative party known as the UMP, its French acronym.

This percentage is only an educated guess because the French state does not collect statistics on religion for legal and historical reasons. Ingrained in the national consciousness is the knowledge that information once collected on religion was used to round up and deport Jews to German concentration camps. Experts also caution that this data is unreliable.

How does one determine who is Muslim? In jail, the number of inmates who request halal meals, for example, fluctuates from day to day.

The politics What is widely acknowledged, however, is that France’s Muslim communities are over-represented in French jails — for reasons that should not come as a surprise.

The unemployment rate in many suburbs where working-class people and immigrants typically live is around 25 percent, more than twice the national figure of 10 percent. And the justice system may target French minorities or foreign nationals. In 2009, an Amnesty International report showed that these two groups accounted for “the vast majority” of complaints concerning police abuse.

Larrivé’s report stirred even more controversy for stating that “several hundred” inmates were at risk of being radicalized. “French jails have become a place, not the only one, but an important one nonetheless, of Islamist radicalization and recruitment of individuals likely to turn to terrorist violence,” he wrote.

The issue is politically charged because his party, the UMP, and others further to the right of the

political spectrum, especially Marine Le Pen’s National Front, have charged that the Socialist government isn’t doing enough to overcome this threat.

About 150 inmates have been charged or convicted on terror charges, and fewer than half of them are engaged in proselytizing, according to the Justice Ministry.

To tackle the problem, the prison administration has for years been asking staff to identify those deemed “potentially dangerous.”

Chaplains are also expected to alert the authorities about suspicious cases.

Samia El-Alaoui Talibi, a chaplain who has been visiting women’s jails in northern France since 1995, takes a dim view of those who believe she is a spy.

“The only freedom inmates have is their freedom of thought,” explained the Moroccan-born mathematician and mother of seven. “We discuss values with them openly. We are not a thought police. That wouldn’t do.”

In recent years, the prison administration has sent some of those identified as promoting radical ideas to solitary confinement or transferred them to other institutions, dispersing them throughout the jail system.

The new approach is to group them at Fresnes prison, the second largest in France, south of Paris, under a scheme launched only last November. Twenty-two “preachers” are now in Fresnes, according to Pierre Rancé, Justice Ministry spokesman.

“They are no longer creating a climate of religious tension in other jails,” he said. “The other inmates can now go back to putting up pictures of fancy cars on their cell walls.”

—Al Jazeera

52

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

NBBF Annual Stakeholders Forum Holds Feb 1st by ishaku kigbu, Abuja

The annual National Stakeholders Consultative Forum and Preseason Seminar for members of the Nigerian basketball fraternity will hold February 1-5 at the National Institute for Sports, Package B, National Stadium Abuja.

The Pre-season event is heralding preparations for the jumpball of the 2014/2015 bas-

ketball season in Nigeria and organisers, the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) says all basketball stakeholders, state basketball association chairmen and secretaries, DSTV and Zenith Leagues teams officials and staff, National Division One and Two team officials and staff, referees, technical commissioners and table officials are participants.

According to General Secretary of the federation, Okeke Patrick, the 5-day National Stakeholders Consultative Forum and Pre-Season Seminar is aimed at charting a course for the new basketball season in Nigeria with the main agenda on the lessons from last season and a way forward. The meeting will also gather and adopt new workable innovations for the 2014/2015 basketball season.

All Africa Games Preparations Stepped Up By NSC – Are

by ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

In ensuring that Nigeria comes out top at the 2015 All Africa Games, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has stepped up preparations.

Deputy Director Grassroots Sports Development NSC, Dr. Ademola Are expressed this while speaking to LEADERSHIP Sports

on phone yesterday.

According to him, the DirectorGeneral of the NSC, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye has charged all top staff of the commission to put in all their energies in ensuring that Nigeria does not only participate, but top the medal table at the close of the Games.

“Preparations for the qualification is on course for the All Africa

Games. We are in constant touch with all the federations in ensuring that we are completely ready to excel.

“We would be participating in several events at the Games but our strong areas are; athletics, special sports, taekwondo, boxing and weightlifting,” he said.

He explained that Nigeria is blessed with several good ath-

letes who are doing the country proud already in the qualifications, stressing that what they need now is the support of all Nigerians as the Federal Government through the NSC is already putting everything in place to ensure success.

“We are assuring Nigerians that we would be getting very good representation to come out tops,”

Are

Ballon d’Or: Ronaldo Beats Messi Again

by ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

Cristiano Ronaldo has for a second year in a row and third time overall emerged the 2014 FIFA Ballon d’OR winner at a ceremony held last night in Zurich.

He beat Argentine Lionel Messi and Germany goal keeper Manuel Neur to it with 37.66%, leaving Messi with 15.76%, closely followed by Neur with 15.72%.

Nadine Kessler emerged the Women’s World Player Of The Year with 17.52%, beating long time backto-back winner Marta who got 14.16% and Abby Wambach with 13.33%.

The Germany dominated awards saw new kid on the block James Rod-

Ronaldo

PSG Must Bounce Back – Blanc Laurent Blanc has challenged his Paris Saint-Germain squad to bounce back in Tuesday’s Coupe de la Ligue clash with Saint-Etienne.

The French champions spurned a two-goal lead to lose 4-2 against Bastia in Ligue 1 on Saturday and will hope to recover in the cup at the Stade Geoffroy Guichard this week.

With Blanc’s side fourth in the league - four points off leaders Lyon - the coach was clear that his players must take responsibility for the defeat.

“We are not happy, we are angry,” Blanc told a news conference yesterday.

riguez win the FIFA PUSKAS. Rodriguez got (42%), Stephanie Roche (33%) and Robin van Persie (11%).

FIFA FIFPRO WORLD XI Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer Defenders: Philipp Lahm, Sergio Ramos, David Luiz, Thiago Silva Midfielders: Angel Di Maria, Toni Kroos, Andres Iniesta Forwards: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Arjen Robben FIFA Presidential Award went to Japanese journalist Hiroshi Kagawa received the award from FIFA President Blatter and said it was a great honour.

“It is simply the greatest honour to be awarded this prestigious award. In 1979, FIFA President Blatter was part of the organis-

New Pillars’ Signings Arrive Club by ishaku kigbu, Abuja

Blanc

ing committe for a youth tournament in Japan, my English has not improved much since then!” He said.The veteran journalist covered his tenth World Cup at Brazil 2014, and he is honoured for his outstanding service to the sport.

German coaches Joachim Low and Ralf Kellerman emerged World Coaches Of The Year for men and women football respectively. Low won with 36.23% of all votes, Carlo Ancelotti got 22.06%, Diego Simeone got 19.02%. In the female category, Ralf Kellermann received 17.06% of all votes. Maren Meinert 13.16% and Norio Sasaki 13.06%.

FIFA Fair Play Award went to FIFA Volunteers, at all its tournaments.

The new players registered Kano Pillars to prosecute the 2014/2015 Glo Premier League season and the CAF Champions League have arrived the camp of the club in Kano, club officials have revealed. This is coming as the coach of the league defending champions is shifting hi wards training to 11am every morning due to the cold and hammatan weather. All the new signings were in training with only Christian Obiozor who is currently with the Super Eagles home based side in Dubai for national assignment is being expected to hit camp.

The club’s Media Officer Rilwanu Idris Malikawa disclosed that the new players have begun training with

the rest of the players of the club at begged them to co-operate with their Kano Pillars Stadium ground the continental committee that in Sabon Gari Kano. “It’s very much has been set up by the state govencouraging that about 98% of the ernment to oversee the club in its new players we recruited this year forthcoming CAF championship are in our camp already and have in- engagements. He was of the bedicated their interest to play for the lief that the club will do the peosuccess of the club.” Malikawa said. ple of Kano and Nigerians proud General Manager of the club, with persons like the deputy goverMahmud Babangida Umar who nor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as addressed the players and techni- chaiman of the committee, former cal crew of the club after their train- NFA Chairman Ibrahim Galadima ing session weekend told the new as his vice and other noteable perplayers that the management of the sonalities in the Continental Comclub would not relent in its effort mittee. Technical Adviser of the to give priority to players’ welfare. club Okey Emordi said he is hapHe urged both the players and py that the management is thinktechnical crew to work as a fami- ing seriously about players’ welfare ly so as to maintain the tradition as it remains key to the sustenance of the club as champions. Umar of the success of the club.

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/sports

sports 53

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

2015 AFCON 2015 AFCON 2015 AFCON 2015 AFCON 2015 AFCON

Leekens

Leekens Tips Algeria Black Stars supporters

We Must Support Ghana – Mahama Ghana president John Mahama said it was critical that the country supports the national team during the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off this month.

Ghana have been drawn in what has loosely been referred to as the group of death at this year’s tournament, primarily because they will compete against Algeria, South Africa and Senegal in Group C. This is why Mahama has urged Ghanaians to get behind their team in the build-up to and during the continental showpiece.

“The players must up their game, because due to the Brazil issues many Ghanaians have lost interest in the Black Stars but my plea is that they (Black Stars) are also a national team and we must support them,” Mahama told ExposeGhana.com.

“Due to that Brazil issues a lot of lessons had been learned and that lessons will positively guide the team to Equatorial Guinea to prove to the World that Ghana is still a force to reckon with when it comes to soccer,” added Mahama, who is currently serving the

second year of his current term in office.

“The boys [Black Stars players] have talents and the way things are going and how the coach is going about with his job I still believe that they will make an impact in the tournament.

“Though Ghana’s Group is tough and all the teams in the Group are all at par, but they know Ghana is a tough team and they are all frightened that they are in the same Group with Ghana,” added the Ghanaian head of state.

Tunisia coach Georges Leekens thinks that Algeria have the capacity to live up to expectations and win the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

Algeria are currently Africa’s top ranked team and the only African side within the top 20 of the FIFA Men’s Rankings. The Desert Warriors also advanced to the round of 16 at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where they forced eventual champions Germany into extra time, where they eventually lost 2-1.

In the build-up to this year’s tournament much has

been made of the fact that Algeria will compete against Ghana, South Africa and Senegal in Group C, which has accordingly been dubbed as the group of death.

However, Leekens believes that this generation of Algerian footballers have the capacity to emerge from that group unscathed, which will be all the preparation they need as they bid for a second continental title.

“Algeria is in the hardest group in this competition but they’re able to qualify and to win the title in the end,” Leekens told journalists on Monday.

Bolasie Leads DRC Squad

Teko

Bafana Will Do Us Proud – Teko Bolasie

Bolasie was the standout name as DR Congo head coach Florent Ibenge named his final 23man squad for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

Bolasie has been in spectacular form in recent months and is joined by fellow Premier League representative, West Brom midfielder Yussuf Mulumbu.

Experienced striker Dieumerci Mbokani will also link up with the squad from

Dynamo Kiev, while Werder Bremen goalkeeper Cedric Makiadi has also been called up.

As expected, TP Mazembe stopper Robert Kidiaba heads up the local-based contingent of seven players, along with AS Vita Club striker Firmin Mubele Ndombe, who was named African Inter-Club Player of the Year (best player on the continent) last week.

Charleroi goalkeeper Parfait

Mandanda - younger brother of France international and Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda - is also in the squad, despite missing the entire qualification campaigh through injury.

DR Congo 23-man squad in full: Goalkeepers: Robert Kidiaba (TP Mazembe), Parfait Mandanda (Charleroi/BEL), Nicaise Kudimbana (Anderlecht/BEL).

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teko Modise is confident Bafana Bafana can do the country proud as they prepare to jet off to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

The latest installment of Africa’s showpiece tournament is just a few days away from kicking off, and South Africa’s preparations so far have seen them draw 1-1 against Cameroon, while they next face Gabon on Wednesday.

And, as Shakes Mashaba’s men prepare to leave for Equatorial Guinea, Sundowns skipper Modise has wished the players and technical staff all the best as they look to replicate their AFCON title-winning feat of 1996.

“The 2015 African Cup of Nations will take place shortly. Africa is expected to showcase the talent brewed from the African soil.

Football is what we live for and it is exciting to know that our national team will be taking part in the tournament,” Modise told his official website.

“Shakes Mashaba and the boys have been doing well. We qualified for the AFCON and have been preparing for the group stages of the greatly anticipated competition.

“Recently Bafana drew against Cameroon in Gabon following a round of good results in the buildup.”

54 sports

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Int’l Friendly: Yaya Toure Impressed With Home Eagles

by ISHAKU KIGBU, Abuja

Iraq players celebrate

Asia Cup: Kasim Stunner Gives Iraq Win Over Jordan A brilliant individual goal from Iraq midfielder Yaser Kasim was the difference as the 2007 champions opened their AFC Asian Cup campaign with a 1-0 win over Jordan in Brisbane Monday.

Kasim broke the stalemate in the 77th minute when he collected the ball just outside the box and weaved his way through two defenders with a mazey run. He found just enough space to squeeze out a shot, which took a wicked deflection off defender Tareq Khat-

tab’s foot and gave keeper Amer Shafi no chance.

The win means Iraq are favourites to finish second in Group D after defending champions Japan thumped Palestine 4-0 earlier.

In a tight first-half little separated the two teams, who appeared to be more intent on not losing, rather than on winning.

Iraq’s goal-scoring hero from their 2007 Asian Cup final win over Saudi Arabia, Younis Mahmoud, played as a lone forward.

The performance put up by the Super Eagles Team B shocked the reigning African Footballer of The Year, Yaya Toure, who captained the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire on the night his team piped the Nigerian side 1-0 in Abu Dhabi. Toure who thought his team will overrun the Eagles easily given that most of the players on parade were from the home front expressed shock after the game at the display of the Super Eagles made up of entirely Nigerian league players against

his star studded teammates.

Speaking after the encounter, Toure said at a point he believed that his mates were deceived to believing that Nigeria was going to parade a wholly home based side but was convinced that it was not the case. Amokachi had to tell him that apart from Steve Ukoh, who plays in Switzerland and had his first cap for the Eagles all the other players are from the Nigerian Premier League.

Toure said, “At a point I had to tell my teammates to slow down the pace of the game and when we scored we could not wait for

the final whistle, because the boys were all over us. They must be commended for their confident display” he declared.

Eagles defender Leon Balogun who plays in Germany also hailed his teammates for the performance against the Ivorians. “My heart and soul has always been with the team and hopefully I will rejoin the team to recreate those beautiful moments that we had when I first played with them,” said Balogun who plies his trade with German second division side, SV Darmstadt 98.

Shettima’s Tourney Ends In Maiduguri

by ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

The maiden edition of the Kashim Shettima 5-Aside football tourney came to an end last weekend with El-Kanemi Warriors Football Club of Maiduguri assured of being motivated to regain its lost glory in the upcoming football season. The assurance was given by the Borno State sports commissioner, Sugun Mai-mele at the closing ceremony of the maiden edition of the Kashim Shettima 5 Aside football championship in Maiduguri over weekend. In his remark at the occasion, “I want to assure you that El-Kanemi Warriors will be given the desired motivation to regain its lost glory. Other lesser sports will also be accorded the desired support and motivation to excel in national competitions” Mai-mele declared.

He said sports in Borno will receive the best of attention because sports is a unifying factor

Shettima

that binds people of different backgrounds as well as the development of various athletes. In the 20-team championship, university of Maiduguri team defeated Kashim Shettima strikers by 5-4 via penalty shootout while the final match between Sports Ambassadors and Leeds United ended by 2-0 in favor of Ambassadors.

Sports Ambassadors outclassed their opponent in the final encounter to cart home the first position trophy and other performance related prizes while Leeds United won the most disciplined team award of the championship. The third place and the finalist all got a set of jersey and balls for their respective placements. Coordinator and technical director in the sports council Mohammed Bashir appealed to the governor to redeem the pledge made to the winners of the last National Sports Festival as another festival is around the corner.

Home Eagles

Alexis Is Like A Duracell Battery – Oxlade-Chamberlain Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has likened Arsenal team-mate Alexis Sanchez to a Duracell battery because he never stops running.

Alexis

Alexis produced an inspirational display to lead the Gunners to a 3-0 win over Stoke City on Sunday, setting up the opening goal for Laurent Ko-

scielny before scoring twice himself.

The Chilean has netted 18 goals in all competitions this season but his tireless work rate has done just as much to endear him to Arsenal fans, and Oxlade-Chamberlain is full of praise for the former Barcelona star’s attitude.

“Alexis absolutely loves it.

He is like a Duracell battery he just does not give in,” the England midfielder told reporters.

“Whether it is a cup competition or times when you think maybe it could be a chance for him to come out and rest, he is the first one to say he wants to play and he always wants to be a part of it.

“I am sure if the boss wants to rest him, he would respect that as well, but his attitude and the way he approaches training, you wouldn’t think he was tired and the way he is playing, you wouldn’t take him out of the side either.

“Hopefully, he can keep his fitness and keep going, but the athlete that I see every day, I can’t see him falling short anytime soon.”

sports 55

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

93 Golf Trainees Participate In PGAN Kaduna Golf School

Messi

I Can Play Anywhere Next Year – Messi Lionel Messi has paved the way for more speculation over his future after admitting he “doesn’t know where he’ll be next year”.

The Barcelona superstar, talking ahead of the Ballon d’Or gala in Zurich, was asked if he thought he’d play for anyone other than current employers Barcelona, and boyhood favourites Newell’s Old Boys, a club he has often mentioned as a potential destination when he ends his time in Europe.

The Argentine said: “I am not sure what’s going to happen, whether I’ll go back to Newell’s.

I don’t know where I’ll be next year.

“I always said I’d like to finish my career at Barca and then play at Newell’s but nobody knows what the future holds, especially in the football world where so many things can change overnight.”

Messi’s words are a surprise given they were delivered less than 24 hours after he rubbished talk of a rift with coach Luis Enrique and insisted he was happy with life at Camp Nou after a turbulent week which saw director of football Andoni Zubizarreta sacked, his assistant Carles Puyol leave and elections called for the end of the season.

Playing Cote D’ivoire Was A Big Boost – Kwambe Nigeria international Solomon Kwambe has said playing against a star-studded Cote d’Ivoire will help boost the confidence level of his teammates as they hope for a win against Sudan on January 17.

An 84th minute strike by Salomon Kalou ensured the Elephants emerged victorious as they continue preparations for their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations outing in Equatorial Guinea.

In a chat with Goal from team base in Abu Dhabi, Kwambe revealed that his team did very well despite their defeat and also claimed that playing against Yaya Toure and his foreign legion will

Kwambe

help boost their composure.

“We did very well but we lost,” Kwambe told Goal.

“I never felt jittery playing against the Ivorian big boys because I have playing series of Grade A friendlies going into that encounter.

“We learnt a lot from the defeat but the high point is that playing against the foreign based Elephants will not only boost our confidence but also rub-on positively on our career.

Commenting on the game against the Falcons of Jediane billed Saturday, the former Sunshine Stars’ defender is looking forward to a better outing.

Ninety three golf students from across the country are participating in the 10th edition of the Professional Golf Association Nigeria (PGAN) Golf School taking place in Kaduna between January 12 to 18, 2015 at the Kaduna Golf Club.

20 out of the 93 students are going to be selected based on performance to become professional Golfers in the week-long screening competition to be supervised and monitored by a team of professional golfers from across the country.

Speaking to newsmen during the opening ceremony, the chief sponsor of this year’s event, His Highness Emir of Birnin Gwari, Alhaji Zubair Jibril urged the golf students to play to the rule and ensure they did not do anything capable of undermining the essence of the game.

He said he decided to sponsor the training school to proof

to many that the game of golf is not elitist as it has been erroneously believed by many. “Almost all if not all the 93 participants in the training school are people of low status and not elite, most of whom are caddies and not they are vying to become professional golfers which is the thing of joy.”

The royal Father called on corporate organisations, private individual and government to do more in sponsoring the game of golf so that one day Nigeria would have its flag hoisted in international Golf competition like the Ryders Cup and that the likes of Tiger Wood can be produced in Nigeria.

The Director of the PGAN Mr. Festus re-emphasized to the all participating students to play to the rule and be discipline in the course of vying to be professional even as he appreciated the chief sponsor for his kind gesture.

On his part, Captain of the Ka-

duna Golf Club, Engr. Suleiman Adamu said bring the school to Kaduna is a great feat and would restored the lost glory of the Kaduna Golf club, which has suffered setback in the past, but with this kind of event brought here, the club would soon claim its right standing in the world of Golf in Nigeria.

Some of the participating students at this year’s school said they are fully prepared to make their mark this time around.

According to Andrew Chechet and Sani Idris of Kaduna Golf Club, they are battle-ready to make it, most especially now that the competition has been taken to their home course.

Hosting the Golf school in Kaduna this year, makes it the second time the competition is brought to the north out of 10 times of having the event, the students would go to the green today.

Pogba Can Match Zidane, Platini – Allegri Massimiliano Allegri has tipped Paul Pogba to emulate the achievements of countrymen Zinedine Zidane and Michel Platini at Juventus.

The Frenchman opened the scoring in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Napoli and has been one

of his side’s key performers this term as the champions target a fourth consecutive Scudetto.

After an impressive showing for Juve at the Stadio San Paolo, Allegri sees no reason why he cannot achieve similar

feats to those of France greats Zidane and Platini.

Zidane won world and European honours on the international stage, with Platini also claiming the latter prize, and both earned two Serie A titles in Turin.

Pogba

Valencia Extend Nuno’s Contract Valencia have extended the deal of head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, keeping the Portuguese under contract until June 2018.

The former Rio Ave boss was appointed as Juan Antonio Pizzi’s successor at the Mestalla in July, with his initial agreement set to expire at the end of the current campaign.

However, with Valencia performing well in La Liga sitting fifth after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Celta Vigo the club have agreed a threeyear extension.

“Valencia CF and first

team manager Nuno Espirito Santo have reached for an extension to his current contract, taking his tenure at the club to 30 June 2018,” read a statement on the club’s official website.

This season has been the first full campaign with Peter Lim as owner and the club been able to bolster their squad in recent months.

As well as close-season arrivals such as Bruno Zuculini and Shkodran Mustafi, Valencia brought in Enzo Perez recently to help keep their European push on course.

Nuno

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13.01.15 www.leadership.ng

comrade Timi Frank

Tuesday Column:

FoR GoD anD countRY

No. 2,326

— Anon

TUESDAY

N150

Jonathan’s Lagos Diatribe And Half-truths Part I 08070888888 (text only)

O

n Thursday in Lagos, President Goodluck Jonathan in a speech at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Rally, claimed that the leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Henry Okah - currently serving time in South Africa for terror offences had tried to kill him. He claimed that Okah, who headed MEND had been hired to assassinate him. The allegation related to twin bombings at the celebration of Nigeria’s 50th Independence anniversary on October 1, 2010 which killed at least 12 persons in Abuja, and two other bombings in Warri, Delta State in March that year.

Jonathan told the gathering made up of PDP faithfuls that “Intelligence investigation from South Africa intelligence system and Nigerian intelligence system roped him in that plan to assassinate me. And Okah bombed Abuja. The attempt was to assassinate me.”

Jonathan failed to remind the youths whom he said were the target of his political sermon that very day that despite MEND’s claim of responsibility for that attack, he had insisted then that other forces were responsible. MEND had not only claimed responsibility for the deadly attacks, the militants had in an e-mail message to some media houses warned of the impending attacks and advised people to evacuate areas close to Eagle Square - the venue of the Golden Jubilee celebrations - about an hour before the explosions went off. Contrary to this claim, Jonathan had absolved the group of responsibility for the attacks in his address at a colloquium in Abuja organised by the ECOWAS Parliament. Jonathan, at the event which was meant to celebrate African countries that also marked their golden jubilee anniversary in 2010, declared that MEND was not a terrorist group. “What happened yesterday (October

1, 2010) was a terrorist act and MEND was just used as a straw; MEND is not a terrorist group,” the President said. He added: “It is erroneous to think that my people who have been agitating for good living will deliberately blow up the opportunity they have now.”

Who is fooling who? Why has the President refused to be truthful in this matter? How can Mr. President attempt to cajole the ‘young people’ to throw their hats into the ring with him on the basis of halftruths and deliberate falsehood?

The insincerity and cover-up is not only too glaring but unbecoming of the highest office in the land and for a man seeking reelection to rule for the next four years.

Jonathan failed to tell Nigerian youths that with less than 33 days to the general elections across the country for which he is out campaigning to be reelected President, the Boko Haram insurgents are still in control of a total of 13 local government areas in the northeastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. He failed to say that the group is also exercising partial control over parts of at least 10 local government areas in Borno.

The nine LGAs in Borno under the full control of the insurgents are: Gwoza, Bama, Mafa, Dikwa, KalaBalge, Ngala, Marte, Abadam and Mobbar. The other four are Michika and Madagali in Adamawa State, as well as Gujba and Gulani in Yobe State. According to reports, the insurgents partially control some LGAs in Borno like Mungono, Kukawa, Guzamala, Gubio, Magumeri, Damboa, Konduga, Chibok, Askira Uba and Jere. The militants had seized about onethird of Adamawa, with Madagali, Michika, Mubi North, Mubi South, Maiha, Hong and Gombi areas firmly under their control before November last year. However, troops assisted by local hunters had dislodged the insurgents from Gombi, Hong, Maiha and Mubi while Michika and Madagali are still under their firm grip.

He also failed to tell Nigerians

that over 13,000 of their kit and kin have so far been slaughtered by the insurgents and more may yet be killed. Over two million people are displaced from Borno alone according to a statement credited to the Deputy Governor of Borno state, Zannah Umar Mustapha, in December. Moreover, Nigeria currently holds the unenviable record of having 3.3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) - the highest in Africa. The Internally Displaced Monitoring Centre (IDMC) and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in its report: “Global Overview 2014: people internally displaced by conflict and violence” said 470,500 persons were displaced in Nigeria in 2013 alone thereby making it the country with the third highest number of displaced persons in the world. Nigeria ranks behind Syria with 6.5 million IDPs and Columbia with 5.7 million - IDPs. In a direct affront on Nigeria’s sovereignty yet to be challenged

by Jonathan’s administration, the group on August 23, 2014, declared Gwoza town in southern Borno as the headquarters of its newly established “Islamic Caliphate.”

The group has been on expansionist drive ever since.

Mr. President also failed to tell Nigerian youths that the Nigerian army, one of the largest in Africa, and with an annual budget of nearly N1trillion has been in disarray, often fleeing in the face of Boko Haram attacks and leaving vigilantes and local hunters armed with bows and arrows to take on and frequently overcome the insurgents. It is an open secret that most of the massive budget is usually ferreted away in corruption.

In addition, the Jonathan government has not made much capital investment in the military, leaving it with old dysfunctional equipment, and little training.

Faced with a rag-tag but fast enemy like Boko Haram, believed to be about 10,000, the Nigerian soldiers have often tactically avoided direct confrontation. Faced with superior

The current loss of a vast swathe of parts of the Northeast to the insurgents is not only a direct function of the weakness and ineptitude of the Jonathan’s administration but a flagrant violation of provisions of the Constitution which Mr. President swore to defend fire power some of the soldiers have often deserted while others have openly rebelled against their field commanders - aside reported maneuver into Cameroon on two occasions. About 54 soldiers have so far been sentenced to death for mutiny by a court martial after they refused to fight the militants.

Twelve others were also sentenced to death for mutiny in September.

About 240 soldiers have so far been dismissed for refusing orders.

Soldiers have often complained that they are ill-equipped to fight the insurgents.

Jonathan talked gleefully about a generation that would take Nigeria to the moon but he failed to say how the territories under Boko Haram’s illegal occupation would be recovered. The current loss of a vast swathe of parts of the Northeast to the insurgents is not only a direct function of the weakness and ineptitude of the Jonathan’s administration but a flagrant violation of provisions of the Constitution which Mr. President swore to defend. Section 14(2b) of the Constitution provides that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.” A total of three Nigerian states are about being carved out of Nigeria, yet Mr. President does not “give a damn” as usual.

He said his administration was being unduly accused of corruption

timifrank@leadership.ng and not fighting corruption.

“We have arrested more people within this period. Gotten more convictions within this period but everyday they tell us lies,” he said.

Who did Jonathan’s administration convict? Rather than prosecute corrupts elements, he has been romancing them. For instance, he withdrew charges against the son of the late dictator, Mohammed Abacha, to enable him contest the Kano State gubernatorial election on the platform of the PDP. He withdrew $1.69m fraud charges against Lagos socialite, Fred Ajudua. Is that how to fight corruption? He squashed the N6.5bn fraud charges against a former Minister of Works, Hassan Lawal. Is that a conviction? The administration also “deliberately” withdrew all criminal charges against four oil marketers suspected to have been involved in a N2bn subsidy fraud. The charges against a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode were also dropped surreptitiously after ‘accepting’ to work with Jonathan. FFK as he is fondly called is presently the Director of Media and Publicity of the Jonathan Presidential Campaign Council. I can bet that this is one of the convictions recorded by Mr. President.

GHANA MUST GO 150, not 2,000 people died in Baga attacks — Military

You are not ashamed to say this?

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