Leadership news

14.11.14

No. 78

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

www.leadership.ng

N200

NIGERIA'S FIRST FRIDAY NEWSPAPER

KADuNA PolIcE ARREST WomAN FoR STEAlING 3 chIlDREN

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NDIc PAYS N6.8BN To DEPoSIToRS oF FAIlED BANKS

Leadership Newspapers

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@leadershipNGA

20 REPS PIcK NomINATIoN FoRm FoR TAmBuWAl

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Local Hunters, Civilian JTF Recapture Mubi 4

Recover 5 armoured tanks, residents jubilate

L-R; Chairman, Access Bank Plc, Gbenga Oyebode; GMD Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe; the coordinating minister for the economy and minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; senior counsellor and director for Africa and the Middle East, IIF, George Abed and president, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, during the twoday IIF Africa Financial 2014 Summit, hosted

by Access Bank in Lagos. PHOTO BY GBENGA OLAJOBI

Gowon, Buhari, IBB, maitama Sule, Amaechi condole With Nda-Isaiah As Pa Ndanusa Isaiah’s burial takes place in minna tomorrow

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#BringBackOurGirls 214 day

Friday, November 14, 2014

Editor’s Note Hello, This is the first of many Fridays and the first of many truly relaxing weekends you may have to enjoy.

Why? This is your choice Friday paper at its best in every ramification.

Three days ago, the European Space Agency’s spaceship deployed ‘Phillae’ to land on a comet, in order to study its composition and origin. Isn’t this wonderful? What makes it more interesting is, just like man’s first step on the moon, it is also man’s first attempt to learn about a comet. Another first for Man (and his desire to learn about his environment, if you must add).

Meanwhile, the world is still ablaze all around us – “galloping to hell on a crazy horse” , a friend once said to me – from Pakistan to Cameroun, Burkina Faso to Nigeria, Syria to Britain, Iran to Israel, France to …the anger fever is catching up with the rest of the world.

Destruction untold and unprecedented violence everywhere, practically.

While all this is happening, you must endeavor to keep your cool and stay safe.

Be the different one, the cautious, watchful, observing one. Do not fall prey and do not forget to pray. The world needs your prayers - people of Madagali, Michika, Mubi, Maiha and indeed, the Chibok girls. The nation needs your prayers, your loved ones need your prayers, our soldiers need your prayers, the displaced people of the world and North-eastern Nigeria need your prayers, orphaned children and widowed women also need your prayers…the list is endless.

More importantly, you need God to get to the next level. Thank God it’s Friday.

For Feedback: fridayleadership@leadership.ng Never decide to do nothing just because you can only do little.

ChiBOk iN The Week Saturday, November 8, 2014 Over six months after the abduction of the Chibbok school girls, with hope of their release dimming by the day, a presidential hopeful for the 2015 elections, William ad’ojo Jedidiah, urged the federal government to go into negotiation with their captors-the Bok Haram terrorists for the girls’ release.

Sunday, November 8, 2014 Following the recent attacks in parts of Eastern Nigeria, especially Gombe, adamawa and yobe by the Boko Haram terrorists which has led to loss of many lives and properties, a front-line lawmaker in the House of Representatives, Hon. Umar ahmed Nafada, representing Nafada/dukku Federal Constituency expressed shock and outrage over the atrocities being perpetrated by the sect there with impunity and called on all security agencies to adopt more drastic measures to stop the insurgents and restore security, law and order to the affected areas.

Monday, November 3, 2014 The BringBackOurGirls group reportedly condemned the continuous attacks of the Boko Haram sect which have been going on without adequate response from the nation’s security forces or the Nigerian government.

Tuesday November 11, 2014 The BringBackOurGirls group expressed deep concern over the continuous take-over of parts of Nigeria’s territory by the Boko Haram sect, saying the more areas

captured by the group, the more youths it would recruit for the sect.

It was also reported that the federal government, through the National Emergency Management agency (NEMa), distributed relief materials to displaced residents in the affected communities in the North-east.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014 While declaring his intention to contest for re-election in 2015, President Goodluck Jonathan re-iterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring the release of the abducted Chibok school girls who are still in captivity of the Boko Haram terrorists after over six months of their abduction.

Thursday, November 13, 2014 The National Women Commision (NWC), the women wing of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) threatened to mobilise women across the country to boycott the 2015 elections should the federal government fail to rescue the abducted Chibok school girls.

Meanwhile, the vice chairman, Chibok community in abuja, Mutah Nkechi, raised alarm over an impending attack on the Chibok community in Borno State.

Today Friday, November 14, 2004 The BringBackOurGirls group yesterday mourned the death of 47 boys of the all Boys Government Technical Secondary School who were killed by a suicide bomber Monday in Portiskum, yobe State as they appeared for their sit-out in black T-shirts with the inscription, ‘Nigeria mourns Potiskum Boys’. ...As compiled by ABAH ADAH

Members of #BringBackourGirls (BBoG) during a protest match to the Presidential Villa demanding for the release of the abducted Chibokchoolgirl in abuja yesterday. PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKABGO

BBOG Group Mourns Potiskum School Boys

By Chika Mefor, ejike ejike, Abuja The #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) group yesterday mourned the killing of 47 boys from the All- Boys Government Technical Secondary School in Potiskum, Yobe State by a suicide bomber on Monday.

The group which appeared for its sit-out yesterday in black t-shirts with incription, .#Nigeria Mourn #Potiskum Boys stated that it was saddened that the security challenges in the country had gotten to a stage where the Nigerian children are no more safe at their schools and prayed God to comfort the family of the boys who had died in search of knowledge.

The group also condemed the reported award given to governors, traditional rulers, individuals and organisations

by Arewa Foundation For Peace, Conflict Resolution and Developemt for promoting peace and development in Nigeria and wondered if the Foundation was blind to the many killings in the North East' especially the death of the Potiskum boys.

The group with placards reading, 'The Blood

A liar is not believed when he speaks the truth.

― Egyptian Proverbs

of the Potiskum Boy's are on our hand's, 'Northern Leaders fear God,' We love our Children, stop the killings', 'Shame to Northern Leaders', 'Award for failing your children' and 'You have let down Sir Ahmadu Bello', also wondered why the group was giving awards to organisations and individuals when the North East was ripe with the attack of the insurgents with no semblance of peace at the area.

Responding to the questions of the group in a telephone conversation, the National Cordinator of the Arewa Foundation, Musa Gado, stated that they had decided to go on with the event because they had planned the award before the unfortunate incidence of the killing of the Potiskum boys.

He added that the Foundation was planning on-doing something, concerning the insecurity situation in the country, including those affected by the attacks on Monday, a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber disguised in school uniform killed 47 students in Potiskum and injuring several others.

The explosion ripped through the school, just as students gathered for morning assembly before classes began, causing panic and chaos.

our stand

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November 14, 2014

Automatic Ticket Is Autocracy

C

owed out of the contest for the nation’s presidency and barred by the constitution from running for another term, most second term governors have elected to run for the Senate.

This has pitted them against senators from their senatorial districts. Since last week, senators elected on the platform of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), for instance, have been engaging the national leadership of the party and President Goodluck Jonathan in a battle of wits for self-preservation.

While the senators suspended legislative proceedings as a way of registering dissatisfaction that the governors have hijacked the process with the statutory delegates they command during the ward congresses, the governors are insisting that they have done nothing wrong legally.

At the moment, the lawmakers are negotiating for two seats per state to be conceded to them.

Several nocturnal meetings and threats to boycott legislative functions are yet to produce the desired result. It saddens us that beyond parochial personal interest, these governors, lawmakers and those brokering rapprochement – the president and National Working Committee members – have cast democratic ethos to the dung heap. There

is no rational justification for conceding “automatic tickets” in a democracy. The politicians can also not explain how they would resolve situations where the governors and incumbent senators are from the same districts. This logjam is what informed the governors’ rejection of the request for automatic tickets for serving senators shortly after President Jonathan “accepted” his own automatic ticket on Tuesday. Viewed from all perspectives, this is autocracy at work.

It is regrettable that those elected to uphold the nation’s constitution and who passed the Electoral Act, which places premium on internal party democracy and majority rule, are in a game that undermines the

Ag. Editor Pembi David-Stephen Deputy Editor Kazeem Akintunde Editorial Board Safiya M. Adamu, Chairman Christian Ochiama, Deputy Chairman Standards Aniebo Nwamu, Director ’Lara Olugbemi, Assistant Director

tenets of the electoral process.

We advise all stakeholders in this evil enterprise of negotiating the mandate of the people away, that the electorate is the essence of democracy. A situation where governors and senators aspire to seize a mandate by subterfuge because they fear they would be left in limbo without political appointments does more harm than good to democracy and good governance. As happened in 2003 and 2007, the number of exgovernors will no doubt increase in the upper legislative chamber in 2015, because they are leaving nothing to chance.

It is our view that it behoves the senators to explore democratic alternatives to the arm-twisting tactics they are currently employing. And while we see nothing wrong with governors seeking to be senators, the hallowed chamber of the Senate should not be desecrated by a meaningless struggle for power between serving senators and selfserving, ambitious second-term governors. It is ridiculous that the Senate has been turned into a retirement haven by outgoing governors, merely for political expediency and relevance, and to protect themselves from the long arm of the law waiting to catch them for criminal and corrupt activities after they would have lost their gubernatorial immunity.

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

Leadership Holdings

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

A lawyer never goes to law himself.

— Egyptian Proverb

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!

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November 14, 2014

LIVING TO BE 100

One health tip daily Limit Your Cell Phone Use Some 200 studies point to health hazards like brain tumors and infertility that may be due to longterm cell phone use, especially among children, An Italian court recently found a direct causal link between extensive cell phone use and brain tumors. Keep your cell phone an arm length’s away when not in use, says e1ectrosmog expert Guy Hudson, and text rather than talk whenever you can.

20 Reps Pick Nomination Form For Tambuwal

BY Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

Tambuwal’s presidential aspiration has taken a new turn as 20 members of the House of Representatives yesterday collected the presidential nomination and expression of interest form on his behalf.

APC’s national organising secretary, Senator Osita Izunazo, told journalists that House spokesman Hon Zakari Mohammed led others to the APC secretariat where they collected the form.

Although none of the lawmakers spoke to journalists, a party source disclosed that those who picked the form were not sure whether Tambuwal would accept it.

“They said they did not get the consent of the speaker before coming to pick the presidential nomination form on his behalf.

They further explained that it was the speaker who would tell the whole world whether he had joined the race or not,” said the lawmaker.

According to the APC timetable, today is the last day for the submission of the nomination form for the presidential primary.

LEADERSHIP friday recalls that Tambuwal, while defecting to the APC two weeks ago, gave political developments in his home state, Sokoto, as the reason for his action.

It was already taken for granted that Tambuwal would be picked as the APC consensus candidate for the Sokoto State governorship election.

Sokoto State governor Aliyu Wamakko had told stakeholders of the party in the state a few days before Tambuwal’s defection to the APC that the plan to install him as the party’s governorship candidate was hatched long ago.

“I want to inform all stakeholders of the APC gathered here that Tambuwal has been with us since the formation of our great party. We told him to remain in PDP until the day of nomination of the party’s governorship candidate, and today is the day,” he had said.

Apparently, the governor had pencilled down Tambuwal as his successor, and to smoothen the plot, the governorship slot was also zoned to Sokoto South where the speaker hails from.

APC Presidential Ticket: Game Plan Of Tambuwal’s Promoters Revealed Tambuwal dramatic entry into the APC presidential race appears to be a ‘third force’ game plan to stop the older aspirants eyeing the ticket of the party, LEADERSHIP Friday has learnt.

It was gathered that, upon resumption on December 3, the APC caucus in the House would pass a vote of confidence on Tambuwal and then go ahead to endorse him for the 2015 presidential race. But whatever the plan is, the sudden drafting of the youthful speaker is already creating ripples within the opposition party.

Also, the position of APC’s ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Local Hunters, Civilian JTF Recapture Mubi

By Mohammed Ismail, Yola; Adesuwa Tsan, George Agba, Abuja

Local hunters and Civilian JTF forces yesterday reclaimed the commercial border town of Mubi, Adamawa State, from Boko Haram insurgents, also recovering five Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) in the process, local and security sources have disclosed.

Mubi, the second largest town in the state, fell to the Islamic sect about two weeks ago after the insurgents drove away Nigerian troops and took over their barracks.

The victory recorded by the local hunters and Civilian JTF men has elicited jubilation and praise across the state as people gave a sigh of relief, and are hoping that the development marks the beginning of the end of insurgency in the state.

Dozens of the fleeing insurgents were reportedly killed by Nigerian troops who reportedly lay an ambush in anticipation.

Sequel to yesterday’s recapture of Mubi, about 75 insurgents were killed in Maiha town on Wednesday by local hunters who wounded hundreds of other insurgents and arrested many others.

Unconfirmed reports, however, said the whereabouts of the sect’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, who was believed to be in the town when the hunters struck, could not be ascertained.

Reports from Mubi indicate that the hunters have recaptured the 234 Army Battalion and other strategic security formations in the area which the insurgents overran when they seized the town, and were said to be advancing towards Michika and Madagali which are under the control of the insurgents.

Similarly, all the flags hoisted by the insurgents have been uprooted and replaced by Nigerian flags.

Residents said the palace of the Emir of Mubi, which had been converted to the spiritual headquarters of the sect, has now been taken retaken while the Boko Haram flags have been destroyed.

Meanwhile, the insurgents have beaten a retreat into the A good marksman may miss. ― Egyptian Proverb

President Jonathan

Minimah

bush with the local fighters giving them a hot chase.

Adamawa Sate governor Bala Ngilari, who confirmed the development in Yola, said that “the insurgents have been flushed out of Mubi and are on the run,” attributing the success to a divine order.

“God is in this business of security in Adamawa State. You know in the last one week or so, the government has decided to be working with the vigilante group ‘Yan Baka’, local hunters and Civilian JTF. They have been working hand in hand with our security forces,” he said.

According to him, following the success recorded, the insurgents have been completely routed from Mubi and are running towards Askira, with the hunters chasing after them.

He said the Mubi feat followed a synergy between the Adamawa State government, military and paramilitary outfits, the local hunters and Civilian JTF operatives who all made significant contributions.

Ngilari thanked all those behind the success in flushing the insurgents from Mubi town, describing them as heroes who put their lives on the line to ensure that the state is freed.

Stating that normalcy will soon return to Mubi, the governor urged the people to go about their normal businesses.

“There should be no room for people to panic at all because this is the time to rejoice. We should also, in doing so, be sensitive to whatever information we come by. Our people who left should come back as there is no cause for panic. We have registered remarkable success and God is on our side. The good old days will be back,” Ngilari assured.

Over Boko Haram Tensions were high at yesterday’s meeting between members of the Senate Committee on Defence and the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Kenneth Minimah, on the increasing level of terror attacks in the north east. ‎While the senators wanted a briefing on the state of affairs in the region where fatalities have been recorded in the last few days, with the media in attendance, to reassure Nigerians that the military was countering the militants, the army chief was averse to discussing military operational matters before the press.

The Defence Committee had invited service chiefs - chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, chief of Army Staff Major General Kenneth Minimah, chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin, and chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Adeola Amosu - to brief its members on the state of affairs in the north east with regard to the fight against Boko Haram.

But while others, including the inspector-general of Police Suleiman Abba and the directorgeneral, Directorate of State Services (DSS) Mr. Ekpeyong Ita, were also invited, only the army chief Minimah honoured the invitation on behalf of the Defence chief Badeh.

The chairman of the committee, Senator George Sekibo, had sought to know why insurgents were having a field day in the north east despite the $1 billion the legislature approved for the prosecution of the war.

Sekibo also warned the army chief that Nigerians were getting impatient and irritated not only with the military but

Senate, Army Chief Meet

➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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November 14, 2014

Gowon, Buhari, IBB, Maitama Sule, Amaechi, ACF, Others Condole With Nda-Isaiah

BY MIDAT JOSEPH, ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kaduna; ABu NMODu, Minna

The remains of the late Pa Clement Nda-Isaiah will be laid to rest tomorrow in Minna, Niger State.

Pa Nda-Isaiah, father of the founder of LEADERSHIP Newspapers Group and APC presidential aspirant, Sam Nda-Isaiah, died early Wednesday morning at the age of 80.

Confirming the burial arrangements to our correspondent, the younger brother to the late Pa Nda-Isaiah, Mr Jacob Isaiah, said the wake keep church service will take place today at Praise Cathedral Church by 4pm along Constitution Road, Kaduna.

The development came just as former Heads of State Generals Yakubu Gowon and Muhammadu Buhari, former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, elder statesman, Maitama Sule, Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), condoled with NdaIsaiah family over the death of their father.

Other prominent Nigerians who paid condolence visits to the NdaIsaiah family yesterday were Alhaji Umaru Ndanusa, Gen Haliru Akilu, former minister of defence Dr Bello Haliru, former Ekiti State governor Dr Kayode Fayemi, emir of Kazaure HRH Alhaji Najib Hussaini Adamu, Alhaji Falalu Bello, Alhaji Risqua Murtala Mohammed, Ayisha Osori, Mr Ismaila Ahmed, Gen Ishaya Bakut (rtd) and Arewa Consultative Assembly (ACF) represented by AVM M. Mohammed and Lawal Idris.

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), yesterday described Pa Nda-Isaiah’s

death as a great loss at this critical moment when the country is in dire need of men and women of integrity, like him.

Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who paid a condolence visit to the APC presidential aspirant on behalf of the group, said that the late Pa Nda-Isaiah lived an exemplary life.

“I came here with a message of celebration; this is because Sam’s father lived an exemplary life, a kind of life any son would want to associate with.

“He left an indelible mark of service and humility and excellence. So, obviously, it is not only Sam who has lost a father; we all lost a father.

“We condole and to pray with him, hoping that the values that his father lived for and died with will continue to be emulated by the generations to come,” Baba-Ahmed said.

The founder and presiding bishop of International Praise Cathedral, Bishop Fred Ado, who also paid a condolence visit to the family of Pa Nda-Isaiah, prayed for God’s comfort to the family the deceased left behind.

On his part, the president of the Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria, Comrade Shehu Sani, during his condolence visit also described the deceased as a “sincere and honest human being.”

Bassa-Nge Community Commiserates With Pa NdaIsaiah’s Family The people of Bassa-Nge community resident in Kaduna, under the auspices of Bassa-Nge Development Union (BNDU) and Bassa-Nge Youth Association (BNYA), have commiserated with the family of the late Pa Clement Nda-Isaiah.

A press statement issued by the leadership of the groups and made available to LEADERSHIP FRIDAY in Kaduna yesterday described late Pa Nda-Isaiah as a man of simplicity and an epitome of humility who has lived a fulfilled life.

A copy of the statement separately signed by Mr Fredrick Nyabam and Andrew Nmadu, president and secretary respectively of BNDU and Engineer Herbert Nda Egbeja, BNYA president, said the late Pa Nda-Isaiah would be greatly missed.

“We the people of Bassa-Nge resident in Kaduna wish to commiserate with the family of late Pa Clement NdaIsaiah who has gone to be with the lord.

“His death is painful but we are grateful to God that he lived a fulfilled life, and although he is gone, his legacies will continue to live with us.

“We pray God for the repose of his soul and for God to grant the entire family, which we are part of, the gratitude to bear the irreparable loss.

“We also pray for the wife, Mama Nda-Isaiah, that God will strengthen her in this painful time of losing a man she have lived with in holy matrimony for over 50 years,” they wrote.

Niger APC Condoles Sam NdaIsaiah over father’s death The APC in Niger State has sympathised with the party’s presidential aspirant Sam NdaIsaiah over the death of his father Pa Clement Nda-Isaiah who passed away on Wednesday.

In a statement by the publicity secretary of the party, Mr Jonathan Vatsa, yesterday lamented the death

The late Ndanusa Isaiah

of the elder statesman came at the time that the presidential aspirant and indeed Nigerians needed his wise counsel for a better society.

The party said that the late Pa NdaIsaiah had contributed a lot to media growth in Nigeria judging from his commitment to journalism practice in Nigeria, especially his days at the New Nigeria newspapers.

Vatsa noted in the statement that though he is gone, his legacies as a father, patriot, a thorough professional and statesman will continue to remain fresh in the minds of generations unborn.

The statement however urged his children to have comfort in the fact that his late father lived a purposeful life embodied in love for humanity.

The party in the state, therefore, prayed God to grant the late Pa NdaIsaiah eternal rest and the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Local Hunters, Civilian JTF Recapture Mubi ➔ FROM PAGE 4

also with the government and those who represent them at various levels.

“I believe that we are trying our best but is our best the best we can offer? What is happening is becoming increasingly difficult to explain to Nigerians. We want to be told what is happening. The insurgents are having a field day.

“We are aware that they (government) is releasing your funds to you because you have not complained. We also approved $1billion for the president to purchase arms and ammunition to fight Boko Haram. We are aware that your budget is being released to you. If you have difficulties, you should tell us.

“The spate of insurgency, the way and manner the insurgents are taking areas, is getting worrisome,” he said.

The senator further asked the army boss about the ill-fated ceasefire with the insurgents, and whether such a pact was ever on the table.

“We want to know whether there was a dialogue, the stage of the dialogue,

if any, because few days after the announcement of the ceasefire, the insurgents struck and have continued to strike.

“At the last meeting we were told that the insurgents had captured seven local government areas. The CDS confirmed that and asked that they should be given some time to liberate the captured areas.

We want to know where we are,” he said.

He also expressed worry whether, with the approaching election year, elections could be held in the north east under the dire security challenge.

But when it was time to respond, Minimah said he would not discuss that issue before the press, saying, “I came to interface with the Senate Committee on Defence; can the press leave us?”

A member of the committee, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, intervened by reminding Minimah that the press was an important factor in nation building but after Minimah still refused to speak, Senator Abdul Ningi also attempted to persuade him to reassure Nigerians on what the military was doing to win the

war against insurgency.

The pressmen were asked to leave but after about two and half hours, the meeting ended.

Afterwards Sekibo told the correspondents that the chief of Army Staff had responded to all the issues that were raised before him, adding that there could be setbacks because the insurgency was not a conventional warfare.

“Because it is not conventional, few mistakes might come here and there and the issue is that it will be corrected. We are also assured that within a very short period, some of the territories that were taken by the insurgents will be taken back for the country.

“We are assured to inform our constituents that it will not get worse than what we have now. We believe from the charge we have given to them from tomorrow and perhaps the nearest couple of weeks, we are going to have better results.”

Minimah on his part said: “We had a painful setback in Basa that resulted in the loss of territories up to Mubi,

A good name is sooner lost than won.

― Egyptian Proverb

but we are working very hard to retake those territories, and very soon, we will reclaim those territories and indeed other territories that the insurgents have taken.”

Boko Haram: Catholic Bishops Meet With Jonathan ... Want inclusion in distribution of relief materials ... Say distribution process is lopsided Catholic Bishops yesterday met with President Goodluck Jonathan, seeking to be involved in the distribution of relief materials to victims of terror in the country, particularly in the north east.

The bishops, who were led by the president of the Catholic Bishop Conference, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama, told journalists after the meeting at the presidential villa, Abuja, that the process of relief distribution, as currently being carried out by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), was lopsided. ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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APC Presidential Ticket: Game Plan Of Tambuwal’s Promoters Revealed ➔ FROM PAGE 5

presidential running mate has been zoned to South West, with Ondo and Ekiti states topping the calculation. Amid these developments, the leadership of the party has kept mum as calls made to the party’s national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, were not answered by the time of going to press.

In the same vein, Tambuwal’s special adviser on media and publicity, Mallam Imam Imam, said he could not talk to LEADERSHIP Friday because he was at a seminar. A text message to him to explain the reason for the speaker’s sudden change of mind was also not replied.

Similarly, when the national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, was asked to react to the issue at a press conference he addressed yesterday at the national secretariat of the party, Lai Mohammed asked him not to respond, saying it was not part of their brief for the day.

But speaking in confidence to our correspondent, a top party official explained that dragging Tambuwal into the race would compound the problems on ground over the ambitions of former head of state General Muhammadu Buhari, former vice president Atiku Abubakar, Kano State governor Musa Kwankwaso, his Imo State counterpart Rochas Okorocha and LEADESHIP Group founder Mr Sam Nda-Isaiah.

“The issue has been on since Tambuwal joined us but some of us are not happy with the idea of dragging him into the race when we are still having problems about how to handle the presidential primaries, especially the refusal of Atiku and others to step down for General Buhari.

“If I may tell you, the initial plan that gave birth to the merger was the alliance between the ACN and the CPC after the 2011 general election when the result showed General Buhari scoring 12 million votes, and the idea was that if the block

votes from the South West could be added to that of Buhari, then the opposition would have won and that was how the issue of merger began.

“But the return of Atiku has compounded the problem because the initial plan was to adopt General Buhari as a consensus candidate, and now with Atiku insisting on primaries, the party leadership has bent backward, but the fear in some quarters is that, in any primary, with his experience, Atiku has what it requires to emerge the winner, but some party leaders are not comfortable with that,” the party source disclosed.

According to him, while the likes of the national deputy chairman, Senator Lawal Shuaibu, are rooting for Atiku, the national vice chairman, North West, and the national treasurer are of Buhari camp, while the National Treasurer is a supporter of Kwankwaso.

Another party source explained that Tambuwal became the last-card option when the aspirants from the north

refused to step down, coupled with the fact that Tambuwal had age, exposure and less public encumbrance on his side, hence some are pushing for him.

“Tambuwal is in his late 40s. He has never been accused of being corrupt, or accused of being a religious fundamentalist and all these could help the party if he is presented as the candidate.

“Apart from that, perhaps his promoters are of the view that two of the leading aspirants who have all lost previous presidential contests could take a rest.

He is the third force as it were, but that means going back on our words because we had earlier resolved not to have our candidate from the PDP ilk. “However, we are still watching the unfolding scenario because so many things are going to unfold, especially now that the position of the running mate has been zoned to the South West. Even though it is meant for Ondo and Ekiti to fill, there is already a big scramble for the slot,” he said.

Local Hunters, Civilian JTF Recapture Mubi ➔ FROM PAGE 5

Kaigama noted that considering the experience of the Catholic Church in its interventionist approaches in crisis situations, government should bring it on board to improve the system.

“We are here on behalf of the Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria. We have some concerns about the situation of security in the nation as well as political developments. So, in general terms we shared with him in a conversation and discussion.”

Expressing worry over the continuous incidence of killings in the

country, the bishop said: “We feel that things are not right. Territorially, our land is being taken away. The people we look after are displaced, their homes, their villages and towns are captured and they are internally displaced, and have become refugees in their own land.

“We thought this is not right. We have families that are just stranded.

We thought that the president should know.”

Kaigama added that the Catholic Church had a good structure for relief distribution and in taking care of such situations and sought government’s

collaboration.

He said, “We have what we call the Catholic Peace and Justice Commission; we respond when there is an emergency.

We know how to technically do registration of displaced people.

“The little funds we gather, we buy clothing and materials and are able to reach out very effectively. You would almost say, scientifically, because every victim gets something.

“So we are telling government that we are aware of the wonderful effort they do, the relief they give through NEMA and other agencies; the effectiveness of the distribution is our concern.”

According to him, the president assured them that he was on top of the situation.

President Jonathan had told the bishops that government was reviewing its strategies and that, by the grace of God, the terror attacks being witnessed will soon be a thing of the past.

Kaigama said, “This is the assurance we are coming away with. We are here with long years of experience; as a Catholic Church, we don’t discriminate.

In fact, 90 percent of the people we give relief to are not Christians or even Catholics, so we should be brought on board.”

9 States Access N220b SMEs Fund

By George Agba, Abuja

The federal government has said that about nine states of the federation have fully accessed the N220billion Small And Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) fund floated last year for the development of the sector.

Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga disclose this yesterday after the inaugural meeting of the National Council on micro, small and medium enterprises set up by President Goodluck Jonathan to grow the economy.

The council came about after Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi had decried the high interest rate on the loan which he said prevented enterprise from accessing it.

Aganga said the council meeting presided

by Vice President Namadi Sambo set up a smaller committee headed by the minister of National Planning to draw up modalities that will further ease access to the SME fund.

According to the minister, about

19 more states have completed the process and complied with the terms establishing the fund and are at the stage of also accessing it.

He added that as a measure of improving access to easy financing in the country, the council is also considering the need to strengthen credit bureaus, business development providers and the establishment of leasing agencies.

He said the World Bank had already agreed to help establish one of such bureaus in each state of the six zones in the country.

Aganga noted that since in nauguration some sub-committees have been working to sort out issues on the access to finance as well as access to marketing.

He listed the committees to include sub-committee on developing the institutional framework and policies, sub-committee on infrastructure and reducing the cost of doing business for MSMEs, we have the committee for innovation and technology for SME’s.

President Goodluck Jonathan (left), receiving the report of the National Institute for Policy & Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Senior Executive Course 36, 2014, from the director-general of NIPSS, Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN

A good name keeps its lustre in the dark. ― African Proverb

November 14, 2014

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Kaduna Police Apprehend Woman For Stealing 3 Children

By Isaiah Benjamin, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command has apprehended a 29-year-old woman, Love Ogar, yesterday, for trafficking three children.

Ogar, a native of Cross River State, was arrested while she was trying to transport three children she allegedly stole from Hotoro village, in Kano State, to Onitsha, Anambra State.

Parading the suspect at the state police headquarters, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Aminu Lawan, said the police received a distressed call from leaders of the Kawo Park branch of the Nigeria Union of Road Transports Workers (NURTW), who disclosed that the driver who brought Ogar and the three children from Kano to Kaduna informed them that he was suspicious of the strange relationship between the children and the woman who claimed to be their mother, given the way the children had been reacting to her.

Lawan added that the NURTW men had to call the police, who confessed that she stole the children from Kano and was taking them to Abuja.

Speaking to journalists, Ogar said her friend, one Tina, based in Abuja, contracted her to bring any good-looking al-

majirai for herand promised to pay the sum of N350,000 for each child.

“When I got to Hotoro, I was inside ‘keke’ NAPEP. I gave each of them sweets and they followed me to the Sabon Gari motor park where we boarded the available vehicle going to Onitsha with the children. I planned to stop in Abuja.

“She only promised to pay after I deliver the children,” she said.

The father of the three children, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi, said his wife called in three days ago to inform him that she could not find the children, but he had insisted that she intensify efforts within the vicinity in search of the children.

Sanusi said after he reported the case of the missing children to the police station in Hotoro, he was called at noon on Tuesday and informed that his children had been found in the company of the woman who stole them by the police in Kaduna. He was driven by his cousin to the station where he found his children; Nafiu Sanusi, 6; Khalid Sanusi,5 and Abdul Sanusi, 4.

Sani hailed the police for a job well done and thanked the NURTW men for their vigilance.

The state police command said investigation has continued earnestly in order to fish out Ogar’s accomplices.

Woman Arrested For Abusing Child Over Missing Money

By Chika Otuchikere, Abuja

A 27-year-old woman, Patience Stephen, is now a guest of the police for almost killing her six-6-year-old daughter, Abigail, over allegations that the little girl allowed thieves to come into their apartment to steal her money.

The FCT Police command Commissioner, CP Wilson Inalegwu, who paraded Stephen yesterday, said some good Samaritans had rescued little Abigail from her mother, after she had inflicted cuts all over her body using a razor and seared parts of her body with a hot metal.

The neighbours had brought the girl to

the Karimo Police Division, a suburb of Abuja, narrating her ordeal in the hands of her mother.

Speaking to journalists, Stephen said she punished the child, because she abandoned her house and allowed thieves to break in and steal the sum of N40,000 from the house.

Some police women said Stephen was arrested while she was attempting to travel out of the FCT, in order to escape justice.

“After she inflicted the injury on the girl, she locked her inside the house for five days, without taking her to the hospital for treatment,” one of the officers disclosed.

L-R: National Publicity Secretary Alh Lai Mohammed, National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and the National Secretary Alh. Mai Mala Buni, all of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC) during the party’s press briefing on the situation in the country and the recent bomb blast at the Federal College of Education Kontagora, Niger State, in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

L-R: Managing Director/CEO,Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim; former Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman and the chairman, governing board, NDIC, Ambassador Hassan Adamu, during its 25th anniversary lecture and book presentation in Abuja yesterday PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

PHCN, Mpape Residents Disagree Over Electricity Bill Ebriku John Friday, Abuja

Efforts of the management of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to recoup its investment within a short time seemed to have set it against residents of Mpape, a quiet suburb in Bwari area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The residents, who are confounded by the dramatic increase in their electricity bill have opted for total disconnection, as they cannot imagine why their bills, which ranged between N2000 and N3000, respectively, would be increased to the range of N11000 and N13000 for the month of October.

When LEADERSHIP visited the company’s premises in Mpape, a resident could be overheard inviting an official of the company to “come and disconnect” his wire, “there is no way” he would pay the N12,000 bill given to him.

A staff of the company who pleaded an-

onymity, disclosed to this reporter that they were “not consulted before the bill was increased”.

Narrating his experience, a staff said he was almost lynched when he went to distribute the bills. “How would they increase electricity bill in a place like this, even when it [the light] is not regular?” he lamented.

The story was not different when LEADERSHIP visited one of the stations in Maitama.

Most residents who spoke to our correspondent said they would not pay “unless the bill is reverted”.

One Chris Okeke, a resident of the area, said: “We are not going to pay, because this is extortion. How on earth would they just increase the bill like that? From N2000 to N13,000 per month?That is insensitive. I am sure they don’t know this place. They should come and give us justification for the increment,” he fumed.

L-R: Out-going permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Dr Abubakar Koro Muhammad, handing over a document to the incoming permanent secretary, Dauda Kigbu, at the ministry’s headquarter in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO BY OGOH JOSEPH.

L-R: A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Rivers State, Atamuno A. Atamuno; director-general, Rivers Mandate Group, Chief Martins Kunamgbe and deputy DG,Chris Ahanonu, during a press briefing on his governorship ambition held in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO

BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

November 14, 2014

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12 NEWS

November 14, 2014

Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo L-R: Director General, National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA), Prof John Idoko; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Linus Awute, Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Maina and Vice President Namadi Sambo; during the launching of operational plan for the elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV in Abuja, yesterday.

C/River Delegates’ Result Doctored In Abuja – Party Scribe

By Millie Ibe, Abuja

The secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Cross River State chapter, Mr. Godwin Etta has revealed how results of the November 1, ward delegates’ congress held in the state were manipulated by the Electoral Panel.

Etta who was a guest at the African Independent Television (AIT) daily programme, Kaakaaki yesterday alleged that the result of the ward delegates’ congress was doctored by the committee sent from the PDP national headquarters.

He said, “After the adhoc ward delegates elections of November 1, we had requested for the photocopies of the results that were collated. The committee was rather very unwilling. But at our insistence, it obliged us the photocopies.

“These photocopies are with the po-

lice, the INEC and the SSS, and duly signed by these bodies acknowledging receipt”, Ettah added, even as he noted that the integrity of the committee became suspicious shortly after the exercise commenced.

He said there was suspicion when the committee discovered that the electoral panel had sneaked out of their hotel when there was an arrangement to check them into an Abujabound flight.

Insisting that there was duplicity on the part of the committee, Etta said, “There arose confusion where the electoral committee suspiciously checked out of their hotel room at 6am when we actually left them at the same hotel at 4am.

“There was an arrangement to fly them out of the state later on Sunday, a day after the congress, but much to our shock, we discovered that there

was a secret plan by some interested party to fly them out of Calabar to Abuja. You must have heard that the state party secretary went with the team, it is true that I flew with them to Abuja, but on arrival, the team was divided”.

The party scribe noted that it was not too long before it was confirmed that the committee was already compromised in a high profile scheming to tinker with the ward delegates results.

He said, “The committee members were asked who provided them the private jet that flew them to Abuja and they responded that it was the FCT minister. But do you know the truth?

The truth is that the aircraft is actually owned by a certain lawyer.

“Since I was not a member of the panel, I was not allowed to follow them to the national secretariat of the party where they had purportedly gone to return the collated results.

... No, Ward Congresses Credible – Electoral Committee

By Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

One of the members of the electoral committee sent by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to conduct ward congresses in Cross Rivers State, Senator Emma Anosike, has stated that the exercise was free and fair from the beginning to the point of submission of results in Abuja.

Anosike said while speaking to newsmen in Abuja yesterday that even the secretary of Cross Rivers PDP was among the people who delivered the results to the party’s headquarters in Wadata House, Abuja.

He expressed surprise that no objection was made by him after the exercise

and wondered where the discontent over the results were coming from.

“At 6 am on the 2nd of November as we were returning to Abuja, we were surprised to see the secretary of the Cross River PDP who said he was going to Abuja with us. We felt slighted but we took it like that.

He was with us from there to the party headquarters where we went straight from the airport to submit the report.

I was surprised when I saw him on Kaakaki on AIT saying I did some things.

I did not want to respond to these issues, many people have been asking me to talk but I refused but this has gone too far”, he stated.

He also explained that on the eve of

the congresses, lawmakers from the House of Representatives and the Senate had come to express displeasure that the results coming from the field were not favouring them, while saying they were suspicious that some underhand dealing must have taken place.

The senator said an attempt to table the lawmakers’ grievance before the chairman of Akwa Ibom PDP Ntufam John Okon was shoved off by him, saying “he doesn’t have time for that”.

He also wondered why the option of a three man appeal committee which was on ground to receive petitions against the exercise was not explored by the secretary instead of his resort to “namecalling”.

Everything you can imagine is real.

Pablo Picasso, Spanish painter and scuiptor

Rivers 2015: ‘Why Wike Should Not Be In Guber Race’

By Bode Gbadebo, Abuja

A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Rivers State, Atamuno Atamuno, has revealed that the immediate past minister of state for education and fellow governorship aspirant in the state, Nyesom Wike, was responsible for the escalation of the feud between President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Rotimi Amaechi for his (Wike) selfish reasons, hence he is not morally qualified to be the next Rivers State governor.

Atamuno also debunked insinuations that the former minister is the “only one man” that has the capacity to restore the governorship of the state to the PDP in 2015 neither was he the “only one man” who supported and defended President Jonathan when people, who he called “certain elements” now in the All Progressives Congress (APC) began a “campaign of calumny” against the president.

The PDP aspirant, who made the revelations during a press conference organised by his campaign group, the Rivers Mandate Group (RMG) in Abuja yesterday, said the current leadership in the state leaves much to be desired and the state is in dire need of a crucial re-invention through the emergence of a new leader.

“I am also a product of a strong will to excel in the face of all odds. I represent what every Rivers man and woman can be, given a fair chance.

N50bn Debt: AMCON’s Appeal Against Bi-Courtney Suffers Setback

By Olugbenga Soyele, Lagos

The Lagos Division of Court of Appeal yesterday dismissed an application filed by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) seeking to compile additional record in its appeal against the ruling of a Federal High Court stopping it from taking over the assets of BiCourtney Group.

It would be recalled that Justice Ibrahim Buba had in a ruling he delivered in September this year vacated an order made by another judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Okon Abang empowering AMCON to take over the assets of Bi-Courtney Group over an alleged N50 billion debt.

Dissatisfied with the ruling, AMCON had filed a notice of appeal through its counsel, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

Agbakoba had argued that the orders of lower court setting aside Justice Okon Abang’s orders were made without jurisdiction, as it was trite in law that a court cannot grant prayers not sought by any of the parties before it.

When the appeal came up for hearing yesterday, the upper court presided over

by Justice Rita Pemu declined a motion filed by AMCON seeking for an order to compile and file additional record.

November 14, 2014

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November 14, 2014

No Child Should Be Born With HIV – Jonathan

By Winifred Ogbebo and Victor Okeke, Abuja

President Godluck Jonathan has called for political commitment at all levels of government, from the ward level to the national government, in order to increase the momentum in the effort to achieve elimination of mother to child transmission (eMTCT) of HIV, saying that no child deserves to be born with HIV and no mother deserves to

die of AIDS. He made the pledge yesterday in Abuja during the Presidential Launch of the National Operational Plan for the Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV in Nigeria by 2020 (2015-2016).

Jonathan said that the process being undertaken by him, aimed at a political and social mobilisation to end the AIDS epidemic among children.

The president who was repre-

sented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, noted that Nigeria is still faced with several gaps towards improving health outcomes in the country, including funding and access to health facilities.

“There are still challenges with bringing services closer to the communities through the primary health care system, as a result of infrastructural decay, inadequate and mismatch of human resources for health, inadequate funding for service de-

livery and lack of enabling policies for key interventions, which are partly linked to limited political leadership and ownership at the states and local government levels.”

According to him, the 2013 Demographic and Health Survey showed that six in 10 women receive ante natal care (ANC) from a skilled provider, which implies that 30 per cent of them did not receive ANC services from a skilled provider.

Days Of ‘Sidon Look’ Attitude

By Women During Elections Over – Patience Jonathan

By Osa Okhomina, Yenagoa

The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, yesterday declared that the days in which women are indifferent to the conduct and outcome of general elections in Nigeria are over, declaring that the women are ready to ensure that they vote and their votes counted during the 2015 polls.

Dame Patience Jonathan, who made the declaration, yesterday during the official launch of the distribution of economic empowerment items and commodities to indigenes of Bayelsa State, said Nigerian women are ready to play their role in the electoral process and vote the right party in the country.

Dame Patience Jonathan, was accompanied by the wives of the Delta, Bayelsa and Cross Rivers governors.

2015: Abide

By Rules, Guidelines, INEC Charges Political Parties

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja

As political parties brace up for primaries, nomination of candidates and campaigns, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has challenged them to stick to the provisions of the Nigerian constitution, their own constitution and INEC’s guidelines.

Chairman of the commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, stated this at a meeting with political parties, held at the commission’s headquarters on Wednesday.

Jega called on the “Political parties to respect and abide by the Code of Conduct which they signed and ensure that their aspirants and nominated candidates are fully compliant with the relevant provisions.”

He also re-affirmed the commission’s decision to create additional polling units, which has been suspended till after 2015.

A good face is a letter of recommendation.

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November 14, 2014

N973.54m Total amount collected by Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service in the month of October 2014

NDIC Pays N6.825 Billion to Depositors of Failed Banks

By Chika Izuora, Lagos

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has paid a cumulative sum of N6, 825 billion to 528,277 insured depositors of the 48 DMBs in liquidation and depositors of 186 closed MFBs as of 31 August 2014, said head of strategy of NDIC, Mrs.K.P Gang, who spoke on behalf of the Managing Director.

According to Gang, who spoke at the on-going Lagos international trade fair the payment stemmed from the revocation of licences of about 48 Insured Deposit Money

Banks (DMBs) between 1994 to 2006 as well as 103 Microfinance Banks (MFBs) in 2010, 83 in 2013 and 26 Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) in 2014.

Also on payment of liquidation dividends to the uninsured depositors, of the closed DMBs, the corporation has paid a cumulative sum of N93, 646 billion to 250,497 depositors with claims in excess of the insured limit as of August 31, 2014.

The NDIC also further declared the final dividend of 100 percent to depositors of 14 closed DMBs as of December 2013, which indicates

that all depositors in those closed banks had fully recovered their deposits, the MD. He further said that the payment of liquidation dividend, which stood at N2,031 billion to 453 shareholders of Alpha, Pan African and Nigeria Merchant Bank as at 31 August 2014 has been effected.

Conversely, the NDIC said it was fully aware of customers’ challenges with their banks ranging from arbitrary bank interest charges; account balances manipulation to outright frauds and forgeries.

The Managing Director said that the bank in response to the

BUSINESS QUOTE

identified fraudulent activities has established help desk, which is a 24 hour telephone response facility to help customers’ channels their experiences.

In addition, the bank said it has also created complaints units in the Bank Examination Department (BED) and Special Insured Institutions Department (SIID) for the need of customers.

Gang said the corporation was also using other social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Tweeter and Instagram to enhance communications with stakeholders.

Simple can be harder than complex: you have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.

Steve Jobs, founder of Apple (19552011), quoted in BusinessWeek, May 1998

Elumelu, Dangote Call For Local Participation In Oil/ Gas Industry

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos

L-R: General Manager, Colgate Palmolive Nigeria, Davis Kanyama, marketing director, Hannah Oyebanjo and Colgate Brand Manager, Gbadesola Adenrele, at the media interactive session to formally announce the entrance of Colgate into the Nigerian market in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO BY GBENGA OLAJOBI

Seme Customs Records N973.5m In October

BY Samson Echenim, Lagos

The Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service yesterday said it collected a total of N973.54 million in the month of October 2014.

The figure is the command’s highest monthly revenue collected in the year 2014.

The command also made 24 seizures with duty paid value (DPV) of N32 million comprising rice, frozen poultry products and other goods.

Customs area controller in charge of the command, Comptroller Willy Egbudin, who described the revenue collection feat as a product of increased compliance by stakeholders and non compromise by customs officers, promised to continue making the border unattractive to smugglers and other perpetrators of trans-border illegalities.

“I wish to reiterate our resolve to maximally collect all revenue due to the government through Customs duty with continuous improvement in the blockage of

all identifiable sources of revenue leakages,” Egbudin said.

Disclosing that the command has commenced intensified patrols ahead of the yuletide season when smuggling activities are expected to be at its peak, the Seme controller said the smugglers who changed route to other areas like Shaki in Oyo State and Idiroko in Ogun State are not finding it easy as the Customs operatives there equally matched them strength for strength, seizing their wares and crushing their unlawful investments.

Two of Nigeria’s biggest entrepreneurs, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President Dangote Group and Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, Chairman, Heirs Holdings, have joined the call for more indigenous participation in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry. The duo, who were Guest Speakers at 32nd Annual International Conference of the National Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), in Lagos, Nigeria said the involvement of indigenous institutions and players, would bode well for the economy even as they sued for a deliberate and

“In carrying out the directives of our Controller General, Dikko Inde Abdullahi, I have constantly sensitised and reminded our officers and men on the zero tolerance for smuggling stance. On this, there is no going back. We are sending a strong warning to smugglers that daring us means a venture into big regrets. “We are ready to deploy our logistics for intelligence, interdiction, arrest, seizure and diligent prosecution of suspects,” Egbudin warned.

He further informed that his command

systematic approach to the involvement of Nigerian entrepreneurs in the oil and gas industry.

Elumelu who noted that he had been “encouraged to come into the oil and gas industry by someone who believes deeply in Nigerian local capacity” said noted that localization will impact positively on the sector just like it happened with banking.

“Many years ago it was the general belief that only expatriates could own and run banks in Nigeria.

Today, however, the top five banks are owned and run indigenously and we need for the same to happen in the oil and gas sector,” Elumelu said.

would continue to apply the strategy of enlightenment and sensitisation with all stakeholders and keep dissuading them from smuggling and other border related unlawful activities.

Egbudin further assured all members of the trading public and travellers across the border that customs personnel presence at strategic and approved points are also to assist in facilitation of legitimate trades and promote the state of security at the border and transit routes into Lagos.

16/ BUSINESS NEWS

Maritime Workers Petition Transport Minister Over Seaport Crisis

By Samson Echenim, Lagos

The Maritime Workers Union (MWUN) has petitioned the minister of transport, Senator Idris Umar demanding withdrawal of the Nigeria Shippers’ Council directive on reversion of seaport terminals charges to rates as of May 2009, seeking the minister’s intervention on the issue, which is currently breeding crisis at Apapa Port.

“Our demand is based on our honest desire to avert avoidable crisis in the maritime sector,” the union said.

The petition read in part, “Our attention has been drawn to the recent directive from Shippers Council to Sea Port Terminal Operators, instructing them to revert to their 2009 tariff as a panacea to achieving an acceptable lower overall cost of doing business in our Sea Ports.

“We acknowledge the need to make our Sea Ports less expensive as one of the critical factors in making our ports the preferred ports within the sub-region.

We however wish to observe that the prevailing high cost of doing business in our Ports needs to be addressed holistically if the desired goal is to be achieved in its entirety.”

MWUN therefore recommended that to achieve a cost reduction in the ports, poor access roads to the port which gives rise to higher cost of trucking goods in and out of the ports must be addressed.

Okonjo Links African Economic Growth To Sound Policy Implementation

By Olushola Bello, Lagos

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has said that sound policy implementation is essential to economic growth in African countries .

Speaking on, “Positioning Africa in the context of uncertain global environment’ at the 2014 Institute of International Finance Conference in Lagos yesterday, the minister said, “The slowdown in global market activities coupled with the end of quantitative easing in United State has affected the Sub-saharan Africa economy, in addition to other challenges we face.”

Okonjo-Iweala noted that although the United States’ economy has rebounded and is doing well, the case is different for the Euro zone as well as some frontier and emerging economies which are not impressive.

“As we all know many countries in Africa depend on commodity export as a means of survival, adding that the IMF and World Bank had advised low income countries, particularly those dependent on commodity exports to evolve a right mix of contingency plans to avoid exogenous shocks.

To weather the storm, the minister said, the Africa countries must maintain sound policy, saying that in this uncertain economic environment, we must learn to change and adjust those policies that are favourable to our country growth.

November 14, 2014

Reps C’ttee Faults 16% Mortgage Interest For Workers

By EDEGBE ODEMWINGIE AND BODE GBADEBO, Abuja

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Finance has faulted the 16% mortgage interest rate demanded by the Nigerian Mortgage Re-financing Company (NMRC) from contributors to the National Housing Fund (NHF) under an arrangement spearheaded by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union

Congress (TUC).

The committee chairman, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, who criticised the demand, spoke yesterday during a stakeholders’ meeting attended by the NLC, TUC, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and a private developer, Good Homes Development Company convened by the House Committee in order to mediate on the issue of housing for workers at the instance of both NLC and TUC.

Jibrin said the 16% interest rate was unacceptable while describing it as ‘ridiculous’ given the plight of Nigerian workers. He said: “It is ridiculous. How can workers pay 16% interest rate?

And we keep telling the country that everything is fine with the scheme.

How can workers pay 15 per cent?”

“There is no sufficient funding not to talk of re-financing. I think we have to be sincere with ourselves in this country.

L-R: Zonal Business Manager, Airtel, Olawale Alao; Airtel Insurance claimant, Mrs Emiowei Ofune and the managing director, Life & Retail, Cornerstone Insurance, Tokunbo Bello, during the cheque presentation to the beneficiary of the scheme at the Airtel Express Shop, Ilupeju, Lagos.

PHOTO BY GBENGA OLAJOBI

‘Donor Funds Not Enough To Develop Africa’

By NSE ANTHONY-UKO, Abuja

Nigeria and other African nations have been urged to stop looking to donor and multilateral agencies for funds to meet infrastructural challenges because it can nenver be enough to bridge the gap.

Chairman, Electric Power Foundation and consulting Engineer, Engr. Otis Anyaeji, who made this claim, said that Africa needs to urgently develop a policybased finance framework that would assist in financing Africa’s infrastructure with the continent’s finances.

Speaking during the Public Policy Conference organised

by Preston Consulting, with the theme “Developing Africa

Through Innovative Infrastructure Financing” held in Abuja yesterday, Anyaeji called on the federal government to establish a Fiscal Investment and Loan Programme (FILP) from the Federation Account that would be autonomous from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

He noted that just like NIPP funds are procured from excess crude earnings, FILP can be procured from pension funds, CBN discount rates, excess crude earnings etc for example, adding that the FILP funds provided to the private sector must be paid back.

The consulting engineer noted that in Japan as of 1994, the size of their FILP, established after

2nd World War is currently eight per cent of its gross national product (GNP )and 50 per cent of its General (Nigeria’s Federation) Account.

“As industry (manufacturing and production) and infrastructure mature the policy-based finance will gradually de-emphasise industry and infrastructure related finance, and private finance will take over.”

Anyaeji noted that that Policybased finance for Nigeria economic development is statutorily backed by the following provisions in the laws establishing some parastatals in the country:“Such sums as may be provided to it by the Government of the Federation for running the affairs of the Council.”

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Not every movement is progress; movements are just a way of burning After dinner sitSome (sleep) a while, after supper walk a mile. fats!

― Israelmore Ayivor

November 14, 2014

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18/ MARITIME

November 14, 2014

NISA President Promises Indigenous Shipowners More Jobs

Apapa sea port

‘Freight Forwarders, Clearing Agents Cause Of Their Own Problem’ Stories By Samson Echenim, Lagos

The recent development at the Apapa Port Complex , where clearing agents and freight forwarders stayed out of service, reportedly in protest of high port and shipping charges suggests deep-seated issues.

While the agents claimed to have protested resistance of terminal operators to recently approved lower charges by the port commercial regulator, the Nigeria Shippers’ Council, LEADERSHIP has found out that the main grudge of the agents who were particularly against APM Terminal, Nigeria’s largest container terminal, has to do with the number of containers booked for examination in a day.

LEADERSHIP learnt that a maximum of 200 containers, already stretched from 150 are booked by APM Terminals for physical examination each day. The terminal opens for booking at 8am, but by 10am each day, the 200-container benchmark is already attained.

Many agents who have left home early to be able to book their containers are often disappointed to miss their targets.

A source close to APM Terminal told LEADERSHIP that the 100 per cent physical examination carried out on containers at the port and agents’ refusal to embrace a 24-hour port operation plan are responsible for the many problems at the port.

At a recent meeting with the agents, the Controller of the Apapa Port Command, Mr Charles Edike had suggested a 24-hour cargo examination and clearance plan that could allow for round-the-clock operation of the port through a shift system. But the agents were said to have rejected the plan

insisting that they would not work at night. The Customs also accepted to extend its services to weekends, but the agents were also said to have jettisoned the plan, as the weekends are needed to be with their families.

“But Customs cannot examine more than 200 containers in a day, especially as they work between the hours of 10am to 3pm,” the source said.

“Sincerely, that number of container is already a herculean task for a 100 per cent physical examination. If the agents can show some understanding and compromise, a lot of improvement in cargo clearance will manifest,” the source added.

The nine days no-work protest by the agents started last Monday after the Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) got a court injunction to stop the Shippers’ Council from enforcing a set of downward reviewed storage charges and extension of free storage days from three to seven days.

But the court on Tuesday struck out the STOAN case on technical grounds when it came up for hearing. The STOAN has however filed fresh charges against the Shippers Council.

“The longer a container stays in the port the more storage cost the importers pay to the terminal operators. Longer days also increase demurrage paid to the shipping line by importers. So, if agents want to help themselves and their importers, the wise thing to do is to embrace the 24hour port operation plan,” said STOAN spokesman, Mr. Bolaji Akinola.

He carefully noted that increasing free storage days to seven does not help the country’s 48-hour cargo clearance target.

Business activities resumed on Monday at the Apapa Port Complex after nine days of protest by the licenced customs agents and freight forwarders, which crippled business activities at the Nigeria’s largest container port.

Experts have deduced that the protest which commenced on Monday last week and saw to the withdrawal of services by the agents might have led to a loss of about N35 billion to the Nigerian economy, as the Apapa Port Customs Command is said to have lost an average of N1.4 billion daily as a result of the agents’ action.

Loss to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), shipping lines, haulage and trucking firms, terminal operators, importers, clearing agents, manufacturing companies and other agencies of government were collectively put at about N3.6 billion daily amounting to an average daily loss of N5 billion.

Confirming that business activities have resumed at the Apapa Port, port manager, Mr. Nasir Anas Mohammed said: “The port is now open and people are free to come in and transact their business.”

“We have informed the agents that while they have the right to protest, they do not have the right to blockade the port or disturb others who have legitimate transactions to carry out at the port,” Nasir said.

“So we have informed them and they have also seen reason with us. We assure all port users that their security is guaranteed. The Police and relevant security operatives have been duly informed and they have assured that adequate security will be provided to all port users.”

The Nigeria Shipowners Association of Nigeria (NISA) on Tuesday inaugurated its newly elected executives led by Capt Niyi Labinjo, who reinstated his commitment to bring back the jobs for the industry players and members of the association who have lost their jobs in the country’s waters to foreign vessels.

Labinjo promised that NISA under his watch would cooperate with all stakeholders and government for the benefit and growth of the maritime industry.

For his part, former NISA Chairman, Chief Isaac Jolapamo tasked the Labinjo-led executive to continue to build on the foundation that has already been laid.

Jolapamo recounted how NISA under the trio of himself, Capt Labinjo and Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho was formed over a decade ago with the “clear aim of providing succour and maintain national pride and national dignity.”

He said that more than $4billion was invested in ships by NISA members in order to carry Nigerian oil and also provide services to its burgeoning oil industry.

He expressed happiness that some of the gladiators in the recently conducted elections are now united in the task of moving the maritime industry forward through NISA. “After steering the affairs of the association from inception, I am today handing over to the incoming democratically elected President convinced that he will start where I stopped and build on the foundation already laid while working in synergy with the government and other stakeholders in the overall interest of our industry and the nation at large,” said Jolapomo.

Apapa Port: Police Assures Users Of Safety The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Lagos Port Complex (LPC), Apapa, Mr. Akeem Smith has assured port users including importers and agents of their safety and security in the course of transacting legitimate business at the port.

Smith said the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has been placed on high alert to check any breach of law and order as the nation’s major seaport re-opened for business activities yesterday after eight days of blockade by some clearing agents.

He said: “Law abiding Nigerians have been going in and out of the port since yesterday when the order on the removal of the blockage was made. The police has been on high alert to ensure peace and security at the port.”

“Trucks has been moving in and no one has been harassed because the Police is in control of the situation to ensure adequate security of lives and property,” Smith added Smith said those who wish to protest have the right to do so “but it must be done under the ambit of the law.”

Meanwhile, several truck operators were this afternoon seen moving in and out of the LPC especially APM Terminals Apapa dropping off and picking up containers.

It would be recalled that management of Lagos Port Complex (LPC) of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Tuesday said it has cleared the blockade mounted by clearing agents and re-opened the nation’s major seaport for business.

“The port is now open and people are free to come in and transact their business,” LPC Port Manager, Mr. Nasir Anas Mohammed said.

He said the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other security operatives had been put on alert to provide adequate security to anyone willing to transact business at the port.

“We have informed the agents that while they have the right to protest, they do not have the right to blockade the port or disturb others who have legitimate transactions to carry out at the port,” said Nasir.

A fool may ask more questions in an hour than a wise man can answer in seven years.

November 14, 2014

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20/ tax f0cus

November 14, 2014

Taxation Of Contract And Direct Labour Procurement Of Ministries, Departments And Agencies (Mdas) Of Government In Nigeria (1) The Nigerian Tax Laws have provisions for the Taxation of contract Expenditure including those of Government, Ministry, Department and Agencies.

The withholding tax (WHT) provision was introduced into the tax system in 1997 with limited coverage to rent, dividends and directors fees. Tax deduction at source has since been expanded to include: All aspects of building, - construction and related services.

- All types of contract and agency arrangement, other than outright sale and purchase of goods and property in the ordinary course of business.

Consultancy, technical - and professional services.

- Management services.

- Commissions - Interest and Royalty.

The introduction of WHT regime came about in order to address the problem of tax evasion although, there is the overriding objective of full disclosure, transparency, predictability and fairness.

Despite the huge Tax Revenue from award of contract and related source deductions, there is a growing interest in the usage of direct labour system in project procurement in Nigeria especially in the public sector. Direct Labour system is one of the several options of procurement used for project delivery process.

This type of system is regarded as in-house because procuring entity, as different from contractor’s staff carry out the project delivery process and activities. One of the reasons for the preference for direct labour procurement is the Tax effect. Government Ministries, Department and Agency consume the services of contractors and hence are to be charged VAT by contractors who execute contract for them.

This paper is intended to highlight how Government Expenditures are taxed in Nigeria and the extent to which direct labour procurement can be a Tax evasion scheme. This paper will not in any way address Tax issues relating to Corporate and Individual Expenditures.

THE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT ACT 2007 AND AWARD OF CONTRACT By the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2007, the following should be noted about award of contract and Public

Procurement:Procuring Entities i. should outsource those services that are either not part of their core business activity or for which there is a fluctuating requirement in terms of specialist skills or Equipment, or where the open market provides a more efficient and commercial alternative. ii.

The approval and maintenance of monetary and prior review thresholds is important for the faithful implementation of the PPA. The thresholds establish relevant approving authorities and methodologies. “Monetary Thresholds” is defined in the interpretative section of the Act to mean the value limit in Naira set by the Bureau outside of which an approving authority may not award a procurement contract. iii. Procurement to be executed:by open competitive a. bidding, except as otherwise exempted; b.

In a manner which is transparent, timely, and equitable for ensuring accountability and conformity with the Public Procurement Act and regulations deriving there from; c.

With the aim of achieving value for money and fitness for purpose; d.

In a manner which promotes competition, economy and efficiency; and e.

In accordance with the laid down procedures and timelines. iv. Where the Bureau has set prior review thresholds, no funds shall be disbursed from the Treasury/federation Account/ or any bank account of any procuring entity for any procurement falling above the set thresholds unless the cheque, warrant or other form of request for payment is accompanied by a “Certificate of ‘No Objection’ to Award of Contract” duly issued by the Bureau.

Subject to the v. monetary and prior review thresholds for procurements, the Parastatal Tenders’ Board of a government agency, Parastatal, or corporation or in the case of a ministry or extra-ministerial entity, the Ministerial Tenders’ Board shall be the Approving Authority for the conduct of public procurement. vi. The following procedure shall be observed by ministries, extra ministerial offices, and other arms of government in

tax in focus implementing their procurement plans, viz; a.

Advertise and solicit for bids in accordance with guidelines prescribed by the Bureau from time to time; b.

Invite two (2) credible persons as observers in every procurement process, Acting chairman, FIRS, Kabiru Mashi one from a private sector professional organization make relevant to the procurement and a selection of the bids in the other from non-government accordance with prescribed guidelines; organization working in Obtain the approval of d. transparency, accountability the tenders board for the award and/or anti-corruption areas; of contract to successful bidder.

Receive, evaluate and c.

ix. Reduction or Contract splitting is an offence in the Public Procurement Act. x.

The Accounting Officer of every procuring entity shall be the person charged with the line supervision of the conduct of all procurement process; in the case of Ministries, the Permanent Secretary and in the case of Extra Ministerial Departments and Corporations, the Director General or Officer of Coordinate responsibility. xi. Procurement by Accounting Officers must be on the basis of approved quotation or Tender. Selection must be made from at least three quotations.

xii. Section 19 of the Public Procurement Act 2007 specifies conditions for “Force Account” i.e Direct Labour, which should be executed within three months, to include - The procuring entity has ascertained that a schedule of rates, cost – plus or target contract would not be feasible, as quantities of work to be carried out cannot be defined in advance; - Works are small and scattered or in remote locations with no local contractors and demobilization costs for outside contractors would be too high;

e. Obtain “certificate of ‘No objection’ to award contract” from the Bureau where contract is outside the threshold. vii. All bidders in addition to requirements contained in any solicitation documents shall: a. Possess the necessary: - Professional and technical qualifications to carry out particular procurement - Financial capability; - Equipment and other relevant infrastructure; Shall have adequate - personnel to perform the obligations of the procurement contracts.

Possess the legal b. capacity to enter into the procurement contract c.

Not be in receivership, the subject of any form of insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings or the subject of any form of winding up petition or proceedings Must have fulfilled d. all its obligations to pay taxes, pensions and social security contributions. viii. Procurement Approval Threshold (2012)

- Works must be carried out without disrupting existing operations; The risk of unavailable - work interruptions is better borne by procuring entity than by a contractor; - No contractor is interested in conducting the work at a reasonable price; - It has been demonstrated that Force Account (Direct Labour) is the only practical method for constructing and maintaining works under special circumstances; or - Where national security would be compromised if any other method was used.

November 14, 2014

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November 14, 2014

November 14, 2014

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November 14, 2014

Bernard Okhakume MC & A Weekly Digest market consumer advertising 08053040003

mcaandadigestweekly@gmail.com

Further down in that same article, Mr. Akingbade listed what he called the 5 pillars on which Brand Nigeria must stand: (1) Culture and National Heritage (2) Governance dimension (3) The Opportunities dimension (4) The People dimension and (5) The Production dimension.

I once listened to Mr. George Umunna, in one of our periodic but long telephone conversation, in reaction to my write-ups, when he talked on the same areas Mr. Akingbade listed in his article. I was challenged to drive a public discuss on the Brand aspect of Nigeria just so that we influence an exercise that was then being hijacked by non-professional brand managers, in the guise of rebranding Nigeria.

But my challenge was same with The Late Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s when he sang the song “LOOK & LAFF”; where would one start from to say anything new about the failings of Nigeria in meeting any of the dimensions for an ideal nation brand? I dare note here, that the failing of Nigeria as a brand is an extension of its failure to deliver on the dimensions of a nation brand?

It beats me, therefore, when people talk of re-branding Nigeria. As a practicing brand manager, I submit that Nigeria is not ranking as a brand in the first

place. What we should concern with ourselves with, in my opinion, is building a brand of Nigeria…and the work should start now. It will start with all those in places of power and authority who influence our resource allocation, for investment and human resource development.

If we must be taken seriously at the global market place, we must be known for something, eg., education, manufacturing, entertainment/tourism, etc. After identifying our potentials in any of these known areas of engagement, we must be seen to be totally agreed on that area of particular engagement as a nation, and package same as our offer to the world: then we can be said to be ready as a brand, to compete globally.

Presently we hunt ourselves for personal gains. Resources are allocated to ‘self’.

How can the teachers in Benue State Nigeria ever be part of a Nation-brand building team when they are not paid their salaries, and cannot feed? But as an example, such will not happen in nation that is a brand. Again, how can we say we are competing among other nations when our human capital is zero in value (WAEC would have banned us from the exam by now if they do ranking like FIFA does)?

The question, therefore, is, what does

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Crayfish is a crustacean found in fresh water is a very popular spice in the tropics where they are used in the preparation of food. It is estimated that about 12,000 MT of crayfish is produced annually in Nigeria. Though the artificial rearing and production of shrimps{ crayfish} in Nigeria is not common to compared to the production of fish, processing and packaging of shrimps { crayfish} is gaining ground because of the economic and nutritional advantage it presents to most homes in Nigeria.

Dried Crayfish is a major cooking ingredient rich in protein, most house wife and restaurants in Nigeria uses it to enrich and enhance the taste of soups and food. Dried Crayfish is one of the foodstuffs currently being exported from Nigeria to countries in Europe, America and Asian because Nigerians and other Africans there need it in their cooking.

This is a business to venture as the demand is becoming high every day as a result of growing population of Nigerians within, overseas and middle class increase in the country and its nutritional value in cooking, processed crayfish comes in handy to very busy working class individ-

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uals, espcialy housewives who combines their roles as mothers and workers, who scarcely have enough time to engage in daily grinding of the crayfish they need.

The major raw material is required in this business is crayfish which can be sourced in abundance in the reverend areas. You can buy dried crayfish from those harvesting it or the wet once to dry it with a mechanized dryer to meet up to the increasing demand.

The processing technology is relatively simple and involves the following: sorting, crushing and grinding, weighing and packing. Due to the scale of the business about four persons would be required in the business with the following function purchase, sorting & grinding, weighing & packaging and marketing.

Crayfish also enjoys wide patronage locally from operators of bukateria, hotel and restaurants. The growing population of over 140,000,000 people also deepens the market for processed crayfish in Nigeria.

Just as I said before processed crayfish also has market export market especially in markets with high concentration of people from Nigeria and Africa.

Brand Jonathan (4) Nigeria: The Lovemarks

Nigeria stand for (or represent) as a nation? As a brand, WHAT IS NIGERIA’S POSITIONING STATEMENT? My advice is that we identify our target markets, starting with our internal audience, deliver on certain promise, deliver on those promise and build a brand upon such derivatives. And to stretch the aspiration further, build LOVEMARKS to enable us compete profitably at those mar-

kets. I know that the most enduring and rewarding investment currency is LOVE. To sell a brand profitably in any market today, it must be laced with LOVE. Nigeria must love her citizen/foreign nationals and institutions, to be taken seriously. Our political leadership and resource managers should please take note. ➔ concluded

Crayfish (Dried) Processing Business Venture

REQUIYERMENTS Company registration with Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Standard Organization of Nigeria/National Food, Drug Administration and Control Machineries as mentioned before.

Branded Name Cooperate Bank account FINANCING

A round peg in a square hole. — English proverb

Just like every other business you can start small depending on your financial capacity. The return on this business venture is quite attractive and impressive that it would be difficult for any financial institution especially micro- finance banks with discerning credit officers to turn down any loan request for funding it.

For more information on where to buy cheap CRAYFISH in the country (Major market in Nigeria). How to PROCESS CRAYFISH for export contact us.

FRIDAY EXTRA November 14, 2014

A

pparently, there is no culture on the face of the earth that exists (or exists) without its own unique features, significance and identification that always bind the people together irrespective of whatever circumstance.

These form the fulcrum that guides the people to adhere to certain practices, maintaining and sustaining the ancestral cultural heritage for the progress and development.

In this wise, no culture would be said is existing or living in isolation especially so now that we are living in an ever increasingly cosmopolitan society where the people are guided by certain principles, customs, norms and values.

This no doubt depicts the outstanding attributes of the Eggon Culture and its people in Nasarawa State of North Central Nigeria.

The Eggon peole are considered as the most populated ethnic nationality in Nasarawa State with three existing graded traditional chiefdoms, spread across the 13 Local Government and 18 Development Areas of the state.

The Eggon Culture, like many other cultures in Nasarawa State in particular has its own peculiar identification and features that stand the people out any day, anytime and anywhere. These includes the colourfully designed cultural attires, varieties of traditional foods, Ashim (Masquerades) Eggon cultural artifacts.

The Eggon cultural dancers otherwise known as the ‘Anzalu Dancers’ are uniquely classical dancing group that stands the enviable of all whenever they appear or displaying in public, so also the Ashim.

Unlike the Anzalu Dancers that mainly thrills people, Ashim appears occasionally and mostly for specific reasons and were said to possesses some spiritual powers. They appear when the need arises either during cultural festivals, burial of chief priests or any committed-faithful of Eggon Tradition or Azhili (shrine) festival.

INSIDE

. A place where it is believed that the ancestors are. “The ancestors are considered to be living sprit, dead members of the society who died natural dead

Azhili warriors on a dance parade

Ombatse’s Reawakening Of Eggon “Azhili” Traditional Religion With modernization and adoption of major world religions by ethnic nationalities in Nigeria and most of the developing world, practice of traditional religion is dying.

DONATUS NADI, takes a look at how the Ombatse spiritual group is reviving traditional worship among the Eggon people of Nasarawa State.

Aside from the aforementioned of the unique attributes of Eggon culture, Azhili (shrine) is one aspect of Eggon Tration that is mostly observed by the Eggon Traditionalists and worshippers. This category of Eggon Religion worshipers do visits the Azhili time to time to consult with the gods or ancestors on sundry issues affecting the Eggon Nation and this can be positive or negative ass the case may be.

When any consequence is about befalling or has befallen the Eggon Nation, Adankpo, that is the chief priest would go to the shrine to appease the gods with a sacrificial gift necessary for the occasion on behalf of the people to either avert any impending or

Big Questions & Answers nobel 10 ultimate top list

invoke calamity or as the case maybe.

On the other hand, Ashim is considered to be spirit of our dead fore-fore fathers who came back to live in that form of spirit to entertain or carry out some disciplinary actions on the people. And whenever Ashim is out to display its charisma, no woman is advised or expected to see or go close to Ashim so as not to risk the eventual consequence of becoming barren. However, in the event that any of this incident occurs, the Adan-kpo would go appeasing the gods for mercy.

Azhili, in the other hand, is the highest cultural festivals in Eggon Land carried out mostly by the Eggon Traditional Worshippers who go the Azhili

for one reason or the other and this is been performed by the adherents of the deity irrespective of their religion faith.

Its principles and teaching is in line with the teaching and principles of the Holy Bible and Holy Quran that inculcates sound doctrine, good moral values and discipline among the adherents of the Eggon Traditional Religion.

Although, Azhili is also considered as a place where the adherents do gather to worship the gods of the Eggon people. A place where it is believed that the ancestors are. “The ancestors are considered to be living sprit, dead members of the society who died natural dead”. That is why, in most cases, to

Why... answers to scientific questions

26 FRIDAY EXTRA

November 14, 2014

The Death Of Nzem Berom Cultural Fiesta On The Plateau ➔ from previous next page

Cultural display at an Azhili festival

hear an Eggon man whose is face with challenges saying, “Azhili Okpowho ame, Azhili akpo gwho la gi” meaning may God help me, may God help us.

In Azhili there is no element of political, religion and clannish differences or sentiment of sort, as all the adherence of Eggon traditional religion are guided with strict principles and teachings and all are considered to be one and from one God. Adherent of Eggon Traditional Religion are thus considered to be upright, people with unquestionable character with integrity. Anyone found leaving contrary to the rules will face the consequences of his or her action. The Gods or ancestors might pardon anyone founding wanting if he or she admits to the wrongs committed and such person was urgently taken to the shrine for spiritual cleansing.

So far, the history of Eggon Nation, according to available record, no group, tribe or region has ever engaged the Eggon man or people and succeeded.

The 1912 attack on the Eggon people following the British colonialist, Captain Cambell faces stiff resistance from the Eggon people.

Importantly, an adherent benefits so much from the worship of their deity.

One of which is that, a worshipper is free from being harm by any evil ploy so long as he or she adhere strictly to the rules and this was been attributed

to the protection the Azhili, gods or ancestors gives.

Eggon hills is believed to be where the adherents to meet to worship and offer prayers to their gods.

Nobody dare walk to Azhili without the knowledge of the chief priest, that is the Adan-kpo Ashim and go free. The chief priest most seek the permission and approval of the gods before one could expressly go to the shrine and as well come out without been hurt.

Because of the scaring and mystical nature of the place, any one that is not a bonafide Eggon son or daughter and goes anywhere close to Azhili would suffer the consequences. This has remained a fact till date.

Ironically, any women married to an Eggon man can go to Azhili, as adherents of Eggon Religion don’t go to Azhili unclean or with anything red or wear anything on foot.

According to Ada Asari, Azhili is very significant to the people because it is a place to go to make sacrifices to the goods whenever there is a need in the society. For instance, when there is no rain, they often go and cry to the gods for rain. They answer and rain follows such sacrifice. Also a barren woman who takes her case there will bear children. This few out of the many miraculous thing derive from the worship of Azhili or their ancestors.

For those with or having any ailment

in their body, will receives their healing instantly, as the shrine has a lot of potentials to cure several ailment including barrenness.

An Eggon Traditionalist or adherent of the Eggon Religion most shun all kind of evil such as violence, theft, adultery, fornication envy, jealousy and most not start a fight if he or she most benefits fully from the power of the deity.

The Eggon people also celebrated what is called “Azhili Eggon Cultural Festival. This is one historic event that does bring together all the Eggon sons and daughters, home and abroad to their ancestral home annually to celebrate their rich cultural heritage.

Azhili, basically is major aspect of the belief and practice of the Eggon Traditional Religion that makes an Eggon man different from others. This is because, these was been exemplified in everything an Eggon man “does in life, such as in farming, business, politics, war, taking a wife” and discipline.

The Eggon Religion, has at a point gone oblivion before resuscitating with great and controversial outlook. Thanks to the reawaken through a group, the Ombatse prayer group which was painted as an occultic group in the last two years due to their clandestine and controversial activities.

In spite of this, it has made a lot of impact on the lives of the people and

Eggon communities, hence the much confidence and mass initiation of the Eggon people in recent times.

On the whole, the Eggon Religion is not in any way far from the operation of God Almighty or the two major religions we have in the country; Islam and Christianity. Because, Ahaoghre (meaning God in Eggon language) uses mystical forces, Eggon deities, ancestors and other spiritual beings to execute his program, “as most of the deities in particular in Eggon Traditional Religion are represented by physical features such as stones, trees, stream and artistically fashioned phantoms.

Because of the scaring and mystical nature of the place, any one that is not a bonafide Eggon son or daughter and goes anywhere close to Azhili would suffer the consequences. This has remained a fact till date

CULTURE 27

November 14, 2014

By ACHOR ABIMAJE,Jos

Beroms And The Nzem Cultural Fiesta

T

he Nzem Berom is an annual cultural festival of the Berom people in Plateau state, the festival is held annually and between March and the month of April it is festival which is celebrated to usher in the planting season is known for its capacity to draw thousands of tourists to the state.

The Festival is said to be as old as the people and culture of the Berom, the Berom tribe constitutes one of the largest ethnic groups in Plateau State with ethnic spill in Taraba and Nasarawa States.

Nzem Berom tagged “mother of all cultural fiestas brought together other sub cultural festivals in Berom land to show case their rich cultural endowment to the outside world.

The Berom tribe inhabits five local governments in the state which includes Jos North, Jos South, Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Jos North council area of the state.

Berom people also has what they called Berom elders council fwhich is divided into two, some are members of board of trustees while others make the council even as the trustees are to served for live unless death or illness, the council members have a tenure and are a representative of the districts that make up Berom land.

The district heads and their hierarchy have a say and participate in getting who to be where and there.

Oral history has it that the Berom people comes from a certain place that is forested, thickly wooded and have connection from the Zulu and Bantu people, they came out in search of a place where they can do some farming.

It was said that they came from Congo area and went down south Akwa Ibom as they have similarity in terms of structures like building and so on and eventually they found themselves in the northern part of plateau state.

It was learnt that Acha is their main stable food and when they are harvesting Acha you can tell obviously where they comes from because when they harvest Acha they normally put them in heaps turning them to south and west depending on where they are.

It is also belief that they come from a place call Shunoun Bangyiel and ended up in the present Riyom local government council of plateau state, while some have gone up from there as it was from there that dispersal happen.

Some after gone round come from somewhere in the west and ended up somewhere in kabong as some people belief they have come through Kabong and majority say they come through Bangyiel, and somewhere in Bachit and Gashis area from Asop fall, Hauwan Kibo and ended up in settling in Riyom.

Every years Beroms from the aforementioned council area of the state conglomerate at the Jos Polo ground as they trooped out amass to be part of the ep➔ continued on the next page

BBC Loboro Entertainers of Berom, performing

His Royal Majesty Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba

A quiet conscience sleeps in thunder. ― Egyptian proverb

28 culture

November 14, 2014

Beroms And The Nzem Cultural Fiesta

Berom sons and daughters during Nzem Berom festival.

➔ from previous next page och making events in their cultural regalia to add color to the occasion.

Every Nzem Berom festival in the state features a march pass by the 13 districts of Berom Land.

Also feature in the festival is Acha pounding competition, follow by Berom traditional dance groups, exhibition of Berom traditional dishes and the famous Berom war lords, who displayed their war artistry to the admiration of guests at the festival.

Nzem Berom has gone beyond a mere cultural celebration of the Berom people, people from different parts of the country and the world are showing greater interests and appreciation of this cultural festival that brings together diverse cultural groups.

Nzem Berom festival to the Beroms as an ethnic group, is a preparation for the setting of the rains for the farming season as well as taking stock of activities in the preceding year and make amends where necessary for the progress of Berom land.

It is very unfortunate that this unique cultural fiesta which show case Berom as a people to outside world has not been held for the past four years now, due to incessant attacks on Plateau North Senatorial District, area which the Berom as a tribe inhibited.

Cross section of stakeholders in Berom who spoke to our correspondent appeal to the paramount ruler and the Gbong Gwom Jos Da Jecob Gyang Buba and the Plateau State government to revives the celebration of Nzem Berom in the state with the view to promote the culture of the people and a meeting point for cross cultural fertilization.

It is also a period of offering prayers for God’s protection and abundant food in the next harvest season.

Plateau state has different ethnic group with different cultural background these diverse ethnic groups in the state staged and celebrated their various cultural festivals around the month of April and it will be necessary if the state government and ministry of culture and tourism will exploit the best avenue of harmonizing all these festivals into cultural calendar to encourage participation.

Nzem Berom cultural festival has gone beyond the promotion of cherished values to that of showcasing a tourism arcade with distinctive cultural milieu.

The Nzem Berom festival also features Berom women’s day where Berom foods will be exhibited and also drama of the Berom traditional wedding will be stage where the best dressed Berom couples cart home prize.

It is also an avenue for consummation

of marriage as during the festival young men and women can discover their suitors for marriage.

Nzem Berom Cultural Festival featured various colourful activities the most spectacular of which was the War Dance, performed by the best dancers from the various districts in Berom land.

Also, prayers were offered to usher in the new planting season.

It also brings together all sons and daughters of Berom land both at home and in diaspora and other sub festivals of Berom to be part of this epoch event in the state.

Indeed, the world is becoming a theater of cross- cultural activities and the consequence of these global Phenomena can result to the adulteration of values and lost of originality in their purpose and content.

Speaking on the significant of the Nzem Berom, Da Dalyop Nyam Dang chairman Berom elders council told LEADERSHIP-Friday that the yearly festival is the celebration of Berom custom and tradition of the people at their hierarchy level of settlement.

According to him, the entire Berom land is under the sovereignty of the paramount ruler, the Gbong Gwom, Jos, Da Jecob Gyang Buba noting that all the district, villages, clans hamlets, and all the seven level are under him.

He said the stool of Gbong Gwom Jos

A penny soul never came to twopence. ― Cambodian proverb

started in 30s when the colonial masters comes in and deem it right to have some communication and understanding with the people adding that the second Gbong Gwom Jos which is Rwang Pam is a primary school head master before ascending the throne.

According to him, the selection of Gbong Gwom Jos is done by kingmakers from the eleven districts from Berom land and any eligible son of Berom can vie for the position of Gbong Gwom Jos when the need arises.

He said the district heads are the kingmakers.

Dang noted that during the celebration of the Nzem Berom important decision that affect Berom land are taking such as marriages farmland stressing that they are three basic component of the celebration namely Manjang which means to usher rains, while Badu is after harvest.

Be that as it may people should as a matter of facts preserve their culture from invasion of cultural imperialisms which is being accelerated by globalization and information technology drive and in other to preserve our culture identity, we must observe with critical sentiment, the current fusion” of values which are not Compatible with the norms of our local extractions, with the view to wadding off negative influence on the youths.

FRIDAY EXTRA 29

November 14, 2014

nobel

A Century Of Prize Winners

Lech Walesa (1943–) The name Lech Walesa will always be associated with the wave of strikes begun by the Gdansk shipyard workers in 1980. He co founded Solidarity, the union movement that fought to establish a democratic government in his native country, and later was president of the Republic of Poland between 1990 and 1995.

In December 1970, as tensions increased between workers and the government, Walesa led shipyard protests in which more than 40 workers were killed by riot police. He was arrested and spent a year in prison.

In August 1980 he led a shipyard workers’ strike in Poland and reached the historic Gdansk Agreement, with the government, which conferred on workers the right to strike and to organize an independent union, which became known as Solidarity.

Since his Catholicism was a source of inspiration to him, Lech Walesa sought the approval of the Catholic Church and, in January 1981, he was cordially received by his compatriot Pope John Paul 11, who was highly influential in Poland at the time.

In 1990 Lech Walesa won the first

peace completely free, open elections and was named the second president of the Republic of Poland. When he was defeated five years later in the next presidential elections he returened once more to the Gdansk shipyards.

Lech Walesa has received numerous honors, including dozens of honorary doctorate degrees, and was named Man of the Year by Time magazine (1981), The Financial Times (1980) and The Observer (1980). He has also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1989), the Liberty Medal (1989), the International Freedom Award (1999) and the Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award (2001).

In 2006 Lech Walesa quit the Solidarity movement he had helped to establish, citing that its current administration and their policies had parted from his own views. During celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of the Solidarity movement he declared, “This is no longer my union. This is a different era, a different people, different problems.” He currently lives in Gdansk where he runs a foundation, the Lech Walesa Institute, and continues to speak at organizations, including the United Nations, and at events around the world.

For his novels which, with the perspicuity of realistic narrative art and the diversity and universality of myth, illuminate the human condition in the world today.

William Golding (1911-1993) William Gerald Golding was chosen over the famous novelist Graham Greene, who was considered one of the strongest candidates, for the 1983 Nobel Prize in Literature.

This surprising recognition was for his bold exploration of “the darkness of man’s heart,” particularly for isolated individuals in extreme situations and other spiritual and ethical questions.

His first novel, The Lord of the Flies (1954), deals with such subjects and is considered one of the most important literary works of the zoth century.

Born on September 19, 19II, in St. Columb Minor, England, William Golding was the son of a schoolmaster and his wife, who both held radical political and social views for the time.

Although he had begun to write at the age oh, Golding was encouraged by his parents to study the natural sciences, which he did at Brasenose College, Oxford. He soon moved to literary studies, however, and his first collection of poems appeared in 1934.

A year later he received his bachelor’s degree in education.

After graduating, William Golding worked for small theater companies as an actor, producer and playwright, and in 1939 he began teaching English and philosophy at Bishop Wordswortlis School. Unfortunately this work was interrupted by World War 11, during which he served as a Royal Navy officer

literature and participated in important battles.

The first was in May 1941, when two British vessels confronted what was then the biggest and most powerful ship of the German navy, the Bismarck.

Near the end of the war Golding was also part of the Normandy invasion in June 1944. Once peace was reestablished in Europe, he returned to writing, his earliest passion, but was deeply affected by his experiences; he later reflected, “Man produces evil, as a bee produces honey.”

Although he had published his first collection of poems at the age of 23, Golding later rejected this work and did not consider himself to be a poet. With the Lord of the Flies he was definitively launched in the world ofliterature, but not before the work was rejected by 21 publishers. The book became a bestseller and was filmed by Peter Brook in 1963; the movie was later remade in 1990. With this success he quit his teaching positions and built a legacy of novels, short stories, plays and essays. Similar themes to those in The Lord of the Flies appear in his novels The Inheritors (1955), Pincher Martin (1956) and The Spire (1964).

He received the Booker Prize in 1980 and eight years later was knighted by Queen Elizabeth 11.

William Golding married Ann Brookfield in 1939, and the couple had two children. He died in 1993.

For his leadership of the nonviolent movement to achieve the right of free association for Polish workers.

Every Jack has his Jill.

— Dominican Proverb

Culled from the book ‘Nobel’

30 FRIDAY EXTRA/Best places to go...

Bungee Jumping Combine hiking and bungee jumping in the mountains above Los Angeles for a full-day outdoor adventure. Bungee America operates a jump from the socalled Bridge to Nowhere, 5 miles into the Angeles National Forest. The bridge is accessible only via the popular Sheep Mountain Wilderness Trail, a hike that takes 2Yz hours each way. The 100-foot jump is not the most scary or difficult, but it’s good for newbies or amateursor just folks who don’t have the time or money to go to some of the more farflung bungee sites around the world.

The Navajo Bridge in Arizona does not have an official jump operator on-site, but it is popular with seasoned bungee jumpers. The trick is you have to either come with your own equipment or with an out-of-town operator such as Bungee Expeditions. At 470-feet-high, with a 725-foot span, the bridge arcs over the Colorado River in the northern reaches of the Grand Canyon, with an unbeatable view of cliffs and raging rapids below.

When it comes to thrill-seeking, just surviving the fall would earn a “best” in the cliff-diving category.

So, the use of that word is relative.

Cliff diving is usually an activity “best” left to experts or those with a death wish or both, because of the obvious inherent dangers. But there are a few places around the world where novices have been known to successfully give it a try-often on small cliffs near Larger ones used by profesionals.

While I can’t condone or condemn, I can say that if you decide to try it, follow some basic rules: 1. Don’t dive in a spot that’s above your ability (novices should stick with heights of 20 feet or less).

Dive with a companion who knows the area. Test the water and weather conditions first.

Always dive feet first and enter the water completely vertical.

When in doubt, always observe

Cliff Diving

Every man has a fool in his sleeve.

— Egyptian Proverb

November 14, 2014

November 14, 2014

...Bungee Jumping FRIDAY EXTRA 31

Cliff Diving (contd) intermediate-level cliffs and jump off.

At 15 feet, Black Rock on Kaanapali Beach in Maui is also a pretty tame jump. If you prefer to just watch, every night the Sheraton Maui puts on a scheduled show where a hotel employee Lights tiki torches and then plunges into the water below.

The Limestone cliffs adjacent to Rick’s Cafe in Negril, Jamaica, are a popular spot for cliff diving. In fact, the wait staff might even encourage you to take the plunge. However, it is only recommended for experienced divers since the height is around 35 feet and there have been plenty of injuries, which seems to correlate with the amount of drinks consumed beforehand!

As opposed to most other dive spots worldwide that are found in coastal areas, the Kimberley region of Western Australia is known for inland diving.

The lakes and rivers which crisscross this rugged landscape cut through spectacular gorges and are framed by waterfalls and mountain peaks. The Ord River has multiple cliffs of various

heights, but don’t attempt the highest one (80 feet) unless you’re a pro-seek out smaller ones nearby.

You may have never heard of Bluff Island in the Adirondacks, but its cliffs were allegedly featured in a silent movie. In 1914’s The Perils of Pauline, the heroine leaps off the cliff, on horseback no less. In modern times, you have to kayak out there from the Second Pond Launch, and if you’re a novice, don’t jump off the top (it’s 70 feet). Try the 15-foot jump-off point to the right-hand side.

What about the famous Quebrada Cliffs near Acapulco, Mexico? Don’t even think about it unless you’re a professional. These cliffs are not only a whopping 100-feet-high, but the seafloor below is only 13 feet-deep.

A good time to watch is during midDecember’s Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

On the evening before the festival, hundreds of divers make a procession to the cliffs and pray to their patron saint. Then they start diving in quick succession, often five at a time.

Insider Tip Well, if Bungee-jumping is not your style, AJ Hackett’s original bungee jumping operation in Queenstown has a viewing platform designed for spectators.

You can spend hours watching jumpers dive off the old wooden bridge-and count how many try to chicken out before being encouraged with a 10-second countdown.

Did you know that France offers more bungee jumping than any country in the world?

Dozens of small licensed sites dot the countryside, making it easy to jump if you happen to get the urge while you’re there. You can jump off old bridges, over cave entrances, from cranes, near dams and more.

International

One of the highest bungee jumps in all of the Americas straddles the Colorado River one hour west of the Costa Rican capital of San Jose. What makes the Colorado River Bridge special is its height – 265 feet – and extreme beauty: You’ll drop into a raging river gorge amid green forest canopy. Thousands have jumped from this disused bridge since 1991, courtesy of Tropical Bungee.

For an additional rush, try the combo “adrenaline tours,” which combine bungee jumping, rock-climbing, and paragliding in a 1-day excursion. The jump off the top of Macau Tower claims to be the world’s highest, boasting a 764-foot drop. However, bungee purists claim it’s not a “true” jump, as the rebound is not uncontrolled but rather guided by a cable system (which, incidentally, prevents you from actually hitting the tower). Nonetheless it’s still a thrill ride: The initial five-second free fall is the longest in the bungee world, and you reach speeds of nearly 150 mph. Not to mention you come within about 100 feet of the ground before rebounding back up and then slowly being lowered to the ground.

If you can put aside the butterflies for a minute, enjoy the view from 364 feet in the air at the Victoria Falls Bridge in Zimbabwe!

For the adrenaline rush as you hurtle headfirst toward the mighty Zambezi River with Victoria Falls in the background. The Victoria Falls bungee jump drops through the mist between tree-lined cliffs from the bridge, which divides the nations of Zambia and Zimbabwe.

For real thrill-seekers, Face Adrenaline runs jumps off the Bloukrans Bridge in South Africa. It is recognised by the Guinness World Records as the highest bungee jump from a bridge in

the world, with the top of the arch at a little over 708 feet tall. It’s located in the Tsitsikamma area of the Garden Route, where jumpers are secured in a full-body harness. If you aren’t up for doing the jump, there are walking tours along the catwalk. As the highest and largest bridge in Africa and third-highest bridge in the world, this bridge walk is nothing to laugh at, either.

Feeling suicidal? Try bingeing into a volcano. That’s right, in Villarrica, Chile, a helicopter will fly you up over

a volcanic crater and let you dive from 10,000 feet in the air. A $10,000 package from Bungee.com includes the jump, white-water rafting, accommodations, and transportation from Pucon. Yes, it’s possible you could perish, but the company will require you to sign a waiver. Most people head straight to the Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown, New Zealand. But more extreme thrill-seekers know to go to the Nevis Bungy highwire: it’s higher, wider, and more dramatic than its sister site. It’s

Every man has his faults.

— Cambodian Proverb

the third-highest jump in the world, towering 439 feet above the Nevis River in a dramatic red-rock gorge about 10 miles from Queenstown. Even getting to the platform is dramatic: You take a cable car shuttle across a wire from the edge of the cliff to the centre of the gorge. The process is a little unique as the bungee cord has a ripcord that lets you unhook your legs when you’re done, so you can sit upright and enjoy the incredible view while they pull you back up to the top.

32 FRIDAY EXTRA

November 14, 2014

why?

... answers to everyday scientific questions

Why do we have X and Y chromosomes?

We have X and Y chromosomes because about 170-310 million years ago what used to be a second X chromosome lost most of its genes, along with the ability to swap genes with the other X chromosome, and became the Y chromosome.

Many other animals, including the ones we evolved from around 170-310 million years ago, have two X chromosomes and no Y chromosome, so perhaps a better question would be ‘Why do some humans have a Y chromosome?’

The answer is, like most species of animal, we need a way to make babies of different genders (i.e. both male and female), and the Y chromosome is what humans have evolved to achieve this. In humans, whether you are male or female is decided by whether or not you have a Y chromosome.

We all have twenty-three pairs of chromosomes, giving us forty- six chromosomes in total (see page 63).

Out of these twenty- three pairs, twenty-two are identical copies of

each other, so that a person has two copies of chromosome 1, two copies of chromosome 2, etc. The only exception to this is the pair known as the sex chromosomes (they are called this because they decide the sex of the person). These come in two different flavours, called X and Y, because they look a bit like the letters X and Y when seen under a microscope.

The Y chromosome carries the genes that make a baby turn out to be a boy. So if a baby grows from an egg that has one copy of the X chromosome and one Y chromosome, it will turn out to be a boy. If the baby has two X chromosomes and no Y chromosome, it will not have the ‘male’ genes and will develop into a girl.

The Y chromosome used to be an X, and the very early mammals all had two X chromosomes. In other words they didn’t have sex chromosomes. They must have had a different way of deciding which babies would be male and

which female, just as fish, birds and reptiles do today. Some animals, such as alligators and turtles, use temperature to make an egg turn out male; others use hormones.

Some fish, such as clownfish (the fish from Finding Nemo), can even

Every dog is valiant at his own door.

— Cambodian Proverb

change sex after they are fully grown. If there are too many males and not enough females, a male clownfish can change into a female.

Culled from Why?: Answers to everyday scientific questions

November 14, 2014

Your Entertainment and Lifestyle Guide

Benjamin ‘Lord Bishop’ Atomode

Impacting Lives Through Music esseNTials PlaylisT

razak’s diary TaTTles A man of words and not of deeds is like a garden full of weeds. ― Egyptian Proverb

34

November 14, 2014

before you READ Our cover this week is an amazing gospel musician Lord Bishop. for the banker turned musician, Music is everything.

Adaora Vivian Egwuonwu shares 6 Tips to help break the habit of comparison. A very interesting to say the least.

The news that mega star 2face Idibia was set to storm Abuja for his triple threat tour had been making the rounds for some time now. As the Essentials team was opportuned to attend the event, we can authoritatively tell you that 2face is indeed a legend. Full stop!

Seeing him perform live, one is awed by his craftsmanship and the ease with which he delivers his performance. He was supported by the likes of WizKid, Naeto C, Dammy Krane, Niyola, Honourable Tony OneWeek, LK Kuddy, Rocksteady and Joe El.

All in all, it was an enjoyable show.

Sit back, relax and enjoy this week’s edition.

Enjoy the weekend

fridayleadership@leadership.ng follow us on Twitter @essentialsng

one TO WATCH

Essentials Playlist Review of M.I Abaga’s The Chairman Album 1. The Beginning/Nobody: Did you

have pessimists for mind shapers while growing up? MI told this tale beautifully and in the most satirically possible way.

And the message is clear!

2. Monkey ft. Chigul: Humour and wits are the build up to this celebratory tune.

M.I and Chigul make you jive in 'kwenu' or 'wa do' style while understanding your uniqueness.

3. Rich ft. Koker: Preachy, yes.

Regardless, it makes for a classic #TurnUp jam not losing the consciousness of wanting to be (or stay) rich.

4. Mine ft. WizKid: Oh WizKid. The kid gat it real good, delivering his vocal lines with an eclectic nature. I'm not the only one thinking M.I and Waje had done something like this before, eh?

5. Shekpe ft. Reminisce: Sarz is a demon y'all know that, right? Guy held it down. I was looking for M.I on the track though.

6. Bad Belle: Kush music! Baazing! And what else again? Oh yeah. My least favourite track.

7. Wheel Barrow ft. Emmy Ace & Beenie Man: Dance hall just went up another

level I love it. Beenie man was good and Emmy Ace was impressive and chairman stirred this ship.

8. Brother Ft. Nosa & Milli: With sounds like that of the day of reckoning and vocal marathons from gospel sensation, Nosa, MI's true life story couldn't have been better shared. I teared up a tad bit, I swear! The words of this well-crafted motivational piece, speaks straight to the heart. Brother has soulful elements to heal.

9. The Middle ft. Olamide & I.J: Let's be clear. These lines, are they the punch or cheesy kind? Or is it just my excited confusion? I guess it has much to do with what they say about being stuck in the middle *shrugs*. So the day finally came when baddo and Mr Incredible slayed a track (make your best pick). Speaking of which, who's this I.J dude? You like him too, bah?

10. Enemies ft. Patoranking: #WhaYaSay I heard Pato breathing on this track.

Ok, no shade. This life is twisted sha.

Ever thought 'bout how your enemies

have enemies that have enemies that... you guessed it, have enemies too? The smarter pack would find that this is not just for enemies. It's for us all, damn people. Go figure!

11. Bullion Van ft. Phyno, Runtown & Storm Rex: Who takes a bullion van to

the club? Why did it have to be an Igbo thing though? Phyno, that Gallardo boy and Ms Rex. Or am I the only one who spotted the trend?

12. Always Love ft. Seyi Shay: Ms Shay is such a vocal sweetheart, enjoying musical chemistry with every man she jumps in the studio with and sounding like her clothes should be ripped off her body that instance. I was feeling this Faith Evans, Twista vibe off this record (well, not literally on the Twista part) but it is darn good lovers' stuff.

13. Millionaira Champagne ft. Ice Prince, Sarkodie & DJ Lambo: Ehen, so

Ice Prince can still bring heat like this?

Confam jam.

14. Yours ft. Milli & Debbie: Can I gosh some more about the futuristic sounds used in this production. Smooth stuff, and where was this Milli kid dug up/ out from? Hear madt flows and sick harmonies now, only him one o. The ugly singers better start kicking buckets now 'cos the beautiful ones have started to grow. And Bishop M.I, thank you so much. I'm so proud of you. Bless your heart!

15. Beg ft. Loose Kaynon & Morrell: Aww, the northern brothers came together to make good music.

a favourite record out of this collection.

Since copping this album online, iTunes says I've played it 125 times.Those thumping sounds of the bass kicks, I ran mad literally. True stuff of legends.

opinion, Oritse Femi stole plenty shine on this track. Daddy be slaying with his vocals in the studio and on someone else's record. Frank Edwards, really?

I missed you out probably because I didn't hear your signature pitch sounds.

Courtesy tooxclusive.com

An American crime drama television series, the series features one of my favourite actors of all time James Spader. Raymond “Red” Reddington, a former government agent and one of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives, surrenders at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. He claims the FBI and he have similar interests in getting rid of dangerous criminals and terrorists. He makes an offer that the FBI cannot refuse and insists on one condition: Reddington will co-operate only with Elizabeth Keen, a rookie FBI profiler. Keen questions Reddington’s sudden interest in her, but Reddington will only reveal that she is very special.

After the FBI uses Reddington’s information to locate a terrorist, Reddington reveals that this terrorist is only the first of many criminals that he will help them neutralize.

The first season of The Blacklist received strong reviews from television critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the show has a rating of 82%, The site’s consensus reads, “James Spader is riveting as a criminal-turnedinformant, and his presence goes a long way toward making this twisty but occasionally implausible crime procedural compelling”. It also stars Megan Boone, Ryan Eggold and Harry Lennix.

movie review Alpha Mom

16. Human Being ft. Tuface & Sound Sultan: I'm surprised how I could muster

17. The End/The Chairman ft. Oritse Femi, Frank Edwards & Nanya: In my

The Blacklist

Director: Akin Harrison Writer: Adelarin Awoteru Starring: Judith Audu and Sunkanmi Awoteru Year: 2014 Alpha Mom tells the story of a single mother’s struggles with life, love, work and her son. The film is Written and produced by Adelarin Awotedu, Directed by Akin Harrison and cinematography by Segun Fayor Ogedengbe. It stars Judith Audu as Alpha Mom and Sunkanmi Awotedu as Soji. Alpha mom does a great job of squeezing the challenges many single mothers into 18 minutes and

tries to pass a message across about the way many of these parents take out their frustrations and aggression on their children and people around them. A lot of visual story telling is used in the movie and I found that as a welcome substitute for what could have been lots and lots of conversations. This helped carry me as a viewer along better and got me more involved In the negatives, while I loved the story told, the story telling and the directing had its flaws in a few scenes.

— Reviewed by Awojide Olumuyiwa Sylvester of sodasandpopcorn.com

group REPORTERS Abisola Alawode DESIGN & LAYOUT Chukwudi J. Nwabueze, Iniobong Ekong

ACTING EDITOR Hassan Gimba Ahmed

Founder Sam Nda-Isaiah GRP MANAGING DIRECTOR Azubuike Ishiekwene GRP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Michael Okpere, Dr. Kazeem Durodoye

Your weekly ESSENTIALS is filled with exclusive interviews, amazing articles from guest columnists and contributors.

35

November 14, 2014

Essentials Taste

Nigerian Zobo Drink Zobo drink also known as Zoborodo or Hibiscus drink is a popular nutritious healthy drink to make at home. It's an Ox-blood or red wine colored drink made from dry petals of the roselle plant (Hibiscus sabdariffa) which is a hibiscus specie. It goes by different names such as Rosella in Australia, Jamaican sorrel drink in the Caribbean, Sobolo in Ghana; depending on the region it's prepared.

It's a rich and natural health drink filled with enormous benefits.

I love preparing my Zobo drink with more of natural fruits including the peels of the particular fruit i use for the flavour I want but you may add artificial flavours and sweeteners such as Foster Clarks, Nutri C, Jolly Juice etc. if you don't have the natural substitute.

The Concentration of the juice also depends on choice as some like theirs concentrated while others like theirs less concentrated like me. Also, the more concentrated the drink is, the more likely it is to sour and ferment quickly.

Traditionally, Zobo drink has been used for years and therefore seen as a herbal health drink which has been known to help several health issues including high blood pressure, loss of appetite, circulation, liver diseases, cancers, fevers, and as a gentle laxative and diuretic.

Modern research also supports the fact that hibiscus has multiple health effects.

This definitely makes it one of the top 10 healthy drinks to make at home.

Utensils needed to make Zobo drink: • A Sieve • A Large Pot • A Sharp Knife Ingredients: • 150g Zobo leaves • 7 Litres of water • 30g Dry ginger or Fresh ginger • 3 table spoons of Cloves a.k.a Konofiri

•1 Large Pineapple • Artificial flavours and sweeteners such as (Foster Clark’s Pineapple flavour, Jolly Juice etc.) -Optional.

• Sugar Cane or Honey - Optional (You can substitute with Sugar) Directions: Step 1: Before peeling the pineapple, wash the skin thoroughly and rinse with clean water. You can use both the inner part and the outer skin to get added flavour.

(P.S: Use the skin only if you are sure of how it was stored or if it's been thoroughly washed.) Peel and Dice the fruit - Set aside Step 2: Wash the dry leaves of the hibiscus severally with cold water. This is because the leaves are often times dirty due to the way they are stored.

Once you're done washing, place the washed leaves in a large pot and add the water and turn on your burner.

Step 3: Add the chunks of pineapple, ginger and Cloves (Konofiri). The taste of the Zobo really intensifies when it's boiled with the ingredients unlike when it’s left to steep. Leave to boil for about 25minutes.

Step 4: Sieve out the extract into a bowl and leave the drink to cool. The boiled leaves in the pot can still be reused till the red colour of the Zobo totally reduces. You'd know when the red colour becomes less intense.

Step 5: This is supposed to be a health drink so i ensure i use only natural sweeteners and flavours like honey, sugar cane juice, pineapple juice etc.

Alternatively if you don't have the natural juices, you can substitute with artificial flavours and sweeteners such as Foster Clarks flavour, Nutri C, Jolly Juice etc.

Step 6: Refrigerate and serve cold. and set aside.

Fura Da Nono Before heading to the North, I could swear I had never seen a cow being milked talk less of actually drinking real cow milk. You should have seen the excitement on my face when i was about taking "Real Cow Milk" not processed liquid/powdered milk for the very first time it was priceless!!!

In the northern part of Nigeria, Fura da no-no is quite common. It’s simply a combination of fermented cow milk (Locally prepared yogurt) with ground millet mixed with a host of other ingredients and spices. Sold by Fulani women, Nunu "Pronounced No-no" is the Hausa word for fresh cow milk & it's usually collected early in the morning in calabash bowls before being pasteurised locally. This is done by boiling to a certain level to kill whatever contaminants it might contain. It’s then left to cool and once this happens, the curd separates from the whey. The curd is skimmed off and used in the preparation of local cheese or butter while the milk is left to ferment with its own natural bacteria for some few hours thereby converting it to yogurt.

Ingredients: • 1/2 cup soya bean meal • 1/2 cup millet or Guinea corn meal • 1 tablespoon of dried pepper, ground • 1/2 tablespoon of cloves, ground • 1 tablespoon of dried ginger root, ground • 1 tablespoon of corn flour • 2 litres of water (For boiling)

• 1 litre of Fresh cow milk yogurt "No-no" or Normal yogurt • Granulated sugar to taste Directions: Step 1: In a medium sized bowl, mix the dry flour ingredients and spices together. Make a well in the centre and add a little water just enough to act as a binding agent for the dry ingredients. Mould into medium sized balls.

Step 2: In a pot, heat the water for about 7 minutes and when it starts to boil, drop the moulded balls into the water and leave to boil for about 20 minutes.

Step 3: Transfer the boiled balls from the pot into a mortar and pound thoroughly. Re-mould once more into small balls and sprinkle with corn flour to keep the balls moist Step 4: To serve, pour the Nono into a bowl, Add the balls (mashed) and Sugar to taste. Eat with a spoon.

— Courtesy Dobbysignature.com

A miss is as good as a mile. ― Egyptian Africa

36 TATTLES Angelina Jolie Would Like A Career In Politics

In a recent interview with Vanity Fair magazine, actress Angelina Jolie revealed that she has found a new purpose through her humanitarian work and she is ‘open’ to making that passion into a career in politics. But Angelina, who stars on the December cover, told the magazine she believes her Hollywood career may hinder the possibility of seeking an elected or appointed office. ‘When you work as a humanitarian, you are conscious that politics have to be considered. Because if you really want to make an extreme change, then you have a responsibility,’ the Maleficent star said.

‘But I honestly don’t know in what role I would be more useful I am conscious of what I do for a living, and that could make it less possible.’ After being pressed further if she’d pursue a life in politics, the mother of six relented by saying, ‘I am open.’

Mariah Carey Is The Ultimate Diva Mariah Carey has always been regarded something of a diva over the course of her 25 year career. And a new lawsuit brought by a photographer against the singer’s record label does nothing to dispel the image, shedding some light on the enormous amount of expense required to get her ready for a photo-shoot. According to TMZ, the 45-year-old singer needs a whopping $85,000 worth of glamming up before she even starts to strike a pose in front of the camera. The legal documents state that Mariah requires the services of a top notch stylist, which costs a whopping $65,391. Then there’s $9,600 for a hair stylist and $7,200 for a make-up artist. Even the bill for the manicurist runs to five figures, costing $2,400 for Mariah’s fingernails to look perfect.

R&B Music Comes To Me Naturally – Niyola Speaking exclusively to TATTLES, Toh Bad crooner Eniola Akinbo aka Niyola talked about her love for R&B music and why she chose this genre of music as against other genres.

“R&B comes to me naturally. I mean, there is no essence of being an artiste if you cannot do what you love. Even if I’m offered a billion naira, I’ll not stop doing R&B. Yes I like to make money; I’m doing music because of the fulfillment it gives me. That’s what I was born to do. speaking about her relationship with her label boss Banky W and the fact that he heard her singing for the first time singing in a bathroom. “Yes it’s true; Banky did hear me sing for the first time in a bathroom. You see, I have this habit of breaking into song at any time. When I start, I don’t even know I’m doing it. So Banky heard me and waited outside the door till I came out. When I came out, he told me not only did I have a good voice, I was pretty too! That’s how our relationship started.” Niyola also revealed that she would be releasing new singles and a video in the coming weeks.

I Can Drop An Album Every Six Months -Olamide Popular rapper, Olamide is gearing up for the release of his fourth album in 4 years. Titled Street OT, the album is scheduled to be released in November 2014.

In a recent chat with NET, Olamide explained why he changed his mind about dropping yet another album this year despite saying he would not release new album at the beginning of the year. “Na the marketers o, they called me up and said there’s a high demand for a new album from me after I dropped the ‘Story for the gods’ single, so they called me up to come up with something for them and in one week I got the album ready’. ‘As long as marketers want to pay, I’ll keep dropping new albums, I can even drop an album every six months.

I Made My Money Through Hard Work- Oritse Femi Recently, the news broke that musician Oritsefemi moved into his house in Lekki worth close to N200 million and almost immediately, the Double Wahala crooner was accused of getting his money through diabolical means. However, the Musical Taliban has responded to the allegations. “I headline several shows both home and abroad. There is hardly a show you would go to right now that my name is not on the poster. It is through hard work and I thank God. Although I cannot disclose how much I got the car and the house, I was able to get the money from the shows I headlined. I am popular now due to hard work and I am always in the studio. I did not go to Satan to succeed, it is not possible.

November 14, 2014

With all the men in Jennifer Lopez’s life, it is no longer news that the actress/singer is afraid of being alone. She herself confirmed this in a recent interview with Maria Shriver on the Today Show. The singer, said that while she is ‘open to love, right now I think it’s just better to be on my own for a bit.’

If recent reports are anything to go by, then Beyonce is set to release a new secret album. Beyoncé’s camp have neither confirmed nor denied the rumors

TiSPY

Which musician says he can release an album every six months?

Kate Henshaw, Desmond Elliot, 9ice And Others Should Pay Me Tithes Gyration master and current Anambra state House of Assembly member representing Idemili North constituency Tony OneWeek in an exclusive chat with TATTLES revealed that as Nigeria’s first entertainer who contested an election and won, other entertainers seeking elective office should pay him tithes seeing that he started the trend.

In his own words: “It’s a good thing that entertainers are taking an interest in politics. Only say all this guy’s wey jus dey enter politics no wan pay me tithe. So tell Kate Henshaw, Desmond, 9ice and others to come and pay their tithe to Honorable Tony OneWeek. They can come with a goat, cow, but I will not accept fowl. For their level na cow I go collect.

Concerning actor Bob Manuel Udokwu who is also interested in contesting for the Anambra state House of Assembly Idemili North constituency a seat which Tony currently occupies, Tony said: “In politics, there is something we call primaries. I’m an APC member and I’m a 100 percent sure that I’ll represent my party in 2015. Bob is an APGA member.

And I know he is running against 6 to 7 people for his party’s ticket. So he should win his party’s ticket first then I’ll be concerned. Don’t get me wrong, Bob is my brother. But he should go and win his primaries first.”

The Things

They Said

“Dear money, please visit all Igbo people worldwide”

–Musician and one half of Psquare Peter Okoye “Olamide is the hardest working artiste in the industry” – Musician MI Abaga

FLiRT “Yes, I have a man in waiting” ALERT –Musician Weird MC

GOT A CELEB GIST? GET IN TOUCH!

TATTLES 37

November 14, 2014

TATTLES with Abisola Alawode

OUR EAR-ON-GROUND

Nigerian Superstars As Diseases Recently, Chris Ogunlowo wrote an article describing some Nigerian musicians, entertainment personalities and media outlets in a very distinct way. Enjoy the article.

1. WizKid Syndrome: A chronic tendency to create catchy and repetitive hits to a loyal fan base with a boyish charm that induces envy from peers and late-bloomers, which also hides the fact, that one is approaching quarterlife.

2. Davidotis: A psychiatric condition whereby a sufferer survives speculations of whether genuine talent or one’s father’s wealth is the source of one’s success, alongside a pervading comparison with an equally talented whizkid.

3. Tuface Syndrome: A rare syndrome that occurs when prodigious talent meets prodigious babymaking ability but with a legendary status, strong social equity and a staying power that keep a whole industry in awe.

4. D’banj Obsessive Disorder: A disease characterized by the feeling that one’s best days are firmly behind and, as a result, one looks for outlets to compensate for fading stardom and income, including taking relief in farming.

5. Dangotiosis: A condition marked by an obsession with Dangote‘s wealth, only curable by a decision to mind one’s own business.

6. Lindapilepsy: A strong and strange resentment that occurs when news of Linda Ikeji’s wealth arises, which is commonly observed among struggling publicists, jealous digital marketers, hungry journalists, and retired or rival bloggers.

7. Iyanyamariasis: The abnormal ability of a cell to spot errors

PUBLiC DiSPLAY

in its former ways before proceeding to create a trademark style that takes waist gyrations to nerve-racking heights with performances worthy of Mr. Universe Pageantry.

8. Tontolitis: The debilitating ability to sustain fame in an erratic way as it was acquired while still smiling to the bank.

9. PSquarisasis: When two malignant cells take the understanding of a market to unprecedented heights resulting in a dominance previously thought impossible and doing it with a discernible Igbo accent.

10. Don Jazzy Disorder: A disorder that makes an organ produce back-to-back hits and maintain a social equity that can embarrass pastors and politicians, including a social media addiction and an idiosyncratic singing style that impresses.

11. Kceeosis: A cell’s ability to confuse celebrity with a right to make embarrassing wardrobe choices and a knack for coming out even more horrendous than a previous time despite public outcry and bile from popular bloggers.

12. Jenniferiasis: The ability of an organ to exhibit behavior that would ordinarily be considered razz to a point where the lines between acting and reality are blurred but compensated with popular adulation and brand endorsements.

13. MIplasia: A type of dwarfism that compensates the lack of bone growth with incredible rhyming prowess and a persona capable of inducing endless admiration and beef from hustling rappers.

14. Ice Prince Cerebral Cramps: A disorder that causes exaggerated

“I’m not contesting for any political office” –Popular Fuji musician KWAM 1

hip-hop postures, a rigid conformity to infantile end-rhymes that turn rap songs into mainstream classics and also results in multiple awards than most “serious” rappers.

15. Mode Complex: An affliction that causes an artist to be the default reference for prodigious & clever wordplay that, sadly, does not correlate with the amount of albums sold or account balance, a living proof of the saying: ‘grammar no be money’.

16. Dakolomentality: A rare psychotic disorder that inflicts a sufferer with unlimited guttural talent but indistinctive brand positioning & packaging.

17. Olamide Palsy: A malignant tumor that involves a blatant display of one’s ethnicity and background combined with traits mostly reserved for touts but interestingly made into a premium musical package that surprises earlier sufferers of the same tumor who faded into obscurity.

18. Phynognomy: A severe condition similar to Olamide Palsy but with an Igbo flair and an ability to turn what would have been a bad hair day for most into a phenomenal signature look.

19. Bella Naija Syndrome: An affliction whereby the Nigerian national man-hour is spent keeping track of who wore what to where until one wakes up to the reality of a wasted lifetime.

20. Kedike Syndrome: A syndrome that causes a sufferer to endure a clean image despite the presence of a latent sexuality which experts guess might lead to a Rihanna Crisis or, in the extreme, a psychiatric condition of Miley Cyrus proportions.

Congratulations are in order for alternative soul singer and Glo ambassador Bez Idakula and his wife Bolatito Idakula nee Ladoja as the couple are expecting their first child together.

Titi was spotted at the wedding of Soundcity TV producer Olamide Adedeji recently with a baby bump.

Kardashian family matriarch Kris Jenner is too ‘scared’ to undergo more cosmetic surgery.

She insists she hasn’t undergone as many procedures as has been speculated and is doubtful she’ll ever have any more as she is nervous of anesthesia.

The list of entertainment practitioners joining politics is definitely increasing day by day. Dayo Adeneye popularly known as D1 recently revealed that he will be contesting under APC for a seat in Ogun State House of Assembly. Good luck to him.

Hypertek Digital artiste Rocksteady is set to release a new single titled “Okporoko Business”. Speaking exclusively to TATTLES, Rocksteady said this new single is about celebrating women with class.

TiP FOR “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans” THE TOP–John Lennon

Call Bisola on 08126995258 Or e-mail at friday@leadership.ng

38

FEATURE

November 14, 2014

Benjamin ‘Lord Bishop’ Atomode Impacting Lives Through Music

1 2 3 4 5 6

When did this music thing start for you?

I’d say I started music professionally in 2012.

How has the journey been?

It’s been filled with ups and downs, but, in all things, you have to give glory to God.

At what point in your life did you decide music was what you wanted to do?

Early this year. I’ve been in the choir for some time. You know, I sing, not because I just want to sing, but because by singing I can preach the gospel as well.

For Lord Bishop, music has always been more than just a ‘side thing’. The Kogi State-born bankerturned-musician has said he hopes to impact as much people as he can through his music By abisola alawode

Why did you choose to do gospel music?

In my life, I try to impact as much people as I can positively. And you know gospel is about impacting people. So you can see why I chose Gospel music. Music in itself makes the body happy while gospel takes care of the soul.

Do you think your music has impacted the lives of your fans positively?

Yes, it has. For example, every year, I host a show that attracts up to 5,000 people. It’s called the ‘Christmas Praise Jam’ in Kogi State. In that gathering, we have nothing less than 50 to 60 people giving their lives to Christ.

For someone who started music professionally in 2012 this ‘Christmas Praise Jam’ is a very nice concept…

Yes, it is. In fact, I started hosting this show seven years ago and we can beat our chests and say that it is the biggest gathering of worshippers in Kogi every Christmas time. God organises the show through me and, of course, we invite other guest ministers too. It is also free-of-charge.

Throughout the course of your career, has there been any moment when you thought to yourself that you would throw in the towel?

For me, music is my passion. It has not gotten to a point where I’d say I won’t do music anymore. Like I said earlier, I aim to impact as much people as I can positively. So this dream of mine will not make me give up.

7

I’ll say Gospel music is losing its roots.

The problem is that there are too many Gospel musicians now. Strangely, a lot of people sing for different reasons and the content and the spirit of God is missing in most of the so-called gospel songs.

8 9

Nowadays, musicians the world over often have collaborations with each other. Which artistes have you worked with?

I’ve worked with quite a few artistes; Samsong, Solomon Lange, Chris Morgan, Kenny Kore, Akin Alabi and Dr Panam Percy Paul.

Who were your musical influences while you were growing up?

I listened to Sammie Okposo a lot. However, 2011 changed my life. One thing about me is that I do a lot of praise; I mean, praise brings me comfort.

Often, I get invited to lead the praise sessions of various churches. I was invited from Lokoja to the Redeemed Church of God, Lagos Parish, to come and lead their praise and worship session. After I finished leading the programme, I met Chris Morgan and he complemented

Lord Bishop Performing On Stage

A nod from a lord is a breakfast for a fool. ― Chinese proverb

FEATURE

November 14, 2014

39

Benjamin ‘Lord Bishop’ Atomode Impacting Lives Through Music

Lord Bishop me saying “you did well”. At this point, I was feeling myself then I heard him worship.

I realised then and there that there was something missing in my routine. Since then, Chris Morgan has been my direct mentor.

Should we expect a song from the both of you, since you now have a relationship with Chris Morgan?

Yes. I already have a song with Chris already. I released my first album to the market in 2012 and that collaborative effort It is Time, is on the album.

10 11

As someone who already has an album in the market, could you explain to our readers how musicians make money off their

album sales?

For starters, it is important to note that one might not make much cash. You might make something, probably a little token. You can also make an agreement based on royalty. This means for every CD they produce, they give you N10. So, if they produce about 500,000 copies, multiply that by 10 and you arrive at what you get. Other marketers engage in outright buying; which is buying the Master CD for, say N1m or N700,000, based on what the marketer thinks he can make from selling the album. The bottom line is that they make a lot of money.

Secular music sells faster than Gospel music but Gospel music lasts longer than the secular

music. Gospel music has a wider reach, only that it might take time.

12

What do you think about Gospel music in Nigeria?

I’ll say Gospel music is losing its roots. The problem is that there are too many Gospel musicians now. Strangely, a lot of people sing for different reasons and the content and the spirit of God is missing in most of the so-called gospel songs. A lot of us are also money-driven, forgetting that the foundation and beginning of the song matters a lot. From the producer to the engineer, all these people have to be on the same page to produce a song that will glorify God. I think we should all go back to Christ.

What would you say inspires you?

The Bible is my main source of inspiration. Also, the experiences and issues of life inspire me. For example, on my album It is Time, I have a song where I sang about people asking me where my God is, when I would get married, when I would buy my car, when I would build my house... In that same song, I replied that everything is based on God’s time.

13 15

Which artiste would you like to work with in the future?

There are a couple of artistes I’d like to work with; Frank

A new broom sweeps clean. ― Egyptian proverb

Edwards, Eben and the whole Christ Embassy caucus. Internationally, I’ll like to work with Micah Stampley and Jim Moore.

16

What should fans expect from you in the future?

My fans should expect nothing but the best. I mean, my fans know the standard they should expect from me and I’ll like to assure them that I wouldn’t give them anything lower. They should expect more transformative music from me.

17 18

Since you last released your last album in 2012, when should fans expect another album from you?

I’m hoping to release something new early next year. I’m currently working on the videos of the singles in my first album.

Has gospel music been profitable for you?

To some extent, it has. I’ll like to say that it pays for those who are full-time Gospel musicians.

When I resigned, I offered my services as a consultant to some people, but the bulk of my cash comes from doing Gospel music.

Also, in order for it to pay, you must be right with God, because, when you worship God, he rewards you.

40

COLUMNS

November 14, 2014

Diary

Razak’s

guest column

One endless cycle I’ve observed that is very common amongst us humans, is the act of wanting to be like the other person, and as a result of this, we are never satisfied. I believe this subject matter needs to be stressed, especially for those who still haven’t gotten accustomed to the fact that in life, you cannot measure the true worth of a man by the number of possessions he has. Be aware that someone out there will always be smarter, richer and more influential than you are. Someone’s house will certainly be bigger and better than yours. Someone will drive ‘posher’ cars, earn more money and will travel more than you ever will. Get used to it and love yourself.

co s y raz z y @ ya h o o. co m

I’m an impulsive guy with an insatiable thirst for adventure. This is all about my dalliances & escapades.

Wretched Fool…

Dear Diary, I am yet to recover from my ‘blue’ moments. After more than two weeks of cluelessness, I still write without really seeing the words or taking note of my thoughts. Bhaira has suggested warm cups of a beverage (what’s the name again? See, I told you), but I can’t even let her know that I’ve forgotten. She may just freak out as well.

As for Etim my guy, he thinks the ‘kobnomi’ messed with my psyche.

“Your black a#$ is lucky to have me around.

You know I went to the office and told them that you have been under the weather, that you’ve been vomiting blood and pooing blood. As usual, you got a lot of sympathy and I think, if I remember correctly, even Bose shed a few tears…”

“Shut up, fool,” I said daring him to say anymore. “I’m not ill, I just don’t remember stuff. Is that an illness?”

“For a young fellow like you to start forgetting stuff…it’s either you have Alzheimer’s or your mind’s just seriously f%$#@d up by that Bauchi ‘kobnomi’.”

He looked at me with some form of condescension which I found funny and annoying at the same time.

I just hissed.

At that moment, Bhaira and Fanta walked into the house.

I groaned. I was not sick and I would have no one come visit me, thinking I was.

Fanta rushed to me and started planting wet kisses all over my face. While she had all her bosomy self over me, Bhaira laughed, enjoying the whole thing at my expense.

She left me with a promise to return and went over to Bhaira. She herded her into some corner and their voices, once loud and clear, became hushed.

“Your execution is going on as planned…”

Etim said, smirking.

“How?” I looked at him as if he had suddenly become demented.

“They are planning to do away with you now; you are causing Bhaira so much trouble.

Fanta wants to give her to someone else who is not so much trouble to be with.”

“Fool,” I said, this time meaning a fraction of it.

“See, Razz, have you ever tasted Fanta?”

“Yes. But what does it have to do with anything?”

“It? I’m talking about this Fanta (here, he moved his hands indicating a woman’s shape), not the lifeless bottle.” He shook his head.

“How can you be so clever and so daft at the same time? Are you pretending to be daft or are you naturally so?”

“E.T, all I need now is as much rest as I can get. I don’t need your troubles and wahala,” I

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said, managing a smile.

“What are you two talking about?” Fanta said, coming out of the room with Bhaira in tow.

“As always, it must be women,” said Bhaira with an understanding smile.

“So, how was Bauchi?” Fanta asked.

“Fine, I guess. Mama na sends her regards…”

“Which Mama? The one you left without informing or the one you left without eating her food for a single day? Which Mama, Razz? The one you left wondering where you had disappeared to? See, Razz, I love you more than you will ever know – you can even ask Bhaira here – but I do not want you to endanger her life (at this point, she touched Bhaira’s arm gently) or give her an STD. No, there is nothing to be ashamed of here….”

At this point, Etime got up and begged to be excused.

With that shit-eating grin on his face, he bent close to me and whispered “she loves you more than you will ever know; go on, score a touch-down sometime”.

I swatted him like a fly and, laughing hysterically, he was gone.

“I’m sorry I have to intervene like this, but I can’t see you two live like this. What happened in Bauchi has affected you so much and the only way we got to know was because you kept shouting in your dreams about ‘kobnomi’. We don’t know what that it, but it didn’t sound good.

“A woman can’t love a man who keeps causing her so much hurt. No woman loves that…”

“I didn’t do anything. I was under a spell. Ask Etim and he’ll explain everything to you.

He said I ate something and that it takes sometime to go away…”

“No, I can remember much and I feel very disoriented…True, it looked like I was the one acting up all the while, but I just wanted to enjoy some normal food I’d gotten used to since I graduated from UNN. That’s all.

“All I did was search for a restaurant where such food was sold and I ate. How could I have known that mine was doctored? I just kept returning to that same place time and time again. I stopped eating at home and… all I could think about was that lady there and the sex and the food. Suddenly, I realized that I had overstayed my annual leave, so I sneaked out of her house and called Etim and he came and got me…

“That was happened in Bauchi. True, I didn’t see Mama na before leaving, but Etim called her on the cellphone and we did speak some and…”

I didn’t finish. Both women hugged me and, in the softness I found forgiveness.

“What next would I get into to undo this sweet forgiveness, you wretched fool?” I asked myself.

You need to know that no matter how many houses you buy, clothes you wear, or fancy cars you drive, you still won’t have enough.

Instead, learn to realize that what you have is already enough. If you have roof over your head, food on the table, clothes on your back, and people who truly love you, you are BLESSED. You have ENOUGH! Anything aside these, (and let’s admit everyone reading this article has more than that) is more than enough. Be good with that, and you will find CONTENTMENT. The moment you begin to compare yourself to others, the more you let the enemy dominate your life. You give him the opportunity to rent a space in your life and as soon as you let him in, he has the upper hand. He becomes the chief controller and you know his ultimate goal? To kill, steal and destroy. He absolutely has no genuine interest in you. So how then can you be happy? How can people around you be happy? When nothing around you reflects joy.

You’ve so consumed yourself in the spirit of strife that you begin to develop unnecessary bitterness, hatred, anger and wallow in selfpity.

How To Break The Habit of Comparison Awareness Most times we get caught up making these comparisons without realizing we actually are. It’s a natural and unconscious act. That’s why we are human. The solution is to become conscious by bringing these thoughts to the forefront of your consciousness and be able to subdue them when they arise.

Prevent Yourself Once you realize you are making these comparisons, take a long pause. There’s no need to berate yourself or feel bad about it, just acknowledge the thought and gradually change focus.

Embrace Your Imperfections We all want to reach the zenith of our careers and attain perfection, but know you are not perfect and you will never be. I certainly am not. Perfection has been a disease of the nation, people still strive for it but it’s unattainable. Learn to embrace your flaws and always endeavor to improve on them the best possible way.

Focus On Your Strengths Rather than struggling on your weaknesses, focus more on your strengths. Celebrate them. Be proud of them. This helps you center more on your journey as it paves way for diverse opportunities.

Life is a journey, not a competition. We are all on a journey to find something, to learn something, to create something and to become something. There’s a purpose to our existence.

Count Your Blessings This is my favorite part of it all. Always reminisce on what you’ve been blessed with. Think about how lucky you are to have what you have, to have the people in your life who care about you, to know you are alive and well. Cultivating this lifestyle, makes you draw strength and happiness rather than being sober about things that haven’t yet come your way.

Be Content Godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. Being content is a grace that grows overtime. It doesn’t come easily or naturally. There were times when i had plenty but God brought me to situations where i was in need and through that, i discovered the secret of being content. Contentment is a pain killer, a joy booster and brings peace of mind.

“Other people can be good examples to you, but duplicating even their good traits will manifest differently through your individual personality” – Joyce Meyer.

Finally, invest your time wisely to ensure your grass always remains green.

Write to us! Share your favourite recipes, TV shows, movies, and of course write to Matilda, Mimi and Rasaq. Send us your comments and suggestions on our features.

We want lots of feedback from you! fridayleadership@leadership.ng

A penny saved is a penny gained.

6 Tips to Help Break the Habit of Comparison

— Egyptian proverb

— This article was written by Adaora Egwuonwu

FRIDAY EXTRA 41

November 14, 2014

big

quESTIOnS & AnSWERS CROSSWORDS PUZZLE

Why can rockets reach space?

The gravity of the Earth is very strong and pulls everythings towards its surface. It takes a lot of energy that pull. Rockets are mostly mostly filled with fuelthat burn fast, pushing the rocket beyond our atmosphere. Once they reach spce, they need far less fuel to fly.

ACROSS 1 non-stick coating (6) 4 Pumped-up mattress (3,3) 8 neuter reflexive pronoun (6) 10 Irreparably damaged (6) 11 Be under an obligation (3) 12 The _,1973 gangster comedy (5) 13 Part of a hat covering the face (5) 15 Large antelope (3) 17 Expressionless, fixed (eyes) (6) 19 Person overconcerned with precision (6) ‘21 Member of a nomadic hunting community of the far north (6) 22 Putrid (egg) (6)

Why is it cold in space?

2 Course which provides for more rapid results than usual (4,5) 3 The _ and the Pussycat, Barbra Streisand film (3) 5 Memorandum of debt (inits) (3) 6 Housey-housey house! (5,4) 7 Bird of Mauritius, long gone (4) 9 Misty (5) 10 Press the accelerator (3,2) 14 Gape rudely (4) 16 The _,1978 Joan Collins film (4) 18 Dim _, small Chinese dishes (3) 20 Land’s _, most westerly point of England (3)

Why do some chemicals give off heat?

Heat and light come from stars. There are billions of stars in space, but they are very fast apart. The places in between the stars have no light and no heat

weir d fact !

DOWn 1 Work very hard (4)

Since there is no gravity in space, astronauts strap themselves into bed so they won’t sleep-float.

Sometimes they sleep in their seats or clip themselves to the wall. And yes astronauts snore in space

When chemicals are combined, they react with each other and change. Sometimes they create a third chemical that has less energy in it than the original two.

When that happens, the extra energy has to go somewhere. Sometimes it’s released as heat, sometimes as light, sometimes as gass and sometimes... boom!

Every dog has his day. ― English saying

42 FRIDAY EXTRA

November 14, 2014

titans

C

onstantine was a bundle of contradictions - he was no saint but a brutal, bull-necked, flamboyant soldier who murdered his friends and allies and even his closest family. He owed his supremacy to the sword. Nonetheless, his embrace of Christianity was a decisive act in Western history.

When Constantine was born in the middle or late 280s, the Roman empire had recently been divided by the emperor Diocletian into eastern and western halves. Constantine was the son of Constantius, a general who later, in 305, was to be proclaimed emperor of the western empire. As a child, Constantine was sent to Nicomedia (modern Izmit in Turkey) to be raised at the court of Diocletian, who had taken for himself the eastern portion of the empire.

Under Diocletian’s rule, Constantine witnessed fierce persecution of Christians, which intensified after 303.

In 305 a complex power struggle for control of both the eastern and the western parts of the empire began.

Constantius died at York, in Britain, in 306, whereupon Constantine was proclaimed emperor by his troops.

A capable soldier, Constantine set about consolidating his power, which was initially centred on Gaul. In 312 he crossed the Alps with an army, attacking and defeating the western emperor Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge, and becoming the sole western emperor himself. Following a dream in which God appeared to him, he made his soldiers paint a Christian monogram on their shields.

(By this sign you will conquer: said the dream. His vision of Christ coincided in his belief in the one divinity of the Unconquered Sun. His victory made Jesus his god of victory - he believed he owed his power to Christianity. But his embrace of Christianity was also political: the idea of a single empire under one emperor, one god.

In 313 Constantine met the eastern emperor Licinius, and the two men agreed the Edict of Milan, a historic proclamation that extended to all people the freedom to worship whatever deity they chose. For Christians, this meant that they were granted legal rights for the first time and were able to organize their forms of worship as they chose. The edict also restored all property that had been confiscated under the recent persecutions.

After the Edict of Milan, relations between Constantine and Licinius deteriorated, and in 320 the latter once again began to persecute Christians in his portion of the empire. By 324 the rivalry had spilled over into civil war.

Emerging victorious, Constantine

of history

CONSTANTINE THE GREAT c.285-337 In hoc signo vinces - (In this sign shalt thou conquer’ The words accompanying the divinely inspired vision that appeared to Constantine before the Battle of Milvian Bridge, AD 312 reunited the whole of the Roman empire under the banner of Christianity. At this high point in his fortunes he wrote that he had come as God’s chosen instrument for the suppression of impiety, calling himself (The Equal of the Apostles’, and he told the Persian king that through God’s divine power he had come to bring peace and prosperity to all lands. Crucifixion, sexual immorality, prostitution, pagan sacrifice and gladiatorial shows were all abolished; Sunday - the day of Constantine’s favoured pagan deity - became the Sabbath. This was no age of tolerance: on the contrary, the persecution of the Jews, the ‘Christ killers’, started immediately and intensified.

Constantine rededicated the town of Byzantium, which from 330 was known as Constantinople, the eastern Rome (today’s Istanbul). The church of the Holy Apostles in Byzantium was built on the site of a temple to Aphrodite. In Jerusalem Constantine ordered the church of the Holy

Sepulchre to be built; in Rome, the church of St Peter was handsomely endowed with plate and property.

The intellectual credentials of the Church were reinforced when Constantine summoned the Council of Nicaea in 325 to deal with the violent debates on the nature of Christ, as man or god.

Constantine used Christianity to unify the state, but he was as ruthless as he was practical. In 326 he executed his son Crispus and his own wife Fausta for treason and possibly adultery together, thereby joining Herod the Great of Iudaea, Emperor Claudius, Ivan the Terrible, Suleiman the Magnificent, the Iranian Shah, Abbas the Great and Peter the Great of Russia, and England’s Henry VIII as royal killers of their own wives or sons - though only Herod and Constantine managed to kill both categories.

Constantine himself was baptized on his deathbed - perhaps prompted by the realization that his position had often necessitated unchristian acts.

Every dog is a lion at home. ― Egyptian saying

Culled from the book ‘Titans of History’

FRIDAY EXTRA 43

November 14, 2014

ultimate top list TOP 10 SHAKESPEARE MISQUOTES

8

1

FROM THE LIFE AND DEATH OF KING JOHN Misquote: “Gild the lily.”

Actual Quote: “To gild refined gold, to paint

the lily.”

This is one of those odd misquotes in which the meaning remains essentially the same, though clearly Shakespeare’s actual quote is stronger due to the doubling up of the point.

2

FROM: MACBETH Misquote: “Lead on, Macduff.”

Actual Quote: “Lay on, Macduff, and damned be him who first cries ‘Hold! enough!’”

This misquote suggests that Macbeth wants Macduff to begin moving in to fight. The actual quote is more emphatic and shows us that Macbeth wants Macduff to begin fighting immediately.

3

FROM: MACBETH Misquote: “Bubble bubble, toil and trouble.”

Actual Quote: “Double, double toil and trouble.”

It should be noted that a film by Disney used the incorrect quote in this sense: “Bubble, bubble toil and trouble, leave this island on the double.” It is possible that this is partly the reason for the misconception today. In fact, the witches are asking for “double” the trouble and toil.

4

FROM: HAMLET Misquote: “Methinks the lady doth protest too much.”

Actual Quote: “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.”

This is another ofthe “same meaning” quotes. This is probably one of the most commonly heard misquotes of Shakespeare.

5

FROM: HAMLET Misquote: “Alas, poor Yorick. I knew him well.”

Actual Quote: “Alas, poor Yorick. I knew him, Horatio, a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy.”

6

FROM: ROMEO AND JULIET Misquote: “A rose by any other name smells just as sweet.”

Actual Quote: “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet.”

7

FROM: HAMLET Misquote: “The rest is science.”

Actual Quote: “The rest is silence.”

Every man has his hobby-horse. .

— Chinese saying

FROM: RICHARD III Misquote: “Now is the winter of our discontent.”

Actual Quote: “Now is the winter of our discontent / Made glorious summer by this sun of York.”

This is less a misquote than a misappropriation; when the second line is excluded from the quote, it means “the winter of our discontent is happening now,” but when we add the second line, the true meaning of the quote is “the winter of our discontent has now become a glorious summer”-the opposite of what most people use the quote for.

9

FROM: FALSTAFF Misquote: “Discretion is the better part of valor.”

Actual Quote: “The better part of valor is discretion.”

FROM: HAMLET Misquote: “To the manor born.”

Actual Quote: “but to my mind,-though I am native here and to the manner born,-it is a custom more honour’d in the breach than the observance.” (Referring to drunken carousing.)

This misquote, while sounding the same, has a very different meaning.

Hamlet is actually a reference to being excellent, so good that you appear to have been born with the skill.

10

Culled from the book ‘Ultimate top 10 list’

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November 14, 2014

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

MISSING VEHICLE This is to notify the general public that a white-coloured Hyundai Sonata saloon car with registration number BWR 642 AH and chassis number KMHEB41BABA097759 belonging to LEADERSHIP Newspapers Group Ltd is missing. The vehicle was last seen with Hajiya Mariya Ibrahim Baba. Any person with useful information regarding the missing vehicle should please contact the nearest police station or LEADERSHIP Newspapers Group Ltd through this phone number: 07035782552 Signed: Management

FEATURE 45

November 14, 2014

Malam Badariya: The Story Of A Witch Doctor

Mal. Bello Badariya, the witch doctor

BY YAHYA SARKI

In Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, there is now growing incidence of witchcraft amongst the people. LEADERSHIPFriday investigation reveals that over fifteen to twenty people are being afflicted or attacked daily by either a witch or wizard .One Malan Bello Badariya who is a witchcraft doctor confirms this.

Malam Bello (47) has been practicing the art of a witchcraft doctor for over fifteen years and according to him he lost three of his daughters to witches who have killed all of them one after the other simply for his role to the society. He explained that in a day, 30 to 40 people who were mostly having different problems visit him but 20 of which are victims of witchcraft. Badaiya narrates how he started the practice as a witchcraft doctor; assisting the victims and how witches killed his three daughters; how he detects affliction by witchery and how he offers protection against witchcraft.

A worried parent Abba Nasiru, who brought his nine-year-old daughter for mediation to Badariya told LEADERSHIP Friday, how his daughter was reported to be afflicted or attacked by a witch on her way to school

According to Malam Badariya: “ I did not inherit this practice from my father, he has never practise it, it was when a witch afflicted and killed three of my daughters : Mariya,Maryam and Zainabu that i started it.

“The genesis of getting the secret against witchcraft was gotten from one old man called Muhammadu, who had a son suffering from rheumatism whom i cured and in appreciation that same old man Muhammadu gave me the secret against witchcraft. Since then i became a witchcraft doctor helping those attacked or afflicted by witches . I acquired the skill to detect if a person is afflicted by witchcraft from that old man and in return i also taught him how to go about treating patients with rheumatism.

“I spent three years serving the old man before he finally bestowed me with the skill to treat or cure witchcraft attack . The old man, through the years we have stayed together, taught me secret skills of detecting witchcraft affliction by holding the hands of the victim and cross examining the major veins of the hands .If by holding the hand I could not sense or feel pulse from the veins, then I can conclude that the problem has to do with witchcraft but if there is a pulse from the veins ,the problem could be any form of sickness or ailment . The old man practice his skill before me when ever victims are brought to him so that i can watch and learn. He also taught me how to offer prayers against witchcraft and how to mix and give out to victims the traditional herbs and other conclusion against witches or wizards.

Larai, victim of witchcraft

Mal. Badariya’s clients

“Since that time i became professional witchcraft doctor and i have been applying these skills to help victims for many years, “ he explained.

When also asked to explain which sexes or the category of people often been afflicted by witchcraft, Badariya has this to say : “ No, no I can’t say or specify categorically but all i know is that they can afflict or attack the soul of whether male or female, boy or girl, young or old and even the newly born babies are not safe from them. Sometimes parents come with their newly born babies to me especially when they observe abnormal condition of the baby like blood coming out from the nose and i usually help them. I give out to some victims traditional concoctions to drink or some grind herbs to smoke and i can assure you that no matter how dangerous the witchcraft is or how devilish the affliction is , it must disappear and allow the soul of the victim to go free because if the witch refuses to set free its victim, it will eventually die.”

On why the incidence of witchcraft is becoming rampant in the community or amongst people and the precautionary measures to take for ones protection, Mal. Badariya said that people bring victims of witchcraft from different towns such as Kamba, Bagudo,Zuru ,Yauri, Gusau and Sokoto for medication apart from the people in Birnin Kebbi . “The phenomenon of rising incidence of witchcraft is as a result of how the world is changing and probably getting to an end which was foretold or hinted by scholars. That a time will come when human beings will go after fellow human beings to sacrifice their souls for worldly things or other unknown reasons.

“And for one to be properly protected against the vices of witches and wizards ,it is paramount to always to be steadfast in Quranic prayers and also use the

traditional medicine which i can provide,” he said.

Badariya hoped that the legacy he would live behind after his death will be that of service to protect humanity against evils of witchcraft and that his 28-year-old son Suleman,would follow his footsteps by fully learning his skills or practice to help the victims of witchcraft so that the society would benefit from his services. He maintains that his charges to victims are very moderate compared to his efforts of saving lives.

The practice, he cautioned, was not devoid of risks as several times in the night witches often come in form of spirits to threaten and scare him to abandon his practice but he never gives up, he said laughing.

A worried parent Abba Nasiru , who brought his nine-year-old daughter for mediation to Mal. Badariya told LEADERSHIP Friday how his daughter was reported to be afflicted or attacked by a witch on her way to school: “While I was at my work place, my wife called me to inform me that my daughter, Larai was sick. According to her, an old woman asked her to come , glanced and even touched her head. When I enquired how she got the information, she replied that Larai’s friend told her what had happened on their way to school.

On hearing this, I brought her to Mal Badariya for help,” he said.

Further investigation by LEADERSHIP Friday revealed that the incidence or cases involving witchcraft affliction or attack are more rampant now at social places where people converge such as during naming or marriage ceremonies and also at market places. Some community members also point accusing fingers against old female beggars who move around from house to house in the name of begging and finally ended up afflicting the souls of their children with witchery.

A rolling stone gathers no moss.― Cambodian proverb

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November 14, 2014

Hauwa Booth WOMAN ON THE LOOSE

Ff:@ofastupidwoman: Read @ www.diaryofastupidwoman.com

The Defection Of Tambuwal When it became an open secret that Speaker of the House of Representatives was going to defect from the PDP and join the APC, we all waited to see what ace the PDP had up its sleeve. The cat and mouse games were about to begin. The Police immediately withdrew his security detail and the electorate cried foul.

S68(1)(g) 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states that: “A member of the Senate or of the House of Representatives shall VACATE his seat in the House of which he is a member if being a person whose election to the House was sponsored by a political party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that member was elected; Provided that his membership of the latter political party is not as a result of a division in the political party of which he was previously a member; or of a merger of two or more political parties or factions by one of which he was previously sponsored”(in italics).

The first half of the section is clear.

The proviso is the tricky part and the interpretation has grey areas.

Proviso one; If he becomes a member as a result of a division in PDP, then he retains his seat.

Proviso two; if he becomes a member of say PDP merging with APC ( that will be fun to see) then he retains his

seat.

Proviso three; if he becomes a member of the faction merging with another political party.

Well.........

Let’s be honest, if there is any party that has benefitted the most from these defections, cross carpeting, disloyalty and biting the fingers that fed you is PDP! When PDP was enjoying it, no one saw into the future that one day it will come and bite them in the a*se! The very people who should have upheld the Constitution of the land kept silent because they were benefitting from it. Now that the Number 4 citizen of the land and a custodian of the Constitution could actually go scot-free even we, the electorate have joined in the foray and are dancing and beating drums for his defection(which by the way is to run for Governor of his sate; not for any ideology just a continuation of ).

If we are serious about strengthening our democratic process, this would be the best time to put this ghost of defections to rest. There is no way we can continue to have the Constitution being trampled upon and questioned each time personal interests in politics stampede its way to the front.

If we could just try and remember that this weakens our Constitution and our democratic process. By the way, who watches House of Cards?

WEEKEND THE SADDEST THING ABOUT

BiTES

BETRAYAL IS THAT IT NEVER COMES FROM YOUR ENEMY

FEEDBACK: LET’S HEAR FROM YOU

It was a very eventful week for Boko Haram; overrunning cities and renaming them while we sat and watched helplessly. We also listened helplessly as pronouncements were made that there will be no elections in that region.

We also shook our heads and sighed as we saw pictures of the mass exodus of people as their cities and homes were taken over.

America conducted a Mid-Term Election on the 4th November and the electorate used their votes and sent a message loud and clear to the Democrats; you have failed, we don’t want your leadership anymore.

There was no violence, no clearly seen rigging, no thug action, no mass defections; only citizens exercising their franchise! When Nigeria, when?

Ah! Nature abhors a vacuum. When we had those Park and Pay companies we had some semblance of certainty as to where to park or not park our vehicles. Refund was generated; not sure for who but at least jobs were created. Demi-gods also rose up from among them and we had tales of experiences of people who fell foul of them. Then we ran them out of business. Now every where you go that was initially demarcated for on street parking is now littered with ‘No parking’ and so parking has become chaotic once again with the parking space shrinking. I miss them.

Bank Verification Number Enrolment Form I’m sure by now most bank account holders are aware that customers of the bank are required to fill a form with the above name. Looking at the form, I honestly failed to see what was new.

On this form indices like state of origin, local government area and martial status are not only asked but this time compulsory! Just when we were decrying these field being included on every single form!

When you open an account with a bank these same questions are asked; to the extent that you are checked up at an address you provided-(Know Your Customer) just to give the bank some sort of assurance you aren’t a ghost.

A couple of months back, the banks revalidated this same information to the extent of suspending their customers accounts for not either completing their documentation process or streamlining it. This still had to do with updating information on the forms. So once again to get a number or something we fill a form that asks the same questions as the one we opened an account with that is in the data bank of the Bank. Genius!

Hello Readers, thank you for reading and spreading the word about this page. We are now ready for your feedback. Let’s hear your take. Constructive criticism and contributions will be published. Send thoughts to diaryofastupidwoman@gmail.com OR 08055241197 via TEXT ONLY. Don’t forget to include your name and location. Please bear with us if yours doesn’t make it onto the page.

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November 14, 2014

REPORT OF THE

TRANSFORMATION

AGENDA

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

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

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

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

To participwiathteph:otographs, charts and graphs and call

ng nisation’s achievements90alo2, Henry Ubimago: 08068640944, Simply compile the orgaUw 43 31 Iyobosa ugiaren: 08:03 Tosin Allen: 08052116707spaper 6, 76 52 45 06 07 in am nj new Adebayo Be nt Abuja resident a in m o d e th in it Show and tell

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November 14, 2014

Oil Theft And Matters Arising

I

llegal oil bunkering has been an economic problem in Nigeria since the 80s and government over the years has also been putting measures in place to check it. It is on record that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC), instituted a special task force on Anti-Vandalism to tackle the menace. CHRISTIANA NWAOGU writes that the problem of oil theft has not abated, as observers in the oil industry say.

While it is difficult to state the actual month and year crude oil theft started, it has become a multi-billion dollar business that is undertaken by both the high and the mighty in the society. Oil thieves are the reflection of our decadent economic and socio-political system.

Oil is being stolen in Nigeria on an industrial scale and the country’s politicians and security officials are said to be among those profiting. Estimated averages of 100,000 barrels are stolen daily. Assuming a barrel of crude oil at $100, it would mean an annual loss of $3.65billion.

The Nigerian Navy confirmed recently that the nation is losing $20 billion annually to crude oil theft. The Director, Nigerian Navy Transformation Office, Austen Oyagha, disclosed recently in Calabar, Cross River State, that the country lost an estimated average of 55,210 barrels per day or monthly average of 1,656,281 barrels in 2013.

Thus, Nigeria oil losses due to crude oil theft translate to almost $20billion yearly in deficit to Nigeria’s economy. These losses do not only undermine Nigeria’s economy in terms of foreign exchange deficit, they also pose a threat to national security for Nigerians,” he said The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) also disclosed that the nation lost over $11billion (about N1.72trillion) worth of oil revenue in 2013.

The former Group Managing Director, NNPC, Andrew Yakubu, attributed the loss to incessant attacks on major pipelines and crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.

According to him, in 2013 alone, the country lost 300,000 barrels of crude oil per day (bpd). By implication, computing these figures at an average price of $100 per barrel, it would result in a total loss of $10,950,000,000 (300,000 x $100 per barrel x 365 days = $10,950,000,000.00)

in 2013 alone.

In 2013, Nigeria suffered severe attacks on its critical export pipeline system leading to the loss and or deferment of about 300,000 bpd. This deferred production or loss is equivalent to the total production of Equatorial Guinea and larger than the entire production of Ghana, Congo Brazzaville, Cameroun and Gabon,” he stated.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) which has been authorised to carry arms and assigned greater roles, including protection of pipelines across the country have risen to the occasion in clamping down on vandals, resulting in several arrests made in recent time .

The Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ade Abolurin, said statistically, the country loses close to $7 million annually due to vandalism and oil theft. This is not a good development as it affects our economy,” he stated.

On the steps taken by the Corps to combat oil theft and vandalism, the Abolurin said that surveillance was mounted at critical areas where illegal operations are carried out. He added that efforts had also been intensified in building a relationship of trust with the communities where pipelines pass through.

According to him, NSCDC‘s commitment to the fight against vandalism has led to the discovery of illegal oil wells in Akute and FESTAC areas of Lagos State.

Similarly, the Ondo State Command also discovered an illegal refinery at Iju-Osun in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State, with several jerry cans filled with refined product worth millions of naira.

Other states where the Corps has busted o illegal depot with the support of JTF include Oyo Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Anambra State , FCT among others.

Abolurin commended the cooperation of the military by acknowledging their understanding of the Corps mandate and the subsequent handing over of the 33 persons including Togolese and Ghanaians arrested by the JTF on the coastal communities of Bayelsa and Rivers waterways and creeks over alleged involvement in crude oil theft, three vessels seized, eight heavy duty trucks with stolen crude, 70 boats and 214 storage tanks confiscated and handed over to the Rivers

interior watch with CHRISTIANA NWAOGU

State Command of the Corps.

The battle, according to the Commandant General, is an unending war until vandals of petroleum products, oil thefts and illegal bunkers decide to relocate or stop the act completely. “All of us as patriotic Nigerians, must condemn it. All of us have collective responsibility towards checking bunkering and pipeline vandalism.

When the Senate President, David Mark, on Wednesday March 27, 2013 said he will readily endorse a penalty of death for perpetrators of oil theft, commonly called bunkering, he expected a wide applause from Nigerians as a patriot and from the global community as a seriously concerned Nigerian leader that is committed to tackle the menace with whatever it takes.

He said oil theft was becoming a “major embarrassment” for the nation, and the PIB must be crafted to curb that. According to David Mark, “The bill must ensure that the current pace of oil theft is minimised to the barest minimum. It appears we are beginning to get bad name in the international community.’

His words, ‘the law must prescribe huge punishment that will serve as deterrent.

If it will attract death penalty, I am ready for it, I will endorse it. Oil theft cannot be done with a tea cup, big men involved in it are powerful. It is unusual situation that requires unusual solution.’

Well, Is it possible to lose such huge volumes of crude oil from facilities operated by the self-acclaimed disciplined and morally-high minded operators of the companies that own the facilities being tampered without the backing or rather participation of highly-placed people in both the government operating oil companies?

Prescribing a severe punishment like death for stealing the nation’s crude oil

would not stop the scourge and this is the truth. By the way, who have we been calling oil thieves? Were they not the people employed by the real or rather “big” thieves to work for them? Those haggard looking deck-floor boatmen are really not the oil thieves the death penalty should target.

Since the scourge of this crude oil theft started and several arrests made offshore and vessels and tankers seized and some even scuttled, have we ever heard our security agencies come up to tell us that their investigation led to arrest of one “big man” in Abuja, Lagos or London? Have we ever been told that somebody in the NNPC system or any of the major oil companies have been linked to the stealing of crude oil from oil facilities in the onshore Nigeria Delta or within the nation’s offshore arenas?

This issue of crude oil theft is more complex than just catching a few and most times, innocent people on board marine oil tankers and vessels and label them crude oil thieves.

It is sad that the problem of crude oil theft and petroleum products pipeline vandalism in this country are directly tied to corruption. Policemen attached to the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Anti-Pipelines Vandalism Unit allegedly shot dead, two NSCDC, officers at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) pipelines in Ikorodu, Lagos State. Everybody in the case had a different story but the common denominator is that there were some disagreement is over who should actually control the pipeline thieves If the federal government is to be seen as being sincere to Nigerians, the National Assembly, particularly the senators, should first make corruption in public office a capital offence.

smart news FG Will Spare Nothing To Win War Against Insurgency – Moro The Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, said Monday, that nothing will be spared in this must-win battle against insurgency in the country, reiterating that government bent on mobilising available resources to rise in defence of its citizens and the country at large.

Comrade Moro who stated that the nation’s sovereignty

is too precious an asset to be toyed with or surrendered to the country’s faceless enemies, gave the assurance yesterday, when the new Ambassador of the Republic of Germany to Nigeria, Mr Michael Zenner, paid him a visit to acquaint himself with the various regulations guiding Nigeria in his office, in Abuja.

According to him, “this responsible government will continue to mobilise all available resources to ensure success against the insurgents. We are also working hard to aside ensuring security and welfare of citizens and foreigners alike, German investment in Nigeria will be protected and allowed to thrive”.

Anti –Corruption: I Won’t Spare My Officers if found Wanting – Abolurin The Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ade Abolurin has declared that he is not going to spare any officer culpable in the on-going recruitment scandal leveled against the Corps, no matter how highly placed.

Abolurin who gave this threat over the week end while addressing commandants of

Love and let the world know, hate in silence.

the corps drawn from the 36 states of the federation at the NSCDC permanent site in Sauka, Abuja, at a meeting aimed at assessing and improving on the corps’ strategies, warned all in particular to take note that they would not be spared if they engaged in corrupt activities or acted as conduits of corruption simply because some of their collaborators may be high-

― African Proverb

ranking officials.

“Make no mistake; I am not obliged to carry out friendliness that amount to corruption.

If a commandant or indeed anybody senior in this outfit requests a junior officer to do something unlawful, they should not do it. My administration has undertaken to fight corruption whenever and wherever it is found.

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November 14, 2014

JIGAWA STATE UNIVERSITY P.M.B. 048, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State www.jsu.edu.ng

The Vice-Chancellor, Jigawa State University, Kafin Hausa Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu DVM, M.Sc. (ABU), Ph.D (Liverpool), FCVSN, MNIM On behalf of the Visitor, Council, Senate, Congregation and the entire University Community

Invites the general public to the

Investiture of the first Chancellor of the University Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, Former President, Federal Republic of Nigeria and the

Maiden Matriculation of its pioneer undergraduate Students

Scheduled to take place as follows: DATE: TIME: VENUE:

Saturday 15th November, 2014 (22nd Muharram, 1436AH) 09:00AM Permanent Site, Jigawa State University, Kafin Hausa Signed: M.D. Nasiru (Registrar)

November 14, 2014

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November 14, 2014

Stanley Nkwocha

Jega: Another 2011 In The Offing?

Our Eye On Power And Politics

Feedback: stanleyn@leadership.ng

08038011382 (text only)

Tambuwal: A candid Advice It is gradually becoming evident that except something drastic happens, the credibility of 2015 elections would in no way be better than that of 2011.

No thanks to the unreadiness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to do the needful as it were.

In 2011, after billions of naira were committed to the electoral organ, a whole nation was astonished and embarrassed when there were no results sheets for the election even when voting materials hardly got to polling booths. It took national outcry and INEC’s admission of a mea culpa for the elections to be cancelled and rescheduled.

Same docility, nonchalance, inexperience and outright inefficiency which characterised the conduct of that 2011 botched election has again caught up with the INEC as the lapses in the simple exercise of distribution of permanent voter cards in most parts of the country suggest.

Just after the 2011 elections, INEC was called upon to immediately begin the cleansing of the voter’s register and set in motion the machinery for a smooth 2015. It took the voter’s register disgrace in Anambra in 2014 for INEC to know its level of unpreparedness. It had been three years by 2014. And now same situation is playing out with INEC’s preparations for 2015.

It is time someone told Prof.

Attahiru Jega that the variety of Rolex watches he now adorns must be meant for time keeping and not the symbol of new status. TIME is of the essence, lest we be dashed another national embarrassment!

The media has been awash with reports of Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal’s joining of the presidential race as it remained to be proven whether or not he has acquired the nomination form for that.

I do not know what game plan those mooting this idea have got. If I were the Honorable Speaker I will stick to the possible than go gambling as I foresee a Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State come 2015 while a

Stan’s Memo

President Tambuwal looks blurred.

Therefore, I humbly advice the Speaker to stick to his original game plan of Sokoto and not gamble away the opportunity.

After four or eight years as governor, he can try a shot at the Presidency. But for the vibrant lawyer to abandon the governorship for the Presidency, is one gamble too risky. Political coolers should be for the elderly and not for the young and vibrant.

All mankind is divided into three classes: those that are immovable, those that are movable and those that move - Benjamin Franklin

i

Musings Governor of Imo State and All Progressives Congress presidential aspirant, Owelle Rochas Okorocha is threatening to unleash trailer load of cash in 2015 if his opponents dared to play money politics in 2015 as he is ready to give them a run for their money.

Who says we shouldn’t thank God for Rochas’ life.

I mean for a politician who allegedly sold several of his estates in Abuja before the 2011 election to suddenly turn around and begin threatening to unleash ‘trailer loads of cash’ in 2015 must have had ‘supernatural mercy’. Don’t we think so?

Between Jonathan’s Declaration And National Security Finally, President Goodluck Jonathan, amidst pomp and pageantry at the Eagle Square in Abuja last Tuesday, formally declared his intention to re-contest the presidential election in 2015. With that, all eyes are now on the APC to throw up a formidable challenger against the PDP’s hit man.

While I find the call for the President’s resignation over insecurity amusing, I have found it hard to understand what is going on in the northeast.

I clearly find it extremely difficult to believe that with our military might, alleged resources and prowess , the Boko Haram sect has continued to ‘point and select’ towns and villages at will while the military top brass who are supposed to be in this region, but are stuck in Abuja, continue to make excuses for this lapse.

It does appear that the Boko Haram saga has been made to become a conduit pipe for syphoning public funds. Else, how can it be explained that even after several billions of naira have been allegedly deployed to quell the insurgency in the northeast , the results obtained continue to knockout in the opposite direction. And it comes down to lack of political will to do the right thing; in other words, the Boko Haram war, as called for more action on the President by Senate President David Mark, has not been prioritised and this is simple to prove.

If since 2010 , all independent ceremonies have been celebrated right inside the Presidential Villa over security fears, what then changed last Tuesday

that the President and security agencies defied the odds and ensured a security tight event at the Eagle Square when the President declared? Does it then mean that security is only optimised at the political interest of the president and not the nation’s?

I submit that lack of political will to do the right thing is responsible for the continued ‘point and pick’ approach that the Boko Haram group has deployed in pocketing towns and villages in this region so much so that a thousand and one time- killed Shekau can afford to stroll the streets of Mubi preaching. What brazen effrontery!

2015: What The Aspirants Say “As a grassroots mobiliser and political leader, and one who staunchly believes in the ethos of social welfarism in governance, I shall ensure I accord topmost priority to the welfare of the people because government exists to serve the people” Senator Sadik Yar’Adua while declaring his governorship ambition for Katsina State at the ancient town of Daura, on Wednesday “PDP is very formidable and I am convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the PDP will win the election in Kano State. If I was not convinced I will not have been aspiring on the platform of the PDP. We will deliver Kano State to PDP come 2015 Insha Allah” Son of former head of state and governorship aspirant for Kano State, Abba Murtala Mohammed, after he returned his nomination and expression of interest forms at the PDP’s headquarters in Abuja, last Wednesday

Power Play: Imoke Vs Ndoma-Egba Since the conduct of the PDP ward primaries across the country, the larger number of complaints has been from those on the other side of the governors’ and powers - that - be lists.

Surprisingly, however,

in Cross River State, it is the sitting governor that is crying wolf and calling for the congress result to be cancelled. How Governor Imoke sat down , slept off and watched the rug pulled from his foot continues to surprise

not a few folks in and outside the state.

While folks like Jang in Plateau, Suswam in Benue, Akpabio in Akwa Ibom have been popping champagne as they inch closer to achieving their political objectives come

2015, Imoke is crying wolf and disturbing the relative peace at Wadata Plaza. He claims the congress result was manipulated out of his reach.

Wonders shall never end! A governor? There sure must be new insights to 2015.

You lament not the dead, but lament the trouble of making a grave; the way of the ghost is longer than the grave.

politics

November 14, 2014

Katsina Is Poised For Change – Tata

Umar Abdullahi Tsauri, fondly called Tata, is a gubernatorial aspirant for Katsina State under the Peoples Democratic party (PDP). The politically shrewd philanthropist in a chat with Pembi David-Stephen, unveils his numerous plans for the state if elected the executive governor.

Why did you opt to contest for the governorship of Katsina State?

I will begin with my journey with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which began in December 2010, when, as an assistant director in the federal civil service, was contacted by the Shema Group to see what we could do to assist the re-election bid of Ibrahim Shehu Shema. I was reluctant at the beginning, but having spent time to see what he did in my local government, the trunk road which he constructed linking the southern part of Katsina to other places, the entire road network, I was so impressed that someone whom I knew could take the state that far.

Unfortunately, he has never been a huge fan of mine; meaning that he did not like me as much as I liked him. But I felt that, perhaps, the Shema I knew had changed and that some things may have happened at some point.

Having studied what was going on then, I discovered that there were many who were disenchanted with the things he did, but I felt that after all he had done for the state, it was not fair to do that to him. So, I called a few people and told them that we had to do something; not for him, but the sake of the state and its people, in order to rescue Katsina from the tendency of bad leadership.

The other contestant, I was made to understand, was not as credible as he was.

More importantly, we hail from the same local government. I thought about Katsina and the 34 local government areas and I decided that though Shema could win the state by the number of votes he would garner in other local governments, losing our local government would be an embarrassment.

First, it will portray my people as being ungrateful and secondly, a likely after-effect of that would be something I would not be ready for. Most of all, I was hungry for more development in my local government area. I felt that any failure to vote for the governor in that community would affect them adversely. In order to attract more development, I felt that we should come together to se how to deliver Dutsanma and help the governor win.

You have repeatedly said you ‘felt’. What is your feeling at present?

By the grace of Allah, I have evolved politically and to be honest, when I got involved in the scenario which I described to you, I was a complete political neophyte.

I didn’t know much about politics; I was only a voter, not a politician. With time, I have grown to be a politician and I have learnt. Some things which I observed then were not as they were and the things which I believed were okay were not. Be that as it may, I do not regret my role in the governor’s re-election because it was due to that small effort that Allah, in His infinite mercy, has

given me; the fame and even the initiative to go for the gubernatorial venture which I have embarked upon. Ordinarily, it has never happened in service or in the history of Nigeria that an ordinary assistant director like me would rise to be governor, against all the odds stacked against me.

When I talk about the odds, I mean that the state government is out to use everything against me and bring me down.

That said, I do not regret what I did and I am thankful to Allah for His mercy, love and guidance.

What do you think must have caused the twist in your relationship with the incumbent governor of Katsina State?

Well, even when I went in, I didn’t venture into politics because of him. Perhaps, as a result of his performance, I must have felt that we can do better, as a result of what I saw and what I believe in. It is not as if we were that close and are now at loggerheads.

We have never been close, even though we have stayed together. We have always shared different opinions about things.

What I did was as a result of certain qualities which he displayed and, based on what I saw on ground. How it came about, I do not know, but I was convinced that what I saw was enough for me to set about giving the people a better deal. Thus, I formed my judgment and I am living with it. … and you think you’ll do something differently from what is on ground?

So many things: First of all, as governor, I am not going to be a 10 per cent governor.

Rather than pursue contracts worth billions of naira and other leverages, I will focus on human capital development. I will seek to develop my state with the little resource and manpower available to her.

More importantly, I will look inwards and maximise the little available, as well as curb wastages.

I can give you a small example, with the state of education in the state. We all know that education is the bedrock of development. In Katsina, there are lots of beautiful schools but when you enter some of them, you see that the children are sitting on the bare floor to take lessons. Did I say lessons? That is when the teachers are even there. If you go to a school of almost a thousand students, you will discover that they have just one Mathematics or English Language teacher. Teachers have to visit each school, especially during external examinations like WAEC or NECO, to ensure that the students get a fair chance of doing well in the examinations. We all know what happens thereafter and where Katsina State sits on the performance log.

This is what we call development without development. You see beautiful structures on which millions were spent not serving their purpose.

Tata

As governor, I cannot allow that. I would rather pursue human development; not what will come to me.

Katsina is fully an agrarian state. How will you see to developing this?

The major economic policy of my administration, if Allah wills, will be power. I am committed to building a 200 megawatts generating structure in Katsina State.

Katsina State, as a whole, as at 2009 and 2010, needed just 79 megawatts. This firm will produce 200 megawatts of electricity to give me 24 hours of electricity. This I will do, using the proximity of Katsina State to Niger. I will erect a gas power station.

I will get my gas from the Nigeriens and, since it is business, it will not fail as we experience here in Nigeria. I will explore all the provisions of the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Act to see that my electricity is domiciled within Katsina, as it will enable me to build my transmission lines. If I do that, my next important focus will be the development of cottage industries and the exploitation of our mineral resources, as well as that of our industrial base.

Having achieved that, I will ensure round-the-year farming. Katsina State is blessed with water bodies,though we have a desert which has not been much of a disadvantage. We have dams lying fallow and unutilised, but I will pump water from one to the other, in order to embark on round-the-year farming. The agricultural base is meant to support the demand component of whatever we are going to produce, so that supply will not overwhelm demand.

…and for the women and the youth?

To be sincere, the women have been the bedrock of my politics. I can tell you that I am very proud of them. They have shown me that my meager investment in them, to this point, has not been wasted. They have shown me actual gratitude. These women, for the first time in the history of Nigeria, donated the money with which I bought the nomination form from the PDP to contest the governorship (this is over N11m). After I bought the form, I showed it to them and they promised to do more. They took over the public relations and every other thing.

My plan for the Katsina women is so elaborate that by the time I finish my tenure as governor in Katsina, there will be no indigent widow or woman, orphan or youth in the state. By the time I am through with all I have for them, they will not be as weak and dependent as everyone says they are; they will be changed and independent.

As governor, I will empower a minimum of 600 to 1000 women every local government every month, in order to see that I give them a means of livelihood and economic survival. I will also ensure that we alter the law of marriage, such that any girl getting married has to be trained to have a skill so that she can fend for herself, no matter what happens.

To be candid and to put it simply, under my watch, Katsina will be changed. Mark my words and judge me by them. The state is poised for change, insha Allah.

Adesuwa Tsan, Politics Editor

osunde.adesuwa@yahoo.com

56

W men In Politics

November 14, 2014

ANALYSIS

INTERVIEWS

Why I Am Running For Reps – Osori

Ayisha Osori is an aspirant for the House of Representatives on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to represent the people of AMAC, Bwari. In this interview with Michael Oche, Osori speaks on her aspiration and the role of women in politics.

One of the first hurdles is at the primary election. What do you think are your chances of winning?

Right now, the three main aspirants who have shown interest in running for that post, I will say that in terms of political analysis I will probably be the underdog. Obviously, the incumbent, Jisallo is running, there is also Hon peter Yohanna, who is currently the Bwari area council chairman. What I bring to the table that is different from them is the vast experience in the private sector because that is where I came from. I have spent over 10 years in the private sector. I have a very strong understanding of business. I have a very strong understanding of policies as somebody who trained as a lawyer, I taught constitution law for a while. So I understand also constitutional implications and know how to perform my duties in the national assembly. I also have a very strong network in the civil society because two years ago I joined civil society as the CEO of the Nigerian women trust fund. So I also bring that experience and expertise. So I think that is what I bring to the table, a very strong local and international network that covers private sector and civil societies. I am also the only woman who is running. You know that the president has a very strong agenda for women. We also know that while he has done a lot in terms of appointment, there is still a long way to go in terms of elective positions. So considering all these angles, though a typical political analysis will still say she is an underdog because I have never ran for office, but I also have some considerable pluses. I have a brand. I am known to be honest and forthright. Having written publicly for over five years, first in Thisday and then Leadership, I have a followership of people who read what I write, who believe in me.

From your consultations and the feedback you have been getting, what do the people of Abuja need?

Particularly for the indigenes, one of the pressing issues obviously is the issue of inadequate representation when you talk of federal character in our constitution. Right now, it is limited to the 36 states and it doesn’t acknowledge the FCT. So that is a big issue. So whether it comes to representation in terms of picking ambassadors, or perm sec or ministers, that is an issue for the indigenes.

They want to be adequately represented. And that is very valid. Two, there have been the issue of mayorship, if they are not going to

DISCOURSE

process is – getting the delegates and how the delegates are selected – I will say it is 50/50. The reason why I am saying so is that when you are confronted with the people who have been made the delegates, it is up to you as a candidate, even if those are not the delegates you wanted, presuming you have the influence to choose the delegate.

But no everybody has the influence to choose a delegate. So, presuming you are like me who doesn’t have influence to choose a delegate, then of course you have access to the delegate. It is now a matter of how can you sell yourself to the delegate? Also the other side of it is, are the delegates already predisposed towards certain aspirants?

Again, you will only know after that day.

But I can for now, my engagement with the delegates has been very open and I have been getting very useful feedbacks. If on that day of the primary, we have something like option A4,that will be fantastic and you will say it is transparent. But there is room to improve the transparency around the primaries. But the only way to change that is to engage. A party is not likely to change its process by people from outside saying you must change you processes. It is only going to change when there are people from the inside agitating for it to be changed. And it is a process that is going on now. There is a lot of discussion going on now by party members about how the ward congresses took place.

What advice do you have for women going into politics?

Osori

have a governor, why not have a mayor?

Those are the kind of things that border the FCT indigenes. And I think the third one is the land swap issue. Whether they have been adequately compensated for land that has been taken? So what will I do if I am voted as a representative? I like what Malala, the youngest Noble laureate winner said. She said the best advocate for an issue is the person who feels the problem. What is lacking is proper organising skills. There is a technique to organising. So, for me, it is to enable to the people to make sure their voices are heard. There is where I bring my skills in the civil society into play.

Why did you decide to run at this stage?

Honestly, the only answer I can give is if not now when?

Do you expect a level playing ground at the primaries? especially that apart from being a woman, you are also contesting against the incumbent?

We all know that the primaries are the hardest part of any election. Will there be a level playing field? Some will say no.

Congresses has just ended and I am sure you are aware that many people are contesting some of the congresses. Because they believe that even from that process, things have been manipulated to keep them out. So when you bear that in mind and what our typical

My first part of advice will be for women who don’t even consider politics. Many of us grew up in communalities where politics is not for ‘us’. I grew up in that kind of environment.

So I can sympathize with many people who think that politics is not for them – they don’t want to get involved, there is no place for decent people in politics. But we can see the repercussion. Plato said if you don’t get involved in politics, then your inferiors will take decisions for you. I think that is what we are suffering from in Nigeria right now. So, my first leg of advice is to the women who don’t even think about politics. Of course we can’t all contest for elective post, but you can be a supporter. You can be a fund raiser.

Because there is no doubt about it, nobody can run for election without money. You can decide I want to put somebody there. So all these women in cooperate Nigeria who are running the companies, be it Banks, manufacturing, are you aware that your counterpart, the men are ensuring that they sponsor people they trust, that understand business to enter into politics and run for offices so that they can protect their interests? When are women going to realize that, we need to start putting people in there, not just to protect our business interest as business women, but to protect the interest of the people we care about – our children. I doubt if there is any mother who doesn’t care about her children. So, how about securing the future of our children? And the best way to do that is with the right policies. We have just suffered another horrific lost in Potiskum with 47 innocent children being blown up. How do we ensure that we have the right policies in place to protect us from this kind of tragedies? It is Potiskum today,

. A good name is sooner lost than won.

what if it is Abuja tomorrow? Who can stand up and say with 100 per cent confidence and say that it can’t happen in my child’s school?

Unless your child is schooling abroad. As long as you have a child schooling in Nigeria, that child is at risk. The politics doesn’t mean we all have to go and buy forms to run for office.

Politics can also to be standing up and saying I want the people who feel the same way as I do to be in there and protect my interest and that of my children. And the other leg is for women who are like me, who are saying let’s get in there. Maybe you see things from the different perspective. For me, after five years of writing, I felt enough talk. You don’t want to be forever a critic. Of course there is nothing wrong with being a critic. But sometimes you have to get involved in the solution process. My advice is when you feel that way and want to get involved, just do it. There is never going to be a perfect time.

Yes, our personal lives, whether as wives or mother might decide when you want to enter a race. But if you see your window, then take it. But you must be strategic. Don’t be emotional about the issue of I want to join this party or that party. Right now, many of our parties don’t really have an idealogy. No party is 100 per cent good and no party is 100 per cent bad. Do your analysis and say this is the best party in the constituency that I am running for. So that i what I mean by doing you analysis. Also don’t take defeat if you don’t win. If you loss an election win in some other way. Is it the relationship you have built in your constituency? How do you build on that? Is it in your party or friends you have made? So when the next convention comes, you can run for national organising secretary or treasurer.

What is your opinion on the role of godfathers in Nigerian Politics?

I will say there are two ways to look at the godfatherism issue in Nigeria. Yes, you can’t run from the fact that people have godfathers and maybe soon we will have godmother.

Right now we have god fathers who typically fund elections for people because we all know how expensive it is to run for elections.

Even our electoral act sort of recognizes how expensive running for election is, because there is a section which puts the minimum which people are supposed to spend for election. i think that of a president is about N1 billion. And who has N1 billion to spend in an election. And we all know that that isn’t conservative. It is probably higher, but that is what INEC recognizes. So, you need godfathers to fund the election. But on the flip side, when you do, the godfathers are going to come back to demand for their money. They want the money back plus interest. We have seen this type of scenario play out over and over again. But it is bad for our democracy. If there is a way to reduce the influence of money. Yes, there is no denying the fact that you need money. Yes party should charge nomination fee. This is a way of raising money for the party. You need to spend money on media – on adverts, send out SMS. Yes all these cost money. Yes, you need to make posters and print T-shirts, but do you really need to pay delegates and voters?

Now, that is where the use of the money is a problem. And it is problem for all of us and it is a problem that we need to examine.

NEWS /57

November 14, 2014

Jonathan Declaration: APC Overwhelmed By Nigerians’ Support For Jonathan – PDP

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja

L-R: Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, deputy corps marshal, Ademola Lawal and the minister of aviation, Osita Chidoka during the decoration of Lawal in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI.

FCE Bombing: 1 Dead As Gov Aliyu Visits Scene Of Blast

BY Abu Nmodu, Minna

One of the victims of the Kontagora bomb blast, Fasilat Oludege Ajoke, finally gave up the ghost after sustaining serious injuries from the bomb explosion of the female suicide bomber at the Federal College of Education (FCE), Kontagora.

This was even as there was another bomb scare at the state-owned Maryam Babangida Girls Science Secondary School, Minna.

This was coming on the heels of the visit of Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu to the FCE in Kontagora yesterday, where he said the trend of female suicide bombing in Nigeria is horrible.

LEADERSHIP Friday gathered that Ajoke, one of the four victims injured by the blast in the school compound, died Wednesday night when she was being conveyed from Kontagora to Minna for better medical attention.

It was learnt that Ajoke was a 300 level student pursuing Bachelor of Arts, Education/English programme of the College of Education affiliated to the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Our findings revealed that Ajoke who was from Kwara State was referred to the IBB Specialist Hospital, Minna following the critical nature of injuries she sustained and the need for a more comprehensive medical attention.

The late Ajoke was said to have been in serious pain, and unfortunately died after losing a lot of blood and sustaining internal injuries before making it to the IBB Specialist Hospital.

Meanwhile, there was another bomb scare at the Niger State-owned Maryam Babangida Girls Science Secondary School, Minna, yesterday.

It was learnt that a lady wearing Hijab had gained entrance into the school and allegedly threatened to detonate a bomb, causing both staff

and students of the school to scamper for safety and by the time the police came, the whereabouts of the lady were unknown.

When contacted, the police public relations officer, Ibrahim Abiodun Gambari said the situation was like a false alarm because when the police were drafted there, they could not see anything or anybody, and urged the people to go about their normal businesses as the area was calm.

The commissioner of education, Danladi Abdulhammeed Umar, who immediately visited the school, said all public schools in Niger State are to suspend forthwith all forms of open congregational activity.

The governor of Niger State, Dr Mu’azu Babanguda Aliyu, lamented that the security challenge in the country has assumed a different dimension where women are now being used as suicide bombers.

2015 Will Be Decided On Character, Leadership Qualities – APC

BY Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

The leadership of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday said that since next year’s general election will be decided on the character and leadership qualities of the Nigerian president, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will be defeated.

Addressing journalists at the its National Secretariat in Abuja, the national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, who faulted all the claims of the achievements of President Goodluck Jonathan, asked Nigerians to vote out the ruling PDP. He said, “Two days ago, you heard President Goodluck Jonathan announce himself

as the candidate of the PDP and asked Nigerians for another four years as president. You heard a lot of claims, misrepresentations and voodoo statistics, none of which can stand the barest scrutiny. Disregard them! You heard excuses for failure to fix basic infrastructure, arrest unprecedented levels of corruption and halt the march of terrorists daily inching nearer all of us.

“You heard promises that sound familiar because you have heard them all before since his six years as president. Do not give the party that has savaged Nigeria in the last 16 years an opportunity to finally finish off our dear nation. The PDP cannot deliver on any of the same promises it has failed to honour in over

a decade and a half in power”.

He added, “The 2015 election will be decided on the character and leadership qualities of the Nigerian president. The Commanderin-Chief should also be ‘Consoler-in-Chief’ bringing comfort and succour to our people in time of grief and distress.”

“You heard two days ago President Jonathan saying that good leaders do not walk away from the people, sadly though the statement is true, our President who wants another four years does not show evidence of sympathy for hundreds of thousands of our fellow citizens who are now Internally Displaced Persons(IDP) as a result of the occupation of their land by Boko Haram.

The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that the overwhelming support shown by Nigerians and the unprecedented verifiable achievements catalogued at President Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration have thrown the APC into confusion.

The PDP national publicity secretary, Olisa Metuh in a statement said the APC in their “characteristic manner, instead of accepting the successes already acknowledged by Nigerians, went into their usual shadowboxing and mischievous propaganda in a failed attempt to score a cheap political point.”

The party further berated the APC for always seeking to gain political capital from the insecurity challenges in the nation, adding that “Nigerians, by their massive support on Tuesday showed that they know the truth and are solidly behind their president.”

It, therefore, called for objectivity and forthrightness from the political class, especially the opposition, as the campaigns for the 2015 general elections begin in earnest.

The statement said notwithstanding that he defied the expectations of the terrorists and their sponsors to go ahead with the declaration a day after the Potiskum bombing, the president and the PDP stand by the mourning families as his disposition, speech and mobilisation of over 100,000 Nigerians in prayers at the event showed.

“Nigerians may recall that on May 20, 2014, there was a twin bomb blasts in the city of Jos, killing 118 people and wounding at least 56 others. However, this tragedy on the nation did not restrain the APC from holding its so called “Mega Rally” in Ekiti the very next day, May 21 in promotion of the gubernatorial campaigns of the then Governor Kayode Fayemi,” the party added.

No More Excuses For Accidental Discharge – Ojukwu

By BAYO OLADEJI Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force has said that it will no longer tolerate excuses from its men concerning unlawful killing of citizens in the name of ‘accidental discharge’.

The force public relations officer (FPRO), Emmanuel Ojukwu, who made the declaration at the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA)/I-Nigerian Initiative media briefing in Abuja, also lamented the unprecedented number of casualties the force has suffered in the ongoing terrorists’ activities in parts of the country.

Ojukwu said, “There is nothing like accidental discharge because every gun has a safety lever. You must have cocked the gun before it fired and you only cock a gun when you have the intention of firing. If you kill illegally, the police will deal with you.”

Honourable is the person who is aware of his power, yet refrains from inflicting bad things on others Egyptian Proverb.

58/ NEWS NATIONAL

November 14, 2014

Finally, Ailing Suntai Arrives Jalingo

By Andrew Ojih, Jalingo

Barely few days after a High Court sitting in Jalingo ruled that the resolution passed by the Taraba State Executive Council mandating the setting up of a medical panel with a view to declaring Governor Danbaba Suntai incapacitated was a gross violation of judicial powers, the ailing governor yesterday arrived in Jalingo unannounced, after returning from his medical trip to London.

Suntai, who arrived Jalingo in a chartered flight from Abuja, was conveyed in a motorcade to the Government House at about 7pm amidst tight security and without the usual long convoy.

LEADERSHIP gathered that Suntai’s

arrival took many people in the state unawares as there was no prior information to that effect.

It was also learnt that some political associates of the ailing governor as well as his political opponents whose interest was to know everything about Suntai were not aware of the governor’s arrival.

Suntai’s chief press secretary, Hassan Mijinyawa had in a press release issued last Monday announced Suntai’s arrival at Abuja but was silent on when he would return to the state.

He stressed further that the governor arrived the country on Sunday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport after one week of check-up in Lon-

don, United Kingdom.

According to the release, the ailing governor was grateful to the people of Taraba State for their strength and continuous prayers for him and the state, and urged them to be more prayerful.

Our correspondent gathered that Governor Suntai arrived at Jalingo when the acting governor, Alhaji Garba Umar was away in Abuja for a political function.

But the senior special adviser to the acting governor on media and publicity, Mr Aaron Artimas, who confirmed the arrival of the governor in Jalingo, added that the state government has been responsible for the medical expenses of the ailing governor all along.

Senator Nazif Gamawa Picks Senatorial Form

By Paul Chiama, Abuja

In heeding the call of party elders and youths of Bauchi North senatorial district, Senator Nazif Gamawa has opted to pick the nomination form to re-contest the senatorial seat.

On why he dropped his gubernatorial ambition, Senator Gamawa said, “As a true democrat, I have always called for the unity of our great party and I do not want to mount more pressure on the party polity,” adding that it was for this reason that he accepted to drop his gubernatorial ambition and run for the Senate.

He said he will ensure the creation of Katagum State and contribute towards addressing the problems of poverty, unemployment, insecurity and other challenges bedevilling the North-east zone if elected.

Senator Gamawa is a former member, House of Representatives, former senator and former gubernatorial candidate.

2015: Be Objective In Your Reports, Ndoma-Egba Tasks Journalists

By Lanre ArotimI, Calabar

L-R: Minister of Communications and Technology Mrs Mobola Johnson Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo; Minister for Trade and Investment Olusegun Aganga and National President, Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME),Garba Gusau, briefing the State House correspondents after the National Council on Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) at the Presidential Villa Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN.

Mark To Research Institutes: Find Answers To Our Ailing Economy

By Jonathan Nda-Isaiah, Abuja

Senate president, Senator David Mark, yesterday took stock of Nigeria’s ailing economy and submitted that only planned, deliberate and sustained efforts in research and technology can rescue the nation from economic downturn.

Senator Mark, therefore, challenged research institutes and tertiary institutions in Nigeria to rise up to the occasion by working out a blueprint that would get the nation’s

economy out of the woods.

Receiving the 2014 Champion of Medical Research in Nigeria Honours award from the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in Abuja yesterday, Senator Mark stated that no nation desirous of development can afford to undermine research as a key component.

Specifically, Senator Mark stated that medical research is key to national development because it would ensure a healthy citizenry needed for economic prosperity.

To this end, Mark assured that the Nation-

al Assembly will continue to make adequate budgetary allocation to research institutes in the country to enable them perform creditably.

He appreciated the award and promised that the recognition will spur him to provide greater services to the nation.

Presenting the award to the Senate president, the director general of NIMR, Professor Innocent Ujah said the honour was in recognition and appreciation of Mark’s contribution to medical research in Nigeria.

Insurgency: PENGASSAN Charges FG, Military To End Killings

By Taiwo Ogunmola-Omilani, Lagos

Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has called on the federal government and the military to rise up to the task of ending insurgency and wanton destruction of lives and properties in the country.

This was contained in a statement issued by the public relations officer, Babatunde Oke, decrying the general level of insecurity, especially the killings by the Boko Haram in-

surgents in the North Eastern part of the country and calling on President Goodluck Jonathan to step up the political will to deal with the crisis.

The oil workers union also called on the military to live up to its expectations by duly performing its obligations of defending the country against any attack either internal or external.

Condemning the bomb blast that killed 47 students and injured 79 others in Potiskum, Yobe State on Tuesday, PENGASSAN pres-

ident, Comrade Francis Johnson, said the federal government should use all the powers at its disposal to deal with the situation and ensure that Nigeria is a safe place to live.

He noted that attacks on the Northern part of the country and killings of innocent Nigerians had been on the increase and taken a new dimension since the government announced the ceasefire pact with the Boko Haram, adding that the government should bring full force to bear in containing the activities of the sect.

A Joke never gains an enemy but often loses a friend.

As the 2015 general elections is fast approaches, the Senate leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, has charged Nigerian journalists to be objective in their reports at all times.

He spoke yesterday in Calabar during an endowment fund/public lecture organised

by Cross River State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Speaking through a frontline legal practitioner in the state, Utum Eteng, he reminded Nigerian journalists of their critical role in ensuring successful general elections in Nigeria, come 2015.

Ndoma-Egba, who made a donation of N5million towards sustaining the endowment, advised journalists to delve more into investigative journalism in order to unfold societal ills.

“Journalists have a responsibility of being objective in their reports because part of what is being reported is capable of causing chaos or problems where it is not properly reported or reported with some biases.

“So they (journalists) have that responsibility, they should not allow press reports to be written from the governor’s office. They should do the investigation themselves and write what is objective whether for or against anybody”, he said.

This was even as a veteran journalist and ace broadcaster, Pastor Coco Bassey, decried the poor working condition of most Nigerian journalists.

Bassey, who was Chairman of the occasion, called on the government to always make a provision for the press in her annual budget.

He said it was no longer secret that most Journalists earn pittance as salary.

According him “let the welfare of Journalists be part of government’s expenditure pattern”.

NEWS NATIONAL /59

November 14, 2014

Garba Aminci Joins Katsina Guber Race

By Paul Chiama, Abuja

L-R: Amobi Mmerenini, Comrade Mark Adebayo, Imo State governorship aspirant of the KOWA Party, Maxi Excel Nwaneri Ochiama, Bar Chizoba Iheka and Sir Emaka Okoroha when Ochioma obtained his nomination form in Owerri.

Nigeria Could Avert 300,000 Maternal Deaths Through Midwives – Stakeholders

By Winifred Ogbebo and Victor Okeke, Abuja

An estimated 300,000 maternal deaths could be averted through trained midwives if government invest in their training.

This was disclosed during the launch of the state of the world’s midwifery report (SoWMy 2014) by the health minister, Dr Khaliru Alhassan who emphasised the need to ensure that no woman dies while giving birth.

The deputy representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Kofi Kwame , called on government to invest in

the employment of midwives, saying they were the key to eliminating over 300,000 deaths among women during child birth.

According to him Nigeria lost over 280,000 women during child birth, saying, “The underlying factor that contributes to the high mortality figures may not be unconnected to the low skilled attendant rate as only a third of pregnant women in Nigeria (38.1%) are attended to by a skilled health provider.”

Earlier, the minister of health represented by the permanent secretary , Linus Awute reiterated government’s commitment to reduce maternal and child health.

He added that several investments have been deployed to the recruitment of midwives.

The national coordinator on public health and midwifery, Dr Rabiatu Sageer revealed that as at 2013 Nigeria had over 101, 286 working in different states of the country.

She however lamented that the problem was the uneven distribution of the midwives in the country.

Sageer reasoned that if any meaniful impact is to be witnessed in the reduction of maternal and infant deaths then the health stakeholders would need to address issues of production, deployment and retain a ship.

Insurgency: There Can’t Be Credible Elections In 2015 – Gov Aliyu

by Abu Nmodu Minna

The governor of Niger State and chairman of Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu has posited that unless the security crisis in some parts of the country are resolved the 2015 general elections may not be credible.

The governor who spoke at the 4th Muazu Babangida Aliyu International Literary Colloquium held at the Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre as part of activities marking his 59th birthday yesterday said elections should hold in all parts of the country.

He said if election does not take place in all parts of the country simultaneously people will criticise the outcome of the election

hence the need to contain the crisis especially in the North East to make conduct of election possible.

According to him “The legitimacy of the 2015 general elections will be contingent on how security is provided in the North East”.

Apparently questioning the acquisition of territory by the Boko Haram, Aliyu said that what is happening in the North East could not be described as terrorist attacks because “terrorists do not acquire land as is being done.”

Governor Aliyu said there is the need for the country to speak out to its neighbours to stop harbouring those undermining the security of the country. He lamented that the areas under the control of terrorists in the North East and its periphery is up to three

states put together.

He therefore told the federal government to act decisively by declaring an all out war against the insurgents adding that Nigerian soldiers who instead of defending the territorial integrity of the country allegedly took to their heels when confronted by the terrorists smirks of sheer cowardice.

He added that recruitment into the Nigerian armed forces and other security agencies in the country should be properly scrutinized to ensure that only those that genuinely want to serve the country are engaged into the forces and other professional bodies.

He stated that recruitment into professional organisations like the military should not be jobs for the boys.

Blame Fayose For Renewed Insecurity, Armed Robbery In Ekiti – APC

By Alo Abiola, Ado Ekiti

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has criticised Governor Ayodele Fayose over the increasing wave of insecurity, especially armed robberies in the state.

A statement by the state publicity secretary of APC, Taiwo Olatubosun, said that since the inauguration of the governor, the state has witnessed increased violent crimes that re-

minded one of the past when the state was in the news for all the wrong reasons.

The party cited two violent armed robbery attacks on First Bank in Ifaki and Ikere recently where customers lost fortunes and several residents wounded.

APC blamed Fayose for the lackadaisical attitude on the part of the law enforcement agencies towards their duties, citing cuts in the security votes to the law enforcement agen-

cies for the trend.

“Governor Kayode Fayemi took security issues very seriously while in office. He funded security agencies with security vote that the law enforcement agents were willing and ready to do their jobs. That was why there were no reports of security challenges throughout his tenure,” Olatubosun said, regretting that the reverse is now the case as the governor has cut security vote to law enforcement agencies.

. A good anvil does not fear the hammer.

Egyptian Proverbs

Two-time deputy governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba Aminchi, has joined the gubernatorial race to clinch the number one seat in the state, his campaign office has revealed.

This was made known in a press release made available to LEADERSHIP Friday yesterday in Abuja, signed by Mr Abba Yusuf on behalf of Aminci Campaign Headquarters.

According to the release, Aminci is aspiring for the governorship position of the state on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The release reads in part: “As a grassroots politician who learnt the nitty-gritty of politics from the master strategist, the late Umaru Musa Yar ‘Adua, Aminci began his flourishing career at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Kaduna as an assistant engineer, from where he moved to Aminci Bookshop, Funtua, as general manager, working there for 10 years between 1977 and 1987”.

The release further stated that the aspirant was also former commissioner of religious affairs in Katsina State; chairman, Boundary Adjustment Committtee; chairman, Environment Protection Agency and chairman, Katsina State Tenders Board.

Over 1000 Flood Victims Receive N25m Relief Assistance In Kebbi

By YAHAYA SARKI, kEBBI

Over 1000 flood victims consisting of 384 households have yesterday received relief assistance amounting to N25million from the committee set up by Kebbi State government and headed by the Wazirin Gwandu, Alh.Abdullahi Umar.

The committee is working in conjunction with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

The committee’s chairman, Alh.Abdullahi Umar during the distribution of the cash assistance to the victims at Abdullahi Fodio Camp Birnin Kebbi explained that the governor has directed the immediate release of relief assistance of N25 million to flood victims at the Abdullahi Fodio Camp.

According to the chairman “ After thorough assessment by the committee after the flood disaster which lead to registration of the victims ,the governor has given approval for disbursement of various sums of money amounting to N25 million to flood victims camped at Abdullahi Fodio Centre and it is expected that the victims would vacate the premises as soon as they collect the assistance but one week grace is given to those who have not repaired their houses”, he said.

Waziri further explained to the victims that the relief is categorised according to the nature of their rooms. He said that those with mud rooms will collect #44,016,66k , those with cement rooms will collect #61,166,66k, and those in the rented house shall share #22000 each between the landlord and the victim tenant.

LEADERSHIP FRIDAY

world news REPORTS AND ANALYSIS OF GLOBAL EVENTS AND ISSUES November 14, 2014

Rosetta: New Images From Uneven Comet Landing The robot probe Philae that made a historic comet landing is now stable after initially failing to attach to the surface, and is sending pictures.

After two bounces, the first one about 1km back out into space, the lander settled in the shadow of a cliff, 1km from its target site.

It may be problematic to get enough sunlight to charge its batteries.

Launched in 2004, the European Space Agency (Esa) mission hopes to learn about the

origins of our Solar System.

It has already sent back the first images ever taken on the surface of a comet.

After showing an image that indicates Philae’s location - on the far side of a large crater that was considered but rejected as a landing site - the head of the lander team Stefan Ulamec said: “We could be somewhere in the rim of this crater, which could explain this bizarre… orientation that you have seen.”

Figuring out the orientation

and location is a difficult task, he said.

“I can’t really give you much more than you interpret yourself from looking at these beautiful images.”

But the team is continuing to receive “great data” from several different instruments on board Philae.

Esa’s Rosetta satellite carried Philae on a 6.4 billion-km (4bnmile) journey to Comet 67P/ Churyumov-Gerasimenko.

—BBC

A new image shows the view from the Philae lander of the surface of the comet.

US Envoy Calls For Total Eradication Of Intolerance

By Ugochukwu Iroka, Abuja

As the world prepares to observe the 19th International Day for Tolerance, the United States ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle has called for the eradication of intolerance saying that any form of discrimination is inimical to the global objective of an AIDS free generation.

In a message to Nigerians, made available to LEADERSHIP Friday through a press release, Enwistle said, “In every country, tolerance is key to providing access to care for people who are at high risk of either acquiring or transmitting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Programs and policies must recognize that eliminating stigma and dis-

crimination is critical to ensuring that all people feel safe accessing HIV/AIDS care and treatment services.”

He advised Nigerians to utilise the opportunity the International Day for Tolerance presents to affirm that all persons who suffer the negative health effects of discrimination, such as persons with disabilities, be granted access and receive essential health services from providers who treat them with tolerance, dignity and respect.

“Any intolerance that creates barriers for any marginalized or vulnerable groups from accessing essential services can lead to considerable loss of life and increases the risk of people who previously had little or no risk,” he said.

Mexico Protesters Torch State Assembly Building Demonstrators have set fire to the local legislature building in the capital of the southwestern Mexican state of Guerrero in protests over the apparent killing of 43 students by corrupt police and thugs from drug gangs.

Violent demonstrations have rocked several other states, where protesters blocked an airport and damaged the local office of President Enrique Pena Ni-

eto’s ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).

On Wednesday, hundreds of protesters, most wearing masks, rallied in central Chilpancingo, Guerrero’s capital.

The demonstrators, purportedly students and teachers, set fire to the session hall in the empty state assembly building while also torching several cars outside.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze.

HEALTH ADVOCACY NETWORK

ISAAC OLUSHOLA KOMOLAFE FOUNDATION

INITIATIVE FOR OPEN DATA AND INFORMATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1 OF 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. KOMOLAFE ISAAC 2. KOMOLAFE MOSUNMOLA 3. KOMOLAFE JACOB TUNDE 4. KULE ONGO ABEL

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Oluseun Onigbinde 2. Mariam Edun 3. Joseph Agunbiade 4. Segun Adeniyi 5. Abiola Afolabi 6. Funso Oladapo

THE TRUSTESS ARE: 1. DR OBINNA OKEKE 2. DR EMEKA MOMAH 3. SENATOR ISA ZAREWA THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO CREATE AWARENESS AND TO SENSITIZE THE PUBLIC ON HEALTH MATTERS, HEALTHY LIVING AND LIFESTYLE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. EMEKA ADIELE PLOT 874 SHETTIMA MUNGONO CRESCENT, UTAKO ABUJA

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. 1. TO EMPOWER YOUTH ECONOMICALLY AND SOCIALLY. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: CHAIRMAN

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. 1. To provide educational and enlightenment programmes for young persons and communities Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: OMOTAYO OJO

ISLAM /61

November 14, 2014

Discourse with Sheikh Muhammad Mahmud Turi turimuhd@yahoo.com 07038199475 (text only)

In the name of Allah who states “... no reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin...” Q42:23

P

eace and blessings of Allah be upon His noble servant, our master Muhammad and his oppressed progeny. And his everlasting curse on their enemies to the last day.

Let me start by thanking Allah, the Most High for witnessing the 1436 hijra year. Congratulations to our esteemed readers on the advent of yet another year praying for continuous Allah’s guidance and prosperity.

On the Ashura tragedy, we use this medium to condole the seal of messengers, his brother, son in - law and commander of the faithful, Imam Ali (as), the great lady Sayyidah al - Zahra (as), elder brother of the chief martyr, Imam Hasan (as), the master of our age, the spiritual guide of the Ummah and the leader of the Islamic movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H) and the Ummah in general. May the peace of Allah be upon Husain, Aliyu son of Husain, children of Husain and the companions of Husain! O Allah, curse the slayers of al - Husain peace be upon him.

As usual, there are a number of activities recommended at this very important time. Most significant include special prayers, fasting the first day, remembrance of the tragedy of the prophet’s household and invocation of blessings upon them.

Beside congratulations, Muharram, first month of Islamic calendar is identified with great sadness for the misfortune that affected the family of the noble prophet and their followers.

Imam Ali al - Ridha has said “with the beginning of Muharram, my father would never smile at all. He would be dominated by depression for ten days. The tenth of the month would be the day of his misfortune, sadness and weeping. He used to say that on this day Imam Husain (as) was slain” Sheikh al - Tusi has narrated that it is recommended to fast the first nine days of the month and to abstain from eating and drinking on the tenth to afternoon. while Sayyid Ibn Tawus has mentioned the merits of observing fasting during the whole month of Muharram adding that such a deed protects against committing sin. However, Allamah Majlisi said it is preferable not to fast the ninth and tenth of the month as the Umayyad used to observe fasting to express delight for and gloat on the martyrdom of the Imam Husain (as). The ninth day is Tasu’a on which Imam al - Sadiq said “on the ninth day of Muharram, Imam Husain along with his companions were besieged in Karbala when the Syrian horsemen surrounded him leaving for him but a narrow area. The son of Murjanah, Ubaydullah son of Ziyad and Umar son of Sa’ad were delighted due to the great

Ashura Mourning: The Noncontradictory Position On The Love Of Ahlul - Bait (As)

number of horsemen who participated in that encounter against the Imam. Thus the enemy became sure that no supporter would join the army of the Imam and the people in Iraq, in particular would not back him. Imam Sadiq then added may I sacrifice my father for the weak and the stranger” On the tenth night there are special prayers including a 100 raka’ats as the Imam’s companions spent the night praying to draw closer to Allah in their last moment. On the tenth was the martyrdom of the Imam. Believers are required to mourn the misfortune in form of consolation ceremonies as they do to their dead beloved. It is also recommended to visit his tomb, leave the earthly benefits and weep for the tragedy.

Ibn Abbas narrated that, I have accompanied Imam Ali (as) in Dziqar, he took out a paper comprising the dictations of the holy prophet (as) and handwritten by Imam Ali (as) himself. He read some segments of that paper and I heard, it contained the story of imam Husain’s martyrdom with full details of the way he would be killed, the person who would kill him, those who would support him and those who would be martyred with him. Imam Ali (as) then wept heavily and caused me to weep!

THE UNEQUALLED POSITION AND CONTRADICTORY LOVE OF THE AHLUL - BAIT. No doubt, ground was prepared for the unfortunate tragedy against the family of the noble prophet before the Ashura. That was why murder of the Imam Husain was directly related to the event of Saqeefa.

What a paradox that some try to equate the two conflicting parties together! To their completely illogical reasoning, some claim the love of Imam Ali and that of Mu’awiya or even Imam Husain and Yazid who did not love one another to their last minutes.

It was narrated in an authentic hadeeth, “the messenger of my Allah is about to come to me and I shall answer. I am leaving with you the two weighty things: the first is the book of Allah, in which you find guidance and enlightenment, and the people of my household. I remind you

by Allah, of the people of my household, I remind you by Allah, of the people of my household” as narrated by Muslim, Tirmizi, Musnad Ahmad and Mustadrak.

Imam Ali (as) was honored with “whoever wishes to live and die like me, and to abide in the Garden of Eden after death should acknowledge Ali as his patron and follow Ahlul - bait after me, for they are my Ahlul bait and they have been created out of the same knowledge and understanding as myself. Woe unto those followers of mine who will deny the Ahlul - bait their distinctions and who will disregard their relationship and affinity with me. My Allah never let them benefit from my intercession” as narrated by Mustadrak and Kanzul ummal

Ahmad bin Hanbal said: “no one among the companions of the messenger of Allah had more virtues than Ali ibn Abi Talib” Imam al - Shafi’i said “I am surprised about a man whose virtues were kept secret by his enemies out of envy, and by his followers out of fear, but nevertheless, an enormous amount of them spread” Imam al - Nisa’i has written a prominent book - khasa’isu Ameerul mu’mineen on the virtues of Imam Ali. On a visit to Damascus he was asked to produce any such virtues in respect of Mu’awiya out of envy. As he insisted that no single virtue was said about him by the noble messenger, they killed him at the spot!

“Is He then who guideth to the truth more worthy to be followed, or he who himself does not go aright unless he is guided? What then is the matter with you; how do you judge? Q10:35 On various occasions, the prophet has also said and repeated “Husain is from me and I am from Husain, O Allah do love he who loves Husain, Husain is the grandson of the prophet as were the offspring (Assbat) of Prophet Jacob” And the Imam went out on the call of his grandfather for a reform as he said “I have not risen up, but to safeguard the religion of my grandfather, the Prophet.” If not for the great sacrifice of the Imam and his followers, Islam should have been a thing of history!

Mu’awiya on the other hand was the son of Abu Sufyan, of the late converts to Islam who got access to mantle of influential political position in the Muslim ummah and paved way for the same to transgressed son Yazid to the same!

According to many historical evidences, Yazid was born in 25 or 26 years after hijra, from a Christian mother Maysoun al – Nasrania of the Kulaib tribe in his father’s so called caliphate castle. He was the first to publicly show alcohol consumption, devotion to singing, hunting, attraction to male slaves and playing with monkeys. He used to embellish dogs by dressing them with gold bracelets and jewels. He granted each dog a slave to serve it. Ziad bin Abeeh said to Mu’awiya when he asked him to get Basra’s pledge for allegiance in favor of his son Yazeed “what would people say, if we call them to pledging allegiance in favor of Yazeed, while he plays with dogs and monkeys, wears jewels and excessively drinks wine, not withstanding his walking to the sound of tabors?! After attaining to power by the corruption of his father, he ordered his governor in Medina Ubaidullah bin Ziyad to kill Imam Husain and send his head to him. This led to Imam Husain’s emigration to Mecca for pilgrimage and visit to his grandfather the noble messenger. However, orders were given for his assassination even if he were sticked to holy Kaaba. Thus, he answered numerous calls of his followers in Kufa, and finally left with Muslin bin Aqeel, his envoy in advance!

After his assassination, his head was brought before Yazid, who showed pride

A tattler is worse than a thief.

― Egyptian Proverb

of belonging to era of ignorance, reciting the rhymes “I wish my old chiefs at Badr could witness end with, Banu Hashem manipulated the reign: neither news arrived nor revelations happened” In a nutshell, the three years and six months of Yazid’s oppressive ruling witnessed murder of Imam Husain, the grandson and right successor of the noble messenger, family members, friends and followers at Karbala. Women and children driven as captives to Damascus in the first year! In the second, he set his soldiers against the city of the messenger Medina for three days who dastardly robbed it, killing seven hundred from the prophet’s companions including those that witnessed Badr and about ten thousand followers of Ahlul – bait who were murdered, in addition to more than a thousand women whose honor was severely violated! In the third, he besieged the honored city of Mecca demolishing part of the holy Kaaba killing Abdullah son of Zubair within!

And throughout his tyrannical rule, corruption - sycophancy, flattering and adulation were the order of the day!

Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (AS) states “The heavens wept over Imam Husain (as) for forty mornings, rising red and setting red”. No doubt, the tragedy of Karbala was primarily the direct result of deep hatred and arrogance of Banu Umayyah against the holy Prophet and Islam. That is why it is very right to say that Imam Husain was slain since the day of Saqeefa when his father was distanced from the mantle of leadership as clearly demonstrated by his grandfather.

Upon their perceived victory at Karbala, Banu Umayya innovated festivities which was knowingly and unknowingly spread across the world such as Cika - ciki, a sort of a thanks - giving as a mark of joy for their evil deeds.

However, we are very grateful to Allah with the growing understanding and enlightenment within the Ummah to the dismay of those illogically trying to equate the oppressors with the oppressed.

Imam Husain, his children, relatives and followers could never be compared with the criminals under Umar son of Sa’ad son of Abi Waqqas under the Yazid - led generally recognized tyrannical regime!

There is a popular story of a Sunni visitor to the grave of Hijr son of Addy in Syria whom a Shiite came across crying. On an enquiry by the latter on the reason for his cry. He said I am crying in sympathy to our master Hijr son of Addy may Allah be pleased with him! The Shiite asked what happened to him? He said, he was murdered by our master Mu’awiya son of Abu Sufyan may Allah be pleased with him! The Shiite said why did he kill him? He said, because he refused to abuse our master Ali son of Abi Talib may Allah be pleased with him! The Shiite then said, myself, I will cry for you may Allah be pleased with you!

Wassalamu alaikum warahmatullah!

62 OPINION

November 14, 2014

PIB: Conquering A Nation’s Albatross By safiya adamu

Nigeria has struggled for some time to put in place a coherent and comprehensive policy and legal framework to govern her oil and gas sector. Some of the key laws date as far back as 1959: the Petroleum Profits Tax Act; 1969: the Petroleum Act; and in 1977: the Nigerian Petroleum Corporation Act. Other sundry legislation address fiscal issues, with memoranda of understanding (MoUs) selectively negotiated and signed periodically. In the absence of a robust and contemporary national legislation conforming to global best practices, it has been difficult to effectively regulate the oil and gas industry, and to optimise its potential for Nigeria’s development.

Until recently, the few Nigerian actors in the industry have been more preoccupied with collecting rents (fees) than with developing local capacity for actively playing in the sector. Such rents from mineral resources have become the main source of corruption, further fuelling the politics of rent-seeking in a cyclic manner. In addition, there have been few incentives for the participation of indigenous oil companies.

The Petroleum Industry Bill 2012, therefore, is aimed at maximising the net economic benefit to the nation from our oil and gas resources and to enhance the social and economic development of the

people while meeting the nation’s needs for fuel at a competitive cost, accomplishing all in an environmentally acceptable manner.

Among the issues addressed, the first part of the Act deals with creating a conducive business environment for petroleum operations and this objective captures the need to create an enabling environment for investors and investments in the country.

It also seeks to enhance exploration and exploitation of petroleum resources in Nigeria for the benefit of the Nigerian people and this objective makes the exploitation of the hydro-carbon resource for the benefit of the Nigerian people a cardinal principle, given the fact that the Nigerian people have not derived any significant benefit from oil operations since commercial discovery in 1950. It is hoped that the structures and institutions put in place in the new law will drive this objective.

The bill will optimise domestic gas supplies, particularly for power generation and industrial development. This is in line with government’s interventionist approach to stimulate gas supply obligation to ensure that there is supply to meet growing domestic demand projected to grow to 2 billion cubic feet per day of gas by the end of 2011.

It establishes commercially-oriented and profit-driven oil and gas entities,

thus aligning with the full commercialisation of the NNPC to operate as a limited liability company with a profit-driven mandate which will lead to good governance and high efficiency.

It hopes to create efficient and effective regulatory agencies which accounts for the industry’s gross inefficiency, weak regulatory institutions, endemic corruption and overall poor management. It is hoped that the institutions created under the Act will deliver on this objective.

Protection of health, safety and environment in the course of petroleum operations is guaranteed. It has become a central focus of oil and gas operations globally and continues to be on the frontburner. There is provision for the early remediation of health, safety and environmental problems and an obligation on all operators to develop environmental management plans, as well as pay compensation for damage to the environment; a development which will check environmental degradation, especially in the Niger Delta.

It will establish a progressive fiscal framework that encourages further investment in the petroleum industry whilst optimising revenues accruing to the government and this will strike a balance between investor and host government interest, given their diametrically opposing interests. For the investor, a fiscal regime that guarantees rewards com-

mensurate with risks is vitally important while the host government seeks to maximise its revenues from oil and gas operations.

The PIB in supporting the Act confers the same benefits as the Nigerian Content Act and provides for those categories of contracts which now fall within the domain of Nigerian indigenous companies and, also, for the training and participation of Nigerians in all aspects of the oil and gas industry.

–Adamu wrote in from Abuja

Diezani Alison-Madueke

It is only a stupid cow that rejoices at the prospect of being taken to a beautiful abattoir. — African Proverb

opinion /63

November 14, 2014

tribute

Nda-Isaiah: Death Of A Torch-bearer

By Kunle Somorin

I met the late Pa Clement Ndanusa Isaiah, the father of the founder of LEADERSHIP Group, Sam Nda-Isaiah, only once. That was in January 2011, when in company of the Group Managing Director, Mr. Azu Ishiekwene and MD, LEADERSHIP Group, Abraham NdaIsaiah, I went to commiserate with the then Chairman, who is now an APC presidential aspirant when his father in-law died.

Ordinarily, it would not mean much meeting a grand old man. But the Pa Clement that I met was an exceptional creature and one that left a lasting impression on my mind. We spoke a little bit and I was touched by his razor-sharp intellect and alertness that I was not surprised he sired Sam and Abraham.

He recalled things with ease and made easy references to copies of the LEADERSHIP newspapers, pointed out the cutting-edge stories we did and the lapses The late ndanusa isaiah in our editorial content and the syntactic blunders that crept into our publicaday that the oga lost his father-in-law, tions at intervals.

I tried to explain these away as “the it would have been a great experience

to document, for posterity, the journalism, life and times of Clement Ndanusa Isaiah. Without a tinge of exaggeration, this was a man who qualified to be the Northern version of Ismail Babatunde Jose. He was at once a reporter’s delight, an accomplished editor and newsroom manager, who is fortunate and generous enough to allow younger journalists drink from the fountain of his wisdom and life experiences.

I have encountered a few of the professional children of the late Nda Isaiah and they attest to the prodigious intellect and personable disposition of the late reporters’ trainer and impeccable editor. Now with his exit, the vanishing generation of born-journalists has been further depleted and the era of charlatans and hirelings who took to the job for the lucre of political prominence and pecuniary gratifications has been bolstered.

Papa might have been no more, but I am convinced that the generation of those who went through the informal journalism schools of The Citizens, The Mail, Triumph, Gaskiya, Standard and, especially, New Nigerian will glowingly

recall his exploits and impartations.

My emotional miasma knows no bound that the old pen pusher only waited to listen to, or perhaps edited, that great speech that Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah delivered on Tuesday, November 4 in Minna. It remains the best of all the declaration addresses by any Presidential candidate yet. Well-thought out, beautifully crafted and meticulously delivered, but Papa will not wait for the materialization of these promises his precocious gift to humanity has in his inner recesses of his mind to jump into the political fray.

He will be six feet below, even if his eldest son becomes President. The sacrifices of his investment in all the other eight children would have been interred by the time Oga becomes another revelation on the political firmament, like he has proven to be in the world of journalism.

May the soul of the gentle, hard working and amiable father of our dear publisher have repose in the bosom of the Lord. And may God give the children and Mama the gratitude to bear this irreparable loss.

— Somorin is an Abuja-based Media Consultant

opinion

Suleiman Abba And The Case For Community Policing By nKem iBeKwe

In the face of rising crime rates and increasingly diverse and complex problems in the society, the traditional model of policing has come to be viewed as an ineffective approach to fighting crime. In the light of this, an approach to policing that places great emphasis on police-community relations, and on the usefulness of engaging the community in problem identification and solving efforts, has emerged under the banner of “community policing”. Most countries, especially those in the advanced democracies of the world, have adopted the community policing model of law enforcement as an effective strategy for fighting crime and criminality.

Traditionally, police outfits have responded to crime after it had occurred and, therefore, are structured to support routine patrols, rapid response to calls for assistance from danger, arrests, and follow-up investigations. Community policing, on the other hand, calls for a more strategic and thoughtful incorporation of all these aspects of police business into an overall broader police mission focused on the proactive prevention of crime and disorder. In a nutshell, community policing rests on the belief that law-abiding citizens in the community have a responsibility to participate in the police process.

In 2004, community policing was introduced in Nigeria under IGP Tafa Balogun. The endeavour was an attempt by the Nigeria Police Force to improve on its performance. It was the Force’s effort to change crime prevention and control to a modern and professional policing capable of providing maximum security to lives and property in Nigeria. Unfortunately, community policing culture has failed to make any meaningful impact in the Nigerian environment due largely to corruption, institutional constraints (police officers’ resistance to community policing), inadequate manpower (both in strength and expertise), insufficient education and training, inadequate equipment, and poor conditions of service of the average policeman.

From the maiden speech of Suleiman Abba when he took over the mantle of leadership of the police force as the Acting Inspector-General, he insisted that his policing regime will be intelligencedriven and anchored on attitudinal change in terms of ethics and policing culture. This was a clear testimony that the Acting IGP wants to institute community policing in Nigeria. However, in the face of the debilitating challenges earlier highlighted in this piece, what chances has the current helmsman of the police in effectively institute community policing in Nigeria? How is the new effort by Mr. Suleiman Abba to institute

community policing in Nigeria going to succeed in the light of the past endeavours that failed?

First and foremost, Mr. Abba must realize that for community policing to succeed in Nigeria, there must be serious education and enlightenment of the entire citizenry on the philosophy and culture of community policing. This would be simultaneously followed by a serious retraining towards attitudinal change and professional efficiency and proficiency amongst both the rank and file and other officer cadre of the police. Of course, not to be left out is the education and counselling of the citizenry, as well as police personnel, that establishing and maintaining mutual trust between citizens of communities and the police is the main goal of the first component of community policing.

Community policing forums must also be broadened to include residents from all ethnic, religious, occupational and age groups in the community, so that all residents’ needs and perspectives are included in discussions of community issues and problems. Another major constraint on community policing that must be addressed is underfunding. Community policing requires much greater funding than traditional policing, since it requires that all officers be trained and retrained, as well as ensuring more modern fighting equipment and morale-building pay raise

A little fire is quickly trodden out.

Dodie Smith, English novelist and playwright

for officers. An additional issue that will bear on the success of community policing in Nigeria is the emergence of local vigilante groups to fight crimes in communities where police have done little to maintain law and order.

No doubt, the ultimate success of community policing in Nigeria will depend on the effective implementation of the following programs; (i) Weeding out corrupt elements in the police force; (ii) implementing a comprehensive strategy with the capacity to overcome the challenges that may militate against instituting community policing by addressing issues like (a) community policing and law enforcement in Nigeria (b) community participation in community policing (c) community policing as an anti-corruption tool (d) human resource development for community policing (e) decentralizing policing duties and responsibilities (f) restructuring police formations for community policing and (g) computing the actual cost of executing community policing operations in Nigeria.

There is no doubt that Suleiman Abba is on the right track as far as the quest to put a handle on crime and criminality is concerned in Nigeria.

— Mr. Ibekwe, an information manager with Corporate Concepts Limited, Abuja, sent this piece from nkemibekwe489@ gmail.com

64/ ISSUES

November 14, 2014

The Truth, Nothing But The Truth By oby Ezekwesili

What are we asking for? #The Truth…

Nothing But the truth! If there is any currency that is in short supply in the governance of our country at the moment, it is Truth and invariably, trust.

Trust that is founded on Truth is what ordinary citizens can repose in their government and leaders.

The questions therefore are: Why did our government deliberately mislead the entire country and the whole world with that cheery but phantom news of ceasefire and the release of our Chibok Girls? And since then, have their parents who once again were let down, been contacted and offered emotional counseling as a number of them had been hospitalized for hypertension? Does the government realize the extent of the embarrassment that Nigerians now feel before the whole world and what damage they have done to their already eroded social capital? What point was the presidential campaign aide, lavishly reported in the media, making by audaciously telling Nigerians to “move on” because “the President would not wait endlessly for the return of more than 200 school girls abducted midApril in Chibok?” Move on? Hopefully, this campaign team will get to learn that many around the world are not moving on from the travails of the Chibok girls whose only “crime” was that they turned up in school to acquire education. While I do not believe that the president, as a father himself, would ever want to “move on” until he discharges his obligation to our #ChibokGirls, one considers the current jarring silence about their rescue not one bit golden. Citizens’ right to know should compel a speedy and truthful update on the status of efforts to rescue our girls.

However, there are other pertinent questions: What is really going on in Mubi, Gombe, Potiskum, Yola and all our territories in the North East?

What went wrong with the intelligence arm of our security architecture? Since Truth begets Truth, our federal government needs to know that more citizens are today traumatized by the daily killings and maiming as well as the abductions of our people and the annexation by the insurgents of some of our national territorial space. We are puzzled by the many things which do not add up in our country today and we demand for the TRUTH regarding our counter insurgency strategy. On the loss of territories, a recent analysis puts the land area under Boko Haram control as equivalent to the size of three of our 36 states. How can that be?

What exactly is being done to reclaim those territories beyond assurances? On the bombing that killed over 40 school children on the spot and rendered several others injured,

what exactly are the authorities doing beyond empty lamentations that go on in parri passu with political jamboree?

It is indeed noteworthy that Nigerians now lament the elite and governance failures that have robbed our nation of the glory days of our relatively strong military and superb intelligence capabilities.

Yet it is only systemic corruption that could render an institution prostrate and unwittingly empower a band of renegades to become some sort of “Goliath army” that now daily terrorizes us in our own land. That also explains the perennial failure of government to deliver basic services to the larger number.

There is no sobering symbol of this failure than the governance crisis that has reduced Nigeria to a country which cannot at this time safeguard the future of her children who risk being killed whenever they turn up in school within the North-east zone.

I recall that between 2006 and 2007, available data revealed how far behind the rest of Nigeria the North-east was on school enrollment, transition and completion; and so we designed and implemented a number of common sense policies and funding interventions to help improve their performance. Even at that time, the situation was more terrible for girls. Using our inclusion, gender and equity pillar, we pointed out to parents and their school age children the evidence they could easily relate to around them which reveal the tremendous social and economic mobility that access to education has offered people all over the world. Throughout history, education has been, and remains even now, the best form of equality of opportunity that every society can offer its citizens. Therefore, removing obstacles in the way of those thirsty for knowledge is easily the most important role of government in equalizing opportunity. If a country really wishes to close all gaps that manifest in inequalities among different groups and segments, it places education at the center of development.

Unfortunately, when our children show up in schools in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and now Gombe States to obtain knowledge, they face the risk of being killed, injured or abducted.

Have members of our political elite of all hues and colour given sufficient thoughts to the fact that our failure to secure our children amounts to asking them to either forget about education or surrender themselves to be killed or abducted? We need an answer for this question and the Truth, nothing but the Truth. In February 2014, insurgents struck at the Federal Government College, Buni Yadi and killed 59 school boys; nothing happened. Two months later, perhaps seeing how unconcerned our power elite were about their fellow citizens; the insurgents

Ezekwesili

scaled up their operation by abducting 276 girls from their secondary school in Chibok, Borno State. That number is almost five times the number of boys they had earlier killed without consequence in Buni Yadi and although 57 of the girls managed to courageously escape, there are still 219 Chibok girls yet to be accounted for. However, the Chibok Girls abduction became a major turning point. This time around, some of our citizens decided that “enough is enough” and that they would act together to compel those with the constitutional responsibility to act on behalf of the girls in distress to do so. Nearly 200 days after, we continue to hold our daily solidarity gatherings at the Unity Fountain. That the assemblage is made up of people from all walks of life, ethnicity, religion; political, economic and social divide is very telling of citizens’ resolve.

Today, these Nigerians are eager to unravel the truth behind the failures that have cost us several thousands of lives only in 2014 alone and that keep our ChibokGirls still captive on this Day 213 of their abduction. In February this year, I put the issues clearly before the members of our political class and what I said back then still resonates today: “Terrorists became emboldened by the absence of our political class across the entire spectrum of political leadership who decided to “play their normal politics” with the blood of the poor. The blood soaked land is convulsing…Is it therefore not unconscionable that in the over nearly three years of rising trend of terrorist attacks against whole communities in the central and north eastern states of Nigeria where our kith and kin have regularly been slaughtered

Some people are masters of money, and some people are slaves of it.

in cold blood; the milk of empathy has not yet flowed from our Elders in the Land in the entire political spectrum to suspend ‘transactional politicking’ and build a united front against this newest common enemy?” “Is it not unconscionable that despite the massive public resources committed to security spending, the government has failed to inspire confidence in majority of our people who are practically left to their own devices? In shock, Nigerians have wondered whether our political class which carries on with politicking to ‘capture or retain power’ is comfortable to govern communities of the dead, the maimed and the psychologically traumatised. Is it not time for all our political leaders to pay that utmost sacrifice of leadership- lay down their personal gain for the good of the people they wish to lead?”

Like James Garfield once said, “the truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable”.So, we shall never stop asking for the Truth from our government; the Truth, nothing but the Truth. We shall ask until our #ChibokGirls are brought back home and alive…We shall ask until all of North East zone is reclaimed and peace is restored to our land…We shall ask until the professional integrity of our hitherto globally-respected military is restored. We shall ask until every Nigerian feels safe and secure again in our land. For those who ask about what we demand as we stand daily for our 219 daughters, the answer is simple: The Truth, nothing but the Truth!#BringB ackOurGirlsNowAndAlive! The Offices of the Citizens are now activated.

–Ezekwesili, former Minister of Education belongs to the BBOG, standing for the Chibok girls

― Russian Proverb

news extra 65

November 14, 2014

MDGs Contractors’ Money:Rights Group Drags Gbenol To SSS

By Abah Adah, Abuja

An International human rights organisation with the objectives of protection and defence of human rights of citizens, the Advocates of Peoples’ Right and Justice has dragged the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Millennium Development Goals (MDGS) Dr. Precious Gbenol before the Director General of the State Security Services (SSS) over allegations of embezzlement of over N20 billion meant for the payment of the contractors to the agency.

The group noted that as a result of the over N20 billion debts owed the contractors by the MGDs most of them have lost their lives while many are on the verge of losing the properties they used as collateral to secure loans from financial institutions.

“We have strong and damning evidence that Dr Precious Gbeneol has used fictitious companies to pilfer and loot billions of naira under the Millennium Development Goals Project to herself and her cronies through companies used as ‘Fronts’. These companies are no less than conduit pipes through which she has fraudulently enriched herself and her cronies, leaving the contractors in colossal debt, frustration and unto-

ward hardship. It is further embarrassing that these contractors have laid off several of their staff who were duly employed, while others have their places of business closed down as a result of severe debt”the group declared.

In the petition to the Director-General of SSS, and signed the National Coordinator of the Advocates of Peoples Rights and Justice Victor Giwa made available to the media he stated that it has become necessary to draw the attention of security agencies to the fraudulent activities of Gbenol which he said is capable to leading to a break down of the fragile peace we have in the country.

“Further, the various contractors who had collected various facilities from their banks in execution of those projects are now under serious and intense threat of foreclosure of their properties to the banks and other creditors, while others have incurred untold debt and have been embarrassingly dragged to some security agencies. It is appalling that while these contractors are seriously in pains of financial loss, loss of properties and loss of their source of livelihood, Dr Precious Gbeneol has shockingly and dishonestly engaged in surreptitious enrichment of herself and her cronies by causing

payment to be made in billions of naira to various fictitious companies that neither executed projects or participated duly in the contracts” he added.

According to Giwa, “we want to draw your sincere attention to the fraudulent activities being perpetrated by Dr Precious Gbeneol, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Millennium Development Goals (MDGS). Dr Precious Gbeneol in 2013 through her office advertised for Tender for various jobs under the Millennium Development Goals Projects, which attracted a number of honest and industrious individuals who were interested to be part of the success story of the MDG projects, through their various companies, as contractors for the projects.

“These individuals after interacting with the management and officers of the SSA to The President, were subsequently given award letters to execute projects of their interest based on the required guidelines.

Consequently after the successful completion of their contracts they were issued with certificate of completion by Office of The Senior Special Assistant to the President in 2013,” he added.

Giwa stated that “these said projects duly

executed and completed by these contractors in the various states of the federation ranges in value from one hundred million naira (N100.000.000) to two billion naira ( N2,000,000,000 ) in individual contracts.

Sir, in the course of executing those projects and contracts, these contractors collected various facilities from commercial and micro finance banks who duly and legally provided them the facilities with the honest believe that the Millennium Development Projects are special projects that should be treated with utmost transparency and accountability in line with the Transformation Agenda of Mr President.

“It is shocking that this was not to be as Dr Precious Gbeneol has deliberately refused and neglected to pay these contractors their monies even after the issuance of the certificates of completion to them. It is further shocking that various efforts made by these contractors to collect their monies have been met with deceit, subterfuge and hand twisting,” he stated.

“Sir, it is based on these facts that we are honestly seeking your urgent attention in getting Dr Precious Gbeneol to urgently pay to these contractors all the monies she is owing immediately,” he added.

Senate Automatic Ticket: Abia Youths Laud PDP

2015: Aspirant Reveals Transformation Plans, Says Industry Is Key

By Mbachu Godwin Nnanna, Abuja

An Akwa Ibom State gubernatorial hopeful, David Stephen Okpon, has said that, if elected, his administration will standardise vocation and professions across the state while also taking a critical look at why industries in the State have failed to find lasting solutions to the problems confronting them.

“My primary concern is how to serve the people. It is not about having a godfather or a godmother or even a sponsor. We want to make live easy for our people, especially the women, and children of

Abia North youth movement has hailed the decision by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national working committee (NWC) to return some performing senators in 2015 following the controversy that trailed the conduct of the ward and local government congresses across the states.

The three senators and some governorship aspirants in Abia State had penultimate week protested to the party national leadership over the conduct of the congress alleging that there were no primary elections in the state.

The group, in a letter of solidarity signed by its chairman and secretary, Mr Ndukwe Onuka and Barr Obina Orji respectively and addressed to the national chairman of PDP which was obtained by leadership commended the decision of the party leadership in averting what they called a major crisis in the party in the state .

“It is, therefore, with immense joy and profound gratitude that we welcome the decision of the PDP national leadership to redress the injustice there by restoring our hope in the PDP by

agreeing to return two senators per state” Speaking at the party national headquarters Abuja, shortly after a solidarity rally, Kalu Udoka said “ Returning experienced and innovative senators is a plus to our democracy. The legislature is the hurb of democracy, it has to be built, and there is no way you can build legislature if you don’t have experience persons. Senator Uche Chikwuumereije for instance has sponsored over 50 bills, more than 102 constituencies self help projects. These and more things, he has continued to do that makes him an enigma. We are confident the electorates will return him back to the senate to continue the work we unanimously mandated to do for Abia North in particular as well as Nigeria in general. ” It would be recalled that senators last week registered their dissatisfaction with the alleged hijack of the delegates ward congresses by state governors who are angling to upstage the senators ahead of party nomination scheduled for next month. The senators are demanding two automatic return tickets per state.

By Abah Adah, Abuja

our state. Our desire is to give relevant and life changing education to our youth.

We need to change our present mind-set about education. We need to encourage people to be innovative. This will go a long way in changing our state,” He said.

Okpon said this in an interview with journalist in Abuja yesterday.

He said “we are looking forward to creating jobs for the people. The first thing we will do is to proffer solutions as to why our industries fail and after that, we will create more industries which will translate to more jobs for the unemployed.”

‘My Govt Will Focus On Agric, Women’

By Abah Adah, Abuja

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Niger State, Alhaji Saleh Sahabi Darangi, has promised to put women and chilren as well as agriculture on the front burner if elected governor of the state in the February 2014 polls.

Saleh made this disclosure last weekend after he submitted his nomination form at the party headquarters Abuja.

The 44-year-old accountant said his administration would build on the achievements of the incumbent governor

Muazu Babangida Aliyu in all the sectors of the state’s economy, and also take advantage of the state’s proximity to the federal capital territory to provide more housing and road infrastructures.

“With good roads and decent accommodation, many civil servants in Abuja will find Niger State a cheaper and better alternative location to relocate and this is capable of enhancing businesses in our state”, Saleh Sahabi stressed.

He however enjoined the party members to ensure fairness in their choice of candidate who will fly the party’s flag in the general election.

It is only a stupid cow that rejoices at the prospect of being taken to a beautiful abattoir. — African Proverb

66 OPINION

November 14, 2014

No National Service, No Elective Positions For Maverick Nigerians (1)

By Achike Emejulu-Joe

It was some refreshing relief and comforting news at the end of September, 2014, when President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, did the unusual in the annals of Nigerian presidential history. The occasion was the solemnity of the conferment of the 2013 national honours o n some pre-eminent Nigerians when the President singled out four distinguished Nigerians for their distinctive services to the nation. The quartet – Messrs Usuah, Onuh, Dauda and Akinkunmi. Mr. Imeh Usuah is the taxi driver who in 2007 returned N18 million left in his cab by a foreigner who hired him from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja. Mr. Onuh Isaac Micheal is the Chief Steward of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, who served nine presidents and heads of states in the past 35 years. Corporal Solomon Dauda – who is very passionate and diligent in his duties as a traffic warden in Abuja and our Papa, Taiwo Akinkunmi – the 77 year old designer of our green-white-green national flag and who for over 50 years was unrecognised and unsung by past presidents and governments.

In expressing our collective appreciation to the quartet, President Jonathan pointed out “No great nation will toy with honours that constitute her trans-gener-

ational national character code”. The President said also that a national honour must never be seen as piece of paper or garland that could be obtained by persons of questionable character.

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan decorated the quartet with National honours and gave them symbolic double gifts on behalf of all Nigerians for their distinctive services and patriotic nationalism in the past.

I would like to use this medium to say thank you to Mr. President for being a listening and patriotic president as well as for comforting these national heroes on our behalf. We were comforted by this singular act of Mr. President that there is honour in serving our nation selflessly.

Going down memory lane, it is exactly not a surprise to discerning Nigerians, given that for several years, there have been consistent concerns by many Nigerians on the quality and caliber of some Nigerians being conferred with national honours by the Nigerian State. Sequel to the 2013 national honours conferment, President Jonathan initiated efforts to review and reform the criteria and quality of patriotic and selfless service the candidate honourees might have rendered to our nation since our emergence as an independent nation. The first fruits of that reform are the quartet of messrs Usuah, Onuh, Dauda and Akinkun-

mi who were singled out in the 2014 national honour’s list for exceptional appreciation and celebration by Mr. President.

It will be recalled that during the 56 years of formalised colonial rule of Nigeria by the British (1914 to 1960), the colonialists kept with their ancient imperialist tradition of bestowing their imperial honours on prominent citizens of their colonies. Some of these honours included Officer of the British Empire (OBE), Knight of Saint George (KSG), Knight of the British Empire (KBE). Famous Nigerians in the past who received such honours included Sir Francis Akanu Ibiam – the first Governor of post independent Eastern Nigeria, Sir Kashim Ibrahim – the first Governor of post independent Northern Nigeria, and Sir Ahmadu Bello – the first Premier of Northern Nigeria and SIR Fadahunsi – the first Governor of post independent Western Nigeria. Although Dr. Akanu Ibiam afterwards in the late 1960s renounced the British Knighthood and returned the insignia and the certificate of the office to the British Crown. It must be noted that most of these honours which enabled the recipients to add some epithet such as SIR before their names, were at best very patronizing. They spoke volumes of the intentions of the imperial masters with regards to their exploitation of the po-

litical-economies of the developing countries in the post independence era.

It was Professor Johan Galtung – a Norwegian mathematician and social Scientist in his “Structural Theory of Imperialism” opined that the colonial masters referred to by him as the “Centre of the Centres” through their Bridgehead with the “Centre of the Peripheries” (the elite – which includes the honours recipients in developing countries) conspire, collaborate and continue to exploit the political-economies of the developing countries at the expense of the “Periphery of the Peripheries” (the ordinary people). No wonder sub-saharan countries continued to be under-developed 50+ years after independence – politically, economically, intellectually and mentally.

Dr. Johan Galtung is best known for his contributions to mathematics and sociology. In the past four decades he wrote copiously on political science, economics, macro history, anthropology and theology. Professor Galtung also developed several influential theories, such as the distinction between positive and negative peace, structural violence, theories on conflict and conflict resolution, the concept of peace building, and the theory of the United States as simultaneously a republic and an empire. ➔ CONTINUED on Saturday

President Jonathan On The Threshold Of History

By Charles Onunaiju

Inspite of the glamour and heavily funded campaign to re-elect president Jonathan in 2015 , the president seemed actually on the threshold of history as the first Nigerian incumbent officer holder at the pinnacle of power to lose election. The government funded ‘support groups’ riding a roughshod on the huge slush fund available to them for which they are unaccountable because government even feebly denies the funding in the first place, are evidently in no mood for sober reflection and profound analytical exertion to appreciate the historic realignment of Nigerian traditional political elite and how it has affected the balance of forces, leaving President Jonathan increasingly isolated under president Jonathan, a formerly close knit elite enjoying a degree of political invincibility and acute omnipotence has cracked.

The elite political vehicle of choice in consolidating and enhancing their fortunes has been traditionally, a neo-conservative political party, with a disgruntled faction, pitching tent in the opposite direction of neo-progressivesm. Inspite of appearance political brick bats thrown at each other during seasons of political contest, the unity of purpose in maintaining the status quo with State patronage moving round to

douse of cracks has been the overwhelming balm of seeming political stability and elite cohesion.In the first Republic, the triumphal elite across the geo-political divide made a common cause in isolating and purging and even castrating the radical strands of their respective political movements, who canvassed and worked for the ideological de-copulation with a retreating colonial regime. The Zikist movement, foot soldiers of the National Council for Nigerian and Camerouns, later renamed National Council for Nigeria Citizens (NCNC), after some elements in Southern Nigeria merged with Cameroun, were hounded by the hierarchy of NCNC and even denounced by its charismatic leader, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

The Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) ensured that the radical Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) remained a fringe political force. Using the native authority system domiciled in the powerful traditional emirs, identifying with NEPU with its message of de-coupling the political life of the region with the autocratic emirate system was plainly a risky gamble.Even the chief Awolowo- led Action Group with its distinctive Fabian socialist mantra, did not find accommodation to the more radical strand of Marxist socialism represented by the Socialist Workers and Farmers Party (SWFP) promoted by Dr. Tunji Otegbeye

and left wing trade unionist like Comrades Wahab Goodluck, Dapo Fatogun and others.

The political currents of the first republic may have reflected the suffused trajectories of ethno-religious tensions exacerbated by mutual suspicion of the contending factions, it was however under-written by ideological consensus on neo-capitalist path of development and a pluralist political process allegedly conducive to it. This seemingly ideological consensus of the mainstream elite found a continuity in subsequent military rule that followd the break down of the first Republic.The political consensus of ideological concord of the first republic elite found expression in the grand alliance of the major political parties in which the NPC and NCNC formed the ruling alliance of the Nigeria National Alliance, with the Action group and the united middle Belt Congress of the fiery Joseph Tarka forming the opposition United Progressive Grand Alliance, UPGA. The Neo-conservative NPC which has formed government at the centre at winning the majority of seats in parliament maintained a credible cohesion and even subsequently pulled in, an avowedly liberal party, the NCNC to its ranks to form the grand ruling alliance.Even in the face of mounting ethnic and other sectarian tensions, the ruling party in the first republic

did not implode or fractured but rather reached out to an unlikely bed fellow in other to widen the platform of elite consensus.

Against the historic fact, of widen political base in lieu of any election, the President Jonathan ruling political platform, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party has fatally fractured and imploded witnessing the first galling and blood-drawing political division of the once cohesive elite. I will return to the president Jonathan inspired-historic implosion of the traditional elites and its consequences for a looming political defeat that stares him in the face. The second republic, though with more political colours but less substance than the first republic did not substantially detract from the granite solidarity of the traditional elites.

The National Party of Nigeria (NPN) whose political parenthood was easily traceable to the defunct NPC won its decisive electoral victory on a claim of broad representative framework of the country’s elite and the pannational sentiment of the then departing junta, whose head, General Obasonjo was known to have worked against his kinsman, in favour of the nationally spread NPN. In the run up to the 1983 general election, the NPN strengthen its national outlook and further drove the image of sectarian and tribal label to other parties.

Onunaiju is a journalist based in Abuja

It is only a stupid cow that rejoices at the prospect of being taken to a beautiful abattoir. — African Proverb

67

November 14, 2014

SCHOOLS, EDUCATION, & FAITH PLATFORM

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF

SPECIALISED CLASSIFIEDS PAGES ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN mOTORCYCLES CLUbS

TRINITY CHRISTIAN PAvILION INTERNATIONAL mINISTRY

SAFE LIFE YOUTHS EmPOWERING GOOD LEADERS INITIATIvE

We the members of the above named club situated in Abuja has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for the replacement and appointment of trustees in accordance with the provisions of section 681 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies And Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990

REPLACEmENT/APPOINTmENT OF TRUSTEES

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Apostle Victor Braimoh 2. Evang. Mrs. Marvelous Braimoh 3. Nwaemene Chibuike 4. Elder John Chigbuw

The general public is hereby notified that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies And Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Stanley Ukaga 2. Chibuzo Obi 3. Adebanji Ayoola 4. Osa Cookey 5. Adedapo Omoni 6. Benjamin Okelue 7. Mustapha Aliyu Ibrahim

- President - Secretary

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Yusuf Akeem Akanji 2. Ode Temitope James

AImS AND ObjECTIvES ARE : 1. To propagate and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. To establish local branches for the branches for the propagation of the gospel worldwide.

3. To organize outreaches, crusades, seminars, workshops and revival services for the works of the gospel.

4. To win souls for the kingdom of God.

THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Emmauel E. Owen 2. Adebayo Banjo 3. Osa Cookey 4. David Ironbar 5. Ayobanji Ayoola 6. Esuabanga Fuller 7. Adedapo Omoni Any objection to this replacement/appointment should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the day of this publication.

Signed: FOLORUNSHO EHImARE DANIEL ORDIA jP ANmC LEGAL ADvISER

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the day of this publication.

AImS AND ObjECTIvES ARE : 1. To provide support for the less privileged in the society.

2. To promote the youth and also provide welfare for them in areas of need.

3. To empower youth with skillful acquisition.

4. To assist the youth in area of employment.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the day of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

Signed: SECRETARY

NURUL-HUDA ISLAmIYYA, GUmEL

THE HEAvENLY ANOINTED vOICE OF GOD INTERNATIONAL mINISTRY

ASSOCIATION OF mEAT SELLERS/DEALERS UTAKO DISTRICK AbUjA

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for removal and appointment of new trustees under part C of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

This general public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.

This general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Alhaji Haruna Ibrahim 2. Abdullahi Adamu 3. Shuaibu Adam 4. Ahmed Rufa’i 5. Hashim Abubakar

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Adebayo Timos Ayanrinola 2. Mr. Bamidele Samuel Adenika 3. Lady Evangelist Rhoda Ayanrinola 4. Mr. Chukwuemeka Johnson

- Retained - Removed - Removed - Appointed - Appointed

AImS AND ObjECTIvES REmAIN TEH SAmE AND UNCHANGED Any objection to this application should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C) P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Irosi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED EmILIA U. OKONjI (mRS) CRESTFIELD ATTORNEYS, NO. 11 NOUAKCHOTT STREET, WUSE ZONE 1, AbUjA; 07033742877

ROYAL GRACE OF GOD ORDAINED mINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Yilkudi Kichime Stanley 2. Kingsley Sunday 3. Dr. Monday Yilkudi

AImS AND ObjECTIvES 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: bARR. DESIRE OLUFEmI bOTOKU

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for certificate of true copy (CTC) under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for change of trustees and amendment of its constitution under part C of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Prince Godwin Anya Ikpefu 2. Mr. Christopher Ogbebor 3. Dr. (Mrs) Aishephat Adetunke Akanbi 4. Mr. Joseph Kamanda 5. Pastor Anthony Omachefu Attachegbe

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Amina Ado Kurawa 2. Hauwa Ado Kurawa 3. Suleiman Ado Kurawa 4. Saadatu Ado Kurawa

Any objection to the application should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the day of this publication.

Signed: mATHEW jUbILEE AIGbE FIRST FLOOR, bLOCK G, bASSAN PLAZA, bEHIND NICON INSURANCE PLAZA, CENTRAL bUSINESS DISTRICT, AbUjA 08036508780

IN THE HIGH COURT OF jUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, AbUjA

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE

DECEASED NAmE AND ADDRESS

DECEASED NAmE AND ADDRESS

APPLICANTS FOR GRANT

Ochuba Emeka Charles and Chioma Obi No. 1 Joy Avenue Paiko Estate, Kubwa, Abuja

Abubakar Muhammad Birnin Kebbi Hanafi Abubakar Mujeli and Jamila Abubakar Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Abuja 10 Kalgo Crescent Rafin Atiku Birnin Kebbi

WHO DIED ON THE 27th August, 2008 The son and daughter of the said deceased

WHO DIED ON THE 8th October, 2014 The son and widow of the said deceased

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 13th DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2014

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 13th DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2014

For booking or inquiry call

> HENRY UBIMAGO 08068640944

SIGNED bARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

> AUGUstINE 08032325988

> GLORIA OKwUM 08038722368

> ABIGAIL sAMBO 08064382438

THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Elder Christopher Ogbebor 2. Chief Wilson A. Akinjero 3. Mrs. Celina Dasat 4. Mr. Adamu Jika Adobe 5. Mr. Peter G. Bijimi 6. HRM Godwin Anya Ikpefu

- Retained - Retained - Removed - Removed - Removed

- Newly Appointed - Nelwy Appointed - Newly Appointed - Newly Appointed - Newly Appointed - Newly Appointed

AImS AND ObjECTIvES ARE 1. To work towards the coming together of all secretarial practitioners and educators in Nigeria.

2. To promote the advancement of secretarial practices in Nigeria by upholding the professional ethics.

3. To regularly consider secretarial services issues in Nigeria and advise the appropriate body(ies) Any objection to this change should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C) P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Irosi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: ELDER DANIEL AKUbO; NATIONAL SECRETARY

ImPACT INITIATIvE FOR SOCIAL WELFARE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF jUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, AbUjA

SIGNED bARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL SECRETARIAL STAFF OF NIGERIA

LEGAL NOTICE

APPLICANTS FOR GRANT

AImS AND ObjECTIvES: 1. To Protect the interest of members.

2. To provide for welfare of the members.

AmINA ADO FOUNDATION

LEGAL NOTICE

Ochuba Humphrey Nnajekwu No. 1 Joy Avenue Paiko Estate, Kubwa, Abuja

- Chairman - Secretary

SIGNED: mAURICE OLEKA; 08175621599

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To inspire young men and women to academic excellence and to encourage entrepreneurship. To be actualized by doing the following: a. provision of business and entrepreneurial training to young men and women. b. Grants/investment in start-ups founded by the young.

THE AImS AND ObjECTIvES: 1. To preach the gosple of Jesus Christ.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Maurice Oleka 2. Nnaemeka Okoh 3. Oluchukwu Donas 4. Innocent Ike 5. Sodiq Mustafer 6. Chukwuemek Ogbuabor 7. Ogbonna Nnaji 8. Casmier Udeh 9. Monsuru Alani 10. Anthony Nworie

This is to notify the general public that the above named INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act.of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Augustine Imevbore 2. Orode Imevbore AImS AND ObjECTIvES: 1. To provide social welfare and advocacy for the benefit of the less privileged and the widower society.

2. To do charity tot he needy in the society.

3. To cater for less privileged via health care facility, education and scholarships.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this Publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

> GLORIA RAPHAEL 08061356519

> GLORIA ODIO 08034285851

> GRACE OJO 08035054444

68

November 14, 2014

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE

DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS

DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS

David Amba

Mac Arthur

APPLICANTS FOR GRANT Esther David guardian to Miracle David and Godwills David Auta Balefi

Ibrahim Irimiya Jeremiah

Code of Conduct Bureau

APPLICANTS FOR GRANT Ibrahim Dinatu guardian to Ibrahim Gwazafwong Rapha New Karu, Nasarawa State

AFIRCAN AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT CAC/IT/No: 35903 The propsed sections of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation’s Constitution to be amended are as follows: Chapter I, Sections 3 and 4 Chapter II, Section 6 paragraphs A, B,C,D, Fi and F ii Chapter V, Section 9 Subsection 2 Chapter VI, Section 12 Chapter X, 1, 2, 3 and 4 The Old Trustees of the Foundation/Association are: a. Alhaji Bamanga Mohammed Tukur b. Prof. Walter Alhassan c. Madam assetou kanoute d. Dr. Eugene Terry e. Dr. Daniel Mataruka The New Trustees are as follows: a. Kwame Akuffo-Akoto g. Rory Radding h. Stanford Blade b. Larry Ray Beach i. Justin J. Rakotoarisaona c. Jikun Huang j. Johnson Irungo Waithaka d. Mariame Maiga k. Gordon Conway e. Adrianne Massey l. Denis Tumwesigye Kyetere f. Idah Sithole – Niang

WHO DIED ON THE 8th April, 2014

The widow and sons of the said deceased

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 13th DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2014

WHO DIED ON THE 22nd September, 2014

The widow and son of the said deceased

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 13th DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2014

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

LEGAL NOTICE

PERCULIAR WIDOWS FOR CHRIST AND ORPHANAGE FOUNDATION

TRUMPET SOUL WINNERS MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

This is to inform the general public that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the company and allied matter Act 1990

This is to inform the general public that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the company and allied matter Act 1990

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE

The trustee are.

1. Pastor Divine Chukwuemeka Nnanyereugo 2. Mr. Patrick Chukwuemeka Mbonu 3. Mr. George Chigozie Solomon 4. Mrs. Uju Christy Ohabuike

DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS APPLICANTS FOR GRANT Mamunetu Ibrahim Peters Mr. Peters Ibrahim Federal Road Safety Commission PPMC Suleja Depot

Aims and objective.

1. To stand shoulder to shoulder working and taking care of the widows and the orphans.

2. Taking care for people who has no hope or help such as unemployed less privileged people and needy.

WHO DIED ON THE 23rd March, 2012

The widower of the said deceased

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 13th DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2014

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to registrar general corporate affairs commission abuja plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi street maitama abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

Sign: NTIMA CHAMBERS

m. Mclean Sibanoa

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME Any objection to the change and appointment of trustees/constitutional admendment should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the day of this publication.

Signed: Barrister Godson Chinedum Eze 08039328606 / 09099672367

The trustee are.

1. Ohaeri Raymond Emeka - President 2. Ohaeri Nkechinyere Ngozi - Secretary 3. Amadi Uchechukwu 4. Roti I. Bolanle Rebecca Aims and objective.

1. To propagate the gospel of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to registrar general corporate affairs commission abuja plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi street maitama abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Sign: SECRETARY

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

Alike Ikwo Development Union (Abakaliki Branch)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE

This is to inform the general public that the above named Union has applied to the Corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the company and allied matter Act 1990.

DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS APPLICANTS FOR GRANT MRS BETTY BEATRICE NIKADE Nikade Paul Onyimiebieseigha and Mrs.

Esiobi Queen NNPC House 12D close Eagle Ville Estate Mabushi, Abuja WHO DIED ON THE 27TH DECEMBER, 2013 The widow and son of the said deceased

DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS APPLICANTS FOR GRANT ABDULLAHI SIDI ABUBAKAR Fatima Sidi Abubakar and Hadiza Sidi

Abubakar Customary Court Of Appeal No. 27 Shuabu naibi Rd Life Camp Abuja

WHO DIED ON THE 7TH JUNE 2014

The daughters of the said deceased

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 13th DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2014

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 13th DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2014

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE

Whereas the person / persons whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date and place in the said column. And whereas the parson(s) whose name and address is set out in the second column hereunder claimed the relationship of the said deceased and has applied to the above named court for the grant letters of Administration of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said letters of Administration be granted to such person (s) unless “NOTICE TO PROHIBIT’’ the grant thereof is filed in the probate registry of the above named court within twenty one (21) days from the date of publication.

SCHEDULE

DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS IBRAHIM SULEIMAN SOLOMON

Federal Ministry of Power

APPLICANTS FOR GRANT IBRAHIM ABDULLAHI and IBRAHIM SHEIDU New Nyanya, Abuja

WHO DIED ON THE 10TH June, 2014

The brothers of the said deceased

DECEASED NAME AND ADDRESS MONDAY UDOH

Nigerian Police Force

WHO DIED ON THE 21ST AUG., 2013

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 13th DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2014

APPLICANTS FOR GRANT Miss Edidiong M. Udoh guardian to Godswill Monday Udoh and Comfort Monday Udoh 3, Ihunwo Street by Oil Will Porthacourt The sisters of the said deceased

DATED AT ABUJA THIS 13th DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2014

The trustee are.

(1) Hon. Celestine Nwali (2) Mr. Godwin Mbam (3) Chief Liviinus Ilang (4) Mr. Emmanuel Igwe

- Chairman

Aims and objective.

1. To cater for the welfare of its members.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to registrar general corporate affairs commision abuja plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi street maitama abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Sign: Barr. Emeka Nwode

THE GOD’S OWN BLESSED ASSEMBLY This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the company and allied matter Act 1990.

The trustee are.

1.PASTOR NWACHUKWU CHRIS 2. PASTOR NWACHUKWU EUCHARIA

- General Overseer

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To propagate the gospel of our lord Jesus Christ.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to registrar general corporate affairs commision abuja plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi street maitama abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Sign: PASTOR NWACHUKWU CHRIS General Overseer

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

SIGNED BARR. HAFSAT SADIQ FOR: PROBATE REGISTRAR

LOSSOF loss of OFDOCUMENTS document DOCUMENT LOSS

LOSSOF loss OF ofDOCUMENTS DOCUMENT document LOSS

LOSSOF loss of OFDOCUMENTS DOCUMENT document LOSS

The general public is hereby notified that the originals conveyance of provisional approval letter with Ref. No. GAC/FCDA/LP X S/EN/6865 dated 30th April, 2001 in respect of plot No. R8691A of about 1000m2 situated at Trader’s Layout III, issued by the Gwagwalada Area Council Abuja FCT, belonging to ANYA MOSES EJIKE got missing and was duly reported at police station.

All efforts made to trace the said documents proved abortive. If found, please return to the nearest police station. Abuja Geographical Information Systems (agis) and general public take note.

The general public is hereby notified that the originals certificate of occupancy (customary) and right of occupancy of plot 393 and plot 67, both issued by Abuja municipal Area Council to Rita Ebele Nzeruo and Hassan Yakubu located within Lugbe I Abuja.

All efforts made to trace the said documents proved abortive. If found, please return to MRS. RITA NZERUO or her solicitors; val igboanubi & associates SUITE 60 DANSVILLE PLAZA, AFTER APO LEGISLATIVE QTRS, GUDU, ABUJA or 08033571640. General public take note.

The general public is hereby notified that the originals offer of statutory right of occupancy with file No. MISC 1064240, Plot No. 34 in Cadastral Zone C14 of Pyakasa Measuring about 4.47Ha belonging to LAADOS NIG. LIMITED. All efforts made to trace the said documents proved abortive. If found, please return to the nearest police station. Abuja Geographical Information Systems (agis) and general public take note.

69

November 14, 2014 THE ELUMELU NIGERIA EMPOWERMENT FUND

ASADA FOUNDATION

LORD’S ELECT VICTORY GLORIOUS MINISTRY

The general public is hereby notified that the above-named Fund has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the company and allied matter Act 1990

This is to inform the general public that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the company and allied matter Act 1990

The trustee are.

1. Sanusi Abdulkadir Dantata 2. Abubakar Muhammed Abdullahi 3. Auwalu Mohammed Sadau 4. Maimuna Abdulkadir Dantata 5. Aisha Zubairu Dantata

The trustee are.

1. Priest Emmanuel Chosen Onoja 2. Sis. Fidelia Aroemeka 3. Sis. Rhoda Onoja Emmanuel 4. Bro. Aroemeka Innocent Okafor 5. Bro. Adeoye Agbokhifo 6. Bro. Emmanuel Ojoh Arumona 7. Bro. Samuel Onukwube 8. Bro. Boniface Onoja

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CON 2. Dr. (Mrs.) Awele V. Elumelu AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. Transformation of post-conflict and post-disaster communities in Nigeria into thriving and economically sustainable communities 2. Support the rehabilitation of impacted communities by creating opportunities for sustainable economic development 3. Promote entrepreneurship as a sustainable development agenda for selected communities 4. Create jobs, alleviate poverty and revitalize the social and economic fabric of impacted communities

Chairman Secretary

Aims and objective.

1. To assist the poor, needy and less priviledge of the society in general, to assist the sick and handicapped members of the society and to propagate good character and assist in the cause of Allah swt.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the day of this publication.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to registrar general corporate affairs commission abuja plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi street maitama abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

Sign: SECRETARY

Christ The Brook Evangel Church This is to inform the general public that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the company and allied matter Act 1990 The trustee are.

1. Pastor Mr. Oluwaseun Olalekan Olufade 2. Pastor Mrs. Omolara Olaitan Olufade 3. Mrs. Tayo Adeolu Sogaolu 4. Mr. Peter Olusola Oduntan Aims and objective.

1. To preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 2. To win souls Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to registrar general corporate affairs commission abuja plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi street maitama abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Sign: Irene O. Nwankwo Nzimiro

Aims and objective.

1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to registrar general corporate affairs commission abuja plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi street maitama abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Sign: SECRETARY

RHEMAWORD LIVING MINISTRY This is to inform the general public that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the company and allied matter Act 1990 The trustee are.

1. REV. EFE PASCAL UWUSEBA 2. MRS OLUBUNMI HELEN UWUSEBA 3. PST. JOSHUA ILUEZIOGHENE UWUSEBA 4. BARR. FIDELIS AKPOREHA (SECRETARY) 5. ENGR. SHITTU ADAMO ARIYO 6. MR. GODWIN IZOMO 7. PST. PETER OGHENEMARO 8. MR. CHIOKWE INNOCENT OKECHUKWU 9. MR. AROKOYO OLORUNTOBA MICHAEL 10. MR. ANDIE OGHENEOCHUKO NAKPODIA

COLLABORATIVE LIVING AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANISATION HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1 OF 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHIDINMA CHINYERE MBAEGBU 2. FRANKLIN OWARIBO NELSON 3. KELECHI NKECHINYERE AKOBUNDU 4. IJEOMA KELECHI OBOWU 5. ONYINYECHUKWU NKEMDILIM DURUEKE 6. NKECHINYERE UGOCHI MBAEGBU 7. DADI ONYEKWERE IKEH

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to registrar general corporate affairs commission abuja plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi street maitama abuja within 28 days of this publication.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE 1. TO PROMOTE COLLABORATIVE LIVING AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE SOCIETY 2. TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION 42 TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET PMB 198 MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF PUBLICATION

Sign: SECRETARY

SIGNED CHIDINMA MBAEGBU

Aims and objective.

1. TO PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST

THE PRINCE OF PEACE INTL MINISTRY

THE CHRIST AMBASSADORS VICTORY MISSION

PRESCRIBED INTERDEMONIATIONAL BIBLE MINISTRY

The general public is hereby notified that the above mentioned MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration in accordance with Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act LFN (cap 20)

The general public is hereby notified that the above mentioned MISSION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration in accordance with Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act LFN (cap 20)

The general public is hereby notified that the above mentioned MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration in accordance with Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act LFN (cap 20)

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1. REV. DR. AKANBI JOHN OLUWADARE IBITEYE 2. PASTOR (MRS) LYDIA OLORUNGBEMI 3. REV. DAN AFOLABI 4. REV. JOEL OLUWASEYI 5. REV. JERRY ADEOYE 6. DEACONESS (MRS) AKANBI JANET OLUWAFUNMILOLA 7. PASTOR JOHN OLUWADARA 8. PASTOR PAUL OLUWASEGUN 9. PASTOR TIMOTHY OLAWALE 10. EVANG. TOSIN AKANBI IBITOYE

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1. REV. PETER MESHINLOYE 2. PASTOR (MRS) CHRISTIANAH MESHINLOYE 3. PASTOR SAMUEL OLUWAMUYIWA 4. ELDER OSENI AMOS 5. LADY EVANG. TEMIDAYO ALABI 6. EVANG MESHILOYE OLUWAYIMIKA 7. EVANG MESHINLOYE JOSHUA OLUGBENGA

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Any objection should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

ASSOCIATION OF JUSTICES OF THE PEACE OF NIG ENUGU STATE CHAPTER THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.CHIEF (DR.) INNOCENT CHUKWUMA (JP, OFR) PRESIDENT 2.CHIEF (SIR,HON) HAMAKA NWOYE (JP, COH, KSJI) 1ST VICE PRESIDENT 3.VERY REV FR. BENJAMIN MBATA (JP) 2ND VICE PRESIDENT 4.ENGR. CHINEDU EZEMA (JP)3RD VICE PRESIDENT 5.CHIEF (HON, SIR.) JOHNBOSCO CHIJIOKE UGWU (JP, KSJI). (SECRETARY/PRO).

6.SIR LAZ ANI (JP) (TREASURER) 7.CHIEF (MRS) FELICIA CHINYERE UGWU (JP) 8. MRS GOODNESS CHIOMA ANIH (JP) 9. MR JULIAN OBINWANNE (JP) 10.DR. GODWIN ODOH (JP) AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. TO BRING THE MEMBERS TOGETHER FOR THE WELL BEING OF THE MEMBERS. 2. TO BE OUR BROTHERS KEEPER. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR – GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: TRUSTEES

OKAFOR

david

I, formerly known as amarachi david joel onwukwe, now wish to be known and addressed as david amarachi joel anthony ibeneme. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Any objection should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: OMONIYI

Signed : OMONIYI

I, formerly known as IHIM CHIDIEBERE CECILIA, now wish to be known and addressed as OKAFOR CHIDIEBERE CECILIA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1 PASTOR OLANIYI IDOWU - GENERAL OVERSEER 2 DELE ALIU - SECRETARY 3 PASTOR (MRS) ABIGEAL OLANIYI - TREASURER 4 PASTOR OLUWAFEMI SOLOMON

NOBLEJOSEPH

I, formerly known as MISS OHA SANDRA CHINASA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NOBLEJOSEPH SANDRA CHINASA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

JERRY

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ONYENWEAKU MERCY NKEM, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JERRY MERCY NKEM. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NDI-NIKE QUEENS FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. BANK ANIKE 2. UZOCHUKWU CHINYERE 3.LILIAN UCHE IRUKA 4.VIVIAN IHEAGWAM 5.NKIRU EZE 6.IFEOMA KANU 7. JOY EZE

Any objection should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed : TRUSTEES

SPECIAL CHILDREN PARENT SUPPORT ASSOCIATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1 MRS ONWUKA OGOCHUKWU 2. MR ABIMBOLA OJO 3.MRS UGWU IFEYINWA 4.MRS BENEDICTA OZOBIALU 5.DR LEONARD UGWUANI 6.MRS OKOROIKPA NJIDEKA

AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. TO PROMOTE THE INTEREST AND WELFARE OF HER MEMBERS

AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. TO AWAKE PARENTS TO THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED 2. TO ADVICE ON AVENUES THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED CHILD CAN SUSTAIN HIMSELFE AND HIS IMMEDIATE FAMILY

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR – GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR – GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

TOBI

I, formerly addressed as TOBI OLAJUMOKE OBIMAKINDE, now wish to be known as MRS TOBI OLAJUMOKE IGHODALO. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ISLAMIYAH

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ISLAMIYAH OLAJUMOKE OJORA ADEJIYAN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ISLAMIYAH OLAJUMOKE OJORA LAWAL. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

THOMAS

I, formerly addressed as MR FANUS YARO (INSP), now wish to be known as MR THOMAS DONGOM. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

REBECCA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS REBECCA DANGARI HENA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS REBECCA RICHARD BALAMI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Halima

I, formerly addressed as Halima S. A. Bello, wishes now to be addressed as Halima Sadiyyah Abubakar. University of Abuja Teaching Hospital and general public to take note.

SUZANNA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS SUZANNA OLUFUNKE SOBOYEJO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SUZANNA OLUFUNKE IROEHONWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ANNA

I formerly known and addressed as ANNA OREFI ONAZI, now wish to be known and addressed as ANNA ADEGOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ANGELA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ANGELA NONYELUM METUH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANGELA NONYELUM MBAH. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

70 PUBLIC NOTICE The general public is hereby notified that the registration of Atol Soli Air Services Limited. The Soli Air Services Limited of No.32, Beirut Rd, Kano State with rec, no: 726714 wish to bring to notice of the general public for any objection to the application in pursuance to the grant of an ATOL by Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA) Signed: Managment UWANI ABA PROGRESIVE UNION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.MR AGUSTINE EZE - CHAIRMAN 2. MR CHRISTIAN EZE - VICE CHAIRMAN 3.MR BENDICTH UDEH - SECRETARY 4.MR OLIVER EZEH - ASSISTANT SECRETARY 5.MR CORNELIUS ANI - PROVOST 6.MR CHIBUOZOR UGWU - 2ND PROVOST 7.MR ONYEAMAECHI ONWUDI - P.R.O. 8. MR WILFRED AGU - TREASURER 9.MR JOSEPH EZE - ELDER 10.MR JAMES EWOH - ELDER AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. TO PROMOTE THE INTEREST AND WELFARE OF HER MEMBERS ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR – GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: TRUSTEES

INJECTOR WORKERS WELFARE ASSOCIATION

November 14, 2014 Global New Creation in Christ Ministry Onlus

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Iyanda Titus Babajide 2. Adewale Adegbenro 3. Oluyemi Oluwatobi 4. Femi Odeniyi 5. Ahmed Sikirullah 6. Nafiu Lawal 7. Mayowa Sunday Lanre 8. Musa Zailani 9. Kunle Kazeem Usman 10. Ibrahim Muftahu Gbenga.

The Trustees Are: 1. Teddy Destiny 2. Edna Chika Akalonu 3. Mrs Felicia Abusomnwan 4. Miss Mary Pius Ibanga 5. Theresa Eririogu 6. Oziegbe Theresa 7. Iheke kalu 8. Okwudiri kalu 9. Ezinne kalu 10. 1nnocent Inino Nasamu

Aims and Objectives.

1. To bring together under one umbrella for the unity and progress of Injector workers 2. To cater for the welfare of injector workers 3. To work for unity, progress and peace.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Barr. Raji.

07035516151

Aims and Objectives.

1. To perform charity, promotes all over the world, all the cultural, social, educational and religious activities it deems to be use in constructing a society based on respect for human life Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: Emma N. Ukaegbu 08037516640

Diamond women and youth empowerment foundation

Association for Industrial Training Facilitation and Development

The general public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Vera Ashibuogwu Adeniran - Chairman 2. John Emeke - Secretary 3. Sunday Adeniran - Member 4. Blessing Osadebe - Member

The Trustees Are: 1. HENRY OLADELE OKUNNIWA 2. EMMANUEL OSAZUWA OHENHEN 3. ENGR. NOSAKHARE IDUKPAYE 4. DR. GIDEON SHALOME ODAFE

Aims and Objectives.

1. To assist in the medical care of widows and thier families.

Aim and Objective.

1. To unite members the association and cater for their welfare

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PRAYER RAIN HOLY GHOST FIRE CHURCH

ALICE-MICHAEL OKONGOH MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

ORON UNITED BREAD DEALERS ASSOCIATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named CHURCH has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Mrs Mary Samphil Albert 2. Idongesit Effiong David 3. Daniel Moses Uwa 4. Mrs Alice Edet Eyoh 5. Asuquo Efiong Oyokunyi 6. Affiong Nyong Oyong 7. Ita Effiong Johnny

The Trustees Are: (1)Prophet Dr Giwa Moses Tunde (Chairman) (2 )Evangelist Mrs Giwa Lynda Ronke (3)Elder Wasiu Shola Bamidele (Member)

The Trustees Are: 1. Evang. (Engr.) Charles N. Okongoh 2. Barr. Paul Alobi Nyambi . 3. DanielNsor Nyambi Okongoh 4. Deaconess (Mrs.) Felicia Okongoh 5. Pastor Nyambi Akpet

- Chairman - Legal Adviser - Secretary - Treasurer - Member

Aims and Objectives.

1. Save the extinction of African native dialects.

2. Charity/youth empowerment.

3. Public enlightenment/counselling.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Barr Paul Alobi Nyambi (Applicant’s Solicitors) 08034874031

Aims and Objectives.

1. To foster peace and unity amongst its members.

2. To operate a saving scheme of members and non-member.

3. To engage in large scale bread processing, distribution and sales to the public.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Edet frank esq. Solicitor

Aim and Objective.

1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SALEM FOUNDATION FOR PEACE & JUSTICE EDUCATION

umu-Nsukka Global Foundation

FOR GOD GOSPEL PRAYER MINISTRY

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1 OF 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PROF. SAM OBADIAH. SMAH - PRESIDENT 2. PROF. JOHN UKAWUILULU 3. CHIEF (MRS) DEBORAH SMAH 4. DR. ANDREW ADAMU 5. MR. ZECHARIAH SMAH 6. MR JOSEPH SHEKWO - SECRETARY

The Trustees Are: 1. Ugwuanyi Eugene 2. Edeh Chukwudi 3. Ezesimachi Festus 4. Eze Sunday

The Trustees Are: 1. Pastor Olayiwola Paul Adekunle 2. Mr. Abass Abiodun Bukola 3. Mr. Patrick Rotimi Bamidele 4. Mrs. Olayiwola Oluranti Esther

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO UNDERTAKE ALL NECESSARY ACTIONS TO MINIMISE CONFLICT & CRISIS SITUATION IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. OLEDINMAH CHIUGO 08037864085

HALIMA

I formerly known as HALIMA S. A. BELLO, now wish to be known as HALIMA SADIYYAH ABUBAKAR. All former documents remain valid. University of Abuja Teaching Hospital and the general public to please take note.

DOZIE

I formerly known as EKWOKA CHUKWUDOZIE PATRICK, now wish to be known as MR DOZIE PATRICK. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

- Chairman - Secretary

AimS and ObjectiveS. 1) To promote cooperative savings among members by offering them the opportunity to accumulate their savings.

2) to enable members obtain loans for necessity and productive purposes.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

DECLARATION OF AGE

The general public is hereby notifed that MOHAMMED IBRAHIM, a retired Police Officer from NIGERIAN POLICE FORCE, KATSINA COMMAND, his date of birth is 13 MARCH 1954 (WRONGLY writting 1966) TRUSTFUND PENSIONS PLC AND GENERAL PUBLIC TO NOTE.

Aisha

I formerly known as Goje Aisha Kabir, now wish to be known as Aisha Jauro Kabir. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

COMFORT

I formerly known as COMFORT SUNDAY BWAMBA, now wish to be known as COMFORT BWAMBA Julius-Zaemai. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

JERRY

I FORMERLY KNOWN, AS EMBAGA JERRY EMBAGA, NOW WISHES TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS JERRY NANA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, UNIVERSITY OF JOS, NIGERIA LAW SCHOOL, NYSC AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

ALKALI

I formerly known as MISS ALKALI AMINA ABDULLATIF, now wish to be known as MRS ALKALI AMINA ABDULLATIF. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

YUSUF

I formerly known as MISS YUSUF HAFSAT ALHAJI, now wish to be known as MRS YUSUF HAFSAT ALHAJI. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

- President - Member - Member - Secretary

AimS and ObjectiveS. 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. To ensure spiritual growth of all members.

3. To ensure salvation for mankind through Christ.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

LOSSOF loss of OFDOCUMENTS DOCUMENT document LOSS THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ORIGINAL LETTER OF OFFER DATED 31ST AUGUST, 1999 ISSUED BY AMAC ABUJA MUNICIPAL PLANNING OFFICE TO CHIEF (MRS) ADUKE RAJI IN RESPECT OF PLOT R. 426 LUGBE 1 LAYOUT IS MISSING TOGETHER WITH THE EXECUTED ORIGINAL COPY OF THE DEED OF ASSIGNMENT IN FAVOUR OF ARC. DANIEL ABAYOMI. ALL EFFORTS TO FIND THE DOCUMENTS HAVE PROVEN UNSUCCESSFUL. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTICE. SIGNED: ARC. DANIEL ABAYOMI PLOT IO94 CADASTRAL BO3, WUYE DISTRICT, ABUJA O8O33II2I9O

LEADERSHIP FRIDAY

sports PREVIEWS AND NIGERIANS ABROAD November 14, 2014

Mikel Cleared For Congo

John Obi Mikel loses possession as Andranik nips into to take the ball away By salifu usman,Abuja

Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel, has been cleared to feature in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Congo at the Stade Municipal in Pointe-Noire tomorrow.

The midfielder’s position was initially reported to be in doubt after being excluded from Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League match at NK Maribor and

Barclays Premier League game against QPR. But Super Eagles spokesman, Ben Alaiya, insisted that the 27-yearold is ready to take part in the important AFCoN qualifier against Congo’s Red Devils.

Mikel trained with the rest of the squad on Thursday morning and even “featured in an 11-a-side game.”

“The doubt about whether Mikel will be

part of the trip to PointeNoire is now cleared up because he is fit. He took part in all of the training session this morning, and featured in an 11-a-side game as well to underscore that he is ready for the match. So I don’t know where the report that he’s doubtful is coming from. Certainly not from us here or Mikel himself,” the Super Eagles spokesman told supersport.com on Thursday after the team’s training in Abuja as they headed back to their Bolton White Hotel lodgings.

Mikel has taken part in all of Nigeria’s four matches so far in the 2015 Afcon qualification and the head coach of the African champions, Stephen Keshi, regards him as an important player in his team. The former FC Lyn-Oslo man has made more than 60 appearances for Nigeria.

NFF Election: Pinnick Challenges Appeal Committee’s Jurisdiction

By Salifu Usman, Abuja

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has raised a preliminary objection against the jurisdiction of the NFF Electoral Appeal Committee to entertain the case challenging his election as NFF president.

Pinnick who appeared before the Barrister Okechukwu Ajunwa-led Appeal Committee yesterday to defend the September 30 election in Warri that produced his board, said the committee lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the matter on the ground that the 14 days allowed by the electoral guidelines for the election matters to be adjudicated have elapsed. Pinnick, through his counsel, Barrister Okey Obi, said the 14 days allowed by the electoral guidelines ended on October 14, 2014

since the elections were held September 30.

The NFF president was responding to the petition filed before the committee

by Iyke Igbokwe, seeking the cancellation of the election, alleging that it ran contrary to the stipulated NFF and FIFA guidelines.

The respondent counsel, Okey Obi, insisted that the plaintiff lack locus standi to call for the nullification of Amaju Pinnick’s election since he did not contest for the office of the NFF president.

But Igbokwe in a countermotion insisted that as a candidate in September election in Warri, he has legal standing to challenge the election results.

The issues raised in Igbokwe’s petition are the venue of the election, which, he noted, was against the NFF guideline that says the election should not be held

Pinnick

in the home state of any presidential candidate.

He also alleged in his petition that FIFA and CAF observers were not present to monitor the election as enshrined in the NFF electoral guidelines. He also alleged that the members of League Management Company (LMC), which is a registered company, were allowed to vote as against the provisions of the NFF electoral guideline.

AFCON Ticket: Elegbeleye Tips Eagles To Outrun Congo Ahead Super Eagles trip to Pointe Noire for the make or mar Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying match against the Congo’s Red Devils, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye has expressed confidence in the abilities of the Coach Stephen Keshiled squad to outrun their host and book a qualification ticket to the 2015 AFCON. Elegbeleye disclosed that he has the conviction and confidence that the Eagles would book the 2015 AFCON. He stated this yesterday before their departure for Glasgow, Scotland, venue of the Commonwealth T a e k w o n d o Championships

2014 where Chika Chukwumerijie led other Nigerian fighters to the competition.

“Yes, if you look at Super Eagles position in the group standings, you will be right to say that it will be very difficult for Nigeria to qualify. But this is Nigeria and the can-doit spirit will empower the Nigerian footballers and athletes in the true spirit of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s transformation agenda.

I am confident of the Eagles’ victory in Pointe Noire.

“The Eagles have quality and talented players that can deliver good results s in Congo.

I have the confidence in the team and with the full backings of the National Sports

Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, I am confident that the they will beat the Congolese on Saturday and put smiles on the faces of Nigerian soccer fans.

“The DG of the NSC is also confident of Nigeria’s representatives in the Commonwealth T a e k w o n d o Championships 2014 slated for Saturday and Sunday this week.

“We are praying for good results in both the AFCON 2015 qualifying match and the Commonwealth T a e k w o n d o Championships that is taking place in Glasgow this weekend and I am sure we will get it with God on our side,” he concluded.

Battle of Pointe-Noire: Glo Urges Eagles To Thrash Congo The National team, Super Eagles, has been advised to go for total victory against the Red Devils of Congo when both sides clash in the crucial 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifier in Pointe -Noire on Saturday.

National telecommunication operator, Globacom, in a press statement in Lagos on Wednesday called on the Stephen Keshi-led coaching crew to

evolve the right strategy required to achieve victory in Pointe Noire so that Nigeria can remain in contention for one of the group’s tickets to the 2015 African Cup of Nations.

Globacom urged the team to work hard and go for early goals which according to the company.

“We will give the team the necessary confidence to win the match and pick the three points at stake.”

NSSF: Coach Beats Up Players, Wrestling Disrupted A Football match between Kwara U-13 and their Jigawa counterparts was yesterday disrupted at half-time when Adetunji Tayo, coach of the Kwara team stormed the pitch and flogged his players.

Tayo who was visibly unsatisfied in spite of his side’s 1-0 advantage at half time raged into the pitch and whipped the young players, to the embarrassment of all present, including Ni-

Borrowing is bad, and paying back is always a loss.

— Egyptian Proverbs

geria School Sports Federation officials.

Andrew Ikoga, the coordinator of football event. appealed for calm and instructed that The match should continue.the game ended 2-1 in favour of Jigawa.

Also, the wrestling match between Kano and Cross River girls was also disrupted on Wednesday, following alleged unprofessional conduct by the cross River

Musa

Anambra Intensifies Medals Haul Team Anambra have won nine out of the 22 gold medals in karate as the event ended on Wednesday, to remain in strong contention for the best overall team at the festival. The state also won seven silver and four bronze medals. Cross River is second with eight gold, two silver and bronze. Lagos has three gold, silver and three bronze medals to gothird.

AMUSEMENT PARK

have i met you someplace before? i sometimes get careless where i go

— Anon

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY c

www.leadership.ng

NIGERIA'S FIRST FRIDAY NEWSPAPER

No. 78

Guest Column Dan Agbese

A

IG Suleiman Abba has served his probationary period as acting inspectorgeneral of police. He has earned his stripes. On the advice of the police council, the president confirmed him in that position on November 4. Abba becomes the third inspectorgeneral of police since Goodluck Jonathan became president in 2010. The high mortality rate in that exalted office ensures that in the tough business of policing this difficult country, no man is allowed to fossilize in that high office; or, indeed, chop alone.

Fresh blood, fresh faces? Check.

Abba and his friends have good reasons to celebrate his climb up the police totem police. Sadly, they would be doing so with the heavy dust of controversy in their eyes and mouths. Abba is to blame. He kicked up the dust.

I suspected this might happen sooner than later. The clue was in his zeal for the job. In his first public statement shortly after his acting appointment was announced, Abba quite unwisely, in my view, chose to truck with partisan politics. He said that the dastardly attempt on General Muhammadu Buhari’s life was not politically motivated.

He provided no empirical proof of this conclusive pronouncement. I think what was important to him was that it made a good sound in the right ears. His principals did not fail to notice.

Now, the same zeal has driven the man into a huge pot of okra soup. His decision to withdraw the police aids to the speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, for defecting from the PDP to APC, was both lawless and reckless.

It was motivated more by political considerations than as he claimed, to prevent the

breakdown of law and order in the country. If the defections of governors with the entire members of the state houses of assembly (Zamfara, Bauchi, Abia, Ondo) did not threaten law and order how could Tambuwal’s do so?

Abba’s decision was way beyond the constitutional brief of his office but it was not the first an inspector-general of police made such a wrongheaded decision to essentially please those who matter in the corridors of power. The pragmatism of political survival in a high political office imposes on everyone, bar none, the zeal that often drives overzealous men off the beaten track of rational thoughts and actions.

In a country of men, not of laws, such as ours, the zeal to please is the authentic measure of loyalty. The problem is that it leads to excesses with unintended consequences.

Abba’s action raises some fundamental issues about the Nigeria Police Force and the nature of policing in the federal republic. The inspector-general of police and other senior police officers in the country believe that they have inherent powers of their office to interpret the law and act in accordance with that interpretation. In its benign sense, this is no more than the human tendency to grab power.

It is nothing new among those who have the opportunity to exercise powers over their fellow men and women. But it should not be difficult to see the inherent danger in all such cases of power grab.

Under our laws, there is a check on such possible excesses.

There is a clear division of labour among the three branches of government. It is the business of parliament to make laws; it is the business of the judiciary to interpret them and it is the

N200

14.11.14

Softly, Softly, IG Abba business of the execute branch to enforce the law and its judicial interpretation through the instrumentality of the Nigeria Police Force. This is not a matter of convention. Separation of powers is the true pillar of democracy.

This fine and important distinction is somewhat lost on our senior police officers.

They believe that their right to make laws and interpret them is a given. Our police stations throughout the land are full of the stark and pathetic evidence of the warped interpretation of laws by the police that ill-serves the cause of justice.

Even if, for the sake of argument, Abba has the powers to interpret the constitution, does he have discretional powers to treat speakers who defected from other parties to PDP differently from those who defected from the PDP to other parties? Abba made a strong case against himself by showing his partisan hands in a matter that does not even invite his intervention.

Neither the constitution nor the police act expressly provides for security and police protection for our public officers. But the protection of public officers from possible harm to their persons is a well honoured traditional in countries. This is neither a favour by the government in power nor by the inspectorgeneral of police for those concerned. The traditional has itself hardened into a right that cannot be taken away at the whims of caprices of the police or even the president.

The frequent cases of the police denying public officers who choose to no longer truck with the government of day undermines a) our collective desire to keep our public officers safe from possible harm to their

persons and b) denies those so shabbily treated their right to enjoy the privileges of their high offices. I find it funny that the same police force that provides security details for crooked businessmen in the country would deny the Speaker of the House of Representatives the right to protection simply because he chose to pitch his political tent with another political party. By the way, his right to change parties is not a crime under our laws.

Part of the problem is that we have never given serious thoughts to the character and the nature of policing in our country. For what the constitution thinks about the Nigeria Police Force, turn to its supplemental list where the NPF is listed with the National Population Census, the Armed Forces and political parties.

Constitutional provisions relating to the Nigeria Police Force are found in sections 214, 215 and 216 of the constitution.

The first creates the force; the second creates the office of the inspector-general of police and the mode of his appointment and the third empowers the police council to delegate such responsibilities as it may deem fit to the IG subject to the approval of the president. Under section 215 sub-sections (2) and (3), the president and state governors or their ministers and commissioners so empowered can tell the IG and state commissioners of police what to do. I see nothing in these provisions that explicitly spells out the functions of the police as an important institutional pillar of democracy and the rule of law in our country.

The absence of a properly constitutional defined role of the police and the poor articulation of the nature of our policing tempt our senior police officers

In a country of men, not of laws, such as ours, the zeal to please is the authentic measure of loyalty to want to fill what they regard as a vacuum. Over the years the powers of the NPF have been systematically chipped away to create other agencies. Its E Branch was lopped off to form first the NSO and now DSS; its power to police our highways was taken from it and given to the Road Safety Commission and its powers to bring criminals to book have been taken away and shared between EFCC and the Code of Conduct Bureau.

The unintended consequence is a police force that has been reduced to doing nothing more than what is known as regime maintenance. It is there to merely service any government in power. It follows that the IG must be part of the government and a scourge of the opposition.

It does not take rocket science to know which side of their bread is buttered.

GHANA MUST GO 2015: Change Sambo now or lose, PDP women leaders tell Jonathan —News

E don happen!

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