Leadeship

24.06.14

Tuesday

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

No. 2,210

N150

NIGERIA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPER

Chibok Diary

Impeachment: Adamawa Lawmakers Defy Court

By Mohammed Ismail, Yola

Ten out of the 25 Adamawa State Legislators have yesterday sat to pass a resolution to substitute service of the notice of impeachment against

To serve Nyako, Ngilari through media Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State and his deputy,

Bala James Ngillari, a lawyer.

Members of the house were

DAY 71

recalled from their two weeks recess in order for the house ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Another 60 Women Abducted In Borno> Page 41

Turkey Pledges Humanitarian Intervention > Page 2

Soldiers Harass Speaker Tambuwal In Kaduna > Page 4

Kano school of hygiene attack

Bomber Disguises As Fresh Student 5 students, 3 others killed Police arrest suspect

5

2

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1 Bomb attack on School of Hygiene, Kano. Inset 3: The suspected bomber being taken away by policemen in Kano, yesterday. Photos by AFP and Abubakar Salihi

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chibok diary 71

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

DAY

Chibok Tweets @BBOG_America No girl deserves to be left without an education, girls are the future and leaders. #BringBackOurGirls @pos_theatre Let's get it right on #womensrights @rescueourgirls #BringBackOurGirls @bringbackourhumanity @AishaYesufu @MullenCarla @BringGirlsBack 70 days of horror We would continue to make d demand #BringBackOurGirls until d girls are back and alive. @nurse4change #USA #WorldCup2014 #FifaWorldCup #FIFA2014 #FIFA NEVER FORGET #BringBackOurGirls @BringGirlsBack #NeverForget @MeganDeP @cherrynicely @ BringGirlsBack @ MichaelSkolnik Yeah, the media has stopped talking about it. @Lubtis @BringGirlsBack : A lire !

Enquête "Les demoiselles perdues de Chibok" enlevées par Boko Haram il y a deux mois @ChildAdvocacyNG 1m GEJ should use the energy and time he used in getting Fayose to win election in Ekiti State to rescue the Chibok Girls. #BringBackOurGirls @RepBarbaraLee A threat to girls’ education anywhere is a threat to progress everywhere. #LetGirlsLearn

Turkey Pledges Humanitarian Intervention

BY Ejike Ejike, Abuja The Government of Turkey has offered to support the on going humanitarian intervention in communities affected by security challenges through partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to bring more succour to the displaced persons in Chibok community in Borno Yobe and Adamawa states.

The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Mustafa Pulat, who disclosed this during his visit to the headquarters of NEMA in Abuja, said in the de-

sire to support the humanitarian efforts, a delegation from his country will soon arrive Nigeria towards the actualisation of the kind gesture.

He requested the partnership of NEMA with the Turkish authorities to identify the priority areas of the humanitarian needs to assist the affected communities, especially to support the displaced persons.

The ambassador acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Government at addressing both the security challenge as well as providing succour to the affected communities,

by Chika Mefor and Ejike Ejike, Abuja

The BringBackOurGirls Campaign group has released a strategic plan which include engagement with media houses make them understand the basis for the campaign which involves the safe release of the Chibok schoolgirls who were abducted on April 14th.

During the 55 days of its sit-out, the group stated that the media engagement which will include intellectual conversation with editorial board members of media houses, will lead to series of editorials on the issues and news focused on the abducted schoolgirls in order to reiterates the group’s commitment of not relenting until the girls are returned to their families.

It added that the strategic plan involving the media will also include interviews, publications, weekly newsletters, daily sound bites on television including documentaries.

The group also stated that it would be meeting with key professional groups and international organisations in order to help gain support and continue the campaign of bringing back the abducted girls.

It reiterated its resolve to continue to meet and campaign for the safe return of the Chibok schoolgirls, adding that the strategic plan will help set things in motion for the various campaign activities of the group.

CHIBOK TRENDING

COMPILED BY UGOCHUKWU IROKA

The Shocking Scale Of Cybercrime

$388billion THE TOTAL BILL FOR CYBERCRIME FOOTED BY ADULTS ONLINE IN 24 COUNTRIES OVER THE PAST YEAR

$114bn VICTIMS VALUE THE TIME THEy LOST TO CYBERCRIME AT OVER $274bn

OVER THE PAST YEAR IN 24 COUNTRIES

431million/year 1million+/day

NUMBER OF REPORTED/RECORDED CASES OF CYBERCRIME EVERYDAY

14/Second #BringBackOurGirls group still standing in solidarity with the abducted Chibok schoolgirls after 70 days of abduction by Boko Haram in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

THE DIRECT CASH COST OF CYBERCRIME. I.E MONIES STOLEN BY CYBERTHUGS/SPENT ON RESOLVING CYBERATTACKS TOTALLED $114bn

$274bn

NUMBER OF REPORTED/RECORDED CASES OF CYBERCRIME OVER THE PAST YEAR

Upcoming Events City, USA

has continued to provide relief assistance to the affected communities.

Sidi also said the offer of support from the Government of Turkey as well as the other international bodies would further offer succour to the affected communities and quicken their recovery. Citing the recent humanitarian assessment jointly carried out by NEMA with the United Nations agencies, Sidi said though some of the affected persons were living in a number camps, most of them were found to be living with relations and friends in various host communities.

Chibok Girls: Group To Engage Media Houses

@BringGirlsBack 1- This whole tragedy has so many facets. I wish it were as simple as 1) #BringBackOurGirls 2) go back to our normal lives.

Friday Rally in New-York

which include persons in Yobe and Adamawa states; noting that the offer of support by Turkey was in the spirit of international solidarity with the government and people of Nigeria.

The Director General of NEMA, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Sidi, who received the ambassador appreciated the offer of the humanitarian supports from the Turkish government and promised to convey the message to the appropriate authorities. He said from inception of the security challenge to date, the Federal government through the NEMA,

NUMBER OF REPORTED/RECORDED CASES OF CYBERCRIME PER SECOND

CYBERCRIME IS BIGGER THAN:

THE GLOBAL BLACK MARKET IN MARIJUANA, COCAIN, AND HEROIN COMBINED AND APPROACHING THE VALUE OF ALL GLOBAL DRUG TRAFFICKING ($411bn) AT $388bn CYBERCRIME IS MORE THAN A 100 TIMES THE ANNUAL EXPENDITURE OF UNICEF

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our stand Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Insurance For Healthcare Providers

R

ecently, it was reported that six healthcare workers in Ebonyi State, staff of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FETHA), had tested positive to Lassa fever. The six people were among the 11 doctors and five nurses who were rushed to a virology laboratory in Irrua, Edo State, for testing. The state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) had said that the 11 doctors and five nurses contracted the disease after participating in a clinical operation on a pregnant woman in the hospital.

The case in Ebonyi is not an isolated one. Also, early this year, the secretary, Federal Capital Territory Health and Human Services Secretariat, Dr Demola Onakomaiya, disclosed that about 100 healthcare workers in the Federal Capital Territory had contracted diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B from needle-picking at the various health facilities where they work.

It becomes worrisome when healthcare providers who are supposed to nurse people to good health become victims

themselves. This matter requires urgent attention. This brings to the fore the need for an insurance scheme in place for health workers, especially those taking care of patients with life-threatening and highly contagious ailments such as Lassa fever. Considering the hazards of the job, we call on governments at all levels to, as a matter of urgency and as a way of motivating workers and ensuring that the job remains attractive, consider the appropriateness of paying hazard allowances to healthcare practitioners who come in close contact with patients suffering from these ailments.

Adequate equipment must be provided in health centres to

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

ensure that those who pick needles are not exposed to the dangers associated with doing so.

Furthermore, we suggest that the relevant authorities should adequately compensate healthcare practitioners who get infected with diseases as a result of taking care of patients. Similarly, healthcare workers should begin to pay more attention to their own safety. In a profession such as theirs, one cannot be too careful. They should ensure that they are always adorned in protective clothing when handling patients with contagious ailments.

In the FCT, one of the ways the administration said it was adopting to save the situation is through the administration’s healthcare waste management policy scheduled to be rolled out soon. The policy, according to the administration, has already been approved by the Federal Executive Council because healthcare waste has become an issue of public concern.

We commend this policy thrust which we believe is a step in the right direction and hope that other states will emulate it for the safety of all in the healthcare workplace.

Founder Sam Nda-Isaiah Chairman Hajiya Ireti Kingibe Group Managing Director Azubuike Ishiekwene Group Executive Directors Michael Okpere Dr Kazeem Durodoye Company Secretary/ Legal Adviser Julianne Omofuma Divisional Directors Abdulmumin Balogun Salisu Alhassan Bichi Iyobosa Uwugiaren Ademola Oladosu General Managers Joy Adekanye Aminu Abubakar Sule Zipporah D. Tanko

Leadership Holdings

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

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

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

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

4 news extra

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo Academy Of Pharmacy Honours Nda-Isaiah, Adelusi-Adeluyi, Awosika, Akunyili, Others The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy is to honour the founder of LEADERSHIP Group and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Sam Nda-Isaiah, and 46 other prominent members of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) as the Foundation Fellows of the Academy.

As part of the programme, the Academy will be inaugurated Thursday, June 26, 2014, at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos.

Other for the honour include Prof. Ezzeldin Mukhtar Abdulrahman; former secretary of health in the defunct interim national government, Prince Julius AdelusiAdeluyi; former coordinator of the National Programme on Immunisation, Dere Awosika; Hon. Jimmy Agbaje; former of minister of transport, Hon. Ibrahim Isa Bio; Dr. Maggie Ibru; Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa; Brig-General Ibrahim U. Babangida; Mrs Stella Okoli; president of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Dr. Nelson Uwaga; Alhaji Ahmed Yakasai, and the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, among others.

PSN president Olumide Akintayo said the inauguration will take place by 10am, with former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, as the chairman of the occasion.

By Bode Gbadebo, Abuja

Impeachment: Conference Of Speakers Warns Against Leadership Changes The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria (CSSLN) has cautioned the state assemblies over the swift change of leadership, which it says has become a new fad.

The message was contained in a communiqué released at the end of the conference’s two-day retreat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, between June 20 and 22, 2014.

The communiqué, signed by Hon Eugene Odoh (Enugu), Hon Terhile Ayua (Benue) and Hon Lary Odey (Cross River), called on state lawmakers to ensure stability in the polity and the entrenchment of democracy by avoiding frequent and unconstitutional change of leadership of the state assemblies.

The conference also craved financial autonomy for the state houses of assembly, so as to ensure effective and efficient discharge of their legislative duties. The conference said, in order to make this a reality, it will ensure the passage of clauses relating to the autonomy of state legislatures in the ongoing constitution amendment exercise.

By Onukogu Kanayo Jubal, Abuja

L-R: Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III and Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar El-Kanemi, at the Sultan’s palace, yesterday.

PHOTO BY NAN

Soldiers Harass Tambuwal, Search His Car In Kaduna

By Midat Joseph and Isaiah Benjamin, Kaduna

Soldiers who claimed they acting on orders from above yesterday subjected the House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and his convoy to public harassment.

The Speaker, who arrived Hotel Seventeen, venue of an ongoing international conference on security and development organised by the office of the National Security Adviser at 9:16 am ahead of other VIPs, was stopped from gaining immediate access into the hotel premises by the soldiers, with his official car.

Efforts made by the Speaker’s

security aides to reason with the soldiers were rebuffed as the security men insisted on searching his car before allowing it into the premises.

Angered by the conduct of the soldiers, the Speaker left his car and walked into the venue, leaving behind his official car with the full complement of the speaker’s flag and insignia of his office.

Incidentally, while the drama was going on, the soldiers allowed other VIPs, especially governors who were attending the conference, to enter the hotel without hindrance.

A security source also told LEADERSHIP: “Initially, we never knew it was the Speaker coming,

but on getting closer, I discovered that it was the speaker, but I heard one of the soldiers saying they must search the car. The security officials attached (to speaker) protested, but their protest fell on deaf ears. I saw the speaker come down and walked away.”

When contacted, the Special Adviser to the Speaker on Media, Imam Imam, confirmed the incident, adding that it was highly unusual for security operatives to search a staff car belong to the speaker.

Asked what such an action portends for the nation’s democracy, Imam said that Nigerians should be able to judge the action of the security agents.

“What they are doing is undermining the legislature as a whole.

It is not about the speaker, but the institution.

“We are just urging them (security) to be mindful of the fact that the institution must be protected at all times. The constitution provides that the integrity of the legislature and the executive be protected at all times. If it cannot be protected, then it is unfortunate”.

He said that the soldiers subjected the Speaker’s car to a search, using anti-bomb detectors, saying “if the number four citizen of this country can be subjected to such treatment, only God knows what will happen.”

Emir Of Kano Visits Sultan In Sokoto Royal fathers, politicians not enemies – Sultan

By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad III, has said that royal fathers are not in anyway enemies or competitors with politicians, rather they are partners in progress that are divinely saddled with leadership responsibility.

Sultan Abubakar stated this yes-

terday in Sokoto when the new Emir of Kano and former CBN governor, Sanusi Muhammed II, paid him a courtesy in his palace.

The visit of Emir of Kano to the Sultan was the first of such royal visit to the revered monarch.

The Sultan also counseled against unwarranted disunity among both traditional rulers and politicians, as such retards development.

Insisting that Nigeria is in dire need and requires the collaboration of every leader to salvage the

nation from the legions of challenges confronting her, Sultan reminded the new emir that only God gives and takes power when He so wishes.

“Politicians and the traditional rulers should avoid unncessary acrimonies and bickering to the detriment of the people, rather, we should team up to better the lives of the people, as we are all leaders who have been divinely entrusted with various leadership roles.

“Nigerians are now in dire need

of the support and assistance of the leaders and we should not waiver in doing so. Leadership is crucial in Islam and it is a trust that we will account for before the Almighty Allah. Therefore, you should be grateful to God for making you an Emir, hence, it’s God that gives and takes leadership when He so decides”.

The Sultan further said he would continue to extend the same hand of friendship enjoyed by the late Kano Emir to the new one.

UN, US Condemn Egypt For Jailing Of Al Jazeera Journalists

By Ugochukwu Iroka and Abiodun Oluwarotimi, with agency report

United States government, the United Nations and other world leaders have reject the seven-year court sentences handed to three Al Jazeera journalists.

Reacting on behalf of the US government, the US Secretary, Senator John Kerry, said that the conviction and chilling draconi-

an sentences by the Cairo Criminal Court of three Al Jazeera journalists and 15 others, in a trial that lacked many fundamental norms of due process, was a deeply disturbing set-back to Egypt’s transition.

Kerry added that injustice like this simply could not stand if Egypt is to move forward in the way that President al-Sisi and Foreign Minister Shoukry had told him the day before.

He said, “As I shared with President al-Sisi during my visit to Cairo, the long term success of Egypt and its people depends on the protection of universal human rights, and a real commitment to embracing the aspirations of the Egyptians for a responsive government.

“Today’s verdicts fly in the face of the essential role of civil society, a free press,and the real rule of law. I spoke with Foreign Minister

Shoukry again today to make very clear our deep concerns about these convictions and sentences.”

Also, the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay expressed deep concern over a string of recent court decisions in Egypt, including the verdicts and heavy jail sentences handed down yesterday to three Al Jazeera journalists.

NEWS 5

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

LIVING TOTO BE BE 100100 LIVING

One health tip daily Greener Grass May Not Be Better

Weed killers contain chemicals that are toxic to our nervous systems and have even been confirmed to cause cancer. If you want to live a long life, stop using chemical herbicides and artificial fertilizers on your lawns. Instead, fertilize with organic compost or manure, pull weeds regularly, and

reseed areas that are overgrown.

Do not cut the grass too short, as this will expose the root system and leave the grass vulnerable to disease. Also avoid lingering on the golf course too long, especially under a hot sun: extreme heat can strengthen herbicides’ noxious effects.

Adamawa Lawmakers Defy Court FROM COVER

Nyako

to pass the resolution due to the importance of the matter at hand.

The move by the house, was sequel to the failure of the Clerk of the assembly, Mr. Francis Gbansenso, to serve the Governor and his Deputy the impeachment notice since 18th June 2014 when the house moved for the impeachment of the duo as they were said to have evaded service of the notice.

The clerk of the house had earlier been summoned into the chambers where he was asked to explain whether he was able to serve the impeachment notice on the governor and his deputy or not to which he answered in the negative.

Irked by the development, the Deputy Speaker Hon Kwamoti Laore, member representing Numan constituency, who presided over the Monday sitting, asked the clerk whether he adopted an alternative method to serve the duo with the impeachment notice which he answered in the affirmative.

The clerk said he had obtained a court affidavit from a Yola High Court which gave him the powers to serve the impeachment notice vide two National Dailies and the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA. Gbansenso then said: “After all the efforts at serving the notice of allegation of gross misconduct against the governor and the deputy were frustrated. Iknow the two of them are out of Adamawa state and their absence from the state shall frustrate the speaker’s efforts to discharge his constitutional function

of service of these notices of allegation of gross misconduct against them.

He said as a result of the difficulties, he adopted the use of the media. “The mode of service proposed is by advertising the notices of the allegation of gross misconduct in two widely circulated newspapers to wit: Daily Trust Newspapers and Leadership Newspaper. That if the notices of allegation of gross misconduct are published, in these two newspapers, the governor and his deputy shall surely have express notices of the allegation of gross misconduct against them,” But another Yola High Court presided over by the Acting Chief Judge of the state Justice Ambrose Mammadi, on Monday dismissed an application filed by the state House of Assembly to service Governor Murtala Nyako and his deputy impeachment notice through media.

The Acting Chief Judge in his ruling said: “In view of the holding of supreme court judgment in the case of Inakoju v Adeleke to which I am bound, I refuse to exercise my discretion to grant the application sought by the House of Assembly.

“I hold that service of the notice of allegation against the respondents must be personal service. I resolved the issue for determination in the negative.

I refuse and the application is accordingly dismissed.”

The member representing Hong Constituency, Mr. Wafarniyi Theman raised an issue of constitutional matter to the effect that the decision of the House to serve Governor Murtala Nyako and his Deputy were purely for their alleged gross misconduct.

Kano School: Bomber Disguises As Fresh Student

By Chika Otuchikere, Ejike Ejike, Patience Ihejirika, Abuja, Abubakar Salihi, Kano, Achor Abimaje, Jos and Midat Joseph, Kaduna

A suicide bomber yesterday disguised as a fresh student of the Kano School of Hygiene, along Sabuwar-Kofa, Kano State, had attempted to blow up the school.

The bomber, according to eye-witnesses, drove into the premises of the school, parked his car and pretended to make enquiries about the registration process.

Shortly after alighting from the vehicle, the bomb inside the car exploded, killing 8 persons and injuring over 20 others.

LEADERSHIP learnt that five of the dead were students of the school.

According to a guard at the school who witnessed the incident, the school had a busy week because of the newly admitted students that were registering for their first session in the school. The blast occurred as the students were struggling to meet a deadline to register for the new academic session.

“The bomber came in blue traditional attire; he drove in and asked about a department, so we all assumed he is a fresh student. He was even holding some school registration papers with him.

“We allowed him in and I told him where to park because we were having parking space problem because of the fresh students around.

“So it was strange when he went the other way, so I followed him and instructed he park at the appropriate place, we argued for a while before he agreed to park where he was instructed to.

“A few minutes after he parked the car, the bomb went off, by that time we had seen his face and could identify him. So when he hurried to the gate, we ran after him and pinned him down, he was also carrying some devices on him but we were brave enough to take him down,” the guard who craved anonymity said.

LEADERSHIP learnt that the bomber was nearly lynched by some irate students, but some teachers and school officials rescued him and took him away and locked him up before police operatives came and whisked him away.

An eyewitness, who is also a student, told our reporter that there was a white vehicle parked in the midst of the school for hours and it was the same vehicle that exploded and killed students.

He said he heard loud explosion while he was standing

Badeh

with colleagues at the other end, adding that he later saw pieces of human parts scattered all over the place.

Nura Ado Bello who said to be an in-law to the provost of the school, said he was at the school to see the provost and get some financial support.

Nura, whom our reporter met at Murtala Muhammad Hospital and who sustained burn injuries, told LEADERSHIP that he just heard a loud explosion and lost consciousness, saying he only found himself with burn injuries at hospital.

Another victim at the emergency ward of the same hospital, Abdulrazak Allai Rano of Ringim town in Jigawa state said he was at the school to be screened and collect admission letter which he had been following for the past four weeks.

Abdulrazak, who sustained various degrees of burn injuries, said he lost all his original school documents that he was holding before the blast.

Our reporter saw a young student in his school uniform who lost concioussness and hours after the blast could not regain his consciousness. He was seen making some moves with his two hands as if he was trying to prevent something from touching his face.

LEADERSHIP also talked to the provost of the school, Malam Ado Bello who said that as he parked his vehicle under the shed meant for him and was about to come out of the vehicle, he heard a loud explosion a few metres from his position.

“I was lucky to have survived the incidence”, said the provost of the school.

He added that in just few moments all one could see were dead bodies lying down, with several other students injured and helpless.

Kano State police command commissioner of police, Mr Aderenle Shinaba confirmed the attack and the number of casualties. He said the area had been cordoned off and emergency services were continuing to take the injured ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Minimah

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Tuesday, June 24, 2014

conference By joe dudun, amina alhassan and BODE GBADEBO

Delegates Okay Special Anticorruption Courts

CONSULTATION: L-R: National Conference deputy chairman, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi and chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi, yesterday. PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

Confab Votes For Separation Of AGF’s Office From Ministry Of Justice Same for states of the federation Abolishes plea bargain Pregnant, nursing convicts to serve terms after 2 years Delegates at the ongoing National Conference have voted for the separation of the office of the attorneygeneral of the federation (AGF) from that of the minister of justice (MoJ) in order to enhance the administration of justice. This was part of the recommendations contained in the report of the Standing Committee on Law, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Reforms chaired by retired Justice George Oguntade, which was debated at plenary yesterday.

If this is implemented by the government, the minister of justice will remain a political appointee while the AGF would be a career civil servant, who will be appointed by the president subject to the Senate’s confirmation for a fixed and single term of 6 years.

The decision also affects the 36 states of the federation where the office of the attorney-general of the state will be separated from the state commissioner for justice’s office. The state attorneygeneral will be appointed by the governor subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.

Delegates resolved that such appointees both at the federal

and state levels must be people of unquestionable character, who must have qualified as a legal practitioner in Nigeria for a period not less than 15 years. They also provided a caveat for the removal of the appointees in the case of misconduct by the President with two-third majority votes of the Senate.

The conference also resolved that the concept of plea bargain be completely abolished in order to enable criminal and corruption cases to run their full courses as against the present situation where people accused of corruption are set free after parting with a fraction of their looted money.

Delegates also resolved that a retired Justice of the Supreme Court should be appointed to head the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) on the recommendation of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), hence the need for the amendment of the Section 291(3) (a) of the 1999 Constitution.

It was also resolved that a convicted pregnant woman or nursing mother should be allowed to deliver or nurse her baby as the case may be for a period of two years before serving her jail

term in prison.

While delegates voted for building of more prisons across the country, they rejected the removal of Prisons from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List of the Constitution as recommended by the committee.

Meanwhile, conference has also agreed that every state of the federation should have a State Court of Appeal that would serve as a final ‘bus stop’ court for states on state matters except in cases of weighty constitutional issues, civil liberties and matters of overriding public interest with the leave of the Supreme Court.

When established, the headship of the State Judiciary would immediately shift from the Chief Judge of the State to the President of the State Court of Appeal.

The Federal Government is expected to, through the Consolidated Revenue Fund, provide the take-off grant for the establishment of the State Court of Appeal while Section 121 of the 1999 Constitution is required to be amended thereby making non-release of funds to the Judiciary a gross misconduct.

It was also resolved that a convicted pregnant woman or nursing mother should be allowed to deliver or nurse her baby as the case may be for a period of two years before serving her jail term

The ongoing National Conference has voted for the establishment of special courts in order to handle anticorruption cases and corrupt practices.

Such courts would be devoid of the niceties and technicalities of the conventional courts such as preliminary objections, injunctions, interlocutory matters, among others for fast and smooth dispensation of the cases and delivery of justice.

The decision was taken during the consideration of the report of the Committee on Law, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Reform at plenary yesterday.

Recall that delegates had earlier voted for the abolition plea bargain as a means of confronting corruption headon and discourage its practices.

According to the conference at plenary, the courts if established, would have full powers of the high courts and are to be manned by retired high court judges of proven integrity.

Conference further voted that senior judicial officers be entitled to pension for life at a rate equivalent to salaries and all allowances of serving judicial officers of their equivalent rank.

Conference said the system that requires judges to turn in a certain number of cases or judgments quarterly without regard to the quality of the judgments should be discouraged while the working conditions of judges should be improved.

Also, delegates agreed that appeals from the National Industrial Court should terminate at the Federal Court of Appeal except for matters of weighty constitutional significance, civil liberties and matters of overriding public interest with the leave of the court.

CJN Aloma Mukhtar

news extra 7

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Sanusi’s Appointment Well-deserved – Niger Delta Youths The Niger Delta Youth Coalition for change has hailed the governor of Kano State Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso over the appointment of Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the new Emir of Kano.

Briefing newsmen in Benin at the weekend, at the end of its zonal meeting, the president of the group Annie Anthony and the secretary-general Mr Okoka Henry acknowledged that the new Emir is competent and will work for the continued unity and development of the country.

They said as the then governor of Central Bank, Alhaji Lamido Sanuso contributed a great deal to education by his donations, irrespective of state, religion or tribe.

The group said the Jonathan administration’s mismanagement of the crisis over the missing $20 billion has caused the federal government to lose the services of one of the best brains in the country to Kano emirate.

The Niger Delta Youth group also lauded Governor Kwankwaso for his efforts in developing the education sector in Kano State, Nigeria and beyond.

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

2015: Toppling Jonathan Will Mark End Of Nigeria – Ijaw Youth Council The Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC) has warned that any attempt to topple the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan will mark the end of Nigeria.

The umbrella body for the Ijaws gave this warning during their national convention at Ofunama community in Ovia South West local government area of Edo State also bemoaned the gas flaring at Gelegele community and called on the various governments to either relocate the community or relocate the flaring site.

It also declared that any attempt to cripple President Jonathan’s administration will mark the end of Nigeria.

Spokesman for the council, Mr. Eric Omare said: “At the Convention, Ijaw youths took critical decision that affect the well-being of the Ijaw people and the NigerDelta in general. Firstly, the Ijaw youths condemn the continue flaring of gas in Gelegele community”.

“The Gelegele people have been in this condition for more than decades, their health and social life is grossly affected. Some of them can’t sleep anymore. We condemn this and we have resolved government at the state and federal level must take drastic step either they relocate the Gelegele community or relocate the flare site.”

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

Kano State governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso sympathising with survivors of the bomb attack on the School of Hygiene, Kano, at Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, yesterday.

PHOTO BY GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

Kwankwaso Probes Shekarau Over Verbal N7bn Contracts

It is politics – Ex-Commissioner

By Abubakar Salihi, Salihi

The Kano State House of Assembly has commenced probing Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankawso’s predecessor, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, over alleged verbal award of N7billion road contracts, a deviation from due process.

The probe, which commenced by the summoning of Mallam Shekarau’s two key commissioners, those of Rural Development and Works and Housing, Musa Illiyasu Kwankawso and Alhaji Sarki Labaran respectively, has already generated a lot of tension between the

two camps.

The House, which brought before it the two former commissioners as well as their former permanent secretaries, alleged that Shekarau, through the Ministry of Rural Development and Works, awarded the over N7 billion road projects and the jobs had not been done to this day.

Reading the motion of the House, the deputy majority leader Yusuf Babangida alleged that money was paid to the contractors for the jobs even before they mobilised to site, and that most of the roads are still undone.

The roads, according to the House, are Tattarawa-Jalli which

was allegedly awarded at the cost of N1.5 billion, and Konar Kira-Ungogo-Fanisau road at the cost of N3.5 billion. The projects were allegedly inflated by over N350 million.

The other road according to the House is Takai-Rimi-Magami which was said to have been awarded at the cost of N2.5 billion and the work is still ongoing while the contract sum was said to have been duly paid to the contractor.

The House accused Shekarau of awarding the contracts verbally without the consent of the relevant bodies, who are staffers of the ministries involved, adding that all the job for which monies were paid had not been done and all the con-

tract sums of over N7billion had been paid.

However, the summoned former commissioner of Rural Development, Musa Kwankawso, told newsmen as he stepped out of the Legislative Chamber that “what is happening is nothing but politics; they are not happy that Shekarau is getting a ministerial post, but they cannot do otherwise.”

“All they are asking are nothing but speculative issues and we are fully ready for them; they should come with concrete evidence, then we know they are serious. All the jobs we did followed diligent due process and we did them with the due sense of humility and law.”

Influx Of Displaced Persons Heightens Fear Of Terror Attack On Chibok

By Kareem Haruna, Maiduguri

Residents of Chibok town where over 200 girls were abducted by Boko Haram gunmen on April 14 this year have expressed fear over possible fresh attacks as people from neighboring communities displaced by Boko Haram are storming their town on daily basis to seek refuge.

LEADERSHIP gathered that in the past few weeks, more than 10 different villages and hamlets close to Chibok, the headquarters

of Chibok local government area, have suffered several attacks that had sent hundreds of dwellers fleeing, while scores others were either killed or injured.

A community leader in Chibok, who spoke to LEADERSHIP over the phone but did not want his name mentioned, said “on Saturday alone when the Boko Haram people attacked Kwarangilam, Tuha, Shakari, Tumbarwa and others smaller farming communities near our town (Chibok), we began to receive dozens of peo-

ple running into Chibok to take refuge; now the entire town is filled to capacity.”

The source said the attacked villages were very close to Chibok and that is giving them serious concern over their security.

“We fear that by the time these people are done killing people and destroying the neighborhoods of Chibok, they may decide to bring another attack on us because they are aware that we are now hosting the displaced people,” said the community leader.

Some days ago, members of the local vigilante group had a deadly shootout with members of the Boko Haram who went on a nocturnal attack that was foiled by members of the vigilante, who were able to kill scores and arrest about 15 of the terrorists, losing seven of their members in the process.

Since that incident, the insurgents who were reportedly angry with the villagers for helping the vigilante group to fight them, had since been attacking isolated soft spots and killing hapless villagers.

Edo Assembly Crisis: Sitting Stalled As Lawmakers Fail To Resolve Impasse

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

The stalemate in Edo State House of Assembly entered its 3rd week yesterday as all the members of the house, including the four purportedly suspended and other members of the house from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC), reporting for sitting.

Unsurprisingly, there was a scuffle in front of the gate as APC lawmakers attempted to stop the four suspended lawmakers from entering the chambers while the

suspended ones, Friday Ogierakhi, Patrick Osayimen, Jude IseIdehen and Festus Ebea, and the other PDP members, also tried to stop the APC lawmakers from entering the chamber, claiming that some of them were also under suspension.

As the disagreement raged on, the lawmakers gathered and sat in front of the entrance, hoping that impasse would be resolved for proper legislative duties.

At the time of filing this report yesterday, all the lawmakers were still in front of the entrance gate

into the assembly with their vehicles parked along Airport Road while policemen took control of adjoining roads apparently to prevent the break down of law and order.

However, the senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Domingo Obende, yesterday condemned the actions of the PDP lawmakers in the assembly who, he alleged, were being “sponsored from Abuja.”

In a statement made available to journalists in Benin City yesterday, Obende said: “I have watched with dismay the happenings in

our dear state House of Assembly and I am embarrassed by what some supposed honourable members have been doing. They have turned themselves to dishonourable lawmakers by not complying with a suspension order duly carried out in accordance to their House rules and they have also flagrantly disobeyed a valid court order restraining them from entering the assembly.

“This is a deliberate ploy to destabilise the House and delay legislative activities at the detriment of the people.”

8 NEWS

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Kano School: Bomber Disguises As Fresh Student FROM PAGE 5

to hospital.

The federal government also confirmed the attack in Kano but noted that the bomb was planted within the school compound.

Coordinator of the National Briefing Centre on the efforts to end insurgency and bring back the abducted Chibok schoolgirls, Mr Mike Omeri who confirmed the incident said the explosion rocked the Kano Municipal City area of Sabo Kafar at 2.05pm.

Omeri who reacted to a question on the continued detention of the arrested 486 northern indigenes in Abia said findings from the investigation on the suspected travellers would shock most Nigerians.

According to him, Nigerians who call on security operatives to release the suspects should exercise restraint, saying that the security agencies should be allowed to do their job.

Omeri also confirmed the arrest of kidnappers who had been making life unbearable for Abuja residents. He called on the members of the public, particularly young girls to take precautionary measures towards averting being

kidnapped as kidnappers are known to target female folks more than the males.

Omeri revealed that over the weekend, security operatives killed a notorious terrorist, Mallam Husaini, who he said, led a terrorist cell billed to operate in Plateau state in an encounter between his group and a military convoy along Jos - Bauchi high way.‎ Husaini was said to have led the attack on Police Anti-Robbery squad in Abuja in November, 2012 and a military convoy along the Lokoja - Kaduna highway where two soldiers were killed in January, 2013.

STF shot 3 youth at birthday party in Jos Three youths have been allegedly murdered by members of the Special Task Force, STF, on Jos crisis while many others were injured when the STF men opened fire on youths celebrating a birthday Party at Joenice Bar at Nyango Gel, Bukuru low-cost area of Jos the Plateau State capital late Sunday night.

LEADERSHIP gathered that an argument had ensued at the party venue prompting the owner of the joint to alert members of the STF around the

locality.

A source who was at the scene of the event who did not want his name in print told our reporter that immediately the STF members got to the scene, they started shooting at the youths killing three persons instantly.

Others who sustained various degrees of injuries were in various hospitals receiving treatments, he added.

According to the source “when the soldiers got to the venue” the STF members just opened fire on us, I was lucky to have escaped.

The father of one of the deceased Timshak Miri, Mr Nantel Miri who spoke to our reporter in tears at his residence at Zawan said he could not believe that members of the Special Task Force saddled with the responsibility of protecting citizens would open fire on innocent teenagers.

Nantel Miri called for Justice and appealed to the Commander of the STF to ensure that the soldiers who carried out the acts were brought to book.

Also speaking to our reporter, the sister of one of the youths killed, Fecit Miri cried out to the Federal Government, and

relevant authorities and indeed all well-meaning Nigerians to ensure that this act carried out on innocent youths would not go unpunished.

A residence of the Bukuru low-coast Rintim described the incident that happen at the bar as pathetic, calling on the Chief of Army staff and commander of the STF to investigate the matter and ensure that the culprits were brought to book.

Efforts to reach the spokesman of the Special Task Force, Captain Iweha, before sending this report was abortive as he was not picking his calls.

Besides, the Police Public Relations Officer PPRO, Abuh Emmanuel said they had not received an Official report from the Divisional Police officer in Bukuru , but they would investigate and get to the root of the matter.

He called on the parents of dead to remain calm as they would investigate and ensure that perpetrators were brought to book.

4 persons killed in Kaduna villages A couple was on Sunday night killed in Rikawan village area of Zangon Kataf Local

Government Area of Kaduna State by unknown gunmen.

This is just as another man who travelled to his farm located at Fadan- Karshi in Sanga Local government Area of Kaduna State in the early hours of Saturday, Dauda Maidawa and his wife Alheri have been discovered dead.

Our correspondent gathered that the Rikarwan couple, named Ayuba Kure and Sarah were killed in their house when gunmen attacked the community, injuring four persons.

A resident said: “The gunmen came on Sunday night with dangerous weapons, killed the couple and injured four others, adding, “You know our communities are isolated and no one knows the mission of the gunmen.”

A cousin to the Karshi victims, John Joseph who confirmed the incident, said the matter was reported to the DPO at Fadan-Karshi Police Station who then mobilized for a search that led to the discovery of the remains of his brother.

Kaduna State Police Command spokesman, Aminu Lawan could not respond to calls as at the time of filing this report.

Gov-elect, Fayose Meets Fayemi Over Transition Committee

By ALO ABIOLA, Ado Ekiti, Chibuzo Ukaibe, Ruth Tene Natsa, Jonathan Nda-Isaiah, Millie Ibe, Ugochukwu Iroka, Abuja

Winner of last Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State, Mr Ayo Fayose, yesterday held a meeting with the defeated All Progressives Congress APC candidate and incumbent governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi over the setting up of a transition committee.

The committee was to draw up a report for the smooth transition on October 16, 2014, following the emergence of Fayose, the Peoples Democratic Party flagbearer in the June 21 Governorship election.

Addressing Fayose and his team at the Governor’s office in Ado Ekiti yesterday, Fayemi said he would continue to identify with every action geared towards the development and progress of Ekiti State.

“They said my congratulatory message to the Governor-elect is unAfrican or unNigerian. I don’t think it was so because that was what I was expected to do as a democrat.

“As an elected officer, I have no choice than to respect the wishes of the people. Our democracy is fragile and we have to do whatever we can as leaders to strengthen and deepen it the more” Fayemi said.

Speaking earlier, Fayose said

his coming to the governor was borne out of the genuine intention to promote love and unity among Ekiti leaders.

He praised the Governor for conceding defeat to him, saying this states manly conduct would forever remain in history.

Reacting to PDP’s victory in the Ekiti election, the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali, declared that President Goodluck Jonathan has ensured that every vote counts and that people are allowed to elect their leaders without let or hindrance.

Prof Alkali also commended the All Progressives Party (APC) for conceding defeat after the polls, noting that the opposition had learnt from the PDP and President Jonathan who congratulated the winner of election.

The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) in its preliminary statement on the Ekiti Gubernatorial Elections said the result was a true reflection of the will of the voters of Ekiti state.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja yesterday, Chairman of the group, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi said “TMG can independently verify that the official results announced by INEC accurately reflects the ballots and voters can have the confidence that the INEC results are a true reflection of the will of the voters of Ekiti state as

the results fall within the TMG estimated Quick Count Range”.

Workers in Ekiti State have urged the Governor-elect to fulfil his electoral promises to them. A cross-section of the workers made the call in Oye and Ikole Ekiti in separate interviews where they expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the election.

Meanwhile, the Senate Leader, Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, said Gov. Fayemi was a rare breed of a politician who showed good sportsmanship by conceding victory to Governor-elect, Mr Ayo Fayose.

He said that Fayemi had brought “a new dimension” into Nigerian politics by conceding victory to Fayose when it became clear that “the people have spoken”.

Information minister, Mr Labaran Maku has described PDP Ekiti State governor-elect, Ayo Fayose’s victory in last Saturday’s election as the beginning of the end of APC’s rule in the south west.

Maku made the statement yesterday while addressing supporters of PDP in Nasarawa Eggon LGA, Nasarawa State, where he said the PDP had repositioned to capture all the states in the 2015 general election.

“The victory of the PDP in the just-concluded governorship election in Ekiti State has marked

the beginning of the end of APC rule in some states of the Federation. Wherever they hold broom, count it in 2015 they will be defeated because PDP has come back alive,” he said.

The national leadership of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state as a true democrat for his rare show of patriotism and sportsmanship in conceding defeat and congratulating the PDP candidate and Ekiti state governor-elect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose over his victory at last Saturday’s governorship election.

PDP in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary Oliseh Metuh said “this exceptional show of statesmanship has indeed earned Governor Fayemi the respect and admiration of Nigerians as a man of honour, a true democrat and a patriot”.

Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) has endorsed last Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State. The legal body under its election monitoring arm, Election Working Group (EWG), however, added that there would be hope for Nigeria if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) maintained the level of credibility that heralded the election.

A non-governmental organisation, the CLEEN Foundation, has praised the

Fayemi

Fayose

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for the successful conduct of Ekiti election.

The organisation which is one of accredited observer groups that monitored the election at a press conference in Ado-Ekiti yesterday said the credibility of the poll accounted for the acceptability of its outcome by all the contending candidates.

News north-central 9

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

APC’s Criticism Of Govt Can’t Be Substantiated – Gov Aliyu

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

The Niger State government has said that some of the claims of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the criticism of government activities in the state cannot be substantiated by the opposition party.

The commissioner of information, communications and strategy, Danladi Ndayebo told journalists in Minna yesterday that APC should fault the ruling party’s record of achievements with facts, rather than feeding the people of the state with outright lies based on cheap sentiments.

He posited that the allegation of impropriety in the execution of key projects initiated by the PDP-led government in the state was a mere ‘idle-talk’ that could not be substantiated.

“APC would have been on a sound footing if it had been able to prove its various claims of impropriety in the execution of projects, instead of recycling

short news KWARTMA To Auction 401 Motorcycles The Kwara State Road Traffic Management Authority (KWARTMA) is to auction 401 impounded motorcycles in the second phase of the auctioning exercise it embarked upon.

Also, four commercial vehicles are to be put on sale by the agency after obtaining court order and observing other necessary processes.

The acting chief executive officer of the authority, Mr Kola Abdulraheem, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Ilorin shortly after a road show of new operational vehicles procured for the agency by the state government.

He said the affected vehicles and motorcycles were being auctioned following the failure of the owners to collect them.

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

its poorly thought-out and uncoordinated attacks on the Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu-led PDP government in the state”, Ndayebo declared.

The commissioner said the issues which APC rushes to press with are those that they can find answers to if they care to crosscheck from appropriate authorities, adding that the false accusations being heaped on the current administration by the APC can only come from a lazy and frustrated opposition.

He said that with such unwarranted allegations, the opposition party in the state is merely trying to overheat the polity to give the impression that all is not well in the state.

He said, “While we agree that governments at all levels should be criticised constructively, we must say that the APC lacks the moral right to turn itself into a perpetual critic of every action of the state government even when it finds it hard to substantiate its allegations”.

Nasarawa Politicians Warned Against Divisive Tendencies Politicians in Nasarawa State have been urged to desist from using religion and ethnicity in championing their political courses as it only serves to polarise the populace with attendant negative consequences of mutual distrust and hate.

This was the unanimous position of stakeholders at the just concluded peace and reconciliation summit convened by the Nasarawa State Council of Traditional Rulers.

The chairman of the reconciliation committee, Alhaji Zakari Yakubu, said the ethnic nomenclature of the state is such that no single ethnic group has the needed majority to guarantee the election of a governor, adding that producing a governor must be through a synergy of mutual respect, persuasion and other civil means of attaining political goals.

Stakeholders at the summit which included members of the various ethnic groups, religious bodies, cultural associations, youths and women bodies observed that the Eggon ethnic nationality has turned the state, which was once a bastion of peace, “into a despicable theatre of rancour, foreboding, disquiet and communal strife in their effort to get one of theirs elected as governor of the state”.

By Donatus Nadi, Lafia

short news MPAN Donates Drugs, Materials To New Minna Prison Muslim Pharmacists of Nigeria (MPAN) in collaboration with Human Concern Foundation International (HCFI) has donated drugs and other materials to inmates of New Minna Prisons.

Presenting the items, which include assorted drugs, toiletries and sewing machines, representative of the president of MPAN, Phar.

Haruna Aliyu Bida said yesterday that the items were purchased with contributions made by a group of professional bodies.

He said the money contributed was shared into two, out of which N500,000 was used to purchase items for the inmates of Abeokuta Prison while the remaining half was used to purchase items for inmates of New Minna Prisons.

By Abu Nmodu, Minna

L-R: News Corps Commandant, Kogi State Command, Adesuyi Clement Tayo, Her Excellency, the First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Halima Wada and Deputy Commandant, Rachael Anosusi, during the decoration of Her Excellency as the Grand Matron of the band of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in new office in Lokoja. PHOTO BY GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

Resist Temptation To Break Up Nigeria, Ahmed Tells Nigerians

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

The Kwara State governor, Alhaji AbdulFatah Ahmed has urged Nigerians to be patriotic and avoid being used by any individual to break up the country.

The governor said Nigeria is bigger than anyone, warning that “no one should be allowed to break the country for no reason”.

Addressing members of the National Butchers Union of Nigeria who visited him at the Government House, Ilorin, the gover-

nor decried the country’s political system that is being fragmented along ethno-religious line.

He advised Nigerians to break the practice, which he noted is capable of disintegrating the country.

The governor also advised all groups and associations to be part of decision-making in order to make the country bearable for all.

While urging the associations to make their voices heard and make themselves relevant in

the scheme of things, Ahmed stressed that there was no point designing policies affecting them without their inputs.

He advised them to rise from their slumber and contribute positively to national issues with a view to making the country better for all.

The governor also advocated the tenet of justice and equity in governance in order to end the persistent youth restiveness and other security challenges all over the country.

250 PDP Members Defect To APC In Nasarawa

By Donatus Nadi, Lafia

Following the recently concluded local government elections in Nasarawa State, over 250 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in Doma local government have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the outcome of the polls shows that the electorate have overwhelming support for APC, hence it is politically suicidal to remain in the PDP. The defectors were presented before the weekly meeting of the “Keke da Keke” political group by its chairman, Nasiru Mamman Abdul, which held at the weekend in Doma.

Receiving the defectors, Abdul disclosed that since the formation of the group about three years ago, the APC has continued to witness the influx of supporters mostly attracted by the development initiatives of Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura.

He described the arrival of the defectors led by Mustapha Isa Ibrahim, the councillorship aspirant, as home coming, urging the people of the area to mobilise towards supporting the re-election of Governor Al-Makura come 2015.

Responding on behalf of the defectors, Mustapha Isa Ibrahim described the PDP as “a party full of

liars and deceits”, stressing that before the council election, aspirants were deceived by party officials that the party would use its influence at the federal level to sway the election in their favour.

He said together with his supporters numbering about 2,000, he has decided to join the APC because they can physically verify what the governor is doing to develop the state, “unlike the PDP that makes only empty promises.”

“We are fed up with politicians deceiving us and telling us to wait until they are re-elected before we see development. We want someone who can deliver now and not tomorrow,” Ibrahim said.

Forum Cautions Kwara Politicians Against Inciting Violence

By Ebriku John Friday, Abuja

The Kwara Youth Stakeholders Forum (KYSF) has cautioned politicians in the state against inciting youths into violence, even as it urged them to commence the process of political empowerment that would place the youths in a better position to be good future leaders.

The national president of the forum, Prince Charles Olufemi Folayan, in a press statement af-

ter the inauguration of the 16 local government coordinators yesterday at Ilorin, said it is saddening that most politicians do not see the youths as tools to develop the state and prepare them for a better future, rather than use them as agents of destruction for their selfish interests.

He warned that Kwara youths should never again be used, duped and dumped by selfish politicians whose children never

move close to such assignments.

“Our political environment and challenges in the state precipitated the need to deliberately commence the process of building capacity of the critical mass of youths through information, re-orientation and awareness, and also give them the chance to learn, unlearn and relearn on political issues, governance and policies through interactions and advocacy”, he noted.

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stories of the Tuesday, June 24, 2014

...NEWS WITH A HUMAN FACE

THEFT: Police Officer Nabbed Over Sale Of 1,074 Walkie-talkies

By NAN

The Police in Katsina State, yesterday, arraigned its communications officer, DSP. Saidu Muhammed, 52, at a chief magistrate court in the state for allegedly selling 1,074 walkie-talkies entrusted in his care.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Muhammed was charged with “breach of trust by servant.”

The police prosecutor, Insp. Okolo Usman, told the court that the command entrusted 1,500 walkie-talkies in the care of the suspect in his capacity as officer in charge of communications on July 8, 2013.

He said the command later took a stock of the items and discovered that only 426 walkie-talkies remained.

Usman said the officer confessed during investigation that he stole and sold about 1,074 pieces to one Mr Chucks in Abuja.

He said that each walkie-talkie was sold at the cost of N1, 500.

Muhammed, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge against him.

The chief magistrate, Mr Nuradeen ElLadan, granted the accused person bail in the sum of N50, 000 and two sureties in like sum.

El-ladan said that each surety must possess a landed property within GRA in Katsina and must be indigenes of the state.

He adjourned the case to July 10 for further hearing.

FREEDOM: Court Acquits Teacher After 3 Years Imprisonment For Murder

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

An Asaba high court in Asaba, Delta State, yesterday, discharged and acquitted a secondary school teacher, Ngozi Lawrence, who was jailed over an alleged conspiracy to commit murder.

Giving her judgement, the trial judge, who did not want her name in print for security reasons, said that the prosecutor failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused committed the alleged offence.

The judge lambasted the police over its “shoddy investigation”, ruling that the accused be discharged for lack of proof of evidence.

Reacting on the judgment, the defence counsel, Barr. P.I. Izomo, described it as a divine intervention.

Izomo said, “today’s judgment will rekindle the hope of the common man in the judiciary, as it has always been said that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man.”

He thanked the judge, whom he described as courageous judge, urging Nigerians to continue to have faith in the nation’s judiciary.

Gbagi women displaying their cultural heritage at a function in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

Murder: Police Nab Herbalist Over Burying Of Ex-Customs Officer, Daughter Alive

By Mattew Dike with Agency Report The police in Lagos State, yesterday, paraded a 64-year-old herbalist, Alhaji Olatunji Azeez, for allegedly killing a retired customs officer and her 10-year-old daughter by burying them alive.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspect was arrested by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Lagos on Thursday in Ajuwon-Akute area of Ogun State.

The suspect was alleged to have killed Mrs Angela Uzo Kerry and her daughter, Obiajurum.

Speaking to journalists, the commissioner of police in the state, Mr Umar Manko, said that the suspect was arrested through the victim’s vehicle tracking device when her car was traced to a dealer.

He, however, said that the dealer led the police to the suspect.

The police boss said that the suspect allegedly hypnotised the victim after collecting money and

property estimated at over N200 million.

Manko also alleged that the suspect killed the victims to cover up the crime.

He said, “the woman gave the suspect millions of naira to make her pregnant. When she discovered the whole issue was fraud, she demanded for her money and in an bid to avoid paying back the money, the suspect allegedly dug a deep well inside his house and placed a mat over it.

“When the woman and her daughter called on him for the collection of the money, he requested them to seat on the mat. As they sat and fell into the well, the suspect covered them up with sand and cemented the place. After his arrest, he led the police to the site where the mother and daughter were buried alive.

“The place was dug up and we recovered the bodies of the victims which we have deposited at Yaba Mainland Hospital for autopsy.

We have concluded our investigation; the suspect will be charge to court for murder this week.”

Death: 2 Children Found Dead In Shallow Stream

By Obinna Ogbonnaya, Abakaliki

There was tears and confusion in Ephuenyim village in Ndiagu Okpuitumo community in Abakaliki local government area of Ebonyi State, yesterday, when two female children were found dead in a shallow stream in the village.

Worried by the mysterious death of the two children, the Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Martin Elechi, the state commissioner of Police, Mr. Maigari Dikko and the senator representing Ebonyi North zone, Senator Chris Nwankwo visited the family to ascertain the cause of death of the children.

Narrating the death of the deceased children, Ibuchi Nwangele, 8, and Oruomachi Nwangele, 2, the traditional ruler of the community, Eze Pius Nwangele, told the governor and his entourage that their corpses were discovered about 8 pm on Friday at a shallow stream in the village.

He explained that the community had undertaken an intensive search for the children some weeks ago when they disappeared.

Nwangele said the community suspects fowl play by the co-wife of the father of the children, one Mrs. Felicia Nwangele, who had been having a running battle with the mother of the children.

Murder: Court Jails Woman For Killing Lover

By NAN

An Ebute Meta chief magistrate court in Lagos, yesterday, remanded a woman, Ese Itacomi, at Ikoyi Prisons for allegedly killing her lover, Tunde Bello.

The chief magistrate, Mrs E.B. Daodu, said the accused should remain in prison custody pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The accused, 34, who lives at the deceased’s house at No. 6, Gidado St., Morogbo, Lagos, is facing a charge of murder.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Richard Odigie, told the court that the offence was committed on May 13 at 3 am at the residence of the deceased.

He said the accused and the deceased, 48, had met in a commercial bus, chatted and exchanged telephone numbers.

“The accused had problem with accommodation, she called the deceased for help and the deceased offered her accommodation in his apartment which she accepted. On the fateful day, the accused went out on a social engagement and returned home late in the night.

“The accused met the deceased coughing and later prepared food for him; the deceased used his herbal mixture and they went to bed.

“As the deceased was coughing water with traces blood started coming out of his mouth and he later hit his head on the floor.

“The accused screamed for help and the landlord rushed the deceased to a hospital and also reported the case at the police station,” Odigie said.

He said the body of the deceased had been deposited at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital mortuary, Ikeja, for autopsy.

The offence, he noted, contravened Section 221 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

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STORIES OF THE DAY 11

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

photo news

Death: 2 Drown, 16 Injured In Asaba Flood

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

Two teenagers have been feared dead while 16 sustained various degree of injuries in a flood that ravaged Casloba and Eugene Street in Asaba, Oshimili South local government area in Delta State.

A victim, Mrs Isioma Ijiofoh, who spoke on behalf of other residents, lamented the unbearable, deplorable, and impassable condition of the roads around the area, calling on the government to quickly come to the aid of

the community.

Counting her losses, she narrated that the flood swept into her compound and destroyed a major part of her property.

LEADERSHIP spotted car owners stuck at different areas of the community, with motorists waiting for the flood level to go down as the road channels were completely flooded.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the teenagers who were swept off by the flood were sent on an errand by their parents but did not return after the flood.

L-R: National chairman of APC, Chief John Oyegun, former Head of State, Gen. Muhammed Buhari; Bishop of Osun South East Dioceses of Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Humphrey Olumakaiye; former interim national chairman and national leader of the party, Chief Bisi Akande and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola during the superlative performance award to Akande by the church in Illa-Oragun, Osun State.Photo: Benedict Uwalaka

MURDER: Gunmen Kill 2, Injure 4 In Kaduna

BY MIDAT JOSEPH, Kaduna

Unknown gunmen have killed a couple and injured 4 others in Rikawan village of Zangon Kataf local government area of Kaduna State.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the couple, Ayuba and Sarah Kure were shot in their house when gunmen stormed the community and started shooting sporadically, injuring four persons in the process.

An eyewitness said, “the gunmen stormed the community in the middle of the night and started shooting sporadically. The Kure’s were killed in the pro-

cess and four other people sustained various degree of injuries.”

According to him, “we do not know the mission of the gunmen. You know our community is isolated and we do not know why they attacked us.”

A cousin to the Karshi victims, John Joseph, who confirmed the incidence, said the matter was reported to the DPO at Fadan-Karshi police station, who then mobilised for a search that led to discovery of the remains of his brother.

The Kaduna State police command spokesman, Aminu Lawan, did not pick his calls or respond to text messages as at the time of filling this report.

L-R: Son of the late Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Abdulazeez Arisekola-Alao Idris, welcoming the Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal during his condolence visit to the Alao family in Ibadan, yesterday. Photo by Nan

INFIDELITY: Adulterous Hubby Runs Over Pregnant Wife With Tricycle

By Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

A four month pregnant housewife, identified as Njideka, from Okigwe local government area of Imo State, narrowly escaped death from her husband, Kingdom Ike, when he allegedly ran her over with his tricycle for prying into his amorous relationship with his mistress.

An eyewitness, Mr Robinson Akunesi said that trouble started when the wife who was returning from her village to Umuahum , Ndegwu, ran into her husband and his mistress in the matrimonial home as they were kissing and cuddling and was about to leave their home after an alleged round of illicit affair.

“but before the wife could open her mouth to inquire what he was doing with his mistress in their matrimonial home, he jumped on his tricycle, which he used for commercial purposes, and ran her over,” he said.

The eyewitness further alleged that it only took the grace of God to save the pregnant woman, who was hooked to the side of the tricycle and was dragged along for few kilometres before she was rescued.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the pregnant woman was taken to a nearby clinic by a good Samaritan for treatment of the injuries she sustained during the incident.

Meanwhile, the husband was said to have fled with his mistress after the incident.

L-R, Patron of the African/ World Fashion Organisation, Merit Gordon Obua, Minister of Tourism Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke and director -general of the Bayelsa State Tourism Development Agency, Mrs Ebize Ndiomu Brown during a sensitisation show on the forth-coming programmes on African fashion reception in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OGOH JOSEPH.

Robbery: Sales Girl Absconds With N75,000

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

A sales girl, identified as Ekaete Effiong, working in a popular eatery, Monica Moi Moi, in Asaba, Delta State has allegedly absconded with her bosses’ N75, 000.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the girl, who hails from Akwa Ibom State, the senior sales girl at the eatery, absconded when she was sent to make payment for goat meat and other kitchen utensils by her madam.

It was learnt that the girl collected money for her transport to the Akwebu Market, around Abraka, where she was expected to pay the bills for the products.

Sources said that the girl called her madam after a while complaining that the creditor was nowhere to be found. She, however, failed to come back to the eatery or return her bosses’ money.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP, the operator of the eatery, who do not want her name in the print, said, “I gave N75, 000 to my sales girl at the weekend to pay for all we bought last Tuesday. I suspected something fishy when she carried her bag to go on the errand, which was unusual, but she insisted that she was taking the bag for repairs; that was how she left for the errand. From Saturday till now, I have not set my eyes on her. But I

L-R : President of the Pentecostal Federation of Nigerian, Felix Omobude; Primate of the Anglican Communion, Nicholas Okon and the chairman of the Africa Forum on Religion and Development, William Okoye during the national conference of african forum on religion and development in Abuja. PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

12 NEWS/BUSINESS

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

business news

Capital Market Indices Appreciate By 1.09%

BY Olushola Bello, Lagos

Equity transactions on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) opened for the week yesterday in an upward trend as the market indices improved by 1.09 per cent.

The appreciation was due to price gains by major equities. The market capitalisation appreciated

by N148 billion to close at N13.729 trillion when compared with the N13.581 trillion posted on Friday.

Equally, the All-Share Index increased by 448.20 basis points or 1.09 per cent to close at 41,577.47, against the 41,129.27 achieved on Friday.

Seplat led the gainers’ table by N14 to close at N684 per share.

Julius Berger came second with N7.10 to close at N76.45, while Nigerian Breweries appreciated

by N3.52 to close at N170.02 per share.

Oando advanced by N3.10 to

close at N33.47 and MRS gained N3 to close at N67 per share.

On the other hand, PZ topped the losers’ chart by N1.60 to close at N36.40 per share. NNFM trailed with a loss of N1.03 to close at N19.75, while Conoil dropped 80 kobo to close at N67.80 per share.

BOC Gas dropped 30 kobo to close at N5.76, while FBN Holdings lost 29 kobo to close at N15.10 per share.

LCCI, NSE Partner To Access Funds For SMEs

BY Olushola Bello, Lagos

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) are partnering in a bid to get cheap funds for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs).

The president of LCCI, Alhaji Remi Bello, stated this during the chamber’s courtesy visit to the NSE yesterday in Lagos.

He said, “Finance is major problem to the SMEs, and with the capital market objectives of providing long term funding, the exchange will be able to provide funds for the SMEs in the country.”

He pointed out that the chamber would provide a

platform whereby NSE executives would meet with the SMEs which are members of the LCCI to enlighten them on the benefits the stock exchange could offer to their businesses and on good corporate governance. He assured that with steps already taken, more SMEs will be listed on NSE in the future.

According to the directorgeneral of the LCCI, Mr Muda Yusuf, the capital market window is one area to address the funding issues affecting the SMEs so that investors can have access to long terms funds. He noted that long term fund is not available in the bank, saying, “a look at the portfolio of banks’ deposits showed that the bulk of deposits we have are short term funds.”

CBN Gives BDCs 23 Days To Raise Capital

By NSE ANTHONY-UKO, Abuja

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has given bureauxde-change (BDCs) operating in the country till July 15, 2014, comply with a new minimum capital of N35 million prescribed for their operations going forward.

The CBN yesterday announced an upward review of BDCs minimum paid up capital from N10 million to N35 million, giving them 23 days to meet up the new requirement.

Mr Isaac Okorafor, in a statement yesterday, said the new capital requirement for BDCs was in the bid to correct observed deficiencies in their operations which have led to gross inefficiencies and sharp practices in the foreign exchange market, growing incidence of rent-seeking, depletion of external reserves, financing of unauthorised transactions and dollarisation, among others.

According to the apex bank, “in order to ensure that only genuine companies operate as BDCs in Nigeria, the CBN makes the following modifications to the Bureaux De Change Guidelines: the minimum capital requirement for the operation of BDCs in Nigeria is reviewed to N35 million; the mandatory cautionary deposit is reviewed to N35 million and shall be deposited in a non-interest yielding account in the CBN upon the grant of Approval-in-Principle; the following fees shall apply to the licencing of BDCs: Application Fee - N100,000; Licencing Fee - N1 million; and Annual Renewal Fee - N250,000; and ownership of multiple BDCs is not permissible, and would be punishable if detected.”

However, all existing BDCs and those currently operating with a final approval letter are required to comply with the requirement on mandatory cautionary deposit by July 15, 2014, while all current applications are expected to comply with these new requirements with immediate effect, the apex bank stated.

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/business

L-R: Director, Retail Sales, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Charles Ogunwuyi; country manager, Core Group Africa and Authorized Distributor of Apple products in Nigeria, Mr. Sachin Verma; and head, Devices, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Olayiwola Onafowokan at the official launch of iPhone 5s on the Etisalat network, which held at the Etisalat Experience Centre, Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island last Friday. Photo By GBENGA OLAJOBI

No Money To Build New Airport Projects – FG

BY NKEM OSUAGWU, Lagos

The supervising minister for aviation, Mr Samuel Ortom, yesterday said the federal government would not embark on new projects in the aviation industry because of lack of funds to finish on-going projects at the airports.

Ortom disclosed this during an inspection tour of on-going remodelling works at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

The aviation ministry is burdened with a debt of N176 billion incurred from numerous projects initiated by the immediate past aviation minister, Stella Oduah. The ministry has been under pressure to strategise how to address the debt burden. There is a remodelling of the 22 government-

owned airports across the country.

Ortom said, “There is massive work going on at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport.

This is just one out of the 22 airports that are being remodelled.

As we speak, work is going on in other airports. Some have been completed. Yes, some of the projects have been suspended due to paucity of funding but you will agree that though the 2014 budget has been delayed, it has been signed into law by the president and once the funds are released to us, we will make it available to contractors to resume work.”

He also appealed to the federal government to make more funds available to complete the projects some of which have been abandoned by the contractor due to non payment for work done.

On what the ministry is doing to

address the situation, Ortom said, “We have to prioritise to complete those that are close to being completed. We will programme the projects based on their current level of execution. Though we have funding challenges, we can achieve a lot through internally generated revenue. We will strive to generate more revenue and plough it back into the system. We also appealed to the president for more funding and we are confident that if there are funds he could assist us with, he would oblige us. He is very committed to the revamping of the aviation sector being the initiator of the transformation in the aviation sector.

“During the cause of inspection, we have to identify some works we have to tidy up. We intend not to go on any new project until we tidy up these ones.”

FG To Licence Operators For TV White Space Technology

by Chima Akwaja, Lagos

The federal government, through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), will soon issue licences to six telecommunications operating companies for the pilot phase of the television (TV) white space technology which will be deployed to bridge digital communication gaps in rural and underserved areas in the country.

The minister of communications technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson, said the National Frequency Management Commission (NFMC)

approved the piloting of the TV white space technology in Nigeria, starting with the six companies. Pilots will be for one year under licencing from the NCC with the purpose to establish the TVWS solution as a viable rural access technology.

Johnson noted that while that is going on, the release of complementary licences for infrastructure companies (InfraCos) will follow shortly. “The NFMC continues to work closely with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and NCC with regards to digital dividends and the release of 2.5GHz

and 2.6GHz planned for later this year. Incumbent occupants of the spectrum have been engaged and a mode of transition is being worked out,” Johnson said.

TV white spaces are unused gaps between TV channels in the UHF spectrum. White Space refers to the unused broadcasting frequencies in the wireless spectrum. Television networks leave gaps between channels for buffering purposes, and this space in the wireless spectrum is similar to what is used for 4G and so it can be used to deliver widespread broadband internet.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

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Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Some pictures of the wedding reception

of the daughter of

Alhaji Tijjani Zango Daura in Kaduna

THE COUPLE ZAINAB AND AFFAN AHMED

THE COUPLE

THE COUPLE WITH FRIENDS

THE COUPLE WITH PARENTS

THE COUPLE WITH SISTERS

DANCING TIME

THE BRIDE DANCING

THE GROOM WITH FRIENDS

WIFE OF FORMER KADUNA STATE ADMINISTRATOR HAJIYA HADIZA JAFARU ISAH [L] HAJIYA UMMA SULEMAN WALI [R] WITH COUPLE

QUEEN LARAI VICTORIA KOKO POSED WITH THE COUPLE

THE GROOM AFFAN AHMED WITH MANAGING DIRECTOR WALIJAM NIGERIA LIMITED, MALLAM HAMZA BELLO

THE COUPLE

16 NEWS/BUSINESS

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

IFC Commits $9.5 Million In Jabi Lake Mall

By Chika Izuora, Lagos

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, said it is committing $9.5 million investment in the Jabi Lake Mall to support demand for modern business infrastructure and retail space in Abuja,Nigeria.

The $120 million Jabi Lake Shopping Mall is being built on five hectares of land on the Jabi Lake waterfront at Jabi, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Once complete, it will be Nigeria’s largest shopping mall with over 30,000 square

meters of shopping space.

The project’s primary sponsor is the Actis Africa Real Estate Fund 2. Duval Properties is the joint venture partner alongside Actis.

Director, Actis Africa Real Estate Fund 2, Ms. Amanda Jean Baptiste, said, “Investing in the Jabi Lake Mall demonstrates Actis’s commitment to developing world-class retail destinations and adding to the domestic infrastructure in Nigeria, as well as our support for the growing demands of a rapidly changing economy.

“Our partnership with IFC

will help us draw on their expertise in international best practice in the environmental and social aspects of the project that affect property development.”

On his part, IFC country manager for Nigeria, Solomon Adegbie-Quaynor, said, “Our investment is part of IFC’s strategy to help strengthen business infrastructure, contribute to economic growth, and increase job opportunities in Nigeria.

“Actis is a strong partner in this regard, that can also transfer best modern retail practices.”

The project when concluded will create about 350 construction jobs and 900 long-term, retail-sector jobs.

It will create new sales channels for Nigerian retailers, including local small and medium enterprises. Its construction will provide business opportunities for local suppliers of food,construction materials and services, and will serve as a catalyst for urban development in the area around the mall.

Construction began on the project in late 2013 and is expected to be completed in 2015.

expressed delight that the project was 84 per cent completed.

Sambo, who defied the afternoon downpour to supervise the projects, said “I have confirmed that by December, power will be generated and supply to Nigeria from Kudenda power plant.

“I want to assure Nigerian that Mr. President is keeping his transformation agenda and his promise to the

people in the Northern part of the country.

“We are doing everything to transform Nigeria and to ensure that power is provided in the country ,” he said.

While expressed satisfaction with the progress of work, Sambo urged the contractor to redouble efforts towards achieving the December dateline.

In his speech, the minister of Power,

Prof. Chinedu Nebo, who spoke at the event assured the Nigerians of the administration’s desire to improved power supply in the country.

Kaduna State governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, who spoke, also expressed gratitude to the President for citing the projects in Kaduna State and assured the President of his administration’s continual support.

Kaduna Power Plant Ready In 6 Months - Sambo

By MIDAT JOSEPH, Kaduna

Vice President Namadi Sambo yesterday expressed optimism that 215 mega watts will soon be added into the national grid by the end of this year.

Vice President Sambo, who gave the assurance after a personal assessment tour on the ongoing works at the Kaduna 215 megawatt Thermal Power Plant,

Firm To Invest N1.4trn In Electricity Generating Plants

BY Juliet Alohan, Abuja

As part of efforts to support the federal government’s ongoing reforms at delivering reliable electricity to Nigerians, an indigenous energy firm, Nican Power, has said it has concluded plans to invest $8 billion, about N1.4 trillion, in the sector.

The investment, according to the company’s chief operating officer, Engr. George Njoku, while speaking exclusively to LEADERSHIP, will used to build electric power projects using renewable energy sources in the rural areas in order to boost social and economic activities.

The minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, recently lamented that an unacceptable number of Nigerians, most of whom live in the rural areas, have no access to electricity.

The minister called on the private sector to support the federal government to electrify the rural areas by investing in

available renewable energy sources.

Giving details of the planned investment, Njoku said the funding for the project will be provided by their foreign partner, JS Neo Plant Ltd, with a total loan term of 20 years at 3 per cent interest rate post construction period.

He said the project is targeting a total of 6,000mw generation capacity power projects at various selected rural communities across the country using available renewables as the energy source for domestic and non-domestic use.

He said “In view of the vandalisation of gas pipelines which occasioned from csting power plants far from the energy source, we have decided to ensure that we use available renewable energy in each community to generate power.

“We will engage in captive and embedded generation for the communities and feed the excess power to the national grid.”

CHEVRON NIGERIA LIMITED R. C. 6135

Operator of the NNPC\Chevron Joint Venture DISCLAIMER: Notice of False Recruitment Information & Improper Use of the name Chevron Nigeria Limited Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), operator of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture, is aware of circulation of false recruitment information allegedly posted by CNL in several media outlets, advertising job positions in the Company. Additionally, fraudulent job offers have reportedly been sent via emails by individuals purporting to be the Human Resources (HR) Managers of CNL, with the intent to defraud their victims.

CNL does not, and will not require applicants to make payment towards processing job applications. Therefore, recruitment advertisements requesting candidates to part with money, at any point during the recruitment process, are not from CNL.

CNL hereby dissociates itself from such false job recruitment information and offer of employment contracts published in any newspaper, web sites, emails and others. CNL did not make or authorize any such publication.

Job advertisements from Chevron Nigeria Limited are posted on the website at: https:/www.careers.chevron.com after advertisement in national newspapers. Consequently, Chevron Nigeria Limited will not be able to answer enquiries about fraudulent advertisements and job offers.

Members of the general public are hereby notified that:

CNL does not solicit job applications or initiate the process for recruitments via emails.

Management Chevron Nigeria Limited, 2 Chevron Drive, Lekki Peninsula, P.M.B. 12825, Lagos.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

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E-Business/BUSINESS 19

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

WITIN Equips Nigerian Children With Digital Skills This year’s internet camp, iCamp 2014, being organised by the Women in Technology in Nigeria (WITIN), is targeting digital empowerment for children in schools.

According to the founder of WITIN, Mrs Martha Alade, iCamp is a six-week work-at-home complementary summer camp for adolescents aged between 9-18 to help them discover their innate information and communication technology talents.

The three weeks

programme provides digital skill opportunities to children by exposing them to high profile software that will advance and aid learning beyond the walls of classrooms as well as inspire innovative tendencies in them.

The event will keep the children positively and efficiently engaged on computers, converting the hours spent daily on frivolous activities and directing that same energy to creativity and innovation while still having fun.

“iCamp will supplement their normal physical activities during summer as it is online.

“They can participate from anywhere in the world. We currently have participants from the United States of America (USA) who have registered for the camp,” Alade said.

Also, the modules will focus on graphics, drawing, animation, digital story-telling, and entrepreneurship which turns children’s ideas to profit; as well as project,” she said.

GTBank Builds Payment Solution For Telecom Subscribers Guaranty Trust Bank plc has built an innovative alternative channel for its customers to conveniently top up their mobile phones using GTBank 1 Click Topup.

The service offers GTBank customers on MTN, Etisalat and Airtel networks an efficient and easy way of topping-up their mobile phones using any type of mobile device.

It enables all GTBank customers top up their mobile phones from available balances in their bank accounts with ease and brings a higher level of convenience to customers as it is designed to deliver with speed and simplicity. To recharge a mobile phone, all the customer needs to do is dial *737*AMOUNT# e.g. *737*1000# from a

registered phone number with the bank and the customer’s phone gets topped up automatically.

Customers can recharge up to the sum of N5,000 daily. This product will also help telecommunications operators digitalise payments as it reduces distribution cost, increases average revenue per user and also ensures round the clock sales of airtime.

20 BUSINESS/CUSTOMS

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

New Trade Facilitation Programme Underway For Customs The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has announced that a new trade facilitation model, which will be open to all member countries, including Nigeria, would soon be unveiled.

The WCO is the governing body of all customs administrations in the world with about 180 member countries and headquarters in Brussels.

The secretary-general of the organisation, Kunio Mikuriya, disclosed the development while addressing delegates at an information session on supporting the implementation of the world trade organisation (WTO) agreement on trade facilitation, at the WTO Headquarters recently in Geneva Switzerland.

Mikuriya said the new trade facilitation programme is expected to be closely coordinated with the WTO and would be open to all WCO members, offering coherency, continuity, transparency and compatibility.

The need to improve trade facilitation whilst continuously strategising on ways to ensure import, export and transit trade is conducted amongst countries in a risk free manner has been one of the priorities of the WCO. The organisation is committed to ensuring optimum benefit for governments of member countries.

The event was organised with the objective of familiarising the WTO and other international organisation delegates based in Geneva with the work of the WCO in relation to implementation of the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation (ATF). Over 80 delegates from the WCO member and observer countries as well as international organisations were attracted to the meeting where critical issues were discussed.

The WCO boss thanked the WTO for hosting the event even as he emphasised the history of the WCO/WTO cooperation and the WCO’s readiness to

support the WTO Committee on Trade Facilitation in the same manner as it supports the Agreement on Customs Valuation and the Agreement on Rules of Origin.

The information session, which was moderated by the chairperson of the WCO working group on the ATF, Ms Gugu Dlamini Zwane, from the Swaziland Revenue Authority, provided an overview of the work carried out so far and the plans ahead as well as the technical assistance and capacity building methodology and deliverables.

Addressing the meeting, the WTO director-general, Mr Roberto Azevêdo, congratulated the WCO for establishing its working group on the ATF and stressed that the WTO secretariat will do all it can to support its work.

Azevedo also took the opportunity to welcome the WCO Dublin resolution which was issued in the days after the Bali ministerial and which underscored the WCO commitment to the efficient implementation of the ATF. Speaking further, Azevêdo added that the WTO was counting on the WCO to play a key role in assisting customs in this endeavour.

Meanwhile, the WCO and International Trade Centre (ITC) has concluded a memoradum of understanding (MoU) for the implementation of the WTO agreement on trade facilitation The WCO secretary-general and the executive director of the ITC, Arancha González, concluded the MoU at the ITC headquarters recently as part of efforts to support the full implementation of the WTO ATF. According to a statement on the WCO official website, the implementation of the ATF will contribute to promote customs modernisation, reduce time and cost for border crossings, and enhance export competitiveness of the private sector, including small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

customs focus

By JULIET ALOHAN

This is further expected to support economic growth and alleviation of poverty in view of the fact that the ITC works to increase the competitiveness of SMEs and improves the business environment for trade.

Remarking on the development, González assured that the ITC will help countries to remove international trade supply chain barriers in order to Dikko facilitate cross border transactions and improve the competitiveness of the private sector.

Being a member of the WCO, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) which is currently undergoing a massive modernisation exercise will to a large extent benefit from this measure. For his part, Mikuriya specifically underlined one of the WCO’s visions, leading modernisation and connectivity, stating that it will help to bridge the gap between the customs and business communities. He added that the WCO has developed the economic competitiveness package to assist customs administrations to contribute to enhancing national competitiveness.

The WCO and ITC have said that together they will develop greater synergy on trade facilitation by jointly providing technical assistance and capacity building to customs administrations as well as the private sector, in particular SMEs, taking into cognizance the importance of strategic

planning.

Both Mikuriya and González agreed to explore the concrete projects to support full implementation of the ATF based on the MoU. The MoU will also facilitate customs and business partnerships as well as contribute to economic growth, social protection and stability.

In a related development, the WCO has concluded a workshop on risk-based passenger selectivity for customs administrations in the Asia/Pacific region as part of its continued efforts aimed at capacity development for customs officers.

The workshop was organised following the identification in an annual needs assessment that riskbased passenger selectivity is a common challenge for many administrations. 33 representatives from 28 customs administrations in the Asia/Pacific region participated in the WCO regional workshop on Risk-based Passenger Selectivity earlier this month.

It was held at the WCO

Regional Training Centre in Cheonan, Korea, and was organised in cooperation with the Korea Customs Service (KCS) and Asia/Pacific Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB A/P) with the sponsorship of the Japanese Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF).

The 5-day workshop covered the main elements of organisational risk management and before focusing on riskbased passenger selectivity, participants were taken through several elements of risk assessment, profiling and targeting, including information and intelligence.

During the opening remarks, the director-general of Customs Border Control Training Center of KCS (Regional Training Center), Mr Jungil Seo, and representatives of the WCO and ROCB A/P highlighted the importance of adopting a holistic approach when implementing risk management. They also emphasised the relationship between risk-based selectivity and effective resource allocation, facilitation and control.

Some elements of risk management at the organisational level were covered throughout the workshop. Although the main focus was risk management at the operational level (risk assessment, profiling and targeting), with several syndicate group tasks, practical exercises, case studies and country presentations, the spotlight was put on passenger selectivity.

During the syndicate group tasks and country presentations, participants entered into in-depth discussions on how to identify high-risk passengers by utilising the methodology explained in the WCO Customs Risk Management Compendium. Case studies and practical exercises also contributed to deepening participants understanding of the topics.

Customs Get Training On Improvised Explosive Devices As part of the World Customs Organisations (WCO) Programme Global Shield, 17 Customs and police officers from Afghanistan have benefited from a Train-the-Trainer session on detecting and deterring the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The Afghani officers are now equipped with skills required to provide training on the control of such commodities within their

own administration and, as WCO accredited trainers, will train officers on combating the threat of IEDs. The training took place earlier this month at the WCO Europe Regional Office for Capacity Builiding (ROCB) in Baku, Azerbaijan. The officers from the Afghanistan Customs Department and the Afghanistan Border Police were presented with theory and practical

exercises regarding IEDs threats, explosive precursor chemicals detection, recognition and identification, examination techniques and WCO enforcement tools.

The WCO organises such trainings as vital steps to build awareness about the threats posed by the trade in some specific chemicals and to build capacity to combat illicit trade and secure the supply chain.

The event was opened and closed by the chief of the Department for Prevention of Smuggling of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan, Major-General Guloglan Muradli, who reflected on the importance of training customs and law enforcement specialists to combat smuggling and trafficking of precursor chemicals and components used to manufacture IEDs.

The training received the support of representatives from the UNODC-WCO Container Control Programme, the WCO Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for East and Central Europe (RILO), the Customs Service of Poland, the Customs Administration of Georgia and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Directorate of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Aviation/BUSINESS 21

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

aviation REPORTS

Air France Enhances Summer Offerings With More Destinations, Others

A fleet of Arik aircraft

Aviation Analyst Makes Case For Fly Nigeria Act A call has been made for Nigeria to empower indigenous airlines with emphasis on the Fly Nigeria Act that would make it mandatory for corporations, especially those benefiting from government fund, to always patronise indigenous airlines whenever they have to travel outside the country.

The call was made by an aviation analysts Mr Olumide Ohuanyo, who was speaking against the backdrop of the ongoing World Cup in Brazil and the fact that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and its supporters club flew hundreds of Nigerians, including the football team, on an American carrier when the country has a home grown airline with the capability to fly the Nigerian contingent to the global tournament.

“I watched the arrival of different countries on their respective carriers until the documentary got to our Super Eagles. I initially thought it was an error when they announced the arrival of the Nigerian team because the American flag was proudly emblazoned on the aircraft’s fuselage. Alas, I was wrong. Shortly after, Team USA proudly touched down in an aircraft with the same flag.

“We have invested a lot of fortune in qualifying and preparing

for this tournament, we also lost precious lives of fans that were blown away at different viewing centres across the northern part of the country by insurgents. In the end, it is the American and Ethiopian airlines that have reaped from where their governments, corporate organisations and fans did not sow.

“A flag, despite its simplicity, on a massive structure like an aircraft’s fuselage, seen by millions of people can eclipse an impressive aircraft design. It is an identity, mark of place, pride and strength.

It is an expression of a nation’s capabilities wherever it touches down,” Ohuanyo said.

He gave an instance with what happened during the last tournament in South Africa, when a Nigerian airline, Arik Air, bailed out the Nigerian team after they were disappointed at the last minute by the foreign carrier engaged to airlift them to and fro the tournament.

“It was providence that gave us the pride of a Nigerian carrier taking the team to the tournament. It was the only option left for government after a foreign airline provided an aircraft much older than the oldest aircraft in Arik Air’s fleet. The aircraft broke down at the 11th hour. A Nigerian airline that was initially overlooked

redeemed our image, but we lost the funds paid to the foreign airline,” he said.

He decried the unpatriotic attitude of the leadership of the NFF and other sports supporters club that are funded by the federal government as well as different corporate organisations in Nigeria for consistently using “our home grown funds to fly foreign carriers.”

Ohunayo said, “They recently flew 200 supporters to Brazil on Ethiopian Airlines (ET), bypassing our carriers like the NFF. A Nigerian carrier could have taken them straight to Brazil without a stopover. Our carriers are struggling financially, while the Ethiopian carrier recently declared a revenue of $2.3 billion, thus becoming the most profitable carrier in Africa.”

Also, Ohuanyo was particularly unhappy over the generous frequencies given to foreign airlines in Nigeria to the detriment of indigenous airlines, especially Ethiopian airline which has footprints into destinations in all the geographical regions of the country.

According to him, “A phased implementation of the Fly Nigeria Act is imperative for the development of the industry and reduction in capital flight,” he stressed.

Our carriers are struggling financially, while the Ethiopian carrier recently declared a revenue of $2.3 billion, thus becoming the most profitable carrier in Africa

Air France said it is expanding its network of nonstop routes this summer with flights to TokyoHaneda in Japan, Brasilia, the capital of the country hosting the World Cup, and Stavanger in Norway, even as new partnerships are increasing its number of connecting opportunities.

Air France also said it is providing the A380 aircraft daily to new destinations like Hong Kong and San Francisco.

The two routes are in addition to the existing routes to Los Angeles, New York-JFK, Washington-DC, Johannesburg and Shanghai.

On short and medium haul flights, the Seat Plus, which offers more legroom, is also available on all flights for customers travelling in the Economy and Premium Economy cabins at an additional cost of 10, 15 or 20 euros depending on the length of flight. Air France is also implementing selfservice channels at the airport for its short and medium haul customers to make their time at the airport easier, smoother and faster, with a self-tag system, new signage and new automatic baggage drop-off points at Paris-Charles De Gaulle, Orly and Nice.

Air France’s Kids offer has further been enhanced with new features, including colouring books offered to young passengers, development of an offer of youth magazines on digital tablets, a first flight certificate for first-time flyers, etc.

LABS Produces Best Student For IATA/UFTAA Travel Examination Landover Aviation Business School (LABS) said it has attained giant strides in manpower development as one of its students, Miss Maureen Ozurumba, emerged top of the class of students who wrote the IATA/UFTAA Travel and Tourism Foundation examination in Nigeria.

During the March 2014 examination, Ozurumba was ranked the overall Best Performer in Nigeria.

LABS business manager, Mrs Oluwatoyin Sanni, who presented the certificate to Ozurumba said, “We are delighted and proud of this achievement and we congratulate our student, Miss Ozurumba, who has been ranked above all other students in Nigeria at the March 2014 examination.

She added that the school’s commitment in offering quality aviation training and uncompromising standards resulted in the pass rate of students at the IATA exams, with many receiving the highest possible grade of distinction at each successive exam.

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Tuesday, June 24, 2014

science

23

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

6000

The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo has assured that the country’s electricity generation will hit 6000 before December 2014.

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

The executive vice chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, Engr. Mohammed Haruna (5th from right) and the the managing director of the Nigerian Machine Tools, Oshogbo, Mr. Nobert Chukwumah (middle) flanked by NMT engineers and NASENI officials during a tour of the company’s facility in Osun State.

NASENI Partners NMT On Production Of Equipments, Machine Tools

By Nkechi Isaac, Abuja

In its bid to hasten the industrialization of the country, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has entered into a strategic collaboration with the Nigeria Machine Tools (NMT) Oshogbo to produce equipments and machine tools.

Speaking with journalists during a tour of the NMT facility in Oshogbo, the executive vice chairman of NASENI, Engr.

Mohammed Haruna, revealed that the collaboration with the company was already yielding results as the duo had started a small scale production and assembly of spare parts needed by industries in Nigeria.

He said, “this facility tour is as a follow-up on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that we entered into with the company

“this facility tour is as a follow-up on the MoU that we entered into with the company about two years ago to construct machines and equipments for the rapid industrialization of the nation

about two years ago to construct machines and equipments for the rapid industrialization of the nation. The collaboration was aimed at setting out the modalities and framework to achieve the production of semi computer numerical control lathe machines and other machine tools. It also outlined aspects of the project for individual stakes, consensual rights, expected roles, functions and relations between the two parties.

“The scope of work and relationship between the two parties, the MoU, stipulates that NMTL shall undertake the design, manufacture and assembly of all the mechanical components of the semi computer numerical control lathe machines and other machine tools, while NASENI shall undertake the design, manufacture and assembly of

all electrical/electronic and ICT facilities of same machines and tools,” he stated.

According to the NASENI boss, the agency is set to achieve its mandate, which is the capital goods research development and production. He, however, said the mandate could not be achieved in isolation, stressing the need to collaborate with core industries that would help it achieve its mandate.

Haruna said, “the mandate of NASENI is in the area of capital goods research development and production. We cannot be doing our research and development activities alone until we see what is happening and prioritize the needs of the industry, not necessarily what we want to do but what is needed in the industries. So, we’re seeing what is actually obtainable in an important industry such as this which is

essential for the production of tools and equipment that are necessary for industrial development of the country.

“The essence of this partnership is that we cannot be doing our research alone until we go to the real industries and see what they are doing.

There are certain machines we have the competence of doing the research and development yet we have limited resources for their actual manufacturing.

So we’re here to find ways of fine tuning them and moving to the next level. There are certain machines that are essential and until are provided for in the country, we can continue to import the spare parts, machines and even the products.”

According to him, “this can translate into products in Nigeria. We have been working together with them

24

24 SCIENCE/news

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

NASENI Partners NMT On Production Of Equipments, Machine Tools 23

to assemble machinaries with a view to producing the components in Nigeria instead of only assembling. We’re doing a degree of manufacturing and they are also doing. So, we’re here to marry them together in other to have a substantial local content in our products.

“So, the next stage is to ensure that these automated

CSTD Commences Awareness On Satellite Technology Development The Centre for Satellite Technology Development (CSTD) is set to start educating Nigerians on the benefits of exploring and utilizing satellite in the country.

The director of the centre, Mr. Spencer Onu, made this disclosure in an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP, saying “we have discovered that people know little or nothing about satellite technology development or the activities of our centre. That was why we held a summit with the theme ‘sustainable economic benefits of space technology’ in Abuja.

“The main objective was to create awareness on what satellite technology is all about, how it is of benefit to the common person – the woman selling her groundnut in the market, the farmer, transporters, town planners and others. Also, it was aimed at discussing possible collaborations with agencies that should be stakeholders but, unfortunately, are not, neither do they know the products to be produced,” he further stated.

According to him, “we know that if they are aware of our products, they will be willing to discuss with us and actually make use of our products. This is the third edition and, according to feed-back, it was successful. We have received contacts for personal collaborations, a thing which has never happened in the three-year history of the celebrations.”

Spencer listed the benefits of such meetings, saying personal collaborations had increased, while key partnerships had been uncovered for capacity-building or training to get used to the applications for the satellites.

—By Nkechi Isaac, Abuja

Dr. Spencer Onuh

Top 3 Headlines ➊Electricity Gen-

machines are assembled here and some components are produced by NASENI and some produced by NMT in their competent areas until we have substantial or nearly 100 per cent local content in the machines that will be produced, other machines that will produce other products that are needed by other industries

in the country.”

In his remarks, the managing director of NMT, Mr. Nobert Chukwumah, said that the company had entered into a strategic collaborative agreement with NASENI with the aim of fast tracking rapid industrialisation of the nation.

Chukwurah said, “this collaborative agreement has

NASENI Receives Achievement Award

eration To Hit 6000

By December- FG

➋CSTD Commences Awareness On Satellite Technology Development

➌ Science, Technol-

ogy And Innovation, Vital For Job Creation

L-R: The president of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Prof. Ayo Ogunye presenting the achievement award to the EVC of NASENI, Engr. Mohammed Harunai.

Electricity Generation To Hit 6000 By December- FG The Minister of Power, Prof.

Chinedu Nebo has assured that the country’s electricity generation will hit 6000 before December this year, pointing out that a lot has been invested in the power sector to make that a reality.

He gave the assurance in Nsukka at the weekend at the 15th Herbert Macaulay memorial lecture organised by the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Nigeria Nsukka titled, “Revitalizing an Effective Power System for Sustainable Development in Nigeria”.

According to him, the numerous investments in the power sector was sequel to President Jonathan’s belief that electricity is a catalyst to realisation of the country’s Vision 20:2020.

—By Nnamdi Mbawike, Enugu.

been on now for about two and a half years and in that process we’re trying to merge our capabilities together to see how we can produce equipments that are required for Nigeria’s industrialization.”

Talking on human capacity development, the NMT boss said, “we will be interchanging with the company, our own

By Nkechi Isaac, Abuja

The Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE) has presented an achievement award to the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in recognition of its inventions and innovations.

Presenting the award to the executive vice chairman

(EVC) of the agency, Engr. Mohammed Haruna, during the 2014 academy technology dinner in Lagos, the president of the academy, Prof. Ayo Ogunye, said the award was in recognition of NASENI’s immense contribution to innovations and inventions in Nigeria.

Ogunye said, “assessment of the agency for the NAE award has revealed that processes, machines and equipment developed

by NASENI have in no little measures contributed to national development of Nigeria. The academy therefore acknowledges the innovativeness and achievement of NASENI.” Receiving the award on behalf of the agency, the NASENI boss expressed delight over the recognition, saying it would challenge

the agency to bring out more innovations for the benefit and development of the nation.

He said, “it is exciting to receive an award from a nobel organization such as the NAE. We consider it as a challenge to remain a leader in innovations and inventions of products that is needed such that Nigeria will not continue to depend on importation.

“NASENI is seeing it as a challenge to do more and of course the initiative by the academy is to promote excellence.”

According to him, “this move will encourage creativity. This is what the nation needs right now to aspire for excellence, I believe the potential of the nation is not yet out and with recognitions like this the best is yet to come out.”

Science, Technology And Innovation, Vital For Job Creation

By Nkechi Isaac, Abuja

The director-general of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Engr. Umar Buba Bindir has identified science, technology and innovation as vital instruments for job creation in Nigeria.

He stated this when he received the director-general of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDAN), Mr. Bukar Umar Bande, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja, emphasising the need to reinvigorate them for the desired impact on the country.

He said, “the world has become a global village, there has been an increasing need to strengthen and reinvigorate science, technology and innovation as vital instruments for job

creation especially in the developing countries.”

He said with the interest and enthusiasm already demonstrated by the SMEDAN’s boss towards their collaboration, the impact of the partnership would soon be felt by Nigerians.

The NOTAP boss further revealed that his agency was also collaborating with universities, research institutions and multinational companies to implement its programme known as NOTAP Industry Technology Transfer Fellowship (NITTF).

He said the programme was designed to benefit young Nigerian graduates with first class and second class upper divisions in various areas of academic endeavour who are ready and willing to take up lecturing jobs and pursue their

Ph.D in any Nigerian university.

He expressed optimism in the partnership with SMEDAN and said other government agencies were beginning to realize the importance of collaboration in ensuring the achievement of organizational set goals.

In his remarks, the SMEDAN DG said NOTAP was a natural partner and it was only pertinent for the two agencies to come together to facilitate the commercialization of some research and development (R&D) already identified in Nigerian research Institutions for commercialization.

He said no single agency of government could achieve its full potential without collaborating with others to see areas of strength and weaknesses.

Bindir

150MVA Transformer To Boost Power Supply In Asaba, Ibusa, Others

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

A 150MVA transformer that will boost power supply in Asaba, Ibusa and other communities in Delta State and end years of frustration and agony of the people as a result of constant interruption in power supply will soon become operational.

The project manager, Ak-Ay Electric, the contractor in charge of the Asaba sub station, Mr. Odinaka Amobi told Leadership

Weekend that the people’s agitation for improved power supply would be realised with the commissioning of the 330/132/33KV Asaba substation on July 28, 2014.

He said the 150 MVA and the two 60 MVA transformers and all other equipment had been installed and were ready to receive from high tension, adding “the company had delivered on the mandate given to it and as soon as the 330KV lines come the substation would kick-off”.

150MVA A 150MVA transformer that will boost power supply in Asaba will soon be operational

Speaking further, Amobi said “we are waiting for the line either from Benin or from Obosi in Anambra state and as soon as it comes we shall do the final commissioning of the Asaba 330/132/33KV sub station.

We have met with the concerned stakeholders and the federal executives, the promise is that the transmissions company of Nigeria (TCN) would deliver on the lines for the project to be inaugurated on July 28”.

NEWS /SCIENCE 25

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

science

titbits

Compiled by Nkechi Isaac

➏ ➐

➋ ➌➊ ➎

➋

➍

➊ Satellite Technology Can Be Used To Count Whales Scientists have demonstrated how new satellite technology can be used to count whales, and ultimately estimate their population size. Using Very High Resolution (VHR) satellite imagery, alongside image processing software, they were able to automatically detect and count whales breeding in part of the Golfo Nuevo, Peninsula Valdes in Argentina.

— Sciencedaily

➋ Bird Flu ‘Danger Zones’ Mapped

❹ Us Lifts Restrictions

On More Detailed Satellite Images

Sites like Google and Bing Maps will be able to use higher-quality satellite images, thanks to US government restrictions being lifted.

Companies had not been allowed to make use of images where features smaller than 50cm were visible.

But one imaging firm, Digital Globe, said it would be able to sell images that showed features as small as 31cm.

One lawyer told the BBC he expected “repercussions” from people worried about their privacy.

—BBC

Top 3 Headline ➊ Satellite Tech-

nology Can Be Used To Count Whales

➋ Hybrid Circuit May Replace Silicon ➌ Swarm

Mission Makes Magnetic Maps

The “danger zones” in Asia which are vulnerable to a deadly bird flu have been mapped by scientists.

The virus, called H7N9, has infected 433 people mostly in China and has killed 62.

The study, published in Nature Communications, showed parts of Bangladesh, India and Vietnam could easily sustain the virus.

The research group said those areas should monitor poultry to ensure any threat is detected.

The H7N9 virus spread from

birds to people and was first detected in March 2013 in China.

New viruses are always a concern because of their unknown potential to spread round the world as a deadly pandemic.

Data from the H7N9 outbreak was used to build a computer model of other at-risk areas in Asia.

It involved mapping 8,000 live-poultry markets and assessing how close together they needed to be to spread the infection.

—BBC

➌ Swarm Mission Makes Magnetic Maps Europe’s Swarm space mission has begun making maps of Earth’s magnetic field.

Data just released shows how the field generated in the planet’s liquid outer core varies in strength over the course of a few months.

Swarm’s early assessment appears to support the prevailing view that this magnetic cloak in general is weakening.

Many experts believe it heralds a flip in the poles, where north becomes south and vice versa, although it would take thousands of years to complete.

The European Space Agency’s Swarm mission was launched last November.

It comprises three satellites that are equipped with a variety of instruments - the key ones being state-of-the-art magnetometers that measure field strength and direction.

—BBC

➏ Hybrid Circuit May Replace Silicon -Researchers

Space Robot

➎ New Robotic

Refueling Technologies Tested

NASA has successfully concluded a remotely controlled test of new technologies that would empower future space robots to transfer hazardous oxidizer -- a type of propellant -- into the tanks of satellites in space today.

Concurrently on the ground, NASA is incorporating results

from this test and the Robotic Refueling Mission on the International Space Station to prepare for an upcoming groundbased test of a full-sized robotic servicer system that will perform tasks on a mock satellite client.

Collectively, these efforts are part of an ongoing

and aggressive technology development campaign to equip robots and humans with the tools and capabilities needed for spacecraft maintenance and repair, the assembly of large space telescopes, and extended human exploration.

— Sciencedaily

When it comes to electronics, silicon will now have to share the spotlight. In a paper recently published in Nature Communications, researchers from the USC Viterbi School of Engineering describe how they have overcome a major issue in carbon nanotube technology by developing a flexible, energy-efficient hybrid circuit combining carbon nanotube thin film transistors with other thin film transistors.

This hybrid could take the place of silicon as the traditional transistor material used in electronic chips, since carbon nanotubes are more transparent, flexible, and can be processed at a lower cost.

Electrical engineering professor Dr. Chongwu Zhou and USC Viterbi graduate students Haitian Chen, Yu Cao, and Jialu Zhang developed this energy-efficient circuit by integrating carbon nanotube (CNT).

— Sciencedaily

26 SCIENCE/feature

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Schools Have No Infrastructure To Support ICT-based Exams – Ochie The decision by all the examination bodies, WAEC, NECO and JAMB to commence computer-based exams from 2015 has fuelled the question – will the government schools be able to cope with this? In this interview with NKECHI ISAAC, the chief executive officer of Certified System Limited, Engr. Emmanuel Ochie dwells on this. He laments the dearth of requisite Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure to drive teaching and learning in the secondary and tertiary education system in Nigeria. He talks about the need to bridge the gap in order to take education to the next level in the country. The excerpts.

What is the ICT summit on schools at the secondary and tertiary level all about, and why are you organising this summit?

short BIO OF

Engr.

Emmanuel Ochie

Ochie is the chief executive officer of Certified System Limited.

We are embarking on an ICT summit and it is mainly for training, and basically what we are working hard to do is to bridge the gap of Information communication technology knowledge within the education sector of the country basically because it’s an indispensable component that will advance teaching and learning in our schools.

With the government transformation agenda to drive the education system to the next level this is one component that has not been properly captured to the best of my knowledge. Peradventure it is captured but there are no evidences or activities that are showing to us that there is something that the government is doing in that direction.

Presently all the examination bodies (WAEC, NECO and JAMB) are talking about computerbased exams starting 2015. The question is how prepared are the government schools to be able to cope with this trend?

As much as I know, well over 7080 per cent of our schools don’t have infrastructure to support all

of these. And what we are doing is use this summit to call them and I know that if the education system must move forward we must firstly get them to know what they need to do to put all these in place before funding.

People should be able to identify what their requirements are, what is the peculiar environment the school is located. It is not what is happening in the schools in FCT that is happening in the schools in Warri.

The infrastructural gap is far apart, and the provision also infrastructurally does not agree.

So we are saying wherever you belong as public or private school, do you have an internal policy or framework that can best position each of these schools to meet the requirements of computer based exams? Secondly, computer based exam is just one of the components or benefits of ICT in terms of the school system.

The teaching and learning methods have changed, we are still in an obsolete and forgotten method of teaching and learning in the 21st century school environment. We are talking about interactive, teaching and learning methods that best suit the calibre of children we are bringing up now to be able to learn not just as

students but to compete favourably wherever they find themselves.

What have you put in place to sustain this drive, is it for one or two years, and what will be your role after the summit?

Like I said, one of the reasons we are bringing in the government agencies is for them to be positioned right for them to play their respective roles. We as a company are providing professional support and service to drive this.

For teachers, in the first place 70 per cent of them are supposed not to be in school to teach. Most of them don’t even have words to give to the students, and we already know that.

That is the reason World Bank did an intervention for Lagos State government, and about $70 million was used for just capacity building of teachers, because we already have assessment on Lagos, and over 65 per cent of their teachers failed primary exams, I mean teachers that teach students to pass exam and they failed.

And that has achieved tremendous results. They also devised a strategy and made it competitive for schools. So every principal is made to submit his term of reference whether he is delivering or not.

Ochie

As at January this year, from the assessment, teachers and students’ performance has been improved up to 40 per cent. In the same line, what we are going to do is through the government agencies because we don’t have the capacity to fund all of these.

We’ll devise capacity building programme and workshops either in zones or whichever manner, we may segment the school system in such a manner that every school will have selected teachers that the capacity will be built to be able to support whatever we are talking about.

How do you intend to follow through this drive in covering the rest of the states, and not just focusing on Abuja and Lagos?

You can only do what your strength can carry. We sometimes receive sub-contracts from politicians and unknown companies in ICT that got massive contracts out of political will for whatever reasons.

It is a little bit difficult, and it has to do with the intention of the states respectively.

The teaching and learning methods have changed, we are still in an obsolete and forgotten method of teaching and learning in the 21st century school environment.

Civil Service Must Move Beyond Bureaucracy – Perm Sec

BY UGOCHUKWU IROKA, Abuja

The Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Communication Technology, Dr. Tunji Olaopa has called for a change in the bureaucratic culture within the civil service to give a new compelling logic of open government paradigm to the system.

Olaopa blamed the bureaucratic culture in the service as a reason for ineffectiveness of the civil service.

Speaking at the 2014 annual public lecture for the public service week in Lagos, yesterday, Olaopa stated that cultures that must be dropped within the civil service for compelling logic of open government to work

includes, the tendency to want to follow rules and regulations blindly with scant regards for measuring and reporting with stakeholders partnership results of the impacts of policies and programmes; He also listed subversion of meritocracy due to weak systemic controls that normally should disallow the objectively less deserving from reaching service managerial positions; a culture of playing safe and risk aversion that invariably limits innovation and creativity and service’s closure to systematic entries from other professions and the resultants evidence of genetic inbreeding.

According to Olaopa who spoke on the bureaucratic administrative civil service structure and how

it responds to the challenges of open government, ‘the challenge for public managers resides in the Official Secret Act-conditioned subsisting orientation which renders governments operations as being synonymous with the hoarding of information and where provided, are scanty and propagandist and failing to properly address the concerns of the citizenry.

This information gap he said is invariably filled with inflammatory information from social media users, sources that are neither controlled nor substantiated.’

He said, ‘the challenge for public managers is in their responsibility to ensure that government processes are open, with

stakeholders afforded opportunity to be much more deeply involved in processes leading to policy formulation and processes that propels implementation, thereby ensuring that interest groups collaborate on issues of common interest.’

The permanent secretary who took cursory assessment of the Fashola administrative success story in Lagos State proposed civil service action plans which includes a deep rethinking of the whole concept of the civil service in Nigeria in a manner that accords both with the democratic and technological demands of the knowledge age.

In this regards, he made a case for a modernised traditional administrative model within a

philosophical bent underpinned by the rubrics of neo-weberianism.

As part of his recommendations, he proposed that “we need to ensure that service leadership are exemplars of the new brand of service being built and the new service must open itself to periodic peer or outside reviews within a framework of a reengineered system of national planning that is aligned to sector plans, MDAs business/work plans, the budgetary streams and performance management, operated within competencybased new metrics that objectively distinguish between and accordingly reward highperformers and exits irredeemable low performers and, has a better deal for staff.”

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

27

28 INTERVIEW /BUSINESS What are the greatest challenges the new owners are facing in trying to manage the power sector?

We inherited a vertically government controlled business since electricity was introduced to Nigeria, if we expose what we saw when we came in Nigerians will now know why the country is like this. It was all deficit and debt. We inherited carcass. It was messy, no structure, no IT, no proper accounting system. Before memo can leave one point to Abuja and back, six months is gone. It’s a monster we took over, and so we had the social problem of how to interphase with the staff we inherited and how to administratively restructure.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

interview

Electricity Industry Must Be Jointly Managed To Maturity – Kunle

Dan D Kunle, an international business consultant, is a shareholder in two of the newly privatised electricity distribution companies (Discos). In this interview with JULIET ALOHAN, he speaks about the bad state in which they met the utilities. Excerpts

Did the labour issue have a role to play in preventing you from carrying out due diligence?

We did due diligence, but when you go for due diligence the information the government managers tabulate and give to you is what you get. You use that as a basis to submit your commercial offer. But when we now took over we heard 10 times more what we did not hear when we came for due diligence. When we become owners, we saw that a transformer recorded as 300 kva is not 300, we saw that aluminium cable they recorded as 10 cores is eight cores and so on.

So we need huge capital investment to tackle the mess we met on ground and even if we Kunle have that capital now, the items can’t be bought of the shelf, it takes time.

run it. The banks that are sceptical are sceptical because banks are risk averse, they want sweet money, they don’t want too much risk. Government should provide their own side of the responsibility to stimulate the private sector. You can’t lay back and say the private sector should risk everything.

How soon can we arrive at a manageable level, and what do you make of the six months ultimatum given by government?

It may take us two to three years to deliver; I don’t know why they just sit down and give ultimatums. Is it not the same government that use to say you will get 6000mw in December and when confronted they say something else. They gave us six months and sit in their comfortable offices, they should come and see what we are doing on the ground and know that six months is just theoretical. What can be done in six months? To sell the electricity that we didn’t get, or deploy the meters that even if we place order it won’t arrive in 180 days?

Some people believe that the new owners do not have the financial muscle to tackle the challenge?

That is not true. It’s an argument by misinformed people. To a certain extent some people feel envious that they could not partake in the privatisation so they initiate all sorts of arguments. Nobody will have money to pay and takeover an electricity asset and not be able to find working capital to

should be 90 – 10 per cent or 95 – 5 per cent.

Imagine that the same government has a regulator which consciously or unconsciously dishes out policies every day which are in contradiction to government interest because government still owns 40 per cent share in the Discos

There are arguments that government was hasty with the privatisation and that the framework was not properly articulated before the process started

It was a global phenomenon, a paradigm shift in the political economy of the world. The phenomenon said government should concentrate on core governance and not be in every business. There is nothing wrong with the philosophy; the conflict that some people are looking at is an academic issue regarding where to stop the balance and how much government should let go to the private sector. So it’s a dynamic issue.

All these issues about why should government privatise power, why shouldn’t government? Government should build the infrastructure and privatise them to be run efficiently. These are the new phenomenon that came and we have to go along with it.

Do you think the framework for

privatising the power sector was properly articulated and what do you make of the shareholding formula?

The ratio that government withhold between it and the new investors has always been an issue.

If government in Nigeria was running as a functional entity, I would have no quarrel with the ratio they hold. Government should not hold more than 5 or 10 per cent share just for certain strategic reasons.

But where they sit on 49 per cent and they are bringing nothing to the table for the new investor, something is amiss. What is politically expedient is not economically rationale. The intensity of the capital required to jump start the electricity industry is huge. For example, if I am sitting on 60 per cent and the federal government is sitting on 40 per cent and I need $100 million for a project and I ask federal government to bring its $40 million and they can’t, then the question becomes why are you sitting on 40 per cent? Allow the investor to have 90 per cent you should take 10 per cent so the investor can carry you. For example, the joint venture in the oil and gas industry its 60 – 40 but the federal government hardly puts down its 40 per cent because we are not running a functional government. So this ratio must change, all the privatisation

So do you foresee any trouble with the shareholding ratio regarding the power sector assets sale?

Yes, because we must agree with the federal government that for every N1 we are going to spend they should bring their own 40 per cent.

If they don’t, then they will be debited and government’s share will dilute gradually.

Do you have that clause in the contract signed with the government?

If it is not there now, we are going to go to the government and put it on the table. Imagine that the same government has a regulator which consciously or unconsciously dishes out policies every day which are in contradiction to government interest because government still owns 40 per cent share in the Discos. If you bring out policies targeting the investors you are making a mistake, because the government you are representing as a regulator still has 40 per cent share.

What policies have been introduced that you are opposed to?

Take a look at the recent MultiYear Tarrif Order (MYTO) adjustment they have done. If you want to appeal to the social conscience of consumers by saying you have reduced the fixed charges and increased the rate charge by a certain percentage, it means you increase the rate charge which is the headache of the Discos. Because the Discos is the one who has to go out and effect that new tariff and also need to sell more electricity to earn the money. So he has to convince the consumers to pay more with the promise of more electricity. But as it is today, where is the electricity for the Disco to sell? There is the problem of gas, so even if the generation company (Genco) manages to produce, what is he able to produce? Then the transmission infrastructure that is in the hands of government cannot deliver enough to you who is distributing it. So before NERC triggers any change because they want to be seen to be regulating, they must sit down and let government know the implication of triggering such policy and find out if government is going to use part of its equity to meet its own obligation in fixed cost because it will affect the new investors revenue base. NERC needs to know that the industry is at infancy. We need to sit down to nurture it together, it should be a joint coordinated effort to nurture the industry to maturity, you cannot sit down alone and just trigger with one index.

Was there no agreement before the MYTO was adjusted?

The effect is not uniform because each Disco has its own peculiarity, so the implication on some of the Discos is big. Am well informed that some of the owners of the discos are preparing their position papers to go back to NERC and let them know of the implication of the policy on their revenue.

fct watch

29

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

200, 000

Inmates of the Kuje Prison in Kuje, Abuja, had cause to smile when foodstuff and toiletries worth more than N200, 000 were given to them by a nongovernmental organisation, Brothers Across Nigeria

ABAJI AMAC BWARI GWAGWALADA KUJE KWALI

Abaji Monarch Appeals For Employment Of Youths The Ona of Abaji, Adamu Yunusa, has appealed to the council’s chairman, Hon Yahaya Garba, to provide more jobs for the council’s young people, in order to keep them from vices and get them meaningful empowerment.

Yunusa made the appeal during the first anniversary of the council’s current administration.

—By Igho Oyoyo

AMAC Jiba Reaffirms Commitment To Youth Empowerment The chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Micah Jiba, has promised to improve the living standards of youths in the council by setting up skill acquisition programmes for them to acquire technical skills and become useful to themselves and the society.

—By Igho Oyoyo

A resident recieving free medical services organised by Kwali area council in collaboration with a nongovernmental organisation, Cry for Help Foundation. photo by chika mefor

Day Kwali Residents Enjoyed Free Health Care Services

By Chika Mefor

In most area councils in the Federal Capital Territory, the mortality rate is constantly on the rise, no thanks to the unavailability of timely medical care and, most times, when the care arrives, it is sad that there are no drugs.

Ignorance, the prevalence of quacks and poor sensitisation has taken a huge toll, as well. Most times, matters are worsened when distance and inaccessibility make it difficult for the ill to get to a health care centre in good time.

The people of Kwali Area Council have not been any different. In order to reduce these incidences, the council has embarked on free medical services for the people.

These services provide by the council range from the treatment of malaria, typhoid, high blood pressure, to dental and eye checkups, and a number of diseases prevalent in the rural area.

The chairman of the council, Ibrahim Daniel stated that the free medical services embarked upon in collaboration with the Cry For Help Foundation was organised as a part of the fulfilment of the campaign promises made to the people of the council.

He expressed sadness over the loss of lives resulting from the lack of fund for treatment and promised that free health care

services which have commenced since he assumed office will continue until his tenure ends.

“It is a two-week programme which we have initiated in collaboration with the Cry for Help Foundation. We want healthy citizens who can make meaningful contribution to the council,” he said.

Daniel stated that the health of his people remained a priority and that is why, personally, he had sponsored free eye surgery for deserving people of the council.

According to Daniel, cases like appendicitis and hernia were operated upon.

“The free medical surgery is what I promised the people before i came into office. I have been doing such even before I came into office and had promised them that the exercise will continue.

I am keeping to my promise. We discovered that such sicknesses [as the ones treated or checked on] have sent some of our people to their early graves, due to lack of funds.

“What we do is to give forms to the councillor of each ward who gives them to deserving recipients.

All they have to do people is to fill a form and be recommended for participation. The free surgery is my contribution to the welfare of my people and doesn’t involve the council. The council also has

its plan too. When I came into power, the issue of immunisation and drug availability were big issues. To tackle the issue, we ensured the disbursement of drugs to 39 primary health care centres in the council. The council does not have the money to embark on secondary or tertiary programmes which is beyond its primary responsibilities. I stepped in because it was my promise to the people.

“The surgery has been going on for two months. Not less than 20 people have benefitted from each ward. We are hoping that, by the end of my tenure, all these diseases will be eradicated,” he said.

The head of the council’s health department, Dr Odaru Musa stated that the exercise which will last for two weeks will be conducted in the 10 wards of the council, adding that the free health care – the third episode since Daniel assumed office – is directed at the council’s indigent people.

“We started on Monday with Yebu Ward, we have been in Ashara Ward and we are now in Qako. All the 10 political wards will benefit from the services. Also, dental treatment and problems that require surgery will be sorted out that handled by the council,’’ he said.

Musa disclosed that about N1m has been approved for logistics for

Bwari Residents Call For Drainage-clearing To Avoid Flood As the rains increase in frequency, residents of Bwari Area Council have called on the council administration to aid in the clearing of major drainages in the area, in order to avoid erosion.

Residents who spoke to LEADERSHIP stated that the exercise will not only ease the movement of large volumes of water but will, at the same time, prevent erosion.

–By Chika Mefor

Gwagwalada Residents Express Worry Over Mounting Refuse The residents of Gwagwalada Area Council have called on the council administration to see to the immediate evacuation of mounting refuse heaps in some areas of the council which have been left to grow over time.

Residents said places like phases one, two and three, as well as the market axes have been more affected by the problem.

–By Chika Mefor

Kuje Tete Urges Traditional Leaders To Ensure Peaceful Co-existence The chairman of Kuje Area Council, Hon Shaban Tete, has called on all district heads and traditional rulers help the government address the security situation in the country by fashioning out modalities which will ensure peaceful co-existence among the people, as well as ensure the safety of lives and property in their various communities.

—By Igho Oyoyo

Kwali Chairman Pledges Commitment To Provision Of Healthcare Services

30

The chairman of Kwali Area Council, Ibrahim Daniel, has stated that his administration is committed to providing health care services for the people of the council.

Daniel, who stated this during an interview recently, said it is important for the people of the council to be healthy, as this will only enhance their immense contribution to the development of the area.

—By Chika Mefor

30 FCT watch/NEWS FCT’s SouthSouth Community

By Igho Oyoyo Inaugurates The natives of the Federal CapExecutive C’ttee ital Territory (FCT) under the

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Aduda, Dobi, Others Have Failed Us – Natives

By Ruth Tene Natsa

The South-South Community, FCT Abuja branch, yesterday, inaugurated its first executive committee to pilot the affairs of the association in the capital city.

Among its new executive members are Compol Lawrence Alobi (Rtd) as chairman, Deaconness Data Orumadike (deputy chairman), Obong Freedom Ibritam (vice-chairman, Akwa Ibom), Anthony Alagoa (VC, Bayelsa), Elder Lekam Okoi (VC, C/ River),Patrick Fufeyin (VC, Delta), Charles Okosun (VC, Edo), Ibiso George (VC, Rivers), Ebitimi Egberipou(general secretary), Ann Eyo ( assistant secretary), Chief Paul Isodhe (provost), Charles Ogedi (PRO), Josephine Odongide (woman leader) and Ipalibo Bagshaw (youth leader).

Others are; CSP Soibi Julian (Rtd) as treasurer; Solomon Barry (financial secretary),Ebhoaye Solomon (social secretary), Stephen Agbaka (auditor) and Agnes Ben, Eloviano Ijarikre, Christy Bassey, Chief Ese Omafuakpi, David Agbonifo and Egelege Vicky as ex-officio members to the A/ Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers states, respectively.

Speaking on behalf of the elected members, chairman of the committee, Compol Lawrence Alobi (Rtd) said, “the committee will not only work to promote the unity, prosperity and well-being of the South South, but will also foster the development of the nation and the FCT while ensuring the implementation of the transformation agenda in support of President Jonathan, who is one of us.”

Grand Patron of the South South Community, Chief Edwin Clark, represented by Professor Nkoro, urged the committee members to “work assiduously to promote the good of the association; where no one is a secondclass citizen.”

auspices of Greater Gbagyi Development Initiatives (GGDIN) and the ethnic people of Abuja have described the senator representing the FCT in the National Assembly, Sen. Phillip Aduda and the House of Representatives member, Hon. Isa Dobi, as “failures and disappointments to the FCT natives”.

Over 70 natives who partook in a peace protest march to the palace of the Chief of Garki, Dr Usman Ngakupi, the houses of Senator Phillip Aduda, and Hon. Isah Dobi, respectively, expressed their grievances over the failure of their elected lawmakers to protect their interests in the National Assembly, allowing them to suffer shame and humiliation in the hands of the government.

The protesters met the absence of Senator Aduda at his

residence, while Hon Dobi, who promised to meet them at the Nigeria Turkish Nile University, along Airport Road. However, when they got to the university, they realised that Dobi had tricked them and switched off his cell phone.

Having discovered that they had been tricked, the protesters returned to Dobi’s residence and used permanent markers to inscribe the words, “You are a failed leader, you do not listen to your people in the FCT;

2015 is cancelled. You are a disgrace to the Gbagyi nation,” on the walls of his house.

“What is the primary duty of Senator Philip Aduda? What is the primary duty of Zaphania Jisalo and Isah Dobi? What is the primary duty of the area council chairmen? Since the issue of what happened at Lungu Village came up and the protest at Kubwa Expressway, none of them has gone there to find out what really happened and decide on what to do.

Women selecting used wears while the seller looks on at Gosa market in Abuja yesterday PHOTO BY OGOH JOSEPH

Optician Decries Alarming Rate Of Self-medication In Rural Communities

By Chika Mefor

An optician, Tochukwu Onwuzulike, has decried the alarming rate of self-medication by rural dwellers.

Onwuzulike, who was one of a team of experts on ground for a two-week, free health care treatment organised by the Kwali Area Council disclosed that during the

examination of some of the people, he noticed that a number of the eye problems were made worse due to self-medication.

“Some eye problems just require an eye ointment, but because of ignorance most of them prepare herbs and apply same to their eyes, exposing the eyes to more damages,” he said.

Onwuzulike said he also dis-

covered that most of the villagers dislike visiting hospitals, perhaps, due to poverty, ignorance or distance. Onwuzulike also encouraged the people to develop the habit of going for constant medical check-ups, in order to aid early detection of ailments.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the council has embarked on the provision of free medical servic-

es for the people in the area, in order to treat people with ailments like malaria, typhoid and high blood pressure, as well as availing the people with dental and eye treatments.

The chairman of the council, Ibrahim Daniel, said the move is a part of efforts to fulfil the promises he made to the people of the council.

Day Kwali Residents Enjoyed Free Health Care Services 29

the programme so far, and also added that the programme has the objective of reaching about 10,000 people by the time it is concluded.

Also speaking, the founder of the Cry for Help Foundation, Vera Mensah, disclosed that, besides the treatment, the people were also counselled and advised on the importance of periodic medical check-up, so as to tackle some of the prevalent consitions, like malaria, diabetes and high blood pressure.

“We have our lab scientists, opticians and the dentists too. If there is any problem, the client will

be referred to the hospital of their choice. We have drugs purchased by the chairman for the people too.

The people really need to know that thy have to visit the hospital periodically. It is important,’’ Mensah she said.

The chief of Wako, one of the beneficiary communities, Alhaji Ibrahim Usman, who was there to supervise the exercise, expressed gratitude to the council and its administration for availing the people the opportunity of getting proper health care service.

Ignorance was what could have cost Hassan Bugowu, one of the

The surgery has been going on for two months.

beneficiaries of the exercise, his leg. Bugowu, a cattle-rearer, had taken his herd to graze and returned with an injury on his leg.

He ignored the festering wound, wound even after it had expanded and become infected. Worse, his father had turned down his request for medical help. But the free medical care forced him out of his shelter.

Mensah, who treated him, disclosed that his leg would have been amputated if he had spent a few more days without medical care.

The joy of the people knew

no bounds. The mood of the benefactors was succinctly captured by one of the children, Adamu Danlami, who was opportune to listen to the verbal lecture by one of the dentists.

“I learnt a lot today. Whenever, I finish brushing my teeth, my mum always says I didn’t brush it well, so I always brush my teeth with chewing stick. Now, I have not only been taught how to brush my teeth, I have a new brush to show for it. I can’t wait to go and show it to my friends.

This is the best experience for me,” he said.

NEWS /FCT watch 31

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

FCT NUJ Carpets Minister Over N143m Bus Donation To PDP

By Catherine Agbo

6.5

million

Conservatively, each single unit costs N6.5m

The FCT council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has berated FCT minister Senator Bala Mohammed over his recent donation of 22 18-seater buses to the Bauchi State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The union has also asked the minister to explain how he came about the funds for the donation.

The council, in a statement by its chairman, Comrade Chuks Ehirim, yesterday, wondered how the minister came to donate 22 buses to the PDP when the trans-

port situation in the FCT was yet to see any meaningful development and developmental challenges still persist in the territory’s rural communities.

“This council is, indeed, worried by the donation of 22 18-seater buses by the FCT minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, to the Bauchi State chapter of the PDP. Conservatively, each single unit costs N6.5m. It will interest us to know where the minister got N143m for the buses.

“Our concern is also informed by the fact that the transport

sector in the FCT is yet to see any appreciable improvement. We have a situation of non-safety compliant and fewer buses plying various routes, despite the region-wide celebration of the scheme’s launch,” it read in part.

The NUJ said it would not shy away from fulfilling its constitutional role of holding government officials accountable to the people, stressing that residents of the FCT deserve the best possible governance which can only be achieved when those running the affairs of the administration are accountable.

Comrade Chuks Ehirim

Insurgency: Vigilante Group Reaffirms Support For Security Agencies The Vigilante Group of Nigeria has said that it will continue to support security agencies in the fight against insurgency in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the country.

The commandant-general of the group, Alhaji Usman MohammedJahun, who made this known yesterday at a sentisation forum for state commandants of the group in Abuja, said that about 200 members of the group have lost their lives to insurgents this year in the North-eastern region of the country.

Jahun, while soliciting the support of the federal government for funding and logistics, explained that a data base had been created to ensure the authenticity of vigilante groups across the country, stating that the group has been repositioned to meet current developments in security management.

By Igho Oyoyo

MDCN Accredits Kubwa General Hospital For Internship

L-R: Chief warder of Kuje Prison, Abdulzaid Yinuisa; welfare officer of the FCT chapter of the Brotherhood Society, Mr Udah Okey; an Inmate; the prison’s deputy controller, Musa Tanko; the president and zonal co-originator Northern of the society, Engr Agboeze Franklyn and Alh Shibu Lawal respectively during a courtesy visit to prison. PHOTO BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI

NGO Donates Food Items To Kuje Prison Inmates

By Winifred Ogbebo

Inmates of the Kuje Prison in Kuje, Abuja, had cause to smile when foodstuff and toiletries worth more than N200, 000 were given to them by a nongovernmental organisation, Brothers Across Nigeria.

The items, donated by about 25 members of the association who visited the prison premises in a show of brotherliness, ranged from bags of rice, salt, beans, cartons of noodles, to yams, bars of soap, clothing, as well as cash donation.

While making the donation, the FCT chapter chairman of the NGO, Engr Agbueze Ifesinachi Franklin, said the action was in line with the act which set it up.

“All we are after is to better the life of the common Nigeri-

an. We are here in the prisons to felicitate with them, in the spirit of the World Cup and Democracy Day. On getting here, we discovered that their generator was incomplete, so we decided to fix it for them so that they can have access to the television during this period, as this will give them some relief.”

“We have made donations to motherless babies’ homes, orphanages and special schools. So we decided to take our charity train this time to the prisons. We are calling on other NGOs to do all in their power to complement the work of the federal government, as the federal government cannot do it all alone,” Franklin said.

The deputy-comptroller in charge of Kuje Prisons, Musa Tanko, received the members of the group and the items in

company of the welfare officer, the leader of the inmates, as well as the chaplain and his deputy.

Tanko who expressed delight at the action of the NGO, explained that donations such as these are usually handed over to the inmates.

Tanko commended the NGOs for their efforts in complementing the federal government’s efforts to provide social services in the society.

“We are happy with the way NGOs are always complementing the efforts of the federal government. We appreciate it. We have different kinds of inmates here and we provide them with everything they need; accommodation, three meals daily. This does not mean that if we don’t accept complimentary gestures from NGOs

on behalf of the inmates. I want the whole world to know that the management of prisons worldwide do not generally rest on the shoulders of the federal government alone,” Tanko pointed out.

On whether they get donations often from NGOs, Tanko said, “NGOs in the past were not doing much but now there is more awareness and some of them have considered it a part of their priorities, because for the past three or four years, they have really been active, making donations in different forms. So, we are very happy about this excellent donation.”

Tanko added that NGOs could also render help in other ways, like getting lawyers for some of the inmates who do not have legal representatives and in evangelical activities.

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has granted the Kubwa General Hospital accreditation for the training of medical interns in the hospital.

The body’s registrar, Dr Abdulmumini Ibrahim, who disclosed this when he led other council members on a visit to the secretary of the FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat, Dr Demola Onakomaiya, said the approval follows a report by the eight-member visitation panel to the hospital on April 9, 2014, for the purpose of assessing the staff and facilities on ground with a view to accrediting the hospital for the training of medical interns.

While assuring the management of the council’s continuous support, Ibrahim said the hospital has also been granted a training quota of 24 house officers.

By Igho Oyoyo

Did You Know That John Jatau Kadiya is the first minister of the Federal Capital Territory. He took office in 1979 and left office in 1982.

❂❂❂

Gen. Jeremiah Timbut Useni, the seventh minister of the FCT is the longest serving minister in the history of the territory. He assumed office in 1993 and left in 1998.

❂❂❂

The incumbent Minister of the territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, is the 14th minister of the capital city. He was appointed in April 2010.

32 FCT watch/feature

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

A demolished section of Lungu community.

Lungu Community Stirs Natives’ Revolt

By Igho Oyoyo

Nobody would have expected the natives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to make the government listen to their many demands, until last Thursday, June 19, 2014. On this day, they decided to air their views about what they termed “inhuman and unannounced demolition of houses” in Alugu-Lungu Village, located at the outskirts of Gwarinpa Estate in the FCT. The natives who had to let loose their long-bottled anger over the continuous “wicked and callous attitude” of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) under the leadership of the FCT minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed, by forcefully confiscating their farmlands and residential buildings, without alternative arrangement for resettlement or compensation.

Some of the natives who spoke

with LEADERSHIP after the incidence along the Kubwa-Zuba Expressway, said that despite the incessant harassment of natives by the government of the FCT, the people have been quiet and peaceloving. However, they pointed out that the government was taking its bid to “make the natives homeless” has been taken too far.

When LEADERSHIP visited Alugu-Lungu Village to investigate the cause of the protest, the village head, Sanya Easy Zakka, explained that the natives grew uncontrollable and annoyed when the men of the FCDA, in company of armed military men, invaded the community last Thursday morning to demolish houses belonging to them. Zakka said that when the natives tried to prevent them from carrying out their actions, the military men beat them with whips.

“When I went to meet them, I saw that the soldiers had beaten

my madaki, the second in command, into coma, and there was blood all over him. My sarkin yaki was also beaten up, tied and bundled into the bus that they came with. While torturing my people, they also succeeded in demolishing most houses that day. Our pain is that, no issue of resettlement or compensation have been brought to us by the minister.

“They just came to us and asked us to move out of the community, that the developer wants to use the land. That means that the minister sold our ancestral land, without considering our plights as natives who have dwelled here, even before the inception of the FCT. This is our village and we have nowhere else to go.

“Government does not appreciate the real natives of the FCT, because it was our fathers’ land that we freely gave to the federal government and they are selling the

parcels of land and making huge fortunes at our expense. But, we have never complained. They collected our farmlands and gave us peanuts for our economic stress; we did not complain.

“Now, they are coming to collect our house, for us to become homeless in our fathers’ land. That is why I say that the government does not appreciate the natives of the FCT. They are pushing us to the wall and when that is done, we will have no other option but to fight back. We do not want crisis [that is why we want] the government to retrace the wrong path they are trailing. If they want Abuja to remain peaceful, they should leave the houses of natives alone and stop harassing us,” he said.

The coordinator, Greater Gbagyi Development Initiative (GG-DIN), Prince Gimba Gbaiza, who admitted that they led the protest which resulted to the grid-lock along the

Kubwa Expressway, said that the natives have started the fight to protect their ancestral land and there is no going back. “We will not continue to be treated the way the government is treating us. It is very wrong for the FCDA to come demolish our houses without prior notice. We are no longer going to tolerate that from anybody. We are human beings and we should be treated as such.

“Our traditional rulers have been trying to fight for us, but, sadly, we have realised that the government is not even listening and they are taking us for a ride. We, the natives, staged that protest. We are not thugs and we are not denying that we were there. We were there to stage the protest, because we have had enough of this inhuman treatment against indigenes by the government. We no longer want demolition in the FCT. It has to stop,” he said.

Scavenging Is All About Survival – Scavenger

by Chika Mefor

Top 5 Satellite towns ➊ Kubwa ➋ Mpape ➌ Nyanya ➍ Karo ➎ Lugbe

Mustapha Ali earns a living through scavenging. One of a band of scavengers, popularly known in the city’s suburbs as baban bola, Ali, a native of Kano, said he became a scavenger in 2005, after he had trekked the length and breadth of Kano State in search of recyclable materials. Ali turned his sights on Abuja in 2012, to find the things he needed.

“I remember that I joined some of my friends one day when they went to a rubbish bin to look for these materials and I wondered

Ali

what exactly they were looking for. But as I continued going out with them, in less than a week, I became conversant with the trade.

It was a way of making money and I continued, even after I left Kano,” he said.

Ali wakes up every morning to face the same routine which he started since 2005 and this routine, according to him, starts with his prayers and breakfast, after which he gets to work.

Most scavengers move about with sacks hung on their shoulders as they go from dustbin to dustbin, rummaging for recy-

clable items but Ali has gone beyond that. He moves from one household to the other with a locally constructed wheel barrow in which he has plastic valuables such as buckets, bowls and combs which he give residents in exchange for recyclable materials.

“You know, we call it trade-bybarter, because you give us your materials and we give you an item or two depending on the value of what we have received from you,” Ali explained.

The youngster who is a primary school drop-out said he is now able to clothe and feed himself.

OPINION 33

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

online

reactions

24/06/2014 Mohammed Abacha May Be PDP Guber Candidate In 2015 Hauwa Kulu Nobody will vote for PDP in Kano, and unfortunately, there will be no room for them to rig out APC.

President Goodluck Jonathan (middle), Vice President Namadi Sambo (left), and national chairman PDP, Adamu Muazu, celebrating PDP’s victory at Ekiti governorship election, at the State House, on Sunday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN

Nwaogu Hyacent There will be more celebrations! PDP will reclaim states like Imo, Rivers and Edo in 2015.

Lumana Mandela Suleiman This is just the beginning! We will conquer Rivers, Adamawa, Osun, Edo and Lagos in 2015.

Ahmed Abdullahi.

We want democracy where rule of law reigns supreme, and not

‘Plot To Impeach Amaechi Still On’

Amaechi

Adonis Chinda APC is dead in Rivers, and everyone knows it is the truth. And the truth, they say, is bitter!

Bibo Angaye Why bother? Soon it will be election time, simply repeat the Ekiti feat.

Kalu Emmanuel Ok, na!

democracy with arms to kill the opposition.

Nnamdi Zamorah Mitchelle Ekiti voted for Fayose and not PDP. Jonathan will honourably lose that state come 2015. The westerners are educated, enlightened and exposed. Jonathan should not consolidate on such victory.

Apu Godwin It really calls for celebration.

Enjoy yourself, Your Excellency! There will be more celebration. Kudos to you and the PDP family.

Bukola Amusan Olasanmi Where are the Chibok school-

Agu Paul Ekiti people and the defeated governor have said they are satisfied with the result, so what are you talking? Why do you want to make news where none exits? If you don’t know what to write about, do an exclusive write-up on the Chibok schoolgirls.

Idris Abdulkareem In every contest, there are winners and losers. Now the loser in Ekiti election, Dr Fayemi has conceded defeat and congratulated the winner, Fayose; which

Akor Tony Agene Believe me, if by chance, Kabiru Sokoto is granted pardon to-

Nnanna Azubuike A well deserved victory, I must say! APC can buy over the media, but they have no idea of who or what they are up against.

As INEC Declares Fayose Winner: Half Of Ekiti Voters Not Accredited To Vote

Olatubosun Oriola Abraham Leadership, in your story, you said Ekiti voters did not come forward for accreditation.

Whose fault was it, INEC’s or political parties’?

Muyiwa Emmanuel Ogunlade When he was the CPC candidate in 2011, he was a credible candidate; hypocrite!

Ijeoma Bella Uchendu Congratulations, Fayose! God has given you a victory that no man can give. Go and make a difference!

Buhari, Kwankwaso, Atiku Clash Over 2015

Abacha

morrow, PDP would field him as a candidate. There is God o!

Sani Ahmed Kano State is not Ekiti o!

Umukoro Maxwell Oghenero It is left for Kano to decide who governs them.

Musa Kacia We, Kano people, know what we are doing; we are not Bayelsa people.

is commendable. We should all accept the results and move on!

You Can Follow Us On Twitter: @LeadershipNGA Facebook: Leadership Newspapers Google+: Leadership.NG Linkedin: Leadership Newspaper Blackberry PIN: 7530EC8C

Ibru Drags FG To Court Over Bargain Plea

Zeeyan Hassan Kano will never vote for a nonindigene! Mohammed Abacha should go back to his state of origin, Yobe, to contest election.

Jega

Keep up with updates on these stories @ www.leadership.ng

Musa Lawal That is PDP for you!

Waziri Habib Mohammed Abacha can waste his time and resources in Kano, but he will never win, because Kano belongs to APC. There is nothing like PDP in Kano. If given the PDP ticket, he will be the worst loser in the history of Nigeria’s electoral process.

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34 issues

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

The Nigerian Equation And The Categorical Imperative Of National Ideology Country for political leadership.

It is the people that we make

By Yusufu Ameh Obaje politically powerful and politically relevant in Nigeria as a whole iii. The challenge of that confirms our strong hold on stewardship responsibility political power in the Nigerian One of the challenges equation. The failure is a major confronting the Nigerian contributory factor to the current equation is the issue of tears of political marginalization stewardship responsibility. Each seen on our faces today. regional ideology was meant to The same mistake was also serve as a means to an end and made in the Eastern region not an end itself. For instance, the where the gift of material wealth political power of the North was was not seen as stewardship to serve the overall interests of all responsibility. The material Nigerians and it is only then that wealth was hoarded and business the power benefits the North. protectionism became the order Similarly, the material wealth of of the day. Whatever the business the East was meant to address the class discovered as the gold collective positive concerns of all mine remained exclusive to the Nigerians and it is only then that businessman or woman of the the wealth serves the interests of region, even if such persons were the East. Equally, education as operating in any other parts of identified with the West in the the Country. They too forgot that Nigerian equation is a tool for the the real value of material wealth education of the whole Country. is found in the act of making the Obaje It is only then that education in poor to become rich and not in the hands of the West attains the self-centred accumulation a deliberate effort to ensure its desirable consummation and of the wealth by the materially that Nigerians in all regions ultimate fulfilment. wealthy people to the detriment of the Country experience Indeed, the principle of of other less privileged Citizens. quality education. As long as the stewardship responsibility is a As a fact, it is virtually becoming whole Country is not growing very serious one. The one who is an acceptable business practice qualitatively in education, the in possession of a particular gift of in Nigeria today that where West remains a failure in her stewardship responsibility must certain ethnic groups discover stewardship responsibility as the use it for the benefit of all, if such a how best to make so much fountain of Nigeria’s living spring gift is to retain its salt of relevance money from a specific trade, of education. It is a fundamental and valuableness. The relevance others are denied deliberately truth that no one is considered and value of political power is or indirectly persecuted under educated if the knowledge found in its application on behalf hidden agenda protectionism. acquired in education is not of the politically powerless or the The irony of it all is that, even passed on to others. After all, the masses in general. For, where the accumulated material wealth evidence of being an educated there is true political power, of the East could not stop them person is in the act of making there is bound to be evidence from shedding tears of political others drink from the wells of of transformation of lives and marginalization, which eventually knowledge and understanding society as a whole. True political led to the tragic event of our created for life and societal power cannot be hoarded or left national history, the civil war. In transformation. in the hands of a very few political this case, those shedding similar Of course, we do not intend cabal or feudal lords without the tears of marginalization should to forget the enormous corresponding consequences of wipe away their tears and let us contributions of certain underdevelopment, violence, join hands together to overcome individuals from the Western unrest, insecurity, poverty, the challenges of Nation building. region to the educational uncertainty, frustration and Furthermore, the West must development of Nigeria and the blame syndrome. also see education as a God- rest of the World. However, it Our cry for being marginalized given instrument of stewardship remains to be seen as to how the today in the North is a direct responsibility for Nigeria’s West will champion the promotion consequence of our failure to educational transformation. of transformatory education of the apply the principle of stewardship There is a mandate inherent in rest of Nigeria. responsibility when political the education ideology of the Today, the West appears to power was in our possession. We West as identified in the Nigerian present an attitude of unexamined should have used it effectively to equation. By that experience, fulfilment or satisfaction that she make others politically powerful. the West is entrusted with the has arrived educationally and it is To have political power is to task of carrying the touch of now left for the rest of the country guarantee the empowerment education to all other regions to catch up with her. It is difficult to of the people for leadership of Nigeria. This is what sets her deny the fact that the West is more position. Certainly, we failed to apart as the education centre or educationally sophiscated than the use it to train others within and citadel of learning for the rest of rest of the regions today but her outside the region to acquire and the Country. In fact, one is not inability to provide leadership in profitably use political power for surprised that the seat of the spreading the gospel of quality holistic development of the entire first public University in Nigeria is education for all Nigerians remains country. We should have used our located at Ibadan in the Western a failure in the manner that the political power to identify, recruit region. other two regions, North and and empower the powerless However, what remains to East, equally failed in their own Nigerians in any part of the be seen is how the West makes stewardship of responsibility. It is interesting to note, that in spite of the enormous advancement We have come to realize the bitter truth, made in the West in the area of education, Western region also namely that political power without material tears of marginalization. wealth and education is a colossal tragedy or at sheds Thus, the marginalization theory best, totally incomplete and grossly inadequate or experience has gone round the

and well-spread development.

Any control from the centre or from the major ethnic group is viewed with suspicion and apathy.

Regional leadership is sometimes identified with ethnic domination.

In the three regions today, there is hardly any single Elder Statesman or woman whose voice can be accepted wholeheartedly as the voice of the people of the region. It is a generation of we have come of age and must all be heard and decision made by all accordingly. This is a big challenge to the survival of regional ideologies and promotion of National Unity.

from yesterday

whole Country and it is high time we put all that behind us and let us join hands together in order to rebuild Nigeria of our collective dream.

We have come to realize the bitter truth, namely that political power without material wealth and education is a colossal tragedy or at best, totally incomplete and grossly inadequate. Similarly, material wealth without political power and education is a disaster as well as a bad dream. At the same time, education without political power and material wealth is an unfulfilled dream, a nightmare and a bundle of frustration. Consequently, we are all victims of unrealized regional ideological dreams and it is only our combined genuine and realistic joint efforts as one family, one people, one common destiny, under one God,that can guarantee our individual and collective holistic success. iv. The challenge of rising voices of ethnic minorities and clannists within major tribes.

The emergence of the regional ideologies of political power for the North, material wealth for the East and education for the West, within the context of the Nigerian Equation, were originally, widely and generally acknowledged as well as celebrated by the people of the regions. But the enthusiasm did not persist fully to our generation as voices of discontent and resentment began to spread from one region to another, particularly by ethnic minority groups and other Clannists within dominant tribes.

The voices emanating from these groups are usually voices of rights and privileges, justice and equity, recognition and empowerment, allocation and responsibility, equal opportunity

v. The challenge of unfulfilled ideological dreams We have already observed the fact that in spite of the many positive efforts of the three regions, the ideological dreams of the Nigerian equation remained largely unfulfilled. The Northern ideological dream to use political power to ensure true greatness for the North and the Country as a whole has not seen the light of the day. Likewise, the ideological dream of the Eastern region to guarantee personal, regional and nationwide true greatness for all in all areas of life through material wealth, has not been realized. At the same time, the ideology of the Western region to use education as a tool for achieving true greatness for the region and all Nigerians at all levels of human existence has not been fulfilled.

One of the problems within this challenge is that many Nigerians are still not conscious of who they are; where they are coming from; what they are living for; where they are going from here and what they are expecting out of life ultimately. Many of us have remained unfulfilled with regards to our perception of our personal identity as Nigerians.

We can hardly define ourselves within the context of our Nigerianness and consequently, we live on a borrowed existence.

For instance, our yardstick for selfexamination or self-evaluation is pathetically foreign, devoid of our cultural background. Our reforms are nothing more than rehabilitation and freshingup of whatever we were able to copy from the left-overs of Asian and Euro-American civilization, without the raw materials of our own authentic indigenous culture. Our transformation agenda is not always informed by the nature of our individual and collective identity as Nigerians but by whatever we admire from certain foreign cultures that are increasingly becoming godless, devoid of genuine fear of God and love for all humans, regardless of ethnicity, race and religion.

TO continue TOMORROW

OPINION 35

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Worthy Successor As Kwankwaso’s Political Albatross

By Sulaiman Muhammad Ayagi

One will not be wrong by the above caption; taking into cognisance the political terrain of Kano State, hence finding meaning from a similar tribute to a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and former Lagos State Governor, Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his 50th birthday colloquium some years back.

A regular columnist in one of the national dailies said succinctly that: “…the best legacy left by former Governor Tinubu for Lagosians, and indeed Nigerians is a worthy successor in person of the incumbent, Governor Babatunde Fashola.”

Public rating of the latter as one of the best performing governors is not, in anyway a mistake. Governor Fashola’s performance is not unconnected with his dexterity, articulation and implementation of pre-election blueprint for the state in forms of project execution, policy formulation and implementation amongst other several key socio-economic potentials aimed at repositioning the state as evidently proved.

In my native state, Governor Kwankwaso’s remarkable achievements within 1,095 days (specifically 3 years) wouldn’t have been achieved but for selfreformation attitude towards good governance ideals. Of course, this good governance culture of the state chief executive became achievable consequent to his self admission of “8 traumatic years of political fasting and resurrection,” a development that reshaped the lead perception of what governance is all about. It will be an interesting analysis if His Excellency will expantiate,

Kwankwaso

especially to political science students what the “8 traumatic and resurrection period means to politicians,” whose ambition for additional term of office was truncated.

It is neither a gainsaying nor an image laundering exercise to say that Kano State is witnessing genuine but uncommon transformation against the socalled “ranting of promoters of transformation agenda” at the national level. The state wouldn’t have been top-rated as the most visibly working environment; wouldn’t have been leading other comity of states in the country in the field of human capital development occasioned by unprecedented sponsorship of hundreds of thousands of indigenous and hitherto directionless youth but supposedto-be future leaders through access

It is neither a gainsaying nor an image laundering exercise to say that Kano State is witnessing genuine but uncommon transformation against the socalled ranting of promoters of transformation agenda

to higher education within and outside the country.

A large chunk of sons and daughters of Kano wouldn’t have been in Al–Hikma, Crescent, Bells, Igbenidion, Katsina and other private universities to taste the academic atmosphere of quality and uninterrupted learning environment; absolutely free of ASUU’s recurring demands occasioned by strikes. This mettle of aggressive and accelerated development is more-or-less, encouraged by His Excellency’s show of concern through personal visits to such universities in furtherance of interaction culture with the sponsored students in addition to regular payment of stipends, a development that reshaped their perception of what leadership entails.

These bewildered tertiary institution students who rarely interact with their state chief executive (in their life time); now freely and liberally interact with him. What a wonderful development! Kano wouldn’t have been a replica society amongst its contemporaries in social rejuvenation and infrastructural provision – making both natives and visitors to critically behold a new Kano in the making! Ala changes in roads network of the state capital and upgrading of semi–urban towns that require extra skill of familiarity of the metropolitan city for some to identify roads to their destinations.

However, the author would have sustained his past criticism of Kano governor’s performance during his first tenure (1999 to 2003) but for the paradigm shift in governance is, of course, a case for celebration.

– Ayagi wrote in from Kano

The Driving Force Behind Europe And America’s Industrial Prowess by james aigbomen

The discovery of the laws of motion by Isaac Newton coupled with the publishing of his related scientific discovery in his seminal document ‘The Mathematical Principle of Nature’ constituted the intellectual energy that sparked the industrial revolution in Britain. Newton’s famous book sparked an insatiable quest in the pursuit of scientific knowledge which would give rise to amazing inventions such as the steam engine.

In the same vein, in 1848, the year of the industrial revolution, the pursuit of scientific and scholarly research became the defining

characteristic of universities in Germany. The assumption was that academic knowledge could only be obtained through the rigorous application of well-defined principles investigation and as such tools of discovery and learning could be taught and communicated.

The laws of motion as propounded by Isaac Newton in his book coupled with the discovery of the nature of Benzene institutionalised the process of discovery and the investigation of nature. It aided the empowering of the human mind, particularly that of the Europeans that nature and everything within it was governed by principles.

Thus if the constituents of nature could be understood,

using definite principles, nature could be manipulated to produce desired and predictable consequences.

Thus they re-fashioned the world governed by an interventionist God into one crafted by a God that designs along rational and universal principles, principles which they claimed were available for all people to discover and by the harnessing of these principles individuals could fruitfully purse their goals and aspirations.

Self-help coaches and motivational speakers have been an integral part of the American culture. It is a wellknown fact that Fortune 500 companies regularly hire the services of self-help coaches such as Anthony Robbins,

Stephen Covey, Brian Tracy to mention but a few.

The culture of understanding the workings of the human mind with a view to channelling it for unbelievable exploits is highly ingrained in the psyche of the average American.

At the tail end of the 18th century, a tide of discoveries in the areas of philosophy and social psychology bordering on how the human mind functioned began to emanate from America.

These discoveries became the foundation blocks for models of advancement in American institutions such as the military, NASA, and several business organisations.

– Aigbomen is founder of Merchant Inc

Every Tuesday Ahmad B Kaita (MHR) 07081888802 (SMS only) email: babbaahmed@yahoo.com

Ekiti: The “Rice” And Fall Of An Incumbent

I

ndeed there were ample democratic lessons in the just conducted Ekiti State gubernatorial elections which returned Mr. Ayo Fayose elected as the new governor of the state. The clearest lesson should be the most elementary in Nigeria’s kind of democracy. In our mutant democracy, the end always justifies the means.

The process was clearly defined by brute force and of course, some 5kg bags of rice. Ekiti was a test ground for the factors that may likely influence 2015 elections among which, hunger is the first.

The Ekiti gubernatorial election has come and gone, and PDP is back in power there. Fayose will soon begin to call the shots for the next four years. So much for that election. What next? This is instructive. APC should know that popularity is not equivalent to brute and hard politics. Its members should also know that they are walking on a long and hard road to wherever they may want to be in 2015.

In addition to enjoying the power of incumbency with all the paraphernalia of security apparatus, PDP’s long years in power has prepared its ‘drivers’ to weather both the smooth and rough terrains of ‘African’ politics and politicking. The peculiarity of this kind of politics is that it is rough and dangerous. It is not politics of ‘glasses - wearing intellectuals and glib English - speaking hot bloods’. It is downright monetary and rough necked.

Despite the increased dislike for PDP among a large population of Nigerians, particularly because of the pedestrian manner in which its leadership responds to very sober issues of national concern, particularly corruption in high places, it has ‘foot soldiers’ who are ever ready to sacrifice anything in order to maintain the party’s stranglehold on power. The money they are ‘accessing’ is no peanuts and they can always spend billions to make more billions. All the security services are at their beck and call for obvious reasons. We saw that in Ekiti State during the last election. In just one fell swoop, Ekiti received more human and material support from the federal government than the combined needs of Borno/Yobe/ Adamawa. One day, somebody may explain such a “decisive” strategy to maintain law and order in a peaceful “Ekiti” while the N’East region is left to its own devices.

Only the incurable naïve will expect this effective strategy to be abandoned after Ekiti State. PDP will always be ready to do that again anywhere, anytime. Osun State is the next laboratory where the strategy may be perfected in preparation to 2015.

Abacha Jnr’s release from the tenterhook of corrupt charges despite the enormity of the amount involved is part of the preparation for 2015 in Kano State. With PDP out in the cold in Kano, somebody shall be ‘unleashed’ on Kwankwaso and APC in the state to avert a painful death of the PDP in 2015. Money go jam money and Kwankwaso should, like Tinubu was prepared for Baba Iyabo back then, be fully ready in his own interest and the interest of his party. APC should be fully ready’o! These fellows don’t think it is departure time at all and they have every reason to think so.

To most of us 2015 is another mile in our trip to nationhood. To PDP folks, it’s a terrifying possibility of a life of deprivation. It spells a possibility of life behind bars or, at least an end to a cheap and illegal source of obscene lifestyle in the midst of hunger. Nobody should ever expect PDP to let go this exclusivity and join the rest of the country in suffering the PDP- inflicted penury the nation is fully enveloped in.

36 ISSUES

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Mu’azu : Changing The Fortunes Of PDP

By Akin Oyegoke

The outcome of the governorship election in Ekiti State which the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ayo Fayose won with a very wide margin has vindicated President Goodluck Jonathan and other PDP stalwarts that have added the appendage “The Game Changer” to the name of the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Adamu Mu’azu.

PDP polled 203, 009 votes to permanently silence the incumbent governor who got 120, 433 votes, making it almost a fruitless exercise for the governor to head to the election tribunal. Mu’azu, who clocked 59 on June 11, has within the past few months changed the fortunes of the PDP and has given PDP members and supporters reasons to celebrate him as the “game changer” within party circles.

Mu’azu assumed leadership of the party on January 18 at the peak of the leadership crisis which rocked the party, leading to defection of five governors and dozens of lawmakers in the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly. At the time, the party was undoubtedly at its lowest ebb since its creation in 1998 and was at the verge of losing its majority status in the National Assembly before the former national chairman, Dr. Bamanga Tukur, stepped aside, paving way for the emergence of Mu’azu.

Quickly taking charge of the party as soon as he stepped in, Mu’azu left no one in doubt that he was ready for the task ahead. The former governor of Bauchi State was not only able to stop the drift in the ruling party within three

Mu’azu

Another example which x-rays Mu’azu’s vision is unity and synergy amongst members of the national working committee that oversee the day to day running of the party months in office but began turning the tables against the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC that was harvesting from the crisis.

In one of his maiden briefings, the master tactician had warned the APC that he is a master in the political poaching game and warned that “the APC is adept in poaching but we will teach them

how to poach.”

Few weeks later, Mu’azu’s political deftness saw him stop the defections in the party and saw the APC at his mercy as he invaded the opposition’s territory where APC members, across board got poached in their thousands.

His coming has breathed new lease of life to the PDP as for almost

two years, the party’s national secretariat which hitherto used to be a beehive of activity but went dry as a result of desertion by party governors and other chieftains, is now booming with activities and visits by all and sundry. As it was in the beginning, the PDP spirit is back. The tumultuous attendance at the unity rallies, the outpouring of goodwill, the fading off of divisions and the reawakening unity sweeping across all levels of the party are all accompaniments, reflecting the vision and the new mood in the party. At these rallies, Mu’azu exercises restraint and caution as the number one officer of the party and resists turning them into campaign fronts.

The PDP has remained the only party that conducts transparent congresses and primaries and this over-a-decade long tradition cannot be compromised. Of course, the rallies apart from mobilising the membership, have served as an accountability forum for the transformation efforts of the president as well as for the appraisal of successes in all sectors relevant to nation building.

Indeed, another example which x-rays Mu’azu’s vision is unity and synergy amongst members of the national working committee that oversee the day to day running of the party. His deep appreciation of each member’s responsibility and the marked ancilliary roles of his key assistants no matter the pedigree as mere appendages of his own office which hitherto was a point of conflict, gave a big pep for their smooth functioning of the party administration. This has robbed off positively on the entire secretariat with its workforce provided with vistas for career advancement. For instance, the publicity directorate as

Roadmap To Economic Quantum Leap by james aigbomen

In the words of Steve Jobs “The mark of an innovative company is not only that it comes up with new ideas first, it also knows how to leapfrog when it finds itself behind” Making quantum leap when left behind is a common phenomenon amongst nations, corporations and individuals that achieve unparalleled results.

In Physics, quantum leap connotes a sudden increase, dramatic advance, or significant breakthrough. This sudden advance occurs as electrons jump from one energy level to another as a result of the absorption of photonslight . In the same vein, nations, corporations, and individuals make quantum leap by following specific strategic road maps.

For quantum leap to occur, a compelling reason why such sudden advance and turnaround is compulsory must be intelligently Designed and presented.

Making a compelling reason why turnaround is compulsory Stating a compelling reason for change is a common distinction in individuals, corporations and nations that have orchestrated economic quantum leaps.

In 1978, Lee Iacocca the former CEO of Ford who was hired to turn Chrysler around had to go to the United States congress to make a compelling case why Chrysler needed a bailout from the government. He made it clear that an estimated 400,000 workers would lose their jobs if Chrysler failed, and that unemployment in Detroit would jump from 8.7 percent to between 16 percent and 19 percent. The U.S. economy as a whole would lose $30 billion of commercial production, or 1.5 percent of America’s entire gross national product. Welfare costs would increase by $1.5 billion a year, while $500 million in Chrysler tax revenues would disappear.

At a time when America’s trade balance was already in sharp deficit, a Chrysler failure would

add a further $1.5 billion. With such compelling reasons, the congress of the United States had no choice but to step in and rescue Chrysler.

Economic quantum leaps are no random events but are products of deliberate adherence to specific body of principles.

In order to diversify into other areas of economic activities that have contributed significantly to her gross domestic products, the then government of Dubai had to design a compelling reason, that by 2015 the oil wells would have dried up thus necessitating the urgent need to look for alternatives.

Raise your standard and set audacious goals Setting high standard and seemingly audacious goals are inalienable parts of the road map to economic quantum leap. Before the death of Steve Jobs, Apple INC was the world’s most valuable company.

Behind this enviable attainment, was a deliberately crafted mission statement – “Apple exist to create

products that will leave a dent in the universe and move humanity forward”.

This lofty and audacious standard set by Jobs became the driving force behind all operations and activities in Apple and would result in revolutionary products such as the Ipad, Iphone, Ipod, Itunes, etc .

By setting an audacious goal to make a luxury car that will outengineer Mercedes and BMW, Toyato corporation produced the

Economic quantum leaps are no random events but are products of deliberate adherence to specific body of principles Lexus LS400. The Lexus LS400 took seven years to build-1,400 engineers, 2,300 technicians, 450 prototypes, and obtained 200 patents .The Lexus model is widely acclaimed by automobile pundits

well as that of audit and women have just rounded off a two-day training workshop for the zonal and state officers in Yenagoa, Makurdi and Abuja, respectively, Such events last held several years back.

To comment on Mu’azu’s leadership without commending his non-interference policy in the status of the state and zonal structures of the party notwithstanding the influx of returnees and new members would be a grave omission as it was a sore point in the previous administrations. It is to his credit, therefore, that in the last 100 days and in an election year, where ambition often vaults, there has been no ‘protest delegation’ from states – a usual feature of the party to Wadata plaza.

That measures the inclusive vision and the fidelity of a leader who promised a regime of zero unnecessary interference and commitment to fairness.

Instructively, two governorship primaries so far conducted under him in Ekiti and Osun States were a test and clear assurance of the good days ahead. He has constantly warned,” if you want to win the ticket of the PDP for any election, go home and work. Don’t rely on anyone you know in Abuja because it will not work under me.”

As PDP edges towards 2015 general election, the party is once again moving with every confidence that they have a capable commander that is sophisticated, leading them.

Old despair has since January given way to new hope. And renewed confidence of PDP members is source of despondency for the opposition that dreams of flushing PDP out of power in 2015.

– Oyegoke is special assistant (ICT) to the national chairman, PDP, and wrote in from Abuja

and enthusiasts to be more reliable than the BMW. Upon taking over as the CEO of General Electric, Jack Welch boasted that his team will break all GE sales and profit records and that the plastic business will make more profits in one year than it has made in the past ten years. Jack Welch in orchestrating a turn around for General Electric introduced the six sigma philosophy – a concept developed by Motorola in 1985 where the perfection rate for products was 99.99999%. As a result GE shares rose from $4 to $133. From 1980 onward, the company returned 100 consecutive quarters of profits, GE sales rose from $27.2billion to $173.2 billion. Profits rose from 1.6 b to 10.7 billion. If you had bought stock worth $ 10,000 in 1980 and reinvested the dividends by 1999 it would have been worth $ 640, 000. By the time he was resigning in 1999, he had created 1000 new businesses.

Aigbomen is founder of Merchant Inc

politics today Tuesday, June 24, 2014

REPORTS ANALYSES REVIEWS INTERVIEWS

Tinubu

Fayose

Fayemi

Ekiti Poll: The Failure Of Elitism And Triumph Of Grassroots Politics” The people of Ekiti State went to the polls last Saturday and at the end they overwhelmingly elected Ayodele Peter Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),thus dumping the incumbent, Dr. Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressive Congress (APC). Supporters of the vanquished APC were quick to allude the victory as one that was propelled by“stomach Infrastructures” over real physical development.

KAZEEM AKINTUNDE report

Our performance and achievements in office will remain the backdrop against which the next government and indeed future governments will be assessed

Many had predicted a tight race among the three top contenders in the race for the Governor’s office in Ekiti during the last Saturday’s election. But by the time the results started trickling in, it turned out to be a blowout or better still a ‘walk over’.

It was indeed a landslide victory for the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, as he won majority of the votes cast in all the 16 local government councils in the state.

Opeyemi Bamidele, candidate of the Labour Party (LP), against, pundits earlier projections, was not in the race at all.

He got less than 20,000 votes while the incumbent governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi who was the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, (APC) garnered a little over 120,000 votes.

Enlightened and suave, Fayemi

quickly accepted the wish of his people and put a call through to the victorious Fayose for winning the election fair and square.

Not done, an upbeat Fayemi, later in a state wide broadcast told his people that he has accepted the result of the poll in good faith.

He said, “Yesterday, Ekiti State decided. Following the gubernatorial elections held in the land of honour, Ekiti State, Nigeria, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially returned the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the election.

“If indeed this is the will of the Ekiti People, I stand in deference to your will. If the result of the elections is an expression of the voice of our people, we must all heed your voice.

“I have just spoken with my brother, Mr. Peter Ayodele Fayose,

congratulating him on his victory.

In a few hours from now, I would be meeting the Governor-elect to discuss the future of our dear state and how we would work together to institute a smooth transition programme.

“It has been a hard fought election. As expected, in the course of the campaigns, there were unsavoury episodes as the candidates toured the nooks and crannies of the state to sell ourselves to the people. Elections tend to be highly divisive affairs that often see brother rising against brother.

“Despite our diverse party affiliations, and regardless of which way we voted on Saturday, we must remember that we are all sons and daughters of Ekiti State.

Ekiti is ours to build together”.

He added: “On our part, over the course of the campaigns, we presented our scorecards before the people of Ekiti State. We never at any point took your support for granted. We campaigned, we canvassed and we traversed the nooks and crannies of this State.

“Our performance and achievements in office will remain the backdrop against which the next government and indeed future governments will be assessed. We are proud that with the support of Ekiti people, we have raised the bar of excellence in governance.

In all, we gave our best, for conscience and for posterity.

“Indeed a new sociology of the

Ekiti people may have evolved.

However, the task of understanding how the outcome of this election has defined us as a people will be that of scholars. For us as an administration and a cadre of political leaders in Ekiti State, we have fought a good fight, we have kept faith’ he said..

Indeed, that sociology of the Ekiti People is what political analysts have been trying to deconstruct since Saturday. Here was an incumbent governor that has changed the landscape of the state. Several kilometres of roads have been tarred, physical infrastructural development dotted all over the state yet his people are not willing to give him a second term ticket, said an analyst.

Investigation by LEADERSHIP reporters who were in the state to cover the election, revealed that most of the governor’s projects are not actually what the people wanted. A teacher in one of the primary Schools in the state complained to this reporter that what was the essence of a governor tarring roads all over the state when majority of the people does not have cars.

He was not alone as so many others echoed similar sentiment.

Perhaps that was the reason for the spontaneous positive reception of the early results showing ➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 38 Donald Ojogo, Group Politics Editor

37

38 POLITICS TODAY

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Ekiti Poll: The Failure Of Elitism And Triumph Of Grassroots Politics” ➔ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

Fayemi to win his election in 2011, many believed that he should have kept Fayose in his corner of the party. Fayose was a major contributor to Fayemi’s victory at the last polls. And this was acknowledged as Fayemi published an advertorial thanking Fayose for his efforts.

When Fayose’s father died, it was widely acknowledged that he carried a signage with the note ‘Vote For Fayemi’ at the burial ceremony. When Fayose celebrated his birthday, the who-is-who in the then ACN were present and they poured accolades on him. Though the governor gave Fayose N1million to celebrate his birthday, Fayose considered the amount too small. He also claimed there was an understanding that he would be given a senatorial slot as compensation.

This was never honoured and he decamped to the Labour Party, to seek a senatorial seat, and was defeated. His never-say-die in politics prevailed and he gravitated back to the PDP, where many believed he would not be able to pick the party’s governorship ticket. But with Abuja looking for a rugged politician who could withstand APC, fire –power, the choice of Fayose became inevitable.

that fayose was coasting home to victory. Many citizenss of the state trooped to the streets in wide jubilation immediately the results started trickling in.

Why fayemi lost: War With Teachers:Many people are of the view that Fayemi lost the election due to some of the actions he took in his desire to develop and transform the state.

One of the major decisions he took on assumption of office was to reduce the 27.5 percent Teachers’ Pecuniary Allowance to 16 percent. Although the governor claimed the decision was taken after a meeting with the teachers, where he told them about the lean resources in the state.

Events following that decision showed clearly that the teachers were waiting for the right time to strike using their vote.

Ado-Ekiti by its nature is a civil service and students town.

This means anyone who wants to win election to govern the state must carry the people of the town along.

Aside from that, he incurred the wrath of teachers when he insisted that in a bid to improve the standards of education, which many Nigerians believed had nose-dived, there was the need to get the best brain as teachers.

He later introduced some form of competency test, which all teachers in the state must pass before they could remain as teachers while those who fail would be retrained and the not too good would be asked to go.

Many of the teachers with the backing of their union leaders decided to shun the test. It was therefore, not surprising that many teachers in the state embarked on house-to-house mobilisation of residents of the state to vote for Fayose.

Though when Fayemi saw the hand-writing on the wall, pointing to the possibility that he might lose the election, made a detour and promised to pay the teachers allowances. it was a little too late.

The rumour that he owns a University in Ghana also did not help his re-election campaign too

Issues With Students Although when he came into office, Fayemi pegged the School fees of students in the state institutions of higher learning to N50,000. But the management of some of these institutions found a way round the policy and also introduced the no school fee, no examination policy.

The students, particularly of Ekiti State University, who were hitherto allowed to pay in installment, were aggrieved with the school’s policy, which they suspected had the backing of the governor. In protest, they formed a ring of opposition against the government.

Many of the students like the

Obasanjo

Oni

teachers in primary and secondary schools swore to vote the government out of power.

When the political crisis in the state reached the peak, the management of EKSU decided to shut the school down and sent the students home.

The students again saw this as another avenue and reason to oppose the governor. As a result they frequently accused him of being responsible for slowing down their academic progression.

Explanations by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr. Tayo Ekundayo, that the move was a proactive measure aimed at ensuring that the students were safe with their parents and guardians during the polls failed to dissuade the students.

Ekundayo maintained that there were no plans to disenfranchise the students as most of the students were resident in the state and would, therefore, be able to vote during the election if they were registered.

He wondered why a decision that was statutorily that of the EKSU Governing Council was being linked to the Ekiti State Government. But the students have made up their mind and they did the talking with their votes.

And to aid their job, the rival PDP members sold a dummy to many of the indigene who are also

very poor but had resorted to using Okada to earn a living, that the APC government would ban Okada riding as a means of public transportation in the state when Fayemi secured another term of four years. They point to the fact that the same policy was introduced in Lagos and Edo State when Governor Raji Fashola of Lagos and Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state respectively won second term ticket and that the same would be replicated in Ekiti State.

Though, Governor Fayemi built roads and embarked on urban renewal. His footprints were all over the state. However, he was disconnected from the masses. There was a general perception that his government was elitist; that he did not have the common touch.

He was building for the people but the people did not feel any connection with him. His style brought back a feeling of nostalgia about Fayose’s days to the people.

Fayose could speak their language. Fayose also made a mountain about living among the people. In all the years he was away from office, he never left Ekiti.

They regarded Fayemi as a foreigner among them. The rumour that he owns a University in Ghana also did not help his re-election campaign too.

Politically, many of Fayemi’s aides also contributed to his problem. When Fayose linked up with

Powerful Aides A baggage Fayemi tolerated for too long was his Chief of Staff, Yemi Adaramodu. Though he played a major part in Fayemi’s election and the subsequent court cases, Adaramodu who was made Fayemi’s Chief of Staff became so powerful that many within and outside government circles believed he was the de facto governor. Many other aides of the governor were forced to gravitate towards him. A source said there was a time local government caretaker chairmen were to be appointed and Adaramodu alone picked 12 out of the 16 nominees and they were all approved by the governor. He succeeded in alienating the governor from so many political interests which would have been useful for him in his quest for a second term in office. By the time the governor tried to curb his political influence, it was already too late.

Lesson learnt Now that the election had been won and lost, many in the APC, are calling for a review of tactics in a bid to prevent other APC states from being taking over by the rampaging PDP, backed by President Goodluck Jonathan who is sparing no expense in his bid to get a second term ticket.

Senator Femi Ojudu captured it succinctly when he said, “We have to re-organise our party. Mistakes have been made, lessons have also been learnt. It appears that a few of us who are leaders seem to be miles ahead of our people. It is time for us to build a party that will subscribe to our vision.”

39

labour matters Tuesday, June 24, 2014

ILO: Tackling The Menace Of Forced Labour Tackling the menace of forced labour and its negative effects on the psyche of victims and the labour industry is a key economic issue engaging the attention of stakeholders across the world. TAIWO OGUNMOLA-OMILANI, Lagos writes on the efforts by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to bring an end to the ugly trend.

A

s a way of finding lasting solutions to the challenge of forced labour, this year’s International Labour Organisaion (ILO) conference held in Geneva, Switzerland dwelt on the how hostile working environment and its effects on workers around the world.

The gathering which was the 103rd conference, basically offered hope to millions of victims of forced labour and a way out of informality and unemployment.

Addressing participants at the labour forum, ILO Director General, Guy Ryder affirmed that he believed that the conference session will be remembered for the overwhelming adoption of the Protocol to Convention No. 29 on Forced Labour.

According to him, “It is the fruit of our collective determination to put an end to an abomination which still afflicts our world of work and to free its 21 million victims”.

Interestingly, more than the 4,700 government, employer and worker delegates to the conference adopted a new legally binding ILO Protocol on Forced Labour, which aimed at advancing prevention, protection and compensation measures, as well as intensifying efforts to eliminate contemporary forms of slavery.

Some of the delegates who spoke with LEADERSHIP expressed hope that the seed planted at this year’s conference will yield positive results in the years to come.

Statistics from the ILO revealed that the informal sector of the economy represents 40 per cent of the global workforce.

It is against this backdrop that labour unions especially the Federation of Informal Workers of Nigeria (FIWON) expressed hope

that reprieve has finally come their way because what they have been agitating for has now being put to rest.

In the same vein, the NonAcademic Staff Union of Education and Associated Institutions (NASU), Textile Garment and Tailoring Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (TGTSSAN) and the Radio Television Theatre and Art Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) corroborated the fact that the new global protocol to fight forced labour, adopted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), will accelerate action against modern slavery across the globe.

Appraising the provisions of the ILO Protocol and how it will ramp up action on forced labour, NASU President, Comrade Ladi IIiya said the protocol has put the world leaders at alert on new development to combat force labour which is rampant in the private sector.

She said, “We are comfortable with the new ILO Protocol on force labour that will put governments of members’ states of the ILO on alerts because the private sector is responsible for 90% of the estimated 21 million victims of forced labour, reaping some US$150 billion from some of the most severe forms of exploitation in existence today.”

The President of TGTSSAN, Comrade Ambi Karu reasoned in the same direction when he said, “We are optimistic that the new ILO protocol will revitalise action to end forced labour, and the Protocol will put those who make money from slavery on notice that the textile garment movement and our allies in the international scene will chase them down and bring them to account.”

As far as the General Secretary of FIWON, Comrade Gbenga Komolafe is concerned, the hazard of forced labour must be stopped, even as

ILO Director General, Guy Ryder

Women and girls have told us that their employers beat them with belts, sticks, and electrical cords he sought domestication of ILO’s convention on domestic workers.

FIWON scribe called on the Federal Government to immediately ratify and domesticate the Domestic Workers Convention adopted by International Labour Organisation, member countries on June 16, 2011.

He pleaded with the Nigerian government to join a growing number of world leaders that are taking measures to address the exploitation and abuse that domestic workers go through.

He emphasized that FIWON, an umbrella for informal, self employed

Nigerians in the informal sectors of the Nigerian economy, has been organizing domestic workers into a union of their own in the past few months.

According to him, “The gruesome stories of gross abuse and inhumanity suffered by domestic workers that we have been working with in Nigeria, demonstrates the pivotal importance of the adoption of this new convention. Isolated in private homes, domestic workers suffer psychological, physical, and sexual abuse.

“Women and girls have told us that their employers beat them with belts, sticks, and electrical cords, knocked their heads against walls, and burned their skin with irons, chemicals, and boiling water.

“They described being propositioned, groped, and raped by men in the household. Many were afraid of reporting sexual violence because of the risk of being fired from their jobs and turned out onto the street. Domestic workers often are regarded as mere ‘house helps’ without any rights either as a worker or as a human being.

“A domestic worker may be asked to leave work at any time without any prior notice on flimsy excuse or because she fell ill, she is paid a very low wage, her wages may be cut for no just cause, she may not even get paid at all, the hours of work may be 12 hours or even 24 hours a day, she may be beaten, verbally abused, falsely accused of theft, raped or even killed.

“The workload can be too heavy because it is not regulated, she may not go on leave or holidays, she may suffer diseases as a result of her back breaking work, she may not get sickness benefit or retirement benefit, she does not enjoy most of the benefit a worker should enjoy.

TOP LABOUR UNIONS IN NIGERIA

1. Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Umbrella body of local government workers in the country 2. National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Registered as the umbrella body of road transport workers in the country 3. Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) Registered as association of Non-academic staff of Nigerian university

Confab: Ssanu Warns Against Scrapping Of LGs

By Michael OChe, Abuja

Omar

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has voiced its strong opposition against any attempt to scrap local government areas by delegates to the ongoing national conference.

The union also warned the delegates against the removal of Minimum Wage from the Exclusive

Legislative list, saying that any attempt to uphold these two recommendations, will be met with nationwide industrial actions.

The President of the union, Comrade Samson Ugwoke, who addressed a press conference on decisions reached at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union held at Enugu State University of Science and

Technology (ESUT), Enugu State, said the conference should also address and accommodate issues that have been contentious in the Constitution including those that have not been adequately taken care of before now.

He commended President Goodluck Jonathan for convening the National Conference, saying that the confab will address the

issues of national unity, equity and justice.

Comrade Ugwoke said: “SSANU NEC-in-session commends the Federal Government for convening the National Conference and reiterates its position that the National Conference should address key issues of national unity, equity and justice.

40

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

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news north-East, north-west 41

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Chieftaincy Dispute Claims 2 Lives In Kaduna

By MIDAT JOSEPH, Kaduna

The violence that erupted following the appointment of Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed as the new chief (Res Tsam) of Chawai Chiefdom in Kauru local government area of Kaduna State has left two people dead.

LEADERSHIP gathered that there has been tension in the chiefdom over the stool, following the death of the former Res Tsam, Alhaji Danlami Yahaya on 6th April, 2014.

As a result of the crisis, the Chawai Development Association instituted a case at a High Court in Kafanchan.

The announcement of the new chief by the Kaduna State governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, while the matter was still in court, led to the violence that claimed two lives while several properties were destroyed by rampaging youths in the area.

The national president of the Chawai Development Associa-

tion, Chief Augustine Audi, who confirmed the violence, said the appointment of the late chief’s son led to the civil unrest in the chiefdom.

According to him, the governor in a letter had ordered the Chawai Council of King Makers to nominate and send to him the name of the son of the late Res Tsam for appointment.

He said, however, that ascension to the throne according to Chawai history, native law and custom is

not hereditary.

“We wish to inform the world that so long as the governor took the decision at the pendency of our action in court, and so long as the court had ordered him to stay action pending the hearing of our motion on notice which he is aware of, being represented by a counsel, we put it on record that no Res Tsam has yet been appointed until the determination of the case in court,” the Chawai president said.

Niger State governor Babangida Aliyu exchanging pleasantries with Vice President Namadi Sambo during an international conference on security and development challenges of pastoralism in West and Central Africa, at Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO

BY GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

short news Kaduna: 2,500 Auto Rickshaws Registered In 30 Days The Kaduna State Board of Internal Revenue yesterday said it registered 2,500 auto rickshaws (Keke NAPEP) between May 21 and June 23 in Kaduna metropolis.

The chairman of the board, Alhaji Muhammad Tanko, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna that there had been an influx of commercial auto rickshaw operators into the state capital.

Tanko said that 1,000 of such vehicles were registered by the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), while 1,500 were regisNAN

‘Improve Health Of Women, Children Through Child Spacing’

By YAHAYA SARKI, KEBBI

Families have been urged to adopt the concept of child spacing so as to keep their women and children safe and healthy.

The chairman of Aliero local government in Kebbi State, Alhaji Haliru Sarki who represented the state deputy governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu made the call yesterday at the launching of Expanded Social Marketing Project in Nigeria (ESMPIN) News Letter tagged ‘ExtraMile’ and presentation of awards to ambassadors of the proj-

ect in Kebbi State, which took place at the Confrence Hall of the Ministry of Health in Birnin Kebbi.

Alhaji Haliru said there was need for the people especially in rural areas to accept the concept of child spacing as one of the means of improving the health of both children and the mothers, calling on religious leaders to stop seeing the idea of child spacing as unIslamic.

He also stressed the need for pregnant women to regularly go to hospitals for check ups.

The state project officer in Kebbi, Alhaji Jibril Guraguri acknowledged the support of both the state government and the communities where the project is being implemented.

Mallam Haruna Alkasim, the programme officer of Youth Advancement Organisation (YAON), one of the CBOs implementing the project in Kebbi said ESMPIN is a five-year project funded by USAID in order to improve the health of women and children by the use of child spacing and child survival products and services in Nigeria.

Another 60 Women Abducted In Borno Village

By Kareem Haruna, Maiduguri

At least 60 women and girls have been reportedly abducted in a Borno village by gunmen suspected to be members of Boko Haram, locals and security sources have said.

The abduction took place in a village called Kummabza, a farming community not more than 25km away from Lassa town in Askira-Uba local government area of Borno State.

But the fresh abduction, which was said to have been carried out on Saturday, was not made public until Monday when members of the local vigilante broke the news to journalists in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

The security officials in Maiduguri have, however, denied knowledge of such abduction which occurred in a location not more than 150 kilometre away from the state capital.

A senior local government official in Damboa local council told LEADERSHIP in confidence that the abduction did take place. He ,however, stated that he was not authorised to make categorical statement on the matter to the press.

The Secretary of Damboa local government area of the state, Modu Mustapha did not confirm or deny the abduction.

He simply said, “I am not in the position to tell you anything. Only the chairman has the authority to talk to you, please get across to him.”

Efforts to get the chairman of the local government, Alhaji Alamin Mohammed, proved abortive at press time as he did not answer his calls or respond to the text messages sent to him.

But a local member of the vigilante from that area, Aji Khalil, had a different figure on the abduction. According to him the total number of women abducted by the insurgents was 91.

He said, “The women were abducted between Thursday and Sunday in Southern Borno villages of Kummabza, Yaga and Dagu, Damboa local government area, Borno State.

Khalil said, “Some suspected Boko Haram members invaded Kumanza, Yaga and Dagu villages and kidnapped 91 persons. More than 60 married women and young girls were kidnapped while the rest 31 young men were forcefully taken away by Boko Haram terrorists. Four villagers who tried to escape were shot dead on the spot” Khali said on phone today”.

When contacted, the Borno State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Gideon Jubrin, denied knowledge of the latest abduction. He said, “honestly the command has not received any of such report concerning the abduction of women or girls; but we will still investigate and if we get anything, we will get across to you”

Displaced Persons Vow Not To Return To Taraba Victims of penultimate Sunday’s civil unrest in Wukari and Ibi local government areas of Taraba State have vowed not to return home, saying as bona fide Nigerians who have the liberty to live in any part of the country, Nasarawa State is their new abode.

The leader of the displaced persons, Mohammed Madaki, made the remark yesterday at the palace of the Emir of Lafia during the presentation of relief materials provided by the state government to ameliorate their sufferings.

He also called on the state government to urgently put modalities in place towards ensuring that they are duly registered as voters to enable them exercise their franchise in the forthcoming general elections, promising to remain law abiding.

Presenting the items, the secretary to the state government, Hajiya Zainab T. Abdulmumin, who represented Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, said the displaced persons would be provided with temporary shelter at Shabu before a more permanent settlement would be put in place at Shinge, both in Lafia local government.

By Donatus Nadi, Lafia

Police In Zamfara Disperse Peaceful Demonstration The police in the Zamfara State capital of Gusau yesterday dispersed hundreds of youths comprising men, women and children, who besieged the state Government House to protest against the failure of the government to pay compensation for the plots of land and residential houses taken over from them by the government for the construction of a new Government House complex.

Our correspondent who witnessed the event reports that the police also confiscated several motorcycles from the protesters after dispersing them from the Government House premises.

The youths staged the protest in an attempt to block Governor Yari’s entrance to the Government House so that they could express the hardship they have been subjected to over the period of six months since the landed properties were taken over from them to him.

The spokesman of the protesters, Mallam Sa’ad Sirajo told LEADERSHIP that “the state government had taken over and ejected us from our residential houses including some undeveloped plots of land about six months ago with a promise to pay us compensation so that we could relocate with our families,’’ he said.

By Abba Abubakar, Kabara

42 news south-west Babangida, Obanikoro, IGP for Muslim Media Ramadan lecture

Prominent Nigerians are expected to grace the ninth Ramadan lecture of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) on “peace and leadership” on Sunday in Abuja.

MMPN chairman, Abdur-Rahman Balogun said in a statement yesterday in Ibadan that the lecture would hold at National Mosque Hall, Abuja on Sunday June 29, starting from 11 am.

While Niger State governor Babangida Aliyu was slated as the chairman, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Minister of State, Defence, would be the father of the day and Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar, is special guest of honour.

The lecture entitled: ``Peace and Leadership: The Missing Link,’’ is the ninth in the series, and will be delivered by the duo of Professor Musa AbdurRaheem of University of Ado-Ekiti and Malam Nurudeen Lemu.

Other guests expected at the lecture was the FCT Minister Senator Bala Mohammed as Chief Host, while Professor Ishaq Oloyede, Secretary-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) would be the spiritual father of the day.

Others are directors-general of Voice of Nigeria Malam Abubakar Jijiwa, FRCN Malam Ladan Salihu, federal lawmakers, Islamic scholars, members of the public and the media.

Balogun said in the statement that the choice of the topic was to proffer solutions to the current challenges in the country as it affects Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

OOUTH Workers Vow To Continue Strike Members of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) of the Olabisi Onabanjo Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun State, yesterday vowed to continue their strike irrespective of threats or intimidation from concerned authorities as their industrial action enters its second week.

Chairman of the Union, Kikelomo Enaholo, made the stance of the over 900 striking workforce of the hospital known in Abeokuta while speaking with newsmen, just as she alleged threat to her life by unidentified persons.

The Union had on June 9 called out its members to embark on a sit-at-home protest to press home their demands, which included the payment of their March 2011 salaries, payment of 17 months consolidated tertiary institutions salary scale and payment of counterpart fund in pension from the state government, all totaling over N2billion.

LEADERSHIP learnt that the JOHESU consists of, the Medical Health Workers Union of Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Non- Academic Staff Union and the Senior Staff Association.

By Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Chibok Girls: Osun Federal Workers Go Spiritual

By JOSHUA DADA, Osogbo

Heads of federal government establishments in Osun State yesterday converged on the Industrial Development Centre, Osogbo as part of their 2014 African Civil Service Day to pray for the release of over 200 Chibok schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram in Born State.

The interdenominational service which was led by Christian and Muslim clerics among whom were Rev. Eniolorunda Oludotun, Pastor Peter Olaleye, Alhaji Afeez Adediran

and Alhaji Taofeek Akorede, prayed for peace in Nigeria.

Chairperson of the forum, Mrs F.A. Oyeleke, said in view of the turbulent period in the form of security challenges in the hands of Boko Haram, the workers realised the need for them to call for God’s intervention on the insecurity in the nation.

She noted that unlike the previous celebrations that attracted fanfare, the situation in Nigeria at present did not call for celebration, and expressed regret that Nigerians can no longer sleep with their eyes closed.

She added that the moment called for sober reflection and called on Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation, religion or tribe to join hands and fight Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria.

Also speaking at the event, the secretary of forum of Heads of Federal Establishments in Osun, Mr. Jide Asagodogbo, disclosed that June 23rd was set aside by heads of African Government for the purpose of appreciating and celebrating African Civil Servants, noting that the event usually called for celebration.

short news Oyo Will Immortalise Arisekola – Ajimobi

Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi (left) and governor-elect, Mr Ayo Fayose, during Fayose’s visit to the governor in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday. PHOTO B Y NAN.

Why Ekiti Guber Poll Was Successful – Police ALO ABIOLA, Ado-Ekiti

The Nigeria Police Force has attributed the success of Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State to the joint cooperation of the people, stakeholders and the efforts of the security agencies. It also disclosed that its officers were not in a hurry to leave the state.

At a news conference jointly addressed by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 9, Mr Bala Nasarawa, the Police Commissioner in charge of Ekiti election Mr Ikechukwu Aduba and other top officers, they said effective security measures were taken to ensure law and order during the election.

He said the security agencies had in the build-up to the election assured that it will ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of the poll.

Nasarawa noted that the election was peaceful in all 16 local government areas of the state, and said experiences in the past elections helped the police in taking appropriate measures.

He said, “I would like to put on record that the conduct of the election was orderly across the entire state, as we are mindful of familiar disruptions and occurrences that generally mar the conduct of similar elections.

“Our proactive approach in ensuring adequate security for

the conduct of the election made it practically impossible for hoodlums or criminal to break the law or violate the electoral process”.

Highlighting the measures taken by the police during the election, the AIG said, “All distress calls to our dedicated and patrol teams before and during the election were swiftly attended to. No one with any unlawful intention before and during election process was spare by the police”.

He added that officers, comprising personnel of the Police Mobile Force, Special Protection Units, Anti-Bomb Squad, the Air Wing and K9 section, were deployed to all parts of the state.

Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi yesterday disclosed that the late Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola Alao, will be immortalized through the naming of an important institution in the state after the late business mogul and Islamic leader.

Speaking while receiving the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who was in his office to condole with him over the death of the late philanthropist, said that the late Aare Musulumi epitomized service to humanity as he lived his life for both the rich and the poor, adding that the people of Oyo State in particular and Nigerians as a whole would continue to remember him for his philanthropic gesture.

By Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

Ibadan Bizman Petitions CJ Over Case Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

An Ibadan based businessman, Mr. Dapo Davies, has called on the Oyo State chief judge, Justice Bolajoko Adeniji to withdraw his case before Justice Aderonke Aderemi and reassign it to another judge for the sake of justice.

Dapo Davies, the CEO of Pel-

ly Foam Nigeria Ltd, in a petition dated 23rd June, 2014, and entitled “Case of Misconduct Against Justice A.A. Aderemi of The Oyo State Judiciary and Appeal for Re-assignment of the Case “ said he was the claimant in suit number 1/23/2014: Dapo Davies vs A.G. Leventis and Grace Adeliyi, and that he filed the case on 10th January, 2014.

In the petition made available to newsmen in Ibadan yesterday, Davies declared that the crux of the case was a tenancy dispute between him and the defendants, adding that the defendants had filed their defence and by so doing both of them had submitted to the court for settlement of the dispute.

The businessman noted that

while this case was still pending, the defendants instituted another action at the Oyo State Magistrates Court sitting in Ibadan.

On the 29th of April, 2014, he filed a motion for interlocutory injunction to restrain the defendants from interfering with his business premises and the motion was fixed for 30th of June, 2014 for hearing.

news Lagos 43

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

N47.1bn Theft: Akingbola Wants Court To Stay Further Proceedings A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja yesterday fixed July 11 to hear an application filed by former Managing Director of the defunct Intercontinental Bank Plc, Erastus Akingbola, seeking a stay of his trial before the court.

Akingbola, who is being prosecuted alongside the General Manager of Tropics Securities Ltd., Bayo Dada by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N47.1 billion theft, want the court to stay further proceedings in the trial pending the determination of his appeal against an earlier ruling of the court.

The two men were arraigned before Justice Lateef LawalAkapo on a 22-count charge of conspiracy and stealing of N47.1 billion belonging to the defunct Intercontinental Bank.

Justice Lawal-Akapo had dismissed Akingbola’s application challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the charge brought against him.

Fashola Admonishes Lagos Public Servants To Sustain Standards

by GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola yesterday urged public servants in the state to sustain the high level of excellence in public service delivery achieved by his administration beyond 2015 when his tenure in office is expected to end.

The governor gave the admonition while addressing the state’s civil servants at a lecture and award ceremony to commemorate the grand finale of the 2014 Public Service Week, held at the Adeyemi

Bero Auditorium in Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, area of the state.

Fashola emphasised that it was the last time he would address the workers in the annual event as governor of the state, and charged them not to allow his exit by May 2015 to affect the high standard of service rendered by the Lagos civil servants .

He said, “It has been a pleasant journey which is on its final curve into its eighth year. I’ve enjoyed working with you. You’ve shown that impossible means nothing; here impossible is the excuse for not trying, and we have become

the team to beat.”

Fashola who said other states in the federation are aiming to better the achievements of Lagos and urged them to raise the bar.

According to him, “There is competition: other states have woken up; they want to see what Lagos is doing; what they do not tell you is that they want to overtake Lagos.

“The competition is now close; we must continue to innovate and raise the stakes for ourselves, and we must never lie at ease.”

The governor added that Lagos held the key to the growth of the African continent, saying

the state cannot afford to rest on its oars but seek to better its achievements year in year out.

He said ,“Some people believe that if Lagos makes it, Africa will make it. If we continue to believe that nobody is superior to us, no goal will be beyond our reach.

“Being in the public service is a real privilege to serve. We constitute less one percent of the 21 million people in Lagos, yet the privilege is that we decide how the society will get water, where there would be a new road. Never abuse the privilege, never underestimate the value and impact.”

short news LASG Holds Stakeholders’ Meeting On Maternal, Child Mortality June 25

Olugbenga Soyele, Lagos

Fashola Swears In New Aide Lagos State governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State yesterday swore in a new Special Adviser on Central Business District .

Fashola while administering oath of office on Mr Folorunsho Folarin-Coker, the new Special Adviser on Central Business District (CBD) restated the commitment of his administration to efficient service delivery in the state.

The governor said his administration would continue to develop the state and meet the aspirations of the people.

Fashola congratulated the new special adviser on the appointment and tasked him on responsibilities associated to his office.

He said his duties were not to the government alone, but also to the residents of the state, promising to give him the necessary support.

The governor urged FolarinCoker to work with stakeholders within the CBD to bring more transformation to the districts and improve revenue generation.

Fashola called for the understanding of the new appointee’s family as the new responsibility would demand more time out of home.

The appointment of FolarinCoker followed the resignation of Mrs Derin Disu as Special Adviser on CBD. George Okojie, Lagos

L-R: Mr Frank Ogbemi, Chief (Mrs) Tessa Ikimi and Professor Wole Soyinka during the service of songs for the late Madam Aritsehoma Abeji Amuka-Pemu, mother of Mr Sam Amuka, publisher of the Vanguard Newspaper. PHOTO BY BENEDICT UWALAKA

LASU/ASUU Strike May Cause Setback For Us – SUG

By Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

As Lagos State University students resumed academic activities yesterday, the Student Union Government (SUG) has said that the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) (LASU/ASUU) may cause a setback for them.

The SUG president, Yusuf Temilola, affirmed there was a large turnout of students, but that the ongoing strike may hinder academic activities.

Temilola stressed that the students are unhappy at the tuition

fee released by the management of the school last week.

“We are going to hold our congress today in order to review the fee endorsed by the governing council because some of us cannot afford to pay the money”, he said.

The university’s management last week came up with the precise amount to be paid by students in all departments and faculties.

Hence, the Governing Council of the University approved the new school fees which now range between N76,750.00 for a final year student in the Art Department (49.3% reduction), and N158,250 for a 200 level Engi-

neering and medical (Direct entry) student.

In the new school fee regime as approved by the Council, a 100 level student in the Adebola Adegunwa School of Communication will now pay N103,250.00, and a 200 level student (Direct Entry) will be required to pay same fee, while a 200 level returning student pays N88,250.00.

For the College of Medicine, a fresh student is expected to pay N115, 750.00, same for a final year medical student, while a 200 level (Direct Entry) student in the same College pays N158, 250.00, representing a 36.4% reduction.

The Lagos State Ministry of Health will hold a stakeholders’ meeting on June 25, as part of its maternal and child mortality reduction campaign.

A statement issued by Mr Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, the ministry’s Public Relations Officer, said yesterday in Lagos that it would hold at the Epe Local Government secretariat.

Ogunbanwo said in the statement that the meeting was to educate people at the grassroots on the importance of their role in maternal and child mortality reduction.

NAN

8 Years After, Court Frees Robbery Suspects

By OLUGBENGA SOYELE, Lagos

Eight years after they were arrested and incarcerated by men of the Nigeria Police Force for armed robbery, reprieve yesterday came the way of two men, Amen Daniels and Friday Saturday as a Lagos High Court in Igbosere set them free.

The trial judge, Justice Adeniyi Adebajo, in his judgment

on the case held that the police had failed to provide evidence to substantiate the charge against the two men.

The court wondered why the police failed to produce the complainant in the matter in court, and the statement made by the said complainant.

The judge also expressed surprise that the police did not provide either the two locally made

pistols allegedly found with the defendants, nor the five live cartridges it claimed to have recovered from them.

Daniels and Saturday, both from Akwa Ibom State, were remanded in prison in 2006 by a Magistrates’ Court for conspiracy and armed robbery under Section 402(2)(a) and 403(a) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2003.

They were abandoned in Ikoyi

Prisons without trial till 2010 when a lawyer, Charles Okungbowa, accepted to represent them pro bono.

During trial, the defendants who were arrested at Ajah and Oyingbo respectively, while engaging in their lawful businesses, told the court they only got to know themselves on the day of their arraignment at a Yaba Magistrates’ Court.

44 news south-South south-East Gov Obiano Awards N5bn Contract For 3 Fly-Overs In Awka Contract for the construction of three fly-overs which will cost about N5billion has been awarded in Awka, the Anambra State capital, along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

The state governor, Chief Willie Obiano yesterday flagged off the construction of the three flyovers at the popular Aroma junction, Kwata junction and Amawbia junction, all located within a distance of about three kilometres along the expressway.

Governor Obiano said that the three projects which were awarded to an indigenous company, IDC Construction Limited, have a completion date of a year and are in fulfilment of his promise during the campaigns to reconstruct Awka as a befitting capital of Anambra State which would be comparable to any other capital in the advanced countries of the world.

He restated the commitment of his administration to transform Awka into a modern state capital that would be the envy of other states in Nigeria, adding that the Awka Capital Development Authority was carrying out a comprehensive master-plan of Awka that would make it one of the best cities in Africa.

Governor Obiano further stated that his administration is building a massive shopping complex , a five star hotel and 5,000 capacity modern conference centre in the Awka to shore up the status of the city.

By Okechukwu Obeta, Awka

Capacity Building Seminar For Students Opens In Uyo Secondary school students have been advised to always exhibit exemplary lifestyle and the fear of God if they must succeed in their chosen careers.

Giving the advice yesterday in Uyo while declaring open a oneday Leadership Seminar for government and private secondary school prefects in Akwa Ibom, organised by Save the Children Campaign, a non-governmental organisation, the state commissioner for education, Professor Atim Antai admonished the students as future leaders to uphold discipline in their respective institutions.

Represented by a deputy director, Secondary Higher Education in the ministry, Mr Eyibo Udofia, Professor Antai urged the students to always stand out among their peers intellectually, display good leadership traits and show respect to elders whenever the need arises. ‘’Your character and personality traits such as honesty, courage dependability fairness humility intelligence among others are vital ingredients for your acceptability and popularity among your fellow students and the entire institutions you represents’’ the commissioner stated.

By Bernard Tolani Dada, Uyo

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Delta PDP To Adopt Option A4 In LG Primaries Crisis Brews Over Alleged Selection Of Chairmen

By Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Asaba

Ahead of the Local Government Election Primaries and to ensure free and credible elections on October 25, 2014, Delta State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that it will adopt option A4 voting system in the primary elections for councillorship aspirants across the state.

But sources close to the party hinted that crisis is currently brewing over alleged selections of the council chairmen instead of the usual primaries that would present a level playing field for all aspirants.

The secretary to the state government, Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay told Leadership that the party would adopt Option A4 for the emergence of the councillorship candidates for the local government polls, adding, “we are ready for the council polls; all

councillorship aspirants should go to the field and campaign; no leader is backing any aspirant”.

Option A4 was adopted by Prof Humphrey Nwosu, the former chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) in the 1993 general elections adjudged by all including international observers as the freest and most credible election in Nigeria.

The SSG said, “The need for Option A4 is to create transparency and proper mobilisation of the people of the grassroots; the

time has come for the Nigerian people to embrace free and fair elections”.

While commending the party faithful and the state governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan for their steadfastness and unity in the party, Comrade Macaulay said Dr Uduaghan’s administration was committed to delivering the dividends of democracy to Deltans and urged the people to continue to support the state government in its determination to finish strong.

short news Uduaghan Mourns Ndagene, Former NUJ President

Anambra Commissioner For Works, Mr Chuks Ilozumba, Deputy Governor, Dr Nkem Okeke, Gov Willie Obiano, National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, Managing Director, Infrastructure Development Company (IDC) Limited, Mr Chahid El Ahl and Speaker, State House of Assembly, Mrs Chinwe Nwebili, at the launch of construction of three bridges in Awka, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN.

Bomb In Church: Imo Screens Northern Traders

By Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri.

The Imo State government has begun the screening of all northern traders who ply their trade in the state, following the recent discovery of a bomb planted in a church in the state by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

The senior special assistant (SSA) to the governor on northern affairs, Hon Faisal Lawal disclosed this to LEADERSHIP yesterday during a chat in his office.

He explained that the screening was aimed at identifying every Northerner that is trading in the state, adding that the exercise also affects those engaged as private security guards in all parts of the state.

Lawal also noted that the screening is in line with the launch of ‘Operation Know Your Neighbour’ by the state government last week, following the foiled bomb attempt in the state.

He further explained that the screening procedure would in-

volve the name of the northerner, state of origin and occupation, adding that such personality would have to be endorsed by his chairman in his business location, after which he would be issued an identity card.

He advised every northern trader in the state to strictly comply and submit themselves for the documentation, while also restating Governor Rochas Okorocha’s earlier ban on trucks coming in from the north at nights.

Delta State governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has expressed regret at the sudden passing away of Mr Ndagene Akwu, a former president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), describing it as “very shocking”.

Speaking through his press secretary, Mr Felix Ofou, the governor noted that Ndagene’s death which occurred at the weekend, was a monumental loss to the journalism profession and the nation in general, while also acknowledging that his tenure as NUJ president was very successful.

Uduaghan recalled the bold and exemplary role played by the late NUJ boss in bringing about peace in the once divided council of the union in the state.

By Kola EkeOgiugo, Asaba

Why I Run Transparent Govt Inspite Of Political Attacks In Bayelsa – Gov Dickson

By Osa Okhomina, Yenagoa,

The Bayelsa State governor, Hon Seriake Dickson, yesterday admitted being under pressure from some politicians in the state over his refusal to succumb to shady deals and illegal sharing of state funds, saying he has resolved to continue running a transparent administration in the state.

Speaking through his special adviser on political affairs, Chief Fred Agbedi at the maiden edition of the state ministerial media briefing, Governor Dickson

said though the affected politicians have devised rumours and misinformation as a weapon against his administration, he has resolved to continue to run a government of transparency by regularly keeping the citizenry abreast of the workings of his administration.

Agbedi described the briefing as a veritable channel to further educate and enlighten the people on the policies, programmes, progress made on project execution and the overall activities of the restoration government in

the state.

He said the governor also promised to remain focused on the programmes and policies of his administration geared towards improving the lives of the people of the state, adding that he will never succumb to rumour mongers and those who do not wish the state well.

Hon Agbedi disclosed that Governor Dickson has tasked each ministry and MDA to “leap-frog our people from want to wealth, from poverty to prosperity, from despair to hope, insecurity to se-

curity of lives and property”.

The political adviser lashed out at those he described as desperate politicians and mischief-makers, who go about misinforming the public and spreading all kinds of rumour to achieve their own selfish agenda.

He said the desperate politicians are out to discredit the Dickson administration which he stressed “is already receiving local and international accolades for its unprecedented developmental strides in virtually all spheres.”

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NIMC: IBB Asks Nigerians To Enrol For Their NIN Former Nigerian Military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd), has advised Nigerians to enrol for their National Identification Number (NIN).

Babangida gave the advice in Abuja, after being enrolled for his NIN at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federal (OSGF) enrolment centre.

He noted that the present National Identity Management System is entirely different from mere issuance of photo card, and believed that the present system will take Nigerians to a greater height.

Babangida further advised the NIMC to constantly upgrade and sustain the system in order to help the country in its planning activities, reduction of crimes and ghost identities in the country.

By Patience Ivie Ihejirika, Abuja

Govt Remains Passive As Widows Celebrate Int’l Day As Nigerian widows join others around the world to celebrate the international day for widows, government at all levels have remained passive to their plight which has become a cause for concern.

This was observed when there was hardly any government presence when a non-governmental organization, Rock of Ages Empowerment Foundation, hosted widows to mark the day at the National Centre for Women Development in Abuja.

Our correspondent gathered that dignitaries who could have made the occasion memorable for the widows, such as Nigeria’s first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, Minister of Women Affairs and Youth Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, the Execurive Secretary of the centre, Onyeka Onwenu, representatives of NCWS and several others were absent.

By Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

Sack Ministers Derailing Transformation Agenda – HURIWA President Good luck Jonathan has been urged to immediately sack some ministers in his cabinet who have neglected their job to engage in partisan campaign towards their governorship aspirations.

A democracy focused nongovernmental organizationHuman Rights Writers Association of Nigeria ()HURIWA), who gave the charge yesterday, said that the key ministers were supposed to execute salient aspects of the current federal government’s transformation agenda which are targeted towards radical infrastructural development across board.

By Kunle Olasanmi, Abuja

Kuje Inmates Cry Out, ‘We Want To Be Transformed, Not Reformed

By Winifred Ogbebo, Abuja

Inmates of Kuje Prisons have cried out to the federal government and well- spirited Nigerians to come to their aid and help to impact and transform them as they spend time in prison.

The chaplain of Kuje Prisons, Pastor Emmanuel Amadi , said people in prisons were suffering with one problem or the other.

He gave the disclosures when a non governmental organisation, Brothers Across Nigeria, made donations of foodstuff and toilet-

ries, including cash donations, worth about N250,000 to the inmates last weekend.

However, Amadi who was called to give a vote of thanks by the deputy controller in charge of Kuje prisons, Musa Tanko, while receiving the donations in company of the head of the inmates and other prison officials, said they needed other forms of assistance too.

He said, “We need people to assist us in getting sponsorship education from Open University as its only one church that is spon-

soring us now. Now the GCE programme is going on, and we need assistance to buy the forms. Many people here want to be transformed and not to be reformed but nobody, not even the federal government is giving a damn to this place. It’s only inmates that are struggling for themselves.”

According to him, only one church has been training some of them in the special Open University, saying, “When I was outside, I was not educated but I was able to make my GCE and I am in 100 level now doing political sci-

ence in Open University. So what I was not able to achieve when I had freedom, I achieved it here in prison. Many people are into the programme. So we need assistance from all corners but nobody to assist us. We are assisting ourselves.”

The chaplain added, “If we don’t tell you people, nobody knows. We need to be acquainted with hand work. That is why when somebody comes out of prison, he cannot enter into crime but when you are jobless, you can go back into a life of crime. That is why many people are here suffering.”

short news Ramadan: Kaduna Govt To Sanction Erring Preachers The Kaduna State Government has warned that it would sanction any preacher found sending hate and inciting messages during Ramadan fast.

Alhaji Abdulrahaman Mahmud, Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Religious Affairs (Islamic Affairs), gave the warning on Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth Secretary General (left), presenting a plaque to Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Monday in Kaduna Chairman, Nigerian Railway Corporation and his wife, Hajiya Fatima Tukur, while Prof Jubril Aminu, Chairman, Public at an interactive Policy Research and Analysis Centre, PPRAC, looks on, during the presentation ceremony at the Civic Centre, Lagos. PHOTO session with Islamic

BY BENEDICT UWALAKA. scholars ahead of Ramadan.

The meeting was convened to also unveil guidelines tained in a statement made avail- rectly or indirectly impact on the

By Evelyn Okoruwa, Abuja and procedures for able to LEADERSHIP. economy, security of the nation preaching on radio The National Environmental StanMshelia noted that due to the and its existence. and television in dards and Regulations Enforce- extreme environmental challengNoting that environmental comthe state. ment Agency (NESREA) has collab- es faced globally, governments all ponents may be used in terrorist acMahmud said orated with the Nigerian Military in over the world have taken such tivities, she called for assistance of that the state had order to fight against environmen- challenges as security issues, say- the military in tackling environestablished laws tal crime in the country. ing that partnership with the mili- mental crimes such as illegal trade on preaching, and The pact was revealed when a tary would ensure a more effective in wildlife and controlled chemicals. advised the clerics delegation from NESREA led by response to environmental crimes Benebo outlined the areas of colto focus on areas the Chairman of the Governing and problems. laboration to include environmenthat would create Board of NESREA, Barrister Huzi In her remarks, the director gen- tal education and awareness in the stability, unity and Ishaku Mshelia, paid a courtesy call eral, NESREA, Dr. Mrs. Ngeri Bene- military barracks nationwide as mutual respect in on the Chief of Defense Staff ,Air bo, identified environmental crime well as sanitation and waste conthe society.

Chief Marshall Alex Badeh, as con- as a serious problem which can di- trol.

By NAN

NESREA Partners Military To End Environmental Crime

Cecilia Ibru Drags FG To Court Over Plea Bargain Implementation

By Kunle Olasanmi, Abuja

Justice Ahmed Mohammed of a federal high court sitting in Abuja has fixed July 10th for the hearing of the suit instituted by former managing director of defunct Oceanic Bank International Plc. Mrs Cecilia Ibru, against the federal government.

Ibru is asking the court to compel the federal government to imple-

ment her plea bargain as specified in the agreement she signed with the government.

Mrs. Ibru instituted the suit through her lawyer, Dr. Ted Iseghohi - Edwards, on behalf of herself and the Ibru group against the Attorney General and Minister of Justice and the Asset Management Corporation (Amcon).

In the suit, the former MD of Oce-

anic Bank alleged breach by federal government in the implementation of the terms of agreement she entered as part of her plea bargain in 2010.

Mrs. Ibru is asking the court to make a declaration that the plea bargain and settlement agreement that she entered with the federal government in 2010 is a valid and enforceable agreement between the parties

and more particularly, valid against the federal government of Nigeria or any of its organs, including but not limited to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, (AMCON) and to declare that the striping of the assets and the subsequent sale of Oceanic Bank International Plc to Access Bank Plc was not part of the plea bargain and settlement agreement which she signed.

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Tuesday, June 24, 2014

FG’s Loan Board Commissions 400 Housing Units The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Muhammed, yesterday commissioned five housing estates made up of over 400 housing units.

The estates, Steve Oronsanye Classic Estate developed by Lento Nigeria Plc, Ambassador Abu Obe Sure Mercy Estate developed by Ejima Group, Prof Oladapo Afolabi Parklane Estate developed by Kanma and Associates Limited, Isa Bello Sali Afro Homes Estate developed by Afra General Enterprises and Bukar Goni Aji Kings Estate developed by Mizi Ita, are all located in Pyakasa District, Airport Road, Abuja.

In his speech, the minister said the housing scheme was aimed at ensuring the welfare of the nation’s workforce and increasing the productivity of civil servants as they will be granted soft loans to own their respective houses.

Represented by FCDA’s director of mass housing, Engr. Jibril Gambo, the minister also stated that the estates were named in honour of renowned personalities who have made huge contributions to the nation’s public sector.

By Anaemena Chinenye, Abuja

FG To Cut Annual Spending Of N1.3trn On Food Importation

By Christiana Nwaogu, Abuja

The Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has said that it will provide adequate farmlands for the region’s youths and link them to micro-finance banks to boost massive agricultural production in order to reduce the nation’s spending of N1.3trillion annually on food importation.

The supervising minister of the ministry, Mr Darius Ishaku stated this yesterday, at a reception held in honour of 100 Niger Delta youths trained in Israel in var-

ious fields of agriculture at Israel Skills Acquisition Centre (ISAC).

According to him, this goal will be achieved by way of linking trainees who do not have lands to their various state governments for outright provision.

He charged the trainees to put their knowledge into practice in order to boost food production in the country.

Describing the trainees as future economic elites of the Niger Delta in the face of recent crude oil discoveries around the world, the minister said, “This is partic-

ularly a likely scenario in view of the recent survey which shows that Nigerians spend N25.5billion daily in purchasing food.

“This amounts to a hefty N9.3trillion annually, 86 per cent of which is spent on food grown in the country. Only N1.3trillion or a mere 14 per cent of the total expenditure is spent on imported food.”

He added, “This means that you will be part of, and definitely reap from this huge domestic food market. So, I strongly urge you to remain focused and get fully in-

volved in the agricultural sector, using your newly acquired skills to navigate it profitably.”

He also said that the federal government will give full support to over 100 youths to enable them to start up different agricultural production businesses in the region.

Assuring them of loan facilities, the minister said, “In order to give you access to financial backing for sound take-off as commercial farmers, arrangements are on the way to connect you to microfinance institutions.”

short news Jigawa Fixes July For Maiden Commercial Flight From Dutse Airport

Freedom House Holds Maiden Democracy Lecture Series Monday Aftermath of the recent clampdown on newspaper houses by the Nigerian military in which vans conveying some of the national newspapers were seized and confiscated, Freedom House, an independent non-governmental organisation that supports the expansion of global freedom, has organised its democracy lecture series in the country.

The inaugural lecture series billed to take place at Shell Hall, MUSON, Onikan in Lagos on Monday, June 30, 2014 at 3:00pm, according to a statement by the organisation, became necessary, following what it described as its deep concern with the state of the Nigerian nation.

According to Freedom House, the public lecture with the theme, ‘Nigeria’s Governance Predicament: Povervity, Terrorism Aand Democracy’ is a demonstration of its firm believe “that constant intellectual dialogue is a necessary catalyst for change.

“Freedom is possible only in democratic political systems in which the governments are accountable to their own people; the rule of law prevails; and freedoms of expression, association, and belief, as well as respect for the rights of minorities and women, are guaranteed. Freedom House functions as a catalyst for freedom, democracy and the rule of law through its analysis, advocacy and action”, the statement made available to LEADERSHIP noted.

By Igho Oyoyo, Abuja

Trainees of Yuguda Vocational Training Centre (YVTC) paying a solidarity visit to Governor Isa Yuguda at Government House in Bauchi, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN.

Insurgency Has Hindered Economic Growth – Jonathan

By Isaiah Benjamin, kaduna

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said the activities of insurgents have seriously overstretched the nation’s security and adversely affected the nation’s economic growth.

This was just as he opined that criminals masquerading as pastoralists have also waged war against the country.

The president, who spoke in Kaduna at the opening of an International Conference on Security and Development Challenges of Pastoralists in West and Central Africa, said that all stakeholders in the country must rise to the occasion and work for the peace and stability of the country

rather than resort to violence.

Represented by vice president Mohammed Namadi Sambo, the president said that the resilience of the pastoralists has ensured that the plan of those he called enemies of the state did not come to pass, adding that the objective of those fighting against the nation has not materialised owing to the resilience of the pastoralists.

We must stop playing politics with national security – Gov Aliyu Speaking at the occasion, the governor of Niger State and chairman, Northern State Governors Forum (NGSF), Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu yes-

terday said Nigerians especially those in position of leadership must stop playing politics with national security, if the current security challenges must be surmounted.

He said, “We need to realise that in a fast changing, complex world, national security is far too important to toy with”.

Pastoralists should be integrated into the society – Gov Yero On his part, the governor of Kaduna State, Dr Mukhtar Ramalan Yero advocated that pastoralists should be integrated into the society as part of measures aimed at addressing insecurity in the country.

July 14 of this year has been fixed for commencing commercial flights from the new Dutse International Airport, Jigawa State.

The Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido revealed this when he received the management of the Overland Airline who paid him a courtesy visit in preparation for the commercial flight from the airport.

He said Jigawa State has spent huge resources on the construction of the airport and it is committed to do everything possible for the commencement of the commercial operation on the slated date.

Lamido added that the construction of the airport is to open a gateway for investors to invest in the state and also pave way for exporting agricultural products from the state.

By Muh’d Zangina Kura, Dutse

Defection: Court Summons Okorocha, Imo Attorney-General

By Kunle Olasanmi, Abuja

Justice Ahmed Mohammed of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has summoned the Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and the attorney general and commissioner of justice in the state, Mr Chuk-

wuma Ume (SAN), to appear before the court.

He ordered them to appear before it to clarify the issue of legal representation in a suit brought before it by the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

In the suit, APGA had dragged the governor to court over his

defection from the party that sponsored him for the election to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In the suit filed through its counsel, Victor Odjemu, the party is praying the court for an order directing the deputy governor of Imo State or speaker of

the Imo State House of Assembly or any officer next in line to the position of the governor of Imo, who is a member of the plaintiff (APGA) to be swornin as the governor of Imo State.

The party also prayed the court for an order directing the 2nd defendant, the Independent

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DELTA DEMOCRATIC MANDATE (DDM) 54, Effurun Sapele Road Delta State. Tel: 08067417668

CHIEF DR. E.K. CLARK (CON, OFR)

BEWARE OF CHIEF GODWIN OGBETUO On the June 5th 2014 Edition of the Leadership Newspaper on page 35, one Chief Godwin Ogbetuo masquerading as the Chairman, Delta Elders, Leaders, and Stakeholders Forum caused an article to be published with the sole purpose to malign and bring to disrepute the hard earned reputation, integrity and goodwill of Elder Godsday Peter Orubebe, CON, erstwhile Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Infuriated by the allegation, the Izon Leader confronted Dr. Tosanwunmi who was not only embarrassed, but was terribly demoralized because of the falsehood fabricated by a good for nothing, treacherous, colourless, wicked and meddlesome character. The shock that assailed Dr. Richard Tosanwunmi culminated in the rise of his blood pressure which led to his untimely death.

Having carefully perused the entire pointless and ill motivated article, it becomes obvious that Godwin Ogbetuo was only but flogging a dead horse, because the former Minister had substantially responded to all the issues raised in the said publication at a Press Conference (Print/Electronic).

As if this was not enough, substantial sums of monies volunteered by several persons and organsations to support the family for the burial ceremonies were fraudulently misappropriated and criminally siphoned by the notorious Godwin Ogbetuo. He never rendered account of how much he looted from the proceeds of the burial ceremony of an innocent man he killed.

Therefore, the article could have been ignored in its entirety, but for the gullible public, the masses of Delta State and the country at large, a response such as this becomes inevitable.

There was actually a frosty relationship between Chief Dr. E.K. Clark (CON, OFR) an Izon Leader, a Nigerian Statesman and the immediate past Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe (CON).

POLITICAL EXTORTIONIST As political activities gather momentum in Delta State, Godwin Ogbetuo has been parading himself as a forerunner to the South-South Leader. He goes about dropping his name and extorts huge sums of monies from prospective governorship aspirants without the knowledge of our dear Leader. Unfortunately, many have fallen prey to the antics of Godwin Ogbetuo.

Elder Godsday Orubebe’s crime is that he told the thieving Godwin Ogbetuo that Chief E. K. Clark cannot be involved in these fraudulent activities.

Izon Leaders, traditional rulers, elders and chiefs had since intervened and today Chief Dr. E. K. Clark and Elder Godsday Orubebe are in a very good relationship as father and son. Therefore, one wonders how the self-styled Godwin Ogbetuo could have inferred otherwise of the relationship between a father and a son.

It is on record that Izon Traditional Rulers, Elders and Leaders of thought under the aegis of Delta Izon Congress (DIC) had declared their collective position that the Izons of Delta State must strive in collaboration with the other ethnic groups to produce the next Governor of Delta State in 2015.

Consequent upon the Izon position on 2015, Elder Giodsday Orubebe has declared his intention to contest the Governorship of Delta State. Therefore, we suspect that Godwin Ogbetuo’s failed attempt to misinform and incite the public, is calculated to tarnish the former Minister’s rising political profile, which poses a very serious threat to Godwin Ogbetuo and his paymasters.

WHO IS GODWIN OGBETUO? DIABOLIC ANTECEDENT Godwin Ogbetuo often castigates Chief Dr. E. K. Clark alleging that he had gained nothing substantial from him despite his services. But whenever he meets him one-on-one, he praises him to high heavens.

In an attempt to get the Elder Statesman to do his bidding, particularly monetary favours, Godwin Ogbetuo procured a voodoo substance from a native doctor and poisoned his food.

The sole purpose was to hypnotize him so that he could do his beck and call. But the Almighty God saved the Elder Statesman, who incidentally was unable to take the poisoned meal.

Morally bankrupt and decadent Godwill Ogbetuo symbolises diabolism and communal wickedness. It is on record that at age 25, in his home village, Samagidi, Kokori Clan, Ethiope East Local Government Area, he had violently raped one of his biological father’s wives. Also Godwin Ogbetuo is a self confessed wizard, who could have been lynched by angry community youths and family members, but for the intervention of the elders of his community. What a disgrace?

FRAUDULENT AND CORRUPT MALPRACTICES Recently, Godwin Ogbetuo fraudulently obtained several millions from a serving Commissioner representing Delta Central on the Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Commission (DESOPADEC) by dropping the name of Chief Dr. E. K. Clark. The unsuspecting young man was told by Godwin Ogbetuo that the Elder Statesman (Chief E. K. Clark) had agreed in principle to make him the next Executive Chairman of the Commission.

Interestingly, two weeks before his last publication, he confronted Barr. Sam Osasa, former Special Assistant to the former Minister at Warri Airport, expressing his disappointment over Orubebe’s refusal to “settle” him.

The brief summary of the rationalization and deconstruction of the self-styled Chairman, Delta Elders, Leaders, and Stakeholders Forum, Godwin Ogbetuo, is herein abridged thus; a pathological liar, an extortionist, fraudster, vicious criminal, manslaughter, corruption personified, diabolic and a rapist. This is indeed the character of Godwin Ogbetuo. The public is hereby urged to be mindful of themselves in their dealings with him.

CAMPAIGN OF CALUMNY AND CHARACTER ASSASSINATION In yet another vain attempt to assassinate the character of Elder Godsday Orubebe, he alleged that Christopher Andasei of blessed memory contested the Burutu Local Government Chairmanship Party Primaries in 1990 with Elder Godsday Orubebe. The said man later died in a road accident. But Godwin Ogbetuo falsely tried to misinform the public that the death was traceable to the former Minister.

It is on record that several others who had contested with him are alive to tell their stories. These include: Broderick Tumbo contested the 1987 Councillorship with him, Hon. Frank Enekorogha, former Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, current member Burutu Federal Constituency, House of Representative, who contested the main 1990 Chairmanship election with him on the platform of NRC/SDP respectively. Also Dr. Tosanwunmi, who contested the APP/ANPP State Chairman with Orubebe, never died in the process.

As a grassroots politician, Elder Godsday Orubebe has several supporters and followers.

Consequently, it is unfortunate that if any of such person dies of natural circumstances, it could not be attributed to the master.

Gitto, who had heart complications subsequently died of cardiac arrest as confirmed by the medical authorities of the National Hospital, Abuja, did not even die in Elder Orubebe’s office as wrongly speculated by the devil incarnate – Godwin Ogbetuo. What has that got to do with the former Minister?

Consequently, the Commissioner parted with several hundreds of millions of Naira purportedly for the Elder Statesman. Upon investigation, it was realized that Chief E. K. Clark knew nothing of this criminal act of Chief Godwin Ogbetuo.

It is surprising that Ogbetuo ignorantly called Orubebe a “Church Rat”. It is to be noted that Orubebe has been a role model to the society in character and in learning. He became Councillor fresh from the University after his Youth Service in 1986, in 1987 Councillor, 1991 to 1993 Chairman Burutu Local Government Council, in 1995 to 1997 served as 2nd Member Delta State Primary Education Board, in 1999,APP/ANPP State Chairman, 2004 – 2006 Special Adviser to the Delta State Governor, 2007 to 2014 Minister Federal Republic of Nigeria. Does these achievements portray Godsday Orubebe as a “Church Rat”? However, it is only GOD who gives wealth.

In a related development, Godwin Ogbtuo’s elder brother was a civil Commissioner in the old Bendel State. He established a Transport Company in the name of OROFO MOTORS. Because the elder Ogbetuo was in Government, he entrusted the business to his younger brother.

In African tradition, reasonable elders make peace, advocate love and harmony in their respective States and communities, but the likes of Godwin Ogbetuo, who are creating discord and fanning the embers of hatred should be condemned at the highest levels.

Unfortunately for the elder brother, Godwin Ogbetuo blundered and diverted the funds from OROFO MOTORS and established his own business and abandoned his brother. All entreaties by family members and well meaning Urhobo citizens to prevail on Godwin Ogbetuo to return the funds to his elder brother fell on deaf ears. It is on record that Chief Ogbetuo built the house he is presently living with the proceeds of his brother’s loot.

People in the mould of Godwin Ogbetuo should put the interest of the country and Delta State in particular above selfish and pecuniary motives. He should be advised by his paymasters to stop these mudslinging and character assassination. He should take the path of honour and dignity and peaceful co-existence in a multi-ethnic State such as Delta.

Consequent upon this dilemma, the elder Ogbetuo took ill out of frustration, pain and anguish.

He died due to lack of proper medical attention occasioned by paucity of funds. Also, a related case of criminal embezzlement and corrupt malpractice perpetrated by Godwin Ogbetuo when he was in the Executive Committee of the Delta State Chapter of the then All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) under the Chairmanship of Elder Godsday Orubebe.

The Party entrusted several scores of millions of Naira for its electioneering campaign and Godwin Ogbetuo was to disburse the fund. Characteristic of the thieving Godwin Ogbetuo, he disappeared with the funds. The then ANPP constituted an investigative panel of enquiry headed by Chief Godwin Abenabe, into the matter, which indicted him. He was thus expelled from the Party. The records speak volume of this episode.

A PATHOLOGICAL LIAR A pathological liar, Godwin Ogbetuo was responsible for the death of cerebral expert, Dr. Richard Tosanwunmi of blessed memory! He lied that Dr. Richard Tosanwunmi was given six million naira for political reasons in trust for the Delta State Elders, Leaders, and Stakeholders Forum. Godwin Ogbetuo fabricated the lie to discredit Dr. Richard Tosanwunmi before Chief E. K. Clark.

To imagine an old man that should be playing advisory roles to propagate good virtues to the younger generation to take to petition writing in the pages of newspapers, is to say the least most unfortunate and regrettable.

A criminal fraudster, and an extortionist in the person of Godwin Ogbetuo does not possess the right moral attributes to canvass cases of corruption against an illustrious son of Delta State, who is among a few Nigerians who has served as a Minister of the Federal Republic for over six years. He should be honoured. No doubt, Presidents Yar’adua and Jonathan, he served saw something unique in him: He is a committed Nigerian and has been there for Nigeria.

Signed:

Hendrick Opukeme National Coordinator

Dele Giwa State Secretary

WORLD NEWS 51

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

world

news ➊

➏

➋➎ ➌

➐ ➊ Ukraine

Separatists ‘To Join Truce’

Pro-Russia rebels in eastern Ukraine say they will observe a ceasefire until Friday morning, responding to the Ukrainian forces’ unilateral ceasefire.

The rebel announcement was made in Donetsk by Alexander Borodai, leader of the selfstyled “Donetsk People’s Republic” which is defying Kiev.

➍

ul-Jihad al Islami (HuJI), Mufti Abdul Hannan, is among those sentenced to death. A younger brother of a former minister in the government headed by Khaleda Zia was also sentenced to death.

➏ Taliban Frees University Staff In Afghanistan

Taliban has released about 33 university professors and students seized nearly two weeks ago in the country’s east, Afghan officials have said.

Mohammad Ali Ahmadi, the deputy governor of Ghazni prov-

ince, said the hostages were released overnight and early on Monday, following mediation by tribal elders in the region and the staff from the office of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Three people have been killed in a shoot-out between police and alleged drug traffickers in a shanty town in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.

Two youths and a police officer died in the incident

in the Complexo do Alemao shanty town, local media reported.

Another officer and a youth were injured in the shooting, which happened in the early hours of Monday.

➎ Bangladesh Rebel

➋ US Vows ‘Intense’

Support For Iraq

US Secretary of State John Kerry has vowed “intense and sustained support” for Iraq after meeting key politicians in the capital, Baghdad.

He said attacks by Sunni militants were a threat to Iraq’s existence, and the next days and weeks would be critical.

The insurgents are expanding their control of towns in the north and west.

➌ S/Korean ‘Killer

➍ Sudan Death

A South Korean soldier who killed five members of his unit has been captured after a failed suicide attempt, defence officials say.

The soldier, identified only as Im, shot himself in the chest and was being sent to hospital, they said.

His capture ends a tense stand-off in a forest near his outpost by the border with North Korea.

A Sudanese woman sentenced to death for abandoning her Islamic faith has been freed from jail, her lawyer has told the BBC. Meriam Ibrahim’s death penalty was overturned by an appeal court, the official Suna news agency reported.

She is married to a Christian man and was sentenced under Sharia law to hang for apostasy in May after refusing to renounce Christianity.

Soldier’ Captured

Leader Sentenced To Death

A Bangladeshi court has sentenced eight people, including a top leader of a banned rebel group, to death for their roles in a bombing in 2001.

The leader of outlawed Harkat-

Sentence Woman Freed

➐ 3 Brazilians Die In Shoot-out In Rio Shantytown

52 WORLD NEWS

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

S/Africa Platinum Union Declares End To Strike South Africa’s AMCU union declared a fivemonth platinum strike “officially over” yesterday as thousands of miners roared their approval when leader Joseph Mathunjwa asked if they wanted to end the longest work stoppage in the country’s history.

“Yes! Yes!” the miners chorused as the union boss asked whether they wanted to accept the wage offers from producers.

“The strike is officially over,” Mathunjwa then shouted back, to unrestrained jubilation from the tens of thousands of workers packed into Rustenburg’s Royal Bafokeng Stadium, one of the venues for the 2010 soccer World Cup. The spot price of platinum fell 1 percent,

the rand ZAR=D3 firmed nearly 1 percent against the dollar to two-week highs and the London-listed shares of number three producer Lonmin LMI.L LONJ.J rose as much as 7 percent.

The precious metal’s two biggest producers, Anglo American Platinum AMSJ.J and Impala Platinum IMPJ.J, are listed on the Johannesburg stock market. It had closed by the time Mathunjwa finished his two-hour-long speech, but their shares closed up 1.6 percent and 1.1 percent respectively.

Mathunjwa said wage deals would be signed on Tuesday and workers would start reporting for duty the following day, ending industrial action that started on January 23 - five

months ago to the day.

Industry sources said they could not confirm signings would take place on Tuesday but expected workers to return this week.

“I’m very glad the strike is over, because we made a terrible wound in the South African economy and we are happy to heal that wound. Our children are suffering because they had no food,” said Lucas Makgwe, a miner at Amplats.

Mathunjwa, a Salvation Army lay preacher who casts himself as a class warrior doing battle for downtrodden black miners whose lives have changed little in the 20 years since apartheid ended, was exultant.

—Reuters

Final Cargo Of Chemical Arms Leaves Syria The last of Syria’s declared chemical weapons have been shipped from the country and are en route for destruction at sea, according to the world’s chemical-weapons watchdog.

A Danish ship is now to take the chemicals for transhipment in Italy’s port of Gioia Tauro to the US ship Cape Ray for destruction at sea, while some chemicals are to be destroyed at sites including in the US and Britain.

“As we speak, the ship [carrying the last chemicals] has just left the port,” Ahmet Uzumcu, head of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), said in The Hague on Monday.

“Removing the stockpile of precursor and other chemicals has been a fundamental condi-

tion in the programme to eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons programme.

“While a major chapter in our endeavours closes today, OPCW’s work in Syria will continue.”

The Syrian Foreign Ministry confirmed on Monday that “the final cargo of chemical agents has today been taken outside Syrian territory”.

Syria had previously shipped out 92 percent of its stockpile of chemical weapons under the terms of a UN-backed and USRussia-brokered agreement last year.

But the remaining eight percent of the stockpile remained at one site and Syria said it was unable to transport it to the port of Latakia because of security concerns.

In his remarks on Monday, Uzumcu described the disarmament mission as “a major undertaking marked by an extraordinary international cooperation.

“Never before has an entire arsenal of a category of weapons of mass destruction been removed from a country experiencing a state of internal armed conflict”.

Sigrid Kaag, the Dutch head of the joint OPCW-UN mission, also lauded the end of what she called “the most operationally challenging task within the effort to eliminate the Syrian chemical weapons programme”.

Referring to an investigation into alleged use of chlorine in Syria’s conflict, Uzumcu said it will resume but “may take a little more time”.

—Al Jazeera

Boko Haram Chinese Firms Abandon Cameroon Construction Sites

By Abdullahi Umar and Halima Tiffi, With Agency Report

Chinese workers have abandoned road construction and mining exploration sites in northern Cameroon in the wake of last month’s kidnapping of 10 workers by suspected Boko Haram rebels.

Cameroon minister of public works, Patrice Ambassala told Voice of America (VOA) that Cameroon’s government halted construction of a new highway after most Chinese workers raising

concerns about their safety.

“I suspended construction of the Ngaoundere-K ousser i highway intended to link Cameroon’s capital city of Yaounde and Chad’s capital of N’djamena.

“The suspension will deal a serious blow to the project funded by the African Development Bank and the European Union.

“The Ministry of Defense and National Security have to restore security to regain the confidence of companies and their employees to work without any fear,” Ambassala said.

Chinese ambassador to Cameroon, Wo Ruidi, said he had discussed security issues with the Speaker of Cameroon’s National Assembly, Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, seeking an update on negotiations to releasing 10 Chinese nationals kidnapped in May 16 from northern region of the country.

In the raid, suspected members of the Boko Haram group forced their way into the Chinese camp in Waza, kidnapping 10 Chinese nationals and stealing 10 vehicles along with a container of explosives.

53

DAY With

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Ishaku Kigbu

13

Italy Vs Uruguay:

Players To Watch

Oboabona Resumes Training

By ISHAKU KIGBU, Brazil

Injured Super Eagles defender, Godfrey Obaobaona yesterday evening resumed training in a race to be fit ahead the last group game against Argentina in Porto Alegre. The team has also landed Porto Alegre after an hour, thirty minutes flight from Campinas to Porto Alegre. The defence Trojan, Godfrey Itama Oboabona, was be back in training after missing the game against Boasnia owing to injury suatained in the first game with Iran.

“I am ready to resume training and the medics

Oboabona

have given me a clean bill,” Oboabona said smiling.

The team departed for training immediately it settled down in Porto Alegre at about 2:15pm local time, which is 6:15 in Nigeria, with Team Skipper, Joseph Yobo, saying he prefers a win tomorrow to his much advertised attainment of a 100 caps if featured in the match against Argentina. “It’s good news that I will reach that milestone but what is uppermost in my mind is for the team to win and for us to advance to the next stage. The rest will be a bonus”, he said yesterday.

Mario Balotelli

Yesterday’s results • Netherlands 2-0 Chile • Australia 0- 3 Spain • Cameroon 1-4 Brazil • Croatia 1-3 Mexico

Andre Pirlo

Today’s Matches • Italy Vs Uruguay 5pm (Natal) • Costa Rica Vs England (Belo Horizonte) 5pm • Japan Vs Colombia 8pm (Cuiaba) • Greece Vs Cote d’Ivoire 9pm (Fortaleza)

Tomorrow’s Matches • Nigeria Vs Argentina 5pm (Porto Alegre) • Bosnia and Hezergovina Vs Iran Salvador) 5pm • Honduras Vs Switzerland 8pm (Manaus) • Ecuador Vs France 9pm (Rio De Janiero

About Sao Paulo • Population 1.3 million • Economy: Tourism is the most important industry

Head-To-Head Italy Vs Uruguay • FIFA Ranking: Italy 9, Uruguay 7 • Played 8 matches, Goals for: Italy 7, Uruguay 8

Claudio Marchisio

Arjen Robben of Netherland controls the ball against a Chile player yesterday

Argentina Clash: Eagles To Get N10m For Each Goal

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

More Nigerians are out to motivate the Super Eagles to put up a winner against Argentina tomorrow in their last group game as an anonymous big shot has promised the team 10 million naira for each goal scored.

LEADERSHIP Sports reliably gathered that the money is meant to motivate the Eagles attack and make them put in their all into their last group game and subsequent games at

the 2014 World Cup, if they progress.

When contacted, Emeka Inyama confirmed the offer, adding that it was coming independently of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) usual match bonus of 10,000 dollars.

It was gathered that several other Nigerians in Brazil are also offering cash for the Eagles to beat Argentina.

Nigeria started the campaign in Group F with a goalless draw against underdogs Iran, a result that brought

about several criticism of the team.

The team in its second match against Bosnia and Hezergovina stepped up its game and was rewarded by a 29th minute goal courtesy of Osaze Odemwingie with an assist from Turkey based Emmanuel Emenike.

The Eagles are expected to put in their all against Argentina who top the group with six points from wins against Bosnia in their first game and a last minute goal against Iran.

Eagles Must Be Cautious Against Argentina – Siasia

By ISHAKU KIGBU, Brazil

Former Super coach, Samson Siasia who has faced Argentina on three occasions, once as a player in USA ’94 and a coach in U-20 World and Olympics 2008 has called on Stephen Keshi and his team to be cautious against the South American giants in the last Group F encounter.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP Sports ahead of tomorrow’s final group game

against the South American team in Porto Alegre, he called on Stephen Keshi to employ caution and leave room for counter attack when playing Argentina since a draw will be enough to see the Nigerian team advance to the next round. “The Supers Eagles need to be cautious against Argentina because they only need a draw to qualify. The Argentinians are very slippery and so Keshi must tell his boys to avoid fouls in and outside the 18-yard box.

Luiz Suarez

Diego Forlan

“The truth is they may not be able to stop Lionel Messi and Di Maria, but the can curtail them reasonably in the encounter. The best they can do about Messi is to manage him well.”

He said his advice is for Keshi to watch all the tapes involving Nigeria and Argentina to be able to know what to do.

“Keshi should aim for a point and avoid stressing himself and the team and create openings for fast breaks to actualize a win if possible.”

Fernando Muslera

54 sports

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

We Can Beat Argentina – Chukwu

By ISHAKU KIGBU, Brazil

NFF Sribe Agrees With ‘One Match At A Time’ Approach Of Keshi

By ISHAKU KIGBU, Brazil

General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, Musa Amadu, has thrown weight with Super Eagles approach of one game at a time at the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals, saying the approach has been working and will work well to take Nigeria far in the tournament.

Getting ahead of themselves has worked against Nigeria previously, when players naively thought they already reached the quarter finals and became quite casual, allowing Italy to equalize and eventually trump a Round of 16 game in USA 20 years ago.

The attitude was also at play in France four years later, with players haggling over money for a potentially –explosive quarter final clash with Brazil before the Round of 16 meeting with Denmark in Paris. “The approach of taking it one match at a time

One time Supers Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu has disclosed that Nigeria is capable of beating Argentina and top Group F in the ongoing FIFA 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Speaking ahead of the crucial clash between Nigeria and Argentina in Porto Alegre, Chukwu said against all odds, Nigeria has a way of rising up

to the occasion when they have been written off.

“No doubt we can achieve a win against Argentina if we go for it. The Eagles know how to rise to the occasion and meet up expectations of Nigerians whenever they are written off.

We can get the three points and avoid playing France in the last 16. The way Nigeria up her game against Bosnia, she can do same against Argentina.

We were a better team than Iran but Argentina struggled against them so we can beat Argentina.”

He said the entire Argentina team is built around Messi meaning if we Nigeria is able to cage Messi, she can get a good result. “We can beat Argentina because the entire Argentina team is built around Messi. If the defence can cage Messi, we can get a good result.”

is excellent. That has worked well for us in the first two matches.

It will also work for us against Argentina and take us very far in the competition,” Amadu said yesterday.

Working hard and playing for one another, the African champions brought to an end their nine match winless streak at the FIFA World Cup by pipping Bosnia-Herzegovina in Cuiaba on Saturday. Apart from the bringing the dubious record to an end, Nigeria is also the only African team to earn four points from its first two matches in Brazil. Also as at yesterday, only Nigeria and Mexico had not conceded a goal in the 32 –nation finals that started on June 12.

Before their victory on Saturday, Nigeria had not won a match at the FIFA World Cup since beating Bulgaria 1-0 at the Parc des Prince in Paris on June 19, 1998.

Eagles celebrate

It Will Be Difficult To Stop Eagles – Maigari

By ISHAKU KIGBU, Brazil

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Aminu Maigari has charged the Super Eagles to go all out against Argentina on Wednesday and ensure a place in the 2014 FIFA World Cup’s Round of 16. He said with the team coming this close to advancing into the second round, it will be difficult from stopping it.

Speaking in Sao Paulo yesterday, he said he would be the most delighted should Nigeria win “My birthday is on the day we are playing Argentina, and I would feel very special if we defeat the Argentines. But more than

that, a place in the Round of 16 at this World Cup finals would bring joy to the entire NFF delegation and the good people of Nigeria back home. We have so many reasons to go all out on Wednesday. The Argentines have always beaten us at the FIFA World Cup, though narrowly each time. We also need to show our true strength as the champions of Africa,” Maigari said.

Victory over BosniaHerzegovina took the African champions to second place in the pool with four points, but they must still avoid defeat against the two –time world champions in Porto Alegre

Villa

of the day

➔ Spain coach

Mikel in action for Nigeria

to be certain of a place in the knock –out stages.

Nigeria lost 1-2 to Argentina in Boston, USA on June 25,

Australia 0-3 Spain: Villa, Torres, Mata Return Respect To Roja Exit Spain finished their deflated World Cup campaign with a confident 3-0 victory over Australia yesterday in Curitiba to restore some pride despite the reigning champions’ early exit.

Vicente del Bosque’s men headed into their final group fixture knowing they could

Winner

no longer reach the knockout stages following defeats to Netherlands and Chile.

However, goals from David Villa, on his last international appearance, Fernando Torres and substitute Juan Mata ensured Spain at least signed off from the competition with victory.

1994, and were then pipped 1-0 courtesy of a Gabriel Batistuta goal in Ibaraki, Japan on June 2, 2002. When both sides met

in South Africa four years ago, an early goal by Gabriel Heinze condemned the Eagles to a 1-0 defeat.

Netherlands 2-0 Chile Netherlands scored twice in the second half to seal Group B top spot over Chile with a 2-0 victory yesterday, with goals from Leroy Fer and Memphis Depay keeping their 100 per cent record intact.

The pair found the net inside the last 15 minutes to settle a largely forgettable encounter in Sao Paulo and ensure that Louis van Gaal’s men will likely avoid host nation Brazil in the last 16.

A meeting of two of the competition’s most eye-catching teams had been highly anticipated, yet it had failed to live up to its billing before late heroics from Fer and Memphis.

Indeed, with the Netherlands - shorn of suspended star striker Robin van Persie and requiring just a draw - opting for a cautious approach, two counter-attacking sides largely cancelled each other out.

Page edited by Onjewu Dickson

Vicente del Bosque was able to talk his team to win their last group match 3-0, a first win for the defending champions against Australia

LOSer of the day

➔ Australiacoach Ange Postecogloufailed to keep his boys in control of the game.

sports 55

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Nduka Ugbade Wary Of Eagles Defence

Ayo Udoh playing at the Women Singles during the Lagos Open International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Tour she defeated Alimat Ayinla by 3-0 in Lagos yesterday. Photo BY NAN

Nigerians Urged To Pray For Super Eagles’ Success By salifu usman, Abuja

Nigerians have been urged to pray for the victory of the Super Eagles in their final group game against Argentina tomorrow and their success in the ongoing 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

The Proprietor of Royal FC, Masaka, Nasarawa State, Ambassador William Yaji made the call in a chat

with newsmen yesterday in Abuja.

Yaji who is also an ambassador of sports, urged Nigerians to pray for the success of the team in Brazil to enable them bring the cup to Nigeria and Africa at large for the first time in history of the competition.

According to him, the team has so far done well and has all it takes to

perform wonder as the tournament proceeds, saying with the support of all Nigerians, better results should be the expectation of all.

“Coach Stephen Kechi and his technical crew have picked the best players to represent us and what we need to do is to continue to pray for the team to achieve the best results,” he stated.

The proprietor also called on the players to see their inclusion in the Super Eagles’ squad as a real privilege to represent the country and therefore strive to play out their best and win the cup for the nation.

Stephen Keshi’s men face Lionel Messi-led Argentine side tomorrow in their final group game.

The South Americans

GAC World Tour Lagos Open 2014: LASG Assures Of Security

By GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

Lagos State Government has assured contingents to the GAC World Tour Lagos Open 2014 holding June 27 to 28 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium in the state of their safety during the tournament.

The Lagos State Commissioner for, Youths Sports and Social Development Hon. Enitan

Waheed Oshodi who made the assurance at a press briefing in Lagos urged the contingents not to fear.

Oshodi said adequate security measures had been put in place to ensure a successful tournament.

He said,” The government has put measures in place to secure lives and property in the state. So On behalf of the African Table

Tennis Federation and government of Lagos State I welcome you to Lagos, the governor is very pleased with this event and he will be attending the final event slated for later this week. I wish you a good stay in Lagos.”

Also speaking, the Managing Director GAC Motors, James DAI, the official sponsor of the tournament said Winners the company is proud to

be in the forefront in the support of table tennis.

Dai represented by the company’s Marketing Manager Felix Lee said, “ This is the third year in the row for GAC Group to sponsor this table tennis event and we hope to continue. It is our hole to establish a long term connection with table tennis, as one of the most popular sports around the world.”

Former Nigeria international Nduka Ugbade has urged coach Stephen Keshi to improve the Super Eagles backline before their final group game against Argentina tomorrow.

Nigeria need at least a draw against Alejandro Sabella’s side to secure a place in the round of 16 of the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil.

In a chat with Goal, the Flying Eagles assistant coach praised the Eagles for labouring hard to beat Bosnia but warned that the Eagles defence must be improved on before meeting La Albiceleste on Wednesday.

“We thank God that the Eagles managed to beat Bosnia Herzegovina by 1-0 which has made the team to bounce back to reckoning,” Ugbade told Goal.

“But one should not shy away from the fact in as much as we paraded a better forward line that worked very hard to get the goal, our (Eagles) defence was still porous as Bosnia exposed the Eagles in Saturday’s match.

“Kudos must be given to Vincent Enyeama who dived full length to deny Edwin Dzeko his goal bound effort which could have tied the game at 1-1 apiece, he continued.

“We could have been denied of this victory. That

is one of the reasons why I said coach Stephen Keshi still needs to work very hard on the defence line of the Eagles before meeting Lionel Messi led Argentina on Wednesday.

“The Nigerian team could have been punished for the lapses recorded in the Bosnia match if we had played against a team like Argentina that parades deadly strikers like Messi, Aguero, Higuain and the rest.

He however predicted the African champions beating the South American giants by either a slim margin or forcing them to another draw.

“The difference between the Nigerian team and Argentina is that the Super Eagles are physically strong while the Argentines are mentally strong.

“At the end of the day a scoreless situation or a narrow win for Nigeria may be enough for the Super Eagles to move to the round of 16 in the ongoing 2014 World Cup. “Our defence must be tight and very vigilant throughout the 90 minutes plus duration of the match. If not God forbid, we may be punished by players like Lionel Messi against Iran match when he got the lone goal for his side with two minutes to the end of the match.”

Yobo in action for Eagles

My Team Showed Character – Keshi

Ogenyi Onazi in action for Nigeria against Bosnia and Hezergovina

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has expressed his delight over his side’s 1-0 defeat of Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday night at the ongoing 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil Peter Odemwingie’s 29th minute strike was all the African champions needed to record their first victory in the competition after 16 years and also inch nearer the last 16 as well as knocking out their highly rated European opponents.

The striker slotted past Stoke City team-mate Asmir Begovic at the Arena Pantanal, although Bosnia were unfortunate not to have led eight minutes earlier when an Edin Dzeko goal was incorrectly ruled out for offside.

“I am happy that we won the game and the boys showed a little bit of character,” Keshi said after the game.

He also admitted to the fact that he was panicky during the course of the game as his men failed to increase their lead while claiming that his side is making a steady progress in the tourney.

“Well, that is football. You can never have a smooth ride because you always have something on the way but the good thing is that we won and everyone is happy.

“In summary, I will say we are getting better at every game.”

Nigeria will face Argentina that have already secured a second round place in the last group game tomorrow.

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24.06.14 www.leadership.ng

Comrade Timi Frank

Tuesday Column:

T

The Rule of Law is meant to protect and preserve the interest of the wealthy and powerful

he other day when President Goodluck Jonathan lectured Nigerians on the true meaning of “stealing” and “corruption” many armchair critics began to wiggle their noses as if to say, “Mr President, how is that? The two are one and the same!” However, for those still doubting the cerebral outpouring by the president, he has provided ample object lessons to buttress the point he was trying to make during his last media chat.

First is the withdrawal of criminal charges preferred by the federal government against Mohammed Abacha, the son of the ex-military dictator, General Sani Abacha. It will be recalled that Mohammed Abacha was arraigned at the high court of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja in February this year on a nine-count charge of dishonestly receiving the sum of $141.1million and $384.35million allegedly denominated in cash and traveller’s cheques. The fresh arraignment followed the Supreme Court’s quashing of a suit filed by Mohammed to challenge the previous charge against him on the ground that he had no case to answer.

However, the nine-count charge against Mohammed before the court presided over by Justice Mamman Kolo was last week arbitrarily withdrawn by the private prosecutor handling the case for the federal government, Daniel Enwelum, on the orders of the attorney-general of the federation, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), citing Section 173 (3) of the 1999 Constitution.

Another object lesson last week was the appointment of Mrs Roli Bode-George as the director-general of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Roli, wife of a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, is still a member of the National Population Commission (NPC).

Again, despite the hue and cry by Nigerians that the minister of petroleum resources, Mrs Diezani AlisonMadueke, be sacked over a plethora of allegations against her that borders on corruption and wasteful lifestyle, the president went ahead to

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

No. 2,210

TUESDAY

N150

This President Endorses Corruption

nominate her to the chair of the secretary-general of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Now, Nigerians know why the president recommended Mrs Allison-Madueke for appointment as secretary-general of OPEC, serial accusation of gross abuse of office and monumental corruption against her notwithstanding.

Even though I am not a lawyer by training, I know that the intendment of Section 173 (1) (c) of the constitution that vests the power on the attorney-general of the federation to withdraw any criminal charge preferred against anybody by the police or any prosecuting authority in any court of law in the country should only be invoked in the public interest and the general good and not for self-seeking political patronage.

How could the president have acted so arbitrarily in exercising a discretion vested on the attorney-general of the federation by Section 173 (3) of the Constitution without the slightest regard for public interest?

Whose interest is the withdrawal of the charges meant to serve if not that of the president and the PDP that seems to have found in Mohammed a man they can possibly use to upturn the political structure in Kano State. Mohammed has never hidden his ambition to govern the state of Kano.

It is a gross abuse of office for Adoke to use the power vested in him

by Section 173 (3) of the constitution to take over and discontinue any criminal proceedings as an instrument of political patronage in order to give soft landings to political associates and friends of the president. The withdrawal of corruption charges against Mohammed is nothing but a clear endorsement of corruption by the president on whose orders Mr Adoke acted.

The action of the president is outrageous, frightening, completely arsy-varsy, and must not be allowed to stand in any sane society. The exercise must not only be in accordance with public morality but must have regard to the public interest, the interests of justice and the need to prevent abuse of the legal process.

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The sacrificing of national interest and fight against corruption on the altar of political expediency and crass opportunism in exchange for votes come 2015 is the height of irresponsibility and degradation of any government. I do hope that, very soon, the president will reward Mohammed with the “national creativity award” of Grand Commander of the Niger (GCON) in recognition of the magnanimity of his father to have pillaged the national treasury.

If a case of this nature can be withdrawn by the fiat of the president, then, why is the same president filibustering in swapping imprisoned Boko suspects for the over 200 Chibok girls kidnapped by the sect members? Is Mohammed more important than the over 200 girls? By now one expects the attorney-general to stop all criminal trials going on across Nigeria and ask the suspects to go and sin no more.

Even those that are already serving jail terms and those awaiting trial should be asked to go home.

Today, the floodgates have been thrown open. You can “steal” but don’t be “corrupt” because “stealing is not corruption”. Corruption thrives here. How sad! A country where evil is not seen to be punished is doomed.

The freeing of Mohammed is not only condemnable but scandalous especially in a country where our global image is that of corruption, to say the least. This is one of the clearest indications that the Jonathan presidency has concretized corruption, graft and double standard in the country. Little wonder most international dailies and personalities openly accused our president of presiding over a corrupt government following the kidnap of the Chibok girls.

Moreover, the appointment of Roli Bode-George is outrageous.

Even though the federal government, out of political consideration to “capture” Lagos, had paved the way for Bode-George to be cleared of his conviction over alleged fraudulent contract-splitting by the Supreme Court, it still beggars reason that the NDLEA with very high social and economic implications for the country can be assigned to some-

timifrank@leadership.ng

body in such a cavalier manner. Little wonder President Jonathan had unabashedly declared that stealing should not be construed with corruption, an assertion that immediately found a willing supporter in the chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, Mr Ekpo Nta. I dare say that this expensive joke

by Adoke made with the full support of President Jonathan has confirmed beyond a shadow of doubt that, in Nigeria today, the Rule of Law is meant to protect and preserve the interest of the wealthy and powerful.

It is also an indication that the country’s legal system is geared towards the protection and preservation of the selfish interest of the powerful and well-connected in our country.

The underlying philosophy of liberal democracy premised on equality of the law has been thrown out of the window in Nigeria under the present government.

I make bold to say that the present administration relishes and derives joy from corruption. Or why should the president mortgage the future of Nigerians to bargain for his political interest? It is sad and highly unfortunate that he has given fillip to a most unpatriotic action undertaken by the chief law officer of the federation. Encouraging corruption and negotiating with criminals who have defrauded the country signposts a very low point for the president and his administration.

GHANA MUST GO Ekiti election was transparently free and fair

— FG

Yes, transparently rigged!

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