Thursday leadership

26.06.14

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

THURsday

No. 2,212

N150

NIGERIA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPER

Chibok Diary

DAY 73

8 Schoolgirls Did Not Escape From Sambisa Forest > Page 2 - Police

NIPOST Intercepts N300bn Fake Currencies

By Chima Akwaja, Lagos

As part of efforts to rid Nigeria of fraudsters and stem the negative image hanging over the country, the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), through its courier

1 week after fg’s alarm

arm, EMS Nigeria has intercepted fake financial instruments valued at more than N300 billion from 2011 to date.

Postmaster - general of the federation and chief executive officer of NIPOST, Mallam Ibrahim Mori Baba said this

yesterday during the 2014 customer forum of EMS Nigeria ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

World Cup: Eagles Advance To 2nd Round Despite Loss > Page 54 Timeline of Abuja blasts from Jan. 2014 to date

April 14, Nyanya

May 1, Nyanya

June 25, Wuse II

100 40 21

Another Bloody Day! Scenes of the bomb blast at Emab Plaza, Wuse II, in Abuja, yesterday. More pictures on Page 16. Photos by femi adewuyi and Joseph igoh

Journalist, 20 others killed, 17 injured in Abuja bomb blast. Suspect arrested 1 killed in Adamawa Tanker explosion kills 5 in Lagos Kaduna death toll rises to 123 5 Boko Haram may attack 50 more villages in Borno - Ex-minister Bunu

2

chibok diary 73

Thursday, June 26, 2014

DAY

Chibok Tweets @OpinionNigeria It is time all Nigerians come together to speak and fight the ill steering them in the face. #RedefineNigeria #BringBackOurGirls @ANNASFRIENDS Take A Minute To Imagine What These Girls Are Suffering: #bringbackourgirls @anthonypermal Beautiful game, but shud not overshadow #Nigeria's shameful progress in a) rescuing the girls b) stopping 60 new kidnaps #BringBackOurGirls @UNILAG_EFIWE Dear Boko Haram bcos of the goals of Ahmed Musa, #BringBackOurGirls @Jamilah_IB Let's start praying. It is getting bigger than us . #PrayForNigeria #bringbackourgirls @johnjsuarez Abduction of innocent girls who were pursuing an education is unconscionable & mustn't be tolerated. #BringBackOurGirls kidnapped in Nigeria @RepLoisFrankel The #BokoHaram kidnapping received attention for a short time & then, like the girls, disappeared. Don't forget: #BringBackOurGirls

8 Schoolgirls Did Not Escape From Sambisa Forest – Police

By Kareem Haruna, Maiduguri

Borno State Police command has denied a newspaper’s report alleging that it confirmed the escape of eight abducted Chibok schoolgirls from Sambisa forest 70 days after being held by the Boko Haram Sect.

A national newspaper (Not LEADERSHIP) had on Wednesday published a report that eight of the Chibok schoolgirls had escaped from captivity.

The report also quoted the commissioner of police, Borno State Command Alhaji Tanko Lawan, as confirming the incident.

But the Borno State command has faulted the report claiming that the CP Tanko, had been put on the line of fire by his superiors for confirming the escape without first informing Abuja about it.

The CP said the report was a farce, saying that he might press a charge against the

by Chika Mefor, Ejike Ejike

The BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) Campaign Group has disassociated itself from anyone seeking to collect money on its behalf.

The group, which stated this yesterday at the Unity Fountain, Abuja during its sit out, added that anybody doing such act is not from the group and called on the public to be wary of such people . It reminded the publiuc that such individuals are crooks who want to use the group to make money The group stated that it has been able to sustain itself through donation from members, adding that donations were received only from members while donations from anonymous people were not accepted.

The group said, “We have gotten reports that some people have been going around collecting money from people on behalf of the group. We are warning such people to desist from such act. We are a group that pride ourselves on our openness and won’t allow anyone to destroy our purpose which is to continue our campaign until our girls are brought back and alive.”

The group while deliberating on its visit the Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed

mum protection during its sit outs.

“When we got there, we were asked to see DIG Peter Gana. Our meeting with the police shows that we are on our own when it comes to security. We need to do something about our security here. We need to make sure we know ourselves and find ways to protect one other,” it added.

SELF MEDICATION IS IT PROPER? SELF MEDICATION IN RURAL AFRICA HAS REACHED A CRISIS STATE, AS PEOPLE TAKE ANYTHING AND EVEN POTENTIALLY TOXIC SUBSTANCES AS REMEDIES

50%

About 50% of the general population suffers from headaches several times during the month. Stomach upsets, digestive disorders, heartburn and peptic ulcers are other regular complaints Why Do People Self-medicate Today?

Why You Must Not Self-medicate

For some people, it’s just a lack of time to go see a doctor TIME

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Abubakar, at the police headquarters in response to the letter it wrote to the police about protection, stated that its visit yielded little result as police promised them minimal security.

It stated that the visit clearly shows that the group is on its own over the issue of security as the police stated that the force will not be able to give it maxi-

CHIBOK TRENDING

@Iwin3 The girls are going... going...#BringBackOurGirls

Friday Rally in New-York

member talking to the author of the story.’’

Tanko advised journalists to always cross check their facts before going to press.

“The story has caused me some embarrassment, because I never spoke to anybody on the issue. If truly any of the girls had escaped, we will not hesitate in giving the media the information. It is sad that a journalist can just create a non-existing story and attribute same to me,” he added.

We Didn't Authorise Anyone To Collect Money On Our Behalf – Group

@alphabetsuccess Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. M.L. King #quote #BringBackOurGirls

City, USA

newspaper.

The CP, according to the Police Public Relations officer, Gideon Jubrin, had invited the concerned journalist to explain how he got the story.

Speaking to journalists on the issue, CP Tanko denied ever speaking to the concerned journalist.

He said, “I want to state without fear of contradiction that I never confirmed the escape of eight of the abducted GGSC Chibok girls; I do not re-

Members of #BringBackOurGirls during its sit out meeting on the way forward for the rescue of the schoolgirls in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

Adequate health care these days is costly and so, people opt for the less expensive over-the-counter (OTC) remedies Some people use the prescriptions from a previous illness, either theirs or someone else’s to undergo self-medication

PRESCRIPTION TRANSFER

MISDIAGNOSIS DRUG OVER DOSAGE

PROLONGED TREATMENT

DRUG INTERACTION

SIDE EFFECTS

FINANCIAL LOSSES INFOGRAPHICS BY Matthew Akhabue

3

our stand Thursday, June 26, 2014

A Lesson For Lawyers

I

n an unprecedented move, the Supreme Court recently awarded a punitive fine of N8 million against a lawyer, Dr Dickson Osuala, counsel to the governorship candidate of the Democratic People’s Party in the 2011 election, Chief Great Ogboru. Osuala had applied for a review of the court’s judgement which upheld the election of the present governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The judgement had gone against his client.

In his application to the apex court, Osuala claimed that Section 285 (7) of the Nigerian Constitution was fraudulently inserted by the National Assembly. He went on to state that, since due process was not followed in inserting the clause, it was wrong for the Supreme Court to dismiss his client’s case based on it.

Supreme Court Justice Walter Onoghem blamed Osuala for not properly advising his client but, instead, embarked on a clear case of gross abuse of court processes. According to the him, “the said N8 million is awarded as cost against

the person of Dickson Osuala and is to be paid from his pocket to the respondent”.

He further said “the plaintiff through his counsel wants to resurrect a dead and buried horse… plaintiff’s counsel should advise his client to take his case to heaven, if he is not satisfied with the ruling”.

Osuala rejected the advice on the grounds that no one should be allowed to benefit from a defective law. The counsel had twice approached the Supreme Court for a review of the judgement but the request was turned down.

This is, indeed, a landmark judgement that should serve as a lesson to counsel who take pleasure in exploiting

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

the naivety of their clients for their own pecuniary gains. As we applaud the decision of the Supreme Court, we also point out that, for too long, lawyers have been abusing court processes and by so doing causing unnecessary delays and waste of time in the nation’s judicial system. This category of lawyers, who should advise their clients appropriately, instead give them false hope and charge them exorbitant fees for cases they know they cannot win. However, we find it difficult to exculpate the clients from the shenanigans that go on in the nation’s judicial processes. Sometimes even when the handwriting is clear on the wall, they would not relent, always hoping for a miracle that would never come.

This decision of the apex court will, indeed, serve as a warning to all lawyers and litigants who go to court for flimsy reasons and who, as the Supreme Court pointed out, keep on trying to resurrect a horse that was dead and buried. The Court of Appeal should take a cue from the Supreme Court judgement especially in matters relating to election petitions.

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

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo Release Of 100 Travellers: We’ve Been Vindicated – Hausa Community The first batch of 10 buses conveying 100 of the 486 suspected Boko Haram travellers arrested and detained by the 144 battalion of the Nigerian Army in Asa, Abia State has been released with the occupants.

Their freedom came after 10 days of grilling by the military authorities to ascertain the veracity of the allegation that they were members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect that has been terrorising the nation especially Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

Their realease yesterday evening threw the whole of the northern community in Aba especially the Onion Market, which is close to the Asa camp, into jubilation as they waved enthusiastically to the travellers while they were driving past with two military escorts.

The secretary of the Onion Market, Alhaji Sanni Jo who confirmed this to leadership on phone said “We are happy that they have been released and this vindicates us; these are innocent Nigerians who came to the East in search of menial jobs as well as traders who came to buy goods to sell”.

Matthias Nwogu, Umuahia

US Denies Changing Visa Policies For Nigerians The United States Department of State yesterday said that its visa policies for applicants wanting to travel to the country from Nigeria have not been changed by the American government.

Press officer of the Office of Press Relations, Bureau of Public Affairs of the US Department of State, Mr Peter Velasco, made this known while responding to an online query by our correspondent.

The US spokesperson was reacting to a report posted online on Monday night that the United States had granted a visa waiver to Nigerian travellers that want to visit the United States. The implication of this report is that Nigerians will now be travelling to the United States without applying for visas again.

But Mr Velasco in his reaction denied the report, saying that there was no time any decision to grant Nigerians visa-free entry into the United States was taken by the Obama-led administration. He added that all the US visa policies for Nigerians remain the same.

He, however, did not answer our correspondent’s question on whether or not the United States government still plans to return Nigeria to its DV Lottery Scheme.

Abiodun Oluwarotimi, New York

L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan, Ethiopia Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, Vice President Namadi Sambo and other Ministers during the Visit of the Prime Minister to the Presidential Villa Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN

I’m Not Above The Law, Tambuwal Declares After Security Search ...Reps’ Joint Panel To Probe Incident

By Edegbe Odemwingie, Abuja

Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal yesterday declared that despite the protocol and privileges his office enjoys, he is not above the law.

Tambuwal was addressing House members on Monday’s incident where security operatives stopped his motorcade and searched his official car.

The widely reported incident occurred at the entrance to Ho-

tel 17, Kaduna, venue of an International Conference on Security and Development: Challenges of Pastoralism in West and Central Africa, organised by the office of the National Security Adviser.

The speaker stated that he was not averse to being subjected to scrutiny or screening by “constituted authorities”, but expected to enjoy some protocol and privilege as the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria.

Tambuwal’s reaction reads: “I want to state that I am not above the law. As recently as last week Wednesday when I was travel-

ling to Paris, I subjected myself to screening by staff of the Air France here at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

“My luggage was requested to be searched, and I obliged them; I gave them my luggage. My physical person was frisked, and I allowed that to happen without any resistance. That is to show everyone that I am not averse to being subjected to scrutiny or screening by constituted authorities.

“The difference between that and what happened in Kaduna is the fact that I was expected to enjoy some protocol and privilege as

the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, moreso, from the authorities established by law.

“No one out there should have any impression that any of us here in the House of Representatives or in the National Assembly is above the law; that is not the message we are sending.”

Meanwhile, the House detailed it’s joint Committees on Defence, Army, Police, Interior, Public Safety and National Security to probe the incident. The committees were directed to submit a report in one week.

Tambuwal Seeks Counter Terrorism Special Forces To Fight Boko Haram Condemns Military’s Involvement In Politics

By Edegbe Odemwingie, Abuja

Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, yesterday called for the establishment of a counter terrorism special forces unit and a national counter terrorism centre to combat the Boko Haram-led terrorist onslaught on the country.

Tambuwal also condemned the recent involvement of the country’s military in politics by the political leadership. The speaker particularly described the preference

of the military to clamp down on the media, ground aircraft and close airports, and forcibly restrict the freedom of citizens as “worrisome”.

He was speaking while delivering his welcome address on the occasion of the commencement of the fourth and final session of the 7th Assembly.

“It is my view that now is the time to establish a counter terrorism special forces unit as well as a national counter terrorism centre for the armed forces,” he said.

He said that when established, the outfit should be accompanied by mass recruitment of personnel as well as the redeployment

of existing officers and men to the unit.

Tambuwal also called for the conscription of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) into the proposed counter terrorism special training programme.

He said that when fully operational, the unit should be maintained in a state of permanent readiness to respond to terrorist activities anywhere in the country.

The speaker said that the war on insurgency in the country is real and requires serious reappraisal of existing apparatus and operational strategies.

“The fact remains, however, that we as a people and a govern-

ment, still need to do so much more to contain this menace and restore to our people, the peace and peace of mind that have been so rudely taken away from them,” he said.

On the military’s involvement in politics, Tambuwal accused the political leadership of involving the military in partisan political roles of arresting, detaining, and forcibly restricting the freedom of innocent Nigerians.

He reminded public office holders that employing security reasons and security reports as justification for every governance infraction is not an acceptable practice in a democracy.

Soldiers’ Harassment: NSA Apologises To Speaker Tambuwal By millie ibe, Abuja

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) has formally apologised to the speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, over the harassment he suffered in the hands of soldiers

at a function in Kaduna organised by the office of the NSA. The speaker who was a keynote speaker at the function had his convoy stopped by soldiers on duty at the 17 Hotel venue of the International Conference on Security and Development: Challenges of Pastoralism in West

and Central Africa” on Monday.

This infuriated Tambuwal who dropped from his car and trekked to the venue proper.

The speaker’s spokesperson, Imam Imam confirmed that Dasuki wrote to the office of Tambuwal apologising to him.

“I can confirm that the Speak-

er’s Office has received a letter from the NSA, tendering unreserved apology over what happened in Kaduna,” Imam wrote.

“The letter reaffirmed the respect the NSA has for the person and office of the Speaker. It also regretted what happened,” he added.

NEWS 5

Thursday, June 26, 2014

LIVING BE BE 100100 LIVINGTOTO

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.

NIPOST Intercepts N300bn Fake Currencies FROM COVER

while delivering a keynote titled: “Sustaining national security and economic development through the post”. Represented by deputy postmaster-general, counters department of NIPOST, Mallam Yashim Bitiyong, the postmaster - general also said EMS Nigeria managers across the country, in conjunction with National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) helped in the successful arrest of more than 50 suspected drug culprits.

He stated that other successful interceptions included lots of security items such as stun guns, binoculars, cameras, bullet proof vests, camouflage uniforms, etc.

“We have equipment, robust mechanism and experts to check items introduced into the post as well as cordial working relationship with relevant security agencies, in contributing to safety and security of our country, customers and general public,” he said.

According to him, the post office worldwide has zero tolerance for introduction of prohibitive items into post, such as arms and ammunition, psychotropic substances and other illegal

substances, stressing that security was everybody’s challenge and that NIPOST as an organisation would continue to take the issue of security seriously.

On his part, the outgoing general manager of EMS Nigeria, Mr. Osadolor Eboigbodin reiterated that EMS Nigeria takes the security of mail and the problem of mail fraud seriously, noting that as at the end of 2013, Stop Order request received from the Foreign Postal Administrations stood at 801 against 939 in 2012, indicating that mail fraud was on the decline.

“We are not resting on our oars on this trend as we are in good working relationship with relevant security agencies to carry our seizure of fraudulently sourced items,” he said.

He noted that EMS Nigeria had received full production certification from UPU/ EMS Cooperative in Berne, Switzerland, ascertaining that NIPOST ICT facility and visibility/track and trace of mail items on the internet and their transmission and sharing with senders and addressees, as well as fellow designated postal addresses globally met international standards.

Chibok: Snakes Fight Insurgents In Sambisa

By Halima Tiffi, with agency report, Abuja

The Boko Haram members are now fleeing from Sambisa forest to local government areas across Borno State owing to strange developments in the forest, believed to be a spiritual attack.

One of the arrested sect members, Kolo Mustapha, told Dailypost that snakes were attacking them in the forest.

“They (our leaders) told us

that it was the people of Chibok that are hunting us through diabolical means in the form of snakes.

“Most of us are fleeing because there are too many snakes now in the forest, once they bite, they disappeared and the victims do not last for 24 hours.

“We were told that the people of Chibok local government are the ones turning into snake and attacking us in the forest”, he disclosed.”

1 Week After FG’s Alarm: Another Bloody Day!

By Bayo Oladeji, CHIKA OTUCHIKERE, George Agba, Winifred Ogbebo, Igho Oyoyo, Michael Oche, Ejike Ejike, Millie Ibe, Patience Ihejirika, Abuja, MIDAT JOSEPH, ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kaduna, Kareem Haruna, Maiduguri, Mohammed Ismail, Yola and George Okojie, Lagos

A bomb blast yesterday rocked a shopping complex, EFAB Plaza in the busy Aminu Kano Crescent in Wuse 2, Abuja killing no fewer than 21 persons and injuring more than 17 others.

The blast came exactly one week after the federal government raised the alarm that terrorists were planning to bomb several places in the FCT. Yesterday’s blast occurred around 3.30pm. Over 17 vehicles were burnt beyond recognition and shattered the windows and glass showcases of many of the shops in the plaza.

When LEADERSHIP visited the scene, a combined team of security operatives as well as officials of the National Emergency Management Agency and the Fire Service were combing the area to ensure that there were no other bombs waiting to explode.

Body parts of some of the victims were scattered all over the place and the operatives were busy trying to evacuate the remains of the dead to the mortuary and the wounded to the hospital.

According to eye-witnesses who spoke with LEADERSHIP, most of the casualties were drivers who parked their cars waiting to pick passengers. They were burnt to death inside their cars. Other victims were women who sold fruits and those who sold SIM cards in the area.

Another eye witness told our reporter that a jeep drove inside the plaza and immediately the owner disembarked, a trader began to raise suspicion, but before the security men at the gate could react, the jeep blew up.

The eye-witness said as soon as the blast occurred, and people were scampering for safety, two persons suspected to be the masterminds of the blast also took to their heels attempting to escape.

Security operatives were said to have given them a hot chase and shot at their motorbike which they were trying to escape on. The two suspects were arrested but one of them who received gunshot wounds died while the other was whisked away to the Brigade Hospital.

A brigade commander who spoke with journalists at the scene of the blast but declined to give his identity confirmed

Badeh

the arrest of the suspect.

“You remember that after the blast, some civilians ran away, the culprits also tried to run away, but two of them were caught.

“As I speak to you now, the two are in Guards Brigade custody.

One of them sustained an injury and he is presently undergoing treatment there and the other one is detained there in Guards Brigade and waiting for further investigation.

“I must inform you that the two suspects are great assets that would lead us to a greater exploit in this investigation. It was a car explosion, but I am not in a position to describe what it was.

“I want to assure you that while the two suspects were running, one of them jumped on a motor bike, and the other one came down and they shot at him that was when he sustained the injury and the other one was arrested.

“The bag fell down and nobody could go close to it, until the bomb disposal people came and defused the bomb inside. Yet the man that was shot did not die, we rushed him to our medical centre when he was bleeding and he died later,” he said.

Force spokesman, Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Frank Mba who also briefed journalists at the scene of the blast confirmed the death of 21 persons.

He said: “The casualty figure for now is 21 persons dead and 17 persons injured. If there is any change, we will gladly inform the public. There were also 17 vehicles burnt in the blast.”

Nda-Isaiah Condemns Blast …Wants security beefed up in airports An All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant, Sam Nda-Isaiah, has called on the federal government to adopt more pro-active measures in securing life and property in the nation’s capital.

A statement by national coordinator of the Sam NdaIsaiah Campaign Organization, ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Minimah

6

Thursday, June 26, 2014

conference By joe dudun, amina alhassan and BODE GBADEBO

Anger As Kutigi Walks Out Journalists From Gallery Please don’t abandon us half way, Akinyemi pleads

WHAT NEXT? Journalists covering the ongoing National Conference under a tree after they were ordered out of the auditorium, yesterday. PHOTO BY JOE DUDUN

Insurgency: Delegates Indict FG, Military Confab in closed-door session for first time in 3 months

There were damning revelations yesterday at the ongoing National Conference where delegates took turns to open up on what they know about the insurgency bedeviling the nation. The delegates spoke in a closed-door session while discussing the report of the Standing Committee on National Security.

Prior to the revelations and midway into the presentation of the report by the committee’s deputy chairman, Albert Horsfall, the conference chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi, had ordered the journalists covering the proceedings to vacate the gallery, a situation which embarrassed the reporters with the way the order was executed by overzealous security men particularly men of the State Security Service (SSS).

However, a statement by the conference assistant secretary, media and communications, James Akpandem, sent to media houses last night said delegates poured out their minds on the situation vis a vis its handling by the federal governmnet and the methods of the military, practically indicting both for the country’s inability to effectively counter the raging insurgency.

“As Conference resumed in the afternoon to consider the recommendations contained in the report and some proposed amendments, information about plans by Boko Haram to burn down 50 communities in Borno State was raised and discussed by the delegates.

“At this point, Chairman of the Conference and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Idris Kutigi, GCON, mandated his Deputy and former Minister of External Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, to clear the gallery and proceed with the closed-door session where delegates discussed freely on Boko Haram.

“The session started with a retired general who led the Conference through the strategies involved in the war against Boko Haram. He traced the history of the insurgency and dazed delegates with information on what should have been done at the beginning that was not done,” the statement began.

The unnamed retired army general was quoted as saying that poor intelligence gathering, low morale among the troops, poor remuneration, lack of kitting and

provision of ammunitions were responsible for the failure in the war against Boko Haram insurgents.

“Another speaker, a politician, said Boko Haram is thriving because they have been allowed (by government) to outsmart security agents in the area of funding and morale-boosting.

“It was his view that people entrusted with the management of funds and proper application of other forms of resources meant to combat insecurity in the country have diverted such resources to personal use; a development which has resulted in the current state of affairs,” the statement said.

Another delegate, a former ambassador, said the seeming failure of the war against Boko Haram was traceable to the inability to implement recommendations contained in various reports submitted to the federal government by different formal and informal groups in the past.

The delegate was said to have disclosed that Boko Haram has grown to a level where “its funding is offshore; its weapons accumulation is offshore, its training is offshore and its strategy is offshore.”

Delegates poured out their minds on the situation vis a vis its handling by the federal governmnet and the methods of the military, practically indicting both

Journalists covering the ongoing National Conference got the shock of their lives yesterday when the chairman of the conference, Justice Idris Kutigi, ordered them ‘disappear’ from the gallery on the request of the deputy chairman of the Standing Committee on National Security, Albert Horsfall, midway into the presentation of the committee’s report yesterday.

While ordering the journalists, cameramen and other secretariat staff to get out of the plenary in a commando-like manner, Kutigi said, “the pressmen clear yourselves! The pressmen should disappear! Press men disappear.”

Some of the journalists who were not comfortable with the manner the chairman ordered them out of the plenary could not hide their disappointment, as they grumbled on their way out of the auditorium.

Journalists however said asking them to leave the auditorium for executive session was not an issue but the way and manner Kutigi shouted on them was unnecessary.

While gathered outside the auditorium discussing the treatment meted to them, some delegates, who saw the maltreatment came out to appeal to journalists, saying the chairman had since apologized on the way he addressed the journalists while they were outside.

The delegates who came out to appeal to the journalists include Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Prince Lanre Ogundipe, Mrs Florence ItaGiwa, Mallam Sani Zoro and others from the media and civil societies organisations at the conference.

They revealed that the plenary was thrown into confusion for about 40 minutes due to disagreement among the delegates on whether the journalists should be allowed inside or not and the manner in which the Justice Kutigi had treated them.

Also appealing to the journalists, deputy chairman of the conference Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, who also came outside to meet with the journalists, blamed Horsfall for the situation, adding that he has also apologised on behalf of the conference.

“Please don’t abandon us half way, I came out of the conference to apologise. Please your presence will determine the success of this conference. Once again, please accept my apology,” Bolaji pleaded.

news extra 7

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Tension In Enugu Over Arrest Of 21 Boko Haram Suspects Tension is high in Enugu State following the arrest of about 21 suspected members of the Boko Haram sect.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the suspected Boko Haram members, who were reportedly traveling to Kaduna from Aba with several military uniforms concealed in a luxury bus, were intercepted by the National Task Force (NATFORCE) at Amala in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

A source disclosed that the suspects were arrested early yesterday morning at Enugu boarder community that leads to the northern parts of the country.

Our correspondent who visited the Enugu State Police headquarters yesterday morning sighted the suspects coming out from the intercepted bus with registration number, AKD816XG belonging the Young Shall Grow Motors.

Reacting to the development, the Area commander of the Nigeria Police Area Command, Nsukka, Ros-Amson Musa Haladu (ACP), said full scale investigation would be carried out to uncover the true mission of the 21 suspects.

The state commissioner of police mohammed Adamu Abubakar, stated that he has ordered the task force team to transfer the suspects to the police headquarters in Enugu.

By Nnamdi Mbawike, Enugu

Obiano’s 1st 100 Days: 177 Kidnappers Arrested In Anambra Gov unveils plan to create 100,000 jobs Anambra State governor Willie Obiano has disclosed that about 177 kidnap suspects have been arrested within the first 100 days of his administration.

He made this disclosure yesterday while giving the score-card of his 100-day administration yesterday at the Women Development Centre, Awka, before a large audience of the people of the state, including traditional rulers, town unions leaders, civil servants, politicians, traders, industrialists, artistes, etc.

He promised to make the state self-sufficient in food production.

Unveiling his government plan to boost the oil and gas sector, Obiano disclosed that the state would be producing 12,000 barrels of crude oil daily in the next six months, which would create 100,000 jobs, noting that, currently, it is producing 6,000 barrels of the product daily.

The world renowned author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, joined the governor in calling for the needed synergy to build a greater Anambra State of the people’s dream.

By Okechukwu Obeta, Awka

Some internally displaced persons from Borno and Taraba states waiting to be registered for relief assistance by the Gombe State Emergency Management Agency yesterday.

PHOTO BY NAN

Nda-Isaiah Seeks State Of Emergency In Education Sector

By Usman Ahmed, Kaduna

The founder of Leadership Group, Sam Nda-Isaiah, has advised the federal government to immediately declare a state of emergency in the education sector.

He made this call while answering questions from pressmen shortly after the annual speech and prize giving ceremony at Government College, Kaduna, during which he lamented the parlous state of education in the

country.

Nda-Isaiah said the college was supposed to be among the best schools in Nigeria, but it was unfortunate that as a governmentowned institution, it was not getting the needed attention.

He also noted that Ghana, for example, allocated 31 per cent of its budget to education but Nigeria only allocated 8 per cent to the sector, even as he pointed out that the key priority of any country is the education of its youths.

“As old students, we are committed and would continue to intervene in many areas, particularly in the area of infrastructure,” he said, adding that education is capital intensive and require adequate funding.

Earlier in his speech,the principal of Government College, Kaduna, Alhaji Ismaila Ibrahim, disclosed that there was a general improvement in student’s academic performance over the previous years, and that success-

es were recorded in WAEC with about 83 per cent and 88.4 per cent in NECO, apart from competitions such as quizzes and games.

The principal expressed appreciation to the old boys for their continuous contributions to their alma mater, and the entire teaching and non-teaching staff of the premier college and the state Ministry of Education, which he urged to enhance prompt and speedy release of funds to the school.

We Don’t Recognise PDP National Secretary, INEC Tells Court OLUGBENGA SOYELE, Lagos

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday told a Federal High Court in Lagos that it did not recognise Professor Olawale Oladipo as the national secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

INEC made this known yesterday while urging the court to strike out a suit challenging the recognition of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola as the national secretary of the PDP. The commission, through its counsel, Vilba Kintai, insisted that the PDP had so far failed to produced any court order compelling it to recognise Oladipo, as advised.

The suit, which was filed by the chairmen of the party in the South-West, is praying the court to order INEC to recognise Professor Oladipo as the national secretary of the party.

The plaintiffs are the state chairmen of the party in Ogun, Oyo, Osun and Ondo as well as financial secretaries in Lagos and Ekiti.

They are Chief Adebayo Dayo, Alhaji Olayinka Taiwo, Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa, Chief Ebenezer Alabi, Dr. Tope Aluko and Chief Taiwo Kuye.

Joined as respondents are INEC PDP and Oyinlola.

LEADERSHIP recalls that Oyinlola was reinstated as the national secretary of the PDP by the Court

of Appeal on November 6, 2014.

But dissatisfied with the verdict, the respondents/appellants proceeded to the Supreme Court to challenge the ruling.

Without obtaining an order setting outside the judgement, the PDP announced the suspension of Oyinlola, prompting him to file another action at the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging the suspension.

Also, an application filed before the Supreme Court for a Stay of Execution of the Court of Appeal judgement which reinstated Oyinlola would be heard on July 6, 2014.

At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, INEC coun-

sel, Kintai, also raised a preliminary objection, urging the court to strike out the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

The lawyer further submitted that the issue brought by the plaintiff was an intra-party dispute, which the court had no jurisdiction over.

He also argued that the suit brought against it had no cause of action and asked the court to either dismiss same, strike it out, or strike its name off as a respondent.

Likewise, counsel to Oyinlola, Gbeyoga Oyewole filed a preliminary objection and counter affidavit seeking the dismissal of the suit.

Court Stops IGP From Arresting Petroleum Minister

By Kunle Olasanmi, Abuja Justice Gabriel Kolawole of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, not to arrest the minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, in the event that the National Assembly orders for her arrest over the scheduled probe of the minister and the NNPC that is to commence today.

The court gave the order late in

the afternoon yesterday following a suit instituted by the petroleum minister and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (plaintiffs in the matter) through their counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), seeking to stop the National Assembly, the defendant, from directly investigating her and the NNPC. Justice Kolawole held: “In line with order 56 Rule 1 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rule, 2009, I direct the applicant

to ensure that a certified true copy of the enrolment of this ruling be served on the Inspector General of Police. Being a creation of the constitution, he will not unleash his machinery in aid of the National Assembly in defiance of court proceedings and contravene the constitution.

“The IGP shall not acede to any legislative order to direct the arrest of the plaintiffs (Diezani and the NNPC.” The case was adjourned to July

9 for argument on the motion on notice for the interlocutory injunction.

The miniter filed the fresh application for an interim injunction to restrain the House of Representatives from going ahead with the probe of the allegation that she spent N10bn on a chartered aircraft.

Joined as defendants in the suit are the Senate and the House of Representatives as the first and second respondents respectively.

8 NEWS

Thursday, June 26, 2014

1 Week After FG’s Alarm: Another Bloody Day! FROM PAGE 5

Otunba Olufemi Ogunsanwo, noted that, while condemning in unequivocal terms yesterday’s bomb blast in Abuja, Nda-Isaiah lamented that the gory incident, just like the one at the School of Hygiene, Kano, on Tuesday, is one terror attack too many.

According to him, “there is now a compelling need for the present government and security agencies to take more proactive measures to secure life and property in the nation’s capital”.

Specifically, Nda-Isaiah who noted that one area where security is lax is the Abuja airport and called for tighter security checks at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and all the other airports and gateways in the country.

Accordingly, the APC presidential aspirant called on all those charged with securing life and property in the country to “discharge this onerous task with more dedication to forestall a situation where our people become afraid to go about their daily businesses in many parts of the country”.

Relatives Besiege Hospitals There was a surge of crowd at the entrance of the hospitals yesterday as many of the people wanted to find and locate their loved ones.

LEADERSHIP gathered from the National Hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Tayo Haastrup, that dead bodies were brought into the hospital and they comprised three females and four males.

He also told one of our correspondents that seven injured persons were brought to the hospital out of which two are in Intensive Care Unit.

New Telegraph Political Editor Bisalla Killed The political editor of the New Telegraph newspaper, Mallam Suleiman Bisalla, was among the dead in the EFAB Plaza bomb blast.

The management of the New Telegraph Newspapers made this known in a statement signed by the company’s managing director and editor in chief, Mr. Gabriel Akinadewo, and made available to LEADERSHIP. Akinadewo said Bisalla’s elder brother, Mohammed Bisalla, said the deceased would be buried today according to Islamic rites.

“The management of New Telegraph Newspapers regrets to announce the gruesome death of its Managing Editor (Northern Operations) Mallam Suleiman Bisalla at the age of 46. Bisalla died in the bomb blast that occurred at the EMAB Plaza, Wuse 2, Abuja on

Wednesday June 25, 2014.

“Until December 2013 when he joined New Telegraph, Bisalla was a Deputy Editor and Political Editor with the Daily Trust Newspapers, Abuja.

“A statement issued by his elder brother, Mohammed Bisalla, said he will be laid to rest today according to Islamic rites.

mortuary in Gwantu was full corpses and hundreds of injured persons had been taken for treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, Shehu Umar who confirmed the fresh attacks said: “We have deployed more security personnel to the area and the situation in under control as I speak to you now.”

Explosion Rocks Lagos, Kills 5 There was an explosion in Apapa area of Lagos state last night that left about five people dead with many others injured.

But there were conflicting reports over what led to the explosion because while some claimed that it was due to the activities of a suicide bomber, others claimed that it was a gas cylinder that exploded.

Emergency response agencies also denied that the explosion was caused by a suicide bomber, attributing it to a cooking gas cylinder that was being refilled.

The explosion occurred at 26 Creek Road, Apapa, which is the premises of Folawiyo Energy and Gas, it was learnt.

It was gathered that the late arrival of both federal and state fire service personnel was responsible for the large casualty recorded.

An eyewitness told one of our reporters that the incident occurred at about 8:45pm, just as he disclosed that about several dismembered human parts littered the ground.

State Fire Service, Rasaq Fadipe and National Emergency Management Agency’s (NEMA) Southwest spokesman, Ibrahim Farinloye said they were told it was a gas explosion.

CAN condemns Southern Kaduna killings The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna state yesterday condemned the killings in the southern part of the state.

The secretary of Kaduna state chapter of CAN, Rev. Sunday Ibrahim who addressed a press conference said the killing was unjustifiable and clearly devilish.

Kaduna Killings: Death Toll Rises To 123 As Gunmen Renew Attacks Death toll arising from Tuesday’s attacks on some villages in Sanga local government area of Kaduna State has increased to about 123 following fresh attacks on Ninzom villages in the same Local Government.

About 57 people were reportedly killed on Tuesday in night raids by suspected Fulani gunmen in three villages, with several persons injured.

But police on Tuesday said they had arrested three of the suspected assailants, and recovered three AK-47 rifles and 158 rounds of ammunition.

The development came just as an important international conference on Security and Development Challenges of Pastoralism in West and Central Africa was taking place in Kaduna.

The National President of Ninzom Progressive Youth, NPY, Mr Bezard Wuyah told LEADERSHIP that the

24-hour curfew imposed on Sanga LGA Following the attack on villages of Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna state, a 24-hour curfew has been imposed as part of efforts to curtail the situation.

In a statement issued and signed by the Council Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Adamu, the curfew was to forestall further loss of lives and restore normalcy to the area.

Boko Haram attacks military post, kill 21 soldiers, 5 villagers in Borno At least 21 soldiers and five civilians were killed on Tuesday after a deadly attack on a military checkpoint near Damboa village, 85km south of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno, military sources and witnesses said.

The attackers, according to soldiers who were lucky to have escaped the onslaught, came in a convoy of several trucks, some armed with Anti-aircraft (AA) rifles, others with rocket launchers, while most of the gunmen, about 100 of them armed with AK-47 assault weapons.

They first attacked the soldiers at a village called Bulabulingaura, 35km away from Damboa, before descending on the villagers, killing five men and torching virtually every house in the village. The villagers had long fled the village following repeated attacks in the area.

The escaped soldier who would not disclosed his identity to journalists said while 16 of his colleagues were killed, so many others especially those that got injured or ran out of arms had been abducted and taken away by the Boko Haram gunmen. He had to flee while the shooting was still on.

“Dozens of Boko Haram

insurgents stormed our checkpoint at BulabulinNgaura. It was an unexpected but terrible attack; as I am talking to you now I have been told that some of my colleagues have been abducted but some others were able to escape with bullet wounds,” he said.

On how they were attacked, the soldier said: “The terrorists came in a convoy of over 30 vehicles, mounted with AntiAircraft guns (AA). They engaged us in a very deadly shootout, as if they were a full military battalion attacking us.

“They had AA and we had Ak47 rifles that were not fully loaded.

When we realized that they had taken over the place, some of us escaped to Maiduguri and other places but many could not make it. As I am talking to you, 16 bodies of our colleagues have been brought to Maiduguri, this is beside those that sustained injuries and many others that were missing in action.”

One killed in Mubi blast Meanwhile, there was serious pandemonium in Mubi South Local Government of Adamawa state yesterday as one person was killed following an explosion near Kuturu Market.

Eyewitnesses in Mubi South said the explosion occurred when a gas cylinder fell out of a moving vehicle belonging to a new generation bank while police said it was a bomb planted by the side of the road that detonated.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Adamawa State Command DSP Abubakar Othman said a bomb planted by the side of the road detonated although he said the incident did not lead to any casualty.

Immediately, soldiers were alerted and they mobilised and cordoned off the area and started demobilizing the bombs planted in the area.

Hospital sources from the General Hospital Mubi said the lone victim died of cardiac arrest following the psychological trauma that he went through.

FG confirms explosion in Mubi, says no life was lost The federal government has confirmed an explosion in Mubi‎, Borno state yesterday, but stated that no life was lost in the blast even as an unidentified woman later died out of shock.

Also, the government confirmed that the security operatives had released 144 travellers from the total of 486 persons arrested enroute ‎Port Harcourt and arrested in Abia state two weeks ago.

The coordinator of the national briefing centre, Mike Omeri, stated this yesterday, while briefing the media on the development of the rescue mission of the Chibok girls.

Omeri also denied the report of the purported abductions of 60 women and 31 men in some parts of Borno state, noting that from all the federal government investigations in collaboration with the interview granted by the Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, there were no sufficient facts to confirm alleged abduction.

Boko Haram activities worse than civil war Jonathan Miffed by the increasing spate of killings in the country, President Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday that the terrorist activities being perpetrated by the Boko Haram sect was making the civil war look like a child’s play.

Jonathan stated this when the College of Bishops of the African Church led by Primate Emmanuel Udofia paid him a courtesy call at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“Whenever I have the opportunity to interface with clergymen and Christians generally, I always thank them for their prayers because this country is facing challenges that we never expected.

I always say that apart from those of us from the Eastern region who witnessed the effects of the civil war, people have not witnessed this kind of insecurity in the country.

“In the North-east, it is almost like it is even worse than civil war because in the civil war, you know if you are here, you know the battle line, either a Biafran or Nigerian. You know where to run to. Right now, you don’t even know where to run to because the enemies are everywhere. So, it’s a problem.

But with your prayers, God has been kind and whatever the enemies contemplate, we will never get there”.

US Transfers Military Equipment To Nigerian Army The war against terrorism received a boost when the United States Government gave some military equipment to the Nigerian Army in Abuja.

It was in the Aguiyi Ironsi Cantonment, Brigade of Guards headquarters, Abuja, on Monday where the United States Government transferred to the Nigerian Army non-lethal transportation, communication and force protection equipment in support of the Nigerian Army’s battle against terrorism.

Major General Ibrahim Sani, Chief of Army Transformation and Innovation, who received the equipment from General Linder on behalf of the Nigerian Army said the equipment will enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Army.

News north-central 9

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Join 2015 Presidential Race Now, Group Urges Saraki By mILLIE IBE, Abuja

Former governor of Kwara State, Senator Bukola Saraki has been urged to join the 2015 presidential race now in order to provide dynamic leadership for the teeming young Nigerians yearning to join politics and the nation as a whole.

The call was made in Lagos yesterday by the leaders of a socio-political group, New Nigeria Movement (NNM) in a statement signed by Dr Lekan Akinwunmi, Barrister Uche Ogbonna and Mallam Musa Abubakar who are the national president, secretary and director of publicity of the body respectively.

“This call has become necessary following our rigorous assessment of Nigeria’s leaders across the country and party affiliations. Our conclusion is that Dr Bukola Saraki who has successfully served as a state governor for eight years and now a Senator of the Federal Republic best suits our search criteria. That is, he is a bridge between the old and the new generation of politicians; he is a bridge between the North and the South; he is a bridge between the Executive and the Legislature; he is a bridge be-

short news Kwara Assembly Probes Environmental Degradation The Kwara State House of Assembly has directed its Committee on Health and Environment to investigate the reason for the current environmental degradation in some parts of the state.

The deputy speaker of the House, Prof Gana Yissa gave the directive after the member representing Essa-Sawo-Igboidun Constituencey , Hassan Oyeleke (APC), drew the attention of the House to the environmental degradation in some parts of the state.

Oyeleke who was speaking under matter of urgent public importance noted that flowers planted on the road dividers on several major roads in llorin and other areas have overgrown.

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

tween the private and public sectors and above all, he controls a large political network that cuts across the country with a generational foundation”, the NNM said.

The group said it is determined to encourage Saraki to join the race, hence the need to go public with its call, adding that they are convinced the senator will heed their call because of his love for Nigeria.

“We recall that Senator Saraki today represents the face of the young generation of Nigerian leaders asking for generational change in leadership because of his age; we are bold to say that he has been an influential state governor for eight years, chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum with an enviable foundation in the private sector and today a serving senator. He’s been a dominant factor in the ruling PDP and he’s now a formidable force in the major opposition party, the APC that stands a good chance to form the next federal government. When we put all these together, we can’t but narrow down the search to this young dynamic Nigerian in whose hands providence has entrusted so much within this short time”, the NNM leaders argued.

Senator Smart Adeyemi Endorsed For 3rd Term The Koton Karfe and Lokoja Federal Constituency has disclosed that the seat of Kogi West Senatorial District in the Senate is not vacant come 2015.

The constituency insists that the present occupant of the seat, Senator Smart Adeyemi has not betrayed his mandate freely given by his people, adding that he has been acting their script as the masses’ representative.

The Kabba/Ijumu Federal Constituency had endorsed him two weeks ago for another term.

Senator Smart Adeyemi who is currently representing the district under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is the Senate Committee chairman on Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The stakeholders of the constituency, rising from a meeting, said, “We wish to state categorically that the stalwarts of the constituency have resolved unanimously to support the reelection of Senator Smart Adeyemi come 2015.

The meeting in a communique read by Mr Ben Amupitan stated that what necessitated the endorsement and support was Adeyemi’s “exceptional performances, quality display of legislative process and determination to reduce hardship to an insignificant level.”

Sam Egwu, Lokoja

short news UNDP Partners SMEDAN For Women Participation In MSMEs The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has designed a partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to encourage womenowned cooperative societies in general entrepreneurship endeavours.

The director general of SMEDAN, Mallam Bature Umar Mashari disclosed this yesterday in Minna at a oneday Entrepreneurship Sensitisation Programme for Women-owned Cooperative Societies at Hydro Hotels Minna.

Abu Nmodu, Minna

Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang (middle) with other government officials during inspection of Yelwa Dam in Jos South Local Government Area of the state, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN

2015: Rep Vows To Defeat Dariye In Plateau Central Senatorial Election

BY ACHOR ABIMAJE,Jos

The member representing Kanke, Kanam and Pankshin federal constituency of Plateau State in the National Assembly, Hon Emmanuel Goa’r has declared his intention to go into the Senate in 2015, saying he is set to capture the senatorial seat of Plateau Central Senatorial Zone from the Labour Party.

The federal lawmaker who made his intention known while speaking to LEADERSHIP in Jos said PDP cannot afford to allow opposition party win the senatorial seat considering the political

influence and popularity of the PDP in the state.

His words: “PDP is firmly rooted in Plateau State; Plateau is one of the few states in the country which opposition parties have continued to find difficult to penetrate but since the former deputy Senate president lost the election, it has been difficult for the PDP to regain the seat; so I am set to break the jinx”.

He further stressed, “When you talk of Plateau, you can only talk of one political party which is PDP; the allegiance is so strong; Plateau is PDP and PDP

is Plateau. That is why those who left the party are making moves to come back because they know there is no way they can win election on the platform of another party other than PDP. But I am set to break the jinx of incursion of opposition party in Plateau Central Senatorial Zone.”

Hon Goa’r who said he is the most qualified to wrestle the seat from the incumbent senator and former governor of the state, Chief Joshua Dariye, who won the election on the platform of Labour Party, said he has been a lawmaker right from the time he joined politics.

Tourism Potential Receives Boost In Kogi

BY SAM EGWU, Lokoja

As part of the state revenue drive in view of the dwindling allocation from the federation account, Kogi State government has taken a bold step to make tourism a money spinning project from the potential that abound in the state.

Already, feasibility studies on how to make the project work as soon as possible have reached 70% stage.

The special adviser on media and strategy to the governor of

Kogi State, Mr Jacob Edih disclosed this yesterday while explaining to journalists why Capt Idris Wada made a five-day working visit to the United States of America to meet with investors.

He said the focus of the government was more on Mount Pati, which has the prospect of being linked to the beach with a cable car, noting that the mountain was initially planned for individual developers for residential buildings.

According to the special adviser, the investors had been in

the state with the state governor a couple of months ago, adding that the governor, Capt Idris Wada went to USA to formalise the agreement and signed the dotted lines for the take-off of the project.

“Wada was keen in going into the project with investors to work out modalities of diversifying the economic base of the state and not to rely solely on federation account to create job opportunities for the teeming population,” he said.

Ekiti: Democracy On Course In Nigeria – Gov Ahmed

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

The Kwara State governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has described the outcome of the Ekiti State gubernatorial election won by Mr Peter Ayodele Fayose as a positive development and an indication that democracy is on course in the country.

Ahmed, who noted this in a congratulatory message to the governor-elect of Ekiti State, Mr Ayo Fayose, noted that the fact that the election went peacefully and an in-

cumbent was defeated showed that Nigerians cherish democracy, especially when the atmosphere is conducive.

The governor said the political class should imbibe an enduring lesson of the Ekiti political experiment that elections can be conducted devoid of hooliganism and lack of respect for the sanctity of life.

He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police and other security agencies for ensuring that

the election was peaceful and largely free and fair.

According to the governor, the Ekiti election signifies the fact that Nigeria has capacity to conduct free and fair elections if the political class shows positive disposition to such.

Ahmed also commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Governor Kayode Fayemi for his gallantry in defeat and political maturity in accepting the wish of Ekiti people.

10

stories of the Thursday, June 26, 2014

...NEWS WITH A HUMAN FACE

DEFAULT: Landlord Drags Church To Court Over Unpaid Rent

By NAN

Mr Kola Sumonu, the landlord of the Lord’s Chosen Church, New Nyanya , on Wednesday sued the Church in a Mararaba Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly failing to pay rent.

Mr Raphael Nnabuike, Counsel to the plaintiff, told the court that the defendant was supposed to renew the rent annually.

Nnabuike also said that the plaintiff had given part of his plot of land, measuring 100ft by 100ft, at New Nyanya, to the defendant at the rate of 35, 000 each year.

He told court that the defendant only paid the initial rent of 35, 000 on July 3, 2012.

Nnabuike said the rent expired on July 3, 2013 but the defendant did not renew his tenancy.

The counsel alleged that the defendant also refused to sign the tenancy agreement which the plaintiff drafted and gave the church.

He told the court that part of the agreement was that the defendant should not erect any permanent structure on the plot.

Nnabuike said the defendant had gone to erect a permanent structure on the plot.

THEFT: EFCC Arraigns 6 Suspected Oil Thieves by nan

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC Tuesday June 24, 2014 arraigned six suspected oil thieves; Adelaja David, Adedara Temitope, Bayo Edema, Alowakenu Mathew, Ojga Aghedo, Dauda Usman alongside their Vessel, MT CERGEN D, before Justice Iyang E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on a two-count charge bordering on illegal dealing in petroleum product.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The accused were arrested sometime in March, 2014 by men of the Central Naval Command, Nigerian Navy, Yenagoa alongside their vessel, loaded with 2,356,000 litres of suspected crude oil and were handed over to the EFCC for further investigation and prosecution.

Count one of the charge reads; “that Adelaja David, Adedara Temitope, Bayo Edema, Alowakenu Mathew, Ojga Aghedo, Dauda Usman, Otasowie Harrison Nosa (now at large) being crew members on board MT CERGEN D on or about the 18th day March, 2014 at Fish Town, Sengana Community, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, within the jurisdiction of this honorable court did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit; dealing in petroleum product without appropriate authority and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offence Act, Cap M17 of the revised edition (laws of the Federation of Nigeria) 2007 and punishable under section 1(17) of the same Act”.

A woman taking a nap under a tree after a hard day’s work at the Unity Fountain in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO BY oyedele omokagbo

Crime: Fake Glo Ambassador Bags 2-Year Jail Term

BY Ejike Ejike, Abuja Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court, Gombe has sentenced one Khalil Ahmed Bappa, 29, who claimed to be a Glo Ambassador to 24 months imprisonment for fraudulently extorting goods and money worth N267, 000 from a female student of Bayero University, Kano, Yusra Ali Babakusa, with assurances of making her a Glo Ambassador.

Khalil, who has been standing trial on charges bordering on obtaining by false pretences surprisingly changed his plea midway by pleading guilty to the 2-count charge.

According to EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, “Troubles for Khalil started sometime in 2012 when he presented himself as a Glo agent and promised to help Yusra become a Glo Ambassador through his contacts at the Communication’s company. The convict

had forwarded a code number to Yusra with assurances that she would soon be called up as one of the eventual winners and ambassador.

Subsequently, Khalil instructed her to send some money to him to facilitate the process. The accused person further told her to prepare for an interview trip to Glo head office in Lagos as her name had been selected; a journey Khalil said had been paid for by Glo (accommodation and return flight ticket).

“On the expected day of the journey, Khalil prompted her to wait for him, but stopped answering her calls after a while and eventually switched off his phone. It was when she made numerous attempts to reach him but failed, that she realised she had been conned.”

Justice Umar sentenced the convict to 12 months imprisonment without an option of fine on each of the counts. The sentence would however run concurrently from the date of arrest.

Murder: Court Jails 4 Internet Fraudsters Over Killing Of Couple

By Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

An Ogun State High Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, yesterday, remanded four suspected Internet fraudsters, popularly called Yahoo Yahoo boys, in prison for allegedly killing a couple, Muritala Salami and his wife, Sabiat Salami at Owode-Egba, in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects; kazeem Oseni; 28, Saheed Akinyele ; 35, Idowu Oguntade; 37, and Dotun Sobukola, 33 were arraigned on 14-count charge bordering on conspiracy, attempted killing, unlawful killing and belonging to an unlawful society.

The prosecutor, Inspector Rotimi Adeniji told the court that the accused persons committed the offence on August 7, 2013 between 7pm-8pm, in Owode-Egba area of Ogun state.

According to Adeniji, the accused conspired with others, now at large, to commit the crime, killing the two persons.

“The accused and other members of the group now at large belonged to an unlawful society known as Federal Mopol”.

“The offence is contrary to and punishable under section 390(678)29 law of Nigeria, 2006”, he said.

However, the court did not take the plea of the accused, despite the effort made by their counsel, Ade Ogungbade and Anthony Bukola to secure their bail.

The presiding Judge, Olanrewaju Majekodunmi, however, ordered that the accused should be kept in the prisons pending legal advice from the office of the state Director of Public Prosecutions.

The judge adjourned the case to October 6, 2014 .

fraud: ICPC Arraigns 4 For Pension Fraud

By Ejike Ejike, Abuja

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) yesterday made good it’s promise to systematically cleanse the corruption-ridden pension sector.

In a major breakthrough, a cartel master-minded by one Mr Abiodun Osagie, his wife Mrs Regina Osagie and Mr Oladimeji Bello all of the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation (OHSF) were yesterday dragged before FCT Abuja High Court No. 6 for allegedly diverting pension funds into private accounts using various banks and fake identities in violation of the provisions of the ICPC Act 2000.

Mr Osagie is currently with the Police Service Commission while the wife is now with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

Mr Bello is still with the OHSF and was part of the Pensions Management Committee set up after the dissolution of the Maina-led Pensions Reform Task Team (PRTT) and allegedly abused his office by re-inserting the ghost names into the pension list.

Also listed for arraignment is Mr Osagie’s sister-in-law, Mrs Philomena Ayodele, a 42-year old housewife and a pure-water seller who has been enjoying pension for six years without having served for one day in the Federal Civil Service.

Mrs Ayodele was arrested on19 July 2013 at Keystone Bank, Mararaba Branch while trying to withdraw her monthly ‘pension’.

In her statement, she was alleged to have confessed that it was Mr Osagie who approached her and requested for her bank account details in order to enable them pay monthly pensions into her account.

She alleged that she had been collecting the pension money from her account and the proceeds were usually shared between them.

day

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Thursday, June 26, 2014

photo news

THEFT: 2 Security Guards Charged To Court Over Theft

By NAN

Two security guards were on Wednesday arraigned before a Kado Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, for alleged mischief and stealing.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Simeon Ibrahim, gave the names of the two accused as Jonathan Paul, 20, and Sani Philemon, 19.

Ibrahim said the accused were both security men at Plot 94, Cadastral Zone, behind Lake View Estate, Abuja.

He said Paul and Philemon were charged on a three-count charge of joint act, mischief and theft.

He told the court that Mr Isimi Baba-

tunde of same address with the accused reported the matter to the Utako Police Station on June 22.

The prosecutor said that the complainant reported that on the same day, when he returned from work, he discovered that his car and his security men had vanished.

He said the stolen car, a Mercedes 4matic C350, was valued at N7.5 million.

Ibrahim alleged that the accused absconded with the vehicle to Kaduna.

He said the complainant promptly reported the case to the police, who immediately commenced investigation into the matter.

L-R: Legal practitioner, Dr Fred Agbaje, former Kaduna State governor, Balarabe Musa, and the National Legal Adviser, Fresh Democratic Party, Mr Kola Dopamu, during Fresh Democratic Party’s press briefing yesterday in Abuja.

RAPE: Grandmother, Son, In-Law Arraigned Over Rape Of 14-year-old Girl

By OLUGBENGA SOYELE, Lagos

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP) yesterday dragged a 64-year - old grandmother, her 27- year - old son and her son-in-law before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos over their role in the rape of a 14-year old girl.

The 27-year old son, Uchechukwu Nwambie, who reside at 5th Avenue, E1 close, Block 6, flat 7, FESTAC Town, Lagos, was alleged to have raped the 14-year old girl (name withheld), of Umuezikwe Amuzi Ikenezizi, Obowo, Imo state, while the girl was in his mother’s custody on or about the month of September, 2010 to August 2012.

The grandmother, Beatrice Nwambie was charged for encouraging the seduction of the girl by her son.

The son-in-law who reside at First Avenue, Plot 1124, opposite Sixth Avenue, FESTAC town, Lagos, was alleged to have deceitfully induced the girl from Imo State to Lagos.

They were dragged before the court by the Attorney of General of the federation on behalf of NAPTIP. The prosecution stated that the three accused offence, was contrary to section 19 (b) of the Trafficking in Persons. (Prohibition) Law, Enforcement and Administration Act (2003), as amended and punishable under the same section.

L-R: President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Sani Shehu Mailallo discussing with the 1st Vice President ,Edward Danladi , during the annual general meeting of the association in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO BY OGOH JOSEPH

KILLING: Gunmen Kill 2 Policemen, 4 Others In Edo

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

Tragedy struck yesterday when four people including two policemen were killed by gunmen at Ikiran-Oke, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

The victims, mainly policemen, were said to be traveling in a police bus with registration number NPF 3148 C to Lagos from Abuja in an 18-seater bus when the gunmen opened fire on them at Ikiran-Oke, near Ibilo at about 11:30 a.m.

Edo State Police Commissioner, Mr Foluso Adebanjo, confirmed the incident, adding that a police inspector and two other policemen, who survived the attack, were receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

He said the attackers, who were dressed in military uniform, flagged the traveling police bus and opened fire on them.

The remains of the victims have since been deposited at the morgue at Anyakur Specialist Hospital.

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Police Service Commission (PSC), George .A. Ossi, Commissioner , PSC, Dame Comfort Obi, Commissioner PSC, Justice Adekeye Olufunmilola (Rtd), and Chairman ,PSC, Mike Okiro at the commission’s press conference to mark to mark one year in office in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OKEKE JANE

ACCIDENT: Delta Community Residents Spilled Kerosene

by Kola Eke-Ogiugo, Yenagoa

Residents including pregnant women and elderly ones on yesterday threw caution to the winds in Issele-Azagba Community near Asaba Delta State when they swooped on Kerosene from a tanker involved in a multiple accident along Benin-Asaba expressway.

The accident which occurred at about 9am, reports said, involved six vehicles carrying 24 passengers including the tanker carrying kerosene with registration number EFR208XA, one Mazda Protégé 5, a bus carrying fresh fish traders (to Asaba market) and others, left many persons in critical condition after sustaining various

degree of injuries.

It was learnt that victims of the incident are currently receiving treatment at the Mother and Child Hospital Ubulu Okiti while three out of them are reportedly said to have died.

Some persons at the scene of the accident who do not want their names in print but spoke to our correspondent, said, “Many people, including, nursing mothers, pregnant women, children and the aged from Issele-Azagba and Okpanam, Asaba especially those living around the settlement thronged to the scene with jerry cans , and other containers to scoop kerosene from the fallen truck”.

Coalition of Aggrieved Nigerian Military Veterans protesting over against nonpayment of their pension arrears at the entrance of the National Assembly, Abuja, yesterday. Photo by OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

12

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Advertorial

NYAKO’S LEADERSHIP DISASTER AND HIS IMPEACHMENT TRAVAIL

T

he Nigerian incumbent political leaders are amazing and ridiculous in their character as they are too often ballooned with hope and confidence without reading the current reality on ground and that is why, several times, despite their record of corruption, woeful performance and clearly stand no chance in an election, but they continue to wax strong faith in their dreamed victory or political control of the state. This is also synonymous with my Governor, Murtala Nyako whose unchanging attitude towards the political governance of Adamawa state is now unacceptable as his entire tenure is defined by corruption and controversies. So it becomes imperative to express the issue vividly for the sake of my marginalized kinsmen in Adamawa.

After 7 years of steering Adamawa as its Governor, Nyako has failed the people of the state.

Despite the colossal sum of money received from the federation account, the state is deep in poverty and underdevelopment which is an obvious sign that this huge sum of money didn’t reach the state. Yola, the state capital of Adamawa for instance, is one of the oldest cities in the country and a hub of the then North Eastern state but it still remains rural and underdeveloped with few sign of urbanization due to the ramification of the Governor’s desire for illicit materialism. The governor has rape our state through deceit, dictatorship and kleptomania which has inflicted severe economic hardship on the people of the state. The consequences of this kleptomaniac syndrome is the collapse of social amenities with no pipe borne water as the water works has since shut down, no light, no good road linkages even within the state capital, frequent labour crises due either delay or outright non payment of their entitlements and even the usual payment of WAEC registration fess for student in public secondary schools by the state government has since been suspended by the state governor among others. The manifestation of this action is unemployment among youths, wretchedness, insecurity and hopelessness among the people of the state.

This was vindicated by the state Assembly, who last week, has opened Nyako’s diary of corruption in which Billions of our money was shared among his family and friends. For instance, the fraudulent award of contracts of over N8 Billion through SNECOU group of companies Ltd, a company link to one of the governor’s wife to siphon public funds without delivering any service to the people of Adamawa state. Similarly, the MDGs office in Adamawa state is manage by Governor Nyako’s close relations and have squandered N220Million and N786,457,644.94 unbudgeted state funds in 2013 for the implementation of MDGs programs in the state. Also, gross violation of the oath of office by outrageous patronage and dominance of family and friends in the discharge of government business such as found in MDGs office, the SPPU and the Ministry of Health. In addition to the above, abuse of office and violation of Adamawa state laws by appointing his wife Dr Halima H. Nyako as the chairman Adamawa state action committee on Aids(SACA) contrary to the SACA law. His government is popularly nicknamed “Government of Family and Friends”. Above all, his eldest son, Abdulazeez Murtala Nyako steered the affairs of the state while his father, Murtala Nyako is a mere ceremonial governor.

As such they have established an exclusive government with his family members as the most authoritative figure heads of the cabinet who determines the course of his administration and as such, Nyako and his family members deeply enmeshed into corruption that runs into billions of Naira. The state government pays large sums of money to them and some of the governor’s cronies for phantom contracts just as revealed last week by the state Assembly, frivolous monthly budgets that run into millions for his four wives, payment of hundreds of millions to ghost SAs and outright thievery of government funds by this tiny clique. So over the last 7years of this administration, Nyako has personalized the Adamawa treasury and turned his family members into money bags as such they ostracized all the political founding fathers that entrenched them in 2007 through rancor, persecution and the pull him down syndrome. Instead, the governor is goaded by sycophants of the iron-cast brand who sucks and milked the meager resources of the people of Adamawa state while the rest of us wallop in poverty. These baneful gangs have constituted a threat to our state attaining the highest level of excellence. Today, Nyako has betrayed all those that brought him to power but holding firm these bunch of pyschophant around him who are under the illusion of grandeur and had turned him in to a political deity to be worship, with a bloated notion of the Governor’s popularity and clout which is always his basis for been vainglorious on his political ability. But today we are in exultations as the state Assembly has proved him otherwise.

The recent revelations on Governor Murtala Nyako’s corrupt practice in Adamawa by the state house of Assembly has revealed the inner crook stuff that is made of Nyako who administer the state with impunity in a dictatorial style. Despite the allegations of corruption, gross misconduct and subsequent impeachment notice of Murtala Nyako, the governor is still obdurate enough to attribute his impeachment travail to President Goodluck Jonathan who he accused of plotting for his political downfall just in an attempt to fool the people of the state in his usual style of deceit and propaganda.

The people of Adamawa will no longer be deceived by Nyako and his family members anymore. Or else can Nyako explain to the people of Adamawa if President Goodluck Jonathan has instructed him to fraudulently divert N1.3Billion of Adamawa state workers salary for September and October 2011? Or is he acting on behalf of President Jonathan in siphoning of the sum of N300Million public funds through a company, Hydro Resources Ltd in the name of construction of Mubi bypass without mobilizing to site or any construction carried out long after collecting the money from Adamawa state funds?

What of the extra budgetary expenditure of N1,740,785,246 on fictious special assistants and another N166,230,536.88 on personal assistance in 2013, the Squandering the sum of N4,805,216,538.32 and N7,114,995.85 in 2012 and 2013 respectively through the office of the secretary to the state government against budgetary approval. Still, the expenditure of exorbitant sum of N2.5Billion as other

miscellaneous expenses through the internal affairs and special services department, and the diversion of over N400Million out of N500Million federal government intervention funds for flood victims in Adamawa state in 2011 and the callous squandering of N1Billion Adamawa state scholarship fund? Can Governor Nyako tell us if he is sharing these loots with President Goodluck Jonathan or rather can he explain to the good people of Adamawa on how is Jonathan connected to this outright thievery? Goodluck Jonathan is neither an indigene of Adamawa nor a member of Nyako’s cabinet. So Nyako’s travail is a direct function of his corruption tendencies.

It is pertinent for Nyako to note that, Adamawa people can no longer be deceived with his propaganda and unimaginable lies. Thus, the people of the state are fed up with the Governor’s brusque, crude and dictatorial style of leadership and by not confronting his mentality of a bully, we are only encouraging him to do worse things. Therefore, the recent impeachment notice to him is a clear sign that we are ever united to boot his oligarchy out of Adamawa government house even though he has succeeded in dividing us along ethnic line, impoverished us and ravaged our state.

The governor has succeeded in reaping our state by running a monopolistic and anti people government in which his son, Abdulazeez Nyako controls the government of the state and his accomplice, Lamido Barkindo Aliyu Mustafa complement their effort by suppressing the downtrodden while the governor supervise their activities. By so doing they ravage our state, victimized everyone and cast aspersion on innocent people of the state. These 3 figure heads constitute the greatest problems of Adamawa state today which always reminds me of the Americans 3 axis of evil. Abdulazeez, has learn nothing good from his father rather than corruption and propaganda. Despite been boastful and arrogance as to his capacity in his father’s cabinet, Abdulazeez, who used to move in a midst of security men, was sighted alone last week at the Camerounian border immediately his father was served with an impeachment notice in an attempt to cross into Cameroun Republic in order evade justice.

After ruining the PDP in the state due to his self serving interest, Nyako in a clever stretch manner, has stunningly decamped to APC with the motive of manipulating the party in order to anoint his son to contest the governorship of Adamawa as his stooge in 2015, the Governor is determine to make the political blunders of his life as the ugly reality of his political misadventure is already staring him on the face. Nyako is clout drunk and blindfolded or else he should have known that Adamawa people are neither dummies nor slaves of his oligarchy. Expectedly by now Nyako should have embrace reality by been guilty and full of remorse rather than been obstinate with the constant belief of illusionary superiority.

Nyako’s bitter rivalry with the political big wigs in the state has deepened with the governor’s decamping to APC. Hitherto, the APC in Adamawa was a peaceful and organized party that imbibes the good tenets of democracy but has soon engulfed in crisis, disagreements and unending litigations. The exodus of Governor Nyako and his political thugs into the APC has forced the founding fathers of the party to decamped to the opposition PDP and is the genesis of the prevailing political crisis in the newly formed APC in Adamawa state whose desperation attempts to hijack the Adamawa APC has led him to do anything as we have witnessed in the just concluded ward and local government congress of the party in the state. Therefore, with the likes of Nyako in the APC party’s fold, the party will ever remain in crises as he always sees himself as the political overlord while the rest of us are mere underdogs.

The recent Ward and local government congress of the APC in Adamawa has clearly reveal the obdurate nature of Governor Nyako whose allies cannot even win an election at the ward level rather, the Governor in his usual mischief, has resorted to his dubious political intrigues of substituting the names of the winners with that of his allies. This has clearly defined Nyako as someone that neither commands a followership nor have political control in Adamawa state as he can not influence or determine even a councillorship election in his own constituency despite been the incumbent governor.

His recent unguided utterances on politics and other national issues has typifies Nyako’s arrogance and dictatorial tendencies which led him to go an extra mile by engaging in what seemed like a shadow-boxing with president Goodluck Jonathan. This kind of Nyako’s antagonism to undisputed political kingpins in the country is the attendant effect of his diminishing political returns. We in Adamawa have condemned this show of irresponsible executive aloofness by the rogue Nyako.

With honesty and sincerity, I am advising Governor Murtala Nyako to beat a retreat and lean up with the reality as your tenancy in state government house will soon expires and you will be made to cough out all what you gobbled up under this administration. This is the definitive justice that you deserve and it is the fate that you soon hope to stave off as the reality of it is in sight.

Ibrahim Mustafa (Baba 10) No. 1 Monrovia Street Wuse II, Abuja

Thursday, June 26, 2014

13

14 NEWS/BUSINESS

Thursday, June 26, 2014

business news

NSE Index Rises By 0.59%

BY Olushola Bello, Lagos

Investors on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday traded a total of 978.54 million shares worth N8.5 billion in 5,983 deals.

The volume represents an increase of 57.23 per cent over the 622.38 million shares valued at N7.76 billion exchanged in 7,921 deals on Tuesday.

The All-Share Index, which opened at 41,740.52, grew further

by 247.03 points or 0.59 per cent to close at 41,987.55 as a result of price gains sustained by some highly-capitalised stocks.

Also, the market capitalisation appreciated by N81 billion or 0.59 per cent to close at N13.864 trillion against the N13.783 trillion posted on Tuesday.

Dangote Cement led the gainers’ chart with a gain of N6.75 to close at N235 per share. It was followed by Mobil which gained N1.43 to close

at N131.55, while Wapco inched by N1.35 to close at N112 per share.

Okomu Oil gained N1.22 to close at N33.48 while Total rose by 55 kobo to close at N171.60 per share.

On the other hand, Oando topped the losers’ chart, depreciating by N3.01 to close at N30.38 per share. Nigerian Breweries followed with a loss of N3 to close at N172 while PZ depreciated by N2 to close at N34.40 per share.

Local Content: Shell Awards $1.5bn Contracts To Indigenous Companies

BY Chika Izuora, Lagos

Shell companies in Nigeria have said that in line with the application of the Nigeria’s local content law, they awarded contracts valued at $1.5 billion to indigenous companies in 2013, representing 91 per cent of the total number of contracts awarded in the year.

The companies explained that the use of locally manufactured goods and Nigerian service companies in several areas also created tens of thousands of jobs for workers in communities around their operational areas.

The country chair of the companies, Mr Mutiu Sunmonu, who disclosed this in Lagos, said

that as at December 2013, Shell Petroleum and Development Company (SPDC) and its oil exploration arm, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) of Nigeria Limited, directly employed around 4,000 people of which almost 95 per cent were Nigerians.

Also, he said the SPDC supplied about 15 per cent of the country’s gas which is used for power generation in Nigeria.

Sunmonu further disclosed that the companies contributed about $180 million to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC) in 2013, in addition to other taxes and royalties paid to the federal government.

How FG Converted Special Funds To Cash Pools – Report

BY JULIET ALOHAN, Abuja

Findings from the Fiscal Allocation and Statutory Disbursement (FASD) independent audit covering the period 2007-2011 has revealed how some special funds set up by government for specific purposes have been converted to cash pools.

The audit was commissioned by the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) in line with the principles of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) which Nigeria signed up in 2003.

The objective is to track the disbursements and applications of extractive revenues from the federation account to the three tiers of government and other government agencies which directly received allocations from the federation account.

The agencies include the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Natural Resources Development Fund (DNRF), Derivation and Ecological Fund, the Excess Crude Account (ECA) and Stabilisation Fund.

The audit showed that total extractive revenue of N30.09 trillion was remitted to the federation account between 2007 and 2011, made up of N23.7 trillion mineral revenue and N4.014 trillion non-mineral revenue. Of the amount, N22.35 trillion was disbursed to the federal, states, local governments and beneficiaries of the 13 per cent derivation during the period. A breakdown shows that N9.77 trillion was disbursed in 2007, N5.42 trillion in 2008, while N4.28 trillion and N2.80 trillion were disbursed in 2009 and 2010.

However, findings from the audit, which was presented in Abuja yesterday by the chairman of NEITI, Ledum Mitee, established that within the period under review allocations to the DNRF, Ecological Fund and Stabilisation fund were converted to other uses other than why they were set up.

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/business

L-R: Group managing director, NNPC, Mr Andrew Yakubu; chairman, House of Representatives Commitee on Finance, Abdulmumin Jibrin; chairman, Board of Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Mr Ledum Mitee; executive secretary, Neiti, Mrs Zainab Ahmed and Auditor-General of the Federation, Mr Samuel Ukura presenting the Neiti 2011 Solid Minerals Industry Audit Report in Abuja, yesterday. Photo By Nan

PAN To Launch Made-in-Nigeria Vehicles In July

BY Kingsley Alu, Abuja

PAN Nigeria Limited has said that it would commence its first industrial assembly of Peugeot 301 in the country in its factory in Kaduna and also commission a proposed automotive cluster park site on July 1, 2014.

The auto giant made this disclosure yesterday at the 2nd Abuja International Automobile Exhibition (AIAE) which was flagged off by the minister of industry, trade and investment, Mr Olusegun Aganga.

The PAN Nigeria managing director, Ibrahim Boyi, who was represented on the occasion by the company’s zonal sales manager, Abuja, Olayinka Seriki, said the move was part of efforts at supporting the new automotive policy of the federal government.

Boyi noted that the effort was also to meet the huge demand for

locally-manufactured vehicles. While adding that the full implementation of the new automotive policy would revolutionise the growth and development of the nation’s industrial sector, he noted that the auto giant was poised to reclaim its number one spot in the country’s auto sector.

Also speaking, the directorgeneral, National Automotive Council (NAC), Aminu Jalal, while commending the organisers of the exhibition, MFV Nigeria, for its meaningful contribution towards driving automobile investments in Nigeria, said, “the exhibition is not only apt, but also in line with government’s synergy of achieving sustainable auto sector development and growth using private sector participation as the focus around which the National Industrial

Development Plan (NIDP) can be realised.”

Jalal, who disclosed that at the moment the country boasts of seven vehicle plants actively involved in automobile production, and about 50 components and parts makers, said the approval of the new auto policy was a demonstration of the desire of the federal government to ensure that more vehicles and components were produced locally.

He further noted that “Nigeria has the potential of becoming a motor vehicle manufacturing centre for the entire West African and Central African sub-region.”

He maintained that the country’s population of over 160 million people and a growing middle class were proofs of a huge market for vehicle products not only in the country but across the West Africa sub-region.

Knowledge Critical To Capital Market Investment Decisions – Oteh

BY NSE ANTHONY-UKO, Abuja

The director-general of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Ms Aruma Oteh, yesterday identified financial literacy as a vital key to sensible investment in the capital market, urging Nigerians to take interest in understanding the basic information about the dynamics of the market with a view to knowing when and which stocks and securities to invest in from time to time.

This approach, she pointed out, would

enable them to effectively participate in the capital market and protect them from securities’ frauds or other abuses therein.

Oteh, who gave the advice through her representative, Mrs Mary Uduk, in her keynote remark during the public presentation of the book ‘An Insight into the Nigerian Capital Market’ authored by Mrs Jane Onuku Itseuwa, and Uche Uwaleke, in Abuja, lauded the authors for contributing to the ongoing initiatives by the SEC in its investor

education initiative . She said that by doing so, the duo were encouraging more Nigerians to invest in the capital market in view of the medium and long term benefits.

She said: “The 27 chapters x-rayed, among other topics, the structure of the Nigerian financial system, the market intermediaries, the role of players in the market, the Nigerian capital market, its features and characteristics, the legal environment, instruments and reforms in the market.

NEWS/BUSINESS 15

Thursday, June 26, 2014

FG Approves N14bn Kurudu FCT Infrastructural Devt

BY George Agba, Abuja

The federal government yesterday approved N14 billion for the provision of engineering infrastructure to Gidan Daya urban renewal site in Kurudu district of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The minister of information, Mr Labaran Maku, who gave the hint after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting said the approval of the project was in line with the President Goodluck Jonathanled administration’s initiative to positively impact the lives

Foreign Direct Investment To Hit $1.6trn In 2014 – Report

BY ABIODUN OLUWAROTIMI, New York

A new World Investment Report 2014 produced by the Geneva-based United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), yesterday said that global Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) could rise to $1.6 trillion in 2014, $1.7 trillion in 2015 and $1.8 trillion in 2016.

The new report which highlights the key role that transnational corporations and foreign investment could play in accelerating progress on sustainable development also added that global FDI rose by nine per cent in 2013 to $1.45 trillion.

According to the UNCTAD report, the predicted rise in the FDI would be mainly driven by investments in developed economies as their economic recovery strengthens, but fragility in some emerging markets and risks related to policy uncertainty and regional conflict could derail the gains.

In addition, the report noted that direct investment in developing economies is expected to remain high, adding that developing countries and transition economies constituted half of the top 20 economies ranked by the FDI inflows, which includes China, Chile, Colombia and India.

“Of the total FDI, about 39 per cent was to developed countries, while a new high of $778 billion – or 54 per cent – was reported to developing economies. The top destination remains China and the Asian region which attracted more than $420 billion in foreign investment last year,” said the report.

of people living in the FCT. Briefing State House correspondents alongside the minister of state for the FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide, after the weekly FEC meeting presided over by Vice President Namadi Sambo, Maku said, “In continuation of its mandate to provide social services for satellite towns and other rural areas of the FCT, the minister of state for the FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide, brought a memo to council today for the provision of engineering infrastructure and other facilities for the Gidan Daya urban renewal site located at Gidan Daya.”

NEITI Report Uncovers N33m Discrepancy in Solid Minerals Revenue

BY Ruth Tene Natsa, Abuja

The Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) audit has uncovered a discrepancy of N33.1 million in its 2011 audit report.

The report presented in Abuja yesterday further revealed that the federal government had earned N26.9 billion from solid minerals in 2011 out of which N26.8 billion represented funds paid by companies.

Speaking at the public presentation of the 2011 Solid Minerals report in Abuja yesterday, the

executive secretary, NEITI, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, said, “The difference between what the companies paid in taxes, levies, royalties and what government actually received in its coffers was N33.1 million.

“The report also showed that Nigeria exported a total of 7,115,088.50 metric tonnes of solid minerals valued at N11.9 billion during the period under review. It, however, noted that a review of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) records on exported minerals showed that there were

discrepancies in the value of exported minerals as well as the associated companies.”

Other reports by the extractive monitors showed “that there was a significant increase in revenue to federal government compared to previous years. It observed poor synergy between the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, CBN, NCS, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Mining Cadastral office (MCO),” the report stated.

The report noted that despite the fact that gold and barites were mined across the nation,

there were no records of any royalty or similar payments.

In its recommendations to remedy some of the discrepancies, the report called for “an urgent need to check the incessant smuggling of solid mineral products out of the country through deliberate creation of border markets, establishment of minerals analysis labouratory which meet the ISO standards in each of the six geopolitical zones and improved and sustained transparent, independent and modern licencing system by the MCO.”

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16 PHOTO news

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Scenes from bomb blast at Emab Plaza in Abuja, yesterday.

Fire fighters battling to put out the fire

Dead bodies being evacuated by security personnel

Security personnel inspecting a wrecked vehicle.

Point at which the blast occured.

Bananas and other food items littering the road after the incident.

A survivor of the blast being attended to by medical personnel at the Maitama General Hospital, Abuja.

Cooked corns and other food items littering the ground.

NEMA officials and other symphatisers at the scene of the incident.

PHOTOS BY ADEFEMI ADEWUYI, PATRICK EBI AMANAMA, REMI AKUNLEYAN, JOSEPH OGAH, OYEDELE OMOKAGBO AND JANE OKEKE

ENERGY /BUSINESS 17

Thursday, June 26, 2014

energy news FG To Drive Rural Electrification With Renewable Energy The minister of state for power, Mohammed Wakil, has disclosed that accelerated rural electrification will henceforth be driven with renewable energy because of its sustainability and environmental friendliness.

He said the new approach to powering the rural area will involve a mix of wind, solar, biomass and hydro energy, alongside the conventional source of power supply.

Wakil reiterated this at a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) held in his office in Abuja.

Construction Of 3,050mw Mambilla Hydro Dam To Begin Soon – FG Stories By Juliet Alohan, Abuja

The federal government would soon commence work on the 3,050 mega watts (mws) Mambilla Hydro Dam located in Taraba State, Vice-President Namadi Sambo has said.

The vice president disclosed that all designs of the major hydro project has been

completed, adding that as soon as other logistics are in place, actual work will resume at the site.

The project, which Sambo described as the largest in Africa, is expected to result in increased electricity generation to the national grid, while also providing irrigation to the people of Taraba and its environs when

completed.

Sambo also expressed his satisfaction at the pace of work in the on-going 215mws thermal power plant project in Kaduna, which is about 84 per cent completed. He directed the contractors handling the project to increase the pace of work on the site to ensure delivery by December this year.

World Bank Commends Successful Privatisation Of power Sector The federal government has been commended for the successful unbundling of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) into the transmission, generation and distribution companies.

The commendation was given by the outgoing country director of the World Bank, Erik Fernstrom, who noted that the success of the transaction has put an end to the doubts of many who felt that the exercise was an ambitious and uphill task.

Fernstrom made the assertion while speaking at a send off dinner held for him and the country director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Sharon Pauling, in Abuja, recently.

“Though it is the largest form of privatisation in the world, Nigeria’s story is a success and indeed laudable.

Nigerians should be patient for the full manifestation of the dividends of the exercise,” he said, adding, “This ambitious

FG, Power China To Begin Implementation Of MoU

RURAL ELECTRIFICATION

RENEWABLE ENERGY IS THE ANSWER

70%

programme as it is called, has proven to the world that Nigeria is serious and I wish that more sectors can be like the power sector in terms of magnitude.”

The leader of the Energy Working Group in Nigeria, Patrick Kormawa, who is also the country representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in Nigeria, commended both Fernstrom and Pauling for their contributions to the success of the group in Nigeria.

The percentage of Nigerians living in rural areas

WHY RENEWABLE ENERGY? Continuous supply Provides water for irrigation Reduced particle pollution Reduced production of greenhouse gases Low running cost Boosts tourism

INFOGRAPHICS BY Matthew Akhabue

FG Commissions Calabar Transmission Sub-station

...Warns against vandalism of power infrastructure In its bid to stabilise power supply in Nigeria, the federal government has commissioned another transmission sub-station in Calabar, Cross River State, with a call on Nigerians to protect power infrastructure in their communities.

The minister of state for power, Mohammed Wakil, who commissioned the

project, said it was one in the series of completed transmission stations designed to expand the transmission capacity of the power sector.

Wakil had earlier commissioned three other sub-stations in Kano state, while several others are waiting to be commissioned in Yola, Kebbi and Lagos states among others.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in 2013 between the federal government and Chinese firms for the realisation of 20,000 mega watts generation and 10,000 kilo meter transmission lines has received presidential nod for implementation, the minister of power, Prof.

Chinedu Nebo, has said.

The minister made the disclosure when he received in audience a delegation from Power China led by its vice chairman, Management Development, Du Chun Guo, in his office in Abuja.

Nebo, however, observed that a more legalistic approach in the implementation of the MoU will be to take the projects in bits, adding that such incremental strategy will gradually ensure that other ancillary services like the transmission lines are built alongside the projects so as to ensure adequate provision for wheeling.

He assured the Power China delegation that the Ministry is committed to the content of the MoU, just as he identified its realisation as critical to the attainment of government’s target of enhanced generation capacity.

He added that owing to abundance of coal reserves, government would expect the Chinese to focus on exploring coal as a significant part of the energy to be delivered under the project.

Also speaking at the meeting, Group Executive Director, Gas, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Dr David Ige, raised concerns with the funding mechanism proposed by the Chinese and insisted that they make their model clear on the proposed investment framework.

Earlier, leader of the Chinese delegation, Du Chun Guo, informed the Nigerian audience that Power China is committed to creating and assisting to deepen the Nigerian electricity market.

He described development of the consortium as important to the project adding that the Chinese are convinced that the on-going power sector reform is deep enough for genuine investment.

18 BUSINESS/ENERGY

Thursday, June 26, 2014

commerce REPORTS

Pragmatic Technologies Leads In First Inverters Project

Solar energy panels

New Renewable Energy To Deliver 5% Of Household Off-grid Stories By Chika Izuora,-Lagos

Total Nigeria Plc, aims at developing other sources of energy to support ongoing efforts aimed at resolving the current power issues in the country

The epoch unveiling of a solar powered service outlet in Lagos, the first of its kind in the West African sub-region, signaled the beginning of major investments and intervention by operators in the downstream oil and gas industry to solve the nation’s biting power problem.

The innovative project embarked upon by oil major, Total Group, through its marketing subsidiary, Total Nigeria Plc, aims at developing other sources of energy to support ongoing efforts aimed at resolving the current power issues in the country.

The Lagos State Government has already signified its partnership interest with Total to further expand the present scope of the initiative.

The governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, had consistently canvassed for the conservation of energy and power resources in the state so as to help in managing the degree of power usage and reduce what each household spend on energy consumption. The state, he said, is exploring challenges in the country’s power sector to create prosperity through development of manpower and technical capacity required to effectively unlock opportunities in the sector.

The government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and the State Electricity Board, have commenced engagement of students in public schools to start developing capacity in the area of power technology and energy infrastructure among others. Speaking at the unveiling of the Total facility, the state commissioner for energy and mineral resources, Mr Taofeek

Tijany, re-echoed the state government’s policy on renewable energy development to free the state from much dependence on the national grid supply.

Tijany said the state is investing resources on energy security and sufficiency, adding that the government key policy thrust is to explore energy mix initiative of which solar technology is paramount. The commissioner informed the company that the government is willing to go into partnership to see solar energy dominate household power supply.

The managing director of Total Plc, Alexis Vovk, commenting on the initiative explained that at a time when governments and industries around the world seek improved ways of meeting their energy needs, Total believes that the initiative will add immense value by providing energy solutions that are efficient and environmentally friendly in Nigeria.

“Today, over 80 million Nigerians lack access to electricity, thereby resulting in their use of costly and sometimes dangerous sources of energy. We believe that access to energy is a fundamental necessity which greatly impacts on access to education, communication, information, and the overall development of individuals and societies,” Vovk stressed.

He said Total has embarked on exploring several creative solutions to fulfilling these needs part of which include Awango by Total solar lamps, hybrid energy solutions for the telecommunications industry, solar-powered home systems, and the newly launched first solarpowered service station using the Sunpower Technology in west Africa and Nigeria.

“Our aim is to provide access to lighting for five per cent offthe-grid households in Nigeria by selling one million lamps by 2017,” he said.

He further stated that Total’s hybrid energy solution offers telecoms businesses clean, smart and renewable energy source that is efficient and eco-friendly, pointing that the benefits of solarpowered home solutions range from powering homes with endless clean energy from the sun with no greenhouse gas emissions to huge savings on electric bills.

Reflecting the Total Group’s determination to contribute to local development and establish long-term roots, the senior vice president, Total, Momar Nguer, said the company has already rolled out numerous T-air projects.

Nguer said the company plans to adapt its network of over 500 service stations spread across the country to this new identity by 2017, representing a considerable investment. He said the T-air service station concept echoes Total’s commitment to renewable energy, and to promote economic growth and sustainable development.

“Total intends to become the everyday energy partner and improve living standards of communities without reliable access to energy. Our credibility and legitimacy in all relations with stakeholders is built on enhanced safety, quality, innovation, and our dedication to a more responsible energy future.

“In the realisation of this strong ambition, we are deploying the best technologies available with strict adherence to international quality and safety standards,” Nguer maintained.

The exclusive dealer for CyberPower inverter in Nigeria, Pragmatic Technologies, has maintained its lead on the inverter project and reaffirmed its commitment to boost the project in the country.

It, therefore, challenged industry new comers in the country to desist from distracting the company from its good intention.

The bone of contention was a recent advert placement by one of the new comers in the industry claiming that its inverter is the “First in the region to have integrated AVR and UPS.” Incidentally, these features have been part of the selling points of the CyberPower inverter since it hit the market in Nigeria more than five years ago.

The company noted in a statement made available to Leadership that though the products which feature in the advert campaign have been around in Nigeria over the years and has been a known provider of power stabilisers, however, it was only a new entrant into the power-backup industry in Nigeria.

“Even then, Pragmatic Technologies has taken power stabilising in Nigeria to the next level by providing a central stabilising unit for entire buildings and housing units in the last few years.”

The company dismissed the claim as false and misleading, stating that rather, CyberPower is the first inverter in Nigeria to have AVR and UPS.

Flaring: Shell Sets Aside $4bn For Gas Initiative Oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), concerned with the volume of gas flared in the Niger Delta region has earmarked about $4 billion to pursue gas gathering initiative targeted at significantly exiting gas flare within its operational areas.

Apart from Shell, other international oil companies operating in Nigeria are embarking on key gas gathering projects like the West Africa Gas Pipeline promoted by Chevron to supply Nigeria’s abundant gas to five West African countries.

Meanwhile the World Bank is set to urge producers of oil to stop flaring natural gas by 2030.

The bank said the quantity of fuel wasted in the process of oil exploration could generate enough power to meet all of Africa’s demand for electricity.

Anita George who works in the bank’s extractive industry unit was quoted by Bloomberg to have disclosed the move in Moscow.

George said, “It will be voluntary but we hope that both companies and countries will see the sense in what we are proposing, we are planning to propose it in September.”

In Nigeria, the Royal Dutch Shell is investing about $4 billion to reduce flaring from its oil fields. The World Bank is leading 33 companies and nations in the Global Gas Flaring Reduction partnership that seeks to shrink the industry custom by 30 per cent in the five years to 2017.

Halting the burning of about 140 billion cubic meters of gas globally every year would reduce carbon-dioxide emissions, equivalent to taking about 70 million cars off the roads.

“Mexico and Azerbaijan have reduced flaring by about 66 per cent and 50 per cent in the past two years.According to satellite data, Russia is by far the largest flarer of gas,” Anita said at the World Petroleum Congress in Moscow.

The World Bank’s experts have been crunching satellite data to compile a new report on flaring as the last report was published in July 2012, with 2011 data.

BUSINESS/mines & steel 19

Thursday, June 26, 2014

mines & steel REPORT X-ray diffractometer

Putting NGSA Labouratory Into Use The National Geosciences Research Labouratories, Kaduna, in 2012, acquired state-of-the-art equipment for analysis and certification of minerals, metals and precious stones. Unfortunately, two years later, the labouratory has remained dormant. Ruth Tene Natsa examines its usefulness and the need to get it up and running.

In 2012, the World Bank, through the Sustainable Management of Minerals Resource Project (SMMRP), equipped the National Geosciences Research Labouratories (NGRL) with labouratory equipment, including Energy Dispersion XRF spectrometer, X-Ray Diffractometer, Scanning Electron Microscope, Fume Cupboard, Mini Water Laboratory, Mini Geiger Counter among many others adjudged to be the first of their kind in West Africa.

The labouratory when functional will not only serve the needs of miners in Nigeria but is expected to provide services to miners, geologist and other oil workers across the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) region.

The services to be provided by the labouratory include the beneficiation of mineral products, solid minerals analysis and beneficiation, valuing of both minerals resources and precious stones such as gold, diamonds, silver, etc The chairman, Cargo Defence Fund, Senator Cosmas Niagwan, represented by the executive secretary of the fund, Azuka Ogo, has said that exporters of solid minerals face many challenges as a result of non beneficiation and valuation of minerals products and precious stones which as a result has led to the rejection and undervaluation of their products during exports.

Speaking at a one-day workshop on the “NGSA Labouratories: Services, Certification and Relevance to Mining and Trade” held in Kaduna on June 19, 2014, she said the problems suffered by the exporters include poor documentation, lack of

beneficiation, lack of laboratory services for analysis and certification and the consequential rejection and undervaluing of consignments.”

Ogo revealed that the workshop, which was organised as a consequence of the above challenges, was aimed at exploring measures to be put in place to reduce rejection of Nigerian solid minerals in international markets.

She added that partnership with various stakeholders is aimed at ensuring the realisation and actualisation of the availability of the NGSA labouratories for the testing, analysis and certification of Nigeria’s solid minerals in export trade.”

Unfortunately, the labouratory since its establishment in 2012 is just getting to the final stage of securing the ISO certification and registration, the minister of mines and steel development, Mr Musa Mohammed Sada, who was represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Dauda Kigbu, said.

According to Kigbu, “This sector has huge potentials in terms of generating massive wealth and employment for our population and that is why the federal government, through the ministry, has put in place appropriate and institutional instruments necessary for the sustained and orderly development of the sector.

“The institutional reforms that are helping in driving the sectors include the privatisation of moribund government parastatals, enhancement of geosciences data generation capabilities, establishment of an autonomous mining cadastre among others,” he said.

The director-general, Nigerian

Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Mr Alex Nwegbu, in his welcome address at the event, asserted that “in order to put the agency on the proper platform to discharge the responsibilities engendered by its status, the office is putting in place methodologies and outputs that are in tandem with international best practices, equipping and modernising the laboratory is one critical step in fulfilling this mandate.

“The mandate of the agency has been strategic to the material well being of the country as a result of which most mineral discoveries in Nigeria could be attributed to its activities.”

He noted that “geological surveys all over the world provide government, policy makers, industries and the public at large information and data pertaining to geological maps, mineral exploration, mining, building and construction, environment, engineering, land use planning, coastal zone management, natural hazards, medical geology among many others.

“There are so many facilities we have here that are unique to this organisation, and if you want an analysis of 50 elements at the same time, this is the only place you can conveniently do so in Nigeria.”

Meanwhile the director-general of the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency (NSRMEA), Alex Ohikere, said, “we want to see a situation where we have a credible national labouratory that is able to accredit other labouratories and gives accurate results. When people send samples of commodities outside, there is the need to be very sure of the quality of goods to ensure there is no variation when they are sent out.”

Huge Investment Opportunities Abound in Steel Industry

By Ruth Tene Natsa, Abuja

The mandate of the agency has been strategic to the material well being of the country as a result of which most mineral discoveries in Nigeria could be attributed to its activities

The federal government, through the minister of mines and steel development, Mr Musa Mohammed Sada, has said there is abundant raw materials for steel production and investment in Nigeria’s steel industry for willing investors.

The minister, represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Alhaji Dauda Kigbu, also said iron-ore and other raw materials abound in sufficient commercial quantities to support the production of steel products in the country, while playing host to Chinese investors in Abuja recently.

According to Kigbu, “The steel sector was being driven by private investors while government was providing condusive investment opportunities,” adding that “there is a transparent and effective mineral titles administration mechanism in place towards the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources to grow and develop Nigeria’s steel industry.

“Part of the condusive investment incentives put in place by the federal government towards the development of the steel industry include the integration of the steel development plan to the Industrial Revolution Plan of the federal government; zero duty on the importation of steel making equipment; zero duty on the importation of mining equipment; tax holiday for investors; provision of the needed infrastructure through public private sector partnership among others.”

“The Chinese investors made a right choice to come and invest in Nigeria’s steel sector because Nigeria is the fastest growing and biggest economy in the African continent with a huge population and the gateway to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), assuring that there would be a return in their investment.”

The leader of the Chinese investors’ delegation and president of Pangang Group Company Limited, Mr Zhang Dade, said the essence of their visit was to indicate their preparedness to invest in Nigeria’s Steel industry after some investigations and discussions with stakeholders in the sector.

He said they had visited the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and the National Iron Ore Mining Company, all in Kogi State on a fact finding mission before the working visit to the minister, adding that they were interested in establishing a steel plant in any suitable place in the country; exploring and exploiting iron ore for making steel products in the country.

Dade disclosed that their company is one of the major steel making companies in China and that they were operating in other African countries as well.

20

Thursday, June 26, 2014

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FEDERAL INLAND REVENUE SERVICE 15 SOKODE CRESCENT, WUSE ZONE 5, P.M.B 33, GARKI, ABUJA, NIGERIA www.firs.gov.ng

PUBLIC NOTICE

FIRS IS NOT RECRUITING The attention of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has been drawn to text messages, claiming that the Service is currently recruiting and accepting applications for employment into the Service.

This is to inform the general public that the FIRS is not recruiting.

Whenever the FIRS is recruiting, it will be advertised on our website: www.firs.gov.ng and in the national dailies.

Anybody submitting his/her CV, responding to sms, texts or applying through any website, online medium, social media platform, for employment into the FIRS, is doing so at his or her own risk.

Members of the public are hereby strongly advised to avoid being deceived or defrauded by unscrupulous and dubious characters.

Wahab Gbadamosi Head, Communications & Liaison Department For: Acting Executive Chairman Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) ‌it pays to pay your tax

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job search

Thursday, June 26, 2014

INTERVIEWS NETWORKING PERSONAL BRANDING JOB SEEKER PROFILES

Like it or not, the Internet and social media provide new avenues for both self-promotion and for malicious attacks. Even if you aren’t a celebrity or a politician, it’s important to realize online damage to your reputation is fairly easy to facilitate. Maybe someone else wants your job, maybe an old enemy is looking for revenge, or maybe you just have a few skeletons in the closet. Who knows!

10 Tips to Protect Your Digital Reputation Whatever the case may be, getting proactive about protecting your digital reputation is extremely important. Like a Lego castle, once a reputation is smashed it’s almost impossible to put it back together again.

1. Make Managing Your Digital Reputation A Priority You can either hire a company to manage your reputation for you or you can manage it yourself.

Look at your Internet profile as a second self, the one you want everyone to know rather than your real self. Just as you use office etiquette in the workplace rather than football game demeanour, it’s time to separate your online reputation from the real you.

There can be some parallels but your online reputation should say what you want it to say and no more. If you wouldn’t want a prospective boss asking you questions about it, it shouldn’t be online.

Not familiar with computers, search, or social media? Get a pair of nerd glasses and get yourself online and in front of a computer.

Learn about social media, online marketing, blogs, and personal

INTERVIEWS

ways to Protect Your Digital Reputation

Protect Your Digital Reputation: 10 Useful Tips(1) branding. These are the new weapons in the workplace.

2. Be Paranoid About Your Own Computer(s) Set screensaver passwords to lock the system when it’s not in use. Set your security settings to stealth mode, use at least one firewall and limit your downloads to essential items from reputable sources.

3. Switch Your Operating

4. Schedule Regular Cleanings Manage your browser settings and dump your cookie and search history caches on a regular basis.

5. Don’t Post Sensitive Information Understand that really sensitive

information doesn’t belong on a smartphone or a computer that ever hooks up to the Internet.

Most professionals should have at least two computers: a secure stand-alone and a “public” machine. When transferring files stick to a one way flow of information (from the secure machine out but never in). It should go without saying but sensitive personal information never belongs on a work or employer’s machine.

6 Online Interview Mistakes To Avoid probably going to have the usual arrogant conditioning that almost all humans have, and is going to believe that he or she can read things about you personally by the things in the background. Your best bet is to have as little in the background as humanly possible.

The less they have to look at in the background then the more they are looking at you.

1. Not Setting Up a Good Background Shot The interviewer is going to judge you by the things that are happening in the background.

Plus, your interviewer is

System Switch either to a Linux, Unix, or Apple operating system and stop using Windows.

1. Make Managing Your Digital Reputation A Priority Look at your Internet profile as a second self, the one you want everyone to know rather than your real self.

2. Be Paranoid About Your Own Computer(s) Set your security settings to stealth mode 3. Don’t Post Sensitive Information Understand that really sensitive information doesn’t belong on a smartphone or a computer that ever hooks up to the Internet.

2. Not Dressing Appropriately There are very few online interviews where you stand up to take the interview. (This is actually a shame because your posture often looks better when standing.)

Even though you are sitting down, you should still wear trousers or something that covers your legs.

3. Not Testing Your Equipment before the Interview If you start your interview and your interviewer cannot see or hear you, you have to spend a few awkward moments fixing it. When this happens, you end up wasting everyone’s time and there is a chance they will halt the interview.

Plus, it makes you look bad and unprepared at the same time.

4. Eating/Drinking During

the Interview You should not have food in sight, and you should not drink during the interview. You do not need it, it will not make you look more relaxed, it will not make you feel relaxed, and it will not make it feel as if you are talking to them in a café.

5. Not Smiling Smile, but make it more that you are smiling because you are having the interview. Remember the feeling you had when you discovered you got an interview?

Hold onto that feeling and smile about it. Show enthusiasm!

Make your smile genuine. First impressions still apply online, and you do not want to make a bad one straight off the bat.

6. Sitting Still In a real interview, you would allow your hands to move around as you talk, so and this is what you should do during your interview.

Don’t sit there with your hands on the table as if you are being interviewed by the police, or having your hands down by your side as if you are having your photo taken at the police station.

Compiled by Olujide Olusola

26 JOB SEARCH

Thursday, June 26, 2014

J0BS NEWS

Top 10 HighestPaying Medical Jobs (2)

Prosth➊ odonticsSalary: $52.072-

Sacked workers: Oyo Embarks On Screening

$226,662 Another dental specialty, prosthodontics are experts in the restoration and repair of missing or damaged teeth as well as other oral structures related to the jaw and mouth.

Inter➋ nist, general

Salary: $96,045$218,524 Internists focus on the non-surgical treatment of disorders and diseases of the internal organs.

Podia➌ trist Salary: $71,358-

$203,627 Podiatrists are doctors with expertise in treating disorders and diseases of the foot, ankle, and lower leg including arch problems, injuries, corns and callouses, and diseases that affect the foot such as diabetes.

Dentist ➍ (general) Salary: $57,812-

$244,408 $69,896-$201,262 Dentists are doctors that focus on the treatment of all things within the oral cavity, most commonly the teeth and tissues surrounding the teeth.

Family ➎ and General Practi-

tioner Salary: $86,577$186,991 Family and general practitioners are what most people think of when they hear the term “doctor,” as they are often the first doctor patients see within the health care system.

9 Tips For Becoming A Successful Networker What’s the secret to being a successful networker? Well, we all know how important it is to balance the online and offline networking and connecting what we are doing now. We can’t only live online or offline anymore. Each one is mutually interdependent and interrelated. They work so well in tandem.

Both have their importance, purpose and value. We know being “online” is simply smart and essential because that is where people converge, gather and interact. But, “offline” is where the true personal connections are made to explore the mutuality and develop the relationship. If you are not in physical proximity with someone, what are some of the ways and things you can do to accelerate relationship building?

Are you meeting, picking up the phone or Skyping regularly when you make new social friends?

Here are nine things you can do that will help you develop some warm connections, stand out, and be remembered.

1 Share Your Passion, Authenticity, and Story People really connect with your real side and everyone has a story. It’s the new “elevator pitch.”

2 Target Your Audience Learn about the community where you are meeting.

Research and find out about them on websites, blogs and

through others that may know about them, or are members of the group.

3 Know the Guest List When you know some specific people that will be there, that you will want to meet, do your homework and find out about them. Company, awards, community activity, accomplishments. This is great fodder for conversation. How would you feel when someone you didn’t know yet, approaches you and says, “I loved the blog post you wrote on how to be a Mom and grow a business”? It certainly says something to me about them.

4 Work the Room Mix and mingle, and try to have several warm interactions. Don’t monopolize or be monopolized. Engage and encourage mutual conversation and include others into it.

5 Pair Up With a Mentor Find someone who knows the crowd and group and rely on them to introduce you around. Coming with someone others know and respect says something about you. “You are judged by the company you keep,” is the quote isn’t it?

6 Set Goals Have goals for what you want to accomplish and come out of the experience with: five warm connections, new friends, someone you can refer business to.

7 Be Inclusive Be inclusive and see how making connections for others makes sense both at the event and after.

8 Ask HCIHY (How Can I Help You?) This is the new benchmark for networking. Not what can I sell you, but how can I serve you. “Serving is the new Selling.”

When people know you are in it for the right reasons and motives, the relationship naturally grows. Building trust, by freely sharing knowledge and being who you say you are takes time. Invest and commit to it with people you feel good potential with and demonstrate mutuality with you.

9 Follow Up Follow up promptly and with purpose with those warm connections you made. Lunch, coffee, guest blog, mentor, referral, Skype, phone call, collaboration, link swap are only a few reasons to reach out and continue.

Relationships take time, effort and commitment. Some grow, some go, but you won’t know which until you take the actions.

Networking is a natural extension of all our interactions and communications today. We are pretty much networking all the time now aren’t we?

What are some of the successful ways you have used in your networking?

The Oyo State government recently said that it had commenced last-minute scrutiny of list of sacked workers in the state.

According to www.punch. ng the 3,000 affected persons categorised as “ghost workers” and those with fake certificates were sacked recently in accordance with the administration’s pledge to restore sanity in the civil and public service.

The decision to embark on last-minute scrutiny, according to the Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, was to ensure that none of the affected workers was wrongly fired.

Adedayo said, “We have zero tolerance for the impunities that we inherited and the governor will not shy away from making a public example of anyone who wants to subvert the rules of engagement.

“I can tell you that government is still not comfortable with the list of those who allegedly falsified documents. Even though the consulting firm has supplied the list and a panel had been set up to deliberate on it, we still believe that it is better for an allegedly guilty person to go scot-free than for a sinless person to be categorised among the guilty. Hopefully in a few days, we would have finally sieved the chaffs from the wheat.”

Adedayo, however, said it would be difficult to get the accurate figure of money that government would be saving from the exercise.

Compiled by Olujide Olusola

27

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Internal Control Officer In Jeb Creek Integrated Services Limited, Zamfara HND: 4-6 years Email: 322cc@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/355516 Jeb Creek Integrated Services Limited, a consulting firm requires the services of qualified candidate for this position.

Responsibilities: • To plan, organize and carry out the internal controls function including the preparation of an audit manual and audit plan • Conduct risk assessment of all departments • Reports risk management issues and internal controls deficiencies identified directly to the CFO and Company Board and provides recommendations for improving the organisation’s operations.

• Identify areas of strengths and weaknesses and engage in continuous education and staff development re best practices • Review the responses to internal and external audit management letter queries to ensure that recommendations are implemented and ensure that all action items are resolved • Evaluate information security and associated risk exposures • Evaluate regulatory compliance program • Evaluate the organisation’s readiness in case of business interruption • Provides support to the company’s antifraud programs.

• All other duties as reasonably requested

advantage

Sales Representative In Africania Computers, Taraba OND: 1 - 3 years Email: 3200f@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/354815 Africania Computers is an ICT company that provides services in website design for small and medium enterprises in the country.

Africania Computers requires the services of a qualified candidate for this position Job Summary: • Bringing small business owners to use the services of the company.

• Establishing new accounts by planning and organizing daily work schedule to call on existing or potential clients.

Qualifications and Requirements: • A minimum of OND in a relevant field • 1-2 years’ experience

Sales Representative In Gidispotlite, Sokoto OND: Entry Level Email: 3210c@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/355068 Gidispotlite, an entertainment company requires the services of a qualified candidate for this position.

Job Summary: • Prepare posts on the company’s blog.

• Get clients to advertise on the company’s website.

Customer Care Officer In WhyteCleon Limited, Yobe

Qualifications and Requirements: • Minimum of OND in a relevant field • 0-1 year of experience • Should be hardworking and smart.

• Should be able to communicate effectively.

HND: Entry Level Visit: http://jbng.me/354718

School Representative In ETX-NG, Plateau

WhyteCleon Limited - Our client, a first generation bank in the Nigeria economy seeks to recruit highly intelligent, young, well-articulated and dynamic professionals with integrity for this position.

HND/B.Sc: Entry Level Visit: http://jbng.me/355343

Qualifications and Requirements: • Minimum of HND in a relevant field • 4-6 years’ experience

Responsibilities: • Attend to customers enquires promptly and efficiently.

• Issue banker’s signature confirmation and reference letter as required.

• Refer customers request beyond his/her limit to appropriate authority.

• Process internet banking services and e-product request.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Business Service Manager.

Essential Skills: • Good customer service skills • Good relations skills • Good problem solving skills • Good documentation and record keeping • Good reading and listening skills • Good dress sense Desirable Skills: • Educational Qualification HND Graduate only (Minimum Lower Credit) • Age: Not more than 27 years’ 3 experience in the banking industry will be an added

ETX-NG helps educational institutions in Nigeria improve efficiency, reduce costs and workload, and enhance the quality-ofservice they provide to their students and alumni, employers, and other organizations.

We provide our services as an aligned agent to our participating institutions, supporting their administrative, student access, accountability, and analytical needs. Electronic Transcripts in Nigeria and Transcripts Nigeria form our core services.

Responsibilities: • Shall communicate courteously with Higher Institution staff • Submit applications to Higher Institutions on behalf of the company • Maintains relationships with Higher Institutions by providing support, information, and guidance • Liaise with Higher Institutions on behalf of the company • Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as at when needed.

• Should be bold, presentable, goal getting and possess good communication Skills.

• Good organizational and interpersonal

skills.

• Willingness to work in a flexible schedule • Direct requests and unresolved issues to the designated resource

•

communications strategies by developing communication action plans and writing effective content Develop and manage an editorial calendar for internal and external communications Manage and measure company’s corporate social media platforms Manage company’s media coverage and news rooms Assist with public relations activities including speaking with the media, pitching stories and writing press releases

Skills and Competencies: • Possess solid presentation skills.

• Ability to work with little or no supervision • Proficient in English communication • A positive attitude and a drive committed to success • Proven ability to work independently

•

Requirements: • B.Sc or HND holder.

• Can be an undergraduate

Qualifications and Requirements: • Minimum of HND in a relevant field • 7-8 years’ experience

Content Writer In Yes International Magazine, Niger

Training Manager In Jeb Creek Integrated Services Limited, Jigawa

HND/BSC: 1 - 3 years Email: 3212b@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/355099 Yes International magazine, a soft sell magazine requires the services of a qualified candidate for this position.

Job Summary: • Selecting subject matter based on personal or public interest.

• Developing the technical skills of writing and maintaining originality.

• Being prepared to rewrite and revise work (often several times) following feedback.

Qualifications and Requirements: • A minimum of HND/BSC in a relevant field • 1-2 years of experience

Corporate Communication and Media Officer In Jeb Creek Integrated Services Limited, Kebbi HND: 7 - 10 years Email: 322bc@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/355500 Jeb Creek Integrated Services Limited, a consulting firm requires the services of qualified candidate for this position Responsibilities: • Utilize prior expertise in Internal Communications to develop best practices for companys’ Internal global communications – spanning time zones and language barriers • Serve as point of contact for all internal messaging, including organizational transitions • Manage and maintain all internal communications channels • Develop, maintain and execute internal communications, including regular CEO/Staff communications, intranet, management meetings and other vehicles • Identify and respond to areas within the company where enhanced internal communications can result in major impact • Integrate communications, ensuring consistency of message across groups and teams while also seeking out potential organizational synergies • Strategically develops communications plans and communications solutions • Ensure consistent messaging and communication delivery • Share best practices to maximize efficiency of communications systems • Drive and execute the overall

• •

HND: 7 - 10 years Email: 322bf@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/355503 Jeb Creek Integrated Services Limited, a consulting firm requires the services of qualified candidate for this position Responsibilities: • Identifying training and development needs within an organisation through job analysis, appraisal schemes and regular consultation with business managers and human resources departments; • Designing and expanding training and development programmes based on both the organisation’s and the individual’s needs; • Considering the costs of planned programmes and keeping within budgets as assessing the return on investment of any training or development programme is becoming increasingly important; • Working in a team to produce programmes that are satisfactory to all relevant parties in an organisation, such as line managers, accountants and senior managers at board level; • Developing effective induction programmes; • Conducting appraisals; • Devising individual learning plans; • Producing training materials for in-house courses; • Managing the delivery of training and development programmes and, in a more senior role, devising a training strategy for the organisation; • Monitoring and reviewing the progress of trainees through questionnaires and discussions with managers; • Ensuring that statutory training requirements are met; • Evaluating training and development programmes; • Amending and revising programmes as necessary, in order to adapt to changes occurring in the work environment; • Helping line managers and trainers solve specific training problems, either on a one-to-one basis or in groups; • Keeping up to date with developments in training by reading relevant journals, going to meetings and attending relevant courses; • Having an understanding of e-learning techniques, and where relevant, being involved in the creation and/or delivery of e-learning packages; • Researching new technologies and methodologies in workplace learning and presenting this research

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Qualifications and Requirements: • Minimum of HND in a relevant field • 9-10 years’ experience

Head, Photographer and Strategist In Elan Studios, Abuja HND: 5 - 7 years Email: 3234e@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/355646 We are a photography studio and print shop that offers full photography (studio shots, wedding coverage, etc) and printing services including our full range of photo book production machines.

Job Summary: We require the services of a head photography will lead and drive the company’s photography service strategy in expanding its client base and offering high quality photography services to individuals and corporate bodies. The candidate will also be responsible for rebranding and quality control and setting and maintaining the standard of photography services rendered to clients. He/ She will also be required to train and mentor other photographers working under him/her.

Qualifications and Requirements: • A minimum of HND in a relevant field • 5-7 years’ experience • The candidate must have a drive, be extremely dynamic and innovative in combining his/ her technical photography skills with strategy for moving the company to the next phase.

Program Manager (Nagropreneurs Entrepreneurship & SME Support Program) In TechnoServe Inc, Abuja M.A: 7 - 10 years Visit: http://jbng.me/354447 ‘Nagropreneurs’ is a key component of Nigeria’s Federal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD)’s Youth Entrepreneurship in Agriculture Program. The program will establish a cohort of growing youth-owned and operated agriculture related businesses by capacitating youth (18-40) to engage in agricultural entrepreneurship. TechnoServe will implement a pilot working with SMEs employing between 5 – 20 people, focused on those at a relatively early stage of development. Participating businesses will increase their no. of employees, attract investment from commercial sources and increase their revenues through the program.

The program will run as a business plan competition to identify, filter and train entrepreneurs. The most promising will then receive one year of intensive postcompetition aftercare to implement their business plans. A select group of winners will also receive awards in the form of credit to purchase business development or advisory services. Aftercare will include technical assistance from TechnoServe staff; mentoring from an industry counterpart; a peer networking platform; and access to industry and trade events. This 18 month pilot is intended to test assumptions and pave the way for a larger-scale project, working over multiple states and potentially reaching out to entrepreneurs at different stages of development.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Duties and Responsibilities: • The Program Manager will lead a team of 4-8 staff to implement ensure that the following activities are undertaken either directly or through direct reports: • Business Plan Competition • Implement a marketing campaign in the target state • Develop a strategy for identification of and outreach to entrepreneurs in the target geography • Schedule and lead workshops to socialize the program with potential entrepreneurs • Field questions on the program for interested entrepreneurs • Organize and execute networking events • Manage all logistics related to program workshops and events • Identify and engage a network of volunteer judges, industry mentors and potential corporate partners • Post-Competition SME Capacitation • Evaluate competency of entrepreneurs • Group entrepreneurs into affinity groups based on competency • Develop curricula responsive to entrepreneurship needs • Contract and manage specialist trainers • Engage and support a network of industry mentors • Facilitate and monitor mentoring relationships • Lead workshops for enterprises on wide range of issues (may include registration to supply chain or marketing) • Engage consultants to lead workshops on technical trainings for entrepreneurs • Overall, ensure that entrepreneurs receive quality support throughout the program • Grant Management • Review applications by enterprises for use of grant funds (e.g. audit services, market research, loan collateral, etc.)

• Conduct due diligence on applicants • Establish process for pre-selecting business service providers to work with the program • Develop rules and procedures for working with business service providers • Review quality of work product of business service providers • Develop rules and regulations for business advisory services provider participation in the program • Set up and administer system for linking business advisory service providers and participating businesses • Access to Finance • Develop partnerships with financial institutions to facilitate banking relationships with participating enterprises • Liaise with financial institutions to develop clear and consistent standards for access to finance for participating enterprises • Develop clear training modules to train participating enterprises on path to access to finance Knowledge and Expertise: • Experience in implementing private sector or SME development assistance schemes, specifically operational capacity reinforcement, access to finance and access to market instruments and related matching grants • Knowledge of socio-economic, private sector environment and employment issues in Nigeria • Previous experience of work in Nigeria preferred • Knowledge of business plan competitions preferred • Strong interpersonal and communications skills in a multi-cultural environment;

• The ability to work with tight deadlines while managing multiple tasks and projects; • The ability to work independently, and function effectively as a member of a global team • Interactive skills especially with field staff, technical staff, consultants and home office support staff as necessary • Related work experience and knowledge of the West Africa economic, social and development context preferred Education/Qualification: • M.A. or higher degree in business administration, economics, marketing or related discipline, MBA preferred • Experience of working in Nigeria preferred • At least 10 years of post-graduate experience in analytical and strategic roles within the private sector and/or development spheres (ideally with a toptier management consulting firm) • Experience in leading/ managing donor funded projects required • Excellent oral and written communication skills

I.T Sales Executive In Soutech, Abuja OND/HND: 1 - 3 years Email: 320b7@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/354983 SOUTECH an IT Based Training and eBusiness Consulting Firm seeks the services of an IT Proficient individual with skills in marketing.

Job Summary: The Marketing Officer oversees the company’s marketing campaigns both internally and externally and plays a key part in communicating the organizations marketing message.

Duties include: • Preparing, planning and project managing the publication of all publicity material to maximise brand promotion.

• Creating marketing campaigns and working with the company’s external PR agency to see them executed.

• Creating and developing new innovative ways to communicate the company message to their existing customers.

• Contributing to the annual sales and marketing plan.

• Planning and project managing marketing events and evaluating their success.

• Evaluating the effectiveness of all marketing activity.

• Developing and implementing an internal marketing programme.

• Supporting the marketing manager in day to day marketing activities.

• Plan, develop and deliver campaigns as agreed within timescales.

Requirements of the role: • Previous experience in a similar marketing role.

• Ideally a certificate or OND/HND in marketing although not essential with I.T background • 1-2 years’ experience • Strong and confident communicator.

• Excellent copy-writing skills and experience.

• Design skills including high computer usage skills.

• Resides within AMAC( Nyanya,Jikwoyi,Karu,Orozo,Karshi)

Web Designer In Fast Link Nigeria Limited, Abuja HND/BSC: 1 - 3 years Email: 32091@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/354945 Fast link Nigeria Limited requires the services of a qualified and experienced candidate for this position Responsibilities: • Writing and editing content • Designing webpage layout • Determining technical requirements • Updating websites • Creating back up files • Solving code problems Qualifications and Requirements: • A minimum of HND/BSC in a relevant field • 3-5 years’ experience • Should reside in Abuja • Preferably a male

Quantity Surveyor/ Project Monitoring Personnel In BREGSTEIN LTD, Abuja Degree: 1 - 3 years Email: 32045@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/354869 Bregstein is a firm of multi-disciplinary engineering firm and is part of a design and build consortium registered in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. We specialize in the planning, design, construction and management of engineering projects with a high level of professional competence and unrivaled excellence. Our teams of erudite professionals are pioneers of engineering excellence and are experts in value engineering with unrivaled experience to meet the ever dynamic industry and individual needs.

Responsibilities: • Manage and plan all costs associated with all types of construction projects from outset until completion. Do best possible job at best possible price.

• Preparation of contracts, including details regarding quantities of required materials.

• Feasibility studies of client requests.

• Analysing completed work and arranging payment to contractors.

• Site visits, assessments and projection for future work.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Minimum of a degree in any related discipline • 1 - 3 years’ experience • Good communication and interpersonal skills

Executive Marketer Lead Generation In DCS Dorstil, Abuja OND: 3 - 5 years Visit: http://jbng.me/354820 DCS Dorstil Nig Ltd is a major distributor of international standard furniture, fittings and accessories. DCS supplies European standard doors, Steel Doors, Anti-Bacterial Doors, Bio metric Doors, bathroom cabinets, drawers, Wardrobes, Tiles, and built in Kitchen.

Responsibilities: • Get potential customers to install our Showroom app

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Thursday, June 26, 2014

• Get potential customers to like our Facebook page • Get potential customers to visit our showrooms • Send email containing details of the potential buyer and their peculiar need to company email for follow up.

Requirements: • Minimum of OND in any discipline • At least 3 – 5 years’ experience • Excellent communication and interpersonal skill

Marketing Executive In Abuja Degree: 1 - 3 years Email: 31fe0@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/354768 We seek highly driven marketing executives to join an exceptional marketing team for a premium real estate development in Abuja. This is a great opportunity for an accomplished real estate marketer looking for career advancement and good financial reward.

Essential Job Functions: • Market and sell the firm’s real estate portfolio • Convert existing pipeline of opportunities to value and source new prospects • Develop marketing plans and strategies • Conduct market research and monitor competitor activities • Manage the production of marketing materials and source advertising opportunities Qualifications and Requirements: • Good undergraduate degree • 2-10 years’ marketing experience with a good track record of success • Prior property marketing or banking experience preferred Desired Attributes: • Confident, friendly and presentable • Intelligent and smart • Good communication skills • Team player • Good inter-personal skills NB: Candidates with fewer or more years of experience may be considered

Web Designer/Website Marketer In Goldenchips International, Abuja SSCE: 1 - 3 years Email: 32082@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/354930 Goldenchips International, a consulting firm in Abuja seeks a qualified candidate for this position Responsibilities: • Meeting/liaising with clients to discuss requirements and/or project progress • Creating web site designs • Producing sample sites • Demonstrating and receiving feedback about draft sites • Keeping up-to-date with recent technological and software developments Qualifications and Requirements: • Minimum of SSCE • 1 - 3 years’ experience • Must be able to work from home because it is a part-time job.

• He/she must be able to design quality websites and must also be good in marketing websites online.

• He/She must be able to use the joomla platform and be ready to do some research.

• He/she must live in Abuja.

Incubation Center Officer [ICO] In Abuja Technology Village Free Zone Company, Abuja B.Sc/HND: 1 - 3 years Email: 322f0@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/355552 Abuja Technology Village is a Science and Technology Park (STP) development initiative aimed at creating Africa’s preferred technology research, incubation, development, and outsourcing destination.

The initiative is in line with the broad vision of ‘a global landscape where most African economies are knowledge-based, and technology innovation is successfully contextualized and employed in addressing local issues’ and the mission to ‘deliver efficient and competitive platforms for technology innovation, incubation and commercialization in selected sectors’.

The STP’s focus areas are Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Biotechnology, Minerals Technology and Energy Technology.

Reference No: ICO 001 Job Summary: The Incubation Center Officer will assist the Incubation Centre Manager in managing the operational activities of the Business Incubation Center - enspire. S/he should have an understanding of entrepreneurship and its management.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities: • Assist the Business Incubation Manager to identify and recruit potential clients for the Incubation Center (business incubator); assessing their readiness to start or expand a business.

• Facilitate registration and planning for Incubates.

• Manage enspire brand online platforms.

• Promote the Incubation Center, its programs, and employees at every available opportunity.

• Develop and manage information for clients on issues relevant to startup companies.

• Assist in providing Research and Development services to the Incubator.

• Coordinate facilitation of trainings events.

• Assist in developing strategic goals and objectives for the client service programs.

• Assist in screening issues for attention/ action.

• Assist in monitoring progress of client companies.

• Assist in planning and organizing enspire meetings and events.

• Other duties as assigned by the Business Incubation Manager.

Key Functional Competencies & Experience: • Experience in providing business support services, especially business development • Experience in IT (programming, designs and software management)is an added advantage • Evidence of strong organizational, interpersonal and communications skills • Health, Safety and Environment awareness • Ability to network within the business and technology community • Ability to work with diverse groups including businesses, entrepreneurs,

major corporations, universities, the public and economic development organizations • Interested in being part of a growing company and a team player Minimum Educational Qualification/ Experience: • BSc/HND in any business or IT related discipline • 1-3 years’ experience • Know-how of inner workings within a business/ICT environment desirable

Warehouse Manager In Abuja Degree: 3 - 5 years Email: 320ce@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/355006 Our client, a FMCG firm seeks to fill this position with the right candidate Responsibilities: • Maintaining the company image to the highest standards.

• Ensuring the Showroom and all displays are neat and tidy at all times.

• Responsibility for stock management and ordering.

• Ensure window and showroom displays are installed in a timely manner to company standards, liaising as necessary with Marketing.

• Recommend potential advertising venues and marketing strategies to head office/ management • Organize showroom maintenance and refits as needed.

• Reassess stock biannually to minimize distribution costs/ensure customer orders are met as soon as possible.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Minimum of a degree in relevant discipline • Good communication skills • 3-5 years of experience

Security Guard In Steward Security Company, Abuja SSCE/OND: 1 - 3 years Email: 32313@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/355587 Steward Security Company, a security firm requires the services of a qualified candidate Job Summary: Patrol industrial and commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows and gates.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Minimum of SSCE/OND in a relevant field • 2-3 years’ experience

Subject Teacher In Titsall, Abuja Degree: 1 - 3 years Email: 321d6@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/355270 Titsall is an established educational institution located in the heart of Abuja.

As part of our expansion strategy we are looking to bring on board more experienced subject teachers in helping us achieve our goal of maximizing the academic potential in our children.

Responsibilities • Preparing and delivering lessons to a range of classes of different ages and abilities;

• Marking work, giving appropriate feedback and maintaining records of pupils’ progress and development; • Researching new topic areas, maintaining up-to-date subject knowledge, and devising and writing new curriculum materials; • Selecting and using a range of different learning resources and equipment, including podcasts and interactive whiteboards; Basic Requirements: • A minimum of a degree in education or a degree + a P.Gd in education • 1 - 3 years teaching experience in the subject area • The candidate must reside in Abuja • Skills Required • The Passion for impacting knowledge on children/teenagers • The ability to promote active learning • The ability to create a challenging and supportive learning environment • Excellent oral and written English • Creativity • Lifelong learning • Good ICT Skills • A good team player

Junior Graphic Designer In Prints Arena, Abuja OND: 1 - 3 years Email: 3230f@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/355583 Prints Arena, a branding and advertising company requires the services of a qualified candidate Responsibilities: • Prepares work to be accomplished by gathering information and materials.

• Plans concept by studying information and materials.

• Illustrates concept by designing rough layout of art and copy regarding arrangement, size, type size and style, and related aesthetic concepts.

• Obtains approval of concept by submitting rough layout for approval.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Minimum of OND in a relevant field • 1-2 years’ experience

Sales Representative Water 9ja Nigeria OND: 1 - 3 years Email: 32256@jbng.me Or Visit: http://jbng.me/355398 Water 9ja Nigeria is a bottled water manufacturing company located in Abuja.

Water 9ja Nigeria requires the services of a qualified candidate for this position Job Summary: • Focuses sales efforts by studying existing and potential volume of dealers.

• Submits orders by referring to price lists and product literature.

• Keeps management informed by submitting activity and results reports, such as daily call reports, weekly work plans, and monthly and annual territory analyses.

Qualifications and Requirements • Minimum of OND in a relevant field • 1-2 years’ experience

30 OPINION

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Tribute To Late Dahiru Awaisu Kuta

By Ahmed Abubakar Kwanapi

Thursday, June 12th, 2014 will go down as a very sad day for the people of Niger East senatorial district and Niger State as a whole because that was the day their grassroots politician, Dahiru Awaisu Kuta breathed his last.

The day can best be described by the immediate family of the deceased as the darkest because their benefactor and pillar had fallen and never to rise again.

Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta, Sanatan Talakawa, as he was always referred to by his admirers, always wore a shirt and pair of trousers, symbolic of a comrade that he was.

He suffered a terminal illness which eventually took him to the great beyond on the ill-fated Thursday.

Suffice it to say, no effort was spared to save the life of this fine politician, a detribalised Nigerian who was taken to various hospitals within and outside Nigeria to save hs life.

Dahiru Awaisu Kuta was a comrade to the core, a vibrant and brilliant politician, incorruptible, humble, a peacemaker and a bridge builder His contributions on the floor of the National Assembly were in measurable since they were always for the economic advancement of the nation.

A case at hand, is the bill he sponsored on the Hydro Power

Late Kuta

Producing Area Development Commission, HYPPADEC at the National Assembly which today has been assented to by the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as other bills he co-sponsored.

Most politicians in Niger State and the country as a whole who were privileged to have worked with him really tapped from the experience and expertise of this unbiased politician.

Despite the distinguished senator’s simplicity, he never compromised hard work and discipline. As a senator he was easily accessible, approachable and interacted freely with people as well as listened to whoever went to him with one problem or the other.

It was therefore, harvest of tears from his contemporaries and close

Truthful and God-fearing, Senator Awaisu Kuta exemplified courage, simplicity and love for humanity

associates when the news of his death was broken. To many, Kuta’s death was shocking and unexpected while to others, the will of God has been done, because death to every living soul, is inevitable.

Truthful and God-fearing, Senator Awaisu Kuta exemplified courage, simplicity and love for humanity as he contributed a lot as the peoples’ representative at the hallowed chambers where he brought succour to so many families.

He employed well over 600 unemployed youths while at the National Assembly and back home in his senatorial district , he impacted positively on the life of the people as he established skills acquisition centres across his senatorial district where many unemployed youths, men and women learnt so many trades.

Some have so far graduated and are already self-reliant.

Until his death, he was the chairman, Senate committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs. The death of Kuta has indeed created a vacuum, because he was a rallying point and a pillar for his people and his senatorial zone. With his death therefore it is our hope that a good successor will be found to continue the good works of the late senator.

– Kwanapi is a staff of news and current affairs department, Radio Niger, Minna

Jimmy Johnson Every Thursday Mobile: 08072001812 email: jimyjayjohnson@yahoo.com

Boko Haram, The Way Out

Letters & Opinions Letters to The Editor, P. O. Box 9514, Garki II, Abuja.

Text: 08116759791.

E-mail: Opinions@ leadership. ng (no attachments please).

Fax: 09-2345360

The menace of Boko Haram has been with us for a couple of years and rather than abetting, it has regrettably been on the increase with, not just the killing of hundreds of innocent citizens, but most recently the abduction of school girls.

We can only say the insurgents are faceless, we cannot say they have not articulated their demand which to the entire world including Nigeria, is practically impossible. In the first place, going by their name Boko Haram, we must denounce western education where our women must not be educated but turned into slaves and secondly, we must all embrace the religion of Islam. Those are the conditions for peace to reign.

As much as every religion would have loved the entire world to belong to its particular sect, both christians and muslims alike, the practicality of it, is something which cannot, whatever means applied by both sects to achieve it, cannot succeed.

Even within each of the religions particularly Christianity, are different denominations operating

under diverse rules and regulations.

The extremists have in Islam, become a different sect entirely also under a different rule which the main stream of Islam denounces.

Terrorists have emerged in major countries around the globe. It has therefor become a global problem.

Developed countries have deployed their military might and not too long ago Osama Bin Laden became history. Yet other satanic leaders are emerging. To my mind, the fight against terrorists is yet to start genuinely. I do not see it as a fight for the military alone in any country.

If true muslims agree that these extremist terrorists who are indeed muslims have desecrated the religion and have portrayed Islam in very bad light, as a result of which people look at Islam as a religion synonymous with violence and no regard for human life, what have they done practically to stop these extremists and put an end to the killings of innocent people?

It is not enough to only verbally condemn the activities of the insurgents. A deliberate, solid and

practical action is long overdue. The enormity of the sordid activities of the insurgents should by now arouse action from the custodians and headquarters of Islam in Saudi Arabia. Otherwise it would be assumed that the very loud silence of the Islamic Kingdom in Saudi Arabia is in support and may indeed be financing the insurgents to go on with the fight to Islamise the world.

The Islamic Kingdom of Saudi Arabia should, by now, raise an army to fight extremists who desecrate and pull the noble religion of Islam into the mud.

Back in Nigeria, so also should the fight against insurgency, not be left for the military alone. After all, these devils and the true muslims pray in the same mosques. I was most delighted to read the laudable statement credited to Gen. Buhari recently, condemning in very strong terms, the bombing and the abduction of the Chibok girls – though I have my doubts that those powerfully worded statements designed to endear him to the people, was written by him.

Inside Out

KUNLE SOMORIN Feed back: kunlesomorin@yahoo.co.uk 08023339626 (SMS only)

Weep Not Fayemi

C

ontrary to expectations, no hell was let loose in Ekiti State last weekend.

After fierce political engineering, the power of incumbency caved in to raw power emanating from grassroots. For whatever its worth, the outcome of the election shows the Ekiti standard.

I was to be an election observer, but my chief of mission sent me an sms on the day I was to advance to Ekiti: “Please stand down. There are security concerns we are worried about which we are trying to thin down for ease of evacuation,” he tersely wrote. The huge presence of armed officers of State, specially trained police dogs, anti-riot police, armoured tanks and personnel were scary.

The raw deal suffered by governors of Rivers and Edo state almost confirmed cynicism that another battle of conscience was in the offing.

I was similarly told that military guys were seen chasing party agents who were offering cash in exchange for votes. The federal government knowingly sent in its security apparatus to defeat the plans of the APC to canvass and or buy votes to its advantage. Things went naturally and votes were truly cast and counted.

This was one election in Nigerian history where it was truly one man, one vote. What kind of unpredictable group of citizens are we? We had one chance to show who we truly were. But in an ironic twist, the debonair scholar lost to a street guy. If this had been in a country where there is proper sanity, politicians with credibility issues will never stand for election. Win? No, they cannot.

But Fayose with a legion of allegations and stains on his neck like a ring necklace won. It is only in Nigeria that this will happen. It is only in Ekiti State that the people will proudly say, “…we want him – no matter who you think he is; we want him.”

UK’s immigration minister Mark Harper resigned last year because of his cleaner’s visa.

Italy’s former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi got to the peak when he was taken to court for sleeping with an “under aged prostitute” Moral credibility became an issue before political competences.

One prime minister resigned because a boat capsized and she felt responsible. Bill Clinton was nearly impeached and sent out of office because of “oral sex” with White House intern, Monika Lewinsky.

Here what matters is politics of settlement.

Ekiti standard is the standard bearer on this.

As if 2006 was centuries away, the people have forgotten the circumstances of the earlier exit of Fayose. The issues of gross misconduct bordering on corruption, stealing etc have been turned to “mere propaganda” to justify why Fayose was forced to leave. He’s now seen as a fall guy.

He won on sympathy ground? The albatross of impeachment and scandal of poultry that doesn’t smell was totally forgotten. Isn’t it a shame that the “fountain of knowledge” will jettison a Fayemi with PhD and Bamidele with their record of activism for Fayose. The Ekiti people acknowledge him not for his questionable academic record or performance in office but for his doggedness and ability to understand local lingo.

Fayemi may indeed be arrogant politically and Fayose could be a free-mixer socially. But what is it about human quality and political propriety? That Fayemi will concede defeat is rare in this clime.

He was an iconoclastic reformer and by asking teachers to take competence test, he incurred their wrath is good for his conscience. He was tarring road and not watering people’s throats.

Under normal circumstances, these should have been fine. In other countries these may earn him re-election. I do not believe Ekiti people do not know what they want; they could be fastidious.

education

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Thursday, June 26, 2014

76

students were shortlisted for the final live competition

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 students during the competition

Champions Emerge At 2014 Microsoft Office Competition

By Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

This year’s competition was held for a period of 7 months from November 1, 2013 to May 16, 2014

Winners have emerged at the just concluded Microsoft Office Competition for students, an annual exercise organised by ReadManna Ventures Limited since 2009.

This year’s competition required students to demonstrate their proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint, versions 2007 and 2010.

The competition was open to all secondary school and university students between the ages of 13 and 22.

The objective of the national competition is to encourage schools to include basic computer skills in their curricula, which would provide the students with computing expertise they need during and after leaving school.

The chief executive officer of ReadManna, Edna Agusto, in a statement made available

to LEADERSHIP, said “most businesses use Microsoft Office to accomplish their daily tasks.

A survey of the unemployed graduates reveals that our graduates are ill equipped to cope with the current basic computer skills required by businesses they aspire to work with. Therefore it is imperative that students be introduced to the importance of being proficient in the use of desktop productivity software at an early age in this digital dispensation.”

This year’s competition was held for a period of 7 months from November 1, 2013 to May 16, 2014. The 2014 National MOS competition on Word, Excel and PowerPoint (versions 2007 and 2010) ended with 208 entries from 15 secondary schools from Lagos, Ogun, Edo, FCT and Kwara states.

76 students were short-listed for the final live competition which took place in Abuja and Lagos on the 20th and 23rd of

May 2014 respectively and the top 18 winners emerged at the end of the retake sessions.

The top 3 students and an ICT teacher would represent Nigeria at the MOS World Championship taking place in Anaheim, California, USA from July 27 - July 30, 2014.

The following winners emerged in the secondary schools category at the end of the final competition.

In Word 2007, Mayokun Ajagbonna of Thomas Adewumi International College, Oko, Kwara State came tops while Wisdom Igiogbe and Mansur Olaitan of Thomas Adewumi International College, Oko, Kwara State emerged first and second runners up respectively.

In the PowerPoint 2007 category, Ebenezer BrikiOkolosi of Thomas Adewumi International College, Oko, Kwara State emerged the best, followed by Oghenefejiro Omu of Thomas Adewumi International College, Oko,

Kwara State and Tobi Alafin of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos State as first and second runners up respectively.

For Word 2010, Imran Marwa of The Regent Secondary School, Abuja was adjudged the best performing student and was followed by Tariq Memudu of Thomas Adewumi International College, Oko, Kwara State and Olumide Fagboyegun of The Regent Secondary School, Abuja as first and second runners up.

Excel 2010 has Ahmad Abubakar, Hanifah Salik and Oluwaseyi Alao, all of The Regent Secondary School, Abuja, as winner, first and second runners up respectively.

For PowerPoint 2010, Mohammed Baba-Ahmed, Fatimah Bello and Sidhant Bendre, all of The Regent Secondary School, Abuja, became winner, first and second runners up respectively, while in the tertiary school category, Word 2007 winner is

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32 EDUCATION/NEWS

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Ministerial Committee Recommends Establishment Of CAM Colleges

By Winifred Ogbebo and Victor Okeke, Abuja

The ministerial committee on the establishment of complementary and alternative medicine in Nigeria has recommended the establishment of a college of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in the country.

The Chairman of the ministerial committee drawn from professionals in the healthcare sector, Prof. Chima Orji made known the recommendations of the committee at the formal presentation of the committee’s report to the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chiukwu.

He said that the committee also ‘recommends the establishment of CAM clinics within the colleges and in close collaboration with all medical regulatory bodies.’

Professor Orji said that Complementary and Alternative Medicine in this context includes; acupuncture, homeopathy, osteopathy and naturopathy.

Responding, the Health minister said that he was impressed with the way the committee conducted their study. According to him, ‘complementary and alternative medicine is a category of medicine that includes a variety of treatment approaches that fall outside the realm of conventional medicine.’

He said the committee findings will be partly submitted to the Federal Executive Council, the National Council on Health and the National Assembly after he had duly considered its recommendations

short news FG promises Improved Security For Learning By nan

An empty classroom in a primary school in Bunue State, due to the protracted teachers strike. photo by patrick ebi amanama

Low Bandwidth Hampering Internet Accessibility In Nigeria-FG

By Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

The Federal Government has said its effort at enthroning and popularing Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the country are being hampered by poor bandwidth necessary for smooth internet connectivity.

It also listed epileptic power supply, insufficient pool of IT professionals and low ICT literacy among teachers and educational administrators as other factors which have slowed down the growth of ICT in the country.

The Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike said

this when he declared open the 2014 Information Technology (IT) Professionals Assembly in Abuja with the theme “Harnessing the Potentials of IT Professionals for National Development”.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, MacJohn Nwaobiala, Wike also pointed out a problem of curriculum obsolescence and high curriculum dynamism in ICT, including poor regulation of ICT education delivery especially at the non-formal sector as other obstacles.

His words: “There is inequity in the distribution of ICT personnel

Champions Emerge At 2014 Microsoft Office Competition

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and resources in favour of private and urban schools as against public and rural schools, low research on ICT in education and poor funding.

“If we must attain sustainable development and global competitiveness, both the public and private sectors must work together to address these challenges.

“The resolution of these challenges will inevitably result in narrowing the digital divide and create a knowledge society that provides us with comparative advantages in an increasingly competitive global village.”

The Federal Government on Tuesday promised improved security to guarantee safe learning environment.

The government also expressed optimism that the country would rise above her current security challenges and return to an era of safe atmosphere for learning.

Chief Edem Duke, Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, said this in Abuja at a two-day national workshop on security awareness for public and private schools in the FCT.

FEATURE/EDUCATION 33

Thursday, June 26, 2014

SCHOOLS REPORTS Tertiary Institution Unions Protest Appointments Of Professors For Colleges

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

Following an intense lobby by interested aspirants as the substantive provost into the College of Education, Igueben, the Coalition of Unions of Edo State Tertiary Institutions have insisted that thestate government should adhere strictly to the templates for appointing provosts which they argued is in tandem with the National Commission of Colleges of Education, (NCCE), 2006 and the Ministry of Education.

Besides, the body also frowned at the appointment of professors as provosts from universities into the Colleges of Education, Ekiadolor, College of Education, Igueben, School of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi and the Institute of Management and Technology; Usen, and noted that the template if considered would eliminate “acrimony that usually trails such appointments”.

Niger To Formulate New Policy On Scholarship, Tertiary Education Winners of the Ejele Mathematics Competition proudly displaying their prizes

by Abu Nmodu, Minna

Okpe Grammar School Wins Ejele Mathematics Competition

By Sola Adebayo, Warri

Okpe Grammar School, Sapele, Delta State, has won the 2014 edition of the Ejele Mathematics Competition.

The annual event was instituted by the commissioner representing Itsekiri ethnic nationality in the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Michael Diden, in honour of the minister of finance in the first republic, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh.

The competition was designed for senior secondary students in the state and is expected to move

from Sapele Local Government Area to other parts of the state and the country at large.

Okpe Grammar school won the competition, in which 32 public and private schools participated in the Sapele region. A private school, Excellence School of Science and Technology came second while International High School came third.

The competition which was coordinated by Eferiofe Education Services had the final event held at the Christ Foundation Ministry International, aka, Ejele Chapel, Sapele, founded by Diden, and was keenly contested by the

students of Sapele Grammar School and Excellence School of Science and Technology. Three students represented each of the schools at the final.

The competition was also initiated as part of the programmes to mark the 5th anniversary of the Christ Foundation Ministry, a charity and evangelism outreach, with branches in Agbor, Ughelli, Koko and Warri.

The finalists were given different prizes, including desk top computers, laptops, Ipads, school bags, notebooks as well as cash prizes to the teachers.

Afrinvest Moves To Re-launch Rhodes Scholarship In Nigeria

By Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

The Chief Executive Officer of Rhodes Trust and Warden of Rhodes House in Oxford, Mr. Charles Conn has said Nigeria will benefit from Rhodes scholarship, the world’s most preeminent post-graduate scholarship scheme.

According to him, two exceptionally bright students will receive full funding, valued at between £40,000 and £50,000 per annum, to study at the prestigious Oxford University, United Kingdom.

Conn announced the reintroduction of the scheme during the 3rd Business Forum of the Oxbridge (Oxford & Cambridge) Club

of Nigeria, facilitated by Afrinvest, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja recently.

He explained that the Rhodes Scholarship covers all university and college fees, a personal stipend for room and board, health insurance and travel, as well as the costs of the Rhodes Programme including those of Rhodes House.

“Depending on the course of study, the total value of the scholarship could range from £40,000 to £50,000 per annum, with the average tenure for a Rhodes Scholar being 2.8 years and 3 – 4 years for PhD courses. Over time, up to four scholars in residence will be supported under each scholarship at a total of approximately £200,000 each year per scholarship, which is

sustained by a 4 percent take rate on the endowment funds, he said.”

The managing director of Afrinvest and a Rhodes Scholar, Ike Chioke is driving the 15-year campaign with the Rhodes Trust to reinstate the Nigerian award which led to Conn’s visit to Nigeria as a guest speaker at the Oxbridge Club Business Forum.

According to Chioke, “the Rhodes scholarship is indeed a great opportunity for young Nigerian scholars to fulfill their dreams. As a beneficiary of the scheme, I am passionate about helping young people develop to their full potential through quality education and training. This is the surest way to secure the future of our country and the African continent as a whole.”

Niger state government is to formulate new policy on Tertiary Education and Scholarship for the students of the state in various higher institution of learning with a view to improve education in the state.

The Commissioner for Tertiary Education Dr Mohammed Bashar Nuhu told Journalists yesterday in Minna that the new policy on Tertiary Education and Scholarship award was to ensure optimal delivery of Higher education to the people.

Consequently he disclosed that 5,000 stakeholders will converge this week in Minna, to discuss the draft of the new policies for the ministry and subsequent adoption for immediate implementation.

Nuhu said the policy bordered on funding, teaching staff, Infrastructure, research and community services aimed at “Encouraging the active involvement of Alumni in different facets of development in their former institutions, especially through their association.”

According to him the new policy would “Promote mentorship, sound ethics and moral values among students as well as offer guidance and counseling to students, particularly through students bodies”.

Lasu: Ssanu Vows To Continue

by NAN

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo Chapter, on Tuesday vowed to continue its monthlong strike, until its demands were met.

The union’s Chairman, Mr Saheed Oseni, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, that the decision to continue with the strike was taken at the union’s congress on June 23.

NAN reports that the union had embarked on an indefinite strike on May 26, to press home some of its demands.

They are demanding for the repeal of the ‘no vacancy, no promotion’ policy of its management, a reduction in the tuition fee hike and the implementation of the 65 years retirement age policy.

Oseni said that the National Executive Council (NEC) of the union, at its meeting on June 19, pledged to support the union in its struggle for the implementation of its demands.

34 EDUCATION/INTERVIEW

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Do you think our present situation as a country has anything to do with the school system and quality of our education?

low IQ chorus and a lot of gibberish together, but real musicians can read music, play instruments and write music. My advice is educate your gift.

Most definitely. I believe over 95 percent of secondary school kids are ill suited for the courses they’re studying. You can run any random survey and find that 8 out of every 10 students will say ‘they gave me’ the course I’m studying.

I also believe that schools need to develop personality profiles for each student and it should be measured from primary school up to university level and that profile should be a guide for what each child should study, since it is an inventory of his gifting.

Besides, the quality of education available in a nation is directly proportional to the productivity of that nation.

Garbage in, garbage out.

As a country, what can we do to at least reduce the adverse effects?

Well, I believe that every school should offer enterprise development courses and make it mandatory for each student. Personally, I believe the NYSC should be scrapped and should give way to a 1 year entrepreneurship and employability programme to get Nigeria working again.

A number of students and graduates believe good a grade is all that matters to ensure a successful life. Is there more?

Having a good grade is important.

Though I dropped out of school, I don’t advise others to do the same. But I believe personal development begins where formal education ends. A number of graduates or young folks study only to pass, but not to apply. I believe examinations are not a test of intelligence, but of preparation.

However, good grades don’t guarantee a successful life.

That has to do with discovering purpose, living with passion, working with excellence and not giving excuses.

Some students believe that not everyone is cut out for entrepreneurship. What is your take on this?

I believe that not everyone is cut out to be a number 1; some folks are to serve faithfully as Number 2. In the same vein, not everyone can or will be entrepreneurs. Some will be what I call ‘INtrepreneurs’, that’s CEOs in employment and they’ll be fulfilled doing that.

Everyone must find their place and fill it.

Nigerians are known to be loyal to brands, but we see many entrepreneurs springing out from the same line of business.

How can a budding entrepreneur straight out of school or the NYSC stand out?

Harris

Good Grades Alone Can’t Guarantee Successful Life – Harris Most students operate with the belief that a good grade is what is required to live successfully thereafter. But Steve Harris, a secondary school drop-out who defied all odds and social norms to become a published author, strategist and professional orator disagrees. In this interview with Vanessa Akuboh, the author of College Dropout to Corporate Sell-Out’ addresses this and talks about the Nigerian educational system and sundry issues affecting it Young Nigerians believe that if you have talents, you don’t need to worry about formal education to make it. What do you think the Nigerian youth with this mentality should know?

Talent is just raw natural gifting from God, but it needs to be honed into skill through diligent, developed and disciplined focus.

A lot of young artistes think making music is just about getting a beat, placing a catchy,

Trending Education Stories ➊ ASUP strike lingers ➋ Substantive education Minister yet to be appointed ➌ Long Term Solutions Required To Solve Constant Strike – Sen Tinubu

The Independent Electoral Commission INEC in Plateau state yesterday as part of efforts geared towards mainstreaming voters and enlightening citizens on the electoral process ahead of the 2015 elections , inaugurated the inter Agency Advisory Committee on Voters Education and Publicity (SICVEP) LEADERSHIP gathered that the committee drew it’s membership from INEC relevant ministries , departments agencies , Professional bodies , non governmental and faith based organizations and it’s geared towards a free , fair

, credible and acceptable elections come 2015.

Speaking at the occasion in Jos, the Resident Electoral commissioner of INEC in the state , Hon Habu Zarma said the composition of establishment of NICVEP with membership from relevant ministries dealing with civic and voter education is a key provision in the INEC strategic Plan 2012 - 2016 In his words “ this is against the background that the commission cannot singlehandely undertake or achieve effective mobilization and voter education with the desired reach as it prepares to ensure a hitch free 2015 general elections “

In your book , you wrote: “It is not what you have that limits you but what you have but don’t know how to use”. How does the undergraduate or someone straight out of school or even a college drop-out know what he has and what to do?

I believe it was Dr. Myles Munroe that said ‘when the purpose of a thing is unknown, abuse is inevitable’. Until one discovers the appropriate use of their gift set or skill set, he’s sure to abuse it. To discover your passion, you need to determine what comes to you naturally or what problem frustrates you the most when it’s poorly done.

Plateau 2015: Coalition Of Student Leaders Vows To Support Whoever Gov. Jang Endorses

2015: INEC Inaugurates Committee On Voter Education In Jos

BY ACHOR ABIMAJE,Jos

Business is very dynamic. I believe every entrepreneur must find their niche in order to stand out.

Let me give you a clear example.

A lot of people want to get into the events management business, but all they are concerned with is the glitz and glamour, setting up the backdrop and the pretty lights etc. But a little known niche in events management is cleaning the venue (before and after). Only an entrepreneur will notice that niche and leverage on it.

BY ACHOR ABIMAJE,Jos

25

countries will be participating in this year’s fifth annual Olympiad

Coalition of students leaders in Plateau State has praised Governor , Jonah David Jang of the State for his developmental strides by taking the State to a level that no past administration has done it before.

The Students further appealed to the People of the State to accept and support whoever the Governor endorses as his successor in the forthcoming elections.

Addressing a Joint press conference in Jos yesterday , spokesperson of the group and National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) national leader, Prince Miaphen and National Associa-

tion of Plateau Students (NAPSS) President ,Dabup Homsuk Baba stressed that as living witness to the enormous transformation al efforts of the visionary leadership of Governor Jang in the state on the Platform of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP , we hereby stand united in purpose and with one resounding voice to affirm that we shall not sit back and allow all the good legacies of the current administration to be eroded by any opposition element in the state come 2015. “ Governor Jang administration has offered appointment to about 200 former student leaders.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

35

36 issues

Thursday, June 26, 2014

The Nigerian Equation And The Categorical Imperative Of National Ideology from yesterday

By Yusufu Ameh Obaje

j. Its Moral Nature National ideology has a moral nature as it defines our moral agenda, duty and obligation to our country; guides and controls our moral direction; ignites our moral conscience and sensitivity; sets the boundary for our moral conduct and behaviour; exposes the limits of our moral freedom; upholds our moral courage and guarantees our moral future.

As moral beings, the overall behavioural pattern of citizens in a given country is largely dictated by the quality of their national ideology. Therefore, a well-articulated national ideology provides the driving force which compels citizens to act or behave in a manner that brings out the true positive character of their country.

In the absence of any such ideology, moral bankruptcy becomes the order of the day, to the detriment of the people’s national image and qualitative behaviour. In this case, we appear to have only one viable option, namely formulation of a profound national ideology that will serve as springboard of our positive moral conscience.

Against the background of its philosophical nature, national ideology inspires citizens to employ the principle of conscientization of the whole being, involving conscience stinging, heart rebirth, head reawakening, brain reactivation, mind refocusing, intellect resharpening, soul purification and body revitalization.

l. Its Existential Nature National ideology has an existential nature as it deals with the existence of an individual within a given society and who must be treated as a free and responsible agent, with capacity to determine his or her own developmental agenda, in accordance with the rules and regulations governing the particular community of people.

Our daily lifestyle and activities are determined by ideas, no matter Obaje how thorough or vague these ideas individual and national greatness. may be for us, as individuals or Our National ideology must be group of persons. We are ruled precise and yet comprehensive and governed by ideas or ideologies enough to impact on all areas of our which are meant to suggest or life, including the physical world guide our understanding of rights of our Nation. Indeed, a country and privileges that are designed to is made up of the people and the enable us fulfil the purpose of our land mass in which the people live existence. In a functional national and operate. It also follows that the ideology, the individual finds or true greatness of a nation must be locates ideas which provide him seen in what the people do with or her with necessary guidelines the physical world of the particular k. Its Philosophical Nature for living as a free and responsible nation. Our national ideology has a National ideology is an person, within the community of dynamic relationship with the land imperative on account of its persons who are also driven by the and the entire environment of the philosophical nature. As a critical same ideological provision. people of the country. Therefore, statement of the people’s definition The movement from the contents of the ideas which of their self-identity, as objective theory to practice and from form our national ideology must articulation of their perceived needs underdevelopment to development lead us to make the best use of and aspiration of what they intend is only possible for individuals our physical world as Nation. It to be and achieve in life, national or groups who are armed and must compel us to develop our ideology enjoys its philosophical propelled by ideas which empower agriculture to guarantee food tradition and intellectual heritage. them to advance forward. Such security for all and to improve on As such, no country can do without ideas compel them to act in certain the national beauty of our physical it, as it contributes to the driving manners or ways which make to be environment. By this act, we can intellectual force for national multithem satisfied or fulfilled within also expose the greatness of the purpose renaissance in order to particular concrete realities of land in which we live in order to guarantee holistic transformation. existence. We are convinced that attract people from all over the In an environment of high level the platform for realizing our world to come and see what we illiteracy, ignorance, superstition individual and collective dreams of have done with the land and the and widespread intellectual existence as a nation remains in the environment that God has given bankruptcy, there is a dire need development of a viable national us to live in, to transform, and to for us to ride on a well-articulated ideology. celebrate him as the one and only national ideology. This will enable God of all creation. us to recreate our intellectual m. Its Physical Nature At this point, we can say with history through gadfly education National ideology has a physical all degree of certainty that the of re-awakening of the heart, the nature as ideas are imperative for categorical imperativeness head, the brain, the mind, the the maintenance of the physical of national ideology is seen intellect, the soul and the human world. Of course, it is equally in its divine, ontological, body. The human conscience must true that the physical world itself anthropological, spiritual, religious, be pinched and challenged to inspires the birth of ideas which in political, economic, social, cultural, remain sharp in order to resist the turn help to shape or transform the moral, philosophical, existential invasion of the clouds of illiteracy world in which we live in. and physical nature. It is therefore in our subconscious mind. This It is precisely the quality inevitable and urgently obligatory process will guarantee clear and of our national ideology that for our country to develop one and objective reasoning and encourage energizes us to develop all kinds live by it. The next chapter then, is cross- examination of ideas, facts, of infrastructures necessary our attempt to suggest what our motives and rationale for believing for realizing our individual and national ideology should be as well and acting in a particular way. collective dreams of achieving as the resultant national dream, national philosophy and national sense of belonging.

The movement from theory to practice and

from underdevelopment to development is only possible for individuals or groups who are armed and propelled by ideas which empower them to advance forward

IV. The Proposed National Ideology We reinstate the fact that human beings have no real capacity to

behave or act in any manner in an ideological vacuum, as every human behaviour or action is rooted in an idea, no matter how vague or unambiguous. For us in Nigeria, and particularly, in our search for national transformation, we have to formulate a national ideology, that is, an idea which invokes, inspires, dictates, motivates, encourages, directs, guides, drives and governs the individual citizen or the body of citizens to live and die for the country at all times.

It is that idea or ideology that gives birth to our national dream, our national philosophy and our national sense of belonging.

Here, we submit the following for reflection and consideration. a.Our National Ideology To exist is to be a Nigerian; rendering selfless service to make Nigeria the greatest of all nations; and to realize true greatness for all Nigerians in all areas of life; in the spirit of one family, one world, one common destiny, to the glory of the one and only God who made us all.

Let us for the sake of clarity of thought, understanding and appreciation of the weight or importance of the above ideology, attempt to single out the following phrases for further elucidation.

1. To exist is to be a Nigerian There is no one born of a woman who decides in the mother’s womb which country of origin he or she wants to belong to as a citizen. It is all decided for us by the one and only God who created everything in the universe of things and beings.

The choice is not our own at all but that of the creator of all. Even the mother who runs out of her own country to deliver her baby in another country only creates a situation of dual citizenship for the child but can never reverse what is divinely ordained as first country of origin. Our country of origin is a divine choice, a divine purpose, a divine gift, a divine plan, a divine

law, a divine mandate, a divine order, a divine ordination, a divine calculation, a divine mathematics, a divine arrangement, a divine mission, a divine imperative and not an accident of history or the work of mere humans. Our citizenship is a divine ontological grace which no man or woman can create. For a Nigerian child, to exist is to be a Nigerian and nothing else. As Nigerians, our existence is inseparable from our Nigerianness.

The individual dictum of existence is: I exist, therefore, I am a Nigerian, and since I am a Nigerian, I therefore exist.

Consequently, as Nigerians, if we do anything that is not to the overall interest of Nigeria and the Nigerian people, we create a dislocation or alienation in our life and therefore not in a position to give our best to God and our country.

As Nigerians, the phrase: ‘to exist is to be a Nigerian’, is a positive statement of one’s identity as well as a decisive definition of what we live for in life experience.

We live for our country Nigeria in honour of the one and only God who created us and made us Nigerians. Our life is only fulfilled if we give our best to Nigeria and therefore to God ultimately.

The life of a citizen is for God and country of origin and we must be prepared to pay the ultimate price for both, especially when proven circumstances of national interest and survival demand for it. If we cannot live and die for our country, we have not understood the meaning of our existence as human beings who came into the garden of life through a particular country of origin. And if we claim to worship God and love him with all our heart, mind, soul and body and fail to live for our country’s total wellbeing, we remain pathological liars and we have denied the essence of being human in the world of humans.

Indeed, it is an ontological error and organic sin against God and country if we claim that our country must do something for us first before we live and die for our country. Our country is God’s vehicle of our existence, body and spirit, natural father and mother, ancestral and primordial parent without which we have no existence. No one comes into this world in a non-designated or countryless vacuum. We are all born into a home or a space called country, even in a refugee camp in another country. Once a country comes into being by God and persons used by him, it becomes the utmost responsibility of the citizens to develop and transform the country to enviable status for the benefit of all citizens, the world at large and ultimately for the glory of God. TO continue TOMORROW

politics today Thursday, June 26, 2014

REPORTS ANALYSES REVIEWS INTERVIEWS

Adamawa 2015: Who Takes Over From ‘Baba Mai Mangwaro’ The race to the Dougirei seat of power in Adamawa state is gathering momentum, albeit secretly. But supporters of who will take over from the incumbent who is rounding is second term is possibly what the people of Adamawa State are yet to come to terms with. ISAIAH BENJAMIN takes a look at the contenders, their chances and possible weaknesses.

I

Going down memory lane, two major factors will certainly determine who becomes the next governor of Adamawa state

t is no news that the incumbent governor of Adamawa state, Admiral Murtala Nyako fondly called ‘Baba mai mangoro’ was elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in his first and present term until situations and circumstances forced him out of the party into the newly merged All Progressive Congress (APC).

Paradoxically, the same situation that forced out Nyako were to replay themselves in the APC as some leaders in the party, also not wanting to be on same pace with the governor, parted ways with him and returned to the PDP. Be it as it may, whether Nyako will be able to deliver the state for his newly – found party APC or the PDP that gave him the mandate in his first and second term will wrestle back power from his party is yet an issue for the electorate of the state to decide.

Going down memory lane, two major factors will certainly determine who becomes the next governor of Adamawa state. One is the issue of religion considering the Muslim/Christian ratio in the state, and second is zoning.

If equity, fairness which should be the cardinal point of democracy will be given its topmost priority, then these factors will play a major role as to who will take over from ‘Baba Mai Mangoro’ come 2015.

Since the creation of Adamawa State, those that have ruled the state have more have been the Muslims leaving the position of the Deputy to the Christians until in the 1999 election when Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was elected as governor was elevated to the position of vice president.

The situation propped up Boni Haruna, a Christian who was his deputy. Haruna ruled for 8 years before another Muslim the present

Nyanko

governor took over and his serving his second term in office.

On that ground, while some are of the opinion that the governorship position should be left for a Christian to occupy after Nyako must have left office, others are of the view that politics has no religion, arguing that what is required is good governance regardless of the religion of whoever will provide it.

Another fundamental issue

that is likely to also come to play is the issue of which zone should produce the next governor. Like other states, Adamawa is made up of three Senatorial Districts namely North, South and Central Senatorial Districts.

Again going down memory lane, right from the old Gongola State all through the period leading to the creation of Adamawa State, the Southern Senatorial District has produced the governor four

times while the North has had the chance thrice.

This is where some pundits come in. Such persons are of the opinion that the central district should be given the opportunity to present the governorship candidates of the leading political parties.

But then, proponents of the religious consideration are likely to have a challenge because the zone is pre-dominantly Muslim.

Taking a roll call of who has governed the state from the old Gongola State in 1979 Abubakar Barde became the Governor from southern Senatorial District, he resigned and handed over to his Deputy Ambassador Wilberforce Juta (a Christian) from the North Senatorial District in 1982.

Alhaji Bamanga Tukur in 1983 won the election still from the same Southern Senatorial District. Then Abubakar Saleh Michika in 1992 was elected as the first Executive Governor of Adamawa State from the North.

Atiku Abubakar in 1999 was elected Governor from the South Senatorial District and upon his elevation as vice President, he handed over to his deputy Boni Haruna who is from the North and served for 8 years.

He was succeeded by the incumbent Governor Admiral Murtala Nyako who is also from the South and is presently serving his second term of eight years.

The question is whether or not Governor Nyako will be able to install a successor from his party considering the current political chess-game in the state.

In the first place, political heavy weights in the APC such as General Buba Marwa and Engineer Markus Gundiri-who contested the governorship election under the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in 2011 against the incumbent governor have all abandoned the party for the PDP over alleged high handedness of the governor.

Governor Nyako was also accused of having the entire executives of the party in his pocket. As if that was not bad enough, out of the 25 members of the State House of Assembly who were with the governor, about 23 of them have abandoned the APC and have since returned to PDP. Among members of the State Executive council, about eight of them out of 22, have so far identified with PDP and expressed ➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 38 Donald Ojogo, Group Politics Editor

37

38 POLITICS TODAY

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Adamawa 2015: Who Takes Over From ‘Baba Mai Mangwaro’ ➔ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

In view of the prevailing circumstances tearing Nyako’s family apart, major political stakeholders have abandoned the governor leaving the fight in his bedroom between his wives and children

willingness to leave his cabinet. It could be recalled recently that the governor sacked 6 of his special advisers for identifying openly with PDP. 13 local government council chairmen out of 21 are also on their way out of Nyako’s camp to return to PDP, a competent source close to the government has also disclosed.

A very competent source close to the Government House also disclosed that there is more fight as to who will take over from the governor within his household.

The fight according to an informed source is within his wife and his children resulting in the recent redeployment of the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Dr Salihu Bakare one of the aspirants in his camp who is also married to his (Nyako’s) daughter, to the Ministry of higher education as commissioner.

The said daughter is from his second wife, Hajiya Zainab Nyako, who according to source is at each dagger-drawn with the senior wife and mother of Commodore Abdulazeez Nyako’s who is Governor Nyako’s first son as the preferred person to take over from him.

Zainab Nyako who is the first lady according to the source is said to have expressed bitterness with the removal of her in-law (Dr Bakare) to a ‘redundant’ ministry and swore not to allow Abdulazeez the governor’s first son become the governor. She prefers her son inlaw instead.

In view of the prevailing circumstances tearing Nyako’s family apart, major political stakeholders have abandoned the governor leaving the fight in his bedroom between his wives and children.

Again, if the current impeachment move against the governor scales through successfully, the chances of APC in the state will certainly be slimmer if not totally impossible as far as sustaining itself in Adamawa is concerned.

Even if it fails, Governor Nyako and his deputy would have completely become politically irrelevant to add any substance to the political calculations in the state, just as the chances of his deputy becoming the governor would have been shattered.

However, a closer look at the possible contenders and their parties present some discernable windows of interest.

Those expected to slug it out in the APC include the former Presidential Candidate of the ACN Mallam Nuhu Ribadu from the central senatorial district who according to sources may enjoy the

support of the APC at the national level.

The other contender is Commodore Abdullazeez Nyako who happens to be Governor Nyako’s first son and also from the central senatorial district, and a serving commissioner in his cabinet who happens to be married to his daughter Dr Salihu Bakari also from the same zone.

In the PDP, the major contenders who have shown interest include Nyako’s deputy, Honourable James Bala Ngilari a Christian from the north senatorial district, Senator Abubakar Halilu Girie from the central senatorial district and Honourable Auwal Tukur, son of the former PDP national chairman also from the central senatorial district.

Others include Dr Ahmed Modibbo (central) Senator Bello Tukur (central) Honourable Ahmadu Umar Fintiri (current Speaker of the House of AssemblyNorth), Dr Umar Ardo(South) Brig. General Buba Marwa (north) Honourable Jerry Kundusi (central) Engr. Markus Gundiri (central).

But of all those expected to slug it out in the PDP primaries, three names ringing bell in the state according to informed sources with that Senator Abubakar Halidu Girie topping the chart.

The deputy governor’s chances include the fact that he is a Christian, the leader of PDP who refused to follow the governor to the APC. But he has been accused of being sluggish and even the Christians see him as not fighting their cause accordingly.

Senator Abubakar Girie from the central Senatorial District is seen as the most experienced politician on ground in view of his impressive performance while in the senate between 1999-2003. He contested for the governorship ticket in 2003 and 2007 but was unsuccessful.

Again, the biological son of the former PDP national Chairman Bamanga Tukur in the person of Auwal Tukur also from the central is yet another person o watch out for; he had attempted to wrestle power from Governor Nyako in 2007 but was not successful.

Whether PDP will rally around him and give him support because of his father’s former position is one thing we should watch out for.

Another contender that cannot possibly be waved aside is Senator Bello Tukur who served as deputy governor under Boni Haruna for eight years; he was Chief of Staff to Nyako and elected Senator in 2011. An informed source in his constituency said the constituents are not happy with him over poor performance. It is also alleged that as soon as he was elected Senator, he started fighting Governor Nyako who was instrumental to his election.

Girie

Ribadu

Tukur

the law Thursday, June 26, 2014

the LAW 39

FEATURES

National Conference And Judicial Reforms As delegates to the ongoing National Conference continue their deliberations on the restructuring of the country, OLUGBENGA SOYELE examines some suggestions made by some members of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Law Reforms to reposition the Nigerian Judiciary.

T

he judiciary all over the world plays a vital role in balancing governmental powers and functions as against the rights and liabilities of citizens and also in the maintenance and sustenance of law and order, however recent developments in the Nigerian judiciary has raised some doubts on whether the third arm of government is living up to this duties.

The obstacles and challenges facing the judiciary are multi-dimensional and numerous, some are institutional while others are inherent in the socio-political set up of the country. To demonstrate how bad the situation really is, the US State Department’s country’s Report on Nigeria for 2012 contains the following findings about the Nigerian judicial system: “Although the constitution and law provide for an independent judiciary, the judicial branch remained susceptible to pressure from the executive and legislative branches and the business sector.

“Political leaders influenced the judiciary, particularly at the state and local levels. Understaffing, underfunding, inefficiency, and corruption continued to prevent the judiciary from functioning adequately. Judges frequently failed to appear for trials, often because they were pursuing other sources of income and sometimes because of threats against them. In addition court officials often lacked the proper equipment, training, and motivation to perform their duties, with lack of motivation primarily due to inadequate compensation.”

However, all the blame for the rot in the judiciary cannot just be laid on the doorstep of Judges because they are sometimes hostage of a legal system with sufficient loopholes for criminals to escape justice.

Over the years, there has been many attempts to reform the third arm of government with little or no success, however, the on going National Conference has provided another opportunity for stakeholders to take another look at the problems and provide solutions to them.

Already, three members of the National Conference Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Law Reforms: Mike Ozekhome

Mukhtar

(SAN), Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) and Femi Falana (SAN), in their various submissions before the committee have called for a decentralised and totally independent judiciary.

For Ozekhome, members of the committee should fashion out a new constitution for the country, and states should be allowed to have a hierarchy of law courts, from the lowest to the highest as it is with the federal government.

The lawyer noted that the present Supreme Court had more than it could chew and so, more power must be devolved to states if the country needs quick dispensation of justice.

He also said there was urgent need for the country to considerably increase the number of justices in the country even as he canvassed that judges be allowed to voluntarily retire from service or at most, peg the retirement ceiling at 80 years against the existing 70 years of age.

Ozekhome further suggested that the offices of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice should be separated, arguing that under the current arrangement, attorneys general had become more of politicians. He urged the committee to recommend that the outcome of the conference be made to replace the existing constitution, which he noted, was foisted on Nigerians by colonial masters and military dic-

tatorship.

In his own presentation, former Nigerian Bar Association President, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) listed ten areas that needed to be looked at critically, if the Nigerian Judiciary must occupy it rightful place in the Nigerian society.

He wants the 1999 Constitutional reform to strengthen the weaknesses in the Judiciary. For instance, he wants the overbearing influence of State Governors over the Judiciary removed.

According to him, as it stands today, state governors can remove Heads of Court in States without the input of the National Judicial Council by simply commencing impeachment against them in the House of Assembly. This he submits has made most Chief Judges insecure.

Agbakoba also want to see the transformation of court administration and management by massive deployment of IT e.g. e-payment & e-filing systems, electronic court recorders, internet facilities, training of judicial staff on IT, etc.

On his part, human rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN) wants the Customary Court of Appeal and Shariah courts removed from the Constitution as they are state courts. He instead suggested that they should be provided for in laws enacted by the Houses of Assembly of States.

Falana also suggested that

there should be six zones of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court to hear and determine appeals from courts in each zone.

“The divisions of the Appellate Court and the Supreme Court in each zone shall be headed by a Deputy President and Deputy Chief Justice respectively. The Western State once had a Court of Appeal before it was abolished”.

He further stated that apart from exercising jurisdiction in disputes between the Federal Government and states and between states, the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court should be limited to constitutional matters. All Justices of the Supreme Court should form one panel and sit together to determine all constitutional matters.

The rights activist also wants the Federal Judicial Service Commission abolished, as its role is a duplication of the functions of the National Judicial Council.

“The NJC should not be involved in the appointment and discipline of judges of state courts. Zonal Judicial Councils should be established to perform functions which are similar to those of the NJC”.

Falana also suggested that serving judges should not be members of the Judicial Councils. They should be constituted by retired judges and lawyers and headed by retired Justices of the Supreme Court. The state judicial commissions and the Nigerian Bar Association should be fully involved in the appointment and discipline of judges at all levels.

Also speaking on the need for reform of the sector, a senior lecturer at the Department of Law, University of Lagos, Wahab Shittu, said that one fundamental problem of the Nigerian Judiciary is the undue delay in the administration of justice which can be addressed through a qualitative reform process that is tailored to address both the systemic failures and the question of integrity.

With all of the suggestions put forward, it is the desire of the stakeholders in the judicial sector that the committee will at the end of its deliberations come up with solutions targeted at the root of the problems facing the sector by putting in place effective legal and institutional mechanisms to eradicate these obstacles and ensure that the judiciary is appropriately positioned to respond to the challenges of the 21st Century and its attendant consequences on a developing economy with a large and litigious population such as Nigeria.

It is the desire of the stakeholders in the judicial sector that the committee will at the end of its deliberations come up with solutions targeted at the root of the problems facing the sector

40 DEFENCE FOCUS

Thursday, June 26, 2014

486 Traders Arrested In Abia And The Aftermath

O

n June 11th 2014 the Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima warned that Boko Haram may soon extend its operations to the southern part of the country if they are not curbed in the Northeast.

As if he were a prophet, his warning almost become a reality, four days later, on June 15th, with two disheartening events that took place in the East.

Firstly came the planting of three bombs in the premises of Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) in Owerri, the Imo state capital, by suspected Boko Haram insurgents. This was done on a Sunday morning where and when approximately 10,000 Christian worshipers were expected to gather to attend their weekly Church service.

But according to reports, the militants were caught in the act, apprehended by the police and the bombs were diffused. Had this not been the case the number of casualties would have been horrific and unimaginable.

On that same day, the 144 battalion of the Nigerian Army, Asa in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State arrested a convoy of 33 buses conveying 486 suspected insurgents including eight females between Aro Ngwa and Imo Gate along the Enugu- Port Harcourt expressway.

The suspects intercepted around 3am on Sunday, claimed to have come from different parts of the Northern states and aged mainly between 16 and 24 and were said to be searching for jobs.

Briefing newsmen at the Headquarters of the 144 Battalion of the Army, Asa where the suspects are being de-

defence focus

tained, alongside the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Charles Ajunwa and Commander of the miliBy BAYO OLADEJI tary base, Lieutenant Colonel Rasheed Omolori who confirmed the arrest, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Abia State, Dr. Eze Chikamnayo, explained that two buses escaped with their occupants.

Then as people began to ask questions over the arrest, the Defence Headquarters through its Director of Information, Major General Chris Olukolade disclosed that one of those that were caught was a ‘’notorious Boko Haram commander’’ who had been declared wanted in the past and for whom a ransom had already been offered casts Badeh even more suspicion on their Orji mission and intentions.

Boko Haram and are actually “those who wanted to know The ‘’notorious commandoperating on Nigerian soil! the identity of the kingpin er’’ has since been separated But while the military auarrested among them have from the other suspects and hidden agenda and those has been detained not just by thorities would argue in fawho are clamouring for their the police but by the military vour of the arrest, and while some people count it worfreedom do not mean well. authorities in Abia state. A We need to be cautious befew days later the police con- thy of praise and commendation, criticism and cynicause we are in more or less firmed that at least 86 of the cism have been greeting the war situation and all hands detained suspects were defaction. must be on deck. We seek for initely associated with Boko “We are aware of the presunderstating of all and sunHaram whilst the rest resure being mounted from dry. I am to assure Nigerians mained under investigation.

To make matters worse, ac- the outside on those that are that no innocent would be being held. But let me expunished. cording to police sources, on plain to you the reason why On why the condition the morning of 20th June a those suspects are still being of their detention, he said, Boko Haram suicide bomber was intercepted and arrested held. In the first instance, 86 “They are not being detained whilst trying to plant a bomb of them have been identified per se, the condition if the as suspected members of the places where they are held in a school in Owerri, Imo Boko Haram outlawed sect. good and in order. We would state in southern Nigeria. not allow people to commuAs if that were not enough, This was discovered during the screening and the reanicate with them for now there was a story reported due to security reasons. Peoby a British tabloid called the son why others are still being screened. The question is ple should understand this.

Daily Star on 8th June and where were these people goAs soon as the screening is which was later reproduced ing in the late hours of the over, those who are innocent in Nigeria’s Skytrend News night? How come most of would be let go.” on the 17th of June that, acthem were having less than National Council of Muscording to British intelligence sources, no fewer than N1000 and they did not even lim Youth Organizations know where they were head- (NACOMYO) has frowned at 50 British fundamentalists the arrest and therefore, de‘’mainly from south-east Lon- ing to?”

Speaking further, he said, manded their immediate redon’’ have joined the ranks of

PROFILE: AIR COMMODORE YUSUF ANAS

ANAS

Lt Commander Jerry Omodara, born on 8 August 1963 at Oke Offin, Kabba/Bunu LGA, Kogi State..

Holds Diploma in Law, BSc Political Science from LASU and Diploma in Basic Protocol from the International School of Protocol and

Diplomacy, Belgium.

He was one time Command Information Officer, Western Naval Command, Lagos. He is currently the Public Relations Officer, National Defence College, Abuja.

He is a Member of Protocol and Diplomacy International-

Protocol Officers Association.

Omodara has cordial relationship with the media practitioners and the superior officers in his career.

He often refers to the Navy’s spokesman, Commodore Kabiru Aliyu as his mentor in the field.

lease and payment of full compensation to them by the authorities concerned for violating their fundamental human rights.

NACOMYO, in a statement signed by its national secretary-general Malam Binyamin A. Yusuf, which was made available to newsmen in Kaduna, alleged that it was not the first time Muslims and Nigerians of northern extraction would be subjected to unnecessary harassment in other parts of the country.

“The soldiers perpetrating these atrocities should be posted to Borno State where they could be very useful to detect real Boko Haram instead of subjecting innocent Nigerians to unwarranted sufferings and incarceration.

NACOMYO calls for immediate release of these innocent Nigerians and full compensation are paid to them for violating their fundamental human right”.

The group charged soldiers to exercise greater caution in order “not to create bad precedence that will hinder free movement of Nigerians within the country and retaliation elsewhere.

The controversy took a new turn when the arrest pitches the Abia State government against the Jigawa State lawmakers who have threatened to sue the state over the arrest of the 486 suspects.

The government dismissed the threat by the lawmakers as “laughable and diversionary”, saying by their action, they presented themselves as law breakers, rather than lawmakers. The government warned the lawmakers to steer clear of the case and allow security agencies to do their job of carrying out thorough investigation on the matter.

Top 3 DEFENCE STORIES ➊ Bomber Disguises As Fresh Student ➋ Soldiers Harass Tambuwal In Kaduna ➌ 30 massacred, 60 women, children abducted in Borno.

Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) President, Mrs Omolara Amosu (middle), commissioning the borehole donated by the association to the Abuja School for the handicapped, Kuje, Abuja.

news NATIONAL 41

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Amid Tears, Senators Extol Dahiru Kuta’s Virtues Want HYPADEC headquarters named after him

By Uchenna Awom and Jonathan Nda Isaiah, Abuja

Amid sobs, senators yesterday extolled the sterling virtues of their late colleague, Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta.

The day’s plenary session was devoted entirely for senators to pay glowing tributes to late Senator Kuta, who died on Thursday, June 12, 2014 at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos.

They resolved to urge the federal government to immortalise the late legislator by naming the na-

tional headquarters of the Hydropower Producing Areas Development Commission, (HYPADEC), located in Minna, Niger State, “Awaisu Kuta House”.

The senators took turns to extol the noble virtues of Senator Kuta, who was a chieftain of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and represented Niger East Senatorial District from 2007 till he bowed to death a fortnight ago.

Senate leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba had moved a motion, which he co-sponsored with the rest of the 108 senators, entitled, “Demise of Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta (1949-2014)”.

Leading the debate on the motion, Senator Ndoma-Egba said, “Senate notes with heavy heart

and a deep sense of loss the demise of Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta, a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Thursday, 12th June, 2014 at the age of 65.

“The Senate notes that Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta was born on 16th April, 1949 to the family of Awaisu Abdu at Kuta, headquarters of Shiroro local government of Niger State.

“The Senate notes further that the Late Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta began his primary education at Central Primary School, Minna from 1958 to 1963 and proceeded to Government Secondary School, Abuja where he obtained his West African School Certificate between 1964 and 1968. He also attended Government College, Bida for his

Higher School Certificate before proceeding to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria from 1971 to 1975, where he obtained a B.A (Hons) degree in History. Not done, he further went to the University of Ife, Ile-Ife from 1980 to 1981 and acquired a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration.

“Senate observes that the Late Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta was a devout Muslim throughout his lifetime and a good family man who loved all his children and cared for the needy irrespective of personal, ethnic or religious affiliations. He was a teacher, consummate public servant, an astute politician and philanthropist who positively touched many lives in his life time.”

Kano, Kaduna Attacks: Onslaughts Aimed At Undermining FG’s Achievements – PDP

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday bemoaned the recent attacks in Kano and Kaduna states, declaring that the timings and patterns of attacks in the country are aimed at undermining any progress the federal government and the ruling party makes.

PDP was reacting to Monday’s bombing at the School of Hygiene in Kano as well as attacks on some Kaduna communities on Tuesday.

A statement by the national secretary of the PDP, Prof Wale Oladipo, noted that while the party is deeply worried by the spate of mindless attacks which it claims are aimed at destablising the polity, it however, urged Nigerians to “note the pattern and timing which betray a trend tailored against the PDP and the federal government.”

Drawing a correlation between the attacks and some activities of the party, the statement said, “We have observed that it has become a recurrent decimal that whenever the PDP or the federal government records or is about to record a major milestone, insurgents launch attacks on the people, the most recent being the Kano and Kaduna attacks which came in the wake of PDP’s victory in Ekiti State last Saturday and ahead of the groundbreaking and unveiling ceremony of the Centenary City by President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday.

“Was it a mere coincidence that bombs went off in Nyanya in Abuja on Monday, April 14, 2014, killing over 100 innocent citizens at a time the world focused on Nigeria for the hosting of the 25th World Economic Forum in Abuja? Was it also a mere coincidence that the Chibok school girls were abducted by insurgents the following day? Were these attacks part of a plot to divert attention from the gains of the forum and paint the federal government as incompetent and the nation as unsafe?”

42 news north-East, north-west

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Cholera Outbreak: 7 Dead, 306 Infected In Jigawa

By Zangina kura, Dutse

Seven people were confirmed dead while over 306 are infected following the cholera outbreak in the ancient city of Hadejia, Jigawa State.

Reports from the city revealed that the sign of the outbreak started over the weekend and the situation became aggravated on Monday and Tuesday.

However, visiting the city yesterday, LEADERSHIP observe that the situation had now subsided and not more than 30 victims of the outbreak

remain at Hadejia General Hospital for treatment.

The state governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, had also visited the city yesterday to observe the situation, sympathize with victims and the families of those who lost their loved ones.

At the palace of the emir of Hadejia, Governor Lamido stated that poor environmental and personal hygiene had been identified as the major causes of the epidemic.

Lamido also told the journalist that the situation was under control due to the quick govern-

ment intervention which included sending reinforcement of health workers and providing free treatment to all the victims.

Confirming the figure of the victims, the state commissioner for health Dr Tafida Abubakar told LEADERSHIP that out of the 306 cases reported to the hospital, seven people died, 22 remained hospitalized while all the rest had been discharged.

Dr Tafida added that effective measures had been taken to contain the disease and stop it from spreading to other places.

“The situation is under con-

trol, and the Ministry of Health in collaboration with Ministry of Environment are set to embark on enlightment and senstisation campaign for the need of people to take care of their environment and personal hygiene for their safety and that of their children.”

Commenting on the outbreak, the emir of Hadejia His Highness Dr Adamu Abubakar Maje commended the efforts of the state government for its timely intervention which now brought the situation under control.

Parmanent Secretary, Bureau for Religious Affairs, Kaduna State, Alhaji Abdulrahman Marmoud, with Chief Iman, NNPC Jumaat Mosque, Kaduna, Sheik Abubakar Babantuni, when he paid a visit to the Bureau for Religious Affairs in Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO

BY GBENGA ABIOLA

short news Kaduna Spends N3bn For Primary Schools Renovation The Kaduna State Commissioner for Education, Malam Ibrahim Ali, yesterday said over N3billion had been expended by the state government for renovation of some primary schools affected by rainstorm accross the state.

He stated this on Tuesday in an interview with LEADERSHIP shortly after his meeting with all principals of senior and junior secondary schools in Northern Senatorial District of Kaduna State held at Barewa College, on Tuesday.

By Aliyu Yusuf, Zaria

Court Stops INEC From Annulling Taraba PDP Congresses

By Andrew Ojih, Jalingo

Justice Donatus U. Okorowo of the Federal High Jalingo, Taraba State, has granted an order of interlocutory injunction restricting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP national chairman and the PDP National Working Committee from annulling the PDP congresses conducted in Taraba State in March 2012.

A motion on notice filed before the court on May 30, 2014 by Kuriya Tafarki Auta and 28 others

sought an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the INEC, PDP national chairman, PDP National Working Committee and its agents, servants or privies from annulling, canceling, quashing or setting aside the ward, local government and state congresses of the PDP held on 3rd, 10th and 17th March, 2012, in Taraba State.

Joined as defendants in the suit include INEC (1st defendant), Alhaji Abdulmumuni Vaki (2nd defendant) PDP national chairman (3rd defendant) and

the National Working Committee of the PDP (4th defendant).

According to the plaintiffs, INEC had in three letters dated 5th March 2012, 25th July, 2013 and 22nd April, 2014 to the PDP national chairman directed that the congresses of the PDP in Taraba State should be conducted again on the allegation that the one conducted in March 2012 was marred by violence and general non-compliance with the provisions of the PDP Constitution and the approved guidelines for congresses. and convention.

NMA Urges FG To Solve Crisis In Health Sector

By Abubakar Salihi, Kano

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has challenged federal government to urgently address the crisis in the health sector to avert industrial disharmony.

The newly inaugurated NMA Kano State branch chairman Dr. Sharfuddeen Abbas Mashi made the call in his inaugural speech at the end of the association’s annual general meeting held in the state.

Dr. Sharfuddeen Mashi, who expressed disgust at government’s attitude, said the issue of the leader of health team in the sector should not be in contention con-

sidering the nature of training of each personnel and what obtains internationally.

“Have you ever seen where a non-academic staff became the vice chancellor in a university or a para-legal becoming a chief judge or even a cabin crew serving as a pilot?” Dr Mashi asked.

He declared that medical doctors are the leaders in the health sector, and reiterated his commitment to welfare of members.

In a remark, the outgoing Kano State branch, Dr. Shehi Ali Abubakar, urged the present executives to sustain the quarterly continuous medical education which fo-

cuses on updating practitioners with knowledge through the association’s newsletter, Kano Mednews, and to continue the quest to attain 100 percent consolidated medical salary structure (CONMESS) which presently stands at 94%.

The other exco members inaugurated include Dr. Abdullahi Suleiman; 1st vice chairman, Dr. Adamu Sarki, 2nd vice chairman; Dr. Sanusi Bala, secretary; Dr. Isyaku Gwazo, deputy secretary; Dr. Mahadi Dissi, financial secretary; Dr. Sani Tsoho, treasurer and Dr. Mustapha Hikima, public relations officer.

short news Katsina Constitutes Inter-Faith Committee Katsina State governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema yesterday inaugurated an interfaith committee that is aimed at ensuring peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christains in the state.

Shema listed the committee’s mandate to include enhancing understanding and cooperation between members of the two religion.

He said the committee would liaise with security agencies and identify problems that may arise within society, as well solicit for support of traditional institutions and other stakeholders to achieve desired goals.

By Muazu Elazeh, Katsina

Katsina PDP Shocks Caretaker Chairmen, Deny Them Ticket Scores of serving local government caretaker committee chairmen in Katsina State have been denied the ticket of ruling PDP ahead of the forth coming council elections in the state.

The Katsina State Independent Electoral Commissiom had slated August 2 for the council polls in the state.

Expectedly, virtually all the serving caretaker committee chairmen for the 34 LGAs who are members of the ruling PDP reportedly commenced lobby for the PDP tickets.

However, as political parties commenced screening of candidates, the ruling PDP has surprised scores of the caretaker chairmen as it substituted the names of over 85 percent of them and replaced them with new names.

Findings by our correspondent revealed that in Funtua zone, only caretaker committee chairman of Musawa local government, Tanimu Kira, got the PDP’s nod to run as a candidate at the polls while all the rest, including that of Faskari LGA, Isiyaku Ahmed, an in-law of the deputy governor, were denied the party’s flag.

Similar scenario played out in Daura zone where only three out of the 11 caretaker chairmen got the PDP’s approval to stand as candidate at the election.

Although, the leadership of the ruling PDP in the state declined to make a comment, sources at the party’s secretariat said the party’s action was informed by both lack of confidence on the caretaker chairmen and the need to please some vested interests.

By Muazu Elazeh, Katsina

Foundation Battles Drug Abuse Among Youths In Kaduna Worried over the rise of drug addiction among youths in Kaduna State, Benjamin Bisam Shekari Foundation has completed arrangements to curb the menace through academic competitions.

Addressing journalists on the mission of the Foundation, its executive secretary, Mrs Rifkatu Shekari, stressed the need to implement academic programmes that will chart a positive course for youths.

Mrs Shekari stressed the need to inculcate reading culture into youths and continuously sensitise them on the dangers of drugs abuse.

“As part of efforts to achieve its mission, the Foundation in collaboration with Kaduna State Ministry of Education and Trident Technologies of United Kingdom (UK) is organising a Mathematics, Science, Arts and Drug Abuse Competition for schools,” she said.

According to her, the competition is open to primary and secondary school students.

By Benjamin Isaiah, Kaduna

Thursday, June 26, 2014

2015: Jonathan’s Hatred For Rivers, Our Campaign Strategy – APC The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has said its campaign strategy for the 2015 general election will centre on the hatred President Goodluck Jonathan has for the people of the state.

The party also said despite the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the June 21, 2014 governorship election in Ekiti State, it will not allow such situation to occur in the state during the 2015 elections.

Chairman of APC in the state, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, in a press release issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, alleged that Jonathan’s hatred for the state was legendry despite the fact that he hails from a sister state, Bayelsa, and at the same time, an in-law to the state.

news south-South south-East 43

Edo Assembly Stand-off: APC, PDP Lawmakers Set For Parallel Sitting

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

Indication emerged that the crisis tearing apart members of the Edo State House of Assembly along party lines may linger for a long time as both warring sides yesterday announced different dates for plenary, a development that portend that the house has two speakers.

This is as the Police in Edo State averted a bloody fight among lawmakers of the ruling All Progres-

sives Congress and opposition Peoples Democratic Party in the state.

The APC legislators and their counterparts of the PDP had engaged each other in a shouting match over umbrellas to protect themselves as early morning rain beat them in front of the Chief Anthony Enahoro on Kings Square in Benin, the state capital.

The lawmakers stormed the entrance gate early in the day but none gained access into the hal-

lowed chambers but were stranded along party lines in front of the main entrance gate while hordes of anti –riot policemen guarded the areas against any breach of the peace.

But as the waiting game continued, eight PDP lawmakers provided umbrellas inscribed with the PDP logo for their protection from the downpour while the 16 APC counterparts without umbrella stood in the rain.

Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Philip Shaibu, who was irked by the action of PDP members asked them to stop campaigning as it was not yet time for such development but he was quickly confronted by the member representing Orhionmwon South constituency, Hon. Friday Ogieriakhi who taunted the APC lawmakers to come in for shelter under the PDP big umbrella for protection at all times.

short news 2015 Guber: Uyo, Oron Politicians Forge Alliance

By Anayo Onukwugha, Port Harcourt

APGA Sacks Imo Exco, Sideline Agbaso The Chief Victor Umeh-led National Working Committee( NWC) of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has exerted its influence and dissolved the current executive of the party in Imo State led by Chidi Onuzo.

The sack was sequel to the NWC meeting presided by Chief Victor Umeh yesterday in Abuja which sacked the state exco in order to inject fresh breed of politicians to reposition the party in the state.

Umeh and members of his executive, it was gathered, only heeded the demands of some stakeholders of the party to ensure that other bigwigs, like Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, are provided with the level playing ground expected to restore and further promote internal democracy in APGA.

By Stanley Uzoaru , Owerri

Heaps Of Refuse Take Over Major Streets Of Abakaliki Heaps of refuse have taken over some major streets and sections of some roads of Abakaliki metropolis, the Ebonyi State capital following the inability of the Ministry of Environment and the Ebonyi State Environmental Protection Agency (EBSEPA) to evacuate the refuse that litter the area.

Some of the streets and major roads include Goddy Ogbaga road, Uga street, New Layout Street, Ogbaga road, Convent road, Ekwulummiri Street among others.

Expressing worry over the refuse heaps, the residents said that such heaps of refuse were a threat to them and can lead to possible outbreak of epidemic in the town.

By Obinna Ogbonnaya, Abakaliki

Flood at St. John Bus Stop on Aba-Port Harcourt Road after rainfall in Port Harcourt, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN.

Bomb In Church: Imo Police Release 6 Suspects

By Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

The Imo State Police Command yesterday announced the release on bail of the six suspected Boko Haram sects arrested in connection with the failed Winners Chapel bomb implant.

State Commissioner of Police, AbdulMajid Ali, who briefed journalists yesterday, disclosed that a Nigerian, two Tanzanians, two Ugandans, an American and a Zambian..

He explained that one of the suspects was arrested after po-

lice acting on intelligence report stormed a hotel room in Owerri where the others were lodged.

Ali further explained that the suspects were arrested same day but they claimed that they were in the state for a business investment in the state.

The police commissioner noted that the suspects were released on bail after five days of satisfactory investigation on them, adding that the police are still investigating the matter.

“We arrested a Ugandan man who went to a hotel to enjoy him-

self with a commercial sex worker. The price did not go down with both of them; he left the girl and the police rounded him up where he took us to others who came under the auspices of the Nigerian Invstment Promotion in Abuja.

“We searched their documents and it was genuine; we confirmed from Abuja and it was genuine, so we have to let them go,” Ali said.

He however, said that his command had received information that can lead to the unraveling of the averted bomb.

The quest for Oron from Eket senatorial district to produce the next governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2015 has further received a boost as a major contender in the race from Uyo senatorial district visited Oron stakeholders to forge an alliance in realization of Oron agenda.

The immediate past Commissioner for Finance in the state, Mr. Bassey Albert Akpan, whose gubernatorial ambition has never been in doubt, is apparently unhappy at the injustice about to be visited on the state by the leader whose body language pertaining to his successor is becoming increasingly clearer.

By Bernard Tolani Dada Uyo

Bayelsa To Host Economic Forum

By George Okojie, Lagos

Bayelsa State government has concluded plans to host global business leaders at its maiden investment and economic forum between July 16 and 18 this year.

The investment forum is tagged “Bayelsa State Investment and Economic Forum,” the theme is “Unlocking Bayelsa State’s Economic Potential.”

Commissioner for commerce,

trade and investment, Kemela Okara, said yesterday in Lagos that “for every sector, we will ensure that all government and private sector stakeholders are present at the conference.

“The main incentive for investors is the free trade zone we are planning to establish. To establish a free trade zone, there will be non-application of local taxation.”

He promised that all the legal frameworks that would accom-

modate and protect all business interests of potential investors would be taken care of.

Chief press secretary to Governor Seriake Dickson, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said the administration had raised Bayelsa State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to N1billion from N50 million, and that the goal is to raise it to N3billion.

“Moreso, we are now targeting N6 billion as IGR per month in

the next few years. This can only be achieved by inviting investors, both foreign and domestic investors to invest. We hope to be selfsustainable; not depending on oil and not depending on monthly allocation.

“Like my governor would say, we are not looking for contractors but developers. All unique opportunities in Bayelsa State would be articulated at the conference and it won’t be a regular talk-show.”

44 news Lagos British Council Engages Students In Sports The British Council in partnership with British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has engaged secondary school students and teachers globally through the power of sports, thus increasing opportunities for young people to improve their knowledge and skills.

This was disclosed in a statement yesterday by the public relations officer of British Council, Omovie Desmond.

The statement reads, “Eight schools across Lagos State, which have been participating in the monthly Commonwealth Class Team activities were selected to participate in the milestone celebration marking ‘30 Days to Go’ to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games (23rd July - 3rd August, 2014).

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Lessons From Ekiti Poll frightening – Fashola

By GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday carried out a critical appraisal on last weekend governorship election in Ekiti State and came up with the verdict that the lessons were frightening to the country’s democracy.

Fashola, who fielded questions from journalists after a closed door meeting with Vice-Chairmen of the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) at the State House, Marina, said preference

of ‘stomach infrastructure ‘ to physical infrastructure and development by the people could hamper development of the country.

He said, “I think the first thing to do is to acknowledge the courage of the people especially the governor of Ekiti state, for the leadership and sense of decency that he has shown.

Leaving example of statesmanship. But it hasn’t come without some concerns and issues needed to be examined.

“I believe that in partisan politics, politicians and

political parties approach the electorate with challenging ideas, manifestos and with the intention to bring change to the state or country.”

He argued that every election is an assessment of what the people think and how people behave, saying that is what is inherent in when votes are counted.

Fashola added that, “ So the lessons that are supposedly coming out of Ekiti are frightening lessons for me.

“Lesson about whether the people of Ekiti are really saying

that this was all about money and rice. “ This is because it is very easy to do developmental work but is it difficult to initiate and to execute.

And developmental work that brings on change which is what every election ask for, will also from time to time occasion debates and policy trust. And which legitimately must be criticised.

“It must be a very dangerous message to simply suggest that once you give people money then this is the way it will happen.”

short news

By Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

Pickpocket Bags 18 Months Community Service

PDP, Party Of Grandfathers – Lagos Lawmaker A Lagos lawmaker representing Amuwo-Odofin Constituency 2, Hon Sultan Adeniji-Adele has described Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a party of grandfathers, stressing that the party is populated by those who have been in politics for several years.

He disclosed this yesterday during a weekly programme organised by the Assembly Correspondents.

While revealing that he was in the PDP with his father for about eight years, Hon Adeniji-Adele said that leaving the party was a good riddance to bad rubbish.

“One of the reasons my father and I left the PDP was because the party comprises old people, those that have been in the system for 30 or 40 years, who would not allow young people like us to operate. I cannot continue to identify with such a party,” he stated.

By Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani, Lagos

Heavy Downpour Returns Overcrowding To Train Service In Lagos The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Mass Transit Service (MTS) in Lagos was overcrowded following the early morning downpour yesterday, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

NAN reports that the old habit of sitting atop of moving trains reduced lately following the introduction of new trains and additional coaches.

A correspondent of NAN, who monitored the mass transit service, observed that the coaches were overcrowded and many passengers were seen hanging by the windows and doors.

According to some commuters, who said they were not regular users of the service, the train service became the alternative for them to get to their destination on time.

By NAN

Scene of the tanker explosion at the Folawiyo Energy Depot in Apapa, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO BY BENEDICT UWALAKA.

2 Years After, Court Strikes Out Robbery Charge Against Suspects

By Olugbenga Soyele, Lagos

Citing lack of diligent prosecution, Justice Aishat Opesanwo of the Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere yesterday struck out an armed robbery charge against two suspects, Paul Ani and Joe Joseph.

Justice Opesanwo, who accused the prosecution, Afolabi Solebo of not showing enough seriousness in prosecuting the case, noted that he has not been able to produce a witness, two years after the accused persons had been in custody.

The judge held, “I have studied this

matter and it shows that the prosecution is not ready to open this trial; I am ready to strike out this matter because it has been adjourned several times and the prosecution keeps asking for adjournment. The suit is hereby struck out.”

Earlier, the prosecutor, Solebo had informed the court that his witness was absent from court and that he required another adjournment to produce him.

Justice Opesanwo dismissed his plea and asked the defendants’ counsel, Uju Okeke, to respond to the plea that was made by Solebo.

But Okeke submitted that the mat-

ter has suffered several adjournments since it started on December 13, 2013 and at the last adjourned date in May, the court did say it would strike out the matter if the complainant was not in court.

The lawyer then urged the judge to strike out the matter because the suspects have been in prison custody since 2011 and the complainant is not ready to pursue the matter.

The suspects, and others still at large, had on September 10, 2010, at Costain, allegedly stolen the contents of a lorry belonging to one Amagba Chinedu.

A serial pickpocket syndicate kingpin identified as Riliwan Jimoh, known for his high criminal instinct at Lagos Bus stops has been convicted for stealing.

The 22-yearold man, who confessed before Magistrate M. B. Folami of the Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court that he had no other work beside picking pockets at various bus stops in Lagos, pleaded that justice be tempered with mercy for him.

He stunned the court when he said he had never learnt any work in his life and he started stealing at an early age before acquiring the skill of picking people’s pockets.

Jimoh who looked remorseful also revealed that he had been doing it for over four years in Lagos

By George Okojie, Lagos

Lagos Oba Stool: Parties Fail To Settle Out Of Court

By Olugbenga Soyele, Lagos

The attempt by parties in the ongoing legal battle challenging the selection and installation of Oba Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu as the Oba of Lagos to settle out of court has failed as they have opted for trial.

Two princes of one of the Lagos ruling houses, Adedoyin Adebiyi and Rasheed Modile had dragged Oba Akiolu before the Lagos High

Court in Igbosere, urging the court to set aside his appointment and installation as the Oba of Lagos.

Other defendants in the suit are the governor of Lagos State, attorney-general of the state, Prince Babatunde Akitoye, and Chief Junaud Eko. However, at the last sitting of the court, a first class monarch in the state, Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abiodun Idowu Oniru offered

to reconcile the two parties, a development that made the trial judge, Samuel Candide-Johnson to adjourn the matter till yesterday.

But at the resumed hearing of the suit yesterday, the claimants’ counsel, Ezekiel Ashade informed the court that the parties have failed to meet for possible settlement of the dispute.

Ashade also told the court that since there was no move to resolve

the matter out of court as earlier promised, the court should fix a definite date for the commencement of trial of the suit.

In their separate responses, Akiolu’s lawyer, Aderemi Bashau, 1st and 2nd defendants’ lawyer, E. Bakare as well as lawyer to 4th and 5th defendants, L. O. Kareem all confirmed that the parties were unable to settle the matter out of court.

news south-west 45

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Nigeria Moving Towards Civilised Democracy – Olanipekun A legal luminary and former national president of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Chief Wole Olanipekun(SAN) has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the last governorship election in Ekiti State, saying the country is moving towards civilised democracy.

Olanipekun, who stated this yesterday in Akure, Ondo State capital, during the 2014 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association, Akure branch, also commended the Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi for accepting the decision of the people of the state on the election.

He said he was proud of what happened in Ekiti State during the election, adding that the election remains one of the fairest and freest in the history of elections in the country.

Emulate Arisekola’s Qualities, IBB tells Nigerians

By Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

Former head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) yesterday charged Nigerians to emulate the qualities of the late Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola-Alao, saying he has left a good legacy.

Speaking during a condolence visit to the late Arisekola’s family at his Basorun, Oluwo-Kekere residence, Ibadan, Oyo State capital, Gen. Babangida noted that Arisekola’s death was a great loss to the country.

The former head of state who arrived

around 10:54am with his delegation, was received by the foremost successful investor, Dr Oba Otudeko, former governor of Oyo State, Dr Omololu Olunloyo and former minister for youths and sports, Prof Taoreed Adedoja.

“On behalf of myself, family and delegation, we are here to convey our condolences to the Arisekola family. I spoke with him two weeks before his demise and he promised to see me immediately he comes back. I didn’t know that Allah had another plan for him.

“Aare left a big legacy for us to emulate; we would have asked for long life

for him but Allah knows best.

“If you ask for long life, it should not be how long you live but long life is the good work an individual left behind and that is what Aare Arisekola-Alao has left.

“He has left good footprints in the path of life. He will forever be remembered for his kind and philanthropic gestures; may Allah grant him aljana fridauos,” Babangida said.

Earlier, Dr Otudeko thanked Allah for the life of late Arisekola-Alao, adding that he was a unique individual who impacted on many lives before his death.

short news Catholic Church Ordains New Bishop In Abeokuta

By Tope Fayehun, Akure

Fire: Ibadan Traders Count Losses The traders whose properties were destroyed on Tuesday in an early morning fire at Daleko section of Bodija market in Ibadan, Oyo State, yesterday counted their losses.

They claimed that goods worth over N1billion were lost to the fire, while about 16 shops were affected.

When LEADERSHIP visited the market yesterday, the traders were still in pensive mood following the loss of properties.

Properties and items lost in the fire incident which began about 4am and lasted almost three hours, included hundreds of bags of yam flour estimated at N39,000 each, grinding machines, yam crackers, generating sets, assorted drinks, deep freezers and sundry electronic items.

Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan

Judges Boycott Law Week In Ondo The crisis between lawyers in Ondo State under the auspices of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the judiciary over the new bail conditions prescribed by the courts in the state worsened yesterday as the judges of the state High Court boycotted the Law Week of the association.

LEADERSHIP gathered that none of the judges invited for the occasion showed up including the chief judge, Justice Olaseinde Kumuyi who was supposed to be the special guest of honour at the event.

The chief judge of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Folasade Aguda-Taiwo, who was slated as chairman of the morning session, was not seen anywhere around the venue of the event.

Tope Fayehun, Akure

L-R: Chairman, national Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Rear Admiral Ndubusi Kanu (rtd), former Secretary General of the defunct National Union of Petroleum Employees of Nigeria (NUPENG), Chief Frank Kokori and Executive Chairman, Safari Books Limited, Chief Joop Berkhout, at the book presentation of the book “Struggle for June 12” in commemoration of the 70th birthday of Kokori at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO BY BENEDICT UWALAKA.

Osun 2014: Protect Your Voter Cards, Monarch Urges Osun JOSHUA DADA,OSOGBO

The electorate in Osun State have been advised to protect their voter cards which represent their weapon to choose who governs them.

Speaking while receiving the Ijesa North Aregbesola re-election campaign team led by Dr Wale Bolorunduro at Ibokun, Obokun local government headquarters, the Alademure of Ibokunland, Oba Festus Awogboro urged the people to ensure that their votes count. The

monarch who pledged the support of his subjects for Aregbesola’s reelection bid said his community has benefitted immensely from Aregbesola’s programmes and projects.

He specially acknowledged the efforts of the governor at ensuring that peace reigned supreme in Osun State, saying that under Aregbesola, Osun remains the most peaceful state in the country.

He told the team that his people are fully prepared for the election, adding that they are politically con-

scious of the essence of democracy.

Speaking earlier, Dr Bolorunduro, who is also the state commissioner for finance, budget and economic planning, enjoined the people not to be intimidated by the presence of security personnel at polling booths but come out en masse to vote for Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

He added that it is only by voting for Aregbesola that the good works he has embarked upon would continue and ongoing projects would be completed.

The Catholic Church has ordained a new bishop for Abeokuta Diocese.

The new Bishop, Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo, was yesterday consecrated and ordained as the new bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta.

The governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun was represented by the state commissioner for women affairs and social development, Mrs Elizabeth Sonubi at the event which was graced by eminent personalities from all walks of life.

The colourful event took place at St. Bernadette Catholic School, Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta.

By Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

Beware of Sycophants, PDP Chieftain Tells Fayose

By Gbenga Adeboye,Abeokuta

A chieftain of Ekiti State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Diaspora, Holimidey Lawrence, has advised the governor-elect, Ayodele Fayose to beware of sycophants in his administration to enable him succeed.

He gave the advice yesterday in a press statement made available to journalists in Abeokuta, noting that the task before Fay-

ose is enormous and requires the people’s prayers and cooperation.

Lawrence, who is from Ise/ Orun local government of the state, noted that the current state of infrastructure and poverty in Ekiti actually require the intervention of a personality like Ayo Fayose.

“Let us stop the wining and dining because we won at the poll; let us roll up our sleeves and begin to work so that those

teachers who swore that Fayemi would not return to office will not do same to us by 2018.

“Let us bury our quest for power just for the sake of power to support the success of this incoming administration so that those singing Hosanna today will not start singing crucify him tomorrow. A stitch in time saves nine,” the party chieftain emphasised.

He appealed to Ekiti people to prepare their minds to rally

round the new governor for him to be able to succeed, stressing that all hands must be on deck to ensure his success.

“We must be willing to sacrifice big time for him to succeed in that office. He cannot succeed alone; he needs us, the generality, he needs us, the party members. The success of Ayo Fayose at the poll is not about Ayo Fayose but about PDP, the people and residents of Ekiti State,” he said.

46 news NATIONAL Glo Leads In Porting In March, April Porting figures released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for March and April this year indicate that Nigeria’s national telecommunications operator, Globacom, is the network preferred by telecoms subscribers in the country.

The Port-Out Activities of Mobile Network Operators’ report made available by the industry regulator on Monday and published on NCC’s website showed that 3,212 subscribers ported into Globacom from other networks in March, while the number of subscribers who switched to Glo platform from other operators in April was 7,955, giving a total of 11,167 for the two months.

Airtel came second with a total gain of 8,565 for the two months. The company gained 5,749 porting subscribers in March, while 2,816 subscribers joined it from other operators in April.

Etisalat was next with 3,016 porting subscribers in March, while its April figure was 3,280, making a total of 6,296 new customers from other networks.

By Millie Ibe, Abuja

NAFOWA Donates Borehole To School For Handicapped The Nigerian Air Force Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA) has donated a borehole to the Abuja School of Handicapped located in Kuje which recorded a cholera outbreak recently, leading to the loss of some students.

Commissioning the borehole on Tuesday, the NAFOWA president, Mrs Omolara Amosu said the association gave the borehole to the school as a response to the Cholera outbreak and pledged to continue doing whatever it could to put smiles on the faces of the underprivileged in the society.

“On the 14th of February this year, NAFOWA visited this school as part of our humanitarian obligation which is to bring joy to the lives of the less privileged. That visit yielded a fruitful relationship which was in fact, the desired aim. That was why late in March when a cholera outbreak affected several children and staff, resulting in the death of some children, we were contacted, the product of which is the birth of this project.

“As an association, permit me to say that our desire to help those in need is shaped by many factors one of which is the collective awareness of the other side of tragedy. We are grateful to have the time, ability and means to assist those in need. I see it as a privilege because anyone can help people regardless of position or resources. Ours is a commitment and we are bound to uphold it.”

Bayo Oladeji, Abuja

Thursday, June 26, 2014

‘NDLEA Apprehended 87,813 Suspected Drug Traffickers In 23 Years’

By NKEM OSUAGWU, Lagos

Chairman/chief executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade has said that Nigeria has made significant progress in counter-narcotics campaign.

The NDLEA boss stated this as the country joins the world to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking today.

The United Nations through resolution 42/112 on December 7, 1987 dedicated every June 26 as

World Drug Day. The 2014 theme is “A Message of Hope: Drug Use Disorders Are Preventable and Treatable”.

Giade said, “Nigeria has recorded impressive results in the fight to eliminate illicit drugs from the country. The NDLEA between 1990 and 2013 made a total drug seizure of 3,582,563.072kg with the apprehension of 87,813 suspected drug traffickers. Out of this number, 82,295 are males while 5,518 are females. Cannabis has the largest chunk with 3,403,041.41kg.

Psychotropic substances are

next with 155,626.207kg, cocaine 20,601.123kg and heroin 3,294.462kg. A total of 23,733 cases were also won in the period under review”.

The NDLEA boss noted that the scorecard clearly demonstrates Nigeria’s readiness and leading role in securing the country from the dangers of drug trafficking and abuse.

He said , “Our first line of action in preventing drug is to cut off supplies. Daily arrests, seizures of drugs and convictions have led to the dismantling of many drug trafficking syndicates in the country.

Imagine the incalculable damage that 3.5 million kilogrammes of narcotics would have done to our youth population if the agency had not taken these illicit drugs out of circulation,” he stated.

Giade also paid tribute to officers who had lost their lives in the line of duty.

“In spite of the daunting challenges, NDLEA officers have continued to launch attacks on drug criminal gangs. The exceptional spirit of dedication, courage patriotism demonstrated by officers is commendable.”

short news 2015 Elections’ll Be Violence-free – Gov Uduaghan Delta State governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has assured Nigerians that the 2015 general elections would be free, fair and devoid of violence.

Governor Uduaghan who gave this assurance yesterday in Asaba when he received the United States ambassador to Nigeria, James Brig.-Gen. James Linder and Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Sani during the receipt of military equipment donated by the United States to the Entwistle and his Nigerian Army in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY DAPR. team said that “the 2015 general elections will be devoid of violence as only popular candidates selected by the

By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja They lamented that while the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 grassroots in a free electoral commission refused to as amended.” and fair manner Fresh Democratic Party (FDP) has obey the court ruling, it has not Speaking at a press conference will run for the threatened to head to the court to appealed the matter. yesterday in Abuja, the national leelections.” seek cancellation of the Ekiti State Hon Justice G. O. Kolawole had gal adviser of FDP, Kola Dopamu, “If a popular governorship election and also stall on July 29, 2013, declared the de- warned that should the commiscandidate acceptthe forthcoming Osun election, be- cision of INEC which removed the sion refuse to recognise them in cause the Independent National name of FDP from the list of reg- compliance with the court judgeable to the people Electoral Commission (INEC) re- istered political parties in Nigeria ment, the party will explore the at the grassroots fused to include it in the election. as invalid. is chosen, there option of legal action to cancel the This is just as the chairman of will be no violence Justice Kolawole had ruled that Ekiti election and stop the Osun the Conference of Nigeria Political “No arm of government or a body polls. as it happened Parties (CNPP), Balarabe Musa, created by the constitution or any at the recently Dopamu, who noted that they alongside other legal luminaries, law, can by the exercise of what- plan to mobilise a mass protest to concluded electook turns to lambast INEC for ever power granted to it, enlarge, INEC headquarters in Abuja, howtion in Ekiti State“, refusing to comply with a court curtail or amend the provisions ever, added that the option of legal the governor judgement which declared it’s de- of the Constitution including the action to seek the annulment of the emphasised. cision to deregister Fresh Party as provisions stipulated in sections Ekiti election and stop the forthBy Kola Ekeinvalid.

221-229 of the constitution of the coming Osun election is viable.

Ogiugo, Asaba

Party Deregistration: Fresh Party Threatens Legal Action To Cancel Ekiti, Stop Osun Polls

UNIABUJA: Security Reports Delay Appointment Of New VC

By Kuni Tyessi, Abuja

Controversial security reports on some of the leading candidates contesting for the post of vice chancellor, coupled with late submission of names of other contenders, have forced the Governing Council of the University of

Abuja to postpone till next Monday the decision on who eventually succeeds the incumbent Professor James Adelabu.

A senior lecturer and member of the University Senate who pleaded anonymity revealed that security reports on two out of the three shortlisted candi-

dates were not too favourable, forcing the governing council to call up more names from the reserve list.

The source also disclosed that the registrar, Alhaji Muhammad Bello Modibbo has been sent on compulsory leave by the governing council following the

expiration of his tenure. It was also gathered that his alleged attempt to meddle in the appointment of a new vice chancellor by openly backing one of the candidates might have been responsible for the sudden decision by the council though his tenure has long expired.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

FG Spends N36bn On Dredging Of River Niger

By George Okojie, Lagos

The federal government yesterday said it has so far expended a whooping sum of N36billion on the dredging of River Niger as part of measures to ensure safety on its waterways.

The managing director, National Inland Waterway Authourty (NIWA), Hajiya Maryam Ciroma who disclosed this to newsmen in Lagos said the federal government is committed to enhancing safe and sustainable waterway activities.

She said the agency has concluded plans to hold NIWA International Conference and Exhibition 2014 to showcase the nation’s vast economic opportunities available on its waterways.

Ciroma said, “NIWA ICE has been created as an opportunity to gain knowledge on

vast economic opportunities available on our waterways.”

She added that the conference with the theme, “Modernising Inland Water Infrastructure and Vessels for Safe and Sustainable Inland Water Transportation in Nigeria” scheduled to hold in August this year in Lagos will involve state governments and corporate organisations.

She said, “It is a conference for dialogue between the different groups and stakeholders involved in the sustainability, safety and utilisation of our inland waterways, for the benefit of the economy and for tourism.

“This conference seeks to unveil government programmes, plans and policies, networking and organisational relationships for the different categories in the waterways sector.”

Ekiti Election Coup Can’t Happen In Nasarawa – APC Chair

By Donatus Nadi, Lafia

The Nasarawa State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC ), Mr Philip Shekwo, has stated that the political machinations of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that played out in Ekiti leading to its victory in last Saturday’s governorship election cannot be replicated in Nasarawa State.

Mr Shekwo made this known in Lafia, yesterday, maintaining that the electorate in the state have demonstrated their resolve for change even when the PDP was at the helm of affairs in the state, and Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura has given them reasons to be more resolute.

He said, “What happened in Ekiti State cannot happen in Nasarawa State by any

stretch of imagination because our people have the resilience to defend their votes”.

He said the party is making adequate preparation for massive mobilisation of the electorate to exercise their franchise and would resist any attempt from any quarters to disenfranchise voters as was alleged in Ekiti State.

He also urged the people of the state to remain supportive of Governor Al- Makura’s administration so that he will continue to deliver on his people-oriented campaign promises.

Mr Shekwo stressed that the APC in Nasarawa State is a political mass movement for change which cannot be overcome by the whims of a few conspirators against the poor whose goal in attaining power is self-enrichment and perpetuation of corruption.

news NATIONAL 47

48 THE NATION’S CAPITAL

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Incessant Power Outage: Gwagwalada Residents Call For Transformers

By Chika Mefor

Gwagwalada area council residents have called on the administration to provide transformers to improve power supply in the council.

Some of the residents who spoke to LEADERSHIP lamented that most areas in the council has been suffering from incessant power supply, saying that some residents have not had power supply for months, adding that it was affecting the economic development of the area.

A resident, Soji Nkanu, attributed the incessant power supply to inadequate transformers to power the area, adding that most areas have low voltage when they get power supply.”

“Gwagwalada have been suffering from lack power supply for a very long time now. Some parts have not had light for some months while light only comes in some areas at midnight which only lasts for like two to three hours,” he said.

Nkanu added that the experience has pushed most of the residents into buying generators and lamented that they spend huge amount on payment of electricity bills irrespective of the epileptic power supply.

According to him, “light can never be stable in this area; It is not a new thing to experience power failure for almost 100 times a day. It is an unfortunate situation and yet we pay huge amount of power bill.”

Another residents, Maryam Alkali, said that the power supply which was supposed to be rationed, so that various areas can have light, do not come regularly. He called on the government, particularly the council to fulfil its promise of provision of basic amenities to the people.

Over 250 Children Join WOTCLEF Walk Against Child Trafficking

By Blessing Ukemena

Over 250 children took part in a walk organised by the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation, (WOTCLEF) in Abuja yesterday.

The walk which was organised as an anti-trafficking campaign, was one of its major activities under an European Union funded project with the title “mitigating child trafficking in Nigeria through the involvement of children in children’s rights education.”

Participants in the walk include school teachers; members of the WOTCLEF Board of Trustee; representatives from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP) and officials of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

The walk aims to create awareness and enlighten the public on the evils of child trafficking and exploitation and the need to promote children’s rights.

In her remarks, WOTCLEF’s national coordinator, Mrs Veronica Umaru, said the focus of the campaign was on promoting the rights of children in the community.

Speaking to journalists, the focal officer of NHRC, Yahcit Dala, said the campaign was very timely.

He said, “the need for this kind of public enlightenment can never be over-emphasized because it is very difficult to draw the line between child exploitation and domestic work in Nigeria.

Parents and guardians need to understand that while children should help out with domestic chores, they should not be used for industrial purposes or for hard

Apo traders protesting delayed permanent site allocation in front of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council premises.

FCT Schools Set For Computer Based Exams In 2015

By Ebriku John Friday

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Education Resource Centre (ERC) has said that all is set for the commencement of the implementation of computer-based examinations in the territory in 2015.

This was disclosed by the executive secretary of ERC, Dr. Musa Izom, at a one day ICT summit for secondary schools with the theme, ‘building a 21st century agile education system’ organised by Certified Systems Limited in Abuja.

Izom said that the FCT education secretariat has equipped most schools

in the territory with ICT facilities, adding that training of teachers was going on.

He said, “the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is working very hard and we are ready to commence the implementation of the computer based exams as mandated by examination bodies in 2015.

“We have installed computers in schools in the FCT and teachers have been trained on ICT applications.

In ERC, we have an ICT team who go round the schools to organise training for teachers. The training is done when the schools have gone on holiday; it is done

in clusters between 50 and 100 schools.

“We have also bought vehicles which are ICT customized. We also have what we call ‘ICT on wheels’, it is used to train students, even without electricity. The results have been amazing.

So we are still improving on it.”

In her remarks, a director in the Ministry of Education, Mrs. ShiishiGyer, said that the government has mandated all unity schools across the country to establish an ICT centre, to enable students to embrace ICT. She said, “The ministry is keen on ICT. In 2013, the Minister of Education

made sure that all federal government colleges had an ICT centre, that is, an e-library. “What we are waiting for is for it to be launched. And a lot of money has been spent on this edifice, although the Universal Basic Education (UBEC) was asked to send textbooks. Our target is for all the students to be computer literate.”

Earlier in his remarks, the deputy director, UBEB, FCT, Mr. Ilori Austin, said the government was currently working on an ICT policy at national levels, saying it will trickle down to various agencies and parastatals in the states for implementation.

Security Awareness: NOA Trains Over 5,000 Teachers

By Patience Ivie Ihejirika

As part of its security awareness campaign, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has begun training of over 5000 teachers from public and private schools within the FCT. Speaking at the two day workshop which commenced yesterday in Abuja, the director -general of NOA, Mr Mike Omeri, said the training was imperative, given the reality of the security challenges facing

the country and in line with the directive of the federal government on the safe school initiative programme.

He said, “Unfortunately, our schools have become targets of attacks by criminal elements with students and teachers mostly the victims.

“The attendant vandalism of school properties and its effect on the quality of education to students in the aftermath of such attacks are equally a cause of concern to

the federal government and all lovers of education.”

Omeri said that the agency was embarking on a robust awareness drive to raise the security alertness of school communities as well as parents, drawing from the lessons learnt from past experiences.

He further said that the agency was deploying all its numerous social mobilisation and sensitisation platforms, including the campus focus, community dialogue,

interfaith forum, community theatre, bulk text messaging, NOA community radio, workshops, road walks, radio and television jingles as well as Information, Education and Communication Materials (IECs).

According to him, NOA is also engaging its structure in all 774 local government areas of the country to take this national awareness to all the nooks and crannies of the country in local languages.

ISSUES 49

Thursday, June 26, 2014

As National Security Takes On Local Politics

BY HAMID HENDRIX

The unprecedented nature of the security challenges posed by the Boko Haram insurgency has heightened public concern and interest in the usually detached issue of overall management of national security. The apparent difficulty of sustained conventional defence and security operations against the insurgents coupled with the unimaginable massacres and wanton destruction of property and other terrorist atrocities swayed public perception and understanding and triggered frenzied criticism of the military operations. However the radical response of the National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, comprising a candid dissection and comprehensive appraisal of the new challenges as a launch pad for the acclaimed Soft Approach to Counter-Insurgency, significantly restored public morale and enthusiastic support.

Of particular interest was the priority rightfully accorded the innovative approach to checking the social and economic factors that tend to create enabling environments for insurgency and terrorism to sprout and thrive which is a major thrust of the Soft Approach.

Expectedly, Nigerians have witnessed re-assuring reversals in the murderous rampages of the terrorists as the military engagements yield desired results even as the vulnerable segments of the society get carried along in the on-going subtle strategy of keeping idle minds away from the devil’s workshop.

Further evidence of the vitality and resourcefulness now powering functions of the office of the NSA came in the form of the recently concluded All Nigeria Political Parties and Political Stakeholders Summit held on June 12, 2014 in Abuja.

The summit was not the jamboree usually associated with parley of politicians but a serious meeting of political leaders convened just as the political temperature was rising with 2015 election fever and inordinate ambition beclouded nationalistic passions on the political arena. That the NSA was able to bring leaders of opposing political parties together in a cordial environment for sober reflection on the salient issues beyond the mundane issues of crass competition for

Dasuki

Jega

“lucrative” political offices and settling scores, was no mean achievement in such circumstance.

The importance of the meeting and the level of endorsement it earned from the nation’s political leaders and other stakeholders was personified by the attendance list, which was topped by President Goodluck Jonathan who declared the summit open and included former heads of state, such as Generals Buhari and Abdulsalami Abubakar(who chaired the occasion), representatives of all the major political parties and stakeholders , INEC Chairman Professor Attahiru Jega, members of the diplomatic corps, international development partners, security, military and law enforcement agencies, academics and civil society community. The keynote address by Professor Jega was aptly focussed on “Interparty Collaboration, National Stability and Democratic Consolidation”.

The Summit which was organized in collaboration with the Special Adviser to the President on Interparty Affairs, Senator Ben Obi to provided a forum for political parties to freely express themselves and interrogate the contentious issues that heat up the polity but more importantly, it was designed to facilitate strengthening of the institutional and other basis for collaboration among Nigerian political actors and parties and reinforce the key ingredients of the all but forgotten Code of Political Conduct subscribed by all political parties in 2011 and re-committing politicians to its guiding principles.

The renewed focus on the desirability of the conduct of politicians and parties being in compliance with the Code of Political Conduct was a timely and necessary reminder against the prevailing perception and

practice of politics as an allcomers-anything-goes vocation for position-seeking politicians without the slightest regard for the national interest. It is pertinent to point out that it has taken the patriotic zeal of the NSA to initiate such a precautionary process to apply the brakes on the politicians’ rollercoaster of unbridled partisan antagonism already posing additional hazard on the peace and stability of a nation reeling from terrorist insurgency.

The extreme extents of subversive activity by politicians in the name of “opposition” and “pressure,” especially in connection with the on-going efforts to counter the insurgency is truly getting out of hand.

The Summit proved to be another successful strategic outing of the office of the NSA to isolate and highlight major aspects of the issues impinging on national security today for an all-inclusive interactive public discourse aimed at corrective consensus building to check the unsavoury impact of the issue at stake. Among the significant outcomes were the endorsement of interparty collaboration among all political parties as an Inclusive mechanism for political stability and consolidation of democracy, exposure of total disregard by all parties of the Code of Political Conduct and a felt need to resuscitate commitment to upholding its guiding principles henceforth.

An appreciation of the essential role of political parties as vehicles for political socialization for enlightened citizens requiring broad constructive engagement and deliberate efforts to make politics noble and trustworthy and counter the “dirty game” public perception was also stimulated.

The Summit articulated wellthought out recommendations distilled from an appraisal of the germane initiatives stemming from interactive discourse on five sub-themes taken up in lead papers ably presented

by Ambassador Dele Cole, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, Monsignor Obiora Ike, Professor Oshita Oshita and Dr Abubakar Sadiq. They included a call on political parties to recognize and acknowledge their immense responsibility in a democracy, renewed emphasis on democratic consolidation through interparty collaboration as a condition for national stability and the dire need to regard succession and leadership recruitment process as an effort to bring in the best to lead and not for incumbents to insist on choosing for the electorate.

The Summit also charged political parties and stakeholders to act and speak as one and pool resources together to forestall breach of national security while complementing government efforts to counter terrorism. It also enjoined them to uphold the principle of according due honour, protection and respect devoid of partisan or primordial sentiment to an elected and sworn-in President who represents the symbol, heart and soul of the nation.

Hardly any dimension to the political problems that constitute formidable challenge to the stability of the nation escaped thoroughl analysis and diagnosis in the context of its implications on preserving national security.

In the run up to the 2015 elections, the necessary advisory for positive contribution of the political class towards ensuring peace and success could not have come at a better time and it is hoped that the politicians will remain as committed and patriotic back in their arena as they were during the Summit. The office of the NSA has served them a timely sensitization session on the crucial role assigned to them in a democracy to place the nation’s interest above their personal partisan agenda. The generality of Nigerians anxiously look forward to a departure from do-or-die and nihilistic opposition politics typical of election fever periods.

– Hendrix is a public affairs commentator in Kaduna

The Summit proved to be another successful strategic outing of the office of the NSA to isolate and highlight major aspects of the issues impinging on national security today for an allinclusive interactive public discourse

Letter For This Road, We Thank Ihedioha

by Victor Chinedu

Permit me to use this space to commend the efforts of Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, to reconstruct the IsikweUboma-Okigwe road. From time

immemorial, that road has been a challenge to our people in Uboma who are mainly farmers. Because of the bad condition of the road, they could not bring out their farm produce, and buyers could not reach the town.

After the civil war, that area was

overlooked. Since the time we were in Etiti LGA in Okigwe Province, politicians have used the road to steal Uboma people’s votes. Once they crossed the bridge, they forgot us. When we were in East-Central State, one Hon. Iwueke from Ikperegene introduced a rice project

in Uboma. The road was mentioned then, but, until now, nobody made a move to get it reconstructed.

Thank you very much, Hon. Ihedioha, for this kind gesture.

I believe some good things will come out from Uboma people. They will help to create more roads; the

Erueru/Umuawuchi-Umuniumu road is another bad road.

We look forward to the completion of the Isikwe-UbomaOkigwe road together with the Imo River Bridge.

– Chinedu wrote in from Abuja

50 ISSUES

By Shamas-Ur-Rehman Toor

Growing up in rural Bangladesh, Halima did not have electricity at home. She struggled to study by the light of candles and kerosene lamps, often suffering from headaches caused by the fumes.

But, in 2005, when her father installed a solar home system and brought electric light to their house for the first time, Halima was able to focus more on her studies. She is now a student at Dhaka College, working to become a teacher, achieving a dream that she did not think was possible.

The Islamic Development Bank has already seen the positive impact of these energy investments on individual lives across Africa and Asia. Bringing electricity to villages can have a dramatic impact on economies and incomes. In Ayni, Tajikistan, a young woman named Munisa was able to double her daily income from sewing dresses thanks to the reliable 24-hour electricity provided by a hydroelectric plant built nearby. In Bangladesh, Irfan was able to extend his hotel’s hours and purchase a television for his hotel to attract customers.

While many regions lack electricity, Africa is the epicenter of energy poverty globally. Nearly 600 million people in Africa lack access to electricity. These people typically live in remote villages and use kerosene lanterns or rely on candles for lighting at night.

Without electricity, darkness halts businesses and other incomegenerating activities. Students cannot study after dark, health clinics cannot provide services to their patients, and social gatherings are difficult to arrange. In other words, life comes to a standstill after dark.

Lack of electricity also keeps

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Unlocking Africa’s Potential Through Renewable Energy people from experiencing the benefits of modern life. It prevents people from using mobile phones, televisions, computers, the Internet, or electrical appliances.

Lack of electricity not only cripples socio-economic development, it impedes personal development.

Without electricity, people, especially in rural areas, find it even more difficult to climb out of poverty.

The benefits of bringing electricity to the poor can be seen across education, health, and economic development.

From children being able to study longer and clinics being able to refrigerate vaccines to having electric pumps at water wells and other infrastructure, electricity changes lives and transforms village economies.

In recent years, development institutions, governments, NGOs, and entrepreneurs have focused on expanding access to electricity as a way to support economic development. Organisations like the OPEC Fund for International Development, USAID, and the African Development Bank have committed large sums toward the goals of increasing the number of people with access to electricity.

The Islamic Development Bank has been an important player in the energy sector. Based in Saudi Arabia, the Bank seeks to fund development projects across its 56 member countries, 26 of which are in Africa, and has long supported investments in energy

While many regions lack electricity, Africa is the epicenter of energy poverty globally. Nearly 600 million people in Africa lack access to electricity poverty. Given the large number of people lacking access to electricity in its member countries—21 of the Bank’s member countries are classified as least developed countries by the United Nations— the IDB has been scaling up its commitment to bring sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy to the poor communities it serves.

In line with its continuing commitment to reduce energy poverty and work together with its development partners, the IDB and its poverty alleviation arm, the Islamic Solidarity Fund

for Development (ISFD), recently launched a new initiative to alleviate energy poverty. This initiative, called the Renewable Energy For Poverty Reduction, was launched in Dakar, Senegal, June 3, and will unlock US$ 180 million over the next three years to fight energy poverty. Proposals are already lined up to provide solar-diesel hybrid mini-grids to a number of communities in member countries.

The international community is also prioritising the fight against energy poverty. The UN recently

highlighted the potential of these partnerships at the Sustainable Energy for All Forum in New York.

UN Secretary-General Ban KiMoon said, “Sustainable energy can revitalise our economies, strengthen social equity, and catalyze a clean energy revolution that benefits all humanity. Acting together, we can open new horizons today and help power a brighter tomorrow.”

These efforts are part of a broader effort to help communities lift themselves out of poverty.

Investments in electricity access create direct and indirect jobs, and provide an economic engine to power growth. For example, Bangladesh’s solar home system programme has helped spur tremendous activity in the private sector. There are now nearly 200 solar panel suppliers, 4 panel assemblers, numerous battery manufacturers, and a number of charge controller and light suppliers and manufacturers in the country.

Africa is rich in energy resources, including hydropower and solar energy, but still suffers from energy poverty. This is proof that the potential exists, but that smart investment can harness that potential and unleash the opportunities of the continent.

It won’t be easy, but if we work together to forge partnerships and alliances, find viable solutions, and engage communities, we can rightfully imagine an Africa rich in energy.

– Dr. Shamas-Ur-Rehman Toor, Ph.D, is a senior portfolio management specialist at the Islamic Development Bank’s Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development, which recently launched the Renewable Energy for Poverty Reduction Initiative

Nyako’s Illogic of Boko Haram

By IKEOGU OKE

Logically, it should either be that Boko Haram exists, and so ought not to be described as “phantom”; or it does not exist, and so no one deserves to be granted amnesty

Though I had encountered the fascinating word “phantom” in a poem by one of the English Romantics – I think it was William Wordsworth – it did not make an inerasable impression on my mind, as a description (or an “identification”) of something nonexistent, until its general use to qualify one of the coups allegedly plotted against the former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, for which the accused suffered serious consequences under the Abacha regime.

So when again I encountered the word in the phrase “phantom Boko Haram”, as contained in one of the above excerpts from the letter recently written by governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State to the Governors of the 19 states in northern Nigeria, I wondered if the meaning I had known of the word had changed. I consulted my dictionary to confirm.

The dictionary – specifically the Wordweb dictionary – defined “phantom” as “something existing in perception only”, indicating that the meaning remains as I used to know it,

and that to use the word “phantom” to qualify anything – including Boko Haram – is still to say that that thing is either non-existent or does not have real existence or is an unsubstantial creation of the imagination.

Now the second quote above is also excerpted from the same letter

by Governor Nyako. And it urges the addresses – through a rhetorical question – to consider declaring a “Northern Nigerian Amnesty” to “the culprits” and addressing squarely “all other matters connected with the …

Boko-Haram syndrome.”

I wonder if Governor Nyako saw the contradiction in describing Boko Haram as “phantom” and also calling for a “Northern Nigeria Amnesty” for “the culprits”…, and that it is illogical.

Logically, it should either be that Boko Haram exists, and so ought not to be described as “phantom”; or it does not exist, and so no one deserves to be granted amnesty for what should therefore amount to its non-existent activities.

By calling for an amnesty for “the culprits” (associated with Boko Haram activities), Governor Nyako implicitly

acknowledges the existence of Boko Haram and some wrongdoing for which leniency would make them beneficiaries of an amnesty. Or would he rather say the beneficiaries of the amnesty, were it to be granted, are “phantom” and so non-existent? Whoever heard of an amnesty being canvassed for nonexistent entities? The contradiction is like a bangle on the wrist, to adopt an Igbo saying, with no need for a mirror to see it.

The other way of throwing light on Governor Nyako’s illogic of Boko Haram is by juxtaposing his description of the phenomenon as “phantom” with the recent declaration by Governor Kassim Shettima of Borno State, incidentally the home base of the Boko Haram sect, that the Boko Haram fighters are better armed and better motivated than our armed forces. So, in the light of Governor Nyako’s description of Boko Haram as “phantom”, Governor Shettima’s declaration evokes the impossibility of arms supposedly better than those of our forces being carried and motivations received by non-existent entities.

So we are faced with the internal contradiction in Governor Nyako’s

letter and the cross-contradiction, as it were, between his description of Boko Haram as “phantom”. and by implication non-existent and Governor Shettima’s declaration that members of the sect are better armed and better motivated than our forces; for they must exist in order to be carrying such superior arms and enjoying such higher motivation.

I hesitate to think that Governor Nyako invited the nineteen northernstates governors – about 52 percent of those saddled with the responsibility of running our 36 states – to pursue issues related to a group he invariably called a shadow (for “phantom” and “shadow” are synonymous”), which would amount to luring them into an adventure in shadow-chasing despite their huge responsibilities.

Also, I would rather not think that the contradictions I have drawn attention to in this piece may be signs that some of those who expect us to look up to them to end the Boko Haram insurgency, and who suggest that they know ways of doing so superior to the measures already being taken by the federal government, deserve more of our scepticism that trust.

51

crime Thursday, June 26, 2014

F E AT U R E S

Woman Loses Pregnancy After FCT Taskforce Assault A staff of the Police Service Commission told how some overzealous taskforce team descended on her and beat her until she had a miscarriage. CHIKA OTUCHIKERE reports her ordeal.

Sunday Abodurin

A

lady lost her eight- week pregnancy after she was allegedly manhandled by a team of FCT environmental taskforce. The lady who simply goes by the name Rody and works with the Police Service Commission, PSC, begged not to have her real name in print.

Rody told LEADERSHIP that the incident which occurred on June 11, opposite the Federal Secretariat, Maitama involved operatives of the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp, NSCDC, and the Immigration Service.

According to Rody, she went out in the company of her colleague, one Bassey, to the spot opposite the secretariat complex to buy some fruits.

She saw some taskforce agents burning wares of traders who were assumed to be doing illegal trading. She hesitated moving closer, seeing that the taskforce was also preventing people

patronising the traders.

“Meanwhile I was still standing by the side of the road when I met a pregnant lady whom I was familiar with. I stood close to her and was telling her that I only came to buy banana but as it is I will go back to my office since I can’t get what I want”, Rody narrated.

She said no sooner had she said it and was about turning back to head towards the office, when she saw one of the taskforce members coming towards her. “As I was still saying it, a man on mufti who I later identified as a member of the taskforce came to us, pointing at us saying, ‘When next I see you here you will end up in Kuje prisons’ Rody said she thought that the man was just a prankster and so simply replied him “Haba, Kuje Prison? Are we criminals that you will put us in Kuje prison?”

Rody’s response may have provoked the beast in the officer who she alleged, responded by

slamming a deafening slap on her cheek.

According to Rody, she nearly lost her balance but managed to get it back before she could land on the floor. She said she was still trying to make meaning of the unfolding episode when she saw a three-star Civil Defence official walking towards her. She said she felt relief thinking the officer was coming to her rescue.

“I tried to know why he slapped me when the civil defence three star officer who led the taskforce team ordered the force attached to them to beat me up and put me in their bus. A woman prison officer there wanted to teargas me but I shouted and pleaded that I was an asthmatic patient.

“They beat me and dragged me into their bus. When my deputy director, Mr Abdullahi came around the scene to plead on my behalf, the civil defence team leader said and I quote ‘I can kill you and the federal government will not cough. After all we were sent by the Minister of Health.

Shocked by the harsh and threatening reaction from the civil defence operative, Abdullahi could not intervene immediately.

Rody said the operatives bundled her into the bus and for three hours were taking her to various destination. They finally brought her to their mobile court and tried to compel her to plead guilty for offences which she said she did not commit.

Having failed to get her to plead guilty for the offence of trying to obstruct official duty, they drove Rody to the FCTA office where they continued to detain her. Rody said she started bleeding at the FCTA and was rushed to the Asokoro General hospital where the doctors said she had a miscarriage and prescribed evacuation.

“After the civil defence officer threatened my boss, they took me away. They finally brought me to their mobile court where I pleaded not guilty because they accused me of obstruction of official duty.

“I discovered that due to the assault by the taskforce team I

had a miscarriage. The bleeding even started at the FCTA and some women there ran around to get pad for me. For the fact that I was unable to bear the pain, I was rushed to the Asokoro General Hospital.

“The doctors in the hospital examined me and discovered that I had a miscarriage. They prescribed evacuation which was done on June 12 at the Asokoro General Hospital. I was discharged on Friday but had crisis again and was rushed back to the hospital but was discharged on June 15,” she said.

A letter written on the letterhead of the Asokoro District Hospital, dated June 19 and signed by the HOD Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr Nweke Clement was made available to LEADERSHIP. The letter addressed ‘To Whom It May Concern, was a summary of the diagnoses conducted on Rody.

The letter read in part; “the above named presented in our centre on 11/6/14 at about 9pm with complaint of lower abdominal pains and bleeding per vaginum said to have started after she was beaten by task force at the federal secretariat in the evening. Last menstrual period was 24/4/14 and estimated Gestational age was seven weeks. She was given analgesics and retained products of conception were evacuated with manual vacuum aspirator”.

When LEASDERSHIP contacted the spokesman of the NSCDC Mr Emmanuel Okoh, he said he was not aware of the incident. He suggested that the FCT command of the Civil Defence may be aware of the incident.

The FCT command of the civil defence also said they were not aware of the incident but assured that they would get back as soon as they are able to get anything on the incident.

Rody told LEADERSHIP that she has decided to resort to legal action and file a civil suit against the civil defence and the FCTA for the infringement on her fundamental rights. She also reported the matter at the police station in the federal secretariat registered as file number 362.

The doctors in the hospital examined me and discovered that I had a miscarriage. They prescribed evacuation which was done on June 12 at the Asokoro General Hospital

52 ISSUES

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Dankwambo’s 3 Years In Gombe

by Dahiru Hassan Kera

Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999 has had tremendous impact on the socio-economic sphere of the nation and strengthening its acceptability as the government of the people, by the people and for the people. Like in any aspect of life, whatever has advantages must have demerits.

Democracy, good governance and accountability had suffered prolonged setbacks principally from corruption, yet it’s the preferred form of government to military regimes.

In Nigeria, May 29 of every year is celebrated as Democracy Day when political leaders showcase their achievements within the preceding years and unveil plans for the year ahead in showering democratic dividends to the electorate and in fulfillment of their campaign promises.

May 29, 2014 marks the third successful year of the uncommon stewardship of the Gombe State Governor, Dr. Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo OON (Talban Gombe), renowned chartered accountant and exemplary public servant. He ascended power at the time the Jewel of the Savannah was in desperate need of someone who will rescue the state from its shambles; a time when the citizenry were living in apprehension, trepidation due mainly to the alleged bad governance of the preceding regime of Danjuma Goje.

Within 3 years of Dankwambo’s administration, he has fulfilled all his campaign promises, executed projects in his blueprint and the recommendations by the sector-based committees of experts constituted by his administration earlier in 2011.

In key areas like power supply, roads and rural infrastructure,

water, agriculture, human capital development, health care delivery, and education Dankwambo has elevated the state to a modern society. Hundreds of kilometres of road have been constructed while an additional 635km costing N18.6 billion has been earmarked for construction in the state. In totality, over 70 different roads have been constructed within the rural and urban areas of the state, thus, boosting state’s economy.

Many rural communities can now boast of brand new asphalt roads that can stand the vagaries of the rainy or dry season while helping farmers to move their produce for sale in the urban markets as well as neighbouring states.

On agriculture, the Talban Gombe administration has identified sustainable and sufficient food production as a sine qua non to social, economic and political stability of the state.

Consequently, it has embarked on the massive importation of fertilizer, crop seedlings, farm tools and equipment like tractors, ox-ploughs, harvesters, and insects and pesticides to boost agricultural production in the state. And he has ensured these are eqitably distributed to deserving farmers throughout the state thereby ending the reign of the infamous fertilizer cabal.

It’s obvious that, without adequate water supply, ruralurban sanitation and agricultural production would be a mirage.

Thus, the steadfast Dankwambo moved swiftly to close any gap or lapses in that crucial sector through the construction of numerous boreholes across the state. And for the first time in living memory most of the urban centres now boast of potable water while the rural agricultural communities have abundant water for irrigation. The Gombe

Dankwambo

Dankwambo’s love for education is perhaps unparalleled in the history of Gombe state as he perfectly understands that education of the younger generation is the only hope for a bright, prosperous and rewarding future state water reticulation project has aided the distribution of water to communities that had historic acute water problem while the construction of numerous earth dams channeling much needed water resources to the farms and other agricultural concerns in the state. Water borne diseases like diarrhea, hepatitis, cholera, river blindness, etc. have been drastically reduced by the dynamic water provision policies of the present administration.

In the health sector, it has also been a tale of superlative achievements. The amiable

governor has declared zero tolerance for infant and maternal mortality as well as eradication of poliomalitis, meningitis, malaria, smallpox, chicken pox, measles, etc. that had ravaged the populace, particularly women and children.

To this end, the construction of numerous hospitals, health and maternity centres have reached record highs while existing ones have been extensively renovated with drugs and medical equipment supplied to all of them thus boosting their health care delivery imperatives. Infant and maternal mortality has plunged to record lows while the endemic diseases that have plagued the populace in the past had been largely eliminated.

Dankwambo’s love for education is perhaps unparalleled in the history of Gombe state as he perfectly understands that education of the younger generation is the only hope for a bright, prosperous and rewarding future. The educational sector has witnessed massive intervention in terms of the frenetic construction of brand new modern primary and secondary schools with state of the art ICT facilities to prepare the budding youths for the computer age and globalization.

Laboratory equipment for science students have been imported at prudent financial cost in a transparent manner while thousands of existing schools have been renovated. College of Education, Billiri, College of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Nafada, State Polytechnic Bajoga and construction of permanent site of the School of Nursing and Mid-Wifery in Dukku have been established. A lot of burdensome fees and levies imposed on the students have been abolished by an education friendly Dankwambo’s regime much to

the appreciation of parents and guardians.

On security, youth empowerment, gender profiling and manpower development, Dankwambo has shown that he is indeed a man with a mission.

The plan to end insecurity, youth unemployment and women underdevelopment in the state has significantly recorded success. For instance many of the youths and women have been trained in various skills, trades and professions through Talba Youths Re-orientation and integration Scheme and Hajiya Dankwambo Women Empower Project and lot others. Thus youth empowerment has gone a long way towards curbing the menace of the Yankalare criminal thugs as well as general youth restiveness in the state.

While women and youths have been marginalized in previous administrations, it is safe to state they are really enjoying a renewed lease of life in the Dankwambo’s regime as a lot of employment and educational opportunities are now open to them. There has been more promotion and advancement of deserving women and youths Gombe State.

Projects like Gombe State Mega Motor Pack, Petroleum Tankers Parking Bay, Gombe International Conference Centre and their likes, when completed will raise the state Internal Revenue Generation (IGR) and provide jobs for the teeming population. In fact, with the debt burden he incurred, meagre federation allocation and the prevailing security challenges, it can be said that Dr. Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo came, saw and conquered in Gombe State and come rain come shine, we support the astute achiever for 2015 and beyond.

— Kera wrote from Gombe

years gnashing of teeth, Max Air should be allowed to utilize its maximum capacity to serve Nigerian Muslims. Another bone of contention is the decision of most of the states to choose Max Air as their preferred carrier. It is a fact that state pilgrims’ boards want the best for their pilgrims.

They want an airliner that will position its craft as at when due.

They know the physiological trauma pilgrims do go through waiting for an airline.

Previously, airlift of pilgrims was synonymous with Kabo Air. During the regime of the late General Sani Abacha, Kabo Air was the sole air carrier that airlifted over 100,000 Nigerian pilgrims. Therefore, it is quite amazing that Max Air that has the capacity to airlift 80,000 pilgrims in 10 days is being restricted to 40,000 despite the fact that states’ pilgrims boards who own the pilgrims choose Max Air. It is high time politics is detached from Hajj exercise. Other carriers should emulate Max Air’s achievements in competence and build their capacity for a healthy competition. This is the only way Nigerian pilgrims will be served better and not the campaign of calumny being waged in the media.

— Abdulkadir contributed this piece from Dutsinma, Katsina

How Max Air Redefined Hajj Airlift

by Abubakar Abdulkadir

The entry of Max Air in Hajj exercise in Nigeria opens a new chapter in Hajj exercise in Nigeria, especially in the airlift of pilgrims. A factual historical survey on the performance and challenges of pilgrims’ airlift since 1991 indicates that airlift of pilgrims was a major challenge during hajj exercise. Pilgrims hardly know when they will be airlifted to and from Saudi Arabia. They are not sure whether their luggage will be delivered to them or not. This was before the founding of Max Air in 2008 with the sole of objectives of rendering efficient and timely services to Nigerian pilgrims.

Before the coming of Max Air, Nigerian pilgrims do spend months waiting to be conveyed back home. Pilgrims luggage are either abandoned or spend one

year before they are delivered to the pilgrims. Nigeria was synonymous with pleading for extension of time to be able to airlift its pilgrims by then. The entry of Max Air closed that chapter to the relief of pilgrims; it opened an era of adhering to airlift schedules, and timely delivery of pilgrims’ luggage.

Presently, Max Air has the following aircraft in its fleet: four numbers of Boeing 747-346 with registration numbers, 5N –DBM, 5N –BMG, 5N-DDK, 5N-HMB and one Embrear Legacy. It is a fact that no other hajj carrier has half of Max Air’s capacity in terms of required resources to successfully airlift pilgrims on schedule. Apart from adhering to its contractual agreement with relevant authorities, Max Air has been assisting other carriers in rescue operation whenever they cannot meet up with their schedules. If

Hajj airlifts where to commence today, Max Air aircraft are on standby.

Because of its track records, the governments of Niger Republic, Bukina Faso and Central African Republic have contracted Max Air to airlift their pilgrims. It is a feat that I think Nigerians should be proud of. For example, Before, NITEL was the sole source of telephone communication in this country. The deregulation of that sector brought other competitors like MTN, Airtel, GLO and Etisalat. Can MTN or Airtel or even NCC restrict the numbers of subscribers GLO should have, especially if their infrastructure can support such number of subscribers? The answer is obvious.

Therefore, if Nigerians Muslims desire to have a hitch free Hajj exercise without the yester

Because of its track records, the governments of Niger Republic, Bukina Faso and Central African Republic have contracted Max Air to airlift their pilgrims

WORLD NEWS 53

Thursday, June 26, 2014

SOUTH AFRICA Miners Return To Work After Wage Deal

Thousands of miners at South Africa’s biggest platinum mining firms have returned to work, a day after unions signed a wage deal to end a five-month strike.

Employees at Anglo America Platinum, Impala Platinum and Lonmin will have to undergo medical checks and safety training before they begin work again.

The firms said it would be “some time” before they resumed full production.

The “safety and wellness of employees was paramount”, the companies said.

The firms estimate the strike has so far cost them more than

Winner

of the day

➔ Nicolas Bonnemaison The French doctor who was charged over the deaths of seven terminally-ill patients has been acquitted.

LOSer

of the day

24bn rand ($2.3bn; £1.3bn) while employees have lost about 10.6bn rand in wages.

“It is our sincere hope that our companies, our industry, our employees and all other stakeholders will never again have to endure the pain and suffering of this unprecedented strike period.

None of us, nor the country as a whole, can afford a repetition,” the chief executives of the three mining firms said in a joint statement.

The BBC’s Nomsa Maseko, who was at the mine as employees returned to work, said the mood was “quite jovial”.

“They say it [the outcome of

the strike] was a victory for them because they are now in the right direction to get better wages,” she added.

The workers said they were pleased to be returning.

“We are back to work, it’s good,” said one miner as he joined the queue of workers returning.

Another employee added: “Being without income was difficult for everyone, everything stood still. This bit of an increase will definitely motivate us to work harder.”The wage deal agreed between the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) and the mining firms will see the salaries of the lowest paid workers, which are currently 5,000 rand (£277.60) a month, rise by about 1,000 rand (£55.50) a month each year until 2017. Staff will also receive additional benefits such as pensions, housing and health insurance.

Workers had originally demanded that basic wages be increased to 12,500 rand (£706.40) a month by 2017, which they called a “living wage.”

– BBC

REAL ESTATE Brazil Land Investors Lose Millions

Hundreds of British investors are looking to take legal action to recover lost money after being convinced to buy land in Brazil, ahead of the World Cup. Between 2010 and 2013 thousands of investors were contacted by a London-based firm of property brokers, Pantheon Realty Consultants.

They were persuaded to invest in plots of land which, they were told, would rise in value due to the World Cup. The City of London police have since shut down the company’s UK website.

Investors have lost millions of pounds and in many cases their life savings.

Frustrated by low returns on savings in the UK, hundreds were persuaded by Pantheon to invest in plots of land which, it was claimed, were ripe for development and would rise in value due to the World Cup, the Olympics in 2016, and Brazil’s rapid economic growth.

Hundreds bought plots of land near the World Cup destination of Fortaleza, for which they typically paid £10,000. But at the end of last year, they learned that Pantheon had been wound up by the Insolvency Service after failing to file accounts.

Many have still not received their title deeds.

Where they have, the plots turned out to be worth just 200 Brazilian reals - just over £50.

– BBC

ECONOMY US GDP Shrinks 2.9% In First Quarter ➔ Fernando Sanchez Arellano The head of the oncemighty Tijuana-based Arellano Felix drug cartel was arrested while watching Mexico’s football team play in the World Cup

ABIODUN OLUWAROTIMI, New York

The US economy suffered its worst performance for five years in the first quarter of 2014, latest figures show.

The economy shrank at an annualised rate of 2.9% in the first three months of the year, the third estimate from the US Commerce Department showed.

This was worse than the previous estimate of a 1% contraction, and also worse than economists’ expectations for a fall in GDP of 1.7%.

The unusually cold weather in the quarter has been blamed for the fall.

The gap between the second and third estimates of US growth for the quarter is the largest on record.

The latest revision came as a result of a weaker pace of healthcare spending than previously assumed, which caused a downgrading of the consumer spending estimate.

Trade was also a bigger drag on the economy than previously thought.

Despite the worse-than-expected figures, more recent unemployment, manufacturing and service sector data all point to a sharp turnaround in the second quarter.

A street artist painting a mural in Gaza City in support of Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike.

DETENTION Palestine Calls For End To ‘Israel Aggression’

By Ugochukwu Iroka, Abuja

As the situation in the ‘Occupied Palestinian Territory’ continues to deteriorate, the State of Palestine has urged the international community to speak up against ‘provocations and illegal actions’

by Israel against Palestinians.

Speaking yesterday in a press conference with journalists at the Palestinian embassy in Abuja, Dr. Montaser Abuzaid, the ambassador of Palestine to Nigeria said that Israel remains responsible for the lives of Palestinians in its custody.

“The international community is duty-bound to ensure that the occupying power complies

with all its legal obligations regarding its treatment of all Palestinian prisoners and detainees it is holding, including children and Israel must be held accountable for its ill-treatment and violations against the thousands of Palestinians it holds captive,” he said.

Meanwhile, dozens of Palestinian prisoners are to end their two-month-old hunger strike in Israeli jails despite not winning any major concessions from the Israeli government.

Shawqi Eissa, the Palesitian minister of prisoners affairs, said yesterday that 63 prisoners agreed a deal and suspended their protest shortly after mid-

US VISA: Cameroon State Dept Denies Changing Visa Policies For Nigerians ABIODUN OLUWAROTIMI, New York

The United States Department of State on Wednesday said that its visa policies for applicants wanting to travel to the country from Nigeria have not been changed by the American government.

Press Officer of the office of the Press Relations, Bureau of Public Affairs of the US Department of States, Mr.Peter Velasco, made this known while responding to an online query by our correspondent.

The US spokesperson was react-

ing against a report posted online on Monday night that the United States had granted a visa waiver to Nigerian travelers that want to visit the United States. The implication of this report is that Nigerians will now be travelling to the United States without applying for visas again.

But Mr. Velasco in his reaction denied the report, saying that there was no time that any decision to grant Nigerians visa-free entries into the United States was taken by the Obama-led administration.

ECOWAS Defence Sector Scrutinizes Ikri 7 APC

By Tunde Oguntola, Abuja

The African military market is getting its first look at the purposebuilt ikri Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) range at the on-going Armoured Vehicles West Africa Conference in Abuja from June 30 to July 2.

Speaking on Wednesday, Mr Franklin Obinna Ohakim, the CEO of Mekahog Limited told LEADERSHIP that the hi-tech ballistic and landmine protected all-terrain vehicle has been specially developed to suit the stringent field requirements of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF).

Manufactured by South-African based DCD protected mobility and sole distribution in West Africa, Me-

kahog Limited in Abuja, DCD Protected Mobility, recognises Africa as a key emerging market and is committed to support the growing defence sectors in the region.

He said, ``As Africans, we understand the continent and the specific requirements of its people. With a solid track record of purpose built military vehicular solutions we are in an ideal position to respond together with Mekahog which has well-established relationships within the African defence sector.”

The collaboration between Mekahog and DCD Protected Mobility will provide the level of sustainable local support that is required to take the defence sector to the next level in Africa’’

54

DAY With

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Ishaku Kigbu

15

USA Vs Germany:

Players To Watch

YSFON, Fans Hail Eagles Qualification For Round of 16

By SALIFU USMAN, Abuja

President Youth Sports Federation (YSFON), Alhaji Nasir Yusuf Gawuna has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their qualification to the second round of the on-going 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Also a cross-section of Abuja-based football fans yesterday described the Super Eagles’ performance in the 3-2 loss to Argentina in the final group game as spectacular and commendable.

Coach Stephen Keshi’s men lost their final

Keshi

group match 2-3 to Lionel Messi inspired Argentine side, but they still make it to the round of 16 following Bosnia and Herzagovina 3-1 defeat of Iran in other final match of the group.

YSFON boss said that the Super Eagles qualification for the next round of the global soccer fiesta is an indication that the African champions are back as one of the top teams in the world after 16 years of dwindling.

“I congratulate Keshi and his boys for this achievement. This is a very important feat for us after 16 years of drought at the FIFA World Cup and after the hard start against the Iranians.”

Clint Dempsey

Yesterday’s results • Nigeria 2-3 Argentina • Bosnia 3-1 Iran • Ecuador 0-0 France • Honduras 0-3 Switzerland

DaMarcus Beasley

Today’s Matches • Portugal Vs Ghana 5pm (Brasilia) • USA Vs Germany (Recife) 5pm • Korea Republic Vs Belgium (Sao Paulo) 9pm • Algeria Vs Russia 9pm (Curitiba)

Landon Donovan

Ezequiel Lavezzi of Argentina holds off the challenge by Ogenyi Onazi of Nigeria yesterday

Tomorrow’s Matches • Rest day

World Cup: Eagles Advance To 2nd Round Despite Loss

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

About Recife • Population 1.5 million • Economy: Recife is one of Brazil’s prime business centers, largely because it has one International Airport and two International ports. One is located in the town itself, and the other, the port of Suape

Head-To-Head USA Vs Germany • FIFA Ranking: USA 13, Germany 2 • Played 9 matches, Goals for: USA 15, Germany 19

Argentina’s Lionel Messi’s 3rd and 45th minute goals and M. Rojo’s 50th minute goal could not prevent Nigeria from qualifying from Group F to face France in the round of 16 of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Ahmed Musa had earlier drawn level for the Super Eagles in the fourth minute, before the Eagles went trailing again before half time, giving Argentina the lead into the break.

Musa came in from the break and drew

level once again in the 47th minute of the match. M. Rojo yet again in the 50th minute put Argentina ahead.

In the second Group F match, Bosnia Hezergovina inspired by Edin Dzeko beat Iran 3-1 to claim their first win at the World Cup. Their first goal came in the 23rd minute when Dzeko picked up the ball 30 yards from goal. He dribbled it closer, beating Sadeghi in the process before unleashing a low effort from distance that found the back of the net via the post.

Miralem Pjanic made it two for the Bosnians in the 59th minute. Iran pulled one back in the 82nd minute courtesy of R. Ghoochannejhad after a defensive slip.

A minute later, Avdija Vršajević scored for Bosnia to end the game 3-1.

As it stands, Argentina with maximum nine points to the group, Nigeria with four points are second and qualify alongside Argentina.

Argentina will be facing the team that finishes second in Group E. Nigeria to meet France on Monday.

Scoring 2 Goals Against Argentina Makes Me Feel Special – Musa

By ISHAKU KIGBU, Brazil

Two goals hero in 3-2 loss to Argentina in the final Group F game decided in Porto Alegre, a border city with Argentina, Ahmed Musa revealed after the encounter that netting two goals against a star studded side like Argentina makes him feel special.

Musa who was Super Eagles’ only scorer in the crucial encounter against group leaders Argentina said in a post

match reaction that the game will remain very important to him and his career.

Nigeria lost 3-2 to Argentina but progresses to the knock out stage to face France as runners up in Group F and the CSKA Moscow striker the two goals will increase his confidence as the Eagles aim to go past their next opponents in the second round of last 16.

“I feel great scoring two goals against a very big team like Argentina. The match will forever remain very important to me

Philipp Lahm

Mesut Ozil

because it is not easy getting two goals against a team like Argentina that boasts of big stars like Lionel Messi and Di Maria.

I cannot say how happy I am playing and scoring against a team that paraded Messi on the pitch. It is a memorable encounter that I will cherish for long because Messi is a world best.”

The former Kano Pillars star in the Nigerian league stated that having crossed this group stage hurdle, the Nigerian team must work very hard.

Miroslav Klose

sports 55

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Wimbledon: Li Na Cruises Into Third Round

A dejected Serge Aurier of the Ivory Coast looks on after their defeat by Greece on Tuesday

Klinsmann And I Will Both Attack, Vows Low Germany coach Joachim Low has joined USA counterpart Jurgen Klinsmann in downplaying the significance of their friendship ahead of Thursday’s World Cup clash.

Low worked as Klinsmann’s assistant when the former was Germany boss before

taking over the top job himself after the 2006 World Cup. Their relationship has been placed on temporary hold until after the Group G clash and Low is happy to train his focus on a match in which a win for either side would see them advance as pool winners.

He said: “It [their

friendship] is an important topic but for me personally this is just a game against another national team.

It’s the third match in the group phase and a decisive game. It doesn’t have much to do with the coach.

“Our relationship is excellent and will continue regardless of the

result tomorrow.

“People who know us know that Jurgen and I are both ambitious. We read in the media that we won’t attack each other but we will.”

Germany come into the game after a resounding win over Portugal in their opener and an entertaining 2-2 draw with Ghana last time out.

There Is Nothing 3rd World About Brazil – Dikko

By ISHAKU KIGBU, Brazil

League Management Company egghead, Shehu Dikko, has disputed widespread impression that Brazil is a 3rd world country.

Dikko who is in Brazil for the World Cup stated that from what he can see practically on ground, there is nothing 3rd world about Brazil.

He said Brazil has offered visitors big surprises

from on and off the pitch beginning with the crashing out of big teams hitherto tipped to advance to the next round when the fixtures were made before the World Cup began. Off the pitch, the big sports marketer revealed that the Federal Republic of Brazil has in place all facilities and amenities that compares it favourably with most major cities in the world considered

highly developed. “We have seen many surprises in this World Cup with big teams like Spain, England and Italy crash out in the first round.

Nobody could have thought that would happen when the draws were made but this is a tournament of surprises and more would come.

“So also is the surprise that Brazil has offered in terms of its economic strength. I disagree that Brazil is a 3rd world nation because from

all indications and what I have seen not even some European countries can boast of being better. I have travelled wide and can say that the Brazilian economy can be compared to some of the big economies in Europe.”

Dikko said with what Brazil has been able to offer to the world through the hosting of the World Cup, the world should stop looking at Europe and shift its focus towards Brazil.

Second seed Li Na reached the third round of Wimbledon after a 6-2 6-2 win over world number 38 Yvonne Meusburger.

The Australian Open champion, 32, who lost in the first round of the French Open, was not at her best but was still too good for her Austrian opponent.

Five-time champion Venus Williams is also through after beating Japan’s Kurumi Nara 7-6 (7-4) 6-1 and will next face sixth seed Petra Kvitova .

And fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska was another straight-sets winner.

The Pole, beaten by Serena Williams in the 2012 final, was a comfortable 6-4 6-0 winner over Australian Casey

Dellacqua and will play either Portugal’s Michelle Larcher De Brito or Australia’s Jarmia Gajdosova in the next round.

“The first match on Centre Court is exciting. I was nervous but happy to play good tennis,” she told BBC Sport. “In the second set I was more confident and used to the grass.” “Radwanska is always a joy to watch - she showed great variety and she is a great thinker and shotmaker on court. She looks very comfortable on grass and she is in a nice section of the draw. It is exciting to see her play this well so early on.”

Li’s next opponent will be Czech Barbora Zahlavova Strycova , who beat 32nd seed Elena Vesnina 6-4 6-2.

Murray Beats Rola In Second Round Defending champion Andy Murray made short work of his visit to Wimbledon’s Court One as he thrashed Slovenian Blaz Rola to reach the third round.

The Briton took advantage of his early start on the second show court to win 6-1 6-1 6-0 in one hour and 24 minutes, heading off court at 14:36 BST. Murray, 27, has now won 15 matches in a row at the All England Club.

He will play Spanish 27th seed Roberto

Bautista Agut, who beat Czech Jan Hernych, in the last 32 on Friday.

“I played well today,” the third seed told BBC Sport. “This is the first year he’s played on grass.

He’s just come out of college and broken into the top 100.

“It was tough for him, because he doesn’t have a lot of grass-court experience, but he’ll definitely keep improving.

I had to concentrate on my side of the net today, though.”

Murray

Journalists Await FIFA Decision On Suarez

By ISHAKU KIGBU, Brazil

Suarez after the bite

Accredited journalists covering the FIFA 2014 World Cup are eagerly awaiting the decision of the FIFA disciplinary committee over the biting of Giorgio Chiellini by Luis Suarez. Journalist besieged the FIFA centres in stadiums to know when the outcome will be after FIFA said Uruguay had up till 5pm yesterday to respond. This is coming after Suarez’s lawyer quickly flew in to Brazil to face the FIFA committee.

But FIFA spokeswoman

Delia Fischer told journalists the world football governing body would work quickly to investigate the incident since Uruguay is due to play Colombia on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro in the first knockout round. “The Disciplinary Committee understands the urgency of the matter.

Luis Suarez’s conduct on the pitch is at the moment the biggest distraction in the World Cup. His lawyer flew to Rio de Janeiro yesterday to present his defense after the Uruguay striker was accused.

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26.06.14 www.leadership.ng

The Thursday Column

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

No. 2,212

W

There is no tribe, religion or race that has monopoly of good or bad people

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Confronting Insanity With Sanity 08052407030 (SMS only) abba@leadership.ng

Abba Mahmood

hen one drinks alcohol, one loses focus and becomes temporarily insane for between seven and 12 hours. If a person is a perpetual drunkard, you can see, cumulatively, how much precious time that person loses and that person cannot be compared to one who is always sober.

But anyone who was once insane hardly comes back to normality. If he or she is your brother or sister, you just have to keep tolerating him or her. Any time he or she laughs, people may think the madness is back. Likewise, if the person starts ranting and abusing everyone and everything, we just have to forgive him or her since there is every likelihood that some nuts and bolts in his or her head have given way again. Of course, if the madness is as a result of drugs one does not get cured but only rehabilitated. That is why we have to excuse the person any time he or she relapses.

I have since come to the conclusion that there is no tribe, religion or race that has monopoly of good or bad people. We all have our strengths and weaknesses as human beings. So it is very bad to generalize or stereotype any group because of the character of one. That is why it was so pleasing that while Mr Femi Fani-Kayode was busy abusing the Igbo last year and northerners this year, some sane and rational Nigerians from his same base of the south-west are responding to him. This self-appointed Yoruba champion has attacked virtually every institution in this country, including President Obasanjo who brought him to the limelight. But it is clear that Femi is only representing Femi.

First came a story entitled “North helped my dad win 1993 election – Abiola’s daughter” carried on page 4 of the Daily Trust newspaper of Thursday, June 5, 2014. In the story, Hafsat Abiola-Costello, daughter of acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993, pres-

NO 7, Ex-Minister’s Quarters, Off Rabah Road, Near NDA Officers Mess, directly opposite Arewa House.

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idential election, Chief MKO Abiola, was quoted as saying, “There are people who often say it is the north that has been causing problems in this country because they don’t want democracy. But the truth is that the north has always wanted to preserve democracy. If not for the north my father wouldn’t have won the 1993 presidential election. The north gave a majority of the votes for my father.” Is the ethnic chauvinist and religious bigot Femi FaniKayode listening?

Another Femi, this time the scholar Dr Femi Aribisala, also wrote an article in the Premium Times online medium entitled “The Boko Haram Are Not Northern Nigerians” in which he narrated how President Babangida intervened for him when Prof. Gabriel Olusanya, a fellow Yoruba, was trying to stop Dr Aribisala’s appointment as special adviser to the minister of foreign affairs in the late 1980s. He recalled how, after he left the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and went back to the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) where he was working, the same Prof. Olusanya who was the DG of the NIIA made life very difficult for him. Dr Aribisala had to write to President Babangida to intervene on his behalf. Babangida referred the matter to the then secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), another Yoruba, Chief Olu Falae, and directed Falae to second Aribisala to the Office of the SGF. Falae offered him an appointment but told Aribisala that he was short of office space.

That was how Dr Aribisala reported the matter to Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, a prince of the Sokoto Caliphate who was later turbaned the Sardauna of Sokoto. “When I told him my troubles, he laughed.

Then he asked me a telling question: ‘why is it that you Yoruba’s don’t help your own people?’ When I asked what he meant, I discovered that he knew more about my predicament than I had presumed,” wrote Dr Aribisala.

“Alhaji Alhaji said to me: ‘You are a Yoruba man and yet you are being harassed by another Yoruba man.

The president referred your matter to the highest Yoruba man in the government, the chief of naval staff, Vice Admiral Patrick Koshoni, but he did nothing. Then he told another Yoruba man, the secretary to the government, Chief Olu Falae, to move you into his office. But, instead, the man is playing games with you. Now you are constrained to come and see me. Dr Aribisala, I am not a Yoruba man; I am from the north. Nevertheless, I will help you. Go and think of any job, any job you want; then come to see me and I will see to it that you get it.’

Northern redemption. I went away confused because that was actually how I got into my logjam. I did not want any job. I just wanted to be left alone. So I went back to Alhaji Alhaji to tell him that I really could not think of any job I was interested in.

But Alhaji Alhaji would not be denied. He said to me: ‘Dr Aribisala, Chief Olu Falae refused to fulfil his promise to offer you the appointment of special assistant, political matters. I am hereby offering you the appointment of special assistant, economic matters’,” Dr Aribisala wrote. “I have gone to great length to recall this incident because it is one of the many examples of kindness I have received personally on different occasions at the instance of ‘northerners’. Forgive me for talking as if northerners are one people; but those of us in the south have this tendency to lump them all together. In spite of being a ‘southerner’, I have received so much kindness from northerners, even when southerners and even Yorubas have refused to help me.

Therefore, I can say this without fear of being contradicted: northern Nigerians -- from the north-west, the north-central and the north-east -are simply fantastic human beings.”

He continued: “I have found northerners in general to be the kindest Nigerians. They are certainly the most honest. They are far

more giving and open-handed than southerners. They are also unbelievably simple and humble. I recall the late General Joseph Garba, Langtang man, sitting down to eat from the same plate with junior members of his staff in his New York office as permanent representative of Nigeria to the United Nations.

“These points need to be underlined today: in the midst of all the Boko Haram atrocities in the north, especially since the terrorists often target Christians and non-northerners. These marauders are the antithesis of everything noble, everything decent, and everything godly about northerners. We also need to keep stating it emphatically. The Boko Haram are not Muslims; they are just using the Muslim faith as a crutch.

Abubakar Shekau claimed his god told him to sell the Chibok girls into slavery. Whichever god told him this, it cannot be the Muslim God… These people are not even human beings. True northerners are the most upright, most accommodating and most humane of Nigerians. Without northerners, Nigeria would be a very poor country indeed.” Is Femi Fani-Kayode the fanatic listening? History is on the side of the oppressed.

GHANA MUST GO Support your husbands, Patience Jonathan urges African first ladies

— News

Na together dem waka come?

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