Wednesday

30.07.14

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

WEDNESday

No. 2,231

N150

NIGERIA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPER

Nigerian Firm To Export Cars To African Countries

By Samson Echenim, Lagos

Nigeria’s leading indigenous automobile manufacturer, Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing Company Limited, is planning to export

its passenger car brands to West African countries, especially Republic of Benin and Ghana, as soon as the

vehicles are finally rolled out from the company’s plant in Nnewi, Anambra State.

The products include Fox

Sedan and Amazon car brands.

Chairman of Innoson Group of Companies Chief Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma disclosed

Ambassador Was Wrongly Linked To Ebola Victim - LASG > Page 47

Chibok Diary DAY 107

this at the Nnewi plant of the company during a brief preview of the company’s passenger cars to mark the concrete takeoff of the auto policy. ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

N100m Presidential Gift: Count us out of the controversy – BBOG Group > Page 2

civilian jtf raises the alarm

40 Suicide Bombers Sneak Into Borno 5

Beware of female strangers in Hijab – Police

Boko Haram bombs bridge, kills 8 in Yobe

Indian Muslim devotees offer Eid prayers during Eidal-Fitr festival in Chennai, yesterday.

PHOTO BY AFP

For the best among Nigeria’s politicians; the best among those who aspire for political and elective office; the most popular candidates; the trailblazers; Nigeria’s most presentable candidates and those who have the vision and sense of mission to lead...

Read “The Electables” > Pages 31-41

2

chibok diary 107

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

DAY

CHIBOK TWEETS @obyezeks AbujaFamily of #BringBackOurGirls is on with 90th DAILY Sit Out now @ the Unity Fountain. Be a VOICE for our #ChibokGirls!

YOU cannot STOP. @obyezeks Kano again and again.

Female suicide bombers again and again - becoming trend.

Our #ChibokGirls still in the enemy den.

Are we THINKING? @Bar_Baric Government dey try make am look like say Borno na continent on 'im own. #BringBack OurGirls jor! @UNDPAfrica True - very concerning that Chibok schoolgirls are still in captivity. #BringBackOurGirls #BringBackOurDaughters @obyezeks #BeforeDay110 #BringBackOurGirls #BeforeDay110 #BringBackOurGirls! #BeforeDay110 #BringBackOurGirls!! #BeforeDay110 #BringBackOurGirls!!! @RealTonyRocha • 11h We Will #Never #Forget ...

We Will #Never #Stop ... #BringBackOurGirls @EiENigeria DAY106.THE DEMAND STILL REMAINS THE SAME #BringBackOurGirls #BringBackOurGirls #BringBackOurGirls #BringBackOurGirls @obyezeks On DAY106 of #ChibokGirls abduction, wld be EASIER to GIVE UP on our GIRLS than to STAY DEMANDING. We CHOOSE the latter! #BringBackOurGirls! @Dmanjoe @obyezeks to be honest, this issue of ChibokGirls is now proving to be a kinda scam to me because i see no Government giving up on such @Greatnessgift @obyezeks : We keep hearing of female suicide bombers now.Give up?No!That could cost more.

We staydemanding #BringBackOurGirls!

Some members of #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) Group during one of their village square meetings at the Unity Fountain, Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

N100m Presidential Gift: Count Us Out Of The Controversy - BBOG Group

BY CHIKA MEFOR, EJIKE EJIKE, Abuja

The #BringBackOurGirls Group has distanced itself from the N100million presidential gift purportedly given to the members of the Chibok community when they visited President Goodluck Jonathan.

The group, which was reacting to a report on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Hausa Service about how the N100m was causing problems among the members of the Chibok community, stated that the core purpose of their daily sit-out sessions was for the rescue of the over 200 Chibok schoolgirls still in the Boko Haram sect’s captivity, adding that they do not have anything to do with the money.

The group also explained that it was not part of the team that visited the president, it was not told anything about the money and it only heard about it on the news, like every other person and that it therefore had nothing to do with the sharing of the money.

The BBOG Group, however, called on the Chibok community and its elders to ensure that if any money was actually given, the escaped girls, the parents of the abducted girls and the community at large were properly re-integrated and rehabilitated, and that they benefit from the money equitably, to ensure transparency and trust among them.

It will be recalled that on July 22 2014, 51 escaped girls, the parents of the abducted girls and elders of the Chibok community visited Jonathan and it was later revealed that the president made a gift of N100m to them.

However, the national publicity secretary of Kibaku Area Development Association (KADA), which organised the Chibok community for the visit to the president, Dr Manasseh Allen explained that the association was never given a N100m, not before, during or after the visit, but added that when they were preparing to leave their hotel, a presidential aide visited them and was seen by some people giving N100,000 each to some of the escaped girls.

“When we saw the president, we told him about our demands and he jotted it down. We left for the hotel. It was later we started hearing news about money being shared by the senior special assistant to the president on special duties.

“We don’t know how the N100m came about. We didn’t collect any money and we are not part of the sharing of any money. Some of our members said they saw the presidential aide giving out N100m

to some of the girls. We promise to investigate the matter thoroughly to find out how much was actually given, to whom it was given and how it was being shared,” he said.

NIGERIA’S RISING CONSUMER CLASS

26th

LARGEST ECONOMY IN THE WORLD

$1.4trn

ESTIMATED WORTH OF THE NATION’S NIGERIA REMAINS THE LARGEST CONSUMER MARKET BY 2030 ECONOMY IN THE AFRICA CONTINENT

GDP

HAS TRIPPLED BETWEEN 2004 & 2010

170m POPULATION

14%

PERCENTAGE CONTRIBUTION OF THE OIL RESOURCES SECTOR TO THE NATION’S GDP

7.1%

NIGERIA HAS THE POTENTIAL TO EXPAND ITS ECONOMY

BY ROUGHLY 7.1 PER CENT PER YEAR THROUGH 2030

AGRICULTURE AND TRADE ARE LARGER AND FASTERGROWING

DID YOU KNOW? In 2013, an estimated 8 million households had incomes of more than $7,500 per year – the threshold for what McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) considers “emerging consumers,” with sufficient income to meet all basic necessities and have money left over to start buying more and better food as well as health and education services

N42.5trn

HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE OF NIGERIANS

BY 2030 About 35 million households (an estimated 160m people) could be living above that threshold.

The latest (2012) Household Consumption Expenditure numbers for Nigeria’s 170 million people is estimated at N42.5 trillion ($260bn) by the NBS INFOGRAPHICS BY Matthew Akhabue

3

our stand Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Stop The Gaza Carnage

O

f all the problems confronting the world, none is more heartrending than the Israel/Palestine conflict. The tragedy currently playing out in Gaza ought to concern all men and women of goodwill because our very humanity is diminished by the sheer horror of defenceless children and women being sent to untimely graves. These children of Abraham (Israel and Palestine) seem committed to mutually assured destruction (MAD), the same philosophy of hate for which their ancestors played mongoose and cobra. It is time to put a stop to such avoidable carnage in the 21st century.

As usual, both sides have rolled out their propaganda machines to demonise their opponents and win the debate in the marketplace of public opinion.

Hardliners on both sides would rather the carnage continued than finding peaceful ways of resolving the ancient conflict.

Gaza, the theatre where all the current tragedy is playing out, has known suffering for ages.

Governed by Turkey as part of the Ottoman Empire, it was ruled by Great Britain between

1918 and 1948 before Egypt took over. Then, in 1967 Israel took control till 1994 when the Palestinian Authority came into being. Seven years ago, Hamas forcefully took control of the territory, claiming to be the true representatives of the Palestinian people. Generation upon generation of Gaza residents — and indeed the Palestinian territory — have not known peace for any appreciable length of time.

We are convinced that the only sustainable path to true peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis is the muchtrumpeted two-state solution proposed by the United Nations. Since 1994 when Israel granted Gaza the right of self-

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

Founder Sam Nda-Isaiah

governance through the Palestinian Authority, it is regrettable that not much has happened to achieve the two-state solution. The path to achieve that is strewn with a string of concessions both sides have to make if they truly want to live in peace and allow their people to forge on with their lives.

First, both sides have to publicly commit themselves to a peaceful solution. Israel and Hamas should ease the stranglehold on Gaza. On the one hand, Israel must try to exercise restraint even when provoked.

On the other, Hamas must stop firing rockets into Israel. The United States and other intermediaries like Egypt and Turkey must sincerely bring both sides to work out the kind of arrangement they can live with under the principle of two independent states. It is a shame on the civilised world that we stand akimbo and watch the gory orgy playing out in that tiny area of 365 square kilometres habouring1.8 million people. We cannot accept that the Israel/Palestine conflict is beyond solution. Let Israel be; let Palestine be. Let the backers of both sides midwife a truce and a two-state solution.

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

Leadership Holdings

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

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Group News Editor: Tony Amokeodo FG Not Responsible For Attempt On Buhari – Dangiwa Umar Former military governor of Kaduna State Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (rtd) has called Nigerians to stop accusing the federal government over the attack on the convoy of General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) with a car bomb by unknown persons.

Colonel Umar, in a statement issued in Kaduna yesterday, said: “When on Wednesday, July 23, 2014, some yet to be identified persons attacked the convoy of General Muhammadu Buhari with a car bomb, some of his supporters or his representatives, as one of them claimed on BBC radio Hausa Service, accused the federal government of complicity. This was even before investigations commenced.

“I was concerned and worried by possible dangerous repercussions of such allegations on the peace and unity of the country, which is currently under severe stress. I therefore decided not only to condemn their actions but also to adduce evidence to counter their wrong and preposterous allegations.

“When about four months ago General Muhammadu Buhari issued a condemnation of the activities of Boko Haram (BH) sect, the presidency praised him for what it saw as an act of courage and statesmanship. Some of us agreed and welcomed this reaction particularly because it would have the positive effect of building the much-needed consensus in the war against the Boko Haram insurgency.

“We were also delighted by General Buhari’s action because it provided another evidence, if any was needed, that he was not a religious bigot, and like most Northerners did not share or support any terrorist religious ideology.

“However, fearing the usual Boko Haram reprisal, we advised the federal government to beef up security around the general.

The FG agreed and reached out to General Buhari with this proposal. By mutual consent, his security was upgraded. I have no doubt that this must have contributed to his survival of the attack.

“The point then is how can a government that is intent on assassinating the General provide him with added security? I have since learned that the bulletproof vehicle, in which General Buhari was riding at the time of the attack, was provided to him by an APC chieftain possibly an APC governor. My reaction to this is that it does not detract from the fact that the federal government indeed reinforced the General’s security about four months ago.

Bulletproof vehicle is only a component of the security infrastructure.

Wreckage of the vehicle in which the son of former FCT Minister, Nasir el-Rufai, Hamza, died in Abuja, yesterday.

Inset: The late 23-year-old Hamza el-Rufai.

Jonathan, Governors Condole With el-Rufai Over Son’s Death

By George Agba, Abuja, Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta, Adeboye Waheed, Ibadan, Midat Joseph, Kaduna

President Goodluck Jonathan and the governors of Ogun, Oyo and Kaduna States yesterday commiserated with former FCT minister, Mallam Nasir elRufai, over the death of his son, Hamza in a road crash in Abuja.

El-Rufai had at about 8am yesterday announced the death of Hamza via his Facebook page saying, “From Allah we came and to Him we shall return. Please

join our family in praying for the repose of the soul of my son Hamza El-Rufai who died this morning in a motor accident in Abuja.”

The president, who was among the first to condole with el-Rufai, said the former minister should be comforted all over this terrible loss.

Special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, noted in a statement that Jonathan prayed “for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed and also for God’s

blessing, comfort and protection for Mallam el-Rufai and the rest of his family.”

Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun expressed deep shock and heartfelt condolences to the family of el-Rufai, saying that the demise of the young Hamzat, a graduate of University of Virginia and United World College, was most regrettable and unfortunate.

“It is so sad that his life was cut short in a fatal accident at a time he would have been contributing his quota to the de-

velopment of his father land after acquiring a good education,” Amosun said.

Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, in his condolence statement, described the death of the son of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain as unfortunate and disheartening.

Kaduna State governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Yero expressed deep sadness over the tragic death of Hamza, saying he received news of the death with shock and grief.

2015: Why Jonathan Must Seek Re-election – TAN

By George Agba, Abuja

A political support group and non-governmental organisation (NGO), Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN), insisted yesterday that there was enough justification for President Goodluck Jonathan’s mandate to be renewed, saying his modest achievements must be consolidated in the interest of the country.

The group’s spokesperson, Prof Joe Okanlawon, who made this position known in Awka, the Anambra State capital, told journalists that with his Transformation Agenda, Jonathan had positively impacted on the people and

the polity.

According to the renowned professor of Sociology, all the sectors of the economy have received the Midas touch of the president who has proved that, with quality leadership, Nigeria could overcome its challenges and take its pride of place in the comity of nations.

Singling out revolution in the power sector as an outstanding achievement, he said while the successful power reform cannot be wished away by any individual, irrespective of the level of political antagonism, it would be wise and ideal to allow the president to consolidate on his achievements.

Okanlawon noted that a great

number of small-scale industries that were forced to shut down because of poor and epileptic power supply had bounced back, following the restoration of power by President Jonathan.

He added that the situation before Jonathan came on board was so bad that the industrialists had to rely on alternative sources of power which were very expensive, thereby making the cost of production higher than the ruling market prices.

He observed that some of the small scale industries that were laid off, with its owners thrown back into the already over-populated unemployment market later

became agents of insecurity in the country, justifying the saying that an idle mind is always the devil’s workshop.

Okanlawon pointed out that things started looking up for the country when the president through reform policies embarked on a systematic restructuring of the power sector by way of privatisation and unbundling which made it possible for over 4000kw of electricity to be generated and distributed across the country. The result, he observed, was magical as all categories of entrepreneurs quickly lubricated their machineries and bounced back to active production.

Religious Liberty Under Siege In Nigeria, Others – US Congress ABIODUN OLUWAROTIMI, New York

The U.S. Congress yesterday said that religious liberty remained under siege in Nigeria and some other countries where religious crises are currently happening.

Speaking in his reaction to the 2014 International Religious Freedom Report which was released in

By Isaiah Benjamin, Kaduna Washington, DC yesterday by the

United States Secretary, Senator John Kerry, chairman of the Congress Committee on Foreign Affairs, Rep. Ed Royce, said that much was needed to be done to totally eradicate religious crises which he said had degenerated to terrorism in Nigeria and its counterparts across the world.

The top Congressman said further that religious liberty remained

under siege around the world, adding that millions of believers faced extremists who terrorized those with differing beliefs, or authoritarian governments who deny the freedom to worship outside of preapproved regime-controlled means.

“We need look no further than the ongoing terror campaign of ISIS against the ancient Christian community in Mosul, Iraq, whose doors

have been painted red, and who have been threatened with death unless they abandon their Christian faith.”

Secretary of state John Kerry had on Monday accused the Jonathan administration of failing in the fight against terrorism, by failing to adequately equipping security forces to contain violent extremist groups in the north who attacked religious freedom.

NEWS 5

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

LIVING LIVING TOTO BE BE 100100

One health tip daily You Snooze, You Loose

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

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

Nigerian Firm To Export Cars To African Countries FROM COVER

He said that Innosonbadged vehicles are genuinely indigenous, noting that apart from being made in Nigeria they bear a Nigerian name and not the monogram of any foreign auto brand.

The Innoson boss recalled that his plant was set up long before the introduction of the auto policy and against all odds at a time when importation of fully built-up vehicles was an easier and far more lucrative option. He added, however, that the coming of the auto policy, four years after the production lines were officially commissioned by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in Nnewi in 2010, would help the growth and development of the local industry, He also applauded the vision of the federal government in introducing the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP), which the auto policy is part of, and called for increased patronage of made-in-Nigeria vehicles.

Chukwuma stated: “Innoson is the only auto brand name that you cannot get anywhere else in the world except in Nigeria, and I think it is correct to say that it is the symbol of the new auto industry being driven by the auto policy that has now taken effect in the country.

“In America, they are proud of their Ford and Chevrolet; in India, Tata and Maruti are respected, promoted and patronised by both the government and the citizens, because those brands are truly Indian in presence and in name; and in Malaysia, Proton which is also indigenous to the country is loved as the national car brand.

“In the Nigerian auto industry, there is no other made-in-Nigeria vehicle that bears a local name apart from Innoson. Others are foreign brands, though made in Nigeria.

If you go to Europe, America and Asia or anywhere outside this country, you won’t see any vehicle called Innoson, because the name does not exist in any other place in the world except here.”

Bomb Attack: Tinubu, APC chieftains visit Buhari in Kaduna Isaiah Benjamin, Kaduna

Former governor of Lagos State and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside former interim national chairman Chief Bisi Akande and national publicity secretary of the party Alhaji Lai Mohammed, yesterday visited

former military head of state General Muhammadu Buhari in his Kaduna residence to commiserate with him over the recent bomb targeted at him.

The visit and discussions which held behind closed doors lasted longer than an hour.

Although Tinubu who led the ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

40 Suicide Bombers Sneak Into Borno

By Kareem Haruna, Maiduguri

There was tension in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, yesterday following credible information that at least 40 members of the Boko Haram terrorist group, among whom were teenage girls, had sneaked into the city with the intention of carrying out suicide bombings.

This was coming days after two separate bomb explosions masterminded by the Boko Haram terrorists rocked the city of Kano during the Eid-el-Fitri celebration.

It has been confirmed that teenage girls were used to ferry the explosions - one in a food flask and the other in a jar meant to contain kerosene - to the point where the explosives were detonated in the Kano State capital.

LEADERSHIP has gathered from different sources that the Boko Haram suicide bombers that had entered Maiduguri were between 30 and 40 in number.

A member of the CivilianJTF who pleaded anonymity said a suspected member of the Boko Haram who was on Sunday arrested in Maiduguri later confessed that over 40 of them, including two girls, had arrived in the city with the intention of carrying out attacks using explosives.

“We were able to arrest seven of them, and we are still on the trail of about 33 others,” said the operative of the Civilian-JTF. “When we interrogated them, they were able to reveal that the girls, just like they did in Kano, would be used to carry bombs tied to their bodies and covered by their hijabs to crowded places where they would be detonated by some other persons holding the remote-controlled detonator. We have tried to make them reveal where others are being kept but have not been successful.

A member of the Nigeria vigilante, Muhammed Gava, confirmed he also had this piece of information. He told LEADERSHIP on phone that a Toyota Hilux bus with the colour of the Nigeria Air Force, and filled with about 20 people including young girls, had on Sunday found its way into Maiduguri.

“The bus had the paint of the Nigeria Air Force and it carried plenty people, about 20 or so, both men and girls, into Maiduguri. It came from the direction of Damboa, and some members of the Civilian-JTF tried to stop it around Polo area but the driver did not stop. And when they later tried to go after the bus, they lost its track; but they are still searching for the bus,” said Gava.

The Borno State police

Gusau

command had issued a statement calling on members of the public to beware of ladies covered with hijab and standing by the roadsides or asking to be assisted to find a direction to a particular place, as those ladies might have suicide bombs concealed under their hijabs.

The police did not say if they had information on the arrest of persons who confessed they were coming to the town to cause havoc.

According to the police public relations officer, Gideon Jubrin (DSP), “the Borno State police command wish to congratulate the Muslim faithful on the celebration of the Ei-del-Fitri, which took place without any incident.

“The command however still cautions residents to be wary of strange females wearing hijabs and moving around crowded places as some of them may be hiding explosives in their under garments with the intention of causing harm to unsuspecting residents.”

The PPRO said residents who sighted such persons should immediately alert the relevant security operatives for proper action.

A top official of the SSS who spoke off the record confirmed the incident but stated that the rumoured figure of about 30 girls brought to the town was not factual.

According to the officer, “what we have was that a large number of suspected Boko Haram gunmen had invaded the town before and during the Eid celebration with the intention of carrying out suicide bombings using some of the girls they came in with to actualise their evil plan.

Some arrests were made, and investigation is still on to fish out others from their hideouts.”

Another source at the police headquarters said “some of the girls are said to be camped in hotels, which we could not verify for now; but we are still carefully searching so as not to cause tension in the already tensed town”. ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Jonathan

6 NEWS

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

40 Suicide Bombers Sneak Into Borno FROM PAGE 5

The panic over alleged invasion of Boko Haram teenage suicide bombers came at the time the authorities at the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army had announced the easing of the ban on all vehicles today (Wednesday) from 7am.

Residents of Maiduguri celebrated their Eid-el-Fitr walking, following the ban on vehicular movement by the military authority, citing security concerns.

A statement issued by the deputy director, defence information, Colonel Muhammad Dole, on Saturday evening said the ban would last till today, July 30. According to his statement, the Boko Haram had planned to use all kinds of vehicles, including taxis, tricycles and bicycles heavily wired with explosives to cause mayhem during the days of the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

In a fresh statement signed and issued by Col. Dole yesterday, the military said it had decided to lift the ban by 7am today following the successful celebration of the Eid without the “terrorists carrying out their evil plot to carry out multiple bombings in various parts of the city”. The statement urged residents to “be vigilant and alert” and “report any suspicious objects, persons or movement to the relevant agencies”.

The fear in Maiduguri now is that the said girls being used for suicide bombing could be some of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls.

The SSS person who spoke earlier said “it could be possible, because there is nothing these elements would not do to inflict pain on the people; we even understand that some of the girls that were used in the Kano suicide bombing were used as mere courier; theirs was just to carry the explosives either in food flask, jerry can or under their garment, not mindful of what the person holding the remote detonating device would do until they were blown off. It is better the public should be very observant of strange young girls loitering about; they could be the girls we are looking for”.

Sect bombs bridge, kills 8 in Yobe

Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram on Monday night used explosives to blow off a bridge and kill at least eight people in a community in Yobe State, eyewitnesses and security operatives said.

The bridge located in Katarko village in Gujba local government area of the state was blown off after the gunmen attacked the area and forced soldiers at a checkpost not quite 300 metres away from the bridge to flee.

A resident of Buniyadi in Gujba local government area, Malam Garba, who confirmed the incident to LEADERSHIP, said the gunmen came to the bridge in their large numbers.

“The soldiers had to flee from the place because they were outnumbered by the attackers who later blew off the bridge,” said Garba. “They attacked villagers in Katarko and killed about eight persons who, some of my relatives there told me, are being prepared for burial right now.”

The blown-off bridge links Yobe to Biu town in Borno State and could also be used to get to Yola in Adamawa State, said Garba.

The Katarko bridge is the fifth so far blown off by Boko Haram in the past three months.

Abbas Gava, a member of the Nigerian vigilante group, confirmed the incident to LEADERSHIP even as he said “though the rains are not heavy for now and vehicles can still manage to pass under the bridge, but by the time it became heavier, vehicles would not be able to make it across the broken bridge”.

A police officer in Yobe State who would not want to be mentioned in this report confirmed the incident to LEADERSHIP. He added that two suspected Boko Haram members were also arrested in Damaturu town while attempting to cause some havoc in the state capital.

Katarko, a small agrarian community, is located some 22km south of Damaturu.

Security operatives, residents flee as Boko Haram takes over Yobe town Security operatives in Gujba local government area of Yobe State yesterday advised residents to flee for their lives as Boko Haram gunmen who had on Monday night bombed part of

a major bridge there returned to attack them again.

A bridge in a town called Katarko was partly bombed on Friday night and about eight people were killed during an attack by Boko Haram gunmen, whose number was said to have overwhelmed that of the soldiers there.

But, as the residents of Katarko, a village not far away from Gujba, returned to mourn their dead ones, the gunmen returned in full force and sacked both the villagers of Katarko and Gulani, who had to flee into the state capital Damaturu.

Gujba is about 45km away from Katarko, and the villagers from the latter community who had fled their homes to the former now had to take to their heels again as the gunmen returned.

Another fleeing resident, Rabiu Buni, who said he made it on foot through the bush path to Damaturu, told LEADERSHIP on phone that the terrorists had succeeded in bombing the bridge for the second time, which now caused the entire frame of the bridge to collapse.

“When they bombed the bridge on Monday night, it only destroyed one side, but they had to bomb it again when they returned this (Tuesday) afternoon,” he said.

The gunmen who came in about a dozen vehicles stormed the town about 3pm shooting and setting homes ablaze.

Malam Muhammed, a resident

of Gujba, said he was very lucky to escape in his car with his family, but many others especially women and children might not be.

“It was a deadly return that they made today (Tuesday) after the initial attack on Monday; the entire village of Gujba is now deserted as everyone including women and children took to the bush; but the danger is that hardly will many of them make it to Damaturu safely because the bridge is bombed and the attacked village is being surrounded by water, which would make it difficult for women and children to wade through,” said Buni.

The influx of the internally displaced persons has so far caused serious tension in Damaturu town, as most of the IDPs were seen wandering helplessly in the streets without knowing anywhere to go.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the military had deployed earthmoving equipment to build emergency sand fortress along the outskirts of Damaturu towards Gujba, 28km away, where soldiers are now waiting to prevent the attackers from invading the state capital.

Military aircraft was hovering over the direction of the attacked village before dusk set in, but it was not certain if the soldiers had mobilised to engage the daring Boko Haram terrorists.

Efforts to get comments from both the police and the

Badeh

military operatives did not yield any result as those contacted declined comments.

Multiple explosions rock Potiskum as scores feared dead Multiple explosions yesterday rocked the commercial town of Potiskum in Yobe State while scores of people were feared dead.

According to witnesses, the explosions occurred very close to the palace of the Emir of Potiskum at a popular mosque called Kalli Alkali Mosque.

The bombs, believed to have been planted by Boko Haram terrorists, went off in some parts of the town at about 7:30pm when Muslim worshippers were observing the last congregational prayer for the day.

But details of the blasts were sketchy at press time while some of the residents claimed that the casualty figures might be on the high side.

Traditional artists (Yantauri) displaying during the Eid-el-Fitr celebration (Hawan Daushe) in Dass LGA of Bauchi State, yesterday. photo by nan

Bomb Attack: Tinubu, APC Chieftains Visit Buhari In Kaduna FROM PAGE 5

team would not take questions from newsmen after their meeting, he however shook hands with the newsmen and left the Kaduna home of the former head of state.

It was however gathered from an inside source that Tinubu and the other APC chieftains who were there to commiserate with

General Buhari also discussed some national issues.

According to the source, “the visit is not unconnected with the recent attempt on the life of the general. You should know that the development had continued to attract dignitaries to Kaduna on sympathy visit to him.”

General Buhari too did not speak to journalists. He simply said, “I have issued a statement

before and I cannot say anything contrary to that.”

Buhari had saidd in the said statement that the bomb was an assassination attempt targeted at him. “I am personally involved in a clearly targeted bomb attack today at about 2:30pm on my way to Daura,” he said. “The unfortunate event, clearly an assassination attempt, came from a fast-moving vehicle that made many attempts

to overtake my security car but was blocked by an escort vehicle.

“We reached the market area of Kawo where he took advantage of our slowing down and attempted to ram my car and instantly detonated the bomb which destroyed all the three cars in our convoy.

“Unfortunately, when I came out of my vehicle, I saw many dead bodies littered around. They

were innocent people going about their daily business who became victims of mass murder.

“Thank God for His mercy, I came out unhurt, but with three of my security staff sustaining minor injuries. They have since been treated in hospital and discharged.”

The visit of the APC chieftains is among the many visits to commiserate with him.

news extra 7

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Shi’ite, Soldiers’ Clash: El-Zakzaky Releases Names Of Casualties The Islamic Movement in Nigeria yesterday released the names of their members killed by the soldiers in Zaria on Friday.

Soldier had last week opened fire on members of the Shi’ites Islamic sect who were carrying their annual procession in Zaria.

The leader of the movement, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky whose three of children were killed released the list of the casualties.

The casualties, who he described as “Martyrs 2014” include: Sayyid Ahmad Zakzaky, Sayyid Hamid Zakzaky, Sayyid Mahmud Zakzaky, Musa Soba, Haidar Muhammad U/gwado, Abdulbasit U/jaba, Alh. Atiku Zaria, Haruna Sufi Dogarawa, Sadisu Salisu Tanimu U/noma, Kabiru Alaramma Muciya, Usman Ridwan Zaria, Zainulabidin K/dangoma, Alaramma Alhassan U/kanawa, Shamwilu Bashir Funtuwa, Adamu Shitu Barwa, Zulaihat Sani, Yusuf Abdulqadir, Mansur Ahmad Bilbis and Haruna Ahmad T/wada.

Others include Abubakar Sabati T/jukun, Shafi’u Tsugugi, Umar Dambo, Ishaqa Abdullahi Muciya, Ahmad Habib Dabai, Zakariyya A/gwado, Aisha Muktar Kudan, Isma’il Bashir Wuciciri, Ibrahim Muktar S/gari, Salisu Mati Maradi, Mujtaba k/malam Karaye, Husaini Muhammad Zabi and one casualty yet to be identified.

By Midat Joseph, Kaduna

Resource Control: Nigeria May Be Balkanised If – Sen Abe The chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Upstream, Senator Magnus Abe, has expressed fears that Nigeria may be balkanized if the trends of reliance on oil as the only means of survival in the country is not checked.

He also warned that unhealthy rivalry among component states with regards to the sharing formular of proceeds needs to be controlled and checked before it gets out of hand.

Senator Abe, in a chat with newsmen, noted that oil resources had imposed the culture of shared economy on Nigerians as against resource generation by the various co-ordinate units of the federation.

Butressing his point, he said they were countries that do not produce anything, have use their population to achieve their goals.

“What we are currently having in Nigeria is sharing economy where everybody depends on whatever come from oil. There are countries in this world that produce absolute nothing and they are still making money by managing the quality of human being in their countries but in this country the quality of our human being begin to deteriorate everyday. The quality of Education is falling, the standard of living is falling and the quality of lives of citizens are falling,” he lamented.

By Jonathan Nda-Isaiah, Abuja

L-R: Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Tambuwal and Hon Akinlabi Kamil during the 10th anniversary of the Pension Reform in Nigeria at the National Assembly, Abuja.

Population Institute ‘ll Conserve Nigeria’s Foreign Exchange – NPC Boss its related fields.

Chief Duruiheoma who reThe chairman, National Popula- vealed this at a workshop organtion Commission (NPC), Chief ised by the commission, on the Eze Duruiheoma, said that the role of the National Population population institute will enable Institute in fulfilling the manthe country to conserve its for- date of the commission, said eign exchange which is being ex- the institute is also expected pended in overseas training in to come up with a world class demography. research population library for He said the plan would be use by scholars and researchers. achieved through training and “The task of data collection, certification of nationals and management and disseminaforeigners in population and tion can be daunting considerBy Patience Ivie Ihejirika, Abuja

ing the variety of sources of data formats, and electronic storage and analysis platform in use in modern times amidst fact changing technologies.

“The process requires not only the acquisition of the most recent technologies and methods but also highly trained personnel that will drive it. It is the realisation of these challenges that informed our commitment towards establishing the institute,” he explained.

The chairman, Population Institute Committee, Alhaji Zakari Umaru, stated that the institute will collaborate with universities, polytechnic, and other population studies centres at home and abroad.

According to him, this is in order to take advantage of emerging scientific and technical innovations that are necessary to effectively manage the country’s population for sustainable development.

Don’t Contemplate Coup, Air Commodore Ajaiye Warns Soldiers

By Midat Joseph, Kaduna

A retired Air Commodore, John Ajaiye, yesterday warned the military against the temptation of staging a military coup in the face of the security challenges in the country.

Air Commodore Ajaiye who is the chairman of Pro-Jonathan group, Arise Nigeria, warned the military that Nigerians would resist any attempt to return the country to autocracy.

Speaking to journalists in Kaduna, the retired military brass

also praised President Jonathan Goodluck for allowing advanced countries to join in the search for solutions to the the raging problem of terrorism in Nigeria.

“It may be becoming tempting for some misguided officers in the military to start thinking about change of government by force, though I doubt if any officer that has served under a military regime would think so.

“The truth is that, yes, like anything handled by human beings, there must be challenges, so is it with our democracy.

However, no matter what, Nigerians would do everything to resist another military rule in any form it may take. Nigerian will never put up with another military dictatorship. We shall resist it.

“Yes, we have security challenges, yes we have some evil and corrupt politicians; yes we have social issues, but all these also exist during military rule, and in some cases they are far worse. Coups are indicators of backwardness, lack of civility and an outright insult on the

people.

“We that served both under civilian and military rule can tell you that the military is always by far the most negatively affected under military governments.”

He noted that under military regimes, well-connected soldiers get promotions above better officers, compromising professionalism in the military.

He added that the military now is far better in terms of welfare, working facilities, professionalism and motivation than under the military.

Why NASS Ignores Jonathan’s Impeacheable Offences – Sen Domingo

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

As the noose of impeachment hangs over some governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Domingo Obende (APC, Edo North) yesterday said the Senate decided to ignored considering impeachable offences committed by President Goodluck Jonathan in the interest of national stability.

Domingo, who spoke on the heels of waves of impeachments and the use of state instrumen-

tality of power by the PDP controlled federal government to suppress opposition, however, expressed fear that if the gale is not checked, the nation’s nascent democracy faces greater danger.

The lawmaker who is the vice chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, spoke to newsmen at his country home of Igarra, in Akoko-Edo local government area of the Edo State.

“What is happening is very

surprising to a couple of us. First and foremost, there is danger around the corner, danger in the political arena because a political system that ought to be stable, that strive itself on impeachment threat and processes does not augur well.

“Who is saying that the president himself has not committed an impeachable offence? That the National Assembly ought to be looking at but because of stability, and because the leadership of the National Assembly

is mature in the way it is handling the issues and we look at Nigeria as an entity that must be salvaged and of course, the whole of the African nation is looking at us as the giant of Africa; are we going to be a giant in rascality?

He described as ‘a clear parliamentary misbehaviour’ a situation where governors who were given mandate by their people are not allowed to exercise the mandate on behalf of the people who elected them.

8

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS, APC STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE NASARAWA STATE CHAPTER

PRESS RELEASE KNOW NOW, THE SPONSORS OF NASARAWA STATE IMPEACHMENT PLOT

W

e read with disbelief and outrage the advertorial on page 59 of Weekly Trust newspaper of 26 July, 2014, and page 8 of LEADERSHIP WEEKEND of July 26, 2014, respectively, signed by ‘Caucus/ Elders Committee of Peoples Democratic Party’,Nasarawa State Chapter for the attention of ‘Nasarawa People’! Ordinarily, we would have ignored the advertorial as the ranting of frustrated, desperate, self-serving, failed and unpatriotic citizens of Nasarawa State but for the blatant falsehood, misdirected allegations, dramatically ironic statements and the personalities that signed the advertorial.

The message contained in the advertorial is, to say the least, a brazen confirmation of the desperate desire of these power-mongers to return the state to the better-forgotten dark era of PDP misrule which the people of the state have jettisoned with delight in 2011 to the chagrin of these consorts.

That the signatories consist of, mostly, the dramatis personae that bled the state to a near comatose speaks volumes of their ignoble, despicable and rejected desires for the return to years of arrested development. Their position on the saga is understandable given the disgraceful rejection by the people of Nasarawa State in 2011.

Now that all their attempts to distract the Governor Umaru Almakura Administration through legislative strangulation ,media tirades using cognomens, foisting crisis, among other stratagems, have failed, they have now opted for their last diabolic weapon; impeachment.

The latest desperation stems from the sterling performance of APC Government in just three years: construction of pioneer asphalt drained roads in Lafia and 12 other urban towns; building structures in the educational sector and free education policy; new General hospitals and reform of the abandoned Primary Health Care system; water and power infrastructure; rural roads construction; welfare of public servants among others too numerous to mention here, which they and people of Nasarawa State are aware of.

This achievement, in just 3 years, portend to them a grave future to their party and an imminent electoral rout in 2015 and have made them crest-fallen and despondent, hence their resort to this civilian coup.

True, removal of an elected Governor is a

legislative/judicial function but the PDP are now telling us that they have a role to play in the process. That is the message from this advertorial. It is the inadvertent confirmation that the whole nation is grieving about; that the gale of impeachment sweeping through APC states is their roadmap to ‘winning’ elections in 2015.

It is a paradox of some sort, therefore that these cabal are talking of external influence in the Nasarawa State impeachment saga. Question is: who is influencing who and for what purpose?

Certainly,it’s the PDP apparachik. The nation now knows that the PDP Members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly (NSHA) are being influenced by these signatories and their cohorts to grab power at all cost even if the heavens will fall and not through the ballot box.

The public will recall that the members had to relocate to Abuja and only sneak to Lafia to perform their anti people impeachment process that is already tainted with irregularities and scurry back to Abuja away from the people that voted them! Why is the Caucus meeting held in Abuja on matters that concern Nasarawa state? The reasons are obvious and your guess is as good as ours; quarantine of the assembly members to do the bidding of the ‘Caucus/ Elders’.

We also express our consternation on the notion that the assembly men are out to ‘sanitize’ the state and rid it of ‘misery and misrule being inflicted on it by Almakura’. What a paradox!

The people of Nasarawa State know who the misrulers and who have nearly condemned them to such period of penury, maladministration and underdevelopment. Why are they afraid of the peoples’ verdict in 2015.

Lest they forget, let us remind them of the circumstances of their hubris in 2011. Huge annual extra budgetary expenditures with no tangible project to show for it; the Paris Club refund missing funds; neglect of the educational, health, water, roads, workers welfare.

Mostly glaring was the neglect of Lafia and its consignment to the status of glorified local government headquarters for the 12 years of PDP misrule.

Again, they said the protests were sponsored and executed by ‘miscreants’! A member of NSHA (Baba Ibaku) ridiculously said on national television that the protesters were victims of Boko Haram and Taraba crisis on refuge to

Signed:

PHILIP SHEKWO TATARI State Chairman For: State Executive Committee

Nasarawa State. Have these displaced persons settled in all parts of the state considering the fact that the protests were seen in all parts of the state. What a gross misrepresentation!

Nigerians watching the protests know whether it’s sponsored or not given the all embracing composition of the participants; women, traders, trade unions, students, artisans, CBOs, NGOs, traditional rulers, indeed the gentry. How much will you pay these people to come to harm’s way other than their genuine desire to stop the attempt at arresting the first ever development effort by any government since the creation of the state.

The sleazy advertorial also solicited the support of its PDP members and well meaning people of the state. Well, the people have already rejected this call by their sustained protests.

They were not consulted by the assemblymen before embarking on their perilous adventure and should therefore carry their cross and remain pariahs in their constituencies. They have surely written their names on the wrong side of the history of Nasarawa state and should be prepared for its ultimate verdict.

Sadly, too, these PDP ‘Caucus/Elders’ accuse Distinguished Senator Abdullahi Adamu, first civilian Governor of Nasarawa State, to date the only true elder statesman in the state, of grieving because his grandfather(?), Governor Almakura is ‘drowning’. We challenge ALL the signatories to deny that Senator Abdullahi Adamu mentored them into limelight. He, it was that built the PDP from scratch to its apogee in 2007 when he handed over power to these motley crowd. It is this same anti-people posture of the people he handed over power to that destroyed the great PDP house; he strenuously built, to its very foundation. They are now singing the nunc dimities. We salute the PDP undertakers in nasarawa state.

What do you call those who betray their benefactors? How about those who show brazen ingratitude? How about those who obstruct the development of their people and their land? We remain committed to the task of rescuing Nasarawa State from the abyss of destruction that the 12 years of PDP misrule has taken it to.

We will not be deterred by the antics of these unpatriotic, self-serving power mongers. We will continue to join all progressive people of Nasarawa State in supporting Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura in his God-sent mission of enthroning a vista of Pax Nasarawa.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

news north-East, north-west 9 Kaduna Bombings Questionable – Rep Kawu so like Nyako; I’m telling you he is than to listen more to people like

Kwankwaso Can’t Suffer Nyako’s Fate – APC Chieftain

By Abubakar Salihi, Kano

Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso cannot be impeached like Adamawa Governor, Murtala Nyako because he has been a grassroots politician par excellence, andabove all he is carrying everybody along in the running of the state, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress Party (APC) in Kano, Engineer Atiku Ahmed Dungurawa has said.

In an interview with pressmen in Kano, Dungurawa said

Kwankwaso aligned himself with the members of the state assembly and the people in his all inclusiveness leadership style.

LEADERSHIP reports that 34 out of 40 of the members of the Kano State House of Assembly are APC members while the remaining six are PDP. He said the governor is carrying the legislators in the state House of Assembly along and always asked for their inputs in running the state and projects execution.

“They cannot treat Kwankwa-

going to complete his tenure successfully, by God grace, whether they like it or not,” he said.

He faulted the reports that Kwankwaso was opposed to President Jonathan in view of his presidential ambition, saying Kwankwaso did not need to fight the president to get the support of all Nigerians.

“Governor Kwankwaso is not fighting Jonathan; he is only concerned about the events in the country. I advise President Jona-

Kwankwaso who are giving him unbiased advice,” he said.

Dungurawa who was the pioneer dean, Faculty of Engineering, Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil ,said the landslide victory recorded during the last local government election would be repeated in 2015.

“Believe me, whether they like it or not, APC will defeat PDP in Kano come 2015 as it did during the local government election in the state,” he said.

The Adamawa Acting Governor, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri (left) discussing with the Hama Bachama, Mr Honest Irimiya, who paid him homage to mark the end of Eidel-Fitr in Yola ON Monday. photo by NAN

short news Sallah: Kebbi Politicians Preach Peace, Unity Politicians in Kebbi have continued to call on people irrespective of their religion or party affiliation to give peace a chance for the development of Nigeria.

Senator Atiku Bagudu (PDP, Kebbi Central)has urged Nigerians to continue to demonstrate their love for one another as without peace no meaningful development can be achieved in any nation.

In his message, chairman of Birnin Kebbi LGA, Alh. Musa Ibrahim Dan Illela, asked Muslims to put into practice the lesson learnt during the Ramadan month.

By Yahya Sarki Kebbi

Adamawa By-election: Gulak Declares Guber Ambition

By Mohammed Ismail, Yola

The former political adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, Barrister Aliyu Ahmed Gulak, has joined the fray of the gubernatorial aspirants jostling to rule the state in the oncoming bye election.

During his address at the Conference hall of Lelewal Motel in Jimeta, Gulak said his intention to contest the gubernatorial seat was to right the wrongs of the past administration.

He allayed any fear over imposition of candidates in the gubernatorial race just as he said the presidency and the PDP national leadership had no intention to impose any candidate on the people of Adamawa.

Gulak added that such assurance of an enabling and fair level ground would give the process more credibility as only the

right candidates will emerge.

He asserted that the era of imposition was over in the PDP as President Jonathan wanted to see the emergence of popular candidates in the party.

Speaking at the occasion, the director general of Gulak Campaign Organisation and former deputy governor of the state, Engr Lynn Nathan, argued that among the aspirants who had already indicated interest in the seat, none had Gulak’s pedigree and experience to take Adamawa to the Promised Land.

Nathan urged the delegates to choose competent persons and shun politics of religion and ethnicity saying such tendencies negates the principles of democracy.

Many of the delegates and coordinators that spoke at the occasion expressed support for Gulak’s aspiration, vowing to as-

sist in his emergence as the flag bearer of the party.

Adamawa Ag. Gov Accuses Nyako Of N80bn Theft The acting governor of Adamawa State Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has accused the administration of former Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako of plundering the state’s funds to the tune of over N80billion.

Fintiri who made the disclosure in his maiden broadcast to citizens of the state on Tuesday said “never in the history of Adamawa State had ‘executive stealing’ and institutionalised corruption been elevated to the level of statecraft as in the past administration.”

He pledged to set up a judicial panel of enquiry to probe the alleged theft.

No Plan To Remove Taraba PDP Chairman – Aide

By Andrew Ojih, Jalingo

The special assistant to Taraba Acting Governor on Media and Publicity, Aaron Artimas yesterday debunked the allegation made by a group that his boss was hatching a plot to remove the state PDP chairman, Victor Bala Kona.

A group known as Taraba PDP Youth Congress had, in a statement, accused the acting governor of allegedly stage managing a mass protest against the PDP chairman to discredit and sack him.

The statement which was signed by Umaru Bature, Hassan Bako, Samson Altine, Gabriel Inuwa Sabo and Japheth Nuhu alleged that the acting governor decided to take the option after failing to secure the needed signatories from among party executives to get the chairman impeached.

“The protesters would be coached to scream around town that they do not want Victor Bala Kona. This, Umar hopes will instigate the national leadership of the party that Kona is truly not popular and thus buy into the plot

to remove Kona”, the statement said.

But Aaron, in his reaction, said there was no element of truth in the accusations levelled by the group, saying there were mere speculations.

“There is nothing like that; it is mere rumors and there is no truth in it. It is a total lie”, Aaron said, noting that the acting governor is the leader of the PDP in the state and that the state party chairman, Victor Bala Kona has not declared publicly that he would not work with the acting governor, hence no reason for such move in the first place.

The deputy minority leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Abdulrahman Kawu (APC, Kano) has questioned the circumstances surrounding last week’s Kaduna twin bombings, saying it and many others give room for suspicion.

The lawmaker also asked President Goodluck Jonathan to call Asari Dokubo to order over his utterances, saying his silence could be taken as a sign of approval.

In a press statement signed

by Kawu which was made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday, the leader said there appears to be some other unseen hands in the bombings “other than what we are being told on daily basis by the federal government and its security agencies”.

Commenting on Dokubo, Kawu said the presidency’s silence over provocative statements made by Dokubo is disturbing, especially as he is known to be one of those people who have professed undying support for Jonathan’s reelection in 2015.

In the wake of Boko Haram’s failed attempt to bomb Gen Muhammadu Buhari’s convoy in Kaduna, the ex-militant had accused him of stage-managing the incident.

Kawu queried, “Why is it that more than 48 hours after he made the allegations against Buhari, neither the presidency or the federal government has cared to respond to him or even distant themselves from him?”

By Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

Ado Bayero Mall Reopens For Business The management of the Ado Bayero Mall in Kano has disclosed that it has reopened for business, saying that it has also beefed up security in the mall to ensure the safety of traders and visitors.

The management gave the assurance yesterday in a statement following the bomb explosion that targeted a Sallah event at the Trade Fair Complex adjacent to the mall.

The statement reads in part, “Following the bomb explosion yesterday that apparently targeted a Sallah event at the Trade Fair Complex adjacent to our Mall, the management of Ado Bayero Mall decided to temporarily closed the mall for the rest of yesterday in the interest of public safety.

“The security situation is being monitored closely and additional security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of residents who visit the Mall as it has since commenced operation.”

By Chika Otuchikere, Abuja

10

stories of the Wednesday, July 30, 2014

...NEWS WITH A HUMAN FACE

Robbery: Fuel Station Manager Killed

BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kaduna

Unknown gunmen suspected to be armed robbers on Monday evening attacked a fuel station in Kaduna and killed the manager of the station and carted away unspecified amount of money.

At about 7pm, five men in a Golf car drove into the filling station, located opposite Ungwan Muazu, along Nnamdi Azikwe way, in Kaduna South Local Government Area of the state, filled their tank with petrol and suddenly brought out their guns and ordered the attendants , owner of the station, and owners of two vehicles who came to purchase fuel to submit their monies and phones and shot the manager, Stephen Anebi on his head, when he said there was no money in his possession to give, said an eye witness, Malam Ismail Musa.

According to Musa, the manager was the only person that was killed by the gunmen among five other petrol attendants, including the owner of the petrol station, Alhaji Shaibu Abubakar, and two other customers who were at the station when the incident happened.

He said, “It was not quite 30 minutes when I bought fuel from the filling station when the incident occurred. I was still around the filling station but not inside the filling station, when the would- be- robbers came in, pretending to want to buy fuel.

THEFT: Pirates Steal 2 Speedboats

By Osa Okhomina, Yenagoa

There was pandemonium in the Ondewari Community of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa, following a deadly invasion by suspected sea pirates, making away with two speedboats.

The community, which is occupied by fishermen and farmers, came under attack at about 10.30pm on Monday night, leading to confusion.

LEADERSHIP gathered that though no life was lost during the attack, the sound of heavy shooting caused panic among the natives.

It was further gathered that many were forced to stay indoors for fear of being hit by stray bullets.

A source confirmed that one of the speedboats that was carted away by the hoodlums belonged to an indigene of Ondewari community.

According to the source, the speedboat was tied to a pier at the community waterfront when it was stolen but was later found floating on the river with its engine intact, an indication that it was abandoned by the pirates.

The second speedboat, it was learnt, was heading to Amassoma in the same council area when it was snatched from its owner, an indigene of Ikebiri.

Spokesman of the Bayelsa Police Command, Mr. Alex Akhigbe, said he had not been briefed about the incident.

An accident scene on Abuja-Lokoja road at Gwagwalada, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO

BY NAN

DRUG TRAFFICKING: Bizman Nabbed

With Cannabis At Lagos Airport GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a motorcycle parts dealer, identified as Ogbodo Chibuzor David, for trying to smuggle 11.06kg of dried weeds that tested positive for cannabis to China.

Ogbodo, a 39 -year-old, was said to have concealed the drugs in various food items.

The NDLEA commander at the airport, Mr. Hamza Umar, told newsmen that he was arrested following the discovery of cannabis inside his bags at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

He added that the suspect was to board a Qatar Airline flight when he was nabbed.

According to him “We have apprehended one Ogbodo Chibuzor David, with dried weeds that

tested positive for cannabis.

“The suspect, who deals in motorcycle parts at Nnewi, was found with 21 parcels of cannabis hidden inside his bags on his way to China. “ His travel route as contained in his ticket is Lagos to Doha and from Doha to Guangzhou.”

When interogated the suspect told investigators that he wanted to sell the drugs and use the profit to buy motorcycle parts in China.

Ogbodo said , “I gave a business partner the sum of $30,000 to supply me goods and he disappeared. That brought my business to its knees and I have been struggling to take care of my wife and child since a year ago.

“I met many people for financial assistance but nobody was willing to help until I was wrongly advised. A friend told me to smuggle cannabis to China.”

Fraud: SIM Card Fraudsters In Police Net

BY KOLA EKE-OGIUGO, Asaba

Some fraudsters, who specialize in duping unsuspecting members of the public, have invaded Okpanam and Illah, communities in Asaba, Delta State.

According to reports, many politicians in the communities have received messages of death threat.

Telecommunication service providers have been urged to ensure that adequate security measures are taken in the sale of SIM cards and its registration, so as to avoid abuse by criminals in the society.

Speaking to our correspondent, Mr. Jones Obiechie, a public affairs commentator, said, “On several occasions, I have heard some criminals or dubious minded people sending innocent children to buy and register their SIM cards with fictitious names and addresses at the point of purchase and registration of the SIM cards, so

as to facilitate their nefarious activities” Investigation revealed that some of these dubiously acquired and registered GSM SIM cards, have been in circulation and in use in various communities in Delta and in most cases, victims of the SIM cards ‘ threats text messages, are either killed or robbed at gun point.

Confirming the story, three politicians who did not want their names in print, said that such fraudulently acquired GMS SIM cards have been the source of threatening text messages they received within the last few weeks in the area, threatening their lives over the fourth coming PDP primaries.

But the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Celestina Kalu, confirmed that over three suspected SIM cards racketeers have been arrested, adding that upon interrogation, they confessed to the crime.

ROBBERY: Robbers Unleash Terror On Residents On Sallah Day

BY MATTHEW DIKE, Lagos

Armed robbers, numbering about 25, unleashed terror on residents living in Bariga area of Lagos State, on Monday.

Residents of Popoola and Oreofero streets, respectively, were attacked by the bandits who injured many of the residents and dispossessed them of their belongings.

One of the residents, who identified himself as Bashiru, said some of the residents urinated on their bodies, when the robbers came at about 2am with guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons.

Bashiru said the hoodlums were robbing from room to room and also smashed the windscreens of vehicles parked in the area.

LEADERSHIP investigation revealed that the robbers stormed the area and remained there for about four hours without police presence.

Another resident who identified himself as Femi, said four residents were stabbed by the armed robbers while a young woman was said to have been raped.

Femi said a 25-year-old neighbour was stabbed in the head and back and was later rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

He said the robbers came and succeeded in spoiling the fun for Muslims living in the area.

According to Femi, the hoodlums broke into their residence around 4am and carted away cash, mobile phones and other valuables.

“Four of them entered our room and two were armed with guns while others were armed with cutlasses. I peeped through a hole in the window and saw several others on the road. They were threatening to kill whoever refuses to cooperate with them. They stole money, phones, laptops, and other valuables.

They inflicted matchet cuts on many people.

My neighbour, a 25-year-old woman was unlucky because they wounded her in the head and back.”

day

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

STORIES OF THE DAY 11 Eid-el-Fitr celebration

IMPERSONATION: Police Transfers Man To State Command

BY KOLA EKE-OGIUGO, Asaba

The alleged case of impersonation of the army against Nwajei Chukwulotem Nwajei ,by the police in Delta State, has been transferred to the state command in Asaba, for further investigation.

It was reliably gathered that after the suspect was arrested by the military and handed over to the police in Ogwashi-Uku to investigate the allegation of impersonation, he was taken to the state command for proper investigation.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Celestina Kalu, confirmed the development and added that the transfer of the case was aimed at ensuring proper investigation, considering the serious na-

ture of the allegation, especially as it bothers on impersonation of the military.

The suspect was arrested following a petition written and signed by one Ozoma of Ogwashi-uku Community, Prince Nkemjika Okolobi, the community palace spokesman.

The petitioner in his petition dated July 5, 2014, had alleged that the suspect, had been parading himself as an army captain and an undercover that works for the Presidency, Abuja. He called for a proper investigation of the suspect.

The petitioner also addressed the petition to the army commandant in charge of the military barrack at Ejoor road in Effurun and copied the Chief of Army Staff, Abuja.

Jar-Mbalasum dancers entertaining spectators during the Eid-el-Fitr celebration (Hawan Daushe) in Dass LGA, Bauchi State, yesterday. Photo By Nan

ABDUCTION: Child Abductors To Face Death Penalty In A/Ibom

By Bernard Tolani Dada, Uyo

Henceforth, any person who abducts a child in Akwa Ibom State will face thr death sentence like a kidnapper under the state’s Child’s Rights and anti-Terrorism Act. Already, 25 persons arrested for alleged child abduction by security agents in the state are to face trial while 30 kidnapped children from Akwa Ibom and some neighbouring states have been rescued.

Akpabio, who stated this yesterday during the 50th birthday thanksgiving celebration of Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, the state Commissioner for Special Duties, at Power City International, Uyo, remarked that the convicts would face death sentence like hardened criminals.

According to him, the trauma parents go through in such incident is always heart breaking and assured that every child abductor would be brought to book.

He then called on the people of the state to report any suspicious movement to security agencies and to always be security conscious at all times, hinting that five teams of security agencies are carrying out investigation to check child theft in the state.

The celebrant, Enoidem, disclosed that the history of his life was characterised by the exceeding grace of God, which he said, he wasn’t even qualified for, stressing that education is the bedrock for what he has now become in life and that his wife and family are the pillar and inspiration of his life.

Employment: Fake Agents Invade Benin With Handbills

BY KOLA EKE-OGIUGO, Asaba

In desperate bid to make ends meet, some teenage girls recruited as employment agents have taken over Benin City, Edo State.

It was gathered that the fake employment agents have ripped-off unsuspecting job seekers of their hard-earned money.

It was gathered that these recruited agents, including men and women, are said to have hailed from Imo State, and are, allegedly, working for their “principal,” a retired police officer, who upon his retirement, opened a security outfit under which he operates.

According to our informed sources, these agents print their handbills around Akpakpava business centres with bold inscriptions, “Employment opportunity, please call these numbers,” after which the unsuspecting job seekers are invited to their office around Forestry

road, where they are allegedly ripped-off through fake employment forms they are subjected to fill.

Sources say these “fake teenage agents” are usually found, armed with printed handbills including GSM numbers, around the ever busy Ring road in the ancient city that they are giving out free to passers-by who will in turn call any of the lines for job placement.

Expectedly, while they are positioned at the heart of the Ring road to woo unsuspecting job seekers including passersby, it was learnt that these agents are also armed with sugar coated tongues to hoodwink passers-by into taken the handbills from them without questioning who they are and where they came from.

But the police authority at the state CID ,said they were yet to receive any report on who have been duped by the agents, saying that efforts would be put in place to monitor their activities and bring them to book if found wanting.

Children having fun at the Oshodi Heritage Park, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: BENEDICT UWALAKA

Wife of Faskari LGA chairmanship candidate for PDP, Katsina State, Hajia Hadiza Hassan (middle), measuring out food items for Malama Indo Faskari (left) during the distribution of food items to the less privileged at Faskari LGA of the state yesterday. With them is the PDP Women Leader in the area, Hajia Lubabatu Shehu. Photo By Nan

Security guards (Yan-Daba) of Emir of Dass at the Eid-el-Fitr celebration (Hawan Daushe) in Bauchi State, yesterday. Photo By Nan

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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GIRLS’ COLLEGE, TAMBUWAL, SOKOTO STATE

INVITATION FOR TENDER FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF 2014 CAPITAL PROJECTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION The Federal Government of Nigeria has provided funds in the 2014 Appropriation for the Federal Government Girls’ College, Tambuwal and is desirous to utilize part of the funds to procure GOODS and WORKS. Therefore services of experienced contractors are required to procure the following GOODS and works as listed below: 1.1 SECTION A: WORKS 1.2 ON-GOING PROJECTS:LOT 1: COMPLETION OF DINING HALL/KITCHEN + ASSEMBLY & FURNISHING. LOT 2: COMPLETION OF 1NO. HOSTEL WITH MATRON’S APARTMENT/FENCING. LOT 3: UPGRADE OF 1NO. BLOCK OF 6 CLASSROOMS. LOT 4: COMPLETION OF INTERNAL ROAD NETWORK/DRAINAGES. LOT 5: UPGRADE OF 1NO. HOSTEL BLOCK LOT 6: ELECTRICITY RECTIFICATION PHASE II LOT 7: COMPLETION OF SPORTS PAVILION/FURNISHING LOT 8: COMPLETION OF STAFF ROOM/FURNISHING 1.3 NEW PROJECTS:LOT 9: MOTORISED BOREHOLE WITH 10,000 GALLONS (45 CUBIC METRE) STEEL ELEVATED OVERHEAD TANK AND WATER RETICULATION. LOT 10: CONSTRUCTION OF SICK BAY/FURNISHING AND EQUIPMENT. LOT 11: MOVEMENT TO PERMANENT SITE. 2.0 TENDERING REQUIREMENTS Interested and competent contractors wishing to carry out the above listed jobs are required to submit the following documents which will be subjected to due diligence by the College. (i) Evidence of registration with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Certificate. (ii) Evidence of Current Tax Clearance Certificate for the last three (3) Years ending in December, 2014. (iii) Evidence of VAT registration certificate with TIN No. (iv) Evidence of issuance of compliance certificate to all organization by PENCOM in line with Pension Reform Act. 2004 (as amended). (v) Evidence of Compliance with the amended Industrial Training Fund Act. 2011. (vi) Bidders shall not Bid for more than 2 (two) Lots (vii) An affidavit showing that no Director or staff of the Ministry is the Board of Directors of the Company should also be submitted.

(N.B: The above listed requirements shall form part of the bids evaluation Criteria and non compliance with any of the stated conditions shall result in automatic disqualification of the bidder). (viii) (ix) (x) (xi)

Name of Bankers with reference.

Evidence of financial capability to execute the projects.

Company profile with CVs of key officers including photocopies of relevant professional/technical qualification.

Evidence of registration with relevant professional bodies such as ARCON, COREN, CARBON, etc for Section A (Works component only), (xii) List of verifiable construction equipment indicating ownership or lease agreement for Section A (Works component only), (xiii) Verifiable evidence of successful completion of similar works within the past three (3) years and attached copies of letter of award and certificate of successful completion, (xiv) N.B. The contract will not be awarded to the least bidded contract.

(N.B. The above criteria will attract marks).

2.1 Bidding will be conducted through National Competitive Bidding (NCB) Procedure as specified in the 2007 Public Procurement Act. 3.0 COLLECTION OF DOCUMENTS 3.1 A complete set of Bidding Documents shall be collected by interested bidders at the College premises, on the submission of written application accompanied by a non refundable tender fee of Twenty thousand Naira (N20,000.00) per lot. The bidding documents will be collected by hand by bidder’s representative.

4.0 SUBMISSION OF TENDER DOCUMENTS 4.1 The completed Tender should be enveloped in two separate envelopes marked “Technical Bid” and “Financial Bid”, sealed waxed and marked on the Top left Hand corner with the inscription “Section (insert either A or B) Lot No…………….. and Title of the project” and should be addressed to the Principal, Federal Government Girls’ College, Tambuwal, Sokoto State and deposited in the Tender Box at the address above on or before 12 noon on 9th September, 2014. The name of the Contractor should also be clearly written in Capital letters at the back of the envelopes. Late bids will be rejected.

5.0 PUBLIC OPENING OF BIDS 5.1 Technical Bids shall be opened immediately after close of submission in 4.1 above at the address below in the presence of the bidders’ representative, officials of Federal Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development and interested members of the public. Only successful Technical Bidders will be invited for the opening of Financial Bids at a later date.

Federal Government Girls’ College, Tambuwal, Sokoto State.

6.0 DISCLAIMER AND CONCLUSION 6.1 The Federal Government Girls’ College, Tambuwal, Sokoto State will not be responsible for any cost or expenses incurred by any interested party(ies) in connection with any response to this invitation and or the preparation or submission in response to an inquiry.

6.2 Please note that this advertisement shall not be construed as a commitment on the part of the College to award any or all the above listed projects.

Signed:

DANJUMA, J. J. (MRS),

PRINCIPAL FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GIRLS’ COLLEGE, TAMBUWAL, SOKOTO STATE

LETTER TO NASARAWA PDP CAUCUS AND ELDERS

BY BALA DAN-ALKALI Please pardon me for choosing to write you through this medium. I have selected to go through this channel as the best option open to me believing that this is the channel that I can reach you at the same time. In deciding to write you this letter I was indeed guided by the concern I have for our young Nasarawa state. This is a state that was created in 1996 out of present Plateau State. Our reason then for clamouring for the state of our own was principally in order to be self- dependent so as to free ourselves from domination which for long we were forced to undergo by the upper Plateau. In 1996 after a hard struggle, God in his infinite mercy answered our prayers and gave us Nasarawa state. During this struggle as both you in the PDP caucus/ Elders committee are well aware, all form of sentiments were put aside. The major concern then was how to get the state we can call our own.

But regrettably, when we are yet to overcome our teething problems regarding our backwardness and underdevelopment which ecessitated our clamour for the creation of Nasarawa state, sentiments and partisan politics crept into the fabric of our life resulting to all sorts of avoidable but wanton destruction of lives and property. These killings and destructions became even more pronounced with the advent of the present democratic dispensation in 1999 when we first experienced Igbira/Bassa communal conflict. Since then hardly a year passes by without the state recording one communal conflict or the other at the great expense of the progress and development of our young Nasarawa state. Faced with these challenges, the present administration had to set-up what it called ‘Community Based Conflicts Resolution Mechanism’ aimed at bringing to a permanent end this circle of bloodletting in our state. From all indications and available records, this formula is yielding the desired result. Apart from this, the present administration having examined the critical sectors which suffered neglect in the past, embarked on massive re-habilitations and re-constructions of such sectors to the delight of the people of the state. The successes the present administration recorded in the last 3 years are not mere gimmicks. These achievements are concrete and touchable. Partisan politics aside, no discerning mind in Nasarawa state can say the present administration has not achieved a lot in areas of peace, progress and development of the state warranting the massive support the administration is gaining by the good people of Nasarawa state.

It is however against this backdrop that when issue of impeachment of Governor Al-makura by members of the House of Assembly became public, many including the supporters of PDP who are genuinely interested in peace, progress and development of Nasarawa state had to standd up in his defence, believing that partisan politics should not be put over and above the peace and progress of the entire state and her people. It is in this wise that I found it not only unpatriotic and selfish but an outright onslaught on the collective psyche of the people of Nasarawa state for you as caucus and elders of PDP to come out and issue such resolutions which from all intent and purposes were designed to cause more confusion regarding the impeachment of Governor Al-makura knowing fully well that this impeachment move wasn’t a popular exercise as can be attested from the way members of the House hurriedly moved underground only to appear and disappear through a very-tight security.

Secondly as caucus and elders of the PDP you also knew quite well that the reasons invoked by the State Assembly for the impeachment of Al-makura are flimsy and preposterous, especially when viewed against the background of the timing and flawed procedures adopted by the House in arriving at the allegations leveled against him.

Your meeting of 25th July, 2014 which communiqué was carried through a paid advert (Weekly Trust, July 26th 2014) was a demonstration of myopia beclouded by selfishness and partisanship. Or else how can you as caucus and elders whose views and opinions ought to serve as source of inspiration to younger ones resort to mendacity just to achieve some selfish considerations? Even though many whose names appeared on the communiqué claimed their signatures were forged, however the bottom-line was, the whole impeachment move as well as your caucus and elders meeting was borne out of envy of what Al-makura has achieved coupled with the fear of losing completely the 2015 election.

What I found even more uncharitable in your resolutions has to do with among other things: The claim that the wave of protests which greeted the announcement of impeachment move against Al-makura was sponsored as well as your unpatriotic call for freezing of state government account. Firstly given the level of what Almakura achieved so far in terms of meeting the yearnings and aspirations of the people which the last 12 years of PDP failed woefully to meet, his administration doesn’t need to give anybody a dime before pouring out in protest against impeachment. In the history of Nasarawa state, there has not been any spontaneous protest like the one the state experienced as a result of this impeachment move; not even the withdrawal of petroleum subsidy removal protest of the last two years come close. Your call for freezing of state government account was indeed most unpatriotic. Freezing of account implies grounding of the government - which in itself unconstitutional.

Freezing of account would certainly lead to stoppage of payment of salaries of workers as well as stoppage of all the ongoing projects of the government targeting at providing dividends of democracy to the people.

This call besides being anti-people, has also exposed you as callous. It indeed sounds ironic that you and your party - the PDP in Nasarawa state to be pontificating on morals and good governance after messing up the state for 12 solid years.

Yes, your party the PDP given its desperation to remain in power, can do anything to subvert the people’s wish, hence the impunity pervading all the places. While we are not in anyway saying, members of the state Assembly should not do their work as enshrined in our constitution everybody in Nasarawa state including you at the caucus and elders level know quite well that this impeachment move is not in the best interest of the state. As caucus and elders of the PDP you should have it at the back of your minds that Nasarawa state is bigger than anybody and the people of the state are ever ready to resist any attempt at removing Al-makura through the backdoor. We are all familiar with constitutional provisions relating to impeachment of a governor.

Now that the Chief Judge of the state has constituted an investigative panel, the panel must be allowed to carry out its duties.

Intimidation and impunity which your resolutions attempt to portray can not be of benefit since the people of Nasarawa state are not fools. They are capable of knowing the difference between their left and their right.

However, no one is saying that you should not express your views and opinions over any matter on the earth but such views and opinions must be within the ambit of the law, aimed at assisting our society and democracy to grow. Your meeting and subsequent resolutions were are in complete variance with this. It is therefore my hope and prayer that you will all learn to be upright. And if really the PDP in Nasarawa state is as strong as you boast then 2015 election is not far away from now, you should wait to battle it out in the field as it is only through this that the difference will become clearer.

Dan-Alkali wrote from Awe and works for Nasarawa State Government

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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

STATEMENT TO THE NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE AND SHAREHOLDERS ON THE UNAUDITED RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 The Board of Sterling Bank Plc presents the Bank’s unaudited results for the period ended 30 June 2014.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

June 2014 N ‘000

December 2013 N ‘000

126,754,562 68,600,636 99,809,124 321,806,013

96,900,562 85,601,022 79,771,732 321,743,748

5,257,058

2,200,994

46,771,372

19,496,194

- Held to Maturity Other assets

28,579,662 15,106,160

76,123,934 9,317,091

Property, plant and equipment

10,771,771

9,069,368

668,681

601,392

6,971,145

6,971,145

731,096,184

707,797,181

556,279,575

570,511,097

1,260,244 55,709,561 4,561,992 49,456,221

1,112,289 38,794,527 4,563,598 29,357,774

667,267,595

644,339,285

10,796,407 53,032,183 63,828,590

10,796,407 52,661,489 63,457,896

731,096,184

707,797,181

ASSETS

Cash and balances with Central Bank of Nigeria Due from banks Pledged financial assets Loans and advances to customers Investment in securities: - Held for Trading - Available for Sale

Intangible assets Deferred tax assets TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES Deposits from banks Deposits from customers Current income tax liabilities Other borrowed funds Debt securities in issue Other liabilities TOTAL LIABILITIES CAPITAL AND RESERVES Ordinary share capital Reserves Attributable to equity holders of the Bank TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

June 2014 N ‘000

June 2013 N ‘000

48,697,167

41,855,121

December 2013 N ‘000 91,628,840

Interest income Interest expense Net interest income Net fee and commission Trading income Other operating income

37,435,273 (16,154,220) 21,281,053 6,706,703 3,543,697 1,011,494

31,080,358 (15,905,618) 15,174,740 6,697,835 2,394,939 1,681,989

69,972,761 (34,160,115) 35,812,646 14,564,349 3,714,144 3,377,586

Operating income Net impairment charges Personnel expenses Depreciation and amortisation Other operating expenses Profit before income tax Income tax expense Profit after tax

32,542,947 (2,394,345) (5,640,155) (1,460,720) (16,710,472) 6,337,255 (809,731) 5,527,524

25,949,503 (1,149,674) (4,608,035) (1,289,658) (12,629,944) 6,272,192 (350,151) 5,922,041

57,468,725 (8,259,094) (10,266,623) (2,694,489) (26,938,321) 9,310,198 (1,035,334) 8,274,864

Fair value gain/(loss) on available for sale investments

241,372

(426,221)

(444,866)

Other comprehensive income for the period net of tax

241,372

(426,221)

(444,866)

5,768,896

5,495,820

7,829,998

26 26 1.69%

38 38 2.66%

52 52 2.10%

Gross earnings

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income Key Ratio Earnings per share (kobo) - Basic Earnings per share (kobo) - Diluted NPL ratio

The Board of Directors is confident that barring unforeseen circumstances, this trend would be improved upon considerably in the remaining period of the financial year.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD Justina Lewa Company Secretary FRC/2013/NBA/00000001255

Dated : 9 July 2014

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business news

Seplat’s Profit Declines By 48.57% In 6 Months OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc has reported a decline of 48.57 per cent in its half year result for the period ended June 30, 2014.

According to the company’s result released on the floor of Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) recently, the profit –after- tax for

the period under review stood at N24.225 billion from N47.100 billion in 2013.

The company’s revenue also went down by 7.44 per cent to record N60.294 billion as against N65.142 in 2013.

Operating profit fell to N26.94 billion in H1 2014 compared to N 34.2 billion in the same period of last year. This is because of

a huge increase in general and administrative expenses of N 12.95 billion compared to N 4.48 billion in the same period of last year.

Total comprehensive income declined by 50 per cent to N 22.16 billion in 2014 from N 45.06 billion in 2013. However, Seplat grew net assets 85 per cent to N 206.7 billion at the end of June 2014 from N 111.46 billion as at end of 2013.

Sterling Bank Pledges Support To States For Economic Devt

By Bukola Idowu, Lagos

Sterling Bank Plc said it has put in place a strategy to support states with developmental projects capable of transforming the economy and uplifting the living standards of the people.

Such support, according to the bank would come in form of provision of professional advice across all sectors and funding for the actualisation of key projects.

Sterling Bank’s executive director, Finance and Strategy, Mr Abubakar Suleiman, who spoke against the backdrop of the recent sponsorship of the Bayelsa State Investment and Economic Forum by

the bank said that Sterling Bank had already entered into partnerships with states pursuing robust economic development agendas aimed at transforming their states.

Suleiman, who noted that collaboration efforts between the private sector and governments at all levels remained the only panacea for economic transformation of the nation’s economy, stated that the Bayelsa State Investment and Economic Forum had succeeded in bringing investors, potential partners and providers of funds into direct contact with the government for the state’s economic growth.

L-R: Managing Director, Arik Air, Mr. Chris Ndulue; Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs Sally Uwechue-Mbanefo and Chief Executive Officer of Arik Airline, Dr. Michael Arumemi-Ikhide, during Arik Air ‘s inaugural flight to Dubai at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: BENEDICT UWALAKA.

‘Why We Delist Moribund Companies’ OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

The management of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has explained why some moribund companies were being delisted from the Daily Official List as they have failed to meet with the post- listing requirements of the NSE. By the post- listing requirements of the NSE, companies are required to submit their results at the end of every quarter for companies in the first tier, and those in the emerging markets sector are required to submit theirs to the NSE every six months.

Companies considered to be active also hold their annual general meetings every year to brief shareholders on their operations and pay dividend where applicable. Payment of dividend is, however, not mandatory.

According to the press release posted by the NSE, delisting of securities means removal of listed securities from the Exchange and would no longer be traded and the company’s name would be removed from the Daily Official List of the Exchange.

It noted that the decision to delist a security was taken only

after thorough and careful analysis.

NSE said: “Voluntary delisting is the withdrawal of an issuer’s securities listed on the Exchange with the express approval of the holders of its securities after complying with relevant requirements in that regard. Regulatory delisting refers to the removal by the Exchange of an Issuer’s securities for non-compliance with the Listings Rules of the Exchange or for breach of the terms and conditions of the General Undertaking executed by the Issuer when its securities were listed by the

Exchange.”

According to NSE, forceful delisting was also done by the NSE, but it was only done when companies involved was unable to comply with the post- listing requirements of the NSE, or when such companies veers off what is contained in the Memorandum of Association.

It continued: “There is a due process before delisting can take place. If it is voluntary, the NSE is interested in the resolution of shareholders to show that it was unanimously accepted and the stock exchange will ensure the company advertises it in

national dailies, to ensure that shareholders are not put at a disadvantage at the end of the day. ”Under involuntary delisting, the NSE must have engaged the management in series of discussions in order to ascertain the status of the company. If delisting is the last option, the NSE will advertise it to create awareness for all the shareholders. The NSE does not delist companies frequently because our ultimate goal is to encourage companies to seek quotation.

Delisting is always the last option.”

Bharti Airtel Hits 300m Subscribers

By Chima Akwaja, Lagos

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Follow these reports on leadership.ng/business

Bharti Airtel, parent company of Airtel Nigeria with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa, on Tuesday crossed the 300 million customer mark across its operations. The milestone includes customers across mobile, fixed line and DSL, and DTH services.

The Nigerian subsidiary accounts for about 20million subscribers or 6.67 per cent.

Bharti Airtel, which began operations in 1995, reached the 100 million customers mark in 2009 and crossed the 200 million mark in 2012.

The latest 100 million customers have

joined the Airtel family in less than two years. The company ranks as the fourth largest mobile service provider globally and second largest globally outside of China.

The Airtel Africa CEO, Mr Christian de Faria, said: “This milestone underlines the strength of our operations, which is one of the largest on a global scale. It is also a tribute to the Airtel brand which is trusted by customers in 20 countries. Today, telecom is at the cusp of transformation, which, going forward will be driven as much by the force of technology as by the changing demographics in emerging markets

across Asia and Africa. Accelerated data consumption by the youth is going to be the underlying story. I am confident that Airtel will continue to be at the forefront of this future growth story and continue to delight customers by adding value to their lives.”

In Africa, Bharti Airtel is the largest mobile operator in the continent in terms of geographical footprint, which spans 17 countries with over 70 million customers.

Airtel’s mobile networks cover over 1.85 billion people across its operations in 20 countries and carry over 311 billion minutes of calls every quarter.

16 NEWS/BUSINESS

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Shareholders Approve N10bn Fresh Capital For R T Briscoe

Regulators, Operators Intensify Efforts To Reduce Unclaimed Dividend

By Friday Atufe, Lagos

OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

Shareholders of R.T. Briscoe (Nigeria) Plc have authorised the board of the company to raise N10 billion fresh capital through debt instruments, preference shares, ordinary shares or a combination of these options by way of rights issue, private placement or offer for subscription.

The shareholders endorsed a special resolution proposed by the board to raise the fresh

capital at the 2014 yearly general meeting of the company held in Lagos.

In a bid to accommodate the impending fresh capital, the shareholders also increased the authorised share capital of the company to N2 billion divided into four billion shares of 50 kobo each to N3.250 billion divided into six billion, five hundred thousand shares of 50 kobo each.

Addressing the shareholders at the meeting, the chairman

of the company, Mr Clement Olowokande, said, “Rather than dwell on the handicaps that the company had to face in the current difficult business environment, your board has been strategising on how to optimise the use of available resources and opportunities for maximum returns.

“In order to raise the much needed capital for business expansion and working capital, your board is exploring the possibilities of

recapitalising through debt instruments, additional equity or a combination of both,” adding that the board would on behalf of the shareholders, carefully select auspice time and modality for implementing these options.

On the future prospect of the company, the chairman said the recent rebasing of Nigeria’s GDP confirmed enormous business opportunities in the country for a company like R.T. Briscoe.

The capital market community has intensified efforts that would either abate or bring to an end the problem of unclaimed dividends in Nigeria.

The new initiatives have further proved how worried regulators, capital market stakeholders, and numerous investors are concerning the issue.

Year after year, most companies come to pronounce huge dividend pay-out but a reasonable percentage of those money are not being claimed by their shareholders for one or more reasons only known to the shareholders.

Unclaimed dividends refer to dividends payable to shareholders but have not been accessed by the beneficiaries for a period of not less than 12 months.

The value of unclaimed dividends in Nigeria as at 2012 is estimated to be presently in the region of N52 billion.

Over the years, unclaimed dividends have continued to increase in spite of efforts to stop the trend. To some extent, this

trend has had a negative impact on the confidence of investors. They wonder if they will continue to have access to their dividends.

Worried by the continuous increase in unclaimed dividend, market regulators have come out with an introduction of an e-dividend payment system which was supposed to reduce to the barest minimum the accumulation of unclaimed dividends promptly, thereby improving confidence in the market.

According to the director -general of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Arumah Oteh, during the second quarter 2014 Capital Market Committee (CMC) meeting held in Lagos, the CMC intensified efforts to resolve all issues regarding unclaimed dividends in the country, She noted that some financial institutions have started paying dividends directly into current and savings accounts of retail investors, while some were yet to pay into savings accounts.

Financial Inclusion: GTBank Partners Forte Oil To Increase GTExpress Locations

By Olushola Bello, Olayemi Sowunmi, Lagos

The Guaranty Trust Bank Plc has launched GTExpress, a comprehensive agent banking service at Forte Oil locations nationwide as part of its efforts at bringing banking services closer to its existing and potential customers under the financial inclusion policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Through this partnership with Nigeria’s foremost energy solutions provider, GTBank would leverage the extensive reach of Forte Oil to further bring banking services such as account opening, cash deposit and withdrawal via ATMs, customer enquiries, bills payment and funds transfer closer to the people.

The bank formally launched this service in November 2013 at Ebeano Supermarket in Lekki, Lagos and has recorded tremendous success at this location since

inception. Basic banking services and any other activity as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) may prescribe from time to time, can be carried out at these agent locations.

GTExpress is banking via agent locations such as supermarkets, schools, cinemas, markets and restaurants. It is an initiative to reach out to the underserved and unbanked segments of the population in a cost efficient manner through the use of non-banking retail outlets.

According to the managing director of the bank, Segun Agbaje, “The unbanked sector of the economy presents a significant growth area for banks in emerging markets. Our objective is to offer banking products and services to this segment via nonbanking outlets thus breaking down barriers to financial inclusion such as accessibility and cost. This is a great step in achieving a more inclusive financial services industry.”

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

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BUSINESS/BANKER’S BANK 19

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Accessing The Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises Development Fund Last week, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with 13 states on the disbursement of the N220 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund (MSMEDF) which is expected to commence next month.

The MoU which was signed with Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Delta, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Katsina, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, and Zamfara states, will enable the states to access up to N2 billion each for on-lending to eligible beneficiaries through participating financial institutions in their states.

The N220 billion MSMEDF was initiated by the CBN in order to address the financing gap in the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, which according to a joint report by the International Finance Corporation and McKinsey was put at N9.6 trillion as at 2010.

The fund was aimed at improving MSME’s access to finance, shoring up their potentials for job creation, and enabling them reduce poverty within the country, in addition to the CBN’s endeavor at establishing Entrepreneurship Development Centres (EDCs) in each Geopolitical Zone to support the mandate of the 23 Industrial Development Centres (IDCs) under the purview of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN).

Globally, MSMEs are

recognised as the critical engines of economic growth due to their potential to create jobs, boost production, generate income, and reduce poverty. Despite

By Bukola Idowu this recognition, MSMEs in Nigeria do not have the adequate financing needed to play this pivotal role in our development trajectory.

According to the governor of the CBN, Godwin Emefiele, the micro-loans will be administered through private or stateowned microfinance institutions, fnance houses and cooperative finance agencies, while the SME loans will be disbursed through our commercial banks.

He had noted during the MoU signing last week that the “fund is directly in conformity The MSMEDF will make access to loans easier for small businesses with his resolve to create a professional and governor, Sanusi Lamido that the fund will be people-centred Central Bank Sanusi had said the apex bank accessible early next year by that will act as a financial would disburse the money at entrepreneurs. catalyst for job creation and interest rate of no more than Although, the CBN had inclusive economic growth. nine per cent per annum to initially said the fund would “While these are our microfinance banks for oncarry an interest rate of nine ultimate goals, our main lending to the micro and percent, latest information intermediate objective is to small businesses to improve from the apex bank shows ensure that these funds get to access to affordable and that SMEs accessing the fund people at the very bottom of sustainable sources of finance may be required to pay 15 per cent maximum interest our social pyramid at single by microfinance institutions rate. digit interest rates. Without and microfinance banks.

However, prompt achieving this intermediate Also, to improve access repayment will fetch the objective, I have no doubt to credit amongst women SME a 40 per cent refund on that it would be impossible entrepreneurs, the CBN has interest rate which would see to achieve the ultimate goal dedicated 60 per cent of the the total interest drop back of job creation and poverty fund to women. With CBN to nine per cent. This is to reduction.” putting finishing touches to encourage small businesses At the launch of the the modalities for accessing to borrow money from the fund last year, former CBN the fund, it is quite evident

banker’s bank

fund, use it to improve their businesses and repay on time for onward lending to others.

The fund is made accessible through Participating Financial Institutions (PFIS) which include miicrofinance banks (MFBs), nongovernmental organisationsmicrofinance institutions (NGOMFIs), financial cooperatives and finance companies that qualify.

Entrepreneurs in various fields such as Agriculture (farming, agro-processing, etc.); Trading/Commerce; Cottage Industries (local industries); Artisans (hairdressers, mechanics, vulcanizers, welders, etc.); Services (hotels, schools, restaurants, salons, eatery, laundry, etc.) and any other income-generating activities as prescribed by the guidelines are eligible to access the fund through the PFIs. According to the CBN, “since September, 2013, we have been educating the PFIs (Microfinance Banks, Financial Cooperatives, NGO-MFIs and Finance Companies), women groups, trade associations and the general public on the operation of the fund.

“The focus would be on incorporating inputs from these sensitisation workshops to finalise arrangements for the commencement of operation by the Fund soon enough.”

‘Bank Customers’ Complaints Will Be Time-barred After 6 Years’ The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has proposed a six year time limit on transaction complaints against financial service providers in the country by customers.

This means that that banks and other financial institutions will not entertain complaints on a transaction that occurred beyond six years. This was stated in a letter issued to all banks and other financial institutions at the weekend by the director, Consumer Protection Department of the CBN, Umma. A. Dutse.

According to the CBN, this is to ensure that consumers are diligent in their financial transactions by making prompt

claims on transactions as they occur to ensure that financial service providers (FSPs) are able to resolve complaints with the required resources.

“The CBN in implementing its consumer protection initiatives observed that timely resolutions of complaints from consumers against financial service providers within the required timeline has been a major challenge for banks and FSPs and consumers.

Amongst other issues, availability and access to supporting documents were identified by stakeholders as a major setback for timely resolutions of complaints.

“Pursuant to the inputs received from stakeholders, study of what obtains in some other jurisdictions, some regulatory organisations in Nigeria and the provisions of relevant Nigerian legislations in respect of document retention and commencement of legal action, a time bar of six years from date of transaction was recommended, after which complaints against FSPs would not be entertained.

The proposed time limit does not preclude the right of a complainant to seek redress in a court of law,” the letter read.

Earlier this month, the

CBN had has extended the timeline for resolution of the complaints from 14 days to 30 days, saying the previous timeline was inadequate.

The CBN had in August 2011 directed all DMBs, discount houses and other financial institutions to establish consumer help desks which would resolve customers’ complaints within a stipulated 14 day timeline having observed with concern the rise in the number of complaints it recives from customers on various banking products and services.

Emefiele

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22 HOMES & PROPERTY

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Turning Wastelands To Treasured Environments GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

When the Babatunde Fashola led government in Lagos State mooted the idea of regenerating wastelands, under bridges deserted for miscreants and dumping of refuse little did the residents know that such parks and gardens will metamorphosed to people’s arena.

Apart from fostering a cleaner, healthier and sustainable environment for the well being of the citizenry through best practice in environmental management, the initiative had remained one of the cheapest means of mitigating the scourge of climate change.

Throwing light on what informed the development of the parks in the state, the former Commissioner for the Environment, Lagos State, Dr. Muiz Banire, who started the environmental beautification projects said the state government confronted a lot of challenges taking over of the wastelands that were turned to the gardens.

He said the ministry had to contend with miscreants and street urchins initially, adding that parks such as Gani Fawehinmi Park used to be a launch pad and hideout for criminals who terrorised motorists and commuters in the Ojota axis.

Banire who started the scheme during his tenure as commissioner for environment said the state government equally developed other loops in honour of late Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Professor Ayodele Awojobi and others, saying the governor had demonstrated that he understood the dynamics of modern governance and the importance of recognising the people’s heroes through beautification and landscaping projects.

Underscoring the fact that state government is determined to take its greening initiative to greater heights, the Managing Director, Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) Dr. (Mrs.) Titi Anibaba said the state government will construct more parks and gardens in addition to the existing ones in furtherance of its greening programme in the

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola SAN (middle), Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat (2nd left), Chief of Staff, Mr. Lanre Babalola (2nd right), Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Engr. Hakeem Ogunbambi (3rd left), and other state Executive Council members during Fashola’s inspection of Iganmu, Ijora-Badia Under Bridge and the immediate environment of the ongoing Ijora Housing Estate under the Lagos Home Ownership and Mortgage Scheme (Lagos HOMS).

state.

Anibaba said the importance of the greening programme of the state government which include tree planting and creation of parks and gardens across the metropolis cannot be over-emphasised.

She affirmed that apart from the resultant greener and healthier environment the landscaping of hitherto criminal hideouts had transformed such areas into recreational centres and thereby help reduce criminal activities.

She said the state government had intensified efforts to build more new parks to bring the total number of parks and gardens in the state to 197, adding that the new parks are to be located in areas such as Apapa and Victoria Island.

According to her, the success of the Lagos State Government in combating climate change with the greening programme had ensured that the state continued to be the reference point.

She stressed that over millions of trees have been planted on various routes across the state thereby creating jobs opportunities in the process.

She said, “The creation of the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) as a parastatal under the Ministry of the Environment is not by coincidence but a deliberate effort of the administration of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola to consolidate on the achievements made by the Min-

istry of the Environment on the greening initiative and to harness sustainable benefits of tree planting as a way of restoring the lost glory of the State.”

Anibaba emphased that the cheapest way to combat climate change is through the greening initiative such as planting of trees and creation of parks and gardens, urging the citizens of the state to cooperate with the government by supporting the greening initiative programme of the present administration.

To keep the gardens clean and attractable irrespective of the unprecedented number of people that thronged the park the state government put measures in place to evacuate massive amounts of wastes being generated daily.

Officials of the Lagos Waste Management Authority are on hand to clean up the gardens every night in order to make the venues ready for use the following day.

According to the Managing Director, Lagos State Waste Management Authourity (LAWMA), Mr. Ola Oresanya, said that the organisation normally deploy its workers and trucks to the parks to sweep the garbage left by those using it and evacuate them in order to safeguard public health and hygiene.

Oresanya said if LAWMA had not been proactive, popular park and gardens like the Gani Fawe-

hinmi Park would not have been conducive for the rallies that were held there.

In other parts of Lagos, Oresanya said the organisation had to deploy its vehicles and those of the Private Sector Participants to evacuate wastes generated by households in order to prevent epidemics and consolidate on the gains made by LAWMA in ensuring cleanliness of the metropolis over the years.

He said the state government always put on its thinking cap, saying the governor and the state Ministry of the Environment had turned spots that were den of armed robbers and rapists to a beautiful recreational and citizens’ rallying point.

To ensure it sustenance even after he lives office , the state Governor Mr. Babatunde Fashola said Government has created a statutory agency called the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), to maintain and sustain the various parks, gardens and trees now dotting the landscape across the State.

Fashola said more than 180 parks and gardens “have been reclaimed and redeveloped in different parts of the state.

According to him , the development of the parks was carried out by the government to beautify the state , saying over 6 million trees, had been planted since he resumed office on May 29, 2007.

Parks such as Gani Fawehinmi Park used to be a launch pad and hideout for criminals who terrorised motorists and commuters in the Ojota axis

HOMES & PROPERTY 23

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the project ia an 11-storey building comprising a 5-star 89 apartments/ rooms and 23

2.2bn

the cost of the project has been estimated at N2.2 billion.

Reassessing Nigeria’s Housing Deficit

BY EVELYN OKORUWA, Abuja

Shelter is the most important human need after food but ironically is not easily available to the low and middle class in Nigeria.

However the housing sector according to expert could be a prime driver of socio-economic development in terms of employment creation if its potentials are fully harnessed.

Nigeria has a huge market for the housing sector. It has been estimated that 17million housing deficit exist in Nigeria.

The huge deficit exist because of challenges plaguing the sector such as high cost of buying land and houses; the low and no-income earners are the highest hit by this factor, poor mortgage system, non availability of lands, double taxation, difficulty in getting titles, cost of cement, lack of trained artisans, to mention a few.

Some developers over the years have constantly cried over the non availability of land and lack of fund to carry out a desired project. Most times getting mortgages is cumbersome so some resort to personal funding which may not be much. Other means fund were raised where through Joint Venture Partnership (JVP). Joint venture partnership is collaboration between real estate firms and land owners. In the process the land is given to the developer by the JVP as their equity contribution to mass housing development.

As such the cost is pushed to the end user making it difficult for the low and no-income earner to own a house. Others that sont operate the joint venture partnership are left with no option than to buy land at very high rate making the end cost very unrealistic for the average Nigerian.

However with all the challenges experienced in the housing sector, the minister of lands, housing and urban development Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi has assured that the present administration concern is to make sure that every Nigerian own a house. In order to make things done more smoothly and the desired result achieved, she recently inaugurated three committees namely the ministerial committee on presidential initiative on the delivery of 10,000 housing units under the Nigeria Mortgage Refinancing Company (NMRC)

Nigeria Mortgage Refinancing Company (NMRC) housing finance scheme

housing finance scheme, ministerial committee on verification and audition of federal government lands and landed property in the 36 states and the FCT, and ministerial committee on National Housing Survey.

Stressing the importance of the different committee she said the National Housing Survey committee will help reassessing the 17million housing deficit that has been previously estimated. She explained that the NHS committee will first look into the houses that have been constructed during the present administration. Then for the 36 states of the federation, it will need going out into all the states and take into consideration houses built by government, by individuals, private developers to give us a larger picture of the total housing that we have.

Than we can compare the total population of Nigeria and what the number of the houses that we have to be able to draw a decision on the deficit. Today we still hold on to the 17million deficit, it could be more or less.

That’s why I need that verification, she said.

On the role the Nigeria Mort-

gage Refinancing Company (NMRC) has it reducing the huge housing deficit, she said the sole reason it was created is to provide finance for housing.

“In the past you have developers coming to finance houses and when for example the civil servants who are supposed to be the off takers may not have the full money to buy off the full house or may not have the 10 per cent required to pay down. For any mortgage an individual is suppose to pay 10 per cent down before the mortgage institution will spread the remaining one over a period of time. What the NMRC will do in this situation will ensure that the PMI are funded to ensure that anytime the developer come up, the off taker will have where to live on easily to be able to take the house and the money can be easily revolved to take place,” she explained.

Ekakenyi further disclosed that while the financing is being controlled by the minister of finance, the ministry of housing will provide land for the structures as even if the money is readily available if there is no land, there is no housing for all

can be achieved.

To further ensure that the specific needs of Nigerians are met a website was created for Nigerians to specify the type of houses they want be it a one bedroom or three bedroom apartment. She said houses will always be built based on interest. While adding that the NMRC will official launch take off in August. “In august we are going to launch the ground breaking ceremony of the NMRC. Because of the technicalities involved we think maximum 6 months we will be able to tell Nigerians this is what we can show. It will be done in phases. In the next 6 months we will ensure that houses will start springing up for Nigerians.”

However Nigerians through union associations have argued that fund from the NMRC should not be placed in the hands of private developers who are profit driven if affordable housing is to be achieved but instead should be given to the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) which has the mandate of delivering housing to Nigerians.

To further ensure that the specific needs of Nigerians are met, a website was created for Nigerians to specify the type of houses they want

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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

F​ G Orders Manufacturers To Pick Up Products’ Packs

L-R: Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Alhaji Abdullahi Dikkio; Director General of National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Ngeri Benebo; Director Admin and Finance (NESREA), Mr. Timothy Okeowo; and Director, Environmental Quality Control (NESREA), M.M Omar during a courtesy call on the NCS boss.

Experts Lament Dearth Of Artisans GEORGE OKOJIE , Lagos

As high cost of construction in Nigeria appear to be frustrating mass housing initiatives of both successive governments and private sector, experts have stressed the need to tackle problem of dearth of Artisans in the country.

The Managing Director Design Group Nigeria Limited Architect Bayo Odunlami at a public forum in Lagos said the country is currently losing whopping sums of money to artisans from neigbouring countries.

He said Tillers from Benin republic collected over N13

billion from projects he supervised in Nigeria, urging Nigerians to take up opportunity in the construction sector.

Odunlami who expressed optimism in the efficiency of Nigeria professionals said if he was not given opportunity by the Millan Group to prove his mettle no one would have believe that a local firm could deliver a project of such magnitude.

He added that most skilled artisans and would-be artisans had taken to other quick paying petty jobs, saying the situation could be reversed by encouraging them to go to vocational training centres to acquire skills.

Corroborating this

development, Solomon Ebiye said billions of Naira is spent annually for the importation of skilled artisans from neighbouring countries.

He said lack of interest in technical education is one of the major bottlenecks in the nation’s quest to produce artisans in the country.

Ebiye also fingered inadequate practical content of training due to poor workshop facilities and poor linkage with industries, adding that lack of political will had contributed to the failure of previous attempts to tackle these problems.

According to him, if the nation’s technical colleges

were resuscitated, and the apprenticeship system of the informal sector well managed, the skilled artisans produced would not be part of the unemployed youths.

He said it was high time the societal perception, coupled with stagnation in career progression of products of technical colleges changed for the country to move forward.

Harping on housing deficit in the country, he added the country’s housing shortage was alarming, pointing out that low-income earners could be properly housed if government at all levels showed the will, adopt and implement tested

Bonga Oil Spill: Minister Orders SPDC To Resolve Crisis

By Evelyn Okoruwa, Abuja

Unhappy with the lingering crisis over the committees in Bonga and the Shell Petroleum Development Corporation (SPDC) over the Bonga Oil Spillage in the Niger Delta region, the minister of environment Mrs. Laurentia Mallam has ordered SPDC to ensure that the matter is resolved expeditiously.

Mallam gave the directive according to the statement signed by the deputy director Press Mr. Ben Goong when officials of the corporation led by its country Chairman Mr.

Mutiu Sunmonu had a followup meeting with the Minister.

Expressing worry over the lingering crisis on the matter Mallam said the series of petitions flooding her office over the issue call for concern even as she said it is in the interest of all parties to get the matter settled soonest.

The minister appreciated the patience of affected communities and assured that the federal government will not allow the patience of the people to be overstretched. She however appealed especially to shoreline communities, whose

fishing activities were affected by the spillage to continue to exercise patience. She said the government is not unaware of the impact of the spillage on their livelihood and that efforts geared towards mitigating their sufferings will be fully exhausted.

Early in his address the country chairman Shell Petroleum Development Corporation Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu told the Minister that the corporation has carried out wide consultations with stakeholders, and that it is coming out with a mechanism that will put the matter to rest.

Mr. Sunmonu revealed that a committee of stakeholders made up of Shell Petroleum Development Corporation (SPDC), the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), the National Assembly (NASS), Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs), National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) among others is being set up to come up with recommendations aimed at resolving the matter amicably.

Acknowledging the patience of the host communities, he appealed to the minister to assist in the settlement of the dispute.

The federal government has ordered manufacturers of any kind of product to ensure that the packs of their products are adequately disposed without littering the environment.

This was made known by the director general National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Mrs. Ngeri Benebo at a stakeholder’s consultative meeting while expressed concern over the spate of environmental littering.

Benebo said, “What we are saying is that every product package must be picked up by its producer.

This therefore means that producers must make packages that can be easily collected and recycled and not one that becomes a problem for them to dispose at the end of the day. That is basically what the EPR is about.

“Whoever produces a product, the mechanism makes it mandatory that the pack of such product is the responsibility of the producer to remove it from the environment. And that is what we call buyback or take-back. Buy-back simply means that when I return the pack, the producer buys it from me.

“Remember long time ago, when you buy your 7-up or Coca Cola and you return the bottles, you collect money. That was an EPR method but that period phased out and then we started using plastic containers, which led to the littering of the environment with waste.”

The DG also noted that the regulation stipulates the grades of products’ packs and their respective manufacturers, as well as the punitive measures to be adopted by the agency against defaulters. She said the EPR programme would help improve waste management, protect the environment and human health, improve the design of eco-friendly products, and reduce unsustainable consumption and production.

On his part, the Public Affairs/ Communications Director, Coca Cola Nigeria Limited, Mr. Clem Ugorji, said the EPR programme was feasible. He, however noted that manufacturers in the country would need to partner waste disposal firms in order to ensure seamless implementation.

By Evelyn Okoruwa, Abuja

Hadiza-Ibrahim

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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

A GAME OF SHAME BY STRIKING MEDICAL DOCTORS Being a perpetual visitor to Nigerian hospitals as a result of the chronicity of my illness, as told to me by my physician, I have for long taken special interest in the health care delivery system of our beloved country, Nigeria. Recently, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan launched the Universal Health Coverage, which by its content will usher in affordable, accessible and reliable health care to the generality of Nigerians. This is in addition to the fact that the National Assembly has harmonised and passed the National Health Bill which is placing the Nigerian health system on the level of overall equivalence with the advanced countries of the world. This is hoped also to put an end to the medical tourism abroad by Nigerians.

Candidly speaking, the Nigerian health system has continued to be the only government institution still attempting to serve the poor, giving the semblance that we still have government in Nigeria. This can only require the encouragement of all actors in the Nigerian Health system.

Between 22 and 27 January, 2013, prominent Nigerians converged in Asaba, the Delta state capital, for the First National Health Summit. It was here that the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) resolved NEVER to embark on industrial action again, as a means of exhibiting maturity and sharing aspiration with the Nigerian Government. In fact they demonstrated that by sponsoring an advertorial in the Guardian, Leadership and Vanguard newspapers in August, 2013 renouncing an industrial action embarked by one of its own, the notorious National Association of Resident Doctors. Being a “chronic” customer to the hospital, I have full knowledge of who these group of doctors referred to as “resident doctors” are: they are medical doctors undergoing training, specialisation if you wish, towards becoming consultants. They are really vital in all tertiary health system across the world. By their status, the Resident Doctors are not supposed to embark on any strike action. In most countries, including African Countries and even Cuba which I have been attended to as a patient, where the resident doctors are mass produced, they NEVER embarked on any form of protest, to say the least, abandoning their patients in the name of industrial action. That’s what I expect of our Nigerian Medical practitioners. This because of existing conventions besides oath of ethics of the medical profession forbids it.

I am equally very aware of the needless long power tussle between health workers in government hospitals. However, while I strongly belief that all the players in the health care system are important, I also quickly remind myself that “some are more equal than others”. So, those that are considered as leaders should conduct themselves with high degree of decorum, dignity, respect and above all ability to honour their subordinates by carrying them along. Respect they say beget respect. Is that what is obtained in the Nigerian health system? The answer is no! A casual visit to any Nigerian hospital will reveal to you the palpable tension, animosity, and sometimes open hatred exhibited amongst these workers. In some situation, your illness is even worsened as result of this stupid and callous feud, found ONLY in Nigeria.

I woke up on the 1st of July, 2014 to go for my regular appointment, alas, the Asaba agreement which NMA voluntarily signed into has been jettisoned. Nigerian Doctors were on strike. I engaged some of the consultants and indeed the so called resident doctors; they were full of abuses on the Federal Government, whom according to them have reneged on all agreements they entered with the Nigerian Medical Association, their umbrella body. So, I began my investigation with a view to revealing the true situation as a key stakeholder of the health system.

These are the outcome of my investigation: I.

II.

NMA embarked on a strike action on 1st July, 2014 despite the Federal Government’s successive intervention meetings and dialogue including the one of 15 hours deliberation (4p.m.-6.30a.m.) with the leadership of the NMA on 25th and 26th June, 2014, where reasonable conclusions were reached on each demand elements which were signed by both parties.

If not for the scarcity of space, I would have included the original documents signed by both the FGN and NMA. In the midst of this strike action, I understand the Federal Government had also cultivated the attention and intervention of some eminent personalities in order to prevail on the NMA leadership to see the deeper sides of their demands and the associated consequences. These personalities included His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Delta State (A medical doctor), the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health (A medical doctor), the Chairman, National Salaries Incomes and Wages Commission, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs (A medical doctor) as well as the Honourable Ministers of Health (Both medical doctors), and that of Labor and Productivity.

III.

IV.

V.

On the 3rd July 2014 a 10-hour conciliatory meeting with the NMA held to deliberate on the same issue.

Again, the NMA and the Government noted the importance of the penultimate meeting and its outcome but further considered the expedient nature of some of the demands and the negligible nature of others.

The decision of this meeting was also signed by both parties. It may be expedient for the general public to note that I was reliably informed, and confirmed by the leadership of the NMA that the negotiating team of the NMA led by its president did not sign the selfexplanatory documents under duress, which were the conclusions and understanding signed freely, by both Government and the NMA. On the 3rd and 14th July respectively, the chairman Senate Committee, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa (Medical doctor) and the House Committee Chairman on health, Hon. N. Elumelu summoned both management of the Federal Ministry of health and the leadership of NMA to a meeting ostensibly wanting to know if there is any problem of great profoundity outside the list of issues circulated by NMA. You would be shocked to note, there was none! They even denied the suspicion that the strike was intended to arm-twist government for more money into their pockets. Rather, they claimed that they needed government to withdraw some words in two circulars which they say was offensive to them.

On July 21 2014, another meeting was called by Hon. Elumelu, House Committee Chairman on Health to verify the fulfilment of all the agreements reached on the part of the Federal Ministry of Health. In that meeting attended by the Hon. Minister of State for Health, Minister of Labour, Director General of Budget of the Federation, all at the instance of the House Committee on Health. NMA agreed that the Federal Ministry of Health had tried. That meeting was suppose to last for 30 minutes but NMA prolonged it for another demand, by impunity, for a payment on relativity that was not provided for in the 2014 budget.

They said it must be paid “now”.

In all the meetings held, NMA leadership promised to go back to their members to call off the strike, but each time they reneged. Their conviction as far as I am concerned is that this is the most suitable time to stampede, intimidate and blackmail the government. They said the President MUST appoint a Surgeon General as the replacement title for Minister of Health. For heaven’s sake, how does that become the problem of NMA? Is it that there was existing position of a Surgeon General before which the President abolished? Dr. Kayode Obembe, the NMA president does not understand that there is no Nigerian Law or statutory circular that says Nigeria must have the office of the Surgeon General. I do not think it is a matter of proclamation, rather an entirely Legislative procedure. Besides, this is not a matter of “MUST” or a matter that should warrant a strike action. It makes one begin to wonder if there is something else to the strike action.

I was also made to understand that another reason given for the strike action is the issue surrounding the position of Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Council (DCMAC).

Again, I ask, when did the appointment of DCMAC become the problem of NMA. It also baffles my imagination how this could concerns Resident Doctors who in actual sense are on training, therefore not permanent staff of the hospitals.

How did this become an issue in 2014 when the issue of Boko Haram is being discussed and fought by the rest of Nigerians.

Now, let’s critically look at the nakedness of this demand by NMA: I.

II.

In line with the University Teaching Act, Cap U15, LFN 2004 commonly referred to as Decree 10 of 1985 which governs tertiary hospital administration in Nigeria, there is the office of Chairman Advisory Committee (CMAC) but it never provided for the office of Deputy CMAC. It provides only that the CMAC is a member of the Governing Board. I also found out that there is nowhere in the law that says NMA should appoint DCMAC or go on strike if not appointed.

All along, Governing Boards of the Teaching Hospitals as a result of threat by NMA or need to assist the CMAC have appointed DCMAC in a very irregular manner to the point that the appointments became abused. Some hospitals went on to appoint up to five deputies. This resulted in disharmony and bitterness in the system which resulted in the intervention of the Honourable Minister of Health. The minister did not abolish the appointment of DCMAC even though he can. He rather streamlined the appointment to three DCMACs for some hospitals and two for others, depending on the capacity of the hospital in terms of bed capacity and staff strength.

The disturbing situation now as you all know is that the NMA has continued with the strike action reneging on all decisions reached with them despite the benevolence of overlooking the trivialities of their demands. I am therefore, as an arbiter pressed to view the action by the NMA as unfortunate, disrespectful, unpatriotic and contrary to the revered Oath of their Medical Profession. Unfortunately, I also found out that NMA did not subscribe to the Code of Medical Ethics (2004) for Medical and Dental practitioners in Nigeria which states in part ‘D’ on IMPROPER RELATIONSHIP WITH COLLEAGUES AND PATIENTS under section 45 on RIGHT TO WITHDRAW SERVICE, that: “ It would be permissible for a doctor to withdraw his service in pursuit of his rights under labor laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, provided that any doctor wishing to take that course of action must have made satisfactory arrangements for the continuing care of his patients and must have given adequate notice of his intention to these patients and to the hospital authorities.

In embarking on withdrawal of services under any circumstance, a doctor must conduct himself in such a manner as to avoid suffering and loss of life for the helpless patients, such as children and accident victims, who had not contributed to the dissatisfaction which has made the withdrawal of service necessary”.

In the midst of all these, I can assure you that my purse is being drained as a result of private hospital visitations. You would be shocked to also note that it is the same striking doctors that I see in the private hospitals. I discovered also that the president of NMA is not even a government employee. He is a private practitioner whom the strike favours most. Further enquiry to the Federal Ministry of Health reveals to me that they find this strike action regrettable, because the Nigerian doctors are free to use their free period in all endeavours of their choice, including running private practice. Is it not time for the government to review that? Could it be that the strike itself is borne out of greed? Could it be masterminded by some political overturns?

Let me further share some of the findings of my investigation with you regarding this unwarranted NMA’s strike: I. II.

III.

IV. V.

The current President of NMA, Dr. Kayode Obembe was elected in April 27, 2014; In acknowledging his emergence, the government am aware proposed an improved working relationship with the new NMA leadership; this proposal was made manifest in the inclusion of the NMA President as part of the Federal Government’s contingent to the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland in May, 2014; it was mainly to let Dr. Obembe understand the views of the larger community over the health services implementation experiences and challenges of the nation. My research further shows that this elderly Obembe have been struggling in private practice all his life; June 23, 2014 the NMA president led his new executive council members on a courtesy visit to the ministry which was mistakenly perceived by the ministry as a goodwill mission and therein promised to work in harmony with NMA on issues that boarder on Clinical Governance, disharmony among colleagues and patients, oath of ethics of the medical profession etc; June 25, 2014, two days after the courtesy visit, NMA declared intention to embark on industrial action; July 1, 2014 NMA members withdrew their services through an industrial action defying the action of the emergency meeting of over 15 hours presided over by the SGF, on July 25th. The same day that Abuja was bombed by insurgents at the Emab Plaza. I also understand that NMA held the government hostage over their selfish interest in defiance of the healthcare emergencies of the bomb blast.

It stands to reason that there was obvious desperation by the new leadership of NMA to embark on industrial action for enhanced prestige in the eyes of members of NMA. They felt it works better when there is the trouble of Boko Haram- I think this is were they got it wrong.

As far as I am concerned, without prima facia, the strike by these Nigerian Doctors is worse than the mayhem unleashed on us by the dreaded terrorist group, Boko Haram. Would one be wrong to also assume that the striking Nigerian Doctors are collaborators with Boko Haram? The demeanour of particularly the Resident Doctors suggests that. These and many more questions are left unanswered; perhaps you can help me out.

God bless our country, Nigeria.

Chief SylveSter eNoCh For: Concerned Patients of Nigeria

THE NATION’S CAPITAL 27

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Model Secondary School Unveils Multilingual Magazine

By Chika Mefor

The management of Model Secondary School, Maitama in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has unveiled a multilingual magazine with the aim of promoting the reading culture amongst students.

The Fame magazine was launched during the graduation ceremony of over 197 students of the school.

In her address, the principal, Mrs. Victoria Nwanyieze Nwaorgu, said the magazine was part of the management’s strategies to encourage reading among

the students, adding that the multilingual magazine conforms to the needs of the target audience.

Nwaorgu said the graduating students were the best sets the school ever had, saying they made more than five per cent jump and 68 per cent average pass in the just concluded mock examination.

She urged the grandaunts to remain good ambassadors of the school in their future endeavours.

In her remarks, the editor in chief of the magazine, an English teacher in the school, Princess Ugonma Akanu,

said the magazine was of good quality, both in material and content, saying that the management expended over N500, 000 in its production.

Princess Akanu said, “we spiced up the magazine to make it attractive to the students, it is not just pure academics; we have short stories and riddles. We made sure we included everything that can easily catch and keep the interest and attention of teenagers. Its well blended in the senses that while the students read those riddles and jokes, they would also read other academic write up.”

Eid-el-Fitr: Sen Aduda Charges Muslims To Pray For Nigeria

By Igho Oyoyo

The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Senate, Sen. Phillip Aduda, has charged Muslims to pray for Nigeria’s unity in the face of insecurity dogging the nation.

Aduda, who is also the

chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, made this call while breaking the fast with over a thousand Muslims at the end of the Ramadan period in Abuja.

The senator also gave out over 700 bags of rice and cash to Muslims in the spirit of the celebration.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Hon. Muhammed Ibrahim, from Abaji area council and Hon. Jafaru Gwagwa, from Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), extolled Aduda purposeful leadership and pray for God blessings on him.

FCTA Completes Gosa Dump Site Land Filling

By Nkechi Isaac

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has said that it has completed the land filling of the road that leads to the Gosa dumpsite, along Airport Road axis.

This was disclosed by the head of information and outreach unit of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), Mr Joe Ukairo, during an exclusive chat with LEADERSHIP. Recall that AEPB contractors in charge of the Federal Capital City (FCC) have had to grapple with the challenge of waste collection and onward disposal at the dumpsite because of the inaccessibility of the road during the rainy season.

Ukairo said that the road that leads to the dumpsite has been worked on and contractors would soon commence

dumping refuse collected from the city at the site.

He said, “we have had to grapple with the challenge of evacuating waste from the city because the road to the dumpsite normally becomes inaccessible during the rainy season.

We had to deal with situations where the compacting trucks cannot ply the road because it becomes swampy and impassable once it starts raining. The challenge was quite much at a point that the board had to arrange for a temporary dumpsite to reduce the backlog of refuse in the city.”

According to him, “filling the road to the site was good news because it will reduce the turnaround time of trucks evacuating waste from the city.

This will make for effective evacuation of waste so that instead of travelling out of town for waste evacuation,

waste contractors can dump the waste at our major dumpsite in Gosa.”

He further reiterated the board’s commitment to rid the FCC of waste, saying that the board worked round the clock during the Sallah celebrations.

“We worked throughout the Sallah celebrations. We ran a skeletal service because we offer essential service; our supervisors and contractors worked round the clock to ensure the city was clean. It’s a tradition for Christians to work during Muslim celebrations while Muslims work during Christian celebrations. Its vice versa. We’ve never closed office.

“We’re on and our hotlines have been on for 24 hours of the day. In fact, we had a complaint from Area 1 yesterday; I had to call the department in charge and they addressed the issue immediately,” he added.

ABUJA MUnICIPAL AREA COUnCIL (AMAC) ABUJA, nIgERIA PUBLIC nOTICE

EXTEnSIOn OF VERIFICATIOn EXERCISE The Management of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) wishes to inform all allottees of APO Resettlement Scheme Market A – F of a two weeks extension of the verification exercise which took place between Monday 23rd of June and Friday the 4th of July 2014.

The extension of the verification exercise is scheduled to take place as follows: DATE: TIME:

Monday August 4 - Monday August 18, 2014.

9: 00am – 4:00pm daily.

Allottees are required to make available for the verification exercise the following documents: a. b. c. d.

Original copy of allocation letter.

Building plan approval.

Evidence of payment.

Passport photographs.

Allottees are enjoined to take advantage of the two weeks extension to verify their allocation documents accordingly.

Signed: MAnAgEMEnT

Kids celebrating the Eid-el Fitr at the National Children’s Park and Zoo, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY JANE OKEKE

Domestic Tourism: NTDC To Launch Tour Abuja City Project

By Chika Okeke

The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) has stated its readiness to launch Tour Abuja City project next month in collaboration with ABC Transport towards promoting domestic tourism in Nigeria.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the director- general of the corporation, Mrs Sally Mbanefo, said that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to that effect with the transport company, adding that the project would market tourist sites and provide residents the opportunity to visit tourist

destinations in Abuja.

Mbanefo said, “we have signed an MoU with ABC transport and we have received approval for all the bus-stops that we need and

by August we will officially launch the tour Abuja project with a double-decker bus where ABC transport will be touring Abuja for domestic tourism.”

She noted that ABC transport has reserved two sight-seeing buses for the initial take-off of the project, noting that the buses would pick residents from nine designated bus-stops to 24 tourist sites/landmarks in the city.

“We have also entered into agreement with the

Gambia Tourism Board; 20 NTDC staff will be going for an exchange programme in Gambia on customer care, public relations, health and safety, administration, management, and project management. The Gambia Tourism Board will also be inviting tourism specialists from the Netherland to equip our staff with tourism best practices.

“With about 170 million Nigerians, if just 20 million travel within Nigeria, then we have potential revenue of $4bn. Tourism and agriculture should drive Nigeria and that is our focus.

Agriculture is already ahead and we want to be at the same stage,” she added.

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30 OPINION

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Obama’s Foreign Policy Initiative

By Tanko Dada

President Barack Obama is widely considered unsure and indecisive in the field of foreign policy; questions are being raised on all sides, but to determine what the United States and Obama should be doing, we have to first understand the nature of the world and the dangers within it.

From 1947 until 1990, the United States faced a mortal threat, an enemy that was strategic, political, military and ideological.

Washington had to keep together an alliance that faced up to the foe and persuaded countries in the middle not to give in. This meant that concerns about resolve and credibility were paramount. In this context, presidents had to continually reassure allies.

But the world today looks very different — far more peaceful and stable than at any point in decades and, by some measures, centuries.

The United States faces no enemy anywhere on the scale of Soviet Russia. Its military spending is about that of the next 14 countries combined, most of which are treaty allies of Washington. The number of democracies around the world has grown by more than 50 per cent in the past quartercentury. The countries that recently have been aggressive or acted as Washington’s adversaries are getting significant pushback.

Russia has alienated Ukraine, Eastern Europe and Western Europe with its recent aggression, for which the short-term costs have grown and the long-term costs —

Obama

energy diversification in Europe — have only begun to build. China has scared and angered almost all of its maritime neighbours, with each clamouring for greater U.S. involvement in Asia. Even a regional foe such as Iran has found that the costs of its aggressive foreign policy have mounted. In 2006, Iran’s favourability rating in Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia was in the 75 per cent to 85 per cent range, according to Zogby Research. By 2012, it had fallen to about 30 per cent.

In this context, what is needed from Washington is not a heroic exertion of American military power but rather a sustained

The Obama administration is, in fact, deeply internationalistbuilding on alliances in Europe and Asia

effort to engage with allies, isolate enemies, support free markets and democratic values and push these positive trends forward. The Obama administration is, in fact, deeply internationalist-building on alliances in Europe and Asia, working with institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the United Nations, isolating adversaries and strengthening the global order that has proved so beneficial to the United States and the world since 1945.

The administration has fought alQaeda and its allies ferociously. But it has been disciplined about the use of force, and understandably so. An America that exaggerates threats, overreacts to problems and intervenes unilaterally would produce the very damage to its credibility that people are worried about. After all, just six years ago, the United States’ closest allies were distancing themselves from Washington because it was seen as aggressive, expansionist and militaristic. Iran was popular in the Middle East in 2006 because it was seen as standing up to an imperialist America that had invaded and occupied an Arab country. And nothing damaged U.S. credibility in the Cold War more than Vietnam.

Obama is battling a knee-jerk sentiment in Washington in which the only kind of international leadership that means anything is the use of military force. “Just because we have the best hammer does not mean that every problem is a nail,” he said in his speech at West Point.

North East: FG Should Probe Security Allocations

By Mohammed Alhassan

The demand for a probe of the total financial alloc ation for security in the troubled north east part of the country is growing by the day. Most Nigerians expect that the Jonathan administration which has been bruised and given a bad name by the impunity with which terrorists destroy, kill and maim innocent Nigerians ought to respond.

The latest group to call for such a probe of the huge allocation to the military which has performed woefully in containing the insurgency is the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The call has become a matter of urgent national importance because of the tendency of the military high command to claim that it is unable to fight the Boko Haram in the north east because it has no funds! The military’s claim of lack of funds is so incredulous because even the governors

of the three states hit hard by the insurgency declared that they have spent billions of naira to support the work of the military.

On its part, the Ministry of Finance revealed that it has disbursed about N130 billion budgetary allocations to deal with this problem.

While both the federal and state governments have been supporting the military financially to see that Nigeria is freed from the terrorism menace, all that the country and its people reap are destruction and wanton killings by the insurgents while the army perfect in giving excuses. One common excuse that the military and keen observers have given for the poor performance of the Army isWthat the Boko Haram is better equipped than the Nigerian Army! And to confirm this, the federal government has been forced to take the unprecedented step of taking assistance from a number of Western

countries to help what has become a lacklustre Nigerian Army!

The NLC and other concerned stakeholders are piqued that despite the huge allocations and the encouragement extended by the people to the military, the Boko Haram continues to act with arrogance. According to the NLC, the recent murder of the Emir of Gwoza who was in company of two other top traditional rulers on a mission to attend the funeral of the late Emir of Gombe has exposed the soft underbelly of military operations against the Boko Haram.

We are of the view that high level corruption in the security and defence sectors are responsible for the sorry state of the armed forces and can explain why it is unable to deal with a domestic terror threat by the Boko Haram.

Corruption and maltreatment of the average soldier has eroded morale and was the reason why a top US military

commander who exchanged notes with his Nigerian counterparts described the Nigerian Army, as an army that is afraid to engage in combat! The implication of this is that had the Boko Haram been an invading army, Nigeria with all her claims of being a leading light in Africa would easily have been overrun!

The Jonathan administration is on trial here for the embarrassment that our military has become.

The administration need to redeem its image as one that supports corruption by supporting a probe by the National Assembly to find out what happened to the defence billions. It is important to know what became of the huge allocation from the federal government, as well as the goodwill funding from the three beleaguered states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa who appear to have been reaped off by a cabal in the defence and security sectors.

Rights Watch Emmanuel Onwubiko www.huriwa.blogspot.com

Is The Nigerian Police This Rotten?

F

ew days back the retiring Inspector General of Police, Abubakar Dikko Mohammed thrilled himself with the mistaken belief that he would hoodwink unsuspecting members of the public to see him as a humble officer when he assumed the role of the traffic warden somewhere in Abuja.

This comical side to law enforcement at a time of national emergency caused by the highest state of insecurity created by the activities of the murderous gangs of Islamic extremists is to say the least the highest degree of dereliction of duty.

The Inspector General of Police would have been better appreciated if he was seen in the front line of the counter insurgency battle in the North East and not to embark on the bizarre display of misplacement of priority.

This is the same man that has occupied the seat of the nation’s chief of police in over four years when the Nigeria police declined to an all time low in terms of standard of law enforcement and the level of discipline among the operatives and officers of the Nigerian Police Force.

It is during the tenure of the outgoing boss of the police that the rampaging armed Islamic extremists in the North East completely destroyed police presence in that restive region necessitating the deployment of armed soldiers to take over the functions of the police in maintaining internal security. Even in Abuja the police do not have the confidence of the residents going by the fact that soldiers are deployed to do the routine policing work of internal security. This is how low the police under the outgoing IGP reached.

But an activist reputable for working in the policing sector Mr. Okechukwu Nwangwuna has sent to my mail what may pass as one of the shocking revelations of the state of decline of the current Nigerian Police Force.

He wrote that about a week ago, someone called him[ Okechukwu Nwangwuma] to confirm the disturbing information he received that the outgoing Inspector General of Police Mr. M.D. Abubakar had reinstated Mr. Sam Chukwu, an alleged ‘rogue Cop’ who, in 2012, while serving as the DPO of Ogui Police Station, Enugu, was implicated in alleged high-level kidnapping in Enugu.

He further said even as he had initiated effort, and was still in the moves, to confirm this information then the news was broken by Sahara Reporters, confirming this shocking development.

Sahara Reporters reported that Mr. Chukwu was redeployed and now serving as the new zonal provost at the Zone 9 headquarters of the Nigerian police based in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State. The appointment took effect on July 17.

As part of the duties in his new assignment, Mr. Chukwu will be responsible for determining and ensuring disciplinary actions on errant officers.

In February 2012, Mr. Nwangwuma recalled that Justice Afam Nwobodo of the Enugu High Court had issued an arrest warrant for Sam Chukwu in connection with the kidnap, in 2009, of 19-year-old Lotachukwu (Lota) Ezeudu. The kidnap victim, who was then a second-year Accountancy student at the University of Nigeria (Enugu campus), has never been seen since, and is presumed dead, Lota was a friend to Mr. Chukwu’s son who is also standing trial for his involvement in the crime.

Justice Nwobodo had issued the arrest warrant after Mr. Chukwu failed to voluntarily present himself in court for arraignment.

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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

THE ELECTABLES Special Edition The best among Nigeria’s politicians; the best among those who aspire for political and elective office; the most popular candidates; the traiblazers; Nigeria ‘s most presentable candidates and those who have the vision and sense of mission to lead.

This is a must read!

GEN. T Y DANJUMA

GEN. MUHAMMADU BUHARI

MR. SAM NDA-ISAIAH

ALH. ALIKO DANGOTE

ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU

SEN. DAVID MARK

HON. AMINU WAZIRI TAMBUWAL

DR. NGOZI OKONJO IWEALA

GOV. IBRAHIM SHEMA

MAL. FALALU BELLO

Watch Out For The Next Edition...

A

SPECIAL PROJECTS PUBLICATION

DIRECTOR: ABDULMUMIN S. BALOGUN COPY EDITOR: OSIGBESAN S. LUQMAN CREATIVE MANAGER: CHUKS NWABUEZE

INQUIRIES: 08069727798

32

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

THE ELECTABLES Special Edition

GEN. T Y DANJUMA The Titan

the Congo and in 1963 joined a UN Peace-keeping force in Sante, Katanga Province in Congo when he was promoted to captain three years later.

W

hen the legendary Chief Obafemi Awolowo passed on in 1987, one of his adversaries in life, the Oxford-trained historian and former leader of the break-away Biafra, Dim Chukwuemeka OdimegwuOjukwu, put aside all reservations and said of Awo: “He was the best president Nigeria never had.”

As a nation, Nigeria currently runs another risk of not putting one of its very best brains to optimal use in the nation build-process. That invaluable asset is Gen. Theophilous Yakubu Danjuma, affectionately TY Danjuma to millions of Nigerians who know how swiftly this Jukun-born General from Taraba state could take the country to her destiny within a short time if he leads Nigeria as president. Despite several and unceasing calls to him, by those that matter, to run for the office of president he remains unmoved in his belief that Nigeria has equally competent people for that office.

Born December 9, 1938 in Takum, Taraba state, TY is a politician and billionaire businessman. His stupendous wealth apart there is, perhaps, no other Nigerian alive and eligible to run for the highest office in the land more than Gen. Danjuma in terms of professional and personal accomplishments as well as experience and influence, among other requirements to holding forte creditably at the presidency.

The son of a farmer who also traded in farm implements, TY started his education at St Bartholomew’s Primary School in Wusasa and moved onto the Benue Provincial Secondary School in Katsina-Ala where he was the captain of the school’s cricket team. He received his Higher School Certificate in 1958. In 1959 Danjuma enrolled at the Nigerian College of Arts Science and Technology in Zaria ( now Ahmadu Bello University) to study History on a Northern Nigeria Scholarship.

However by the end of 1960, Danjuma had left university to join the Nigerian Army.

Danjuma was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as second lieutenant and platoon commander in

In 1967, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel at the start of the civil war in which he actively participated and distinguished himself on the side of the federal troops as a commander.

In 1970 Danjuma attended the International Court Martial in Trinidad and Tobago as Nigeria’s representative, when he was appointed president of the tribunal in a case brought against members of a failed coup attempt in Trinidad and Tobago.

Following his promotion to Colonel in 1971 he spent the next two years as the officer in charge of court-martialling Army officers proven guilty of corruption and indiscipline. In 1975 he was promoted to Brigadier and the position of General Officer Commanding (GOC). In the following year he became the Chief of Army Staff to the Head of State Olusegun Obasanjo. He played a prominent role in supporting the president in resisting the Dimka Coup in 1976. TY retired from the Nigerian army in 1979 at the age of just 40 years.

Business Profile

For many a 40-year-old, losing their career at that age could send them on a tailspin and despondence as regards what next to do. Not TY though, as the young General quickly launched himself into the business world after leaving the Army. In 1979, the very year he retired from the Army, TY Danjuma formed a shipping company, the Nigeria America Line (NAL) by leasing a ship, which sailed between Lagos and Santos in Brazil. In 1984, he also established COMET Shipping Agencies Nigeria Ltd primarily to act as an agent for NAL, in a fast developing business portfolio. Danjuma later joined both firms to form the NAL-Comet Group. In 2005 the NAL-COMET acquired a roll-in-roll-out port (RORO) in Lagos thereafter emerging the largest independent port operators in Africa. It continues to handle over 200 vessels at the ports of Lagos, Port Harcourt, Calabar and Warri.

Today, the NAL-Comet group employs thousands of Nigerians and expatriates. In 1995, Gen. Danjuma created South Atlantic Petroleum Limited (SAPETRO), an indigenous oil exploration and production company, which operates Oil Prospecting License (OPL) 246 to SAPETRO covering a total area of 2,590km2 (1,000 sq. miles).

This, effectively, established TY as an oil magnate in the country.

Politics

Since the return to civil rule in 1999, TY Danjuma has played an active role in Nigerian politics. He was Minister of Defence to President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2003; headed an investigative panel into the Warri conflict also in 2003 and was nominated as chairman of the Presidential Advisory Council by Acting President Goodluck Jonathan in 2010.

While in Office, Gen TY Danjuma sought to curb the politicisation of the military, and was a firm supporter of democracy and the Rule of Law. He also oversaw the renaming of all Nigerian barracks and cantonments from those of civilian or living persons. He was also widely known to be an avid opponent of President Obasanjo’s attempts in 2006 to perpetuate himself in power for an unconstitutional third term as president.

Earlier this month, President Jonathan appointed Danjuma chairman of the Terrorism Victims’ Support Fund Committee. At the inaguration of that panel, TY did not mince words as he told President Jonathan that terrorists were having an upper hand in Nigeria today and that the battle to quell the insurgency has already taken too long on the president’s watch.

Sometime ago a group of respected northern elders actually approached him and urged him to throw his hit hat in the ring... he laughed it off. But there are not a few who still think it’s not a laughing matter!

Philanthropy

The TY Danjuma Foundation Apparently Gen. Danjuma subscribes to the saying of the ancient to wit, “he who dies rich, dies in disgrace.” This is because TY has been a generous man right from when he could as a very young man.

A man with a natural heart for helping the needy, Danjuma, formalised this pleasant side of his nature in December 2008 by creating the TY Danjuma Foundation.

In December 2009 he donated a new state-of-theart medical centre to the Nasarawa State University, Keffi Nasarawa state.

Many appreciative communities in Nigeria have bestowed many chieftaincy titles on Gen. Danjuma.

He is Jarmai Zazzau from Zaria Emirate Council; Gam Gbaro Donga, in Donga Taraba state; Barde Babban Lafia, from the Lafia Emirate Council, among others.

TY Danjuma is also a recipient of a handful of honorary doctorate degrees, including an LL.D from Bayero University in 2011 and a D.Sc. from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

THE ELECTABLES Special Edition

GEN. MUHAMMADU BUHARI The Honest Man

trade policy to barter seized illegally bunkered crude oil for needful machinery, enabling it to export above its OPEC quota.

N

igerians cannot perambulate on the need for a cleanup. And to the minds of most Nigerians, the man capable of cleaning up the country is General Muhammadu Buhari. A genteel figure that many say is Nigeria’s Abraham Lincoln, Gen, Buhari has put his name on the ballot three times since the return to civil rule in 1999. Like Lincoln he had lost on all occasion.

And like Lincoln, he must keep on trying for the sake of our country. This is the position of millions of the Buhari Band nationwide. It is a cult followership no amount of malicious propaganda against his person and record in office as a military head of state has been able to extinguish. That, on its own speaks volumes of the good memory Nigerians have of the General’s short-lived tenure in office between January 1984 and August 1985.

Gen. Muhammadu Buhari was born on December 17, 1942. A native of Daura in Katsina state, Buhari was selected to lead the country by middle and high-ranking military officers after a successful military coup d’etat that overthrew civilian President Shehu Shagari on December 31, 1983. At the time, Buhari was head of the Third Armored Division of Jos, Plateau state. He justified the military’s seizure of power by castigating the civilian government as hopelessly corrupt, and his administration subsequently initiated a public campaign against indiscipline known as “War Against Indiscipline” (WAI).

The economic principles and political ideology of the Buhari military government is called Buharism by some political and economic writers and speakers.

In the face of the austerity measures, Buhari was overthrown in a coup led by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and other members of the ruling Supreme Military Council (SMC) on August 27, 1985. Buhari was then detained in Benin City until 1988.

Buhari’s admirers believe that he was overthrown by corrupt elements in his government who were afraid of being brought to justice as his policies were beginning to yield tangible dividends in terms of public discipline, curbing corruption, lowering inflation, enhancing workforce and improving productivity.

Gen. Buhari served as the Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), a body created by the government of Gen. Sani Abacha, and funded from the revenue generated by the increase in price of petroleum products, to pursue developmental projects around the country. A 1998 report in New African praised the PTF under Buhari for its transparency, calling it a rare “success story.”

In 2003, Buhari contested the presidential election as the candidate of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP). He was defeated by the People’s Democratic Party nominee, President Olusegun Obasanjo, by a margin Buhari is admired by many for his uprightness of more than 11 million votes. It was claimed and stand against corruption. His government is by Buhari’s supporters and other members revered for its ability to keep the country afloat of the opposition that in some states, like by making progress through sheer economic Ebonyi, there were more votes than there were ingenuity even when it rejected the IMF loan registered voters. Although some allegations and refused to adopt IMF conditionalities to of fraud were proven in the courts and the devalue the Naira. His government is praised conduct of the election was criticized by the for its gain in reducing inflation by refusing to Commonwealth Observer Group, the consensus devalue the naira, curbing imports of needless among Nigerians was that he should not goods, curtailing oil theft and using counter waste his time in court as he did not have the

necessary resources to “buy” himself justice.

Eventually, the same court also decided that the level of proven electoral fraud was not sufficient to affect the outcome of the election and to warrant the cancellation of the whole Presidential election.

On December 18, 2006, Gen. Buhari was nominated as the consensus candidate of the All Nigeria People’s Party. His main challenger in the April 2007 polls was the ruling PDP candidate, Umaru Yar’Adua, who hailed from the same home state of Katsina. In the election, Buhari officially took 18% of the vote against 70% for Yar’Adua, but Buhari rejected these results. After Yar’Adua took office, the ANPP agreed to join his government, but Buhari denounced this agreement.

In March 2010, Buhari left the ANPP for the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), a party that he had helped to found. He said that he had supported the founding of the CPC “as a solution to the debilitating, ethical and ideological conflicts in my former party the ANPP”.

Buhari was the CPC Presidential candidate in the April 16th, 2011 general election, running against incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP and others. Gen Buhari ran on an anti-corruption platform and pledged to remove immunity protections from government officials.

He won 12,214,853 votes, coming second to President Jonathan of the PDP, who polled 22,495,187 votes and was declared the winner.

In May 2014, in the wake of the kidnapping of schoolgirls in Chibok town, Buhari strongly denounced the Boko Haram insurgency, urging “Nigerians to put aside politics and all other divisions to crush the insurgency” he said “is fanned by mindless bigots masquerading as Muslims.”

Gen Buhari recently escaped death when a suicide bomber targeted his car on a busy street in Kaduna, where he lives. He remains a folk hero to many for his vocal opposition to corruption and is very electable in 2015 as president

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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

THE ELECTABLES Special Edition

Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah For Bigger Ideas And Ideals www.samfornigeria.com

B

y most parameters to gauge the success of all mortals, you could say Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah is a successful man. And if you belong to the school of thought which prescribes a folding of arms to the successful individual of any age, there shall Sam differ with you. For to the Founder of the LEADERSHIP Group, personal success is but the first rung on the ladder to a higher ideal: service to one’s country to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind.

Against the backdrop of the season of anomie our country has been suffering for so long by maladministrators, Sam, evidently takes his cue from Karl Max’s lucid dictum: “Philosophers have interpreted the world; the point is to change it.” And so, rather than being content with his personal successes and railing against bad governance in Nigeria on the pages of his formidable LEADERSHIP newspaper titles, this pharmacist-turned press baron decided to step out of his comfort zone into the uncertain terrain of politics.

He is on a singular mission – to seek the very zenith of public office in the land, the Presidency, in order to pull Nigeria out of the cesspool of bad governance back to the track of prosperity and her rightful place in the comity of modern, developed nations.

For this 52-year-old serial entrepreneur, his going into politics is also in answer to many years old calls on him by close associates and people who have formed a vicarious relationship with him from far and wide by reading his articles or columns in newspapers, stretching way back in time before he ventured into the newspaper business on his own. This call is premised on the imperative of bringing in the new generation to play a direct part in the nation building process, beyond being personally accomplished in their professional and private life.

Born in Minna, Niger state on Worker’s Day May 1, 1962, Sam Nda-Isaiah attended the famous Government College, Kaduna between 1974 and 1979.

Graduating as the best student, the young Sam sat for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination and secured admission to the then University of Ife in South West Nigeria (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU) in 1979, to study pharmacy.

He was the only student from the whole of Northern Nigeria studying pharmacy in Ife at the time.

At Ife, an early interest in the media - sparked by his journalist father who was pioneer sports editor at the iconic New Nigeria newspaper - blossomed and he became the national editor-in-chief of his department’s magazine, The Touch.

Graduating from the tough Ife pharmacy department on schedule in 1983, Sam did his internship in Minna, the capital city of his home state. Thereafter, he was posted to Ikere-Ekiti in the old Ondo state (now Ekiti state) for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, where he spent the mandatory one year.

Upon completing the NYSC, Sam landed a job with the pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer, where he worked from

1985 to 1989. The entrepreneurial streak in the young pharmacist took the better of him four years into the Pfizer job and Sam resigned to start off on his own as a businessman.

Alongside studying for his degree, graduating, working a salaried job and starting his own business, Sam wrote for many newspapers and magazines in the country, inevitably putting himself in the consciousness of the reading public. Thus he was already an established voice in the print medium when the Daily Trust newspaper was established in 1998 and he was invited to the editorial board of that newspaper, for which he also wrote a very popular weekly column.

Prodded by his friend, the late Salihijo Ahmed, Sam ventured into media proprietorship with a N15 million seed fund he garnered from the public launch of a book entitled,Nigeria: Full Disclosure, a compendium of his published newspaper articles. He started off with LEADERSHIP Confidential, a subscription-based newsletter. This small start has blossomed into a stable of seven thriving print titles and other publications in the LEADERSHIP Group, a feat Mr. Nda-Isaiah says his sheer faith in God made possible.

A bundle of energy, Sam’s biggest early influences were his grandparents, his parents, Government College, Kaduna, and the University of Ife. He took hard work and discipline from his father, selflessness from his mother; a steely strictness from his Sunday school teacher, Pamela Saduaki, a former deputy governor of Kaduna state, and the virtue of forgiveness from his grandfather. All of these are alloyed into the strong character compass Sam navigates his public and private affairs with.

Clearly fascinated by the word “leadership,” Sam detests immoral leadership, dishonesty, indiscipline, slothfulness and excuses. He believes, very strongly, that “leadership is everything and if anything is going wrong, it has to be because of the quality of leadership.” Consequently, at the core, Sam’s philosophy revolves around the imperative of leadership as the most fundamental factor in positive change. He believes that change never comes by doing more of the same and that the time we live in coincides with a period of intense soul searching and considerable loss of faith in the national journey. This provides a dramatic background to his full expression on ideas of leadership.

Sam, as he is fondly called, speaks and writes consistently on the theme of leadership, with alarming bluntness. He passionately believes that leadership, or the lack of it, determines the human condition and can lift humanity from ignorance, bias, socio-political and economic regression to genuine national progress. In taking this position, he has often challenged political orthodoxy, a scenario seen as a hazardous affair in the country today.

A presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Sam is intense, engaging, deep, clear-minded, blunt and provocative. Like an encounter with the dentist, meeting with him might prove exacting, even painful, while it lasts, but you almost always leave with a sense of relief that you

know where he stands.

To be sure, Sam is an unlikely politician. Where a typical politician would call a cow big brother to get the beef, he would call a cow a cow and damn the beef. He is impatient with ditherers and mad at tardiness. Sam is trusting, almost to a fault. He is a man in a hurry, restless and unafraid of a fall. He is passionate about making Nigeria work again.

Sam Nda-Isaiah is the Kakaki Nupe, Ugwumba Nd’igbo and Jakadan Potiskum. He is happily married with four children.

From his writings which have over the years earned him a cult following and from a whole lot more that he has not written but which he shares in conversations with family members, friends, associates and his employees, there is no mistaking the fact that Sam has a passion to see Nigeria move forward on big ideas. It is a passion rooted in knowledge, continuous learning and conviction.

The most frequently asked question since Sam threw his hat in the presidential ring must be, “Why the presidency?” The answer is, why not? For the last 15 years, the country has had more of the same – exgovernors, ex-senators, ex-vice presidents and expresidents. We cannot continue to stir the same pot for over a decade and still be surprised that the broth remains the same.

As an aspirant, Sam is coming out a prepared man. He may not win a name recognition contest today. He may not have pockets deep enough to fetch the moon on a stick and he certainly never claimed to have grown up without shoes; but he knows his history and has paid his dues in our predatory business environment. And, as an irrepressible political associate once said of him, “he is a man you’ll be proud to have in your corner”.

This is because with Sam, you are sure of one thing – it is Nigeria uber alles.

BUSINESS PROFILE Founder – LEADERSHIP Group, LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPERS Group (LEADERSHIP, LEADERSHIP Friday, LEADERSHIP Weekend, LEADERSHIP Sunday, LEADERSHIP Confidential, LEADERSHIP Hausa, LeVogue Magazine, www.leadership.ng and www. exclusivelyleadership.ng).

Executive – Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN).

Member – International Press Institute (IPI), Vienna Austria.

Member – World Association of Newspapers, Paris France.

Vice Chairman, Institute of Directors, (IoD) Kaduna Branch.

Chairman – Oakhouse Forte Ltd. Chairman – Banana Republic.

Chairman – Clayfields and Harrow.

Director – Empire Securities Ltd. Director – Societa Generale Fondazini (SHF).

Director – Maitama Amusement Park Plc Member – Governing Council, Kaduna International School Chairman – Robertsham Hotel & Group Ten Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa Chairman – Allanwoods Consulting

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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

THE ELECTABLES Special Edition

ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU Time For Jagaban To Front It Again

for the presidency in 2015.

Of course, the Asiwaju is eminently qualified to rule the roost from his professional accomplishments and his track record as a public office holder.

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ince completing his second term in office as governor of Lagos in 2007, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been content with staying in the background and urging his young acolytes to take the reins of office across the country for the purposes of good governance. By any parameter of assessments, these young blood have fared well at the federal, state and council levels. Along with his own personal achievements in office as governor, these young performers mentored by the Asiwaju of Lagos are the reason he is certainly the most powerful political force in the South West today. You ignore Tinubu at your own peril.

However, as the ship of state continues rudderlessly, particularly at the centre, not a few Nigerians are alarmed and wonder that the Jagaban, with his wealth of experience in business and statecraft, would continue to watch from the sideline, impervious to the violent storms buffeting Nigeria on several sides, threatening to drown us all, no thanks to incompetent hands currently at the helms of affairs in the country.

Many are, however, beyond merely watching Tinubu and in fact have asked him to join the fray

Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu was born on 29 March 29, 1952 in the city of Lagos. He attended St. John’s Primary School, Aroloya, Lagos and Children’s Home School in Ibadan. Tinubu went to the United States in 1975, where he studied first at Richard J. Daley College in Chicago, Illinois and then at Chicago State University.

He graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.

Tinubu worked for American companies Arthur Andersen, Deloitte, Haskins, & Sells, and GTE Services Corporation.

After returning to Nigeria in 1983, he worked with Mobil Oil Nigeria, becoming an executive of the company.

He was elected Senator for the Lagos West constituency in Lagos State in 1993, just before a military take-over in December 1993. After the return to democracy, he was elected governor of Lagos State, holding office from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007. He is an influential member of the All Progressives Congress party; he also holds both the chieftaincy of the Asiwaju of Lagos and that of the Jagaban of the Borgu Kingdom in Niger State.

His political career began in 1992, when he was elected into the Nigerian Senate representing the Lagos West constituency in the short-lived Nigerian Third Republic. After the results of the 12 June 1993 presidential elections were annulled, Tinubu became a founding member of the pro-democracy National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which mobilised support for the restoration of democracy and recognition of the June 12 results. He went into exile in 1994 and returned to the country in 1998 after the death of military dictator Gen. Sani Abacha, which ushered in a transition to civilian rule.

In the run-up to the 1999 elections, Tinubu was a protégé of Alliance for Democracy (AD) leaders

Abraham Adesanya and Ayo Adebanjo. He won the AD primaries for the Lagos State gubernatorial elections. In April 1999, he stood for the position of Executive Governor of Lagos State on the AD ticket and was elected. During his eight-year period of office, he made large investments in education in the state. He also initiated new road construction, required to meet the needs of the fast-growing population of the state.

He won re-election to office as governor in April 2003, when all the other states in the South West fell to the People’s Democratic Party.

Bola Tinubu was involved in a struggle with the President Olusegun Obasanjo-led Federal government over whether Lagos State had the right to create new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to meet the needs of its large population.

The controversy led to Obasanjo seizing funds meant for local councils in the state, which were not released until after Obasanjo left office. Despite this, Asiwaju ran a government that was second to none in the country in terms of progressive policies and concrete achievements.

Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State governor ended on May 29, 2007 when his protégé and chief of staff, Babatunde Fashola of the Action Congress took office.

In April 2007, after the elections but before the new governor had taken over, the Federal Government brought Asiwaju Bola Tinubu before the Code of Conduct Tribunal for trial over alleged illegal operation of 16 separate foreign accounts. In January 2009 the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission cleared him of these charges.

Following the victory by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2011 elections, Bola Tinubu was active in negotiations to bring together the fragmented opposition parties into a “mega-party” capable of challenging the PDP. This led to the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a first in the history of the country. The APC is the country’s only formidable party capable of kicking the PDP out of office in 2015.

Tinubu is married to Oluremi Tinubu, the current Senator of central Lagos State.

Asiwaju’s credentials as a democrat and achiever in public office are not impeachable and without blemish. They constitute a solid super structure upon which he is very electable to any office he might want to vie for in the next general election, including the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

THE ELECTABLES Special Edition

ALH. ALIKO DANGOTE Business Mogul To Nigeria’s Rescue

the political juice running in their veins once again!

There is no gainsaying that with Alhaji Dangote’s Midas touch, Nigeria’s economic regeneration is a sure bet. The sky would surely be our limit as a nation. What with the mercurial rise of Alhaji Dangote’s personal fortunes in recent times, and that is at a time of global economic downturn and the paltry borrowed seed fund he launched himself into the business world in the 70s!

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s the Nigerian economy continues to reel under, the country could do with the magic wand of Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote. We are not talking here of the businessman rolling out more of his $25 billion fortune to intervene in some natural disasters or poverty alleviation, no. We are on the trail of widespread conviction in millions of households in the country today where lively debates are on over dinner as regards the magical rejuvenation the country’s dwindling economy could receive from a Dangote dabble into politics at the very highest level possible – the Presidency.

Think of how many global investors would be booking their flights, cash in tow, to Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Enugu, Port Harcourt, on the break of the news that Alhaji Aliko Dangote has announced his bid to run for president of Nigeria. The nation cannot but remember such rush for our shores by everybody who was anybody when the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola ran for president in 1999. Remember how the market costs of commodities crashed on the streets when the word broke that M.K.O. had won? Who would not join a “Dangote For President” campaign right away?

Although Nigeria’s foremost business guru has not dropped any hint of joining politics, such is the electability of Alhaji Aliko Dangote in the country today. Just as Chief Abiola did in the 1993 presidential elections, the Dangote jab is what millions of apathetic Nigerians need to get

Alhaji Aliko Dangote GCON was born on April 10 1957 in Kano, Nigeria. He sits over the colossal Dangote Group, which has interests in commodities and operates in Nigeria and several other countries in Africa, including Benin, Cameroun, Togo, Ghana, South Africa and Zambia.

As at March 2014, Dangote had an estimated net worth of $25 billion. He is ranked by Forbes Magazine as the 23rd richest person in the world and the richest man in Africa. He surpassed Saudi-Ethiopian billionaire Mohammed Hussein Al Amoudi in 2013 by over $2.6 billion to become the world’s richest black man.

From the time he was young Dangote had an eye on business. He said, “I can remember when I was in primary school, I would go and buy cartons of sweets and I would start selling them just to make money. I was so interested in business, even at that time.” He studied business at the AlAzhar University in Cairo, Egypt and thereafter returned to Nigeria to borrow from his uncle Sanusi Abdulkadir Dantata, who would eventually provide him a loan of N500,000 when Dangote was just 21 years old to start a business.

The Dangote Group was established as a small trading firm in 1977. Today, it is a multi-trillion naira conglomerate. At present, Dangote has enlarged his line of businesses to also cover food processing, cement manufacturing, and freight.

The Dangote Group also dominates the sugar market in Nigeria and is a major sugar supplier to the country’s soft drink companies, breweries,

and confectioners. The Dangote Group has moved from being a trading company to being the largest industrial group in Nigeria and these include: Dangote Sugar Refinery, Dangote Cement, and Dangote Flour, just to mention a few.

In July 2012, Dangote approached the Nigerian Ports Authority with the idea of leasing an abandoned piece of land at the Apapa Port, which was welcomed and approved. He later built facilities for his flour company there. In the 1990s he approached the Central Bank of Nigeria with the idea that it would be cheaper for the bank to allow his transport company to manage their fleet of staff buses, a proposal which was also approved.

In Nigeria today, Dangote Group with its dominance in the sugar market and refinery business is the main supplier (70% of the market) to the country’s soft drinks companies, breweries and confectioners.

It is the largest refinery in Africa and the third largest in the world, producing 800,000 tonnes of sugar annually. Apart from these, Dangote Group owns salt factories and flour mills and is a major importer of rice, fish, pasta, cement and fertiliser.

The company exports cotton, cashew nuts, cocoa, sesame seed and ginger to several countries.

It also has major investments in real estate, banking, transport, textiles and oil and gas. The company employs over 11,000 people and is the largest industrial conglomerate in the whole of West Africa.

Dangote has diversified into telecommunications and has started building 14,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables to supply the whole of Nigeria.

As a result of his many giant strides, Dangote was honoured in January 2009 as the leading provider of employment in the Nigerian construction industry.

He said, “Let me tell you this and I want to really emphasize it...nothing is going to help Nigeria like Nigerians bringing back their money. If you give me $5 billion today, I will invest everything here in Nigeria. Let us put our heads together and work.”

As far as politics is concerned, Dangote played a very prominent role in the funding of Olusegun Obasanjo’s re-election bid in 2003, to which he gave over N200 million. He contributed N50 million to the National Mosque under the aegis of “Friends of Obasanjo and Atiku”. He also contributed N200 million to the Presidential Library project.

The next step millions of Nigerians are waiting for the business mogul to take in politics now is to run for President in 2015. It is an auspicious time for him to do so because he is really very electable. Will he step up to the plate?

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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

THE ELECTABLES Special Edition

SEN. DAVID MARK

Marks Of Approval For A Consummate Senate President

of the Nigerian Senate’s claim to its Roman progenitor or even to the credentials of its older, more illustrious counterpart in the world’s greatest democracy, the Senate of the United States.

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ncient Rome gave the modern world a lot from poetry to politics. One of the famous political organs the Romans gave us is the Senate. The quintessential Roman senate was a revered enclave of the most accomplished, free born Roman elders whose wise counsels and laws built and sustained the Roman Empire for centuries. It is to this archetype that all Senates since Rome till the modern era aim to be like – a gathering of the best of the human resource available to each democracy.

Nigeria and Nigerians are no exception to holding the Senate, as an institution of democratic rule, in high esteem and expecting the very best of service from it. True, since 1999, we have had cause to doubt the credo

But then, only a few, irreverent pessimists would not admit that the stewardship of David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark as Senate President has been a long, successful, redemptive run that has put the upper chambers of the National Assembly on the path of good reckoning in the public psyche.

That the Nigerian Senate is a lot more an assemblage of mature men and women today is obvious and its calming balm is unarguably the suave Senate President David Mark.

This pleasant turn is all the more a huge accomplishment from a man with a military background and in view of the repulsive acts soldiers have carried out in power in our country’s history and elsewhere. Military apologists would argue to no end that it is only in the Armed Forces that the best of a man or a woman could be brought out. However, it seems that Senator David Mark, who had an enviable career in the Army and retired as a Major General, had saved the best of who he is for civilian life, specifically in the service of his Fatherland at the Senate as the Number Three Citizen.

For a nation infamously amnesiac, the year 2010 is already a long, dim, hazy past. But in that year, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria pulled off the most dramatic rescue operation of the body-politic from the brink of an implosion in our democratic history.

It was the year a cabal plotted to rule us by subterfuge when it was obvious that the beloved President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was incapacitated by reasons of ill health and clearly unable to discharge the functions of his daunting office. The dew of time may wash those giddy days off the memories of our countrymen and women, but history would never forget the statesmanship of David Mark as Senate president in persuading the Sixth Senate to activate “the Doctrine of Necessity” to save Democracy and the corporate existence of Nigeria, and bring into office President Goodluck Jonathan.

David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark was born April 18, 1948. He attended St. Francis Catholic Practicing School before attending theNigerian Military School. Then he attended the Benin Defence Academy. The senator representing the Benue South Senatorial District since 1999, Mark was governor of Niger state and minister for communication under the military, all prior to his senatorial career. Mark was first elected to his position as President of the Senate on June 6, 2007 and overwhelmingly reelected Senate president in 2011.

Mark and his wife, Dr. Helen Mark, have five children.

Thanks to live telecast of its proceedings, the maturity of Mark in steering discourses of potential discord and his handling of Senate’s business in general is soothingly assuring, in a country where the most mundane of comments or events could take on a life of their own fraught with Frankenstein fallouts for the continued existence of Nigeria.

For their celebrated parts, Senate President David Mark is probably Nigeria’s Eisenhower or Charles De Gaulle in the making, and very electable, yet again, come 2015

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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

THE ELECTABLES Special Edition

MAL. FALALU BELLO Turnaround Guru

power as a banker, businessman and boardroom guru, this might lie somewhere close to his Spartan upbringing, quality education and the diverse fields he has traversed in the course of an illustrious working career of nearly four decades.

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any a great upheaval has occurred in the Nigerian financial sector in the last ten years or thereabout.

Such was the seismic reach of these events that they consumed many shining stars of the sector, including hitherto famous multiple-awards winning chief executive officers of famous banks. Professionals who were thought to be financial gurus of uncanny insight - who could never make a wrong call on industry trends, even in their deepest slumber.

With the tsunami that swept through the banking halls at that point in time went down the drain the long, carefully built career and well burnished reputations of many bankers. It could therefore be said that the banks and individuals who survived that turmoil and can still stand tall among banking professionals today are the real deal. It is within this elite class of bankers that Mallam Falalu Bello has been able to find a seat.

Malam Falalu Bello was born some 60 years ago in Rigachikun village, on the outskirts of Kaduna state. After his elementary and secondary school education, Bello proceeded to the the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Kaduna state where he studied Law between 1975 and 1978 and bagged the LLB in flying colours.

Bello is also an alumnus of the renowned Harvard Business School in the United States.

He started his working career in 1980 as a Magistrate Grade II with the Kaduna State Government. He served as the Company Secretary of Northern Nigerian Investment Limited and National Freight Company Limited from 1980 to October 1983. In 1983, he was appointed Commissioner for Trade and Industry with Kaduna State Government.

When the late Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua wanted to establish the now defunct Habib Nigeria Bank Limited, he invited Malam Falalu Bello to be a pioneer member of staff at that financial institution. Bello worked at Habib Bank for 10 years, rising to the position of managing director/chief executive until August 1999.

From Habib Bank, Bello moved on Intercity Bank still as managing director where he spent three years. The consummate banker was later Although it is difficult to pinpoint Bello’s staying called upon to take charge of affairs at Unity

Bank Plc, where he called the shot for five eventful and successful years.

Bello’s acumen as a banker of high repute was, perhaps, most evident at Unity Bank where, as the managing director/ chief executive officer of the bank, he presided over the merger of its nine constituents, namely Bank of the North Limited, First Interstate Bank Plc, Intercity Bank Plc, New Africa Bank Limited, New Nigeria Bank Plc, Societe Bancaire Limited, Pacific Bank Limited, and Tropical Commercial Bank Limited. He consolidated them into a bank and ran it to become an operationally profitable bank, before retiring from its service in 2011.

If Bello thought he was through with the banking sector after retiring from Unity Bank, he was wrong for the turmoil that soon engulfed that sector called for time-tested hands like his to save the financial sector from total collapse. The newly appointed Governor of the Central Bank now the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi II, soon reached out to Bello for a rescue mission at Mainstreet Bank, one of the three nationalised banks by the CBN under Emir Sanusi.

Malam Falau Bello did not disappoint as he nurtured Mainstreet Bank back to Health in record time and again resigned to pursue other interests.

A recipient of the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) national honour, currently, Bello is Executive Chairman at MBS Merchants Limited.

In between his exploits in the banking world, Bello also gave a shot at politics. Notably, contesting the governorship of Kaduna State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but lost the primary election to the current vice president, Namadi Sambo.

Malam Falalu Bello’s wealth of professional experience in diverse sectors of the economic spanning about 40 years put him in a pole position for any elective office in the country today. Many citizens are waiting with bated breath to see him make that much awaited move for a big public office in the 2015 cycle of politics, with a view to casting their votes for him, so he could turnaround the fortunes of many as he had consistently done as a brilliant banker

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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

THE ELECTABLES Special Edition

HON. AMINU WAZIRI TAMBUWAL The People’s Speaker Comes Of Age

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ye-in-the-wool gerontocrats have scant respect for the angling of the young to take on the mantle of leadership. This, perhaps, informed the fierce opposition to the obviously popular choice of Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal as Speaker of the House of Representatives by the grandees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) three years ago as the seventh session of the House berthed. Of course the young guns at the lower chambers would have none of it; they dug in and elected Tambuwal anyway, much to the chagrin of the PDP apparatchik, including President Goodluck Jonathan.

Since 2011 when he was elected into the fourth highest position in Nigeria, so much has happened in the country. A lot of events have also gone down in the House of Representatives under his charge. However, one could say, without any sort of equivocation, that Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has taken it all in his strides, and equitably well too for a young man among his peers, many of who are oft driven by the intemperance of youth. More remarkably, Hon. Tambuwal has navigated the complex maze of Nigeria’s politics and governance quite astutely.

They questioned Tambuwal’s credentials to lead, but then the grand old men and women of the PDP were wrong again!

It would seem though that the PDP bigwigs were opposed to Tambuwal not so much on the Speaker’s readiness for such a high office than their fear that this Waziri will not submit to their puppetry. For if their consideration was premised on antecedents, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal should easily be their man as his resume patently shows.

Born January 10, 1966 in Tambuwal

Village,Sokoto State the Speaker represents theKebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency of his home state. He attended Tambuwal Primary School, Tambuwal, Sokoto State, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1979; and Government Teachers’ College, Dogon-Daji, where he graduated with a Teachers Grade 11 Certificate in 1984.

Tambuwal then proceeded to the prestigious Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, where he studied Law, graduating with an LLB (Hons) degree in 1991. He completed his one year compulsory legal studies at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, obtained his BL and was called to the Bar in 1992.

Tambuwal has held several offices in the House.

In 2005, he became the Minority Leader of the House until he defected to the PDP. Upon his re-election to the House in 2007, he was also elected the Deputy Chief Whip.

At various times, Tambuwal has been a member of several committees including the House Committees on Rules & Business, Communications, Judiciary, Inter-Parliamentary and Water Resources. He was also a member of the House Ad hoc Committee on Constitution Review.

He was chairman of the ad hoc panel that reviewed the report of the controversial power probe committee headed by Ndudi Elumelu; chairman, House Sub-Committee on the Bill for an Act to Amend the Land Use Act, and acting chairman, House Committee on Power.

He was leader of the Nigerian delegation to African, Caribbean, Pacific & European Union Parliamentary Assembly (ACP-EU) and served Besides studying for his law degree, Tambuwal has also attended several courses abroad, among as Vice-Chairman, Economic Committee ACPEU, held in Prague,Czech Republic in April which are the following: Telecoms Regulatory 2009.

Master Class–Bath UK, 2004; Lawmaking In the area of professional affiliations, for the Communications Sectors –BMIT, Tambuwal has been an active member of the Johannesburg, South Africa, 2004; Regulating Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), over the years. a Competitive Industry-UK, Brussels, 2005; He started off as Public Relations Officer of the Tulane University – International Legislative NBA, Sokoto State chapter between 1996 and Drafting, 2005; Stanford Graduate School of 1997. He was a member of the Constitution Business – Influence and Negotiation, 2008 Review Committee of the NBA (1997–1998). and KSG Harvard – Infrastructure in Market He was the Sokoto branch Secretary of the Economy, 200.

Association (1997–1998) and Assistant Tambuwal started learning the legislative ropes National Financial Secretary of the NBA (1998– 2000). from 1999 to 2000, while working as Personal Assistant on Legislative Affairs to Senator From 2000 and 2002, he was the 1st assistant Abdullahi Wali, the then Senate Leader. national secretary of the association. He is also a member of the Body of Benchers, Nigeria; In 2003, he decided to run for a legislative International Bar Association, and the American seat as representative of the Kebbe/Tambuwal Bar Association among others.

Federal Constituency. He was elected into the House of Representatives on the platform of the Such is the breathtaking accomplishments of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal in professional Few months to the 2007 general elections, he defected to the Democratic People’s Party (DPP). cycle and public life. Hon Tambuwal is a sparkly specimen of how to nurture the youth over But when the DPP denied return tickets to former ANPP legislators, Tambuwal swung back time to take on the weighty responsibility of leadership. His state of origin, Sokoto and to the ANPP, where he eventually succeeded in indeed Nigeria cannot afford to cast away such picking up a ticket for the election. a tested hand in the nation building process.

Surely, voters must press “the People’s Speaker” But then again, when the ANPP governorship candidate for Sokoto State in the 2007 election, to do more in higher public office from 2015 Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko dumped the party for the and beyond PDP, Tambuwal also followed suit.

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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

THE ELECTABLES Special Edition

GOV. IBRAHIM SHEMA An Achiever Par Excellence

ambulances were procured under this scheme and deployed to provide health services to rural communities which, hitherto, has no health facilities.

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gainst the backdrop of widespread profligacy in public office across the country, Governor Ibrahim Shema’s prudent management of state resources in Katsina since 2007 is amazing. As Shema completes his second term in office, it may shock you to know that the governor has not taken any loan since assuming office in spite of the massive infrastructural developments in the state under him and the state workforce is probably the first to get paid in the country on the 22nd day of each month, for nearly eight years.

Shema’s track records in office speaks volume of his vision for Katsina, nay Nigeria, if he joins the race for president as many are fervently hoping he does.

Immediately he came to office in 2007, Governor Shema hit the ground running by launching several initiatives with a view to overhauling Katsina’s education sector. As part of his education reforms, Shema declared a free and compulsory education from primary to senior secondary school level for all school-age children resident in the state, irrespective of tribe, ethnic affiliation and religion. The governor backed this laudable policy up with adequate funding, hence public schools in Katsina have been getting a steady stream of instructional materials as well as teachings aid. He also built 200 secondary schools; 34 new girl-child schools and 38 blocks of one-storey new primary school buildings.

In addition, Shema has built 70 Allo Model Schools across the 34 local governments in Katsina to support Almajiri education. Currently, the Allo schools have a total student population of 17,091. Feeding, learning materials and clothing are provided for all these pupils and their teachers by the state government. The governor also renovated many existing school structures across the state.

The governor also paid the WAEC, NECO and NABTEB Examination fees for pupils in the state. Shema also offered in-service training to 17,157 teachers and cleared a backlog of promotion delays affecting 2, 560 secondary school teachers.

Under Shema, over 2000 Katsina State students have been sponsored to Sudan, Jordan and the United States, among others, to study various degree programmes including Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Arabic, Computing, Calligraphy and Engineering courses as well as other fields of study.

The Shema administration also gave a commitment of over N2 billion to the newly established Federal University in Dutsin-ma which aided the prompt take-off of the institution. He has also spent over N11 billion towards the completion of the state-owned Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University. He also introduced the Governor’s Teachers Award Scheme in which select outstanding teachers are given Hajj seats yearly, among other incentives, to boost teachers’ performance in the state.

The health sector in Katsina has also witnessed a turnaround under Governor Shema. His administration operates a free medical care for children, pregnant women and the elderly, resulting in the elimination and drastic reduction in cases of killer diseases like polio, measles, tuberculosis and malaria in the state.

Shema has completed work on the 169-bed Turai Yar’Adua Maternal and Children Hospital, Katsina. He improved the condition of all general hospitals in the state through renovation and upgrading and procurement of modern hospital equipment/implements. He has constructed a 250-bed space orthopaedic hospital in the state. The government has provided the Katsina Eye Hospital in Gambarawa with modern equipment and staff and is jointly run with the TulsiChanrai foundation, with excellent results. Currently, the hospital has achieved 100% post-surgery restoration of sight.

The Shema administration also provides free treatment for all antenatal care including delivery and caesarean section, all cases of malaria, psychiatry, accidents within 48 hours and renal dialysis.

The Babbar Ruga hospital has been providing excellent care to VVF patients and those struck with Tuberculosis and leprosy. It is the largest centre performing VVF surgery in the whole world.

To take healthcare to remote and rural areas, Governor Shema introduced the Mobile Ambulance Scheme. Thirty-four mobile

Since more than 75 percent of Katsina are into Agriculture, this sector has also enjoyed excellent intervention from the state government under Shema, taking the sector from its subsistence state to the mechanized. The government purchased 340 tractors to boost mechanized agriculture with each Local Government getting no fewer than 10 tractors at 40% subsidized rate. The farmers were asked to deposit 10% of the total cost and pay the balance in 15 years.

Since 2007, the state has continued to import and distribute fertilisers on regular basis at subsidized rates, making it available to the farmers directly at their polling units.

The Shema government has intervened at the Garhi, Sabke, Jibia, Zobe, Mairuwa, Kusa and Kusada irrigation projects to sustain cultivation of crops throughout the year. He has also committed the state to an agreement under which the N34 billion Katsina –Songhai agricultural initiative would be executed and provided sizeable funds to actualizing the project.

The government also engaged agricultural specialist from Port Novo, Benin Republic and Ahmadu Bello University Agricultural Research Institute and invested about N3 billion on putting youths through extensive practice of modern agriculture. The government has also set up a Neem Tree processing company in Katsina.

The Shema administration has executed 32 road projects covering about 500 kilometers since inception. Twenty-four of these roads were initiated by his administration, while eight were inherited. The total cost of the projects stands at more than N36.76 billion, the inherited projects amounting to N11.28 billion.

The governor has also constructed a 40-kilometre, 6-lane ring road around the state capital, opening it up for present and future expansion and making movement around and out of Katsina a lot easier and pleasurable.

To keep these roads in shape, Shema established the Katsina State Road Maintenance Agency which has the responsibility of maintaining state owned roads, repairs and maintenance of street lights, construction of solar traffic lights as well as intervention in the repairs and maintenance of other roads like local government roads.

That agency has recorded many positive achievements with more than 50 projects to its credit since inception.

Governor Shema has also constructed a befitting state-of-the-art Government House for the state at the cost of N8 billion. The old Government House was the residence of the district officer of the colonial administration. The new Government House has the Governor’s Office, Banquet Hall, Clinic, Deputy Governor’s office, Security control gate, Press centre, Canteen, Energy/ Central workshop, Presidential aide quarters, three mosques, Steward quarters, Sport court, Governor’s lodge, Juma’at mosque, Landscaping, Internal road network, First Lady’s office, three governor’s guest chalet, Presidential Lodge, among others.

Shema’s achievements is all the more remarkable when viewed against the backdrop of the state revenue profile, which stands at a mere N3 billion every month, which is made up of Katsina’s share of federal allocation and its internally generated revenue.

The governor’s sensible management of Katsina’s economics has even inspired linguists to coin a buzzword for it –Shemanomics.

One unique approach that has helped Shema to record his startling achievement is the fact that he does not initiate a project except the state has the fund to finish it in full. After paying the mobilization fee for any project, the rest of the fund is put in a fixed deposit until the project is done. Thereafter, the contractor is paid in full. This way, contractors are sure of getting their money and are quick to work on projects without delay. A bonus for Katsina from this arrangement is that the state has generated over N8 billion in interests on such fixed funds in three years, which Shema has tapped into to build the Governor’s Lodge in Abuja for the state and fund the Government House project in the state capital.

The Shema administration has also done remarkably well in providing affordable housing for Katsina residents. In the last seven years, the Governor has constructed over 4, 000 housing units across the state.

Currently, it is constructing the 250 unit Kabakawa housing estate in Katsina. The governor has also upgraded Katsina Motel to a three star hotel with three Suites, 47 chalets, 30 single rooms, a swimming pool, among others.

To boost electricity supply in Katsina, Governor Shema has

constructed a 30MW solar power plant in Kankia; established the biogas electrification projects and paid N81.5 million as compensation to farm owners for a power windmill project at Lambar Rimi. Also, 91 communities have been provided with electricity and connected to the national grid, with a purchase of 91 transformers.

In the same vein, the Shema administration has completed 22 semi-urban water supply projects, providing portable water to over 1000 communities in the state in partnership with the Millennium Development Goals initiative and others.

To encourage youths to take to sports, Governor Shema has constructed the Olympic-size, modern Karkanda Stadium in Katsina.

He has also upgraded the Dutsin-ma, Kankia, Funtua and Mani stadia. And for the first time since the state was created in 1987, Shema has given Katsina a state football club, the Katsina Spotlights FC, which made its debut in 2009/2010 professional league. The administration has been consistent in funding sports-related activities in Katsina since 2007.

To promote skills acquisition among Katsina youths, Governor Shema established the Youth Craft Village in 2009 within the vicinity of the state National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camp located in Barhim village. It is a one-stop shop for youth skills acquisition in a broad variety of areas including computer and phone repairs, pottery, woodwork, tie, and dye, wrought iron, welding, auto repair, electric vulcanizing, blacksmithing, photography and film production. The facility is equipped to train 2,000 youth yearly and currently enrolls 48 youths from each of the 34 local governments in Katsina. They are residents of hostels. They are fed and given allowance for the duration of their training, which is either six months or one year depending on the programme. As at the last count, the centre had turned out over 7,000 youths, creating direct and indirect jobs. Other centres are under construction.

Under Shema, Katsina has also gotten 28 paint cottage industries and 20 chalk cottage firms where youth are trained. He has also constructed fertilizer blending plants at Batsari, Maiadua, Safana and Bakori. The government has also given out N100 Million in soft loans to about 6,000 traders and artisans under its Small Trades Special Credit Scheme as well as N106 Million under the Youth Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises Loan Schemes.

In addition, over 200 people, including women, have benefited from the government’s Quarry Operations Support Program and 50 Katsina youths have been trained on high-tech welding at the Nigeria Naval Engineering Training College, Sapele at a cost of N301 million.

Public transport in Katsina state is another area in which Shema has done well. The Katsina Transport Authority now boasts of a modern, functional fleet of over 120 vehicles. Shema has also completed the construction of an airport of an international standard in the state, where Hajj flights are initiated directly to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Ibrahim Shema was born on September 22, 1952 at Dutsin-Ma in Katsina State. He attended Nasarawa Primary School, Katsina (1964–1971) and Government Secondary School, Kafanchan (1972– 1976). He studied at the College of Arts, Science & Technology, Zaria from 1977 to 1980, when he gained admission into Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, graduating with an LLB in 1983. A year later, he obtained his B.L at the Nigeria Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos. While practicing law, he studied for a Master of Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, which he obtained in 1998. Shema was the state attorney-general and commissioner for justice (August 1999 - May 2003) during Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s first term as Governor of Katsina State, after which he returned to his private legal practice in Kaduna.

In January 2005, he was appointed as a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Special Committee on the Anambra Crisis.

He then served as the deputy national chairman (North-west zone) of the PDP (September 2005 - November 2006), at the same time, serving as Chairman of the PDP National Disciplinary Committee, and Chairman, Governing Council, Peoples Democratic Institute.

Shema also served as Chairman, National Reconciliation Committee for the South-South PDP (May to June 2006); and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) from December 2005 to November 2006, when he won the PDP’s ticket to contest the 2007 gubernatorial elections in Katsina State.

A man of immense intelligence and an astute manager of men and resources; thinker and champion of idea-based politics, Ibrahim Shehu Shema has exemplified politics of performance by setting Katsina on the path of progress. As he completes the constitutional limit of second term, his breathtaking achievements put him in good stead of being for higher duties. Without any iota of doubt, Ibrahim Shema is very electable for the Presidency in 2015. He is expected to go for the big prize

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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

THE ELECTABLES Special Edition

DR. NGOZI OKONJO IWEALA A Technocratic Tablet For Nigeria’s Aches, Pains

supported her doctoral studies.

She is married to Ikemba Iweala from Umuahia, Abia State and they have four children.

L

ike her or hate her, you cannot contest the fact that Nigeria’s current finance minister and coordinating minster of the economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is a high achiever whose credentials for public office are intimidating.

And if there is any female candidate that men and women in the country would readily agree could hold her own on behalf of her country on the global stage, it has to be Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala. Tough as a hard nail, the coordinating minister of the economy is a formidable foe for the most prepared anytime, any day. If you doubt this then ask some current elected officials at the federal level, especially members of the House of Representatives.

She does not go out of her way to be a stumbling block; it is just the way she’s been molded by her upbringing, her academic training and professional work experience. The combination make her the one who takes a second and very critical look at things before a final decision is made. She engages tough assignments in her stride and exudes tireless confidence and energy.

Prior to her ministerial career Nigeria, Okonjo-Iweala was vice-president and corporate secretary of the World Bank Group. She left it in 2003 after she was appointed to President Obasanjo’s cabinet as Finance Minister on July 15, 2003.

In October 2005, she led the Nigerian team that struck a deal with the Paris Club, a group of bilateral creditors, to pay a portion of Nigeria’s external debt ($12 billion) in return for an $18 billion debt writeoff. Prior to the partial debt payment and write-off, Nigeria spent roughly $1 billion every year on debt servicing, without making a dent on the principal owed.

Okonjo-Iweala also introduced the practice of publishing each state’s monthly financial allocation from the federal government in the newspapers.

This action went a long way in increasing transparency in governance. She was instrumental in helping Nigeria obtain its first ever sovereign credit rating (of BB minus) from Fitch and Standard & Poor’s.

On October 4, 2007, World Bank President Robert Zoellick appointed her to the post of Managing Director, effective December 1, 2007.

Ngozi OKONJO IWEALA was born onJune 13, 1954). She is a globally renowned Nigerian economist best known for her two terms as Finance Minister of Nigeria and for her work at the World Bank, including several years as one of its Managing Directors (October 2007–July 2011). She briefly held the position of Foreign Minister of Nigeria in 2006.

In 2011, Okonjo-Iweala was reappointed as Minister of Finance with the expanded portfolio of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy

by President Goodluck Jonathan. She took a lot of heat, more than any other government official for the unpopular fuel subsidy removal policy by the Nigerian government which led to the Occupy Nigeria protests in January 2012.

An Igbo from Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, where her father Professor Chukuka Okonjo is the Obi from the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family of OgwashiUku, Okonjo-Iweala was educated at Harvard University, graduating magna cum laude with an A.B. in 1977, and earned her Ph.D. in regional economic development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1981. She received an International Fellowship from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) that

During her confirmation as a Minister, she stressed the need to reduce the country’s recurrent expenditure which is presently 74 per cent of the National Budget and embark on capital projects which could improve the 14 per cent unemployment rate in the country.

In her role as the Coordinating Minister For the Economy and Minister of Finance, she has extensive influence to shape the direction of the Jonathan

economic team and the transformation agenda.

In 2007, Okonjo-Iweala’s NGO, NOI Global Consulting, partnered with the Gallup Organization to introduce an opinion poll, the NOI poll, into Nigeria. She is a fellow at the Brookings Institution.

Okonjo-Iweala also serves on the Advisory Board of Global Financial Integrity and on the Board of Directors of the World Resources Institute.

Although Dr. Okonjo-Iweala has not expressed interest to contest any political office in Nigeria, it would amount to a great waste of human resource if either her native Delta or her Abia home state by virtue of marriage does not tap her out to run for governorship in 2015. Better still, Nigerians could go for their first female president by getting Dr. Okonjo-Iweala on the ballot and electing her into office.

Honours and Awards Silverbird Man of the Year. 2012 Time Europe Hero 2004 ThisDay Nigeria Minister of the Year 2004 Euromoney Magazine Global Finance Minister of the Year 2005 Financial Times/The Banker African Finance Minister 2005 Nigerian of the Year 2006.

Honorary Doctorate from Brown University, Providence, RI, USA. Honorary Doctorate from Trinity College, University of Dublin, Ireland.

Honorary Doctorate from Colby College, Maine, USA. Honorary Doctorate from Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Jamaica.

Honorary Doctorate from Amherst College, Amherst, MA, USA. Who’s Who in Anioma, 2011 On September 28, 2007.

Works Chinua Achebe: Teacher of Light - a biography of Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, published by Africa World Press, (2003), co-authored with Tijan Sallah.

The Debt Trap in Nigeria: Towards a Sustainable Debt Strategy - an academic piece, published by Africa World Press, (2003), co-edited with Charles C. Soludo and Mansur Muhtar Reforming The Unreformable: Lessons From Nigeria - an account of Ngozi’s work under Obasanjo’s administration between 2003 - 2007, published by MIT Press, (2012)

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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

A GREAT MAN HAS GONE HOME

With gratitude to Almighty God for a life well spent, we announce the transition of our beloved husband, father and grandfather,

Mr Dennis Asemakaha Agbo

(April 23, 1948 - July 13, 2014) Retired Assistant Chief Agric Superintendent, Benue State Ministry of Agriculture, who slept in the Lord on Sunday, July 13th, 2014, at the age of 66.

Burial programme is as follows:

Thursday July 31, 2014: Christian wake at his residence, behind Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedral, Ankpa Qtrs, Makurdi.

Friday August 1, 2014: body leaves Benue State University Teaching Hospital Mortuary to Holy Ghost Catholic Church for a reqiuem Mass @ 10:am.

By 2pm the same day, body departs to his village, Tse Agbo Orbiam, Gaav, Mbayegh, Akundu in Konshisha LGA, Benue State.

Saturday August 2, 2014: Funeral mass and final interment by 8am.

He is survived by

1. Mrs Veronica Mbapuun Agbo - wife (Chief Matron, FSP/MCH Hospital, Makurdi).

Children 1. Mrs Agnes Mlumun Terkuma Fate 2. Mrs Grace Nguamo Terseer Henkyaa 3. Mrs Margaret Mwuese Iorhen Orga 4. Miss Christina Dooyum Agbo 5. Miss Catherine Hembadoon Agbo 6. Miss Evelyn Mngusuun Agbo 7. Mr. Thomas Tordue Agbo

- Daughter - Daughter - Daughter - Daughter - Daughter - Daughter - Son.

Sons-in-law 1. Mr. Terkuma Fate 2. Barr. Joseph Terseer Henkyaa 3. Engr. Isaac Iorhen Orga.

Grand children 1. Michelle Doom Iorhen Orga 2. Frances Seember Iorhen Orga 3. Pope Angelo Joseph Torhide Terkuma Fate 4. Colette Kumawuese Iorhen Orga

Sleep on Baba, till we meet to part no more!

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Niger East By-election: Why David Umaru Is Exciting Stakeholders

by Abu Nmodu, Minna

Already his party, the APC has endorsed him as the candidate of the party for the election

The acceptance of Barrister David Umaru to contest the Niger east senatorial by-election following the death of Senator Dahiru Aweisu Kuta on June 12, 2014 has brought excitements to the politics of Niger State.

Barrister David Umaru who was the governorship candidate of ANPP in 2007 and 2011 is not a new name to the people of Niger State, because those who don’t know him physically might have heard of his political dexterity. He fought for the governorship seat of the state up to the Supreme Court.

He assumed the position of one of the leading lights of Niger State opposition politics and has endeared himself to many. It was therefore not a surprise that some notable politicians of Niger east extraction believe that he should contest for the by-election to fill the vacant position of Niger east senatorial district popularly call Zone B. The leaders were in his house on July 5, 2014, calling on him to take over the senate seat of the zone following the demise of Senator Dahiru Aweisu Kuta. The political leaders came from the nine local government areas of Niger east senatorial district.

The group from Suleja was led by the chairman of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC), one of the legacy parties of All Progressives Congress (APC), Umar Shuaibu, who described David Umaru as a politician who is always ready to help the people and interact with the ordinary man in the society.

Shuaibu was not alone in this, because from Shiroro local government, Suleiman Galadima Kogo said that, they were in his house to ask him to contest for the vacant seat, while another leader, Solomon Nyaze, fromTafa local government said Barrister Umar should take the call from the people as a challenge.

Apparently indicating that David has become a bride for all the political parties because of his electoral value, even some PDP members were there possibly to lure him to their party. A former Shiroro local government chairman of PDP, Alhaji Abdullahi Nagida said that he should consider the calls coming from all angles for him to contest as the call of God. While all the speakers acknowledged that the death of Senator Dahiru Aweisu Kuta was a great loss to the senatorial zone, they also agreed that David has remained a political asset who could not be ignored at the time that the zone needed people

oriented representative.

Barrister David Umaru who was not unaware of the variables that always play out to determine the swinging pendulum of politics in the state especially when the call for him to contest Niger east senatorial district by-election seems to transcend political party affiliations, said he had heard their call and will go into consultations.

In this direction, Barrister Umaru paid a visit to the family of late Dahiru Aweisu Kuta at his hometown, Kuta in Shiroro local government area of Niger State where he was received by the family members with gratitude.

The village head of Kuta, Alhaji Sheidu Galadima expressed gratitude to David Umaru for the visit and prayed that Allah continue to strengthen the good relationship that has existed between Dahiru’s family and that Umaru of David Umaru.

At the family house of the late Senator Kuta, Mallam Suleiman of the people.

At Suleja, the emir, Malam Barde Zarumai expressed appreciation for the visit of Mohammad Awal Ibrahim , David Umaru adding that the prayed for David Umaru while family noticed with gratitude charging him that if he eventually his contributions since the death gets to the Senate he should of Dahiru and that they will fight for Suleja because the area support him in his future political has been neglected over the aspirations. years after ceding parts of its Community leaders in Niger landmass for the Federal Capital east senatorial district have Territory(FCT), Abuja. shown excitement over the While wishing David Umaru possibility of the defunct ANPP well in his ambition, Malam governorship candidate, Barrister Awal Ibrahim admonished David Umaru contesting for the politicians not to play politics of zone‘s senatorial by-election. bitterness ahead of the elections Since the death of Senator and advocated for politics devoid Dahiru Aweisu , the pressure has of acrimony in the interest of the been mounted on David Umaru development of the area . from different political parties Similarly at the palace of the to contest and replace the late emir of Minna, Alhaji Umaru senator, hinging their position Farouk Bahago, the emir advised on his acceptance by all in the politicians to be patient in the zone and grassroots mobilisation conduct of their affairs prowess.

According to the royal father, After the visit to the family “In politics there is need for of Dahiru Aweisu, David also patience, politicians should be embarked on visits to the patient with each other because community leaders of the three with patience every thing is emirates that made up the Niger possible”. He prayed for the east, where by their remarks and success of David Umaru’s team body language they are no doubt while advising members of the elated by the entrance of David team to be honest in the conduct of their affairs and make sure they Umaru into the race.

At the palace of the emir of have honest intentions devoid of Kagara, Alhaji Salihu Tanko, the pretence.

With the wide consultation emir prayed for God to grant Barrister Umaru, the strength to that ended at the emir of Minna’s fill the vacuum created by the exit palace, the stage was set for him of Senator Kuta while praying for to address his teeming supporters peace in the state, by the time the who had gathered to hear his by-election would take place. position on their requests for him The zaki of Sarkin Pawa, Alhaji to contest the by-election.

David who had earlier said in Umaru Mohammed described David Umaru as an exemplary an interview that “I am listening son of Gbagyi who is worthy of to the people and you know the emulation and a symbol of hope call is above party line, so people’s for the zone and therefore urged decision matters a lot” did not him to live up to the expectations disappoint his people when he

eventually declared and accepted to contest in line with the people’s desire.

He said, “This call for me to contest is coming from people, not about party, but about people and whatever they say is okay by me.” He said that the acceptance of the call is in recognition of the people as the ultimate in his style of politics.

He stated that there has been pressure on him since the death of Senator Dahiru Aweisu Kuta to contest for the by-election hence he has decided to run for the Senate only for the service to the people.

According to him “Wherever late Senator Dahiru is today he will be happy that I accepted the call of the people because based on our discussions when he was alive, I know he would have supported the decision to go after the desire of the people”.

While admonishing his supporters to take the contest as their own, Barrister Umaru said that Niger State has began a people oriented politics and therefore urged the people of Niger south and Niger north to support the people oriented change about to come to the state.

The entrance of David Umaru into the race has brought exceptional excitement into the politics of the state with his scintillating people oriented politics.

Already his party, the APC has endorsed him as the candidate of the party for the election bringing to rest the apprehension that some external forces are ready to sponsor another candidate to stop the party from adopting him as its candidate.

News north-central 45

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Nasarawa APC Accuses PDP Chieftains Of Masterminding AlMakura’s Impeachment

BY DONATUS NADI, Lafia

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State has accused chieftains of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of masterminding the impeachment plot against Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura saying the move is occasioned by PDP’s fear of facing Al-Makura at the polls.

This was made known in a press statement signed by the state chairman of the APC, Mr. Philip Shekwo, after the executive committee meeting of the party in Lafia, yesterday. The party was reacting to advertorials published in some national dailies in which chieftains of the PDP expressed their support for the ongoing impeachment plot by the PDP dominated Nasarawa State House of Assembly against the governor.

The statement accused the PDP chieftains who were signa-

short news 2015 Election: KAS Cautions Politicians Against MoneyFor- Vote Inducement Ahead of the 2015 general elections, the country representative of Konrad-AdenauerStiftung (KAS), Mrs Hildegard Behrendt-Kigozi has cautioned politicians against inducing the electorate with money and other gifts even as she called on the media and civil society to play prominent role towards ensuring free and fair election.

KAS is a German foundation sponsored by the German government towards promoting democracy, rule of law, socially and environmentally responsible market.

By Chika Okeke, Abuja

tories in the advertorial, among whom were Mr. Labaran Maku, Amb. Philip Azige, Prof. Onje Gye-Wado, of being the “dramatis personae that bled the state to a near comatose” pointing out that their action in masterminding the impeachment “speaks volumes of their ignoble, despicable and rejected desires for the return to years of arrested development”. “Their position on the saga is understandable given their disgraceful rejection by the people of Nasarawa State in 2011,” the statement reads in part.

“Now that all their attempts to distract Governor Umaru AlMakura Administration through legislative strangulation ,media tirades using cognomens, foisting crisis, among other stratagems, have failed, they have now opted for their last diabolic weapon; impeachment,” it reads further.

Nigeria Passing Through Turbulent Phase – Aidoko The vice chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Attai Ali Aidoko joined Muslims in his constituency to celebrate the Eid-Fitr, marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Addressing the constituents in his hometown, Okpo in Olamaboro local government area of Kogi State, the senator enjoined Muslims to see the Sallah celebration as an occasion for sober reflection and national prayer, even as he noted that the country is passing through a turbulent phase in her democratic history.

In a press release signed by his media aide, Mr Musa Wada, the senator said that, Nigeria and Nigerians are faced with nerve-racking challenges in terms of security, economic downturn, unemployment, and other challenges confronting individual families. He added that all these challenges shall be overcomed. “But more than any action, there is need to eschew the tendencies of Muslim-Christian dichotomy or other ethno-regional based divisions which are altogether injurious to the development of our nation and the growth of our democracy”, The senator added.

By Millie Ibe, Abuja

short news Stop Militarising Politics, Cleric Advises FG The chief imam of Bosso in Niger State, Dr. Umar Farouk Abdullahi, has advised the federal government to take the lead in rule of law to ensure peaceful coexistence instead of militarising the polity.

He said this in a communiqué at the end of the last Ramadan teachings made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday in Minna. He noted that a situation where government was repulsive to opposition and divergent views was an aberration to democratic tenets.

The respected Islamic cleric in Niger State stated that divergent views and opposition were major ingredients of democratic principles and practices.

By Abu Nmodu Minna,

The Emir of Dass, Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu, arriving for the Eid-el-Fitr celebration (Hawan Daushe), in Dass LGA of Bauchi State, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN

Insurgency: Emir Of Ilorin Cancels Sallah Homage

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

The emir of Ilorin , Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, yesterday cancelled the traditional Sallah homage to the Government House, Ilorin.

As part of activities marking the Eid el Fitr celebration the emir in company of his chiefs and community leaders, is expected to pay homage to the state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, at the state Government House .

The emir hinged the cancellation of the ceremony on the problem of insecurity in the country.

He decried the numerous bomb blasts that rocked some parts of the country before and during the Sallah celebrations.

The monarch described the incidents as actions that were not only condemnable but also uncharitable.

Sulu-Gambari added,”We have decided to celebrate this year’s Sallah in low key to commiser-

ate with the nation as well as the families of those who lost their loved ones in the disasters. We have also cancelled this year’s Sallah homage to the governor to further express our deep concern towards the happenings across Nigeria.

“Whatever happens in other states also concerns us as a people and community with high sense of humour and tolerance.

We therefore prayed Allah to restore peace to the country and foster unity among our people”.

CAN Felicitates With Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebrations

By Igho Oyoyo,, Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto, His Emminence, Dr Sa’ad Abubakar and Muslims for the successful completion of the Ramadan fasting and celebration of the Eid-el-Fitr.

In a statement signed by the president of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor it reminded Muslims of the significance of the occasion, especially about the virtues of love, peace and good neighbourliness as emphasised by the Holy Prophet.

According to Oritsejafor, in times like this, all Nigerians irrespective of their religious or

ethnic affiliation, must strive to promote good neighbourliness and the ability to rise above ethnic, religious and political sentiments to work for the collective good of the nation.

“I like to use this unique opportunities to call on all religious leaders, especially in this period of celebrations, to preach peace and unity among Nigerians because both Islam and Christianity preach peace. As opinion leaders let us use our positions to influence positive disposition towards ending chaos in our country.

“The Holy Prophet Mohammed lived and preached peace at all times, therefore, the acts perpetrated by some

disgruntled Nigerians in the name of Islam is most condemnable and should be discouraged. No nation can achieve greatness in an atmosphere of crisis and unrest.

“CAN joins millions of our Muslim brothers to pray for the peace and unity of the nation and to commit our troops in the battle field in the hands of God so as to win the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign. It is my earnest belief that our nation will continue to grow from strength to strength and all faithful will use the instrumentality of religion to promote peaceful coexistence and development for our nation.”

NTI Holds Workshop On Expansion Of Its Programmes

By Millie Ibe, Abuja

The director-general and chief executive of the National Teachers’ Institute(NTI), Kaduna, Dr. Aminu Ladan Sharehu, has said that the strategic importance of the institute as the sole provider of in-service training to serving teachers, made the federal government in 2006 to mandate the institute to run annual capacity-building workshops for teachers nationwide under

the aegis of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) project.

Dr. Aminu revealed this during the opening ceremony of the workshop on “Strengthening and Expansion of the Institute’s programmes” held at the institute’s headquarters in Kaduna, last Friday.

The workshop which was organised by the institute had academics from various universities and other tertiary in-

stitutions brainstorm on selected areas, such as English, Mathematics, Physical and Education and Integrated Science, among others.

Dr. Aminu said the aimed is to map out new strategies for the strengthening and enhancement of the institute’s programmes.

He hailed the introduction of the Nigeria Certificate in Education programme by distance learning system in 1990.

46 NEWS

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

2014 Guber Poll:

OsunDECIDES I’ll Tackle Rural-Urban Migration Through Devt Of Rural Infrastructure – Aregbesola

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the August 9 gubernatorial election in Osun State, Governor Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola has identified lack of social amenities as the bane of rural-urban migration.

He has, therefore, promised to tackle the menace headlong if re-elected as governor, adding that the provision of infrastructure in rural communities will further boost agriculture in the state.

Speaking through the chairman of the APC Campaign Committee in Ijesa North Federal Constituency, Dr Wale Bolorunduro, Aregbesola said he would facilitate the electrification of Ikinyinwa-Ijesa communities that include: Adubule, Aje, Gbogidigbo, Akola, Aba Aogun, Ibisomi, Aba Selia,

all in Ward 3 of Obokun local government area of the state.

Dr Bolorunduro who led the campaign team to the palace of the Akinyinwa of Ikinyinwa-Ijesa, Oba James Idowu Adeyemi restated the commitment of Governor Aregbesola to the development of infrastructure in rural communities, and urged the people of the communities to vote for the governor.

He specifically mentioned the Ikinyinwa township road embarked upon by the Aregbesola administration, saying that no member of the communities has not benefited one way or the other from the three and a half years of Governor Aregbesola’s government.

Also speaking at the communities’ sensitisation on the need to re-elect Aregbesola, the secretary of the

Aregbesola

committee, Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye said part of the antics the PDP is employing is to resort to threat, so that they can have opportunity to steal votes.

He urged the people not to be scared or intimidated by the presence of security agents, saying they should ensure that they collect their Permanent Voter Cards to be able to participate in the election.

Saturday, August 9

I Will Restore Dignity Of Traditional Rulers – Omisore The flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the August 9 governorship election in Osun State, Senator Christopher Iyiola Omisore has expressed his commitment to restoring the dignity of traditional institution if voted into office.

Speaking at the palace of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, while on his statewide campaign tour, Omisore said there was the need to restore the integrity and respect for monarchs in Yorubaland so that they can contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic growth of their communities.

The former deputy governor who described the traditional institution as

one of the greatest and revered institutions in Yorubaland implored the people of Ijesaland and other parts of the state not to vote for the party of those he described as desperate politicians, who treat Obas with disdain and utmost disrespect.

He said, “One of the national leaders of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu recently said out of all traditional rulers in the South West, only three stands out as respected ones with integrity”.

“We were concerned by such disparaging statement and we are convinced that he does not have the power or audacity to utter such statement, capable of rubbishing the integrity of our monarchs, who are next

Omisore

to the gods”.

Omisore, however, assured that if he becomes the governor of Osun on August 9, the dignity and full respect for the traditional institution would be restored in the state, saying “the meeting of the Council of Obas which had been stopped in Osun would immediately commence”.

Stories By Joshua Dada, Osogbo

SOUTH-WEST Ogun Water Corporation Parleys 6,720 CDAs Over Public Water Points Ogun State Water Corporation management has commenced interactive meetings with the executives and members of the 6,720 Community Development Associations (CDAs) spread across the state with the aim of sensitising them on the corporation’s move to introduce Public Stand Water Point (PSWP) within the cities at affordable rates.

The move according to a statement by the corporation’s image maker, Mr Ayokunle Ewuoso, is part of its efforts to shore up its revenue base and equally assist the corporation in getting first hand information from its various customers with a view to creating a customer-friendly relationship.

Leading the management team of the corporation during a meeting with the executives and members of the Owu, Totoro, Sokori and Ogbe CDAs, all within the Abeokuta North local government area of the state, the general manager, Engr (Mrs) Monsurat Agboola said the move became imperative as sustainability and customer satisfaction remained the corporation’s focus.

By Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

Strike: ‘Medical Consultants’ll Resist Attempt To Proscribe NMA’

BY ADEBAYO WAHEED, Ibadan

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has vowed to resist the alleged plan by the federal government to sack members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) involved in the ongoing strike.

MDCAN president, Steve Oluwole while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan yesterday, urged the federal government to employ diplomacy to resolve all the outstanding issues with the striking doctors.

MDCAN said although it was restrained by the National Industrial Court (NIC) from participating in the strike, it would resist

the threat of proscription, mass sack or any conceived threat of force by the federal government.

It noted that the assumption that its members, who were restrained by the court order, will capitulate was erroneous.

According to MDCAN, any threat against the workers will only aggravate rather than assuage the crisis.

“The threat of proscription of NMA is not just undemocratic, but should also be consigned to fiction,” it said.

Oluwole stated that before the NMA declared the strike, MDCAN implored government to look professionally, but not politically at all the issues, regretting that there is little evidence

that such had been done.

“The government appears not to have learned lessons from failed drastic measures of the 1970s that irreparably damaged the structure and psyche of the public service and of universities in Nigeria.”

Oluwole, who said the ruling political elite are bent on destroying the health system, noted that “the annual medical bills alone, after retirement from office of political office holders, exceed 10 years take home pay of medical consultants”.

He added that Nigeria belongs to all citizens and not to political office holders alone who now threaten the very fabric of the medical profession.

Ondo APC Not Factionalised – Kekemeke

BY TOPE FAYEHUN, Akure

The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Hon Isaacs Kekemeke has dispelled the claims in some quarters that there is division within the party in the state.

Speaking in an interview with LEADERSHIP, Kekemeke noted that the APC has one set of recog-

nised executive, adding that any individual who parades a parallel executive does not have the backing of the law.

According to him, the other individual who parades himself as chairman of the party did not contest let alone win the election which came up during the party’s congress.

He observed that five people contested for the post of chairman

which included himself, Mr Ade Adetimehin, Comrade Sola Iji, Prof Daramola and Prof Aderounmu, adding that he emerged winner of the election.

Kekemeke noted that it was not possible for someone who did not participate in the ward congresses to just migrate from the ANPP and impose himself on the party as its chairman.

SHORT NEWS FIDA Tasks FG On Insurgency International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to intensify efforts towards stemming the rising spate of insurgency in the country.

The body, while condemning the senseless killings, said the women were the worst hit by the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents.

The FIDA chairperson in Ekiti State, Mrs Rita Ilevbare, in a chat with journalists in Ado Ekiti yesterday, said the killing and maiming of innocent Nigerians by the militants had brought unprecedented sorrow to many women.

By Alo Abiola, Ado-Ekiti

news Lagos 47

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Omisore’s Loyalist Ambassador Was Wrongly Linked To Ebola Victim – LASG state government that provided the error that Nigeria’s ambassador unreserved apologies to Her Leads Thousands Of name of the ambassador as one of to Liberia, Mrs Chigozie Obi- Excellency for the inconveniencies Lagos State government the persons that had contact with Nnadozie, was one of the persons this may have caused her both as an PDP Supporters To The yesterday said that the ambassador the late Liberian with Ebola Virus. that had contact with the late individual and a very high official Liberia, Mrs Chigozie Obi- The statement said the briefing Liberian with Ebola Virus who died and Ambassador of the Federal Aregbesola’s APC toNnadozie was wrongly linked to the where the name of the ambassador in Lagos last Friday after flying into Republic of Nigeria,” the statement

BY GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

Thousands of supporters of the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, led by a former chairman of Ife South local government area, Hon Diran Ayanbekun, yesterday decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC) at a colourful ceremony in Ifetedo.

This was just as the governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola said his second coming to office will mark the end of lack of basic infrastructure in the state.

Aregbesola assured the people that his administration will build more roads and other social ammenities in Ife-South local government.

He said, “We thank you for your support always and we thank God that we have not disappointed you. We have been to the palace and we have noted all what the Kabiyesi said.

“Our second term can only be better, because by the time we would have finished our second term in office, Osun will not lack any social amenity and it will be a place of pride among the comity of states in Nigeria”, the governor noted.

There are 42 major towns and villages and hundreds of hamlets in Ife South. Created out of the old Oranyiyan LGA, the council is delineated into 11 wards.

Ayanbekun a strong political associate of PDP candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore and former Chairman of Osun House committee on Local government and chieftaincy matters noted that he and his supporters decided to join the APC because of the giant stride of Aregbesola in the state.

He held that having studied goings on in the state, and love for the development of the state, he decided to join the APC as the opposition candidate and his former party has nothing superior to offer the state.

Earlier, the Olubosin of Ifetedoland, Oba Ilori Olowosoke, who spoke through the National President, Ifetedo Progressive Union - Prince Bisi Adeshingbin commended the governor for the infrastructure development in the area.

Adeshingbin added that the area needed more representation of Ifetedoland children in the cabinet during the second term of the governor. He charged the governor not to relent in his oars and that his second coming to office must be better than that of the first term, saying the people of the area are behind the governor for the good work to continue.

By Joshua Dada, Osogbo

Ebola victim who died in Lagos last Friday after flying into the country from Monrovia.

A statement signed by the special adviser to the Lagos State governor on media, Hakeem Bello, explained that it was the federal government officials working in collaboration with officials of the

was mentioned had high profile Federal Ministry of Health officials in attendance.

It said, “Ebola Virus: Lagos, FG Urge The Citizens Not To Panic As No Nigerian Is Infected. We refer to the story with the aforementioned title carried in the local media on Tuesday, and wish to correct the

Marina Street in Lagos during the Sallah holiday, yesterday.

the country from Monrovia.”

The statement added that government had since learnt that the official who travelled to Nigeria with the victim that was mistaken for the Nigerian ambassador to Liberia was actually a representative of the ECOWAS president.

“We hereby tender our

said.

Absolving its officials from any blame, the Lagos State government added, “We, however, wish to state here that the error was made by the official of the federal government who was at the briefing on Monday and provided the information at the Lagos Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.”

PHOTO BY GBENGA OLAJOBI

APC Felicitates With Muslims On Eid-El-Fitr

By George Okojie, Lagos

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated the Muslim faithful on the occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Fitr celebrations marking the successful conclusion of the month-long fasting.

In a statement issued in Kaduna yesterday by its national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party hailed its Muslim brothers and sisters for their self-deprivation and spiritual supplication to God, and urged them to imbibe the lessons of Ramadan in their daily lives, far beyond the fasting period. ‘’That we are able to celebrate this year’s EidEl-Fitr at all is a sign that the Almighty has accepted our supplication and shown mercy to us

and our nation. By averting what could have plunged our nation into deep turmoil, the Almighty has shown us that our fasting and prayers were not in vain.

“How could we have been celebrating if former head of state, Gen.Muhammadu Buhari or the renowned cleric, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi had been felled by the agents of darkness who targeted their convoys in Kaduna last week? Indeed, God loves Nigeria and the least we can do is to love ourselves too. APC urges all Nigerians, in the spirit of the season, to embrace good neighbourliness and shun hatred and careless statements that are capable of inciting chaos,” APC said.

The party said those who are busy beating the drums of war or trivialising the attacks on Bu-

hari, saying it was planned as an image-laundering feat by his party, should have a rethink and show deep introspection.

“It is unconscionable that any right-thinking person will seek to make a political gain from an event that must have been deeply traumatising for those who escaped by the whiskers, not to talk of the deep and life-long pain it inflicted on those who were injured or the irreparable loss it inflicted on the families of those who died”. ‘’Such careless, asinine and irresponsible statements are more dangerous than the attacks themselves, because they are capable of inciting people, causing hatred and fanning the embers of violence. It is a shame the leaders of those who have engaged in this dangerous game have not called them to order.

PDP Not After Gov Ajimobi – Alao-Akala

By Gbenga Adeboye, Abeokuta

Former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo AlaoAkala has said that members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state House of Assembly are not in any alliance to remove the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

Akala stated this yesterday in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State

shortly after a reception held for 1,500 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who dumped their party for the PDP in the state.

The former governor, who also held a closed-door meeting with the chairman, Mobilisation and Organisation Committee for PDP in the South West, Prince Buruji Kashamu at his residence in Ijebu-Igbo after the reception,

told newsmen after the meeting that he was in Ogun State to felicitate with Kashamu on the Sallah.

“PDP is not part of the plot to remove Ajimobi. The members of the PDP who are in the Assembly are not in alliance to remove anybody from office,” he said.

We cannot do that, why would they remove him, what has he done, let him fin-

ish his job and go away.

I am here to felicitate with my brother and friend who is Chairman, Organisation and Mobilisation of the PDP on this sallah. “ Meanwhile, the new PDP members led by a Chieftain of the APC in Ijebu-Igbo, Sylvester Abiodun pledged to work for the victory of the PDP ahead of the coming election.

48 news south-South south-East Group Condemns Enugu PDP Over Deputy Gov’s Resignation A pressure group, Enugu Rescue Group (ERG), has condemned the alleged decision of some members of the Enugu PDP stakeholders that the embattled deputy governor of Enugu State, Mr Sunday Onyebuchi should resign on the grounds that Governor Sullivan Chime no longer wants to work with him.

In a statement issued by its national publicity secretary, Comrade Martin Okenwa and made available to newsmen in Enugu yesterday, the group described the alleged meeting held at the Governor’s Lodge in Enugu on July 27, 2014 as a kangaroo arrangement.

It said though the deputy governor is a member of the PDP, he was elected by the generality of the Enugu people and not only by the PDP, insisting that asking him to resign or get impeached at the pleasure of one man is unconstitutional and the height of impunity.

The group wondered why such a meeting was held without involving the deputy governor to tell his own side of the story.

While questioning the role of the former Senate president, Ken Nnamani in the impeachment saga, the group said his inconsistency on what constitutes impeachable offences had left a big hole in his claims to being a democrat.

By Nnamdi Mbawike, Enugu

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

PDP Almost Died When Amaechi Left – Wike Says he is yet to decide on guber race

By Anayo Onukwugha, Port Harcourt

Minister of state for education, Chief Ezebuwo Nyesom Wike, has said that if not for his efforts, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would have died in the state immediately Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi left the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This is as he said he is currently making wide consultations with his friends, associates and family members on whether or not to run in the 2015 governorship

election on the platform of the PDP, insisting that none of those clamouring to be governor is more qualified than him.

Wike, who spoke on Monday night during an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, said none of those clamouring that it is the turn of their zones to produce the next governor of the state has contributed to the growth of the party in their various wards and local government areas.

The minister said; “I am happy that people are talking about running election in PDP today.

When Amaechi left, which of them would say they would have

run election in PDP if we did not come up to see that the party is strong? Amaechi gave us quit notice in the PDP secretariat that we should quit. We fought him to the last; we said we couldn’t quit, that it is our property. We have had not less than 45 cases in court.

“How many of them brought a dime to sustain the battle? We have had House of Assembly men, who are not participating in Government House Assembly; they are not earning salaries; they are not paying them. How many of them have asked; what is happening to you? How many of them have gone to their wards to say, how do we mobilise our people?

2015 Guber: Ex-Akwa Ibom SSG Vows To Contest

By Bernard Tolani Dada, Uyo

The former secretary to the Akwa Ibom State government, Mr Umana Okon Umana, has assured his teeming supporters that he is committed to the 2015 governorship project and will not chicken out of the governorship race because of threats to his life.

Addressing newsmen in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, Mr Umana who is contesting the election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said “If anybody thinks I would throw in the towel because of threat, he is only joking”.

He said there are still many unanswered questions on the recent attack on the director-general of his campaign organisation, Chief Sonny Udom in Uyo, but “we feel the appropriate authorities should carry out their investigations”.

“In my own personal experience, in December, I received a threat letter which I had submitted to the Police. I was asked to withdraw from the governorship race or I would be attacked in either Uyo, Lagos or Abuja.

“I was in Abuja when I got information that my police details had

been withdrawn. It came as a surprise, especially the curious coincidence of police details being withdrawn just a few days after I received the threat letter. When I made further inquiries, I was told the withdrawal was on the orders of the governor.”

“That is why we are saying the appropriate authorities should investigate it. Many other examples are stated in the petition.” This is against the background of what we witnessed in 2010 and 2011 when the elections were around the corner.

Ebola Virus: Delta Takes Precautionary Measures As Fear Grips Residents

BY KOLA EKE-OGIUGO, Asaba

Following the panic that has gripped residents of Delta State over the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), the state government has constituted an Emergency Preparedness Response Committee to tackle its possible outbreak.

Residents of Asaba, Ibusa and environs have been living in fear of the possibility of an outbreak of the disease in Delta State.

The committee put in place by the state government is headed by the commissioner for health, Dr Joseph Otumara who said that centres are already being earmarked where clinical diagnosis could be conducted for patients with suspected signs and symptoms of Ebola Virus and where suspected patients would be guaranteed supportive medical care.

While educating Deltans on the virus and how to take measures to prevent it, the commissioner said that the virus has no cure and it kills 80 to 90 per cent of its victims.

He said: “Most importantly, Deltans should commit themselves into prayers so that the virus does not find its way into the state; the case recorded in Lagos brought into the country by a Liberian who collapsed on arrival into the country at the airport is a problem”

#BringBackOurGirls – The Musical You harassed our leaders through your own hired claque.

If not for our efforts and our loud online yak, The World wouldn’t have known of your terrible schmack!

Show us your worst; give your biggest whack, ‘Quack.’

Still, our girls must be saved from that unruly pack.

Our intent’s resolute; our resolve will not crack, We continue to stand for the voices who lack.

We are the BBOG family, no matter our flack, We won’t go silently or succumb to your thwack.

We will lay down our lives, our demands we will stack.

We will occupy Nigeria, till bad governance we sack.

So by way of advice, government get back on track, Look to the people of Chibok and bring our girls back!”

And you’ll see hell on earth; lots of blood, guts and gore!

When, at first, we decided to declare our war, We murdered and bombed you in order to score.

But in all of our mayhem and killing galore, We never knew taking girls would shake you to the core.

The victory for us is the death of any rapport, Where the nation is splintered and almost out the door.

As opposition and government fight like never before, We are laughing our heads off, rolling on the floor.

You only speak about girls, all the rest you ignore, Do you know we have kidnapped over three thousand and four?

If we bring back your girls, won’t you ask for much more?

Don’t you care of the other plans that we have in store?

Nigerians, resume your scuffle so we can continue to soar.

Hail, Ha, Ha… our bombs will rearrange your décor!”

“’Embellish thy threats,’ in the grass, you’re the snake!

Your cry for our girls sometimes does seem quite fake.

As the government I speak, this retort I must make Because you’ve done all you can to color me opaque.

Most protesters feel bad at this national heartache, But a few of you see an opening for a quake.

Who is pulling your strings; who is baking your cake?

Some of you who partake have a much broader stake.

To make government the enemy is your biggest mistake, For you’re helping insurgents to cook their large steak.

You make noise to the World, such emotions you shake.

You falsely accuse me of not being awake.

In truth we are working and success we will make.

But we struggle against an enemy that destroys in its wake.

The insurgents are vicious in all they partake, Their humanity and civility they seem to forsake.

We will step up our game so that peace can retake Its place in society; we will rebuild and remake.

So continue your holler, let your tears form a lake, It won’t hinder our efforts till we catch a break!”

“O Verily,’ do please speak for our girls who were taken.

Thus, what about us, have our lives been forsaken?

It is we, the other victims, whose voice has not awaken.

Our stories don’t have power to make emotions as shaken As the two hundred girls whose awareness was woken; Yet we share the same fate in this den of the ‘Kraken.’

But don’t twist our tone or get our motives mistaken.

You have given us a lifeline with your voice so outspoken.

But if your girls are returned as the ultimate token, Will our plight, which remains, continue to be overtaken?

Prior to Chibok, many of our towns were laden With blood of our brethren; we have no safe haven!

Many school girls were taken, by men who were craven.

Little boys were beheaded after their hair had been shaven.

Our parents were burnt amidst such acts unspoken.

They raided towns like Damboa, without no betoken, In Gwoza and Bama they left few things unbroken.

Even after your girls, so many more have been taken.

You never speak about us, so are we mistaken, When the girls return home, will our hopes still be broken?”

“’O Hail, Ha, Ha’…, looks like we dealt you a sore!

We split up your focus, spilt your blood on the shore.

Yes, it’s we, those terrorists that you strongly deplore, Who commit all the acts that we know you abhor.

If sponsors keep funding, our ammunition will restore

“’Alas, Forlorn,’ that’s Nigeria’s variety show!

What shame, what anguish; a populace so much in woe.

When your forefathers look down, they’ll be rolling below.

Despite their blood and sweat, you hit a great low.

Your vision is tainted; you exist on ‘Skid-Row,’ You don’t root for unity; it is hate that you sew.

FROM BACK PAGE

In the challenge you face, sentiment you must throw.

To combat insurgency you must stand toe to toe.

It’s a simple exercise of practicing ‘quid-pro-quo.’

Opposition and government should have one voice to crow.

The message to give insurgents is a pure outright, ‘NO!’ This constant in-fighting sends the wrong signal though.

It tells insurgents, you don’t know the enemy to show.

So government must drop this attitude of gung-ho.

As Malala showed you, humility is the best way to go.

Opposition, protesters; bring your blitz down a row.

This divided attention allows Boko Haram to grow.

One bone of contention seems to be on the status quo Given ‘#BringBackOurGirls’ and who it targets so.

Government says, refocus ‘Bring Back’ on ‘villain-apropos’ And replace it with ‘Return,’ so the insurgents will know.

BBOG reject giving a pass for this important ‘John Doe.’ Government has duty to protect, thru Constitutional bestow.

But why must the words ‘Bring Back’ not go to and fro?

Make it ‘solely’ about the girls and the finger pointing forgo.

Someone said ‘Perception is reality,’ a long time ago.

See via each other’s eyes, through the problems you’ll plough.

A middle ground must be found for the terror to outgrow.

Each can have their opinion but on this issue, DON’T be foe!

It is not just for you, it’s the future generation you owe.

You all cry for your children, you want to see them let go.

But when your girls are back, remember other victims you know.

Finally, the narrator is asking the government to undergo, An ‘exchange’ to bring the girls back to their chateaux.

Then the next step in stopping the insurgency flow, Is to expose the sponsors whom provide them with dough.

The alternative is the continuance of these bombs that they blow, And if the violence escalates; all the peace will overthrow.

May the lives lost and those destroyed be blessed with a glow.

May God watch over Nigeria so that harmony can flow….!”

No words… the echo of a silence thus twirls.

‘Tis the vanishing future of Nigeria’s pearls.

Does pain have a voice or a shape…, doth it curls?

Our teardrops form an ocean of sorrowful swirls.

As a people we demand that Sambisa unfurls.

Oh give us our children, just bring back our girls!

Just bring back our girls! …Just Bring Back Our Girls! … #BringBackOurGirls!

POLITICS TODAY 49

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

2015: Suswam, Gemade’s Senate Race Heats Up In this report, SOLOMON AYADO writes that as 2015 draws closer, the battle for the Senate between Governor Gabriel Suswam and the incumbent Senator Barnabas Gemade is intensifying with varied endorsement of both candidates by stakeholders of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

I

What has finally broken the camel’s back and is pushing the wrangling between the duo to diminishing point is the recent endorsement of Suswam by the traditional institution and PDP stakeholders of Kwande

t has become evidently glaring that both Governor Gabriel Suswam and the incumbent senator of Benue North East, Senator Barnabas Gemade are in a serious battle of wits which involves evolving dogged political plans to push the other out of the race and win the mandate for the senatorial ticket of the zone A senatorial district in Benue State.

The situation has already sparked crisis in the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), moreso with the endorsement of Governor Suswam by traditional institutions and political stakeholders in Kwande, urging him to run against the incumbent Senator Gemade.

This, however, is a move that a majority of people are not comfortable with.

By political arrangement, the seat has been zoned to Kwande but Suswam is from Sankera axis while Gemade is from Jerchira, which means that they are both not favoured by the zoning arrangement. But in politics, one cannot predict the next move as the impossible can at anytime become the possible.

For now, Gemade is seeking a second term and has vowed to reclaim it, saying that ‘when a skillful player is playing and scoring wonderful goals, such a brave player cannot be substituted with a lesser skillful one except the coach is begging for a loss.’ This means that Gemade is sure of winning the ticket and he is ready to pay any price to find his way and he is not joking at all.

On the other hand, Suswam appears to be more optimistic about his game, claiming that “it is not how old like Methuselah” or the most skillful a player can be that would ensure the win of a game.

Aside the boasts, what has finally broken the camel’s back and is pushing the wrangling between the duo to diminishing point is the recent endorsement of Suswam by the traditional institution and PDP stakeholders in Kwande.

It was there in Adikpo town, the ancestral home of the Tiv nation, on 17th July, 2014 that a traditional ceremony of the official endorsement of Suswam was performed at the ACC playing ground in Kwande local government area of the state.

The Ter Kwande, Chief Hilary Ikima and his Ushongo counterpart, Chief Ambrose Iortyer anchored the occasion and symbolically washed the governor’s feet to imply good fortune before releasing about 12 white doves in the air to mark their avowed commitment to the project.

Before then, the traditional rulers and PDP elders from Sankera, where the governor comes from, led by Chief Atoza Ihindan and Chief Abu King Shuluwa had gone to Kwande to meet with the elders of the place to ‘borrow’ the senatorial seat in recognition of the zoning arrangement which provides that Kwande should produce the next candidate.

Kwande people unanimously granted the governor’s request to ‘loan’ him the seat, while promising that no person in the entity will run the race with him. As expected, Suswam did not reject the endorsement during the occasion but gave his assurance to run the race if the people wanted to send him.

Speaking during the endorsement, Chief Shuluwa said their request became “imperative owing to the political reason that Suswam has demonstrated qualities of a development driven leader and needed to be sent to National

Suswam

Gemade

Assembly to enhance rapid progress for the people of the area.”

Likewise, Gemade is also consulting widely and has so far met with many major stakeholders in the same Kwande to inform them of his decision to run

for a second term. In the usual manner of politicians, political stakeholders in those areas also assured him of their cooperation during the consultations, thereby also endorsing Gemade and promising to help him clinch the seat.

50

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

zonal watch

OYO STATE OGUN STATE LAGOS STATE ONDO STATE EKITI STATE OSUN STATE

Lagos: Family Of Tortured Man Calls For Investigation Over His Death

BY MATTEW DIKE, Lagos

Family members of the young man who was allegedly tortured to death by policemen attached to the Elere Police station in Lagos, Olyede Ayode are asking the Lagos State government and the Nigerian Police to fish out the killers of their son.

The elder brother of the deceased, Alhaji Tajudeen Oyolola said that he was shocked when he saw the body of the boy in the hospital.

“When I got to the hospital what I saw amazed me. His face was swollen. His leg was also broken and part of the body was seriously damaged,’’ he said.

The late Ayoade was allegedly

tortured to death by the police after they arrested him and three others in front of their home last week Thursday at Orile Agege area of Lagos State.

The policemen met the four men drinking instead of carrying out the mandatory environmental sanitation in the state.

They arrested them and later

allegedly demanded for N2 million bribe. The late Ayoade told his friend before he died that he was tortured by the police who wanted to know the sort of job he do for a living.

Police DPO at the police station is said to be looking into the issue and has made effort to visit the family of the deceased.

Osun Berates SSS Over Clampdown On Research Firm

BY JOSHUA DADA, Osogbo

A truck that crashed into electricity pole at Awolowo way, Ikeja, Lagos. PHOTO BY BENEDICT UWALAKA

Osun: ‘We’re Not Embarking On Any Demolition Exercise’

BY JOSHUA DADA, Osogbo

Osun State government has said that it has uncovered plans by some people, said to be going round major cities in the state marking buildings for demolition in a bid to incite the populace against the government.

A statement signed by the state commissioner for information and strategy, Mr Sunday Akere and made available to newsmen, said the state government was

not embarking on any kind of demolition.

Akere told residents of the state to challenge anyone that marks their building for demolition and report such to the police for proper action.

Akere also denied claims by the opposition party, particularly, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that the state government has concluded plans to introduce a new tax regime, if Aregbesola is re-elected, adding that Governor Rauf

Aregbesola’s administration neither intends to introduce any tax regime nor intend to increase its usual tax levy as allegedly claimed by the PDP. He said, “It has come to the notice of the state government that the PDP in a leaflet it is distributing claimed that Governor Aregbesola is planning to introduce a new tax regime on operators of private schools.

This claim is fictitious and a figment of the author’s imagination”.

Lagos: LG Boss Raises The Alarm Over Activities Of Gangs

BY GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

The chairman of Amuwo Odofin local government, Comrade Ayodele Adewale has raised the alarm over activities of some gangs, saying the local government is under siege.

Adewale said this while speaking with journalists at a press briefing held at the Local Government Secretariat in Festac Town area of the state.

He accused the Area E Commander, Dan Okoro, an assitant commissioner of police of using a notorious and criminal group he formed to terrorise, intimidate, rape and harass council and state officials, residents and visitors alike in the local government.

The local government boss asked, “Why has the Nigeria Police not arrested the group that came to attack the local government officials inside the secre-

tariat, after receiving video clips and evidence at their disposal, after several days of the attack?

“What is most worrisome is that their actions have gone unabated because ACP Dan Okoro has been very supportive of their cause of unleashing terror on defenceless citizens and the good people of Amuwo Odofin local government.” He appealed to the IGP and President Jonathan to investigate the issue.

Osun State government has decried the clampdown on the corporate headquarters of Research and Marketing Service Company, (TNSRMS) in Lagos and the detention of its staff by men of the State Security Services (SSS).

The state commissioner for information and strategy, Hon. Sunday Akere who made the position of government known while addressing newsmen in Osogbo described the alleged clampdown as unwarranted, illegal, aggressive and a violation of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

It would be recalled that men of the Directorate of State Security Service (DSSS) sealed off the corporate head office of the research firm last Friday, and allegedly held all the staff hostage for hours and a senior manager of the company at Shangisha, Lagos office of the security outfit were also detained and questioned for hours before they were released on bail.

The SSS clampdown on the company was said to be as a result of the opinion poll it conducted on the likely outcome of the August 9, governorship election and indicated that Governor Rauf Aregbesola is more accepted to the people of the state than his opponents.

Akere stated that “The outfit, a duly registered research agency, engages in empirical surveys across the country for government agencies and private individuals, had been conducting Needs Assessment Performance Evaluation Study (NAPES) for the Aregbesola administration periodically since the advent of this administration over three and half years ago”.

He added that the Aregbesola administration took the periodic survey seriously as a matter of duty since it serves as a feedback mechanism to test the impact of government policy on the populace.

51

Interval Wednesday, July 30, 2014

E N T E R TA I N M E N T S P O R T s

DG, National Film and Video Censors Board, Ms. Patricia Bala, welcoming Ugandan officials, Mrs. Ruth Tusaa Sirwe and Mr.Leonard Amanya in her office recently.

NFVCB Partners Ghanaian, Ugandan Film Bodies

By SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos

The National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB has taken practical steps to strengthen strategic bilateral relationships with Ghanaian and Ugandan Film authorities.

In one of such moves, the president of the Ghana Cinematographic Exhibition Board of Control, GCEBC last week received a comprehensive list of films approved by the censors board. The document contained approvals spanning the first half of this year from January to June 2014.

According to a statement signed by the corporate affairs manager of NFVCB, Caesar Kagho, the initiative is part of the agenda to checkmate cross-border trafficking of illegal movies.

A breakdown of the 306 films titles which were sent

to the Ghanaian authorities showed 25 films for January, 66 for February,74 for March, 44 for April, 35 for May and 62 for June.

In a related development, a three-member team of Ugandan officials spent the whole of last week in Abuja understudying the operations of the board and the regulatory framework of Nigeria as part of plans to develop and re-structure the film regulatory mechanism in the East African nation.

The Ugandan delegation was welcomed by the management of the board and later briefed by top functionaries of Nigeria’s apex movie regulatory agency. They also observed mock field operations within the nation’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja in order to experience monitoring and enforcement operations.

Beauty Professionals To Gather At African Beauty Expo In October

LEISURE

Beauty Professionals To Gather At African Beauty Expo In October

Why I’m Going Into Politics – Desmond Elliot

By SOLOMON NDA-ISAIAH

By Olayemi Sowunmi, Lagos

Exhibition Guru, the exhibition company that has successfully hosted several editions of WED Expo, Africa’s largest wedding exhibition is taking things a notch higher this year with the introduction of African Beauty Expo.

The event, which would take place in Lagos this October, is the largest international trade fair for beauty products, hair, fragrances and wellbeing in Nigeria and West Africa. A truly international event,

Movie star Desmond Elliot, a graduate of Economics from the Lagos State University, LASU who has since declared his intention to run for a House of Representatives slot in Lagos State come 2015 recently revealed the reason behind his sudden interest in politics.

The actor in a statement said he was interested in youth development and was ready to bring about the kind of reform that would affect the Nigerian people positively.

According to the actor cum director, the current situation of Nigerians, especially the youth is worrisome.

"I feel God has helped me

Yomi Odusanya (left), Yemisi Aiyedun, Winners of WED Expo Sponsored ‘My Big Nigerian Wedding’ Season 1 and Akin Eso, CEO WED Expo (Right)(2)

African Beauty Expo offers visitors the convenience of meeting hundreds of companies face to face over three days, for serious business.

Evangelist Akinniyi-Akinade Releases‘My Time’

By SOLOMON NDA-ISAIAH

An upwardly mobile gospel artiste andevangelist of note, Evangelist Kingsley Akinniyi - Akinade has released ‘My Time’ (audioCD) mart, under Niyi Crown Music Int’l.

The official launch was held on Sunday in Ibadan, at the executive function hall of K.S. Motel, and the album has becomean instant hit and a collector’s item, while also enjoying maximum airwaves attention in all broadcast stations. The 3-tracker album included Opemipo,Oluranlowo and

Asikotito.

On his gospel music journey, Evang.AkinniyiAkinlade said, though he hadpassed through rough, tough and hard times, Jesus Christ has always uplifted him … hence the need to change the face of gospel music by adhering strictly to singing songs, music and beats that will glorify God alone and impact on the lives of the people.

According to Evang.

Akinniyi-Akinade,gospel is good news and anywhere.

your wife go quiet well well.”

Huge laughter greeted her lines. She seemed to be winning the ‘war’.

“Bros,” a bi-spectacled fellow sitting close to the feuding duo said, “You know say you be man; why you go dey partake for this kind talk?” he said with so much salt.

“Bros, make I tell you; even my wife no fit talk to me like this,” he said, pointing to his female co-debater. “I just tell her say her braids enter my eye and instead when she go say sorry, she just start to dey make wahala.”

“Oga, na so you dey lie on top your wife head? Which person wen near us no hear when I tell you sorry?”

“E be like say two of una go

kuku marry una self. Na im be the only solution, as e be say una no wan leave una self,” barged in the matronly woman.

“Why I go marry this wahala?”

Asked the Brazilian hair antagonist.

“Why I go marry this womanwrapper? If I marry am, na me go dey do am sef, no be him go dey do me,” she said.

Even many who had ignored both of them since they began their unnecessary debate could not forgo the opportunity to turn around to see the bold woman who could make such a statement.

Some men could not believe it; they had both hands on their head. They considered her statement the final straw for her ad-

Elliot

this far and I want to give back through politics what will be favourable to the youth," he said.

He further stressed that "the worst part of our national life is that the level of corruption has not allowed youths to understand what it means to live a meaningful life.'

‘Nkaata.com Will Compete Favourably’

By SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos

In an effort to make life easy for all in the country especially as Nigeria continues to find its face in the League of Nations, nkataa online hypermarket, Nigeria’s fastest online shopping solution debuts to quench everyone’s thirst.

‘Nkataa is a one-stop grocery store’ according to Eddy Madaki of iBlend

‘Kai, My Wife No Fit Talk To Me Like That’

“You sure say you go fit marry with this attitude?” Asked the lady in the middle of the Brazillian hair-storm.

“Me?” Asked her adversary, “I don marry tay tay.”

“Chai,” she said shaking her head.

“Why you dey shake head like mumu?” Asked the anti-Brazilian hair campaigner.

“I no be mumu o,” na your wife I dey pity for. I wonder which of una go talk pass. But as e be so,

Why I’m Going Into Politics – Desmond Elliot

versary.

“You see, bros, if you had respected this woman from the beginning, all this nonsense for no happen. Now you don rub yourself shit,” said the bi-spectacled fellow, shaking his head.

All the antagonist could do was shake his head. Everyone was coming at him from all sides. He didn’t know whom to answer.

“But even the fine woman no get respect,” pointed out another man, coming to the defence of the battered antagonist. A few heads nodded their agreement.

“Since the man refused to ignore her, she would have just ignored him,” pointed out another.

“But the man is supposed to have more common sense,” argued the first defence guy.

Eddy

services in a press release made available to interval, he said, ‘With great assortment of products sourced both locally and internationally, the customers are guaranteed to find whatever they are looking for at the best available prices’.

“No, bros. You are wrong there.

Common sense no be man birthright. That is why some women are more sensible than their husbands; they have common sense,” said a third fellow who was wearing a blazer. “Na true na,” he emphasised, after s few heads turned his way.

“But the babe no be him wife na and e for no make sense if she leave everybody to yap her hairstyle,” said a far younger fellow who didn’t believe in turning the other cheek. Another group pitched their tent with him.

Piiipiiipiiiipiiiii! The driver horned insistently.

“Una don turn this bus to debate house forget say na work una dey go? Abeg, if you dey go Aya, come down now!!!”

52

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

SCHOOLS, EDUCATION, & FAITH PLATFORM

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF

SPECIALISED CLASSIFIEDS PAGES

PUBLIC NOTICE

H OUSES /L A ND

FOR SA L E

ROTTWEILER PUPPIES FOR SALE

LEKAN ARE FOUNDATION

Pure breed pedigree Rottweiler puppies (Parent Stocks from Bronco Kennel of USA) for Sale Ages between 3 to 6 months from different litters (blood lines).

The general public is hereby informed that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

1. 2 rooms self-contained, with toilet, bathroom and 3 stores attached.

2. 2 rooms into 6Nos comprising 2 toilets, 2 bathrooms, large compound, 3 car parking spaces and kitchen.

3. 50 X 50 metres land (165 feet) ADDRESS: Goinin Gora Hayan Dogo by Sharp Corner, near Apostolic Church, Layin borhole, GoninGora, Kaduna.

CONTACT PHONE NOS: 08028566933/ 08039469157 DADAH FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATIONAL EMPOWERMENT This is to inform the General Public that Dadah Foundation for Educational Empowerment has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission {CAC} for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Usman Ahmad Dadah Chairman 2. Zainab Gambo Abba Member 3. Abdulfatah Shorimande Jimoh Member 4. Hamid Idris Ahmad Member 5. Yahya Dahiru Secretary AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. Provision of Financial assistance to support the education of the underprivileged in the community.

2. Establishment of a scholarship scheme to promote the educational pursuit of the people.

3. Encouraging the people to embrace education at all levels.

4. Partnering with stakeholders in education to uplift the standard of education in communities.

5. Relating with National and International donors and donor agencies to support the provision of education and educational infrastructure to all communities.

6. Undertaking any assignment{s} that will promote education across the country.

7. Opening access to education and educational facilities for the disabled and crisis afflicted communities.

Any objection to the above should be forwarded within 28 days from the date of this publication to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission {CAC} 565, Ndola Square, Wuse Zone 5 Abuja.

SIGNED: USMAN AHMAD DADAH; CHAIRMAN BOT.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote agriculture through the establishment of farms.

2. To ensure the indigenous vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbal plants through the creation of the botanical garden for their collection and safekeeping.

CONTACT:

G 10 Ahmadu Bello Way, Opp. M. Balloon Kaduna.

08033144789, 08053948392, 08033112975. Email - upetsupply@yahoo.com

AGBAGWU PROGRESSIVE UNION

The general public is hereby informed that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby informed that the above named UNION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Chief Sunday Chukwu (Sunny Bright) 2. Victor M. O. Akpoke 3. Chief Nwachukwu C. Eze 4. Engr. Gabriel Aja-Odi 5. Offor Williams 6. Eze Godwin Eni 7. Egwu Franklin Okoro 8. Joseph Ajali

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mazi Ukoha Solomon James Ojukwu 2. Elder Chief Isaac Okwara Onoh 3. Mazi Ikokwu Adolphus Okoroafor 4. Mazi Nnanna Okoroafor Ojukwu 5. Dr. Ogbonnaya Kanu Amah 6. Mazi Chris Alicho Iregbu

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote sustainable development among people of the zone.

2. To promote patriotism by recognising members of the zone who are making positive contributions towards human and infrastructural development.

3. To be a voice and watch-dog for people of the zone against corruption and other forms of social vices.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

THE GATEWAY HOUSE OF GOD INTERNATIONAL

The general public is hereby notified that the above mentioned foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja to:

The general public is hereby informed that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

1.

Remove the name of late Dr. Olayemi Afewjuku as a Trustee and appoint Mr. Onome Preye Mojuetan as a Trustee.

Remove Mr. Eyitemi Mojuetan as Secretary and appoint Justina Umo (Mrs) as Secretary of the Foundation.

Amend the Constitution of the Foundation as follows.

LOSSOBITUARY OF DOCUMENT

The family of late MADAKI of Bwari regret to announce the death of MR. GAJERE Z. SAM BWARI who died on 7/03/2013 at Kubwa General Hospital.

Before his death, he was a staff of FCT Secondary Education Board.

He was aged 49.

(b)

By inserting new sub-clause”3.4-To provide financial , educational, micro credit facility, skills acquisition and other assistance for members of the public” and numbering the remaining sub-clauses seriatim By deleting clause 5 and substituting for the said clause with the following:

> AUGUSTINE 08032325988

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. Akintola Samuel 2. Mr. Tayo Ojo 3. Mrs. Oluwafisayo Alabi AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To raise spiritually matured men and women with covenant understanding.

2. To raise a family where God’s love is practically expressed and visibly felt.

Any objection to any of the above development of the Foundation should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 490 Tigris Crescent, Maitama, FCT, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

O.S TAYLOR-HARRY, ESQ. 20 Peremabiri Street, D/line, Port Harcourt 08033166154, 08093300637

SIGNED: OBATAYO BUKOLA

THE GRACE APOSTLES CHURCH OF CHRIST INT’L This is to inform the general public that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. The Most Rt. Rev. Apostle Seti Durodoluwa Akinbuwa - President 2. Most Rev. Apostle Gideon Kolawole Ayenuro - Secretary 3. Most Rev. Apostle Miciah Ademuwagun 4. Rev. Apostle Nelson Olaolorun Adehin 5. Most Rev. Apostle Taiwo Surulere AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twentyeight (28) days of this publication.

Signed: MOST REV. APOSTLE GIDEON KOLAWOLE AYENURO (SECRETARY)

STANLEY SAM GAJERE For The Family

> HENRY UBIMAGO 08068640944

3.

“The registered office address shall be situated at 16b Tombia Stereet, GRA Phase II, Port Harcourt, Nigeria”

SIGNED: SECRETARY

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

INCORPORATED TRUSTEES OF PETER MOUJUETAN FOUNDATION

(a)

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-general, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To cater for the welfare of its members.

2. To assist the less privileged.

SIGNED: EZEJI GLORIA I. (08038769236)

SIGNED: BARRISTER FERDINAND ONUKWUBE; SECRETARY

The general public is hereby informed that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To provide scholarship scheme for indigent students.

2. To provide adequate welfare for less privilege.

3. To provide affordable healthcare services.

4. To cater for less privilege via health care facility, education and scholarships.

5. To give care, support and empowerment that will alleviate poverty in the society.

6. To advocate for the well-being of children and the protection of their rights.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

EBONYI SOUTH UNITY & DEVELOPMENT FORUM

2.

FOR BOOKING OR INQUIRY CALL

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrargeneral, corporate affairs commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

ULTIMATE KENNEL & PET SUPPLY COMPANY

CHIEF MRS ALICE ADEWUMI FOUNDATION

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Elder Adewumi Segun Moses 2. Otunba (Dr.) Adewumi Rowland Adebisi 3. Chief Adewumi Agboola Joseph 4. Pastor Kayode Joseph Olalere 5. Mrs. Olaifa Bukola Adewumi 6. Mrs. Eyo Bukky Samuel 7. Evang. Ishola Omoniyi

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Dr. Lalekan Are 2. Mr. Obafunso Ogunkeye 3. Mr. Adedamola Are 4. Mr. Yinka Lawal 5. Mr. Wakil Akano

> GLORIA OKWUM 08038722368

> ABIGAIL SAMBO 08064382438

NANA

I formerly known and addressed as NANA ISAH ATTA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. NANA IMAM ABDULRAHIM all former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

UZOEZI

I formerly known as MISS. UZOEZI OGBOVOH now wish to be addressed as MRS. UZOEZI O. UCHENDU. All former documents remain valid. The general Public should note.

MARTHA

I formerly known and addressed as MARTHA IKOMI MARTIN now wish to be known and addressed as MARTHA IKOMI FAMILADE all former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

PHILDERMA

I formerly known as PHILDERMA OGAGARE NAJOMO, now wish to be addressed as PHILDERMA OGAGARE GARRICK. All former documents remain valid. The general Public should note.

BLESSING

I formerly known as CHIME BLESSING, now wish to be addressed as MRS. NWAEZE BLESSING CHIDIMMA. All former documents remain valid.

The general Public should note.

> GLORIA RAPHAEL 08061356519

> GLORIA ODIO 08034285851

1X1 SPACE FOR SALE

> GRACE OJO 08035054444

WORLD NEWS 53

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Airbus Cancels Contract With Japan’s Skymark Airlines

Airbus has cancelled its contract with Japan’s Skymark Airlines for the purchase of six A380 aircraft.

Airbus said it had been in discussions with the airline about the contract signed in 2011, but did not give a specific reason for cancelling it.

Skymark suggested it wanted to revise the contract terms, but was being charged “overpriced”

fees to do so.

Shares in the airline slumped 13% after it revealed it was in talks with Airbus over revisions to the deal.

The Japanese carrier told reporters in Tokyo it had tried to reduce the number of aircraft in the deal, or buy smaller jets. “[Airbus] said it would charge overpriced breakup fees for

cancelling the purchase of A380s if our company decides to cancel,” Skymark president Shinichi Nishikubo said.

The airline said it had received notification of the deal’s cancellation by fax on Sunday, according to the Reuters news agency.

“Following discussions with Skymark Airlines and in light of the airline’s expressed intentions in respect of the A380, Airbus has... notified Skymark Airlines that the purchase order for the six A380s signed in 2011 has been terminated,” Airbus said.

Reports suggest the plane maker had concerns about Skymark’s ability to pay for the aircraft, particularly in light of the weak yen.

The aircraft manufacturing market in Japan is currently dominated by Boeing. Airbus was seeking to break that dominance with the Skymark deal.

—BBC

Wall St. Flat As Telecom Gains Offset By Earnings

US stocks were little changed yesterday after a rally in the telecommunications sector lost steam and a lower earnings forecast from UPS weighed on sentiment.

Windstream Holdings jumped 12.8 percent to $11.88 in its busiest trading day on record after the company filed to spin off assets into a tax-efficient publicly-traded real estate investment trust.

The strategy triggered bets on long-term advantages for peers but the initial gains reversed in late morning trade.

The S&P telecoms sector index rose 2.8 percent after earlier gaining as much as 5.5 percent.

“Winstream was unbelievably good at keeping this close to the vest and everybody was surprised,” said Kim Forrest, senior equity research analyst at Fort Pitt Capital Group in

Pittsburgh. However, she said, “the rethinking of the larger telecoms becoming REITs took the wind off of the market.”

Telecom stocks were still higher on bets they could also be looking for ways to reduce taxes. AT&T was up 3.3 percent to $36.83, Verizon gained 1.6 percent to $52.40, CenturyLink was up 4.3 percent to $39.33 and Frontier Communications added 11.1 percent to $6.60.

Weighing on the S&P 500, shares of UPS fell 3.4 percent to $99.14 after the world’s biggest courier company slashed its earnings forecast for the year due to spending to boost capacity. The S&P industrial sector fell 0.6 percent.

Corning shares dropped 9.8 percent to $19.90 after second-quarter core earnings came in below analysts’ estimates.

Dow components Merck and Pfizer reported betterthan-expected results. Merck’s new drugs offset declining sales of ones facing generic competition and Pfizer was helped by growing sales of its cancer medicines.

Merck shares were up 1.7 percent at $58.95 while Pfizer shed 0.4 percent to $29.97.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell less than a point to 16,981.89, the S&P 500 lost 1.84 points or 0.09 percent, to 1,977.07 and the Nasdaq Composite added 7.86 points or 0.18 percent, to 4,452.77.

Reuters

Audience members listen as President Barack Obama delivers remarks in a Young African Leaders Initiative town hall in Washington, D.C.

TOWNHALL MEETING Obama Meets With YALI Fellows In Washington

By Iroka Ugochukwu, Abuja

Several issues, ranging from gender inequalities to HIV and AIDS in the African continent were discussed when President Obama met with 500 young Africans who came together for the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Washington Fellows Presidential Summit in Washington, DC. President Obama said that it was his belief that security, prosperity and justice in the world cannot be achieved without a strong and prosperous and self-reliant Africa, which was why he launched initiative, to ensure that ‘we’re tapping into the incredible talent and creativity of young Africans.’

During an interactive session with the participants, President Obama stressed the importance of the rule of law to the success of any state. He said, “Regardless of the resources a country possesses, regardless of how talented the people are, if there are not laws in place in which everybody is equal under the law so

MARITIME UK, Nigeria Partner To Improve Security

By Iroka Ugochukwu, Abuja

IMF Warns Of Potential Risks To Global Growth Sharply higher interest rates around the world could combine with weaker growth in emerging markets to slice as much as 2 percentage points off global growth in the next five years, the International Monetary Fund said yesterday.

In a report assessing how individual national policies could interact to undermine the world economy, the IMF also warned the conflict between Russia and Ukraine could reverberate to the rest of the region if sanctions against Russia escalate, hitting natural gas supplies to Europe and weakening European banks.

The resulting impact could prompt further gyrations in financial markets, in contrast to the recent period of market calm, the IMF said in its ‘spillovers’ report.

In its worst-case scenario, the IMF said the United States and United Kingdom could tighten monetary policy sooner than expected, leading to higher borrowing costs worldwide, even as key emerging market growth slows a further 0.5 percentage point

over the next three years.

The two developments would reinforce each other, prompting slower growth and hurting in particular those emerging markets with large economic imbalances, such as Argentina, Brazil, Russia and Turkey.

As in past reports, the IMF said monetary tightening in rich nations would have limited negative impact on the rest of the world if it was well-communicated and prompted by better growth prospects. The impact could also be muted if higher U.S. and UK rates come as the euro zone and Japan continue monetary easing, though this “asynchronous” tightening could cause more global exchange rate volatility.

Central banks in the United States, Japan, the euro zone and Britain sharply lowered rates to boost growth in the wake of the global financial crisis, but Britain and the United States are now preparing to reverse course.

—Reuters

that there’s not one set of rules for the well-connected and another set of rules for ordinary people, if you do not have an economic system that is transparent and accountable so that people trust that if they work hard they will be rewarded for their work and corruption is rooted out -- if you don’t have those basic mechanisms, it is very rare for a country to succeed.”

Speaking on the issue of gender inequality, he stated the importance of educating the entirety of any population. He also urged that anti-female traditions be abandoned.

“Now, I have to say there are some traditions that just have to be gotten rid of and there’s no excuse for them. Female genital mutilation -- I’m sorry, I don’t consider that a tradition worth hanging on to. I think that’s a tradition that is barbaric and should be eliminated. Violence towards women -- I don’t care for that tradition. I’m not interested in it. It needs to be eliminated,” he said.

Maritime security will be in focus when a nineteen strong maritime security industry consortium, led by Finmeccanica, UK showcases maritime security solutions at an industry day in Lagos today.

The industry day will be held aboard visiting British Royal Navy ship, HMS Iron Duke.

Supported by representatives of the UK Government, the event will provide an opportunity for British and Nigerian security experts to discuss and share experience and help make links to assist Nigeria in meeting its maritime security requirements.

According to a press statement issued by the press office of the British High Commission, “The industry team

will meet Nigerian businesses who wish to partner in technology and support solutions, skills development and training programmes which have the dual benefits of providing employment in Nigeria and increasing maritime security for the growing international commercial trade around the Gulf of Guinea.”

Companies taking part include Finmeccanica group companies (AleniaAermacchi aeroplanes, AgustaWestland helicopters, Selex ES & DRS defence and security electronics and Telespazio space). alongside Airbus, Clearwater Tracking, Conidia Bioscience, Control Risks, E2V, Endeavour Maritime, Garda, Griffon Hoverwork, Inmarsat, Scanna, Smiths Detection, SSI Ltd and Thales.”

54

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

NOC President Teases Jamaican President Jamaica, no doubt, remains the kings of athletics and walk with their noses in front in all international competitions.

With such great names like Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell, Shelly Ann Fraser, Yohan Blake, Veronica Campbell Brown etc, they deserve all the

accolades.

But the table turned yesterday when Blessing Okagbare blew away not only the Jamaicans but also the competition with a Games record of 10.85 seconds.

The atmosphere at Hampden Park was electric as Ni-

gerians and many more countries who were tired of seeing and hearing the Jamaican national anthem at all times joined Nigeria in celebration.

Blessing Okagbare was graceful after beating Veronica Campbell-Brown and Keron Stewart.

Team Nigeria Optimistic Of More Medals Stories By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja Team Nigeria will be looking forward to increasing its medals haul as the 200 metres begin today at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, as well as potential medals haul from the female long jump event.

This was expressed by Dr. Ademola Are, who spoke on phone with LEADERSHIP Sports from Glascow yesterday.

According to him,

Nigeria hopes to improve on the 10 medals garnered as at the time of filing this report.

“The spirit of the athletes in the camp is high and they would be consolidating on the three gold, one silver and one bronze medals that we have won so far,” he said.

“Okagbare’s gold medal was a big inspiration and for the fact that she even broke the Commonwealth record, it is a big boost for Nigeria.”

Taekwondo Federation Holds Training For Coaches, Instructors “It is the first attempt to standardize the training and teaching pedagogy of our instructors in 20 years.

Our new International Master Instructor and high performance coach George Ashiru, President of

NTF

The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, NTF, is organizing a four-day course cum examination the training and teaching methodology of taekwondo in Nigeria.

The President of NTF, George Ashiru said that the programme is aimed at updating the knowledge of the coaches as well as efforts to groom top class instructors that would produce the next generation of athletes for the country.

Ashiru hinted the Federation for the first time has made available an international training course for all levels of coaches and instructors all over the nation which would conducted an International Master Instructor and High

performance handler from Korea, Mr Kim Jin Beom.

“It is the first attempt to standardize the training and teaching pedagogy of our instructors in 20 years. Our new International Master Instructor and high performance coach from Korea, Kim Jin Beom will be conducting the four-day course and examinations on behalf of the World Taekwondo Headquarters, the Kukkiwon. My hope is that coaches and instructors from all the regions of Nigeria will be able to update their standards at a tiny fraction of the cost of going abroad for similar training,” said the former International.

The exercise is part of the strategic

Commonwealth Games Medal Standing Country

Gold

Silver

initiative to uplift the game in the country. “The course is part of our strategic initiative for taekwondo, which is heavily dependent on having skilled coaches to produce the next generation of champions. The programme is open to all coaches, instructors and senior players of taekwondo,” he added.

Meanwhile, the fifth edition of the Korean Ambassador’s Championship has been fixed for September 12 to 14 in Lagos.

The tournament is a joint project of the Korean Embassy, the Nigeria Taekwondo Black Belt College (NTBBC) in collaboration with NTF and Lagos State Taekwondo Association.

Ashiru

Team Nigeria Table Tennis Medal Thrills Camp

Bronze

Total

1 Australia

32

27

36

95

2 England

32

26

27

85

3 Scotland

13

10

12

35

4 Canada

13

5

14

32

5 India

10

15

10

35

6 New Zealand

10

9

11

30

7 South Africa

9

7

8

24

8 Singapore

4

1

1

6

9 Wales

3

10

12

25

10 Nigeria

3

5

6

14

11 Malaysia

3

5

4

12

12 Kenya

2

3

0

5

Team Nigeria on Monday returned to the zenith of table tennis at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games after beating India 3-1 to claim the bronze medal in the men’s team event.

In 2010, Team Nigeria failed to win any medal having been a regular medal winning team since table tennis became part of the Commonwealth Games in 2002, but the efforts of the present board of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF)-led by Wahid Oshodi yielded positively as the Segun Toriola-inspired team achieved the impossible against the highly rated Indian team.

Even in the rating of International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), Nigeria has been seeded

below India and most of the Indian players are rated higher that the entire Nigerian team.

But bookmakers were proved wrong, the youthful Nigerian side turned the table against the Asian giant to clinch Nigeria’s first medal in table tennis at the Commonwealth Games in the last eight years.

Despite the 3-0 bashing suffered

by Toriola against Sharath Achanta, who is rated 40 in the world, Nigeria’s rave of the moment, Aruna Quadri restored parity for Nigeria after beating Harmeet Desai 3-1.

A turning point for Nigeria came in the third match when Toriola and Ojo Onaolapo partnered to overcome Indian pair of Anthony Arputharaj and Desai .

Follow these reports on leadership.ng/sports

sports 55

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2014

Ogba Feels Fulfilled

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Evangelist Solomon Ogba had been on the edge before the 100m race yesterday.

For a man who carries the burden of the nation on his shoulders, Ogba knew that a little mistake could smother whatever expectation from Blessing

Okagbare. But once out of the blocks, Ogba looked up to the heavens as if to draw strength from God. ‘’First, I thank God for his mercies. I feel great. I feel fulfilled. I was nervous all through the race. One mistake would have scuttled everything. I thank God for everything’’, a relieved and fulfilled Ogba said.

Elegbeleye Describes Okagbare’s Medal as ‘Mother of all Gold’ Amalaha

Amalaha Suspension Could Be Reversed Today

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

Nigeria’s first goal medallist at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Summary Nigerian Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist, Chika Amalaha, could have her suspension reversed after she failed doping test, days after winning the gold medal in the 53kg category of the women’s

weightlifting event.

According to chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Mike Hooper, Amalaha tested positive to diuretics and masking agents, and she has been issued a formal notice of disclosure, “following an adverse analytical finding” as a consequence of the incompetition test.

Commenting from Glasgow, National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr. Ademola Are explained that her case was not a concluded issue as there would be another test today.

“Her case is not yet closed, there would be a retest on Wednesday (today) to confirm the earlier test so for now she is on

temporary suspension, he explained.

Meanwhile, there were 31 gold medals won in 14 sports yesterday. In gymnastics, England won men’s team gold, Scotland silver.

Osagie was disqualified from 800m heats; Turner out of 110m hurdles and Rutherford qualifies, while Child and Rudisha win heats.

Mark Commends Team Nigeria

By Jonathan Nda-Isaiah, Abuja

Senate President David Mark has sent a solidarity message to Team Nigeria’s athletes and officials otherwise called in the on-going 2014 Commonwealth games holding in Glasgow, Scotland for their superlative performances

so far.

Senator Mark in a goodwill message to the Nigerian representatives expressed joy that the athletes were flying the nation’s flag very high in Glasgow.

In a statement issued by his chief Press Secretary Paul Mumeh,He said the medals being won

by Nigerian athletes especially in weight lifting and the women 100metres by Blessing Okagbare, “is a clear manifestation that the nation has come of age in international sporting competition.”

The Senate President assured the athletes and officials that the Federal Government would do

the needful in terms of their welfare and urged them not to rest on their oars in the medal chase.

He added that the National Assembly will continue to give adequate budgetary allocation to sports development saying that sports remain a potential ingredient for our unity as a people.

By ONJEWU DICKSON, Abuja

Chef de mission of Team Nigeria, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye has hailed the spectacular performance of Blessing Okagbare in winning the 100 m gold medal at the Commonwealth Games describing the gold medal as ‘’mother of all gold medals’’. ‘’This is the mother of all gold medals. She has broken her personal best record on her way to winning the gold. She also shattered her season’s best before also erasing the Games record with her 10.85secs win.

You can see that it was not an easy thing and that makes this gold the mother

of all gold medal. Don’t forget also that she beat the best in the World to breast the tape first. We are talking of Jamaica’s Veronca Campbell-Brown and Keron Stewart. These are World beaters on their own. I’m short of words. I am proud. I’m happy and we are proud of Blessing Okagbare’’, Elegbeleye who is also the Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, said.

He also noted that all medals won at the Games deserve respect and praised Team Nigerian athletes who have been wonderful in fighting for honours for their fatherland out of the 71 Nations at the Commonwealth.

Elegbeleye

Uduaghan Savours Okagbare’s Success In Glasgow

BY KOLA EKE-OGIUGO, Asaba

Okagbare

Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has expressed delight over the feat recorded by the state’s-born sprinter, Blessing Okagbare who on Monday night, won the 100m women gold medal at the on-going Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Governor Uduaghan in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sunny Ogefere, said “it was a great feeling being at the stadium watching Blessing Okagbare winning the 100m in grand style in the presence of over 80

thousand people.”

Dr. Uduaghan, whose administration discovered and nurtured Okagbare to stardom, added: “Please let us celebrate her and Delta State and thereby encourage her to do more for Nigeria.”

Okagbare, who has continued to receive support and encourage from the Governor Uduaghan administration, won the gold medal in the female 100m race, finishing at 10.85 sec, to set a new Commonwealth record.

Governor Uduaghan who wished Okagbare success in the 200m and

long jump events, urged youths in Delta State to follow in her footsteps by taking advantage of the sporting facilities and opportunities provided by his administration.

“I plead with our youths in Delta State to take full advantage of the numerous sporting facilities and opportunities which my administration has worked hard to provide.

“Only last week I commissioned the second Olympic size swimming pool in Delta State at the Warri City Stadium with a third one also coming up in Asaba.

We commissioned the

first one at Oghara last year,” he said.

Besides, his administration set the pace in world class facilities with an ultramodern Gym built for weightlifting which is already yielding fruits as most of the athletes lifting Nigeria to glory are from Delta State.

Dr. Uduaghan promised to continue to encourage and provide opportunities for youths in the state to excel in sports and their chosen career paths, saying: In Delta State, we appreciate and reward all our athletes who bring honour to the state.

AMUSEMENT PARK

a person guilty of rape should be castrated. that would stop him pretty quick

— Billy Graham

30.07.14 No. 2,231

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

N150

The Wednesday Column Hannatu Musawa Starring (in order of appearance): • The Narrator • Our Chibok Girls • Boko Haram • Bring Back Our Girls Community • Nigerian Government • International Community Introducing: • All The Other Nameless Victims *Rated PG: language depicting violence & few Ye Olde English words* #BringBackOurGirls- THE MUSICAL No words… the echo of a silence thus twirls.

‘Tis the vanishing future of Nigeria’s pearls.

Does pain have a voice or a shape…, doth it curls?

Our teardrops form an ocean of sorrowful swirls.

As a people we demand that Sambisa unfurls.

Oh give us our children, just bring back our girls! “’Alas, verily,’ may the World stop and see, The tragedy, agony that has befallen on thee!

As the narrator observing from a tree, I foresee: A people so shattered, sinking deep undersea.

A nation, a giant forced down on its knee.

A potpourri of millions; almost one seventy.

For nearly three scores, thy homeland was free.

Despite the debris, thy children could ‘be.’

Lest, an evil committee rose from within the country, Lead by a mad man on a murderous spree.

With bombings, killings as the group’s solemn decree, They ventured into schools and with girls they did flee.

The horror of such violation done so blazingly, Has shaken the World to an utmost degree.

The blood that’s been shed, now almost daily, Has got to be stopped with every guarantee.

Through protest and dialogue thy stand in esprit.

Demand thy girls back home…, make thy desperate plea.

It has split up thy struggle, now thy no longer agree, To focus on the insurgents, who are the real enemy!” “’By my troth,’ the trembling doom of a fate in despair, Has become our reality in this torrid affair.

We were taken at night in a manner unfair, By the boogie-men we have all come to beware.

We are the girls of Chibok, we cry out, we declare; Will none of you save us once more to breathe air?

We just wanted to learn and have knowledge to share, ‘Tis why we went to school for exams to prepare.

How could we have known, we were never aware Those men in those trucks were prepared to ensnare?

Now, who knows where we are… We’re not here, we’re not there, We are million miles away from our parents who care.

We have no more freedom under their constant glare, We have not much hope in this burden we bear.

Has the world deserted us, thrown our lives in midair?

Will nobody protect us from this ghastly nightmare?

Will we ever recover, will we ever repair?

WEDNESDAY

www.leadership.ng

#BringBackOurGirls – The Musical

hannatu@leadership.ng

…Not if we are left in this evil dragon’s lair!

As day’s turns to months, our hopes do impair.

Maybe one day we’ll be home… That’s our ultimate prayer!” “’Declare, O ye’ Mutants existing in Nigeria’s domain, Renounce Western Education or your kids will be slain!

Since our name you profane and reject our campaign, We declare a ‘Fatwa’ in which violence will reign.

Your sons, we will maim if they discard our strain.

As for your teachers, we slice their jugular vein.

Your pastors we will torture in a form inhumane.

Your precious civilian JTF, their blood we will drain.

Muslims who abstain from our chain will feel the pain.

The soldiers and police, we will behead outright, plain!

Informants and snitches, we will kill again and again.

In all of your villages, we will unleash acidic rain.

Now, we’ve entered your schools and your girls we detain.

We will marry and sell some, the rest with us they remain.

We will train and convert them and wash out their brain.

By the time we are done, freedom they will never regain.

With Al-Qaeda we train, surplus funds we obtain, And we’ve mastered the skill of ‘guerilla legerdemain.’

Before we weren’t this ruthless, in peace we maintain, It’s just now that our leader, Shekau, is insane!” “’What art thou’ am I seeing…? I don’t understand!

Were children taken right out of our hand?

The news spoke of girls and exams that were planned.

Kids were apparently abducted by that lunatic band.

The whole nation was shocked, the transgression was grand, So we looked to the government to, at last, take a stand.

But the reaction was bland, the response was offhand, So much so that the parents were forced to take command.

For two weeks no results from our army unmanned, They weren’t prepared to venture in that no-mans-land.

So out of frustration and anger we manned, Small groups of protesters to shout our demand.

If our government won’t stand for the girls in this land, We will expose its inept and negligent brand.

We will stand for our girls; we will offer our hand, We will ensure government pays for its stubborn withstand.

So through protests and writings our voice did expand And with some viral tweeting, BBOG was fanned.

Our target is to hold our government in remand, Because they have the duty to protect Nigeria’s gland!” “’Do as thou wilt,’ but it is sad that you blame us straight For what these goons are doing to our mortality rate!

As an administration that rules over a country so great, Do you think that we don’t care for each person, each fate?

You don’t hold the monopoly to mourn as you often inflate, Everyone feels the pain of our girl’s incarcerate.

All officials in government are parents, who can relate To the agony felt in Chibok in this awful desecrate.

Yes it’s true we were late to give an update, But the accusations you’re slinging are pure out of hate.

There’s no doubt many of you where you conjugate Have sincerity of purpose in your form and irate.

But few of you standing have an ulterior trait,

Where you politicize each issue as you dictate your debate!

If you weren’t being insincere, why not offer your weight, Support our troops to deflate the terrorist estate?

Our commitment is to this nation; it predates the negate Of insurgents and protesters who thrive on misstate.

We will bring back the girls and strive to re-instate The honor and valor of our Nigerian State!” “’Hear ye,’ we saw it first when this one hash-tag said; That girls had been taken in school from their bed.

This plight was driven from the groups that were lead, By concerned civilians whose plea travelled overhead.

The girls, in their hundreds, were violently led Into the darkness by murderous inbred.

It happened in a region with violence widespread.

Religious extremism is the enemy we dread.

As the international community, we will go right ahead To help out Nigeria and apprehend the sect’s head.

We will offer intelligence, we will give infrared.

Though we won’t give our troops, we will support you instead.

We will send our reporters so the story won’t be misread.

Isha Sesay, Amanpour will ensure that the news will be spread.

We hold Nigerian government responsible for not calling code red, When the girls were first taken and the criminals fled.

You did little to stop your own security shred Until Michelle Obama held that sign we all read.

As we pass day one hundred, not much light has been shed.

We demand for the girls Alive, not as ‘Walking-Dead!’” “’Ye Kings and Warriors’… Government cut us some slack!

We gathered as parents to ask for our girls back.

We marched to the fountain and carried our plaque.

You became so defensive and went on attack.

You accused our comrades of trying to sack Your government from office, you painted us black!

You refuse to engage us; you don’t give a jack,

➔ CONTINUES ON PAGE 48

GHANA MUST GO Terrorists won’t deter me from transforming Nigeria

— Jonathan

Then go to Sambisa!

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