09.01.17 FOR GOD AND COUNTRY MONday

No. 2,766 N200

NIGERIA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPER Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA Nigerian Importers To Spend N59bn More On Freight Charges Annually By YUSUF BABALOLA, lines. Port Taxes’ by N38,000, gave no and local ship owners as well insurance companies to insure The foreign shipping lines, reason for the action. as charterers entering ’s their ships against any attacks Nigerian importers and who increased the freight rate The N59 billion is different territorial and coastal waters Findings revealed that each of shippers will spend a whooping with a caption ‘Government and from the N2.3 trillion foreign pay every year to foreign the 5,000 vessels calling at the N59 billion in 2017 due to the nation’s ports is made to pay increment in freight charges $100,000 annually (totalling on every container coming into the country by foreign shipping NNPC Targets 60% Local Refining Capacity In 2017 ➔ Pg. 6 ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Whatever It Takes, We’ll Rescue Chibok Girls – PMB 4 Shock As Abdulkadir Kure Dies At 61 5 Gov Bello declares 3 days mourning My friend, companion is gone – IBB Dogara, Al-Makura, Aliyu, others mourn I feel a sense of great personal loss – Sam Nda-Isaiah

The late Kure 2 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA Monday, January 9, 2017 Leadership Monday, January 9, 2017 3 our stand Telecom Consumers And Tariff Regime or the strong competition. recipient’s exchange. These if they were free. They are not. umpteenth time, Tariffing system in general, call charges can be calculated Apart from the inconvenience telecommunications we point out, is based on several on a fixed per call basis, a of receiving those messages operators and simple principles and made up variable basis depending on at very odd times informing service providers of two components: Standing the time or distance of the call, the consumers that their are,F again, putting pressure charges which are fixed charges or a combination of the two. subscription for a particular on the regulatory agency that are used to pay for the cost Call charges can even vary at service was either successful or to hike the tariff on their of the connection to the nearest different times of the day. Such has been renewed without the services. They hinge their exchange and the equipment to does not apply to Nigeria. The courtesy of prior information, present demand on what they monitor that customer’s phone operators and service providers the cost of the so called describe as multiple taxation line or service connection. take undue advantage of subscription is automatically at all levels. By definition, a There are also call charges their consumers by imposing deducted from consumers telecommunications tariff is which are variable and are unapproved tariffs on them. airtime. When added up, such an open contract between a used to pay for the cost of the For instance, unsolicited text fraudulent subscriptions can service provider and the public, equipment to route a call from messages are sent to consumers. be substantial indeed. While filed with a regulating body the caller’s exchange to the These would have been tolerable angling for a tariff hike this such as state and municipal time, they must also take into Public Utilities Commissions account that they are already and federal entities such as ripping off consumers whose the Nigerian Communications complaints are often unheeded. Commission (NCC). Such We are informed that the Editor executive vice president tariffs outline the terms Catherine Agbo Christian Ochiama government is imposing a and conditions of providing Deputy Editor Managing Editor new tax regime as a way of telecommunications service to Mohammed Ismail Stanley Nkwocha generating revenue to shore up ASSOCIATE Editor/ Assistant Managing Editor the public including rates, fees, George Agba the dwindling economy. The and charges. STATE HOUSE General Editor operators and service providers Telecommunications Jonathan Nda-Isaiah Silas Ezeugwu in turn intend to pass the tax GROUP NEWS EDITOR tariff in Nigeria is anything Coordinator, Editorial on to the consumers. While Ekele Peter Agbo Board but a contract as far as the Suleiman Abdullahi this is going on, it is pertinent, subscribers are concerned as in our view, to remind both they are hardly ever consulted parties that consumers let alone a contract entered into GROUP LTD are also experiencing the between them and the service chairman recession and it is really biting providers. The consumer is Sam Nda-Isaiah hard. For the consumers, always at the mercy of not telecommunications is just only the operators but also the gMD, LEADERSHIP Newspapers one of the bills they have to service providers. Dr Cletus Akwaya pay. They are also victims gmd, LEADERSHIP holdings We agree that for the service Abdul Gombe of multiple taxation where to be available, a minimum they have to make their own ed, leadership life tariff must be imposed to cover Shuaib Shuaib arrangements to access social the cost of operation. But director hausa publicationS services like water, electricity where the service providers Al-Amin Ciroma and other vital utilities. So it director conferences throw caution to the wind John George-Igoche will be unfair to them for anyone and over-price each service, general managers to contemplate an increase in Mrs Zipporah Tanko knowing fully well that prices Cyril Akinnola the cost of telephony for any have a direct influence on Celestine Okafor reason. demand, then it surely will general counsel In our opinion, the financial Isaac Udoka result in consumer resistance. burden would have been easier If an operator charges too to bear if the quality of service much, it risks alienating its was commensurate enough. customers, resulting in a LEADERSHIP is a national paper symbolically embedded in the nation’s capital. With lack of fidelity which is loss of traffic and therefore We shall stand up for good governance. We shall defend the interest of euphemistically dismissed as revenue. What this entails Nigerian people even against their rulers, and we shall raise our pen at all network problem, that has so times in defence of what is right. These are the values by which we intend is that the service provider to be assessed. far defied solution, the service must constantly balance the We shall never, ever for any reason forget the noble reason of our coming into providers have no moral basis need to provide rates that are being: to broach the issue of increase affordable especially if there is For God and country! in tariff. 4 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA Monday, January 9, 2017

.... still chibok diary counting 1,000 Days : Whatever It Takes, We’ll Rescue Chibok Girls – PMB By Jonathan Nda- Isaiah, He reiterated his pledge, intelligence and security forces Chibok community, Nigeria, welcome our remaining girls pronounced many times in the are unrelenting, and whatever and, indeed, the world, will back home. We trust God for As the country, nay, the world, past, that government would it takes, we remain resolute. yet rise in brotherhood, to that eventuality.” commemorates the 1,000th day not spare any effort to reunite of the abduction of schoolgirls the girls with their families. from Government Secondary “I salute the fortitude of the School, Chibok, , distraught parents. As a parent President also, I identify with their plight. has recommitted the Federal Days turned to weeks, weeks Government to securing the turned to months, months release of the youngsters turned to years, and today, it is kidnapped by Boko Haram 1,000 days. The tears never dry, insurgents. the ache is in our hearts. But In a statement by his special hope remains constant, eternal, adviser media Femi Adesina, and we believe our pains will be President Buhari said “We assuaged. are grateful to God that on “Our hopes will not be this landmark day, we are not shattered, and our hearts will completely in the depths of leap for joy, as more and more despair, but buoyed with hope of our daughters return. It is that our daughters will yet a goal we remain steadfastly rejoin their families and loved committed to,” the President ones. said. Three of them have been On the occasion of the recovered by our diligent 1,000 days, President Buhari military, while the freedom of commended all who have 21 others was secured through been in the vanguard for the engagement with their captors. recovery of the girls, both We are hopeful that many nationally and internationally, Bring back our Girls group (#BBOG#) in a peaceful march protest at the Presidential Villa gate to commemorate more will still return as soon as stressing:”Someday soon, we 1,000 days of Chibok girls’ abduction by Boko-Haram in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OLU AREMO practicable,” will all rejoice together. Our

If you have something to say about publications in LEADERSHIP, send your reac- tion of not more than 400 words to [email protected]. All letters letters to the editor must be concise and straight to the point with the writer’s contact details. email: [email protected] Lessons From The Karis Award by Stanley Bawonda which he’s involved. Thus, the heart for real charity, language, when people get awards, – the Pachelli School for the Blind unconditional love and compassion – the core issues in they are expected to pay for them – and Partially Sighted, Spinal Cord In a country where everything is monetized even in the teachings of Jesus Christ, has little consideration yes, in cash. Invariably that nullifies Injuries Association, Sunshine the religious arena, it is refreshing to see a church chart in our moral ethos. the integrity of such awards. That is Foundation and the Little Saints a different path; a road of genuine love and compassion These days, Awards have become the latest product why most people have little regard Orphanage. Each of these that is generally less travelled by our compatriots. to be proliferated in our society. Trust Nigerians, the for chieftaincy titles, doctoral organizations received N 2 million Shakespear’s maxim–“nothing comes of nothing,” financial rewards that recipients of such phoney awards degrees (honoris causa), titled naira at the GRACE event, held at accurately defines the motive of the average Nigerian, are obliged to give to organizers is the underlining religious honours conferred on the church’s glittering auditorium who always expects something from anything in motive for conferments of most awards. In plain mostly wealthy adherents of such in Lagos, on Sunday December 18, faiths as Christianity and Islam. 2016. However, an award earns value Host, Rev. Okotie said GRACE, and respect if given on merit, and the acronym for God’s Riches As without any ulterior motive. If a Christ’s Expense, is a practical the giver benefits nothing and the demonstration of Christ’s recipient enjoys all the accolades, compassion and love for the poor. recognition and financial rewards, The pastor himself is renowned for the exercise becomes worthwhile, his generosity right from his days and therefore, deserving of respect. as a music star. Back in the 80s The KARIS Award given by Rev. a former Commonwealth Light Chris Okotie’s Church, Household Weight boxing champion, Dele of God, Lagos, to Nigerian achievers Jonathan, who needed financial whose exemplary services to our help when he became sick, was country is either undervalued or given five thousand naira by unappreciated, it is an exercise well Okotie. In response to an appeal applauding. fund published by the Daily Times, The story of the KARIS award the then music star responded is part of the church’s GRACE with the donation which stunned programme – a larger love feast an appreciative public. that ministers every year since –Bawonda, a public affairs analyst, 1995, to four Lagos-based charities wrote in from Lagos Monday, January 9, 2017 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA NEWS 5 Shock As Abdulkadir Kure Dies At 61 Abu Nmodu, Minna and Donatus Nadi, “My amiable friend and companion is Lafia gone. We that were left behind are on transit sooner or later.” Former governor of , Engr He prayed for Allah’s mercy and Abdulkadir Kure, died yesterday evening forgiveness on the late Kure and urged the in a German hospital. He was 61 years old. family, people of Niger State and Nigeria in The late Kure had gone to Germany to general to take heart and to pray for him in receive treatment for a liver related ailment. his journey to eternity. Consequently, the Niger State government has declared three days state- I feel a sense of great personal loss - wide mourning. Sam Nda-Isaiah In their separate reactions to the news The chairman, LEADERSHIP Group of Kure’s death, former military president, Ltd, Sam Nda-Isaiah, described the late General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd); Kure as an elder brother with whom he Speaker of the House of Representatives, maintained closeness in spite of their Yakubu Dogara, and the immediate-past political differences. governor of Niger State, Dr Babangida Aliyu, “Engr. Kure’s death comes as a rude commiserated with the deceased’s family, shock. He was like an elder brother to the government and people of the state and me. In spite of our political differences we the political class on the sudden passing on were extremely close. Politics never came of the late former governor. between us. He was kind and selfless. I feel Chief press secretary to the late Kure, a sense of great personal loss. I will miss Mahmud Abdullahi, in a statement his counsel. This is a sad loss not just to the yesterday in Minna, disclosed that the Nupe Kingdom and the industrious people former governor died at about 5pm local of Niger State, but also to the nation. And time in the German hospital where he had I mean this literally. He would be missed. been receiving treatment for about three But he would always be in our hearts - for weeks. his diligence, exploits, and patriotic service. The statement indicated that his wife, This will remain painful to me for a very long Senator Zaynab Kure, was with him in time. May his soul rest in peace,” Nda-Isaiah Germany when he died. stated. It further indicated that the details of On his part, Speaker Yakubu Dogara the burial rites would be made public as lamented the loss of former Governor soon as other arrangements are concluded Abdulkadir Kure and consoled the people The late Kure and urged the people to join the family in and government of Niger state. offering prayers for the repose of the soul Dogara, in a statement by his special May Allah console his wife, children and the As governor, he introduced Sharia law in of the deceased former governor. adviser, media and public affairs, Turaki entire Niger State,” he said. the state in May 2000. A source close to the family told Hassan, said the former governor’s death Similarly, former governor of Sokoto The late Kure was a delegate to the 2014 LEADERSHIP that the former governor was was a big loss to Niger state and Nigeria. State, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, described National Conference convened by former responding to treatment and had spoken He described the late politician as a Kure’s death as a monumental loss to the President Goodluck Jonathan. with some people even on Saturday from progressive and seasoned technocrat whose Germany. political family and to the future political He was a member of Peoples Democratic experience and wisdom would be missed. unity and cohesion among Nigerians. Party (PDP) and a frontline leader of the It was learnt that his condition changed The Speaker also extended his condolence yesterday morning before he later gave up Bafarawa, who is regarded as one of the party in the state. to the late Kure’s immediate family and closest associates of the late Kure, further The late Kure will be remembered as a the ghost at about 5pm. prayed God to grant them the fortitude to Meanwhile, the state government described the late former governor as peaceful politician who preached against bear the irreparable loss. fearless, sincere and a devoted servant of confrontational and violent politics, and has announced three days of state- Governor Umaru Tanko wide mourning for the former two-term Allah. promoted fairness and love for humanity Al-Makura also commiserated with the “We lost a brother, colleague and and justice. governor. government and people of Niger State over The Niger state government, in a confidential man of many ideas and the demise of its former governor, the late solutions toward the survival of our nation statement signed by the commissioner for Engr Kure. ...See full statement by Niger State and nascent democracy. information, culture and tourism, Jonathan Al-Makura described the late Kure as government on page 37. “The late Kure was an embodiment of Vatsa, in Minna last night, said that all flags a community leader who contributed peace, a practical politician who preached would be flown at half mast throughout the immensely to the development of Niger national unity and cohesion among others state to mark the mourning period. state and the entire country. and shared idealistic beliefs towards the It also indicated that the state governor, He said the deceased “served his people Live on greatness of Nigeria and its people,” he said. Alhaji Sani Bello, had also declared a work- admirably well and entrenched love and free day on the day of Kure’s burial to give sincerity among his people.” credit, not Brief Profile Of the Late Engr Kure all Nigerlites the opportunity to accord the The governor added that the late Kure The late Kure was born on February 26, departed leader a befitting burial. will always be remembered and honoured 1956. He is survived by his wife, Senator debt The statement further noted that the for his laudable contributions to peace, Zaynab Kure, and six children - four male government would miss the wise counsel of stability and progress in his community and two female. the former governor, who, despite political and the country. He studied civil engineering at Ahmadu differences, never failed to offer meaningful He prayed God Almighty to grant his soul So it’s Saturday night and you’re going out for advice to the government. Bello University, Zaria, and graduated a meal. Or treating yourself to a takeaway. Or eternal rest and to comfort his family, well- with a bachelor’s degree in 1976, did his maybe you’re going over to friends for Sunday It recalled the intervention of the former wishers and the people of Niger State. governor during the recent labour crisis in NYSC in from 1976-1977, lunch. Either way, it would be silly to stint on For his part, Dr Aliyu, who succeeded the good food, wouldn’t it? Where’s the fun in that? the state, saying that it portrayed him as an and started his working career with Niger late Kure as governor, described his death State Ministry of Works as a pupil engineer After all, you can always have a couple of careful elder statesman whose main concern was as shocking and devastating. before going for his master’s degree at days afterwards to make up for it. the progress and unity of the state. In a condolence message signed by his University of Newcastle, United Kingdom, Aha! That’s where you’re going wrong. Because “Engineer Abdulkadir Abdullahi Kure media adviser, Israel Ebije, Aliyu said that in 1981. – at least if you’re anything like me – those remains a leader who out of office showed Nigeria had lost a great politician. He returned to the state civil service couple of abstemious days almost never happen concern for the development of the state. “I find it difficult to come to terms with and later left to join the Federal Capital when it comes to it. His statesmanship saw him jettisoning party the reality that my brother, my friend, has But the solution is really very simple. You’re affiliation when he personally intervened Development Agency (FCDA) in Abuja as left us so soon. I have been in touch with his a senior engineer in 1985. quite right that life’s no fun if you can’t have in the recent labour crisis in the state,” the the occasional blow-out. So what you need to wife since he travelled outside the country The late former governor retired from the government said. for treatment. I never knew his time was do is have your couple of days of modest eating FCDA in 1995 as director of engineering In his condolence message, General near. before you go out. That’s right, earn yourself and became the governor of Niger State Babangida said: “The sudden death of “Niger state has lost an illustrious son. some calorie debt. Just think how much more from May 29, 1999 to May 29, 2007. former governor of Niger State, Engineer Nigeria has indeed lost a great human you’ll enjoy that meal when you know you’ve He was later appointed chairman Abdulkadir Abdullahi Kure, this (yesterday) asset. My brother, Kure, died at a time already got credit in the bank. of Federal Road Maintenance Agency afternoon in Germany comes to me as a his contribution was needed. He was a (FERMA) by the late President Umaru – Culled from the book “How To Lose Weight great shock, but as a believer, all souls must peacemaker, a role model and a bridge Yar’Adua where he served till 2010. Without Being Miserable” taste death sooner or later. builder. May Aljannah Firdaus be his abode, 6 NEWS www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA Monday, January 9, 2017 Nigerian Importers To Spend N59bn More On Freight Charges Annually

FROM COVER LEADERSHIP, the national explained. high charges is the wrong call. increment but the consumers president, National Council Amiwero stated that, by He, however, noted that will bear the brunt, and in the N2.3 trillion) as insurance of Managing Directors of doing so, the shipping lines in a situation such as this, long run, the Nigerian economy premium, tagged ‘War Risk.’ Licensed Customs Agents were contravening the WTO the importers would pay the would suffer for it.” But on the freight rate (NCMDLCA), Lucky Amiwero, convention on affreightment. increment and simply pass the Also speaking, the founder, increment, industry statistics urged the government to stop “Any other charges introduced burden to the final consumers. National Association of showed that 1,020,240 the increment, saying it would by the shipping companies “The shipping lines increase Government Approved Freight containers were received at Lagos amount to double charges contravene the provision of the charges with impunity, and at a Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. port in 2010 while 1,268,758 because the cost had already Convention of WTO Articles time Nigerian ports are regarded Boniface Aniebonam, concurred containers were discharged at been paid by the importers. VIII 3(b), domestic laws and as the most expensive in the that the increment equates to the Lagos Port in 2011. “There is the need to stop regulations. West Africa sub region. We are double charges. An additional 1,368,000 were the present increase and any “The practice constitutes very still battling with Nigerian “I think it will not be an received in 2012, 1,396,057 in other charge that is not tied to high percentage of charges that importers carrying their cargoes overstatement if we say we are 2013, 1,551,540 and 1,317,212 services in line with the United are not tied to services, which is to neighbouring countries. living in a ‘banana republic’ in 2014 and 2015 respectively. Nations Convention on Carriage a contributory factor to the high “I have challenged people to where people just do what they Consequently, with an average of Goods by Sea (Ratification and clearing costs that necessitate go to neighbouring countries like. of 1.3 million containers Enforcement) Act 2005, World the diversion of Nigerian-bound to see what these shipping lines “In the first instance, the discharging at the Lagos ports Trade Organisation (WTO) vessels to neighbouring West are charging. We should go contract of affreightment yearly, Nigerian importers will Articles VIII, and the various African ports,” he said. to Cotonou; they have offices has taken care of all these pay additional N59 billion to the domestic laws and regulations Speaking in the same vein, the in Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast; shenanigans. The freight rate shipping lines. in Nigeria national president, Association then we should ask how much paid for the movement of cargoes The increment, according to “The provision of the law of Nigerian Licensed Customs they charge in these countries has taken care of all these. maritime experts, would fuel authorises the carrier to hand Agents (ANLCA), Prince (when) compared to Nigeria. “It is all about the political will diversion of cargoes to ports over the goods to the consignee Olayiwola Shittu, said that But everyone is behaving like (we of the government to address in neighbouring countries like at the port of discharge without increasing freight rate at a are) a lawless group in Nigeria corruption because the action Benin Republic, Togo and Ghana any cost, as all cost are embodied time that Nigerian ports are where they increase charges with of the shipping lines can be among others. in the freight paid by the battling with cargo diversion to impunity. regarded as cheating, which is In an interview with importer based on the law,” he neighbouring countries due to “The importers will pay the criminal,” he stated. NNPC Targets 60% Local Refining Capacity In 2017 By Chika Ezuora, Lagos Media Trust Ltd, publishers of importation in a few years. Daily Trust, led by its chairman, He urged the media to help in The Nigerian National Petroleum Mallam Kabiru Yusuf, when enlightening the public on the Corporation (NNPC) said it has they paid him a courtesy call, dangers of pipeline vandalism commenced efforts to reduce explained that NNPC was keen which, he said, had become a product importation by boosting on ending product importation drain on the nation’s economy. the capacity utilisation of the in a few years, adding that there On its part, Media Trust nation’s refineries to 60 per cent is a concrete plan on ground to Ltd commended the NNPC by the end of 2017. achieve that. for its excellent performance “We are putting together “We hope if we do all these in discharging its fiduciary various programmes to ensure systematically, we should be able responsibilities. that we achieve at least 60 per to get about 60 per cent level of The leader of the delegation, cent local refining by the end capacity utilisation by the end of Yusuf, said the NNPC of this year. It is the procedure, this year or, at worst, by the first management under Dr Baru or methodology, that we are quarter of 2018 and get to 80 per deserved accolades for the changing a little bit; we are cent by the end of 2018 so that good work it was doing for the focusing on the process licensors we would locally be able to supply country. to come and audit our processes half of our Premium Motor Spirit “We are here, as stakeholders and they have already started (PMS) requirements,” he said. in the media and the economy, auditing most of our process The group managing director to say that we appreciate the units in the various refineries, further stated that this is work you are doing and to also the group managing director of in addition to other efforts have the opportunity to have NNPC, Dr Maikanti Baru, said. in terms of other refineries more insight into these works Baru who was addressing coming in place, and added that and to communicate it to the the board and management of Nigeria should be able to quit Baru public,” Malam Yusuf said. Forex: Gov Bello Lauds Dangote For Promoting Tourism By , Lokoja role in wealth creation, Bello Dangote Group for its support in promoting cultural heritage Governor on Local Government further reiterated that events to the tourism sector in the and cooperation, Affairs Engr. Abubakar S. Kogi State governor, Alhaji such as Ebira Carnival has the country and we are also using would become a global tourism Ohere commended his boss the Yahaya Bello has commended capacity to drive economic this opportunity to appeal to destination. governor, and expressed his Dangote Industries limited for growth and development other corporate bodies and well- The governor also stated his appreciation to the Dangote promoting tourism potentials through a multiplier effect on meaning Nigerians to emulate resolve to grow the employment Group for the role they have in Nigeria and especially in Kogi others sectors. what Dangote is doing, so as for rate in the by 25 percent continued to play in the state, State by sponsoring the state’s He said: “This administration the sector to be vibrant enough annually. and Nigeria as a whole. 6th Ebira Carnival. intends to reposition Kogi to attract foreign exchange into Replying, Honorary Adviser to It would be recalled that Noting that tourism can make State as the hub of tourism in the country” the President/Chief Executive the President/CE of Dangote the nation less dependent on Nigeria. We greatly appreciate He added that his of Dangote Group Engr. Joseph Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote was Oil, as another avenue for the roles culture and tourism administration is planning Makoju, said the Group is appointed an honorary member foreign exchange earnings, could play in achieving to tap fully the potentials of committed to partnering Kogi of the State’s Executive Council the governor urged all other sustainable development and in cultural diversity in the state State government in creating in 2015, owing to his massive corporate bodies and rich promoting social and economic as to create more employment employment and opening investment in the state and individuals to emulate Dangote empowerment of citizens. The opportunities adding that he the state for business. He financial empowerment of in the area of promoting culture sub-sector has huge foreign is ready to support activities commended the governor women in the state. Dangote’s and the tourism potentials in and domestic investment that would showcase the for ensuring a peaceful Obajana Cement Plant which the country. potentials, with wide spaces for beauty of the state’s cultural and conducive business is located in Kogi State is the Lauding the foremost Nigerian small and medium enterprises diversity. He said that with the environment. single largest cement plant in conglomerate for playing a vital to thrive. We are grateful to the support of the Dangote Group The Special Adviser to the sub-Saharan. Monday, January 9, 2017 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA news extra /7 Group News Editor: Ekele Peter Agbo NiMet Installs 13th Low Level Wind Shear Alert System in Katsina Airport By Ejike Ejike, Katsina

The Nigerian Meteorogical Agen- cy, NiMet has installed and commis- sioned the Low Level Wind Shear‎ Alert System (LLWAS) at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Air- port, Katsina, bringing the number of airports with this facility to 13. Other airports across the coun- try with the LLWAS built by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) include; Abuja, Benin, Cal- abar, Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna, Kadu- na, Kano, Lagos, Owerri, Port Har- court, Sokoto and Yola. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (2nd left); Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal (left); minister of state for Education The low level windshear alert sys- Prof. Anthony Onwuka (3rd left); minister of Niger Delta, Pastor Usani Usani Uguru (3rd right); minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole tem is a facility that detects the dan- (2nd right) and minister of state for Health, Osagie Ehanire, during the Interdenominational Church Service to mark the 2017 Armed Forces gerous wind shear that drops aircraft Remembrance Day at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY NAN in low altitudes. At the commissioning of the fa- cility, at the Katsina airport yester- day, the Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika explained that The Gambia: PMB, ECOWAS Leaders To “weather phenomena generally af- fect air navigation and windshear is one of the most hazardous weath- er events to aircraft” adding that Decide Jammeh’s Fate In Abuja Today “windshear occur when the speed and or direction of wind changes By Jonathan Nda - Isaiah, Abuja in The Gambia. nity of West African States (ECO- expressed the readiness of the abruptly. It is particularly dangerous According to a statement by WAS) to ensure the safety of the leaders of the sub-region to con- during takeoff and landing when the In furtherance of his mandate his senior special assistant me- President-elect, Adama Barrow tinue the pursuit of dialogue with aircraft is at low altitudes.” as mediator, the President of the dia, Garba Shehu, President Bu- and ensure a peaceful handover the leaders of The Gambia. Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mu- hari, and the immediate past of power on January 19. The Presidents of Liberia and Rivers Christian hammadu Buhari will be hosting President of Ghana, John Maha- Shehu said the meeting in Abu- Senegal, the Vice President of Si- four other West African leaders to ma as Mediator and Co-Mediator ja is following the one in Accra on erra-Leone and ex-President Ma- Leaders Protest a meeting aimed at avoiding vio- respectively, have also been man- the sidelines of the inauguration hama are expected at the meet- Southern Kaduna lence and preserving democracy dated by the Economic Commu- of that country’s President which ing. Killings BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt Suswam Mourns Kure, Says He Was A Patriot By David Tarkaa, Abuja Hundreds of Christian leaders un- yesterday. kind of politics was to build con- him as a lover of his people and der the auspices of the In a statement he issued yester- sensus among diverse Nigerians. his country. Former governor of Benue day, Suswam also condoled with While pointing out that the late He prayed God to grant the de- chapter of the Christian Association of State, has con- Nigeria (CAN) staged a peaceful pro- the Niger State governor, Abuba- Kure gave his best for the devel- ceased’s soul eternal rest and his doled with the family of the late kar Sani Bello and the people of opment of Niger State in partic- family left behind, as well as the test to the gate of Government House, Engr Abdulkadir Kure, former gov- Port Harcourt, demanding an end to Niger state over the loss. ular, and Nigeria at large, during government and people of Niger ernor of Niger State, over his sud- He described the late Kure as a his life time, Suswam remarked state, the fortitude to bear the the killings in Southern Kaduna. den demise in a German Hospital, The protesters, who were received at patriot and nation builder whose that posterity will remember painful loss. the Government House, Port Harcourt gate by the Chief of Staff to the Gover- Beneficiaries Of N5,000 Stipend Picked During Jonathan’s Administration – Presidency nor, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, pre- By Jonathan Nda- Isaiah, Abuja sented a letter for onward delivery to lu Akande, the nine States are Bauchi, he added that the data collected be- the State, then the LG officials iden- Borno, Cross Rivers, Ekiti, Kwara, longs to Nigeria. tify the poorest communities in the President Muhammad Buhari. The presidency has said the the In an address on behalf of the Chris- Kogi, Niger, Osun and Oyo. According to Akande, “ there is no LGAs and we send our teams there. Community-Based Targeting, CBT In his press update on the pro- way anyone can describe the selection “The first thing our team does -af tian leaders, Chairman of CAN in the model of the World Bank was used state, Primate Isaac Anyanasikike, gress of the Buhari administration’s of the beneficiaries of the CCT as par- ter selection of the LGAs is to select during the administration of Pres- Social Investment Programmes, SIP, tisan as the beneficiaries from eight members of the NOA, the LGA and called on Buhari to end the genocide ident Goodluck Jonathan to iden- in Southern Kaduna. over the weekend, Akande explained of the nine pilot States were picked commu nity officials to form the CBT tify most of the beneficiaries of the how the Community-Based Target- even before this administration came team. Then we train the selected offi- While calling on Buhari to rise and N5000 monthly stipends to vulnera- confront the hydra headed monster of ing, CBT model of the World Bank into office.” cials on how to conduct Focus Group ble Nigerians in the pilot states. was used two years ago to identify “First, the officials at Federal level, discussions at community level. These Islamic Jihadists, Anyanasikike urged According to the Senior Special As- the federal government to declare a most of the beneficiaries in the pilot working with the State officials, iden- focus groups comprise of women, sistant on Media & Publicity in the States, as the World Bank is also an tify the poorest Local Government Ar- men, youth, as the community de- national day of mourning in the na- Office of the Vice President, Mr. Lao- tion. active agent in the entire process. But eas, using an existing poverty map for termines. He said, “Let Mr. President allay the fears of the people in the current imbalance which clearly exists in the PDP Staff Forum Poised To Shun Sheriff Today appointments of security personnel, By Chibuzo Ukaibe, Abuja Sequel to the protest by staff, Makarfi at the same time. they have turned down Sheriff’s agencies and managers of national se- it was learnt that Sheriff had in- Recall that while Makarfi had invitation told Leadership that curity.” Following the recent protest by vited the them for a meeting to- supported the recent protest by the “Staff Forum had never sup- The Christian leaders called on the staff of Peoples Democratic Party day by 10am, at his Maitama of- the staff for the immediate reo- ported Sheriff’s camp. And we Federal Government to begin the pro- (PDP), the Sen Ali Modu Sheriff- fice for a meeting. pening of the PDP national head- won’t do so now. Right from the cess of reconciliation, reconstruction led camp has intensified his lobby But it was gathered that the quarters as well as speedy judge- onset we made our position clear and rehabilitation of affected commu- for the support of the staff. workers, in a show of rejection, ment on the legal dispute, Sheriff that we are with Sen Ahmed Ma- nities in Southern Kaduna, as well as But it was gathered the staff fixed a meeting of their own had asked for the staff to be pa- karfi-led PDP where all the oth- the restoration of all the villages oc- has refused to sit with Sheriff’s which will hold at the temporary tient. er recognized organs of the par- cupied by the Islamic fundamental- camp. headquarters used by Sen Ahmed A staff while explaining why ty are. 8 news extra www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA Monday, January 9, 2017 Abuja Airport Constitutes Hazard L-R: President To Aircraft Operation Muhammadu Buhari; president, – Minister Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji BY ANDY ASEMOTA, Katsina Aliko Dangote; former President The minister of State, aviation, of Ghana, John senator Hadi Sirika, yesterday said Kufuor and Former Abuja Airport now constitutes haz- United Nations ard to safe aircraft operation follow- Secretary-General, ing serious deterioration of its run- Kofi Annan, during way. the Inauguration of Sirika, who made the disclosure President of Ghana, during the commissioning of the Nana Akufo-Addo, Low Level Windshear Alert System at the Black Star (LLWAS) at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Square, Ghana at airport Katsina, explained that the weekend. PHOTO BY planned closure of the Abuja airport STATE HOUSE for total rehabilitation for a period of six weeks, starting from on 8th March, 2017, would be more than asphalt resurfacing of the runway. “That runway was constructed in 1982 with a service lifespan of 20 Terrorists Invading More Southern years. It is now more than 14 years since the service lifespan expired. Furthermore, the air traffic has now exceeded the volume the runway was designed to carry,” he said. Kaduna Communities – Sen La’ah He warned that the possible cata-

BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kaduna strophic consequence of further de- by the terrorists. Chiefdom, Kaura LGA. ing citizens of Nigeria in Southern lay in reconstructing airport runway ”Passakori, Mile 1 and Unguwan “I’am making this public to alert Kaduna, and the forceful taking of will be far more expensive and pain- The senator representing Kadu- Missisi all on the ever busy Kagoro- the world of a possible re-grouping their lands, I wish to sadly inform na south senatorial district, Senator ful to the nation than the inconven- Gidan Waya road in Jema’a LGA have of Boko Haram Terrorists with Fu- again, that two persons were killed ience Nigerians and foreigners would Danjuma La’ah has raised the alarm been annexed and are now abodes of lani herdsmen terrorists in South- yesterday by the same marauding that terrorists have taken over more have to bear for six weeks period. the terrorists. ern Kaduna. They are now conquer- Fulani herdsmen terrorists. The minister also disclosed that southern Kaduna communities in- “That is not all, the world has re- ing large swaths of lands, and have “The death of these two men, cluding Passakori, Mile 1 and Ungu- the successful installation of LL- mained silent or has forgotten the now established a base behind Pas- identified as Ephraim Ezekiel, 19, WAS at 13th airport in the country wan Missisi villages all on the ever killings of persons and the subse- sakori. This was how Boko Haram and Joshua Ladi, 41, occurred af- busy Kagoro-Gidan Waya road in by Nigerian Meteorological Agency quent displacement of communities started in 2009. ter an almost 24-hour gun bat- (NiMet) was in consonance with the Jema’a local government of the state. like‎ Kirim, Zakum, Mayit, Agwom, “Today (yesterday) as we ob- tle between the terrorists on one The Senator who made the disclo- aviation safety policy of the present Zakai Gira, Telak, Tuna and Magwot. served the National Mourning hand and the Nigeria police and administration. sure in a statement he issued yester- “Fulani Terrorists have since tak- Day ordered by the Christian As- local vigilante as the Fulani terror- day also disclosed that two middled en over these villages located strate- sociation of Nigeria, (CAN) over ists tried to overrun a village called aged men have been recently killed gically on the Attakad hills, in Moroa the unabated killings of law abid- Tsonje. Ortom Lauds Nigerian Army For Contributions To Police Arrest 4 For Kidnapping, Rape In Bauchi National Unity BY HEMBADOON ORSAR, By Beatrice Gondyi, Bauchi quel to intelligence report. Armed with cutlasses and sticks he pay outstanding ransom of one He noted that Police detectives stormed the residence of one hundred and fifty thousand naira Benue State governor, Samuel Or- The police com- attached to Ganjuwa Division in Abubakar Mohammed of the (#150,000). tom has lauded men and officers of the mand has disclosed arresting four collaboration with vigilante group same address and had unlawful The PPRO added that some ex- Nigerian Armed Forces as well as the suspected kidnappers/rapists in following the tip off’ arrested the carnal knowledge with his wife af- hibits including, two cutlasses and, nation’s fallen heroes for their immense Ganjuwa local government area of suspected kidnappers and rap- ter which they threatened to kid- motorcycle receipts seized from contributions to the survival, unity, the state. ists who include Bala Moham- nap his mother. the complainant were recovered peace and development of the country. According to the police pub- med, Dauda Damina, Mohammed He added that “Complainant from the assailants. Governor Ortom who spoke at a spe- lic relations officer Bauchi State Ahmed and Dahiru Mato all males gave them Sum of thirty five thou- According to Mohammed, all cial interdenominational thanksgiving command Haruna Mohammaed, of Mada Dutsen kura Hamlet in sand naira (#35,000) and pleaded the suspects voluntarily confessed service to mark the Armed Forces Re- the suspected kidnappers were ar- Yali ward of Ganjuwa LGA. with them not to kidnap his moth- to the crime after which they would membrance Day at NKST Church, Ior- rested following a tip off on the He said the suspects had on the er but they seized his motorcycle be charged to court for prosecu- tyer, Gboko Road, Makurdi said, both 01/1/2017 at about 20:00hr se- 28/11/2016 at about 00:00hrs, receipt as collateral pending when tion. the state government and the feder- al government hold the Armed Forc- es in the highest esteem, hence gov- Aisha Buhari Faults Online Report, Alleges Smear Campaign ernment’s close collaboration with the Armed forces and the legion of ex-ser- By Jonathan Nda- Isaiah, Abuja memo within the Consulate, becoming a great concern. After its internal administrative pro- vice men in areas of development. which has no direct link to her. our last rejoinder, we expect- cedure, and it’s not within the Represented by his deputy, Engr The wife of the President, Ai- She said that according her ed the paper to come out with purview of the wife of the Pres- Benson Abounu, governor Ortom sha Buhari has expressed con- VIP treatment by the High concrete evidence of deliberate ident to ask for diplomatic files. praised the gallantry and sacrifices of cern over the continuous pub- Commission is simple protocol fraud or abuse of privileges, or “Furthermore, that the the Armed Forces, citing their heroic lication of unfounded stories for a personality of her status, be bold enough to own up and said memo showed little or no routing of the terrorist Boko-haram by Sahara Reporters against which is done all over the world, apologize for such hazy and un- knowledge of Her Excellency’s sect from Sambisa Forest and their her person. and at no point was she offered substantiated report. itinerary proves the simple fact creditable performance in the various In a statement by her Spe- anywhere else. “Alas, what Sahara Report- we earlier submitted that she peace keeping missions they have tak- cial assistant media, Adebisi Mrs Buhari challenged Saha- ers came up with was another had no direct business with the en part all over the world. Olumide Ajayi ,She described ra Reporters to carry out a thor- conjecture of a purported inter- embassy to warrant the accusa- He stated that without the sacrifices the allegations by Sahara Re- ough check if the so called mon- nal memo within the Consulate, tion of waste or corruption in- of our fallen heroes and all those that porters’ as a ridiculous effort ies (£3,500) spent for whatever which has no direct link to Her sinuated in the report. fought in the various conflicts, Nige- to smear her. reason by the High Commission Excellency. “Part of the wife of the Pres- ria would not have existed today as a According to her, after pre- has any direct link with her. “The new accusation, how- ident’s trips abroad are for her nation and pledged continuous gov- viously challenging the online The statement reads ;The ever, has still not been able to NGO, which is not funded by ernment support to men of the armed medium to come up with facts continuous publication of un- substantiate where Aisha Buha- the Government, and It is not forces; promising that Ortom’s admin- backing their allegations, , they founded stories by Sahara Re- ri made any direct contact with uncommon to have stop over in istration would do all in its power to came up with was another con- porters against the Wife of the the mission for anything. Britain like any other country make life more meaningful to the ex- jecture of a purported internal President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, is “The High Commission has as the case may be.” service men. Monday, January 9, 2017 news north-East, north-west /9 ‘Rice Yield In Kano Southern Kaduna Killings: Christians Increases By 95%’ By Salihi Abubakar Bello, Kano

Kano State governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has stated that rice Observe Black Sunday produced by farmers in the state rose BY MIDAT JOSEPH, Kaduna at the event by the National new leadership of CAN will do Attorney General, Barr. Mark from 692,481 tonnes in 2015 to 1, CAN general secretary, Dr Musa everything to ensure the unity Jacob said “for me, as native of 551, 720 tonnes last year, reflecting Millions of Christians across Asake also in attendance is of the church and stand with all Southern Kaduna, one message an increase of about 95.2 percent. the 23 local government areas of the CAN national director for brethren in trial at all times. that has come out of this is that The state governor who announced yesterday observed a legal and public affairs, Evang. CAN commended Christians the killings of natives of Southern this also said “Wheat production in national mourning over persistent Barr. Kwamkur Samuel and a for observing the solemn black Kaduna is now receiving the the state has increased from 9, 495, killings in Southern part of the team of other CAN and Church Sunday, just as they urged believers attention of other people. 024 tonnes in 2015 to 17, 717, 000 State. leaders within the sorrounding to continue to pray for the unity “It is symbolic of the cause. The tonnes in 2016, showing an increase The National body of the communities. of the church worldwide and those prayers and mourning shall surely of 84 percent”. Christian Association of Nigeria The Sunday service was fighting against the unity of the reach God and the government of The governor stated this during an (CAN) had directed churches celebrated by worship songs, church in Nigeria Nigeria has to take decisive action interactive session on loan recovery across the country to mark Sunday prayer for Nigeria Church, The team later paid a to stop the killings. That even with Farmers, on the Central bank 8th a day of prayer and mourning Nigerians and the government. condolence visit to the Chief of children could obey the instruction rice anchor - borrowers programme, over the southern Kaduna killings. The CAN team gave the victims Kagoro, HRH Ufuwai Bonet. of CAN, shows that the Christian at Kano Seed Processing Center, Kada- In compliance with the of attackers assurance of God’s The Chief commended the body is one an united on this issue. wa, Garun Malam local government directive, Christians who dressed faithfulness and intervention, thoughtfulness of the national “I was at the Catholic Church area, Saturday. in black attires in churches, offered adding that all Christians CAN and commended all in Kafanchan, and I saw that all Governor Ganduje, who further re- prayers for God’s intervention into nationwide are standing with Christians for standing with them persons were in black, despite an vealed that the bumper harvest re- the situation in Southern Kaduna. them. in their most trying period. attempt by a section of the catholic corded last year in Kano showed a sig- The CAN President Rev. Dr. Musa Asake in his address, Former Kaduna State church to dissuade their members nificant increase in the production of Samson Ayokunle was represented assured Christians that the Commissioner of Justice and from wearing black,” he said. other commodities like maize, millet, groundnut and cow peas, noted that with the government’s commitment, barring unanticipated developments, the output would be multiplied this year. On impediments to the farmers’ productivity, the governor said: “I have noticed that there are two ma- jor issues in Anchor-Borrower Pro- gramme. Farmers are complaining governor, that they are not getting the assis- Abdullahi Ganduje tance at the time they need it, and (middle), signing the 2017 that constituted a major problem. Sec- budget. He is being ondly, those who are involved in the assisted by the Speaker, scheme (CBN and BOA) are complain- Kano State House ing that farmers are not paying back of Assembly, Hon. what has been given to them.” Kabiru Rurum (right); commissioner for Planning and Budget, Barr. Zubaida Zamfara Defies Court Damakka Abubakar (2nd right) and Attorney Order Over N30m Rent General Barr Haruna Falali (2nd left), in Kano. Charges BY ABBA KABARA, Gusau

Zamfara state government was Payment Of N5,000 Monthly Grant To Jigawa Destitute Commences March 2017 on April last year, dragged to the state rent tribunal by an eighty- By Muh’d Zangina Kura, Dutse Community Base Organization “if those CBO’s along with “The programm is ready to seven (87) year old man Alhaji on how to register the state government work hard absorbes as many as possible Umaru Mai Kudi through his so- The screened and registered prospective beneficiaries of the and complete the registration in registered prospective less licitors, Gamzaki law chambers destitutes in may programm. accordance to the guideline, the privileged person who satisfied over default of three year rent likely commenced receiving He said, after the training, all Jigawa less privileges persons the laid down criteria.” charges on office accommodation. N5,000 monthly grant under the CBO’s will go back to their could commenced enjoying the Mr Papka added that, the The building located at Kantin the federal government’s social communities and swing into grant in the next two months,” cash transfer to the beneficiaries Daji area of Gusau, contains 16 security program. action with close monitoring he said. is through bank account, and blocks of two bedroom flats, 12 The National coordinator from the officials in the state. He added that “Presently, noting that in places where there stores and an additional office at of the programm Mr Peter Mr Papka noted that, states we are starting with nine local are no banks or network service the ground floor, accommodat- Papka revealed this while who are currently enjoying governments in the state, namely they will consider using Banking ing two government ministries, fielding question shortly after direct cash transfer to the Auyo, Roni, Kaugama, Jahun, Agent system or mobile banking three Special Advisers and five the opening ceremony of three benaficieris have commenced Kiyawa Guri, Gwaiwa, Miga and and any best alternative offered parastatals. day training organized for their registration over a year ago. Taura local government” or suggested by the banks. Alhaji Mai Kudi resorted to take legal action after all attempts to recover the rent fees as his only reliable means of survival failed including several aborted at- NAFDAC Impounds Illicit Drugs In Taraba tempts to settle the case out of court. By Andrew Ojih, Jalingo said the prevalence of fake drugs and effective and safe regulated products getting the stakeholders assist the Counsel to the plaintiff, Barris- other food and cosmetic products in are manufactured in the state. agency in tackling the abuse in the ter Safiyanu Saidu Tambai told The National Agency for Food the state was totally unacceptable. We discussed intensively on nu- state,” he said. LEADERSHIP that, following and Drug Administration and Con- “The alarming rate of substance merous issues especially the rate of He explained that the agency the creation of the state twenty trol (NAFDAC) has raided some abuse and general non compliance substance abuse as relates to cough which was saddled with responsi- years ago when the government shops in Jalingo, the with the agency’s enabling laws in syrup with codein, tramadol as well bility of safeguarding public health was seeking for the take off as- capital and impounded illicit drugs the state were the major reasons for as mobile authentication of anti ma- would no longer tolerate any act of sistance, the owner of the said and other unwholesome products in this exercise” he said. laria drugs and antibiotics. non compliance with its enabling building released it to the state the state. He informed that the agen- “We also discussed on banned laws. government for a one year free The Taraba State coordinator cy took four days to hold series of drugs such as nimesulide, anal- He called on the media and oth- accommodation on arrangement of NAFDAC, Mr Suleiman Muyi- meetings with all the stakeholders gin (Dipyron), gentamycin 280mg, er stakeholders in the state to assist for a subsequent annual tenancy deen who disclosed this while brief- where NAFDAC solicited their sup- phenylpopanolamine among oth- in tackling the rate of substance fee of N6.4m naira. ing newsmen yesterday in Jalingo port at ensuring that only genuine, ers at the meetings with a view to abuse in Taraba and it’s environ. 10 News north-central Monday, January 9, 2016 LG Administrator Kogi Moves To Revolutionise Agriculture – Fanwo Urges Youths To BY SAM EGWU, Lokoja frastructure and farmlands under while the Kampe Omi Irrigation Proj- also doubles as the chairman of the the control of the Authority for In- ect can generate over 200,000 direct economic team, led the team. Embrace Farming The Kogi State government has tegrated Agriculture. We are look- and associated jobs for ‘Kogites’. He was accompanied by the BY SAM EGWU, Lokoja moved to revolutionise agriculture ing at fishery and crop production. Fanwo said the deal is part of the commissioner for Budget and Plan- in the State to ensure prosperity and The state government is at the final governor’s electioneering promise to ning, and the supervising commis- As a means of combating un- job creation for the teeming youths stages of reaching partnership agree- diversify the economy, ensure food sioner for Agriculture, Barrister employment and diversify the in the State. ments with private investors both security and ensure non-oil receipts Kehinde Oloruntoba, commission- economy for self sustenance, ‎the Briefing newsmen at the end of a locally and internationally to invest dominate the economy of the State. er for Works, Lands and Urban De- administrator of Ankpa local gov- three-day meeting between the Kogi massively in agriculture. The Economic Team also visited velopment who was a former Ex- ernment, Kogi State, Comrade State Economic Team and the Man- “The good news is that, the agree- some factories where gari process- ecutive Director in the Authority, Ibrahim Mohammed has urged agement of the Lower Niger River ment will be signed in a couple of ing machines are fabricated locally. Engr. Abdulmumini Sadiq, special the youths to shun idleness and Basin Development Authority in Il- weeks to enable operations start dur- Efforts are ongoing to import the adviser to the governor on Multi- return to agriculture. orin, the director general on Media ing the current dry season.” He said technology to Kogi State to create lateral and Donor Agencies/Special Agriculture has been discov- and Strategy, Kingsley Fanwo, said The proposed sites are Kampe Omi jobs and crash the cost to feed the Projects, Hon. Ibrahim Adoga, spe- ered as the best means of di- the sessions were very fruitful, say- Irrigation Project, Giriyan, Takete Ide, agro-technology drive of the pres- cial adviser to the governor on Po- versifying the economy in‎ the ing what was left were just mere for- Ponyan, Emiworo and Egbeda-Egga. ent administration. litical Matters, Hon. Pius Kolawole present economic reality facing malities. Giriyan alone can boost our New Di- The Kogi State commissioner and the director general on Media Nigeria. “The Kogi State government is rections ambition of becoming the for Finance and Economic Devel- and Strategy to the governor, Hon. Comrade Ibrahim made the desirous of leasing the irrigation in- biggest rice producer in West Africa opment Asiwaju Idris Asiru, who Kingsley Fanwo. clarion call weekend at a sensiti- sation activity in Ankpa to drive home the point of why every in- dividual should embark on some meaningful project to bring An- kpa back to its pride of place as an industrious area in the State. While urging the youths to en- gage in productive venture to at- tract government patronage, Ibrahim noted that Governor Bel- lo would not patronise idleness, but rather expects the youths to L-R: engage in some productive ven- governor, Simon Lalong, ture to attract patronage from being welcomed by the the government and public spir- Commandant, Nigeria ited individuals. Security and Civil “All those who appears to be Defence Corps (NSCDC), engaging in productive ventures Plateau State Command, like agriculture, commercial activ- Mr Solomon Olasupo, ities and transporting would soon to the Armed Forces smile home as the government is Remembrance Day Church not oblivious of every individual’s service in Jos, yesterday. efforts”, Ibrahim said. PHOTO BY NAN. No Plan To Cut Workers’ Salary – Gov Ortom BY HEMBADOON ORSAR, Makurdi only pay salaries of workers and neglect oth- ern Governors’ Forum at the Benue Peoples monthly shortfall in the payment of sala- er sectors of the state. House, Makurdi last week, when he made ries.” he stated. Benue State governor, has In a statement signed by the Chief Press reference to the issue of the huge wage bill Akase added the governor went further debunked the rumour that his administra- Secretary to the Governor, Terver Akase and of the state, that it was adversely affecting that the wage bill has made governance ex- tion is planning to cut salaries of workers in made available to LEADERSHIP said that other sectors of the state economy. tremely difficult, stressing that he was over- the state and appealed to workers to disre- it has become necessary to clarify insinu- “The Governor neither said that the gov- whelmingly elected by the people to bring gard any rumour aimed at misleading them. ations and mischievous statements being ernment would stop paying salaries nor cut development to all sectors of the economy This became necessary following contro- peddled by some persons to cast me in a bad down the wages, What he said without miss- not only for payment of salaries. versies surrounding the recent utterances light, regarding my recent remarks about ing words was that the wage bill of over N7 According to him, the state would soon made by the Governor during a visit by the the state wage bill. billion at state and local government levels convene a stakeholders’ forum to deliber- delegation of some Northern states Gover- According to Akase, Governor Ortom is one of the highest in the country where- ate on the issue of the wage bill to find the nors, that he was elected as governor not to was addressing a delegation of the North- as the state has lean resources resulting in way forward. Deputy Gov Seeks Prayer For North East, Southern Kaduna By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin Kisira made the call at the reflect on the precarious challenges of the fallen heroes and their , stressing that their interdenominational church affecting the nation. living colleagues who survived the kind intervention had sustained The Kwara State deputy service held at Emmanuel Baptist He appreciated and commended struggles and are still committed the state as a haven of peace and governor, Elder Peter Kisira, Church, Sabo Oke, Ilorin to the sacrifices of the fallen heroes to sustaining the nation as a delight of guests. yesterday stressed the need for mark this year`s Armed Forces and the living war veterans that formidable and corporate entity. “I enjoin you to continue to Nigerians to offer fervent prayers Remembrance emblem appeal kept the country as a stable, virile He thanked the nation’s cooperate with us so that the for those facing security challenges week. and prosperous entity. security agencies for synergising enviable status of the state can be in the north east and southern The deputy governor called on Kisira said that all hands must with the present administration sustained for the good of all,” he Kaduna. the people to use the period to be on deck to support the families to combat pockets of crisis in stated. 2017 Hajj: FCT Muslim Pilgrims Board Begins Collection Of Deposit BY TAOFEEK LAWAL, Abuja grims who wish to perform the for the exercise. He said all in- hammad Lawal, female intend- aimed at ensuring transparen- pilgrimage through the Board tending pilgrims must be guar- ing Pilgrims would only be reg- cy in the sales of the 2017 hajj The FCT Muslim Pilgrims are to present a bank draft of anteed by chief Imam of Area istered with their male guide forms and ensure that intending Welfare Board is to commence minimum of N1,000,000.00 Council or Traditional Ruler (Muharam) in line with the Sau- pilgrims from the territory get the registration of its intending only payable to the FCT Mus- or a Senior Civil Servant of not di Arabian government regula- the best service ever in the his- pilgrims for the 2017 Hajj on lim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abu- less than Grade Level 12 as con- tions. tory of hajj operation in the FCT. Monday 16th of January, 2017 ja and their International Pass- tained in the Guideline for the According to the spokesper- He added that the director of across the six area councils of ports to book for a seat. registration of 2017 intending son, the board has introduced the board, Malam Muhammad the territory. Lawal Aliyu added that the Pilgrims by the National Hajj measures to ensure proficiency Bashir has already warned the A statement from the board’s board would not entertain pay- Commission of Nigeria (NAH- and safeguard against fraud in staff against corruption and any spokesperson, Muhammad Law- ment by proxy and bulk pur- CON). this year’s hajj exercise. act capable of tarnishing the im- al Aliyu said that intending pil- chase of the forms by individual In addition, according to Mu- The measures he said are age of the administration. Monday, January 9, 2017 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA news national 11 NCPC Boss Advocates Better Remuneration For Civil Servants By Winifred Ogbebo, Abuja

The Executive Secretary, Nige- ria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Rev Tor Uja has advocated for a better remuneration for the Ni- geria Civil Service. R-L: Rivers State gover- While inaugurating a 7- man com- nor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike mittee to advise on the work and (right), receiving APC chief- recommendations of the registry tain and former Ahoada which was set up to review the reg- East local government istry system of the commission, he chairman, Mr Cassidy Ikeg- stressed that the civil service should bidi into PDP, at Ahoada be a place of pride and dignity and as East, at the weekend. such, civil servants should earn bet- ter than any one else. These were contained in a state- ment made available to LEADER- SHIP in Abuja during the weekend Civil Society Lauds Increase In Hajj by the media unit of the NCPC. Uja described the registry as a structure that oversees the opera- tional network of a system and it Seat Quota was just correct to do things right By Abdullahi olesin, Ilorin at all times. last five years.” imposed a 20 percent cut in the hajj quota was meant to expand According to Saudi Gazette quota for foreign pilgrims, and a the two Holly Mosques for the He said,”I don’t need to be paid Independent Hajj Reporters, for doing things right.” Newspaper “Saudi Arabia has de- 50 percent cut for domestic pil- comfort of pilgrims, neverthe- a civil society organisation has cided to lift from this year the re- grims, to ensure safety during the less, the reduction greatly affect- The NCPC boss stressed the need lauded the decision of Saudi Ara- for staff of the commission to focus duction in the quota of Haj pil- expansion of the Grand Mosque. ed the chance of Muslims who bia to restore the 20 percent cut grims imposed five years ago. It Though it said that 20 percent wants to fulfill their religious on work and productivity. in Hajj quota to all Hajj participat- He explained that for him to build said the higher authorities ap- cut will be gradually increased obligations. Nigeria hajj quota ing countries. proved a proposal by Crown in a phased manner. Last year, seat was slashed from 95,000 to a system that would stand the test This was contained in a state- of time, he should be able to run a Prince Muhammad Bin Naif, dep- 1,325,372 foreign and 537,537 76, 000, while India quota was ment signed by its national coor- uty premier and minister of inte- domestic pilgrims performed Haj, trimmed from 170,000 to 136, structured system. dinator, Ibrahim Muhammed. He tasked staff on efficiency, pro- rior who is also chairman of the making a total of 1,862,909 pil- 000 within the same period. In- Part of the statement read that Supreme Haj Committee, to re- grims which is the lowest in the donesia, who has the largest ductivity and honesty, saying, “I “we lauded the decision of Saudi must make NCPC efficient”. store the pilgrimage quota that last ten years of hajj exercise.” numbers of pilgrims, saw their al- Ministry of Hajj to return the 20 existed prior to the cuts. The statement said “Though the location reduced from 211, 000 He further charged staff to em- percent cut in Hajj quota in the brace hard work and commitment “Saudi Authorities had in 2013 reason for the temporary cut in to 168, 800. to duty. ‘Recession, Not New ‘Kano Govt Paid N2.7bn Tuitions, Others For Foreign Students In 2016’ Media, To Blame By Salihi Abubakar Bello, Kano tained for all current government Governor Ganduje advised the ing students for showing under- sponsored students overseas up to graduates and other students on standing of the state’s financial For Low SaIes Of In what appears a clarification their graduation. the state government scholarship situation as well as for appreci- Newspapers’ on reports of non payment of stu- Governor Ganduje, who la- not allow mischievous politicians ating its efforts towards address- dents fees abroad, Kano state gov- mented that the state’s federal al- to use them against his adminis- ing different challenges with little By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin ernor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje location has dropped by two-third, tration, by giving political tone to earnings, compared with what ob- said that last year alone he paid pointed out that himself and all the issue of foreign scholarship, re- tains in the past years, promising A Mass Communication lecturer at the N2,700, 000, 000. 00 for the tui- political appointees in the state are iterating that the fees paid by the to help secure jobs in public and University of Ilorin, Dr Kehinde Kadiri tion and other fees of indigenous receiving half salary and allowanc- previous government for their ed- private sectors. has attributed the low patronage of the students studying abroad. es, to save money to address issues ucation was from the public treas- In their separate speeches, rep- Nigerian Newspapers to the current eco- Addressing 154 fresh graduates, in critical sectors like education. ury not anybody’s personal pocket. resentatives of the Indian univer- nomic downturn. sponsored by the state govern- “Therefore, this administra- “Nobody did a favor to you by sity graduates and their parents, She made this submission during an ment to pursue different Masters tion would do all it can to sustain paying for your studies in the Muhammad Mustapha and Tij- interview with LEADERSHIP in Ilorin, Degree progammes at a Universi- and finance the foreign based stu- first instance. We that sustained jani Baraya, appreciated the con- Kwara State. ty in India, held at the Kano state dents to complete their studies, the scholarship did so with pub- cern shown by the Ganduje admin- According to her, the reason for the government house. through efficiently managing the lic funds, it is not a favor. We also istration to alleviate their plight, low patronage of newspapers in the The state governor reassured little we receive form the federa- studied under government schol- lamenting that the immediate past country was not because of the advent that because of the importance his tion account as well as money ac- arship so what is the big deal about government caused them a lot of of the new media or social media per se, administration attaches to educa- cruing from internal revenue,” he it?”, the governor queried. hardship by not paying their allow- but as a result of the current econom- tion, scholarship would be main- stressed. Politicize. He commended the graduat- ances and university fees. ic recession that Nigerians are experi- encing. Kadiri noted that Nigerian’s real in- come has significantly crashed, while FG Warns Specialised Varsities To Stick To Mandate the purchasing power had also reduced, By Winifred Ogbebo, Abuja diate effect” thus allowing people to prioritise their A statement made available to LEADERSHIP Consequently, the statement added that the needs. Specialised universities across the country have by the Head of Media, JAMB, Dr Fabian Benja- minister of Education has directed JAMB to de- The scholar described newspaper as been warned to desist from running programmes min, said it has observed that these institutions lete all such courses on its portal and all candi- a want but not a necessity for surviv- which have no bearing to their foundation. have derailed from their statutory responsibility dates desirous of sitting for the 2017 UTME are al, pointing out that Nigerians are now The Federal Ministry of Education through the thereby running programmes that are antitheti- advised not to be hoodwinked into such pro- focusing attention on necessity instead Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB), cal to their mandates. grammes as they are illegal and are not provided of want. which issued the warning, also urged the univer- Part of the statement read, “government notes for in our brochure.” Kadiri noted that the emergence sities to stick to their core mandates which they the unfortunate situation where Universities of Meanwhile, the JAMB has reiterated that it has of social media initially posed a se- were set up to carry. Agriculture offer programmes in law, manage- not commenced the sales of the 2017 UTME ap- rious challenge to traditional media Specialised universities are varsities set up to ment courses such as accounting, banking and plication documents. especially the newspaper industry, pursue specific courses/ programmes to steer the finance, business administration among others It urged candidates to exercise patience as it but explained that the traditional need of manpower in a particular sector of the and as if that was not enough some institutions is putting final preparations towards commenc- media still remain relevant ave- economy. change the nomenclature of some of the cours- ing the sales which delay has been occasioned by nue in obtaining factual informa- Some of these specialised institutions include, es to read for instance banking engineering, ac- its desire to reduce to the barest minimum, chal- tion and news compared to untrue universities of agriculture, Universities of Tech- counting technology among other names.This is lenges associated with the conduct of the exam- stories that go viral on social media. nologies, Universities of Medicine ,etc. an aberration and should be stopped with imme- ination. 12/ news SOUTH WEST www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA Monday, January 9, 2017 Deputy Speaker Wants Agriculture Subsidised Heavily Deputy Speaker, House of Repre- sentatives, Hon Sulaimon Lasun Yussuff has called on all tiers of government to subsidize agricul- ture heavily to facilitate bump- er harvest and revive the nations economy. He made the call while pre- senting three-set of tractors he bought to the All Farmers Associ- ation of Nigeria (AFAN) in Osog- bo/Olorunda/Orolu/Irepodun Fed- eral Constituency in Osogbo at the weekend.. The Deputy Speaker who de- scribed agriculture as the only ve- hicle that can sustain any given so- ciety, said government should set aside a mechanism that would help boost the morale of the farmers and governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode (3rd right); his wife, Bolanle Ambode (3rd left); general overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of encourage them to go back to farm. God (RCCG) Worldwide, Pastor Enoch Adeboye (2nd right); his wife, Mrs Folu Adeboye (right); Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola (left) and Donating N60 million worth of his wife, Temitope Adeola (2nd left) during the 2017 Annual Thanksgiving Service at the Lagos House, Ikeja, yesterday. PHOTO BY KOLAWOLE ALIU tractors, Honourable Yussuff said Nigeria is blessed with series of nat- ural resources, saying agriculture alone could be used to develop the nation as well as developing scien- LAUTECH: Prepare For Resumption, tific and technological innovation. He suggested that if govern- ment can subsidize agriculture in Ajimobi Tells Students Workers terms of farm inputs and prices of farm products as being done in By Adebayo Waheed, South-West zone, Olanrewaju Oloja; or to Friday’s round of talks culmi- his counterpart, Ogbeni some other countries, thus millions and General Secretary, Joint Cam- nating in the agreement to reopen . of people who have abandoned After seven months strike, stu- pus Committee, NANS, , the school. “With today’s pronouncement, it farm as one of their inherited oc- dents and workers of the Ladoke Farouk Musa. “The students’ delegation had is hoped that all stakeholders includ- cupation would have been motivat- Akintola University of Technology, The governor said that the de- sought audience with the governor ing the management, staff and stu- ed back to farm. Ogbomoso, Oyo State, have been cision to reopen the institution was to plead with him to facilitate the dents of LAUTECH will begin to put By Joshua Dada, Osogbo enjoined to brace themselves for re- reached after another round of dis- urgent reopening of the university. adequate machinery in place prepar- sumption of academic and non-ac- cussions and commitments by the “While thanking the student atory to full resumption of academ- ademic activities latest by the end stakeholders, on Friday, which, he delegation for their concerns, the ic and non-academic activities in the Chieftaincy Dispute: of January. said, would be heartwarming to the governor explained that the two university,” part of the statement Olubadan Threatens The state governor, Senator striking workers. owner states regret the huge loss of read. Abiola Ajimobi, who dropped the The university had been valuable time to all stakeholders, es- Meanwhile, Governor Ajimobi To Sanction Warring hint, on Friday, said that he had grounded since June 9, 2016, when pecially the students whose academ- has ordered the immediate reopening closed ranks with his Osun State its branches of the Academic Staff ic calendar has been significantly of the five secondary schools shut in Parties counterpart, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbeso- Union of Universities, Non-Academ- disrupted by the prolonged closure. the wake of students’ attack on some By Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan la, to break the logjam in the overall ic Staff Union, and Senior Staff As- “He however stated that this schools in protest against the cancel- interest of the stakeholders. sociation of Nigerian Universities was due to the constraints current- lation of automatic promotion in pub- The Olubadan-in-Council, the The governor’s Special Adviser downed tools in protest against non- ly being experienced on account of the lic schools. highest decision-making organ on on Communication and Strategy, payment of accumulated salaries. debilitating effects of the recession on The affected schools are Is- Ibadan traditional, Chieftaincy mat- Mr. Yomi Layinka, in a statement On the LAUTECH prolonged the two governor’s respective capaci- ale Oyo Community High School, ters has decried the use of violence in Ibadan on Sunday said that the strike, it will be recalled that Ajimobi ties to meet the demands of the strik- Oyo; Anglican Methodist Second- to protest chieftaincy disputes. decision was reached after Ajimobi’s and Aregbesola, had led top officials ing workers. ary School, Oyo; Oba Adeyemi High The council at its emergency meeting with the national, zonal and of the state to a meeting in Ibadan, “He regretted the fact that de- School, Oyo; Ojoo High School, meeting at Oba Saliu Adetunji’s state leadership of the students’ un- last October, to proffer a lasting to spite all efforts at persuading the Ibadan; and Community Secondary Palace, Popoyemoja, Ibadan over ions in his office, on Friday evening. the lingering disagreement. striking workers to resume they re- School, Iyana Idi Ose, Ibadan. the weekend, warned that hence- The team was led by the Sen- In the same direction, repre- fused to yield grounds. He, however, Ajimobi said he took the decision forth erring parties would face ate President of the National Asso- sentatives of the two owner states announced that the schools would be in deference to pleas by stakeholders sanctions. ciation of Nigerian Students, Salam had met last Tuesday in Osogbo to reopened on or before February 1 go- and respected members of the society The council affirmed the rights Olajide; General Secretary, NANS, agree on the way out of the crisis pri- ing by the level of his discussions with that the schools be reopened. of people to lawful protests when aggrieved kicked against derogato- ry media campaigns against oppo- nents and use of dangerous weap- Tunde Bakare Urges PMB To Rejig Cabinet ons such cutlasses and guns to By George Okojie, Lagos front of the quest for change. Guid- ship, wise judgment and astute lan K. Chalmers, “crises refine life. protest disputes. ed by the indicators of good govern- public policy that guarantees sta- In them we discover who we are”, The Council in a statement in Pastor Tunde Bakare of the Latter ance in a well-structured state, and ble and prosperous nationhood and, as declared by Jawharlal Neh- Ibadan on Sunday further warned Rain Assembly has called on Pres- propelled by a true unifying nation- upon a foundation of peace; it is ru: “Crises and deadlocks have one that “Ibadan Chieftaincy is not a do ident Muhammadu Buhari to act al vision, Mr. President and his team time to build a well-ordered nation advantage: they force us to think.” or die affair. fast and reconstitute his cabinet to must summon the courage to make with strong institutions dispensing And we must! It specifically referred to the recent achieve results this New Year. hard choices, especially the choice justice; it is time to arise with pa- “As individual citizens, we must tussle for the post of Mogaji Akere In his sermon on Sunday entitled: to restructure and the choice to em- triotic zeal to build a great nation be accurately positioned to harness Compound, Orita-Merin, Ibadan be- Looking Into The Future With The brace the necessary self-sacrifice such that, years from now, gener- these opportunities. Prayer has its tween two brothers - Alhaji Moshood Eyes Of Faith,’ Pastor Bakare also that precedes economic recovery. ations yet unborn will look back at place but God will not come down Gbolagade Akere and Mr. Wasiu Oku- called for the restructuring of the “May 29 this year will mark two their history, not with disdain, but to solve problems He has already nola Akere which had led to a per- country along regional lines to ad- full years of this administration in with gratitude to God that our gen- equipped us to solve. He is looking son being hospitalized following the dress the numerous problems fac- government. We have no more time eration preceded theirs. May 2017 for patriots who will become respon- emergence of Alhaji Moshood Akere ing the nation. to waste. Mr. President must galva- be the year we look into the future sible for their families, for their com- as the Mogaji. Aside that, he also tasked the nize his team to get the job done; with the eyes of faith and take steps munities, for their organisations, for It therefore summoned his main president to summon courage and square pegs in round holes must be to accomplish all that we know is their nation, for the continent and rival in the contest, Mr. Wasiu Akere make hard choices to move the na- removed or put in appropriate plac- possible. for the world. He calls everyone, ir- and some of his family members tion forward, pointing out that it is es; the wicked who surround the ”During the presentation of the respective of religious, ethnic, gen- to the emergency council meeting time for the President to move fast. righteous must be led away from 2017 budget, President Muham- der or other distinctions, and such to come and explain their roles in “The current government, un- the presence of the king. madu Buhari rightly observed that people of destiny must receive God’s the trouble before and after the ap- der President Muhammadu Buha- “Those who cannot stand the the current economic situation also visions for their environment, ar- pointment of Alhaji Moshood Akere ri, has the opportunity to provide heat must get out of the kitchen. provides a climate of great oppor- ticulate and communicate those vi- as Mogaji. such leadership by being at the fore- It is time to demonstrate leader- tunity. Truly, in the words of Al- sions plainly”. Monday, January 9, 2017 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA 13 14 Monday, January 9, 2017 newsLagos Bringing the South-West to you smartnews My Encounter with Pastor Adeboye Influenced My Life- Lagos State gov- Adegboruwa ernor, Akinwunmi Ambode (left); By Taiwo Ogunmola- Attorney-General & Commissioner for Omilani, , Lagos Justice, Mr. Adeniji A Human Right Lagos Kazeem (middle) lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa and permanent has said his first encounter secretary, ministry with the General Overseer of of agriculture, Dr. the Redeem Christian Church Shakirudeen Olayi- of God worldwide (RCCG), wola (right) during Pastor Enoch Adeboye had the governor’s tremendous positive influence inspection of the on him. Agric-YES (Songai He disclosed this in his Model Farm) at tribute to the man of God on Avia-Igborosun in the page of thenigerialawyer. Badagry, Lagos, com. recently. PHOTO BY In his tribute to Pastor KOLAWOLE ALIU Adeboye he said, "In year 2000, I set up my law firm, in the midst of great financial Christmas challenges. I was very confused, Alleged Money Laundering: Court until I met my friend, Bamidele Expenses Aturu, for counselling. He Pushed Me urged me to follow him to the Orders MTN To Forfeit N8bn To FG RCCG Holy Ghost service at Into Stealing – the Camp, and right there till By OLUGBENGA SOYELE, Lagos 1013607079 containing billions to stop forthwith all outward Suspect now everything has changed of Naira domicile in Skye Bank payments from the subject for the better in my life". Justice Abdulaziz Anka of the Plc, whose owner has not file any accounts and to immediately BY GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos Adegboruwa who is also Federal High Court in Lagos application before the court to deliver to the court the respective an Assistant Pastor in RCCG has ordered the temporary contest ownership. statements of account with A 24 – year-old driver identified maintained that he met forfeiture of the sum of N8 billion Justice Anka further gave an certificate of authentication and as Abass Ope, arrested by decoy personally with Pastor Adeboye allegedly belonging to MTN order directing the publication other relevant documents as at team of the Rapid Response in June 2, 2002 when his Communications Limited to the of a notice in two National the date and time of service of Squad(RRS), of the State Police chambers and library got razed Federal Government. Daily newspapers inviting any the court order on them. Command, for allegedly stealing by fire at Lapal House, Lagos. The judge gave the order person(s) who may have interest The suit, in which the his boss' car, Television sets and "I had attended the bible that the sum, suspected to be in the subject funds to, within government obtained the a pet dog, has said the Christmas study for that day, where pastor proceeds of unlawful activity, 14 days of the publication of order, was marked FHC/L/ needs of his siblings pushed him Adeboye took the topic Divine which are stashed in account the order, show cause why a CS/1676/2016 and filed by an into the stealing. Champions, using the life and number 0012005379 domicile in final order should not be made Abuja based lawyer, Barrister Our correspondent learnt times of Samson, as a case Ecobank, be temporarily forfeited forfeiting the said funds to the John Opeyemi, on behalf that the suspect, Abass Ope, study. I was so transformed by following an ex-parte application government of Nigeria. of Attorney- General of the who hails from , that message that I decided to to that effect filed before the The judge also directed that Federation (AGF), and an asset was arrested at Ojuelegba area wait to see him. court by the federal government. the order should be served on recovery agent of the federal of Lagos State by operatives of "In his office, he was just Also affected by the order of the the respective branch managers government, Algaita Group Rapid Response Squad while smiling, and patiently listened court is another account number of the respondents banks and Nigeria Limited. trying to sell the car. to my very long story of the It was learnt that the suspect disaster of the fire. The way he invaded the home of his ex – was smiling, I had to ask him if LASG Set To Train 1,000 Facilitators For Adult Literacy Programme boss after learning that he had he heard all that I had narrated. travelled to for the He just responded jokingly, BY GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos 2016 is part of the commitment of partnerships with religious Christmas holiday, and that the with a question: "I hope your Governor Ambode’s administration organizations as well as NGOs, gate keeper had also gone to brain is not burnt?" The Lagos State Government has to increase the State’s literacy level market and mechanic associations, church. "He then went to tell me said plans have been concluded from 87 percent to 95 percent by the and private sector partners in a bid The police said he was picked that God has a great plans for to commence training of 1000 year 2019. to scale up the number of literacy up while trying to sell off his me and He has just closed one facilitators for the state’s adult According to Bank-Olemoh, the centres across the state. ex-boss’s Toyota Avensis 2013 door to open a greater door! I literacy programme. first batch of two hundred and fifty The Special Adviser hinted that model with the registration became convinced that there The state government in a (250) new facilitators will be trained identified organizations have number AGL 734 AR for N2 was a great future for me in statement signed by the Special in January and another set of 250 in expressed commitment to join hands million. the church. Adviser to Governor Akinwunmi February, while the remaining 500 with the state by providing spaces "Arrested along with him were "Pastor Adeboye has been of Ambode on Education, Mr. Obafela would be trained in March. in markets, mechanic villages and three of his friends: Balogun tremendous positive influence Bank-Olemoh, said the training While alluding to the decision of religious centres for the tutelage of Oluwaseun (23); Sanni Azeez on me, and on so many leaders christened Eko Nke Koo (Lagos government to train the facilitators, adult learners. (23) and Stephen Ewiele (22). worldwide. He became General is Learning) which is the first of Bank-Olemoh said training and Bank-Olemoh added that the "Abass had during Christmas Overseer in 1981 and has its series, is aimed at equipping capacity development remained a centres would double as learning period stormed his boss Magodo taken RCCG to about 192 facilitators with the necessary skills very integral part of the programme, centres for the literacy program home while he and his family nations of the world. I and all required to train adults. assuring that government was and vocational centres for adults were holidaying in Delta State, other members of the church Bank - Olemoh added that the first committed to the success of the seeking to acquire marketable with a conspirator to move a will miss him and his wisdom batch of the training project driven initiative. skills for greater functionality, 100 inches LCD TV, another 42 and counselling but we are glad by the agency for Mass Education He said to achieve the set goals of saying participating associations inches LCD TV, a dog, a suitcase, that he is still around for the will commence this month.. increasing access for adult learners have also promised to encourage 2 DSTV decoders and a Toyota monthly Holy Ghost services, He said Eko Nke Nkoo (Lagos is and growing the retention rates, their members to enroll in the Avensis, from the home," the he said. Learning) project was launched in the state government initiated programme. police said. Monday, January 9, 2017 news south-South south-East /15 Oshiomhole’s Son Joins NASS Race Edo To Introduce POS For Revenue

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City The hier apparent to former Collection, Set To Employ 10,000 governor ’s dynasty, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole, by Patrick Ochoga, Benin City in the state to forward names of Oseni Elamah, said the concerned people that were involved, the staff is set to contest the Etsako Fed- contractors initially contracted as contractors are those previously se- they used, their numbers and their eral House of Representative governor Godwin revenue collectors to government lected to collect revenue on behalf photographs so that we can consid- seat declared vacant by the In- Obaseki has set up a modality for house to jumpstart the job scheme. of the local governments. er them for employment under the dependent National Electoral the employment of 10,000 persons A government statement week- Chief Elema disclosed that the first 10,000 youths’ employment Commission (INEC). in the first phase of his 200,000 job end said the submission of the concerned contractors are also re- programme that the government The seat was earlier occu- promise, in fulfillment of his elec- contractors’ names was in further- quired to supply the names of their is already working on.” pied by Comrade Phillip Shai- tioneering campaign. ance of government’s avowed com- staff, phone numbers and passport To complete this process, bu, now the deputy governor The government is also working mitment to streamline tax collec- photographs respectively adding Elamah noted that a portal will of Edo State. to establish an electronic platform tion in the state. that, “this is with a view to captur- be opened where their biomet- The campaign posters of Os- that will collect revenue by means The statement said govern- ing their details in our employment rics will be captured and they will hiomhole’s son which has tak- of Point of Service (POS) or reve- ment’s decision followed Obase- database”. be given first offer under the new en over major roads leading to nue scratch cards for those who do ki’s meeting with stakeholders at Continuing, he said, “in addi- programme as a result of experi- Osadebey’s avenue, the seat of not have ATM cards. government house on Friday. tion to this, the MDs of all those ence which they must have gained power in Benin were also sight- It was learnt that governor God- Speaking to newsmen after the that were engaged as consultants in their previous assignment of ed at the three local govern- win Obaseki had directed heads of meeting, Chairman of Edo State or contractors have also been di- manually collecting revenue, which ments which made up Etsako local government administration Internal Revenue Service, Chief rected to supply the names of those they were given. federal constituency. The posters sponsored by Etsako Vanguard have bold in- scriptions, “Enough Is Enough, it is time for New Generation.” The trained medical doctor who is considered a neophyte in politics will largely capital- ize on the political goodwill and strength of his father, the former governor to make an in road. This development is, howev- er, causing tension in Etsako federal constituency especial- ly among political class who are not comfortable with the devel- opment. Other aspirants jostling for the federal seat are former law- maker in Edo State House of As- sembly, Hon Johnson Oghuma, Blessing Agbomhere, John Akh- igbe and Hon Abass Braimah. L:R: Chief of Training and Operations, Defence Headquarters, Major Gen A. Mohammed; Commander of Sector 4, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Col However, Hon Johnson NU Muktar; Commander, Headquarters of Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman, at OPDS jetty in Ikang, Bakassi, , Oghuma is said to enjoy enor- yesterday. PHOTO BY LANRE AROTIMI mous support of leaders of the party in the area, including for- mer governor Oshiomhole. Christian Leaders In Rivers Protest Southern Kaduna Killings

BY Anayo onukwugha, Port The Christian leaders presented a day of mourning in the nation. cupied by the Islamic fundamen- Pioneer GM Of Delta Harcourt letter to Woke for onward delivery The Rivers CAN Chairman de- talists and compensation paid vic- to President Muhammadu Buhari. clared: “Let Mr President allay the tims. Publishing Coy, Ekeli, Hundreds of Christian clerics In an address on behalf of the fears of the people in the current In his response, Rivers State under the auspices of the Chris- Rivers State Christian Association imbalance which clearly exists in governor, assured the CAN lead- Dies tian Association of Nigeria (CAN) of Nigeria (CAN), Primate ICT An- the appointments of security per- ers that their letter would get to By KOLA EKE OGIUGO, Asaba have yesterday staged a peaceful yanasikike called on President Mu- sonnel, agencies and managers of the President. protest to government house, Port hammadu Buhari to end the geno- national security”. He urged them to remain The pioneer general manag- Harcourt, demanding an end to the cide in Southern Kaduna. They called on the federal gov- peaceful, pointing out that devel- er of Delta Printing and Publish- Southern Kaduna killings. The Rivers CAN called on the ernment to begin the process of opment can only take place in an ing Company Limited (DPPCL) The protesters were received president to rise and confront the reconciliation, reconstruction and atmosphere of peace. and renowned instructor in Mass by the representative of governor hydra headed monster of Islamic Ji- rehabilitation of affected commu- The governor said that his ad- Communication, Mr. Elo Ekeli, is Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and Chief hadists. nities in Southern Kaduna. ministration will continue to pro- dead. of Staff, Engineer Chukwuemeka They further urged the federal The Rivers CAN called for the mote religious harmony through He passed to the great beyond Woke. government to declare a national restoration of all the villages oc- its programmes. at about 1 pm on Friday, January 6, 2017, at the University of Be- nin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, Be- ‘Impunity Led To Uyo Church Collapse’ nin City. By Bernard Tolani Dada, Uyo Until his death, Ekeli was a lec- by the developer of the church tum to remove the property fail- approved by His Excellency but building. ing which the authority will re- we never accessed the money. turer in Mass Communication at Uyo City Capital City Devel- Benson Idahosa University (BIU), Akpan said that the building move the structure and cost born “The then Accountant-Gener- opment Authority, (UCCDA) has had been marked severally for by the developer. al did not release the money for Benin City. said that lack of due diligence In the course of his long event- demolition but each time the “The developer used heavy pil- us to embark on the demolition.” and impunity on the part of de- owner disregards their observa- lars for the construction. After He said that UCCDA needed ful years in the media world, Ekeli veloper of Reigners Bible Church taught at the Delta State Universi- tion. the expiration of the notice, we the security coverage, as its em- is to be blamed for the collapsed My lord “We marked ‘X’ on did not have the capacity to re- ployees were molested when they ty (DELSU), where he once served church. as Head of Department of Mass the structure on March 6, 2013, move the heavy pillars and roof- came to the site earlier to demol- Head, town planning depart- it was covered by paint; we did ing used for the construction. ish the structure. Communication Department. ment of the agency, Prince Ef- Born on September 23, 1947, the same on July 16, 2014; March “We needed cranes, excava- He added that the owner of fiong Akpan in his testimony be- 1, 2016; July 20, 2016, and Au- tors, bulldozers, money, securi- the Church threatened to use Ekeli earned the Bachelor’s Degree fore the Commission of Inquiry in Mass Communication from the gust 16, 2016. ty coverage and vehicles to carry his connection with the govern- set up by the state government to “The developer ignored all the out the demolition. ment to dismiss any of the au- University of Lagos (UNILAG), investigate the cause of the col- and, later the Master’s Degree in markings by covering them with “On May 4, 2015, we requested thority employees who made at- lapse at the weekend said that paint. funds and security coverage for tempt to embarrass workers on International Relations and Stra- due diligence was not followed tegic Studies. “We later issued 21-day ultima- the demolition; the money was the church site. 16 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA Monday, January 9, 2017 Monday, January 9, 2017 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA 17 18 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA Monday, January 9, 2017 Monday, January 9, 2017 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA 19 20 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA Monday, January 9, 2017 Monday, January 9, 2017 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA 21 politics today REPORTS ANALYSES REVIEWS INTERVIEWS Group Politics Editor: MUYIWA OYINLOLA 08054701492 (SMS ONLY ) Issues As Reps Resume Plenary Tomorrow of Representatives will it to its joint committees not allow Nigerians suffer on Finance, Appropriation, from any haphazard National Planning and implementation of the Economic Development, 2016 budget. We will legislative Budget and continue to support the Research and Aids, Loans Executive with necessary and Debt Management to legislative instruments further scrutinize as well required to increase as recommendation. economic activities in the Despite the adoption, country and alleviate the lawmakers have continued suffering of the masses”. to raise concerns over key However, the erstwhile parameters contained in chairman of the the document noting that Appropriation committee they are unrealistic and has stressed that a search at variance with current light will be beamed on realities of the country. Dogara the budgetary process in Chairman of the Public the House to ensure that Accounts Committee of The House of Representatives is expected a repeat of his alleged the House, Hon. Kingsley to resume plenary tomorrow, after the padding does not occur Chinda observed that the Christmas break. Kauthar Anumba- even when the House 2.2 million barrels per Khaleel gives a breakdown of activities insists it is constitutionally day bench mark is not empowered to tinker with achievable. expected to occupy the lawmakers in the bill where it deems fit. He said, “If you look at 2017. the bench mark, we are CONSTITUTION using the same 2.2 million he 2016 whose credibility rating has REVIEW barrels per day which is legislative year been in question. The House is also not achievable. All things for the House of The timely consideration expected to conclude on being equal, Nigeria cannot Representatives and timely passage the constitution review budget based on 2.2 million was punctuated of the N7.298 trillion to ensure that the draft bpd. with enough twists and Appropriation Bill which amendment gets to the “Now, aside accepting T was presented by President president in good time for without conceding that turns that would make for major headlines. And it Muhammadu Buhari to assent. we will produce 2.2 million actually didn’t disappoint the joint session of the The Yusuff Lasun- bpd, how much do we as a in that regard. National Assembly is chief led ad hoc committee state, get out of that? We Paramount amongst amongst activities lined up according to the Leader budget for the entire 2.2 these was the budget for the Dogara-led House. “is conscious of the need million barrels and forget padding controversy which Although it has to conclude work as soon that our income from continues to dog it even as consistently denied the as possible to forestall a crude is based on profit it earnestly prepares to budget padding allegations situation whereby the draft as per the agreement with commence work on the made by its now suspended amendment will get to Mr. the IOCs-the joint venture 2017 budget estimates colleague and overseer of President at a time it will agreement. Nigeria gets a when it resumes plenary the workings of the 2016 be most difficult for him percentage of the profit on Tuesday, 10 January budget, Jibrin, the House to appreciate the amended and not the entire sum much with the same vigor has assured the speedy Constitution and assent but you see a government Nigerians wait to see how passage of the 2017 budget. to it. We shall also do our trying to budget based on the lawmakers will work Leader of the House, very best to ensure speedy the entire sum, how is it the money bill. Femi Gbajabiamila gave the passage of the 2017 budget workable? The budget padding assurance just before 2016 just presented to us by the Similarly, Chairman of The House is brouhaha which was came to an end adding President”. the committee on Financial also expected birthed by allegations that the committees of the Crimes, Hon. Kayode to conclude leveled against the House are also expected MTEF Oladele noted that despite on the consti- speaker, Yakubu Dogara to embark on oversight The House is also the extra $20 oil price tution review and four principal officers functions to ensure that expected to approve the gained, it did not justify to ensure by its very own and the full implementation 2017 to 2019 Medium retaining $42.05 as the that the draft former chairman of the of the 2016 budget which Term Expenditure bench mark price for the amendment Appropriation committee, is expected to run till May Framework (MTEF) and 2017 budget adding that gets to the Hon. Abdulmumuni Jibrin, 6th 2017 as enshrined in Fiscal Strategy Paper the price could suddenly president in cast further doubts in the the constitution. (FSP) which it adopted on drop below $60 or $50 good time for mind of Nigerians as to the According to 13th December 2016 and assent integrity of an institution Gbajabiamila, “the House consequently committed CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 22 POLITICS analysis www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA Monday, January 9, 2017 Issues As Reps Resume Plenary Tomorrow FROM previous PAGE insurance companies which will make whatever and investigation into gains achieved useless. the alleged breach of Oladele said, “Let us look the procurement Act at the daily oil production by the Bureau of Public of 2.2 million barrels: it has Enterprises (BPE) in the not been achieved so far sale of the country’s power and there are no signs that assets amounting to $94.4 things will change. We can’t million respectively. even rely on the $42.02 It would be recalled bench mark price because that the House’ ad hoc prices are likely to drop. committee on fraudulent He also said the exchange and non-transparent sale rate of N290 to $1 was not of powers assets by BPE, realistic noting that “the commenced investigation present market rate makes into the allegation in the projection in the MTEF December 2016 inviting unrealistic”. the Minister of Power, Also, the minority leader Works and Housing, of the House, Hon. Leo over Lasun Ogor who discountenanced the allegation. Others the document, said while summoned are the heads given by the House that A bill many believe will it presented figures on of the Nigerian Electricity the current administration bring lasting solution to revenue projection and Regulatory Commission will however resolve the the problems facing the oil capital injection, it was (NERC) and Transmission controversies. sector yet suffered multiple unclear as to where the Company of Nigeria (TCN) Giving historical details setbacks since 1999, one money would be gotten Investigative hearing on of the transaction, the expects that the Dogara- from. whether the concession chairman of the committee, led House will float this all- “This document is clearly of assets of the Nigeria Hon. Abdulrazak Atunwa important bill and make it based on assumptions, Railways Corporation to said that OPL 245 was first one of its priority however, not reality. The first General Electric violates sold by the former head of until the house adjourned assumption is that we the country’s privatization state, late Gen. Sani Abacha sitting for 2016, nothing our oil production is 2.2 laws is also expected to to Malabu Oil at the rate other than speeches and million barrels per day continue. of $20 million but Malabu promises to work on the and we have not achieved It will further be recalled paid only $2 million. bill have come forth from 2.2 million bpd of crude that the House had queried According to him, the green chamber. in the last five years. The what it described as an former president Olusegun It is hoped that it will United State which was attempt by the Federal Obasanjo revoked the deal tow the same path as the our biggest buyer is now an Executive Council to and another round of senate that has passed its exporter. The basis for our concession the Western bid took place which was own version especially after framework must be based (Lagos-Kano) and Eastern won by Shell Petroleum its Leader, Gbajabiamila on reality”, Ogor stated. (Port Harcourt-Maiduguri) won at a bid price of $210 stated that the law has not However, the Deputy rail lines to General Electric million but also paid $1.1 been forgotten. Speaker, Yusuf Lasun without recourse to the million while the balance Also, following concerns expressed optimism that Bureau of Public Enterprise was laundered into foreign raised by Gbajabiamila over the 2.2 million bpd at as well as privatization banks in Europe and the salaries of Nigerian $42.50 benchmarks are regulations adding that unknown destination. workers particularly in valid and realistic especially FEC’s action is part of Former Attorney General the face of the present as oil prices have risen to attempts to “pander to and Minister of Justice, economic crisis, it is $55 per barrel adding that certain interests who want Mohammed Adoke as well expected that the House “We would appeal to our to see the nation’s core as former ministers of will also commence the brothers in the creeks to assets sold off”. Petroleum and Finance, process of reviewing it. allow us go to three million Additionally, the House Deziani Madueke and Expectedly, the House barrels per day, which committees on Banking/ Olusegun Aganga have will introduce and pass Nigeria has the capacity to Currency and Financial been fingered in the deal bills and motions that will do. Crimes mandated to respectively. positively impact on the It will also be recalled investigate the activities Other investigative lives of Nigerians even as it Following that President Buhari of MMM Nigerians Scheme hearings would be concludes work on pending concerns had on October 4, 20016 with a view to saving concluded by the House in ones. raised by forwarded a request to the Nigerians participating in 2017 include: the probe of Although some critics Gbajabiamila National Assembly seeking the Scheme from financial the terms and conditions have opined that the House over the sala- for approval of the MTEF ruin will commence its for the disbursement lacks powers to deal with ries of Nige- and FSP. probe while the ad-hoc N689 billion bailout funds the petitions, Nigerians rian workers committee investigating to some states as well as who have followed the particularly PROBES the circumstances its utilization; probe into budget padding saga in the face of The House through its surrounding the the activities of federal will also look to see how the present committees is also expected controversial sale of OPL government-owned the House will handle economic to conclude work on-going 245 and the diversion Development Finance the petitions against crisis, it is probes into various sectors. of $1.1 billion being Institutions as well as the Abdumumuni Jibrin by expected that Notable amongst these proceeds from the sale is raid on residences of some his constituents and the the House are the investigation into expected to conclude its judges alleged to be corrupt National Youth Council will also the return on premium hearing and turn in the by the DSS; over none representation commence paid out to government report during the year. in the green chamber the process of officials annually by This follows assurances PIB and operation of foreign reviewing it Monday, January 9, 2017 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA POLITICS analysis /23 Politics Of Leadership Change In Rivers Assembly In this report, ANAYO ONUKWUGHA writes on the politics that played out on 30th December, last year, on the floor of Rivers State House of Assembly, leading to the emergence of a new Speaker for the house.

n December 30, 2016, development” members of the Rivers immediately after administering State House of Assembly the oath of office on Ibani and 11 Ibani elected former Speaker of other lawmakers, who were either re- the House and member elected during the rerun election or occupies by immediately swearing- of the Senate, whoever is elected, representing Constituency, were returned by the Court of Appeal. in the elected members of the APC, then swears in the other members but O Other lawmakers who were sworn- Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani as the insisting that nobody would stop the they are already members before he new Speaker of the House. in on that day having been returned lawmakers from taking their seats in swore them in. So, if he chooses not Ibani, who was re-elected into by the Independent National the Assembly. to swear them in, that does not any the House during the December Electoral Commission (INEC) at the He said, “The Speaker knows way illegitimize their membership of 10, 2016 legislative rerun election just concluded rerun election on the that he has no power under the the House of Assembly. in the state on the platform of the platform of the PDP the include, constitution of the Federal Republic “So, the Speaker has a choice, he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Granville Tekenari Wellington, of Nigeria not to swear-in people who can swear them in, which is what he was unanimously returned as representing Asari-Toru Constituency were duly elected and returned by is expected to do as Speaker of the Speaker following the resignation 1; Hon. Enemi Alabo-George, INEC. Their people have elected them Rivers State House of Assembly or of the former Speaker, Rt. Hon. representing Asari-Toru Constituency and they must be allowed to perform he can refuse and they will go into Dabotorudima Adams. II and Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple, their constitutional duties. the House of Assembly and take their Adams, who represents Okrika representing Bonny Constituency. “The era of impunity is gone for seats without his permission because Constituency in the House was elected Those who were returned by good. I want to assure that any day, he has no right to seat as a tribunal Speaker in December 2015, when INEC on the platform of the All anywhere and time the Rivers State over the return of any legislator. So, Ibani resigned from office following Progressives Congress (APC) during House of Assembly decides to sit, if they don’t swear them in, they will the nullification of his election by the the rerun include, Hon. Mathew elected members of the APC will be take their seats in the Rivers State Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja. Dike, representing Tai Constituency; part of all deliberations. Rivers state House of Assembly. In his resignation speech, the Hon. Josiah John Olu, representing belongs to all of us and no one is “This kind of impunity and former Speaker, who presided over Eleme Constituency; Hon. Innocent more Rivers than the other. We will rascality that we are witnessing in the passage of the 2017 Appropriation Barikor, representing Gokana challenge impunity in this state.” Rivers State will not be allowed and Bill into law, less than 48 hours after Constituency; Hon. Friday Nkee, On his part, Abe stated there is no will not be tolerated. So, I want to say the governor presented it on the floor representing Khana Constituency II constitutional requirement that said it loud and clear that if they are not of the House, thanked lawmakers for and Hon. Chikere Azubike Wanjoku, lawmakers-elect must be sworn in by sworn-in, they will take their seats on giving him the leadership role and for representing Ikwerre Constituency. the Speaker of the House of Assembly, the floor of the Rivers State House of supporting him while he was speaker. Those who were sworn-in after saying that swearing-in is a ceremony Assembly and they will participate in In his acceptance speech, the new being confirmed by the Court which the Speaker may choose to all deliberations of the Rivers State Speaker, Ibani thanked God for his included Hon. Doctor Farah Dagogo perform or not. House of Assembly without being victory at the polls. He also thanked of the PDP, representing Degema He said, “Let me start with the sworn-in. his constituents and members of the Constituency; Hon. Adonye Diri of most important question that you “So, the Speaker has a choice, he state Assembly for standing by him the PDP, representing Opobo/Nkoro raised here, which is the fact that the can either swear them in or he may during his travails. Constituency and Hon. (Mrs) Victoria leadership of the PDP under Governor refuse to do so, they will still take He said: “First let me thank God Nyeche of the APC representing Port Nyesom Wike has threatened not their seats. Their election is not in for his providence and grace. Without Harcourt Constituency 1. to swear in lawmakers duly elected any way different from the election him I wouldn’t have made it here. Prior to the December 30, swearing- and returned by the Independent of the Speaker. He was not sworn- Today, Adams has shown that as in in ceremony for the returned National Electoral Commission in by anybody before he was elected a man who represents his people, lawmakers, there were unconfirmed (INEC) in Rivers State and to say Speaker by people who were also not Okirika, he can be trusted beyond reports that Wike and the leadership clearly that there is no constitutional sworn-in. Okirika and Rivers State. of the House were plotting to secretly requirements for swearing-in “Having been elected Speaker, he “For members of the Assembly, swear-in only lawmakers elected on lawmakers in this country. cannot then use his own position having exited this Assembly one year the platform of the PDP, thereby “It is a ceremony which the Speaker to upturn the election of other ago you stood by me. As I ascend this keeping those elected on the platform may perform if he chooses but it is legislators who are legitimately throne today, it is not a private estate. of APC stranded. not a constitutional requirement for elected by their own constituents. My knowledge is limited, whatever The development attractedany lawmaker to take his place in the It is not envisaged that that is the you will do to make this institution reactions from leaders of the APC Chambers of the state legislature. So, position of the Constitution of the Incidentally, successful, we are always willing to in the state, including the party’s if the Speaker will not swear them in, Federal Republic of Nigeria and we Adams, who learn. governorship candidate in the 2015 they will march into the House of will not allow it in Rivers State.” is also of the “If in course of my dealings I election, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside Assembly and take their place because However, with the swearing-in PDP, is from have offended you in any way, I seek and the senator representing Rivers they have been returned.” of the returned lawmakers, analysts forgiveness. I will continue to do good South-East district in the National “Let me say to Nigerians that the believe that the Rivers State House the same to all manner of people. For Rivers Assembly, Senator Magnus Ngei President of the Senate, the Speaker of Assembly should brace up for a State, we will continue to support all Abe, threatened that the party’s of the House of Representatives, the balanced legislative duties with a senatorial arms of government and legislate for lawmakers-elect in the Rivers State Speaker of the House of Assembly formidable opposition from the APC, district like the good of all. House of Assembly will join other are elected by lawmakers who have which has seven lawmakers in the 30- the State “To my colleagues who have just lawmakers to sit and perform their not been sworn in by anybody and member PDP-controlled House. been inaugurated with me, we have legislative duties, should the Speaker, that election is valid because the To Allwell Ene, chairman of South- Governor, to join our hands not minding party Adams, fail to swear them in. Constitution already recognises them South zone of the Parliamentary Chief Ezebun- affiliations because the interest of Peterside, who is also the Director- as members of the House of Assembly, Correspondents’ Association of wo Nyesom the state is greater than a political General of the Nigerian Maritime as members of the Federal House of Nigeria (PACAN), newly sworn-in Wike, which party. It is my hope, with all sense of Administration and Safety Agency Representatives, as senators of the lawmakers in the State House of apparently responsibility, that we work in peace (NIMASA), called on the Speaker of Federal Republic of Nigeria based Assembly should to see themselves prompted his and harmony that our constituents, the Rivers State House of Assembly, upon their return in their elections. more as Rivers people than members our people can experience peace and Adams to respect the office he “So, after the Speaker or President of the PDP or APC. resignation 24 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA Monday, January 9, 2017 Monday, January 9, 2017 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA 25 26 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA Monday, January 9, 2017

EDO DELTA BAYELSAzonal RIVERS AKWA IBOM CROSS RIVER watch Community Demands Compensation From NDDC Over Impacted Property BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port destroyed to create access to the commission did not follow due community, was not sought road project at Mmiri Igboe land, Harcourt commission’s bridge and road process before embarking on the before the destruction of the said having a common boundary with project in the area. destruction of the properties. properties. Obiakpu autonomous community, The people of Umu Iyasara-Attah The community, in a letter to The letter, which was copied to It reads in part, “Our client leading to your bridge project villa in Opuoma community in the Managing Director of NDDC, President Muhammadu Buhari, informed us that within July location, without following Ohaji/Egbema local government dated November 24, 2016, and the Senate President, the Speaker and September 2016, your the necessary due process, area of , have called on signed by its attorney, Peter House of Representatives, staff/workers/agents and their protocol and paying the required the Niger Delta Development Joseph, a copy of which was amongst others, also alleged associates had already destroyed compensation, an act consistent Commission (NDDC) to pay made available to LEADERSHIP that the consent of the acting her impacted properties in a with your commission and we compensation for their property in Port Harcourt, alleged that the paramount ruler of Opuoma kangaroo style, to facilitate your verily believe her.

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Wike Lauds Ipalibo Harry Banigo,Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Ogonis For Non- Wike, General Officer Commanding, 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major violence Struggle General Kasimu BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt Abdulkareem, Commander 6 Rivers State Governor, Chief Ezebunwo Wike has Division Garrison, Brigadier General lauded the people of Ogoni for their peaceful and non Kabiru Garba and violence struggle for self determination for twenty Commandant of five years. Military Hospital, Port Wike made the call while speaking at the 2017 Harcourt, Brigadier Ogoni Day celebration held at the Peace and Freedom General Audu Enogela during a visit Centre, Bori, headquarters of Khana local government of the General Officer area of the state. Commanding to the The governor, who was represented by the Rivers State Governor candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in at the Government the just concluded rerun election in Rivers South-East House, Port Harcourt senatorial district, Senator Olaka Nwogu, assured the Ogonis of adequate security ahead of the planned implementation of their polluted environment. He called on the Federal government to put legal Rivers Can Mourns Victims frameworks in order to legalise oil bunkering in area, so as to engage the youths positively. In his address, President of the Movement for the Survival of (MOSOP), Legborsi Saro Of Religious Violence Pyagbara, who declared the oil giant, Shell and the Federal Government were no longer threats to an BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt country in the current year. “As a result of this declaration, the average Ogoniman, described violence as the greatest Anyanasikike charged the various strata National Headquarters has directed threat to the people of Ogoni. The Christian Association of Nigeria of the government to wake from slumber, Christians all over the country, to attend Pyagbara said, “The increased level of violence, (CAN) in Rivers State, has expressed utilize optimally the security agencies, to church services that day in black attire, conflict and insecurity in our area had never been deep concern over the frequent killing opinion and traditional leaders, to check to prove their point-- condemnation and this bad. At certain moments in a people’s history, of Nigerians by Boko Haram insurgents religious intolerance, violence and killings rejection of the dastardly act against leaders must rise up to tell themselves the truth. and suspected Fulani herdsmen in various in the country, even as he condemned in them.” “Today, the greatest threat of the Ogoni man is parts of the country. its entirety wanton waste of human lives. On the recent violence involving Fulani no longer the Shells or the Federal Government Chairman of CAN in the state, Most He said, “CAN has therefore declared cattle headsmen in Enugu, in which three of Nigeria, it is our own behavior. The level of Rev. Isaac Anyanasikike, who disclosed Sunday January 8, 2017, National day of lives were lost and a Mosque burnt, the bloodletting in our communities had surpassed all this in a chat with newsmen in Port mourning of Southern Kaduna killings, CAN chairman viewed that the incessant the periods in our recorded history save the period Harcourt, described the deaths as in memory of those victims, and to crises involving the Fulanis in several of the military repression. unnecessary wastes and irreparable losses draw attention, both nationally and parts of the country, since the emergence “It is as if the demon of conflict had enveloped of human lives, and urged the Federal internationally to the on-going ethnic/ of the present federal government, our land. It is for this reason we are seizing the government to wake up to the defense of religious cleansing of Nigerian Christians rather projects the Federal government opportunity of this year’s Ogoni Day to call on God the defenceless Christians and stem the in general and those of Southern Kaduna and President Muhammadu Buhari in and our people to intervene to restore peace and unity orgy of violence in the various parts of the in particular, in the last few weeks. particular, in a bad light. in Ogoniland.” Total Tasks Host Communities On Breast, Prostrate Cancer Awareness BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port the watch out for early signs of government area of Rivers overall objective of the and lifestyle that can deprive us Harcourt breast and prostate cancer. State. company. of our wellness and confine us Deputy Managing Director, Le CocQ, who was “It is a further demonstration to the sickbay or even hospitals. Oil giant, Total Exploration and Port Harcourt District of represented by the company’s that Total is committed to “Breast cancer starts when Production Nigeria (TEPNG) TEPNG, Mr. Francois Le CocQ, Community Relations Officer, comprehensive well being cells in the breast begins to has called on indigenes of its gave the task while speaking at a Mr Okechukwu Obara, said, of our host and neighboring grow out of control and usually host communities in the Oil cancer sensitisation programme “It is part of the company’s communities by drawing form tumour , it is mainly Mining Licence (OML 58) in at Obote community in corporate social responsibility attention to very easily women sickness while prostate Rivers State, to always be on Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local (CSR) and in line with the overlooked health conditions cancer is peculiar to men.” Monday, January 9, 2017

businessNEWS MONEY CAPITAL MARKET INSURANCE INTERVIEW ANALYSIS Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA INFLATION RATE (%) INFLATION RATE (%) inter bank LENDING RATE (as at Jan 4 ) Naira EXCHANGE RATES (as at Jan 5) Flight schedule 2015 2016 RATE CHANGE (%) Interbank Parallel AEROCONTRACTORS August 9.3 17.6 ON 9.6667 1.38 Dollar 305.00 493 Flights from Abuja September 9.4 17.9 1M 15.9142 -0.08 Pounds 387.99 595 ABUJA -Lagos - 07:00, 08:45, 10:45, 3M 17.8767 0.36 12:45, 14:00, 16:45, 19:55 Abuja-Port October 9.3 18.3 6M 22.3085 0.73 Euro 332.57 506 Harcourt 07:15 , 17:5 Abuja-Sokoto 10:40 Abuja- Asaba 12:50 Abuja-Owerri 13:55 NSCDC Seals 13 Fuel ABuja-Uyo 14:40 Flights to Abuja Stations In Lagos Lagos-Abuja 06:45, 08:45, 10:45, By Chika Ezuora, Lagos 14:45, 16:00, 17:55, 19:40 Port Harcourt-Abuja 09:00, 19:30 The Nigeria Security and Civil Asaba-Abuja 11:15 Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos Sokoto-Abuja 12:15 Owerri-Abuja 12:25 State Command, yesterday said Uyo-Abuja 12:50 it had sealed up 13 fuel stations, Flights to Lagos for allegedly under dispensing Abuja-Lagos 07:00, 08:45, 10:45, 12:45, 14:00, petroleum products. 16:45, 19:55 The Public Relations Officer Port Harcourt-Lagos 07:30, 08:45, 12:20, 16:15, (PRO) of the Command, Miss Kenny 19:30 Bada, made the confirmation in an Accra-Lagos 08:00, 08:00, 19:25 interview in Lagos. Kano-Lagos 08:35 Bada said that the NSCDC carried Owerri -Lagos 12:25 out the exercise in collaboration Benin City-Lagos 13:00 Arik Air with the Department of Petroleum Abuja-Lagos 7:00, 9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 Resources (DPR). “The men of Lagos-Abuja 7:00, 9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, NSCDC, through its Intelligence 17:00 Department, uncovered 13 filling Abuja-Kano 4:20 stations in Badagry axis known Kano-Abuja 15:50 for selling petroleum products Abuja-Gombe 11:45 to unsuspecting public below the Gombe-Abuja 13:30 stipulated dispensing measurement. Abuja-Sokoto 9:40 “These filling stations were sealed L-R: Managing director, LAPO MicroFinance Bank, Mr Godwin Ehigiamusoe; divisional head, Small and Sokoto-Abuja 11:20 on January 5, 2017. They include Medium Enterprises South, Bank of Industry, Mr AbdulGaniyu Mohammed; MD/ CEO, Fortis MicroFinance Abuja-Yola 16:30 Falcons Filling Station at MTN Bus Bank Plc, Mr Tiko Okoye;acting managing director, BoI, Mr Waheed Olagunju; MD/CEO, Lotus Capital Yola-Abuja 7:40 Limited, Hajia Hajara Adeola, and executive director, Commercial Services, BoI, Mr . Jonathan Tobin, Abuja-Port Harcourt 7:00, 11:00, 16:30 Stop; Royal Stream filling station Port Harcourt-Abuja 8:40, 12:40, 18:10 at Mowo extension, Energy filling during the BoI cheque presentation ceremony to Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP) scheme in Lagos, on Kano-Lagos 13:10 station at Mowo and Labs filling Friday. PHOTO BY KOLAWOLE ALIU Lagos-Kano 11:05 station, Mowo. FIRST NATION “Also sealed are Energy filling Lagos-Abuja 06:50, 09:30, 11:30, 16:00. station and Ramos filling station, Abuja-Lagos 08:40, 11.15, 13.30, 18.10 Aradagun and two Total filling Budget: Inflation, Exchange Rate To Influence AIR PEACE stations at Toga. Lagos-Abuja 07.10, 10.50, 13.00, 16.05 “Others are MRS filling station Abuja-Lagos 09.00, 14.00, 15.45, 17.50 at Toga, JINMS filling station at DANA AIR Bond Subscriptions In 2017–Analysts Lagos-Abuja 07.02, 11.07, 13.23, 15.30, 17.10 Badagry Roundabout, Jackson Abuja-Lagos 09.00, 11.16, 13.05, 17.28, 19.08 filling station at Seme-Badagry, ...As DMO plans N430bn bond issuance in Q1 Medview Olubisi Obinja Nig. Ltd at Joseph ABUJA-LAGOS: 09.00, 10.15 Dosu Way, and Nybo filling By Bukola idowu, Lagos the end of the year. that inflation will subside this LAGOS-ABUJA: 07.00, 08.50, 11.15, 15.15, 17.15. station Sawmill Bus Stop,” she This had been spurred by rising year, investors’ interest in the debt Abuja-Kano: 17.00 said. With a proposed appropriation inflation and the unwillingness of market may be spurred. Last week, Kano-Abuja: 18.30 Bada said that the operation bill deficit of N2.269 trillion in the debt office to increase yields. subscription level for the Treasury Lagos-Kano: 15.15 was made possible as a result of 2017 of which N1.252 trillion is Inflation in the country had reached Bill auction by the Central Bank of Kano-Lagos: 18:30 intelligence gathering by the men Abuja-Maiduguri: 13.15 to be sourced through domestic a high of 18.4 per cent in November Nigeria (CBN) had risen by 355 per Maiduguri-Abuja: 15.15 of the corps. borrowing, analysts say inflation, last year, as investors asked for cent. Lagos-Maiduguri: 11.15 exchange rates as well as yields higher yields. Subscription at the first auction Maiduguri-Lagos15.15 Group Business Editor would determine the ability of the The debt office had itsfor the year came to N194.12 billion, Abuja-Yola: 10.50 Bayo Amodu government to raise as much as it expectations met from January well up from N42.68 billion at the Yola-Abuja: 13.00 Lagos-Yola: 0850 Business Editor (Lagos) plans to through bonds this year. when the naira was pegged till previous auction. The apex bank Yola-Lagos: 13.00 Blessing Anaro The Debt Management Office at August; two months after the sold treasury bills at the first auction the weekend had released the 2017 flexible exchange rate began. of the year with yields unchanged Enugu-Lagos: 08.45 Lagos-Enugu: 07.15 Assistant Business Editors first quarter bond issuance calendar, However, by September, investors’ from the previous auction, held on Lagos-Portharcourt: 11.30 Kingsley Alu in which it says it plans to raise interest waned especially in December 21, 2016. Portharcourt-Lagos: 13.20 Chima Akwaja between N340 and N430 billion in November when the country was According to the Q1 2017 bond azman air Tony Awunor the first three months of the year. able to raise 41 per cent of what it issuance calendar, the DMO will MONDAY-FRIDAY: Kano-Lagos, 7:30am, 3:45pm Correspondent While it had only reopenings expected from bond sales. hold its first auction next week on Abuja-Lagos: 9:45am, 3:30pm Chika Izuora last year, it said it would be issuing The 16-month peg of the naira Wednesday, January 18, raising Lagos-Abuja: 9:45am, 3:30pm Reporters a new 10-year bond in March this Abuja-Kano: 2:30pm Ruth Tene Natsa at N197 at the official end of the between N115 billion to N145 Kano-Abuja-Maiduguri: 8:15am Bukola Idowu year. Last year, the DMO had raised foreign exchange market had ended billion in re-openings of the 2021, Abuja-Maiduguri: 9:30am Olushola Bello N977.7 billion through reopenings in June, 2016 as the value of the 2026 and 2036 FGN Bonds. Maiduguri-Abuja-Lagos: 11:20am Suzan Nwachukwu of Federal Government Bonds, less local currency dropped to N340 On February 18, it said it will raise Abuja-Yola: 11:30am Abah Adah than its expected fund raising of before settling around N305 at the at least N40 billion from the 2021, Yola-Abuja-Kano: 1pm; Sat: Kano-Abuja 8:00am George Okojie N1.135 trillion as investors’ interest interbank market. 2026 and 2036 bond re-openings Abuja-Lagos: 9:30am, Lagos-Kano: 6pm Chika Okeke in the debt market waned towards However, with expectations each. 28 BUSINESS/industry www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA Monday, January 9, 2017 Dangote Flour Emerges Best Performing Stock In 2016 by OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

Dangote Flour Mill (DFM) Plc has emerged the best performing stock in 2016 in percentage terms having gained by 276.11 per cent. Statistics obtained from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) for the period showed the stock opened the year 2016 at N1.13 and appreciated by 276.11 per cent to close trading at N4.65 per share. One of the factors that have endeared the president of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote to invest in the nation’s capital market was his decision to list some of his companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). That decision gave opportunity to investors to share from his wealth through dividends payment. The Dangote Flour Building first company in the Dangote Group to list on the NSE was Dangote Sugar Refinery. prevent the company from going advisory group, GTI Capital said the return to profitability Today, there are Dangote under and save over 3,000 jobs of Group, Mr. Hassan Kehinde, said follows several strategies adopted Cement, which is the most Nigerians. the reintegration of the flour- by the company to increase capitalised on the exchange, With the transfer of the 65.66 milling company into Dangote market share and create value for Dangote Flour Mills (DFM) and per cent equity stake of Tiger Group appeared to be reinforcing shareholders. Nascon Allied Industries. These Brands to DIL, which previously investors’ confidence. He said that the flour mill is companies have been rewarding held 10 per cent equity stake, The company in its nine months driven by the vision of putting shareholders with dividends. DIL now controls 75.66 per cent ended June 30, 2016 returned its products on the table of every However, shareholders in DFM majority equity stake in the fully back to profit as it posted a Nigerian. Plc had a raw deal when Dangote company, Dangote Group then profit before tax (PBT) of N2.64 Dangote Flour Mills Plc Industries Limited (DIL), decided moved swiftly to rebuild the flour- billion, compared to a loss of N9.55 commenced operations in to sell part of that company to milling business, a move that billion posted in the corresponding 1999, as a division of Dangote South African firm, Tiger Brand appeared to have won investors’ period of 2015. Industries Limited (DIL), one in 2012. Soon after the sale, the confidence. An analysis of the results of Nigeria’s largest and fastest fortunes of DFM nosedived, In a move that further showed that Dangote Flour Mills, growing conglomerates. Following leading to accumulated losses. strengthened the corporate which consists of Dangote Flour, the strategic decision of DIL to For nearly four years, DFM independence of the company, Dangote Pasta, and Dangote unbundle its various operations, under Tiger Brands struggled Alhaji Aliko Dangote relinquished Noodles, recorded a gross profit DFM was incorporated in 2006. with losses. External auditors to the traditional role of chairing of N14.03 billion by June 2016 The restructuring was completed TBCG- Akintola Williams Deloitte, the board of the subsidiaries of as against N2.62 billion by June in January, 2006 when the Federal underscored the dire state of the the group, and Mr. Asue Ighodalo 2015. Profit from operating High Court sanctioned a scheme flour-milling company in the was appointed as chairman of the activities rose to N8.47 billion by of Arrangement wherein all the latest audit, expressing worries new DFM. June 2016 compared with trading assets, liabilities and undertakings that accumulated losses and The repositioning strategies put loss of N3.48 billion in comparable of the erstwhile flour division of continuing decline in operational in place after its re-acquisition period of 2015. After tax, net DIL was transferred to DFM. performance that had wiped out from Tiger Brands by Dangote profit stood at N2.84 billion by From an initial installed The company shareholders’ funds could threaten Industries Limited had yielded June 2016. capacity of 500 MT per day at its the survival of the ailing flour- fruit by returning Dangote Flour Also, the year end result for Apapa mill, Dangote Flour has in its nine milling company. Mills back to profit and made the September 30, 2016 shown 62.6 expanded rapidly by opening in months After nearly four years of stock share price to be the best per cent growth in revenue while quick successions three other ended June successive losses and impairing performing in 2016. profit after tax migrated from a flour mills in Kano (2000), Calabar 30, 2016 re- of assets and with losses and The head, research andloss position of N12.7 billion in (2001) and Ilorin (2005). Each of frustrations building up on all investment advisory, SCM Capital 2015 to N5 billion in 2016. The the mills started with an installed turned fully sides, Tiger Brands, which had Limited, Mr. Sewa Wusu, said the company’s profit before tax moved capacity of 500 MT per day but back to profit then just renamed DFM as TBCG, reconstitution of the board and from a loss of N12.5 billion to all of them have subsequently as it posted a in November 2015 announced management of the new DFM have N5.5 billion in 2016. While the expanded resulting in a total profit before that it would no longer extend inspired investors’ confidence. increased profit signaled positive installed capacity of 5,000. funding to the struggling Nigerian “The move created positive basic earnings per share that The expansion was in response tax (PBT) subsidiary. sentiments on the prospects of moved from N1.12 to a loss of to a growing national demand for of N2.64 Faced with the dire situation transforming the company from N2.51. flour and flour based products in billion, of outright liquidation and the current losses,” Wusu noted. The company for the period addition to the company’s drive for compared bankruptcy, Tiger Brands Besides, DIL has injected recorded the hike in cost of sales increased market share. Thus from considered many offers and new capital into the new DFM. attributable to increased cost of a modest beginning the company to a loss of options and on December 11, The company’s processesflour materials, among others. has grown to become one of the N9.55 billion 2015 reached agreement with and management have been Consequently, the company’s cost industry leaders within a six- posted in the Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) strengthened in order to stabilise of sales/revenue rose to 90.7 per year period. The company has correspond- to resell the troubled flour-milling the business and place it on a cent in 2016 from 74 per cent in three wholly owned subsidiaries, company to DIL; buying back its sustainable path aimed at creating 2015. comprising Dangote Agro Sacks ing period of former subsidiary, according to value for its stakeholders. The group chief executive officer, Limited, Dangote Pasta Limited 2015 DIL, was motivated by the need to Also, the head, financial Dangote Flour Mills, Thabo Mabe and, Dangote Noodles Limited. Monday, January 9, 2017 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA NEWS/BUSINESS /29 High Hopes As Auditor-general Nominee Emerges By Mbakaan Kwen, Abuja not substantive. For instance the audit of the News has filtered in federal government’s that the nominee for 2015 financial the position of the statement has stalled Auditor General of since the retirement the Federation Mr. of the last Auditor- Anthony Mkpen Ayine General together is to appear before the with other important Senate Public Accounts policy matters like Committee today in staff welfare that has Abuja for screening to stagnated since then.” fill the position which The senate committee has been without a is appealed to fast track substantive Auditor- the screening process of General since the the nominee to enable retirement of Mr. the office resume Samuel Tyonongo back its activities Ukura on June 5, 2016. on full scale so that According to the accounts which information is already in default Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika (middle), during an inspection tour of Nigerian College of made available to against the provision Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria, at weekend. PHOTO BY NAN LEADERSHIP, “the of the Nigerian filling of the post of constitution can be the Auditor-General quickly concluded of the Federation and submitted to the is very important National Assembly. Sirika Expresses Satisfaction With to the fight against The nominee, Mr. corruption by the Anthony Mkpe Ayine, present administration is a Cross River State Kano Airport Runway because in the past born Fellow of the seven months or so, Institute of Chartered …Says no plan to decentralise NCAT we have somehow Accountants of Nigeria been rudderless [ICAN] and the current By Ejike Ejike, Kano he said. no plan to go ahead with capacity and ability of the because the two senior Auditor General in the Speaking on the time such policies. college to do more. But if officials that haveemployment of Cross Minister of State, Aviation, frame for the completion of The minister, who stated somebody feels that he has Senator Hadi Sirika has the new airport terminal in this at the weekend when funds to go and establish acted have limitations River State with over 18 expressed satisfaction with Kano, the minister said the he visited the college on a facility somewhere to do to how far they can years post professional the runway of the Mallam project will be completed facility tour, noted that some kind of training, of go because they are qualification. Aminu Kano International soon because work on it is decentralising the college course, we will support him.” Airport, Kano. at advance stage now. ‘‘The will lead to weakening it He however, noted that The minister, whoterminal building project is thereby defeating the aim any individual or group Widening Gap Between Interbank, Parallel Forex described the airport as a very good job and the work of the establishment. who wants to establish any Rates Encouraging Roundtripping–Bismarck being in perfect shape done and I think that with a He said: “It was the aviation institute anywhere during a facility tour little more push, we should UNDP that partnered with in the country, will be fully By BUKOLA Idowu, Lagos dropped last week to N493 yesterday in Kano, said the be there and it will be ready International Civil Aviation supported and encouraged. to the dollar compared to existing runway had the for completion. Organisation (ICAO) and Meanwhile, on the With a N188 disparity the stable value of N305 at capacity to carry all types Meanwhile, the minister Nigerian government to planned establishment of between the value of the the market, a rate Bismarck of aircraft, adding that he has said all policies aimed produce this institution. Aviation University, the naira at the interbank and said is “neither a realistic had high confidence in at decentralising the And it is one of its kind, so minister said it will promote parallel foreign exchange nor an effective price of the airport facility. ‘‘The Nigerian College of Aviation why are we going to reduce research, development and markets, managing the currency at this time. runway is okay, it is in good Technology (NCAT) in its capacity and capability? production of higher level director and chief executive This is because you cannot condition, we just inspected Zaria, Kaduna state, have Our own task is to improve, management manpower of Financial Derivatives get dollars at this price it and we are happy with it,’’ been stopped as there was enhance and upgrade the for the industry. Company Limited, Bismarck unconditionally.” Rewane, has said the “The CBN will need to discriminating monopoly eliminate or phase out Cut On Import Duties ‘II Boost Economy, Says Kashamu in the market is encouraging regulations that stifle round tripping. market activities, create By Yusuf Babalola, Lagos Roundtripping is the a sense of two-way risk adding that with all these, all agree with the policies will improve with faith in illegal buying at lower rate in the market, reduce its the nation’s economy of the government all God and support for our from a privileged end of market making role and The Senator representing should experience a of the time and also leaders at various levels. the market such as the stop indirect or overt Ogun East Senatorial rebound. appreciate the fact that, “Let us choose courage interbank end to sell at a rate determination as District in the National Kashamu, who spoke as a people, we are faced and faith over confusion much higher rate. According well as increase market Assembly, Buruji yesterday in Ijebu with some challenges, the and fear. Let us see the to Bismarck, any market information on the Kashamu has commended Igbo, Ijebu North Local way to go is not to seek to cup as half-full instead structure where the same sources and uses of foreign the federal government Government Area pull down the roof on our of half-empty. Let us put product is selling at different exchange.” for the cut on import of Ogun State while heads. on our thinking caps, prices at the same time is Adding that the CBN described in economics as a regulator must be duties for 173 items, addressing leaders of ‘‘As patriotic citizens, look inwards and tap into as a price discriminating describing the move the Peoples’ Democratic we should show our innate enterprising firm in dealing with monopoly market structure. market infractions, as one that will “boost Party (PDP) and some empathy, support and abilities as a people and “Typically, this market is he said there must be industry and rejuvenate members of the All offer constructive advice continue to the growth characterized by barriers to liquidity, transparency and the small-scale sector of Progressives Congress through the appropriate and development of entry that allow those with openness in the market. the economy.” (APC) who defected to the channel and not seek our dear native land, influence or connections to For the fiscal side, he said He said that good PDP, said while it is true to play to the gallery by for, as it is said, though buy in the cheaper market, the “Nigerian government news is coming on the that an opposition party consistently painting tongues and tribe may e.g. N305/$ and sell in the will in 2017 strive towards heels of the recovery of may not agree with every a gloomy picture and differ, in brotherhood more lucrative market, e.g. greater coordination of Sambisa forest and the policy of the current wishing Nigeria and we stand. In spite of what N500/$. This is what is these policies, and will hugely successful anti- government, it must be Nigerians bad whereas the naysayers might be probably happening right move from its current bias now (round tripping).” for a command economy corruption campaign done constructively. experts and more saying, the truth is that The value of the naira which has saved the He said: “While I knowledgeable people there are opportunities monetary policy towards a at the parallel market had mixed economy. country trillions of Naira reckon that we may not are saying that things everywhere.” 30 Money market www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA Monday, January 9, 2017 Financial Markets First Bank Increases Mobile App Transaction Limit To N1m

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has increased the transaction limit on its FirstMobile Lifestyle app to a maximum daily limit of N150,000.00 without the use of a token and a total daily transaction limit of N1 million with token. Announcing the increase at the weekend, the bank said the development is aimed at boosting convenience and ease of banking as well as enhance customers’ digital banking experience in line with the its commitment to offer value-added services that suit the lifestyles of its customers. FirstBank had launched it FirstMobile app as part of its drive to leverage evolving technology in providing cutting-edge banking services to its customers and the mobile banking app which is secure and easy to use, allows users to carry out banking transactions on the go from their mobile phones anywhere in the world. The banking app comes with a user-defined Nigeria’s Reserve Improves transaction pin which is an extra security feature and customers can also perform the following actions on the enhanced app: Change Transaction PIN, Reset Transaction PIN, Synchronize token, and change On Rising Oil Price their log in pin – mPIN. Stories by Bukola Iodwu, Lagos average was on January 4, 2016, CBN imports and for 4.9 months when we With the integrated lifestyle mobile banking data show that gross official reserves add services. app, customers can enjoy real-time mobile banking Nigeria’s external reserves which picked up by $1.1 billion in December on “However, the CBN remains cautious. services such as domestic funds transfer from self- had declined to $23.896 billion in a 30-day moving average basis to $25.8 It has been selling just $1.5 million per owned accounts to FirstBank accounts and other October last year has continued to rise billion. day (to one bank in line with a rota) and banks’ accounts; make quick airtime purchase for self especially as the price of crude oil at The monthly average movement looking to meet import demand with and others on all mobile networks; bills payments; the international market sustains its has been an outflow of $270 million its periodic forward contracts since the cheque services including confirm cheque and stop northward move. Global oil price had over the past 12 months. According to devaluation/liberalisation in June. cheque; flight booking; and quick account services begun to rise following the output cut analysts at FBN Quest, the increase the “We do not see a floating exchange- such as account balance inquiry, statement view and agreement by Organization of Petroleum previous month was on the basis of the rate regime anytime soon. The CBN much more. Exporting Countries (OPEC) countries. disbursement of $600 million by the and monetary policy committee are not In December 2016, FirstMobile recorded a The price of oil which had declined to African Development Bank (AfDB) in in a rush to make the change, and the milestone in its user numbers with the attainment around $35 per barrel has since climbed the form of budget support. “This latest political leadership is not convinced of of 1million active users while over N1.3trillion steadily to $58 per barrel. This had rise, and the increase of $300 million its merits. Offshore portfolio investors transaction volume has been consummated using reflected on Nigeria’s reserves which in one day on a moving average basis, and other market participants will be the FirstMobile app since its launch in 2015. has grown by 9.7 per cent compared to constitutes a greater challenge beyond disappointed. According to the Head, Digital Banking at FirstBank, its 2016 low of $23.89 billion last year the $10 per barrel surge in the oil price “Yet we cannot identify the large Mrs. Folasade Femi-Lawal, the bank will continue October. According to latest data released since the new OPEC accord,” said the autonomous foreign exchange inflows to leverage evolving technologies to support by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), it analysts. which will prove the short-term, game- consumers’ lifestyle by providing them with a suite showed that the 30-day moving average They also noted that while the reserves changer. We stick, therefore, with our of financial options in a convenient and highly of the reserves as at January 5, 2017 may appear comfortable according to one piecemeal solution in which a series secure environment. FirstBank’s digital innovations stood at $26.218 billion. traditional measure, “on the basis of the of transactions over time supplies the were rewarded with awards in 2016 which include While the current figure shows a balance of payments for the 12 months trigger (Eurobond, balance under the the Asian Banker award for Best Mobile Payments decline of 9.5 per cent when compared to through to end-June, they provided AfDB facility, World Bank and Chinese and the Global Finance Digital Bank of Distinction $28.978 billion which the 30-day moving cover for 6.8 months’ merchandise support, and oil-related transactions).” award. FG Gazettes Adeosun’s Reversal Of Okonjo-Iweala’s Tax Cut The Federal Government has cent to 2.5 per cent. LEADERSHIP via the Federal Republic of Nigeria about how taxpayers, who might would treat acts of non- compliance finally gazetted the amendment had last year reported that the Official Gazette of 23 November have deducted WHT at 2.5 per cent arising from the late release of the to the withholding tax (WHT) rate minister had begun the process of 2016. and made payments to relevant Gazette to the public,” the tax applicable to all aspects of building, the reversal of the tax reduction. The new regulations, which have vendors on this basis, would account experts stated. construction and related activities The Minister of Finance, in an effective date of November 9, for the shortfall in WHT deducted. Iweala had in late 2014 amended (excluding survey, design and exercise of her powers under Section 2016, became publicly available in “Taxpayers with non-repetitive the Companies Income Tax to effect deliveries) proposed by the Minister 81(8) of the Companies Income Tax January 2017, and taxpayers are to transactions with relevant vendors a reduction in the withholding tax of Finance, Kemi Adeosun. Act, reversed the withholding tax apply the revised WHT rate of five may be the most adversely affected rate applicable to payments in The finance minister had last year (WHT) rate applicable to all aspects per cent with effect from last year by the development, as there may respect of all aspects of building, reversed the amendment done by her of building, construction and related November. not be any future payments from construction, and related activities predecessor, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, activities (excluding survey, design However, analysts at KPMG say which to deduct the WHT shortfall. excluding survey, design and which cut the Withholding Tax and deliveries) from 2.5 per cent to the delay in making the Gazette It therefore remains to be seen how deliveries from five per cent to 2.5 payable in the sector from five per 5 per cent. The reversal was done publicly available raises concerns the Federal Inland Revenue Service per cent. Monday, January 9, 2017 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA Capital market 31 Financial Markets

STOCK INDEX (as at january 6 STOCK INDEX (as at january 6 ) Gainers Losers ASI (Points)……………………………………………...... 26,251.39 Symbols CP % change Symbols CP % change DEALS (Numbers)…………………………………………. 2,659 UCap 3.02 4.86 Cadbury 9.50 -5.00 VOLUME (Numbers)…………………………...... 210.21 FCMB 1.17 4.46 Mobil 265.05 -5.00 Oando 4.69 3.30 NEM 0.95 -5.00 VALUE (N billion)………………………………………... .. N1.51 Eterna 3.30 3.13 UBN 5.22 -4.92 Nahco 2.72 -4.90 CAP (Ntrn)………………………………………………. N9.032 Access 6.28 2.28 Dangote Flour, United Capital, Total Lead NSE’s 2016 Best Stocks

… Gains Over 100% In 2016 Despite the fact that the Nigerian stock market closed 2016 with a decline of 6.1 per cent, Dangote Flour, United Capital and Total Plc did post impressive returns of over 100 per cent for the year. In a year where Nigerians were seeking for an investment outlet that could provide decent returns, rather than see the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) as an investment destination many preferred to invest in ponzi schemes. According to data available to LEADERSHIP, a total of 31 stocks out of about 170 closed 2016 on a positive note. The rest either returned flat or closed the year negatively. Of the 31 stocks that closed the year with a gain, three posted a return that was about 100 per cent. Dangote Flour has emerged the best performing stock in 2016, gained by 276.11 per cent to close trading at N4.25 per share as against N1.13 at the start of the trading year. United Capital followed with a gain of 108.40 per cent to close at N2.73, compared with the N1.31, which it opened the year, while Total rose by 103.39 per cent to close at N299 against N147.01. Stock Market Depreciates By It would be recalled Tiger Brands, one of Africa’s largest consumer goods company, acquired Dangote Flour Mills in 2012. After the acquisition, the new owners put in place strategies to turn around a company that seems to have N214bn In Opening Week lost its glory days. Unfortunately, things only went from bad to worse Stories By OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos Guinness. The Banking and Oil & Gas However, the total volume traded and the company continued to lose more money. Soon indices lost 1.57 per cent and 1.64 per increased by 963.8 per cent to 4.319 after, they gave up and sold the company back to Dangote For the first four consequent trading cent respectively, while the Insurance billion shares, with Unity Kapital Industries Limited and renamed the company to Dangote days of the year, the Nigerian stock index recorded a 0.17 per cent decline. Assurance, Omoluabi Savings and Flour Mills, within a year it recorded its first profits. This market experienced a free fall as Stocks Activities Movement For The Loans and FCMB accounted for 89.45 triggered a share price rally that saw the stock gain over investors lost N214 billion. In Week per cent of traded volume. Total value 280 per cent. Investors see an opportunity in the company summary, the NSE-ASI shed 623.23 Performance in the first trading of trades increased by 98.1 per cent to and have rewarded the stock with capital gains. absolute points or 2.32 per cent to week of the New Year was majorly N7.376 billion with Guaranty Trust For United Capital, one of the companies that have close at 26,251.39 points, last week. dragged by profit taking in market Bank, Nigerian Breweries and Zenith increased shareholder value through sound fundamentals, Similarly, the market capitalisation bellwethers as the broader index Bank accounted for 43.39 per cent, the company grew its profits in 2015 by a whopping 39 per depreciated by N214 billion to close at closed negative on three of the four exchanged in 9,330 deals. cent and declared dividends that provided a yield of about N9.032 trillion. Stock market analysts trading sessions. The only positive Outlook For This Week 15 per cent at the time the announcement was made. noted, “Given the uptrend witnessed performance was recorded on Friday For this week, stock market analysts The company only went from strength to strength. By in the Benchmark index towards the with 0.2 per cent as gains in Tier-1 expect a mix of bargain hunting and the second quarter of 2016, the company announced that tail end of 2016, last week’s negative counters in the Banking sub-sector profit taking activities. Analysts at it had sold its 50 per cent stake in UBA Metropolitan for close can be linked to profit-taking lifted the market. Afrinvest Limited, said, “Following about N2.2 billion and the company in its nine months in counters which had previously Market breadth was positive, with the poor performance recorded this of 2016 results reported an earnings per share growth of appreciated.” 18 gainers versus 31 losers compared week, we believe losses could moderate 144 per cent to 78 kobo. Sentiment across sectors was to 37 gainers versus 21 losers previous in the coming week as investors take Total reported earnings per share of N8.32 in the first bearish as all indices closed in the week. The best performers for the week advantage of bargain opportunities in quarter of 2016 representing a 530 per cent increase over negative territory. The Industrial were UACN Property by 14.50 per cent value stocks.” the same period last year. Investors saw the results and Goods index declined the most, down gain, United Capital up by 10.62 per Analysts at Cordros Capital also began scrambling for the stock. The second and third by 3.02 per cent week-on-week, and cent and Access Bank appreciated added that, “Despite the huge selloffs quarter results were no different posting double-digit largely attributed to weak sentiment by 6.98 per cent. On the other side, posted by key counters across the earnings growth year on year. Rumours that the company toward Dangote Cement and Wapco. Nahco depreciated by 13.92 per cent, market in 2016, we expect investors was planning to sell its downstream business has also The Consumer Goods index shed CCNN shed 13.40 per cent and NEM to continue to exercise caution, in helped fuel a share price rally that had the share price 2.28 per cent on account of losses in Insurance dipped by 9.52 per cent as anticipation of triggers from the policy cross N300 at some point in November before receding Dangote Flour, Nigerian Breweries and they were the worst performers. environment.” by year-end. 32 Money/Market www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA Monday, January 9, 2017 Ensure Moves To Increase Insurance Penetration

Ensure, an insurance company, has unveiled several of its products meant to deepen insurance penetration including education insurance policy that provides education cover to children no matter what happens to their parents, with up to 70 percent coverage for critical illness, together with funeral expenses, accidental death benefit and of course, all educational fees paid for. Some of its products include: burglary insurance, indemnity, protection for goods in transit, and even business interruption insurance for any business, and insurance policies for the aviation, construction and manufacturing industries. L-R : Festus Izevbizua, CFO, FBNInsurance; Val Ojumah, MD/CEO, FBNInsurance, Omobola Tolu-Kusimo, President, NAIPCO; The company, it pointed out, offers savings Ngozi Onyeakusi, Financial Secretary, NAIPCO and Emeka Dibia, CHRO, FBNInsurance, at the presentation of the insurance cer- plans for anyone interested in accumulating tificates to NAIPCO executives in Lagos. wealth through responsible saving. They offer different monthly savings over fifteen year periods, with scalable maturity amounts expected, helping people build a stable financial future. Shareholders Charge Underwriters Ensure, in a statement, noted that, “We are all about ‘No Wahala’ insurance, and we understand there is a much greater demand for these products, across more industries than we On Good Returns On Investments expected. We have done some amazing work on behalf of home and car insurance users, and Stories by ZAKA KHALIQ, Lagos shareholders, that is what you get,” he (AGMs), noting that the affected firms may now we can help people with life, education and said. have to conduct two AGMs (2015 and 2016) business insurance, and even savings.” Shareholders have charged, especially, Explaining the reason why some in 2017. Expecting these new services to be incredibly the 26 insurance firms listed on the floor insurers may not be paying dividends “ Since NAICOM has given some of them popular in the new year, the company said it is of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to for now, the Director, Finance and approval, they should have done the AGM changing the way insurance works for Nigerians. give good returns on investments to their Account, National Insurance Commission and put the ugly incident behind them. By teeming shareholders in the country. (NAICOM), Mr. Nicholas Opara, said, by 2017, that means they are going to have two Speaking on behalf of shareholders in regulation, the companies are not allowed AGMs at hand. How they are going to do it, an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP, to pay dividend until they clear their is best known to them. That means some Royal Exchange the President, Progressive Shareholders negative reserves. of them might do their meetings in early Association of Nigeria (PSAN), Mr. “The commission will always ask them January or February,” he observed. Promises To Pay Boniface Okezie, said most insurance to extinguish the negative reserves before Speaking on the four insurers whose stocks, are not giving good returns on they pay dividend. Hopefully, most of accounts had been submitted, but yet to get investment to shareholders for some years them are making profit and if it continues, regulatory approval, he urged the affected Genuine Claims now, noting that this was the reason why they should be able to declare dividend in firms to do the right things, because, their prices have remained at par value. the near future,” he pointed out. according to him, NAICOM must have Royal Exchange General Insurance Company He said shareholders react to the results While most of the underwriters seen something wrong with the accounts (REGIC) has promised to continue to pay genuine a company releases, its dividend payout, are making profits on a yearly basis, and refuse to approve them. claims to its clients across the federation noting its future prospect, saying most listed investigation revealed that insurers devoted According to him, “The affected that it will continue to be the business philosophy insurance companies have failed in all of most of these profits to clear their negative companies should be able to rectify issues of the company in years ahead. these parameters. reserve, and until they extinguish the debts, that makes NAICOM fail to approve them The company said it will continue to support “So, where do you expect the price shareholders might have to wait longer to and avoid repeating such issues. Most of the business community as it strives to increase to go? The price would remain as it is. get a good returns on their investments. the companies paddled their accounts, the manufacturing capacities of industries in It is the dividend payout that throws Earlier, Okezie had frowned at the and if your account is not good, NAICOM the country. It said this after settling claims to up the prices, and so long as you don’t inability of about 16 insurance companies will not approve. Some have corporate the tune of N1.683 billion at the end of the third pay a commensurate dividend to the to hold their 2015 Annual General Meetings governance issues. quarter of 2016. The Managing Director, Benjamin Agili, who disclosed this in Lagos, reiterated the company’s commitment towards settlement of genuine Annuity Controversy: LASPEC DG Demands Autonomy Of Insurers insurance claims while giving a breakdown of the various amounts paid in the different insurance The Director-General, Lagos State risk elements. this first quarter is going to give a clearer classes. Pension Commission (LASPEC), Mrs. She advised the National Pension picture as to who controls the annuity Agili said a total of N551.19 million was paid Folashade Onanuga, believes the Commission (PenCom) and her business in the country. On November, on Industrial All Risk (IAR) insurance policies, management of annuity assets, should counterpart, National Insurance 03, 2016, PenCom released a circular, representing 33 per cent of the total amount remain sorely with life insurers, due to Commission (NAICOM) to quickly mandating all life insurance firms to paid out so far at the end of quarter 3, 2016. For risk factors associated with the business. find a common ground in resolving the return the N145.05 billion Annuity Fund Motor and Accident insurance policies, N434.57 She added that the transfer of annuity issues raised by the life insurers as well in their custody to the PFCs. million was paid to policy holders, accounting for assets to Pension Fund Custodians as pension operators, to find an amicable The PenCom circular sent to Pension 26 per cent of the total sum paid, while Marine (PFCs) would ensure proper safe valve solution that will benefit all stakeholders. Fund Administrators(PFAs) and Insurance claims was 21 per cent of the total, for the funds. Her Commission she said, had Custodians and signed by its Head, which amounted to N346.95 million. Onanuga, who spoke with journalists complied with the directive, stressing Surveillance Department, Muhammad Other classes of insurance with claims in Lagos, stated that since annuity that retirees have the liberty to return to Umar, said in line with the Pension payments include General Accident insurance business entails underwriting risks, it annuity after the three months mandate Reforms Act (PRA) 2014, it resolved that policies with N140.97 million paid out as claims, should be fully domiciled in insurance given by PenCom. the custody of retiree life annuity shall representing eight per cent, while Fire Insurance companies, stressing that annuity The battle for the soul of annuity henceforth, be domiciled with PFCs as policies resulted in total claims payment of operations is quite different from business still continues between the provided for in Section 56 of the pension N105.33 million paid out, which is about six per pension contributions, which has no pension and insurance industries, while act. cent of the claims paid to various clients. Monday, January 9, 2017 BUSINESS/BANKER’S BANK /33 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA Ensuring Proper Regulation Of Securities Settlement In Nigeria ules for the settlement and clearing of transactions on exchange market contracts and for the Rhandling of benefit actions such as banker’s bank dividend payments and corporate BY MARK ITSIBBOR, Abuja actions, have revealed with evidence that stiff but good regulation of the market has huge benefits for the market and the traders, although some financial experts may believe such stiff rules in an exchange market might restrict business activities and dimple its growth prospects. Settlement is the exchange of the title or legal ownership of financial products as bonds, notes, stocks and shares for money between a buyer and seller. Settlement occurs automatically two business days after a transaction which is referred to as T+2. It is an automatic process provided by ASX, and involves two simultaneous processes: Payment is made for the trade by electronic transfer and the legal ownership of the security is transferred to the buyer. Despite the establishment of CBN building in Abuja the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) in 1997, there have been cases of improprieties in the (OTC) Securities, NASD Over The the clearing/settlement agent of their securities directly into nation’s financial market ranging Counter (OTC) Securities, Nigerian shall transmit the final financial their bank accounts or deposit from delayed transactions due Commodity Exchange (NCX) traded net settlement obligation of the into their stock broking account or to signature verification process, securities and Afex Commodities settlement banks to the CBN RTGS other acceptable payment modes. corruption and other sharp exchanges. at the same time when the security The guideline has also ordered practices. Market analysts had Under securities settlement records are updated so as to achieve that payments to beneficiaries warned that risk in investments rules and procedures, the simultaneous Delivery versus must reach their account not later was significantly high, resulting regulators directed that “any Payment (DVP). than the next working day after in institutional and high net securities transaction must trade On settlement day (i.e. Day settlement. worth investors’ unwillingness to or be reported through a licensed T+3 for Equities and day T+2 for The new directive will now entrust their funds and securities Exchange in line with the standard Bonds), the clearing/settlement see issuers issuing dividends/ in the hands of many operators settlement guidelines.” Heeding the agent deliver the security while interests make funds available to due to undue delays, minimal call by some market operators for the payment system agent applies the Registrar not later than seven transparency, manually operated the removal of the clog of delay in the net settlement advice against working days after approval, under processes and the problems the wheel of trading activities in the the settlement bank account with the payment of dividends and associated with keeping accurate market, the new guideline ordered CBN. On same day, settlement interests to investors’ schedule, record of numerous certificates to that after each day’s transaction banks shall equally credit or debit while banks are made to credit determine actual stock holdings at (Day T), the clearing/settlement (funds) the bank account of the the account of investors not later any point in time. agent (CSCS) shall generate the respective dealing member firm,” than T+1 from the date of receipt The Central To say the obvious, monetary financial obligations of each dealing adding that “On settlement day, of mandate and funds from the Bank of Ni- policies are complemented with member firms, a position many say the clearing/settlement agent shall Registrars. But apart from that, geria (CBN) adequate financial regulation to curb will bring about accurate record update the record of the investors Registrars have been asked to excesses. The market regulators: keeping of every transaction in the (buyers & sellers) with the registrar,” now pay dividend to investors and the Se- the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) market. It also held that “on Day a move that is interpreted to mean a electronically on due date and curities and and the Securities and Exchange T+2 for equities and T+1 for bonds, centralisation of all transactions in advise the investors through a credit Exchange Commission (SEC) took that part the clearing/settlement agent shall the country. advice. Commission last month, releasing guidelines transmit the final financial net Analysts have applauded The aim is to promote for the settlement of all types of settlement obligation of dealing the directive on the basis that competitive, efficient, safe and (SEC) took securities in Nigeria. Among other member firms to settlement banks it is applicable to both federal sound post trading arrangements that part things, the scope of the guidelines through a payment system agent (if government traded securities in Nigeria. “This should ultimately last month, set out the procedures for the the clearing/settlement agent has (including primary auction) and lead to greater confidence in releasing settlement of securities in Nigeria, no direct access to the CBN RTGS).” Commodities Exchange Spot securities markets and better including the rights and obligations To win investor’s confidence, Market Trades. Those who spoke to investor protection and should guidelines of the parties in every legitimate the new directive stated that “The LEADERSHIP on the development in turn limit systemic risk. In for the set- transaction. clearing/settlement agent shall said the new guidelines have addition, the guidelines seek to tlement of It also covers the settlement alert both the settlement banks brought semblance of sanity in the improve the efficiency of the market all types of procedures and settlement cycle and the dealing member firms of market. infrastructure, which should in turn for the trades executed in the their net positions on Day T. Where They pointed to the fact that promote and sustain the integration securities in Nigerian Stock Exchange traded the clearing/settlement agent has customers’ account would now be and competitiveness of the Nigerian Nigeria securities, FMDQ Over The Counter direct access to the CBN RTGS, credited with proceeds from sale securities markets,” the circular read 34 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA Monday, January 9, 2017 THEcapital NATION’S NEWS around the capital city Ebira Peoples FCTA Warns Against Association Defacing Public walls Inaugurates 33- BY DAVID ADUGE-ANI man National FCT Administration has warned residents of Abuja against defacing Executive Council of walls, of public buildings and By DAVID ADUGE-ANI infrastructure around the Federal Capital City. After far-reaching consultations with Parading six persons who were various stakeholders, the Ebira Peoples arrested for the act, the chief Association (EPA), the umbrella body of security officer to the FCT minister, all Anebira at home and in the Diaspora, deputy superintendent of police, has constituted and inaugurated its Ahmed Rasheed stated that the national executive council. victims would be made to face the The new national EXCO is headed full wrath of the law. by Dr Musa AbduRahman Adeiza, its Rasheed noted that Abuja President-General and Dr Adinoyi Ojo remains the window through which Onukaba as the Secretary- General. the world sees Nigeria and therefore, The new EXCO has the imprimatur of must be maintained with high sense the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Chairman and chief coordinator of Africa International Investment Summit and Expo, Mr Angelo Peter of commitment and responsibility. Majesty, Alh Ado brahim, who co-signed Elosia (right), in a discussion with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr Filippo Grandi (left), at the The administration also warned their appointment letters and the Africa International Investment Summit and Expo in Abuja yesterday. With them is the Economic and Com- that security agents are now endorsement of all the first-class rulers mercial Counsellor at the Embassy of Spain in Nigeria, Mr Pablo Segrelles. PHOTO BY NAN maintaining 24-hour surveillance (Ohis) in their four local governments, to ensure that those engaging in who were equally present during the the act of graffiti and the likes are inauguration ceremony. promptly apprehended. Speaking at the occasion, the new FCTA To Sanction Vandals, It may be recalled that the President-General called for unity, FCT Administration had recently peace and harmonious co-existence embarked on massive clean-up of among Ebira people and between Scavengers, Traffic Offenders such writings to give the city a face- them and other citizens in the country. lift. These he said are basic requirements BY DAVID ADUGE-ANI The committee also regretted and uncompleted buildings across needed by any human society to make that most street lights especially the Federal Capital City would be ...To Complete Major meaningful progress and engender FCT security committee has those at the outskirts of the city properly monitored and asked positive development. He appealed to warned that security agents would have been vandalized and warned their owners to take proper Road Projects In Good his colleagues to join hands with him in clamp down on any suspected that all perpetrators would be possession as they would be held the service of their fatherland. vandal and be made to face the full tracked down to face prosecution. responsible for any security breach Time – Minister Dr. Adeiza called on the people of the wrath of the law. However, the minister in such places. By DAVID ADUGE-ANI state to support the government of the Reviewing the activities of the appreciated the support the FCT Malam Bello also directed the day by offering useful suggestions on year 2016 and proactively chart Administration has been enjoying security agents to also restrict FCT minister, Malam Muhammad policies and programmes that would a new course for 2017, chairman from the FCT security community the activities of scavengers to Musa Bello has given an assurance have positive impact on the lives of the of the committee/FCT minister, and called for closer collaboration dumpsites and arrest any of them that the administration would people. Malam Muhammad Musa Bello in 2017 and beyond. found roaming around the city. complete major on-going projects Dr. Adeiza also called for prayers for Warned that vandalisation The minister reiterated that the He announced that the FCT in the city centre during the year. Governor Yahaya Bello and his team of public utilities in the Federal administration this year would give Judiciary has already assigned Speaking over the weekend, and for the wisdom and guidance to Capital Territory must be stopped serious attention to the problems five magistrates who are expected Bello also assured that the succeed in office, while appealing to forthwith. of traffic offenders, illegal activities to man five mobile courts to deal administration would continue to the government to come clean on the Bello explained that the of commercial motorcyclists, with all these problems. strive towards the same direction issue of salaries of workers by bringing committee had noted with dismay vandalisation of public utilities, According to him, the mobile for the entire Territory this New a closure to the screening exercise, that most of the traffic lights in restricting of Keke Napep to courts have been brought in for Year and beyond. identify ghost workers and pay those the Abuja metropolis have been designated areas, which are the immediate dispensation of justice The minister also charged who have been screened and cleared vandalized, which has led to signal estates, among others. and appropriate penalty to serve as all residents of the territory to address the pervasive poverty in the failure in such interchanges. He emphasized that abandoned a deterrent. irrespective of religious belief. state. EPA also called on the government to address the security challenges in the state, especially in Ebira land where Political, Traditional Leaders Urge FG To Democratise Governance In FCT people are now afraid to go about their BY TARKAA DAVID took place in Karu at the weekend. resumed work on the amendment of so that we can have a sustainable lawful businesses for fear of being Senate minority whip, Senator the 1999 Constitution to pave way for and democratic second-tier system abducted or killed. Political and traditional leaders in the Philip Aduda, while speaking on the democratisation of governance of governance in Abuja.” EPA has also commended the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have behalf of the political leaders of the and administration in the FCT. On his part, chairman of Abuja Federal Government under President called on the federal government territory, said that the time had “We are appealing to our Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Muhammadu Buhari on the fight against and the National Assembly to speed come for all Nigerians to support colleagues at the National Assembly, Hon. Abdullahi Candido urged corruption and insecurity in Nigeria. up the process of democratising the Abuja natives in getting a second- legislators in the 36 states houses of residents of the FCT to support Meanwhile, the governor of Kogi governance in the territory, through tier system that would enable the assembly and the federal government natives in their quest for self- State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has urged the a second-tier system for Abuja. people govern themselves through to support the new constitution governance in the territory, especially people of the state to exercise patience The leaders made the call at the the election of a governor or a mayor. review on the status of the FCT, due to the hospitality shown them with his government and give it a chance 2017 edition of the annual Karu Aduda, who is also the Talban when the amendment is concluded by the original inhabitants of the to transform the state. Chiefdom Cultural Festival which Karu, said the National Assembly had and passed around for concurrence territory. Monday, January 9, 2017 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA backpage /35 Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) December 2016 Report

FROM BACK PAGE At 46.9 index points, new orders for non-manufacturing show a slowing Manufacturing Raw Materials contraction in December 2016. Of the Inventory eighteen sub-sectors, ten contracted At 51.6 index points, the index shows in the following order: construction; an expansion in raw materials inventory public administration; professional, in the review month, after declining scientific, and technical services; for eleven consecutive months. Of the information and communication; sixteen sub-sectors, eight recorded accommodation and food services; real expansion in raw materials inventories estate, rental and leasing; electricity, in the order: cement; food, beverage gas, steam and air conditioning supply; and tobacco products; textile, apparel, health care and social assistance; leather and footwear; plastics and rubber transportation and warehousing; products; chemical and pharmaceutical and repair, maintenance/washing of products; transportation equipment; motor vehicles. The wholesale/retail appliances and components; and paper trade sub-sector remained unchanged, products. The remaining eight sub- while the remaining seven sub-sectors sectors recorded decline in inventories recorded expansion in the order: in the order: petroleum and coal arts, entertainment and recreation; products; computer and electronic management of companies; utilities; products; electrical equipment; agriculture; educational services; finance primary metal; non-metallic mineral and insurance; and water supply, sewage products; furniture and related and waste management. products; fabricated metal products; and printing and related support Non-Manufacturing Employment activities. Business activity, new orders, Level employment level and raw materials The employment level Index for non- inventories declining at a slower rate manufacturing declined for the twelfth in December 2016. The composite consecutive month in December 2016. PMI for the non-manufacturing sector At 43.8 points, the index declined at a declined for the 12th consecutive slower rate when compared with the month. The index stood at 47.1 points, 40.2 points recorded in November indicating a slowing contraction when 2016. Fourteen sub-sectors recorded compared to that in November 2016. contraction in employment level in Of the 18 non-manufacturing sub- the following order: construction; sectors, 10 recorded contraction in the professional, scientific, and technical following order: construction; public services; public administration; administration; professional, scientific, arts, entertainment and recreation; technical services; information and wholesale/retail trade; information communication; repair, maintenance/ and communication; finance and washing of motor vehicles; insurance; repair, maintenance/washing accommodation and food services; of motor vehicles; health care and social health care and social assistance; assistance; accommodation and food finance and insurance; wholesale/retail services; agriculture; water supply, trade; and electricity, gas, steam and sewage and waste management; real air conditioning supply. The remaining estate, rental and leasing; and electricity, eight subsectors recorded expansion gas, steam and air conditioning supply. in the order: utilities; educational The educational services and utilities services; agriculture; transportation sub-sectors remained unchanged, while and warehousing; management of the management of companies; and companies; arts, entertainment and transportation and warehousing sub- recreation; water supply, sewage and sectors employment level expanded in waste management; and real estate, the review month. rental and leasing. Non-Manufacturing Inventories/ Non-Manufacturing Business Work in Progress Activity Non-manufacturing inventories/ At 48.2 index points, business activity work in progress index stood at 49.5 declined for the twelfth consecutive points in the review month, indicating month but at a slower rate in December a slower decline when compared 2016. Nine sub-sectors recorded with the 45.5 points recorded in contraction in the following order: November 2016. Ten sub-sectors construction; public administration; recorded contraction in inventories information and communication; in the following order: construction; professional, scientific, and technical public administration; professional, services; repair, maintenance/ scientific, and technical services; washing of motor vehicles; finance and information and communication; insurance; accommodation and food repair, maintenance/washing of motor services; electricity, gas, steam and air vehicles; management of companies; conditioning supply; and health care accommodation and food services; and social assistance. The remaining finance and insurance; health care and nine sub-sectors recorded expansion social assistance; and wholesale/retail in the order: utilities; educational trade. The remaining eight sub-sectors services; agriculture; transportation recorded expansion in inventories in the & warehousing; management of following order: utilities; transportation companies; water supply, sewage and and warehousing; educational services; waste management; real estate, rental agriculture; real estate, rental and and leasing; arts, entertainment and leasing; electricity, gas, steam and air recreation; and wholesale/retail trade. conditioning supply; water supply, sewage and waste management and arts, Non-Manufacturing New Orders entertainment and recreation. 36/ news national www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA Monday, January 9, 2017 Inheritance Bill: Monarch Threatens Jihad Against Senate

By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City

The Otaru of Auchi Kingdom and Edo state chairman of the Su- preme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) His Royal Highness, Alhaji Aliru Momoh, the Ikelebe III, has warned that he will not hesitate to lead a spiritual Jihad against the Nigeria Senate should they enact Black Sunday Service over an inheritance sharing law. Southern Kaduna Kill- The monarch gave the warning ings at ECWA Good News yesterday at the 20th edition of the Church, Narayi High Cost in Annual Auchi Day Celebration of Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO Allah Most High where he said the GBENGA FOLORUNSHO ABIOLA country is peaceful because it was Allah’s will that Retired General Muhammadu Buhari be President adding that it is been manifested in his fight against corruption and Issa Aremu Asks Ajaero, Others To terrorism. According to the revered Otaru, the issue of inheritance sharing is a serious issue and has been stipu- Return To NLC lated in the Holy Quran and as such lead to a peaceful society over the By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin lem with the union. On Good Governance And dering on personal issues. years. He warned that the inheri- He,equally cautioned Nigerian Development”he authored. He cited such wars of attrition tance sharing in the Quran was giv- The vice president of Industrial elites against engaging in war of at- On the labour crisis, he said”it to include the ones between ex- en by inspiration and only spiritu- Global Union, Comrade Issa Are- trition based on personal interests. is never too late to return to one president Olusegun Obasanjo ally can it be understood. mu, yesterday asked the aggrieved Instead, Aremu said the ruling labour movement. Let us bring and Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba He said, “It is the Quran that labour leaders that formed the elites should disagree on progres- our grievances to the table and Sikiru Adetona; and Senator specify how you share inheritance United Labour Congress (ULC) to sive national issues to bring about resolve our differences. I am not and Kaduna state and we have had peace in this com- retrace their steps. best policy formulation for the a party to ULC, but NLC.” Governor Nasir el- Rufai. munity regarding how you share in- He asked the ULC’s masterminds good of Nigerians. On the war of words between In his remarks, the Registrar heritance. If anything, I believe it to return to the fold of the Nigeria Aremu spoke in Ilorin, Kwara some Nigerian leaders, Aremu of JAMB, Prof Is-haq Oloyede is a joke but if it is not, i will lead Labour Congress (NLC) and join state during the celebration of noted” Nigeria cannot develop said there are great lessons that a Spiritual Jihad against the Sen- hands with its leadership to find his 56th birthday and launch- with the ruling elites engaging Nigerians could learn from the ate if they should order the alter- solution to whatever is the prob- ing of a book”Reflections in war of attrition on issues bor- book. cation of the Quran. A lot of us we are in a specific position to do what we like but those positions are lim- ited in the sense that our body as Fayose Cautions FG Against Meddling In Church Affairs human can’t access as a slave of the tirement of General Overseer of the going from frying pan to fire. will fail. By using Laws against the almighty”. By ALO ABIOLA, Ado Ekiti Redeemed Christian Church of God This government wants to sub- church, they have started to crum- (RCCG) Pastor Enoch Adeboye with due the church, God will subdue ble. Governor, Mr Ayo- the likes of Pastor Williams Kumuyi them. They are ridiculing leaders of “ Christians are being slaugh- . . . As Cleric Faults dele Fayose has cautioned the fed- of Deeper Life Bible Church, Bishop the church, God will rubbish them. tered in Southern Kaduna and no- eral government against meddling David Oyedepo of Winners Chapel The same church they had deceived ble men cannot talk because of Its Passage in the administration and affairs of and other Church founders expect- to get power, they are saying that fear of incarceration. Remember churches in the country. By Beatrice Gondyi, Bauchi ed to follow suit. we now have the ring, who will re- you are here today, tomorrow you This came as his wife, Feyisetan The couple spoke in Ado Ekiti, move it from our hand, the Lord will would not be here again. We must expressed confidence that her hus- A renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh yesterday during thanksgiving ser- cut off the hand that wears the ring. condemn what is happening here band will conclude his four years vice held at the Government House APC is behaving in this way, But today, “ he said. Dahiru Usman Bauchi has advised and assumed a higher political po- the National Assembly to discard chapel, to mark the the 53rd birth- God is the creator of the ring and Earlier in her remarks, Mrs. Fay- sition in no distance future. day of the first lady of the state, Mrs the hand, God will amputate the ose who revealed that she stopped the idea of passing a bill that seeks The governor, who criticized the to equalise inheritance for males Feyisetan Fayose. hand. praying to God to remove her hus- federal government over a recent According to him, “There is one Ayo Fayose is anointed of God. band’s heart from politics when and females after the demise of law, it allegedly introduced said that their breadwinners. thing every government must not I have warned and I’m still warn- God revealed to her in 2016 that the government must thread soft- do, the moment you face the church ing, take your hands away from the He needed him (Fayose) in Nigeria He observed that the bill that ly on this path to avoid tragedy of seeks to conceptualize the idea of of God, you will fail. The God of Ade- administration of churches, you are said: “The Lord will reward, He will monumental proportion . boye, Kumuyi will bring down all killing Christians, The Lord will rise stand by you. You are going higher equality in inheritance for both The proposed Federal Reporting sexes is contrary to the tenets of the enemies in this government. against you. By rising against the and I’ll be beside. I’ll still remain the Council of Nigeria Act 2015 was be- Somebody must tell them, there are church, this government has failed. same person. God has said it and it Islam. lieved to have necessitated the re- Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi who dis- certain things you don’t do. They are As anyone that rises against God will never fail. closed this at a media briefing in his Bauchi residence weekend not- ed that the orchestrated move by Wike Suggests Comprehensive Reward For Serving, Retired Servicemen the National Assembly to pass the mark the 2017 Armed President of th Rivers State obnoxious bill is also contrary to BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt Forces and Remembrance Conference, Rev Benjamin the provisions of Nigerian Consti- Day celebration, said the Avor, called on Nigerians to tution that guarantees freedom of present day annual ritual live their lives in ways that religion. Rivers State governor, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom for servicemen and legion- will promote peace. He urged the National Assem- naires is not enough moti- Avor, who spoke on the bly, especially adherents of Islam- Wike has suggested a more comprehensive reward vation. theme, ‘Raising Stones of ic religion to steer clear of the move The governor said, “It is Remembrance in Honour to facilitate passage of what he de- package for servicemen and legionnaires to encourage important that the Feder- of Our Heroes’, advised that scribed as anti-Islamic bill in their al Government takes a sec- bridges of peace should be own interest and that of the reli- them to always make sacri- fices for the country. ond look to keep families of built to honour those who gion. servicemen and ex-service- fought for the country. Usman observed that provisions Wike, who made the suggestion yesterday while men going. I urge that steps The inter-denomination- in the proposed bill are totally in be taken to make sure that al service was attended by conflict with the verses of the Holy speaking at the First Baptist Church, Port Harcourt, dur- the families left behind by service commanders, ex- Qur’an which is the Supreme guid- the ex-servicemen are not servicemen, commission- ing principle of the Muslim Um- ing an inter-demonination- al church service to allowed to suffer.” ers, lawmakers and judges mah bequeathed by the Creator. Earlier in his sermon, of the High Court. Monday, January 9, 2017 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA issues 37 Niger Declares 3 Days Mourning For The Late Kure

Niger State government mourning period. not only legendary but has announced the death According to the showed him as an elder of the former governor Commissioner, the stateman, whose main of the State, Engineer state Governor, Alhaji concern was for the Abdulkadir Abdullahi Abubakar Sani Bello good, progress and unity Kure FNSE. has also declared a work of the state. He died after a brief free day on the day of “Engineer Abdulkadir illness in a German the burial of the former Abdullahi Kure remain a Hospital in Germany on governor to enable all leader who out of office Sunday evening at the age Nigerlites accord the showed concern for of 61. departed leader a befitting the development of the In a statement by the burial. state. His statesmanship Hon Commissioner for The statement expressed saw him jettisoning Information, Culture that the government will party affiliation when and Tourism, Mr. miss the wise counsel he personally intervened Jonathan Vatsa, in of the former governor, in the recent labour Minna on Sunday night, who despite political crisis in the state,” the state government has differences never fail to statement concluded. declared a 3 day state- offer eaningfulm advice wide mourning. to the government. – Signed It further stated that The intervention of Hon. Jonathan Tsado all flags should be at half the former governor Vatsa Commissioner for mast through out the during the recent labour The Late Kure Information, Culture and state through out the crisis in the state was Tourism.

Bridging Infrastructural Gaps Under PMB

By Jide Ayobolu are in competition. multi-modal transport after Dr. , recently and international investors to How do we make the nation a which sub­standard vehicles lamented the level of decay participate in the consolidation Successive governments hub port and if she is sleeping, would naturally be phased out. of Nigeria’s infrastructure, and expansion of Africa’s largest in Nigeria have continued she will lose the op­portunity The Federal Government saying that it will cost the economy,” he said. to battle with the onerous to other neighbouring has also said the nation nation $3 trillion to fix. The Fayemi hailed the success task of trying to bridge the countries whose seaports are would need a whooping $166 minister said this at a business recorded in limestone, where wide infrastructural chasm more efficient. “Efficient port billion to meet its energy forum organized by the Royal Nigeria moved from being a that exists in every sector of system begins from the ship and transport infrastructure African Society in London, the net-importer of cement to a net- the nation. This, no doubt, side up to the time the cargo requirement over the next five United Kingdom. Quoting a exporter in less than a decade has contributed in no small gets to its destina­tion and so years. Transportation minister, recent report by the National of putting in place the right measure to the inability of the the government needs to make , who revealed Integrated Infrastructure policy and necessary incentives Nigerian nation to harness the investments that would bring this during a public hearing on Master Plan, he said, Nigeria’s for local manufacturers. gains that come to a country about this level of efficien­ Nigerian Railway Authority current core infrastructure stock “We are working with all endowed with so many natural cy”, Bello added. Many port Bill and National Transport gap, based on international stakeholders in the industry resources, both human and service users have decried the Commission Bill, said the benchmarks, is estimated at to encourage replication of material. poor infrastructure, especially Federal Government and $80 billion. the limestone success story For instance, the Nigerian poor access roads and the General Electric (GE) have an Fayemi who presented a in the beneficiation of other Shippers Council has said total absence of a multi-modal agreement to commercialize keynote address entitled, industrial minerals, towards that the Federal Government­ transport system that connects the Lagos-Kano railway “Mining for Prosperity: Fuelling powering the industrialization needed to make a minimum the three major means of project. “Besides privatization, Nigeria’s Industrialization of the country. Our aspiration of N100 billion investments in transporta­tion comprising rail, government also realized a in the 21st Century”, said is to build world-class minerals order to upgrade the current in­ road and sea, which currently monumental infrastructure the investment would allow and mining ecosystem designed frastructure deficit that makes inhibits efficient port operation deficit which as at 2015 stood Nigeria to close its current to serve a targeted domestic and Nigeria’s seaports inefficient in the country. at over $3.05 trillion in 30 years infrastructure gap and sustain export market for minerals and and uncompetitive. Some stakeholders have or $166 billion in five years an ideal infrastructure stock ores,” headed. The Minister said The Executive Secretary of there­fore called for the adoption with energy and transport level of 70 per cent of Gross the country would focus on the Council, Mr. Hassan Bello, of a Public–Private sector infrastructure taking more Domestic Products (GDP) and minerals, mining and related noted that the government Partnership PPP arrangement than 50 per cent of that need,” build infrastructure assets processing industry over a needs to make a minimum of for fixing the transportthe Minister said. “Transport across the seven critical sectors three-phased period to achieve N10 billion per annum over the infrastructure. While insisting infrastructure alone needs a – roads, rail, ports, airports, this. next 10 years in order to address that he does not oppose the whopping $50.9 billion in five power, water and ICT. “Phase 1: Nigeria will seek to the current infra­structural idea of a PPP arrangement­ years to cover the current gap in In a statement, he said iron rebuild market confidence in deficit in the industry.in providing certain infra­ the sector, an average of $10.2 ore and steel would account its minerals and mining sector According him, Nigeria in terms structure, he however argued billion per year. for the bulk of material inputs and win over domestic users of market size based on the 170 that the government has the Currently, the ratio of funding needed to industrialize Nigeria, of industrial minerals that million­ population, has what it responsi­bility to provide a in the sector between the while urging investors to take currently import. During this takes to assume the position of good operating environment public and private is 9:1. This advantage of the country’s phase, Nigeria will also seek a hub port of destination for that would allow the industry constituted a major disincentive huge steel market. “We project to expand use of its energy the West and Central African to thrive. He argued that with to private sector participation a steady increase in domestic minerals. This phase will likely sub-region but the ports must the right investment in key in the industry. “In addition, demand for steel in Nigeria last about two to three years. also be competitive in terms infrastructure upgrade coupled it is considered imperative to in the coming decade, driven “Phase 2: Nigeria will focus of efficiency and cost to ­attain with the automa­tion of port intimate this Committee that by increased industrialization on expanding its domestic ore such a standard, which will also operation mechanisms by the full government ownership and that will ignite a surge in and mineral asset processing bring about increased revenue relevant stakeholders, the management of these agencies building construction, power, industry. This phase will last for the government. In this nation’s seaports would attain a had inherent restrictions for automotive construction, about five to 10 years. wise, government must also high level of efficiency and com­ third party funding, undue agriculture, road and bridge “Phase 3: Nigeria should enthrone a regime of condu­ petitiveness among their peers. government interferences; building, military technology seek to return to global ore and cive operating environment, On the negative effects of burdensome bureaucratic and infrastructure development, mineral markets at a market by addressing the current rick­ety and outmoded trucks on structures and over-bloated refinery investments andcompetitive price point. We huge infra­structural deficit the port access roads, he noted work force among others,” other heavy duty machinery. expect this to coincide with the that would ad­dress a modern, that what government needed Amaechi added. “This ever-widening vortex next commodity upswing,” he efficient and compet­ itive port do is to make the right kind of Furthermore, Minister of of hunger for steel and iron explained. system. He said: “Nigeria’s ports invest­ments in upgrading the Solid Mineral Development, ore is an opportunity for local – Ayobolu wrote in from Abuja 38/ issues www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA Monday, January 9, 2017 Reviewing Security Sector Under Buhari’s Presidency (1) BY A. A. GADZAMA achieved in degrading these Armed Forces. What can be a Equally very important is, the coastal waters. Acts of piracy areas of concern are therefore better achievement than this, imperative of moving away from and bunkering of stolen crude The President Mohammadu most important parameters for consequently, the territorial the current preoccupation with oil were also widespread. These Buhari Government came into assessing the performance of integrity of the nation has been only providing relief material challenges have however been office with the promise of tackling the government in the sector. re-established in the Lake-Chad to meeting actual needs of the plugged by the Nigerian Navy three fundamental areas of Measuring of the general Basin areas bordering Chad and victims which are provision who have repositioned itself concern. These are, revamping the security situation nevertheless Cameroon. of security, rebuilding of their to deal with the menace. These economy, fighting corruption and goes beyond these critical areas. Today, no part of the communities and rehabilitation efforts are being complemented tackling insecurity, specifically Other determinants are whether North East is occupied by the of schools, hospitals and by other security forces who are the insurgency in the North the safety of the citizenry, insurgents. The high point of the amenities. now more diligent. East. There were of course other critical national assets and counter insurgency efforts by the The government has without Relatedly, there are also critical issues the government the state is better guaranteed security forces is the dislodging doubt made remarkable indications that, our borders are promised to tackle. These include, now. A comparative analysis of of the insurgents from their achievements in containing now more secure. Credit should unemployment, revamping the what obtained then and now stronghold in Sambisa Forest. It the spates in kidnappings and go to Nigeria Custom Service agricultural sector and arresting is a therefore valid yardstick of can truly be said the insurgents hostage taking in the South and other agencies with border infrastructural decay. Themeasurement. have been technically defeated. East, South South and the security responsibilities for this. security scene then was replete The degrading of the insurgency This success is however only but a North Central. Credit should be The Nigerian Immigration Service with seemingly intractable in the North East without doubt phase in a war of this nature. The given the government and the is also bracing up for challenges insurgency in the North East, is one of the major achievements equally very critical phases of the security agencies for containing at the borders. The ongoing re- wanton destruction of critical of the present government in counter insurgency operations the menace of kidnapping and orientation and equipping of infrastructure especially in the security sector. Today, the should be flushing out of the hostage taking throughout the the Immigration Services is the oil and gas sector and the widespread suicide bombings, insurgents who have escaped and country notwithstanding the fact one area the government has virtual state of siege as a result of wanton killings and abducting are embedded in communities that some isolated incidents are achieved so much in. Much kidnapping and hostage taking in of people and the razing down of in and outside the North East, still witnessed. Informed tracking however still needs to be the South East, South South and communities that was widespread deradicalizating of the highly of the menace of kidnapping done especially in the areas of to some extent the South West. have been stopped. indoctrinated youths and and hostage taking reveal the biometric coverage, acquisition There were also the problems So also is, the disruption of retrieval of the huge quantum of menace has dropped by about of aerial surveillance capabilities, of armed banditry and cattle socio economic activities in the dangerous weapon and IEDs. forty percent in the last year and and provision of vehicles that rustling in the North West sub region. It is no more news There are also the challenges of a half. People from the South are required to enhance the and North Central. The other that the gallant troops of the rehabilitation of the sub region. East for example have testified performance of their duties. Re- concerns of national security Nigerian Armed Forces and The President has promised that the 2016 Christmas period orientation of the personnel to significance was insecurity in the security forces have liberated rehabilitating the insurgency was the most crime free in recent have the attitude and mindset maritime sector which allowed communities that were taken over impacted areas of the North years. The government as well to be extra security conscious for massive inflow of dangerous by the insurgents. Credit should East. The promise has however as Nigeria Police, Army and the is also a vital component of the weapons into the country. The be given to the government for not taken off successfully due intelligence services deserve to be strategy to protect our borders. maritime sector at the time the stopping the takeover of parts of to the inability of those charged commended for the relative peace The government deserves to be government took over was riddled the country by insurgents. It will with the responsibility to do the enjoyed in these areas during the commended for focusing on these with practices that in themselves be recalled that the insurgents needful. The point needs to be period. critical aspects of our national constituted serious threats to between 2013 and 2014 nearly made that, the rehabilitation There is no doubt that the security that has for long been national security. Deliberately overrun Borno, Yobe and parts of the destruction on the scale porousness of our coastal waters overlooked. orchestrated sectional and of Adamawa States. This was of what happened in the North is a weak link in our nation’s – Gadzama, OFR, mni is former secessionist sentiments were the period that troops were East can not be done without security architecture. The truth is, director-general, State Security also at their peak when the deserting the war front. All these proper needs assessment, a until now there has been massive Service government took over. were stopped by the government master plan and coordinated inflow of dangerous weapons The successes or otherwise and the new leadership for the approach in driving the process. into the country through the to be Continued Lest We Forget by Johannes Tobi Wojuola was a time we became unusually The military have moved to the territory reclaimed, and propitious 2017. guarded – not for the sanctity the necessary step further or in the near defeat of the The journey has just started. Consciously or unconsciously and honour of the celebrations and are consolidating on this terrorists, it also flows from And we must not be quick to we become amnesic of the that come with the season, but great victory: they say they the glory re-established of the forget the tears we shed in memories of ugly pasts as we for the fear of guerrilla attacks, would convert the vast forest Nigerian Military – known 2015 that were wiped in 2016; make progress in life. And like a car bombs, or suicide bombers. into a Military training centre all around the world for the story has changed for the clergyman once said: for every It was a time when our phones and also a military equipment their great valour, resilience, better. But we hope for the new level we ascend, there is a were flooded with security testing ground; they have professionalism, and might. best. new devil to challenge – sounds tips, more than we received begun constructing new roads The fall of Sambisa would be Yes, lying ahead is the poetic, but beyond the rhythm even of the Christmas well- to further this domination; one of the greatest landmarks looming fear of guerrilla and is an aphorism that highlights wishing messages. Broadcasts and an intensified mop-up of the Buhari administration. isolated attacks that may be the reality we face when we were disseminated warning us operation is further underway. It is a promise made, and kept. experienced as the dissipated have won a battle, so to say. where to go and where not to As businesses open up Judging by the economic terrorist group struggle The focus is to war the “new go, indeed popular businesses in Borno State, and the recession that hit the country, with their last breathe – this devil” so that we can climb to suffered for this; otherscommercial capital of North due largely to falling oil prices must be dealt with; more: yet another higher realm. Still, cautioned on the manner in Eastern Nigeria inches and militancy in the Niger the resuscitation of the even while we climb to new which we were to judge people towards thriving again, Delta, 2016 may not seem to infrastructural, humanitarian, levels and struggle with their - based on their clothing, their the once war-torn region be the best year for some, but economic and social well- attendant worries, we must mien or even their beards. and economic backwater is for the worth of where we are being of the region must be gaze in retrospect to appreciate Sadly. headed, out of war, desolation coming from - the sleaze and done expeditiously; also, the our growth and change in Fast-forward to 2016. A and destruction, and to corruption that wasted an rehabilitation and return to fortune. different season has been reconciliation, reconstruction auspicious economy; the low normal livelihood of about 2 Permit me a brief flashback. witnessed this yuletide: and rehabilitation. Already, morale of a military fighting million displaced persons in A couple of years ago, the peaceful; and for the socialites roads closed for close to three a war, coupled with diverted the region is a task that must forest of Sambisa seemed as and hedonists, fun-filled. The years, and more in some funds meant for the purchase be done soonest; the release of uncharted territory; it was major highlight of this season instances, have been reopened of weapons; and dwindling the abducted Chibok Girls who regarded as a bastion of the was the capture of the once for users. The return to revenues – the positive and have been captive for almost a terrorist group Boko Haram, occupied fortress of Sambisa absolute normalcy would take sturdy foundations that have 1,000 days too; indeed, the task where they recorded boastful - larger than the whole of the time no doubt; one would be been put in place, the Rice ahead is as onerous as the one and denigrating videos, Federal Capital Territory, and futilely prophetic to forecast Revolution that has just begun, we have done behind. where they launched deadly perhaps, more than 15 times that the wanton destruction the unprecedented Social While these bothers keep us attacks that degraded security the size of Lagos State - by the and loss would be rebuilt in ‘3 Investment Programme of the on our toes, for anything, we apparatuses, taking charge Nigerian Military from the days’. Yet, assuredly, it would Buhari Administration, the must not forget one event that of towns and hoisting their Boko Haram terrorist sect. happen – step after step, house massive infrastructural reforms culminated a hard fought year: disdainful flags on the soil of Camp Zero was the last enclave after house, road after road, underway, this exultant victory Camp Zero has fallen. the captured territories - in of this vast swath of land to school after school, hospital of the Nigerian Military and – Wojuola is a lawyer and defiance of the sovereignty of be captured after period of after hospital. more, has made the year worth member of the Abuja Global our great country. military advancement into the To boot: the joy savoured it – and an assurance that we Shapers (an initiative of the And when came Christmas, it notorious forest. from this victory is not limited can aspire to a more victorious World Economic Forum) Monday, January 9, 2017 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA 39 40 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA Monday, January 9, 2017 Monday, January 9, 2017 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA 41 42 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA Monday, January 9, 2017 world news An Israeli soldier escorts anotherat the scene of the truck ramming incidence in Jerusalem. A Palestinian rammed his truck It was the deadliest Palestinian into a group of Israeli soldiers on a attack in Jerusalem in months popular promenade in Jerusalem and targeted officer cadets who 4 Dead In yesterday, killing at least four were disembarking from a bus people and injuring about 15 that brought them to the Armon Palestinian Attack others in a deliberate attack, police Hanatziv promenade, a stone- and emergency services said. laden and grass-lined walkway In Jerusalem Police identified the driver as a with a panoramic view of the Palestinian from Israeli-annexed walled Old City. Afghanistan: US To Send 300 Marines To Helmand East Jerusalem and said he was “It is a terrorist attack, a shot dead. A dozen bullet holes ramming attack,” a police Province pockmarked the windscreen. spokeswoman said. About 300 US Marines will be sent to the deployment would be part of a Afghanistan’s Helmand province to regular rotation to replace a US Army assist Afghan security forces battling unit already training and advising Taliban insurgents in intelligence Afghan troops in the province. And and logistics matters, the unit’s although the 300 Marines would commander said over the weekend. mostly be experienced and senior The deployment to Helmand will officers who will work on intelligence, be the Marines’ first to the southern logistics, and administration, Turner province since they left in 2014 as said they were braced for a dangerous the US declared an end to its combat mission. mission. Since then, Afghan security “We’re viewing this as a high- forces, still backed by Washington in risk mission...We’re not in any way the form of air strikes and hundreds viewing this as a noncombat mission, of advisors, have struggled to contain or something to take lightly.” the Taliban advance in Helmand. Tens of thousands of Marines Brigadier General Roger Turner fought fierce battles against the told reporters on a conference call that Taliban in Helmand over five years. Putin Russian President Vladimir former Secretary of State Trafficker Leaves Migrants In Freezing Car Park Putin ordered an effort to help Clinton, make it harder for her A people smuggler left 19 migrants, after their driver left them. Republican Donald Trump’s to win and harm her presidency including five children, at a They were freezing cold when the ‘Putin Directed Cyber electoral chances by discrediting if she did, an unclassified report motorway parking area in freezing emergency services reached them Democrat Hillary Clinton in the released on Friday by the top US temperatures in southern Germany near Brannenburg, just across the Campaign To Help 2016 presidential campaign, US intelligence agency said. and fled the scene, police said border from Austria. Trump’ intelligence agencies said in an “We assess Russian President yesterday. The migrants, who were not assessment. Vladimir Putin ordered an Police said the temperature was carrying passports, said they came Russia’s objectives were to influence campaign in 2016 -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees from Iraq, Iran and Syria. They told undermine public faith in the aimed at the US presidential Fahrenheit) on Saturday when they police they had paid between 500 US democratic process, denigrate election,” the report said. found the migrants, one of whom euros and 800 euros ($526-842) per had approached two other people at person to be taken from an Italian the parking area to raise the alarm refugee center to Germany. Ivory Coast: Calm Reported After New Brazil Prison Clash Leaves At 2-day Mutiny Least 4 Dead A rebellion in Ivory Coast over soldiers’ pay appears to A prison uprising early yesterday have passed. Residents and left at least four dead, adding to correspondents in the second chaos in Brazil’s penitentiary city, Bouake, described calm on system that has seen almost 100 the streets - a day after troops inmates killed in the past week in briefly seized the defence a gang war. minister. The latest violence took place The rebellion had spread from at the Desembargador Raimundo Netanyahu arrives to the weekly cabinet meeting at his office in Jerusalem. there to other cities, including Vidal Pessoa jail in the centre of the Amazonian city of Manaus, the commercial hub, Abidjan, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Channel Two television said the but that city, too, is now quiet. according to a report in the Folha de S.Paulo newspaper, citing the under police investigation for right-wing leader had offered to limit A deal was struck between suspected corruption, was caught the circulation of Israel Hayom, a the mutinous soldiers and state’s top security official, Sergio Fontes. Netanyahu Tried To on tape negotiating mutual benefits free, pro-Netanyahu daily owned the government on Saturday, with an arch-foe, the owner of one of and published by US billionaire and though details are scant. Calls and e-mails to the Negotiate A Good Press Amazonas state government, Israel’s largest-selling newspapers, Republican party donor Sheldon A correspondent for AFP Israeli media reported yesterday. Adelson, if Mozes’ Yedioth Ahronoth news agency in Bouake said where Manaus is located, were In Return For Benefits- not answered. The report, which Israeli media gave the prime minister more yesterday that there had been Media outlets described as “an earthquake” favorable coverage. no firing there since Saturday In the last week, at least 64 inmates have been killed in that could have implications for Steps to cut Israel Hayom’s market- evening. Netanyahu’s political future, drew no leading circulation could have “Traffic has resumed this prisons in or near Manaus. A prison uprising in the immediate comment from the prime financial benefits for Mozes, whose morning and the shops have minister or Yedioth Ahronoth daily newspaper’s advertising revenues reopened.” neighboring state of Roraima left at least 33 dead. owner Noni Mozes. have been hit by its free competitor. Monday, January 9, 2017 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA foreign 43 China’s Foreign Minister To Visit Nigeria By Bukola Ogunsina, Abuja community as well as the norm governing international The Chinese Foreign Minister, relations, which reflects both the Wang Yi is expected to visit will of the people and the trend Nigeria this Wednesday, 11th of the times, “ he said. of January 2017, on his tour He also elaborated vital of some African countries. points, stating that China has a Countries on his itinerary new friend in the international include; the Republic of community, and the big family Madagascar, the Republic of of China-Africa cooperation Zambia, the United Republic of incorporates a new member; on Tanzania, and the Republic of the other hand, Sao Tome and Congo. The visit will run from Principe will obtain full support 7th to12th January 2017. and assistance from China, a “The year 2017 will witness permanent member of the UN China-Africa cooperation Security Council and the largest marching forward and developing country in the world. upgrading in an all-round way. The resumption of diplomatic The main purpose of Foreign relations between China and Sao Minister Wang Yi’s visit is to Tome and Principe will certainly further explore with countries bring tangible benefits to both concerned on how to implement peoples, especially to the people the major consensus reached Wang Yi of Sao Tome and Principe, and between President Xi Jinping add new impetus to China-Africa and African leaders as well as the existence for over two decades, Foreign Minister Wang strongly mutually beneficial cooperation. outcomes of the Summit, against On December 12, 2016, the backdrop of new changes already establishing itself as a incorporates the one China fine diplomatic tradition,”he policy, and is knowledgeable on Foreign Minister Wang Yi held emerging in international, talks in Neuchatel, Switzerland political and economic situations said. the Taiwan issues. According to the Chinese His recent achievements with Federal Councillor and and new challenges turning up Head of the Federal Department in African countries so as to embassy in Nigeria, the Chinese include; signed joint Foreign Minister is expected to communique with the Foreign of Foreign Affairs Didier assist Africa’s rejuvenation Burkhalter of Switzerland. and development, boost the pay a courtsey visit to Nigeria’s Minister of Sao Tome and President Muhammadu Principe, Urbino Botelho After the talks, in response upgrading of China-Africa to a journalist’s question cooperation and contribute Buhari, before proceeding to between both countries, on the Nigerian Foreign Ministry resumption of diplomatic about China’s follow-up on to solidarity and common the telephone conversation development among developing to visit his counterpart, the relations at the ambassadorial Nigerian Foreign Minister, level, which was suspended involving the US President countries,” China’s Foreign -elect, Donald Trump and Tsai Ministry’s Spokesperson, Geng Geoffrey Onyeama. for almost 20 years. “The Born 19 October 1953, government of the People’s Ing-wen, Wang pointed out Shuang, said during a regular that China pays close attention press conference earlier this Wang Yi is a Chinese diplomat Republic of China is the and politician. He previously only legitimate government to the event’s development, year. and pointed out that those Geng further added that worked as China’s Vice Foreign representing China, and Minister, and was also one time Taiwan is an inalienable part of who undermine the One China China’s diplomacy is rooted in principle and damage China’s strengthening relations with Ambassador to Japan. Wang China. This principle is not only was the Director of the Taiwan affirmed by Resolution 2758 core interests will be lifting a developing countries, including rock only to drop it on their those in Africa. “The foreign Affairs Office of the State adopted at the 26th UN General Council PRC, before he became Assembly in October, 1971, own feet, whether the Tsai Ing- minister’s first trip of every wen authority or any other year usually takes him to Africa, Foreign Minister of the People’s but has become the extensive Republic of China.The Chinese consensus in the international individuals or forces in the a practice that has been in world. France Thwarts 24,000 Cyber-attacks Iran’s Ex-President Rafsanjani Dies Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Mr Le Drian said France must not future attacks could target the French be “naive” as cyber-attacks are on the elections increase France says it was the subject of 24,000 His warning comes in the wake of a US cyber-attacks against defence targets last intelligence report alleging that Russia year. was involved in an attempt to influence Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the 2016 presidential campaign. such attacks were doubling every year and Russia denies any involvement in cyber- this year’s presidential elections could be attacks or hacking. targeted. French elections in April and May this He said it would be “naive” to think year are being carefully watched after the France was immune to the type of cyber- surprise victory of US President-elect campaign that targeted the US election, Donald Trump, who said on Saturday which has been blamed on Russia. that those who oppose good relations with Mr Le Drian is overseeing an overhaul of Russia are “stupid people, or fools”. France’s cyber-security operations. French conservative candidate Francois Cyber-attacks in France have increased Fillon has said that he wants to improve substantially in the last three years and relations with Russia and has been praised have become a serious threat to the by Russian president Vladimir Putin. Far- country’s infrastructure, Mr Le Drian said. right candidate Marine Le Pen also favours Former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani casts his ballot in a In an interview with Le Journal du closer relations with Russia. parliamentary election in Tehran March 2, 2012. Dimanche newspaper, Mr Le Drian said Relations between the two countries that France “should not be naive”. deteriorated after France’s socialist He said that thousands of external president, Francois Hollande, played a key Iran’s ex-President Ali Akbar Hashemi but lost to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad attacks had been blocked, including role in imposing sanctions on Russia when Rafsanjani, a dominant figure in the when he ran again in 2005. attempts at disrupting France’s drone Crimea was annexed by Russia in 2014. country’s politics since the 1980s, has Mr Rafsanjani’s current role was systems. Mr Hollande also suggested last year died at the age of 82, media say. head of the Expediency Council, French Defence minister Jean-Yves that Russia could face war crimes charges Mr Rafsanjani was taken to hospital which tries to resolve disputes Le Drian delivers a speech in Bruz, near over its bombardment of the Syrian city of yesterday with a heart problem. He between parliament and the Guardian Rennes, 12 December 2016 Aleppo. served as president from 1989 to 1997 Council. 44/ issues www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA Monday, January 9, 2017 The Burden Of MMA2

By Steve Omolale management of MMA2 over the already near-derelict, despite the regulations, which require huge a calculated attempt on the part years, to the admiration of those enormous resources expended expenditure outlay regardless of the authority to show up the Murtala Muhammed Airport who understand the intricacies and at the disposal of the agency. of the economic recession. This terminal enterprise as a failure. Terminal Two (MMA2), Lagos, is of trying to run a business where In stark contrast, those managing is made worse because FAAN Ironically, over the last few years, a phenomenal project providing regulated service delivery has MMA2 over the past nine years bluntly refused to obey the terms while FAAN has refused to allow critical services to the aviation traditionally been managed by have continued to prove that and letters of the concession BASL to generate the required sector for which its operator – stone-age civil service mentality, Nigeria is not all about negativity agreement it signed with Bi- revenues, it has continued to Bi-Courtney Aviation Services who will do everything within and that Nigerians too, especially Courtney on MMA2, despite thrive on the revenues it is illegally limited (BASL) – has either been their power to frustrate the in the private sector, can do things subsisting court judgements. earning from the operations of on the receiving end of some private investor. Retrogressive better. The agency has effectively the General Aviation Terminal criticisms or much accolades and unpatriotic officials, who Even with the hostile divided revenues due to the (GAT) that is statutorily supposed in almost a decade. The few clearly do not understand that environment in which it is concessionaire into two, thus to be part of the Bi-Courtney criticisms notwithstanding, the private sector is the engine forced to operate, Bi-Courtney creating unnecessary duplication concession. Any wonder then with sheer determination, room of growth in any economy ensures that the facilities in the of activities, leading to a situation why FAAN continues to ignore BASL has continued to carry and that government is only an terminal constantly undergo where airlines are now immensely the court judgements in favour the financial burden of MMA2 enabler, have continued their timely maintenance and renewal. indebted to airport operators. of Bi-Courtney, in blatant denial with unparalleled sagacity, repeated attempts to kill the For instance, five escalators and What an anomaly when the in a country under the rule of law. having lost over 50 per cent of its dream of Public-Privatisation nine elevators were upgraded regulator becomes the competitor The first three years of revenue to the bureaucracy and Participation (PPP) policy. Even recently, while uninterrupted and is doing everything to pull operation of MMA2 from May manipulation of its landlord. In the most ardent detractors must power supply for nine years, clean down a partner! 2007 were the most critical and other climes, the landlord would commend the never-say-die spirit environment, smooth passenger Bi-Courtney has therefore had traumatic. During that time, Bi- be a compassionate ‘partner’ and patriotic zeal of BASL, in an facilitation and security camera cumulative (actual) operating Courtney spent billions of naira supporting the concessionaire environment where many would systems, among several others, losses running into billons of of its own money to provide to realise the objectives of the have given up long ago, despite are all the things that make naira from 2007 to 2010; and as a additional facilities to ensure concession. the huge investments already MMA2 different from other business, it is astonishing how the that the terminal remained open MMA2 is the first successful made. terminals. This obviously comes company continues to ensure that to the flying public. Were it not for Design, Build, Operate and At MMA2, Bi-Courtney has with a huge price to Bi-Courtney. services are constantly provided. this huge sacrifice, MMA2 would Transfer (DBOT) project of made an unimaginable sacrifice What this simply means, which Also, losses since 2007 to date have been shut down as soon as it its kind in the country. It was trying to provide the required is the fact, is that the operator are colossal. The combined losses was inaugurated. designated as the only privately- services to the public and has only has been ploughing back into the continue to dampen the firm’s This has been the major managed airport terminal been able to achieve this through project all the revenues it realized spirit and have frustrated its dilemma of the terminal operator approved to process local the tenacity of purpose and the over a decade. What BASL loses attempts to service its huge loans and may be the major challenge passenger traffic out of Lagos steadfastness of the investor, who in profit and fulfilment of borrowed from a consortium of the PPP initiative of this State by the Federal Airports refuses to bow to the mediocrity obligations to its creditors and to of banks and even to meet its government, as those who are Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). and unwarranted injustice being the provisions of the concession concession obligations to FAAN. making spirited attempts to However, despite the many perpetrated against his business agreement, is what the aviation BASL is constantly frustrated that turn the success story of MMA2 booby-traps placed on its path concerns. The aggressors are community in the country is associated projects that would to failure, those who are branding by the same FAAN, BASL is those who should ordinarily join enjoying in terms of a safe, have enhanced its revenue base, Bi-Courtney the devil, are still displaying impressive managerial the investor in the dream to lift secure and functional terminal such as the Hotel and Conference very much around to frustrate and operational skills on a par this country to greater heights by facility. And by extension, BASL Centre, power plant and the mono any private sector initiative in with any world class operator encouraging similar investments has unequivocally added value to rail, have not come to fruition, as the country’s aviation sector. managing a terminal like MMA2. in various sectors of the economy, the image of the country in the FAAN continues to pile on the Unless and until something is It is noteworthy that BASL especially in a country with such comity of nations in its own little blockage. done to change their mindset/ embraced the challenges fully and severe infrastructure deficits as way, and it is proud to contribute Meanwhile, FAAN, though attitude and convince prospective stands ready to do the needful in ours. its quota to nation-building. relentless in its bid to thwart the investors that they would be significant ways to ensure that Conversely, it is a big shame The huge loss in revenue, which MMA2 concession, is nonetheless given free hand to operate, the change is brought to the aviation that after several years, FAAN is even worse today, is further busy demanding for its concession proposed concession of four of sector in Nigeria. The beauty cannot boast of one terminal accentuated by the desire of BASL fees. The agency keeps the cost of the country’s airports may suffer of this is manifested in the fact that provides comparable comfort to maintain the Nigerian Civil operations up in order to ensure the same hindrance that has beset that the company as a pioneer and meets the expectations of Aviation Authority/International that BASL is frustrated from MMA2. has been making progress in the passengers in Nigeria. Almost Civil Aviation Organisation rendering the required services to – Omolale is the Head, Corporate all its airport terminals are (NCAA/ICAO) standards and the public through MMA2. This is Communications of BASL The Euphoria Of Ibori’s Release

By Kunle Somorin Peter Nwaoboshi, boasting about told me that neither Oghara nor Olusegun Obasanjo, he may not courts now struggling to put up a how Ibori “installed” governors and Urohobo tradition or culture have become a ‘pastor’ or wired to modicum of integrity. Like a lone voice in the wilderness, lawmakers from prison! endorses dancing around when walk from prison to the presidency, Ribadu is still alive and recently Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan opted Available record shows that Ibori one’s kinsman commits such he is surely lucky to have served his testified at a UK court that Ibori out of the wild jubilation and attempted to bribe the former heinous crime, admitted to doing sentence here on earth and owe God stole at least $500 million. He has celebrations in Delta State and EFCC chairman Nuhu Ribadu with so, got convicted, served deserving and humanity a behavioural turn- other damning facts about the London trailing the release of the $15 million stacked in large sacks sentences and returned home. around. lootocracy that replaced democracy disgraced former Governor James at the Abuja home of Andy Uba, Urhobos are a self-respecting race. From the goodwill he enjoys, it from 1999 to 2007. He knows those Ibori. A self-confessed criminal who unfortunately another serving They know where to draw the lines would have been easy to grant Ibori who stole more than Ibori, Nigeria’s pleaded guilty and earned a 13 years Senator. and that is why the release of Ibori a ‘State pardon’ to return to public novae rich and most powerful men sentence for money laundering It is not just an insult on the calls for sober reflection and not office a few years ago, but to do so who leveraged on public offices to and corruption charges does not collective sensibility of Deltans pageantry. now will mock Nigeria and all her acquire luxury properties in Britain, deserve to be deified; he should be and image of Nigeria that someone Even Ibori, despite serving notice pretences to fighting corruption. the United States, South Africa and defied. who pleaded guilty to a crime and of appeal and unresolved legal Though, it would amount to Nigeria. If the National Assembly Uduaghan sure knows more even has no shame in admitting proceedings over the confiscation an over-kill to call for the re-trail cannot reverse itself on the acting as an elder cousin, protégé and to bribing the British Police to of his assets worth tens of millions of Ibori, who was controversially EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Magu, immediate successor of Ibori and stave off imprisonment is being of dollars, in his heart of hearts, acquitted in 2009 by an Asaba President Muhammadu Buhari the ex-convict’s political legatee. celebrated. A warped value system, knows that his conviction was court, the EFCC needs to be re- would do well to bring Ribadu Celebrating such larceny on the wrong orientation and too much justified, the political undertone invigorated to diligently file charges back. We should not lose the social media or thronging Ibori’s politicization of issues in our notwithstanding. against others like Ibori, who had momentum of the return of Ibori to London home is the dumbest thing clime must have informed the Like all mortals, no one is arm-twisted our malleable judiciary the sycophants and the chanters of the political family has done. Worse turning into carnival our age-long infallible and I know he too in his to secure similar acquittals or corruption triumphalism. The time still and most unconscionable is the disrespect for the despicable act of sober mood would have learnt perpetual injunctions by using the for strategic war against graft must reckless video trending on social taking things that do not belong to a lesson or two about nemesis, new Administration of Criminal take over NOW. media that shows a serving Senator us. betrayals, how to live on the right Justice Act (ACJA), and producing – Somorin is a media consultant and in this same “Change Government”, I have asked around and people and narrow paths of life. Unlike incontrovertible evidences in the public affiars analyst Monday, January 9, 2016 sportswww.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA ‘Mahrez Truly African Best’ Pierre-Emerick Aubamey- ang and Sadio Mane claim the announcement of Riyad Mahrez as the 2016 African footballer of the Year was truly deserved. The Borus- sia Dortmund and Liverpool stars believe the Algerian ace deserved to emerge as 2016 African Player of the Year award at the Glo-Caf gala in Abuja. At the 2016 Glo-Caf gala on Thursday in Abuja, the Leicester City star edged the duo to snatch the prize thanks to winning the Eng- lish Premier League title with the Foxes. “I think Riyad [Mahrez] deserved the award because he achieved something very big last season,” said Au- bameyang. Chelsea Recall Ake From Bournemouth John Obi Mikel being unveiled at Tianjin TEDAN in China last week. Chelsea have recalled defend- er Nathan Ake early from his season-long loan at Bour- nemouth with immediate ef- fect. China Move Good For Mikel – Rohr Dutchman Ake, 21, joined the Cherries on loan last June, …Says Eagles Ready For Cameroon and has scored three times in 12 games for them this sea- BY TAOFEEK LAWAL, Abuja will give him the opportu- get that he has played all the that he is looking for a good son. nity to have more playing games for the Super Eagles contract,” Rohr said. On Saturday, Bournemouth Super Eagles technical ad- time. The Eagles’ handler since I came on board and he On the readiness of the Su- boss Eddie Howe said losing viser, Gernot Rohr, has ex- made this statement while did not play in Chelsea. I’m per Eagles for the 2018 World Ake would be “a huge blow”. pressed his satisfaction with speaking to journalists at the happy that he can play now Cup double header against Howe added: “He’s done his captain, John Obi Mikel’s Glo-CAF awards ceremony in (in China). It is always better Indomitable Lions of Camer- so well. It is easier said than move to the Chinese Super Abuja. to play in China than stay in oon in August this year, Rohr done to say we are going to go League. “He has not played so Chelsea and you don’t play. admitted that the games will and recruit a player of a simi- According to Rohr, the much in the last month but We are happy about that and be difficult but added that lar stature to Nathan.” move to the Chinese league he played all the games at the remember he is in twilight the Cameroonians are beat- “With Simon Francis’ sus- is good for Mikel because it Rio Olympics. Don’t also for- of his career and it is normal able. pension and Marc Pugh’s in- jury and now Nathan going back, our defensive resources 2018 World Cup: NASS Will Give Maximum Support- Senator Melaye are certainly stretched.” Ake did not feature in Bour- BY TAOFEEK LAWAL, Abuja said Nigerian players will not win grassroots development of sports is nemouth’s FA Cup third round the African best player award except supposed to be our watchword and The chairman Senate Committee on things are put in the right perspective. we must be strategic in the develop- defeat at Millwall on Saturday the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Melaye said, “You don’t plant cas- ment of sports.” so will therefore not be cup Senator , has called on sava and you are expecting to harvest He said Yekini did not become the tied and available for Chel- the football administrators in the cocoyam, we are very lackadaisical in African best player because he was sea’s fixtures in the compe- country to be firm in their approach our planning and we are not doing playing for a world-class club but be- tition. to players’ welfare if they want to well with the welfare of players and cause of his nationalistic prowess and Antonio Conte’s side top the achieve the desired results as the se- all these put together cannot give participation. He added that Nigeria Premier League and currently nior national team, the Super Eagles, us the African footballer of the year must settle “our domestic problems have the second-best defence seeks to qualify for the 2018 World award. If we want to win the award before we start to promote our foot- in the top-tier, conceding 15 Cup in Russia. not even next year but in the next ball outside.” The senator while responding to four, five years we need to start plan- He however called for a properly goals this season, one more questions from the sporting press at than Tottenham. ning now because failing to plan is coordinated, planned and strategical- the International Conference Centre, planning to fail. We must develop our ly implemented sports policies with venue of the 2016 Glo-CAF awards football to become sustainable and backing from the National Assembly. Melaye 46/ sports www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA Monday, January 9, 2017

Australia Completes Cotto Seeks Alvarez Rematch Pakistan Series Miguel Cotto would like taking on James Kirk- lieves he would win the re- Cotto back in 2013 and has his farewell fight to be a land in Frisco, Texas, on match. been behind the 36-year- Sweep rematch with Saul Alva- February 25, returning “I’m here for the best old’s middleweight success Australia completed a 3-0 se- rez. The Puerto Rican fu- to the ring 13 months af- fights and the best fight- that saw him win titles at ries whitewash over Pakistan ture Hall of Famer will re- ter losing to Alvarez (48- ers out there, so if Canelo four different weights. with a 220-run victory in the tire at the end of the year, 1-1-KO34) for the vacant Alvarez wants to fight to The trainer will soon be third Test at Sydney. Resuming on 55 for one, but he and trainer Fred- WBC middleweight world erase what happened in back with Manny Pacqui- the tourists needed to bat die Roach both believe title, but even though he November of 2015, they ao as he closes in on retire- out day five to save the Test they can avenge the loss suffered a wide points de- know where to find me,” ment, but is adamant that but they lasted just 64 overs to ‘Canelo’. feat - 110-118, 109-119 he told boxingscene.com. Cotto should still be the before being bowled out for Cotto (40-5-KO33) is and 111-117 - he still be- Roach teamed up with WBC title holder. 244. Josh Hazlewood and Ste- phen O’Keefe took three wickets each on Saturday while Sarfraz Ahmed was left stranded on 72 not out for Pakistan. It was a 12th suc- cessive Test defeat in Austral- ia for Misbah-ul-Haq’s side. Pakistan’s 42-year-old cap- tain said his team did not re- cover from the final day col- lapse in the second Test in Melbourne when they lost by an innings and 18 runs after scoring 443 in the first innings. “The last day of the MCG was the biggest disappoint- ment of the tour and we got demoralised from that,’’ Misbah said. “This is how it is. Australia is not an easy place.’’ Torino Confirm Arsenal’s Belotti Bid Arsenal submitted a €65m bid for Torino striker Andrea Be- lotti, but it’s not enough to prise him away from Turin Miguel Cotto ans Saul Alvarez are going for a rematch next month. claims the club’s sporting di- rector. The 23-year-old has been in stunning form so far this Farah Struggles In Edinburgh Race season, scoring 14 goals in 18 games for the Granata, while Great Britain’s Callum representing Europe, Hawkins, 24, led for adrift of Korir, with also breaking into the Italy Hawkins was beaten won the women’s race, most of the men’s race 2016 champion Gar- squad and bagging three goals into second by USA’s while Britain’s Harriet until he was passed in rett Heath of the Unit- in five games for the Azzurri. In turn, it’s no surprise that Leonard Korir in a dra- Knowles-Jones claimed the final 15m by Ken- ed States in sixth. he’s attracting interest from matic sprint finish at the junior women’s ti- yan-born Korir, who “It was a hard day at around Europe, and specula- the Great Edinburgh tle. won in a time of 24 min- the office,” Farah said. tion this week did link him Cross Country. Captain Laura Muir utes three seconds. “I’m a little bit behind with a move to Arsenal. Two-time double anchored Britain to “I put everything in where I would usually Torino sporting director Olympic champion Sir victory in the 4x1km to dropping him but he be at this stage of the Gianluca Petrachi has con- firmed those reports, and re- Mo Farah struggled mixed relay. was the stronger man at season. vealed that they did receive an on the Holyrood Park The team event was the end,” the Scot stat- “But I’m not panicking offer of €65m from the Gun- course, finishing in sev- won by USA, with Eu- ed. this early on in the year ners when questioned on the enth. rope second and Great Newly knighted Farah, - I’ve got to get ready for matter. Turkey’s Yasemin Can, Britain third. 33, finished 46 seconds London 2017.” Sevilla Make Sakho Approach Sevilla have approached Sakho has fallen out of in September 2013 but has to America and interrupt- Liverpool about signing favour with manager Ju- not made a first-team ap- ing an interview the Reds defender Mamadou Sak- rgen Klopp and has been pearance this season. boss was conducting. ho. Liverpool will only let playing for Liverpool’s Un- Sakho was sent home Liverpool accepted a the centre back leave An- der-23 side. from Liverpool’s pre-sea- loan offer for Sakho from field on a permanent deal The French international son tour of the United Stoke at the start of the and they value him at joined Liverpool for £18m States by Klopp after turn- season but he turned the more than £20m. from Paris Saint-Germain ing up late for their flight move down. belloti Monday, January 9, 2017 www.leadership.ng Leadership Newspapers @leadershipNGA sports /47 FA Plans To Raise Cup Prize The Football Association plans to increase FA Cup prize money with the aim of helping lower league clubs, says chief executive Martin Glenn. In October, the FA signed a six-season over- seas broadcast rights deal for the FA Cup - reportedly worth £820m. Glenn said the FA could raise the cur- rent £25m fund because of the deal, which starts from the 2018-19 season. “The FA Cup is a great way of redistributing mon- ey to the lower leagues,” Glenn said. . “The prize fund is £25m,” Glenn said. “We’re looking to increase that over the coming years and hopefully benefit the smaller clubs.” Woods To Tackle Rory In Dubai Tiger Woods has confirmed he will play his first regu- Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray displaying their trophies at the Qatar Open. lar-season European Tour event for three years at the Omega Dubai Desert Clas- sic early next month. Woods, who returned to Perisic Fires Inter To Victory action in December after Two goals from the steering in a late head- Jankto and should amount of quality on almost 16 months out fol- Croatia international er to give the visitors a have added to the tal- show. lowing back surgery, com- ensured the Nerazzurri fifth win in a row in all ly in the opening half- Ever Banega and Duvan mitted to the Farmers In- carried their good form competitions. hour, with Rodrigo de Zapata missed good surance Open and the into 2017, stretching Stefano Pioli had urged Paul hitting the post openings and substi- Honda Classic on the PGA their current streak to his side to start 2017 in and Jankto shooting tute Joao Mario should Tour before announcing four league wins a manner that would just wide. have hit the winner be- he would make his eighth Two goals from Ivan give them real belief Perisic snatched Inter’s fore Perisic rose high- appearance in the final Perisic saw Inter come in the hunt for the equaliser seconds be- est to power in a head- tournament of the Desert from behind to beat top three but it was fore the break to damp- er three minutes from Swing. Udinese 2-1 at Stadio Udinese who were by en some of the spirits time. The 14-time major cham- Friuli on Sunday. far the better team in in Udine, however, and The result sees In- pion has added his name to The Croatia interna- the first half in Udine. the second half was a ter close back to with- a star-studded cast at The tional cancelled out The home side, un- far more balanced and in five points of third- Emirates with Rory McIl- an opening goal from beaten in their previ- scrappy affair as both place Napoli, who beat roy, Open champion Hen- Jakub Jankto late in ous four games, took a sides pushed for a win- Sampdoria 2-1 on Sat- rik Stenson and Masters the first half before deserved lead through ner without a huge urday. winner Danny Willett also teeing it up on February 2. ABS Dim Black Stars In Preseason Friendly Taiye Ayinde came off league Lokoja based inde, Lukman Abdul- tins put the game be- the Abubakar Buko- side was a hard knot hameed and Kehinde yond the Lokoja based la Saraki (ABS) Ilor- for the Saraki Boys to Idowu. side when he scored in FC’s bench to break crack as they defend Taiye Ayinde beat the the third of the even- stubborn Black Stars of with everything they offside trap to stretch ing in a spectacular Lokoja in a 4-0 win on have in must occasions. the Black Stars goal- way, making the Black Saturday in a preseason keeper to his far right Stars’ goalkeeper effort friendly match played All efforts by ABS to to make it 1-0 for the to catch the ball unpro- at the Confluence Sta- break the defense of Saraki Boys in the 75th ductive when he lobs dium, Lokoja. the resilient Black Stars minute. the ball over him. Ibrahim Abdullahi (Idi- proved abortive in the Gata who also came off amin), who only joined first half which ended Ayinde adds the second the bench scored the the team in Lokoja on 0-0. of the day two minutes 14th goal for the Sara- Friday after battling Coach Henry Makinwa later, again, beating the ki Boys in three clean with flu missed too made five changes in half trap of a more de- sheet games to seal many scoring chances the second half, bring- fenseless Black Stars. a 4-0 victory for the in the first half. ing in Adeshina Gata, Wasiu Alalade who newly promoted Ilorin Woods The defense of the non Taiye and Kehinde Ay- came in for Ossy Mar- based side. AMUSEMENT PARK

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www.leadership.ng No. 2,766 N200 Guest Purchasing Managers’ Index Columnist (PMI) December 2016 Report

By Central Bank Of Nigeria

he Statistics Department, order: primary metal; petroleum related products; petroleum and Central Bank of Nigeria and coal products; computer and coal products; and fabricated conducts a monthly electronic products; transportation metal products sub-sectors survey of purchasing equipment; furniture and related recorded improving delivery time and supply executives products; fabricated metal in December. of manufacturing and non- products; non-metallic mineral T Manufacturing Employment manufacturing organizations products; paper products; chemical in 13 locations in Nigeria: - two & pharmaceutical products; and Level states in each of the six geo- printing and related support Employment level index in political zones, and the Federal activities. the month of December 2016 Capital Territory (FCT). The survey stood at 48.6 points, indicating results are used to compute the Manufacturing New Orders declines in employment level for monthly Purchasing Managers’ At 51.8 points, the new orders the twenty-second consecutive Index (PMI). The survey for this index showed expansion in new month. However, the index month was conducted December orders after eleven months of shows a slowing contraction in 13th to 20th, 2016 with a total contraction. It stood at 45.1 in manufacturing employment of 1,740 responses received from November 2016. The five sub- when compared with the level a sample of 1,950 respondents, sectors that recorded expansion in the preceding month. Of the representing a response rate of in new orders were: cement; food, sixteen sub-sectors, nine recorded 89.2 per cent. The Bank makes beverage and tobacco products; contraction in employment in no representation regarding the textile, apparel, leather and the following order: computer individual companies, other than footwear; paper products; and and electronic products; electrical that stated by the respondents. fabricated metal products. The equipment; appliances and The data contained herein further Emefiele plastics and rubber products sub- components; printing and related provides input for policy decisions. sector remained unchanged, while support activities; furniture and 50 points indicates that appliances and components; the remaining ten sub-sectors related products; chemical and Data and Method of the manufacturing/non- chemical and pharmaceutical declined in the order: primary pharmaceutical products; primary Presentation manufacturing economy is products; and furniture and related metal; electrical equipment; metal; fabricated metal products; The Manufacturing and Non- generally expanding, 50 points products. The fabricated metal transportation equipment; and non-metallic mineral products. Manufacturing PMI Report indicates no change and below 50 products sub-sector remained appliances and components; The paper products; petroleum and on businesses is based on data points indicates that it is generally unchanged, while the remaining petroleum and coal products; coal products; and transportation compiled from purchasing declining. The sub-sectorsseven subsectors declined in the printing and related support equipment sub-sectors remained and supply executives. Survey reporting growth are listed in the order: computer and electronic activities; computer and electronic unchanged, while the cement; responses indicate whether there order of highest to lowest growth. products; electrical equipment; products; non-metallic mineral plastics and rubber products; food, is change or no change in the For the sub-sectors reporting primary metal; transportation products; furniture and related beverage and tobacco products; level of business activities in the contraction/decline, they are listed equipment; petroleum and coal products; and chemical and and textile, apparel, leather and current month compared with in the order of the highest to the products; printing and related pharmaceutical products. footwear sub-sectors recorded the previous month. For each lowest decline. support activities; and non- Manufacturing Supplier expansion during the review of the indicators measured, this metallic mineral products. Delivery Time period. report shows the diffusion index Manufacturing PMI Report At 47.9 index points, the supplier of the responses. The diffusion Production level, new Manufacturing Production delivery time for manufacturing Continued on page 35 index is computed as the percent orders, and raw material Level sub-sectors contracted in the of positive responses plus one-half inventories expanding from At 57.6 index points, the month of December 2016, after GHANA MUST GO production level index for of the percent of those reporting contraction; employment level nine consecutive periods of Unconfirmed report no change. The composite PMI is declining slower; and supplier manufacturing sector indicated expansion. Nine sub-sectors the sector expanded in the review indicates Shekau’s then computed as the weighted delivery time worsening from recorded worsening suppliers’ capture average of five diffusion indices for improving December 2016.The period, compared to the decline delivery time in the following manufacturing sector: production Manufacturing PMI stood at recorded in the preceding eleven order: transportation equipment; level, new orders, supplier delivery 52.0 index points in December months. Five manufacturing food, beverage and tobacco — News time, employment level and raw 2016, indicating expansion in sub-sectors recorded growth products; cement; textile, apparel, materials inventory, with assigned the manufacturing sector during in production level during the leather and footwear; paper weights of 25 per cent, 30 per cent, the review period. The index review month in the following products; printing and related 15 per cent, 10 per cent and 20 per had recorded declining in the order: cement; food, beverage support activities; chemical and cent, respectively. The composite preceding eleven months. Eight and tobacco products; electrical pharmaceutical products; plastics PMI for non-manufacturing sector of the 16 sub-sectors surveyed equipment; plastics and rubber and rubber products; and non- is computed from four diffusion recorded expansion in the review products; and textile, apparel, metallic mineral products. The indices: business activity, new month in the following order: leather and footwear. The computer and electronic products orders, employment level and raw cement; food, beverage and appliances and components sub- and electrical equipment sub- materials inventory, with equal tobacco products; textile, apparel, sector remained unchanged, while sectors remained unchanged, while How many times will weights of 25 per cent each. leather and footwear; plastics and the remaining ten sub-sectors the appliances and components; they kill this man? A composite PMI above rubber products; paper products; declined in the review period in the primary metal; furniture and

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