Breaking news for 22b.11.2011

THE NATION

Boko Haram sponsors: SSS detains senator

By Yusuf Alli and Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja 6 hours 5 minutes ago

Suspect names ex-Governor Sheriff, ex-envoy as backers

SECURITY agents last night arrested a Senator who a suspect named as a Boko Haram sponsor.

Senator Ali Ndume (Borno), who is being held by the State Security Services (SSS), is likely to face trial today in Abuja.

The Nation learnt also that 13 suspects have been arrested by the Joint Task Force in connection with the recent bombings in Damaturu, Yobe State.

Ndume will be arraigned in court with some members of the sect already in SSS custody, sources said.

A source, who pleaded not to be named for security reasons, broke to The Nation news of the senator’s arrest at about 10.20pm.

He said: “He is presently being detained in SSS custody, pending his arraignment in court.

“Based on the confession of some Boko Haram suspects in custody, we have interrogated Ndume and he has made a statement accordingly. We are going to charge him to court on Tuesday (today) with some of the suspects in our custody.

“With this development, we hope that Nigerians will appreciate that security agencies are doing our best to tackle terrorism.”

Attempts by some Senators to see Ndume last night failed.

A suspect named Ndume, former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff and Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Sao Tome and Principe, the late Saidu Pindar, as financial backers of Boko Haram.

The suspect, Ali Sauda Umar Konduga (a.k.a Usman al-Zawahiri) spoke at the State Security Service (SSS) office in Abuja during a session with reporters in the presence of SSS officials.

It was a repetition of the confessional statement he allegedly made to the SSS.

Besides its activities in the Northeast, which have caused hundreds of deaths, the group extended its operations to Abuja when its suicide bomber attacked the police headquarters.

The group also killed more than 60 people during its co-ordinated strikes in Damaturu and Potiskum in Yobe State and Maiduguri, Borno State, early this month.

Boko Haram took its operations to the international arena by attacking the United Nations (UN) building in Abuja in August, killing 24 people.

Konduga said he was trained by the late Boko Haram leader, Mohammed Yusuf, who was summarily executed in police custody in 2009.

Konduga confessed to being a member of “ECOMOG”, political outfit allegedly sponsored by Sheriff.

According to him, the relationship between the sect and the ex-governor flourished when Sheriff appointed one of Boko Haram’s leaders, Fuji Foi, as commissioner. But the relationship went sour after Foi was sacked and eventually killed in circumstances the sect believed were officially instigated.

The suspect, who spoke through an interpreter, said it was at this point that the late Pindar stepped in as a major backer of the sect. According to him, Pindar promised the sect N10 million and was on his way to deliver N5 million to the sect when he was killed in a road crash about two months ago.

Konduga said: “Senator Ali Ndume filled the vacuum left by Pindar. He composed threat text messages that we forwarded to prominent individuals, including Governor Sule Lamido (Jigawa State), Babangida Aliyu (Niger State), Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dalhatu Tafida and ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.”

“Before his death, Pindar encouraged us to send threat messages to the chairman of the Borno State Election Petition Tribunal, Justice Sambo Adamu, and the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke.”

The Borno Election Petition Tribunal was forced to relocate from Maiduguri to Abuja by the frightening contents of the text messages.

According to the suspect, the relationship between the sect and Ndume grew tepid when the senator was named as a member of the Galtimari Committee on Security in the Northeast.

“We questioned Ndume’s membership of the committee, but he explained to us that he had no link with ex-Governor Sheriff and that he would supply us the telephone numbers of members of the Galtimari committee. He could not fulfil the promise before I was arrested.”

The Galtimari committee has submitted its report which President Goodluck Jonathan promised to implement, saying: “perpetrators would be dealt with and that the heavens would not fall”.

Giving reasons for sending threat messages to the prominent individuals, Konduga said Ndume told them that Obasanjo was a strong backer of Sheriff and the message was meant to get the ex-President to withdraw his support for him.

The message to the tribunal chairman was to threaten him to rule in favour of the PDP in the Borno State governorship election petition. The election was won by the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

The message to the Attorney General was to make him prevail on the tribunal to rule in favour of the PDP. The message to Governors Lamido and Aliyu was to check their relentless verbal attacks on the sect.

One of the threat messages was also sent to former Senator and ex-Works Minister Sanusi Daggash. According to the suspect, Ndume told the sect that Daggash was working against the interest of the PDP in Borno State.

According to Konduga, all the messages were scripted by Ndume and forwarded to him for onward transmission to the various individuals. He also provided the telephone numbers of the individuals.

The suspect expressed the sect’s dissatisfaction with the various political figures they had contact with because, according to him, they always failed to keep their promises when the sect members needed them most.

SSS spokesperson Marilyn Ogar who addressed the press conference where the suspect was paraded before reporters, said the revelation had confirmed the position of the SSS that Boko Haram members enjoy political patronage and sponsorship.

She said the suspect was arrested on November 3 by a joint security operation at Gwange, Maiduguri. According to Ogar, Konduga claimed to be one of the spokesmen of the sect.

The SSS spokesperson said the suspect confessed that following the compulsory registration of SIM cards, he was asked to steal a SIM which he used in sending the threat messages.

Ogar revealed that the suspect had been using a pseudo name, Usman Al-Zawahiri, to conceal his identity. She confirmed that analysis of the suspect’s phone confirmed constant communication between him and the legislator (preferring not to mention his name).

She said: “Meanwhile, analysis of Al-Zawahiri’s phone has confirmed constant communication between him and the legislator”.

The SSS reiterated its commitment to addressing the security threat posed by Boko Haram and other fundamentalist groups, including the dimensions of political patronage and sponsorship of extremist and violent groups.

Ndume was the Minority Leader of the sixth House of Representatives. He was elected on the platform of the ANPP. He defected to the PDP shortly before the April elections, apparently having fallen out with ex- Governor Sheriff who is in absolute control of the ANPP in Borno State.

CBN depreciates troubled naira

By Ayodele Aminu and Nduka Chiejina 6 hours 6 minutes ago

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) depreciated the naira yesterday, bowing to demand pressure at the foreign exchange market and prolonged weakness of the currency.

A dollar will now exchange at the CBN’s official window wholesale Dutch Auction System (wDAS) at N150-160 as against the previous N145-155.

The apex bank, however, left its benchmark interest rate (Monetary Policy Rate - MPR) unchanged at 12 per cent and its 200 basis point corridor around the benchmark rate – meaning that its recommended deposit rate is 10 per cent and its lending rate is 14 per cent.

The MPR is the interest rate at which the banking watchdog lends to commercial banks. This influences other rates.

Addressing reporters in Abuja after the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, the governor of the CBN, Lamido Sanusi said: “The committee decided to adjust the mid-point of target official exchange rate from N150.00/US$1.00 to N155.00/US$1.00 and maintain the band of +/-3.0 per cent. This means that the naira should float roughly within a range of N150.00/US$1.00–N160.00/US$1.00, unless extraordinary shocks necessitate a change in stance.”

The naira, which the banking watchdog has struggled to keep within its target band of three per cent above or below N150 per dollar, traded at N155.21 to the dollar the official window yesterday following a demand surge to $419.22 million. But the CBN sold only $250 million. It sold all the $333.82 million demanded at 154.50 to the dollar at its last auction on Wednesday.

At the interbank market, naira traded at N158.90 to the dollar, having hit an all-time low of N167.40 in October, prior to sharp monetary tightening measures which have since stabilised the local currency.

Sanusi acknowledged the continued demand pressures in the foreign exchange market and the slow rate of reserve accretion.

He said the committee urged the CBN to continue to seek convergence between wDAS and interbank rates (rates at which banks trade forex with one another). It also told the apex bank “to reduce arbitrage opportunities, avoid speculative attacks, and the emergence of a multiple-exchange rate environment.”

He said the Committee observed some restoration of stability in the Foreign exchange market since the last MPC meeting.

The average exchange rate he said, appreciated at all three segments of the market during the period. He noted that at the wDAS market, the exchange rate opened at N158.48/US$ (including 1% commission) on October 11, 2011 and closed at N156.05/US$ on November 18, 2011, representing an appreciation of N2.43k or 1.53 per cent within the period.

The inter-bank segment selling rate opened at N158.90/US$ and closed at N158.62/US$, representing an appreciation of N 0.28k or 0.17 per cent. At the BDC segment, the selling rate opened at N165.00/US$ and closed at N160.00/US$, representing an appreciation of N5.00k or 3.03 per cent for the period.

Analysts had predicted another rate hike of between 25-50 basis points after the country’s consumer inflation rose to 10.5 per cent year-on-year in October, from 10.3 per cent the previous month.

Interest rates were hiked by a surprise 275 basis points at an emergency meeting last month.

Sanusi said the headline inflation figure should not be “exaggerated” because it was mostly driven by food inflation and other prices actually declined.

Finance Minister and Coordinator of the Economy Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is due to unveil the 2012 budget this month, which is expected to show an increase in overall spending, while plans to remove subsidies on petrol imports beginning next year is also expected to put upward pressure on inflation.

Sanusi said the CBN would be ready to react if fuel subsidy removal pushed up inflation but he didn’t expect the policy to have the strong impact on prices some expect.

He noted that the external reserves position has continued to improve, closing at US$34.38 billion of international reserves as at November 17, 2011.

Commenting on the naira depreciation, Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Limited, Bismark Rewane, said this was a goof development, which will take lots of pressure off the CBN’s forex window.

“That was a smart move. Demand for forex at the CBN’s window will decline, CBN will be able to meet demands and it will help mop up liquidity,” he

Head of Macroeconomics and Regional Head of Research, Africa, Global Research of Standard Chartered, Razia said there is no implicit devaluation.

“The announcement merely confirms a situation that should allow the NGN to trade close to previous levels, closing any differential between the WDAS and interbank FX rate. This will be important for price stability considerations going forward, lessening the need for further tightening. The announcement merely plays catch up with where the market already finds itself.

“We expect the CBN to reinforce its price stability credentials, intervening in the interbank market to restore confidence where necessary, and supporting this with ongoing tight monetary policy – mainly through OMOs. The move on the FX rate is positive in that it closes any gap with the interbank market, demonstrates the responsiveness of policymakers to market pressures, and hopefully also allows for the gradual re-accumulation of FX reserves, while keeping the price level relatively stable. Given the external risks facing the Nigerian economy, this is a sound course of action,” she said.

How Ibru cheated death

By BIODUN SONOWO 7 hours 23 minutes ago

On February 2, 1996, the late publisher of The Guardian, Mr. Alex Ibru, was attacked by gunmen on his way to his 17A, Alexander Road, Ikoyi home. BIODUN SONOWO, then of the Daily Champion, captured the incident . Excerpts from The Daniel from the Lion’s Den

The famous Ibru clan is not a complete stranger to sudden death. In 1974, Onome, eldest son of the family patriarch, Olorogun Michael Ibru, died in a motor accident, along the Ole-Ife-Ibadan highway. Onomen, then aged 21, was the apple of his father’s eye and heir apparent to the Olorogun.

As the clan has grown over the years, the vicissitudes of life, have like any other, seen them through various trials. They have had their own share of triumph, too. But death has been kept at bay prayers and faith from this deeply religious Christian family.

On Friday evening, February 2, 1996, the grim reaper came calling. The dark one came in the shape of several young men, in the cold from the automatic weapons, and of death-dealing bullets. And the target was the youngest of the Ibru brothers (others in order of seniority are Michael, Felix, Bernard and Goodie), Alexander Uruemu Ibru, 50, and billed to mark 51st birthday on March 1, 1996.

Until around 6.29 p.m. that is, when a terse statement from Mr. Femi Kusa, Editor-in-Chief of the Gurdian newspapers, confirmed the attack by unknown gunmen.

Who is after Alex Ibru? That is the mystery the police are now trying to unravel.

Piecing the incident together; the drama obviously unfolded around 6 p.m. Alex Ibru, publisher, industrialist and life-time businessman, had just closed for the day in his office suite at the Federal Palace Hotel, on Victoria Island, Lagos. As he gathered his papers and rang for his driver and assistant, it probably broke down as just another day and time to return to his Ikoyi home, and to his pretty wife, Maiden.

Unknown to him, however, some people were lurking around the five-star hotel, watching his next move, masking sinister motives; robbery or cold-blooded murder, it is not yet clear.

His car, an ash Peugeot 504 salon began the short journey home from Ahmadu Bello Way Victoria Island, to the Ikoyi home of the publisher. Another vehicle was traversing that route that evening. It was a deep blue Peugeot 504 salon car with about five occupants (police have not determined the actual number of attackers).

According to Mr. Kusa’s and the Ibru family’s initial summation, the assassins knew Mr. Ibru’s itinerary and homeward route quite well. Said Mr. Kusa: “Apparently, they expected Mr. Ibru to continue his journey from the Five Cowries Bridge, (linking Ikoyi to Victoria Island) into Kingsway Road.”

It was then the would-be assassin struck at around 6.30 p.m. The driver of the blue Peugeot 504 salon car pulled off the traffic in a sudden swerve, drew level at the other side of the junction, several men (their number is uncertain) jumped out of the car, raced to Mr. Ibru’s car, automatic weapons drawn, and opened fire on him.

Several rounds of bullets were fired into the car and the defenceless occupants. Going by the bullet-ridden marks on the publisher’s car, it was a premeditated attack and Alex Ibru was the only target.

Cornered, and in shock, ibru suffered direct hits to his head and right hand. Also in deep shock and temporarily disoriented was the driver. But several powerful emotions were at work in the driver that evening. One was loyalty, another was self-preservation, and a third was duty.

Under attack, the driver rallied, controlled his fear and drove his master at top speed to a private hospital. Unconfirmed reports say it was to renowned private centre of excellence, St. Nicholas Hospital, that the quickly-witted driver drove his boss.

This timely medical attention coupled with his abiding faith in God, saved Ibru’s life. Doctor immediately began battling to save him. They found that at least one bullet had penetrated the head, close to his eye, while another had damage the publisher’s right hand. As medical personnel at home commenced life-saving procedures, the Ibru family was making frantic arrangements to send the tycoon abroad for more qualitative medical care. Unvoice was the desire to get himout of harm’s way, in case the assailants decided to finish off the job they had bungled earlier, by tracking the publisher to hospital and terminating his life.

By 9.30 a.m. on Sunday, a breakthrough was achieved. A Falcon F-50 modified aircraft took the publisher to London on a specially-cleared flight. The aircraft was leased from Aero-Leasing Air Ambulance of Switzerland. It arrived in Nigeria on Saturday night.

Earlier, Mr. Ibru’s doctor had advised against a precipitate grueling 10-hour flight, until his condition had been stabilized.

By Monday evening, doctors at the hospital where he was admitted in England, ha performed a six-and-half hour surgery to extract bullets and prices of shrapnel from his skull and hands.

Earlier, doctors at St. Nicholas had performed a life-saving surgery on The Guardian chairman.

The family said on Tuesday that Ibru’s condition was “stable”, and that his doctors “were pleased with his progress”. Only then did many relations, friends, well-wishers and employees of the publisher heaved a collective sigh of relief. By press time, no one could say the extent of permanent damage Mr. Ibru had cheated death.

Other in recent times have not been so lucky. On January 20, this year, seven intruders burst inot the Iju sub-urban home of Mr. Kayode Awosanya, public affairs adviser of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, and pumped him full of bullets snuffing out his life.

In October 1995, another dance of death had been enacted. Five determined young men invaded the Ikeja, Lagos, home of Pa Alfred businessman and elder statesman, locked up other members of the household and shot the 79-year-old citizen to death. On Christmas day 1995, gunmen trailed Dr. Femi Oyewo, medical director of Pfizer Plc from the church where he had attended the Xmas service. They over-took his car in Ikeja, dragged him out and shot him dead in full view of assailants stole nothing, indicating that the killing was more to their taste than robbing.

Not left out in the orgy of violence are the police, Mr. Bonny David Izegwere, was mowed down in a hail bullets at Ojodu on the outskirt of Lagos. Nothing was stolen and his assailants are yet to be found.

The list is a very long one.

For Alex Ibru, what could be the motive for the seemingly senseless attack? For on year, government proscribed The Guardian newspapers, even though Alex was then Minister of Internal Affairs in the same government. Then earlier this year, unknown persons torched part of Rutam House, head office of The Guardian newspaper and associate companies, destroying vital production equipment.

Alex Ibru has found that publishing is a minefield. The first test came barely a year after the paper was born in 1983. In April 1984, two of The Guardian journalists were jailed for one year each by the draconian Buhari/Idiagbon regime who saw press freedom as a threat to the corporate existence of the state. In May 1991, the then military governor of Lagos State, Colonel (as he then was) Raki Rasaki ordered the closure of The Guardian for annoying him with a report that later proved to be true.

But assassination? That is the ultimate occupational hazard, and for Alex Ibru, as he convalesces on hi London hospital bed, it may be too much a price to pay.

-- Culled from the Daily Champion of February 11, 1996

Jonathan urges judges to uphold ethics

By Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja 6 hours 22 minutes ago

•CJN issues code of conduct

JUDGES got a challenge from the President yesterday.

He told them to uphold ethics and the executive will, in turn, respect the Judiciary’s independence.

President Goodluck Jonathan spoke at the All Nigeria Judges’ Conference in Abuja.

The biennial conference with the theme: “Towards the sustenance of Judicial Ethics in Nigeria” is organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) for Justices, Judges and Khadis of superior courts of record to exchange ideas on development in the judiciary.

Opening the conference, Dr Jonathan said the theme tallies “with our desire to effect the transformation of the entire polity”.

“If our transformation agenda is to succeed and the Nigerian Project is to be a reality, then the Judiciary must continue to sustain its ethics and discharge its constitutional role and responsibilities creditably and within the purview of the Constitution,” the President said, adding:

“Fair dispensation of justice is a core value of the judiciary. Fairness, impartiality, integrity and Incorruptibility are also values that the judiciary is expected to hold dear and individual judges must take seriously.”

“No one can deny the importance of the judiciary to the stability of our nation. As a government established on the foundation of the rule of law, we will continue to respect the independence of the Judiciary and provide you with all the support you might need to carry out your duties.

Jonathan pointed out that his administration is, however, concerned about the slow dispensation of justice in many cases.

“We have hundreds of our people spending long periods in jail just waiting for their trials to commence. This means that accused persons are consigned to a life of misery and pain, even before their guilt or innocence is established. Besides, justice is unwittingly delayed. If the judiciary must continue to enjoy the confidence of the populace, the wheel of justice must move more speedily and must be seen to be doing so, without any compromises. We are determined to provide whatever support that may be needed to tackle this challenge.”

“I urge you all to continue to remain focused, undaunted and continue to hold firmly to your oath of office. Remember at all times that whenever you decide cases, you are by that singular act putting yourselves on trial before the public.

Chief Justice of Nigeria Dahiru Musdapher emphasised that the Judiciary urgently needs radical reforms.

“We must rise above the daunting challenges of today and restore hope and confidence in the judicial system. The importance of a credible, efficient, independent, impartial, honest and virile

judiciary in building a stable democratic nation cannot be overemphasised; it is indeed a necessary pillar of constitutional democracy and a necessary ingredient towards building a peaceful and decent society.”

The CJN reiterated his resolve to improve the judiciary for the benefit of all, as, according to him, Justices, performance is “mostly based on where we falter rather than where we succeed.

“However, it is important for Nigerians to appreciate the complexity of the challenges we face today,” he said.

Lamenting the numerous challenges confronting the nation, Justice Musdapher said perhaps in the commonwealth nations, none is as burdened, encumbered, harassed, inundated and over-stretched with political cases and disputes as much as the Nigerian Judiciary.

But, according to him, Nigeria can boast of having produced some of the finest judicial officers within the Commonwealth countries, which operate and administer common law.

Going down memory lane, the CJN recalled that “ before independence and through to the post-independence era, Judges in Nigeria were rarely accused of corruption, whether rightly or wrongly. Indeed, corruption or any type of vice was seen as an abomination and anathema within Judicial circles, whether at the Supreme Court, Appellate Courts, Magistrates’ Courts, Customary or Native Courts”.

“The role of an adjudicator is an onerous and unenviable one, we must discharge our functions impartially, effectively and in the best interest of Justice, and in accordance with the law; without regard to any undue influences, sentiments or show of favouritism. There must be zero tolerance to judicial dishonesty and corruption.

“Therefore, personal bias or prejudice on the part of a judge is improper and should not be tolerated. Antagonism or favoritism directed personally at a party by a judge indicates that the judge does not have the requisite degree of impartiality to decide a case fairly.....”

“Another aspect of this mandate is that judges must not lend the prestige of their offices to advance the private interests of others. The office was created for the purpose of administering justice; it was not intended to be used to support the private ventures of others. Accordingly, it is a gross violation for a judge to use the prestige of his office to do favours for friends or relatives. For example, it is improper for a judge to intercede in criminal proceedings before another judge on behalf of a friend or relative.”

He went on: “As Judges, we do not aspire to power and do not seek to rule. We must not stretch the confines that invariably bind us as Judges. The determination of the questions placed before us regulate and stabilise this great nation, protect its democratic values and practices and, ultimately, its future. Consequently, we must rise to the challenge and restore public confidence in our judicial system.”

Justice Musdapher also cautioned Judges against deciding cases on technical grounds instead of the substantive issues.

This attitude, he said, “is strictly unwarranted as procedural rules are there to regulate the conduct of proceedings and ensure that the process for the attainment of justice is fair and equitable”.

The NJI Administrator, Justice Umaru Eri, enjoined judges to ensure balancing development and the protection of human rights of the citizen.

“The interests of the powerful must always be reconciled with those of the voiceless poor. This is a constitutional function which the courts in this country must discharge. It is heart-warming that, by and large, our courts have lived up to expectation.

“This is premised on the fact that as the society depends on Justice, those who are singularly advantaged to do Justice to all manner of persons, must ensure that they themselves are standing erect far away from all manner of injustice. And one way of achieving that is to take cognisance of our errors and failings in order to avoid them. The error that is of the head is pardonable, that of the heart is usually meditated and is, therefore, condemnable.

“As a part of the nation’s political system, the Judiciary in Nigeria remains the typical mechanism for translating resources and influence into practical advantage. The principles of due process, impartial judgment by Judges and equal justice reflect the values and balance of interest that characterise the component of our political system. For these reasons, the acknowledged independence of the Nigerian Judiciary must be protected so that Nigerians can benefit from the impact of the judicial process on who gets what in our democracy.”

Fuel subsidy probe: Senate invites EFCC, ICPC

By Onyedi Ojiabor, 6 hours 25 minutes ago

The Senate has invited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Offences Commission (ICPC) to witness the opening of investigation into the management of fuel subsidy in the country.

Chairman of the Joint Committee probing alleged sharp practices in the management of fuel subsidy Senator Magnus Abe said this in Abuja yesterday.

Abe said the probe panel has invited the anti-graft agencies to witness the commencement of the controversial investigation today as observers.

Abe said: “We have just finished a meeting of the Joint Committee mandated to investigate the management of fuel subsidy in the country.

“We also resolved that the investigation will be open to all Nigerians. We resolved that all core issues that gave rise to the investigation will be covered.

“We resolved to write and invite the EFCC and the ICPC to attend the sitting as observers. We have already extended letters of invitation to them.”

Abe, who said that “nobody is coming to arrest anybody”, added that the committee felt that relevant agencies like the EFCC and ICPC should attend as observers.

Apart from the EFCC and ICPC, he noted that civil society groups were also invited to attend “so that they will have records of what is said at the investigation.”

Though he insisted that the presence of EFCC and ICPC officials was not meant to facilitate the arrest of anybody, the lawmaker added “but you can’t have a country where N1.3 trillion disappears and nobody is arrested.”

The committee, he said, also looked at those involved in importation of petroleum products and resolved to scrutinise the criteria for selecting them.

He noted that preliminary findings showed that some of the importers were not qualified to import products in the first place.

Abe lamented that some of the government agencies asked to send written memorandum to the committee failed to do so.

But he said that the committee decided not to make issue out of the failure of some agencies to comply with its directive since defaulting agencies would still answer questions.

He listed Finance Minister, Petroleum Minister, Group General Manager, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Former Finance Minister, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as some of those summoned to appear before the panel.

The Senate had mandated its committees on Petroleum (Downstream) Finance and Appropriation to investigate alleged illegal deals in the management of fuel subsidy in the country.

Tambuwal hails Rivers INEC

By Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja 6 hours 25 minutes ago

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, has applauded the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, headed by Prof. Nimi Briggs, for the publication of two books chronicling elections in Nigeria.

The Speaker was presented with the two books, “Making the votes count” and “Enhancing the electoral process,” at the National Assembly yesterday.

He said the books were archival materials that would not only strengthen democracy but also accurately present events that occurred during the elections.

The Speaker, who was represented by Asita Honourable, Chairman, House Committee on Local Content, noted that the publication of the books is the ”beginning of our political electoral history as we have some points of reference in the years to come. “

He extolled the commission and congratulated it on the achievement.

INEC chair Jega: electoral work is a thankless job

By Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja 6 hours 25 minutes ago

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, yesterday described the country’s electoral work as a thankless job.

He spoke in Abuja yesterday when the out-going Chairman of River State Independent Electoral Commission, Prof Nimi Briggs, visited him.

Briggs’ tenure ends on Saturday. He presented a booklet on activities of his tenure to the INEC Chairman.

Jega noted that however good somebody performs on electoral duty, it is not immediately appreciated.

He said: “If you say that you pray for them to continue, many of them may probably throw stones at you because it is a very difficult and thankless job.”

“And to be able to perform since 2007 is really very commendable. I want to say that what you have done only the Almighty God can reward you.

“If we keep on trying our best, certainly we will be able to address these challenges and keep on ensuring that we have free, fair and credible elections in our country. So it is a thankless job. It is a difficult job but it is not an impossible job.”

“With time, obviously people recognise the good work that is being done and will come to appreciate it even though they don’t presently.”

He called on governors to ensure that sole administrators and caretaker committees are brought to an end in all local governments.

Jonathan backs PDP chiefs on Bayelsa primary

By Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja 6 hours 24 minutes ago

•Party acted in good faith, says Baraje

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday applauded the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on its handling of the primary in Bayelsa State.

The exclusion of Governor Timipre Sylva has generated controversy.

But the President told members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) not to allow themselves to be intimidated by anybody as long as due process was followed.

Jonathan spoke when the party’s Acting Chairman, Abubakar Baraje, led some members of the NWC to the Presidential Villa to felicitate with him on his 54th birthday. They presented a card and a letter to the President.

Jonathan said: “I want to use this opportunity to commend you for what you have been doing. It is a phase in Nigerian history, this government will be like a transitional phase in Nigerian history.

“It is always difficult for people to appreciate things. I notice that in Nigeria’s political environment, people feel that a leader of the party must always influence the decision of the party. So, influencing the decision of the party now becomes a norm. You made reference to the election, I always say my state, Bayelsa has always been a PDP state from 1999.

“I commend the party, continue to follow due process don’t be intimidated by anybody as long as you are on the right course. And I believe PDP will lead the country to where Nigerians want it to be,” he said.

The PDP leadership explained why the party went ahead with last Saturday’s governorship primary in Bayelsa State despite the court order.

Baraje said: “There was no injunction, what the party had was a motion on notice, it was not an order to stop anything, it was a motion on notice asking the party why certain prayers in that court papers should not be granted by the court and that we should show reasons.

“We were able to show reasons why we should go ahead. It was not an injunction, it was not an order, it was not anything stopping our party, we are a due process party, if the order had come and say stop, we will stop but that order was not to stop us,” he said.

On the request by Governor Timipre Sylva that the party should make public his alleged sin, the PDP acting chairman said the issue in Bayelsa is an internal issue of the party, adding that the party has the right to present whosoever it desires for an election.

Besides, he said the governor cannot deny not knowing the reason for his exclusion.

Since he has not decided to make it public, the party is also not interested in making it public, Baraje said.

His words: “It is an internal affair of the party. If the governor wants to make it public, he can make it public. If he is saying the party has not told him what he has done, it means he doesn’t want to make it public and the party is not interested in making it public. All I know is that in accordance with the law, the party has the right to present whoever is convenient to the party and that is what we have done.

On the consequence of the party’s action, Baraje said: “We have our processes and you must go through such processes before you can go to court, if you rush to court and it negates our constitutional provisions, then we will go to court, we will answer whatever you call us for but we will subject you again to the provisions of our constitution.”

He also described the primary as the best and most peaceful in recent times, saying “if I describe it, you will say because am the Acting Chairman of the party. Why don’t you ask Bayelsa people, why don’t you ask our people in Bayelsa? But if you want my comment, it is one of the elections that is the freest for our member. It was covered live by NTA under the glaring eyes of the media. I told the pubic that during this period all the elections we shall be doing will be transparent, will be under the watchful eyes of the media and that was what we did.

Imo to strengthen security

By Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri 6 hours 8 minutes ago

THE Imo State Government is to strengthen security in the state, Governor Rochas Okorocha has said.

The governor spoke during a meeting with traditional rulers, Presidents- General of town unions and Transition Committee chairmen in Orlu.

He urged them to work in collaboration with security agents to curb crime in the zone.

Okorocha addressed them at Rochas Foundation College, Ogboko.

He decried the increasing kidnapping cases in the state, especially in Orlu zone.

He regretted that barely two weeks after his Operation Rescue Mission / Community Policing was launched, about six people were again kidnapped and warned that government would deal decisively with criminals.

Okorocha was accompanied to the meeting by his deputy Jude Agbaso; Brigade commander, 34FAB Obinze, Maj Gen A.I. Danpome, Commissioner of Police Mohammed Abubakar, among others.

The police commissioner said an information box had been opened at the Police Headquarters in Owerri and urged the public to volunteer information.

Agbaso urged traditional rulers to expose criminals in their communities.

House of Assembly Speaker Benjamin Uwajimogu said a law has been enacted against kidnapping.

According to him, the penalty for kidnapping is death.

Highlight of the occasion was the launching of Operation Rescue/Community Policing.

Death a loss to the nation, says Tinubu

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor and Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia 7 hours 23 minutes ago

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Former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday described the death of Mr. Alex Ibru as a great loss to the nation.

Tinubu, in a statement, said: “The news of the death of Chief Ibru, The Guardian chairman and publisher, at 66, came to me as a shock. His loss is not just to the Ibru family but to the entire country. But the loss is especially acute to the media, where he birthed Nigeria’s entrance into the era of modern professional journalism, through The Guardian stable.”

To the Ibru family, Tinubu offered condolences: “Please accept my very sincere sympathy over his demise. I pray that God, in his infinite mercy will grant you all the fortitude to bear this loss, and grant you courage and peace for the days ahead.”

Tinubu recalled the tribulations of the late publisher during the regime of Gen. Sani Abacha, after he resigned as Minister of Internal Affairs.

“The Guardian was shut by the military regime and he became a target of anti-democratic elements and security goons. He was shot in the heat of the post-June 12 democratic struggle. But the bullets of oppression could not extinguish the fire for a just and equitable society in him.”

He said in Ibru’s passage, Nigeria has lost “a great mind, a sound entrepreneur, a trail blazer and an icon in the media cum business firmament.”

He added: “That is why today. I mourn with his family and other Nigerians the death of a gentleman and lover of the media and democracy. One who stood to be counted when it mattered most. One who, in his own quiet, yet determined way, supported Nigeria’s struggle to birth a new nation – and one whose name and stewardship will never be forgotten in a hurry.”

Daily Times: Anosike brothers change counsel

By Adebisi Onanuga 5 hours 57 minutes ago

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The Anosike brothers, Fidelis and Noel, both directors of Messrs Folio Communications Limited, escaped arrest by the police as they appeared at a Lagos High Court, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday with a new defence counsel, Mr. Babajide Koku (SAN).

A Lagos High Court judge, Ikeja, Justice Habeeb Abiru, had issued a bench warrant and ordered the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Hafiz Ringim, to produce and arraign them in court yesterday. They are facing charges of theft preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

The court order was the climax of their refusal to appear in court to answer the criminal charges brought against them at previous hearings.

The Anosike brothers, who were being represented formerly by Chief Olisa Agbakoba (SAN),are facing charges of theft of N1.7 billion, being property of Daily Times of Nigeria Limited.

Although the Anosike brothers were in court, the EFCC could not arraign them as their counsel pleaded with the court for an adjournment of the matter to a new date.

Koku told the court that his clients have dropped Agbakoba and that since he has just taken over the case from him, he would need time to study the charges brought against his clients before filing his counter affidavit.

Counsel to the prosecution, Mr. Akin Akintewa did not object to the request for adjournment of the matter.

The presiding judge adjourned the case to December 15.

Aliyu, Ogunshola, ACN say death a big loss

By Tajudeen Adebanjo and Jide Orintunsin, Minna 7 hours 24 minutes ago

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CHAIRMAN of the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) and Governor of Niger State Dr Babangida Aliyu, the former President of the Newspapers Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Chief Ajibola Ogunshola and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday described the death of Mr. Alex Ibru, the publisher of The Guardian, as a great loss to journalism profession and the nation.

Aliyu said the nation has lost a great patriot and leader.

In a condolence message issued in Minna by his media aide, Malam Danladi Ndayebo, the governor described the late Ibru as a jack of all trade and master of all, emphasising that the late publisher excelled in all areas he ventured into, with exceptional mark of integrity and discipline.

The message reads: “It is no longer news that the late Alex Ibru presided over one of Africa’s most influential newspapers - The Guardian - because of his rare vision and good leadership.

“Ibru’s The Guardian became the flagship of the nation’s newspaper industry not by luck but through hardwork, dedication and honesty of its late publisher ,its reporters, and a strong editorial board consisting of senior journalists, professors, retired generals, former ambassadors, retired civil servants and captains of industry.’’

Ogunshola, in a tribute, said: “The sad death of Alex Uruemu Ibru, fondly called “Chairman”, is a great loss to Nigeria.

“Even before The Guardian, he was already pre-eminent beyond his peers. The Nigerian press, the Nigerian people; will always be grateful to his memory for establishing The Guardian, which he achieved at the age of 38, and for ensuring that it maintained its lofty heights.

“It is rare to find so much wealth, charm and fame combined in a single frame. Even in grave illness, his charm and beauty shone.

“In a serious country, those who masterminded and launched the near-fatal attack on him 16 years ago and thereby changed his life forever, would be visited upon with commensurate punishment. My wife and I send our condolences to his dear wife, Maiden, to his children and siblings and the larger Ibru family.”

In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said through his Trinity Foundation and the newspaper, The Guardian, as well as his stint in government, the late Chief Ibru touched the lives of many in a positive way and helped to strengthen freedom and democracy.

The statement reads: ‘’His exemplary life of selfless service and entrepreneurship, lived with uncommon humility and absolute faith in God, is worthy of emulation by all, especially at a time of rising self-centredness and sheer greed in our society.

‘’His words, as quoted by The Guardian, are worth repeating here, “I still don’t know why they did what they did. Only God has the answer. Judgment belongs to God. I don’t hate anybody, I don’t blame anybody.”

The party described the words as reflections of the mindset of a man who eschewed bitterness.

It said: “They offered a peep into the purity of his soul. One of the best tributes that can be paid to the memory of Ibru is for his Foundation and his pace-setting newspaper to continue to work hard to maintain and protect his legacy.”

Gbajabiamila sues Jonathan, six others over RECs’ appointment

By Eric Ikhilae 5 hours 54 minutes ago

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The Minority Whip in the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has sued President Goodluck Jonathan and six others, over the planned confirmation of the appointment of some Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).

In the suit, filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos, the lawmaker is challenging Dr Jonathan’s appointment of the RECs, who are mostly members of political parties.

He argued that the step violates the provisions of Section 156(1)(a) of the Constitution.

Also named as defendants in the suit are the Senate; its President, David Mark; the Clerk of the Senate; the Attorney-General of the Federation; the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); and its Chairman.

In an originating summons filed for the plaintiff by his lawyer, Seni Adio of Copley Partners, Gbajabiamila set a single question for the court’s determination.

He wants the court to determine if Section 156(1)(a) or any other section of the Constitution authorises or empowers the President, the Senate, its President and the Clerk of the Senate to appoint and/or confirm the appointment of persons who are members of political parties as RECs and Electoral Commissioners (ECs).

Gbajabiamila averred in a supporting affidavit that the said appointment made in October, included persons who are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Fed Govt tackles unemployment with N50b interest-free loan

By Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi 5 hours 52 minutes ago

Minister of State for Trade and Investment Dr. Samuel Ortom has said the Federal Government would spend N50billion interest-free loan on small and medium scale enterprises to provide jobs.

Ortom spoke in Makurdi during a visit to the newly elected Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Dave Iorhemba.

He said any Nigerian with genuine business acumen would benefit from the loan.

According to him, the loan is available to every Nigerian who indulges in any self-sustaining business that would help ginger the nation’s economy.

He said about N10million will be made available to Nigerians through the Bank of Industries, adding that any entrepreneur who presents convincing evidence of a sustainable business interest would benefit from the package.

The minister regretted that entrepreneurs and potential businessmen in the North have not made themselves available to benefit from the facility.

He urged members of the House of Assembly to enlighten their constituents on the need to exploit the opportunity.

Why Nigeria’s not secured, by Atiku

By Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja 6 hours ago

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar yesterday gave insight into why there is insecurity in the country.

Poor governance, among other issues, Atiku said, is the cause of the rising wave of insecurity in Nigeria.

He spoke at the annual founder’s day celebration of the American University of Nigeria, Yola, with the theme: ‘socio-economic dimensions of Nigeria’s internal security challenges’.

The former Vice-President said government should fix the education system and get youths back to school.

His words: “What kind of society are we building when about 80 per cent of school-age children in the Northeast and some parts of the Northwest are not in school?

“Our energies on what needs to be done urgently, enforce rules, value the people, show fairness and equity and assist and protect the most needy and vulnerable.”

In a statement by the Deputy Director Communications of (AUN), Innocent Okorie Nwobodo, Atiku said: “One of the tragedies of the Nigerian situation, in my view, is that we tend to think of security as though it is disconnected from economic and political development, when in fact, they are inter-related. Sometimes we even look for imaginary enemies when the enemies are us. What I am trying to say here is that the rising wave of insecurity in the country results largely from socio-economic challenges: high level of unemployment; high level of illiteracy; and poor and unaccountable governance. Put another way, it largely results from the inability of the government to fulfill the aspirations of our people, especially our young people.

How Bankole, Nafada obtained loan, by EFCC

By Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja 5 hours 52 minutes ago

A Witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Mohammed, yesterday told an Abuja High Court how former Speaker of the House of Representative Dimeji Bankole, obtained a N42billion loan from two banks and shared allowances among members.

The prosecution witness also accused Bankole of approving the increase in the allowances of his colleagues from N17 million to N42 million per member in a quarter without the authorisation of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.

Mohammed, an investigation officer with EFCC, was testifying in the suit filed by the commission against Bankole and his erstwhile deputy, Bayero Usman Nafada.

They are facing a 17-count charge of criminal breach of trust, dishonest use of a House of Representatives bank account to obtain loan filed against them by the EFCC.

The former Speaker was represented by Mr Wale Akanni (SAN).

Bankole and Nafada are accused of sharing the loan to members without the consent and approval of the RMAFC and the extant Revised Financial Regulations of the Federal Government of Nigeria, 2009.

The offences are contrary to sections 97(1), 286 and 311 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990, and punishable under Sections 287 and 315 of the same Penal Code Act.

Led-in-evidence by the prosecution counsel, Festus Keyamo, Mohammed said the allowances paid to the House members were not captured in last year’s budget.

He said the alleged fraud was planned at a meeting Bankole chaired in his house, adding that the minutes of the meeting would be tendered as an exhibit to prove that the accused conspired to defraud the government.

Way out of Boko Haram crisis, by Oritsejafor

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor 5 hours 52 minutes ago

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor yesterday examined the Boko Haram crisis in the North, saying it could be resolved through pragmatic approach.

The pastor urged religious leaders and the elite in the North to assist the Federal Government in fishing out those who contribute to insecurity in the country.

He advised the government to look inwards in finding solutions to the sect’s menace and ensure that it does not infiltrate security agencies.

The CAN president said the leadership of security agencies was afraid to tackle the sect because of religious reasons.

Oritsejafor, who addressed reporters at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, noted that if the Federal Government wishes to tackle insecurity, it must engage religious leaders in the North, including sheikhs and imams, to call their youths to order.

He said this, and not the misapplication of the teachings of religions, which lead to destruction of life and property, would ensure an end to insecurity in the North.

Oritsejafor said: “As far as I am concerned, I believe that the northern elite has a very important role to play as to what is generally happening today in Nigeria. They must take the bull by the horn. When we had a similar situation in the Niger Delta, some of us had to go to the creeks, because we knew these boys. We started talking to them and, gradually, we are where we are today. We have come a long way.

“I believe that leaders in the North must wake up to their responsibilities. It is a fact that these boys or people doing this thing… let’s start with the boys. They are not spirits, they are human beings. A lot of what were taught in Koranic schools should not be misapplied.

“There are sheikhs; there are imams who taught them. I am very sure they had gone beyond what they were taught. But some of those sheikhs and imams still have some influence over some of the boys.

“Our northern elite should make contacts with the people who can make contacts with some of those boys to find ways to begin to help them find a balance in the way they are thinking. This is because their thinking is not about things that are practical and practicable for Nigeria at this time.

“The government must also look again at the security agencies. They have been polarised along religious lines. We had said it before and we will continue to say it. It is unfortunate, but a lot of people who are supposed to solve the problem are looking first at their religion. When you do that, Nigeria as a nation would be in trouble.

“So, we must find ways to fish out those kinds of people in the security agencies so that that aspect can be dealt with. How can you tell me that the bombing of Police headquarters happened without the police knowing, or without the people working with somebody inside? These are the questions, and there are many, many questions.”

He, however, hoped that despite the myriad of problems, Nigeria will not disintegrate.

Oritsejafor said: “We do not want it to disintegrate and we are praying that Nigeria remains one country. We want to be as optimistic as possible, but I hope it does not happen.”

Political will necessary to fight graft war, says EFCC chair

By Yusuf Alli, 6 hours 22 minutes ago

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri, yesterday said unless there is political will, it would be difficult to fight corruption in Nigeria.

She said corruption is the biggest threat to the nation’s economy and national security.

Mrs Waziri spoke at the National Defence College, Abuja, when she delivered a lecture to Course 20 participants on: Economic Crimes and National Security: Challenges for Nigeria.

She said: “First, there must be a political will to fight corruption. When the chips are down, the essence of political leadership is to provide a direction for policies and to provide requisite anti-corruption structures, such as legislation, funding, zero tolerance policies, among others.

“While political will translates to zero tolerance for corruption as well as the provision of effective anti-corruption structures, it behoves the anti-corruption agencies to implement and run with the structures.”

The EFCC chairman also claimed that effective administration of justice could assist the anti-corruption crusade of any government.

She said: “We must understand that political will and law enforcement in the world ultimately end in a court of law. The best any law enforcement agency can do is to properly investigate cases and file charges, after which the courts take over.

“The frustration faced by law enforcement agencies within the tedious common law process of administration of justice must be voided.

“There is a direct nexus between security and the economy and that a poor economy is the anvil on which adverse national interests are forged.”

Mrs Waziri noted that economic security is imperative for any nation

She said: “Indeed the rallying cry should be that as a nation, ‘seek ye the kingdom of economic prosperity and every other thing shall be added unto thee’.

“In other words, secure your economy first, and the other essential parameters will be easier to handle,” she said.

She identified four pillars for fighting corruption in any society.

These factors are political will; effective law enforcement; effective and incorruptible judiciary and an independent, virile civil society.

“The civil society cannot afford to pander to select parochial interests but must maintain a clinical sense of objectivity.”

The participants were drawn from the various arms of the nation’s armed forces, law enforcement agencies, including anti-graft organisations.

How Bankole, Nafada obtained loan, by EFCC

By Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja 5 hours 55 minutes ago

A Witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Mohammed, yesterday told an Abuja High Court how former Speaker of the House of Representative Dimeji Bankole, obtained a N42billion loan from two banks and shared allowances among members.

The prosecution witness also accused Bankole of approving the increase in the allowances of his colleagues from N17 million to N42 million per member in a quarter without the authorisation of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.

Mohammed, an investigation officer with EFCC, was testifying in the suit filed by the commission against Bankole and his erstwhile deputy, Bayero Usman Nafada.

They are facing a 17-count charge of criminal breach of trust, dishonest use of a House of Representatives bank account to obtain loan filed against them by the EFCC.

The former Speaker was represented by Mr Wale Akanni (SAN).

Bankole and Nafada are accused of sharing the loan to members without the consent and approval of the RMAFC and the extant Revised Financial Regulations of the Federal Government of Nigeria, 2009.

The offences are contrary to sections 97(1), 286 and 311 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990, and punishable under Sections 287 and 315 of the same Penal Code Act.

Led-in-evidence by the prosecution counsel, Festus Keyamo, Mohammed said the allowances paid to the House members were not captured in last year’s budget.

He said the alleged fraud was planned at a meeting Bankole chaired in his house, adding that the minutes of the meeting would be tendered as an exhibit to prove that the accused conspired to defraud the government.

‘CRR increase stifles credit to the economy’

By Akinola Ajibade 16/11/2011 00:00:00

Operators have predicted a credit sleaze in the economy, as the implementation of the Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) from four to eight per cent gets underway. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had increased CRR- the proportion of cash which banks are expected to keep in their vaults, alongside Monetary Policy Rate (MPR). The review, typical of the apex bank’s normal check on the economy’s barometer, has since been affecting certain sectors of the economy.

The Executive Secretary, Association of Foods Beverages and Tobacco Companies, Mr Aderemi Adegboyega, said the increase in CRR has aggravated the condition of the real sector operators in the country. Adegboyega said the full weight of the adjustment of cash reserve requirement would soon be felt among many operators. He said the increase in CRR signifies more problems for the real sector, arguing that the issue is going to have ripple effects on all aspects of the economy.

He said: "The banks’ liquidity position is going to be worsened by the increase in cash reserve requirement. Now that CRR has been moved up, it means banks would keep more and give out little cash to the investors. When this happens, the manufacturers would be starved of funds and would not be able to produce optimally. Already, the lending rates to the real sector operators stand between 23 and 26 per cent. Some banks charge higher, after factoring other costs into it. There is an indication that banks would move up the lending rates, since they would be contending with small cash. The issue would aggravate the situation of real sector operators. They would suffer low capacity utilisation, down size, and increase the cost of goods".

ISO 27001: Fidelity, FirstBank, Bank of Ghana made list

By Collins Nweze

Fidelity Bank Plc has become the third financial institution in Sub-Sahara Africa to get IS0 27001: 2005 registration certificate. FirstBank of Nigeria Plc and Bank of Ghana were the only two banks that have the certification in the sub region.

ISO 27001: 2005 certification is issued to organisations that have the highest standards of information security.It serves as a guarantee that relevant laws and regulations are met by the bank in every transaction.

Also, the certification puts the final seal of credibility, trust, and efficiency in the bank’s services, and ensures that the bank played at topmost level of international business where integrity is the key asset.

Speaking during the presentation in Lagos, Fidelity Bank’s Managing Director, Mr Reginald Ihejiahi, said the certification would help the bank to provide more quality services to its customers. He said the data and other related information belonging to the customers are now more secured and protected.

Ijejiahi said the bank’s customers are in for better and improved services as the bank becomes the third financial institutions to be certified in West Africa sub region after Bank of Ghana and the FirstBank of Nigeria Plc.

He said the journey to certification startsed in 2009 when the Board of the bank decided to consolidate on the successes and progress recorded in the nation’s banking sector