6th oct 2014 by Newtelegraphonline

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Thursday, November 6, 2014

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Vol. 1 No. 261

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LAGOS, ogun declare public holiday for Voters’ cards

N150

Reps seek forensic audit of NNPC, AMCON, FRC Philip Nyam Abuja

he House of Representatives yesterday asked the Fiscal Re-

sponsibility Commission (FRC) to immediately commence the forensic audit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Assets Management Company

of Nigeria (AMCON) and the Financial Reporting Council. Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Hon. Abdulmumini Jibrin (APC, Kano), made

the call in Abuja when the committee visited the FRC headquarters as part of its oversight function. Similarly, Jibrin gave the commission one week to collate the revenues of

all federal agencies and forward same to the committee, stressing that the document he expects should give other fiscal details of the institutions. He said: “The NNPC is

the biggest culprit in terms of non-remittance of revenue accruing to the Federal Government. So, you need to conduct a forensic audit there. Their remittance is CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

War over Boko Haram

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APC chieftain, Senator Bola Tinubu

In any civilised country, Jonathan should resign. But if he will not resign, he should wait for our brooms; we will sweep him out

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President Goodluck Jonathan

APC is an assemblage of political charlatans who want to attain power by all means, including through dubious means

PDP senators embark on work-to-rule Chukwu David Abuja

he Senate has embarked on work-torule to protest the alleged connivance of President Goodluck Jonathan with the Peoples

Democratic Party (PDP) governors to hijack the party structures in the states to the detriment of the lawmakers. At yesterday’s sitting, the senators began to implement their earlier threat to shut down gov-

ernment and frustrate all legislative businesses over the outcome of last Saturday’s ward congresses. But senators from the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) and some concerned

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lAPC to Jonathan: Resign now lPresidency: You’re charlatans

youths have condemned the decision of the PDP lawmakers to disrupt and frustrate legislative activities over what they described as internal matters and parochial interests of members of the ruling party.

The disgruntled senators had influenced the entire Senate to begin a silent protest on Tuesday, when they met and adjourned in less than 30 minutes under the cloak of holding an emergency CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Quick Read Editorial

The controversy over constituency projects }19 EFCC recovers $11bn assets }5

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

News

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

War over Boko Haram attacks Onwuka Nzeshi, Johnchuks Onuanyim and Biodun Oyeleye

eaders of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the presidency yesterday clashed over the party’s call on President Goodluck Jonathan to resign from office for failing to guarantee the safety of lives and property. APC leaders, at a rally in Ilorin yesterday, had called on the president to quit for allowing Boko Haram to continue to kill people in North-Eastern states. The party also asked the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh as well as ministers from Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, among others, to resign their positions in view of the resurgence in Boko Haram attacks on their states. However, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, dismissed the calls and described the APC as a clueless party whose leaders know nothing about the basic rudiments of governance. At the rally in Ilorin to mark the declaration of the Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, to seek re-election, APC leaders, led by former Lagos State Governor, Senator Bola Tinubu, said there was no point for the president to remain in office because he had failed to guarantee the security of lives and property as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution. The party leaders, who included House of Representatives Speaker, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, added that if Jonathan failed to heed the call, Nigerians should vote him and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) out in the 2015 general election for a secured future for the country. They described the PDP as a ‘godless’ party bent on using soldiers and police to manipulate the coming elections. But they urged the people to stand by their votes and demonstrate the ‘power of the people’ over the show of force they expect the PDP to put up during the elections. Tinubu, in his speech, condemned the Jonathan administration for not being honest with Nigerians about the security situation in the North, saying that recent developments in other parts of the world would have made Jonathan to resign. He said: “If you control the armed forces and you

are the Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic, why should any part of this country be under occupation and you give us excuses every day? “In any civilised country, Jonathan should resign. But if he will not resign, he should wait for our brooms; we will sweep him out.” Tinubu urged voters to be ready to defend their votes in 2015. Tambuwal, whose speech was greeted with applauses, lambasted the PDP administration and urged voters to reject Jonathan in 2015. He expressed confidence that given its rich political history, Kwara will lead the pack in voting out the PDP. He said: “What we are witnessing today in Nigeria is not governance, but

misgovernance. We are witnessing a system that does not have the interest of the people of this country at heart. It is also incumbent on us as a people to turn en-masse and vote out Goodluck Ebele Jonathan come 2015. That will bring peace, progress and development of Nigeria.” On his part, Rivers State Governor, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, said APC members must be ready to face the guns during the coming elections by staying to monitor the outcome of their votes to prevent manipulation. He also canvassed for better funding of the military, expressing dismay that some insurgents could so easily overrun a national army as is being witnessed in the NorthEast. Ahmed used the occasion to defend the Saraki

political structure that gave him the mandate and described the quest for freedom being championed by PDP members in the state as fake. The party, at another occasion yesterday, expressed disappointment over Jonathan’s inability to address the security situations in the North-East. It also demanded the resignations of Badeh, Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Maina; Minister of Youth and Social Development, Mr. Boni Haruna and other indigenes of North-East serving in the government. According to the party, the government has abandoned the region and does not give a damn about the security of its people. Addressing a press conference in Abuja, APC National Vice Chairman

(North-East), Mr. Babachir David Lawal, said Jonathan was too busy planning for his re-election to have time to protect the people in the North-East. Lawal said: “These are trying times indeed and all the good sons and daughters of the North-East, whatever is their current status in the society, must stand up for region. For, if we continue to remain silent who will speak for our people? Now that the government has abandoned the region, who will defend it other than its natives? “Our farmlands, schools and all forms of commercial activities have been abandoned, thus rendering our future bleak. Our sons are being massacred daily while our daughters are taken into slavery or married off to depraved, uneducated and evil people who place no value on life.

“Pending a change of attitude by this Federal Government, I call on all political office holders from the North-East serving in this government to resign en-mass with immediate effect.” In a riposte to the APC’s attacks, Okupe urged the people to ignore the party because its leaders are confused. Okupe, in a telephone interview with New Telegraph, said: “They missed it completely. As a party, they are very clueless and they don’t anything about the basic rudiments of governance. Which country in the world has the leader been asked to resign because the nation is at war? “APC is an assemblage of political charlatans who want to attain power by all means, including through dubious means. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

L-R: Spokesperson, All Progressives Congress (APC), Lai Mohammed; wife of Kwara State Governor, Mrs. Omolewa Ahmed; her husband, Abdulfatah Ahmed; Ahmed’s predecessor, Senator Bukola Saraki and former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, during Governor Ahmed’s declaration for second term in Ilorin...yesterday

Swiss prosecutors assist EFCC in fuel subsidy scam probe Ayodele Aminu

n a bid to help Nigeria unravel the alleged multi-billion dollar fuel import subsidy scam, Swiss prosecutors have contacted commodity traders, including Gunvor Group Ltd. and Vitol Group. Gunvor, the fifth-largest independent oil trader, said the firm was notified in June by Switzerland’s attorney general that it was assisting a probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of fraud involving local fuel importers. “The Swiss authori-

ties have requested from Gunvor assistance in gaining understanding about product trading in Nigeria,” Seth Pietras, a Geneva-based spokesman for the commodity trader, said in an e-mailed response to questions from Bloomberg. Gunvor has provided documentation to the Swiss prosecutor since first being contacted on the matter five months ago, said Pietras. Cyprus-based Gunvor is “happy to comply,” said Pietras, adding that no raids have taken place at the trading house’s Geneva offices. Nigeria, Africa’s largest

crude producer, subsidises local companies to import about 70 per cent of the nation’s gasoline, diesel and other petroleum products as aging and inefficient refineries cannot meet demand. Fraudulent payments related to subsidised fuel imports are estimated to cost the country as much as $7 billion a year, according to a 2012 report by the National Assembly. The Swiss arm of the investigation is being handled by the Geneva prosecutor’s office, said spokesman Henri Della Casa. “The Geneva prosecutor has acknowledged

Nigeria’s request for assistance and is moving forward with an investigation,” Della Casa said. Vitol Group, the world’s largest oil trader, has also been contacted by Swiss authorities regarding product imports to Nigeria, according to a source. “Conversations with government authorities are confidential,” Fabian Gmuender, a spokesman for Amsterdam-registered Vitol, which has major trading operations in London and Geneva, said in a statement. “Vitol cooperates with all relevant authorities in all jurisdictions in which we operate.”

The system of fuel-import subsidies, which are supposed to be passed on to consumers, is opaque and rife with “endemic corruption,” according to the report by the National Assembly in April, 2012. Two months later, President Goodluck Jonathan dismissed the head of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) after the report said the state oil company, the country’s biggest gasoline importer, received illegal fuel-subsidy payments. Bloomberg said Wilson Uwujaren, a spokesman for the EFCC, didn’t respond to phone calls and e-mails seeking comment.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

News

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

Appeal Court reserves ruling in suit over Jonathan’s eligibility Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

he Court of Appeal yesterday reserved ruling in an application filed by a presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Umar Ardo, praying the court to allow him join in a pending appeal over the president’s eligibility. The suit got to the appeal court after the plaintiff, Mr. Cyriacus Njoku, had challenged the judgment of Justice M.N. Oniyangi of the Abuja High Court, which dismissed his suit challenging Jonathan’s eligibility to re-contest in 2015. Justice Oniyangi had in March 2013 decided the case seeking to stop Jonathan from re-contesting in 2015 in favour of the president. Not satisfied with the judgment, Njoku had approached the Court of Appeal to challenge the verdict. However, Ardo who was not a party in the suit at the lower court had shown interest in joining in the suit on the grounds that he wants to run for the presidency on PDP’s platform. But Jonathan, through his counsel, Ade OkeayaInneh (SAN), had opposed the application on the grounds that the applicant did not satisfy the provisions of Section 243 (1) (a), which stipulate the process of joining an appeal. Ardo through his counsel, Dr. Amuda Kannike (SAN), had told the court he had been thrice cleared

by the PDP to contest for the governorship position of Adamawa State, as a basis of preparing himself to seek the highest office in the nation. He said the decision of the Abuja High Court raised “grave points of constitutional law and jurisprudence that is the first of its kind in Nigeria.” However, Okeaya-Inneh asked the Court of Appeal to dismiss Ardo’s application as he (Ardo) has not shown sufficient interest in the appeal and how his interest will be affected by the outcome of the appeal. He added that the applicant ought to have sought the leave of the court to join in the appeal before asking for an extension of time to file appeal documents. Also opposing the application for joinder, the PDP contended that the applicant was not a party at the lower court and hence cannot join in the appeal without following the stipulated steps provided by the constitution. The party further argued that the time limit for expression of interest had elapsed and the applicant did not show interest that he wanted to contest for the presidency. It, therefore, debunked Ardo’s claim that he intended to run for the nation’s plum political office. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not file any objection to the application. The Court of Appeal later reserved ruling in the matter.

EFCC recovers $11bn assets Emmanuel Onani Abuja

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered assets worth $11 billion since its inception in 2003. Head of Media and Publicity of the Commission, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, at a briefing by Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA), organised by I-Nigeria Initiative, yesterday in Abuja said the agency, in addition, had arraigned over 40 suspects for fuel subsidy fraud. “In terms of assets recovery, we have recovered assets of well over $11 billion in 11 years, and I think that is a record,” Uwujaren stated. Uwujaren stated that one of the fuel subsidy suspects and Manag-

ing Director of Fargo Energy, Mr. Seun Ogunbambo, was on the run. The suspect, who has since been declared wanted, is standing trial for an alleged N4.5 billion fraud. He added that the commission has secured 15 years convictions for two Indian nationals (Sailesh Kumar and Chandrashekar Sharma), who are now serving jail terms for stealing crude oil. According to him, 45 Nigerians, 10 Ghanaians, 13 Filipinos and three Indians, are also serving various prison terms for economic crimes. The EFCC’s spokesman said contrary to views in some quarters, the commission has not abandoned the case instituted against the impeached Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako.

Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (left) and Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, during the governor’s visit to the minister in Abuja...yesterday.

Reps seek forensic audit of NNPC, AMCON, FRC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ridiculous. “You are sitting here lamenting, the Financial Reporting Council has taken over your job. Do a forensic on them. Caution them to stick to their powers and stop encroaching on your turf.” According to him, the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mr Jonah Otunla; the Director General of the Budget Office, Dr. Bright Okogu and Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, lack powers to determine what government agencies should

pay as remittance to the government. “If you go and get any figure from the above and say that is what you should pay, you are on your own,” he stated. He also requested the FRC to submit a weekly report of all remittances to the National Assembly. According to Jibrin, the FRC is very crucial to the survival of the country and should never be made a victim of the planned rationalisation of government parastatals by the government. “It shouldn’t be scrapped or merged with any agency. We will continue to advise

the Federal Government to allow the commission to continue to stand on its own because of the role it has been playing in the past few years,” he added. Responding, the acting Chairman of the FRC, Victor Muruako, said the commission had recovered N259.59 billion operating surplus from defaulting Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the past five years. Within the same period, the agency has spent N3.51billion on its operations. The FRC Act 2007 requires MDAs to remit 80 per cent of their operating

surpluses to the coffers of government. However, many of the MDAs often fail to do so until they are summoned by FRC. Muruako lamented the poor release of budget provision to the commission, saying that of the N53 million approved for it this fiscal year, only N24 million has been disbursed. He also listed other challenges militating against the commission’s smooth operations to include the refusal of government agencies to remit revenues and lacuna in its Act, which makes it difficult for it to go after defaulting agencies.

APC to President Jonathan: Resign now CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

“Constitutionally, the only way to change power is through an election, which involves parties presenting candidates and canvassing for votes. “APC, knowing they can’t woo the electorate to their side, are resorting to subterfuge to take power. It won’t happen.” However, as fallout of Tuesday’s attacks on Nafada and Ashaka by Boko Haram, the Gombe State Government yesterday ordered the closure of all public and private schools

in the state. A report by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said parents who took their children to school on yesterday were told to take them back as the schools had been closed on the orders of the government. The Headmistress of Bethany International College, Gombe, Edith Williams, told NAN that she received a circular on Tuesday evening that all schools should be closed down for security reasons. The Permanent Secretary, Gombe Government House, Sani Jauro, con-

firmed the closure, but denied the state was pressured by Boko Haram attacks to close the schools. Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday offered to meet with Islamic clerics and northern political leaders to explore a collective approach towards ending the violent activities of Boko Haram. CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, who made the proposal at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the association in Abuja, warned that the daring

attacks, capture of towns and the continuous killing of Christians by Boko Haram must be brought to an end quickly before it was too late. Oritsejafor expressed disappointment that the international community had remained silent on the atrocities and numerous human right violations committed by Boko Haram terrorist. He also urged the international community to assist Nigeria in combating the insurgency before it snowballed into a major disaster.

News

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Jonathan, others open talks with Burkinabe military leader

delegation of West African presidents, including President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday began talks with Burkina Faso’s new military leader, Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida, to plot a path to a civilian-led transition in the wake of the forced resignation of President Blaise Compaore last week. Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama, the current chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), who led the delegation, met briefly behind closed-doors with Zida, who was appointed as interim head of state by the army on Saturday. Mahama then held separate consultations with the United Nations’ special representative for West Africa, Mohammed Ibn Chambas and ECOWAS Commission President, Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, himself from Burkina Faso. Mahama, Jonathan

and Senegalese President Macky Sall, were due to hold joint talks with Burkina Faso’s main political actors later yesterday. Zida has announced the suspension of Burkina Faso’s 1991 Constitution

in the wake of the mass demonstrations that forced Compaore to resign on Friday after 27 years in office. Demonstrators had taken to the streets last week Thursday when Compaore tried to force

through parliament a reform to allow him to seek re-election next year. The military has also dissolved the National Assembly and imposed a curfew. Amid mounting inter-

national pressure for a civilian to superintend over the transition, Zida promised on Monday to quickly cede power to a transitional government and appoint a new head of state.

MEDVIEW AIRLINES LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:50; 12:00; 15:30 (SAT) 10:00; 15:00 (SUN) 17:30; 18:30 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 14:00, 15:00; 18:30

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Managing Director, Shelter Afrique, James Mugerwa (left) and Managing Director, Wema Bank, Segun Oloketuyi, at the signing of the $10 million development finance facility granted the bank in Lagos…yesterday.

PDP senators embark on work-to-rule CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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FIRST NATION AIRWAYS LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06.50; 09:30; 11:45; 16:00 (SAT) 06:50; 11:45 (SUN) 11:45; 16:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 11:30; 13:40;18:30 (SAT) 09:00; 13:40 (SUN) 13:40; 18:30 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 14:45 (SAT) 16:15 (SUN) 14:45 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:50 (SAT) 18:20 (SUN) 16:50 AEROCONTRACTORS LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06:50; 13:30; 16:30; 19:45 (SAT/SUN) 12:30; 16:45 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 13:00; 19:00 (SAT) 12:30 (SUN) 15:30

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST LAGOS

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

PDP Caucus meeting to discuss pressing national issues. After the purported emergency meeting, which lasted for about 20 minutes, speculations emerged that the PDP senators were enraged over their woeful performances at the just-concluded ward congresses. It was revealed that the aggrieved senators had resolved to engage President Jonathan in a battle of survival in order to wriggle out of their present political quagmire, where many of the PDP senators would not return in 2015. Moreover, in demonstration of their grievances, the agitated legislators said that they were also going to give solidarity to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, who is embattled for defecting from the PDP to APC. Reconvening yester-

day, the Senate quickly approved votes and proceedings of the previous legislative day after which the Leader of the Senate, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba said: “President of the Senate, dear colleagues, in view of the mood of the Senate, I hereby move that the Senate do adjourn till Tuesday next week.” The motion was immediately seconded by the Senate Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Ahmad Sani (APC, Zamfara West). In his reaction, Senate President David Mark assured the senators that he would do everything within his power to settle the current impasse between the presidency and the National Assembly, while promising to protect and defend the legislature. “We are not to interfere in the internal affairs of each house. However, as Chairman of the National Assembly, I cannot fold my arms or

pretend that all is well about the current crisis. I am, therefore, going to do all I can to resolve the current impasse. “Furthermore, the matter is already in a court of law, we cannot therefore discuss the issues here. I want to assure all of you that I will do the needful to protect and defend the legislature at all cost,” he added. Briefing journalists after the abrupt adjournment, spokesman of the APC Senate Caucus, Senator Babafemi Ojuju (Ekiti Central) condemned the shutting down of the Senate by the PDP over its internal matters. Ojudu said that the APC senators were ready to work but regretted that the crisis in the PDP would not allow them to do so, pointing out that they were even willing to reconvene plenary today but lacked the capacity going by the rules of the Senate. He noted that the PDP

Senators were suffering from the impunity of their party in the current democratic dispensation, claiming that APC had suffered a lot of injustice in the hands of the ruling party in the past three and half years. “The PDP senators are now victims of their party’s impunity in a democracy, now they are complaining. If we have our way, we will come here tomorrow and sit. It is not about personal interest, it is about the interest of the party. It should be about our people. Now they have seen injustice, they are fighting. We have seen injustice for more than two and half years. We wanted to fight, our colleagues did not allow us to fight. “At the moment, Mubi has been taken over by insurgents. This is the time when all of us should guard our loins and fight on behalf of our compatriots who are being displaced,” Ojudu stated.

OVERLAND AIRWAYS LAGOS-ILORIN (MON-FRI) 07:15 LAGOS-IBADAN (MON-FRI) 7:00 IBADAN-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:00 IBADAN-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:30 ILORIN –ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30 ILORIN –LAGOS (MON-FRI) 17:00 ABUJA-ASABA (MON-FRI) 10:00 ASABA-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 14:15 ASABA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 11:30 LAGOS-ASABA (MON-FRI) 13:00 ABUJA-ILORIN 16:00 ABUJA-IBADAN 15:00 ARIK AIR LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:00; 09:00; 11:00 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00; 20:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 09:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 07:00; 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 (SAT) 07:00; 11:00; 15:00 (SUN) 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 09:00; 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 (SAT) 07:30; 11:30; 09:00; 13:00; 17:00 (SUN) 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 ABUJA-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30; 16:50 (SAT/SUN) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30 PORT-HARCOURT-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10; 18:30 (SAT/SUN) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2014

NATIONAL

Boko Haram’s financier jailed 10 years Akeem Nafiu

ustice Saliu Saidu of a Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced a financier of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour. The convict was said to be among the four suspects secretly tried before the judge by the Department of State Security (DSS). The suspects included Adamu Mohammed, Mohammed Mustapha, Bura Husseni and Mo-

hammed Ibrahim. Efforts to get details of the allegations against the suspects and other details about the conviction were unsuccessful, as no one was willing to give any details about the trial of the suspects. It was, however, gathered that one of the suspects was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in jail for sponsoring Boko Haram, while the other three were released by Justice Saidu. When the suspects were brought in to the courtroom under heavy

security, the judge ordered out all other people except the lawyers and the court registrars. It will be recalled that Justice Ibrahim Buba, also of the Federal High Court in Lagos, had on the 30th of September, sentenced three members of the sect to 25 years each, after finding them guilty of belonging to the outlawed fundamentalist group, Boko Haram. The suspects were arrested in Lagos with explosives and other dangerous items. They were said to have been

arrested while planning to attack Lagos, the economic capital of Nigeria. The sect members, the first set to be arrested and convicted in Lagos, were rounded up on March 21 while planning to launch an attack. In the charge against them, the prosecution alleged that the accused persons committed the offences at Plot 5, Road 69, Lekki Phase I Housing Estate, and No. 24, Oyegbeni St., Ijora-Oloye, Apapa-Iganmu, Lagos. Their trial was conducted in camera pursu-

ant to application by the prosecuting authority, the Lagos State Government, that there was need to protect the witnesses in the case. Justice Ibrahim Buba gave his judgment in secret and pronounced the three convicts guilty of the terrorism charges. The 17 suspects initially charged were arraigned before Justice Buba on 18 counts of conspiracy to commit terrorism, illegal possession of firearms, and being members of a proscribed organisation.

L-R: Acting Chairman, Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Victor Muruako; Chairman, House of Reps Committee on Finance, Dr. Jubrin Abdulmumin and Head, Monitoring and Evaluation, Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Mashood Ola Tijani, during a visit to the commission in Abuja…yesterday. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

NITEL/ Mtel: BPE rules out deadline extension for pre-qualify bidders Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

s time ticks for the sale of Nigeria Telecommunication Limited( NITEL) and its mobile unit, MTEL using guided liquidation option, the Bureau of Public Enterprises( BPE) has ruled out extension of deadline for submission of both technical and financial proposals which closes on November 7. The Director General of BPE, Mr. Benjamin E. Dikki, therefore, tasked prequalified bidders to strictly stick to the deadline . He said bidders were free to submit their proposals before the deadline, but emphasized that bidders must endeavour to submit their proposals as scheduled “as no proposal will be accepted, even if it is one minute after the closing time for submission.” Describing the bureau as stickler of time and deadlines, he said deadline will be strictly

adhered to without compromise. BPE, in a statement issued by the Head, Public Communications, Chigbo Anichebe, said the DG gave the admonition while declaring open a Pre-bid Conference for the guided liquidation of NITEL/MTEL, organized by the Liquidator and the BPE in Abuja. The conference, which had the two prequalified bidders and other telecommunications stakeholders in attendance, was meant to provide a platform for prequalified bidders to seek clarification and resolve issue(s) that might arise prior to preparing their technical and financial proposals, given that they have concluded a twoweek data room and physical due diligence. The two prequalified consortia are Messrs NETTAG Consortium and Natcom Consortium. The DG noted that the pre-bid conference was an important milestone in the privatization of NITEL and MTEL.

Jailbreak: 2, 255 inmates escaped since 2009, says NPS Emmanuel Onani Abuja

he Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS) has disclosed that between 2009 and now, a total of 2, 255 prison inmates, have escaped from various facilities, owing to jailbreak by suspected gunmen. According to the NPS’ spokesman, Mr. Ope Fatinikun, the huge number resulted from fourteen different attacks recorded by the service, during the period under review. He, however, noted that only 194 of the escapees have since been rearrested and taken back to custody. The disclosure was made in Abuja yesterday, during an interaction between Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA) and I-Nigeria Initiative.. “A total of 46 prison officers, comprising 42 serving and 4 retired personnel, have been killed since the inception of the insurgency”. He gave the statistics of attacks on prisons and escapees as follows: 482 inmates from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital (July 2009), 489 inmates in Bauchi State (September 2010), 119 inmates from Koton Karfe (February 2012), 20 from Kumshe in Borno State, and 41 inmates from Damaturu in Yobe State (June 2012).

Military pensioners seal Finance Ministry over arrears Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

issatisfied with complacent manner government has handled their demand for payment of 53 per cent unpaid pension arrears, military pensioners have taken their protest to the Ministry of Finance. In large numbers, they stormed the Federal Ministry of Finance yesterday, barricading the main entrance gate to the ministry causing obstruction to

traffic flow. Although the pensioners acknowledged they have been receiving 33 per cent increase on their pensions since August 2013, they hinged their protest on failure by government to accede to their demand to increase it to 53 per cent to put them at par with their colleagues, who are in active service. The Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala, who was preparing for weekly

Federal Executive Council Meeting( FEC) had to stay back to engage the pensioners in dialogue. To look in to their demand, a working group made up of high-level team from the Federal Ministry of Finance and representatives of military pensioners was set up by the minister to harmonise positions on pension arrears and address other issues around the payment of pensions to retired military personnel in the country.

A statement issued yesterday by the Special Assistant (media) to the Minister, Paul C Nwabuikwu, said the group will be chaired by the Director General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Dr Bright Okogu and will include the Chairman Military Pension Board , representatives of the military pensioners, the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission as well as staff of the Federal Military of Finance.

Jega mobilises support for PVC’s collection Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

he Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has urged political parties to encourage their supporters to get the Permanent Voters Card. Jega, who stated this in Port Harcourt during a stakeholders’ interactive forum, said that the

acquisition of the voters card remains the only way voters can cast their votes. Jega, who was represented at the forum by the INEC’s Supervisory National Commissioner in charge of Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, Mrs Thelma Iremiren, also said that INEC will make use of the biometric capture of every voter, and assured that nobody will vote more than once.

He said that INEC will distribute the PVC from November 7 to 9 in seven local government areas (LGA) in the state, including Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni; Omuma;Ogu/Bolo; Okrika;Opobo;Oyigbo and Tai, noting that distribution for other LGAs would follow at a later date. He also urged the electorate to peacefully go about the exercise and make it a success. Also speaking at the

forum, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Rivers State, Mr Aniedi Ikoiwak assured of hitchfree election in 2015, and that INEC will be neutral in the exercise. In a related development, the chairman of the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,Felix Obuah has stressed the need for massive participation during the issuance of PVCs.

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thursday, november 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

national

Lawyer begins impeachment moves against NBA president rock of boat

New lawyers’ president faces acid test as member seeks to remove him Tunde Oyesina Abuja

lawyer, Dame Carol Ajie, yesterday began an impeachment move against the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Augustine Alegeh SAN, just as she filed and served a notice of impeachment on

him (Alegeh) Ajie had brought the impeachment notice pursuant to Articles 4, 9, 12(i), 14(a), (b) &(c) of the NBA Constitution, Standing Order 20 (a) & (b) of the Second Schedule to the constitution of the NBA. The impeachment notice reads: “Notice is hereby given that at the National Executive Committee meeting of the Nigerian Bar Association, holding on 12th to 14th day of Nov., 2014, in Le’Meridien Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, members of NBA-NEC, will consider and or move to pass a VOTE OF NO CONFI-

DENCE on Mr. Augustine Oyarekhua Alegeh, SAN as encapsulated in the NBA Constitution and the Second Schedule to the Standing Orders and the inherent powers vested in NEC-NBA. “A resolution removing Mr. Augustine Oyarekhua Alegeh, SAN, forthwith from the office of the President of the Nigerian Bar Association in pursuance of Article 9(e) (vii) to wit: “The National Executive Committee may appoint one of their members or a suitable member of the Association to fill and/ or perform the duties pertaining to a vacant

office”.... which said vacancy may occur due to any cause shown and the Second Schedule to the NBA Constitution, Standing Order 20(a) that:“Offices shall be vacant by effluxion of time, death, resignation, removal, or for any other reasonable cause.” “A resolution replacing Mr. A.O Alegeh SAN forthwith by appointing a suitable person to the office of the President from the list of candidates presented at the July 15, 2014 biennial delegates election in Abuja in order of ascension of votes that is to say Adesina SAN, Adekoya SAN,

Akintola SAN, and Erhabor Esq., whomsoever of the candidates is available in accordance with the Second Schedule to the NBA Constitution, Standing Order 20 (b) that; “Any vacancy occurring in any office after a Biennial General Conference may be filled by the National Executive Committee.” The notice is premised on the following grounds that Article 12(i): Disqualification from holding national office: By virtue of Article 12(i) of the NBA Constitution, “a member shall not be qualified to hold any national office in the

L-R: President, World Federation of Engineering Organisations, Mr. Marwan Abdelhamid; Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen and President, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Mr. Ademola Olorunfemi, at the official opening of the World Engineering Conference on Sustainable Infrastructure in Africa, held in Abuja …yesterday

Ebola: Lagos upgrades IDH to Synagogue: DG indicts police contain haemorrhagic diseases as TB Joshua snubs inquest Appolonia Adeyemi

agos State Government has said it would upgrade the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) at Yaba to enable it meet the standard of handling Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other heamorrhargic fevers that plague the populace. Also, the government said it had mandated a research group comprising 50 medical consultants to delve into studies on containment of EVD, including search for the cure of Ebola disease. This plan was unveiled at the Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos yesterday at a forum tagged “Lagos Welcomes Visitors” featuring the declaration of Lagos as Ebola-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Speaking at the event, Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, who

was represented by the Deputy Governor, Adejoke Orelope- Adefulire, while declaring Lagos State Ebola-free, said the state is henceforth safe for business, conducive to live and work. This followed a 25 per cent decrease in the hospitality and hotel industry as reflected in the remark of Mr. Simon Grinrod, general manager, Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, titled, “Impact of the Hospitality Industry” throughout the Ebola outbreak in Nigeria. Against this lull therefore, Fashola assured local and international visitors to Lagos of the readiness of the state to tackle any future emergency as it did in the case of Ebola outbreak between July and September, 2014, adding, “we will do whatever we can do to further assist in moving the hotel industry business forward.”

Akeem Nafiu and Shola Adefuwa

he General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu has indicted the police for not been effective in crowd control after the collapse of a guest house within the premises of the Synagogue Church of All Nations(SCOAN) on the 12th of September. This is coming on the heels of the failure of the General Overseer of the church, Prophet T.B. Joshua to show up for his evidences to be taken by the coroner at the inquest contrary to expectations. The LASEMA DG, while giving his evidences before the coroner, handling the inquest into the incident, stated that the ineffectiveness of the police and se-

curity operatives attached to the church to control the crowd after the incident greatly hampered rescue operations at the scene. “At the scene, the situation was chaotic, there were a lot of people and this prevented us from working. The security operatives attached to the church and the police did not control the crowd effectively’’, he said. He added that: “The first three days of the incident were marred by crowd problems until there was a directive by Governor Babatunde Fashola that the place should be cleared of people that we are able to do something tangible.” The witness said he was unable to do an effective co-ordination of the rescue operations because other primary respondants, like NEMA and the Fire Service were hampered from carrying out their functions.

association, if during election campaigns” he underwrites a voting delegate’s travel, board or lodging expenses. The notice further alleges that Mr. A.O Alegeh is a member of the NBA and was a candidate for the office of the President to whom Article 12(i) supra applies.

Nigeria’s first free newspaper debuts

igeria’s first-ever freee newspaper, Mailexpress has hit the newsstands. The newspaper is managed and edited by Osa Director,as Managing Director/Editor in Chief. Mailexpress, according to its publishers, is a weekly newspaper (magazine in tabloid form) that will be on the newsstands every Sunday morning. Its philosophy is anchored on the social responsibility theory and development media theory. A statement from the publishers said, “In essence, Mailexpress shall promote the virtues of accountability and transparency in governance. Also, we shall promote the defence of the liberty and freedom of every citizen, ensuring a balanced society where no man is discriminated against on the basis of his tribe, faith or station in life. “Our cardinal principle is to promote balanceed reporting by hearing all sides and the stakeholders.

Ondo to partner WAEC on exam malpractice eradication

he Ondo State Government has affirmed its commitment to collaborating with the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and other examination bodies in Nigeria with a view to improving the conduct of examinations and the standard of education. The move is aimed at eradication of examination malpractices in the state. The state Commissioner for Education, Arch. Jide Adejuyigbe, made the affirmation while declaring open the 39th edition of the State WAEC Committee meeting at the Ministry’s headquarters in Akure. He said the meeting was to assess the performance of the candidates and challenges noticed during the conduct of the 2014 May/June Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). “This meeting is cru-

cial to the advancement of education as deliberations would centre on issues observed during the last May/June examination in the state, particularly the level of performance of the candidates and challenges noticed during the conduct of the examination, with a view to brainstorming on ways to improve the conduct of future examinations and standard of education in the state”. Speaking on the contribution of education to the socio-political development of the nation, Adejuyigbe said: “It needs not be over-stressed that education is the main instrument for social, political and economic development of any nation”. The strength, security and well-being of Nigerians, he said, thus rest squarely on the quality of education acquired by the citizenry.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2014

SAFETY NAMA cries out over shortage of hands to manage the sky Wole Shadare

n a bid to ensure manpower development in the aviation industry, a total of 40 Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) are to proceed for training this month on Performance Based Navigation (PBN) in Cairo, Egypt. The Managing Director the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Ibrahim Abdul-

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Dearth of air controllers worries NAMA salam, said in Lagos yesterday training was part of the wider effort of management in ensuring the continuous training and retraining of personnel to keep pace with dynamics of evolving technology. The NAMA boss disclosed that with the Mode ‘S’ Data link and Controller/Pilot Data Link (CPDLC), almost ready for takeoff, much of verbal communication between pilots and control tower would give way to digital/data communication,

leading to less fatigue and increased flight precision. He also expressed delight that management’s effort in staff training has boosted the area of radar control service introduced last year with more air traffic controllers, successfully obtaining ratings from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Just recently, the National Association of Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) lamented the shortfall in controllers across air-

ports in the country, adding that the situation is a cause of worry to them. The group noted that dearth of controllers could make nonsense of the Federal Government’s effort in the improvement of Navigational aids in Nigeria. One of the controllers, who spoke to New Telegraph under strict condition of anonymity, noted that the rate of attrition in the department had reached alarming state, stressing that there may be

need for the Nigerian College Aviation Technology, Zaria to shorten the course duration for controllers so as to fast track ongoing efforts to bridge the gap. The source noted that the shortage in the number of controllers had led to over-labouring the few at hand, many of whom he said were already on their way to retirement. He, however, attributed the situation to a stop gap of about nine years in the production of controllers by NCAT, which he said

L-R: President John Mahama of Ghana; President Macky Sall of Senegal and President Goodluck Jonathan at the mediating meeting on the political crisis in Aougaduogou, Burkina Faso …yesterday

APC criticises IG’s confirmation Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

he All Progressives Congress yesterday criticized the confirmation of Suleiman Abba as a substantive Inspector General of Police, insinuating that he earned that for of the Presidency and the Peoples Democratic Party by stripping the Speaker, House of Representatives Hon. Aminu Tambuwal of his security aides. The National Welfare Secretary of APC, Alhaji Dikko Umar Radda, who spoke with some journalists at the par-

ty’s National Secretariat in Abuja, stated that the nation has gone back to the days of military rule, where people were rewarded for impunity. Criticizing the withdrawal of the Speaker’s security aides by Abba, the APC National Welfare Secretary said, “The government of PDP today, I believe, is a government that rely on illegality. In fact, what the Inspector General of Police has done for them has earned him confirmation yesterday. We are living in a country where laws are not being obeyed.

“I have not seen these kinds of things. These things are going on and Nigerians are not saying anything about it. They should rise up against this impunity. If nothing is done, it will consume all of us because we cannot say there is a different law for APC and another one for PDP. There were APC members that defected to PDP and they are still in the House of Rep and nobody did anything to withdraw their privileges. It is only when somebody defects to APC that they will say the law has

been violated. That is when they will quote the constitution and they will go to court.” The IGP last week withdrew the security aides attached the Speaker House of Representative, a day after the Speaker defected to the opposition party, All Progressives Congress. The justification of the action of the IGP on Tambuwal is still raising dust among Nigerians and APC members as he was confirmed as the no 16 indigenous IGP by the President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration.

Udom, Wogu, Ishiaku, Odua, Pwajok submit forms Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

ormer Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Worgu and former Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Emmanuel Udom, yesterday submitted their governorship nomination forms, de-

claring their intention to clinch the ticket of the party in their states. Also at the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to submit their nomination forms were former Minister of State for Niger Delta, Diarus Dickson Ishiaku; former Minister of Aviation,

Princess Stella Oduah and Senator Gyang Pwajok, who represents Plateau North senatorial zone. Udom told journalists that he has the capacity to continue what the incumbent governor, Godswill Akpabio has started, and described last Saturday’s ward

congress in Akwa Ibom State as free and fair. “We were on ground and we are surprised by the reports in the media.” He said the people of the state have studied every aspirant and know that who amongst the persons that can fit into Akpabio’s shoes.

created a vacuum, just as he said that there had not been a conscious succession plan by government and past chief executives of the highly regulated sector. “The rate of attrition in the air traffic control department is very high. While we are currently having 280 controllers as against the mandatory 400, about 45 per cent of them are already on their way to retirement. The effect of this is that the few controllers at hand are overworked, stressed up, cannot socialize, even as they work in an uncondusive environment. 75 per cent of controllers in Nigeria wear glasses as they stay glued to the screen for several hours,” he noted. Meanwhile, the NAMA boss noted that since the airspace is a single resource, the flexibility of its usage by both civil and military will make for more flight efficiency and economic air navigation, stressing that NAMA was committed to providing technical and operational support for the planned deployment of military radars in support of national security as well as ensuring the interoperability of civil/military components of the total radar coverage of Nigeria (TRACON).

Fashola faults INEC on Lagos’ registered voters lLagos, Ogun declare Friday work-free day Muritala Ayinla

overnor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State yesterday described as strange, the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that only 4,800,000 voters registered in Lagos as against 6,247,845 voters earlier announced by the Commission in 2011. The governor, who alleged foul play in the declared figure of registered voters in the state, described the announcement as attempt to disenfranchise 1,447,845 eligible voters in the state, insisting that INEC must explain what went wrong to Nigerians. Fashola disclosed this at a state-wide broadcast to the residents to partake in the collection of Permanent Voters’ Card billed to commence between Friday 7th and 9th of November 2014. He declared tomorrow

as work-free day for public servants in the state to enable them take part in their civic obligations. He said: “This obligation has become very important because of the reports emanating from INEC at a press briefing by the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Lagos that the number of voters in Lagos is now 4,800,000. This is strange, it is surprising and I believe INEC owes the people of Lagos a lot of answers and very quickly too. “At the conclusion of voters registration exercise before the 2011 elections, the number of registered voters in Lagos as announced by INEC itself was 6,247,845”. He said INEC must explain to Lagosians how over 1.4 million names disappeared from its data of registered voters, saying that despite huge resources allocated to the commission, INEC is yet to convince Nigerian on its readiness to conduct credible poll.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro Thugs invade Niger LG secretariat over N4.5m largesse

Gunmen kill two FRSC marshals

Dan Atori

Muhammad Bashir

MINNA

oodlums believed to be political thugs yesterday invaded the secretariat of Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State and destroyed property worth thousands of naira. The attack was over the sharing of alleged largesse from the Commissioner for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Isah Kantigi. The worst affected was the office of the Chairman of the local government, Alhaji Mohammed Maina Batati, who the thugs accused of cornering N4.5 million meant for all the wards in the council area. It was gathered that the money was given by Kantigi during his visit to the area in continuation of his tour of local government areas in Zone ‘A’ to get support for his political ambition as deputy governor in 2015. According to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) zoning arrangement, Zone ‘A’ is to produce the next deputy governor if the party wins in 2015. The commissioner is said to be interested in the deputy governorship seat, hence his decision to embark on the tour. He was on the mobilisation tour with some party chieftains from the zone. Prominent among them is the state PDP Chairman, Alhaji Musa Maali. The commissioner was earlier nursing senatorial ambition but dropped it for Senator Zainab Kure who has received the endorsement of the party at the state and the national levels. It was gathered that in each of the local governments he visited, the commissioner has given N4.5 million to party members. This brings the total amount he has given to N36 million in the eight local governments in the zone.

Lokoja

wo officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Olaoluwa Adebayo and Adesina Iyanda, were reportedly killed by bandits suspected to have attacked Kotonkarfe Prison on Sunday, where 144 inmates were freed. The state Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr Godwin Omiko, told journalists yesterday in Lokoja, Kogi State, that the officials were shot dead by the bandits. Omiko said that the slain marshals were among the six personnel on night duty at the FRSC office at Kotonkarfe town on the fateful day. He said that the officials fled into the bush upon hearing the sporadic gunshots from the bandits. The FRSC boss added that the slain officials were hiding in a nearby bush when the bandits sighted them and abducted them. Omiko, who said that he was informed of the incident almost immediately, disclosed that FRSC men, policemen and local vigilantes began a search for his officials early Monday morning. The effort, according to him, did not yield result until Tuesday evening when a woman in the town, who went into the bush to fetch firewood, discovered their bodies.

Boboye Oyeyemi, FRSC Corps Marshal

“The woman perceived odour and saw flies everywhere. She later traced the odour to a spot where she used a stick to scratch the ground and saw a body,’’ Omiko said. He said that the woman ran out of the bush and raised the alarm which attracted other villagers. According to him, some FRSC officials, policemen and community men later went with the woman into the bush to ascertain her claim.

Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

men went away with the uniforms, service belts, shoes, identity cards, ATM cards, official and personal mobile phones of the victims. He said that the bodies of Adebayo and Iyanda who both hailed from Kwara State had been deposited at the Ankuri Hospital’s morgue in Lokoja. Omiko said that Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada, FRSC headquarters in Abuja and security agencies in the state had been informed of the incident.

Edo community seeks basic amenities

Adams Oshiomole, Edo gov.

ABIODUN BELLO

The sector commander said the bodies were immediately retrieved from the shallow grave where they were buried, adding that they were shot in the head at a close range. He said: “They removed their uniforms before shooting them. They used their lanyard and shoelaces to tie their hands and legs and we saw bruises all over their bodies which means that they were dragged over a distance before being killed.” According to him, the gun-

he people of Utoka community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State have appealed to the government at all levels to provide them

with basic infrastructure. They also demanded agricultural facilities to boost food production and raise the living standard of thousands of farmers in the agrarian oil-bearing areas of the state. The people also urged the electorate to vote for

quality and credible candidates seeking election into the state House of Assembly and the National Assembly in the 2015 general elections. This, according to them, is to rewrite the history of poor representation as demonstrated by the crop of leaders from the area. Director, One Love Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Osagie Eholor, made the appeal during an interview with journalists in Benin. Eholor regretted that the community which, according to him, prides itself as major producer of food and cash crops, had been neglected by government at the state and federal levels since

1999. The businessman called on the federal and state governments to make fertiliser and other agricultural facilities available to farmers in the area. According to him, the community has over the years been left with the worst road network, dilapidated schools, absence of electricity, healthcare and water as well as poor standard of living even with National and state Houses of Assembly members from the area. He said: “The people have not been very fortunate when it comes to provision of dividends of democracy. This is because the roads are not motorable, the people can no longer ride their mo-

torcycles to farm; no one even goes there to pick up their crops after harvest because of bad roads.” Eholor, who is also the state deputy chairman of Labour Party, added that it had become a recurring decimal for politicians to always come to the community to seek votes and abandon them thereafter. He said: “What they do is that when there is election time, they will bring their posters, hire Boys Brigade and Edo Cultural Group; they will buy sugar, rice and salt. They will disappear until the next election again. “It is quite pathetic, sympathetic, unfortunate and unimaginable that in this time and age people will behave so deceitfully.”

Metro 11

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

Security agents kill robbery suspect in shootout Dominic Adewole ASABA

suspected armed robber has been killed during a shootout with a combined team of policemen, naval officers and vigilantes in Delta State. The suspect was said to be one of the four robbers who raided corps members’ lodge at OvadeOghara in Ethiope West Local Government Area. The robbers stole money, laptops, electronics and handsets. But policemen on patrol duty acted in synergy with naval patrol team and vigilante men and engaged the bandits.

Suleiman Abba, IG

Teenger arraigned for pupil’s kidnap Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

13-year-old boy, Kenneth Tyorumun, of Balewa Crescent, High Level, Makurdi, Benue State, is standing trial before a Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and kidnapping with the intention to commit culpable homicide. The prosecuting police officer, Inspector Terzungwe Kajo, told the court that one Samuel Iorlaha had reported that last month he went to pick his five-year-old son, Sesugh Iorlaha, from Nativity Nursery and Primary School but could not find him. According to Kajo, it was later discovered that four other men, now at large, conspired with the accused who led the victim to the bush behind St. Catherine Primary School opposite Railway Market where they tied his legs, mouth and hands with an intent to take him

to an unknown destination. The plaintiff had told the police that his son was kidnapped but rescued by one Pastor Terver Orshio and Anini Anjaver who were at extramural lessons at the school when they heard a child crying in the nearby bush. When the case came up, no plea was taken for want of jurisdiction. The prosecutor, who said investigation was still on, asked for another date. The trial Magistrate, Mrs Masewanger Ordinya, ordered that the accused be remanded at the Gboko Remand Home. Also, a young man, Terzungwe Inyaregh, of Shorough in Buruku

Local Government Area of Benue State, was arraigned for alleged criminal conspiracy and robbery. The prosecuting police officer, Inspector James Zungwe, told the court that one Onoja Ebel of the police pay office, Nasarawa State, had reported that his Lagos-based brother and another person were robbed at gunpoint on Eke-AjideUgbokolo Road and dispossessed the victims of two bags containing wears, handsets, money and wrist watches. Zungwe said during police investigation, Nyaregh was arrested and upon a search, five handsets were recovered from him. But when the case came up, no plea was taken for want of jurisdiction. The prosecutor said investigation was still on and asked for another date. Ordinya ordered that the accused be remanded in prison and adjourned the two cases till December 10.

Makurdi flood victims return, count losses Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

undreds of displaced persons rendered homeless as a result of flooding in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, have started returning to their homes as River Benue recedes. Our correspondent, who visited some of the flooded areas at Gyado Villa, Kyabiz Hotels as well as Wadata area of Makurdi metropolis, gathered that

the victims are still counting their losses from the disaster. Some of the victims, including Veronica Akera, Sewuese Aondohemba and Terumbur Aondoakaa, said parts of their buildings showed cracks and all their household items such as chairs and electrical appliances had been destroyed. They also said that their water sources had been contaminated thereby forcing them to buy packaged water for drinking. Also, Mrs Mwuese Akoo-

do and mr Simon Mtomga said that their farms were destroyed, adding that another problem confronting them now was the scourge of mosquitoes. Mtomga said he was yet to move to his house because of the damp and fear that it might have been taken over by reptiles. He added that he was waiting for his monthly salary, which had not been paid for three months, to enable him to fumigate the house before returning with his family.

Speaking on the incident yesterday at the command headquarters in Asaba, the Commissioner of Police, Baba Alkali Usman, said the gang opened fire at his men on sighting them. He said: “We mobilised to the scene where the hoodlums on sighting members of the security team engaged them in a gun duel. In the process, one unidentified armed robber was fatally wounded while others escaped.” The commissioner, who said efforts had been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects, disclosed that the same gang laid siege to Diamond Bank/Water Resources Road area in Warri and snatched a bus.

According to him, the hoodlums waylaid the victim, one Jonathan Oborawewe, who was driving his branded Airtel Toyota Hiace bus with registration number Delta KLK 16 X A at Bright Hope Street, off Airport Road, Warri. “My men swung into action and arrested one Igho Okiemute and Onyemone Egiliga while others escaped with the snatched bus,” Usman said. The commissioner listed the items recovered to include one Airtel laptop, one Techno phone, one Nokia phone, one Nokia torchlight phone and one wallet containing Shell ID cards.

Manko to address workshop on security challenges Shola Adefuwa

he Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone II, Umar Manko, is expected to deliver a keynote address a one-day security seminar for hotel operators in Lagos State. The seminar tagged: “Security Challenges in Hotels and Hospitality Industry in Nigeria - the way forward,” is to be organised by Nigeria Hospitality Security Workshop (NIHOSSEW). It is expected to establish baseline awareness and integrate the security challenges which are imminent in hotels and hospitality industry in the country.

Lagos generates 11,000 cubic metre waste daily, says Oresanya

A cross section of healthcare facility owners at the summit

Muritala Ayinla

he Managing Director of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, Mr Ola Oresanya, said that refuse generation daily in the state had risen to over 11,000 cubic metres. This was as he urged owners of medical facilities to uphold safe medical waste disposal to prevent spread of diseases, especially Ebola Virus Disease. Speaking at the eighth Lagos Healthcare Waste Management Summit, held at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Oresanya attributed the increase in the volume of waste generated to the cosmopolitan nature of the state with its attendant population explosion of over 22 million in a relatively small land mass. He said: “Waste generated in Lagos now is over 11,000 cubic metres on a daily basis. It is growing because Lagos population is growing daily. “We are witnessing population surge in Lagos

because of the measures that we put in place to ensure Lagos is more liveable than other cities in Nigeria. This is because it is a safe haven for people. We have people coming from everywhere in Nigeria. “Naturally, Lagos is a city of aspiration, economic aspiration, a kind of safety; healthcare services that Lagos is providing and the rest of it are making Lagos to be attractive. When they come, the resultant effect is the waste that they generate on a daily basis. The impact is felt in Lagos. Retail business is booming in Lagos, the business hours are increasing in Lagos because of the streetlight. “The business hours are now moving towards midnight, more people are now on the street at night. That tells you that more waste, more night markets are emerging in Lagos. Those are real challenges but we are really prepared for the challenges.” While advising owners of health facilities to understand that the kind of healthcare waste gen-

erated in their facilities is more dangerous than the diseases they handle, Oresanya said failure to adopt proper medical waste management could lead to outbreak of diseases. He said: “For every patient that you mismanage the waste from, about 50 other patients could emerge from that because you are going to spread a more potent disease from the one you think you are curing.” According to him, the state government was able to contain EVD because of medical management policy put in place. Oresanya added that all the medical waste generated in the treatment index case was properly managed. He said: “The message is that how prepared are we to meet up with challenges that will come. Thank God there was healthcare waste management in Lagos that was why the waste from the index patient of Ebola Virus Disease was unable to transmit the disease among citizens of Lagos.

News

allegations

It is still a cat and mouse game between Ekiti PDP and a High Court Judge Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

kiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has petitioned the state Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, over the reassigning of the con-

11,000

thursday, november 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

south - west

PDP petitions Ekiti CJ over E-11, Fayose’s case troversial case between Governor Ayo Fayose and a group, the E-11, to the same judge handling it before, Justice Segun Ogunyemi. The party alleged that Justice Ogunyemi could have been compromised by some people in the All Progressives Congress (APC). The PDP wants the case transferred to another judge. In the petition signed by the PDP Chairman, Chief Idowu Faleye and

The number of adults and children estimated to be living with HIV in Greece in 2008. Source: Blatantworld.com

addressed to Justice Daramola, the party raised the likelihood of bias against Justice Ogunyemi. The party noted that going by the manner that the matter was previously handled by Ogunyemi, the governor and the PDP, who are part of the defendants in the case, would not get justice. The petition reads in part; “We are surprised, however, to be informed that the same judge, Hon.

1,259

The number of Ebola virus disease (EVD) deaths of Sierra Leone as at October 19, 2014. Source: Who.int

Justice Olusegun Ogunyemi, had resumed sitting over the same case he had voluntarily withdrawn from. “When we probed why the same judge, whose action caused unmitigated crisis in the state prior to the swearing in of the new governor and a party in the case, we were informed that the National Judicial Commission (NJC) directed him to resume sitting over the case.

The sex ratio of women to 100 men (international migrants) in Sri Lanka in 2010. Source: Un.org

“However, our investigation at the NJC proved otherwise. Our source at the NJC asked a rhetorical question of when the NJC has become the assigning judge of cases pending before a state high court.” Faleye claimed in the petition that authoritative sources informed his party that somebody was been compelled by the plaintiffs, the opposition party and their foreign sponsors to deliver,

27.9%

The projected percentage increase of Americans above 65 years with Alzheimer’s in Alabama State in 2014-2025. Source: Alz.org

as earlier promised in an agreement. He added that the only way out of the problem was to allow another judge within the judicial division to assume jurisdiction over the case, so that all parties to the case could have confidence in the determination of the case. The PDP chairman maintained that his party and the governor had lost confidence in Justice Ogunyemi’s continued handling of the case. It will be recalled that while Ogunyemi was handling the matter on September 22, some people invaded the court room, leading to an abrupt ending of proceedings for the day. Ogunyemi later withdrew from handling the matter.

Hamzat: Lagos governorship primaries not war Temitope Ogunbanke

L-R: Managing Director, NAHCO AVIANCE, Mr Norbert Bielderman; Managing Director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria [FAAN], Sale Dunoma and Head, Internal Audit, Ahmed Gulmah, during a courtesy visit by NAHCO AVIANCE team to FAAN in Lagos…yesterday

Ogun proposes N190bn budget for 2015 Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

gun State government has proposed to spend N190 billion in the 2015 fiscal year. Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mrs. Oluwande Muoyo, disclosed this yesterday at the Treasury Board Meeting on 2015 budget held at the Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. The meeting, which was presided over by Governor Ibikunle Amosun, was attended by commissioners and heads of government parastatals. The proposed N120 billion budget is lower than the N210.86 billion budget for the current fiscal year. It is, however, still subject to approval by the Treasury Board, the

Executive Council and House of Assembly. Speaking at the event, Amosun urged ministries, departments and agencies to redouble their efforts in improving internally-generated revenue in order to attain self-sufficiency. He noted that improved revenue generation became imperative due to the dwindling allocation from the Federation Account. The governor lamented that the situation had continued to cause delay in the payment of workers’ salaries in many states. While saying that his administration will not relent in meeting up with its statutory obligations, Amosun advised government agencies to think out of the box towards expanding the frontiers of revenue generation.

Ado varsity workers on strike over salaries, allowances Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

cademic and other activities at the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, have been paralysed following the strike embarked upon by workers’ unions in the institution over welfare issues. The unions embarked on the strike yesterday, complaining about the non-payment of their al-

lowances. The workers, under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), vowed not to return to work until their salaries and allowances were paid. Chairman of EKSU branch of SSANU, Ko-

lawole Falade, said the decision was arrived at during a meeting of members of the four unions led by their Chairmen, Prof. Olu Olu (ASUU), Falade (SSANU), Tope Akanmu (NASU) and Jola Awogbemi (NAAT). Falade said workers in the university were groaning following the non-payment of their salaries due to the nonpayment of subvention to the university since August.

Ondo wants more from oil firms Babatope Okeowo Akure

ndo State government has asked oil companies operating in the state to show commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the communities where they operate. Also, the government said it would continue to

be an intermediary and supervisor between the oil companies and their host communities to ensure peace and harmony in the coastal communities of the state. Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Sola Ebiseni, stated this at a one day-summit for oil producing communities, held in Akure on Tuesday

with the theme: ‘Oil and the Environment.’ The summit was attended by representatives of some of the oil companies doing business in the state. Those in attendance include Chevron, Express/ Sea, Conoil, Allied Energy and Owena Oil and Gas and a representative from the Olokola Free Trade Zone.

ll Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant and Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has said that the race for the December 2 governorship primaries of the APC in the state is a competition and not a war. Speaking yesterday at a ‘Meet the Press Forum,’ organised by the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Hamzat said considering the success of the Babatunde Fashola administration, the state needs a credible person to succeed the incumbent governor in 2015. He also said the issue of religion and zoning should not be brought to bear in electing Fashola’s successor. He said as an experienced politician and the son of a prominent politician, he is confident of clinching the APC gubernatorial ticket for the February 28, 2015 governorship election. He said: “My mother is from Epe, so zoning is not really an issue for me. My father is the leader of the party in Lagos West senatorial district. I was born into a political family, so there is no politician of note that doesn’t know my father.

change of name

Agwude

Former Mbah Anastacia Blessing now wish to be known as Mrs. Agwude Anastacia Blessing. All former documents remain valid. General public note.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

Kwara 2015

Guber race

2015

Dateline Delta

I’m not fronting for anybody, says Ibrahim

Ortom: I’ll be Benue governor in 2015

Buni: Why APC wants presidency

Obuh is Delta’s best choice, says Agbogun

Politics

My story on Tambuwal’s defection, by Akande-Adeola Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola is the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives. In this interview, she explains her role in the controversial adjournment of the House to December 3 and Speaker Aminu Tambuwal’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). PHILIP NYAM reports There have been postulations concerning the motion that you moved for adjournment, after which Speaker Aminu Tambuwal defected. Could you put the issues in perspective as to what really happened? It is very imperative that I speak and clear the air on this matter because, just this morning (Tuesday), I heard the minority whip, Samson Osagie, saying on television that the leader moved the motion for adjournment and the way he said it, it was as if it was something I did unilaterally and out of the ordinary. As you all know, it is my job as the leader of the House to move motions for adjournment. But that adjournment that was moved on that particular day was an unusual adjournment. Why I say this is because of the number of days for which the House adjourned. Prior to this, the leadership met at the deputy speaker’s guest house. I went for the meeting which was to kick off at 5p.m., I was there at 5:10p.m. I met only two members of the leadership. Then I waited till 6p.m. No other person showed up. So, I stood up and went back to my house. At about 6:30p.m., the Speaker and the deputy were calling me simultaneously, asking me to please come back and attend the meeting. I

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, PoLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

Akande-Adeola

picked the Speaker’s call and he said, ‘leader where are you, I said I’m in my house and I cannot start coming back there again after waiting for an hour. I just got back from a trip and I’m tired. I was there for over 45 minutes’ and he said please, we are all here. And I said my driver has already left. He said, I’ll send you a car. And I even jokingly said that, if you sent a car I won’t return the car to you. So, when the driver called me to say that he was at the gate, I came out and found my own driver too outside. I also discovered that his driver came with a jeep, and I said I don’t usually like entering jeeps. So instead, I entered my Honda and we drove back to the venue of the meeting. Before we adjourned for that Tuesday, he (Tambuwal) had asked me to liaise with the Senate Leader to find out how long they would be going for, because as you know we usually adjourn the same time and come back the same time. And I liaised with the Sen-

It was a personal decision that nobody could have prevented him from making. But as colleagues with cordial relationship, I felt bad that I would hear it on that day

ate Leader who told me that they will be adjourning on Tuesday and come back on November 4, which is today (Tuesday). So, when I got to the meeting, I met members of the leadership, and I asked, where’s my deputy, they said he was on his way from the airport. So, he joined us later. The only person who couldn’t come was Ahmed Mukhtar (deputy chief whip) who sent a text message to say that he was not feeling well. The nine of us were present at the meeting. The speaker said, this is a one item-agenda meeting which deals only with the adjournment that we are going to have. He asked what did the Senate Leader say when you contacted him, and I said, the Senate Leader said they are going for just one week. From Tuesday, till the following Tuesday; which is November 4. At that point, everybody raised various issues why we cannot go for just one week and come back. CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Politics | Interview

As a boardroom person, why the foray into politics? Truly, we have been a dominant player in the industrial landscape of Kwara State. Lubcon was established in 1991. To the grace of God, from the industrial backwaters of Adewole Industrial Estate in Ilorin that initiative has grown to become a force to reckon with in local and international oil and gas industry. We have expanded and diversified the business. Through backward integration initiatives, Lubcon has midwifed several successful subsidiary companies in financial services, manufacturing, hospitality, real estate, logistics, petrochemical and energy. We now have interests in Ghana, Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin Republic, Niger Republic, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Liberia. So, with that feat, it is natural to ask: What is Jani doing in politics? For me it is a call to duty, a call to serve. I have handled several national assignments, the last being the president of the alumni association of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru. Aspiring to become the governor of Kwara State next year is a divine challenge; one I cannot run away from. My heart bleeds for Kwara because this state has no business with poverty and backwardness. We should not compare Kwara with other states in Nigeria. We should evaluate our growth and development using as index countries like Singapore with similar population size as Kwara. After my modest achievements as an entrepreneur, I am convinced that the time is ripe to give back to society by devoting my expertise, capability and energy to the business of uplifting my people and the larger society. Why go into politics now? There is no better time than now to join the fray. If you remember, Kwara was created in 1967, that is more than four decades ago yet our people still lack basic and essential amenities to make a decent living. Kwara has no business with staying at the bottom of the ladder in Nigeria. In the 70s, we could boast of first class industries in the Matchco company, the textile industry, Tate and Lyle, Philip Morris and Bacita Sugar Company; our people were in the front row in commerce; we had first class educational facilities with vocational schools. Midland Stores and Kwara Co-operatives Limited were thriving and providing employment for our people. Now all these have disappeared. It pains my heart to see one of our industries in Ilorin converted to an Events Centre. We have become, over time, a consumer economy while production is fast disappearing. That is retrogressive and unacceptable. Kwara has survived because ordinary people are doing extra-ordinary things. Unless good managers of the economy step in to arrest the trend, our people will become despondent and lose hope completely. All parts of this country are blessed with abundant resources. To develop; to prosper and take our people out of the poverty ring, I believe strongly that Nigeria must produce what it consumes or consume what it produces. Unless we have serious-minded leaders at all levels of governance, we cannot aspire to become a great country. I cannot therefore continue to watch from the sidelines. How do you handle the large number of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirants? With all modesty, I am sure that the people of Kwara know the criteria to use in evaluating all the aspirants who have indicated interest to become the governor come 2015. They know who is a first-class material. They know who lives among them, toiling day and night, providing jobs, paying tax and contributing

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Kwara 2015: I’m not fronting for anybody, says Ibrahim Alhaji Jani Ibrahim, an industrialist, is a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial aspirant in Kwara State. In this interview with BIODUN OYELEYE, he says Kwara State is winnable without the help of Dr. Bukola Saraki, who until his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was leader of the PDP in the state. He also dispels insinuation that he is fronting for some people. Excerpts: that at the coming elections. But you are said to be Saraki’s friend and partner? In politics, every weapon is fair. Blackmail, lies, rumours and character assassination are weapons in the hands of those who are unpopular and those who have nothing concrete to tell the electorate. We will not engage in such diversionary tactic. There is no way I would run a manufacturing company in a state, and a successful one for that matter, since 1991, without relating with government and all major players in and out of government. Besides, our company is a major employer of labour in this state, so why should we not relate with a two-term governor? I have known Senator Saraki since 1974 when he came as a small boy to join us at Kings College, Lagos. God made him our governor from 2003 to 2011, so he cannot be my enemy. I therefore find it insulting when some idle minds speak about me fronting for someone. That is unintelligent and such gimmick will not fly when Kwarans are faced with daunting issues of poverty, unemployment and decaying amenities. This is not time for idle talks. It is time for serious business; the business of electing a competent, capable leader that will lead the masses out of gloom, misery and degrading conditions.

Ibrahim

to community development. They know that to make a success in governance one must have succeeded in one form of human endeavour. Speaking generally, I think the more the merrier. I don’t agree that many aspirants for the office of governor on the PDP platform indicate lack of cohesion. Let a hundred flowers blossom, the Chinese will say. Really, it affords the voters and the electorate generally the freedom of choice; alternative choice without being cajoled and without prejudice to ethnic, religious and such other myopic considerations. Allowing all aspirants to reach the voters and sell their candidacy is healthy for democracy. It allows the people alternative choice after a robust examination of individual policies and programmes. For us in the PDP, we are one big family under the umbrella. I assure you we will work together, win together and sing the victory song after the polls. Is it possible to win without Saraki in PDP? The departure of Senator Bukola Saraki from PDP marks a turning point in the history of Kwara. It was the design of unforeseen forces. God has a plan for this state. If you know the political history of Kwara and you do a contextual analysis of election results, you will come to the conclusion that both Senator Saraki and the state governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, are flowing against the tide by pitching their tent with the All Progressives Congress (APC). Kwarans are yearning for change. They want freedom and true democracy and they will prove

I, therefore, find it insulting when some idle minds speak about me fronting for someone. That is unintelligent and such gimmick will not fly when Kwarans are faced with daunting issues of poverty, unemployment and decaying amenities

There are speculations that the presidency has endorsed a particular aspirant. I have heard some people claiming that they will be anointed by the presidency. I don’t know where they got such assurance. The work is in the field just as success is in the ballot of the delegates and the voters. We believe in selling our plan, programmes and policies to the people who will ultimately decide who gets into which office. As you are aware, the PDP being the largest party in Nigeria has promised consistently to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants. We hold that to be sacrosanct and we will trust in that principle at all times. What are your unique credentials? This state is no doubt on the threshold of a change from the past. In the history of Kwara State, there has been no other time than this moment that the people are unanimous on the need to break away from the old ways of ordering their lives. So, working with everyone who is passionate about change, freedom and prosperity, I like to regard myself as ‘the driver of change’; providing a direction for those who are determined to lift Kwara from its morass. We are confronted with a challenge we cannot turn down at this moment in our history. I have a clear vision of where Kwara should be in 2015 and beyond. Our beacon for prosperity is built on the JANI philosophy. That translates to J-for massive job creation; A-for integrated mechanised agriculture; N-for aggressive exploitation and processing of natural resources and Ifor provision of durable infrastructure across the state.

Politics | Interview

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

Dr. Samuel Ortom is the immediate past Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment. He resigned his appointment to pursue his governorship aspiration in Benue State in 2015. In this interview with CEPHAS IORHEMEN, he speaks on his motivation for the governorship ambition, his relationship with Governor Gabriel Suswam and other salient issues. Excerpts: How do you assess your chances of winning the Benue governorship election after consultations with stakeholders across the state? I have always said that John 3:27 says a man can receive nothing except it’s given to him from above; power belongs to God and He giveth it to whosoever He wills. Now, politics is a game of intrigues but that is what I seek to correct because for us to be able to advance and make things work in Nigeria and effectively develop Benue State, we must be truthful, we must be fair in what we do, we must be transparent and we must be accountable. To me, the issue of intrigues and manipulations, we’ve done it in the past, and Nigeria is where we are today because we have never gotten it right. So, as far as I’m concerned, I consulted with the people and they overwhelmingly accepted that I should go for the governorship seat of Benue State come 2015. I’m quite confident that based on the consultation I’ve done and the responses I’ve had from Benue people across the entire state, the three senatorial districts and across all segments of the society; politicians, non-politicians and all that, I will be the governor in 2015. And in all these, the people were unanimous; that look, for you to have acquired the kind of knowledge and capacity over the years, we see you as the one that can take Benue State to the next level from wherever Governor Gabriel Suswam is going to stop. You can take Benue State to the next level because, if you talk about party politics, I’ve played it from the local government to state and federal level. If you talk about governance, I’ve always been there from 1992 till date. If you talk about organised private sector where the world is turning to and even Nigeria is now providing the enabling environment as government to ensure that the private sector thrives in order to curb unemployment, create wealth and generate opportunities for our people, I’ve been there all this while and I have made my impact in Benue State. You mean Benue people keyed into your aspiration? The people were unanimous that ‘look you’re one of the very few people that decided to invest despite the very hash and difficult

Ortom: I’ll be Benue governor in 2015

Ortom

business environment we have operating business in Benue State. You’re one of the very few people that have put resources together to invest and you have given employment to our children.’ Today, the intrigues are there because nobody trusts another; everybody is manipulating things to suit his own ego or interest within his enclave. For me, I don’t need to acquire too much for myself and no matter how rich I am, if my people are poor, I’m a poor man, because they will still come back here. I feel very sad each time I come home and I see people gather at my gate to solicit for peanuts; it’s very sad. I don’t send them away and each time they come, whatever I have, I share with them, but the truth is that inside me, I’m not happy. And I tell you the truth, as governor of Benue State you’ll not see anybody hanging around my gate at any given time because I’ll engage them. We must consciously do that. Otherwise we’ll be a failed leadership as far as I’m concerned. These are things that people themselves are saying. And also when you talk about someone who dropped out of school in 1979 in form two and someone who started work as a motor park tout and today has risen to be where he is, it’s a clear indication that I saw poverty, I fought poverty and I defeated poverty. And with this kind of capacity that by the grace of God I have, I’ll be able to translate that, knowing full well that my desire is not to enrich myself but to give out, to touch lives, to give meaning to peoples’ lives. With this kind of leadership, I believe that we’ll be able to impact positively on the people’s lives. So, my aspiration is well received by the people and I have been encouraged to go ahead and seek the mandate and they’re going to give me. And I believe God that at the end of the day I’m going to make it no matter the difficul-

ties that may come my way.

My aspiration is well received by the people and I have been encouraged to go ahead and seek the mandate and they’re going to give me

There have been attempts to prune the number of governorship aspirants in Benue State? What is your take on this? It is a good development. At the end, it has to be one person; the seat is just for one person. I know that everyone who has indicated intention to contest is competent. When we were invited by the Tiv Traditional Council to be interviewed, we were all there. And one good thing is that they decided that the governorship should come from the MINDA in their wisdom. That is what was ruled and some people raised issues with that. They were not comfortable that traditional institution should handle the matter, and that the party should handle the matter. So, MINDA PDP Elders’ Forum came out with a template to conduct a search and also to streamline the number of aspirants. We were told to bring some documents which we did. At the end they came out with the result that four of us should purchase the nomination forms. They felt in their wisdom to restrict it to at least only four people to buy the form and after the screening of the party, if all of us sail through, then the caucus will sit again and try to advice, to appeal, to consult, to work towards ensuring that one person is produced as a consensus candidate. In the event that other zones are interested in that one person, then it will be a consensus arrangement. That will save us all the troubles that accompany party primaries. Some people believe that the government is not favourably dispose to your aspiration. How do you handle this? I do not know about the government’s interest. I’m very friendly with my governor and the leader of my party in the state and other party leaders are working togeth-

er. One thing I know is that the governor has decided to be an unbiased umpire; that much I know. I don’t know why this government would be against me, I’ve been part of this government and we have been working together. My loyalty is to the governor of Benue State who is the leader of my party and he has assured me of a free, fair and transparent process that will usher in a new governor; and that he doesn’t want to be involved unduly which I commend him. That I know because many other people are interested and I see no reason why the governor should single me out and go an extra mile to support me. A level playing field is all that I need. At the end, it’s the people who will decide. One thing which I think the governor says which favours me more than any other person is that for someone who will take over from him; he’s praying to God that the person must be God fearing, and I’m God fearing, I fear God. At least even as a politician, it is difficult to identify who is a Christian but you are journalists and you know, you interact with people. The governor also said that as a leader of the party somebody who should take over from him should be a seasoned politician. Among all those people contesting with me, who is a seasoned politician like me? There is none. So, by extension, it is as good as the governor has adopted me. But I’m not looking for any adoption. I’m working as if I have no friend in the governor, I’m working as if I have no one supporting me, I’m working to get the mandate of the people. And the third one which I heard the governor said is that it is good for someone who has the capacity at all levels of governance to succeed him; I have served as local government chairman in 1991, served in the state and at the federal level. Amongst all the people who has the capacity more than myself ? So, I have no issues and I commend the governor for not identifying with one aspirant including me. Let the people decide. That is democracy; that is what we want and that is the only way we can advance the democracy we’re talking about. How true is the insinuation that you’ve concluded arrangements with Senate President David Mark to produce your deputy as a way of winning his support for your election as governor? I’m a seasoned politician who has been in this game for over 30 years and I can assure you that I can never discuss any issue of my deputy with anyone for now because I know that it is not within my reach. I have no power to appoint my deputy. I have been involved in the selection of other deputies including the present one; I was there when he was appointed. It is true that the party allows the candidate to nominate his deputy but the reverse is the case when it comes to reality. You cannot do it because you are working with stakeholders. The issue of deputy or running mate is the prerogative of the leadership to decide after weighing the balance when you become the candidate. So, it is not the responsibility of an individual to sit and decide who becomes my running mate. When that time comes, the party leadership will sit and decide who will be my running mate.

16 Politics | Interview

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘Our grouse with Jonathan’s govt over Chibok’ Moses Zakwa is the president of the Kibaku Youth Association of Nigeria. Chibok is the local government headquarters of Kibaku land. In this interview with EBERE AMEH, he speaks on the frustration of Chibok people over government’s handling of the Boko Haram insurgence Beyond the abduction of schoolgirls, what is Chibok all about? Chibok is the most marginalised local government in Nigeria, and the most neglected community both by the state and the Federal Government of Nigeria. Chibok is the only local government that doesn’t have access road from any other part of the country into it. It is the only local government that the only government project in it is the Government Girls’ Secondary School from where over 200 girls were kidnapped. It is the only local government that doesn’t have water. Their only source of water is earth dam that was constructed in the 80s. That is the water that both the people and their animals drink. What is your assessment on government’s handling of insurgency in the North-East? We feel sad by the way government is handling the issue, not only in Chibok but in the NorthEast. Just recently, the Federal Government came out and told Nigerians that it is going to rehabilitate and de-radicalise the sur-

rendered Boko Haram fighters. I have it on good authority that Boko Haram is offering the release of 30 girls for 19 commanders in detention in a swap deal. Who are they fooling? These Boko Haram commanders are people that believe strongly in their ideology. Even in prison, they remain unrepentant. Such individuals are dangerous to let out of the prison. However, if they are going to do a swap, 19 girls is not enough, they should release all the 219 girls so that we can start from square one. From negotiation, today, it is ceasefire. Is that not an insult on us? You want ceasefire and to rehabilitate murderers who have chased us out of our land making us refugees in our own country. People who are still holding over 200 of our daughters and our sisters. They deserve nothing than to face the wrath of the law. So, we feel insulted and abandoned by the Federal Government of Nigeria. It is quite unfortunate that we don’t have any other alternative than to sit on a round table with criminals for negotiations. Mind you, since 1999, the

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

Issues ranging from members having problems in their constituencies and issues of return tickets and so forth. They cannot be at two places at the same time, there’s no time. How many people have you seen in the chambers lately? Some members asked. All sorts of reasons were given and I said that what will be the moral justification for us to adjourn for that long, and what will be the public perception since we just came from our long annual recess and the sallah break. I raised the issue of the MTEF, I raised the issue of the budget, they said don’t worry, even the report on that can be ready on the floor tomorrow. There and then, they called the chairman, Finance Committee, but I didn’t know he was actually on the phone. What we were told after the phone call was that it will be ready by tomorrow. And as you may have noticed, the MTEF was on the order paper the next day but the Finance Committee Chairman was not on the floor. So, the report was not taken. So, after all the reasoning they agreed that members should go and work on their tickets first. So, the House would adjourn for the first two weeks to let members attend to their personal issues at constituency levels, and the following two weeks will be used for oversight functions towards the budget presentation. That was what we agreed. Why was the motion for adjournment

Zakwa

We feel insulted and abandoned by the Federal Government of Nigeria. It is quite unfortunate that we don’t have any other alternative than to sit on a round table with criminals for negotiations

Chibok community has given 99 per cent votes of their votes to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). I am not a politician, but the record is there to show. One of the G38 members that formed the PDP, Borgu Bitrus, is a son of Kibaku. The PDP is not only in the heart of the Chibok people, it is also in their blood. During their campaign in 2011, the politicians promised heaven and earth to us. Even the right to live and the right to be protected shouldn’t be a political promise. But they campaigned and promised, but the Federal Government has failed the Chibok people. They have failed, in the first place, in protecting the lives and property of the Chibok community. What is your take on the handling of the Chibok schoolgirls issue? It is like the Chibok people are quiet. We strongly believe that all the girls are alive and that all the girls will come back. Any negotiation or ceasefire that does not secure

the release of all the girls is unacceptable. We want all of them back and alive. The government cannot negotiate on behalf of few of the girls while the others are left behind. The lives of any of them is not negotiable. The Chibok community is quiet because they feel neglected, insulted and abandoned. This is because, when the girls were kidnapped, we wrote the president. We were the first group that staged a protest here in Lagos. We met the governor of Lagos State, who assured us that the letter we wrote to the president will get to him that day. The letter was copied to all parastatals and agencies. One of our demands was that the president visit Chibok to see the parents of the missing girls and the devastation caused by the insurgents. Remember, when the Boston Marathon incident happened in the US, the president didn’t sit down in the White House and invite the families of the victims, he went there and addressed the nation, assuring them of his resolve to fish out the culprits. That does not only console them, it gave them a sense of belonging. That was what our government failed to do. Instead, they organised people to get the parents to Abuja, promising them millions of naira. That money that was given is a deliberate attempt to distract the people from the main issue. Since the incident, NEMA has only been to Chibok once. And they have not been to the neighbouring villages that were also affected. Why is it so? Are people not living there? And 60 per cent of these girls are not from Chibok, they are from the neighbouring villages. After the kidnap of the girls, Boko Haram came back and attacked a community, leaving over 47 people dead, including two of my uncles. One of them, Musa Zakwa, fought for the independence and unity of this nation. They shot him in front of his house.

‘My story on Tambuwal’s defection’ moved? On that fateful day, we got to the chamber and if you were there, you would notice that I came in late. Because I wasn’t really looking at my time, I rushed to the chamber. When we were at the chamber, if you check our order paper you will see that there’s a particular interval for announcement as usual, and after the announcement, we got to the orders of the day. Nothing was said about whether the Speaker was moving or not. Even the meeting we had, nothing was said about that as to whether he was moving or not, even though it was in the media and everybody was talking about it. And when it was not announced at that particular time, I came to my deputy (Leo Ogor), and I said Leo, is the Speaker not moving again? And he said he was not doing it again. I’m saying this without fear of anybody. And not quite five minutes, another member came to me and said that, “Leader, this is what is going to happen. I spoke with the Speaker this morning and he said he was going to move today.” I again leaned towards my deputy and said, Leo, somebody just whispered to me that the Speaker is moving today. Instead, he said hold on, hold on, I want to listen to what the person on the floor was saying at that particular time. It got

to the time of consideration, I even got up and told the deputy speaker that I want to go to the Clerk’s office to have coffee. And if you remember, even my own bill on that day was stood down after Hon. Sokonte raised an issue about the bill. And I went back to my seat. When the deputy speaker was presiding at the Committee of the Whole, I got up to go out for the coffee, and he said no please, sit down we will soon finish. I told him it was a cup of coffee I wanted to take at the Clerk’s office and come back, and he kept saying, no, we will soon finish. And after the whole thing, I was hearing some people saying that it was the leader who moved the motion unilaterally. So, I feel it is necessary to clear the air. I am a very honourable person, and I will not say anything that has not happened. And I will not fear anybody. I fear only the Almighty God. And at the end of the session, the Speaker said, leader move for the adjournment and I leaned towards the deputy speaker and said, is it as agreed, and he said yes. And I got up and moved for the adjournment. And he said, Leo second. And he did. And it was at that point that the Speaker now read the statement about his defection. I wouldn’t know what the leader has done that was out of the ordinary. It is my responsibility to move for adjourn-

ment, there is no way I would have moved that adjournment if we didn’t agree on it. And this you can cross check from all the other members if they want to be truthful to themselves. And that was exactly what happened. I need to say this because people have been calling me to say why did you do this? And I think this will put paid to all the speculations. On the issue of adjournment, was it that the Speaker deceived you into moving the adjournment because he wanted to defect and needed the time to cool things down? I wouldn’t know. I didn’t read his mind to know that was what he was going to do. Did you at some point feel that there was a game that was going on that you were excluded from? At that point in the chamber I didn’t feel that way, but when the Speaker announced his defection, I felt bad that he could keep such a thing from me. At least we are colleagues, although we represent different constituencies; what is good for me may not be good for him. It was a personal decision that nobody could have prevented him from making. But as colleagues with cordial relationship, I felt bad that I would hear it on that day.

Politics | Interview 17

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

Buni: Why APC wants presidency The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Mai Mala Buni speaks on the quest of the opposition party to produce the president in 2015. In this interview with JOHNCHUKS ONUANYIM, he also speaks on the consensus option in the selection of party flag bearers in the 2015 general election. Excerpts: What is the experience you have brought to bear as the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC)? I was the pioneer Yobe State chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Thereafter, I joined the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and was appointed the Secretary General of the campaign organisation of the present governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, in 2011. After the elections, I was appointed the Political Adviser to the goveror. After the merger, I became the protem secretary of the APC in Yobe State and then the state chairman after the congresses. In the process, I emerged the National Secretary of the party. I came to the convention as a delegate because I was the state chairman of the party and was elected the National Secretary. We thank God that people have made a lot of sacrifice to make APC what it is today because it is not easy for existing political parties to come together to merge and abandon their status to form a formidable opposition party which is unprecedented in the history of this country. You talk about sacrifices; what are the sacrifices that made it possible for the various parties to come together? When you look at the history of political parties in Nigeria, you will discover that it has always been winner takes all and this has always militated against the coming together of people to serve the country. If you are not in the party of the government of the day, then you cannot go anywhere close to power or contribute your idea towards anything. So, the coming together of political parties is as a result of the problems militating against the development of the country. If you look at the country, you will discover that instead of moving forward, the country is always sliding. So, those who have the interest of the country at heart knew how the country was and how it is now. So, there was no way ANPP as a party or CPC or ACN or APGA as a party would do it alone and form a government. That is what has been the bane of the opposition and what the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been exploiting to rule this country and what they have exploited to remain in power all these years. They keep using divide and rule, sometimes interfering in the affairs of some smaller parties so that they will not be strong enough to challenge them. So, the coming together of the opposition is what Nigerians have been yearning for because after every general election, people keep complaining and asking questions as to why the opposition are not coming together to form a formidable force that can challenge the PDP. There were series of attempts in the past by these leaders to come together, but that never yielded any result due to one reason or the other. This time, it has materialised and now, people have realised that the PDP is on its toes and for the first time in its history, it is now on the

Recently, President Goodluck Jonathan said that the governors are powerful forces in the running of the parties. What is the situation in the APC? The APC as a party respects the governors being the leaders of the party in their respective states. When you look at the Nigerian constitution carefully, you will know what it takes to be a governor and you will know the strength of the office of a governor. However, I don’t know the situation under which the president made his remark. What I am saying however is that governors are leaders of the party. That is why, in all our organs, the governors are members. They are members of the caucus, the Board of Trustees (BoT) and the National Executive Council (NEC). So, you can see how important their position is to the party.

Buni

defensive because they have seen the handwriting clearly. They have now seen that the various political parties have come together and are ready to take over the country in 2015.

The level of poverty and degradation and impoverishment in this country has no boundary of south or north, Christian or Muslim. We are all suffering and nobody is left out. Everybody is desirous of change and that is why the APC is poised to produce the best president for this country

There are people who believe that the coming together of the legacy parties to form APC is for some people to realise their presidential ambition. What is your take on this? Let me tell you that those who consistently want to remain in power are regarded by people as Any Government in Power (AGIP). You can be AGIP to remain in the corridors of power, but that is not enough. If you are in politics for your self interest, you can join the PDP and continue to remain in the system. But this one is out of patriotism. Looking at how the country is, the present situation is nothing to write home about and you will agree with me that the coming together of these gentlemen, the commitment and the sacrifices involved justify the fact that it is not for their selfish interest. If it were in their own interest, somebody like Chief Bisi Akande was the national chairman of the ACN and was the Interim Chairman of the APC, Chief Tony Momoh was the chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), while Chief Ogbonnaya Onu was the national chairman of the ANPP. They cannot just sacrifice their offices as chairmen of their various parties for other reasons apart from being patriotic and making sacrifice for the country. They made sacrifice for the betterment of the country. That is what keeps amazing the people because something like this has never happened for people to voluntarily relinquish their positions to merge. That was not an easy task. It takes a lot of courage, patriotism and sacrifice. What do you think will be the strong point of the party ahead of the 2015 general election? We have our manifesto which we will soon made available to the public. I don’t want to pre-empt anything. So, let us get to the bridge before crossing it. We will make it public at the appropriate time because this is an organised political party. We are not just saying anything that we cannot do; we want to have on record, things that this party intends to do.

Is the party considering the consensus option in choosing its presidential candidate? All the options are open, but it is not a crime if a candidate emerge through consensus at any level. Don’t restrict it to the presidential contest. Even if any candidate emerge through consensus, we will still have to go ahead to fulfil the constitutional provision of electing the person. There is no restriction as to how the candidate will emerge. If for whatever reason, any candidate emerge as a consensus candidate either as a senator, member of the House of Representatives, governor or president, it will be a welcome development. With the battle for the presidential ticket being fought by the Northern aspirants; has the APC zoned the 2015 presidency to the North? Or was the party formed to unseat the PDP or to take power back to the North? It is not about producing a Northern or Southern president. We want to produce a Nigerian president. We want to produce a president who will work for the country, sacrifice himself for the country and be selfless in discharging his responsibilities to the country and who will be acceptable to every Nigerian as an upright person who can fight corruption and bring development to the country. That is what we want and not about South or North. The level of poverty and degradation and impoverishment in this country has no boundary of South or North, Christian or Muslim. We are all suffering and nobody is left out. Everybody is desirous of change and that is why the APC is poised to produce the best president for this country. We want to have somebody who will fight corruption because it is the major dent of this country. We want somebody who can fight the insecurity and restore peace in all communities. This is our hope and I don’t think we will now restrict this to either South or North. These are political boundaries. However, I think that this question should have been directed at the PDP on why they have it in their constitution that positions should be zoned. This is not existing in the APC for now. APC is poised to give the best president who will be ready to address the problem militating against the development of Nigeria. This is our common problem and it is our common challenge. So, it is not about where the person comes from. We have crossed so many hurdles. Some predicted that the merger will not hold; but today, they are ashamed that the merger is a success. Again they predicted that the convention will be the end of the party; we held it and produced leaders for the party. We will ensure a level playing field for all our aspirants to showcase their potential and for Nigerians to see their quality and vote them into power at all levels. So, I have no doubt in my mind that we have all it takes to win elections by 2015.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion

The Abia political almajiris

Okon Uduma

have followed very carefully political developments in Abia State since the rift between former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu and his successor was blown open. I have also kept tabs on the numerous articles written on the sordid state of affairs in God’s Own State. But there is something very dangerous happening which many commentators have failed to address and that is the gradual emergence of a new class of poor and impoverished people, whom I call the Abia political almajiris. I do not think there is a more apt word to describe this class of people whose level of poverty and penury is frightening. Surprisingly, many of them are found in the corridors of power running errands. These people once bestrode the political firmament like colossus during the Kalu regime . At the end, they still desired to remain relevant in the new dispensation. So, they threw caution to the dogs, got dressed in the garb of wolves in sheep’s clothing and plied their trade ignominiously. Their major tool was character assassination and sycophancy. They started singing and dancing to the staccato of sounds oozing out of Ochendo’s musical armchair like drunkards. Pronto, they went to the governor and his family to pay homage and run down Kalu whom they saw as a threat to their evil plot to destroy the strong foundation the former governor laid. In order to give them some relevance and make them open up the more, they were given compensatory posts of special assistants to the governor. Like hungry wolves, they pounced on the offer. They did not stop at running down their former master, they took their game plan to another level: fighting to devour one another in their desperation and unquenchable greed to be noticed by the governor. But unknown to them, the governor never trusted them, because he knows them very well, having worked with them when he served as Kalu’s Chief of Staff. I have always wondered how on earth this bunch of charlatans and political demagogues think the governor would ever be impressed with their puerile antics. The governor knows quite well that their mission is self-

centred and opportunistic and, therefore, has dined with them with long spoons and knives. From the feelers I gathered, these desperadoes are not always allowed access to the governor’s abode as he sees them as wolves. The governor is also aware that he is riding the tiger’s back and might end up in its belly if he did not play safely. And so, both parties have continued to psyche each other up, applying all the ploys in their tricks-bag. I find myself in a dilemma whether to empathize with them or mock them in their present austere and lamentable state. But I prefer to deride them since the path of infamy they have chosen was entirely their personal decision. Nonetheless, the state of affairs around them is quite worrisome and pitiful. I was almost moved to tears when I saw one of these political almajiris riding on an ‘okada’ (tricycle) recently, coupled with the fact that one of his sons he sent abroad during the hey days of Kalu as governor had been sent packing by his institution for inability to pay school fees. Things are so bad that they can hardly afford any luxury usually associated with them some Seven years ago. Could anybody believe that a few of these men and women call themselves lawyers? Are they truly lawyers? My investigation has revealed that some of them were drop-outs, while others graduated with poor degrees in law and could not attend the mandatory Law School. What kind of people would call these people who have done nothing to better their lot all these years? Their only business is to support Any Government In Power (AGIP). This is why they have no political ideology or respect for human dignity. For them, anything goes. But for how long are they going to live this way? Kalu’s magnanimity while in office as governor is unforgettable. At their quiet times, they would be asking questions how they got to where they are. For me, their impoverishment stems from the Law of Karma, which awaits every evil doer. How could they have gone scot-free having sold out and done unimaginable things for crumbs from the master’s table? Another shocking fact is that some of these men and women come from Igbere , the same ancestral home as Kalu. He took them in and rehabilitated them when it

mattered most. All they could give him in return is betrayal. I feel disgusted whenever I listen to them speak abominable words against Kalu their brother. Shockingly, the Ezes and other highly-placed people in that community have failed to rise up to the occasion and call them to order. Their despicable activities during the senatorial election in Abia North in 2011 (in which their brother Kalu was a candidate) cannot be forgotten in a jiffy. They ganged up with detractors to brazenly rig the election in favour of another candidate. If they had behaved the way they did in another community in Igbo land they would been ostracized or banished. But God is paying them back in their own coin. They embarked on a mission to destroy, they will have themselves destroyed instead. How many months does Governor Orji have to remain at the Governor’s Lodge? Less than six months from now and it is all over. What then becomes of their fate? How will they be perceived by the society they desecrated by their odious activities. Everything they have got has continued to depreciate in value and worth. Their ego has been bashed and crushed. Their families are having the roughest times, while their presence in government has fetched them nothing tangible. Why then did they sell out in the first place? Among the political almajiris also are questionable characters who were summarily dismissed for various cases of misdemeanour and fraud during the Kalu regime. Today some of them hold important positions in the present administration. The only qualification they have brought on board is notoriety and baseness. They think by insulting people they earn prominence and relevance. That is not true. The only thing that can make them relevant and respected is when they lead decent and unambiguous life. Abia State is going through difficult times under the present regime. If those in the corridors of power could look wretched and hungry then what becomes of the masses? There is hardly any political office holder in Abia State that can afford a decent holiday abroad. Many of them who used to junket all over the globe during the administration of Kalu cannot even afford an economy flight ticket to Lagos. • Uduma lives and works in Lagos.

Tambuwal: Yesterday, today and… Alex Atavware Akpodiete

ome months back, I wrote a commentary on the incessant and annoying decamping by politicians. Some self-censoring publications refused to publish it because it apparently described some lawmakers in their jurisdiction. However, the bitter truth is that in the last couple of years, elected officials have been changing political parties to suit their own ambitions. It is only our President that we can say has not changed party so far and probably will not because he has been chosen as the only flag-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Those decamping include governors, senators, and House members. Even when courts issue orders for the seats to be declared vacant, the orders are flouted. Nigerians should accept that the issue of decamping from a political party is now irrelevant. Just this past week, Hon, Aminu Tambuwal, representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, showed his colleagues another deft move, when he did not inform them that he had joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), until the end of the legislative session. Whether you consider it cleverness or dishonesty, the point is that the “honourable” knew what he was going to do when he entered the hallowed lower chambers that morning. At the beginning of the day, when sitting commenced, he

probably was laughing within himself and saying internally, “if only they know what I am going to do.” Anyway, I am sure it was not a surprise to some of his confidants. There is an Urhobo proverb that states, “between the hunter and the bush meat in the bush, only the hunter knows what is on his mind.” The biblical equivalent in Proverbs 29:11 is that “A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.” The emergence of Tambuwal as Speaker of the Federal House of representatives was also another evidence of his shrewdness. Of course, some of his political opponents may say I am being economical with words or too euphemistic in my use of the word “shrewd.” They will prefer dishonest or corrupt, especially based on some accusation of specious conduct against some other members. Anyone who knows Tambuwal’s political antecedent should not have been surprised that he decamped because he is a serial decampee. In 2003, he was elected into the House of Representatives on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). In 2007 before the general elections, he defected to the Democratic People’s Party (DPP), but came back when DPP did not give him the ticket. He was able to get the ANPP ticket for his second tenure. He eventually dumped ANPP for PDP, along with his governor Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko. Now he has left PDP for APC to join his governor. In fact, I will not be surprised if he dumps APC should they make the mistake of not giving him the governorship

ticket. It appears that he is the anointed candidate of the out-going governor, who he has followed in the many decamping escapades. For months, there had been speculations about Tambuwal’s loyalty. Which camp did he belong? Initially, he was rumoured to be nursing ambitions for presidency. When his ambitions started to crystalize, it was obvious that he will be running for governorship of his home Sokoto State. In all the discussions, the unequivocal fact was that he will join the APC. In other words, although his body was in PDP, his mind and heart were already in APC. Americans say “if it quacks like a duck and looks like a duck, it must be a duck.” You can translate it to mean, if the person sounds like APC, mingles with APC, looks like APC, he must be APC. The adage that “show me your friends and I will tell you who you are” is very appropriate here. Tambuwal has exercised his constitutional right of freedom of association. What most Nigerians do not want to accept is that although the party owns the ticket, we are a nation of lawless people. The ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has accepted decampees without encouraging them to resign their elective position. APGA has done it, along with LP, APC and other defunct parties. If you commit adultery with your neighbour’s wife, why will you complain if your wife cheats on you with your neighbor’s husband? When you go and complain to the community, those who believe in justice will laugh at you.

There was a woman caught in adultery and she was brought to Jesus for judgment. His reply in John 8:7 was “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” In other words, only a political party that has never accepted a decampee from another party without encouraging them to resign deserves to raise issues of morality by demanding the resignation of another unscrupulous politician. Only a political neophyte or someone under the illusion of an altruistic democracy in Nigeria will continue to be bothered about whether a politician betrays the party that “made” him. During last year’s PDP Special convention on August 31, 2013 in Abuja, Chief Godswill Akpabio, governor of Akwa Ibom State, quipped that “PDP is Nigeria. Anything that happens to PDP happens to Nigeria.” Now that the number Four citizen of the country has decamped to the opposition APC, it is clear that what happens to PDP happens to Nigeria. Decamping is now a normal thing that should be accepted as part of our politics. As Tambuwal has shown, it is probably inconsequential and we should consider amending our laws to allow politicians to change political parties like they change mistresses. Think about it! • Rev. Akpodiete (Profatawa@gmail.com), a public affairs analyst writes from Asaba. He is also an aspirant for Udu/ Ughelli North/Ughelli South Federal Constituency in Delta State.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

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The controversy over constituency projects

he raucous debate elicited by recent revelation that a whopping N900 billion was allocated to constituency projects in the past 10 years has continued to reverberate across the polity, leaving in its wake a completely dumbfounded electorate. The Chairman, Senate Committee on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Senator Mohammed Alli Ndume recently disclosed that a total of N900 billion had so far been appropriated for the constituency projects of members of the National Assembly since 2004. He made this startling rvelation during a one-day stakeholders’ forum on implementation of constituency projects organised by the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. According to him, the projects usually came to the National Assembly as an Executive Act Special Intervention Fund. He further affirmed that efforts were intensified to give legal verve and backing to the projects. A bill to that effect, which was incidentally sponsored by the Senator, has already passed through the first reading in the Senate. The MDGs Committee chairman said this was aimed at providing projects for grassroots development. While we share his views on this and make a strong case for execution of development projects that

can empower the economies of various constituencies in the country, we differ with him on his rather strenuous effort to justify the choice of contractors by the legislators themselves, which he contends is for purposes of accountability and employment generation. Our position on the issue derives from the possibility of the legislators compromising not only the projects procurement procedures, but also leaving the major responsibility of making laws to improve the wellbeing of the constituents to pursue the minor issues attached to constituency projects conceptualization, procurement, funding, execution and monitoring, for which they lack adequate capacity. The direct involvement of the legislators in the constituency projects saga has been adduced as part of the reasons the quality of the projects, which are in most cases delivered at awe-inducing costs, are anything but satisfactory. In many other cases, this misadventure by the legislators has led to the proliferation of abandoned projects by pretentious contractors who lack the competency and commitment necessary to achieve optimum impact through the projects. We also find the MDGs chairman’s disclosure as instructive as it is disturbing. That we are yet at the rudimentary stage of pushing the bill to give legal teeth to constituency projects through the first reading at the upper chamber of

the National Assembly since 2004 is curious, to say the least. This is why the electorate in many quarters has constantly accused the National Assembly of not only perpetrating an illegality since 2004 through constituency projects and now making frantic moves to legitimise it, but also going the extra length to find an active collaborator in the executive arm of government in what has become a classic case of constitutional subversion. To avert these unrewarding insinuations, we demand that first things should always be done first, if lasting progress must be in the country going forward. It is neither here nor there to tell the country and indeed the world at this stage that due diligence would be applied in monitoring the projects. So far, it is difficult to convince the constituents that N900 billion, a princely sum by any metric, has been spent on projects aimed to improve their worsening welfare. This is in spite of reports that the Federal Government listed 2,399 constituency projects for execution in 2013. Some of the so-called constituency projects, which are erroneously tagged Poverty Eradication Projects, conspicuously suggest that fundamental mistakes are accommodated in the conception of such projects. This is because we ardently believe that the idea of eradicating poverty is fundamentally flawed

and unrealisable, as poverty cannot be eradicated, but can be alleviated. We agree with His Excellency, Babatunde Fashola, Governor of Lagos State, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) that “Parliamentarians don’t build roads, they don’t build hospitals, they don’t build bridges, they make laws, they represent the people and they have oversight responsibilities for ensuring that all of the laws that they pass are implemented especially the Appropriation law and the sooner people realize this, the better.” We believe with him that while it is germane for people in Parliament to raise their voices to say what projects their constituents need, they must not at the same time put themselves forward to personally handle the projects. So, the earlier we begin to emulate these best practices, the better for the country. It is our considered view that everything needs to be done with a high degree of credibility to ensure the efficiency and efficacy of constituency projects. Going forward, we demand that all projects be need-based and conceived by the people at the grassroots. We also need to emphasise the idea of community budgeting that would be sufficiently pro-people and pro-poor in order to achieve the long-term objective of good governance and delivery of democracy dividends to the poor.

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20 Politics | Interview Major General Nick Agbogun (rtd) is the President General of Agbor Community in Delta State. In this interview with DOMINIC ADEWOLE, he says the governorship aspiration of Sir Tony Obuh of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is the best option for Delta. Excerpts:

The governorship aspiration of Tony Obuh in Delta State has been in the forefront since his declaration for the office. What do you think is responsible for this? A golden fish has no hiding place. And that is how it is with Sir Tony Obuh. As soon as he indicated interest to run for that position, we knew he will do well. He has had active participation in successive governments in Delta State. That is why he is acknowledged across the state as a hardworking and capable person. It will not be surprising if all those who worked with him attest to his suitability for the position he is running for. He is very suitable for the job. And he has all the prerequisites for the position. The advantage he has which others don’t have is that he has been the engine room of governance in this state. And that is why he knows what the state needs and how the state can be moved forward. This man has been so much exposed to political bureaucracy. That is why he will not find it difficult improving and sustaining the achievements of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan. He happens to be one of the proponents of the Delta Beyond Oil strategy. He understands what it means and how to project it beyond this administration. It will be good if someone who understands what it entails is allowed to manage the affairs of the state. Governance is a continuum and Obuh is properly suited to continue from where Uduaghan will stop. This man we are talking about is a detribalised person, whose hands stretch beyond his senatorial zone. That is why you find the bulk of supporters in other senatorial zones. When such a man becomes governor, his contemporaries will be attracted to governance. That will translate into having capable hands who will handle the business of governance. He knows how government works, how policies are implemented among other aspects of governance. I will not be surprised that past executives will root for him. He is such a person who will ensure the realisation of the dividends of democracy as espoused by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He is also humble and intelligent. His humility makes him acceptable.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Obuh is Delta’s best choice, says Agbogun

Agbogun

But Obuh is considered a political neophyte? Having been a civil servant for over 30 years, one should not be surprised particularly when he has worked closely with politicians. Obuh has been a key player in the business of governance in Delta State. So, such a man should not be seen as a political neophyte. Since the governor, who has done so well, is going to finish strong, it will be in the interest of the state if someone, who understands the current template created by Uduaghan, is supported to become the governor. Obuh is one of the people who have contributed to the overwhelming development of the state. However, I am not surprised because he has operated in very different sensitive capacities that prepared him for the higher office he is going for now. But the argument is that he is not a core politician. There are doubts regarding his competence in the area of politicking. What do you make of that? That argument is laughable. There is a saying in the United Kingdom that he who tries to differentiate the politician from the soldier will have his wars fought by cowards. Same applies to the civil servants because those who try to differentiate the civil servant from the politician will have his thinking and policies done by idiots. Obuh was a grounded civil servant. If I may ask, is there anyone who went to school to study how to become a politician? There is politics everywhere and there are those who play politics at various levels. Can any of those making such claim point to the

Among those jostling for that position, he is the only person that has not got excess baggage. There are no scandals around his person. Professionally, he is known to have an impeccable record. In other aspects of life, he is known for integrity and humility

school of politics they attended? Who is a greenhorn in politics and who is not? Politics as it relates to governance is all about proper formulation and implementation of policies that would bring about development. This development includes all forms of development. And Obuh is very competent. He can be relied upon. That is why his acceptability cuts across all the tribes in Delta State. Obuh has friends everywhere. They all know that he is a bridge-builder. Among those jostling for that position, he is the only person that has not got excess baggage. There are no scandals around his person. Professionally, he is known to have an impeccable recorded. In other aspects of life, he is known for integrity and humility. Are the top positions he occupied in government enough to give him the grasp of what the political and economic needs of the state are? Civil servants make the business of governance easy for politicians. Politicians can’t function or implement policies without them. So, Obuh, who had coordinated and formulated policies in his various capacities, should not be seen as someone, who has no clue about governance. I cited Delta Beyond Oil as one of the key policies that Obuh and other competent people were instrumental to. And that is a policy initiated to ensure that the state prospers without oil wealth. That policy has remained a model for other oil-producing states. It will be worthwhile to see Obuh drive the maximum realisation of the policy. There are insinuations that Obuh

is the anointed candidate of powers that be in the state? That is the beauty of democracy because it allows for freedom of opinion. The rumour making the rounds that he is being anointed is baseless. I don’t want to believe that. Some of his contemporaries in the race have gone the extra mile to appeal to get anointed but that is their business. Tony’s integrity and competence are the factors working in his favour. He represents the crop of technocrats, who have proved how best to be state governors. He is an administrator and that will be brought to bear when he becomes governor. I am not aware that anyone anointed Tony. It is just his good works. Those who said the governor is rooting for anybody are wrong. So, anyone saying he is going to be Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s stooge is not being realistic. Even when the present governor was coming on board, people said similar things about him. But Uduaghan ended up becoming one of the leading lights among the PDP governors. Uduaghan has taken the state beyond where (former governor) James Ibori stopped. That is exactly what Tony is going to do. All the aspirants are friends of the governor and one of them will eventually become the governor. But there is perceived mixed feelings trailing Obuh’s popularity. Any ill-feeling or acrimony relating to the struggle for governorship is not new in any political setting. That is the beauty of democracy, because everyone is a stakeholder. It is expected that other aspirants will try to run-down their contemporaries through propaganda. The PDP knows how to handle this kind of situation. That most aspirants are from Delta North is an attestation to the expectation that the zone produces the next governor in the interest of equity. Since other zones have produced governors in the past, equity demands that this zone produces the next governor. However, I hope that at the end of the day, all the aspirants will act as good sportsmen by supporting the party’s candidate. We desire rancour-free primaries and that has been the message and expectation of the national body of the PDP. All the aspirants share a common history. As they head for the primaries, what is your advice to them? We are all brothers. Even in a family, such contentions normally come up any time there are issues of interest. I expect that they will settle down as friends and brothers and present a common front. I am convinced that they will come out of the primaries without rancour.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, november 6, 2014

Interview

Jurist

Special Report

Daudu: Why CJN cannot initiate disciplinary action against judges

Abayomi: SANship diminishes professional equality

Lawyers speak on options before Tambuwal

22,23&25

24&25

Law Nigeria’s Chief Justice (CJN), Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar will retire from the Bench on November 20 as the 14th CJN. She will, on November 20, clock 70 years, the statutory age of retirement. Justice Aloma Mukhtar, who succeeded Justice Dahiru Musdapher on July 16, 2012 will be succeeded by her deputy and now the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Mahmud Mohammed following her retirement. TUNDE OYESINA chronicles the emergence of the retiring first female CJN, her achievements and the agenda for the CJNdesignate

ustice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar was sworn in as the Chief Justice of Nigeria on July 16, 2012. She will retire on November 20 as the 14th Chief Justice of Nigeria. Justice Aloma Mukhtar, the nation’s first female CJN would have spent exactly 856 days in the office when she finally bows out on November 20. Although her tenure is quite short a time to make any meaningful changes through constitution amendment which is always dogged with slow pace, there are a number of judiciary administrative precepts contained in other statutory books like the Judicial Code of Conduct, NJC and FJSC powers and functions which are enough to halt the drift in the system. It requires an experience to explore and utilize them. It is not just the ability to know, but the courage to do it.

FOLUSO OGUNMODEDE JUDICIARY Editor

foluso.ogunmodede@ newtelegraphonline.com

Mukhtar bows out

l Lawyers set agenda for CJN - designate

Mukhtar

This, the outgoing CNJ explored to the fullest as she made a remarkable imprint on the ‘sands of judiciary’. Judicial lawlessness and delayed justice Justice Aloma Mukhtar towers above her predecessor in many areas of judiciary especially the much touted delay in justice delivery system. It is a fact that one of the many issues afflicting the judiciary is the problem of inordinate delay in determining cases. Many factors are responsible for this sordid and embarrassing situation. Successive Chief Justices of Nigeria had introduced measures to combat this malady. Upon assumption of office as CJN, Justice Mukhtar was again confronted by this problem. She discovered that one of the reasons it was taking long to hear and determine cases was that many judicial officers had abandoned their job. They travelled abroad at will and abandoned cases assigned to them.

The woman had shown herself to be a strong person at the gate of our judicial system. She has been a wonderful judge

In the main, litigants suffered. A story has it that shortly after Justice Mukhtar came to the seat she met seven judges of various courts in Nigeria she could recognize including a Supreme Court justice in one of the international airports abroad. Curiously, she had an encounter with the same Supreme Court justice on the previous day but didn’t inform her of his intention to travel abroad. Besides, he was expected to sit on some cases at the apex court within those days he was away. The first female CJN felt the lawlessness can’t continue under her watch of the nation’s judiciary. She therefore issued a circular directing all judges under the Federal, state and Federal Capital Territory including her colleagues at the Supreme Court to seek approval from her office through their heads of courts to travel before undergoing any voyage. A register was opened to monitor requests by judges to travel and once a judge’s requests have hit the ceiling in a

given year, subsequent request that year is denied. The penalty is a query for a judge that travel without due approval from the CJN’s office. While receiving performance evaluation reports compiled by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) on May 17, 2013, Justice Mukhtar also revealed that she had earlier directed judges wishing to travel abroad to seek her permission through his or her head of court. Justice Mukhtar said that she didn’t know how bad the situation was until she directed all judges to seek CJN’s permission through their heads of courts before travelling abroad. ‘’The Nigerian Bar Association has also been complaining about the attitude of judges to work this days. Many will leave their work and travel for days abroad. This is why I insisted they must obtain approval before travelling abroad. Until this directive, I never thought things were all that bad, because some of the judges will be seeking for permission to travel abroad while the courts are in session, despite the six weeks holiday they are entitled to in a year’’. ‘’These are part of the reasons the NJC undertakes performance evaluation from time to time both at the trial and appellate courts to determine productivity of the judges and their courts in the states and the Federal Capital Territory. The CJN believes that judges should not be allowed to roam about and galvanize the world like sheep without shepherds. She believes that the leadership of the judiciary owes the Nigerian people a duty to make sure that judges conduct themselves in line with their oath of office and the code of conduct for judicial officers. Judicial legitimacy is boosted by public opinion. A situation where the people believe that judges are irresponsible set of people and that the leadership of the judiciary is helpless and cannot save the situation does not augur well for the country. Justice Mukhtar’s directive that judges must seek permission from the office of the CJN before traveling within or abroad is therefore for the interest of effective and timely dispensation of justice in the country. Judges performance evaluation reports CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Law | Interview

Mrs. Mia Essien, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria believes that the NBA President, Mr. Augustine Alegeh, SAN, goofed on the dissolution of the executive of the association’s Section on Legal Practice (SLB). She told FOLUSO OGUNMODEDE on how the president’s singular action has further polarized the Bar Your election as chairman NBA Section on Legal Practice at the association’s Annual General Conference in Owerri was annulled by the NBA President, Mr. Augustine Alegeh, SAN. Why? The NBA SLP is made up of lawyers who hold tenaciously to all due and democratic processes. All I can say is that all processes and procedure relating to the elections were strictly followed and adhered to. As a senior member of the Bar it will be inappropriate for me to say more as I am aware that the issues have been placed before the Federal High Court and the High Court in Owerri to determine. Why did the matter result to litigation when the matter could be resolved through the association’s internal mechanisms? I mean why did members rushed to court? First of all, I don’t agree that

THURSDAY, november 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Essien: Alegeh goofed on dissolution of SLB’s executive it as it were as at August, or as it were as at October? Yes, I heard an interim injunction was granted ordering parties to maintain status quo. Although I am not a party to the suit it is obvious that as at August some people were elected and were in office in SLP before the purported appointment of a so-called “Interim Chairman”, a position unknown and alien to the NBA Constitution and the SLP Bye-laws. It is said, you cannot resort to an abnormality to create a status quo. Therefore the status quo in my view and based on the law is that those persons who occupied those positions in August are properly there pending the resolution of the motion on notice and the dispute in court. Essien

some members of the Council rushed to court. I know that there were efforts to resolve the issues with the president. Let us not forget that disputes are a fact of life without which lawyers would not have worked. It may be considered unusual that they went to court but that depends on your perspective. As lawyers if issues arise and efforts by senior members of the Bar to resolve them don’t succeed, any aggrieved person has a right guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Repub-

lic of Nigeria to seek redress in a court of law instead of justifying one’s actions with different (and changing) reasons on the pages of newspapers. To the best of my knowledge, there is no laid out internal mechanism the NBA has for resolving such disputes maybe with this the Bar may wish to consider setting up such a mechanism. The High Court in Owerri in which one of the suits was filed held that status quo be maintained. What in your view is the status quo? Is

What further efforts have you and other members of the section put in place to resolve this issue? We were all jolted by the president’s inaugural speech. For those in SLP it has always been about selfless service, trying to develop the law for the benefit of the society at large, NBA and younger lawyers in particular who may not have the opportunity to handle the type of cases a lot of SLP members handle. So, for the president to have made such a pronouncement without hearing the other side (which he could not have done as he had just that morning become

president) dissatisfied members of the SLP and the NBA reached out to the president but it would appear that was unsuccessful as can be seen in his interview in the Nation of 29/10/2014 justifying his actions, although his reasons keep changing from interview to interview. I do not believe he is unaware of the disaffection his action has caused. Judiciary in Rivers State is in limbo, no thanks to the deepening face-off between Governor Amaechi and the NJC. What is the way forward? The courts should be opened so that the litigants will have access to justice. The manner in which it is achieved is immaterial. What is important is the interest of the society. I can tell you that the consequences so far have been devastating. Litigants, lawyers and the society at large have been badly affected. You can imagine what those detained for bailable offences or awaiting trial have been going through. What challenge would this pose to the judiciary especially as the 2015 elections itch closer? This is quite a conundrum. Without the courts issues arising from pre and post primaries will suffer. There will be nowhere to resolve disputes CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

Daudu: Why CJN cannot initiate disciplinary action against judges Joseph Bodunrin Daudu , is a former president of the lawyers’ umbrella body- the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Daudu, who is the national co-ordinator of the Rule of Law Development Foundation, a non-governmental organization, speaks on why the nation’s Chief Justice lacks powers to initiate disciplinary action against judges. TUNDE OYESINA met him

Daudu

You are floating a non-governmental organization (NGO), Rule of Law Foundation, what does it stand for? It is a body incorporated under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act and its main objects are (1) To promote the development of the Rule of Law in Nigeria, Africa and the World (2) To promote and encourage legislative advocacy skills within the ambit of the Rule of law and (3) To promote Justice Sector reforms. These objectives are admittedly wide and far-reaching in scope. Charity must begin at home and naturally the Foundation seeks to concentrate on Nigeria being (a) its host and (b) its natural focal point for very obvious reasons. Since the evolution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a modern nation in pursuit of democratic constitutional governance and economic prosperity, it has had a che-

quered and indeed contorted history. Its transition from colonial governance to post independence democratic government to military rule and now back to civil democratic rule has to say the least being traumatic and uninspiring. Nigeria is 54, what is your appraisal of a country with the largest population of black race at 54, how will you assess the country? Nigeria is clearly at a cross-road, faced with a cancerous culture of debilitating corruption, corrosive ethnic and religious division; our Nigeria continues to experience teething problems associated with a fledgling democracy attempting to wield over 250 ethnic nationalities into a modern nation, using the medium of federalism to achieve this goal. The CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

Law | Interview

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, november 6, 2014

CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 22

and let us not forget that these cases are quite time sensitive. This will also apply to main elections although the Federal High Court can handle some aspects of election matters. Many have said that there is a decline in judiciary compared to the days of Oputa, kayode Eso, Idigbe etc, do you share this view? No. Times have changed and the law has been developed tremendously as well as the personnel that man the judiciary. We have many judges and justices of this generation who have equally proved their mettle. Yes, Justice Oputa, Justice Kayode Eso and Justice Idigbe made their marks and their judgments were always brilliant, however presently we have many who are just as good. Also remember that the drive towards an expeditious and efficient judiciary has been put in place by our various Rules of Court and Practice directions to enhance justice delivery. These Rules and practice directions are dynamic and have met challenges faced by litigants and lawyers in the conduct of their matters especially those that are time sensitive. Also, many have canvassed special constitutional courts for corruption cases, do you think there is need for this especially when every court can deal with constitutional aspects of cases before it? I do not think so. The solution does not lie in establishing special constitutional courts but rather to empower existing judges by making their conditions of service more comfort-

able and by appointing more judges so that they can deal with the volume of work. I must add that when appointing judges emphasis should be on a transparent appointment process that emphasises merit rather than quota (in any guise). The CJN will retire on November 20, what are your expectations for the incoming CJN? We expect His Lordship to build on the immense achievements of the outgoing one especially on the issue of corruption and we know we can expect a more active and robust judiciary which will further enhance justice delivery. The NBA President has taken a few actions since his inauguration, which of them would you consider as miscalculated? The purported dissolution of the SLP executive and the appointment of an “Interim Chairman”. 2015 is at hand, what roles do you expect of the NBA in a preelection year and the forthcoming general elections? NBA has always monitored elections and spoken its mind on crucial issues relating to pre and post elections. With what has happened in some states where elections have been held I expect the NBA to be more vocal. Mass failure recorded in this year’s Bar examination is a confirmation that the standard of legal education is on the decline, how can this be improved? The mass failure cannot be attributed to the law school programme that runs for about one year. The problem is more fun-

Essien

For the president to have made such a pronouncement without hearing the other side disatisfied members of the SLB. I do not believe he is unaware of the disaffection his action has caused

damental and has to do with the quality of law graduates being churned out from the numerous law faculties. If the foundation is poor there is no magic the Law School can perform. You have undergraduates who probably should not have gotten into study law in the first place but somehow managed to get in maybe with the post JAMB assessment stage or otherwise. You also have some law faculties that are not accredited or lost their accreditation due to the quality of their faculty. I have interviewed lawyers who cannot speak proper English or cannot comprehend basic instructions. How do you expect them to pass? The Director-General of the NLS, Mr. Olanrewaju Onadeko (who was our lecturer in 1984/85) has raised the standard and the inherent deficiencies in the quality of the university ed-

‘CJN cannot initiate disciplinary action against judges’ CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 22

problems usually cited are those of bad or indeed useless leadership, a fragile economy plagued by several years of unrelenting corruption, debt and fiscal mismanagement, numerous ethnoreligious conflicts. The institutions that have been created to provide good governance are gradually collapsing under the weight of bad and selfish attitudes of the leadership. A snapshot of the current political and economic scenario will reveal (a) a war in the North East of Nigeria against the Boko Haram terror group, which has taken a heavy toll on the lives and economic circumstance of people living in that part of the country and even beyond, (b) bad governance at least as perceived by the people at all levels, (c) poverty, (d) unemployment, (e) break down in law and order and the attendant rising insecurity. (f) Intractable problems with the three arms of Government and their inability to govern according to the Rule of law. It is necessary to continue to draw attention to these problems before they consume us, a situation, which Nigeria with its

If the judiciary is to be truly impartial and independent it must “keep its distance” from other governmental institutions

massive population of over 170 million people can ill afford. In the next few months Nigeria will be conducting a general election into elective offices in the Federal and State Governments. Because of the perception of Nigerians as a whole to the concept of democratic governance and politics, such events have in the past been characterised by a violent do or die attitude in the nature of rigging, trampling upon the peoples will, deception, corrupt electoral practices e.t.c, all leading to the impression that the desire to contest is certainly not for service or humanity but is self-serving and for clear financial cum economic benefits. That is why Nigerian politicians engage in a lot of dastardly acts and the fall out of their conduct both past and present has bred a vicious collection of criminals who after the elections now engage in kidnapping, armed robbery, ritual killings and the excavation and harvesting of human body parts, cultism etc. The Foundation condemns all such conduct and will in the course of this press statement CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Daudu

ucation came to the fore. I also read in the dailies that the failure rate was more pronounced amongst those who were resitting the exams. From the news reports the Secretary is said to have stated that over half of the students who were taking the exam for the first time (57.01%) passed while the failure rate was high among the re-sit candidates with about 1168 out of 1335 students who registered failing the examinations while 88 students recorded ordinary pass. Also, 26 of the re-sit students recorded conditional pass. Those are details most people don’t have. I think the Law School is on the way to raising those standards the average lawyer complains has fallen. Thus, all the clamours for probes etc. cannot be justified once an analysis for the failure as stated by the Law school is considered. The quality of the law faculties and the programmes they run should be looked into. Insecurity of lives is one of the greatest challenges facing the country especially with the latest attack on Adamawa state by the dreaded Boko Haram, how do you think this can be tackled within the internationally accepted best practice? The defence budget has always been quite significant and is always one of the largest. The Nigerian Army has the personnel. The major role of the military and other law enforcement agencies is to secure the lives and property of the citizens. As far as I am concerned Boko Haram has declared war against Nigeria and this is how it ought to have been considered from the onset.

Law | Jurist

He is a former gubernatorial aspirant in the October 2012 election in Ondo State. Dr. Tunji Abayomi, who holds a PhD in Law, is pushing for a reform in selection and elevation of lawyers into the coveted title of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Besides, Abayomi speaks on the amendment of the 1999 Constitution, immunity clause, poverty in Ondo State and sundry issues. BABATOPE OKEOWO reports

THURSDAY, november 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Abayomi: SANship diminishes professional equality SANs and there are good lawyers who are not SANs. We should respect one another. In my view, SAN disrespects the professional equality and diminishes equality in professional. War against injustice Basically, the condition of the people of Nigeria, perhaps I could deduce it from the letter I wrote to my wife on my first day of my longest detention and my wife was worried that I was busy campaigning for liberty from the military, I am talking of 1995. That day I told her I do not know what would happen to me, I was taken by horde of security officials, I was not sure whether I would return. I said in the letter that I want my wife to note that I cannot remain indifferent in the face of injustice whether material, social or otherwise. I am greatly tormented by the level of poverty in the country. When I go out and see people suffering, it really disturbs me. We are talking of a nation where people should have good things of life adjudged by the endowments of the creator bestows on this country, and if you see the level of suffering, the least I can do is to stand up for something.

r. Tunji Abayomi set up his chambers shortly after he was called to the Bar about 33 years ago. Abayomi, an activist lawyer and founder Human Rights Africa told New Telegraph how his dislike for injustice spurred the activism in him. This, according to him ignited the many positions he had pushed forward with a view to ensuring a just and equitable society. For instance, Abayomi viewed the coveted title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria as more of lobby and political than excellence. Lawyer without SAN I am not worried at all, I never get worried over any issue I am not convinced about and I never follow any part that is not assured to be right in my mind. The issue of SAN, I always ask the question; what really is in it? Is it an award or a promotion? If it is an award, my understanding of award is that it is independent of the awardees. Eminent people who deserve to sit and judge over others will meet and decide that for the distinction or the achievement of this person, let us confer him with this honour, it is totally independent of the honouree. “I always give an example of a friend of mine who we were handling a major case together in Abuja and in every evening, he was going to the Supreme Court, one day I said to him, why are you going to the Supreme Court after 4pm? He said this SAN; you cannot get it without lobby for it. Eventually, he got the SAN. People go to birthdays, death ceremonies and all kinds of ceremonies because they are looking for SAN. In my view, if it is a honour, it should be totally independent of the honouree. In other hand, if it is a promotion, we should all sit for the same examination and be judged impartially. I do not see that at all in reference to SAN. If all you achieve is to increase your fees in service to the people that is of no interest to me. I am not interested in wealth without character. If on the other hand, it is simply to ask your colleagues to move from the front seat to the back seat, to me, that violates the

Abayomi

cardinal principle of equal protection under the law and I cannot surrender myself to that. The whole thing that surrounds it, to my mind, do not connote eminent value that should inspire anyone. In our nation, people enjoy titles, they want to be Chief, Dr, SAN and all have you. In most cases, these titles become oppressive”. Why SAN title no longer attractive There are two options in my view that is possible, you can scrap it and people will be judged by their performance or in an alternative, you can reform it so much that the conferment would purely base on objective assessment without the influence of the honouree. In other words, the privilege committee on their own should look at this person and invite him to submit even if they have criteria for consideration. If they invite people on their own, they would know who to confer with the title. Even the concept of asking them to submit is indeed an honour, they can now decide to honour the person with the title of SAN. The title has not only become politicise, it is now subject to all sort of things, politicized, influence peddling, even spiritualised. I cannot surrender myself to that kind of thing. I have been in a court where a SAN was talking to a judge anyhow and I felt because you are a SAN, you just behave anyhow. There are good

In my view, SAN disrespects the professional equality and diminishes equality in the profession

Why law? The choice of law was actually a suggestion based on the understanding of my personality by my uncle who was then a professor of anthropology and he was of the view that I would function best and highest as a lawyer fighting for the rights of the people. I came from childhood; the fiber of struggle for the rights of the people has been in me. I remember when I was very young when I was barely five years old, my mother was a trader and she would buy a lot of clothes for me in her trade journey. I always wondered, she would watch all those clothes and spread them on line. When I would go out in the village to play games, I always wondered why my colleagues had no clothes to wear and I would always run back to the house and took part of the many clothes and gave it to them because I could not understand why I would have many clothes and some other people would have none. My uncle came to my mother and said this child that has no father was giving his clothes away, is this not a dangerous proposition? My mother told him to leave me alone, saying may be that is the mission that God has given him; may be it is a natural duty assigned to me to stand up truthfully for the oppressed. Embarrassing moment I was embarrassed when I did not prepare for my case and I was sounding like an idiot in court. The court did not call me an idiot but the judge was happy seeing Tunji Abayomi coming to

court without preparing; he kept on disturbing me and challenging my intellect. I had to ask for adjournment. It happened to me just once. Interest in politics I asked former President Olusegun Obasanjo the same question and he then said to me that regardless of how important you are when the condition of your people in your nation is pitiful, it affects your image. He then said if you have all the money, how many hospitals can you build? If you have the desire to improve the condition of the people and you have personal wealth, how much can you really give to the people? My interest in politics is essentially how I can use the energy, might, perceptibility, my connections in the world and compassion for the people to improve the lives of the people, to see if I can make government work for the people of the country. I told people that I grew up in an environment of high value, I lived abroad, I was in Ohio University and twice I won the President Leadership award among others. I asked myself, what really should you be judged by? If you don’t want a situation with the level of corruption, disorder, poverty, wretchedness, a country without water, a country without good hospital, not even one primary school that elite can put their children, I feel that if I can help somebody as I move on; if I can give a little bit of helping hands to the people, then my life is not in vain. I think I have a better chance to use my life now that I am in the last quarter of it in a way to improve the lives of the people. Political ideology My ideology is dictated by humanism and when I am talking of humanism, it is same principle as human rights. The human rights is to be humane; if you are humane you would not corrupt yourself because you know that every penny even if you have all the wealth is not sufficient to meet the needs of the people; if you are humane, you would know that education is crucial for the future of the poor and the wealthy; if you are humane, you will know that the environment should be improved so that people can live a more fulfilling life, you will be satisfied and thank God for the privilege that history has given you to serve the people. Choice of political party The problem is the limitation. I might have been doing that; gives scholarship to the people, I have people but it is limited. If we have collective wealth, we can solve collective problem in a larger and extensive manner. When I chose a political party, I set out for criteria that I wanted to achieve. First of all, the party must have historical mentors that I share their vision. The second one is that the party must have history and the third is that the party must have relevance among my people. The last thing is that the party must be humane. When I laid down those criteria as at that time, Alliance for Democracy (AD) met those criteria because you must appreciate that I was CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Law | Jurist

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, november 6, 2014

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

not going into politics as a politician, I was going into politics as a professional and my interest was not to win at all cost. I looked at somebody like Chief Obafemi Awolowo and I said he was committed to the people and was humane, he was my mentor. I looked at the history of the struggle of Action Group to AD, I looked at their ideas, education, development of the society, environment and commerce that was the basis that I chose to go into politics. My agenda If I was the governor of Ondo State, the people would have developed the state. First and foremost, I would not spend N1billion to celebrate my first year anniversary. I will not establish wasteful venture like Kaadi Igbe ayo, and the Dome which are totally irrelevant to the poverty of the people. If you take the road, when I was close to him when they were discussing the issue of Oba-Adesida road, one night I drove on the road and I was fascinated at how fantastic that road was before the wasteful reconstruction. What was the problem of the road as there was no single pothole? The problem was that the road was crowded and vehicular passage was impeded. To my mind what was necessary was to have modern car parks which would also generate commerce. It would have freed that road and save billions of naira that would have been pumped into wealth generating project. Political parties and 2015 elections We have a chance if we work hard and are determined, but if we take things for granted we would fail. But if we work hard and we are serious about our own affairs and we allow the due process to take its course and we

‘SANship diminishes professional equality’

Abayomi

have good candidates, we have a good chance to do well in this state, but we must work hard, there is simply no compromise about that. Mimiko’s defection and APC’s survival We are taking advantage, about 3,000 people just defected in the South senatorial, and people are coming in because a lot of people are traumatized about the surprise of the governor’s in and out of political parties. The governor was of Labour Party (LP), what is surprising is that he turned the whole state to orange, it was as if LP would live in Ondo State in perpetuity only for you to turn around and abandon the same LP and turn to PDP. I don’t understand the governor. Two-party system It is desirable. It is less wasteful in terms of energy, interest and resources. Again, most democracies move toward two-party

system, Labour and Conservative in Europe, Democrats and Republican in America. I think it is good because sustaining political party needs more than a name; it needs people, ideas and resources and I don’t think small party can maintain national reach that a larger political party is expected to have. House of Representatives and immunity clause They don’t understand the law. Of course, the President, Vice President, Governors and their deputies must enjoy immunity. You cannot subject President or governor to a legal process anyhow, let us understand that in a sense, they don’t enjoy immunity as their enjoyment of immunity is only limited to the term they are in office. There is no statute of limitation in the prosecution of criminality. In the whole process of constitutionalism, they don’t understand immunity. This is part of

the problem of this country, when you look at the people discussing the constitution, amendment or emergence, I always ask them, how many times have they invited constitutional expert and interacted with them? When America celebrated its 200 years of constitution, it invited Prof Ben Nwabueze as one of the special guests and he delivered a lecture. Now, has Nigeria invited Prof Nwabueze not to talk of Tunji Abayomi or other constitutional experts in terms of new constitution for Nigeria? What did they do? They went from zone to zone and brought together market women and gave them meat pie. The Constitution itself is not amendable, it is illegitimate and an illegitimate constitution cannot be amended. You must first of all legitimize the constitution by the proper approbation of the people and as I always told your people, the constitution is not law. A law by its definition is passed by a legislative house and assented to by the President but a constitution is an agreement among the people on how they want to be governed and it is not the content of the constitution that validate it, it is the procedure of making the constitution. The people in the National Assembly refuse to learn because they spend billions of naira on wasteful constitution amendment. If the constitution is legitimate, you don’t need to waste money on the amendment. Any legitimate constitution has internal prescription on the process of amendment. You begin by raising a bill, you send it to the Houses of Assembly, they pass it usually by two-third and it becomes an amendment. Theses ones have spent billions wastefully on a

venture they don’t care to understand. In our nation, anything goes and so we are where we are.

Two-party system is less wasteful in terms of energy, interest and resources

My grouse It has nothing to do with being a member of the APC. It is because I don’t want the country to enter into another voyage of period of desolation and confusion. They have gone to the national conference without any law; they have come out with resolutions from the conference, where do they go? They are talking about a referendum, how do you get referendum? Do you go on the street and say I want a referendum, how do you turn it into a constitution? If you send it to the National Assembly, parts of the recommendations is that we should have a unicameral Assembly, can the National Assembly vote out its existence? What the President supposed to do is to act according to law. In my case before the court, the President has no job constitutionally except a few jobs, he can be a chief executive, appoint ambassadors, command the armed forces and grant prerogative of mercy. If you take those four jobs, he has only one job and that is to execute the law and the constitution. The question is where is the law he is executing? He is convoking a national conference, if he wants to amend the constitution that is not his job; constitution is amended by the legislature worldwide. If he says he wants to give us a new constitution, he has already started in a wrong footing because he appointed invalidly about 140 people into the conference whereas under the law, he has just one voting right like any other Nigerian; he has no power to give us a new constitution.

‘CJN cannot initiate disciplinary action against judges’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

deal with the raison d etre for the failure of law enforcement agencies and the Justice Sector to arrest the growing criminalization of the polity in the bud. Where is the judiciary in this scenario? I mean, how would you rate its autonomy or independence since 1960? Public interest and the awareness of the Judiciary is at the highest point in years as it seems just about everyone (including non-legal experts ) seem to have strong opinions with regards to the administration of this arm of government even with regards to albeit purely

domestic affairs of the Judiciary . This is because we still agreed that the Judiciary ought to be the last hope of the common man. Sadly we know that as things stand today, it is not the last hope of the common man. The Judiciary in a nation like Nigeria where there is perceived to be manifest and profound leadership failure inevitably naturally assumes a pivotal role as the vanguard of Public trust and as earlier stated, the last resort for the common man in seeking legal redress against injustice . The independence and impartiality of the Judiciary thus become paramount if it is to act adequately as a check on excesses of the legislative and

Daudu

executive arms of government in line with the twin doctrines of Separation of Powers and the Rule of Law. Judicial independence exfacie is an essential ingredient for any just and fair legal system. Judicial independence is the ability of a judge to decide a matter free from pressures or inducements. Additionally, the institution of the judiciary as a whole must also be independent by being separate from government and other concentrations of power. The principal role of an independent judiciary is to uphold the rule of law and to ensure that justice is served to all without fear or favour. If the judiciary is to be truly impar-

tial and independent it must “keep its distance” from other governmental institutions, political organisations, and other non-governmental influences, and to be free of repercussions from such outside influences. The concept of judicial independence has many elements, but generally they fall under the headings of (i) security of tenure and remuneration (ii) Appointment and removal of Judicial Officer( iii) Individual and institutional freedom from unwarranted interference with the judicial process. An independent judiciary must not only be independent of external and internal influences, but also it must be seen to be impartial.

Law

THURSDAY, november 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Lawyers set agenda for Mukhtar’s successor CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 21

Ordinarily, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has a monitoring team mandated to visit all the superior courts--- Court of Appeal, Federal and state High Courts, National Industrial Court, Customary and the Sharia Courts of Appeal periodically to collate data on the numbers of civil, criminal and motions assigned each court as well as gathering data on the number of these cases disposed of as well as those pending at the end of each quarter. The same NJC’s committee on performance evaluation has empirical data bank titled ‘’Nigeria’s Judicial Performance Report (2008-2011)’’ which also contains information on the performance of individual judicial officer. Besides, the report shows the manner in which the cases were disposed of, whether they were cases decided on their merit or were struck out as noncontested cases. Judges are rated based on the cases disposed on merit. The Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) undertook to analyse NJC’s ‘’Nigeria’s Judicial Performance Report (2008-2011)’’ for the purpose of planning and easy decision making by the council. Justice Aloma Mukhtar indicated on May 17, 2013 that besides outcome of petitions filed against judges, the NJC would henceforth use its performance

Kehinde

Ozekhome

evaluation reports to weed out incompetent and indolent judges from the Bench. The CJN who gave this indication while receiving ‘NIALS’ analysis compiled in seven volumes in her office said that it was highly absurd to observe that some judges could not even deliver up to two judgements in a quarter. ‘’We are now thinking of looking at the performance evaluation of the judges for the purpose of discipline. If a judge cannot deliver three to four judgements in a year, there is no use keeping him on the Bench other than to be shown the way out’’. However, on February 17, 2014, the judges’ performance evaluation paid

off as the NJC headed by Justice Mukhtar issued warning letters to Justice Dalhatu Adamu the Presiding Justice of Court of Appeal Kaduna Division for deliberately absenting himself from duty. The council also on the same day warned Justices A. A. Adeleye of High Court of Justice, Ekiti State and D. O. Amaechina of High Court of Justice, Anambra State, respectively for low performance. At the end of deliberation on the Report of the Committee, Council found Justice A. A. Adeleye and Justice D. O. Amaechina culpable of very low performance. Consequently, Council decided to issue warning letters to them for decline

in their productivity’’. Of course, under the civil service rule, any worker who is rated poor or unproductive on performance evaluation exercise can be asked to give way for good hands to take his or her place. In other words, judges would be more apt to effectively and expeditiously prosecute cases in their courts in order to register a minimum of four judgements in a year. To the Bar, Justice Aloma Mukhtar’s name would always make a recurring decimal as the one of the best CJNs the country ever produced. For instance, Chief Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate simply said “The woman had shown herself to be a strong person at the gate of our judicial system. She has been a wonderful judge”. Another lawyer, Christopher Alletor Alletor tasked the CJN’s successor, Justice Mahmud Mohammed on the sustainance of the reforms embarked upon by the retiring CJN in the areas of raising the integrity of both the Bar and the Bench and the fight against corruption in the judiciary. He said: “The current CJN has placed the issue of integrity of the judiciary on the front burner of national discourse at every occasion and my expectation for the in-coming CJN is that he should continue along the lines set by the incumbent and complete the arduous task of law / judicial reform in Nigeria’’.

Special Report

Lawyers speak on options before Tambuwal F

ollowing his defection last week to the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Speaker Aminu Tambuwal has insited that he would neither vacate his seat nor resign from office as being demanded by his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). To Tambuwal, no one could force him to vacate his seat or resign from the parliament because neither the 1999 Constitution nor the House Rules makes provision for him to step down. However, lawyers although agree that the speaker remains the number one lawmaker at the lower chamber of the National Assembly, he could only hold on to his position if his colleagues refuse to remove him by a two-third majority. Specifically, the lawyers, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, Professor Mohammed.M AKANBI, Christopher Alletor, Oluwole Kehinde,Dr. Ajepe Taiwo Shehu, Yusuf Ali, SAN, Dr. Joseph Nwobike, SAN and Dr. Anthony Okorodas were unanimous that Tambuwal could be forced out of office only if his colleagues invoked Sections 50(1)(d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and 60(2)(b)(d) and (c) of the constitution. Ozekhome citing Section 50(1)(d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 60(2)(b)(d) and (c) said “both constitutional provisions make it clear that the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be elected by members of that House or amongst themselves and that the Speaker shall vacate his office if he ceases to be a member of the House of Representatives or if he is removed from office by a resolution of the two-third majority of the mem-

Last week, Speaker Aminu Tambuwal dumped the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the platform under which he was elected Speaker and member House of Representatives about four years ago for the opposition-the All Progressives Congress (APC). His defection to the rival party has sparked of controversy as he says he would not vacate his seat or resign as Speaker. Lawyers, yesterday spoke on the options left for the embattled Number 4 citizen. AKEEM NAFIU and APPOLOS CHRISTIAN report

Ali, SAN

Tambuwal

bers of the House or if the House of which he was a member first sits after any dissolution of that House. “Without the Speaker being removed in these contexts, he cannot cease to be a Speaker’’. ‘ On the issue of decampment, he referred to Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution which stipulated that; “a member of the House of Representatives shall vacate his seat in the House of which he is a member if he is sponsored by a political party and then defect to another political party before the expiration of the period for which the House was elected’’.

“In other words, you cannot defect or cross-over from one political party to the other when you are still in office. But, the same constitution is very clever to make a proviso in Section 58(1) which any public officer can make use of in moving from one party to the other’’. “So, for the Speaker to remain in office, he has to prove that the party under which he was elected has been factionalised or has merged with another party or that the nomenclature of his present party is not different from that of his old party”. Christopher Alletor said, ‘Aminu

Tambuwal and the APC are merely playing politics with the whole thing as Section 68 (1) of the 1999 Constitution is clear on the matter

Tambuwal, can be removed from office by his colleagues under Section 50 (2) (c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Alletor said “Tambuwal qualified for the office by virtue of his being a member of the party that constitutes a majority at the time of his election, and once he ceases to be a member of that party and joins another party which is not in the majority, he stands the risk of being removed unless of course he is confident that he can muster the support of other members of the House and win in an election for the office’’. Kehinde said: “with regards to the Speaker, Tambuwal), I think he and the APC are merely playing politics with the whole thing. Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution is clear that a member of the National Assembly shall vacate his seat upon becoming a member of a political party different from the one that sponsored his election to the National Assembly; except where there is a division in the former political party. “There is no doubt that there is no recognised faction of the PDP to bring Tambuwal within the ambit of the said exception. I trust that if it were when the PDP had a clear majority in the House, he wouldn’t have tried it, or would have honourably resigned’’. ‘’I know there is already a case on the matter involving some other members of the House and the Senate in the relevant Court. This is aside the moral aspect of the matter, which ought to dictate to him to resign without prompting after changing his party. We however await the unfolding events and the response of the courts.’’

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2014

Health News

Healthy Living

Health Inetrview

Health News

Engaging key populations in HIV biomedical research: A balancing act

Chest pain: When you should pay attention

Political will, secret of Ondo’s maternal health success

Nigeria is setting new world records in health, says FG

Health

Why you should bother about stroke Appolonia Adeyemi

our years ago, Chinasa Udenwa, a female ticketing staff in an Airline was spending an evening out socialising with friends at a popular eatery in Ikeja, Lagos when she suddenly felt dizzy with a gradual feeling of oncoming blackout. She was on the verge of collapsing as she gradually lost consciousness. Promptly, her friends held her down to a sitting position and sprinkled water over her head, face and other parts of her body in an attempt to give first aid to whatever was afflicting her which they, in any way, did not understand. The 23-year-old Udenwa, Lagos resident was thereafter rushed to the hospital, where she was diagnosed as having had a stroke. The next few weeks were a blur of hospital stays and rehabilitation, but one of her most vivid memories is her inability to walk normally and the huge burden of lifting the affected arm. Although, she heard the doctor asking her questions but could not answer coherently. “It is unbelievably terrifying,” she said. “I thought I was going to die there. I had to close my eyes to shut out the discomfort of the dizziness and the blackout which overwhelmed me,” she added while relating her ordeal to her husband hours after regaining consciousness. A stroke occurs when blood vessels in the brain rupture or become blocked by a clot, depriving the brain of oxygen. These typically occur without warning. A stroke is a medical emergency which can lead to debilitating conditions or even death. However, a major challenge is recognising that a stroke may

Appolonia Adeyemi appolonia.adeyemi@newtelegraphonline.com

have occurred and if it does, the rapid activation of emergency response systems and early transport to the right health facility – public secondary or teaching hospital, which can save the life of a stroke patient, or prevent lifelong disability, said Gloria Ekeng, a consultant Nurse Specialist on Stroke. According to Ekeng who is the chief executive officer of Stroke Care International, a nongovernmental organisation and a certified TIA (Transient Ischaemic Attack) expert, “getting medical treatment within three hours of the first symptoms of stroke can make the difference between recovery and lifelong disability.” Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability worldwide. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that one in six people worldwide will have a stroke in their lifetime. Globally, seventeen million people experience a stroke each year and six million of them do not survive. In Nigeria, every six seconds, stroke claims another victim. Over 16,000 cases of stroke are recorded in the country yearly. Stoke affects both young and old, beginning from age 18 to 70 years. Recent studies have highlighted the risk of death and long time disability caused by stroke and the burden this puts on Nigeria’s medical services where hospitals have limited resources to manage stroke patients. In addition, concerns have been raised that there is little or no facilities for after-care and long term support. The good news according to medical experts is that if you know what to do, stroke is preventable. Ekeng said it is possible to reduce one’s risk with a healthy lifestyle – eating healthily, exercising and keeping blood pressure down. For example, she recommended eating less instead of more, living an active life instead of sedentary lifestyle, living an active outdoor life which includes walking instead of driving. According to her, if you sit down for too long in your office working, it is healthy to get up often and walk round, drink lots of water to flush your system and as much as possible, if you come back very late from

A cross section of people screening for high blood preasure, blood sugar, weight, among others during the 2014 World Stroke Day organised by Stroke Care International in Lagos

Getting medical treatment within three hours of the first symptoms of stroke can make the difference between recovery and lifelong disability

work, do not eat “that pounded yam (or other heavy stuff).” Rather, eat vegetables, she advised, adding that people at work should avoid snacking on pastries and other fast food as their lunch as much as possible. Furthermore, the stroke expert said, “Individuals that know they have high blood pressure must take steps to ensure that they are on the right management. They should not go on self medication.” Similarly, she said, “The person that has diabetes should go to the right medical professional to manage the diabetes. People who do not know whether they have any bad health condition should go for comprehensive health check once a year, during which they will do heart, blood pressure, blood sugar level checks, etc. to make sure that their health condition is all right.” According to Ekeng, most people are walking around with a heart defect and completely oblivious of the condition. For such people suffering a stroke is sudden.

CAUSES OF STROKE There are many contributors to stroke such as: general poor health, unhealthy diet, family history of stroke, etc. Hypertension is said to be one of the most prevalent risk factors for stroke. The burden of stroke in Nigeria is huge. When stroke strikes, the family is affected. The man who is the sole bread winner becomes disabled by stroke and therefore can no longer provide for his family. He cannot go to CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

Ten ways to cut stroke risk • Control your blood pressure • Stop smoking • Lose weight, especially around your abdomen • Manage your diabetes • Exercise more • Improve your diet • Limit Alcohol; and avoid bing drinking • Reduce cholesterol • Avoid stress and tackle depression

Health News

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Engaging key populations in HIV biomedical research: A balancing act

Healthy Living

Olayide Akanni

he important role of key populations in the development and roll out of HIV Biomedical Prevention Interventions was a central theme during the various discussion sessions, roundtables and networking events at the HIV Research for Prevention (HIV R4P) Conference which took place in Cape Town South Africa from October 28 to 31, 2014. Speaker after speaker at the various conference sessions noted that decriminalising the laws that affect key populations particularly sex workers and men who have sex with men, and dealing with the associated social, cultural and environmental risks that affect these populations are critical if these groups are to be fully engaged in biomedical HIV prevention research. Wednesday’s plenary session focused specifically on “Targeting Biomedical Preventions to different At-Risk Populations,” and addressed the critical challenges involved in engaging communities at risk in HIV prevention research and in making new and effective prevention methods available to key populations. Linda-Gail Bekker of the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre (South Africa) presented a special edition of the medical journal, The Lancet which focused on the connection between HIV risk and the stigma, discrimination, and criminalisation faced by sex workers in Southern Africa, as well as the challenges faced by programmes working to support their access to HIV prevention. “Key populations often get forgotten in our largely heterosexual programming for HIV in many sub Saharan countries and we need to be precise in programming for these key population”’, she noted. Brian Kanyemba, also of the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre emphasised the need for Demonstration projects that will ensure Key Populations gain access to New HIV Prevention Biomedical Tools in South Africa. Kanyemba presented an analysis of the responses of men who have sex with men, sex workers, people who inject drugs and representatives of communitybased efforts that serve

Dr. Ihuoma Uko-Ndukwe ada.ndukwe@yahoo.com

Injecting psychotropic drugs increases HIV risk for perpetrators

them on the need for, and challenges of establishing demonstration projects providing HIV treatment as prevention and pre-exposure prophylaxis within these communities. Kanyemba’s research addresses obstacles such as stigma in health care settings and the criminalisation of key populations at risk for HIV. Also sharing her perspectives on Working with Special Populations within HIV Prevention Intervention Programs and Trials, Bridget Haire of the University of New South Wales (Australia) addressed the need to frame HIV prevention research and implementation within a broader human rights context. Haire’s research examined the social and political barriers to effective HIV prevention within key populations, some of which have become even more entrenched in recent years. But speakers at a Thursday roundtable on ‘Research Where and With Whom it Matters’ also emphasised the fact that although key populations are critical to developing innovative biomedical approaches, there needs to be a balancing act as relationships between researchers, key populations and communities must be viewed as mutually reinforcing and be seen to truly involve all the relevant partners. They agree that HIV prevention products need to be tested ‘with’ people and not ‘on’ people. Eduard Sanders of the KEMRI Wellcome Trust

PHOTO: news.streetroots.org

Key populations often get forgotten in our largely heterosexual programming for HIV in many sub Saharan countries and we need to be precise in programming for these key population Research Programme in Kenya who spoke to the topic “The long road to trial engagement – why few Cohort studies on MSM in Africa, noted that research with MSM populations is currently under siege and many MSMs cannot be recruited into trials given the repressive laws and hostile environment in many countries in Sub Saharan Africa. He cited the Kenyan experience where religious leaders, health workers have been sensitised on MSM issues which has translated to reduction in stigma and helped facilitate community engagement and support for cohort studies, greater community engagement and the success of cohort studies and intervention trials. Akanni is the Executive Director, Journalists Against AIDS (JAAIDS).

Chest pain: When you should pay attention

he initial goal with having chest pain is to determine if further testing is needed. However, distinguishing between serious and benign causes of chest pain is very important. The most common causes of chest pain include chest wall pain and acid reflux. When the chest pain involves the heart muscle, which is more serious, knowing the actual cause/type might help to save lives. Some chest pain involving the heart muscle might be death of the heart muscle (heart attack, severe interruption of blood supply to the heart muscle) or decreased blood supply to the heart muscle (ischemic attack--insufficient blood flow to the muscle tissue of the heart, decreased blood flow may be due to narrowing of the heart arteries,) which can resolve with medication but can come back. The likelihood of an increased risk of a heart attack include being male, over 60 years, inadequately treated high blood pressure, poorly managed diabetics, tobacco use, chest pain signs that can be worrisome radiateing to both arms, shoulder, neck and jaw, nausea and vomiting, sweating and low blood pressure. Patients often do not use the word chest pain but describe symptoms as a feeling of discomfort, tightness, squeezing or indigestion. Immediate therapy with these symptoms is to chew two to three tablets of baby Aspirin and to seek immediate hospital attention. Chest pain reproducible with palpitation of the chest wall most likely is not from the heart muscle but from the muscles around the joints of the ribs called costochondritis. Other types of chest pain are chest wall pain, localised muscle wall pain, tension, stinging pain present with pushing against the chest wall and absence of cough,

A man suffering chest pain

Angina condition

acid reflux, burning mid chest pain, acid regurgitation, sour or bitter taste in the mouth. Panic/anxiety disorder: sudden feeling of fear or panic, chest discomfort or palpitation. Pneumonia—fever, chest congestion and shortness of breath Heart failure: chest pain in addition to shortness of breath, feet swelling. Chest pain involving the heart is seen in form of angina—stable and unstable and if not adequately treated will lead to heart muscle damage/ or heart attack. Angina is described as deep poorly localised chest or arm discomfort (pain or pressure) that is associated with physical exertion or emotional stress and is relieved with rest or sublingual nitroglycerin. Unstable angina is defined as angina at rest, new onset angina, or angina that has become more severe or longer in duration. A serious heart attack occurs within two to three

PHOTO: www.chicagoheart.com

Keeping your cholesterol level, especially the good cholesterol HDL above 45, the bad cholesterol LDL below 100 and controling blood glucose will help weeks after onset of unstable angina if not treated. Prevention: Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms worsen. Daily intake of omega 3 fatty acids helps to reduce occurrence. Seeing a doctor for yearly stress test, keeping your cholesterol level, especially the good cholesterol HDL above 45, the bad cholesterol LDL below 100 and controling blood glucose will help put chest pain at bay.

Health Interview 29

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2014

Dr. Dayo Adeyanju is the Ondo State Commissioner of Health. In this Interview with OBINNA ODOH, he discusses strategies the state adopts to reduce maternal and newborn deaths. Sir, we are aware of successes recorded in maternal/newborn health in Ondo State. What is the secret? Well, one physical reason is the fact that we a have the political will to deliver in these spheres, which is directly from the governor. He has been very helpful because it is one thing to have an idea but if the political will is not there and you do not have a visionary leader you will not go anywhere. So, he got a good vision about where we are going in the area of the health sector and coupled with the fact that the team in the health sector is committed is one. Secondly, the team is determined to get results. Then Of course the reflection where we are coming from being the very worst when we came on board in the Southwest but we thank God today Ondo State is able to journey to improve our maternal health and child health such that we have succeeded in reducing our maternal mortality beyond the Millennium Development Goal(MDG). What is the state of newborn in Ondo State? Very well you know that what determines the outcome actually has to do with what we do during pregnancy and that is why one of the reasons why we have good outcome in terms of newborn is the fact that we pay attention to taking care of pregnancy. We have increased antenatal utilisation in the state. And then we track these women in such a way that they can have delivery by skilled attendance. That has been critical. Most deaths of the newborn occur at the prenatal period which is immediately after birth. That actually is what we are tracking. Now, we pay a lot of attention to training our health workers on how to resuscitate those babies. One of the critical reasons why newborn die is asphyxia (Asphyxia which can cause coma or death, is a condition of severely deficient supply of oxygen to the body that arises from abnormal breathing). Health workers must have the basic skill to resuscitate those babies. This programme is ongoing and by two weeks now we will continue the training to see that they don’t have to wait to take all of these babies to one specialist care baby unit. All of those who are handling delivery must know everything about Neonatal resuscitation. That way, we have been saving a whole lot of babies from dying and of course our Save Mother Programme has been beneficial. Furthermore, the fact that we have a very strong primary health care (PHC) system makes it very easy to go into the nook and crannies and that

Political will, secret of Ondo’s maternal health success has helped in crashing the statistics and reducing number of complications that go into the secondary as well as the tertiary health institutions. Both you and the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko said that Ondo State has not recorded any case of newborn death for the past six months. How true is that? We did not say that. That is absolutely not true and not possible too. Of course we have maternal death. We have infant death. We are saying that it has reduced very drastically as compared to when we came on board. When we came on board we were talking about maternal mortality ratio of 744 per 100, 000 life birth. But today we have been able to crash it to 220 per 100,000 life birth. That is quite remarkable even with the introduction of new initiative which is AGBEBI, which involves working with traditional birth attendants (TBA) . That again has gone down to 187 and by the time we sustain this of course, it will make headline when a woman dies. We will be able to achieve our dream to see that pregnancy shouldn’t be a death sentence. Most of what led to this success could be attributed to facilitybased delivery. What happens to the delivery that takes place outside health facilities? The reason why we have more facility based delivery is because we to help to track pregnant mothers back to health facilities. So this means that less delivery takes place outside facility. Also, those one that take place outside facility are handled by TBAs and mission home attendants. This means that with our ‘AGBEBI’ which is partnership between us and TBAs as well as Mission Birth Attendants. We are again mobilising the last set of people back to facilities again because facility is where you have the skilled birth attendants. Outside facilities no one can guarantee the outcome of delivery. What is your take on the guideline to tackle high infant mortality rate in the country, issued by the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) on October 23, 2014? Well I have not looked into it critically, but considering our focus, we are just pragmatic. There is delay leading to maternal death meaning that if we are able to counter all those delays we will be doing quite a whole lot in reducing maternal death. The delays are taking health care, reaching health care, receiving health care and even accessing referral. So, we put structure in place and it is that structure that we try to leverage on each time to be able to reduce maternal death, to be able to reduce newborn deaths

Adeyanju

When we came on board, we were talking about maternal mortality ratio of 744 per 100, 000 life birth but today, we have been able to crash it to 220 per 100,000 life birth. That is quite remarkable

and even improve child health because a larger percentage of child deaths occur as a result of vaccine preventable diseases. That is why our state Ondo State Routine Immunisation(ORI) makes it very easy to go to every nook and cranny of the state. We use ORI to reach every ward in the state. Ondo State Routine Immunisation is leveraging on being able to mobilise the women to bring back their children for immunisation and then getting the women to even have the immunisation themselves. In that way, we have been crashing deaths from vaccine preventable diseases. Presumably Ondo State has come out safe once this guideline is already in place. How do see other states yet to implement them? Some states have actually been coming to us. They include Kebbi , Adamawa and Sokoto States. We have been exchanging ideas and of course it is open. Quite a lot of people, UNICEF and partners have been recommending. They used to come and share a lot of experiences with us. We have been doing a lot of study tour. What do you think will be the outcome of the National Newborn Conference that was recently concluded in Abuja?

The whole thing boils down to what the Permanent Secretary of Federal Ministry of Health, Mr Linus Awute said to the effect that the states have to buy into it. If they do not key into it, it will be dead on arrival. So, now states should look into it and see how they can implement. With these they will synchronise. When we see things that are not in our own, we bring them in and then we work with them. The bottom line should be how we will be able to crash either maternal, newborn or child deaths. By 2015 Ondo State Governor will be out of the office. How can all the initiatives be sustained? Communities where the stakeholders and governments implement programmes don’t go anywhere. Besides, the stakeholders there are the one that, to a large extent will determine who comes in and who does not. Similarly, we have legacy/ policy backing with which it is very easy for us to sustain it. Furthermore, the fact that most of the things we are doing are driven by civil servants themselves will help. All of those strategies will make it sustainable. When people talk about funding of course our community-based health insurance will bear the burden in terms of funding what we are doing.

CO N TI N U ED F RO M PAGE 2 7

Why you should bother about stroke

work and if he has not got his own home, his landlord will come knocking while the school fees of his children is waiting to be paid. The impact is such that this affected family cannot afford one square meal any more let alone buy medication. Who then does the affected person turn to? If he goes to a hospital, he would be required to pay money for treatment immediately. Rather than face this or-

deal, medical experts recommend that individuals should adopt healthy lifestyles to prevent a stroke. TYPES OF STROKE There are two common types of stroke namely ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Ischemic stroke occurs when there is an occlusion of a blood vessel that supplies the blood to the brain. Hemorrhagic stroke, on the other hand, occurs when one of the blood vessels ruptures,

causing bleeding. SIGNS OF STROKE A stroke happens fast. Most people have two or more signs. The most common signs are: • Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, mainly on one side of the body. • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance • Sudden confusion or trouble talking or understanding speech • Sudden bad headache with no known cause.

Health News

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nigeria is setting new world records in health, says FG

he minister of State for Health, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan said the performance of the health sector under President Goodluck Jonathan has earned Nigeria’s health sector international respect. Dr. Alhassan who spoke at the Public Affairs Forum organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, said a lot of ground has been covered by the Jonathan administration in the health sector leading to a change in the fortunes of Nigerians. The minister said the transformation agenda of the health was inspired by the realisation that improved health outcomes are critical to the realisation of the national Vision 20:2020. He noted that the Federal Government had assiduously pursued the transformation agenda of the administration leading to the saving of lives. “Through the Saving One Million Lives Initiative, more than 433,650 lives had been saved as at December, 2013. The Ministry is also working with the relevant agencies to enact

/review the following legislations: National Health Bill, Anti-Tobacco Bill, NAFDAC Act, National Health Insurance Scheme Act, National Blood Transfusion Service Bill in order to completely change the face of the health sector in Nigeria. He stated that the Jonathan administration had also done a lot to improve health infrastructure across the country. “We have tried to ensure existing health infrastructure across the country are refurbished and new ones established to ensure better service delivery. Also speaking at the event, Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau said the Jonathan administration at the onset developed a four-year strategic plan (2011-2015) for the education sector. He said the Federal Gover nment under President Jonathan is committed to improving the quality of education through the promotion of primary school enrolment for all children of school going age irrespective of the income profile of their parents. He said the provision of infrastructure such as classrooms at all levels

and enhancement of efficiency, resourcefulness and competence of teachers and other educational personnel through training and motivation. He noted that one of the key strategies of the administration in taking education to the

people is the Almajiri Education Programme through which scores of Almajiri have been educated in the northern part of the country. He added that the administration was just as concerned with improving primary and second-

malted barley, and hops. The report also explores the psychological and sociability benefits of people enjoying a pint in their local pub - yet pubs are closing at a rate of 39 a week. It argues that the pub is at the heart of every community and a place where people go to enjoy company and find out local news and information. Pete Brown, an awardwinning author, said: ‘Still, we persist in the

foreign imports such as wine. From Government receptions through to weddings and business occasions, wine rather than beer is served. ‘It has been fashionable to look down on our own national drink in favour of overseas imports. But to do that is to turn our backs on our great British success story and our own heritage, and miss out on the myriad tastes and complexities that beer can offer.”

Nestlé commits to reducing under-nutrition risk Shola Adefuwa

learning. Also, this administration has granted in five phases the sum of 109 billion to universities, polytechnics and Colleges of Education to facilitate their development as centres of excellence,” the minister said.

L-R: Faniran; Chairman, Nigerian Union of Allied Health professionals (NUAHP), Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Meta Branch; and Treasurer, NUAHP, Lagos State Council, Sode Adegbenro at the news conference to extend NUAHP strike to states and local government councils held in Lagos on Monday.

Study: Beer healthiest alcoholic drink available he healthy properties beer is made from chem- myth that somehow beer T of beer when con- icals rather than water, is an inferior drink to sumed in moderation are not well understood, according to a new report. The drink is a rich source of vitamins, fibre, minerals and antioxidants and has a relatively low calorific value compared with many other alcoholic beverages, the study says. The report, commissioned by The Beer Academy, which aims to help people enjoy beer sensibly, found that when drunk in moderation, beer is one of the healthiest alcoholic drinks available. Beer is one of the healthiest alcoholic drinks around, according to the report. A spokeswoman said: “Beer contains vitamins which can help you to maintain a well-balanced healthy diet, fibre to keep you regular, readily absorbed antioxidants and minerals such as silicon which may help to lower your risk of osteoporosis.” A survey found that while 68 percent of people consider beer to be Britain’s national drink, some 10 percent wrongly believe that beer contains fat, and 13 percent incorrectly believe that

ary education as the tertiary institutions. “This Education Tax Act has been amended to refocus the Tertiary Education Tax Fund on progressively upgrading facilities in institutions of higher learning to enhance teaching and

he Managing Director of Nestle Nigeria, Mr. Dharnesh Gordhon has said that Nestlé’s has commitment to reduce the risk of under- nutrition through micronutrient fortification. Speaking at the Nestle Nutrition Symposium with the theme, “Preventing Iron Deficiency,” Gordhon said that Nestle is committed to tackling under nutrition in Nigeria with a particular focus on micronutrient deficiencies in young children and women of childbearing age. He said micronutrients such as iron, vitamin A, iodine and Zinc are essential for growth and development.

Over one-third of the population obtains inadequate amount from their diet, leading to serious health problems for individuals and tremendous productivity losses and health cost for developing countries. Gordhon said that we do this by making foods and beverages with higher levels of micronutrients and essential nutrients that are only needed in tiny amount but enable the body to produce enzymes. He further said efforts of the company is to help people avoid under- nutrition, focus mainly on preventing these conditions especially with our popularly positioned products, high quality food products that provide nutritional value at an affordable cost.

Health workers extend strike to state hospitals Appolonia Adeyemi

s the strike declared by members of the Nigerian Union of Allied Heath Professionals (NUAHP) entered its 22nd day today, the Union has threatened to extend the work-to-rule to state chapters if the Federal government fails to meet its demand by today, Thursday, November 6. Speaking on plans to extend the strike, National President of NUAHP, Felix Faniran who disclosed this in Lagos on Monday, said, “We hereby direct all our members working for state governments to join the strike and subsequently this strike will spread to facilities at the local government areas.” Assessing the ongoing strike which was declared on October 13 and took off on October 16, he said the strike is not only on it is effective. “From our own assessment it is about 85 percent successful,” Faniran stressed. While lamenting the heavy dose of discrimination in the health sector in which medical and dental practitioners allegedly marginalise the health workers which constitute over 90 percent of personnel in the sector, Faniran blamed the federal governments for the disharmony in the health sector because of government’s refusal to implement previous agreements with NUAHP. On the cause of the strike, he

blamed it on persistent failure of the government to implement previous agreements between the federal government and NUAHP. Details of the agreement include refusal of the government to rectify discriminatory salary structure introduced in 1991 despite a court judgment in favour of NUAHP ordering government to do so; refusal of government to release a circular for call duty allowance to be made a percentage of consolidated salary of the beneficiary; refusal of government to pay specialist allowance that was mutually agreed in 2009; refusal to promote NUAHP members with appropriate university degree from salary CONHESS (Consolidated Health Salary Scale) 14 to CONHESS 15; the refusal to implement since May 12, the upward review of retirement age of teaching hospitals and related tertiary hospitals staff; among others. “The government has continued to deceive us, to play with time and refused to implement all agreements and Memorandum of understanding as well as court judgments delivered in our favour,” Faniran said. NUAHP members comprise physiotherapists, medical laboratory scientists, radiographers, pharmacists and dieticians, medical social workers, clinical psychologists, medical physicists, optometrists, health information managers, orthotics, among others.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

Industry

ICT

ITU Council seat provides Nigeria platform for future global feats

Onyemenam: Why MasterCard was selected for eID

‘Building collapse not linked to cement grade’

Business What's news

Turkey firm buys Nigeria’s United Biscuits for N480bn United Biscuits factories in Nigeria, India, Saudi Arabia and United Kingdom have been acquired by Turkey’s Yıldız Holding at $3 billion (N480 billion).

p.32

Nigeria, America’s bilateral trade hits $36bn –Ohuabunwa Bilateral trade between Nigeria and America has risen to $36 billion, President, NigerianAmerican Chamber of Commerce (NACC), Mr. Sam Ohuabunwa, has disclosed.

p.32

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Godson Ikoro

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dele Alao

Industry & Agric Editor

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Spectrum operators in dilemma over license usage SHORTFALL There are inadequate spectrum resources in the country, which the regulator is trying to maximise

maximum utilisation of all the spectrums issued to operators. According to information gathered at NCC in a document released on the 2.6 gigahertz spectrum auction planned for early next month in Abuja, the Commission said it would also enforce a ‘use it or lose it’ obli-

gation as part of the condition for the licence. Also, Section 121 and 125 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 provide further conditions for the regulator to revoke licences, aside the licensee’s failure to put the licence to use.

The sections say that “the Commission may, at any time, after giving the licensee three months notice to that effect, revoke the licence in any of the following circumstances: If the licensee agrees in writing with CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Kunle Azeez

ny holder of spectrum licence in the nation’s telecoms market that fails to put the frequency allocated to it into use will now have such licence withdrawn by government, New Telegraph has learnt. Sources familiar with discussions to this effect, said that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecoms industry regulator, decided to tow this line following the seeming scarcity of available spectrum needed to drive broadband penetration target of 30 per cent by the country come 2018. Broadband Internet provision has been described as the next frontier for telecoms development in the country, following the success recorded in the voice services where over 132 million active telephone lines are now connected to mobile networks. Nigeria currently has six per cent broadband Internet penetration with plans to increase this by five-folds in the next four years. But New Telegraph learnt that since over 90 per cent of the telecoms services in the country are provided through wireless means, thereby requiring spectrum for their deployment, the Commission is devising means of ensuring

L-R: Executive Vice President, Unilever Africa, Mr Bruno Witvoet; Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun; Managing Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Mr Yaw Nsarkoh and Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Chief Bimbo Ashiru, during the inauguration of Unilever Liquids factory in Agbara, Ogun State.

Nigeria, Ethiopia top list of where to build factories in Africa Dayo Ayeyemi

igeria, Ethiopia and Gambia have been listed as top African countries for building factories and manufacturing locally. Steady growth in these countries’ Gross Domestic

Product (GDP) and emergence of middle class are some of the qualifications for these feats, analysts at Ventures Africa have said. They noted that the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which ensures that several products produced in over 45 African countries do

not have to pay import duties in the US, is joined by similar Acts in Europe and Asia, adding that local manufacturers who could conquer the barriers in sub-Saharan Africa could tap an ever-burgeoning global market. CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Abdulwahab Isa Finance Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE September 2014.....................8.3% August 2014............................8.5% July 2014.................................8.3%

LENDING RATE InterBank Rate....................11.57% Prime Lending Rate...........16.93% Maximum Lending Rate...25.83%

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parellel As at Oct 31)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N170.50 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N278 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N217

l Foreign Reserves – $38.76bn as at 29/10/2014

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Official As at Oct 31)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N156.76 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N252.02 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N199.32

Business | News

THIRD LARGEST

The 184-year old firm becomes the world’s third largest biscuit maker Bayo Akomolafe

nited Biscuits factories in Nigeria, India, Saudi Arabia and United Kingdom have been acquired by Turkey’s Yıldız Holding at $3 billion (N480 billion). The factories were bought from Blackstone Group and PAI Partners, the owner of the 184-year-old United Kingdom-based company, making it to become the world’s third largest biscuit maker. United Biscuits has a total of 14 production facilities in the world, with 11 in Europe, one each in Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and India. Some 7,171 people are currently employed by the company. “Yıldız Holding will execute the same independent management model in United Biscuits, as it has done in Godiva, which it ac-

Turkey firm buys Nigeria’s United Biscuits for N480bn

quired in 2007.” The company said it had finally signed the deal with the British giant after competing with US-based Kellogg and Canada’s Ontario Teachers, which acquired British Burton last year. It was learnt that the United Biscuits’ private equity owners had sealed a deal to sell the UK-based cookies and snacks maker to Yıldız Holding for about £2 billion ($3 billion), including debt. In a statement, Yıldız Holding said that HSBC and Unlu&Co undertook the mediating role in the process. “Yıldız Holding will strengthen its position in the biscuits and snacks market with this acquisition and continue to grow with the new production capacities, markets, distribution channels and products,” the statement stressed.

Spectrum operators in dilemma CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 3 1

the Commission that its licence be revoked; if for 12 consecutive months the licensee ceases to provide the services for which it was issued a licence under the Act; if the licensee is in willful and repeated breach of any of the conditions attached to this licence or any conditions of the Act and such breach has not been ratified within 60 days from the date of notification by the Commission to the licensee of same. Other conditions are if the licensee, without due authorisation from the Commission, uses the frequency bands assigned to it under this licence for the provision of any service other than that for which it was assigned; if the licensee has made false statements, representations or warranties in applying for and obtaining this licence. NCC said that the condition for the licence revocation can also become necessary if the licensee enters into liquidation or is otherwise declared insolvent, bankrupt or is in receivership; if the Commission, in accordance with the Act, considers it to be in the national interest or in war or national emergency situa-

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

tion if the licensee fails to eliminate interference caused to other users after being duly directed by the Commission; if there are changes in the share structure of the company in excess of 10 per cent of the total equity without due approval by the Commission; and if the spectrum fees are not paid as and when due. The deregulation of the telecommunications market was marked by the passing into law of the NCC Act 1992, which allowed private companies to participate and invest in the development of the country’s telecommunications infrastructure and services. With the inauguration of the industry regulator, the monopoly of state-owned incumbent National Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) came to an end and several private telecoms operators were issued spectrum auctions in 1996 to compete in the market. In 2001, the Commission licensed three Digital Mobile Operators through an auction process that was widely adjudged to have been highly successful and transparent. This was followed by the licensing of a Second National Carrier and the fourth Digital Mobile Operator in 2002.

L-R: Managing Director, New Horizons Systems Solutions Nigeria, Mr Tim Akano; newly-employed National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) corps member, Aregbesola Grace Olubunmi, Assistant Director, Public Relation, NYSC Lagos, Mrs Faniyi and Assistant Director, Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneur Development (SAED), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs Racheal Idowu, at the 4th New Horizons/ NYSC SAED Job fair in Lagos.

Nigeria, America’s bilateral trade hits $36bn –Ohuabunwa OIL

Oil still dominates Nigeria’s trade the US Dele Alao

ilateral trade between Nigeria and America has risen to $36 billion, President, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), Mr. Sam Ohuabunwa, has disclosed. He disclosed this in Lagos at the 54th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of NACC. Ohuabunwa said that the United States of America remains Nigeria’s biggest trading partner. “Bilateral trade between both countries has risen to 36 billion dollars just as President Goodluck Jonathan has called for more US investments in Nigeria. We have exported more crude oil to the US than manufactured

goods. “There is a need for capacity building in Customs regulations and operations and policy reforms that will develop the private sector to produce products that meet international trade and export standards,” he added. The NACC president noted that the country was yet to enjoy the benefits of the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA). US Government established AGOA in year 2000 to provide duty and quota free markets for goods from subSaharan African countries imported into the US. Ohuabunwa, however, lamented that the incentives provided on the AGOA platform were not substantial enough to balance trade volume deficit between Nigeria and the US. He said that NACC had contributed to the growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises through its five million dollars private equity

fund launched in 2013. The NACC president said the chamber recorded an accumulated fund of N 23.6 million for the 2013-year ended, as against the N22.1 million recorded in 2014. The objectives of the Chamber among others include; to promote the development of trade, commerce, investment and industrial technological relationships between the public and private sectors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Nigeria) and the US, as well as to promote and develop economic, cultural and social interests between Nigeria and the United States. It also includes promotion and development of contacts, foster mutual understanding and encourage sound and ethical business relationships between Nigerians and Americans in business. It also seeks to foster relationships with other Chambers of Commerce in Nigeria and the United States.

Nigeria, Ethiopia top list of where to build factories CO N TI N U ED F RO M PAGE 31

The analysts said: “Looking at some of the factors that can facilitate manufacturing companies in Nigeria, the country is flaunted as sub-Saharan Africa’s most populous state and its biggest economy. The country is made up of youthful, educated and entrepreneurial, while the Ni-

gerian Diaspora is excited to return home and invest.” Besides, they noted that Nigeria is one of the continent’s leading markets for cement manufacturing, while monthly wages for unskilled labourers have remained competitive in the average range of $150 to $195. The experts said: “At the same time, the cost for skilled

labourers is very much on the high end in Africa as demand (and subsequent competition) for skilled talent has sky-rocketed with new company entries into the market from abroad and at home. Energy prices depend on the electricity grid and location and can get up to $0.24/kWh. Recent changes in the market and better investment will bring that cost down.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

CIPM harps on modern, quality skills at workplace p.34 CHALLENGE Stakeholders harp on smuggling and underfunding as core problems in textile sector Stories by Dele Alao

otwithstanding the efforts of the Federal Government to revive the textile industry, Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. lssa Aremu, has identified smuggling as one peculiar challenge facing the country’s textile sector. The Federal Government had injected N100 billion into the sector, under a Textile and Garment Development Fund, to assist primary producers, textile manufacturers and other operators. The labour chief, who noted that about 90 per cent of textile materials in the Nigerian market were smuggled goods, said: “It is sad to note that the Federal Government had talked about a new textile policy since February 2013, but there had been no progress on this policy initiative to critically turn around the fortunes of the sector.” Aremu who made this known in Ilorin, Kwara State, recently, also said that Nigerians import N3 billion worth of textiles and garments annually without paying duties or taxes to the government. The NLC chief warned that unless effective steps were taken by the government to reverse the decline in the textile industry, gains achieved in 2010 would be lost to the nation. The declining nature of the textile sector, according to Aremu, has aggravated the unemployment situation in the

FACT Professionals offer views on cause of building collapse

xperts in the built industry in Nigeria have said that contrary to reports in the media, there is no link between the grade of cement used and building collapse currently being experienced in the country. Rather, they said that building collapse is caused by the wrong application of cement with other components. The experts noted that the 32.5 grade is good for everyday building and construction just like the 42.5 and the 52.5 grades of cement, adding that even if 100.5 grade of cement is used and wrongly applied, it will lead to building collapse, just the same way it will happen if a lesser grade is used. They cautioned that to avoid building col-

Industry

SMEs key to job creation – SON p.35

Experts insist on smuggling, funding as bane of textile sector country. He noted that the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), would observe this year’s Africa Industrialisation Day on November 20 in its effort to arouse the interest of the international community to the industrialisation of Africa. Recently, a textile consultant, who is also the Managing Consultant, Gherzi sub-Sahara, a textile consulting firm, Mr. Navdeep Sodhi, said that the country would need a minimum of $1.4 billion (N205 billion) in new investments to revive the textiles sector. Sodhi said that with the new investments, the textile industry would be able to capture at least 40 per cent market share by the year 2015. He said: “Today, the market share of the industry is only 15 per cent because of the poor state of the sector. If you are looking for the money itself, it is not just there and it is not the correct way to go about it. Today, I can borrow as much as I want from commercial banks, but why I do not borrow is because the interest rate is so high that my operations may not be viable if I borrow from them. Government’s intervention is just to subsidise interest rates or compensate for the interest rate so that cost of fund becomes affordable for the industry so that they can invest.” Sodhi urged government to share the interest rate with investors in the sector, adding that government did not have to raise the much talked about N70 billion but only needed to raise N4 billion to N5 billion, which

could easily be made available by government. He said: “Even Bank of Industry will have that money. But for the last four years, they have been looking after this fictitious fund called textile fund that will never be available,” he said. Sodhi advised that in the short run, government should provide the operators with soft loans, VAT relief and allow them to import dye with low tariffs. Other recommendations include the need for the Customs authorities and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to strictly monitor the influx of counterfeit textiles across the

borders and removal of tariffs on textile raw materials such as polyester fibre and pigments. The National Vice President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Alhaji Ali Madugu, described smuggling of textile materials as a major challenge facing the sector. He said that unless the illegal act was curtailed, textile manufacturing would be a history in the country. Textile industry in Nigeria used to be the largest in Africa after Egypt, with over 250 vibrant factories operating above 50 per cent installed capacity. The industry provided employment to

the largest number of Nigerians in the manufacturing sector and contributed considerably to the country’s GDP and tax revenue. It accounted for over 60 per cent of the textile industry capacity in West Africa, empowering millions of households across all geopolitical zones of Nigeria. With the backward integration programme instituted by many firms in the industry following the strict government directive on the issue in the mid-1980s, the level of domestic sourcing of raw materials was put at about 64 per cent in 1991, a steady improvement from 52 per cent in 1987 and 57 per cent in 1988.

A textile factory. INSET: Textile materials

‘Building collapse not linked to cement grade’ lapse in the country, the advice of a structural engineer must be sought in any building project. The Experts recently gathered at a conference at the Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja, Lagos, under the aegis of Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers to x-ray the theme: “Effect of cement strength on concrete performance.” At the end of the gathering, the Institution recommended to the Nigerians, the rules to follow to avoid building collapse. While delivering a lecture on “Building collapse and cement grade: Any linkage? Uzo Nwankwo, a structural engineer and member of the Institution, said, “Building collapse will continue from time to time, even if we are all made to use 100.5 cement grade, unless something is done to clean up the construction industry. According to him, while it is

undisputable that for the same cement sand ratio, grades 42.5 and 52.5 will yield stronger blocks than the 32.5 grade, it is fallacious to assert that blocks made with 32.5 cement cause buildings to collapse. He noted that if properly used, cement does not contribute to the collapse of any structure, adding: “Therefore, the 32.5 cement is good for most ‘every day’ structures while high end users for the type of structures they were made for should seek the 42.5 and 52.5.” He explained that “structural collapse is caused by a multiplicity of reasons spanning faulty design to poor construction practices (where majority of the causes are located.) The most common cause of building collapse in Nigeria is ignorant people playing critical roles in the construction process. Cement blocks properly made from any

cement grade will never cause a building to collapse.” The conference therefore suggested that instead of succumbing to misleading reports in the media, people should adopt approved methods to escape building collapse. Listing the methods, President of the Institution, Mr. S.K. Ilugbekhai, said that structural design should only be handled by competent and qualified structural engineers while checking and approval of buildings for construction should be done by, or under the supervision of a competent and qualified structural engineer in the office of the relevant approving authorities. He noted that construction of buildings should be handled by a team of competent technical personnel, one of whom must be a structural engineer to ensure the structural integrity and efficiency of the structure

throughout its life span. The supervision of the construction of buildings must be handled by the competent structural designer. More Nigerian universities should offer courses in structural engineering at the undergraduate level as only the University of Benin is currently doing that in Nigeria. Among those at the conference are the Minister of Works, Mike Onolemenmen, Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi, Director General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Dr. Joseph Odumodu; Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning, Toyin Ayinde; Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson; Ondo State Commissioner for Works, Gboye Adegenro, among various experts in the built industry.

Business | Industry

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

CIPM harps on modern, quality skills at workplace CAPACITY Institute reviews progress, new challenges and current trends Stories by Dele Alao

resident, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), Victor Famuyibo, has

said that there is the need for Human Resource (HR) professionals and business leaders to demonstrate contemporary, modern quality in their skills’ set in their places of work. Famuyibo who spoke at the 46th Annual National Conference of the Institute in Abuja, said that the sessions were specially put together to navigate, explore and exploit specific industry issues and developments with the overall objective of

creating a paradigm shift in the way practitioners think and act. He said that the conference created another platform for members of the Institute to upscale their knowledge on contemporary issues of importance to the profession and to their jobs as managers of the people. He added that the conference provided a veritable platform for social and professional networking among participants. The CIPM president said

that the interaction at the conference enabled participants to meet, review progress, analyse new challenges, current trends, and benchmark existing approaches and work practices in their respective organisations, stating that it helped them to deepen their network and competencies. “In today’s knowledgebased economy, the depth of a professional’s network and competencies are determined

by how far he/she goes in achieving excellence at his/ her job functions,” he said. The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria was established as an umbrella Association for Practitioners of Personnel Management in 1968 as the Personnel Management Association of Nigeria. In 1973, it was renamed the Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria. Finally, Act No 58 of 1992 chartered the Institute.

PHCCIMA hails council boss over revenue task force disbandment KUDOS Institute harps on Business owners commend council over withdrawal of task force

T L-R: Head, Public Affairs and Communications, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited, Mr Uzo Odenigbo; Director of Education, Zonal Office, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs Abiola Abiodun Omole; Director, Human Resources, NBC, Mrs Grace Omo-Lamai; Education Secretary, Ajeromi Ifelodun, Local Government Area, Adewale Adeogun, at the presentation of Back to School Kits to 1,200 students of Christ Assembly Nursery/Primary School, Ajegunle, Olodi Apapa, Lagos.

SERAs introduces Nigeria’s most responsible businesses A

rrangements have been concluded by the Social Enterprises Report Awards (SERAs), otherwise known as the Nigeria Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards, to recognise the contributions of the most socially responsible organisations doing businesses in Nigeria. The annual ceremony has grown to become the epicentre of corporate social responsibility industry in Nigeria and is rated as one of the most credible awardgiving bodies in the country. Over 64 entries were submitted this year and the

verification of entries and projects took place from July to August 2014. The ceremony holds at the MUSON centre, Onikan, Lagos. The Chief Responsibility Officer and Founder of CSR Nigeria and the SERAs, Mr. Ken Egbas, said: “This year is exciting for us as we embark on our 8th year and I will always equate the number eight to infinity. This is the start of more meaningful engagement of SERAs and all organisations that are giving back to the society. We have already set a standard in the industry and we strive to be

better annually. The Social Enterprise Report- compendium of best practices in CSR and sustainability, will also be launched at the event.” Nineteen organisations made the final nominees’ list across 20 categories. The list of finalist includesNigerian Breweries, Shell, Exxon Mobil, Airtel, Fidelity Bank, Etisalat, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation, Cornerstone Insurance, Samsung, GT Bank, Promasidor, UBA, Access Bank, Oando Foundation, Total, Lafarge, Nestle, DHL and First Bank.

Ogun tasks manufacturers on friendly environment

ompanies and business owners in Ogun State have been advised to be more conscious of the environment and ensure a reduction of the impact of their activities on the environment. This advice was given at a two-day summit held at the Africa Leadership Forum in Ota. Declaring the summit open, state Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ayo Olubori, who represented

the state government, reiterated the commitment of the government to ensuring a habitable environment for living and business operations. The summit was aimed at encouraging best practices and self-compliance on the issue of environment by companies and businesses operating in the state. Representatives of companies and business owners operating in the state and

community leaders, captains of industries, among others, were at the summit, the first that emphasised the need for stakeholders to be responsible and responsive. Members of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria also emphasised the need for government to make more commitment to safeguarding the environment through relevant policies and strict implementation of same.

he Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), has commended the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Nnamdi Wuche, over his recent disbandment of all task force groups operating in the local government. He described the decision as a welcome development following the menace and embarrassment caused by the activities of the task forces members. President of the chamber, Emeka Unachukwu, noted that the suspension was timely as the activities of such heartless task force members practically eroded the achievements of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce and the Rivers State government in the area of promoting sustainable economic activities and progress in the state and stifling efforts made to strengthen small and medium scale enterprises in the area. He said: “As the organised private sector, our members are the ones mostly affected. Hence, consistent efforts have been made to bring these illegal activities to a

halt as it continues to constitute serious impediment to the progress of virtually all businesses in the city.” Unachukwu expressed gratitude to the Port Harcourt Mayor for suspending all revenue collection, saying it shows that the Mayor feels the pulse of the business community and also shows his resolve and ultimate desire to get things done in the most accepted and laid down approach. The PHCCIMA boss urged that people must continue to be alert to the devices of such task force members and they must be checked to ensure that the constant menace of intimidation and forceful collection of illegal revenue is brought to an end. Unachukwu, who took a swipe at some elements in the force, who, he said, collaborate with touts in perpetrating their illegal trade, called on relevant authorities of the Police force to call their men to order and also ascertain the legality of such revenue drives before releasing their men to the field. It will be recalled that the chamber was one of the brains behind sponsorship of a bill at the Rivers State House of Assembly seeking to harmonize the various taxes in the state for better understanding and clarity. Similarly, PHCCIMA, as the mouthpiece of the organised private sector, was also instrumental to the reduction of taxes on registration of business premises in the state to the barest minimum.

African governments tipped on job creation, export promotion

olicy-makers in Africa have been urged to improve labour market outcomes and promote inclusive growth. This is in addition to promoting commodity-based industrialisation to reduce the high and challenging youth unemployment rate in Africa.

These were some of the issues raised during a parallel session on “Knowledge Generation for Structural Transformation” held recently at the 9th African Economic Conference in Addis Ababa. During the session in CONTINUED ON PAGE 35

Business | Industry

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

SMEs key to job creation – SON POTENTIAL SON identifies SMEs as panacea to unemployment Stories by Dele Alao

mall and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been identified as the bed-rock of employment generation and economic transformation in Nigeria. Director General, Stan-

dards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu, said this at the breakfast meeting organised by Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC). Speaking on the topic, “Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS): A New Approach”, Odumodu described the SMEs as key sector for national economic transformation. He said that SON was focusing on certification of more SMEs in the country to encourage local content and create jobs for teaming Nigerians.

The DG, represented by Deputy Director of SON, Mrs. Margaret Eshiett, said that the agency has embarked on ICT infrastructural development and engagement of experts to enhance quality service delivery. “Consumer products are now registered and captured on the SON website for easy access to stakeholders in the industry,” he said. The SON boss, however, encouraged Nigerians to patronise Made-in-Nigeria goods to strengthen the local industries.

He noted that Made-inNigeria goods, though more expensive, are better than the foreign ones. According to Odumodu, SON is working with National Orientation Agency of Nigeria to build confidence in Made-inNigeria brands through public awareness. He promised that the agency would continue to collaborate with relevant bodies to provide standard for various goods in the country in line with international regulations. Earlier, President, Nigerian-

British Chamber of Commerce, Prince Adeyemi Adefulu, noted that Nigeria is faced with reputation problem due to double standard in business dealings. “We have to realise that cutting corners can’t help our nation; standard must be kept in the interest of all,” Adefulu said. He encouraged the SON Director General to work without sentiment like late Prof. Dora Akunyili did in National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for his name to be written in gold.

Mega Trade Fair returns to Ibadan T

he annual Mega Trade Fair in Oyo State, hosted by SNX Media, has been scheduled for December. The second edition of the Fair will hold at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, Oyo State. More than 300 businesses will be exhibiting their products and services at the fair. President of SNX Media, the organisers of the mega trade fair, Mr. Delight Owoyemi, said the mega trade fair offers a centralised location to access the Ibadan marketplace in one location in time for the end of the year festivities. Owoyemi said: “The Mega Trade Fair anticipates over 300,000 visitors from the state and in the western region at the 10day event. The changing market place has made the use of Trade fairs for brand activation more imperative. As a reliable media for faceto-face interaction with so many brands in one place, trade fairs offer a globally accepted platform for doing business.” “The Mega trade fair provides an opportunity for merchants in Oyo State and Nigeria in general to tap into the large market in Ibadan. The fair brings all potential buyers at a single

platform where they have an access to a wide array of products and services,” he added. Owoyemi noted that the different tools of exhibitions, such as product demonstration product launches, networking opportunities, and instant feedback of user experience would boost sales. “To engage different demographics, the organisers have planned The Drink Festival, Making of 10,000 CEOs, Community/Cultural Day; Kiddies Delight; Fashion Show; BUY N USE; and Football Matches,” he said. He added: “There are also tourist sites for visitors who are interested in exploring the historic city. The organisers are partnering with several community-based organisations to host the Community/Cultural Day. The day will afford cultural associations in Ibadan to display the diversity of cultures that the cosmopolitan nature of Ibadan affords. The fair will also host the Drink Festival, where different beverage companies can interact with their customers in Ibadan. The 10 day event will also host a football match where supporters can win branded gifts of their favourite team.”

African govts tipped on job creation CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 3 4

Alassane, Drabo Ferdi presented his paper titled: “Primary agricultural commodity trade and labour markets outcomes,” which explores empirically the effect of economic openness on labour market outcomes by focusing on the role of agricultural primary commodity exports and imports. He argued that total exports of goods improve labour market outcomes, but a high primary commodity exports-to-imports ratio alleviates this benefit from trade. As recognised by the

Istanbul Programme of Actions, he explained that poor countries should “adopt and strengthen, as appropriate, sector and commodity-specific policies, measures and strategies to enhance productivity and vertical diversification, ensure value-addition and increase value-retention.” This, he argued, can be achieved without affecting the dynamism of the economy through the transformation of raw products before exporting them. “In addition to the creation of value addition, this will result in a low unemployment rate,” he said.

L-R: Acting Registrar, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Mr Seye Awojobi; Executive Director, Ivory Banking, Heritage Bank Limited, Mrs Mary Akpobome; President, CIBN and Chairman in Council, Otunba Mrs Debola Osibogun in handshake with Managing Director, Heritage Bank Limited, Ifie Sekibo; and 2nd Vice- President, CIBN, Mr Uche Olowu, during Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Stakeholders Engagement visit to Heritage Bank’s Head Office in Lagos.

BoI accredits PRODA as cottage fund equipment supplier

n an attempt to ensure that viable and reliable options are readily accessible by seekers of its N5 billion Cottage Agro Processing Fund, the Bank of Industry has accredited the Projects Development Institute (PRODA), Enugu, as one of the technology centres to fabricate and provide equipment to beneficiary agro processors. The institute was originally the Projects Development Agency under the defunct East Central Government but later became a research institute under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), now Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, but still retains the acronym PRODA. Managing Director, BoI, Rasheed Olaoluwa, during a visit to the Institute in Enugu, said that it was part of a deliberate plan and strategy to link centres of innovation with industry, as a similar visit had been paid to the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, (FIIRO) Lagos. “This is a journey. We have been to FIIRO and now

at PRODA. I think you should watch out for more; Nigeria in the past had invested significantly in a lot of research institutes that have done a lot of work and we need to ensure that those works are commercialised and leveraged by the private sector to ensure that we fast-track Nigeria’s industrialisation. And some of these technologies include the cassava processing equipment, corn flour equipment, the palm-kernel cracker and oil extractor among others,” he said. Olaoluwa, who was conducted round the facilities of the Institute by the Acting Director-General of PRODA, Dr. Charles Agulanna, said: “To my greatest surprise, I discovered this afternoon that PRODA, just like FIIRO, has also developed a number of technologies over the years and in addition to discussing in theory, we actually went to the workshop and we looked at some of those technologies and we actually saw people coming here to take those technologies to set-up businesses in many parts of Nigeria.” He noted that in addition

to the agro-processing equipment production, PRODA also had other technologies such as equipment forproducing pencils, which if actually commercialised, would make Nigeria the only country in Africa that produces pencils. “We also discussed about the BoI’s Cottage Agro Processing (CAP) Fund which we launched recently. PRODA is also going to be one of the equipment suppliers to ensure that people who want to process Nigeria’s vast agricultural produce can come to PRODA and also adopt their technologies, to ensure that those products are processed to final food products or intermediate raw materials for industries,” he said. In his response, Agulanna said: “This visit is a window for the Institute to start to impact positively on the economy of the country and we do have a lot of researched product on our shelves and we think with this coming of BoI, we will be well guided in trying to disseminate some of the technologies that we have here and some of the R&D products.”

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

ICT

Smile targets 60 cities’ coverage by 2015 p.37 With Nigeria retaining its position at the Information Telecommunications Union Council, analysts say the country is well positioned for future greater role in the global ICT stage, writes KUNLE AZEEZ

VConnect advocates online presence for businesses p.38

ITU Council seat provides Nigeria platform for future global feats firmness. This has been demonstrated over the years in all the initiatives and programs we have implemented.” Analysts note that from the outcome of the elections, the appeal hit a positive note as Nigeria was retained in the Council while some other high-profile countries lost out. Only last month, Juwah was elected Chairman of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation; with both successes helping to increase Nigeria’s visibility at international fora as befitting fulfilment of one of his cardinal programmes on assumption of office four years ago.

igeria’s efforts to remain in the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Council were rewarded last week in Bussan, South Korea, after a nail-biting election. Industry stakeholders say that for the fact that the country still retains its position at ITU Council means that the country still has the prospect of attaining greater role that will further fuel the country’s status in the global ICT arena. The Nigerian campaign was spearheaded by the Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson, and supported by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Eugene Juwah.

Juwah

The NCC formed the arrowhead of the country’s return to the ITU Council.

Kudos Speaking after the success, Johnson congratulated the Nigerian delegates for the victory and urged them to work harder in the campaigns next time in order to make the outcome less anxious and stressful. The minister was referring to the thick anxiety that enveloped the Nigerian delegation when the name was not called at the expected time. Council’s role The ITU Council is the highest decision making body and acts as the union’s governing body in the interval between Plenipotentiary Conferences while one of the Board’s main functions is to approve rules of procedures to facilitate application of the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and the geo-stationary-satellite and non-geostationary satellites orbits. The 48 membership Council seats are distributed thus: The Americas (nine seats); Western Europe (eight seats); Eastern Europe and Northern Asia (five seats); Africa (13 seats) and East Asia and Australia (13). Although New Telegraph learnt that the seats are fairly distributed across the regions, a whole lot of international politicking and diplomatic manoeuvring usually come into play and this saw countries like South Africa and Iran voted out of the Council.

ITU scribe, Hamadoun Toure

Sharing successes Speaking at a dinner hosted by Nigeria for the delegates to the Plenipot, Juwah told the gathering that there had been so much development in the country’s communications sector, which the country was ready to export and share with the international community. “The Nigerian Telecommunications industry has grown in leaps and bounds over the last decade, and the growth rate continues to be impressive. Our industry statistics shows the country’s active voice subscriber base of about 132 million as at today.

We continue to enunciate programmes and regulatory frameworks, as well as adapt global best practices in the regulation of our telecoms industry

“Also, we have a teledensity of 92.41 per cent; Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of over $32 billion and Telecoms contributes nine per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product. Nigeria still has tremendous opportunities for growth, especially in the area of broadband deployment,” he said. Explaining further, Juwah said: “We have also been recognised in various fora globally for the achievements we have made in regulating and developing our telecommunications sector. “We continue to enunciate programmes and regulatory frameworks, as well as adapt global best practices in the regulation of our telecommunications industry. We carry out our regulatory role based on the principles of fairness, forthrightness and

Stakeholders’ reaction Speaking with New Telegraph on the increasing importance being attached to Nigeria on the global ICT stage, President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr Lanre Ajayi, said that there is huge prospect in Nigeria, which the country has continued to chant to foreign investors. “I am sure that Nigeria has the demographic dividend to be a bride of many foreign investors. Also, in the area of policy, Nigeria has charted a clear direction for itself in terms of how it plans to grow its digital economy. This is supported by favourable regulatory regime put in place by the regulator and our participation all global and regional ICT-related for have also positioned us well on the global ICT map,” he said. In addition, an industry analyst, Mr Akin Akinbo, stressed that the broadband revolution, which the country is championing currently will be the next phase of revolution that will further position the country as a leading country in the global ICT space.

Adenuga, Globacom sweep tech awards

igeria’s National Telecom Carrier, Globacom, and its founder, Dr. Mike Adenuga, won a total of five awards at the just-concluded 2014 African Information and Communications Technology Awards (AFRICTA) held in Lagos. Adenuga, according to a statement from Glo, bagged the award of the African ICT Man of the Decade for his pan-African ICT investment vision, humaneness and unrivalled patriotism. On the other hand, Globacom bagged four awards, including the Broadband Backbone Provider of the Year for its Glo 1 infra-

structure; Subscriber-Friendly Telecoms Operator of the Year for its commitment to subscriber rewards and sponsorships; Fastest Growing Mobile Operator of the Decade and Best Wholesale Broadband Company of the year. The awards promoters described Adenuga as a pan-Africanist, who has put a human face to wealth creation and an investor, whose vision for the ICT industry is founded “on a tradition of changing the life of the black man. “Globacom has become synonymous with life-transforming investments like the Glo 1 undersea cable which has changed the

way West Africans live and do business.” As the Broadband Backbone provider of the Year, Glo 1 was cited as bringing to West Africa a more flexible and efficient work environment with guaranteed connectivity anywhere, anytime as had never been experienced before. The telecoms firm was singled out for further praise for its promotion of the entertainment industry, sports and sponsorship of cultural festivals across the Nigerian ethnic terrain, hence Globacom was rated the most Subscriber friendly Operator.

Business | ICT

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

Smile targets 60 cities’ coverage by 2015 BROADBAND Government’s target to deepen broadband penetration to get a boost next year Stories by Kunle Azeez

broadband service provider in Nigeria, Smile Communications, said it plans to extend its services to about 60 cities by the end of next year. The company disclosed this during a media interaction in Lagos. According to the Chief Marketing Officer, Smile Communications, Ms Alero Ladipo, the company has rolled out services in Ibadan, Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt and hope to increase this to 13 by the end of this year. She also stated that the company plans to roll out massively from next year, adding that “by next year, we are working to ensure that we reach 60 cities across the federation.” She stated that the company will also ensure that it “adds more base stations to achieve the target of being in 6o cities. “After we have done the 6o cities, we will also ensure we do highway plug-ins as

well so that as people travel on the high-ways connecting one cities to another, there is no break in service access on our network.” She added that, though Smile does not have fibres of its own, “we are renting facilities from companies that already have fibre optic cables laid, including MTN, Phase3, MainOne and so on and with this arrangement, we know that our network will always be up and running in our quest to deepen broadband penetration in the country.” She said that her mandate, as CMO of Smile, focuses on product development, research and analysis to ensure that customers get what they want on Smile network. According to her, Smile, having come to the market as a challenger brand, will also ensure that it changes the face of Internet services provisioning through provision of services, bearing in mind reliability, access, quality and speed, which were key to Smile’s operations. She said that Smile is in sync with the determination of the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications Technology to achieve a five-fold increase in broadband

penetration of 30 per cent in the country by 2018. Ladipo, therefore, promised that Smile will continue to use its licensed spectrum to provide services for the generality of Nigerians. Meanwhile, General Manager, Sales, Smile Communications, Mr. Ken Esenwa,

The increase in the number of Nigerians with access to the Internet presents huge opportunities

ne of Nigeria’s fastest-growing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) conglomerate, Computer Warehouse Group Plc., is promoting the growth of electronic commerce in the country through its online platform, Openshopen. The CWG Openshopen platform enables any one to sell anything online and provides a seamless means of accepting orders, collecting payments and making deliveries. Chief Technology Officer, Computer Warehouse Group Plc, Mr. James Agada said, “With CWG Openshopen, these services are built in so that once you sign up, you can, if you want, begin to receive payments online and have your goods delivered to customers nationwide without having to invest in any other logistics for payments or delivery.” Illustrating this, Agada said: “Take for instance,

a fast-moving consumer group firm that currently battles with a bank to help do collections and hires an army of order takers to input order details into its ERP system. The FMCG can replace the entire collection and ordering system by opening an online shop on Openshopen for its factors and distributors. “They will order online, pay online and delivery can be arranged. Or consider a transporter who wants to run a cashless ticketing system. Simply put the tickets online and people can buy and pay and get their ticket numbers which can be verified from a phone.” He said that the CWG Openshopen platform takes e-commerce way “beyond the pedestrian selling of shoes and phones and extends it into the best tool for increased market access.” This, he said, is a deliberate design borne out of the determination of CWG Plc through its new CWG 2.0 initiative to democratise access to the technology of business. “With 17.6 million small enterprises in Nigeria, extending e-commerce to the sale of locally-made goods and services greatly expands market access for local content,” he said. “This

and the facility is up and running. The same thing is going to be done in Abuja and Port Harcourt and Abuja,” he said. He added that promotion of digital education will form the bedrock of Smile education, saying that the company is determined to drive e-learning of the children in Nigeria.

L-R: Chief Technology Officer, Computer Warehouse Group Plc, Mr James Agada; Head, Sales Africa and Middle East, SES Platform Services, Mr Stéphane Goebel; Vice-President, Business Development, Africa SES, Mr Jean-Pierre Kabanda; Chief Executive Officer, ASTRA Platform Services (APS), Mr Wilfried Urner and Associate Vice-President, CWG Plc, Mr Dayo Abegunde, during a broadcast summit in Lagos.

CWG drives e-commerce with Openshopen platform OPPORTUNITIES

has said that the company also plans to be visible in the area of social investment by focusing its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on education through e-learning. “As part of our CSR activities, we have provided free Internet access to 25 public schools in Lagos and Ibadan

same role has been played by Alibaba in China. Today, Alibaba’s stock sells for $98-$100 per share. It will be interesting to see whether CWG shares will also trade at those levels.” Agada, however, noted that while it is common to associate e-commerce with popular sites such as Jumia or Konga or Amazon and other online retail shops, ecommerce is actually broader than that. He said: “In Nigeria, it is a belief that is held by a large number of Nigerians that when you want to buy consumer items like shoes or electronics or books, you can go online. Of course, other web sites allow you to search for jobs or properties or cars but you cannot really buy those online. “Does that then mean that e-commerce is only for shoes and phones? The answer is no. e-commerce, properly done, allows an organisation of any size to greatly increase its turnover and sales irrespective of the business or the goods being sold. “Latest statistics show that 66 million Nigerians are on Facebook, the popular Internet social website. Also, 24 million Nigerians have smartphones that have Internet capability, and Internet penetration is at 50 per cent.

Data Sciences extols govt’s local content policy igeria’s foremost com- identity is not known to N puter company, Data the examiners. This helps Sciences Nigeria Limited, to remove bias and other has commended the Federal Government’s policy on local content, saying that it will spring up innovations and original ideas among Nigerian youths who can compete globally with their peers. The firm stated this at this year’s Gitex Technology Week in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where it was a major sponsor of Nigeria’s participation. Executive Director, Technical Services at Data Sciences, Mr. Mike Adedowole, said without local content participation, Data Sciences, with over 30 years’ experience in the Nigerian ICT industry, would not have been alive till today. He stated that Data Sciences was in Gitex to showcase some of its solutions that were developed locally and are being used to offer services in the Nigerian educational sector. One of such solutions is the eMarker, which Data Sciences said is for examining the responses of candidates such that their information and images are scanned and sent to the cloud for the examiners to examine. “The beauty of eMarker is that the candidates’

problems, among others, because the examiners are not supposed to know the person they are marking his or her scripts,” he added. Data Sciences Nigeria Limited (DSNL) is the leading indigenous Information Technology Company in Nigeria. With accumulated operational experience of about three decades, DSNL exists to provide solutions for varying computing needs such as hardware/ software installation, networking (local, Metropolitan and wide area), systems integration, software development, heterogeneous IT management, training and consultancy. Managing Director of Data Sciences, Mr. Anienkan Etiebet said, “With strategic partnership with world leaders in the information and related technology industry, Data Sciences has competence in hardware, software, network solution, system integration, system protection and IT training & consultancy to provide customers with the best products in solving their IT challenges, while ensuring maximum systems uptime in order to give them the required competitive edge.”

Business | ICT

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Onyemenam: Why MasterCard was selected for eID Now that the electronic identity (eID) card has been formally launched, questions are being asked relating to the card’s payments component. In this interview with KUNLE AZEEZ at an event in Lagos during the week, Director General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Dr Chris Onyemenam, addresses some of the thorny issues surrounding the scheme. Excerpts… Why did NIMC select MasterCard, a US-based company, to be the payments technology provider for the National eID pilot programme rather than a local company? First of all, MasterCard is providing the payments technology for 13 million National eID Cards as part of the pilot programme. On completion of the pilot programme, NIMC will announce which payment partners will be brought on board, in addition to MasterCard, for the mass rollout of the National eID Cards. MasterCard presented its payments solution and business proposal to NIMC for the National eID Card business together with other card schemes and companies. The three popular schemes - approved and licenced by the Central Bank of Nigeria to operate in Nigeria and with significant business relationships with the Nigerian deposit money banks - were invited to submit proposals to NIMC. The most responsive and willing vendor was MasterCard. NIMC announced its selection of MasterCard as the payments technology provider for the Nigerian National eID pilot programme in May 2013 at the World Economic Forum on Africa, which was held in South Africa. The reason why NIMC selected MasterCard is due to its deep experience with similar large-scale government programmes around the world, its commit-

the consumer is indeed holding his or her own payment card. What are the security features on the National eID Card from a payment’s perspective? Well, in addition, cardholders have the extra security assurance that biometric based Match On Card technology provides, allowing them to access their funds and continue to validate their identity in a number of situations, with or without connectivity, especially when the financial application is enabled for offline transactions.

Onyemenam

ment to advancing financial inclusion in Nigeria and importantly, MasterCard’s ability to meet all the functional, technological and economic requirements of the project. MasterCard is also the world’s most-accepted payment brand, meaning that Nigerians can use their cards to pay at millions of MasterCard locations in Nigeria and across the border. MasterCard was also able to quickly develop a mutually beneficial business roadmap that met all the requirements of the NIMC project plan and timelines. Others are just responding and will be considered accordingly. So, the alliance between NIMC and MasterCard is to drive financial inclusion through embeding payment functionalities in the card considering the fact that 70 per cent of Nigerian adults are still unbanked in spite of the efforts being made by the banks. Can MasterCard access personal information and biometric data of National eID cardholders? MasterCard’s prepaid technology is just one of the card’s 13 different applications, five of which are currently live. MasterCard’s payments technology is stored securely and separately from the

other applets, including the card’s identification applet. In fact, there is a firewall between the payment applet and all the other applets, so, not even a Point of Sale terminal or ATM can access the secure data that is protected on certain parts of the card. Beyond identity, NIMC has also said that the card to be issued will have payment functionalities. Can you explain this? The National eID Card is a chip and pin card certified according to the EMV (EuroPay, MasterCard and Visa) standard for globally interoperable, secure payments, which is mandated by the government of Nigeria, and it is approved and licenced by the Central Bank of Nigeria. The key element of EMV involves including dynamic digital data in every transaction. This makes these types of transactions extremely secure and reduces the risk of fraud. When a consumer uses an EMVenabled card to pay at an EMV terminal, it can be instantly identified as an authentic, approved payment instrument belonging to that consumer through a process called dynamic authentication. When used with a PIN (Personal Identification Number), the chip verifies that

StarTimes offers free viewing services

igerian pay-television services provider, StarTimes, has announced a seven-day free viewing opportunity for its customers to enjoy the eight recently launched channels on its Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) service. According to the company, the channels would be available for all subscription bouquets through an Open Week from November 10 to 16, when dormant and active subscribers would have free viewing access to the newly launched channels on the pay-tv platform. Speaking at the flag-off session, Public Relations Manager of the NTA-Star Network, Mr Israel Bolaji, said StarTimes would not relent in its efforts to ensure that its customers get quality content. “We would continually

improve on the quality of content available on our platform to meet up with the content demands of our customers; this is why we are declaring these eight new channels free through our Open Week. For one week, (Dormant and Active customers) can experience the new channels for free on our pay-tv bouquets.” He noted that StarTimes would continue to address the content needs of its customers by providing quality content aimed at meeting their individual and family needs. “Prior to now we launched Star Sport 2 and Dadin Kowa. While Star Sport 2 was launched to meet with the demands of our sports loving customers for more sports content, particularly exclusive content; Dadin Kowa, targeted at the whole family, especially

our Hausa speaking customers, is aimed at showcasing the rich cultural attributes of the Hausa people.” Bolaji reiterated StarTimes’s commitment to ensuring that its subscribers enjoy the best of digital television at an affordable price. “As a platform for digital migration, we are ever committed to helping Nigerians actualise the 2015 deadline by ensuring that Nigerians get the best of digital television at an affordable price. So, Nigerians can confidently migrate into the digital space with StarTimes as we provide the latest technology in DTT operations – DVB-T2 technology – which will give over 80 channels of great sports, music, movies, news, kids and teens’ entertainment, documentary, religion and lots more.

How do citizens activate the payment’s functionality on the National eID Card? Once eligible citizens have enrolled for their National Identification Number (NIN), they will receive a notification stating that their National eID Card is ready for collection. Pick up will be at the same NIMC center at which the citizen enrolled. The citizen then visits the NIMC enrolment centre to collect and activate the ID component on the card. Should citizens wish to activate the payments applet on the card, they simply go to a NIMC teller, and request that their card is activated for payments. The teller will ask them to select a unique PIN that the cardholder will use when making payment. After the cardholder has selected their PIN, the teller will activate the payments component with the bank. The National eID Card is then ready to be loaded with funds, after which the cardholder can make payments at any of the millions of locations that accept MasterCard in Nigeria and globally. Are you aware that Nigerians are been charged to pay some money by some people to pre-enroll for the scheme? Pre-enrollment for National Identity Number registration is absolutely free! Nobody should be allowed to swindle the public. We are aware that some individuals display NIMC banners, posing as if they are accredited NIMC agents, whereas, they are not. So, we are working with law enforcement agents to discourage such criminal act, even as we continuously enlighten members of the public to be wary of this development and that they should do their pre-enrollment and actual enrollment directly at accredited NIMC enrollment centres across the country.

VConnect advocates online presence for businesses

igeria’s largest local search engine, VConect, has urged businesses in Nigeria to embrace digital platform, saying that online presence is key to future growth of any business in the current digital economy. Assistant Brand Manager, VConnect.com, Mr Frankyln Nwajuonye, stated this at this year’s Users’ Choice Award organised by the company, where innovations and ingenuity of firms already connected to VConnect platform are rewarded. He advised business owners to distinguish themselves by utilising all business opportunities offered by VConnect in order to positively grow their businesses and increase

their business exposure for enhanced customer patronage. According to Nwajuonye, the award was part of the company’s move to appreciating its ever-growing clients for their loyalty and outstanding consistence in staying clued to online platform to promote their businesses. “The award, which is specifically designed to portray VConnect as effective location pointers to all business directories in Nigeria, was done to recognise professionals who exhibited outstanding business acumen, resource utilization, comprehensive technical skills and show exceptional quality among many others in same business category,” Nwajuonye said.

Business | Movers, Shakers & Careers

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

Al-Makura appoints new press secretary N asarawa State Governor, Umaru Al-Makura, has appointed Mr Yakubu Lamai as his new Chief Press Secretary following a minor cabinet reshuffle. This was disclosed in a statement by Secretary to the state government, Zainab Ahmed. Also, Mr Hussaini Abubakar, Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, has been moved to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. Commissioner for Lands

and Urban Development, Mr Sonny Agassi, will oversee Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources as well as Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. Commissioner of Commerce, Industry and Cooperative, Mr Emmanuel Brass-Yaji, is to oversee the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development. Mohammed Dan-Azumi, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs was posted to the Minis-

try of Finance and Economic Development while Mohammed Wada of Works, Housing and Transport Ministry is to take charge in the Ministry of Rural and Community Development. Commissioner for Information and Ethical Reorientation, Mr Hamza Elayo, has been assigned to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, as well as the State Planning Commission. The statement said that all the appointments were with immediate effect.

New CEO for UBA Kenya

T Edu

Edu now Broll Nigeria’s CEO

roll Nigeria, one of the leading real estate service firm, has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer, Bolaji Edu, to grow its revenue by 40 per cent. The firm, which opened for business in Nigeria in 2004, has over 130 property practitioners in the country and asset under management in excess of $6 billion. Edu, a graduate of Economics and Business Economics from the University of Hull started work with the property management team at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) in London. Following his experience in the valuations department, he qualified as a chartered surveyor and became a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). He moved to work in investment management before becoming an associate director in the investment advisory team of JLL.

In 2005, Edu joined Aviva Investors, an asset managing property portfolio for some UK Pension Funds before becoming an Assistant Fund Manager in the Institutional Funds Team in 2011. Broll Nigeria, a subsidiary of Broll Property Group South Africa, which is Africa’s leading commercial property services group, was founded in 1974. The Group has offices throughout South Africa and some African countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi and Rwanda, among others. Broll Nigeria is affiliated to CBRE, the largest property services company in the world as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange with over 44,000 employees and 349 offices in 42 countries. It is well known mostly for its management of malls in Nigeria, including the Palms, Lekki and the Ikeja City Mall.

Aviation firm gets acting MD n acting Managing Di- pany said that the appointA rector has been appointment was in line with the ed by the Nigerian Aviation company’s succession plan Handling Company Plc. He is Mr Norbert Bielderman. The company has notified the Nigerian Stock Exchange of the new appointment, effective October 23, 2014. A statement from the com-

Bielderman

and corporate governance as the current Managing Director/CEO, Mr Kayode Oluwasegun Ojo, whose contract expires on March 31, 2015, and is proceeding on leave from October 23, 2014. Bielderman joined the company as Chief Operating Officer in May 2010 and rose to become an Executive Director, Operations, in December 2013. He is a tested aviation practitioner with 29 years hands-on experience in ground handling operations, project management, strategy implementation and logistics chain management, among others.

he United Bank for Africa’s Kenya Bank Board has announced the appointment of Mr Isaac Mwige as its new Chief Executive Officer. UBA Kenya Chairman, Mr Ngugi Kiuna, in a statement, described Mwige’s appointment as a transformative step towards localising Africa’s Global Bank. He said: “Mr Mwige becomes our first indigenous CEO and he brings to the bank a wealth of experience drawn from corporate and retail banking having worked in various capacities within East and West Africa. “During this time of transformation, there is no better person to lead the bank. Mwige is a proven leader with results, business vision and the ability to bring people together. His

vision for how UBA will be felt and experienced is exactly what we as a board need as we enter a new chapter of expanded product innovation and growth.” Mwige said: “UBA is one of those rare companies to have truly revolutionised hope in Africa through facilitation built around a banking platform and I couldn’t be more honoured to have been chosen to lead the bank’s Kenya operations. “The opportunity ahead for the bank is vast, but to seize it, we must focus clearly, move faster and continue to transform. A big part of my job is to accelerate our ability to bring innovative, practical and functional products to our customers more quickly.” As CEO, Mwige’s first task will be to continue the

Mwige

enhanced growth of the UBA brand by increasing touch-points with various stakeholders. This will be achieved through leveraging the banks strong wholesale proposition as well as ensuring that the bank always maintains truly competitive solutions and assumes its thought leadership position in the marketplace.

Holiday emerges Shell’s Board Chair

harles Holiday has been appointed chairman of Royal Dutch Shell’s Board of Directors. Holliday will succeed Jorma Ollila, who is stepping down from the Board with effect from the conclusion of the 2015 Annual General Meeting, having served as chairman for nine years. Shell said in a statement that the appointment was subject to his re-appointment as a Director of the Company by shareholders at the AGM. Holliday, who was appointed a non-executive Director of Shell Group with effect from September 2010, is currently chairman of the Corporate and Social Responsibility Committee and member of the Remuneration Committee. He was Chief Executive Officer of DuPont from 1998 to 2009 and Chairman from 1999 to 2009. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Bank of America Corporation and had previously served as Chairman until September 2014. He is also a Director of Deere & Company.

Holiday

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Features

Women, children as victims of terrorism As the ceasefire deal between the Federal Government and Boko Haram collapses, EBERE AMEH writes on move by a group to find solution to terrorism

uring wars and conflict situations, women and children are usually the most affected. Because of their vulnerability, most times, they are taken as sex slaves, used as human shields and killed at random. The Boko Haram terror organisation is not any different as it has declared a full-scale war against the Nigerian state. The sect is claiming territories and establishing caliphates. “We are in a war situation because what we see now is what we saw during the Nigeria-Biafra War - families displaced, people dying in hundreds and women used as sex slaves among others,” Ada Agina-Ude, the Executive Director, Gender and Development Action, said. Despite the supposed ceasefire agreement between the Federal Government and the terrorists, the situation is far from being normal. There are reports that they have not only abducted a good number of women from the North-East, where they hold sway, apart from the over 200 schoolgirls kidnapped from Chibok in Borno State. How did the country get into this mess? How can the situation be salvaged? How can the government secure the release of the hundreds of women and children without huge collateral damage? How can the government ensure a secure future, devoid of terrorism now and for generations yet to come? These have been some of the questions on the lips of many people. These are some of the questions which Dehab Ghebreab, acting United States Consular General, Lagos; Folake Maccus-Bello, Nigeria’s former ambassador to Zambia; Agina-Ude; Olakunle Soriyan,

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun. bello@newtelegraphonline.com

Participants at the conference

Principal Transformation Strategist with Olakunle Soriyan Company; Gloria Chuma-Ibe, the Director of Exhibitions and Museum at the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC); Dr Princess Olufemi Kayode, Executive Director, Media Concern Initiative; Janet Mba Afolabi and Adenike Ladipo tried to answer at a roundtable conference on the Chibok girls. While some people blamed the Almajiri system in the North, the introduction of Sharia and mass illiteracy of many Nigerians for terrorism, others believed it is more political than religious. “When Sharia was introduced by a state in the North, the government politicised it, instead of nipping it in the bud. The creation of the Sharia Court of Appeal is a major contributory factor to what we are suffering now. They say that there are Customary Courts of Appeal in the South, but they should have come up with something about customs, not religion,” Agina-Ude said. She called on the United States and other western nations to assist Nigeria with not just intelligence but everything necessary to salvage the situation, with the least collateral damage. However, for Soriyan, the problem with Nigeria is neither Sharia nor Almajiri. “Nigeria has only two problems – the mass ignorance of our people and the decadence in the family unit,” Soriyan noted. According to him, every country must run its own journey and travel its own distance. “No other nation has the kind of diversity and composition like Nigeria. It will do us good if we rise above tribe and religion in order to move ahead,” he added. But Chuma-Ibe believed the

In a place as small as Ethiopia, the policemen are not well paid but they carry out their duties to the letter

problem is self-inflicted. She said: “The problem is you and I. All our problems originate from our value system. We no longer have that selfless thought for the next person, even in the church.” In addition, she observed that lack of implementation of sanctions is another cog in the wheel of the nation’s progress. “The laws are there but nobody wants to implement sanctions in Nigeria. The law enforcement agents are afraid. In a place as small as Ethiopia, the policemen are not well paid but they carry out their duties to the letter,” ChumaIbe said. Ghebreab, on the other hand, was of the opinion that the problem with Nigeria is worsened because girls and women are lagging behind with little or no education; largely deprived and poverty-stricken and still victims of domestic violence, perpetrated by people who are supposed to protect them. “Women and children are always most affected when countries are in conflict. Violence against women is not limited to Africa but it is more because women are still backward educationally. “When women are educated and not married out early, they can stand for their rights and are also more likely to ensure that their children are educated too. Education is what changes the face of a nation, her economy and her people,” he said. But Maccus-Bello had a different opinion. To her, the abduction of the Chibok girls and the campaign to bring them back are a distraction from the major problems besieging the country. She said: “We cannot forget the Chibok girls but they are taking a lot of attention and it has been politicised, it has become dramatized. People now use it as a political dia-

logue to get further attention from the populace. The problem with Nigeria is myriad. If they bring back the girls, will it solve our problem? It won’t even solve the insurgency problem. The insurgency and the abductions are a tip of the iceberg distracting the nation from the numerous fundamental problems besieging it.” With the theme; “The Plight of Women and Children in the Face of Emerging Terrorism: Which Way Forward? the conference organised by the Vanguard Press Limited, sought to find solutions to the security problem in the country, especially as it has adverse effects on women and children. While Ghebreab called for appropriate legislation to ensure the education of girls, noting that an empowered woman takes care of her children, her husband and the society, Macus-Bello urged all and sundry to go out and not only vote but ensure that their votes count. “The US has experienced terrorism and is supporting Nigeria with intelligence to overcome it. The US is at the forefront of fighting terrorism wherever it is. We have invested resources, the blood of young Americans and there is nothing the US wants than to see Nigeria win the war against Boko Haram,” Ghebreab said. “The problem with Nigeria will be solved if everybody will go out, suffer the inconvenience and vote. If the masses assume the mantle of authority by choosing the person they want, our problem will be reduced. Unfortunately, I don’t know which one comes first in Nigeria, insecurity or corruption,” Macus-Bello added. She advised that Nigeria should consider the issue of independent candidature and try to separate religion from governance if the country must become a safe and better society.

Business | Money Line

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

Nigeria records $39bn forex inflow in Q2 SURPLUS

Country ends with trade surplus balance of $7.11 billion Godson Ikoro

s the nation’s currency continues to fall, available data at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revealed that total foreign exchange inflow into the economy stood at US$39.33 billion, as against US$37.23 billion and US$36.32 billion recorded in Q2 2013 and Q1 2014, respectively. These indicated respective increases of 5.6 and 8.3 per cent. In a statement issued yesterday by the banking watchdog on the external sector developments, it said that the increase was due to the rise in crude oil receipts and invisible inflows through autonomous sources. Inflows through the CBN at US$12.67 billion increased by 34.2 and 23.9 per cent, respectively above the levels

recorded in Q2 2013 and Q1 2014. Inflows through autonomous sources increased from US$26.10 billion or 2.2 per cent to US$26.66 billion when compared with the level recorded in the preceding period. These inflows, however declined by 4.1 per cent as against the level recorded in the corresponding quarter in 2013. On the other hand, total foreign exchange outflow in the review period amounted to US$13.07 billion as against US$12.65 billion and US$16.03 billion recorded in Q2 2013 and Q1 2014, representing a decrease of 18.5 per cent and an increase of 3.3 per cent, respectively. Consequently, a netinflow of US$26.26 billion was recorded in Q2 2014 as against the US$24.57 billion and US$20.29 billion recorded in Q2 2013 and Q1 2014, respectively. According to the report, the estimated total external trade stood at US$39.00 billion in Q2 2014 as against US$41.61 billion and US$37.35 billion recorded in Q2 2013 and Q1 2014, respectively. Aggregate merchandise exports rose by 1.4 per cent above the level

recorded in Q1 2014 but declined by 12.3 per cent when compared with Q2 2013 to US$23.05 billion in the review period. Also, the crude oil and gas exports component accounted for 96.0 per cent of total exports while nonoil exports accounted for the balance. Non-oil ex-

ports declined by 17.5 and 17.0 per cent, respectively when compared with the levels recorded in Q2 2013 and Q1 2014 to US$0.93 billion. Out of the US$0.93 billion non-oil exports, the share of exports by the top 100 non-oil exporters was 63.3 per cent

he Federal Government has approved borrowing of $945 million from the International Development Association, an arm of the World Bank, for irrigation and drainage projects, Minister of State for Finance Bashir Yuguda has said. The borrowing consists of $495 million for irrigation projects in states including Kano, Sokoto and Zamfara; $250 million for urban water projects in Bauchi, Ekiti and Rivers states; and $200 million to improve drainage in Ibadan, Nigeria’s third-biggest city. The loan, repayable in 20 years, comes at an interest rate of 1.25 percent and a service cost of 0.75 percent, Yuguda said in Abuja yesterday With irrigation Nigeria will

As at N14,737,618.7m N16,509,472.5m 8 0.0000 12 10.899 7.96 17.01 US$109.9 US$42,604,781,796.6

Description

TTM

4.00% 23-Apr-2015 13.05% 16-Aug-2016 15.10% 27-Apr-2017 16.00% 29-Jun-2019 16.39% 27-Jan-2022 10.00% 23-Jul-2030

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 2/5/2014 1/20/2014 11/6/2013 Dec, 2013 Dec, 2013 1/20/2014 2/5/2014 Source:CBN

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

Price 90.35 99.40 104.40 109.65 114.45 76.90

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

Rate (%) 12.1827 12.2737 12.3744 12.8521 12.8535 13.8443

Treasury Bills Maturity Date 08-May-14 07-Aug-14 22-Jan-15

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

Bid Spot ($/N) 163.28 THE FIXINGS –NIBOR,NITTY and NIFEX of February 6,2014

NITTY

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Offer 163.38

Open-Buy-Back (OBB) Overnight (O/N)

Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

70 percent of government revenue. Agriculture, which employs more than 60 percent of the population, represents about 22 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

Sterling Bank’s Art Competition champs bag N1m reward

terling Bank Plc will reward the three winners of its Art Competition on Saturday November 8, 2014 at The Lilygate, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. The Bank’s Group Head, Strategy & Communications, Mr. Shina Atilola made this known in a statement made available to New Telegraph yesterday. He said that the Managing Director & Chief Executive of the Bank, Mr. Yemi Adeola will personally present the prize money to the top three winners while seven others who made it to the last 10 will also get consolation cash prizes. The competition, which commenced in May 2014 and had over 1000 entries received by the lender from aspiring young artists, was opened to children between the ages of 5-12 who were asked to come up with a drawing or a write-up on the bank of their dream. Commenting on the rationale for the competition, Atilola said: “We introduced the project to encourage stu-

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX

have capacity for a “year-out year-in farming season,” he said. The Federal Government is seeking to expand agricultural output to reduce dependence on oil exports, which account for more than

dents improve on innovation and critical thinking. We opened the project to students between ages 5-12. Basically, the kids are allowed to design and create the Bank of their imagination, which could be expressed as a painting, drawing, writing or even through a presentation. The most creative ideas will be shortlisted for various prizes.” The first, second and third prize winners will go home with scholarship awards of N500, 000, N300, 000 and N200, 000 respectively. There will also be other cash awards, gadgets and other prizes to be won. This initiative is aimed at identifying talents and harnessing same for global competitiveness”. Mr. Atilola, who assured that the Bank would continue to invest in child education especially in the area of financial literacy, explained that unless the private sector comes in to support education in the country, the challenges facing the sector may continue to hamper the growth of the sector in the country.

CIBN seeks prompt justice on e-banking dispute

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80

ed for 27.3 per cent and the non-oil 72.7 per cent. In Q2 2014, the overwhelming performance of exports over imports resulted in a sustained trade surplus balance of US$7.11 billion equivalent to 5.1 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

FG to borrow $945m from World Bank unit T

Economic Indicators M2* CPS* INF IBR MPR 91-day NTB DPR PLR Bonny Light Ext Res**

and valued at US$0.59 billion. Aggregate imports at US$14.70 billion on the other hand, surged by 3.5 and 9.1 per cent respectively, above the levels in the preceding quarter and corresponding quarter of 2013. The oil component account-

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

he President / Chairman of the Council of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Mrs ‘Debola Osibogun has called on the judiciary to promptly adjudicate disputes arising from the introduction of electronic banking platform. While lauding the introduction of electronic banking as a timely innovation in the payment system, she said there was urgent need for the judiciary to rise to the occasion of proper adjudication

of disputes arising from the platform. She spoke yesterday in Abuja at the opening of 14th national seminar on banking and allied matters for judges. Speaking on “Banking in Nigeria in the electronic age: Pertinent issues for the judiciary”, she said the recent introduction of mobile telephone system in the country has improved access to personal computers and internet service facilities, which have also added to the growth of electronic banking.

Business | Financial Market News

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

5-Nov-14

The FMDQ Daily Quotations List (DQL) comprises market and model prices/rates of foreign exchange ($/N) products, fixed income securities and instruments in the OTC market. The use of this report is subject to the FMDQ OTC PLC Terms of Use and Disclaimer Statement on www.fmdqotc.com.

Bonds FGN Bonds

Price

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description 4.00 23-APR-2015 13.05 16-AUG-2016 15.10 27-APR-2017 9.85 27-JUL-2017 9.35 31-AUG-2017 10.70 30-MAY-2018 16.00 29-JUN-2019 7.00 23-OCT-2019 16.39 27-JAN-2022 14.20 14-MAR-2024 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.50 20-NOV-2029 10.00 23-JUL-2030 12.1493 18-JUL-2034

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

23-Apr-10 16-Aug-13 27-Apr-12 27-Jul-07 31-Aug-07 30-May-08 29-Jun-12 23-Oct-09 27-Jan-12 14-Mar-14 28-Nov-08 22-May-09 20-Nov-09 23-Jul-10 18-Jul-14

4.00 13.05 15.10 9.85 9.35 10.70 16.00 7.00 16.39 14.20 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00 12.1493

535.00 563.89 452.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 371.68 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 130.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,675.13

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,618.53

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

23-Apr-15 16-Aug-16 27-Apr-17 27-Jul-17 31-Aug-17 30-May-18 29-Jun-19 23-Oct-19 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30 18-Jul-34

0.46 1.78 2.48 2.72 2.82 3.57 4.65 4.96 7.23 9.35 14.06 14.54 15.04 15.71 19.70

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

10.87 12.34 12.73 12.84 12.85 12.88 12.86 12.93 12.86 12.83 12.77 12.76 12.76 12.78 12.77

10.52 12.25 12.66 12.77 12.78 12.77 12.77 12.84 12.80 12.78 12.73 12.72 12.70 12.73 12.72

96.96 101.05 104.90 93.26 91.92 93.90 110.70 78.74 116.25 107.30 114.35 98.19 71.82 81.30 95.55

97.11 101.20 105.05 93.41 92.07 94.20 111.00 79.04 116.55 107.60 114.65 98.49 72.12 81.60 95.85

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

24-May-10 03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12

0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

24.56 3.00 112.22 116.70 66.49

24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 20-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.55 1.29 2.09 2.46 2.67

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

13.62 13.97 14.60 13.81 13.84

92.99 103.93 101.02 98.39 95.57

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM

0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

322.97

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

317.68

Sub-National Bonds A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.82

4.44

15.61

97.64

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.66

3.23

14.29

99.74

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

6.27

30-Jun-16

0.94

4.46

15.72

98.80

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

7.37

30-Jun-16

0.95

3.48

14.74

101.22

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.45

5.59

18.40

83.97

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

29.92

30-Jun-17

1.50

1.00

13.01

101.31

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.15

1.79

14.65

98.35

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.33

1.80

14.54

99.13

A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

3.91

1.00

13.90

100.27

A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

14.96

09-Dec-18

2.32

1.00

13.73

101.65

A-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

11.13

12-Dec-18

2.33

4.78

17.52

93.56

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.71

1.00

13.84

101.47

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*GOMBE

15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019

02-Oct-12

15.50

16.23

02-Oct-19

2.96

1.00

13.85

103.91

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019

22-Nov-12

14.50

80.00

22-Nov-19

5.05

1.00

13.93

101.98

14.75

27.51

12-Dec-19

2.93

2.74

15.59

98.16 102.33

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

12-Dec-12

A/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

14.75

11.40

10-Oct-20

3.48

1.00

13.87

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

87.00

27-Nov-20

6.06

1.00

13.92

98.29

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

6.15

1.94

14.86

100.49

A/Agusto A-/GCR

*EKITI *NASARAWA

14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

31-Dec-13

14.50

4.78

31-Dec-20

3.64

1.44

14.32

100.61

06-Jan-14

15.00

4.79

06-Jan-21

3.67

1.95

14.83

100.59

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

471.18 462.05

Corporate Bonds Aa/Agusto Nil Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto

GTB NGC

13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014

18-Dec-09

13.50

13.17

18-Dec-14

0.12

5.21

15.95

99.62

17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014

01-Apr-10

17.00

2.00

31-Dec-14

0.15

8.71

19.32

99.49

*UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

17-Aug-10

10.00

3.61

17-Aug-15

0.54

4.88

15.86

97.52

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

12.00

13.62

09-Dec-15

0.61

1.00

12.03

100.38 100.86

BB+/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.60

06-Jan-16

0.69

2.63

13.71

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

1.90

1.00

13.44

99.24

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

1.97

1.34

13.86

100.64

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

2.90

1.00

13.85

97.99

BBB-/GCR

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.73

30-Nov-17

1.72

1.88

14.13

107.06

Nil

*C & I LEASING *DANA#

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

6.30

09-Apr-18

1.93

3.48

15.95

100.25

A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.90

09-Sep-18

2.09

5.20

17.80

100.64

101.83

AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR

*TOWER

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.80

09-Sep-18

2.09

5.06

17.66

A/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

3.88

1.35

14.25

99.24

Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.40

18-Oct-18

2.20

2.29

14.95

101.51

BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

17.00

0.41

17-Feb-19

2.28

6.11

18.82

97.11

Nil

*DANA

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

3.15

2.16

15.02

102.41

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

6.03

2.76

15.68

98.34

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

N/A

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.90

1.00

13.85

85.94

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

13.25

15.44

30-Sep-24

9.90

1.00

13.85

96.81

A/GCR

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

144.16

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

143.02

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

3.27

1.00

13.86

90.59

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

AfDB

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

4.49

1.00

13.93

91.75

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

24.95 22.75

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value ($mm)

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

5.19

5.04

108.19

109.05

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.36

4.14

102.57

103.34

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.49

5.37

106.07

106.92

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,584.12

Corporate Eurobonds B/Fitch; B-/S&P

AFREN PLC I

11.50 FEB 01, 2016

01-Feb-11

11.50

450.00

01-Feb-16

8.58

103.30

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

4.92

103.75

103.75 101.72

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

6.54

101.72

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

9.14

8.69

93.35

94.63

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

6.15

5.88

99.49

100.41

B/Fitch

AFREN PLC II

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

9.68

102.00

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

6.45

99.25

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

9.21

8.90

98.32

99.45

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

8.11

99.75

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

8.10

93.00

9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021

24-Jun-14

9.25

400.00

24-Jun-21

9.35

9.15

99.75

100.75

8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021

23-Jul-14

8.00

450.00

23-Jul-21

8.21

97.95

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

8.45

8.24

100.54

101.59

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

AFREN PLC III

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC II

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK LTD

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,760.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,741.68

**Treasury Bills DTM 8 15 22 29 36 50 57 64

Money Market

FIXINGS Maturity 13-Nov-14 20-Nov-14 27-Nov-14 4-Dec-14 11-Dec-14 25-Dec-14 1-Jan-15 8-Jan-15

Bid Discount (%) 10.65 10.60 10.60 10.55 10.80 10.80 10.85 10.80

Offer Discount (%) 10.40 10.35 10.35 10.30 10.55 10.55 10.60 10.55

Bid Yield (%) 10.67 10.65 10.67 10.64 10.92 10.96 11.04 11.01

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 10.5000 12.3367 13.2180 14.4206

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

10.25

O/N

10.50

Tenor Call 1M

REPO

Rate (%) 10.25 12.23

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

167.25 167.32 167.58 168.20 169.38 170.56

167.35 167.55 167.89 168.82 170.50 172.20

Sub-National Bonds A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.82

4.44

15.61

97.64

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.66

3.23

14.29

99.74

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

6.27

30-Jun-16

0.94

4.46

15.72

98.80

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

7.37

30-Jun-16

0.95

3.48

14.74

101.22

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.45

5.59

18.40

83.97

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

29.92

30-Jun-17

1.50

1.00

13.01

101.31

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.15

1.79

14.65

98.35

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.33

1.80

14.54

99.13

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

3.91

1.00

13.90

100.27

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014 A-/Agusto; A-/GCR NIGER 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

Business | Financial Market News

A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

14.96

09-Dec-18

2.32

1.00

13.73

101.65

A-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

11.13

12-Dec-18

2.33

4.78

17.52

93.56

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.71

1.00

13.84

101.47

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*GOMBE

15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019

02-Oct-12

15.50

16.23

02-Oct-19

2.96

1.00

13.85

103.91

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019

22-Nov-12

14.50

80.00

22-Nov-19

5.05

1.00

13.93

101.98

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

12-Dec-12

14.75

27.51

12-Dec-19

2.93

2.74

15.59

98.16

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

14.75

11.40

10-Oct-20

3.48

1.00

13.87

102.33

13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

31-Dec-13

17-Feb-12

DEPRESSION

Nigeria stocks top Zimbabwe as ‘Africa’s worst’

Massive sell- *OSUN A/Agusto *OSUN off takes toll on LAGOS Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro Nigerian bourse KOGI A/Agusto *EKITI

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

A-/GCR

•Shed N527bn in three days

*NASARAWA

06-Jan-14

The Nigerian Stock Ex- of Africa’s largest producchange (NSE) All Share er of oil declined a fourth Index (NGSEINDX) fell day, as Brent crude headed Corporate Bonds for a 10th day, as major for its lowest level in five igerian stocks 13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014 18-Dec-09 Aa/Agusto GTB dropped, blue-chip 17.00 companies con- years. µ overNGC 31-DEC-2014 01-Apr-10 NGC Nil taking Zimbatinued to witness massive Nigeria, which relies 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 17-Aug-10 Bbb-/Agusto *UPDC for 80 bwe as Africa’s investors 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015on the commodity A-/Agusto 09-Dec-10 *FLOURMILLS sell off, causing 14.00billion CHELLARAMS BB+/GCR performer *CHELLARAMS 06-Jan-11 worst this to lose N527 or 06-JAN-2016 4.4 per cent of government 13.00 NAHCOtrading 29-SEP-2016 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO year, as sliding oil prices per cent in three revenue, has run29-Sep-11 foreign25-OCT-2016 A-/Agusto 25-Oct-13 weaken the nation’sFSDH abildays. This14.25 hasFSDH brought the exchange reserves to a 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 A/GCR 30-Sep-10 UBA ity to defend its currency total losses in 2014 to 13.1 three-month low in a bid 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 BBB-/GCR 30-Nov-12 *C & I LEASING atNila record low. per cent, MPR+7.00 the most of 14 to defend the naira, avoid DANA 9-APR-2018 09-Apr-11 *DANA# The bears African gauges monitored rates or MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 raising interest 09-Sep-11 A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR yesterday *TOWER# MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 devaluing the currency 09-Sep-11beAAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR *TOWER# maintained their strongby Bloomberg. Zimbabwe’s 14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018 A/Agusto; A/GCR 22-Sep-11 . hold on the NigerianUBA Stock benchmark gauge is down fore elections in February 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR Exchange (NSE), *LA CASERA #11.7 per cent. The currency The NSE All Share18-Oct-13 Index’s TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Stories by Chris Ugwu

BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

Nil

*DANA

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

Dangote cement delays Sierra Leone expansion due to Ebola TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

angote Cement ment’s parent company, missioned next month, Plc, Nigeria’s larg- Dangote Industries Ltd., Edwin said. 10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 AAA/S&P IFC est company and postponed a visiting Persistent fuel11-Feb-13 disrup11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021 Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P AfDB 10-Jul-14 the continent’s biggest day for investors in La- tions to Dangote’s NigeTOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE producer of the building gos, in September amid rian plants are expected TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION material, said it’s delay- Ebola fears. Nigeria to ease after gas-supply ing a planned expansion was declared Ebola-free authorities assured the Description Rating/Agency Issue Date in Sierra Leone due to Issuer last month by the World company they don’t anthe Ebola outbreak. Health Organization ticipate major disrupFGN Eurobonds “Sierra Leone accord- (WHO). tion within the next six JAN 28, 2021 BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P 07-Oct-11 ing to Bloomberg, was Dangote Cement, 6.75 conmonths, according to BB-/Fitch; scheduled to start this FGN Edwin. They said suptrolled by billionaire 5.13 JUL 12, 2018 12-Jul-13 BB-/S&P month, but we had to put Chairman Aliko Dangote, ply would come from proBB-/Fitch; 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 the project on hold,” Chief expects to have a cementducers including12-Jul-13 Royal BB-/S&P Executive Officer Devakuproduction capacity of Dutch Shell Plc (RDSA) TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE mar Edwin said on a con- 29 million metric tons in and Exxon Mobil Corp., TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION ference call on Monday. Nigeria by year-end. The he said. “When crisis abates company plans to expand Nigeria sale volumes Corporatethe Eurobonds then down 1 percent 11.50on FEB 01,were 2016 B/Fitch;we’ll B-/S&P immediately AFREN PLC I in 13 other countries 01-Feb-11 to in the start moving 7.50 MAY 19, 9.8 2016 million tons19-May-11 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P ahead.” GTBANK PLC I the continent, bringing nine months through Companies ACCESS haveBANK total capacity to as much 7.25 JUL 25, 2017 B+/S&P PLC 25-Jul-12 MAY 09, September, 2018 B/Fitch; B/S&P FIDELITY PLC60 million metric 6.88 09-May-13 slowed investment inBANKas tons the company 6.00 NOV 08, said 2018 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC by 2016. Sierra Leone, Guinea Oct. 31. The 08-Nov-13 compa10.25 APR 08,ny’s 2019 group profit08-Apr-12 B/FitchLiberia, the AFREN PLC II and three Operations in Camerfor the 6.25 APR 22, 2019 B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITH BANK PLC 22-Apr-14 countries affected by the oon, Senegal and Zambia period fell 10 percent to 8.75 May 21, 2019 B/Fitch; B/S&P PLC 21-May-14 Ebola outbreak DIAMOND that’sBANKare set to open or begin N140.5 billion ($844 mil8.25 AUG 07, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK PLC 07-Aug-13 estimated to have killed producing this year, lion) even as revenue 6.63 DEC 09, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P AFREN PLC III 09-Dec-13 climbed 7.3 percent to more than 5,000 people in while a plant in Ethiopia 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC II 24-Jun-14 West Africa. Dangote Cewill start getting comN310.2 billion. 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK LTD 23-Jul-14

13.50 87.00 50-day moving average fell 15.00 5.00 below the 200-day moving 14.50 4.78 average 15.00 on October 4.79 31, a technical indicator 471.18 that may be bearish462.05 for the gauge. The Central Bank of 13.50 13.17 Nigeria (CBN) “remains 17.00 2.00 intent on managing the 10.00 3.61 exchange-rate situation 12.00 13.62 14.00 without needing0.60 to hike 13.00 rates or devalue 15.00 the cur14.25 5.53 rency ,” Gareth Brickman 13.00 20.00 and18.00 Catherine Bennett, 0.73 analysts 16.00 at Johannesburg6.30 based ETM Analytics, 18.00 2.90 said 16.00 0.80 “Curin an e-mailed note. 35.00 rent14.00 trends still show the 15.75 2.40 outlook to be pressuring 17.00 0.41 away its room for4.50 maneu16.00 ver.” 15.25 2.05 According to 0.10 BloomN/A 13.25News, a 15.44 berg falling currency deters144.16 foreign investors from143.02 holding

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

10.20

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

11-Feb-18

3.27

12.95

01-Feb-21

4.49

Coupon (%)

6.75 5.13 6.38

11.50 7.50 7.25 6.88 6.00 10.25 6.25 8.75 8.25 6.63 9.25 8.00

250.00

14-Aug-21

8.45

unn Loren Merrifield has 24.95 been announced winner, 22.75 best investment company in Nigeria Outstanding Value at the World Finance Maturity Date ($mm) Banking Awards 2014. Bid Yield (%) The finance firm said in a statement that it emerged top in 500.00 5.19 the investment28-Jan-21 company category500.00 for its “consistent introduc12-Jul-18 4.36 tion of innovative investment 500.00 12-Jul-23 5.49 products and services.” The company said: “Dunn 1,500.00 Loren Merrifield was selected 1,584.12 following a rigorous assessment and value contribution analyses conducted by the World Finance 450.00 01-Feb-16 8.58 team 500.00in the sector 19-May-16and other 4.92 financial services industry,6.54 cat350.00 25-Jul-17 300.00 02-May-18 9.14 egorically in Nigeria. 400.00 6.15 “The World08-Nov-18 Finance Banking 300.00 selection 08-Apr-19 Award panel has 9.68 used 500.00 6.45 a wide range 22-Apr-19 of criteria to in200.00 21-May-19 form its decision over the 9.21 2014 300.00 07-Aug-20 8.11 awards, lending the critical fac360.00 09-Dec-20 8.10 tors to include, service perfor400.00 24-Jun-21 9.35 mance, financial ratios, cutting 450.00 23-Jul-21 8.21

8.75

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

12.00

11.25

14-Aug-14

27-Nov-20 6.06 1.00 Nigerian assets, while 31-Dec-20 6.15 1.94 boosting the 3.64 cost of im31-Dec-20 1.44 porting everything from 06-Jan-21 3.67 1.95 fuel to food and threaten support for the party of President Goodluck Jonathan, who’s already un18-Dec-14 0.12 5.21 der pressure0.15 for failing 31-Dec-14 8.71 to stem deadly attacks by 17-Aug-15 0.54 4.88 Islamist militants. 09-Dec-15 0.61 1.00 06-Jan-16 2.63 The NSE 0.69 All Share 29-Sep-16 slid 2.31.90 1.00 Index per cent to 25-Oct-16 1.97 1.34 35,899.05, the lowest since 30-Sep-17 2.90 1.00 September 2013, as 50 30-Nov-17 1.72 1.88 stocks retreated, four rose 09-Apr-18 1.93 3.48 and 141 were unchanged. 09-Sep-18 2.09 5.20 09-Sep-18 5.06 The gauge is 2.09 the world’s 22-Sep-18 3.88 1.35 fifth-worst performer this 18-Oct-18 2.20 2.29 year after benchmarks in 17-Feb-19 2.28 6.11 Russia, Portugal, Greece 01-Apr-19 3.15 2.16 and Austria. The naira 14-Nov-20 6.03 2.76 weakened 0.89.90 per cent to 30-Sep-24 1.00 30-Sep-24 per dollar. 9.90 1.00 167.24 “As we move forward over the coming months

98.29 and 13.92 oil prices move 14.86 100.49 downwards or remain 14.32 100.61 stable14.83 there will be a sig100.59 nificant impact potentially on wider macro economics. The central bank may eventually 15.95 99.62 have to devalue 99.49 the naira, 19.32 depending on the 15.86 97.52rate of the fall 12.03of the oil 100.38price,” Tim 13.71 Newbold,100.86 regional 13.44 for West 99.24Africa director 13.86 100.64 at africapractice Limited 13.85 97.99 a consultancy said. 14.13 107.06 Oil15.95 has slumped 100.25 into a bear 17.80 market as100.64 the larg17.66 101.83 est producers in the Or14.25 99.24 ganisation of Petroleum 14.95 101.51 Exporting Countries 18.82 97.11 (OPEC) resisted calls to 15.02 102.41 cut output. Global sup15.68 98.34 plies 13.85 are climbing, 85.94 with 13.85pumping 96.81 at the the US fastest pace in more than 30 years.

Dunn Loren Merrifield wins award

Supranational Bond

B-/S&P

1.00

13.86

90.59

1.00

13.93

91.75

8.24

100.54

101.59

edge and innovative investment solutions, alternative financial products and parallel market interaction among others”. Offer Yield (%) Bid Price Offer Price Founder, Dunn Loren Merrfield, Mr. Sonnie Ayere said : Prices & Yields “Receiving the award especially 5.04 108.19 109.05 under the current market conditions is an astonishing achieve4.14 102.57 103.34 ment and we are extremely 5.37 106.92 proud of it. 106.07 This would not have been possible without our committed team of professionals, partners and dynamic leadership. We believe this milestone will us in achieving our 8.58support 103.30 103.30 ambitious business goals”. 4.92 103.75 103.75 Ayere who received101.72 the award 6.54 101.72 93.35 94.63 for8.69the company at the London 5.88 Exchange, 99.49 100.41 Stock also attributed 9.68firm’s recognition 102.00 102.00 the to con6.45 99.25 99.25 tinued dedication in providing 8.90 98.32 99.45 outstanding performance and 8.11 99.75 99.75 introduction of world class in8.10 93.00 93.00 vestment banking products and 9.15 99.75 100.75 services to its clients. 8.21 97.95 97.95

4,760.00

5-Nov-14

4,741.68

**Treasury the FMDQBills OTC PLC Terms of Use and Disclaimer Statement on www.fmdqotc.com.

DTM Maturity Bid Discount (%) 8 13-Nov-14 10.65 15 20-Nov-14 10.60 FGN Bonds 22 27-Nov-14 10.60 29 4-Dec-14 10.55 36 11-Dec-14 10.80 Rating/Agency Issuer Description 50 25-Dec-14 10.80 57 1-Jan-15 10.85 4.00 23-APR-2015 64 8-Jan-15 10.80 13.05 16-AUG-2016 71 15-Jan-15 10.80 15.10 27-APR-2017 78 22-Jan-15 10.55 9.85 27-JUL-2017 85 29-Jan-15 10.75 9.35 31-AUG-2017 92 5-Feb-15 9.90 10.70 30-MAY-2018 99 12-Feb-15 10.90 16.00 29-JUN-2019 106 19-Feb-15 10.30 NA NA 7.00 23-OCT-2019 113 26-Feb-15 10.90 16.39 27-JAN-2022 120 5-Mar-15 11.00 14.20 14-MAR-2024 127 12-Mar-15 10.90 141 26-Mar-15 11.00 15.00 28-NOV-2028 148 2-Apr-15 11.05 12.49 22-MAY-2029 155 9-Apr-15 11.00 8.50 20-NOV-2029 162 16-Apr-15 11.10 10.00 23-JUL-2030 169 23-Apr-15 10.30 12.1493 18-JUL-2034 176 30-Apr-15 11.01 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 7-May-15 183 10.40 274 6-Aug-15 10.85 TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION 302 3-Sep-15 10.30 *for the Amortising bonds, the average life is calculated and not the duration #

Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums Rating/Agency Issuer **Exclusive of non-trading t.bills

Offer Discount (%) 10.40 10.35 10.35 10.30 10.55 Date Issue 10.55 10.60 23-Apr-10 10.55 16-Aug-13 10.55 27-Apr-12 10.30 27-Jul-07 10.50 31-Aug-07 9.65 30-May-08 10.65 29-Jun-12 10.05 23-Oct-09 10.65 27-Jan-12 10.75 14-Mar-14 10.65 10.75 28-Nov-08 10.80 22-May-09 10.75 20-Nov-09 10.85 23-Jul-10 10.05 18-Jul-14 10.76 10.15 10.60 10.05

Description

Money Market

FIXINGS

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

Bid Yield (%) Tenor Rate (%) NIBOR 10.67 OBB 10.25 Tenor Bid ($/N) Offer ($/N) 10.65 Tenor Rate (%) Price 10.67 O/N 10.5000 Spot 167.25 167.35 O/N 10.50 10.64 1M 12.3367 7D 167.32 167.55 Outstanding Value Offer Yield 10.92 (%) 3M 13.2180 Date 167.58 167.89 REPO Coupon Maturity TTM (Yrs) Bid Yield (%) 14D Bid Price Offer Price (N'bn) (%) 10.96 6M 14.4206 Tenor Rate (%) 1M 168.20 168.82 11.04 Call 0.46 10.2510.87 2M 10.52 169.3896.96 170.5097.11 4.00 535.00 23-Apr-15 11.01 1M 1.78 12.2312.34 3M 12.25 170.56 172.20101.20 13.05 563.89 16-Aug-16 101.05 11.03 3M 13.19 6M 174.31 177.76 15.10 452.80 NITTY 27-Apr-17 2.48 12.73 12.66 104.90 105.05 10.79 6M 14.11 1Y 181.89 189.97 9.85 20.00 27-Jul-17 2.72 12.84 12.77 93.26 93.41 11.03 Tenor Rate (%) 9.35 100.00 31-Aug-17 2.82 12.85 12.78 91.92 92.07 10.15 1M 10.8311 10.70 300.00 30-May-18 NOTE: 3.57 12.88 12.77 93.90 94.20 11.23 2M 11.0493 16.00 351.30 29-Jun-19 4.65 12.86 12.77 NA :Not Applicable 110.70 111.00 :Benchmarks 10.62 3M 11.0996 7.00 233.90 23-Oct-19 * :Amortising4.96 12.93 12.84 # :Floating78.74 79.04 11.28 6M 11.6678 Bond Rate Bond 16.39 600.00 27-Jan-22 µ :Convertible7.23 12.86 12.80 ***: Deferred 116.25 11.41 9M 11.7752 Bond coupon bonds 116.55 14.20 371.68 14-Mar-24 AMCON: Asset 9.35 12.83 of Nigeria 12.78 107.30 107.60 Management Corporation 11.33 12M 11.9502 expired 11.49 Government of Nigeria 15.00 75.00 28-Nov-28 FGN: Federal14.06 12.77 12.73 †: Bond rating 114.35 114.65 11.57 Mortgage Bank of12.76 Nigeria 12.49 150.00 22-May-29 FMBN: Federal 14.54 12.72 N/A :Not Available 98.19 98.49 11.54 8.50 200.00 NIFEX 20-Nov-29 IFC: International 15.04Finance Corporation 12.76 12.70 71.82 72.12 11.68 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables Management 10.00 591.57 23-Jul-30 15.71 12.78 12.73 81.30 81.60 Current Price ($/N) 18-Jul-34 NAHCO: Nigerian 10.82 Company Company 12.1493 130.00 19.70 Aviation Handling 12.77 12.72 NGC: Nigeria-German 95.55 95.85 O/N: Overnight 11.63 BID($/N) 166.4325 UBA: United Bank for Africa 4,675.13 10.97 OFFER ($/N) 166.5325 UPDC: UAC Property Development Company 11.81 WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement Company 4,618.53 11.26

Bonds

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM Modified Duration Buckets

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION<3

3<5

Sub-National Bonds

0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 Total Outstanding 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

Porfolio Market Value(Bn)

Volume(Bn)

24-May-10 0.00 03-Apr-12 FMDQ FGN 17.25 BOND 09-Dec-11 0.00/16.00 20-Apr-12 0.00/16.50 Weighting by Weighting by Mkt 06-Jul-12 0.00/16.50

Outstanding Vol

Value

24.56 3.00 112.22 116.70 66.49 Bucket Weighting

INDEX

322.97

0.33 317.68

24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 20-Apr-17 % Exposure_ 06-Jul-17

Mod_Duration

0.55 1.29 2.09 2.46 2.67 Implied Yield

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 Implied1.00

Portfolio Price

13.62 13.97 14.60 13.81 13.84 INDEX

92.99 103.93 101.02 98.39 YTD Return 95.57 (%)

1,044.79

1,016.68

33.21

33.33

1,086.39

951.30

31.08

34.65

1,003.97

1,093.25

35.71

32.02

0.36

55.30

12.80

102.5817

1,199.36

19.9360

3,061.23

31-Aug-10 100.00

12.50 100.00

8.501.00

31-Aug-15 100.00

0.82 12.78

4.44 117.4288

15.61 1,121.34

97.64 12.1342

0.31

14.58

12.55

118.8984

1,129.29

12.9293

30.12

12.86

132.9206

1,125.52

12.5521

12.50 KADUNA3,135.15 31-AUG-2015

A/Agusto

KADUNA Market *EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

6.27

30-Jun-16

0.94

4.46

15.72

98.80

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

7.37

30-Jun-16

0.95

3.48

14.74

101.22

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.45

5.59

18.40

83.97

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

29.92

30-Jun-17

1.50

1.00

13.01

101.31

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.15

1.79

14.65

98.35

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.33

1.80

14.54

99.13

A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

3.91

1.00

13.90

100.27

A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

14.96

09-Dec-18

2.32

1.00

13.73

101.65

A+/Agusto

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.66

3.23

14.29

99.74

Business | Capital Market

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Daily Summary as of 05/11/2014 Printed 05/11/2014 14:49:20.020

Daily Summary as of 05/11/2014

Printed 05/11/2014 14:49:20.020

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at November 5, 2014 Daily Summary (Equities)

Daily Summary (Bonds)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Activity Summary on Board DEBT Federal

Bond Name 10.00% FGN JUL 2030 Federal Totals

Symbol FG7B2030S3

No. of Deals 1 1

DEBT Board Totals

Current Price 81.00

Bond Activity Totals

Quantity Traded 3,470 3470

3,470

2,911,594.02

3470

2,911,594.02

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals Pharmaceuticals Totals

Value Traded 2,911,594.02 2,911,594.02

Printed 05/11/2014 14:49:20.020

Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals

No. of Deals 2 3 12 17

Current Price 0.50 31.35 27.49

Quantity Traded 1,027,350 5,600 130,743 1,163,693

Value Traded 513,675.00 166,824.00 3,472,741.62 4,153,240.62

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 2.84

Quantity Traded 19,000 19,000

Value Traded 51,300.00 51,300.00

1,182,693

4,204,540.62

Daily Summary (Equities)

AGRICULTURE Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. Published byTRANSNATIONAL The Nigerian StockCORPORATION Exchange © OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

Symbol AGLEVENT JOHNHOLT TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals 2 1 149 38 190

CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Daily Summary as of 05/11/2014 Construction Totals Infrastructure/Heavy Printed 05/11/2014 14:49:20.020 Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) UPDC REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST Activity on Board EQTY RealSummary Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Totals

190

Quantity Traded 6,370 1,958 Page 30,109,644 420,706 30,538,678

Value Traded 9,172.80 1,918.84 1 of 113,624,874.14 19,789,910.18 133,425,875.96

30,538,678

133,425,875.96

Symbol COSTAIN

No. of Deals 7 7

Current Price 0.90

Quantity Traded 231,200 231,200

Value Traded 208,080.00 208,080.00

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 67.20

Quantity Traded 2,000 2,000

Value Traded 127,680.00 127,680.00

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 12.64

Quantity Traded 127,000 127,000

Value Traded 1,605,770.00 1,605,770.00

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 9.00

Quantity Traded 20,000 20,000

Value Traded 171,000.00 171,000.00

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol UPDCREIT

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE

Current Price 1.45 1.03 3.76 47.03

380,200 Page

Symbol DUNLOP

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 3,000 3,000

Value Traded 1,500.00 1,500.00

Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. PREMIER BREWERIES PLC Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW NB PREMBREW

No. of Deals 2 76 25 145 3 251

Current Price 12.82 161.11 31.50 151.00 3.98

Quantity Traded 51,000 205,565 253,416 3,254,672 12,590 3,777,243

Value Traded 653,820.00 33,117,357.21 7,935,715.85 492,423,540.52 51,516.10 534,181,949.68

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 66 66

Current Price 141.00

Quantity Traded 461,953 461,953

Value Traded 68,344,989.36 68,344,989.36

Symbol No. of Deals DANGFLOUR 9 DANGSUGAR 42 FLOURMILL 20 Daily Summary (Equities) HONYFLOUR 23 NASCON 21 NNFM 12

Current Price 6.55 6.01 61.40 3.66 7.32 19.95

Quantity Traded 28,100 737,155 11,656 355,724 392,295 550,604

Value Traded 175,063.00 4,475,347.35 679,894.48 1,302,840.72 2,876,293.40 10,983,619.60

Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Daily Summary as of 05/11/2014 Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals

Printed 05/11/2014 14:49:20.020

Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC NIG. FLOUR Activity N Summary on MILLS BoardPLC. EQTY

Page

Food Products Food Products Totals

Symbol

No. of Deals 127

Current Price

Quantity Traded 2,075,534

Value Traded 20,493,058.55

Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 77 41 118

Current Price 38.57 931.00

Quantity Traded 1,008,107 79,282 1,087,389

Value Traded 38,882,819.27 73,847,912.91 112,730,732.18

Household Durables NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC. VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals

Symbol ENAMELWA VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 1 42 3 46

Current Price 32.27 4.30 1.12

Quantity Traded 370 1,337,100 102,000 1,439,470

Value Traded 11,344.20 5,538,993.40 114,340.00 5,664,677.60

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 40 123 163

Current Price 19.43 31.35

Quantity Traded 331,948 1,715,184 2,047,132

Value Traded 6,464,799.64 53,823,156.65 60,287,956.29

10,891,721

801,704,863.66

Current Price 8.08 5.80 18.50

Quantity Traded 3,840,779 9,119,848 10,003,461

Value Traded 31,117,127.75 50,907,387.94 181,551,980.60

No. of Deals 105 411 150 (Equities) 64 292

Current Price 1.89 25.30 2.58 2.41 4.66

Quantity Traded 19,226,648 46,088,831 14,057,735 12,162,508 29,912,802

Value Traded 36,357,644.06 1,165,389,415.10 36,280,117.09 28,913,462.98 139,441,954.14

Symbol UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK ZENITHBANK

No. of Deals 68 5 21 266 1,692

Current Price 7.17 0.50 0.94 21.00

Quantity Traded 2,895,177 200,500 2,046,551 14,657,898 164,212,738

Value Traded 20,850,757.97 100,250.00 1,922,586.93 307,218,953.42 2,000,051,637.98

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE CORNERST HMARKINS INTENEGINS LASACO LINKASSURE MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM PRESTIGE SOVRENINS WAPIC

No. of Deals 25 13 5 2 2 1 1 4 24 20 7 1 44 149

Current Price 0.81 0.92 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 3.10 0.52 0.71 0.50 0.50 0.64

Quantity Traded 6,291,402 3,078,020 1,000,000 20,005,000 138,888 1,000,000 100,000 4,798,125 1,830,647 674,050 1,300,501 Page 1,200,000 9,118,952 50,535,585

Current Price 5.42 0.96

Quantity Traded 14,634 61,100

Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Daily Summary as of 05/11/2014 Products Totals Personal/Household

Printed 05/11/2014 14:49:20.020

CONSUMER GOODS Totals

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC Activity ECOBANK SummaryTRANSNATIONAL on Board EQTY INCORPORATED

Daily Summary as of 05/11/2014 FINANCIAL14:49:20.020 SERVICES Printed 05/11/2014 Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Banking FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. Daily Summary as of 05/11/2014 PRESTIGE CO.©PLC. Published by The NigerianASSURANCE Stock Exchange Printed 05/11/2014 14:49:20.020 SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Micro-Finance Banks FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Activity on Board EQTY NPFSummary MICROFINANCE BANK PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES Micro-Finance Banks Micro-Finance Banks Totals

772 Symbol ACCESS DIAMONDBNK ETI

No. of Deals 65 124 121

Daily Summary (Equities)

Symbol FIDELITYBK GUARANTY SKYEBANK Daily Summary STERLNBANK UBA

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol FORTISMFB NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 2 5

Page

Symbol

No. of Deals 7

Current Price

Quantity Traded 75,734

Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC. Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Symbol UNHOMES

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 50 50

Value Traded 25.00 25.00

Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 51 21 556 110 49 89 876

Current Price 2.73 3.47 10.48 3.34 28.14 1.68

Quantity Traded 1,641,335 3,132,670 45,122,214 42,932,793 1,682,258 10,719,064 105,230,334

Value Traded 4,655,019.56 10,870,521.60 473,629,109.66 146,447,613.60 48,541,854.94 17,702,452.29 701,846,571.65

320,054,441

2,744,205,998.02

Quantity Traded 8,000 658,091 9,976 1,392,523 51,200 9,740

Value Traded 16,720.00 2,148,792.65 486,729.04 2,308,303.83 46,640.00 24,155.20

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

2,725 Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH PHARMDEKO

No. of Deals 2 10 10 28 2 2

Current Price 2.20 3.27 51.35 1.72 0.91 2.61

Page

Value Traded 138,482.40

Symbol TRIPPLEG

No. of Deals Current Price 1 1.86 1

Quantity Traded 1,890 1,890

Value Traded 3,345.30 3,345.30

Processing Systems CHAMS PLC Processing Systems Totals

Symbol CHAMS

No. of Deals Current Price 1 0.50 1

Quantity Traded 1,000,000 1,000,000

Value Traded 500,000.00 500,000.00

1,108,397

558,788.94

Quantity Traded 102,000 218,271 219,039 16,485 50

Value Traded 2,798,880.00 7,960,601.37 2,532,090.84 3,108,909.05 47.50

7 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price ASHAKACEM 5 27.44 CAP 36 40.40 CCNN 11 Daily Summary (Equities) 11.56 DANGCEM 9 208.89 DNMEYER 1 0.95

ASHAKA CEM PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC DN MEYER PLC.

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Page

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

No. of Deals 1 17 80

Current Price 5.23 89.61

Quantity Traded 1,000 511,690 1,068,535

Value Traded 4,970.00 45,853,482.90 62,258,981.66

Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 9 9

Current Price 1.55

Quantity Traded 349,500 349,500

Value Traded 542,225.00 542,225.00

Packaging/Containers AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals

Symbol AVONCROWN BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 1 3 4

Current Price 1.59 21.00

Quantity Traded 3,374 22,700 26,074

Value Traded 5,364.66 500,535.00 505,899.66

1,444,109

63,307,106.32

Quantity Traded 20,000 20,000

Value Traded 104,200.00 104,200.00

20,000

104,200.00

Quantity Traded 219,050

Value Traded 109,525.00

93 Symbol BOCGAS

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 5.48

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol JAPAULOIL

Activity Summary on Board EQTY OIL AND GAS

No. of Deals 13

Current Price 0.50

Page Value Traded 109,525.00

Symbol

No. of Deals 13

Current Price

Quantity Traded 219,050

Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 251 251

Current Price 19.72

Quantity Traded 7,749,315 7,749,315

Value Traded 154,112,590.85 154,112,590.85

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals 4 9 23 8 1 31 76

Current Price 49.23 3.48 208.15 170.50 56.00 155.00

Quantity Traded 2,037 102,298 56,331 13,195 88 151,515 325,464

Value Traded 95,270.49 346,686.38 11,227,812.16 2,137,326.10 4,681.60 23,564,454.55 37,376,231.28

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 544.59

Quantity Traded 158 158

Value Traded 81,744.46 81,744.46

8,293,987

191,680,091.59 Value Traded 70,704.90 70,704.90

Energy Equipment and Services Totals

Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals Daily Summary as of 05/11/2014 Printed 05/11/2014 14:49:20.020 OIL AND GAS Totals SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

346 Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 10 10

Current Price 0.75

Quantity Traded 92,940 92,940

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 2 4 6

Current Price 3.82 1.29

Quantity Traded 11,400 34,007 45,407

Value Traded 45,180.00 43,089.03 88,269.03

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 72,700 72,700

Value Traded 36,350.00 36,350.00

Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 63 63

Current Price 2.79

Quantity Traded 7,934,790 7,934,790

Value Traded 22,213,180.69 22,213,180.69

Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Media/Entertainment Totals

Symbol DAARCOMM

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 21,850 21,850

Value Traded 10,925.00 10,925.00

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 2 2 1 5

Current Price 1.24 1.51 4.15

Quantity Traded 144,524 9,541 600 154,665

Value Traded 179,209.76 13,739.04 2,370.00 195,318.80

No. of Deals 7 7

Current Price 0.63

Quantity Traded 4,000,001 4,000,001

Value Traded 2,540,000.64 2,540,000.64

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

SERVICES Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

Daily Summary as of 05/11/2014 Printing/Publishing Printed 05/11/2014 14:49:20.020 ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LEARN AFRICA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Activity Summary on Board Totals EQTY Road Transportation

AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals

Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol ABCTRANS

EQTY Board Totals

Page

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 3 34 37

Current Price 1.83 4.61

Quantity TradedPage 38,900 398,438 437,338

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 4.00

Quantity Traded 11,306,000 11,306,000

Value Traded 45,221,000.00 45,221,000.00

145

24,065,691

72,299,795.18

4,372

400,109,447

4,018,635,131.01

Quantity Traded 120,000 120,000

Value Traded 68,400.00 68,400.00

SERVICES Totals

Symbol PORTPAINT WAPCO

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

Value Traded 82,150.40 56,332.00 6

IT Services TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals

Printed 05/11/2014 14:49:20.020

Value Traded 5,090,084.05 2,838,724.16 500,000.00 10,002,500.00 69,444.00 500,000.00 50,000.00 14,494,375.00 929,132.68 481,765.50 5 650,250.50 of 13 600,000.00 5,963,005.10 42,169,280.99

5,031,340.72 Value Traded 55,443.64 55,443.64

NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. Daily Summary as of 05/11/2014 Chemicals Totals

2,129,530 Quantity Traded 106,507 106,507

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Value Traded 5,031,340.72

No. of Deals Current Price 5 0.52 5

ICT Totals

Quantity Traded 2,129,530

Symbol COURTVILLE

Daily Summary as of 05/11/2014 INDUSTRIAL GOODS Printed 05/11/2014 Building 14:49:20.020 Materials

2,112,530.00 2 of 13

Automobiles/Auto Parts DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals

ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Computer Based Systems Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Symbol FTNCOCOA OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals Current Price 54

HEALTHCARE Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

AGRICULTURE Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Daily Summary of 05/11/2014 CropasProduction Totals

Symbol

Daily Summary (Equities)

11 of 13 Value Traded

67,686.00 1,856,360.12 1,924,046.12

Activity Summary on Board ASeM

Daily Summary as of 05/11/2014 Printed 05/11/2014 14:49:20.020 FINANCIAL SERVICES

Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services OMOLUABI SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Symbol OMOSAVBNK

Equity Activity Totals

No. of Deals 2 2

4,374

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals

ASeM Board Totals

Exchange Traded Fund

Name Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

Daily Summary (ETP) Symbol NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

Current Price 0.57

400,229,447

120,000

4,018,703,531.01

120,000

2 No. of Deals 1 3 4

Current Price 1,848.00 16.03

Quantity Traded Page 9 1,505 1,514

68,400.00

68,400.00 Value Traded 12 of 16,632.00 24,665.15 41,297.15

ETF Board Totals

1,514

41,297.15

ETP Activity Totals

1,514

41,297.15

NEW TELEGRAPH thursday, november 6, 2014

force

Madu is alleging use of military in ward congress Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Chairman of Ezinihitte Local Government area of Imo state, Mr. Chinemerem Madu, has petitioned the Chief of Naval

News 45

south - east

PDP chair petitions Navy over attack Staff over the intimidation allegedly suffered in the hands of some naval officials attached to Senator Chris Anyanwu during last Saturday’s ward congress of the party in the state. Madu, alleged that soon after election materials were handed over to the returning officers for the congress Anyanwu in the company of the Naval rating believed to be security aides to

the senator, pounced on him demanding that he handed over the election materials to them. The petition submitted by Madu’s Lawyer read in part: “Your officers and men accosted my client and beat him up knowing fully well that the election materials were not in his custody, as the navy personnel ordered him to lie on the bare floor for more than an hour before he was

released.” Reacting to the development, Mr. Everest Ezihe, media aide to Anyanwu, dismissed the petition as a cheap blackmail sponsored by Chief Emeka Ihedioha, due to the petition of the senator against his bid to fraudulently appropriate the PDP governorship ticket to himself. “What happened was that a female returning officer was handed the

materials for the election and not so long after, Madu whose is known to work for Ihedioha tried to snatch the materials from the lady whose shouts attracted the people gathered at the party office and security agents who swiftly intervened to save the situation.” While the petition described Anyanwu’s alleged actions as flagrant abuse of power, it urged the navy high command

to initiate urgent investigations into the matter, as the force has no business in the internal affairs of a political party. The navy was also issued a 14-day ultimatum to take action on the matter or face legal action.

Ebonyi disaster victims want relief materials handed to clerics Uwakwe Abugu ENUGU

L-R: Director, Daughters of Divine Love Charity Home, Enugu, Rev. Sr. Katherine Uchenna; Representative of the Managing Director, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mr. Aminu Ahmed; Enugu Zonal Controller, Mr David Adamu and some Children, during NDIC 25th Anniversary in Enugu …yesterday

PPA bemoans cost of nomination forms Igbeaku Orji UMUAHIA

he Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), in Abia State, has flayed the high cost of nomination and expression of interest forms by other political parties saying that the choice of candidates should be based on integrity and not the financial strength of aspirants to be able to buy the party’s nomination form. Speaking at the Warri Street secretariat of the party in Umuahia, yesterday, the Secretary of Abia chapter of PPA Uche Enyioko, said emphasis should not be on money but the credibility and integrity of aspirants to be entrusted with public office. He said it was regrettable that political parties have made the cost of obtaining the forms for the election too high thereby overstretching aspirants. He said that once such aspirants get into office

they will first recoup their investment before thinking of what to do for the people. This according to him is the reason the PPA made the cost of its forms affordable for all aspirants. “PPA is not a party for money bags but people with integrity, that’s the reason we slashed the nomination and expression of interest form fees; our forms are now available in all state secretariats of the party,” he said. Enyioko observed that the PPA was the only political party in the country that is peaceful “especially the Abia chapter because we believe in democratic principle, and when you are guided by laid down rule there will be no need for rancour.” The party secretary said: “We are giving the present administration red card and advise them to start packing their luggage because a change is on the way; the party with the desired change is PPA.”

Kinsmen protest lawmakers defection to APGA Okegwo Kenechukwu Onitsha

member of the House of Representatives representing Onitsha North and South Federal constituency, Engr. Cyril Egwuatu, yesterday dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), t return to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Egwuatu, was received back to APGA by the party’s leadership led by the National Secretary of Party, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi, in Awka, the Anambra State capital and witnessed by Governor Willie Obiano’s Special Assistant, on Political matters, Mr. Onyeka Mbaso who was former chairman of APGA Uk and the APGA Chairman, South Africa, Henry Onyekumnaru among others. Hon. Egwuatu in a remark shortly after his reception said he was chased out of the party by the former governor

of Anambra state Mr. Peter Obi after he fought to deliver the party in his constituency in the Governorship elections of Governor Willie Obiano in the 2013/2014 governorship and the local government elections in the state. ‘’After I had worked hard for the party’s victory in the Governorship election and the local government election with love, rather than commendation, what I got was a plot to deny me 2015 by former Governor Peter Obi. who brought in Hon. Linda Ikpazu and She was plotted to replace me. ‘’My constituents felt I have done enough and needed a second term in the House of Representatives and I have no option than to defect to the PDP having already had a cordial relationship with the PDP leadership in the House and the presidency for the roles APGA members contributed in stabilizing the House ‘’,during

the Hon Femi Gbajamila issues in the House. “I am now returning to APGA since ex Governor Peter Obi most recently left APGA again with Linda Ikpeazu and to listen to the numerous members of my constituency who in their hundreds have been reminding me of the need to return to APGA, the party he joined over 9 years ago during Peter Obi’s first campaign to become Governor of Anambra state. He thanked his constituents for their support especially during the trial moments, assuring them of more democracy dividends as a total committed and dedicated APGA member. ‘’I am a fully committed APGA member and I assure them that they would start enjoying what they were used to when the going was good’ adding that he would do an empowerment programme for not less than 1, 000 members of his constituency.

isaster victims in Ebonyi State communities, who were beneficiaries of the donation of relief materials by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), have urged the agency to hand over such materials to heads of churches, so as to prevent alleged underhand incidences in the channeling of the materials to the right persons. The relief materials estimated at several millions of naira donated by NEMA, were said to have arrived the destinations they were meant one year after three communities in Ohazora council Area of Ebonyi state suffered the disaster. The affected Areas are, Ugwulangwu, Ohaozara and Okposi, communities that were devastated in October and November in 2013 by a wind strom and flooding which rendered many homeless. Handing over the lorry load relief materials yesterday to the chairman of Ohaozara Local Government, Chief Ogbuefi Akpa, at the council headquarters, for onward distribution to the victims, the South-East Zonal Director of NEMA, Major James Eze, urged the Chairman to be transparent in the distribution. Some of the victims during the donation ceremony, however, stunned the zonal director when they appealed to him to rather hand over the materials to pastors and priests of their various churches complaining that they do not trust the politicians for equitable distribution of the items. The zonal director had explained to the people that the gesture by the federal government was aimed at cushioning the effect of the suffering of the affected communities, and warned those handling them thus: “please, you should make sure that these items get to all the affected victims”.

News

LEADER He is old, strong and capable. Younger Ijaw elements back Clark, carpet Kano gov. Gabriel Choba UGHELLI

ollowing the recent verbal cross fire between a foremost National Ijaw leader Chief Edwin Kiag-

SOUTH-SOUTH

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Clark: Ijaw youths blast Kwankwaso bodo Clark and the Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over some political differences youths on the platform of the Ijaw Nation yesterday warned, the governor to refrain from hurling what they consider insults on their national leader. The Ijaw through their Youth group, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), led by its Spokesman, Eric Omare,

said the attention of the IYC had been drawn to a press interview credited to Kwankwaso, in which he described, Clark as a person suffering from senility. The IYC, equally alleged that Kwankwaso, an All Progressives Congress, (APC), presidential aspirant also accused the Ijaw elderstatesman of destroying the aged long

relationship between the North and the SouthSouth regions describing, such accusation as reckless, careless and provocative. They added that the position expressed by the governor was an insult on the entire people of the Niger-Delta region. The group said, “Clark even at his old age is more mentally alert than Rabiu Kwankwaso, who by his

careless and unguarded statement has clearly demonstrated to Nigerians that he lacks the qualities of a leader. Chief Clark has contributed so much to the development of Nigeria and deserves respect from Nigerians”. They noted that Kwankwaso should be accused of destroying the relationship between the north and the south-

L-R: Supervisory National Commissioner in-charge of Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, INEC, Mrs. Thelma Iremiren; Rivers Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Aniedi Ikoiwak and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Alkali Shaba, at INEC stakeholder interactive forum in Port Harcourt …yesterday

Rivers State governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples’Democratic Party, PDP, Atamuno Ajubo Atamuno, has warned that unless the leadership of the party moves quickly to halt the current underhand politicking by politicians in the state, the development may lead to the loss of the state to opposition political parties

More trouble for PDP in Rivers in the 2015 general elections, stating that the situation is likely to explode soon. The aspirant, however, expressed belief that the leadership of the party in the state would heed the voice of reasoning and find a solution to the crisis presently plaguing the

Bayelsa commits N6bn to Boro Road, Tower Hotels Chris Ejim YENAGOA

he Bayelsa State Government, yesterday presented cheques estimated at about N6 billion to three construction firms handling various ongoing projects in the state. Presenting the cheques to the contractors at the Executive Chambers of the Gover nment House, Yenagoa, gover nor Seriake Dickson, explained that, N1.5 billion was paid to Julius Berger Nigeria, for the continuation of construction work on the fly-over bridge, dualisation of Isaac Boro and Opolo-Elebele roads, while Van Oord

Dredging Company, received N600 million for the sand filling of the Sagbama-Ekeremor Road; Sadogi construction firm got N500 million for the completion of the Tower Hotel. According to governor, the N600 million is the first installment payment for the dredging of the SagbamaEkeremor Road, as he stated that, the sand filling job would have been completed by February of next year. Dickson expressed hope that, there would be some vehicular movement on the Sagbama-Ekeremor road to ease transportation problems for commuters in that axis by the end of 2015.

state chapter of the party. Atamuno, who spoke in Port Harcourt, said the state needs to redirect its steps to the path of honour, due to what he described as the “severe deficiency in leadership quotient in the state,” adding that he would not be a party to the

politics of mudslinging in the face of provocation. He said even though the crisis in the state was caused by the jettisoning of zoning by the Felix Obuahled executive, which affected the outcome of ward and local government congresses held last Saturday,

he expressed optimism that the party’s national leadership would find a lasting peace to the crisis. He advised the national leadership of PDP to ensure “inclusiveness and equal participation, equity and fairness in the party” to resolve the crisis confronting the state so that it does not affect the 2015 general elections.

south region. “It is on record that South-South leaders such as Ernest Ikoli, Dappa Biriye, Festus Okotie-Ebor, Chief Melford Okilo and even Chief Edwin Clark have over the years always supported the North while they were in power at the centre”. Omare, noted that upon the emergence of a south-southerner as the President of Nigeria in the person of President Goodluck Jonathan, some northern leaders such as Kwankwaso, and his co-travellers had orchestrated different strategies to frustrate the Jonathan’s administration in total betrayal to the support the South-South gave to the North over the years. “The praises Kwankwaso showered on Governors Amaechi and Oshiomole, is meant to placate them to work for the northern agenda against the South-South and we strongly advise the duo of Amaechi and Oshiomole to retrace their steps in their own interest”. IYC called on Kwankwaso to as a matter of urgency retract his insulting statement against Clark and render an unreserved apology or he would incur the wrath of the southsouth people. Atamuno, who is being backed by the Rivers Mandate Group, said he was totally in support of the position of the 16 governorship aspirants who boycotted the primaries, because he too did not believe in the committee that supervised the election and the appeal panel mandated to entertain complaints from aggrieved party members.

Dickson reshuffles cabinet, moves Alamieyeseigha Chris Ejim YENAGOA

ayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, on Tuesday announced a slight cabinet reshuffle, explaining that the development was to ensure service delivery in government activities in the state. The reshuf flement, saw Mr. Dein

Binadoumene, former Commissioner for Water Resources, swapping portfolio with the Commissioner of Education taking charge of the Ministry of Education. Also, Mr. Akpoebide Alamieyeseigha, who was before now the Commissioner for Youth Development takes over the Ministry of Transport. Dickson, stated this

during the swearing-in of Chief Collins Cocodia as Commissioner for Youth Development, at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa. Addressing Cocodia, who was formerly the Governor’s Representative in Sagbama local government area, the Dickson noted that as a new member of the Res-

toration Team, he should strive hard to bring his wealth of experience garnered in his previous portfolio to bear on his new assignment. Dickson said Cocodia’s appointment was based on the hard work, trust and zeal, he brought to bear on his previous job, which has endeared him to the present administration.

Shippers council tasks FG on Escravos port Gabriel Choba UGHELLI

he Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), has re-iterated its call for the dredging of Delta Ports especially the Escravos estuary leading to the Warri port to allow bigger vessels to berth in the ports.

The call was made in a communiqué, issued at the end of one-day enlightenment seminar on the ‘Role of Nigerian Shippers’ Council as Ports Economic Regulator’, organised by NSC South-South Coordinating Zone, Warri Africa Office. Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Austin Egbegba-

dia, and Secretary, Mr. J. A. Sarumi, said the seminar resolved that the dredging of the Delta Ports which included Warri, Sapele, Koko and Burutu ports was imperative to boost shipping and maritime activities in the area. They noted that the Federal Government had earlier announced the dredging

of the Lower Niger leading to the Warri River with the hope that more vessels would berth at the ports but up till now, six years after, the dredging had not been carried out and vessels are not coming as expected thereby keeping the ports facilities under utilised and the maritime industry in the area very low.

NEW TELEGRAPH thursday, november 6, 2014

News 47

north

ACF rebukes FG on Boko Haram Buhari Bello Jos

L-R: Kaduna State Commissioners for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Alhaji Hassan Abdul; Commissioner for Local Government, Shehu Ahmed Gaint; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Abdulrasheed Kakangi; Commissioner for Justice Garba Uba Shehu and Commissioner for Finance, Samaila Aliyu, at the Kaduna State Executive Council meeting …yesaterday

Buhari’ll lose again, says Yar’Adua Doomed

Buhari is condemned to lose and remains a serial loser. That is someone’s opinion Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

gover norship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Katsina State, Ahmed Aminu Yar’Adua, yesterday described former Head of State and All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant, General Muhammadu Buhari, as a serial loser ahead of the 2015 general elections. He said despite the fact that the former head of state, who is also from Katsina State, is in the presidential race, ‘the PDP will win the Katsina State governorship seat.’ Yar’Adua, who is seeking the PDP ticket for the state’s governorship election, noted that this is not the first time Buhari is contesting the presidential election. “This is not the first time, this will be the fourth time General Buhari is contesting; all in opposition to the PDP, still our party, the PDP won. In 2003 our party won, we won in 2007, we won in 2011 and I believe we will win in 2015,” the aspirant said confidently. Yar’Adua also said he was not disturbed by the purported endorsement of an aspirant by the state governor, Ibrahim Shehu Shema, arguing that it is

the people of the state that will decide who becomes the governor in 2015. Also yesterday, the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Ahmed Musa Ibeto, said Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, who is rumoured to be supporting a different aspirant, cannot stop his ambition. The deputy governor said there was a great difference between 1999 and now, when most governors did not handover to their deputies. He siad: “I do not think that it is by design that governors do not handover to their deputies. There is remarkable difference between 1999 and 2014. Our democracy has matured to the extent that people determine who succeeds someone in office, not really an individual. “I believe that as a democrat; I am presenting myself first and foremost to the electoral college of my party that is the state congress and I am sure that I will emerge victorious. So, in that case, it not the governor that determines whether I succeed him or not, but the general electoral body in the state,” the deputy governor said. In another development, Prince Goddy JedyAgba, governorship aspirant from Cross River State, said he will set up community security marshals to tackle the security challenges in the state if elected. “We will continue to provide better schools, better hospitals, better roads, better bridges, affordable housing, potable water and other infrastructure as well as a cleaner environment,” he promised.

Suswam: I didn’t hijack Benue ward congress Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

overnor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State yesterday debunked allegations by his rival in the senatorial election for Benue North East, Senator Barnabas Gemade, that he hijacked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ward congresses in the state. The governor, who made the denial in a chat

with newsmen at the Government House, said he was in the village at Anyiin in Logo Local Government on the day of the congress, describing the allegation against him as unfounded. Suswam also alleged that instead of staying at their various wards to participate in the exercise, some politicians, including Senator Gemade, were in Makurdi and did not

participate in the exercise. According to him, “If I had hijacked the ward congress, I would not have been in the village to participate in it.” He, however, said that it was Gemade, who devised desperate means of achieving success during the exercise by distributing fake ad-hoc delegates’ forms to his preferred delegates four days to the congresses.

Aspirant faults endorsement of El-Rufai Ibraheem Musa Kaduna

chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a gubernatorial aspirant in Kaduna State, Malam Salihu Lukman, has accused General Muhammadu Buhari of bias for

endorsing former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Nasir El-Rufai, as the next governor of the state. Lukman, who spoke as a guest of Kaduna-based Liberty Radio yesterday, which was monitored by our correspondent, said Buhari should have emulated other elders of

the party, who treated all aspirants equally. According to him, Buhari should accord recognition to all the aspirants rather than singling out only one of them and endorsing him. Lukman further said that only the electorate can endorse an aspirant through their votes.

Coalition endorses Wamakko for senatorial seat Umar Danladi Ado Sokoto

okoto Central Senatorial District Youth Association yesterday endorsed Governor Aliyu Wamakko to contest the senatorial election in the district in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC). Alhaji Mukhtari Maigona, the leader of the group,

who made the call, said it became necessary in view of the tremendous development recorded by the Wamakko administration. He said the entire youths in the area had expressed optimism in the ability of Wamakko to ensure qualitative representation at the upper house. He said already, youths in the area had since embarked on a house-to-house

sensitisation campaign to mobilise youths in the area to protect their votes in the forthcoming general elections. Maigona said the people of Sokoto South, Sokoto North, Wamakko, Kware, Binji Silame Tangaza and Gudu Local Government areas have come out with a strong political wing that will ensure victory for the party’s candidates.

‘Borno FRSC recorded 27 cases of accidents in 2014’ Ahmed Miringa Maiduguri

he Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Borno State, Malam Abdulkadir Na-

jume, has said that the agency has recorded 27 cases of accidents in 2014 with 24 deaths. The sector commander, who disclosed this yesterday in Maiduguri, said 102 people were involved in the accidents, among

which 20 were females while 82 were males. He also said 38 people sustained varying degrees of injury while 42 of them were rescued, adding that these accidents occurred from January 15 to October 2014 across the state.

socio-political group, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday rebuked what it described as the ‘Federal Government’s complexity’ on the Boko Hara insurgents that had captured some towns and communities in the North East part of the country. Spokesperson of the forum, Alhaji Muhammed Ibrahim Biu, told the British Broadcasting Corporation Hausa Service that “no sovereign nation would tolerate what is currently happening regarding the insurgency in the country.” He lamented the failure of the Federal Government to contain the insurgency, thereby losing some local government areas to the Boko Haram insurgents The ACF also “decried the continuous silence of the government under President Goodluck Jonathan, who, the body said is watching the aggression over his country.” He said: “Our biggest concern is that the insurgents are capturing more towns and villages. For instance, in Borno State, the villages of Bans, Kwata, Aba Dam and several other towns are still under the control of the insurgents, who have now captured Michika and many other local government areas in Adamawa State. “This is a disturbing phenomenon. Government keeps saying that it is doing something, yet there is no tangible outcome and we are losing more towns with thousands killed on a daily bases,” Biu said.

INEC distributes PVCs in Plateau Musa Pam Jos

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is to commence the distribution of permanent voters’ cards and the conduct of continuous voter registration exercise this Friday, across Plateau State. INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Plateau State, Hon. Habu Zarma, who disclosed this in Jos yesterday, said the distribution of permanent voters’ cards is to start on Friday and end on Sunday November 9, while the continuous voter registration exercise will commence on November 12 and end on November 17.

News

division

The umbrella in Ogun contniues to leak as party stalwarts throw bkickbats

Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

former House of Representatives member, Dave Salako, yesterday accused a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Ogun State of working against the interest of the party in the 2015 general elections. Salako, who represent-

Lagos 2015: Obanikoro debunks rift with George Wale Elegbede

thursday, november 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

south — west

Salako: Kashamu is working against PDP lIt’s not true, says party chieftain ed Remo federal constituency between 2003 and 2007 on the platform of the PDP, spoke against the backdrop of the controversy trailing the party’s delegates’ congresses, last Saturday. But, in a swift reaction, Kashamu, who is the Chairman, Mobilisation and Organisation Committee of South West PDP, debunked the allegation, describing it as ‘laughable.’ Speaking with our

reporter in a telephone interview, Salako alleged that Kashamu attempted to manipulate the just concluded delegates’ congress in the state. According to him, the PDP chieftain is frustrating all efforts by the national leadership and the National Integration Committee, to reunite the diverse groups in the state. Salako said: “He (Kashamu) should stop playing games that will

1,343

The number of pending asylum seekers from Namibia at the beginning of 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

not favour the party. The game he is playing has undertones. He is scuttling every good step that the national leadership of the party is making. The national body should call him to order. “He took former Governor Gbenga Daniel, Dimeji Bankole and myself to court for contempt. He has sued me for contempt three times. This is clearly an anti-party activity. It is an act of indiscipline to take any

The life expectancy (in years) at birth of men in Hong Kong, China in 2010-2015. Source: Un.org

member of the party to court. The national body should sanction and suspend such person. Kashamu does not want PDP to win election in Ogun State. “The conduct of last ward congresses on Saturday was not free and fair. Against the party’s guidelines, Kashamu started and finished his congress as early as 8.00am. We abide by the guidelines. We discovered that two people who were members

28.52

The average age of Portugal team in Brazil 2014 World Cup. Source: Telegraph.co.uk

of the committee sent by the national body were nowhere to be found. “We had our congresses, collated results and forwarded them to the appropriate quarters. Two members of the committee worked for Kashamu and not for the party.” However, Kashamu, in a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Austin Oniyokor, said he had worked to reposition the PDP in the state as well as the South West region.

160

The sex ratio of women to 100 men (international migrants) in Montenegro in 2010. Source: Un.org

equel to reports by a group, Lagos Integrity Watch, suggesting a rift between the immediate past Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, over last weekend’s ward congress of the PDP, the former minister said the purported report was aimed at causing disaffection in the ranks of the party. In a statement signed yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Ohimai Amaize, the gubernatorial aspirant disclaimed the report, saying it was a plot meant to destabilise the party and cause disaffection ahead of the gubernatorial elections.

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo; Managing Director, Coleman Wires and Cables, George Onafowokan and Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Fidelity Bank Plc, at a facility tour of the multi-million naira factory financed by Fidelity Bank, Ogun State…yesterday

Oshiomhole sacks perm Court halts dissolution of Ogun PDP exco sec, CMD over fraud Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

do State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday wielded the big stick to sack the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Health, Dr. Ofure Eboreme and the Chief Medical Director, Central Hospital, Benin City, Dr. Edith Kayode Iyasere, over controversial employment of casual workers. The two were alleged to have conspired to employ over three hundred casual workers against the directive of the state government. Commissioner for Labour and Establishment, Comrade Didi Adodo, said the sack of the two senior officials was prompted by the protest carried out last

week by the casual workers in the state. Oshiomhole had viewed the protest as an embarrassment to his administration, which had earlier issued a directive that all casual workers in the state should be regularised. Adodo said the sacked permanent secretary was supposed to be in the forefront in the implementation of policies of the state government, but now violates the directive of the governor. According to him, “Can you imagine that this same Eboreme and the chief medical director then sent in a memo to the governor on this same issue of casual workers; and based on that a circular was issued to all ministries, parastatals and other government agencies to regularise all casual workers.”

Akeem Nafiu

ustice Okon Abang of a Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from going ahead with plans to dissolve the Adebayo Dayoled executive of the party in Ogun State. The judge in a ruling yesterday ordered parties to the dispute to maintain the status quo and refrain from acting on any dissolution plan pending the determination of a contempt suit filed by the Dayo-led executive of the party. The Dayo-led executive had initiated contempt of court proceedings against the former House of Representatives Speaker, Dimeji Bankole, former Ogun State Governor, Otunba

Gbenga Daniel and a former member of the House of Representatives from the state, Dave Salako. In the committal proceedings, it was alleged that the alleged contemnors (Bankole, Daniel and Salako) have been involved in series of activities to remove the Dayoled executive, despite two separate judgments of the Federal High Court affirming the legality of the Dayo-led executive. During yesterday’s proceedings, out of the three alleged contemnors, only Bankole was represented in court by his lawyer, Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), while it was established from the records of the court that others were yet to be served with the processes in the matter.

Lagos presents draft policy on waste management Dayo Ayeyemi

he Lagos State government has presented a draft policy for healthcare waste management in the state. It is to regulate and inculcate best practices on all frontiers. The draft policy, which was presented at the 8th Lagos Healthcare Waste Management Summit, was part of the communiqué agreed upon at the previous summits held in the past. Speaking at the forum, Commissioner for the Environment, Tunji Bello, affirmed that the draft policy was quite in line with the state policy on environmental sustainability, he urged residents to comply with the policy. He said: “I wish to

reassure all of us of government’s continuous reward packages for all those who imbibe change in healthcare waste management. The series of award slated for today’s programme is in line with promoting best practices while those who are yet to match the vision should step up and bridge the gaps.” Bello added that the draft policy was one of the state government’s efforts towards healthcare waste management, while other efforts include government’s willingness to partner with private investors, who are ready to manage, on build and transfer basis, the healthcare waste treatment facilities across the state.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

News

NATIONAL

FEC approves $945m loan for flood prevention, water projects Anule Emmanuel

he Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved three foreign loans of $945million that would be utilised to improve irrigation system, prevent flooding in Ibadan, Oyo State and provide quality water Bauchi, Ekiti and Rivers states. Council, which was presided over by Vice President Namadi Sambo, also approved four different road projects totalling N22 billion. President Goodluck Jonathan was in Burkina Faso on a peace mission alongside two other African leaders. Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting were minister Special Duties, Taminu Turaki; Bashir Yuguda (State, Finance); Sarah Ochekpe (Water Resources); Akinwunmi Adesina (Agriculture and Rural Development); and Stephen Oru (Niger Delta Affairs). Yuguda said the first of the five memoranda presented to the council by his ministry for approval was the one on the International Development Association’s credit of $495million for proposed irrigation management. The minister said the loan facility was to upscale what the Federal Government was doing in improving the irriga-

tion system to ensure a year-in-year-out farming season in the country. He noted that the loan, which enjoys five years grace period, has a repayment period of 20 years and attracts a service charge of 0.75 per cent. Yuguda noted that the loan also attracts an interest rate of 1.25 per cent per annum and a commitment fee of 0.5 per cent per annum. “Part of the fund under this IDA credit is to upscale the cultivation of the irrigable land in the country. Currently, we have an estimated 2.2million hectares of potentially irrigatable land in the country out of which about 1million hectares is situated in the Northern part. “The beneficiaries for this loan, which will be managed by the Ministry of Water Resources is on four components. One is Water Resource Management and Dam Operation Improvement to the tune of $81million. Irrigation Development and Management to the tune of $294million. Enhancing the agriculture productivity and support the value chain development is $38million. “Governance and institutional framework is $30million and the contingency under this programme is about $52million. “For specific intervention for the $495million, the Bakolori Dam

L-R: Chief of Staff to the President, Jones Arogbofa; Minister of Sports, Dr. Tamuno Danagogo and the Minister of Land, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs Akon Eyakeny, at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja…yesterday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

and Irrigation Scheme in Zamfara State will benefit. We are talking about the rehabilitation of the dam which has an existing 8,000 hectares irrigation scheme, recovering the over 1,557 hectares lost due to poor drainage and converting 13,000 hectares of abandoned areas.” Yuguda also said the council approved $200 million loan to arrest the frequent flooding being witnessed in Ibadan, Oyo State.

“We have all been witnessing the flood that have happened in Ibadan, the first one was in 1980 and the second one in 2011. “Some remedial works were carried out to avert the future occurrence of flooding in the city but we believe, with this credit facility of $200million, we will be able to arrest the frequent flooding within the Ibadan city. “The idea is to work with the Ministry of Wa-

ter Resources and Ministry of Agriculture in order to arrest the situation,” he added. The minister also disclosed that the council approved another $250million for the proposed third national urban water sector reform project. About one million Nigerians are to benefit from the project in the three states. He explained that the Federal Government would take the facility and then lend it to Bau-

chi, Ekiti and Rivers States. The project, which is to be implemented over a period of six years, has components such as water sector governance, institutional frame work and human capital development, sector wide improvement and project management at the federal level and sector reforms on water. He explained that the facility is to address the increasing demand on water in the affected states.

APC chieftain wants 2,108 Ekiti women to get N105,000 stipends each professionals in politics Adesina Wahab

Babatope Okeowo Akure

rofessionals in various fields of endeavour were yesterday urged to participate in partisan politics in order to rescue the country from the shackles of misrule that have trailed the advent of Nigeria democracy in the past 16 years. The Secretary of Ilaje League of Professionals (ILP), Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, stated this at Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government, while declaring for House of Representatives seat for Ilaje/Eseodo federal constituency under the platform of All Progressive Congress (APC). Ayedatiwa lamented that Ilaje communities despite its enormous resources and contribution to the economic base of Ondo State and Nigeria were still far behind in terms of provision of amenities. Also, he expressed re-

grets that past and present governments in the state have not been able to proffer lasting solutions to the problems confronting the people of the coastal communities. According to him, it was worrisome that Igbokoda, the seat of government in Ilaje did not have power supply in the last two years. Apart from Igbokoda, Ayedatiwa said other major towns and communities in the coastal area are without basic amenities of life. He, however, regretted that despite the fact that majority of the communities in Ilaje and Ese-Odo are on water, the people still could not have potable water to drink, blaming successive government for the development. He said although the people that had been representing the federal constituency in the past tried their best, there was the need to change the approach and the party that had been winning.

Ado-Ekiti

s part of the poverty alleviation programme of the Governor Ayo Fayose-led administration in Ekiti State, 2,108 women will benefit from the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) scheme, under which the beneficiaries will re-

ceive N5,000 stipend per month and N100,000 as exit fund at the end of the year to enable them invest after the expiration of the programme. The Conditional Cash Transfer scheme, which is an initiative of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Ekiti State Government, is aimed at reducing poverty at the grassroots level.

Fayose’s Special Assistant on Information and Civic Orientation, Hon. Lanre Ogunsuyi, who made this known in a release issued on yesterday, said 421 households would be selected in the five local councils selected for the programme. He gave the benefitting local government areas as Gbonyin, Emure, Ijero, Oye and Moba, adding that each of the benefi-

ciaries would receive the sum of N5,000 on a monthly basis for a period of one year and would be trained on agriculture-related business before the end of the programme. “N100,000 will be provided for each of the beneficiaries to enable them invest in agriculturerelated business as part of the Poverty Reduction Accelerator Investment (PRAI).

Katsina CP warns against killing of innocent citizens Ahmed Sani Mohammed Katsina

atsina State Police Commissioner, Mohammed Hurdi has warned members of vigilante groups in the state to stop killing innocent Fulani herdsmen under the guise of fighting cattle rustling. At a meeting summoned with officials of

vigilante groups from 34 local government areas yesterday, Hurdi said such killings will worsen insecurity problem and create enmity among people especially at rural areas. Hurdi explained that the command was not happy with measures taken by the group to deal with cases of cattle rustling, which in turn claimed lives of innocent Fulani herdsmen. He cited an example

of recent happenings at Kankara and Mararrabar Gora, where innocent people were killed and their properties destroyed for fight against cattle rustlers. Hurdi said many of the Fulani herdsmen killed are leaving in their villages for over 100 years but were attacked by some members of vigilante groups. The Commissioner said in an attempt to

retaliate, Fulani herdsmen also killed innocent people leaving in different town, warning that such cases must stopped and members of vigilante group must operate in accordance with law of the land. Hurdi emphasized that officials of the group must ensure their members carry patrol with caution and ensure that bad eggs among them are fished out.

WORLD | News

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Republicans take control of US congress

epublicans cruised to victory in the US midterm elections, gaining control of both houses of Congress in a stinging setback for President Barack Obama and his fellow Democrats and ensuring fractious co-existence in the last two years of his presi-

dency. The Republicans padded their control of the House of Representatives by at least 12 seats, and in the big prize of Tuesday’s midterm election, they retook the Senate. The Democratic implosion put the Republicans in position to shape if not dictate the congressional agenda, and

their priorities are likely to focus on the economy. Many pro-growth laws are ready for approval, such as authorization for the Keystone XL oil pipeline running from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, boosting production of natural gas, helping small businesses and cutting back on government

regulations. The Republicans rode a wave of voter frustration with Washington incumbents and unpopular policies of the Obama administration to claim total congressional control for the first time since 2006. The new Republican margin of control in the House with a cushion of at least 12 seats takes them close to achieving or surpassing their largest majority of the postWorld War II era. They will go from having 45 to at least 52 seats in the 100-member Senate. “This experiment in big government has lasted long enough. It’s time to go in a new direction,” Mitch McCo-

nnell, the top Senate Republican who defeated the toughest challenge to his Kentucky seat in 30 years, boomed to supporters in his victory speech.But he sounded a conciliatory note as well, adding that while he and the president rarely see eye to eye, “we do have an obligation to work together on issues where we can agree.” Republicans have held the 435-seat House of Representatives since 2010, and they kept it safely in hand two days ago. Compounding Democratic woes, projections showed the GOP could gain as many as 18 House seats, giving Republicans their largest majority since 1946.

WHO elects new Africa Director

A Republican Senate candidate State, Senator Joni Ernst casting her ballot in the general election Tuesday

Putin beats Obama again in Forbes power ranking

or a second year in a row, Russian President Vladimir Putin has beaten Barack Obama to the title of world’s most powerful leader as ranked by Forbes. In a year in which Russia annexed Crimea, stoked a conflict in Ukraine and clinched a multi-billion-dollar gas pipeline deal with China that Forbes called the world’s largest construction project, Putin remained on top. It was the third time in Obama’s presidency that he has lost top billing twice to Putin and once to Chinese leader Xi Jinping. “So who’s more powerful: the omnipotent head of (a) corroding but still feisty

power or the handcuffed head of the most dominant country in the world?” Forbes asked. “For the second year running, our votes went with the Russian president as the world’s most powerful person, followed by US President Barack Obama.” The 2014 list of 72 powerbrokers was chosen to reflect one for every 100 million lesser mortals on Earth and the top five remained unchanged from last year. Third prize went to Jinping, who is expected to rule for a decade in which China is set to eclipse the United States as the world’s largest economy. Pope Francis was number

four and German Chancellor Angela Merkel number five. Among 12 newcomers are Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, number 15; Alibaba founder and China’s richest man Jack Ma, number 30; and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the selfproclaimed caliph of the Islamic State group, number 54. While 26 on the list come from the United States, Asia Pacific made a strong showing with 19 from the region, including six from China. The list includes 17 heads of state who run nations with a combined GDP of $48 trillion and 39 CEOs and chairs who control over $3.6 trillion in annual revenue.

officials on this matter since the (Hong Kong) government claims that all decisions have to be passed up to the NPC,” Alex Chow, leader of the Hong Kong Federation of Students (HKFS), said last week, referring to China’s parliament, the National People’s Congress. The protesters blocked key roads leading into three of Hong Kong’s most economically and politically important districts for weeks. The campaign drew well over 100,000 at its peak and hundreds remain camped out at the main protest site in the Admiralty district, home to government offices and next to the main financial district. The HKFS has not said whether its planned trip was to coincide with APEC, which would mean, if allowed, it

would take place in front of an audience of world leaders. Another student leader, Nathan Law, said details would be revealed today. Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying signaled yesterday that a much-anticipated plan to link the Shanghai and Hong Kong stock markets had been delayed as a result of the protests and urged society to pull together to restore order in the city. China has ruled Hong Kong since 1997 through a “one country, two systems” formula which allows wide-ranging autonomy and freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland. The protesters are demanding fully-democratic elections for the city’s next chief executive in 2017, not the vote between pre-screened candidates that Beijing has said it will allow.

s Ebola continues to burn its way through three West African countries, the World Health Organization yesterday elected its next Africa director, a doctor from Botswana who is a longtime veteran of the U.N. agency. WHO’s next Africa director, Matshidiso Moeti, was the deputy regional director for Africa until March. WHO reported the first cases in the current outbreak on March 23. The circumstances of her departure from the deputy position were not immediately clear. After the election results were announced in a WHO meeting in Benin, Moeti expressed optimism that the outbreak will be under control within three months. It has killed nearly 5,000 people and is by far the worst-ever outbreak of the dreaded disease, for which there is no cure. “I hope that the (Ebola) situation will be improved by the time I take office in February 2015,” Moeti told journalists. She said the health systems in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea have been devastated and would need to be rebuilt

and that readiness for any future Ebola outbreak must be improved, including warning systems and monitoring capabilities. In Sierra Leone, where the epidemic is currently particularly strong and where treatment centers are urgently needed, one built by Britain finally opened outside the capital Wednesday. The center in Kerry Town includes an 80-bed facility to be managed by Save the Children and a 12-bed unit, which will expand to 20 beds over the coming months, for health care workers and international staff who become infected by Ebola. This smaller one will be staffed by British army medics. A U.S.-built facility for health care workers was also being inaugurated Wednesday in Liberia. The need is particularly severe in Sierra Leone. “Sierra Leone does not have enough hospital beds to cope with the scale of the Ebola crisis,” said Justine Greening, Britain’s international development secretary. “Patients are being turned away from hospitals, reducing their chance of survival and allowing the disease to spread.”

Palestinian anger boils in Hong Kong students plan to take democracy call to Beijing East Jerusalem

tudents calling for full democracy for Chineseruled Hong Kong are hoping to take their protest to Communist Party rulers in Beijing and are expected to announce details of their new battle plan today. The plan signals a shift in the focus of the protests in the former British colony away from the Hong Kong government which has said it has limited room for maneuver. But China is highly unlikely to allow any known pro-democracy activists into Beijing, especially if the trip coincides with this weekend’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum there. “I think one of the ways we can solve this problem is to go to Beijing personally and have a direct dialogue with Beijing

or months, the streets of mainly Arab East Jerusalem, in the shadow of the Old City but where tourists seldom venture, have been ablaze, with daily clashes between armed Israeli police and Palestinians throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails. The roots of the unrest are many: from the killing in July of a Palestinian teenager by Jewish extremists apparently in revenge for the killing of three Israeli teenagers by Palestinians to increased settlement building in East Jerusalem, the war in Gaza and a push by ultra-nationalist Jews to be allowed to pray at one of Islam’s holiest sites. The seething anger was brought to the fore again yesterday, when a Palestin-

ian man rammed his vehicle into pedestrians and Israeli border police on a road straddling East and West Jerusalem, killing one person and wounding a dozen. The attacker was shot dead by police. The result is the greatest period of unrest the city has experienced since the second Palestinian uprising, or Intifada, began in 2000, a fiveyear period of conflict that left around 3,000 Palestinians and 1,000 Israelis dead. While the upheaval has largely been confined to half a dozen neighborhoods in the hills and valleys to the south and east of the Old City, Palestinians say anger in their community now probably exceeds that of 14 years ago. And there are clear signs of the unrest spreading.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

Sports News

Controversy

Should Ik Uche replace Emenike in Eagles’ attack?

Onaolapo thrilled after emerging Italy’s best

I’m still committed to Chelsea –Moses

Sport

Racket and Bat

Did you know? That Cristiano Ronaldo became the first Real Madrid player to score in eight successive matches in the Spanish La Liga with his strike in Madrid’s 4-0 win away at Granada on Sunday

No excuse for failure in Congo – Enyeama Ifeanyi Ibeh

igeria goalkeeper and skipper, Vincent Enyeama, believes that the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo will not be a stroll in the park for the Super Eagles, but insists the reigning African champions will do all they can to secure the required result against the Red Devils. The Super Eagles need to beat the Congolese in Pointe Noire on November 15 and South Africa four days later in Uyo i n order to stand a chance of defending their title at next year’s AFCON. But while Stephen Keshi’s side requires just a win against the

South Africans on November 19 in Uyo, they need to defeat the Congolese by a two-goal margin in order to cancel out the 3-2 loss inflicted on them by the Red Devils back in September in Calabar and secure an edge in the event of head-tohead records being needed to decide who progresses to the 2015 AFCON. Enyeama, who missed that September 6 home defeat to the Congolese due to personal reasons, informed New Telegraph that he and his teammates have set their sights on doing whatever is required when they come up against Claude Leroy’s side in Pointe Noire, adding that they won’t be offering any excuses if they fail to achieve their goal at the Stade Municipal, a stadium with an artificial playing surface similar to what the Super Eagles encountered against Sudan in Khartoum. “It does not matter where they play it. We all know what needs to be done,” said Enyeama. “We are regularly in touch with one another and the match is usually the only thing we talk about. “We didn’t go out to deliberately lose any of those games (to Congo and Sudan) that have placed us in this situation. But all that is in the past and our focus is now on winning our remaining games. “They won’t be easy, but we know what we have to do and there won’t be any excuses,” added the Lille of France goalkeeper.

Apochi laments lack of exposure for Nigerian boxers Ajibade Olusesan The Sport Team

Adekunle Salami l Deputy Editor, Sports Emmanuel Tobi l Assistant Editor, Sports

Ifeanyi Ibeh l Sports Correspondent

Ajibade Olusesan l Sports Correspondent

he captain of the Nigerian boxing team to the last Commonwealth Games, Efetobor Apochi, has said that Nigerian boxers must be exposed to international competitions to become competitive at major tournaments. Apochi who won one of the four bronze medals recorded by the Nigerian pugilists at the Glasgow 2014 said that the boxers

had the potentials to win gold medals if they had been exposed to international competitions. He said that many of the boxers were ignorant of new techniques, rules and equipment in the game because they were not exposed to international tournaments and had to rely on natural skills to deliver. “I think we need to expose our boxers, to international competitions abroad. We have boxers with incred-

ible talents but we need to encourage them. For instance, at the Commonwealth Games, it took some time for many of our boxers to understand the kind of equipment and rules. I had to talk to them because I was privileged to have attended a couple of competitions. I want to implore government to help develop these kids, we have enormous potentials here but we have to expose them,” the Federal University of Technology Owerri graduate said.

SPORT

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

I’m still committed to Chelsea –Moses N Ifeanyi Ibeh

igeria forward, Victor Moses, says he is still committed to the owners of his contract, Chelsea, but will continue to work hard to impress his loan employers, Stoke City. The 23-year-old joined Stoke on a season-long loan agreement at the start of the

season and has flourished at the Britannia Stadium under Mark Hughes. A permanent switch to Stoke City has been suggested, but the Nigerian, in an interview with British newspaper, The Sentinel, insists his focus is on the present. “I’m still a Chelsea player,” said Moses. “I am here to help Stoke as a club to make sure they are in the right position

Ronaldo not focusing on record

in the Premier League. “And I will keep working hard and trying to help the team as long as I am here.” Moses also aired his thoughts on the row which ensued at the end of Stoke City’s 2-1 win over Swansea, with Swans manager, Garry Monk, accusing the former Wigan and Crystal Palace player of deceiving the match officials to earn a penalty. “It was a clear penalty. My conscience is clear, I got a penalty and now we move on.” Moses also had nice words for Stoke City supporters for aiding the speed with which he settled down to life at the Britannia Stadium. “The fans have been fantastic for me so far,” continued Moses. “Singing my name really helps me to go out determined to work even harder to help keep the club in a good position and to keep the fans happy. “I just want to play football and obviously the manager has given me the opportunity. I’m starting to enjoy my football again.”

Ronaldo

ristiano Ronaldo is not focused on surpassing Raul’s UEFA Champions League scoring record, according to Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. The Portuguese forward is currently one short of the Real legend’s 71-goal marker in Europe’s elite club competition, while Barcelona’s Lionel Messi sits on 69. Ronaldo failed to pull level with Raul as Real beat Liverpool 1-0 on Tuesday, but Ancelotti insisted his failure to find the net would have no negative impact. “Cristiano always wants to score,” said the Italian. “[On Tuesday] he was focused on the match as we needed the win. We haven’t spoken about the record. I thought he was great [against Liverpool]. He will score next time. “I don’t think Cristiano is frustrated after not scoring. I think he is happy like all of us as we got the win and he is focused on the next game.” Karim Benzema scored the only goal of the match as Real booked their place in the round of 16.

Moses

Nadal out of hospital after appendix operation

afael Nadal has left hospital after undergoing a successful operation to remove his appendix. The Spaniard, who has not set a date for his return to action, decided last month that he would address the problem, which hampered him for a number of weeks. According to ESPN, when leaving the Quiron Teknon hospital, Nadal told reporters: “Everything went well. It was simple, ordinary surgery.” A statement confirmed that Nadal has been advised by doctors not to return to full training until after one month of recovery from the key-hole surgery.

Nadal

B’Faso crisis halts Falcons’ dinner Emmanuel Tobi

he current political crisis in Burkina Faso has forced President Goodluck Jonathan to further postpone the reward reception for the victorious Super Falcons who were scheduled to be hosted to a dinner in Abuja on Wednesday. The Falcons had been billed to have a dinner with President Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Aso Rock on October 29, but President Jonathan only received the trophy the team won at the just concluded African Women’s Championship held in Namibia. President Jonathan alongside Presidents Macky Sall of Senegal and John Mahama of Ghana led a delegation of Heads of State and Government raised by ECOWAS to intervene in the crisis triggered by Friday’s resignation of Blaise Compaore as Burkina Faso Presi-

Lack of funds stalls work at new Jos Stadium Musa Pam Jos

onstruction work at the multi-billion naira New Jos Stadium project, in Plateau State, has once again been stalled owing to a lack of funds, even though iron rods worth over two billion naira were recently brought to the site. New Telegraph investigations on Tuesday revealed that no single labourer was seen at the

construction site of the stadium complex. One of the staff of the construction company, BCC Tropical Nigeria Limited, who spoke to New Telegraph on condition of anonymity, said “The only money released was the N2.2 billion, which was meant for the purchase of iron rods already bought and brought to the site shortly before the resignation of the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr

Jonathan

dent. Compaore resigned and fled to Ivory Coast on Friday following mass protest in Ouagadougou. The protest was triggered by Compaore’s plan to amend the Constitution of Burkina Faso to pave way for him to contest for the Presidency again in next year’s elections after 27 years in power. On Saturday, the military seized power and named Isaac Zida, who was second in command of the Presidential Guard, as the new interim leader.

Solomon Maren, who is currently contesting for the Mangu/ Bokkos Federal Constituency in the National Assembly,” disclosed the source. When contacted, the state’s Sports Commissioner, Mr Larenzo Gotau, said that the government was keen on completing work at the stadium. “I am assuring you that the New Jos Stadium will be completed before our governor steps down from office on May 29, 2015,” said Gotau.

Imoke to flag off Obudu race

ross River state Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, will flag off the 10th edition of the Obudu international mountain race and the sixth African Nations Mountain Running Championships on Saturday at the Obudu Ranch resort in Obudu, Cross River state. Governor Imoke, according to William Archibong, chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the race will once again flag off this year’s race tagged the ‘Mountain Race of the Stars’ alongside World Mountain Running Association president, Bruno Gozellino.

‘His Excellency Senator Imoke will flag off Saturday’s race at the mountain resort in Obudu. He will be assisted by Bruno Gozzelino, the president of the WMRA’, said Archibong. Meanwhile, former African sprints queen, Mercy Nku is thrilled that the Obudu mountain race will clock 10 this year. Nku, the second Nigerian nay African woman to run in the 100m finals of the prestigious IAAF World Championships in Athletics behind Mary Onyali, also congratulated both the LOC and governor Imoke for the 10th year anniversary of the race.

Glo congratulates Kano Pillars

ational telecommunications operator and sponsor of the Nigerian Premier League, Globacom, has congratulated Kano Pillars Football Club for winning the 2013/2014 Glo Premier League. Kano Pillars club has now won the title for the third consecutive time. Globacom, in a statement issued in Lagos congratulated the Kanobased team for winning the Premier League for

the third time consecutively, having previously emerged the league champions during the 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 league seasons. “We call on the management of Kano Pillars to start preparation in earnest for the CAF Champions League in order to perform brilliantly during the continental championship” Glo Added Globacom also com-

mended the League Management Company for its focussed organisation of the league, urging them to keep the flag flying. “We wish to congratulate the LMC on the successful completion of the 2013/2014 league season, we look forward to a more competitive 2014/2015 season as the LMC gradually moves to restore the glory of Glo Premier League,” Globacom said.

Controversy

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

Should Ik Uche replace Emenike in Eagles’ attack? Emmanuel Emenike has found goal scoring hard to come by for the Super Eagles in recent months, a situation that informed the clamour for the recall of Ikechukwu Uche to lead the national team’s forward line. New Telegraph sought the opinions of a number of football experts on who should lead the Super Eagles’ attack.

Don’t put pressure on Uche – Weah

Uche

Emenike

think it is better to allow him to lead the Super Eagles attack in the two games since most people have been on the issue of the guy coming back into the team. But I will advise Nigerians not to put too much pressure on him to deliver. He has what it takes to get the goals and I hope he will give his best for Nigeria against Congo and South Africa. George Weah, Former Liberia international

Edeme Fuludu, former Eagles player

for me and my focus now is on the league which I hope to win for my club. “I can’t say I am not surprised that things happened so fast for me here.

and complement Emenike upfront. Both of them can play together upfront but they must improve their shooting ability and convert their scoring chances. Their ability to play together is a function of the tactical play being used by Keshi, but if the coach decides to use the type of formation against Argentina at the World Cup, where Emenike, Osaze and Ahmed Musa led the attack, then the goals will surely come. Also, the team still lacks creative midfielders but the coaches will have to make use of what they have at their disposal. Former Flying Eagles coach, Tunde Disu

Uche should start from the bench –Ezeugo

kechukwu Uche has shown some consistency at his club Iand I think he has scored more

goals for Nigeria than any other player currently playing for Nigeria. But it is the duty of the coach to decide what formation he would like to deploy and who gets to start under that formation. Stephen Keshi has a preference for a 4-3-3 formation with one point man operating from the centre and two other fast forwards operating from the wings. And if that happens the only way I see Uche starting is if he operates from one of the wide forward positions with Ahmed Musa grabbing the other spot.. And if that is the case, I wouldn’t mind having Uche leading the attack alongside Emmanuel Emenike or the new guy from China, Aaron Samuel.

Stephen Abarowei, ex-international

Onaolapo thrilled after emerging Italy’s best igeria’s table tennis prodigy, Ojo Onaolapo, said he was shocked to have made an instant impact in Europe after emerging the best player in Italy barely three months after he moved to the country. The Commonwealth Games bronze medallist beat Bisi Paolo, 3-2 to emerge champion in the Italian championship last Sunday. The competition is an annual event to determine Italy’s top three players in both divisions one and two. And in an exclusive interview with our correspondent, the player said his victory was as a result of hard work and determination. He said that the success would prepare him to propel his Italian club, Macorzzi table tennis club, to victory when the league serves off on November 21. “I am very happy to win the competition because the Italians never thought that an African could beat them like that especially a player that is new to the system. This is just a step

mmanuel Emenike has been playing too deep in Eagles E attack in recent time, he has not been playing like a top striker. I will suggest that Ike Uche and Ahmed Musa support

Uche can play alongside Emenike –Abarowei

Emenike, Uche should lead Eagles’ attack –Fuludu think Emenike is having a bad patch just like any players. The fact that he has not been scoring goals for Nigeria in recent time does not mean that he is no longer a good player; we just have to be patient with him. As for Ike Uche, he will be under pressure to deliver because many fans actually called for his invitation and he will want to justify that. Overall, it is the coach that will have to decide who will be on the starting line-up, it is not a decision for you and I. But on a personal note I think both of them should play a part in the match whether as starter or from the bench.

Uche will complement Emenike –Disu

But I know that if one keeps faith in God nothing is in possible. So, I can just say this is product of God’s work, determination and focus,” he said.

with Ajibade Olusesan 07065377853

Omoile: Governor’s Cup has helped Nigerian players

Onaolapo

that as there are also others capable of doing so, most especially Emmanuel Emenike. Emenike, even though he hasn’t found goal scoring easy to come by in recent matches for Nigeria, has shown that he has the strength to overpower defenders. He can use his strength to create room for others in the team to take advantage of and rip the opposition apart. If Stephen Keshi intends to start with one out and out striker upfront, then I don’t think Uche should start as the point man as I don’t think he has the strength to play in that role. But Uche can also operate from the flanks as an inside forward along with Ahmed Musa. They are both very fast players and are capable of giving slow defenders a torrid time on the pitch. But we also have to be aware that Uche hasn’t played for the team in a long while and I don’t think Keshi would want to take such a huge gamble in such an important game. Emeka Ezeugo, ex-international

Rackets&

Bats

kechukwu Uche is capable of Ithe leading the attack but he is not only player capable of doing

ennis youngster, Samuel Omoile, has said that the annual Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship has impacted positively on Nigerian players despite the poor showing of the country’s contingent in the tournament. He said that due to the dearth of competitions in the country and the inability of players to regularly attend circuits abroad, the International Tennis Federation-sanctioned tournament remains an opportunity for the players to gain exposure and experience. He said that the Nigerian players have been struggling in the tournament because they do not have the level of exposure their foreign counterparts enjoy. But he added that they would do their best to give the country respectable representation in this year’s edition. “The Governor’s Cup has been the most challenging tournament I had played because of the top players that usually come to play in the ITF tourney. But the competition has greatly helped some of us develop into better players.” “An average Nigerian tennis player is match rusty because he only trains without having any tournament to play.

Snippets

Ovtcharov, Mizutani lead race for Russian Open title

ermany’s Dimitrij Ovtcharov, Japan’s Jun Mizutani and GPortugal’s Marcos Freitas alongside Japan’s Koki Niwa are the top seeds as GAC Group 2014 ITTF World Tour got underway in Russia on Wednesdsay. The players are the leading candidates for places in the seasonending ITTF Open in Thailand. Players that end on the top 16 standing in the ITTF World Tour tournaments during the year are expected to be part of the $Imilliondollar competition that will hold in Bangkok, Thailand later in the year.

Federer, Wawrinka to lead Switzerland in Davis Cup oger Federer and Stanislas R Wawrinka will lead Switzerland’s bid for its first Davis Cup title against

host France this month. Switzerland captain Severin Luethi retained the four-man team which beat Italy in the semifinals: second-ranked Federer, Australian Open champion Wawrinka, Marco Chiudinelli and Michael Lammer. Federer and Wawrinka will prepare for the November 21-23 final in Lille by playing the ATP finals in London on indoor hard courts.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

Sanctity of Truth

On Marble You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.

– C. S. Lewis

World Record

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014

N150

1916: Albert Einstein published his General Theory of Relativity, in which he unifies special relativity and Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation, and describesgravity as a property of the curvature of four-dimensionalspace-time.

May God save Nigeria from Nigerians

ime is a great healer, so they say. But not in Nigeria. Time doesn’t heal anything in this country. Inexplicably, it complicates the Nigerian situation. And it is worse when the issue borders on politics. In the post-Independence era, mistakes were made in the First, Second and Third Republics. Expectedly, politicians should have learnt from these. But current events have shown that politicians of those Republics were saints. Today, politicians are drawing attention to their behaviour in the most bizarre way. I stayed all night on Tuesday, watching the midterm elections in the United States, a country where we copied our presidential system. It was a celebration of the beauty of democracy at its highest. As usual, I was enraptured when results started trickling in on Cable News Network (CNN). Many analysts view the result as a complete rejection of the President Barack Obama presidency and the Democratic Party, with two years left for the first African-American Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. to leave the White House. Republicans seized the Senate, gaining full control of the Congress. Of the 100 seats, Republicans won 52 to Democrats’ 45. In the House of Representatives, Republicans won 242 to Democrats’ 174. Obama was even rejected in his home state, Illinois, as the embattled Democratic governor, Pat Quinn, lost his bid for re-election against the Republican candidate, Bruce Rauner. And there was nothing Obama could do about it. Speaker of the House of Representatives, John Boehner, joyfully said he was “humbled by the responsibility the American people have placed with us. This is the time for government to start getting results and implementing solutions to the challenges facing our country, starting with our still-struggling economy”. Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, a Democrat, who has controlled the Senate since 2007, immediately congratulated Republicans on their victory. He also congratulated the Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell, who becomes the Majority Leader in January. Reid said Tuesday night on CNN: “I’d like to congratulate Senator McConnell, who will be the new Senate Majority Leader. The message from voters is clear: they want us to work together. I look forward to working with Senator McConnell to get things done for the middle class”. If there was any imposition, I didn’t see. If there was manipulation, it was not glaring. Everybody was talking about the American interest, not individual interest. In Nigeria, the annoying thing in the race for the 2015 election is this terrible drama that politicians are adding to the process. Obviously, this kind of democracy cannot last. From the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progres-

Talking Tough GABRIEL AKINADEWO gabyfola@hotmail.com

08023010222, 08052097814 (sms only)

sives Congress (APC), it is the same sad story as internal democracy is almost dead. Outgoing governors boldly announce that they will soon name their successors. Voters have no say in the matter. I have not seen any incumbent (president, governor or senator) who has admitted that he bought a form to seek reelection. It is not a crime for anybody to tell Nigerians that he is seeking reelection. It is not an offence for an incumbent to reveal that he bought his Expression of Interest (EoI) and Nomination forms. Some of these incumbents collect close to a billion naira monthly (security vote). So, I wonder why they are falling over themselves to convince Nigerians that their kinsmen bought forms for them to seek reelection. If that is the new fad in our democratic growth, many patriotic Nigerians don’t want to be part of it. Is there a law which says political office holders must not purchase forms for themselves? Why the current attempt to deceive themselves, Nigerians and the global audience? In this part of the world, politicians have stubbornly refused to get it right. Genesis 1:31 says “And God saw everything (including Nigeria) that He had made, and, behold, it was very good”. In this country, we have all the elements of state power: size, population, good geographical location, mineral and human resources, etc. But, today, Nigerians are turning the creation of God into something regrettable (Genesis 6:6). Our brand of politics and democracy is clearly retrogressive and comical. And there are no indications that it will bear fruits, now or in the future. If our politicians are taking one step

In this part of the world, politicians have stubbornly refused to get it right

forward and two backward, at least, that is still tolerable. But regrettably, they are not taking any step forward at all. Everything is on a downward slope. With all the histrionics associated with collection of forms so far, honestly, our politicians cannot sink deeper than this. With all sense of honour and responsibility, Senator David Bonaventure Mark has been a stabilising factor since he was elected Senate President in 2007. As Nigeria’s third most powerful person, his political maturity has always doused tension in the polity. But something snapped in him recently which many Nigerians are yet to understand. Why should the number three citizen weep over nomination form purchased for him by his kinsmen to recontest and represent them for life? A friend, Rose Moses, said on Facebook that when she read how Mark was weeping when his kinsmen ‘forcefully’ purchased the form for him, she also started weeping for this country. The Senate President broke down in tears as he accepted the 2015 PDP nomination form from his constituents in Benue South Senatorial District to return to the Senate next year. All the elders in the nine local governments in the district gave him the form in his Otukpo country home. Overwhelmed with the love his people have for him that he should represent them forever, he wept uncontrollably. Although it was not reported, I am sure some of his kinsmen also wept endlessly because they were happy to have purchased the form for their loving son who has been in the Senate since 1999. Although the Owelle of Onitsha, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, died on May 11, 1996 and was buried in November 1996, the quantity of the liquid that came out of mourners’ eyes was not up

to the one shed by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, a few days ago. The drama happened at Azikiwe’s grave at his Inosi Onira residence, Onitsha and the late nationalist must have wondered why Umeh wept endlessly 18 years after his death. The APGA chairman is seeking to represent Anambra Central Senatorial District in the upper chamber next year. While weeping, he also reported to the late first indigenous President-General of the country the defections of former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, to the All Progressives Congress (APC). A few days before then, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, although he didn’t weep, revealed that his forms to represent Delta South Senatorial District were bought by some of his political associates known as G3. He said: “History is in the making and I have to heed the calls of my people who have severally urged me to go to the Senate after my tenure as Governor of Delta State. I will not disappoint them. I will, by the grace of God, give my senatorial zone quality representation. I also want to appreciate President Goodluck Jonathan and assure him that I will put all my national and international reach at his disposal”. Uduaghan’s deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama, who wants to govern the state from 2015, didn’t disappoint Nigerians when he revealed that his forms were bought by a group known as ‘Network for Utuama’. While Nigerians were having a good laugh at all these, it was not a funny situation for some Nigerians last week in Ibadan, Oyo State. What was their offence? They were unfortunate to have been close to the Express Quarry Nigeria Limited, LagosIbadan Expressway, Ibadan. Close to 50 vehicles were vandalised by some rampaging hoodlums protesting the collection or non-collection of N2,500 levy on granite loaded by each truck at the site. Many people were also injured. The pandemonium caused a traffic snarl along the expressway as commuters hurriedly alighted from their buses and ran into the bush for safety. When the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Kola Sodipo, visited the scene, he urged the combatants to maintain the peace. Nobody was arrested and those whose vehicles were vandalised were indirectly told to fix their vehicles. As usual in this country, that was the end of the story. Impunity continues. Honestly, this democracy is working in reverse. Is it not funny that His Lordship, Hon Justice Suleiman Abba, was confirmed as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) on Tuesday after interpreting the constitution? I wonder what else to write about this country. May God save Nigeria from Nigerians.

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