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Vol. 1 No. 297

Friday, December 12, 2014

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N150

Obasanjo appeals court ruling on autobiography's seizure }6

Economy requires $113bn fresh capital, says BPE Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

he economy requires about $113 billion of investment within six years to

“unleash” the oil and gas industry, rehabilitate its roads and railways and boost electricity supply, Di-

rector General, Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE), Benjamin Dikki has said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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After 63 days of fun, intri emerges gues, Idris Africa’s choice

Entertai nment 27

Patoranki Kesh, Jim ng, Lil’ others rocmy Jatt, Lagos 201 k at Copa 4

Stories by Sony Neme

Mr. Ibu: M craziest y momen t was acting th e of a wom role an

lectrifyin g danc stro Patorankehall mae“Shake ing; body” the Yemi Alad crooner, Skal Lil Kesh e, the “Sho ki” mas es, ; Ruby B.O.J and ter, Gya DJ Jimmng, Shaydee, part of y Jatt the line tistes thril up of mus were ic arat the 2014 led beach socc edition er fans Beach of Copa Lago soccer fiesta. s This ing to is apparently tradition in keepthe year beca integral s, music has use over beco Lagos part of the 3-day me an fiest COPA its 4th year a and the , has reco festival, in music Multi-a rded seve high war ral As the lights. John Oka ds winning on Frid tournament for, ay kicked as Mr. Ibu, better known fans will , 12th – 14th off not only Decembe music most clow is arguably the but a fash experien r, of cour ion show ce se, in Nigeria. nish thespian and Lead beach soccer. long-stansponsor, 1960 elements He was at his City Mon ding spon BET and sors Firs with New when he spoke Eko Atla ument Ban t Tele Mr. Ibu k graph Asaba on and venu ntic, Cool (FCMB), FM, Tuesday. at Estate e sponsors Eko Pepsi his mind unde their supp r Orlean InveEnergy on his outbHe bared against st lend urst other unfoort in serv abo ing up ers, whil cer expe rgettable anActors’ Guil ut to wed beach rien have to e others will socswea Berthed ce. boss, Ibin d of Nigeria’s main elect t it out to really indu in 2011 is orga abo , Copa stry. Wha ions. Wha win the nized here is Lagos her welfare r Fiberesima, teem of Bea under t t that the relax and this is not I mean whe ing theater about the scheme (BSWW)ch Soccer Wor scope arts othe and because feel that all time to gradre will they go students r sundry ldwide recogniz World Tour it not over is well, uate? Whe whe issues. – the FIFA main elect go to? creation ed entity behi re wou n they ions are until the Wha ld they and nd the t are you growth Soccer, won. Again and of Beac You knowdoing in Asab At a point ing abou we have been tegic role aims to have h you were that abou a? percent again hear a in straof Nige t Film Corp st the leade up in arms beach of film t 45 to orationsgeria pres soccer development ria, we s produced 60 Guild of rship of in Nige they don’ of Nige in Nitions in ently have ria. situation ria, AGN, whatActors’ now are cooperat t know who their Asab ing now? they locaa. So is the with? By shoot som Oh! You film villa should have e movies.we are here to other all are built a we were ge whe Unli area will be aware re fight inco that are very s, most peopke some gene ing? Well fighting The Filmrated from. mes , I was concur willing to help le here are not because mem I talk abou and Vide sorship supposed bers use of to such demandsas they Boar o t they Cen d is anot to be issues that their prop entir are purposes fighting in the industrywhere fifty ely. They colle her issue erties as the . for film to be urge need people because mos . I am and thousand nair ct as much ntly you a per film Most supposed see there t of the hun we have an tackled. ! aver A have wonof your colle My ange to be in the are not mondred and fifty age of a national industry agues while som primary task ership r is because . five th. That is an films in a elec the is e failed force for to repr a nationalsupposed to lead- film million naira average of in their tions each esen does this t their peop quest state is Jimmy Jatt state that task force set up tion s in a month. for hundred urgently mean to? le, wha With a in each al film will be It is a cations t func village, needed visiting be able to find we shou so that means good omen for to lothat mak who ld for the that that the producti are us. Tha more than coun e more money AGN, andare not mem there t ons that indu Apart try. get paid sanction bers of to the deve acting to stry has ducers contribu Goodluc from Pres for roles such proappr try, even lopment of te are stop As I spea opriately. will like k Jonathan ident ped ested in though I am the coun, who k with people elected) to come back I you, collect collectivepolitics. They not interagain, their pare money some won (rewho not affor mantle and hold our they can nts and whe from thos derful to the has been d to disa they can indu pay prod get it to com rever ing e parastatals ppoint. are not stry, What are in mov ucers to play e and readissues. Most people helpies they y abus roles them? your expectati SONY NEM are about! know ing alas ons that priv This is they nothing EDITOR, from E They going ilege collect gather them sony.neme@ ENTERTAINMEN on and what has been selves money ence wheshould mak not get members T newtelegrap to Tha from e roles honline.com first and n they get a differanomalies to play. With can- Akp t was how othe Jonathan. ther © Daily go back foremost, they e. But Telegraph are deni in place, memsuch sum abio and got rs went to and strat Publishing should also. Tha a whoppin bers what they Company see suched roles. And egize, Limited naira g t fifty I cannot a thing ty’s tick have now because from mill hands and enou is Akpabio ion and where et. Some are the pargoing dow watch the fold my nati gh to build was they have in area industry onal secr us a befit resistanc ting I am n the hill. little or s etariat don’t have e from that we no other cont as a persnot fighting . Wha pres Ibinabor t they on, but ently is endplace, beca have the a sham e. use if we system in what is But Pres do ident Jona jeopardiright now, we not do a parc than ze the would el of land future early in gave out of the the year CONT

Page 25

Best of showbiz

2015 battle begins INUE D

ON PAGE

lBuhari, in fourth attempt, set to clash with Jonathan

lHow the General overran Atiku, others to clinch APC ticket lOshiomhole, Amaechi in race for running mate slot lSambo in with Jonathan }5

Business }29

POLITICS }13

Travel Advisory Guide to local and international flights }4

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

Travel Advisory

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

International Flight Schedule

Local FLIGHT SCHEDULE 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 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 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 AZMAN FLIGHT SCHEDULE WEEKLY SCHEDULE Kano-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Abuja 10:30am Abuja-Lagos 12:40pm Lagos-Abuja/Kano 4:00pm Abuja-Kano 5:45pm Kaduna-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Kan 10:10am Kano-Abuja/Lagos 12:40pm Abuja-Lagos 1:00pm Abuja-Lagos 2:40pm Lagos-Kaduna 5:00pm WEEKEND SCHEDULE SATURDAY Kano-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Abuja 10:30am Abuja-Lagos 1:00pm Lagos-Kano 4:00pm Kaduna-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Kano 4:00pm Sunday Kano-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Kano 10:30am Kano-Abuja/Lagos 1:20pm Abuja-Lagos 2:40pm Lagos-Kaduna 5:00pm

Air France Destination Abuja- Paris Paris-Lagos Paris-PHC PHC-Paris Paris –Abuja Lagos –Paris

Flight No. AF 513 AF 3822 AF514 AF513 AF514 AF3849

Departure 23.55hrs 10.55hrs 11:hrs 21:20hrs 11:00hrs 23:55hrs

Arrival 6:05hrs 17:15hrs 19:15hrs 6:05hrs 17:00hrs 6:20hrs

KL587 KL588

13:15hrs 23:05hrs

20:00hrs 05:50hrs

W3 107 W3 108 W3 105 W3 106

23:35hrs 12:00hrs 9:40pm 12:10pm

05:30hrs 16:00hrs 5.40:hrs 17:10pm

BA075 BA074 BA 082 BA 083

17:55hrs 00:00hrs 09:00hrs 22:40hrs

11:55hrs 5:50hrs 14:35hrs 06:00hrs

KLM Amsterdam-Lagos Lagos-Amsterdam

ARIK AIRLINES Lagos-New York New York-Lagos Lagos-Abuja-Dubai Dubai-Abuja-Lagos

BRITISH AIRWAYS London-Lagos Lagos-London Abuja-London Abuja-London

Middle East Airlines (Two flights weekly (Tues & Friday) to Lagos) Lebanon-Lagos Lagos-Lebanon

3:00hrs 14:00hrs

8:00hrs 19:00hrs

Ethiopian Airways international travel tips

EK 7821 EK 7822 EK 7831 EK 7811 EK 761

21:30hrs 14:40hrs 07:35hrs 14:20hrs 23:55hrs

07:40hrs 01:05hrs 12:50hrs 19:45hrs 10:30hrs

The price of a ticket includes the transportation of a certain amount of baggage in the cargo hold of the aircraft. This allowance differs depending on the booking class and the destination. Free baggage allowance on all other international routes and within Ethiopia On Ethiopian free baggage allowance is set by the weight or piece concept whichever is applicable to the sector.

QR 1414 QR 1415

14:55hrs 07:20hrs

23:45hrs 13:35hrs

DL053 DL 054

22:15hrs 5:15hrs

05:32hrs 16:15hrs

UA 143 UA 142

10:10hrs 19:10hrs

6:05hrs 15.15hrs

KQ 533 KQ 534

12:30hrs 18:00hrs

19:35hrs 23:45hrs

13:15hrs 09:00hrs 13:40hrs 09:40hrs 12:00hrs 09:20hrs 14:05hrs 09:20hrs

20:25hrs 12:15hr 20:10hrs 12:20hrs 20:50hrs 11:15hrs 20:50hrs 13:20hrs

MEA 571 MEA 572

EMIRATES AIRLINES Lagos-Dubai (Sun-Sat) Lagos-Dubai Dubai-Lagos Dubai-Lagos Abuja-Dubai

QATAR AIRWAYS Lagos-Doha Flight (daily) Doha-Lagos Flight

DELTA AIRLINES Lagos-Atlanta Atlanta-Lagos

UNITED AIRLINES Lagos-Houston Houston-Lagos

KENYA AIRWAYS Lagos-Nairobi Nairobi-Lagos

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES Lagos to Addis Ababa Addis Ababa to Lagos Abuja to Addis Ababa Addis Ababa to Abuja Enugu to Addis Ababa Addis Ababa to Enugu Kano to Addis Ababa Addis Ababa to Kano

ET900 ET901 ET910 ET911 ET930 ET931 ET930 ET931

Local restrictions on baggage weight Please note that the maximum weight limit per single baggage is 32 kg for business class and 23 kg for economy class on all flights across the Atlantic (outbound and return, as well as transfers). Baggage exceeding this weight limit will not be accepted for check- in. This regulation does not change the maximum weight limit for the free baggage allowance.

Baggage Allowance & Fees for flight to/from the USA For Ethiopian-ticketed passengers on Ethiopian-operated flights (ET) the first and second checked bag in Cloud Nine and Economy is free. For ShebaMiles Gold, ShebaMiles Silver and Star Gold passengers, the first checked bag above the complimentary (free) checked bag allowance shown above is also free of charge. (23 kg (50 lbs)/158 cm (62 inches) max. each in Economy; 32 kg (70 lbs)/158 cm (62 inches) max. each in Cloud Nine). In Cloud Nine and Economy, including ShebaMiles Gold, ShebaMiles Silver and Star Gold passengers, the fee for any additional checked bags beyond the complementary specified above is $150/bag each way between the USA and Addis Ababa, Bujumbura, Dar es salaam, Entebbe, Djibouti, Kilimanjaro, Juba, Harare, Kigali, Khartoum, MIDDLE EAST, ASIA, and EUROPE, and for other African points that are not mentioned here the fee is USD200.00/bag each way. Please review Ethiopian Carry-On for Carry-on bag size and weight information clicking the link below:

Cabin Carry-On Luggage Additional baggage fees may apply in the event of a stopover on an international itinerary.

Codeshare/International flights exceptions For travel to/from, with US, on an interline itinerary, additional airline fees for baggage may apply. Please refer to the website of the airline operating the first flight segment of your interline itinerary in your electronic ticket confirmation. If the first number in the itinerary starts with UA (United): Baggage service charges US (USAirways): Baggage policies - Checked baggage AA (American Airlines): Optional Service Charges AC (Air Canada): Baggage Guide

News

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

Buhari faces Jonathan in 2015 poll Johnchuks Onuanyim, Temitope Ogunbanke, Onyekachi Eze and Cajetan Mmuta

ith their emergence yesterday, the February 14, 2015 presidential election will be a straight fight between President Goodluck Jonathan and former Head of State, Major General Muhammadu Buhari. Jonathan's candidacy was ratified at the Special National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which ended in the wee hours of yesterday in Abuja. Buhari, on his part, defeated five other presidential aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including former Vice-President Atiku

Abubakar and Kano State Governor, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to clinch the prized APC's ticket at the national convention of the party that held in Lagos. The 2015 poll will be the second term both of them will be jockeying for the presidency, having run against each other in the 2011 presidential contest. In their first encounter, Jonathan won the presidency by 22.3 million votes as against about 12 million votes garnered by Buhari, who ran on the platform of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), one of the constituent parties that formed the APC. The 2015 contest will be Buhari's fourth attempt at the presidency. Ahead of the 2015 contest, the president has announced the retention of Vice-President Namadi

APC presidential primaries result Name Atiku Abubakar Muhammadu Buhari Rabiu Kwankwaso Rochas Okorocha Sam Nda-Isaiah Sambo as his running mate. New Telegraph, however, learnt that with Buhari's victory, the race for who will be his running mate has become more intense. It was gathered that among two persons being considered for the post are Rivers State Governor, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi and his Edo State counterpart, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole. Buhari's victory was announced by the Chief Returning Officer and for-

Votes 954 3,430 974 624 10 mer Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi. He polled 3.430 votes to defeat Kwankwaso (974), Atiku (954), Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha (624) and Publisher of Leadership Newspapers, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah (10). According to Fayemi, the total number of accredited delegates is 7,214 but only 6,008 people voted, adding that 5,992 valid votes were recorded with 16 invalid votes. He later presented the party presidential prima-

ries certificate of return to Buhari. APC National Chairman, Chief John OdigieOyegun, while presenting Buhari as APC presidential candidate, congratulated him and also commended the aspirants for taking part in the primaries. He later present the party's symbol, a branded APC broom, flag and party's constitution to Buhari and urged Nigerians to vote for APC in 2015 elections. In their respective addresses, Atiku, Kwankwaso and Okorocha congratulated Buhari for emerging as APC presidential candidate and promised to ensure his victory in next year's election. In his acceptance speech, Buhari promised to implement a five-cardinal programme that will provide good governance

L-R: Senate President David Mark; his wife, Helen; wife of Vice-President Namadi Sambo, Amina; First Lady Patience Jonathan; Sambo; President Goodluck Jonathan; National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu and Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Anthony Anenih, at the party's national convention in Abuja...yesterday.

Economy requires $113bn fresh capital, says BPE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Dikki said at the annual general meeting of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Lagos that about $60 billion would be needed for hydrocarbon sector, $33 billion for the rail network and building of new roads nationwide while between $18 and $20 billion was required for the power sector. He added that the government cannot finance all these requirements and is changing its laws and regulations to aid private sector investment. The BPE boss, who spoke on “Making Nigeria Work – A dialogue between the real sector and the reformer,” said the

government was losing $287 million a month due to its failure to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) that has been stuck in the parliament for years and meant to give Nigeria a greater share of profits. Dikki, in a statement, said the BPE had also concluded reforms in eight sectors of the economy, namely telecommunications, power, banking and finance, marine, mining, industrial, steel as well as oil and gas. He said the government had so far privatised 123 enterprises including the recently-concluded sale of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) successor companies from which it earned over N564.3 bil-

lion. According to him, the reform of the telecommunications and banking sectors remains so far the most successful in terms of the impact on the Nigerian economy. He added that Nigeria’s teledensity has been raised from about 450,000 telephone lines in 2001 to over 134.5 million as at September 2014. Access to telecommunication facilities has greatly improved the ease of doing business; leading to the improved ease of communications between business partners thereby reducing costs, increased the number of employees in the telecom sector and increased volume of in-

vestment in the sector. However, Nigeria's ability to generate the $113 billion of investment within six years to “unleash” the oil and gas industry is being threatened by the instability in the global oil market. Oil production has fallen short of the government’s target of 2.4 million barrels a day every month this year. The government relies on crude for about 70 per cent of its income. The government, which had initially projected 6.35 per cent growth for next year, said last Tuesday that it might lower that estimate by about one percentage point next week. Global oil prices have plunged more than a third

since June, roiling Nigeria’s markets, eroding foreign-currency reserves, which fell to $35.95 billion by December 8, down 19.3 per cent from a year earlier. The falling reserves had prompted policy makers to devalue the naira for the first time in three years. Nigeria’s reserves fell from $44.53 billion in same period (Dec. 8) last year. It stood at $37.98 billion a month ago, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday. The naira had also fallen 12.1 per cent against the dollar this year, including a one-off, 8 per cent devaluation by the central bank last month, as global oil prices plunged.

and accountability to Nigerians. The APC presidential candidate, who commended his co-aspirants for accepting the results of the primary election, promised to tackle corruption and bide by the constitution in governing Nigeria. He said: "To my fellow contestants, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Governor Rochas Okorocha, Mr. Sam Nda Isaiah, I want to thank you all for putting up a good fight. I extend my greetings to you and thank you for accepting the result of the convention and your resolve to support my candidature. I shall meet with you in the coming days to freshen up on how to confront the challenge ahead. "My dear people of Nigeria, it is with deep sense of humility I am accepting the nomination of my party, the All Progressives Congress as its candidate in the 2015 presidential election. I accept that my nomination is not because I am better than other candidates. We have all been determined to liberate our country from the current state of insecurity and poverty, among others. "What I envisaged today is a country where Muslims and Christians, rich and poor, young and old are citizens of Nigeria. The current administration does not believe in the obligation to the people. By their action, they are leading the nation to calamity. In international conferences, Nigeria delegations are always the largest but with the less influence. We have the largest population in Africa but we are among the weakest." While expressing his vision for a new Nigeria, Buhari said: "Should we continue to live in a situation whereby the Power Holding Company and its successor companies continue to hold us in darkness? Should we continue to live in a nation where 250 of our children were kidnapped and we have not been told where they are or even have any credible information on how to get them? "Shall we continue to live in a nation whereby many of our graduates went to look for work and were trampled to death in a stadium and nobody has so far been held responsible? Shall we continue to live in a nation where the lives of the poor keep getting worse and the rich keep living in abundance? My answers to all of these are no! No! And No! "I am ready to do my best so that when the hisCONTINUED ON PAGE 7

News

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Jonathan: 2015 elections will hold nationwide Anule Emmanuel and Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

resident Goodluck Jonathan has allayed fears being expressed in some quarters that the 2015 general election may not hold in parts of the country. The president said government is making every security arrangement possible for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the polls in all states of the federation. President Jonathan stated this yesterday during the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where 3,000 delegates from the 36 states in Abuja converged to ratify his candidature as the party's presidential flag bearer. He said: "It is encouraging that the security situation is improving, and by the grace of God, elections will be conducted in all states of the federation.” The president also called on Nigerians to join his administration in collectively fighting the present insurgency which has claimed several lives. "I call on all Nigerians,

irrespective of party or belief, to join me in this fight against insurgency and terror. We must be united. Bickering and quarrels only serve to send the wrong signals to terrorists and insurgents, that we are divided in this fight. More importantly it can also demoralise our dedicated and brave armed forces. This would be wrong. For this reason, we must remain united." President Jonathan explained that although experiences in other countries indicate that there could be violence after such general election as the forth 2015

polls, there is need for citizens to vigilant and avoid unruly behaviour. "The experience in many countries shows that there may be a tendency for the escalation of violence in an election year. We must not succumb to blackmail. We must be vigilant – every one of us. Only by united action, can we defeat terrorism," he said. While accepting his nomination as flag bearer for the presidential election, President Jonathan said: "I once more accept the challenge to serve our party and nation. I will

continue the work we have begun with the Transformation Agenda." He said what the country needs more than anything else, is to secure the future of its people by building, and not by destroying it. "The choice before Nigerians in the coming election is simple: A choice between going forward or going backwards; between the new ways and the old ways; between freedom and repression; between a record of visible achievements and beneficial reforms - and desperate power-seekers with empty

promises." Meanwhile, President Jonathan and the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Adamu Mu'azu, have promised to review and refine the processes adopted by the party in the selection of its candidates for elections. "Without prejudice to various on-going resolution mechanisms, we will take steps, after the elections to review and refine the candidate selection procedures within our party. An appropriate committee will be set up to work on this, with contri-

butions across board," the president assured. On his part, Mu’azu gave an assurance that the members who have been unfortunate not to have received a ticket to represent the party at the next elections will be accommodated. "The unity of our party is paramount to our success over and above any individual ambition. The PDP has set a standard which is yet to be surpassed in the country in terms of the transparency and integrity of its internal democratic processes," Mu'azu stated

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST LAGOS

30o C 26oC Thunder Storms

ABUJA

37oC

21oC

L-R: Winner, All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, the party's National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and the Chief Returning Officer, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, in Lagos …yesterday PHOTO: Godwin Irekhe

Partially Cloudy

PORT HARCOURT

25o C 18oC Storms

Obasanjo appeals court ruling on autobiography's seizure Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

KANO

19oC

11oC

Sunny

ENUGU

33o C 23oC Thunder Storms

IBADAN

34oC

23oC

Partially Cloudy

CALABAR

30o C 23oC Storms

MAIDUGURI

ONITSHA

36oC 16oC Mostly Sunny

33o C 23oC Storms

ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday appealed the order of an Abuja High Court which found him guilty of contempt for the publication of his autobiography titled "My Watch." He filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal, Abuja, barely 24 hours after Justice Valentine Ashi delivered a ruling which ordered the confiscation of the book. A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Ogun State, Prince Buruji Kashamu, had instituted a legal action against Obasanjo, saying certain sections of the book were libelous and its public presentation should therefore be suspended. But the ex-president, through his legal team led

by Gboyega Oyewole, filed the appeal to challenge the confiscation order. The appellant, who filed 10 grounds to support the appeal, maintained that the trial judge erred in the ruling. Obasanjo sought an order setting aside the ruling of the lower court and all the orders made thereunder. The former president also sought an order transferring the suit to the Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory for reassignment to another judge for hearing. He argued that the judge erred in law when he granted interlocutory orders of injunction which had restrained him from the publication of the book. Among the 10 grounds of appeal, according to the appellant's counsel,

are that "the learned trial judge erred in law when he granted interlocutory orders of injunction which inter alia restrained the defendant from the publication of his book, "My Watch," or the content of the letter to the president (Goodluck Jonathan) which is the subject of the suit before the trial judge in the said book." Also yesterday, the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) exonerated the former president from blame over the alleged violation of the court order. In a statement by one of Obasanjo's aides, Mr. Vitalise Ortese, and made available to reporters in Abeokuta, the OOPL described as "highly misleading" media reports which conveyed the impression that the former president intended to dare the judiciary.

"Since the news of the said order broke, he (Obasanjo) has been receiving calls from concern friends far and near and he is constrained to make this release and present the facts as they relate to the book and its public presentation. "Chief Olusegun Obasanjo wishes to state that the media reports which convey the impression that he intended to 'dare or confront a judge or the judiciary' is highly misleading. Far from this, on the contrary, the former president is a law-abiding citizen who will only pursue his rights within the law and will not 'dare' a judge or knowingly flout an order of a court of competent jurisdiction. "The former president wishes to make it clear that in the first instance, no formal order from Justice Ashi was served and

received by either himself or by proxy regarding any injunction restraining the publication of the book, "My Watch," which from the records was already in circulation. "Chief Obasanjo has directed his lawyers to appeal against the orders and seek a suspension or stay of execution of these orders. Also, 10 points have been raised already for the court to clear. The implication of these, which is to suspend the enforcement of the orders until the application is determined, should not be lost on all concerned. "The former president reiterates his regard for due process on judiciary and rule of law and recognises that the order is from the court and not the government as it has been attributed in some quarters," the statement said.

News

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

Boko Haram, others killed 5,042 in November lTroops destroy more arms, ammunition seized from terror group

Emmanuel Onani and Muhammad Kabir

oko Haram and other terror groups in the world killed 5,042 people worldwide, according to a report released yesterday from a study conducted by BBC. The study listed the worst-affected countries as Iraq, Nigeria, Afghanistan and Syria, accounting for 80 per cent of all deaths from terror attacks by jihadist organisations. The single deadliest attack in November was a bomb attack on the Central Mosque, Kano that killed 120 people. The study was done in conjunction with the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR), a non-profit nongovernmental think tank

based at King's College, London. The investigation showed that there was a total of 664 attacks recorded in 14 countries. The objective of the report, according to BBC, aims to quantify the human cost of jihadist violence in one month and to offer a snapshot of a complex movement. The investigation showed that nearly seven people died every hour in November as a result of violence attributed to alQaeda, its offshoots and groups that subscribe to a similar ideology. The study recorded a daily average of 22 such attacks and 168 fatalities. Islamic State (IS) militants operating in Iraq and Syria - were responsible for more than 2,000 deaths. Of the 5,042 people killed

in total, a majority - 2,079 were civilians. Military personnel made up 1,723 deaths. Nearly 1,000 jihadists were reported killed during attacks. Iraq was the single deadliest country, accounting for a third of all deaths and the highest number of attacks. Nigeria was the second deadliest country, with Boko Haram blamed for the killings there. Taliban violence made Afghanistan the thirddeadliest country. In one attack, recounted for the BBC, a suicide bomber tried to kill the chief of Kabul police in his own office. "The data makes it clear that jihadists and al-Qaeda are no longer one and the same," Peter Neumann, the director of ICSR, wrote in an analysis for the BBC. "Sixty per cent of jihad-

ist deaths were caused by groups that have no formal association with al-Qaeda, and they are the ones who will vie for leadership of the movement," he said. "The overall picture is that of an increasingly ambitious, complex, sophisticated and far-reaching movement." Bombings accounted for the most deaths overall. Many people also died as a result of gun attacks, shelling and beheadings. Meanwhile, troops prosecuting the war against Boko Haram, have sustained their offensives against the terror group in Adamawa State during which they destroyed an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), used by the insurgents to launch attacks on communities and military formations in the state.

How the General overran Atiku, others to clinch APC ticket CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

tory of this nation is written, it would be said that Muhammadu Buhari did his best. We have drawn up five programmes to implement if elected as president in February next year. First, we would govern Nigeria honestly and according to the constitution of the country. We will secure the country and efficiently improve the economy. We will attack poverty in a way that will encourage economic growth. We will tackle corruption with impartial application of the law. We will allow representatives regional, religious and quotas in our government; we will return Nigeria into position of international respect." However, shortly before the formal declaration of Buhari as winner, Atiku had tweeted a congratulatory message, conceding defeat. "Congratulations, General Buhari. The delegates have spoken, you fully deserve the victory," he tweeted. Besides electing its presidential candidate, the APC also unveiled its manifestos at the convention. According to the party, it will free the country from the grip of the ruling party that clearly has no agenda for Nigeria beyond prolonging its lawless rule by all means. Odigie-Oyegun said the party would focus on six priority areas: national security, good governance, human capital development, economic development, land and natural resources and foreign policy.

"In the past, political manifestoes in Nigeria were hardly different from mere platitudes and general statements to which parties could not be held accountable. The APC manifesto is different. We have clearly stated what we will deliver to Nigeria when elected into office. "When the Peoples Democratic Party came into office in 1999, it did not tell Nigerians what its vision was for the country; it had none. And true to form, the party has led Nigeria from one crisis to another, lurching deeper into political anarchy, economic decline and social disillusionment. A decade and half later, nothing has changed. The ruling party has neither concrete plans for the security and advancement of Nigerians, nor the wherewithal to do so even if it had one. Suffice to say that it has thrived on the maxim: Promise nothing, do nothing. "The consequences of thrusting power to a party that does not have the genuine interest of Nigeria and Nigerians are clearly manifest in our political and economic systems today; tens of thousands of innocent Nigerians have been killed due to government’s neglect of security; poverty and unemployment have multiplied due to perverse economic policies; corruption has been taken to new levels while health, education and job opportunities are all in free fall," he stated. However, earlier yesterday at the PDP convention, the chairman of the convention, former Senate President Ken Nnamani,

while declaring the president as the party's candidate, said Jonathan got 2,812 votes from delegates to confirm the decision of all organs of the party to make him the consensus candidate. In his acceptance speech, Jonathan unveiled his agenda for the nation, if elected. According to the president, he will work harder to ensure improved living standard of Nigerians and fight corruption. He said the government would ensure that no child lacked basic needs and that no woman died from child birth. Among other priorities of the president, if reelected, is the observance of human rights to ensure that no Nigerian will be persecuted for holding a contrary view. The convention, which witnessed three rounds of voting, began on Wednesday afternoon with the delegates voting to ratify the appointments of Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu as the PDP national chairman, Professor Wale Oladipo as national secretary and Adewale Adeyenju as national auditor. Mu'azu got 2,672 'yes' votes to succeed Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. Votes were also cast to amend some sections of the PDP Constitution, which will henceforth allow an appointee to serve out the tenure of his or her predecessor when there is a vacancy at the National Working Committee (NWC) provided that the appointee is from the same geopolitical zone with the predecessor. Such an appointee, however, need not go to the national conven-

tion for ratification. Also the delegates adopted a resolution making former governors and former deputy governors automatic delegates of the party during national convention.

The disclosure, which was made on the Defence Headquarters' (DHQ) Twitter handle, also noted that General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) as well as Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), were also recovered from fleeing terrorists. The DHQ said regular patrols and surveillance were being carried out to ensure that liberated communities such as Garkida, Kumare-Uba, Mararaba and others did not fall to the terrorists again. "Troops in pursuit of terrorists had an encounter with a group of them at Muva Junction yesterday. "An Armoured Personnel Carrier used by the terrorists was destroyed; General Purpose Machine Guns, Rocket Propelled Grenades, IED, rifles, ammunition as well as bows, arrows, locally-made pistols and guns captured from them have been taken into custody. "Meanwhile, troops have continued their advance backed with highly coordinated air strikes against the terrorists. "Communities and locations such as Gaskida, Vintim, Kumare-Uba,

Mararaba, Mubi and others are also under regular patrols and surveillance," it stated. Security agents also made more breakthrough in efforts to degrade and destroy Boko Haram as three suspected female suicide bombers, including two believed to be behind the attack on the Textile Market in Kano, were apprehended in Kano. Two other recruits sent to attack the Dawanau African Biggest Grain Market were also arrested as they were entering the market. The first female bomber that attacked the Kano textile market, it was learnt, was arrested at a hospital in Kano where her coordinator had taken her to for treatment of injuries during the attempt to bomb the textile market. A source told New Telegraph that her coordinator told the hospital management that she sustained her injuries from the market bomb blast but suspicious officials of the hospital alerted security agents who arrested the suspects. Earlier yesterday, the police had defused suspected explosives planted at the Dawanau African Grain Market.

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC DISPLAY EXERCISE ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) OF THE PROPOSED 500MW GAS PROJECT AT OBUNAGHA GBARAIN, YENEGOA LGA, BAYELSA STATE BY AZIKEL POWER LIMITED. In accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act CAP E12 LFN 2004, which makes it mandatory for proponents of all new major development activities to carry out Environmental Impact Assessment on their proposed projects, the Federal Ministry of Environment hereby announces a Twenty-one (21) working day Public Notice for Information and Comments on the Draft EIA Report submitted by Azikel Power Limited. Project Description The proposed Gas Power Plant generation project will comprises of a total installation capacity of 500MW in Obunagha Gbarain Clan, Yenegoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State on a total land area of about 32 Hectares has been earmarked for the purposes of the proposed project. The Display Centers are: (i) Headquarters, Yenegoa Local Government Area, Yenegoa Bayelsa State; (ii) Headquarters, Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment, Yenegoa Bayelsa State; (iii) Federal Ministry of Environment Office, Yenegoa, Bayelsa State; (iv) Federal Ministry of Environment, Environment House (Brown Building), Independence Way, CBD, Abuja-FCT; (v) Federal Ministry of Environment, Plot 444 Aguiyi Ironsi, Maitama, Abuja. Duration of Display: Date: 1st December – 6th January, 2015 Time: 8.00 am – 4.00 pm Daily ALL COMMENTS SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE HONOURABLE MINISTER, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT ON OR BEFORE 13th JANUARY, 2015. SIGNED

PERMANENT SECRETARY FOR: HONOURABLE MINISTER.

News

NATIONAL

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Court reinstates Jokolo as Emir of Gwandu Tunde Oyesina Umar Danladi Ado

Kebbi State High Court yesterday ordered the immediate reinstatement of Alhaji Al-Mustapha Jokolo as Emir of Gwandu. The court also declared the appointment of Emir, Alhaji Iliyasu

Bashir , as null and void. Kebbi State government had in 2006 deposed Jokolo from the throne. That was under the administration of former Governor Adamu Aliero. Not satisfied, Jokolo had approached the court to challenge his removal on the ground that the government did not consult or inquire

with king makers in the state. He, however, prayed the court to reinstate him as emir, arguing that the state government did not follow due process in removing him. Delivering judgement yesterday, the trial judge, Justice Abbas Ahman, ordered his reinstatement with effect from

2006. The court also ordered the Kebbi State Government to release all entitlements due Jokolo from when was deposed in 2006 till date. "As at now, there is no 20th Emir of Gwandu but the 19th, who is Alhaji Almustapha Jokolo, with effect from 2006", the court held.

He, however, advised the defendants to appeal the judgment if not satisfied within three months in a higher court. Counsel to the reinstated emir, Sylvester Imanobe, said the judgment was a representation of true justice. Also reacting, the Secretary to the State

Subscribers hail Glo on Overload bonus

N220m deposit: Court adjourns NUC, Heritage Bank's case to Jan 22 Yekeen Nurudeen ABUJA

lobacom subscribers from across the country have lauded the indigenous telecommunication company for the 200 per cent bonus on airtime recharges and data plans under the recently launched “Overload” promo. A cross section of the customers were of the view that the bonus was apt and in line with the spirit of the festive seasons when it is customary to show love, adding that it was in sync with Globacom’s tradition of giving back to Nigerians. Abraham Jighu, a lawyer, from Ogba, Lagos said of his experience: “I opted for Overload by dialing *200# and I’ve been enjoying the 200 per cent bonus on my recharges just as Glo promised. It is more appreciated now given the season we are in. I treasure this increased airtime to call my loved ones”. A businessman from Gembu in Taraba State, Levi Donald, said he was happy to notice an increment in his credits when he recharged in the last three days and welcomed the promo. Agnes Ogwuche, a Jalingo-based student noted that she recharged N200 and got N600. With this, she is now making more calls and using the chance to reach out to people she’s lost touch with.

L-R: MTN customer, Emeka Okafor; Nigerian Nollwood actor, Walter Anga and Emmanuel Emenefe, at the MTN Season of Surprises at Iwofa Market, Port Harcourt…recently.

CJN warns judges against political association Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

he Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, yesterday warned Justices of the Court of Appeal against political associations and giving conflicting judgement. The CJN gave the warning in Abuja while declaring open the 2014 Annual Conference for the Justices of the court. The CJN reiterated that the role of the judiciary was central to the very survival and sustenance of our democracy.

This, according to the CJN, has become even more evident considering the present political atmosphere and the intense preparation for the 2015 general election. He further noted that the courts would once again be called upon to adjudicate on so many electoral disputes. He lamented that members of the public increasingly criticize judges for allegedly playing into the hands of politicians. He, however, described as unfortunate, the perceptions, connotations and insinuations that are readily drawn from these critics.

“It is immaterial whether or not this assessment is fair, for Judges we must be seen to rise above the tide of systemic corruption and other unfortunate afflictions that have become commonplace in Nigeria today," the CJN stated. According to the CJN, the dignity and credibility of the judiciary was not in any way tainted on account of any suspicion. He, however, urged the judges to return to certainty in the adjudication of cases heard by panels of the Appeal Court. "All too often, the judiciary has been confronted with accusation

10 feared killed as twin blasts rock Jos Musa Pam JOS

twin bomb blast yesterday night went off at the popular terminus market in Jos, the Plateau State capital. The twin blast, which occurred around seven in the evening came barely 24 hours after the Kano bomb blast

Government (SSG), Alhaji Garba Kamba, said the judgment would be appealed within three months as he called for calm on the matter. He, however, appealed to the people not to disrupt the peace and assured that government would not relent in ensuring that peace reigned in the state.

and over 10 persons were said to have been killed by the blast. Plateau State Police Public Relation Officer, DCP Emmanuel Abu, who confirmed the bomb blast, said men of the anti-bomb squad of the command have rushed to the area for more investigation He said: "Yes, there was bomb blast, but for

now, I cannot confirm to you the number of casualties. As soon as I get details, I will get back you" New Telegraph gathered that the bombs went off close to Mr Biggs, an eatery located around the roundabout of the the Ahmadu Bello way, linking Murtala Way, where the first Jos twin blast occurred on May 20.

An Eyewitness close to the blast, Shittu Tanko, said the first bomb exploded outside the fast food and the second one took place five minutes later. "I have seen more than 10 dead bodies on the ground where the first one took place and even the second blast there are dead bodies also."

of conflicting decisions delivered by the Court of Appeal particularly in seemingly straightforward issues," he added. He noted that conflicting judgements of various divisions of the Court of Appeal are not only undesirable but the result may manifest in a miscarriage of justice and ultimately loss of public confidence in the judiciary. “Conflicting judgements also lead to accusations of improper considerations and corrupt practices. I need not remind us of the corrosive effect that this has had on the judiciary and its estimation in the eyes of the public. President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, in her address identified poor financing and low budget as the major challenge to the smooth operations of the appellant court. According to her, despite the increase in the number of divisions of the court and the appointment of additional 25 Justices, there was no increase in the court’s budget in 2014.

he Federal High Court, Abuja has adjourned to January 22, 2015 hearing on pending applications on the suit brought against Heritage Banking Company Limited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). It would be recalled that NUC had in 2005 approached the court, seeking an order to recover from the bank its principal deposit of N220 million with the accrued interests. Counsel to NUC, Taiwo Oladipo, told the court that the Federal High Court had in February 3, 2006, given judgment in favour of NUC for the recovery of the debt. He said that Heritage Bank acquired the defunct Societe’ General Bank of Nigeria in which name the first judgment was obtained. Oladipo said Justice G.K. Oluto of the Federal High Court granted the application to adopt and adapt 2006 judgment on Heritage Banking Company Limited in May, 2013. He said that the Judgment facilitated the institution of garnishee proceedings against the bank, which was obtained in June, 2013. According to Oladipo, while the garnishee order was on at the Federal High Court, Heritage Bank appealed the seven-year-old judgment which was dismissed by the Court of Appeal. He said that Heritage Bank had never denied owing NUC but was insisting on waiver for all the interest that accrued on the principal sum of N220 million At a resumed hearing before Justice Evoh Chukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, whom the case was re-assigned to; Oladipo told the court that the defendant had an application for stay of proceedings.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

Accident claims 11 in Edo Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

leven persons were confirmed dead late evening yesterday in a ghastly motor accident at Ahor village along Benin byepass expressway in Edo State. Among those that lost their lives include 10 females and a male. New Telegraph gathered that the crash followed a multiple accident that involved a Man Diesel Tanker with registration number NGN 40 XA and a Toyota Hiace commercial bus belonging to Libra Motors with plate number AA 400 XA. Eye witnesses said the commercial bus loaded with 16 passengers, who were three men and 13 females had a head on collision with the trailer. The commercial bus was said to be making a U-turn to avoid running into a road block mounted by armed robbers, when the unexpected happened along the road.

News

NATIONAL

100 Nigerians deported from Finland

o fewer than 100 Nigerians were deported from Finland yesterday after failing to get asylum. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deportees included women, children and whole families. The deportees arrived at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at 7a.m. aboard cargo airline Privilege Gourment. One of the deportees, Mr Isaac Ejiofor, told NAN

that he had no criminal records in Finland and wondered why he was deported after spending over one year in the asylum camp. Ejiofor said he was earlier in Greece but later travelled to Finland to seek asylum in a bid to get a permit to work there. “A policeman asked me what I want since I did not have any criminal record to warrant my deportation. “I said I wanted to work and live a normal life in Finland. So, he (policeman) told me to seek

asylum and I did that. “I was taken to the asylum camp and was there for more than a year processing my work documents. “There were other African nationals there with four Nigerians. Suddenly, we, the Nigerians were brought out and deported without any reason’’, he said. “The Nigerian Embassy in Finland refused to come to my aid, even after I paid 1,500 euros to embassy officials’’, he alleged. Another deportee, who wanted to be iden-

tified as Jackso, alleged that officials of the Nigerian Embassy in Finland colluded with some Finnish immigration officers to extort money from asylum seekers in the camp. Jackso said that the embassy officials promised to assist them to get work permits from the Finnish authority. A female deportee, simply called Esther, said that she and her husband had been in Finland for over 14 years and was surprised that they were deported without

committing any offense. Esther said she was deported along with her husband and seven-year old daughter without any compensation. She said that other Africans in the camp were given an opportunity to stay and work in Finland, but that the Finnish authorities were hostile to Nigerians. She appealed to the Federal Government to come to their aid, particularly Nigerians in Finland and other European countries.

change of nameS

Thomas

Former Miss Miriam Nerat Maclang, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Miriam Nebath Thomas. All former documents remain valid. University of Jos, Nigeria Immigration Service and General public note.

Chukwuji

Former Mrs. Ashiedu Blessing Obiajulumoyi, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Chukwuji Blessing Obiajulumoyi. All former documents remain valid. NIC,IBTC Pension, LASPOTECH and General public note.

Okafor

Former Nwankwo Nonyen C. now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Okafor Chinonye Favour. All former documents remain valid. General public note.

Adekanye

Former Kehinde Roseline Agbale, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Kehinde Roseline Adekanye. All former documents remain valid. LASU and general public note.

Irikefe

Former Miss Uwakata Fiona Emojevwe, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Irikefe Fiona Emojevwe Uwakata. All former documents remain valid. General public note.

Anike

Former Adewale Moninuola Olanrewaju now wish to be addressed as Adewale Moninuola Anike Olarewaju. All former documents remain valid. General public should note.

Odey

Former Miss Maria Ochuole Iyaji, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Maria Ochuole Odey. All former documents remain valid. General public note.

Okoye

Former Mrs. Ifeoma Esther Achilike, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Ifeoma Esther Okoye. All former documents remain valid. General public note.

L-R: National Chairman, Independent Democratic, Edozie Madu; Zamfara State Chairman, Abubakar Baladankande and Jigawa State Chairman, Albrahim Mohammed, during the party’s National Convention press conference in Abuja… yesterday.

Mimiko flays plan to truncate confab recommendations Kayode Olanrewaju

onths after the end of the National Conference, one of the Ondo State delegates to the confab, Prof. Femi Mimiko, has declared that Nigeria will remain perpetually in its present sorry state if some fundamental issues recommended by the confab were not resolved. Mimiko, the Vice-Chan-

cellor of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, who also lamented that there were entrenched interests that didn’t want the conference to work, described those behind such machination as participants with very robust representation aimed at ensuring that it failed. According to him, the good thing is that the conference was able to hold and provided the

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS DUE TO FIRE INCIDENT This is to inform the general public of the loss of Original:

1. Certificate of Occupancy with Ref. No.: D006137 for the property at House 1, Aliu Attah Road, Lokoja, Lokoja Government Area, Kogi State belonging to Dennis Akashili Osanwuta. 2. Educational Certificates of Dennis Akashili Osanwuta and Joy Chinoye Osanwuta (formally Joy Chinoye Ulogo). 3. International Travelling Documents for Dennis Akashili Osanwuta, Joy Chinoye Osanwuta, Jasper Ogechukwu Osanwuta and Gideon Ugochukwu Osanwuta. These documents were burnt dueth to fire incident that occurred in their home on the 4 of October 2014 in Lokoja. The Authorities concerned and the general public are hereby advised to take note.

very strong platform for the people to deconstruct Nigeria. The conference, he said offered the platform for the delegates, who were chosen by their people and constituencies as their representatives to look at Nigeria as an entity in terms of what the challenges were and what went wrong. Mimiko, who in an exclusive interview with New Telegraph said though

there were attempts to limit the conference to a mere constitutional amendment process, described such attempt as counterproductive, just as he insisted that the purpose of the conference was beyond constitution drafting as it looked critically at those issues conflicting Nigeria. To this end, he told New Telegraph during the interview that there were also some tendencies from a particular sec-

PUBLIC NOTICE

FAITH AND PRAISE CHURCH

The general public is hereby notified that the above mentioned CHURCH has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration in accordance with Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act LFN (cap 20). The Trustees are: 1. Rev. (Dr). David Simeon Akuma 2. Rev. (Dr) Mrs. Akuma Precious Simeon 3. Evangelist Okpala Nkiruka

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1 To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 To preach love, fellowship, respect and peaceful co-existence among members 3 To deliver the oppressed, heal the sick and set the captive free. 4 To organize seminars, conferences, workshops, faith clinics and training centers to enhance the spiritual growth of the people in the Lord. 5 To undertake missionary/ evangelistic work in Nigeria and the whole world. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

tion of the country, who were clearly identified by their activities, who wanted powers at all cost and whose business was nothing short of truncating the entire process. Mimiko said: “There were those who felt President Goodluck Jonathan had no business talking about conference in whatever form, after all, he was not supposed to be there in the first instance, and that it should be their turn to be President. These people are not push overs, but cerebral people from a particular section of the country. In fact, these people were quite clear about why they were at the confab; to make sure the exercise failed. “There was also the group of people who are driven essential by the need to acquire power at all cost. Some of these tendencies don’t even bother about what happens to the nation all they wanted was power. And they felt President Jonathan coming up to convoke the conference would give him some leverage and credit which they didn’t want him to get.”

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro

IG orders probe into Lagos couple’s battering Juliana Francis

he Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the alleged battering of a couple by a policeman, Mr Dada Ogunsanya. Ogunsanya allegedly brutalised a photographer, Ejeh Smith and his wife, Grace, at the Lekki area of Lagos State. Also, the Lagos State Police Command said it was already investigating the matter. Abba, who spoke through the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr Emmanuel Ojukwu, said that in line with his avowed commitment to protect and uphold the human rights of all Nigerians, he would ensure a thorough investigation into the matter. Ejeh and Grace were going home in a taxi when Ogunsanya and six other policemen flagged down the cab. Ogunsanya asked the driver to open the car’s boot. The couple asked him to stop flashing his torchlight in their faces, since the inner light of the vehicle was on. This apparently angered the policeman, who allegedly hit Ejeh’s eye with his rifle. He was also said to have punched Grace in the face. Speaking with journalists, Grace said that Ogunsanya stomped on her stomach and dragged her on the ground. The Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area, Mrs Aishat Haruna, dashed to the scene and rather than sympathised with the couple, allegedly supported her men and even threatened to lock up the couple. Abba said: “The officer involved has been identified and is already undergoing administrative trial. All other officers whose conduct did not speak well on the incident are also be-

The couple

ing sanctioned, preparatory to further necessary action.” The IG also reiterated the determination of the force to abide by the contents of the newly launched NPF Human Rights Practice Manual, stressing that no abuse of human rights would be tolerated

Adeolu Adeyemo n Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo yesterday sentenced the prime suspect in the June 14, 2007 bomb blast at the Osun State Governor’s Office at Abere, to death by hanging. The convict, Mr Richard Abayomi Adesanmi, loaded the bomb in a Peugeot 504 saloon car with registration number AL 850 NND, which was detonated in front of the state Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development where the

explosion took place. The blast claimed the life of one Taye and damaged many vehicles. Seeing the development, two other occupants of the vehicle, Henry and Gboyega Olasogba, escaped and disappeared since then. After concluding their investigation, the police attributed the substance that exploded in the vehicle to an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Adesanmi was convicted on all the six-count charge bordering on murder and conspiracy to effect unlawful purpose. The prosecution was led by

Muhammad Bashir

FIRS seals seven firms over tax default

Osogbo

T FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

going departmental disciplinary proceedings at the Provost Office. He added: “However, his trial has been delayed due to the refusal of the complainant, Mr Ejeh Smith, to make a statement and narrate his own part of the story.”

Osun blast mastermind to die by hanging

Lokoja

ABIODUN BELLO

in the force. Meanwhile, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Kenneth Nwosu, said they were investigating the immediate and remote circumstances surrounding the incident. Nwosu said the officer in question was already under-

he Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has shut down seven companies for non-remittance of taxes and registration of business in Kogi State. Addressing journalists after the exercise in Lokoja yesterday, the leader of the FIRS enforcement team, Mr James Akiloye Akinfenwa, said the enforcement was to ensure tax compliance and also put defaulters in check.

He said the essence of the exercise was to ensure that tax defaulters, companies which had refused to register for tax payment and those who had been filling reports but had refused to pay comply. Akinfenwa said that seven companies were sealed during the exercise, adding that the firms would be reopened after they had either paid or wrote an undertaken on when and how to pay.

the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Wale Afolabi and the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mr Dapo Adeniji, while Mr Wilson Atirene represented the accused. In his judgement, Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe said the evil-perpetrator would die by hanging till he breathed his last breadth on earth. Aderibigbe had earlier ruled on the first five-count of the charge. He slammed a combined sentence of 40 years jail term with no option of fine on Adesanmi for the first five-count.

He said: “The enforcement would make tax payers be alive to their responsibility as it relates to tax payment. “It will also help to generate money for the Federal Government, as many companies would now comply with tax payment.” According to Akinfenwa, the law empowers FIRS to seal up business environment of any company which defaults in tax payment.

Suspect dies in gun duel with police Dominic Adewole ASABA

emesis yesterday caught up with a member of the eight-man gang which attacked the Fijaun Hostel, Africa House, Ogwashi-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State. The unidentified suspect died during a shootout the police. The state Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Celetina Kalu, told journalists at the police headquarters in Asaba that the patrol team of the Ogwashi-Uku Division engaged the robbers in a gun duel. She said: “On sighting the policemen, the armed robbers opened fire on them and in the ensuing gun duel one of the hoodlums was gunned down, while others took to their heels.” The PPRO listed the items recovered from the fleeing hoodlums to include two locally-made cut-to-size single barrelled-guns, two live cartridges, four expended cartridges, one dagger. She also disclosed that detectives from ‘B’ Division, Warri, acting on a tip-off, arrested another five-man gang. Kalu said one of the suspects, John Otomewo, was trying to auction a stolen tricycle without registration number but with engine number 0K4FE4103279 and chassis number MDGM14PK74F78184, when police pounced on him. She said: “On interrogation, the suspect admitted being a member of a robbery gang that specialised in snatching/stealing of tricycles in Warri/Effurun/Ughelli axis of the state.” The PPRO added that the suspect had named one Wisdom Jeresa, Felix, Emma, Gabo, (their surnames unknown). The suspect, according to her, led detectives to Enhwe in Isoko South Local Government Area where two snatched tricycles without registration numbers, but with Engine numbers OK4DD1128070 and OK4AE1045353, and chassis numbers MD6M14PK6D4D92392 and MD6M14PK2E4A37172 respectively, were recovered.

Kalu

Metro 11

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

Abducted children found in front of police station Camillus Nnaji

he children, Raphael and Michael Eschareghara, who were abducted by their housemaid six days after she started working with the family, have been found. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed that the boys had been found. He said: “We can confirm that the two missing children, Michael and Raphael, have been rescued. As I’m speaking to you now, the children are in custody of Shagamu Police Station. When I get more details on the rescue, I will communicate with you.” Raphael and Michael were abducted by their housemaid, Juliet, 24, on Sunday from their house at 11 Gateway Crescent,

Magodo GRA, Isheri, Lagos, while their parents went out for a dinner. According to the parents of the boys, they got Juliet through an agency found on OLX website. The agency belonged to one Olamide. Since their kidnap, the phones of Juliet and the agency had allegedly remained switched off. The boys are also said to be nephews of the celebrated Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw. Mr. Darlington, a family friend, said the two children were dumped in front of Shagamu Police Station in Ogun State. He said: “We are yet to bring them back to the house because since they were found in another state, we have to do some paper work before picking them back.” Darlington attributed the rescue to the inter-

Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

secondary schoolgirl, Miss Adeyeye Oluwaseun, has sued Citadel Oracle Concept at an Ibadan Magistrate’s Court for allegedly selling a faulty laptop to her. According to the girl, in the suit marked MI/1043/14, dated November 12, the new product, an HP hard core 3 pro book laptop, was sold to her on September 30, for N98,000, but it was discovered after purchase that it was faulty. Having complained and made several attempts to have the bad

Michael and Raphael

vention of God. He also applauded the police for its swift action on the matter. “Probably, they wanted to kill these children having taken them as far as Shagamu. God is on our side! God heard

Schoolgirl sues computer firm, demands N100,00 damages

our prayers. We thank members of the press for their contributions by giving the case massive publicity,” he said. Efforts to speak with the mother of the boys were abortive as her phone was switched off.

product replaced without success, Oluwaseun resorted to legal action. She is praying the court for an order compelling the defendant to refund her N98,000 with interest at the rate of 21 per cent per annum from September 30 when the product was sold till the day judgement was delivered. The schoolgirl is also praying the court to order the defendant to pay her N100,000 as general damages for the emotional and psychological trouble she had been made to undergo by the firm. The case has, however, been adjourned till January 19, 2015 for mention.

Three in court for burgling employer’s home

Bombs planted at Imo eatery Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

olice yesterday defused two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted at a popular eatery, Kilimanjaro, located at Ikenegbu area of Owerri, the Imo State capital. The Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali disclosed this while conducting journalists round the scene. Ali said the manager of Kilimanjaro put a distress call across to the police about 9:30pm on Wednesday informing them about an item suspected to be an explosive device within the lobby of the eatery. He said that the bomb squad was immediately drafted to the scene and after several hours of probing, it was confirmed to be an improvised explosive device

Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

he National VicePresident of Ohanaeze Youth, Mr M e s h a ck Chinedu Ukpa, has been hacked to death by assailants who invaded his country home at Ndiakpara-

Kilimanjaro

capable of causing serious damage to lives and property in the area. The commissioner disclosed that one of the IEDs was carefully planted in an air conditioner unit at the lobby of the eatery and the other behind the gas cylinder outside the lobby.

Ali said that the bomb experts worked from 9:30pm Wednesday till 1:15am yesterday, noting that a major disaster which might have triggered unpleasant reactions was averted. He, however, debunked the rumours that the explosives were planted by

members of the Boko Haram sect, saying that the police were working to bring the perpetrators to justice. Ali promised a hitchfree Christmas celebration, while commending the Imo State residents for providing the police useful information at all times.

driver and two others, who allegedly broke into the house of their employer, Mrs Budo Osoagbaka, and stole items valued at N126,500, yesterday appeared before an Apapa Magistrate’s Court, Lagos. The driver, Chinonso Ochuba, 26, Nicodemus Ifediba, 27 and Paul Ifediba, 23, all residents of Apapa area of Lagos, are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, burglary and stealing. The prosecutor, Corporal Kingsley Jackson, told the court that the accused committed the offences on December 5 at Amuwo-Odofin area of Lagos. Jackson said that the accused broke into the complainant’s house to steal her television set, HP computer and DVD player.

Ohanaeze youth leader murdered ta, Igbeagu in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The three-man gang left Ukpa in a pool of blood about 10pm on Wednesday. The leadership of

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth said it had already begun its own investigation into the incident. The state president of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth, Mazi Okemiri Alex, who con-

firmed the incident in a telephone interview yesterday, said the deceased was rushed to the Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, where he gave up the ghost about

6pm the same day. He added that the police had already arrested 12 people in connection with the killing. Alex, however, said that from the brief discussion of the as-

He said that Ochuba conspired with the other two to break into Osoagbaka’s house to steal the items, all valued at N126,500. The prosecutor, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said that the offences contravened sections 285,305 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them. Section 285 prescribes a three-year imprisonment for stealing. The Magistrate, Mr Mukaila Fadeyi, granted N50,000 bail to each of the accused with one surety each in like sum, and adjourned the case till January 9, 2015 for trial. sailants before they descended on the deceased, it was clear it was a premeditated attack. He also said that Ukpa might have been killed because they saw him as a stumbling block on their way on matters concer ning their community.

News

IBADAN

INEC boss in the Yoruba regional capital harps on due process Sola Adeyemo IBADAN

hair man, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Ata-

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

SOUTH - WEST

Jega preaches internal democracy hiru Jega, has implored political parties to embrace internal democracy, especially as it relates to picking candidates for elective posts. He said that is to reduce the spate of litigations that usually follow electoral process in the country. Jega, gave the advice yesterday in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, in a paper titled: ”INEC’s

The life expectancy of men at birth in American Samao in 2006. Source: Un.org

Preparations For The 2015 Elections: How Far?” he delivered at an annual public lecture organized by the state chapter of National Forum of Heads of Federal Establishments (NAFOHEADS). Represented by the INEC Resident Commissioner for Oyo State, Alhaji Nasiru Ayilara, the INEC boss cited the

1.27m

The estimated number of deaths in the world due to malaria in 2002. Source: Unesco.org

current electoral process in Nigeria, noting with concern the spate of ex-parte injunctions against the commission over selection of candidates for elections. He declared that one would expect that political parties should have clear rules and procedures for selecting candidates and resolving issues there from, "but

3.67m

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions of Belarus in 2007. Source: Itu.int

parties even find it difficult to select candidates, creating a situation in which practically every nomination process in Nigeria ends in a court case. "In most instances, the commission gets either directly or vicariously involved in these conflicts and court cases. Of particular note is the spate of ex-parte

6,200

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

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, Sputton.Com, Charles Kanu; Managing Director/CEO, Napoleon Omomila and Chief Financial Officer, Kebiru Momodu, at the media launch of www. sputton.com, the online road travel ticket booking platform in Lagos…recently.

Adesina hails Amosun Fayose: Judiciary must Kunle Olayeni ABEOKUTA

he President, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr. Femi Adesina, yesterday described Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, as a model that Is worthy of emulation by other governors in the country. He spoke during the public presentation of a book "Ogun State: The Golden Years" written by a Special Assistant on Media to the governor, Opeyemi Soyombo The 200-page book is a selection of published articles in leading Nigerian newspapers on the achievements of the Amosun administration in the last three and half years. Adesina, who was the book reviewer, said Amosun had set benchmarks of performance, especially with his urban renewal and rural development programmes.

He said, "All these have set benchmarks below which no future government in Ogun must fall. You can perform better but you are not permitted to fall below this standard that has been set by Amosun. That is the concept of the 'Ogun Standard.' "A great standard to emulate, I must say. If the Ogun Standard is about quality, about integrity, about the ideal, then it is something to recommend to the rest of the country. We must equally have the Nigerian Standard. "By and large, however, I'll agree that the Amosun years so far in Ogun State can truly be declared as golden. The governor has made a difference in the physical outlook of the state, which is quite commendable." The NGE president described the new book as a good resource material for those interested in conducting research on the current state government.

sanction Obasanjo now Adesina Wahab ADO-EKITI

kiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, yesterday called on the judiciary to bring former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to book over alleged violation of a court order restraining him from publishing or circulating his book, 'My Watch'. The governor, who described the former President's action as deliberate impunity and contempt of the court, said sanction was necessary to serve as deterrent to other people who see themselves as 'super powers' far and above the laws of the land". A statement by the state Commissioner for Justice, Mr Owoseni Ajayi, in Ado-Ekiti, said the sanctity of the judiciary should be protected, adding that it was embarrassing that a former President would be behaving with impunity,

disregarding the rights of other Nigerians and recently became contemptuous of court orders. The governor expressed disbelief that despite the clear and unambiguous ex-parte order given by Justice Valentine Ashi of an Abuja High Court on December 5, restraining Obasanjo from publishing or circulating the book before the December 10 return date, "our former President did not only publish the book, but went ahead to circulate it to the whole world. "He even castigated the judge for granting the lawful order thereby making himself an appellate court," it stated. The Ekiti State Governor added that "in the lexicon of our legal jurispudence, a court order, however frivolous, must be obeyed until discharged by that court or set aside by another court."

injunctions that have been issued against the Commission. One would expect that parties should have clear rules and procedures for selecting candidates and resolving issues there from to the satisfaction of all their members. "It seems to me that a primary source of the problem is lack of internal party democracy, resulting from lack of commitment to party rules”, Jega said. The INEC Chairman, reiterated the commission’s demand for an independent body to deal with electoral offences, stating, ”We hope that our proposal for the establishment of an independent body to deal with electoral offences, which is also in the report of the election reform committee, will materialize”. Jega, who said the commission had also identified four major challenges as the nation prepares for the 2015 elections, insisted however that with the support of all, the challenges are surmountable. While charging politicians and the electorate to use decent language during the electioneering period, Jega nevertheless assured that the commission was set "to deliver another credible elections in 2015 which will compare favourably with global best standards of democratic elections".

Four Oyo APC senatorial aspirants want primaries cancelled Sola Adeyemo IBADAN

our Senatorial aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Oyo State have called on the Legislative Election Appeal Committee for Oyo South to cancel Wednesday's congress, requesting for a re-run. The aspirants: Mr. Femi Olaore, Chief Fola Akinosun, Mr. Abimbola Aboderin and Mr. Omotosho Olukayode Kingsley, in a petition signed by them and made available to New Telegraph yesterday in Ibadan, alleged that the primary election was conducted under the cover of darkness which negates the principles of democracy. While alleging irregularities and non- compliance with Electoral Act in the conduct of the primaries, the aspirants said that the venue of the election was deliberately

changed to Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan where there was no power at all. Contrary to INEC guideline, they alleged, "Whereas it is a known fact that Adamasingba has no light, the congress was deliberately conducted in the place and instead of voting to start from 1pm, it did not start until 5pm and by 7pm barely two hours into the election, total darkness had descended on the entire venue". The aspirants have also directed their petition to the state Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, and the Independent National Electoral Commission alleging that the election was inconclusive and contravenes of the Electoral Act. Establishing their grievance further, the aspirants said they had to walk out of the venue when they could no longer bear the electoral fraud.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

2015

Our social contract with Nigeria, by Oyegun

APC

Fayemi: We’re building a great party

Defection

Hold judiciary responsible, says Igini

Politics

echoes from presidential primaries

Jonathan: I’ll not fail Nigerians On Thursday, President Goodluck Jonathan’s sole candidature was formally ratified at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convention. In this acceptance speech, the president spoke on why Nigerians should re-elect him in 2015. Excerpts:

ever, stand together as one united party. We are all joint stakeholders, this party belongs to all of us. What we have achieved today should be a lesson to all who care about Nigeria. What we have done exemplifies our unity. What we have done exemplifies our determination. What we have done exemplifies our purpose. We are a party that accepts challenges. We are a party that confronts those challenges. But above all, we are a party that resolves challenges. And it is exactly these qualities that will lead us to victory. Me, a humble servant Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, I stand before you as your humble servant, to accept your nomination as the presidential candidate of our great party, the PDP. Having placed great faith in me and chosen me as your candidate, I assure you, that I am truly honoured tonight, to lead another electoral contest. This will be a campaign, and an election, that will serve to consolidate our successes.

r Chairman, our dear delegates, today is another great day in the history of our great party; the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and indeed in the history of our great nation. Nothing gives me greater joy, as leader of our party, than such an opportunity as presented today, for direct interaction with so many enthusiastic and dedicated fellow party members, and may I add, all proudly dressed in our party colours and regalia. It is also my pleasure to be here as a delegate today and I welcome whole heartedly all our delegates, party members and all Nigerians, from across the country and beyond; including those joining us by television and online, as we gather here in the Eagle Square, to reaffirm the noble democratic traditions and foundations, that bind us together. I thank the party and the Organising Committee for a successful convention. I thank all the delegates for a smooth nomination process. Let me congratulate, the Chairman of our great party, the game changer, Alhaji Ahmed Adamu Muazu. I have no doubt that the dem-

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, PoLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

Jonathan

ocratic process we have witnessed here today, and his confirmation as party chairman, are both pointers to the consolidation of democracy in our country as a whole. There is no doubt that his commitment to the ideals of our party, his consistency and hard work, has helped to reposition the party. And today we are stronger, bigger, and more in tune with the yearnings of our people. Let me also congratulate Prof. Wale Oladipo and Alhaji Adewale Adeyanju whose appointments as National Secretary and National Auditor, respectively, have been ratified at this Convention. Nigeria is undergoing great changes at this time, and also experiencing great challenges; so, political parties must rise above the fray, to provide hope and clear direction, to propel the development of our country. As expected in every contest, especially political contests, the journey to this convention has not been without issues in some constituencies. Indeed, party congresses from the ward to state levels, and the legislative and state primaries, have produced both triumphs and some misgivings. Without prejudice to various ongoing resolution mechanisms, we will take steps, after the elections

I will work to secure Nigeria’s future. I will serve with humility and moderation, with simplicity and forthrightness

to review and refine the candidate selection procedures within our party. An appropriate committee will be set up to work on this, with contributions across board. I commend the efforts of the supervising and appeal committee members, who travelled across the country to conduct and oversee the primaries and congresses. I appreciate also the dedication of the various working committees and special committees engaged in organising and delivering all aspects of the election season programmes. PDP remains a responsible party Fellow delegates, dear party members, while we congratulate our candidates who have emerged at the primaries, we must reassure all our members, that our party remains a large, accommodating and responsible party. We will make sure that conflicts are amicably resolved and that the genuine interest of every member is respected and assured. As party members, we must be conscious of the responsibility we hold to our nation. The political party is the vehicle for national organisation, and the PDP is the foremost political party in Nigeria. For the sake of the entire nation, we must, at this time, more than

I’ll not fail I will give my all. I will not let you down. I will not fail the PDP. I will not fail you. Above all, I promise, I will not fail our great nation, Nigeria. This convention shows that we are ready. The PDP is ready. Nigerians know we are ready. And today in Abuja, we begin the next phase of our mission. Our mission is to secure Nigeria’s future. First of all, let me give gratitude to God Almighty who has sustained the nation. There is much to say, but permit me some special words of gratitude. These last four years have not always been easy, but through it all, my wife has effortlessly taken care of our home. So to you, my companion and my foremost supporter, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I also want to thank, the Vice President, my brother, Arch Namadi Sambo, and his dear wife. You have both provided loyal support and commitment to this presidency; working with you for our people, has been a pleasure. The work and progress recorded these past four years has been possible because we have had the best team possible. The Ministers, Advisers, Assistants and staff that have CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Politics

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

echoes from presidential primaries

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

formed the transformation team, have shown great dedication, creativity and loyalty. They have put in extra hours when necessary, and always gone the extra mile to ensure delivery. Today, I thank them fervently for their patriotism and hard work. We are for transformation agenda Our party, the PDP, has been the foundation of our Transformation Agenda. I thank the Chairman and Party Executive at all levels, the Board of Trustees and National Working Committee, the PDP Governors’ Forum, federal and state legislators, secretariat staff and volunteers, across the country. You have played your part well, and I am indeed very grateful. It is not a mere coincidence that our National Convention this year starts on the same day as the United Nations World Human Rights Day. This government, led by our party, has made the respect of human rights and individual freedoms, the cornerstone of our administration. I did say during my declaration on November 11, 2014, that we are proud that no Nigerian has been exiled or imprisoned on our watch, for holding contrary views. We must ensure that we continue to water the tree bearing the fruits of freedom, for our beloved people. In the last 16 years, the PDP has kept faith with the Nigerian people by promoting and projecting a united nation, under God. We have united our people around common national goals for the good of our citizens and the development of our nation. Through its years of office, our great party, the PDP created the Anti-corruption agencies, that is, the EFCC and the ICPC, the Excess Crude Account, the Pension Reforms, Fiscal Responsibility Regime, the Sovereign Wealth Fund and various privatisation programmes. We initiated Debt Relief, the Amnesty Programme, the Presidential Jobs Creation Board, Power Sector Reforms and the National Infrastructure Master-plan; the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan, the National Automobile Policy, the Freedom of Information regime, the Nigerian Mortgage Refinancing Company, and the Infrastructure Bank, amongst others. At the advent of democracy in 1999, Nigeria’s GDP was $35.9 billion. Today, it is $510 billion - and we have become Africa’s biggest economy. In 1999, our debt to GDP ratio was 93.1%. Today, it is 13.6 % of which external debt to GDP ratio is 1.89%. As at 1999, only 400,000 telephone lines were active in our country. Today, we have about 120 million lines, which have created many more jobs for our youths. This administration is also working to revitalise our insurance industry. Compared to other emerging economies, our insurance industry has not achieved its full potential. Today, only three million of our citizens are insurance policy holders, and overall insurance penetration is less than 0.5 per cent of our GDP. We want to transform this sector, just as we have done for our banking sector and our pensions industry. Our goal is to grow the total insurance premiums in our country from 300 billion naira currently to N1 trillion in the next three years. And to increase the number of direct jobs created in this sector from about 30,000 people today to over 100,000 people in the next few years. We have delivered on our promises My brothers and sisters, the PDP as a party has delivered on its promise. In the last decade, it has seen to the largest expansion of the middle class in Africa. Certainly, our party has a rich history of enduring legacies. For those who defected from the PDP,

Jonathan: Nigerians can’t afford desperate power-seekers

zens shall continue to be of utmost priority. With the exception of the civil war, never before in the history of our country have we faced the level of threat we see today. I assure all Nigerians that this government will continue to do whatever is required to provide the security we deserve. It is encouraging that the security situation is improving, and by the grace of God, elections will be conducted in all states of the federation.

President Goodluck Jonathan casting his vote during the PDP National convention in Abuja…on Wednesday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

I enjoin you to tell the truth in your campaigns. Many of the developments in your states were initiated by the PDP. So, be honest with the voters and give credit where it is due. In adopting the umbrella as our symbol, we have become the umbrella of the nation. Our politics has not been defined by our differences, but in forging the bond of oneness. After our victory at the polls in 2011, we articulated a transformation agenda, which we have faithfully implemented. The agenda has created the framework of our desire to promote and deepen access to economic and social benefits, through equal opportunities. The Transformation Agenda is helping to secure Nigeria’s future. Thanks to this agenda we have remained focused, calculated and measured in our decision-making. We have focused on sustainable gains, rather than quick fixes. We have remained committed to our national maxim of Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress. Today, it is to our collective credit as a nation, that in spite of our challenges, our unity remains solid. All across our nation, the positive gains of the Transformation Agenda are being progressively enjoyed by our people. During this campaign, some office seekers will say it is “time for change”, but while they were changing from one name to another and from one party to the other, we had already brought change to Nigeria. My dear delegates, Has change not come to our railway system? Has change not come to our airports? Has change not come to our roads network? Has change not come to our agricultural sector? Has change not come to our electoral process? Has change not come to Almajiri education? Is change not coming to the power sector? Consolidation of gains Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, what we need today is to consolidate on our gains in order to secure our future. Our focus now must be on the future and not on the past. We have challenges but we are determined to overcome them. And this we will. These last four years, my priority has been in building a strong and stable economy. We have created the enabling environment for businesses to thrive. These

are essentials for securing Nigeria’s future. Back in 2008 and 2009, the country faced strong economic challenges arising from unstable oil prices, but we confronted it consciously and overcame. As the economic challenges of oil price-fall, looms in the months ahead, Nigeria needs tested hands that will provide certainty, in an uncertain world. We have a strong and capable economic team, which has already worked out strategies to manage the oil price volatility and curtail its effects. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, our fight against corruption is on course. Our systematic efforts have been acknowledged and we will do more in the coming years. Corruption degrades development; we will continue this fight, without compromise. In the past four years we have run our administration with respect for the principle of separation of powers between the different arms of government. The judiciary and the legislature have independently and introspectively pursued their own reforms and greater self-expression. With a fresh mandate, we shall push for increased intra-party and bi-partisan harmony, within the legislature, and between the executive and the legislature. The duty of national development must never be hindered by the over-politicisation of interests; this is what we owe our people, and our nation. Tackling environmental challenges Dear party faithful, beyond security and corruption, there exist environmental challenges, such as desertification, which is threatening the lives of our people, especially in the frontline states of Adamawa, Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara. We have responded most appropriately by implementing the Great Green Wall Programme for which we have released over N16 billion. Our determination to provide a buffer of greenery that will stop the advancement of the desert and reverse the many losses of farmlands and grazing grounds, streams and aquatic life, among others, remains strong. Similar programmes are being implemented to save communities from erosion in the West, East, and the South-South parts of the country. 2015 elections to hold everywhere On my watch, the security of all citi-

War against terrorism I call on all Nigerians, irrespective of party or belief, to join me in this fight against insurgency and terror. We must be united. Bickering and quarrels only serve to send the wrong signals to terrorists and insurgents, that we are divided in this fight. More importantly, it can also demoralise our dedicated and brave armed forces. This would be wrong. For this reason, we must remain united. I believe that together as a people and with God on our side, we shall defeat terror and emerge an even stronger nation. The experience in many countries shows that there may be a tendency for the escalation of violence in an election year. We must not succumb to blackmail. We must be vigilant – every one of us. Only by united action, can we defeat terrorism. I salute our gallant armed forces and security agencies who are doing their best to keep our people safe. We shall continue to ensure that they have the best in terms of equipment, training and conditions. I appeal to our countrymen and women to provide them with the fullest support, and not to fall victim to those who fan the embers of terror. As a political party, we must rededicate ourselves to the work of securing our future. We are the party of the people, and not just the elite. We must lift the poor out of the depth of want, onto the ladder of prosperity. We will work to ensure that no child suffers from basic needs. We must create equal opportunities for women and the physically challenged. We must give a voice to all Nigerians. And we can do all this! Nigeria is not a land of despair. We are a people who show commitment and unity of purpose. Just look at how we stood up to the Ebola Virus Disease. We are a hard-working nation. And we will go from strength to strength. Working for Nigeria’s future Our best days are before us, not behind us. We must continue to move forward. In accepting your nomination as flag bearer for the presidential election, I once more accept the challenge to serve our party and nation. I will continue the work we have begun with the Transformation Agenda. I will work to secure Nigeria’s future. I will serve with humility and moderation, with simplicity and forthrightness; with openness and inclusiveness, and with firmness and strength. I urge all Nigerians to support me, to finish what we started together. Fellow citizens, what we need, more than anything else, is to secure our country’s future, by building, and not by destroying. We can continue to build upon the foundations we have laid so far, we can continue with our economic progress, we can continue improving our infrastructure, we can continue delivering better health care, we can continue to improve our agriculture CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Politics

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

echoes from presidential primaries

Our social contract with Nigeria, by Oyegun National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, spoke on the manifesto of the party, which he believe, will change Nigeria.

n the past, political manifestoes in Nigeria were hardly different from mere platitudes and general statements to which parties could not be held accountable. The APC Manifesto is different. We have clearly stated what we will deliver to Nigeria when elected into office. When the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came into office in 1999, it did not tell Nigerians what its vision was for the country; it had none. And true to form, the party has led Nigeria from one crisis to another, lurching deeper into political anarchy, economic decline and social disillusionment. A decade and half later, nothing has changed. The ruling party has neither concrete plans for the security and advancement of Nigerians, nor the wherewithal to do so even if it had one. Suffice to say that it has thrived on the maxim: Promise nothing, do nothing. The consequences of thrusting power to a party that does not have the genuine interest of Nigeria and Nigerians are clearly manifest in our political and economic systems today; tens of thousands of innocent Nigerians have been killed due to government’s neglect of security; poverty and unemployment have multiplied due to perverse economic policies; corruption has been taken to new levels while health, education and job opportu-

Immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, was the Chairman, National Convention Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He spoke on the presidential race and the determination of the party to govern Nigeria in 2015

oday (Wednesday) is a major signpost on our journey to a new Nigeria. At this event, not only will the presidential flag bearer of our great party emerge from the five distinguished aspirants lined up, we also have the opportunity to demonstrate to the good people of Nigeria, our democratic credentials by the way we conduct ourselves and the businesses of the day. We will appeal to the hearts and minds of the majority of Nigerians, who though are desperately seeking change, are constrained from actively participating in partisan politics towards bringing about that change due to their cynicism about the internal dynamics of political parties. Today, we will showcase the spirit of sportsmanship and the love for the greater good that are the pillars upon which this great party is built. Today, we will show to Nigerians that it is possible for patriots from every nook and cranny of the country to congregate to determine an outcome on a crucial issue for which interests are disparate

Oyegun

nities are all in free falls. Indeed, the question on the lips of most Nigerians is: Is there a Federal Government in Nigeria? Yes, there is a Federal Government in Nigeria: A PDP government that thrives on chaos, corruption, impunity, injustice and the systematic exploitation of ethnicity, religious sentiments and other primal instincts to divide and rule Nigeria. It is no wonder that at no time since the period of the civil war have ethnic and regional sentiments been as raw as they currently are. Nigeria can, and must do better. Since the historic merger that resulted in the birth of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in July 2013, our intention has been to develop a set of guiding principles based on the needs of all Nigerians on how to collectively chart our future as a people and our destiny as a nation. I am pleased to present this manifesto and invite you to share our perspective on how we can come together to free our country from the grip of the ruling party

that clearly has no agenda for Nigeria beyond prolonging its lawless rule by all means. In the past, political manifestoes in Nigeria were hardly different from mere platitudes and general statements to which parties could not be held accountable. The APC Manifesto is different. We have clearly stated what we will deliver to Nigeria when elected into office. Our focus is on six priority areas: National Security, Good Governance, Human Capital Development, Economic Development, Land and Natural Resources and Foreign Policy. The APC Manifesto goes beyond broad proclamations of intentions. For each sector, we have articulated clear policy directions and accompanying strategies to indicate how our vision will be implemented. In addition to securing the territorial integrity of Nigeria, our plan for national security includes development of the capacity, capability and welfare of our security forces, with clear public accountability frameworks and the promotion of peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians. The decay in Nigeria’s political and economic structures can be traced to poor governance and dysfunctional public administration. APC promises free and fair elections at all levels, respect for the rule of law, promotion of transparency and genuine anti-corruption measures. We will implement efficient public financial management strategies and ensure true federalism. In order to fulfil our social commitment to Nigerians, the building blocks for our human development plan will be implemented through coherent health, education and social welfare policies. APC will therefore promote a healthy life-

style, availability of balanced nutrition, and preventive and curative healthcare. We pledge to ensure the availability of quality education at all levels and strive to create a pool of skilled Nigerians that will form the bedrock of our economic development agenda. This manifesto also details our plans for youth development, sports and the entertainment industry, in addition to the provision of a sustainable social safety net beginning with the most vulnerable Nigerians. Our manifesto also includes policies and strategies to reverse Nigeria’s economic decline by ensuring sound macroeconomic management and accelerated infrastructure development, especially in the areas of electric power supply and transportation. We will implement fiscal reforms that would build the economy from the bottom up – one small business at a time. Moreover, the APC manifesto plainly spells out our plan for Nigeria’s land and natural resources including computerisation of our respective land registries, providing affordable shelter for all Nigerians, promotion of agriculture, development of oil and gas, solid minerals, provision of water and sanitation facilities as well as protecting our environment from the threat of gully erosion, desertification, global warming and rising sea levels. Finally, APC believes that with Africa’s largest population and economy, Nigeria ought to play a leading role in regional, continental and global affairs. Our party will therefore make the Nigerian interest the overriding factor in its foreign relations engagements, commitments, decisions and partnerships. We will also accelerate regional integration within ECOWAS and facilitate the emergence of a common currency within the shortest possible time.

Fayemi: We’re building a great party and the stakes are high, yet by the grace of our Almighty God, we will all leave this venue a stronger and more united party. Today, we will show to Nigerians why the APC is different. It is important to remind this august gathering that though there have been alliances amongst political parties in the history of our country since the First Republic, the APC is a result of the first successful merger of political parties in the history of politics in Nigeria. APC represents the first real opportunity for an opposition party to mount a viable challenge for power at the national level since the commencement of the Fourth Republic and the ruinous government of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). I am delighted to announce to you that one of the highpoints of this event will be the address by our eminent chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, who will be briefing us on the progress made by our party so far and other matters arising. I thank the leaders of our great party for the confidence reposed in the committee to deliver a successful convention and the tremendous support you have given to us in the discharge of this assignment. I must also thank the members of the Third National Convention Planning Committee and by extension all co-opted members that served in the various sub-committees, for the patriotic zeal and dedication to service they have put into the organisation of this event. The state chairpersons and leaders of our great party across the states and FCT have also been very supportive

Fayemi

in ensuring seamless coordination and implementation of our directives at the state level. Also worthy of mention are the hundreds of volunteers – mostly young professionals – who sacrificed their time and deployed their competencies to make today a reality. This event would not have been possible without the robust support of our Host State Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) and his team as well as our host state chairman, Otunba Henry Oladele Ajomale, who have all worked tirelessly to support the National Convention Planning Committee in delivering a successful event. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to affirm that all our presidential aspirants are eminently qualified to bring about the change we all desire in our country. They have met all requisites and have been issued Cer-

tificates of Clearance by the Presidential Screening Committee of our great party. They all therefore have what it takes to excel as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is heart-warming that they have all demonstrated a high degree of loyalty and commitment to the cause of a free and fair primary election, and have all also pledged to abide by the outcome and support the eventual winner. This is highly commendable and holds the promise of a united and credible challenge against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and our eventual victory at the general election in 2015. We will move on from this event to fulfil all other formalities and commence an issues-based progressive campaign aimed at redeeming our land and our people. We will address the moral deficit that has led to the breakdown of our values system, causing hydra-headed symptoms such as corruption, crass incompetence and ethnoreligious bigotry. These maladies have kept our great nation underdeveloped in spite of our vast resources. We will reach out to the critical mass of our people who are fed up with business as usual, and who believe change is possible. We will walk in the tradition of our progressive forebears who were characterised by their commitment to aggressively setting forth ideas on how to make Nigeria great again. By the grace of God, we will move on from here and go on to win the presidential elections in 2015.

Politics

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

echoes from presidential primaries

Oshiomhole: Nigeria’ll get true leadership with Buhari

APC presidential candidate will dethrone PDP – Jaja

lAjimobi congratulates presidential candidate

Abuja

overnor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has declared that Nigeria will witness the much-needed change with the emergence of Major General Muhammadu Buhari as the presidential flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2015 general election. Oshiomhole also gave kudos to the other presidential aspirants of the party for a gallant fight and urged them to join hands with the party’s candidate to scale the next hurdle. According to him, “With the emergence of Buhari, Nigeria will no doubt get a true and selfless leadership needed to drive the muchdesired change at the centre and the race to effect that real change has just begun. A change that represents a new dawn in the democratic governance of our great country; a

change that will restore hope to the downtrodden and forgotten masses of our great country and also place Nigeria in its rightful place in the comity of nations. “With the wide margin of votes recorded by Buhari, it goes to show that he is widely accepted by majority of Nigerians across geo-political divides in the country. “By the APC convention, we have shown and demonstrated to Nigerians that we can do things aright, provided we deploy courage, determination and commitment in doing it. “Our successful convention has further shown that Nigerians are now more inclined to the doctrine of “One man, One Vote” and we hope that the other party and especially the electoral umpire, INEC, will borrow a leaf from us and let one man, one vote prevail in the

2015 general election. This is the irreducible minimum that is expected of INEC. “I implore General Buhari to be a father to all, including the other presidential aspirants in the build-up to the general election in 2015. Also, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State said the emergence of Buhari was a further attestation of the “high regard which our party has for democratic process and internal democracy.” Ajimobi noted that the APC was now set to take over power at the centre from the PDP through the ballot box and take the country to greater heights. The governor also commended the spirit of sportsmanship exhibited by other contestants by accepting the outcome of the primary in good faith.

lPeterside hails Buhari’s victory at convention Onwuka Nzeshi and Johnchuks Onuanyim

ormer Deputy National Chairman of the and Board of Trustees of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Sam Sam Jaja, yesterday stated that the opposition party has elected a presidential candidate that would dethroned the PDP-led government at the national level. Jaja said that the outcome of the convention shows that APC was ready to take away governance from PDP. “Basically, the man whom the people have a lot of confidence in to dethrone PDP has been elected. He was elected without coercion or for anybody to sell his or her conscience. Everybody voted according to their conscience.” Governor Babatunde Fashola had on Wednesday accused President Goodluck Jonathan-led government of not keeping promises. Speaking on broken promises, he said: “Unfortunately, the bridge between us and our opportunities have been shattered by a series of broken promises by a party, government and president for whom promises

mean nothing. “I have made it my task to record as many of the promises made by President Jonathan and his party. The lists of promises are as long as the list of disappointments. “All over Nigeria, he made promises to us and as far as Lagos is concerned, I can tell you that those promises remain unfulfilled without explanation. “I do not know what all experiences from your various states are, but I will repeat here, some of the promises that I recorded that he made across Nigeria and ask you to tell us whether they have been fulfilled.” Meanwhile, the governorship candidate of the APC in Rivers State, Hon. Dakuku Peterside has congratulated Buhari for his victory. Peterside who was among the delegates that voted at the party’s national convention which held at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos also called on Nigerians to unite and support the General whose enviable record is well known throughout the country. The governorship candidate extolled the virtues of Buhari, describing him as a political figure widely acknowledged in Nigeria and beyond for his “unblemished record” in government.

PDP welcomes Buhari, cautions against utterances Onyekachi Eze L-R: Governor Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Sam Nda-Isaiah, Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, General Muhammadu Buhari, Atiku Abubakar and Dr. Kayode Fayemi at the APC presidential primaries in Lagos. PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

Jonathan: Nigerians can’t afford desperate power-seekers C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 4

and we can continue to safeguard individual liberties and freedoms. The choice before Nigerians in the coming election is simple: A choice between going forward or going backwards; between the new ways and the old ways; between freedom and repression; between a record of visible achievements and beneficial reforms - and desperate power-seekers with empty promises. Fellow delegates, dear party members, so much is at stake. Let me remind everyone – party leaders, mobilizers, members, men, women and youth – that the hard work has only just started. As your presidential candidate and party leader, I hereby commission all delegates and party faithful, as my campaign mobilisers, to take our message of unity and development back to your respective states and communities, and to ensure vic-

tory for all candidates of the PDP in the forthcoming elections. Working together, we will do it! Our political opponents shall assail us with the fury of their desperation to win power. They will use every means – intimidation, false accusations, hostile media and more. Do not descend to their level. We must stay focused on the mission at hand – to secure Nigeria’s future. Let me emphasise again, that nobody’s political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian. We must eschew violence, even in the face of the most outrageous acts of desperation. We must make sure our supporters have their voter’s cards. We must get them motivated and eager to make their mark. It will be a mark for our children. It will be a mark for a stronger economy. A mark that will secure Nigeria’s future. So, my dear party men and women, let us take this campaign to every Ni-

gerian, every home and every community. We will campaign in peace. We will campaign with hope in our hearts. We will campaign on the facts and the truth. We will campaign with issues and ideas. We will campaign on our record of performance. We will campaign to win. I seize the opportunity of this occasion to formally announce that as we commence the campaign for the 2015 Presidential elections, Architect Mohammed Namadi Sambo, a loyal and tested partner, a dependable, trustworthy gentleman and a true patriot will be my running mate and vice presidential candidate once again. With your continued support and the blessing of God Almighty, Vice President Sambo and I will campaign together to win another resounding victory for our great party in the coming elections.

Abuja

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has welcomed the emergence of former military Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, as the presidential flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 general election. The party, however, cautioned Buhari to tread cautiously in his campaign, especially on his provocative utterances. PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, noted that this will be the fourth time Buhari will be contesting the presidential elections. “On each of the three previous occasions, he failed to articulate a vision of the future that was acceptable to Nigerians. On each occasion, his brand of politics was rejected across Nigeria. Apart from changing to

a dinner suit, General Buhari has not changed the tired ideas and provocative utterances that Nigerians rejected in previous elections,” the ruling party stated. The party expressed hope that this time round, General Buhari would conduct a campaign that is issue based and devoid of ethno-religious sentiments “We are convinced that the PDP remains the only truly national political party in Nigeria, a platform on which all Nigerians can pursue their legitimate aspirations. “We also believe that despite the distractions, President Goodluck Jonathan has a genuine record of accomplishments on which to run and deserves a second term. President Jonathan’s re-election will guarantee unity and stability for Nigerians. His second term will also deliver prosperity to Nigerians,” PDP said.

Politics

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

How prepared is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2015 elections? We are preparing and it is work in progress. Let me use this opportunity to say that between 2011 and now we have organised one general election and several gubernatorial and legislative elections and by-elections, with better outcomes than in many other instances in the electoral history of Nigeria as acknowledged by the people of this country and international observers. This is not just my claim; it is based on the assessment of the decline in the number of petitions and litigations following such elections, 1,291 cases in 2007 and 729 in 2011 . This is not accidental. It is mainly because the electoral process has improved tremendously and people know that frivolous claims require more rigour, while genuine concerns can be addressed by examining the evidence which will be available. I say this to bring to the fore what I mean when I say that we are preparing, because preparing for elections have specific generic approaches, namely pre-election, election day and post-election preparations. But because of our electoral history, we need to put in more to ensure that pre-election and election day processes have high fidelity which will reduce any untoward outcomes that may emanate at the post-election phase. Pre-election preparations involve developing a credible voters’ register which should be available for stakeholders’ scrutiny prior to election, things like voter education, a balance of media coverage for all parties and candidates as much as is feasible within the law, the possibility of debates to enhance voter information, the procurement and distribution of materials and personnel for elections and the planning cum organisation of election day and post-election activities There are many cases of defection from one party to another in recent times. Why is it difficult to resolve this issue? Hold the judiciary responsible for its inability to deal with this situation having regards to the early defection cases since last year that appeared warehoused and lying-in-state in the courts. How do one explain a situation where matters that commenced by way of originating summons, just for the interpretation of Section 68 of the constitution, which does not require the calling of any a single witness since last year and subsequent cases cannot be determined because lawyers are allowed to filibuster by filing all manners of frivolous applications upon applications just to ensure that these matters are not determined. Why? Have we all forgotten how the intervention of the court, particularly the Supreme Court brought about sanity to the gale of unconstitutional impeachments of either deputy governors or governors as well as arbitrary substitution of candidates that emerged from duly conducted primaries without giving cogent and verifiable reasons? Regrettably, some of our very seniors in the legal profession are the ones doing all these. If these matters have been allowed to go on, by now the interpretation of this troubling

Defection: Hold judiciary responsible, says Igini Barrister Mike Igini is the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Cross River State. In this interview with Wale Elegbede, he speaks on the commission’s preparedness for the 2015 general election, operational challenges in the distribution of the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) and the subsisting cases of defection. Excerpts:

Igini

Section 68 would have been pronounced upon by the apex court and there would have been sanity by now. Until the Supreme Court pronouces on this, there is no end in uncertainty. This is very unfortunate. Defection has been a bane of our democratic learning and the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. Unregulated defections and a combination of other actions led to the fall of the first Republic. And I am willing to hazard a guess that frustrations bothering on defections also led to collaborations by politicians who initiated military interventions. When defection to civilian alliances fails, they cross over to military alliances. Hence, we must be very meticulous in enacting strict regulatory laws on defection. Now we cannot telescope the freedom of association which allows people to belong to any party they chose, and we cannot question their motivations whether noble or dishonourable because as Shakespeare averred there is nothing in the face to read the intentions of the mind but when people defect the proviso controlling self-dealing and prependal motivations should be effective deterrents for unguarded defections because of the impact it has on democratic practices. Externally, there are sections within the Electoral Act which pre-

Defection has been a bane of our democratic learning and the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. Unregulated defection and a combination of other actions led to the fall of the First Republic

scribes what it takes to belong to a party and how to represent its mandates. The constitutional legislation on defection has not been authoritatively tested in terms of legal hermeneutics, this is why the judiciary must act as the bastion of justice by making the law clear and unequivocal. Internally, the parties have rules which guide against such defections. I am aware for instance that some parties have a time barring any new entrant from contesting under the party banner for a period, but how well they allow such laws to regulate behaviour is another matter. At any rate, once again the defection issue remind us of the need for a constitutional court to separate the usual legal adjudications from the regular courts. Most of the problems we have near elections have to do with inadequate regulation of political behaviour as politicians seek to retain their access to political power through elections. Elections are inherently designed to make such retention of access to power uncertain to make politicians more responsive to the public they serve, but politicians want and are in fact zealous to reduce that uncertainty. Our regulatory laws should be strengthened to ensure that politicians do not dilute that check of uncertainty.

There are litigations everywhere even before the general election. Do you think the judiciary has lived up to expectations in adjudicating on these cases? The judiciary in my view has not met the public expectations adequately in this regard. Although the judiciary also has its limitations. The immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Mrs. Aloma Mukhtar, did quite well to create a new vision for the judiciary, but as you know reforms are often not very easy to execute when the reward of deviation is huge. But we hope her successor will remain on the path of reform to ensure that our justice system is not a system that only protects the rich and influential. Election litigations are worse with party nominations or internal or intra-party elections than external or inter-party elections proper, and this will endure as long as we have laws like section 31 of the Electoral Act. We have often advocated that Section 31 should not be so omnibus, allowing parties to do whatever they like and present whomsoever they wish and may all end up in interminable disputes in courts. When I first came to Cross Rivers State, I stood quite firm on this issue and some accused me of interference, but I was only protecting the general interests because I knew that they need a firm and impartial umpire to make sure that both the weak and the strong will subscribe to and abide by the same rules. Things improved afterwards, but from what I am sensing currently, I can say that they may have lowered their benchmark again and they themselves can see that the outcome of Hobbesian laws is bad for everyone. Some state governors like that of Lagos complained bitterly about the distribution of the PVCs. What do you think are the challenges? On the furore regarding the PVCs and CVR, we acknowledged some operational challenges in terms of the number of councils for the take-off of the exercise of the PVC distribution as there was a re-scheduling for the remaining local governments that were conducted subsequently. I can tell for a fact that nothing sinister was done to any state, and certainly Lagos in terms of the issue of zero polling units that was recorded in all states without exception. There are those who though registered in 2011 with temporary voters’ cards, during the exercise of preparing their individual biometric data for use, some did not have their full biometrics and even when the threshold for acceptance of incomplete biometric data was reduced to two fingers in each hand, that is a minimum of four fingers, some still could not meet up. Hence, these were the category of people that have been asked to participate in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion

Chiming Chime’s cheery cheerio

Emissary EMEKA OBASI

emobas2003@yahoo.com 08094457557 (sms only)

hose who make peace impossible are forever condemned to sleepless nights. You cannot set the polity ablaze and expect blessings all over your podium. A calm environment attracts everything conducive for development. In the tropics, we have a way of abusing words and titles. Somebody calls himself mayor of a city here. Even the hamlets and small towns have them. There are so many princes whose parents were just ordinary citizens who could not distinguish blue from red blood. Anyone, just anyone, could affix the word statesman. The fact that you started running political errands for Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe in 1960 or Sir Ahmadu Bello in 1962, does not make you any better than the brigands who pollute the atmosphere with charms. Fredrik W. de Klerk will never be forgotten by even generations yet unborn. Here was a man who served as minister in two apartheid regimes of John Vorster and Pik Botha. They made sure Nelson Mandela remained in jail while his kinsmen struggled for liberation. In 1989, de Klerk became president of South Africa. A year later, he stunned the world by releasing Mandela from prison. Madiba had spent most his productive years in confinement on Robben Island. In 1993, de Klerk shared the Nobel Peace Prize with his erstwhile famous prisoner. And to cap it all, for the very first time in the country, the majority had their way. In 1994, Mandela was elected president of a free South Africa. That is not the end of the story. The man who freed Mandela, chose to serve as Vice President under Madiba. That he did for two years, 1994-1996. In 1997, he quit politics. When de Klerk is described as a statesman, the world will applaud. It is not every day you see such great beings.

He could have come after Vorster and Botha, but both men can only gain votes in the hall of infamy. Enugu state governor Sullivan Iheanacho Chime may not be as distinguished as the South African heroes. But Nigeria is so troubled today that any attempt at peace will surely save us from unnecessary blood letting. The polity is so overheated that parts of this country are in turmoil. And most of the trouble spots are home to politicians whose ambitions have pitched the ignorant against the knowledgeable. There is negligible difference when bloody clashes are involved. The scoundrel gets recognition for vanquishing those whose lives could have made all the difference. The famous run away from battle, with his backside exposed to ridicule. Chime joined the league of gentlemen recently when he dropped his senatorial ambitions, for peace to reign. Before that decision, Enugu was set to burn with different camps emerging, all determined to be in power without powering a thought about the consequences of their selfish dreams. Chime threw self aside and embraced wisdom. He withdrew for Senator Ike Ekweremadu. During the primaries, Chime offered his dignified presence to put doubting Thomases to shame. Ekweremadu also appreciated the governor’s support by dedicating victory to Chime. In our climes, most politicians are not interested in what they can do to move the nation forward. Some of them spend more time sleeping in burial grounds and coffins than they even spend with their constituents. Their loyalty is not to the people they are supposed to serve. They serve Lucifer, worship money, squander our collective resources and drive around town, protected by men in uniform while insecurity continues to spank us all like school children. By his action, Chime has saved a lot of young Nigerians from death. If he had battled Ekweremadu full blast, with his power as governor, Enugu would have been another war zone. This withdrawal is something we should celebrate. He has earned my respect as a gentleman, and statesman. I do not know what the future holds for him. How-

ever, I think a man who has this kind of heart , should just leave the political space for now. This is the type of leader you send out as an ambassador. I understand, President Jonathan brokered peace between Chime and Ekweremadu. Give it to the Enugu governor for his listening ears. What if he chose to fight it out? There are cases of those who have decided to fight on even after presidential intervention. While I salute Chime, I also have words for Mike Onoja, the retired Permanent Seccretary, who stepped down for Senate President David Mark in Benue. In the past, it was another Onoja, Joshua, the retired army general. There was also another powerful Idoma man called Young Alhaji. To be honest. Mark has spent quite some time in the senate, 16 solid years. But he is also the flagship of the Idoma. I do not know how little he has added to the live of the woman in Okpokwu or the villager in Ogbadigbo. You cannot take this away from him. No Idoma man ever rose to the Number Three position in the country. If the Idoma had such big pie, it would have been funny for somebody else to go to the senate for the crumbs. Keep what you have, so that you will continue to be relevant. Good spirit, Onoja. Some of my associates think Mark should be swept off for such past sins as telephone not being for the poor. A few claim he has such a large family that he needs continued government patronage to keep going. That is neither here nor there. My take is that, sins could be forgiven. The Senate president has been a stabilizing force in the National Assembly. When things try to get out of hand, he steps in. Surely, the man has shown so much maturity that I think we should keep him. There is also something good about men who keep friends. Mark does that. When you see him with his ‘twin brother’, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, you will understand what I mean. They belong to Course Three of the Nigeria Defence Academy [NDA]. Check them out. Festus Porbeni, Raji Rasaki, Tunji Olurin, Awal Kazir, Rufus Eyitayo. To Senator Aloy Etok, kudos too for stepping down to avoid another skirmish in Akwa Ibom. I hope the uncommon governor Chief Godswill Akpabio will shower him with uncommon gratitude.

Opposition’s plan to abort our democracy Philip Agbese “And some things that should not have been forgotten were lost.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

hen loosely applied, the quote taken from Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings is apt in the Nigerian situation. We have apparently not only forgotten our recent history but we are on the way to being lost and losing our dear nation if nothing is done to stop the opposition’s call to anarchy. What once was dismissed as empty threats from bad losers is beginning to get translated into concrete actions that are today eroding the very foundations of this country. What started like a joke is fast becoming a threatening conflagration as closet anarchists who masqueraded as democrats are outing themselves. Should we be worried? Yes. We should be. Anyone who is not genuinely mortified by the unfolding nightmare being brewed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders and chieftains is then guilty by consenting. As the Pidgin saying goes, “Na from clap person dey enter dance”, which implies that like the toad wallowing in water that is being gradually heated without leaping out until it is boiled to death, we have as a people collectively developed inertia to the worsening attitude of APC

leaders, which got us to where we are presently– a country on the brink of collapse. Hopefully, things will not get to boiling point before we give a national response to the threat to the nation’s democracy. First, leaders of this motely opposition group launched a campaign of calumny against the federal government on multiple fronts. Of course, the freedom of expression guaranteed every Nigerian ensured they were able to do this without repercussions and this is the beauty of democracy, the freedom to dissent within the bounds of law and reason. We failed to see that, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the self-proclaimed opposition leader only launched these war of words when he is not allowed to have his selfish ways. He has recently recruited his erstwhile nemesis, former president Olusegun Obasanjo to execute such attacks by proxy with the sole aim of destabilizing a government that has refused to enslave Nigerians for them and their selfish interest. Sadly, the attacks from Tinubu and his group on the government have had consequences that were immediately impactful. Nigeria is painted to the international community as that hell on earth, a nation that no one should do business with, the attendant consequences that efforts at growing the economy were frustrated by such selfishness. How can youths ever get employment if the economy is undermined by our own citizens who badmouth the country at every turn? In the

analogy of the toad and the heated water, this phase of the opposition’s activity is cool water by comparison. Next came the serial attempts, sometimes successful, by these men who repeatedly invade states where elections are taking place, ostensibly for one reason, to rig their party into any place that has elections. Each time the law enforcement agencies as much as tried to point out their error to them hell was let loose. This invasion of states having elections is usually followed with efforts to blackmail the judiciary into giving them whatever other political parties fairly won. Sometimes, they succeed. The penchant for invading states was only surpassed by the theft and poaching of mandates that the electorate had given to other political parties. They controversially got five governors of “like minds” to steal and deliver the mandates their people gave to the People Democratic Party (PDP) to them. A repeat of this was planned in the National Assembly on a massive scale but for the spectre of potential court rulings that kept some members back. Nigeria’s apostles of uprightness, the APC leader saw nothing wrong in these thefts of mandates, it was okay so long as they are the beneficiaries. Which explains why the breach of the constitution and the electoral laws appeared like fun things to do when the Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal - that widely abuse titled was deliberately left out - defected to the

APC. The party deliberately ignored the legal and constitutional impasse that was sure to follow this action. Putting legality or otherwise aside, where is the APC’s much touted moral compass in all this? Does the theft of mandates no longer count as a corrupt thing to do? And then the threats flooded in. Late APC convert and Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi openly declared” If the PDP rigs the election in 2015 we will not go to court and we will make the country ungovernable. We will form a parallel government and there will be anarchy”! A governor actually said that. Any doubts that Amaechi spoke under the influence was soon erased as several chieftains of the party not only backed him up but also reaffirmed the threat in different forms. It is not a curious coincidence that the threat was first delivered at the APC Salvation Rally in Abuja, which was a cover to invade and openly confront public institutions. Among the places so invaded was the Police Force Headquarters, where the Inspector General of Police, Mr Suleiman Abba said it took discipline and restraint to avoid responding to the confrontation by the occupying mob. The warped logic behind these invasions was tied to provoking responses from the security agencies so that they can claim the likes of the Ukrainian Maidan Uprising, Arab Spring in the Middle East and other places. • Agbese, a public commentator, wrote in from Abuja.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

EDITORIAL

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non-governmental organisation, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria, has said it would sue the National Identity Management Commission over its refusal to respond to the Freedom of Information requests on the National Identity Card project with MasterCard. The Executive Director of PIN Nigeria, Mr. Gbenga Sesan, recently, claimed in a statement that the firm wrote to the NIMC on September 4, 2014 in accordance with the FOI Act 2011, requesting for copies of all documents relating to the procurement and contract for the provision of payment by MasterCard for the general multi-purpose card. Other information requested, according to the statement, included the grant document and the grant agreement between MasterCard and NIMC, contract currency, the effective start and end date of the contract, the terms and conditions of the contract, payment schedule and the payment terms. The firm, however, claimed that the NIMC only responded on October 24, after more than one month, contrary to the provision of the FOI Act, which stipulates one week. It said the Commission also did not grant the requests on the grounds of trade secret and national secu-

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NIMC and the FOI Act rity. The firm explained that, “This excuse by NIMC holds no water as the procurement and contract details or information requested for, as listed in their letter dated September, 4 2014, relates to public expenditure simpliciter, which by virtue of Section 2 of the FOIA 2011 ought to be made readily available”. It said the refusal of NIMC to respond to the request showed that the Commission was using “avoidance tactics, which usually suggests that they have something to hide.” PIN Nigeria said the National ID card project had raised a lot of privacy concerns, adding that lack of a Data Privacy law in Nigeria should make NIMC consider the weight of its actions more seriously. The company said it wondered if the NIMC’s refusal to respond to the information was because it did not conduct the procurement in accordance with the process stipulated in the Public Procurement Act. The idea of a Freedom of Information law for Nigeria was conceived in 1993 by three different organisations, working independently of each other. The organisations, Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), subsequently agreed to work together on a campaign for the enactment of a

Freedom of Information Act. The objective of the campaign was to lay down as a legal principle the right of access to documents and information in the custody of the government or its officials and agencies as a necessary corollary to the guarantee of freedom of expression. It was also aimed at creating mechanisms for the effective exercise of this right. The FOI Act is to make public records and information more freely available, provide for public access to public records and information, protect public records and information to the extent consistent with the public interest and the protection of personal privacy, protect serving public officers from adverse consequences of disclosing certain kinds of official information without authorization and establish procedures for the achievement of those purposes and; for related matters. Since its passage into law, the FOI Act has become a major focus of media practitioners and other rights activists in Nigeria. It is widely held belief that FOI Act makes both government and private institutions serving public functions accountable. This is perhaps because freedom of information is the cornerstone in promoting democratic participation and good governance. Reason been that an independent media has the capacity to not only

scrutinize government but also hold it accountable. This is based on the premise that good journalism leads to good government policies and programmes. But for the policies and programmes to be good, people must be engaged to contribute in making them. Moreover, for people to do this they must have access to information and ideas in an open and free environment. It is also indicative that for a democracy to answer its name it must embrace the spirit of free press in principle and practice. However, the point must be made that the Act is not just for media practitioners but for every segment of the society to bring about good governance and transparency in public affairs. In a country where Freedom of Information Act is in operation, anyone can make a request for information, there are no restrictions on your age, nationality, or where you live. Government officials themselves also fail to benefit from public input which could ease their decision making or improve their decision. Also, without accurate information on matters of public interest, citizens must rely on rumours and unconfirmed reports with the obvious danger this presents for accurate and objective reporting by the media. Hence, the exigent need for NIMC to be more open and transparent in its conduct.

Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief n Eric Osagie Deputy Managing Directors n Gabriel Akinadewo

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Politics

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

continous registration exercise. So, nothing like de-listing of names occurred because they are still there with the observed shortcomings. There was also an unfortunate and regrettable situation, that occurred when some of the youth corpers engaged in 2011 as registration officers in the process of backup of the daily registration data then, during the back-up process some data of registered voters were lost in trying to secure them, resulting in what is now called zero registrants in some of the polling units. That will require fresh regis-

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

PVC: No plot against any state, says Igini tration at the level of the polling units as we did in Cross River, while others will be done at the ward registration centres. There are allegations that you and Senator Florence Ita-Giwa connived to adopt Day Spring Island as electoral venue for the Bakassi people. How true is this? INECs decision not my personal decision based on the existing electoral data. Just because a people have a challenge should not give anyone the right to marginalise them. Day Spring I, ii and the Qua Islands are

for the Bakassi people, and is even recognised by the United Nations as a final resettlement area for the Displaced Bakassi people, The Nigerian government, the United Nations and several international stakeholders failed them in this regard and they remain displaced in many places for these failures. The other is the resettlement centre within the Akpabuyo Local government. INEC gave all the contending parties on this issue ample room to ventilate their views, as the chief field officer of the Commis-

sion in the state, I went to these areas to see for myself, and also took national officers of the Commission along with security agents to see for ourselves at the risk of all their safeties at sea during a very challenging time with militancy in the Niger Delta. The commission from the national headquarters after several meetings, one of which was conducted at the national headquarters, wrote formally to acknowledge these three areas. We will not do anything outside the law to undermine the

integrity and expectations of our office. Cross River is for all Cross River people, they should all learn to live as brothers and sisters each gaining from the other, and not thrive by exploiting the weak. As the REC in Cross River, what are you doing to ensure that the riverine Bakassi people are not disenfranchised in the forthcoming elections? Precisely, what I have just explained earlier. If, for instance, the people of Chibok were forced out of their LGA and re-

settled as IDPs in another LGA in Borno State, when elections take place, should the people in the LGA where the Chibok people are located now be called Chibok because some elections are done for Chibok in the new place where the IDPs are located? That is what is happening in Bakassi; some people want all elections for Bakassi to hold in specific areas, yet the Atlas of electoral wards that I met have not been changed and could not have been changed by a state law given the nature of the subject matter. The price of crude oil, the main source for running governance, is falling in the eve of election when politicians are making promises. What should be the conversation expected from those seeking for offices at this time? The falling oil price is an economic question. In economics you deal with facts and rational assumptions not opinions. The latter part of the question on what the political conversation should be is more fluid. Politics ideally should be guided by the rational goals for economic prosperity for the society as well as the individuals who make the society. They should tell Nigerians really how they hope to finance the programmes promised and run the economy. If we marry both aspects of the question, the goal should be co-terminal, because politics should be about leading and governing economics to better outcomes for all. In a period of declining fortunes, the emphasis of leadership should be on hope and stability under uncertainty. Every economic boom is often followed by burst or decline, the essence of political leadership the world over is to guide countries through these cycles of boom and burst, such that the impacts are marginal during burst and blissful during boom. This is why diversification of portfolios of income stream is often done to make the economics of a country more robust to such single commodity changes. But diversification is best done during boom not in times of burst. So, as we are now, the emphasis of conversation should be on reviving hope for passing through the revenue decline and emerging stronger as an economy that will rely in future on more diverse income streams.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY,DECEMBER 12, 2014

Culture

Media

Tourism

Etisalat Prize for Literature announces shortlist

Benin City agog as Ugie festival beckons

Cross River generously endowed with talented, professionals –Abam

Arts

CULTURE

Tony Okuyeme

articipants at the International Conference organized by the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC), and the Bayelsa State Ministry of Culture and Ijaw National Affairs, Yenegoa, Bayelsa State, in collaboration with University of Porthacourt, Nigeria, have called on CBAAC to intensify its efforts in the preservation of African Culture most importantly, the re-introduction of the teaching of History in Nigerian Schools. The conference, held in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State, November 27 – 28, 2014, was on the theme; “Culture and the Transformation of Africa and the Diaspora,” The participants also urged CBAAC to canvass for the de-colonization of the already colonized African cultures, as this is a challenge to all Africans. This is to be done in partnership with the intelligentsia, artists, non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) and all allied agencies in Africa. This will make for self-reliance, in socio-economic and cultural affairs of African State. The recommendations were contained in a communique released at the end of the Colloquium which brought together historians, academics, Pan-Africanists, activists and other experts within Africa and the Diaspora. This International Conference, as the theme suggests, “is aimed at re-awakening and sensitizing Africans both at home and Diaspora on the need to embrace her Culture for transformation and attendant development, given the fact that culture embraces both the spiritual and material essence of man. This enterprise is timely as it is seen as needful machinery to drive and pilot Africa’s needed development, selfreliance, and emancipation.” According to the communique, “following due and extensive intellectual discourse and exchange of ideas on observations made”, participants also arrived at the following recommendations: that CBAAC develop a pathway through which the BOOK can be used for new value-system development, since the values of the past are continuously being eroded; that a national policy be established for use of Bibliotherapy in value-system re-orientation for behaviour modification, and change within the society; that the National Censors Board, in collaboration with CBAAC and allied

TONY OKUYEME tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com

Nollywood stars, Chinedu Ikedieze (left), Patience Ozokwo (second left), DG CBAAC, Anikwe (second right) and his wife during the opening ceremony of the Cultural Festival/ Colloquium, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State

Experts seek de-colonisation of African culture

agencies, aim at censoring music dramatization to ensure nudity is reduced at production – editing stage, before public viewing on air; that CBAAC canvass for the establishment of a Department of African Studies that would cater for a purely African Culture and the handling of African Traditional Affairs; explore the possibility of incorporating traditional models of conflicts resolution devoid of modern adulteration, and institutionalizing these for use, in Africa; that gender must emphatically, not be a determinant in apportioning responsibilities. When men and women render services from their natural areas of responsibilities without discrimination, development results, borne out of the exploration of potentials inherent in synergy; and that, films are capable of being used as instrument for making peace, and managing conflicts when Scriptwriter, Actor and Director chose to make films that espouse pure Culture, and ignore money-making.” The participants also called on all, especially the academia to continue to give CBAAC their unalloyed support to ensure the actualization of all set objectives of the Centre. Scholars who presented papers at the conference include Adediran Adekunle Amos, Ojomo Bernadette Ulumma, Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeoku-

ta, Ogun State, Nigeria, Odunugh, Funmilayo Adeola, Department of Music, Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo – Ondo State, Nigeria, Abiodun F. Agboola; Ph.D, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, Major-General Ishola Williams (RTD), Executive Secretary, Panafrican Strategic and Policy Research Group (PANAFSTRAG), Lagos, Idowu Kojusotito Olatunji (Ph.D), Department of Creative Arts, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State, Arinola Sururah Bello, Panafrican Strategic and Policy Research Group (PANAFSTRAG), among others. The International Conference was preceded by a cultural festival held at Peace Park, Yenagoa, on the theme, Using Culture to Drive the Transformation of Africa and the Diaspora. The opening ceremony of the event brought together, array of dignitaries including heads of government, traditional rulers, cultural administrators, and the crème de la crème in Nollywood, as well as students from secondary schools in Yenagoa. The Director-General of CBAAC, Sir Anikwe Ferdinand, in his address titled A Dynamic Insight into Culture as an Index of Power, described culture as the power base from which the sum

This enterprise is timely as it is seen as needful machinery to drive and pilot Africa’s needed development, self-reliance, and emancipation total of the existence of a people derives. According to him, from a common sense point of view, culture presents itself as both the foundation and the root of human development, whether as individuals or groups. “This is essentially true because there is reciprocity between humans who founded culture and culture which in turn moulds and refine humans. It then becomes the case that culture provides a holistic orientation for humans, in the sense that culture as the totality of the vital system of ideas of a people constitutes the value orientation upon which such a people organises their whole affair in search of happiness. This is the reason why the defense and

sustenance of culture, marks the whole essence of what is called civilization. If the defense and sustenance of culture marks the essence and goal of civilization, it means that culture ultimately, is the very source of fountain from which the power of any people derives and revolves. Culture, the CBAAC DG further posited, is the power base from which the sum total of the existence of a people derives. “However, culture has two sides to it. These are the non-physical and the physical aspects of culture. The non-physical aspect of culture is the same as the spirit of culture, while the physical aspect of culture is the material aspect of culture. The material aspect of culture can and does need to undergo modification, but the spirit of culture must and should never be lost. The point to note here is that in the spirit of culture lays the power that upholds culture,” he said. According to him, the relevance of the submissions made above lays in the seeming wave of cultural realisation among African artists and actors alike that have impacted tremendously on world civilization. African artists and actors, he said, have become the vehicles through which African cultural genres are internationalised. He then called on Diaspora Nigerians and Africans to endeavor as much as possible to promote African fabrics and food. This, in a way, has endeared African foods and fabrics to the hearts of most foreigners which have become strong factors in their way of lives. He also said that African States must continue to harp and invest on our artists and actors that have become the Continent’s great cultural ambassadors. “While it is true that African artists and actors, and creative writers alike have strived to internationalize African cultures, the point must be made that such lofty attempts by such artists, actors and creative writers need to be institutionalized and strengthened for more effect internationally. Please permit me to state unequivocally that we can only underrate our culture at our own peril. We are witnesses to the impact that western culture has had on the minds of our youths through music, movies, novels, football, religion, internet activities, costumes and fashions. It is in this wise that we must remain eternally indebted to the fathers of African Literature such as Chinua Achebe. Wole Soyinka, J. P. Clark, Ngugu Wa Thiongo, Chimamanda Adichie, and a host of others for pioneering African writers series with its robust cultural background, that capture the minds and attention of our youths,” he said.

Arts

FRIDAY,DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

I want to reposition entertainment industry, says T-Flute Doherty Ayotunde is a flutist, compere and the CEO of Triumph Entertainment. Nicknamed T-Flute because of his dexterity in playing the flute, and his ability in turning a dull ceremony to a lively atmosphere with his punchy jokes on stage, in this interview, he talks about his art, comedy, and his outfit, writes Moses Kadiri.

e was only briefed on how a previous yearly street carnival show ended up a flop in Magodo-Shangisha area of Lagos State and the young man who is also into kiddies parties gave a helping hand. Today his outfit, Triumph Entertainment is, no doubt, a force to be reckoned with in the industry. “Triumph Entertainment adds pleasure to your leisure,” he enthused. “We have wonderful packages, services such as events decoration and logistics; Master of ceremony (MC) services, kiddies parties,

musical recording studio, live band and training on musical instruments, among many others.” T-Flute who has anchored weddings, birthdays, political conventions, meetings, boat cruise re-union in South Africa, 2007, hints that when he is on stage as the master of ceremony he studies his audience and gives them what they want. “When I am on stage I deliver fresh and spontaneous jokes, no need mentioning Warri when I have not been there, never! I use what is happening at the environment of the event and

bring out the humour in it. We just wanna have a good time. And that’s all that matters. Also, I gist, I use what you call audience participation which enables the audience get so involved in the whole process. I don’t see myself on stage, it’s like I am gisting with friends at a bar,” T-Flute boasts. “I adapt to any kind of audience because my teaching ability and direct encounter with toddlers enable me to quickly read the minds of people. I also use my body to get attention through beat box (mouth beats), making my ear move without touching it, among numerous attention seeking abilities that I have got, and our decoration and recording studio packages allows us take our time in understanding the needs of our clients.” T-Flute who also takes piano lessons, exclusively for toddlers said his outfit cut across all classes, from social, elite “we have an intimate rapport with our clients, we don’t just do business and end it there, we are a family. We have what

T-Flute

you call price discrimination where we work with a suitable budget; we deliver a professional job, yet at an affordable price, we enjoy what we do because it comes natural.” The Lagos State born multi-talented artiste who have shared the same stage with notable Nollywood personalities reveals that he is on a mission to take the Nigerian entertainment industry to the next level.

“I have been in the industry for a long time, l started this business in 2006, and professionally started in 2008 when l registered it under the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), l have carefully studied what is missing in the industry that is why l have come with my entertainment outfit to reposition the industry, and give the people what they really want.”

Cross River endowed with talented professionals –Abam

ammonke Abam is the coeditor of “Contemporary Who’s Who in Cross River State”. Alongside Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Chief Akin Ricketts and Mr. Patrick Ugbe, immediate past Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Cross River State, he oversaw the project which has documented the profiles of distinguished Cross Riverians. Abam is also the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Strategy and Documentation. He spoke with the New Telegraph about the project and the impact it is going to make. What is Contemporary Who’s Who in Cross River State about? A. Contemporary Who’s Who in Cross River is an essential biographical compendium that documents the bio-data of all Cross River indigenes at home and in the Diaspora that have excelled in their chosen careers. It is the flagship publication of Profiles & Biographies, one of the nation’s leading biographical and supplemental information service providers. The book Cultural troupe from Cross Rivers State in performance is in hard print and soft copy and can be accessed all over international levels. the world from our website and Additionally, by recognizing distribution outlets all over Nithe efforts of people through docgeria and in Nigerian missions umenting their profiles and celabroad. From this year, the book ebrating them, we believe we will would be reviewed yearly. be inspiring the generation next What is the essence of the to imbibe the spirit and culture book? of hard work and giving back to The book is published to bring the society. We also believe those together in a single document, that have been recognized will feel the profiles of these achievers challenged to continue to contriband distinguished professionals. ute to the development of the state It is also an effort to acknowlthereby bring out in them, the best edge and recognize the contrithat God has endowed them with. butions made by citizens of the This book would be useful as state at the community, state and a reference guide and would be

distributed to the presidency, national assembly, relevant government ministries, departments and agencies; international development agencies, research institutes, media houses and universities. It will also be distributed to corporate organizations for their Human Resources departments to use for recruitment. Can you take us through the pages of the book and see who is listed? All together, we screened and accepted only 430 qualified people out of thousands of entries re-

ceived. The full list of those that made it is published in the adjoining page. Cross River is derogatorily said to be a place of docility lacking in qualified personnel. Is it true? Cross River State is generously endowed with talented and accomplished professionals in areas of endeavours such as the academia, law, teaching, agriculture, accounting, engineering, medicine, politics, sports, the clergy, entertainment, military, civil society among others. These men and women are eminently qualified to compete for positions anywhere in the world. In time past, the state had produced world greats such as Hogan “Kid” Bassey, a legendary world boxing champion; Professor Eyo Ita, a renowned academic and politician; Margaret Ekpo, legendary political activist, Mercy Nku, international athletic champion, and recently, Miss Ivara Esu, whose extraordinary academic record in her first degree in a British university won her an instant placement to undertake her PhD on scholarship. Do all of these speak to docility? Certainly not. If anything, this is clearly against the widely held stereotype that Cross River State lacks well trained and qualified professionals and personnel. This book has proven that this widely held stereotype is totally incorrect. The state is blessed with abundant professionals in different spheres of life, a good number have excelled in their different careers. When is the book going to be launched? The book would be formally presented on the 19th of DecemCONTINUED ON PAGE 23

Media 23

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY,DECEMBER 12, 2014

Etisalat Prize for Literature announces shortlist Tony Okuyeme

tisalat Nigeria, organizer of Etisalat Prize for Literature, a Pan-African prize celebrating first time writers of published fiction novels, yesterday announced a shortlist of three writers. The shortlisted writers and their works are Nadia Davids,’s An Imperfect Blessing, published by Random House Struik-Umuzi; Chinelo Okparanta’s Happiness Like Water, published by Granta Publication and Songeziwe Mahlangu’s Penumbra published by Kwela Books, Imprint of NB Publishers, the organisers stated in a release. The statement notes that the judges are delighted at the quality of entries that has brought to the fore a strong shortlist of three contenders. According to the Chair, Panel of Judges, Etisalat Prize for Literature, Sarah Ladipo Manyika, “From a strong long list we are now delighted to announce this year’s shortlist which showcases hitherto untold stories from across the continent and beyond.” The strength of the shortlist is exemplified in the panel of judge’s belief that any

of the shortlisted writers would make a worthy winner. “Whether it is David’s multigenerational family story set in Cape Town’s Muslim community at the dawn of the new South Africa, or Okparanta’s bittersweet tales of loss and love in Nigeria and abroad, or Mahlangu’s unflinching exploration of mental illness set in contemporary South Africa, each of these books is uniquely compelling. This is a shortlist that delights in the newness of the topics being explored and in the diversity of narrative form. From short stories, to the short novel, to the epic novel – each is a gem in its own right,” Manyika concluded. Chief Executive Officer at Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher expressed delight at the quality of writers attracted to the Etisalat Prize for Literature competition. “The entries are a fulfillment of Etisalat’s goal of encouraging talents and improving literacy in the African continent. We commend the judges for the work they have done so far on this year’s competition and we are delighted with the strong shortlist which will ensure that a worthy winner will emerge. We will continue to encourage and recognize upcom-

Zimbabwean NoViolet Bulawayo winner of the Inaugural Etisalat Prize for Literature displays her book that won her the prize.

ing talents,” Willsher said. A member of the Panel of Judges, Tsitsi Dangarembga sums it up this way: “This shortlist is a joyous celebration of a new range in voices of debut African writers. It says much of what contemporary Africa is offering the world.” The winner of the Etisalat Prize for Literature

2014 will be presented with a cheque of £15,000, an engraved Montblanc Meisterstück and will attend the Etisalat Fellowship at the prestigious University of East Anglia, mentored by Professor Giles Foden, author of the Last King of Scotland. Zimbabwean NoViolet Bulawayo won the Inaugural edition of the Prize for

her book, We Need New Names, a coming-of-age story, about the life of a young girl named Darling, first as a ten-year-old in Zimbabwe, and later as a teenager in the Midwest United States. The Etisalat Prize for Literature “aims to serve as a platform for the discovery of new creative talent out of the continent and invariably promote the burgeoning publishing industry in Africa. By recognizing and celebrating writers and other members of the literary community across Africa, Etisalat plans to bring some much needed awareness and acclaim to the art of Fiction and short story writing while also applauding and rewarding the efforts of those who have ventured into this genre in recent times. “At the core of Etisalat’s vision is promoting passion, nurturing talent and providing a platform for communicating ideas, The ‘Etisalat Prize for Literature’ wholly embodies this vision, bringing together celebrated high profile writers, book critics and academics from across the Continent and beyond in order to give credence and honor to ‘home-grown’ talent while also rewarding new entrants and encouraging further participation in this area.”

Olawale tasks Diaspora Nigerians on cultural values

he Nigerian Ambassador to France, Hakeem Olawale, has called on Nigerians living in and visiting Paris, France to conduct themselves according to the cultural values and norms of their different ethnic groups which preach good neighbourliness, humility, honesty, diligence and hard work. The ambassador spoke at the inauguration of the Paris chapter of the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) in France. Represented by the Head of Chancery, Olumide Olowo, the diplomat commended the efforts of the National Coordinator, Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) and Worldwide Leader, OPU, Otunba Gani Adams, for what he described as “a rare sense of patriotism and altruism which is commendable, laudable and worthy of emulation”. According to him, Adams through the OPU is preach-

ing how to be a good citizen in a foreign land. He urged all members of the group and other Nigerians not only to imbibe, but let these values reflect in their day to day activities and conduct. He also commended Adams for “being a cultural icon who has come to Paris to reawaken and stoke the embers of cultural renaissance among the Yoruba people and other ethnic groups in France”. He said, “We at the embassy salute his courage and commend him for giving Nigerians and the Yoruba a sense of cultural belonging and pride not only in Nigeria but at the international level. I am happy that OPU is preaching how to be a good citizen in a foreign land”. The ceremony which held at Boulevard De Liberation, St Denis, Paris was attended by notable Nigerians and members of the OPU from across Europe.

Cross River endowed with talented professionals –Abam CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 22

ber, 2014 at the prestigious Transcorp Metropolitan Hotel. It will be a gathering of the crème de la crème of the Cross River society. Political leaders, celebrities, the clergy, top civil servants; NGO activists would all be gathered under one

roof to celebrate the best of Cross River state. We are expecting Their Excellencies, the Governor and his amiable wife, the Deputy Governor and his amiable wife as well as members of the state executive council, captains of industry among others to grace the grand occasion.

Pupils of Samflo School, Ikorodu, Lagos, in a drama presentation showcasing our culture.

Movie on-the-go as MultiChoice launches DStv Now app

ith the launching of DStv Now, subscribers can watch sports, movies, series and so much more, available anytime, anywhere. DStv Now is a new App across Africa that allows subscribers to watch live television shows, enjoy DStv Catch Up and view the TV Guide from their mobile phones and tablets. The mobile app is currently on offer to DStv Premium subscribers with a PVR or Explora decoder, on both iOS and Android tablets and mobile

phones through 3G, 4G or WiFi internet connections, MultiChoice said in a statement, adding that to get this app, “simply visit your mobile App store to download the free App. After logging in with your DStv Connect ID, link your Premium Smartcard to your DStv Connect Account by going to www. dstv.com for iOS users, while Android users will be given the option to register and link smartcards on the App. “Thereafter, you will be able to stream or download

your favourite Catch Up titles and view a host of other live TV channels, including SuperSport, , plus M-Net movie channels including Comedy, Actions Plus, Drama & Romance and Premiere. The relevant data costs will apply when streaming content. There are also selected Live TV channels to watch on your mobile device and tablet plus an eight-day TV Guide showing Live programming on all DStv channels is available to DStv Subscribers.”

Tourism

FRIDAY,DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Benin City agog as Ugie festival beckons Andrew Iro Okungbowa

s the Edo people mark another year of colourful festivities, Benin City, the Edo State capital, is set to play host to series of cultural activities that will transform the historic city into a giant stage. Known as the heartbeat of the nation and the cradle of civilization, Edo State, with its rich and colourful culture, alluring and enchanting landscapes, is about to unfold the depth and richness of its cultural heritage, as it beckons the world to yet another season of communal and cultural feast, the Benin Ugie Festival (festivity of peace and joy). The festival, a celebration by the people of Benin Kingdom, dates back to centuries ago and defines in many ways the essence of the socio-cultural and spiritual existence of the people. Today, the Ugie Festival, which holds annually in the last few days of the month of December, has become the rallying point

for the sons and daughters of the land to celebrate and promote their cultural values, history and arts for which the people and city itself – Benin City - are renowned world-wide. According to the head of Hexagon Network Limited, Prince Omoregbe Erediauwa, who since 2012 has seen to the resurgence and enlargement of the scope, content and entertainment value as well as the economic import of the festival, this year’s event promises to be fun filled, colourful and exciting, as it has a rich outline of events and array of people and organisations One of the masquerade (Ekpo) groups in performance at last year’s carnival participating in it. Art Exhibition: The first city yearly to savour the major event of the festival is the art exhibition, which their prowess and crafts- beauty of the rich cultural opened to the public since manship when it comes to display by the people. Schedule to hold on Dec two days ago (Wednesday). art, especially bronze casting, which is perhaps the 23, it would witness a long Holding at The Hexagon Place (2, Golf Course Road, most famous of the Benin procession and parade of people made of revelers, GRA, Benin City), the ex- arts. Carnival/Street Party: masquerade and acrobatic hibition, which is slated to end on December 31, has This is one of the newly (Ekpo) dancers and other on display works of arts introduced acts to the festi- cultural troupes and groups from the various genres val and within three years of people from the various by a number of upcoming it has risen to a stardom lev- localities within the city, and established artists. The el, as its now attracts huge dressed in carnival – like Benin people are known for following among the people outfits, dancing, singing who throng to the ancient and gyrating through the carnival route. The street parade commences from Ramat Park/Western Boys High School end of the city and terminates at the Oba palace ground. Here people shall expectedly witness some of the rich elements, which make the culture of the Benin people an outstanding, fascinating and colourful phenomenon to both experience and feed on. It would be a rich blend of the people’s culture and contemporary forms of entertainment on display as the one – day street carnival comes to a fulfilling and exciting close. Beauty Pageant: The beauty pageant, which holds on December 28 at the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre,

L-R: Youan Tra Jerome, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye and John Ajala, during the decoration ceremony

and tagged “Ugie Carnival Queen Beauty Pageant,” is another festive moment to savour, as the event is dedicated to the celebration of the virtues of the Edo woman. According to Prince Erediauwa, ‘‘the pageant celebrates the beauty, intelligence, personality and talent of the Edo woman. It displays the tenacity, grace and industrious nature of the Edo woman. It also promotes the understanding of the culture and values that has made the Edo woman the pride of households in Benin from time immemorial.’’ The winner is expected to go home with a star prize of a brand new car and N1m. Miss Osamede Igbinoba (300 Law student from University of Benin) is the current queen. Jazz/Music Concert: This event is bill to hold on December 27 at The Hexagon Place and would attract a number of Nigerian A-list artistes in the various musical genres but with emphasis on jazz music, which is fast fading in this part of the world. Theatre and Drama Shows: Series of theatrical pieces have been scheduled to run through the duration of the festival at the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre. This, according to the organisers, would take the form of competition with secondary and tertiary institutions from across the city taking part in the presentations with the best performing school (s) presented with an award by His Royal Majesty, the Omo N’Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa, at the palace ground. Award Ceremony: This is an occasion set apart for the Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa, to honour some of the sons and daughters of the country both here and The Diaspora who have contributed in different ways to the development of the people and the country in what has been tagged: Oba Erediauwa Excellence (Achievers) Award.

La Campagne boss heads 151 villages in Cote d’ Ivoire T HE President of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, has been honoured with a chieftaincy title in Cote d’Ivoire. The title comes with responsibility of overseeing 151 villages in the region de Marahoue. He was bestowed with the title of Chef Ole Tribu de Paouflor Izuerioula Region de Marahoue. This honour, which comes with great responsibility, is according to the people of the region, in recognition of his commitment to the development and promotion of the tourism industry with special reference to the promotion of African culture and tradition. With this title, Akinboboye now rules over 151 villages in the region as they

head and he is expected to bring his wealth of experience and resources in administering and ordering the affairs of the villages. To this, a befitting palace has been built for him in the region through communal effort and he expected to reside there whenever he visits the country to carry out his traditional duties. His inauguration ceremony as chief was held some months ago but he couldn’t attend the ceremony due to the restriction on flight operations from Nigeria to Cote d’ Ivoire by the country due to Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), which then breakout in Nigeria. However, two representatives of the paramount ruler of the region were in Nige-

ria recently to formally present the title to him and decorate him with the paraphernalia and symbol of the office. The event took place at Idanre town and it turned out to be a communal feasting with the whole town and traditional rulers in attendance as well the government of Ondo State. In conferring the title on him, Dr. Youan Tra Jerome who was accompanied to the event and assisted by John Ajala, described Akinboboye who is also the tourism ambassador of the World Conference of Mayors (WCM) as a very pragmatic person, a tourism icon and devoted promoter and investor in the

preservation of African cultural heritage and traditions. Jerome, who is also a chief back in his region, said it is an historic feat as this would be the time that his region is bestowing such an honour and responsibility on someone from outside the region or country. He said Akinboboye is an inspiration to the people, especially the youth and expressed the hope that the honour would further boast his commitment to the continent and that his community looks to benefiting from his experience, wise counsel and resources in the days ahead. In his response, Akin-

boboye expressed appreciation to the paramount ruler of the region and his people for the honour, describing it as recognition of his contributions to the development of the continent. The fact that it is coming from outside Nigeria, he said made it all the more special. Akinboboye said he is elated by the symbolism of the honour, which he said represent a great leap in the development of the continent as it is a bridge between the Anglophone and Francophone regions of Africa, stressing that he hopes to further cement this relationship through his new office and continued commitment to African culture.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

Copyrights

Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria is here at last

BBH

After 63 days of fun, intrigues, Idris emerges Africa’s choice

Entertainment Patoranking, Lil’ Kesh, Jimmy Jatt, others rock at Copa Lagos 2014 Stories by Sony Neme

lectrifying dancehall maestro Patoranking; the “Shake body” crooner, Skales, Yemi Alade, the “Shoki” master, Lil Kesh; Ruby Gyang, Shaydee, B.O.J and DJ Jimmy Jatt were part of the line up of music artistes thrilled beach soccer fans at the 2014 edition of Copa Lagos Beach soccer fiesta. This is apparently in keeping to tradition because over the years, music has become an integral part of the 3-day COPA Lagos fiesta and the festival, in its 4th year, has recorded several music highlights. As the tournament kicked off on Friday, 12th – 14th December, fans will not only experience music but a fashion show and of course, beach soccer. Lead sponsor, 1960BET and long-standing sponsors First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Eko Atlantic, Cool FM, Pepsi and venue sponsors Eko Energy Estate under Orlean Invest lend their support in serving up another unforgettable beach soccer experience. Berthed in 2011, Copa Lagos is organized under the scope of Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW) World Tour – the FIFArecognized entity behind the creation and growth of Beach Soccer, and aims to have a strategic role in development of beach soccer in Nigeria.

Mr. Ibu: My craziest moment was acting the role of a woman Multi-awards winning John Okafor, better known as Mr. Ibu, is arguably the most clownish thespian in Nigeria. He was at his elements when he spoke with New Telegraph at Asaba on Tuesday. He bared his mind on his outburst against about to wed Actors’ Guild of Nigeria’s boss, Ibinabor Fiberesima, her welfare scheme and other sundry issues. What are you doing in Asaba? You know that about 45 to 60 percent of films produced in Nigeria presently have their locations in Asaba. So we are here to shoot some movies. Unlike some other areas, most people here are very willing to help as they concur to such demands as the use of their properties for film purposes. Most of your colleagues have won primary elections while some failed in their quest to represent their people, what does this mean to? It is a good omen for us. That means that the industry has more than acting to contribute to the development of the country, even though I am not interested in politics. They hold our collective mantle and they can not afford to disappoint.

Jimmy Jatt

SONY NEME

EDITOR, ENTERTAINMENT sony.neme@newtelegraphonline.com

What are your expectations from them? They should make a difference when they get there. But first and foremost, they should go back and strategize, because what they have now is the party’s ticket. Some are in areas where they have little or no resistance from other contend-

Mr. Ibu

ers, while others will really have to sweat it out to win the main elections. What I mean here is that this is not time to relax and feel that all is well, because it not over until the main elections are won.

I talk about issues that need to be urgently tackled. A national task force for each state is urgently needed so that productions that get paid for roles are stopped

At a point you were up in arms against the leadership of Actors’ Guild of Nigeria, AGN, what is the situation now? Oh! You all are aware that we were fighting? Well, I was fighting because members are not supposed to be where they are in the industry. I am fighting because most of the people you see there are not supposed to be in the industry. My anger is because the leadership is supposed to set up a national task force in each state that will be visiting locations to find who are there that that are not members of AGN, and sanction such producers appropriately. As I speak with you, some people collect money from their parents and wherever they can get it to come and pay producers to play roles in movies they know nothing about! This is what has been going on and members cannot get roles to play. With such anomalies in place, members are denied roles. And I cannot see such a thing and fold my hands and watch the industry going down the hill. I am not fighting Ibinabor as a person, but the system in place, because if we do not do what is right now, we would jeopardize the future of the

industry. What about the teeming theater arts students where will they go when they graduate? Where would they go to? Again we have been hearing about Film Corporations of Nigeria, we don’t know who they are cooperating with? By now they should have built a film village where incomes will be generated from. The Film and Video Censorship Board is another issue entirely. They collect as much fifty thousand naira per film! and we have an average of a hundred and fifty films in a month. That is an average of five million naira for hundred films in a month. With a functional film village, we should be able to make more money for the country. Apart from President Goodluck Jonathan, who I will like to come back (reelected) again, who has been wonderful to the industry, those parastatals are not helping issues. Most people are already abusing that privilege as they gather themselves to collect money from Jonathan. That was how others went to Akpabio and got a whopping sum also. That fifty million naira from Akpabio was enough to build us a befitting national secretariat that we don’t have. What they have presently is a shame. But President Jonathan gave out a parcel of land early in the year CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Entertainment

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Headies ready for Sunday showdown Stories by Sony Neme

arring any unforeseen, the most anticipated award in the entertainment industry for recognition of good and quality music will hold on Sunday, December 14. Expectedly fans of Nigerian music will be looking forward to dance with this year’s nominees and eventual winners respectively. Smooth promotions popularly known as HipTV had at a media meeting unveiled its project. Some award categories for this year’s Headies are: Best recording of the year; Iyawo Mi- Timi Dakolo, Let Somebody Love You2face Idibia, Always On My MindNosa, Ordinary People- Cohbams Asuquo. Producer Of The Year: Don Jazzy- Dorobucci, PheelzEleda Mi O, T Spize- Aye, Legendury Beatz- Caro, Shizzy-Skelewu, Del B- Pull Over. Best Vocal Performance Male: Iyawo Mi- Timi Dakolo, Let Somebody Love You- 2face Idibia, Always On My Mind- Nosa, Ordinary People- Cohbams Asuquo. Best Vocal Performance Female: Love To Love You- Niyola Ft Banky W, Wanted- Tiwa Savage, Window- Monica Ogah, Good Man- Ruby . Other categories include: Best Music Video, Best R&B/Pop Album, Best R&B Single, Best Pop Single, Best Raggea/Dance Allsingle, Best Rap Album, Best Collabo, Best Rap Single, Hip Hop World Revelation, Lyricist On

Don Jazzy

Yemi Alade

The Roll, Best Alternative Song, Album Of The Year, Artiste Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best African Artist, and Hall Of Fame. The Headies since its inception in 2006, has recognized the distinguished achievements of artistes and entertainers in a number of categories, including Rap, RnB, Dancehall and Alternative. The event is no doubt the biggest event in Nigeria’s entertainment calendar, broadcasted live to over 10 million viewers in Africa and beyond. according to morganisers, The Headies’ committee has put together exciting activities to elevate the brand and Nigeria’s growing music industry within

Del B

the international spectrum. For the CEO of Smooth Promotions, Mr Ayo Animashaun: “There is no better way to reward these deserving artistes where they are not only appreciated by their country, but also celebrated on a platform aligned with international brands. The honour of receiving this prestigious award in their country that is recognized on an international level is one of the many things Smooth Promotions aims to achieve with this year’s organization of The Headies.” Last year, the dynamic duo Tiwa Savage and Dr SID opened the awards ceremony to much ac-

The honour of receiving this prestigious award in their country that is recognized on an international level is one of the many things Smooth Promotions aims to achieve with this year’s organization of The Headies

claim and for the first time, The Headies introduced a new category – “Best Alternative Song” which shed light on new exciting contenders. Only music materials released between July 2013 and June 2014 qualified for entry. The process opened July 22, 2014 and closed August 30, 2014. Artistes whose music materials falls within the year in review, were required to submit three Audio CDs, four DVDs, a Mini DV (with the following info for each song; title, genré, producer/video director, label/ management, year and month of release); and artiste’s profile; a portrait photograph (soft copy).

COSON set for 2014 distribution C

Azeezat

opyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) has announced that its Extra-Ordinary General Meeting (EGM) will take place on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at the Oranmiyan Hall, Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. The main agenda of the meeting is for members to pass a resolution to approve this year’s distribution of music copyright royalties after which distribution shall commence immediately. The annual distribution by COSON is in line with the society’s core mandate to license the use of music and to distribute royalties to right owners. This would be the

fourth time in a row since its approval in 2010 that COSON will live up to its mandate in ensuring that right owners are adequately compensated with what is their due. Speaking on this year’s distribution, General Manager of COSON, Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji said, “At COSON, we remain committed to our cause to ensure that right owners are rewarded for their music exploited. In spite of the economic downturn, COSON continues to ensure that at the end of the day, right owners can smile. We want to assure all our members and affiliates that we would not rest on our oars until we get to the place

‘My craziest moment’

Julius Agwu cracked ribs at GIAMA 2014

CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 25

he 2014 Host of the GoldT en Icons Academy Movie Awards (GIAMA), Julius

when Fiberesima visited him at Abuja to decorate him as the grand patron of the guild? The president means well for the industry, but until the building is erected and becomes functional; it is still hazy, because I don’t know the number of plots. For Ibinabor as a person she is trying her best, but we need more. What do you make of her welfare scheme that has seen veteran but forgotten actors nationwide? Fantastic! That is a very nice concept. That is very commendable. I don’t talk about achievements alone. I talk about issues that need to be urgently tackled. My advice goes to areas that are casting us in bad light. Like in Asaba today, lots of producers are using actors free! A national task for each state is urgently needed so that productions that use actors for free are stopped. With avalanche of awards in place, what is you take on that?

of our dreams, which is a more vibrant and rewarding music industry where intellectual property is given the respect it deserves”. Also speaking, female artiste and COSON Board member, Azeezat Allen said, “I am always very proud to be a member of COSON. If I was told few years back that a system like this would work in Nigeria, I would have laughed my head off in mockery. But right before my eyes, not only do we have such a system in place, it is being run efficiently. Come December 16, COSON members can be sure of a good Christmas and end of year celebration. COSON is indeed working”.

Ibinabo and Mr. Ibu

Awards are meant to reward excellence, but I want organsers to step up a bit and add cash to it. in my house I have a basket full

Agwu, one of the greatest African comedy exports and a versatile entertainer that has graced many platforms with rib cracking jokes and onstage spontaneity completely rocked the stage on the night of the award and kept the audience entertained throughout the event. Some of the key moments captured from his on-stage performance included jokes about Communal living, Impact of Ebola on Nigerian Police and a lot more. Not only did Julius capti-

Julius Agwu

vate the audience with his ingeniously-crafted and funny jokes, but he also wowed the audience with a wide array of outfits he wore on stage, that were specially designed by top award winning Nigerian designer “Jaiye Owolabi” of MoodDeo Bespokefor the 2014 GIAMA.

Entertainment 27

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

GOtv

CINEMAWATCH (Radio/TV/Events Guide) DEC. 12 — DEC. 19 HIGHLIGHTS

BBH: After 63 days of fun, intrigues, Idris emerges Africa’s choice l Smiles home with $300, 000

Scene from the Broken Angel

ooking forward to some exciting programming this festive season? Ensure that you tune in to GOtv for an eclectic programming mix of romance, sports, drama, news and local and international movies. GOtv is Entertaining Africa.

Idris and Tayo

Stories by Sony Neme

anzania’s Idris on Sunday night emerged winner of Big Brother Hotshots at the end of the night’s thrilling two hours live extravaganza, with USD 300 000 in the kitty. He had picked up an avalanche of viewer votes from the continent after 63 days of fun, drama and intrigue to become the hottest of the Hotshots in the ninth season of the continent’s epic reality show. Idris came this far after seeing off the challenge of 25 other housemates through nine weeks of extravaganzas, weekly tasks, ‘freeze’ challenges and even an epic prank in true Big Brother style. After he had picked himself up off the floor after the announcement, an excited Idris said, “Big love to everyone in Africa, I have so much love out there, (and) I’m going to give back every single day”. The show had kicked off with a show-stopping performance from 17 evicted housemates, who got the chance to remind the continent of their Hotshots credentials. It was indeed a glamorous finale with a star-studded affair. On hand to make d night a memorable one

are performances by the One Campaign Artists, Nigerian star M.I. and South Africa’s Unathi Msengana. Even the Top 8 housemates got in on the action, with a performance of their own that sums up their time in the house! Nigeria’s IK took viewers through the 63 days of Big Brother Hotshots, with reminders of the Hotshots’ stellar performances – and the explosive ones – they all shared, and all the fun they had learning about each other’s cultures, countries and personalities. Evictions were never far from everyone’s minds, though, and when the Siz-

weNtsalubaGobodo auditor delivered a bulging envelope to IK on stage, he got down to business. Roll call of finally eviction were Butterphly, M’am Bea, JJ, Sipe, Nhlanhla and Macky2 from the house in pairs, leaving Idris and Tayo to count their lucky stars as the rest of the Hotshots looked on enviously from the stage. As the time for the winner announcement drew near, Big Brother summoned the duo to the Diary Room for a final few words of encouragement before sending them out of the house to join IK on stage, through a curtain of fireworks.

Telemundo Broken Angel Wednesday, 17 December, Franco forces Begoña to call Santa and tell her she needs to see her urgently. Ivan buys a property for him and Victoria. BET Culture List The lifestyle series Culture List returns for a brand new season, putting the spotlight on the hottest trends in fashion, fitness, music, food and technology with special insight from experts and celebrity guests. The show is hosted by, two-time GRAMMY® award-winning R&B singer, Letoya Luckett. The ten-episode series features exclusive interviews with today’s

most buzz worthy celebrities and exclusively looks at the latest and greatest spoils of urban tastemakers -- including local hotspots, tech gadgets, health tips, film premieres, recreation and fashion. On BET, channel 22 every Sunday at 18:00 CAT Channel ED The Mysteries Of The Brain Deep brain stimulation is a treatment that can provide therapeutic benefits to people who have Parkinson’s. The method involves placing electrodes at the heart of the afflicted region of the brain via a small hole drilled in the skull. Catch this exciting documentary on the mysteries of the brain. On Channel ED, channel 65 at 3:30pm on 11 December SuperSport Select 2 Catch selected games from the BPL, Italian and Spanish leagues live on GOtv from ENGLISH FOOTBALL – PREMIER LEAGUE Sat, 13 Dec Chelsea vs. Hull City 3:50pm Select2

MultiChoice announces Super Cruise Promo

n keeping faith with its promise to reward subscribers, MultiChoice Nigeria has launched the MultiChoice Super Cruise Promo. This promotion allows intending subscribers and existing subscribers to buy or subscribe their way to winning one of 20 Kia Rio cars, 100 Plasma TV screens, or 30 DStv Explora decoders. Addressing the media at the launch of the promotion,

General Manager Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho said MultiChoice is committed to consistently rewarding its loyal customers. He emphasised that apart from the 20 Kia Rio cars, MultiChoice is also giving away 100 Plasma TV screens, or 30 DStv Explora decoders to DStv subscribers. Mabutho explained that to enter for the promotion, all the subscribers need to do is to buy

a DStv decoder which comes with a dish, pay three months subscription on either DStv Compact, Family or Access bouquets. “It’s so simple, once you buy the decoder and pay three months subscription, you automatically qualify for the weekly draw where you could win any of the amazing prizes,” he remarked. Existing DStv subscribers can also enter the competi-

tion by ensuring they remain connected for three months. “We are giving our existing subscribers a chance to also cruise away in a Kia Rio, simply by staying connected to DStv,” Mabutho said. The promotion, which runs from November 2014 to 6 February, 2015, will select winners from both existing and new subscribers, in a weekly draw from the duration of the promotion.

Metro 97.7 fm up with FYNE 1.0 musical concert

A Okpei

ll roads will on Tuesday, December 16 lead to the Shell Hall of MUSON Center, Lagos as the premier FM station in Nigeria, Metro 97.7fm stages a classy end of year musical concert for her clients, listeners and friends. Artistes billed to perform include Timi Dakolo,Yemi Alade and MC Galaxy. Also on the bill are Praiz, Salvador Sango, Solo

Urete and Olu jazz among others. Koffi the comedian is the host. The event starts with a red carpet at 5pm while the show proper starts at 6pm. According to organisers, this is the first time the recently rebranded FM station would be hosting a concert of this magnitude. The concert aptly tagged FYNE 1.0 will afford clients, listeners and friends of

the wave making Radio station the opportunity to enjoy music that cuts across all genres in a relaxed ambience. According to a release signed by the General manager of Metro 97.7FM, Miss Cordelia Okpei,’FYNE 1.0, an acronym for Flavors You Naturally Enjoy is a series born out of the newly rebranded tagline of Metro 97.7FM. The

dreadlocks wearing Delta born broadcaster added that, “FYNE 1.0 is the first of the series of music concerts Metro FM hopes to present annually to our esteemed clients, listeners and the general public. This year’s concert brings together different genres of music on one stage. Indeed at the all flavours concert, there is something for everyone.

Entertainment

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria is here at last

Mahmood

ecember 2 was a turning point in the annals of collective management organization as chairman newly registered Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria, AVRS, unveils the body to the public in Lagos. The event which took place at the Nigeria Film Corporation, NFC, lived up to its billing as major players of the film industry gathered to embrace what they described as their new baby. He recalled that, “The process of establishing a collective management organization (CMO) for audiovisual works began at the Consultation Meetings organized by WIPO (World Intellectual

Property Organization), NCC (Nigerian Copyright Commission) and NFC (Nigerian Film Corporation) in April and September 2012. The unanimous decision of the participants at those meetings was to “Establish a CMO for Film and TV Rights Holders”; that is a collective management that would benefit all rights holders in the industry, both economically and from efficiency perspective.” He further explained that collective management as a collaborative effort works on not-forprofit basis, as the revenue collected by a CMO is money that it holds in trust for rights holders. Ali-balogun stressed that, “In order to prepare a con-

crete plan of action, a small preparatory working body of nine persons was established. I was endorsed to coordinate the work to start promptly.” The task of the preparatory body, he said, was to prepare a blueprint to stakeholders by September 30, 2012. “The plan was then submitted to the joint platform of various stakeholders for discussion and decision, with the aim to have necessary structures in place by December 2012” he said, adding that NFC provided its premises for meetings and discussions, including secretarial assistance. He also said that, Cooperation with NCC was an important part of the preparation and a condition for its successful completion. The Commission provided the necessary regulatory guidance with WIPO also supporting. “As cooperation among audiovisual industry stakeholders is considered a prerequisite for successful operation, inclusiveness of the platform is essential, therefore the existence of existing coalitions, in terms of guild and associations was taken into account from the very beginning”. For him, “Experiences from Nigeria in the field of collective management of music as well as developments in Ghana in the audiovisual field was studied. Good governance of collective management, including transparency standards, is considered to be one of the key elements in the successful establishment and operations of a CMO and this was ensured.”

Coke Studio storms University of Ibadan with Reminisce, Jaywon

t was a Moday of groove as the unending excitement of Coca-Cola’s one-of-a-kind music concert, Coke Studio, swept through the University of Ibadan on November 12, 2014 as top Nigerian artistes led by Time magazine listed “rapper to watch”, Reminisce and Jaywon got students and others the with an unforgettable live performances. The Brand Manager, Colas, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Olufemi Ashipa, who could not hide his excitement said University of Ibadan is one of three remaining locations the Coke Studio Campus Concert would be visiting, following spectacular outings”. The concert train had touched down at LASPOTECH, UNILAG, ABSU, UNIBEN, OAU Ife, UNIPORT , CRUTECH, UNILORIN and ESUT. Mr. Ashipa said, “The objective of the campus concerts is to extend the reach

Jaywon

of the Coke Studio Africa experience beyond the televised version and help us connect directly with an important segment of Coca-Cola’s target market”. He further explained that, “We are pleased with the enthusiastic feedback we have received from the campus

communities visited so far across Nigeria, which indicates that the concerts have been very successful”. Aside the live performances, the Coke Studio Campus Concert also features unique collaborations between aspiring musicians and established artistes, reflecting the essence of the televised Coke Studio shows. The double-decker, Wi-Fi enabled Coke Studio bus, fitted with state-of-the-art studio facilities and a DJ booth, was also stationed at UI , as students got on board to have their songs recorded with a quick ‘freestyle’ over a prerecorded beat. Interested members of the campus community showcased their skills as they performed on-stage with A-list stars, courtesy of purchasing a bottle of Ice-cold Coca-Cola, liking Coca-Cola on Facebook and coming out for a couple of hours of great fun.

LYRICS FOR THE WEEK

El ft 2Face-Hold On INTRO: Just hold on. And be strong. It wont be long. It would be alright VERSE1: When I woke up. This morning. Looking at myself. E be like say I’m shining. See the blessings multiplying. Just like the bird in the sky I’m flying. So divining. We inclining. Take it from me I see good things are piling E be okay. Call me one day. Make we stay cool stay cool and keep smiling. No retreat no surrender. Don’t you give up your fight you’re winner. Easy eh eh eh. Its gonna get easy eh eh eh. Don’t you back down. People stand up. If you know you are in put your hands up. Its gonna get easy eh eh eh. Its gonna get easy eh eh eh. CHORUS: Just hold on. And be strong. It wont be long. E go be alright Just hold on. And be strong. It wont be long. Its gonna be alright VERSE 2: If anyone talk say you no go make am na lie na lie. Bone them make you get up on your story. Just try. Just try. No forget say na baba God give you this life life So no let anything to stop you from going so high high. See I doesn’t matter what you do or what you are into. You have to believe in yourself and live through easy eh eh eh. Its gonna get easy eh eh eh. So don’t forget where you are coming from and

where you are going. No pain no gain keep going. Easy eh eh eh. Its gonna get easy eh eh eh. CHORUS: Just hold on. And be strong. It wont be long. E go be alright Just hold on. And be strong. It wount be long. Its gonna be alright VERSE 3: Stand up stand up for something. Don’t let your doubting stop your moving. Its not easy I’m not pretending. To tell you the truth t take a lot to work in. So I stand in front of you and say. Don’t give up cos you will make it one day. Cos quitters never win and winners never quit. If you try and you fail don’t be shy of defeat. Cos it takes a lot of courage to keep on moving. So stand up on your feet. Your mistakes don’t repeat Instead you learn from it. Its 2baba and jo el o. We don talk our own o. If you like make you take am as a joke o. If you like make you use am it will work for you. Eh! CHORUS: Just hold on. And be strong. It wount be long. E go be alright Just hold on. And be strong. It wount be long. Its gonna be alright. Just hold on. And be strong. It wount be long. E go be alright Just hold on. And be strong. It wount be long. Its gonna be alright OUTRO: Just hold on. And be strong. It wont be long. E go be alright

Lyrics, Compiled by Shola Adefuwa

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

Labour

Agric

Austerity: Group warns FG against retrenching workers

STOAN vs Shippers’ Council: Court adjourns case

How Biotechnology can guarantee improved yields

Business What's news

Nigeria targets 1m metric tons of cocoa Nigeria is set to regain her lost position among major cocoa producers with plans to achieve one million metric tons in 10 years.

p.30

Nigerian banks meeting global challenges –Barclays Africa BRIDGED BANKS Sale of bridged banks are the largest acquisition of an African bank in 2014

the Chief Executive of Corporate and Investment Banking at Barclays Africa, Stephen van Coller. “Barclays Africa is pleased

to have helped AMCON realise its ambitions and we remain committed to expanding African financial markets and to delivering world-class finan-

cial services across the continent.” AMCON was established in CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Sunday Ojeme

Aircraft purchases to hit $124bn in 2015 Boeing has projected $124 billion worth of new commercial airplanes demand in 2015.

p.30

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

he recent steps taken by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to consolidate the banking sector through the state-owned Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has been adjudged the best to position the sector for national and global economic challenges. Head, Corporate Finance, Barclays Africa, Hasnen Varawalla, disclosed this while gloating over the recent successful sale of two of the bridge banks (Mainstreet Bank Limited and Enterprise Bank Limited) by AMCOM. Sale of the third bridged lender – Keystone Bank Limited – is expected to by executed next year. Varawalla said: “As represented by the Mainstreet Bank deal, consolidation of the banking industry in Nigeria is creating more sustainable competition in the market and repositioning the industry to meet national and global economic challenges.” The report said that the Corporate and Investment Banking division of Barclays Africa Group Limited (Barclays Africa) acted as the sell-side advisor to AMCON in the sale of Mainstreet Bank to Skye Bank. The deal has been described as the largest acquisition of an African bank in 2014. “This is a landmark achievement for AMCON and the Nigerian banking industry,” said

L-R: Managing Director, May and Baker, Mr Nnamdi Okafor; Managing Director/CEO, Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa and General Manager, Large Scale Enterprises, Mr Joseph Babatunde, during BoI management’s visit to May & Baker Pharmaceutical Industry in Lagos.

Why Lagos-Ibadan road concession failed, by ICRC Dayo Ayeyemi

resh facts have emerged on why the concession of Lagos-Ibadan road construction project failed. Director-General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Mr Aminu Dikko, said that the concession of Lagos-Ibadan road project failed due to lack of transparency, lack of tolling

structure, inability to capture the expanse of land required and non-consultation with stakeholders (Lagos, Ogun and Oyo state governments). He listed the other inhibitions to include lack of visible financial emoluments, lack of competition and lack of transparency. The ICRC boss, who was represented by one of his staff, Mr Ndubuisi Nwabuchi, disclosed

these at the one-day National Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Seminar organised by the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuer (NIESV) in Lagos. Besides, he noted that the 2005 enactment law setting up the commission was somehow faulty due to the fact that it failed to stipulate sanctions CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Abdulwahab Isa Finance Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE October 2014............................8.1% September 2014.....................8.3% August 2014............................8.5%

LENDING RATE InterBank Rate....................12.57% Prime Lending Rate...........17.93% Maximum Lending Rate...26.83%

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parellel As at Dec. 5)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N188 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N291 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N229.50

l Foreign Reserves – $36.44bn as at 5/12/2014

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Official As at Dec. 5)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N169 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N264.50 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N208.49

Business | News

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nigeria targets 1m metric tons of cocoa PLANS

New initiatives raise hope of regaining lost position Dele Alao

igeria is set to regain her lost position among major cocoa producers with plans to achieve one million metric tons in 10 years. Such plans include the proposed establishment of a Cocoa Development Corporation of Nigeria and a N100 billion intervention fund. This is besides the Federal Government’s target of producing 800 million metric tons with the market value of $80 billion in 2015. The Executive Director, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr Segun Awolowo, who

confirmed these targets in Lagos, noted that cocoa and cocoa products make up 51 per cent of Nigeria’s agriculture sector export. He said that Nigeria is ready to meet the 10year target by reviewing and stabilising relevant policies, improving business environment and guaranteeing assured incomes for all players, replacing of old trees and introduction of improved seedlings. Other measures are attracting investment in postprocessing, encouraging local consumption of cocoa products and encouraging value addition through fiscal and incentive policies. Awolowo said that as global demand for cocoa is rising with the emergence of new markets such as China, India and Brazil, stakeholders must up their ante by addressing quality and

Nigerian banks meeting global challenges CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

2010 to efficiently resolve the non-performing loan assets of the banks in Nigeria, acquire distressed Nigerian banks and stabilise the industry after the Nigerian debt crisis. AMCON separated the toxic assets of the affected banks and injected capital into the businesses in order to restore them to profitability. As part of this process, AMCON took over the assets of three banks that were considered particularly distressed and housed their revitalised assets in three new banking entities, namely Mainstreet Bank, Keystone Bank and Enterprise Bank. Mainstreet Bank was created to house the assets and some liabilities of the defunct Afribank Plc and establish a viable enterprise. The restructure included staff-reorientation, recruitment of new staff, branch modernisation and migration to an upgraded core banking software package. The revitalised bank currently services approximately 1.9 million customers in Retail Banking, Corporate Banking, Commercial Banking and Treasury, through a distribution network of 201 branches, nine cash centres and 200 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). Barclays Africa acted as joint sell-side advisor

in partnership with Afrinvest West Africa, a Nigerian firm involved in investment banking, securities trading, asset management and investment research in West Africa. “As the only global advisor involved in the transaction, Barclays Africa, in enabling AMCON’s vision, was able to draw on its resources and pull together a bespoke team to provide international best practice in concert with deep local expertise,” added van Coller. The Barclays team advising on the sale of Mainstreet Bank comprised professionals from the global financial institutions team as well as Lagos and Johannesburg-based corporate finance and M&A teams. In conjunction with the global Barclays team and industry coverage bankers, Barclays Africa provides strategic advisory services on acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings, leveraged buyouts, takeover defence, special committee assignments and exclusive sales across the continent. Barclays Africa’s track record of delivering strategic advisory services in Africa was recently recognised when the bank was named the ‘Best Investment Bank in Africa’ and ‘Best M&A House in Africa’ at the Euromoney 2014 Awards for Excellence.

market issues. “Nigerian cocoa should sell at a premium instead of the current discounted prices, the country must legislate against importation of harmful chemicals, a continuous capacity building for farmers and

easy access to finance,” he said. Recently, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, stressed the need to develop the cocoa value chain. Aganga, who lamented that Ivory Coast pro-

duced about five-times of the 300,000 metric tons which the nation was producing, said that despite the local production and global rating as fourth largest producer of the commodity, Nigeria lacked global attention.

“Total value of cocoa bean export is $10 billion per year. The production of chocolate from cocoa alone generates global revenue of $100 billion while the overall estimate of cocoa is $200 billion per year,” Aganga said.

L-R: Head, Surveillance and Enforcement Department, Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Mr Anyanwu Camillus; Vice President, Brand and Marketing Communication, Airtel, Obinna Aniche; Airtel customer/winner of One Million Naira in Red Hot promo, Mr Tijani Wasiu and Head, High Value Segment, Airtel, Mr Kenechukwu Okonkwo, after the Airtel Red Hot promo press conference/prize presentation to winners, in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Aircraft purchases to hit $124bn in 2015 DEBT

Commercial bank debt and the capital markets would account for 60% of airline deliveries

Dele Alao

with Agency REPORTS

oeing has projected $124 billion worth of new commercial airplanes demand in 2015. The firm attributed this to a strong demand for new commercial airplanes. “We expect strong market demand for new, fuel-efficient airplanes to result in about $124 billion of commercial aircraft deliveries industry-wide in 2015, double the amount

from 2010,” Boeing said in its 2015 aircraft finance market outlook. Also, Vice President and General Manager, Aircraft Financial Services for Boeing Capital Corporation, Tim Myer, said: “The strength we’re seeing in aircraft finance is largely the result of a healthy and balanced global demand for new aircraft, which is being driven by anticipated growth in passenger traffic, record airline profitability and the continuation of a replacement cycle to improve the fuel and performance efficiency of the global fleet. “Funding for Boeing deliveries in 2015 is expected to reflect the broader industry,” the company said. “Funding would be roughly balanced between cash, commercial bank debt and capital markets amid

an unprecedented diversity of capital providers. Myers said: “The strength we’re seeing in aircraft finance is largely the result of a healthy and balanced global demand for new aircraft, which is being driven by anticipated growth in passenger traffic, record airline profitability and the continuation of a replacement cycle to improve the fuel and performance efficiency of the global fleet.” According to the vice president/general manager, commercial bank debt and the capital markets would account for a combined 60 per cent of airline deliveries. Boeing forecast financing growth would moderate over the next few years, with over $120 billion expected to be needed for deliveries in 2016 and $156 billion in 2019.

Why Lagos-Ibadan road concession failed CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

for any party that breeches the concession agreement, adding that lack of laid down guidelines was another factor inhibiting Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects in the country. Some of the PPP projects that failed to see the light of the day include Nigeria Airways/Virgin Atlantic, Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) concession, Federal Secre-

tariat Complex, Ikoyi and Nitel/Mtel, among others. The Federal Government had last year revoked the concession granted a private firm, Bi-Courtney Highway Services, to reconstruct and maintain the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The revocation, according to the Federal Government, was due to “serial breaches” committed by the firm. The concession was grant-

ed in 2007 by the administration of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua but the firm was unable to reconstruct the road due to many reasons adduced by it. The road had since been handed over to Julius Berger, to handle Section 1 from Lagos to Sagamu Interchange, and Reynolds Construction Company, to handle Section 2 from Sagamu Interchange to Ibadan.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

NUPENG warns FG on drop in crude oil refining p.32 CAUTION Federal Government should check leakages that encourage corruption Sunday Ojeme

he Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has cautioned the Federal Government against retrenching workers as part of efforts to contain the likely effects of austerity as proposed by the Federal Government. ASCSN’s National President, Mr Bobboi Kaigama, said any attempt by the government to sack workers or reduce their salaries in the name of austerity measures would amount to a declaration of war on Nigerian workers and would be resisted by the labour movement. He said: “Our warning is very clear because when the economy boomed, the political office holders were freeloading as if there is no tomorrow

Labour

NEPC promotes job creation through honey production p.32

Austerity: Group warns FG against retrenching workers while most Nigerian workers lived below $2 per day. “While workers called for better pay package in the past, but were rebuffed by the ruling elites, especially those in government, the helpless workers roasted as if they were not stakeholders in the system.” He said labour was worried that as at today, the meagre N18, 000 monthly minimum wage approved in 2011 by the Federal Government had not been fully implemented by some state governments and as such, it would be the height of insensitivity for any government to contemplate sacking civil servants or reducing their pay in the name of austerity measures. He noted, “Our Union had advised the Federal Government to reduce the whopping pay packets and mouth-water-

ing allowances of political office holders and check other leakages that encourage corruption in the system, but the wise counsel fell on deaf ears. “Records will also show that this union on several occasions advised the Federal Government to stop the depletion of foreign reserves and needless rush to seek foreign loans for white elephant projects, because such mindless profligacy can only lead to the collapse of the economy.” The Federal Government had last month introduced some austerity measures and scaled down the crude oil bench mark for the 2015 budget. It announced far-reaching policy measures to deal with the crashing crude oil prices, cutting 2015 oil benchmark from $78 to $73 per barrel in

a bid to insulate the economy from falling crude oil prices. Crude oil prices dropped to $77.76 per barrel, some cents below the $78 earlier proposed to the National Assembly as bench mark for the 2015 budget. The Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister

of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala said that the decision to cut revenue projection was part of measures designed to maintain economic stability, boost non-oil revenues further, plug loopholes and waste, as well as cut unnecessary expenditures in order to cope with the situation.

Ekiti health workers resume to honour Fayose

embers of the Ekiti State chapter of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) have backed out of the current industrial action embarked upon by the national body of the union. The state Chairman of the Union, Comrade Sola Ojo, said during the week that the union decided to back out of the strike action in honour of the state Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, and in consideration of the peculiarity of the health sector in the state. He said, ‘’The leadership of JOHESU Ekiti State, comprising of the National Association of the Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, (NANNM), Medical and Health Workers Union, (MHWUN), and the National Union of Allied Professionals, (NUAHP), wishes to inform all its members that after an appeal by the representatives of Mr. Governor and considering the peculiarity of Ekiti State.

“The union has decided not to participate in the proposed strike earlier called by our union. All members of unions affiliated to JOHESU are hereby directed to be at their duty post.” The Union made a u-turn after the intervention of the Fayose and the State’s Head of the Service, Dr. Gbenga Faseluka, and the Chief of staff to the Governor, Chief Dipo Anisulowo. Faseluka commended the leadership of the state chapter of JOHESU for its decision. He recalled the important role played by the members of the union in ensuring a healthy society and urged them to continue to deliver valuable services to the people of the state. JOHESU embarked on a nationwide industrial action last month to press home the full implementation of agreement reached with the Union by the Federal Government.

Ondo labour leaders want two-month deductions paid

O L-R: Marketing Manager, DSTv, Mrs Chioma Afe; Prize winner, Mr Olateju Oladimeji of LASUTH; Public Relation Manager, DSTv, Caroline Oghuma and MultiChoice Branch Manager, Ikeja, Lateef Tijani, during the presentation of Kia Rio car to the winner in the on-going Multichoice Supercruise promo in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI.

ASSBIFI tasks government, employers on fair labour practices

he Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI), has called on the government and employers of labour to take advantage of the nation’s industrial policy to partner with workers to ensure sustainability. The President of the association, Mr Sunday Salako, said ASSIBIFI also asked stakeholders in the nation’s economy to work together for more and new investors to come into Nigeria. He said both the government and oth-

er employers of labour must come together to partner workers through transparent implementation of Nigeria’s industrial policy. He said, “Our call is necessary now, because interestingly, governments around the world are increasingly strengthening labour institutions to play a leading role in the promotion of dialogue as an important reflex and to help raise the capacity of critical partners in national development agenda. “We also call on both gov-

ernment and employers of labour to embrace dialogue with workers as social dialogue is an important element in industrial peace and harmony in the workplace.” Salako, who is the current first Deputy President of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), said the congress called on the three tiers of government to reduce poverty by 25 per cent in the nation’s economy by 2016 because Nigeria has all it takes to be one of the major leading economies in the world.

ndo State labour leaders have taken the state government to task as they demand payment of deductions from the workers’ September and October allowances. The labour leaders, who led workers in a demonstration during the week, said they would soon embark on strike if government continued to turn deaf ears to their demands. To convince the government that they were serious, gates leading to all government ministries, agencies and parastatals were locked by the labour leaders as early as 6:30am last Tuesday. The leadership of the workers had last week indicated that they would embark on the strike if government was not forthcoming in meeting their requests, saying that the government refused to remit to their banks the deductions for the two months. The state Chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JNC), Mr Sunday Adeleye, said in Akure that the

action was sequel to government failure to pay their entitlements. He said, “If our request is not attended to after the warning strike, thereafter, total strike shall be declared without reservations. Workers and the entire citizens are not fools. Non-payment of all deductions in the salary shows government’s insensitivity to the plight of civil servants in the state hence the need for the strike. “The non-payment of all deductions such as cooperatives, shilling funds and monthly loan repayment deductions among others for the month of September, October, November and December 2014 by the state government’s has exposed government height of insensitivity to the plight of workers and masses in general. “The mood of workers and the entire populace in the state are full of hopeless, recurrent disappointment, disenfranchisement, poverty ridden, betrayal of trust and overburden.”

Business | Labour

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

STOAN vs Shippers’ Council: Court adjourns case CONFLICT Two groups are currently in court with the regulator

Sunday Ojeme

Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos has adjourned till December 15, 2014 hearing in a case brought against

the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) by members of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN). Justice Ibrahim Buba adjourned for adoption of written addresses by the lawyers representing the parties in the suit. STOAN filed the suit against the NSC on Monday November 10, 2014 shortly after Justice Buba – on technical grounds – struck out a case it filed ear-

lier against the Council over progressive storage charges at the port. STOAN had obtained an injunction on October 13, 2014 restraining the NSC from acting upon a notice it published on October 2014 reversing storage charges at the nation’s seaports. The NSC had published the advertisement announcing the reversal of storage charges at the ports to which was in force as at May 1, 2009.

NSC also ordered an increase in the free storage period at the port from three days to seven days. The Council equally directed shipping companies to reduce their shipping line agency charges from N26,500 to N23,850 per TEU and from N48,000 to N40,000 per FEU and directed shipping agencies to refund container deposits to importers and agents within 10 working days after the return of the empty con-

tainers. But not satisfied with the directive of the NSC, terminal operators under the auspices of STOAN and shipping agencies under the Association of Shipping Line Agencies (ASLA) dragged the Council before the Federal High Court, challenging its powers to reduce their charges. Justice Buba will rule on the ASLA vs NSC case on Wednesday December 17, 2014.

NUPENG warns FG on drop in crude oil refining T

he Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has expressed worries over current drop in petroleum product output from the refineries. The President of the union, Mr Igwe Achese, expressed regret that the four refineries which operated at 10 per cent installed capacity in June, despite the abundance of crude oil deposits in the land has now dropped to an average of 16 per cent combined capacity. The union warned that the current development could fuel more hardship, especially to the masses in the face of the dwindling price of oil on the international market. The president said the output from the refineries had dropped at an average of 16 per cent of their combined nameplate capacity of 445,000 barrels per day. This development, he said, was unfortunate and uncomfortable for the downstream oil and gas sector of the economy. The union pointed out that with the era of government imposed austerity measures; the run on the foreign exchange to import fuel would have much impact on the economy, thus fuelling more hardship. The oil worker union said it was reiterating its earlier submission that a cabal was benefitting from

the importation of fuel at the expense of Nigerian people, noting that the same cabal was working in unison to make the nation’s four refineries not function adequately. Urging the Federal Government to ensure that the Turn-Around-Maintenance of the nation’s four refineries is completed, and ensure that adequate supply of crude guaranteed in order to reduce the importation, the union warned that it would not allow government sell the refineries as scraps when they can be reactivated. Achese noted that the union was calling on government to put machineries in motion to effectively monitor the pipelines vandalism so that crude would be available to the refineries uninterrupted. “NUPENG deplores the current state of the refineries, as they are strategic, and for security reasons must not be allowed to rot away and sold but increase their capacity utilisation and establish new ones. “As part of the industrialisation programme and transformation agenda of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to revive our industries, the nation’s four refineries must be put fully on stream in order to generate more jobs and save the nations scarce foreign exchange,” the statement added.

Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke

L-R: Managing Director/ CEO, UBA Trustees Limited, Ms Tokunbo Ajayi; Permanent Secretary, Debt Management Office (DMO), Lagos State, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola; Commissioner for Finance, Ministry of Finance, Lagos, Mr. Ayo Gbeleyi and Managing Director/CEO, Skye Trustees Limited, Mrs. Funmi Ekundayo, at the 1st annual general meeting of Lagos State 87.5 billion fixed rate bond programme in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

NEPC promotes job creation through honey production REVENUE More revenue to be earned through exports

he Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) said honey production and export to European countries was another source of employment for unemployed Nigerians. The agency disclosed this in a communiqué issued after a meeting organised for stakeholders to ensure the certification of Nigerian honey for the European Union market, saying that the export of honey would encourage entrepreneurship and employment generation. Participants at the meeting had complained about the harsh economic realities facing the world and Nigeria in particular. They expressed optimism that business opportunities for Nigerian honey abound due to the current

decline in official production of European honey. The communiqué said, “There is an urgent need to embark on the certification process in order to boost export earnings in the sub-sector by upgrading the technical expertise and introducing modern bee-keeping practices to increase production output and quality in line with international best practices. “There is the need for the constitution of a National Technical Committee to urgently set in motion the modalities for ‘third country’ listing of Nigerian honey for the European Union market. There is an urgent need for the appointment of a honey consultant to work with the National Technical Committee on the certification process. “The appointment of a National Competent Authority is paramount for the Certification process.” The participants agitated for the formation of an association that would

secure their interest and also called on state governments and financial institutions to encourage the honey producers,. “There is the need for state governments to encourage the formation of honey processors/producers/ co-operatives / farmers for the purpose of honey production for local and international markets. Stakeholders called on financial institutions to provide requisite funding to encourage honey production. “NEPC is to take steps for the immediate registration of honey producers/ collection centres/ processing plants to ensure monitoring and necessary interventions by government to be concluded within one year. There is the urgent need for the formation of a national umbrella body, the Bee-keepers Association of Nigeria in order to coordinate the affairs and interests of bee-keepers and honey processors,” the communiqué stated.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

Agric

How to improve agric technologies, by researchers p.34 FALLOW Nigeria’s untapped opportunity to food security Kenneth Tyohemba Abuja

11,500 farmers benefit from wheat value chain in Kano p.35

How Biotechnology can guarantee improved yields biotechnology companies. This is just one among the hundreds of new biotech products, which point to the contributions of biotechnology to society.

s the global population continues to rise, the need for alternative ways of producing food to feed this population becomes very vital. The conventional method of agriculture has proved incapable of meeting global food supply, hence, the imperative of using modern day technology, otherwise called biotechnology, to improve food production. New method Biotechnology, according to experts, offers a very promising alternative to synthetic foods and an improvement on conventional plant-breeding technologies. Combined with other advanced agricultural technologies, the experts further said, offers an exciting and environmentally responsible way to meet consumer demand for sustainable agriculture. “When the benefits of Genetic Modified (GM) crops reach small and marginal farmers, more Green Revolutions may become a reality,” they said. They argued that biotechnology held tremendous possibilities for the African continent. “The use of high-yielding, disease and pest-resistant crops will have a direct bearing on improved food security in the continent, poverty alleviation and environmental conservation. GM crops will, hopefully, produce more yields on less land. This may increase the overall productivity, and reduce postharvest loss, which may offer developing countries a means to sustain themselves and reduce worldwide hunger,” they said. Growth Checks showed that 90 per cent of the world’s 13.3 million ‘biotech crop farmers’ are from developing countries. India, with 7.6 million hectares, is the fourth among the 14 ‘mega-biotech crop’ countries. For instance, five million farmers in India are engaged in planting 7.6 million hectares of Bt or Bacillus thuringiensis cotton, which protects itself from insects without requiring external pesticide. The shift to Bt cotton has been possible because of the 31 per cent increase in its yield, 39 per cent decrease in insecticide use, and higher profits equivalent to $250 per hectare. Biotechnology has also made possible pest control measures that are more precisely targeted at specific problem pests while dramatically reducing impacts on non-target species. Biotech varieties have dramatically reduced farmers’ reliance on pes-

Agriculture produce

ticide applications. Globally, it is estimated that pesticide applications decreased six per cent between 1996 and 2004, eliminating 379 million pounds of pesticide applications. A segment of the scientific community often proposes that export earnings from higher agricultural yields can contribute to reducing food insecurity and hunger in developing countries. However, there are many issues and challenges that beg the practicality of this proposal. A few crop varieties, specially created through biotechnology, can improve yields, but biotechnology alone cannot solve the problem of hunger in the developing world. Nevertheless, the potential advantages that biotechnology can confer on a wide range of agricultural applications are in areas such as livestock management,

The use of high-yielding, disease and pest-resistant crops will have a direct bearing on improved food security in the continent

product storage and sustaining current crop yields, while reducing the use of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. Approximately 140 million children in low-income groups in 118 countries, especially in Africa and South-East Asia, are deficient in Vitamin A. This situation has compounded a public health challenge. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 Vitamin A-deficient children become blind every year, half of them dying within 12 months of losing their sight. Golden Rice, created by researchers in Germany and Switzerland, contains three new genes - two from the daffodil and one from a bacterium that helps it to produce pro-vitamin A. This rice is available as a possible option for mass distribution, in part due to the waiving of patent rights by

Challenge The real challenge is whether this country is smart enough to harness the benefits of biotechnological solutions. The passage of Biosafety Bill is still being delayed. A Director at the National Cereal Research Institute, Badegi, Niger State, Dr. Mohammed N. Ishaq, said recently that the absence of the Biosafety law would hinder process in the agriculture sector as being witnessed in other countries. “The delay in having in place a Biosafety law is depriving the Nigerian scientist the opportunity to express and explore the potentials in Biotechnology, depriving the populace from enjoying the benefits therein. Biotechnological means of seed production not only provides farmers with disease-free seed, but also reduce the time used by conventional breeders in providing those seeds. “It also guarantees increased yield on farmers’ field. GM foods are not harmful. GM cotton is not harmful. GM cotton will help in reviving the textile industry that is moribund today. GM cotton farmers will have up to between six and 10 times fold increased yield as it is in Burkina Faso and China today,” he added. According to him, Nigeria being the leading African economy needs to lead the way for smaller countries, some of which have already embraced the use of biotechnological means in agriculture, putting their farmers ahead of Nigeria in terms of food security and industrial development. The agriculture expert cautioned that if Nigeria did not brace up with the concept now, it would have negative status of the country’s agriculture economy on the long run as Nigeria would have to depend on smaller countries for food.

Lagos empowers 3,750 under agric scheme A

total of 3,750 people have benefited from the recent agriculture empowerment programme of the Lagos State Government. The breakdown of beneficiaries across the four zones are: Mowo – 320, Ikorodu – 747, Epe -260 and over 2,000 beneficiaries in Agege, with the last zone receiving 63 herds of cattle,

1,000 feed millers, smoking kilns, personal protective equipment for 252 butchers and 40 outboard engines, among other materials. Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, said that the beneficiaries were given equipment and input such as outboard engines, generating sets, cassava processing ma-

chines, grinders, fish feeds, pig meals and body gears to facilitate the set-up and expansion of agricultural value chain businesses. In order to ensure that the beneficiaries utilise the resources productively and effectively, Lawal said that a training programme had been organised by the ministry prior to the distribution of both the equip-

ment and inputs. Explaining the rationale for the four local government areas’ distribution system employed, the commissioner said that the decision was in a bid to ensure easy access to resources by the beneficiaries. The four locations include Mowo in Badagry, Odogunyan in Ikorodu, Agege and Araga in Epe.

Business | Agric

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

How to improve agric technologies, by researchers INNOVATION Adoption of innovative platform is important

gainst the backdrop of past experiences from various agricultural projects, researchers from the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and HarvestPlus, have proffered solutions on how to improve on agricultural innovations and create impact at the farm level. The researchers recom-

mended that for agricultural innovations to create great impacts, they must adopt the use of innovation platforms; working with multi-stakeholder groups to effectively catalyse engagement with partners and ensure participation of important actors. Researchers, who said this at a meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, to mark the 15th anniversary of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), also identified the application of innovative communication and dissemination approaches such as the

use of champions and novel information and communication tools (ICT) in out-scaling innovations among target beneficiaries. According to them, other measures that could ensure dissemination of knowledge and catalyse technology adoption among others include encouragement of counterpart support/funding, not necessarily cash, partners geting buy-in and to sustain interest and continuity, development of an exit strategy at the beginning of the project for continuity and sustainability

at the end of the project and understanding what the beneficiary audience really wants and needs. Head of the Partnership Coordination Office at IITA and Project Leader of the Cassava Weed Management Project, Dr. Alfred Dixon, said that the strategies shared came at an opportune time when donors and policy makers are looking for methodologies to tackle hunger and poverty and ensure sustainability and impact of projects and programs. According to him, researchers must do things differently to achieve positive results and impact at the farm level. “It is no longer business as usual. Our research must benefit the poor farmers and this should be at scale,” he said. Also, Country Manager for HarvestPlus in Nigeria, Paul

Ilona, stressed the need for advocacy through engagement with policymakers and the development of an enabling environment for policy formulation. Such approaches, according to him, will influence and facilitate the adoption of agricultural innovations. The event drew lessons from presentations made on the IITA Business Incubation Platform (BIP) with focuses on aflasafe and Nodumax; Cassava commercialisation in Africa; the Maize Revolution in West Africa; Support for Agricultural Research and Development in Strategic Crops (SARD-SC) in Africa; Dissemination of Vitamin A cassava and maize; and the Yam for Income and Improvement in Food Security in West Africa (YIIFSWA) model.

Stakeholders meet on GES draft bill

takeholders in the agricultural sector have met in Abuja to discuss the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) draft bill. The draft bill seeks a legal status GES from the National Assembly to ensure continuity of the programme after the life of the present administration. GES, a government scheme that provides subsidised farm inputs to smallholder farmers directly through their mobile phones, was designed to subsidise inputs by up to 50 per cent. The federal and state governments contribute 25 per cent each, making 50 per cent while the farmer pays the 50 per cent on redemption. The legal consultant of the bill, Prof. Yemi Akinleye George, said that the bill is aimed at promoting greater collaboration between the federal, state and local governments and

Wheat plantation

11,500 farmers benefit from wheat value chain in Kano BOOST Wheat producers empowered to scaleup production

o fewer than 11,500 farmers in Kano State will benefit from the wheat value chain in the 2014/2015 planting season. In view of the need to unlock the existing potential of the country in wheat production to meet its local demands as well as produce surplus for exports, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, approved the introduction of the Wheat Production Programme, under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA). The programme launched recently by the Kano State Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Alhaji Adamu Mohammed Shehu, with the roll-out of the 2014/15 Wheat Value Chain Growth Enhancement

Scheme (GES) at the SGR Store Hotoro, Kano State, was conceived to promote the adoption of improved wheat production and processing technologies in the producing states and the expansion of land areas under cultivation so as to meet local consumption and industrial requirements. With the current national demand of about 3.7 million metric tons annually and import expenditure on wheat alone of about N635 billion annually, the initiative has been developed to foster a new generation of wheat farmers, oriented towards commercial production and farming as a business, as well as provide access to reliable markets through a well-managed value chain with farm-gate pricing/buyback guarantee. With this, the state has the highest number of farmerbeneficiaries who, through the programme, will receive 90 per cent of the cost of seeds and 50 per cent of two bags of NPK fertilizer, as part of the Federal Government’s intervention on seed and fertilizer. A total of N130,525,000 has

been provided as subsidy by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to the beneficiaries in Kano State. In addition to ensuring the profitability and sustainability of production in the short and medium terms, new policies and programmes have been put in place, as well as measures to protect the fields from the incidence of Transborder Pests, especially Quelea birds that ravaged cereal crop fields, through Aerial control operations in identified roosting and nesting sites. The event, which marked the beginning of the wheat cropping season (cold/harmattan period), had in attendance the Sarkin Noma, Kano State, Alhaji Nadabo Chiromawa, representatives of farmer groups, agro dealers/service providers, as well as the Permanent Secretary, state Ministry of Agriculture, Alhaji Mohammed Dankade Ibrahim, alongside ministry directors who represented the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna.

boost agricultural productivity in the country. Six papers were presented during the meeting, which included Implementation of GES Scheme to date, Presentation of GES Technology platform operation and Presentation of Nigerian Agricultural payment Initiative (NAPI), among others. The Director, Farm Inputs Support Service, Mr. Akinbola Osho, said that GES scheme targets five million resources-poor farmers annually whose farm output is less that 1-3mt/ha by providing two bags of 50kg fertiliser (1urea + 1NPK), one bag of 25kg rice seed/one bag of 20kg maize seed and micronutrient, free. Osho added that GES has, this year, registered 14.5 million farmers out of which over 10 million have redeemed their inputs.

Agricultural Commodity Prices – Grains Commodity Wheat Corn Soybeans Soybean Meal Soybean Oil Oats Rough Rice Hard Red Wheat Spring Wheat

Price 585-2 398-2 1060-2 379.4 32.28 316-6 12.280 622-6 608-0

Change -4-4 +0-4 -3-6 -1.6 +0.23 -1-0 -0.040 -4-2 -5-4

Contract Mar 15 Mar 15 Jan 15 Jan 15 Jan 15 Mar 15 Jan 15 Mar 15 Mar 15

Price 60.20 154.00 182.20 15.62 2960 24.51 1.8065 0.1554 2952.00 0.5988 334.90

Change -0.33 +2.35 -2.75 +0.05 -11 unch -0.0265 +0.0012 unch unch -0.50

Contract Mar 15 Jan 15 Mar 15 Mar 15 Mar 15 Mar 15 Mar 15 Mar 15 Mar 15 Mar 15 Jan 15

Time(ET) 10:10 10:10 10:10 10:10 10:10 10:02 10:07 10:10 10:10

Softs Commodity Cotton #2 Orange Juice Coffee Sugar #11 Cocoa Sugar #16 CME Coffee CME Sugar #11 CME Cocoa CME Cotton #2 Lumber

Time(ET) 10:10 10:07 10:10 10:10 10:10 12/10/14 09:27 07:18 12/10/14 12/10/14 10:10

Commodities trade on different exchanges with different trading sessions. Change always shows from the previous close price. Quotes delayed, except where indicated otherwise. All prices in local currency. Time is ET. Source: Bloomberg

Business | Agric

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

FORUM Workshop enlightens participants on industry challenges

one-day workshop has been organised for stakeholders in the tomato and perishable produce industry in Kaduna State. It is in line with the objectives of the Department for International Development (DFID) GEMS4 Project to drive development of the perishable produce market

Kaduna hosts stakeholders in tomato, perishable industry through promotion of good handling practices. The workshop was developed to enlighten stakeholders on the potential economic benefits of tackling the existing challenges faced by the perishable produce sector, which currently results in 40 per cent loss of produce in transit. Key features of the

workshop include the proposal of business solutions, exposure to good handling practices (GHP), capacity building opportunities, discussion on the use of multi-purpose crates to curtail loss and the inclusion of women to drive empowerment through the provision of supply-support services. The Intervention Man-

ager, GEMS4 Project, Mr Richard Ogundele, said that the adoption of the proposed solutions of the project by the stakeholders would reduce the loss of produce from 40 per cent to five per cent, as well as drive capacity building in GHP and improve supply chain operations. The stakeholders,

which included representatives of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture (Horticulture unit), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), CBN/NIRSAL, Jaiz Bank, Dizengoff, as well as tomato and other perishable produce dealers and dealer associations, expressed satisfaction with the quality information made available

by the resource persons. “With a rapid growth being experienced in Nigeria’s wholesale and retail sectors, inefficiencies within the distribution chain, which have resulted in lower prices for producers, lower wages for employers, lower profits for businesses and a higher cost of living for consumers, has become much more prevalent, hence GEMS4 seeks to tackle the underlying inefficiencies in the system and work towards promoting propoor growth in the sector,” Ogundele said.

Firm launches Aquamax fish feed

ivestock Feeds Plc, a subsidiary of UAC of Nigeria Plc, has launched a fish feed, Aquamax Fish Feed, in Lagos. The company said that Aquamax Extruded Catfish Feed, which is presented in granules or pellets, provides nutrition in a stable and concentrated form, thereby enabling fish to feed efficiently and grow to their full potential. It added that with Aquamax, the maximisation of aqua resources is guaranteed. On the new fish feed, the Group Managing Director, UAC, Mr Larry Ettah, said: “Our investment in fish feed is borne out of the strong and long-term fundamentals of the animal nutrition and fish feed markets. We are committed to a strategy of increasing profitability through innovative and sustainable nutritional solutions, while leveraging our position and capabilities to meet global standards in the industry. We are also confident that we have the right strategy and the right people to drive our vision.” Ettah, who was represented at the occasion by the Executive Director, Corporate Services of UAC, Mr. Joe Dada, said that with Aquamax, fish farming would be revitalised in the country. “As a people, our drive towards sustainable food security lies in transforming agriculture into a profitable and competitive endeavour that can attract our best hands.”

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Auto Beat Innoson Fox (left) and Umu

Innoson rolls out Fox, Umu lAganga: Nnewi is Africa’s Japan lChukwu has brain of Havard profs

Paul Ogbuokiri

irst Nigerian indigenous Nigerian auto maker, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Co. Ltd (IVM), has launched the first set of passenger cars to roll off its assembly plant in Umudim, Nnewi, Anambra State. Guests and auto industry stakeholders at the ceremony said the new cars named Fox and Umu are the pride of the nation and “truly made-in-Nigeria”. They said that the Innoson cars are genuinely Nigerian in terms of brand name, vehicle names, local content and competitive price advantage. Special guest of honour, Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga said he was impressed with the quality of the vehicles, stressing that Innoson has become a reference point in the success story of the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (automotive policy) introduced by the Federal Government last year. He said the company is currently the leader in terms of job creation in the sector. Aganga further described IVM Fox and IVM Umu as the lowest priced cars in the market even as he credited them with the highest level of local content among all similar vehicles from the domestic auto industry. The Innoson car range, New Telegraph learnt would be widened in the next couple of months with products for both the lower and top ends of the sedan market. It has price tags starting from N1.4m and rising to about N3.2m. Specifically, depending on the trim level, prices for the Fox start from about N1. 4m, even as there are others wearing N1.6m and N1.9m tags. Powered by a 1.5 litre Mitsubishi engine working in harmony with either a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual alternative, the Fox is a five-seater hatchback, which Aganga seemed very comfortable in, when he undertook a short test-drive within the IVM premises after lifting the veil off it. The air-conditioned car also features

display screen, automatic foldable rearview mirror, urban navigation equipment and four airbags for the driver and front passenger and the sides.. On the other hand, Umu is a bigger offering with a more powerful (2.0 litre) engine than its sibling. The sedan won many hearts at the roll-out ceremony with its sleek, modern silhouette – the kind of commanding presence that gets many Japanese and European products noticed. Some of the salient features the car flaunts are USB auxiliary interface, four airbags and a provision for urban navigation system. Also new in the plant, but not under the spotlight with Fox and Umu at the public presentation is Uzo, a mini bus with seven seats. Fox and Umu, as well as Uzo, have fuel efficiency as their unique selling points. Chairman/CEO, Innoson Group, Chief Innocent Chukwu in a welcome address said: “These cars were carefully built to meet the expectations of Nigerians. They

have been prepared to offer good services to both private and corporate users.” He said very strategic to the operations of the Nnewi auto plant is Innoson Technical and Industrial Co. Ltd, a highly successful general and industrial plastic products manufacturing sister company in Emene-Enugu, which supplies all plastic and rubber components in all Innoson vehicles, including the new passenger cars. Sundry parts and accessories are also sourced from the famous Nnewi auto industrial cluster, including Ibeto, Omatha Holdings, Chicason (A-Z Petroleum) and Cutix Cables, among others. This was hailed by the guests, especially against the backdrop of the fact that the promotion of local content development is a major target of the auto policy which also recognises Nnewi as one of the three industrial clusters where auto parts produced for the assembly plants will be tested and certified. The President, Nigerian Society of

Engineers (NSE), Engr. Ademola Isaac Olorunfemi, who also spoke on Innoson vehicles at the event, confirmed that they have high local content, disclosing that NSE collected a 15-seater IVM 5000 bus from the plant in 2011, for assessment and feedback. “Automotive Engineers Institute, a Division of NSE, carried out the said assessment and certified it”, he disclosed. The minister was very passionate and effusive in commending the lead role Nnewi plays in the auto industry, the vehicles produced by Innoson and the vision of Chief Chukwuma, whose brain, according to him, “is equal to those of two Harvard professors”. Echoing the remarks by the NSE President on the assessment of an Innoson bus and recalling the achievements of Nnewi in the auto sector, Aganga dubbed the town the ‘Japan of Africa’. He said he had looked forward to being part of the historic unveiling of the first made-inNigeria vehicle in the town.

Nissan names Yaya Toure Brand Ambassador

issan has named Manchester City and Ivory Coast midfielder, Yaya Toure as its newest global brand ambassador for the 2015 African Nations Cup (AFCON), holding in Equatorial Guinea early next year. The three-time African Footballer of the Year and UEFA Champions League winner has agreed to the deal which will see him work alongside Nissan’s global UEFA Champions League and Orange Cup of Nations 2015 partnerships. Mr. Parvir Singh, Group Managing Director (automobile division), Stallion Motors Limited and Nissan custodian in Nigeria announced this deal at a news brief in Lagos, remarking that Toure will as part of the contract be the face of Nissan’s advertising campaign in Africa and play key role at Nissan’s Orange Cup of Nations 2015 sponsorship. “Toure will also help connect football

fans with the Nissan brand and increase excitement around Nissan’s innovative range of products and slogan, ‘Innovation that excites.” Mr. Singh described Toure as the current African Footballer of the Year and a symbol of African pride which according to him was one of the reasons the Japanese automaker chose him as Nissan ambassador for the 2015 AFCON tournament. Mr. Singh said: “Toure will interface with the people to project Nissan’s brand image with the aim of wooing sporting fans and ingraining the values of Nissan across the generality of the society.” He is also expected to star in series of new television and print advertisements for the UEFA Champions League slated to premiere in February 2015, the Stallion boss added. Toure has acknowledged the appointment and was quoted as saying: “I’m proud to be partnering with Nissan across its

UEFA Champions League and Orange Cup of Nations 2015 sponsorships. I have been fortunate enough to win lots of trophies in my career, but the Orange African Cup of Nations has always been my target as an African, so I am really looking forward to it and working with Nissan to help bring the excitement around both of these fantastic tournaments to fans around Africa and the rest of the world.” The Manchester City forward will join Nissan’s star-studded team of UEFA Champions League Ambassadors including the recently announced Barcelona and Spain midfielder, Andres Iniesta and PSG and Brazil defender, Thiago Silva. UEFA Champions League ambassadors work with the company to engineer excitement programmes which aims to enhance the experience of football fans through a range of activities including the exclusive Goal of the week competition.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

Islam UNDERSTAND YOUR FAITH

Offering Salah in English QUESTION

Is it allowed for a new convert to Islam to observe Salat in English language? ANSWER

The formal worship (Salah) is governed by strict rules; the informal prayer (du`a’ and dhikr, etc.) is, however, fairly flexible. As regards Salah, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) repeatedly told the faithful: “Perform Salah as you have seen me performing.” In conformity with this dictum, whenever people embraced Islam he insisted that they stay with him in order to learn the rules of Salah. Thanks to his great example, which was diligently followed by his companions who carefully passed on the rules of Salah to the posterity, there is extraordinary uniformity in the manner of performing Salah among Muslims throughout the world. Salah must be performed as specifically taught and demonstrated by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). It must be done in Arabic. Du`a’ and dhikr, however, can be said in any language. It is, therefore, imperative on every new Muslim to learn the rules of Salah; it is the priority of priorities for him/ her to do so. It must also be equally stressed that every Muslim who facilitates the conversion of anyone to Islam has an obligation to acquaint him/her with the basic rules of Salah. It is understandable that it is rather difficult for those who do not speak Arabic to say all of the Salah in Arabic. But since Islam is flexible, the new Muslim can go about learning it in a gradual way. S/He can first start saying some tasbihs (formulas of glorification of Allah) such as the words of subhana Allah, al-hamdu lillah, la ilaha illla Allaha, etc.), followed by memorizing surat al-Fatihah, and later on the last short surahs of the Qur’an (surahs 112, 113, 114). All of this, in sha’ Allah (Allah willing), should be fairly easy for him/her with Allah’s help and with a bit of help from fellow Muslims.

37 E X HORTATION

20 Safar 1436 AH

“Serve God, and join not any partners with Him; and do good - to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess [the slave]: For God loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious” ( QURAN 4:36)

L-R: Secretary General, of the NSCIA, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Wazirin of Katsina,Dr. Sani Lugga, (representing the Sultan of Sokoto) and a palace official during Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) 2014 Annual National Convention at the National Arts theatre in Lagos, last weekend.

Do not fuel religious acrimony, MURIC warns politicians PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE Nigerian Muslims are equally willing to coexist with Christians and traditionalist neighbours Stories Adeola Yusuf

he Muslim Rights Concerns (MURIC) has warned politicians in the leading political parties in Nigeria to avoid actions and utterances that will further polarise the Muslims and Christians in Nigeria. National Coordinator of the group, Professor Ishaq Akintola, who said this in a statement, maintained that it was “germane at this point

in time to caution all political parties against the emergence of Christian-Christian or Muslim-Muslim tickets.” Nigerian political parties have, according to Akintola, started the race towards 2015 general elections. Some of the parties have actually held the first leg of their primaries. He said: “Apart from the past hue and cry from wellmeaning stakeholders as well as blackmailers over this possibility, the current political atmosphere is not conducive for such a situation. “We therefore invites prospective Muslim flag bearers particularly at the presidential level to choose candidates from other faiths as running mates. This advice also goes for all states where other faiths have substantial showing in the population.”

The group continued: “Nigerian Muslims have no interest in dominating anyone so long as they are left alone to practice their religion as enshrined in the constitution. We are equally willing to coexist with our Christian and traditionalist neighbours. Neither can we stand in the way of Christians willing to lead the country. “The faith of this country’s president does not matter. What matters is his ability to dispense justice and equity in his handling of issues. What matters is his capacity for giving equal opportunity to people of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds. What matters is his readiness to shun favouritism, discrimination and primordial sentiment in the discharge of his duties. “Above all, we are more interested in the ability of the

person at the helm of affairs in this country to put bread on our table, secure lives and properties, respect Allah-given fundamental human rights, generate policies capable of attracting foreign investors and to provide necessary infrastructure, qualitative education and a sound public health policy. In short, what matters is good governance.” Akintola reminded Muslim candidates that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) exhorted Muslims to assist both the oppressed Muslims as well as the oppressor who happens to be a Muslim (Unsur akhaaka zaaliman ao mazluuman). “Asked how one could help a Muslim oppressor, he replied, “Ta’khudhuhu faoqa yadayhi”, meaning, “Hold him by the wrist”, meaning that don’t allow him to oppress people.”

Ex-US ambassador advises FG on effective tool to fight Boko Haram he federal government Reuters reported that the acterising Boko Haram as sim- ation of Nigeria’s Muslims. should end its gross hu- terrorists’ group increasingly ply another foe in the global war “Washington should follow T man rights abuses, conduct bold attacks in Nigeria—most on terrorism, since the group’s a short-term strategy that credible national elections in 2015, and meet the immediate needs of refugees and persons internally displaced by insurgency in the northeast. Former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria John Campbell, CFR senior fellow for Africa policy studies, who said this in a write up in a new Council Special Report from the Centre for Preventive Action (CPA), added that these, not full scale war, are the strategies to end Boko Haram insurgency.

notably its April kidnapping of nearly 300 female students— threaten to fuel further MuslimChristian violence and destabilise West Africa, making the group a leading concern for U.S. Boko Haram’s proclamation that it has established an Islamic caliphate has stoked global fears over the insurgents’ rapid ascent in Africa’s most populous country ahead of the February 2015 national elections. Campbell, however, warned U.S. policymakers to resist char-

grievances are primarily local. “The Boko Haram insurgency,” Campbell explains, “is a direct result of chronic poor governance by Nigeria’s federal and state governments, the political marginalisation of northeastern Nigeria, and the region’s accelerating impoverishment.” Rather than fighting the militant group solely through military force, he argued, the U.S. and Nigerian governments must work together to redress the alien-

presses Abuja to end its gross human rights abuses, conduct credible national elections in 2015, and meet the immediate needs of refugees and persons internally displaced by fighting in the northeast. Campbell continues. He also recommends that the Obama administration revive plans to open a consulate in the northern city of Kano in order to improve U.S. outreach to that region’s predominantly Muslim population.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Feminique

Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji

Michelle Obama’s personal inspiration She was described by Mrs. Michelle Obama, the US First Lady as one of her personal inspirations. Recently, she made the Forbes list of one of the 20 youngest power women in Africa 2014. She is Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, the multi award winning social entrepreneur and CEO of Rise Network. She celebrated her wedding recently, ending an era of voluntary spinsterhood undertaken to nurture Rise. She had a chat with EBERE AMEH on her life and other sundry issues

ohn P. Kotter, a Professor of Leadership, Emeritus, at the Harvard Business School rightly said that ‘leaders establish the vision for the future and set the strategy for getting there.’ That is what Toyosi Akerele has done through her Rise Network, a leading social enterprise, which has a deliberate interest in technology and its relevance to youths and education development across Africa. Through Rise, she has continued to galvanize the youths to take charge of their lives and their future. A born leader, Toyosi, was the Head-Girl of Eboluwa Nursery and Primary School in Oregun, Lagos, during her time. Proceeding to Lagos State Model College, Kankon, Badagry and Igbado College, Ilaro for junior and senior secondary schools respectively, she came out as the best student

EBERE AMEH ebere.ameh@newtelegraphonline.com

in the whole of Ogun State in the year 2000 when she graduated. Toyosi became the youngest Deputy Speaker of the student union government, in the history of the Uiversity of Jos, where she got admission to study Civil Law. She not only graduated with a degree in Law, she got the award of the most enterprising graduate of the year 2007 in the university. “One of my landmark achievements is that I published a youth magazine and I also initiated a programme in UNIJOS, called The Age of the New Woman. I invited very exemplary women in Nigeria to the school, to speak to the girls, so they could quickly climb the ladder of success.” After six editions of the magazine she founded the Rise Network. “I told myself that just publishing a few thousand copies of a magazine cannot help us to reach our focused audience. I thought that what we should do is to organise youth programmes for young people so that at the end of the day, we would create a wider platform for young people to express their individuality, to ask questions to older people. So I rested the magazine and allowed it to metamorphose into the Rise National Youth Network,” Toyosi explained. Today, Rise Network has become the biggest youth platform with it’s Physical capacity building programmes holding in all the six geo-political zones of Nigeria, even as it still employs a host of other means, including online medium, to ac-

I have grown, not out of choice, but out of necessity, because you have to do your own growing up, no matter how tall your grandfather is

tualize its aims and objectives. Talking about the journey so far, Toyosi, who is the author of Statetricks, said; “It has been a very exciting, illuminating and enlightening experience. It has also been very challenging having to run an organisation as a youth. I have grown, not out of choice, but out of necessity, because you have to do your own growing up, no matter how tall your grandfather is,” Toyosi philosophised. With many laurels to her credit of which space may not permit us to enumerate, including her recent nomination as one of the 20 youngest power women in Africa 2014, and the recently concluded inaugural MTV Base Leadership Award, Toyosi is also one of the honorees of the Top 100 Young Leaders’ Recognition at Nigeria’s centenary celebrations by the federal government of Nigeria. “I have learnt to live deliberately and win originally. I’m not trying to be like anyone. I’m trying to borrow a few values and principles from my mentors and role models but I’m also very conscious to be original in my thinking, my beliefs, decisions and my perceptions.” Despite the indications on the bleakness of the future of the Nigerian youth, the youth leader sees a silver lining. “I am very optimistic that the future of the Nigerian youth is very bright. This is not a motivational speech, there is a conviction in my spirit. The way we are engaging the government, there is no generation in the history of Nigeria that did

it. We are keeping government on their toes, using all the tools available to us. Young people in this country are infiltrating the system and breaking barriers, making an in route and going to change the course of debates.” However, dreams are good but realities are better. Toyosi acknowledged that the Nigerian youths are despairing too. “People are getting desperate, and this is a strong message I’m sending to the government. People are tired of the status quo. The patience threshold of Nigerians has reached its peak. Poverty, deprivation and lack have become the daily testament of the average Nigerian. What the government must do now is to find a way to pacify the people because the youth of today are not as patient as the former ones,” Toyosi advised. Talking about her achievement, Toyosi, who was raised by her single mother, whom she is eternally proud of, is a perfect example of one who overcame her limitations and reached for the sky. “My greatest achievement is the fact that I have lived above the limitation that life brought my way as a growing young girl. I have exceeded the expectation of my parents at this age. I am a pride to my mother, she never thought that I will make her this proud at this age given the debilitating extenuating circumstances that trailed my growing up.” Her mom, got separated from her father when Toyosi, the first child, was just 13. She was caught between being wayward and being all that she ever wanted to be. “At that point, I wasn’t that sure of what vision was, but as little as I was, I had to make some sacrifices, many times in my life I had to sit down alone and make some tough decisions and bear the consequences of those decisions. I told myself ‘nobody will point to me and say because the parents are separated that’s why she turned out to be a disgrace’. Today I am happy and grateful to God.” Diligently and enterprisingly, Toyosi saw herself through school after her ailing mother could not continue paying her fees after her first year. As one who believes that whatever is worth doing is worth doing well, she postponed her marriage so she could nurture Rise Network without distraction. In a startling humility, she recently married her heart-throb in a low-key and secret wedding. Describing him as a man of vision, great intellect and impeccable character, Toyosi is set to make her marriage the most successful of all times.

Feminique 39

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

How dysmenorrhea resulted in unintended, unwanted pregnancy

his topic was not actually meant for today, but it is very important because of the implications that arise from ignorance about dysmenorrhea and wrong advice. It revolves around a case that I saw three days ago in my clinic. But before that, What is Dysmenorrhea? It is simply a medical term for lower abdominal pain that occurs during a menstrual period. Of course you remember that men do not menstruate, not so? This pain may extend to the lower back and legs. It can be a dull persistent ache, or it can be crampy. Meaning that it squeezes and is on and off. Now to this rather pathetic and unfortunate story. By the way, I have come across this scenario with or without some variations regularly. The same thing for my colleagues too. This young, pretty 16 year old orphan appeared in my clinic with her grandmother for pregnancy test. I took her

blood sample, did the test and the result came out positive. They were both shocked. It was like an impossible result. All the time I was watching the girl to know if she knew her condition, but was only acting and pretending. She was in genuine shock and was weeping bitterly. She was 4 months pregnant. This is her pathetic story which I want us to pass on to all our women, young and old. She lives in a face me I face you single room with her grandmother. She had been suffering from severe dysmenorrhea for over a year on a regular monthly basis. Everybody in school and her compound always knew when she was menstruating. There were 10 single rooms in the house with 2 common toilets and bathrooms. And as usual in such environments, she was always the butt of cruel and terrible jokes, mockery, taunts and advices. Especially advices from armchair medical experts and sex counsellors.

Ebere Ameh

he last thing I will do is allow despair and despondency get the better of me because of the fear losing my job. I need to live my life one day at a time. If Danny calls again, I will agree to his prposal to hang out after the New Beginning. Let me catch some fun before I get hypertensive. The New Beginning has a way of injecting new spirit into one, no matter how much in despair one is falling. Angela’s tears of joy, after she was helped by the ministry to get her divorce and custody of her children sent everyone dancing and singing praises. So was the marriage of Jane and Charles, two people who met themselves there and fell in love. As the cake went round and the glasses clanged in toast and celebration, many wondered who the next couple that will emerge from the ministry will be. Discreetly, it seems Gracious Grace is encouraging those who can, to give marriage a shot again. As Charles gave a testimonial of how they started, I noticed that Danny was eyeing me from across his seat and smiling mischievously. Theirs sounds a little similar to how we started too. Is he contemplating marriage with me? But he is still married? He has been very kind to me though. Outside being the man in my life, he has helped me in many ways than one. However, the other day I suggested divorce, his response indicated that he was still very much into his family. No way, I refuse to allow myself wallow in any false hope. As far as I am concerned, we are just good friends making the best of our circumstances. “Cowards die many times before their death but the valiant never taste of death but once. If you continue

One of those and the most common was this. If she wanted the pain to disappear, she must lose her virginity and have sex regularly. Nobody told her to go and see a doctor. She knew nothing about sex education and nobody told her pregnancy could occur. Eventually, she listened. Had uncomfortable and painful sex for three months. Still dysmenorrhea. The fourth, month, she did not have any pain at the usual time. So she was very happy. But no menses. She was not bothered. She was blissfully unaware that she was pregnant. Wrong, incomplete sex education by her tutors and mentors got her into this mess. By the way she is in SSS3 and appeared quite brilliant, with hopes of becoming an accountant. The level of health education generally and sex education in particular in this country is so appalling and unimaginable. That is why the editor of this newspaper decided to make this a regular weekly column

This young, pretty 16 year old orphan appeared in my clinic with her grandmother for pregnancy test. I took her blood sample, did the test and the result came out positive.

Fadeyi

as a community social service. It is never too late for us to learn and never too early for us to teach our children (both sons and daughters). But we must learn correctly before we teach. Dr. Taiwo Fadeyi is a Western trained medical practitioner and one of the very few certified Sexologists in Nigeria. He is also a marriage counsellor and would be bringing his immense knowledge and experience to bear in writing this column. Make it a date with him every Friday for that expert advice on sex and relationship. He can be reached on drtaiwofadeyi@ gmail.com or 08033148899 (sms only)

Ego: Diary of a single mom Waiting for my best evening

like this, you will fall ill before the list is out. What happens if then, you find your name is not there?” he queried when he visited and found me so downcast.

“Mr Shakespeare, I hear. It’s not as easy as you think. But I will be the happiest woman on earth if my job is spared. But it has opened my eyes to the fact

that I need to get a more secure job because, with this one man business called Jonathan Consulting, anything can happen.” ‘Let me take you out later in the day. Allow me to treat you to a sumptuous meal and catapault you to the seventh heavens afterwards,’ he said, looking searchingly into my eyes as if to force a yes out of me. ‘I know you cant miss The New Beginning, I’d have suggested we miss it today and go have a nice time in my house,’ Danny had Added. Though I was too down to agree, I gave a nod later on the condition that we start with The New Beginning. So far, it has been fun. Charles, one of us who has a security company gave a little speech during the double celebration on ‘The need for checking your back.’ After the Ugandan evil maid saga, many security companies are now very serious with marketing their CCTV. Charles enumerated more uses of fixing the equipment. We left the fellowship happy and headed to the Island where we relaxed at the Elegushi beach, having a nice time with nkwobi and peppersoup. As we continued, a couple of his friends saw us and commented on how happy he was looking. “Why these comments on how happy you are, were you always unhappy?” I queried inquisitively giving him my own mischievous smile. “I was a nervous wreck when I came back without my family. Many thought I would break down. Meeting you has brought sunshine again into my life. Lets go home dear, I cant wait to fulfil my promise of giving you the best evening of your life,’ he whispered the last part in my ear.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Leisure Arcade NUTS

NTPuzzle

By Kaycee

Olympic Wordsearch Find the words in the grid. Words can go horizontally, vertically and diagonally in all eight directions.

MAMA LASISI

By Aliu Eroje

MOYIN & FRIENDS

By Ayo Oyerinde

H G N I I K S E N I P L A X T F T G K X M K G P W Z N N D B K M S J S N M Q N V C L R K J N N R P S T G O L D J K L X N P B I A T H O L O N K L K T R N L B G L C M U B M S E R D K B X L Q M Y J R V O Q W K H N J R G R L K Q E U E W A R T N C T K W T R Z R O S X W O C G E C P D E L N E E K M M H V A K J E L K T P M G T L E Y G S T S T R H J T H V T X Y R Y I C V Z C Q E R L T H K A B H I G C B D C J L A M J P L M G M T E N W L M A M O Q A I P K E X B E P U S Y O N L O M M L L N T T A B H L H T P N W B I M M E F L T N O M X C K K R I M M Y S W S T B H A P V K T V Y L N M B C R O Q M N P F Z L K G W C D I E C R E A M Y K I K T M E J B G D R N C N M R N N M O S L L Y P P T I B D L F C W S C T K I F O K G O H S I M H M I T T A R A V L P D Y R J T M T J T R E N H L Y T E A L N D N K I A L Z E D A B M J X D C T L L V P L S N L F O R F C G C N F K R T P R O I D O Z M E L A J K T I M N N E O S D S T B R E L M M Z O L P R Z H M T S M X E R P E P E L L H G E X P C R E T F I W S B S C R D O Z Q N R W C R N V J M Z Z N M Z V Y T R E G I N N R P N U K Y M O W J H Y C L L D Q V T D F C S O N M P N G B N T R D T D L T N E N O P P O O O R Z L Q P R I G L M T Y L D O W N H I L L L L R B N E G U L Q F J R C S W R Q B K R C H T Y X T P T O R I N O P

aerials alpine skiing althletes amateur biatholon bobsled bronze ceremony competitor downhill

SUDOKU - Answer to No 11

SUDOKU - No 12

5 4

7 1

6 2

6 3 5

4 3

6 9

How to play

Sudoku

ALIU EROJE

CHIEF CARTOONIST aliu.eroje@newtelegraphonline.com

speed skating spirit sponsor stronger swifter torchbearer Torino velodrome

Family Love 9

9 1

Olympiad Olympian Olympic opponent professional silver skeleton ski jumping slalom spectators

NTJokes

7 3

figure skating flag gold greece higher ice hockey luge medals moguls nordic

The objective is to fill a 9x9 grid so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3x3 boxes (also called blocks or regions) contains the digits from 1 to 9. A cell is the smallest block in the game. A row , column and region consists of 9 cells and the whole game consists of 81 cells. A region has thicker lines surrounding it. This simply makes it easier to play the game.

Mr. X found out after three years of marriage, that his wife had killed her first husband. He stayed married to his wife even after his discovery, but refused to eat her cooking and then bought a dog after he could not escape from her any longer. She eventually began to complain that he loved the dog too much, because when ever she cooked for him, he would give Bruno the dog some of the food and watch it eat and play for an hour before eating himself. One day, his wife cooked for him and he called the dog. Bruno came to him, ate some of the beans, and went outside to play. Minutes later, Mr. X ate the remaining and sat in front of the TV to watch a match. An hour later, his niece ran into the house shouting “Bruno! Bruno!” “What happened to Bruno?” he asked her, concerned. “Bruno is dead!” she replied. Mr. X called his wife and began shouting “Murderer!” at her, promising her that she would never get any of his money and saying all sorts. When he paused for breath, his niece added, “The gentle man that hit him accidentally is waiting to see you outside.”

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

Crime

‘Buhari, Atiku should tell Nigerians how to stem terrorism now’ A retired Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Mr. Agba Nchor, now a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and security consultant, has lampooned the use of thugs in politics. In this chat with JULIANA FRANCIS, Nchor charges General Muhammadu Buhari and Atiku Abubakar to unveil their anti-terror strategy. What is your opinion on the security situation in Nigeria now? The situation is saddening. Boko Haram has continued to terrorise people from the North East. The war against Boko Haram is a collective responsibility, not just Jonathan’s or the military’s. Check out the recent bombing of a whole mosque! This is to show that Boko Haram is not a war of religion. These men bombed and killed Nigerians who went to worship. I personally want to talk to the opposition; they should stop using the Boko Haram issue as a tool, because it’s a national issue. They should leave Boko Haram out of politics.

by Boko Haram. They had been drugged before they embarked on their suicide bombings. More women should be educated in different languages; Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba and even Pidgin English programs, so that they will not be influenced by this sect. Do you think these female suicide bombers are the abducted Chibok girls? The Chibok girls are educated and intelligent. They are students and Boko Haram knows that the international communities, in fact, the whole world are trying to rescue these girls. I don’t think the Chibok girls can be used for such nonsense. These female suicide bombers are girls kidnapped on the streets! Boko Haram has been abducting girls for long. Those are the girls now being used as suicide bombers. Moreover, Abubakar Shekau said he had given the Chibok girls out in marriage. This means the girls are no more in one place.

What are the police and soldiers not doing right in this war? The police, Department of State Security (DSS) and military are doing their best. The attack on this country doesn’t mean that the intelligence is not there. But these are psychotic people, trained to disrupt the nation. Boko Haram people came in from Chad and other countries in West Africa. These suicide bombers are not easy to detect. This is part of the problem. If it’s a predictable problem, where the military will have to face them, the military would have overrun them within 24hours. Two people can be walking and the second may be carrying a bomb, the first person will not know. This is a major problem. How do you identify a suicide bomber? There’s no way to detect them! Women are supposed to be weaker vessels, now they are the suicide bombers. What’s your reaction to this? The women being used as suicide

Nchor

bombers have been hypnotized. Yes! No sensible woman would agree to have her body laced with bombs,

especially knowing that she’ll die in the process. These women were hypnotized

CRIME QUOTE

JULIANA FRANCIS CRIME Editor

juliana.francis@newtelegraphonline.com

“The entire primary was a sham. I still cannot comprehend how accredited delegates of 806 will turn out to be 868. To be honest with you, with the benefit of hindsight, you can tell that the outcome was predetermined.” Former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro

The PDP’s secretariat in Cross River was recently bombed. Do you think its opposition or Boko Haram? Cross River State has been a very peaceful state in Nigeria, but the political crisis going on there now is not good. There are arguments that the governor wants to impose a candidate. The tense situation can lead to anything. I’m not saying it’s the opposition or anybody that planted the bomb in the secretariat, but this is the first time such a thing is happening. But whoever is behind it, we’ll not allow such to occur again! We do not have opposition in Cross River politics. The PDP family is one. The PDP family in Cross River State doesn’t see APC in the state as an opposition that would want to cause havoc. APC had nothing to do with the incident at the PDP party secretariat. Did the secretariat just go up in flames? It could be enemies of Cross River who don’t want the political activities to go peacefully or the enemies of progress who don’t want peace in the state. Maybe they are not happy with the political events either, especially with the stories of candidates imposition, that is going round. C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 4 2

Crime

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

NDLEA seeks dislodgement of drug cartels Juliana Francis

he Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade has charged Assistant Commanders on scientific ways to dislodge drug cartels in the country. Giade made this observation at a Summit organised to build capacity of Assistant Commanders for effective service delivery in preparation for the onerous task ahead of them. The theme of the retreat holding in Kaduna is ‘Transforming NDLEA to Meet with Contemporary Challenges in Drug Control in Nigeria.’ According to Giade, drug cartels are becoming more sophisticated in their operations and operatives must incapacitate them. He said that modes of drug concealment were also changing from time to time. He added: “Cannabis cultivation has spread to every part of the country. It is disturbing that clandestine laboratories for the production of methamphetamine have been discovered in Nigeria. The increasing spread of violence

Giade

in some parts of the country has led to loss of lives, damage to property and rising number of displaced persons. These glaring threats to our national security demands that we adopt scientific drug control strategies.” Giade told the men that the transformation of the NDLEA was a collective task and all parties must appreciate their roles and take responsibility. He noted that in the absence of the commanders, the assistants

should take charge of the command. This clearly underscores the importance of deputies in the administrative hierarchy of the Agency. “It is therefore pertinent for them to come together under a suitable platform to share experiences and acquire more managerial skills,” Giade stated. The NDLEA boss also called on the Assistant Commanders to take absolute advantage of the opportunities offered by the week long retreat to fine tune their trade craft. In his words, “Drug cartels always seek new ways to circumvent legislation and if we must continue to stop them, a retreat is inevitable. I implore you to identify innovative and strategic ways of getting tasks done. We must continue to brainstorm on the latest methods and trends in drug trafficking and money laundering. “At the end of this summit, you are expected to return as ambassadors of change for the Agency. The management of the Agency is championing a comprehensive drug control plan for the country and is prepared to make the needed sacrifices for a drug-free Nigeria”.

‘Politicians need to surrender illegal arms’ C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 1

don’t want to accept defeat.

Is it possible to rule out thuggery in politics? You cannot rule out thuggery in politics. Thuggery came to be because of the desperation of some politicians who want to come into power at all cost. These politicians have standby thugs. I have been in the field since I retired as a policeman. As a politician, I know what is happening. Let’s take for instance the last primary elections held in Obudu Community Local Government. That’s where I come from. It was full of thugs. There was no election there because the other group in the party won the mandate and another group said they would not give the winner the mandate. When the masses say they don’t want you, why should you impose yourself on them? What we need is a free and fair election, so that people will vote for those they want to represent them.

The IG has instructed all the Commissioners of Police to mop up illegal arms in circulation. He said the arms should be submitted before Election Day. Will Nigerians submit them? Desperation is what compels most politicians to purchase arms for their thugs or supporters. If the Inspector General of Police has directed that all illegal arms in the country should be submitted, I implore politicians to surrender them and let the right thing be done.

What can security agents do to curtail thuggery in politics? If you travel round the world, you’ll know that other countries also use thugs in politics. If the right candidate is not there, the issue of thuggery cannot be written off. The government apparatus may do their best to fortify everywhere during elections, but the masses are more than the security forces on ground. You may have 100 policemen and 200 soldiers to a community of 4 million people. How will the security forces cope if members of the community come out with arms, saying they don’t want a particular candidate? It is the sins of elections and provocations that usually create thuggery. The politicians should learn to say ‘if I lose, let me lose.’ The problem with our politicians is that they

Do you think they will? It’s because of this issue of ‘I must win at all cost,’ that is causing the entire problem in this country. I’m hitting hard on the politicians; they should learn to accept defeats in any election. Can’t security agents go undercover to find out those stockpiling arms? The police should do their best to ensure that anybody who did not adhere to the instruction of the IGP, to submit any illegal arms should be caught arrested. The person should be charged to court accordingly for possessions of fire arms, so that it will serve as deterrent to other politicians who want to win at all cost. What’s your opinion on the drama going on between Tambuwal and IGP? The Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba is a lawyer, just like the Speaker of the House of Repre-sentatives, Aminu Tambuwal. The IGP knows the rudiments of the law. As an IGP, he’s guided by law and whatever the law says, he’ll take. I’m not on anybody’s side but the IGP has a code of ethics that governs his office. He is purely applying it. I

don’t see anything wrong in the way he handled the situation at the National Assembly. Are you saying what the IGP did was right? You don’t just listen to one side of the story. They were invited to the Senate and the IGP said that the police received intelligence report that there was a threat to the National Assembly that some people were coming with thugs. Our honorable members do not respect the police. What they ought to have done that day, was to obey, then complain later. Instead they started fighting, behaving like thugs. Their behaviours did not portray them as gentlemen. How can our honorable members start jumping gate and fence? It was not as if there was a war or crisis in the National Assembly. The police said stop, why not stop and identify with the police. Why not tell the police why you should go in and why you should not go in? They didn’t identify themselves properly; that was the cause of the problem. Buhari and Alhaji Abubakar Atiku have promised to put an end to terrorism if they are elected into power. What do you think they are going to do, that Jonathan had not done? This is propaganda by oppositions! I have said this in different forums; no politician should compromise the security of our country. Buhari and Atiku should team up with the federal government and apply those strategies they want to use in the future, to stop Boko Haram now. Yes! The same strategy they want to use to stop Boko Haram should be used now! The issue of Boko Haram is not a political issue. The nation’s interest is what we are talking about.

The 3rd Eye Social effect of Boko Haram on Nigerians (2) Ethelbert Oney Continued from last Friday

he repercussions of Boko Haram attacks are very serious for the masses and the society in general for some of these reasons. First, due to their endless attacks, the sense of helplessness prevails in the minds of every Nigerian, particularly in the North East. This sense of helplessness further leads to hopelessness among the people concerning their personal and social well-being. Second, due to the constant bomb explosions here and there, a snobbish attitude amongst the masses could be developed and also damage human relationships, which ultimately may affect the working performance of the individuals and the society at large. Third, the constant terrorist activities in our country today have caused citizens’ lack of trust on the government, and also enhance anger and resentment against the state apparatuses. And lastly, the sects’ activities do not only badly impact on individuals; the entire social system suffers from the consequences. As a result of these attacks, social split widens amongst the people. This split becomes the cause of significant social division, which harms the social fabric and unity of our nation. There are ways the people can engage themselves in combating terrorism, irrespective of their locations, and they include denunciation of terrorism at personal level, academic activities and general practice of social work; rising against Boko Haram by raising our voices at local, national and international for a; denying the insurgents safe haven; showing no sympathies; report them and their sponsors to the authorities; authorities instituting measures to particularly must win public confidence, and practical foresight. Arguably, one may ask how one can work practically as individual to combat this sect? We can become part of socio-religious community organizations trying to decrease the causes of terrorism. This can be achieved at both community and professional level in our vicinity and workplaces. We can also become part of political system through participation in political process and as pressure groups to force the government to resolve the disputed matters at national levels. Civil society groups, especially social workers can play a vital role by initiating projects of inter-faith harmony at communities and national levels. Concluded Ethelbert Oney is an Intelligence & Security Expert ethelbertoney@zissltd.com (08067764342 SMS only)

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

L-R: Vice Chairman, South West, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Funso Ologunde; Treasurer, Lagos State, Princess Rebecca Ajose; Chairman, Otunba Henry Ajomale, APC governorship candidate for Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode and Acting State Secretary, Femi Saheed, during a thank-you visit by Ambode to the APC Lagos Secretariat in Lagos.

Representative of the Minister of Works, Mr Dauda Kigbu cutting the tape to inaugurate heavy duty towing trucks and FRSC motorcycles, donated by the Ministry to FRSC in Abuja on Wednesday. With him is the FRSC Corps Marshal, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi and others.

L-R: Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin), Prof. Emilolorun Ayelari; Registrar/CEO, Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, Dr. Godwin Oyediji; former Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Placid Njoku and Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, during the Post Graduate Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 62nd Interdisciplinary Research Discourse, in Ibadan

Senator Ifeanyi Ararume (right) and Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha, shortly after Ihedioha was declared winner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the primary election in Owerri, Imo State.

Photo | News

L-R: Commercial Director, Promasidor, Mr Onyekachi Onuborgu; first Vice President, ADVAN, Mrs. Iquo Ukoh; President, Mr Kolawole Oyeyemi and Executive Secretary, Mrs Ediri Ose-Ediale, at the 2014 ADVAN Partnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; end of the year party in Lagos.

L-R: Assistant Director, Forestry, Ministry of Environment, Mr Clement Oghikweme; UNIDO Representative, Oluyemi Banjo and representative of the Permanent Secretary, Mr Salisu Dahiru, at validation workshop on National Biodiversity Strategy and Action plan in Abuja.

L-R: Ondo State Chief Judge, Hon Justice Olasehinde Kumuyi; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt Hon Jumoke Akindele and Governor Olusegun Mimiko, at the signing of a bill establishing a College of Medicine in the state in Akure.

L-R: Plateau State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Gubernatorial aspirants, Dr Haruna Dabin; Prof. Sonni Tyoden and Amb. Fidelis Tapgun, briefing newsmen on the irregularities in Plateau PDP gubernatorial primary election in Jos.

Business | Money Line

THREATS Cyber attacks rise by 14% yearly Kunle Azeez

anks and other financial institutions, oil and gas firms as well as governments in Nigeria are the most vulnerable to cyber attacks. The sectors were among the global list of industries said to be susceptible to cyber insecurity across the globe, according to the Cisco 2014 Security Report. Speaking at the presentation of the report in Lagos yesterday, the company’s country manager, Mr Dare Ogunlade, noted that cyber security was posing great danger to individuals, businesses and governments across the globe, growing at an average 14 per cent on a year-on-year basis. Ogunlade said while agriculture, mining, electronics and pharmaceutical industries characterised the list vulnerable sectors on a global scale, the Nigerian case is a peculiar one where banks, operators in the oil and gas industry and government appear to be the most vulnerable. According to him, the advent of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), a practice where workers bring their personal

Cyber attacks: Banks, others most vulnerable – Cisco PC and other devices to an office environment and connect same to an organisation’s network to work, has made cyber attacks to increase astronomically. “Hackers work in collaborations with each others to actually launch attacks on organisations and the trend is becoming a lot more difficult because organisations have not really come to terms with the complexity of cyber attacks,” he said. He noted that 91 per cent of Java-based applications were compromised because it is the most popular language of the Internet with open source capability. While lamenting lack of security experts, who can identify threats and nip them in the bud in most organisations, Ogunlade described security solution as an end–to-end practice, which organisations must deploy but decried that it currently suffers inadequate skills. Explaining the severity and complexity of cyber attacks, a Cisco security technology expert, Mr Adeola Kukoyi, said that 60 per cent of data is stolen in hours, 54 per cent

Overnight rate flat as dollar purchases drain liquidity FG to sell N65bn in sovereign bonds

igeria’s overnight lending rate closed flat at 20 percent after dealers paid naira to fund dollars purchased at a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) auction the previous day, draining cash from the system. Overnight rates according to Reuters news, initially dropped six percentage points in midday trade to 14 percent, from its previous close, after liquidity from a N150 billion ($836 million) treasury bill maturity hit the interbank market. Lending rates have remained high since the apex bank last month enforced a new cash reserve requirement for commercial lenders to curb liquidity. The bank has been squeezing cash from the system to try to support the naira. The banking watchdog sold $147 million at N168, at its twice-weekly forex auction last Wednesday, dealers said, less than the $199.9 million it sold at this week’s previous auction, pushing additional demand to the interbank market. The unit fell 0.66 percent to close at N181.10 to the dollar, outside a CBN’s target band of N160-N176, despite the bank in-

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

tervening, which failed to lift it. The currency has been under pressure as falling oil prices have depressed Nigeria’s foreign reserves, and the CBN is struggling to keep the naira in a new target band it set last month when it devalued by 8 percent to protect its reserves. Overnight lending rates closed at 20 percent yesterday. Rates spiked to a record high of 70 percent last Monday, after the apex bank withdrew a total of N868 billion naira ($4.8 billion) within two weeks to keep liquidity tight. Meanwhile, the Federal Government plans to sell N65 billion ($359.7 million) worth of sovereign bonds with maturities ranging between three- and 20-years on December 17, the Debt Management Office (DMO) said yesterday. The debt office said it would sell N10 billion in three-year paper, N30 billion in 10-year paper and N25 billion in 20year tenor. All the bonds are a re-opening of the previously issued paper and the result of the auction is expected to be published a day after the auction.

of breaches remain undiscovered, while100 per cent of companies are connected to domains that host malicious files or services. Kukoyi, thus, unveiled a 10-point checklist provided in the Cisco’s security report to help organisations guide against cyber attacks. He listed that the checklist to include assessment of the to-

tality of companies’ networks; re-evaluation of acceptable use policy and business code of conduct; determination of what data must be protected; knowing where the company’s data is and understanding how and if is being secured. Other things to do, according to Kukoyi, include “Assessing your company user education practices, use egress

monitoring (monitor what is being sent out of your organisation and by whom and to where), prepare from the inevitability of BYOD, create an incident response plan, implement security measures to help compensate for lack of control over social networks, and monitor the dynamic risk landscape as well as keep users and employees informed.”

Interest rate: ‘PMBs should enhance risk management’ 2007-2009, which stemmed from problems in the US mortgage sector. He said that the Nigerian markets are inextricably linked to functioning of the economy in the US and worldwide, stressing that the subsector operators should not build up another tranche of nonperforming loans for the system by un-savvy treatment of some portfolios. According to him, an increase in the MPR could make mortgage repayment difficult and result in default, which may give rise to toxic assets. Consequently, he said PMBs should assess a consumer‘s ability and willingness to continue with mortgage repayments when interest rate rise. He averred that lack of thorough and effective assess-

Godson Ikoro

ollowing the increase in the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) in the country have been enjoined to enhance their risk management. They have also urged to be wary of some mortgage portfolios, which are predominantly variable rate and highly sensitive to Interest rate. Director, Special Insured Institution Department, Mr. Joshua Etopidiok, made this call while speaking on mortgage financing in Nigeria: issues and challenges.” Speaking against the backdrop of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which recently increased the MPR from 12 to 13 per cent, he recalled the global financial crisis of

ments could pose a major risk for many PMBs in Nigeria; hence his called on PMBs to be careful. He said that it is important to stress that weak corporate governance and poor risk management frameworks can result in risky behaviours by the PMBs, stressing that this result in creation of huge toxic assets and ultimately put insured deposit at risk. He noted that attention is now being focused on the PMBs subsector so as to address the emerging challenges. The CBN Director said: “Our efforts can only be successful if the operators can embrace good corporate governance and sound risk management practices as such practical steps would reduce the incidence of non-performing loans.

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

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

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80 Offer 163.38

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

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

Business | Financial Market News

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

11-Dec-14

The DQL contains data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities and instruments in the financial market (the “Information”). The Information does not constitute professional, financial or investment advice. We attempt to ensure the Information is accurate; however, the Information is provided “AS IS” and on an “AS AVAILABLE” basis and may not be accurate or up to date. We do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, completeness, performance or fitness for a particular purpose of any of the Information, neither do we accept liability for the results of any action taken on the basis of the Information.

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

535.00 573.89 452.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 396.68 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 150.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,730.13

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,513.21

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

0.36 1.68 2.38 2.63 2.72 3.47 4.55 4.87 7.13 9.26 13.97 14.44 14.94 15.61 19.60

13.88 14.29 14.33 14.34 14.34 14.34 14.34 14.28 14.00 13.90 13.00 12.91 12.82 13.39 13.30

13.44 14.19 14.26 14.26 14.26 14.22 14.25 14.17 13.94 13.84 12.95 12.87 12.77 13.33 13.26

96.54 98.15 101.45 90.42 89.05 90.31 105.40 75.06 110.50 101.50 112.75 97.25 71.53 78.00 92.00

96.69 98.30 101.60 90.57 89.20 90.61 105.70 75.36 110.80 101.80 113.05 97.55 71.83 78.30 92.30

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

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

24-May-12 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

0.45 1.19 2.00 2.36 2.57

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

16.06 16.90 16.31 15.33 15.34

93.22 100.49 99.49 96.71 93.70

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

312.72

Sub-National Bonds A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.72

4.44

18.32

96.17

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.56

3.23

16.60

98.91

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

6.27

30-Jun-16

0.85

4.46

18.73

95.97

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

7.37

30-Jun-16

0.85

3.48

17.77

98.18

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.35

5.59

19.92

82.00

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

29.92

30-Jun-17

1.40

1.00

15.49

97.80

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.06

1.79

16.13

95.00

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.23

1.80

16.12

96.40

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

3.81

1.00

15.34

96.18

A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

13.73

09-Dec-18

2.43

1.00

15.33

98.42

A-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

11.13

12-Dec-18

2.23

4.78

19.10

90.82

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.61

1.00

15.34

98.37

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*GOMBE

15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019

02-Oct-12

15.50

16.23

02-Oct-19

2.86

1.00

15.34

100.55

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019

22-Nov-12

14.50

80.00

22-Nov-19

4.95

1.00

15.27

97.38

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

12-Dec-12

14.75

27.51

12-Dec-19

2.83

2.74

17.08

94.97

A/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

14.75

11.40

10-Oct-20

3.38

1.00

15.34

98.56

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

87.50

27-Nov-20

5.96

1.00

15.08

93.90

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

6.06

1.94

16.00

96.17

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

3.54

1.44

15.78

96.75

06-Jan-14

15.00

4.79

06-Jan-21

3.57

1.95

16.29

96.76

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

470.44 444.87

Corporate Bonds Aa/Agusto Nil

GTB NGC

13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014

18-Dec-09

13.50

13.17

18-Dec-14

0.02

5.21

24.15

99.77

17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014

01-Apr-10

17.00

2.00

31-Dec-14

0.05

8.71

26.95

99.36 96.64

Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto

*UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

17-Aug-10

10.00

3.61

17-Aug-15

0.44

4.88

18.37

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

12.00

9.34

09-Dec-15

0.75

1.00

14.97

98.00

BB+/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.60

06-Jan-16

0.59

2.63

16.11

98.91

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

1.80

1.00

15.36

96.36

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

1.87

1.34

15.68

97.70

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

2.80

1.00

15.34

94.78

BBB-/GCR

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.64

30-Nov-17

1.82

1.88

16.23

103.50

Nil

*C & I LEASING *DANA#{r}

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

6.30

09-Apr-18

1.83

3.48

17.83

97.58

A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.90

09-Sep-18

1.99

5.20

19.51

97.97

AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.80

09-Sep-18

1.99

5.06

19.37

101.85

A/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

3.78

1.35

15.69

95.26

Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.40

18-Oct-18

2.10

2.29

16.61

98.81

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

17.00

0.41

17-Feb-19

2.18

6.11

20.43

94.49

BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR

#{r}

Nil

*DANA

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

3.05

2.16

16.50

98.93

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

5.93

2.76

16.85

94.11

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

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

30-Sep-14

11.93

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.80

1.00

14.64

86.07

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

13.25

15.44

30-Sep-24

9.80

1.00

14.64

92.85

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

139.80

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

134.55

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

3.17

1.00

15.34

87.43

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

AfDB

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

4.39

1.00

15.34

87.69

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

24.95 21.85

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value ($mm)

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

6.08

5.85

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

5.22

4.89

99.70

100.77

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

6.34

6.18

100.21

101.29

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,516.36

103.36

104.57

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

8.35

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

4.74

103.75

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

7.47

99.48

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

10.32

9.33

90.32

92.98

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

7.52

6.85

94.93

97.12

B/Fitch

AFREN PLC II

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

9.66

102.00

102.00 95.50

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

7.48

95.50

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

11.57

10.85

90.42

92.75

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

8.13

99.75

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

10.72

82.25

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

24-Jun-14

9.25

400.00

24-Jun-21

10.55

10.32

94.13

95.13

8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021

23-Jul-14

8.00

450.00

23-Jul-21

9.29

92.88

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

9.38

8.75

96.07

99.11

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

4,576.77

**Treasury Bills DTM 14 21 28 35 42 49 56 63

FIXINGS Maturity 25-Dec-14 1-Jan-15 8-Jan-15 15-Jan-15 22-Jan-15 29-Jan-15 5-Feb-15 12-Feb-15

Bid Discount (%) 18.56 16.60 17.00 15.50 13.90 14.80 14.45 14.25

Offer Discount (%) 18.31 16.35 16.75 15.25 13.65 14.55 14.20 14.00

Bid Yield (%) 18.69 16.76 17.22 15.73 14.13 15.10 14.78 14.61

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 17.3350 16.5328 16.4405 17.0266

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

16.83

O/N

17.92

Tenor Call 1M

REPO

Rate (%) 18.33 20.41

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

181.90 182.51 182.92 183.93 185.79 187.57

182.00 182.75 183.21 184.51 186.73 188.85

Rating/Agency

Description

Issuer

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

24-May-12 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

0.45 1.19 2.00 2.36 2.57

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

16.06 16.90 16.31 15.33 15.34

93.22 100.49 99.49 96.71 93.70

Agency 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 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

FMBN ***LCRM

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

322.97

Business | Financial Market News 46 Sub-National Bonds TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

312.72

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.72

4.44

18.32

96.17

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.56

3.23

16.60

98.91

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

6.27

30-Jun-16

0.85

4.46

18.73

95.97

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

7.37

30-Jun-16

0.85

3.48

17.77

98.18

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.35

5.59

19.92

82.00

Investors lose N617bn in two days 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

1.40

1.00

15.49

97.80

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.06

1.79

16.13

95.00

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.23

1.80

16.12

96.40

A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

3.81

1.00

15.34

96.18

A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

A-/Agusto

*NIGER

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

OFF-LOADING

*GOMBE Naira devaluation, others Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR LAGOS scare investors A/Agusto; A-/GCR *OSUN A/Agusto; A-/GCR

A/Agusto

*OSUN

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro KOGI Stories by Chris Ugwu A/Agusto *EKITI

T A-/GCR

*NASARAWA

he bears yesterday

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE maintained their TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

stronghold on the Nigerian Stock Exchange Aa/Agusto GTB (NSE) as major bluechip comNGC Nil panies joined the league of losBbb-/Agusto *UPDC A-/Agusto *FLOURMILLS ers, causing the market capitalBB+/GCR *CHELLARAMS isation and the All-Share Index A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO to remain on the red A-/Agusto FSDHzone. A/GCR UBA have atMarket watchers BBB-/GCR *C & I LEASING tributed the sustenance of Nil *DANA bearish trends to the drop in A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR *TOWER Corporate Bonds

#{r}

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 oil prices and build up to 2015 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 elections whose consequential 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 effect culminated in a loss of 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 N61714.50 billion or six per cent 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 within the two days of trading 14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020 in the value of27-NOV-2020 equities. 13.50 LAGOS IV 15.00 KOGI The key31-DEC-2020 benchmark indiEKITI II 31-DEC-2020 ces 14.50 maintained downtrend, 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 taking hits majorly from blue chip stocks led by Flour Mills Plc and Transcorp Plc, while continuous bargain activities 13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014 witnessed in Conglomerates, 17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015Healthcare, Financial Services, 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 Industrial Goods and Services 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 sectors also contributed to the 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 negative outlook. 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 UBA 30-SEP-2017 In13.00 the same vein, the mar18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 ket capitalisation of equities MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 depreciated by N376 MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 billion.

09-Dec-11 at the 14.50 Specifically, close of 12-Dec-13 14.00 business, the NSE All-Share 14-Feb-12 15.50 Index depreciated by15.50 1141.59 02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 14.50 points or 3.6 per cent to close at 12-Dec-12 14.75 31,062.03 from 32,203.62 record10-Oct-13 14.75 ed the 27-Nov-13 previous day, while the 13.50 market31-Dec-13 capitalisation15.00 of equi31-Dec-13 14.50 ties declined to N10.255 trillion 06-Jan-14 15.00 from 10.631 trillion, representing a drop of N376 billion or 3.6 per cent, as market sentiment remained negative. 13.50 18-Dec-09 At the close of transactions, 01-Apr-10 17.00 17-Aug-10 10 stocks appreciated10.00 in price 09-Dec-10 12.00 as against 44 that depreciated 06-Jan-11 14.00 in value. 29-Sep-11 13.00 Beta25-Oct-13 Glass led the14.25 gainers’ 30-Sep-10 table with 4.97 per cent13.00 to close 30-Nov-12 at N24.30 per share, 18.00 while e09-Apr-11 16.00 Transact Plc followed with 09-Sep-11 18.00 a gain

09-Dec-18 2.43 of13.73 4.94 per cent to close at N2.55 11.13 12-Dec-18 2.23 per share. Air Service Plc added 27.00 14-Feb-19 2.61 a 16.23 gain of 4.85 per cent to close 02-Oct-19 2.86at 80.00 among other 22-Nov-19 4.95 N1.73 price gainers. 27.51 12-Dec-19 2.83 On the other hand, Flour 11.40 10-Oct-20 3.38 Mills Nigeria Plc led on 5.96 the 87.50 27-Nov-20 5.00 losers’ table, 31-Dec-20 price dropping6.06by 4.78 3.54 9.74 per cent 31-Dec-20 to close at N43.73 4.79 06-Jan-21 3.57 per share, while Transcorp 470.44 followed with a loss of 9.62 per 444.87 cent to close at N3.10. UACN, NB18-Dec-14 and Mobil 0.02 Ni13.17 geria Plc followed 2.00 31-Dec-14 with a loss 0.05 17-Aug-15 0.44 of3.61five per cent each to close 09-Dec-15 0.75 at9.34 N38.00, N153.25 and N151.05 0.60 06-Jan-16 0.59 per share respectively . 15.00 29-Sep-16 1.80 Further analysis of the trad5.53 25-Oct-16 1.87 20.00showed that 30-Sep-17 2.80 ing the banking 0.64 subsector of 30-Nov-17 the financial 1.82 ser6.30 09-Apr-18 1.83 vices sector remained the most 2.90 09-Sep-18 1.99

1.00 during15.33 active the week98.42 (mea4.78 19.10 90.82 sured by turnover volume); 1.00 15.34 98.37 with million shares 1.00 204.9 15.34 100.55 1.00 N2.2 billion 15.27 97.38 worth exchanged 2.74 17.08 94.97 by investors in 1,514 deals. 1.00 15.34 98.56 Volume in 15.08 the banking sub1.00 93.90 1.94 was largely 16.00 driven96.17 sector by ac1.44 15.78 96.75 tivity in the shares of Diamond 1.95 16.29 96.76 Bank and GTB Bank Plc. Other financial institutions sub-sector boosted by activity in the shares of UBA Capital99.77 Plc fol5.21 24.15 lowed chart 8.71 on the day’s 26.95 activity 99.36 4.88 18.37 with a subsector turnover96.64 of 53.4 1.00 million shares14.97 valued at 98.00 N334.7 2.63 16.11 98.91 million traded in 730 deals. 1.00 15.36 96.36 On 1.34 the whole, 15.68 investors 97.70 ex1.00 15.34 94.78 changed a total of 374.7 million 1.88 103.50 shares valued16.23 at N5.6 billion in 3.48 17.83 97.58 4,258 transactions. 5.20 19.51 97.97

AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.80

09-Sep-18

1.99

5.06

19.37

101.85

A/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

3.78

1.35

15.69

95.26

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.40

18-Oct-18

2.10

2.29

16.61

98.81

BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

17.00

0.41

17-Feb-19

2.18

6.11

20.43

94.49

Nil

*DANA#{r}

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

3.05

2.16

16.50

98.93

250.00

14-Aug-21

9.38

8.75

96.07

99.11

AfDB, others to produce regional integration index

Lender praised on capital market activities Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

15.25 NAHCO financial expert vein, Editor ofII 14-NOV-2020 EMEA FiNAHCO and T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024 STANBIC IBTC publisher\CEO of nance 182D Magazine, Mr. Tim 13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024 A/GCR STANBIC IBTC EMEA Finance Magazine, Burke, said the organisaTOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Mr. Christopher Moore, has tion was impressed with TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION commended Access Bank the bank’s capital market Supranational Bond Plc for its impressive deal- activity, which includes the IFC 11-FEB-2018 AAA/S&P ings in the capitalIFC market. bank’s10.20 second internation11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021 Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P AfDB The commendation, ac- al bond issuance raising TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE cording to a statement from $400million and its upcomTOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Access Bank, came at the ing rights issue. EMEA Finance award cerRecognising the difficulty Description Rating/Agency Issuer emony, which was held re- in achieving the feat that the FGN Eurobonds cently in London. bank has recorded, he added: At the ceremony, Access “Access Bank competes a 6.75 JAN 28,in 2021 BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P Bank, which was nominated very tough market, Nigerian BB-/Fitch; FGN JUL 12, 2018 BB-/S&P in a keenly contested catbanks are among5.13the most BB-/Fitch; egory, emerged victorious innovative and dynamic in 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 BB-/S&P as the Best Local Bank in Africa, and in many other TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Africa. areas are global leaders and TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION While presenting the fast adopters. It is a pleasure Corporate award toEurobonds the lender, Moore to recognise Access Bank as 11.50 FEB2014.” 01, 2016 B/Fitch; B-/S&P AFRENinterPLC I said: “Access Bank’s our Best local bank for MAY 19, 2016 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC I im results show impressive Receiving the 7.50 award on 7.25 JUL 25, 2017 B+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC Head, growth not just in income behalf of the bank, 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 B/Fitch; B/S&P FIDELITY BANK PLC Manand profit, but also in the Brand and Strategic 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC bank’s loan portfolio and agement, Access10.25 Bank Plc, APR 08, 2019 B/Fitch AFREN PLC II 6.25 thanked APR 22, 2019 B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITH BANK PLC Mr. Amaechi Okobi, deposit base. These accom8.75 May 21, 2019 B/Fitch; B/S&P DIAMOND BANK plishments are testament to PLCEMEA Finance magazine for 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 B/S&P FIRST BANK PLC aB-/Fitch; strong management team recognisng and celebrating 6.63 DEC 09, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P AFREN PLC III and business.” the humble9.25/6M dealings of the USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC II Speaking in the same bank. 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK LTD A+/Agusto; A-/GCR A/GCR

B-/S&P

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

14-Nov-20 2.76 16.85 94.11 n a bid to 15.25 stimulate fur-2.05 Index of together statistithis kind 5.93 would bringing 11.93 30-Sep-24 1.00 14.64 ther regional integra-0.10 help countries focal points from86.07 Mauand 9.80 RECs cal 30-Sep-14 13.25 15.44 30-Sep-24 9.80 1.00 14.64 92.85 tion on the continent, to identify gaps and make ritius, São Tomé and Prín139.80 the African Development informed policy decisions cipe, Comoros, Madagascar, 134.55 Bank (AfDB), the African on how best to bridge those Djibouti, Burundi and Cape Union Commission (AUC) gaps and arrive at their re- Verde. The next training 11-Feb-13 10.20 12.00 gional integration 11-Feb-18 3.17 1.00 15.34 87.43 for and the United Nations Ecoaspiraworkshop is scheduled 10-Jul-14 11.25 12.95 01-Feb-21 4.39 1.00 15.34 87.69 nomic Commission for Aftions and commitments. February 2015 in South Af24.95 Given the novelty of the rica and will bring together rica (ECA) have teamed up 21.85 to produce, for the first time project and the fact that more than 20 focal points different RECs and ever, an Africa Regional Inmost ofMaturity theDate indicators that Offerfrom Outstanding Value Bid Yield (%) Yield (%) Bid Price Offer Price Issue Date Coupon (%) ($mm) tegration Index. are to be used have never Corridor Agencies. Prices Yieldsedition of the The Index is the first been compiled in this manThe&first systematic, 6.75 quantitative AfDB, AUC Index is to103.36 be presented 07-Oct-11 500.00 ner before, 28-Jan-21 6.08 and 5.85 104.57 at and continent-wide moni- ECA will organise a series the Joint AU Conference of 12-Jul-13 500.00 12-Jul-18 5.22 4.89 99.70 100.77 of Economy and toring system5.13for regional of training sessions for Ministers national statistical focal integration in Africa, and Finance and ECA Confer12-Jul-13 6.38 500.00 12-Jul-23 6.34 6.18 100.21 101.29 points. For starters, sta- ence of African Ministers is designed to track the 1,500.00 progress of African countistical focal points will be of Finance, Planning and 1,516.36 tries and regional econom- trained from the Common Economic Development in ic communities (RECs) Market for Eastern and March 2015. Before then, 01-Feb-11 11.50 450.00 Southern 01-Feb-16 8.35 8.35 103.30 towards achieving their Africa (COMEhowever, the three103.30 insti19-May-11 7.50 500.00 4.74 103.75 103.75 shared regional integration SA), the19-May-16 East African4.74 Com- tutions will also present 25-Jul-12 7.25 350.00 25-Jul-17 7.47 7.47 99.48 their ongoing work 99.48 at the goals. It will also track and munity (EAC) and Southern 09-May-13 6.88 300.00 02-May-18 10.32 9.33 90.32 92.98 margins of the first97.12 joint document the impacts of reAfrican Development Com08-Nov-13 6.00 400.00 08-Nov-18 7.52 6.85 94.93 Africa Directors-General (SADC) countries. gional integration in Africa, 08-Apr-12 10.25 300.00 munity 08-Apr-19 9.66 9.66 102.00 102.00 22-Apr-14 6.25 500.00 22-Apr-19 7.48 7.48 Statistics 95.50 meeting 95.50 in of Already, a pilot training thus visibly presenting the 21-May-14 8.75integration. 200.00 workshop 21-May-19 10.85 92.75 case for further was held 11.57 in the Tunis from90.42 December 8-12, 07-Aug-13 300.00 07-Aug-20 8.13 8.13 99.75 last week of November at 2014, as well as at the99.75 AfriAccording8.25to Ventures 09-Dec-13 6.63 360.00 09-Dec-20 10.72 10.72 82.25 82.25 the AUC headquarters in can Union94.13 (AU) Summit in Africa, a statement from 24-Jun-14 9.25 400.00 24-Jun-21 10.55 10.32 95.13 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, January 2015. the AfDB, noted that an 23-Jul-14 8.00 450.00 23-Jul-21 9.29 9.29 92.88 92.88 14-Nov-13 30-Sep-14

14-Aug-14

8.75

4,760.00

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4-Dec-14

4,576.77

The DQL contains market (the “Information”). The Information does not **Treasury Bills data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities FIXINGS and instruments in the financial Money Market Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) constitute professional, financial or investment advice. WeBid attempt to(%) ensure theOffer Information is accurate;Bid however, AVAILABLE” basis and may not be accurate or up to date. We do not DTM Maturity Discount Discount (%) Yield (%) the Information is provided “AS IS” and on an “ASTenor Rate (%) NIBOR guarantee the completeness, performance or fitness for a particular the Information, neither do we accept liability for the results of any action taken on the basis of the Information. 14 accuracy, timeliness,25-Dec-14 18.56 18.31purpose of any of18.69 OBB 16.83 Tenor Bid ($/N) Offer ($/N) FGN

21 28 35 Bonds42 49 56 Rating/Agency 63 70 77 84 91 105 112 119 126 133 140 NA 147 154 238 266 357

1-Jan-15 8-Jan-15 15-Jan-15 22-Jan-15 29-Jan-15 5-Feb-15 Issuer 12-Feb-15 19-Feb-15 26-Feb-15 5-Mar-15 12-Mar-15 26-Mar-15 2-Apr-15 9-Apr-15 16-Apr-15 23-Apr-15 30-Apr-15 NA 7-May-15 14-May-15 6-Aug-15 3-Sep-15 3-Dec-15

16.60 17.00 15.50 13.90 14.80 14.45 Description 14.25 14.40 4.00 23-APR-2015 13.00 13.10 13.05 16-AUG-2016 13.70 15.10 27-APR-2017 14.10 9.85 27-JUL-2017 13.50 9.35 31-AUG-2017 12.55 10.70 30-MAY-2018 13.37 13.25 16.00 29-JUN-2019 12.52 7.00 23-OCT-2019 12.55 16.39 27-JAN-2022 12.21 14.20 14-MAR-2024 12.17 15.00 28-NOV-2028 11.90 12.49 22-MAY-2029 13.30

16.35 16.75 15.25 13.65 14.55 14.20 Issue Date 14.00 14.15 23-Apr-10 12.75 12.85 16-Aug-13 13.45 27-Apr-12 13.85 27-Jul-07 13.25 31-Aug-07 12.30 30-May-08 13.12 13.00 29-Jun-12 12.27 23-Oct-09 12.30 27-Jan-12 11.96 14-Mar-14 11.92 28-Nov-08 11.65 22-May-09 13.05

8.50 20-NOV-2029 10.00 23-JUL-2030 12.1493 18-JUL-2034

20-Nov-09 23-Jul-10 18-Jul-14

*for the Amortising bonds, the average life is calculated and not the duration

16.76 17.22 15.73 14.13 15.10 14.78 Coupon 14.61 (%) 14.81 4.00 13.37 13.51 13.05 14.18 15.10 14.70 9.85 14.08 9.35 13.09 10.70 14.02 13.92 16.00 13.15 7.00 13.22 16.39 12.87 14.20 13.22 15.00 13.03 12.49 15.29

Bonds

8.50 10.00 12.1493

# TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums

Agency Bonds

Outstanding Value (N'bn) 535.00

Maturity Date

NITTY

Tenor 573.89 1M 452.80 2M 20.00 3M 100.00 6M 300.00 9M 12M 351.30

23-Apr-15

Rate (%) 16-Aug-16 14.0320 27-Apr-17 14.3798 27-Jul-17 14.5030 31-Aug-17 14.6441 30-May-18 14.6923 14.7474 29-Jun-19

233.90 23-Oct-19 600.00 27-Jan-22 NIFEX 396.68 14-Mar-24 75.00 28-Nov-28 Current Price ($/N) 22-May-29 BID($/N)150.00 181.3375 OFFER ($/N) 181.4375 200.00 20-Nov-29 591.57 23-Jul-30 150.00 18-Jul-34

O/N

17.92

Tenor Call

REPO

TTM 1M(Yrs) 3M 0.38 6M

Rate (%) 18.33

Bid20.41 Yield (%) 20.66 14.10 21.98

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2MYield Offer 3M (%) 6M 13.68 1Y

1.70 13.80 13.69 2.40 13.84 13.77 2.64 13.83 13.76 :Benchmarks 2.74 Bond 13.83 13.76 * :Amortising 3.49 Bond 13.84 13.72 µ :Convertible AMCON: Asset of Nigeria 4.57 Management Corporation 13.86 13.77 FGN: Federal Nigeria 4.89Government of 13.84 13.74 FMBN: Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria 7.15 13.78 13.71 IFC: International Finance Corporation 9.28 13.50 13.44 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables Management 13.98 Aviation Handling 13.27 Company 13.22 NAHCO: Nigerian 14.46 13.26 13.21 O/N: Overnight UPDC: UAC Property Development 14.96 13.26 Company 13.20 WAPCO:West Cement Company 15.63Africa Portland13.44 13.39 19.62 13.15 13.10 NOTE:

181.90 182.00 182.51 182.75 Price 183.21 182.92 183.93 184.51 185.79 186.73 Bid Price Offer Price 187.57 188.85 192.43 195.15 96.29 96.44 204.15 211.56

98.85 99.00 102.45 102.60 91.38 91.53 NA :Not Applicable 90.02Rate Bond 90.17 # :Floating 91.53 coupon bonds 91.83 ***: Deferred 107.05 107.35 †: Bond76.27 rating expired 76.57 N/A :Not Available 111.60 111.90 {r} :Issuer in receivership 103.60 103.90 110.89 111.19 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 95.07 Bank for Africa 95.37 UBA: United 69.37 69.67 77.70 78.00 93.00 93.30

4,539.57

Issuer

Modified Duration Buckets

FMBN <3

3<5 ***LCRM >5

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Rate (%) 17.3350 16.5328 16.4405 17.0266

4,730.13

**Exclusive of non-trading t.bills

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Market

Outstanding Value FMDQ FGN BOND INDEX(N'bn)

Description

Porfolio Market Value(Bn)

Total Outstanding

0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 Volume(Bn) 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 1,392.90 1,377.98 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 996.68 0.00/16.50 LCRM1,065.63 II 20-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017 599.42 741.57 3,057.96

3,116.23

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Weighting by 24-May-12Vol Outstanding

Weighting by Mkt 0.00 Value

03-Apr-12 44.22 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-1231.98 06-Jul-1223.80 100.00

Bucket Weighting

17.25 45.55 0.00/16.00 34.85 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50 19.60

24.56 3.00 112.22 0.44 116.70 0.32 66.49 0.24

100.00

322.97 1.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

% Exposure_ 24-May-15 Mod_Duration

Implied Yield

03-Apr-17 22.94 09-Dec-16 36.55 20-Apr-17 06-Jul-1740.50

0.47 1.21 14.32 2.01 13.96 2.38 2.59 13.37

100.00

13.80

Risk Premium (%) Implied 2.63Price Portfolio

Valuation Yield (%) INDEX

2.27 118.2286 2.00 125.2671 1.00 1.00 93.2852

17.03 16.21 1,122.93 15.80 1,060.71 14.82 14.83 1,090.67

114.5440

1,093.79

Indicative Price YTD Return 92.55 (%)

101.27 12.2930 100.13 6.0714 97.43 94.48 9.0668 9.3795

314.66

Sub-National Bonds A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.74

4.44

18.70

95.83

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.58

3.23

17.65

98.23

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

6.27

30-Jun-16

0.87

4.46

18.60

96.11

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

7.37

30-Jun-16

0.87

3.48

17.62

98.37

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.37

5.59

19.41

82.71

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

29.92

30-Jun-17

1.42

1.00

14.86

98.66

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

News 47

SOUTH-EAST

Udensi: PPA’ll reclaim Abia for good Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

he Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) governorship candidate for Abia in the 2015 elections, Chief Chikwe Udensi, has said that the party is determined to take the state back from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) next year. Speaking after his emergence as the governorship candidate, Udensi, who left APGA following the leadership crisis that rocked the

party, said the journey which the PPA started for the emancipation of Abia State from what he described as ‘the forces of darkness’ would be completed under him. The former secretary general of ALGON said the party would put the state on the pedestal of progress and development once again, adding that whatever the state

had lost in the past, would be recovered in 2015, if PPA wins. Udensi said, “Governor Theodore Orji should start preparing his handover notes, which I will be taking on May 29, 2015, because PPA is going to Abia from PDP and we are going to right the wrongs they have perpetrated in the state.”

TThe life expectancy of women at birth in Armenia in 2010-2015. Source: Worldfactsandfigures.com

According to him, Abia people are disenchanted with the PDP government and “I am sure they will show their anger in 2015 with their votes.” The PPA candidate, who emerged through the voice vote of delegates from the 17 local government areas after two other aspirants, Ndukwe Iko and Anya

6.21%

The percentage of individuals using the internet in Armenia in 2008. Source: Itu.int

Kalu Anya, stepped down for him, noted that apart from the fact that roads are bad, the few that were being rehabilitated have been abandoned even as civil servants are owed arrears of salaries with impunity. The party also ratified its state executive through a congress and Prince Emeka Okafor emerged the chairman,

12,200

The total area (in sq. km) of Vanuatu. Source: Worldfactsandfigures.com

while Chief Uche Enyioko emerged the secretary of the party. Other executive members are former Commissioner for Finance, Chief Jones Udogu, who is the treasurer; former chairman of Isuikwuato council, Ralph Ukoro, returned as exofficio member while Chris Acha returned as the auditor.

10%

The crude death rate of Africa region in 2010-2015. Source: Un.org

Ugwuegede backs Jonathan Okegwo Kenechukwu

he candidate of the PDP for Nsukka/ Igbo Eze South federal constituency in Enugu State, Ike Ugwuegede, yesterday said President Goodluck Jonathan will have the support of Enugu people in 2015. He said this in an interview with New Telegraph in Onitsha, Anambra State during a thank you visit to is Nsukka kinsmen residents in the town. He said his pilot project, if voted, would be the empowerment of youths, facilitating federal infrastructure and quality legislation and representative. Ugwuegede, who is the immediate past Commissioner for Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, gave the promise shortly after his election to represent Nsukka, Igbo Eze South federal constituency in the House of Representatives. He said since independence, the constituency has always been shortchanged when it comes to getting its fair share of treatment in the provision of federal infrastructure such as good network of federal roads and rural electrification, provision of health facilities, development of educational institution, among others.

Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano (middle) and others, rescuing a 30-year-old man knocked down by a bus at Upper Iweka, Onitsha …yesterday

Onitsha chamber asks Obiano to check multiple taxation Okegwo Kenechukwu

orried by the daily increase in multiple taxation and other illegal levies in Anambra State, the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA), has called on Governor Willie Obiano, to as a matter of urgency, check the activities of some unidentified young men and women who have invaded various markets masquerading as agents of the state government. The chamber said the agents were imposing one form of levy or the

other on micro, small and medium enterprises as well as petty traders, buyers, transporters and so on. ONICCIMA President, Sir Tim Anosike, made the call in an address of welcome marking the 25th annual luncheon and award ceremony of the chamber held yesterday in Onitsha. The chamber commended the governor for the revolution going on in the state, saying that with the four-point agenda of the administration, the chamber is satisfied that these critical areas of agriculture

oil and gas, trade and commerce and industrialisation are receiving justifiable attention. “It is also gratifying to witness the sustained improved security situation in the state since the inception of this administration, but we express our concern, that as we are speaking, there are so many people engaged in the collection of various taxes and levies from business operators, petty traders in market places, parks, junctions and on the street. “The questions we are asking are, who are these people and who are they working for? Where does the money they collect from the people go to? What are their identities? the chamber queried.

Odoh picks APGA ticket for Ebonyi Central Charles Onyekwere ABAKALIKI

university don, Prof. Benard Ifeanyichukwu Odoh, has emerged the senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for Ebonyi Central sena-

torial district for next year’s general election. Odoh was returned unopposed with one 174 votes as APGA’s senatorial candidate during the party’s National Assembly primary election in Abakaliki. The election attracted

delegates, officials and members of the party from the 13 local government areas of the state. The Returning Officer and Special Adviser to Anambra State Governor on Security, Chief Chikaodi Anara, announced the result of the election.

Responding to his victory, Odoh appreciated the delegates and members of the party for the confidence reposed in him and solicited for support to ensure victory in the general election, assuring the people of effective representation, if elected.

Ohakim calls for cancellation of Imo PDP primaries Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

ontroversy yesterday continued to trail the result of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primaries held last Monday in Imo State as one of the governorship aspirants, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, called for the cancellation of the election in the interest of peace. Ohakim through his agent, Chief Vitalis Ajumbe, told journalists in Owerri yesterday that the demand for the cancellation of the election became necessary given the irregularities in computation that marred the process. He argued that if the total number of votes cast as contained in the ballot boxes were 1, 017 and the total number of votes recorded for aspirants is 1038, where then did the surplus of 21 votes come from. Ohakim said the delegates’ accreditation was characterised by conspiracy among electoral

officers, who chased away agents of the governorship aspirants. He observed that the announced figures were neither recorded on any result sheet nor were signed by the agents and security officials who witnessed the exercise. He said: “The electoral officers hurriedly announced the supposed winner and left the venue without allowing agents and security officials to check and sign the result sheet as expected.” He recalled that even when agents expressed their doubts and displeasure about the role of the national youth leader of the party and demanded for his exclusion from the counting of the ballot, same was ignored. The agent of the former governor blamed the electoral officers from Abuja for compromising, adding that it was a deliberate plan by the officials to drag the election scheduled for 11.00am into the night to allow for manipulation of the result.

News

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

SOUTH-SOUTH

Imoke moves to privatise Calabar carnival Andrew Iro Okungbowa

decade into the existence of the popular Calabar carnival, the Cross River State governor, Liyel Imoke, has in a move, which is geared at formalising and institutionalising the organisation of the yearly carnival, which has since placed the

Lawyers hail Rivers police boss

state on the world tourism calendar, sent a bill on privatising the event with effect from 2015, alongside the existence of the Carnival Calabar Bands Association as corporate entities, to the state House of Assembly. This development was disclosed by the Carnival Commission Chairman, Mr. Gabe Onah, while speaking on this year’s fes-

tival. The festival kicked off on November 30 with the tree lighting ceremony and is billed to span 32 days with the Carnival Calabar, which has become a global attraction, holding on December 27, while the children carnival and cultural parade, prelude to the adult carnival, hold on December 26. Onah said the idea is to make the carnival

The sex ratio of women to 100 men in Brunei Darussalam in 2012. Source: Un.org

run independently of the state government and a legacy owned by the people. “When operational, the bands will be run independently by their members while the commission will run the policies and make sure standards are kept. “For us the carnival keeps growing bigger and bigger and there was a need for us to in-

1.75m

The total population of Gambia (rep. 0.025% of world’s population) in 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

stitutionalise it so that the carnival will not be dependent on whatever are the thoughts of the government of the day.” According to Onah, after a series of meetings, His Excellency, in his wisdom, said the best people to drive the carnival are in the private sector. To that extent we had to send a law to the House of Assembly,

5,770

The total area (in sq. km) of Brunei. Source: Worldfactsandfigures.com

which ought to be what is now called Carnival Band Builders Association, who today are the drivers of the carnival.” “It is our belief that the private sector has a bigger role to play in the success of the carnival. There is no bigger brand than Carnival Calabar, who wants to enjoy visibility; the place to invest is in the carnival,” he said.

17.76%

The annual growth rate of air travel passengers of Enugu airport (2012-2013) Source: National Bureau of Statistics

Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

he Rivers Forum of Concerned Lawyers has commended the state Commissioner of Police, Dan C. Bature, for ordering the release within 48 hours of detainees in police cells who committed bailable offences. The forum’s coordinator, Chris Itamunola, who spoke shortly after Bature gave the order through police spokesman, Ahmad Mohammad, noted that police cells across the state had been congested due to the closure of the courts. It will be recalled that a meeting between Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the state’s branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) ended in a deadlock last month.

L-R: Director, Corporate Relations, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Sesan Sobowale; Chief Emmanuel Emovon; Supply Chain Director, Mr. Cephas Afebuameh; Chief Stanley Obamwonyi; Osuma of Benin, Chief Noren Ozigbo-Esiri and Benin Plant Manager, Mr. Kingsley Imade Orijin, at the official presentation and blessing of Orijin at the palace of Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa 1 of Benin…on Wednesday

Edevbie’s loss lifts Utuama Urhobo youths warn against Thumbs up for C’River PDP guber primaries

Gabriel Choba

removal of FUPRE VC

Gabriel Choba

Ughelli

ollowing the failure of David Edevbie, the consensus governorship candidate of the Urhobo in the just concluded Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries inDelta State, a group, the Urhobo Generation Movement (UGM) yesterday accused the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) of choosing the wrong candidate in the primaries. The UGM said the decision led to the loss of David Edevbie at the voting. The group in a statement signed by its spokesman, Chief Akpowho Daniel and made available to newsmen after a crucial meeting on the way forward in the 2015 election, lamented that the state Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, would have being the best choice for Delta people, considering his relationship with the deferent ethnic groups and track records.

Ughelli

rhobo Youth Movement (RYM) yesterday warned certain members of the governing coucil of the Federal University of Petroleum Resource (FUPRE), Effurun to desist from plotting to unseat the acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tunde Damisa, or incur the wrath of the people. The Urhobo youth wing, through its National Chairman, Mr. Tennyson Oriunu, who spoke with journalists yesterday said they have allegedly uncovered plot by some academic and nonacademic staff of the university from the Yoruba extraction to use their position as internal members of the school governing council to misinform the council and the general public about the acting vice-

chancellor. The group said any attempt to remove Damisa and impose their anointed candidate, Prof. Olusegun Abiola, will spell doom for the institution as they would not sit and fold their arms. Oriunu said because the acting vice-chancellor rejected their planned four-year tenure as against the twoyear tenure for internal members of the council by senate and the congregation, making them maliciously preparing a petition to be submitted in council’s next sitting. UYM called on the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC) to call them to order by desisting from fanning embers of acrimony, stressing that what FUPRE needs this time is accelerated development, not crisis, the body insisted.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Cross River State, Mr. Tanko Ashang, has congratulated the winner of the primaries, Senator Ben Ayade, saying he was clearly the best of all the aspirants. Ashang, who spoke at an interactive session in Abuja, described the primaries as free, fair and

all inclusive. “It was a thorough process, and a thorough process will always attract criticism, especially in our clime where people are used to quick fix. The process had no respect for status or wealth,” he said. It was his view that those who are seeking to discredit the process are doing so out of ego. “For a party primary,

you expect that everybody should understand the process. That it is a delegate election. It was transparent, it was open. The people who are complaining are the ones that wanted to discredit the process by using thugs. So when adequate security was provided to stall their plans, they began to complain,” he stated.

Burutu youths celebrate Pondi’s victory Gabriel Choba Ughelli

he Burutu Youth Leaders Forum has congratulated Hon. Julius Pondi on his election as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Burutu federal constituency. In a statement issued yesterday by Mr. Kenerekedi Napoleon, deputy president; Comrade Akpule Emmanuel Gesikeme, secretary general and Comrade Victor Iser-

eke, spokesman, the forum said Pondi’s victory is the desired change in Burutu Local Government. They noted that Pondi as the flag bearer of the PDP in Burutu federal constituency is a proof to the good people of Burutu that the youths are capable and can be entrusted with leadership responsibilities. “Pondi’s emergence is a correction to the political backwardness in Burutu and a hope of change for the average youths,

who wishes to aspire to take over the mantle of leadership from retiring generations.” The group further lamented the deliberate and unconscious political injustice meted on the people of Ward 11 by Burutu political actors. They expressed the confidence that Pondi will bring dividends of democracy to the people of Burutu and vowed to vote en mass for him and the PDP in the 2015 general election.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

DISCORD

Aspirants in the PDP governorship primaries want fresh contest Buhari Bello JOS

eoples Democratic Party (PDP) gover norship aspirants in the just concluded primaries in Plateau State have rejected the election of Senator Gyang Nyam Pwajok, saying that the exercise lacks credibility. Consequently, all the seven aspirants that contested the primaries have petitioned the PDP Appeal Panel on what they considered as the ‘violation of the accreditation

News 49

NORTH

Plateau PDP aspirants reject primaries, petition panel process.’ Addressing a press conference in Jos yesterday, one of the gubernatorial aspirants and former governor, Fidelis Tapgun, said: “The violation of the provisions guiding the accreditation process led to the discrepancy and inability to ascertain the number of delegates in the primaries.” The aspirants included fidelis Tapgun, Dr. Haruna Dabin, Senator Victor

Lar, Jimmy Cheto and Prof. Sonni Tyoden. He said: “When the so-called voting process commenced, there were no definite figures announced for any local government. “And to complicate the problem, ascertaining the exact number of accredited delegates, was the fact that the document containing the list of the delegates tendered by the organising secre-

tary is different from that brought by the electoral panel chairman up to when the purported voting commenced.” According to him, aspirants were not briefed and their agents were equally not accredited, saying that “the electoral panel should have met with all the aspirants where they would be fully briefed on the detailed procedures for the election to verify any doubt on issues be-

fore the commencement of voting.” Such meeting, he said, would have provided the avenue for the accredited agents to be authenticated in the exercise now under contention. “The venue of the election was taken over by thugs wearing usher and protocol tags, who were brought into the venue to cause mayhem in the name of being officials in the election.”

SURE-P engages 400 graduates in Borno MAIDUGURI

GOMBE

he Accord Party (AP) in Gombe State has promised to provide massive recruitment, empowerment and a better life to the people if its candidate is elected governor in the 2015 general election. The governorship candidate, Alhaji Abuakar Ibrahim Hashidu, made the promise after his election as the consensus candidate of the party in the

MAKURDI

hairman of the defunct Capital Market and Other Institutions and member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Herman Hembe, yesterday emerged APC's flag bearer for Vandeikya/Konshisha federal constituency. Hembe, who scored 280 votes to defeat his rival and member of the Benue State House of Assembly, Mrs. Dorathy Mato, who scored 196 votes, is to confront Mr. Abraham Hon, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in next year's general election. The primary election, which was inconclusive as a result of crisis, was held in Makurdi amidst tight security.

Musa Pam JOS

L-R: Chairperson, Immigration Officers' Wives Association (IMMOWA), Plateau State chapter, Mrs. Ngozi Ray-Jaja; National Provost of the association, Mrs. Anugwa Stella and National President, Mrs. Anna Parradang, at the inauguration of the Plateau chapter in Jos …yesterday

Ortom dumps PDP, picks APC guber form Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

he immediate past Minister of State for Industries, Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom, yesterday renounced his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), pitching his tent with the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he picked party’s nomi-

AP promises better life in Gombe Ben Ngwakwe

Cephas Iorhemen

Plateau rakes in N6.478bn in 10 months

Ahmed Miringa he Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) has engaged 400 unemployed graduates in Borno State under the Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) of the programme. While declaring this in Maiduguri yesterday, SURE-P Chairman, Gen. Martin Luther Agwai, who was represented by Hajiya Salamatu Manga, the state coordinator of the programme, said the graduates are expected to work under firms for a period of 12 months while the Federal Government will be paying them a stipend of N30, 000 each to them every month throughout the duration of the programme. He said: “The GIS programme seeks to partner with employers of labour in engaging unemployed graduates in the country, adding that for 12 months, the Federal Government will pay them a monthly stipend of N30, 000 each for the period.

Hembe emerges APC candidate

primaries held at the party’s secretariat yesterday. According to the politician, who is from Hashidu, the home town of the former Governor Abubakar Habu Hashidu, said “the youths are the leaders of tomorrow, neglecting them today means putting tomorrow’s gains on the line.” He condemned the level of unemployment in the country and the way politicians are taking undue advantage of the people, saying his party would

nation form to contest governorship election. The former minister failed to secure the PDP governorship ticket, having polled 111 votes to place third in the keenly contested primaries that saw the emergence of Governor Gabriel Suswam's preferred candidate and former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Terhemen Tarzoor. Already, more than

three APC aspirants in the race, including incumbent member of the House of Representatives for Makurdi/Guma constituency, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Jime, Senator Joseph Kennedy Waku, former Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Internal Affairs in the Akume administration, Mr. Akange Audu and one-time Head of Service in the state, Mr. Mike Iordye, among others, stepped down for

Dankwabo: We’ve improved on education Ben Ngwakwe GOMBE

ombe State governor, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, said the state has taken measures to reverse the condition of the educational system they inherited, which was characterised by lack of infrastructure, poor performance of the students in WASC/ NECO examinations, inadequate number of teaching staff and over-

crowded classrooms that made teaching and learning a herculean task. Speaking at the presentation of two documents containing the Gombe State Strategic Education Sector Plan (SESP) and State Education Sector Operation Plan (SESOP) to the Ministry of Education to serve as a rolling plan for educational transformation in the state, the governor said no society grows beyond the level of its education.

Ortom. As a prelude to his defection, Ortom, who was schemed out of the PDP by the governor over his (Suswam's) strained relationship with his predecessor, George Akume, held talks with the top hierarchy of the APC, when he resigned to realign forces with his former political godfather and leader of the APC in the state, Akume, among other allies.

lateau State government yesterday said it has generated N6.478 billion as its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from January to October this year. The Chairman, Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS), Mr. Samuel Pam, told journalists yesterday in Jos. Pam, who took the mantle of leadership of the service in June last year, described the feat as commendable and encouraging. While giving an overview of the collection data, the chairman said that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) generated N1.906 billion while the service garnered N4.572 billion. He further said the highest revenue collected was in May with N813, 033,465.27 while the lowest was N567, 660,813.37 which was recorded in April.

Badaru wins Jigawa APC ticket Dahiru Suleiman DUTSE

he immediate past National Chairman of the Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture and APC gubernatorial aspirant in Jigawa State, Badaru Abubakar, has been declared the winner of the APC gubernatorial primaries in the state. Abubakar, who polled 2, 650 votes, defeated two

other contestants, Ubale Hashim, who scored 1, 250 and Saleh Shehu, who polled only three votes. Announcing the result in Gumel, the APC electoral officer-in-charge of the party's gubernatorial primaries, Alhaji Yusuf Abdullahi said Abubakar scored 2,650 votes out of the 4, 360 votes cast. According to Abdullahi, Abubakar is the elected APC gubernatorial candidate for the 2015 gubernatorial elections from Jigawa State.

News

WORLD | News

Obanikoro’s supporters protest in Lagos, seek Jonathan’s intervention Wale Elegbede

ver 500 supporters of the former Minister of State for Defence and a PDP governorship aspirant in Lagos, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, yesterday embarked on a peaceful protest across the Lagos metropolis, protesting what they described as travesty and political manipulation that fa-

voured the candidacy of Mr. Jimi Agbaje as the flag bearer of the party in next year’s governorship election in the state. The disgruntled supporters, who carried placards with different inscriptions, said they were seeking the immediate intervention of President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Muazu urging them to cancel what they

described as ‘immoral’ primaries and fix a date for a rerun with electoral officers, who are above board and upright. The Coordinator of the peaceful protest, Mr. Olayinka Sotade, told newsmen that the PDP as the largest party in Africa should show good example by promoting internal democracy as against the manipulations and impositions orchestrated by the leader of the party, Chief Bode George.

Chibok: AU Commission pledges support to rescuing girls Yekini Nurudeen, Ladi Patrick Abuja

fter several months of the abduction of the girls of Girls Secondary School, Chibok by insurgents, the African Union Commission has pledged its support in the fight against terrorism and also towards rescuing the girls. That was even as the BringBackOurGirls advocacy group called on all the political office seekers and

party flag bearers ahead of the 2015 elections to explain to Nigerians how they intended solving the problem of insurgency in the Northeast and rescue the abducted Chibok girls. It also said it wants to end all forms of violence against women in the country. The Special Envoy for Women, Peace and Security of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mrs Bineta Diop, who gave the assurance yesterday during an interactive session with a

network of women non governmental organisations in Abuja, said AU was willing to help in finding solution to the issue.  According to her: “One of the objective of our mission to Nigeria is to discuss with women from the north and we have been discussing with both men and women. We are just here to understand what the issues are. We are here to say how can we help to contribute to the solution.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

CIA torture sparks world outrage, demands for justice

damning report on the United States’ brutal treatment of War on Terror detainees triggered worldwide condemnation and calls for CIA agents and senior officials to face justice. That US interrogators tortured Al-Qaeda suspects in secret jails was known, but a detailed Senate report into the scandal was seized upon by America’s shocked friends and gloating enemies alike. China and Iran, whose own human rights records have often been criticized by Washington, denounced the abuses but so did Germany and the new pro-US leader of Afghanistan. “Such a gross violation of our liberal, democratic values must not happen again,” German foreign minister Frank-Walter

Steinmeier said, reflecting the embarrassment of Washington’s European allies. European Commission spokeswoman Catherine Ray welcomed the transparency of the report but warned that it “raises important questions about the violation of human rights by the US authorities.” America’s great power rival, China often on the end of US censure for its rights record was equally unimpressed. “We believe the US side should reflect upon itself, correct its ways and earnestly respect and abide by the rules of international conventions,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said. Sensing an opportunity to poke its traditional foe, Iran seized upon the report to throw

back some of the human rights criticism that its own notorious prisons regularly receive. Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei took to Twitter to declare the United States a “symbol of tyranny against humanity” -- not just in the CIA torture program but in domestic law enforcement. In next door war-torn Afghanistan, the new leader, who America hopes will work with it to ensure a smooth end to the US combat mission there, distanced himself from his ally’s excesses. “The Afghan government condemns these inhumane actions in the strongest terms,” President Ashraf Ghani told a specially convened news conference at his presidential palace in Kabul.

FG loses billions yearly to exam malpractice – JAMB Registrar Emmanuel Onani Abuja

he Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, yesterday lamented that billions of naira were being lost annually, to those he referred to as “examination malpractice practitioners”. Ojerinde also disclosed

that the Board was collaborating with The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), to provide a credible biometric data. The JAMB boss made the disclosures in Abuja yesterday, at the 11th Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Good Governance Forum. According to JAMB’s

helmsman, most parents are deeply involved in examination malpractice, as they are said to hire “touts” to help candidates. He also named secretariat staff, cleaners, subject officers among others, as aiding malpractice. His words: “Integrity is a critical way of fighting against corruption in examination.”

Ikere Dam to boost Oke Ogun ’s economy, says Senator

conomic fortunes of Oke Ogun area in Oyo State is about to change for good as the road leading to Ikere Gorge dam is undergoing reconstruction, while streetlight is being provided to give the road a face lift and provide il-

lumination at night. According to the Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Hosea Agboola, the Ikere Dam project that had been abandoned for more than 30 years ago, would be harnessed for the economic progress of the area.

The senator said that the water pipes, which the former President Shagari’s administration laid to boost irrigation farming would be refurbished and activated to enable farmers in Oke Ogun reap bumper harvest once the project comes on line.

Mr. Chef launches customer reward promo

igeria’s seasoning producing company, producer of Mr. Chef seasoning brands, has flagged off its customer reward promotion “Awuff Now, Now!”, which has been described as a bumper reward programme for all its customers across the country. Managing Director of Bayswater Industries Ltd, Mr Piyush Nair, ex-

plained that Mr. Chef launched the promo because it was important for the brand to sustain its excellent relationship with its loyal customers not just by offering them quality products but by giving them instant rewards for their unwavering patronage. He explained that the promo is open to all customers who get instant free gifts with every pur-

chase of Mr. Chef beef and chicken-flavour seasoning cubes. “This is ‘jara’ for all our customers. It will last until 31 December, 2014. It is a reward promo to celebrate the fruitful relationship between Mr. Chef and our teeming customers all over Nigeria in a manner that makes everyone a winner,” Mr. Nair said.

A damning report on the United States’ brutal treatment of Terror detainees has triggered worldwide condemnation and calls for CIA agents and senior officials to face justice.

Seven Somali women killed in ‘barbaric’ attacks

t least seven women have been killed in “barbaric” attacks in Somalia after Shebab insurgents beheaded a soldier’s wife, prompting revenge executions of women close to the Islamists, elders said yesterday. The Al-Qaeda-affiliated Shebab earlier this week snatched two women,a soldier’s wife and a chef for the government troops -before chopping the heads off both, elders in the southwestern Tiyeglow district told AFP.

“It was horrible, Al-Shebab killed two innocent women connected with the government troops,” said Aliyow Isack, an elder. In revenge, the widowed soldier and his colleagues rounded up women connected to Shebab fighters. “For the death of the two women, they arrested 10 women whom they said were wives of AlShebab militants, killing five before the elders rescued and freed the rest,” Isack added. Tiyeglow, in the Somalia’s war-torn Bakool re-

gion, some 175 kilometres (110 miles) north of the capital Mogadishu, was recently wrested from the Shebab by government troops, who fight alongside the UN-mandated African Union force. Shebab gunmen still control rural areas around the town and stage regular attacks, but the killings earlier this week shocked many in their brutality. “Can you imagine what happened? It was a completely barbaric act against humans,” said Mohamed Malim, another elder.

We’ll be back, Hong Kong protesters say

ong Kong police arrested pro-democracy activists and cleared most of the main protest site on yesterday, marking an end to more than two months of street demonstrations in the Chinese-controlled city, but many chanted: “We will be back”. Most activists chose to leave the Admiralty site, next to

the Central business area, peacefully, despite their demands for a free vote not being met. But the overall mood remained defiant. Hong Kong Federation of Students leader Alex Chow said: “You might have the clearance today but people will come back on to the streets another day.” Groups of up to four

police arrested holdout protesters one by one, hours after workers used wire cutters to remove barricades and dismantle bamboo scaffolding. Martin Lee, one of the founders of the main opposition Democratic Party, student leader Nathan Law, media mogul Jimmy Lai and legislators were among those arrested.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

Sports News

International Sport

Sports News

Oshoala anticipates three cup finals in Canada

Iniesta happy to secure home second

Copa Lagos: Pepsi Academy ready for Barcelona –Laloko

Sport

Did you know? Zlatan Ibrahimovic used to be a bike thief when he was younger

I won’t quit now –Nkwocha

l I still have so much to give

Nkwocha

Ajibade Olusesan

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Deputy Editor, Sports

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Editor, Sports

Ifeanyi Ibeh Sports Correspondent

Ajibade Olusesan Sports Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sports Correspondent

uper Falcons striker, Perpetua Nkwocha, has said that she is not ready to call time on her international career just yet. The 38-year-old striker has spent more than 15 years in the national team and has featured in four editions of the Africa Women Championship, three Olympics and three World Cup tournament appearances, making some pundits to advise her to quit the scene for younger players. But in an interview, the Sunnana SK of Sweden player said that she

still has some magic left in her boots and that her presence would continue to enrich the national team. “I am happy to have offered much to my country and I am also happy that many Nigerians appreciate my contribution to the national team, but I can also tell you that I still have so much to offer the country. “Those who have said I should retire don’t know the state of my physical and mental health and I can’t blame them. But I can still play at the top level for another three, four years. The upcoming players still

need somebody like me around to guide them; my experience will be useful to them and I can still help the team,” Nkwocha said. The four-time Africa Women Footballer of the Year also spoke on the team’s chances of qualifying from Group D of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup that has Sweden, Australia and former champions, the United States of America. She said: “It is a difficult group but I am confident that we will qualify and even go far in the tournament. We respect our opponents but we don’t fear them.”

SPORT

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Consequential realities of Afcon ouster

o most football fans in Nigeria, the exit of the Super Eagles from the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations is a near sacrilege. Fans have come to regard participation in the showpiece a “birthright.” This stems from the confidence fans had reposed on the array of professionals in the team. This optimism unfortunately, appears to have been unfounded, and this is worrisome. Nigeria has only won the continental trophy three times since inception in 1957 in Sudan. The three wins have not come with commensurate preparation to justify the victory. They were chance victories to say the least. While the first and second victories in 1980 and 1994, somehow, could be hinged on some modicum of preparations by the handlers, the 2013 edition in South Africa carries a lot of question marks. The team was neither well prepared nor the things needed for success made available. The first victory in 1980 was when Nigeria hosted after several trial and errors. Fourteen years after – in 1994 in Tunisiawas when Stephen Keshi was the captain of the team with Coach Clemens Westerhof, the Dutchman who does not accept “no” for an answer as technical adviser. Before the 1994 victory, Westerhof had been well funded by the military leadership; he was given a clear mandate to

rebuild Nigeria’s football, and had spent years experimenting with the bulk of home-based players at his disposal. In the process of building these homeboys, a floodgate into Europe was opened for the players. The resultant effect that quickly followed was the qualification of the Super Eagles at the World Cup in 1994 in USA for the first time. The Super Eagles were so robust in their style of play and made it to the second round, losing to the Italian team. At the end of the tournament, FIFA rated Nigeria as the most entertaining football nation, next to Brazil, on account of our players brilliance, artistry, possession and masterly control of the ball. The 1994 feat was re-enacted at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, USA, as Nigeria won the coveted gold medal. Rather than capitalise on the rising profile and groom more homebased professionals, complacency set in as total reliance on foreign based players became the order of the day. This negative attitude, coupled with over reliance on certain players began to create a pool of lazy coaches who seldom want to do anything good to aid the development of the game. They would rather wait till 24 hours to crucial games, for the arrival of some professional players they totally depend on to open their camp for training. This unwholesome behavior

Around the Stadia 07039241156 (sms only)

These players began to look down on coaches. Consequently, a cult of power brokers who can afford to hold the nation to ransom at the slightest provocation emerged in the national team

made some of these foreign based players to develop the larger-thanlife attitude with attendant consequences. These players began to look down on coaches. Consequently, a cult of power brokers who can afford to hold the nation to ransom at the slightest provocation emerged in the national

My plans for U-23 – Siasia

team. Rather than show appreciation and gratitude to the nation that provides a platform for them to showcase their talent, the reverse proved to be the case. The nation was brought to its knees on a number of occasions due to one form of agitation or the other. Most prominent in this regard is the incessant allowance and bonus row. It is always whether to increase or not to increase allowances and bonuses for participation – whether the team wins or not. Their argument always remains that having answered the national call, the nation owes them entitlements as of right. The federal government has had to intervene on several accessions albeit that the football governing body is supposed to be autonomous. Once players engage in the usual face-off with administrators, the resultant effect is loss of concentration that leads to exit from tournaments. The 2014 World Cup is a case in point. The administrators however should not be left out of the blame. Rather than sit down

Oshoala anticipates three cup finals in Canada Charles Ogundiya

Ifeanyi Ibeh

ead Coach of Nigeria’s U-23 national team, Samson Siasia, has disclosed that his dream is to produce not only players capable of progressing to the Super Eagles but those capable of wearing Nigeria’s famous green and white shirt for up to a decade or more. In recent years, only a handful of players have been able to last for up to a decade in the national team with others mostly featuring for a few years before going into oblivion. Some of these players don’t even get to attain the age of 30 before fizzling out, no thanks to the age long problem of age cheats. But Siasia, a former star of the national team, who featured for the Super Eagles for over 13 years, from February 1984, when he made his debut in a World Cup qualifier against Liberia, right up to November 1998 in a friendly against Jamaica, said: “Some persons have questioned our decision to organise this screening exercise for both the home and foreign based players. “But from what we have on ground, I feel justified in the decision we took in going through this route to get a team for this country.” He added: “I beg Nigerians to believe in us and support this team, for our intention is to have a bunch of players who will be available for the nation for another 10 to 15 years, barring injuries.” Meanwhile, the number of overseasbased players currently in the U-23 team’s camp has increased from two to seven.

JOE BOOSTER

and plan for the growth and development of the game by setting the right agenda and following it up, their preoccupation is on who gets what and the number of foreign trips they make to harvest over-bloated allowances. It is no longer a case of what one is bringing to the table to advance the game; it is rather what one can get to further one’s nest. Instead of strategising to generate money for the federation towards augmenting government subventions they end up mismanaging the little at their disposal. Perennial complaints of unavailability of funds to commence early camping for major tournaments for national teams are the order of the day. One of the resultant effects is the lack of reliable talents to replace aging ones or even to substitute injured players when occasion demands. Coaches are left at the mercy of situations and circumstances they find themselves. Modern football is predicated on flawless planning and purposeful leadership. Nigeria gambled to win the AFCON in 2013, with average players, and less- motivated coaches whose salaries were always paid in arrears. We must learn from the ouster rather than point accusing fingers. A man who does not know where rain began to beat him would still not know where it stopped to beat him.

Oshoala (Right) in action for Nigeria against North Korea keeper Min Yukyeong and defender, Lee Subin

Manu tasks team to be more ruthless

Manu

Ifeanyi Ibeh

hief Coach of Nigeria’s U-20 national team, Manu Garba, has called on his players to be more ruthless in front of goal, despite Thursday’s 4-1 defeat of Jamba Academy of Kaduna in a test match played at the Ahmadu

Bello Stadium, Kaduna. Although Manu expressed satisfaction with the numerous chances created by his side against the Kaduna-based academy, he charged his players to be less profligate in front of goal as they continue their build-up to next year’s African Youth Championship in Senegal. “We created many chances to score, but we failed to take most of them,” Manu said. “Probably the problem may be that we have been on break for over three months and so many of these players are now match rusty. “But in a proper game we may not create as many such chances and so the more reason why we must take most of our chances now.”

uper Falcons’ striker, Asisat Oshoala, has said that the Super Falcons will be playing three cup finals in Canada to be able to qualify from Group D ‘Group of Death’ of the 2015 Women World Cup. Speaking with our correspondent, Oshoala said the presence of two-time champion, USA, Scandinavian champion, Sweden and Australia in the same group as Nigeria should be an added

motivation for the team to excel at the competition. She however called on the Nigeria Football Federation to put everything in place for an early preparation for the team. “We have to start preparations from now because we are going to be playing three cup finals in order to make it to the second round. “It is not going to be easy because we have top opponents but I love challenges; we all love challenges. Every team has its plans and we have to be ready for them,” she said.

FIBA Africa ACCM: Sanctions loom over absent Pillars the needed funds to partici-

IfeanyiIbeh

igeria champions, Kano Pillars, face the possibility of being sanctioned by Africa’s basketball governing body, FIBA Africa, if they fail to arrive in Tunisia before their opening game of the Africa Champions Cup for Men, which gets underway on Friday in Tunis. FIBA Africa awarded Pillars a wildcard to the ACCM after the five-time Nigerian league champions failed to pick a direct qualification ticket from the FIBA Africa Zone-3 elimination held in October, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The Coach Sanni Ahmedhandled side are however having difficulties securing

pate in the continent’s biggest club competition owing to the reluctance of the state governor, Rabiu Kwankaso, to approve funds for the championship. It wasn’t until a few days ago that FIBA Africa confirmed Kano Pillars for the ACCM but regardless of the short timeframe failure to be in Tunis is likely to see the Kano side incurring the wrath of the continental body. Pillars’ wildcard came on the heels of its previous ACCM participation with the team’s star guard, Abubakar Usman, currently holding the record as the tournament’s highest scorer, a feat he achieved in 2013.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Mock Nations Cup begins in Lagos Charles Ogundiya

L-R: Vice Chairman, Lagos State Football Association, Tade Azeez, Director, Pepsi Football Academy Kashimawo Laloko presenting participation prize to PFA lad Mohammed Elegbede alongside the Brand Manager, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Segun Ogunleye(3rd left) at the Eko Beach Soccer League recently.

Copa Lagos: Pepsi Academy ready for Barcelona –Laloko Emmanuel Tobi

irector of Pepsi Football Academy, Lagos, Kasimawo Laloko, has expressed confidence in the abilities of his wards to challenge Barcelona at the 2014 Copa Lagos Beach Tournament which kicks off on Friday at the Eko Atlantic Beach in Lagos. “We have a lot to prove and we are representing not just Nigeria but the entire African continent. The best place to speak is on the pitch, when we get to the

pitch we will talk,” said Laloko at the Eko Beach Soccer League which came to an exciting end recently. Other Nigerian beach soccer teams that will line up against Barcelona include Enyimba of Aba and Stationary Stores of Lagos. Pepsi Football Academy, the oldest and biggest football academy in Nigeria has continued to demonstrate leadership as it is the first Academy in Nigeria to play in the internationally recognised COPA Lagos Beach Soccer tournament.

he 29th edition of the Mock African Cup of Nations football championship has kicked off in Lagos. A total of twenty teams are participating and have been divided into six groups, including Ethiopia, the defending champions of the 2013 edition, and other top teams such as Nigeria, Congo, Ghana, Cameroun, Egypt, Tunisia, Kenya, Mali and Zambia. Speaking with journalists, the founder of the grassroots championship, Lawrence Alabrah, promised that this year’s edition would be better and bigger than previous editions in terms of organisation and standard of play.

“You know that this championship is renowned for producing top class players for this country in the past, including the likes of Henry Nwosu, Dipreiye Teibowei, Emmanuel Amuneke, Gabriel Okolosi, Benjamin James,Mathias Enebeli,Paul Imomoh and several others. And we are bent on continuing the tradition,” Alabrah enthused. He however, expressed his gratitude to the state government for the support the championship had enjoyed in the past, while pleading with the government not to stop supporting such grassroots initiatives. The competition which started on December 6th, is expected to end on January 4th, 2015.

Korean Ambassador Taekwondo begins today

thletes across the country will on Friday converge in Lagos for the commencement of the 5th Korean Ambassador Taekwondo Championships holding at the Mobolaji Sports Centre, Rowe Park. The three-day tournament is part of the efforts by the Korean Government to strengthen ties with Nigeria and it is expected to unearth new talents for Nigeria in

taekwondo. Among the events to be competed for at the tournament are Team Event (Kyorugi) and Poomsea and over 200 athletes are expected from teams from all over the nation, including the armed forces and para-military sports units. According to the Secretary General, Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Michael Ubot, the tournament would

help to put the athletes in shape for the 2015 All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville. The tournament will be retaining its unique team fighting and team forms format and is sponsored by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea with support from LG, and Samsung Electronics. This is the first time the two electronic giants are coming together to support the same event in Nigeria.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014

Forward Nigeria, as 2015 beckons Vantage

Point

EMEKA MADUNAGU emeka.madunagu@newtelegraphonline.com

inally, Nigerians now know they have to choose between President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party and Maj-Gen. Mohammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress in the 2015 election. It’s been months of speculation about whether both men would get to square off for the second time at the ballot. Over the last two years, there have been speculations that both men would not likely run, for different kinds of reasons. From the mundane to the serious, all kinds of permutations were abroad about why and how both men would not run. Indeed, at separate fora, Jonathan and Buhari had declared that they would not be on the ballot for the 2015 presidential election. For Jonathan, four years was enough for any elected public officer to make an impact and so there was no need to see a second term in office. For Buhari, running in the presidential election for the fourth time would amount to a waste of time, given the complexities and fraud that had characterised previous exercises. Interestingly, both men are to square off on Valentine’s Day in 2015, a day marked globally by many as a day to show love to others. The weeks ahead will surely prove to be interesting because in the runup to the presidential primaries of the PDP and APC, it has been really acrimonious and bitter. So much vitriol had been thrown around that atimes I wondered whether there was anything more than a mere election at stake.

Really, the commentary of many Nigerians, especially educated professionals on social media and on various channels has been really unsettling. Elections are not a ‘do-ordie affair’ but are a test of strength and acceptability for candidates of parties. It’s no surprise that popular leaders like Winston Churchill, Jimmy Carter, Nicholas Sarkozy, George Bush Snr. did great things but were routed at subsequent polls. That they were widely acclaimed for their exploits did not count when they tried to seek a fresh mandate. Such is the nature of politics! Sentiments aside, there is no doubt that Jonathan and Buhari are patriots, with the best interest of Nigeria at heart. Therefore, Nigeria is blessed to have two men deeply interested in taking her to greater heights running in the presidential election. Both men have served the nation at different levels in the past and acquitted themselves creditably. Paired with others in power, as in the case of Jonathan as vice-president to Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua, and Buhari as head of state and Tunde Idiagbon as his deputy, they were regarded as being the weaker half. Both men come from relatively obscure states in the nation. Both men happened upon power accidentally, in their first romance with the apex of political power in Nigeria. Now, both men have a mission with history: They should urge their supporters to sheath their swords and conduct peaceful and issue-driven campaigns. The quantum of verbal attacks hurled out of both camps has been horrible and unnecessary. We

Jonathan

Buhari

It all boils down to one thing: Nigerians have allowed a culture of intolerance to breed much bile in them that they forget how to be civil in public and private discourse want to see a stronger nation after the 2015 presidential election, not one torn into pieces because of a mere revalidation exercise. Indeed, Nigerians ought to rise beyond primordial sentiments to demand cogent and credible solutions to our national challenges from both men. Since PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, has thrown the challenge to Buhari to attend a debate with Jonathan, I believe millions of Nigerians would be looking forward to such a forum. Let’s debate issues and stop running people down. All the talk about Jonathan being clueless and Buhari being a religious bigot will not help our nation because there is no record of any great leader having achieved enviable heights all by himself or herself. All that is needed is a selfless and dedicated individual who surrounds himself or herself with a team of brilliant chaps and you would make a success of governance. I believe Nigerians shortchange themselves painfully when they focus on attacking personalities. It amounts to a waste of time and an exercise in futility when you spend time mocking a politician simply because you don’t like him or her. I would rather spend time examining the programmes and antecedents of a politician rather than cook up lies and circulate falsehood because I don’t support such a person. It does me no good but rather exposes me as someone lacking intellectual rigour to interrogate issues. That is the stuff of what you find among Nigerians on social media, including some who by virtue of their pedigree and standing in society ought to be more elevated in their expressions. When a commentator, in reference to Jonathan being challenged by Buhari as ‘light versus darkness,’ I wonder what such a person is really after. How do you explain your description of Buhari as darkness and Jonathan as light? How would you situate such a ridiculous postulation when there are Nigerians like myself who have not enjoyed public power supply in the last six months? Is it in tune with his description of Jonathan as ‘light’ that many retirees are being owed arrears of pensions? Is it in line with his description of Jonathan as ‘light’ that ordinary Nigerians still grapple with tough economic challenges and are being asked to pay for the excesses of visionless politicians by preparing for austerity measures? Surely, despite his avowed love for Nigeria, Jonathan has around him many chaps who don’t wish him and this nation well. They believe that

the best way to project Jonathan as the ‘cure-all’ to Nigeria’s problems is to describe his opponents in the worst terms possible. When they throw such barbs at Jonathan’s opponents, the latter in turn deploy equally heavy verbal missiles at Mr. President. It all boils down to one thing: Nigerians have allowed a culture of intolerance to breed much bile in them that they forget how to be civil in public and private discourse. I believe the time has come for Nigerians to individually and collectively decide to move away from politics of bitterness to politics of ideas. No doubt, Jonathan has had to contend with some tough issues that predated his administration. It’s not easy for an administration to cope with an insurgency and at the same time adequately address other pressing national challenges. We must now begin to interrogate the manifestoes of politicians and situate the responsibilities of political office-holders properly. There is the pressing need for a restructuring of the federation so that the Federal Gover nment doesn’t have to delve into primary healthcare and primary education, which are the responsibility of local governments. Fiscal federalism is also imperative at this time that states and local governments can neither pay their workers nor fund projects. The goal must be that every Nigerian is important. Every Nigerian counts. No Nigerian child or adult must be left behind. So, in choosing the next president, Nigerians must begin to address those issues that affect them and demand realistic answers from Jonathan and Buhari. Anything to the contrary will amount to spitting into the wind – it ends on your face. Obasanjo’s ‘My Watch’ Since ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo publicly presented his three-volume book ‘My Watch,’ it has generated different reactions. The revelations in the book are as unnerving as they are shocking. Instead of calling Obasanjo names or describing his book as hogwash, the interested parties should push out their own books too. I wasn’t comfortable with the fact that there was an attempt to stop the publication of the book by some interested parties. Whenever you try to stop the publication of a book, you end up making it popular. In these days of growing internet usage, it makes no sense to obtain an injunction in one country against the publication of a book, when it can easily be procured online from numerous sources. Like the revered late novelist, Prof. Chinua Achebe, once said, “If you don’t like my story, write your own.” I would be so glad to read a book authored by President Jonathan on his journey through public office. He should find time to respond to the issues raised by Obasanjo and other authors like a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai; and Chair man of THISDAY Editorial Board, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi. Nigerians need to know more about how this country has been governed since Independence.

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Re: The ‘two worlds’ in Nigeria GUEST COLUMNIST Larry N. Ekeh

s a country, Nigeria is one huge paradox, being so very richly blessed in both material and human resources and yet is counted among the poorest of the poor countries of the world. At some time in her history she was the seventh largest producer/exporter of crude oil. Today she is being touted as the largest economy in Africa and 26th largest in the world. With such stellar characterization, one would have expected the living standard, which is the visible gold standard of measurement of development and growth anywhere in the world, of most Nigerians to be average at the very least. But what do we have? Nigeria falls far behind in all the human development indices – poverty ravages the land in evidence of which are poor healthcare facilities, unacceptably high maternal mortality rate, near total absence of necessary amenities (like electricity and water), poor road and transport infrastructure, massive unemployment and those in employment do not earn living wages. The list goes on ad nauseam. And one wonders why. Professor Nkemdilim Nnonyelu was absolutely spot on in his analysis of the situation in his scholarly and thought-provoking piece entitled “The ‘two worlds’ in Nigeria” published in his column Ivory Glory in the soar-away New Telegraph newspaper of Friday December 5, 2014. Using the praxis of desegregating development in Nigeria, he clearly identified two worlds, namely “Government development” and “people’s development” which I here-in take the liberty to rechristen “Their World” and “Our World” respectively. “Their World” comprises government be it local, state or federal, and its agents and agencies. Their primary duty and responsibility should be the security and wellbeing of those inhabiting “Our World”. This is achieved by the instrumentality of programmes and policies formulated by “Their World” who ideally should, in doing so, be guided by the interest and collective good of the peoples of “Our World”. Unfortunately, the Nigerian situation is anything but ideal, for rather than live up to their duty and responsibility the peoples of “Their World” know only self and, therefore, cater for both the interests and inanities of their own whilst pontificating to the contrary. Were we not at some time in our recent history told that the IMFinspired Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) was the best and only economic tool to take us to Eldorado? Remember the slogan “There is no alternative to SAP”? We ended up sapped and thoroughly worsted. From an exchange rate of about one naira to the dollar, our currency has been on free fall ever since, with the

attendant inflation and its deleterious effect on our standard of living. From being able to afford brand new things, we took an unedifying descent to secondhand (Tokunbo) everything- cars, household/sanitary wares, clothes, shoes etc etc which, in our attempt to hide our misery, we often qualify as “clean” or “very clean”. Pray, what can be clean about a secondhand stuff ? In the last fifteen or so years, Nigeria made unbelievable wealth from crude oil but the more money the country made, the higher the misery index of the peoples of “Our World” rose. Claiming it needed more money to take care of the needs of “Our world”, “Their World” introduced the policy of deregulation of the down stream sector of the oil industry. By that the local prices of petroleum products became ‘dollarised.’ Not yet done, “Their world” later claimed the deregulation of oil industry was partial and that as a consequence the nation was losing valuable money “due to subsidy”. So, in came subsidy removal as a policy. We know it is all a farce but the effects of those policies are not farcical; they are real. With a situation of epileptic supply of electricity and the price of diesel shooting through the roof, the manufacturing sector (the real sector) of the Nigeria economy has virtually collapsed and thousands of jobs lost. What do we see in “their world”? Naked prebendalism, conspicuous consumption and primitive acquisition! Today, the price of crude oil has fallen to an all time low. As a conse-

Today, the price of crude oil has fallen to an all time low. As a consequence, the projected earnings of the country have dipped, sign- posting austere times ahead

Ekeh

quence, the projected earnings of the country have dipped, sign- posting austere times ahead. “Their World”, thus, sings a new mantra-austerity measure. I ask, austerity measure for whom? For them? Trust me, no it would not be for them. Will the size of government /bureaucracy reduce? For instance, will it mean the end of having a minister and “minister of state” for the same portfolio? Will it affect their emoluments, perquisites and their other silly allowances? Will their convoys reduce? Not on your life! But it (austerity measure) will surely impact adversely on ”Our World”. Projects will soon become abandoned “due to lack of funds”; prices of goods and services will rise and scarcity of life’s essentials will kick in; the local prices of petroleum products rather than drop now that crude oil price has fallen, will still rise because subsidy will finally be removed as government will claim it can no longer afford it. I agree with the professor that “it will be foolish to expect that western apologists will lead us out of the wood”. We may castigate the IMF, World Bank and all the other members of the Brettonwood Institution for being partly responsible for our woes on account of their policies which our leaders pretend to understand but do not and if they do, ill-digest but inflict them on us, all the same. So, it is our fault. Our salvation, therefore, lies with us; it is in our hands. After all, it is said that the best place you can find a helping hand is at the end of your arm- your own hands! If and when Nigerians realize that sovereignty resides with them and they, as a consequence, proverbially hold both the knife and the yam of power, they will stop accepting everything their leaders throw at them. They would exercise their puissance and begin to call those in Nigeria’s first world, “their world”, to account. They would demand answers as to why our refineries are not working to optimal capacity after many rounds of turnaround maintenance (TAM) and we now have to depend almost hundred percent on importation to meet our

domestic needs for fuel. They would insist on knowing why no private refinery has taken of years after their promoters collected licences for them yet, now and again, we read in the news that security operatives discovered and destroyed so – called illegal refineries. This simply confirms what is common knowledge that petroleum refining is not such a difficult science after all but the Nigerian state (those in Nigeria’s first) make it look like rock science. Clearly, then, it is all conspiracy –their conspiracy against the rest of us – which is fueled by mindboggling corruption and the rapacity of our so-called minders, the ruling class, irrespective of the name they choose to go by, the colours of their flag or their symbol of identity; like Nnonyelu observed, they are all the same- leeches who gorge themselves on the blood of the nation while the masses become anaemic and die needlessly. Nnonyelu was again right when he said their quarrels are not about “ our world “ but rather about themselves or the advantages they seek. The very recent case of the Speaker of the Federal House Of Representatives Hon Aminu Tambuwal throws this into bold relief. When the quarrel between him and his former party the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) broke out, I told friends it had absolutely nothing to do with the masses or democracy. My argument sounded too simplistic to be believed. I had argued that it was all about one man’s quest to retain the title “ His Excellency” and all the perks and privileges that go with it at the end of the current republic . I had reasoned that if Tambuwal had remained in the PDP, He would most likely win the Party’s nomination, contest and return to the House but there was no guarantee that he would remain the Speaker. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has gained ascendancy in Sokoto state, his home state. So, in his calculation if he decamped to APC and contests for the position of Governor of his state , he would very surely win and that way would be in a position to remain “ His Excellency”. That postulation is gradually but surely coming to fruition. So they can fight, jump walls, scale fences and get tear- gassed; it is all about self – themselves! The sooner we realize this and ingrain it in our psyche the earlier our journey to redemption will commence. Therefore, like Nnonyelu advised “ the people, inhabitants of Nigeria’s second world(‘our world’ ) must gird their loins and say no to the destruction of their future….. (for) after all ultimate sovereignty rests with the people and it is through the consent of the people (‘our world’) that government itself (‘their world’) obtains legitimacy.” Ka Chineke mezie okwu (apologies to Chief Zebrudaya). • Ekeh is a pharmacist and public affairs commentator.

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