Binder1 11 november, 2014 by Newtelegraphonline

SATURDAY

Sanctity Of Truth

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

/newtelegraph

Vol. 1 No. 266

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

N150

Court freezes Abacha’s €5.2m bonds in Ireland }6

Yobe Boko Haram massacre

l47 killed, 76 others injured lAir Force jet crashes in Yola Anule Emmanuel, Johnchuks Onuanyim, Hassan Jirgi and Ibrahim Abdul

early seven months after Boko Haram abducted over 200 schoolchildren in Chibok,

Borno State triggering global outrage, the sect yesterday attacked a school in Potiskum, in neighbour-

ing Yobe State, killing at least 46 people. A suicide bomber, masquerading as a student of

Government Senior Sciences Secondary School (GSSSS), Potiskum in Yobe State detonated a bomb-

laden vest strapped to his body killing himself and 46 others. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Telegraph Adam&Eve

NEWNEW TELEGRAPH SUNDAY TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, NOVEMBER2014 11, 2014 9 NOVEMBER,

Jonathan As President of Africa’s most populous nation, he needs no introduction. Dr l e Samu Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, our celebrity Telegraph Adam, is a former university lecturer, Height:who 6ft became the Deputy Governor of his home state, Bayelsa, inand 1999Reading and later, Hobbies: Playing Football the Governor. He was subsequently electState: Anambra ed the Vice-President of Nigeria in 2007, Profession: the Model and succeeded late President Umaru E-mail: rumpleontop@yahoo.com Yar’Adua in 2010. He ran on his own steam in 2011, and elected into the office of president. Check him out: Always, he trumpets his Niger-Delta identity globally through his dressings, complemented by his famous bowler hat. Starting from this edition, Telegraph Adam&Eve

Patience Mama Peace. That’s the sobriquet that is almost sticking to her like a second skin. Our celebrity Telegraph Eve, Dame Patience Jonathan, has in her own way stamped her 32 glamorous office of First personality Bust: on the Height: Lady. She has been6 in the forefront of the Weight: 45 crusade for the actualization of 30% quota Profession: Singer for women in governance, amongst other pet Loves meeting projects. Her preference for people, Nigerian fabrics hates pretenders is a strong statement about the ingenuity and creativity inherent in the Nigerian fashion industry.

ia Cynth

debuts. It’s a page for the young, lively, sexy, cute and daring male and female. If you fit the bill, send your profile, snazziest image, phone number and email to: editor.body&soul@newtelegraphonline.com or our corporate head office, No 1A, Enquiries: editor.body&soul@newtelegraphonline.com or our corporate head office, Ajumobi Close, Off Road, Ikeja. +234 (0)811-675-9770. 1A,ACME Ajumobi Close, Off Enquiries: ACME Road, Ikeja, +234 (0)81-675-9770.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

News

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

Air Force jet crashes in Yola CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Although New Telegraph gathered from eyewitnesses that over 50 pupils were killed, the police confirmed 47 dead, including the suicide bomber, in the attack that occurred at the school’s assembly ground at 7.35 a.m. The school, with about 4,000 pupils, is one of the most densely populated boarding schools for boys, located close to the General Hospital, Potiskum, and the second largest town in Yobe State. Seventy six others were injured in the incident which has drawn condemnations from President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President David Mark and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. It was learnt that the students had gathered for the morning assem-

bly when the incident occurred. The attack on the school came six days after a similar suicide bombing was targeted at members of the Shiite group, Islamic Brotherhood of Nigeria, also in Potiskum. Although, the town had witnessed several bomb and gun attacks from members of the Boko Haram sect in the past, it has of recent enjoyed relative peace. One of the schoolchildren who escaped from the attack but who asked not to be named, said 26 of those killed in the bomb blast were mostly between 12 and 15 years. A member of staff of the school, who spoke to New Telegraph on condition of anonymity, said he counted 45 bodies, including that of the bomber.

Speaking with New Telegraph from his bed at the General Hospital, Potiskum one of the injured pupils, Garba Ali, said he was at the assembly ground hall, when the explosion occurred. A resident of the Potiskum, Ibrahim Ahmed, told reporters on the telephone that security agents had cordoned off the scene of the attack. He said: “We heard a loud sound and since then, the area was cordoned off but ambulances have been going into the school to pick corpses and take the injured to the hospital. Potiskum has been in pandemonium since 7:45a.m. as a result of the attack on the school. “I can tell you all schools in the town have been closed now as parents have gone to pick their

children. There is wailing everywhere, especially around the school where the incident happened.” It was gathered that the yesterday’s attack threw parents into panic as they rushed to the school and other schools in the town to pick their children. All the schools in the town were desolate as the pupils and teachers had fled. Although no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, the blast is believed to be the handiwork of Boko Haram, which has been carrying out a reign of terror in the North-East for the past five years. The Yobe State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Markus Danladi, who confirmed the incident, said he would give details later. Condemning the attack, the president commiserated with the government

and people of the state and assured them that his administration was doing all it could to end the reign of terror in the country. The president, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, also sympathised with the bereaved parents. According to him, no matter how long it takes, the Federal Government will ensure that all those responsible for the senseless murder of so many promising youngsters and the continuing acts of terrorism across the country are brought to justice and made to pay for their atrocities. He also told Nigerians that despite the seeming setbacks in the anti-terror campaign, his administration remains fully committed to winning the war

L-R: Kogi State Governor, Captain Idris Wada; former Head of Service of the Federation, Mr. Steve Orosanye; Vice-President Namadi Sambo; Anambra State Governor, Mr. Willie Obiano and Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, at the first national conference on public procurement in Abuja...yesterday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN.

Police intensify efforts to rescue Ribadu Ibrahim Abdul Yola

he police have intensified efforts to ensure that Sani Ribadu, the younger brother of former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, is rescued from abductors. Ribadu, a former chairman of Yola South Local Government, was abducted on Sunday.

The spokesperson of the Adamawa State command, DSP Othman Abubakar, while speaking with newsmen in Yola yesterday, urged the general public to assist the force with relevant information that will lead to the arrest of the criminals. Othman said the abduction was carried out by three gunmen around 6:30p.m. of Sunday. “The three gunmen accosted the former chairman to

his farm along Yola-Fufore road and asked him alongside 12 of his workers to lie down. But four out of the workers have managed to flee the scene leaving Ribadu and eight workers,” he said. According to him, the gunmen had initially bundled Ribadu into his Toyota Thundra car but it suddenly stopped and the gunmen used a white starlet car to take him out of the town through the route leading to Mayo

Belwa Local Government. The police spokesman said they have intensified surveillance around the area where the crime took place even though they were yet to make any arrest, urging the general public to give the police adequate information that will lead to the arrest of the criminals. Also a family relation, who simply identified himself as Abba, said that the abductors took

away their victim and abandoned his car. “Up till this moment, there is no communication from them,” he said. It would be recalled that in July, gunmen riding on motorcycles abducted a German in Gombi town of the state. The police said no clue yet on the abduction until the Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, in a recent video claimed responsibility for the abduction.

against insurgency and terrorism. In his reaction, Mark decried the massacre of the pupils and described the attack as barbaric, inhuman. He said: “What is the offence of these innocent children? Even in warfare, there are boundaries. Even when enemies are known, women and children are usually spared, talk less of schoolchildren. “No matter the level of anger, it cannot be endless. Enough is enough. We must remember that no evil done to man by man would go unpunished, if not by man, certainly by the Almighty.” On his part, Atiku in a statement by his media office in Abuja, described the latest bombing in Potiskum as one too many. He added that the incident again underscored the need for the government at all levels, including elders and opinion leaders to find a permanent solution to the problem of insurgency. He said: “One expects that knowing the antieducation mindset of the perpetrators of these heinous crimes, the relevant authorities should have done their bit to ensure that at least, our educational institutions are provided with additional security.” He appealed to the terrorists to have a rethink and stop the bloodletting. Atiku expressed his condolences to the government and people of Yobe State, the management, staff and students of the school as well as the parents and guardians of the victims. Meanwhile, a military helicopter on surveillance mission yesterday crashed in Damare, a suburb of Yola, the Adamawa State capital. The scene of the crash is not far from the temporary camp of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) which is serving as a base for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the state. According to sources, the chopper went down in the early hours of yesterday after hovering in the sky for some minutes. “The helicopter crashed here in Damare, this (yesterday) morning and I don’t know if it is a military plane or not,” Manu Buba, a resident told reporters. It was learnt that five foreigners on board the illfated helicopter sustained varying degree of injuries and were said to have been CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

News

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Senate defers resumption for Jonathan’s declaration lPDP confident of president’s victory in 2015 Onwuka Nzeshi, Onyekachi Eze, Chukwu David and Emmanuel Onani

he Senate yesterday deferred its resumption, earlier billed for today, to tomorrow because of the official declaration of President Goodluck Jonathan to seek re-election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP). The Senate had on last Wednesday adjourned plenary session following the agitation by PDP senators protesting the alleged attempts by the president and PDP leadership to frustrate their re-election bid. But the Clerk of the Senate, Benedict Efeturi, in a statement yesterday announced the rescheduling of the resumption of the upper chamber for tomorrow. Although he gave no reason for the action, sources said the postponement was to allow PDP senators attend the president’s official declaration billed for Eagle Square, Abuja. Meanwhile, the PDP

has expressed confidence that Jonathan will win next year’s presidential election. The party is anchoring its optimism on the president’s stewardship. A strategic document prepared by the party sighted by New Telegraph, ahead of Jonathan’s declaration today stated that Jonathan’s performance and the weaknesses of the opposition aspirants had made the president the man to beat in the election. “Apart from being an incumbent who would not have to learn on the job, the president has delivered on set targets and he is stabilising the polity. “He has given hope to Nigerians by his perfor-

mance and his support of democratic structures. His support base is not regional or ethnic base, he is delivering on the objectives of the party and none of his opponents can claim to have widespread support base close to his own. You do not change a horse in the middle of a race,” the document stated. The party compared Jonathan with either former Head of State, Major General Muhammadu Buhari or former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, one of which is likely going to emerge as the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate and concluded that the president is in a pole position to emerge victorious in

the election. Also, Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Professor Rufai Ahmed Alkali, said the ruling party had done so much under the Jonathan administration and therefore had no fears about the forthcoming elections. Alkali who spoke at an inter-faith prayer session organised by the Goodluck Support Group (GSG), ahead of the president’s declaration, urged Nigerians to remain resolute in their support for the transformation of Nigeria for another four years. Also yesterday, the PDP described today’s declaration by the president as akin to the appearance of a champion on the stage.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, PDP said with the decision of Jonathan to declare for the 2015 presidency, it was inviting the opposition to a free, fair and non-violent contest. As part of preparations for the declaration, the police yesterday announced the diversion of traffic from the Eagle Square. The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Emmanuel Ojukwu, an Acting Commissioner of Police, said in a statement that the decision to divert traffic throughout the day is a proactive measure “to avoid breakdown of law and order in the area and Abuja at large.

19o C 18oC Cloudy

ABUJA

34oC

23oC

Partially Cloudy

PORT HARCOURT

23o C 18oC Storms

KANO

36oC

17oC

Sunny

ENUGU

31o C 23oC Storms

IBADAN

30o C 23oC Thunder Storms

CALABAR

28o C 22oC Storms

MAIDUGURI

ONITSHA

37oC 19oC Sunny

30o C 23oC Storms

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

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST LAGOS

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

L-R: Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Prof. Alkali Rufai; Chairman, Elders Council, Goodluck Support Group (GSG), Senator Ibrahim Mantu and Deputy Coordinator, GSG, Prof. Nick Ezeh, at an inter-faith session to herald President Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration to run for second term, in Abuja…yesterday. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

Court freezes Abacha’s €5.2m bonds in Ireland Ayodele Aminu

he Irish Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) has secured orders freezing Irish-held investment bonds worth 5.22million allegedly misappropriated by the family of former Head of State, General Sani Abacha. Earlier this month, the CAB according Irish Independent newspaper, obtained a temporary freezing order, under the Proceeds of Crime Act, from the High Court freezing investment bonds. The bonds were obtained with money illegally taken out of Nigeria, before it was laundered to Ireland, CAB said, via institutions in Switzerland,

London, and New York. CAB also claimed the bonds, which it said were in breach of Irish tax evasion laws, were linked to the late general’s eldest surviving son, Mohammed. The freezing order was obtained on an exparte basis with only the CAB side represented. Yesterday, representative of CAB, Benedict Ó Floinn, told Mr. Justice Raymond Fullam that the bonds are linked to the late general’s regime who took “an eye watering amount of money” from Nigerian. Counsel said CAB believed the money to acquire the bonds was illegally procured in two ways, before being laundered to Ireland.

The first method involved the regime directly taking funds from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the second involved foreign corporations operating in Nigeria. Counsel said the companies were informed by the general’s associates that contracts allowing them operate in Nigeria would be considered invalid unless the regime was “paid a percentage of the contract’s value” in order to re-validate them. After the CAB obtained the freezing orders, efforts to serve Mohammed, who has an address in Nigeria, with notice of the proceedings before the Irish High Court had been “thwarted”.

This, counsel said, was due to problems with internal conflict in Nigeria and Ebola in the West Africa region. Counsel asked that the matter be adjourned until an update on serving Mohammed can be provided to the court. The judge agreed to put the case back, with the freezing orders in place, to a date later this month. Abacha ruled Nigeria from 1993 until his death in 1998 and during his reign the late dictator, his family and their associates are believed to have looted N6.4 billion from the state coffers. The late general’s family has rejected these accusations.

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

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

FG raises the alarm on declining oil revenue, budget implementation lBlames states for depleting Excess Crude Account Onwuka Nzeshi ABUJA

he Federal Government yesterday raised an alarm over declining price of crude oil at the international market, declining revenues, warning that the situation appear

to have started straining the national budget, especially financing major development projects in the country. It said that the situation constituted a drawback on achieving a reasonable level of implementation of the capital component of the 2014 budget. Acting Chairman of

the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Chief Victor Muruako, raised the alarm at the Fiscal Governance Forum organised by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) to brainstorm on the uncertainties hanging around the Nigerian economy in the face of declining oil prices. Muruako represented

at the forum by the Head, Directorate of Policy and Standards of the Commission, Mr. Alex Ehikiou, observed that the declining oil prices would affect macro-economic indicators such as exchange rate, employment, trade balance, inflation, public accounts and stock market prices.

L-R: Editor, Investigation, New Telegraph, Mr. Isioma Madike (left), receiving his award as the Telecommunication Reporter of the Year from Director, Public Affairs and Communications, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Mr. Clem Ugorji, at the Nigeria Merit Media Awards (NMMA) in Owerri, Imo State…at the weekend. With them is Lady Nma Onyechere

76 others injured as Jonathan, Mark, Atiku condemn suicide attack CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

evacuated by ambulances belonging to the Nigeria Air Force for treatment. “Immediately after the crash, soldiers were drafted to the scene to cordon off the scene. The accident occurred around 9:30a.m. and immediately after the helicopter crashed, we rushed to the scene of the accident and discovered that the helicopter was carrying large arms and ammunition neatly piled in wooden boxes,” Buba added. Another eyewitness, who simply identifies himself as Mr. Garba Dauda, accused soldiers drafted to cordon off the area of maltreating the residents. He said one of the occupants of the crashed plane looked seriously injured and he was feared to have sustained fractures on his legs.

“We were trying to give the injured victims a helping hand when suddenly soldiers stormed the area and they apprehended some among us while others flee,” he stated However, journalists were prevented from reaching the scene of the accident by a heavy detachment of soldiers. One of the soldiers said they had orders from above not to allow anyone have access to the area. It was, however, learnt that five helicopters were sent to evacuate the content of the helicopter, suspected to be on a mission to supply arms to troops in the state. While confirming the accident, the spokesman, Adamawa State Police Command, Mr. Abubakar Othman, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said they received signals

about the air mishap and had since asked the DPO of the area to go and investigate. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) also confirmed the crash of a NAF helicopter - Shark 23 - which had taken off from the Yola International Airport. A statement yesterday by the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major General Chris Olukolade, said the helicopter, which was on a training mission, “executed a controlled forced landing,” few minutes after it took off. The statement, however, said no casualty was recorded from the incident while all the crew members had been evacuated. It added that an investigative panel has been set up to unravel the circumstances that led to the incident.

News of the helicopter crash came about two months after a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet went missing during routine operations in Adamawa State. The aircraft, an Alpha Jet (NAF 466), which went missing on September 12, was involved in the counter insurgency operation against the Boko Haram sect. In another development, the Federal Government yesterday assured the international community of the safety of their businesses in the country. The Minister of Interior, Mr. Abba Moro, told the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Michael Zenner, who visited him in Abuja that the Federal Government would continue to deploy all available resources to fight insurgency.

He blamed state governments for the depletion of the Excess Crude Account (ECA) through their insistence on sharing what should have been the reserves instead of allowing it to accumulate over a long period and serve as savings for the rainy day. Muruako explained that the ECA was originally intended to cushion the effects of the volatility of crude oil prices and not for random sharing as the states have reduced it to over the years. The Commission said that in view of the declining price of crude oil at the international market and the dwindling revenue accruing to Nigeria there was need to adopt a more stringent strategy of managing the ECA in order to save the economy from imminent danger. Muruako attributed the recent world crude market price declines on reduced demand levels from a number of European and Asian economies, substantial growth in domestic crude oil production in the United

States as well as the illegal oil bunkering particularly those coming from the Islamic State (ISIS) which is sold at a massive discount of as low as $25 per barrel. Meanwhile, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria made a reversal in their earlier position on privatisation of refineries and the removal of subsidy on petroleum products in the country. The coalition of CSOs which met at the Fiscal Governance Forum said they were now convinced that their campaigns against the two policies were rather a product of misinformation or lack of the real facts behind these policies. Lead Director, Centre for Social Justice, Mr. Eze Onyekpere, said that looking at the realities of the economy, it appeared that the civil society and labour goofed when they mobilised the populace against the policies of the Federal Government directed at privatising the refineries and removal of subsidy on petroleum products.

APC shifts timetable for primaries, convention Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has shifted its primaries and convention. According to a source from the national secretariat of the party, the national leadership of the party will meet today to fix new dates for the primaries and national convention. It was learnt that the new dates will ensure that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) first completed its primaries before the leading opposition party. “This will allow us to attract some aggrieved PDP members into the party. We will alter our timetable for the primaries in the face of new realities,” a source said. The source stated that the decision to shift the APC timetable was as a result of new dates for the PDP’s timetable for its primaries and national convention. New Telegraph had exclusively reported yesterday that the leadership of the opposition APC would

meet this week to respond to the new timelines for party primaries released at the weekend by the PDP. In the new PDP timetable, the national convention of the party to elect the presidential candidate will hold on December 10 as against the initial December 6 date. However, an APC source stated that for this reason, the party would no longer hold its national convention slated for December 8. APC had formerly scheduled its timetable as follows: State House of Assembly primaries, November15; House of Representatives primaries, November 24; senatorial primaries, November 29; governorship primaries, December 2 and national convention, December 8. But all these dates would be altered, the source stated. The former timetable of the PDP showed that the Senate and House of Representatives primaries were slated for November 22, governorship primaries November 29 while the national convention of the party was slated for December 6.

News

NATIONAL

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

FG saves N528bn from project reviews in five years lRecommends 180 firms for investigation

he Federal Gover nment has saved N528 billion from reviews conducted on some projects between 2009 till date. The reviews were conducted to ensure that their award of contracts for the projects conform to the Public Procurement Act. The Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement, Emeka Ezeh, disclosed this yesterday while speaking at the first national conference

on public procurement in Abuja. “From 2009 to date, the bureau has saved over N528 billion in project reviews, established a procurement cadre in the system and issued standard bidding documents for all classes of procurement; issued standard regulations for works, goods and services; established debarment and complaint procedures; translated the Act into Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba languages,” he told the gathering that

included Vice-President Namadi Sambo and governors. Ezeh added that the bureau had also so far recommended over 180 companies for investigation. He said the list of the affected firms was submitted to the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He said their offences varied from tax fraud to understatement of turnover.

“Over 180 companies have been recommended to ICPC and EFCC for investigation on matters bordering on tax fraud that included forgery, use of fake documents and understatement of turnover among others. “The states have been denied these benefits because they have no law on procurements. “In most cases where EFCC has investigated corruption cases involving contract award at the last point they will realise that the federal law

as it is today, does not apply to the states or local government,” he stated. Sambo who represented President Goodluck Jonathan at the event said the government had directed the BPP to begin contractors’ categorisation and classification, a process which he said was ongoing. He said during the 2015 financial year, any company not registered or categorised in the BPP database would not be allowed to do any business with the Federal Government.

2015: Atiku seeks support from Aregbesola Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

sun State Chapter Of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to give heroic reception to former Vice-president, Atiku Abubakar who is expected in the state this week. One of the chieftains of the party, who preferred anonymity, told newsmen in Osogbo yesterday that the leadership of the party are ever prepared to receive any of their members and assured that the visit would add to the progress of the party in the state.

CBN refunds N17billion, receive 4400 complaints Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

L-R: Publisher, Ovation, Mr. Dele Momodu; Chief Executive Officer, The Cable, Mr. Simon Kolawole; celebrant, Pastor Tunde Bakare; his wife, Layide; former Chairman, Punch, Chief Ajibola Ogunsola and Chairman, Nigeria REINSURANCE , Dr. Amos Akagba, at the diamond jubilee symposium entitled: ’The Role of Journalism in Nation Building” in commemoration of the 60th birthday of Pastor Bakare in Lagos …yesterday. PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

Court asked to stop PDP convention Tunde Oyesina Abuja

he Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has been asked to stop the planned national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) slated for December 10 and 11. The matter has, however, been listed to come up tomorrow before Justice Evoh Chukwu. The plaintiff, Aliyu Ayuba Gubrin, a House of Representatives aspirant from Adamawa State, in a motion on notice asked the court to restrain the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu from acting as the chairman of the party. The plaintiff through his counsel, Lilian Ojimma, in the suit marked FHC/AbJ/CS/821/2014 and dated November 10 contended that the resignation of the immediate past PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, did not comply with the provision of Section

47(5) of the constitution of the party which stipulates that 30 days’ notice be given to the National Executive Committee (NEC) by Tukur. Cited as defendants in the suit are the PDP, Tukur, Mu’azu and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In the suit, the plaintiff is praying for an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the PDP from holding its national convention slated for the 10th and 11th of December under the chairmanship of Mu’azu pending the determination of the suit. He also prays for an order of the court restraining Mu’azu from acting as the national chairman of the PDP pending the final determination of the suit. It will be recalled that two separate suits challenging the appointment of Mu’azu were withdrawn at the court and about two days later after the suits were withdrawn, a fresh suit was filed before the court, seeking

the ouster of Mu’azu as the party chairman. The plaintiff, in an originating summons, dated November 5 however challenged the purported resignation of Tukur. The PDP, through its counsel, Kwor Victor has filed a memorandum of appearance. In the main suit, the plaintiff is praying the court to determine whether the resignation of Tukur on January 15, 2014 duly complied with Section 47(5) of the constitution of the party. He also prays the court to declare that Tukur’s resignation is invalid for non-compliance with the constitution of the party and the Electoral Act 2010. The plaintiff further begs the court for an order setting aside the resignation of Tukur as the party chairman. Furthermore, the plaintiff is praying the court for an order stopping INEC from recognising Mu’azu as the chairman of the party.

Protest in C’River over demarcation of Nigeria/Cameroun border Clement James Calabar

here is looming crisis in three communities in Cross River State as the United Nations Technical Team on the demarcation of the border between Nigeria and Cameroun is expected to return to the state to mount pillar 113A in line with the judgment of the International Court of Justice. New Telegraph gathered that the team is expected to arrive Danare, Boki in Cross River State soon to mount

the missing pillar 113A. Although it is not clear when the officials will be in the state, but on hearing of their impending return, the affected communities, which include Danare, Biajua and Bashua, all in Boki Local Government of the state, took to the streets on Sunday evening, threatening mayhem should the team tamper with their natural boundary. The Clan head of Bashua, His Royal Highness, Micheal Owan Bedebe, who led the protest, threatened that no Boki land would be handed over to Cameroun.

Fani-Kayode knows fate November 17 Akeem Nafiu

ustice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of a Federal High Court in Lagos, will on November 17 rule on a no case submission filed by a former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, over a 40-count charge of alleged money laundering preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes

Commission(EFCC). At yesterday’s proceedings, Fani-Kayode’s lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Ifedayo Adedipe, drew the court’s attention to an application for a no case submission filed on behalf of the accused person including a reply on points of law, saying they were predicated on issues raised by the prosecution in their processes.

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it has received over 4,400 customer complaints and has facilitated the recovery and refund of N17 billion to customers since 2012 when it set up its Consumer Protection Department. This was disclosed yesterday by Hajiya Khadijah Kasim, Head, Consumer Education Division, who represented Mrs. Umma Dutse, the Director in charge of Consumer Protection Department of the apex bank, while interacting with newsmen to mark the commencement of the Consumer Sensitization and Awareness Campaign in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

Court disregards suit against Shippers’ Council Bayo Akomolafe

Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday struck out a suit brought by the Seaports Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) against the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), for non-compliance with the rules of court. The terminal operators under the aegis of STOAN had on October 31 secured an interim injunction stopping the NSC from implementing the directive on port charges. The Presiding Judge, Ibrahim Buba, said that the parties, which came by way of originating summons, did not tell the court the issues for determination. According to Buba, since the court could not proceed without knowing the right and interest of the parties which are inextricably tied to the question of determination, the court cannot proceed on the case.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2014

News

NATIONAL

Synagogue: Court to deliver judgment on inquest November 17 REST

The dead cannot yet rest in peace as litigation keeps their bodies in the morgue Akeem Nafiu

ays after he was approached to declare illegal, the inquest into the collapse of a guest house on the premises of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) which killed 116 people on September 12, Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday fixed November 17 for judgment. The judge fixed the

date yesterday after entertaining arguments from the applicant and the respondents. A lawyer, Mr. Olukoya Ogungbeje, has asked the court to halt further proceedings on the on-going Coroner inquest into the collapsed building on the grounds that its composition was laced with illegality. At yesterday’s proceedings, Ogungbeje adopted arguments in support of the suit and urged the court to grant the prayers as sought. Also, Mr. Kamar Bakare, who stood in for the Lagos State Government adopted the state’s counter-affidavit of

the respondents in opposition to the suit. In the counter-affidavit, the government explained that the inquest into the collapsed building was initiated due to public outcry on the need to investigate circumstances surrounding the death of about 116 people on September 12 in accordance with the provisions of the Coroner System Law of Lagos State, 2007 as duly passed into law by the Lagos State House of Assembly. To the government, the allegations as being canvassed by Ogungbeje in the suit were not only spurious but untrue as the inquest which was different from a regular court was

convoked on a fact-finding assignment to unravel what actually went down, especially as preliminary investigation carried out by the Lagos State Building Control Agency fingered the church. The preliminary investigation, according to him, had revealed that the church embarked on illegality when the project was ongoing as it never got approval for such additional structures on the collapsed building. Besides, the government said Ogungbeje lacked the locus standi to sustain the suit as he was neither a member of the church nor personally affected by the inquest.

It will be recalled that owing to the incident, the state had set up the Coroner Inquest and appointed Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe to preside over the inquest. The Coroner had swiftly swung into action and invited everyone that needed to be invited, when the lawyer (Ogungbeje) suddenly approached the Federal High Court to stop the proceedings of the Inquest. According to the suit, the applicant is contending that the composition of the Coroner’s inquest was a negation of the principle of natural justice and Section 36 of the Constitution, and as such it was unconstitutional, null and void.

L-R: Partner, Akindelano Legal Practitioners, Mr. Olayode Delano; Professor of Petroleum and Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Mosto Onuoha; Managing Director/CEO, SEPLAT Petroleum Development Company Nigeria Limited, Mr. Austin Avuru and Advisory Legal Consultant, Gbite Adeniji, at the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) 32th Annual International Conference in Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Nigerian media not weak, says Adesina Wale Elegbede

he President, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr Femi Adesina has said that the media in Nigeria is not weak as being speculated in some quarters. He said that the Nigerian press has always played critical role the life of the country despite the craving of the government that the media should turn a blind eyes to its ills. Speaking yesterday in

Lagos as a panelist at a symposium on “The Role of Journalist in Nation Building” which was held as part of activities to mark the 60th birthday of the Senior Overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, the NGE President said the populace would have been oppressed by the ruling class if there is no free media. He said, “What government wants is for the media to pretend that all is well but the Nigerian

media was born into activism. And the day it stops being activist in nature, that will sound its death knell. All through the history of this country, the media has always stood to be counted.” Adesina, who is the Managing Director of the Sun Publishing Limited, noted further that it was wishful thinking to feel that the media in Nigeria is intrepid or will be in the pocket of the powers-that-be, stat-

ing that the various ills in the nation has always been exposed by the media despite the challenges facing the profession. In his keynote address as the guest speaker at the symposium, the chairman, Editorial board, Thisday Newspaper, Mr Segun Adeniyi, said the nation building role of the Nigerian media is crucial more than before at this time as the country prepares for the 2015 general elections.

Lagos Assembly to INEC: You can’t disenfranchise Lagosians Muritala Ayinla

agos State House of Assembly yesterday kicked against the plan by the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) to bar those that do not have the Permanent Voters Card (PVC) from voting in 2015 elections.

The House, at their plenary, also called on the Attorney-General in the state to look at the legal implications of INEC’s decision to use only the PVCs for the 2015 elections, saying the constitutionality of such plans should be reviewed in respect of the majority that are still unable to get their PVC as the scheduled

date for collection lapsed yesterday. Speaking at the plenary, the House Majority Leader, Ajibayo Adeyeye, said he was unaware of any section in the Electoral Act that disenfranchises anyone on the ground of not having the temporary voter’s card and not the controversial PVC.

According to him, while majority in his constituency were still unable to get their voters’ cards, he had succeeded in getting his. He told his colleagues that he found that there is no difference between the two cards, except that one is plastic and the other paper.

Boko Haram Video: Tame Shekau now, BBOG tells FG Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

he BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) group has expressed worries over the continuous taking over of territories by the Boko Haram sect. It said President Goodluck Jonathan should rise to the occasion by taming the leader of the sect, Abukakar Shekau, who it said has been gaining more disciples through the conquered territories. One of the spokespersons of BBOG, Aisha Yesufu, who spoke for the group yesterday during its daily sit-out stated that more territories being conquered by the terrorists in the North East pose grave dangers to the country as many youths in the area are being forcefully recruited as Boko Haram members. She urged the President to break his silence on the position of insecurity in the country and tackle the menace head long noting that the Boko Haram group is gradually gaining more territories and taking over parts of the country and brainwashing people into believing its ways. “Each territory he conquers, the more he will get recruits. So many of the youths in the area have experienced riot, they have tasted blood and nothing has been done against them. Each territory he gets, he will have more youths to follow him,” Yesufu said.

Nigeria activates flight pact with Italy Wole Shadare

igeria has concluded plans to reciprocate flight operations to Rome, Italy under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) pact between Abuja and Rome. While Italy has activated its own part of the deal by designating Alitalia Airlines to Lagos, no Nigerian flag carrier is reciprocating air services to Italy, making it a one sided affair. This is however not the fault of Italy since no Nigerian carrier was willing to service the route, making Alitalia to enjoy monopoly and reaping bountifully from it. However, Nigeria’s flag carrier airline, Arik Air, said yesterday that it has commenced discussions with the government of Italy on how to consoli-

date the traffic approvals and bilateral rights to enable it begin flights into Milan or Rome next year. The chairman of Arik Air, Sir Joseph ArumemiIkhide, disclosed this yesterday when the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Fulvio Rustico paid a courtesy visit to the airline. Rustico, who was impressed with the facilities at the airline premises, said the Italian government would be delighted to grant Arik Air the necessary approval to enable it implement the remaining 50 per cent of the bilateral air services agreement Nigeria signed with Italy on the Lagos, Milan , Rome, routes. He described Arik Air as a formidable carrier that would boost the economic and diplomatic relationship between the two countries.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro

APC guber aspirant, 25 others arrested for murder Taiwo Jimoh

n All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant is among 26 persons arrested yesterday by the police in Lagos over the murder of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member. The PDP member, Sikiru Lamidi, 25, was killed on Sunday, at Ibeju-Lekki area of the state. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Kenneth Nwosu, who confirmed the incident, refused to disclose the name of the aspirant. Nwosu said that a pump action gun was found inside the governorship aspirant’s car. He said: “We have arrested 26 persons in connection with the killing of a PDP member. Yes, we also arrested a governorship aspirant and recovered a gun from his car. “He would now have to explain to the police how he acquired the gun. The man needs to tell us what he was doing with the pump action gun

found in his car and if his explanations are not satisfactory, we will charge him to court.” Lamidi was the electoral agent of the PDP at the distribution of the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The deceased was allegedly shot dead by some suspected thugs while he was monitoring the PVC distribution. It was also gathered that immediately the deceased was shot, the matter was reported at Ajiwe Police Station by his fellow members in the vicinity. The killing came weeks after the Commissioner of Police, Mr Kayode Aderanti, threatened that, “anybody, no matter how lowly or highly placed, found with illegally-acquired weapon must answer for it”. Reacting to the murder, a governorship aspirant’s group, known as Jimi Agbaje Campaign Organisation, alleged in a statement that Lamidi was killed on the orders of an APC chieftain.

Aderanti

My life in danger, says ex-Amuwo-Odofin LG chair Taiwo Jimoh

ormer Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State, Mr Ayodele Adewale, has raised the alarm over alleged threat to his life. Adewale, who said he was attacked by members of the Community Policing Youth Vanguard, said the police should be held responsible if he was eventually killed by the group. He alleged that his entourage was attacked during his ‘thank you’ visit to the All Progressives Congress (APC) members at 11 Road, First Avenue, FESTAC town,

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

on November 5. The immediate past chairman of Amuwo-Odofin said his vehicle was vandalised while his driver was severely beaten. This is not the first time that Adewale had alleged that he was attacked. A few months ago, he alleged that the same youth vanguard attacked him. He had been having a running battle with the youth, insisting that their creation and activities as people who should be monitoring community were illegal. Adewale, who addressed journalists in Lagos, said: “I was at the APC office, at First Avenue to thank our followers who had stood by us for the last six years, when suddenly these people stormed the venue and disrupted our activities. “I was on the podium, addressing the party members when I saw some members of the group, destroying the windscreen of my security patrol Hilux. They were brandishing charms and other dangerous weapons at the meeting. People scampered

FCTA, LG chairmen may clash over allocation deductions Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

The vandalised vehicle

to safety.” According to Adewale, the attack was led by one Okeshola and other members of the group. Adewale said that some APC elders were in attendance, including the person representing Amuwo Odofin Constituency 1 in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Sultan Adeniji-Adele and witnessed the whole drama. He said: “As we speak now, my driver is under life sup-

port at a private hospital. I have also reported the activities of the group to the present Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Kayode Aderanti. But I have yet to see any change from the group. “I have also written several letters to the State Security Service (SSS) and Lagos State House of Assembly, but this group is still operating freely without hindrances in the community.”

risis is brewing between the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and chairmen of the six Area Councils in Abuja over statutory deductions from the councils’ monthly allocations. Protest by the chairmen against the statutory deductions in the areas of primary school teachers, immunisation against polio and other sundry issues came to the fore last Tuesday when they stayed away from the monthly Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting with the FCT Minister of State, Olajumoke Akinjide. Only chairmen of Abaji and Kwali area councils were present at the JAAC meeting which was scheduled to start by 3pm but was called off at 5:36pm when it was clear that chairmen of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Kuje, Bwari and Gwagwalada area councils were not coming.

Metro 11

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2014

Robber steals ciborium after confessing his ‘sins’ Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

onfusion enveloped the Blessed Chapel of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Benin, Edo State, as robbers stole the golden ciborium. The incident occurred last Thursday moments after the “professional robber” confessed to his many years of atrocities against his numerous victims before the parish priest of the church. Investigation showed that the ciborium, used to preserve the Holy Eucharist, is worth several millions of naira. It was gathered that the stealing of the sacred item of worship containing the Holy Eucharist or its desecration is considered sacrilegious by the faithful and a special prayer session must be organised to seek divine intervention and mercy for those behind the incident. Already, the entire

A replica of the stolen ciborium

Catholic parishioners in the diocese are locked in a novena (a nine-day prayer session) because of the desecration of the Holy Eucharist. The robbery suspect, whose name could not be ascertained at press time, had stormed the church on First East Circular Road, Benin, where he sought to see the parish priest, Rev Father Bene-

dict Ebogu, for confession. The suspect also sought possible reintegration with members of his family and the society. He was said to have confessed to the priest that he was a professional robber for several years. The unsuspecting reverend father, who disclosed this to the congregation shortly after Sunday service, explained that the suspect had, after his confession, asked for God’s mercy and forgiveness since his family members had refused to accept him back. According to Ebogu, the suspect asked to be allowed to pray to be reintegrated into the lager society. The reverend father added that he asked the self-confessed robber to go to the Blessed chapel for prayer. But a few minutes later, the suspect emptied the content of the golden ciborium and fled with it.

Lagos residents protest shoddy distribution of PVCs

‘Forensic units will reduce violent crimes’ Juliana Francis

The late Akinsunmi

Ondo businessman dies at 63

prominent businessman in Ondo, Ondo State, Emmanuel Akintola Akinsunmi, is dead. One of the founders of The Knights, a socio-cultural club, Akinsunmi, 63, was the chairman of Tolem Nigeria Limited. The frontline businessman, who died on October 29, is survived by his wife, Abike Remilekun Akinsunmi,

four children namely Akinniran, Bodunrin, Tope, Akinlolu; a granddaughter and other family members. Service of songs holds on November 18 at his Lagos residence in OkeIra, Ogba, Ikeja while the wake keep will hold on November 20 at his Road 9, Fagun Estate, Ondo residence. His remains will be buried on November 21 at his Ondo residence.

Court dissolves 15-year-old marriage over infidelity

Muritala Ayinla

rotesters yesterday crippled activities at the Lagos State Governor’s Office and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office over the shoddy distribution of the Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) in Lagos. For several hours, visitors and government officials had hectic time before gaining entry into the Lagos State Government House as the main entrance gate was barricaded by the protesters, who demanded extension of collection of the PVCs to enable them to take part in their civic responsibilities. After a few hours, they were allowed to enter the Government House to express their dissatisfaction with INEC. The protesters, under the aegis of The Nucleus Group (TNG), were armed with various placards and were chanting solidarity songs. Some of the inscriptions on their placards read: “We Lagosians detest rigging, give us our PVCs,” “Lagosians reaffirm one man, one woman, one vote, give us our PVCs, period,” “Jega

Ayorinde Durojaiye

A The protesters at the Governor’s Office

be warned, don’t act FG’s script in Lagos,” “We say no to Mago-Mago,” ‘Una must give us our cards,” “The totality of Agege youth, women and men are demanding an extension for PVC collection,” “INEC, Agege demands more time for our PVC collection,” “Where is our 1.4 million PVC cards?” “We want free and fair election,” and “All Nigerians are equal.” Spokesperson of the protesters, Comrade Ademola Odusanya, alleged that INEC was planning to rig next year’s election, especially in states controlled by the All Progressive Congress (APC), which, according to him, informed the hoarding of

the PVCs. He said: “We hereby submit our hearty displeasure on the maltreatment and hardship which INEC has subjected Nigerians to in the ongoing distribution of the PVCs in the state. “We demand extension of the distribution of the PVC. We want INEC to increase its trained personnel to serve effectively in the densely populated polling boots.” Responding, Governor Babatunde Fashola, who led members of the State Executive Council to address the protesting residents, also expressed disappointment in the conduct of the PVC distribution exercise by INEC.

gege Customary Court yesterday dissolved a 15-year-old marriage after the wife, Mrs Abiodun Ojo, sought divorce on the grounds that her husband, Bayo Ojo, was promiscuous and unkind. The marriage is blessed with three children. Abiodun accused Bayo of being troublesome and disrespectful, showing no love to her and her family. But the husband, who was represented by a counsel, Mr Olorunsaye Kehinde, denied the allegations. He said: “All the charges are nothing but lies. She is doing this to leave me and my children because I was sacked from my place of work.” Bayo added that his wife was doing all that because her mother was pushing her to leave him because he was having financial challenges. But responding, Abiodun said that her husband’s financial status

had nothing to do with her decision to seek dissolution of her marriage. She explained how she had been beaten on several occasions owing to “little mistakes” she committed in the house. She said: “Ever since he lost his job, he has been drinking and maltreating his children and I as if we are the ones behind his predicament.” The woman showed the court some marks and bruises on her body to back her claims. Speaking with our correspondent after the marriage was dissolved Abiodun said that she was happy that she and her children were now free. She said: “I thank God we are free but I will still allow him access to his children anytime, any day.” The court ordered Ojo to pay N100,000 through the court register to his former wife within 30 days and N5,000 monthly starting from January 2015 to Abiodun’s bank account for the upkeep of their children.

he renowned security expert, Dr Ona Ekhomu, has called on the police hierarchy to set up a Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) unit in each police area command to improve criminal investigation. The units, according to him, will ensure successful detection and prosecution of perpetrators of violent crimes such as kidnapping, assassination, bombing and fraud. He said: “The CSI unit will conduct crime scene searches, scene sketches, evidence markings, crime scene photography, and the collection of physical evidence with appropriate chain of custody protocols adhered to. “It will also be responsible for the search and collection of physical evidence at crime scenes. These items of physical evidence include blood evidence, fingerprint dusting in search of latent prints, hair and fibre evidence, bullet casings, guns and knives, tools and inspection of bodies and any other physical evidence of probative value at the crime scene.” This is contained in a new book entitled: Kidnap – Face to Face with Death written by the first chartered security professional in West Africa, Ekhomu. The book is an incredible narrative of Ekhomu’s encounter with kidnappers and how he narrowly escaped death from an AK47 fire. In the book, which has been described as a seminal contribution to security awareness and public safety in Nigeria, Ekhomu x-rayed the criminal investigation structure and practice as conducted by the police, the Department of State Service (DSS) and the Joint Military Task Force on the investigation of his shooting and concluded that it was substandard. The present criminal investigation structure and process activities may not be able to resolve violent crimes. According to book, forensic analysis is totally absent at crime scenes. The book also calls for the setting up of a crime laboratory in each state police command where scientific crime analysis would be conducted in order to tie physical evidence properly collected from a crime scene to the perpetrator.

News

SOUTH-WEST

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Doctors disowns strike Sola Adeyemo IBADAN

L-R: Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi; state Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Joseph Okpo; former state Director, Mr Charles Ugwu and his wife, Chizoba, at the retirement thanksgiving for Ugwu in Ibadan

PDP committee disqualifies 47 in Ondo Babatope Okeowo AKURE

ourty-seven Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), aspirants for the Ondo State House of Assembly have been disqualified from contesting the party’s primaries slated for November 29 by the Screening Committee of the party. The committee in the certificate of disqualification issued to the aspirants, hinged its decision on the failure of the aspi-

rants to produce tax certificate, NYSC discharge Certificate and evidence of financial contribution to the party. But the aspirants under auspices of PDP Aspirants Forum, said their disqualification was to prevent them from contesting the primaries. Addressing reporters yesterday, the Chairman of the Ondo State House of Assembly PDP Aspirants Forum, Mr Adegunloye Benedict Adewusi, said there was no justification for their disquali-

fication as many of them had earlier been cleared to contest the primaries. Adewusi, said one of the aspirants disqualified for not producing discharge certificate, Mr Kolawole Ologede, is an Ordinary National Diploma(OND) certificate holder. According to him, many of them produced their tax clearance certificate and evidence that they were financial members of the party but were still disqualified. His words “none of the

old PDP members was cleared having fulfilled the provision of part 6 sub section 32 sub A-I. Labour Party people who just defected to our party were cleared. These people joined us after the party’s register had closed. “This is our party, some of us have been in this party since 1998. We will refuse the hijack of our party. We will resist the disqualification of any of our members based on any spurious reasons.” Similarly, the Director of Publicity of the PDP,

Mr Ayo Fadaka said “the National Secretariat sent a Screening Committee to screen aspirants wishing to contest into the House of Assembly, no sooner did members of that Committee arrive the State, goverment agents took them out of circulation, expectedly, their report disqualified all original members of the Party for sundry and untenable reasons which include the failure of an OND holder to supply his NYSC discharge certificate.

embers of the University College Hospital (UCH), chapter of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), yesterday refuted claims that it is part of the ongoing industrial action by the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP). Describing it as erroneous, the claim that its members are part of the strike, MDCAN, in a release signed by its General Secretary, Victor Makanjuola, and made available to journalists in Ibadan yesterday, said, “The NUAHP commenced an industrial action on the 16th of October over unresolved issues it has with the federal government which has resulted in minimal disruption of services so far in most public health facilities as reported in some national dailies”. The association, which assured Nigerians of being committed to the delivery of excellent health-care, equally noted that its attention had been drawn to the misinformation, deliberate or otherwise, of the general public about the group of health workers actually on strike. “This is to inform the general public that no group of doctors is on strike in UCH.

Protest in Ekiti over outage

Ekiti debunks APC’s claim on ‘stomach infrastructure’

Adesina Wahab

ADO-EKITI

esidents of Ifaki-Ekiti in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State, on Monday protested the nine-month of power outage in the town as they took to the streets. The protesters, mainly youths, also threatened to manhandle any official of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company sighted performing any official duty in any part of the town. What could have been a total breakdown of law and order was however averted as the State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, moved to pacify the people, promising to offset the N5 million out of the N57 million bill consumers were reportedly owing the electricity company. Fayose, who addressed the crowd amid cheers, pledged to install a transformer in the town to boost power distribution as soon as the reconnection is done. Fayose, who expressed disgust at the discomfort

the BEDC had caused the people said, “I will provide solution immediately. I appointed one of your daughters, Mrs Modupe Alade, as the SSG, that goes a long way to establish the respect I have for this community. “I need your cooperation. Don’t vandalise or destroy property. I am not a leader who is not insensitive to your plight. I will get to the root of the matter and provide solution,” he pledged. He urged the youths to allow the displaced BEDC officials return to work to fast track action on the electricity work. “But the BEDC said you attacked its officials and that was why they abandoned the town. Now that you have protested and we are about to settle the matter, I appeal that you allow them to return to this town to be able to do the work. “I am talking to BEDC on the need to set up a committee that would work out modality for the payment of the outstanding electricity bill, the government added.

ADO-EKITI

he Ekiti State Government has described the claim by the opposition All progressives Congress (APC), that the current government inherited the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), scheme from the immediate past government of Dr. Kayode Fayemi. The government said the claim was false, say-

ing, “The scheme is an initiative of the Federal Government keyed into by the Fayose administration.” Special Assistant to the Ekiti State Governor on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, who said this in a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, added, “The Fayose-led government is paying N174 million as counterpart fund for the CCT scheme and the one about to begin is a new one, with new beneficia-

ries to be selected.” He said the scheme, in which 2,108 women in the State will be paid N5, 000 monthly stipend and N100, 000 annual stipends was initiated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led federal government and bought by the Fayose-led government as part of his poverty reduction programme. On claim that Fayose was awarding contracts without following due process, Olayinka said,

“Such claim can only be made by a party which thrives on falsehood and propaganda because no single contract has been awarded by the government. “The MDGs contractors that are to be paid the sum of N117.45 million were those who got contracts under the Fayemi’s administration. Approval for the payment was made by Fayemi and was only revalidated by Governor Fayose,” he said.

Graceland emerges Oyo winner in SEC’s quiz competition Sola Adeyemo IBADAN

raceland High School, Ibadan, was on Monday announced as the Oyo State winner in the ongoing National Quiz Competition organized, by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). The competition which holds from November 10 to 14, is the fifth edition, organised by the apex reg-

ulator of the securities market, to create awareness on the importance of Capital Market. The school emerged winner having scored 50 marks from the competition which was contested by six schools in the state. Schools that participated in the competition alongside Graceland were Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, Federal Government College, Ogbomoso, Oladipo Alay-

ande School of Science, Ibadan, Baptist High School, Saki and Baptist Model School, Eruwa. The runners-up position went to Baptist High School, Saki which scored 42.5 marks, while Oladipo Alayande School of Science emerged second runners-up with 37.5 marks at the end of the competition. Speaking after the competition, Mr Braimah Shaka, Deputy-Director, SEC, Ibadan

zone and the Quiz Master, said that Graceland would represent the state in the zonal competition, adding that it will compete with others from other states in the zone on Friday, Nov. 14 at Oladipo Alayande School of Science in Ibadan. The event was attended by Mr Babatunde Oshineye, the Senior Manager, SEC, Ibadan, School teachers and pupils with gifts distributed to them.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, November 11, 2014

2015

APC leaders root for Jonathan’s ouster

Governorship race for ‘veterans’

Governorship aspirants

Wogu, Abaribe, Ikpeazu, Nwaogu, Ogah, Otti, others test might in Abia

16, 17

Politics Governor Rochas Okorocha is in the middle-of-the-road game. Like a man unsure of a political future, he has been confusing his aides, supporters and people of Imo State. STEVE UZOECHI writes on the complex politics of the governor

Okorocha’s flip flop

efore Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State emerged governor in 2011, he promised the Imo electorate that he would serve for only one term of four years. According to the governor then, he was on a rescue mission. A rescue mission, he explained, demands a swift and precise operation that need not last beyond four years. Drawing inspiration then from the first civilian governor of the state, Chief Sam Mbakwe, who achieved a lot within one term of his administration, Okorocha told the people of the state then at the Assumpta Cathedral, venue of the 2011 Imo Governorship Debate, that he would carry out all his programmes within four years because “today’s Imo State is smaller and richer than the old Imo where Mbakwe excelled.” But speaking in Government House, Owerri during the 2013 Independence Anniversary party with school pupils and teachers, held on October 1, Governor Okorocha said he would not leave office without completing his ongoing projects. “What we already have on ground is massive and I cannot just abandon these projects now. I will finish all my projects. As a matter of fact; I will not leave office without completing all my projects and obviously, what we have on ground will take more than four years to be completed,” he said. According to the governor, the projects he started so far across the state would take about eight years to complete. He said his decision changed when the people of the state saddled him with additional responsibilities to what he had promised to do. In recent times also, the governor has not stopped conveying his interest to run

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY Editor, POLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

Okorocha

for a second term in office. With very strong and clear signals coming from his camp, to the effect that a number of his loyalists were eyeing the governorship seat; the governor on January 15, 2014 convened a stakeholders’ meeting in which he literally drew out all his aides with political ambition in the open. He encouraged them to declare the office they were running for, promising to ensure their ambitions never died, as he was interested in the presidential election. Most of them did, including those who were aspiring to govern Imo State. In Early March 2014, one of his aides, Chief Charles Onuoha who declared for the governorship of the state on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) raised the alarm that the antics of Governor Okorocha were eloquently suggestive of the fact that the governor had a second term ambition. This situation was made worse by the utterances of the governor who had averred that he is the only one who has the capacity to defeat the PDP in Imo and consolidate his office. However, Onuoha who also served Okorocha as Commissioner for Special

Since 1999, PDP has presided over our country’s decline. Nigeria, in my experience, has never been so divided, so polarised by an unthinking government hell bent on ruling forever. We, in APC, are resolved to stop them in their tracks and rescue Nigeria from the stranglehold of PDP

Duties before leaving to pursue his political ambition, had called on Okorocha to remain a gentleman and tow the path of honour by abiding by his single-term vow as well as handing over to Owerri zone whose turn he usurped in 2011 going by the ‘Imo Charter of Equity’. Soon after, the intrigues began and Onuoha was hounded out of the party and in clear terms told that his aspiration had no place in the Imo APC with Okorocha as the leader of the party. The Deputy Governor of the state, Eze Madumere, had a close shave when it was hinted that he had a governorship ambition. He dropped it like a bad habit. Till date, things are not going too well between him and his boss as confidence seems to have shifted. Presently, there is no governorship aspirant on APC platform and the reason is simple: the governor seems to be engrossed in what the English call the middle-of-the-road game; swinging back and forth from the middle, waiting to tilt to the more favourable side. Accentuating the prank a fortnight ago, Okorocha drew fire from the Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). While swearing-in seven new commissioners to replace commissioners who resigned to pursue their political ambitions; Okorocha said in unambiguous terms that his presidential ambition was a ruse designed to hoodwink the PDP in Imo. The governor also told those in attendance at the event that governorship aspirants in the PDP in the state came out in their numbers because they heard he would run for the presidency, assuring that he would not abandon or leave Imo people in the hands of the PDP. Indicating his interest to run for a second term in office, Okorocha declared that he would not quit until he was satisfied that every family in the state is free from ignorance and poverty. Reacting, the state Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Enyinnaya Onuegbu, had said: “It is most regrettable that a sitting governor is telling Nigerians and Imo people that he set out to deceive people with a tale of a presidential ambition that never was. That is the character of the man that was foisted on us as governor. This shameless assault on the sensibility of his followers abundantly affirms that he is inherently deceitful and inconsistent. We would not also be surprised if his so-called second term bid turns out another hoax.” Onuegbu added that if Okorocha fails to run for the presidency of Nigeria, he must be made to account for all the taxpayers fund deployed to his ‘vain presidential bid’. According to him, all the branded buses, radio and television CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Politics

TUESDAY, November 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

APC leaders root for Jonathan’s ouster The declaration of Governor AbdulFattah Ahmed to contest for second term on Wednesday, November 5 provided another opportunity for leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to criticise the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Federal Government. BIODUN OYELEYE reports

t must have been one of AbdulFattah Ahmed’s finest moments. Seeing the sea of heads, all gathered to celebrate him, along with notable Nigerians, the Kwara State governor must have realised how important his public declaration was going to be. The last time such a crowd gathered at the Ilorin Metropolitan Square to celebrate a politician was when the state hosted President Goodluck Jonathan, then as a candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2011 general election. The roll call Among APC leaders at the event, which was attended by a mammoth crowd, were three presidential aspirants of the party, former Head of State, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Kano State governor, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso. There was also Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, who turned the probable star of the event given the applause that followed every mention of his name by the organisers. There was also APC national leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu who arrived with the party’s national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. Others included Governors Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) and former Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, while the governors of Ogun and Nasarawa states were represented at the event. The list also included former Kwara State governor, Senator Bukola Saraki whose dancing steps, along with the Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Alhaji Razaq Atunwa provided merriment for the populace. Former Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, and state chairman of the APC, Alhaji Ishola Balogun-Fulani were also in attendance. Given the array of leading APC members at the event, it was evident that it would be a day of verbal war against the PDP. And so it was. The torrent of castigation began to descend on the PDP the moment Kwankwaso was given the microphone, but the more pronounced came from the lips of Tinubu and Amaechi, who spared no words to condemn the leadership at the centre and presented the APC as the soothing balm needed for the current national political headache. Tinubu: Jonathan should go Former governor of Lagos State, Tinubu, was the last person that spoke. For him, Jonathan should resign having failed to discharge his duties effectively. His words: “I want to thank all of you. Let me forget the protocol, because you are the votes. You are the people who must vote. We bring the greetings and respect of Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti,

Jonathan

Edo, Rivers and the entire APC states in Nigeria. What I want to beg of you is to be ready to defend for change. The race has started again. We have endorsed Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed for second term in office as he has performed creditably well like his predecessor, Senator Bukola Saraki. “The thieves that daily steal your money; they have not given you any job; they cannot create jobs and they are starving states of funds to pay workers’ salaries. The best thing to do is to sweep them away through broom revolution. APC is a party of the masses. “It now behove you to begin a house to house campaign that this is a party of the masses. You had not seen Bukola and myself mounting the same podium campaigning for the same party before this time. This is a new beginning. This is a time of good things and tidings from us. We have brought good luck and commonsense revolution. “Now it is time to apply commonsense revolution and it is about your lives. It is about your education, your jobs and about the security of this country. We stayed together since independence and we will remain together. Anything that affects any section of this country affects all of us. “I saw the sea of refuges and the lies coming from Jonathan administration. They have exhibited failure, lack of capacity, vision, creativity; the lie of yesterday is what they repeat today and it is what they will repeat tomorrow. They are lying to you. They are lying about the security; toying about the security of this country. I don’t have time to explain the logic of their lies. But if you control the armed forces and you are the Commander-in-Chief of the armed of the Federal Republic, why should any part of this country be under occupation? And you give us excuses every day. In any civilized country, Jonathan should have resigned. But if he will not resign, he should wait for our broom we will sweep them. “I will come back. This is just the endorsement of Governor Ahmed; that he will be re-elected by the grace of God with the support of you people here and those outside here. The unemployment situation will be conquered by this administration of the APC. We have the vision for the security of the lives of our children.” Tambuwal: Time to vote out Jonathan The Speaker of the House of Repre-

Tinubu

If you control the armed forces and you are the Commander-in-Chief of the armed of the Federal Republic, why should any part of this country be under occupation? And you give us excuses every day. In any civilized country, Jonathan should have resigned. But if he will not resign, he should wait for our broom we will sweep them

sentatives, who just defected from the PDP to the APC also hit the ruling party hard. He called on Nigerians to vote out Jonathan in 2015. He said: “In Kwara State, your political history is very rich. You have had the foundation of the political struggle of this state laid by our late leader, Dr. Olusola Saraki. This structure that is being sustained by God Almighty has always delivered Kwara to the right place. I believe that this time around there will not be anything different. With the support of the people of the state, APC shall form 100 per cent the government in the state from the local council to the state House of Assembly and to the Government House. Eventually and ultimately the state has always been providing leadership in the politics of this country. “When it comes to presidential elections, I am sure that the state will provide such leadership to the extent that we shall deliver this country to the government at the centre to APC. “By voting APC at the centre you will be voting for prosperity and eradication of poverty. What we are witnessing today in Nigeria is not governance, but misgovernance. We are witnessing a system that does not have the interest of the people of this country at heart. It is also incumbent on us as a people to turn en masse and vote out Goodluck Ebele Jonathan come 2015. That will bring peace, progress and development of Nigeria.” Amaechi: Why PDP must be voted out in 2015 For the Rivers State governor, the event was another moment to castigate the PDP-led administration. “This is the time to say the truth,” he said. “The problem with the other party is that they do not know the truth and they do not say the truth at all. If a man does well, what do you tell him? You tell him ‘thank you’. Is that not? And that is what we are here to do to tell your governor thank you. The way to tell him thank you is to get up on the day of election and vote for him and vote for APC. If you tell him ‘thank you’ and you vote him in again, he will work well and better for you. He had already worked. You are not testing him because you have already tested him and you know how well he has done. “I am very impressed with the number of persons that I have seen here today. What you must do is to stop PDP CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Politics 15

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, November 11, 2014

In the build up to the 2015 election, there are regular faces in the governorship contest. Will they make it this time around? ONYEKACHI EZE asks

Governorship race for ‘veterans’ be a hard nut to crack dethroning a sitting government. No doubt, Ararume can still re-invent himself and clinch the PDP ticket. Luckily, there is a free contest in Imo; that is there is no adopted candidate. But the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, has a bargaining chip and might use it to get the powers that be to consider giving him the ticket.

lhaji Maina Waziri, former Minister of Police Affairs, was frank in the description of himself. Waziri, who is aspiring for the fourth time to be governor of Yobe State, said he is a veteran in the gubernatorial race. “If you want to be charitable with me, you can call me a veteran or you can say I am a serial loser. I have been in the race since 2003,” the former minister told journalists shortly after picking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship nomination forms for the 2015 election. Apart from Waziri, Ikedi Ohakim, former governor of Imo State; Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, also an aspirant from Imo; former governors of Oyo State, Rashidi Ladoja and Adebayo Alao-Akala are other governorship veterans in the race for the 2015 gubernatorial election. They have purchased nomination forms to fly the PDP flag for the 2015 governorship in their states. No doubt, they are in familiar terrain. If politics is a game where experience counts, they are sure to excel. But since politics is not where two plus two equals four, they definitely have a big hurdle to scale, notwithstanding the experience garnered over the years. Waziri’s quest for Yobe governorship For Waziri, the Yobe governorship is still a hard nut to crack. The factors responsible for his loss in the previous elections are still there. The state has since 1999 been in the hand of the opposition and PDP has been trying to wrest power without success. The problem with PDP in Yobe State (just like every other state) is internal crisis. The former police affairs minister has had a long running battle with the late Senator Usman Albishir over who is the leader of PDP in the state. This is one of the reasons the party lost in previous elections. With the death of Albishir, there appears peace in the horizon. Few weeks ago, the Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido midwifed a truce between Waziri and supporters of the late senator. At a strategic reconciliatory meeting in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, between the two camps, Albishir supporters pledged to work for the success of Maina’s governorship ambition. The challenge before the former minister this time appears how to dislodge the All Progressives Congress (APC) led government in Yobe. Of the three governorship aspirants who picked the PDP nomination forms, he may likely emerge the governorship candidate of the party, though he has to contend with former Minister of State for Finance, Yerima N’gama, for the ticket. Second coming of Ohakim Ohakim, former governor of Imo State, failed to win his reelection in 2011. A number of factors prevented his comeback

Waziri

Ladoja

Shinkafi returns It may be a tall order for Shinkafi to return to Zamfara Government House in 2015 even if he wins the PDP ticket. If he could not do it in 2011 when he had the incumbency factor working for him, how could he think he would be able to unseat the incumbent with the political machinery of Senator Yerima behind him? Those conversant with PDP in Zamfara blame the political misfortune of the party in the state on disunity among its members. This is again rearing its head. Also in the race are Mohammed Bello Mattawale, a member of the House of Representatives and Ibrahim Shehu Gusa. The ability of the party to manage the internal crisis that may follow the primary election will determine its chances in 2015.

Ararume

Alao-Akala

dividing the party. bid. One of them was his style of leadership, which was said to have alienated the people. Again, the former governor made controversy his second name. He courted controversy more than any governor before him. His greatest undoing was his fight against the Catholic Church, which many people believed was what consumed him. For Ohakim to go back to Douglas House, Owerri he needs to ‘purge’ himself of his ugly past, and like Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, convince the people that he is now a born again and more matured to handle state matters. But he still has to contend with the power of incumbency as well as tame the powers of Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho who may likely fly the flag of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). If APC is said not to be deeply rooted in Imo State or that the indecision of Governor Rochas Okorocha either to seek re-election or go for presidency may weaken its potency, such cannot be said of APGA or Ihenacho. The party may like to recover its mandate, which Okorocha gave to the APC. And as for the former minister, who was Ohakim’s ‘nemesis’ in Owerri zone, the 2015 governorship is a must win in order to continue to be politically relevant. The other problem the former governor will have to handle is the number of aspirants from Imo State seeking to fly PDP’s flag. The state has 19 governorship aspirants, the highest in the country. The backlash from the primaries might help in further

If you want to be charitable with me, you can call me a veteran or you can say I am a serial loser. I have been in the race since 2003

Ararume at it again Another veteran in the race is Senator Ararume who is also from Imo State. He won the PDP ticket in 2007 but was disqualified and replaced with Chief Festus Odumegwu following a report of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which allegedly indicted him of corruption. But not comfortable with the report, Ararume challenged his disqualification in court and was able to quash it. But PDP under the firm control of former President Olusegun Obasanjo had made up its mind not to field him as candidate. It declared that the party had no governorship candidate in Imo State and subsequently threw its support behind the then candidate of the Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA), Ohakim, who went on to win the governorship election and Ararume lost. He also made another attempt in 2011 when he contested on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). He pulled out of the race to back Okorocha when a controversial supplementary election was to be held in some councils and wards. Ararume has again picked his nomination forms to contest the governorship in 2015 on the platform of the PDP. What are his chances this time? He should understand that the factors which influenced his emergence in 2007 as governorship candidate are no longer there. In 2007, he was a serving senator and could therefore said to be actively engaged in politics. Now he is a private citizen. Again, in 2007, PDP was in power in Imo State, now the state is in the hands of the opposition. It may

Rashidi Ladoja Former governor of Oyo State, Ladoja, is also nursing the ambition to return to the government house. His first tenure as governor between 2003 and 2007 was crisis ridden. Ladoja can be said to be a cat with nine lives. He was the only godson of Lamidu Adedibu who has the courage to look him straight in the eyes and said ‘no’ to his demand, though he paid dearly for it. His impeachment by some members of the House of Assembly loyal to Adedibu could not stand the test of time as he was able to quash it through the court after nine months. In 2007, he lost the PDP ticket to his deputy, Adebayo Alao-Akala who was adopted by Adedibu. In 2011, he pitched his tent with the Accord Party on whose platform he contested the governorship. He lost the election to Senator Abiola Ajimobi. He is back on the familiar track. He is contesting the 2015 governorship on the platform of Accord Party for the third term. Akala without godfather Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala first became Oyo State governor when his boss, Rashidi Ladoja was impeached by Adedibu engineered House of Assembly. He later contested the 2007 governorship and won, again through the help of Adedibu. But his plan to seek reelection in 2011 was unsuccessful. This time his godfather had died. The former governor will first scale through the hurdle in his party before he could think of dislodging Governor Abiola Ajimobi of the APC. If the outcome of last Saturday’s ward congress is anything to go by, Alao-Akala may have to wait till 2019 to get back to the Government House. The fight for the PDP ticket is between him and former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin.

16 Politics

TUESDAY, November 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

LEADING GOVERNORSHIP ASPIRANTS Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

he 2015 governorship contest in Abia State is clearly a contest of wit and wealth or a combination of both. So far, all the aspirants on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are generously endowed with both. Never in the history of Abia State has there been such a number of aspirants vying for the coveted office. The reason may not be far-fetched; the governor is serving his last term and the aspirants believe that the coast is clear to try out their popularity with minimum inhibition. At the last count, 11 aspirants on the platform of the PDP have picked the forms for the election. Among them are former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu, Senators Nkechi Nwaogu and Enyinnaya Abaribe, Acho Nwakanma and Okezie Orji. Others are Okezie Ikpeazu, Okey Emuchay, Marc Wabara, Uche Ogah, Alex Otti and Friday Nwosu Sir Chikwe Udensi has picked the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) forms while Dr. Chinenye Nyerere Ayim and Laz Isiocha have picked the All Progressives Congress (APC) forms. The atmosphere is already charged even before the primaries. Some of the aspirants including Abaribe and Nwaogu are among those who have kicked against the constitution of a congress/primaries committee. They insist that the committee is prejudiced from inception to interpret a script written to favour a particular candidate. They also alleged that the committee is a flagrant disregard to the party’s constitution and therefore illegal. Okezie Ikpeazu The visit penultimate week of Dr. Ikpeazu to the PDP secretariat in Umuahia, the state capital, laid to rest speculations as to his real intention; it altered political calculations in the state causing anxiety and apprehension among other aspirants because he had been rumoured to be the ‘anointed’ successor to Governor Theodore Orji. That visit, therefore, confirmed the rumour though the governor has consistently denied endorsing any candidate. Before his foray into politics in 2004, Ikpeazu had been a lecturer at the Cross River State University of Technology and Enugu State University of Science and Technology. He is the immediate past Deputy General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Aba zone. He had also served as the General Manager, Abia State Passenger Integrated Manifest Scheme (ASPIMS). It is on record that his coming to ASEPA changed the face of refuse collection and disposal in the commercial city of Aba which before then was an embarrassment to the state government. He was also the chairman of Abia State College of Health Technology. Strength: He hails from Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia South and therefore favoured by the zoning arrangement. It is the governor’s support that will give him the edge over other aspirants because he has played politics from the sidelines. Aside being the government candidate, he enjoys the support of his people especially youths who see him as one of their own. Rebuilding the commercial city of Aba is his priority. Weakness: He is not known to have the resources required to prosecute the governorship project. Those who do not like the administration of Governor Orji will likely transfer the disaffection to him especially as it concerns the infrastructural state of Aba. Again, even fellow aspirants do not think he has paid his dues

Ikpeazu

Abaribe

Nwakanma

Wogu

Nwaogu

Ogah

Wogu, Abaribe, Ikpeazu, Nwaogu, Ogah, Otti, others test might in Abia as a party man, they believe he cannot make it on a level playing field. Enyinnaya Abaribe He has been in politics since 1999 when he became deputy governor to former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu. He contested the governorship election in 2003 but lost to his former boss. In 2007, he contested and won the Abia South senatorial seat, a feat he repeated in 2011. He is presently the Senate spokesman. Abaribe has garnered sufficient experience in a brilliant career pursuit that has taken him as a university lecturer, private sector player and a private businessman. He said at the commencement of his campaign that he does not want to establish a campaign office that would take the shine away from the party secretariat. The party secretariat, according to him, should be the centre of all political activities. He is a veteran of many battles and known to snatch victory, against all odds, from the jaws of defeat. Strength: Senator Abaribe is favoured by the zoning. He too is from Obingwa LGA. But beyond the advantage of geography, he can be described as a master of Abia politics.

Weakness: Many see him as too independent minded. Eric Acho Nwakanma Nwakanma’s headache is not the zoning arrangement, he also is from Obingwa LGA. He has been the deputy governor to formr Governor Orji Uzor Kalu and Theodore Orji. He was the replacement for late Dr. Chima Nwafor and Chris Akomas. During the period, he exemplified loyalty. It was that service that brought him in contact with Governor Orji, then Chief of Staff. So, when Orji and his first deputy, Comrade Chris Akomas, parted ways, Nwakanma became a tested and preferred choice. He was appointed deputy governor from the House of Assembly where he rose to the position of Deputy Speaker representing Obingwa West. Strength: He has been relevant and active in political circles even outside government. Nwakanma is a humble politician. He enjoys the support of his people. His experience as a private sector player adds to his credential as good ma-

terial for the governorship of Abia State. Weakness: Seen by many as too soft for such high wire politics. Iheanacho Okezie Orji Chief Orji is also from Obingwa. He retired as an accountant in Shell Petroleum Development Company and has been in active politics since 2007. He contested the governorship primaries of the PDP in 2007 with Chief Onyema Ugochukwu and Prince Vincent Ogbulafor. He lost the ticket to Ugochukwu. He joined the government of Orji even when the governor was still in the Peoples Progressives Alliance (PPA) because of the disaffection which his loss to Ugochukwu generated. He has served as the Commissioner for Housing in the Orji administration. His late declaration is seen by many as a way to fight back against Abaribe who is believed to be the driver of the machine that crushed his ambition in 2007. Strength: He is said to be a grassroots politician whose confidence is fired by the support of his Akpa Mbato community and the entire Obingwa council. He is one of the highly favoured by the government and believed to be the alternative to Ikpeazu in the event his candidacy

Politics 17

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, November 11, 2014

LEADING GOVERNORSHIP ASPIRANTS party men. He is more of a technocrat than a politician. Friday Nwosu Nwosu is a successful lawyer who made his mark in private practice. He is one of the early aspirants to the office of the governor. Strength: He is favoured by the zoning arrangement as he hails from Obingwa area. He is known to be a staunch supporter of Governor Orji. Analysts see him as a bridge builder who is not in the race as a means of settling personal scores. Weakness: He has a daunting task ahead because he is a little known political figure.

Otti

Wabara

Nwosu

Ayim

does not sail through. Weakness: He is more of a technocrat than politician and may find it difficult to easily marry the two. Emeka Wogu The immediate past Minister of Labour and Productivity is the only candidate from Aba South Local Government. He is favoured by the zoning arrangement. His visit to the party secretariat in Umuahia was a demonstration of support and solidarity as supporters and pro groups thronged the secretariat. It turned out to be a carnival as the Finbars road was closed to traffic. It is on record that he pulled the largest crowd and if the crowd will determine the next governor, no one will stand close to him. He won election as a councillor and chairman of Aba South local government area. He has held several political positions before his appointment as minister. He served as Adviser to Governor Kalu and member of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). As Minister of Labour and Productivity, Wogu laid the foundation stone of the Labour Institute in Umuahia. Strength: Wogu’s greatest strength is the support of Aba residents who see him as an indigene who will tackle the infrastructural collapse of the commercial city. Weakness: Analysts believe that he should have started redressing of Aba earlier using his position. Nkechi Nwaogu Senator Nwaogu wants to be the first female governor in the state but the zoning arrangement of the PDP has stood on her way. She hails from Osisioma Ngwa in Abia Central. She has won elections

Emuchay

Udensi

to the House of Representatives and the Senate. She enjoys the support of her people but now the odds are against her. She is an advocate of free and fair primary election and has declared that she would concede to anyone who beats her in a free and fair contest. Strength: She has won many political battles even against men who had underrated her capability. She knows the game well and confident of re-enacting the feat any time. She enjoys the support of her people who have supported her these years first as House of Representatives member and now two terms in the sSenate. Nwaogu has used her position as chairman of the Senate Committee on Oil and Gas and Banking and Finance to empower her people. Besides, she is a party person. She has enormous resources at her disposal and can prosecute the governorship project. Weakness: Nwaogu is technically out of the race by the zoning arrangement of the PDP. To go ahead is to swim against the tide or even seek another political platform. Her gender may put a wedge to her aspiration since this level of politics is male dominated. She is from the same senatorial district with the incumbent governor. Uche Sampson Ogah Though the zoning arrangement does not favour Dr. Ogah, yet he insists that by the Abia Chatter of Equity, Isuikwuato is the next after Afikpo and Bende which had taken their slots, before Aba. As the chief executive of Masters Energy, Ogah has been a private sector player, though he was involved in student politics in his school days. His campaign office is a beehive of activities. He is so confident of victory that he has vowed not to be

cowed by the zoning arrangement. By the political blocs in which the state is delineated, Isuikwuato falls under Abia North and the political blocs are the basis for the zoning not the Charter of Equity. Strength: Ogah’s greatest strength is his pecuniary advantage; he has enormous resources at his disposal. He is no doubt popular among the people. He has used the Masters Energy outlets to great advantage where the scarce and costly kerosene is sold at government approved price. Weakness: His greatest challenge is the zoning though he thinks it cannot stop him. Also, his participation in active politics has been peripheral until now though he has been a regular guest at government fund raising programmes. Alex Otti Dr. Otti resigned from Diamond Bank recently as Group Managing Director to pursue his ambition as the next Abia governor. He inaugurated his campaign office penultimate Wednesday at Library Avenue Umuahia. He said he is contesting because he is an Abian and not on the basis of zoning. Strength: his greatest strength is his enormous wealth, his connections both locally and internationally. Weakness: He has not been in active party politics. Efforts made by traditional rulers from Ngwaland to locate his nexus within the Ngwa matrix through a grand civic reception in his honour early in the year have not helped his political aspiration. Isiala Ngwa South is in Abia Central and therefore outside the zone for the governorship. It is doubtful whether he will emerge from the PDP against known

Okey Emuchay Until a few months ago, Emuchay was the Nigeria Consular General to South Africa. His politics has been more at the level of international diplomacy. He is one of the two aspirants from the Ukwa area of Abia South and therefore favoured by zoning. Strength: Emuchay’s greatest advantage is his family’s pedigree. His late father, Dr. Dick Emuchay, used his cottage hospital to render selfless service to the people. This made him popular in Ukwa and Aba. This is the goodwill Emuchay wants to exploit. He is said to be connected to the presidency. Weakness: The greatest challenge Emuchay has, however, is the minority factor. Ukwa, where he hails from is the minority in the south of the state and unless the Ngwa neighbours concede to him, he will not go far. Marc Wabara Wabara has not been in active politics but sees the zoning of the governorship to Abia South as an opportunity to vie. His coming to the ring is believed by many as an attempt to fill the gap created by the absence of an Ukwa man in the race. Wabara was an aspirant on the PDP platform in 2007. Like Emuchay he hails from Ohambele in Ukwa East LGA. He was the Managing Director of Hallmark Bank Plc before the bank went under. He is the brother of former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara. Strength: Wabara is believed to have the support of his people and connections that will give him a push up the ladder. He also enjoys the goodwill procured by his brother, Adolphus. Weakness: He also has the minority problem to contend with. He has not been a popular politician outside the Ukwa enclave. Chinenye Nyerere Ayim Dr. Ayim is an aspirant of the APC and is popular in Aba area of the state. He has been holding sway in the city as a popular figure but whether that would translate to support for electoral victory is yet to be seen. Strength: He is popular in Aba and favoured by the zoning as an indigene of Obingwa local government area. Weakness: His party, APC, has not been able to put its house in order. Chikwe Udensi He was the national secretary of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON). He hails from Arochukwu in Abia North. He wants to prosecute his aspiration on the platform of APGA. His greatest challenge is the weakness of the party in the state. Not much is known about Bar Laz Isiocha, the other APC candidate, who has bought the party’s forms. The calculation of most of the PDP aspirants is that once you get the ticket whether you are popular or not the party has the structure to deliver its candidate.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion NABTEB: Springboard for employment and development Uchechukwu Olisah

ver the years, there has been a deluge of calls across the various divides of social, educational, political and economic spectrum of our national life for Nigeria to be one of the biggest players in the global arena. These calls, no matter how loud and far-reaching, have not, and cannot yield the needed results if deliberate and practical measures are not taken to address the obvious imbalance in the nation’s education sector. A situation in which the science, vocational and technical aspects of a country’s education is only a minute, indeed insignificant fraction of the whole system, at best, leaves the country in dreamland, in the quest for technological advancement and sustainable national development. It is unarguable that nations ranked as First World are those that have expanded the frontiers of science and technology for the good of the human race. There is no denying the fact that the Federal Government has responded to this state of affairs through its various policies directed towards promoting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). No matter how laudable government policies are and how hard the nation strives in this regard, if the TVET component of the education system and work philosophy is not vigorously implemented and pursued, even the nation’s much publicised goal of becoming one of the world’s leading 20 economies by the year 2020 may be a mirage. The task of promoting TVET and mobilising society to positively embrace TVET is not for the government alone. It requires the concerted efforts of all and sundry, particularly from the citizenry who need to complement government’s political will and legal framework which have created the environment for the achievement of this common goal. This is where the statutory functions of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) are earnestly required to be in full operation, and a reason Nigerians need to embrace the Board’s examinations. It may be imperative to recall at this juncture that NABTEB which was established through Decree No. 70

(now Act 70) of 1993 has the responsibility, among others, for the conduct of craft level technical and business examinations, the conduct of National Common Entrance Examinations into Federal and State Science and Technical Colleges and allied institutions, and the issuance of results and certificates, as well as the making of awards. The NABTEB examinations series which are conducted every year in March or any other pre-arranged period for candidates (artisans) in modules of examinable and certifiable skills, May/June for in-school students, and November/December for private candidates lead but are not limited to the award of National Business Certificate (NBC), National Technical Certificate (NTC), Advanced National Business Certificate (ANBC), Advanced National Technical Certificate (ANTC), and Modular Trade Certificate (MTC). The continuation of the realisation of, and improvement on these responsibilities are a task the Registrar/ Chief Executive of NABTEB, Dr. Olatunde Aworanti, has diligently applied himself through his five-point agenda of certifying skills for economic self-reliance, ensuring professional competence for global competitiveness, strengthening quality assurance mechanism in certification, promoting TVET for sustainable technological and national development, and zero tolerance for examinations administration. Technical and Vocational Education and Training offers in-school students, secondary leavers and university graduates an enviable opportunity to be self-employed, employers of labour, wealth creators and economic selfreliant. These categories of persons can choose rewarding career paths in the area of TVET. Parents and guardians can and should encourage their children and wards to take to certifiable employable skills by enrolling for appropriate NABTEB examinations with a view to getting certified in their preferred career paths. Undoubtedly, the certifications which NABTEB offers are gateways to poverty alleviation, as well as reduction in restiveness and crime because the structure of the Board’s examinations are designed to give holders maximum advantage in the area of horizontal and vertical mobility in the world of work due to the multi-skills they acquired during training. The structure comprises trade related

subjects, trade group courses and general education subjects relevant to the trades. The NABTEB certification system has been designed to accommodate all categories of students and trainees. To qualify for certification as a craftsman in either NBC/ NTC or ANBC/ANTC, a candidate needs to obtain minimum of pass in all the trade related subjects and trade group courses plus Mathematics and English Language. Candidates who failed to meet the requirements are given a period of 3 years to make up the required papers to obtain full certification. Candidates who passed the General Education subjects have these papers added to their certificates to enable them to advance their studies in higher institutions if they so wish. There are candidates whose interest is only in obtaining General Education subjects to enable them to gain admission to tertiary institutions. Such candidates are awarded certificates reflecting the subjects and grades passed in the same manner as their school certificates counterparts. These candidates are also free to return and obtain the necessary trade related subjects and trade group courses and be certified as professional craftsmen within a period of three years. At the advanced level there are additional General Education subjects which are compulsory for the purpose of certification. These are English Language and Mathematics for all technical trades, and Commerce and Economics for business trades. Technical and Vocational Education and Training is generally acclaimed as a professional education that follows a standardized training, certification and licence or registration process based on, and in accordance with recognised regulations. In other words, proper certification and licence/registration is required to practice as a professional craftsman or technician. To this end, NABTEB qualifications such as the NBC/NTC and the ANBC/ANTC are the only accepted crafts level qualifications for craftsmen and technicians in Nigeria. Therefore, holders of other qualifications, in the Nigerian parlance, are skilled but unlicensed workers. • Uchechukwu Olisah is a Senior Public Affairs Officer with the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB)

Peter Anieke must not die (1) Kola Johnson

remember my glorious days in Ibadan; as always; with great nostalgia. One of the greatest things to have happened to me, were those great moments of the 70s, marking my sojourn in that awesomely exotic ancient city.

I was in Agbowo area, proximally opposite the University of Ibadan - today an academic citadel of ephemerally atrophied fame and acclaim. I was then in the employ of B.E.A.M Nig Ltd as an accounts clerk. I had as was usually customary on most weekends at that time, ventured from my Oke-ado residence in the UMC area - to visit a bosom friend living and working , with a construction company. At that spot of fun located within the conurbation of bars in the area, I was rudely awakened by jitters of sudden shocking awareness. It struck like a nightmare; a chimerical picturesque of some evil genius residing in the discountenable eye of fantasy. I had wished indeed it were at best a mere fantasy and nothing but fantasy. Alas it was real. Sam Opone and Segun and Segun Olumodeji, right before us in starkly face – to –face presence, in proximal blossomy contiguity on the same table of bachic frenzy with my host friend and I. In those good old days of the 60s and 70s, the two soccer icons of the Stationery Super Stores and history-making heroes of the Mexico Olympic of 1968 were literally worshipped and idolized by the teeming

mass of Nigerian soccer fanatics. Yes Sam Opone and Segun Olumodeji , who locked horns with the Pele-led squad of visiting Santos football Club of Brazil at the famous Onikan stadium in an energy Sapping encounter, which ended 2-2 at the height of soccer glory of the legendary Pele. As they narrated their read tale woes it became increasingly clear that this was real; indeed a distant departure from an aparative or spectral make-belief. It was a touching real tale, pavid with stirring pathos and laments, only expiated by intermitent burst of nostalgic ecstasy verging - as they spontaneously recalled throughout that evening - on their conquests and exploits at the apotheosis of soccer fame and glory. At such moment, they exuded flush of radiance availing only to naught, in obfuscating the paraphernalia of severe life’s buffeting all too visible in the all-encompassing facets of their persona. It was a sorry sight to say the least. On similar vein of interactive experience, I recall my intimate personal encounter with the legendary Haruna Ilerika described by Segun Odegbami in a befittingly deserved appraisal, as the most distinguished school boy player in the annals of soccer in Nigeria – just as Sam Omatseye the distinguished columnist and chairman editorial board of The Nation newspapers – describing him in deservedly superlative terms – exalted him to giddy heights - overrating him even far and above the one and only Thunder Tesilimi Akanni Balogun, the all-time legend of Nigerian soccer. My first and last personal encounter with Ilerika was in the late 90s, even though we had lived in the same Ebute-Metta area in Lagos state, for over three decades. The day

in question, I was at the Adekunle Bus-stop right in front of the petrol station near the Third Mainland bridge - with a childhood friend who was also a primary school mate during our pupilage at Apostolic church primary school in the same Ebute-Metta area. All the while, I had noted - though with cognitive fix of unconsciousness - a figure emerging from the other side of the lane on Herbert Macaulay street. He was obviously coming from the Bornu way family house of his father, where he then resided and even lived there after, throughout his sojourn on earth. As the figure in question approached, while I was enwrapped in the conversation with my friend; “Baba Haruna”: my friend suddenly sauntered in, momentarily interrupting the hitherto progressing conversation, as he stretched forth his hand in conjoining exchange of greeting with the waiting hands of the soccer legend. “That’s Haruna Ilerika”: my friend and ex classmate revealed to my utter disbelief, as the soccer genie, dribbling wizard and magician; hero of the 1976 Nations cup in Ethiopia otherwise Known as the battle of DireDawa—the motivating dynamo of Stores of golden memory and generalissimo of the 1973 All Africa games-----struggled with a handful of people to catch a Danfo bus arriving handy on the spot. For moments that looked almost like eternity, I was literally transfixed. Close to 25years following his retirement from active soccer, llerika languished in the dundgeon of excruciating life’s buffeting until Fashola – cum - Tinubu genius of humanitarian empathy, availed via an official appointment even if belatedly; as a redeeming messianism.

And just as the ex- soccer magician was beginning to savour his salutarily transmogrified fortune, the sardonic spectre of cruel death, riding on the wing of a devastating liver problem struck; thus dispatching him the ultimate way of all mortals. Now ,imagine if the redeeming opium, even as belated, has not availed as a countervailing respite to the grimmer option of absolute non-remembrance. Ungracious spectacles as hitherto witnessed - which may have been entrenched and notoriously systematized as a compensatory code of national appreciation, again finds poignantly living exemplification in Peter Anieke, the soccer wizard - like Sam Opone and Segun Olumodeji - hero of the history making Green Eagles at the Mexico Olympics and also member of the squad that engaged the Pele-led Santos in February 1969. Teeming mass of readers, who by whatever means, were opportuned to access the edition of The Nation in question would have gleaned from that piece - even as sketchy as it were - sufficiently informative hint to vivify in poignant clarity, the accomplished exploit and conquest as had earned him – through his popular appellation of Eusebio - the equalitarian parity with Eusebio, the Portuguese legend of African extraction, who beheld the firmament of global soccer like a colossus. To be sure, the picture beheld on that page of the interview was certainly not Peter Anieke - resplendent as he was in those days - in his trademark radiance, confidence, boisterous streak and bravura, agile spring, versatility and lively bounce. • Johnson is a writer and journalist.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

EDITORIAL

Our VISION To build a newspaper organisation anchored on the sanctity of truth.

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth – Buddha

Sanctity of Truth

Our MISSION To publish a newspaper of superior value, upholding the fundamental ethics of journalism: balanced reporting, fairness, accuracy and objectivity.

Nigeria’s most authoritative newspaper in politics and business

The nation’s housing deficit

igeria’s huge housing deficit estimated to be over 17 million units has been linked to the high cost of building and slow system of construction. A professor of Estate Management at the University of Lagos, Timothy Nubi said the Federal Government must take steps to address the issues for the country to properly sort out the housing deficit. According to him, government needs to tap into the opportunities provided by technology to speed up the level of housing construction in the country. “We can’t get anywhere with the gradualism, incremental and progressive approach that takes 21 years to build a house,” he stressed, noting that houses must be built in large numbers and efforts made to reduce cost of building and time of construction. “Cost of construction, labour input out of it, is almost 40 percent and when you keep labour in the field for almost a year in building, you are incurring cost. There are modern methods of construction; it has been industrialised such that construction time on site has been reduced to two weeks… The government agrees that we have 17 million housing-unit deficit and we are celebrating 1,300 units.” Not too long ago, the Federal Government launched the first

10,000 Affordable Housing Mortgage Scheme under the Nigerian Housing Finance Programme in an effort to help bridge the housing deficit in the country. The programme’s launch, which is expected to alleviate constraints to a rapid housing development in the country, kicked off the pre-qualification of people for an initial 10,000 mortgages to be provided by lenders. The scheme is designed to enable Nigerians who meet specific eligibility requirements to be registered for the first 10,000 mortgages for houses valued at between N2 million and N20 million for mortgages of up to 20 years. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala had at the launching, said it was an actualisation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s promise of delivering affordable housing before the end of the year. The minister noted that the scheme is a private sector-driven initiative, which the Federal Government started with strong support from Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) and Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) and implemented in partnership with 21 pilot states. She added that unlike the existing mortgage scheme whose tenure is not more than 36 months, it is now possible for NMRC mortgage subscribers to pay back between 15 and 20 years.

“We’ve tried to aim this scheme primarily at the first time home buyer who is in the market to purchase a home costing between N2 million and N20 million. So, we tried to keep it low to address our first time buyers and above all, our young people. There will be a step by step presentation as to how the scheme works but essentially, what we’ve done is develop an online portal especially for this scheme, www. housingfinance.gov.ng, and you need to access this online portal. Applicants which meet the eligibility requirements will be handed over to the Primary Mortgage Lenders (PML) for final processing; the PML will originate the mortgages to be backed or refinanced by the Nigerian Mortgage Refinancing Company. Nigeria’s drive toward “housing for all”, as contained in the National Housing Policy, which aims at providing affordable housing for all, has so far been what it is – all on paper and no serious effort, deliberately or otherwise, at implementation and continues to be an illusion and a frustration to the larger population. Successive efforts to meet every set target have failed as housing deficit now stands at over 17 million units in Nigeria. As with almost every other development sector in Nigeria, the outlay on housing has been rather low and does not seem to

warrant the priority it demands. Most urban dwellers in Nigeria today live in dilapidated houses lacking basic amenities, unsanitary conditions or running water. The problem of affordable housing in Nigeria is further exacerbated by the constraints imposed by the Land Use Act, a moribund and repressive Act that hinders mortgage financing and creates enormous obstacles to private sector involvement in the housing industry and which has constrained the transfer of titles and made mortgage finance extremely difficult. Governments’ plans for a major house-building programme must be based on the premise that increasing the volume of accommodation in the country is the most important way to tackle the crisis of unaffordable housing in Nigeria. Also, promoting home-ownership should be an underlying objective of any government’s programme. Home ownership offers unparalleled opportunities for people to accumulate wealth, but for many citizens, it is not an option, and the provision of social housing for rent should be given equal priority. Government must consider the observation of Professor Nubi to bail the country out of the present housing quagmire. Affordable housing is part of the wellbeing that the constitution demands for every citizen.

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

Felix Oguejiofor Abugu

Managing Editor n Suleiman Uba Gaya

Editor, Daily n Yemi Ajayi

Editor, Saturday n Laurence Ani

Editor, Sunday n Emeka Madunagu

Deputy Editors, Daily n Emeka Obasi, Ayodele Ojo

Bureau Chief, Brussels n Leo Cendrowicz

Bureau Chief, Washington DC n Marshall Comins

Editorial Coordinator, Europe n Sam Amsterdam

Ag. Bureau Chief, Abuja n Onwuka Nzeshi

News Editor n Geoffrey Ekenna

Business Development Manager n Taiwo Ahmed

Ag. Sales/Circulation Manager n Uchey Okezie

Head, Graphics n Timothy Akinleye

Head, Admin. n Robinson Ezeh

Politics

TUESDAY, November 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ahmed declares for re-election C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 4

from rigging us. You must go out that day to stop them from rigging us. When you vote, do not go home at all. They will bring soldiers and police, remain there. If they want to kill us, let them kill us. If you go home, you will hear a different result. Stay there and make sure that nobody rigs you out. “They have soldiers and police, they do not have God. God is in APC. That is the problem they have and once God is in APC, and we work with God, we shall defeat them. You know your governor will do better if you have an APC presidential candidate who wins the next election. The reason is that currently, they are stealing money. The money we should use in building more schools, more hospitals, more infrastructures, they are putting it in their pockets. They are taking the money to South Africa. We thank God we saw small, you do not know the ones we are not seeing. “So let’s vote them out so that we can vote in a better president from APC and our money will remain here. Can’t we manufacture our own guns? Why can’t we? Why is it that we wake up, Mubi has been overran by 30 to 40 young boys who are not trained as soldiers? It simply shows that we are not funding our military. It is time to fund our military because our military has the capacity to chase away these boys. But we need to treat our military with respect and with necessary support and we will win them.” Atiku, Kwankwaso speak Former Vice-President Abubakar noted that he was happy that the political structure the late Saraki nurtured has blossomed. “In 2003, together with the late Olusola Saraki, we laid the current political structure in Kwara. I was a foundation member. Today, it has grown and produced two successive and successful governors. I wish the late Saraki were here to see today, but we should keep his commitment alive by making sure we continue the legacy he left for us. “We can do that by making sure that Ahmed comes back to power along with all elective offices under our party,” he said. Kwankwaso, governor of Kano State and APC presidential aspirant stated: “We are removing the incompetent government in Abuja. By voting for APC, we are bringing in employment for our young men and women, we are voting for peace, development in Kwara and in Nigeria.” C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

documentaries and other frivolous financial obligations in the name of his presidential ambition must be accounted for. That was about two weeks ago. But last week, the governor somersaulted again. At a rally in Kaduna, Okorocha warned that APC will lose the presidential election if it does not field him as its flagbearer in 2015. He averred that the greatest threat to APC is not the PDP but how it will choose its presidential candidate. Okorocha, who said that he is the best man for the APC ticket, boasted that none of the contestants has ever provided free education in either the country or in any state while he has been providing free education for Imo State and will do so for the entire country if elected president. Most stalwarts in his party seem to take his bid for the presidential ticket with a pinch of salt and according to an elderly chieftain of the party who craved anonymity, “Okorocha is the most unlikely candidate for the APC presidential ticket and he knows this. Incidentally, his name is not even on the bill for possible vice presidential candidates. He most

L-R: Wife of Kwara State Governor, Mrs. Omolewa Ahmed; her husband, Abdulfatah Ahmed; Senator Bukola Saraki and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar at Ahmed’s declaration for second term in Ilorin, last week.

Ahmed: Saraki political structure reliable The governor, chief host of the event, used the declaration of his re-election bid to project the Saraki political structure, which has brought him thus far but is being vilified by the opposition. He said the structure is a reliable system that gives opportunity to all, irrespective of class and other demographic considerations. To him, the structure offers a guarantee to every member to become whatever they desire, so long as they remain hardworking and committed. It was a clever response to criticisms by the PDP in the state that has continued to pillory the Saraki structure for not allowing rising political stars in the state to shine. Ahmed said: “I reaffirm my belief in our political structure. A structure that has given hope to the hopeless; that has made governance inclusive in Kwara State. This structure gives hope that you can be anything you want subject only to the limit of your abilities. It is only this structure that could have enabled Abdulfatah Ahmed, the son of a middle-

level policeman, to become governor. So, whether you are the son of a carpenter, tailor, farmer, taxi driver, or trader, you too can be governor. “You too can be president. You too can be a minister. You too can be a senator. You too can aspire to the House of Representatives. So, tell those who offer you false freedom, those who are bitter that we have democratised access to political power regardless of social background that you already have freedom to dream, to aspire and to achieve through this structure.” The governor also used the occasion to give insight into what he seeks to pursue if elected again. He promised to boost the local economy through the establishment of an Independent Power Project (IPP) that will power industrial clusters across the state, stimulate jobs and improve power supply to communities and carry out a complete overhaul and modernization of 120 secondary schools across the state to kick-start the process of benchmarking Kwara schools on global best practice. The governor promised to also connect more communities with urban and rural roads, including roads designated as federal, thus opening up the state for greater development. He announced that

the first set of students for the International Vocational Centre, Ajasse Ipo will be admitted by the first quarter of next year, while in sports, he promised to overhaul and modernise the indoor sports hall of the Ilorin Township Stadium in line with international standard and in order to promote sports development, especially among youths. Ahmed also promised to ensure that in 2015, potable water gets to all homes in Ilorin metropolis through primary reticulation of the ongoing Ilorin Reticulation Project while outside the capital, new water projects will bring pipe borne water to a greater number of the people. His final words were a commitment to fulfilling these promises: “In the run up to today’s event, several groups and individuals openly commended our performance and asked me to contest for a second term in office. To you and the thousands of others who expressed their support privately, I make this solemn pledge: I will make your life much better, our state more prosperous and our communities safer when you give me a chance to serve you for a second term. These I commit to. These I will deliver to you, my people, by the grace of Almighty Allah.”

Okorocha’s indecision on ambition

likely has a card up his sleeves and is merely confusing the politically gullible.” Though the dates for the submission of nomination forms and screening of presidential and governorship aspirants of the APC, to some extent clash, pundits believe that if Okorocha’s presidential ambition turns a misadventure, he may still be granted the party’s platform, being the sole governorship aspirant and candidate of the party in Imo. Ironically, last Thursday, immediately after his return from the Kaduna rally on Wednesday, Okorocha convened the meeting of all APC aspirants including all his functionaries. The meeting which lasted up to 2a.m. the next day saw Okorocha identifying aspirants and the positions they were running for. At the end, dependable sources hinted that the governor asked if there were aspirants for the position of the governor and when nobody indicated interest, he was said to have clapped and commended the aspirants as no one showed any interest in

running for his office. However, fluttering between the APC presidential ticket and the governorship ticket all at once; in no way shows leadership. It rather conveys an intemperate ambition, for which legitimate processes of the party have been suspended to suit one man. With the governorship ticket of the

It is most regrettable that a sitting governor is telling Nigerians and Imo people that he set out to deceive people with a tale of a presidential ambition that never was

APC tucked away safely by Okorocha while he flies the presidential kite, further shows that the APC in Imo has apparently been reduced to an extension of the governor’s private estate. Not even close allies of the governor are certain of the next move of Okorocha. His followers are at a loss as to the essence of the circus show at Kaduna. His most vociferous supporters have been relatively tempered down as the governor is becoming extremely adept in conjuring up one stunt after another. The question however is: to what end would these dilly-dallying serve? Okorocha does not seem to understand that he has little or no time on his hands and he still cannot afford the luxury of bamboozling even his own followers barely three months to the governorship election. Whatever may be Governor Okorocha’s strategic plans, dithering every now and then at this stage in the politics of the country, is a sure-fire way of getting the gates.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

Culture

Arts

Music

Festivals engender peace, unity, attract tourists, says Adams

Europe-based Nigerian guitarist to perform in Lagos

CULTURE

National Theatre

National Theatre goes pink in campaign against breast cancer Ebere Ameh

n support of the ongoing campaign against breast cancer tagged, Light Lagos Pink, the National Theatre is lighting it’s building pink for seven days. The Light Lagos Pink Campaign is a novel initiative of the Sebeccly Cancer and Support Centre and in partnership with the management of the National theatre, under the headship of Malam Kabiru Yusuf, the light at the theatre will be pink from 7pm, November 7 to 14, 2014. Engineers from Phillips

TONY OKUYEME tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com

Nigeria, who donated the ‘intelligent’ LED façade lighting’ to the National Theatre were on ground on Friday, the 7th of November to tilt the lights pink. With it’s million colour variations and energy conservation, the light have been giving life to the massive edifice in so much that it can communicate feelings and moods of events and will be only pink for seven days, creating awareness of breast cancer among Lagosians. Sebeccly Cancer Care launched the maiden Light Lagos Pink™ Campaign on the 3rd of October during the breast cancer awareness month. The campaign is a cancer information and resource service that promotes breast cancer awareness, initiate action amongst women to get screened and raise funds to help cancer patient’s access life-saving treatment. This year, the National Theatre, Ojota Park, M.K.O Abiola Park, Outer Marina, Muri Okunola Park, SAS Textiles, Dealdey, Bris-

tow Helicopters, St Nicholas Hospital, The Palms Mall, Silverbird Galleria and over twenty buildings, partnered with Sebeccly Cancer Care to Light Lagos Pink. The pink decoration and illumination is a visual reminder to the public that early detection of breast cancer leads to better outcomes and improves the negative perception that surrounds breast cancer. “Currently there is not sufficient knowledge on the cause(s) of breast cancer; therefore, early detection remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control. When breast cancer is detected early, and if adequate diagnosis and treatment are available, there is a good chance that breast cancer can be cured. If detected late, however, curative treatment is often no longer an option. As long as women see the pink glow of the National Theatre, they should be reminded of the importance to attend breast screening recommended for their age and report any breast abnormality promptly to a doctor,” Dr

The National Theatre is an edifice, a monument, which is not only popular but has also stood the test of time

Lola Salako, Founder, Sebeccly Cancer Care and radiation oncologist said, adding that Sebeccly is humbled and honoured for the partnership with the National Theatre. In an exclusive interview with the New Telegraph at the event, Salako said that the purpose of the campaign most importantly is to make more women aware of breast cancer. “The National Theatre is an edifice, a monument, which is not only popular but has also stood the test of time. We are targeting landmarks, places that attract people so that the more people see it, the more they are able to educate others, and which better place than the National Theatre. “Today marks a very unique day in our campaign against breast cancer called the “Light Lagos Pink Campaign”. The month of October is the Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we are promoting awareness, we are encouraging women to take action with regards to screening and we are raising funds for cancer patients. “At the end of the day, it is not just the decoration but the intention behind it, the colour pink, which is the main colour for breast cancer. It is also used to remind women of what we want them to know, which is breast cancer screening, doing breast self-examination once a month, going for well woman checks – women who are above 40 years should have a mammogram once a year.” On his part, the General Manager of the National Theatre, Malam Kabiru Yusuf said: “We are proud to support a worthy cause that will help more women be aware of their health and take action to attend health screenings.” Sebeccly Cancer Care in partnership with the Lagos state government in the course of the Light Lagos Pink campaign decorated four public parks and placed nine breast awareness banners, set up three billboards promoting breast screening guidelines, and cancer information booths at 16 locations, and granted over 20 media interviews. Over 1000 women got breast screening and donation of mammogram vouchers, over 2,000 people wore pink in support of the Light Lagos Pink Challenge, raised funds to support the treatment of 60 indigent breast cancer patients and attended to over 500 enquiries via our help lines, social media, email and office walk in. Salako, who was excited over CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Arts

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Festivals engender peace, unity, attract tourists, says Adams Shola Adefuwa

ational coordinator of Oodua Peoples’ Cong ress (OPC) and founder of Olokun Festival Foundation, Otunba Gani Adams has said that festivals would begin to attract both local and foreign tourists, and that this will not only engender peace and unity among the people of the state, but will also go a long way to improve the economic develop-

ment of these communities. Adams said this during the “Grand Finale of this year’s edition of Olokun Festival”, held at Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, adding that, “We must develop festivals in Nigeria, our leaders must begin to look inward and see how to use our rich cultural heritage to develop our nation. “From China to Russia, Britain to the Middle East, and indeed all over

the world, the culture of the people plays pivotal roles in how much those countries have developed. You will agree with me that culture has always played very important roles in the evolution of any human society,” he stated. He further said that the traditional Yoruba textile industry, which was very famous across the globe for churning out beautiful textile materials like sanyan, etu, alaari and kijipa among

Culture has always played very important roles in the evolution of any human society

several other beautiful Yoruba clothing materials, can be developed and turn into a moneyspinning industry. “Our government has continued to denigrate our culture and promoting foreign cultures above our own in our schools, most universities in the United State of America continue to enrich its syllabus with the study of Yoruba language and culture. The children can no longer speak our language at home; they no longer eat Nigerian foods or wear Nigerian clothes. “Researches carried out by our organization also revealed that there

is a tremendous growth in the interest of other foreign languages by our children,” Adams stated. Also speaking at the Grand Finale of this year’s edition of Olokun Festival, Prof. Olu Ajakaiye said culture and economic development are interlinked primarily because it develops the same subject and the people. “Inter-linkages, by their nature, can be complementary in which case they are mutually reinforcing. Inter-linkages can also be uncomplimentary in which they are mutually contradictory,” he stated.

National Theatre goes pink CONT INU E D FROM PAGE 21

Boat regatta during Olokun festival 2014

Mistress of Wholesome mounts stage Tony Okuyeme

fter successful outings at the Little Theatre of Alexandria and Under St. Marks in New York City, Mistress of Wholesome, the hilarious drama written by playwright Jacob Appel, came alive on stage penultimate Sunday at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos. Produced by Thespian Muse, Gbagyichild Entertainment and Oxzygen Koncepts, Mistress of Wholesome is directed by Toyin Oshinaike, and starring Katherine Obiang, Omoye ‘Brownie’ Uzamere, Evaezi ogoro, and Toju

Ejoh. The performances of the play continue Sunday November 16, 23, and 30, 2014, at 3:00pm and 6:00pm. In this one-act comedy script, Moji ‘the mistress’ surprises Adesuwa, ‘the wife’ of Lakunle, a prominent cardiologist, in their home and holds her hostage using an antique musket. According to Moji, Lakunle has now fallen back in love with Adesuwa, as the couple has gotten closer in their efforts to adopt a baby. Moji is naturally ‘very put out’ by this and wants Adesuwa to convince Lakunle to fall back in love with his mistress so that things can

be the same as they were for the past few years. Adesuwa, who is desperate for a baby sees Lakunle playing ‘the good and attentive husband’ as the only way that she will ever manage to adopt a child and naturally refuses. Things get even more complicated in this one-act comedy script when a gentleman from the adoption agency arrives to interview Lakunle and Adesuwa and to screen them as potential parents. When it turns out that Lakunle is actually locked in the trunk of Moji’s car across town, the two women must act fast to salvage the situation.

the successes recorded during the campaign intimated New Telegraph about Sebeccly’s plan to kick off another campaign in partnership with Chinyere Adogu, the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria Tourism with the theme, you can change your jeans but you can’t change your genes. Expatiating on the event, which will take place at Petit Paris, Lekki, on the 16th of November, 2014, Salako said; “Why breast cancer occur, we don’t know, but a few people have a breast cancer running in their family. So in partnership with Chinyere Adogu, the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria Tourism, we have this campaign that we call Jeans Vs Genes. We are targeting those people who have a high risk for breast cancer because we know that awareness leads to early detection, and early detection leads to survival. “Nigeria is a country of over 150 million people with few facilities for treating cancer. That is the more reason we need more people to be aware of the need for

Europe-based Nigerian guitarist to perform in Lagos Ebere Ameh

t will be a star-studded concert when the Europebased Nigerian guitarist, Adedeji Adetayo, and a host of other artistes, storm the Ayo Bankole Centre for Arts, in Surulere, Lagos, on November 16, 2014. The event will feature songs from the album released by the virtuoso in 2012. The Album ‘Ajo’ is an infusion of traditional African style with progressive attitude and modern sound of jazz and funk music. It was recorded in five different countries and fea-

tures some of the best players around the world, including the Award winning jazz guitarist Lionel Loueke. It was recorded in five different countries and features some of the best players around the world including The Award winning jazz guitarist Lionel Loueke. The concert would also feature top musicians such as Adunni Nefretiti, Abiodun Batik, Saxtee (Tunde Balogun) Victor Ademofe, SeunOwoaje , Taiwo Clegg, Dotun Bankole, Segun Atoyebi, Kayode Kuti, Wura Samba and many more.

Adetayo has perfor med with musicians such as Lagbaja, Ayo bankolejnr, Sammie Okposo, Steve Rhodes Orchestra, Salvador Shango, and Sound Sultan. He has as well performed in festivals and concerts like, Apollo theatre (Greece), World Music Day (Greece), Documentary festival (Thessaloniki), African Art Fest(Madrid), Sing Out Gospel(Ger many), Gideon festival(Netherland) , Swinging in Groningen and Kalamata Jazz Festival, Mamajazz Festival Lithuania, Enclave De Agua festival Soria Spain.

Adetayo

early detection. For those cancers that can be detected early, lets detect them and for those that can be prevented, let’s be aware and do everything to prevent them.” According to Omozigho Ozor, the programme coordinator of Sebeccly Care Cancer Support Centre, the centre face a lot of challenges in the course of their work, which are majorly funding, getting people to support the cause and denial. “People want to deny the fact that they can be exposed to cancer. when we were having the campaign at the palms, a lot of people did not want to come and hear what we were saying as they said that cancer is not their portion in Jesus name. Information will not going to cause you to have breast cancer, but information is powerful” Ozor said, adding that men also have a major role as some husbands have helped to detect the lumps in the breast of their wives. She encouraged them not to stop at the detection but should encourage their wives to go for screening and support them all the way.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

Mom&Parenting

Changing youths' mindset for better Nigeria

Some leading entrepreneurs have called on young people to continue to build themselves and remain focused for a better country. At the 2014 Leadership and Wealth Creation Conference held in Lagos recently, speaker, after speaker emphasized the importance of guiding the youth of the country aright, OLUSHOLA RICKETTS reports

peakers such as Tunji Olugbode of Verdant Zeal, Kene Mkparu of Filmhouse, Michael Owolabi of IL Bagno, Valentina Halim of Heavensgate Productions, Adeniyi Arinola, among others, spoke passionately about issues affecting the growth of businesses in Nigeria and the need for young people to take the bull by the horn. In a chat with journalists, the CEO of Heavensgate Productions, the convener of the conference, Halim, said the gathering was aimed at empowering Nigerian youths to have a better and secured future. Her words: “The conference is all about nurturing entrepreneurs and the youths by bring successful people to share their experiences and show them the way forward. This is the second edition. The first was all women affair, but we realized that everyone needs to be empowered. Though women need it most, economic empowerment should not be limited to a particular gender because both would still need to work together to achieve growth at the end of the day.” According to her, leadership and wealth creation in Nigeria is an issue that needs urgent attention from the government and concerned stakeholders because when people are not self-sufficient, it tells on the society. She added that it increases crime rate, with youths being used as political thugs, among others. “The younger ones are gradually realizing the need to build them-

Team Oluwatosin Omoniyi lCoordinator

Grace Essen

lContributor

Pastor John Aire, Valentina Halim and the Owene of Asaba, Chief Tom Halim

selves, but they need answers to some questions. We can tell this by the call for advancement and increased participation in leadership in various aspects of the society. Most people are thinking outside the box but we still need to develop ourselves and help other people to grow,” Halim insisted Olugbodi called on youths to set personal values and always remember that whatever makes one successful doesn’t necessary keep one there. He said this is the age of commitment, insisting that the rule of engagement is changing. “Credibility is extremely important because no one likes liability and people need to see that they can trust you before they do business with you,” the communication expert added. Also, managing partner of BlueSense, Christian Reuben, disclosed that people should think about where they want to be a week or month after and set objectives for themselves because it would enable them to check themselves. “An individual also needs to find out why he or she is going into a business. Venturing into a business to make money is not good enough because when trying times come, it becomes hard to stay in the business.

Janet Adetu, CEO of JSk Consortium and Halim

If you look at the richest people in the society today, they started from zero and grew gradually. “For me, the driving force should be making a difference. Money makes you to misplace focus. When you have passion and determination,

you can withstand the challenging periods. Most businesses will have to wait for some time before talking profit. But what we do mostly is that people venture into businesses for six months and move away when they are no rewards,” Reuben noted.

Mom&Parenting

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Married, single who is happier? Different strokes for different folks, says the old adage. The adage and the holy book have it that it is better as two than one. But some differ on it; they believe that staying single could be more satisfactory and happier. OLUWATOSIN OMONIYI and EZEKIEL ADESAWE sought out the opinion of some Nigerians. Raphael Sunday, Single, engineer There are arguments for both sides. Sometimes, I enjoy being single and other times, I feel I need a companion. Everything in life has its own advantage and disadvantage. I am still single and would love to be married next year. I am yet to find the right partner and still want to put things in place. I think I will be happier being married.

and proud to be. First of all is love and understanding. I have been married for 12 years and I am happy to be. Lack of understanding could cause one to be unhappy in marriage.

Fadeke Uguru Single life can be very lonely and difficult. “Who applauds your achievement when you are alone? Companionship in life is important. It’s important to have someone to talk to, think with, and share joys and sorrows with? Though, marriage is hard Chinedu Okafor, businessman I am happy to be married work, it is often unappreciated; it

Mr. Adafin Olatunde, Pastor The Bible says one will chase one thousand and two will chase ten thousand. From that biblical illustration, you will understand that being married is much better than being single, provided you married the right person. When you are married, the companionship will be there where you will have someone to share you joy, happiness and sorrows. Marriage could be paradise on earth and also hell on earth, just as some after their marriage of months, their lives will turn up-side down. Some may be single and struggling but when they get married, things will begin to work for them. Also, to have a happy marriage, it depends on the kind of person your partner is and the level of understanding they have.

is remains the best that happens to individual. It thrives on sacrifice. It is nice to have the love and presence of a spouse. Honestly, I choose Marriage because the idea of a life without companionship is torture for me. Kemi Odukoya You are supposed to be happier married. There’s joy in two coming together as one. Two sharing challenges and happiness. Drawing strength from one when and afraid. Above all, there is social security in being married especially in Africa.

Dr. Chinwe Osene, Medical Doctor

It is happier to be married than to be single. Looking at it biblically, a man shall leave his father and mother and cling to his wife and the two shall become one. God knows that it is perfect, even before the church was marriage. So marriage is ordained by God and he does things that are perfect and good. Most of the problem we face are as a result of not being equipped with the word of God. The devil tries to destroy marriages. That’s why we have marital issues. Marriage comes with challenges and responsibilities. There’s no need to compare because marriage oversees all things. If you say that you are happy to be single, what about the blessings of marriage? On the other side, if you ask many women to be single again, many will want to. As for me, I am happy to be married than to be single again.

Mrs. Folake Umoka, Caterer I believe when you are single and you go into marriage the right way, one will be happier than being single. I have been married for over 15 years and I have known my husband for more than 17years. With all these, I a m the happiest woman on earth. Although I married an Igbo man and I am a Yoruba woman, I am the happy. These days, ladies go into marriage because the guy is rich. They shouldn’t be too conscious of money. I married my husband when he had nothing, but because of love and the help of God, we are still together. We have been through storm and we came out strong.

Kafilat Jolaoso, civil servant

the

For me, it is better and happier to stay single than to be trapped in a bad marriage. That way I’m in charge of my own destiny. Though marriage is far far better, getting the right person is main issue- Kafilat Jolaoso

Mrs. Abu Stella, Widow and Businesswoman Until my husband’s death, I was happy about my marriage but my in-laws gave me a lot of problem. I have no issue with my husband but my in-laws. Marriage is just like education where you learn many things.

Lanre Folarin, US-based auto sales representative The single life is great in some respects. You can afford to travel the world, get to really know yourself and make the best of your career without guilt, especially for a woman who is seeking to get to the pinnacle of her career. The single life is great. Marriage and children always interfere with her or his climb to greatness because there are social commitments that help to move the career along. But really, single life can be lonely

MOM’S ALERT with

Grace Essen

grace.essen@gmail.com

A successful working mom

“I

s anything easy in motherhood?” someone once asked, and that got me thinking. Raising children is a full-time job in itself, adding a career and/or a business can sometimes feel a bit like ‘having more than a handful’. The title ‘working mom’ has over time been used to describe a mother who works on a job or does business especially outside the home. That aspect of her work is considered ‘professional,’ and she gets paid for it, the other aspect though equally tasking attracts no pay and does not earn her that title. A woman, who takes on a career or a business in addition to her other roles as a mom, knows too well that juggling the two can be downright exhausting and sometimes chaotic. Yet she is determined to make it all work. Within her, is the resolve to succeed at both. But what will she need to make it through those times when she will feel too exhausted to even lift a finger, and the days when she will receive a query because she had to attend to her ‘other job’? I read an article by Tracie Egan Morrissey in which she wrote: “And more often than not, guys who are the most successful at work are the ones who have wives – and not necessarily stay-at-home ones either – taking care of the kids and cooking dinner.” And in another part of the article she wrote: “For them, a career and a family is a given…What do they have that we don’t? The answer: a wife.” Can we argue that? “Behind every successful man is a woman,” is a very popular saying and it readily comes to mind here. There are many things we consider essential that contribute to a man’s success, but you will agree that some things are ‘more essential’ than others, and in that sense the ‘woman’ very easily tops the list. What is it the woman contributes that is so essential to a man’s success? And is it limited to only the woman? She takes care of the other things that require attention and devotion, like taking care of the kids and managing the household, so he can concentrate at work. She also ensures he comes home to a peaceful environment where he can take his mind away from work and unwind, get some rest, and receive encouragement and motivation to go back to work the next day and continue the hustle, this I will call the intangibles.

It is all so easy to see when a man has this kind of support lacking in his life, it shows in his work, it shows in the way he struggles to concentrate at work, and how he would have to leave work to attend to issues the ‘woman’ could have easily handled. While one cannot say having a woman is a guarantee to a man’s success, having one that does not adequately handle the ‘other things’ will surely impact on his work in a negative way. And when a woman goes out to build a career or business, who takes care of the kids and manages the household so she can concentrate at work? Who will make the home warm and peaceful for her to relax and unburden her mind and body from the day’s challenges and pressure? Basically my question is: If behind every successful man is a woman, what is behind every successful woman – the working mom? What might immediately come to mind is a nanny, a help - someone who can take care of those stuff a ‘woman’ will usually attend to like taking care of the children, school runs, shopping, cooking and cleaning the house, so she can focus on her work. Okay, let’s say she is lucky to get a competent help, and the home is taken care of. What about the other ‘essentials’ - the intangibles? What I think every working mom needs to succeed at her work both within and outside her home, is support, encouragement, understanding, ‘being there for her’ and any other thing you may choose to add. Beyond just having a help around the house, she needs someone with whom she can share her joys and triumphs, as well as her challenges and her fears. She needs someone who has got her back and a shoulder to cry on when the going gets tough. She needs someone who though may not understand the nature of her work or business, will be there anyway to support her. These and more are what the ‘woman’ behind the successful man gives in good measure that urges him on to success, the hurdles and setbacks notwithstanding. That means a working mom needs a ‘woman’ too. All she has to do is drop the ‘wo’ and it becomes ‘man’, Tracie called it ‘wife’, I choose to call it ‘the other half,’ and that every working mom should find in her partner – her husband. “And what if I don’t have a husband?” You may ask, ok let’s deal with that next week shall we?

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

Law has no human face – ANACOWA

‘Restriction is to curb accidents, robbery’

‘Ban hasn’t stopped mishaps from occurring’

Recklessness of riders alarming, needed control

Okada accidents reduced since partial ban

Ban effected without stakeholders' input

Investigation

Life after ban on commercial motorcycles Unemployment appeared to have induced many youths, especially graduates into commercial motorcycle (okada) riding, which the working class also saw as solution to the challenges of transportation in the country. Yet, the high rate of accidents and its use for robbery soon became a source of worry to government, forcing Lagos State to try to restrict its movements to feeder roads. But, has the ban brought the needed succour that was anticipated? ELIJAH SAMUEL, in this report, looks at the effects of the ban, two years after

Okada accidents. Inset: Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola

T ISIOMA MADIKE

Editor, InVESTIGATIONS isioma.madike@newtelegraphonline.com

he late Afro beat king, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, appeared to have captured the frustration of living in Lagos, said to be the Center of Excellence and commercial nerve centre of Nigeria. He had described the life in the mega city as that of suffering and smiling on a daily basis. Fela’s observation may have sounded unintelligent to some, but, it remained the truth, especially when put in contest of the enduring movement from one point to another in a city choked with human and vehicular traffic. For the Johnnies Just Come (JJCs) to Lagos, the act of jumping on and off a moving “molue, danfo” or other mass transit buses is one most important survival skills to be learnt. Apart from that, new comers also learn to survive a ride on a Lagos commer-

cial motorcycle, popularly known as okada. For many Lagosians, riding daily on okada is an unavoidable part of their daily routine. It is a beauty to see riders’ breezes, dash, slide, and manoeuvre their way through the thick Lagos traffic. Their door to door service offering and cost effectiveness sets them apart from other public means of transportation. This, though, comes at huge costs. A visit to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, and other hospitals in Lagos, for instance, will reveal sad stories of young lives cut short, or maimed for life by the carelessness and sometimes overzealousness of the okada riders. They seem to obey the law of urban jungle only, which accords them right of way in every traffic situation. To them, patience is a relic word, now extinct like

PHOTOS: THENATIONONLINENG.NET

the dinosaurs. Incidentally, okada rides are no respecter of persons, and are not a determinant of one's socio-economic status. The rich, and the not-so-rich, as well as school children ride daily on it to and from school. To the working class, okada has equally become a life saver, helping them to meet up with timings and vital appointments. But, riding in a Lagos okada could be crazy; a heart wrenching sight to behold. Though, many young males with qualifications from tertiary institutions have found succour in the business. The operators, it does appear, have inadvertently provided jobs for traditional bone-setting homes around the country. Kate, who lives at Oladoyinbo C ONTIN U E D ON PA G E 2 6

Investigation

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Law has no human face –ANACOWA

Ogunnowo

Idowu

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 5

Street in Aguda, a suburb of Lagos had just left her home and was on her way to her church’s vigil. It was late and dark. The sun had long set. Her house was not far apart from the church but there were no buses, so, she took a bike. Recklessness of riders alarming, needed some measure of control The bike man was an “aboki”, and the minute she got on that okada, Kate knew something would go wrong. The man rode very fast, not minding the many potholes on that stretch of road. He was much in a hurry as if his mission on earth was to make sure he did not miss that appointment with his pre-determined fate. “It’s a very short journey”, Kate said to her spirit, trying to reason with herself. “It will be over in five minutes”, she assured herself. Though, she saw it before it happened and she was sure it would happen. She also knew there would be no way to stop in time; no swerving or braking could have stopped it. Incidentally, the aboki did not see it coming. He must have been blind or something, Kate thought aloud. “All the other cars stopped for that one car to turn into the road but no, not this aboki. He was going to fly over the oncoming vehicle,” Kate narrated. They wasted no in slamming into the car. “You know how they say one’s life flashes before their eyes before death or a near-death

experience. All I could think of, the only thing on my mind was how to dive and position myself for landing so as to sustain a minimal bodily damage possible,” Kate recounted. When it was over, it took a few seconds before she realised she was lying in the center of the road at an intersection. She got up immediately, afraid that a limb or head might get crushed by an oncoming vehicle. She was confused, disoriented. Kate looked back at the okada man but he was checking his bike. She wandered across the road, and in trying to cross, she saw a very familiar plate number. She looked up and it was her best friend. It could have been anyone else but God sent her best friend. Kate imagined what her friend would have been thinking. “How do you come upon an accident scene and discover the victim is your best friend? I didn’t have to say a word. I just walked to the passenger’s side and got in amidst all the ‘sorrys’ from onlookers. I got away with just one bruise on my wrist,” she said. Incidentally, Kate is not an isolated case. Mrs. Toke Bello, who resides at 38, Airways Road, Ijeshatedo in Surulere, sells bread in her neighbourhood, just to augment her family income. She also traverses other locations where her customers were domiciled in order to make supplies. It was on her way back home from one of such trips that a commercial bus that was trying to evade a traffic snarl rammed into the okada that was

Seized motorcycles being destroyed

carrying her. Although, she was lucky to have escaped with fractured leg, same cannot be said of the rider. Since she was discharged, she has been unable to use legs. Abdulganiyy Adedeji, a trained vulcaniser, also got a dose of the okada treatment. Now 43 and father of three, Adedeji is anxiously praying for speedy recovery from an accident, which confined him to a spot for months now. Just like Bello and Adedeji, former Enyimba Football Club defender and Super Eagles fringe player, Odeh Ogah, had his dream of playing for the famous Manchester United of England cut short when he was involved in a fatal okada accident that left him with a permanent disability. Ogah, who hails from Oju Local Government Area of Benue State, was born in 1982. His ordeal started in 2007, according to reports, when he was to travel to Cyprus for the proverbial greener pasture. He said, “I was playing till April 2007, when I had a call from

PHOTO: PUNCHNG.COM

my manager. He said he had got a deal for me in Europe, Cyprus to be precise, so I should come over to Lagos. It was for me to go and sign a deal. It was a sealed deal. I was not going for trials but signing of the contract papers. Due to the urgency, I rushed down to Lagos and we went to the Embassy. “However, we were told that it would take two weeks for us to get the visa. But due to my club engagements, it was not possible for me to wait that long. So, we pleaded and got the club’s president involved. He intervened and I was to get the visa the next day. On my way back to the hotel where I was to spend the night before I would depart the next day, I decided to pick a bike, popularly called okada so as to beat the hold up. You know Lagos is full of traffic jams. Unfortunately, we did not go far before we were hit from behind by a reckless danfo diver. Instantly, my left pelvic shifted from its normal position and that ended my football career and dream of playC O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2 7

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

27 Investigation

‘Restriction is to curb accidents, robbery’

A woman climbing an okada

Entire family risk their lives on the highway

PHOTO: JULIANAFRANCIS.BLOGSPOT.COM

PHOTO: OLAMIDEBAKARE.WORLDPRESS

LASTMA officials attempting to arrest an okada rider

Bello C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 6

ing for Manchester United, the club I have been supporting for so many years now,” Ogah said. Okada accidents reduced since partial ban According to the Lagos State Government, no fewer than 619 people were either killed or seriously injured in commercial motorcycle accidents across the state between 2011 and 2012. The figure, government explained, was from the state Traffic Management Authority’s record. A statement by the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Media, Hakeem Bello, added that records from the Planning and Research Department of LASTMA showed that out of the number, 107 people died while 512 sustained serious injuries as a result of the accidents. It said those, who died in the two years were 71 males and 36 females. The statement read in part, “Details of the accidents between January 2011 and October 2012 further revealed that a total of 442 commercial motorcycles,

popularly called okada, were involved in accidents across the state during the period out of which 271 occurred in 2011 while 171 occurred in 2012. Also according to the records, in 2011 alone, 47 were killed and 98 others sustained serious injuries while from January 2012 to date 63 people have been killed while 59 others sustained serious injuries.” The government added that police records showed that a total of 513 fatal accidents recorded in the state within the period were caused by okada operators. According to the record, out of this number 305 happened between January and December 2011 while 208 of the fatal accidents happened between January and June 2012. “The record also revealed that of the 30 armed robbery incidents recorded in the state between the months of July and September of the same year, 22 of them involved the use of commercial motorcycles. Details, according to the record, show that of eight robberies that occurred in July, seven involved the use of

Okadas still involved in accidents notwithstanding their restriction

okada while okada was also used in 10 out of 14 robberies in September and in five out of eight robberies in August,” the statement said. Perhaps, this may be why the government moved to restrict the use of okada to feeder roads across the state. Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, had on August 2, 2012 signed the Lagos Road Traffic Bill into law. The law prohibits the operations of commercial motorcyclists on 475 roads in the state. Fashola, while signing the bill into law, said it was to check the rising cases of accidents, especially the ones caused by the commercial motorcyclists. He also said the law would help to restore order to the roads. According to a statement from the authorities, “the state government promulgated the Lagos Road Traffic Law to address some of the security challenges by restricting operators of commercial motorcycles to certain areas in the metropolis among other reasons.” The statement, however, said government only restricted okada operations to some areas to regulate traffic and reduce avoidable accidents and loss of life on roads.” While accessing the effect of the part ban, an orthopaedic surgeon, Obianyor Ocee, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NANS’) report, said that there has been a reduction in the number of motorcycle-related accidents since the enforcement of the partial ban on commercial

PHOTO: MYCADAXTRA.BLOGSPOT.COM

motorcyclists “okada’’ in Lagos State. Ocee, who is the Head, Emergency Medical Department, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, made the disclosure in Lagos recently. He said this was due to the full enforcement of the recent ban on okada in some major parts in the state. According to him, okada-related accidents decreased in comparison between September and October, when the ban was fully enforced. He said this was against the background of the high rate recorded between June and August when the commercial motorcyclists were still in operation on those roads. The consultant noted, however, that the figure jumped to 41 male and 26 female in November, even though, he could not explain the reason for the increase. According to the statistics he made available, there was a decrease from 183 recorded between June and August to 130 between September and November. The statistics show 18 male and three female recorded in September and 33 male and nine female in October, while it increased to 41 male and 26 female in November. “This is against 36 male and 20 female recorded in June, 49 male and 24 female in July, and 36 male and 18 female recorded in August, just before the commencement of enforcement of the ban,” he said. Ocee said those in the age group of 15 to 44 years accounted for the C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2 8

Investigation

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

‘Ban hasn’t stopped mishaps from occurring’ C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 7

high rate of accidents, saying people in the age range were still active and indulged more in riding motorcycles. “Since all other factors remain constant, including the okada riders still being the same people, they are not better trained than they used to be. Definitely, banning them takes a lot of them off the roads, thereby resulting in less accidents occurring,’’ the consultant said. Ban effected without stakeholders’ input He said in terms of its economic factors, the amount of money invested or spent in treating the patients could be saved and chanelled towards other needs. He added that man hours, the period of time the patients spent on admission in the hospitals, would have also been reduced and people would have been more productive. He urged the road traffic management officials to educate drivers on how to operate during the yuletide season to ensure an accident-free period. Ocee also urged the state government to enforce the ban on the sale of alcoholic drinks at the motor parks. He said that many okada riders indulged in taking lots of alcohol and drugs before embarking on their journeys. “The government should enforce this ban and ensure that such things do not happen. The road safety authorities should educate the drivers on how to manage their vehicles and maintain them, because many of them are not well maintained. All these put together will definitely help in reducing the high rate of accidents on the roads,’’ Ocee said. In spite of Ocee’s observation, Dr. Babatunde Ogunnowo, a public health physician at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) disagreed, saying instead that most okada operators seem to have acculturated well in reckless riding. “Okada are still involved in accidents notwithstanding their restriction from some major roads across the state,” Ogunnowo said. Ogunnowo appears to have found support in Mrs. Roslyn Uyi, a traditional orthopaedic, who believes that “banning okada from plying the roads has not stopped accidents from occurring. Accidents are caused by so many things but the ones involving okada seem to be most prominent. “Although, accidents will occur wherever and whenever, the recklessness of the okada riders is so alarming and really need some measure of control. So, for the purpose of life preservation, there is no qualm with the government’s decision to ban or streamline their activities. But, even when the government has decided to impose a ban, thought should also be given to palliatives to cushion the effects of the ban. This is because many of the riders had been pushed into the business because they failed to get jobs to do,” Uyi said. Another traditional orthopaedic, Dr. Toba Olobatuyi, assessed the okada-restriction law from two viewpoints. “I want to assess the impact from two perspectives: it has made fast movement from one point to another a bit difficult because of the bad state of our roads. But, it has also positively impacted on the wellbeing of the people because of

Female okada passenger being taken to the hospital after suffering a broken arm in an accident PHOTO: PMNEWSNIGERIA.COM

Uyi

the noticeable reduction in the frequency of accidents between prior to restriction and during restriction implementation. The restriction has brought relative sanity on the roads, and has also saved lives from being unnecessarily wasted.” But, Dr. Olatunji Idowu, also an orthopaedic expert, and head of emergency medical service of National Orthopaedic Hospital, Lagos, aligned with Ocee’s position. He agreed that the incidence of commercial motorcycle-related accidents has reduced. “From our records, between 2012 and now, attendances from okadarelated accidents at the emergency section of the Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi have reduced drastically. Although they were restricted from the expressway and the double-carriageway, they are still operative in the periphery and rural areas. However, I will say that the reduction actually correspond with the period of the restriction. “For the major part of 2012, the statistics was about 60 cases of okada-related accidents per month. From January-July 2013, we had average of 55 cases. But in September 2013 we had 32 cases, in October it was 16, November and December had 25. From the beginning of this year, the figure has hovered at 30 cases per month. From the records, it has been a 50 per cent reduction in okada-related accidents,” he said. However, the state secretary of All Nigeria Autobike Commercial Owners and Workers Association (ANACOWA), Comrade Yussuf Oladimeji, has also reacted. According to him, “the okada-restriction law is

Another okada accident

Olobatuyi

PHOTO: OSUNDEFENDER.ORG

Bone setters

without human face and anti-people. It was promulgated without the input of the stakeholders. Although, they invited us to the public awareness and sensitisation programme before the promulgation to discuss on routes, which the proposed law was to cover. We were surprised, when the law was promulgated, to discover that the provisions that were originally made had been increased far beyond what was initially planned. Okadas appeared in the late 1980s during an economic downturn in Nigeria. Jobless youths began to use motorcycles to earn money by transporting passengers on narrow or poorly maintained roads to far away cities and villages. This type of transportation quickly became popular and acceptance of it has increased steadily. It has, overtime, become one of the

primary modes of transportation in Nigeria and comprises a cheap and adaptable transport system. In remote villages, they arrive at regular intervals. It has also become a means of transportation regularly used by the young and old, men and women. Incidentally, the rise in okada usage has been accompanied by increased occurrences of risky driving and accidents on Nigerian roads. As a result, okadas have come under heavy criticism, resulting in legislation intended to restrict or prohibit their operation in some Nigerian cities. Okada has, without doubt, assisted the jobless graduates, semi- illiterates and others to have constant source of income, even though, they have, many believe, also constituted nuisance in the country in terms of criminal activities.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

Property

Energy

Aviation

Power: ‘Obasanjo, others mired human capital investment for 20 years’

Cement price crash: Experts, homebuilders warn against cartels

Obsolete way of refueling airplanes persists

Business FG moves to avert fuel What's news

2015: FG’s N1trn fuel subsidy investment target at risk

The N1 trillion investments appropriated for subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in the 2015 budget is in jeopardy, New Telegraph has learnt.

p.22

scarcity during Yuletide FUNDING Lenders release funds to importers for Q4 fuel allocation

 Q4 fuel cargoes arrive Nigeria this week product. Government has done its beat and we believe that the importers too would do their beat,” a PPPRA source said.

The Federal Government, last Tuesday, released the import permits for the fourth quarter allocation three days

after the expiration of the third quarter supplementary allocaCONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Adeola Yusuf

40m Nigerians lack access to ICT, says FG An estimated 40 million Nigerians still lack access to Information and Communication Technology services, the Federal Government has said.

p.22

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 first batch of cargoes for the last quarter of this year would be delivered this week, New Telegraph gathered at the weekend. This came as the Federal Government assured Nigerians that the recurring scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol will not rear its ugly head during this year’s festive season. This newspaper gathered that some fuel importers and marketers secured loans from banks for the just-released fourth quarter fuel allocation. “The preparation for this allocation had begun even before the release of the fourth quarter allocation. We are businessmen and the ideal thing to have done is to sign papers for the funding facilities from banks and quickly place order with foreign refineries for the products. “All these we have done since some weeks ago and this explains why the cargoes should start to arrive by this week,” a marketer who craved anonymity, told New Telegraph. Citing the level of preparation by the marketers, the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulating Agency (PPPRA), assured that the scarcity will not occur during the festive season this year. “We believe strongly that with the level of preparation that we have put into this, there is no excuse for scarcity of the

L-R: Roosevelt Ogbonna; Executive Director, Commercial Banking, Access Bank Plc, Victor Etuokwu; Executive Director, Personal Banking, Access Bank Plc, Charles Ifedi; CEO, Verve Card International, Herbert Wigwe; Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc and Head, Sales & Marketing, Epayplus ltd, Kola Ladejo, at the launch of PERSONA by Access Bank at the bank’s head office in Lagos.

Vacant property rises in Lagos as multinationals sell offshore assets Dayo Ayeyemi

ower demand for residential properties by multinational companies is weighing down on Lagos’ real estate market, New Telegraph has learnt. This development, according to a report from the Bis-

mark Rewane-led Financial Derivative Company (FDC) Limited, has led to increase in vacant residential properties in the high-end locations of Lagos. This trend, which is occurring in the last quarter of the year, was blamed on two issues. According to analysts at FDC, increase in vacant prop-

erties in Lagos was due to the actions of multinationals that have been selling their offshore assets in the country, which have resulted in lower demand. Besides, the reduction in the number of employees by these multinationals has impacted negatively on demand 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....................11.57% Prime Lending Rate...........16.93% Maximum Lending Rate...25.83%

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parellel As at Nov. 7)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N173 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N278 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N216

l Foreign Reserves – $38.07bn as at 6/11/2014

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Official As at Nov. 7)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N156.80 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N249.43 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N196.04

Business | News

INVESTMENT DROUGHT

The oil sector is not witnessing new investments Adeola Yusuf

he N1 trillion investments appropriated for subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in the 2015 budget is in jeopardy, New Telegraph has learnt. Government which disclosed its expenditure target in the 2015-2017 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy paper, is considering the investment as needless following plans to end subsidy in the year

2015: FG’s N1trn fuel subsidy investment target at risk under review. President Goodluck Jonathan had earlier sent the MTEF and FSP to the National Assembly for approval as the basis for the 2015 budget, but government may make a U-turn on the investment following the new agitation for total subsidy removal. “Yes, it is in the budget that such an amount would be spent on fuel subsidy and subsidy reinvestment, but a serious consideration is given to full subsidy removal,” a

FG moves to avert fuel scarcity CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

tion. Although the PPPRA, which released the allocation to Fuel Importing and Marketing Companies (FIMC) did not mention names of the beneficiaries and the volume, this newspaper gathered that companies such as Mobil, Oando, Folawiyo, NIPCO, Aiteo and 24 others got about 1.8 million metric tonnes. Oando, Folawiyo, NIPCO and Aiteo got 90,000 metric tonnes each based on their performance during the last quarter, it was gathered. “In total, about 27 fuel importers got an average of 1.8 million tones for the quarter,” an industry source said. The release of the allocations, he added, followed the approval by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, but

it was announced after the meeting between the Executive Secretary of PPPRA and the marketers on Tuesday. “The decision to release the import allocations after a few days’ delay shows that the Federal Government could not afford shortage of the product during the forthcoming Yuletide. “In fact, we were told that we could get additional or supplementary allocation before the end of the year to ensure that there is adequate supply of product in the market. Apart from facilitating an improved national petrol supply situation and stock build-up currently put at about 35days sufficiency level, the PPPRA said that the latest directive was also to enable marketers make adequate preparations towards products sourcing and importation.

Multinationals sell offshore assets CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

for property due to their low purchasing power. Most of the expatriates now prefer to stay in hotels for the number of days or months of their engagement to cut cost, instead of buying property. The report stated: “There is increasing number of vacant residential properties partly due to lower demand for properties by multinationals selling their offshore assets and reduction in number of employees.” Despite the fact that construction activities have been gradually winding down, the FDC report noted that there has been new residential and office developments in Lekki and Victoria Island, while new block of

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

flats have sprung up at Ikate Elegushi, Sinari Daranijo and Victoria Island areas of Lagos. On vacancy factor, the report noted: “There is no significant change in rent, properties on major roads command a higher price, and vacancy factor is up in Victoria Island, Lekki and Ikoyi.” The experts noted that residential vacancy factor in Victoria Island has increased to 31 per cent in October, while commercial vacancy factor has moved up to 13 per cent. According to the report, real estate activities in Abuja would receive a major boost as a new mall is billed to open in November. The mall dubbed ‘Purplestone mall,’ has 400 shop spaces available.

source at the Presidency said. “The reason for this,” he continued, “is that the prices of oil, which is the cash cow for the economy, nay the budget, is dipping now and this has become a source of concern for everyone, including the government.” The Federal Government is to, according to the MTEF and FSP, spend the sum of N971 billion to subsidise the supply of petrol to Nigerians in 2015, an indication that the administration has no plan to do away with

subsidising petrol. In the same vein, the government plans to give out a total of N260 million to the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SUREP), for intervention in various development agencies. According to the document, government expects to receive fabulous revenue of N7.164 from oil and gas, while the sum of N3.2 billion from non-oil revenue sources within the year. Overall, the administration is expecting N11.1 billion as total federally

collectible revenue for 2015, as against the projection of N10.894 for the current year. From the oil revenue, according to Jonathan, the sum of N858.59 billion will be spent as the Federal Government’s contribution to the cost of oil production while N209 billion will go to National Domestic gas development and N78 billion set aside for gas infrastructure development. In the letter addressed to the leadership of the National Assembly,

Jonathan admitted that the oil sector was not witnessing new investments due to uncertainty occasioned by the non-passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). The president explained that the oil benchmark of $78 pb was predicated on the projected balance between increasing global supply resulting from rising oil and unconventional oil production, and production disruptions that may might result from geopolitical risks.

L-R: General Manager, Information Technology, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Mr Femi Akingbade; Oracle US Agent in Nigeria, Mr Matthew Igbalajobi and Executive Secretary, NHIS, Dr. Femi Thomas, at a digitalisation strategy conference to actualise universal health insurance coverage in Nigeria.

COLLABORATION

Government collaborates to drive connectivity to the underserved

Kunle Azeez

n estimated 40 million Nigerians still lack access to Information and Communication Technology services, the Federal Government has said. Minister of Communication Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson, disclosed this at the commissioning of one of the several Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) deployed across the South West region by Odu’atel through subsidies provided by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) at Igbo Olodumare in Ondo State. Over 664,500 people occupying 111 communities hitherto without access to telecoms services have been

40m Nigerians lack access to ICT, says FG connected to functional Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services by the Federal Government. The minster said that the first voice call at the commissioning reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that the unserved and underserved communities in Nigeria are connected to ICT services. She disclosed that in the next implementation phase, the USPF plans to support the deployment of more than 200 BTS across the country. Johnson said this will enable over 300 communities with an estimated population of I.65 million have access to ICTs when the phase is completed. USPF was created by the Federal Government and empowered under the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA)

2003, to facilitate the extension of telecommunications services to underserved and unserved communities. Johnson, who is the Chairman of USPF, disclosed that the USPF is initiating various programmes and projects to facilitate the deployment of ICT infrastructure and services, designed to extend ICT and other telecommunications services to people living in rural areas, where telecoms operators are unlikely to provide services. According to the minister, one of the programmes, designed by the USPF to extend telecommunications services is the Accelerated Mobile Phone Expansion (AMPE) programme, which ensures the extension of mobile telephony services to unserved and underserved communities.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

Irony of Nigeria’s fuel import allocation p.33

Energy

Norway mulls $45m power investments in Nigeria, others p.32

Power: ‘Obasanjo, others mired human capital investment for 20 years’ GROWTH

Jonathan expresses commitment to Nigeria’s economic growth Stories by Adeola Yusuf

nvestments in the development of human capital in the power sector was abandoned by previous government that held sway in the past 20 years, the Federal Government said at the weekend. The lull in investment only changed when the power sector road map was inauguration in 2010. The period of neglect of human capital in the sector (19902010) covered the time when leaders such as Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, General Abdul Salami Abubakar, Chief Ernest Sonekan and General Sanni Abacha held sway as the leaders of Nigeria. President Goodluck Jonathan, who said that the power sector had suffered setbacks for many years prior to the reform, declared that the former National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) or Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) did not recruit new staff, including engineers and artisans. “For almost 20 years, the former NEPA or PHCN did not recruit new staff, including engineers, artisans, technicians and craftsmen,” President Jonathan said at the inauguration of the National Power Apprenticeship Scheme (NAPSAS).

Oil rig

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim

Pius Anyim, the president said that the scheme was a vital aspect of his administration’s

drive to provide meaningful employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.

He said: “It will provide the enabling environment for the development of skills required to underpin the growth of the power sector.” According to him, the scheme marks a major step forward in the realisation of the country’s vision for improved employment opportunities for the nation’s young people. This administration, the president said, was committed to the country’s economic growth in its position as the largest economy in Africa. He maintained that since the inauguration of the power sector road map in 2010, the sector had witnessed major developments, including the privatisation of generation and distribution assets. The investment in development of human capital in the power sector, he insisted, had suffered setbacks for many years prior to the reform. “For almost 20 years, the former NEPA or PHCN did not recruit new staff, including engineers, artisans, technicians and craftsmen,” he said. “I believe that this scheme will provide skilled manpower that the distribution, generation and transmission companies can build on to underpin their growth programmes being awaited by Nigerians. “Let me reiterate that the provision of safe and reliable electricity to every Nigerian is one of the cardinal objectives of the transformation agenda of my administration,” he said. To achieve this objective, he continued, the ministry of power was actively pursuing private investment in the new power generation project.

Falling oil prices: Governors under pressure –Okorocha SLEAZE

Governor accuses NDDC in Imo State of corruption and sharp practices

overnors of the 36 states in Nigeria are under pressure following the continued fall in prices of oil at the international market, Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has said. Okorocha, who said this at a reception for organisers and

nominees of the Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) 2014 at the Government House in Owerri, maintained that the total dependence of revenue on oil is dangerous for the country. He said: “Every month we go begging for money, which source is solely from oil. We are all cashiers in sirens, including me, Rochas Okorocha, and anytime the oil price goes down, as is it now, we are under pressure.” He said that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in his state is a sham, accusing the commission of corruption. “NDDC here in Imo is a

sham, it is scam, chapter one, verse one. Anywhere that I erect a borehole, they will go there and say that they have erected a borehole there, anywhere I do a project, they will go there and say that they have done that project.” He, however, recommended that government should practice what he called the “kobo economy,” through the agriculture. “Every money made on oil should first of all go into agriculture and later we should place our budget on what agriculture gives. This is one of the ways we

can solve hunger and starvation and reduce our total dependence on oil,” he said. Stating that the country is a fertile ground for agriculture, the governor said: “I do not know of any country in the world where grasses grow on the roof of houses but Nigeria. He said: “In our villages, houses built just after two years start to grow grasses on their roofs. What this means is that there is too much of fertility on the ground, which has transferred through the air to the roof.” Meanwhile, the price of Organisation of Petroleum

Exporting Countries (OPEC) basket of 12 crudes stood at $78.27 a barrel at the weekend, compared with $78.11 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

Business | Energy

BLACKOUT

Over 700 million people in Africa lack electricity

Stories by Adeola Yusuf

orway has disclosed plans to invest $45 million in Ni-

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Norway mulls $45m power investments in Nigeria, others geria’s power sector and other countries in Africa. Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister, Børge Brende, who made this

known, said that over 700 million people in Africa lack electricity. Consequently, he said that the continent is in urgent need of invest-

ment in renewable energy. He, however, acknowledged that Nigeria and other countries in the continent have

Power installation

INVESTMENT

Company to construct two CNG stations in 2015

reen Gas Limited (GGL), a Joint Venture between Nigerian Gas Company and the Nigeria Independent Petroleum Company (NIPCO) Plc, has declared plans to boost investments, including the construction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations nationwide. The company, which said this in a presentation at the just-concluded West African Gas in Abuja, charged the Federal Government on the need to take full advantage of the global CNG market. GGL, which said that it had built seven CNG stations and converted 3,000 vehicles to CNG powered, promised to build two additional CNG stations in 2015. Nigeria, the company said, has huge reserves; shares above similarities and needs a comprehensive policy for promotion of CNG. “Benefits of increase in CNG investments, include reduction in

Firm advocates strong policy on compressed gas subsidy outflow. Reduction in forex outflow due to reduced fuel imports, savings in fuel cost to public transport system, reduction in Carbon dioxide levels and infrastructure creation for supply of natural gas to domestic household and industries,” it said. The company continued: “CNG as is being supported by governments in other countries, Nigeria with abundant supply of natural gas, should evolve a strong National CNG policy to substitute liquid fuels by natural gas. “Government should also allow only those companies who have successfully demonstrated the CNG projects in Nigeria to execute this project of ‘National Importance.’ This should also include the directives for compulsory conversion of vehicles of government departments and commercial vehicles. “Others are special price of natural gas for the project so as to make

the project viable and to keep the CNG price low and competitive to the alternative liquid fuels,” the company added. It said: “CNG investment is expected to rise over the next few years as CNG becomes more readily available as a result of the committed efforts of the Green Gas Limited. “Refueling infrastructure is key and GGL remains committed to constructing CNG stations nationwide. Worldwide oil companies are announcing new programmes, which will increase the numbers of CNG powered vehicles being manufactured and sold.” Recently, a consortium of US energy producers announced plans to showcase some bio fuel versions of popular vehicle in the US retrofitted to run on a combination of CNG and gasoline. After installation of the CNG kit, the petrol vehicle becomes a bifuel vehicle and can run either on ‘Petrol or CNG.’

Quoting a report released in the US by “Resources for the Future (RFF) and the National Energy Policy Institute (NEPI),” the GGL concludes that expanding the use of natural gas trucks is “the most effective and cost-effective policy option available to decrease reliance on petroleum.” The report - “Toward a New National Energy Policy: Assessing the options” assesses 35 different policy options for reducing oil consumption and carbon emissions. It listed benefits of the CNG to include being economical. “Natural Gas is abundantly availably in Nigeria. It has a clean burning fuel characteristics compared with conventional liquid fuels. It is with an efficient and environmental friendly fuel. “It is safety wise and superior compared with conventional liquid fuels. It will reduce FGN’s subsidy burden on liquid fuel,” the company said.

facilitated a boost of investments in power sector. Brende, who announced Norway’s support during his address at the fourth Norwegian-African Business Summit in Oslo, said: “Norway will therefore contribute 300-million krone (about R500million or $45-million) to Green Africa Power, which is intended to encourage commercial actors to invest in subSaharan Africa.” Green Africa Power was set up to stimulate private investment in renewable energy projects in sub-Saharan Africa. The fund’s capital will be equivalent to about 1.3 billion Norwegian krone, of which Norway is to provide 300 million krone. Green Africa Power will offer long-term loans for private investments in the lowest-income groups of countries in Africa. “The UK has already made a substantial contribution to the fund. With the additional

funding from Norway, our two countries will be joining forces to fund renewable energy projects, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve access to clean energy for millions of people in Africa,” Brende said. Green Africa Power is run by the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), which Norway has joined. The group mobilises private sector investment to help developing countries in providing infrastructure vital to boosting their economic growth, and combating poverty. PIDG has established seven other companies in addition to Green Africa Power, all of which customise solutions to ensure that planned infrastructure projects are carried out. “Access to energy is essential for economic and social development. It is also vital to a country’s ability to generate income, provide jobs and stimulate trade and development.”

Angola’s nonoil sectors boost GDP

he incidence of oil production in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has fallen in the last five years, from 65 to 41 per cent due to the greater contribution from other sectors of the economy, said the incumbent minister, Jose Maria Botelho de Vasconcelos. The minister who spoke at a forum on the “Importance of Internationalisation of Angolan companies,” stressed that this percentage reflects the commitment of the non-oil sectors to GDP structure. Jose Botelho de Vasconcelos said that the Angolan business sector’s contribution to the annual revenues stands at about 70-75 percent and the oil business at 97 percent. As for hydrocarbon sector, the Oil minister predicted a 10 percent contribution to GDP growth next year. The minister of Industry, Bernarda Gonçalves Martins, said that the diversification of economy imposes the creation, in short term, of favourable conditions for processing raw materials. According to the minister, the process involves building industrial development hubs in different regions of the country. Bernarda Gonçalves Martins stressed the role of the Ministry of Industry in the internationalisation and export, which, according to her, are fundamental to outline facilitation policies.

Business | Energy

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

Irony of Nigeria’s fuel import allocation

Port Harcourt refinery. Inset: President Goodluck Jonathan

Nigeria, the biggest exporter of crude in Africa, issues permits for importation of about 7.8 million metric tonnes of fuel every year. ENERGY EDITOR, Adeola Yusuf, unveils this paradox and concludes that efforts to revive the country’s refineries may continue to linger

fter three days that the third quarter fuel allocation had expired, the Federal Government, last Tuesday, released the imports permit for the fourth quarter imports schedule. Nigeria has no choice but to majorly rely on importation of refined products because the refineries in the country are in perpetual comatose. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which represents the government’s control of the industry, has said that the crude imports were temporary measures to help the country to meet up with its over 40 million litres local consumption of fuel. Ironically, many years after this statement credited to the late imagemaker of the corporation, Dr. Levi Ajuonuma, the refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Warri have not come out of the crisis. Ailing refineries The Port Harcourt refinery was, between February and July, 2014, grounded. While the NNPC was trying to fix it, the same fate befell the 36 year-old Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company. New Telegraph’s investigations showed that the 125,000 barrels capacity facility became docile due to unavailability of crude for refining. The Port Harcourt refinery is starved of crude, a situation that had already made it to, in just 82 days, beginning from last year; lose a cumulative of 17.22 million barrels. “Yes, the refinery is not functional. This is all I can tell you for now. At the moment, the refinery is starved of crude oil and I don’t know how it would be functional without oil,” an NNPC source had said. The fourth quarter

With the release of imports permit for the fourth quarter, government has issued an average of 9.8 million metric tonnes of fuel in 2014. Although the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulating Agency (PPPRA), which released the allocation to fuel importing and marketing companies (FIMC) did not mention names of the beneficiaries and the volume, this newspaper gathered that companies such as Oando, Folawiyo, NIPCO, Aiteo and 24 others got about 1.8 million metric tonnes. Oando, Folawiyo, NIPCO, Aiteo got 90,000 metric tonnes each based on their performance during the last quarter. “In total, about 27 fuel importers got an average total of 1.8 million tones for the quarter,” an industry source had told our correspondent. The release of the allocations, he added, followed the approval by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, but it was announced after the meeting between the Executive Secretary of PPPRA and the marketers last Tuesday. “The decision to release the import allocations after a few days delay shows that the Federal Government could not afford shortage of the product during the forthcoming Yuletide. “In fact, we were told that we could get additional or supplementary allocation before the end of the year to ensure that there is adequate supply of product in the market. Efforts against scarcity Apart from facilitating an improved national petrol supply situation and stock build-up currently put at about 35-days sufficiency level, government said through the PPPRA that the latest directive on the fourth quarter fuel imports was to enable marketers make

adequate preparations towards products sourcing and importation. The country’s fuel stock sufficiency level consists of storages in land depots capable of meeting the consumers’ needs for at least 19 days, while marine stock level would be enough to last for at least 16 days, The PPPRA spokesperson, Lanre Oladele, did not pick calls but a staff of the agency, who is not authorised to talk to press, confirmed the allocation, appealing to all the beneficiaries to reciprocate government’s gestures by commencing the process of products sourcing and importation on time, in order to forestall any delays. The Federal Government had earlier slashed the number of companies licensed to import petrol in the third quarter to 27 from 40 in the previous quarter. “In total, the 27 fuel importers who got allocations in the fourth quarter are lobbying to get more allocation in this quarter while the MRS and other marketers that were dropped during the last quarter are also in talks with government to secure allocation in the fourth quarter, which is also the last quarter

Although government has made efforts to ensure adequate supply of fuel across the country, it should make sure that the four refineries are put in shape

for the year,” the source said. MRS Oil Nigeria was absent from the third quarter list, while some returnee importers such as Oando, Total, Conoil, Folawiyo Oil and Gas, Forte Oil, Techno Oil, NIPCO and Masters Energy are also striving to get volumes larger than the ones they secured during the third quarter. It was gathered that Mobil Nigeria Plc., ExxonMobil’s local arm, and Aiteo that were listed among the winners with larger volumes in the third quarter, are also reaching out to get relatively better volume. “They are all showing off their high performance level during the third quarter as they resume to get better deals during the fourth quarter,” the source added. Government had earlier approved the importation of 600,000 metric tonnes of petrol as supplementary allocation for the third quarter. The third quarter allocation expired on September 31. The supplementary allocation is to augment supply to avert a looming scarcity, which could result from delay in the approval of the fourth quarter’s allocation. Companies that benefited from the supplementary allocations are Oando, Total, Conoil, Folawiyo Oil and Gas, Forte Oil, Techno Oil, NIPCO and Masters Energy. Others are Mobil Nigeria Plc as well as Aiteo. “The supplementary allocation will last till October ending. Conclusion Although government has made efforts to ensure adequate supply of fuel across the country, it should make sure that the four refineries are put in good shape to perform at optimal capacity. Private participation in refining should also be encouraged through the green field and modular refinery initiatives

Business | Energy

EXPLORATION

Government has contracted the seismic surveys on block L16 to CAMAK Energy Kenya Limited Stories by Adeola Yusuf With Agency Reports

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Kenya: Uproar as oil explorers enter sacred forest implement the seismic surveys. Block L16 covers Arabuko Sokoke including the section of the marine protected area, Magarini, Watamu, Kilifi, Ganze, and Malindi. BGP Company has pitched camp at Gede to begin the project. Conservationists including community forests

he largest remaining fragment of the East African coastal forest, Arabuko Sokoke, is under threat following plans to conduct oil and gas exploration inside the forest. Quoting conservationists, The Star, which reported this, said that the seismic survey and oil drilling within the forest will endanger the globally endangered mammals, birds and world-famous Kipepeo Butterfly Project in the scared forest. The exploration will be conducted in block L16, which covers the forest and the larger part of Kilifi County. Arabuko Sokoke is, according to the newspaper, also home to four globally endangered mammals and six globally threatened birds. The exploration would take three months and if oil or gas is found, most of the forest will be in danger. Gover nment contracted CAMAK Energy Kenya limited, who gave the sub-contract to Chinese company BGP to Oil barrels

associations and nongovernmental organisations have submitted a petition demanding that the project stops. They say the vital Environmental Impact Assessment was never conducted. Those who signed the petition include Arabuko Sokoke Forest Adjacent Dwellers

association, Jilore Community forest association, Sokoke Forest Community Association, and Gede Community Forest Association. Others are Arocha Kenya, Local Ocean Trust, Watamu Turtle Watch, Community Empowerment and Development Agency (Kilifi), Nature

Kenya, and Coast Farm Forestry Association. “There was no stakeholder participation or consultation, no EIA has been presented to the key stakeholders,” said the petition in part. “It is unthinkable that today, an oil company would consider drilling through the protected

US oil hits longest weekly losing streak since 1998 SHRINKING

OPEC says its global crude marre would be 5 percent smaller by 2018

he United States (US) crude climbed less than a dollar at the weekend but finished down more than 2 percent for the week, marking the first time the benchmark has fallen for six straight weeks since December 1998. This came hours after the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) forecast that its market share would be 5 percent smaller by 2018 as shale supplies continued to increase faster than demand. The Secretary-General of the organisation, Abdullah al-Badri said the 12-member cartel, which pumps a third of the world’s oil, was not panicking and thought

prices would recover next year. “I think the price will rebound by the second half of next year. But I don’t know by how much. This situation of low prices cannot continue,” Badri said after announcing the publication of the group’s 2014 World Oil Outlook. OPEC ministers will meet in Vienna on Nov. 27 to discuss how to react to falling oil prices and could decide to trim production. Meanwhile, the US crude price rally was driven in part by geopolitical tremors in Ukraine and the dollar backing off of its fouryear high. Brent crude futures settled up 53 cents at $83.39 per barrel but declined nearly three percent last Friday, the seventh straight week down. The last time Brent fell for seven straight weeks ended in November 2002. The benchmark hit a four-year intraday low of $81.63 last Wednesday,

down from a high above $115 in June. US crude settled up 74 cents per barrel for the day at $78.65. The dollar helped drive both the daily gains and the weekly losses, retreating Friday from its strongest level against a basket of foreign currencies in over four years.

A strong dollar stunts the price of dollar-denominated oil benchmarks. The Ukrainian military accused Russia of sending 32 tanks and truckloads of troops across the border, which if true would signal an end to the lull in violence between the two

countries. Renewed fighting in the region could disrupt oil flows, throttle supply, and drive worldwide prices up. However, some traders are skeptical that another flaring of violence in the region could affect supply and prices.

Shell plans $35.3bn investments on LNG Canada project

oyal Dutch Shell Plc, the lead partner in the consortium planning the LNG Canada facility on British Columbia’s remote northern coast, said last Friday the project to liquefy natural gas for export to Asia could cost as much as C$40 billion ($35.3 billion) when fully completed. Shell’s cost estimate for the LNG Canada facility near Kitimat, British Columbia, was included in the environmental assessment filed with provincial regulators last Friday. The filing begins a 180-day review of the proposal but the

company cautioned it and its partners have not yet decided whether to build the plant. “While today’s announcement is an important step forward for the proposed project, LNG Canada must ensure the project is economically viable and meet several other significant milestones related to gas supply, engineering and cost estimates, supply of labor and regulatory approval prior to making a final investment decision,” Shell said in a statement. Shell said it believes the facility will cost between C$25 billion and C$40 billion.

last remnant of the East African Coastal forest, at the risk of all the biodiversity it contains. Yet that is exactly what CAMAC and its subcontractor BGP are planning to do,” says Nairobi-based conservationist and bird expert Fleur Ng’weno. Separately, community members said withholding information from them was against the constitution. “The activity has been marred by a lot of secrecy, selectivity and discrimination on who should or should not get information; the project is coming using the top down approach where orders are given from above. This does not augur well with the community since they see it as being forced on them,” they said in a petition. They termed the unique ecosystem of Arabuko-Sokoke Forest as too sensitive to allow any disturbance. Francis Kagema, the coast region conservation coordinator at Nature Kenya, said they learnt of the project at a later stage and realised there was no community participation. “Work has already started, BGP has pitched camp next to Gede ruins,” he said. Kagema said the petition was delivered to Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi, National Environment Management Authority and Kenya Forest Services to take action. BGP is expected to clear sections of the forest for roads to transport heavy equipment to the exploration sites. Kagema said the company might use diatomite explosions for the seismic surveys. “All the works will affect land owned by locals together with ocean there has to be a compensation plan and rates be made public but nothing was done,” he said. A letter available to the Star indicated that work was to begin last month. “BGP Intends to commence its work before the end of October 2014 in the field. “Our people lived in these forests many years ago. They used to offer sacrifices whenever there was famine, diseases or solve other major problems hence hold a sacred history for us,” says Mwinyi Dzilala, an elder at Kaya Waa.

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

FHA, Abuja traders partner on 5,000 housing units p.36 HOARDING Unwholesome activities of middlemen in the distribution chain may rubbish the cement price slash

Property&Environment

Clumsy construction permits limit property investment p.37

Cement price crash: Experts, homebuilders warn against cartels

Dayo Ayeyemi

igerians, especially homebuilders and construction experts, were overwhelmed with joy last week when the leading cement manufacturer, Dangote Cement Plc, announced a major slash in prices of the commodity, pegging the 32.5 and 42.5 grades at N1,000 and N1,150 respectively. Less than 24 hours after, another cement manufacturer, BUA Cement, announced its support for Dangote Cement Plc’s reduction in the price of cement. In what looks like mere price ‘conspiracy’ in the eyes of other competitors, built environment experts have already begun a major campaign against the illegal activities of distributors (middlemen), who they described as ‘cartels’ in the cement distribution chain. Their fears border on past occurrences where reduction in cement prices was hindered by the cartels who were engaged in illegal stockpiling of the product in order to frustrate the efforts of government and the manufacturers. They warned that if the unwholesome activities of middlemen in the cement distribution network is not checked, the latest price reduction from N1,700 to N1,000 may be another effort in futility. Dangote Cement Plc had, last week, announced a new slash in the prices of its various grades of cement. By the company’s actions, the new price regime announced by the Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement, Devakumar Edwin, would see the company sell its 32.5 cement grade at N1,000 per 50 kilogram (kg) bag, while the higher 42.5 grade would sell for N1,150 per bag. Expert’s perspective Speaking with New Telegraph, Managing Director of HOB Estates Limited, Chief Olusegun Bamgbade, said that crash in cement price as announced by Dangote Cement Plc was a relief to developers across Nigeria, saying that there is the need to put in place necessary checks to curtail the activities of cartels in the sector. To prevent illegal hoarding by middlemen in order to create artificial scarcity of the product, he advised that information should is key in the area, stressing that cement manufacturers should see it as a duty to release the necessary information about the volume of the product released and price per bag. He also suggested to developers to be tactical about cement purchase, saying that they should not be too desperate to accept any

Bagged cement. INSET: Dangote; Abdulsamad

price adjustment about the product from middlemen. He said: “If cartels increase the price to N1,200 and end users refuse to buy, it will work. Developers should not be too desperate to accept any adjustment because there is cartel everywhere. Delay is also tactical in housing development to check cartels. “If the price of cement is pegged at a particular rate - say N1,000 per bag - the issue of cartel will fizzle out naturally.” The HOB estates boss called for a major reduction of prices of other building materials such as granite, iron rods and sand in order to have affordable houses in the country. Traders adamant Meanwhile, in a market survey by New Telegraph at the weekend in locations such as Ikeja, Ogba, Ojodu and Agege in Lagos and Magboro, Ibafo and Arepo areas of Ogun State, traders were still selling a 50-kilogramme bag of cement at N1,750 and N1,800 respectively. Also sandcrete blocks, depending on sizes were selling between N140.00 and N150.00. Most of the cement traders and block moulders were not happy with the new development, saying that it was sudden. Their grouse was that if there would be major reduction in the price of cement,

manufacturers should have allowed them to exhaust their stock. A cement dealer in Magboro area, Mrs Juliana Owolabi, expressed shock over the new development, saying that she just stockpiled the product when news about price reduction reached her. She also complained that since the announcement, customers have been cautious, reducing their demand.

If cartels increase the price to N1,200 and end users refuse to buy, it will work. Developers should not be too desperate to accept any adjustment because there is cartel everywhere.

Larfarge, others yet to react However, as management of BUA Cement has thrown its weight behind Dangote Cement Plc in the reduction of cement price’s crusade, other manufacturers such as Ibeto Cement and Lafarge Cement are yet to react. Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, had commended Dangote, saying that he had always advocated a reduction in the cost of cement so that more Nigerians can have access to the product and realise their dreams of owning their own houses. He further revealed that he had an extensive telephone conversation with Dangote on the issue and encouraged him on the initiative. Rabiu urged all cement producers to emulate Dangote and bring down the cost of cement, saying that there was absolutely no reason for a bag of cement to cost so much. He said: “Despite the infra-

structure challenges being faced by the manufacturing sector of the Nigerian economy, it does not justify the high cost of cement.” When contacted on phone at the weekend, spokesperson of Larfage Cement, Mr Sunday Ojolowo, said that there was nothing to say for now, adding: “We are going to react at the appropriate time.” Price cut long awaited Meanwhile, homebuilders have said that a major reduction in the prices of cement was long overdue. Besides, they noted that total cement production in the country has outweighed local demand. Third Vice President of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Mr Kunle Awobodu, a builder, said it was good news for the housing sector that the price of a bag of cement has been pegged at N1,000. Awobodu noted that his organisation had been in the forefront of campaign against high cement prices in the country, pointing out that research has shown that Nigeria has the highest cost of the product in the world. While lauding Dangote Cement for the price reduction initiative, he stressed that members of the public, especially home builders, would be waiting to see the prodCONTINUED ON PAGE 36

Business | Property & Environment

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

FHA, Abuja traders partner on 5,000 housing units TEAMWORK The new model aims at bridging the accommodation gap Dayo Ayeyemi

n an attempt to fast-track housing development for Nigerians irrespective of their occupation, the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has entered into partnership with the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANT) to deliver 5,000 housing units. The first phase of the scheme, comprising 1,000 dwelling units of one, two and three bedrooms in blocks of flats, will be built on the site for the proposed FHA Housing Estate, Zuba, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). To show the parties seriousness, the housing scheme has been launched at Eagles Square, Abuja, at the maiden National Traders Day. Addressing thousands of traders from various markets in the FCT on the occasion, the acting Managing Director of FHA, David I. Kpue, an engineer, expressed delight that the partnership between the authority and the traders had become a reality. He said that the authority had envisaged such collaboration in 2007 when it adopted the cooperative housing model for accelerated housing delivery. CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 3 5

uct being sold at N1,000 in the retail market. He noted that high cement price has contributed to incident of building collapse in the country, describing Dangote’s new initiative as a good development that will help to check incidence of structural failures in the construction industry. Chairman, Lagos Chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyor and Valuer, Pastor Stephen Jagun, was conservative in his reactions, saying: “This is not the first time the company is promising reduction in the price of cement,” adding that it should go ahead and implement it. He was quick to add that if the company followed its plans, the cost of construction would fall, leading to crash in house rent, while encouraging accelerated housing supply. According to him, reduction in cement prices would lead to reduction in the price of affordable houses, adding that many Nigerians would be able to achieve their dreams of home ownership. “It is going to affect the economy if the price is sustained. But if the price reduction is for political reason, in the next six months, we will see,” he said. Lagos-based estate sur-

The acting managing director, represented by his Deputy General Manager, Public-Private Partnership, Mrs Hajara Kadiri, a lawyer, noted that cooperative housing had, for years, assisted in providing affordable housing for low and medium income earners in many countries, adding that the model has taken the stress of homeownership away from the individual and shared it among members of a group. According to her, there was no better time for Nigerians to adopt the model than now with the dwindling ability of average citizens to save enough money to either build or buy a house. The FHA’s chief executive praised the association for opening a group account with FHA Mortgage Bank, while urging members to pay up the 15 per cent of the cost of their desired houses to facilitate the delivery of the units. He said that the authority on its part had secured the site in Zuba for the take-off of the project, adding that the designs were ready while work would commence as soon as approvals were obtained from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). Assuring the traders that the authority would deliver on all its commitments under the partnership, Kpue said that FHA was determined to make it easier for low and medium income earners to own their own houses.” To achieve that goal, he said:

“The authority, despite not enjoying budget appropriation, is working towards the take-off of new town projects in Bwari and Kwali in the FCT. Both schemes are expected to deliver no fewer than 35,000 housing units.” He praised President Goodluck Jonathan for the giant strides made by his administration to make home ownership easy and convenient for Nigerians. These, he said, included the

approval of both the National Housing and the National Urban Development Policies as well as the floating of the Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) which he noted would midwife a sustainable mortgage culture in the country. Kpue also noted that the Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development is about completing the development of a road map for the nation’s housing and urban

development sector. All these, he said would begin to yield results soon in the form of increased access to affordable housing for all Nigerians. In his address, Chairman of the Abuja chapter of the association, Prince Edozie Ugwu, said that his team was satisfied that the FHA would deliver the houses in record time, urging his members to pay up their deposit to enable the project take off on schedule.

L-R: Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Gran Imperio Group, Mr Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Chief Executive Officer, Mortgage Bank Association of Nigeria (MBAN), Mr Kayode Omotosho and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, TrustBond Mortgage Bank, Mr Adeniyi Akinlusi, during the unveiling of the first mortgage bank syndication to develop a residential project, Grand Lake, in Lagos recently.

Cement: Experts warn against cartels

Bamgbade

Jagun

veyor and valuer, Mr Sola Enitan, noted that N1,000 cement’s price tag by Dangote was commendable, but “it is still a far cry from where we need to get to,” adding that monopoly of cement industry is tantamount to industrial injustice. He said: “All over the world, a bag of cement is selling at $4 or $5. If Dangote can sustain the price since it is producing and sourcing materials and fund locally, the housing sector will be better for it. “Construction industry really needs some protection in the form of tax relief to reduce cement price.” While commending

In a market survey by New Telegraph at the weekend in locations such as Ikeja, Ogba, Ojodu and Agege in Lagos and Magboro, Ibafo and Arepo areas of Ogun State, traders were still selling a 50-kilogramme bag of cement at N1,750 and N1,800 respectively.Also sandcrete blocks, depending on sizes were selling between N140.00 and N150.00

Awobodu

Dangote, he explained that the effects of the initiative would enhance the production of affordable homes in the country, reduction in rent and crash in house prices. Former Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineer, Lagos Branch, Mr. Olatunde Jayesimi, said the general public would only believe the news until they get to retail shops and buy cement at N1,000. He also wants the government to address the issues of high cost of iron rod, wood and other building materials. Group Head, Corporate Communications at Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina,

Omeife

told New Telegraph that the company is sincere with the plan, adding, “the firm is not static but increasing its capacity in Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, and Senegal to be able to meet the yearnings of Nigerians seeking affordable homes of their own.” He said: “I want to let you know that national interest overrides personal interest. It is Dangote ‘s way of contribution to national efforts.” The new cement prices exclusive of the Value Added Tax (VAT), represents about 40 per cent discount on the prevailing market price of the product which is currently sold for N1,700 irrespective of the grade,

across the country. Edwin said the move is in line with the company’s commitment to the nation’s dire need for the development of infrastructure and to boost the federal and state government’s on-going effort to reduce the near 20 million housing deficit in Africa’s largest economy. Indeed, the move is also coming on the heels of cement standardisation reforms embarked upon by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), which among others include labelling criteria and specifying the shelf life of the commodity. The new cement standard NIS 444-1:2014, had prescribed new guidelines for advertisements, storage and labelling of cement products in Nigeria as well as a proper regulatory framework for all stakeholders. According to report, the National President of the Block Moulders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Rasidi Adebowale, said he received the news with much happiness considering what the price reduction holds for his members in Nigeria. He expressed optimism that the new price review will translate to reduction in the price of blocks.

Business | Property & Environment

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

IFMA tasked on benefits of facility mgt MAINTENANCE Body partners Lagos State government to develop a strong facility management curriculum for schools Stories by Dayo Ayeyemi

igeria’s former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Christopher Kolade,

has joined others to task members of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), Nigeria chapter, on the need to continue to sensitise Nigerians by creating awareness on the benefits of facility management to nation building. Kolade, the Chairman of the occasion during the 4th International Facility Management Award Night (IFMAN 2014), with the theme: “Emerging Security Trends in Facilities – Homes/Workplaces,” emphasised the importance of facility management to both

human and economic development and growth. He maintained that as result of efforts by IFMA, Nigerians have now begun to realise the need to maintain public infrastructure unlike when they attached no importance to the maintenance of government facilities, which eventually lead to the decay of such facilities. He also admonished Nigerians to begin to re-orientate themselves and change their mind-set towards facility management, adding that proper maintenance of facilities and

L-R: World Finance representative, Jenny Hammond with Managing Director of Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company, Mr Sonnie Ayere, at the presentation of World Finance Banking Awards 2014 to Dunn Loren Merrifield for Best Investment Banking Company in Nigeria at the London Stock Exchange… recently.

UN-REDD+: Ekiti, Ondo, Delta showcase community forestry strategies

hat is good for the goose is also sauce for gander; no thanks to the United Nations Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (UN-REDD+), which has suddenly become the beautiful bride of numerous state governments in Nigeria. According to Environ News’ report, the initiative’s pilot implementation via an innovative, two-track approach consisting of actions by the Federal Government and Cross River State Government is on-going. But others want a share of the action and no fewer than eight states of the federation are jostling to enlist onto the enterprise, which builds on the convening role and technical expertise of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The Forest Department of the Federal Ministry of Environment is coordinating the Nigeria UN-REDD+ project. A $4 million funding from the UN-REDD+ Pro-

gramme obtained in 2011 has enabled Nigeria’s implementation of its REDD+ Readiness Project, which entails the preparation and implementation of REDD+ strategies with the active involvement of local stakeholders, including indigenous peoples and other forest-dependent communities. Similarly, the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) of the World Bank at its 16th Policy Council meeting held in December 2013 in Geneva, Switzerland approved Nigeria’s REDD Readiness Preparation Proposal (R-PP) with a funding allocation of $3.6 million. Consequently, the national UN-REDD+ office received a barrage of requests from states wishing to be part of the programme, and prompting a series of scoping missions by officials to interested areas as part of the strategy for conducting preliminary National Strategy for expanding REDD+ nationwide. Apart from visiting ongoing sustainable forest management projects, the scoping teams likewise met and discussed with ministry officials as well as communities and stakeholders.

infrastructure would not only increase the life span of infrastructure facilities, but also increase the mental alertness and physical fitness of people using such facilities, leading to economic growth and development. Other speakers at the event called for the inculcation of maintenance culture in every individual so that it could become daily routine in any activity relating to infrastructure. Winners of various categories of the awards at the forum included Northern Foreshore Estate, Lekki-Lagos; Churchgate, Abuja; British American Tobacco; Silverbird Galleria; Wheatbaker Hotel, Lagos; Jogor Centre, Ibadan; First Consult, Lagos; Zenababs Half Moon Resort; Day Waterman College, Abeokuta. Broll, Provast and The Guardian won IFMA Nigerian Corporate membership Award, IFMA Nigeria Award of Excellence and FM Media Partner Award respectively. The President of IFMA, Nigeria, Ms. Iyabo Aboaba, said that country can now boast 1000 practitioners, adding that the impact is gradually making a different in Nigerian’s maintenance culture. According to her, Facility Management is a profession that requires dedication especially as it involves comfort and safety of lives. She said: “The vision of IFMA, Nigeria is to univer-

sally represent facility management as a profession which encompasses multiple disciplines to ensure functionality of the built environment by integrating people, place, process and technology.” She maintained that the eleven competency areas of facility management included communications, emergency preparedness and business continuity, finance, human factors, environment stewardship and sustainability. Others are leadership and strategy, operations and maintenance, planning and project management, quality assessment and innovation, real estate and technology. Aboaba disclosed that that IFMA has organised seminars for students in five Lagos State Technical Colleges and artisans for the purpose of inculcating the culture of maintenance in them. In order the catch them young, she disclosed that IFMA is cooperating with Office of Facility Management and Maintenance in Lagos state to develop a strong Facility Management curriculum for schools, adding that same gesture has been extended to five other states of the Federation. Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs Emmanuella Abimbola, canvassed support for government in its drive to see that public facilities are in good and proper condition for the benefit of the masses.

Clumsy construction permits limit property investment

auchi, Benue, Edo, Gombe and Jigawa states have been listed among states with cumbersome construction permits. Others include Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Yobe and Zamfara. According to the World Bank’s Doing Business in Nigeria (DBN) 2014 report released recently, these nine states were among other 21 that have made regulatory processes more cumbersome, slower and less affordable compared to their performance in 2010. The DBN 2014 report analysed the business environment of the 36 states in Nigeria as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, pointing out reforms adopted in each state that enhanced the business environment. In analysing the business environment, the report adopted a simplistic approach by measuring the performance of Nigerian states based on four key indicators: Starting a business, dealing with construction permit, registering property and enforcing contracts. This means that these states did not carry out

reforms that reduced the time to issue a construction permit unlike Rivers, Delta and Oyo states where they have one-stop centres with officials responsible for reviewing construction permit applications gather in one office to give their approvals. This quick response, according to the report, eliminated the former method of applications of moving from one office to another. While Oyo State has adopted a new single application form which allows applicants to submit all documents required at the same time, states such as Kwara, Kano, Kebbi and Edo, among others, have failed to harmonise their processes. In the area reforms that reduced the time and cost to register property, these states with cumbersome construction permits have failed to delegate consent for property transfers from the governor to other capable officials such as special assistants or general attorney. The report noted that there has been digitisation of land records, which made land registries more efficient in Cross River, Niger and Riv-

ers. It stated: “Introduction of a geography information agency in Cross River sped up the process of searching for property titles and increased title security The fee to obtain the Governor’s consent on a transaction was reduced from 15 per cent to 10 per cent of the property value in Ekiti State and from 10 per cent to five per cent in Ondo State.” According to the report, Ekiti, Ogun and Cross River states introduced reforms that resulted in improvement in more than two of the four indicators used in the DBN analysis. The report shows that Lagos State only improved in one of the indicators: starting a business, while Ekiti recorded improvements in all four indicators used in the DBN analysis. The DBN 2014 report sought to measure the regulations in place that govern small to medium-size domestic firms. The report focuses on regulations that affect SMEs because they are believed to be the key drivers of competition, job creation and growth in developing economies.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Aviation

Airlines in full scale fare war p.39

Infrastructure pivotal to aviation growth, says NCAA DG p.40

Westjet Boeing 737-700 being refueled from a ramp hydrant at YYZ.

The undergroud hydrant system in not new to Nigerian aviation as it was operational in the early 80s. But today, it has become history as tankers now shuttle between terminal and the aircraft to refuel a plane, taking the country years away from mordernity, writes Aviation Editor, Wole Shadare Facility collapse Two years ago when the Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Tony Tyler, visited Nigeria, he lamented the trucking of aviation fuel from the depot to the runway of virtually all the airports in Nigeria, saying indirectly that the country is no longer in tandem with the modern way of refueling airplanes through underground pipelines the way it is done in modern airports. The fuel hydrant system that is in place in most major airports across the world pumps fuel right up to the filling outlets on the tarmac through underground pipelines for faster refuelling. The new system is also necessary to ensure quicker servicing of air-

Obsolete way of refueling airplanes persists craft. May be with the new terminal under construction in most airports in Nigeria, the hydrant system will be critical for timely turnaround. Time wasting An expert lamented that in the present system, a tanker travels from the terminal to an aircraft. After refuelling the plane, the vehicle returns to the terminal or depot for refill before being dispatched for another refuelling operation. “This is fine when flights are few. But when more flights operate per hour, then they need to be refilled quicker. And that is possible only through the hydrant system,” an official of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), explained. Nigeria needs at least 50 fuel hydrants to be installed in the airports. At present, aviation fuel, otherwise known as JET A1 and other fuels are transported from Mosimi to the airport tarmac or from their depots at the airports. The underground pipes that supply fuel from Mosimi have been destroyed, making it cumbersome for fuel suppliers to meet up with their supplies. Nostalgia Chairman, Airline Opera-

The fuel hydrant system that is in place in most major airports across the world pumps fuel right up to the filling outlets on the tarmac through underground pipelines for faster refuelling

tors of Nigeria (AON), Captain Noggie Meggison, told New Telegraph that as a young pilot in the early 80’s, all airplanes in Lagos were serviced by the underground hydrant system with not one tanker in sight. He stated that pipelines from Mosimi and Atlas cove supply fuel to the airport Joint Users Hydrant Installation (JUHI), adding that it was unnecessarily shutdown in January, 1996 after the death of Abacha’s son. “It is like going backwards in life. Today, a B777 needs roughly about three tankers and over an hour to fuel. My understanding is that even the new terminal under construction at the International Airport in Lagos failed to take the Joint Users Hydrant Installation (JUHI) advice into consideration.” Meggison lamented that fuel from Mosimi and Atlas Cove are now being taken by trailers to the airport. Chaos The situation, he said, has caused chaos on the ever-busy airport road with tankers parking along the road and constituting a security and safety concern and a nuisance on arrival at the international airport, adding that they have become a menace,

de-surfacing the roads around the airport. “With 40 tons of weight on each tanker, it is not possible for them to park on the soft ground for fear of them sinking. Because the park provided is not well prepared, the tankers park on the road when it rains and have turned the roads to their permanent parking space”, he added. Recommendation Meggison recommended that the Nigeria National Petroluem Corporation (NNPC) should reactivate the pipelines for temporary use, with the trailers only allowed to come into the airport area to discharge fuel and must vacate immediately after, or suppliers be fined. “As a matter of urgency, concrete-paved trailer park with a capacity of 100 trailers should be made available through Public Private Partnership (PPP) or Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) for security and accountability of the trucks.” “A taxi park should also be attached to the trailer park to accommodate taxis around the airport. Taxis at GAT and international terminal should all be relocated there and are only called to the terminals when needed in sets of 10 at a time.”

AIR RAGE

WITH

Business | Aviation

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

Wole Shadare

Airlines in full scale fare war

Parkchester aerotropolis concept

Why aerotropolis concept is good for Nigeria – FAAN MD TRANSFORMATION The concept brings about rapid commercial development and major airports Wole Shadare

anaging Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Saleh Dunoma, has stated that the aviation sector master plan of the present administration has taken the country’s aviation industry by storm, describing it as a paradigm shift in policy formulation in the industry. He stated that never before have aviation policies in the country made such immediate impact on the airport landscape and the economy than people are witnessing today. At a forum in Lagos at the weekend, he said: “For example, the remodelling of 22 airports across the country has transformed airport terminals into ultramodern structures. The Aerotropolis concept is another major feature of the Aviation Sector Master Plan. Designed to develop cities around major Nigerian airports, the concept is the second of its type in Africa, after South Africa.” He reiterated that the concept, which is already in place in most advanced countries of the world, brings about rapid commercial development around major airports and makes them critical urban growth generators by transforming them from city airports to airport cities or aerotropolis. “The concept has become a major employment, shopping, trading and business

destination, attracting nonairport linked business and investments, including hotels, medical facilities, shopping centres and perishable cargo terminals, residential quarters, conference centres and Free Trade Zones. “The perishable cargo initiative is another feature of the Aviation Sector Master Plan, also known as the Aviation Road Map that is designed to make substantial contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 14 airports across the country have already been designated perishable cargo airports where new perishable cargo terminals will be built for the exportation of such fresh farm produce as potatoes, tomatoes, yam, pineapples, bananas, carrots and so on,” he added. He further stated that the Federal government has also put some measures in place to ensure that the perishable cargo initiative succeeds through providingstorage and eventual evacuation of agricultural produce to designated markets all over the world, in line with

international standards and best practices. To him, economic Free Trade and Export Processing Zones will also be developed to enable states and local investors benefit from the potential investment opportunities inherent in the initiative. “The Aviation Road Map has also turned the landscape of most Nigerian airports into huge construction sites; as a result of the massive infrastructural development taking place there.The current trend in airport business internationally is that airports generate more revenue through non-aeronautical sources than aeronautical sources”. The Aviation Sector Master Plan, he said, has been described by different commentators on the industry as the most ambitious and significant programme of the Federal Government in the aviation sector since independence, stressing that the ripple effects on the Nigerian economywould become obvious to all when aviation becomes a major revenue earner for the country.

Ebola no threat to tourism growth in Africa – Experts

xperts at the just-concluded World Travel Market 2014 dispelled fears that Ebola disease in some parts of West Africa might affect the growth of travel and tourism in the continent. Speaking at the Excel Centre, London, Head, Travel and Tourism Research, Euromonitor International, Caroline Bremner, said that despite the numerous challenges, the continent has

recorded a three per cent increase in the influx of tourists into Africa. According to her, the percentage growth is not a very bad development. She said: “At the moment, there is a three per cent growth in the influx of tourists into Africa. This is not very bad considering the outbreak of Ebola and conflicts in the continent. However, Ebola is an isolated CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

t started early this year with a small step by some airlines. But last month, it turned into a fullscale fare war, with people being the ultimate winner in this battle among the airlines to capture more passengers. The airlines are fighting for domestic routes with up to three million seat bookings up for grabs. Not too long ago, Aero Contractors offered discounts for tickets booked online. Although, booking of domestic flights had been on before now. It was an innovation by Bellview Airlines then, but book on hold was popularised by Aero. Aero’s fares at N5,000, to some people, was ridiculously cheap. The airline smiled to the bank because of the volume of traffic they were able to garner. Arik Air stands out as one airline that never towed that line. Instead, it used the fact that it had relatively younger fleet to woe customers and its fares still remains the highest in the sector. It is good to note that age of an aircraft does not matter in aviation as long as the operator regularly maintains his equipment. There are instances where two-year-old planes have crashed. Many felt it was not sustainable because of high cost of aviation fuel, coupled with the high costs of running an airline anywhere in the world. Even the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) headed by Dr. Harold Demuren thought it was not sustainable. Aero were invited to explain their motive for their action. The NCAA was convinced of what the carrier was doing and had no choice than to ask them to go ahead. Many other carriers were not comfortable with the situation as they felt Aero had taken over their customers. They had no choice but to do similar thing by crashing fares. The coming of Dana Air and the crashing of fares forced virtually other airlines to follow suite. Just recently, Discovery

A Aero Contractors’ air plane

Air and new entrant, Air Peace Airlines have slashed air fares by 50 per cent to any destination they operate. Are these airlines really serious about remaining in business for a very long time? Would they be able to maintain their aircraft at such ridiculous fares? The answer is no. How would they be able to pay their workers, settle other issues that gulp money? Virtually all the carriers operate what is generally described as the “Triangular route” of Lagos-Abuja-Port Harcourt without the creativity of exploring other routes with the use of right equipment like what Overland Airways does. They fly empty, especially after their early morning schedules, as the seats far outweights the number of passengers going to those destinations. With poor load factor, no airline in Nigeria stands the chance to be profitable; the reason all of them are bankrupt, with over N300 billion owed banks and servive providers, among others. Though the industry has done much to connect the world, it has done little to line the pockets of the airlines themselves. Despite incredible growth, airlines have not come close to returning the cost of capital, with profit margins of less than one per cent on average over that period. It would be recalled that profits were not a concern in the early years of commercial aviation. Airlines were state-owned beasts in receipt of juicy handouts from state coffers. These “flag carriers” were regarded as important strategic businesses with monopoly powers that conferred national pride and international prestige. But they rapidly turned into bloated nationalised industries that regarded profit as a dirty word. Air travel was governed by inter-governmental deals that dictated which airlines could fly where, how many seats they could offer and, in many cases, what fares they could charge. The result was inefficiency and losses.

Business | Aviation

Infrastructure pivotal to aviation growth, says NCAA DG

MORE REVENUE Nigeria has become an attractive destination for foreign airlines Wole Shadare

he Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Muhtar Usman, has said that as a result of good policy framework, air transportation has become the best bet of the travelling public, adding that the result of this is the volume of traffic of passengers being witnessed. He said that a total amount of ticket sold by domestic airlines in 2013 stood at N73 billion, while that of foreign airlines moved to N231 billion.

lNigeria now has 78 BASA pacts Usman, who spoke at a forum in Lagos, urged all aviation stakeholders to continue to partner with NCAA for greater efficiency, good governance and sustenance of safety and security in the aviation industry in Nigeria, which, according to him, is the thrust of his administration. He opined that without any ambiguity, infrastructure and policy are pivotal to any economic growth, not only in Nigeria.

DiscoveryAir air plane

DiscoveryAir commences flights to Port Harcourt, Uyo

igeria’s domestic airline operators, Discovery Air, has commenced flights to Port Harcourt and Uyo. Speaking to New Telegraph at the commencement of the routes at the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 (MMA2), Managing Director of the airline, Captain Mohammed Abdulsalami, said it is the realisation of the airline’s dream. “We are commencing new routes. Today is the realisation of that dream of expansion. We are commencing flight operations to Uyo and Port Harcourt.” Adding to the new routes, the airline MD said that the plan is in the offing to start flight operations to Owerri and Yola soon. Abdulsalami explains why the airline reduced fare to as low as N8,000. He said: “We believe that if you make the flight affordable,

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

more people will be encouraged to fly. It does not necessarily mean that you will not be getting enough revenue. We are trying to bring air travel closer to the people, to make it cheaper and affordable. The more the merrier. Nigeria is more than 170 million. I do not think we are too many. World bank recommends about 15 airlines for this country.” Looking ahead into the West Coast, the DiscoveryAir MD said that there are plans in the pipeline. “We have made arrangement to acquire two additional aircraft. We have CRJ coming and B737. We hope that by the first quarter of next year, we should be able to commence operation into the West Coast. We intend to go to most of the destinations along the West Coast as far as Dakar. Then, we intend to operate to Douala, Libreville,” said he.

He explained that the domestic airlines were able to ferry five million passengers across Nigeria, 277 thousand on the west coast route, 437,000 on intra – African route and on the inter-continental route, 1.4 million passengers were airlifted. With this record the DG said, Nigeria has become an attractive destination for foreign airlines and hence the ceaseless applications and demand for additional frequencies. He also noted that Nigeria,

at present, has Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with 78 countries and that in order to strengthen and widen the country’s BASA horizon with existing and new countries, delegates will be sent to participate at the ICAO Air Services Negotiation Conference (ICAN 1014) slated for 17th – 21st November 2014 at Bali, Indonesia. ICAO, he explained, provides states with a central meeting place to conduct multiple bilateral air services negotiation or consultations and also excellent networking opportunities which according to him are key indicators for economic growth. He said also that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs), other legislations and conventions in line with the standard recommended practices are used to provide regulation in the industry adding that enforcement and sanctions are definitive recourse when there is a violation. With this capacity, he continued, NCAA has over the years been able to acquaint itself creditably with effective and efficient regulation of the aviation industry, citing the retention of the United State of America Federal Airport Administration Category 1 as a test case very fresh in the mind of all stakeholders. Speaking in the same vein, the Managing Director of

the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Abdulsalam Ibrahim, represented by Muyiwa Adegorite, one of the agency’s General Managers, emphasised on the aviation master plan, the objective of which he said is to develop world class aviation infrastructure that will create and sustain increased socio – economic activities leading to the establishment of strategic hubs, airport cities, agro – allied airports, growing domestic and general aviation. Ibrahim posits that the laudable objectives of the master plan cannot be achieved without ensuring the safety, security, efficiency and effectiveness of the supporting air navigation system adding that in furtherance of the objectives of the aviation master plan and ICAO Global Air Navigation Plan, NAMA embarked on the strategic implementation of her communication, Navigation, Surveillance and Air Traffic Management Plan (CNS /ATM Plan). The essence of this, he continued, is to enhance air traffic management and airspace capacity to safely and efficiently accommodate between 500-1000 flights daily at Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano from the current daily maximum of 300 flights in Lagos, to develop capacity that can safely and efficiently handle peak traffic operations at the rate of 1 flight per minute at Lagos and Abuja respectively amongst several others.

‘Ebola no threat to tourism growth in Africa’ CO N TI N U ED F RO M PAGE 39

health challenge in West African region. “There are always diseases, but travelers will always adjust. Ebola, so far, has a minimal impact on travels and tours in Africa,” says Travel and Tourism Futurologist, Ian Yeoman. Bremner noted that for Africa to further boost its tourism industry, however, governments in the continent need to work towards promoting health and safety measures; and the messages have to be very positive. She added that African governments must also engage potential visitors on different media platforms, including social media, while ensuring that they provide warm welcome when they come. In his remark, Senior Exhibition Director, WTM, Simon Press, stated that this year’s outing will facilitate deals worth about £2.5 billion in travel industry

contracts between exhibitors and buyers from WTM buyers’ club. This figure is against the sum of £2 billion recorded last year. He also informed that WTM Portfolio, which comprises Arabian Travel Market, WTM Latin America and WTM Africa is the catalyst for deals worth almost £4 billion. “Despite this clear desire to conduct business, the industry faces many huddles, but I am pleased to see that report finds the high level of industry optimism for 2015,” Press added. Among participating African countries in this year’s outing is Nigeria represented by Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) led by its Director General, Dr. Sally Mbanefo. At the Nigerian stand are some private tour operators such as Arik Air, Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Eko Hotel and Suite, Agrican

Destinations, Treaven Limited Travels and Tours, TBI Toyr Brokers International, West Africa Tourism as well as Keystone Bank. Others are Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Press

Business | Money Line

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

Why banks aren’t supporting real sector, by experts CREDIT

The crux of the matter is lack of viable business proposals Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

he desire of banks to lend to less risky areas such the federal government treasury bill and their inability to develop skill-sets to lend across the economy, have been identified as some of the obstacles to financial intermediation. FBN Capital, which made this known in a report, said the Nigerian economy currently growing at 6 per cent per annum could perform better with access to credit and uninterrupted electricity supplies. Specifically, the experts noted that banks prefer investing government securities, which yield between 12 per cent to 13 per cent than lending to borderline credits at more than 20 per cent. Acknowledging that banks worldwide do not always respond to

changes in official rates designed to boost lending, the experts, however, defended banks’ position saying, “we would say that the number of viable credit proposals is fewer than the regulator thinks”. FBN Capital drew direct comparison between Nigeria and South Africa in the area of privatesector credit extension, which stood at 20.6 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at end2003 as against 74.1per cent in South Africa. It noted that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was disposed to moral suasion as the route to greater financial intermediation (and inclusion. The report cited the CBN circular addressed to banks informing them of adoption of interest rates as its policy tools. In the new circular, CBN informed banks and discount houses that it will henceforth only pay the 10 per cent interest rate on the first N7.5billion under its standing deposit facility (SDF) adding that, larger balances will not be “remunerated”. The report quoted a Monetary Policy Com-

mittee (MPC) member that has been calling for an asymmetric corridor (+2 per cent/-5 per cent) around the 12.0per cent policy rate, implying a 7 per cent SDF rate. The circular of the

undisclosed MPC member seeks to boost credit extension to the real sector of the economy. “We suspect that they will have limited impact. CBN data show that the growth in DMBs’ total

kye Bank Plc said it was furthering its On-going mentorship and school adoption programme under the aegis of the Financial Literacy Sub Committee (FLSC) of the Banker’s Committee; stepping up efforts to avail its adopted school the benefits of the programme. In a statement issued yesterday, officials of the bank were on a visit at the weekend to the adopted school- Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) Wuse II Abuja to administer the Modules 1 & II as designed by Junior Achievers’ of Nigeria to the students of the school. The module covered areas like ‘Elements of Financial Literacy’ and ‘The History of Money in the World’. Six simultaneous sessions were held to take care of the three arms of the school. Two sessions were held per class (SS1, SS2 and SS3), with an average of 85 students per class. Prior to the visit, a train-

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

Description

TTM

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

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

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

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

Price 90.35 99.40 104.40 109.65 114.45 76.90

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

Rate (%) 12.1827 12.2737 12.3744 12.8521 12.8535 13.8443

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

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

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

NITTY

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80 Offer 163.38

further acceleration for several reasons. Firstly since the twin bank bailouts of 2009, the CBN has tightened its regulation of the industry beyond recognition”, analysts at FBN Capital said.

Skye Bank steps up financial literacy education

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

credit (other than to the FGN but including state governments) accelerated from 22.7per cent y/y in December 2013 to 30.1per cent in June 2014”. ”We do not see much

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

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

the-trainer session was held with the volunteer facilitators who are also members of staff of Skye Bank. Ahead of the commencement of the lectures, a presentation was made by the Abuja office of JAN, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy. This was followed immediately by module 1 (Elements of Financial Literacy), and then Module II (The History of Money in the World).

There were questions and answers session at the end of each module. Skye Bank had in 2013, adopted Government Day Secondary School, Wuse II, Abuja for mentoring intervention under the financial literacy programme as endorsed by the Bankers Committee. Under the Bankers’ Committee initiative, each bank is expected to adopt a school and teach Pupils and Stu

Rewane sees more slides in equities Abdulwahab Isa and Chris Ugwu

he end of the current downturn that has pervaded the Nigerian stock market might be far from sight, as frontline financial analyst, Mr. Bismark Rewane has predicted a sustainable slide of the equities market. The NSE All-Share Index and market capitalisation depreciated by 11.54 per cent and 11.54 per cent, to close last Friday at 33,216.31 and N11.002 trillion respectively. Similarly, all the indices depreciated last week with exception of the NSE ASeM that closed flat. However, the NSE ASI and market capitalisation rose marginally yesterday by 0.03 per cent each, while the NSE 30, the basket of diversified and liquid stocks rose by 109 basis points. Speaking at the Monthly Economic News and Views at the Lagos Business School Executive Breakfast Session last week, Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismark Rewane, said the slide of the NSE ASI will continue, as there is lack of positive news in the market. The expert noted that political tensions would heighten and increase Nigeria’s risk causing Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) to significantly reduce their exposure to the local bourse. He said that political tension and the decline of crude oil prices would sustain the pressure on the naira. “CBN will offer attractive rates in order to mop up the excess liquidity that will drive capital from equities to fixed income securities, which may lead NSE ASI to slide below 35,000 points by

the end of the month,” he said. Rewane explained that the naira went into a tailspin, losing 1.6 per cent of its value after the CBN issued new administrative measures restricting the use of CBN funds for many categories of eligible transactions. He said the forex contagion also spread to the stock market, dragging the index down by 4 per cent, bringing the year-to-date loss to 16.53 per cent. “The genesis of this volatility lies in the 28 per cent decline in oil prices, which remains the engine of the Nigerian economy. We believe that the Monetary Policy (MPC) is likely to make some changes to the monetary policy at its next meeting,” Rewane said. Besides, he forecast that the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) on private sector might be moved from 15 per cent to 18 percent. There is also the possibility of a further upward review in public sector CRR to 100 percent, leaving the exchange rate midpoint at N155)- 50 per cent probability. He noted that the tightening in CRR for public and private sector deposits later this month by members of MPC could cause a chain of reactions including temporary ease in currency pressure, slowdown in external reserves depletion; reduction in banking system liquidity and reducing net interest margin and bank profitability. Consequently, Rewane said the pressure on the naira is expected to continue due to end of tapering and anticipated risks of the 2015 elections but added that the apex bank will sustain increase in its intervention and mopping up activities.

Business | Financial Market News

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Business | Financial Market News

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

NSE expels two stockbrokers, revokes licences MARKET INFRACTION

NSE steps up regulatory measures to enhance investors’ protection Stories by Chris Ugwu

he Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday announced the expulsion of Gosord Securities Limited and Lakesworth Investment & Securities

Limited - two dealing members of Exchange and the revocation of their dealing licenses. The dealing firms were expelled for regulatory infractions involving unauthorised sale of clients’ shares contrary to the rules and regulations governing dealing members of the Exchange. In a statement, the Nigerian bourse made said in line with its zero tolerance policy on regulatory infractions, its National Council after carefully considering the docu-

Nigerian stocks rebound

rading activities on the floor of the Nigerian stock market yesterday began the week on the positive note, as the bulls managed to dominate the trading activities, ending the longest losing streak since 2009. Market watchers believe the resurgence of the bullish trends was a signal that investors’ confidence might pick up during the week. The NSE ASI and market capitalisation rose marginally by 0.03 per cent each, while the NSE 30, the basket of diversified and liquid stocks rose by 109 basis points. Banking, oil/ gas and consumer goods stocks revived – the NSE Banking Index, while both the NSE Oil/Gas Index and the NSE Consumer Goods Index rose

respectively by 3.43 per cent, 3.42 per cent and 2.52 per cent. Consequently, at the close of transactions, market capitalisation rose slightly by 0.3 per cent or N3 billion from N11.001 trillion traded last Friday to N11.004 trillion. Also, the NSE All Share Index (ASI) appreciated by 8.53 basis points or 0.03 per cent to hit 33,224.84 index points from 33,216.31 points recorded in the previous day. Further review of the day’s trading showed that investors bought 490.8 million shares worth N6.9 billion in 5,470 deals. On the activity chart, the Insurance sub-sector dominated in volume terms with 187.4 million shares worth N481.8 million in 193 deals.

ments relating to each firm and giving each firm an opportunity to be heard, reached the decision to expel both firms and revoke their dealing licenses. It noted that the National Council acted under powers conferred on it by the Memorandum and Articles of Association of The Exchange (EMART) and the Rules and Regulations Governing Dealing Members. Reacting to the development, the Head, Legal and Regulation Division,

Ms. Tinuade Awe said : “NSE is committed to restoring investor confidence in the Nigerian capital market. NSE will not hesitate to bring the full weight of its regulatory powers to bear on any Dealing Member that commits regulatory infractions and does not take steps to address them as appropriate even after being given sufficient time to do so.” She explained that of all the penalties, expulsion and revocation of dealing license is usual-

ly viewed as a last resort where a dealing member fails to engage in conduct to rectify wrong doing or comply with the directives of the National Council. “NSE received several complaints of unauthorised sale of clients’ shares against the both firms. The National Council found that: Gosord and Lakesworth breached Article 59(v) of the Rules and Regulations Governing Dealing Members of NSE by engaging in unauthorised

sales of clients’ shares; they failed to buy back clients’ shares and resolve all complaints against it, as directed by the Disciplinary Committee (which decision was approved by the National Council); and their conduct was dishonorable, disgraceful, unprofessional and detrimental to the interests of NSE (by destroying investors’ confidence in the market and eroding the goal of NSE to operate a fair, transparent and orderly market).

Caverton reports 24% growth in net earnings

averton Offshore Support Group Plc, one of the leading providers of marine, aviation and logistics services to local and international oil and gas companies in Nigeria, has recorded a 24 per cent growth in net earnings for the third quarter ended September 31, 2014. The company in a filing with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) posted a profit after tax of N1.872 billion for the third quarter as against N1.506 billion in 2013, accounting for a growth of 24 per cent. The company’s revenue grew by 34 per cent to N18.705 billion in 2014 from N13.997 billion in 2013. Commenting on the yearto-date results, Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Bode Makanjuola said: “The steady implementation of our strategic plans

is yielding good results. Revenue grew 34 per cent to N18.7 Billion driven by growing demand for helicopter charters that complemented our recurring revenues from fixed contracts. In addition, we delivered improved operating performance as our margin was up from 10 per cent last year to 23 per cent as at September 2014. “As part of our strategic plan to diversify our income base, our plan in partnership with CAE to build and operate the first aviation training centre and aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul services in Nigeria remain on course. Furthermore, we shall continue to explore our options for opportunities to increase our market penetration in other sub-Saharan African countries. “We continue to progress our fleet expansion plans in the marine sector with the

aim of supporting local and international oil and gas companies as they take their exploration and production activities further into the deep offshore. We are also committed to achieving the National Content Development targets as more indigenous pilots, engineers and seafarers get the required training to enhance their competence. “We are confident that our cost control measures combined with the roll out of our strategic growth plan positions us to improve profitability thereby adding significant value to the Group and for our shareholders.” Makanjuola noted that during the time under review, the company signed a contract with CAE, a global leader in the provision of flight simulators to operate the first commercial aviation training centre in the sub-Saharan African region.

Business | Capital Market

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH Daily Summary as of 10/11/2014 Printed 10/11/2014 15:02:34.034

Daily Summary as of 10/11/2014

Printed 10/11/2014 15:02:34.034

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at November 10, 2014 Daily Summary (Equities)

Daily Summary (Bonds)

Activity Summary on Board DEBT Federal

Bond Name 15.10% FGN APR 2017 Federal Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Symbol FG9B2017S2

DEBT Board Totals

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 106.15

Bond Activity Totals

Quantity Traded 1,550 1550

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Pharmaceuticals Totals

Value Traded 1,639,112.96 1,639,112.96

1,550

1,639,112.96

1550

1,639,112.96

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

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals

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

Symbol FTNCOCOA OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 1 5 42 48

Current Price 0.50 29.79 24.82

Quantity Traded 2,000 63,300 347,186 412,486

Value Traded 1,000.00 1,885,707.00 8,757,805.66 10,644,512.66

Symbol

No. of Deals 28 28

Current Price 2.45

Quantity Traded 1,094,502 1,094,502

Value Traded 2,700,289.90 2,700,289.90

1,506,988

13,344,802.56

Daily Summary (Equities) LIVESTOCK

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Totals

CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. PLC.Exchange © Published byCHELLARAMS The Nigerian Stock S C O A NIG. PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

Symbol AGLEVENT CHELLARAM SCOA TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals 3 1 3 268 126 401

CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

Current Price 1.37 3.95 4.67 3.12 42.50

401

Quantity Traded 53,500 750 Page 20,000 33,238,032 3,146,213 36,458,495

Processing Systems CHAMS PLC

Processing Systems Totals Daily Summary as of 10/11/2014 Printed 10/11/2014 15:02:34.034 ICT Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC

Value Traded 73,365.00 2,820.00 1 of 13 88,800.00 103,242,420.84 133,956,891.04 237,364,296.88

36,458,495

237,364,296.88

No. of Deals 20 19 63

HEALTHCARE Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

Daily Summary as of 10/11/2014 OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. Printed 10/11/2014 15:02:34.034

Symbol MAYBAKER NEIMETH

Activity Summary on Board EQTY INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC Published by The NigerianCEMENT Stock Exchange © DANGOTE PLC DN MEYER PLC. LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

Current Price 1.64 0.86

Quantity Traded 389,197 527,516 2,193,617

Value Traded 628,909.12 439,950.28 5,771,811.48

2,193,617

5,771,811.48

63 Symbol COURTVILLE

No. of Deals 19 19

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 710,862 710,862

Value Traded 359,111.00 359,111.00

Symbol CHAMS

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

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

Value Traded 500,000.00 500,000.00

1,710,862

859,111.00 Value Traded 99,566,006.80 839,120.00

22 Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER

No. of Deals 142 13

Current Price 22.00 7.60

Quantity Traded 4,613,195 110,400

Symbol CAP CCNN DANGCEM DNMEYER WAPCO

No. of Deals 44 99 19 4 192 513

Current Price 36.60 10.68 179.11 0.91 76.59

Quantity Traded 267,540 3,394,497 Page 104,805 132,637 3,246,085 11,869,159

Daily Summary (Equities)

Value Traded 9,815,533.54 36,731,428.29 8 of 13 18,771,623.55 120,699.67 243,100,312.83 408,944,724.68

Symbol COSTAIN

No. of Deals 12 12

Current Price 0.85

Quantity Traded 297,510 297,510

Value Traded 252,884.30 252,884.30

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

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 1.55

Quantity Traded 1,900 1,900

Value Traded 2,812.00 2,812.00

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC.

Symbol JBERGER ROADS

No. of Deals 2 1 3

Current Price 67.20 6.29

Quantity Traded 2,168 300 2,468

Value Traded 138,405.12 1,980.00 140,385.12

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

Symbol AVONCROWN BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 1 6 7

Current Price 1.59 22.05

Quantity Traded 4,000 48,567 52,567

Value Traded 6,360.00 1,077,286.50 1,083,646.50

Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 45 45 (Equities)

Current Price 11.85

Quantity Traded 700,979 700,979

Value Traded 8,388,730.36 8,388,730.36

11,923,626

410,031,183.18

Symbol UPDCREIT

No. of Deals 4

Current Price 8.55

Quantity Traded 250,020

Value Traded 2,137,684.00

Quantity Traded 10 10

Value Traded 7.60 7.60

Symbol

No. of Deals 4

Current Price

Page Quantity Traded 250,020

7.60

Daily Summary as ofNIG 10/11/2014 ROADS PLC. Printed 10/11/2014 15:02:34.034 Construction Totals Infrastructure/Heavy

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY UPDC REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE

Published byReal TheEstate Nigerian Stock Exchange Investment Trusts©(REITs)

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Totals

Daily Summary

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals

Daily Summary as ofGOODS 10/11/2014 INDUSTRIAL Totals Printed 10/11/2014 15:02:34.034

NATURAL RESOURCES Paper/Forest Products THOMAS WYATT NIG. PLC. Paper/Forest Products Totals

of 13 Value Traded 2,137,684.00

1,250,977

10,919,683.78

Symbol DUNLOP

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 50.00 50.00

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

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW NB

No. of Deals 5 72 33 173 283

Current Price 11.01 160.19 30.00 149.42

Quantity Traded 97,971 529,241 914,959 14,333,439 15,875,610

Value Traded 1,078,660.71 83,625,817.15 27,434,989.85 2,107,947,680.76 2,220,087,148.47

Beverages--Non-Alcoholic

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 37 37

Current Price 135.00

Quantity Traded 35,023 35,023

Value Traded 4,799,959.15 4,799,959.15

Symbol No. of Deals DANGFLOUR 2 Daily Summary (Equities) DANGSUGAR 95 FLOURMILL 21 HONYFLOUR 62

Current Price 6.55 5.46 58.33 3.21

Quantity Traded 4,350 3,529,560 10,646 2,649,221

Value Traded 27,100.50 19,225,142.84 590,001.32 8,841,786.44 3Value Traded of 13

7-UPas BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Daily Summary of 10/11/2014 Printed 10/11/2014 15:02:34.034 Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. Activity SummaryFLOUR on Board HONEYWELL MILLEQTY PLC CONSUMER GOODS

Products Published by Food The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Symbol MULTITREX NASCON NNFM UTC

No. of Deals 1 78 2 2 263

Current Price 0.50 7.30 19.00 0.50

Quantity Traded Page 10 2,632,440 100,000 48,770 8,974,997

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

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 55 119 174

Current Price 36.56 860.00

Quantity Traded 347,848 550,268 898,116

Value Traded 12,469,956.61 471,340,961.47 483,810,918.08

Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC.

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 35 3 38

Current Price 4.06 0.93

Quantity Traded 1,060,467 100,000 1,160,467

Value Traded 4,317,362.92 93,000.00 4,410,362.92

Symbol PZ

No. of Deals 205 42 247

Current Price 17.50 27.00

Quantity Traded 5,396,283 240,429 5,636,712

Value Traded 92,424,673.06 6,640,520.06 99,065,193.12

32,581,025

2,861,185,623.35

MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. U T C NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals

Daily Summary as of 10/11/2014 VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Printed 10/11/2014 15:02:34.034

Household Durables Totals

Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals

UNILEVER Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary onTotals Board EQTY CONSUMER GOODS FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking Daily Summary as of 10/11/2014 ACCESS BANK PLC. Printed 10/11/2014 15:02:34.034 DIAMOND Published by The NigerianBANK StockPLC Exchange © ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY

1,043

5.00 18,430,570.51 1,873,000.00 24,385.00 49,011,991.61

No. of Deals 30 156 39 3 37 323 1,387

Current Price 2.31 4.71 7.31 0.50 0.95 21.00

Quantity Traded 3,393,492 8,608,981 498,965 53,000 3,500,281 14,578,324 107,979,281

Value Traded 7,824,391.52 40,464,760.37 3,561,530.27 26,500.00 3,201,325.71 304,621,039.94 1,820,186,992.93

No. of Deals 1 38 16 9 1 1 1 3 21 6 25 4 (Equities) 1 2 1

Current Price 0.50 0.80 0.85 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 3.00 0.51 0.68 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

Quantity Traded 10 5,222,418 2,566,800 890,835 10 10 20,000,000 250,000 154,007,988 172,515 Page 3,136,460 57,500 500 20 1,000

Symbol UNITYKAP WAPIC

No. of Deals 1 62 193

Current Price 0.50 0.56

Page Quantity Traded 10 1,154,824 187,460,900

Micro-Finance Banks FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals

Symbol FORTISMFB NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 1 6 7

Current Price 5.42 0.88

Quantity Traded 3,920 468,000 471,920

Value Traded 21,952.00 411,690.00 433,642.00

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

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 26 42 755 95 18 108 27 1,071

Current Price 2.71 3.58 9.57 3.26 0.51 26.50 1.60

Quantity Traded 164,839 1,967,882 60,395,492 25,481,869 726,738 6,985,683 493,773 96,216,276

Value Traded 445,539.74 6,577,094.11 577,731,481.27 81,635,153.91 375,135.91 181,263,825.88 790,036.80 848,818,267.62

392,128,377

3,151,321,098.92

Quantity Traded 1,260,600 16,304

Value Traded 3,929,930.00 773,022.08

FINANCIAL SERVICES

UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Symbol AFRINSURE AIICO CONTINSURE CORNERST EQUITYASUR GUINEAINS HMARKINS LINKASSURE MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM PRESTIGE Daily Summary SOVRENINS STACO UNIC

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

2,658 Symbol FIDSON GLAXOSMITH

No. of Deals 13 11

Current Price 3.10 49.00

Page

Value of Traded 13 5.00 658,157.80 481,882,196.37

Current Price 0.79

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded Page 73,500 73,500

9Value Traded of 13 36,750.00 36,750.00

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

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 156 156

Current Price 17.85

Quantity Traded 3,087,715 3,087,715

Value Traded 54,577,728.67 54,577,728.67

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

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL TOTAL

No. of Deals 16 47 150 53 22 288

Current Price 49.23 3.18 184.55 153.92 159.00

Quantity Traded 29,275 1,037,820 1,070,938 177,265 55,262 2,370,560

Value Traded 1,369,191.75 3,294,890.50 189,492,711.50 27,303,108.26 8,760,665.20 230,220,567.21

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 9 9

Current Price 535.29

Quantity Traded 3,059 3,059

Value Traded 1,555,593.27 1,555,593.27

5,534,834

286,390,639.15

Quantity Traded 1,008,890 1,008,890

Value Traded 665,989.65 665,989.65

SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

456 Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Daily Summary (Equities) RTBRISCOE

21 21

0.66

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 12 3 15

Current Price 4.00 1.29

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 7,780 7,780

Value Traded 3,890.00 3,890.00

Hospitality TANTALIZERS PLC Hospitality Totals

Symbol TANTALIZER

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 10 10

Value Traded 5.00 5.00

Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 24 24

Current Price 2.64

Quantity Traded 1,365,832 1,365,832

Value Traded 3,480,401.65 3,480,401.65

Symbol ACADEMY

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 1.18

Quantity Traded 50,500 50,500

Value Traded 59,590.00 59,590.00

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 14 14

Current Price 0.60

Quantity Traded 526,500 526,500

Value Traded 314,910.00 314,910.00

Symbol AIRSERVICE

No. of Deals 1

Current Price 1.83

Quantity Traded 1,000

Value Traded 1,740.00

Symbol NAHCO

No. of Deals 56 57

Current Price 4.80

Quantity Traded 1,284,886 1,285,886

Value Traded 6,194,964.49 6,196,704.49

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals 25 25

Current Price 3.85

Quantity Traded 424,619 424,619

Value Traded 1,649,229.15 1,649,229.15

161

5,555,085

15,677,403.08

5,468

490,843,896

6,992,865,660.98

Quantity Traded 1,000 1,000

Value Traded 1,110.00 1,110.00

1,000

1,110.00 Value Traded 12,000.00

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. Daily Summary as of 10/11/2014 Printing/Publishing Totals Printed 10/11/2014 15:02:34.034 Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

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

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © SERVICES Transport-Related Services NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals

Value Traded 5.00 4,208,235.32 2,187,078.00 445,517.50 5.00 5.00 10,000,000.00 125,000.00 462,021,414.00 87,982.65 5 of 13 2,119,281.10 28,750.00 250.00 10.00 500.00

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

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

Value Traded 16,640,852.33 468,898,601.84 of 13 173,997,398.18 3,578,407.03 1,193,596,607.93 3,775,577.81

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AFRICAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. Daily Summary as of 10/11/2014 CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC Printed 10/11/2014 15:02:34.034 LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY UNIC INSURANCE PLC.

No. of Deals 1 1

OIL AND GAS Totals

Quantity Traded 2,142,099 12,492,023 Page 10,234,271 2,127,201 48,814,121 1,536,523

Symbol STERLNBANK UBA UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK ZENITHBANK

Symbol THOMASWY

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Daily Summary as of 10/11/2014 Exploration and Production Totals Printed 10/11/2014 15:02:34.034

Current Price 7.77 5.57 17.10 1.65 24.25 2.47

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals

Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 79 DIAMONDBNK 127 ETI 68 FIDELITYBK 52 Daily Summary (Equities) GUARANTY 419 SKYEBANK 54

523

Daily Summary (Equities)

Page

SERVICES Totals

EQTY Board Totals

Page Quantity Traded 814,350 70,718 885,068

Daily Summary (Equities)

10 of 13 Value Traded 3,219,700.00 86,983.14 3,306,683.14

Activity Summary on Board ASeM CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Property Management Daily Summary as of PRODUCTS 10/11/2014 NIGERIA PLC SMART Printed 10/11/2014 Property15:02:34.034 Management Totals

Symbol SMURFIT

No. of Deals 1 1

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals OIL AND GAS Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors ANINO INTERNATIONAL PLC.

Activity Summary on Board ASeM

OIL Published byAND The GAS Nigerian Stock Exchange © Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

Current Price 1.06

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol ANINO

No. of Deals 1

Current Price 0.24

Quantity Traded 50,000

Symbol

No. of Deals 1

Current Price

Page Quantity Traded 50,000

OIL AND GAS Totals

12 of 13 Value Traded 12,000.00

50,000

12,000.00

ASeM Board Totals

51,000

13,110.00

Equity Activity Totals

5,470

490,894,896

6,992,878,770.98

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund

Name NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

Symbol NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 1 5 6

Current Price 1,864.00 14.95

Quantity Traded 11 475,005 475,016

Value Traded 20,504.00 7,005,074.75 7,025,578.75

ETF Board Totals

475,016

7,025,578.75

ETP Activity Totals

475,016

7,025,578.75

Page

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

Features Residents fleeing Mubi have tales of horror to tell, reports IBRAHIM ABDUL

Mubi residents’ raw deal

oday, Mubi, the commercial nerve centre of Adamawa State, has become a ghost of its former self, since its fall into the hands of Boko Haram. The terror group, which is now establishing territories in parts of the NorthEast, has renamed Mubi as “Madinatul Islam,” meaning the City of Islam. Sources said that the money, resources, food and military hardware the terrorists seized during the Mubi attack could sustain their war for a year. From Lokuwa, Wuro Patuji, Yelwa, Sabon-Layi, Wuro Gude, Nasarawo down to Kabun-Mundam only stern looking terrorists are on patrol, some brandish their AK47 rifles while others are at strategic locations with antiaircraft (AA) and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). “They really meant business. Whoever dares to go astray will face their wrath,’’ said a resident, who fled Mubi, Musa Aliyu. Aliyu was among the few lucky residents whose lives were spared by the rampaging terrorists. “I met four of them on Wuro-Gude Road. On seeing them, I put down my luggage. I was in agony but the group leader, who covered his face with turban, asked me to go. “They told us that they were not here to kill us, but rather to fight soldiers, police and those they call infidels and hunting dogs,’’ Aliyu added. While Aliyu was lucky, the story was not the same for others. “They never hide their desire to carry out Jihad and ultimately secure Daula (state). Boko Haram does not see me and others as Muslims because of our inclination to western education and civil obedience based on the constitution. “Already, they have instituted the Shari’a law in Mubi. The insurgents were also said to have cut off the hands of many of the residents said to have been found guilty of sundry offences, including looting of property of fleeing residents. “We saw when they (Boko Haram members) were parading some persons whose hands might be amputated for alleged looting,’’ said Garba Habu, another resident. A witness said that one deputy Imam and Muazzim (the man who calls for prayer) were dragged out from a mosque and beheaded for allegedly preaching against Boko Haram. It was learnt that the terrorists also advised trapped Christians in Mubi to accept Islam or relocate. However, a few of them were said to have been killed.

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun. bello@newtelegraphonline.com

People and animals fleeing Mubi

Badeh

Habu also said that the Emir’s palace in Mubi had been converted to the residence of the ‘Amir’ and that the terrorists hoisted their flag to signify that they were in control of the palace. Mostly affected were students of the Adamawa State University and the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi. The students were said to have been tortured before some of them escaped through the border between Nigeria and Cameroon. According to sources, some of them are still in the bush. “I must give thanks and praises to God Almighty for spearing my life; I saw people being killed. I am too happy to see myself alive,” a fleeing female student of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, told journalists in Yola. The terrorists said their mode of prayer was different from what Muslims in the town were used to and that they were “in Mubi to restore Islamic independence to the people and anybody who does not follow us must be killed”. “We are not to hurt anyone but to free the people from religious slavery,” a source quoted the terrorists as saying. Idi Abubakar, a resident now in hiding, recalled how the town was taken

over by Boko Haram. He said the terrorists divided themselves into four groups and headed for Uba, where soldiers were stationed. When the news broke that the group was headed for Uba, about three kilometres away, soldiers fled the town. “Boko Haram moved in splinter groups about 6am to attack Mubi town from Mararaban Mubi, which is four kilometres to the main Mubi motor park. “Another group came through Vimtim, after the home town of the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, fell into their hands. Vimtim is five kilometres to Mubi from the North towards Bazza,” he added. Abubakar said another group came out of the road leading to the Republic of Cameroon at Gidin Tsamiya. He said: “They swooped on defenceless residents about 8am. There was confusion as all military personnel in Mubi had fled the town towards Maiha and Yola.” Another female student, Hajiya Binta Yusuf, 27, said: “My husband was in Yola. He called me that they learnt of the Uba incident. So we should leave Mubi. “When we came out of the house, I saw many people running out of Mubi and as I was about calling my husband, some strange youths came into our house and they asked me if I wanted to run too. I said yes. Then the boys said anybody who wanted to go could go, but at night they would carry out their duties. “That statement alarmed me and I moved out of the town. At that point, many women, children, old men and youths were running from all directions. It was so pitiful that no one could make any effort to save the town. It was terrible. Only God knows what happened and why the police left the people behind.” Mr David Yohanna, who lives around the prison which was torched in Angwan Lokuwa, said he saw hell before leaving Mubi. According to him, when the soldiers got wind of the impending invasion, they did not inform the people.

He said: “The youth were prepared to defend themselves against Boko Haram, but the security men simply left the town and this situation made the multibillion naira economy of Mubi an easy prey. Boko Haram went to the huge Mubi International Market in search of foodstuff, goods and money.” Yohanna said the foreign currency exchange section was most hit because the market was on when they came and surrounded the place. They carted everything into trucks and all the goods were taken to the palace of the Emir. They went back after each delivery at the palace. “Mubi was taken so easily by a band of ragtag youths masquerading as Boko Haram fighters when able-bodied youths of the town, if supported by the military, could have overrun them. The security men allowed a buoyant town like Mubi to be taken so easily. It is sad,” Yohanna added. Boko Haram has continued to hoist its black flag with intension to establish its headquarters in Mubi town. Rev Baba Stephen, who escaped from the hands of the terrorists by a whisker, noted that after hoisting the flag, the terrorists were going round Mubi town and were setting ablaze churches. The cleric said he was trapped in Mubi while trying to locate his wife and children. He said: “They warned us that whoever goes astray will face their wrath. So we have to abide by their rules for the fear of being killed. So, immediately I located my family, we planned our exit.” Another resident of Mubi, who also escaped, Mr Joseph Namu, said that the terrorists had been going round the city, burning buildings and killing anybody that refused to abide by their dictates. He said that churches like Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN), Ekklisiyar’s Yan,uwa a Nigeria (EYN no 1), a Catholic Church situated on Ahmadu Bello Way and a Baptist Church located in Sabon-Layi area were torched by the terrorists.

FEATURES

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

The agony of tricycle riders in Abuja Tricycles introduced by the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) to reduce poverty have compounded the woes of the riders in Abuja, writes YUSUF SHUAIB

ricycle, otherwise known as Keke NAPEP, with its bold green or yellow colour, has become a familiar feature of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. It is regarded as the solution to transportation challenge which many residents of the FCT and its environs are grappling with. The tricycle, as a mode of transport, is designed to complement other means of transport within the FCT, especially taxis which do not go to the hinterlands. But now, it is sparingly seen on many of the roads following the persistent arrest by the officials of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) and other law enforcement agents. Keke NAPEP also became an important means of transportation in the FCT as part of effort to reduce poverty. It was introduced by the then FCT Minister, Nasir el-Rufai, during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo to stop the use of motorcycle, popularly called Okada, for commercial purposes. It has now become an integral part of Abuja city life. Keke NAPEP was first introduced to Nigerians by the then National Coordinator of the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP), Dr Magnus Kpakol. The aim was to alleviate poverty in the country. But today, Keke NAPEP has rather deepened poverty among the operators. Some of the operators in the FCT narrated their harrowing experience. Mr Bala Zubairu, who plies Area 10-Garki route, explained that the tricycle he uses was owned by an individual who he remitted N20,000 to at the end of every week. According to him, he got the tricycle on a hire purchase arrangement. But now he cannot make such amount of money because of the persistent arrests by the law enforcement agents. He said: “This Keke NAPEP is not from the government. I got it on hire purchase and the only route we ply is between Garki Modern Market and Area 3 and most of the times we do that with the fear that the law enforcement agents may come after us. “The original cost of the tricycle is between N450,000 and N500,000. We agreed to pay 700,000 and we pay N20,000 to the owners every week for a period of one year. Many of those of us riding tricycle do it because we have no other job to do. “Talking about profit, we don’t make enough profit now since the removal of the oil subsidy and the inability to ply other lucrative routes.

Some keke NAPEP operators in Abuja

Mohammed

“A few years ago, before the removal of the oil subsidy, an average Keke NAPEP operator made between N25,000 and N30,000 on a weekly basis. “By the time we remit money to the owners, we would still have some money left to feed our families and attend to other needs on a weekly basis; that was after filling our tanks with petrol. “Although we used to charge N30 per passenger at the time, now that we charge N50 because of the fuel increase, we don’t make much profit as the cost of filling our tank is slightly above N1,600. It is not even enough to power the tricycle for a whole day. This way we do not make much profit. We are only working for the owners of the tricycles now.” The most worrisome aspect of the job, according to him, is that the FCT Administration has

banned the operators of Keke NAPEP from plying routes in Area 10, Area 11, Wuse, Central Area and some other places will enable them to earn more money. He added: “With this, it is difficult to pay the owners and also to make some money for ourselves. “The only route we ply now is the Garki area which is not enough because tricycles are too many on the route. “Now, if you go to Garki Modern Market, you will find over 100 tricycles parked waiting for passengers, while the impatient ones take to the road without waiting to take turn. In this case, they may end up picking one or two persons till they get to their destination. By doing so, they waste fuel and make less money at the end of the day. “As we talk now, don’t be surprised to see those task force officials here to arrest us and extort money from us. Most of the times, they will stand along the road to flag us down as if they are genuine passengers. By the time we stop to pick them, they will arrest us and demand between N5,000 and N8,000. They say it is for picking passengers at the wrong place.” According to Zubairu, those who own the tricycles are private individuals who buy them from either Gudu District or Gwarinpa. The owners, he added, give the tricycles to the operators who remit money to them on a weekly basis. The FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, once said that the administration had, through its transport secretariat, established special patrol teams whose duty would be to impound defaulting tricycles. He said most of the riders had no driving licences and by implication, were riding on the highways illegally and risking the lives of commuters.

Mohammed added that the operators had taken over the city and extended their operations to unauthorised areas, including parts of Garki, Ring Road 1 and 2, with the exception of Apo-Gudu route. However, the residents of the FCT have raised the alarm over severe hardship being experienced as a result of the withdrawal of Keke NAPEP from certain areas. “We want government to allow us to ply some of the roads in the FCT where we can make money to pay for the tricycles. The government should also instruct the task force men to stop harassing, arresting and extorting money from us anyhow,” Zubairu said. Another operator, Musa Balarabe, who plies the Gwarimpa Estate route, said he got his tricycle from someone privileged to buy it on hire purchase. He said that to meet his target and pay the agreed amount daily, he had to wake up very early to comb the estate for passengers. Balarabe, who spoke in Hausa, explained that at the outset, his dream was to save enough money to purchase his own tricycle, but the reverse was now the case. He said: “Today, there are so many places we cannot ride our tricycles because of the presence of the police, VIO and road safety officers who are making life difficult for us. “They use every excuse they can to extort money from us. Another thing is the fragile nature of the tricycle which makes it impossible to last beyond six months.” However, the VIOs on the roads declined to speak to journalists. Also, efforts to get VIO’s spokesman to speak on the issue were not successful. During a visit to the DRT office, the man said he was too tired to speak.

NEW TELEGRAPH tuesday, november 11, 2014

News 47

south — east

Ebonyi Assembly gets two speakers Charles Onyekwere ABAKALIKI

arely few hours after the suspension of two members the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, another faction sat and impeached the Speaker Hon. Chukwuma Nwazunku. The House, now led by the new Speaker, elected by a majority of the House, Rt. Hon. Blaise Orji, impeached Nwa-

Lamorde: EFCC not keeping low profile

zunku for alleged gross misconduct, incompetence and embezzlement of funds meant for members of the House. At a press conference immediately after their sitting, the Spokesman for the House, who represents Afikpo South West Constituency, Hon. Eni Uduma Chima stated that the suspension carried out by members loyal to Hon. Nwazunku was contrary to the House rule as it has been declared an exercise in

futility. According to him, two members, Hon. Odefa Obasi Odefa, member representing Onicha East constituency and Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru , member representing Izzi West constituency were suspended through a motion moved by Hon. Ikechukwu Ogbu and seconded by Hon. Princess Lilian Igwe. Meanwhile, members loyal to Hon. Nwazunku have insisted that Hon.

200,000

The projected number of Americans above 65 years with Alzheimer’s in Arizona State by 2025. Source: Alz.org

Nwazunku remains the Speaker of the State House of Assembly. Insisting that Hon. Nwazunku remains impeached, Hon Eni stressed that members of the House followed laid down constitutional provisions for the impeachment of Hon. Chukwuma Nwazunku. Feelers from some quarters revealed that the confusion presently rocking the State House of Assembly is not unconnected with who be-

The number of probable cases of EVD in the past 7 days in Guinea as at October 19, 2014 Source: Who.int

comes the next Governor of the State. Earlier in the day, the Ebonyi State House Assembly had suspended the Chief Whip, Hon. Ogbonnaya Ikoro and the member representing Abakaliki North, Hon. Oliver Nwachukwu, over alleged plot to impeach the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Nwazunku. Moving the motion for their suspension, Acting Leader of the House and member representing

356,000

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions of Zimbabwe in 2011. Source: Itu.int

Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

he chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), Ibraham Lamorde, yesterday rose to the defence of the Commission over allegations that it has been maintaining low profile crime-fighting under his leadership. He insisted that the agency was up on its feet doing what it would do. Lamorde informed that the EFCC nabbed a female banker and her husband who is a customer of an old generation bank for allegedly defrauding the old generation bank of N855million in Port Harcourt. The wife works in another bank, a new generation bank. The EFCC chief in a message to the workshop said " a few cynics have in recent times talked about the commission maintaining a low profile. No such thing exists. Cases abound in our offices across the six zones of the country. "In the oil subsidy fraud being investigated by the commission, over N5billion has been recovered while more than 40 suspects are being prosecuted in court," he said. He also said that in the pension fraud the commission has secured one conviction and recovered property valued at overN1billion.

Anambra LP disowns Oraegbuna, Ezenwafor Tony Okafor Awka

L-R: Chairman, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; Managing Director, Mr. Seyi Sijuwade and Eastern District Manager, Mr. Donatus Ogbodo, at the inspection of NRC Bridge 15 in Enugu…yesterday

Reps protest Chukwu’s endorsement Philip Nyam Abuja

embers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the House of Representatives from Ebonyi State have accused Governor Martins Elechi of unilaterally endorsing former Health Minister, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, as the gubernatorial candidate of the party for the 2015 general

elections. The Ebonyi House caucus also alleged that the governor abused the process of the party ward congress and appealed to him to allow for a transparent primary. Addressing the media in Abuja, representative of the caucus, Hon. Linus Okorie, said the governor is now visiting impunity on party faithful, especially those not in his good books.

PDP commends congress committee Charles Onyekwere ABAKALIKI

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State yesterday commended the three-man adhoc committee put in place for the successful conduct of ward, state and national delegates’ congresses of

Izzi West constituency, Hon. Ogbonnaya Nwifuru, said the suspension followed alleged plot by the two to impeach the speaker, adding that yesterday, Ikoro and Nwachukwu started gathering signatures of members. “Mr. Speaker, it is regrettable and unfortunate that some members would allow themselves to be used by some scrupulous elements to cause disaffection and confusion in the state. Mr. Speaker, we cannot continue to talk about impeachment, especially in our state. We are no longer interested in the impeachment of anybody. “Mr. Speaker, based on this fact, I am moving a motion for the suspension of Hon. Oliver Nwachukwu and the Chief Whip, Hon. Ogbonnaya Ikoro. The suspension would serve as deterrent to others who may be plotting to destabilise the state.”

the party in the state. The party also appreciated the disposition to peaceful conduct of the exercise despite the ploy to cause misgiving among them by enemies of the state and the party. In a statement in Abakaliki, which was signed by the Acting Chairman of the party, Chief Onwe Jo-

seph Onwe, PDP hailed all the ward delegates elected during the November polls. The statement further applauded the elected national delegates both men and women of proven integrity, who have occupied various positions of authority both at the national and state levels.

PDP may adopt consensus candidate for Imo Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

ollowing hiccups and widespread dissatisfaction among governorship aspirants and stakeholders over the conduct of the recent delegates’ election in Imo State, there are indications that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership may resort to the option of consensus candidate for the governorship election. There are fears that if the party goes into the general elections with the current level of disenchantment among stakeholders and aspirants, following the outcome of the delegates’ election, angry party chieftains may work against the interest of any candidate that may emerge through a flawed process.

Meanwhile, a coalition of political aspirants and stakeholders in the PDP has rejected whatever may be the outcome of the three-man panel on the delegates’ election and called for its cancellation. The group, comprising governorship and National Assembly aspirants and other stakeholders submitted a four-page petition titled; “Flagrant Abuse of Party Rules/ Guidelines and Brazen Hijack of Party Congress in Imo State,” to the PDP national leadership. The petition was signed by governorship aspirants - Dr. Charles Onuoha, Dr. Charles Amanze, Hon. Bethel Amadi, Senator Chris Anyanwu, Prof. Jude Njoku, Senator Bright Nwanne, Mike Ahamba (SAN), Hon. Charles Onyeagbako and several others.

nambra State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) yesterday disowned two of its former chairmen, Messrs. Sam Oraegbunam and Jude Ezenwafor, saying anybody dealing with them in any form or manner, would be doing so at his or her own risk. The party also said it has commenced the process of following certain misdeeds by its immediate past executive committee under Oraegbunam. For this, the Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Callistus Okafor, told newsmen in Awka, the state capital that Chief Igweama Orajiuba had been appointed the acting state chairman, while Mr. Anthony Orekyeh, remains the state secretary. Okafor said the expulsion of Oraegbunam was in line with the party’s constitution, which forbade anybody from taking the party to court. According to Okafor, Oraebgunam and Ezenwafor, who were at various times state chairmen of the party, had ceased to be members of the LP, adding that in addition to dragging the party to court, they also insulted the former National Chairman of the party, Chief Dan Nwanayanwu, for no just reason.

News

tuesday, november 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

south — south

MOSOP warns investors against acquiring Ogoni oil blocs development It is not all clear yet in Ogoniland. The love for oil is the root of trouble and pollution Emmanuel Masha

PORT HARCOURT

he Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), has warned investors wish-

ing to acquire oil blocks in Ogoniland, to be wary of acquiring any of such blocs belonging to the people, because of the lingering dispute of the oil communities with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). MOSOP President, Legborsi Saro Pyagbara, who gave the warning at the19th commemoration of Ogoni Martyrs held at the Atlantic Hall of the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said that there were at-

tempts by Shell to sell oil blocks in Ogoniland without the consent of the people. He said that only divestment or development or responsible oil exploitation that is people-based would get the support of the Ogoni people." At the event, themed: "Minoroties at Crossroads: Confronting Political Inequality in Nigeria, Pyagbara said: "We want to declare here that Shell and Ogoni are in dispute and the issues surround-

ing those disputes have not been settled. It is on record that in 2008, President Umar Yar'Adua had announced the removal of license over Ogoni from Shell. "MOSOP vehemently condemns the present attempt to divest Ogoni oil blocks without clear and focused discussions with the Ogoni People. We are also seizing this opportunity to warn all would be investors to stay clear of Ogoni until matters around this divestment

had been properly discussed with Ogoni people. Ogoni is not prepared to follow the fate of the Amqzon communities in Ecuador." He also warned Ogoni communities not to allow any investor to deceive them, stressing the need for Ogoni to unite and protect their interests. "Our past sadly reminds us that when it is sought to divide us, it is almost always easy to exploit our strong resentment against shell and its

praxtices to pitch us along lines of those perceived to be oppose or support Shell, support or oppose government or oppose government or even socalled development. While pointing out that a fact-finding team from the United Nations had cleared Ken Saro-Wiwa and others of any wrongdoing, he said they should be cleared of their false allegations. He added: “Yet the thegreatest disservice to the memory of these men of valour continues as successive Nigeria administrations have failed to do the needful by clearing the names of these men who were unjustly tried, condemned and then murdered."

NULGE hails Oyibo's appointment Dominic Adewole ASABA

L-R: Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio; Senator Effiong Bob and Ibokessien, after a closed-door meeting at the Governor Office, Uyo

Osunbor confirms Edo guber aspiration in 2016 Cajetan Mmuta

BENIN

ormer Governor of Edo under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, yesterday disclosed his intention to run for the exalted office of governorship race in the Heart Beat state come 2016. Osunbor stated this when youths under the aegis of Edo Visionary Network (EVN) drawn from across the state presented him with an award of Excellence in Iruekpen his home town. He stated that his final resolve to take the step was because of his personal desire and mounting pressure from well meaning people of the state urging him to contest for the plum number one seat at Dennis Osadebay Avenue in the ancient capital town. According to the former senator and chieftain of the PDP, “I have

had several personalities from within and outside the state, across different political divides have made series of appeal to me to contest for the governorship position in 2016”. He said there is a "suffocating" pressure from well meaning Edolites for me to vie for the number seat of the state”, pointing that the demand was to enable him to continue from where he stopped after his eighteen months stay in office as governor of Edo before he was unceremoniously remove from office by the Appeal Court which declared Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as elected governor of the state. He explained that, “This pressure for me to contest is been on but I have never said anything but today, I am using this opportunity to tell the people that I am willing to make myself available to complete all that we had stated”.

Urhobos move against Uduaghan Gabriel Choba UGHELLI

s the race for who would emerge the governorship flagbearer on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in Delta state hots up, moves by the incumbent State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, to woo a major tribe in the state, the Urhobo people through its umbrella body, the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), to support his choice successor, Sir Tony Obuh, in the 2015, elections may have hit the rock.

New Telegraph gathered that the purported move made by the governor with the invitation of the UPU President General Chief Joe Omene to a discussion on the issue last weekend was snubbed as, Omene, delegated the Secretary-General of the union to lead the tribe’s representatives to the meeting instead. It was further learnt that at the close door meeting, Uduaghan promise to the UPU that Obuh will only do one term as governor if the UPU gives its support was turn down, as the leader of the union’s

representatives told the Governor that the UPU would only entertain discussion on Uvweiamuge, who is the tribe’s candidate. It will be recalled, that the UPU at a press conference on November 4, 2014 at the Urhobo Cultural Centre, Okere-Urhobo, reiterated its earlier position taken March 2014 by the Urhobo nation, affirming that all registered political parties, including the PDP, banking on the majority Urhobo votes in 2015 must pick their governorship flag bearers from the Urhobo nation.

Delta gets 10 new commissioners Dominic Adewole ASABA

elta state governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, has announced the appointment of additional the ten new commissioners. The Governor who explained the injection of new appointees into the state’s executive council

said it was for him to finish strong next year. Speaking at their swearing in ceremony in Asaba yesterday, the governor challenged them to breathe fresh air to the running of government in the state, stating that his administration remained committed to delivering more beneficial and developmental projects and programmes

that will impact meaningfully on the lives of the people of the state. He charged them on desirable winning attitude, ingenuity and deep insight in the handling their assignments. According to him, that is the only way they can assist government to leave a desirable legacy of service in the state.

he Delta State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), has commended governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for the appointment of its former President Comrade Olumami Oyibo, as Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission in the state. The union expressed their commendation to the governor on the appointment, just as the governor charged the workers to always have confidence in their leadership especially during daunting challenges, the union lauded governor Uduaghan for ensuring a workers’ friendly administration. Specifically, the governor tasked the President of NULGE in the state, Comrade David Ofoeyeno, dialogue and negotiation with government on the welfare of council workers. “Please, always cooperate with your leaders, cooperate with your President, it is not easy, he is always pushing your case more than you know of especially now that there are financial challenges facing the local governments”, the Governor said. Governor Uduaghan, had earlier inaugurated the boards of the Local Government Service Commission and of the State Universal Primary Education Board (SUPEB) with comrade Oyibo as chairman of the Commission and Comrade Elijah Ologe as chairman of the Board.

NEW TELEGRAPH tuesday, november 11, 2014

News 49

north

Kwara APC chair warns against rumuors gossip

Rumours have wings and Balogun-Fulani does not want them to fly Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

hairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Alhaji Ishola Ba-

31.4m

logun-Fulani, yesterday warned against rumour mongering among members of the party even as he promised to ensure a level-playing field for aspirants in the 2015 elections. Balogun-Fulani, who fielded questions from newsmen at the party’s secretariat in Ilorin, said contrary to the insinuation in some quarters, forms for all elective positions were still on sale at the party’s headquarters. He said no aspirant

The estimated number of people living with HIV worldwide in 2006. Source: Who.int

will be disallowed from participating in the primaries unless such has been dropped by his or her people before the scheduled date. He dismissed claims by some aspirants that the party’s leadership had sidelined some group of people from its pick of aspirants, saying nothing like that has happened. The APC boss said whatever is done at the state level will still be subject to verification by

607

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

a team from the national secretariat, adding that the said team is scheduled to be in Ilorin on November 15, 2014. He said: “As far as I am concerned, I am the chairman of APC in the state and I say nobody has been chosen and anything contrary is a lie. I also heard that from some people and when I asked them how they got to know, they said they heard from somebody, but nobody is ready to mention any name, no

103

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

concrete fact and I say it is a lie. “We normally set up screening committees for each local government to prune down the number of aspirants, so that the best aspirants are presented. The system allows everyone to participate, but it does not mean that we have chosen anyone, because thereafter they will still go to the primaries. “So, as at now, nobody has been chosen and we shall give every aspirant

4:10

The ratio of primary school-age children in sub-Saharan Africa that do not attend school. Source: Unesco.org

an opportunity and that is why as at today, we still have the nomination forms available to anyone that is interested,” Balogun-Fulani added.

Akume: PDP is finished Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

enate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume, yesterday said the people of Benue State will vote out the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration next year. He said this is because the party has not performed and that the government has failed to pay workers’ salaries for so long. Akume, who is one of the leaders of the All Progressives Congress in the state, stated this in Makurdi while addressing his supporters at the party’s secretariat. The minority leader, who has since purchased his nomination and expression of intent forms to re-contest the Benue North West senatorial seat, said workers in Benue State are being owned three months’ salaries while primary school teachers have a backlog of salaries running into months.

Longjan faults Plateau congress L-R: Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Kwara State, Ishola Balogun-Fulani; Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed; Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Alhaji Usman Bibire Ajape and Personal Assistant to the Governor on Political Matters, Alhaji Lekan Alabi, at the official presentation of APC gubernatorial nomination form to the governor in Ilorin…yesterday

'Lamido has marginalised us' Yusuf Shuaib Abuja

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Jigawa State, Aminu Kani, yesterday accused the leadership of the PDP in the state of marginalizing Jigawa North East in its zoning arrangement. He said this was made manifest with the anointing of a candidate from Ringim in Jigawa North to take over from Governor Sule Lamido as governor next year; a situation he described as unfair and undemocratic. He argued that it was the turn of Jigawa North East to produce the governor. Kani, a former governorship candidate in 2007, has announced his intention to run for the office

in 2015, and has picked his nomination form. He said his supporters were expecting the contest to come to Jigawa North East, which is his zone, but was surprised to see a twist in the game, which he described as unjust. According to him, “This time, we are expecting the contest to come to Jigawa North East, which is our zone, but unfortunately we are now told that another candidate from Jigawa North West has been anointed to take over from Governor Sule Lamido,” I feel this is unfair, this is unjust and this is not democracy, he said. The governorship aspirant further explained how the zoning arrangement was enshrined in PDP constitution under preamble item 2 (d), that it must go into power rotation to promote unity be-

tween the various peoples in the country, stressing that “if we are not given this opportunity, it means we are been marginalised and we won’t take it very kindly,” he said. “We were expecting the governor to call us to find out why were we making noise and try to proffer solutions, but he didn’t do that; whereas, he has the machinery to resolve the crisis that followed the zoning formula in the state, but he failed to address the issue. “That is why we have decided to storm the PDP headquarters to register our grievances, so that justice can be done in line with the party’s constitution. Otherwise, our people have every reason to be angry, as well take any decision that they deemed necessary,” Kani noted.

Musa Pam Jos

State Deputy Aspirant ready for Suswam Plateau Governor and governorship aspirant of

Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

he senatorial ambition of Mr. Andrew Ayabam in Benue East senatorial district received a boost yesterday as youths of the district purchased the Expression of Intent and Nomination forms for him on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of next year’s election. Ayabam, who hails from Ushongo Local Government, home of the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Dr. Paul Orhii and the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, is to face

Governor Gabriel Suswam at the poll. Speaking to journalists in Makurdi, leader of the group, Mr. Ati Kengkeng, said the decision to purchase the forms for Ayabam was in appreciation of his commitment to youth empowerment and job creation. According to him, Ayabam’s decision to enter the foray of politics has brought a glimmer of hope to the youth of the zone, who have in turn decided to go all out to support him for his dedication to them. “We have decided to put together money to purchase the expression of intent and nomination forms for Mr. Andrew Ayabam, to show him our appreciation of his love for youths in our district.”

the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Ignatius Longjan, has disagreed with the results of the ward congresses that were held last week in the state. He called for the immediate cancellation of the results, saying that he was not satisfied with the manner it was conducted. Longjan stated this yesterday in Jos, after his arrival from the national secretariat of the PDP, where he submitted his governorship nomination form. “I am not satisfied with the conduct of the congress, there was no congress in the real sense of it, some people just sat down somewhere and compiled delegates’ list, the list was a product of selection not election,” he said.

50 News

WORLD | News

Court halts construction on Magodo property

Myles Munroe, wife, seven others killed in plane crash

Akeem Nafiu

ustice Atinuke Oluyemi of an Ikeja High Court has restrained the Lagos State Governor and others from further construction on a disputed property located at 7, Law Close, Magodo.  The judge halted further work on the site in a ruling on an application by the claimant, Dr. Mrs Abimbola Odumosu. The respondents in the suit, apart from the governor are; the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the Executive Secretary, Land Use Allocation Committee, Lagos State and the State Com-

missioner for Lands. Odumosu, through her counsel, Adekunle Oyesanya (SAN) had approached the court, asking for an order restraining the defendants from continuing the construction on the land which she claims belongs to her.. The judge in a ruling said, “the respondents are hereby restrained from further constructing a building on the subject property in dispute described as Plot 35 Block 25, now known as No7, Law Close Magodo Residential Scheme 1, Lagos, covered by a Certificate of Occupancy registered as No. 39 page 39 in Volume 2006A of the Lagos State of Nigeria Land Registry, Ikeja, pending

the determination of the substantive suit herein.”  Also, the court restrained the first to fourth respondents, their agents, privies or servants from further processing any document in favour of the fifth respondents with a view to legalizing the said fifth respondent’s ownership of the property in dispute.  In an affidavit in support of the motion for interlocutory injunction deposed to by one, Lanre Danmola, a litigation officer in the office of the claimant’s counsel, it was stated that the claimant was allotted the parcel of land on March 3, 2006 and was issued with certificate of occupancy dated March 10, 2006.

APC, PDP must be careful ahead of 2015, says Amuta Olushola Ricketts

columnist and writer, Dr. Chidi Amuta, has appealed to All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democracy Party (PDP) to carefully deploy their internal democracy processes in order to get the best men for the presidential election in 2015.  Speaking to New Telegraph yesterday ahead of the public presentation of his new book, Writing the Wrong, the Chief Executive Officer of Wilson & Weizmann Associates Ltd, said he

does not belong to either PDP or APC, but there was something worrisome about both parties.  “I believe that the APC has her own democracy processes, but it appears as if APC is set up to ensure that the northerners succeed President Goodluck Jonathan. All APC aspirants are from the northern part of the country and I hope they do not allow that to play against them because they will pay for it later. Also, it appears that all what PDP stands for is to make sure the power remains with Jonathan and that is politically wrong. The

parties should let people aspire for positions and whoever becomes the president must have passed through internal democracy. Currently, both parties are failing us and that is so unfortunate. When a political party sets out to undermine a democracy process, then you are playing with the future of the country,” he said  He also reacted that the N27.5 million Muhammadu Buhari used to pick APC’s presidential ticket, which he said was too high, saying, “it means people who are not rich should not aspire to rule a state.”

Sack Cross River PDP exco, Ndoma-Egba tells Mu'azu Chukwu David Abuja

enate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, has petitioned the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu, over his alleged suspension from the party by the Cross River State chapter of the PDP. In his petition, which was obtained by New Telegraph yesterday in Abuja, Ndoma-Egba explained that his purported suspension from the PDP came through a statement credited to the party's chairman in Cross River, Mr. Ntufam Okon, on Friday. Commenting on his grouse against the state party Chairman in the

petition entitled, "LET THE RIGHT THINGS BE DONE", the senate leader, accused Okon of pursuing his personal agenda in the state, urging the national body to sack his executive and take over the running of the party in the state. The statement read: "On Friday, November 7, 2014, while attending to my official duties in Abuja, I received phone calls from Cross River State informing me that the Cross River Radio was announcing my suspension from the party. "It was, however, to be that somebody unknown to the constitution of our Party had recommended me to the National Working Committee for suspension. "Till this moment, I

have neither been formally informed of the purported decision of the State Chapter nor have I been notified of my alleged offences to warrant any disciplinary action against me" The senate leader pointed out that there was no allegation preferred against him by the state chapter of the party, wondering why the issue of suspension came up against him in the first place. He also alleged that in spite of his premature celebration after the ward congress, it was obvious that Okon was clearly disappointed by the outcome of the November 1, Ward Congresses in Cross River State, which was not in his favour.

private jet struck a construction crane on approach to Grand Bahama Inter national Airport two days ago and crashed, killing all nine people aboard, including the leader of the Bahamas Faith Ministries, police and civil aviation officials said. Pastor Myles Munroe was headed across the island chain from Lynden Pindling International Airport near Nassau, capital of the archipelago nation, to

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Grand Bahama, where authorities said they believed he was due to host a church conference. Munroe was accompanied by his wife, Ruth, as well as his Bahamas Faith Ministries deputy, Richard Pinder, another pastor and his family, sources said. All nine passengers and crew perished in the crash, Grand Bahamas police said. Authorities said the Lear jet exploded on impact with a crane at the Grand Bahama Ship Yard and plunged into a junkyard below as it was mak-

ing its landing approach for Grand Bahama about 5:10 p.m. EST, roughly an hour after takeoff from Nassau. The Bahamas Faith Ministries is among the largest religious congregations in the island chain, with thousands of worshipers, and Munroe is a well-known author, leadership consultant and frequent visitor to various African countries. The Civil Aviation Department said it began a full-scale investigation of the crash at daylight yesterday.

US, allies pound Islamic State

he United States and its allies launched a barrage of attacks against Islamic State over the weekend, conducting 23 air strikes in Syria and 18 in Iraq against

the militant group since Friday, U S Central Command said. In a statement, U.S. Central Command said the strikes in Syria included 13 aimed near the key border down of Kobani and 10 hit near

Dayr Az Zawr. In Iraq, seven strikes hit near Baiji while others hit in or near Falluja, Mosul, al-Qaim, Haditha, Ramadi and Rutba, according to the statement.

Suspected Islamic State targets are pounded by US-led air strikes in the besieged Syrian border town of Kobani.

S. African police probe Zuma's house refurbishment

outh African police are investigating President Jacob Zuma over a $23 million taxpayer-funded refurbishment at his rural homestead, according to parliamentary papers. In a written response to lawmakers published yesterday, police confirmed that an investigation into spending at the property "has been initiated". Zuma, who was reelected in May, has insisted that he had no knowledge of the work, including the construction of a swimming pool, private clinic and amphitheatre. His government insists all the refurbishments at the homestead in Nkandla in the southeastern province of KwaZulu Natal were se-

curity related. The issue has become a lightning rod for criticism of Zuma's administration, which is seen by many South Africans as tolerant of corruption and incompetence. Opposition leader Mmusi Maimane of the Democratic Alliance laid the corruption charges against Zuma in March. The move came after public ombudsman Thuli Madonsela ruled that Zuma had "benefited unduly" from the construction, ordering him to pay part of the cost. At the time, Maimane said: "There can be no doubt that this Nkandla palace was built on corruption by the president for the president with our money." He and other op-

position politicians have repeatedly called for Zuma to resign. Yesterday's confirmation of the investigation came with few details. "The investigation in this regard has been initiated and no further information can be disclosed at this juncture as the matter is still sub judice," Police Minister Nathi Nhleko said in a written statement to parliament. "Suffice to say that all processes have been followed." Maimane said yesterday: "Now the police must do their jobs." Police spokesman Solomon Makgale told AFP that investigations into the matter were still "at a very early stage".

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

2015 AFCON Qualifiers

Sport News

Umanah hails Akpabio over new stadium

Ibekwe enjoying life in Aussie League

Eagles medics to examine Mikel’s knee injury

Basketball

Did you know?

Sport

That In 1998, lightning killed an entire football team. The catastrophe occurred in Congo during a match between the villages of Bena Tshadi and nearby Basangana

Onaolapo vows to help Italian club to glory Ajibade Olusesan

igeria table tennis prodigy, Ojo Onaolapo, has said he is not under pressure to propel his Italian outfit, Marcozzi Table Tennis Club, to success as the national table tennis league serves off on November 21 in the European country. The player came to limelight in that country after he emerged the best player in the Italian championship last week. And in an exclusive interview with our correspondent

from his Cagliari base, Onaolapo said that although his heroics in the championship would make his opponents to pay more attention on him, he insisted that he was ready for the challenge. He said he also understood that his club would rely heavily on him for success in the league and would do his best to help the outfit. “I have never been under pressure for any reason. Although I kind of felt some pressure when I first came here but not any-

more, maybe due to the fact that that was the first time I would leave Nigeria alone for a big thing like this. So my target is to win the league for my club. “I just need to keep focused and train hard because everybody will want to beat me now,” he said.

Don’t lose faith in Eagles

Onaolapo

l Ejide tells Nigerians

Ajibade Olusesan

The Sport Team

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

Ifeanyi Ibeh l Sports Correspondent

Ajibade Olusesan l Sports Correspondent

uper Eagles vicecaptain, Austin Ejide, has urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the senior national team due to the current poor run of the Eagles in the Africa Nations Cup qualifiers. Ejide debunked insinuations that there was polarisation in the national team, insisting that the squad is united to make Nigerians happy. He said any talks of division in the squad were capable of derailing the team in

Ejide

its quest to qualify for the Africa Nations Cup. He said although there could be some kind of disagreements among the players, all was in the bid to move the team forward. “It is not good to talk about divisions in the squad because we are united. It is normal for disagreements to happen when you have more than 20 people in a place; it happens because everyone wants the team to move

forward but I can tell you that there is no division in the squad. We want to qualify for the Nations Cup and we are all determined to achieve that,” he said. Ejide also enjoined Nigerians not to lose hope on the team, insisting that they need the support of the fans to qualify for the AFCON. “We want the whole country to rally behind the team. We still have the chance to qualify; we only

need to win our remaining matches. So, Nigerians should not lose hope, we need their support and prayers,” he said. Eagles are third in Group A of the qualifying series with four points after winning just one match, losing two and drawing one. Nigeria will face Congo in Ponte Noire on November 15 and play their last group game against South Africa in Uyo, on November 19.

SPORT

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

COUNTDOWN TO 2015 AFCON QUALIFIERS Congo to unleash French striker on Nigeria

Eagles medics to examine Mikel’s knee injury

Emmanuel Tobi

rench born-Congolese and HIBS of Scotland forward Dominique Malonga has expressed readiness to help the Red Devils qualify for the African Cup of Nations for the first time in 14 years at the expense of Nigeria. Congo will take on Nigeria at the Stade Municipal in Pointe-Noire on November 15, before taking on Sudan in Khartoum on November 19. Malonga, who was born in Paris to Congolese parents, has been capped at U-19 level by France, but is able to play for Congo having not been capped at full level by Les Bleus. The 24-year-old striker has netted six goals in 10 matches for Hibs, and was named in Congo’s 26man squad for the match with Nigeria.

igeria officials have maintained Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi, who recently suffered a knee injury, will have to be cleared by the team’s medical staff before he is fielded in the country’s must-win AFCON 2015 qualifiers against Congo and South Africa. Nigeria are away to Congo in PointeNoire on Saturday and then host South Africa on Wednesday at the brand-new Akwa Ibom International Stadium in Uyo to round off the qualifying campaign for next year’s AFCON. Mikel was listed for Chelsea’s weekend win at Liverpool, but was an unused substitute with his fitness still in doubt. “We know Mikel is just returning from an injury and was listed for Chelsea’s win at the weekend. But just to be sure, our medical team will still have a look at him when he arrives,” said team spokesman Ben Alaiya. “But we have no fear whatsoever over his fitness for the double header.” Mikel, who is expected to join the Eagles training camp in Abuja on Tuesday, last played in a 2-1 win against Shrewsbury Town in a League Cup clash on October 28, where he picked up a knee injury.

Mikel

Fans to attend Egypt, Senegal qualifier

he ongoing crowd ban has been suspended for Egypt’s African Cup of Nations qualifier at Cairo stadium on Saturday. Sports Minister Khaled Abdel-Aziz reached an agreement with the interior minister to allow 25,000 fans to attend the crucial match against Senegal.

“A special area will be reserved for those with special needs and 3,000 invitations will be sent to public figures,” AbdelAziz announced on Monday. A crowd ban has been imposed at football matches in Egypt because of political turmoil and repeated clashes between fans and security forces.

Enyeama makes BBC African Player of the Year shortlist

Malonga

Ghana opts out as CAF decides on 2015 AFCON hana’s Sports Minister one of the few countries G Mahama Ayariga has alerted by CAF to consider categorically stated that taking up the hosting rights the country will not host the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. The Confederation of African Football will meet in Cairo on Tuesday to determine whether the tournament will be postponed, cancelled, or moved to another country on short notice. Morocco refused to host the finals amid fears over the spread of the Ebola virus which has claimed the lives of more than 3,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa. Last month, Ghana was

should Morocco relinquish their rights. “On the issue of the tournament, the FA president came to brief me on their discussions and we have indicated to him that from the representation that we have received from people in the health sector it doesn’t look like Ghana is in the position to accept hosing the tournament and I think he (Kwesi Nyantakyi) has since conveyed this message to CAF,” Ayariga exclusively told Joy FM.

South Africa players visit Meyiwa’s graveside

Ifeanyi Ibeh

uper Eagles goalkeeper and captain, Vincent Enyeama, is in line to become the next BBC African Footballer of the Year after making the five-man shortlist for the 2014 edition of the award initiated in 2000. Other players on the shortlist are Gabonese star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Yacine Brahimi of Algeria, Gervinho of Cote d’Ivoire, and his compatriot and title holder Yaya Toure, who has been nominated for the sixth consecutive year. The winner will be decided by fans of African football, who have until 7 pm Nigerian time on Monday, November 24 to vote for their choice. Voting can be done online on the BBC website, as well as via SMS. The winner will be an-

Since the ban was imposed in 2012, the interior minister has occasionally allowed a limited number of fans to attend continental matches. Egypt take on Senegal in a do-or-die clash on Saturday before facing Tunisia away five days later as they seek qualification to the African Nations Cup for the first time since lifting the last of their record seven titles in 2010. Third in Group G with six points, Egypt must beat second-placed Senegal (seven points) to keep their hopes alive.

“I’m very excited about the possibility of playing for Congo against Nigeria – it should be a very special experience. “I’ve never been to Africa before, so to be able to represent the country of my family is something I’m very proud of,” he told hibernianfc.co.uk. Malonga who could face Celtic stopper Efe Ambrose in the match with Nigeria, joins 13 other Europe-based players in the Congolese squad.

B Enyeama

nounced on Monday, December 1. Enyeama, who led Nigeria to the round of 16 at this year’s World Cup, had an impressive season for his French Ligue 1 side, Lille, keeping 21 clean sheets over the course of the season. If the 32-year-old wins the award, he will become only the second Nigerian to do so after Austin Okocha, who won the award in 2003 and 2004, in the process becoming the first player to win the award back to back.

afana Bafana players visited the Durban graveside of former captain Senzo Meyiwa and spent most of Monday paying their respects to the slain goalkeeper ahead of their crunch Africa Cup of Nations clash against Sudan. Meyiwa was shot dead on October 26, while visiting his girlfriend Kelly Khumalo in Vosloorus, outside Johannesburg. Led by coach Shakes Mashaba, the national team headed straight to Heroes Acre cemetery in Chesterville upon their arrival in Durban, before heading south of the city to Meyiwa’s family home in Umlazi. They were given the rest of Monday off and would begin training on Tuesday for their match-up with the Sudanese at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. “It was very important for us to do this. It was a very good thing and it was befitting for Senzo,” Mashaba said. Topping Group A, victory over Sudan, coupled with a loss for Congo against Nigeria, would guarantee their progress.

“I think it’s going to be very important for us to win this game because it will be a befitting send-off for the late Senzo,” Mashaba added.

Late Meyiwa

SPORT 53

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

Umanah hails Akpabio over new stadium

he Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Ethical Re-Orientation, Aniekan Umanah, has heaped praises on Governor Godswill Akpabio for his uncommon foresight of building an international stadium for Nigerian youths. The 30,000 capacity stadium was unveiled by three Presidents; Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria, Alhassan Quattara of Cote d’Ivoire and John Dramani Mahama of Ghana; the first time in Nigeria that three Presidents were present in a function in a state. ‘’Governor Akpabio has shot Akwa Ibom into international reckoning. Not only has the state become a tourist destination, it has become the Mecca of sorts for sports,’’ an overwhelmed Umanah, who worked tirelessly to coordinate the world press that were in attendance for the opening of the stadium

said. ‘’Akwa Ibom people are blessed to have him as Governor. He has changed the face of the state, touched the lives of the people, provided indelible infrastructures. He has taken us to the pinnacle and the people are happy,’’ Umanah said. At the of the monumental stadium, Governor Akpabio said that he was more interested in placing Akwa Ibom youths at the forefront to compete favourably with other youths of the world and to bring honours to the state and the country. ‘’There are going to be more Serenas to be discovered in Akwa Ibom. More Evander Holyfields will emerge from this state. We have realised that sports is a multi-million Dollar earner. Those in sports earn more than Governors. And I want Akwa Ibom youths to rub shoulders with them, make names for themselves and for the state and country,’’ the sweet-talking Gov-

ernor Akpabio said amidst sporadic applause for him. Even President Goodluck Jonathan was moved by the amazing performance of Governor Akpabio that he re-called the sad

old days when flood threatened many homes. ‘’Those days are gone as Governor Akpabio has transformed the state with his uncommon transformation’’, the President said.

edition of the Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins football tournament organised by the Lagos Archdiocesan Catholic Men Organisation, Nigeria. The Isolo Deanery champions defeated the hardfighting Catholic Church

he Lagos State Government has concluded arrangement to honour Enyimba of Aba coach, Kadiri Ikhana, former football administrator, Sunday Dankaro and 11 others at the final of the Federation Cup slated for November 23 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium. This is part of the tradition since it started hosting the competition in 2011. Commissioner for Sports, Enitan Oshodi, revealed that the award was dedicated to rewarding former footballers, journalists, referees and administrators that made

Saturday, November 8. The elated team was presented with gold medals and tournament trophy by Archbishop Alfred Martins. In the third place playoff, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Arida beat St Gabriel’s Catholic

In his remarks, the Archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Martins, expressed satisfaction with the organisational standard of the tournament, which he said would promote friendship and love among Catholics in the state.

the competition great. Also to be honoured posthumously are Ayo Ositelu, the duo of Enugu Rangers players, Alloysius Atuegbu and Ogidi Ibeabuchi. Other awardees include Jonathan Nwaiwu, George Hassan, Herbert Omokhaye, Henry Ogboe, Peter Fregene, Yomi Peters, Bolaji Okubule and Peter Anieke. Oshodi added: “Everything had been put in place to ensure that the stadium is filled to capacity, while players of various youth clubs in the state will also have the opportunity of watching the Federation Cup live.” NFF’s First Vice-President, Seyi Akinwumi, expressed the state’s desire to make the Federation Cup final exclusive to Lagos, just as the Wembley Stadium is synonymous with the FA Cup in England. “The NFF doesn’t want to measure successes by the number of laurels won by the national teams but by how well the board has developed football in the country,” Akinwumi said.

with Ifeanyi Ibeh 08054175662

FCT Rocks,Delta Force secure promotion

fter a gruelling series of games involving 12 teams, the FCT Rocks and Delta Force basketball clubs have qualified from the Division One Championship to play in next season’s DSTV Premier Basketball League. FCT Rocks, who will be making their debut campaign in the country’s elite division when the season gets under-

way next year, will compete out of the Savannah Conference, while Delta Force, who are no strangers to the Premier League, having last competed amongst the big boys in 2010, will campaign in the Atlantic Conference. Having already secured their respective promotions to the Premier League prior to last weekend’s final, both

sides took to the National Stadium basketball court to decide who would be crowned champions of the Division One Championship. FCT Rocks emerged victorious over Delta Force on the back of a 79-66 points win. In addition, the star player of the Abuja-based team, Lucky Subel, was named the Most Valuable Player of the championship.

Pillars seeking Champions Cup wildcard

Ibekwe

August, following the expiration of his deal with Spanish club, Lagun Aro GBC, decided to pitch tents with the New Zealand Breakers, the only team from New Zealand currently playing in the NBL. Last Friday, Ibekwe recorded 20 points, to go with 14 rebounds, a steal and two blocks, as the Breakers defeated the previously unbeaten Cairns Taipans 79-71. Ibekwe achieved all of these in just 23 minutes of game time. He followed it up with another impres-

Archbishop Martins Cup ends in Lagos s Peter and Paul Catho- of the Assumption, Falomo Church, Ladi-Lak 5-4 on S lic Church, Oke-Afa, has 1-0 in the final played at the penalties after full time emerged winner of the 1st Onikan Stadium, Lagos on ended 1-1.

Ibekwe enjoying life in Aussie League

Emmanuel Tobi

Akwa Ibom Stadium

Basketball Flakes

igerian international, Ekene Ibekwe, is enjoying his game with the New Zealand Breakers and is glad he made the decision to join the Australian National Basketball League outfit. The 29-year-old, 6-foot9 forward, who is equally comfortable playing as a centre, spent the last seven years since turning pro in 2007 playing in such places as Spain, Germany, Iran, Turkey, Israel and Puerto Rico. The American-born Nigerian, who played for Nigeria at the 2012 Olympics, has also had Summer League stints with the Toronto Raptors and the Portland Trailblazers, both of the NBA, and in

Federation Cup: Lagos to honour Ikhana, Dankaro, 11 others

sive display on Sunday night, scoring 14 points and grabbing nine rebounds as the Breakers defeated the Townsville Crocodiles 87-80. And Ibekwe, who has been deployed mostly as a centre this season, said: “Though it is kinda hard playing a position I am not accustomed to, I am having a good time out here. “It is a championship that is as tough as a lot of the top ones out there and I am glad I came here. It has been a beautiful experience so far,” he added.

Africa Clubs Champions Cup qualifying tournament in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso behind eventual winners ABC of Cote d’Ivoire and DSTV Premier League rivals, Mark Mentors. But the club could still make it to Tunisia if they are able to get the nod from the sport’s governing body on the continent, FIBA Africa; a move which the team’s major financier, the Kano State government, is keen on exploring. No Nigerian team has ever won the FIBA Africa Clubs Champions Cup ever since it came into existence in 1972, but Kano Pillars have on a number of occasions progressed to the tournament’s latter stages, most recently at last year’s event where they were the only team to defeat eight-time champions Primeiro de Augusto of Angola. According to Kano State’s Director of Sports, Ado Abdullahi, the club is hoping its growing reputation will go a long way in securing a spot in Kano Pillars’ Abubakar Tunisia, even as he awaits a positive response from the continental body. Usman (left)

eigning champions of the DSTV Nigeria Premier Basketball League, Kano Pillars, are keen to take part in the upcoming FIBA Africa Clubs Champions Cup, holding in December in Tunisia, and have commenced the process of securing a wildcard to the tournament. Pillars failed to secure an automatic ticket to the FIBA Africa Clubs Champions Cup after finishing a disappointing third at last month’s FIBA Zone 3

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEW TELEGRAPH TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

Why Boko Haram cannot be defeated

ne of the major allegations often levelled by many commentators - public and private - as to why the Boko Haram menace has continued to thrive is the alleged greed of our security chiefs, those heading the military (including the three service chiefs), the police, the NSA, including the SSS, etc. The proponents of this school of thought believe that as long as there are billions of naira (or dollars) set aside towards fighting the reigning insurgency, those responsible for nipping it in the bud would find one spurious reason or the other to make it escalate. But I beg to disagree. The seed was planted a long time ago, but became more noticeable in the mid-1980s, with the implementation of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) and neoliberal policies of successive regimes. These have led to de-industrialisation, and the transfer of public assets into the hands of private cronies, in highly controversial privatisation policies. Consequently, we have managed to create one of the most unjust societies in the world today. The National Bureau of Statistics, an agency of government, says 115 million Nigerians live in poverty and 64 percent of our urban population lives in slums. Yet, those who have access to Nigeria's wealth today have spent over $6billion purchasing private jets. Nigeria's rich oligarchy consume more champagne than their Russian counterparts. Crony capitalism is ruining our economy, and we need no crystal ball to know that it is at the base of ethnoregional and religious rivalries facing us. Extreme wealth lives side by side with mind boggling poverty, deprivation and hopelessness. The World Bank recently said that two-thirds of the extremely poor people of the world live in Nigeria, India, Bangladesh and DR Congo. Since the return of democracy in 1999, a new phenomenon has emerged in Nigeria, where most of those who have ruled our states, after eight years, become richer than the States they governed. Yet, Nigeria is a country of young people: 45 percent is under 15 years of age; 63 percent of the population is under the age of 25; while 75 percent is under 35. Instructively, those aged 65 and above are only 3.5 percent of our population. How we treat the young, urban and rural working people, women and the physically challenged, will determine Nigeria's future. 23.9 percent of Nigerians are unemployed, but youth unemployment was at 54 percent by 2012, according to the National Baseline Youth Survey Report. In May 2012, the then minister of youths development announced that 67 million young Nigerians were unemployed, while 80 percent of that number do not have university degrees. Alarmingly, 1.8 million graduates enter the job market annually. The most central problems we face are economic; how to reindustrialise to create jobs for millions of young people. We will not create those jobs if we do not critically interrogate the philosophy of governance. Nigeria's bizarre form of capitalism is just not working. Rev. Father George Ehusani of the Catholic Secretariat did a study of ethno-religious crises in Nigeria, between 1999 and 2007, and established that most of them occurred between 12 noon and 6pm. Those are the hours people would normally be at work. And most of those involved are young people. The preponderance of membership of Boko Haram are young Nigerians who are deeply fed up with the

Brass Tacks SULEIMAN UBA GAYA suleimanuba1@gmail.com 08035676295 (sms only)

Extreme wealth lives side by side with mind boggling poverty, deprivation and hopelessness

Boko Haram members

status quo. I am not by this indicting the Jonathan Administration, because the problems, as argued herein, long predates it, but as the current government in power, it must employ better means of managing the country. This country has a responsibility to its own people as well as the African continent. One out of every five Africans is a Nigerian and 47 percent of West Africa is our country. But unless we evolve a more practical means of governing the nation, neoliberal capitalism will sink us into an abyss. Yes, it has created a few heartless billionaires, but the majority of our people are in serious despair all over Nigeria. We must build a caring and inclusive country, not the Hobbesian state of nature, where life is nasty,brutish and short, as obtains in the Nigerian society. There is only one way out, which is that we must bury political differences to work in unison and salvage this country, before it's multifarious problems consume all of us.

Jigawa: Stepping into Lamido's big shoes For at least the past one year, one of the major debates by political observers has been about who would perfectly step into Sule Lamido's shoes as the next governor of Jigawa State. Whereas no-

body is indispensable, this debate assumes interesting dimensions as Lamido's eight years tenure of office draws to an end. The man is obviously among the best two or three governors that this democracy has produced, and he is by far the most experienced. You only need to go to Jigawa, not just Dtuse, the state capital, to confirm this. But since not everyone can go to Jigawa, I feel duty bound to join several commentators and dispassionate Nigerians to showcase Lamido as perhaps the best example that democracy is indeed working in Nigeria, even when a lot remains to be desired. This space would definitely be inadequate to chronicle all of Sule Lamido's unprecedented achievements in Jigawa. Those attainments are even better appreciated when viewed against the fact that he started virtually from ground zero, taking over from someone that spent the best part of eight years planting seeds of serious ruination for the rural state. Lamido had to settle debts in billions, without taking any, and work assiduously to reorient the people, many of who have given up on the state, showing that it can work. He set about providing some of the best infrastructure in the country. Many argue - with solid reasons- that Jigawa's Three Arms Zone is more beautiful than Abuja's. But it's not all about physical infrastructure. Today, Jigawa is one of the safest states in the Nigerian federation, owing to social

security and inclusive policies of Governor Lamido. To address the many problems enumerated in the article above, Lamido has ensured that Jigawa youths (or at least a vast majority of them) are well educated, disciplined, with strong hope for the future. It is against this background that the debate about Lamido's successor assumes national prominence. Sule has what could be called bragging rights to single handedly choose his successor, as many of his colleagues are busy doing, but he refused to be drawn to such, insisting that the people are the ones to choose their next leader. At an occasion last August marking the 23rd anniversary of the state creation, speaker after speaker warned those with eye on the seat to stay off if they knew they could not sustain the momentum, or even surpass it. It is heart warming to note that, at last, after all consideration, the people, in concert with the governor, have settled for Alhaji Aminu Ringim, erstwhile chief of staff to the governor. Among all the contenders for Jigawa governorship, Ringim has the richest pedigree, and as can be seen already, his support base cuts across all the political parties. The man had given his all to Jigawa, serving the state in many capacities and excelling in all. It's a reward for absolute loyalty - not just to Governor Lamido - but to the generality of Jigawa people. Here's wishing Aminu Ringim the best of luck.

If you want more than what most have, then you must do far more than what it is they do. – Stephen Richards

Suleiman Uba Gaya

Sanctity of Truth

On Marble

Why Boko Haram cannot be defeated

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

N150

}55

Power speaks truth to the powerless

am powerful. You are powerless. Whatever superior attributes you presume to have over and above me are inconsequential in the face of my power, prestige, celebrity and majesty. When you pretend to speak truth to me, you do no more than vent anger and envy. You covet my power and I know it. And this knowledge breeds in me the coldest form of contempt for you. I am power and I shall now speak truth to you, the powerless. All the arguments to the contrary notwithstanding, power, in its purest classical definition is the ability or right to dominate, to impose or to force one’s will on another. Societal and personal civilization imposes a degree of limitations to the excesses of power – legal or constitutional parameters are, of course recognised. But in less advanced climes, power endows one with figurative wings and one literally takes off and soars to the stratosphere of arrogance, impunity, aggrandisement and narcissism. I am in that stratosphere and, quite frankly, I don’t give two monkeys about your wretched, worthless and servile life in the lonely darkness of powerlessness. In 1955, the American Friends Service Committee published a pamphlet entitled, "Speak Truth to Power: A Quaker Search for an Alternative to Violence". I can authoritatively state that this is certainly the first ever instance in which the phrase was deployed in a public document. And the concept has been adapted, abused and issued from the rotten lips of the great unwashed, the powerless. Speaking truth to power has, over the decades, become the favourite mantra of dissidents, anti-establishmentarians, pseudo radicals and quasi agitprops. In our own society, where dissent is often the product of self-serving delusions of importance, laying grievances at the feet of power is almost always wrapped in the nobility of speaking truth to power. Well, in these climes, if you are powerless, you are not noble. If you are powerless, you are a savage. You see, when the Quakers summoned the courage to speak truth to power, they did so from a position of unqualified patriotism and passionate devotion to nation-building. “Our title, Speak Truth to Power, taken from a charge given to Eighteenth Century Friends, suggests the effort that is made to speak from the deepest insight of the Quaker faith, as this faith is understood by those who prepared this study. We speak to power in three senses: • To those who hold high places in our national life and bear the terrible responsibility of making decisions for war or peace. • To the American people who are the final reservoir of power in this country and whose values and expectations set the limits for those who exercise authority. • To the idea of Power itself, and its impact on Twentieth Century life. “Our truth is an ancient one: that

Broadside EMMANUEL ONWE agubata@aol.com

Adamu Mu'azu

John Odigie-Oyegun

love endures and overcomes; that hatred destroys; that what is obtained by love is retained, but what is obtained by hatred proves a burden. This truth, fundamental to the position which rejects reliance on the method of war, is ultimately a religious perception, a belief that stands outside of history. Because of this we could not end this study without discussing the relationship between the politics of time with which men are daily concerned and

the politics of eternity which they too easily ignore.” (SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER: A Quaker Search for an Alternative to Violence, A Study of International Conflict, prepared for the American Friends Service Committee (March 2, 1955)). Today we take on the immense challenge of defining an alternative category of courage, conscience and thought: Power Speaks Truth to the Powerless. The craven, mean spirited and thoughtless avarice of my brothers in power stand over and above the reach of truth. They scheme, they conspire and plot to sustain, retain, maintain and perpetuate themselves in power. In power they connive, steal and cheat the common population to the point of absolute ruination. Unfortunately, however, the population in question has, itself, succumbed to the deadly iniquities of avarice and gluttony. Thus, has it lost the courage to speak truth to babies - never mind to power. The idea of speaking truth to power is an idea that quite simply means (a) power, by its nature, is the mirror that reflects the image of society (the powerless), and its exercise whether to the general good of the public or for the corrosion of its overall interests is entirely consequential upon the moral integrity of the population in question; (b) that you must become the change that you desire; (c) that accountability is the soul of power and where power is decoupled from accountability it becomes tyrannical. But it is not just the powerful that bear the burden of accountability. The pow-

Today we take on the immense challenge of defining an alternative category of courage, conscience and thought: Power speaks truth to the powerless

erless bear an equal but opposite burden – the weight of civic responsibility, the challenges of true patriotism and the courage of moral convictions. I am power and find little evidence of the aforementioned attributes among the common population. Instead, I see a long queue of pretenders to truth doing nothing but marking time waiting for their turn to take a piece of me. I am the lightening rod that illuminates the blackened spaces in your soul. I see through you and I have a measure of you. Your fake righteousness means absolutely nothing to me. Even the air you breathe is mine. If it so takes my fancy, I could foul it up for you. You find my stupid, inane jokes hilarious. Your mirthless laughter rings out like a cackling hyaena until your head throbs, all in your ridiculous effort to please me. My pomposity, my juggernaut of an ego, my swagger and my braggadocio are fed, nurtured and weaned on the shrivelled tits of your pathetic udder. The 1998 Hollywood movie, Shakespeare in Love, is a great movie for many serious and comedic reasons. One of those comic reasons is because in one moment of dramatic masterpiece, the meaning of sycophancy was given an unforgettable theatrical interpretation that may never be surpassed. In the scene where Queen Elizabeth I, played by the majestic and graceful Judi Dench, was sashaying from the theatre to her horse-drawn coach, she came to an abrupt stop, together with the courtiers and jesters and sycophants. Before her was a filthy puddle festering with the wastage of grimy 16th century London. As one sycophant waited for a brother sycophant to shed the blood of his dignity over the rancid puddle, the Queen wadded, impatiently and grudgingly, into the frothing black water just as the brigade of arse-suckers cast off their robes and simultaneously placed them over the muddy puddle. “Too late, too late,” the Queen hissed under her breath, and paddled through into her coach. At that moment, it was possible to touch the contempt that power nursed for the powerless. You have to understand that the more you tremble before power, the more your human worth and dignity are eroded. The more you pretend to speak truth to power when you are a confirmed bankrupt in the currency of truth and honour, the more severe and withering the degradation that you bring upon your head. The nauseating scramble for patronage and favour in the court of power glittering with pomp and privilege is the most outstanding element at this stage in our social evolution. The sycophantic epilepsy which see grown and healthy men crumble into prostration in humiliating submission and self-abasement will take a century to heal. When you hear a Nigerian claim the authority of speaking truth to power, you must first find out the height and weight of his desires and grievances.

Printed and Published by Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Ltd: Head Office: No. 1A, Ajumobi Street, Off ACME Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja-Lagos. Tel: +234 1-2219496, 2219498. Abuja Office: Orji Kalu House, Plot 322, by Banex Junction, Mabushi, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Advert Hotline: 01-8541248, Email: info@newtelegraphonline.com Website: www.newtelegraphonline.com ISSN 2354-4317 Editor: YEMI AJAYI.