Binder1 28 november, 2014 by Newtelegraphonline

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Sanctity Of Truth

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

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Vol. 1 No. 283

Friday, November 28, 2014

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N150

Inspector-General of police must go, says APC }7

FG to cut oil benchmark

lAlison-Madueke emerges OPEC's first female president lCrude price hits four-year low at $75 Abdulwahab Isa, Adeola Yusuf and Johnchuks Onuanyim

he Federal Government is considering further reduction in the oil benchmark to be

adopted for the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for the preparation of the 2015 budget.

Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

NEW TELE

Show

GRAPH

FRIDAY, NOVE

Alibaba set New Year for a extravaga nza

MBER 28,

2014

Film

Uche Jomb o, Joke Nelson, Take Folly Silva, Yvonne to cinemas

Entertai T D’banj’s nment debt cris A disaste is: r in 27

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Page 25

Best of Entertainment

Tinubu: Use charms to defend your votes d on PaGE

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Telegraph

Travel Advisory

Your guide to local and international flights 4

Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, acknowledging cheers from the crowd during his inauguration for second term in office in Osogbo...yesterday.

We're not corrupt lSenators reply Obasanjo

Chukwu David Abuja

he Senate yesterday fired back at former President Olusegun

Obasanjo over his allegation that the National Assembly is a haven of corruption. It said Obasanjo was wrong to have based his

conclusion on the execution of constituency projects, among others, adding that as the initiator of the idea when he was in office, the former president

ought to have known that lawmakers were not handling the project. The former president at a book launch on WednesCONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Quick Read

Editorial

Nigeria must make hay while the sun shines}19

Five soldiers, 60 others killed in Borno, Adamawa }6

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Travel Advisory

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

International Flight Schedule

Local FLIGHT SCHEDULE FIRST NATION AIRWAYS LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06.50; 09:30; 11:45; 16:00 (SAT) 06:50; 11:45 (SUN) 11:45; 16:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 11:30; 13:40;18:30 (SAT) 09:00; 13:40 (SUN) 13:40; 18:30 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 14:45 (SAT) 16:15 (SUN) 14:45 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:50 (SAT) 18:20 (SUN) 16:50 AEROCONTRACTORS LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06:50; 13:30; 16:30; 19:45 (SAT/SUN) 12:30; 16:45 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 13:00; 19:00 (SAT) 12:30 (SUN) 15:30 MEDVIEW AIRLINES LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:50; 12:00; 15:30 (SAT) 10:00; 15:00 (SUN) 17:30; 18:30 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 14:00, 15:00; 18:30 OVERLAND AIRWAYS LAGOS-ILORIN (MON-FRI) 07:15 LAGOS-IBADAN (MON-FRI) 7:00 IBADAN-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:00 IBADAN-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:30 ILORIN –ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30 ILORIN –LAGOS (MON-FRI) 17:00 ABUJA-ASABA (MON-FRI) 10:00 ASABA-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 14:15 ASABA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 11:30 LAGOS-ASABA (MON-FRI) 13:00 ABUJA-ILORIN 16:00 ABUJA-IBADAN 15:00 ARIK AIR LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:00; 09:00; 11:00 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00; 20:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 09:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI)07:00; 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 (SAT) 07:00; 11:00; 15:00 (SUN) 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 09:00; 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 (SAT) 07:30; 11:30; 09:00; 13:00; 17:00 (SUN) 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 ABUJA-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30; 16:50 (SAT/SUN) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30 PORT-HARCOURT-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10; 18:30 (SAT/SUN) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10 AZMAN FLIGHT SCHEDULE WEEKLY SCHEDULE Kano-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Abuja 10:30am Abuja-Lagos 12:40pm Lagos-Abuja/Kano 4:00pm Abuja-Kano 5:45pm Kaduna-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Kan 10:10am Kano-Abuja/Lagos 12:40pm Abuja-Lagos 1:00pm Abuja-Lagos 2:40pm Lagos-Kaduna 5:00pm WEEKEND SCHEDULE SATURDAY Kano-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Abuja 10:30am Abuja-Lagos 1:00pm Lagos-Kano 4:00pm Kaduna-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Kano 4:00pm Sunday Kano-Lagos 8:00am Lagos-Kano 10:30am Kano-Abuja/Lagos 1:20pm Abuja-Lagos 2:40pm Lagos-Kaduna 5:00pm

British Airways flights from Nigeria (Mon - Sun) Flight path

Distance

Departure

Lagos (LOS) to London Heathrow (LHR)

4990km

23.30hrs

Abuja (ABV) to London Heathrow (LHR)

4762km

08.00hrs

Flight path

Distance

Departure

London Heathrow (LHR) to Lagos (LOS)

4990km

11.00hrs

London Heathrow (LHR) to Abuja (ABV)

4762km

6 hours 25 minutes

British Airways flights to Nigeria

Daily flights from Nigeria (Lagos, Abuja) (Mon - Sun) Airliner

Airports

Stops

Arik Air

London to Lagos

21:30hrs

Arik Air

Lagos (LOS) to New York (JFK) 23:35hrs

Arik Air

New York (JFK) to Lagos

12:00hrs (NY time)

Delta Airlines

Atlanta Lagos

16:00hrs

Delta Airlines

Lagos to Atlanta

22:00hrs

Emirates Airlines Lagos to Dubai

14:00hrs; 20:00hrs

KLM

Lagos to Amsterdam

23:05hrs

Virgin Atlantic

Lagos to London

11:00hrs

Lufthansa

Abuja to Frankfurt

23.10hrs

Lufthansa

Lagos to Frankfurt

21.00hrs

South Africa Airways

Lagos to Johannesburg

22.15hrs

United Airlines

Lagos to Housten, Texas

22:10hrs

Air France

Abuja to Paris

23:55hrs

Air France

Lagos to Paris

21:20hrs

Ethiopia Airways Abuja to Addis Ababa

20.10hrs

Ethiopia Airways Lagos to Addis Ababa

14:00hrs

Qatar Airways

Lagos to Doha

14.23hrs

Air Maroc

Lagos to Casablanca

06:25 hrs

Etihad

Lagos to Abu Dhabi

09:50hrs

Air Ivoire

Lagos to Abidjan

10:15hrs (Sun and Mon)

Cam Air

Lagos to Yaounde

15:25hrs (Mon, Tues and Wed)

Virgin Atlantic international travel tips Bear in mind that Virgin Atlantic Airways will carry most sports equipment in addition to these allowances for no extra charge, provided it weighs less than 23kg. There are a few extra considerations with specific sporting items though - so before you come to baggage check in, please check the airline’s pages to ensure your equipment qualifies. In addition, Gold members of Flying Club can check in an extra piece of luggage on all Virgin Atlantic operated flights for no extra charge (weighing up to 23kg). It doesn’t matter which cabin you’re flying - Gold is Gold! If you’d like to check in extra baggage beyond the limits outlined here, you can - but you’ll need to pay an extra baggage fee. You’ll find details on the additional baggage page. If you've booked a journey with Virgin Atlantic which includes Virgin Atlantic mixed class or a trip on another airline, each class or airlines baggage allowance will apply for each of the individual sectors. Please note luggage cannot be combined; if flying with more than one person, you will be charged with an extra baggage cost. Each luggage (up to 23kg) per person is free of charge.

Infants’ allowance Passengers travelling with infants or children can bring a fully collapsible pushchair and car seat, in addition to their free check in luggage allowance. Infants too young for their own seat on the aircraft (travelling on the lap of a parent or carer) can have one piece of hold baggage weighing up to 23kg, and one piece of hand baggage weighing up to 6kg. We’re afraid we can’t allow extra baggage allowance to be purchased for infants. Additional items you can take with you To help with baggage conundrums, we’ve compiled the following list to clarify the bits and bobs you can take onboard in addition to the allowances above: Your handbag, pocketbook or purse, as you would normally use it (in other words, not just being used to contain items that would otherwise be regarded as baggage). • Your overcoat or wrap. • Your umbrella or walking stick (these cannot be pointed or sharp). • A small camera and/or pair of binoculars. • A reasonable amount of reading matter for the flight. • An infant’s food (for consumption on the flight). • A small amount of duty free goods. • Headphones for onboard use (they’ll need the standard 3.5mm jack).

News

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Tinubu: Use charms to defend your votes Adeolu Adeyemo and Etaghene Edirin

national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Lagos State Governor, Senator Bola Tinubu, has called the electorate to prepare charms and adopt other methods to defend their votes in the 2015 general election. Tinubu said in Osogbo at the inauguration of Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, for a second term in office that doing so was the best way to ensure their votes count. "We are celebrating the courage, steadfastness, truth and bravery of Aregbesola and people of Osun in the last election, especially when battalions of security men were sent to the state all in the

name of the election. "I also want to charge the people of Osun State to arm themselves with local rings, armlets and whatever they have to defend the 2015 general election and liberate themselves from the Goodluck Jonathan-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). "People should stand firm to defend their votes in 2015 as they did in Osun State. "I salute your steadfastness to make over 30,000 armed policemen shameful. I want to assure you that what they stole from us in Ekiti will be reclaimed. I charge you to be fully prepared against the 2015 presidential election by being brave and valiant to monitor your votes during the coming election," he added. According to him, a revolution to push the

PDP out of power at the federal level has been kick started by the APC, starting with the August 9 governorship election in Osun State, which the party won. Tinubu said: “The revolution they don’t understand, which they call violence, has started. They define revolution as bloodshed. The revolution we are talking about is the ability to use our voters’ cards to send these people away. They have failed.” The former governor stated that the revolution would provide employment opportunities and better welfare for Nigerians and also generate the needed power to drive industrial growth across the country, “and not the lies from Abuja.” He said: “They take from you; and they steal from all of us. In the class

system they created, the poor remain poorer.” Tinubu added that the country is worse off than it was four years ago and urged the people to reject the PDP in 2015. In his speech at the occasion, former Head of State and a presidential aspirant of the APC, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, said although APC was demoralised after the Ekiti disaster and the impeachment of Alhaji Murtala Nyako as governor of Adamawa State, the people of Osun State revived the party’s morale with the re-election of Aregbesola. On his part, Edo State Governor, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, saluted the courage of the Osun electorate, whom he said despite the intimidations before and during the governorship election,

they resolved to vote for Aregbesola and ensure his victory. According to him, their resolve showed that the right to vote, defend the vote, and have a winner is at the discretion of the electorate alone. Governors Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) said the outcome of the Osun election proved to the world that no amount of intimidation could stop the wishes of the people. Aregbesola thanked the people for returning him as governor and promised that he would do more to ensure the development of the state and provide better welfare to the people. He said: “The PDP stands for poverty, misery and insecurity. They

L-R: Prime Minister, Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis, Dr. Denzil Douglas; Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and Honorary Consul, St. Kitts and Nevis, Mrs. Tessy Ekpunobi, at the opening of St. Kitts’ Honorary Consular, in Abuja...yesterday.

Five soldiers, 60 others killed in Borno, Adamawa Ibrahim Abdul and Ahmed Miringa MAIDUGURI

ixty-five people including five military personnel yesterday lost their lives in the war against Boko Haram insurgency in Borno and Adamawa states. In Adamawa, 30 people including five soldiers were killed in Marrabar Mubi, when a bomb planted by the roadside detonated and hit a bus. No fewer than 30 insurgents were killed in Borno State by vigilante youth popularly known as Civilian JTF. New Telegraph learnt

that the Adamawa incident happened around 7p.m. when the troops and local hunters were conducting their routine patrol of Marrabar Mubi. Those who survived the attack were treated at the Adamawa Specialist Hospital. A military source, who confirmed the incident, said five soldiers died in the attack while dozen others sustained injuries. A resident of Mubi, who pleaded anonymity, said he heard a loud bang as the military convoy was passing on routine surveillance. “The loud bang we heard sparked apprehension as many thought

Boko Haram insurgents have re-launched another offensive against the Nigerian troops and local hunters who are now in control of the town. “Many people hurriedly run to their homes while others who are anxious ran into nearby bushes for the fear of being hit by bullets or killed by the insurgents,” the source said. In Borno, the terrorists met their waterloo when they attempted to attack and capture Kareto village of Mobbar Local Government Area of the state. Kareto village is about 157 kilometres from Maiduguri, the state capital and a hometown of former Governor Moham-

med Goni. The insurgents had on Monday, November 24, captured Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar Local Government, which is 30 kilometres away from Kareto and killed scores of people while thousands are displaced in the process. A member of the Civilian JTF, Abubakar Gubio, told our correspondent that the gunmen armed with Ak47 rifles, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and petrol bombs were moving in a Hilux vehicle and motorcycles to attack the village when the youth confronted them, killing 30 of the terrorists. Several of the terrorists

escaped into the bush with severe injuries. Confirming the incident, the spokesman of Borno Elders’ Forum, Dr. Bulama Mali Gubio, said: "There was a huge success as 30 members of Boko Haram who attempted to overrun Kareto, Gubio and other surrounding communities were killed by our volunteered youth. "Already the affected areas are now calm as normal activities have since returned. But I want to call on the security operatives to intensify effort to crush the menace of terrorists that have been ravaging the socio-economic activities in Borno and other parts of the North East."

are prepared to sacrifice the entire country as long as their hold on power is intact. Come February next year, Nigerians are going to say enough is enough. We are going to beat them because they are beatable.” He said what Nigeria needed at this time were God-fearing and incorruptible leaders who would galvanise the people and judiciously husband the nation's resources to overcome its challenges. “We must terminate the regime of self-seeking manipulators who currently parade corridors of power, accruing political profit by turning us against each other and further dividing us along ethnic and religious lines. “The result of their politics of division is that Nigerians are poorer in the last 16 years whereas Nigeria as a country has never been richer save for recent months when oil price has declined. “This manifests again in their continued lawlessness evidenced in the desecration of the National Assembly and the travesty at Ekiti Assembly. They have demonstrated without doubt their inability to protect Nigerians and the territorial integrity of our country. We must therefore be determined to vote out the party that has brought us to this sorry pass. We must show them the way out,” Aregbesola stated. Highlighting the achievements of his administration, the governor said: “In the past four years, we have striven to keep faith with the people on the mandate given to us. We set out to re-enact the Obafemi Awolowo tradition of leadership and good governance; a tradition that set the Western Region apart. The formidable challenges notwithstanding, we have delivered largely on our promises. “Our vision is to deliver 20 years development in the next four years in economic, social and political fields. We shall complete all ongoing projects and start new ones. We shall touch every community in roads, education and infrastructure. We shall touch every household in wealth creation, security of lives and property, social amenities, political empowerment, political representation and much more. We shall consolidate on the foundation we are building and proceed to the superstructure of prosperity and greatness for our land and people.”

News

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Alison-Madueke emerges OPEC's first female president CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said in Abuja while declaring open the 4th Annual Capital Market Committee Retreat that the oil benchmark could further be reduced to $65 per barrel, from the current $73, if oil prices continue to drop. The oil benchmark for the 2015 budget was initially fixed at $78 per barrel but was reviewed down to $73; a benchmark Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, said last Tuesday was not sacrosanct in the face of the volatile crude oil prices at the international market. The minister said the $73 per barrel of crude oil was not the final benchmark due to the uncertainty in the market, adding that the Federal Government may be forced to further review it downward if oil prices reach between $60 and $75 per barrel. She spoke just as the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) voted yesterday in Vienna to retain oil output at 30 million barrels per day. Also at the occasion, Okonjo-Iweala's counterpart in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources,

Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, made history as she emerged the first elected OPEC's female president. But irrespective of the OPEC's meeting, the price of Brent crude hit a four-year low, losing $2.27 to close at $75.48 a barrel yesterday. Okonjo-Iweala added that in arriving at the $73 oil price benchmark, what the government did was to look at a mid-point. "We have a scenario that if the oil price moves to $60, $65, $70 and $75, we are equal to the task. The scenario we do not have is when the world crude oil price slides to $40 per barrel," she stated. She, however, said the current instability in the crude oil market did not come as a surprise to the

Federal Government. She explained that government had long envisaged the volatility in the international oil market that was why it set up the Excess Crude Account (ECA), which had up to $22 billion between 2008 and 2009 but has been drawn down to $4 billion. As part of measures to cope with the economic emergency, she said government was expanding non-oil revenue sources, and had projected tax revenue target for the next three years at $3 billion to mitigate the impact of the fall in oil price. She said government had demonstrated commitment to raise revenue from non-oil sources by engaging Mckinsey to work with the Federal

Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to improve tax administration with a view to boosting revenue from tax sources. According to her, FIRS has been given a mandate to double its revenue target next year to N168 billion, while a circular has been issued to all Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that have the capacity to generate internal revenue to ensure prompt remittances of their unspent money to government's coffer. "If all these measures are vigorously pursued, the Federal Government will have additional $3 billion within the next three years," she said. On the expenditure side, Okonjo-Iweala expressed displeasure that

government is spending about 77 per cent of the total budget on recurrent expenditure, adding that this is not acceptable. She said the government would prune it down by direct purchasing of administrative equipment and curtail unnecessary overseas travels. On the 2015 budget, Okonjo-Iweala said the Federal Government would reduce capital expenditure in such a way that it would not impact negatively on the poor. To take care of the poor, the minister said the government had put in place a social safety net in conjunction with World Bank for conditional cash transfer to a woman with five children. Okonjo-Iweala also ex-

plained the reason why the subsidy payment to oil marketers in the MTEF dropped from N971 billion to N458 billion, saying that this is because oil price has reduced in the international market, including the reduction in landing and other costs. In her speech at the retreat, Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) , Ms. Arunmah Oteh, put bond market capitalisation at N9.95 trillion. Of the amount, the Federal Government bonds account for N4.10 trillion, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) bonds, N4.35 trillion, while state government and corporate bonds make up N1.5 trillion. CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

TODAYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WEATHER FORECAST ABUJA

31o C 25oC Thunder Storms

ABUJA

PORT HARCOURT

35oC

22oC

Partially Cloudy

L-R: Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Arunma Oteh; Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala; Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed and Director-General, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema, at the annual capital market retreat in Abujaâ&#x20AC;Śyesterday.

25o C 18oC

Senate slams Obasanjo, says we're not corrupt

Storms

KANO

32oC

12oC

Mostly Sunny

ENUGU

34oC

33oC

Partially Cloudy

IBADAN

32oC

22oC

Partially Cloudy

CALABAR

29o C 23oC Thunder Storms

MAIDUGURI

ONITSHA

33oC 14oC Mostly Sunny

33oC

23oC

Partially Cloudy

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

day in Abuja, had attacked members of the National Assembly, accusing them of extorting money from government officials and contractors. "Corruption in the National Assembly also includes what they call constituency projects which they give to their agents to execute but invariably, full payment is made with little or no job done," he had said. But the Senate, in a statement by Senate spokesman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, described the allegations as absolute falsehood. According to it, by the arrangement of the constituency projects, which Obasanjo initiated in 2000, it was not possible for any legislator to have access to

the funds allocated for the projects. It also accused the former president of embarking on an orchestrated mission to smear the image of the National Assembly in order to bring it to disrepute. The Senate said it was unfortunate that the former president would distort the issue of constituency projects as meaning a direct monetary advance to lawmakers and thus amounting to the "promotion of corruption" by the National Assembly. It added that the most unfortunate in the deliberate diatribe against the National Assembly, was Obasanjo's allegation that the lawmakers were "siphoning public funds through what they call 'constituency projects'. "The allegation as spu-

rious as it were, is very distant from the truth and is nowhere near reality. If it were so, the former president would not have tolerated such for the period he was the president of the country. "President Obasanjo, for the avoidance of doubt, was the initiator of the constituency project in the year 2000 as a means of ensuring that projects were fairly spread across the country using the senatorial zones as the springboard. "To ensure execution of the projects, President Obasanjo again factored the constituency projects into the annual budgets to be implemented by the executive, depending on availability of funds. That is to say that no lawmaker ever comes close to the funds or even deter-

mine the contractor for the said projects or when the said contract would be awarded. "So, it looks curious and surprising that former President Obasanjo would turn around after over 10 years of initiating such a project to allege that the National Assembly is performing the function of both the executive and the parliament. "Is it not preposterous for anybody to believe that members of the National Assembly would against the provisions of the constitution with regards to application of separation of powers, award contracts 'to their agents to execute' and expect the presidency under a President Obasanjo or any other president for that matter to pay for what they are not part of ?

"Such allegation stands logic on its head, as it amounts to an indictment of the presidency for wilfully contravening the budget laws by ceding its power to execute to the National Assembly, if it was the case," the Senate stated. It challenged the former president to further furnish Nigerians with details of how the National Assembly members became executors of national budget rather than being lawmakers. "It will also help to clear the allegation once and for all, if any presidency official not only from the time past but currently, could come forward and explain the true position of the so-called constituency projects. Doing so would at least set the records straight," he said.

News

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

APC demands IG's resignation over Tambuwal Johnchuks Onuanyim and Chukwu David Abuja

he All Progressive Congress (APC) has called for the resignation of the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, for denigrating the Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal. The party, in a statement yesterday, described Abba's conduct on Wednesday when he appeared before the House Committee on Police Affairs during which he

refused to recognise Tambuwal as House speaker as treason and an insult to the entire House members. APC, in the statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said: "As the speaker, Rt. Hon. Tambuwal is the symbol of authority of the House and our country's number four citizen. By saying he does not recognise him as the speaker, the IG has also indicated he does not recognise the entire House of Representatives. "For a man who was not elected by anybody to

make this impertinent assertion about elected representatives of the people is tantamount to treason. Mr. Abba has shunned all pretences to neutrality, professionalism and decency and he is no longer fit to occupy the important office of the IG." The party alleged that Abba could not have acted the way and manner he did if not for the backing he is receiving from the presidency. Condemning Abba's act, APC said by refusing to recognise a speaker duly elected by 360 members of the House and one

who has neither been impeached nor removed by the court, the police boss had violated the 1999 Constitution. The party wondered at what stage the IG realised the issue involving the speaker was sub judice, especially after he constituted himself into a court of law and unilaterally withdrew the speaker's security aides. According to the party, though Nigerians are aware that the IG acted at the behest of his masters in trying to unlawfully remove a duly-elected speaker, he still went

ahead to engage in cheap lies by saying he barred the speaker and other members of the House from entering the National Assembly because of alleged plans by the APC to invade the National Assembly and Aso Rock. ''One wonders why the police were so concerned about the security of the National Assembly that they engaged in selective granting of passage to the principal officers of the Assembly. The Senate President was allowed to enter without qualms, just like the Deputy Speaker of the House of Repre-

Members of the Restoration Crusaders of North-East during a protest to demand for the end to insurgency in the area in Abuja…yesterday.

PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

sentatives. But when the speaker came, he was locked out. That speaks volumes about the intention of the police,'' APC stated. The party commended individuals and groups that have condemned the police action, adding that there is still much work to be done to prevent President Goodluck Jonathan conniving with security agencies to derail democracy. APC said: ''Mr. Abba is presiding over perhaps the most-partisan police force ever in the history of our nation. He has thrown professionalism, neutrality and fairness to the wind and made the police a willing tool in the hands of a frenzied executive. He cannot be trusted to ensure a level playing field for all parties at the next general election, hence he should be removed immediately.'' Also yesterday, Senator Kabiru Marafa urged the National Assembly to sue Abba for his role in the invasion of the legislature. Marafa, who represents Zamfara Central on APC's platform, told journalists in Abuja that the Senate probe might not adequately address the gravity of the offence. He said since the police had by their action, breached CAP L.12, Section 16 of the Constitution, the matter should have been taken to court . Marafa, however, commended Senate President David Mark and Tambuwal for what he described as their "maturity and management of the unfortunate incident."

Crude price hits four-year low at $75 Okiro: Police CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

She said the market had emerged stronger and doubled in size after the storms that assailed it years ago by attracting triple-A rating from renowned issuers such as the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Both international bodies have issued naira-denominated bonds. Also speaking on the nation's economy, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar said in a statement he personally signed that the Federal Government should be sincere in formulating economic policies. He also warned that the people should not be made to suffer for the poor handling of the economic by the Jonathan administration. Atiku, however, urged the Federal Government

to consider the adoption of $70 per barrel as oil benchmark in view of the continued decline of oil price. He said: "The point that I am trying to make is that the managers of our economy should be sincere with themselves and be sincere with Nigerians. Hiding under the umbrella of international economic development trend to justify our current predicament is misleading and deceitful. "The economy is not as strong as they make us believe and the “global head winds” cannot fully explain our dilemma. Key vulnerabilities in the economy have been noticed a long time ago. "Months ago, I warned that the economy was headed for hard times if changes were not made immediately. My position was informed by a

number of reasons which I observed at that time namely: uncontrolled spending and lack of discipline in budgetary implementation both of which propelled the nation into foreign and domestic debt portfolios." According to him, in 2008, Nigeria used to have a foreign exchange import cover of up to 24 months that has now fallen to less than seven months cover despite about six years of oil boom. He accused the Jonathan administration of engaging in frivolous spending, careless borrowing and poor savings. Meanwhile, OPEC has elected Alison-Madueke it first female president. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which confirmed the minister's election, said in a statement that she would hold the posi-

tion for the next one year. However, in the interest of maintaining market equilibrium, the conference decided to maintain the current production level of 30 million barrels a day. Nigeria joined other countries to vote against quota cut, confirming New Telegraph's exclusive report last Thursday that the Nigerian delegation to the meeting had decided to vote against quota cut. “In taking this decision, member countries re-confirmed their readiness to swiftly respond to developments which could have an adverse impact on the maintenance of an orderly and balanced oil market,” it said. At the Vienna meeting, which is the most crucial since the financial crisis, Nigeria retained a production quota of 1.78 million barrels per day.

disciplinary cases must end in 90 days Emmanuel Onani Abuja

he Chairman, Police Service Commission (PSC), Sir Mike Okiro, has charged the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Suleiman Abba, on the need to ensure that disciplinary cases in the force, which often delay promotion of personnel, should be concluded within three months. Okiro gave the charge in a statement signed yesterday by the commission's Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani. The statement quoted the former IG of giving

the admonition, at a ceremony in his office, to hand over "Instrument of Delegation of Powers" to Abba. Ani said: “The renewed instrument packaged in a handbook now demands on the IG a return on police recruitment of Constables within three months of completion of the exercise. He also announced that returns on Police promotion from the rank of Constable to Inspector covered by the Instrument, must be made to the Commission within three months. "He noted that delayed promotions due to pending disciplinary matters must be treated and completed within 90 days."

News

national

friday, november 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Union condemns attacks on parliamentary staff warning

Association cautions police against truncating democracy Chukwu David Abuja

he Acting National President of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Comrade Mohammed Bala, yesterday condemned

change of nameS

Uwem

last week’s attack on its members at the National Assembly. Bala, while speaking at a press conference at the National Assembly complex, Abuja, also condemned the alleged attack on its members in Ekiti State House of Assembly. Consequently, he cautioned the Nigerian Police to desist from any act capable of truncating democracy, adding that the Police ought to be neutral in the discharge of their duties. "One of the issues discussed at our delegate conference is the unfortunate event at state assemblies

and National Assembly, where our members were attacked and tear-gassed when carrying out their duty by Police. "The police are charged with the responsibility of protecting the lives of the citizenry. "So, we condemn the action and we urge the police to maintain neutrality in the discharge of their duties in the National Assembly and everywhere,’’ he said. Bala called on the National and State Assemblies to adequately train and arm Sergents-at-Arm to enable them carry out their duties of protecting

the chambers effectively. He further said the delegate conference attended by 98 per cent of PASAN members equally called on the National Assembly, State Assemblies and National Assembly Commission to take the welfare of members seriously. Speaking on the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure, the president implored state houses of assembly that were yet to implement it to do so in the interest of democracy. "We urge the Legislature to take into cognisance the work being performed by our mem-

bers and compensate us appropriately,’’ he said. Bala also said the conference resolved to strip the former National President, Comrade Fatai Bala and the National treasurer, Mr Emmanuel Abe of their positions for being guilty of some allegations of impropriety. The National Assembly Chapter Chairman, Mr. Mohammed Bawa, in his views, also condemned attacks on the staff, claiming that some staff members of the National Assembly could not access the premises to carry out their legitimate duties on the day of the attack.

Former Uduak Bassey Humphery now Uwem Bassey Humphery. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

Ibeh

Former Miss Ugwu Ogechukwu now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Ibeh Ogechukwu. Former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public note.

Obinna Former Miss Chizoba Okereke Vera now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Chizoba Chijoke Chidubem Obinna. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

Famoriyo Former Miss Lauretta OluwaSeun Aina now Mrs. Lauretta OluwaSeun Famoriyo. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

Obasi

Former Nwagwu Barnabas Onyeka, now wish to be addressed as Obasi Barnabas Onyeka. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

Emmanuel

Former Eghianwa Precious Igbonoremen now wish to be addressed as Emmanuel Precious Igbonoremen. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

Odey

Former Miss Maria Ochuole Iyayi now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Maria Ochuole Odey. Former documents remain valid. General public note.

L-R: Most outstanding male beneficiary, Mr. Anthony Felix; Human Resources Director, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), Mr. Obinna Anaba and most outstanding female beneficiary, Miss Sorochi Happiness, at the graduation of this year’s NNPCSNEPCo LiveWIRE programme, in Lagos

Pension law: Court fixes Jan 28 Congestion: NPS boss urges for suit against 36 state govs govs to sign death warrants Tunde Oyesina Abuja

he Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday fixed January 28, 2015 for hearing in a suit filed by 43 civil society organisations and activists (members of the Human Rights Agenda Network) against all the state governors and three others. They are challenging the constitutionality of the laws passed by several Houses of Assembly providing extortionate pensions for

EDO STATE LEGISLATORS: HOW TO AVERT BLOODBATH IN THE STATE. I wish to refer to the recent publications in national dailies of an invasion of legislators houses by armed youths. These are human rights violations that are condemnable by God and man. Let's stop violating our leaders or their aides. Rather, let's give constructive criticisms. Let's pursue peace through dialogue. Tomorrow you could be leader. Intolerance, hatred and unforgiveness must be removed from Edo State for developments and provision of jobs for the youths. DAVID IZEKOR OBASUYI HUMAN RIGHT ACTIVIST AND AUTHOR OF CITY OF BLOOD. 08057245252 & 07064965948

state governors and their deputies. Also joined as defendants are State Houses of Assembly, Revenue Mobilisation & Fiscal Commission and the Attorney General of the Federation. The suit further contends that under the doctrine of ‘covering the field’, the State Houses of Assembly lack the power to make laws stipulating the pensions of Governors and Deputy Governors since the Federal Government's Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Commission has already stipulated the pensions and remuneration for such public officials. When the matter came up yesterday, counsel to the Plaintiffs, Chino Obiagwu, informed the court that all parties had been served the originating summons and hearing notices except the Governors of Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba States and the Taraba State House of Assembly.

Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

he controller, Nigerian Prisons Service, Mr. Joseph Olanrele, yesterday decried the failure by state governors to sign death warrants of condemned prisoners, saying it was responsible for congestion in many prisons across the country. Olanrele spoke at a stakeholders' conference on Alternative Access to Justice held in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The conference, with the theme: "Grassroots based administration of justice: A moderating mechanism for criminal tendency," was organised by the Justice Development and Peace Movement (JDPM) of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta. At the event, the state Chief Judge, Justice Olatokunbo Olopade, also called for the reformation of the Justice of the Peace mechanism to en-

hance quick dispensation of justice. According to Olanrele, inadequate facilities and lack of vocational tools had created problems for the prison system in the country. He added that many prisons had become congested due to the refusal of governors to sign death warrant. He said: "The failure of governors to sign death warrants is one of the factors responsible for prison congestion. Majority of condemned prisoners are just there in the prisons languishing for years. The one Oshiomole did recently raised dust; the human rights organisations were unnecessarily agitating. I don't think there should be any uproar. "If they (governors) are not ready to append their signature on death warrants, then they should provide more accommodation and facilities for inmates."

NAFDAC suspends strike, as staff resume Monday Appolonia Adeyemi

edical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) yesterday suspended the 16-day strike by workers of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), paving the way for a three-man committee set up on Wednesday to work out an appropriate salary structure for the Agency. Consequently, the Chairman of the Federal Area Council, MHHWU, Comrade Steven Ibe, has called on all staff of NAFDAC to return to work by Monday. Ibe said the strike was suspended to give the committee to investigate the issues which the Union has raised with a view to and coming up with appropriate salary structure. Similarly, he warned NAFDAC management not to victimise any of its staff over their roles in the strike. "This is part of the agreement reached at the Wednesday meeting," said Ibe.

Fashola warns against anarchy with SURE-P taskforce Muritala Ayinla

overnor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State yesterday accused President of Goodluck Jonathan of encouraging a breakdown of law and order by being silent over continuous presence of group of youths under the name SURE-P taskforce. Fashola lamented that the presence of the SUREP taskforce, who dress in black uniforms, without any government official accounting for their presence showed the laxity in the central government’s plan to fight insurgency. He said: “I have written to President Goodluck Jonathan and I want action to be taken immediately. This is because when you gather people like that, without any clear mandate, it is a worrisome assembly.” “I wrote the President because they used his name and his office on a very big billboard. And no one has come out publicly to support their action or otherwise. And that showed that we are not consistent with our plan to fight insurgency.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

News

NATIONAL

Police blame DSS for bungling Ogwuche’s case Juliana Francis and Emmanuel Onani

he police yesterday distanced itself from the bungling of the court case of Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche, the alleged mastermind of the April 14, bomb attack on a crowded motor park in Nyanya, a suburb of Abuja. In a press release

Alao-Akala may dump PDP Sola Adeyemo

made available to New Telegraph, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, said that the police role in the matter, which he termed as “Alleged Police bungling of case against suspected terrorist Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche,” was remote. Ojukwu, who was trying to clarify what he saw as erroneous beliefs of Nigerians, that po-

N907.9m

lice handled the matter and bungled it, said: “It would be recalled that the Department of State Security (DSS), that had intelligence on the Nyanya Bombing and was investigating it, made a formal request to the Nigeria Police to assist in extraditing one Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche to Nigeria from Sudan, through the Interpol channel, of which the Nigeria Police

The IGR realized from other revenue sources of Plateau State in 2011. Source: National Bureau of Statistics

1.6%

is well versed. It was at this stage and for this reason that the Nigeria Police Force filed charges against the suspected fugitive, Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche, based on information that he fled to Sudan. The filing of charges against the suspect is legal procedure to enable the Nigeria Police formally request the Sudanese authorities to grant Nigeria’s extradi-

The annual population growth rate of Anguilla in 2010-2015. Source: Un.org

tion request in respect of the suspected fugitive. For the records, copy of filed charge(s) against a fugitive must be appended to documents in support of extradition request made to the host country, which in this case, is Sudan.” Justice Adeniyi Ademola had, on Monday, thrown out the criminal charge against Ogwuche, on the ground of want of

1.3m

The estimated number of deaths caused by diabetes in 2008. Source: Who.int

diligent prosecution. The judge said: “This criminal charge is hereby struck out for want of diligent prosecution by the complainant, the Inspector General of Police, and his prosecutor.” Ojukwu said the facts about the accused’s case were made known to the court when it insisted on the production of the accused even before his extradition to Nigeria.

9,200

The estimated number of Americans above 65 years with Alzheimer’s in District of Colombia in 2014. Source: Alz.org

Ibadan

here are strong indications yesterday that a former Governor of Oyo State and governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, may dump the party soon. That is following series of complaints that have trailed Monday’s rerun of ward congress of the party, in which seven governorship aspirants accused the national body of the party of scheming to impose a particular candidate for the 2015 election. Alao-Akala, who is a former governor in the state, according to a close ally of his, was preparing to defect as he was being wooed by people in the Accord, Labour and other parties, who believe that his popularity among the masses and his teeming followers would buoy their electoral strength. According to a prominent supporter of the former governor, who wants to remain anonymous, while speaking with New Telegraph yesterday in Ibadan, “Otunba Alao-Akala may defect from the PDP any moment from now because of the injustice meted to him at the two controversial ward congresses held in the state. “He is displeased that an unpopular candidate among them was being lorded over him and other aspirants.

L-R: Executive Director, Project Alert, Mrs. Josephine Effah-Chukwuma; wife of former Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Visionary, ACTS Generation, Mrs. Laila St. Mattew-Daniel; Executive Director, Centre for 21st Century Issues, Mrs. Titlope Akosa and Special Adviser to the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Risikat Akiyode, at ACTS Generation’s International Conference on Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Trafficking in Lagos …yesterday. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Court strikes out suit against Akwa Ibom PDP Tunde Oyesina Abuja

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday struck out a suit filed by a governorship aspirant, Umana Okon Umana challenging the legality of the November 1 ward delegate congress of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Akwa Ibom State. The trial judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola, struck out the suit on the ground that the court lacked jurisdiction to

entertain the matter as it has become a mere academic exercise. The court also noted that the principle of rotation entrenched in PDP constitution in line with section 223 of the 1999 constitution must be observed by party members. Umana had approached the court challenging the November 1 ward delegate congress in which he claimed he was unlawfully excluded in spite of the fact that he bought governorship nomina-

tion and expression form worth N11million. Joined as defendants are PDP, its National Chair man, Adamu Mu’azu and the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC. Umana, through his counsel, Godwin Obla, SAN had asked the court to determine whether the PDP could exclude him from participating in the party primaries for the selection of its candidate for the state governorship election in 2015.

Peterside, Rivers APC consensus candidate picks form Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

he member representing Andoni-Opobo-Nkuru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Dakuku Peterside has picked the All Progressives Congress (APC)

governorship form. The party chose him as its consensus candidate at a stakeholders meeting chaired by Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, ahead of Senator Magnus Abe, the other frontline governorship aspirant. Dakuku and hundreds

of supporters covered the road leading to the Port Harcourt Club, and the Police Officers Mess before storming the party’s secretariat located right in the centre. He was also accompanied by some top members of the party, many of whom struggled to gain entrance to the

party secretariat, which had been taken over by supporters. Dakuku, who dismissed the protest led by some Ogoni youths earlier, said that Ogoni were peaceful and law-abiding people, who would not resort to violent protests over his choice as APC governorship candidate.

Hoodlums snatch 1,900 PVCs in Lagos Wale Elegbede

he Resident Electoral Commission (REC) of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos, Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola, yesterday disclosed that the commission lost over 1,900 Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC) to hoodlums in Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government Area during the just concluded first batch of the PVC distribution. Speaking during a sensitisation parley with leaders of political parties in the state, organised ahead of the second batch of the PVC distribution in nine local governments of the state, Ogunmola said the hoodlums only wasted their time with the act, adding that the stolen cards will be of no benefit to them or anyone before, during and after the election. While announcing the commencement of the second phase of the PVC distribution in Alimosho,

Apapa, Amuwo-Odofin, Badagry, Epe, Eti-Osa, Oshodi/Isolo, Shomolu and Surulere local governments between 28th and 30th of November, he noted that the Continuous Voters’ Registration (CVR) will hold between 3rd and 8th of December in the various ward collation centres of the local governments. “During the first phase of PVC distribution, some hoodlums with guns operated with a motorcycle and snatched 1,900 PVC cards from some of our officials in Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government Area. “Fortunately, we have been able to identify those cards and we will go ahead to make a replacement for the original owners. What such people have succeeded in doing is to make government to spend extra money reprinting those cards because the owners of those cards must be giving their cards.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro

Father, daughter drown in Calabar Clement James Calabar

middle-aged man, identified as Ime Innocent Hanson and his 15-year-old daughter, Ruth, have drowned in stagnant water at Marian Road extension in the Calabar Municipal Area of Cross River State. The widow, Kate, said that they were indigenes of Nkworo village in Etim Ekpo Local Government of Akwa Ibom State. She said: “My husband left the house with my two children, Ruth (female) and Divine (male) to this place to wash his vehicle. He used to ply Calabar-Lagos and Calabar-Abuja routes. A few hours later, people came to inform me that he and Ruth had died in the water.” The incident occurred on Wednesday. The man’s son, Divine, told our correspondent that after they had finished washing the vehicle, his father went back to the pond to bathe. But suddenly, he saw that his father was struggling with something which seemed to be dragging

him down. He said: “At that point, my sister, Ruth, jumped in to help him out but both of them then disappeared; I could not see them again. Something told me to jump in too but I did not. So,

I started to cry for help.” In the midst of that confusion, a man said to be vested in spiritual matters appeared. He was said to have been contacted by family members to rescue the victims.

After pouring libations repeatedly and making some incantations, the man, whose name could not be ascertained at press time, jumped into the pond and after a few seconds, dragged out the bodies of the

man and his daughter. The bodies were identified by the widow. The man’s commuter bus, with registration number CAL 85 XA was stationed at the scene of the incident.

280 assassinated, 833 vehicles stolen in 12 months Muritala Ayinla

total of 833 vehicles were stolen in Lagos State while 280 people were assassinated in the last one year, the Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, has said. Aderanti said the 280 people were murdered in activities relating to street gangsterism, motor transport unionism, thuggery, youthful exuberance, unemployment and politics. Speaking on the achievements of the police and crime statistics from November 2013 to October 2014 at the 8th Town Hall Meeting on Security held at the City Hall, Lagos Island, Aderanti said that

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

Fashola (left) addressing the Town Hall meeting

73 armed robbers and eight policemen were also killed in the state during exchange of gunfire between the police and robbers. Aderanti said that 423 armed robbers were arrested, adding that about 4,043 ammunition were recovered from criminals. In the last one year, the commissioner said that the police foiled 372 armed robbery incidents, saying that only 560 of the stolen vehicles were recovered. He added that 358 of the vehicles were snatched at gunpoint while 468 others were stolen

from where they were parked and seven others driven away. The commissioner disclosed that there were 68 armed robbery incidents in Lagos in the last 12 months. Also speaking, Governor Babatunde Fashola, appealed to corporate bodies and individuals to continue to support the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), saying that any setback allowed would have untold consequence. He said: “The work has not yet finished. There is more to be done. We have started some. We

intend to provide modern patrol vehicles to every police division in Lagos and every Area Command. We intend to undertake prison service reforms by building a 21st century prison and we have completed the design. “We are also developing the investigative capacity of law enforcement through training and support with the aim of providing them with forensic capabilities.” The LSSTF Executive Secretary, Mr Fola Arthur-Worrey, disclosed that more donations were received last year than

this year. He said: “Our total cash inflow was N249 million while donations in kind were to the value of N52.9 million. This marks a major reduction of 30 per cent over 2013 receipts and meant that we had to virtually diminish our reserves to meet some of the critical requests. “Thus, while cash intake was as stated, expenditure was actually N333.577 million, 22 per cent increase over 2013. This just reflects the changing landscape that we are confronting now.”

Metro 11

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

How preachers snatched my car, by victim

The bullion van

Okechukwu

Taiwo Jimoh

spy police driver has explained how three men who were preaching to him suddenly brought out guns and snatched his car in Lagos. The driver, Mr Moses Okechukwu, said that while going home about 8pm on October 29, after the day’s work, he decided to give some people a lift at the 1004 Estate bus stop. According to him, one moment the men were preaching to him, attempting to convince to join a particular denomination and the next, they were pointing a gun at him. He said: “I decided to give four people lift because I didn’t want to be alone in the car. Im-

mediately I stopped at the bus stop, commuters rushed. Three young men and a lady entered. When we got to Ikate bus stop on Lekki–Epe Expressway, the lady alighted and gave me her transport fare. I told her not to worry. The three men said they would be alighting at Jakande First Gate. “After the lady alighted, the men and I started chatting and joking. They even demanded to know the church I attend. I told them I’m a member of every church. One of them advised me to worship with the Redeemed Christian Church of God. He said it was the best church to worship.” According to him, a few metres to the Jakande pedestrian bridge, where the three men said

they wanted to alight, the supposed men of God, turned to robbers. Okechukwu said that the one sitting beside him brought out a gun and pointed it at him. The driver recalled the chilling words of the gunman: “He said ‘Oga, we’re sorry for what you are seeing, because you are a nice man. But at this point you have to cooperate with us’. At that moment I was shocked when I saw the gun pointed at me.” Okechukwu said he was ordered not to raise his voice. He said he obeyed them but asked them why they wanted to repay his kindness by snatching his car. Rather than reply him, they barked at him to step down from the car.

He said: “One of them hit me with an object while another hit me with the butt of the gun.” For reasons he could not fathom, one of them said Okechukwu did not want to cooperate and opened fire at him. According to him, he was shot thrice but for providence the bullets missed him. He said: “When the third shot did not get me, I summoned the courage and struggled with the one holding the gun. I disarmed him. I collected the gun, but I didn’t know how to use it. That was how they were able to drive the car away. Had it been I knew how to shoot, I would have shot at the tyres of the vehicle. “After they had gone with the car, I was still on the expressway waving frantically at vehicles on the expressway to come to my rescue, but none stopped. Then I saw a Rapid Response Squad (RRS) van. I flagged them down and handed the gun to them.” Okechukwu and the RRS team chased after the robbers, but could not get them. He said: “That same night, the RRS and I went to Ilasan Police Station to report the incident. I was also given four men from the police station to go after the armed robbers. That night, we searched every nook and cranny of Lagos Island and Epe Road all to no avail.” According to him, police later arrested the robbers in Ibadan and recovered his car.

LASBCA to enforce insurance on buildings Muritala Ayinla

agos State Government yesterday said it would begin to enforce insurance policy on building under construction and existing structures of two floors and above. The General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Mrs Abimbola Animashaun, who disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting at the City Hall, Lagos, said contractors would henceforth present insurance before they were allowed to commence construction work. She said: “Section 48 of Urban and Regional

Planning Development Law, subsection 1-3 stipulate that insurance must be in place. Before you start your construction, you need to come to LASBCA and submit your insurance. It is after that we can approve your construction, you can’t just start your construction anyhow without letting us know about your insurance. “We must also scrutinise your contractors to ensure that the engineers or the contractors are competent. You may have the money to build, but you must also have competent engineers in place to build. “So, insurance is the key. There are two types of insurance - the one the

contractor must submit before the commencement of the construction and the building insurance which all the public buildings must have. “Building owners must also renew and submit this insurance to us annually. All buildings from two floors above must do the same thing as well. If the building is over two floors, definitely you need to submit your insurance. The contractor handling the building must have insurance.” The LASBCA boss warned the residents to always comply with the building laws to avert avoidable disaster, saying all the measures put in place by the govern-

ment were to enhance safety of lives of the residents. Animashaun explained that nobody was exempted from complying with the established building rules and regulations as long as the building was located within the territory of the state. She regretted that the agency was facing challenges while inspecting structures under construction within barracks and law enforcement agents’ quarters. Animashaun, however, disclosed that necessary steps had been taken on identified distressed and illegal structures in barracks across the state.

Okeke

‘Police forced me to hand over my husband’s property’ Camillus Nnaji

widow, Mrs Stephnie Chioma Okeke, has alleged that policemen in Enugu State compelled her to write an undertaking to hand over some of her late husband’s property to her in-laws without the presence or advice of her lawyer. According to Okeke, her in-laws ganged up against her, with the intention to take over her late husband’s property. The widow said she had been having trouble with her in-laws because they used to call her ‘an impostor.’ Okeke said in-laws claimed that her late husband had six wives and that they wanted to protect the interest of other wives. She said she did not know about the other wives and had demanded from one of her brother-in-laws the whereabouts of the women, so that she could speak with them. But, according to her, she was not allowed to meet the other wives. Rather, the situation between her and her in-law became tensed. The widow, a half-caste, with a Russian mother and a Nigerian father, said since then, her in-laws seemed to have ostracised her. She also claimed they were planning her husband’s burial without carrying her along. Okeke said she heard from the grapevine that December 4 had been fixed for the burial. The widow also alleged that her husband might have been killed. She said: “My husband left Lagos to attend his niece’s wedding in Enugu. He was not sick by the time he left for the wedding. On October 5, which was two days after he travelled, I was called to rush down to the University Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu. “On October 8, he died of total liver failure. That was what the doctors told me. Since his death, judging from what I had witnessed and experienced from my in-laws, I suspect my husband was poisoned.” Okeke, a mother of two, added that she was summoned and detained at a police station in Enugu by her husband’s brothers for reasons she did not understand. She added: “I was later made to write an undertaking under duress by the policemen. They said I should sign, handing over three of my husband’s exotic cars and building to my in-laws. I signed the document to save my life because I never knew their plans. But after returning to Lagos, I briefed my lawyer, Festus Keyamo, about what I did and he had written to the Inspector General of Police concerning my safety and that of my children.”

News

friday, november 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

south - west

PDP chieftain wants court to stop Agbaje Akeem Nafiu

chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Nurudeen Balogun, has asked an Ikeja High Court to stop one of the party’s gubernatorial aspirants, Jimi Agbaje, from contesting the party’s forthcoming governorship primaries scheduled for December 8. Balogun, who claimed to be interested in becoming the candidate of the party, said Agbaje was not

2.28%

fit, eligible and qualified to run for any elective posts in the forthcoming primaries, having only joined the party five months ago. The applicant also joined the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as co-respondents in the suit. Balogun, in an affidavit attached to the suit and filed on his behalf by his lawyer, Clement Onwuenwunor, citing Section 50(9) of the PDP’s constitution, said

The percentage of individuals using the internet in Mauritania in 2009. Source: Itu.int

Agbaje must be stopped from the party’s primaries on the grounds that he did not meet the party’s constitution which stipulates that only aspirants with minimum of two years membership span are eligible to stand for election into any public office on its platform. The politician also averred that as at the "26th day of November, 2014", the 1st Defendant (Agbaje) was barely four months old as a legitimate card carrying member of the 2nd de-

9,200

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

fendant (PDP). He added that Agbaje has never paid his registration dues and regular annual subscription fees for renewal of his membership and as such, is not eligible to contest elective position to a public office on the platform of the 2nd defendant (PDP). He further claimed that, "I am aware that the 1st Defendant has not been given any waiver by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the 2nd Defendant as stipulated by the 2nd De-

The percentage of the population of men above 60 years in Cape Verde in 2012. Source: Un.org

fendant’s Constitution to contest for elective position to the office of the Governor of Lagos State on the platform of the 2nd defendant. He said: "That on 21st November, 2014, I petitioned the chairman of the South-West Governorship Screening Committee of the 2nd defendant of this unwholesome practice and blatant infraction of the 2nd defendant’s Constitution by the 1st defendant and his cohorts in the 2nd defendant’s political party.

3.1m

The total population of Armenia in 2012. Source: Un.org

L-R: Chairman, Board of Trustees, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Mr. Remi Makanjuola; former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Musiliu Smith; Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola; his Deputy, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, at a town hall meeting on security in Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

APC faults Fayose on monarchs' cars Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

kiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has faulted Governor Ayo Fayose's claim that the vehicles bought for traditional rulers by the administration of Dr. Kayode Fayemi, were not paid for before he left office. But APC Publicity Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Olatubosun, said in a statement in Ado-Ekiti that the state government fully paid for the vehicles before handing over. “The traditional rulers themselves can find out from the suppliers of the vehicles, Coscharis Motors, if these vehicles were not fully paid for. Let Governor Fayose show to the whole world documents indicating that the cars were not paid for, this is a challenge. “We understand his game plan by telling the traditional rulers that their cars have not been paid for. He is seeking an undeserved sympathy from them, so that they can support his illegalities. It is a subtle blackmail and threat to the royal fathers so as to put them under his control just as he has desecrated the judiciary and violated the legislature. “It is also a ploy to misapply Ekiti money. He has collected N10 billion refund on Federal Government roads and another N12 billion Ecological Fund from the Federal Government so far."

Court declines to stop Shasore: I’m the right candidate to succeed Fashola Temitope Ogunbanke Obanikoro Akeem Nafiu

ustice Kazeem Alogba of an Ikeja High Court has turned down a request by some PDP members in Lagos State to stop a former Minister of Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, from contesting the December 8 gubernatorial primaries of the party. It will be recalled that three members of the PDP in the state; Micheal Ogun, Suleima Saheed and Wasiu Odusan had sought the court’s order declaring Obanikoro ineligible to stand election in Nigeria on the platform of any party. However, the judge in a ruling on the application yesterday declined to accede to their request on the ground that the applicants

had failed to prove the urgency of the action to warrant granting the order. The judge, however, queried why the applicants did not bring the ex-parte application along with the originating summons earlier filed on the subject matter on November 14 with a view to sustaining their claims of urgency in the matter. Justice Alogba said it would amount to injustice if the former minister was not given a fair hearing considering the gravity of the allegations preferred against him. According to the judge, the applicants’ interest would not be jeapardised in any way, if Obanikoro was barred from participating in the said primary election.

ormer Lagos State Commissioner for Justice and AttorneyGeneral, Olasupo Shasore yesterday described himself as the right man to succeed Governor Babatunde Fashola in 2015. Speaking with journalists yesterday, the All Pro-

gressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant said he possessed the right qualities to address the developmental demands of Lagos State. While optimistic on his chances in the 2015 governorship election, Shasore said the worst of the APC governorship aspirant in Lagos State is better than the best of the Peoples

Ondo police command warns against violence Babatope Okeowo Akure

head of the 2015 elections, the Ondo State police command yesterday warned political parties against violence and intimidation of opponents. Commissioner of Police, Mr. Isaac Eke, who met with stakeholders in

the state, said the command would sanction any person or political party that engages in electoral violence in the build up to the election. Towards having hitch free elections, the command brought together political, religious and traditional rulers to discuss the need to have a successful election next year.

Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant. He said: “I feel strong passion for Lagos State, I have served in public service for a while and have gained a lot of experience of what the demands of the people of this state are. The demands are significant and I feel that to meet those demands we need

only the best ability and human resources available to serve the people. “My experience places me in a good position to continue to offer my services, this time as the governor of Lagos State. With my experience, I have several advantages than other people. I feel Lagos State demands only the best at this time."

UI students hail Ajimobi

niversity of Ibadan students’ community yesterday expressed support for the government of Governor Abiola Ajimobi, in Oyo State, saying that tertiary institutions in the state have never had it so good. President of the institution’s students’ union government, Mr. Victor Odesola, stated this when he led his col-

leagues on a solidarity visit to Governor Ajimobi in his office. “The students’ union has never had it so good, we have enjoyed the support of this administration more than any previous one in Oyo State. It is our joy that the Ajimobi administration has been a blessing to us all at the University of Ibadan,” he said.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Governorship aspirants

Zamfara: PDP plots to unseat Yari

16, 17

Politics TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE writes on the accusation and counter-accusation between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the invasion of the data centre of the opposition party by the Department of State Security (DSS)

Furore over invasion of APC’s data centre

he invasion of Lagos State data office of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on November 21 by the Department of State Security (DSS) and military officers has renewed the war of attrition between the main opposition party and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The development has given room for accusations and counteraccusations among the parties involved in the assault. Security agents had on Saturday November 21 at about 5:30a.m. stormed the APC data centre at Bola Ajbola Street, Allen Avenue in Lagos. The building was ransacked and in the process, 28 people were arrested including 25 staff and three security guards. Several equipment were carted away by the operatives of DSS. While the APC insisted that the invasion of its data office was a direct attack on the party ahead of the 2015 general election, the DSS claimed it acted on a tip-off that the centre was being used by the party to clone Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs), with the intention of hacking into INEC database and replacing the PVCs with its own. The PDP on its own part threw its weight behind the DSS, saying the APC is cloning PVCs to rig 2015 polls.

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, PoLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

The vandalised office and equipment at the APC Secretariat in Lagos.

The gestapo-like operation Giving details of the invasion, APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said a combined team of men of the DSS and OP-MESA stormed the data centre of the party, ransacked the place and arrested 25 APC data agents and three security guards. ‘’In what was a gestapo-like operation, the APC membership data centre located at Number 10, Bola Ajibola street, off Allen Avenue in Ikeja, came under siege between the hours of 5:30a.m and 7:30 am on Saturday. An operation of terror and brigandage was unleashed on a legitimate operation of a leading national party. They came without a search warrant for the premises. Over 50 security operatives drafted from Abuja blocked the two major street entrances to the APC data entry centre, pulled down the gates and spent over two hours ransacking and vandalising the centre. ‘’More than a dozen computers were destroyed. The server was also vandalised along with other equipment in the building.

Never before has an elected government been so scared of the opposition to the point of shutting it down... can the PDP-led government still claim to be operating under the rule of law?

Just like the Watergate scandal in the USA, the state-sponsored security operatives apparently acting at the behest of the ruling PDP government turned the office upside down, and pulled out and vandalized everything in sight,” the party stated. APC kicks The opposition party described the invasion as the worst political scandal in Nigeria’s history, which can only be likened to the Watergate Scandal that led to the resignation of US President Richard Nixon in 1974, as a result of the June 17, 1972, break-in at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington D.C., and the attempted cover-up of its involvement by the Nixon administration. The party said: “Saturday’s attack is another one in the string of attacks and illegal actions of the PDP-led administration. The attack was unwarranted and unjustifiable. To attack one of the offices of the opposition party, APC, where legitimate opera-

tions of the party were being undertaken is an act of fascism and totalitarianism. To the point of brigandage, the invasion of the APC centre is an assault on the APC and its entire membership across the country. It must not go unpunished. “In the past five months, the PDP-led government has stepped up its acts of impunity and terror against the leaders of the APC and all non-PDP actors. Elected officers, who are not PDP members, have had their rights repeatedly violated by the police and other security operatives. Never before has an elected government been so scared of the opposition to the point of shutting it down. “Now that they have overreached themselves by attacking the offices of the main opposition party and destroying part of its membership database, can the PDP-led government still claim to be operating under the rule of law? Can the government sincerely tell the world it is now ready for a free and fair election CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Politics

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

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

in 2015? This is one impunity too many, and we will not allow it to be swept under the carpet.” The party called for an independent inquiry to fish out those who ordered the needless and unprovoked attack on the office of the APC. DSS justifies action Justifying the invasion, DSS spokesperson, Marilyn Ogar, said they acted based on a petition alleging “unwholesome activities” in the building APC uses as its data office. Ogar said that security operatives invaded the office based on a report that some people are cloning PVCs inside the building. She said: “The petition alleged that those behind the activities were cloning PVCs with the intention of hacking into INEC data base, corrupting it and replacing them with their own data. “Based on this information, the service placed the building under surveillance and having been convinced that some unwholesome activities were going on in the building, it undertook a raid of the premises.” According to her, in the process of carrying out the operation, 25 people were arrested, while a server, four hard drives, one external hard drive, one HP Laptop, one server switch, four flash drives, one Samsung tablet, one Apple computer system without CPU and 31 Ghana must go bags containing hard copies of already captured data were confiscated. APC counters DSS But the APC dismissed the DSS’ claim. “The spokesperson for the DSS said the organisation had put the building housing the data centre under surveillance, and that it only acted after it was convinced that ‘unwholesome activities’ were taking place. What hogwash! If indeed they put the place under surveillance, would they not have been able to establish that it is an APC data centre? Even if they were not sure, what prevents them from obtaining a court order per-

Buhari

Mohammed

Metuh

APC, PDP, DSS bicker over invasion of party’s data centre mitting them to enter and search the building instead of carrying out a Gestapo-like operation? Are security agencies above the law? “To highlight their crudity and lack of professionalism, they had to go and arrest one of the staffers who was not on duty just to get the password to the servers they vandalised and took away. This speaks volumes about the limitation of the DSS’ intelligence gathering ability. If they had broken into the Boko Haram computer, would they have gone to arrest Abubakar Shekau or any of his commanders to give them the password to it? Nigerians can now see why no progress has been made in using intelligence gathering to root out the evil Boko Haram,” it said. While describing DSS as one of the enforcement arms of the PDP, the party said the real reasons the service broke into the offices of the party were to deprive it of its membership data base so it can no longer contact its members and to

Comrade Olufemi Aduwo is the Coordinator of Rights Monitoring Group (RMG)

rig the 2015 elections.

The cloning of INEC PVCs is criminal and strikes at the very heart of our electoral process... Our citizens must, therefore, remain vigilant and resist any attempt by the APC to steal their mandate

A decent into anarchy Former Head of State and pres-

...invasion of apc data centre Aduwo: Jonathan not Okorie: DSS’ invasion is alarming witch-hunting APC Chief Chekwas Okorie is the National Chairman of the United Peoples Party (UPP)

irst of all, the Americans that brought democracy believe that the players in democracy must be decent human beings, who will obey the rule of law and the rule of the game. But along the line, we have discovered that many people who play this game are not even supposed to be players; they are supposed to be spectators. On the invasion of APC data centre in Lagos last Saturday by security agents, I am not in support of APC claim that the action of the Department of State Security (DSS) was an attack on APC. The place where DSS invaded was not an APC secretariat. We know APC secretariat in Lagos; it is on Acme, Ikeja. There was no poster or signboard to show that where DSS invaded was APC office. So, let us wait for the outcome of the DSS investigation, as they are working on some of the data they gathered during

PDP calls for investigation The invasion also provided an ample opportunity for the ruling PDP to hit back at the APC, which it accused of engaging in unwholesome acts towards truncating Nigeria’s democracy. The PDP urged security agencies to fully investigate the cloning of PVCs and ensure that whoever is found culpable faces the full weight of the law. PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, described APC as a desperate party that was planning to compromise the 2015 general election, adding that there was a possibility that the opposition party had cloning centres in all the states of the federation in order to achieve its sinister aim. Metuh said: “This discovery at the APC office in Lagos is a clear confirmation of our stand, and fears by well-meaning Nigerians of APC’s criminal desperation,

lust for power, plot to cause confusion and truncate our democracy. “We believe that the APC, in its desperate attempt to grab power by all means, has already established cloning and hacking centres in all the 36 states of the federation to actualise their dubious machination to subvert the will of the people. “We insist that the cloning of INEC PVCs is criminal and strikes at the very heart of our electoral process. We share the fear of a majority of Nigerians that the APC may have already started cloning ballot papers and other election documents. “It is in this regard that we call on all Nigerians and lovers of democracy across the world to note the desperation of the APC. Our citizens must, therefore, remain vigilant and resist any attempt by the APC to steal their mandate.”

I Aduwo

the invasion. I don’t believe the action of the security agents was a deliberate plan and targeted toward witch-hunting APC. If President Goodluck Jonathan wants to witch-hunt APC, believe me by Nigerian law and other things, APC will not even be a party now. The incident is not about witch-hunting.

am disturbed by the invasion of APC data centre by the security agents, especially where security operatives resorted to destruction of properties. I would have thought that more civilised way of investigating any information that may be available to security agencies would have been explored and not a physical invasion leading to the destruction of properties, especially where there was no resistance. It is alarming that in the democratic life of this country, security agents have responsibility to give confidence to every political party and every citizen of Nigeria and ensure neutrality in everything they are doing. They should not give an impression that

Okorie

they are willing tools in the hands of any person in authority or any political party. The contest for political offices should not be a struggle for the fittest because it is not good for our democracy.

Politics

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Ogah

idential aspirant of the APC, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, said that the action “is a reckless act that must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.” He said the action has demonstrated that the Jonathan administration “has mastered the art of how to push a nation into chaos within the shortest time possible.” His words: “Yet, for conducting functions necessary and proper for a political party operating within the democratic context, the centre became a hated target of the Jonathan government and the PDP. “They would not have done what they did unless given the mandate from their high bosses in Abuja. “Attempting to defend the indefensible, they fabricate a story that the attack was necessary because criminal activity was taking place at the centre. These statements are such plain lies. “From these attacks, this government is signalling to the Nigerian people they have no intention of holding anything resembling free and fair elections. “Their goal is not to create a level playing field. Their goal is to level the opposition into the dust through the abuse of federal power.”

A vandalised server

Babatope, Ikuforiji disagree Irrespective of the position of APC, PDP and DSS on the invasion of the data centre, there have been two sides to the incident. While some are commending the DSS for carrying out their constitutional duties, some have criticised the security agents for allowing PDP to use them to witch-hunt the opposition party. Speaking to New Telegraph, former Minister of Transport and Aviation, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, condemned APC for attributing the invasion of their data centre to the PDP. He said it was wrong for the opposition party to be blaming the ruling party for the problem they had with security agents. Also justifying the invasion, PDP chieftain, Mr. Tolagbe Animasahun, told APC to prove to the world that they are not carrying out any nefarious activity in the building. “The DSS acted on the petition written to them and since the invasion took place, APC has

Every action of our security agencies seems to be in the defence of the status quo against their opposition

not been able to show proof of what they are really doing in the building. They should tell us the purpose of what they are doing in the data centre. “They said the data centre is for the collation of their membership data, but have they been able to show any proof to justify that? They are just shouting on the pages of the newspapers. The security agents are doing their work. They should let them do their work and put politics apart,” he said. While Babatope and Animasahun threw their weight behind the PDP and DSS, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji and Executive Chairman of Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), Mr. Debo Adeniran, took a swipe at DSS, saying it was wrong for the security agents to break into houses when they were not sure the information they had was correct. Ikuforiji said the attack is a dangerous signal, adding that the

invasion is a clear indication that the democratic process is in grave danger. He said there was no way the DSS and the police would have acted without order from above, adding that the blatant abuse of power and rule of law has become the hallmark of the Goodluck Jonathan administration. “The invasion of the APC office is uncalled for and should be condemned by all Nigerians who want a country where the rule of law and due process take precedence over barbarism. This is totally unacceptable,” he said. Adeniran warned President Jonathan against joining the league of despotic leaders in Africa, noting that the PDP-led government is gradually gliding into abyss of despotism. According to him, “every action of our security agencies seems to be in the defence of the status quo against their opposition. It is unfortunate that the ruling party that controls the police and other security apparatus is gliding rapidly into abyss of despotism; a situation whereby security agencies are only protecting the rulers against the ruled is preposterous.” Court to the rescue Meanwhile, the party has secured an order of the Federal High Court in Lagos restraining the DSS from further sealing off the APC data centre or taking further steps in connection with the property. Justice Mohammed Nasir Yenusa gave the order in a case of enforcement of fundamental human rights filed by APC counsel, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN). The court, however, did not give any order regarding the release of the seized equipment, server, and computer from the APC office. With regard to the five data entry staff being held in custody by the DSS, the court ordered DSS to produce them in court today to explain to the court why they are still being held in custody. As both parties continue to trade blames over the raid, revelations in the days ahead will reveal the true position of the invasion.

...invasion of apc data centre

Tsav: Agents of PDP responsible for assault Alhaji Abubakar Tsav is former Lagos State Commissioner of Police

eople can give any reason to justify what they do, but I think the agents of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and government are doing everything to frustrate the opposition. This was done so that the PDPled government can fight the opposition and the PDP would have their way. It is wrong for security agents to just bungle into someone’s resident based on allegation without proper investigation. Once the police go to a place they have to present a search warrant; that is what the law says. If you go to a place, you introduce yourself to the person and the person would

Okorie

also searches you before he will allow you to search his house. He can even call for a witness. That is the legal procedure. But today, people don’t do that again and why they don’t do that was because they want promotion and money. If I were President Goodluck

Jonathan, I would provide a level playing ground for everybody. The security agents claimed that APC is using its data centre for criminal activities. They are the only people who have that information; we don’t have that information and since they cannot tell us the source of that information, how do we know whether APC is doing what they accused them of or they just want to use it to witch-hunt the opposition? It is very sad. We are heading towards a situation whereby this country would be put into flame and I expect people who are well trained to be cautious because if they are intimidating and harassing APC today and if tomorrow APC form government at the centre, what would they do? It will lead to mass retirement, mass sack and the rest of them, which is not good for us in this country.

Shettima: Election should not be do-or-die Alhaji Yerima Shettima is the president of Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF)

he invasion of the APC centre is undemocratic. We are not in a banana republic and to an extent we will resist any attempt by anybody to turn us into the same dark days we fought against. This is not the kind of democracy that we all fought for. From all indications, the way the government is going about it whether President Goodluck Jonathan is aware or is not aware, he is directly responsible for the act. You cannot just bang into somebody’s residence simply because he is not in your

Shettima

party or because he differs to you in term of principles. It does not make any sense. The beauty of democracy is that the ruling government must be able to accommodate opposition views. Politicians are so desperate; whether PDP or APC, they do almost the same thing. They don’t care whether democracy survives or not because they did not pay any dues.

Politics

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

LEADING GOVERNORSHIP ASPIRANTS

As the 2015 general election draws nearer, political gladiators are perfecting strategies to occupy the Zamfara Government House. Idris Salisu takes a look at the governorship aspirants and their chances

Zamfara: PDP plots to unseat Yari

n Zamfara State, aspirants of three political parties are in hot contention for the governorship seat. The parties are the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Since the return of democracy to the country in 1999, political leadership in Zamfara State has remained an exclusive preserve of the defunct All Peoples Party (APP) which later became All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and now APC. In fact, the contest in 1999 between the PDP candidate, Ambassador M.Z Anka, and his rival in APP, Ahmed SaniYarima, remained unpredictable until the last minute when voters turned out to elect the APP candidate against the formidable PDP candidate. The coming into ANPP of Yarima, whose philanthropic profile appealed particularly to the poor class, dramatically turned the tables to make him the first civilian governor of Zamfara State. The PDP which then had control of the central government under Olusegun Obasanjo ahead of 2003 gubernatorial elections provided the Zamfara State chapter an added advantage of winning the governorship election. But this was marred by disunity and lack of tolerance among the party members, leading to its defeat by the then ANPP at the governorship poll. Notwithstanding this defeat, the PDP faithful remained committed to snatching power from the then ruling APP. In 2003 when APP changed into ANPP, a former military governor of Nasarawa State, Col. Bala Mande (rtd) from PDP came out to challenge Governor Yarima of the ANPP but despite the federal might, he lost the election. In the 2007 elections, when Yarima completed his second term, the same episode occurred when former governor in the old Sokoto State, MalamYahaya Abdulkarim of PDP sought the mandate from the people of the state. He was however defeated squarely by the ANPP candidate, Mahmuda Aliyu Shinkafi to succeed Yarima who he deputised for eight years. However, not long after he was sworn in, he decided to part ways with Yarima and defected to the PDP in February 2008. Again, history repeated itself in the 2011 general election as the electorate defied the power of incumbency to elect the ANPP candidate and the present governor of the state, Abdulaziz Yari. The year 2015 holds another round of elections where gladiators in the PDP would test their strengths and popularity again amongst the electorate. However, unlike the previous years when the contest was largely a circulation of old players and a handful of new breeds, this time around, members of the opposition PDP have started calling names of the prospective contestants for the governorship seat. Before now, there were five governorship aspirants eyeing the coveted seat on the platform of the PDP alone to confront Yari in 2015. Those in the

Yari

race include the immediate past governor, Shinkafi, who is aspiring to go for his second tenure after losing in 2011; Bello Mohammed Matawalle, a member of the House of Representatives representing Bakura/Maradun Federal Constituency; Alhaji Sagir Hamidu a retired Director, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCDA) Abuja; Alhaji Bashir Adamu Imad, a business mogul, and Eng. Ibrahim Shehu, also member of the House of Representatives representing Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency who defected from APC to PDP in March this year. Incidentally, each of the five PDP aspirants has purchased the expression of interest nomination form indicating a resolve to maintain their stand to reach for the party’s primaries. The 2015 governorship election in Zamfara will be a battle of wits between the APC, which its forebears (APP and ANPP) has won all four previous elections in the state, and the PDP which is bent on taking power from the APC. The PDP will from all indications try to block all leakages which denied it from winning previous elections as Zamfara State remains the only state in the North West region where it has never won the governorship seat. Abdulaziz Yari The incumbent and the consensus candidate of the APC, had been the ANPP state secretary from where he rose to become party chairman and proceeded to become a member of the House of Representatives between 2007

Shinkafi

and 2011. Observers say Yari in the last three years has built a political strong base for himself which will present the opposition with a great task to uproot in 2015 considering his achievements in all sectors of the state. Yari though a political godson of Yarima, all his actions and policies since assumption of office have been at variance with that of Yarima because while the former governor operated a welfarist government, giving less attention to infrastructural development during his eight-year tenure, Governor Abubakar, a man with his own mind and vision, is placing more emphasis on physical development which is currently resulting in total transformation of the state from a rural to a modern state. Since assumption of office on May 29, 2011, he has shown that he is focused and determined to transform Zamfara. Yari in the last three years has succeeded in implementing developmental projects which by all standards have superseded the achievements of his two predecessors. However, political observers are of the view that the incumbent governor who is viewed as running the state as a personal estate may lose the next governorship election to the opposition in the state. Mahmuda Aliyu Shinkafi Shinkafi is from Zamfara North Senatorial District. The former governor is also a grassroots politician. He was deputy governor to Yarima from 1999 to 2007 when he succeeded his boss and became governor of the state. Shinkafi not long after his election in 2007 parted

ways with Yarima to join PDP but he lost his second term bid to his son inlaw, the present Governor Yari of ANPP in 2011. Now, Shinkafi is out again to reclaim the exalted seat in the 2015 election. The former governor is seen to be a strong contender who is believed to have attracted significant amount of sympathy among the masses in the state. Political pundits contend that Shinkafi’s chances of reclaiming the exalted seat in the next election may be based on a continued maintenance of his political structures and renaissance groups across the state. Another reason analysts put forward in his favour is that majority of Zamfara people, particularly the masses are now solidly behind the former governor to return so as to complete his second term. It was also gathered that Zamfara people are tired of the current leadership style of the present administration, as according to them, it has completely failed most of the promises made to the electorate in the state, and this they say could turn the table for a Shinkafi victory in 2015. They also went on to say that since the coming of the present democratic dispensation in 1999, the people of the state have never experienced more difficulties until the advent of the present administration. This and other things, New Telegraph gathered, have made Shinkafi earn more popularity and sympathy from the majority of citizens of the state who have decided to stand firmly to ensure a change of administration come 2015. However, some consider Shinkafi as a weak person who as governor of the state could not secure his second term.

Politics

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

LEADING GOVERNORSHIP ASPIRANTS

Matawalle

They maintained that since the two other zones, Zamfara West and North have tasted power, it should be the turn of the Central zone. It was gathered that Shehu is set to be supported by the people of the zone, as according to them, he appeared to be one of their most illustrious sons in the contest. They also said he is the strongest contender from the zone capable of confronting the incumbent governor in the next election. Shehu is an advocate for educational development of Zamfara commoners, both in Islamic and western education. To this end, in the last few years, he has spent much in the payment of school fees for students in secondary and tertiary institutions across the country and overseas, especially the less privileged. In addition, he recently awarded scholarship to 60 students from Gusau/ Tsafe, his constituency that have been admitted into the newly opened Federal University, Gusau. This is apart from other educational assistance he is rendering at his ICT centre in Gusau where over 2,000 youths are receiving training. Analysts believe that this could serve as a good strategy because it will boost his popularity, especially considering the current hardship being experienced under the leadership of Yari.

Shehu

Sagir Mohammed Hamidu Hamidu is a PDP aspirant who served as Director, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCDA) Abuja. He is also from Zamfara Central zone. Even though he appears to be a new breed politician who came out to contest for the governorship seat of the state, he has a strong connection from PDP at the top. Hamidu though a throughbred civil servant is a green horn politician but he enjoys the support of his people having used his position while in the federal civil service to secure employment for many unemployed youths in the state. Hamidu

They went on to say that the former governor despite his popularity from the grassroots doesn’t have much connection within the PDP leadership and therefore is not sure pf picking the party’s ticket at the governorship primary. Bello Mohammed Matawalle Matawalle from Zamfara West Senatorial zone is a third term member of the House of Representatives representing Bakura/Maradun and Chairman House Committee on Security and Intelligence. He is also prominent in Zamfara politics who started as council chairman, and served for four years as commissioner under the first civilian governor of the state, Yarima, before he was elected member of the House in 2003. Matawale joined PDP in 2010 when he parted ways with his political godfather, Yarima, and subsequently became a strong politician in the state whose experience in politics coupled with his financial wealth made him face any political challenge. Matawalle is believed to be one of the strongest financiers of the PDP in the state and is also said to have his ambition rooted to his connection in the Presidency. Matawalle, according to political analysts, is believed to have strong and good political structures in the state capable of making him the PDP’s candidate in 2015. Political observers also believe that presently, Matawalle is the only contender among all governorship aspirants in PDP who can wrest power

Shinkafi

from the APC government. Political watchers are of the view that Matawalle deserves to be considered. He has done much to revitalise the PDP in the state. He is also considered as one of the aspirants with enough experience in politics and business to govern the state. Bashir Adamu Popularly known as Bashir IMAD, a philanthropist from Gusau Central Senatorial District is a successful businessman in the oil and gas sector. He is alleged to have the backing of the Nigerian First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, as he struggles for the governorship seat in 2015. IMAD’s philanthropic tendencies in recent times is seen by political observers as a clear pointer to his desire to venture into the politics of Zamfara State. Ibrahim Shehu The member, House of Representatives and chairman, House Committee on Information and Computer Technology (ICT), Shehu was in APC before he got himself in crises with his former boss, Yarima, and later defected to PDP. Pundits are of the view that Shehu who is also from Gusau Central Senatorial District has good chances to become the next governor of the state. According to them, Zamfara Central has never produced the governor since the present democratic dispensation in 1999 despite the number of votes it contributes to produce all the winning governors of the state.

The 2015 governorship election in Zamfara will be a battle of wits between the APC, which its forebears (APP and ANPP) has won all four previous elections in the state, and the PDP which is bent on taking power from the APC

Sani Abdullahi (Wambai) He is a former National Secretary of APGA, who has shown interest for the contest and already purchased the expression of interest nomination form for the governorship race. The APGA ex-national scribe, who contested the same position in the 2011 election under the platform of APGA, has come out in full force to contest for the governorship seat in the 2015 election. New Telegraph, however, gathered that the PDP in the state has shown seriousness in the fight to capture the exalted seat of Zamfara Government House. This followed the meeting of the campaign coordinators of the party’s governorship aspirants aimed at ensuring unity within the party so as to face the 2015 general election. New Telegraph reliably gathered that all five PDP gubernatorial aspirants in the state as part of plans to ensure unity among them have on several occasions conveyed meetings in Kaduna and Abuja strategising on ways to unseat Governor Yari in 2015. The source said the PDP governorship aspirants have resolved to set aside their differences and ambitions and ensure their supporters are united, so that they can produce the most acceptable candidate among them to face the challenges ahead. Will the PDP governorship aspirants and their followers be able to eschew their differences to fight the common goal of wrestling power from the incumbent governor of APC in 2015? Or would they continue with the lack of tolerance that led to the PDP’s failure in the previous elections? Only time will tell.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion

Chadian chargers capped by cabal

Emissary EMEKA OBASI

emobas2003@yahoo.com 08094457557 (sms only)

here comes a time when everything else goes under , compatriots put heads together to speak with one voice against imminent destruction. All hands are on deck so that at the end, the people will exclaim in one sweet voice. That is where we are today in our country Nigeria. The situation is so grave that no one should think that the graveyard is so far away. Like Emmanuel Ifeajuna said shortly before falling to Biafran bullets in 1967, the enemy is here with us. Those who think insurgency is a Northern affair should think twice. Maybe, we are waiting for female suicide bombers to strike in Lagos before we put on our thinking cap. Sickening is the word for some of those who call themselves politicians and are angling for power. There is no more statesmen in our environment. Whatever happened to Ibrahim Waziri’s politics without bitterness. In the First Republic, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello and Chief Obafemi Awolowo had their differences. In the Second Republic, Shehu Shagari joined the fray as President. They fought, they argued, they still had avenues to unwind for sake of country. Zik received a car birthday gift from Shagari even when their accord was not so cordial. Awo accepted national honour from the same man who stopped him from winning elections in 1979. Under the present dispensation, our so called leaders are gradually leading us to the grave. And we will not allow them. When was the last time Gen. Muhammadu Buhari exchanged banters with President Goodluck Jonathan, do you remember? I do not even think they exchange notes in the night. Yes, in the past, some who criticized the military

would sneak to Dodan Barracks in the night to wine and dine with the maximum rulers. Then at noon, they would pretend all was not well. Insurgency should give all of us malaria, if not Ebola. Those who think it is meant to bring down the Jonathan government should examine themselves. When the chips are down, this smoulder will turn to conflageration, and consume all, irrespective of party affiliation. Americans bury their differences when their nation is under threat. Republicans become democratic in thought, all eyes are on the Star and Stripes. The Star Spangled Banner turns to a real song of unity. Jews are not so united when it comes to business and personal inclinations. But spill the blood of one of them, the small population becomes the mighty giants of war. Chad does ring a bell because I heard a little about them as a Biafran Boy. I remember older cousins and uncles, teenage Biafran soldiers, telling us stories about the ‘Godogodo’ fighting on the side of federal Nigeria. I remember such tales that they took as many bullets as they advanced without falling. The Chadians are here again with us. The difference is that they are killing Nigerian troops and civvies. I do know that historically, the Kanem –Bornu empire covered some parts of Chad. But now, history has not helped us. Gen. Buhari must stand and be counted now that it is obvious there is a Chad angle to the insurgency. I call on him because under Shagari, as Commander of a Division, he also saw war in Chad and showed them the difference. Even when some of our soldiers claimed that the Chadians had some European mercenaries. You see, the Chadians should love war. In the old Kanem –Bornu area, we had the troublesome Bulala among so many warring groups. Are their descendants not within us now? Gen. Geoffrey Ejiga led forces in Chad, Gen. Muhammadu Magoro too and Gen Nimyel Dogonyaro as well. I remember one young air-force fighter pilot Jibril Alade Yusuf who died in battle. His father Nureini Yusuf later became Chief-of-Air staff.

These Chadians are used to war. They fought Muammar Gaddafi over Abeche strip. They killed Francois Ngarta Tombalbaye as he muttered c’est finis (it’s finished) after refusing to climb unto a truck as ordered by coupists. They raised Hissen Habre and Goukouni Weddaye. They drove Felix Malloum from his seat. And we gave Malloum refuge in Ikoyi, Lagos. When Idris Debby came in 1991, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s Foreign Affairs experts studied him. Now the Chadian has played a fast one on us. He is our negotiator, our confidant, their mentor. Please somebody shout Et tu Brutus. Let our politicians face insurgency as one. They should stop telling us how weak or powerful Dr. Jonathan is. We are tired of all the calamity befalling this nation in their time. We have heard so much about the President’s household. Let us face the problem confronting the nation. Jonathan is not our problem. We need peace, we need water, we need food, give us shelter. Then those of them who want to die because of power can go to blazes. Under Jonathan, Nigeria has become Africa’s largest economy with a rebased GDP of 510 billion United States Dollars, far from the 169 billion dollrs in 2009. Our food import bill has dropped to 700 billion dollars, from 1.4 trillion Dollars and our ports are open for 24 hours unlike in the past when business took place only for Eight Hours. In 2013, foreign investment brought in Seven billion US dollars, we are first in destination for investors in our continent. In Agriculture, the fertilizer cartel has been curtailed, and over 50 Billion Naira saved. Did you ply our roads some years back? Only 5,000 km of Federal roads were motorable. Today, the government is counting 25,000 km. And in other areas, things will get better. Those who want Nigeria to burn because they do not want one Jonathan, the former poor boy from riverine oil producing but devastated Niger Delta Creeks should tell us whether indeed they are Nigerians or another band of mercenaries, enemies within us.

Ouagadougou as a metaphor Tayo Ogunbiyi

fter 27 years in the saddle, former Burkinabe imperial ruler, Blaise Compaoré, was recently forced out of power by a popular uprising against his aspiration to extend his reign over the landlocked country. As it is usual with sit -tight rulers, Compaoré fled the capital, Ouagadougou, to an unidentified destination. Before his abrupt fall from power, excluding the years he spent as a military dictator, Compaoré had served two sevenyear terms before a change to the constitution allowed him to serve another two five-year terms. It will be recalled that on October 15, 1987, Compaoré seized power in a coup that led to assassination of his former friend and one of Africa’s most charismatic leaders, Thomas Sankara. The event in Ouagadougou is, once again, a sad reminder that African leaders don’t learn from history. Between 1960 and 1976, 45 percent of African leaders were either assassinated or exiled for exhibiting despotic tendencies. The years after 1975 saw the emergence of more ruthless African tyrants such as Charles Taylor and Mumur Ghadaffi. After years of inflicting pains on the very people they were meant to protect, the duo were disgraced out of power in a most ignoble manner. Taylor is currently serving a jail term for

war crimes while Ghadaffi was brutally hacked down while fleeing from a NATO backed local revolt against his government. The tragedy of the African continent is that most of its leaders, especially those with little or nothing to offer the people, have continued to tow the ignoble path of authoritarianism. It is puzzling that majority of them would rather prefer to die in power than give opportunities to others with fresh ideas to rule. A good leader should know when to quit. Perhaps, more importantly, a good leader must invest quality time and resources in developing new crop of leaders for the purpose of progress and stability. This is where late South African leader, Nelson Mandela differs remarkably from other African leaders. Other African leaders that had shamelessly perpetuated themselves in power are Félix Houphouet-Boigny of Cote d’Ivoire who ruled for 33 years, Gnassingbe Eyadema who ruled Togo for 38 years, Mobutu Sese Seko who reigned for 32 years in Zaire, Kenneth Kaunda who ruled for 27 years in Zambia, Daniel Arap Moi who reigned supreme for 24 years in Kenya and Mathieu Kérékou who ruled for 19 years in Benin Republic just to mention but a few. In-spite of the ignominious exit of these men from power, a good number of African leaders never really see any-

thing wrong in hanging on to power at all cost. Take, for instance, the never-ending reign of Zimbabwean strong man, Robert Mugabe, who has been in power since the country’s independence in 1980. Unfortunately, his continuous hold on power has not positively impacted on his people. A large chunk of his people continue to live in abject poverty as all economic indicators keep pointing to a nation on the brink of socio-economic collapse. It is astonishing that while most Africans live under the heavy yoke of poverty, some of their leaders and their cohorts opt for questionable ostentatious lifestyle. They recklessly plunder public resources to finance their uncontrollable penchant for flamboyant living. In Africa, the practicality of poverty is quite frightening as most Africans live on less than a dollar income per day. Perhaps more niggling is that, with 34 out of a total of 49, African countries account for a greater proportion of the Least Developed Countries, LDCs, in the world. This, perhaps, explains why poverty indicators such as extreme hunger, malnourishment, homelessness, diseases, high crime rate, slums, lack of opportunities, low productivity and illiteracy abound in larger quantity in the continent. The African poverty situation is further compounded by the failure of governments across the continent to properly harness human, natural and material resources for the common good of all. This

is why Nigeria, a famous oil exporter, is ranked among the poorest nations of the world. Sadly, rather than making concerted efforts to address the deadly poverty situation in the continent, most African leaders’ only concern is how to devise callous strategies that would keep them in power. In his famous book, ‘1984’, English novelist, essayist and critic, George Orwell was, perhaps, inadvertently referring to the power perception of the average African leader when he stated that: “the Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in power, pure power. Power is not a means; it is an end. The object of power is power.” How awful! Ironically, this is the attitude of a large number of African leaders. Majority of them are attracted to political power for the wrong reasons. This eventually results into the reign of aberration and impunity that have since been part of governance in the continent. Not a few of them fumble while in power because they are ignorant of the ultimate purpose of power. They are only interested in the grandeur and magnetism of power as opposed to the sacrifice and other selfless responsibilities which are basic obligations of power. This explains why they often use power to spite their people. •Ogunbiyi is of the Features Unit, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

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Nigeria must make hay while the sun shines

igeria remains Africa’s largest gas consumer and producer, but the focus for new gas projects is shifting to the east coast and to the huge offshore discoveries in Mozambique and Tanzania, the World Energy Outlook Special report 2014 just released has stated. The World Energy Outlook, recognised as the most authoritative source of strategic analysis of global energy markets said that East coast liquefied natural gas export is helped by relative proximity to the importing markets of Asia. According to the report, more than 1trillion cubic metres of gas have been wasted through flaring over the years, a volume that, if used to provide power, would be enough to meet current sub-Saharan electricity needs for more than a decade. It further said that power will shape the future of Africa. According to the report, a severe shortage of essential electricity infrastructure is undermining efforts to achieve more rapid social and economic development. According to the report, other renewables, led by solar technologies, make a growing contribution to supply, with a successful auction-based procurement programme in South Africa showing how this can be achieved cost effectively. Also, geothermal becomes the second-largest source of power supply in East Africa, mainly in Kenya

and Ethiopia. From all indications, Nigeria is the architect of her own misfortune, we do not take ourselves serious and have allowed corruption to gain stronghold in the polity. All the power projects embarked upon since 1999 have not taken off, and unit billions of dollars invested in the projects, Nigeria is in darkness and many Nigerians use generators to generate electricity, in fact, several million of naira are budgeted for fuelling generators in the annual budget. The same thing goes for gas. Gas flaring is the vogue in the country, yet, this wasting natural resource can be put to good use. Instead of seriously dealing with our national problems we prefer to stay in our comfort zone and procrastinate on things that are better handled today. It is not surprising that this report indicates that investments are going elsewhere, while we lick our wounds, but for how long are we going to bemoan our problems? It would be recalled that, one hundred and two million Nigerians representing 60 percent of the 170 million populace are yet to be connected to the national grid, 30 million households in the country remain connected to the national grid, and 40 percent of the populace, who are even connected do not have quality electricity supplied to them at optimal level. These insightful statistics by Professor Chinedu Nebo, Minister of Power, imply that

majority of Nigerians are wallowing in perpetual darkness and raise serious issues about the money guzzling electricity reforms. Many smaller West African countries like Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic have uninterrupted power supply, and Nigeria has all it takes to generate more than enough electrify for local consumption and export, but the challenge is a combination of graft and unwarranted politicking. Nigeria has more than enough gas to generate power, but it is being flared without compunction, coal has not been properly exploited, the same goes for solar energy. The country’s hydro generated power capabilities remain under-utilised, while the nuclear power option is a non-starter. It is a known fact that, gas for example, has a big potential for growth and development, it can rapidly grow the GDP and per capita income. We must not lose sight of the fact that, Africa is growing as a gas supplier, more than 14 trillion cubic metres have been discovered in Angola, Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria and Tanzania. Hence, Nigeria will have to take the bull by the horns in gas development, instead of allowing it to be flared away aimlessly. The overall consequences of gas flaring on Nigeria is horrendous, so much so that, it should not be allowed to go on for a day longer, government must firm up all the necessary details and stop gas flar-

ing in the country forthwith, more than ever before, the country needs funds from gas to be systematically allotted to different sectors of the economy in need of funding for national growth and development. This is particularly urgent because of the dwindling oil fortunes in the global market. It is germane that, the government should organise an emergency oil and gas summit in conjunction with the different oil companies and other stakeholders with a view to putting paid to the nagging issue of gas flaring in the country. It is important to note that, Mexico and Azerbaijan have reduced gas flaring by about 66 per cent and 50 per cent respectively in the past two years, therefore, Nigeria should follow in the same direction, it is not a difficult feat to accomplish and it must be done. More importantly, the diversification of the national economy is a sine qua non for genuine economic development, Nigeria is too blessed to be fixated on just a singular resource for nation building. The gross mismanagement of the economy must stop, all leakages must be blocked, every economic saboteur must be prosecuted, wastages of all sorts must cease and new frontiers of economic expansion must be given utmost priority. There must be a properly defined plan of action to achieve this strategy within the shortest time possible to put the country on a sound-footing to economic change and prosperity.

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Politics

Johnson Momodu

he story of David and Goliath remains a popular and fascinating tale. A young shepherd slays a seasoned and – by some accounts – gigantic soldier. This story plays into the narrative of the underdog emerging triumphant despite overwhelming odds. And everybody loves a victorious underdog. Everybody likes to see the big, bad bully get his comeuppance. It is in this context that we need to interrogate the uplifting, yet highly implausible accounts of hunters with Dane guns overpow-

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Hunters, Boko Haram and Jonathan ering Boko Haram insurgents armed with rocket propelled grenades and armoured vehicles. Additionally, the reported victory of hunters over Boko Haram terrorists is not just about portraying the Nigerian Army as either cowardly, incompetent, or both. In the run-up to the 2015 general election, it should be clear that the reverberation of such portrayal goes beyond the army. It aims at discrediting the army’s Commander-in-Chief, President Goodluck Jonathan. To grasp the essence of

the entire hunters’ charade, look no further than the recent fulminations of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to Odigie-Oyegun’s confused logic, “President Goodluck Jonathan is so desperate to win re-election that it will now appear that there is a secret understanding that our security forces should turn a blind eye to the Boko Haram insurgency, so that the insurgents can occupy as much territory as possible and make elections

impossible in these areas, knowing full well these are APC strongholds. “Otherwise, how does one explain that local hunters carrying Dane guns and amulets are capable of dislodging the dreaded Boko Haram while our once proud army, which has distinguished itself in and out of the country, has failed?” Therein lies the illogicality of Odigie-Oyegun’s vituperations. Then again, Odigie-Oyegun is not a man who lacks the ability to discern what is plausible and what isn’t. So in going

ahead to indulge this hunters’ victory fantasy, it must be because he is interested in perpetrating the narrative of a failing army. In so doing, he continues the APC’s self-defeating tactic of maligning the army, hoping ultimately to undermine the army’s Commander-in-Chief. In all this hoopla about a purported victory by hunters, it is easy to forget that the Nigerian Army has foiled many Boko Haram attacks, a number of which simply go either unremarked or under-reported. It is the same self-

defeatist negativity propagated by the APC and its vocal supporters that is behind the continuing attempt to diminish the good work being done by the security forces, including the Army, in stopping bomb attacks. Lest we forget, at the inauguration of the Victims Support Fund Committee by President Jonathan not so long ago, it was made known that Nigerian security personnel prevent about a thousand attacks for each successful one carried out by the Boko Haram. Speaking on the determination of the Federal Government to crush the terror group, Jonathan said: “It is now just a matter of time. I call on all Nigerians to stand together in support of our security agencies against terrorism. They are working night and day under difficult circumstances. It is unfortunate that when our security personnel prevent 1,000 attacks, it is the one attack that succeeds that makes headline news and tends to portray our security agencies as not doing enough.” If Nigerian security forces prevent 1,000 attacks for each successful one carried out by Boko Haram, the question all fair-minded Nigerians should ask is: how then can it be said that the security forces are losing the war against Boko Haram? How can the Nigerian army, which continues to do its best under strenuous conditions, be so maligned by some of the same Nigerians that the soldiers are laying down their lives for? Whatever the truth may be, it is certainly not encapsulated in the oversimplification which the hunters’ purported victory over Boko Haram represents. But in these times, when the excoriation of Jonathan has gained ascendancy, everything that supports or deepens the narrative of his electoral undesirability – as posited by the APC – is fair game. The end result is the continued maligning of the Nigerian Army to the detriment of the Nigerian nation and her people. What an avoidable shame! Of course, Boko Haram must be stopped totally. To achieve that, the president and the security forces, including the Nigerian Army, deserve support, not condemnation. And portraying a band of hunters as being more effective than the Army, all in a bid to sully the image of Mr. President, is not only self-defeatist, but also utterly ridiculous. •Momodu contributed this piece from Benin City.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Culture

Tourism

Hospitality security: Stakeholders call for collective action

National Troupe ends tour of three states, to perform at Abuja Carnival

Arts

CULTURE

Nike Okundaye dazzles art enthusiasts in London

Emmanuel Agozino

signature. The exhibition also showcases the use of delicate watercolors that Nike has produced since 1999. The watercolour painting which looks more like an experimental one piece, explores deep Yoruba ethos, apart from self-portraits, landscapes and observations from daily life. Also in the showcase are such titles as Blossoms of Life (2000), Pillars of Love (2010). In the Feminine Power Series (2002), and others. Also interesting to behold are Nike’s geometric shapes and stylised forms that are complemented by their detailed designs and good look. Her textures are lavish and her canvass is characteristically enchanting and bold. The artist describes her art thus: “My art is spiritual and goes much deeper than natural talent. My creativity stems from the spirits within m e and as such these

VER three decades of fulltime practce as artist and art promoter has not only brought Chief Mrs. Nike Okundaye some clout with the art community, it has given her relative fulfilment. But, more importantly, it has brought her joy. Penultimate Wednesday, the globally renowned art promoter who operates a gallery in Lekki, Lagos, ended her one week retrospective solo exhibition, The Journey of an African Woman at the frontline Gallery of African Art London. The event which also featured art talk, a conversation with Belinda Otas, curator of the Gallery was memorable. In the show, Okundaye served a collection of interesting pieces that draw serious attention to her studio as a place to look towards for thought provoking works. Though groomed in the Osogbo school of art , the Ogidi-Ijumu, Kogi State born artist seems to have broken out of her own pattern and years of trial and consistency now make, produce work that engage viewers’ attention. She displayed over 50 introspective paintings that tell her story in the exhibition. At the show, her dynamic compositions and rich colour palette explore subjects that include natural phenomena, religion, folklore and mythology. Nike develops the texture of most of her works specifically, through the filing of spaces, using traditional Adire patterns and Yoruba symbols that represent the emotions and the insight of their ancestors. The batik work Arugba (1978) for instance is one of several textiles fea- Nike tured that captivated the audience. The piece depicts a festival that took place in Osogbo, Osun State. Another highlight in one of the works spirits are the drivers of my work. includes the early monochromatic pen Indeed, the absence of the spirits can and ink works by Nike. Similarly, Adam hinder my work but the true beauty and Eve First Love (1978), another work of this symbiosis is that the art that displayed at the event was produced dur- stems/originates from this unique ing her time spent at the famed Osogbo partnership is there for all to see.’’ Since her emergence as a stuschool of art under the guidance of late Madam Susanne Wenger. It would be re- dio art operator from Ofatedo near called that the Osogbo school of art was Osogbo, Osun state to Lagos in the a series of experimental art workshops 1990s, Okun Nikedaye has continued pioneered by late Ulli Beier and Wenger to serve well received works in her during the 1960s. Also in the outing is exhibitions. Her works which often Drumming (1984), an engaging panting explores Yoruba cultural heritage which reveals a sort of intricate pattern distinguish her from other artists. of wax and painting that has become her This was what the London show confirmed. For guest, it was more than an outing. Appraising the show, one time Managing Director of Promasidor TONY OKUYEME and art promoter, Keith Richards described the exhibition as a visual tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com feast. “It is not possible to fully appre© Daily Telegraph Publishing Company ciate the work of Nike Okundaye, Limited

My art is spiritual and goes much deeper than natural talent. My creativity stems from the spirits within me and as such these spirits are the drivers of my work

the artist, without having some understanding of the cultural, social and religious environment that has shaped her life and her work. The very essence of Nike can be seen very clearly in this collection from the early monochrome pen and ink work, through her time at the Osogbo art school under the spiritual influence of her mentor Suzanne Wenger and right until her recent collaboration with Tola Wewe in their ‘Stitches of Partnership’. Throughout her life Nike has always remained utterly connected to her being as a Yoruba woman. From leaving home at 13 to escape an arranged marriage, the experience of being the junior wife in the Twins Seven Seven compound, the profound mysticism of the Orisha religion and the witnessing of the failure of Western Nigerian Society to improve the economic and social lot of rural and working class women. In fact, the very fibre of Nike’s work is woven from these threads both in terms of the subject and the media she works in. “Many of the works in this retrospective are from a prolific period when, working with watercolour and pen and ink, she documented the lives of women in the villages. Sometimes

working but usually singing or dancing the women are invariably reflected with dignity and humour, warmth and affection. Despite the economic hardship which led Nike to create centres and workshops where local girls could learn the traditional skills of Adire (Batik), dyeing, weaving and make an independent living (usually selling their output through Nike’s own Galleries) the emotions depicted are those of joy, love and hope. Her determination that art can be a weapon for the empowerment of her native Yoruba women continues to be her motivation. Her technical accuracy aligned with her native passion for deep colour and rich texture is eloquent testimony for her beliefs,’’ Richard stated. Though Nike has built art galleries and cultural centres in such places as Osogbo, Abuja, Ogidi in Kogi state among other places around the world where she has her own studios and display halls, she is always known for her creamy-white ultra-modern three-floor building Lekki Gallery, where art exhibition holds almost every week The facility which is dubbed Nike Art Gallery is situated around Oba Elugushi road, Lekki Lagos.

Arts

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

National Troupe ends tour of three states, to perform at Abuja Carnival Tony Okuyeme

he National Troupe of Nigeria concluded its tour of Kogi, Ekiti and Kwara states respectively, on Monday with a performance at the University of Ilorin. A drama workshop for students of the department of Theatre Arts of the University conducted by the Director in charge of Drama, National Troupe, Ms. Josephine Igberaese and the Head of Music Mr. Mike Anyanwu preceded the staging of Ajoyo (Celebration), a dance drama, which highlights the need for unity, love and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians. The Troupe had earlier performed in Lokoja and at the Igbo Community Hall in Kabba, Kogi State on Thursday and Friday respectively. They equally put up a show stopping performance in Ado Ekiti and in Iyin Ekiti last Saturday and Sunday. At each point of performance, the Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NTN Mr. Akin Adejuwon reiterated that apart from being his first major foot forward within his vision of making the Troupe current,

A scene in National Troupe’s performance of Ajoyo

relevant and responsive, the tour, which is planned to cover the 36 states of the country is a way of showing that there is so much that the performing arts can contribute to nation building. “Part of what I have also used this tour to do is to talk to our youths especially those interested in the performing arts on the various empowerment programme that the transformative administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has provided that they can take advantage of to empower themselves. There is the YouWin programme of the Federal government, which they can access to properly establish their troupes and there is the new scheme I am starting at the National Troupe, which will provide free training and exposure to deserving and outstanding performing arts companies around the country. We have created a section on our websitewww.ntn.com.ng where they can register and then we can reach out to them,” Adejuwon said. Meanwhile the National Troupe is to perform at the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2014 edition of the Abuja Carnival. The carnival is scheduled to begin on November 26 and will close on November 29.

Rymzo heads to South Africa for The Roaring Lion Concert Moses Kadiri

elebrated Nigerian reggae artiste and music producer, Churchill Sosa De Gusto, popularly known as Rymzo is set thrill his teeming fans in Cape Town, South Africa. The show aptly tagged Rymzo in The Roaring Lion Concert, begins today and will end on Sunday November 30, 2014. The show will afford his friends and fans opportunity to see him perform live on stage in the three-day concert which is strictly conscious reggae music. Over 3,000 enthusiasts are expected to throng the venue of the performance. Rymzo has described the concert as a roaring performance. “Normally, it is all going to be fire and brimstone type of thing whenever Rymzo steps up the stage, The Roaring Lion Concert, I can assure you, is going to be hurricane and thunder performance for real. I am going to bless all the people with my music which I usually express my views on some serious moral issues in our society, and situations my fans are faced with most times... I am not a partyparty artiste nor a sexy love singer, that is why I scarcely come to show off swag or fashion on stage; when I come on stage I come to address serious things because I am the Roaring Lion,” he said. Organised by Uplivement Promotions, a rasta promotional outfit based in Cape Town, South Africa, the concert is inspired by conscious reggae

music which his music is directed at. “November is that time of the year when the rastafari communities around the mountain of Cape Town have their yearly event to rejuvenate and bring fun to the communities. It normally record a crowd of between 2000-3000 individuals, but this year the organisers thought to make it bigger and that is where The Roaring Lion Concert was initiated,” Rymzo said. During the concert, Rymzo who dedicated one of his albums, “Salute Jah” to the Almighty God for all the favours He has showed him especially saving his life in 2008 when someone shot him, he disclosed that he will perform some of his hit songs, his new singles, and other songs that contain strong contents at the concert which is already generating interest in Jamaica, Europe, and other African countries. “There are a lot of my songs that I dare not push out around because of the contents since most people here only favour love and dance songs; those very serious songs are the ones that will rock “The Roaring Lion Concerts”, e.g “Keep on Burning”, “Every Africans”, “Unite”, “Government”, “Fake Friends”, “I Will Never Be Like Dem”, l will also be performing my latest single, among others.” Lucky Dube’s country is the first region “The Roaring lion Concert” is requested, this is because of the large concentration of Rastafarian population in South Africa, and Rymzo’s music contains very serious

There are a lot of my songs that I dare not push out around because of the contents

messages, “going amongst their sound systems and reggae dance, plus my very huge fan base within the reggae music lovers in South Africa,” the songwriter, and record producer disclosed. Apart from “The Roaring Lion Concert”, Rymzo have been involve in lots of projects lately in order to be a force to be reckon with in the reggae world. He has been recording lots of songs by other producers from Europe, UK, Jamaica, US, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi “my own work too is still going on with loads of other artistes voicing, I am also finish-

ing a couple of Jamaican and Nigerian collaborations, and all African tour is on the pipeline as demands from Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Malawi is quite strong now. I am working acoording to Jah plan,” he said. Not many Nigerians care much about reggae since hiphop and rap music is on the increase, and at a time when most people feel reggae is old fashioned, Rymzo thinks otherwise. He is putting his best to revive reggae music in Nigeria. “I personally have put so much in the revival of this genre here in

Nigeria, but still a lot needs to be done physical and mentally, where it concerns other reggae practitioners, I can see the awareness is growing now so I am hopeful the balance will be found soon. Young artistes prefer hip hop to reggae music; 99.9 percent got interested in the music business based of hustle since they see how hugely it now pays, so definitely they have to go in the lines of popular demand, they will have to check for the area when they can get the quick pay and I don’t think they are doing anything wrong because it takes some that’s in the music because of the passion for the art or on a mission to stick to genres like reggae or real jazz around a country like Nigeria, if you wanna be highly in the mix to get paid quickly then you must move with the trend and join the band wagon, but as for me I am on a mission with my music and reggae music is the genre that gives me the right set of audience to move with,” Rymzo said.

Rymzo

Tourism 23

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Hospitality security: Stakeholders call for collective action Olushola Ricketts and Dada Temitope

HERE is no better time to discuss the issue of security and the impact of it on the hospitality sector than when the country is grappling with the challenges posed by it. This formed the thrust of discussion at the second edition of the Nigerian Hospitality Security Workshop (NIHOSSEW), which held last week at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. Organised by Hospitality Security Magazine (HOSSEM), the one day workshop attracted operators within the hospitality sector and across the tourism industry, as well as the security sector and allied industries. Speaking at the workshop, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Umar Manko, who was

the guest speaker, challenged everyone to see security issue as a collective one as that is the only way to guarantee the safety and security of lives and properties as well as businesses across the country. “Security therefore starts with each individual before it graduates to its broad aspect. But the foundation is you as a person. If the foundation is strong the building will stand. So the extent of our individual consciousness and perception of security situation in any environment goes a long way in boosting the safety of that environment,’’ he said, adding that, “no staff, no guest, no contractor and no visitor will be comfortable to go to a hotel that is not safe or endangered.’’ While on his part, the governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, who was represented at the event by

his Special Adviser on Security Matters, Babatunde Pannox, said due to the importance of security to any society, the state government has gone out of its way to provide adequate security in the state. He revealed that the state had provided the Nigeria Police and other law enforcement agencies with adequate weapons and infrastructure even though it was the responsibility of the Federal Government, so as to ensure the safety of everyone in the state. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, Cornelius Kayode Aderanti, who was represented by Emma Umoren, dwelt on safety tips for the benefit of the general public. According the CP, the installation of CCTV security cameras, adequate screening before access into the hotel’s premise, investing in security dogs,

South Africa to mark 20 years of business events success Andrew Iro Okungbowa

S South Africa looks set o mark 20 years of majority rule next year, the country’s body responsible for the marketing and promotion of its tourism, SA Tourism, is also primed at celebrating 20 years of successful business events hosting across the country, while Meetings Africa will mark 10 years of success as key industry platform dedicated to showcasing South Africa’s diverse offering of services and products. The 10th edition of Meetings Africa is schedule to be hosted by the SANCB (a business unit of South African Tourism) at the Sandton Convention Centre, in Johannesburg from the February 23 - 25, 2015. Meetings Africa is the primary and most important platform facilitating the growth of Africa in

the business events market. The show will continue with its theme: “Advancing Africa Together. “Meetings Africa is where global buyers and exhibitors from all over the African continent meet, organise business events and in doing so help drive Africa’s, knowledge economy forward,” said SA Tourism Chief Executive Officer, Mr Thulani Nzima. “Last year South Africa hosted 118 meetings that met the ICCA’s criteria (up from 97 in 2012) marking a significant 18 percent improvement in this regard. The 118 meetings brought over 94 000 association professionals to South Africa and contributed an estimated R1, 5 billion to our economy. Our event pipeline going forward continues to look extremely positive. We already have 143 association conferences and events

confirmed between now and 2017,” disclosed Nzima. Over the last 20 years, South Africa has seen a huge increase in in-bound business. The destination continues to welcome delegates from all over the world, attending meetings, conferences, exhibitions and corporate incentive programmes. “As a destination, we have built ourselves a track record that we can be proud of and we are confident that the next twenty years will bring even more success for South Africa as a leading meetings industry destination,’’ said SA Tourism CEO, adding that, “we are very proud of how far South Africa has come in terms of building its business events reputation and capability. We also acknowledge and recognise the potential for future growth of this sector on the continent.’’

L-R: Director, National Orientation , Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation( FMTCNO), Mrs Gloria Abumere; Director General,Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Dr.(Mrs.) Sally Mbanefo; Director, International Cultural Relations Department, FMTCNO, Mr George Ufot and Director, Domestic Tourism, FMTCNO, Dr Paul Adalikwu in a group photograph during a one day ‘Tourism Exposition of Community Festivals As A Veritable Avenue For Boosting Domestic Tourism’ held at the Nanet Suites and Hotel, Abuja.

Mr Emma Umoren presenting a speech at the workshop. He represented lagos State Commissioner of Police, Cornelius Kayode Aderanti.

among others should be given priority. Aderanti urged hotels to take basic steps as well as utilize sophisticated security techniques to mitigate risk. Earlier in his welcome address, the president, NIHOSSEW, Chris Okojie, said they were committed to educating operators in the hospitality and tourism industry on security issues and ways to cope with challenges in accordance with global best practices. “HOSSEM will encourage a shift from the ‘I don’t care’ attitudes of some hoteliers to an attitude of being more conscious of security challenges and embracing model methods of addressing them as well as developing sustainable strategies,’’ Oko-

jie said. He noted that genuine co-operation and support made it possible for the edition to take place, while expressing gratitude to a number of personalities and corporate bodies that supported the event. Okojie however congratulated hotels among Lagos top 10 hotels with good security network, including Eko Hotels and Suites, Sheraton Hotels, InterContinetal Hotel, Lagos Airport Hotel, among others. The event also witnessed the presentation of awards to some security personnel in the state. The award recipients at the event include, ACP Tunde Adagunduro, CSP Dare Ogundare, CP of Lagos State, Cornelius Kayode Aderanti, AIG Umar Manko, among others.

IIPT host world symposium on peace through tourism Andrew Iro Okungbowa

HE International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) has announced its forthcoming world symposium on “Cultivating Sustainable and Peaceful Communities and Nations Through Tourism, Culture and Sport’, to be held at Emperors Palace, Johannesburg, South Africa, from February 16 – 19, 2015. The interactive and action oriented symposium will honour the legacies of the world’s three champions of peace and non-violent resistance - Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. with the aim of affirming these legacies by building bridges of tourism, friendship and peace in regions of the world. The global gathering, which has been endorsed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, will also commemorate the 50th anniversary of the African Union, 20 years of South African Democracy and 50th Anniversary of Civil Rights Legislation in the U.S. Keynote speakers expected at the event include, Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary General, UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO); Mr. David Scowsill,

President and CEO, World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC); Salih Cene, President, Skal International and Hon. Derek Hanekom, Minister of Tourism, South Africa. Others are Hon. Alain St. Ange, Minister of Tourism, Seychelles; Martin Craigs, (until recently) CEO, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA); Professor Geoffrey Lipman, President, International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP); and Mok Singh, Skal International President (2012 – 2013) and member, IIPT International Advisory Board and other industry leaders from both the public and private sectors. Concurrent sessions will feature (real life) success stories illustrating the Symposium theme presented by leading experts and practitioners from different regions of the world. A special action initiative already begun in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the African Union is an IIPT/Skal Cities, Towns and Villages of Peace Across South Africa project with a goal of 50 cities, towns and villages dedicating themselves to peace in the weeks leading up to the symposium. Some 10 cities, towns and villages have already registered.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Show

Film

Alibaba set for a New Year extravaganza

Uche Jombo, Joke Silva, Yvonne Nelson, Take Folly to cinemas

Entertainment D’banj’s debt crisis: T

hese are indeed not the best times for Dapo Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’banj’. That was a worrisome headline that signaled the posture and image of the entertainer that prides as one of Nigeria’s top earners in the music industry. And the frightening report is that the Koko master is in a mess over financial transactions gone awry However an insider confided in New Telegraph that it is a situation that was uncalled for. If the harmonica player had listened to wise counsel, he would not have gone into an overambitious quest of breaking into a water-tight-Mafia-controlled America music industry. According to media investigations, the issuance of dud cheques and non-payments are the top issues on focus. We further gathered that both issues are on accrued debts, which top the list of infractions against the DB Records boss. A very sad tale for the Nigerian singersongwriter, and businessman, who has won several music awards, including the awards for Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards. More worrisome is that D’banj may be dragged to court by a top oil and gas industry player, Henry Ojogho, Vice Chairman of Broron Group who alleges that D’banj, through his company, DKM Media Limited, obtained a loan of over N60m from him in January 2013 and has not paid back the said sum despite signing an undertaking to do so. The conversation with our very impeccable went thus, “You hear of D’banj financial collapse? Bad news for his brand. It is a shame! How are the mighty fallen! You now see reason why Don Jazzy was accused of being laid back against the wild goose chase of the so called American dream. Jazzy wanted us to develop the home front as charity begins at home. That way the Americans will come for us and not we going to them as it will cost us so much in hard currency. Our friend wanted it

sony neme

Editor, entertainment sony.neme@newtelegraphonline.com

A disaster in waiting? l How he shot himself down, by an insider

D’Banj

urgently instead surulere (patience).” But for them on the other side of the fence, “Our vision changed and we stayed back home to discover and build new talents as there are so many here that need our help to blow. Our friend said he is Mr. Oyato and we should not bother him. And that we should not tell him nonsense. He is on top of the world and a bachelor. We were called names and also saying that all our artistes are his backup singers. That he is the one making money and owned Mohits. “We agreed and gave him everything and started afresh. Two years down the line, he is being dragged to court for alleged bankruptcy! Meanwhile, in our camp, we are churning out timeless hits to hits - name them, Eminado, Surulere, Dorobucci and Adaobi among others. He also revealed that the Dorobucci culture has gone viral and global, and that the United Nation through UNICEF got Don Jazzy on the

Henry Ojogho alleges that D’banj obtained a loan of over N60m from him in January 2013 and has not paid back the said sum despite signing an undertaking to do so.

imagine project alongside other music greats. He asked rhetorically, “With such rising profile fit for Grammy nominations who is now doubtful of the split outcome - blessing or a curse? We thank God as time has proved us right. Though we are still work in progress and will not relent. As part of their planned process, I am back to university now positioning to earn an honours degree in multimedia, television and film productions to enable me set up a complimenting visual content producing platform to back up Mavin audio productions capabilities and platform. That way, in a few years-time, we shall be able to be a major player and factor in the audio visual sector.” “We believe in Mavin strides and making knowledge driven commitments to power our dreams if our objectives of being a frontline production power house is to be achieved. We believe and we chase our dreams with undying passion. We are the Supreme Mavin Dynasty”.

‘No amount will make me act nude’

romising actress, Samuda Angel Samuel, better known as SAS, has resolved to make her mark in the movie sector otherwise called Nollywood. Her performance in about eight films, which includes Onuoma’s Tears, Bitter revenge, Omosida, Faded and Sekem Babes among others yet to be released, gives credence to that believe. In a chat with journalists, the Akwa Ibom State born artiste said, “I am gifted and talented.” For the University of Calabar graduate of Modern Languages and International Studies there is no looking back as she is set to take her place among thespians. For SAS, she wants to get to the peak of her dream of becoming a star and entertaining fans and viewers. She will, however not go nude for anything. “Although acting is all about carrying my roles and interpreting them well, but I can’t go completely nude in a film, I CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

Bukky Wright throws in her cap

igerian politics has continued to witness Nollywood drama as 2015 inches closer. Popular Nollywood actress, Bukky Wright has swelled the rank of actors who have registered their intention to vie for elective posts in the general elections coming up in February 2015.

Bukky

Entertainment

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Alibaba set for a New Year extravaganza l Sponsors don’t make shows happen

Atunyota Alleluya Akporobomerere, known as Ali baba

ndisputed king of comedy, Ali Baba is lining up 24 popular clowns and celebrated musicians for a unique show to usher in the New Year. The event is billed for January 1, 2015 at Eko hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The comedian who said his reason for not coming up with shows annually is because others do it to remain relevant, explained that he is rewarding the six outstanding recipients is because you cannot their positions are not in contest. Those on the role of honours are Nigeria’s first Chattered Accountant, first Olympic Gold medalist and first female Chief Justice of Nigeria. Others are first female on the Forbes list, first Nobel Laureate and first female pilot.

Onyeka Onwenu sings for Jonathan

ith the race to 2015 squarely in the front burner, most artistes have dropped their microphones and picked their ticket to context at different level of government. However others joined the fray through well packaged music mainly for campaign jingles.

For him: “The criteria are self-evident. There is no other firm that will come up to claim that they and not Glo is the first indigenous telecom company, or that somebody is not the first female chief justice of the federation? The list continues in that direction. This show is not really about Ali Baba. It is about celebrating the New Year and the people that played key roles in 2014. The Three Kings is still there. I come up with new trends.” On return of investment, since he most often bankroll most aspects of his shows, he said that he recoup your expenses from sales of show as a good comedy show costs a minimum of N50m to host. His words: “The sponsors don’t make shows happen, but its content. They only come to leverage on the show. when you sell a table for five million naira, and you sell just ten you have fifty million naira to take care of you main needs for the show.” On the accusation that comedians seize such function to abuse people, Ali Baba who gave a graphic examples of his exploits in the business, said anything that a comedian says should be seen in that context as simply a joke. While admitting that, “Sometimes comedians take it too far. That is when it offends sensibilities. Comedy is between a thin line of something nasty and comic. I have stood before men like Abacha, IBB, Buhari, Obasanjo and President Godluck Jonathan and other great men and said things that people may consider nasty! But it is all comedy”. He further said, “Most often when you make jokes, about 80 percent of the people there enjoy it. Those who did not enjoy it could not get the joke as it were. What a comedian says is a joke. Ironically, politicians are seen as jokers.”

Among the latter is the ‘Elegant Stallion’, Lady Onyeka Onwenu (MFR) who has waxed her special number for President re-election campaign. Onwenu, who is now the director general of National Centre for Women Development (NCWD, was among the A-list musicians who made the declaration both colourful and memorable. Athe even she got the crowd dancing to “Run, Goodluck, Run” which she recorded and released in 2011 in support of Mr. President’s electioneering campaign Jonathan’s carnival-like declaration at the Eagles Square in Abuja to seek for the mandate of the good people of Nigeria for a second term in office as their president was full of razzamatazz and the entertainment which spiced up the event was just too nice to be described.

Inojie in league of producers N

ollywood star, Charles Inojie, has finalized plans to produce his first movies after years of directing and acting. “I am going to try my hands on producing from early next year, but we are keeping the details very close to our hearts just yet. Discussions have reached top gear with potential sponsors and I do not want to preempt anything at the moment. But I must assure my fans however, that they are in for a great experience.” The Edo State native has been very busy in the last couple of years as the writer/movie director, but in the last four years. his words: “I embarked on a deliberate journey to expose the acting side of me to my teeming fans. Though I had made appearances in some movies, not many people knew that I was actually a lead role material. So I got to that point in my career when I could no longer continue to suppress my acting talents. I had to take the bull by the horn by going all out in front of the camera as a full-fledged actor, and believe me, the experience has been awesome.” Charles Inojie who has paid his dues in Nollywood dues in every respect, “Close followers of my rise from those humble beginnings will agree that I have navigated the lowest valleys of Nollywood right to its mountain tops.

Entertainment 27

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

DSTV

CinemaWatch (Radio/TV/Events Guide) NOV. 28 — dec. 5 Highlights

The prank is over as Nhlanhla wins a trip to Nigeria

t was a huge shocker on Sunday, November 23, Big Brother Hotshots show, as Big Brother’s biggest-ever prank was revealed. He had summoned the former housemates from the house and revealed his plan to the extremely-relieved Hotshots. Nobody was evicted from the game – but with two weeks left before the winner of that USD300 000 prize is announced, it is time to get serious. Meanwhile IK also announced the winner of ChannelO’s Best Hotshot #TIA track, which had seen both current and former housemates pairing up to compose songs about countries on the continent. With the votes in, it was Nhlanhla and Luclay who delivered the best track, meaning that Nhlanhla wins a trip to the country he sang about – Nigeria – to the value of R40 000. it would be recalled that last Sunday, Big Brother introduced ten former housemates into the game, telling the Hotshots that they would be competing against their countrymen for viewers votes during the course of this week, to see who viewers would prefer to keep in the game. In went Feza, Sulu, Miss P, Natasha,

Aneke twins premier Onochie in Enugu

n November 30, 2014, Onochie which was produced by Aneke twins will be premiered at Genesis Deluxe Cinema, Shoprite, Enugu, Enugu State. And red carpet starts at 2pm. The well-researched movie is about the gods who are wise to thwart efforts when mortals plan, the gods sit in watch with their own perfect plans, so it is in the case of Obiajulu (peace of mind) Onochie., who will rule the kingdom, is it Onochie the son of Igwe’s second wife or Obiajulu the he-she of the first wife. Finally they allowed the gods to decide. Starring are Patience Ozokwo aka Mama G, African China, Aneke Chidimma and Chidiebere, Ikenga Ikechukwu, Ella mensah,Ebere Okaro n Emmy Blaq, Abraham Nwodo and many others. Tickets are available at Sleek studios, Ogui Road Enugu, Cappello Lounge Shoprite Enugu and Genesis Deluxe Cinema.

The Musketeers

Nhlanhla

Uti, Vimbai, Elikem, Denzel, Leonel and Luclay, with a brief to cause as much drama as possible. Their presence really rattled the Hotshots, and the returning housemates delivered some serious action with arguments, fake drunk acting and even, on Denzel’s part, a naked dive-bomb into the Jacuzzi. In the midst of all the drama, Big Brother kept up the façade with normal house rules in play – putting Trezagah up for automatic nomination after he failed to freeze under instructions and tying Sheillah and Nhlanhla together for 48 hours for talking to each other without their microphones. IK got down to business, calling former housemates Vimbai, Luclay and Feza out of the house first. After they had joined him on stage, he returned to the house again and summoned Hotshots Tayo, Ellah and Sipe for an eviction which they thought ended their time on the show – but turned out to be part of the prank. Once all the former house-

Edwin Usoboh

fter the successful US premiere of Folly, a blockbuster film produced by Elizabeth Daniels, popular screen goddesses, Uche Jombo, Yvonne Nelson and Joke Silva are set for Nigerian cinemas with the job. The award-winning film, which also starred Joseph Benjamin, Belinda Effah and Alex Ekubo, will hit all Nigerian cinemas nationwide from December 26 (Boxing Day). The film is finally due in Nigeria, after its premiere in America and other parts of the world. On 1 November, Folly serenaded the heart of Big Apple, Manhattan, and the following day, it was the talk of the town as it was also premiered in DC, all in the United States. Uche Jombo, Yvonne

mates had joined IK on stage, he revealed the prank to the Hotshots and explained that everything the former housemates had done, had been under instructions from Big Brother – so no hard feelings. Before letting them go, IK reminded them that there are just two weeks left in the game and that it is time to cast aside friendships and focus on eliminating the competition. Since there was no Extravaganza task this week to win immunity, every housemate, excluding the winner of Monday’s Head of House Task, is eligible for nomination and possible eviction during next Sunday’s show. South African Hip Hop giant K.O. took to the stage twice, to open and close the show. He led with ‘Caracara’, featuring Kid X and closed things out with ‘Son of a Gun’ Stay in touch with Big Brother Hotshots on social media - follow @bigbroafrica on Twitter, @bigbro_africa on Instagram and on Facebook at facebook.com/bigbrotherafrica.

Family Guy S9 Thursday 27 November 2014 20:30. In a wacky Rhode Island town, a dysfunctional family strive to cope with everyday life as they are thrown from one crazy scenario to another. The Musketeers Sunday, November 30, 2014 21:00 | BBC Entertainment (120) On the streets of 17th century Paris, law and order is more a fledgling idea than reality, and the Musketeers, Athos, Aramis and Porthos, are far more than merely royal bodyguards for King Louis XIII; they are inseparable, loyal unto death, and committed to upholding justice. When d’Artagnan arrives in Paris to avenge his father’s death he soon impresses the three Musketeers with his bravery and skill, and quickly discovers kindred spirits in these boisterous soldiers. In a series all about passion, loyalty, heroism and brotherhood, d’Artagnan and the Musketeers face a continuing struggle to maintain order and protect the King and Queen, while outwitting the machinations of the shadowy Cardinal Richelieu as he ruthlessly strives to achieve his vision of a modern France along with his hired assassin, the beautiful but mysterious Milady de Winter. America’s Cutest Pets Monday, December 01, 2014 19:15 | Animal Planet (183)

Uche Jombo, Joke Silva, Yvonne Nelson, Take Folly to cinemas

Animal Planet counts down the cutest clips in the web-o-sphere to crown America’s cutest cat and dog. We take a look at the snuggliest kitties around. Cats outperform both dogs and babies virally, and you’ll see why with this adorable countdown of cuteness. Also featured will be man’s best friend, who will make you all “paws” for thought in considering their colourful canine cuteness. After the cuddliest, funniest and wackiest pets have been considered, the finalists will try to claw their way to the top spot. Who will be crowned America’s cutest cat and dog? The Muppets: Most Wanted Saturday, November 30 2014 18:30 | M-Net Movies Premiere (103) The crazy Muppets gang are back, and this time they are in over their heads as a Kermit impostor drags them slap bang into a jewel heist. Starring: Ricky Gervais as Dominic Badguy Ty Burrell as Jean Pierre Napoleon Tina Fey as Nadya Kung Fu Panda Wednesday, December 3, 11:00 | Nickelodeon (305) Po the Panda is back to kick some serious butt in the double bill of Kung Fu Panda on Wednesday 3 December at 11:00 - only on Nickelodeon. Dial in to watch him and the Furious Five defend the Valley of Peace from outside forces.

‘No amount will make me act nude’ CONT INU E D FROM PAGE 25

Some of the casts of the movie during the US premier

Nelson and Alex Ekubo were among the Nigerian movie stars who made it to the States for the double premieres. Folly got a huge applause and rating from the audience, White movie buffs in particular. The US premiere was

held on a Yacht. It was cruising in the beautiful City of Manhattan while fans ate, drank and watched the movie, Folly. Directed by Alex Mouth, Folly tells the melancholic story of love and sweet life gone sour.

am crazy no doubt, but the worse I can do is tease with a few sexy shots but not completely going nude, no matter the money,” she said. She gave thumbs up to her dad who single-handedly raised her with the right orientation to life that he imparted in her, as growing up was fun and challenging under a very strict and no nonsense man. Her words: “It got to a point that I got confused about not remembering or knowing what to do, to avoid doing it wrongly. Each flash back to my growing up comes with a smile and gratitude to my dad for the woman I have grown into.”

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Leisure Arcade NUTS

NTPuzzle

By Kaycee

Pop Art Word Search K T L K I Y E C P R J W D C O N S U M E R I S M S O N Q F Q I A N H X N O E J X L O K W M R G Y R E X P V N Y X D B U W T V K E T H Y L L X N N B H X A Z O A X V T N P L D A O L P S H T C M G T E E J A F X F S S B G J T I N P W N P Q E N W C B L L E E E B F Y P Q H W M Y L H Y U J J H C W C W O H P H D M I H D S R U V U W F C N E W C J F Z B J W J D K U J A Y Q D Q J F M I Q T I P W H A V O Q E J G O B W L Z W J K C V U 0 Q R L G T T N E N K F A M R I T Q A W Q Q J X J F S W Q C Z V S U W Y I R Y F O T I C U L T U R E E D Y D R A U R

MAMA LASISI

By Aliu Eroje

E L O W Q F B D O H E G J C V U D V G O D H Z H G H Y T F T Z O F M Q V Z 0 Z V C V B B E I F W O C L P A Y T S C R A U Z H K R M I P Y I Z A O D L M U A M V U I C J X U M E F C A J A G J H E U M E P O U E A M X H M 0 Z M U A M R J C G I Q Y D U E H D R L X K E K C S P Y L V W J N V R V S W T F R Z V Y Z Z F O S C T P A V L T Z A T I X K N Q P R Q R O V E F B M C S Z I C W I U 0 G K L X F A I K M Z H B C S O J G M H A P Z B A T C K G A R G Y B X U Y E J E P B Z S Z D E I A V X L B H Q W H Q N E L X N E N Q J N N B O F M Z Q X Z X X A Z C T K K I Y K B E W N Y M Z Z S N O O T R A C I F G W E O A K T G F L Z N R Y Y I S F F C G U Y L T R Q Q W Z A T M B D V X E H A E N C T J E Q P W I E B I G G F G U A U J M A L N I F L A H N V F D L T P O P Y X S Z I L I L O H R A W F U E H O V C P S C Q 0 Y S R J F U Z D B A B R N A U S G I C T L G B S O B N N F Z T N K D N S F V I Q N X J E H M U T B U D F U P Q I Q F H H I E R W J R L G E J Y J N S H K G F B P

MOYIN & FRIENDS

By Ayo Oyerinde

H A A L A L F K J O W T T Q L U P J O W S L P E O V Y X N Y R R P T Z J E X M Z J H J L P K Z G M B F B Y K K A N M X P T X I D U S L D H D Y C T B Z X 0 B Y O K I A T Q J F R R J B R T U E M G B A A T I W C W Q U U M Y T R Z G K X W Y M S B Q K C Y S C Q A X J L J C Y W D H I Z H O J O V L N A B F

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SUDOKU - Answer to No 1

SUDOKU - No 2

NTJokes BIBLICAL TOASTING!: Naija Style Boy: Do you have a boyfriend? Girl: Nope. I don’t want to have a boyfriend. Boy: Gen. 2:18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Girl: But I don’t love you. Boy: 1 John 4:8 “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” Girl: But how can I be sure that you’re loyal and honest?

How to play Sudoku ALIU EROJE

CHIEF CARTOONIST aliu.eroje@newtelegraphonline.com

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

Boy: Mark 13:31 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Girl: But I’m busy, I’m still studying. Boy: Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Girl: But why me? Thereare a lot of girls out there.

Boy: Proverbs 31:29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Girl: But what is in me that you like? Boy: Song of Solomon 4:7 “You are altogether beautiful, my darling there is no flaw in you.” Girl: But I’m not beautiful. Boy: Proverbs 31:30 “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Girl: What do you want to happen? Boy: 2 Corinthians 2:4 “For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.”

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Pension

Agric

Retirement: Pensioners find dependable ally in LASG

Minister launches multi-purpose wheat, cassava flour

Diversification: Agric holds the key, say experts

Business What's news

Zambian firm records N3.5bn loss in Nigeria, Ghana A fall in revenue and higher foreign exchange losses has crippled Zambeef Products Plc in Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya, as its revenue declined seven per cent to N47.51 billion ($279.5 million) from N51.06 billion ($300.4 million).

‘3.9m people not online live in Nigeria, others’ SATURATION ITU report estimates that by end 2014, there will be 7bn mobile subscriptions

p.30

has doubled in five years (20092014), with two thirds of all the people online now living in the developing world. Commenting on the report, ITU Secretary-General, Dr. Hamadoun Touré, said that

ICTs have the potential to make the world a much better place, in particular for those who are the poorest and the most disenfranchised, including women, youth and those with disabilities.

“This important report is a critical part of the global ICT development process. Without measurement, we cannot track progress, which is why ITU CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Kunle Azeez

Nigeria’s sugar sector attracts $3bn private investment Indications have emerged that the country’s quest to achieve sugar self-sufficiency in about 10 years’ time is yielding positive result, as over $3 billion of private investment had been lined up to develop farms across the country to boost domestic sugar output.

p.30

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Godson Ikoro

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dele Alao

Industry & Agric Editor

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

new report by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has revealed that 90 per cent of the 4.3 billion people not yet using the Internet in the world live in Nigeria and other developing countries. Also, in the world’s 42 Least Connected Countries (LCCs), which are home to 2.5 billion people, access to ICTs remains largely out of reach, particularly for these countries’ large rural populations, the report said. According to the ITU’s flagship annual ‘Measuring the Information Society Report’ released this week, over three billion people are now online and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) growth remains buoyant in just about every country worldwide, The report is widely recognised as the repository of the world’s most reliable and impartial global data and analysis on the state of global ICT development. Governments, financial institutions and private sector analysts worldwide rely on the study. Latest data show that Internet use continues to grow steadily at 6.6 per cent globally in 2014 (3.3 per cent in developed countries, 8.7 per cent in the developing world). The number of Internet users in developing countries

L-R: Divisional Head, Human Resources and Training, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc , Mrs. Felicia Obozuwa; Vice President, Oke Arin Men and Women Provision Market, Mrs. Adeyinka Oshilaja; Divisional Head, Retail Banking, Mr. Olu Akanmu; Chairperson, Shine Shine Nigeria Limited, Alhaja Shukurat Modupe Sani; and Executive Director, Lagos and South West, FCMB Plc, Mr. Femi Bakre, at the launch of Personal Business Account in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Why airlines collapse, by Discovery Airlines boss Wole Shadare

anaging Director of Discovery Airlines, Babatunde Babalola, has linked the collapse of most Nigerian carriers to under-utilisation of their fleet. Most Nigerian airlines

closed shops earlier than their counterparts in Europe and other developed aviation a few years after commencing services due to many factors including such as high taxes and airport charges. In a chat with New Telegraph, Babalola disclosed that the current state of the Nige-

rian economy and the number of flying public can not support the acquisition of brand new aircraft worth over $100 million. He said that most Nigerian carriers die due to improper utilisation of their fleets, arCONTINUED 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. 21)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N182 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N285 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N225

l Foreign Reserves – $37.54bn as at 14/11/2014

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Official As at Nov. 21)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N159.41 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N249.43 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N199.58

Business | News

SABOTAGE

African swine fever cripples meat business early in the year Bayo Akomolafe

fall in revenue and higher foreign exchange losses has crippled Zambeef Products Plc in Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya, as its revenue declined seven per cent to N47.51 billion ($279.5 million) from N51.06 billion ($300.4 million). It was also revealed that the Zambia-firm

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Zambian firm records N3.5bn loss in Nigeria, Ghana swung into a pre-tax loss of N600 million ($3.6 million) for the financial year ended September. Alongside a fall in revenue, the company booked $5.8 million in foreign exchange losses, up from $3 million last year. Zambeef said that the financial year just ended was a year of “two very different halves,” having recorded a pre-tax loss of

$6.3 million in the first half. The African swine fever affected the company’s business early in the year. The company moved to Nigeria in 2005 as part of a joint venture with

Shoprite, the South African supermarket group. It was joined by Game, the consumer goods store owned by America’s Walmart, Spar, a Netherlands-based supermarket chain, and Chigo, a Chinese retailer of electron-

ics, among others, all looking to tap the small but growing middle class. Shoprite was looking for reliable suppliers of meat to hungry Nigerian shoppers brought up on suya, sticks of meat marinated in spices and

cooked thoroughly over charcoal. The company purchased an unused farm at Ikene, Ogun State, as part of a $3 million investment to build a feed yard, abattoir, processing plant and a freezer room.

Why airlines collapse CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

guing that with proper planning of fleet by airline owners, most of the companies that closed shop early would still have been in operation till date. “One of the challenges Nigerians are having is the utilisation of our machines. You can have 50 machines and if they are not properly utilised, you won’t achieve anything. How many machines did Air Nigeria have when they were going to all routes? They had about 12 and they were all over the place. It indicated that somebody somewhere was planning the utilisation properly. “At the moment, we have only two machines, but what we are planning to do is to maximise the usage of the machines and bring the third and

the fourth to complement our routes. By regulation, we are allowed to use each machine for six landings within the speculated number of hours that each crew sector should work without infringing on the regulation because the regulation says a pilot and the cabin crew should not fly for more than a certain hours in a month. This, we are aware of.” Babalola explained further that most Nigerian airports operate visual flights, a situation, he said, made the airplanes to be on ground for about 12 hours daily, stressing that aircraft are manufactured to be in the air. He stated that for proper utilisation of its fleets, plans are underway to spread the operations of the airline to regional routes.

‘3.9m people not online live in Nigeria, others’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

gathers ICT statistics for 200 economies across over 100 indicators,” he said. In the mobile cellular segment, the report estimates that by end 2014, there will be seven billion mobile subscriptions, roughly corresponding to the total global population. It, however, warns against concluding that everyone is connected; instead, many users have multiple subscriptions, with global growth figures sometimes translating into little real improvement in the level of connectivity of those at the very bottom of the pyramid. According to the report, an estimated 450 million people worldwide live in places which are still out of reach of

mobile cellular service. Encouragingly, the report notes substantial improvement in access to international bandwidth in poorer countries, with developing nations’ share of total global international bandwidth rising from just nine per cent in 2004 to over 30 per cent today. But lack of sufficient international Internet bandwidth in many of the LCCs remains an important barrier to ICT uptake in these countries, and often limits the quality of Internet access, the report said. “It is precisely in poor and rural areas where ICTs can make a particularly significant impact,” said Mr. Brahima Sanou, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, which produces the report.

L-R: President, Consumer Awareness Organisation, Prof. Felicia Monye; Haliru Jega of the Department of National Communication Commission and President, Nigeria Internet Regulatory Association, Mrs. Mary Uduma, at the 4th quarter meeting/open forum for the Industry Consumer Advisory Forum, in Abuja. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

Nigeria’s sugar sector attracts $3bn private investment GROWING

Nigeria’s demand for sugar would breach the 1.7 million metric tonnes mark by 2020

Dele Alao

ndications have emerged that the country’s quest to achieve sugar self-sufficiency in about 10 years’ time is yielding positive result, as over $3 billion of private investment had been lined up to develop farms across the country to boost domestic sugar output. The output is expected to rise from the current 20,00030,000 tonnes a year to around 1.8 million tonnes a year in 10 years’ time. Chief Executive Officer, National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Latif Busari, stated this on the sidelines of a two-day International Sugar Organisation (ISO) seminar. He noted that the Council wanted to secure food for the population. “We want to be food secure for our population of 170 mil-

Generates 180,000 new jobs lion people. We also see the advantages of co-generation of electricity from sugar production and we want to cut down seriously on raw sugar imports,” the CEO said. He added that Nigeria’s sugar development plan could potentially create some 180,000 new jobs in the sugar sector, contributing to reduce high levels of unemployment in the country. Meanwhile, Busari has said that new firms in the category of small and medium scale enterprises (SME) have emerged in the sugar industry. According to the CEO, these firms were basically established by sugarcane farmers’ cooperative societies. They include Oyo State Farmers Union, Goro Farms in Goronyo, Sokoto State, Greenstar Farms in Gumi, Zamfara State, and Takorankadi, Kebbi State. Others are McNichols Sugar Company (Papalanto mini factory), Ogun/Ondo Farmers, and Bobutu Sugar Mills/ Ogun State Sugarcane, among others. Busari, during a workshop

held in Abuja recently said that Oyo State Framers Union is expanding its cane fields to 200 hectares (ha), while Goro Farms is strengthening 10 hectares of cane nursery establishment to achieve a 350 hectare-farm. Greenstar is also expanding its 10ha to attain 350ha within the shortest possible time. “Again, Takorankadi is also expanding 10ha to reach 150ha, while McNichols is diversifying its 6ha to hit 100ha. The Bank of Agriculture (BoA) is financing crop loans and machinery acquisition. There are also some greenfield projects going on around the country,” Busari said. In 2008, the Federal Government had directed the NSDC to develop a road map for the attainment of selfsufficiency in sugar within the shortest time possible. In compliance, the Council came up with the Nigerian Sugar Master Plan (NSMP). The plan has estimated that Nigeria’s demand for sugar will breach the 1.7 million metric tonnes (MMT) mark by 2020.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Delta: Pensioners yet to access N1.5bn largesse p.32

Pension

31 Investment expertise good for pension, says Ideva p.32

Pensioners undergoing verification exercise

Retirement: Pensioners find dependable ally in LASG BENEFITS

The state had within its limited resources honoured its contributions to workers’ Retirement Savings Accounts Sunday Ojeme

ith a commitment to ensure that those who worked hard to see the state prosper are not left to suffer after their working life, the Lagos State Government has continued to put smiles on the faces of its retirees more than any other state in the country. So far, the state government has disbursed N28, 932 billion to 5,530 retirees from the state public service under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). With the presentation of N1.79 billion bond certificates to another 319 retirees during the week, the state government has justified its recognition by the Federal Government through the National Pension Commission (PenCom) as the most CPS friendly state in the country, a recognition that earned the state a trophy early in the year. During the presentation on Tuesday, the Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Mr. Rotimi Hussain, said the state had within the limited resources available been able to pay N28.931 billion to 5,530 retirees, describing it as a feat yet to be matched by any state in the federation. The N1.79 billion bond certificates presentation represented the 14th batch of the exercise since 2007 and Hussain made it clear that the government had ensured that all retirees under the CPS got their money as at when due.

Fashola

He said LASPEC had organised the 12th and 13th Batch of retirement bond certificate presentations between August and September, 2014, with 221 retirees smiling home with N923.77 million. It is also on record that as at the 13th bond certificate presentation, the state government had paid N27.14 billion to 5,211 retirees, being their past service benefits prior to the commencement of the CPS in April, 2007. From the inception of the CPS till date, the state government has contributed over N51.6bn, being the monthly deductions of 7.5 per cent from the salary of every employee and the counterpart 7.5 per cent contribution by the state government into the Retirement Savings Account of every employee with the Pension Fund Administrators. Lagos State is one of the pioneers in implementation of the CPS, having enacted its law in 2007. The state has fully implemented the CPS with over 45,730 employees registered. Recently, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, said that his administration’s decision to key into

Hussainn

the CPS imposed a huge financial burden on the state. He said before the pension reform by the Federal Government in 2004, the state’s pensioners faced the risk of a life

The risk of the elderly not having financial independence and dying in poverty was real and to eradicate this risk, the Lagos State Government subscribed to the fully funded Contributory Pension Scheme

of penury due to the unfunded nature of the Pay as you Go Pension Scheme in the public service and the lack of provision of pension arrangements for employees in the private sector. He said, “The risk of the elderly not having financial independence and dying in poverty was real and to eradicate this risk, the Lagos State Government subscribed to the fully funded Contributory Pension Scheme. “It imposed on us a huge liability as we needed to pay 7.5 per cent of basic salary, housing and transport allowances as monthly pension contribution; fund the Retirement Bond Redemption Fund Account with five per cent of employees monthly total emolument figure to provide for accrued pension rights, being entitlements for years spent in service before the commencement of the contributory pension scheme monthly; pay the annual premium to guarantee the life assurance cover as stipulated in the law and which is intended to provide a death benefit of at least three times the annual total emolument of each employee.” The governor maintained that the state was, however, committed to making Lagos State Government a government that cared for the welfare of the people, and was prepared to stand with them through difficulties occasioned when certain risks crystallised. “We remain resolute in our desire to identify areas that may hinder the peace of mind of the populace and hence we have invested billions of naira towards ensuring that the retirees receive monthly income as pension from their pension provider who could be the Pension Fund Administrators or the life assurance companies who provide annuity for the lifetime of the retirees,” he added.

Business | Pension

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Delta: Pensioners yet to access N1.5bn largesse CONFUSION

The governor’s gesture to pacify pensioners raises worries Sunday Ojeme

ome pensioners in Delta State have raised the alarm over their inability to access the sum of N1.5 billion promised them by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan as part of measures to pacify them during a protest in September. The pensioners, under the aegis of Association of Contributory Retirees (ACR), have been protesting the non-release of their share of the Contributory Pension Scheme following the five per cent deductions from their salaries while still in service. The amount, which they claimed had risen to N16 billion in arrears, prompted another protest to the House of Assembly complex during the week. The protest, according to reports, prevented people from entering

the complex for several hours until the protesters left angrily to other state institutions to register their grievances. During the September protest, Uduaghan had invited them to a meeting where he reportedly ordered the immediate release of N1.5 billion for payment of the contributory pension arrears. The pensioners are, however, not happy that even the promised N1.5 billion has become elusive. According to the Chairman of ACR in the state, Mr. Ovwiroro Ajueyitsi Eric, no concrete action has been taken to ensure the money gets to the retirees just as they have continued to die without receiving their benefits. He said, “The Contributory Pension Scheme in Delta State is fraught with a lot of challenges, which has caused the ACR members sufferings, pains and death since 2010 till date, without PenCom or the state government taking any positive action to save our souls, despite our cries. “The pension scheme is being operated at the

Investment expertise good for pension, says Ideva

he Managing Director of Premium Pension Limited, Mr. Wilson Ideva, has said that a tested and well-grounded investment expertise remains the primary ingredient for the growth of pension funds. Ideva, who stated this while congratulating the Executive Director, Business Development, Premium Pension, Mr. Adamu Musa Mele, on his elevation as a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, said Mele’s new status would rub off positively on the fortunes of the company and by extension, the pension industry. Ideva said, “Mr. Mele’s elevation complements our core value of professionalism and further brightens the future of the company. A tested and well-grounded investment expertise is the primary ingredient for the growth of pension funds.” Mele, who has been a member of the institute since 1994, was before the elevation an Associate Chartered Stockbroker. Speaking on the move, Mele said, “I am highly appreciative of this recognition by the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.

The institute is one of the most vibrant professional organisations in the country. It handles activities regarding the capital market which in itself is a platform for raising long term capital for the economy.” Mele’s expertise covers economic and investment research, financial advisory services, asset management, capital market regulation and administration. He is a law graduate of the University of Maiduguri with an MBA from the University of Ado Ekiti. He has held several positions in financial management and administration in various organisations, including Head, Northern Region, of IBN Securities Limited (a subsidiary of First Inland Bank Limited) and CEO, Tiddo Universal Securities Limited (Member Nigerian Stock Exchange). He is also an alumnus of New York Institute of Finance, Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania and Harvard Business School, Boston, U.S.A. The Investiture Ceremonial dinner and his formal admission into the institute’s professional membership status as fellow took place recently in Lagos.

whims and caprices of the state government, which is at variance with the Contributory Pension Law that kicks against government’s interference. “Again, workers were made to believe that

PenCom will police the system and ensure that workers are paid their correct entitlement immediately they retire. This is contrary to what is happening now. “Accordingly, we call on Mr. President, federal

lawmakers, the state House of Assembly and PenCom to save our souls now by taking viable, visible and feasible action. “There is no need pretending that all is well, when those who served Delta State, and indeed

Nigeria, for 35 years are being cast away to die while the governor and his deputy will earn salaries for life after serving the state for only eight years. This, no doubt, is man’s inhumanity to man.”

L-R: Group (CEO) Global Analytics Consulting (UK), Tope Fasua, with MD CrusaderSterling Pensions Limited, Niyi Falade, being awarded Best Performing Pension Company of year 2014 at the 3rd African Development Magazine awards of Excellence, in Accra, Ghana.

Group protests against looting pension funds

demonstration was held in central Budapest to protest against a government proposal concerning private pension funds, on Tuesday. Zoltan Buki, member of a Facebook group which organised the demo, said that “the government is now eyeing the property of 60,000 people” and insisted that the cabinet had “irrevocably gone down to the level of petty thieves sneaking into homes at night and reaching into drawers.” Zoltan Vajda, founder of the group, said that “the government wants to snatch the last deposits” of fund mem-

bers. He insisted that if the government’s bill is passed into law, the savings would “disappear just like the 3,000 billion forints the government had transferred from private pension funds to the state fund in 2011. “We won’t give them our money,” the speaker insisted, and added that the prime minister would “come a cropper.” According to Politics.hu Vajda also announced that another demonstration would be held early in December to protest against government measures. The opposition Socialists said earlier they would or-

Benefits for pensioners to cost £12 bn a year

enefits for pensioners will cost tax payers £12 billion more a year by 2020 despite most retired people being better off than when they were in work, a report has found. Government must cut spending or increase budgets if more money continues to be spent on the state pension and other handouts, the Institute for Fiscal Studies said. The think-tank also urged policy-makers to recognise that “pensioners as a group have stopped being poor.” Paul Johnson, the director of the IFS, said the consequences of policies such as the “triple lock”, which guarantees above-inflation rises to the state pension, needed

to be understood before they become politically impossible to reverse. Writing in The Times, he said: “In 2011, for the first time, the average incomes of pensioner households — adjusted to take account of housing costs and the costs of children — rose above the average incomes of the rest of the population. Work recently carried out by colleagues of mine at the IFS suggests that most people retiring now will be better off in retirement than they were on average over their working lives.

ganise a class action lawsuit on behalf of private pension fund members in response to a government proposal to wind up private pension funds. They responded to an economy ministry proposal for winding up private pension funds where fewer than 70 per cent of members pay their mandatory monthly fees. According to National Bank of Hungary statistics, only a few thousand private pension fund members now pay their mandatory monthly fees. Members paid 10,000 forints (EUR 33) a month on average in 2011, but this amount has by now fallen to 500 forints.

“Those currently retired and those hitting state pension age over the decade have been spared most of the effects of austerity, at least in terms of their incomes.” By 2019, the cost of pensioner benefits will be £12 billion a year more than in 2010 as the number of retirees grows by a fifth, Mr. Johnson said. The news comes after a report revealed pensioner poverty has fallen over the past decade but there has been a big increase in the number of younger people living in poverty.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Group backs Jonathan’s school agric programme p.34

33 FG to declare Cross River staple crops processing zone p.34

Agric

Stories by Dele Alao

Minister launches multi-purpose wheat, cassava flour

he Minister for Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has launched a multi-purpose flour with the combination of wheat and 10 per cent high quality cassava, in Lagos. He described the combined product by Flour Mills Plc as one that keys into Federal Government’s cassava transformation agenda and the cassava inclusion policy in bread flour. Adesina said that the launch

of the new flour product will impact positively on the Nigerian economy by way of huge savings of about N22.4 billion in foreign exchange, wealth creation for farmers, direct farm jobs for nearly 500,000 persons and an income generation of about N24 billion to farmers. “On the processing side, this initiative is expected to create additional 1,500 jobs and is expected to create a value of

INITIATIVE New improved product saves foreign exchange

over N800 billion in 10 years,” Adesina said. The Group Managing Director of Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, Paul Gbadedo, said that the company, “as the leader in the industry, has significantly and strategically invested in some food and agro-allied value chains to align with government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda, create group synergies, support and protect supply chains of

our core food business and other downstream activities and ensure long term sustainability. These key crops include sugar cane, cassava, sorghum, maize, palm fruits and rice. A good instance of this group synergy is the acquisition of Thai Farms in Ogun State by Flour Mills of Nigeria, for the cultivation and production of cassava tubers.” “The Thai Farms have the capacity to process 300

tonnes of cassava flour per day to produce 75 tonnes of high quality cassava flour. We also have 10,000 hectares of farmland at our Kaboji Farms in Niger State and 5,000 hectares in Shao, Kwara State, among others, for the cultivation of cassava to supplement Thai Farms, cassava and other value chain crops to provide critical raw materials for our food business,” Gbadebo said.

IITA boosts cassava devt with $2.2m

he International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has budgeted $2.2 million for its cassava value chain activities for next year’s cropping season. This is under the Support to Agricultural Research and Development of Strategic Crops (SARD-SC) project, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB). This was revealed when the SARD-SC project had its review and planning meeting for cassava crop held in Bagamoyo, Tanzania. The purpose of the meeting, a statement said, was to review project achievements this year, develop work plans, budget and procurement plans for next year. It said that the review also provided an opportunity to identify militating factors against increased cassava productivity and proffered solutions.

Cassava flour

Cocoa supply: 2020 deficit report not borne out of fear, says group

he International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) has said that its projections of deficits in the supply of cocoa in the years to come, possibly reaching a level of one million tonnes in the year 2020, was in no way borne out of fear. ICCO noted that “in the past ten years, the cocoa market experienced five years with production surplus and five years with production deficit. The last cocoa season (2013/2014), which just ended in September 2014, experienced a production surplus, with the two leading producing countries, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, each posting record production. The price of cocoa beans has varied widely over the years and is currently below the historical (1850 – 2014) median level in real terms (adjusted for inflation),” ICCO said. The body noted that cocoa production responds to

changing price and therefore it couldn’t be assumed that, in the medium term (taking into consideration the lag between planting new trees and harvesting beans), demand will continue to grow and supply will either remain flat or decline. “Cocoa, like any other agricultural commodity, is a renewable resource, so, when the cocoa price goes up, farmers will be incentivised to produce more cocoa beans by increasing their use of inputs and investing in new plantations,” it said. He added: “As far as the ICCO’s current projections are concerned, there is no immediate cause for concern about the supply of cocoa for the next five years. There has been a tight relationship between supply and demand over the years and, while our projections show that supply deficits are likely to occur during the next several years.”

The meeting which had in attendance a broad spectrum of scientists including agronomists, socio-economists, breeders, plant pathologists and commodity specialists, reviewed how the productivity and profitability of cassava can be improved to enhance food security and farmers’ welfare. Some of the issues affecting increased productivity of cassava that were identified include inadequate use of fertilisers and herbicides by farmers which causes degradation of land. This affects its commercialisation and profitability. The other issue, according to the statement, was the pervasive Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) affecting crops in some African countries. The viral disease wastes crops, engenders low productivity and discourages farmers from investing in cassava cultivation.

Farmers urged to embrace biotechnology TASK More gains from adoption of new method

he Nigeria Chapter Coordinator, Open Forum on Agriculture Biotechnology in Africa (OFAB), Mrs. Rose Gidado, has said that Nigerian farmers and the country stand to gain from the adoption of biotechnology. She explained that the benefits of biotechnology will be evenly spread among biotech companies, farmers and consumers, adding that it will immensely contribute to agricultural productivity. Speaking as part of a panellist at the AGRA Innovate conference in Lagos held recently with the theme: Genetically Modified/Hybrid seed technology: Innovations, potential applications and benefits for Nigeria, Gidado said Genetic Modifica-

tion (GM) Technology is an important instrument for plant breeders. “GM technology makes it easier for the breeder to transfer genes of desired traits from unrelated specie of crop to an unrelated specie solving problems that can’t be solved in conventional breeding,” she said. While explaining that GM technology would make quality seeds available to farmers, she said that biotechnology creates opportunities, increases crop yields, reduces losses to insects, pests and diseases, post-harvest storage problems and enhances the nutritional value of some crops. Gidado said that in the case of BT cotton, which is developed for insect resistance, it makes it possible for farmers to reduce the number of space cultivated to 66 per cent, “because the number of pesticides applied reduced from six to two. If you

are using BT cotton, you can just use two sprays and that has reduced cost for you and the labour has also reduced.” She added that resistance to abiotic stress, such as drought and high soil salinity, resulting in increased crop production and empowerment of youths in rural areas are other accruable benefits from application of biotechnology. The OFAB coordinator said that countries like Burkina Faso and Brazil are already reaping the benefit of biotechnology as their farmers are smiling all the way to their banks. “The income of Nigerian farmers will increase, like in Burkina Faso where BT cotton has been embraced, the income of farmers has increased there by 51 per cent and the farmers make a lot of money. Burkina Faso makes $1.2 billion yearly and Brazil $2 billion yearly from biotechnology.”

Business | Agric

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Group backs Jonathan’s school agric programme SUPPORT Initiative will impart skills on youths Stories by Dele Alao

group, Kaduna State Youth Awareness Initiative Forum (KYAIF), has lent its

weight behind the recentlylaunched National Schools Agriculture Programme (SAP) by the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. The group said that the launch has come at the time youth in the country are ready to embrace agricultural potentials. The programme, initiated by the office of the

President’s Senior Special Assistant on Schools Agriculture Programme, Hajiya Baraka Sani, is targeted at catching young Nigerians from the lower schools level as a poverty eradication strategy. Co-ordinator of the group, Comrade Labaran Abubakar, said it welcomed the initiative as it would equally help in the area of nutritional

values. “The National Schools Agriculture Programme (SAP) will, apart from helping to eradicate poverty, also help in the area of nutrition and job creation, especially in the rural areas. As such, the Kaduna State Youth Awareness Initiative Forum wishes to commend SAP as an excellent project aimed at promoting entrepreneurial skills

among our youth which would help alleviate the ever-deepening poverty levels in our country,” Abubakar said. The SAP initiative will also impart skills on smallscale irrigation, fisheries and aqua-culture, poultry, nutrition, processing and packaging, honey production as well as livestock production.

Nigerian-British Chamber honours Adesina

L–R: Group Vice President, Dangote Industries Limited, Sani Dangote, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina and Chief Executive Officer, Best Foods, Mr. Emmanuel Ijewere, at the Nigerian Agribusiness Group executive leadership meeting in Abuja.

EMPOWERMENT Capacity building will enhance yield

he International Fertiliser Development Centre (IFDC) has trained 9,000 smallholder farmers in three states from the northern part of Nigeria on modern technology and agro-input for improved agriculture. IFDC Programme Manager, Ihuoma Ugwu, said that the intervention programme was going on in three states of Kwara, Kaduna and Niger. According to her, the intervention which was based on state’s area of agricultural comparative advantage was carried out in collaboration with

Fertiliser centre trains 9,000 rice farmers Syngeta, an agro-allied company. She said that her organisation’s intervention in Niger and Kwara states was in the area of rice, whereas in Kaduna, the programme focused on maize. She added that mass field days were usually conducted on established demonstration fields to show to the farmers the importance of improved agronomic practices. On Niger, she said that farmers have embraced the improved method of rice farming, adding that they received training on how to apply agro-inputs for high yields.

She further said that the result recorded in the activities of smallholder farmers that keyed into the innovation was quite encouraging, adding: “Our rice farmers have started harvesting more than 50 per cent of what they used to get on the same farmland. They are anxious to know more about the new methods and the use of Syngenta products.” The programme manager said that with the increase in rice yield, the importation of rice will soon be a thing of the past in the country, insisting that rice farmers from the state can feed the country.

FG to declare Cross River staple crops processing zone

he Federal Government has said that it would soon declare Cross River State as a staple crops processing zone (SCPZ). Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Akinwunmi Adesina, said the import of the SCPZ is that the ministries of water, works, transport and agriculture would build infrastructure that would enable the production and evacuation of produce from the state to markets. The state has large ex-

panse of land for targeted staple crops like maize, rice, oil palm, cocoa and cassava, covering a vast agrarian belt of over 200km, and measuring far in excess of 500,000 hectares of land, from Calabar, the state capital, through Akamkpa, Biase, Obubra, Ikom, Etung, Boki, Ogoja, Bekwarra, Obudu and Yala. Adesina said that the Federal Gover nment, through its ministry’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA), supported

Cross River’s commercial agriculture initiative with a new cassava flour processing plant, which was recently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC); recapitalisation of its old cocoa farms, with the distribution of improved seedlings of 3.5 million hybrid cocoa varieties; 940,000 seedlings of oil palm given to farmers free and rice which has taken the state’s production from about 3,000 metric tons in 2012 to 29,500 metric tons by Q3 2014.

he Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) has adjudged the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, ‘Minister of the Year’ for the “passionate manner in which he has spearheaded major reforms aimed at transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The recognition was accorded Adesina at the Chamber’s Annual Presidential Dinner and Awards ceremony chaired by the Pro-Chancellor of the Pan Atlantic University, Dr. Christopher Kolade. Adesina, who was represented at the occasion by Zonal Agriculture Transformation Agenda (ATA) Director in the Ministry, Mr. Lekan Quadri, attributed the progress made under Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda to the unparalleled support of

President Goodluck Jonathan. “There is no way we could have achieved this much without strong presidential backing,” Adesina said, while thanking the NBCC executive for considering him worthy of the honour. Other key awardees included Managing Director of Standard Chartered Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Bola Adesola, who bagged the Chief Executive Officer of the Year; Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, who was adjudged Governor of the Year and the Jigawa and Ogun State governors who both shared the ‘Good Governance Award.’ It will be recalled that Adesina was recently conferred with the award of “Transformer of Nigerian Agriculture” at the Nigeria Agriculture Awards (NAA).

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

Price 558-6 378-2 1054-6 396.3 33.56 301-4 12.360 625-4 596-0

Change +4-6 +2-0 -2-4 +1.1 +0.02 -0-4 -0.020 +8-2 +4-6

Contract Dec 14 Dec 14 Jan 15 Dec 14 Dec 14 Dec 14 Jan 15 Dec 14 Dec 14

Price 59.69 149.15 195.05 16.08 0 24.35 1.9505 0.1600 2824.00 0.5931 330.30

Change +0.03 -0.65 -3.00 unch -1 +0.04 +0.0455 unch -42.00 +0.0050 -0.50

Contract Dec 14 Jan 15 Dec 14 Mar 15 Dec 14 Jan 15 Mar 15 Mar 15 Mar 15 Mar 15 Jan 15

Price 170.325 231.850 90.700 18.39

Change +0.125 unch -0.350 -0.04

Contract Dec 14 Jan 15 Dec 14 Dec 14

Time(ET) 07:44 07:44 07:44 07:43 07:44 07:37 05:58 05:19 07:34

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

Time(ET) 03:12 08:20 08:17 08:22 05:52 08:14 11/25/14 11/25/14 11/25/14 11/25/14 08:15

Meats Commodity Live Cattle Feeder Cattle Lean Hogs Class III Milk

Time(ET) 08:19 08:22 08:21 08:22

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

Business | Agric

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

VIEWPOINT Asset injection model, among others, will enhance diversification Dele Alao

xperts have said that the call for the diversification of the Nigerian economy away from oil would require paying more attention to agriculture. The experts spoke at the PriceWaterHouseCoopers (PwC) and UK Trade and Investment fo-

Diversification: Agric holds the key, say experts rum tagged ‘Agribusiness strategy,’ held in Lagos, An advisor to PwC, Richard Ferguson, noted that asset injection model, vertical integration and corporate governance would be key in achieving the diversification of the Nigerian economy. “One of the methods I have used most recently is what I would call the

asset injection model, whereby the country can take asset and inject them into listed vehicles to attract investors. The China model is a good example. Development of capital is taking assets owned by the state or private sector, and injecting them into enterprises where you get liquidity. Nigeria can do the same in agriculture and use it

as one kind of a model,” he said. He added: “There is also vertical integration as brand and processors vertical integrate backup; that is a model you will see in Brazil and the former Soviet Union. It can be done here in Nigeria. In other words, it is a kind of owing primary production and raising capital. Obviously, that

is a very profitable business in this country.” Also speaking at the forum, parther, PwC, Rasheed Rahji, said what was actually happening in the global space had necessitated the agribusiness forum. “If you look at the fact that the Nigerian economy actually depends on oil and gas and with the downward slide in the

price of crude oil in the international market, effort has been geared towards developing the agriculture sector which is supposed to be the mainstay of the economy. The sector employs about 70 per cent of the population of about 170 million people. Since it does that, there is the need for us to focus on these areas and produce more, engage the people there and employ more people to be food sustainable. The reliance on oil will be a thing of the past,” he said. He added: “We are going to address the challenges. Over time, we have not been paying so much attention to agriculture and we need to do that now. Secondly, source of finances to ensure that people that actually want to go into agribusiness have enough funds to do that, people who want to know more about agriculture get to do that and what kind of technology that is in place to aid largescale production.”

Doubt over sugar forecast – USDA

S agriculture officials have ditched expectations of fifth successive rise in world sugar stocks. It cuts forecasts for output in all but one of the big five producers, with volumes from Brazil downgraded to a six-year low. The Department forecast a drop of 1.41 million tonnes in global sugar inventories in 2014-15 - a decline, which would be the first since 2009-10. The revision, from a previous expectation of an 821,000-tonne production surplus, reflected in part a small increase in the forecast for sugar consumption, but in the main a 3.13 million-tonnes downgrade to world output. Global sugar production, at 172.5 million tonnes, is now seen falling for a second successive season. The USDA highlighted in its output down grade “reductions in Brazil, China and Thailand”, the world’s first-, fourthand fifth-ranked sugar producers respectively. The forecast for Brazilian output was downgraded by 1.0 million tonnes to 35.8m tonnes, down 2.0 million tonnes year on year, “as drought conditions lower [cane] yield.”

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Auto Beat

Shell’s safety standard thrills FRSC

Paul Ogbuokiri

he Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of Federal Road Safety Commission, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi has lauded the intervention by Shell Petroleum Development Company in its sustained contributions to the promotion of safety in Nigeria as part of its corporate social responsibility. He said this during a recent one-day capacity building workshop for Traffic Management Agencies in the area of post crash administration in Lagos. Oyeyemi who was represented

at the event by the Lagos State Coordinator, FRSC SMP Lagos, Benson Bbatunde; said the main objective of post crash management was to avoid the loss of lives by untimely or improperly administered medical care in the hectic aftermath of crash/disaster. “Little wonder the World Body (UN) in recognition of the inevitable role post crash

management will play in the global plan for survival of victims of disaster listed it among the five pillars of the UN Decade of Action 2011 – 2020,” he said. He commended the holistic and collaborative approach of the training programme as evidenced in the assemblage of key emergency managers in Lagos, saying that will a go a long way to cementing the existing syn-

ergy among the agencies in handling disaster. According to him, with the role the expected mutual understanding of the part the various agencies could play in emergency management, the target of reducing road deaths by 50 percent by the year 2015 as set out in the Accra Declaration (2007) by African Heads of States and Governments, and the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety: 2011 – 2020 shall be attained. He thanked Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Shell Nigeria Production and Exploration Company (SNEPCO) for investing enormous resources in the capacity building of emergency management agencies and appealed to other well meaning corporate organizations to follow suit in this regard. Earlier, General Manger Department of Communication Shell Dr. Philip Msliehia said the company was organising the workshop in collaboration with its partners including Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. He said that Shell would to continue to work with FRSC to ensure safety on Nigerian roads.

Get a Kia with Diamond Toyota partners Elizade Varsity Bank’s N37,000

oyota South Africa Motors recently said that it donated nine vehicles to Toyota Nigeria Limited for the sole purpose of augmenting education and training in this area. This donation is in line with Toyota’s strategy to support the upliftment of education both in South Africa and on the continent as a whole. It said that the vehicles, which are a mix of locally produced Corolla and Hilux models, will be used by Toyota Nigeria Limited in partnership with a university in Nigeria to train budding engineers. “Education is at the heart of Toyota and we endeavour to support where we can. Toyota has various programmes and projects that assist education in this country and throughout the continent. Engineering is a very important field of study for this country and for Africa,” says Dr Johan van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors. To further show support for education, a Toyota dealership in Nigeria built a private university located in

llara-Mokin, Ondo State, Nigeria. Prominent businessman, Chief Michael Ade. Ojo established Elizade University with the main motivation to improve education in his country. In South Africa, the Toyota Foundation specifically focuses on education and runs the Toyota Teach programme as a flagship programme. Since 1991, the project has benefitted more than 250 schools and 20 000 learners by improving the quality of education at schools in KwaZulu Natal. Toyota Teach takes a whole school approach to its interventions, working with selected schools for a four-year period to address ten focus areas including teaching skills and curriculum development, school management and governance. “Through Toyota Teach, we focus on supplementing Literacy, Mathematics and Science with younger students in the hope that it will spark a love for these subjects. In turn, our hope is that these students will become the next generation of South African engineers, educators and professionals,” concludes Dr van Zyl.

n a bid to make owning a new car easy, accessible and affordable for all, Kia Motors Nigeria partners Diamond Bank to offer an unbeatable auto loan scheme to potential customers starting from as low as N37,000 monthly payment plan. The auto finance scheme is premised on the success of the previous partnership that paved way for many a people to own a Kia of their choice. In the mix of various auto loan schemes presented to the public, Kia Motors Nigeria’s partnership with Diamond bank offers a unique yet outstanding auto loan scheme. The partnership is aimed at giving an auto financing experience that is simplified and significantly enhanced for the customer. According to the Chief Commercial Officer of Kia Motors Nigeria, Mr. Sandeep Malhotra, “the key motive behind this partnership is to bring car enthusiasts under the fold. This partnership will phase out tedious loan processing with flexible repayment plans, hasslefree documentation and quick processing to suit customers’ needs and most importantly give the best payment plan option starting from N37,000 monthly

repayment plan”. Kia Motors Nigeria has remained the leading automobile company in the country to offer seamless auto finance schemes to her discerning customers with flexible payment options. In view of this, the recently signed partnership agreement with Diamond bank allows customers to get a new Kia car with 20% equity contribution. With this collaboration, customers gets free vehicle registration, fixed repayment plan, no management fee, no commitment fee and a free smart phone on every purchase. “We’ve also worked out flexible payment plan options to enable our customers get any Kia car of their choice” said, Sandeep. The scheme starts from the 14th of November through the end on the 31st of December, 2014. This partnership will pave way for both new and existing customers of the KIA brand to own a new vehicle of their choice in celebrating yuletide. With this scheme, customers can own a Rio or Picanto from as low as N37,000 fixed monthly repayment plan or Cerato, Optima and Sportage from as low as N57,000, N86,000 and N97,000 respectively.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Feminique

Dehab Ghebreab

I see my mom in Nigerian women Despite her gentleness and judicious disposition, Dehab Ghebreab has always had the inclination to explore and shoot for the skies. A politician by training and a one time Journalist, Dehab, who wanted to be an air hostess, is the Public Affairs Officer and the Deputy Consular General of the US Consulate in Lagos. In this chat with EBERE AMEH, she insists that quality and affordable education, especially for women and girls, is the panacea to our many ills

hen Dehab Ghebreab was struggling, striving to overcome stereotypes, social and cultural prejudices that worked against her as a girl child in her country, Eritrea, she did not know that one day, she will be the Deputy Consular General of a United States consulate. But one thing she knew very well was that with education, the sky will not be her limit but her stepping stone. With that mindset, coupled with the determination of a caring father, and the love of a prudent mother, Dehab was not ready to look back. “We were eleven in my family and I am the third from the top. Having a large family in Africa is quite challenging as you have to feed so many mouths, clothe and send them to school. In my case, it happened also that the top three children were girls. There was also the African experience where families question their siblings when they have girls and no boys in the mix.” Though her father, worked for the US Army in Eritrea at the time, he was aware of the situation but was determined to educate them. “My father said, ‘I will educate my daughters. I will give them all the opportunities there are and prove to all that girls are as good as boys’. And that stuck with us. Wherever we were - at school, and everywhere, we al-

EBERE AMEH ebere.ameh@newtelegraphonline.com

ways remembered that our dad defended us when others were insulting him for no good reason but just because he had girls, and we were determined to be the best” Dehab recollected. More than her other sisters, Dehab is the one who always wanted to go somewhere. With a tint of nostalgia, she reminisced on how she wanted to be a flight attendant, and how she went to a boarding school in another town, on scholarship, even when her elder sisters were afraid to go. Though she fought her parents to allow her be a flight attendant, she gave up on it but not on all the other opportunities out there for her to explore. The job of flight attendant in her country then was regarded as one not meant for decent girls. “I have always had the passion to go out and thrive. I still feel that there is something in me that says go out, fly, explore. And I have found that the more you do that, the more you learn and your horizon expand.” Dehab and her family migrated to the US because of the war in her country, which had led to the death of two of her brothers. There, she studied Journalism and later, Political Science and has worked as a journalist and now, a diplomat. As a diplomat, Dehab is not a newcomer in Nigeria. She has worked in Abuja and n o w, Lagos, and

Success is achieving your dreams by working hard

knows Nigeria more than some citizens do. “When I worked in Abuja, it was fairly a new capital city. I was surprised at how much development, how much construction had been done when I came back. But Lagos is the centre of culture and business. It’s much more dynamic and robust in my view. So far, it has been an amazing experience.” Because of her fair and motherly disposition, Dehab leaves a trail of fond memories everywhere she goes. While her staff in Lagos cannot get enough of her, a friend in Abuja and an ex-staff in Liberia where she worked, named their baby girls Dehab so they will always remember the amiable lady. On the various challenges facing Nigeria, Dehab who understood the value of education early in life, insists that education, especially the education of the girl child, remains the panacea to most of the challenges facing the nation. “In my view, there is a direct correlation between education and peaceful coexistence and by extension, development. An empowered woman takes care of her children, her husband and even the society. Women and children are always most affected when countries are in conflict. But violence against women is not limited to Africa but it is more because women are still backward educationally. When women are educated and not married off early, they can stand for their right and are also more likely to ensure that they have smaller families and that their children are educated and live peacefully too. Education is what changes the face of a nation, her economy and her people.” On the role of the United States in helping Nigeria overcome the war on terrorism, Dehab who made a speech during the recent Vanguard Women Roundtable Conference on Chibok Girls said; “The US has experienced terrorism and is supporting Nigeria with intelligence to overcome

hers. The US is at the forefront of fighting terrorism wherever it is. We have invested resources, the blood of young Americans and there is nothing the US wants more than to see Nigeria win the war against Boko Haram.” Dehab has tremendous respect for the Nigerian women and said they can harness their potentials for the good of the nation when they have access to quality and affordable education. “I see in Nigerian women what I saw in my mom. They are very resilient, despite difficulties and very entrepreneurial by nature. Whether it is a woman who has not had much education, or the one who has, I see that strong will to make a difference. Even the market women that I see, the way they carry themselves with confidence is very distinct from women in other parts of Africa. “Though the average Nigerian woman has so much to offer, ultimately, it will depend on the level of education. Ones passion will translate into success if one is educated properly. Education makes a woman to be in control of her life. If you got it, nobody will disregard you. Education gives you the freedom to do the things that you want to do in life and to get the respect that you deserve as a woman. If you have education, you have the reasoning and intellectual capacity to advance your career and do all the things that you need to do.” The gracious diplomat believes that when there is adequate legislation and the rural dwellers start giving girls equal opportunities as the boys, paying attention to girls education too, things will start changing for good. Dehab, who believes she has been very fortunate in life given where she is coming from, where she is and where she is going, she is very grateful for the gift of a loving and understanding husband, and amazing children. To her, success means achieving one’s dreams, whatever it is. “Success is achieving your dreams by working hard. It is opposite of failure but sometimes you have to fail to succeed. So failure is not necessarily failure because you fail at something, you correct it and move up again. There are setbacks in life but how you pick up yourself and move in a different direction is what matters. “Given where I came from, given the joy that I have doing the work that I have to do, I feel like I am blessed every day. There are sometimes that I feel, this is the best it’s going to get, but then it gets even better,” Dehab enthused.

Feminique 39

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Why don’t men menstruate?

his question came from a 14 year old girl who was menstruating for the first time. Her mother brought her to me for counselling, explanations and because , according to the mother, her questions were too much. The girl was so confused, worried, scared and disturbed. To worsen matters, an aunty had told her that was the price all women had to pay for the sins of Adam and Eve. Unfortunately, the parents had not prepared her for this. Sex talk had always been taboo in the house. Even amongst the parents. So it was a rude shock. To worsen matters, the mother could not discuss the issue of menstruation intelligently with me her doctor. So how could she discuss with her daughter? And both parents are graduates. The mother went so far as to label menstruation ‘the woman’s curse’. Others call it ‘the woman’s cross.’ This article is an attempt to put the records straight.But before then.

An appeal to parents. Please, do not be too shy or reserved to talk to your daughters and sons too about their bodies. Not only about menstruation, but also about pregnancy, abortion, sexual intercourse etc. The more we can educate them, the less the incidences of promiscuity, sex due to peer pressure, unwanted pregnancy and its complications, abortion and death. We must be willing to help them. So what then is menstruation? In layman’s language, it is the number of days in a month that blood flows regularly from the vagina. It is also known as nkanosu, in Yoruba. It usually occurs just once in a month, except when the woman has a short menstrual cycle. The number of days between two periods is known as a menstrual cycle. It is from the first day of the last bleeding to a day before the next one. Normal cycles are between 21-32 days. 21 days is a short cycle, whilst 32 days is a long one. Most

Ebere Ameh

hen Danny brought us home on Sunday, I was still revelling in the euphoria of the weekend. I felt like asking him to stay with me, if not for the kids. He had offered to drive me to my parents to pick them and use the opportunity to meet my parents. As usual, They were happy to see us but wanted some days to play with the Jako and Soky. Dad has two big Alsatian dogs that are very aggressive but friendly when they want to be. Tobi was set to tell me more about the agile canines but I assured him we can do that at home. ‘Ego, isn’t it incourteous of you not to introduce your companion to your dad and I?’ she asked a while after we had exchanged pleasantries. ‘The kids seem to know him so well and....,’ she wanted to continue when I cut in. ‘Oh pardon my poor manners mom, he is my Christian brother and a friend. We attend the same fellowship.” I answered running into the house and calling on the kids to hurry up while they welcomed Danny. I just wanted to escape moms prying questions. But expectedly, she met me in the kitchen where I had gone to pick some snacks for the road. Good enough, she changed the topic, but that was not to last long. “I prepared some bitter-leave soup and palm fruit stew for you,” she said with a smile pointing at the already set flasks on the table. “Oh my!, you are the best mom in the world! Who told you how much I long to eat those local delicacies? I asked rhetorically, punctuating it with a bear hug. “That’s ok my dear, it’s always my pleasure to make you happy. As for that young man, I will want to know more about him. Maybe later, I can see you are in a hurry today.” No qualms mom,’ I answered, placing a peck on her cheek as she packs more stuffs for me. “Thanks mom, we’ve got to run.” Dad was having a good time with

women are between 24-28 days. The menstrual period itself lasts between 3-6 days but usually 5 days. Women start menstruating from the age of puberty and stop at menopause. When a regular pattern has been established, the woman is termed to have a regular menstrual cycle. All things considered, menstruation is actually a blessing in disguise. It is not a curse. Neither is it a cross nor payment for the sins of Adam and Eve. By the way, how are men paying for the sins?After all both of them ate the Apple. Anyway, a woman who does not menstruate regularly, or does not menstruate at all during this (childbearing) period has a medical challenge and must see her doctor. The only time a woman is not expected to menstruate is during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Even at that, there are exceptions to the rule. I have seen women menstruate regularly during their first three months of pregnancy and nothing happened to the

All things considered, menstruation is actually a blessing in disguise.

Fadeyi

pregnancy. I have also seen women menstruate whilst breastfeeding without any problems. Dr. Taiwo Fadeyi is a Western trained medical practitioner and one of the very few certified Sexologists in Nigeria. He is also a marriage counsellor and would be bringing his immense knowledge and experience to bear in writing this column. Make it a date with him every Friday for that expert advice on sex and relationship. He can be reached on drtaiwofadeyi@ gmail.com or 08033148899 (sms only)

Ego: Diary of a single mom I think I need a man now

Danny at the lobby while the kids went back to the dogs. I just hope he hasn’t embarrassed him with questions. “You look refreshed and rested Ego. You know you can bring them here any weekend you need to rest? Your mom and I are always glad to have them around.” “Thanks dad. Hope you are getting better now? I trust mom

to take good care of you.” “Yea, we are doing great. Its heart-warming having the kids around,” he said as they bid us goodbye. “Ekaete, remember to put the soup and stew in the freezer as soon as you get home. Ok?” Ekaete, nodded in agreement. It was her first time with my parents and mom said she is good. Danny is impressed by my

parents. He thinks dad is a complete gentleman and mom kind and rather thorough. As he planned to leave after dropping us off, I realized how much I needed him to stay behind, how much I wanted a caring husband. But he has to go. “I’ll give you a shout later today.” He said, when he noticed my countenance. Thank God, Nnamdi got a driver for me at last. “You called at the right time. The kids and I are just coming back from my parents.” “That’s great. I also want to spring a surprise to you.” “Surprise? What surprise?” I asked curiously. “That’s why it is a surprise. Wait until I come,” he responded amidst laughter. For the next 40 minutes preceding his arrival, I wondered the surprise he was talking about. Does he want to buy some cakes and ice cream for the kids as he does sometimes? Did he win a jackpot or buy a new car? If he got a promotion, I will know, being in the same company. I was still lying lazily on my sofa and wondering, when the door bell rang. Aha! Opposite of George! An elderly driver, though neatly dressed. That must be the surprise. But how wrong I was. Nnamdi brought her fiancé to meet me. It’s a complete surprise because as close as we are, he never discussed any fiancé thing with me. It was a mixture of joy and sadness. On one side I expressed happiness that he that was becoming a chronic bachelor, eventually found his missing rib, on the other side, I was jealous. Though he is a bit younger than I am and I never really thought of getting married to him, it reminded me how alone I really am. How much I need a caring husband too.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Islam UNDERSTAND YOUR FAITH

Why can’t I marry my wife’s sister? QUESTION

What is the point behind not marrying my wife’s sister who is getting old and no one is asking her for marriage? ANSWER

First of all, we’d like to make it clear that every committed Muslim should accept Allah’s commands willingly, even without realising the wisdom behind the Divine rule in question. If man manages to realise the wisdom behind certain prohibited things, it is well and good. If his mind fails to comprehend that Divine Wisdom, then he should accept the truth as it is, keeping in mind that Allah Almighty is the All-Knowing of what is beneficial to His Creatures. When Allah Almighty prohibits something for His servants, He does so certainly out of His overflowing mercy on them, to save them from all that may harm them. He is indeed EverKind and Most Glorious! Your concern for your sister-inlaw is commendable, but you are prohibited from marrying her while you are still married to her sister. You could make more efforts to find a suitable husband for her, even someone who is already married or has been previously married. As opposed to the practice of the period of jahiliyyah (preIslamic era), Islam forbade taking two sisters as co-wives at the same time because the feeling of love and sisterliness which Islam wants to maintain between sisters would be destroyed if one sister became the co-wife of the same husband. While the Qur’an mentioned the two sisters, the Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) added, ‘A man may not be married to a woman and her paternal aunt (at the same time), nor to a woman and her maternal aunt.’ (Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim) And he said, ‘If you do this, you will sever your ties of kinship.’ Allah Almighty knows best.

EX H O R T A T IO N

04 Safar 1436 AH

“And your Lord has decreed that you should not worship any god except Him, and enjoined Man goodness (Ihsan) to his parents. Whether one or both of them (parents) reach old age [while] with you, say no harsh words to them and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. ( QURAN 17:23)

L-R: National Tabligh Secretary, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaa’at Nigeria, Dr. Saeed Timehin; Missionaryin-charge, Abdul Khalique Nayymar and Head, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Nigeria, Dr. Mashhud Fashola, during a press conference on the state of the nation in Lagos recently.

2015: MURIC alerts UN on threats to Nigeria’s democracy CONDEMNATION Group says Ekiti speaker’s impeachment is an act of impunity Adeola Yusuf

he Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called the attention of the United Nations (UN) to some dangerous development on the Nigerian political scene. MURIC, which said this in a statement by its National Director, Professor Ishaq Akin-

tola, tasked the international community to particularly take note of the unfolding political crisis in Ekiti State and other states in the country. The speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly was allegedly impeached last week by only seven Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members of the House out of 26. The seven minority members were allegedly led into the hallowed House by about 200 policemen who reportedly disallowed the remaining 19 members who belonged to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from entering the House to participate in the delibera-

tions of the day. “The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) strongly condemns this disgraceful act of impunity. It is a blatant rape on democracy, an open misuse of the police and an undisguised invitation to chaos. It is also an unbridled breach of due process. “It contravenes the principle of justice and equity, violates natural justice and tramples upon the rule of law. It is therefore unacceptable,” Akintola said. MURIC, the statement added, “invites the international community to note these ugly developments on the Nigerian political scene.”

It continued: “MURIC is shocked by the overzealousness of the seven minority members to set aside universally recognised rules on quorum. “It is a shameful disregard for decorum and a total disrespect of decent political culture. It exposes politicians in the ruling party as charlatans and Machiavellians. “The misuse of policemen by the ruling party and the unprofessional conduct of the IGP further cement the argument for the establishment of state police. It has become crystal clear that those in power today have the noun ‘oppression’ and the verb ‘to oppress’.

Lesser Hajj: Saudi lines up 8,000 personnel for Nigerians, 6 millon others Adeola Yusuf

he Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has said that it is ready to receive Nigerians and other six million pilgrims with the beginning of the new Umrah season on Sunday. Sheikh Abdurahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency, said that the presidency had completed all preparations and arrangements to implement its Umrah Plan of 1436. “The presidency has mobilised around 8,000 personnel, including women, in addition to cleaning staff to extend the best possible services to the pilgrims at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s

Mosque in Madinah during the Umrah season which will begin on November 23 (Safar 1) and end on July 30 (Shawwal 14),” the Saudi Press Agency quoted Al-Sudais in a report. Last year, a total of 6.15 million pilgrims from outside the Kingdom performed Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage. Al-Sudais said the presidency’s plan was aimed at realising a number of goals, most import of which is extending all kinds of services and facilities to the Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the holy mosques. “All arrangements are well in place and the presidency is making the arrangements in coordination with the concerned government departments and security agencies,

including the governorates of Makkah and Madinah. The presidency will also provide services with regard to enlightening pilgrims on the rituals of Umrah and the related religious topics,” he said. Al-Sudais said prominent Islamic scholars would deliver lectures on Islamic topics, Friday sermons at the holy mosques would be translated into different languages, including sign language for people with special needs, new arrangements had been made for visiting Al-Rawda Sharif and the grave of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in Madinah with three timings for women during day and night. The presidency chief said that the arrangements also

include increasing Zamzam drinking areas, providing wheelchairs for the disabled, and golf cart for carrying elderly pilgrims and worshippers. Al-Sudais said new arrangements had been made for entry to the Grand Mosque with the beginning of the third and final phase of the expansion of the mataf (circumambulation area around the Kaaba). The entry for worshippers from the western side will be through the ground floor of King Fahd expansion area and the entry from the eastern side will be through Al-Salam Gate in the basement area of masa (running area between Safa and Marwah). He said that all the floors of the first phase of mataf expansion would be open for pilgrims.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Crime

‘Police, DSS NASS invasion, ominous signs for democracy’ Juliana Francis and John Edu

igerians were shocked to their marrows last Thursday, when supposedly role model lawmakers, like excited school boys in high jump sport game, scaled gates and fences in their determination to enter the hallowed chamber of the National Assembly. Apparently, the Executive instigated the blockage of the National Assembly Complex to stop the Speaker, Honourable Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, from entering. Perhaps most shocking, was the action of policemen who fired canisters of tear-gas at the lawmakers in their bid to stop them from entering the chamber. Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu tried to exonerate the police, saying: “The speaker came with thugs, refused to be searched and six of the hoodlums attacked a policeman, after which the police ‘tear-gassed’ the Speaker and his riotous crowd so as to restore order. Everybody has seen that somebody was even beating somebody; somebody was pushing a policeman from a car. Somebody was removing road blocks mounted by police.” But some Nigerians still felt the police were too involved in the matter and seemed bent on pleasing the ruling party. While Nigerians were still reeling from the shocked display of the lawmakers and encounter with Police operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS), soldiers stormed the Data Centre of the All Progressives Congress (APC), without a warrant. Just like the action of the police, some people felt the DSS and soldiers were acting out a scripted order from ‘above.’ The DSS Deputy Director, Information, Marilyn Ogar, however, douched that suspicion, insisting that the DSS invaded the APC office for security reasons. According to her, the service received a petition that the building was

Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal (top) and some other members scaling the gate to enter the chamber

used as a secret place to clone the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC’s) permanent voter cards. She said the agency carried out the operation to investigate the allegation.

Ogar who claimed that the DSS retrieved three hard drives, a server, and 31 ‘Ghana must go’ bags of hard copies of data, also said that many people in the APC Centre were arrested.

CRIME QUOTE

JULIANA FRANCIS CRIME Editor

juliana.francis@newtelegraphonline.com

“The Police in this case, engaged in pure illegality by barricading the gates of the National Assembly, even if they did so on the orders of the Inspector-General of Police. The orders of the I.G.P do not amount to law and he is not a demigod to decide who enters any premises or not.” Lagos lawyer, Festus Keyamo.

She added: “Nobody knew it was an APC office because there was no sign to indicate that it was their office. It was based on a petition that some people were cloning INEC permanent voter cards in the building at 10, Bola Ajibola Street, off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, that our personnel carried out an operation there.” There are, however, people who feel that the recent displays in the country over political issues do not portend well for the forthcoming 2015 elections. The Stop Impunity Nigeria Campaign on November, 24, vehemently spoke against the actions of the lawmakers, the police and the DSS, expressing fear for democracy in the country. C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 4 2

Crime

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Group urges INEC to prosecute electoral offenders

The 3rd Eye The critical edge of terrorism (2) Ethelbert Oney Continued from last Friday

Ojo

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 1

The ‘Stop Impunity Campaign,’ is a collaborative campaign by a multi-stakeholder group made up of civil society organizations, religious bodies and a Federal Government agency, aimed at re-orienting Nigerians and promoting new ethical values to free the country from the destructive effects of impunity. The implementing civil society organizations are: Human Development Initiatives (HDI), Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Community Life Project (CLP), and the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ). These organizations are concerned and motivated about the issue of impunity. The Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda, Mr. Edetean Ojo, said Impunity was impeding Nigeria’s social, economic and political development, as well as the progress of its people. Ojo added: “Impunity fuels corruption by both government officials and ordinary citizens while also diminishing the capacity of the government to govern.” Reacting to the different ugly political issues that had reared their heads in the country, Ojo noted that several weeks ahead of the 2015 General Elections, Stop Impunity Campaign was already quite worried over signs it is seeing, describing it as ominous. Ojo further described some of the actions of the police, DSS and politicians as “some of the worst forms of impunity in the electoral process across the political spectrum.” Ojo maintained: “In utter disregard for the principle of separation of powers, we are witnesses to the ceaseless use of the police and other security agencies to undermine the independence and effective functioning of the National Assembly, contrary to established democratic norms and practices, as well as the specific provisions of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, to which Nigeria is a signatory. “We are also seeing the constant use of the police and other security agencies, which have completely lost credibility and any sense of objectivity or impartiality, to harass critics, opponents, and opposition

APC Data center

political parties, culminating in last Saturday’s raid on the offices of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos where supposed law enforcement agents wreaked havoc and wanton destruction on the equipment and property of the main opposition party and harassed its workers.” Ojo said that it was hard to remember any other occasion in Nigeria’s history when electoral politics fell this low and when such level of desperation was apparent. He said these actions endanger Nigerian democracy, stressing that the actors do not create a conducive atmosphere for the elections and certainly do not inspire the confidence that there would be a level playing field for all contestants or that the elections would be free and fair. He threatened: “Should this situation persist in the next few weeks, we will be compelled to invoke the provisions of Article 24 of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and inform the Peace and Security Council of the African Union of the situation, with a request that it takes urgent action to maintain the constitutional order. “Article 24 of the Charter provides that, “When a situation arises in a State Party that may affect its democratic political institutional arrangements or the legitimate exercise of power, the Peace and Security Council shall exercise its responsibilities in order to maintain the constitutional order in accordance with relevant provisions of the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union.” I therefore urge Nigerians to put pressure on our leaders to retrace their steps and pull the country back from the brink of anarchy.” He urged the INEC to begin to prosecute electoral offenders, in order to bring sanity into the electoral system and avoid future occurrences. Ojo also wants the government to create a body which will be responsible in carrying out sanctions on any individuals or political party found in such acts of indiscipline. According to him, citizens should be aware that the issue of impunity at a time as this, could only be tackled, if every citizen would engage in a free and fair election, rather than being

adamant to ethics or code of conduct in election process. Mr. Francis Onahor of Community Life Project (CLP) noted that INEC did not have the capacity to carry out prosecution alone and political parties were not helping matters. Onahor urged the public to report any form of illegal act noticed by any party, candidates as well as group to INEC for a proper action to be carried out on such persons. In the third quarter of this year, the focus of Stop Impunity Campaign for the Week of Action Against Impunity was on Patriotism, Ethics and Civic Responsibility. This quarter, the group focused on impunity in the electoral process. Some of the activities the group had lined up for this Week of Action, to engage and enlighten members of the public about the problem of impunity in the electoral process are: Twitter sessions every day from November 24 till today, (November 28, 2014) from 11am to 1pm. Each session will focus on a different topics. The identified topics are: Local Government Autonomy, Voters’ Education, Political Parties, Campaign Finances and Impunity and Insurgency and the Elections. The campaign is also organizing a series of community enlightenment voter education forums in different parts of the country and these are being led by Community Life Project (CLP). The Forums are holding in Niger, Gombe, Delta, Kaduna, Adamawa and Kano states. The campaign plans to organize peaceful rallies across the country on the lack of autonomy for the Local Government authorities. The campaign will submit policy briefs titled: “Local Government Authority Autonomy Now” to different State Houses of Assembly across the country. The campaign is engaging all 26 registered political parties and inviting them to make commitments to abide by all electoral laws, regulations, norms and standards and in particular, to conform to the Code of Conduct for Political Parties which they have subscribed to with INEC. “We are strongly urging them to avoid involvement in any conduct or activities which might constitute acts of impunity,” said Ojo.

he same harm also affects the victims’ immediate family members (children, spouses, siblings and parents). Indirect victims include the victims’ social circles and relationships, like his colleagues at work and other acquaintances. Also rescue workers and caretakers of the injured and bereaved may also experience significant mental distress. In addition, even those who watched the horror unfold on their television screens may experience strong psychological reactions. During a terrorist attack, psychological casualties always outnumber the physical casualties. The most serious aspect of the matter is that most of this sect’s operations that are performed against a specific target affect other victims not originally targeted by the bombings. This makes the Boko Haram activities a criminal transgression whose consequences are hard to control. Without a sense of psychological closure, without the ability to move on in life, this organisation would prevail. Without the ability to successfully mourn our dead and continue to grow as individuals, families, communities, and as a nation, our way of life would be disrupted permanently; and this sect would win because overreaction can ruin us quicker than Boko Haram terrorist group. How these symptoms are expressed, recognized, and handled may determine how they affect people over the short or long-term, and could be positively or negatively pending on individual capacity. Positive responses could include connecting more with victims, taking a victim colleague or loved ones to a counselling session, medical checkups and being there for them physically and mentally. Negative responses could include excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, increased anxiety, functioning less productively at work, or losing confidence in society and government. The consequences could vary depending on the characteristics of the people exposed to the trauma, the nature of the trauma to which they are exposed, the extent of exposure, and the nature and extent of support they receive afterward can make the difference. Furthermore, violent acts of Boko Haram badly affect mental growth of human beings by putting them into constant stressful situation. Such attack, especially, leaves harmful and far reaching effects on the minds of children when they see dead bodies and other horrible scenes. Concluded • Ethelbert Oney is an Intelligence & Security Expert ethelbertoney@zissltd.com (08067764342 SMS only)

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

YOBE AMBASSADORS FOR CHANGE

Yobe should recall Senator Alkali Jajere

ur attention has been drawn to a media report attributed to Senator Alkali Jajere, representing Yobe Zone B Federal Constituency calling for the impeachment of President Goodluck Jonathan and describing the gesture extended to Yobe people by HAT Transformation Agenda for Grassroots Movement for Jonathan 2015 as deceptive. As a senator, he shouldn`t expect the senate to act, except in a decorous manner where by a committee should be set up by the Chief Justice of Nigeria to determine some of the allegations against the president. Because, the house alone cannot impeach him, and the senate too must agree before any impeachment must take place. Jajere should also know that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathans was not elected by a section of this country, he was elected by the Nigerian electorates. Therefore he cannot just wake up to say that the president should be impeached without mandate from the constituency he has neglected. The senator has done nothing to the people of his constituency and could not resist being jealous to the generous gesture extended to them by THAT Transformation Agenda for Grassroots Movement for Jonathan Jonathan 2015. Rather than being selﬁsh, it`s expected of Jajere to support the course of his own people to impeach governor Ibrahim Gaidam in order to stop the rot and the increasing uncertainty foisted on the state by the All Progressive

Congress (APC) in the last 16 years. Every sensible Yobean can attest to the fact that Gaidam is an absentee governor, he hardly spend two solid weeks in the state, he only sneak in to deal with salary matter months ending, make some personal approvals and return to Abuja where he relocated his family. In Yobe today, there are thousands of people displaced by the Boko haram insurgents yet the state government could not provide a single camp to support their plights. It was only by the intervention of Gombe, which is a PDP state that camp was provided in Nafada to accommodate the Internally Displace Persons IDPs from Yobe State.

will by the grace of God next year commence the challenging but necessary process of changing a more secure and more prosperous future for us all, imaging Yobe State government has adopted online executive council meeting as a result of insecurity in the state. As the saying goes, “If you cannot beat them, Joint them” we remain resolute in our determination to help our people and we will never discourage it, it is time for people of zone B to vote Alkali Jajere out in 2015 if he risk the chance of contesting against PDP this time around.

Governor Gaidam who always fails to differentiate between politics and administration by refusing to cooperate with the federal government as was done by his counter parts elsewhere, he is now advancing fake blames of not having federal projects as expected in the state. The senator is now blaming us for not folding arms to watch our people suffering in the hands of APC led maladministration. “We will not because the yearning of the overwhelming majority of Yobeans is what provided this alternative ﬂatform to change the course for the state” I want to assure Yobeans that our movement is programmed to create a new Yobe and Northeast of which we will all, without exception, be proud with our overwhelming support and there will be free expression of will, representative by our votes, the PDP

Alh. (Dr) Ado Adamu Bomboy North East Coordinator Hat Transformation Agenda for grassroots Movement For Jonathan 2015

Signed:

MODU GREMA YUNUSARI Chairman

YOBE AMBASSADORS FOR CHANGE

Business | Money Line

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Naira devaluation ‘cuts $40bn off Nigeria’s GDP’ ECONOMIC BLOW Falling oil prices deal bigger economic blow to Africa than Ebola

n dollar terms, the devaluation of the Nigeria’s currency, the naira knocked $40 billion off the value of the country’s economy - considerably more than the $32 billion worst-case scenario the World Bank projected in October for Ebola’s economic impact on the

entire sub-Saharan region. Plunging world oil prices according to Reuters News, have dealt a blow to Africa far greater - in purely economic terms - than Ebola, setting back investment in exploration and plans to industrialise. The highest profile victim so far has been Nigeria, which was forced to devalue its naira currency by 8 percent last Tuesday after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) admitted dwindling reserves were making it hard to defend it. Last week, the bank’s chief

CBN policies: Banks exposed to high forex risks, says Fitch DISPOSABLE INCOME Inflationary pressures from the devaluation could also affect consumer’s disposable income and banks’ retail loans Godson Ikoro

he Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) move last Tuesday to devalue the naira and raise interest rates will have only a limited impact on Nigerian banks at present, foremost rating agency Fitch has said. Measures would however, have high foreign exchange risks for lenders. Noting that Nigerian banks’ Viability Ratings, which reflect their intrinsic credit strength, are low (in the ‘b’ range) and incorporate the challenging and volatile operating environment in Nigeria, Fitch said the policy move is unlikely to change the ratings. The banking watchdog had devalued the mid-point of the naira’s official trading band from N155/USD to N168/USD and widened the band significantly. It also raised the benchmark interest rate to 13%, from 12%, the first change since October 2011, and the cash reserve requirement (CRR) on private sector deposits to 20% (from 15%). It however, left the CRR on public sector deposits remains unchanged at 75%. Fitch in its report, a copy of which was obtained by News Telegraph, noted: “Around 40% of Nigerian banks’ lending is in foreign currency, but they have small net long balance sheet positions to foreign exchange, so the impact of the weaker naira on banks’ credit risks, liquidity and solvency is likely to be manageable.” It noted that the CBN’s policies might lead to higher impaired loans, but higher funding costs will compress margins. “For some banks, higher rates will lead to mark-to-market losses on government securities held in available-for-sale

portfolios, although the impact on capital is likely be moderate. “We also expect cost of funding to rise because of further tightening in inter-bank liquidity owing to the higher Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR),” the agency said. Fitch noted that the recent surge in banks’ US dollar debt funding and lending leaves lenders more vulnerable to foreign exchange risks, especially if there is further devaluation. Nigerian banks have raised funding internationally over the last year helped by stronger investor appetite for Nigerian debt. The CBN cut banks’ foreigncurrency borrowing limits to 75% of shareholders’ funds and introduced a new 20% net open position cap on overall foreign currency assets and liabilities (the 1% net open position cap on the trading book remains unchanged) in late October. Fitch noted that all the banks it rated are below the new limits, but it believe only four have sufficient capacity to raise benchmark size amounts within the constraints, so issuance volumes are likely to fall. The new net open position cap according to Fitch, is also likely to curb the rise in US dollar lending, predominantly for the oil, gas and power sectors, where demand has been strong. Nigerian banks typically lend in foreign currency only to major corporates that have US dollar income. Nevertheless, according to Fitch, as corporates extend their forex borrowings, the devaluation could impact their debt servicing ability and raise asset quality risks for banks. Inflationary pressures from the devaluation could also affect consumer disposable income and banks’ retail loans. The forex limit could make it harder for banks to raise Tier 2 capital to meet regulatory requirements. Said Fitch: “We believe capital ratios may fall 200-300bp with Basel II implementation in 4Q14 and revised capital rules, close to or below 15% at some banks, which is low in Nigeria. The devaluation will also be a drag on capital ratios as risk-weighted assets of foreign-currency loans rise.

Reserves are at a relatively healthy $27 billion - enough to prevent a full-scale currency blow-out, analysts say - but if oil stays below $80 for some time, the kwanza will continue to weaken and the budget deficit will balloon. The result is likely to be sharply reduced spending, a big increase in foreign borrowing, either through Eurobonds or syndicated loans, and possibly even an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout, as happened after the 2008 financial crisis. “If there’s no support for oil prices, the budget deficit could be much larger than 7.6 percent and then you could see an IMF programme,” said Samantha Singh, an African currency strategist at Standard Bank in Johannesburg.

Africa economist said the latest assessments of the epidemic suggested the economic fallout might not be as bad as feared, and was likely to be closer to the $3-4 billion end of its projected range. The same cannot be said for crude-backed African currencies. Even after the Nigerian devaluation and a 100 basis point hike in interest rates, the naira came under more pressure, trading at a record low of 178.85 to the dollar. It opened flat yesterday around N177.0, a level that is already weaker than the de facto N176.40 lower limit of the CBN’s target band, revealing scepticism the currency can hold at that level. In Angola, the continent’s number two oil producer, the

kwanza has shed more than 3 percent since September, hitting record lows on an almost daily basis amid concerns about the state of government finances. A year ago, Luanda was projecting growth of 8.8 percent with a fiscal deficit of 5 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as it poured cash into reconstruction from a long civil war that ended in 2002. But its spending plans were all predicated on oil - which accounts for half of GDP and 90 percent of foreign exchange earnings - at $98 a barrel. The government is budgeting a more sober $81 for next year but even that might be overoptimistic after Brent crude hit a four-year low yesterday of $76 as ministers from oil-producing OPEC countries met in Vienna.

UBA wins five awards

nited Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc yesterday won five awards in London to become one of the highest single winning bank brands at this year’s awards. During the event, organised annually by The Banker magazine, UBA, according to a statement, was voted ‘Bank of the Year in Africa’ for 2014, trumping others to win the highly coveted award for pan-African bank brands. This is the second time in three years that UBA Plc has won the prestigious award; the first time was in 2012. Four country subsidiaries of UBA Group in Sierra Leone, Ga-

bon, Senegal and Cote D’Ivoire also won “Bank of the Year” for their respective countries. UBA Senegal won the award for the third consecutive year, having won in 2012 and 2013. Group Managing Director/CEO for UBA Plc, Phillips Oduoza, said : “Winning this award twice in three years is a recognition of our commitment to delivering excellence and our consistent achievement of that goal. We remain focused on the realization of our strategic intent of becoming “Africa’s Global Bank” and

continue to explore opportunities in markets and sectors across the continent that will enable us achieve this intent.” A publication of the Financial Times newspaper, The Banker is a global financial intelligence magazine that provides global bank ratings and analyses and is the definitive reference on international banking for high level decision makers globally. According to the magazine, the aim of the award ceremony “is to highlight industry wide excellence within the global banking community.”

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

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

Description

TTM

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

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

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

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

Price 90.35 99.40 104.40 109.65 114.45 76.90

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

Rate (%) 12.1827 12.2737 12.3744 12.8521 12.8535 13.8443

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

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

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

NITTY

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80 Offer 163.38

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

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

Business | Financial Market News

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

27-Nov-14

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

Bonds FGN Bonds

Price

Rating/Agency

Issuer

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

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

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

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

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,730.13

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,613.00

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

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

0.40 1.72 2.41 2.66 2.76 3.50 4.59 4.90 7.17 9.29 14.00 14.48 14.98 15.65 19.64

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

13.74 13.38 13.58 13.62 13.62 13.58 13.53 13.51 13.33 13.24 13.24 13.26 13.27 13.29 13.15

11.07 12.72 13.10 13.14 13.14 13.20 13.25 13.18 13.13 13.06 13.10 13.09 13.07 13.11 13.00

96.25 99.45 103.00 91.77 90.42 92.15 108.20 77.18 113.80 105.00 111.06 95.12 69.30 78.50 93.00

97.25 100.45 104.00 92.77 91.42 93.15 109.20 78.18 114.80 106.00 112.06 96.12 70.30 79.50 94.00

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

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

0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

24.56 3.00 112.22 116.70 66.49

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

0.49 1.23 2.03 2.40 2.61

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

16.30 15.24 15.51 14.60 14.62

92.58 102.39 100.33 97.60 94.67

Agency Bonds FMBN ***LCRM

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

322.97

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

315.24

Sub-National Bonds A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.76

4.44

17.64

96.43

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.60

3.23

16.72

98.64

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

6.27

30-Jun-16

0.88

4.46

17.44

97.16

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

7.37

30-Jun-16

0.89

3.48

16.46

99.47

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.39

5.59

19.19

82.96

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

29.92

30-Jun-17

1.44

1.00

14.15

99.64

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.09

1.79

15.39

96.64

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.27

1.80

15.37

97.69

A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

3.85

1.00

14.57

98.31

14.50

14.96

09-Dec-18

2.26

1.00

14.57

99.93 92.11

A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

A-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

11.13

12-Dec-18

2.27

4.78

18.35

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.65

1.00

14.62

99.81

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*GOMBE

15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019

02-Oct-12

15.50

16.23

02-Oct-19

2.90

1.00

14.61

102.17

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019

22-Nov-12

14.50

80.00

22-Nov-19

4.99

1.00

14.50

99.99

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

12-Dec-12

14.75

27.51

12-Dec-19

2.87

2.74

16.35

96.51

A/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

14.75

11.40

10-Oct-20

3.42

1.00

14.59

100.46

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

87.50

27-Nov-20

6.00

1.00

14.39

96.51

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

6.09

1.94

15.32

98.73

A/Agusto A-/GCR

*EKITI *NASARAWA

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

31-Dec-13

14.50

4.78

31-Dec-20

3.58

1.44

15.02

98.71

06-Jan-14

15.00

4.79

06-Jan-21

3.61

1.95

15.53

98.71

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

471.68 454.76

Corporate Bonds Aa/Agusto Nil

GTB NGC

13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014

18-Dec-09

13.50

13.17

18-Dec-14

0.06

5.21

19.21

99.61

17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014

01-Apr-10

17.00

2.00

31-Dec-14

0.09

8.71

22.69

99.34 96.41

Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto

*UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

17-Aug-10

10.00

3.61

17-Aug-15

0.48

4.88

18.56

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

12.00

13.62

09-Dec-15

0.55

1.00

14.57

98.38

BB+/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.60

06-Jan-16

0.63

2.63

16.06

99.05

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

1.84

1.00

14.40

97.75

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

1.91

1.34

14.79

99.10

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

2.84

1.00

14.61

96.31

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.73

30-Nov-17

1.66

1.88

15.18

105.13

Nil

*C & I LEASING *DANA#{r}

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

6.30

09-Apr-18

1.87

3.48

16.90

98.90

A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.90

09-Sep-18

2.03

5.20

18.71

99.23

AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.80

09-Sep-18

2.03

5.06

18.57

101.85

A/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

3.82

1.35

14.92

97.33

Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.40

18-Oct-18

2.14

2.29

15.82

100.08

BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

17.00

0.41

17-Feb-19

2.22

6.11

19.67

95.73

Nil

*DANA#{r}

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

3.09

2.16

15.76

100.62

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

5.97

2.76

16.15

96.61

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

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

30-Sep-14

11.93

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.84

1.00

14.13

88.41

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

13.25

15.44

30-Sep-24

9.84

1.00

14.13

95.33

A/GCR BBB-/GCR

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

144.16

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

140.85

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

3.21

1.00

14.60

89.01

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

AfDB

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

4.43

1.00

14.55

89.93

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

24.95 22.33

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value ($mm)

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

5.20

5.03

108.07

109.01

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.35

4.11

102.56

103.38

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.50

5.37

105.94

106.84

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,582.86

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

AFREN PLC I

11.50 FEB 01, 2016

01-Feb-11

11.50

450.00

01-Feb-16

8.44

103.30

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

4.81

103.75

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

7.46

99.48

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

9.58

8.94

92.23

94.00

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

6.43

6.04

98.53

99.85

B/Fitch

AFREN PLC II

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

9.67

102.00

102.00 99.00

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

6.51

99.00

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

9.58

9.24

97.02

98.22

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

8.10

99.75

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

10.70

82.25

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

24-Jun-14

9.25

400.00

24-Jun-21

9.78

9.54

97.63

98.75

8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021

23-Jul-14

8.00

450.00

23-Jul-21

8.81

95.00

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

8.52

8.30

100.11

101.20

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

AFREN PLC III

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC II

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK LTD

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,760.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,661.23

**Treasury Bills DTM 7 14 28 35 42 49 56 63

Money Market

FIXINGS Maturity 4-Dec-14 11-Dec-14 25-Dec-14 1-Jan-15 8-Jan-15 15-Jan-15 22-Jan-15 29-Jan-15

Bid Discount (%) 13.10 13.60 13.45 13.43 13.00 13.30 13.20 13.15

Offer Discount (%) 12.70 13.20 13.05 13.03 12.60 12.90 12.80 12.75

Bid Yield (%) 13.13 13.67 13.59 13.61 13.20 13.54 13.47 13.46

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 17.4583 14.5520 14.8578 15.5675

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

16.00

O/N

16.33

Tenor Call 1M

REPO

Rate (%) 16.50 15.18

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

174.90 171.47 171.74 172.38 173.59 174.80

175.00 171.71 172.06 173.01 174.73 176.47

Rating/Agency

Description

Issuer

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

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

0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

Maturity Date

(N'bn)

(Yrs)

Premium (%)

(%)

Price

0.49 1.23 2.03 2.40 2.61

2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

16.30 15.24 15.51 14.60 14.62

92.58 102.39 100.33 97.60 94.67

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

FMBN ***LCRM

24.56 3.00 112.22 116.70 66.49

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

322.97

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

315.24

Business | Financial Market News 46 Sub-National Bonds

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

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.76

4.44

17.64

96.43

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.60

3.23

16.72

98.64

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

6.27

30-Jun-16

0.88

4.46

17.44

97.16

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

7.37

30-Jun-16

0.89

3.48

16.46

99.47

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.39

5.59

19.19

82.96

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

29.92

30-Jun-17

1.44

1.00

14.15

99.64

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.09

1.79

15.39

96.64

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.27

1.80

15.37

97.69

A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

3.85

1.00

14.57

98.31

A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

09-Dec-11

14.50

14.96

09-Dec-18

2.26

1.00

14.57

99.93

A-/Agusto

*NIGER

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*GOMBE

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

1.91

1.34

14.79

99.10

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

2.84

1.00

14.61

96.31

18.00

0.73

30-Nov-17

1.66

1.88

15.18

105.13

16.00

6.30

09-Apr-18

1.87

3.48

16.90

98.90

18.00

2.90

09-Sep-18

2.03

5.20

18.71

99.23

16.00

0.80

09-Sep-18

2.03

5.06

18.57

101.85

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

3.82

1.35

14.92

97.33

15.75

2.40

18-Oct-18

2.14

2.29

15.82

100.08

17.00

0.41

17-Feb-19

2.22

6.11

19.67

95.73

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

3.09

2.16

15.76

100.62

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

5.97

2.76

16.15

96.61

11.93

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.84

1.00

14.13

88.41

14-Aug-21

8.52

8.30

100.11

101.20

Stock market extends gaining streak 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

CONFIDENCE

The Nigerian bourse’s LAGOS A/Agusto; A-/GCR *OSUN market capitalisation A/Agusto *OSUN Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR LAGOS rises by N40bn A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro KOGI

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

A/Agusto A-/GCR

*EKITI *NASARAWA

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Stories by Chris Ugwu TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

bulls Corporatehe Bonds

maintained their grip GTB on the marNGC Nil ket yesterday, as barBbb-/Agusto *UPDC gain hunters jostled A-/Agusto *FLOURMILLS for shares on the back of blue BB+/GCR *CHELLARAMS A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCOthe jinx chip companies after Aa/Agusto

of market depression 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 was bro14-FEB-2019 ken 15.50 lastONDO Tuesday . 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 The key market perfor14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 mance the NSE All 14.75 measures, OSUN 12-DEC-2019 14.75Index OSUN II 10-OCT-2020 Share and market capi13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 talisation, rose by 0.35 per cent, 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 as market sentiments 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 extended 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 gaining streak following investors’ awaken optimism. Consequently, the All-Share Index gained 122.19 basis 13.50or GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014 points 0.35 per cent to close 17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014 at 34,705.48, as against 34,583.29 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 recorded the previous day, 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 while market capitalisa14.00the CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 29-SEP-2016 tion13.00 of NAHCO equities appreciated 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

by N4012-Dec-13 billion or 0.3514.00 per cent 15.50 to close14-Feb-12 at N11.457 trillion from 02-Oct-12 15.50 N11.41722-Nov-12 trillion, as market sen14.50 timent12-Dec-12 remained green. 14.75 10-Oct-13 14.75 Meanwhile, a turnover of 27-Nov-13 13.50 486.5 million shares worth 31-Dec-13 15.00 N4.6 billion 31-Dec-13in 5,002 deals 14.50 was 06-Jan-14 recorded in the day’s 15.00 trading. The banking sub-sector of the financial services sector was the most active during 18-Dec-09by turnover 13.50 (measured vol01-Apr-10 17.00 ume); with 237.4 million shares 17-Aug-10 10.00 worth 09-Dec-10 N2.3 billion exchanged 12.00 by investors in 1,958 deals. 06-Jan-11 14.00 29-Sep-11 13.00 Volume in the sub-sector

A-/Agusto

FSDH

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

BBB-/GCR

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

Nil

*C & I LEASING *DANA#{r}

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

Honeywell reports 8% growth in H1 net earnings *TOWER

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

A/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

22-Sep-11

Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR

*DANA oneywell Flour Mills Plc NAHCO has posted eight per cent A/GCR STANBIC IBTC increase in profit STANBIC after IBTC tax for A/GCR the half year ended September TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 30, 2014. TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION The company in a filing with Supranational Bond the Nigerian Stock Exchange AAA/S&P IFC (NSE) posted a profit after tax Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P AfDB of N1.095 billion for the TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE second quarter of the year as against TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION N1, 005 billion, indicating a growth of eight per cent. Issuer Rating/Agency Pre -tax profit grew by 3.2 FGN Eurobonds per cent from N1.324 billion BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P during the comparable period of 2013 to N1.369 billion in 2014, BB-/Fitch; FGN BB-/S&P but revenue dropped to N26.871 BB-/Fitch; billion BB-/S&P or 3.6 per cent compared with billion in 2013. TOTALN27.858 OUTSTANDING VALUE Addressing shareholders at TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION the company’s annual general Corporate Eurobonds meeting (AGM) recently in LaB/Fitch; B-/S&P AFREN PLC I gos, Chairman of the company, B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC I Dr. Oba Otudeko, said that acB+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC quisition of over 60FIDELITY hectares of B/Fitch; B/S&P BANK PLC land within the Flowergate B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC InB/Fitch AFREN PLC II dustrial Scheme in Shagamu, B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITH BANK PLC Ogun State for strategic develB/Fitch; B/S&P DIAMOND BANK PLC opment marked a milestone in B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK PLC the history of the AFREN company . B-/Fitch; B/S&P PLC III “From locaB-/Fitch; B/S&P the Greenfield ACCESS BANK PLC II B-/Fitch; we B/S&Pshall develop FIRST BANK LTD tion, growth #{r}

Nil

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

B-/S&P

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 opportunities, which meet the 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 yearning and demand of con182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024 sumers, within and outside Ni13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024 geria, for Honeywell brand of food and agro allied products. The complex is an integrated facility to house all of the group’s 10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 food factories such that eco11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021 nomic of scale can be achieved to drive down overall operating costs leading to the production of more affordable food products. Description “The site is planned to accommodate about 15 to 20 factories on 6.75 JAN 2021 while about 80 per cent of 28, land, various support infrastructure 5.13 JUL 12, 2018 will be situated across the reJUL 12,The 2023 site is maining 20 per6.38cent. strategically located along the route to the Northern and Eastern parts of the country, making it easier for nationwide distribu11.50 FEB 01, 2016 tion of our products,” he said. 7.50 MAY 19, 2016 Otudeko noted that the com7.25 JUL 25, 2017 plex would promote the agro-al6.88 MAY 09, 2018 lied industrialisation 6.00 NOV 08,of 2018analgeAPR 08, 2019 sia by aligning10.25 with the Federal 6.25 APR 22, 2019 transGovernment’s agricultural 8.75 May 21, 2019 formation agenda to create thou8.25 AUG 07, 2020 sands of farm and non-farm jobs 6.63 DEC 09, 2020 and facilitate theLIBOR+7.677 achievement of 9.25/6M USD JUN 24, 2021 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL .23 2021 food security in the country 8.75 AUG 14, 2021

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

17-Feb-12 01-Apr-14 14-Nov-13

30-Sep-14

ome financial ana13.25 15.44 lysts have identified 144.16 potential synergies 140.85 that might arise from the proposed merger be10.20 12.00 tween Nigerian Brewer11.25 12.95 ies (NB) Plc and Consoli24.95 dated Breweries (CB). 22.33 They listed the highOutstanding Value er Coupon bargaining power (%) ($mm) from joint procurement, economies of scale and 6.75 500.00 the enhanced distribution capabilities of both 5.13 500.00 companies as some of 6.38 500.00the the attributes of merger. 1,500.00 The analysts1,582.86 at the FBN Capital while reacting to the implication 11.50 450.00 of the proposed merger, 7.50 500.00 noted that the deal would 7.25 350.00 give NB more exposure 6.88 300.00 to the faster growing 6.00 400.00 300.00 advalue10.25 segment and 6.25 headroom 500.00and ditional spare8.75 capacity for200.00 poten8.25 300.00 tial growth. 6.63 360.00 According to NB’s man9.25 400.00 8.00 450.00 agement, its absorption

30-Sep-14

11-Feb-13 10-Jul-14

Issue Date

07-Oct-11 12-Jul-13 12-Jul-13

01-Feb-11 19-May-11 25-Jul-12 09-May-13 08-Nov-13 08-Apr-12 22-Apr-14 21-May-14 07-Aug-13 09-Dec-13 24-Jun-14 23-Jul-14 14-Aug-14

8.75

of 30-Sep-24 CB would be9.84 consum- 1.00implies14.13 a trailing P/E 95.33 mated by the issuance of multiple (2013) of around four new NB shares for 48x. every five shares held by This multiple apCB11-Feb-18 shareholders3.21 or a cash 1.00pears quite rich 89.01 when 14.60 consideration of4.43 N120 per 1.00compared with the89.93 30.2x 01-Feb-21 14.55 CB share. 2013 P/E multiple and “NB shares were 24.2x 2014 (end-June) priced at N150 per share P/E multiples for NB and Guinness Nigeria based on itsBid 60-day Maturity Date Yield (%) volOffer Yield (%) Bid Price Offer Price ume weighted average respectively. & Yields closing prices to May Prices“Although manage108.07 not provide 109.01 8, 28-Jan-21 2014. Given 5.20 that CB 5.03ment did has about 496.14.35million 4.11any forward looking 12-Jul-18 102.56 103.38 shares outstanding, the statements or the value 12-Jul-23 5.50 105.94 106.84 proposal implies that 5.37of anticipated synergies NB will have to issue an from the deal, based on additional 396.9 million our analysis of the prishares valued at N59.5 or year (2013) numbers, billion ($336.1 million) the transaction implies 01-Feb-16 8.44 8.44 103.30 assuming all shareholda slight103.30 dilution risk of 19-May-16 4.81 4.81 103.75 103.75 ers take up the shares. about two per cent for NB 25-Jul-17 7.46 7.46 99.48 99.48 The N120 price per 8.94(if no synergies are ex02-May-18 9.58 92.23 94.00 share at which CB shares tracted). In other words, 08-Nov-18 6.43 6.04 98.53 99.85 08-Apr-19 9.67 102.00 were priced implies a 9.67NB must be able102.00 to ex22-Apr-19 6.51 99.00 99.00 premium of around 54 6.51tract synergies worth 21-May-19 per cent over 9.58 the N78, 9.24at least 97.02 N0.12 per98.22 share 07-Aug-20 8.10 8.10 99.75 99.75 which the shares last or N894m from the com09-Dec-20 10.70 10.70 82.25 82.25 experts traded mar- 9.54bined entity,” 24-Jun-21on the OTC 9.78 97.63 98.75 at 95.00 said. 95.00 ket23-Jul-21 on May 8, 8.81 2014 and 8.81FBN Capital

250.00

4,760.00

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4.78 while 18.35 share, Presco Oil92.11 Nige14.62 ria 1.00 Plc followed with a99.81 gain 1.00 14.61 102.17 of 1.00 10.22 per 14.50 cent to close at 99.99 N28.80. May and Nige2.74 16.35 Baker96.51 1.00 14.59 rian Plc added 9.52 per 100.46 cent to 1.00 14.39 96.51 close at N1.61 per share. 1.94 15.32 98.73 On the other hand, Evans 1.44 15.02 98.71 1.95 15.53 Medical Nigeria Plc, 98.71 Wema Bank Plc and Seplat Petroleum led the price losers’ table, dropping five per cent each to close 5.21 19.21 99.61 per at N2.09, 95 kobo and N418.01 8.71 22.69 share respectively , while99.34 Com4.88 18.56 96.41 puter Warehouse Nigeria Plc 1.00 14.57 98.38 followed with16.06 a loss of 4.82 2.63 99.05 per cent1.00to close at14.40 N4.82 per97.75 share.

NB/CB merger: Analysts list potential synergies

30-Nov-12

AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR

11.13largely driven 12-Dec-18by activities 2.27 was 2.65 in27.00 the shares14-Feb-19 of Zenith Bank 16.23 02-Oct-19 2.90 Plc and Sterling Bank Plc. 80.00 22-Nov-19 4.99 Also, insurance 27.51 12-Dec-19 sub-sector 2.87 10-Oct-20 3.42 of11.40 the financial services sec87.50 27-Nov-20 6.00 tor, boosted by activity in the 5.00 31-Dec-20 6.09 shares of AIICO Insurance 4.78 31-Dec-20 3.58 4.79followed 06-Jan-21 3.61 Plc with a turnover 471.68 of 95.09 million shares valued 454.76 at N83.7 billion in 160 deals. The number of gainers at the 13.17 of trading 18-Dec-14 close session was0.06 36, 2.00 31-Dec-14 while decliners closed at 18.0.09 3.61 17-Aug-15 0.48 Flour Mills Nigeria Plc0.55 led 13.62 09-Dec-15 the gainers’ table with 10.23 0.60 06-Jan-16 0.63 15.00cent to close 29-Sep-16 per at N50.43 1.84 per

27-Nov-14

4,661.23

Money Market **Treasury FIXINGS The FMDQBills Daily Quotations List (DQL) comprises market and model prices/rates of foreign exchange ($/N) products, fixed income securities and instruments in the OTC market.Foreign The use of this report subject to Exchange (Spot &isForwards) Maturity Bid Discount on (%) www.fmdqotc.com. Offer Discount (%) Bid Yield (%) Tenor Rate (%) the FMDQDTM OTC PLC Terms of Use and Disclaimer Statement NIBOR

FGN

7 14 28 Bonds35 42 49 Rating/Agency 56 63 70 77 84 91 98 105 119 126 133 NA 140 147 154 161 168 252 280

4-Dec-14 11-Dec-14 25-Dec-14 1-Jan-15 8-Jan-15 15-Jan-15 Issuer 22-Jan-15 29-Jan-15 5-Feb-15 12-Feb-15 19-Feb-15 26-Feb-15 5-Mar-15 12-Mar-15 26-Mar-15 2-Apr-15 9-Apr-15 NA 16-Apr-15 23-Apr-15 30-Apr-15 7-May-15 14-May-15 6-Aug-15 3-Sep-15

13.10 13.60 13.45 13.43 13.00 13.30 Description 13.20 13.15 12.70 4.00 23-APR-2015 12.96 13.05 16-AUG-2016 12.92 15.10 27-APR-2017 13.20 9.85 27-JUL-2017 12.40 9.35 31-AUG-2017 13.30 10.70 30-MAY-2018 13.20 13.30 16.00 29-JUN-2019 12.90 7.00 23-OCT-2019 13.10 16.39 27-JAN-2022 13.30 14.20 14-MAR-2024 13.30 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.15 12.49 22-MAY-2029 12.95 12.40 8.50 20-NOV-2029 11.65 10.00 23-JUL-2030

12.1493 18-JUL-2034

12.70 13.20 13.05 13.03 12.60 12.90 Issue Date 12.80 12.75 12.30 23-Apr-10 12.56 16-Aug-13 12.52 27-Apr-12 12.80 27-Jul-07 12.00 31-Aug-07 12.90 30-May-08 12.80 12.90 29-Jun-12 12.50 23-Oct-09 12.70 27-Jan-12 12.90 14-Mar-14 12.90 28-Nov-08 11.75 22-May-09 12.55 12.00 20-Nov-09 11.25 23-Jul-10

18-Jul-14

13.13 13.67 13.59 13.61 13.20 13.54 Coupon 13.47 (%) 13.46 13.02 4.00 13.32 13.05 13.32 15.10 13.65 9.85 12.83 9.35 13.83 10.70 13.79 13.94 16.00 13.54 7.00 13.79 16.39 14.05 14.20 14.09 15.00 12.84 12.49 13.77 13.56 8.50 12.79 10.00

Bonds

12.1493

*for the Amortising bonds, theVALUE average life is calculated and not the duration TOTAL OUTSTANDING Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION **Exclusive of non-trading t.bills

Issuer

(N'bn)

Value

Rate (%) 17.4583 14.5520 14.8578 15.5675

16.00

O/N

16.33

Tenor

Maturity Date

535.00 23-Apr-15 NITTY 573.89 16-Aug-16 Tenor Rate (%) 452.80 27-Apr-17 1M 11.7905 20.00 27-Jul-17 2M 13.2967 100.00 31-Aug-17 3M 13.3703 300.00 30-May-18 6M 13.5579 9M 13.7150 351.30 29-Jun-19 13.8709 12M 233.90 23-Oct-19 600.00 27-Jan-22 396.68 14-Mar-24 NIFEX 75.00 28-Nov-28 150.00 22-May-29 Current Price ($/N) BID($/N) 200.00 176.9375 20-Nov-29 OFFER ($/N) 177.0375 591.57 23-Jul-30 150.00 18-Jul-34

OBB

REPO

TTM (Yrs) Call 1M 3M 0.40 6M 1.72

2.41 13.58 13.10 2.66 13.62 13.14 2.76 13.62 13.14 :Benchmarks 3.50 Bond 13.58 13.20 * :Amortising µ :Convertible 4.59 Bond 13.53 13.25 AMCON: Asset of Nigeria 4.90 Management Corporation 13.51 13.18 FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria 7.17 13.33 13.13 FMBN: Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria 9.29 13.24 13.06 IFC: International Finance Corporation 14.00Contractors Receivables 13.24 13.10 LCRM: Local Management 14.48 Aviation Handling 13.26 Company 13.09 NAHCO: Nigerian O/N: Overnight 14.98 13.27 13.07 UPDC: UAC Property Development 15.65 13.29 Company 13.11 WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement Company 19.64 13.15 13.00 NOTE:

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

% 24-May-15 Exposure_ Mod_Duration 03-Apr-17

Implied Yield

FMDQ FGN BOND INDEX

<3 ***LCRM 3<5

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

>5 Market

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

15.18 16.10 13.74 17.11 13.38

Spot 7D 14D 1MYield Offer 2M (%) 3M 6M 11.07 1Y 12.72

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

174.90 175.00 171.47 Price 171.71 171.74 172.06 172.38 173.01 Bid Price Offer Price 173.59 174.73 174.80 176.47 178.64 182.15 96.25 97.25 186.43 194.63 99.45 100.45

103.00 104.00 91.77 92.77 91.42 NA :Not90.42 Applicable 92.15Rate Bond 93.15 # :Floating ***: Deferred 108.20coupon bonds 109.20 77.18 78.18 †: Bond rating expired 113.80 114.80 N/A :Not Available 105.00 106.00 {r} :Issuer in receivership 111.06 112.06 95.12 96.12 NGC: Nigeria-German Company UBA: United 69.30 Bank for Africa 70.30 78.50 79.50 93.00 94.00

4,613.00

Agency Bonds FMBN Buckets Modified Duration

Rate (%)

Bid16.50 Yield (%)

Tenor

4,730.13

Rating/Agency

Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M Outstanding

0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 Total Outstanding Volume(Bn) 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 1,037.11 1,026.68 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 1,062.91 951.30 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

Porfolio Market Value(Bn)

1,020.40

1,138.25

3,120.41

3,116.23

24-May-10 Weighting by Outstanding 03-Apr-12Vol

09-Dec-11 20-Apr-1232.95 06-Jul-1230.53 36.53

100.00

0.00by Mkt Weighting Value 17.25

0.00/16.00 33.24 0.00/16.50 34.06 0.00/16.50 32.70

100.00

24.56 3.00 112.22 116.70 0.33 66.49 0.31 0.37

Bucket Weighting

322.97 315.24

1.00

Risk Premium (%)

09-Dec-16 14.22 20-Apr-17 29.58 06-Jul-17

0.49 1.23 2.03 13.49 2.40 13.39 2.61 13.25

2.00 118.0690 1.00 131.5006 1.00 100.9855

100.00

13.33

115.9293

56.20

2.63 Implied Portfolio 2.27Price

Valuation Yield (%)

16.30 15.24 15.51 1,121.41 14.60 1,113.50 14.62

INDEX

1,180.70

Indicative Price

YTD 92.58 Return (%) 102.39

100.33 12.1415 97.60 11.3497 94.67 18.0698

1,107.02

10.7023

Sub-National Bonds A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.76

4.44

17.64

96.43

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.60

3.23

16.72

98.64

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

6.27

30-Jun-16

0.88

4.46

17.44

97.16

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

7.37

30-Jun-16

0.89

3.48

16.46

99.47

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.39

5.59

19.19

82.96

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

29.92

30-Jun-17

1.44

1.00

14.15

99.64

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.09

1.79

15.39

96.64

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

News 47

SOUTH-EAST

Okorocha destroys Ohakim’s trees Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

esidents of Owerri, the Imo State capital have expressed displeasure over the recent destruction of trees planted in major parts of the city for purpose of beautification with millions of public funds by the administration of Governor Ikedi Ohakim, being destroyed by the Gover-

nor Rochas Okorocha’s administration. The trees popularly referred as masquerade trees were planted along the Okigwe Road stretch of the state capital through Ugwu Orji to the Glass House area of Orji, in Owerri North. The trees planted on the road median along the entire Okigwe Road, were within the last two weeks, all rooted out with a heavy duty earth-

moving equipment. Speaking on what he termed as waste of public funds, President, Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), in the State, Uche Wisdom Durueke, said the action of the state government amounted to monumental destruction, saying that it was only ironic that the government which could overlook the non-functional street lights begging its attention for repair, embarked on the destruction of orna-

22.8%

The percentage of the population of men The percentage of households with a comabove 60 years in Chad Republic in 2012. puter in Arab States in 2008. Source: Un.org Source: Itu.int

mental trees planted with millions of public funds. He said the luxuriant trees were neither constituting traffic problem nor posed any environmental risk to warrant their destruction, without any plan for their replacement. He regretted that the action of the state government may convey the impression that they were more interested in erasing what was done by previous administration than adding

The number of Ebola virus cases that occurred in Uganda in 2011. Source: Who.int

value to the environment. “We all remember that when Ohakim initiated his Clean and Green programme, which involved planting of trees, grasses and beautification of the environment, there were reservations but now the trees have grown and have added immense aesthetic value to the environment. Arbitrarily destroying them would amount to insensitivity to the environment”, Durueke said.

N504.1m

The total capital importation value of the Production/Manufacturing sector in 2008. Source: National Bureau of Statistics

Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs.Ebelechukwu Obiano (middle); wife of the traditional ruler of Awka, Lolo Nora Nwosu (left); President, ADU Women Wing, Oge Ekweozo and delegation from ADU Women wing, during a courtesy visit to the governor’s wife in Awka…yesterday

Eze’s group backs Ugwuanyi Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

ne of Enugu State’s gubernatorial aspirants on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ayogu Eze, has appealed to all the governorship aspirants in the party to throw their weight behind Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who he said has been endorsed as the consensus candidate of the party in next year’s general elections in the State. It was revealed that members of a group drawn from 23 villages/ communities that make up the Igbo-Eze North State Constituency II where Eze, hails from are pushing for the choice of Ugwuanyi, as one of the most popular decisions ever taken by the incumbent governor and PDP leaders over the choice of a successor for Sullivan Chime. In a statement issued

yesterday in Enugu, the group, known as Umuozzi Progressive Union (UPU), also commended Chime and leaders of the PDP in the state for taking bold steps towards actualizing the zoning of the governorship slot of the state to Enugu North senatorial zone(Nsukka) by supporting all the processes that produced Ugwuanyi. The statement signed by Aloysius Onyeke, Chairman of the group, reads in parts, “We want to use this medium to appeal to other governorship aspirants to join hands with Rt. Hon. Ugwuanyi to continue to build on the solid foundation already laid by Governor Chime’s PDP administration and to ensure total success of the PDP in the 2015 general election in Enugu State”. Members of the group are full of praises for Governor Chime for his magnanimity in giving the people of Enugu North Senatorial District

(Nsukka) the opportunity to produce the next governor of Enugu State in 2015 as he earlier promised. “We are also particularly grateful to the entire stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in Enugu North Senatorial District (Nsukka) in particular and the Enugu State PDP family in general, for having chosen our amiable, God-fearing son, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (GBURUGBURU), as the consensus governorship candidate for the general election of 2015. “We wish to reaffirm our unflinching support for the administration of His Excellency, Governor Chime and show our firm solidarity with the PDP consensus candidate, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who is generally accepted as a visionary leader, an outstanding role model and humane leader who has endeared himself to the people’s heart in the past decade.

Ebonyi elders support Chukwu Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

s crisis continues to rock the Ebonyi state chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Committee of Elders and Major Stakeholders of the party in the state has called on the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Muazu to suspend all primary elections in the state pending resolutions of the crisis. Leader of the Forum, Senator Anyim Ude who briefed journalists in Abuja yesterday also said that the results of the ward congress held in the state on November 1 submitted by the Dr. Musa Babayo led panel to the National Secretariat of the party was concorted and falsified. This was as he also maintained that the former Minister of Health Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu remains the preferred gubernatorial candidate of peoplr of Ebonyi state. Senator Ude who insisted that the results submitted by Dr. Babayo l were different from what transpired during the ward congress said that the Forum wants the falsified result to be rejected. He argued that the authentic ward congress results which according to him emanated from the 171 electoral wards in the state should be accepted.

UPP denies merger with APC Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

he United Progressives Party (UPP), has described as ‘wicked lie’, the insinuation and speculations in some quarters, as well as in some online news platforms that the party is negotiating a merger deal with the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking to newsmen in Owerri, the Imo State capital, the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Chidi Emeagi, stated that

UPP has no plans whatsoever to negotiate or merge with any party particularly, with the APC, which he described as an entity that has no presence in the South-East. “At no time did the National Chairman of the party, Chief Chekwas Okorie and Alhaji Lai Mohammed engaged in any such discussion as being insinuated by some mischief makers.” Continuing, Emeagi said, “What happened was that there was an Igbo cul-

tural event held in Lagos last weekend in which late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was honoured. Prominent Igbo leaders including our national chairman were in attendance. After the event, the organizers arranged a courtesy call to the Governor of Lagos state as the Chief Security officer of the state and it was not out of place to show courtesy to the governor. Exchanging pleasantries in the process with the Governor or his aides, cannot in any way translate to discussing a merger deal.”

Wogu: I’ll transform Abia Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

ormer Minister of Labour and Productivity and a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Abia State, Chief Emeka Wogu, has said that he would replicate the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan’s government which he served for four years, if

he was elected the state governor in 2015. Wogu, revealed this as he unfolded his blueprint for the state, at a town hall meeting with Abia North stakeholders of the party at Amaekpu Ohafia. He said the future of the country lay in the diversification of the economy which Abia State also needs. The former Minister, said he would anchor the

transformation of the state on three points agenda, including infrastructure, housing and power. According to Wogu, he would create a robust road network on which the transport system would run, adding that his administration would construct inter local government roads that would make transportation to every part of the state easy.

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south — south

friday, november 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Police, protesters clash over APC’s rejection of Abe division

The honeymoon is over. Amaechi is running into trouble with his staunch supporters

en of the Rivers State police command yesterday clashed with hundreds of Ogoni protesters, who stormed the Government House, Port Harcourt, to denounce the choice of Hon. Dakuku Peterside, as the choice of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2015 governorship election. The protesters, whose attempt to storm Government House was thwarted by the police, who shot into the air to disperse the crowd, accused Governor Rotimi Amaechi of betraying the Ogoni by not picking Senator Magnus Abe as APC’s consensus candidate. Abe, who represents Rivers South East and is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream, is an Ogoni, who until the APC picked Peterside, was a frontline contender to the gover-

norship ticket. Sources said some protesters blocked the Eleme-Akpajo axis of the East-West Road and also demonstrated in Tai Local Government area. Most of the protesters, who attempted to invade Government House, arrived in commercial buses at Mile 1 Bus Stop, while others were dropped in front of Government House. They chanted war songs, made bonfire and damaged some cars at the park. The police released

l Senator disown protesters

some shots into the air and fired tear gas canisters, to disperse the protesters, whose number kept increasing as more commercial buses arrived with protesters. One of the protesters was said to have been shot by the police and was rushed to the hospital for treatment. There were also rumours that two of the protesters died during the protest, but the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmad Moham-

med, said there was nothing of sort. “God forbid that anybody will die over the incident that happened today. Nothing like that happened,” he told New Telegraph through telephone, when asked to confirm if there was any death recorded. Commenting on the protest, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Legborsi Esaen, lamented that

“Governor Amaechi has thoroughly betrayed the Ogoni. He has shown how much he loves the Ogoni.” He declared: “We have resolved to support any party that presents an Ogoni as its governorship candidate. We are no longer prepared to play second fiddle in the politics of Rivers State. It’s either the governorship seat or nothing.” Essen lamented: “We were informed that some Ogoni youths were staging a peaceful protest in front of Government House and one of them

Uduaghan warns against politicising pension matters Dominic Adewole ASABA

CJ seeks law reforms Clement James Calabar

Rivers APC consensus governorship aspirant, Mr Dakuku Peterside (middle) and his supporters arriving at the party's secretariat to pick his nomination form in Port Harcourt…yesterday

Ogienwonyi dumps PDP, joins APC

two-day workshop on uniformity in sentencing guidelines for various offenses has opened in Calabar, the Cross River State capital. The workshop was organised by the Nigerian Law Reforms Commission (NLRC) in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC). Declaring the workshop open yesterday, Cross River State Chief Justice, Justice Okoi IkpiItam, said the workshop was organised to address sentencing guidelines among judges in the country. Represented by Justice Michael Edem, IkpiItam said the issue of sentencing offenders of various crimes has been approached differently by different judges, urging participants to find suitable guidelines that will assist judges in the discharge of their duties. Also speaking, NLRC Chairman, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, said the workshop was organised to aid courts in their exercise of discretionary powers.

was shot. We are still trying to locate where he is and how serious his condition is.” Meanwhile, the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that Amaech has never been favourably disposed towards the Ogoni people. In a statement issued by the party’s Chairman, Felix Obuah and signed by his Media Adviser, Jerry Needam, the party alleged that Amaechi only used the UNEP report to incite the Ogonis against President Goodluck Jonathan and the Federal Government to his personal advantage. Meanwhile, Abe has distanced himself from the protest embarked upon by hundreds of Ogoni youths, who protested in front of Government House, Port Harcourt.

Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

he National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie Oyegun, former Head of State, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari and other eminent party leaders will gather today in Benin, Edo State, to receive former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and ex-Minister of State for Works, Mr.

Chris Ogiemwonyi and his supporters into the fold of the APC. Ogiemwonyi, who hails from Edo South senatorial district, is among the governorship hopefuls for the 2016 race in the state. He will be received by the national and state leaders and members of the APC at Urhokpota, Benin City. Ogiemwonyi told newsmen in Benin that he was no longer comfortable with the leadership

Tension in C’River over consensus candidate Clement James Calabar

here is palpable tension in Ikom and Boki communities in the central senatorial district of Cross River State over alleged move to impose a consensus candidate for the House of Representatives election next year. Investigations by New

Telegraph revealed that the PDP hierarchy had concluded arrangements to come up with a consensus candidate for Ikom/ Boki federal constituency. This arrangement, it was gathered, has made some party stalwarts behind the plot to discreetly order other House of Representatives’ aspirants to step down for their preferred choice.

of the PDP in the state. He said the performance of the APC government of Governor Adams Oshiomhole and that of the Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, has convinced him that the APC remains truly a progressive party. He said: “The people like to do comparative analysis, PDP was in Edo for 10 years and APC is here now for six years, the boy in University of Benin or Ekpoma will compare when PDP was here

and what they are seeing today. We are no fools, nobody can come here and talk about using federal might to rig, the people of Edo will decide.” According to him, “You are not coming to force anything down our throat, time has passed when one man will decide who becomes who in Edo State, Edo people are not fools. We are all giving support to Oshiomhole because of what he is doing in the state; our people can see the difference."

'I was not bribed to withdraw from race' Tony Anichebe Uyo

mid speculation that A Akwa Ibom State former Attorney-General and

Commissioner for Justice, Chief Ekpenyong Ntekim, was bribed to withdraw from the governorship race in the 2015 elections, the former commissioner yesterday denied receiving money from anyone before withdrawing from the race. He said it is an insult for

anyone to link him with the rumored N200 million as the price he received to mortgage his governorship ambition. The lawyer added that his ambition and that of the Oron Nation cannot be traded for any amount of money. Ntekim, who spoke with New Telegraph, however, acknowledged that he had actually visited Governor Godswill Akpabio last Monday at the governor’s instance.

elta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, yesterday warned against politicising the issue of pension in the state. The governor spoke while condemning the protest embarked upon by pensioners under the auspices of ‘Contributory Retirees of Delta State,’ describing their action as ‘mischievous and unfair.’ He said: “Every month, N1.2 billion is given for pension alone; I am not talking of workers’ salaries. I am talking of what we put in for pension. That is the monthly wage bill of many states in this country.” The governor said it was uncharitable for the group to have painted his administration black. The governor wondered why his detractors were bent on discrediting him, having released N1.2 billion monthly as pension to retired civil servants and having contributed over N18 billion since 2007, when the government commenced the implementation of the scheme. Governor Uduaghan, who met with retirees and other stakeholders in Asaba, cautioned against bringing politics into pension matters. He said nobody or association could blackmail his administration by accusing it of abandoning the welfare of pensioners.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

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KWASU to establish Nollywood study centre Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

L-R: Public Relations Officer, Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC), Mr. Aliyu Ardo; Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Kingsley Nkemneme and Head of Commercials, Mr. Mustapha Usman, at a news conference on the activities of the company in Yola

2.5

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4.2m

1,537

The number of times North Americans The percentage of individuals using the The estimated number of deaths caused by chronic The number of refugees in Hungary at consume water than Europeans. internet in Guatemala in 2009. obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 2008. the beginning of 2010. Source: Unesco.org Source: Itu.int Source: Who.int Source: Blatantworld.com

Insurgency: Yola DISCO loses N150m monthly Ibrahim Abdul Yola

he Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC), has said that it loses an average of N150 million monthly revenue due to the Boko Haram insurgency in the three North Eastern States of Adamawa, Yobe and Borno. The Corporate Communications Manager of the company, Mr Kingsley Nkemneme,who dropped

the hint in Yola, said the insurgency has severely affected the operations of his organization leading to the dislocation of its businesses in the three affected states by about 50 per cent. “The insurgency activities had affected the company’s source of revenue by 50 per cent. “We have 15 Business Units in Adamawa, Borno, Taraba and Yobe states, but as at now some of the units comprising Maiduguri, Yerwa, Bama, Mubi, Gombi and

Michika are out with over 200,000 customers affected”, Nkemneme said. Nkemneme, noted that one of the major constraint the organization is facing is minimal energy supply from the national grid adding that with the situation, the company is supplied a paltry 34 Megawatts against the 70 megawatts required for the zone which he said lead them to schedule the allocation of power to its teeming customers. He noted that, in its

bid to improve its services, the company has commenced moves to enlighten customers on ways to avoid heavy billing by ensuring that customers do not waste energy unnecessarily. In the meantime, activities at the Adamawa State Government House Yola,Adamawa Specialists Hospital and Adamawa State Secretariat Complex have been paralyzed following power cut by YEDC following the consistent failure of the state Government to

offset their bills. While protesting the decision of the YEDC’s decision, Governor Bala James Ngillari through his Director of Public Affairs, Mr. P. P Elisha, through Press Release noted that “He is deeply concerned with the decision taken by YEDC to disconnect power supply to all the government organizations that render essential services in the state namely, Government Hospitals, Water Treatment plants and Government House Yola.”

uthorities of the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, have concluded arrangements to establish a Centre for Nollywood Studies towards actualizing the study of the film industry in Nigeria. Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, stated this at the second KWASU conference on African Cinema in Ilorin, Kwara state attended by Nollywood big names producers, drama academics and veterans like Mr. Tunde Kelani, Alhaji Adebayo Salami, Professor Kole Omotosho, Mr. Lancelot Imasuen, Onokome Okome and experts from outside the country, The KWASU boss said the establishment of the centre formed part of the drive to make the institution the centre for study of culture in Nigerian university system. The vice chancellor said the conference also showed the commitment of his institution to the reading of local cultural production. saying it showed commitment of the university, the scholars and film directors/ producers to the school and the African cinema project, which he said the school had been pioneering in past few years. He said,”We realize that our cinema, popular Nollywood, does not and cannot exist in a vacuum. It exists as part of the global cultural practice.”

Court stops Plateau PDP’s guber primaries Waku picks Benue APC’s nomination form Musa Pam JOS

Federal High Court sitting in Jos, has restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), from screening and presenting candidates for the governorship election in the 2015 general elections in the state. The order may have put the Saturday’s planned primary election of the party in jeopardy. A certified copy of the order was obtained by our correspondent in Jos yesterday The order was sequel to a suit filed by nine members of the party against PDP and INEC seeking an injunction to restrain the party from violating or undermining the principle of power shift and power sharing as the policy of rotation and zoning of public

offices as enshrined in its constitution in relation to the office of the governor of Plateau State for the governorship election pending the determination of the motion on notice. The plaintiffs, Messrs Matthew Datong, Barnabas Rintar, Gurumdiye Depak, Eric Guimwai and five others had also sought for an order restraining PDP from processing the forms submitted by gubernatorial candidates in respect of Plateau State, interviewing, screening the forms submitted by the aspirants to the office of the governor. Specifically the plaintiffs are asking for an interpretation of Section 7 (3) (c) of the PDP constitution as it related to rotation and zoning of political offices and Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution as it relates to the principles of federal character. The plaintiffs are also asking for an order to re-

strain PDP from taking further steps that would undermine or jeopardise the pending suit in relation to the governorship of Plateau State and to stop the party from accepting any governorship candidate pending the hearing of the motion on notice. Section 7(3) (c) of the PDP Constitution states that the PDP will strive to ‘adhere to the Policy of the ROTATION and ZONING of Party and Public Elective offices in pursuance of the principle of Equity, Justice and Fairness’ Section .14(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states that ‘The composition of the Govt of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of it affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the Federal Character of Nigeria and the need to promote National Unity.

Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

ice-Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Benue State, Senator Joseph Kennedy Waku, has picked his nomination form to contest next year’s gubernatorial election in the state. Waku, who briefed journalists in his Makur-

di residence shortly after picking the form, said he took the decision to join the race overnight with an intention to rejuvenate and rescue the people of the state from the shackles of poverty and underdevelopment which they have wallowed in for the past couple of years. The controversial senator, who represented Benue North West at the National Assembly from 1999 to 2007, promised to re-unite the people into an indivisible

entity, in addition to creating job opportunities to soak-up the teeming unemployed youths of the state. The Fourth Republic senator added that if given the mandate to govern the state though the ballot, he will boost agriculture for which the state is known for as the food basket of the nation, encourage constructive criticism as well as run a transparent and inclusive administration and would not personalize governance.

Teachers kick against local govt autonomy Muhammad Kabir Kano

he Nigeria Union of Teachers [NUT], has kicked against moves by the National Assembly to give backing to the legislation granting full autonomy to the 774 Local Government Areas in the country, saying if allowed,

the action would be a disaster to the educational system of the country. The teachers concluded that the proposed local government autonomy through amendment to the constitution which would see the scraping of the State Joint Local Government Account would no doubt constitute a serious threat

to education especially, the Primary education. Speaking shortly after a stakeholders meeting of the NUT, the State Chairman of the Union, Comrade, Muhammad Abubakar Hambali, noted that as teachers, they would be the ones that will bear the brunt of the autonomy of the local government the most.

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N97m fraud: AGF to prosecute ex-Fidelity Bank staff Akeem Nafiu

he trial of a former Executive Assistant, E-Business Unit of Domestic Operation, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs Uchenna Abazu and her husband, Tochukwu Philip Abazu, over an alleged fraud of N97 million will continue today before Justice Mohammed Yunusa of a Federal High Court in Lagos. The couple are being prosecuted by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, on four count charges bordering on fraud. Justice Yinusa had adjourned the matter till today, for continuation of trial. In a four count criminal charge filed before the court by the prosecuting counsel, Mrs. C. M. Efobi, from the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, it was alleged that Abazu used her position to transfer the alleged

sum into her husband’s account. The prosecution, having called two witnesses so far, had signified its intention to call more witnesses on today. Part of the count reads; “That you Uchenna Abazu “F” between the 29th day of February, 2008 and 12th day of February 2009, in your capacity as Executive Assistant Electronic business unit of Domestic Operation of Fidelity bank Plc., located at 23, Awolowo Road Ikoyi, Lagos, did conspire with your husband Tochukwu Phillip Abazu, to commit felony to wit, forgery, and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 3(6)of the miscellaneous offences Act Cap M17 of the laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, and in conjunction with 1(2) (a) (B) (c) of the same act. “That you Uchenna Abazu (F) and Tochukwu Phillip Abazu, your husband, between 29th February, 2008 and 12th

February, 2009, at Fidelity bank Plc, 23, Awolowo Road Ikoyi, Lagos, did forge statement of account 027402010024417, belonging to Tochukwu Phillip Abazu, when you, Uchenna Abazu was an Executive Assistant with Fidelity bank Plc with identity card number 1705, in furtherance of your common intention, made false entries into Tochukwu Phillip Abazu’s account number 027402010024417, opened with Fidelity bank Plc on June 6 2007, at 23, Awolowo Road Ikoyi, Lagos, and that the false entries were acted upon as genuine via eighty-two Fidelity bank Plc cheques with serial numbers 03097572 to 0397601, 00106503 to 00106542 and 01951151to 01951161, to the prejudice of Fidelity bank Plc., and Federal Government of Nigeria, and thereby committed an offence punishable under sections 1(a), (b), and (c), of the offences miscellaneous Act, 2004.”

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Scots to get new powers after rejecting separation

ritain’s main political parties agreed yesterday to grant Scotland new tax and spending powers to fulfill a promise of greater autonomy made as politicians scrambled to persuade Scots to reject independence in a recent referendum. The plans are unlikely to satisfy hard-core Scottish nationalists, but could have far-reaching consequences, taking Britain toward a looser,

more federated state. In a Sept. 18 referendum, 55 percent of Scottish voters opted to remain in the United Kingdom, while 45 percent voted to leave. Since then a commission of politicians from Scotland and the rest of Britain has been thrashing out proposals to fulfill the promise made by anti-independence forces in the final weeks of the campaign, as polls showed rising support for separation.

A plan published yesterday would give the Edinburgh-based Scottish parliament, established in 1999, the power to set income tax rates and keep the revenue in Scottish coffers. Scotland would also gain new control over welfare spending. Prime Minister David Cameron said the proposals kept a promise he’d made during the referendum campaign, “that a No vote did not mean no change.”

PDP asks APC to explain seized PVCs Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday, challenged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to explain to Nigerians what the 31 jute (‘Ghana must go’) bags allegedly containing specimen of the Independent Nation-

al Electoral Commission (INEC) permanent voters’ cards (PVCs) were doing in its data office in Lagos. The party also noted that the attempt by APC to compare what happened with the American Watergate political scandal further exposed its culpability. PDP in a statement by National Legal Adviser,

Victor Kwon, said it was appalled at the extent the APC members could go in their desperation for power. Over 45 per cent of Scottish voters were in favour of independence from Britain. “It is to say the least, despicable that instead of apologizing to Nigerians for this heinous crime, the urkina Faso’s tran- government’s decision revisit the contracts,” APC leaders have resorted sitional govern- follows similar reviews said Ba, a member of to lies and dirty tricks in an attempt to play the vicment will review carried out by other a cabinet appointed on tim and blame the PDP for some mine contracts African countries over Sunday. signed under former the past decade -- most “I have heard that their self inflicted woes. President Blaise Com- notably in Democratic there are people who paore, responding to con- Republic of Congo and have, on their own, 50 to 60 permits that they cerns that exploration Guinea. Both countries con- are not exploiting. Ofpermits were granted in opaque conditions, new ducted reviews aimed at ten they resell them. We mines minister Colonel cancelling or improving will put an end to that,” in part: “ Okiro said the Boubacar Ba said. mining deals deemed un- he said Wednesday. renewed instrument packGold is the West Af- favorable to state interA top civil servant at aged in a handbook now rican nation’s top com- ests. Other mineral-rich the country’s mines mindemands on the IGP a re- modity and the country African countries, frus- istry clarified on Thursturn on Police recruitment exported 32 tonnes in trated with lack of prog- day that the revision of Constables within three 2013. It had been expect- ress, have cracked down would focus on exploramonths of completion of ing to increase output on unused concessions. tion permits -- the initial the exercise. He also an- this year with new proj- “It’s a sector that has not stage in any mine projnounced that returns on ects from developers always been transparent. ect. He said companies Police promotion from TrueGold, Gryphon and I can assure you that con- already in production the rank of Constable to Roxgold. The interim cerning permits, we will would not be affected. Inspector covered by the Instrument, must be made to the Commission within three months. he streets of Fer- against the killing in The St. Louis suburb guson, Missouri the California cities of of Ferguson first eruptwere mostly quiet Oakland, Los Angeles ed into protests after pothe Kama-led caretaker overnight after two days and San Diego. lice officer Darren Wilcommittee, which was set of racially charged unProtesters also held son shot dead 18-year-old up while the suit was pend- rest sparked by a grand up banners reading Michael Brown August. ing. jury decision not to “Solidarity with Fergu- 9. Wilson, who was The court held that prosecute a white po- son” and “Black Lives placed on administrative even though the suit con- liceman who shot dead Matter” outside the leave, has said he acted stituted an abuse of court an unarmed black teen- U.S. embassy in Lon- in self-defense, out of process, the setting up of ager. On the eve of the don. Among those who fear for his life. the caretaker committee Thanksgiving holiday, attended was the famThe town became an in the state chapter of the wintry weather kept ily of Mark Duggan, epicenter of national party, contrary to the un- many indoors across who was shot dead by outrage again this week dertaking by the party’s the state and other parts police in north London when a St. Louis County lawyers, amounted to foist- of the Midwest and the in 2011, prompting Brit- grand jury declined to ing a state of helplessness East Coast, though hun- ain’s worst civil unrest indict Wilson on crimion the court. dreds demonstrated for decades. nal charges Monday.

Burkina Faso’s govt to review mine permits

Okiro: Disciplinary cases in police must be treated in 90 days Emmanuel Onani Abuja

he Chairman, Police Service Commission (PSC), Sir Mike Okiro, has charged the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Suleiman Abba, on the need to ensure that disciplinary cases in the force, which often delay promotion of personnel, be concluded

within three months. Okiro gave the charge in a statement signed yesterday by the commission’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani. The statement quoted the former IGP of giving the admonition, at a ceremony in his office, to hand over “Instrument of Delegation of Powers” to Abba. The statement reads

Court sacks Anambra PDP caretaker committee Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

he Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday sacked the Lt.-Gen. Aliyu Kama-led caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic Party in Anambra State. The court dissolved the caretaker committee while delivering judgment

in a suit filed by a former chairman of the party in the state, Ken Emekeanyi, who sought the court to extend his tenure till 2017. The trial judge, Justice Evoh Chukwu, however, dismissed the suit on the grounds that it constituted an abuse of court process because similar suits were pending before another court of coordinate jurisdiction. The judge also nullified

Protests subside in Ferguson, other cities

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

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Australian batsman dies at 25

Academicals bounces back in style

No plans to quit Hull – Aluko

Sport

Did you know? That Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of the Sherlock Holmes series, played keeper for Portsmouth under the name AC Smith.

Boro coach blames Keshi for playing injured Omeruo Emmanuel Tobi

iddleborough manager, Aitor Karanka, has accused the Super Eagles’ coach Stephen Keshi, of aggravating Kenneth Omeruo’s injury after opting to field the defender against South Africa in Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Omeruo, who missed Nigeria’s away game against Congo in Pointe Noire, trained once be-

Karanka

fore the South Africa game. And according to his club’s medics, he aggravated an earlier injury after featuring for Nigeria against South Africa in Uyo. “He picked up a groin strain injury which normally takes a week to heal, but he played three days later for his country and aggravated it,” Karanka told UK-based newspaper, the Evening Gazette. “The injury made us keep him out of our last game before the internationals, but it’s unfortunate they wanted him to

help his country so bad that he played and made matters worse.” The former Spanish international, who was Jose Mourinho’s assistant at Real Madrid, however expressed optimism regarding Omeruo’s chances of making the Middlesbrough squad ahead of this weekend’s game against Blackburn Rovers. “He isn’t fit enough to start but hopefully should start on the bench pending on how he comes through in training,” he added. Omeruo

NFF goes tough on REFS, league T Charles Ogundiya

he Nigeria Football Federation has vowed that the body is ready to cleanse the Nigerian league to make it attractive enough for investors. Speaking on the state of the Nigeria Professional Football League, the President of the NFF, Amaju Pinnick, said that investors did not believe in the league due to poor officiating. According to the him, independent match assessors will be deployed to various match venues starting from next season. They will monitor match officials and submit their reports for review. The NFF boss said: “We are

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Deputy Editor, Sports

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Editor, Sports

Ifeanyi Ibeh Sports Correspondent

Ajibade Olusesan Sports Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sports Correspondent

going to take a hard stand on officiating in the league starting from next season. We want to make the league more lucrative and the best way to achieve that is to start from match officials. “People look at our league as some sort of joke because you can easily predict the winner of a game due to the attitude of some match officials. “We are not going to take such nonsense again in the league. When you are appointed as a match official, you must be able to discharge your duty without prejudice,” Pinnick said. In recent years, clubs campaigning in the NPFL have been complaining of bad officiating especially while playing away from home. During the just concluded NPFL season, two club officials, Crown FC General Manager, Fatai Olayinka, and Warri Wolves Technical Adviser, Paul Aigbogun, raised the issue of poor refereeing in the league, while calling on the League Management Company to up its game on the attitude of the men in black. The NFF boss also assured that erring referees would be dealt with severely and could be banned for life. “We are going to be very hard on all those bringing the game into disrepute. There will be severe consequences for all those found wanting engaging in shady things in any way,” Pinnick added.

I’m in the best form of my life – Fabregas p.52

INTERNATIONAL SPORT

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

I’m in the best form of my life – Fabregas

esc Fabregas believes he is producing the best form of his career as he pulls the strings behind Chelsea’s incredible start to the season. Fabregas has contributed two goals to Chelsea’s relentless charge, but his exceptional playmaking has resulted in 14 assists from 17 outings. And the former Arsenal captain has credited Jose Mourinho switching him

to a permanent role in the heart of midfield for his eye-catching start to life at Stamford Bridge. He said: “Right now, I am playing some of the best football of my career. One hundred per cent this is my best position. I feel more in control of the game, I touch the ball all the time, I feel happy. I go and get the ball from here, from there, I can go forward, Oscar drops deep. “I feel free, I feel confi-

dent, I feel in control and that’s what I like the most in football. “Sometimes in the past three, four years in the national team and Barcelona, I was playing like a number nine. I had to do it for the team but here, where I am playing today, it’s where I enjoy my football the most. “I am playing next to great players and they are playing very well and helping me. We have a very young, talented team. “The mood is great and hopefully, it will continue to grow as the season goes on because you know that for the next two months it’s going to be really tough – a lot of games.”

Cricket: Australian batsman dies at 25

Fabregas

Gerrard ‘threw first punch’ in street brawl

iverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been accused of throwing the first punch in a street brawl involving a former neighbour of the midfielder. Businessman Paul Lloyd told Preston Crown Court that the ex-England skipper was the “aggressor” in an altercation, which allegedly took place outside a bar last August. Lloyd is accused of blackmailing Gerrard with CCTV footage, which was obtained by off-duty

policewoman Helen Jones and later ended up in the hands of the footballer’s former neighbour. According to the Liverpool Echo, in court, Lloyd claimed that Gerrard and 11 others attacked him outside of the venue. The 35-year-old added: “It showed me on my own getting assaulted by 12 people, with Steven Gerrard being the aggressor and throwing the first punch. All his friends thought it was right to kick and punch me for four minutes.”

ustralia Test batsman Phillip Hughes has died aged 25, two days after being struck on the top of the neck by a ball during a domestic match in Sydney. Australia team doctor Peter Brukner said he passed away in hospital, never regaining consciousness. Hughes, who also played for Hampshire, Middlesex and Worcestershire, was hit by a delivery from bowler Sean Abbott. “It’s an understatement to say we’re completely devastated,” said Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland. “The word tragedy gets used too

Academicals bounces back in style

Ifeanyi Ibeh

n a bid to revive the country’s football and ensure a steady stream of talented footballers from the nation’s educational institutions, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has set in motion plans aimed at resuscitating the once famous academicals football competitions. Once the primary source of players for the country’s national teams and club sides, especially in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s when the entire country eagerly looked up to the intense competition between some of the country’s top secondary schools and tertiary in-

stitutions, these tournaments, such as the Zard Cup, Thermogene Cup, Phensic Cup, Parker Cup and Manuwa Adebajo Cup, have since gone into extinction despite recent attempts by some corporate bodies to run similar competitions. These more recent competitions, most notably the Shell Cup, have however failed to attract the same attention as the more renowned competitions of old which produced players such as Wole Odegbami, Tosin Adebambo, Adeolu Adekola, Nosa Osadolor, Peter Anieke, Tunde Disu, Muyiwa Oshode, Tony Igwe, Sam Garba Okoye, Inua Rigogo, Johnny Egbuonu, Olowo Oshodi and Lati Gomez for the

national team. All hope is not lost though as the NFF, in a bid to ensure an endless production line of footballers, is planning to revive school competitions across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. According to Pinnick, in an interview with New Telegraph, each state and the FCT will organise tournaments for secondary schools and tertiary institutions with the state champions going on to compete against other teams from their respective zones. The various zonal champions will then converge at a yet to be determined location to decide who becomes the national champion.

Ghana FA confirms Grant as new coach

he Ghana Football Association announced on Thursday that former Chelsea manager, Avram Grant, will take charge of the Black Stars after agreeing a 27-month contract. The 54-year-old Israeli, who missed out on winning the Champions League with Chelsea in 2008 after a penalty shootout defeat in the final against Manchester United, will lead Ghana in January’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Grant takes over from Kwesi Appiah who was in charge of the Black Stars at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil but was fired in September. Speaking at a press conference at the GFA’s headquarters in Accra, president Kwesi Nyantakyi said he has set the Israeli a target of “doing well” at the 2015 AFCON in Equatorial Guinea and aim to win the 2017 edition. “Grant needs time to know the players very well so we

Grant

can’t ask him to win the Nations Cup. That would be unrealistic,” he said.

often in sport, but this freak accident is a real life tragedy.” Australia captain Michael Clarke read out a statement onbehalf of the Hughes family at a news conference held at St Vincent’s Hospital, where the player, who would have been 26 on Sunday, was being treated. Speaking on behalf of parents Greg and Virginia, sister Megan and brother Jason, he said: “We’re devastated by the loss of our muchloved son and brother, Phillip. It’s been a very difficult few days. We appreciate all the support we have received from family, friends, players, Cricket Australia and the general public.

Hughes

“Cricket was Phillip’s life and we as a family shared that love of the game with him. We would like to thank all the medical and nursing staff at St Vincent’s Hospital and Cricket New South Wales medical staff for their great efforts with Phillip. We love you.”

Bayelsa orders payment of United, Queens players Charles Ogundiya

uccour has finally come the way of players of Bayelsa State owned clubs, Bayelsa United and Bayelsa Queens, as the State Governor, Seriake Dickson, on Wednesday ordered the immediate payment of sign-on fees arrears owed them. The state governor, while addressing the players of both clubs who stormed the government house to protest the nonpayment of their money, said the state would work on modalities to offset the debts. According to the governor, the payment is to motivate and boost the morale of the players and officials to win laurels for the state in future competitions. He subsequently directed

Dickson

the state’s Ministry of Sports Development to immediately forward a memo to him for approval prelude to the release of funds for the settlement of the backlog of the sign-on fees owed the players. New Telegraph however learnt that the players would be paid in instalments due to the state’s lean finances.

FIFA Rankings: Nigeria still 9th in Africa Ifeanyi Ibeh

he Super Eagles are still the 42nd ranked team in the world in the latest FIFA rankings released for November, despite their failure to qualify for next January’s Africa Cup of Nations. But with no official games listed on the team’s schedule following their AFCON miss, the Super Eagles, who are ranked ninth in Africa, look set to drop in the rankings in the coming months. In October, the Super Eagles dropped five places from 37th, and the previous month they dropped three spots from 34th.

Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana are on the verge of breaking into the world’s top 50 after jumping six places in the latest rankings. Shakes Mashaba’s boys, who jumped 10 places last month, have now moved to 51st in the world after their victory over Sudan to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations and an away draw in Nigeria. Bafana have also moved one spot in Africa to 11th. Africa’s top country Algeria has slipped down three places in World Rankings from 15th to 18th, while the reigning world champions Germany remain the world’s top side.

SPORT 53

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ifestyle

Dosu joseph, mon Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Best Food: Rice and stew with plantain and fish Best Colour: White/Black Best Car: Crossfire spot car Best City visited: London Best Club Supported: Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan Best Designer: MUDI Best Drink: Soft Drinks Best Musicians: Fela, Orlando Owoh Best Actress: Lizzy Anjorin Best Actor: Taiwo Hassan (ogogo) Best match: Nigeria vs Hungary at Atlanta ’96 Olympics Worst match: Julius Berger 1-1 home draw against Enugu Rangers in 1995 at Onikan Stadium. State: lagos state Hometown: Asagoh compound, Badagry

Supersport’s Let’s Play train visits Imo

he quiet town of Urualla in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State played host to the Corporate Social Initiative of SuperSport, Let’s Play. The Dan Ngerem Sports Foundation in conjunction with Let’s Play, hosted over 1,400 children drawn from 30 schools in the locality. The children were between the ages of seven and 14 years and the event took place at Let’s Play Ambassador, Victor Ipkeba, passing out instructions to kids during the St. Michaels Primary school SuperSport’s “Let’s Play” at Ozuakoli Pramary School, Urualla, Ideator North, Imo State grounds. on Wednesday.

10 Abuja wrestlers for Seriake Dickson championship Ifeanyi Ibeh

he Federal Capital Territory Wrestling Association has shortlisted 10 wrestlers for camping ahead of next month’s Governor Seriake Dickson Wrestling Championship holding in Bayelsa. The championship, which is now in its second year, will take place in Yenagoa, from December 15 to 21. And in a bid to ensure a better medal haul this time around, after pick-

ing up just a silver medal at last year’s maiden edition, the FCTWA, under the leadership of Chris Amkpila, has called up 10 wrestlers to camp ahead of the championship. The 10 wrestlers are Victor Okon, Nnamdi Ojofor, Emeka Okafor, Innocent Agada, Kelechi John, Adam Ahmed, Innocent A, Miracle Ernest, Afam Okeke and Emma John. “We are prepared for the championship,” said Amkpila, in Abuja. “Our technical team have

been working before now in preparation for the National Sports Festival but since the festival has been pushed forward, we thought it wise to enter for the Governor Dickson Cup to test our efforts so far.” Head coach of the FCTWA, James Gorge, added: “The competition is very important because it’s like an opportunity to expose our wrestlers and help them learn other tricks and technique as we prepare for the National Sports Festival next year.”

25 coaches, including Victor Ikpeba – Let’s Play Ambassador -, Henry Nwosu MON and Mike Onyemachara all former Nigerian Internationals, taught the kids basic football skills like trapping the ball, heading the ball and passing the ball. At the end of the skills session, footballs were handed to all participating kids. “I hope this event has touched a few of the kids in a way to inspire them to take this further” stated Dan Ngerem, a

former President of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria. While the general manager of SuperSport, Felix Awogu, expressed his joy at the continued support Let’s Play is getting from communities. “It is amazing the level of encouragement and support each Let’s Play event receives from our hosts”. Let’s Play Initiative is SuperSport’s way of inspiring the kids to start playing again, thereby keeping them healthy both physically and mentally.

No plans to quit Hull – Aluko

Emmanuel Tobi

uper Eagles winger, Sone Aluko, has reiterated his determination to fight for more starting roles at Hull City stating that he has no intention of quitting the KC Stadium. The former Flying Eagles star has been restricted to just five Premier League outings this season, with Steve Bruce favouring other options. He did not even make the bench for a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, suggesting that he has slipped even further out of favour. “I am with Hull and I’m happy playing for my team,” he told Daily Star. “My club coaches believe in what I contribute to the team, so I concentrate on who I am playing

for and don’t bother myself with anything else. “I also don’t let any speculation get into my head because I train a lot and work hard to improve my game every day.”

Aluko

SPORT

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

I’m blessed to be playing basketball – Oladipo Orlando Magic guard, who was born in the US to Nigerian parents, entered the season Victor Oladipo, seemed certain to shine this season until injury side-lined him for the early part of the campaign.Fast-forward a few weeks, and the good news is, Oladipo is back in the line-up. And he recently sat down with Fox Sports Live to discuss more prepared for that.

How’s the health? I know you’ve been back in the line-up for a few games, but are you feeling better? I’m feeling good, I’m getting my body back under me, getting my groove back, getting the rust off. I’m just blessed and honoured to be back out there. You don’t really appreciate something until it’s taken away from you. We all read the news reports and it sounded like a pretty nasty injury. Without getting too gruesome, what went down? It sounded like it was an honest mistake, and one that kind of just happened on a hard, tough-nosed play at practice? It was just a freak accident. One of our big men, his elbow just kind of came across my face when he was coming down for a layup. He didn’t even see me, Oladipo (left) I just kind of came out of nowhere and he just kind of levelled Well, you’re back on the court now. I think you just mentioned it, but how me right across the face. It was crazy because my nose much do you appreciate just being able was bleeding, and I didn’t even to do something you love, after it was get hit in the nose. When that taken away from you for those few happened I knew something was weeks? Oh man, you just get so much wrong right away. I had to go get more appreciation for this game. it checked out, and go get an MRI. I was in excruciating pain. It My first game back I just laid on the almost felt like someone hit me court, gave the court a big hug. I was only out for six weeks, but when I with a bat across the face. got back, I was so grateful. I’ve played the game my whole life, and Really? Yeah, then we found out I had having it taken away, I thank God to have a cracked cheekbone, and every day that I get to do this, and I had to have surgery. It was crazy. try to make the most of it every day.

You obviously had a really successful first year in the league last season, taking home Rookie of the Year. What was the most important lesson you learned in your first season? I think the biggest adjustment was just the number of games. You go from 33 games in a season in college, to playing that many over a couple of months. You go to a game or two a week, to playing four or five games in a week, flying from city to city, back-to-back. It’s a wear and tear on your body, and it’s something you’ve got to get used to. Now that I’ve kind of gone through that, I’m kind of ready,

With that in mind, what are you telling the rookies on this year’s team, preparing for this league, night in and night out? I know Aaron Gordon is out right now, but in general, what lessons have you given the rookies? The biggest thing I tell young guys is just to go out there and play as hard as you can. Aaron (Gordon) is the youngest player in the league right now. He’s got so much basketball in front of him, so I just tell him to go out and play as hard as he can. When he does that, good things are in front of him. He was doing a great job up until when he got hurt. Even while he’s hurt, he’s got to continue to try and learn more about the game, so he can apply it when he comes back. Speaking of youth, you guys have one of the youngest teams in the league. Even some of your “veterans” are just in their third and fourth years. But you seem to be growing as a team, picking up wins you might not have gotten last year. What is the early analysis of what has gone right, and what needs to be improved?

I think we’ve just got to take it one game at a time, try and get better. We’ve got to keep sharing the ball like we did the other day (in a win over Detroit), and focus on defence. Our defence is what makes us effective. If we can do that, we have a chance to be really good. You talk about playing defence, and I’ve got to tell you, I have the fortunate opportunity to work with one of the greatest defensive players of all-time, Gary Payton. I know you’re a little young, but did you get to watch him at all as a kid, and if so, do you model any of your game after him? Oh man, that’s The Glove! He was known for locking people up, he did a great job on that. He’s one of the greatest of alltime. He might have been a little bit before my time, but I still go back and watch film on him; that’s the beauty of film, is I can go back and watch everything that he did. He was all about defence, and that’s a great thing to model your game after. Because when you’re all about defence, your teammates follow your lead.

NEW TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014

Austerity measures and chocolate scarcity Vantage

Point

EMEKA MADUNAGU emeka.madunagu@newtelegraphonline.com

he prognosis and the source were quite striking: the warning that the economy is sinking coming from former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. It was at an elite event, where eminent Nigerians were gathered. Since it was not a party rostrum or a gathering of politicians, where the usual barbs are thrown over the fence, it was worth listening to. It was at the launch of two books in honour of former Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, retired Justice Mustapha Akanbi, in Abuja on Wednesday. Addressing the packed hall, Obasanjo said, “What the public knows or sees of the economy is not what the economy truly is. For quite some time, the covered and the hushed up corruption has had its toll on the economy. “The non-investment and disinvestment in the oil and gas sector by the major international oil companies has added its own deleterious impact. Our continued heavy dependence on one commodity has not adequately prepared us against any shock in that one commodity on the international plain. With the figure of $78 per barrel as benchmark, we will be in a bind if oil price falls to $75 per barrel. I am made to understand that Saudi Arabia used $68 per barrel as benchmark for its 2015 budget. Our inadequate protection of almost all local industries with heavy cost of energy has dealt a hard blow on most indigenous industries. “The economy is in doldrums if not in reverse. The often-quoted GDP growth neither reflects on the living condition of most of our people nor on most of the indigenous industries

and services where capacity utilisation is about 50 per cent.” The former President was only restating what some economic watchers had been shouting from the rooftops for some months. They had been largely ignored or pilloried by paid and unpaid agents of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. However, the recent fall in oil prices brought home the reality to Nigerians. After all the huffing and puffing about the economy growing in leaps and bounds, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, came out to say that things were not as rosy as had been painted. The respected minister, without realising it, was putting a lie to all the beautiful stories she and members of the Jonathan Administration had been telling Nigerians over the last two years about how the Nigerian economy was set to challenge major economies of the world. Whenever they were challenged to provide proof, they rolled out statistics and photographs, declaring that Eldorado was just a stone throw away. However, God moves in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform, says that beautiful hymn. Suddenly, oil prices began to dance azonto and the Naira took a bad bashing. The rosy picture painted by government officials was being dismissed by local and international observers as mere lies. Addressing the Africa Financial Summit organised by the Institute of International Finance and Access Bank Plc in Lagos last week, the minister said, “We have not seen the impact of the falling oil prices in Nigeria; it will start this month. We

Obasanjo

Okonjo-Iweala

For years, various analysts have been calling for a diversification from oil to agriculture and massive manufacturing. However, the lure of quick gains from oil has made successive governments to pay lip service to this call. Obasanjo has some share in the blame have to drive the non-oil revenue base to be able to weather the storm that is coming.” I immediately asked: Madam Coordinating Minister, whatever happened to the billions of naira reportedly generated from the non-oil sector, as reported by the Jonathan Administration? What about the millions of jobs said to have been provided by government? What about the rebasing of the GDP, which was touted as proof that the economy could withstand any major shock? Last year, the minister refuted reports that the nation had become broke. On the heels of that declaration, the International Monetary Fund said in its World Economic Outlook launched in Washington DC that insecurity in the North and crude oil theft in the South had not dampened optimism about Nigeria’s ‘strong economy.’ The Bretton Woods institution based its positive outlook on ‘higher oil prices,’ at the time. Now that the oil prices are sinking, what do we have? The same apostles of boom have turned round to warn us of turbulent times ahead. They have, however, ignored the reality: What should Nigerians do? Even as the Central Bank of Nigeria keeps changing its tune on the devaluation of the Naira and its failed attempts to stem the tide, Nigerians have yet to be full informed of the implications of Okonjo-Iweala’s ‘tougher times’ ahead warning. All we got was that the federal government would impose taxes on luxury items. However, what keen observers had expected was the announcement that government would prune down some costs to keep the economy afloat. Since they have not done so, may I suggest to officials of government at different levels to urgently come together to agree on serious economic measures to save the economy from sinking further. It won’t pay us to continue to pretend that all is well when the opposite is the case. We must take quick action to stop the situation from getting out of hand. The job queues are growing while many companies are on the verge of shutting down. An economy which is largely dependent on oil cannot be said to be serious. Another thing I expect government to do is to take aggressive steps to stimulate ex-

ports of agricultural commodities. Recently, the Washington Post quoted Switzerland-based Barry Callebaut Group and Mars, Inc. as having raised the alarm on the imminent scarcity of chocolate. It said this was due to the absence of cocoa as farmers are producing less of the commodity than chocolate producers need in order to satisfy the demand for the tasty stuff. They called it a ‘chocolate deficit,’ which has not been seen in half a century. Indications of the looming deficit began to show in 2012 when prices of cocoa began to rise. A report says the prices rose by about 60 per cent, causing chocolate giant, Hershey’s, to raise prices on its products in July. Others soon followed and it is expected to continue. The report blamed the situation on “a lengthy spell of dry weather in West Africa, where 70 per cent of the world’s cocoa is produced.” In fact, the demand for chocolate in China is said to be fuelling global demand. The situation has led to scientists talking of alternatives to cocoa produced by conventional trees. This poses a significant challenge to the Nigerian economy, which is also being hit by reduced demand for its crude. For years, various analysts have been calling for a diversification from oil to agriculture and massive manufacturing. However, the lure of quick gains from oil has made successive governments to pay lip service to this call. Obasanjo has some share in the blame. If his government had aggressively steered the nation away from dependence on oil, we would not be suffering these challenges today. But it is not too late in the day for us to make changes. So, I call on fellow Nigerians to begin to prepare for the tougher days ahead. Learn as much as you can about the situation, since you can’t expect to hear the truth from our leaders (or rulers). Save for the rainy days. Cut excessive spending and unnecessary borrowing. It is not enough for government to tell us that it is instituting austerity measures. Government officials, beginning from Jonathan, should lead by example. Reduce your long and flamboyant convoys and foreign trips. Encourage aggressive alternatives to oil by developing sincere programmes to take Nigerians back to the farm. Yes! Take Nigerians back to the farm and reduce the large army of unemployed youths. Find ways of engaging the energies of Nigerians in ventures that generate revenue. Fix the power situation. The time has also come for the implementation of fiscal federalism, so that states and local governments stop their dependence on handouts called monthly allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee. Fundamental reforms are needed to the fiscal regime in Nigeria so that politicians will be more accountable and our economy will stop bleeding! BTW: I want to thank everyone who felicitated with me on my birthday yesterday. It was a period of reflection on the state of the nation. My sincere wish is that the President will find better ways of engaging the opposition and reducing the tension in the country. We have no other nation to call ours, so we must come together to tackle our current challenges. The choice is ours.

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Season of anomie

ast week, Nigerians watched with utter consternation and disbelief the twin events or epic drama that took place at the supposedly hallowed precincts of the National Assembly, and Chambers of the Ekiti State House of Assembly. Early in the morning of that now better forgotten day, President Goodluck Jonathan, his family, aides and close family friends had celebrated a thanksgiving service presided over by Rev. Ozurumba, Aso Rock Chaplain of the Anglican Communion. The birthday to mark fifty seven years, of Mr. President was observed without much fanfare, itself a sign of the perilous times the country has been subjected to by the unrelenting ferocious attacks of Boko Haram insurgency. The low key, very private birthday activities were to be violently opposed later in the day by a reminiscence of the dark days of military disposition tyranny and dictatorship. Our pretensions about running a democracy since 1999, even our sensibilities as desiring members of civilized world were cruelly assaulted and laid bare, when in a Gestapo like manner, officers and men of the Nigerian Police invaded the National Assembly to block the speaker from gaining entry into the Chambers. As undemocratic as Obasanjo’s regime was, the National Assembly was not toyed with, even with the fierce independence shown by Speaker Ghali Naaba and his cohorts. Obasanjo’s military background, his predatory character, all helped in the de-democratisation processes as evident in the illegal impeachment galore in Plateau, Bayelsa, Oyo, Anambra, Ekiti etc. In this column last week, I had portrayed and saluted the democratic credentials of President Jonathan, observing that his posture may have been a soothing antidote to the perpetration of political recklessness and banditry that the nation has seen in the past. I commended President Jonathan for the simple reason that we have not witnessed political assassinations and motivated killings as it were in the past during the ugly days of Obasanjo’s era. Although this unhelpful scenario has changed remarkably under Jonathan, what happened last Thursday, whoever that planned it or executed it has done a lot of disservice to the democratic profile of the President. Even sympathizers, admirers of the President, are at a loss, why the Presidency has not come up with a more responsible response, indeed an outright condemnation, or a denunciation of the unholy episode of Thursday 20th Nov. 2014. That will be statesmanly, a soothing balm to our bruised national psyche, and a refreshing departure from the inchoate illogical outbursts of Doyin Okupe. Recall that the House of Representatives had given themselves a long recess to end on December 3, 2014 to enable Honourable Members attend to pressing party matters, particularly the primaries for the 2015 elections which the Political Parties had staggered its processes to run for about six weeks. At the behest of the President, through a

Ivory Glory NKEMDILI NNONYELU aunnonyelu@yahoo.co.uk 08122801926 (sms only)

letter directed to the Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, the House in response called off its recess, and hastily summoned the Emergency sitting with only one item on the Agenda-discussion of the President’s letter asking for an extension of the State of Emergency in the three North Eastern States, Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe. The response to the President’s letter was what it should be, patriotic and prompt. I have said it severally that the unceasing menace of terror, demands a pan-Nigerian response devoid of political colouration and innuendoes. The war against terror MUST NOT for any reason be politicized. But then, that was exactly what the police turned the whole event into, may be unwittingly. If the speaker was not intended to preside, why was the letter from Mr. President addressed to him? Was it a set up, or was there going to be a legislative coup? If so, it was so unprofessionally carried out, to the eternal shame of the enforcement institution and personnel. But I suspect a misreading of the lips and body language of the Presidency by the Police. Now and then, you see a resurgence of the police unreasonableness, mired in undue partisanship, not defending the constitution, and abiding by their code of conduct, but rather pandering to the suspected whims and caprices of the custodians of political power at the centre. To move forward in this country, that is if we must, the police must wean itself of unbridled excesses, if not force rascality and banditry. Some cities in United States today are boiling over the insensitive action, specifically the shooting of an armed black teenager by a white police officer widely seen now as racist. The mentality of the Nigerian po-

If we do not want this country to unravel under our feet, extreme caution is needed in our actions, particularly those charged with maintenance of law and order

Jonathan

lice as a colonial occupation force, an oppressive and repressive Agency that only serves the interest or concerns of Abuja must change to accommodate the multi-faceted expectations of the diversity of Nigerian people. If we do not want this country to unravel under our feet, extreme caution is needed in our actions, particularly those charged with maintenance of law and order. When state institutions are generally perceived to be working against the common good by a majority of people, and when the people feel that the road to Justice and its destination have been hijacked by people seen as tormentors, there is every likelihood that such people may explore other avenues not approved by the ruling class to protect themselves. This may even imperil the state in the long run. Such a groundswell of frustration builds up without notice, until a little spark ignites a fire of resistance never envisaged or contemplated. And this is my fear. History is replete with such instances. As nauseating as the police action was, so also was the shame put up by the congress men, when in their Parliamentarian Costumes and wears, they were seen scaling the fence. How do you explain this? Some have argued that an illegal, irresponsible action begets illegal, irresponsible reactions. Others, saner, contend that two wrongs cannot make something right. The level of desperation shown by congressmen was unprecedented, but so also, was the locking out of a properly elected Speaker, at

least at the National Assembly, where they have enjoyed, as it should be, some measure of autonomy. The states where people like Ayo Fayose rule are indeed a different kettle of fish. It is an open sesame to thuggery and all manner of despicable acts which should not have any opening in a modern society. I think it is necessary to condemn in clear and unmistaken words that both actions by police and congressmen were indeed disgusting. Equally disgusting was the effort to assault the Senate President who rushed in to settle the differences. Even with parliamentary immunity, the Representative that was almost running around as somebody berserk, half naked should go and re-examine himself whether the National Assembly is for people like him, or more appropriately, seek to be enlisted among Motor Park touts, in any state of his choice. I suggest a judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding what transpired at the National assembly, who did what, with a view to apportioning blame and to serve as a deterrent for such indefensible and disgraceful conduct from the police and the congressmen. As for Ekiti, what do we say? If some Nigerians say that what we are now witnessing in Ekiti was not expected, then we can continue to live in delusion and denial, for a leopard never changes its spot. Those who were ready to indulge in the phantasm of ever thinking that Ekiti would build on the admirable framework of Dr. Kayode Fayemi with the election of Fayose may wake up from their slumber. Let Ekiti people stew in their mess. Every society at any point in time deserve the kind of leadership they get. However, the legislative oddity in Ekiti must not be allowed to stand. The police as Law enforcement agents must rise to the occasion and return the security paraphernalia of office to the legitimate speaker Dr. Adewale Omirin, not the counterfeit that was elected by seven members. Even the media, must change its account of events. How dare sections of the media attempt to dress in borrowed robes a man who to all intents and purposes knows that he is not speaker, at least for now? Unless and until two third majority of the elected members in Ekiti House of Assembly give him their mandate, the factional speaker is at best an impostor. Anyone, and this includes the governor transacting government business with him and his six acolytes is endangering Nigerian democracy. Speaker Omirin must be allowed to return to his seat. Same for other states where similar scenario is playing out. In truth, Nigerian politicians are the ones doing everything possible to reverse and quickly abort this democratization process. May the labours of those who gave their all that Nigeria may one day be a democratic state not be in vain. I am convinced even with the negative signals, that after this seeming season of anomie, the Nation will regain its National sense of direction and triumph. While the struggle to reposition Nigeria continues, we pray for peace and stability.

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