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NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Vol. 1 No. 211

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FG loses N17.9bn as strike hits fuel exports, loading lTotal resumes $2.5bn Nigerian oil field sale

Adeola Yusuf

O

il workers in the services of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) made

good their threat to begin a strike yesterday, grounding activities of the corporation at crude export terminals and fuel loading gantries.

The NNPC, which is responsible for 57 per cent of the total crude exports and 20 per cent of the 40 million litres of fuel consumed daily in the country,

lost a total of N17.8885 billion on the first day of the industrial action.

While a total of N1.9 billion is lost on loading of 20 million litres per day, being

the NNPC's 50 per cent of the 40 million litres daily consumption in Nigeria, a total of about N15. 9885 billion ($106.59 million) is lost CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

GMD, NNPC

Jonathan meets with Boko Haram leaders

lThe secret negotiation in Chad

}3

Quick Read Editorial The Lagos ban on Okada }19 Atiku kicks against automatic ticket for APC presidential candidate }2

Teachers vow not to resume September 22 }4 Mbu, a puppet, says Governor Amaechi }3

L-R: National Coordinator, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mr. Boniface Okezie; Managing Director, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc., Mr. Olanrewaju Jaiyeola and Chairman of the Board, Dr. Oba Otudeko, after the Fifth Annual General Meeting of the company in Lagos...yesterday.

$9.3m seizure: Aircraft is mine, says Oritsejafor LAGOS

Storms

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lCAN accuses APC, El-Rufai of blackmail Lateef Ibrahim and Oluwatosin Omoniyi President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has admitted owner-

ship of the aircraft seized in South Africa at the weekend for illegally importing $9.3 million cash into the country for alleged arms deal.

Oritsejafor’s Word of

Life Bible Church confirmed holding a residual interest in the embattled Bombardier Challenger 600 with registration number N808HG owned

by Eagle Air company.

In a statement issued yesterday by Oritsejafor’s Personal Assistant, Mr. Bayo Adewoye, said: “On behalf of Pastor Oritsejafor, we can confirm that alCONTINUED ON PAGE 5

National Assembly seeks quick end to insurgency }5

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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Atiku kicks against automatic ticket Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

F

ormer Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has kicked against giving an automatic ticket to any presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to be the party's candidate in the 2015 election.

He said those canvassing the idea are anti-democratic forces.

Abubakar is billed to flag off his presidential campaign on September 24.

Atiku, in a chat with journalists in Abuja yesterday, also dismissed zoning within the party, insisting that there is no provision for the arrangement in the party’s constitution.

Supporters of former Head of State and a presidential hopeful, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, have recently embarked on a subtle campaign asking the APC leadership to give automatic ticket to the former military ruler.

“I think those canvassing for automatic ticket are scared of contest. There is nothing to be scared of in a contest in a democratic setting. How can you canvass automatic ticket in a democratic process? There

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST ABUJA

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concerned.”

He said lack of zoning in the party informed the interest shown by the governor of Imo State, Okorocha, for the APC presidential ticket.

Buhari, Abubakar, Governors Rabiu Kwankwanso (Kano) and Okorocha, and the publisher of Leadership Newspapers, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah have indicated interest in the APC presidential ticket.

The former vice president lost the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to President Goodluck Jonathan in 2010.

Also, the presidential hopeful bemoaned the state of insecurity in the country. According to him, the security situation today wouldn't have been necessary if government had done the needful from the beginning.

On the political situation in the country, he called on political parties to police the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He said: "If the political parties, together with the electorate and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are able to police INEC, the commission will have no alternative than to conduct a free and fair election."

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

L-R: Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola; Speaker, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Deputy Speaker, Hon. Imeka Ihedioha, at the resumption of the House in Abuja...yesterday PHOTO ELIJAH OLALUYI.

Total resumes $2.5bn Nigerian oil field sale CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

29o C 22oC Storms

PORT HARCOURT

is nothing like that. These are people who are afraid of contest,” he said.

On zoning, he said: “We don't have zoning in the constitution of the APC. So, the race is open for everybody. That is why you hear that Rochas Okorochas is also contesting.

So, we don't have zoning in the APC like the PDP. It is entrenched in their constitution which has been violated as far as zoning is

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

due to the inability to load 1. 0659million barrels of crude oil, being the 57 per cent of the NNPC's share of the 1.87 million crude exports.

This loss does not include the costs of effects of the strike on the four refineries in the country.

The economic loss incurred by the strike came hours after France's Total SA, Europe's second largest oil company, said it had put one of its offshore Nigerian oil fields up for sale again, after a 2012 deal with Sinopec Corp failed.

Chairman, National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) Lagos zone, Alhaji Tokunbo Korodo, told New Telegraph yesterday that the union, in collaboration with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), had withdrawn its members from all operations of the NNPC, which include crude exports, fuel lifting and refining.

The NUPENG and PENGASSAN branch of the

NNPC had embarked on the strike over the NNPC's non-compliance with the Pension Reform Act 2014.

Although the management of the NNPC, on the other hand, said last Monday night in a statement that it had assured members of staff and the public that it had taken steps to avert the looming industrial action, Korodo said in a telephone interview that the strike had begun.

"The strike has commenced today (yesterday) and we have withdrawn all our members from the crude exports terminals, from fuel loading and all other activities and operations of the NNPC and together with PENGASSAN, the workers will remain on strike until issues raised by the unions are addressed," Korodo said.

However, the NNPC has said that the National Pension Commission has given it a 12-month widow to comply with the Pension Reform Act 2014.

In a statement by Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs, NNPC, Mr. Ohi Alegbe, it said PEN-

COM had earlier directed the corporation to “immediately take all necessary steps to transit to the Contributory Pension Scheme under the PRA”.

In a fresh directive dated September 15, 2014, PENCOM said: “In order to accommodate your concerns, the commission hereby grants the NNPC a transition period of 12 months within which to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the PRA 2014.”

The strike has caused queues to return to some filling stations in Abuja and Lagos yesterday as motorists began panic buying.

Long queues for fuel were noticed at some filling stations in Lagos and Abuja as some Nigerians took to the social media to spread news of the strike.

The NNPC has, however, called on members of the public not to engage in panic buying, assuring them that plans are on to address the situation.

The corporation appealed to the leadership of the industrial unions

to exercise restraint while it embarks on extensive engagement with PENCOM to resolve the issues.

The NNPC noted that since the commencement of the scheme in 2006, the management and its staff had made a lot of sacrifices to maintain the existing scheme and any premature cancellation of the scheme might lead to avoidable labour disaffection across board.

Meanwhile, Total has hired BNP Paribas to find buyers for its Usan deepwater oil field located in the Nigeria Oil Prospecting Lease (OML) 138, which could be worth about $2.5 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter.

"We have selected an advisor to pursue the sale process of Usan," a spokeswoman for Total said.

BNP Paribas declined to comment.

Usan is not expected to be an easy sale for Total because deepwater exploration requires significant investment and the new owner's returns could be CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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

NEWS

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

3

Jonathan meets Boko Haram leaders

lIt's not true, says Abati Yemi Ajayi and Phillip Nyam

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan has met with leaders of Boko Haram as part of efforts by his administration to end the insurgency spearheaded by the sect, which has worsened in the last few months.

A very reliable source confided in New Telegraph exclusively yesterday that the president met with Boko Haram leadership during his visit to Chad last week.

According to our source, Jonathan who met with key leaders and commanders of the sect was led to the talks by key diplomats in the Nigerian embassy in Chad.

The source said the talks were in two parts, with the first one held in a secret location outside N'djamena, the Chadian capital, while the second leg of the discussion, which was an open session, held in the capital.

It was gathered that former Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, was a key facilitator of the discussion between the president and the insurgents and he was assisted by some international stakeholders to bring the two parties together.

The appearance of Sheriff in Chad at the time the president was visiting had drawn flaks from critics of the Jonathan administration, especially the All Progressives Congress (APC) over allegations by an Australian negotiator, Dr.Stephen Davis, of being one of the chief sponsors of the terrorist group, an accusation he has denied.

The presidency also said the former governor was not on the presidential entourage to Chad but had come to the airport to welcome Jonathan.

The source said Sheriff was able to play a key role in bringing the two parties together because of the respect he commands in the top echelon of the Chadian government.

The source added that the main purpose of the president's trip to Chad was to meet with the Boko Haram leaders so that the Federal Government could curtail the rampage of the sect, which had taken a new vigour in recent months with the seizure of towns and communities in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States.

But it was packaged like a diplomatic visit to Chad so that Jonathan could hold talks with Chadian President Idriss Déby on how to tackle the insur-

gency ravaging Nigeria, which gained international attention with the abduction of about 300 schoolgirls by Boko Haram at the Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State in April.

He explained that although the diplomatic talks between the two leaders were centred on cooperation to fight the insurgency and the need to strengthen internal security in Chad, where the insurgents seek refuge after coming under attacks by Nigerian troops, the primary purpose was to meet with key elements in the sect.

Although the source declined to give detail of the discussion between the president and the insurgents, he said the discussion was fruitful and it informed the Federal Government's optimism that between October and November, the insurgency would be over.

However, it is not clear whether Boko Haram can be trusted to keep its pact with the Federal Government given the ongoing attacks the insurgents are carrying out on several parts of Adamawa and Borno States.

When contacted on the matter, presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, in a reply to a text message sent by New Telegraph, denied that there was any meeting between the president and Boko Haram leader.

“It’s absolutely not true.

Please do not rely on bad authority,” he said.

But Sheriff, who reportedly played a key role in the negotiations, would neither confirm nor deny if there was a meeting between the president and the insurgents during the Chadian visit.

Meanwhile, House of Representatives members from the North-East yesterday appealed to the Federal Government to come to the aid of citizens in the zone who have been subjected to hardship by Boko Haram.

The lawmakers also said the situation in their constituencies was a humanitarian crisis of international proportion and alleged that there was a conspiracy and sabotage in the fight against terrorism in the region.

Moving the motion under matters of urgent public importance, Hon. Tahir Muhammad Monguno expressed concern on what he termed, “the dangerous territorial push by terrorists” who have now captured and are in control of seven local governments in Borno, two in Yobe and

two in Adamawa."

He said all security formations in the affected areas had either been sacked, or the operatives had fled their stations thereby enabling Boko Haram to declare a Caliphate and hoist their flags.

“The declaration of a caliphate means those areas are no longer under the sovereignty of Nigeria.

Mr. Speaker, this is a serious threat to the territorial integrity of Nigeria. The same territorial integrity we all swore here to pro-

tect.

“In Michika for instance, where you have a large number of Christians, people are being forced to convert to Islam or be killed. Those who feared for their lives and converted were conscripted into the fighting arm of the insurgents, while those who refused were instantaneously executed'.

“I don’t want to believe that our military is not well armed. The problem I think is that of motivation.

As we speak, the military

is not fully in control of Bama and other places captured. Let our military go and remove those terrorists from these local governments and return such places back to Nigeria'', Monguno stated.

Hon. Ganama Titsi, (PDP, Adamawa) who spoke in a similar vein, said: “What I stand here to canvass for like my brother said is to drum support for our military to go in and free these areas so that our people can be free.

“As I speak, a lot of

people are deceased and there are no places or the freedom to even bury the dead. The situation is a humanitarian crisis.”

Also contributing, Hon. Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim, said it was a moment for an open appeal to the Federal Government to find a way to end the insurgency. Khadija told her colleagues that two major towns in her constituency had been taken over by Boko Haram insurgents, with the people made to flee their homes.

Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke (left) and Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Joseph Dawha, at a Stakeholders' Forum on Environmental Restoration of Ogoniland in Abuja…yesterday

Amaechi to Mbu: You’re no lion, but puppet Felix Nwaneri

T

here is no end in sight to the war of words between the Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, and a former Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Joseph Mbu, as the governor, yesterday described him (Mbu) as a “shameless, corrupt puppet and toothless attack dog of a woman.”

Amaechi was reacting to comments by Mbu, in which he described himself as a lion who tamed the governor while he was in Rivers State.

The former Rivers Commissioner of Police, who was recently promoted Assistant Inspector-General of Police, made the comment while handing over to the new Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Wilson Inalegwu, on Monday in Abuja.

But Amaechi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, David Iyofor, described Mbu as a puppet who completely lacks the steel and strength of char-

acter of a lion. “Indeed it is very sad, pathetic, however ironic that Mbu called himself a lion. Which lion?

This character called Mbu Joseph Mbu completely lacks the courage, steel and strength of character of a lion. Rather he’s a shameless, corrupt puppet of a woman,” he said.

He added: “This is a man paid by taxpayers to protect, secure and serve the interests of the people.

But when he was in Rivers State, he spurned the people, he trampled on the masses and rather elected to be the partisan servant of one woman, to be the woman’s tool in causing disaffection, confusion and crises in Rivers State.

Mbu shamelessly and corruptly turned himself into the toothless attack dog of this woman to fight the government and people of Rivers State.

“How can a man who has no strength of character to be himself, be a man and stand up to a woman, a man who willingly submits himself to serve as the puppet of a woman

call himself a lion? How ironic! Mr. Mbu, no lion behaves like that! You are a disgrace to the Nigerian Police Force.”

Amaechi maintained that Mbu epitomizes everything that is wrong with the police in Nigeria. According to him, the former commissioner of police not only disobeyed the Inspector General of Police during his time in Rivers State but also clearly acted lawlessly, like a man who is above the law and in fact, turned himself into the law.

“All these, Mbu did because he was the puppet of one woman, a woman who clearly has no constitutional role to play in the governance of Rivers State or Nigeria. Mbu’s only claim to fame and prominence is because he has turned himself into a willing tool and servant of this woman. Mbu is a very bad example of a police officer.”

Amaechi recounted that when the former Rivers police commissioner finally left the state, Mbu

disobeyed the instruction of the Inspector General of Police to pack out of his official residence in Rivers State.

He said: “Mbu refused to pack out because he said he would come back here (to Rivers State) as the commissioner to organise the 2015 elections. When eventually he packed out and this is a long time after his successor had resumed here, he took everything including the carpet and nothing has happened to him, nobody has punished him for that. During his time here, when we hold Security Council meetings in Rivers State, he goes to report the proceedings of the meetings, what everyone said, to his woman puppeteer. What a shame. Mbu is a disgrace to the Police Force” The Rivers governor assured that a thousand Mbus cannot "tame" him or the people of Rivers State to surrender their constitutionally guaranteed democratic rights to anyone, no matter how highly placed.

4

NEWS

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Ebola: Teachers vow not to resume Sept 22 lPresident advises NUT against planned strike

Yekeen Nurudeen and Anule Emmanuel Abuja

F

or failing to put necessary equipment in schools to prevent the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) yesterday vowed not to resume work on September 22 as directed by the Federal Government.

The teachers said they would continue to stay away from schools until they have conviction "beyond reasonable doubt" that the government has provided all preventive and protective gadgets such as infra-red thermometers, sanitizers, potable water, gloves and teachers are adequately trained.

NUT National President, Comrade Michael Olukoya, who made the position of the teachers known at a press conference in Abuja yesterday, said only a few states have trained teachers on the EVD. He lamented that asking teachers to resume without equipping the schools is like asking sol-

diers to go with bare hands into the Sambisa forest to fight the Boko Haram sect.

Olukoya stated that NUT had written to the Minister of Education asking to be fully involved in all discussions on the EVD and to be allowed to assist in mobilising teachers for the task.

The Union, he said, is yet to be invited for any talks, even though the letter was acknowledged.

"Between now and midnight of Sunday, if you (state chapters) are convinced that your government has purchased and installed all the necessary gadgets, then you should inform the national body.

On no account should any chapter deceive the national body," Olukoya warned.

He noted that apart from postponing the resumption date of primary and secondary schools to October 13, other practical steps need to be taken to protect schools from any Ebola incursion.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan has defended the decision of the Federal Government on the September 22 re-

sumption date.

The President, who personally addressed State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa Abuja explained that there was currently no case of Ebola in the country to warrant any extension of holidays.

He said that the disease has been effectively contained since there was no need keeping schools closed.

According to President Jonathan, keeping pupils at home and other public institutions closed over Ebola would only send a wrong message to the international community about the situation in the country.

The President explained that government was prepared and has put

measures in place to deal with any possible future outbreak of the virus in the country.

"Presently, there is no Ebola case in Nigeria; nobody in Nigeria has the disease now. Most of the people who came down with the disease have recovered. Out of the 19, we lost seven and the others have recovered, although there are a few people we are still observing."

In another development, the United Nations has said it will need about $1 billion to fight the Ebola outbreak raging in West Africa, warning that 20,000 people could be infected by year end.

UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos yesterday said there was a “huge

funding challenge.”

“If not dealt with effectively now, Ebola could become a major humanitarian crisis in countries currently affected,” she told reporters in Geneva.

The capacity of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia to provide even the most basic necessities was “on the brink of collapse,” she warned.

US President Barack Obama yesterday announced US efforts to “turn the tide” in the Ebola epidemic, with plans to order 3,000 US military personnel to West Africa.

US advisors will also train up to 500 health care providers per week in Liberia, according to the plan Obama unveiled in Atlanta.

The United Nations said the response to the crisis will require $987.8 million (763 million euros), with about half needed for the worst-hit country, Liberia.

Its announcement comes amid mounting global alarm over the worst-ever Ebola epidemic, which by Friday had claimed 2,461 lives out of 4,985 cases, according to fresh numbers from the World Health Organisation.

The UN document estimates that some 20,000 people could be infected with Ebola by the end of the year, with Guinea accounting for 16 per cent of infections, Sierra Leone 34 per cent and Liberia a full 40 per cent.

Anyim: Jonathan’ll soon declare for re-election Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

T

he Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, yesterday gave assurance that President Goodluck Jonathan would soon heed the call of Nigerians to contest the 2015 presidential election.

Anyim, who spoke at the National Summit for Pro-Jonathan's groups in Abuja, promised to "tell Mr. President that Nigerians are ready to go with him. He will not disappoint you."

The summit organised by the Office of Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Prof.

Rufa'i Ahmed Alkali, also witnessed the defection of pioneer National Chairman of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Senator Rufai Hanga, to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Anyim described the defection as an indication that even the opposition supports the continuation of President Jonathan in office.

"I have watched all that

have been happening," Anyim stated. “I am excited because I have never seen a gathering like this where Nigerians defied the rain in support of Mr. President.”

Governor Godswill Akpabio, who was the Guest Speaker, said he had been able to transform Akwa Ibom State because he is serving two terms in office.

"Therefore, for the transformation of Nigeria one tenure is not enough.

The solution is for Jonathan to continue in office," he said.

The governor described the insurgency in the country as a distraction but said like the eagle, the president will overcome.

Alkali said the summit was not just another jamboree but a platform to create synergy and a productive interface among all support groups who are working towards the same goal.

"It is an opportunity for Nigerians across the country to strengthen the bond of unity and publicly showcase those time-honoured values that bind us together," he added.

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu (right) and the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba (middle) during a visit to Ekweremadu in Abuja. With them is Abba's Chief Security Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Iwu.

Total resumes $2.5bn Nigerian oil field sale CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

limited if Nigeria raises taxes on foreign investor profits as part of a long expected sector reform under the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

Before deciding to sell the asset, which is about 100 km off the coast, Total was planning to drill several horizontal deepwater wells and build a deep offshore drilling rig.

"Anything in Nigeria is a tough sell and anything with capex is even tougher these days. Very few players would be willing to acquire assets that have big investment commitments attached," a London-based banker said.

Total said in November 2012 it had sold its 20 per cent interest in the field to China's Sinopec for about

$2.5 billion in cash. It is not known why the sale failed.

The NNPC is the OML 138 concession holder.

Other partners include Chevron, ExxonMobil and Nexen, which is owned by Chinese state company CNOOC Ltd. Total is working on several asset disposals to meet a $10 billion 2015 cash flow generation target. The French group is seeking to raise about $2.5 billion through the sale of its Super Glu maker Bostik, Reuters reported.

A deal for the Usan field may have to involve a local company because Nigeria is renewing efforts to recoup the benefits from its oil and gas sector.

But few Nigerian players would have the money and ability to complete

the necessary drilling and building works, several sector bankers said.

This means Total's hopes may lie again in the hands of Asian buyers like CNOOC, which already has an interest in the Usan field, or India's ONGC and Indian Oil. International oil and gas majors are not expected to show interest because most of them are under pressure from shareholders to cut capital expenditure and improve dividends. Most are seeking to leave Nigeria instead.

Earlier this year, ConocoPhillips sold its Nigerian operations to Nigerian oil company Oando for $1.5 billion.

Chevron is also in the process of selling assets in

Nigeria and Shell recently sold off four oil fields in the country.

Taleveras and Transcorp are among the best placed Nigerian potential buyers because they have the strongest financial firepower, said a source.

A sector banker said NNPC could also be interested though it already has a number of commitments with foreign investors while Oando is digesting the ConocoPhillips deal and Seplat is focused on Chevron's assets. "(Total) needs a couple of local players with deep pockets. The international banks aren't showing as much interest as they were and the local banks no longer have capacity to raise that kind of debt," said a local industry source.

NEWS

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

5

N'Assembly pledges support to crush B'Haram lTwo sect commanders killed in Adamawa battle

Onwuka Nzeshi, Chukwu David, Philip Nyam and Ibrahim Abdul

T

he two chambers of the National Assembly, Senate and House of Representatives, yesterday reaffirmed their support to the Federal Government to decisively end the insurgency unleashed on the nation by Boko Haram.

The lawmakers, at their plenary sessions after a long recess, expressed con-

cern about the renewed terrorist activities of Boko Haram, which has killed hundreds of people and sack communities in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States.

They also began consideration of a request by President Goodluck Jonathan to seek a $1 billion loan to fight the insurgency.

Senate President David Mark and House Speaker, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, set the tone for the sessions at the sittings of the

two chambers yesterday as they pledged that the legislature would do all in its power to ensure the victory of the Federal Government over the insurgents.

In his opening remarks, Mark said Nigeria would no longer tolerate the activities of Boko Haram and pledged that the National Assembly was prepared to support the Federal Government and the security agencies to win the war against terrorism.

Mark who decried the

escalation of violence and the crimes being perpetrated daily by the insurgents, described the situation as a declaration of war against Nigeria, which must be matched with an equivalent force to bring the assault to an end.

He said that the activities of the Boko Haram had reached alarming proportion, particularly with the abductions, kidnappings, bombings and the recent declaration of a caliphate in some parts of

L-R: Director, Regulatory Affairs and Special Projects, Airtel Nigeria, Osondu Nwokoro; Managing Director/CEO, Ericsson, Kamar Abbass; Zonal Controller, Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), Lagos Office, Okechukwu Aninweke; Director, Spectrum Management Department, Federal Ministry of Communication Technology, Festus Daudu and Policy and Advocacy Manager, Alliance for Affordable Internet Web Foundation, Kojo Boakye, at the 5th Annual Nigeria Com Conference in Lagos…yesterday

Nigerian territory.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Media, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who briefed the media on the outcome of yesterday's sitting said the Senate took a motion on the problem of insurgency seriously because of the implications of failing to address the issue.

Earlier, the Senate had considered a motion co-sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba and 107 senators in which they expressed concern about the security situation in the country.

In his contribution to the motion, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, urged Nigerians to cooperate and bring the security crisis in the country to an end as quickly as possible.

The House of Representatives also declared its resolve to support the Federal Government to fight the prevailing insurgency in the country.

Tambuwal, who announced this after an executive session at the resumed plenary sitting of the House, directed the House Committee on Defense to liaise with the leadership of the Senate and the Senate Committee on Defence on how to

give maximum support to the Federal Government to address the scourge of Boko Haram.

Giving highlights of the decisions reached at the closed-door meeting, the speaker said the House received briefing from the chairman of its Committee on Defence and consequently resolved that it would support the Federal Government wholeheartedly.

According to Tambuwal, the House also resolved to identify legislative inhibitions that are making it impossible for the nation’s security apparatus to access foreign military assistance.

Earlier in an address to welcome members from the long break, Tambuwal declared support for the government’s plan to set up a special squad to fight terrorism, explaining that the activities of Boko Haram have become worrisome.

Meanwhile, two Boko Haram commanders were reportedly killed in a clash with Nigerian troops in Adamawa State yesterday.

Sources said the militants and 15 other fighters died in a battle on in Bazza.

An army officer who craved for anonymity said in a telephone interview that two commanders were among the dead.

CAN accuses APC, El-Rufai of blackmail CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

though he holds an interest in Eagle Air, the aircraft in question is not operated by Pastor Oritsejafor.

“The aircraft owned by Eagle Air company, who have confirmed that since August 2, 2014, the aircraft has been leased to and is operated by Green Coast Produce Limited. This is a standard practice in the industry.

“Any and all enquiries in respect of the day-to-day operations of this aircraft are properly directed to the management of Green Coast Produce Limited.”

However, CAN has exonerated its President of any involvement in the $9.3 million arms deal.

The Christians Association, in a statement issued last night by its Director of National Issues, Mr. R. Sunny Oibe pointed out that those linking Oritsejafor with the deal are only attempting to tarnish the image of the CAN President.

The association specifically named the All Pro-

gressives Congress (APC) and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasiru El Rufai as those behind the plot.

The statement reads: "Our attention has been drawn to the desperation of some elements working for a particular political party within our society to tarnish the image of the President of Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.

"They are working for the All Progressives Congress and they are not unknown to us.

"Let Nigerians have this background for them to judge themselves.

"These shameless characters including a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and National Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, went to UK to embark on an image laundering for their political party, the APC. "El-Rufai had once said there are three sets of

Boko Haram in Nigeria: Islamic Boko Haram, Politicians' Boko Haram and Christians' Boko Haram which he said are being funded by President Goodluck Jonathan and coordinated by CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor. He went further to claim that the CAN President has been given N50 billion by the President and a Jet. "The aircraft in question is owned by Eagle Air Company and the CAN President is an interested party in the company.

Since August 2, 2014, this Aircraft has been leased to Green Coast Produce Limited. They lease this aircraft and people rent it from them."

The Eagle Air had also claimed ownership of the aircraft in a statement issued yesterday, but denied involvement in movement of the alleged money.

The Eagle Air alleged that the jet was under lease to Green Coast Produce Ltd., and it had been operating it since August 2.

South African police

are investigating two Nigerians and an Israeli citizen who tried to bring $9.3 million cash into the country illegally.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) seized the funds at Lanseria airport, northwest of Johannesburg, on September 5.

The funds are being held at the Central Bank as police investigate, SARS spokeswoman Marika Muller said.

"The passengers' luggage was searched after Customs officials detected irregularities. The money was detained as it was undisclosed/undeclared and above the prescribed legal limit," Muller said in a statement on Monday.

South African airport security spokesman Solomon Makgale confirmed a police investigation was underway but declined to give details.

The Green Coast Produce Limited has confirmed that it manages the aircraft.

In a statement signed

by one Dr. Shima Adun, the company said the Bombardier Challenger 600 aircraft Registration No N808HG was leased to it on August 2, saying “we have since that time been running and managing charter services with the aircraft in accordance and compliance with global best practices.”

Adun said the aircraft was hired from the company by one John Ishyaku on September 5 upon documented terms: Depart Abuja-Johannesburg on September 5, 2014; return to Abuja on September 6; and to wait and return with the passengers He said the terms are normative within the industry. “As with every other aircraft charter company, our knowledge of the cargo carried on the aircraft was in accordance with the information provided by ABC Limited. All cargo were accompanied by passenger who could readily defend the contents. We are not and cannot be privy

to any alleged extraneous cargo transported on the aircraft other than that declared in the agreed terms of hire.

“We are not liable and cannot be construed as a party to any alleged infractions, either in Nigeria or South Africa as the case may be, after the hire of the aircraft.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has said it would sanction the crew of the aircraft arrested in South Africa over alleged money laundering, if they are found guilty.

Deputy General Manager, Public Affairs, NCAA, Mr. Samuel Adurogboye, said in a statement in Lagos that money laundering was a criminal offence.

“What I can tell you now, as NCAA position, is that money laundering is a criminal offence; the matter is being handled at the two governments' level.

“If at the end of investigation the crew are found culpable, we will sanction them,” he said.

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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Ebola: Lagos pleads for Liberia ... Lagos considers nuclear energy for power supply Muritala Ayinla

overnor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State yesterday said Nigeria could demonstrate leadership role in Africa by assisting Liberia and other African countries ravaged by Ebola Virus Diseases (EVD).

The governor also disclosed that the state government was considering exploring nuclear energy as an alternative source for power supply in the state.

Speaking at the 4th Corporate Assembly, tagged ‘BRF Meets Business’ held at the Lekki Free Zone, Fashola said Nigeria must draw inspiration on its ability to manage the disease which has continued to ravage other countries in the region and look at the possibility of using its

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experience to assist other countries in the region still battling with the disease.

He said: “Post Ebola; we are doing much more because there is a problem in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and in some other parts, the capacity is not at the level you have in Lagos and Nigeria. In Lagos, you are in Africa’s fifth largest economy as a state.

So, it encompasses many of those countries you talked about put together.

“What leadership role should we be playing? How can we go in there and go and solve the problem, using the methods that we have acquired here?

That’s the leadership role Nigeria should be playing on this matter. It’s not all of us looking for how to escape and run away from it," Fashola said.

Stakeholders meet on UNEP report on Ogoniland Johnchuks Onuanyim

Abuja

he Federal Government Tyesterday and other stakeholders met on the re-

port of the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP on Ogoniland with a view to commencing implementation of the report.

The meeting declared that the time to take decisive actions to restore Ogoniland was now.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alision Madueke in Abuja at the Stakeholders Forum on Environmental Restoration of Ogoniland, as the President of Movement for the Survival of Ogo-

ni People, MOSOP, Mr. Legborsi Saro Pyagbara demanded for full implementation of the report.

Pyagbara stated that Ogoni people would not accept anything less than full implementation of the report.

It would be recalled that the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in 2005 commissioned UNEP to conduct an independent assessment of the environment and public health impacts of oil contamination in Ogoniland, in the Niger Delta.

However, since the submission of the report, no concrete step has been taken by the government to implement the recommendations of the reports.

Vendors decry arrest, harassment Lateef Ibrahim

he Abuja chapter of the Newspaper Vendors' Association, NVA, has decried the spate of arrests and harassment of its members by the officials of Abuja Environment Protection Board, AEPB, calling for an end to the ugly trend.

The Vendors Association, while frowning on the arrest and harassment of its members, pointed out that vendors deserve to be encouraged and not persecuted in view of the essential services they are rendering to the society.

The Chairman of the NVA in Abuja, Mr. Samuel Jimoh, in a statement made available to the New Telegraph yesterday in Abuja, called for an end to the arrest and harassment of the vendors without further delay.

Jimoh called on media organizations in particular and members of the public in general to rise against the trend.

The Chairman, in the statement said, "For sometime now, the newspaper vendors and AEPB have been operating cordially without any animosity, though that relationship did not come easily."

change of name

change of name

I, formerly JOAN ORITSEGBUBEMI OBUROH , now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. JOAN ORITSEGBUBEMI NNAJI. All documents bearing previous names remain valid. General public take note

I, I formerly known and addressed as IHENACHOR STEPHANIE NJIDEKA now wish to be known and addressed as OKELUE STEPHANIE NJIDEKA.All former documents remains valid. The general public should take note.

SBAPPA

Abuja

T

NNAJI

david

Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi (left), with a cross-section of Rivers new Council Caretaker Chairmen in Port Harcourt …yesterday

Sheriff: Allegations of Boko Haram sponsored from Borno

•SSG: You’re scared stiff

state owned television and Radio station, when he visited the state to sympathize Former Borno with the Internally Disgovernor is still trying placed Persons (IDP) and also condole with former to distance himself Parliamentary Liaison Offrom accusations ficer to President Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Kashim Ahmed Miringa Imam on the death of his MAIDUGURI mother.

Sheriff said: “If there is ormer Borno State any son of Borno that is so Governor and three-time lucky, it is me, as I was electSenator representing ed three-time senator, twoBorno Central, Ali time governor by the good Modu Sheriff has cautioned people of Borno. Therethe Borno Radio Television fore, there is no amount of Company the repeated sacrifice I cannot offer the broadcast of a purported people of the state”. video clip of Austrialian “Even if it means sleepnegotiator, Stephen Davis, ing at the presidency to which allegedly indicted help my people, I would do that. I always laugh when him and the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt General I hear people say I am not Azubuike Ihejirika as Boko concerned with the people of Borno and that I am a Haram sponsors.

Sheriff cautioned the sponsor of Boko Haram.

DEFENCE

F

1.91%

The percentage share of passenger air travel of Owerri airport of Nigeria’s total air passengers in 2013.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics

Why should I do that to my people who have done so much for me?, the Senator queried.

He said he was the first victim of Boko Haram terrorists, as his immediate brother, cousin and party chairman were all brutally murdered by the sect members. Sheriff said the purported video clip and allegation was hatched in Borno to smear his name for political gains, adding that if he is a sponsor of Boko Haram as claimed, 90 per cent of those in government that are mounting the campaign of calumny against him benefited immensely from him; as such, they should not capitalize on the unfortunate situation in Borno to score their cheap political goals.

He said Davis was an agent of those who spoil his name, as he was smuggled

4.7m

The total population of women in Benin Republic in 2012.

Source: Un.org

into Maiduguri to do hatchet job, stressing that the man only spoke to unpopular television station owned by a Nigerian on the telephone and never showed his face, meaning that he was just acting the script of his masters.

But in a reaction, Secretary to Borno State Government, Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda, accused Sheriff of putting the cart before the horse in order to politicize the allegations against him and find a scapegoat and an easy escape route."

Jidda spoke in reaction to allegations made

by Sheriff yesterday accusing the Borno State Government of being behind the allegations of sponsoring Boko Haram insurgents levied against him by Australian Negotiator, Stephen Davis.

€4.25m

The annual earnings of Mario Gomez of Fiorentina in 2012-2013.

Source: Goal.com

TETfund: FG disburses N135bn to tertiary institutions Yekeen Nurudeen

Abuja

T

he Federal Government has announced it would disburse the sum of N135 billion as this year’s financial intervention for public tertiary institutions across the country.

According to the Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, each public university would receive the sum of N912million in normal intervention while each polytechnic and colleges of education would receive N661million and

N581 million respectively.

The Minister disclosed this in Abuja yesterday while declaring open, the 2014 annual strategic planning workshop for benefitting institutions.

He explained that for this year, the quantum of funds allocated to institutions has increased considerably.

"This year, the amount for direct allocation to the beneficiaries has increased by 41 per cent for universities, 49 per cent for polytechnics and 48 per cent for colleges of education

compared to 2013. This represents an unprecedented increase in the history of TETfund." He said Shekarau, while urging the leadership of benefitting institutions to apply the funds to projects that directly add value to teaching and learning and to postgraduate training for academic staff and research as well as scholarly publications, told them that the whole nation and indeed God are watching them in the application of the funds.

He, however, threatened that any head of any insti-

tution or governing council that diverts the fund from the purpose meant for would not be spared.

"Let them apply this fund with sense of accountability. Nigerians are watching them. God almighty is watching them.

"Let them help, not Mr. President but Nigerian citizens because the fund does not belong to Mr. President, does not belong to me, neither does it belong to the TETfund Board of Trustees. We urge them to judiciously apply this fund.”

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Okegwo Kenechukwu, Onitsha

M

ore than 15,000 permanent voter’s card belonging to the people of Akili Ogidi/Obeagwe ward in Ogbaru Local Government area of Anambra State have been stolen by hoodlums.

Inside source at the Local Gover nment Headquarters, Atani told New Telegraph that the hoodlums broke the back fence of the INEC Office at the Local Government Headquarters, gained entry into the office and made away with

13%

7

15,000 voters’ cards missing in Ogbaru the cards.

According to him, the immediate past Aviation minister, Princess Stella Oduah and the Local Government Chairman hail from that ward. ”You know the minister is preparing to contest for the Anambra North senatorial election, comprising Ogbaru, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Anambra East and West as well as Ayamelum local Government Areas.

This must be politically motivated” the source said.

New Telegraph learnt

The percentage population of Monaco under 15 years in 2012.

Source: Un.org

also that palpable fear has griped inhabitants of the area, prompting them to besiege the INEC Office to collect their voters’ card because they said the State Government made it compulsory especially for civil servants in the state.

According to them, the government’s slogan has been: “No voters’ card, no pay.”

When New Telegraph called at the Ogbaru Police Station, a senior police officer who pleaded not to be named confirmed the incident, but

39,000

The estimated numbers of infants’ deaths occur during the first year in US. Source: Hopexchange.com

said no arrest had been made. He added that investigation is on-going.

The INEC Public Relation Officer Mr. Frank Egbo could not be reached on his mobile phone because the calls could not connect.

Meanwhile, some political aspirants in the council Area have described the incident as very sad and unfortunate. A house of Assembly candidate Mr. Emeka Aghaonu, told New Telegraph that, what it means is that those affected will not vote dur-

208m

The estimated number of people affected by natural disasters in 2010.

Source: Unesco.org

ing the 2015 elections if INEC did not provide an alternatives.

He said the situation was also very pathetic because the Local Government was among the communities worst hit by the 2013 devastating flood that submerged the entire council area and most of the eligible voters especially in the rural communities lost their cards to the flood.

A staff of the Local Government who claimed he was attached to the INEC Office during the registration exercise blamed the Chairman, saying that the local government lacked adequate security. “I am a staff here and I worked with INEC. I had also written so many letters to the Chairman of the council even before he fenced the

office because the entire area is surrounded by bush but nobody would listen because we are not influential but it has now happened.

"Our people are contesting seriously for the Senatorial seat, somebody like Oduah the one who headed Aviation, Chief Dubem Obaze who was former Secretary to the State Government under Peter Obi for APGA and others who may also join them, but their plan was to sabotage our efforts because Ogbaru has too much population” he said All effort to speak with the Local Government Council Chairman Chief Victor Agolo also proved abortive as he was said to be too busy in Office.

Suntai: Group seeks FG’s help Sabiu Mustapha, JALINGO Group in Aasyouth Taraba State known ‘Taraba State Youth

L-R: Head of Ilado community, Eti Osa Local Government, Lagos State, Chief Rasheed Afolabi; Managing Director, St. Kizito Clinic, Lagos, Dr. Alda Gemmani and Head, Project Relations, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), Mr. Tunji Oni, at the donation of dental and X-ray equipment by SNEPCo and its partners to the clinic for the Association of Volunteers in International Service, in Lagos

Edo PDP pledges fairness to all aspirants Cajetan Mmuta, BENIN

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Edo state chapter yesterday pledged to ensure transparent, free, fair and credible primaries for aspirants jostling to contest for the state house of assembly, House of Representatives and the Senate seats respectively in 2015 general elections.

Chair man of the PDP in the state, Chief Dan Orbih disclosed this at press briefing held at the party’s secretariat in Benin the state capital.

The party leadership also received a senatorial aspirant for Edo North Senatorial District, Richard Lamai who submitted his letter of intention for the epic battle next year.

Besides, Chief Orbih blasted the state gover-

nor, Adams Oshiomhole for what he tagged the administration’s extravagance in the spending of the state’s resources through frivolous trips.

But the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Louis Odion in reaction denied the allegation by the opposition party.

Orbih said the party was shocked at the huge sum of money recently approved by the governor to himself and his entourage to attend the just concluded Edo Conference in the United States of America (USA).

While noting that the conference was “a picnic”, he insisted that the PDP would officially write the American embassy for explanation on whether those who travel to America are unsecured.

Commissioner, councilors jostle for Enugu Assembly seat Uwakwe Abugu, Enugu bout eight aspirants Acommissioner including a serving in the ad-

ministration of governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu state and the deputy leader of Igbo-Eze North local government area of the state are currently warming up to grab the ticket of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to contest for the House of Assembly election for Igbo-Eze North Constituency 1.

Sources close to the local government area stated that although the race for the seat currently occupied by Hon. Mike Onyeze, a ranking member of the state assembly, is already crowded, the the incumbent in Constituency 2, Hon. Anthony Ogidi, a first timer in the assembly, is said to be warming up for a second term.

Those said to be running in the first constituency include Mr. Ike

Onuh, a property consultant and youth leadership trainer, Chief Linus Eze, a lawyer, Hon. Tochukwu Mama, deputy leader in Igbo-eze North legislative House.

Others are Mabel Ogiri who is the only female known to have declared interest in the race, a former chairman of the local council, Mr. Chidi Nwomeh, Ejikeme Odumegwu and Mr. Steve Idoko, a legal practitioner.

In constituency 2, apart from Ogidi, the only other contender said to have indicated interest is Mr. Emmanuel Ugwu, an engineer who runs a computer firm- the Ideal Computers.

Although the general low political activities in the state said to be as a result of the body language of the state PDP and Governor who would not want early campaigns in order not to heat up the polity before the ban on politically activities is formally lifted.

Congress' yesterday said the political stalemate in Taraba is strictly a constitutional matter that deserves the attention of the Federal Government, and all concerned Nigerians.

The chairman of the group, Bilyaminu Lukaman Maihanchi made the assertion while addressing newsmen in Jalingo, the state capital.

The group described the second coming of Governor Suntai as political coup in Taraba State and a threat to Nigerian Democracy. "Nigerians witnessed the second home coming of Suntai on Saturday 13th day of September 2014 by 9:05 PM at Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Abuja.

This singular act of deceit and desperation over night was done to shield Suntai from public eyes, by the so called cabal, in other to execute their plans and attempt at a political coup, which we believe by the grace of God will fail woefully.

"It's a public knowledge that Suntai is far from being fit to return to office, and this has been proved by what the world saw on the social media especially 'Youtube' where Governor Suntai looked disorientated, tired and completely oblivious of his immediate environment said: ‘I'm coming from the Abuja’ instead of Wellington Hospital London", the Chairman stated.

He lamented that the cabal had turned the health status of the Governor into a laughing stock not bet ter than a movie industry.

NBC to halt importation of analogue TV sets Musa Pam, Jos he Federal GovernTstoppage ment has ordered the of importation

of Analogue Television Sets as the country prepares to join the world in switching over to digital broadcasting.

The Director General, National Bro adcasting Commission (NBC), Dr. Chris Mba disclosed this to Journalist in Jos yesterday. He said that the action became imperative in view of the nation's Digital Switch Over (DSO) plan for January 1, 2015. "The whole world would go digital

by June 2015 and only digital TV sets would

be reigning. So we don’t want a situation whereby people will be struggling with Set-top-boxes and Antennas to get signals.

"Our businessmen must stop importing analogue television sets and start importing digital TV sets because the era of analogue is over not only in Nigeria but the world over".

Mba spoke through the commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Auwalu Salihu said importers should start importing digital TV sets to replace the analogue sets and improve the reception and viewing of programs of all TV stations across the country.

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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

TUC rejects death sentence on protesting soldiers HARSH Military service is all about discipline, but TUC thinks death penalty is too harsh Emmanuel Onani

labour organisation, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) yesterday rejected the death sentence passed on 12 soldiers who were found guilty of mutiny on Monday by the military high command that recommended their trial on a

A

six-count charge.

In a statement signed

by TUC President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and its Secretary General, Comrade Musa Lawal respectively, TUC condemned the death sentence passed on the 12 soldiers, saying they were protesting against sabotage in the military, especially as it concerned the ongoing war against the Boko Haram sect in the North-East part of the country.

While it lauds the efforts of the military to maintain discipline in its fold and further check the excesses

of some security operatives who betray their oath of allegiance to the country through sabotage, the TUC, however, said it will not fail to reject the death sentence passed on the 12 soldiers.

“While we applaud these laudable efforts, we would also want to remind the Federal Government and the military leadership that in as much the TUC will not encourage revolt or disobedience to military authority, we will also not fail to reject and condemn the death sentence passed by the General Court martial on the 12 soldiers protesting against the internal

sabotage of the military in the ongoing war against the Boko Haram sect in the North-East part of the country.

“We wonder why and how such a protest against sabotage could suddenly be termed criminal conspiracy, mutiny, attempt to commit murder (shooting of the vehicle of the GOC); insubordination to a particular order and false accusation by the President of the Court Martial, Brig.

Gen. C.C. Okonkwo.

“To us, the issues are clearly more and the Congress makes bold to say that the approach adopted

on the issue that is already in the public domain is incorrect.

“We reiterate that we abhor the temperamental response of the tried soldiers to the needless loss of lives of their colleagues due to needless orders from above, and do urge the military to put its' house in order and fish out all the Boko Haram apologists within its' ranks.

It will be recalled that a court martial constituted to try eighteen soldiers on offences of mutiny on Monday, convicted and sentenced 12 of them to death.

The 12 soldiers, who

are to die by ‘firing squad,’ were among others, who were said to have instigated, incited and participated actively in an attempt to kill the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Maj.-Gen. A. Mohammed.

Delivering judgement in the celebrated case against the army personnel, President of the General Court Martial, Brig. Gen. Okonkwo, who led other eight members, convicted the soldiers on counts 1, 2 and 3 of the six-count charge of criminal conspiracy to commit murder, mutiny and attempt to commit offences (murder).

2015 polls: IG sets up monitoring unit Emmanuel Onani

cting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Suleiman Abba, has approved the establishment of an Election Security Planning and Monitoring Unit, in an effort to ensure violence-free elections in 2015.

This was contained in a statement signed yesterday by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Emmanuel Ojukwu, an acting commissioner of police.

The special unit, the statement said, will be headed by a Commissioner of Police in the Operations Department.

Among other responsibilities, the unit is expected to develop frameworks and strategies, to ensure adequate security before, during and after the elections.

The unit is also saddled with the responsibility of conducting election security threat assessment as well as coordinating train-

A

ing for the exercise.

The statement reads in part: “As part of efforts to strengthen the security of the electoral process in the country and ensure sustainable democracy and national development, the Inspector-General of Police, Acting IGP Suleiman, has approved the establishment of Elections Security Planning and Monitoring Unit.

“The unit, which is headed by a seasoned Commissioner of Police in the Department of Operations, will be responsible for the development of frameworks, processes, strategies and systems necessary for election security, planning, monitoring and management.

“Its other duties include conducting election security threat assessment, coordinating election security training, developing and implementing guidelines for the conduct of police officers engaged in election duties.

3, 216 cases disposed of in 2013/2014 legal year, says Chief Judge Steve Uzoechi

OWERRI

hief Judge of the Federal CHon. High Court of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Nda-

hi Auta, yesterday said that out of the 23,470 cases filed in the 2013/2014 legal year; only 3,216 cases have been disposed of, while 20,254 of such cases are still pending, with many more currently being filed.

Justice Auta disclosed this at the commencement of the Federal High Court Legal Year for 2014/2015, which took place at the premises of the newlycommissioned Federal High Court, Owerri.

According to him, the above data underscores the necessity to engage more judges, but cautioned that in doing so, care must be taken to ensure that no state was shortchanged and that only the best were recruited.

Auta also informed the audience that members of staff of the courts were undergoing training in the e-filing system, which had been installed and that the court had successfully upgraded the Docu-ware conversion of judgements and rulings up to June 2014 in its Library and Information Services Unit. He also assured the people that rulings and judgements not captured in the current edition would be upgraded.

While adding that the Internet service of the court had been upgraded, the chief judge said the court has successfully migrated to the optic fibre technology as against the old disc system usually affected by rain and thunder.

With this development, he expressed optimism that Federal High Court judges could browse and research uninterruptedly under any weather condition.

L-R: Special guest, Haruna Rilwan; Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana, Ademola Onafowokan and Managing Director, Medview Airline, Alhaji Munir Bankole, on arrival at Accra International Airport, during the airline's inaugural flight from Lagos-Accra

UNHCR, partners seek US$34 million for Nigeria refugees

T

he United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and its' partners yesterday issued a joint call on donors for $34 million to help tens of thousands of Nigerian refugees in Cameroun, Chad and Niger.

UNHCR and the 16 partners need the fund to provide protection and lifesaving aid to the more than 75,000 people, who have to date, fled from the escalating violence in Nigeria’s North-East states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.

The fund is also to help thousands more that are expected to arrive in Cameroun, Chad and Niger by year’s end.

The Nigeria Refugee

Response Plan, presented to donors yesterday, covers the most immediate protection and assistance needs of up to 95,000 people fleeing Nigeria until the end of the year. Given the upsurge in violence, these numbers will probably need to be revised upwards.

UNHCR spokesman, Babar Baloch, told journalists in Geneva that more than 11,000 refugees crossed into Cameroun and Chad in August alone.

Some 15,000 people have arrived in Niger's Diffa region since the beginning of August, many of whom have settled on the islands of Lake Chad.

Attacks in September in Borno and Adamawa States

have prompted new refugees to make for Cameroun and Niger. “In Cameroun, the newly arrived refugees are occupying school buildings and churches; some are staying with host families and others are living in the open and sleeping rough. The high prevalence of respiratory infections among children is of great concern,” Baloch said.

“Over the past weekend, newly arrived refugees told our teams at the border area that insurgents had attacked their villages in the areas of Gwoza, Bama, Pulka and Idagala in Borno State, and stole everything before burning their houses.

Some refugees are seri-

ously traumatized, having seen their relations being brutally killed,” he added.

Refugees reportedly said that a group of 40 to 60 armed men arrived in their village on motorbikes, telling villagers to embrace a more radical Islam and join their ranks, threatening to kill them.

The refugees escaped their homes at night and walked for days before reaching the relative safety of Kolofata, Mora and Fotokol in Cameroun – a long journey for children who arrived exhausted and with wounded feet. Refugees said that villages were mostly empty on the Nigeria side, with only old and disabled people remaining.

Akwa Ibom moves to check Ebola outbreak Ibom State governor, nor has directed members of since no one was safe from that the PDP would soon Adaykwa Godswill Akpabio, yester- the police to stop the move- the deadly virus, it was nec- convene a meeting of all assaid that his adminis- ment of corpses without essary to take precautionary pirants to sign and abide by tration has sent a bill to the House of Assembly, seeking to check the outbreak of infectious diseases in the state.

The bill, when passed into law, is also meant to forestall the spread of such diseases like the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the state.

Consequently, the gover-

proper medical and police reports into the state to check the spread of the dreaded disease.

Governor Akpabio, who stated this when the new Commissioner of Police, Mr. Gabriel Achong, paid him a courtesy visit at the Governor’s Office, said

measures to stop its' spread.

On the forthcoming PDP governorship primary, the governor pledged to provide a level-playing ground for all aspirants, urging more people to aspire to the office of governor to showcase the beauty of democracy.

He, however, announced

a code of conduct for peaceful, free and fair elections.

“A meeting would soon be convened summoning all aspirants in the state that are contesting for the governorship seat by 2015, to sign a code of conduct for a peaceful, free and fair elections.

news

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

9

El-Rufai launches gubernatorial campaign Ibraheem Musa

Kaduna

fter months of AMinister speculations, former of Federal

Capital Territory (FCT) and chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC), Malam Nasir ElRufai has thrown his hat into the ring as he flagged off his gubernatorial campaign in Southern Kaduna yesterday.

El Rufai who visited Fadan Kagoma, home town of former governor of Kaduna state, late Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, said his administration will be characterised by justice, responsible and sensitive leadership. He added that justice is paramount in the development and unity of any nation.

The former FCT Minister who spoke at the palace of Kpop Gwong, Col. Paul Zakka Wyoms (rtd), also paid tribute to the memory of late Yakowa whom he described as a responsible and sincere leader whose death left a big vacuum in the politics of Kaduna state.

He told the traditional leader that he went there formally inform them of his decision to seek the highest office in the state.

“It is a demonstration of deep commitment to the peace, development and unity of Kaduna state. I am set and ready to move to action, justice is paramount to development and that is my direction. I am seeking your blessings and moral backing."

NNPC moves to avert industrial action James Nwabueze

Abuja

he Management of TPetroleum the Nigerian National Corporation

(NNPC) on Monday assured members of staff and the general public that it is taking steps to avert a looming industrial action in the oil sector.

The Corporation’s arm of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) are planning to embark on strike.

Also, the National Pension Commission has given a 12-month window for the Corporation to comply with the Pension Reform Act 2014 as amended or face similar action.

PENCOM had earlier directed the Corporation to “immediately take all necessary steps to transit to the Contributory Pension Scheme under the PRA.” But according to a statement signed by Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of NNPC,OhiAlegbe,PENCOM had in a fresh directive dated 15 September, 2014, stated: “In order to accommodate your concerns, the Commission hereby grants the NNPC a transition period of 12 (12) months within which to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the PRA 2014.”

The Corporation appealed to the leadership of the industrial unions to exercise restraint while it embarks on extensive engagement with PENCOM to resolve the issues.

L-R: Ondo State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Alli Olanusi; his wife, Alhaja Bejide; Governor Olusegun Mimiko, at her 70th birthday celebration at the Government House, Akure

Okorocha tasks judiciary on poverty, decentralisation of power SOCIETY Imo governor says one sure cause of crime is poverty. And when there are so many poor people, society suffers Steve Uzoechi

OWERRI

G

overnor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state has called on Judges in the country to plead the cause of the ordinary man in the society as well as advocate for true federalism where power is decentralized from federal to the State and Local Governments to enable

Kaduna Assembly debunks impeachment plot against speaker Ibraheem Musa

Kaduna

embers of the Kaduna M State House of Assembly have debunked

the speculation that they are planning to impeach Speaker, Hon. Shehu Tahir, describing it as baseless rumour.

In addition, they passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the house.

Member representing Kachia Constituency, Hon. David Umar who brought the issue before the house through a motion that was seconded by Yakubu Yusuf, member representing Zaria Kewaye, said there is the need to debunk the speculations so as to allay fears of the electorate.

According to him, they are comfortable with the leadership of the assembly and pledged their loyalty and support to the Speaker and all principal officers.

“In this direction, I wish to move that we pass a vote of confidence on the leader-

ship of this Honourable house’’, he said.

Aliyu Balarabe Jigo, representing Kakangi Constituency also aligned himself with the motion saying the leadership has performed creditably well.

"The house has worked on some executive bills and passed them for the Executive Governors accent," he stated.

House Speaker, Tahir said their doors are open to any constructive criticism while reassuring that the House leadership will not relent in its efforts to take the state to a greater height. "Our doors are open, whenever there is any mistake due to inadequacy of man, please correct us so that we can move the state forward”, he said.

The Speaker thanked the members for their foresight and inspiration and reassured that the House leadership will be more committed and redouble its efforts to the services of the people.

21%

the economy function effectively.

Okorocha said this while declaring open the 30th Annual Federal High Court Judges’ Conference in Owerri, the Imo state capital.

The Governor blamed poverty, loss of confidence in leaders, lack of progress and insurgency in the country on the irrationality of most organizations who do not respect professionalism but give jobs to people with connection rather than those who have the right qualifications.

He lamented that though the nation is endowed with vast natural resources and people of great potentials, the nation is faced with hunger, inability to access medical

The percentage of individuals using the internet in Bhutan in 2011.

Source: Itu.int

treatment, insurgency and other ills, pointing out that “a hungry man is an angry man and has the tendency to commit crime.”

He described a great Judge as one who has the spirit of justice deeply embedded in his actions.

“It is that lofty, generous and noble spirit which prices glory more than wealth, honour more than life and when this spirit is in anyone or government, sacrifices are made without counting the cost”, he said.

He therefore called on the judiciary and Nigerians to exhibit the spirit of patriotism as well as allow politicians who have something to offer to occupy leadership positions at all levels which he assured

8.52m

The total population of Burundi (rep.

0.123% of world’s population) in 2010.

Source:Blatantworld.com

will turn things around for better and give Nigeria a pride of place in the comity of nations.

Earlier, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, the Hon. Justice Ibrahim Ndahi Auta (OFR), explained that the Federal High Court is an off-shoot of the Federal Revenue Court created in 1973 essentially as Revenue Court to hear expeditious cases and matters relating to the revenue of the Federal Government and has gone through several amendments, covering several areas with 5 Judges, 37 operational Judicial Divisions, 56 serving Judges and are ready to appoint more Judges to reduce the workload of the serving Judges.

438,000

The estimated number of deaths caused smoking yearly.

Source: Smokingstatistics.org

NANS backs Jonathan’s re-election bid Cajetan Mmuta

BENIN

T

he National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS) has thrown its weight behind President Goodluck Jonathan’s reelection bid in 2015, insisting that they would do everything possible within the ambit of democratic tenets to ensure his emergence at the polls next year.

The students declared that the PDP led administration of President Jonathan remains the only one that has committed over N200 billion to the education sector in the county within a short period of time.

The out-going President

of NANS, Comrade Yinka Gbadebo, stated this during the national convention to elect new executives of the body held in Asaba Delta state capital.

Also at the gathering “The Nigeria Students Transformation Vanguard” a campaign platform that will ensure victory for Mr. President in the 2015 elections, was inuagurated.

Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to President on Youth and Students matter, Comrade Jude Imagwe, who monitored the conduct of the convention said the federal government was committed towards providing three million jobs for the country’s young graduates in the next 12 months.

He urged the students to key into the transformation agenda of the present administration in its continued resolve to provide Nigerians with dividends of democracy and improved standard of living.

Imagwe said: “When we talk about transformation, it means we have a state, that we want change. We want to move from where we are to the next level and that is transformation and in doing that, it means several things have to change which requires our collectives responsibility”.

He explained: “In the last three years and months to come, no Nigerian would say the government of President Goodluck Jonathan has

not moved Nigerians to a place that is better than where we were. Successes have been recorded in roads, transport, health aviation and education but the key thing is that the President at all time is appreciative of the Nigerian people because as an individual he cannot do it alone. So we need each other to succeed just like a pilot flying a plane but also need a co-pilot”.

The Presidential aide said the task of nation building should not be left alone for those in power and tasked youths to take the advantage of government programme like the SURE-P to better their lot and shun acts capable of jeopardizing their future.

10

NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/metro

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

MIRACLE When hope of rescuing anyone from the collapsed guest house building of the Synagogue Church was almost lost, a woman comes out of the rubble alive

escuers at the site of the collapsed building in Synagogue Church of All Nations yesterday watched in awe as a middle-aged woman came out of the rubble alive.

She escaped unhurt from the rubble five days after the building caved in.

Scores of injured worshippers were already recuperating from different hospitals such as Igando General Hospital, Isolo General Hospital, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, where they were rushed to.

Yesterday, many people wondered how the woman survived five days under the rubble despite the heat and the fire which broke out from the collapsed building on Monday morning.

Speaking with NT Metro yesterday, the South-West spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, said the 45-year-old woman escaped from the rubble on her own.

He said: “A woman of about 45 years’ old walked out from the rubble on her own around 2am. More bodies were recovered from the rubble.”

Meanwhile, the five sniffer dogs which the police promised to deploy to help in rescuing trapped bodies were still being expected at press time.

Yet the malodorous stench emanating from the site shows that rescuers were inching closer to area suspected to have harboured more people inside the collapsed guest house.

Meanwhile, the official figure of those died yesterday rose to 63 while 131, including the woman nicknamed ‘miracle woman’ have so far survived.

But there are indications that officials of NEMA and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the church have not

Synagogue: Five days after, woman comes out alive

IG, Mohammed

Rescue operation going on at the site yesterday.

disclosed the actual figure of those who had lost their lives to the tragedy.

On the fifth day of the evacuation of the collapsed guest house, investigation showed that more than 74 people died in the incident.

Apart from the 63 official figure; investigation by NT Metro showed additional 12 bodies in various mortuaries.

Our correspondent who visited the General Hospital Isolo on Monday, one of the facilities where the recovered bodies were deposited, confirmed that 46 bodies wrapped in white body bags were being kept in three large rooms at

Uduaghan inaugurates Uvwie market Gabriel Choba Ughelli

overnor Emmanuel GState Uduaghan of Delta has inaugurated the

Uvwie Modern Market at Ugbolokposo in Uvwie Local Government Area.

The market has approximately 1,000 shops along with facilities such as banking halls, warehouses, a police post and restaurants, among others.

Uduaghan said the market would decongest the Warri-Effurun metropolis and free it from choking strain of city life imposed by arbitrary erection of shops and trading points which had led to environmental distortions.

Represented by his deputy, Prof Amos Utua-

0802 393 8212

lDeath toll rises to 63, says NEMA

By our Reporters

R

WEDNESday, SEPTEMBER 17, 2014

abiodun. bello@newtelegraphonline.com; otuntise@yahoo.co.uk

ma, the governor said it became necessary for the state to work out a joint venture to facilitate the execution of the market.

He said: “We are aware that market development is a responsibility of the third tier of government but, as conceived, the scope of this market is beyond the capacity of any of our local governments.

“Accordingly, it became necessary to work-out a co-operation arrangement with Uvwie Local Government Area to facilitate the execution of the market as a joint venture between the state government and the council.”

Uduaghan added that it had been a painful experience that the market had not been put to use, especially when the proj-

ect was planned as a hub for variety of wealth creation schemes.

He said that the setback was caused by the poor work attitude of the initial contractor which compelled the government to terminate the contract.

The state AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, who doubles as the Chairman, Project Implementation Committee, Mr Charles Ajuya, said in his address that the Uvwie Modern Market was the largest of its kind in the state and would rank very high among markets in the country.

He added that its total cost, including support fund from the bond proceeds, amounted to N768 million.

PHOTO:GODWIN IREKHE

the morgue.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a mortuary attendant said that the bodies were brought in by the state officials.

He said: “The state emergency officials brought 46 dead victims at first, which we deposited in the three separate rooms like you have seen. Later they brought more bodies but we refused to take them in because we have already exhausted our capacity.

“They later deposited seven bodies at Ikeja General Hospital and another five at Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH), Yaba and I am in touch with the mortu-

ary staff in those places.”

Also, a top official at the Ikeja General Hospital mortuary confirmed that seven bodies were brought in from Synagogue Church.

“I will not touch any of those bodies; and none of my staff would open the body bags so that you can take a look.

“We in Lagos State have managed to contain Ebola outbreak; and I will not for any reason risk any life here just to let you see the bodies.

“But I can tell you that the church brought seven bodies and they are deposited in this mortuary.”

INEC personnel arraigned for stealing PVCs Tony Okafor Awka

hree persons workTdent ing with the IndepenNational Electoral

Commission (INEC) in Anambra State have been arraigned for allegedly stealing over 800 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) of some communities in Ogbaru Local Government Area.

The theft, it was gathered, occurred at the Akili-Ogidi/Obeagwe Ward where the member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon Victor Afam

The suspects

Attahiru Jega, INEC chairman

Ogene, hails from.

The INEC personnel were said to have broken into the commission’s office at Atani, headquarters of Ogbaru, at night and carted away PVCs of some communities.

The three persons, Anene Nwokedi (46), Victor Okei (38) and Fredrick Ijoma (43), arraigned at Ogbaru Magistrates’ Court 2,

were the security staff of the commission on duty when the theft occurred.

According to the charge sheet No MGB/140/2014, the accused persons were charged for “office breaking and stealing, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 495(a) of Criminal Code Cap.36, Vol.1, revised law of Anambra State of Nigeria, 1991 as amended”.

After the police prosecutor read the charges to them, the accused pleaded not guilty.

The Chief Magistrate, Nwabasili, granted them bail and adjourned the case till November 5 for further hearing.

METRO

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

11

Alleged witchcraft: Three 22 held for embezzling N350m children escape lynching Gabriel Choba Ughelli

Tony Anichebe

It was gathered from the residents of the community that the late Etim had in hree children of the July 2014, through his sosame parents aclicitors, informed the pocused of witchcraft lice that his life was being threatened by some by the residents of Unyenge, Mbo Local people on the allegation that he was a wizard Government Area of trying to use witchcraft Akwa Ibom State yesterday narrowly escaped power to kill one of their death in the hands of some brothers.

It was also learnt that the angry youths who attempted Akpabio, Akwa Ibom gov man, who the villagers accused to lynch them.

The victims, Masters Shadrack Esin Etim of trying to kill, died about (14), Israel Esin and 10 Miracle Esin 10:45pm on September 2. (seven), became objects of hatred after On September 3, Etim was killed in their father, Mr Etim Esin, died pen- his home about 4am by unknown assasultimate Monday at Unyenge, Mbo in sins when he went out to urinate. controversial circumstances.

However, the police said they could Sequel to his death, Etim had also not establish if the death was in connecbeen accused of being a sorcerer by the tion with the witchcraft allegation or not. residents, who alleged that he wanted to A resident of Unyenge, Mr Victor use sorcery to kill somebody in the area. Asuquo, said it was difficult to ascertain The children were, however, rescued if Etim was actually murdered.

by African Children Aid Education and He said: “I think he collapsed and Development Federation (ACAEDF), died when he went out to urinate. Many a Non-Governmental Organisation people have died this way and it is ir(NGO), which contacted the police. rational to often associate this kind of The Project Director, ACAEDF, Mr death to assassination.

David Emmanuel, yesterday told jour“From what I heard, there were no nalists that his organisation received in- signs that he was shot or attacked, exformation that the children were about cept the blood in his nose. Let the police to be attacked because the villagers as- investigate the matter so that we can sumed that their father had passed on know the end of this matter.”

The state Police Public Relations Offithe witchcraft to them.

Emmanuel said that the quick re- cer (PPRO), Mr Etim Dickson, however, sponse of the police saved the children said he was yet to be informed of the incident. from being lynched.

Uyo

T

14 arrested with 16 bags of Indian hemp Babatope Okeowo Akure

F

ourteen forest encroachers were yesterday paraded by the officials of the Ondo State Ministry of Natural Resources for allegedly being in possession of a substance suspected to be Indian hemp.

The suspects were caught with 16 bags of Indian hemp during the anti-encroachment exercise carried out by the ministry.

One of the suspects, Hamed Musa (25), is from the crisis-ridden town of Bama in Borno State while the other suspect, Sunday Samuel (23), hails from Eboyin State.

The Commissioner for Natural Resources, Mr Tunde Atere, said the arrest was part of the ministry’s anti-encroachers’ exercise to rid forest reserves of Indian hemp cultivators.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) had accused the state government of allowing its forest reserves to be used for the cultivation of Indian hemp.

However, the ministry officials handed over the suspects and 16 bags of Indian hemp to the NDLEA in Akure, the state capital, yesterday.

The commissioner, however, denied that of-

and detention of former Ekreseha Land Committee members for embezzlement, misappropriation of funds worth N350 million.

The money belongs to Ekreseha community in Orhuwhorun, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.

The former committee members were arrested for conspiring to commit felony to wit obtaining money by false pretences and thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 8(a)

John Mote, Augustine Eterhisan, Obukowho Keme and Peter Bamwa.

The court had on September 4 granted bail to the former committee members with strict conditions.

Some of the conditions were that the suspects must each present a level 12 civil servant as surety and with his/her boss signing or somebody who has property with a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) with N70,000 cash.

At press time, some of them met the conditions and arrangement was being made by family members to get their relations out of the police net.

FRSC plans 200 additional driving licence centres Camillus Nnaji he Federal Road T(FRSC) Safety Commission will soon cre-

ate about 200 additional driving licence centres are to be established all over the country before the end of the year, in other to make capturing and acquisition of licenses less cumbersome.

The Lagos State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Hyginus Omeje, told our correspondent that the move aimed at reducing pressure on existing centres, making acquisition of driving licence less cumbersome, checking the activities of touts, fake licences and reduction in man-hour loss by applicants waiting for

Omeje

physical capturing.

Omeje added that because of the critical nature of Lagos and its teeming population, the state had to be given priority while opening new centres.

He added that his command was in partnership with the state government to establish additional six centres.

The commander said that even with the recent addition of

six working stations to the already existing 12 centres, there was need to locate more centres across the state.

On the discrimination between licences issued by the FRSC and the ones produced by the Lagos State Government through the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA), Omeje explained that at the moment, there was one unified national driving licence.

He said: “We have not got to the stage where states begin to have their own licences and number plates.

Lagos has fortunately realised this. What we do is to strengthen the partnership between FRSC, MVAA and Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO).

LASU don, Onifade, slumps, dies

Two of the suspects

ficials of his ministry were aiding and abetting suspects to cultivate Indian hemp in the forest reserves.

Atere described the allegation credited to a top official of NDLEA as disheartening and unfortunate, saying that all suspects arrested by the officials of the ministry had always been handed over to the agency for prosecution.

The commissioner said the suspects were arrested in Owo forest reserve about midnight.

Atere expressed the readiness of the ministry to rid the reserves in Ala, Ose and Owo of the illegal activities of Indian hemp cultivators.

He noted that the suspects were arrested in collaboration with a Joint Task Force set up by the

High Court AhasFederal in Benin, Edo State, ordered the arrest

and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other related offences Act. The suspects being detained at Zone 5, Benin, are James Toka (treasurer) Evangelist David Teberen (vicechairman) and Benson Otaben (secretary), Justice Ararhire, Freeborn Onajite, Lucky Omoko, Ohwefete Mukoro, David Pugbe, Robinson Sheghele and Moses Boro.

Others are Awhrah Samuel, Kovie Daferiemu, Joseph Obioru, Edward Iroroturu, Samson Nawwode, John Teleke, Christopher Mote, Benjamin Osusu,

ministry.

According to him, it took the officials over seven hours in the thick forest to arrest the suspects.

Atere noted that three other suspects were arrested last year in Ala forest reserve with 95 bags of Indian hemp and were handed over to NDLEA for investigation and persecution.

The NDLEA Assistant Commander, Operations and Intelligence, Olorunfemi Agboalu, who received the suspects, promised that they would be charged to court after preliminary investigation.

Agboalu said the agency was out to bring to book all economic saboteurs, adding that criminals should relocate from the state in their own interest.

A

professor of Sports Psychology, Prof. Ademola Onifade, of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, has died at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.

Onifade, who had been receiving treatment at LASUTH, after he slumped at his FESTAC residence on September 12, died on Monday night.

The Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), LASU chapter, Dr Adekunle Idris, confirmed his death to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Until his death, Onifade, in his late 50s, was a professor in the Department of Physical and Health Education.

“The late Prof. Onifade slumped at his Fes-

tac residence on Friday night and had since been admitted at LASUTH until he died on Monday night,” Idris said.

The ASUU chairman added that the union was still in a state of shock as the late professor was hale and hearty, and did not show any sign of sickness before the sad incident.

He said: “We were on the field together for sports about 10 days ago…

“He was also seen on the campus last Friday and was full of life.

“LASU branch of ASUU has lost a rare gem and will miss late Prof. Onifade as he was a true comrade and a great scholar of repute.

“He was a past secretary of ASUU at the Oba-

femi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, and an elder at the ASUU-LASU chapter.

“The late Onifade is a man of truth and selfless ASUU fighter.

“He advised ASUULASU on the road to trail and always hit the nail on the head, even when others do not.”

Idris said Onifade was expected to commence his sabbatical leave at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on October 1, adding that he concluded the official arrangement two weeks ago.

“He was a director, Centre for Environment, Science and Education; former chairman, LASU Sports Council; former dean and Head of Department.

12 NEWS PROTEST INEC boss has stirned the hornet's nest and is in for more criticism Gabriel Choba

Ughelli

T

housands of ex-militants from Delta, Edo and Ondo States yesterday thronged the streets of Bomadi in Delta

79

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Ex-militants demand Jega's sack State to protest the proposed creation of 21, 000 polling units in the north against the 8, 000 units created in the south by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), calling for the immediate sack of INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega.

The protesters carried placards with inscriptions

The life expectancy at birth (in years) of women in Guam in 2010-2015.

Source: Un.org

like “Jega must go,” “We will never ascribe to that number,” “Jega executing northern agenda,” “We call on the National Assembly to call Jega to order,” among others. They also vowed to resist any political marginalisation from the commission.

Coordinator of the exmilitants, who is also the

53.4%

Chairman, Delta State Phase 3 presidential amnesty programme, Mr. Preye Ekpebide, who spoke with journalists during the protest said Jega has contravened section 157 of the 1999 Constitution and has violated his oath of office and as such should not be an umpire of the nation’s electoral body.

24,000

The percentage of households with internet The number of adults and children estimated to be living with HIV in Somalia in 2008. access at home in developed Source: Blatantworld.com countries in 2007.

Source: Itu.int

Citing the instance of allocation of polling units to Abuja and the North-West, which comparatively surpassed those of the SouthEast and the entire South, the ex-militants said Jega’s intention was to politically reduce the south and make the north dominant.

“It is a calculated attempt to hatch a northern agenda in order to undo President Goodluck Jona-

PDP can't stand APC in Plateau, says Kwande Musa Pam

Jos

he member representTfederal ing Jos North/Bassa constituency in

Chief Executive Officer, Financial Reporting Council, Mr. Jim Obazee (left), receiving Award for Outstanding Financial Regulatory Agency of the Year from Mr. Wale Adebayo, during the 8th Nigeria Media Nite Out Award 2014, in Lagos… yesterday

Another aide eyes Fashola's job Muritala Ayinla

Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babatunde Fashola on School Environmental Advocacy, Mrs. Adetokunbo Tobun-Agbesanwa, yesterday indicated interest in becoming the next governor of Lagos State.

Although,NewTelegraph gathered that the struggle to occupy the governor’s seat still remains a close race between aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and those of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the ruling APC is not leaving anything to chance to sustain its dominance.

It was also learnt that apart from the Commissioner for Works, Dr. Femi Hamzat, who has also indicated interest in vying for the position, four commissioners are already warming up to reveal their ambition. The four were said to be consulting with their people before coming up with their plan.

But bracing the odd to join other male aspirants to slug it out at the party’s primary is Tobun-Agbe-

A

sanwa, who is also General Olusegun Obasanjo’s step daughter.

Tobun-Agbesanwa, the daughter of Major Moji Adekunle-Obasanjo and Chief Adekunle-Tobun, said she is eminently qualified to join the race, having served the state in various capacities.

Speaking with New Telegraph on the phone, Tobun-Agbesanwa said she is ready to slug it out

with other contenders in the race, scheduled to hold on November 2015, saying she has all it takes to take the state to the next level.

On whether she would be able to defeat other contenders within and outside Fashola’s cabinet, TobunAgbesanwa said: “I’m confident about my victory in the primary election. I’m bold and confident, even though I am the only female aspirant that has indicated interest

in the position.”

Asked if she could defeat Ambode and others, whose candidatures may have received the blessings of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Governor Fashola, the political scientist added: “I think politics is supposed to be fair, it is like you wake up in the morning and you are just lying down, you don’t do exercise. Over time, you will have a heart problem, you will have serious problem.

Utuama: We'll overcome Boko Haram Gabriel Choba

Ughelli

elta State Deputy GoverDyesterday nor, Prof. Amos Utuama, said Nigeria will

soon overcome the insurgency plaguing the NorthEast part of the country.

Utuama, who made the remark at the unveiling of His Royal Majesty, Obi Efeizomor 11, Obi of Owa Kingdom, Ika North East Local Government, said Nigeria will overcome its present security challenges.

He also said the gov-

ernment owes it a duty to remain friendly with the people and cherish the bond that ties up the various kingdoms and communities in the state for transformation and even development.

Utuama, who was also given an award as the “Grandmaster of Owa Kingdom” at the ceremony, further said that the historical valour and courage of the Owa people have been translated into modern day accomplishments in every aspect of their lives, add-

ing that history is a very important subject in the life of man.

“A man without history is a man who is lost. If you read the Bible, even Jesus has his genealogy well established. So, a man who does not look behind him and see what is behind him, cannot also know where he is going. Therefore, history is the map of the past to the present and it helps us to appreciate more who we were, who we are today and who we will be tomorrow,” Utuama stated.

than in the 2015 general elections, we are not going to fold our hands and watch this daylight robbery to happened,” they said.

Ekpebide called on the Presidency and the National Assembly to ask Jega to dump the idea or create equal polling units to avoid a mass revolt that would threaten the unity of this country.

the House of Representatives on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Suleiman Kwande, has said that his party has been repositioned to defeat PDP in Plateau State in the 2015 general elections.

Kwande also urged his party members to bury their differences, restrategise and work for victory in the forthcoming general elections.

The lawmaker, who spoke with New Telegraph in Jos during the closing ceremony of the second edition of IGSR Football for Peace and Unity Tournament, said the victory of the party during the local government elections was a pointer to the fact that APC can do better in sub-

sequent elections.

He said: “There was a little problem which the party is solving right now. APC is not silent on the Plateau, we are just trying to put our heads together and come out with credible candidates and package credible campaigns.

“When the time comes, our party will put up a fight that will surprise the PDP and others. If you look at what happened in the local government election, unlike in the past, we had APC votes in pro-PDP areas, we are making headway and we stand a great chance of winning big in 2015.”

Kwande also urged youths from the six local government areas of Plateau North, who participated in the tournament to imbibe the culture of peace and unity, so that development can be sustained in the state.

Pilgrims welfare, government’s responsibility in Niger Dan Atori

MINNA

iger State Governor, NAliyu, Dr. Mu'azu Babangida yesterday said that

the welfare of pilgrims going to the holy land is the responsibility of government.

Governor Aliyu spoke while bidding the first batch of 560 Niger State intending pilgrims to the holy land farewell that there is need to sponsor pilgrims on special duties.

According to him; “When government's responsibility is the welfare of the people, then the first is the protection of lives and property, then followed by welfare. You cannot say you won’t sponsor.

“There are countries that may not sponsor pilgrims, because they have the right infrastructure on ground. We need to sponsor the hajj commission members, the medical team and other clerics that will preach there.”

The governor added that; “There are some that are visiting the state capital for the first time courtesy of hajj. The sponsorship of pilgrims has to do with their living in the holy land; it is not paying for a man to go, but if such man pays for himself, government must ensure his accommodation.

“I have instructed that everybody going to the holy land be lodged near the Mosque so that they can pray at least five times daily; where they are going to stay in Arafat. I said they must be fed.”

Also, the wife of the governor, Hajia Jumai Aliyu, charged the pilgrims to be law abiding and be good ambassadors of Nigeria.

Chairman of Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Commission (NSPWC), Umar Maku, said in a brief interview with journalists that the first batch of 560 Niger State intending pilgrims will be airlifted to the holy land.

How President, PDP benefit from Boko Haram insurgency –Lai Mohammed / PAGE 40, 41

POLITICS

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/politics

ayodele Ojo

Deputy Editor, politics

ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

ayodeleojo@yahoo.com

Kalu: Nobody can stop Jonathan’s re-election

p-14, 15

WEDNESday, September 17, 2014

In the build up to the 2015 general election, a number of groups, political parties and individuals have been falling over themselves to show their support for President Goodluck Jonathan.

ETAGHENE EDIRIN examines one of such endorsements that has generated controversy

Jonathan’s endorsement and Lamido’s angst

A

lthough President Goodluck Jonathan is yet to make an official pronouncement on his intention concerning the presidential election slated for February 14, 2015, a number of groups have taken the initiative to prompt him to contest for a second term in office. And for this reason, many of them have embarked on a mission to convince, not only President Jonathan, but also the generality of Nigerians, on why the number one citizen has to be returned to Aso Rock, to continue what they say is a transformation agenda like no other.

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the North-West geo-political zone joined the fray of endorsement recently, when the party at the zonal level also voiced its support for President Jonathan.

The North West PDP after a meeting in Kaduna announced the endorsement of President Jonathan to run for office again in 2015. The meeting had in attendance some governors of the zone, the national chairman of the party, Adamu Mu’azu, national organising secretary, Abubabkar Mustapha, its zonal chairman, Ambassador Adamu Kazaure, MajGen. Mohammed Magaro (rtd) and deputy governor of Sokoto State, Mukhtar Shagari among others.

A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting reads; “Having carefully considered the steady and stable progress of our nation under the able leadership of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the stakeholders of the PDP in the North-West zone having in mind the monumental strides attained by this administration, have resolved to endorse Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to declare for president in the forthcoming 2015 elections so as to continue the good works he started. We ask for nothing less.

“Consequently, we respectfully call on the National Chairman of our party to convey this resolution and unanimous declaration of the entire leadership and membership of the PDP in the NorthWest to Jonathan to surrender himself for the continued service to the nation.”

Speaking on the occasion, the Kebbi State Governor, Usman Dankingari, said the governors would ensure that they deliver the zone, “which is the most sophisticated and populous” to the president. Also, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Wali, who read the communiqué on behalf of the stakeholders, said Jonathan had done a lot to deserve a second term from the people of

Jonathan

Lamido

the zone.

Mu’azu in his address said the party, which is as “constant as the northern stars”, remains the party to beat, and urged members of the party in the zone to remain united so as to deliver the zone in 2015.

Governors Sule Lamido of Jigawa State and his Katsina counterpart, Ibrahim Shema, were not at the meeting.

Also absent were Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal and the Education Minister, Ibrahim Shekarau.

This decision did not go down well with Governor Lamido, who rejected the endorsement of President Jonathan by the North West chapter of the PDP. Speaking through his deputy, Al-

haji Ahmed Mahmoud, in Dutse, Lamido said the endorsement of Jonathan by the meeting is “undemocratic and totally wrong.”

Mahmoud who absolved the members of the party and all citizens of Jigawa State from the endorsement, said the state did not benefit in any way from its endorsement of Jonathan prior to the 2011 election, despite the attendant backlash it faced from the northern region as a whole.

“The endorsement of Jonathan as the party’s presidential flag bearer is wrong and we hereby disassociate the government, and the people of the state from such undemocratic act. We, in Jigawa, were not part of the decision taken by the PDP to endorse President Jonathan

CROSSFIRE It is evident that the governor has run out of ideas, so as a matter of expediency, it is expected that he would hand over the reins in 2015 so we can help out -Emeka Ihedioha

There is nobody in the Imo State PDP who is my match in an electoral contest.... Imo people have rejected PDP because PDP is worse than the Ebola virus -Rochas Okorocha

as its presidential flag bearer in 2015, and this has clearly embarrassed us as PDP members as well as people of the state,” Mahmoud added.

Seemingly embarrassed by Lamido’s declaration, PDP stakeholders within the North-West again insisted that they stand by their resolution to endorse President Jonathan and his vice, Namadi Sambo, for the 2015 presidency.

Wali, who was the chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee, in a statement expressed surprise over the reversal by Lamido, who he said was ably represented by his deputy. Wali went further to threaten to show the video clip where the deputy governor stood behind him in support of the resolution reached by the stakeholders, only for him to later deny being part of the decision.

While explaining that the resolution was part of decisions of the party, which started from the state level to the zonal levels with the Jigawa State deputy governor representing the state, Wali said in the statement, that: “The decision to hold the expanded stakeholders’ meeting was a culmination of several meetings held amongst the key stakeholders of the zone and Jigawa State was always represented by the deputy governor in such meetings. It was also agreed at such fora that each state must first hold its stakeholders’ meeting before the exCONTINUED ON PAGE 48

14 INTERVIEW

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Kalu

Kalu: Nobody can stop Jonathan’s re-election

Former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, is one politician who does not pretend about his belief. To him, President Goodluck Jonathan deserves re-election in 2015. The business mogul also believes that his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is a franchise to win elections in Nigeria.

Kalu was a guest of Politics Today on Channels Television on Sunday where he spoke on the justconcluded National Conference, Igbo presidency, how governance has taken flight in Abia and his political battles. TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE and WALE ELEGBEDE present excerpts from the interview You were not part of the National Conference, what did you miss about the confab?

The confab should not be about me.

It was a very good conference and I miss nothing because I never intended to be member of the conference.

Why? I was busy running from pillar to post; from Sahara desert to Atlantic Ocean, from Atlantic Ocean to Southern China sea, from Southern China sea to Indian Ocean to Pacific Ocean.

So, I have been on the road and I didn’t miss anything because I believe the conference members themselves did a very good job.

How do you feel with the confab recommendation that a new state be created from the South-East?

I think the most important state to be created now is the one out of South-East. If we must be very rational and sincere to ourselves; the

constitutional conference also noted that. The South-East delegation to the National Conference led by General Ike Nwachukwu, fought for it and they got it approved by almost all the members of the conference. I think that should be in the front burner for that state to be created in South-East, so that we can have justice because injustice is everything that is holding the country on the ground. So, if you want to talk truly about Nigeria, you have to first give the South-East one state as a matter of urgency.

Why do you think the South-East need the state more than any other region in the country?

Every other zone has six states and another seven states. That is not justice. It is only when there is equity that we can be able to move the country as fast as we would like to move it. Wherever there is injustice, things

will continue to go wrong and it is a long time we start playing the game with justice.

If one looks at some of the states that were proposed at the National Conference, the strategic area in your state is

The battle we had with Obasanjo was purely for the people of Nigeria. It wasn’t for me. I lost a bank, airline and oil bloc, but I knew I stood for justice because there was no reason for third term

Aba, which if approved is going to be the name of a new state to be created from the present Abia State. If that proposition goes through, what do you feel about it?

Fantastic, I don’t feel anything; it is the right thing to do. If they are creating the whole state they mentioned, there is no problem. Don’t forget that creation of state is a very difficult process but since all Nigerians agreed at the conference that they wanted a state out of the South-East, let them give us one state first, then we would now start talking about the other states they want to create.

We once had 12, 19 and now 36 States.

Would you say those who were responsible for creation of the 36 states that we currently run had not done justice to the South-Eastern region?

No, with all honesty and been fair to them, it might have been due to error and it might not be, I think there are lots of injustice to the South-East.

You think that could be an error?

It could be an error; it could also be to play down the South-East because of the civil war. It could be an error honestly. I think it’s either way. Like my local government – Bende Local Government, we used to fight and carry placards to go and beg Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe that we should not be

INTERVIEW 15

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

divided. All the military administrators came from our area, so we used to go to them in the night to tell them not to divide our local government but we never knew we were undoing ourselves. We could have divided a local government like Bende, which I know is one of the largest local governments in the country today into five local governments. So, this is why I am saying that it might be an error, oversight or injustice as I told you.

The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) was very popular, perhaps not as controversial as it is now when you were governor of Abia State. What do you feel about that association now?

The forum is still there depending on the calibre of people who are governors. We made it clear that the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) is not going to be headed by one person as chairman, it was rotational. And because we knew the importance of the forum, we were able to keep the forum together. The federal authority tried to break us so many times but we said no. We remained one till the day we left.

What do you feel about the current state of the NGF; has it lost its potency?

I cannot say it has lost its potency because both the two factions have their reasons they are apart. So, I don’t know much now about the Governors’ Forum, so I would be the wrong person to be talking about Governors’ Forum. You should take Governors Jonah Jang, Rotimi Amaechi or Godswill Akpabio on that.

During your period as governor some issues came up and the Governors’ Forum stood as a group against the national issues that came up. But now, do you see the governors coming together as a force to fight for their right and the rights of Nigerians as against what they don’t believe as an association?

The right is not that of the governors; it is the right of the people who have given the governors the mandate to hold on their behalf. So in our time, we fought for the right of the people who gave us the mandate.

Are you saying the crop of governors we have now are not fighting for the people?

No. If they are fighting for the right of the people who gave them the mandate, then there should not be any division. They should be together.

You think the leadership issue that broke the Governors’ Forum as a pressure group shouldn’t have happened in any case?

There was no need for it. They could have had the APC Governors’ Forum, PDP Governors Forum and the Governors’ Forum. There was no need to have two Governors’ Forum.

There was no reason in my own opinion. I might be wrong.

Do you think that the governors are together at this very time?

How can they be together and have two forums. They are not together.

Something is wrong somewhere and they need to sort it out quickly.

You have come out to speak about some of the things that have happened in this country in recent past, especially the issue of insurgency. The way things are going, what do you think is the way out for us to be able to fight that monster?

The way out is what President Goodluck Jonathan is doing now. He has met some of our neighbours, talking with Chad and Cameroon. And I also read in the newspapers; you know I just came back from London five days ago and I read in newspapers where people were blaming Jonathan for travelling with former governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff. It was wrong. If I am Reuben Abati, I would not even comment on

Sheriff is not yet jailed by anybody or brought before a court of competent jurisdiction. So, the presidency has no right or whatsoever to even start apologising to anybody...

We should leave politics and talk about our country

that because it was not necessary.

President Jonathan is the president of Nigeria and the President has the right to travel with anybody he feels like that would assist him in the duties he is going to perform on behalf of the people of Nigeria. He was not personal; Sheriff might be a personal friend to President of Chad but he is the president of Chad and the president of Nigeria is President of Nigeria. You need to go in-between to be able to execute what he has gone there to do and I knew they are talking seriously on how to stop Boko Haram. And to me, the President has the right; Sheriff is not yet jailed by anybody or brought before a court of competent jurisdiction. So, the presidency has no right or whatsoever to even start apologising to anybody or saying whether President travelled in the same aircraft with Sheriff or not. We should leave politics and talk about our country. This is our country and the country is not owned by President Jonathan. The country is not owned by former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida and Shehu Shagari.

This is our country and the beauty of constitutional democracy is time limit. President Jonathan, if possible, will do another four years. If he is contesting, he will do another four years and give way after. That is the beauty of constitutional democracy.

You can see that he is not the owner of Nigeria. So, people are throwing stones as if we are in civil war mood against one another. The beauty of democracy is if this party is in power, the other party will go back to opposition; constructive opposition, not carrying everything the way I am seeing politicians today carrying all kinds of things.

You can see that the battle we had with Obasanjo was purely for the people of Nigeria. It wasn’t for me.

I lost a bank, airline, oil bloc, but I knew I stood for justice because there was no reason for third term. So, these are certainly what Nigerian people should fight for.

that he landed and immediately he landed, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) called him and said you landed below minimum requirement. He said no, come and start my aircraft. The next thing we heard, three hours after, was that Slok Airline is suspended. Like you have ABC, Ekene dili chukwu Transport Companies, if one car committed an offence, would you ground 14 other vehicles.

You cannot do that.

back to the PDP.

You are one of the founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and I remember that you said that some of the first meetings of the party actually happened in your living room. Are you still a member of the PDP? Yes, I rejoined the PDP on January 16, 2012 when Bamanga Tukur was the National Chairman.

The National Vice-Chairman (SouthEast) of the party was quoted to have said that you have not returned?

He is not a member of my ward and I don’t expect him to take side in who is a member of the PDP. It is a laughable issue.

And you are still the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Progressives Peoples Alliance (PPA)....

Noooooo…how can I be Chairman, Board of Trustees of the PPA when I am a member of the PDP? But what about your membership of the PPA? I resigned the same day I rejoined the PDP. Why did you leave the party you helped to form?

Mind you, myself and Turaki Adamawa, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar were forced to leave at a point. I never left PDP. I was two-time governor on the platform of PDP. I was deregistered by former President Obasanjo. As a sitting governor, I can’t leave my house burning when he gave instruction not to register me and few other members including Boni Haruna who is a minister today.

A few of us gave in, others fought, we formed PPA to show that we could do it and we did it.

What is the situation in PPA now?

I don’t know. When I am not a member, how would I know what is happening there?

But you were responsible for the financing of the party?

Oh yes! I financed and made two governors. The two governors slipped

You said you got your hands burnt fighting for the people of Nigeria Of course. They cancelled the licence of my banks and airline...

And you think those things were actually tied to your opposition to third term?

The airline never committed any offence. Isa Yuguda, the current governor of Bauchi State was then the Minister of Aviation, he knew. The offence: One aircraft in the fleet of the airline went to Enugu Airport.

The late Captain Sambo, the younger brother to Vice-President Namadi Sambo, was the Captain of that aircraft. He was landing in Enugu and the visibility of Enugu was very clear; the aircraft control was very good and the automatic landing system showed

Kalu

Why did you return to the PDP? Because it is our party, we founded the party. I am not the first Nigerian who left a party and comes back.

But it’s interesting to know that the PDP appears to say that they don’t want you back in the party?

Does anybody own the party to say such?

Where did you register?

I registered in my ward, Igbere and of course with a card number. I remember that when I registered; the same vice-chairman and others suspended all the ward executives and they are still with them. This is not how to run a party. I am a member of the party and no force can stop me not to be a member of the party.

We made the structure, we made the vice- chairman, and they can be removed anytime. If we didn’t start the party, they won’t be in the party in the first place But you were away for a while?

And they were away and came back also to the party.

Why is there so much noise about your return to PDP? You should ask them, don’t ask me. Let me ask you a question: when [Theodore] Orji left PPA and went to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and from there to PDP; was there any noise? So, if anybody is making noise, he knows what he is afraid of.

What do you think they are afraid of?

Because the tiger is back out of the cage. That is the reason.

Maybe they are afraid of the tiger biting them?

Of course, if you do what would CONTINUED ON PAGE 43

16 INTERVIEW Some members of the House of Representatives are in the radar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership in the event that the party succeeds in removing the speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, as soon as he defects to the All Progressives Congress (APC). PHILIP NYAM writes

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Mulikat, Farouk, others eye Tambuwal’s seat

S

peaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, may be fishing in troubled waters over his bid to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest the Sokoto State governorship in 2015. Already, the presidency and the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are pushing for his removal as soon as he defects to the opposition APC. The PDP is in majority in the House.

Though Tambuwal is not leaving any stone unturned to retain his seat, his planned defection has thrown up some names as possible successor in the event the PDP succeeds in removing him from office. Two of the likely successors – Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola (PDP, Oyo) and Hon. Muraina Ajibola (PDP, Oyo) are from the South-West.

The bulk of others being considered are from the North-West where the present Speaker comes from.

They are Farouk Lawan (PDP, Kano), Bashir Adamu (PDP, Jigawa), Safiyanu Ubale (PDP, Jigawa), Umar Bature (PDP, Sokoto), Bello Matawalle (PDP, Zamfara) and Gambo Musa (PDP, Katsina) The speaker has not made his intention known, but there are indications that he is on his way out of the PDP. A member of the House from Sokoto who is a close associate of Tambuwal told New Telegraph that the speaker will contest the Sokoto governorship on the platform of the APC. The lawmaker said Governor Aliyu Wamakko, formerly of PDP and now APC, is favourably disposed to handing over to Tambuwal. According to him, the speaker is only waiting for the right time to defect to the APC. He said: “We (Sokoto) are now an APC state and the speaker cannot afford to run for any office under PDP. Besides, our governor and Tambuwal have come a long way and they have a cordial relationship. I can assure you, Tambuwal will contest for governor and he will win.”

There have been speculations that the speaker might contest the presidency. A staunch supporter of Tambuwal in the House from one of the North Central states told New Telegraph that the speaker would vie for the presidency on the platform of the APC. He disclosed that Tambuwal has already secured a campaign office in the Maitama District of Abuja, stating that: “If he wants to contest for governorship, why would he open an office in Abuja? I am telling you he has secured an office space somewhere in Maitama and that office may be opened soon” Who succeeds Tambuwal? This is the question being asked by many in the event that the PDP and presidency succeeds in removing him.

Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola (PDP, Oyo) The House Leader will be in the pole position to take over from Tambuwal should the PDP resolve to stick to its earlier zoning arrangement. She may not be so visible as the Majority Leader, but stands a

Mulikat

Lawan

Ajibola

Adamu

good chance having been endorsed by the party in 2011 and also having contested against Tambuwal.

If the PDP decides to return the position to the South-West in order to make more impact in the zone, she will definitely be number one on the list. Akande-Adeola who represents Ogbomosho North/South constituency is said to be in the good books of PDP and the presidency even though, the opposition seems not to be comfortable with her.

“Tambuwal’s ascension was just a revolt in the House, but by zoning, our speaker is still Hon. Mulikat,” an aide of President Goodluck Jonathan said.

Hon. Muraina Ajibola (PDP, Oyo) Hon. Muraina is also a contender for the position of speaker. The lawmaker representing Ibarapa Central/ North federal constituency was earlier endorsed by a faction of the PDP

South West caucus in 2011 to run for the position of speaker. However, his ambition was torpedoed when Akande-Adeola was eventually thrown up by the national PDP through the instrumentality of the presidency. He is currently chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) and may be considered should the party prefer the South-West to North West.

Hon. Farouk Lawan (PDP, Kano) Unarguably the most popular lawmaker in the House, Lawan was first elected in 1999 and has been in the green chambers since then. A very experienced legislator, Lawan represents Shanono/Bagwai federal constituency and has come a long way in the House. He contested for speaker in 1999 against Hon. Salisu Buhari and later teamed up with like-minds to force the speaker out of the chambers

after he was indicted in a certificate forgery and age falsification scandal.

He played a vital role in the emergence of the first female speaker, Hon. Patricia Etteh and would later float the infamous Integrity Group, which saw to the removal of the hapless woman.

In 2011, he was said to be on standby to be elected speaker if Tambuwal, who was running against the party’s directive, was arrested before the inauguration of the House. Due to his exploits in the House heading key committees such as information, finance, appropriation and education and coupled with his network of friends, Lawan may just be the candidate to beat. However, pundits have argued that his involvement in the $620,000 oil subsidy bribery scandal coupled with his case against the economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the PDP may not want to open up another round of controversy. But those who are in support of his candidature have equally argued that political appointees such as CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

17

Pending issues as Reps begin last lap Members of the House of Representatives reconvened yesterday, September 16, for the final session of legislative activities in the current assembly. PHILIP NYAM reviews issues that may dominate debates

T

he House of Representatives resumed work yesterday after about two months annual recess. This is the final session of the 7th Assembly, which was inaugurated on June 6, 2011 and is expected to be dissolved on June 4, 2015. Before the House proceeded on the long holiday on July 17, there were some residual issues that it could not resolve. Similarly, while the lawmakers were on break, several issues that require legislative input emerged and are awaiting their attention. What are the issues that are likely to be given priority attention from Tuesday?

Ebola virus Although, the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) broke out in other West African countries before the House closed for holidays, its presence in the country became visible while the House was not in session. In spite of that, the House Committee on Health led by Hon. Godwin Ndudi Elumelu swung into action and held several sessions with stakeholders in the health sector to fashion out a way of combating the deadly disease.

Since the spread of the virus has not been abated, the House may continue its interface with the relevant stakeholders as soon as it reconvenes.

The House has already mandated its Committee on Education to review the September 22 resumption date for primary and secondary schools in the country. The House has expressed concern on the early reopening of schools in view of the fact that the virus has spread beyond Lagos State to Rivers State and may likely vote for an extension in line with the position of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

N1 billion loan request Before the House closed for break, it received a request from President Goodluck Jonathan seeking to secure a loan of N1 billion for the purposes of executing the war against insurgency in the country. President Jonathan had in his request said there was an “urgent need” to upgrade the equipment, training and logistics of the armed forces and security services to help them confront the “serious threat” posed by Boko Haram.

The House did not debate this issue before it adjourned. However, there were divergent views among members as to the need for the loan. But since then, the Boko Haram insurgents have become more daring and even changed tactics by now capturing and occupying towns in Borno and Adamawa states.

Perhaps, with this renewed offensive against Nigeria, the lawmakers will have to treat this request speedily.

The PIB The Aminu Tambuwal-led House could not also pass the controversial Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). This is one of the oldest bills in the House, yet its survival is still in the balance. In 2012, following the politicking that trailed the presentation of the bill, the House set up an ad hoc committee led by the chief whip, Hon. Muhammed Bawa to conduct public hearings across the country to aggregate the views of Nigerians on

Tambuwal

Alison-Madueke

nite decision will be taken on the matter.

N10 billion jet charter probe The planned investigation of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Alison-Madueke, is still hanging. The minister is in court and it may be pretty difficult for the matter to go on because without her appearance before the ad hoc committee, there can’t be any investigation since the whole allegations revolve round her. Will the House go ahead with the investigation in spite of the litigation against it? The next few weeks will reveal the next move of the House on the matter.

Elumelu

the bill. Since, after the public hearings were held in the six geo-political zones, the results have not been listed for consideration. It is expected that the lawmakers would accord priority attention to this bill as soon as they reconvene.

In fact, Speaker Tambuwal had in July listed the PIB as one of the bills that the House intends to pass before the expiration of the Assembly.

Service Wide Votes investigation Another issue that may be in the front burner is the House’s Public Accounts Committee’s investigation of the utilisation of the Service Wide Votes by various agencies of government. This investigation had been on for more than four months before the House proceeded on recess. While it lasted, there were startling revelations on how monies were mismanaged and misappropriated by some individuals and agencies. This assignment is yet to be accomplished by the committee and with the case filed against the House by the Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke challenging its powers to investigate her; this investigation may be truncated. For now, ministers and other senior government officials seem to be at liberty to decide whether or not to honour any invitation by the House. If this continues, the House may find it extremely difficult to carry out its oversight function again. But Tambuwal had given assurances that the House will not be distracted by abandoning this investigation. Perhaps, now that they have resumed plenary, a defi-

Budget On resumption, the House is expected to intensify oversight function on ministries, departments and agencies of government. As is the practice with the lower chamber, the standing committees may be given at least two weeks off the plenary to visit Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and ascertain the level of budget implementation and submit reports.

These reports would decide whether the House may be disposed to receiving the 2015 budget estimates soonest or not.

It will be recalled that the 2014 appropriation bill was passed late in the year and this may affect the effective implementation of the budget. This is even made worse by complaints by MDAs of delays in the release of funds for the execution of the budget.

Defection suit Some lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will continue the fight to retain their seats in the parliament as the ruling party makes frantic efforts through the courts to unseat them. Both the lawmakers and the PDP are in court: while the lawmakers are insisting that their seats cannot be declared vacant, the PDP is arguing that since they abandoned the party on whose platform they were elected, they should vacate the seats. Whether this case would be decided before the end of the tenure of the lawmakers in June 2015 is yet to be seen.

Constitution review The House, before embarking on holiday constituted a 13-member Harmonisation Committee that would jointly review the amendments to the

1999 Constitution with the Senate’s Ad Hoc Committee. The deputy speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, is the chairman of the Harmonisation Committee. Also in the Committee are: Minority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Chairman, House Committee on Justice, Hon. Ali Ahmad. The Harmonisation Committee, is expected to meet with the Senate’s Ad Hoc Committee to reconcile the differences in the amendments to the 1999 Constitution. The House has made some amendments to the 1999 Constitution, among which are removal of immunity against criminal prosecution for the President, Vice-President and state governors; full autonomy to local government councils by scrapping the controversial Local Government/State Joint Account in the present constitution, and introduction of Independent Candidacy in the election into political offices. The House of Representatives also approved the scrapping of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) as well as placement of some key federal agencies including the Office of Auditor-General of the Federation on first line charge of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

Conference report The House will also attend to the report of the recently concluded national conference, which may be sent to the National Assembly anytime on their resumption. President Jonathan had while receiving the report disclosed that he would forward it to the National Council of State and the National Assembly for implementation. The position of the president technically foreclosed the option of subjecting the resolutions of the conference to referendum for approval or rejection as he promised during the inauguration. The debate on this report in the House will be definitely eventful. Considering the antecedents of the current House, it is likely to throw away most of the recommendations from the conference report because they are at variance with the proposed amendments by the lower House.

Pending bills Over 400 bills had been introduced with over 150 adopted as resolutions and over 200 referred to committees. Some of the pending bills in the House include: Broadcasting Practitioners Bill, 2014; National Integrated Rural Development Agency (Establishment, etc) Bill, 2014; Maritime Security Agency (Establishment etc) Bill, 2014; Chemical Waste Management Commission Bill, 2014; National Peace Council Bill, 2014; National Boundary Commission Act (Amendment) Bill 2014; Construction and Maintenance Bill 2014 and A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Emergency Management Agency (Establishment).

Others are a Bill for an Act to Convert Private Companies with shares exceeding N40 billion into Public Liability Companies and get their shares listed on the Stock Exchange; National Broadcasting Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2014; Unclaimed Financial Asset Bill, 2014; Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2014; Federal Road Accident Fund Management Board Bill; Livestock Production and Movement (Regulation and Control) Bill, 2014.

These and many other bills are awaiting the attention of the House and have to be dispensed with before June 4, 2015.

More stories on Pages 40-43, 48

18

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

OPINION Still on impeachment of Enugu Deputy Governor Mike Arayuwa Wilkie

G

overnor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State is a member of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), whose first tenure in office started in 2007. So, also is Sunday Onyebuchi, his former deputy. Recently, Chime accused his deputy of three wrong-doings, namely: that he operated a poultry farm in his official residence within the Government House in Enugu. He further accused the Deputy Governor of refusing to represent him during the flag-off of the second Niger Bridge by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, at Onitsha, in March, this year. The last allegation, according to Governor Chime, was that his Deputy refused to also represent him in a South East Governors’ meeting on July 6, 2014 at Enugu.

On the basis of these allegations, the Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly directed the Chief Judge of the state to constitute a 7-Man Panel to investigate the Deputy Governor in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In his defence, the former Deputy Governor did not deny operating a poultry farm in his official residence but added that the Governor also had one piggery farm in his official residence. He further stated that the poultry of his Principal was urgently relocated prior to the sitting of the Panel in order to ensure that its concrete evidence of operation was destroyed. In spite of this, the Deputy Governor also said that the Governor’s poultry was budgeted for in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Further, he debunked the allegation made against him that he refused to represent the Governor during the flag-off of the second Niger Bridge by Mr. President. According

to him, he was at the occasion to represent the Governor. In order to put this allegation to rest, Sunday Oyebuchi played a video clip of the occasion to show clearly that he was present and seated during the occasion.

And finally, he insisted that the third accusation of refusing to represent Governor Chime in the South East Governors’ meeting was a complete nullity as he and no other person informed him to do so. He was of the strong opinion therefore, that without the directive of the Governor, his action cannot be regarded or interpreted as gross insubordination against his boss. These were the issues at stake vis-à-vis the Deputy Governor and his boss in the impeachment imbroglio.

In spite of the defence, the Panel passed a verdict of guilt on him and sent its recommendation to the House of Assembly for its information and necessary action. On the receipt of the Panel’s report, the law makers adopted section 188, sub-section 9 of the Nigerian constitution, which deals with the removal of the Governor or Deputy Governor from office. In its wisdom, the House of Assembly invoked this constitutional provision which requires 2/3 majority of members by a resolution, to adopt the Panel’s report against the Deputy Governor. The report was duly adopted and Sunday Onyebuchi, Deputy Governor of Enugu State, stood removed from office.

A few days later, Onyebuchi was deployed to the Enugu State Ministry to serve as a Civil Servant. I hate to use the word re-deployed because the ex-deputy Governor was a career Civil Servant before he was drafted to contest as a running mate to Governor Chime. He was not deployed from the Ministry to the office of deputy Governor. After the swearing-in-ceremony, Onyebuchi automatically

became an elected political office holder and therefore, a public servant. However, a Public Servant can also be appointed such as commissioners and to other political positions. Let it be clear, without any contradiction, and for the clarity of purpose, that the former deputy Governor was elected through an acclaimed democratic process and not through appointment.

It is completely absurd therefore to have sent him back to the Ministry to work, and in my view, Onyebuchi will not honour such a punitive posting.

I equally see it as a clear attempt to down-grade and humiliate him from his high profile status of deputy Governor.

The State PDP Chairman and his Executive members did not even help matters, as they did nothing, but instead, danced to the consistent tune of an impeachment music played by the governor. Thus, it is clear that the party and the state legislature simply conspired to grant the governor his wish.

The truth is that the allegations leveled against the ex-deputy governor were not enough to warrant his impeachment.

The real issue, one understands, is politics. I am told Onyebuchi once told the governor he would like to contest the Senatorial seat of his constituency but this did not go down well with his principal who is believed to given his support to another aspirant, a high ranking member of his cabinet. My take is that the erstwhile Deputy Governor was obviously not diplomatic enough in the process of actualizing his Senatorial ambition. I will rather prefer to sincerely wish him good-bye and the best of luck in his next level of politics.

• Prince Wilkie (pmikky1950@yahoo.com), 08023097251

Igbinedion @80: These are tough times for Nigeria (2) Matthew Hassan Kukah Continued from yesterday

O

rdinary Nigerians must be wondering why so many Catholic Bishops have gathered to mark the 80th birthday of this great Nigerian. I imagine the Chief himself must be shocked by the huge turnout of Catholic Bishops because first, I do not imagine he knows a fraction of us here nor did he invite us. People like the emeritus Archbishop of Benin are here as elder brothers while Cardinal Okogie is here as a dress rehearsal to see how 80th birthdays are celebrated since his is barely two years away.

Most of us are here more or less by accident but Chief Igbinedion must be a happy man to receive such a gathering of bishops at absolutely no cost and without formal invitations to most of them!

This is because, the Catholic Bishops are all on our way to Warri later today to start the second bi-annual annual meeting of the Bishops’ Conference. But perhaps far more than

that, he owes Archbishop Augustine Akubeze, the Archbishop of Benin and Vice President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference a tone of gratitude because he literally persuaded most of us to come and spend the night in Benin and to also attend this event all at his own cost. Your Grace, thank you.

My standing here to preach is purely accidental. When I received the invitation from Mrs. Cherry Igbinedion, I was rather taken aback.

I then called Archbishop Akubeze to let him know. I said that since I will be heading to Warri anyway, I would join him at the Mass. We more or less concluded the discussion. I had barely ended the call when he called again and asked that I should say a few words. I told him that I only knew the Chief by reputation and that I did not think I had much to say. He said rather bluntly: Just speak about growing old gracefully, philanthropy and so on. The finality in his voice was a signal that there was not much room for me to manouvre. And, even as Bishop, I feared that you couldn’t say

no to a President or his Vice without consequences, so I obeyed.

I may not qualify to speak about Chief Igbinedion but since people like Chief Tony Anenih, his senior brother by one year cannot climb the altar to fix a sermon, Chief Tom Ikimi is only a young man of 70, and since Comrade Governor is far too young even by my own standard, and despite not being a titled Bini Chief, I derive my authority from the Catholic Church given to me through the Archbishop of Benin.

The quest for wealth and fortune has been part of human history and it remains a legitimate pursuit. The real challenge is how we go about finding wealth and by what means we employ. Here, like most things in life, most people agree that although hard work is vital to success in life, not every hard working person is necessarily a rich person. By whatever means we may have become rich, the future largely depends on what we do with the proceeds of our fortune and whether that changes us for the good.

The parable of the servants and

the talents entrusted to them by their master in the Gospel of St Matthew (25: 14-30) suggests to us that God has given each and every one of us a gift, and that this gift is a trust and that He will demand us to render account on the last day. He will not demand of you what He will demand of the Governor, He will not demand of the Governor what He gave to the President and He will not demand of the President what He gave to the Senator, nor demand from the Priest what he gave to the Bishop, or from the farmer what He gave to the Governor of the Central Bank. So, He will not demand of the beggar on the street what He gave to a Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, but demand He will since, as He says, He has given each according to his ability (Mt.25: 15). This is why our lives as Christians are measured by faithfulness and stewardship of over whatever God has entrusted to us, no matter our station in life.

• Hassan-Kuka is Bishop of Sokoto Diocese of the Catholic Church. He made these remarks at Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin’s birthday mass in Benin, the Edo State capital, last Thursday, September 11.

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2014

Let Okada remain banned in parts of Lagos

R

ecently, commercial motorcycle operators in Lagos, otherwise known as Okada, staged peaceful protests to press home their demand for unfettered operation in the state. The commercial motorcyclists were, in effect, asking the federal government to lift the restriction it had placed on Okada operation in some parts of the state.

However, in a swift reaction, the LASG said it had no intention of reversing the restriction of commercial motorcyclists from plying major highways and bridges in the state. Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Raji, said on Sunday that the government believed that the Lagos State Road Traffic Law 2012, especially the aspect concerning the restriction of commercial motorcyclists from plying major highways and bridges, was made in public interest. “This administration,” he declared, “does not have the intention to reverse itself on this important issue now or in the immediate future.”

And the reason is simple. Raji stressed that “by enacting the Law of 2012, we have made considerable gains in discharging the primary responsibility of government to our people in the area of protection of

life and property,” adding that the decision to regulate the use of commercial motorcycles on our highways was not a unilateral decision, but a response to popular demands by members of the public who have been at the receiving end in their daily interactions with the okada operators.”

The Special Adviser explained that there are 9,100 roads in Lagos State and that motorcycles below 200cc are restricted from plying only 475 of the roads. “This represents 5.6 per cent of roads in Lagos,” he said. “The result and impact of this decision have been tremendous. Prior to the enactment of the law, we were recording an average of 16 motorcycle-related deaths across the state every month and an average of 646 injured patients from motorcycle-related accidents at the state secondary and tertiary hospitals. As of March this year, our statistics show only one to two motorcycle-related deaths and less than 100 motorcycle-accidentrelated injuries in a month.”

The protests came in an apparent move by okada riders to pressure the Lagos State Government to rescind its decision on okada operation in some parts of the state in exchange for their support for the ruling party in next year’s elections in the state. But, Raji stated that

information making the rounds that the government wanted to reverse the restriction was false. He described those sponsoring the information as mischief-makers who are “plotting to snatch ballot boxes with the use of okadas during the 2015 general elections,” stating that the plan would not be allowed to stand in Lagos. “We encourage our okada riders to go about their lawful duty by obeying all the provisions of the traffic law,” he added.

In as much as we sympathize with commercial motorcycle operators in the state, we believe that the ban of okada in some parts of Lagos must be sustained. As useful as commercial motorcycles might be as means of inner city transportation, in reality, they constitute a huge nuisance to public safety, tranquility and order. But, we have noticed that since the restriction of operations and movement of okada riders in the state, the incidence of ‘flyby’ armed robberies by daredevil criminals atop okadas has reduced drastically. It stands to reason, therefore, that the law is not a punitive measure to deal with anybody but an all-encompassing law done in good faith and in the overall interest of the people of the state. Not to have passed the traffic law when it did, the FasholaAdministration would, wittingly or

unwittingly, have reduced Lagos, the most populous state in Nigeria as well as its financial/commercial capital to one huge jungle. But, thanks to the law, there is some sanity on the ever-busy roads in the state.

Yet, a lot still needs to be done in terms of road management and traffic control. Part of the reason okada thrives in Nigeria is that the roads so dilapidated that passenger vehicles are often loathe to ply them, thereby paving the way for two-wheelers like okada to become the dominant means of transportation. We, therefore, urge the Lagos State government to commit more effort and resources towards the repair of inner roads in the state to ease vehicular movement to prevent people from patronizing okada as an alternative means of transportation. The government should also compel the local councils to do more in the area of road construction and rehabilitation--most council roads are unpardonably bad and something has to be done about them. More importantly the government should ensure conducive is created for businesses to thrive so that Lagosians can actualize their full potentials, thereby creating decent jobs and weaning people from the dangerous undertaking of okada-riding.

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20

ARTS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2014

LITERATURE

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www.newtelegraphonline.com/arts

“THE DECLINE OF LITERATURE INDICATES THE DECLINE OF A NATION.” ―- JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE

TONY OKUYEME

tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com okuyemeogom@yahoo.com

Role of culture in nation building, sustainable development Book title: Politics, Culture and Development in Nigeria: A Festschrift for Gabriel Olatunde Babawale Editor: Dr. Akin Alao Publisher: Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), Lagos Year of publication: 2011 Number of pages: 383+xvi Reviewer: Prof. Isaac Olawale Albert

T

his collection of 23 essays was written by friends, associates, colleagues and former students of Professor Gabriel Olatunde Babawale to celebrate him. Professor Babawale is a man of many parts. To some, he is a political scientist of note; to some others who came in contact with him in the past four years or thereabout, he is a cultural administrator; but to his “grassroots friends”, he is an eminent Professor of Political Science who has demonstrated clearly through his leadership of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) that the training provided political scientists is very broad.

Babawale has shown that knowledge in political science can enhance cultural production and administration.

This is worth celebrating and this is the mission of the book: Politics, Culture and Development in Nigeria.

In a development-relevant fashion, the book calls attention to the role of culture in repositioning the Nigerian state.

In the preface to the book the editor, Dr. Akin Alao, paid a glowing tribute to the “omoluabi” personality, penetrating scholarship, and outstanding public life of Professor Babawale. This is followed by the first chapter in which Tony Onwumah called attention to the need for Nigeria to tap more deeply into the Nigerian culture for promoting sustainable development of the country. This position speaks to both the purveyors of Nigerian culture as well as agents and agencies of the Nigerian state responsible for national development planning. For now the emphasis in on “cultural appreciation” rather than what culture could contribute to addressing the myriad of social, economic and political problems facing the nation.

Onwumah argues that indeed if well attended to, culture would help Nigeria as it does to the “Asian Tigers”.

The second chapter, written by Adekola Kolawole, reinforces the earlier one but focuses particularly on the need to protect and preserve Africa’s cultural heritage. The points made by Kolawole were reinforced by Emmanuel Omisore, who authored the third chapter. The main focus of his paper is how inadequate financial resources, urbanisation, lack of professionalism, modern religions

amongst many other factors have led to the abandonment or poor management of cultural heritage in Nigeria. In the fourth chapter, Idowu Williams shows that man is first and foremost a cultural being. To this extent, he argues that development, citizenship and democracy which the modern day political analysts harp upon are eclectically related with culture. He argues that through cultural reorientation many of the problems besetting Nigeria today, most especially corruption and political brinkmanship, would be a thing of the past. Like Williams, Adeshina Afolayan argues in chapter five that Nigerian culture has several ethical protocols that could be drawn upon for dealing with the problem of corruption in the Nigerian society.

The sixth chapter of the book focuses on the semiotic features of the campaign posters in Nigeria’s elections. These posters according to the author exaggerate the personality of the politicians and in some cases succeeded in marketing bad products to the people. In the seventh chapter, Charles Jegede revisits the debate on what culture could contribute to fighting corruption in Nigeria.

Adeoila Faleye authors the eighth chapter. His main argument is that no language can be separated from its society, culture and religion. Elizabeth Nyager’s paper is on protest drama and popular theatre as evident in works of Hubert Ogunde, Bam Gidi, and some performances in Tivland. She argues that through these performances, several social and political questions that could not be raised in dayto-day political discourses are brought into the public domain through theatrical performances.

The 10th chapter of the book, written

by Ibraheem Oladipo Muheeb, contributes to the earlier debate that Nigeria has a lot to learn from the role of culture in shaping and building the Asian society. In the 11th chapter, Kayode Omoniyi Ogunfolabi reflects on the apolitical nature of the themes addressed by and issues raised in Yoruba video films. In Felix Omidire’s 13th chapter, the problems of translating cultural contents from one language to the other are discussed. With emphasis on Yoruba culture in Brazil, the main issue of concern in the paper is how to preserve the purity of the cultural texts.

The 17th chapter is jointly authored by Michael Fajuyigbe and Olusegun Ajiboye.

The paper looks at the gelede performance in Yorubaland whose main function is to educate, inform, enlighten and entertain members of the society. Above all, gelede performances help to correct social vices, maintain peace and harmony.

The 21st chapter is authored by Mariam Omolara Quadri and her focus is on how patriarchy expressed in diverse forms prevents Nigerian women from

The contents of the book leave us with the sobering observation that there is more to African culture than our policy makers care to understand expressing themselves.

The second to the last chapter in this volume is written by Adelaja Odukoya.

The contents and activist language remind us that after all, Professor Babawale in whose honour this book is written was first and foremost a political scientist before becoming a cultural administrator.

Hence, Odukoya’s paper is on politics though he tried successfully to squeeze himself into the framework by including “culture of accumulation” in the title of his paper. The paper revisits issues relating to the widespread Africa’s underdevelopment in the midst of plenty. He blames the situation on poverty of leadership in the continent most especially the factor of primitive accumulation of wealth. The last chapter, which is authored by Ayedele Ashiru also has political science framework. It examines the interventions of

the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in African development and considers these to be a disaster. He calls for an alternative model of development for Africa.

Though not of equal quality, length and relevance, the papers in this publication are very refreshing and constitute a significant contribution to knowledge. The number of papers speaks directly to the level to which Nigerians of diverse ethnic, religious and academic backgrounds acknowledge and appreciate Professor Babawale’s scholarship and contributions to public administration. I found the editing of the work to be very thorough and the preface sufficiently persuasive as to why the book was published in honour of Professor Babawale. In other words, this is not a propaganda project but a sincere token of appreciation to a man who has done so much to Nigeria’s art and culture within a limited space of time of becoming the Director General of CBAAC. It is also evident that Professor Babawale has done a lot in the direction of bringing Africans in diaspora closer to Africa than many would have ordinarily imagine.

The contents of the book leave us with the sobering observation that there is more to African culture than our policy makers care to understand.

s

OUR SCHOOL CURRICULUM IS MISDIRECTED, SAYS MOCPED PROVOST }p-24

AT ANAMBRA VARSITY }p-23 LECTURE, DON STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF INSECTS

EDUCATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2014

FOUL

Stakeholders are crying foul over the disparities in the results of the 2014 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) released by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examination Council (NECO)

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/education

KAYODE OLANREWAJU, EDITOR, EDUCATION

kayode.olanrewaju@ newtelegraphonline.com kayolanre@gmail.com 08037127417

Mixed reactions trail WAEC, NECO SSCE results

Mojeed Alabi

W

hile the dust raised by the mass failure of candidates in the 2014 May/June Senior School Certificate examination (SSCE) released by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) was yet to settle, the National Examination Council (NECO) with its results has brought succour to its candidates.

In the SSCE results released

by WAEC, on August 11, of the 1,692,435 candidates that sat for the examinations, only 529,425 candidates, representing 31.28 per cent obtained credits in five subjects and above, including English Language and Mathematics.

The WAEC Head of Nigerian Office (HNO), Mr. Charles Eguridu, had said there was sharp decline in the performance of candidates in the examination.

He said: “The Council was unhappy to declare a steep fall in the little success recorded within the last two preceding years, noting that only a total number of 529,425 candidates, representing 31.28 per cent of the total figure of 1,692,435 candidates that sat for the exams, obtained credits in five subjects and above, including English Language and Mathematics.”

According to Eguridu, the figure, when compared to the 2012 and 2013 results, shows a marginal decline in the performance of candidates.

“In May/June 2012, 38.81 per cent of candidates obtained five credits and above including English Language and Mathematics, while in 2013, the percentage declined to 36.57 per cent; and this year, we have 31.28 per cent.”

But, however, one month after, the situation was completely different, with the National Examination Council beating its own imagination, as its candidates recorded the best performance within last six years or thereabouts.

In the SSCE results released last week by NECO and as announced by its Chief Executive Officer/Registrar, Professor Promise Okpala, unlike WAEC 52.29 per cent of the candidates obtained credit in five subjects and above including English

21

Cross section of pupils writing exam

Shekarau

Okpala, NECO boss

Eguridu, WAEC boss

Language and Mathematics.

This, according to him, revealed over 20 per cent improvement over WAEC’s results presented a month earlier.

In fact, according to Okpala, of the 989,622 candidates that wrote the examination, 72.58 per cent obtained credit and above in English Language, while 69.49 per cent recorded similar grades in Mathematics.

But, the disparities in the two results conducted for the same candidates have continued to raise fresh dusts, especially over the differences shown in the statistics of success recorded by the two examination bodies.

Meanwhile, rather than vilifying WAEC or praising NECO for their individual performances, stakeholders are rais-

ing pertinent questions about the development, querying the rationale behind the differences especially based on the relevant information that the two examination bodies paraded similar candidates for their examinations, and that the exami-

nations were conducted within the same period using similar syllabuses.

They, therefore, demand for comprehensive appraisal of the situation so that the nation’s education sector is not jeopardized.

Some of the stakeholders who spoke to New Telegraph are insinuating that the development might not be unconnected with rivalry games, citing cases of questions of consistency against one and the problems associated with monopoly against another.

In fact, some are suggesting that the desire to have more clients by either of the two may influence their decisions about the fate of their candidates.

According to the former Dean of the Faculty of Edu-

There is no sin in parents assisting schools in terms of finances but that should not be part of admission requirements

cation, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Duro Ajeyalemi, the development calls for thorough debate among scholars, while insisting that the circumstances warranting such clear difference must be ascertained to safeguard the nation’s education sector.

The Professor of Education Management said if the periods when the examinations were conducted had been different, there would have been no query, but that considering the timing, the social-political and security challenges facing the country, and the general poor performance among the pupils, there was a need to take a second look at the results.

He said: “The difference in the results calls for attention of education planners and policy makers. The unfortunate thing is that there is no room for any higher institution to discriminate against any of the results because I can tell you that in terms of credibility one is better than the other, and that makes the case more complex.”

But to the Vice-Chancellor of Bells University of Technology, BELLSTECH, Ota, Ogun State, Prof. Isaac Adeyemi, before conclusions could be reached on the development, there is a need for considerations of the syllabuses, marking guides and the prevailing conditions during the two examinations.

He said as a national body saddled with the responsibility of conducting such examinations and peopled by professionals, it would not be right to jump into conclusions that the results are not credible enough.

Adeyemi, who is the Chairman of the Association of ViceChancellors and Registrars of Private Universities in Nigeria, therefore, suggested that experts in the field of education should consider researching into the likely causes of the disparities and that their findings could help in addressing the development.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Osun State, Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan, said it would be difficult to fault any of the two bodies considering the fact that the scripts were marked by the same teachers and the marking guides were not different.

He, however, said he could vouch more for WAEC results beCO NTINUED O N PAGE 26

22 EDUCATION

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Aspirant blames governor for students' poor SSCE result Sola Adeyemo IBADAN

governorship aspirant unAParty der the Peoples’ Democratic (PDP) in Oyo State, Mr.

Puplis on the assembly ground

Ebola: Lagos, Ekiti schools set for Sept 22 resumption Adesina Wahab and Shadrack Yusuf

A

head of the September 22 resumption date for public and private primary and secondary schools inches closer, many school owners and operators have assured parents of their preparedness to ensure Ebola free school environment.

The Federal Government had few weeks ago rescinded its earlier directive that schools should reopen for the new school year on October 13, by fixing September 22 as the new date.

The schools were supposed to have resumed on September 13, going by the normal school calendar, until the Federal Government ordered that all schools should remain closed until October 13, following the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) brought into the country by the late Patrick Sawyer, the LiberianAmerican in July.

But, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) kicked against the September 22 resumption date, while the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) also faulted the Federal Government on the resumption order, alleging that the situation in the country concerning the prevention and containment of the dreaded Ebola virus had not allowed for reopening of schools, until adequate measures were put in place.

The House of Representatives Committee on Education has said that a meeting of stakeholders would be convened this week to determine the feasibility of school reopening or otherwise.

But, the New Telegraph investigations during its visits to some schools in Lagos and Ekiti States on the level of preparedness at containing the spread of the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease revealed that some measures have been put in place the readiness of most schools to resume next Monday.

Following the Federal Government directive, the Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, the states’ ministries of education were

ordered to ensure that at least two members of staff in each public and private schools are trained by appropriate health workers on how to handle any suspected case of Ebola, while screening equipment and sanitizers should be procured for the schools’ use.

In Ekiti State, the Commissioner for Education, Mr. Kehinde Ojo, said a number of steps and recommendations agreed to at the meeting with the Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, were being implemented and there would not be any cause for alarm.

The Commissioner added that Zonal Coordinators had been appointed by the ministry across the 16 Local Government Areas and the newly created 19 Local Council Development Areas of the state, who are saddled with the responsibilities of feeding the ministry with the state of things at their respective council areas.

As part of the action plan, he recalled the state had constituted the State Action Committee on Ebola (SACE), which consists of representatives of the Ministry of Health, the Teaching Service Commission, SUBEB, the Board for Technical Education, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), the All Nigerian Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS).

Also represented on the committee are the National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Association of Primary Head Teachers of Nigeria (APHTN), National Association of Private Schools (NAPS) and the Ministry of Information.

He explained that Thermometers had been purchased for the screening of pupils and students and their teachers as they return to school, while adding that private school owners are not left out, as they are being carried along in the implementation process.

The Proprietor of Greater Tomorrow, Nursery/Primary and Secondary Schools, AdoEkiti, Mr. Owaraye Ademola,

who insisted that “health is wealth,” however hinted that the issue of Ebola had assumed a global trend which must be tacked holistically.

To ensure a safe and healthy school environment for students and their teachers, Ademola said apart from cooperating with the state government on the steps to be taken, he would also make it a point of duty to ensure that the schools’ surroundings are kept clean.

Also, at the Christabell Nursery and Primary School, Ado-Ekiti, the Proprietor, Mrs. Omotayo Omolade, said to ensure a safe and healthy school before resumption, the school authorities would make sure that the school surroundings were cleaned up.

According to her, arrangement would be made to fumigate the school compound to make it neater and safer for the pupils.

During a visit Mbari Mbayo Schools, Yaba, Lagos, the Head Teacher, Mr. Quaque Andrews Al-Hassan, said the school had already purchased sanitizers and ordered for some screening equipment, which are being expected to arrive this week.

His words: “We are very much ready for resumption.

A lot of sanitizers have been ordered alongside screening equipment to detect the status of anybody coming through the gate. About five staff members have undergone training to sensitize other members of the school in order to be conscious of the environment and health needs of the pupils. We have sent circular to parents to enlighten them about the health needs of the children.”

A teacher at the Salvation Army Catherine Booth School, Onipanu, Shomolu, Lagos, Mrs. Joyce David, recalled how the school stopped the summer classes immediately the government directive was announced.

On the readiness of the school to reopen next week, she added: “The management at its meeting approved the funds for the purchase of some preventive measures such as sanitizers, fliers, bill board and screening instruments.”

Seyi Makinde has bemoaned the poor performance of the state in this year’s Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) recently released by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

He blamed the candidates’ poor results on Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration’s poor education system.

According to him, "the appalling result was a manifestation of the fact that the state government had failed in the provision of qualitative education to its citizenry in the last three years.

In the result released by the examination body in August, Oyo State emerged in the 24th position out of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal capital Territory.

"The 24th position of the state in the last WASSCE result released placed the state behind all other states in the South-West, South-South and South-East,” he regretted.

Makinde, an engineer, who expressed his regret during a chat with newsmen in Ibadan, the state capital, insisted: “How many schools have they built or rehabilitated in the last three years and what reforms have they embarked upon to bring about education development in the state?

"Some weeks ago, the state government was out there dashing out political promo-

Makinde

tions and salary increment to the teachers, all because election was around the corner.”

Makinde pledged his resolve to secure the future of the people by giving education a priority, adding that he would change the comatose state of education in the state.

The aspirant, who listed education, agriculture, infrastructure and health as the four cardinal agenda of his administration if voted into government, said that any responsible government should embrace agriculture as a means of reducing poverty and the increasing rate of unemployment in the state.

His words: "What has been the state government’s commitment to agriculture as a way of boosting food sufficiency and its revenue? How many farm settlements have they been able to add since inception? Many schools in the state have dilapidated classrooms, while many are over filled with students. We are going to better all these by the time his party gets to the saddle."

Author proffers solutions to insecurity Mojeed Alabi s part of his contributions Acurity towards addressing the sechallenges facing the

country, an author, Mr. Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, has written a book, suggesting the way forward for the seemingly intractable problem.

The book: Global Terrorism and Its Effects on Humanity, according to the writer, provides an educative, well-researched primer on all aspects of terrorism, including its causes, recruitment tactics, methods, and terrorists’ agendas, and concludes with a prescription on how to fight and end the war on terrorism.

Mumuni said the challenge posed by the insurgency to global system forced him to dwell into the subject, while promising to distribute about 300 copies of the book freely in the United States of America to commemorate the 13th remembrance anniversary of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

He said: "There have been series of discussions, debates and issues bothering on global terrorism in the 21st Century, but this dwells very deeply on its origin, types, justification, flight or fight and its effects on humanity. That is why I have divided it into about seven chap-

Mumuni

ters for every reader irrespective of nationality, race or creed, to understand."

The author has therefore emphasized the importance of education to war fighting, saying what the world leaders need to do is to continue to invest in education, teaching moral virtues, and by allowing the public to know the details about the dangerous sects.

Published in South Africa, the book comprises seven chapters, shows the sociological, psychological, physical, political, and economical toll of the war on terrorism on America and its lasting impact upon humanity and human rights, including Nigeria.

EDUCATION

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

23

Strike, protests cripple Ekiadolor College Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

T

hough, the protest embarked upon by the students of Ekiadolor College of Education in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, last week, has come and gone, the management and students have continued to count their loses.

To the students, the protest which would ordinarily have passed for a peaceful solidarity rally in support of their striking lecturers suddenly snowballed into a gory situation of an awry dimension, leaving a bad taste in their memories.

The lecturers, under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Colleges of Education (COEASU), Ekiadolor chapter, had last August announced a resolve to embark on a oneweek warning strike to protest the failure of management of the state-owned institution to honour an earlier agreement they entered into concerning the welfare of the staff.

According to them, the strike option was part of resolutions reached by the union Congress on the July 30, to press home their demands.

Part of the union’s grouse include non-payment of arrears of salaries and other entitlements owed the lecturers for several months, and other sundry issues they said had made their work uninteresting and unattractive.

The aggrieved lecturers are demanding among others the immediate payment of 2013 headship allowance to the heads of departments and coordinators, deans and directors of various schools, including non-payment of 2010 and 2011 outstanding promotion arrears, as well as 2012 and 2013 promotion arrears respectively.

The union is also agitating against what it described as the huge debt owed the Trust Fund set up by members, a development that has complicated their plight to receive half salaries each time salaries are paid.

In a communiqué jointly signed by the Chairman of COEASU, Mr. Fred Omonuwa and the Secretary, Dr. Victor Okosun respectively, the union lamented that all the peace meetings between the management and academics staff members to avert strike had not been successful.

They vowed that if nothing urgent was done on the expiration of the warning strike, the members would embark on total strike to press home their demands.

While in the same vein, members of the Coalition of Unions of State-Owned Tertiary Institutions in the state, to which the College of Education also belongs, had appealed to the state government to pay the 16-month salaries owed the workers of the state owned institutions.

The accumulated salary arrears are the differentials in the implementation of salary structure of CONPCASS and CONTEDISS from July 2009 to October 2010.

Omonuwa said: “The College of Education, Ekiadolor

Cross section of students during protest

is being faced with myriad of problems ranging from nonpayment and implementation of several agreements reached with the college management, as well as the lecturers’ welfare, which include payment of headship, defrayment of promotion arrears since 2010 which was agreed would be defrayed one after the other.

He said: "We have issues that border on non-payment of excess script arrears that have not been paid. Our worry is that if the amount as low as N3 million cannot be defrayed, it means there is a real problem in the college. We have met with the management several times but nothing has come out of it. It is important to know that the college being a member of Coalition of Unions of State-Owned Tertiary Institutions has its own separate issues to grind with the state government which borders on 16-month arrears.

“We need to separate both from the internal problems we have with the management and that is the reason why we have to go on the warning strike to let the management know that they have their own issue.”

But the Provost of the college, Prof. Victor Amenuhunwangho in a reaction said “promotion arrears are paid at convenience of the payer.

Amenuhunwangho noted: “The college is cash strapped and with arrears of salaries to clear, while the headship allowance is predicated on availability of funds. Our proprietor is already looking at ways of solving our problems. We need to display understanding. I have told them. They have assured us of appreciating the facts. We are meeting again shortly”.

With the expiration of ultimatum, the lecturers are threatening fire and brim stone to extend the sit at home order if nothing tangible was done to alleviate their plight.

However, the students were piqued by the stalemate between the management and the union, which left the students at cross roads following the grounding of academic activities in the college.

But, the action of the lectur-

the students were piqued by the stalemate between the management and the union, which left the students at cross roads ers, however, did not go down well with the management of the institution.

Investigations by New Telegraph revealed that attempts were made at the peak of the lecturers’ strike to compel the students to write the semester examinations, a plot that sparked off the students’ violent peaceful protest.

It was also learnt that there was division among the striking lecturers as a section was said to have influenced the students to cash on the opportunity of the strike to stir disaffection and force the management and the state government on their knees.

The plot to break the ranks of the striking lecturers, it was gathered prompted the alleged suspension of the Head of Department of Students’ Affairs of the institution, Mr. Richard Amayo and two others, Ucho Lucky and Curtix Okundia for anti-union activities.

But unable to bear the pains of their lecturers’ strike, the students last week took to the major streets and nearby towns in protest to express their dissatisfaction with the turn of events in the college, with a view to drawing the state government’s attention to their plight.

The students were said to have barricaded the LagosBenin Highway, chanting war songs and thereby leaving hordes of passengers stranded for several hours.

The grouse of the students, led by the leaders of the college’s Students’ Union include what they described as poor state of infrastructure and unpaid arrears of lecturer’s

Oshiomhole

salaries by the management and state government.

Also, the students expressed reservations over the ill-treatment and poor facilities that do not encourage sound learning and improved welfare of the lecturers.

The protest later, which later went violent resulted in heavy gridlock and untold suffering of several commuters travelling to Lagos and the Eastern parts of the country.

It was gathered that other students from College of Education, Igueben; Institute of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi; and the Institute of Management Technology, Usen, joined in the protest in solidarity, calling for total overhaul of infrastructure in all tertiary institutions in the state.

The President of the Students’ Union of the college, Emmanuel Amenaghamwon bemoaned the students’ plight and described the college as a glorified secondary school.

Amenaghamwon frowned at the insensitive of relevant authorities to their plight and deplored the state of roads leading to the institution.

The students, therefore, appealed to the state government, concerned individuals and other authorities to urgently come to their aid in order to ensure a guaranteed learning environment, stressing that such measure would pave the way for quatitative education.

Among those whom suffered untold hardship during the protest was the popular business magnate and politician, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, whose visit to the University of Ibadan was cut short for hours.

The Esama of Benin Kingdom in company of his son and exgovernor of the state, Chief Lucky Igbinedion were not also spared in the unpleasant drama as their convoy ran into the protesting students.

It was learnt that two cars in his convoy were allegedly destroyed by the students during the protest.

Chief Igbinedion and his aides were said to be on their way to University of Ibadan for the launch of a book: The Living Legend written by the university’s department of History on the Esama as part of activities lined up for his 80th birthday.

Source at the institution said the protesting students had resisted all entreaties by Chief Igbinedion, who reportedly offered to placate them.

The students were said to have hauled stones at the convoy which led to the destruction of the vehicles.

To forestall further break down of law and order, soldiers were said to have been deployed to the troubled scene to assist in quelling the riot.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole was said to have last month inaugurated board members for the state-owned tertiary institutions, with a charge to oversee their affairs and ensure a holistic approach towards ensuring stable and peaceful environment in the institutions.

Worried by the students’ action, the management of the college immediately announced the closure of the college and ordered the students to vacate the campus, pending a formal notice for a new reopening date.

While the protest was on, the Ekiadolor Area Police Command was alleged to have clamped down on the Students’ Union leaders and others students, who were later arraigned before the Magistrate Court in Benin on a alleged “order from above”, for alleged disruption of public peace and inciting other students against the management of the institution.

Amenaghamwon, the Students’ Union President; the Deputy Speaker of the Students’ Union Parliament and seven others officers were earlier remanded at the Oko Central Prisons in the ancient capital town.

When New Telegraph visited the college, last week, the campus had already been deserted by the students, except for the plain cloth security operatives, civilian guards that were seen at the main gate of the college, as well as some members of the management staff.

Business outlets and banking activities on campus were also shut down.

Neither the state Commissioner for High Education, Mr. Wishington Osifoh, nor the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Noble Uwoh, a DSP, could be reached for comments on the matter.

24 EDUCATION

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

ADOPOLY protest: Management Ajasin varsity to have steady power supply pleads with striking workers

I

 Says job boycott uncalled for Kayode Olanrewaju and Adesina Wahab ADO-EKITI

T

he management of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti (ADOPOLY) has appealed to striking workers of the institution to call off their industrial action, which has paralysed academic and administrative activities in the institution.

According to the management, led by its Rector, Dr. Taiwo Akande, the workers should resume work in the interest of the students and overall development of the polytechnic.

The workers, under their various unions, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnic (SSANIP), and the Non Academic Staff Union (NASU), have embarked on an indefinite job boycott since September 10, to press home their demands, which include non-implementation of the second phase of CONTISS 15, downgrading of their members and promotion of the workers.

A statement by the Deputy Registrar, Information, Mr. Ade Adeyemi-Adejolu, said the management of the institution holds members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics, and the Non-Academic Staff Union in high esteem and would not deny them their dues.

The statement read in part: "Management finds the protest very disturbing and worrisome, against the backdrop of the fact that most of the issues raised by the protesting unions had earlier been discussed in several meetings and amicable solutions agreed upon and implemented.

It is pertinent to state here that

the basic issue which is the implementation of CONTISS 15 was already being looked into at the level of the National Assembly and other relevant agencies of the Federal Government.

"The resolution of the basic dispute being the implementation of the second phase of CONTISS 15 had been the agenda of countless meetings with the union leaders since the beginning of the year on how to find a leeway out from the logjam created by the apparent reversal of the earlier tacit approval given by the Federal Government.

"The union leaders are also not unaware of the Federal Government’s affirmative position in June this year, that it never approved the implementation of the second phase of CONTISS 15 which some polytechnics never implemented for a day, while some others who commenced its implementation stopped abruptly."

The management said de-migration of workers from CONTISS 11 and below from the implementation in the payment of the August salary, which was done as a result of the earlier stated and current Federal Government’s reaffirmed position, was what the union leaders alluded to as demotion of their members, "whereas every step taken in this regard had been in the overall best interest of the polytechnic and government’s regulations."

The management emphasised that none of its staff had ever been denied due promotion, not to talk of demotion.

It described the protest by the unions as ill-motivated, uncalled for and a calculated attempt to disparage members of the Governing Council and management of the institution.

While expressing dismay over the protest, the management said the protest was “very disturbing and anti-progress,

Dr. Taiwo, Rector

especially when some of the issues raised by the unions had earlier been discussed and amicable solutions formulated.

“On the alleged downgrading of some staff members or reduction in their monthly take home salary for August, the fact arose from the directive by the relevant agencies mandating federal polytechnics to halt forthwith the second phase implementation of CONTISS 15 payment because it was neither budgeted for, nor its attendant allowances cashbacked in the 2014 personnel grant received by the institution.

“The shortfall in personnel grant released to the polytechnic became aggravated since January, 2014, when a difference of over N50 million in the personnel grant released to the institution was observed, while every effort to correct the anomaly was differed till anytime the implementation of the 2014 appropriated budget was approved and implemented.”

According to him, this unwanted developing scenario warranted the polytechnic management to hold series of consultative meetings with the industrial unions earlier in the year on how best the situation could be addressed.

f the words of the Business Manager, Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), Owo Business District, Mr. Sunday Ofiebor, are anything to go by, the Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA) and its host Akungba Akoko community will soon enjoy steady electricity supply.

Ofiebor broke the cheering news when he led other officials of the company on a visit to the university management, where they were received by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rotimi Ajayi.

He explained that the visit was to find a lasting solution to the epileptic power supply to the university.

He said: “Our priority is to give this campus regular electricity supply. We want Akungba community to have regular power supply as well and we are definitely going to do it. We will discuss with the community.

“We want to start with the campus first. We are already considering linking the university with the power feeder line at Ikare-Akoko. We have already done the survey and that is part of what we have come to discuss here today.”

The Business Manager identified the university as BEDC’s prime customer in the Akoko axis and lauded the institution for its understanding and cooperation over the years.

He urged the university to sustain the existing mutual and cordial relationship between it and the company, even as Ofiebor directed the university to appoint a linkman who will interface with the BEDC regularly for improved services.

While noting that no fewer

than four sub-stations were vandalised in Akungba community during the three-month power outage, he said the damage led to the current power outage, which the company is already tracing the faults with a view to fixing them and restore power to the area.

Responding, Prof. Ajayi praised the BEDC officials for the visit and urged them not to renege on their promise to provide stable and steady power supply to the university and Akungba-Akoko, the university community.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor said: “Power supply to our campus is abysmal. We run the university on diesel-powergenerating set on daily basis. A large number of our students live in Akungba community and because we prioritise their welfare, supply of electricity must be regular in the community. We urge you to fulfill your promise to get us connected with the Ikare-power feeder.”

Gov. Mimiko

67 years after, YABATECH seeks development of Epe campus  Reps pass vote of confidence on management Mojeed Alabi he authorities of the Yaba ColTECH) lege of Technology (YABAThave expressed concern

over the pressure of its growing students and staff population over the college’s facilitiesit called for prompt support from the Federal Government, corporate organisations and wellmeaning individuals to meet infrastructural needs of the 67-year-old institution.

Such intervention, according to management, would assist in developing the Epe campus of the polytechnic, and relieve the main campus of the stress currently confronting the college in terms of inadequate infrastructure.

The Rector of the college, Dr. Margaret Kudirat Ladipo, who disclosed this while members of House of Representatives Committee on Education visited the college last week, said it was surprising that the land space of about six hectares prepared for a population of less than 1,000 members of staff and students at the inception of the college in 1947, is still accommodating about 20,000 population it currently parades.

Ladipo, while lauding the support of the Federal Government

Some of the committee members and management of the college

and especially the National Assembly for the college and her administration, however, added that it was high time the government considered its request for the development of Epe campus of the institutionshe said the campus is currently accommodating the Department of Agricultural Technology and Michael Otedola Information and Communication Centre on

its 56 hectares of land.

She also appealed for more funds to enable the college meet its several needs and requirements, which the Rector said would go a long way in making the college fulfill the desire to offer qualitative technical, vocational and entrepreneurial education necessary to lift the nation’s economy, enhance its growth and development.

The Rector added that the objectives and selling points of the Federal Government’s transformation agenda have been sold to both the students and staff of the college, and that the programmes and activities of the institution have been redesigned to key into the agenda.

Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Education, led by their Chair-

man, Mr. Aminu Suleman Suleman commended the management of the institution for the turning round witnessed by the college within the short time.

According to Suleman, apart from YABATECH and Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State which the managements did well, the situation in some other campuses visited as part of the Committee’s oversight functions, revealed that there is need for urgent attention.

He cited the case of the Federal University of Petroleum, Effunrun in Delta State, which has not in any way met the standard required of its status.

He explained: “The Committee was really not satisfied with what we met at FUPRE and we have, therefore, ordered its management to appear before the Committee in Abuja within the next 10 days.”

Besides, the Committee complained about the unspent overhead cost approved for YABATECH for 2014 academic session, saying out of N94 million approved, only N32 million had been utilised by the institution.

The Committee insisted that the development contradicts the institution’s claim about dwindling allocations from the Federal Government.

EDUCATION

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

25

Our school curriculum is misdirected, says MOCPED Provost What was the situation at the college when you assumed office as Provost?

Well, I assumed office as the fourth Provost of the college on August 2, 2011. When I got here what I met on ground was not encouraging; we never had sufficient infrastructure, while the structures were grossly inadequate. We never had most of the things that we required for the smooth management of a college, as a college of education.

Basically, I had to do many things at a time to get the system moving. Fortunately, I have been exposed by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), where I was in charge of external grants. I am a Professor at NOUN, where I was the Dean of School of Arts and Social Sciences. Being a Dean, and because I studied International Languages, and in charge of Bilateral Relations of the university, I have learnt how to write grant proposals and going to international organisations to seek for grants and financial supports.

So, when I got here I said to myself that such experience could be replicated at the college. I started by writing a lot of grant proposals to the state and federal government, as well as international organizations and other donor agencies.

Of course, what worked for me was that the week I became the Provost of Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, happened to be the week I was elected the Chairman of the Committee of Provosts of Colleges of Education. That further opened the way for me. I approached the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the National Commission of Colleges of Education (NCCE) for assistance. Towards this end, I was able to collect the 2011 TETFund allocation for the college. They all listened to me because I had good proposals.

Despite, I never rested on my oars as I went to some international organisations including UNICEF, UNESCO, United Union, European Union, World Bank, among others for assistance to fund the college. We always look into portal of these organizations and whenever there is any advertisement, we quickly tap into it.

We went as far as Saudi Arabia, where they promised us about N500 million grants for the development of the college.

What we are doing or what you are seeing in the college is not a miracle, but a responsibility. We used what we have to get what we want.

In concrete terms, what physical development have you been able to execute with the funds?

Well, I intentionally created or carved out a separate area on campus to execute the various projects embarked upon by this administration. That is done deliberate so that we can know the infrastructural facilities that come from our administration. In that area, you can see the

Olu Akeusola, a Professor of Comparative Grammar and Provost of Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED), Noforija-Epe, Lagos, speaks with KAYODE OLANREWAJU in this interview about the nation’s sliding education sector; insufficient curriculum, inadequate funding and relevance of open distance learning.

School of Arts and Social Sciences building complex; School of Language complex, housing a modern digital language laboratory and multi-media language laboratory, the first of its kind in any college of education in the country; the college’s secondary school building and Degree Building, among others. This year alone, we have accessed about N375 million TETFund allocations, while the total TETFund allocation accessed for our various developmental need so far is about N1 billion. We have also constructed the Degree School, as well. You can’t believe that as a college of education, the college had no school of education. This administration has brought about the development of several laboratories; we established the e-library, which is the first in any college of education in the country. Without being immodest, we are the first college to establish a full-fledged e-library. We are the first college to have digital language laboratory. What I met on ground was the traditional analogue language laboratory and library.

It appears your administration has a cordial relationship with the workers’ unions. How were you able to ‘placate’ the unions?

The college prior to my assumption of office was a difficult terrain when it comes to the issue of unionism, either by the workers or students. Even, when I came it was still difficult. But giving my background (as a former unionist) I was able to surmount the problem by bringing the union close to the management. But, what I discover is that the government has been making a mistake of forcing people who do not understand the system on the system. And, instead of the making the system works, they ruined it at the end of the day just because they lacked what it takes to run the system. That is the situation we find ourselves most often. This is a college of education, and it has never had someone from the system as Provost. Like I mentioned earlier, I started my career as a Lecturer at the then Lagos State College of Education, where I worked for almost 21 years. Besides, at a time I was a union leader, as one of the grand-fathers of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU). I started as a college of education lecturer, where I rose through the ranks to a Director, head of department.

I later joined the university system where I became a Professor.

For my coming to MOCPED, I have the opportunity to compare and see the differences between a university lecturer and a college of education lecturer on

one hand and between the two systems on the other. There is indeed a wide gap between the two systems. When I got here, they wanted to distract me because there were a lot of problems on ground ranging from truancy, indiscipline and lateness among the workers. But I said to myself that this could not continue as usual. To achieve this, I had to use three strategies. The first winning trick is leading by example; if I asked people to do something, I would have done it before asking them to do it, while I am only waiting for that person to bring the result, and I will then show him what I have done. So, the moment the workers knew that about me, they began to respect the management.

The other one is self-discipline. I tried as much as possible to discipline myself. I am very frank and blunt to a fault, but easy to forgive. My punishment is for correction and not for condemnation or destruction of my subordinates, while the third instrument I used is motivation.

I realise that there is the need to motivate the workers adequately.

If you want to have the control of your workers, you have to motivate them. If I give a worker a job to do, I don’t expect excuses or complaint about how difficult that assignment is, what I am after is the result or the challenges for him to carry it out, and what is required at the end of the day to do it, which I am ready to provide. I encourage people to work very hard, but I compensate them appropriately.

As a brand, colleges of education are supposed to be the foundation for primary school education, but presently the products from primary school are poor. Does this not have to do with the quality of teachers at the foundation level, who are also products of colleges of education?

Well, we have a peculiar problem in Nigeria and that is the problem of policy execution, and not until we are able to address it, we will continue to deceive ourselves. Fortunately, I am a member of the National Commission of Colleges of Education (NCCE) Board. Let me say this, if we go back to the history of implemen-

What we are doing or what you are seeing in the college is not a miracle, but a responsibility.

Prof. Akeusola

tation of primary education, the teachers who were teaching at primary school level at that time were either Grade III or Grade II teachers from Teacher Training Colleges, where they were trained and taught varieties of teaching subjects and methodologies that were appropriate and capable of academic development. There they laid the foundation of primary school education. Today, that has changed and it happened to be Jack of all trades, masters of none. As at the level of Grade II, teachers were exposed to 16 subjects. It is the same teacher that would teach English Language and Mathematics and others because the basic or elementary things that were required at that level had been taught them at the college. But, go to the junior secondary school, which is the last segment of three years of basic education, where today we talk about specialisation, it is a different ball game. In 1990, the government abrogated that system without making adequate preparation. There are feeder schools for every institution.

What the 6-3-3-4 curriculum of education is saying is that there will be six years of primary school education; three years of junior secondary school; three years of senior secondary school; and four years of tertiary education. But unfortunately, we misinterpreted it for four years of university education. That is where the problem is. No, it is not university education. What the policy says is four years of tertiary education. The government scrapped or abrogated Grade II Teachers’ Certificate, and said the Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) would be the minimum teaching qualification in our school system. Hence, the NCE curriculum till date is tailored towards specialisation and teaching in junior secondary school level. At the NCE level, a student that is trained in Yoruba/French or English/Social Studies for three years is now expected to teach all the subjects in primary school. That is where the problem is. And indeed, if the country wants to implement specialisation at the primary school level, it will be difficult for either

the federal or state government to fund. That is where the problem is. In the primary schools, they offer a minimum of about 16 subjects. It is possible for a Grade II teacher to teach all the subjects, since he or she had been adequately trained for the system. And, it worked. Now, under the NCE specialisation, we are saying that a teacher who has not been taught more than only two subjects should teach in primary school. How is he going to do this successfully? Let us look at Primary One, which in some instance could have classes A-F, and where it is possible for a Grade II Teacher to teach the subjects to make it work, it will be difficult for NCE teacher.

The government failed in the implementation of the 6-33-4 system and the day the government abrogated the Grade II Teacher Training College, was the day the nation’s education system was killed.

In the old system, secondary school education was aimed at feeding the university, technical colleges to feed the polytechnics, and it was the Grade II teacher training college that was to feed the colleges of education. I want to add here with all convictions that had it being that the teacher training colleges were still in existence where the NCE holders were taught all these subjects, the specialization would have worked because the teachers would be able to deliver. Now, what the curriculum is tailored to produce cannot give the country the solid foundation the primary school desires. It can only work in the junior secondary school since it is a subject per teacher, but cannot work in primary school level.

Nigeria is not rich enough to fund specialization in primary school education.

Already, the school curriculum is overloaded and now West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has come up with additional 39 subjects in the SSCE. What is your view on this vis-àvis the NERDC curriculum?

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) is not serious.

CO N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2 6

26 EDUCATION

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Stakeholders extol Fawehinmi’s virtues Mojeed Alabi

F

ive years after the demise of the late human rights activist and legal luminary, Chief Gani Oyesola Fawehinmi, his legacies have continued to linger in the minds of his families, friends and colleagues, who gathered last week to shower encomiums on him.

They described his sojourn in life as highly impactful, particularly in his persistent support for free education at all levels.

It was at the 2014 edition of the annual Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship scheme, aimed at supporting the academic pursuits of select indigent students of higher institutions nationwide.

The event took place at the Nigerian Law Publications House, Central Business District, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

At the event, where no fewer than 40 students, who were beneficiaries of this year scholarship scheme, were awarded N100,000 each, were the National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr. Nasir Fagge Isa and other union leaders.

The high point of event in which N4 million was distributed to the beneficiaries was a lecture delivered by the former Dean, Faculty of Law of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Prof. Ademola Popoola.

While declaring open the ceremony, the Chairman of the Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship Board and former Na-

Adeolu Adeyemo OSOGBO

lans has been concluded by Pgineers the Nigerian Society of En(NSE), Osogbo branch

CACOL Leader, Debo Adeniran; JAF Leader, Comrade Affiong and Fashina at the event

tional President of ASUU, Dr. Dipo Fashina, listed some of the objectives of the initiative to include the pursuit of efforts to make the government realises the need to make education affordable to Nigerians and to groom more of the late Gani Fawehinmis in order to achieve sustainable peace in the country.

According to Fashina, the number of beneficiaries this year rose to 40 because the award could not hold last year due to the prolonged strike by ASUU which paralysed activities in the universities for several months.

He added that the only way the late legal icon and human rights activist could be imortalised was to continue to advocate for free education at all levels and to see to its implementation by the nation’s leadership.

In his lecture entitled: “The Law, the Lawyer and the Public Spirit: Gani Fawehinmi in Historical Perspective,” Popoola charged the audience to sustain the legacy of the late human rights activist, whom he described as a man of justice.

He said: "Our focus is on the fellow who stood head and shoulder above his peers. He surpassed his mentor - Sapara Williams. For

PHOTO: AYORINDE DUROJAIYE

him, Legal practice is a labour of love. He did not spare himself.

His health failed him. His overstressed body succumbed. But his soul marches on."

He, thereby, urged the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity given them, saying they were the lucky few out of the hundreds of applications received by the board.

Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke to New Telegraph, called on the nation’s leaders to follow the path the late Fawhinmi towed while alive, which they said was characterised by philanthropic gestures, pursuit of freedom and human dignity.

Govt killed our education with scrapping of teacher colleges past five to six years were fake.

We are just witness the real results based on the ability of the children. Majority of the parents have been buying question papers and certificates for their children and wards. Now, that WAEC decided to be more strict with its examinations, we are having the true representation of the results. We need to back to the drawing board. We have the schools and the government.

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

Somebody once told me that the standard of education is falling, but I said no. What we are doing is belabouring the brain of the present day children. For instance, let’s agree we have four students or graduates who finished school in 1980s, 1990s, 2000 and 2010, if you give each one of them past questions of each year to answer, you will discover that the current student who left school in 2010 will perform better than the rest of them. Why is this so? It is because knowledge is dynamic. What most people had or used for PhD theses are being discussed in secondary school and undergraduate level.

What we did at degree level in the 80s is what is being discussed in secondary school. Could we then say the standard of education has fallen? No, not at all. The problem is that we are moving in a dynamic world, but unfortunately we don’t plan it well. It is sad that as a nation, Nigeria does not have good planning. We do not have the right people in the right place. We do not have the right peg in the right hole.

It is only in the ministry of education that you can see lawyers who are directors; accountants who are directors. The irony is that the government will not allow curriculum planners to do the planning or the execution of our curriculum.

For instance, during our school days, the maximum subjects in primary school were 16, while in Form One and Two, the subjects were reduced to 14, and in Form Three and Four it would be 12

NSE promises to expose technicians to modern skills

The sliding fortune of the nation’s primary and secondary school education has been blamed on lack of inspection of schools.

What is your take on this?

Prof. Akeusola

subjects, while in Form V, which was WAEC class, the number of subjects would be reduced to eight.

With the number of subjects, the students would be able to concentrate. Today, when a student is offering 39 subjects, what do you expect to happen? Of course, we should expect mass failure. How do we expect them to cope? The standard of education is not falling, but our planners have failed to do what they are supposed to do right. They are not conversant with their environment and the realities of the day, or the need of the society, as well as the mental capability of the children.

Over 1.7 million wrote the examination in which only 31 per cent had credit in five subjects

and above including English Language and Mathematics.

The trend has been like that in the past five years, what do you think is wrong?

The problem could be traced to five factors, which could be described as the architects of mass failure in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).

They are; the curriculum; teachers who are not adequately remunerated, and for this reason they are not concentrating well in the delivery of quality teaching. The parents are also part of the problem; because majority of the students rely on their parents to buy them expo for them to cheat during examinations. This shows that most of the passes we have been witnessing for the

Of course, during our school days, the fear of Inspectors was the beginning of reasoning for any teacher and headmaster.

But, that has long disappeared from our school system. Nowadays, teachers no longer prepare note of lessons which used to be the teachers’ ‘Bible’ for teaching.

There is the need for assessment, evaluation and valuation of the process to know what is wrong with the school curriculum; what is wrong with the presentation of the curriculum; and what is wrong with the funding of education system as well as the general administration of the system. This is important in order to finding ways to correct these. Indeed, without such evaluation and assessment there could be no proper accountability and good result in the system.

to expose and train auto technicians to the modern skills needed in the repair of modern automobiles.

The branch Chairman, Mr. Adeniran Ibitoye, an engineer, gave the assurance at a press parley in Osogbo, Osun State capital that the three domains of man – cognitive, affective and psychomotor - would be highly developed to encourage them to be self-reliant in the society.

While saying that all necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure and facilitate the training Ibitoye stressed that since education is the training of physical, mental and sociocapability of every individual, he pledged to forge ahead in a vigorous way to see that modern skills and knowledge are imparted on these auto- technicians in order to be more productive in the modern vehicle repairing.

To make this a reality, he hinted that the society will partner the Osun State College of Technology, Esa Oke, to equip and enhance infrastructural development of the Bola Ige Institute of Mechatronics of the polytechnic.

He pointed out that experts including professors in the field of science and technology would be involved in the imparting of knowledge to students and artisans at the Mechatronics Institute to give room for easy and effective learning at the end of the exercise.

Ibitoye said: "We will ensure that a memo is sent to the institution. Experts from related fields will be encouraged to lecture in practical aspect at the Bola Ige Institute of Mechatronics. Some fellows of the NSE who are at the Obafemi Awolowo University will as well be mobilized to teach at the institute.

“Study and implementation of mechatronics will assist auto technicians in fault diagnosis of modern vehicles. It makes possible the use of modern technologies that aid quick delivery of services at a glance. It has a high precision and accuracy in determining possible causes, symptoms and solutions to be administered on the vehicles.

“With the aid of mechatronics, the design and anatomy of modern vehicles can be studied and subjected to various modeling and simulating physical complex phenomena which can provide first-hand information about the performance of various models of modern vehicles.

Gov. Aregbesola

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Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

UNIJOS VC challenges psychologists over insurgency Musa Pam JOS

he Vice-Chancellor of the UniTHayward versity of Jos (UNIJOS), Prof.

Babale Matuyai has

Some of the trainees and their trainers at the programme

OAU alumnus empowers orphans Alex Ojekunle OAU

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n Accounting graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Oladimeji Temitope has shown love to orphans at Solid Rock and Covenant Orphanages Moro, in Osun State by empowering them with skills acquisition.

The initiative, tagged: “Project Skill-Up”, according to her, is a pet programme of the Precious Stones, her non-governmental organisation.

She said the aim of the NGO is to imbibe the spirit of love into children, stressing: “This

we believe, is the bedrock upon which other life issues are built, and this is why our focus is on children, but majorly on the less-privileged.”

The children were taught how to make wrist beads with their names on it ear-rings, neck chains, wrapping books with various clothing materials, among others.

Temitope reiterated the commitment of her organisation in alleviating poverty and building a sound future for the less privilegedshe added: “Our vision is to be global agents of change and hope, while our mission is to reach the less-

privileged and also to bring children of different races and tribes to the awareness and consciousness of God’s love.”

Speaking on the initiative, the Matron of the orphanage, Mrs. Oroyemi Ayoola commended the organisation and thanked the instructors for what she described as a useful venture and social responsibility.

She said: “The event is a blessing to the children and the centre. I believe that as they practice more, the skill acquisition would not only help them to make money for themselves, but also help them in future.”

Students urged to embrace entrepreneurial skills Sikiru Akinola OAU

yo State College of AgriculOdents ture, Igbo-Ora (OYSCAI) stuhave been urged to create

entrepreneurship opportunities for others in the society by solving problems around them using the skills imparted to them by the institution.

This advice was given by Mr. Michael Ale, an engineer and speaker at the annual lecture organised by the institution’s School of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering Technology (SABESTA), as part of activities marking the students’ Engineering Week.

In his lecture entitled: “From Engineering to Entrepreneurship,” he noted that an engineer is expected to turn situations around and create employment opportunities for the society.

While welcoming guest to the event, the school’s Acting Dean, Prof. T. M Olayanju affirmed that "the objective of the school is to produce intelligent, competent and highly sought after technological engineers."

Ale, who added that the school has been doing this "through rigorous academic

exercise which includes educational trips, practical training and theoretical exposure," pointed out that the college products are doing wonderfully well in the labour market and other higher institutions of learning where they go for further studies.

Meanwhile, in his paper on: “Students' Politics and National Development,” the Caretaker Chairman of Ibarapa East Local Government Council, Mr. Yinus Olaoseegba described the entire students' body, lecturers, parents and the politicians as major stakeholders in the business of national development.

He explained that students could not contribute meaningfully to national development if the lecturers failed to build their intellectual capacity as well as engage them in reasonable unionism.

Olaoseegba said: "Students are expected to contribute to national development and as such, should be moulded by the lecturers and parents by inculcating good moral values in them on campus and at home."

He charged the students to be hard working so that they

Provost receives media award his excellent leadership and Primary and Nursery School.

Fvostoradministrative styles, the ProThe group bestowed the of the Oyo State College of award of Leadership in EduAgriculture, Igboora, (OYSCAI), Prof. Gbemiga Adewale, has been honoured by the Pen Group of Schools, an arm of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, comprising the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), Pen Secondary,

cational Management (LEM) on Adewale in recognition of his contributions to the overall development and growth of the college and the education sector.

Conferring the award on him, the Chairman of the Oyo

could become active players in the society, while he encouraged the lecturers to continually update their knowledge for them to remain relevant in the academic system.

The guest speaker, Mr. Adediran from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, whose paper was on “Life Sustainability Through Engineering,” noted that the level of success or failure of any nation aspiring to climb the technological ladder depends, to a large extent, on engineering, saying engineering has the potential to sustain the nation.

Earlier, the Provost of the college, Prof. Gbemiga Adewale, enjoined the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) graduating students of school to exhibit the skills and knowledge acquired in the college to improve agriculture and provide food and job opportunities for the society.

The high point of the weeklong annual event, was a display of talents and exhibition of various projects that were executed by the students in their bid to bring convenience to man, most especially in the field of agriculture.

State chapter of NUJ, Gbenga Opadotun, explained that "Journalists are not pessimists, who only point to the ills of the society, rather they are also expected to commend people with outstanding qualities and contributions to the development of the society and the institutions where they belong.”

urged Psychologists to partner security operatives and agents in the country on the need to study and proffer solutions to the destructive activities of Boko Haram in the country.

He lamented that the devastating effects of the prevailing security challenges which is gradually crippling the nation’s economy, especially in the North-Eastern part of the country called for urgent action.

The Vice-Chancellor urged forensic psychologists to work on how to understand the mindset of the Boko Haram foot soldiers with a view to putting in place de-radicalization programmes for those who have been arrested to stem the tide of violence in the nation.

Mafuyai made the call at the university during the 2014 Regional Scientific Conference of Nigerian Psychological Association (NPA) tagged: "Psychology, Peace Building and National Transformation,” which took place at the ASUU Secretariat.

“Northern Nigeria is plagued by many social problems, and the most obvious is the ongoing devastation by Boko Haram, which has resulted in a severely traumatized populace,” he said.

Other problems plaguing the area, according to the ViceChancellor, include high unemployment, youth restiveness, high maternal mortality rate, poor education performance,

armed robbery and corruption.

Mafuyai, however, added: “Peace and national transformation require that these problems are addressed effectively and efficiently. Clinical Psychologists must seek to understand the psychological wounds caused by violence and insecurity, and work to provide effective treatment for those so affected."

While stressing that Social Psychologists have roles to play in peace building, he noted: "They must seek to understand the dangerous stereotype and prejudice particularly ethnic and religious stereotype that are fueling the violent conflicts and provide interventions to reduce these harmful mindsets".

The keynote speaker and President of the association, Prof. Andrew Zamani, said psychology as a profession in the country has come of age and which has eked out a space of relevance such as human resource management, employee assistance programmes, operations, research and human security, among others.

Mafuayi

UNIOSUN: Parents plead with governor to reopen campus Adeolu Adeyemo OSOGBO

Osun State University Thashe (UNIOSUN) Parents' Forum appealed to the state gov-

ernor and Visitor to the university, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola to reopen the Ikire Campus of the institution shut down at the wake of students protest over the death of some of their colleagues in a motor accident.

The students were said to have gone on the rampage to protest the university authorities’ refusal to approve a bus for them for the excursion.

They claimed that if the bus had been approved by the management for the students, they would not have lost some of their colleagues in the accident involving a commercial bus they were travelling in which brake failed while on top speed.

During the rampage, the embittered students were said to have destroyed valuable things, looted some offices and vandalised the university property on campus.

It will be recalled that as a result of this development, the state government through the management of the university ordered the immediate closure of the campus, housing the College of Humanities and Culture.

However, the parents, under

the aegis of UNIOSUN Parents Forum in a resolution at their emergency meeting held at the university auditorium at Osogbo main campus of the institution over the development, appealed to the concerned authorities, especially the governor to re-open the campus.

They said: "Though, what happened that day was a pathetic situation, but we want our amiable governor to reopen the institution to enable the students to write the second semester examination, which will commence this week, while Above all, the governor should come to the aid of some of the students who are still excruciating in pain in the hospital".

They urged the governor to provide adequate security for the students in all the campuses of the institutions, even as they requested for the provision of adequate health facilities for the students on all the campuses.

The parents also appealed to Aregbesola to urgently wade into the present situation of some of the students that are still in the hospital.

Also speaking at the meeting, the students of the college called on the Deputy Governor, who doubled as the Education Commissioner, Mrs. Titi-Laoye Tomori, to wade into the crisis rocking the university.

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Dean pledges good welfare

Emeka Onwudinjo UNIZIK

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Professor of Entomology and Insect Pest Management, at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, former Anambra State University, has reiterated the significance of insects to men, saying they are a high source of protein.

To this end, he hinted that man should stop the indiscriminate killing of insects as they play vital role in the existence of man.

This was part of the thrusts of the maiden inaugural lecture series of the university, which theme was: “Insects and Man: Species Diversity and Interactions."

In his lecture, Prof. Anene, the Dean of Faculty of Natural Sciences, who held his audience which comprised the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof.

Fidelis Okafor, who chaired the lecture, spell bound for about two hours noted that the theme of the lecture was apt as it was chosen to provide an accurate account of what insects are and how they interact with man, his crops and animals.

According the lecturer, insects are the only animals giving man a real battle for supremacy and have been on earth for about 360 million years and have developed special adaptations to live under severer environmental conditions.

"This lecture is to present a panoramic view of insect interaction with man, his crops and animals, so that at the end of the lecture, we will all be in a position to decide whether the insects are friends, foes or both," he said.

His words: “Insects are high source of protein. Humans should stop the indiscriminate killing of insects as they play vital role in the existence of man. “Insects should no longer be called pests, but treated fairly as food substances and alternative source of protein.”

Oladele Oge UNN

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Okafor (left) presenting a gift to Anene and his wife

PHOTO EMEKA ONWUDINJO

At Anambra varsity lecture, don stresses importance of insects Anene called on health workers not to subdue insects through their in-door and outdoor residual spraying as well as other unhealthy environmental practices, explaining that in order for man to produce more effective food for himself, he must reduce the destruction caused by insects and disease since man's most serious competitor for food are the insects.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor said that the essence of the inaugural lecture was to offer Prof. Anene the opportunity

to expose his research findings and perform his academic rite, which is one of professors’ academic mandates.

His words: "We at this university, because of our history and circumstances we were unable to do this at a time when the lecture ought to have taken place, but like people say it is never too late and that is what we are beginning to do today.

It is not compulsory but it is desirable. We are happy that this is happening.”

Adding that the theme of the lecture x-rayed the relation-

ship between man and insect, Okafor noted that “the lecturer wants to examine whether insects are friendly or not to mankind, but we have been informed that they are friendly.

Okafor further commended the ceremonial committee led

by Prof Chris Uzuegbunam, Dean Faculty of Agriculture for his efforts and those of his team for making the lecture a huge success. The lecturer was attended by members of the university community, scholars, top government functionaries, traditional rulers and students.

Oyo partners ITF for youth empowerment Sikiru Akinola OAU

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he Industrial Trust Fund (ITF) has collaborated with the Oyo State Ministry of Industry, Applied Science and Technology to offer skill acquisition training to 1,000 youths from the three Senatorial Districts in the state.

The Commissioner for Industry, Applied Science and

Technology, Mr. Dapo Lam-Adesina, who made this known last week, added that youths in the state would have another opportunity to acquire skill acquisition training on vocations such as autotronics, welding and fabrication and refrigeration and air conditioning repairs.

Recently, some female graduates in the state were training in ICT facilitated by the Federal Ministry of Communication

Technology, while the 2014 Graduate Industrial Development Loan Scheme is still ongoing.

According to the Commissioner, interested youth are to obtain the application forms from the department of industry in the ministry, while they could visit the ministry's website and other social media platforms of the state government for more information and procedures to obtain and complete the forms.

Ajimobi

L-R: Director, Lead City High School, Ibadan, Mrs. Taiwo Owoeye; Principal Consultant, Edumark Consult, Mrs. Yinka Ogunde; Chief Executive Officer, Supreme Education Foundation Schools, Mrs. Nike Adamolekun; Propritress, ST&T Regency, Mrs. Maggie Ibru at Dynamic World of School Marketing Lecture by Edumark Consult in Lagos

he management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has named a new dean for the Faculty of Arts.

He is Patrick Okpoko, a Professor of Archaeology and Tourism.

He emerged the new Dean during the election conducted at the Faculty, in which he scored 109 votes to defeat his opponent, Professor Mathew Iwuchukwu of Foreign Languages and Literatures Department, who polled 20 votes in the election.

In his inaugural speech, Okpoko assured members of staff of the Faculty and the university in general, that one of major strategies to transform the faculty is to strength the quality academic research that would foster national development.

According to him, the welfare of members of staff and students of the faculty would be addressed in order to motivate them and move the system forward.

The new Dean made the pledge at the institution’s Senior Staff Club shortly after he was declare winner of election.

The election, conducted under a free, fair and peaceful atmosphere was presided over by the members of academic staff.

Iwuchukwu, while accepting the election results, promised to work with the new dean and faculty management to promote a healthy atmosphere of change in the faculty, describing the exercise as an academic exercise, and not a political battle where winners take all.

“Therefore, we academics should lay a good example that would make politicians in the country see election as a fair play, and not-do-or-die issue,” Iwuchukwu stressed, expressing his readiness to make his manifestos available to the new dean as part of his contributions to ensure that he succeeds in the office.

The outgoing Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Uchenna Anyanwu, in a chart with New Telegraph Campus in his office, described his four-year tenure as “zero funding allocation”, which he, however, noted made it difficult to carry out several policies aimed at boosting the welfare and morale of the members of staff and students.

Despite this, Anyanwu outlined some of the achievements recorded during his tenure, he described as memorable, to include promotion of staff members as at when due.

He recalled that when he took over as the Dean of the Faculty some of his colleagues were not promoted, as many of them remained without promotion for seven years.

This, he noted he resolved by drawing the attention of the university Governing Council to the problems confronting the faculty members and the university in general in the area of academic staff promotion.

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he Adekunle Ajasin University chapter of Entrepreneurship Action Through Us, tagged: “ENACTUS,” and the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has inked a partnership that will bring smiles to the face of the people of Supare-Akoko, an agrarian community in Akoko South West Local Government of Ondo State.

The partnership under the Gown and Town initiative of the university and ENACTUS will be flagged off under the “Women Empowerment Through Iru Production” programme.

The initiative, according to the university, is designed to empower locust beans (Iru) producers in the community on mechanized processing and commercialisation of the product.

While welcoming the development, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rotimi Ajayi expressed delight over what he described as unprecedented development in the university and community, saying: “It is a fulfillment of the vision of the founding fathers of this university, “To be a foremost university that moves manpower development in the direction of self-apprenticeship, a first-class university in research and service to humanity.”

Ajayi said the initiative was a fulfillment of the third leg of the vision of a university, which

AAUA ENACTUS partners FCMB in locust beans production

Olotu (3rd Left); Abe (3rd Right); and the Olusupare, Oba Adejoro Adedeji (middle) at the presentation event.

is anchored on community service, even as he noted that it was the vision of the university to make Iru (locust beans), an international and moneyspinning product, as one of the university’s ways of enhancing

the lives of the rural dwellers.

He congratulated the people of Supare-Akoko community for making history as the first town to be engaged in such modern business, just as the Deputy ViceChancellor appealed to the com-

munity to buy into the university’s passion and commitment to excellence by making good use of the initiative for their personal and collective benefits.

Ajayi, who hinted that the initiative was conceived as business,

however, warned that the university and FCMB would not condone any act that would compromise the initiative’s ideals and success.

“We are proud of the passion and verve with which the AAUA ENACTUS engages the students and inculcates in them self-reliant skills,” he said.

The FCMB representative, Mr. Olusola Abe, while presenting the Iru processing machine (Dehull Machine) to the beneficiaries, said the gesture was part of the bank’s unique ways of delivering its corporate social responsibilities by “teaching people how to fish instead of giving them fish”.

He said the ENACTUS initiative was in tandem with the bank’s focus of empowerment, poverty alleviation and environment sustainability.

The representative of ENACTUS Nigeria, Mr. Michael Ajayi, congratulated the university chapter of ENACTUS for the feat, saying a team would be set up to ensure effective operation, maintenance and sustainability of the machine.

The Supare-Akoko traditional ruler, the Olusupare, Oba Adejoro Adedeji, who received the machine on behalf of the community, expressed gratituide to the AAUA ENACTUS for its persistence and commitment towards the development of the community, just as he thanked FCMB for the gesture.

OPINION

The VC and the gathering storm at IMOSU Kelechi onwudinjo

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nybody familiar with Imo State University, Owerri will know the strength wield by both members of staff and students of the institution in determining who rules the state. This, notwithstanding has to do with the huge population of students and the influential role of the lecturers within and outside the university. IMOSU, as an institution is one of the key power blocs in determining who emerges to govern the state.

This came to play during the last governorship election in 2011, when members of the Imo State University community contributed to the victory of Governor Rochas Okorocha.

Indeed, both staff and students rose against the incumbent government because it owed the university workers several months of salaries, which resulted to frequent strikes and disruption of academic calendar in the institution.

Faced with this, the university community opted for Governor Okorocha, who has now been paying their salaries regularly and implementing a free education policy for the students. The academic calendar has been relatively stable and the government on its own has been faithful to most of the promises it made to the institution.

But, that relative peace being enjoyed by the university, is about to change following alleged plan by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie to demote some Professors and deny other academic staff their earned promotions.

The promotions, which had been due since 2012 are yet to be presented to the Governing Council for ratification. Accord-

ing to the vice-chancellor, some of the effected Professors were promoted in the absence of a Governing Council, which is against the university statute.

Hence, this unpopular and anti-labour policy has pitched the Vice-Chancellor against his academic colleagues who accused him of witch-hunting, jealousy, favoritism and inferiority complex.

Awuzie is said to be particularly embittered by the protest against his appointment because he does not possess a PhD. He not only wants to get back at those who opposed his appointment, but humiliate the so called holders of PhD, who were promoted professors during the regime of former Acting ViceChancellor, Prof B.E.E Nwoke, and which was approved by the University Central Appraised Committee. Although, Awuzie claimed there were irregularities in the promotions, especially the absence of a governing council, his critics said he has a hidden agenda which is to punish his perceived enemies.

As is the standard practice, whenever professors have gone for external assessment and the assessors have returned them positive, it becomes sacrosanct for that person to remain a professor of that same university.

What Awuzie is doing, by reviewing a process already concluded, has not happened anywhere in the world. It negates the culture of peer review/ appraisal which is the basis of academic assessment. A professor from outside South East geopolitical zone once asked that “what type of a university are you running where a job advert for lecturers specified PhD for lecturer II, while the Vice-Chancellor holds only a Masters?”

What is the reason behind his actions if not to fault the actions taken by his predecessor? He is acting on the premise that somebody who holds a Masters can do better than a PhD holder.

It has also been observed that he is doing selective justice, favouring his friends and punishing his perceived enemies. For instance, there are irregularities observed on the effective dates of promotion of some of lecturers alleged to be his friends since he came into office. Imagine a situation where lecturers’ letters of promotion were missing in their staff personnel files and because of that they were told to choose their own effective dates of promotions arbitrarily. Can it happen anywhere in the world even in Nigeria except in Imo State University where anything goes with impunity?

But the simplest question that we should ask Prof. Awuzie is why has he not asked those whose letters were missing to bring their own oersonal letters of promotion to be verified by the signatory to the letters of their promotion, that is, Mr. Aniche, the then Registrar of the university. Or, if their letters in the personnel department were stolen, did those who stole the letters went to the lecturers’ homes to steal their personal letters of promotion? With that, their files can be built up again. But, rather than doing this, Prof. Awuzie has continued to shift the goal post.

He knows what he is doing.

In fact, one of the oldest lecturers in the institution, Prof Dede Konkwo has faulted the action of the Vice-Chancellor. According to Prof Konkwo, in a letter of protest to Prof Awuzie, he challenged the Vice-Chancellor

that he was promoted a Professor in 2004, when there was no Governing Council in place. He wondered why Awuzie did not turn down the offer. He said in the letter: “You were promoted in 2004 when there was no Council and it was back dated to 1996.

Why didn’t you reject it?’’

To the affected Professors, they cannot understand why Awuzie, a beneficiary of the same system wants to deny others what they have legitimately earned. In the first place, it is not as if these professors he wants to demote did not pass due process in their assessments, and subsequent promotions.

Another group is challenging Prof. Awuzie and his Deputies to showcase their academic credentials publications at the floor of the Senate of the university. The group is of the opinion that natural justice supports that whoever is going to equity should go with clean hands.

This supports Prof Konkwo position to the Vice-Chancellor, that it is wrong to use a system that made you against others.

That was primarily the reason why the Governing Council met on July 30, directing the Vice-Chancellor to go home and re-work the list he brought to them for ratification.

Already, there are rumours alleging that the Vice-Chancellor is claiming to be saving money for the re-election of Governor Rochas Okorocha in 2015 by in withholding the promotion of some academic staff.

However, a pressure group, Imo Youths Network For Accountability has accused the Vice-Chancellor of playing the script of the opposition by instigating crises in the university and making the administration of Governor Okorocha unpopu-

Awuzie

lar within the school.

The President of the group, Prince Maurice Eke had in a chat with the media in Owerri accused the university management of sabotage, and urged Governor Okorocha to investigate the activities of the university.

He demanded the immediate promotion of the affected staff members in order to correct the impression that the university management is raising fund for the re-election of the governor.

Whatever is his mission, Prof.

Awuzie should not through his action or inaction cause any action that will pitch the university against the state government.

Like Obama recently told African leaders, we don't need a strong man to run a strong leadership rather a strong institution. Awuzie is a physically strong man running leadership on a weak institution. Strong leadership is not run on lies, deceit, favouritism, irredentism, and mafia system. Those appointed into positions should be leading by example. How can people be given responsibilities on what they don't have? It is common saying that you cannot give what you don't have.

Onwudinjo writes in from Emekuku, Owerri

30

EDUCATION

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

EDUPEACE

with Mahfouz A. Adedimeji (08066372516, sms only)  Dr Adedimeji is a Senior Lecturer and Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, Unilorin

ABCD: Connect, don’t just collect!

That is the mantra Aof BCD. that runs through the DNA Sir Richard Branson’s com-

Banker, Falayi and a gust in London

Promasidor has written a new chapter in my life, says 2014 Quill awards winner

T

he winner of the 2014 Promasidor Quill Awards, Mr. Kunle Arthur Falayi has said that Promasidor has written a new and exciting chapter in his life.

Falayi spoke in London on Friday at the end of his fourweek intensive multi-media journalism training at the Thompson Foundation, courtesy of Promasidor Nigeria Limited.

He said: “Winning the Promasidor Quill Awards not only gave me the opportunity to be trained at one of the world’s oldest media organisation, I have also gained valuable multimedia journalism skills which were previously beyond my reach. Journalism isn’t going anywhere – it is changing and whatever shape journalism takes in the next few decades, I want to be part of it. Because of this training, the options that are now open to me are numerous and I feel that whichever path

I choose in the media, I have the confidence and skills to succeed.”

Falayi noted that the last one month has been one of the greatest days of his life because the training was the first major one he was getting as a journalist.

“This training has had the most impact on my journalism career. The overall experience of living in London with journalists from other countries was just as important and I am grateful to Promasidor who made this possible. The skills I have now are too big to keep to myself, and I can't wait to share it with my colleagues back home.”

Falayi, who commenced a oneweek attachment with the Daily Telegraph of UK on Monday, demonstrated some of his newly acquired multimedia skills in his final presentation, entitled: “Is London becoming Buskers Hell?” which was shot, edited and voiced over entirely on an Iphone.

Niger Baker, Chief Executive of Thomson Foundation also commended Promasidor for sponsoring the training, stressing that any organisation that invests in the media would not only enable journalists to thrive in their work, but also inspire them to contribute back to the society in the future.

“In journalism, there are several ways of telling a good story and a journalist that will be relevant in the next few years will be one who is fantastic at multimedia journalism,” Baker said.

Falayi, a correspondent with Punch Nigeria Limited, was declared the overall winner at the 2014 Promasidor Quill Awards for journalists.

Apart from the high-end laptop and the company’s products, Falayi was also sponsored to London for an all-expense paid multimedia training at Thompson Foundation by Promasidor.

Reactions trail SSCE results CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 1

cause of the degeneracy among the pupils, saying it is difficult these days to differentiate between those writing examinations and those who do not.

“Pupils nowadays are found at parties, fondling with exotic mobile phones and studying more soccer fixtures than their examination timetables, yet we expect them to excel in their papers, he noted.

Adesiyan went on: “I really cannot understand perfectly the yardstick used by NECO but the WAEC results look more of the reflection of the state of our education. As a teacher and the chairman of teachers’ union, I know what my colleagues try to cope with. Apart from poor facilities and poor learning and teaching environment facing us, what of the pupils’ attitudes?

“This is one of the few countries in the world where education suffers more policy summersaults. It is either school merging today or system reversal tomorrow. Yet the parents are not helping matter.

Pupils’ academic performance is the least of what now interest the parents. In this kind of situation, I think it will even be

difficult for angels to perform excellently in examinations.”

Eguridu also shared this view, when he said: “With this presentation, most Nigerians would quickly place the blame on the doorstep of schools and government. But they will not be quick enough to compare what quality use to be in those days when parents were part of their wards learning. Contemporary parents no longer show commitment to the learning outcome of their children and wards, while those who excel in life are those who do what others are unable to do. That is, going extra mile with their studies, and so with all analysis I can tell you that the Nigerian child did not let us down, it is parents that have failed the nation.”

On the likely effects of the performance on admission processes in higher institutions, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Management Services at the University of Lagos, Prof.

Duro Oni, said as long as the candidates have the required qualifications in any of the examinations, no institution particularly in Nigeria would bar them from gaining entrance.

He, however, challenged higher institutions to use the

avenue to convert the situation to an opportunity to conduct research on the performance of the students who use either of the two results to secure admission particularly within their first year on the campus.

Adeyemi felt the onus lies on the institutions to subject the students to purposeful watch and make public their discovery, saying the world might even be surprised at the end of the day, “because not all the time do you have such results determining performance in higher institutions.”

Also, the Provost of Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MAOCOPED), Epe, Prof. Olu Akeusola, described WEAC results as the true reflection of the performance of the candidates, saying it is an indication that the various measures put in place

by WAEC to check examination malpractice have continued to work.

He said: “WAEC results are true reflection of the performance of the candidates and it shows that parents who bought question papers for their children or helped them to cheat are out of business. And, that is what we are seeing now.”

panies. As one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time, apart from being an engaging writer and syndicated columnist, his philosophy is simple but important: Always Be Connecting the Dots.

This formula is not only applicable to industry; it is relevant to all spheres of life, especially education. You begin education by learning ABCD and you succeed in it

by Always Connecting the Dots. Even when you complete schooling (you never complete education), you find out that succeeding in your career and life requires one thing: Always Be Connecting the Dots.

There is a world of difference between collecting the dots and connecting them. A person who has collected the dots will be parading degrees, diplomas and certificates while complaining of unemployment, joblessness and idleness.

A person who connects the dots, however, knows what to do with his education in such a way that he is not idle or helpless. He thinks out of the box and sees opportunities where other people see nothing.

There are many opportunities around us but it takes the sixth sense to think of them and the third eye to see them. This ability lies in connecting the dots.

Meanwhile, you cannot connect what you have not collected. You don’t build a house without first making or collecting the bricks. Thus, collecting bits and dots of knowledge without connecting them is ultimately counterproductive. The bane of many youths today is that they only COLLECT dots, they don’t CONNECT them. Connect, don’t just collect!

It is the inability to connect the collected bits of knowledge that made an Ekiti State University engineering graduate to attempt suicide this April. His reason: “There is no state that I have not gone to in search of job in the past 10 years, but none for me….

I came to Akwa Ibom State because this is my last hope… But unfortunately, since I came, I discovered that even many people from Akwa Ibom are also crying because of poverty and joblessness.” The question is: what kind of engineer would be “jobless” for 10 years?

As I wrote in anothér column recently, “it is connecting the dots that constitutes the kernel of innovation.”

And what is innovation? According to one of the greatest inventors of all times, Thomas Edison, “innovation is one per cent inspiration and ninety nine percent perspiration.”

You cannot connect without perspiring; you cannot succeed without sweating.

This is why it is confounding that many young people now want to enjoy their way to success. Hard work used to

There is a world of difference between collecting the dots and connecting them

matter as the foundation of success. Nowadays, however, many impressionistic youths believe that they only need to be “smart”. Dubiety, dishonesty, disloyalty, immorality and all damnable things are part of being smart or connecting the dots in a wrong way.

How do you connect the dots in the right way? The late technology wizard, Steve Jobs, provided the answer in this famous commencement speech: “You can’t connect the dots by looking forward; you can only connect them by looking backwards. So, you have to trust that the dots will connect in your future. You have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever.

This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”

But many Nigerians are let down. Taking some students for example, rather than focus on learning or acquiring knowledge, they just want to have certificates. Though the school or institution they attend is primarily meant for learning, they devote most of their time to socialising, online and offline, clubbing and burning their precious time away.

At the end of the day, the dots don’t connect as they are found to be unemployable and incompetent. I do not begrudge those who want to become millionaires while in school but the linear approach, which the ABCD also represents, is that there is time for everything. There is time to learn; there is time to earn.

Only few people can combine the two effectively.

It is therefore desirable to make a good use of one’s time so that the dots will eventually connect. The dots will connect if you spent your yesterday well and you use your today judiciously. You can trust the future will be good. In other words, if your today is education, acquire it well and trust that it will lead to a great future.

Lastly, Steve Jobs has more words of wisdom: “Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your inner voice.

And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

BUSINESS Wednesday, September 17, 2014

What's news Telcos lose 600,000 lines in one month Over 600,000 telephone lines on the telecoms networks in Nigeria went redundant in June alone, latest official industry data obtained by New Telegraph has revealed.

}p-32

UK provides $3.97bn capital to Nigeria The United Kingdom provided the largest value in terms of capital imported into Nigeria, with $3,973.35 billion or 68.46 per cent of the total inflow ($5.8 billion) that came into the country in the Second Quarter of 2014.

}p-32

Concerns mount over clamour for state bonds All over the world, bonds are regarded as instruments used either by the federal government, state government and corporate organisations, to raise funds from the stock market for developmental projects or settling of debts as the case may be.

}p-33

NPA to pay 80% operating surplus to FG –Commission The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), has discovered that Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), did remit 80 per cent of its operating surplus into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

}p-36

BUSINESS CREW

GREATEST LOSER MTN was the highest casualty as a total of 8,758 lines ported out of its network Kunle Azeez

N

igeria’s fourth largest telecoms network, Etisalat, has emerged top on the porting gainer’s table by attracting additional 8,775 subscribers to its network from competitors within two months.

This was one of the key highlights of the latest mobile number portability (MNP) data released by the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), which provides latest update on the porting activities of subscribers on mobile network for the months of May and June, 2014.

In the latest data obtained by New Telegraph, it was apparent that though Etisalat was the last entrant into the Global Systems for Mobile Communication (GSM) market in Nigeria, its relative quality of service has continued to enjoy incoming porting with less outgoing porting on its network.

The telecoms company, which currently has about 19.2 million on its network, put itself ahead of other players, by gaining 8,775, out of the total 20,239 incoming lines on all the GSM networks within the two months periods.

Next to Etisalat on gainer’s table was Globacom with 5,363 lines that ported to the network.

Airtel followed this with 3,911

BAYO AKOMOLAFE, Asst. Editor (Maritime) SUNDAY OJEME, Asst. Editor (Insurance) Godson ikoro , Asst. Editor (Money Market) DAYO ADEYEMI, Property Editor ADEOLA YUSUF, Energy Editor WOLE SHADARE, Aviation Editor

DOMINANCE Dangote Cement controls about 28 per cent of overall market capitalisation

Chris Ugwu

F

our top capitalised stocks on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) recorded a loss of about N392.5 billion between June and September 15, 2014, (three and half months).

CHRIS UGWU, Capital Market Editor Abdulwahab Isa, Finance Editor KUNLE AZEEZ, Senior Correspondent Chuks Onuanyin, Energy Nnamdi Amadi, Reporter JOHNSON ADEBAYO, Asst. Production Editor

NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/business

Single window: Customs urge banks to grow port business }p-34

ayodele aminu, Deputy Editor, business

ayodele.aminu@newtelegraphonline.com ayodeleaminu@yahoo.com

Porting: Etisalat gains 8,775 in two months

Leads other operators incoming lines, while MTN attracted the least number of lines from competing operators to its network.

However, the ºNCC porting table showed that of the total 19,670 outgoing ported lines on the four GSM networks in May

and June, MTN was the highest casualty as a total of 8,758 lines ported out of MTN networks.

Etisalat - the second biggest loser followed the South Africabased telecoms giant for the two months with 3,927 subscribers porting out of the United Arab

Emirate operator.

Airtel came third on the losing chart by recording a loss of 3855 telephone lines on its network for outgoing porting.

Nigeria’s second national carrier recorded the lowest figure of outgoing subscribers, CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

L-R: Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson; Ericsson Country Manager, Nigeria, Mr Kamar Abass and Ericsson’s Global CEO, Hans Vestberg, at a forum on the future of the telecom sector in Lagos.

Investors lose N392.5b in four top firms

AYODELE AMINU, Deputy Editor (Business) Simeon Ogoegbulem, Dep. Business Editor

31

This followed massive sell off that had pervaded the market in the recent times.

The stocks that shed weights are Dangote Cement Plc, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and Zenith Bank Plc. Checks by New Telegraph showed that Dangote Cement which controls about 28 per cent of overall market capitalisation led the top four losers during the review period with a loss of N256 billion or 6.8 per cent to close at N3.74 trillion on September 15, as against N4 trillion recorded at the end of May. Nestle Nigeria followed with

a drop of N50 billion or 6.2 per cent from N850.5 billion in May to close at N800.5 billion last Monday.

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc depreciated by N48.8 billion or 5.8 per cent, from N880.5 billion to N831.7 billion, while Zenith Bank Plc declined by N37.7 billion or 4.9 per cent to close at N759.7 at the time of filing the report last Monday, from N797.4 billion on May 30.

The market capitalisation, which measures the value of stocks listed on the Exchange, stood at N13.461 trillion at the close of trading last Monday

as against N14.027 trillion on May 30.

The low sentiment in the market had been on the increase following upset in the financial market arising from insecurities; build up to 2015 elections, Ebola crisis and recapitalisation fever, among others.

Financial analysts believed that some of these factors sent a shock wave to both local and foreign investors and created uncertainty in the investment environment, which led to retreat on the part of the bargain CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE August 2014............................8.5% July 2014.................................8.3% May 2014.................................8.2%

LENDING RATE

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parellel As at Sept 12)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N168.80 InterBank Rate . . . . . . . . . . 11.57% Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N283 Prime Lending Rate. . . . . 16.93% Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N220 Maximum Lending Rate..25.83% • Foreign Reserves – $39.57bn as at 10/09/2014

EXCHANGE RATE

(Official As at Sept 12)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N156.73 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N255.32 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N202.76 Source: CBN

32 business | NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Telcos lose 600,000 lines in one month DROP Total number of telecoms subscriptions on all the networks in the country plunged from 131.1 million in May to 130.7m in June

Kunle Azeez

O

ver 600,000 telephone lines on the telecoms networks in Nigeria went redundant in June alone,

Teledensity falls 0.29% latest official industry data obtained by New Telegraph has revealed.

The records released by the industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), for the month of June is the latest of such in the industry.

According to the data, the total number of telecoms subscriptions on all the networks in the country plunged from 131.1 million in May to 130.7 million in June.

This represents a loss of

Etisalat gains 8, 775 in two months C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 1

as only, 3150 line sported out of Globacom network for the two months.

The Commission had earlier released the porting data for the first months of the year, spanning January through April, where it provided details on the incoming and outgoing ported lines on each of the GSM networks.

As at April, Nigeria’s Mobile Number Portability recorded a growth of 32 per cent for March and April 2014, over the total number of ported lines since launch.

Going by the latest data by the telecoms regulator, the number of telephone lines that ported between May last year, when MNP was launched and end of June 2014, had grown above 130,000 lines.

MTP is the service that allows subscribers to migrate from their current network to other preferred networks without changing their original number.

The service, which currently runs on the networks of the four GSM operators, was launched to provide wider choices for telecoms subscribers using the over 129 million active lines in the country.

Analysts say that the major

factor driving the decision of subscribers to port from network to another is the quality of service delivery provided by the receiving network.

The NCC has set a strict Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on Quality of Service for telecoms operators and has continued to sanction operators for no meeting the QoS parameters.

MNP, the NCC said, was launched to boost competition among the operators on the provision of quality of Service while also providing wider choices for the subscribers.

Speaking with New Telegraph, NCC's Public Affairs Director, Mr Tony Ojobo, reiterated that MNP is a need-based service for willing subscribers.

“MNP is not a compulsory service that people must subscribe to. If a subscriber sees a need for it, he or she may switch from his or her current network to another and if not, he or she remains on its current network.

“So, you don’t expect a surge in MNP uptake since it is based on the decision of the subscribers to either port or not to port.

Yet, I believe we are having impressive uptake, coming mostly from individuals who have seen a need to migrate. The beauty of porting services is freedom of choices,” Ojobo said.

Investors lose N392.5b C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 1

hunters.

Even earnings being posted by some quoted companies with promises of dividend pay-out could not rescue the stock market from limbo, as sell pressure continued unabated, raising concerns that the projection of the Exchange to grow market capitalisation in 2016 to $1 trillion (N150 trillion) might be a mirage.

Financial analysts have predicted that the third quarter results will not be exciting for most corporate entities quoted on the Exchange.

The Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr Bismark Rewane, who stated this in a presentation at Lagos Business School recently, noted also that the NSE All Share Index (ASI) might dip below 41,000 points

in September.

The Managing Director Cowry Asset Management Limited, Mr Jonson Chukwu, while assessing the trading activities, had also attributed the decline in the country’s foreign reserve as a major factor that is making the capital market less attractive to investors.

Chukwu linked the sustainable bear run in the equities market that had led to a considerable drop in value of equities in market capitalisation year to date, to decline in foreign reserve.

He noted that external reserve remains a cardinal barometer for assessing the financial risk of an economy which, according to him, was usually the first point of call for foreign portfolio investors in either the equities sector or in the debt instruments.

over 600,000 phone lines to redundant state, making telephone density fall from 93.70 per cent in May to 93.41 per cent at the end of June.

As such, the industry experienced a slight decline of 0.29 per cent in June, according to NCC data.

Telephone density or teledensity is the number of telephone connections for every hundred individuals living within an area.

It varies widely across the nations and also between urban and rural areas within a country.

Industry analysts say the loss of telephone lines to inactive state robs telecoms operators of potential revenue, especially at a time they are witnessing declining Average Revenue Per User (ARPU).

Further analysis of the

NCC data showed that only the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) operators, including MTN, Airtel, Etisalat and Globacom, as well as the operators in the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), lost telephone lines.

For instance, total GSM subscription fell from 128.8 million to 128.5 million, while CDMA subscriptions declined from 2.1 million to 2 million, representing a loss of over 100,000 telephone lines to inactivity.

However, the fixed wired/ wireless networks - some operated by the GSM companies and CDMA networks - added more lines on their networks, as fixed line subscriptions grew from 182,395 to 178,038.

New Telegraph learnt that this is the second time the industry will be witnessing a decline in both telephone subscriptions and in teledensity.

In March, the sector had

witnessed a decrease in its mobile subscriber base and teledensity when the the figure fell from 129 million recorded in February to 127 million in March, with teledensity decreasing from 92.14 per cent to 90.78 per cent.

In January, both mobile subscriptions and teledensity figures stood at 127.9 million and 91.40 per cent respectively.

“The decrease in teledensity is typical of the behavior in mobile subscriptions.

There is usually direct relationship between the two variables. If mobile subscriptions grow, teledensity also grows and vice versa. This also means that subscribers have dropped some of their telephone lines without using them for some months, putting them in inactive state on their networks,” said a telecoms industry analyst, Mr Akin Akinbo, in a telephone interview.

L-R: Group Head, Marketing and Communications of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, Mr Ikechukwu Kalu; First Vice President, Nigeria Football Federation, Mr Mike Umeh, and Chairman, Delta State Football Association, Mr Amaju Pinnick, at the official commissioning of Delta State Football Secretariat (Patrick Okpomo House), in Asaba, Delta State.

Nigeria records $3.97bn capital from UK MIXED RANKINGS Beyond the US and UK, rankings of other countries are more mixed Bayo Akomolafe

T

he United Kingdom provided the largest value in capital imports into Nigeria, with $3,973.35 billion or 68.46 per cent of the total inflow ($5.8 billion) that came into the country in the second quarter of 2014.

The United States trailed with $1,002.92 billion or 17.28 per cent. Other significant contributions, according the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) are Belgium with $373.69 million or 6.44 per cent; France

with $89.75 million or 1.55 per cent; Mauritius with $79.34 million or 1.37 per cent and Switzerland with $60.57 million or 1.04 per cent.

The report explained that the United Kingdom’s second quarter share was the largest of the total, with previous shares of 54.63 per cent in quarter one of 2014 and 53.86 per cent in the corresponding quarter of 2013.

Indeed, inflows from the UK are increasing, with year on year capital importation growth of $947.73 million or 31.32 per cent and a $1,840.13 million or 86.26 per cent rise from the opening quarter of 2014.

The bureau said: “Despite negative year on year growth of 6.65 per cent, translating to $71.49 million less imported, there has been an increase in inflows thus far in 2014, rising by $471.19 million or 88.62 per cent from the preceding

quarter.

“Beyond the US and the UK, rankings of other countries are more mixed. In quarter two of 2014, Nigeria imported $373.69 million of capital from Belgium, representing 6.44 per cent of the quarterly total. Despite being $206.27 million or 123.23 per cent greater than the $167.40 million inflow from Belgium recorded in the first quarter of 2014, year on year. This represented negative growth of 28.61 per cent, lower by $149.76 million from the $523.45 million recorded in quarter two of 2013.”

The report noted that other year on year declines in growth of capital imported were recorded in South Africa, Mauritius and Switzerland, by $254.94 million or 81.77 per cent, $61.64 million or 43.73 per cent and $93.39 million or 60.66 per cent respectively.

BUSINESS | THE INVESTOR

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Chris Ugwu

A

ll over the world, bonds are regarded as instruments used either by the federal government, state government and corporate organisations, to raise funds from the stock market for developmental projects or settling of debts as the case may be.

The importance of a strong and viable domestic corporate bonds market as an alternative source of finance in emerging economies has been affirmed by the success it enjoyed in countries such as Brazil, India and China.

With government economic reforms running at full throttle, prospects are high for the sustained development of the Nigerian bonds market as a viable tool for financing Nigeria’s infrastructure development.

In Nigeria, many states have raised large sums of funds from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) through bond market to finance infrastructural developments in recent times.

States with bonds For instance, the government of Edo State in 2000, opened the bond door for others when it successfully raised N1 billion through bonds from the Nigerian capital market.

Delta State followed suit in the same year to raise N5 billion in two tranches, in 2001 and 2002 Yobe and Ekiti States governments floated N2.5 billion and N4 billion bonds respectively. Lagos state government in 2002 also floated the largest sub-national debt issue with N15 billion in two tranches.

The success of these issues attracted others and soon Cross River (2003), Akwa Ibom (2004), and Kebbi (2006) followed with N4 billion, N6 billion, and N3.5 billion respectively.

Recent moves Last week, the Ebonyi State Government also filed an application seeking the approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to raise funds through the issuance of s in the Nigerian Capital Market. The fixed rate bonds are to be issued at N1000.00 per unit.

The proposed utilisation of the proceeds from the bond issuance as published in a prospectus by SEC in official website showed that N4.340 billion or 51 per cent will be used for refinancing of existing loan with UBA, which was taken to part finance Ochudo City and International Market, Abakaliki.

Also, N2.453 billion, which represent 31 per cent will be utilised as part of financing of International Market, Abakaliki.

While N1.800 billion will be used to finance electrification and accessories for the Ochudo, N743.2 million is estimated cost of issue. All these amounted to N9.340 billion.

Lead Issuing House/Lead Book Runner is Planet Capital Limited and the joint issuing houses and book runners are Cowry Asset Management Limited and Skye Financial Services Limited.

It would be recalled that Bauchi had in the previous week also unveiled its plans for the use of proceeds in its proposed N15 billion bond issuance maturing in 2021 under the state government medium term note programme.

The details of the proposed bond revealed that the issue price is N1, 000.00 per unit.

The proposed utilisation of the proceeds from the bond issuance as published in a prospectus by SEC shows that N5.4 billion will be used to complete its international airport, representing 36.6 per cent of the proceeds.

Also, N2.030 billion, which represents 13.5 per cent of the proceeds will be used to complete a 400 bed specialist hospital; catering for about 15,000 patients

33

Concerns mount over clamour for state bonds

Oscar Onyema

monthly.

While N6.338 billion will be used to refinance bank loans, representing 42.3 per cent of the total proceeds.

All these amounted to N13.852 billion net proceeds from the offer after deducting N589.821 million, which are costs and expenses of the issue, representing 3.93 per cent and an underwriting fee of N559.178 million, representing 3.72 per cent.

Lead Issuing House/Lead Book Runner is Planet Capital Limited and Joint Issuing House/Book Runner is Tiddo Securities Limited.

The qualms However, the fear in many quarters is that much of the funds being raised in the bond market always end up being used by the governors to finance their re-election or in financing the political campaign of their parties or favourite candidates where a governor is not due for re-election. These are worrisome scenarios that put to question the rush by the states to the bond market.

Regulators’ stand Market watchers believe Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has not done much in role monitoring on how states deploy such funds.

They noted that though the commission is supposed to guide against irresponsible bond issuance, some states still go ahead to raise funds just to offset recurrent expenses.

The SEC said state governments that raise funds from the bond market are expected to deploy the proceeds for that which they stated it would be used for.

According to source at SEC, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the commission has the responsibility to ensure that states use the funds judiciously, adding that it conducts monitoring exercise and on-the-spot assessment.

"If there are issues, we advise the state accordingly, without necessarily having to make it public. The fact that we have not made such findings public does not mean that SEC is sleeping. We are always alive to our responsibility," he said.

Aruma Oteh

Operators’ perspective However, to some market operators, the recent efforts by some state governments to approach the Exchange, to float bond for various developmental projects, especially when the 2015 general elections are gathering momentum, is worrisome.

In a normal system, these governors according to them should start clearing their desks and prepare their exit plans. It is therefore curious and surprisingly they should contemplate assessing the market under the guise of development bond.

Against the background of the recent clamour by some states to get approval from the regulatory authorities for bond issue, some shareholder associations have called on the investors on the Nigerian Stock Market to exercise restraint in patronizing state bonds, especially now that campaign for the country’s general election are already on course.

The leaders, under various assemblages of groups in the equities market, believe that investment in the state bond at this time around is tantamount to gambling.

Shareholders under the aegis of Progressive Shareholders Association (PSAN) said the group doubts the sincer-

The Debt Management Office (DMO), the SEC and the NSE have primary responsibilities of monitoring and ensuring that those who come to the markets (corporations, states, and indeed the federal government) to raise funds use it for the purposes stated

Governor, Ebonyi State, Martins Elechi

ity of states asking for bond issue within the election period.

The chairman of the association, Mr. Boniface Okezie, said the idea to raise fund through bonds may be well intentioned to either initiate or conclude people oriented projects but that it was ill timed. He added that it was obvious that some corrupt politicians might divert the proceeds from the bond for electioneering campaign.

“The rush for bond is worrisome because many of these state governments have few months left for their administrations to end, hence, the opportunity to channel the money raised to other purposes.

“Investors should beware because I doubt the sincerity of those who are asking for state bonds at this critical period of election. I advise investors to exercise restraint in taking position until after May 2015. This is not the best time to buy state bonds,” Okezie said.

He called on the SEC not to approve the application because those bonds would be at risk due to lack of continuity in Nigerian governing system.

A shareholder activists and one of the founding members of National Shareholders' Solidarity Association (NSSA), Alhaji Gbadebo Olatokunbo also corroborated Okezie.

He said investing in state bond now amount to indirectly funding political campaign of some corrupt politicians.

Conclusion The Debt Management Office (DMO), the SEC and the NSE have primary responsibilities of monitoring and ensuring that those who come to the markets (corporations, states, and indeed the Federal Government) to raise funds use it for the purposes stated. For example, States that come to the market to raise bonds for various “development” objectives secure approvals from them before approaching the market for such bonds.

Such approvals carry along with them the duty to monitor how such publicly raised funds are used.

34

BUSINESS

When single window for platform cargo clearance was first introduced, lack of transparency and inadequate infrastructure were identified as the major challenges. But now, importers can access the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)’s trade portal, get authoritative information about their imports and get their consignments out of the ports within a short time. BAYO AKOMOLAFE reports.

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Single window: Customs urge banks to grow port business

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he Nigeria Customs Service has advised banks to take advantage of the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) to grow their customer base by assisting them in diligent documentation and timely clearance of their cargoes at the seaports and borders.

Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Alhaji Dikko Inde Abdullahi, at a First City Monument Bank (FCMB) customers/stakeholders’ parley in Lagos, said that the service processes over 24,000 PAAR documents monthly.

Banks’ role Abdullahi urged the banks, the first ports of call for e-business in Nigeria, to rededicate their energies, towards reducing costs associated with international trade management.

He advised the lenders to show more love and altruism to their customers in the management of international trade, particularly, trade facilitation.

He said: “The banks and their customers involved in the business of international trade constitute a major stakeholder in Customs operations.”

Dikko added that because financial institutions were strategically located at the heart of the buy-export-import-delivery-chain, provision of credit rating, import/export finance, execution of payment, insurance, issuance of statement; the customs service must always, honourably, carry them along.

The CGC said: “Since then, NCS has been responsible for processing and issuance of the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) which replaced the former Risk Assessment Report (RAR). It was a national mandate for which we were adequately prepared for and a service we have diligently rendered.”

Training “Our preparation for this take-over include: the establish-

Containers awaiting clearance at the Lagos Port complex, Apapa

ment of a world-class Command and Staff College, to provide middle and high level management resource, to build skill gaps left by several years of preshipment inspection regime.

“Local and international training programmes to build capacity of officers and men in core Customs operations like HS classification, valuation and rule of origin, among others.”

The CGC who was represented by the Customs spokesman, Mr Wale Adeniyi, a deputy comptroller, said that the vision never overlooked the importance of a robust welfare programme for Customs operatives, including a 100 per cent pay rise, house ownership scheme, enhanced medical services to strengthen the resolve against compromise.

Ship turn-around He stressed: “We are joint stakeholders and, as such, must collectively work to quicken documentation procedures, ship turn-around time, cargo dwelling times and all other relevant aspects, so as to reduce costs and make business ventures more encouraging,” adding that the establishment of a state-of-theart Customs Ruling Centre, for processing and issuance of import documents, the development and launch of a trade hub to provide real time, round the clock online information about Nigeria’s international trade, to all in this direction.

“There were apprehensions and concerns regarding the availability of infrastructural support and our strength of character to take over and sustain the project. In the

The banks and their customers involved in the business of international trade constitute a major stakeholder in Customs operations first three months, (December 2013 – February 2014), we were able to process the issuance of 27,523 PAARs. This represents a monthly average of just over 9,000 PAARs. “But, rather than allow this to discourage us, we intensified our efforts to address the initial hiccups. I am happy that the PAAR system is now stronger and fully stabilised. In the last three months (June – August), total PAARs issued stood at 72,898. This represents a monthly average of over 24,000 PAARs. Before now, Customs had resolved to partner with the organised private sector in its effort towards creating a viable single window environment for international trade.

“This led to the cancellation of N4.5 billion contract to Single Window Systems and Technology Limited (SWST) meant for the clearing of goods at the nation’s seaports,” he said.

Senior Special Assistant to the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr Paul Nwabuikwu, said that the decision to discontinue the contract in 2012 was based on an investigation by the

Federal Ministry of Finance, which looked into the processes and the terms of the contract signed by government and the promoters of the project.

He noted that the contract breached the laws of the land, especially the provisions of both the Procurement Act and the ICRC Act. Also, Mr Luky Amiwero, Managing Director of Eyis Resources Limited, explained that even though the single window project was an advancement in the procedure of clearing that would enhance faster clearance of cargo at the port, the signing of the agreement with the management of Single Window Technology Limited (SWSTL) did not follow the due process.

Initial fear However, Ghana and Senegal have been practising the single window concept without much ado for over 10 years while Nigeria, which has more resources in terms of human and material, is still grappling with the concept.

Initially, there was fear that the Webb Fontaine, the service provider in charge of the Automated System of Customs Data plus plus (ASYCUDA++) may not find it easy to switch over to the new system. But recent development has allayed the fear.

Dikko expressed his gladness with progress being recorded by PAAR, saying that the Service had finally overcome the major challenges.

Challenge There was also the fear that infrastructural challenge will threaten the system once it en-

sures fast clearance of cargoes from the port, which may clog the roads network which are in deplorable state.

To support capacity building efforts, recently the WCO developed a compendium on how to build a Single Window Environment. The compendium includes the executive guide and professional practice guide.

In December 2012, the Nigerian freight forwarders pledged to ensure that the system works at seaports, airports and borders in a bit to quicken its gains.

They noted that it would eliminate opportunities for extortion and reduce the cost of doing business at port.

Experts’ opinion But experts have said that if the country adopts the concept, it would simplify cargo clearance processes and eliminate unnecessary bottleneck.

They said that it would grow the country’s economy.

According to Mrs Valentino Mintah, a Ghana-born British citizen, who spoke at a single window workshop organised by Nigeria Customs Service, single window (SW) platform for cargo clearance at port is the elixir needed to move the country’s economy forward.

She said that the concept would significantly remove the human touch points, by which the manual processes have been used to encourage some amount of leakages.

Mrs Mintah added: “Those who want to serve the nation in the most transparent manners would find it a great enC O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 3 5

BUSINESS | MARITIME 35

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Stories by Bayo Akomolafe

Reefer containers' capacity forecast to grow 1.9m by 2018

eefer capacity on the containership fleet is expected to increase by 22 per cent over the next five years at the expense of a declining specialised reefer fleet, according to Drewry Shipping Consultant Limited’s latest Reefer Shipping Market Annual Review and Forecast.

The firm explained that reefer box capacity would grow from 1.6 million 40-feet slots in 2013 to 1.9 million slots in 2018.

However, it noted that the fleet growth would not adversely impact vessel utilisation levels

due to strong cargo growth.

It explained that reefer container volumes are forecast to rise by 20.5 million tons over this period, 16.5 million tons by organic growth and four million tons at the expense of the shrinking specialised reefer industry.

Drewry added: “Overall seaborne perishable reefer trade will increase by 17 per cent between 2013 and 2018, providing an additional 16.5 million tons of cargo.”

Also, an official of the firm, Kevin Harding explained: “As a result of the expected cargo

GROWTH Specialised containers to grow in the global shipping sector

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growth, reefer container slot utilisation levels will be unchanged in 2015 and only marginally lower thereafter.

He said that the specialised reefer sector was forecast to shrink further as a result of scrapping empty order book.

“The specialised sector’s continuing market share decline was reinforced by leading operator, Seatrade’s recent order for two 500 feu container vessels. However, it is worth noting that although the specialised reefer fleet provided a little over seven per cent of

Uduak Ekpo (third left) and other staff of APM Terminals Apapa Limited with Rev. Sister Anastasia at the Pacelly School for the Blind when some staff of the leading terminal operator visited the School to donate gifts and food items.

Vessels discharge 1.45m tons PMS at Lagos ports

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igerian ports have taken delivery of 1,457,707 metric tons of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) product from twelve vessels in the last one month.

Also, 18,750 metric tons of crude palm oil was among the various commodities discharged at the ports.

Five vessels berthed with 149 tons of bulk rice, one came

with 30,000 tons of fresh fish, one with 24 tons of bulk salt and 15 with 9,700 containers.

Other items being discharged are general cargo, bulk wheat, steel products, bulk sugar and base oil.

According to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)’s shipping position, 59 ships laden with various items would sail

into the Lagos ports between September 9 and October 2, 2014.

Seven of the ships will arrive with petroleum products while 25 will sail with bulk wheat, general cargo, bulk sugar, bulk rice, semi-trailer, crude palm oil, ethanol, bulk gypsum and steel products.

The remaining 27 will come in with other goods.

APM Terminals fetes less privileged perator of the Lagos ConOTerminals tainer Terminal, AP Moller Apapa Limited, has donated food items to various orphanages and homes for the less-privileged in Lagos.

The items were distributed to the orphanages and homes by the staff of the company.

Beneficiaries of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), according to a statement from the company, include Pacelly School for the Blind, Surulere; Heart of Gold Children’s Hospice, Surulere; Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care and Treatment Home for Mentally and Physically Challenged Children, Yaba; and Little Saints Orphanage, Akowonjo. Others include Berth Torrey

Home for Mentally Challenged Children, Festac Town; Arrow of God Orphanage, Obadore; and So-Said Charity Homes in Oregie-Ajegunle and Okota.

At the Pacelly School for the Blind, Rev. Sister Anastasia who received the APM Terminals’ staff on behalf of the school principal expressed appreciation to the company for identifying with and providing succour to the needy.

“Your support and kindness towards the needy can never be underestimated. What you have presented to us today shows that the children will never be hungry again. They will never lack and may the good Lord provide for you and meet you at your point of needs,” she said.

Leader of the APM Terminals team, Uduak Ekpo, said that the donations were done in line with the company’s goal of giving back to the society and supporting the needy.

Also, at the Heart of Gold Children’s Hospice, representative of the Convener of the Home, Omowunmi Oluwatosin, expressed “deep appreciation” to APM Terminals.

While promising to make judicious use of the items donated, Oluwatosin said that the gifts were coming at “the most appropriate time.”

She said: “Your kind gesture towards this home is appreciated and we hope to maintain a cordial relationship with your company.”

overall reefer capacity, it carried almost 28 per cent of the estimated perishable reefer cargo in 2013.

“The specialised reefer operators peaked some years ago, in terms of cargo volumes, but now faces continued falling volumes and market shares,” remarked Harding.

“However, this does not necessarily affect their profitability.

In fact, from the limited number of public companies reporting financial returns, profitability

is, indeed, achievable. Specialised reefer companies are now looking to reinvent themselves to protect their undoubted expertise in their field.”

Drewry estimates that the worldwide seaborne perishable reefer trade rose at an annual rate of 3.2 per cent in the 10 years to 2013, reaching 98 million tons last year. Sectors driving this growth have been meat and exotic fruit, with the latter rising as much as 9.3 per cent each year over the period.

Lekki Deep Sea Port to spend N23bn on quays, others Tolaram Port is to spend Ports Authority (NPA).

Ltionekki N23 billion on the construcAccording a the statement by of breakwaters, quays, ap- the bank, when the port is comproach channels, dredging of the basin and captive utilities such as water and power at the Lagos Free Trade Zone (LFTZ).

The projects would start in January 2015, while the container terminal would begin in December 2018.

It was learnt that the projects are to be funded with a loan approved by the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the building of a Greenfield Seaport in the Lagos Free Trade Zone (LFTZ).

The LFTZ is 60 kilometres east of Lagos.

It was learnt that the project would be managed by Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise for 45 years under a build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) concession granted by the Nigerian

pleted, it will handle 2.5 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs), 16.7 million tons of liquid cargo and 4.5 million tons of dry bulk.

The statement added that the project, which was estimated at $1.675 billion dollars, would be financed through a 54/46 debt to equity ratio by the bank and the handlers.

It said that the project was in line with Nigeria’s Strategy Paper (2012-2016), which stresses infrastructure development in the non-oil and transport sector.

The statement added that the project was also in line with the bank’s Regional Integration Strategy Paper for West Africa.

It emphasised linking regional markets through transport infrastructure.

Customs urge lenders to grow port business C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 4

vironment. But for those who may have something to hide, the SW may pose an issue to them.”

She stressed that the system would create effective environment for importers, exporters and agencies that are involved in international trade to make a simple, fast and cost-effective choice from one country to another.

The expert added: “All that would happen is that there would be need by all agencies involved in trade facilitation to increase their level of transparency. At the moment, there may not be need yet for such a high level of transparency. “At that point, there may have to be a higher demand for transparency, collaboration and information sharing (exchange) so that traders could have a full grasp of control of what they are doing, as they would become better informed especially in terms of how long and how much it could take or cost them to complete their documentation and move their goods.

“It is going to simplify the clearing process by effectively

automating them. But the SW is not going to take away anybody’s mandate, powers or control.”

She advised that the authorities could go for either a purely public private partnership (PPP) model, a build, operate and transfer (BOT), donor model or a combination of the options.

Benefit Mrs Mintah explained that it would benefit everyone; from the man on the street up to government. “And that is why a lot is dependent on the issue of having a true understanding of what the whole concept is all about. That is the main challenge.”

She posited that special efforts could be adopted to let everyone understand SW as a national agenda, and that it is a program that would benefit everyone, beginning from the decision makers to the importers and exporters and the agencies that support them in the international trade, alongside the private sector stakeholders, as well as the consumers who utilise the goods or services within the whole economy.

36 BUSINESS | MARITIME AUDIT NPA is to cough out N6.3 billion to the Federal Government Stories by Bayo Akomolafe

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he Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), has discovered that Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), did remit 80 per cent of its operating surplus into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

The discovery was made by the commission at a roundtable with the management of the NPA during the reconciliation of certain discrepancies in the audited financial statements of the organisation.

The acting Chairman of commission, Mr Victor Muruako said the NPA was owing the federation N6.3 bil-

NPA to pay 80% operating surplus to FG – Commission lion as operating surplus for years 2007 and 2008.

Although the management of NPA said the authority had opened a special account in which N300 million would be paid into it monthly But Muruako told the NPA delegates to the account reconciliation meeting that it was unfair for the NPA, a major non-oil revenue agency of the federal government to fail in its duty of remitting 80 per cent of its operating surplus into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

The NPA team was led by its Executive Director, Finance and Administration; Mr Olu-

Nigeria to export 1.86m barrels of crude COMPETITION Increasing sales from Libya crude supply has put Nigeria under pressure

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ssessments of Nigerian crude oil differentials for October loading cargoes fell, following a strong competition from other regions as the country is billed to export about 1.86 million barrels per day of crude in October.

According to loading schedules, a tender from Petrovietnam to buy Nigerian cargoes is expected next week.

It was learnt that International Oil Companies (IOCs) bought Agbami, Okoro and Qua Iboe cargoes for November loading from BP and Glencore through a tender on Thursday, The development slacked the European traders demand.

Some traders have declared that a glut of physical oil has led to increased storage of West African and other grades

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

of oil.

It was feared that this may likely to keep differentials under pressure in coming months.

It was learnt that there were around 20-25 cargoes of 63 for October still available for purchase about a week before November cargoes come to market.

A trader said activity from the Ras Lanuf oil terminal in Libya after a month of no vessels departing indicated that exports would likely soon increase further.

The tanker Aegean Pride left Ras Lanuf on Sept. 11 with destination Genoa in Italy.

Tracking showed the vessel was 85 percent full and last seen positioned off the coast of Sicily.

Reuters report said Libya's oil sector was under complete government control despite rising violence in the North African country, with production expected to rise to one million barrels a day in October, Prime Minister Abdullah alThinni said.

mide Oduntan.

But apparently miffed, the FRC boss said that it was important that government agencies should not shortchange the federal government in its efforts to generate funds to execute the transformation agenda of President Jonathan.

He stressed: "In the process of monitoring the compliance of the NPA to the Fiscal Responsibility Act, we observed that the former management of the authority has failed to prepare and publish its audited financial reports for 2012 and 2013.

"It has not remitted the N3.79 billion to the Consolidated Revenue Fund being the

the Zone E. This comprises Nigeria, Niger, Benin and Togo.

“This meeting discussed the operationalisation of this zone and will pave the way for others to come.”

She disclosed that Benin had offered to host the zone’s coordinating centre.

“This is part of what the meeting will discuss, to see whether the venue provided is adequate,” noted Mrs Suleiman.

The meeting, she further said, would also discuss coordinating efforts for a maritime zone established by states of the 10-member Economic Community of Central Afri-

He said the management had fashioned out payment strategy to settle the backlog of debts owed by the organisation.

He added: “In trying to offset some of our debts to the federal government in 2012 alone, we paid N15 billion into the federation's account.

“That was the first time the NPA is making such huge payment. Before that, what we usually remit is between N465 to N470 million.

“The NPA has opened a special account in which N300 million will be paid into it monthly.

“The purpose of this is to pay the remaining balance of whatever we are owing."

MT Agros discharging petroleum product at Apapa jetty

NARTO seeks functional ICD across Nigeria he National Association of help in the development of the north will help our trucks T(NARTO) Road Transport Owners the maritime industry and because the distance to be covhas called for the the economy of the landlocked ered will be shorter. This will revitalisation of Inland Container Depots (ICD’s) across the country.

NARTO’s Executive Secretary, Emmanuel Gowon, said that the revitalisation would

ECOWAS to fight piracy with maritime zones he 15-member Economic mation coordination and action. can States (ECCAS), with a TStates Community of West African She added: “The first one we view to combating piracy.

(ECOWAS) has resolved are piloting in West Africa is She said: “There will be a to launch a pilot project aimed at monitoring and tackling piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Mrs Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman, said that over the past years, the Gulf of Guinea has seen piracy and various other criminal acts.

She explained that the heads of states and governments had approved a strategy for combating the maritime crime, saying that part of the strategy includes setting up maritime zones.

Mrs Suleiman said that the countries of the sub-region have been grouped into zones for infor-

balance of the NPA's operating surplus for 2007.

"The NPA has also not remitted N2.52 billion into the Consolidated Revenye Fund being the balance of its operating surplus for 2008."

Muruako said the NPA was owing this much because the former management does not understanding the concept of operating surplus.

He however commended the new management of the authority for its efforts so settle all debts owed the federation by its predecessors.

Oduntan, however, reiterated the commitment of the new management of the authority to pay the remaining N6.3 billion.

regional coordinating centre and an inter-regional coordinating centre.”

Piracy has become a growing concern in West Africa.

The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) recently warned of the dangers to ships transiting West African waters, particularly around Nigeria, Benin and Togo.

ECOWAS, a regional bloc founded in 1975, seeks to promote economic, social and cultural integration among its 15-member states.

Ghana currently holds the rotating chair of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.

states and Nigeria in general.

He said that Kano ICD was the only one partially operational in the country while that of Jos and some others across the country were almost dead.

Gowon noted: “The ICD’s are not taking off strongly; strictly speaking, they are not functional, on paper, we may say that they are functional, but truly they are not operating at a level that they can reduce pressure on port.

“They have not really position themselves to be a very viable alternative to coming to the port.”

The executive secretary explained that the ICD at Kano was operating as if nothing was happening there, adding that the one at Jos was under threat as the Plateau State government threatened to relocate it.

Gowon stressed: “If the ICD became operational, we can move goods from there to the interior such as Kano, Yobe, Maiduguri and the rest, within a short distance.

“The Kano ICD and others in

help our trucks and our business; we will have lesser distance to work than from Lagos to the north.

“Also, our investment will last longer and the life span of our investment will increase, because they are not plying long distance.

“We should not forget that most of these places we are talking about are landlocked with no navigable river that containers can be moved by rails so we have no other choice than to use the trucks,” he said.

He insisted that the rail system must be fully revitalised for the ICDs to be operational.

“If the rails are efficient, we will have a functional ICD, but without a functional rail system, our ICD will remain in the same poor position.

“If they are revived, our operations will be limited, we can move goods from the ICD to the interior, this will help our trucks and our business we will have lesser distance to work than from Lagos to the north or other parts of the country.”

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Flood

Another season of business nightmare Kenneth Tyohemba

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s Nigeria’s climate enters the last lap of the rainy season, flood has already started having a toll on the socio-economic status of some sections of people across the country. Already, there are indications that flood could present a hole in business fortunes of Nigerians, who mainly depend on agriculture and agro-allied industry for their daily sustenance.

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), had earlier in its 2014 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), raised

the alarm over the impending flood and predicted that about 102 local governments in 21 states could be hit by the disaster, which has become a yearly occurrence since 2012.

In what it described as high flood risk areas, NIHSA identified plains of river basins as areas that are flood-prone.

These include areas located in Komadugu-Yobe basin, Niger and Benue basins, Sokoto-Rima basins, Ogun-Osun basin, Cross River basin and Niger Delta basin, among others.

Threat to business Flood is the greatest water-

related disaster for man. Its economic loss can be very devastating. In 2012, for instance, Nigeria recorded an estimated loss of N2.29 trillion, while 27 states of the federation were affected. The flood, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), also caused the death of over 400 persons and displaced about two million people from their homes and swept away various businesses, including farms.

Minister of Water Resources, Mrs Sarah Reng Ochekpe, noted that close to one billion people worldwide live and have their socio-economic activities

on vulnerable flood plains, the situation being the same in Nigeria where many are farmers and fishermen.

Of course, this is the true scenario each time flood occurs, as it could be seen from the 2012 evidence where the economy experienced inflation because of the devastation on farms, houses, rivers and oil wells, among other valuables.

The ravaging floods did not only have their pangs on agriculture, but, according to the Department of Petroleum Resources, also drastically reduced Nigeria’s crude oil production by 500,000 barrels per day.

L-R: Nigerian Ambassador to India, Ndubuisi Amaku; Indian Trade Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga; and Permanent Secretary, Abdulkadir Musa, after a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the MITI-Ambassadors Roundtable in New Delhi, India…

Nigeria, Israel to sign MoU on tourism Kenneth Tyohemba

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he Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and the Isreali government have agreed to work together on the development and promotion of the tourism industry.

Tourism experts said the pact between the two countries would radically change the face of tourism industry as it would give the fledging sector the needed boost that would turn it into a money-spinner for Nigeria.

Both countries declared their desire for the partnership when Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Uriel Palti, visited the Director-General of NTDC, Dr. Sally Mbanefo, in Abuja.

Palti expressed his readiness to facilitate collaboration between Israel and NTDC to develop tourism in Nigeria.

The Israeli Ambassador said that Nigeria has the highest number of pilgrims to Israel which demonstrate the people’s love for the industry, even as he assured of his country’s assistance to help develop

Nigeria’s rich tourism potentials.

“To achieve this, I and my team will go together with NTDC to visit beautiful tourist sites and destinations in Nigeria, and also invite NTDC to visit Israel, meet with Israeli government and other tourism stakeholders in the country and sign a Memorandum of Understanding on development and promotion of tourism in Nigeria,” he stated.

The ambassador further stated that the same arrangements would be made to also enable

Nigeria woo more investors from Israel into the country.

Responding, Mbanefo disclosed that the Corporation is working on how to be selfaccounting, adding that it has put some machineries in place to achieve the set goal.

Mbanefo further stated that the transformation agenda of the present government has provided lubricant to the wheel of tourism development and reiterated her commitment to the campaign for domestic tourism, which would create wealth and job at the grassroots.

Abuja suburbs hit by flood Last month, flood took over parts of Gwagwalada, submerging homes and shops.

The accompanying rainstorm destroyed over a hundred houses, displacing many residents.

At Angwan Bassa area, many houses were completely submerged and one could barely see the rooftops of most of the buildings.

There was traffic gridlock on the busy New Kutunku and Park Roads caused by floodwater. Commercial activities were also disrupted as water submerged most shops in the area, sweeping away goods and valuables said to be worth millions of Naira.

Also within the same period, flood sent traders parking, albeit temporarily, out of Nyanyan Market and brought heavy toll on vehicular movement on the busy Abuja-Keffi road. Many vehicles and shops were also submerged in the process.

Victims bemoaned their plight, saying that the flood had become a yearly occurrence and appealed to government to come to their aid.

One of the victims, Ms Shukarat Abdulrahaman, of Abattoir area, said that the flood destroyed her valuables.

“The rainstorm and accompanying flood destroyed virtually all that I have laboured for over the years as almost everything in my house was either destroyed or swept away,” she lamented.

Ms Abdulrahaman, who said that she is yet to recover from the losses she suffered from last year’s similar disaster appealed to relevant authorities to come to her aid.

Also, a dejected fish farmer, Bolaji Adeleke, whose fishpond at Maraba was swept away by flood, said that his business was forced to close down by flood.

Way out Ochekpe has continued to assure Nigerians that government is not folding its arms and watch flood wreak havoc on the people. She said that as one of the measures to stem the tide, the ministry has resuscitated all the hydrological monitoring stations that were either damaged or washed away during the 2012 flood disaster. The support provided opportunity for the agency to improve on its hydrological monitoring capacCONTINUED ON PAGE 38

38 NEWS /MODERN CITY

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Abuja Municipal Council to upgrade Jabi park Simeon Ogoegbulem Abuja

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he Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has launched efforts aimed at upgrading the Jabi Central Motor Park.

Jabi Park is the largest public park managed by government in the entire area council and has been in a state of disrepair for years.

Following lack of government presence, the park was taken over by all manner of artisans while the shops were taken over by vendors of building materials, electronics and allied products.

However, after several calls by commuters over the deplorable state of the park, AMAC officials, last weekend, embarked on a general cleaning exercise of the motor park located in the Jabi District of Abuja.

As a first step towards upgrading the park, a combined team of staff of the environmental department of the council and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) carried out massive cleaning exercise of the entire park.

The exercise also involved the removal of the dirt and other wastes in the park as well as some shops constructed by

traders in the park.

In order to ensure that the exercise was carried out in an orderly manner, security operatives were drafted in to ensure that nobody took laws into his hands.

Speaking shortly after the exercise, which lasted several

Abuja

ix countries drawn from Sconfirmed Africa and Asia have fully their participation

at the 9th Abuja International Trade Fair.

The countries are Ghana, Senegal, Egypt, Indonesia, Philippines and Taiwan. Also, 12 states of the federation have also confirmed their participation at the fair.

The 9th Abuja International Trade Fair is scheduled to run from September 23 to October 6, 2014, at the International Trade Fair Complex along Abuja Airport Road.

Director General, Abuja Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA) Mr Joe Idowu Wenegieme, who disclosed this in Abuja, assured that the fair would be a memorable one for both exhibitors and visitors.

Wenegieme stated that the goods that would be displayed at the fair cut across simple machinery to furniture, kitchen equipment, electronics and power generating sets, textiles, as well as assorted beverages.

The DG, who spoke to New Telegraph on preparations for the fair, stated that “Nigerians should expect a grand outing because since we moved our trade fair from the Old Parade Ground to the permanent site, each year continues to be bet-

for transport activities has been hijacked by all sorts of people, including dealers of building materials as well as artisans.

She disclosed that the council has opened an office within the park in order to maintain its cleanness, stating that the

exercise is the first step as upgrading work would soon commence on the park.

Hajiya Abubakar called for the understanding of the affected stakeholders, adding that similar exercise will be carried out in other parks in the council.

L–R: Managing Director, Landmark Group, Mr. Paul Onwunaibe; Chairman, Dr. Pascal Dozie; Managing Director, Procter and Gamble, Nigeria, George Nasser and Executive Director, Investment One Financial Services, Mrs. Abimbola Afolabi-Ajayi, at the unveiling of Landmark House in Ikeja, Lagos

Abuja Fair: Six more countries confirm participation Nnamdi Amadi

hours, AMAC’s head of the environmental department, Hajiya Maimunatu Abubakar, said that the exercise was carried out in preparation for the proposed upgrading of the park to international standard.

Hajiya Abubakar regretted that the park, which is meant

ter.

He expressed optimism that despite the security challenges in the country, the chamber remains hopeful that this year’s trade fair will be another huge success.

Wenegieme further assured that both exhibitors and visitors at the fair would have full value for their money as the fair have been packaged to have all the trappings of a one-stop-shop for general commerce.

While confirming the number of states in Nigeria that will participate in this year’s fair, Wenegieme said: “About 12 states have indicated interest to participate and I know more will come. From experience, we know there will be last minute rush. We have seen situations where people still come after the opening of the trade fair to register for participation.”

The ABUCCIMA DG assured participants and the general public that all has been put in place to ensure a successful trade fair. “We on our part are doing our best to create a conducive atmosphere and media awareness campaign, we are also partnering with the Military and other security agencies to ensure maximum security and by the special grace of God, we have never had any incidence since we started and we will not have this time around.”

Another season of business nightmare

FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

ity and services. There has been an increase in the number of monitoring stations across the country with improvement on the level of instrumentation.

The minister, who said that flood management offers significant economic benefits, also advocated the strengthening of awareness and knowledge of all stakeholders, including media enhancement, for improved reporting on disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness.

On their part, the Presidential Flood Relief Committee with the mandate of raising

fund to augment government’s efforts at mitigating the pains of floods has awarded a contract of over five billion naira for the construction of rehabilitation centres across the country. Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Aliko Danngote, assured that the committee has overcome the initial setbacks occasioned by delays in fulfilment of pledges made by organisations and individuals.

He said that the committee now has enough to spend on disaster relief projects, which would benefits 24 states.

As Nigerians cautiously await the predicted flood even

in the last lap of the rainy season, NEMA has assured that it has put in place measures that would avoid a repeat of the 2012 flood devastation. So far, the Agency has signed a MoU with authorities of Cameroun on safer water management from the Lagodo Dam. Director-General of NEMA, Alhaji Muhammad Sani, said that the agency had stockpiled relief materials at strategic locations and erected well equipped camps in such a manner that would ensure quick response in the event of any flood disaster.

The sensitisation of people within flood-prone areas, according to NEMA, has been carried out. It also said that temporary camps for displaced persons had been put in place in case of any emergency so that the people can quickly be evacuated to safer grounds.

More work to be done The various players in the flood and disaster management have all demonstrated their zeal towards flood risk reduction. What is left undone is in the area of monitoring of funds and other relief materials meant for flood disaster.

In the 2012 flood disaster for instance, the money meant for victims’ relief was allegedly diverted to other primordial purposes by some states. A reoccurrence of this must be avoided.

LIFE / IN THE CITY 39

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Ebola: Parents flay Sept 22 schools resumption date Simeon Ogoegbulem Abuja

M

ost parents in the Federal Capital Territory have continued to kick against plans by the Federal Government to re-open schools on September 22.

Government had, a fortnight ago, brought forward the resumption date for primary and post-primary schools nationwide from October 13 to September 22.

It had initially postponed schools resumption date as part of measures adopted to contain the spread of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) that was imported into Nige-

ria by Mr Partrick Sawyer, an American-Liberian last July.

The new date was arrived at after series of consultations with the Federal Ministry of Education and commissioners of education in the 36 states of the federation.

But the decision has continued to cause ripples among stakeholders in the nation’s health and education sectors.

Already, the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) have both faulted government’s hasty plans to re-open public schools in the country.

Parents who spoke to New Telegraph said it was wrong

for government to rush to conclusion that the deadly EVD has been effectively contained and as such schools should reopen for a new academic session.

While commending government for its efforts so far in managing the health crisis, the parents argued that the authorities should have exercised a little restraint in order to ensure that the gains made in containing the crisis are not reversed overnight.

Leading the agitation for a differed school resumption date is Mrs Juliet Ikejieze, an entrepreneur in the agro-allied sub-sector of the economy, who objected to the September 22 date.

Mrs Ikejieze said that the move by government is rather hasty as no measure has been put in place to ensure that schools would be able to manage any crisis relating to the Ebola disease.

She advised government to work towards providing all that is necessary before announcing a new date, pointing out that “it is better that our children stay longer at home and safe that to hastily return to school and face unimaginable health challenges.”

Lending support to Ikejieze’s position was Mrs Biola Oduleye, a businesswoman based in Gwagwalda, who said that she was alarmed at

government’s plan to re-open schools.

Oduleye wondered why government did not deem it fit to train at least two staff of each school on train the trainers programme on how to detect the signs of the disease, provide basic training and testing kits as well as embark on massive enlightenment programme before announcing a new resumption date.

She noted that it is only when all these measures are put in place that she will feel secure in allowing her children to return to school, stressing that “my children would rather miss a school term than rush back to an uncertain future at school.”

YOUTH CULTURE, photos as posted on Instagram by residents of the city

#Tbt# by @am_lizberry

Birthday boy... by @cahousecic

Doomams by @priddykar

Hbd @fyenechina #sbr by @cmbami

Hon sport minister. Launching d president cup under 16 by @tijani13

HappyHourWednesdays by @the09clubhouse

Guess who I saw in Paris! Flavourrrrrr by @ bhummie

Happy BIrthday Mama by @edrisabdullahi

My girls by @ngizago1 Jeffery botimi talkertive,hbd @talkativejeffrey by @cahousecic

Lone I go all the way by @bjoenenge

untitled by @caliartiste

untitled by @dam_maliki

Slow and steady by @mrchidozie

untitled by @henryterwase

untitled by @hugogramx

40 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

How Jonathan, PDP benefit from Boko On Monday September 8, National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed, was at the Portcullis House of Commons in London where he spoke on ‘Politicisation of Boko Haram Insurgency’.

Labelling APC as Boko Haram I am here to share my personal thoughts and those of my party, the APC, on the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. It is certainly apt to say this platform and audience provide auspicious opportunities to correct misinformation, halftruths and endemic political manipulation of the Boko Haram insurgency by our political opponents.

Since the formation of our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), our political opponents have strenuously tried (but failed) to misinform Nigerians and the international community that the APC is linked to Boko Haram, claiming ‘our actions, utterances and body language’ support or sympathise with Boko Haram Of course, this deliberate political misinformation and manipulation continue to flounder and fail spectacularly, not least because successive events prove these claims to be hollow, but also that it is our political opponents who are playing a ‘Boko Haram Poker Game’.

In particular, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and anyone for that matter (including their hired American PR firm, Levick) have failed to produce any substantial and even anecdotal evidence linking the APC with Boko Haram!

Keen followers and watchers of Nigerian politics are well aware of recent revelations by Dr. Stephen Davis, a renowned Australian hostage release negotiator hired by the Goodluck Jonathan government over the Chibok saga, who confirmed some few days back that indeed the sponsors of Boko Haram are nestled in the PDP and President Goodluck Jonathan government – in the persons of Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff (former governor of Borno State) and Lt. Gen. Ihejirika (former Chief of Army Staff).

The value of this revelation is hardly about its newness, but that it corroborates previous revelations, such as those by the former National Security Adviser (late Major General Azazi Owoye) and even by President Jonathan himself !

Boko Haram as crises There is the crisis of Boko Haram violent attacks, but also crisis of the PDP-President Jonathan’s inept mismanagement, crisis of Nigeria’s military response and operations, crisis of refugees and internal displacement, and crisis of insecurity in general.

What I present here are hardly mine and APC’s hunches or guess-estimates or attempts at political misinformation, but logical accounts, insights and information contained in open-source materials, thus verifiable. I proceed to share this important empirical account of events about Boko Haram as detailed in media reports, academic papers and research, and even from different sections of the Nigerian government.

Origin of Boko Haram When the sect “Nigerian Taliban”, the precursor of today’s monster called Boko Haram, started off in 2002, it was another fringe sect along the same pattern of many before it, which started off under the cloak of religion but were in real sense, in response to the widespread poverty, deprivation and the injustice

that have hallmarked post-independent Nigeria.

Before now, the most remembered, for the scale of its share brutality and mass killings, was the Maitaisine Crisis in the northern city of Kano that left thousands of people dead in 1980. A decisive response by the then Federal Government saw the crushing of the sect, which was fiercely anti-modernism. Maitaisine was the nickname of the sect founder, Mohammed Marwa, whose preaching attracted a huge number of youths, unemployed immigrants and others who felt that mainstream Muslim teachers were not doing enough for their communities.

By December 1980, the group had started launching attacks against other religious figures and the police in Bauchi and Bulukuntu (Maiduguri), forcing the government to call in the military. In the ensuing clashes, about 5,000 people including the founder, died. But in the end the sect was dead and buried for good.

Fast forward to 2009, almost three decades later, Boko Haram, a salafi-jihadi group that espouses messianic revivalism of Islamic religion and cultural practices (sharia) and which translates literally as “Western education forbidden” was in full swing and following in the path of the Maitaisine.

It is no use hiding the fact that the emergence of Boko Haram and its armed insurgency from 2009, has changed the political, economic, security and sociocultural landscape of Nigeria.

Boko Haram defined But who and what is Boko Haram?

Why and how did it come about?

Boko Haram’s original name is the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati walJihad (People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad) movement.

‘Boko Haram’ when translated literarily means ‘Western education’ (Boko) is forbidden (haram), however, the group’s ideology transcends this to mean the rejection of western culture and civilisation of which education is a vehicle for its transfer.

In recorded interviews by the BBC with the late founder of the group (Mohammed Yusuf), he stated that “westernstyled education is mixed with issues that run contrary to our belief in Islam’ and ‘our land was an Islamic state before the colonial masters turned it to a Kafir (infidel) land. The current system is contrary to true Islamic belief.”

Another recorded interview with the group’s spokesperson clarified that ‘Boko Haram’ does not in any way mean Western education is a sin…(It) actually means western civilization is forbidden.

The difference is that while the first gives the impression that we are opposed to formal education coming from the West…which is not true…the second affirms our belief in the supremacy of Islamic culture, for culture is broader, it includes education but not determined by western education.”

The emergence of Boko Haram as a movement and the evolution of its armed insurgency could be divided into five phases: Phase One This pertains to the earliest recorded information about the group and its ideological foundation and organisational development as a movement. There is a loose consensus that Boko Haram is an offshoot of the Nigerian Taliban Movement that was first reported in media circles around 2001-02 (following the US-led NATO military campaign in Afghanistan), that the top leadership of the group were adherents of the Ibn Taymiyyah Sect.

The group relocated (undertook Hijra) from Maiduguri city (capital of Borno State) to a remote location in Yobe

Jonathan

State (Kanama) in 2002 to establish its own community that was governed in accordance with strict Islamic law and culture (Sharia). Following disagreements and clashes with neighbouring communities over fishing rights and police action between 2003 and 2004 the group was dislodged from Kanama and it relocated back to Maiduguri in 2004.

Phase Two This chronicles the regrouping, activities and growth of the group between 2004 and 2009. Boko Haram’s relocation to Maiduguri in 2004 led to its creation of a new base (the Ibn Taymiyyah Masjid around the railway area, north of Maiduguri). The group is alleged to have got financial support from within and outside Nigeria with which it set up businesses and started providing welfare services to the hordes of jobless, homeless and illiterate young people in Maiduguri.

Mohammed Yusuf ’s recorded and live public preaching started circulating and attracting wide audience during this period. With this, the group’s membership grew astronomically and the profile of its leader (Mohammed Yusuf) increased to the extent that he was included in the

Boko Haram, similar to other ethno-political militias in post-1999 Nigeria, emerged against the backdrop of deepening poverty, social-economic deprivations, corruption, poor governance, police brutality and governance failures under the PDP since 1999

Borno State committee of clerics following the introduction of Sharia Law. A known senior member of Boko Haram, Late Boju Foi, was actually appointed a commissioner by former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff. This marked official and unofficial connections between the group and influential politicians and government functionaries that facilitated the flow of patronage, financial resources and immunity from police prosecution for Mohammed Yusuf (whenever he was arrested, he was promptly released based on intervention by influential politicians). The fact that Boko Haram became a magnet for thousands of youth made politicians on all sides to seek to use it for election purposes. Boko Haram thereafter began spreading to neighbouring Yobe, Bauchi and Adamawa states.

Phase Three This is where things started to fall apart between Boko Haram and politicians/government officials in Borno State.

Available reports point to some sort of disagreement between the group and some politicians following the 2007 elections (e.g. over monthly stipends payable to the group). This was followed by recurring clashes between Boko Haram members and the local police, especially over police harassment and arrest of Boko Haram members. One of such led to the massacre of over a dozen police officers in July 2009. This triggered a large-scale security operation as ordered by late President Umaru Yar’Adua in Borno, Yobe and Bauchi states. It is estimated that over 1000 suspected Boko Haram members were killed or summarily executed by security forces, including Mohammed Yusuf and his in-laws in this operation. In the aftermath of this crack down, some members of Boko Haram leadership escaped and regrouped outside Nigeria, and linked up with other Salafist groups in the Sahel.

Phase Four This covers the ‘hardening’ of Boko

POLITICS 41

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Haram insurgency –Lai Mohammed President Jonathan’s handling of the Boko Haram insurgency has been a spectacular failure, and this is deliberate for political reasons... it has actively sustained the crisis, profiteering from it

Mohammed

Haram as it was transformed into an ultra-violent, insurgent Salafist group.

Remnants of Boko Haram reportedly joined up with salafi-jihadi groups – such as the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) and Al Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) – and underwent insurgency trainings in jihadi camps in Northern Mali, and Mauritania. From September 2010, Boko Haram commenced violent attacks to mark the onset of the current insurgency. It started with high profile targets such as the Nigerian Police headquarters, United Nations country office, police and military facilities, prisons, mosques and churches, banks, schools, government offices, telecommunication masts, markets and lately local communities.

Phase Five This covers recent dynamics of Boko Haram insurgency, including the emergence of splinter groups, and the sheer increase in the Boko Haram’s audacity, including the kidnapping of more than 200 Chibok schoolgirls (that internationalized the insurgency), the take-over of entire communities and towns; the declaration of a Caliphate and hoisting of its flags in attacked communities. In short, the Boko Haram insurgency has changed from what it was before, and it is at its fiercest level, as yet.

The politics of Boko Haram I have carefully chronicled Boko Haram’s evolution to counteract the rationale of PDP-Jonathan administration failed attempt at linking it to the APC. What is the PDP’s logic and rationale for linking the APC with Boko Haram?

This is based on a faulty logic of presuming that the APC is a sectional (Northern), as opposed to a national political party, that the APC is made up predominantly of Muslims, that it is a North/Islamic party; and therefore the APC must directly or indirectly support and sympathise with Boko Haram; and finally that Boko Haram is a Northern and Muslim plot to resist and challenge a Southerner-Christian Jonathan Presi-

Year

Amount (Naira)

Dollar Value (@N165 = $1)

2014

1,174,897,477,334.00

7.12 billion

2013

1,178,832,576,309.00

7.14 billion

2012

1,154,857,159,110.00

6.99 billion

2011

1,080,894,801,178.00

6.55 billion

2010

836,016,773,836.00

5.07 billion

Total

5,425,498,787,767.00

32.88 billion

dency.

This position is inconsistent on several fronts. First, Boko Haram climaxed during the reign of Yar’Adua, hence could not be a Northern plot against a Southern-Christian president. The 2009 security operation which led to the death of over 1000 members of Boko Haram was ordered by a sitting Northern-Muslim President!

Second, it was the PDP, from 2009 till date that transformed Boko Haram from a movement into an insurgent group, from a moderate Sunni group to a Salafist-Jihadi franchise, from a local group with localised (socio-economic and cultural change) agenda to an international violent jihadist group.

Third, while it is true that the APC is the number one grassroots party across Northern Nigeria, but so also is the case in substantial parts of Southern Nigeria.

The APC is a proper pan-Nigerian party that reflects the ethno-religious and cultural diversities of Nigeria. The APC has functional structures across the 774 local government areas, and 36 states plus Abuja. As a matter of fact, as of today, APC has seven state governors from the Northern part of Nigeria and eight from the Southern part of the country.

Fourth, the APC is neither a Muslim nor a Christian political party. I make bold to say that it is impossible to have a religious political party in Nigeria because of the complex diversities in the country. APC, like the PDP has Christian members across Northern Nigeria, and Muslim members across Southern Nigeria. Moreover, it is absurd to still think of Nigeria in a simplistic North

equate Muslim, and South equate Christian prism.

Fifth, the APC is neither ashamed nor proud to acknowledge the socioeconomic and political abyss that made the emergence of such a deadly and evil group like Boko Haram possible in the first place, and the crass leadership failures and ineptitude that transformed Boko Haram into a killing machine.

It is the APC’s acknowledgement of the underlining socio-economic and political conditions that is misinterpreted by the PDP as APC’s ‘sympathy’ for Boko Haram. The truth must be told, Boko Haram, similar to other ethno-political militias in post-1999 Nigeria, emerged against the backdrop of deepening poverty, social-economic deprivations, corruption, poor governance, police brutality and governance failures under the PDP since 1999. It is no coincidence that the northern part of Nigeria, including the North-East corner (Boko Haram base), are the poorest in the country.

A 2010 assessment by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported the national poverty rate was 60.9 per cent, but it was 77.7 per cent for the North West and 76.3 per cent for North East, compared with 59 per cent for the SouthWest. The World Bank also noted that economic growth and opportunities were not equally shared by different parts of the country, that growth was fastest in southern and middle agro climatic zones, with much slower growth in northern states. This has resulted in the largest number of poor people residing in the northern part of the country.

Sixth, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff, and all known persons directly or indirectly implicated in Boko Haram are members of the PDP or persons serving or with close ties to the Jonathan presidency.

Finally, the President Jonathan-PDP’s political manipulation of the Boko Haram has to be understood as part of its ‘poker-like’ calculus for clinging on to political power ahead of the 2015 elections.

How PDP benefits from Boko Haram How is the PDP doing and using this?

In essence, how is the PDP benefitting politically from the Boko Haram insurgency?

The PDP is using the Boko Haram crises to launder the battered image of the Jonathan presidency by securing attendance and participation for President Goodluck at important international summits and meetings. Curiously, Boko Haram has now become a way of getting the international community to talk and meet with President Jonathan, and gain international media coverage.

The PDP is also using the Boko Haram crises, especially the #Bringbackourgirls campaign, to blackmail opposition groups, impose emergency rule in states and areas controlled by opposition political parties, harass and restrict media freedom (through military clampdowns), and for justifying illegal activities.

The Boko Haram crisis is readily used by the PDP to rationalise the Jonathan government’s abdication of its constitutional responsibilities, including visits

and assistance to areas affected, effective response to kidnappings and abductions (e.g. the GEJ government was silent over the Chibok girls’ kidnaps for over 15 days).

The declaration of emergency rule, massive increases in spending on security without correspondent impact, has become a political gimmick by the PDP now being counted as the GEJ achievement in promoting peace and security.

The PDP is actively politicizing the declaration of emergency rule. For instance, the PDP government is ever quick to propose and declare emergency rule in areas controlled by opposition political parties, but not in PDP-controlled states even where the scale of violence, killings and destruction are similar. For example, despite incessant violence, killings, displacement and destruction in Taraba, Benue and Plateau (PDP-controlled states), the PDP has been quick to discount the possibility of a full scale emergency rule in the above mentioned states, however, it is quick to impose emergency rule in non-PDP states at the slightest episode of violence.

Finally, the status quo favours the PDP and President Jonathan. Why? Boko Haram affected areas and indeed the Northern region are APC strongholds, hence Boko Haram crises, the declaration of emergency rule and general atmosphere of insecurity in the North are likely to affect voting (low turnout due to displacement). There is already talk of cancelling elections in some areas in the Northeast, all plots designed to minimize President Jonathan-PDP electoral losses in the North and enhance the likelihood of a PDP victory.

Insurgency and spending spree One salient, yet under-reported and under-discussed issue is the incredible amount of Nigeria’s national income being expended by the Jonathan administration purportedly on combating Boko Haram in the last five years (since 2010).

APC’s research on total security sector spending (covering Defence, Police, Office of National Security Adviser, Road Safety Corps, and security-related service-wide votes (e.g. on Amnesty Programme, internal security operations, etc.) is based on information contained in successive budget documents.

Why and what is important about these statistics? a. On the average, the Boko Haram insurgency has fuelled increases in security spending to around 25% of annual federal government budget. b. In light of the rebasing of Nigeria’s GDP (put at N80.3 trillion or $509.9 billion), the yearly average 2010-14 is $6.58 billion, is equal to 1.3% of GDP. c. The total for the five budget years amounts to 6.5% of Nigeria GDP. d. Most importantly, there appears to be nothing to show (commensurately) for the huge monies purportedly expended.

There are recurring reports and stories in the media about how frontline troops and soldiers have inferior weapons and firepower compared to Boko Haram’s and how Nigerian soldiers have been fleeing battlefields (into Cameroon), and communities and military barracks being easily overrun by Boko Haram fighters. This begs the questions about where and how is the money being spent? Is it truly spent on security? Is corruption taking place in security spending? What and where are the military hardware acquired? Who is supplying security equipment – manufacturers or third party agents?

Puzzles about insurgency APC’s research and analysis of the Boko Haram insurgency has unearthed CONTINUED ON PAGE 48

42 POLITICS CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 6

the Minister for Youth Development and former Adamawa governor, Boni Harura, have cases of corruption yet they have been appointed and cleared by the Senate. Some have even said the national chairman of PDP and former Bauchi State Governor, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu also had a case with the EFCC, so Lawan cannot be an exception.

The question is whether he will be accepted by majority of the lawmakers who largely view him as a clever politician.

Another major disadvantage is that other North West states may feel offended if Kano gets the slot. This is so given the fact that Kano has two ministers – Aminu Wali (Foreign Affairs) and Ibrahim Shekarau (Kano).

Hon. Bashir Adamu (PDP, Jigawa) Hon. Adamu is one of the five lawmakers who have been in the House since 1999. He is the chairman of the House Committee on Defence and is a likely candidate to replace Tambuwal if he leaves the PDP. Although, Adamu is close to Governor Sule Lamido, the PDP may want to use him to disorganise the governor’s camp because he is very popular.

The lawmaker who represents Kazaure/Roni Gwiwa federal constituency is also said to be interested in vying for Jigawa governorship but if the opportunity for him to be speaker offers itself, he may not hesitate. Adamu is well-respected amongst members both within the PDP and opposition parties and if he is favoured by the party, he will coast home to victory.

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Mulikat, Farouk, others eye Tambuwal’s seat

Ubale

Bature

Matawalle

Musa

Safiyanu Ubale (PDP, Jigawa) Like Adamu, Hon. Safiyanu Ubale is also a ranking member and has been consistently elected to the House since 1999. He represents Ringim/Taura federal constituency and is at home with majority of the lawmakers. He is seen as a gentleman and someone who can be trusted. He is also a confidant of Governor Lamido and is said to be very popular at home. If the PDP wants to break the governor’s rank, he may be endorsed to whittle down the influence of the governor and also win votes for PDP in the state as well.

Hon. Umar Bature (PDP, Sokoto) Bature is the chairman, House Committee on interior. He represents Sokoto North/South federal constituency. A retired intelligence officer from the Nigerian Army, Bature initially abandoned the PDP for APC but returned shortly later to the umbrella. He is said to have close ties with the Minister of Defence, Gen. Aliyu Gusau and it is believed that the appointment of Gusau as minister may have informed his decision to return to the PDP just a month after leaving the party for the opposition APC. He is intelligent and charismatic and may be on the cards

T

if the party wants to make inroads into Sokoto and give Wamakko a good run for his hold on the state.

Hon. Bello Matawalle (PDP, Zamfara) Matawalle is the chairman of the House Committee on Security and Intelligence and represents Bakura/Maradun federal constituency of Zamfara

State. He was first elected in 2003 and has held several positions including Minority Leader and chairman, Ethics and Privileges Committee. He was in the defunct All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) until he fell out with former Zamfara State governor, Senator Sani Yerima and defected to the PDP in 2011.

Matawalle had vied for the governorship but Yerima preferred the present governor who was also in the House with Matawalle. He is also respected among members and is matured, experienced and calm. Should the PDP intend to retain the speak-

ership in the North West; he will be another serious contender.

Gambo Musa (PDP, Katsina) He is one of the few lawmakers on the platform of the PDP in Katsina State. Musa also stands a chance to be speaker should Tambuwal be shoved aside for defecting to APC. Representing Batsari/Safana/ Dan-Musa federal constituency, Musa is the chairman, Committee on Ethics and Privileges. He is also matured and experienced as well. Should the party choose North West, he may also be on the cards.

House Rules on election and removal of Speaker

he 7th edition of the House Rules, which is currently in use, did not specify that the party with majority in the House shall produce the speaker.

It is incredibly silent on the impeachment or resignation or removal of the speaker or deputy speaker.

Order 2 Rule 4 (a-e), which deals with the election of speaker, prescribes that the election of speaker shall be conducted: (a) A member-elect addressing the clerk shall propose another member-elect with legislative experience as member of National Assembly to the House to be speaker and shall move that such member-elect do take the chair of the House as

speaker of the House of Representatives (b) A member-elect which nominated and seconded shall inform the House whether he accepts the nomination. (c) The member-elect so nominated may address the House for a minimum period of five minutes (d) The clerk shall then ask: are there any further nominations? And if there are no further nominations, the clerks shall say “I declare the nomination close.” The clerk shall then declare the member-elect so proposed and seconded elected as speaker. Such member-elect shall be

conducted to the chair by the proposal and the seconder of the motion and shall take the chair of the House as speaker.

Curiously, the Standing Rules of the House talk about vacancy but do not define how the vacancy will come about: whether by death, resignation or impeachment. It just states that in case of vacancy and this is captured in Order 2 Rule 9 that: “whenever a vacancy occurs in the office of the speaker or deputy speaker, the clerk shall report same to the House at each next session of the House and the House shall either forthwith or in the next session proceed in the manner herein prescribed…”

POLITICS 43

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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 5

make the tiger to bite you, it will bite you. What is stopping the tiger biting human beings? Remember, the tiger went to God and asked God how it would be feeding. God told him to just go out and the tiger asked God to give him energy and power to run such that anything he pounces on, it eats. It’s not about biting.

Let me give you a real scenario.

They are just afraid because a lot of water has passed the bridge. Our state is like where nobody can say a word and I don’t want to discuss Governor Orji. Anything I want to say about him, I will write it in my Leadership Series column. He was my Chief of Staff for eight years and I don’t like to discuss him because I know him well. If I discuss him, it will be terrible; I want to write on my leadership series so that students of history and political science can use it in future for analysis. I never discuss him privately, if you ask anybody even the highest people in the party and businessmen, whenever they come to me or I go to them, they want us to talk about Governor Orji, but I don’t.

There was a poster in your local government in which you were side by side with President Jonathan when he was visiting, but the PDP in the state said they don’t want you. What is your take on this?

Their saying is not reflecting the democratic nature because there is free entry and exit in political parties.

It is laughable because it is an association of like-minds. It is just like a church where people go to for different reasons. Churches and political association are the same. People go to all manner of churches to receive salvation. Nigeria has two parties, its either you belong to PDP or APC. This is what we have been encouraging from inception for us to have two strong political parties, so that there would be balance of power. The 2015 elections is the first elections where we will be going to and the two political parties would be able to pay their agents. The success of the late MKO Abiola was because he was able to pay his agents.

Before, possibly PDP was able to pay its agents while others couldn’t. This is the first time we are going to have balance of power in the field.

There seems to be talk about zoning in the PDP that the next governor should come from Abia South?

It is a right stand; the stand should be that the next governor should be from Old Aba. That does not mean that those from Central and North should not participate in the contest.

I started the zoning arrangement. I said from North, we go to Central then South. When we are talking about South, it’s from Isiala Ngwa North and South, Osisioma, Ukwa East and West, Aba North and South, Obigwa and the rest. That is where you will say that is the right place to be. When you want to deprive the Ngwa’s, you know both Ngwa Northis the head of Ngwa land. But that does not mean that anybody from Abia North or from T.A Orji’s village who wants to run for governor cannot run. But morally, if allowed to make decision, people from old Aba zone should be given opportunity for equity.

Is it that because you want to belong to a party that is in power that you are back in PDP? Because if you are a force, one would think that you should be able to build the PPA. It is not about being a force; it is following a trend. The APC merger changed the scenario of politics.

Before the merger, I was back in the PDP on January 16, 2012, when first the former National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur spoke to me. In all sincerity, what the state chairman of Abia PDP is saying is not real. He

I’m a bonafide PDP member, says Kalu

sioner said, yes, we borrowed money but don’t tell the governor. He didn’t even inform the state executive, he borrowed from multiple banks. I asked the governor as well what they are doing with this money. He didn’t give me any explanation; first he denied they borrowed money until I told him his commissioner told me he did.

I said to him that he worked with me for eight years and the only money I borrowed was N2 billion and I paid back before I left. I never borrowed money to run Abia. The $680 million that our state owed during the old joint regime of Imo and Abia were deducted by President Obasanjo.

One would think that you are angry because the governor did not allow you play godfather on him?

Noooo…there is nothing like being a godfather. I run a big conglomerate of over $3.5 billion in balance sheet.

So, there is nothing. My grouse is for the people, I like that I am always on the side of the people.

You ran for the presidency in 2007. What is your mission back in the PDP? I am back in my party and it’s not compulsory I run for political office.

I am in the party.

You spoke about Igbo Presidency. Do you believe in rotational presidency?

I believe in rotational presidency but the Igbo cannot take a shot now when Jonathan is qualified for a second term. If Jonathan wants to run he can run. It’s not our turn; it’s the president’s turn because every president has gone for eight years. It would have been our turn if President Jonathan is not running.

Kalu

came from the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP). I brought him into PDP and made him a commissioner. If there is an election today, because of the performance of the governor, PDP might be in trouble. Take your camera to Aba and Umuahia, there is nowhere to pass there. Let Orji stop ruling the state with propaganda. I don’t like to talk about him, but let him stop ruling the state with propaganda. I am ready to pay, jointly with the state, KPMG, Akintola Williams Delloites, PWC, Ernst and Young to do a thorough audit of Abia State from 1999-2007 and they will do from 2007 till date. Let us tell ourselves the truth, every infrastructure in the state has gone down.

But this is an administration that built on loopholes your administration left behind?

Let me tell you, I don’t like to talk about Orji. He was my chief of staff, there is nothing in Abia State. I want the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Guild of Editors or the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) to set up committees and go to Abia.

But there are pictures of infrastructures in Abia at the moment done by Governor Orji.

Those pictures are telling lies.

Some of those projects are primary and secondary schools built by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Like Ohanku road that he said he built, no caterpillar has gone to that road since 2007. I am not here to discuss Governor Orji because I have respect for him and his office but he should stop this propaganda because it is not good for the party. Go to our state, he uses security agencies and thugs to harass everybody. You heard of a senator (Nkechi Nwaogwu) who was nearly killed in the state.

Igbo cannot take a shot now when Jonathan is qualified for a second term. If Jonathan wants to run he can run. It’s not our turn; it’s the president’s turn because every president has gone for eight years. It would have been our turn if President Jonathan didn’t run But it is expected that you should know this man after working closely with him.

Are you saying now that you are not sure of his competence?

I don’t know what went wrong. As at the time I made that decision, it was the right decision. Eighteen months after he was governor, I called him privately to tell him what our major problem is, if the governor is an honest man, he would tell people yes. If he denies it, I will show the nation that this is it. I called him privately and told him you can no longer do this job because 18 months into the government, I called people that I don’t know what this guy is doing. When he was quarrelling with Onyema Ogochuckwu and others, they brought a paper to me that he borrowed more than N11 billion. I called his Commissioner for Finance and asked what they are doing with money that I heard they are borrowing from banks. The commis-

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo said rotational presidency is not democratic…

Whether it is democratic or not, our party, the PDP has used it to stabilise the country and it cannot be when it is the turn of the Igbo that you will say you don’t believe in rotational presidency.

When do you think it would be the turn of the Igbo?

After President Jonathan, we will sit down with the people of up North as a political party and discuss the way forward. I don’t want to disagree with Governor Okorocha because everybody has their own pack of the card. I think I have more Igbo desire than most of our leaders. My own desire is genuine, I am an entrepreneur and I sit on both side of the Atlantic and also a good politician though mixing both together is difficult. He (Okorocha) is saying this because he wants to run. Jonathan became President by the will of God and you cannot stop him from doing two-terms. Most Igbo leaders are supporting him to do a second term.

What is your view about the 2015 presidential election race?

Without mincing words, PDP is the dominant party and it will win the election again because it is a very strong party. Despite the quarrels and disagreements but the mechanism of settlement in PDP is great. We founded the party strong though most of the founders are not there today like Adamu Ciroma, Atiku Abubakar but the franchise is still very strong. Any nomination that PDP is going to make will be the president of Nigeria.

business | MONEY LINE

44

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Interest rate to remain on hold into next year, says Reuters

OPTIMISTIC Poll sees Brent crude oil capped around $105.30 a barrel next year, which bodes well for Nigeria's revenues

 Intervenes to halt naira fall

Ayodele Aminu

The survey however, indicated that the banking watchdog will be more accommodative next year if the naira can hold firm ahead of an expected US interest rate rise.

Some of Nigeria's emerging market peers such as South Africa have already raised interest rates to boost demand for their

with agency reports

A

s the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meets on Friday, a Reuter’s poll has shown that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is likely to leave monetary policy unchanged.

A

row is brewing between Zambia and Dangote Cement, a major employer in Africa's second largest copper producer, after a government minister accused an executive at the local unit of the Nigerian company of attempting to bribe him.

The dispute according to Reuters, appears to be the latest in a string of incidents in which the southern African nation's government has resorted to strong-arm or unorthodox tactics against foreign investors it believes are circumventing labour laws. Dangote Industries Zambia (DIZ) has 400 workers building a $400 million dollar cement plant, a staff count that should rise to 2,000 when production starts in November, deputy industry minister Miles Sampa told Reuters.

During a tour of the plant in Ndola, 300 km (188 miles) north of the capital Lusaka, labour

currencies and halt rising inflation as the dollar has gained on the back of an improving US economy.

However, all 23 economists surveyed by Reuters this week expect the central bank of Africa's biggest economy to keep its main interest rate at 12 per cent at a policy meeting on Friday,

Zambian minister, Dangote in spat over graft allegation minister Fackson Shamenda said a Nigerian executive seconded to the Zambian unit tried to bribe him at a hotel a week ago. The company described the allegations then as malicious misinformation. "For the record, DIZ categorically deny any claims of corruption and bribery and reserve our rights on this matter," it said in a statement.

Shamenda did not specify what was offered by the executive and said he rejected it because he had critical labour issues to sort out with the company - owned by Nigerian Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest man - and did not want to be compromised. "He told me that it was a tradition in their culture to

give someone a token of appreciation. Maybe his idea was that I turn a blind eye to what is happening at Dangote," Shamenda said, according to local media reports.

Shamenda also said DIZ should offer workers at the company permanent employment and allow them to join unions. "There is no union and according to the reports I have received those who have attempted to join unions have had their contracts terminated," Shamenda told Reuters on yesterday. "I have asked the labour commissioner to investigate and tell me all the categories of employees because the reports we have received indicate there are no permanent employees."

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

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

Abdulwahab Isa and Kenneth Tyohemba, Abuja

FX

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

D

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

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

ing today.

Markets are bracing for the possibility the Fed may signal it is ready to raise interest rates earlier than currently expected, around the middle of next year.

In a separate Reuters monthly poll, the majority of Wall Street's top bond firms see the Fed starting to raise its key interest rate from the current record low of 0-0.25 percent by the second quarter of next year.

A rise in US interest rates would narrow the yield gap between US and emerging markets, boosting the appeal of US assets.

As major emerging market central banks now ponder whether to raise their interest rates to attract foreign inflows, Nigeria's naira currency has fallen 3.5 per cent against the dollar this year.

In August, Nigeria sold a N100 billion ($613.9 million) bond at higher yields than it paid at a similar debt auction in July, in a bid to attract more offshore demand and compensate for rising inflation, a signal that long-term interest rates may remain high.

Meanwhile the apex bank intervened to support the naira on yesteday after the local currency shed 0.57 per cent from the start of the day's trade to N163.85 against the US dollar, dealers said.

The naira opened at N162.95 before it weakened on strong dollar demand. It recovered to N162.90 after the intervention.

Disruptions in oil cuts August FAAC allocations to N611.767bn

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

despite inflation quickening for the sixth consecutive month in August.

Nigeria's inflation rate is now just under the 9 per cent upper end of the CBN's comfort range, with former CBN governor Lamido Sanusi credited with keeping it in check.

Current CBN governor Godwin Emefiele said just after taking office in June that he would seek to gradually lower interest rates - which have held at 12 per cent for nearly three years - indicating a new dovish stance.

However, the governor toned down his initial comments, saying the banking watchdog had no immediate plans to cut rates and that it would consider it after elections next February.

Economists still see lower rates as premature but also do not expect rates to go higher.

"There is probably very limited appetite on the part of the monetary policy committee to raise interest rates further right now," said Razia Khan, head of Africa research at Standard Chartered.

In a smaller poll of 11 economists who forecast rates longer term, the consensus was that interest rates would remain on hold through the first half of next year and then be gradually reduced to 11 percent by the end of 2015. Two economists, however, saw rates rising next year.

At its meeting on Friday, the CBN will also take into account the US Federal Open Market Committee's (FOMC) policy announcement after its meet-

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

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

isruptions to oil production and lifting operations occasioned by the Force Majeure declared by Shell and a series of shut down of trunk lines and pipelines at various terminals, triggered a decline of N42.81billion or 6.9 per cent in the funds shared between the three tiers of government for the month of August.

Force majeure is generally intended to include risks beyond the reasonable control of a party, incurred not as a product or result of the negligence or malfeasance of a party, which have a materially adverse effect on the ability of such party to perform its obligations.

Consequently, the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) yesterday in Abuja shared a sum of N611.767 billion to the three tiers of government, compared with N654.585 billion distributed in the previous month (July).

FAAC Chairman and Minister of state for finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda made these known to newsmen yesterday in Abuja.

The August allocation he explained indicated that gross

revenue available from Value Added Tax (VAT) was N61. 513 billion, showing a dip from N65.567 billion shared in previous month.

Of net statutory allocation of about N 496.799 billion, federal government got highest allocation of N238.089 billion( representing 52% ), followed by states N120.762 billion (26.72%) and local government councils N93.102 billion (20. 60%), while N44.846 billion was paid to oil producing states as 13 % derivation.

There was no augmentation during the month under review but sum of N35.549 billion was shared as Sure-P, while the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) paid N10 billion as its debt refund to FAAC. Speaking in an interview with newsmen, Chairman, Finance Commissioners Forum, Timothy Odah, said the dip in revenue accruals was a consequence of monolithic economy of the country and advised on need to diversify the economy away from oil.

He said there was a compelling need for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), states and federal government to begin to plan realistically for 2015 budget as against the practice of a bogus budget.

business | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS 45

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

16-Sep-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

NA

NA

Description 9.25 28-SEP-2014 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)

28-Sep-07 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

9.25 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

100.00 535.00 530.27 452.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 281.35 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 70.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,591.19

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,649.39

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

28-Sep-14 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

0.03 0.60 1.92 2.61 2.86 2.96 3.70 4.78 5.10 7.37 9.49 14.20 14.68 15.18 15.85 19.84

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

10.57 11.04 11.40 11.41 11.45 11.45 11.50 11.54 11.67 12.13 12.27 12.50 12.50 12.50 12.29 12.33

6.15 10.77 11.31 11.35 11.38 11.39 11.40 11.46 11.58 12.08 12.22 12.46 12.45 12.44 12.24 12.29

99.94 96.00 102.75 108.10 96.16 94.84 97.60 116.00 82.40 120.30 110.65 116.36 99.90 73.08 84.15 98.60

100.09 96.15 102.90 108.25 96.31 94.99 97.90 116.30 82.70 120.60 110.95 116.66 100.20 73.38 84.45 98.90

#

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

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

0.00 0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

978.35 24.56 3.30 112.22 116.70 66.49

31-Oct-14 24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 20-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.12 0.68 1.30 2.23 2.59 2.80

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

11.85 13.66 13.40 13.43 12.43 12.45

98.57 91.32 104.80 101.32 99.62 97.09

Agency Bonds AMCON FMBN

NA

***LCRM

0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) 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

1,301.62

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,284.78

Sub-National Bonds A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014

15-Oct-09

14.00

6.00

15-Oct-14

0.08

3.29

14.00

99.94

A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.96

4.44

15.43

97.46

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

6.08

30-Sep-15

0.56

3.23

14.28

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

6.27

30-Jun-16

1.08

4.46

15.49

98.96

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

7.37

30-Jun-16

1.08

3.48

14.51

101.53

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.59

5.59

17.02

85.73

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

29.92

30-Jun-17

1.63

1.00

12.28

102.47

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.29

1.79

13.26

101.86

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

37.25

30-Sep-18

2.26

1.80

13.23

101.59

A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

4.05

1.00

12.52

104.56

A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

14.96

09-Dec-18

2.46

1.00

12.43

104.51

14.00

11.13

12-Dec-18

2.46

4.78

16.21

95.89

14-Feb-19

2.84

1.00

12.45

104.71

99.32

A-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*GOMBE

15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019

02-Oct-12

15.50

17.28

02-Oct-19

2.91

1.00

12.45

107.41

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019

22-Nov-12

14.50

80.00

22-Nov-19

5.18

1.00

12.69

106.66

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

12-Dec-12

14.75

27.51

12-Dec-19

3.07

2.74

14.20

101.30

A/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020

30-Sep-13

14.75

11.40

30-Sep-20

3.59

1.00

12.49

106.20

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

87.00

27-Nov-20

6.20

1.00

13.01

102.00

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

6.29

1.94

13.98

104.12

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

3.77

1.44

12.95

104.54

06-Jan-14

15.00

4.79

06-Jan-21

3.80

1.95

13.46

104.48

99.96

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

483.24 488.64

Corporate Bonds A+/Agusto; AA/GCR

LAFARGE WAPCO

11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014

07-Oct-11

11.50

11.80

07-Oct-14

0.06

1.00

11.65

Aa/Agusto

13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014

18-Dec-09

13.50

13.17

18-Dec-14

0.25

5.21

16.44

99.15

Nil

GTB µ NGC

17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014

01-Apr-10

17.00

2.00

31-Dec-14

0.29

8.71

19.91

99.01

Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto

*UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

17-Aug-10

10.00

3.61

17-Aug-15

0.67

4.88

15.91

96.63

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

12.00

13.62

09-Dec-15

0.75

1.00

12.02

100.57

BB+/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.60

06-Jan-16

0.83

2.63

13.64

100.91

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

2.04

1.00

12.42

101.00

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

2.11

1.34

12.77

102.63

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

3.04

1.00

12.46

101.32

BBB-/GCR

*C & I LEASING *DANA#

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.73

30-Nov-17

1.85

1.88

13.24

108.96

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

7.20

09-Apr-18

1.81

3.48

14.83

102.08

BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR

#

*TOWER

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.90

09-Sep-18

2.23

5.20

16.63

102.44

AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.80

09-Sep-18

2.23

5.06

16.49

101.64

A/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

4.02

1.35

12.87

103.45

Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.70

18-Oct-18

2.09

2.29

13.71

103.93

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

2.42

6.11

17.54

99.18

BBB/GCR

*DANA

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

3.29

2.16

13.63

106.06

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

6.16

2.76

14.76

101.89

11-Feb-18

3.41

1.00

12.48

93.81

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

141.62

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

143.92

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

IFC

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

12.00 11.26

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value ($mm)

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

4.81

4.66

110.53

111.37

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.01

3.81

103.91

104.61

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.14

5.04

108.62

109.40

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,615.36

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

3.12

3.12

111.13

111.13

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

4.33

4.33

105.04

105.04 101.72

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

6.57

6.57

101.72

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

8.64

8.09

94.58

96.24

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

6.00

5.69

100.01

101.13

B/Fitch

AFREN PLC II

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

8.69

8.69

105.75

105.75

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

6.06

6.06

100.75

100.75

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

8.94

8.69

99.28

100.19

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.43

7.43

103.01

103.01

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

7.70

7.70

94.77

94.77

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

24-Jun-14

9.25

400.00

24-Jun-21

8.64

8.49

103.50

104.25

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

8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021

23-Jul-14

8.00

450.00

23-Jul-21

7.51

7.51

101.63

101.63

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

8.56

8.40

100.03

100.87

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,760.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,856.18

**Treasury Bills DTM 9 16 23 30 37 44 51 58 65

Money Market

FIXINGS Maturity 25-Sep-14 2-Oct-14 9-Oct-14 16-Oct-14 23-Oct-14 30-Oct-14 6-Nov-14 13-Nov-14 20-Nov-14

Bid Discount (%) 10.40 10.70 10.45 10.40 10.25 10.50 10.45 10.60 10.20

Offer Discount (%) 10.15 10.45 10.20 10.15 10.00 10.25 10.20 10.35 9.95

Bid Yield (%) 10.43 10.75 10.52 10.49 10.36 10.63 10.60 10.78 10.39

Tenor

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 12.0000 12.6236 13.6185 14.4114

Rate (%)

OBB

11.79

O/N

12.00

Tenor Call 1M 3M

REPO

Rate (%) 11.67 12.59 13.45

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M 6M

163.00 163.26 163.52 164.13 165.29 166.41 170.09

163.10 163.51 163.86 164.74 166.56 168.21 173.45

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,301.62

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,284.78

Sub-National Bonds A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014

15-Oct-09

14.00

6.00

15-Oct-14

0.08

3.29

14.00

99.94

A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.96

4.44

15.43

97.46

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

6.08

30-Sep-15

0.56

3.23

14.28

99.32

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

6.27

30-Jun-16

1.08

4.46

15.49

98.96

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

7.37

30-Jun-16

1.08

3.48

14.51

101.53

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.59

5.59

17.02

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

29.92

30-Jun-17

1.63

1.00

12.28

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.29

1.79

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

37.25

30-Sep-18

2.26

1.80

A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

4.05

A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

14.96

09-Dec-18

A-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

11.13

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019

02-Oct-12

15.50

14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019

22-Nov-12

14.50

46 business | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

RETREAT

A/Agusto; A-/GCR Oil and Gas stocks*ONDO deplete A/Agusto; A-/GCR *GOMBE Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR LAGOS investment activities A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*OSUN

A/Agusto

*OSUN

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

Stories

by Chris Ugwu*EKITI A/Agusto

T

A-/GCR

*NASARAWA

he bears resurfaced TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE yesterday withCAPITALISATION 0.29 per cent TOTAL MARKET drop in both market per-

Corporate Bonds formance indices reflecting

A+/Agusto; AA/GCR WAPCO profit taking, after aLAFARGE day gain Aa/Agusto GTB in the local bourse on . µ Monday NGC Nil The key benchmark indices Bbb-/Agusto *UPDC maintained negative*FLOURMILLS trajectory A-/Agusto BB+/GCRin the red, as*CHELLARAMS to close activities A+/Agusto; A-/GCR in the shares of ForteNAHCO Oil NigeFSDH riaA-/Agusto and Con Oil Nigeria dragged A/GCR UBA down the equity market.

BBB-/GCR *C & I LEASING Trading activities on the BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR *DANA# floor of Exchange had the# preA-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR *TOWER AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR

*TOWER#

A/Agusto; A/GCR

Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

12-Dec-12 14.75 was financial services sector 30-Sep-13 14.75(meathe most active during 27-Nov-13 13.50 sured by turnover volume); 31-Dec-13 15.00 with 343.1 million shares 31-Dec-13 14.50 worth N2.5 billion exchanged 06-Jan-14 15.00 by investors in 1,348 deals.

Volume in the banking subsector was largely driven by activities in the shares of Diamond 07-Oct-11 11.50 Bank Plc and Zenith Bank Plc. 18-Dec-09 13.50 Also,01-Apr-10 insurance services 17.00 sub-sector, boosted by 17-Aug-10 10.00activity in 09-Dec-10 the shares of12.00 AIICO 06-Jan-11 14.00 with Insurance Plc, followed 29-Sep-11 of 87.5 13.00 a turnover million 25-Oct-13 shares valued at N73.414.25 million 30-Sep-10 13.00 in 176 deals.

30-Nov-12 18.00 The number of gainers was 09-Apr-11 16.00 24, while decliners closed 09-Sep-11 18.00 at 27.

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

22-Sep-11

14.00

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR

S

15.75

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

17.00

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 01-Apr-14 16.00 *DANA hareholders of Honeywell He disclosed that improvethat shareholders get dividend 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 14-Nov-13 15.25 NAHCO Flour Mills Plc yesterday every year, while the balance ment in efficiency due to autoTOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE at the 5th Annual General is retained to support the com- mation of several operational TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Meeting (AGM) endorsed the pany’s operations. processes and better treasury company’s N1.34 Okezie, who also lauded the management resulted in 18 per Supranational Bond billion dividend, amounting toIFC17 kobo choice10.20 ofIFCthe new managing cent growth in Profit After 11-FEB-2018 AAA/S&P 11-Feb-13 10.20 Tax perTOTAL everyOUTSTANDING 50 kobo share, for the director whom he described as (PAT) from N2.8 billion to N3.5 VALUE financial year ended March 31, home grown, and had worked billion. The company also inTOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION 2014 financial year. with the company for about 22 creased its shareholders’ fund President, Nigeria Shareyears, noted that theDescription action was a and total assets by 11 per(%)cent Rating/Agency Issuer Issue Date Coupon holders Solidarity Association demonstration of the company’s and 15 per cent to N20.6 billion (NSSA), Chief Timothy Adesi- commitment to rewarding loyalty. and N63.8 billion respectively.

FGN Eurobonds yan, commended the manageHe emphasised that the new Speaking further on the com6.75 JAN 28, 2021 BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P 07-Oct-11 6.75 ment of the company for its director is in a better position pany’s performance, the ManagBB-/Fitch; FGN to build on the good work done ing Director/CEO, Mr.5.13Lanre efforts to increase the value 5.13 JUL 12, 2018 12-Jul-13 BB-/S&P of BB-/Fitch; shareholders’ investments by his predecessor and take the Jaiyeola, said the company was 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 12-Jul-13 6.38 BB-/S&P the expansion initiacompany to greater levels of able to pay shareholders more through tiveTOTAL and OUTSTANDING for proposing the divi- performance and shareholder dividend because of the compaVALUE value creation. ny’s increased output and aggresdend payout.

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION He said shareholders are satAddressing shareholders, sive push to meet rising demand Corporate isfied with Eurobonds the dividend payout the Chairman of the company, across its product categories.

FEBthat 01, 2016 B/Fitch; B-/S&P the difficult AFREN PLC I 01-Feb-11 that despite 11.50 the considering operDr. Oba Otudeko,11.50 said HonHe noted 7.50 MAY 19, 2016 B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC I 19-May-11 7.50 ating environment.

He encoureywell Flour Mills remains com- challenge of input cost pressure 7.25 JUL 25, 2017 B+/S&P BANK PLC mitted to providing aged the board andACCESS managesuperior caused 25-Jul-12 by increase in7.25wheat 6.88 the MAY 09, 2018 B/Fitch; FIDELITY BANK PLC quality products for 09-May-13 ment to B/S&P maintain its adherence complete price, the company was6.88able to NOV 08, 2018 B+/Fitch;corporate B+/S&P GTBANK PLC 6.00 to good governance. satisfaction of its6.00 customers. achieve 08-Nov-13 a 32 per cent increase in 10.25 APR 08, 2019 B/Fitch AFREN PLC II 08-Apr-12 10.25 In his response, the Nation“In spite of the challenging gross profit from the N8 billion 6.25 APR 22, 2019 BB-/S&P ZENITH BANK PLC 22-Apr-14 6.25 al B+/Fitch; Coordinator, Progressive operating environment, Hon- recorded last year to N10.4 bil8.75 May 21, 2019 B/Fitch; B/S&P DIAMOND BANK PLC 21-May-14 8.75 eywell Flour Mills will continu- lion in the period under review, Shareholders Association of 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK PLC 07-Aug-13 8.25 val- due to deft Nigeria, Mr. Boniface Okezie ously improve shareholder management of raw 6.63 DEC 09, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P AFREN PLC III 09-Dec-13 6.63 ue and return on investment,” material24-Jun-14 commended the company’s sourcing and efficient 9.25/6M USD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 B-/Fitch; B/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC II 9.25 dividend policy, which ensures he said. 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 control of production cost.

B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK LTD 23-Jul-14 8.00 BBB/GCR

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

B-/S&P

13.23

101.59

1.00

12.52

104.56

2.46

1.00

12.43

104.51

12-Dec-18

2.46

4.78

16.21

95.89

14-Feb-19

2.84

1.00

12.45

104.71

17.28

02-Oct-19

2.91

1.00

12.45

107.41

80.00

22-Nov-19

5.18

1.00

12.69

106.66

11.80

07-Oct-14

0.06

1.00

11.65

99.96

13.17

18-Dec-14

0.25

5.21

16.44

99.15

2.00

31-Dec-14

0.29

8.71

19.91

99.01

3.61

17-Aug-15

0.67

4.88

15.91

96.63

13.62

09-Dec-15

0.75

1.00

12.02

100.57

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

14-Aug-14

3.07 Okomu Oil12-Dec-19 Plc led the gain11.40table with 30-Sep-20 3.59 ers’ 73 kobo to close 27-Nov-20 6.20 at87.00 N33.98 per share, while Beta 5.00 31-Dec-20 6.29 Glass Nigeria Plc followed 4.78 31-Dec-20 3.77 with 55 kobo to close 4.79 a gain of 06-Jan-21 3.80 at N19.40. Champion Brewer483.24 ies Plc added 41 kobo to close at 488.64 N8.70 per share.

27.51

0.60

06-Jan-16

0.83

2.63

13.64

100.91

15.00

29-Sep-16

2.04

1.00

12.42

101.00

5.53

25-Oct-16

2.11

20.00 30-Sep-17 Abdulwahab Isa 0.73 30-Nov-17

3.04

09-Apr-18

1.81

09-Sep-18

2.23

14-Aug-21

8.56

Abuja 7.20 2.90

T

1.85

he African Development 09-Sep-18 2.23 35.00 22-Sep-18 yesterday 4.02 Bank (AFDB) 2.70 2.09 approved 18-Oct-18 $1 million grant to0.41 Nigeria to17-Feb-19 assist in her2.42ef4.50 01-Apr-19 fort to contain the spread3.29 of 2.05 14-Nov-20 6.16 Ebola virus.

141.62 The $1million grant re143.92 ceived by the Coordinating Minister for the Economy/ Minister of finance 12.00 11-Feb-18 Dr. Ngozi 3.41 OkonjoIweala on behalf of 12.00 the government, was part of 11.26 $60 million earmarked by the Outstanding Value bank to assist Africa regional Maturity Date Bid Yield (%) ($mm) countries afflicted with Ebola disease virus.

Speaking at28-Jan-21 the official sign500.00 4.81 ing ceremony , ABD Country Representatives, 500.00 12-Jul-18Dr.Usmane 4.01 Dore, said the gesture was part 12-Jul-23 5.14 of500.00 efforts by the bank to assist affected countries contain the 1,500.00 spread 1,615.36 of the disease.

“The bank commends the effort of Nigeria government in 450.00 3.12 containing the01-Feb-16 diseases. In May 500.00 19-May-16of the bank 4.33 this year, the board 350.00 25-Jul-17 to support 6.57 approved $60 million 300.00 02-May-18 with this 8.64 countries afflicted 400.00 08-Nov-18 6.00 deadly disease.

We are pleased 08-Apr-19 8.69 to300.00 be part of this partnership”, 500.00 22-Apr-19 6.06 he said.

200.00 21-May-19 8.94 Speaking further on AFDB 300.00 07-Aug-20 7.43 financial package for the health 360.00 09-Dec-20 7.70 related programmes, which 400.00 24-Jun-21 8.64 Ebola of, Dr. Dore said 450.00 is part 23-Jul-21 7.51

8.75

250.00

12.77 the1.34 bank set aside $120 102.63 million 1.00 12.46 101.32 commitment.

Of the amount, 1.88 13.24 108.96 $233.48 million had been disbursed 14.83 102.08 to World Health 5.20 16.63 Organization 102.44 (WHO) to aid16.49 the organization 5.06 101.64 1.35 12.87 103.45 in technical assistance for dis2.29diagnosis, 13.71screening 103.93and ease 6.11 17.54 99.18 consultancy related activities 2.16 13.63 106.06 in Africa, and another $1 mil2.76 14.76 101.89 lion grant each given to the four African countries afflicted with Ebola disease.

In her remarks earlier, Coordinating Minister for 1.00 12.48 93.81 the Economy, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala applauded ADB gesture and promised the fund would be putYield to a(%)judicious contain Offer Bid Priceuse to Offer Price Ebola disease in the country.

She said Nigeria had demPrices & Yields onstrated her commitment to4.66 110.53 111.37 wards containing the disease by 3.81 assisting103.91 countries such 104.61 as Guinea, Liberia and Sierra 5.04 Leone with a108.62 donation109.40 of $3.5 million to contain the spread of the disease when it broke out in those countries.

The Permanent Secretary in the3.12 ministry111.13 of health,111.13 Linus 4.33 105.04 105.04 Anwoutie commended snap 6.57 101.72 101.72 contingent plan deployed by the 8.09 94.58 96.24 he federal government which, 5.69helped greatly 100.01 101.13 said to contain 105.75 the8.69 disease. 105.75 6.06 To date he100.75 said, there100.75 were 19 8.69 100.19 cases of EVD99.28 in Nigeria, 15 cas7.43 103.01 103.01 es recorded in Lagos and four 7.70 94.77 94.77 in Rivers state, while 7104.25 deaths 8.49 103.50 were 7.51recorded.

101.63 101.63 8.40

4,760.00

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

2.74 the other 14.20 101.30 On hand, Forte 12.49 106.20 taOil1.00 Plc led the price losers’ ble,1.00 dropping13.01 N2.82 to 102.00 close at 1.94 13.98 104.12 N221.00 per share, while104.54 Conoil 1.44 12.95 Nigeria Plc followed with a loss 1.95 13.46 104.48 of N2.65 to close at N50.51. Cadbury Nigeria Plc shed N2.51 per share to close at N52.50.

Ebola virus: AFDB supports Nigeria with $1m grant 0.80

Shareholders approve Honeywell’s N1.34bn dividend

101.86

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Nigerian stocks down by N40bn 12-DEC-2019 vious14.75 dayOSUN closed in the green 14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020 following positive sentiment of 13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 investors.

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 Consequently , the All-Share 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 Index15.00dipped 120.85 basis NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 points or 0.29 per cent to close at 40,648.15, as against 40,769.00 recorded in the previous day, while the market 11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014 capitalisation of equities de13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014 preciated

by N40 billion or 0.29 17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014 per cent, as market 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015sentiment remained red. 9-DEC-2015 12.00 FLOURMILLS 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 Meanwhile, a turnover of NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 519.9 13.00 million shares worth 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 N4.2 billion in 4,573 deals were 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 recorded in the day’s trading.

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 Just as in the previous day, MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 the banking sub-sector MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 of the

13.26

85.73 102.47

Sanctity of Truth

100.03

100.87

16-Sep-14

4,856.18

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 Money Market **Treasury BillsPLC Terms of Use and Disclaimer Statement on www.fmdqotc.com.

FIXINGS the FMDQ OTC Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

DTM Maturity Bid Discount (%) 9 25-Sep-14 10.40 16 2-Oct-14 10.70 FGN Bonds 23 9-Oct-14 10.45 30 16-Oct-14 10.40 37 23-Oct-14 10.25 Rating/Agency Issuer Description 44 30-Oct-14 10.50 51 6-Nov-14 10.45 9.25 28-SEP-2014 58 13-Nov-14 10.60 4.00 23-APR-2015 65 20-Nov-14 10.20 13.05 16-AUG-2016 72 27-Nov-14 10.80 15.10 27-APR-2017 79 4-Dec-14 10.15 9.85 27-JUL-2017 86 11-Dec-14 10.80 9.35 31-AUG-2017 100 25-Dec-14 10.60 107 1-Jan-15 10.85 10.70 30-MAY-2018 114 8-Jan-15 10.70 16.00 29-JUN-2019 NA NA 121 15-Jan-15 10.85 7.00 23-OCT-2019 128 22-Jan-15 10.40 16.39 27-JAN-2022 135 29-Jan-15 10.85 14.20 14-MAR-2024 142 5-Feb-15 10.40 15.00 28-NOV-2028 156 19-Feb-15 10.35 12.49 22-MAY-2029 170 5-Mar-15 10.50 8.50 20-NOV-2029 205 9-Apr-15 10.10 10.00 23-JUL-2030 219 23-Apr-15 10.25 12.1493 18-JUL-2034 233 7-May-15 10.00 324 10.20 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 6-Aug-15 352 3-Sep-15 10.15 *from the AmortisingCAPITALISATION bonds, the average life is calculated and not the duration TOTAL MARKET

Offer Discount (%) 10.15 10.45 10.20 10.15 10.00 Issue Date 10.25 10.20 28-Sep-07 10.35 23-Apr-10 9.95 16-Aug-13 10.55 27-Apr-12 9.90 27-Jul-07 10.55 31-Aug-07 10.35 10.60 30-May-08 10.45 29-Jun-12 10.60 23-Oct-09 10.15 27-Jan-12 10.60 14-Mar-14 10.15 28-Nov-08 10.10 22-May-09 10.25 20-Nov-09 9.85 23-Jul-10 10.00 18-Jul-14 9.75 9.95 9.90

Bid Yield (%) 10.43 10.75 10.52 10.49 10.36(%) Coupon 10.63 10.60 9.25 10.78 4.00 10.39 13.05 11.04 15.10 10.38 9.85 11.08 9.35 10.92 11.21 10.70 11.07 16.00 11.25 7.00 10.79 16.39 11.30 14.20 10.84 15.00 10.83 12.49 11.04 8.50 10.71 10.00 10.92 12.1493 10.68 11.22 11.25

#

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

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Agency Bonds 0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 Total Outstanding Modified Duration Buckets 0.00/16.00 Porfolio Market LCRM Value(Bn) 09-DEC-2016 Volume(Bn) 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 ***LCRM 0.00/16.50 LCRM 1,034.33 III 06-JUL-2017 <3 983.07 AMCON

NA

FMBN

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

NIBOR

Bonds

Tenor O/N 1M Outstanding 3M (N'bn) 6M

Value

100.00 28-Sep-14 535.00 23-Apr-15 NITTY 16-Aug-16 530.27 452.80 27-Apr-17 Tenor Rate (%) 20.00 27-Jul-17 1M 10.6084 100.00 31-Aug-17 2M 10.6664 3M 10.7011 300.00 30-May-18 6M 10.8884 351.30 29-Jun-19 9M 10.9480 233.90 23-Oct-19 12M 11.1271 600.00 27-Jan-22 281.35 14-Mar-24 75.00 28-Nov-28 NIFEX 22-May-29 150.00 200.00 20-Nov-29 Current Price ($/N) 23-Jul-30 BID($/N)591.57 163.1400 70.00 18-Jul-34 OFFER ($/N) 163.2400

4,591.19

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

11.79

O/N

12.00

TTM (Yrs)REPO Bid Yield (%) Tenor Call 0.03 1M 0.60 3M 1.92 6M

Rate (%) 11.67 10.57 12.59 11.04 13.45 11.40 14.30

Tenor Spot 7D Offer 14DYield (%) 1M 2M 6.15 3M 10.77 6M 11.31 1Y

2.61 11.41 11.35 2.86 11.45 11.38 2.96 11.45 11.39 :Benchmarks 3.70 11.50 11.40 * :Amortising 4.78 Bond 11.54 11.46 µ :Convertible 5.10 Bond 11.67 11.58 AMCON: Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria 7.37 12.13 12.08 FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria 9.49 12.27 12.22 FMBN: Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria 14.20 12.50 12.46 IFC: International Finance Corporation 14.68Contractors Receivables 12.50 12.45 LCRM: Local Management 12.50 Company12.44 NAHCO: 15.18 Nigerian Aviation Handling 15.85 12.29 12.24 O/N: Overnight 19.84 12.33 Company 12.29 UPDC: UAC Property Development NOTE:

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

163.00 Price 163.10 163.26 163.51 163.52 163.86 Bid Price Offer Price 164.13 164.74 165.29 166.56 99.94 100.09 166.41 168.21 96.00 96.15 170.09 173.45 102.75 102.90 177.48 185.78

108.10 108.25 96.16 96.31 94.84 94.99 NA :Not97.60 Applicable 97.90 # :Floating Rate Bond 116.30 116.00 ***: Deferred 82.40 coupon bonds 82.70 120.30 120.60 †: Bond rating expired 110.65 110.95 116.36 116.66 99.90 100.20 73.08 73.38 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 84.15 Bank for Africa 84.45 UBA: United 98.60 98.90

WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement Company

4,649.39 Coupon (%)

28-Dec-11 FMDQ FGN 0.00BOND 24-May-10 0.00 03-Apr-12by 17.25by Mkt Weighting Weighting 09-Dec-11 Vol 0.00/16.00 Outstanding Value 20-Apr-12 0.00/16.50 06-Jul-12 35.02 0.00/16.5034.79

3<5

1,129.31

951.30

33.89

37.99

>5

809.12

872.92

31.09

27.22

2,972.76

2,807.29

100.00

100.00

Market

Rate (%) 12.0000 12.6236 13.6185 Maturity Date 14.4114

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

INDEX 978.35

24.56 3.30 Bucket Weighting 112.22 116.70 66.49 0.35

1,301.620.34

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

31-Oct-14 24-May-15 % 03-Apr-17 Exposure_ 09-Dec-16 Mod_Duration 20-Apr-17 06-Jul-1716.05

0.12 0.68 1.30 Implied 2.23Yield 2.59 2.80 11.40

# Risk Premium (%)

1.00 2.63 2.27 Implied 2.00Price Portfolio 1.00 1.00 119.3160

Valuation Yield (%)

11.85 13.66 13.40 INDEX 13.43 12.43 12.45 1,133.26

Indicative Price

98.57 91.32 YTD104.80 Return 101.32 (%) 99.62 97.09 13.3259

34.18

11.96

135.0852

1,143.85

14.3850

0.31

49.77

12.28

103.0126

1,201.72

20.1725

1.00

100.00

12.03

119.5902

1,135.98

13.5979

1,284.78

Sub-National Bonds A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014

15-Oct-09

14.00

6.00

15-Oct-14

0.08

3.29

14.00

99.94

A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.96

4.44

15.43

97.46

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

6.08

30-Sep-15

0.56

3.23

14.28

99.32

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

6.27

30-Jun-16

1.08

4.46

15.49

98.96

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

7.37

30-Jun-16

1.08

3.48

14.51

101.53

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.59

5.59

17.02

85.73

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

29.92

30-Jun-17

1.63

1.00

12.28

102.47

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.29

1.79

13.26

101.86

Daily Summary as of 16/09/2014 Printed 16/09/2014 15:05:59.059

Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Daily Summary as of 16/09/2014

Printed 16/09/2014 15:05:59.059

FINANCIAL SERVICES Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC DEAP CAPITAL MANAGEMENT & TRUST PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

business | CAPITAL MARKET

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Daily Summary (Bonds)

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS DEAPCAP FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 77 22 1 373 77 3 38 85 676

Current Price 3.14 3.99 0.87 14.60 4.15 0.53 30.00 2.00

47

Quantity Traded 2,042,754 324,207 28,000 14,395,854 2,683,624 15,682 2,775,996 2,745,286 25,011,403

Value Traded 6,458,200.68 1,281,246.25 23,240.00 209,435,419.76 10,842,588.04 8,311.46 83,264,892.90 5,513,225.13 316,827,124.22

455,669,833

2,963,376,704.05

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at September 16, 2014

No Debt Trading Activity

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals

AGRICULTURE Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals

Symbol FTNCOCOA OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 46 23 14 83

Current Price 0.53 33.98 36.00

Quantity Traded 3,692,212 413,461 55,568 4,161,241

Value Traded 1,959,412.36 13,859,325.13 2,041,766.00 17,860,503.49

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 21 21

Current Price 3.00

Quantity Traded 236,364 236,364

Value Traded 709,085.18 709,085.18

4,397,605

18,569,588.67

Quantity Traded 372,500 400 28,191,477 724,847 29,289,224

Value Traded 540,125.00 1,868.00 165,841,601.58 41,689,570.51 208,073,165.09

29,289,224

208,073,165.09

AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries Daily Summary as of 16/09/2014 A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. Printed 16/09/2014 15:05:59.059 S C O A NIG. PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

104 Symbol AGLEVENT SCOA TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals 3 1 386 58 Daily Summary (Equities) 448

CONGLOMERATES Totals

Current Price 1.45 4.91 5.90 57.90

448

Activity Summary on Board EQTY ESTATE © PublishedCONSTRUCTION/REAL

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

Symbol COSTAIN

No. of Deals 20 20

Current Price 1.02

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 16 16

Current Price 63.99

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

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 19 19

Current Price 15.18

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals

55

CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals Daily Summary as of 16/09/2014

Printed 16/09/2014 15:05:59.059 Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. PREMIER BREWERIES PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals

Symbol DUNLOP

Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. U T C NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food as Products--Diversified Totals Daily Summary of 16/09/2014

Printed 16/09/2014 15:05:59.059 Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals

CONSUMER GOODS Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Personal/Household Products UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals

Quantity Traded 116,221 116,221

Value Traded 1,755,852.00 1,755,852.00

975,399

6,053,251.54

Quantity Traded 162,000 162,000

Value Traded 81,000.00 81,000.00 Value Traded 1,096,734.60 70,615,568.40 10,884,070.12 344,424,029.79 261,846.15 427,282,249.06

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 13 13

Current Price 134.00

Page Quantity Traded 6,883 6,883

2Value Traded of 11 968,438.10 968,438.10

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON NNFM UTC

No. of Deals 29 49 78 53 27 5 1 242

Current Price 6.97 8.35 62.30 4.00 9.35 21.99 0.50

Quantity Traded 192,085 343,218 803,543 2,304,379 217,250 58,862 2,500 3,921,837

Value Traded 1,273,523.55 2,875,386.64 49,375,965.09 9,235,572.29 2,041,781.94 1,355,961.30 1,250.00 66,159,440.81

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 41 89 130

Current Price 52.50 1,010.00

Quantity Traded 260,790 119,874 380,664

Value Traded 13,676,581.68 121,199,886.70 134,876,468.38

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 15 10 25

Current Price 4.30 1.20

Quantity Traded 155,806 198,811 354,617

Value Traded 656,456.70 236,980.66 893,437.36

Symbol PZ

No. of Deals 48

Current Price 34.95

Quantity Traded 238,113

Value Traded 7,972,763.35

Symbol UNILEVER

No. of Deals 46 94

Current Price 48.05

Page Quantity Traded 826,228 1,064,341

3 of 11 Value Traded 39,663,408.92 47,636,172.27

Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 13 DIAMONDBNK 130 ETI 96 FIDELITYBK 87 GUARANTY 297 SKYEBANK 95 STERLNBANK 42 Daily UBASummary (Equities) 196 UBN 29

Current Price 9.59 6.47 19.20 1.95 28.45 2.75 2.20 7.03 10.25

Quantity Traded 158,640 293,960,674 677,434 9,421,233 10,248,610 3,665,416 2,053,287 6,188,947 324,361

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services

AIICO INSURANCE PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC Daily Summary as of 16/09/2014 PLC WAPIC INSURANCE Printed 16/09/2014 Insurance15:05:59.059 Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals

Symbol UNITYBNK WEMABANK ZENITHBANK

No. of Deals 6 70 287 1,348

Current Price 0.50 0.91 24.20

Quantity Traded 1,874,308 3,456,751 11,066,974 343,096,635

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE CORNERST INTENEGINS LASACO LAWUNION MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM PRESTIGE STDINSURE UNIVINSURE WAPIC

No. of Deals 28 19 6 18 1 10 3 5 17 1 2 2 64 176

Current Price 0.82 0.98 0.50 0.54 0.50 0.50 2.50 0.53 0.77 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.72

Quantity Traded 71,221,381 Page 1,409,841 132,722 2,655,563 120,000 6,185,827 25,800 1,043,700 1,126,080 11,781 98,000 14,500 3,507,600 87,552,795

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 1.00

Quantity Traded 9,000 9,000

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Page

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS DEAPCAP FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC Healthcare Providers Totals Pharmaceuticals FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

Value Traded 12,000.00 12,000.00

Symbol No. of Deals FIDSON 12 GLAXOSMITH 10 MAYBAKER 17 Daily Summary (Equities) NEIMETH 8 PHARMDEKO 1 48

Current Price 3.28 65.00 1.42 1.08 2.38

Quantity Traded 128,570 6,428 437,315 58,329 1,000 631,642

Value Traded 424,085.50 402,240.46 622,797.53 60,093.89 2,270.00 1,511,487.38

Value Traded 168,436.40 168,436.40

IT Services COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC IT Services Totals

Symbol CWG

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 4.80

Quantity Traded 65,280 65,280

Value Traded 313,384.00 313,384.00

Processing Systems CHAMS PLC Processing Systems Totals

Symbol CHAMS

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

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

Value Traded 500,000.00 500,000.00

1,373,025

981,820.40

Quantity Traded 329,139 67,568 28,981 109,303 366,315 7,180

Value Traded 10,643,582.00 585,497.10 1,136,213.88 1,512,727.06 79,578,516.08 7,539.00

14 Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP Daily Summary CCNN DANGCEM DNMEYER

Current Price 0.50 5.34 120.00

Quantity Traded Page 20,000 165,860 88,353 1,182,699

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

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 1.76

Quantity Traded 869,217 869,217

Value Traded 1,531,551.92 1,531,551.92

Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals

Symbol BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 19.40

Quantity Traded 179,031 179,031

Value Traded 3,473,604.50 3,473,604.50

2,230,947

109,955,810.49

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Daily Summary as Equipment of 16/09/2014 Energy and Services Totals Printed 16/09/2014 15:05:59.059 Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals

198 No. of Deals 45 45

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 4,284,223 4,284,223

Value Traded 2,142,250.98 2,142,250.98

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 359 359

Current Price 24.30

Quantity Traded 5,128,377 5,128,377

Value Traded 123,770,924.41 123,770,924.41

Symbol CONOIL

No. of Deals 19

Current Price 50.51

Quantity Traded 156,748

Value Traded 7,917,341.48

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

Symbol ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals 26 122 18 2 11 198

Current Price 3.84 221.00 180.00 56.00 180.00

Quantity Traded 914,833 313,051 9,730 540 10,644 1,405,546

Value Traded 3,524,919.22 69,011,926.62 1,708,116.99 28,728.00 1,874,526.25 84,065,558.56

Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 675.00

Quantity Traded 40 40

Value Traded 27,000.00 27,000.00

10,818,186

210,005,733.95

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © OIL AND GAS

Daily Summary (Equities)

Page

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

604

No. of Deals 77 22 1 373 77 3 38 85 676

Current Price 3.14 3.99 0.87 14.60 4.15 0.53 30.00 2.00

2,206

of

Quantity Traded 2,042,754 324,207 28,000 14,395,854 2,683,624 15,682 2,775,996 2,745,286 25,011,403

Value Traded 6,458,200.68 1,281,246.25 23,240.00 209,435,419.76 10,842,588.04 8,311.46 83,264,892.90 5,513,225.13 316,827,124.22

455,669,833

2,963,376,704.05

Symbol UNIONDAC

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 24,000 24,000

Value Traded 12,000.00 12,000.00

Symbol FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH PHARMDEKO

No. of Deals 12 10 17 8 1 48

Current Price 3.28 65.00 1.42 1.08 2.38

Quantity Traded 128,570 6,428 437,315 58,329 1,000 631,642

Value Traded 424,085.50 402,240.46 622,797.53 60,093.89 2,270.00 1,511,487.38

of

No. of Deals 10 10

Current Price 0.89

Quantity Traded 85,342 85,342

Value Traded 76,860.87 76,860.87

Symbol REDSTAREX

No. of Deals 17 17

Current Price 4.63

Quantity Traded 522,994 522,994

Value Traded 2,335,522.81 2,335,522.81

Symbol

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 99,500 99,500

Value Traded 49,750.00 49,750.00

Symbol CAPHOTEL IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 1 13 14

Current Price 4.28 1.63

Quantity Traded 275 969,550 969,825

Value Traded 1,119.25 1,580,366.50 1,581,485.75

Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LEARN AFRICA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 5 7 2 14

Current Price 1.55 1.60 4.13

Quantity Traded 30,913 90,460 45,000 166,373

Value Traded 45,751.24 137,734.20 176,850.00 360,335.44

Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 20 20

Current Price 0.70

Quantity Traded 1,140,976 1,140,976

Value Traded 759,581.01 759,581.01

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 4 40 44

Current Price 2.00 5.21

Quantity Traded 19,900 1,039,269 1,059,169

Value Traded 39,810.00 5,406,143.66 5,445,953.66

No. of Deals 22 22 Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 4.70

Quantity Traded 833,900 833,900

Value Traded 3,927,890.20 3,927,890.20

4,878,079

14,537,379.74

Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

PublishedSERVICES

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Hotels/Lodging CAPITAL HOTEL PLC IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Daily Summary (Equities) CILEASING

Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Daily Summary as of 16/09/2014 Transport-Related Services Totals

Page

Printed 16/09/2014 15:05:59.059

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

Symbol CAVERTON

SERVICES Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY 11

8

Symbol RTBRISCOE

Daily Summary as of 16/09/2014 Courier/Freight/Delivery Printed 16/09/2014 15:05:59.059 RED STAR EXPRESS PLC

Value Traded 8,610.00 8,610.00

Value Traded of 11 10,000.00 885,092.40 10,591,486.55 104,950,654.07

7

Symbol JAPAULOIL

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC

Value Traded 463,252,207.03 of 11 1,374,404.10 66,381.00 1,448,069.50 60,000.00 3,092,913.50 64,578.00 554,141.00 867,513.80 5,890.50 49,000.00 7,250.00 2,545,335.07 73,387,683.50

Current Price 33.29 8.60 39.40 14.00 220.00 1.10

No. of Deals 2 5 34 191

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Value Traded 937,154.00 3,137,543.77 268,475,097.92 2,573,153,286.33

5

No. of Deals 47 8 19 (Equities) 15 60 1

Symbol FIRSTALUM PORTPAINT WAPCO

Building Materials Totals

Value Traded 1,521,357.60 1,913,261,248.21 13,112,245.58 18,381,371.26 292,798,758.15 10,160,412.31 4,507,144.70 43,538,923.41 3,322,029.42

6 1,523,487.38 of 11

Quantity Traded 307,745 307,745

INDUSTRIAL GOODS

677,897,205.98

Page 655,642

49

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

FINANCIAL SERVICES Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC DEAP CAPITAL MANAGEMENT & TRUST PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Quantity Traded 24,000 24,000

Current Price 0.56

Building Materials Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC.

Activity Summary on Board EQTY FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals

Current Price 0.50

No. of Deals 10 10

ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC DN Summary MEYER PLC. Activity on Board EQTY

Quantity Traded 132,022 410,503 382,126 1,958,486 56,311 2,939,448

8,829,790

No. of Deals 1 1

ICT Totals

Current Price 8.70 172.00 28.41 175.00 4.65

751

Symbol UNIONDAC

Symbol COURTVILLE

Daily Summary as ofGOODS 16/09/2014 INDUSTRIAL Printed 16/09/2014 Building 15:05:59.059 Materials

No. of Deals 7 93 27 (Equities) 112 3 242

CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Daily Summary as of 16/09/2014 FIDELITY BANK PLC Printed 16/09/2014 15:05:59.059 GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC.

Value Traded 3,470,157.78 3,470,157.78

Current Price 0.50

Daily Summary (Equities)

Personal/Household Products P ZSummary CUSSONSon NIGERIA Activity Board PLC. EQTY

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

1 of 11 Value Traded 827,241.76 827,241.76

Quantity Traded 56,627 56,627

2,206

HEALTHCARE PublishedHEALTHCARE

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Totals

No. of Deals 5 5

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW Daily Summary NB PREMBREW

CONSUMER GOODS Published byBeverages--Non-Alcoholic The Nigerian Stock Exchange © 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals

Page Quantity Traded 802,551 802,551

HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC Healthcare Providers Totals Daily Summary as of 16/09/2014 Pharmaceuticals Printed 16/09/2014 15:05:59.059 FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY

144

EQTY Board Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Equity Activity Totals

9

of

11

11

4,573

519,117,730 4,210,974,147.29 Page 10 of 11

4,573

519,117,730

4,210,974,147.29

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund

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

Symbol NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 1 2 3

Current Price 1,953.00 18.43

Quantity Traded 25 510 535

Value Traded 48,825.00 9,424.30 58,249.30

ETF Board Totals

3

535

58,249.30

ETP Activity Totals

3

535

58,249.30

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Page

11

of

11

48 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Jonathan’s endorsement and Lamido’s angst CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

panded meeting, which we believe was complied with by each state chapter of the party.

“The outcome of the meetings by the state chapters gave rise to the NorthWest Zonal meeting. The expanded stakeholders resolved to urge President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the office of the president come 2015.

“This decision was the position of the majority of the stakeholders present at the meeting….This accounted for the presence of the governors and deputy governors including that of Jigawa State standing behind Ambassador Aminu Wali while he was reading the communiqué, to demonstrate their support and endorsement of the outcome of the meeting.”

Making further reference to the Jigawa governor’s denial or support of the endorsement decision, Wali said: “We have no atom of idea as to the reason for such denial. We, therefore, find it necessary to put the record straight by confirming that we stand by the contents and outcome of our communiqué.”

He maintained further: “Let me firmly and explicitly state that the decision to hold the expanded stakeholders meeting was a culmination of several meetings held among the key stakeholders of the zone and Jigawa State was always represented by the deputy governor in such meetings. It was also agreed at such fora that each state must first hold its stakeholders meeting before the expanded meeting, which we believe was complied with by each state chapter of the party.”

The minister said that for Mahmoud to hold a press conference dissociating himself and the Jigawa State governor from the communiqué was an afterCO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 1

some intriguing puzzles that warrant serious attention.

Since 2011, the Jonathan-PDP led government has increased security spending; declared and renewed emergency rule, issued propaganda claiming the capture and killing of Boko Haram members (including the leader Abubakar Shekau), destruction of Boko Haram camps, and countless assurances of improving security and winning the battle against Boko Haram.

Over the same period however, the empirical realities are that Boko Haram has become more daring and audacious in its attacks through: Increase in the scale, number and spread of attacks, even against supposedly fortified military bases; more Boko Haram killings and casualty levels among civilians and security personnel; rapid growing number of Nigerian Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Refugees, now estimated by the UNHCR at over 600,000; increasing reports of mutinies and soldiers absconding (desertion) from battlefields and Boko Haram declaration of a Caliphate.

The key issue is this – are all these mere empirical coincidence or statistical correlation or are there genuine organic and logical connections (some form of action and reaction)? Certainly it is my and APC belief that there is a pull and effect logic at work. Put simply, President Jonathan’s handling of the Boko Haram insurgency has been a spectacular failure, and this is deliberate for political reasons. Where and even if the Jonathan-PDP administration may claim to know nothing about the origin of Boko Haram, it has actively sustained the crisis, profiteering from it.

The way forward: APC’s Stand The APC has consistently argued for New Thinking and alternative approaches to the Boko Haram crisis. The

The endorsement of Jonathan as the party’s presidential flag bearer is wrong and we hereby disassociate the government and the people of the state from such undemocratic act.

We, in Jigawa, were not part of the decision thought and rather very unfortunate.

Many analysts following the controversy generated, note that it should not come as a surprise that Lamido is opposed to the endorsement of President Jonathan by the PDP, more so, within his zone. This, they say cannot be unconnected with his ambition to unseat Jonathan in 2015. This is given the fact that subtle manoeuvres are being carried out by political actors to position themselves and their interest favourably in the race for 2015.

According to political observers, Lamido is one of those who have been making subtle moves to challenge President Jonathan for the presidential ticket of the PDP at the party’s presidential primary to be held later in the year. As supporters of the president gear up to push their candidate ahead, Lamido’s supporters will also do same, leading to a clash of interest between both groups.

Reports indicate that Lamido’s cam-

Wali

paigners have been harping on his achievements in Jigawa State as a yardstick to suggest that he would offer purposeful, focused and qualitative leadership if given the chance to govern from Aso Rock.

While both men have not declared their intent to run for the presidency in 2015, many conclude that the signs are ominous, and that only their formal speeches remain to put paid to their interest in the contest. Many are of the opinion that the endorsement moves by Jonathan’s supporters, and the subtle campaigns from Lamido’s camp are merely dress rehearsals for the presidential primaries, as both of them prepare

to square off to secure the PDP ticket.

The controversy over the endorsement of President Jonathan by the North-west continues to rage as Lamido continues to distance himself from the move, while the party in the zone continues to insist that he was part of the process that led to the final declaration of the party in the zone on the issue. This has further generated fears within both camps as to the likelihood of them grabbing the coveted ticket given the scope of influence of the opposition.

While Jonathan’s camp is troubled that a keen contest at the primaries from a candidate like Lamido could block the president’s chance of securing an automatic ticket, the camp of the Jigawa helmsman is also anxious that the party’s stance, especially in the North-West, coupled with the endorsement move could jeopardise Lamido’s chance of also picking the ticket.

And as is normal with politics, interests may not be revealed until the last minute, when trades and negotiations may have been concluded. And in this case, it is yet to be seen what effect the endorsement of the president will have on the presidential ambition of Governor Lamido, who is serving out his second term. It is also to be seen if his protest will change the decision of the party in that zone to back Jonathan.

In the same vein, with the number of groups that have declared support, for Jonathan, and the rate of endorsements he has been getting, observers seem eager to see if Lamido’s quest, and denial that Jigawa State is not in support of the North-West PDP’s endorsement of the president, can make any serious dent on his second term ambition. The next few weeks before the party’s primaries will reveal a lot.

‘How Jonathan, PDP benefit from Boko Haram insurgency’ five pillars of APC’s approach are: (I) Urgent formulation of a holistic counter-terrorism strategy that emphasizes the synergistic use of military, political and economic elements, and roles for civil society and other critical stakeholders.

(II) Political negotiation with Boko Haram. All recent cases of internal security challenges (militias. etc.), including the OPC, MEND, etc. across Nigeria have all been resolved through political negotiations of some sort. Boko Haram cannot be an exception.

(III) Planning and investing for peace through a human development approach to address the socio-economic, governance and environmental conditions that gave rise to Boko Haram. Key here are youth development, employment and means of livelihoods, education, access to markets, revival of agriculture, etc. What is advocated is a serious and genuine consideration of socio-economic revival of the North East and other affected Northern areas, not the tokenistic (£7million) gesture proposed by the Jonathan administration (IV) Bring in the United Nations (and its specialised agencies), and mobilise local and international peace building organisations to work with communities and groups affected by Boko Haram.

(V) Security Sector Reform through a thorough National Security Review, New National Security Policy, and tailored institutional, legal and operational reforms and re-organisation of Nigeria’s security agencies. The Boko Haram crisis has exposed systemic failures in Nigeria’s national security system, and there is a rare opportunity to use this as the basis to transform Nigeria’s National Security architecture.

Conclusion Unfortunately but truly, the Nigeri-

an government had bungled the fight against Boko Haram. The government’s attempt to make political capital out of the insurgency has backfired.

The Boko Haram crisis and the Jonathan administration’s response to it must be seen in the context of the 2015 general election in Nigeria. The status quo favours the PDP and President Jonathan. Why? Because Boko Haram-affected areas and indeed the Northern region are opposition strongholds, hence the administration is hoping - and perhaps secretly wishing- that the Boko Haram crisis, the declaration of emergency rule and general atmosphere of insecurity in the North will lead to the cancellation of voting in some areas and limit voters’ turnout in general, a development which the PDP believes will minimize its electoral losses in the North and enhance the likelihood of a PDP victory.

Beyond that, reports from the grapevine are that the government is even trying to cash in on the worsening

Where and how is the money being spent? Is it truly spent on security? Is corruption taking place in security spending? What and where are the military hardware acquired?

Who is supplying security equipment – manufacturers or third party agents?

crisis to explore the possibility of delaying the elections and extending its tenure. It does not occur to them that the country must first survive for anyone to rule it.

Our worst fears were confirmed recently when the Australian hired by President Jonathan to help negotiate the release of the over 200 schoolgirls named the President’s allies and members of the ruling PDP as the sponsors of Boko Haram. He said the Boko Haram commanders identified the men: Former Army Chief Azubuike Ihejirika and a former governor of Borno State Ali Modu Sheriff - among the sponsors of the sect.

Now that the cat has been let out of the bag and the real sponsors of Boko Haram have been exposed, we hope President Jonathan will summon the courage to do the right thing: Hand over the identified Boko Haram sponsors to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for investigation and prosecution.

There is no doubt that Boko Haram has committed crimes against humanity in its scorched-earth campaign against unarmed citizens, and the most appropriate body to investigate and try the sect’s sponsors is the ICC. According to Article 17 of the Rome Statute that set up the ICC, and to which Nigeria is a signatory, the ICC is a court of last resort, expected to exercise its jurisdiction only if states themselves are unwilling or unable to genuinely investigate and prosecute international crimes.

In view of the fact that the alleged Boko Haram sponsors are either members of the ruling party or friends of the President, it is clear that the PDPled Federal Government is unwilling and unable to try them.

As we all know if the funding of Boko Haram is not cut off, it will be difficult to defeat the sect.

NEWS 49

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Kaduna DISCO to commission substations Ibraheem Musa, Kaduna aduna Electricity Kpany Distribution Com(KEDC) is set to

commission three new injection sub stations at Nigerian Air Force Base, Mothercat and Hanwa in Zaria in order to improve power supply in the state. The company’s Chief Executive Of-

ficer, Alhaji Idris Mohammed, who made t h i s k n ow n wh i l e speaking to jour nalists yesterday, said KEDC covers Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states. Idris said the new substations would put t h e p owe r o u t a g e challenges facing customers to an end, especially at Air Force Base.

ASEPA ready to clear refuse dump President, Campaign for Democracy (CD)/Women Arise for Change Initiative, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin (middle) and others, during a rally on Ebola Awareness Campaign, in Lagos…yesterday.

PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

Igbeaku Orji, Umuahia

Amaechi laments spate of corruption in Nigeria T Wale Elegbede

R

ivers State Governor and Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has expressed worry at the level of corruption in the country, where public funds are diverted for private use.

Amaechi spoke shortly after swearing into office, 21 local government caretaker chairmen in the state and urged them to use public funds for the good of the people.

While congratulating them on their recent elec-

tion, the governor admonished them to shun corruption.

“I am a worried man. I am extremely worried for the country because the level of text I got from people, even the desperation by old council members who wanted to return, I wonder why they were so desperate. It just shows me that they were only interested in increasing their stomach infrastructure.”

“I got very, very worried.

People were desperate, people were threatening, all sorts of text messages were sent to me but I remained

adamant and said ‘let the people go and choose. I will not participate in this very exercise’. I believe that you have been chosen and please serve the people.

“My problem is that the level of corruption in Nigeria now knows no bounds.

It is so bad that if you read Sahara Reporters, you will hear that two aircraft were arrested in South Africa carrying 9.5 million dollars. Now, you can see, the problem is, they left here (Nigeria) freely, unchecked, nobody asked them questions. So, if at that federal level, people can get away,

you have to see how bad corruption has become in Nigeria; that Nigerians can travel anyhow they like with money, money they didn’t earn, money that is stolen.”

“Now, nobody is afraid to be corrupt.”

“State governments are not able to pay salaries because instead of the normal money we receive every month, it has come down for Rivers State nearly 45 to 50 per cent, that’s the way it is now and the reason is because the other money is stolen.”

Four women drag FG to court

‘Sept 22 school resumption not realistic'

Tunde Oyesina, ABUJA our women yesterday dragged the Federal Government before the ECOWAS Community Court sitting in Abuja, demanding compensation for alleged harassment by operatives of the Abuja Environm e n t a l P ro t e c t i o n Board (AEPB).

The plaintif fs, Dorothy Njemanze, Edu Oroko, Justina

Temitope Ogunbanke

F

Etim and Amarachi Jessyford,said they were rough handled, beaten, harassed and illegally detained just because they were women.

They asked the court to award in their favour as damages and monetary compensation N100 million for the pain, suffering and harm to their dignity including physical, mental and emotional trauma.

‘AP candidates must seek ratification’ Sola Adeyemo, Ibadan

T

o ensure genuine popularity among the electorate, former Oyo State gover nor and Accord Party's gover norship candidate, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, has insisted that anybody seeking political office in the party must first be ratified by his people at the ward level.

The party's national leader made the declara-

tion yesterday in Iseyin while formally welcoming Senator Gbenga Babalola and other new members in the community to the party.

Babalola, formerly of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who represented Oyo North senatorial district at the Senate, defected to the party along with Pa J. A. Odeyemi, Chief Basiru Gbadamosi, Chief Michael Olanrewaju and Chief Abass Olopoenia, among others.

T

he President of Women Arise for Change Initiative, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, yesterday warned that Nigeria risked the danger of making thousands of people, especially children infected with the dreadful Ebola virus if school reopens for new academic session on September 22 as being proposed by the federal government.

Speaking yesterday during an Ebola awareness rally organised by her organisation in Lagos, Okei-

Group tasks DSIEC on credible polls Gabriel Choba, Ughelli head of the October AElection 25 Local Government in Delta State, the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) yesterday was advised to abide by all electoral rules and guidelines set out by the Electoral Act and the commission in its conduct of the election.

This was contained in a statement by a group

Obiano asks traitors to steer clear nambra State governor, Awarned Mr. Willie Obiano, has those perceived to be traitors to desist from acts capable of dividing the party, saying that APGA remains one

united family irrespective of objectionable attitudes of some people.

Governor Obiano, who made the statement during a thank you visit to members and the people of Anambra

Odumakin, urged Nigerians to do the needful to kick out Ebola from the country.

Her words: “We love our children and we want them to be properly educated but there is no sacrifice that is too great for them.

For people who want to make money and who want to get these children to schools; when the time comes, if the children get sick and if almost thousands and millions of people are infected by Ebola, we would not be able to curtail it.”

East for voting him as the governor of the state, said APGA was a united Igbo political party before his entrance into it, and will not disintegrate now that he is the governor of the state

known as Delta Monitoring Group (DMG) signed by its Chairman, Comrade Igho Efeurhobo and Secretary Comrade Omemirhiro Stephen after an enlarged meeting of the group in Ughelli.

The statement read in parts: “The voters' register ought to have been pasted by now. As you know, this will help to guide against toxic votes across all poling units. produced by the APGA plat form.

He said the party was a good product of late Dim Chukwuemeka OdimegwuOjukwu, which he toiled for to ensure that Ndigbo have a veritable platform to make their voices heard.

he traffic challenge and stench suffered by motorists and other road users at the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) refuse dump site on the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway would soon be a thing of the past as

the Agency has taken measures to clear the expressway.

The dump site has been a matter of concern to road users. The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in the state had drawn the attention of the state government to the traffic challenge the site was causing to motorists and called for its relocation.

Taraba gets new CP Sabiu Mustapha JALINGOA ew Commissioner of Police has been deployed to Taraba. A statement issued yesterday in Jalingo, by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Joseph Kwaji, said the new CP is Ademola Omole, who replaced the

N

former CP Mrs. Kalafite Adeyemi. She was recently promoted to AIG. According to the statement, the new commissioner had since assumed duty. It also added that the CP assured the people that the state would be a crime free throughout his term in office.

Bisalla: YODEF condoles New Telegraph Chinedu Ekeja non-gover nmental organisation, Youth Development and Empower ment Foundation (YODEF), has commiserated with the management and staff of New Telegraph Newspaper over the death of its Managing Editor, (North) Suleiman Bisalla, whose un-

A

timely death occurred few months ago during a bomb blast at Emab plaza, Abuja.

In a statement signed by its national president, Uche Udungwor, the group lamented that Bisalla was hacked down in his prime at a time his contribution to nation building was much needed.

FG: Agriculture panacea to unemployment Babatope Okeowo, Akure ederal government Fcountry yesterday said the has the capaci-

ty to end unemployment among its youths and insecurity facing a section of the country in the recent time if agriculture is faced headlong.

The Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Ibikunle Odusote stated this at the Snail Far ming Training Works h o p o r g a n i z e d by Universal Integrated Re s o u rc e s, h e l d in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Gaidam places medical students on salaries Hassan Jirgi, Damaturu obe state Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam has approved the placement of 49 medical students currently enrolled in various institutions abroad on monthly salary Grade level 07. In a statement which was made available to Newsmen in Damaturu his Special Adviser on Information Abdullahi

Y

Bego said the governor took the measures as part of effort to re- position the state health care sector and ensure steady supply of quality manpower to the state.

He said the governor has approved the placement of addition 49 medical students currently enrolled in institutions of higher learning in various parts of the world on monthly salary Grade Level 07.

50 World | NEWS

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Top ten world richest politicians Vladimir Putin: $75bn n 1999 Putin first became Prime Minister, but switched to President in 2000, a position in which he remained until 2008, at which point he resumed the title of Prime Minister. His career path is shady enough to make even the most ruthless dictators blush, with a KGB billion billion Hassanal Bolkiah Michael Bloomberg background, domestic Vladimir Putin (Russia) (USA) (Brunei) suppression, and a recent annexation of part of the Ukraine.

However – despite his enormous personal wealth, authoritarian tactics, homophobic policies and questionable topless publicity shots – it’s important to take the Western media’s portrayal of Putin as an unstable, posbillion billion sibly insane political fig- Zong Qinghou Savitri Jindal Serge Dassault ure with a pinch of salt. (China) (France) (India) To his credit, during his rule the average Russian income has increased 2.5 fold, the Abode of Peace) sits on Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan: and the country’s economy has the island of Borneo, in the $15bn been growing for eight straight South China Seas. According Sheikh Khalifa, the current years. to Forbes it is the fifth richest president of the UAE and ruler country in the world as a re- of Abu Dhabi is part of the Al Michael Bloomberg: $31bn sult of its huge petroleum and Nahyan family whose fortune Mikebloomberg.com (which natural gas supplies. It is, in is estimated to exceed $150bn. keeps the public up to date fact, one of only two countries Despite his role in the modon the activities, news, and in the world with public debt at ernisation and – to an extent – Westernisation of the Arab thoughts of the 72 year-old) 0% of its GDP. Hassanal Bolkiah (whose Emirates, the US government proclaims that ‘Michael R. Bloomberg is the 108th Mayor full name is Sultan Haji Has- isn’t particularly fond of the of New York City, Philanthro- sanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin leader who was described in pist, and independent leader Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum one of the leaked cables from on national issues.’ He started Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifud- the Wikileaks hoard as a ‘disoff on Wall Street in the 70s, dien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien) tant and uncharismatic perworking for Salmond Broth- is the current Sultan and sonage’. ers, but was laid off (with a Prime Minister of Brunei, Since he ascended to the $10m severance package) in ’81 and has acquired a personal throne following his father’s when the investment bank was fortune of over $20bn since death in 2004 he has generbought. From there he formed his ascension to the throne in ally been seen as a positive his own company which would 1967. Educated at Sandhurst influence in the region; he ineventually become Bloomberg Military Academy in the UK, creased the wages of governL.P, which now supplies the the 67 year-old was knighted by ment employees by 100%, and bulk of the financial world’s the Queen of England (Brunei has introduced an element of business information termi- was a protectorate of Britain democracy into the election nals. until the mid-80s.) The Sultan process of the Federal NaIn 2013 Forbes listed him as has been running the country tional Council. During his rule the 13th richest person alive with full emergency power the UAE saw the construction after a meteoric rise from since the beginning of his of the Burj Dubai in 2010, the number 142, to 17 in just two reign, and in 2006 announced world’s tallest structure. years. In 2001 Bloomberg de- that the country’s constitution cided to try his hand as New had been amended to make Zong Qinghou: $11.6bn York’s mayor, running as a him infallible.

By most counts Zong QinRepublican (despite a life-long ghou would seem to be the membership to the Democrat- Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz: $18bn perfect, aspirational example ic Party) just after the 9/11 Abdullah is the sixth King of what can happen to a hard attacks. He decided to use his of Saudi Arabia, meaning that working member of the Peoown money in the election he controls almost a fifth of the ple’s Republic of China: He had campaign, thereby avoiding world’s oil supply. The 89 year- little education, and worked the usual restrictions, and old ascended to the throne in in a salt mine after leaving ended up spending $73m (five 2005 following a life of politics school. He slowly worked his times the amount spent by his which started with the mayor- way up career ladder, eventuopponent). Though Bloomberg al position of the holy city of ally building his own beverage claimed to ride the subway to Mecca at the beginning of the distribution company which made him China’s richest man work every day, The New York sixties.

Abdullah managed to suc- in 2012.

Times asserted that he was ofHowever, as is often the case ten seen being chauffeured by cessfully steer his kingdom two NYPD-owned SUVs to an through the global recession, in modern China, his rise has express train station to avoid and the country is projecting been marred by accusations having to change from the lo- a 4% growth for this year. The of corruption and tax evaking has tried to protect the sion. Zong’s successes have cal to the express trains.

50% of the population who fall been seen as a result of his under 25 by setting aside $130bn wolfish work ethic which was Hassanal Bolkiah: $20bn The tiny sovereign state over the last few years for use in recently demonstrated when of Brunei (officially known unemployment funds and hous- he returned to work just two days after having been stabbed as The Nation of Brunei, ing projects.

I

$75

$11.6

$31

$11.5

$20 billion

$18

billion

Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz (Saudi Arabia)

Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (UAE)

$2

$6.2

$7.6 billion

$15

Silvio Berlusconi

billion

(Italy)

by a man to whom he refused to offer a job.

Serge Dassault: $11.5bn In mid-February 2014 the French gendarmes detained the billionaire industrialist and senator Serge Dassault.

The 88 year-old has been accused of buying votes in an area of east Paris where he used to be mayor. It is likely that his activities influenced the outcome of the 2008, 2009, and 2010 elections in the area.

Large sums of money had been moved back and forth between France and Lebanon, of which around €3m may have been used to purchase votes from poorer immigrant families.

This isn’t the first time the media and aviation tycoon has gotten in trouble for his questionable methods; in 1998 he was given a two year suspended sentence for bribing government members to acquire a military contract. He has been attacked by critics in the French press who have (perhaps cruelly) compared his appearance to that of the Sith Lord from the Star Wars franchise…

Savitri Jindal: $7.6bn Almost all of Savitri Jindal‘s money comes from the steel business, which is problematic as the prices in shares in Jindal Steel & Power have been sliding for the last half decade. As a result, since 2011 her fortune has decreased by just under $10bn. In 2012 Jindal was rated as the world’s 80th Richest Person, and India’s 4th, and is also the billionaire mother with the most children (9), many of whom now run different sections of the family’s sprawling empire.

Jindal was appointed as a minister for urban local bodies in 2013 by the govern-

billion

Sonia Gandhi

billion

(India)

ment of Haryana state where she resides. Her appointment was seen by many as a move ‘to please the trading community and increase number of female ministers in the state cabinet.’

Silvio Berlusconi: $6.2bn Berlusconi has had a rough few years. He was forced to resign as Italy’s Prime Minister in 2011, was expelled from the Senate in 2013, has been recently divorced by his wife, and was found guilty of tax fraud and sex with a minor.

Despite this, the 77 year-old seems to be in good financial shape; he maintains major stakes in the commercial broadcaster Mediaset, Mediolanum bank, and the football club AC Milan. He has also reportedly married his new girlfriend, the former TV showgirl, 28 year old Francesca Pascale.

Sonia Gandhi: $2bn This 67 year-old politician is by all accounts extremely wealthy and extremely powerful: She currently ranks at No. 9 on Forbes’ list of powerful women, and her $2bn makes her wealthier than both the Queen of England and the Prince of Monaco. Her estimated net worth (like all of the figures on this list) was calculated from publicly available figures such as salary and real estate holdings.

Sonia Gandhi (a distant relative of the famous leader) became the President of India’s National Congress in 1998, making her the longest running leader in the last 125 years. Gandhi’s involvement in India’s political scene predates her direct institutional involvement, as she is the widow of Rajiv Gandhi, the Prime Minister who was assassinated in 1991.

Babatunde to return for Sudan match

} P 53

51

Ahmedu plans West African basketball league

Ifeanyi Ibeh

B

etter days lie ahead for the sport of basketball as plans are in the pipeline for the establishment of a regional league for teams from West Africa, especially those that make up the FIBA Africa Zone 3.

FIBA Africa Zone 3 comprises Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria and

Togo, and owing to a dearth of competitions in the region, plans are in the works to ensure that teams from the zone get to play more frequently.

Making this disclosure to New Telegraph was President of FIBA Africa Zone 3, Samuel Ahmedu, who informed that the championship, when it takes off in the foreseeable future, will be fashioned after the hugely successful, Euroleague.

“Basketball is popular in the

zone but still not as popular as a lot of us want it to be, so we want to see how to further popularise it by having a competition that will involve the top clubs in the zone,” said Ahmedu, a retired Nigerian Army colonel.

“The last major event that took place in this zone happened over four years ago, so there is a need to revive basketball in the zone in order to make our teams more com-

SPORT

AUTHORITATIVE VOICE IN GLOBAL SPORT

petitive when they come up against teams from other zones,” added Ahmedu, who is also the President of Nigerian Premier Basketball League outfit, Dodan Warriors.

Since Cote d’Ivoire’s victory at home in 1985, no team from FIBA Africa Zone-3 has been able to win the African Nations Cup, with Nigeria, the zone’s highest ranked team, coming close on three occasions in Ahmedu 1997, 1999 and 2003.

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/sports

ADEKUNLE SALAMI, DepUTY Editor, SPORTS kunle.salami@newtelegraphonline.com adekunles@yahoo.com

Wednesday, september 17, 2014

Did you know?

51

That Manchester United and Real Madrid jointly hold the record number of consecutive participations in the UEFA Champions League with 18 appearances each

Eagles need more home-based players ..says foreign pros –Owumistruggle in qualifiers .

Charles Ogundiya

F

Ambrose

Salami

ormerchairmanof theNigeriaPremierLeague,DavidsonOwumi,has called on the handlers of the Super Eagles to invite more home-based playersaheadof nextmonth’s2015Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

TheSuperEaglesfindthemselves inaprecariouspositioninthequalifierswithonepointfromtheiropeningtwomatchesagainstCongo and South Africa.

They lost 3-2 in Calabar to Congo before playing outanuninspiringgoalless draw against South Africa in Cape Town.

Warri Wolvesstriker,GbolahanSalami, was one of Nigeria’s goalscorersin the game against Congo after coming on from the bench, and was on from the start against the South Africans in a game that saw another homebased player, Osaguona Ighodaro, coming off the bench and causing a lot of anxious moments for the South African backline.

InaninterviewwithNewTelegraph,Owumi said the contributions from Salami and Ighodaro showed that more opportunities needed to be handed to players from the domestic league.

“Salami came in as a substitute

against Congo, same way the Enugu Rangers striker, Ighodaro did against South Africa and their contributions were commendable in both games,” said the Warri Wolves General Manager.

“They both impressed, but we cannot blame these foreign-based players because the African qualifiers are entirely different from what is obtainable in Europe.”

Speaking further, the former Rangers striker, added; “The players in the qualifiersareverycrudeandonlycrudeplayers can handle them, hence, the need for more home-based players to prosecute the qualifiers.”

Regarding Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for next year’s AFCON, Owumi believesthereigningAfricanchampions havearealisticchanceof defendingtheirtitle in Morocco.

“If we can get good results in the remaining games against Sudan, Congo and South Africa then we can be sure of defending our AFCON crown next year,” he said.

Nigeria’s next game is away to Sudan on October 10 before returning home to take on the same team in the reverse fixture five days later.

The Super Eagles will thereafter be away to Congo on November 14 before wrapping up the qualifying campaign with a home game against South Africa on November 19 in Nigeria.

Osaguona

52

SPORT

Sanctity of Truth

Ik Uche S returns for Europa League

Emmanuel Tobi uper Eagles player, Ikechukwu Uche, has been certified fit by his Spanish club, Villarreal, after being listed in the squad to take on Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Europa League game billed for Thursday in Germany.

Uche has been on the sidelines for the past couple of weeks due to a sore muscle, with his last game for the Yellow Submarine coming against Levante on August 24.

However, it is not

Uche(right)

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

good news for Villarreal as the quartet of Gio Dos Santos, Jaume Costa, Bojan Jokic and Hernán Pérez will miss out on the opening game of the first stage of the competition through injury.

Other members of the team for the German trip include: Asenjo, Juan Carlos, Aitor Fernández, Mario, Musacchio, Gabriel, Víctor Ruiz, Rukavina, Jonathan Dos Santos, Bruno, Pina, Trigueros, Cani, Moi Gómez, Cheryshev, Espinosa, Vietto and Gerard Moreno.

NFF confirms Warri for Extra-Ordinary Congress FC Barcelona for 2014 Copa Lagos beach soccer

A

fter several weeks of speculations, the Nigeria Football Federation has disclosed that it will hold an Extra-Ordinary General Assembly in Warri, capital of Delta State on Saturday, 20th September, 2014.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, NFF General Secretary, Musa Amadu, stated that the event is the first of two such congresses advised by world football –governing body, FIFA, to usher in a new NFF executive committee.

“At the Extra-Ordinary Congress, the General Assembly will elect persons into fresh Electoral Committee and Electoral Appeals Committee.

“The General Assembly will also, at the same event, decide on a date

and venue for the elective congress, which we hope will take place before the end of the month,” Amadu explained.

All the chairmen and secretaries of the Football Associations of the 36 states and the FCT, as well as chairmen and secretaries of the various leagues, coaches association, Referees association and players’ union are expected to be in attendance at the event slated for Brownhills Events Centre, and starting at 11am.

Amadu also disclosed that the grand finale of this year’s men and women Federation Cup competitions will come up only after the elective congress of the NFF.

Ajibade Olusesan

K

inetic Sports, organisers of Copa Lagos inter national beach soccer tournament has announced that Spanish giants, Barcelona, will be involved in this year’s edition of the tournament.

According to the chief executive officer of the sports management company, Samson Adamu, the beach soccer team of the Catalonia outfit will play against three other professional

Sport Trending

Sudan can’t stop Eagles – Osunwa

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Emmanuel Tobi ormer Super Eagles player, Kelechi Osunwa, believes the the team has what it takes to beat Sudan when both sides meet next month in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, so long as they don’t underestimate the East African side.

Nigeria will be guests of the Sudanese on October 10, before returning home to take on the East Africans five days later.

The Super Eagles are currently third in Group A after grabbing just a point in their opening two games against Congo and South Africa, and so need to win both games against the Sudanese, who are yet to grab a point, in order to boost their chances of picking one of the group’s two automatic slots to next year’s AFCON in Morocco.

And Osunwa, who now plays his football in Egypt, but who spent seven seasons in the Sudanese league, finishing as the league’s top scorer in four of those seasons, believes the

reigning African champions are capable of grabbing back to back wins against Group A’s bottom side.

“They can win both games.

There is a massive difference between both sides, and winning shouldn’t be a problem for Nigeria,” said the striker who played for the two biggest clubs in Sudan, Al-Hilal and Al-Merreikh, during his sevenyear spell in that country.

“Football is the biggest sport in Sudan. They are very passionate about it. But if the Super Eagles do not underestimate them and approach the game with all seriousness, they will win in Omdurman before finishing off the job at home,” stressed Osunwa, who was the first foreign player to score over a hundred goals in the Sudanese league.

Omdurman was the venue of Sudan’s 3-0 loss to South Africa on September 5, 2014. It was also the venue of Nigeria’s 4-0 drubbing of the Sudanese back in July 2001.

He added: “No disrespect to

football clubs in Nigeria.

Adamu said in a press briefing to herald the fourth edition of the completion that although the Barcelona Challenge is different from the main competition, it was designed to further develop beach soccer in the country.

He said that Nigeria’s Super Sand Eagles will battle with national teams of three other countries for the Copa Lagos trophy. He confirmed the participation of Switzerland and Cote d’Ivoire for the tourney and said that the identity of the last

team will be unveiled soon. The competition will hold between 12th and 14th December at the Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.

“Kinetic Sports is delighted to announce the participation of FC Barcelona Beach Soccer team at this year’s event. The famous Spanish giant will play three of the biggest Nigerian clubs including Stationery Stores of Lagos in the Barcelona Challenge. We will announce soon the two other clubs, but they are going to be some of the biggest in the country,” he said.

Premier League: Glo urges clubs to sustain the momentum

T

itle sponsor of Glo Pre- rate of attendance at the mier League, Globacom stadia, and we expect that has urged clubs to sustain the clubs will reciprocate the momentum of the this gesture by posting league as actions begin to- scintillating performances day following the suspen- on match days,” the statesion of two weeks strike by ment added. the referees.

The statement further In a statement issued added: “at Week 26 and in Lagos on Tuesday, the with only 12 matches to telecoms company said the end of the season, we the feedback that the expect nothing less than club owners and manag- a competitive challenge ers used the period of the that befits teams seeking forced holiday to further to represent Nigeria in prepare their teams for the continental competitions tasks ahead was gratify- next year.” ing. “We expect the league matches to be more thrilling than before. We are optimistic that the fans will enjoy better experience at the stadia on Wednesday,” the statement said.

“We are also delighted that the fans have sustained interest in the league by the increasing Irabor

SPORT 53

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Babatunde to return for Sudan match Emmanuel Tobi

B

arring any last minute changes, Super Eagles attacking midfielder, Michael Babatunde, will be making a return to the team after returning to active football at the weekend.

The Volyn Lutsk of Ukraine player who underwent a surgery after sustaining an injury at the World Cup, made his first appearance of the season in a 3-0 home win over Metalurh Zaporizhya on Sunday after coming in for Redvan

Memeshev in the 64th minute.

He resumed training last month after suffering a gruesome arm injury at the World Cup in Brazil in a match against Argentina.

Babatunde broke his arm as he tried to move away from a shot from teammate, Ogenyi Onazi, and was subsequently ruled out of the tournament.

“We are happy Babatunde is back because his absence was really felt at the World Cup and this will give the coaches options at the middle position,” said a member of the Super Eagles backroom staff.

FirstBankbeginspreparationsforAfricanChampionship Ifeanyi Ibeh

H

ead coach of First Bank Basketball club of Lagos, Aderemi Adewunmi, believes there is nothing wrong with his team’s early commencement of training ahead of the Africa Club Women Championship qualifiers.

The Nigerian champions, following a twomonth break, have been training at the National Stadium since August 18 ahead of the continental

qualifiers.

And the coach who masterminded their famous victory over Dolphins BC in the final of the Zenith Women’s Basketball League, said: “We started our preparations from August 18th because we do not want to wait for FIBA Africa’s letter before getting ready as we actually don’t know when the letter will be sent out.

“So, I decided we should start preparing for the tournament and we are still at it right now.

“We have a lot of young girls and we need to work all-year round to turn them into champions, so anytime the letter comes, we are ready to play.”

He added: “We have a tradition in First Bank; we do not wait for official notifications before we start preparations.

Even when we want to play in our league, we do not wait for the Nigeria Basketball Federation to announce the commencement of the tournament before we start.”

Babatunde battling Argentina’s Angel Di Maria at the World Cup

NFF heaps encomiums on Akinsola T

he Nigeria Football Federation has praised the energy and uncommon commitment of Assistant Commissioner of Police, Gideon Akinsola, for his duties around and away from the Nigeria Police Force. The renowned officer marked his retirement from the Force with a thanksgiving service in Lagos on Sunday.

Speaking in Abuja, NFF General Secretary, Musa Amadu, pulled no punches in heaping encomiums on the dedicated

Ebola: Guinea not cleared, CAF insists C

ontrary to recent false claims disseminated by a section of the media, to create the impression that the Confederation Africaine de Football has granted Guinea the green-light to host matches at home, CAF wishes to affirm that the circular dated 12 August 2014 which stated that Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone cannot host matches on their territories due to the Ebola outbreak still holds.

Hayatou

It was mentioned in the circular that a new assessment of the situation will be discussed in mid-September 2014 in consultation with the World Health Organization and the CAF Medical Committee.

The CAF Executive Committee is scheduled to meet on 19-20 September 2014 at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, to decide on further precautionary measures with respect to countries hit by the Ebola outbreak.

SWAN condoles management of Sun, Dimgba Igwe’s family

T

he Sports Writers Association of Nigeria national secretariat formally condoles with the management and family of Pastor Dimgba Igwe over the death of the veteran journalist.

A letter to management and family of the late Igwe

signed by the deputy national secretary of SWAN, Ben Ogbemudia, read: “It was unfortunate the hit-and-run incident that claimed his life while jogging to keep fit occurred near his house during which he sustained a fatal injury and was rushed to

the hospital where he underwent surgical emergency, unfortunately he died afterwards.”

“A fine and refined gentleman he was; the late Dimgba Igwe was really a mentor, motivator and one of the finest brains in the pen-pushing profession.

From the confessions of colleagues, friend and other close associates the death of Dimgba Igwe is a great loss to the journalism fraternity, The Sun and his siblings.

“We join millions of mourners in praying for the repose of his soul and the bereaved the fortitude to bear the loss.”

officer who also happens to be Nigeria’s FIFA Security Officer.

“No amount of praise will be too much for the retired ACP Akinsola. He not only served the Force with such commitment and enthuasiasm, he was dogged and diligent in his duties as Nigeria’s FIFA Security Officer.

“Over the past several years, ACP Akinsola became a regular face in Nigeria’s football stadia, working full-strength at providing safety and security for stadia facilities and equipment, and of course, spectators. We adore him for his passion and high sense of dedication and will never forget

the quality of service he rendered to Nigerian football, whether at important international matches or major tournaments hosted by our country,”Amadu said.

The 56-year-old officer, who has written a number of books on safety and security at football stadia, held a thanksgiving service at The Apostolic Church, Ikeja Lagos.

UCL Fixtures Ajax V PSG AS Roma V CSKA Moscow Ath. Bilbao V Shakhtar Barcelona V APOEL Bayern V Man City Chelsea V Schalke FC Porto V BATE Maribor V Sporting

League players to pay last respect to Onyeawuna A

minute’s silence will be observed in honour and memory of one of Nigeria’s football players, Albert Onyeanwuna, who will be laid to rest on Saturday, September 20.

The League Management Company said it issued the directive to all match commissioners to ensure that tribute be paid to the former Nigeria Ports Authority of Port Harcourt player.

“It is befitting that today’s players pay their last respect to this great football player who will be buried this weekend and this will be done before kick-off with a minute’s

silence at all match venues,” Salihu Abubakar, the Chief Operating Officer of LMC, said.

Onyeanwuna, nicknamed, Master Dribbler, was a member of the national team in Nigeria’s debut appearance at the Africa Nations Cup in 1963.

Abubakar emphasised that “the LMC will continue to honour heroes of the past and present to inspire active and aspiring football players to give their best for self, club, the league and the country at all times knowing that their labour will not be in vain.”

54

SPORT

Nigerian League Rendezvous

Another customised boots for ThankGod

with charles Ogundiya

charlesog2001@yahoo.com,

...as Olumakinde joins ‘the club’

W

arri Wolves defender, ThankGod Ike, will on Wednesday (today) launch his new customised boots against Sunshine Stars in the Glo Premier League.

ThankGod who blazed the trail as the first player in the league to dorn customised boots, said he believed the new boots would give him success in the game.

“I got delivery of the boots last week and I am targeting a victory against Sunshine and hopefully score a goal in the game. My primary assignment as a defender is to stop the ball from getting to the goalkeeper, but

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Olumakinde’s boot

if the opportunity comes, I will take full advantage of it,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shooting Stars of Ibadan midfielder, Talabi Olumakinde, has joined the club of Nigerian players with customised boots. The boot has OLUMAKINDE 6 written boldly on it and it also has a Nigerian flag. The player believes it will surely bring him success.

08098042287

Excitement as league returns

F

ans will have the privilege of watching their favourite clubs in the Nigeria Professional Football League and Nigeria National League as action resumes across various centres in the country.

The forced break was a result of referees boycott over the NFF crisis.

Today, the players will take to the pitch with continental slots and promotion tickets to the elite division at stake in the two leagues.

Defending champi-

on of the Glo Premier League, Kano Pillars as well as Nasarawa United, Enyimba, Dolphins, Abia Warriors, Sunshine Stars, Warri Wolves and Lobi Stars are the front runners for the three continental slots while the quartet of Bayelsa United, Ka-

duna United, Crown and Nembe City are battling to retain their status in the premier league.

In the NNL, Group A leader, Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, will continue their quest for a quick return to the premier league with a victory against DSS of Kaduna

at home, while Shooting Stars will hope to cement their top spot in Group B with another home victory against title rival, Gabros of Nnewi. Both clubs are currently on 41 points from 25 matches with 3SC ahead on goal difference.

Two-in-one game for Ibadan fans F

ootball lovers in Ibadan will have their hands full today as the city’s two darling clubs, Shooting Stars and Crown FC, compete for the maximum three points at the same venue in different fixtures.

It will be contrasting fortunes for the two sides in their respective leagues. While 3SC will be hoping to cement their position at the top of the Nigeria National League Group B with a victory, Crown will be desperate for the three points as they battle relegation in the Nigeria Professional Football League.

3SC will be the first to take to the pitch

against Gabros of Nnewi by 2pm in the first match of the day with Crown trading tackles against title hopefuls, Nasarawa United, in the second game by 4pm.

Speaking to our correspondent, the media officer of 3SC, Jubril Arowolo, said the players were ready for the title run-in.

“The problem facing the technical crew now is the players to select for the game because all the players are battle ready. The target is the three points to put a gap between us and Gabros as we continue our quest for promotion,” he said.

Wolves restore players salary management led by ex-international, Davidson Owumi, restored full salary to those whose pay were slashed due to poor performance. Owumi apologised to the players for the delay in their August salary and ordered that it should be paid immediately before their match against Sunshine Stars.

Owumi urged the players to put in their best to take the club back to the layers of Warri top. Speaking on the resWolves got a boost toration of the full salary, ahead of their cruone of the affected players, cial tie with Sunshine Achibi Ewenike, thanked Stars on Wednesday as the the management for the gesture.

Fixtures “This issue has been afBayelsa Utd Vs Nembe City fecting me personally and I can now play my game with Fc Taraba Vs Kano Pillars full concentration. A player Heartland Vs Kaduna Utd can have an off day but now Crown Vs Nasarawa Utd players are motivated and Sharks Vs Gombe Utd everybody is raring to go,” Ewenike said.

Lobi Stars Vs El-Kanemi Some other players affectAkwa Utd Vs Enyimba ed -Omoforman Freedom, Abia Warriors Vs Giwa FC Efe Yarhere, Kola Anubi - all Rangers Vs Dolphins expressed joy about the develWarri Wolves Vs Sunshine Stars opment.

P

Crown FC Bode Daniel(right) in action against Kano Pillars

Refs forced TEAP out of the league –Okoro

C

hairman of Nigeria National League side, TEAP FC of Abuja, Achebe Okoro, has revealed exclusively to League Rendezvous the reasons his club decided to pull out of the league even with five matches to go in the season.

Speaking with our correspondent, the chairman said they cannot continue with the league after so much victimisation from the match officials and the inability of the league body to intervene.

According to him, his club lost matches due to the decision of the men in black to punish the club for failure to bribe them (referees).

“I have no apology to anyone, most of the games we lost were as a result of poor officiating.

“The most annoying part was the inability of the league management to do anything about it, claiming they are not in charge of the referees.

“We don’t have control over what other clubs do but when it involves our

players, we have to take it up,” he said Okoro further revealed that some of his players and officials were offered bribe to throw a particular match in the league and when the management got wind of it, the players and officials were arrested and handed over to the police.

“When we contacted the NNL management, I was surprised that they didn’t take any action.

I told them point blank that we cannot continue in the league under such circumstances.

“It is obvious the league is for the highest bidder, where government-owned clubs believe they can do as they like to intimidate the other clubs,” he fumed.

He said the referees would inform the players that no matter what they do on the field of play, they were going to lose the game.

He said the club would gladly return to the league and complete their remaining fixtures if there was promise of total reform.

Plateau United debunk match–fixing reports Musa Pam Jos

T

he management of Plateau United Football club of Jos has debunked reports of match-fixing levelled against one of its officials by the chairman of TEAP football club of Abuja, Achebe Okoro

In statement made available to New Telegraph, the media officer of the club, Albert Dakup, said the allegation was not only baseless and unfounded, but a calculated attempt to tarnish the image of the government and good people of plateau state which the club repre-

sents.

According to Dakup, the match was won by the best team and any attempt to link its victory to match-fixing appears to be far fetched.

“When DSS of Kaduna defeated TEAP in Abuja they did not allege matchfixing, why is Plateau Unit-

ed’s case different?”

The club however appeals to the authority of the Nigeria National League to as a matter of urgency beam its search lights on the remaining matches with a view to stopping claims by some overzealous club officials who refuse to accept defeat.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

55

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Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth – Buddha WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2014

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It covers an area of about 155 million square kilometers (about 60 million square miles).

Obiano and the defaming bloggers

I

t is fairly reasonable to say that a pattern of defaming the government of Anambra State is currently trending on the net. A tribe of bloggers, goaded by interest not readily fathomable, have continued to attack the state for some time now. Evidence of this can be gleaned from rehashed old lies and concocted new ones published daily in their blogospheres. Streaming all through the over half a dozen of such badly-written articles are allegations of cronyism, waste and vainglory against the government. The bloggers hide under the false notion of criticising the government to avenge themselves of denial by the administration to engage them as online media consultants. They have since attacked Governor Willie Obiano with fierceness of a surly mastiff.

I have read a number of offending stories from their blogospheres. None can pass the test of a critical work. At best, they are all defamatory. My decision to write a rebuttal came after I had personal discussions with some people. Though there are those who believe the bloggers and their blackmailing pieces should be ignored, their reason being that the fire of blackmail will naturally burn out if it is not stoked by a reply, the fact that lies repeatedly told easily assume the form of truth makes rebuttal, however sparingly, an encouraging option.

Some of the rehashed lies can be read in the following articles: Behind the scene-how Obiano emerged governor of Anambra state; Betrayal in Awka- Obiano sets to play fast one on Obi; Champagne governor Obiano in chains; The looting of Anambra-Governor Obiano takes nepotism to high heavens; Revealed-Obiano bribed Anambra Lawmakers with N300 million.

The writers of the stories are not in doubt what they want to achieve. The defamation of the state government becomes the recurring motif. Nothing was to encumber it, including offending the sensibilities of readers. Some of the allegations against the governor are just laughable.

The governor is said to be in love with Champagne. Assuming - without conceding this allegation – ndi Anambra will like to know if this has impeded his call to duty?

Whether those before him were not without indulgence? Whether a good number of them were not known lechers, aggrandizers and sybarites? Whether they were crucified or their “sins” made a public matter?

It is strange how this custodian of the public good, who could not raise a whimper when the state treasury was emptied over a coquettish smile, is now quibbling over the sipping of Champagne. He also howled over alleged N300 million, said to be used by the governor to lobby for the approval of a supple-

Guest Columnist Ejike Anyaduba

mentary budget. He described as short the six months gap between two approvals. But he fails to tell his readers if no governor before Obiano asked for a supplementary approval within the stated time or earlier. Whether some of the governors did not spend twice as much to either avert impeachment or to keep the hawks away from government?

It is strange how this blogger, who admitted that his source in the State Assembly was not happy over the supplementary approval - even after partaking in sharing of the alleged money – was not worried about the behaviour of his source. This story is not significantly different from the one he wrote in an earlier publication. Quoting, possibly, another source from the House, the blogger claimed Governor Obiano bought the legislators houses in the United States, including the malcontent who allegedly revealed the information to him. The question is: what would a trained journalist - sworn to inviolable ethics of the profession - do in this circumstance?

Ever ready to cause the government down by prognosticating doom where none exists, the defamer painted a picture of a state under threat of bankruptcy by a spendthrift governor. He wrote: “Governor Obiano is already discussing the possibility of borrowing and raising bonds to finance his projects”. He went further to call these projects white elephant, including the three flyovers under construction in Awka, the state capital.

This can only come from someone with a questionable disposition. Discussing loan possibilities, and dismissing the efforts of the governor at giving Awka a befitting status of a state capital as white elephant projects, is as inciting as the guy is cynical. There are two reasons this blogger’s shots were in the wild. One is that the allegation of loan taking is a little presumptuous. What if it is never taken? How does he hope to recant the sarcastic note in this report? Two is that a governor cannot take a loan without the consent of members of the state Assembly.

Even as taking of loan is not wrong - but the use to which it is put - there is nothing suggesting the government wants to borrow and raise bond to finance its projects.

He claimed the bankruptcy fear is being expressed by ndi Anambra not long after a glorious reign. This claim is simply risible.

Not even a sworn enemy of Obiano would

Obiano

deny the governor has brought the state to some reckoning. The euphoric feeling of security, especially in some flashpoint areas like Upper Iweka and Fegge, both in Onitsha, is endemic. Today, the howling success travels beyond the borders of the state. He cleverly puts words in the mouths of imaginary interviewees to suggest that the state is failing even when the bankrupting indices like owing arrears of salaries, inability to finance projects etc. are not manifest anywhere in the state.

As uninspiring as his argument, he also claimed that the senatorial ambition of Chief Victor Umeh is part of the problem of the state. He explained this problem thus.

Umeh made Obiano governor and the latter will now reciprocate by helping Umeh to the Senate and then the governorship after his (Obiano’s) tenure. Either this blogger is unintelligent or simply inciting; unintelligent to have concocted such lies, and inciting to wish others to believe him.

Either way, he is as uninspiring as he has failed to impress his readers with the following sweeping claims. One is that the governor has offered the APGA central zone senatorial ticket to Umeh. Two is that he made available a whopping sum of N40 million monthly to the APGA chair. Three is that the governor is ready to break the state vault just to make sure that Uche Ekwunife is defeated in the senatorial election. Without intent on insult, the blogger is afflicted with the disease of presumption. What assurance does he have that Ekwunife will be a senatorial candidate

in 2015? What makes him think that the governor, and not Ekwunife’s peripatetic journey from the PDP through PPA to APGA and back to the PDP, has done her enough harm? Few politicians, if any, can beat this unenviable record in the state.

Other allegations like appropriating part of the supplementary budget as security vote for the governor’s re-election and apportioning N800 million to himself in the manner of oil producing states are neither here nor there. I wonder what the blogger meant when he wrote that Obiano and Umeh sold off APGA to President Goodluck Jonathan.

Who sold the party to the same Jonathan in 2011? How could the governor have pleaded with the defected members of APGA to return when a good number of them are making frantic effort to return to the party, having realised, rather late, the uncertainty in the PDP? Finally, this blogger betrayed a vengeful heart by already gloating that the government will fail. He wrote: “He is busy trying to impress people by many pronouncements, he will soon discover that you cannot govern a state by flag-offs without money or intention of financing the projects to completion”.

Except for this blogger and others of his ilk, the government has done well and does not intend to overshoot itself. It is understandable how painful it is when a business proposal, as was the case with this blogger’s, goes awry. It takes a mature heart not to throw tantrums. Let those who lost take solace in this eternal saying of Roger Cardinal Etchegary that “earth has no sorrow heaven cannot heal”.

• Anyaduba wrote in from Awka

OMOBABA

12 SOLDIERS WHO ATTACKED GOC SENTENCED TO DEATH –News

– For showing solidarity concerning their dead colleagues?

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