Binder1 june 11, 2014 by Newtelegraphonline

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Wednesday, June 11, 2014 Vol. 1 No. 113

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World Bank lowers Nigeria, others’ growth rate

lForecasts 2.8% global economic expansion lUrges developing countries to pursue reforms Ayodele Aminu

he World Bank has lowered its forecasts for developing countries, including Nigeria, now

eyeing growth at 4.8 per cent this year, down from its January estimate of 5.3 per cent. Signs point to strengthening in this region in

2015 and 2016 to 5.4 and 5.5 per cent, respectively, the World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim, said in the institution’s Global Economic Prospects (GEP)

report released yesterday, without categorically mentioning the expected growth of Nigeria. It however said the global economy was expected

to pick up speed during the year and was projected to expand by 2.8 per cent this year, strengthening to 3.4 and 3.5 per cent in 2015 and 2016, respectively.

According to it, highincome economies will contribute about half of global growth in 2015 and 2016, compared with less CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Boko Haram demands cattle for 30 new abductees Tunde Sulaiman

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidates in Osun and Ekiti states, Senator Iyiola Omisore (left) and Mr. Ayo Fayose respectively after a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja...yesterday Photo: timothy ikuomenisan.

Abdulsalami ‘troubled’ over Nigeria Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

ormer Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, yesterday expressed concern about the current challenges facing the country. Abubakar spoke at the inauguration of the upgraded Ilorin General

Hospital, as part of activities to mark the third anniversary of Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed. He noted that only the entrenchment of ‘equity and justice’ could restore the people’s faith in the

country. The former head of state who superintended over the rebirth of democracy in Nigeria 15 years ago, however expressed confidence that the nation would come out of its challenges stronger and better.

Abubakar spoke against the backdrop of the insurgency in the North-East, which President Goodluck Jonathan said at the “Regional summit on security in Nigeria,” held in France last month had claimed 12,000

lives since its onset. According to Abubakar, the hospital and other projects executed by the state government and other states nationwide are some of the right steps towards renewing the people’s faith CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Security beef-up in Abuja over bomb threats

oko Haram militants who kidnapped 30 women near Chibok, Borno State, where over 200 schoolgirls were kidnapped in April, have demanded cows as ransom, a sign that the terrorist group may be facing a severe food crisis. Villagers from Chibok told Reuters yesterday that they had met nomads fleeing last week’s raids who told them the kidnappers were demanding cattle in exchange for the women. “One of them named Mohammed told me Boko Haram held the men at gunpoint and moved from hut to hut taking the women,” said Yahaya Musa. “The abductors told them to bring a ransom of cows,” said a farmer identified as Yakub Chibok. Police and army spokesmen have however said they could not confirm the accounts that women were taken last Thursday in areas outside Chibok. However, according to officials, the nomadic settlements hit by the abductions included Bakin Kogi, Garkin Fulani and Rigar Hardo. Recounting how the women were kidnapped near Chibok, a member CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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World Bank lowers Nigeria, others’ growth rate CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

than 40 per cent in 2013. “Growth rates in the developing world remain far too modest to create the kind of jobs we need to improve the lives of the poorest 40 percent. “Clearly, countries need to move faster and invest more in domestic structural reforms to get broadbased economic growth to levels needed to end extreme poverty in our generation,” Kim said. For developing nations, he said signs pointed to strengthening in 2015 and 2016 to 5.4 per cent and 5.5 per cent, respectively. “Developing countries are headed for a year of disappointing growth, as first quarter weakness in 2014 has delayed an expected pick-up in economic activity,” he added. Nigeria’s economy had grown 6.5 per cent and 7.0 per cent in 2012 and 2013 respectively and is projected to grow at 6.7 per cent, 5.5 per cent and 6.1 per cent respectively in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Noting that the outlook for developing countries is for flat growth in 2014, the World Bank said: “This marks the third

year in a row of sub-5 per cent growth and reflects a more challenging postcrisis global economic environment. The flat yearly profile masks an expected firming of activity during the course of 2014, with developing country growth reaching 5.4 and 5.5 percent in 2015 and 2016 — broadly in line with potential. “The outlook reflects countervailing forces. On the one hand, the high-income acceleration will supply an important tailwind, with their contribution to global growth expected to rise from less than 40 per cent in 2013 to nearly 50 per cent in 2015. As a result, high-income import demand is projected to accelerate from 1.9 per cent

growth last year to 4.2 per cent in 2014 and as much as 5.0 per cent in 2016, and developing country exports from 3.7 per cent last year to 6.6 per cent by 2016.” The World Bank explained that developing country’s growth would not be more robust in part because most developing economies are already fully recovered from the crisis and growing at close to potential. Admitting that economic activity was robust in much of Sub-Saharan Africa in 2013 reflecting strong domestic demand, with the Gross Domestic Growth (GDP) outturns of 4.7 per cent in 2013 as against 3.7 per cent in 2012, it said growth in South Africa, the region’s second

largest economy, slowed to 1.9 per cent, hurt by structural bottlenecks, tense labour relations, low investor confidence and weak external demand. The World Bank said excluding South Africa, average regional GDP growth was 6.0 per cent, helped by lower international food and fuel prices while regional inflation decelerated to 7.8 per cent in 2013 from just over 10 per cent in 2012. On the other hand, fiscal and current account deficits widened across the region, reflecting high government spending, falling commodity prices, and strong import growth. It added that global financial volatility at the start of the year put pres-

sure on currencies and asset markets in South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia, with short-term capital inflows falling significantly. As financial strains have eased, it said Zambia undertook Sub-Saharan Africa’s first sovereign debt issuance of 2014, raising $1 billion on 10-year bonds priced at 8.6 per cent, compared with a yield of 5.3 per cent on its maiden bond issuance in 2012. The World Bank said: “Notwithstanding the brief episode of volatility in late January, and in contrast with previous expectations of a gradual normalisation in long-term interest rates and risk, global financial conditions CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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President Goodluck Jonathan (right); President Mamnoon Hussain of Pakistan; Vice-President Namadi Sambo; Minister of Defence, Lt.-Gen. Aliyu Gusau; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nuhudeen Muhammed during the Pakistani president’s visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja…yesterday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

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Abdulsalami ‘troubled’ over Nigeria

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in Nigeria. He said: “As someone who has watched our country triumph over a civil war and several other crises and had the privilege of supervising our country’s return to democracy, I am troubled by the challenges that currently confront our country. However, I have no doubt in my mind that our country will overcome these transient challenges and take its rightful place in the league of prosperous nations. “Indeed, acts of good governance such as demonstrated by your government’s youth development efforts and today’s (yesterday) opening of this beautiful edifice as well as the entrenchment of equity and justice can hold the

promise of restoring our people’s faith in this country and strengthening our preparedness to work together to build the Nigeria we all desire and deserve. “Your determination to put this hospital back to shape is a clear confirmation of your love for the people of Kwara State and determination to positively affect their lives. Furthermore, your efforts to create shared prosperity in your state and that of other state governments that have shown a commitment to improving the lives of their people, is a silver lining in the cloud hovering over our country at this time. Let me call government at all levels to continue to implement programmes and projects that will elevate our people and provide them with

sustainable standards of living.” Earlier, Ahmed had described the renovation of the hospital as its most extensive upgrade and expansion since its establishment about 30 years ago. He said the step was a further testament to the resolve of his government to bring functioning healthcare system to the people. “From the shell that the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital left behind with the move to its permanent premises in 2009, we now have a stateof-the-art Ilorin General Hospital that stands out as one of the most modern in this zone if not the whole country. “With the opening of this hospital, the expansion of our globally applauded Community

Health Insurance Scheme, the establishment of the first rate medical diagnostic centre and the continuous enhancement of our primary health system across the state, I make bold to state that the dream of a functional and quality health system is a current reality here in Kwara State,” he added. The governor also noted that aside from the structural renovation and installation of modern medical equipment, the hospital boasts of qualified and committed medical personnel that can compete favourably anywhere in the world and will complement health services rendered by the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Sobi Specialist Hospital and other health facilities in the state.

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

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More dignitaries pay homage to Sanusi lPolice deny hindering emir from functioning Muhammad Kabir and Emmanuel Onani

mir of Kano, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, yesterday continued to receive hom-

age from dignitaries as he begins his reign after his appointment on Sunday as successor to the late Alhaji Ado Bayero. Among dignitaries who paid homage to Sanusi

were Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole and his Imo State counterpart, Chief Rochas Okorocha as well as President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

However, the war of attrition against the emir continued yesterday as the police have reduced the number of personnel deployed to the Government House, where Sanusi is

L-R: Wife of Kwara State Governor, Mrs. Omolewa Ahmed; her husband, Abdulfatah; former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Abdul Kayode Issa, during the inauguration of General Hospital, Ilorin...yesterday

African carriers lose $10bn annually to foreign airlines Wole Shadare Addis Ababa

frica is losing $10 billion annually to huge capital flight occasioned by the dominance of her airspace by foreign airlines which keep increasing flights into many countries on the continent. Due to paucity of funds, lack of good business model, African airlines are also daily losing lucrative routes to their foreign counterparts who are well financed and well structured. Save for Ethiopian Airways, Kenya Airways, South African Airways and Egypt Air, 85 per cent of the continent’s airlines are bankrupt or at the verge of bankruptcy. These four airlines reputed to be the strongest in the continent, collectively are smaller when compared with the likes of Emirates, Delta and Air France.

Consequently, the volume of African airline business is expected to treble in the next 20 years from its current level to about $200 billion. It is further projected that the industry will grow in terms of its impact on African economies in the next 20 years and job creation is forecast to be around 879,000. These disclosures were made yesterday by the President of the African ExportImport Bank (AFREXIM), Jean-Louis Ekra, at the ongoing African Aviation Summit Air Finance for Africa with the theme, “The next 50 years: Role of the African Union (AU) in supporting African Aviation” in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He lamented that the continent’s aviation industry was the least developed and least efficient due to multiplicity of challenges it faces, just as he listed challenges that have weighed down the overall performance of

the industry as underdeveloped infrastructure such as airport facilities and poorly equipped airlines; poor record of safety and security as compared to international standards. Others are lack of effective enforcement of safety regulations as well as absence of political will on the part of some governments, especially in relation to the implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision. The Yamoussoukro Decision is AU’s instrument intended to liberalise activities in the aviation sector and, in so doing, improve efficiency and contribute in attracting capital investment into the sector. President, Federal Republic of Ethiopia, Dr. Mulati Teshome, frowned at the astronomical price of aviation fuel, otherwise known as JET A1, saying the price of the commodity was the costliest in Africa.

“This has to change. African airlines have not created synergy to grow the sector. The survival of African airlines is in doubt. In spite of the aforementioned challenges, demand for air transport services in Africa has increased steadily in recent years. It is projected that, at 6.1 per cent, Africa will be the third fastest-growing region with regard to international traffic by 2015. The growth rates for other regions are: Middle East 7.9 per cent; Asia Pacific 6.9per cent; Europe, 5.0 per cent; and North America, 4.9 per cent.” Organiser of the event and Chief Executive Officer, African Aviation Services Limited, Mr. Nick Fadugba, was piqued by the disclosure that African airlines lose $10 billion annually through capital flight as a result of the dominance of international airlines in Africa.

Boko Haram demands cattle for 30 new abductees CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

of the vigilante groups set up to resist Boko Haram’s attacks, Alhaji Tar, said the gunmen arrived at Garkin Fulani settlement at noon last Thursday and forced the women into their vehicles at gunpoint. He added that the gunmen drove away to an unknown location in the

remote stretch of Borno State. Tar said the group also took three young men who tried to stop the kidnapping. “We tried to go after them when the news got to us about three hours later, but the vehicles we have could not go far, and the report came to us a little

bit late,” he said. Jonathan has accepted military and intelligence help from the United States and Britain, among others, to help find the Chibok girls. But notwithstanding the international help to curtail terror in the country, the militants have only upped their attacks.

The Federal Government and army said they were doing all they could to free the schoolgirls, and know where they were being held. They have ruled out exchanging them for militant prisoners and said any bid to force their release could lead to a bloodbath.

currently staying following the closure of the palace. It was learnt that the emir could not visit his late predecessor’s graveyard in Nasarawa, Kano, where Bayero and Sanusi’s grandfather, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, were buried as scheduled, because the police were said to have prevented the Emirate Council official vehicles from leaving the palace. Oshiomhole and Okorocha, during their visit to Sanusi described him as a force to reckon with and somebody with good records worthy of emulation. Okorocha told the emir to remain calm and be a unifying factor to all Kano people. Oshiomhole commended Sanusi for withstanding the storm with patience and courage, urging him to remain calm and continue to be a man of God. New Telegraph however gathered that following the alleged dissatisfaction of the presidency with the emergence of Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, the Federal Government has sustained its war of attrition against him. Security has been scaled down at the Government House, Kano, while the palace remained sealed by armed riot policemen. At the Government House the number of policemen on duty was said to have been reduced to below 25, down from over 100 while the police operational vehicles deployed in the area were reduced to about five.

But the state government tried to beef up security at the Government House by drafting members of the local vigilance groups there. At the Kano Emirate Council, the riot policemen on duty refused anybody access to the buildings, citing “orders from above”. But when New Telegraph confronted the police with its findings, they denied any attempt to hinder Sanusi from performing his official duties. The spokesman of the Kano State Police Command, Mr. Magaji Musa, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) said in a tele phone interview: “It is not true that we have reduced the presence of police officers at the Government House as all our men are at their various normal duty posts.” According to him, the presence of armed policemen at the emirate council was to ensure peace in the state. The Force Headquarters also denied knowledge of the alleged restriction of movement of Sanusi. In a brief telephone conversation with New Telegraph yesterday, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Frank Mba, a Chief Superintendent of Police, (CSP), said the police were not aware of the reported restriction on Sanusi’s movement. “I am not aware of that (restriction). Please, call the CP (Commissioner of Police) Kano,” Mba said.

Security beef-up in Abuja over bomb threats lIt’s a routine security check - Police Emmanuel Onani

here was an unusual security beef-up in Abuja and some satellite towns yesterday, as rumour of a fresh bomb attack rent the air. While patrol vehicles with combat-ready military and police personnel, were seen on patrol of the city centre, armed soldiers were seen on foot in the usual morning traffic, along the Nyanya-Abuja express,perhaps to deal with any untoward situation. When New Telegraph sought explanation from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Altine Daniel, on the development, she said that there was no threats of

bomb attack on the capital city. Daniel maintained that the security blanket was a routine exercise. She said: “No, there is no bomb scare anywhere in Abuja; it’s a routine security check that was embarked upon by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) command.” However, a top security officer told New Telegraph that the action was consequent upon an intelligence report of an imminent bomb attack in Abuja. “What we are doing is because of the intelligence report we got that some enemies of the state may strike. “These are proactive measures to nip any bad incident in the bud,” the security source noted.

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Stop clampdown on media, NLC urges FG Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

he Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday condemned the clampdown on the media by the military and security agencies across the country and called for a stop to the action forthwith. It said the security agencies should deploy their energies to addressing the security challenges confronting the country rather than the media which constitute no threat. The workers’ union described the ongoing harassment of newspaper vendors as well as seizure of newspapers, arrest of circulation drivers of several newspaper companies by the military as unacceptable and out of place in any democratic society. NLC President, Comrade Omar Abduwaheed, said such act was also depriving the reading public access to information. He stated these in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday. Abduwaheed said the security agencies lacked constitutional rights to unilaterally order the circumscription of the freedom of the press or any freedom in any form. The security agencies, according to him, ought to know that all

fundamental rights are germane to democracy, saying, “we cannot find the link between insecurity and a free press in democratic governance.” According to him there is urgent need on the part of Federal Government and its security agencies to prove the culpability of the news media in the ongoing violent attacks against people and critical facilities in Nigeria. “For us, we strongly believe a free press is very critical in the sustenance of democracy and any obstruction to the operations of any critical organ of our democratic process would be resisted as the recent infringements in the circulation of newspapers portend. “In any case, foreign media organisations seem to have more access to information on these violent groups, especially Boko Haram, than our security agents. The military and other security agencies must restrict themselves to the protection of our sovereignty and go after those threatening this with violent attacks that have almost disappointingly overwhelmed those paid to protect lives and property, despite huge budgetary allocations,” he said. The NLC President cautioned that the security challenges that the

World Bank lowers Nigeria, others’ growth rate CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

for developing countries have eased significantly since the end of last year. Developing country sovereign borrowing costs fell to 5.2 per cent in early June from 6.7 per cent in early September last year, unwinding more than half of the 2.3 percentage points increase in financing costs that occurred during the spring and summer of 2013.” Despite first quarter weakness in the United States, the recovery in high-income countries is gaining momentum the World Bank observed. “These economies are expected to grow by 1.9 per cent in 2014, accelerating to 2.4 per cent in 2015 and 2.5 per cent in 2016. The Euro Area is on target to grow by 1.1 per cent this year, while the United States economy, which contracted in the first quarter due to severe weather, is expected

to grow by 2.1 per cent this year (down from the previous forecast of 2.8 per cent),” the World Bank forecast. China according to the World Bank, is expected to grow by 7.6 per cent this year, but this will depend on the success of rebalancing efforts. If a hard landing occurs, the reverberations across Asia would be widely felt. The acceleration in high-income economies according to the World Bank, will be an important impetus for developing countries. High-income economies are projected to inject an additional $6.3 trillion into global demand over the next three years, which is significantly more than the $3.9 trillion increase they contributed during the past three years and more than the expected contribution from developing countries.

nation is facing at the moment must not be politicised, noting that those in authority must know they are responsible and accountable to all Nigerians no matter their class, dogma, ethnic or political dispositions. He added that they must not see governance with political bias. He declared: “Democracy cannot survive without the media; no democracy anywhere in the world can survive with a circumscribed media. Freedom of and access to information is what builds democracy and we must not allow any of our security agen-

cies or military formations befuddle our collective quest for sustained democratic governance. “The period of impunity associated with unaccountable military dictatorships should not be reawakened by those elected under democratic platforms as this will mean an open invitation to anarchy. “What Nigeria and Nigerians need now is an end to the ongoing armed attacks and we believe all agencies responsible for the protection of lives and properties in Nigeria are capable of ensuring this if well motivated, better equipped and not partisan.

“In the course of disrupting newspaper circulations, not a few have been left in deeper agony and poverty since their means of livelihood have come under armed attacks by those expected to protect them. “The war against the media should not only be stopped immediately, all those who suffer losses especially vendors and publishers must be compensated while the officers involved in the attacks must be apprehended and adequately punished as enemies of democracy. “What we all want is a total annihilation of all gangs that threaten lives

and properties in Nigeria and the media have not been proved to be part of this threat. Instead, they have helped everyone with useful information, which also encourage security consciousness among citizens. “We all want results and the military and other security agencies involved in the battle against the budding insurgency in Nigeria need to urgently prove their abilities and professional prowess through the safe rescue of the Chibok girls seized since almost two months, and also apprehend the violence that have engulfed our country.”

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita (right), presenting documents to Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, during a courtesy visit to the governor in Minna...yesterday.

N20bn libel suit: Obasanjo declines to testify, delegates ex-PDP auditor Tunde Oyesina Abuja

or mer President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday declined to testify in a libel suit brought against him before an Abuja High Court by a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West, Buruji Kashamu. Instead, the former president picked PDP’s former National Auditor, Chief Bode Mustapha, to testify on his behalf when trial opens in the case. Kashamu had sued Obasanjo for alleged defamation of character over his (Obasanjo’s) claim in a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan and

the immediate past PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, that Kashamu was a fugitive wanted in the United States. When the matter came up yesterday, Obansajo’s counsel, Gboyega Oyewole, told the court that Obasanjo had chosen not to testify in person, but would call one witness. He pointed to Mustapha, who was also seated in the court. Oyewole, who told the court that his client had filed all the necessary processes in line with the court’s earlier order, withdrew one of the applications he filed, challenging some averments contained in one of the

plaintiffs’ affidavits. He sought a date for hearing of all applications, including the main suit. Plaintiff ’s counsel, Alex Iziyon (SAN), did not object to Oyewole’s decision to withdraw his application. He also agreed that a date be fixed for hearing. He, however, informed the court that he would call two witnesses for the plaintiff. The trial judge, Justice Valentine Ashi, who commended the matured manner the lawyers on both sides handled the case, urged lawyers to learn to work harmoniously, while still protecting the interest of their

clients. He adjourned until July 28 for the commencement of hearing. Kashamu had stated, in a supporting affidavit, that the defendant maliciously and recklessly published a letter titled, “Before it is too late,” which contained “words which he knew to be false.” In his writ of summons, Kashamu stated that the criminal imputation made against him by Obasanjo in his letter, had injured him (Kashamu). He prayed the court to award in his favour, and against the ex-President, N20 billion for the damage he suffered as a result of the allegation.

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Nigeria, Pakistan target $1bn trade exchange volume Anule Emmanuel igeria and Pakistan yesterday signed bilateral agreements with a target to boost the volume of trade between the two countries from the present $100million to about $1billion in the next few years. President Goodluck Jonathan and his Pakistani counterpart, Maroon Hussain, met at the presidential villa Abuja where they held bilateral talks leading to the signing of the agreements. The Pakistani President is on a three-day official visit to Nigeria. The bilateral agreements cover agricultural

development, industrial cooperation, cultural exchanges and trade/ chambers of commerce, narcotics, anti-terrorism/ security, poverty reduction and human capacity development. Briefing the journalists after the meeting, President Jonathan noted that despite the good relations between Nigeria and Pakistan, the volume of trade has remained low at less than $100 million. "This is the first ever state visit by a Pakistani President. That is why we consider this visit extremely important and historical."

Gowon: Nobody can rename UNILAG Mojeed Alabi ormer Military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has said nobody can change the name of the University of Lagos. In what could be described as a bold support for the members of the community on the struggle to retain the institution's nomenclature following its' renaming after the late business mogul, Chief Moshood Abiola in 2012 by President Goodluck Jonathan, Gowon said yesterday during the convocation ceremony of the first batch of 2012/2013 academic session that graduating students should not soil the image of the ivory tower, insisting that the name has been known for both academic and moral excellence, and should not be tampered with. He said: "You must live up to your promise to the alumni association that you will give back to this

university when you finally find your footing in the larger society. Hope you will build up the good reputation and maintain the name of this noble institution, as I am sure nobody can change the name of this university." On his part, the ViceChancellor of the university, Prof. Rahamon Bello also advised the 3,264 graduating students that they should consider themselves fortunate to have started and completed their studies. He advised them that as they leave the university, it was their responsibility to promote its good image. "Identify with your Alma mater and contribute your widow's mite to the development of the university. In this regard, I urge you to register and play an active role in the alumni association and the advancement drive of the university," Bello said.

Obuah wins Rivers PDP battle Tunde Oyesina

ABUJA

or the second time, the FPeoples executive committee of Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, led by Chief Obuah Amaechi Felix, has been affirmed authentic by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja. The Court also upheld the committee that was in 2013 first endorsed by an Abuja High Court. Consequently, the court barred the National Secretariat of the PDP from holding or conducting any congress for the purpose of selecting or recognizing new leaders until the expiration of the 4-year tenure of the Obuah-led leadership. The court also barred

the party from accepting candidates for elections from any other group other than those produced by the current PDP leadership in the state. Giving judgment in a suit instituted by Chukwuemeka Aaron against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Obuah Amaechi Felix, Justice Evoh Chukwu granted all reliefs sought by the plaintiff. Justice Chukwu restrained the INEC or any of its officers from monitoring or supervising any congress in Rivers State and from accepting list of candidates for elections except those provided by the current party leadership in the state.

L-R: Ondo State Head of Service, Mr. Toyin Akinkuotu; Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi; Oyo State Head of Service, Alhaji Olasunkanmi Aremu and his Lagos State counterpart, Mrs. Josephine Williams, at the opening of the 6th Summit of the Heads of Service of South-West, Nigeria in Ibadan…yesterday

0.88

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants of Burkina Faso in 2010. Source: Itu.int

80,000

The total number of internet users in Botswana in 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

141,021

The total number of refugees and people in refugee-like situation in Angola at the beginning of 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

102m Nigerians without electricity, says Nebo •GE’s Distributed Power to invest $1 bn in five years POWER Darkness may hover around the nation for long, following starting revelations by Power Minister Adeola Yusuf ne hundred and two million Nigerians, representing 60 per cent of the 170 million population, are yet to be connected to the national grid, Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo has said. Nebo, who said this yesterday at the GE’s Distributed Power launch in Lagos, disclosed that 30 million households in the country are also not yet connected to the national grid. Some of the 40 per cent of the population,

who are even connected according to the minister, do not have quality electricity supplied to them at optimal level. All these, he said, have created a vacuum for investors to fill through the active participation in the on-going power sector reforms and privatisation by the President Goodluck Jonathan administration. He promised the government’s commitment to supporting all investors through partnership on how to grow the sector. In the same vein, the President/Chief Executive Officer, GE’s Distributed Power, Lorraine Bolsinger, said that his company has plans to invest over $1 billion in Nigeria over the next five years. This investment, she said, is to strengthen its local presence in manu-

facturing and product services. “This investment will make Nigeria a regional hub for manufacturing, service and innovation with an improved ability to support a broader range of product lines in power generation as well as oil and gas exploration and production,” she said. In a related development, the GE Power and Water also formally introduced its new Distributed Power business for Africa, building on the company’s corporate commitment to help address the continent’s need for more reliable, local energy supplies that can promote greater economic development and security in urban and rural areas. “In areas of Africa where traditional grid service is poor and does not exist, we are seeing

more customers seeking to install distributed power technologies that can help ensure that homes and businesses have more reliable supplies of electricity,’ Bolsinger said. GE’s Distributed Power, she said, is “commited to helping customers throughout Africa use more of their own domestic energy resources, which in turn enhances the economic security of the region for future generation." The company is currently in test with its 2.6Mega Watt 616 diesel engine, the first high speed diesel engine model for power generation that GE will introduce as part of a larger initiative to further expand the company’s footprint in distributed power applications that use reciprocating engine technology.

Alison-Madueke may emerge OPEC's first female Secretary-General Adeola Yusuf inister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke may emerge the first female Secretary General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), New Telegraph gathered yesterday. Iraq’s oil minister, Abdul Kareem Luaibi, who dropped this hint, confirmed that the proposal was intended to solve the deadlock over the post

created by opposing candidates from Saudi Arabia and Iran. Secretary General, the top job in OPEC, is presently occupied by Libyan-born Abdalla Salem El-Badri, whose tenure is about to expire in December. Luaibi added that Iraq continues to back its own candidate, and the issue remained unresolved. A source at the Presidency told New Telegraph that the minister is being

tipped to take over from El-Badri. “A high correspondence has been dispatched to Vienna Headquarters of OPEC through where the oil ministers from other OPEC members countries could be reached,” he said. “If this goes through, which we pray it does, we may have our minister as the first ever female Secretary General of OPEC,” he stressed. Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the Nigerian

National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Ohi Alegbe declined comment on the issue. He said that any comment on the issue before the emergence of the new Secretary General of OPEC is announced, would be speculative. If the Nigerian candidacy is successful, AlisonMadueke would be the oil exporter club’s first female in the post, but the nation’s second after Alhaji Rilwan Lukman, who served two terms.

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Driving without honking possible in Lagos, says Fashola Muritala Ayinla

overnor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State yesterday urged motorists to try driving without honking, saying it was possible if everyone could imbibe the culture of safe driving. The governor who boasted that for seven years as the governor of the state, he had been moving within the Lagos metropolis without blaring the siren, said many had thought it would be impossible for him to commute without all the noise despite the perennial gridlock in the state. Speaking at the grand finale of the “Be Road Friendly (BRF)” competition among pupils held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Lagos State

Secretariat, Fashola argued that the usage of horn won't make a driver reach his destination on time unless drivers embrace safe driving culture. He said he had observed for over ten days in Europe and other more developed parts of the world that their drivers hardly honk while driving. "Can you imagine that we can drive in Lagos without horns? Yes, it is possible! If you leave this country or you are in Europe and other parts of the developed countries. I count for up to a week and in fact 10 days in Europe and I was going out everyday and I did not hear the sound of a horn while driving," Fashola said.

APC chair disowns group Muritala Ayinla

he Lagos State Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief Henry Ajomale, yesterday disowned New Lagos Movement, describing the group as elements attempting to distabilise the party in the state. Ajomale who expressed shock over the protest staged by the group at the Governor's Office, Alausa on Monday, alleging imposition of some candidates on the party, said APC in Lagos state didn't give room for a splinter group. "I don’t know them. No, they are not members of the party. And if they said that they are New Lagos Movement, they are on their own. Please ask them if they are registered members of the party. According

to the party constitution, we don’t allow any group within the party. If anyone has any grievances against the party, our secretariat is open daily. They can make their complaint known. No party member will go to the public and protest against what the party is yet to decide. "I am surprised that some people are protesting over who should be the gubernatorial candidate of the party. We have not made any arrangement in Lagos. Like any other state, we have to adhere to the guidelines issued by the party’s national secretariat. I am not aware that there are directives from the national secretariat of the party on how the gubernatorial candidate of the party should emerge in the state."

SSANU threatens strike over suspended FUNAAB Kunle Olayeni ABEOKUTA

he Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Western Zone, yesterday gave a seven-day ultimatum for the reversal of the suspension of its officers at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). The SSANU chairman in FUNAAB, Salam Sobbor, and the union's secretary, Rotimi Fasunwon, were recently suspended by the management of the university for alleged insubordination. It was learnt that the duo were suspended by FUNNAB authorities for allegedly writing the institution's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olusola Oyewole, and the Direc-

tor of State Security Service (SSS) on administrative issues. SSANU members had on Monday, under the chairmanship of National Vice-President of the union, Alfred John, held a congress in which only eight members out of 137 members in attendance kicked against the action of the union leaders. Officials of the union from the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso were all in attendance at the meeting that lasted several hours. They berated the action of the university management and supported the action of Sobbor and Fasunwon following the three motions moved.

Jet charter:Alison-Madueke,NNPC file fresh suit against probe BATTLE

Cat and mouse game between Petroleum Minister and National Assembly continues Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

inister of Petroleum Resources, Deziani Alison-Madueke and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday slammed a fresh suit on the Senate and the House of Representatives seeking an order of the court to stop the planned probe of N10 billion on chartering of aircraft. The fresh suit was in furtherance of the Originating Summons filed two weeks ago.

The House of Representatives had fixed June 17 for the probe. In a similar suit before Justice A.R Mohammed of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, the court had refused to grant an order of interim injunction raised by counsel to NNPC in the suit. However, Alison-Madueke and the NNPC through their counsel filed a fresh suit at the registry of the Federal High Court seeking an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the Respondents whether by themselves, their committees, staff, servants, privies, or any proxies, howsoever called, from summoning the Applicants, or any agencies under the Applicant’s supervision or control, to appear before them for the purpose of giving evidence and/or producing any pa-

700,000

The number of internet users in Moldova in 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

pers, books, records or other documents which relate to the unpublished official records of the Applicants pending the hearing and final determination of the substantive suit filed by the Applicants. The Applicants had brought the suit via a motion on notice pursuant to Order 26, Rules 1, 2(1), Order 28 Rule 1(1), 2(1) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2009 and Section 6(6) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as altered. The Applicants also pray for an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the Respondents whether by themselves, committees, staff, servants, privies, or any proxies, howsoever called, from further conducting direct personal or physical probe, inquiry and/or investi-

8.51

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants of Bolivia in 2010. Source: Itu.int

gation into any alleged fraud, corruption, or other criminal activities said to have occurred in the Applicants’ establishment or agencies under the Applicant’s supervision or control, pending the hearing and final determination of the substantive suit. They seek an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the Respondents whether by themselves, their committees, staff, servants, privies, or any proxies, howsoever called, from further sending out invitations to the Applicants for the purpose of appearing before them to answer to allegations of fraud, corruption, or other criminal activities in the agencies under the Applicants’ supervision or control, pending the hearing and final determination of the substantive suit filed by the Applicants.

GBP2.5bn

The total revenue of Premier League clubs of 2012-13 season. Source: Goal.com

L-R: Chairman Innoson Motors, Chief Innocent Chukwuma; National Chairman, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh and Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye of Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), during the commissioning of some building at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) in Agbani

Oko youths rally support for Onu T he youth wing of Oko People’s Union (OPU) yesterday faulted those calling for the removal of the rector of Oko Polytechnic, Prof. Godwin Onu. A section of the area’s leadership has been against the rector calling for his removal. Crisis erupted in the town April when some masqueraders who allegedly defied a ban on masquerade display in the town clashed with soldiers drafted to enforce the ban, resulting in the near-fatal shooting of a masquerader and a reprisal during which a part of the palace of the monarch

of the town, Igwe (Prof.) Laz Ekwueme, was torched and other property damaged. The OPU youth wing, led by Tochukwu Ezeokafor, in defence of the rector, addressed newsmen yesterday in Awka and wondered why the former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, who hails from the town and other notable indigenes of Oko had kept quiet over the crisis. In rejecting the call for the removal of Prof. Onu, the youths said, “We call on the traditional ruler, the OPU national president, Mr. Cyprian

Nwamuo and their supporters to give peace a chance and desist from actions that may stunt the rapid growth or development of the only federal presence in the locality which is the Federal Polytechnic, Oko. “We also call on them to desist from continuous media wars which have negatively portrayed the community as being unfriendly and hostile as this impression will adversely affect the future of younger generation.” They maintained that the rector of the institution had many landmark achievements to his

credit in the polytechnic and wondered why the alleged detractors “have fabricated … unfounded allegations” against him. Contrary to the view of the camp of the monarch, the youth wing of OPU alleged that “the real problem in Oko Community has nothing to do with the polytechnic or the rector” but local politics of calumny perpetrated by those on the side of the monarch. They blamed the president of OPU for sparking the crisis by announcing the disbandment of the youth wing of the union while the monarch was witch-hunting the rector.

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Security agents trains aid groups in jos Buhari Bell, JOS

ecurity agents yesterday in Jos trained aid groups and vigilantes members on best security practice and safety measure in arresting the dangers of insecurity. The training, according to the organizers, was meant to build the capacity of the participants on the current security predicament in Jos and Nigeria at large train the participants on Identification of improvised Explosive

Device (IEDs) and Handling of Suspicious Persons and Objects by the State Police Command, Personal Security Challenges by the Directorate of State Security Services (DSSS), Role of aid group/ vigilante in maintaining Law and Order by the Special Task Force (STF), Importance and Best Ways of Crowd Control during Emergency and Role of Aid Group/Vigilante in Emergency Situation by National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Ndoma-Egba faults call for part-time legislature

he Senate Leader, Senator Tresenting Victor Ndoma-Egba, repCross River Sen-

atorial District has faulted the call for the operation of a part-time legislative system in the country. Last week, delegates at the ongoing National Conference had adopted a recommendation by its Committee on Public Service that lawmakers both at national and state levels should be made to do their work on part-time basis to reduce cost of governance. But Ndoma-Egba in an interview described the

proposal as a cheap propaganda, while noting that the delegates were not fair in their assessment. He wondered why their focus should be on just the legislature in proposing for a cut-down in the cost of running government. His words: “As far as I’m concerned, it is a strange recommendation because I do not see how you want to have that in a presidential system of government. I’m not aware of any country with presidential system practicing part-time legislature.

Confab reverses rule on committee report debates Louis Achi and Onwuka Nzeshi, ABUJA arely 24 hours after it announced a new procedure barring debates on the reports of its committees, the National Conference was yesterday forced to reverse itself following a protest by some delegates who felt aggrieved by the newly introduced procedure. The implication is that the conference may have to seek an extension of its tenure if it must complete the outstanding issues on its work plan.

The protest which stalled proceedings of the conference for over three hours saw delegates sharply divided along regional lines. While the Chairman of the conference, Justice Idris Kutigi, who introduced the new procedure on Monday enjoyed the support of the northern delegates , their counterparts from the South kicked against the new rule, arguing that it ran contrary to Order 9 Rule 2 of the Conference Rule of Procedures.

Police Commission promotes retired CP, dismisses two SPs, DCP Emmanuel Onani

he Police Service Commission (PSC), has promoted the immediate-past Commissioner of Police (CP) of Plateau State, Mr. Chris Olakpe, and Grace Chita Okudo, to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police. While Olakpe's promotion took effect from June 4, Okudo's is from June 9. The disclosure was contained in a statement

signed by the Commission's Assistant Director of Press and Public Relations, Ferdinand Ekpe, yesterday. Also promoted to the rank of Commissioner of Police, are seven Deputy Commissioners of Police, namely:Victor N. Ojo, Elias Okafor Wayemeru, Paul E. Okafor and Henry Adebayo Fadairo. Others are Stella P. Udosen, Felicia O. Noelle, Ovie Votenisky as well as Oyokomino.

Ogun declares June 12 public holiday

State government Oday,gun has declared ThursJune 12, 2014 as a

work free day. The annual holiday is in honour of the late illustrious son of the state, Chief Moshood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola, widely believed to have won the

annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election and also in commemoration of Democracy Day. Government enjoins residents to spend the holiday in sober reflection and continue to pray for the state and Nigeria as a whole.

L-R: Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola with winners of "Be Road Friendly" competition, during the finals in Lagos…yesterday

FG, American firm partner to construct 229 fire stations

Jang frowns on contractors over slow pace of work

Johnchuks Onuanyim

Musa Pam, JOS

ABUJA

inister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, yesterday said in Abuja that negotiations have been concluded with an American firm to establish 229 new fire stations across the country, to help reduce loss of lives and property through uncontrolled fire outbreaks. The Minister, who spoke while receiving the 2014 National Fire Safety Award from the Fire Disaster Prevention and Safety Awareness Associ-

ation on behalf of President Goodluck Jonathan, assured that the reforms in the fire sector aimed at transforming the fire service into a modern outfit would be successfully carried through before long. According to him the reforms have turned around the Federal Fire Service by making it more responsive and efficient in fighting fire disasters, pointing out that the nation has now acquired the technology that emits alarms as soon as it detects smoke from buildings.

overnor Jonah Jang of Plateau State has expressed dissatisfaction with few contractors handling various roads project in the state, particularly the contractor executing the 26km Amor/ Katako road in Bassa Local Government, saying the contract has been dormant for a long period. The governor said his administration will not allow any contractor mar his dream of completing projects initiated by him before handing over pow-

er in 2015. Jang stated this when he embark on tour of road projects in the northern senatorial district, warning the contractors to be serious or have the contracts revoked. He said: “I am not happy over what you are doing, this work has been dormant for a long period, I thought this road was almost done that it will link me to the other areas and yet nothing has been done, I have paid you all your money and you are now delaying or have you not been paid,? he asked.

Ekhomu hails arrest of Nyanya Aliyu assures NIMC of solar energy bombers Dan Atori, MINNA success of the registraTemitope Sobowale

resident of Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria (AISON), Dr. Ona Ekhomu, has praised the State Security Service (SSS) for detecting and apprehending the perpetrators of the April 14, bomb blast at the Nyanya Bus Terminus in Abuja. He said by promptly solving the tragic bombing, which resulted in the

loss of 75 lives, the SSS renewed and bolstered the confidence of Nigerians in the detective capabilities of the law enforcement agents. “When security agencies are able to resolve complex cases such as the criminal bombing of the Nyanyan park, members of the public would believe that the information they give will be used in producing positive results,” Ekhomu said.

2015: Benue APC inaugurates working committee Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

enue State Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was yesterday inaugurated in Makurdi, the state capital. Performing the inauguration at the state secretariat of the party in Makurdi, APC Chairman, Comrade Abbah Yaro, charged members to work in unity in order to excel at the polls. Yaro, who advised members to strive to woo more people into

the party, so as to win the forthcoming elections, said the party would not shake despite the defection of some aggrieved members to other political parties. Addressing journalists shortly after the inauguration, the Publicity Secretary of the party Mr. Ayem Atsem, reiterated their resolve to work as a team for the progress and development of the party. “We have resolved to work as a team in order to create an impact in the forthcoming general elections.”

overnor of Niger State Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu, yesterday assured the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) that the government will provide solar energy that will enhance their exercise in the state. Aliyu said this after he became the first governor to be registered and enrolled into the national identity card system at the Government House, Minna; that he has set up a six-man committee to ensure the

tion exercise in the 25 local government areas of state. According to him; “The government will provide solar energy to provide power for the NIMC gadgets because there may not be light at every area you go to. “I have set up a sixman committee, which comprises of the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, Commissioners for Information, Local Government Affairs, Gender Affairs and Youths Development.”

Court okays suit to compel EFCC probe of N76bn CCTV project Tunde Oyesina, ABUJA

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday granted an ex-parte application seeking leave for an order of mandamus to compel the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the controversial $475 million (N76 billion) CCTV project, awarded to ZTE Corporation by the Federal Government. Justice Adeniyi Ad-

emola granted leave to commence the suit after listening to the applicant, Olugbenga Adeyemi, who sued as a concerned Nigerian. Respondents in the suit are EFCC, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Nigeria Police Force, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria Communication Commission, ZTE Corporation and Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited.

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Duke pledges to woo foreign investors l FTAN urges private sector to take the lead role

TOURISM

Minister expresses determination to attract internationals Andrew Iro Okungbowa ABUJA

S the organised private sector gathers to examine development in Nigeria’s tourism industry, the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Edem Duke, has pledged the commitment of the ministry to attracting foreign investors and international collaboration for the industry, even

as the President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr. Tomi Akinbogun, challenged the private sector to take a leading role in developing the industry. Represented by the Director of Domestic Tourism in the ministry, Dr. Paul Adaliku, at the opening section of the two days Nigeria Tourism Investors' Forum and Exhibitions (NTIFE 2014) in Abuja yesterday, the minister expressed delight over the investors' forum and highlighted some of the high-level networking and partnership by his ministry to attract investors for the industry.

Akinbogun decried what he called the typical Nigerian attitude of waiting for the government to do everything for them. ‘‘The Nigerian public will wait for government to solve their problems,’’ he said, insisting that that it was for this reason that FTAN, last year, decided to take the bull by the horns to encourage the public sector to work with the private sector in developing tourism. According to him, the idea behind the tourism investment forum is to expose Nigerian tourism to Nigerians and others and to make it clear why they should invest in the sector.

I did not ask aviation agencies to fund my campaign, says Ortom Wole Shadare

upervising Minister of Aviation, Dr. Sam Ortom, has denied reports in the media (not New Telegraph) that he compelled the various agencies in the sector to make monthly payments to him for the funding of his governorship campaigns in Benue State. The minister, in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists, said he did nothing of such despite syndicated reports in newspapers, magazines and the social and electronic media.

According to him, “The fact that the reports lack any semblance of a genuine investigative work but are being pushed into the media indicates that unseen sinister hands are at work. I state categorically that no parastatal or agency under the aviation ministry or any official under any of them has been tasked or is being tasked to remit any money and has ever made monthly or any payments to me to fund my campaign.” He challenged anyone with proof of such to step forward and publish for the general public. Ortom dismissed another aspect

of the reports that the chair of the House committee "questioned the secrecy surrounding what it termed the huge debt incurred by the Ministry of Aviation." He explained: “It was the report that I submitted to the Senate and House committees during their oversight function to the ministry that brought out a profile of the total commitments of the Aviation Ministry over time. The commitments of over N174 billion was not any "discovery" other than the submission made by the ministry to the committees.

Ekiti: Jonathan meets Fayose, Omisore Anule Emmanuel

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday met behind closeddoors with the governorship candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti and Osun states, Ayodele Fayose and Iyiola Omisore at the presidential Villa. New Telegraph gathered that the meeting centred on the preparations of the PDP candidates for the forthcoming governorship elections in their respective states. Although the two can-

didates arrived separately at the villa, they left at the same time having spent about an hour. Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting, Fayose confirmed that the Sunday bloody incident in Ado Ekiti came up for discussion. He explained that trouble started when some supporters of the All Progressives Congress APC, accosted some of his supporters who were returning from his campaign office and killed one of them. According to him, the initial plan of the APC

supporters was to remove his branded T-shirt on the deceased and replace it with APC uniform to give an impression that they were attacked. He said, "What happened on Sunday was that APC supporters went about sweeping the feet of the President who on Saturday led PDP bigwigs to a mega rally in Ado-Ekiti. I don't even have any objection to that because that is part of politics. "There are some of my supporters who always sleep over in my campaign office."

Jang NGF faction praises self Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

he Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) under the leadership of Plateau State governor, Jonah Jang yesterday, thumped itself up for what it called purposeful leadership of the Forum in the past one year. The faction, which also has Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State as deputy, came into being on May 26, 2013 when it broke

out from another faction led by Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi. In a statement by the Sole Administrator of the Forum, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, the Forum said in the past one year, it has adhered to the vision and the objectives behind its formation especially in the areas of peer review of its members and collaborative interaction with other tiers of government. Onaiwu noted that the

forum was able to forge successful working relation with the Federal Government at ensuring that the citizens of the country benefit from government policies at all levels. He encouraged the governors to continue to maintain the peaceful coexistence and mutual respect they have achieved in the last one year, which can stand as a model for other groups working for a better and peaceful Nigeria.

NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/metro

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

Wednesday, JUNE 11, 2014

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

0802 393 8212

Police stop LASU students’ march on Fashola’s office }Three injured, hospitalised CLASH

Police fire tear gas at protesting students of Lagos State University over hike in tuition fee Muritala Ayinla

olice attached to the office of Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday wielded the big sticks on the protesting students of the Lagos State University (LASU). The police, who chased the protesters, fired canisters of tear gas at them. At least three students were injured. It was gathered that the students attempted to break the blockade mounted on the roads leading to the Governor’s Office when the police led by the Rapid Respond Squad Commander, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, began to fire canisters of tear gas to disperse them. Odumosu, it was learnt, was queried for allowing the students to stage a protest at gate of the Governor’s Office last Thursday. The students had stormed the Governor’s Office last week with cooking pots, stoves, mattresses, among others, to protest the increase in their tuition fee. Deliberation on the report of the committee set up by Fashola to look into the crisis was still on-going when the students stormed the office in their buses,

chanting war songs yesterday. Members of the University Governing Council were also around to hold a meeting with the state governor, who is also the visitor of the university during the clash with the police. The policemen shot sporadically into the air and fired tear gas canisters right in front of the Governor’s Office. The shooting forced the students, who were not violent in their protest, to scamper in different directions. Those who sustained injuries were rushed to the hospital. The police chased the protesters up to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The students fled to the other side of the expressway and pitched their tent at the Magodo Gate. The police also arrested some students, the driver of one of the BRT buses were arrested by the police and impounded the bus. The road leading to the Governor’s Office from the Lagos State House of Assembly was barricaded by police vans. Speaking with our correspondent, the Students’ Union President, Nurudeen Yusuf, said the students staged the protest owing to the alleged plan by the government to reduce the fee by 30 to 40 per cent. According to him, what the students want as tuition fee is N46,500 or less. He said: “We heard that members of the Governing Council are in the Governor’s Office and only the Governing Council can make pronouncement on the

The impounded BRT bus

fee. We heard there will be 30 or 40 per cent reduction. We are opposed to that because the governor said we should come with what we can afford and that was why we made N46,500 proposal. “When we arrived at Alausa, we saw a barricade mounted by the police. We broke the barricade, entered the Governor’s Office and were singing peacefully. But policemen came to disperse us. “They shot at us and into the air. They shot tear gas and live bullets in front of the Governor’s Office; in front of the person that is collecting security votes for the protection of the people. If his office is not secure to do what we are entitled to do by the provision of the

constitution, where else can we do the protest?” Yusuf said the students would not relent until their demands were met. He said: “We are militants but reasonable. We are ready to do all it takes to get what we want. We are only asking for education.” Commenting on the report of the committee, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Aderemi Ibirogba, said the State Executive Council was yet to conclude on the fees. Ibirogba said he could not disclose whether there had been reduction in the fees or not, but that details would be released to the public later.

Policeman shoots driver over N200 bribe Two brothers held for Taiwo Jimoh

policeman guarding an MRS filling station on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway yesterday shot a commercial bus driver, identified as Nurudeen Azeez, in the leg for refusing to part with N200 bribe. Trouble started when the policeman demanded a bribe from the driver for not parking in a proper place. The driver allegedly refused which led to an altercation between him and the policeman. In anger, according to witnesses, the policeman fired a shot to scare the driver but he was hit in the process. Although the incident occurred in Lagos, the policeman is attached to Ojodu Abiodun Police Division in Ogun State. When contacted, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, said the attention of the command had been drawn to the incident. He said: “I was briefed that the incident happened about 10am. I was told that a policeman attached to MRS filling station saw the driver and his bus parked wrongly at the station, he walked to him and

Okoye

asked him to take the vehicle away. “The refusal of the driver to take the bus away annoyed the policeman who in turn shot on the floor to scare the driver. The bullet bounced back and hit the driver in his leg.” Adejobi added that immediately after the incident, the driver was rushed to the Accident and Emergency Centre near the toll gate around Motor Ways, Lagos. But a witness told our correspondent that the driver was shot at close range. He said: “The policeman

had requested for N200 from the driver who parked in the station to fix his vehicle. “His refusal to offer the bribe annoyed the policeman who shot the driver at close range. “Later other policemen came and took the driver to the Accident and Emergency Centre where the bullet was extracted from the victim’s leg.” The witness added that the victim was referred to Gbagada General Hospital. “After the driver had been shot, a police van with an inscription, ‘Nigerian Police Force Ojodu Abiodun Police Division, Ogun State,’ marked ‘142’ took the victim away from the scene of the incident. They also took the policeman who shot the driver to their station,” the witness added. The PPRO quoted the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ikemefuna Okoye, as saying that the matter would not be swept under the carpet as it would be properly investigated. “The matter would be properly checked and the command will not condone illegality from any policeman serving in the state,” Okoye added.

manufacturing guns Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

olice in Osun State yesterday arrested two brothers, PMusbau Raji and Kamal Raji,

suspected to be manufacturers of illegal arms in Osogbo. The Acting Zonal Police Public Relations Officer of the X1 police command headquarters, ASP Sola Babalola, disclosed this in a statement in Osogbo. Babalola said the anti-robbery led by ASP Bolaji Alao Mutiu made the arrest. According to him, the suspects were arrested in their workshop at Ita Olokan area on Ilesa-Osogbo Road where they manufacture guns. He said: “Recovered from

NGO tasks govt on social welfare Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

OrAtheNon-Governmental ganisation (NGO), Heal World Foundation, has decried the absence of social security and welfare of the less privileged in the country.

the premises were nine newly manufactured single-barrelled guns, one locally-made singlebarrelled gun, six damaged single-barrelled guns, 10 live cartridges and 82 expended cartridges. “Both suspects mentioned are blacksmiths, trained by their late father who was in the business for over 15 years. “They also confessed that they have been selling the guns to local hunters within and outside the state.” Babalola said the suspects would soon be charged to court. The police also arrested one Adeyemi Wasiu found in possession of a locally-made gun at Abiola Oloke Estate, Osogbo. The Executive Director of the organisation, Dr Freeman Osonuga, said this while donating household and school items to the Daniel Akintonde School for Special Children in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. Some of the items included mosquito nets, beddings and drugs for the clinic as well as other items for skill acquisition.

METRO

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Camillus Nnaji and Elijah Samuel

ire gutted three companies, Karina International Limited, Contact International Limited and Star Paints Nigeria Limited, in Lagos yesterday. Karina and Contact are said to be owned by Indians while Star Paints is a Chinese firm. The companies located close to Isolo Junction, Mandillas bus stop on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway were said to have lost equipment, raw materials, electronics, paper, plastics and cashew worth billions of naira to the inferno. Karina International Limited deals on electronics and paper, Contact International Limited deals on cashew while Star Paints Nigeria Limited, where the fire was alleged to have erupted, deals on chemicals, tiles, plastic. A security guard attached to Rainbaxy, a pharmaceutical company close the companies, who gave his name as Samuel Olawale, told our correspondent that the fire started about 8am. He said: “I just came to work about 8am, but about 15 minutes later, we heard a loud sound like an explosion. Immediately after this, smoke and fire started coming out from one of the

Sympathisers at the scene

Fire Fighters battling the inferno

Fire razes firms, destroys goods worth billions of naira warehouses where chemicals, tiles, plastics and other raw materials were stored.” Olawale added that the fire was probably triggered off by an electrical connection from the junction box in the warehouse. The Head of the Lagos State Fire Ser-

vice, Isolo Division, Mr Taiwo Olasanya, explained that if not for his men’s quick response, more warehouses and properties would have been lost. He said: “Immediately I got the call, I activated our fire service and response team

Shock as ACP dies in his sleep Juliana Francis

he Nigeria Police Force has been thrown into mourning, following the sudden death of an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Mr Kayode Adewoye, who was found dead in his bed yesterday. Adewoye resided at the Police Officers’ quarters, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos State. Residents claimed that the man was discovered by family members after he did not come out of his room at the usual time. Someone had gone to Adewoye’s room to check on him and discovered that his body was cold. Nobody knew what led to his death, but sources

The late Adewoye

said he had been battling with diabetics. It was gathered that the night before his death, Adewoye had taken his kids out for a treat, returned and went straight to bed. The late ACP was the commandant in charge of the Police Training

School, Iperu, Ogun State. He joined the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet in 1990 The late Adewoye belonged to police cadet ASP course 290 and was about 53-year-old. He had worked at Ilasa, Bariga, Badagry police stations as the Divisional Police Officer, among other places. The deceased studied Theatre Arts at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State. He was the chairman of University of Ilorin ‘Kegite’ Club for the 1985/86 session. He left three children. The oldest daughter had just been admitted at a university in China, while the second just sat for the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination.

Man appears in court for stealing handsets worthN10m Bisola Tiamiyu

to move into action. By then, six warehouses were already on fire but we succeeded in putting off fire in three while the others were razed down.” Olasanya added that because of the magnitude of the inferno, he had to order for combine team of fire fighters from Ikotu, Ikeja, Ilupeju and Apapa. On the cause of the fire, Olasanya said they suspected it was an electrical spark from a split air conditioner. Officials the Lagos State Emergency Authority (LASEMA), who did not want their names to be mentioned, said they were yet to determine the actual cause of the fire. One of them said the fire started from a company loaded with chemicals and paints then spread to two other companies. “We are still on it, when we fully do assessment, we shall let the public know,” he said. An Indian, who works with Karina International Limited, said the company lost products worth billions of naira.

Protesters storm church over non-allocation of land Nnamdi Amadi Abuja

ngry people yesterday stormed the Dunamis AChurch, Mararaba, on

the outskirts of Abuja, protesting their inability to get the land allocations promised them after they had paid for the land almost three years ago. The p ro t e s t e r s stormed the church as early as 7am chanting various songs. But those in charge of the land denied the involvement of the church. However, each of the protesters claimed to have paid N260,000 for a plot of land measuring 100 by 100 feet and the cost of surveying. At the scene, which became chaotic at a time, the protesters came with their payment receipts as they demanded explanation regarding

what they perceived as a ‘shady deal’. One of the protesters, Mrs Chinemere Michael, said: “In 2011, my landlady informed me that they were selling land in their church and that I should come and buy. So, she gave me the address and with my husband’s help, we paid for it. “So, since then, whenever I called them, they will say they are working on it, that they will show us the land soon. Sometime last week, they postponed the scheduled day. “They sent messages that they were unable to show us the land because of some church programmes they had. So, yesterday they sent a text message saying that they will show us the land today (yesterday). So, this morning around 9am, we left for the site. “When we got to

Capital Hotel (Ado, Nassarawa State), I called the numbers they sent to us in the SMS. Two were switched off, while one was answered by somebody who said he travelled, while the last number was picked by somebody who said ‘they were there’ and directed us further. “On our way, we met some people coming back, who said the place is a bush, with nobody there or a sign that they are going to allocate anything to people, that the place is a forest.” Another person, who came from and gave his name as Mr Victor Ike, said, “they went there, the person that took them there carried them into the bush from one place to the other and at the end, didn’t show them anything”.

Ekiti FMC gets theatres, 120-bed wards

28-year-old man, Francis Ejiogu, yesterday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos for stealing mobile phones. According to the charge sheet no: MIK/L/115/2014, Ejiogu was accused of stealing mobile phones worth N10 million. He, however, pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him. The charge reads: “That you Francis Ejiogu ‘m’ sometimes in the month of May 2014 at No 8, Otigba

Photos: Tony Eguaye

Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

hree new theatre suites Tbeen and 120-bed wards have built at the Federal Street, Computer Village, Ikeja, in the Ikeja magisterial district, did steal handsets valued at N10,000,000, property of one Christian Umunna ‘m’ and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 285(7) of the Criminal Laws No 11 Vol. 44, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.”

The magistrate handling the case, Mrs Oshodi Makanju, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N500,000 with sureties who must present evidence of gainful employment and verifiable addresses and are taxable. She adjourned the case till July 17.

Medical Centre (FMC), Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State. Also, a 55-room office complex for consultants and other workers is nearing completion. The FMC Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr Ayodele Majekodunmi, who disclosed this in IdoEkiti yesterday, said the steps were in continuation of efforts to position the

hospital among the best in the country and beyond. Majekodunmi said the country was blessed with the needed experts in various fields of medicine, but lack of equipment and gadgets was a hindrance. He said: “We have the experts, but regardless of their level of knowledge, if there is no equipment or gadgets to work with, there is nothing they can do. “The billions of naira spent annually on medical tourism by Nigerians could be saved if our facilities and equipment are

up-to-date, since we have experts in various fields who can compete with their peers from any part of the world.” The MD added that it was in line with the above that his management team embarked on training of staff and the provision of facilities to promote better service delivery. On the dwindling allocations to government agencies, Majekodunmi noted that it had led to his team looking inwards to generate more funds.

12 NEWS

BREAKDOWN Commissioner briefs the press on 2014 Budget breakdown Leo Sobechi

nugu State government yesterday said it has recorded impressive increase in its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) profile, regretting that the fluctuations in the federation accounts allocation to the state was slowing down its capital projects. These facts were brought to light yesterday when the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mr. Godson Nnadi, led other members of the

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Budget: Enugu reports increasing IGR, rues fluctuating federal allocation economic management and budget implementation committee to brief journalists on the breakdown of the “2014 Budget of Actualisation,” which stands at N93, 287, 000,000.00. Nnadi said 16 per cent of the recurrent revenue in the budget put at N57, 490, 114.00; would be funded through the IGR, pointing out that the figure was less than last year’s appropriation of N63, 723, 242, 000.00 by 9.8 per cent or N6, 233, 128, 000.00.

“This can be explained by the dwindling resources from the federation account,” he added; saying that the recurrent expenditure of N39, 342, 163.00, is equally lower than the 2013 provision by N6, 591, 615, 068.00, since according to him, the government decided to reduce the recurrent expenditure, releasing money for capital development. On the IGR profile, Nnadi said the accruals rose from N600 million to N14 billion in a year, add-

ing that the successful increase in IGR generation is an area the government hopes to leave an enviable record. Chairman of the Board of Internal Revenue, Mr. Felix Chime, said though the government was taxing the citizens harshly as obtains in Edo and Lagos States, citizens have been willingly coming forward to pay their taxes ostensibly to reciprocate government’s excellence infrastructure development record.

Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji (middle), flanked by his deputy, Sir Emeka Ananaba (right); President, Ohaneze Disability Forum, Ihekwuaba Paul (left) and other members of the forum, at a courtesy visit in to the governor in Umuahia

64,500

The estimated number of new individual’s asylum claims by Germany. Source: Unhcr.org.uk

30.1

The number of mobile-cellular subscriptions per 100 inhabitants of developing countries in 2006. Source: Itu.int

Stop playing God, Agukwe cautions Uzodinma Steve Uzoechi

OWERRI

he senator representing Ttrict, Imo West senatorial disChief Hope Uzodin-

ma, has been advised to desist from arrogating inordinate powers to himself to avoid unpleasant consequences. Chairman of Imo Stakeholders’ Forum, and former Commissioner for Information, Chief Elvis Agukwe, said this yesterday while reacting to a statement credited to the senator that he will decide who succeeds him in the Senate. Uzodimma was also quoted to have rejected the Imo Charter of Equity, which has zoned the governorship of the state to Owerri zone, declaring that Imo West politicians,

including himself, were free to contest the 2015 governorship election. But Agukwe said in Owerri while addressing newsmen that it was impudent of Uzodinma to arrogate to himself the power to determine his own successor in an electoral system, where voters should have the sole right of determining their leaders. According to him, the senator can “delude himself into contesting the Imo governorship and fail as usual, but he must be reminded that only God can give and take power.” Agukwe regretted that it was the height of arrogance for the senator to engage in such overreaching boast, when his predecessors in office could not wield such powers.

72m

The number of people living with diabetes in South East Asia in 2013. Source: Idp.com

“Series of sectarian violence since 2012 had resulted in the death of no fewer than 534 persons in a number of communities. “The prevailing insecurity situation in Nasarawa State was made worse owing to the failure of government at the state and local government levels, to provide timely intervention towards restoring peace to the affected communities.” The group said the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry of the murder of 74 policemen by members of Ombatse, an Eggon cult group widely fingered in the Alakyo violence in the outskirts of the state capital, Lafia on May 7, 2013, also confirms the killings of over 500 persons in violent clashes within 10 months between December, 2012 and September, 2013.

ing appropriate taxes in view of the human face shown by the government to shun drastic enforcement procedures.

Jonathan descending towards autocracy, says APC Joe Ezuma

Port Harcourt

ivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has berated President Goodluck Jonathan and the administration for cracking down on a section of the Nigerian media and for the grounding of the Rivers State government Bombardier BD 700 Global Express jet. In a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, the APC described the administration's act as “brazen abridgement of the rights of Nigerian citizens,” accusing the president of fast descending towards fascist rule. In a statement issued by the Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, the party called for a check on the exertions of the administration, saying; “We have observed with sheer horror the determination of President Goodluck Jonathan, to trample on the fundamental rights of Nigerians as it suits

his whims and caprices. “We strongly condemn this tendency which, if not checked, is capable of truncating the country’s nascent democracy.” It noted that since June 6, 2014, soldiers and other security personnel have waged a senseless war against the supposedly critical media, laying ambush for vendors and distribution vans, impounding vans and newspaper copies and beating up vendors and drivers of newspaper houses. “Instructively, this unparalleled censorship gamble, the type of which was not witnessed even during the infamous Abacha days, started less than 24 hours after President Jonathan, through Information Minister, Labaran Maku, publicly complained that the newspapers were giving Boko Haram undue publicity. “We, therefore, do not need to look far to know the source of the directive to muzzle the Nigerian media,” the party said.

Akinwusi challenges Aregbesola to live debate Adeolu Adeyemo

CSNAC bemoans rising communal strife in Nasarawa ivil Society Coalition Against Corruption (CSNAC) has expressed concern over the increasing rate of intra and inter-communal strife and orgies of violence leading to mass destruction in Nasarawa State. The group said it was disturbed that Nasarawa State, hitherto a peaceful state, has been turned to a state, where people now live in fear. CSNAC, in a release signed by its Coordinator, Olanrewaju Suraju, noted that the crisis and the impunity with which it was perpetrated, has rendered government machineries and political actors, helpless. “Since 2012, threats of violent communal clashes have assumed a worrisome dimension, making residents and visitors to live in perpetual fear, apprehension and uncertainty.

He added that tax has increased from N30 million to N1.4 billion, regretting however, that the people were not pay-

OSOGBO

ormer Osun State Head of Fernorship Service (HOS) and the govcandidateof theSo-

cial Democratic Party (SDP), Mr. Olusegun Akinwusi, has challenged the incumbent governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, to a live debate on issues pertaining to perceived high debt profiles of the state. He said the state’s debt profile is above N350 billion. Akinwusi, in a letter written by his lawyer, Adebiyi Gbenle, to the management of Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC), a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Osogbo, also frowned at the persistent falsehood and blackmail emanating from the government against his person being aired consistently by the state media outfits. But, in a swift reaction, Governor Aregbesola said: “Theallegationisablatantlie, which must not be believed by right thinking persons, be-

cause aside from the fact that nobankcouldoffersuchloan, the present economic status of the state cannot service such huge loan.” Akinwumi, however, described his claim as untrue affirming that, if Aregbesola is denying it, then he should meet him at a live programme and come and deny it that the government has not borrowed to the tune of N350 billion. The SDP candidate said as a citizen, he has the freedom to ask the governor how he spent “our resources,” because he is only a custodian of the state’s wealth for a period of four years. Meanwhile, Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday announced his Deputy, Mrs. Grace Titilayo LaoyeTomori, as his running mate in the August 9, governorship election. His announcement put paid to speculations that Mrs. Laoye-Tomori would be dropped by the governor in the race to the Government House for a new term of four years.

PDP UNSETTLES APC’S HOLD ON OPPOSITION LEADERSHIP/ PAGE 17 | BAMIDELE’S PACT WITH EKITI PEOPLE / PAGE 16

POLITICS

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/politics

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, POLITICS

ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

ayodeleojo@yahoo.com

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

Sanusi... the new Emir of Kano

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi may have achieved his life-long ambition of ascending to the throne of his forefathers with his emergence as the 14th Emir of Kano. FELIX NWANERI, however, reports that the intrigues that played out in the process of his selection will not end with his crowning, as they are expected to shape the politics of the state, especially the outcome of the 2015 presidential election in the ancient city

here is no doubt that this is the best of times for the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who at the weekend emerged the new emir of Kano and successor to the late Alhaji Ado Bayero, who passed on last Friday. For Sanusi, a consummate banker and grandson of the 11th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, who was deposed by the Governor of the Northern Region, Sir Kashim Ibrahim, in 1963, it is a dream come true, as he has never pretended about his ambition of ascending to the throne of his forefathers. Sanusi’s appointment to the revered throne is on the heels of his ouster from the nation’s apex bank and the legal battle against his suspension and mounted challenge against the confiscation of his passport by the Federal Government. The Kano State government, through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Suleiman

SENATE STRENGTHENS DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS THROUGH CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT

p-40, 41

Sanusi: Royal ascension and politics of 2015 Bichi, in announcing his emergence on Sunday, said “Allah has conferred on Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the former governor of the Central Bank, the successor to the late emir.” The four kingmakers of Kano Emirate had considered a number of names and put four of them forward to the state government for approval. They are Sanusi; the late emir’s eldest son, Sanusi Lamido Ciroma; Wamaban Kano, Abbas Sanusi and Galadiman Kano, Tijani Hashim. However, the choice of the immediate past CBN governor, who was installed the Dan Majen Kano last year, did not go down well with some youths who immediately after the state government’s announcement spilled into the streets to protest Sanusi’s emergence instead of the late Bayero’s son. The appointment followed after 72 hours of frantic lobbying, and according to those familiar with the matter inside the royal household, it attracted some of North’s most powerful traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto. They pressed for a less divisive candidate in one of the former emir’s sons. However, Sanusi had high-level support from politicians, former heads of state and dignitaries across the country, and the Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who had the final word, is a member of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). Kwankwaso was said to have been influenced by his compatriots in the APC, who drummed it on him that Sanusi’s sympathy for their party was among the reasons why the Presidency moved against him as the CBN governor. The party’s chieftains who kept vigil

in Kano at weekend were said to have worked assiduously for the emergence of Sanusi to take their pound of flesh from the Presidency that had ousted him and consolidate their grip on the state. And while the resentment by the supporters of the late Bayero’s son is unlikely to alter the choice of Sanusi, at least for now, the former CBN governor’s emergence as Emir of Kano places him as one of the most influential traditional rulers in the North, second to the Sultan of Sokoto. The Emir of Kano is one of a triumvirate of powerful rulers in the North whose lineage dates back to the vast Hausa-Fulani and Borno empires that predated British imperial rule. All the three traditional Muslim monarchs – Sultan of Sokoto, Emir of Kano and Shehu of Borno are custodians of Islam and lead clerics in their areas. They have also been seen as key figures bridging the often fractious divide between Muslims and Christians in Nigeria, although they have recently come under pressure to speak out more

Kano ranks second to Lagos State in the number of registered voters... The two states with the highest number of registered voters now seem to be firmly in the hands of the opposition

against the threat posed by the Boko Haram militants waging an increasingly violent insurgency in the North. Signs of what to come Expectedly, Sanusi’s emergence as Kano emir will further put him at loggerheads with the Presidency, as he is one of the most outspoken critics of President Goodluck Jonathan’s record on corruption. His allegation of missing multibillion-dollar oil revenue earlier this year marked the height of his several expose` of the administration and led to his ouster from the nation’s apex bank. Though some analysts have opined that Sanusi’s running battle with the Presidency and alleged smear campaign by the latter to discredit him may cease, now that he has adorned the royal garb, others argued that it is likely to worsen. To these pessimists, the battle will escalate, as the various political parties and interest groups step up strategies for the 2015 elections. An indication of what to expect in the days ahead emerged even before Sanusi was turbaned. The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gave a hint that it was not disposed to Sanusi, when it went ahead to congratulate the late Bayero’s son (Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero) as the new emir even before the Kano State government officially announced a successor to the throne. A statement by the party, signed its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, quoted its National Chairman, Adamu Mu’azu, as praising the Kano Emirate kingmakers “for their wise decision in choosing Alhaji Ado CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

14 POLITICS

OPEN FORUM Alhaji Lai Mohammed is the interim National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC)

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

…OPPOSITION SPONSORING BRINGBACKOURGIRLS PROTESTS

Mohammed: APC not behind ‘BringBackOurGirls’ campaign

his government is on auto-pilot; nobody is in charge. How can Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ban a protest without clearing from his boss? Frankly speaking, we believe that the Inspector-General of Police is probably doing some damage control because if anybody looks at the body language of the government, we were not surprised that the ban would come and that the ban is not by the police but actually by the government. If you remember a couple of days ago, when the ‘BringBackOurGirls’ team went to complain to government, the Minister of State for the FCT while speaking on behalf of the government said: “Why are you harassing government to bring back the girls? Why don’t you ask the terrorists to release the girls?” What happened after that was that another group calling themselves ‘Release the Girls’ sponsored by the government paid a visit to the Chief of Defence Staff and it was at that occasion that the Chief of Defence Staff told the whole world that they have actually identified the location of the girls. The ‘Release our Girls’ group is actually a government sponsored group and what they did the next day was to go to the park, fight and beat up the other group, ‘BringBackOurGirls’ and the police was watching. And of course few days ago, the Minister of Information came out and said 90 per cent of those who are behind ‘BringBackOurGirls’ are actually members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as if Michelle Obama or David Cameron, the British Prime Minister are in APC. How can someone say it is APC that is behind the ‘BringBackOurGirls?’ So, APC is also in White House. Oby Ezekwesili who is leading the ‘BringBackOurGirls’ was a Minister of Education under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). I remember on February 6 when we invited Ezekwesili to give

How can someone say it is APC that is behind the ‘BringBackOurGirls?’ So, APC is also in White House... Oby is not APC and for crying out loud, are those parents who have lost their daughters, also APC? And even if they are APC, don’t they have their rights to demand that their girls be brought back? us a keynote address at the launching of APC Road Map, she was critical of our party. Oby is not APC and for crying out loud, are those parents who have lost their daughters, also APC? And even if they are APC, don’t they have their rights to demand that their girls be brought back? What the government should understand is that you can ban protest in Nigeria, you can’t ban it elsewhere and you can’t ban this sorrow from the hearts of the parents of the children. What government should do is to intensify the efforts to bring back the girls. It is a song that you cannot just ignore and no amount of fiat or banning can solve the problem. If tomorrow the girls are brought back, all these would dissolve.

Interview by TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

Mohammed

Aborisade: Ascribing protests to opposition is shameful Comrade Femi Aborisade, former General Secretary of National Conscience Party (NCP), is a lawyer and human rights activist

he statement by Minister of Information that opposition is behind the ‘BringBackOurGirls’ shows that those who are controlling Nigeria government are mindless and wicked. It shows that they are happy that those girls are not released. That is the im-

Aborisade

plication of the statement. In other words, they are not democrats; they are totalitarian in character and have no respect for democratic values. They ought to be in the forefront of those calling for the release of those girls but they are now castigating those who are now coming out, making sacrifices to demand for the release of the girls. It is unfortunate and very sad. It is unconstitutional and I think they should just resign from government. They no longer deserve to remain in office for a day. It is not possible to ascribe the ‘BringBackOurGirls’ protest to opposition because this protest has become an in-

ternational phenomenon. Legislators, individuals and several international human rights organisations in virtually all countries of the world are aware that these girls are missing. So, how can you ascribe that to opposition? No, it is a shame. People are coming out to protests without anybody motivating them because Nigerians ordinarily are good people. They will not want any harm to come to any girl or any human being. That is what informs the attitude of Nigerian people calling for the release of the Chibok girls. Any human being ought to be concerned, whether you are in opposition or even in government. It is a shame that we have such character ruling us in Nigeria. There should be no pretence about the issue of the Chibok girls and I call on the government to negotiate the release of the girls because military operation cannot get those girls release alive.

The statement by the Minister of Information that opposition is behind the ‘BringBackOurGirls’ shows that those who are controlling Nigeria government are mindless; they are wicked because it shows that they are happy that those girls are not released

It is not possible because Boko Haram people would use the girls as shield. Government has to negotiate the safe release of those girls. We want the girls to be release alive, not dead. If possible government should declare amnesty for the Boko Haram members in exchange for the release of the Chibok girls. Even America negotiated with the Taliban for the release of their soldiers. When the relatives of people in government in Nigeria were kidnapped, they paid ransom to the kidnappers but they are now pretending that they will not negotiate with the kidnappers of the Chibok girls.

Interview by TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

Ezugwu: Maku Willy Ezugwu is the Secretary General of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) he Minister of Information, Labaran Talong Maku, is stoking the fire of division ethnic, religious and political

lines in the country, but he must be prepared to accept responsibility for any crisis resulting from his sustained campaign of divisive comments with hate speech. Nigeria has gone beyond apportioning of blame or finger pointing, so the minister should learn not to drag political parties into the crises presently bedevilling the country since it is now apparent that the country is battling a full-fledged

POLITICS 15

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

OPEN FORUM …OPPOSITION SPONSORING BRINGBACKOURGIRLS PROTESTS Barrister Taofik Gani is the publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State

he Minister of Information Labaran Maku is right in his assertion that majority of those pushing these bring back our girls protests are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has circumstantial evidence to believe that those pushing this bring our girls back protest are members of the opposition or anti-PDP. We can cite the example of Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Dino Melaye, Senator Babafemi Ojodu and others. When we talk about their motive, they are not doing these protests to appreciate that those girls can be found; what they are doing is to embarrass the girls and the government. Even if those girls are found today, they would still achieve what they are set out to achieve, which is to embarrass and paint the government black. Interestingly, this abduction happened in their own domain, talking about the opposition who are gathering as APC members. So, where did they get the idea that they could blackmail a PDP government? If you talk about the modus operandi of the protesters, if they say that those girls have been abducted and you want them released, you should face the abductors. The motive is very sinister. What they are doing is very unfortunate because if an armed robber attacked someone, you don’t

Gani: APC using Chibok protests to bring down Jonathan’s govt We cannot also rule out the possibility of some them using the protests to source for attention and perhaps funds from foreign organisations

Gani

begin to chastise the victim first. You attack the armed robbers first and come back to the victim later. What they are doing now in terms of modus operandi is that they are at-

tacking the victim, even though they didn’t appreciate that Nigeria is the victim and not President Goodluck Jonathan, and it is very unfortunate. We must see every attack against Ni-

geria as an attack on everyone. What they want to do is to paint the picture that Jonathan and PDP are irresponsible because 2015 is nearby, they think they can have a cheap score in that regard. Maku has said it, though belatedly, that APC are not only behind the Chibok issue, they are also behind the various insurgencies in this country. We cannot also rule out the possibility of some them using the protests to source for attention and perhaps funds from foreign organisations. Before they started politicising the protest, the PDP had commended them for their stance, but now they have turned it around to bring down Jonathan and paint him black.

Interview by WALE ELEGBEDE

Irawo: Nigerians must continue with protest until… Alhaja Aminat Irawo is a human rights activist

t is very wrong for anybody to attribute protests for the release of the kidnapped Chibok girls to the opposition party. What would opposition gain in sponsoring the protest? The issue of Chibok girls has gone beyond opposition sponsoring anyone to protest against government because the issue of the girls is of concern not only to Nigerians but people all over the world. The kidnap was condemned not only in Nigeria but in other countries considering where people are supporting

the campaign by embarking on protests, displaying ‘BringBackOurGirls’ posters and banners. The kidnapped girls are the future of the country and it would be wrong for us to fold our arms on the matter and that is why people are trooping into streets on daily basis to demand for the release of the girls. In my view, I don’t want us to be sentimental or play politics with the life of the kidnapped girls. We should do everything possible to ensure that the girls return safe and alive. It may be true that some people are being sponsored by some group of people to cause confusion in the country with the Chibok girls’ issues but that doesn’t mean that majority of those

protesting are being sponsored by the opposition. Many of those leading the protest are men and women of honour who cannot be compromised. I will also advice the civil society organisation leaders to be very careful in handling the matter and they should not allow anybody to buy them over or bribe them to do anything what would not be in the interest of the masses. They should not allow those who are just carrying flag because of their tummy and not because of the masses, to destroy the good work the civil society groups are doing. As a mother, I can feel what some of the parents of the kidnapped Chibok girls are passing through since the ugly incident took place. Therefore, what

should be paramount to all of us as Nigerians is to see to the safe return of the girls. Nigerians should continue with the ‘BringBackOurGirls’ campaign until the girls are returned. I believe by the grace of God, the children would return to their parents alive. I will also appeal to Nigerian government to be very careful in everything they are doing to ensure the release of the girls.

Interview by TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE

is dismissing a genuine demand

Ezugwu

insurgency that has been proven to have no ethnic, religious or political sympathies in the selection of its targets.

What political parties are talking about is the credibility or otherwise of voter registration and it is thus befuddling that such a crucial issue was reduced to ruling versus opposition political parties. Nigerians, irrespective of background, are emphatically asking for the release of the schoolgirls abducted by insurgents in addition to judiciously deploying budgeted resources to end the on-going reign of terror. It is, therefore, a disservice for a sitting Minister of Information to constantly try to dismiss these genuine demands as the preserve of some political parties instead of urging the government to which he belong to act on them. It is worrisome that the minister seems oblivious of the fact that foreign intelligence agencies would attach credence to comments coming from him being the nation’s image maker. These unguarded utterances would thus go on to affect how foreign countries make policies about Nigeria including economic and investment decisions. He should have been mindful of this and not label justified demands as having ethnic, religious or political schemes behind them.

Interview by FELIX NWANERI

Irawo

16 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

ertain things are unfamiliar to the democratic process in Nigeria; the electorate, the political parties and their candidates usually take them with a pinch of salt. One of these consigned processes is the impact of potent manifesto by public office seekers. For the Labour Party’s (LP) candidate in the fourthcoming governorship election in Ekiti State, Opeyemi Bamidele, however, one of the hurdles to cross before getting the votes of Ekiti people is to lay a feasible manifesto before them by examining what has happened in the past, what is obtainable at present and project a bigger picture for the Fountain of Knowledge. Unveiling his manifesto in Ado-Ekiti at a well-attended ceremony last week, Bamidele said his pact with the people is to ensure development in all facets of endeavour in the state if elected as governor in the June 21 election. For him, the Labour Party and the Bibire Coalition that he represents are additively attached to the growth and development of the 130 towns and villages in the state, hence the passion to take up the gauntlet to birth a new Ekiti. The manifesto, a 68-paged blueprint titled, ‘Healing the broken heart’, depicts a comprehensive scheme on how to meet basic standards of living; employment generation and livelihood sustainability, rural transformation and infrastructural development, access to quality and affordable education as well as security of lives and property, among others. Giving his roadmap a blanket array, he said: “My vision is to mobilise the people; particularly young men and women, to activate their latent potential in consultation with relevant stakeholders at the local government level with a view to evolving strategic roadmap for agricultural development and rural transformation in Ekiti State.” Attaching a timeline to his programme if voted as governor, Bamidele said: “Our government, within the first 12 months in office, will positively translate expectations of Ekiti people into reality through the commencement of programmes aimed at providing specific and direct interventions in education and literacy; agricultural development and rural transformation; vocational training and entrepreneur development; micro-credit facilities; access to water and sanitation as well as adequate and affordable health care services.” Making a detour into the current state of Ekiti State, the LP candidate noted that despite the uniqueness of the state, growth and development has been stunted, lamenting that there is a huge sense of alienation, abandonment and disappointment among Ekiti people. He said: “Like an orphan in the midst of despair and a wrecked ship at the middle of the ocean, Ekiti has become a state whose leaders prefer to enjoy the trappings of office, without willingness to make sacrifices towards selfless service. In the midst of this leadership crisis orchestrated by political treachery, great values and institutions for which Ekiti people had been envied for centuries and upon which a modern, prosperous, virile, united, caring and enduring state could be built, are being eroded as a result of crude subversion by those in the corridors of power.” While proposing an-all inclusive government, the lawmaker stated that governance is a joint enterprise involving the elder statesmen who agitated for the creation of the state, the political class, the academia, the civil society, organised and informal private sector, traditional institutions, the media, and faith-based organisations. The LP flag bearer categorised the charter into segments with unique, equal priority for the development of the different sectors in the state, stressing that he is ready to build a new era of democratic culture in the state. Economic Development Bamidele said the first six months of

Bamidele (4th right) with other leaders of the Labour Party at the unveiling of his Manifesto of Change in Ado-Ekiti.

Bamidele’s pact with Ekiti people With days to the governorship election in Ekiti Sate, WALE ELEGBEDE examines key issues in the manifesto unveiled by the Labour Party’s (LP) flag bearer for the June 21 governorship election, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele in his quest to lead the state. his government in office will be devoted to creating vital and sustainable links across the socio-cultural, economic, religious and political divides in the state by embarking on community roundtables that will draw participation from representatives of community, opinion leaders, traditional institutions, religious groups, youth, women, the physically challenged, professionals, students and other non-state actors in each of the 16 local government areas across the state. “The purpose of the community roundtables is to conduct critical need assessments in each of the local government areas leading to strategic mapping of problems, issues and demands that require prompt and properly-articulated attention of government. “Our resolve to adopt and implement pro-poor policies is underscored by our commitment to periodic interactions at the community level. Our focus is to empower the populace and sustain their active interest and participation in the business of governance in Ekiti State and to stem the tide of pervasive apathy among our people towards government policies, arising from endemic policy somersaults and fascist posturing of the present administration. The various local government areas would be encouraged to conduct similar roundtables in each of the wards within their jurisdiction.” Healthcare Delivery Positing that the health system at Primary Healthcare (PHC) level has been systematically relegated to the background, Bamidele said the bane of health care delivery in the state is informed by failure of leadership and a misplacement of priorities, adding that poor staffing, excessive billing of in-patients, lack of

Bamidele said the first six months of his government in office will be devoted to creating vital and sustainable links across the sociocultural, economic, religious and political divides in the state

functional equipment and congestion, are some of the norm in Ekiti State Government-owned hospitals. “As a result of these problems arising from poor leadership values and for reasons of overriding public interests, there is need to provide “Health for All” from the cradle to the aged. The goal of the health component of Ekiti Charter of Prosperity is to improve the health of Ekiti citizens. Against this backdrop, our healthcare strategy will emphasise the strengthening of preventive and curative primary health care services. “There is, therefore, the need to reduce hospital congestion and hospital cost for the government by effecting a positive change in the health care delivery system in a manner that will be beneficial to the patients. This new initiative is what is being referred to as the Walk–In Care Initiative. It is also referred to as the Convenient Care Clinic. “This initiative is a Nurse-led clinic that offers a range of health services and provides treatment for uncomplicated minor illnesses and preventative health care services. This will enhance the improvement in the general health of the community thus preventing unnecessary hospital admission.” Free and Compulsory Education Ekiti State has prided herself for decades as the Fountain of Knowledge in Nigeria and this is indisputable by every standard. However, for the LP gubernatorial candidate, he observed that decline is already setting-in in the standard of education in the state, adducing it to political instability, underfunding, lack of motivation of teachers and endemic policy somersaults over the years. He said: “Education will be made free from primary to Junior Secondary School (JSS) for all students schooling in Ekiti irrespective of their state of origin while our administration will undertake a comprehensive review of the fees being presently paid by students of our higher institutions to make high education more affordable and functional for youths. “In addition to this, our government will provide a conducive study environment for students by improving on learning facilities available like desk and chairs, laboratory equipment and pay the WAEC and NECO fees for all students of Ekiti State origin schooling in Ekiti, among others. “Within the first two years of inception, our government will establish one

Vocational Training Centre (VTC) in each of the 16 local government areas where none already exists, to expand the frontiers of technical knowledge and to develop the potential of our graduates and young school leavers.” Urban and Regional Transformation Agenda Bamidele said the whole Ekiti State comprising of 66 towns and villages requires a holistic transformation agenda in the area of urban and regional planning. According to him, this is necessary in order to change the lifestyle, enhance the living standard and improve the overall well-being of individuals and families, saying that he would call for an environmental summit and also map out processes for a comprehensive regional studies, recreation parks, tourist attractions of international standard to be developed at Efon, Itawure, Aramoko/Erijiyan axis. Public/Civil Service administration “Our incoming government will pay serious attention to both the Civil and Public Service, so as to ensure that the service is made up of professionals that are well trained and motivated. The government will provide enough fund to the agencies that will enable staff enjoy benefits such as car loans, housing loans and land loan without delay; introduce once again induction courses for new staff; send the old ones for training and re-training and provide conducive environment that will enhance performance,” the lawmaker said. Care of the widow The LP said special fund will be set aside for taking care of the widows, adding that they should be empowered so as to set up projects for themselves and through that be self-sufficient. The party added that it has a programme that would encourage women to join cooperative societies to enable them have access to credit facilities; and also establish skill acquisition, production centres, sales outlets and recreational centres for women. No doubt, Bamidele’s blueprint for the growth and development of Ekiti as exemplified in his manifesto is a rich dossier of laudable goals that can catapult Ekiti State to a higher pedestal. But whether the lawmaker’s aspiration to lead the state and actualise his roadmap will see the light of the day is an answer that would be provided after the June 21 election.

POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) moves to divide the rank of the opposition leadership peopled by the All Progressives Congress (APC), writes PHILIP NYAM

PDP unsettles APC’s hold on opposition leadership

well-rehearsed ingenious but offensive political plot by members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the House of Representatives against their rivals, the All Progressives Congress (APC)last week created a tensed atmosphere on the floor of the Green Chamber. With the battle of supremacy between the two parties over the defection of 36 members from PDP to APC now in the court, many thought the bickering had subsided waiting on the judges to do their job. But the deputy majority leader, Hon. Leo Ogor, pulled the rug off the feet of the opposition’s leadership in the House when on Tuesday, June 3, citing matters of privilege, he raised a point of order calling for the review and reorganisation of the principal officers from the minority parties. The point of order hit the opposition like a bomb. It was unexpected but carefully planned and executed. This motion was presented in the absence of the Speaker. Perhaps, if Speaker Aminu Tambuwal were the one presiding over the plenary that day, the issue would have been subtly resolved without referring it to a joint committee to handle. Before now, not many people observed that the four opposition principal officers in the House are from one political party, the APC. The minority leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamiala (Lagos), deputy minority leader, Hon. Suleiman Kawu Sumaila (Kano), minority whip, Hon. Samson Osagie (Edo) and deputy minority whip, Hon. Garba Datti Muhammad (Kaduna) are all APC members. Although, Kawu and Muhammad were elected to the House on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) respectively, with the merger they became APC lawmakers. Hence, since the merger, the leadership of the opposition has remained unchanged. But with the war of supremacy raging between the ruling PDP and the opposition APC, the PDP incredulously cashed in on this oversight to unsettle its biggest headache. So it was, few minutes into the Tuesday plenary, presided over by the deputy speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, the deputy majority leader, Ogor raised a point of order citing order 19 (1) (2) of the House Standing Rules, which borders on privilege arguing that the composition of the opposition leadership lacked equity and justice. He submitted that the Gbajabiamila-led leadership should give way for an all-inclusive opposition representation. According to Ogor, item 31 of the House’s rules provided that members of the minority parties nominate among themselves; the minority leader, deputy minority leader, minority whip and deputy minority whip, but that since the merger of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) to form the APC, it is expected that the minority parties act in line with the rules of the House. “It behoves the minority parties, in line with item 31 of the House rules, to nominate from among them, new minority leader, minority whip, deputy minority leader and deputy minority whip.” But Gbajabiamila countered the point of order arguing that Ogor’s privileges had not been violated. “First of all, you have to show that your privilege as Leo Ogor has been breached. That is what the law says. If this privilege would have been raised by a member of minority parties, it would have been a different thing. The rules say the minority shall

Gbajabiamila

nominate and select their leaders, and that is exactly what we did. It did not say the minority shall nominate from each party.” Although, Kawu stoutly supported Gbajabiamila’s submission, the position of members from other opposition parties such as chairman of the committee on environment, Hon. Uche Ekwunife (APGA, Anambra) and Debo Jerome Ologunagba (LP, Ondo) and Hon. Abiola Ajaja (Accord party, Oyo) clearly indicated that there will be some rumbling in the opposition camp in the House. But even at that, the APC may have its way because it controls absolute majority within the opposition. So, when it comes to voting, the APC will have its way. However, the report of the joint Committee on Justice and Rules and Business, which has been mandated to look into the issues raised by Leo Ogor will play a significant role in resolving this somewhat sore point. The intrigues When the House was inaugurated in June 2011, the opposition parties had 163 members out of the 360 members. 100 members were re-elected while 260 were elected for the first time. The breakdown was as follows: The Accord Party (AP), Five members; the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), 71; the ANPP, 27; All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Seven; the CPC, 40; Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), two; and the Labour Party (LP), 11. In other words, there were seven minority parties represented in the House. Nevertheless, only the ACN, ANPP and CPC were nominated into the leadership. LP with 11 lawmakers had no representation ditto APGA with seven. New Telegraph gathered that Ogor’s point of order was aimed at breaking into the ranks of the APC, which has been a torn in the flesh of the PDP in the House. The calculation now is to get both APGA and LP unto the opposition

Ogor

leadership so as to use them as fronts to checkmate the APC. A PDP member told our correspondent in confidence that “the whole essence is to whittle down the influence of APC over members. You can see that APGA and Labour Party are sympathetic to the PDP and if we are able to tinker with the current opposition leadership and bring on board members from these parties, we would have succeeded in dividing their house.” The position of this lawmaker may not be far from the truth as the national chairman of the Labour Party, Mr. Dan Nwanyanwu is a staunch supporter of President Goodluck Jonathan while the governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko also of LP is a close ally of President Jonathan and belongs to the PDP faction of Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF). Similarly, a national leader of APGA, former Governor Peter Obi of Anambra was and is still a close supporter of President Jonathan. In other words, both APGA and LP are more or less an extension of the PDP.

the House in December 2013, the PDP had a clear majority over the APC. But with the defection of 37 PDP members to APC on December 18, 2013, the arithmetic changed as the APC started making claims to majority. At present, the PDP has about 181 lawmakers as against APC’s 165. This is approximate figure because even the House rules and business committee has not been able to come up with the exact number of both PDP and APC lawmakers because of the frequency and controversy in defection. It all began on December 18, 2013 when 37 members of the PDP abandoned the ruling party for the APC. On January 23, 2014, chairman of the House committee on legislative budget, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele from Ekiti State dumped the APC for Labour Party. On January 14, 2014, two members from Adamawa State defected from APC to PDP while chairman of the House committee on FCT, Hon. Emmanuel Jime (Benue) left the PDP to APC and Hon. Yahaya Kwande (Plateau) left Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) to join the APC. Again, on Jan 29, 2014, the APC suffered another loss as the chairman of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control, Hon. Joseph Haruna Kigbu (Nasarawa) joined the PDP. Then, on January 30, 2014 when Hon. David Davematics Ombugadu (Nasarawa) left the APC for the PDP. On February 12, five members of the APC defected to the PDP just as one PDP member changed to the APC giving the PDP a majority of 178 against APC’s 168. Similarly, in March, six lawmakers defected from the APC to the PDP. The last defection was in May, when Hon. Odedo left APC for PDP. Also, last Thursday, Hon. Abubakar Momoh from Edo State dumped the APC for PDP. As to whether this motion would lead to the dissolution of the present opposition leadership, the next two weeks shall tell. But it is certain that this issue is bound to cause uneasiness in the House.

Strength Before the gale of defection began in

MORE STORIES ON PAGES 40-44

The whole essence is to whittle down the influence of APC over members. You can see that APGA and Labour Party are sympathetic to the PDP

ARTS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

LITERATURE

18 NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/arts

“Our high respect for a well read person is praise enough for literature.” ― T. S. Eliot

TONY OKUYEME

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

Understanding marriage that leads to peace, happiness Title: Marital Intimacy and Communion, A Mutual Vocation to Holiness Author: Rev. Sr. Kelechi Julie Agugo, R.S.C Publisher: FourthMan Creations, Lagos Pages: 169 Reviewer: Ebere Ameh

t a time like this, when the marriage institution is at the verge of collapse, with divorce rate reaching a record high and marriage being redefined to include all sorts of union, Rev. Sister Kelechi Agugo’s book Marital Intimacy and Communion, A Mutual Vocation to Holiness cannot be more timely. X-raying the origin of the marriage institution - various ancient and contemporary ideological views on marriage, together with the African perspective of marriage, vis-avis the theological view, the author came up with a clearer understanding of the meaning of a Christian marriage, which ultimately leads to a happy married life. In the past, divorce was not so rampart and the marriage institution was still revered. Now, the rate of divorce in Nigeria is getting higher by the minute. While the statistics of marriages dissolved by the courts keep rising, the unofficial number of failed marriages is even worse. As if that is not enough, the advent of same sex marriage, to the extent that some Nigerians are clamouring for it, is another big blow to the marriage institution as it is understood by Africans. “Divorce and separation are on the increase, complicating the poor economic, health and social situation of the continent. How then can evangelisation, faith, sacramental marriage and its domestic church flourish in such a scenario? “The book is an attempt to highlight the meaning of sacramental marriage as a covenantal union between a baptised man and woman, people of faith, destined for happiness in God,” Agugo stated in the prologue. A Religious Sister of Charity, many would wonder what experience the author has to write about marriage. However, Agugo is much more experienced than many think. As the head of the Family and Human Life Unit of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos between 2004 and 2007, she came face to face with families and the challenges they face in the cause of their marriages. She has served the cause

In writing this book, Agugo leveraged on her versatility with marriage in the African context vis-a-vis her study of Christian and contemporary views, to discuss important issues in marriage of marriage for quite some time and her concern for the marriage institution led her to undertake a full course of study at the John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family Studies, Melbourne, Australia. Currently a marriage and Family Life Consultant with the Africa Family Life Federation (AFLF) Anglophone, Agugo is also a health practitioner in charge of St Joseph’s Catholic Mis-

sion, Kirikiri, Lagos. In writing this book, Agugo leveraged on her versatility with marriage in the African context vis-a-vis her study of Christian and contemporary views, to discuss important issues in marriage, including the human person as an image of God and a gift to one another, the impact of postmodern culture on marriage, theological issues of marriage, intimacy and holiness and the interaction between matrimony and aspects of African cultural practices. Others are responsible parenthood, infertility in marriage, contraception, conjugal rights and debts, among others. Marital Intimacy and Communion, A Mutual Vocation to Holiness is a product of Agugo’s academic research at the John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family Studies in Australia. Written with married Catholic couples in mind, pastors, counsellors and other married couples who are interested in a true

understanding of marriage and God’s plan for a beautiful marriage would find this book extremely useful because of the nuggets of truth embedded in it. Agugo argues that the: “Human sexuality is a gift from God. Like all His gifts, it is meant to be gratefully received and used for service. Gifts properly received and used ought to reflect and lead the recipient back to the Giver. The purpose of the conjugal act includes procreation and the well-being of the spouses.” This book comes handy, especially now when Pope Francis has declared that the marriage institution is under attack by evil forces and Archbishop Adewale Martins of Lagos has declared the year 2014 as the year of the family. With thirteen well researched chapters, Agugo gives some important points discussed in each chapter as an introduction, ensuring that even the laziest reader gets a message by merely reading the table of contents. She goes further to give the reader a glimpse of what to expect by introducing each chapter at the end of the preceding one. She did not stop at the thirteen rich chapters that make up the book, she ends it with an epilogue, a summary of the work, so that all and sundry can have a full grasp of the wealth of knowledge that abound in the book. Her appendix is not the conventional one as she has a section full of practical suggestions and advise to spouses who are founders of the family, to families of origin or the extended family and to the custodians of tradition and culture, which if followed would make for peace and happiness in the family and by extension, the society. Though she used a lot of non-English words which are enough to make an uninformed reader lose his cool, she explained them in the concluding part of the appendix. All these features, together with the foot notes, the moderately bold fonts and excellent typesetting and aesthetically grand production, make for reader friendliness, a quality consciously and at times unconsciously sought by readers. However, despite the desire of the author to make her scholarship available to all and sundry, the book is not for the shallow minded or the semi-literate. Though the book is a priceless treasure by all standards, members of other denominations and religious affiliations may find it too ‘catholic’ to appreciate.

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

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

EDITORIAL

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

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

WEDNESday, JUNE 11, 2014

Making the Ajaokuta dream a reality

he Federal Government is once again attempting to make the elephant dance. At the foundation laying ceremony of Kogi House in Abuja, Vice-President Namadi Sambo indicated government’s plans to revive Ajaokuta Steel Company, as the revival of the company would offer viable socioeconomic opportunities to Nigerians. “Very soon, I want to assure you that the promise Mr. President made some time ago in Kogi State that the Ajaokuta Steel industry would be brought back to life (is on track). I want to categorically state that all the encumbrances that have been stopping the progress of this project have been removed by Mr. President,” he said. Namadi’s optimism and exhilaration are neither misplaced nor misjudged. As Chairman of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), he has been directed by the President “to expedite action and ensure that Ajaokuta steel industry is back to life.” We commend government’s fresh initiative to make this lingering dream a reality. However, there is a distinction between a mandate to revitalize Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL) in isolation and the need to revivify the nation’s steel development programme and industry as a whole. If the latest effort is exclusively on the Ajaokuta project, it is still good news since it is the largest, most integrated and most

expensive of Nigeria’s steel projects and, according to experts, is, at least, more than 85 per cent completed. But attaining the desired 100 per cent completion level has lingered for almost as long as the years of Methuselah. Although the Vice-President has disclosed that all encumbrances to progress at the steel company have been removed by the President, the factual evidence on ground does not support such optimistic assertion. Completing the Ajaokuta steel project that has already seen a huge sum of N659 billion sunk into it would require anything from N85 billion to N165 billion and further gulp working capital to the tune of N25 billion, going by a technical report on the steel plant compiled in 2010. With this huge amount already sunk into the project, it is regrettable that it still remains a bad dream. The vision of Ajaokuta as a springboard for Nigeria’s emergence among industrial nations remains an illusion while the hopes of professionals engaged to translate the dream into reality are shattered. The need to complete the plant and make it work cannot be overstated, considering its capacity to absorb more than 10,000 technical staff directly required for operations and the indirect employment of an estimated 500,000 people. Experts maintain that in the steel industry, every one direct job has the propensity to generate about 50 indirect jobs from

upstream and downstream industries that will be associated with it, aside the foreign exchange, skill acquisition, infrastructural development and other benefits too numerous to quantify. Several critical questions remain unanswered in the latest move to revamp the steel behemoth. For instance, is the fresh move to revive the company aimed at government running the place when the campaign is sustained that it has no business in business? We believe that the way forward is wholesale privatization, especially when the success stories of private sector initiatives such as the Eleme Petrochemical Company and Notore, Forte Oil, Wempco, Dangote, Innoson and other groups are taken into consideration. This is without prejudice to the taint of corruption and abuse that has beset privatisation as a scheme, considering the unfortunate cases of Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) and the Daily Times group. Addressing weighty issues such as the uniqueness of Russian technology at the steel plant, machines that have gone out of tune with modern technology, the need to train and retrain the required pool of technical and non-technical professionals, accumulated wage bill and other matters makes the proposed revitalisation even more complex and we wonder if the completion of the project would require only $1bil-

lion to achieve. Even if the country is able to muster the resources to revamp the steel company, we believe there is still the need to identify and work on the factors that caused the project to underperform for more than 30 years of its existence. We need to look at the myth, legislation, politics, sabotage and other shocks inherent in the matrix of completing the steel plant. We recommend the privatisation of the company but hinged on a well-tailored legislation and state policy to guide the framework. Considering the size, cost and politics associated with the plant, we also suggest segmented privatization to cover its core and non-core operations. Above all, we believe that everything possible should be done to make Ajaokuta and indeed, the entire steel industry in Nigeria work as the prospects of a profitable environment remain enormous and must not be ignored. The concept of Ajaokuta was not for it to be just a steel plant, but to strategically leapfrog Nigeria into industrialization such that in building other plants, whether a cement factory or a refinery, it could be done at the Erection Base of the steel plant. For instance, all the structures and facilities including the pipelines in the steel plant were preassembled at this base. This is why the plant must be made to work so that we can firmly close the chapter on what has been a nightmare. GABRIEL AKINADEWO Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief IKE ABONYI Deputy Managing Director/DEIC FELIX OGUEJIOFOR ABUGU Managing Editor, South SULEIMAN BISALLA Managing Editor, North YEMI AJAYI Editor, Daily LAURENCE ANI Editor, Saturday EMEKA MADUNAGU Editor, Sunday LEO CENDROWICZ Bureau Chief, Brussels MARSHALL COMINS Bureau Chief, Washington DC SAM AMSTERDAM Editorial Coordinator, Europe EMMAN SHEHU (PhD) Chairman, Editorial Board GEOFFREY EKENNA News Editor PADE OLAPOJU Production Editor TIMOTHY AKINLEYE Head, Graphics ROBINSON EZEH Head, Admin.

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

OPINION

Army’s unwarranted crackdown on media

Michael Jegede

n performing its functions of informing, educating and entertaining, the media in Nigeria has contributed in no small measure to national development and the entrenchment, growth and sustenance of democracy. No doubt, it is for the very crucial role of the media in the society in teaching, sensitizing and mobilizing the people via information dissemination, that the freedom of the press is equally fully granted in the constitution, besides the freedom of speech enshrined as part of the basic fundamental human rights of citizens. However, it must also be noted that the said freedom of press does not give media organizations and practitioners in the industry the leeway to unnecessarily malign or mar the reputation of any individual, group or government through their publications and contents. Where of course such situation occurs, the appropriate thing for the affected person, group or government to do is to seek redress through the constitutional means of instituting a legal action against the media house. It is on this note that I condemn in its entirety the unwarranted clampdown on the media by the Nigerian military, which reportedly confiscated newspapers and impounded distribution vans of media outfits, acting on a supposed intelligence report. I do not think it is proper for the Army to launch this kind of onslaught against the media, no matter where the directive may have come from. Rather than this offensive attack and needless intimidation of the media, what the Nigerian Army as a key security agency ought to do is to continue to ensure a very smooth relationship with the press. As a matter of fact, soldiers are supposed to see themselves as partners in progress with media organizations in the fight against

terrorism, which is seriously hitting us in the face at the moment. The deadly activities of the Boko Haram sect have reportedly claimed about 12, 000 lives since 2009 and the terrorist group is currently holding captive about 300 innocent schoolgirls for almost two months now. The rescue of these girls is what we should concentrate on now and not the terrorization of newspaper firms. I recall in one of my most recent articles captioned: “Jonathan’s plea for emergency rule extension”, how I enjoined Nigerians to put aside their religious, ethnic and political affiliations to combine effort with the military and government in the battle to stamp out terrorism from our dear country, Nigeria. In the said piece, I also urged the Senate while it was trying to dilly-dally to concur with the resolution of the House of Representatives that had already approved the request of Mr. President for a six-month extension of the emergency rule in the troubled Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states. Many had used the media to vent their views for and against the extension of the state of emergency, but at the end of day it was granted. It is annoying therefore to see the military taking such a preposterous action that is capable of giving wrong impression about the Nigerian media, when they are supposed to be working with the press to achieve a better result in the struggle against insurgency. I do not think that the purported order could have come from the Presidency, as some may want us to believe. But I think the President as the CommanderIn-Chief has a duty to call the military to order to stop this unjustified harassment. Major General Chris Olukolade, the Director of Defence Information last Friday confirmed that soldiers were indeed given orders to ransack newspaper distribution vans for “materials with grave security

implications”, stressing that the exercise had nothing to do with the contents or operations of the affected newspaper outfits or their staff. The statement reads in part: “The Defence Headquarters wishes to clarify that the exercise has nothing to do with content or operation of the media organizations or their personnel as it is being wrongly imputed by a section of the press. The military appreciates and indeed respects the role of the media as an indispensable partner in the ongoing counter-insurgency operation and the overall advancement of our country’s democratic credentials. As such, the military will not deliberately and without cause, infringe on the freedom of the press. The general public and the affected media organizations in particular are assured that the exercise was a routine security action and should not be misconstrued for any other motive.” This explanation by the military spokesman did not hold water for many Nigerians who were equally shocked by the sudden crackdown on the media, which continued for three consecutive days, from Friday, June 6, 2014. For instance, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr. Okey Wali (SAN), described it as “strange to democracy”. The NBA president picked holes in the explanation offered by the Defence mouthpiece, Olukolade, maintaining that “Clampdown on newspaper distribution is not and cannot be a language in a democracy and we do not understand what the defence spokesman and the Presidency are saying. We expect clarification from the government. This, they must do as soon as possible. We are waiting.” •Michael Jegede, a journalist and commentator on national issues writes from Abuja (07065574368)

Boko Haram: Exploring the amnesty option Johnson Momodu

he goose and the gander are indeed lucky birds. So also are the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and the Boko Haram insurgents; especially so for the Boko Haram insurgents who took up arms against their fatherland, but are being considered for forgiveness of sins because the Federal Government thinks it is the best way to go to have peace and unity in the land. It does not matter that innocent blood has been shed by the two groups, women defiled, and misery callously distributed to innocent souls. But, peace we must have at all cost. It is only logical to conclude that though men may forgive these heinous crimes of bloodshed, the owner of the souls that were wasted--the Almighty God--will ask for an account of them. And if these criminals do not make amends with God, they certainly will face divine wrath on judgment day. But, we must thank President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for waving this generous olive branch to the insurgents, just as his predecessor and himself did to the Niger Delta militants a few years ago. The ball is in the court of the Boko

Haram insurgents to either accept or reject this offer. I am not interested in the needless controversy that has been introduced into the proposition by the Special Adviser to the President on Media, Reuben Abati to the effect that the President has not granted amnesty to the insurgents as purportedly claimed by the Minister of Youth Affairs, Boni Haruna. But here are excerpts of what President Jonathan said: “My government, while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents and to ensure their de-radicalization, rehabilitation and reintegration into the broader society...I have instructed our security forces to launch a full-scale operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorism on our soil. I have also authorised the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done.” To me, the message of the President is clear and simple: my government is ready to grant you amnesty if you renounce violence unconditionally. Shedding further light on the possible amnesty or forgiveness at a Youth Forum in Abuja to mark this year’s Democracy Day, Youth Development Minister, Boni Haruna had said: “A series of integra-

tion programmes have been lined up for members of the sect who surrender their arms and embrace peace. Let me use this opportunity on behalf of the Federal Government, to call on members of the Boko Haram sect to embrace the government’s gesture and key into the amnesty programme.” The minister’s position did not confirm that amnesty had been granted but that the option was open to the insurgents to embrace. So, why has the controversy reared its head? Enough of the distractive controversy! Jonathan used the occasion to shore up the morale of the nation’s security forces. He said: “Despite the challenges we face, we must commend our security forces. We must not forget their gallantry and successes in liberating nations and in peacekeeping, from Liberia to Sierra Leone, Congo, Sudan, Mali, Guinea-Bissau and many places in Africa and beyond. Our forces have paid the supreme price in several places at several times. It is now 45 days since the horrifying abduction of the college girls of Chibok. I share the deep pain and anxiety of their parents and guardians and I assure them once again that government will continue to do everything possible to bring our daughters home. “I have assured you that Nigeria will

be safe again, and that these thugs will be driven away, it will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal. It is a sad fact that as I address you today, all the gains of the past 15 years of democratic governance in our country are threatened by the presence of international terrorism on our shores. Our dear country, Nigeria is facing a new challenge. A war has been unleashed on us. Extremist foreign elements, collaborating with some of our misguided citizens, are focused on an attempt to bring down our country and the democracy and freedom we cherish and celebrate today.” As all these go on and Jonathan meanders through the maze with his military and security chiefs, members of the opposition have been whining that they have been ignored in the efforts to deal with the Boko Haram problem. But one wonders if these whiners forget that the root of this problem is in the APC states of the North-East. Why were they unable and have been unable to use their clout to stop their former thugs turned insurgents from shedding innocent blood and raping defenceless women? One day the chicken will come home to roost. Whatever has been sown will be reaped by all the sponsors of different shades. • Momodu contributed this piece from Benin City.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

Crisis rocks MAUTECH as Kyari Moh'd emerges VC l Outgoing VC defends process IRREGULARITIES

Members of Moddibo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH), former Federal University of Technology, Yola, are divided over the appointment of a new substantive Vice-Chancellor for the university, alleging irregularities. Ibrahim Abdul YOLA

ixed feelings have continued to trail the appointment of a new substantive Vice-Chancellor for the Moddibo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH), formerly Federal University of Technology (FUT), Yola, Adamawa State. The university Governing Council, led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Professor Bulama Manu, had on May 15, announced the appointment of Professor Kyari Mohammed, as the Vice-Chancellor designate for the 33-yearold university. But, members of the university community, who are already divided over the appointment, are challenging the outcome of the selection process. According to them, the process leading to the appointment of Professor Kyari Mohammed was fraught with foul play, lack of transparency and due process. If the gathering storm is anything to go by, a battle line might have been drawn by some sections of the university community, who vowed to challenge the appointment. Following the approval of Kyari as the new Vice-Chancellor by the university Governing Council at its 78th Regular meeting held on May, 15, he is to replace Professor Bashir Usman Haruna, whose five-year single term tenure expired on June 9, this year. Kyari, a Professor of History at Gombe State University, between October 2008 and September 2012, is an alumnus of the University of Ibadan (UI). He is currently a Chair for Peace and

Security Studies since January 2012 until his appointment. While challenging the appointment, the aggrieved parties argued that it was wrong for the Council to appoint a professor whose field of specialsation is outside core Technology discipline as a Vice-Chancellor, especially for an institution that is technology oriented. According to the group, going by the university’s extant law and guidelines, Kyari, a Professor of History, should not in the first instance, be allowed to apply for the post of a ViceChancellor in a university of technology. They declared: Professor Kyari, does not meet the description of having a square peg in a square hole. As a Historian without a core discipline or specialization in technology or technology-related discipline, he should, therefore, not be allowed by the authorities of the university to lead a technologically-oriented university in outright breach of one of the pre-selection criteria as contained in the advertised for the vacancy published in December 2013, to the office of the Vice-Chancellor of MAUTECH in conformity with established guidelines.” Part of the criteria for appointing a Vice-Chancellor, according to them, is that the vacancy of the office of the ViceChancellor must be so declared at least six months before the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent. Other clause at the centre of the controversy surrounding the emergence of Professor Kyari read: “The candidate for the position of Vice-Chancellor must have a core discipline or area of specialisation in one of the Department in the university.”

MAUTECH gate

Wike, Minister

Based on the interview, Professor Kyari emerged the new Vice-Chancellor after coming first with 67.9 percent in the selection process to lead other 28 contestants who took part in the interview process. According to the results released by the Council, he was said to have scored 67. 9 per cent going by the template used for the scoring of the candidates, while Professor Remilekun Mathew Odekunle and Professor Abdu Abdullahi Sajoh, who scored 66.6 per cent and 66.3 per cent respectively placed second and third in the interview. Investigations by the New Telegraph revealed that no fewer than 29 candidates responded to the vacancy declared in December 2013.

If the gathering storm is anything to go by, a battle line might have been drawn by some sections of the university community, who vowed to challenge the appointment

Members of the Governing Council at the 78th Regular meeting of the Council whose mandate was to either accept or reject the report of the Selection Committee are Prof. Bullama Manu (Chairman); Senator Abubakar Danso Sodangi; Mr Anthony Oluseyi Thomas (FME); Prof. Bashir Haruna Usman; Mr. Dr Bashir Aliyu; Prof. Jeffery Twsere Barminas; Dr. Anna Mohd Malgwi; Dr. Yusuf D. Mamman; Prof. Abubakar A. Kotos; Mr. Dr Mudathir A. Hassan; Prof Odekunle; and Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmadu Ribadu, while Princess Taibat Adeyemi-Agaba and Dr. Adewunmi Williams; Dr. Khaleed Ibrahim Ahmed were absent. However, sources at the university said that before the exercise, Prof. Remilekun Odekunle Mathew, Prof. Jeffery Twsere Barminas and Dr. Anna Mohd Malgwi were excused out of the Council for being interested parties, while Dr. Anna Mohammed Malgwi was asked by the Council to leave on excuse that her husband was one of the candidate. “Professor Bulama, the Council Chair is to be blamed. He had without recourse to the university guidelines used by the university council in the selection of other principal officers, announced Professor Kyari without subjecting the selection process to vote by Council members even though the margin between him and the other two contestants finally shortlisted is only 1.3 per cent,’’ said the source. However, indications have emerged that most the university workers are strongly rooting for the emergency of an indigene of Adamawa State to succeed the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, who is from Gombe State. But the supporters of Prof. Kyari have since been celebrat-

Kyari

ing, saying that contrary to the position of the other group, he (Kyari) deserved the appointment. “We wish him a successful tenure in office and we congratulate him,” Mohammad Bukar, the Vice-President of the National Union of Borno State Students (NUBOSS) said. Professor Kyari Mohammed is said to be from Yobe/Borno axis of the North East geo-political zones of the federation. There is palpable fear that the peaceful atmosphere enjoyed by the university, which has continued to attract a large number of students from neighbouring countries into the institution may be jeopardised. Worried by the anxiety the appointment has generated, a member of the Selection Committee, blamed and faulted the Council for not failure to provide a template for the Committee, as well as ensuring the short-listing of candidates before the final selection exercise, which often culminates in the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor. The member who did not want his name in print argued: “During the appointment of the Registrar, the difference in the CO NTINUED O N PAGE 22

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Eagle Heights varsity takes off Dominic Adewole

Ojerinde, community demand varsity

ASABA

Sola Adeyemo

ducation is our passport to the future and the future belongs to those who prepare for it.” With these words, President Goodluck Jonathan, set the ball rolling for the take-off of the Eagle Heights University at Omadino, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta state. The President, at the ground breaking ceremony said the university is one of the series of projects that would position the oil rich state as hub for investment in the country. Through the university, founded by Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, founder of Word of Life Bible Church and President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), President Jonathan expressed optimism that the $16 billion Gas Revolution Industrial City at Ogidigben in Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state “will be a blessing to Nigeria.” The President, while performing the turning of sod of the Maritime University at Okerenkoko, last month, confirmed that the state is the fastest growing state in the country in education sector. He said: “Nigeria cannot continue to export raw materials as Delta State is a host to two federal institutions - the University of Petroleum, Effurun and the Maritime University, Okerenkoko.” However, the President insisted that “these projects are positioning the state to be the investment hub of Nigeria and Africa”, stressing that Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration has complemented Federal Government activities in its commitment to make education available to Nigerians. CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 1

score of the first and the second place candidates was 1.5 per cent and there was election by the Council before appointing one of them. Now, the difference was 1.3 per cent and there was no election. Why are the irregularities in the Council’s policy?” Odekunle, who came second declined comments on the matter, rather he said he has put his fate in the system to correct the abnormality. He pointed out: "I have nothing to say than to say that my confidence is well placed in the system, especially in NUC. If it allows this to go, so be it. My expressed confidence is as a result of a similar, incidence sometime in the past around 1999 and the system rose to do the right thing." To Professor Sajo, an indigene of the state, that came third, said his only grouse with the process is the “failure of the interview panel to follow due process in the selection process.” Other contestants, who spoke with the New Telegraph, said the whole process leading to the announcement of Prof. Kyari negated all laid down procedures of the university in appointing a Vice-Chancellor, and therefore described the selection process as a “charade designed to produce a premeditated outcome.”

IBADAN

President Jonathan (middle), Uduaghan (left) and Pastor Oritsejafor at the turning of sod.

The President, who pointed out that due to his administration’s commitment to ensuring that all states of the federation have at least one federal university, recalled that no fewer than 14 new federal universities had been approved and established in various states of the federation, even as he explained that two are conventional while one of the universities is for the training of police officers. According to him, the universities must have, at least, one faculty to deal with the peculiar challenges in the communities where they are sited, even as he acknowledged that the technological world is now being driven by knowledge, which he said “can only be acquired through proper education.” He reiterated his administration’s resolve to prepare and

position the youth for future challenges through proper education, saying: “It has always been my principle to build the people to build the nation, if we do not give something to our children, they will have nothing to give to the country in the future. We must plan for our children and our grand-children by providing quality education for them, what we can leave behind should be children with good education, children with good moral, spiritual and academic upbringing.” He noted that despite the 50 private universities, complementing states and federal universities across the country, Nigeria still needs more universities to cater for the teeming youth who are daily seeking for admission into institutions of higher learning.

He lauded Pastor Oritsejafor for venturing into the education sector, maintaining that “expectedly, the institution will not only ensure academic excellence, but will imbue in the students, good moral and spiritual upbringing. Corroborating the President, Uduaghan pledged his administration’s commitment to partner private universities across the state to enable them succeed in their mission of providing quality education to the people. The highly elated Pastor Oritsejafor humbly said: “The university was designed to improve the quality of education in the country by equipping graduates to be independent”, calling on lovers of education to partner with World of Life Bible Church to build the world-class university.

etermined to ensure access to tertiary education for their children and wards, indigenes of Oke-Ogun community of Oyo State, led by the Registrar/Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Dibu Ojerinde, have commenced the process that will lead to the establishment of Oke-Ogun University. Speaking shortly after an interactive session with the Special Committee on Private Universities (SCOPU) of the National Universities Commission (NUC) last week, acting President of Oke Ogun Development Council (ODC), Mr. Doja Oladele, said the community is suffering greatly due to lack of tertiary institutions in the area. He lamented: “Oke Ogun has a population of about 1.5 million people, according to 2006 census and comprises of 10 Local Government Areas with a land mass of about two-third of the present Oyo State. Yet, it has no tertiary institution, either a university or polytechnic. Our children have to travel hundreds of kilometers before they could have access to that level of education.” Apart from this, Oladele said that several qualified children from the community find it difficult to secure admission into institutions across the country due to limited admission space and the problem of the ‘catchment area policy’. “This is why we decided to take the bull by the horns after being disappointed by the federal and state governments at different times.”

MAUTECH divided over VC's appointment

Remilekun

However, Kyari has refused to comment on the matter, as all efforts to elicit response from him proved abortive. Prof. Kyari is a renowned Historian, who has his research interests in Peace and Conflict Studies, African History, Non State Armed Groups, Ethnic and Religious Violence, Boko Haram, Islam, Colonialism, Imperialism, Terrorism, Insurgency, European Imperial Rivalry and African Resistance on Lake Chad Basin, and Rabin Fad Allah's Conquest and Occupation of Borno, among others. Prof. Remilekun is a pragmat-

ic and seasoned lecturer with highly proficient management skills and experience spanning over 29 years in both classroom and management. He spent three years at College of Preliminary Studies (now Adamawa State Polytechnic), Yola, where he rose from Assistant Lecturer II to Assistant Lecturer I before he joined the Federal University of Technology (now Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTech)), Yola. From Graduate Assistant in 1989, he became a Professor in 2006. But, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor has condemned the controversy surrounding the selection of selection of Professor Kyari as his successor, declaring that due process was followed in his appointment. Professor Usman, made his position known at a press conference marking the expiration of his tenure told journalists that Professor Kyari’s appointment follows the report of joint Governing Council and University Senate Selection Board, which recommended three candidates to Council, who appointed him as the substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university. “The Council at its 78th Regu-

Bashir

lar meeting held on May 15, 2014, unanimously approved the appointment of Professor Kyari Mohammad as the Vice-Chancellor of the university,” he said. He, therefore, urged members of staff, students and other members of the university community to accord the new Vice-Chancellor maximum cooperation with a view to sustaining the development of the university. Outlining his track record as Vice-Chancellor, Bashir, said MAUTECH which was established in 1981, has continued to grow as a centre for teaching, research and community devel-

opment even as he noted that the university could now boast of 53 professors, against 30 that were in the university pay roll when he assumed the mantle of leadership of the institution in 2009. According to him, the university management, under his leadership mapped out infrastructural development for the institution through friends of the institution, the Federal Government and grants from donor agencies as a specialised university of technology. The outgoing Vice-Chancellor said he was fulfilled since the university under his headship was able to bring about human development going by the huge number of members of academic and non-academic staff that underwent courses within and outside the country which has greatly improved the institution’s efficiency and effectiveness. Bashir thanked members of the university community for their cooperation and support throughout his five-year tenure, noting that without which he could have recorded such achievements. He recalled that during his administration, a good number

EDUCATION

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Commission suspends teachers, pupils Kayode Olanrewaju

or their absence from school, four teachers at St. Ambrose Catholic Secondary School, Ondo, have been suspended indefinitely from school. The suspension order came on the heels of an unscheduled inspection by the Chairman of Ondo State Teaching Service Commission, Dr. Bakkita Bello to the school. The Commission also suspended some of the students who were not in the school during the inspection for truancy. The Chairman was said to have visited the school during an inspection tour of schools in Ondo West Local Government Area of the state. Following their suspension, Bello said the teachers are to report to the headquarters of the Commission in Akure, the state capital, unfailingly by Friday. According to him, the suspension order followed the absence of the affected teachers and students during his visit to the school. He said: “By the powers conferred on the Commission, we hereby suspend indefinitely the teachers and runaway students who are yet to be seen in the school. The effected teachers are to report to our headquarters in Akure on Friday, unfailingly. We saw some students running away after sighting us, while we

also discovered a lot of unprofessional conducts being perpetrated by some teachers in this school.” Bello said that it was wrong to be absent from school without just cause especially with the availability of GSM phones for easy communication. The Chair man, who frowned at the conduct of the teachers, however noted that teachers should communicate to their heads of departments, principals and vice-principals if there is any reason for them to be absent from their duty posts. He said that the state government would not condone indolence, and would sanction insincere and lazy workers appropriately. The chairman, who praised teachers that are committed to their work, said that Commission would as a matter of priority consider honesty and fairness when promoting teachers. He urged teachers to see themselves as foster parents, educators and role models, who are entrusted with the lives of the young ones, saying: “Nobody can build the society as teachers will do.” The Principal of the school, Mr. Bisi-Bernard Akinrimisi commended the Commission for its bold steps taken to bring sanity to the system, even as she expressed optimism that the suspension would serve as a deterrent to absenteeism.

Council condemns closure of LASU

he Council of Higher Institutions (COHI), Lagos State, an organ of the Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit, has condemned in strong terms the closure of the Lagos State University (LASU). Besides, the Council faulted the directive by the management of the university that the students should procede on immediate academic recess. The body described as unnecessary the directive in the university’s official bulletin released on Monday directing all students, include fulltime, part-time and postgrad-

Obafunwa, VC

uate students to embark on a forceful vacation without any justification. The local chapter of LASU Academic Staff Union of Universities, last month embarked on an indefinitely strike following alleged management’s insensitivity to the union’s demands, which has since led to disruption of academic activities in the institution that ought to have since resumed a new academic session. The Council urged the ViceChancellor, Prof. John Oladapo Obafunwa, to re-open the institution, in order to enable the students to have access to other academic facilities and activities on campus. In the last few years, the students have been protesting the increment of their fees. “We once again urge the Babatunde Fashola-led government to reduce the school fee, in order to make higher education affordable for the children of the poor in the state,” the council said in a statement by its Coordinator and Spokesman, Sulaimon Dhikrullahi and AbdulWaasi' Muddaththir respectively. According to them, the state government which promised free education has the ability to make education free at LASU.

The Executive Director Personal Banking, Access Bank Plc, Victor Etuokwu and Group Head, Product Development & Business Analytics, Chinwe Uzoho with children of Access Bank Staff during the Children’s Day celebration held at the Access Recreational Centre in Lagos.

FG tells parents to inculcate reading culture in children Emeldah Ogene ABUJA

he Federal Government has urged stakeholders in the education sector, especially parents and guardians to develop programmes and activities that would inculcate good reading habit in their children and wards. The clarion call was made by the Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike at the Reading Programme and Donation of Books to schools, organised by the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) in Abuja. Wike, who was represented by his Special Assistant (Technical), Dr. Olu Ayewo, said it was important to inculcate reading habit in children, lamenting a situation in which children read only when they have to write examinations or do not read at all, which according to him, encourages examination malpractice. To address this problem, the minister noted that tackling the menace of poor reading culture among school children is the re-

sponsibility of everyone. The minister said: “All stakeholders, the school authorities, teachers and parents must play their roles to arrest the ugly trend and encourage the children to imbibe excellent reading culture.” According to Wike, inculcating a good reading habit in children, depends to a large extent on three basic components, which include quality instructional delivery, individual attention and good reading materials. He, however, attributed the lack of good reading habit in children to social and economic factors, which according to him is not limited to lack of reading materials, school libraries and unfavorable home environment, saying the situation posed a great danger to the future of the children and the nation at large. The Executive Director of the library, Mallam Habib Jato said the agency considers “Readership Promotion Campaign” as its major flagship towards attaining its vision.

He added that the library was also carrying out reading habit campaigns at the grassroots through the state branches with the aim of reviving the reading culture, even as he stressed that the place of the youths in nation building could not be over-emphasised. Jato said: “To overcome the present crisis facing the country, we must give priority to education and the people’s reading habit. Do not neglect your books, read at least two hours a day and you will become a knowledgeable and informed person.” He said the teachers are also been challenged to inculcate and monitor their students reading habit in school. The Registrar, Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN), Dr. Victoria Okojie, who in her remarks noted that the programme should be encouraged to promote reading culture in the country, added that an average Nigerian read one book per year, while an average American read 12 books per year.

Wike to councils: don’t localise VCs, rectors' appointments Emeldah Ogene ABUJA

call has gone to Governing Council members of the universities, polytechnics and colleges of education not to localise the appointment of Vice-chancellors, Rectors and Provosts for their institutions. The Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike made the call during a meeting with the Governing Council members of public universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in the country. He said the Federal Government is not satisfied with the re-occurring crises over appointment of the chief executives in the nation’s higher institutions. “The Federal Government is not comfortable with the issues surrounding the appointment of heads of public higher institutions,” the Minister said, alleging that some council members had indicted the government

that they were summoned to Abuja by the Minister to excuse themselves from been part of the decision making process.” Wike said: “We have equally seen cases whereby some community leaders rejected the candidate the Federal Government chose to head an institution due to their personal reasons as to where the candidate is expected to come from.” Wike pointed out that the appointment of the heads of public tertiary institutions in Nigeria is not based on zoning but on efficiency and merit. He, however, noted that the government has no interest in the appointment of heads of the institutions, rather it is interested in ensuring that due process is followed. The Minister further noted that the tertiary education subsector had in recent times been confronted with various challenges which had caused then system a huge set back.

“We have had enough problems in the sector in recent times and the Federal Government is trying to resolve the issue of strike embarked upon by the academic staff union of polytechnics and colleges of education,” he said. Therefore, the minister charged heads of government institutions to be pro-active and alert to their responsibilities in order to forestall security threats to their institutions. “This must be taken very seriously since no one knows the plans of the evil doers. I will only encourage us to be at alert and take proactive measures at all times,” Wike said. Meanwhile, the minister explained that the move to bridge the disparity between the polytechnic sector and the university system has not been possible, stressing that the strife among the lecturers of polytechnics and universities has made it difficult to solve the problems.

24 EDUCATION | INTERVIEW

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY

Our research is of global standard, says VC Established 12 years ago, Nasarawa State University (NSU), Keffi, has recorded giant strides in postgraduate courses due to its proximity to Abuja. Its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Muhammed Akaro Mainoma, in this interview, speaks with AHMED TUKUR about the measures put in place to sustain the standard of the institution and other sundry matters. the students. Only recently we provided boreholes in those communities so that our students will have clean and portable water where they are living. Of course, we are highly bothered

Mainoma

Could you tell us some of your vision for the university? Certainly, we have a structure that is already established. First we want to build on the foundation that is already established, and how we want to do it is to ensure that we have the welfare of staff and students at heart. Besides, we want to specifically sustain the academic culture of the university and to ensure that stakeholders, especially members of the university community do what is ethically right as basic standard of a university environment, as well as maintain the right teaching quality in terms of contents and standard. Secondly, we will as well ensure the quality of research in terms of quality and quantity. What is the university doing to make the host communities, essentially where most of the students live more habitable? Recently, I went round the communities where most of our students live, and I found out that the condition in which the communities are is very terrible. In fact, I challenged the students on the need to make their environment clean and hygienic. But, of course, the governor, His Excellency, Governor Tanko Al-Makura is doing everything possible to build more hostel accommodation so that within the couple of one or two years, majority of our students will be housed within the university campus. We also have some private developers that are working towards having standard hostels that will be properly managed. To answer your question directly, let me start by saying that the management is doing everything possible to talk to the landlords where our students live to make the environment more conducive and healthy for

So, we are setting our priority right to see what would be our major area of competences and specialisation about the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; welfare whether they live within the university or outside. What is be the universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s areas of specialisation? Well, the university is just about twelve years old and in actual fact, we are trying to get it really on its feet. The first set of Doctorate Degree students in our Postgraduate School is just finishing their programme. So, we are setting our priority right to see what would be our major area of competences and specialisation. But right now every faculty is doing its best to take full advantage of the facilities and environment. We have seven faculties and without being immodest I can say that our research developments in these faculties are of international standard in terms of quality. I mean in either agriculture or sciences, you will discover that the university pays more attention to Geology, Mining, while in Liberal Arts, we are more concerned about the development of the languages and culture of our people. In Financial and Management Studies, the university is concerned about the quality control with a view to pursue those things that make for integrity in the system. Take for instance, in the Education Faculty, we want to produce the best

teachers that can take care of our primary and secondary schools, while the Faculties of Social Sciences and Political Sciences Faculties are doing their very best to ensure that they are actually on the map of reckoning. Which academic programmes has the management introduced recently to enhance the institutionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quality of learning? Let me say that within the last couple of months, the university Senate has considered and approved Guidance and Counseling, which hitherto was not available in the Faculty of Education. The academic programme is being introduced because we saw the need to produce quality graduate who will provide guidance and counseling to our people. We have keyed into it and the university has also introduced B.Sc in Taxation as a new course of study, and we have split the Department of Religious Studies into B.A Islamic Studies with the Department of Islamic Studies and Department of Arabic. Besides, efforts are being intensified by the management to ensure that whichever units or department that can be created without much additional funds or resources, such as B.Sc Taxation which we already have the personnel to teach the courses we will not hesitate to introduce such in as much it is relevant to the societal needs. So, within the last four months, we have introduced four additional courses. In the area of manpower development, what is the university doing to ensure that the lecturers are up to standard? The first thing we are doing is that we expose them to various conferences, workshops and seminars both locally and internationally. We allow them to participate in conferences in order to acquaint themselves with what their other colleagues are doing in their fields of speciallisation. Now, they all know the current states or developmental trends of every discipline where they teach. Secondly, we encourage them to participate in research efforts, because research is a very important aspect of a university, which every lecturer must acquire its skills. Apart from taking part in conferences, seminars, workshop and conduct research, we also make it compulsory for every department to organise departmental seminars because from such seminars lecturers will generate ideas and come out with research that would be of international standard and relevant. There is influx of postgraduate students into the university because of its proximity to Abuja, but do you think the university has adequate manpower to manage such population pressure? Truly, we do not have adequate manpower particularly at the higher level. For instance, for every ten students we admit for Masters Degrees it is required that one Senior Lecturer must be readily available to supervise them. So, a situation where we have 200 students admitted for a programme, it

means that for the purpose of quality tuition, we require at least 20 Senior Lecturers or above. But for you to do that you will find out that it is not manageable within the university system. So, we have what we call Visiting Lecturers from other universities who come here to assist the university and who we pay on monthly basis about N150,000. And through this we reduce some of the challenges in terms of supervision and teaching of some of the courses. Under such arrangement, the university is paying the Visiting Lecturers over a million naira every month. It is not just about students coming into the university, but we also bring in the Visiting lecturers and professors to also develop our academic staff that enrolled for postgraduate courses, since most of the members of academic staff are either B.Sc or M.Sc holders and who are in the majority. The institution has about 40 professors and out of about 700 academic staff and we do not have up 200 who have P.hDs. So, we resorted to using Visiting lecturers in our Postgraduate School to develop the capacity of our academic staff and also ensure that our programmes at Masters level and other courses are managed properly, and we have been getting results. When one looks at the level of graduates we churn out in our postgraduate courses, which is really high, we are encouraged by what is happening with the kind of capacity that we building in our staff. Specifically, what is the management doing to improve the condition of access roads and security network of the university? We are grateful to the state government and the Governor, the Visitor to the university for coming to our assistance in terms of improving the road network on campus. In fact, left to the government, by now most of the access roads should have been tarred, but due to some hiccups they have with some of the contractors handling the road projects over lack of capacity and attitude, the road project has not been completed. The original intention is to ensure the roads projects were completed before the raining season, but up till now the project is still on, which entirely is the fault of the contractors. What we are doing is to manage the situation, but I want to quickly add here that one of the contractors working presently seems to be working at a pace that is satisfactory to us. Indeed, I hope very soon we will have the issue of road construction sorted out. On the security matter, we are making concerted efforts in that area, but we also realise that we are going to have a huge resources before we can have the campus fenced. For now, we are managing with security patrols and we have increased the number of our security personnel to who keep surveillance on the university because of increasing population of students and activities within the university. We are managing, but a long term solution to this is to have the entire university fenced since we are also considering the encroachment on the university land by the people.

EDUCATION

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Mojeed Alabi

etermined to find indigenous solutions to contemporary socio-political, economic and cultural issues affecting Nigeria and Africa in general, Covenant University (CU), Ota, Ogun State, last week assembled scholars, seasoned administrators and peace ambassadors to identify ways of achieving its targeted objective. Setting the tone of the threeday workshop, facilitated by the institution’s African Leadership Development Centre, the university’s Chancellor and founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide (aka Winner’s Chapel), Dr. David Oyedepo, in his keynote address, entitled: “The Leadership Imperative: Conflict Resolution and Conflict Management and the Demands for Inspiring Transformation and Driving Change,” insisted that for Nigeria and the black race to overcome their troubles, the leadership must possess character, courage and capacity. He said the absence of the three qualities had plunged the continent into a deep ditch, even as the Bishop pointed out that Africa, representing merely 11 per cent of the world population had benefited more than 75 per cent of the United Nations aids to troubled countries. According to him, the leadership failure in the continent has made identification of problems more difficult, and the resolu-

Covenant varsity brainstorms on socio-political, economic challenges

Cross section of participants at the event.

tions seemingly impossible. The other sub-themes of the workshop include: “Conflict Management and Resolution: A Leadership Competence Development Workshop,” was chaired by the former Minister of Finance, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, while the discussants were the Director General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO), Dr. Gloria Elemo; the

immediate Past Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Peter Okebukola; and representative of NUC’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Noel Saliu, among others. After three days of brainstorming, the workshop recommended measures at resolving the contradictions affecting the continent and the guidelines

Spelling Bee boosts pupils’ reading, knowledge

towards producing a new generation of leaders who would take over from the present crop of leaders described as corrupt and misguided. Some of the recommendations include the need for the leaders to engage the services of trained psychologists and other social scientists to help them understand the people they work with and govern and how to satisfactorily respond to the different expressions of dissatisfaction. Part of the recommendations read: “They should also know how and when to seize the moment and make relevant policies. Africa should not allow others to theorise for it, let alone tell its stories. It must theorise itself for herself. We have the wherewithal to address our own challenges and institutionalise change. We need also to use the resources of our elders. The tra-

ditional method is dialogue – the power of communication. Finger pointing is very dangerous for managing relationships. Let us talk about it and not sweep it under the carpet. Everyone has a right to express his mind on anything he feels is wrong. The African child is the future of tomorrow. There should be an urgent, constant and sustained focus on the upcoming generation to become quality drivers of the kind of change we desire for Africa.” According to the centre’s Director and former Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Aize Obayan, the need to bring together eggheads to address the challenges of conflicts and contradictions in Nigeria could not have been more relevant than now, "especially with the missing of over 200 school girls whose whereabouts was yet to be known."

UI VC mourns Bayero

T Participants at the competition

Olushola Ricketts

he curtains were last week lowered on the district stage finals of this year’s Teammasters Spelling Bee competition, with the believe that it will improve the confidence of Nigerian child. Some of the participating schools at the competition, which took place at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) include Doraphil Divine School, Mafoluku; Pampers Private School, Alaka; Grange School, Ikeja; International School, UNILAG; The Bells Secondary School, Ota, Ogun State; St. Bernedette School, Akoka; Trinity College, Ofada; Caleb International School, Magodo; and Rainbow College, Surulere, among others. The Project Director, Mr. Rotimi Eyitayo said the Teammasters Spelling Bee was instituted in October 2010, to develop the pupils’ vocabulary, communi-

cation skills and improve their academic performance. Part of the objectives of the competition, he noted is to improve the confidence of an average Nigerian child, adding that while schools teach what they ought to teach, and students go for lessons; unconventional method such as competition goes a long way in building children’s knowledge and skills. According to him, the Spelling B introduced by the New Era Foundation, which produces the Lagos State One-Day Governor, is for Lagos State, while the Teammasters Spelling Bee is a national competition in scope and reach. He hinted that the competition was segmented into Junior Secondary, Senior Secondary, Lower primary and Upper Primary categories, adding that it is in three stages – school, district and state levels. While stressing that the competition has greatly influenced

the pupils’ knowledge positively, Eyitayo said it had also improved the pupils reading, since it would be impossible for them to engage in spelling without reading. “For you to spell, you have to spend so much time reading. So, I believe the competition will help students in reading, learning new words and getting to understand the meaning of such words,” he said. On the level of its transparency, the Director, who reiterated that though the conduct of the competition is transparent and tedious, however insisted that it is not in any way easily to manipulate in favour of any contestant in view of its structure. Eyitayo said: “I might not be able to speak fully for others, but it is difficult to design a winner in our own case because the words they spelt determine their performance and there is no pre-arranged sequence."

he Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Isaac Adewole and members of the university community have condoled the entire Arewa and the good people of Kano on the death of the Emir of Kano and former Chancellor of the university, Alhaji Ado Bayero. Alhji Bayero died on Friday at 83. The Vice-Chancellor said the late Chancellor distinguished himself in the journey of life, saying that he was a distinguished monarch, diplomat, patriot, bridge-builder, and exemplary statesman. Adewole said the late Chancellor made genuine contributions to national development in all spheres of its growth. "He was a champion of peace, who in his private and public life preached peace and peaceful co-existence. We carry in our hearts the precious memories of a special Chancellor and father," the Vice-Chancellor, said. The statement, by the university's Director of Public Communication, Mr. Olatunji Oladejo, read in part: “Prof. Adewole on behalf of the Governing Council, Senate, Con-

gregation, staff and students of the University of Ibadan commiserate with the family of the revered Chancellor, good people of Kano and the entire Arewa on the glorious exit of the great monarch and prayed that Almighty Allah will grant him Aljanah Firdaus.” The late Alhaji Ado Bayero, was a two-time Chancellor of the university; he first served as Chancellor between 1976 and 1984, and was installed as Chancellor for the second time on November 17, 2001 till his demise.

The late Ado Bayero

26 EDUCATION

EKSU debunks claim of outrageous school fees

he management of the Ekiti State University (EKSU) has debunked claim in some quarters that the university is charging N150,000 as tuition fee, as introduced by the Dr. Kayode Fayemi’s administration. The university’s spokesman, Mr. Ajibade Olubunmi, Deputy Registrar, Information & Public Relations, said in a statement that the claim is not only untrue, but it is also a misrepresentation aimed at distabilising the institution. He said it had become pertinent to set the record straight about the actual fee the students are paying in the university to avoid any misrepresentation that could cause distraction to the system. According to him, Governor Kayode Fayemi had announced a flat rate of N50,000 as tuition fees for all categories of students which has made the university one of the most affordable public institutions in the country. He said: “The Ekiti State University management wishes to restate that the incumbent governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has announced a flat rate of N50,000 as tuition fees for all categories of students which has made the university one of the most affordable public institutions in the country, and that tuition fees of fifty thousand remains. There is no student N150,000 in the university as paying claimed by the group.” While stressing that the university’s tuition fee is not outrageous as claimed, the statement added further that while other universities including private and public charge exorbitant tuition fees for courses such as medicine, law, engineering, sciences in the range of N350,000 and above, Ekiti State University students are still paying a meager N50,000 as tuition fee. The management, he explained expects the students to pay for other sundry fees including medical, library, sports, identity cards and field trips, some of which cost as low as between N1,500 and N2,000 in most cases. The statement, however, urged those making such frivolous claim to verify the tuition fees in university to avoid misleading the public. The statement noted that ViceChancellor, Prof. Patrick Oladipo Aina had always insisted that the university would not increase fees in the future, adding that parents must be grateful to the state government which insisted that higher education must be made affordable to indigenes of Ekiti State.

Aina, VC

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

t was jubilation galore for some higher school students as they became winners of the Legend Extra Stout’s second National Consumer Promo raffle draws. The draw, which took place at the Bush House Arena, Enugu, is open to all consumers of Legend Extra Stout, especially students aged 18 and above. For winning the grand prize, Anthony Okafor, a student of Laboratory Science Technology at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, won all expenses paid trip to Dubai for shopping, as well as Romanus Nnamani, who has just secured admission into the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) at the Department of Political Science. Other winners of the Legend Extra Stout’s second National Consumer Promo raffle draws in various tertiary institutions in the various categories are Chilaka Vitalis, Lucky Chibuike Okafor and Favour Okafor. Chilaka is a Quantity Surveying student of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana; while Lucky Chubuike is studying Business Administration at the Institute of Management, Enugu. The duo of Chilaka and Chubuike went home with a refrigerator each, while in the manual phase of the draw, which was conducted both manually and electronically, Favour Okafor, an Electrical Electronics Engineering student of Federal Polytechnic, Oko and other winners in that category got 32-inch LED Tele-

Oko poly, UNN students, others win NB promo

L-R: Regional Trade Marketing- East, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Austin Aka presenting the 32 inch LED TV to Okafor, a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko at the Enugu draws.

vision sets. No fewer than nine lucky winners across the country emerged from the electronic raffle draw. The students, mostly from the polytechnics, expressed gratitude to Legend Extra Stout for lifting their spirit in the face of the protracted strike of their polytechnic lec-

turers. Romanus said: “I’ve been feeling on top of the world since I was informed about the winning; it is something I never imagined could happen. This will be my first trip outside the country and I am grateful to Legend Extra Stout for this opportunity.” Recalling how he got the

news about the promo, Lucky said he got to know about it through Legend Facebook fan page. The Marketing Manager, Legend, Guilder and Life, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Emmanuel Agu, said participation in the promo is open to all consumers of Legend Extra Stout, including students.

Poly set to partner institutes, agencies on development

ederal Polytechnic, AdoEkiti management has reiterated its commitment to partner research Institutes and other relevant agencies towards meaningful development of the institution. The Rector, Dr. Taiwo Akande said this while receiving a delegation from the Federal Science Equipment Centre, Ijanikin, Lagos, who visited her in her office. The Rector, who spoke through one of her deputies, Dr. Nnamdi Aboloma hinted that the polytechnic would be ready to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre since they both have a lot of things in common. For instance, she cited the Olusegun Obasanjo Centre for Engineering Innovation (OOCEI) and the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and Vocational Studies (CEDVS) of the polytechnic, where a lot of items could be produced. Responding, the Director of the Centre, Mr. Ifedigbo Sylva recalled that the Science Equipment Centre had made some ground breaking achievements in the areas of the maintenance and repair of school science equipment, training of laboratory assistants and technicians; as well as making of prototype simple science equipment, among others. He, therefore, solicited the assistance of the polytechnic in the training of some members of staff of the centre, and patronising the centre’s products.

In a related development, the polytechnic has indicated interest to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in sensitising the youth especially the students on the dangers posed by the use of hard drugs and other related vices. Akande revealed this when the Ekiti State Commandant of the agency, Mr. Suleman Jadi was at the polytechnic on a familiarisation visit. According to the Deputy Rector, Special Duties and Revenue Generation, Mr. Felix Ajibade, who represented

the Rector to receive the visitors, it is high time the society worked hand in glove with the agency to reduce, and if possible nip in the bud the alarming rate of consumption and trafficking of hard drugs in the country. The Rector urged NDLEA to work with the Students’ Affairs Unit of the institution on how to organise lectures and sensitisation campaigns against use of hard drugs when the polytechnic resumes normal academic activities. Jadi, who was accompanied by the Assistant Com-

mandant Logistics, Mr. Nnana Nwaorisa and the agency’s Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Peter Njoku, in his remarks, said it was an honour for him to visit and liaise with the polytechnic on how to combat the trend of use and trafficking of hard drugs. According to him, this has rather become necessary because the country is gradually growing to become one of the drug producing nations, as 80 per cent of the youth, who are mostly students are responsible for drug abuse and even trafficking.

L-R: A pupil of Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu, Lagos Samuel Ajimati; Desk Officer, Debate Education District ll, Maryland, Mrs Ronke Matuluko; Tutor General/PS, Education District ll, Mrs. Margaret Solarin; Principal of the college, Mrs. Abiodun Ogunniyi, and another pupil of the college, Tope Ejide, during the handover of a Toyota Hiace bus to the Principal of the college (Winner of Reachout Nigeria/Focus Initiative Secondary Schools debate 2013) in Lagos. PHOTO: ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA

CAMPUS | EDUCATION 27

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

I hate serving in Lagos, says corps member Victoria Ewoh

f Kanuivi Ogochi, a graduate of Imo State University, Owerri (IMOSU), Imo State, has her way, Lagos State will be the last state she would want to undertake the compulsory one year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. Not that she dislikes the aquatic splendour of the Centre of Excellence, but one of her reasons is the traffic snarls of the city. But as her luck will play out, today, the graduate of English Language, who hails from Imo State, is currently in Lagos undertaking her NYSC scheme. While several other students dream of serving in Lagos, Ogochi, who undertakes her primary assignment at Festac Town, where she is currently teaching English Language at the Universal Primary School, however told New Telegraph that: “I don't like Lagos state. Some of her disenchantment about Lagos, according to her, is the traffic snarls population congestion. When the New Telegraph met her, Ogochi lamented her numerous challenges as a corps member in Lagos, pointing out that the only thing that makes her happy and keeps her going, is the pupils she is teaching at Universal Primary School. On which community development service (CDS) she is planning to engage in, Ogochi said she is very busy and in fact still trying to adapt to the new environment. She said: “For now, I am studying to see how I can contribute and give back to my country and the funds to carry out such project when the time comes. I do not know for now, but when I get there, God will provide. I am grateful that I was deployed to a school to teach. It is a dream come true, and for me being in Lagos State is a good experience though I hate the city because of the traffic situation in which you have to spend hours on the road before getting to your destinations. I want to congratulate the governor of the state, Babatunde Fashola for developing the state, which has today become a better place to live.”

Ogochi

he American University of Nigeria (AUN) in collaboration with the Adamawa Peacemakers Initiative (API) has concluded plans to hold peace and development conference, which is aimed at increasing access to education, better security and youths employment in the North-East geo-political zone of the federation. The maiden international conference, being facilitated by the API is expected to take place today (June 11), in Yola. The conference is being organised by community, religious, and business leaders with partnership with the American University of Nigeria towards peace building

AUN, API hold conference on peace, development and educational development of the areas prone to the Boko Haram insurgency. The conference is expected to attract over 100 participants from the civil society group, security organisations, academia and other key stakeholders. Major high points of the conference are presentation of certificates to 260 young men and women who recently graduated from the universi-

ty’s free Information and Communications Technology (ICT) training programme organised for youths in Adamawa State. The programme, it was said had trained more than 2,000 youth since its inception, while the participants will hold a town hall meeting with 50 youth which will focus on discussion about their needs and concerns, as well as visit to the Bole village to meet the internally displaced people for

Students of Lagos State University, LASU cooking at the Lagos State Government House, Alausa during their protest of the hike in their fees.

the distribution of food items and other materials to them. Meanwhile, guest speakers at the three-day conference, which will hold at the university’s ultra-modern hall, include Dr. Robert A. Pastor, Library and e-Resource Center, who is expected to proffer new strategies and solutions to security initiative that could guarantee peace and security especially in the North-East. However, the conference will also deliberate on support or reforms required in the country to tackle insurgence, the role of religious leaders in conflict resolution, promotion, understanding and tolerance, as well as how education and gender equity can promote peace and development. Other areas include the contribution of good governance and democracy to accountability, peace, employment and development, and the role of the media in promoting alternative viewpoints and galvanising citizens towards national development. The statement added that the university has launched numerous educational programmes for the girl-child and women, as well as youth empowerment scheme in the community. Besides, it has also been active in donating relief materials to internally displaced persons who fled from violent Borno and Yobe states.

Activists seek anti-corruption course in schools A s part of efforts towards addressing the rising cases of corrupt practices in the country, human rights activists and anti-corruption crusaders have suggested the introduction of anti-corruption course in the school curriculum at all arms of the school system. This was the submission of the guest speakers at this year’s edition of the anti-corruption symposium organised by the Late Chief Gani Fawehinmi Students' Chambers of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka. At the symposium were the former member of the House of Representatives, Dino Melaye; former President, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Mr. Olasupo Ojo; Chairman of Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Monday Ubani, and Mrs. Funmi Falana, a legal practitioner. While acknowledging the roles and contributions of the late Fawehinmi in the fight against corruption and impunity among members of the ruling class, the participants challenged the students to rise up to the occasion and draw inspirations from the late legal icon. Melaye, who described Nigeria as a car being driven by a drunken driver, said many of the challenges facing the

country, especially that of insecurity and the social unrests could only be traced to the gross incompetence of the nation's leadership. He said the solution to these multi-various problems requires a change of attitude and orientation by the country's leadership. According to him, the corruption cases in the country have graduated from stealing

of millions of naira to massive depletion of treasury by government officials. The former lawmaker insisted that rather than accusing the opposition of sponsoring violence, the leadership should see it as a reflection of the decadence in the larger society. Ojo, in his own contribution, challenged the Federal Ministry of Education to in-

Melaye (middle) with students of the faculty shortly after the symposium

corporate the teaching of anticorruption in the schools’ curricula, saying the war against corruption should begin from schools. The event, which featured, poetry rendition by some of the students, was described by the guests as a right step in the right direction towards reclaiming the banned students’ union activities on the campus.

EDUCATION | CAMPUS

he students' union leaders of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) have been counseled on the need to embrace dialogue and provide responsible leadership that will take the university to its loftier heights. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rotimi Ajayi, who gave the advice last week at the opening ceremony of a two-day leadership retreat, organised for the student leaders by the university admonished them to always dialogue with management on all issues. The retreat with the theme: "Leadership and Responsible Unionism", took place at the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), Ondo. While declaring open the annual retreat on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Femi Mimiko, who is currently at the national confab, said: "What we are emphasising as an administration is the fact that you (students) need to imbibe the culture of dialogue with the management. There will be issues from time to time to be addressed, but such issues are to be tabled before the university management for discussion. I appeal to you to pursue the path of responsibility, responsiveness, decency and good governance." According to Ajayi, the purpose of the annual leadership training "is to handover the necessary tools to you to render effective services to your fellow students and to contribute your quota to the development of the university." He noted that the university has witnessed consecutively five sessions of unbroken academic calendar, urging the student leaders not to disrupt the flow by treading the path of their predecessors who maintained the peace and tranquil-

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Student leaders counseled to embrace dialogue

EKSU holds inaugural lecture he 38th inaugural lecture of T(EKSU), the Ekiti State University Ado-Ekiti, earlier

scheduled to hold on June 3, will now take place on July 8. A statement by the Deputy Registrar, Corporate Affairs, Ajibade Olubunmi expressed the management’s regrets over the change of date, and the inconvenience this might have caused members of the public and friends of the university.

Alumni association elects officers Sikiru Akinola

T Ajayi (arrowed) in a group photograph with the guest speakers, principal officers of the university and the student leaders at the retreat.

ity in the university throughout their tenure. He stressed the need for the student leaders to be in constant touch with the management to resolve all issues, saying: "We are ready and willing to address any issue relating to your welfare if such issues are genuine and properly channeled." The Deputy Vice-Chancellor enjoined the students not to embark on any activity that are capable of disrupting the university’s academic calendar and operations, even as he advised them to pay maximum attention to their academic activities. Meanwhile, he warned that

ducation has been described as the best legacy that could be bequeathed to a new generation, and indeed a nation. Thus, any society that pays lip service to the education sector will remain underdeveloped and insignificant in the comity of nations. Such a country will not enjoy much progress in economy, technology, social and political spheres of life. However, with the collapsing education sector in the country, evidenced by the more than 10-month-old industrial action by polytechnic lecturers across the nation and their counterparts from the colleges of education; the infrastructural decay; poor remuneration of staff, among others, the Nigerian nation is a typical example of a country in distress. Despite the perceived importance and contributions of education to a society; it is quite unfortunate and shameful that the government at all levels are insensitive to the development of the education sector and have failed to ensure that majority of Nigerians enjoy and have access to qualitative education, which will make them contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the country. The essence of going to school is for students to become economic agents and contribute actively to the growth and development of their society. If the country has a former university lecturer as its president, and he gives little priority to the education sector, then, one can safely say that the country is in a state of anomy. It is not an exaggeration to say that all levels of our education, from primary to

under no circumstances should the student leaders address any students gathering on any issue when such issue has not been discussed with the Dean of Students’ Affairs or brought to the knowledge of the management. Ajayi stressed: "You must learn to respect constituted authorities and members of staff of the university. You must obey all rules and regulations as prescribed by the university. You are to support the administration in ensuring that students obey the laid down rules and regulations. You are not allowed to proceed on any procession without the approval of the university." The Dean of Students’ Af-

fairs, Dr. Olujide Ajidahun, expressed gratitude to the management for its unwavering commitment to the welfare of the students, stressing that “the only way the students could reciprocate the gesture is to cooperate with the administration." Resources persons at the retreat include the Chair of Ondo State Electoral Commission, Prof. Olugbenga Ige; Dean of Postgraduate School, Prof. Francis Oyebade; Dean of Faculty of Arts, Prof Oluyemisi Adebowale; Deputy Registrar (Academic), Mr. Adedayo Adedeji; Deputy Bursar, Mr. Tobi Orina; and Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Mr. Amos Ifedayo.

he Great Ife Alumni Association, the umbrella body of graduates of the Obafemi Awolowo University, has elected officers who will steer the affairs of the association for the next two years. They were elected at the 21st Biennial Convention of the association which took place at the Oduduwa Hall of the university. No fewer than 15 officers emerged as officers through the election described as free and fair. The elected officers include Mr. Segun Oke of Abuja branch, who emerged as the National President, while Mrs. Bolatumi Oloko, Messrs Adeniyi Oduneye and Hakeem Olomowewe were elected as National Vice-Presidents for South-West, North and SouthEast respectively. Mrs. Omolara Olarewaju of home branch emerged as National Secretary, while Mr. Tunde Odunjo and Mr. Samuel Adesida became the first and second National Assistant Secretaries respectively.

OPINION

FG’s insensitivity to quality education Hameed Muritala, 400 Level Mass Comm. at UNILORIN. tertiary institutions have been hit by the continuous falling standard, with the resultant effects on the quality of students being produced. The higher institutions are the worst hit, with their ‘half-baked’ graduates, who have little or no hope in the labour market, because the system that produced them is a rotten one. It is sad to hear employers of labour referring to Nigerian graduates as unemployable, despite parading certificates or qualifications that certified them competent and capable. Also, it is regrettable and sad to note that the present condition of public education under the democratic or civilian government is worse than it was under the military regime. This ugly development has made some Nigerian children to seek quality education either in pri-

vate institutions or travelling abroad in search of qualitative education. The question now is, “as Nigerians, living and studying in Nigeria, don’t we have the right to quality education and training? We want the Federal Government to increase the budgetary allocation to the education sector to a reasonable level, even if its insensitivity will not allow it to meet the 26 per cent recommended by UNESCO for developing countries. I want to say here that eight per cent or less being allocated to the sector is just too insignificant considering the population of the country and the yearnings of Nigerian youths to acquire education. If the government could donate a huge amount of money to revitalise the movie industry (Nollywood), why can’t it extend the same helping hand to save the education sector? If the Federal Government can waste billions of naira on repentant militants, why can’t it pump the same into the education so that another set of militants would not rise in the nearest future? Like the former ASUU Chairman of OAU chapter, Prof. Adegbola Akinola once said: “We cannot continue to pretend that all is well with our education sector. If Nigeria were to be a poor coun-

try, we would endure the present situation of the education sector.” This is why the government must restructure our education system and make it functional to meet quality acceptable standards. In ensuring that Nigerian students receive quality education, another issue that must be adequately addressed by the government and other concerned authorities, is the issue of lecturers’ motivation. Nigerian lecturers or teachers are poorly motivated, remunerated and hardly accord the needed respect in the society. This is bad for our education because an unmotivated lecturer cannot offer the students the best they require to succeed in their academics. As Dr. Adedimeji Mahfouz once said in one of his articles that “if teachers are well paid, the pupils will be well taught, but if they are poorly paid as it stands today, the sorry situation will remain the same.” Our lecturers must be well motivated, while their salaries and other incentives should be paid regularly. Many Nigerians are in school, but are not educated; they do not receive the right quality education that a school should offer. But, the government keeps building schools, without improving the already established ones. They should improve the facilities and the quality of training in our academic institutions before thinking of establishing more schools. The earlier the government realises and understands that what the country needs is quality education and not more schools, the better for us.

CAMPUS | EDUCATION 29

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Ilobu students’ union offers free computer training

igher school students, under the aegis of the Ilobu National Students’ Union (INSU), an umbrella body of students’ associations and groups in Ilobu, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State, have commenced their free computer training for students in the area, who are members and non-members of the union. The computer training, currently holding at the union’s newly constructed secretariat, according to the President of the union, Onaolapo Kolade, was necessitated by his administration’s desire to make the students from the environment compete favourably with their counterparts across the globe. Kolade, who cited the new policy of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board to move from paper pencil test mode to computer based test in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, added that with the initiative, the beneficiaries are already counting their gains. One of the training instructors and students of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Qadri Alabi, said the scope of the modules being taught include Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, Corel Draw, Photo Shop, Adobe Page, and Internet proficiency.

Student group mentors pupils

Taiwo Isola MAIDUGURI

s part of activities marking this year’s Children Day, a team of undergraduates from various universities across the country recently gathered at the Federal Government College, Ilorin, Kwara State, where they organised series of programmes including speech making competition for the pupils of the school. The programme, which was organised under the auspices of Great UNITATE Vision Foundation, according to the group’s Coordinator and student of the University of Ilorin Medical College, Animashaun Oluwaseyi, was targeted towards mentoring the younger ones to have a strong belief in their nation. Tagged: “Sustaining the Vision,” the programme, which took place at the main auditorium of the college, had in attendance teachers and pupils. The high points of the programme were presentations, interactive sessions, oratory contests, cultural displays and song rendition. Oluwaseyi, in his keynote address, said: “We have to be the change we want to see in this nation. We cannot change Nigeria, as it were, until we change ourselves. We must renew our mind with a sense of

morality and discipline. Any effort to impact a national change without discipline and morality on our side will be tantamount to building an edifice on a weak foundation. When we change our own orientation, we will impact positively on those around us. Though we have inherited liabilities from our leaders, we must decide to take our future into our hands, build discipline hedges around our lives and create the future we desire.” The audience was enter-

tained by cultural display and song rendition, while prizes were presented to winners of the oratory contest. The college’s acting Head Boy, Kayode Abayomi Emmanuel expressed gratitude on behalf of the pupils to the group for believing in them, saying that the programme have really enlightened them about new things they never knew before and they were really encouraged to believe in Nigeria and to strive for excellence in their pursuit.

The National Coordinator of the Foundation and graduating student of Law from Obafemi Awolowo University, Sonuga Opeoluwa, said: “We believe responsibility is the caretaker of destiny. We believe that these children are the leaders of tomorrow. That is why we have invested time, efforts and resources in organising this event. I think it’s time to mentor the younger ones to be disciplined and responsible so that they can be catalyst of social change in the society.

The pupils at the event.

Brisk business at OAU as freshers resume UNN agog as Uduaghan donates centre to varsity Dominic Adewole ASABA

Some parents helping their wards out.

Sikiru Akinola OAU

usiness activities have since last week at the campus of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife been in full swing following the resumption of fresh students into the institution. All the major roads leading to the campus were blocked due to the number of cars coming in and going out of the university. The Anglo-Moz car park was filled to the brim with students and their parents, while some parents were seen helping their children and wards with their registration. The entire campus was a beehive of activities, while the students were filled with joy for resuming for full academic

activities. The fresh students, who had since last week been trooping into the university in their large numbers, deferred the heavy morning downpour as they are seen moving from one department to the other for their registration. Meanwhile, due to the resumption, various business owners including food vendors and shop owners, among others on the campus have taken advantage of the situation to make some brisk businesses, while they laugh to their banks. The prices of some of the items and services such as photocopying, transport fare and food items, among others were already hiked. Some students were not left out in the business orgy as they

are also using the opportunity to make money by selling files, buckets, cooking utensils, notebooks and other materials, which they are selling to their colleagues at normal prices. The students’ union leaders have set up measures to curb unnecessary inflation of prices of items by disguising as fresh students in need of certain items. One of the business operator was reprimanded by the students for selling a student mattress valued at N4,000 for between N5,500 and N7,000 to the new students. Following a tip off by a parent, the students stormed her shop where her remaining mattresses were confiscated and taken to the university’s security post.

igeria’s first indigenous university, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), was agog on Monday, as it took delivery of the B.I.C. Ijeoma Centre For Social Research (Sociology Building) donated by the Delta State Government to the institution. The building was inaugurated by the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who said the ‘Sociology Building’ was sponsored in honour of one of the very best sons of Delta State, who passed through this institution, Prof. B.I.C. Ijeoma. The governor described UNN as one of the foremost universities in Nigeria, stressing that Nigerians are happy that the tradition of university has been faithfully kept till date, even as he lauded the university authorities for keeping the green environment. “The world is going green and when I see a community like this, I am very happy,” Uduaghan said, congratulating the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bartholomeo Okolo for a successful tenure. The governor noted: “I thank God for your life and that you are ending your tenure and ending it very well.” Dignitaries at the commissioning include top government functionaries and political bigwigs from Delta State, including Chief Godwill

Obielum and Prof. Ijeoma, in whose honour the building was built. Uduaghan commended the Vice-Chancellor for attracting students-oriented projects to the institution, saying: “We are here to honour Prof. B.I.C. Ijeoma, a pioneer of so many good things, and who today is also a pioneer with a centre named after him." He urged students to shun such vices like cultism and examination malpractice and take the likes of Prof. Ijeoma as their mentors and avoid the craze for material wealth against quality education and decent environment. “Today, we are here to honour someone who has made a mark, many are honoured when they are dead but, we decided to honour our own when he is alive,” the governor stated. According to Okolo, the structure has saved students the rigour of taking their lectures at the stadium, since there was no single lecture hall for the students of Sociology in the university. Responding Ijeoma said: "You have touched the hearts of the students and the institution. I thank the Governor and people of Delta State for immortalising me. Today, you are honoring me again with this centre, this is the first time, I believe I am qualified for this because of my passion for my alma mater, God has used you to keep me living.”

EDUCATION

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

UNIABUJA, ASUU trade words over strike Emeldah Ogene ABUJA

he Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), Professor James Adelabu has described as untrue and baseless the allegations leveled against his administration by members of the institution’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over the union’s demands. The lecturers, who last Monday embarked on an indefinite strike over what they called the “developments in the institution, however vowed that they would not return to their classrooms and laboratories, until their demands were met. The union’s grouse include failure to release the report of the Visitation Panel raised by the Federal Government to look into the activities of the

Adelabu

institution and which had since concluded its exercise; and payment of their checkoff dues for the last three years and other allowances belonging to them by the ViceChancellor. The strike is said to be coming barely three weeks to the expiration of the tenure of the Vice-Chancellor. According to the ASUU Chairman, Dr. Ben Ugheoke, the Union had resolved to embark on an indefinite strike beginning from Monday until all their demands are met, which include non-payment of their check-off dues for the last three years. While recalling that the Federal Government had on July 16, 2012, constituted a visitation panel to resolve the issues affecting the institution, he regretted that despite that the panel had concluded its assignment, the white paper of the report is yet to be released. Ugheoke alleged that the facts available to the union have shown that the funds allocated to the institution were being misappropriated by the Vice-Chancellor. He accused the Vice-Chancellor of deliberately refusing to pay their teaching, marking, supervision and professional allowances since 2010. The Chairman told New Telegraph that the strike is comprehensive and indefinite, and until the issues raised are met, the strike will not be suspended.

“Even at the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, we will continue the strike except the incoming Vice-Chancellor is willing to talk and address the issues,” Ugheoke said. But in a swift reaction, Adelabu denied the allegations and said that the management had fully paid all the union’s dues, noting that the lecturers are misleading the public. The Vice-Chancellor said: “ASUU owes the public the responsibility of telling them the truth. As far back as April last year before the government announced it, we stopped the issue of check-off that is the union’s dues which the management help to collect directly from source and remit to the union. The money is paid along with their salaries and the union knows very well that the check-off is paid alongside their salaries to them individually. “There was earlier directive as regards the check-off during strike, but up till now that directive has not been changed. I wonder how the union is now coming up with the latest allegation that I refused to remit their check-off dues. If you (lecturers) as an individual you owe the union, you already have your salary paid in full, why then don’t you pay to the union?” The strike by the lecturers, he pointed out was an attempt to disrupt the success recorded by his administration.

The Director, Conservative Environment Growth and Development Centre, Mrs. Olayemi Maryam (middle) with secondary school students during a recent environmental protest campaign.

NDA cadets get UNILORIN immersion certificates Appolos Christian

o fewer than seven Cadets of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna have received their certificates Arabic Immersion Pogramme of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) Centre for Linguistic Immersion. The programme, which lasted for six weeks, is part of the three foreign languages offered by the centre. Speaking at a reception ceremony organised in honour of the Cadets by the centre, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali,

praised the Centre for its commitment to fulfill the objectives for which the centre was set up. Represented at the occasion by the university Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Dada Obafemi, the Vive-Chancellor spoke of the plans by the university to introduce the teaching of some African languages in the university curriculum to complement the three foreign languages -English, French and Arabic – that are currently being taught at the Centre. While commending the efforts of the Director of the Centre, Dr. Elisabeth De-Campos for her commitment to uplift the

programme, he urged her to intensify efforts towards keeping faith with the objectives of the centres as well as taking it to its loftier heights. The Vice-Chancellor commended the leadership of the Faculty of Arts for the role it played in the success of the programme and other activities of the centre. In her goodwill message, the wife of the Vice-Chancellor, Hajia Taiye Ambali, urged the Cadets to be good ambassadors of the university, saying they should allow the knowledge acquired at the centre to reflect in their day-to-day activities.

EDUPEACE

with Mahfouz A. Adedimeji (08066372516, sms only)

This university of life

t is common for students to celebrate the “completion" of their education in various ways. In some institutions, the excitement of completing a stipulated study programme would make graduating students throw all kinds of objects, from tomato to “pure water”, at one another. At the University of Ilorin recently for example, many final year students after their last lectures wore white dresses on a day. The white vests soon became smeared with all kinds of ink and inscriptions. I was told the graduating students were “signing out” by writing their names or appending their signatures on their colleagues' dresses. However, the notion of completing one’s education is misinformed. No one ever completes one’s education as education is a life-long phenomenon. It is incontrovertible, as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once said, that seeking education starts from the cradle and ends in the grave. One can complete schooling but no one completes education while alive. We stop living the day we stop learning. The implication of the foregoing is that this life is one big university we are all enrolled in. We gained admission the day we were born; we matriculated the day we were named. We attend classes throughout and face the challenges of tests and assignments in problems and challenges that dog our path. We stumble; we rise. We fail; we pass. We get promoted from one class to the other as our levels change. We graduate the day we die. One fundamental thing about this University of Life is to be prepared, as the Boys Scout would say, because tests, assignments and examinations are part of it. How many of us are prepared? Students often desire that examinations do not hold but still realize they still must sit for them to move from one level to another. We also hope that we live a trouble-free life but that is wishful thinking. Fifty years ago, the late Dr. Tai Solarin stunned his readers when he wrote on January 1, 1964 an article under a seemingly ominous title, “May your road be rough”. He argued that it was sheer bunkum not to expect challenges or difficulties because life that would be “abundant must have plenty of hills and vales…sunshine and rough weather”. He also stressed, in what has become one of his most famous quotes, thus: “All that is noble

No one ever completes one’s education as education is a life-long phenomenon and laudable was to be achieved only through difficulties and trials and tears and dangers.” On her part, Barbara Bradford, though in a different context, suggests that there are five “d’s” critical to success in the University of Life. These d’s are desire, drive, determination, discipline and dedication. Everyone deserves to a large extent what he desires and drives towards with determination but no desire can be attained without discipline powered by determination. She adds another “d” which is the one to avoid: distraction. There are so many distractions in this life that threaten the attainment of one’s life goals just as there are several distractions in the university for unwary students. Students should focus on their goals and keep their heads high. The new Emir of Kano, His Eminence, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has had his fair share of sunshine and rough weather. There are many lessons to learn from him. He had desire and he told everyone who cared to listen that his ambition was to ascend the throne of his ancestors. He didn’t end it at the level of desire that others would call "dream", he drove and strove towards it. He developed himself educationally such that you just have to give it to him: he is a pride to Nigeria. Then he was determined. He was disciplined enough not to compromise his principles. He was rather dedicated to his cause which generated a substantial number of friends and enemies for him in good measure. Both the enemies and friends helped him to attain his desire! In essence, in this University of Life, there is no completing one’s education. Good education and commitment to public good will make champions emerge from us. Nigeria keeps on offering us life lessons that we cannot afford to ignore. One of the recent lessons of life is that in every situation, you should do your best and leave the rest for God to vindicate the righteous. l Dr Adedimeji is a Senior Lecturer and Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, UNILORIN.

FEEDBACK Re: Olorundare’s recipe for our ailing education Dr don’t get it wrong…Nigeria is the one that has a problem, not the teaching profession. If teachers are being honoured and compensated, then the Nigerian problem is 70% solved. Ask your students, do they want to teach? They would rather be politicians or bankers! What can come of that type of society? Loss of value and social eclipse. Abdulhameed Badmos Good job, Sir. Just read through your piece. Christian Appolos

We pray we have listening leaders who will listen to the cry of teachers and give them their worth. Dhikrullah Basirat, Ogbomoso Our teachers need to be motivated and respected. Teachers can’t determine the extent to which their impacts can go. Hameed Muritala Bolton This is thoughtful of you. Teachers are unduly pauperized through the ages. May God deliver us. Bayonle Ogunronke, Ibadan

BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

WHAT'S NEWS Lagos jetties to handle N53.70bn petroleum products The Lagos wharves and jetties are to take delivery of 272418 metric tons of petroleum products worth N53.70 billion before the end of the month.

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Experts forecast 7.2% growth for Nigeria With the expected release of the nation’s first quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures drawing closer, renowned economic analyst and Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, has forecast a Gross Domestic Growth (GDP) of 7.22 per cent for Nigeria.

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GOtv/Startimes: Who is winning mass market war? Multichoice Nigeria, a subsidiary of South Africa-based Multichoice Africa, owners of DSTV pay television, made an entry into the Nigerian market in 1994. The market dominance of DSTV was challenged by another pay television, HiTV.

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Spanish envoy flays cargo delay by Customs The Spanish importers are not happy with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) over cargo delay at seaports. They said there was no transparency in the system as cargo was subjected to unnecessary delay in a bid to extort money.

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CORRUPTION High-level politicians, military officials, foreign oil traders, shippers, bankers and refiners fingered

BULLISH Rewane has predicted eight per cent increase in NSE’s market performance indices Chris Ugwu

GODSON IKORO , Asst. Editor (Money Market) JONAH IBOMA, ICT Editor DAYO ADEYEMI, Property Editor ADEOLA YUSUF, Energy Editor WOLE SHADARE, Aviation Editor

nvestment flows through Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPI) at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) have grown to N138.78 billion (about $0.89 billion) in April 2014, up 54.8 per cent from January 2014, New Telegraph has learnt. The bullish rally witnessed on the Exchange in the last few weeks, would also con-

DELE ALAO, Brands/Marketing Editor CHRIS UGWU, Capital Market Editor ABDULWAHAB ISA, Finance Editor CHUKS ONUANYIN, Energy NNAMDI AMADI, Reporter JOHNSON ADEBAYO, Asst. Production Editor

NSE’S TRADING PLATFORM: NEED TO UPDATE MARKET RULES }p-36

AYODELE AMINU, DEPUTY EDITOR, BUSINESS

ayodele.aminu@newtelegraphonline.com ayodeleaminu@yahoo.com

Chatham House had earlier revealed that proceeds from this economic sabotage may expectedly be used to fund politics ahead the 2015 elections. A 70-page report entitled, ‘Nigeria’s Criminal Crude,’ by Chatham House, which had earlier forecast this economic sabotage, linked this growing

incidence of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in Nigeria to the 2015 general election. The Chatham House report had also indicted high-level politicians and military officials in what it called, “A complex criminal web that includes foreign oil traders, shippers, bankers and refiners.”

Oil theft, the report said, sometimes “fund politics in Nigeria, including election campaigns.” The elections, the report further said, is one of the reasons for government's inability to record any high-level of conCONTINUED ON PAGE 32

rude theft in the Niger Delta has hit its highest in four years, New Telegraph gathered at the weekend. Investigations revealed that over 5, 000 illegal refineries have been uncovered in the oil rich region by the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the last 36 months. A JTF source told this newspaper that the incident of crude theft has reached its highest in the last six months. "The fact is that the JTF authority is aware of the high rate of crude theft and everything is being done to nip the incident in the bud. "Don't forget that all the suspects we have arrested were duly handed over to the Police for prosecution. We are only surprised to see this same set of people again back at their illegal trade after a few days of their arrest," he said. A report by London-based

SIMEON OGOEGBULEM, Dep. Business Editor

SIAKA MOMOH, Asst. Editor (Industry/Agric)

www.newtelegraphonline.com/business

Adeola Yusuf

AYODELE AMINU, Deputy Editor (Business)

SUNDAY OJEME, Asst. Editor (Insurance)

NEW TELEGRAPH

2015 elections heighten oil theft, crime –Investigation

BUSINESS CREW

BAYO AKOMOLAFE, Asst. Editor (Maritime)

L-R: Director, Business Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Lucas Dada; Leadership expert/Business Coach, Mr. Brian Tracy and Chief Operating Officer, Brimass, Mr. Stephen Ojji, at the Remarkable Leaders’ Conclave 2.0 with Brian Tracy in Lagos.

Foreign Portfolio Investors’ transactions rise to N138.7bn

• Rewane forecasts positive outlook for NSE tinue in third quarter, Managing Director Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, has said A report obtained from the NSE website said that domestic investors ceded over 50 per cent of trading to their foreign counterparts as domestic transactions decreased significantly from 50.72 per cent to 24.75 per cent in April. Total transactions in-

creased by 1.35 per cent from N181.97 billion in January to N184.43 billion in April, while foreign portfolio investors’ inflows accounted for 75.25 per cent of total transactions. On a monthly basis, the Exchange polls trading figures from major custodians and market operators on their foreign portfolio investments (FPI). In comparison to the same

period in 2013, there was an increase in total FPI by 12.86 per cent, whilst the total domestic transactions reduced by 32.61 per cent. However, the FPI outflows outpaced inflows, which were the reverse when compared with the same period in 2013. Overall, there was a 3.29 per cent decrease in total transCONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE April 2014...............................7.9% March 2014............................7.8% Feburary 2014 ........................7.7%

LENDING RATE

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parellel As at June 6)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N166.50 InterBank Rate . . . . . . . . . 10.50% Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N285 Prime Lending Rate. . . . . 16.93% Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N229 Maximum Lending Rate..25.83% • Foreign Reserves – $36.755bn as at 06/06/2014

EXCHANGE RATE

(Official As at June 6))

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N155.73 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N260.86 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N211.31 Source: CBN

32 BUSINESS | NEWS SUPLUS There is ample supply of petroleum products imported from various countries

Bayo Akomolafe

he Lagos wharves and jetties are to take delivery of 272418 metric tons of petroleum products worth N53.70 billion before the end of the month.

Lagos jetties to handle N53.70bn petroleum products in June They are being ferried to New Oil Jetty, Petroleum Wharf Apapa and Single Bouy Mooring through the various jetties by twelve vessels. Of the twelve vessels are Sea Progress and Sea Pioneer laden with 5,600 metric tons and 5,000 metric tons of kerosene.

Q1: Experts forecast 7.2% growth for Nigeria INSECURITY Insecurity in the north east remained a challenge to the output from the region Sunday Ojeme

ith the expected release of the nation’s first quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures drawing closer, renowned economic analyst and Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, has forecast a Gross Domestic Growth (GDP) of 7.22 per cent for Nigeria. The figures are to be officially released on June 17. The Federal Government had projected an economic growth of 7.3 per cent this year, up from 6.4 per cent in 2013. Rewane, in the latest edition of his economic report, said that Nigeria’s growth would be driven by increased activity in construction, an upbeat in the service sector and stable oil output. In the presentation titled: “Moomoo-nomiks versus Economics, Disinformation of the Uninformed,” the analyst attributed the downside risks to growth in the economy mainly from continued fiscal leakages.

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

He said that insecurity in the north east remained a challenge to the output from the region with regard to agriculture, oil leakages and a declined production due to force majeures, while poor power output is also resulting in increased downtime in manufacturing as well as other business service sectors. As part of the multiplier effects of the Federal Government’s increase in tariff on imported vehicles, Rewane projected a 10 per cent spike in June inflation because of increase in car prices; money supply growth, planting and early harvest of agricultural products as well as stable naira. He said that headline inflation inched marginally in April to 7.9 per cent, stressing that some of the risk factors included implementation of the new automotive policy, fiscal overdrive from security spending and election campaign and offsetting gains. The expert insisted that core inflation volatility remains a threat to price stability. Rewane also projected resurgence in inflationary pressure to be caused by increased electricity tariffs, panic buying in anticipation of automotive policy, disbursement of capital votes (fiscal overdrive), steady growth in money supply at 5.83 per cent, planting season and wage pressure that is nonexistent.

Others laden with premium motor spirit are Pacific Zircon with 37,700 metric tons; Leon Posiedon (15,000 metric tons), Madona 1 (15,000 metric tons). Ocean Blue (7,5000 metric tons), Torm Alexander (38,000 metric tons), Mariella Bottiglieri (15, 000 metric tons), Torm Trinity (37,700 metric tons), Atlantic Leo (38,000 metric tons), Aristotelis (20,000 metric tons) and Aromore Seaventure (37916 metric tons). It was learn that the products will be distributed at the

expected open market price and landing cost. In 2013, the country imported 8,790,980 metric tons of refined petroleum products through the seaports. Currently, the country sources its kerosene from the United States. Nigeria imported 105,000 barrels of cooking kerosene in March from US. Also in February, 864,000 barrels of jet fuel were imported while 186,000 barrels were ferried in March from US to

the country. But despite the surplus, Nigerians still buy the products above the regulated price of N97 per litre. Since the beginning of the year, motorists have been buying above the official rates. The Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) attributed this to the delay of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) in releasing the approval for the first quarter fuel importation.

L-R: Former Director- General, Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Prof. Cleopas Augaye; President, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA), Mrs. Mary Uduma and Special Assistant to Communication Technology Minister, Mr. Ola Ogunneye, during 2014 Nigeria Internet Governance Forum held in Lagos. PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 1

actions in comparison to the same period in 2013. According to reports, highlights of the domestic composition of transactions on the Exchange showed that total domestic transactions decreased by 50.55 per cent from January to April 2014. The institutional composition of the domestic market, which was about 46.80 per cent at the end of last January increased to 59.38 per cent at the end of April whilst the retail composition decreased from 53.20 per cent to 40.62 per cent in the same period. Total FPI transactions of

Foreign Portfolio Investors’ transactions rise N616billion, which accounted for 14.8 per cent of total transactions in 2007 consistently increased over the years to N1, 042 billion representing 50.8 per cent of the total in 2013 (an increase of 36 per cent over the six year period. Domestic transactions on the other hand, started at N3, 556 billion, representing 85.2 per cent in 2007 but reduced significantly to N1,009billion, representing 49.2 per cent of total transactions in 2013 (a sharp decline of 36 per cent

in the six year period. Meanwhile, in the latest edition of its monthly economic news and views, Rewane predicted about 8 per cent increase in the NSE’s market performance indices. Besides, he said the positive second quarter results would drive investor optimism, while the resumption of the new Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, will be a boost to financial sector.

from export terminals. New Telegraph had earlier quoted an anonymous source in the Joint Task Force (JTF) as lamenting the frustration at noticing that certain culprits arrested soon return to the pipelines shortly after being arrested and handed over to the police. MEN of 3 Battallion, Effurun, Delta State led by Lt. Col. Ifeanyi Otu, Commanding Officer, and Joint Task Force, JTF, in the Niger Delta, in Isaba, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, said it uncovered and destroyed over 1,500 illegal oil refineries and arrested three persons. The raid, which is coming

barely two weeks after the Army destroyed over 600 illegal refineries, also led to the discovery of illegal refineries at Esaba community in Ughelli-South Local Government Area of the state. Nigeria's military had earlier in 2011 said it had arrested 50 suspected oil thieves in just three months and destroyed some 2,000 illicit refineries in 2011 in the oil-producing Niger Delta region. While unrest in the region has sharply declined since a 2009 amnesty deal, crude theft and illegal refining of petroleum products has increased, said Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Antigha, spokesman for a task force in the delta.

Etisalat plans $4.22bn bond for Maroc Telecom loan 2015 elections heighten oil theft, crime –Investigation Jonah Iboma

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

tisalat is planning to issue a bond worth $4.22 billion to refinance its Maroc Telecom loan in what could be the largest deal of the year. The bond will be split into four tranches, according Reuters, citing a document from lead arrangers. The document also said that Etisalat is considering two US dollar tranches of the bond — of five and 10-year tenors – in addition to two euro-denominated tranches of seven and 12 year durations. “This bond programme is to replace or refinance the bridge loan that Etisalat used to fund the acquisition of Maroc Tele-

com,” said Omar Maher, a telecoms analyst at Cairo-based EFG-Hermes. “However, this bond programme has been created several years ago, but had never been floated because Etisalat had no need for it.” Etisalat, rated Aa3/AA-/ A+ by the main credit rating agencies, is meeting fixed income investors in London this week, having already held roadshows in the Middle East, Asia and Europe and interest is expected to be high. Many firms for the United Arab Emirates are increasingly accessing bond markets as borrowing costs fall amid increased demand from foreign investors and turmoil in other emerging markets.

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

victions. It expressed “doubts whether anyone capable of curbing it really has the will to do so,” because “the web of beneficiaries of oil theft makes it difficult to stop.” Stolen Nigerian oil worth billions of dollars is sold every year on international markets and much of the proceeds are laundered in world financial centres such as Britain and the United States. An estimated 100,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil was stolen from pipelines in the Niger Delta in the first quarter of this year. This does not include the unknown quantities stolen

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Port Concession: Firm remits $126m to FG JOB CREATION Over 170 investors and 500 companies are operating in Onne Port Jude Opara Abuja

he Federal Government has received over $126 million dollars from Orlean Invest West Africa Limited in the past eight years as revenue from the concession of Onne Port. Orlean Invest, eight years ago, won concession rights to the tune of $724.651 million

for Onne Port located in Rivers State. Chief executive officer of the company, Captain Damir Miscovic, said that the company, which is involved in the development of the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone, paid over $126,095 million between 2006 to the first quarter of this year to the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA). Miscovic said that the development of Onne Free Zone, which has petrochemical, fertilizer and other allied industries has opened the area to various economic activities. He disclosed that economic activities around Onne have led to over 170 investors and

500 companies operating in the area, a development that has led to the creation of over 28,000 jobs. The CEO of Orlean Invest assured of the continued commitment of the firm towards ensuring that the zone maintains its leading role in the development of the oil and gas sector as the strategic regional maritime hub in the West African sub-region. According to Miscovic, the development in the zone is growing at an impressive rate even as he regretted that the lack of government’s support in the provision of basic infrastructure like good roads and electricity has continued to push up the cost of doing business.

He further bemoaned the attitude of operators in the Nigerian maritime sector over their persistent lack of patronage of vessels manufactured locally in the country, a situation he noted has led to brain drain in the sector. “The lack of patronage has resulted in the exodus of Nigerian professionals to other countries because they are not being reorganised by Nigerian investors who go out there and

Investments: NIPC grants pioneer incentives to 410 firms Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

igeria Investment PromoNgranted tion Council (NIPC) has pioneer status incen-

L-R: Senior Partner, Banji Baruwa & co, Mr. Banji Baruwa; Sales and Marketing Director, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr. Olugbenga Olayeye and Clinical Director, Odontoville Dental Clinics, Dr. Chukwuma Emeka, at the 20th Anniversary celebration of Odontoville Dental Clinics in Lagos

Bresson Energy strikes power deal with Scotland firm

• To generate 250mw Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

n Indigenous pioneer in independent power production, Bresson Energy Nigeria Limited, has signed a 250MW power generation agreement with Emergency Power Conglomerate of Scotland. The recent agreement is billed to span a nine-month period and it will compliment Federal Government’s comprehensive roadmap to improving power generation, distribution and consumption. The project which is to be cited in industrial clusters across the country was concluded via a memorandum of understanding signed in Paris, France, by Bresson AS chairman, Mr Gbenga Olawepo and Aggreko Regional Director, Mr

Christopher Jacquin. Sources said that the choice of clusters is premised on the projected source of demand, which often tallies with population and industrial density. Supply has been historically proven to be inadequate in areas of high activities, thereby inviting private sector interests in the need to increase supply. In addition, the pioneer energy company, Bresson, reportedly intends to add “a total of 500mw within the next twelve months to its daily generation capacity through emergency power generation, particularly in strategic centres in order to arrest acute power shortages.” Bresson AS, which owns Magboro 90mw Power Project situated in Magboro, Ogun State, also hopes to commission its Magboro plant configured on 2GE LM 6000.

The plant is designed to supply power to the National Grid while an additional 20mw project, a joint project between Bresson and Aggreko, is designed to serve the immediate neighbourhood of Magboro as an embedded generation option. The indigenous energy company managed by business mogul, Mr. Gbenga Olawepo, outlined in its mission statement that it is “poised to attain leadership position in the area of power generation in Nigeria and Africa. “We are working tirelessly to contribute to the socioeconomic development of a country of over 150 million people. We are committed to making power outage a thing of the past, improve the quality of life of the people across all sectors of the economy and reduce poverty by making available the needed energy for growth and employment.

purchase the vessels also produced by the same Nigerians,” Miscovic added. He equally revealed that his organisation spent N35 million on the award of scholarship to host communities, employment of 50 graduates who are all indigenes of the host communities as well as construction of a 10 kilometre road network in Onne and a mini stadium in Ogu community.

tive (PSI) to 410 companies since inception of the commission. The breakdown shows that 175 PSIs were granted to manufacturing companies, representing 42.68 per cent, 42 PSIs to agriculture and agro-allied companies, representing 10.42 per cent and 40 or 9.76 per cent of the PSIs to companies operating in the oil and gas sector of the economy. A further breakdown showed that 35 companies in the information and communication technology and telecommunications companies, representing 8.53 per cent received the PSI while eight companies in chemicals sub-sector representing and four transportation companies, representing 1.92 per cent and 0.98 per cent respectively received PSIs.

NIPC Executive Secretary, Mrs. Saratu Altine Umar, gave the figure in Abuja when she led top officers of the commission on courtesy visit to the Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Elias Mbam. Mrs. Umar said that the Pioneer Status Incentive is a fiscal concession, designed by government and backed by law, to encourage and promote certain targeted industries, activities, products and services, identified by government as “priority areas” and “growth drivers” of the economy. Umar who was making her first official courtesy visit since she took over as ES of NIPC said that in the past two decades, governments the world over had actively promoted their countries as investment locations to attract scarce private capital, associated technology and managerial skills in order to help achieve their developmental goals.

ABUCCIMA to construct permanent exhibition stand Simeon Ogoegbulem Abuja

he Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and TAgriculture (ABUCCIMA) has

announced plans to construct permanent exhibition stand at its trade fair complex in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). When completed, the exhibition stands would host trade and business events on a regular basis. The construction of the permanent stand is even as ABUCCIMA partners a South African firm to construct what the chamber described as the largest mall in the country. President of ABUCCIMA, Dr Solomon Nyagba, who disclosed this in Abuja however did not give further details of the company, but assured that it would soon be unveiled. Nyagba said that while the chamber is providing the land

for the construction, the South African firm will provide funds for the construction of the mall, adding that when completed, the mall would be branded by one of the leading retail outlets in the world. On the forthcoming Abuja International Trade Fair, Nyagba said that it will bring together key operators in the organised private sector has as its theme, “strengthening small and medium enterprises for economic growth.” He said that the fair aims at promoting revitalisation and diversification of the national economy by promoting the non-oil exports, especially agro-allied products. Nyagba expressed optimism that the fair which attracts wide participation from major players across different sectors of the economy offers great opportunities for business development in FCT and beyond.

FCT | BUSINESS WATCH

James Nwabueze Abuja

he hope of effective utilisation of Nigeria’s gas resources was again rekindled last week when the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani AlisonMadueke, disclosed Federal Government’s plan to commence the construction of the nation’s longest gas pipeline from Calabar via Ajaokuta to Kano State through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) scheme by the end of this year. The full implementation of the government’s gas revolution initiative would no doubt encourage better use of natural gas and minimise adverse environmental impact of its flaring and also create the undertone for even more widespread wealth and reposition the country to become the industrial giant of Africa. Experts say gas is a close substitute for other fuels in electricity generation, a complement to crude oil in revenue earning, a feedstock for fertilizer and petrochemical industries and is even environmentally friendly as it is cleaner than crude oil or coal. Prospects A large potential market therefore exists for investors in the area of gas production and supply for power generation, as source of fuel or as feedstock to current industries. This trend has informed energy experts’ projection of an anticipated 25 per cent annual growth rate in Nigeria’s gas demand. According to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), in addition to Nigeria’s proven natural gas reserves of 182 trillion cubic feet (TCF), about 600 thousand cubic feet of undiscovered gas potential is still available for the nation to tap from. Domestic gas demand is about 400 million cubic feet a day (MMcf/d) which is very low compared to the size of Nigeria’s population and its gas resources. The domestic market is limited by the low level of industrialisation and the inadequacy of the gas transmission and distribution infrastructure. The power sector currently accounts for nearly 90 per cent of gas sales. Analysts' perspective Analysts are of very strong opinion that in view of huge potentials for gas usage both for domestic and industrial consumption, any investment in the gas sector in the country would certainly have a rewarding return on investment. NLNG is a shining example of this success story, maintaining an enviable balance sheet by maximizing value from the country’s gas resources through leveraging the multiplier effect of gas in the domestic economy and optimising Nigeria’s share in the high value export market. More so, the Natural Gas Policy aims at promoting a public-private sector partnership for the orderly and rapid

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Gas revolution initiative: New vista of investment opportunities

Alison-Madueke

Nebo

Ige

commercialisation of Nigeria’s natural gas resources for the development and diversification of the economy. It is also aimed at recovering maximum revenue possible from gas utilisation. The Downstream Gas Act addresses the legal, regulatory, institutional and policy constraints to investment in the Nigerian downstream gas sector. Analysts say increasing utilisation of gas would stimulate multiplier effect of gas in the domestic economy and this will be facilitated through the gas to power project that will improve power generation and serve as a catalyst for industrialisation. Among those in this school of thought is the Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, who called for the effective implementation of the gas to power master plan to fasttrack the economic development of Nigeria. Nebo stressed the need to reduce gas flaring and channel it for domestic use, insisting that there is a clear link between the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and electricity consumption of any nation. He noted that adequate availability of electricity supply will significantly reduce the operational cost for industries and increase the GDP. According to the minister, a healthy and financially sustainable electricity sector is the life support system for economic, investment growth, job creation and retention and increase in income across all socio-economic levels. He said that when the power sector in a country fails to meet the power demand because of inefficiency, consumers and industries suffer and resort to practice of diesel-fired captive power, one of the most uneconomical ways of generating electricity. “It is important to note here that a healthy and financially sustainable electricity sector is the life support system for economic growth, investment growth, jobs creation and retention and increase in income across all socio-economic levels. “Therefore, our first consid-

eration is to focus on the Nigerian electricity consumers. They must have power to create jobs, to improve children’s education and to grow our economy. There is a clear link between GDP and electricity consumption. We are aware of the negative impact of current supply constraints on the Nigerian economy as being in the region and we are confident that the participation of stakeholders from the gas sector will transform the current situation and move us closer to actualising the vision of Mr President for the power sector by 2020.”

to poverty in that state and, indeed, Nigeria. The government’s gas revolution initiative is basically anchored on a few primary investors which include Nagarjuna of India for the 2.6 metric ton per annum (mtpa) urea plant, Xenel of Saudi Arabia for the 1.3mtpa polyethylene plant and 400 kilo tons per annum (ktpa) polypropylene plant. Others are the Chevron/ Shell/NNPC/Sahara 2.2 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) gas processing facility and Agip/ Oando/NNPC 800 million cubic feet per day (mmcf/d) gas processing facility. Although both Shell and Chevron have pulled out of the project, NNPC said that their decision to withdraw from the Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas Project would not derail the policy. According to a statement by the corporation, the Gas Revolution Agenda, launched in March 2011, was not only intact but had also taken off with significant progress in gas supply for power generation and industrial usage. “The Federal Government Gas Revolution Agenda, which is an integral part of the Gas Master plan, cannot be derailed just like that. “NNPC can confirm that the exit of Shell and Chevron will not impact on President Goodluck Jonathan’s Gas Revolution Agenda. It explained that the gasbased industrialisation agenda of President Jonathan planned for Ogidigben in Delta State had taken-off with site data gathering activities. It was also learnt that plans have been concluded for the foundation laying ceremony of the $1.2 billion world largest gas-to-urea fertilizer plant project.

NNPC's view NNPC Group Executive Director, Gas, David Ige, also underscored the importance of domestic gas development when he said that there was the need to accelerate the various projects on gas pipeline infrastructure so that the new Independent Power Plants could fully come on stream, adding that the corporation was working round the clock to ensure availability of gas for the power plants. Apart from improved electricity generation through domestic gas development, Ige said that major new heavy gas-based industries such as fertiliser and petrochemicals, among others, would come on board to create the muchneeded jobs. He likened the construction of the $16 billion petrochemical, fertilizer plants in the Delta region to saying goodbye

The attainment of the country’s Vision 20:2020 objective can only be achieved with a stable power supply, with gas production playing a critical role

Agric revolution The promoters of the fertilizer plant, Indorama Eleme Petrochemical Plant, said that the launch of the plant is expected to kick-start an agricultural revolution in the country. President Jonathan was

said to have promised to support the project because of the huge impact it would have on the country’s agricultural sector and the creation of employment opportunities for Nigerians. Indorama’s Managing Director, Mr Manish Mundra, was quoted in the company’s in-house journal, as saying that “when completed, the project would deliver high quality fertilizers to Nigerian farmers, thereby helping Nigeria to boost agricultural output and enhance food security.” The fertilizer plant, with a capacity for 1.4 million metric tons of Urea, Ammonia and NPK fertilizers per annum, would be the world’s largest single-stream gas-to-urea plant, said the Technical Director of the project, Mr Uptal K. Chatterjee. He explained that the plant, which is expected to be completed in Q4 of 2015, is geared towards transforming Nigeria from a major importer to a key exporter of fertilizer. He said: “Our intention is not only just to reduce urea, we also have plans to give our experiences and technology in the agric sector. As you know Nigeria, I believe has potentials and with no time it can be converted into a food-exporting country. And we know that everybody knows that food security is what people are looking for and Nigeria has the natural resources which can be used to maintain these facilities. “Fertiliser production using gas is the next one graduating into the gas industry than any other industry. So we intend to come into Nigeria with a plan to expand the fertiliser production and become a net exporter of fertiliser. We have also planned to bring plasticblending plants all over Nigeria. We hope that with the support that the NNPC, the state, and Federal Government, we believe that this is going to be a good partnership between Nigeria and India.” However, as important as gas revolution initiative may be, Nigeria’s potential of generating about 2.26 million metric tons of liquefied petroleum gas annually will never by achieved, unless the country addresses the issue of infrastructure deficit and lack of access to finance by players in the oil and gas sector. This was the stand of professionals in the petroleum sector, under the aegis of Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE). NAPE, in a statement at its last annual international conference and exhibition in Lagos, also declared that the attainment of the country’s Vision 20:2020 objective can only be achieved with a stable power supply, with gas production playing a critical role.

FCT | BUSINESS WATCH 35

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Mr Chidi Nkwocha, an accounting graduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe university, seven years ago, ventured into flexible packaging, a new line of business, following the restructuring of the banking industry. He shared his experiences with SIMEON OGOEGBULEM In the beginning We are into Nylon and Polythene products manufacturing. We started production nearly seven years ago, precisely in 2007 in Kano. However, we have moved now to New Nyanya, Karu local council of Nassarawa State. But we still maintain our Kano factory. We are into production of nylon products for sachet water producers and we also print on the nylon products for their packaging. We are also into nylon packaging and printing. Our main clients are bakeries and those who are into yogurts and juice drinks production. We also maintain quality clientele from shop owners as we produce customised shopping bags for them. Simply put, we are generally into flexible packaging especially with nylon. What niche are you bringing into the business? Initially when I came in, most bakeries were using paper labels to package their products. Only a very few were printing on the package itself. So I saw it as an opportunity because it was cheaper, convenient and more hygienic because you will not have to start inserting printed paper label into the bread and it will be more beautiful to pack your bread with a beautifully printed package than inserting paper label into it. So I decided to take that opportunity, I went to places where bread are distributed and started looking at labels of breads and started going to their offices and bakeries telling them I can add value to their products and that ‘this thing will actually make your products more visible and then consider the convenience.’ So they gave me a trial. In fact, the first customer I had, when he gave me an order, I didn’t even have the money to do it, but because he believed that what I was going to do for him will add value to his products he paid me upfront. What are the key challenges? The greatest challenge we are facing in this business is power because it is a power intensive business. There was a time I had to close down my department because of the cost of power. It was very difficult to cope with the fuel consumption of the generator. I found out that I was working for the generator. So when the public power supply comes, the charges at the end of the month even compounds your problem and you end up working at a loss. Power is the greatest challenge of industries in Nigeria. The second challenge is manpower. We don’t have trained manpower; they learn on the job most of the time and they incur lots of wastage and losses for you. Are your machines imported or fabricated locally? They are both imported and locally fabricated but mostly we buy foreign machines because the quality of work is always better. So we tend to rely more on imported machines. We have local ones especially at the printing section. They are equally good but of course the foreign machines are better. The foreign machines are mostly from India and China while we have machinists here who fabricate the local ones, mostly in Kano, Onitsha and Suleja. I don’t know whether they are in Abuja now. They are okay, not too bad, they are not far from the foreign machines but the foreign machines are still better. Do you have funding constraints? Definitely, every industry has. Getting enough capital to buy raw materials is always a challenge and no industry survives without adequate supply of raw materials or extending credit to your customers. Sometimes you lose customers because you cannot avail them the credit that they need or you don’t have money to fund the production you need to supply them. So, there are always financial constraints. Banks are always enthusiastic to help you but when you now delve into the matter seriously, their requirements are very stringent for small scale producers to meet. The issue of collateral and security becomes a major challenge for people like us who don’t really have the perfected collateral to give them because sometimes, you know, in Nigeria, you may have collateral but you bought it from somebody and they want to see the title documents in your name and all those stuff and then it becomes very difficult because it is not easy to get a property and get the C of

SMEs need businessfriendly policies to survive – Finavel MD O signed by government. That is the challenge we have. They always want your collateral well perfected before they can part with their money. Though commercial banks are helping, but the help they give to us are not the kind of help we need. It is like a last resort because of the interest rate they charge in the facilities they extend to small producer. For instance, if a bank give you five million naira for a year and then expect you to be paying it on monthly basis plus the interest but you know it is difficult, you can only use that type of facility to fund your working capital. You cannot use it to buy a new machine because you have to return the money on monthly basis, you are paying down on monthly basis, you have to be very careful, it is not money you can use for serious investment. An industry needs a long term facility with a reasonable interest rate. Banks are charging almost 32 per cent interest, it is very difficult for a manufacturer to pay that kind of interest and still be very profitable. Government has some facilities they want people to access but it is also very difficult like Bank of Industry and SMEDAN loans. It is very difficult to access such facilities because they actually want to buy the machinery for you; they do not give you working capital, so at times when you have the machinery and you need working capital it is always very difficult to get access to facilities from government. What is the best way for government to intervene? What government can do is to make their facilities very friendly to manufacturers. If somebody has a company that is already running and he needs working capital, I don’t think government should be afraid to part with money because the person is already in the business and he knows what he is doing. He only needs working capital to be able to expand what he is already doing. Government should come up with more business-friendly policies and initiatives. The loans should be more accessible and the conditions attached should be relaxed so that industrialists can easily access loans from government. Sometimes you say you need loan they will say no they want to buy machinery for you, what if you already have the machinery how then will they help you? You go to commercial bank, the interest rate is outrageous. If government can fund the working capital of industrialist it will really help. That is what most small scale industrialists actually want, because you find out that we are under-utilising the capacity we have because we don’t have money to buy raw materials. So if they can even fund raw materials for industries, I think it will benefit many people more than just funding equipment. Equipment is good but many people already have them. Where do you source your raw materials? Some are produced locally, like in cellophane, we have the Eleme Petrochemical that has been sold to Indorama, that is where the locally made raw materials are gotten from, of course we have the importers that are importing raw materials from all over the world - South Korea, Indonesia, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. So we buy from the major importers. The locally produced one is cheaper of course but the quality is not as good as the imported ones. It is always used as a sub-

They do not give you working capital, so at times when you have the machinery and you need working capital it is always very difficult to get access to facilities from government

• Nkwocha

stitute or a mixture with the imported one. You don’t use the imported one 100 per cent; you mix the local one to bring down your cost. Most people do not use only the local one because the quality might not be as good as you want, so it is always used as mixture.

What is your projection for the future of this business? The future of this business depends on government policy. For instance, there was a time we read that government wanted to ban cellophane products because of environmental hazards, so such government policies discourage people from investing. It wasn’t just a rumour, we read it in newspaper that the Federal Ministry of Environment is having a meeting; they want to ban cellophane because of environmental degradation and all that. Such utterances from government discourages people from investing more in the industry and of course imagine what will happen if that policy comes to be, I believe that this sector is the highest employer of labour in Nigeria, directly or indirectly because if you think of sachet water, bakeries, all flexible packaging of all kinds like shopping bags and so on, is employing nothing less than 10 to 15 million people. I am even under-estimating, so imagine if government comes out with such policy that will almost close that industry. So government policy is very important. People want to be clear about what government is about to do with certainty before investing in what you are doing, but now we are not sure of government policy, we don’t know the direction they are going, but the future of the business, if not for that, is bright, you can’t do without packaging and of course packaging with nylon is the cheapest. It is cheaper than paper. So everybody tends to go for nylon than paper. Paper has its own problem, because that means a big challenge to the forest if everything should be by paper, but cellophane is artificial. So that is why it is safer to package with cellophane than say everybody go paper. The future is bright if only government could be clear on their policy.

BUSINESS | THE INVESTOR

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

NSE’s trading platform: Need to update market rules ACTION

The new rules, if approved and implemented by the SEC, could force significant changes upon high-frequency traders, who now account for more than half of all stock-market volume, according to analysts. Among the most significant proposals unveiled by Ms. White last week, was a rule that would require high-frequency traders to register with regulators as broker dealers, pulling them further under regulatory scrutiny. High-frequency traders have largely avoided direct oversight since they are typically private outfits that trade on behalf of their owners. Ms. White also directed SEC staff to develop a new anti-disruptive trading rule to prevent rapid-fire traders from engaging in short-term strategies that can aggravate market volatility.

SEC needs to develop a new antidisruptive trading rule to prevent rapid-fire traders from engaging in short-term strategies that can aggravate market volatility. Chris Ugwu

ince the world has become a global village, stock markets in the most part of the world have transformed into a place dominated by computer driven trading. The use of remote trading by dealing member firms has continued to grow in acceptance, as there are currently many remote trading connections in Nigeria and other climes. The system allows users to buy and sell stocks online from the comfort of their homes, offices, cars and even on the go. The platform defines stock trading in entirely different language and creates a world-class experience, bringing the broker (electronically) to the comfort of investors’ homes and offices. NSE’s technology transformation In Nigeria, trading on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has been automated since 1999. Specifically, it transited from Open Outcry Trading (OOT) used since commencement of its operations in 1961, to the Automated Trading System (ATS) on April 27, 1999. That was some 38 years after commencement of its operations. Also, the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Limited, the share depository, commenced operations using the Equator System on April 14, 1997. Chief Executive Officer of the NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema, said: “These key steps transformed the Exchange because those early technology building blocks improved the efficiency of the market in numerous ways.” After automation of the trading, the Exchange also introduced remote trading in 2005. “And in the first quarter of 2012, the Exchange launched its low-latency, highperformance, high-capacity, low-cost broker virtual private network (VPN). This supports the NSE’s strategy of enabling cost effective and efficient execution of trades from broker-dealer offices. It will form a major backbone of the ongoing technology transformation programme,” Onyema said. However, true to its promise to introduce a new electronic trading, NSE in September 2013 successfully rolled out its potentially fastest trading platform in Africa, X-GEN. This was a historic milestone for the capital market community as it was touted that that it would reinforce Nigeria’s position as a regional financial center. Ade Bajomo, Executive Director Market Operations and Technology said: “We are trading live on X-Gen and this is a result of a focused, disciplined and intensive 12-month project involving the NSE, its technical partners and the broker dealer community. We believe that the successful implementation of this modern, world-class trading technology suite is a significant development

Ms Oteh

Oscar Onyema

that will change the experience of doing business in not only the Nigerian capital market but in Africa” The new trading platform is based on a number of leading technologies, including NASDAQ OMX’s XStream matching engine, and the NSE’s flexible and robust X-GEN Market Database, developed from scratch by the NSE and its technical partners, and will support trading of cash equities, bonds, ETFs and derivatives (from 2014), giving wider access to real time data, improved market transparency and governance. The platform is also enabled to run the Financial Information Exchange (FIX) protocol version 5. These technologies were been deployed on a highly optimised low latency network (X-Net) for trading on the floor of the Exchange and remote broker-dealer offices based in Lagos and underpinned by efficient business processes. By deploying the industry’s leading trading engine, the NSE is making it clear to the domestic and international market participants that it is dedicated to operating a high performance, low latency, robust, scalable and flexible marketplace. Onyema, said.

Nigerian capital market; thus, making Meristem contribute to the positioning of the NSE to champion the acceleration of Africa’s economic development while creating durable wealth. Nigeria’s Lead Securities and Investment Limited also launched a new online trading platform called LeadTrader, to enhance transparency and accountability in stock market transactions and ease the process for capital market investors all over the world. Abimbola Olashore, chairman of Lead Securities and Investment Limited, said the platform was developed to meet the need of local and foreign investors for a portal that would enable them to carry out their transactions with a higher level of transparency.

Boost to dealing members Riding on the new platform, many dealing member of the Exchange have tapped on the benefits to introduce online trading platforms to deepen their businesses. For instance, Meristem Securities Limited, said it introduced Meritrade online platform for local and international investors to maximise opportunities in the Nigerian stock market. Meritrade is an online stockbroking platform, which allows users buy and sell stocks online through the Exchange from the comfort of their homes, offices, cars and even on the go. Head, stockbroking, Meristem Securities, Mrs. Gbadunola Sokunbi said Meritrade comes with ease and is for the benefit of the retail segment of the

Checkmating the technology Now that the NSE has been transformed over the past decade into a place dominated by high-speed traders zapping orders to numerous Exchanges and regulators all over the world, it is instructive for the Nigerian bourse to seek an update on the market's rules for the new era. The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Mary Jo White took the lead recently when she unveiled a sweeping set of initiatives to address mounting concerns about the impact of computer-driven trading on the stock market, including proposals that would extend oversight of high-frequency traders and dark pools. Ms. White said the agency would launch a new committee to weigh proposed SEC initiatives and rule changes about how the stock market functions. The SEC according to The Wall Street Journal, will also review key market regulations and exchange practices such as the use of complex order types that can give certain investors an advantage, she said. The proposed measures will help the market "operate openly, fairly and efficiently to benefit investors and promote capital formation," Ms. White said.

Nigeria SEC The Nigeria Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has continued to reiterates its mandate to educate and protect investors in the capital markets and devotes resources to developing and regulating a world-class capital market. According to SEC, this is done by ensuring that the enabling environment is constantly provided to ensure that the capital markets play its critical role in supplying long-term capital for Nigerians to fund their respective businesses, create jobs and democratise prosperity” which is aimed at growing the market, empower Nigerians and boosting the nation’s economy. The SEC DG, Ms. Arunma Oteh ensures that frontline capital market operators regularly provide insight into the climatic/environmental factors, which will enable investment in infrastructures, as well as provide a platform for market operators to share insights on the policy and circumstantial issues that will activate capital and finance flow towards infrastructural development. Oteh noted that the SEC would continue to strengthen its enforcement mechanism, adding that a framework that would enable it address investor complaints effectively and within a minimum time frame had been presented by the Commission to the market for stakeholder input. However, there is fear that SEC may not go in line of with its US counterpart due to the zero allocation, which has crippled the commission from advancing the course of its regulatory functions. The commission might not carry out any capital-intensive project this year due to the zero allocation. Mr. Emeka Madubuike, ASHON President said that all the capital market development initiatives aimed at restoring investor-confidence would be affected by lack of funds. According to him, the capital market committee programmes aimed at taking the market to the next level have remained unrealised due to budget limitations. Madubuike called for quick resolution of the lingering impasse in the interest of the market. “The problem should be resolved by the executives as soon as possible to avoid taking the market back and front,” he said. The ASHON boss, who said that he could not explain how the commission survived in 2013, added that zero budgetary allocation was a threat to the regulation of the capital market regulation.

BUSINESS | BRANDS & MARKETING 37

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

BATTLE GOtv and Startimes, the two pay TV brands targeted at the mass market, engage in fierce supremacy battle.

GOtv/Startimes: Who is winning mass market war?

Dele Alao In the beginging… Multichoice Nigeria, a subsidiary of South Africa-based Multichoice Africa, owners of DSTV pay television, made an entry into the Nigerian market in 1994. The market dominance of DSTV was challenged by another pay television, HiTV. HiTV, which used Hypercable Digital Terrestrial technology and launched Direct to Home (DTH) Satellite technology, was introduced on August 1, 2007. It later broadcast its material only on satellite and was the first television platform in Africa to deploy Hypercable, a terrestrial pay per view TV decoder system. HiTV services were stopped in November 2011 due to financial difficulties. The company no longer exist today. Daarsat, another pay TV platform, came, went into extinction in 2009 and only came back last year. Its impact in the market is yet to be felt since its re-entry. And so, DSTV became the only dominant player in the pay TV market. It became a luxury brand that could not be afforded by many Nigerians until StarTimes hit the market. The challenge… “With StarTimes, pay TV is no longer a luxury in Nigeria.” These were the words of Mr. Pang Xin Xing, the Chairman of StarTimes in an interview granted a national daily, to signal the beginning of the challenge to DSTV. At its official launch in Abuja early 2010, the management of the technology company, which also pioneered pay television industry in China, promised Nigerians greater access to pay television services at an unbelievably affordable price. Truly, StarTimes Television Network Limited, then, provided its customers with over 35 cable television channels for just N1,000 monthly subscription. Unlike other cable television services already operating in the country, StarTimes uses

The next few months will determine which of the two pay TV platform will dominate the mass market

General Manager, GOTV. Mrs. Elizabeth Amkpa

Digital Video Broadcast on Terrestrial (DVB-T), a technology, which does not require a dish. It then came with just a decoder, which was sold for N9,000. The technology has now been upgraded to DVB-T2. This technology, which requires no dish, couple with minimal effect on the pocket, made many subscribers to see StarTimes as an alternative to DSTV. As a matter of fact, owners of StarTimes, NTA-Star TV Network, were so clever in their communications materials that they did not educate subscribers that StarTimes is not on the same technology platform with DSTV. So, many subscribers “rushed” for StarTimes, only to realise that it was not the same as DSTV. Nevertheless, the “damage” has been done. StarTimes, was eating deeply into the pay TV market especially among the low income earners, that is, the mass market. Some subscribers, again, complained that Startimes failed in its promise for more local language channels. “They started broadcasting some Chinese language channels to sore-up their channel counts. There is no good EPG, rather they started advertising all sorts of things in the infor-

mation bar and while putting on the box or when changing channels,” a subscribers who craved anonymity said. Counter attack… Apparently in response to StarTimes “feeding” heavily on the mass market, Details Nigeria, in early 2012, launched GOtv into the market. Like its predecessor, StarTimes, the Pay-TV service does not require a satellite dish and installation cost except a decoder and a stub or grid antenna. It was first launched in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State. GOtv is described as “a low cost digital television service, offering the greatest selection of local channels, made in Africa for Africans as well as the best international channels.” The TV service, at inception, offered up to 20 channels per frequency and feature in its bouquet TV channels such as Africamagic Plus, Discovery, Disney Junior and EAfrica, among others. Promo/price war… Both GOtv and Startimes are in serious battle for subscribers’ loyalty. As it were, there is a serious fight for the mass market between the two pay TV platforms, using promotions and price as

bait. Late last year, Gotv unveiled a N50 million worth of promo tagged: “GOcarry am”. The promo, which ran from December 1, 2013 to January 31 this year was in partnership with SPAR, Dangote and Lagos Television (LTV). The promo, in two categories, instant prizes and the GOshoppers’ experience, according to the company, was aimed at rewarding its new and existing subscribers with exciting prizes including shopping sprees, food baskets and GOtv branded gift items. General Manager, GOtv, Mrs Elizabeth Amkpa, stated that since GOtv commenced operations, it has become known for innovation, excitement and family entertainment. “GOtv has excited the market by reducing the offer price from N9,900 to N5,300 (for a decoder and 1 month subscription). We have excited the market by adding more channels to the bouquets - from 27 channels at launch in 2011, GOtv Plus now has 40 channels, although subscription rates have remained unchanged.” Similarly, late last year too, StarTimes began a promotion tagged: StarTimes Christmas Extra Goodies. The promo, which lasted till January 31, 2014, offered the subscribers the opportunity to buy a decoder for N5,900 with a month’s unique bouquet with 80 channels, or buy a decoder for N5,900 with a month’s unique bouquet and a Yagi antenna with 10-metre cable for N1,000. Furthermore, StarTimes unveiled another round of promo tagged: Extra Time Promo in

May this year, where customers would be rewarded with two extra viewing days on every of its recharge cards including its Soccer themed card developed to show support to the Nigerian Super Eagles during this year’s FIFA World Cup season. The promo will run to August 2014. Apart from the extra days that customers would enjoy during the period, Irete Anetor, Public Relations Manager of the NTA-Star Network, said that the purchase of the recharge card would automatically qualify subscribers for the monthly raffle draw where they would stand the chance of winning brand new Toyota Yaris cars or a 32' Digital LED TV. “The promo comes in two parts: StarTimes would give two extra viewing days on every recharge card and also sell of our Soccer recharge card specially designed for this promotion. We recognise the passion that Nigerians have for football and we wanted to, at least, show our own support to the Nigerian team during the World Cup, in our own little way, that is why we developed our Soccer Recharge Card for the season,” he said. Meanwhile, findings revealed that StarTimes is enjoying the benefits of the first player in the pay TV mass market. According to the Chief Executive Officer, BroaderWorld Ltd, Christain Aburime, StarTimes came at a time many Nigerians were itching to have a pay television that was affordable. “So, when StarTimes eventually came with price far below DSTV, a lot of Nigerians went for it. Young boys, tailors, traders, among other low-income earners, went for it,” he said. On the other hand, GOtv, he said, has a lot of promises. “In fairness, GOtv has also been doing well in the market. Backed by Multichoice, there is money to spend on advertising and other promotions, which they have been doing,” Aburime said. As it were, the next few months will determine which of the two pay TV platform will dominate the mass market.

INEC partners AAAN, APCON on political advertising, others

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has partnered with the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) and the Advertising Practitioners’ Council of Nigeria (APCON) to hold an international seminar on political advertising, perception building, and voter education as part of the build-up to the 2015 general elections. Aimed at setting the standards for the coming electioneering period in terms of advertising as well as equipping voters with the needed information,

the seminar which is slated for Friday, July 11, 2014, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, is expected to have in attendance key stakeholders in the electoral process, all registered political parties, regulatory agencies, marketing communication industry players, security agencies, the judiciary, CSOs/NGOs concerned with election monitoring as well as the media. The seminar, which will be chaired by INEC helmsman, Professor Attahiru Jega, will feature a keynote address to set the tone, which will then be followed by

brief commentaries by all registered political parties present. This will dovetail into a panel discussion on the keynote address as well as the issues raised by the political parties. The keynote speaker for the seminar is Mr. Craig Smith, a former Campaign Adviser for President Bill Clinton’s 1992 election, later appointed White House Political Director, and played a prominent role in Clinton’s 1996 re-election. Currently, he is busy with “I’m Ready for Hillary, a pro-Senator Hillary Clinton-for-President grassroots

mobilisation group. He sure has stories to tell on running a successful election campaign. The panel of discussants is drawn from government regulators in election and communication as well as bodies involved in electioneering process in Nigeria. They are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) and Association of Advertising Agencies of Ni-

geria (AAAN) as well as representatives of civil society groups. Speaking on the upcoming event, President, AAAN, Mrs. Bunmi Oke, said: “Political parties are the primary participants of this discourse focusing on electioneering process towards 2015. For us at the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, we are desirous of promoting voter education and political advertising and this informed our involvement in the putting together of the international seminar.

38 BUSINESS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Spanish envoy flays cargo delay by Customs HARDSHIP Importers are suffering in the hands of Nigeria Customs over negligence and anti trade practice Stories by Bayo Akomolafe

he Spanish importers are not happy with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) over cargo delay at

seaports. They said there was no transparency in the system as cargo was subjected to unnecessary delay in a bid to extort money. The importers had already complained to the Spanish Government over the hardship they experienced in the hands of Customs and other security operatives. Its Chief Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Spanish Embassy in Nigeria,

NIMASA engages experts to train maritime inspectors COMPLIANCE Nigeria is to meet international standard through enforcement and compliance etermined to achieve the obDmentation jectives of a uniform impleof Flag State Inspec-

tion and to ensure compliance of Port State, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has begun a week-long training of inspectors in line with the provisions of the ILO’s Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006). Already, a team of international and local maritime experts have been contracted by the agency to train the inspectors. The inspectors were drawn from the Maritime Labour Services and the Maritime Safety departments. The Maritime Labour Convention of the International Labour Organisation 2006 is a convention that focuses on human element on board local and international vessels. The convention entered into force globally on August 20, 2013, and will become effectively operational in Nigeria by June 18. After ratifying the convention, Nigeria submitted the instrument of ratification to ILO in Geneva, Switzerland on June 18, 2013. Since then, it has engaged in a series of activities to ensure proper implementation of the provisions of the convention on her territorial waters. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the training programme, the Director-General of the agency, Mr Patrick Akpobolekemi, explained that the MLC 2006 was a product of the fusing of over 65 instruments into one which therefore imposes the challenge of understanding the complexity of the fundamental and social rights as they apply to seafarers in a globalised shipping sector. The director-general, who spoke through the Executive Director Maritime Labour and

Cabotage Services, Callistus Obi, noted that some of the provisions of the convention already exist in the NIMASA Act and the Merchant Shipping Act, 2007. The innovations and the rights enshrined in the MLC 2006 convention makes adequate training of officers who are to implement the provisions of the convention in Nigeria imperative, he stressed. Akpobolokemi added: “The maritime labour inspectors’ training which takes off today is one of the key activities approved by the agency’s management in August, 2013 for implementation in compliance with ILO requirements for ratifying member states. “The course is further aimed at adequately preparing officers who will eventually carry out on-board Port and Flag State inspections and to submit reports to MLS Department for certification and mandatory ILO report submissions. It also involves the training of staff of the relevant departments who need the basic knowledge and understanding of the convention to successfully carry out their duties. Speaking at the ceremony, the agency’s Executive Director, Maritime Safety and Shipping Development, Capt. Ezekiel Bala Agaba, said that the officers were being trained to be able to perform their work efficiently and professionally in line with international standards. He said this was necessary in order not to embarrass the nation if they do the wrong things while onboard a foreign flagged vessel. Agaba added that if the inspectors wrongly detain a ship, it would become a big embarrassment to Nigeria if the flag state of the ship reacts and perhaps take the matter to the International Maritime Organisation. He cautioned that the training which to be handled by both local and international experts was not the “normal jamboree” but a serious exercise only those who met the conditions would be issued certificates.

Pablo Segrelles is not happy with the anti trade practice. He said in Lagos that Spanish goods were being unduly delayed at Nigerian ports. The envoy added that many Spanish investors and companies were interested in doing business in Nigeria but were being discouraged with the problem of implementation of Nigerian government’s policies at the ports. The envoy noted that the delays had always resulted in payment of high demurrage for Spanish goods coming into

Nigeria. Segrelles said: “The Nigeria Customs should urgently begin to adopt flexibility and transparency in the clearing of Spanish products coming into Nigeria through the ports. He stressed: “We, therefore, think that the Nigeria Customs and other relevant government agencies should do something urgent about this problem. “A lot of Spanish companies exporting their products to Nigeria are by the day getting

discouraged with the present clearing system.” Segrelles said the situation was gradually making Spanish exporters to begin to shift exporting expenses to their Nigerian importers. The envoy explained that the delay in the clearing process would continue to have negative impact on Nigerian importers if something urgent was not done. He noted that the situation had forced some Nigerian importers to look elsewhere for means of livelihood.

Containers awaiting clearance at the Lagos port, Apapa

MSC vessel makes historic maiden visit to Ports and Cargo RECORD Tincan Port is the first to receive vessel with the highest containers at Lagos ports

vessel laden with 4,500 Twenty Equivalent Unit TEU) has berthed at Ports & Cargo Handling Services at Tin Can Island Port. The vessel, owned by the Mediterranean Shipping Company is the largest container ship to call at any West African port. The Port& Cargo’s General Manager in charge of Operations, Mustapha Mohammed, led other management staff of the company to receive the ship. Mustapha said that the historic visit of the jumbo vessel was a fulfilment of one and a half years dream which the management of the terminal has doggedly pursued.

According to him, it took the company that long to realise the dream through negotiations with the owners of the vessel and the Nigerian ports Authority (NPA). Mustapha said: “Today is a great day, a dream come true. Everybody doubted that this cannot happen, that a 260-metre vessel cannot come to Nigeria. What they are expecting is 250 metre-long vessel, maximum but by the commitment and determination of the management of the terminal, the support of the NPA and the cooperation of the owner of the vessel, we are able to get this vessel to Nigeria. This is the largest vessel that will ever come to Nigeria and Tin Can port, in particular. “We are able to attract the vessel by our ability to provide the enabling environment, required maximum draught, latest equipment such as RTG, our draft which is 12.5 metres and which we are maintaining as required by the NPA. Today

is a great day for Nigeria, a great day for Ports & Cargo management.” He disclosed that the management of the terminal sent four pilots of NPA for training in Sorento, Italy, to acquire the required training and expertise to equip them to purposely guide the vessel into the terminal. The Managing Director of Mediterranean Shipping Company (M SC),, Mr Jeff Gosciniak, the owner of the vessel, said the voyage was an historic one that will have positive economic implications for Nigeria. He reiterated the huge financial commitment of Ports and Cargo into making the dream a reality. “The three NPA pilots were taken to stimulator training centre in Italy to teach them on how to navigate such a big vessel and they have successfully delivered the vessel here today without any incidence,” Gosciniak said.

BUSINESS | MARITIME

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

New structure for counterpiracy code execution

o fewer than 80 delegates and ministerial have agreed to launch process for repression of piracy and arm robbery on the sea through the implementation of the Djibouti Code of Conduct. The high-level meeting at International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Headquarters resolved on future work under the Djibouti Code of Conduct. It was learnt that the Regional Training Centre in Djibouti (DRTC) building, to which IMO has contributed $2.5 million from the Djibouti Code Trust Fund, is due to be operational in September 2014. The DRTC, with the assistance of IMO and the EU, has been functioning since 2011 in its main role as coordinator of the region’s training needs, de-

spite not having a dedicated building. Ministers from participating states in the Code of Conduct concerning the repression of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden (the Djibouti Code of Conduct) have recognised the need to develop a mechanism for the region to run its own counter-piracy agenda, following the successful implementation by IMO of numerous projects aimed at improving regional capacity to counter piracy by developing enhanced regional cooperation and coordination. The resolution envisages the immediate launch of work to establish a new structure for regional implementation of the Djibouti Code of Conduct, with IMO playing a supportive role

during a transitional period. The meeting was attended by 80 delegates, including ministers and other officials from the Djibouti Code of Conduct participating and signatory states, as well as by representatives from a number of donor countries and international organizations including the European Union (EU), ReCAAP, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia. The IMO Secretary-General, Koji Sekimizu, congratulated the meeting on its outcome and pledged IMO’s full support for on-going capacity-building work. He said that the region’s need to develop its own capacity to deal with piracy was stronger now than ever, as the international navies deployed voluntarily must, inevitably,

look to reduce their forces over the next few years if the attacks continue to diminish and pressures on naval resources are focused elsewhere. He said: “The work you have done already means that the region is better placed than when we started along this road, but the need remains to develop capacity and address some of the articles of the Code of Conduct that have not been addressed thus far. “The Code of Conduct has a real role to play in this and the time is right for the region to not only review the relevance of the Code against today’s threats, but also to take greater responsibility for the coordination of its own efforts. I am pleased with the work that has been done to develop a mechanism for the region to run its own counter-piracy agenda.”

NPA, Port of Antwerp partner on manpower devt he Nigerian Ports AuthorTAntwerp ity (NPA) and the Port of in Belgium have

resolved to strengthen their age-long collaboration in the areas of manpower training and enhancement of the global transport chain. The two chief executives of the ports, Malam Habib Abdullahi, of the NPA and Mr Marc Van Peel, President of the Port of Antwerp who was in Lagos emphasised on training and development at a meeting session. In a statement, the authority’s Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs, Musa IIiya, said that the Managing Director of the authority, Malam Abdullahi, recalled the role played by the port of Antwerp at the beginning of the nation’s port reform when the landlord model was adopted for the nation’s seaports. He explained: “In the current relationship between the two ports, the NPA stands to gain, to consolidate what has been gained in last eight to nine years of the current concession regime. Abdullahi said that NPA would explore its existing relationship with the Port of Antwerp to its own advantage, especially in the areas of manpower training. While commending the training programmes run by the Port of Antwerp Training School, the managing director recalled that several officers of the authority had benefited from the rich training programme.

Global maritime trade to grow in 2015

he World Trade Organisation Treport (WTO) has said in its latest on international trade Nigerian Ports Authority's tug boats waiting for dry-docking at Continental Shipyard, Apapa, Lagos

NIMASA rescues Ghanaian vessel from hijackers Bayo Akomolafe

hanaian fishing vessel, Marine 711 has been rescued from suspected hijackers by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) through its surveillance satellite system. The rescue operation was achieved in conjunction with the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force when the agency launched its surveillance satellite. It was revealed that the agency’s newly built satellite surveillance system with Cloud Penetrating Radar (CPR) capabilities was brought into operation and the incident was resolved within six hours. The Ghanaian registered vessel was reportedly hijacked off the coast of Ghana and sailed across Togo and Benin Republic to Nigerian waters

when the Embassy of the Republic of Korea contacted the agency to help rescue the vessel owned by its national. In a statement by the agency’s Deputy Director, Public Relations, Mr Isichei Osamgbi, the Ghanaian Fisheries Authority and the operators of the fishing vessel joined in requesting NIMASA to bring the incident to a logical conclusion. He explained that the operation was coordinated by Capt. Warredi Enisuoh, NIMASA’s Director of Shipping Development. He stressed that the NIMASA team, Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force, used air and sea patrols, put up a response and reception plan which led to the hijackers abandoning the vessel and fled. Osamgbi noted: “The new 24-hour surveillance centre has the capability to detect boats,

ships and objects of predefined cross-section floating on water. This includes any aircraft that ditches and remains on the surface during satellite over-flight. “Its abilities further include, but not limited to, setting range rings and restricted areas for which when penetrated by an intruder, the system gives an alarm, thereby alerting the operator/watch keeper.” The Director General of NIMASA, Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi, expressed satisfaction with the cooperation shown by all parties to the operation, saying that the agency would continue to utilise cutting edge technology and partnership with the military to secure Nigerian waters for enhanced trade activities. The deputy director noted that this was the first regional cooperation among NIMASA, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air

Force and the Ghanaian authorities in the anti-piracy war in the Gulf of Guinea, which was hinged on the provisions of the Bilateral Agreement on Regional cooperation on antipiracy in the Gulf of Guinea. “Nigeria, as signatory to the International Safety of Life and Sea (SOLAS) and Search and Rescue (SAR) Conventions, is obliged to intervene and provide co-ordination during Safety and Security-related incidents in her territorial waters and beyond. “The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) designated Nigeria as one of the five Regional Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres (RMRCCs) in Africa. Nigeria therefore provides SAR and Security Co-ordination in the waters of Benin Republic, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Sao Tome & Principe and Togo, in addition to its own territorial waters,” he added.

outlook that the global maritime trade and production in 2014 and 2015 would be better. WTO estimates that world merchandise trading will increase by 4.7 per cent in 2014 and 5.3 per cent in 2015, up from its initial forecast for 2014 of 4.5 per cent. It also points out that the figure is “still below the average of 5.3 per cent in the period 1983-2013.” Merchandise trading grew over those years by 3.6 per cent and 4.3 per cent in developed economies, and 6.4 per cent and 6.8 per cent in developing economies. In 2013, world trade in goods grew only 2.1 per cent, “very close” to the 2.3 per cent increase of the previous year.” Sluggish trade growth in 2013 “was due to the stagnation of import demand in developed economies (-0.2 per cent) and moderate import growth in developing economies (4.4 per cent). It however noted that the status of the major economies remain fragile, including some of the most dynamic developing countries which, until recently, held up global demand.”

40 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Senate strengthens democratic institutions

ver the years, it has been observed and generally accepted that the problem with Nigeria is not the absence of good policies to drive the system to achieve the desired developmental goals. Instead, the lack of will power to implement the policies in place is the real hindrance to achieving national development in all facets of the nation’s existence. This lack of will power, however, can only be true if there are enabling legal environment available for any policy implementing agency of government to enforce existing policies. One overwhelming challenge of government and its agencies in Nigeria is that in most cases, when an agency is established to carry out specific functions, there won’t be well defined constitutional provisions or provisions in the Act establishing the agency to enable it effectively discharge its duties without legal impediments. Consequently, this absence of enabling laws to enforce certain statutory jurisdictions of agencies of government simply reduces many of them to toothless bull-dogs, which can only bark but cannot bite. This is why many of them, even though they have good policies in spite of the in place, cannot effectively implement them for positive impact in the society. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for instance, is one of such agencies of government caught in this quagmire of constitutional lacuna in the process of performing its statutory functions of regulating the formation and operations of political parties as well as management of elections in the country. The Act establishing the Commission has bestowed enormous responsibilities on it in respect of management of political parties and conduct of elections. However, in contradiction to what the situation should be, there are legal impediments to actualising some of its goals and responsibilities as spelt out by the law. For instance, the Electoral Act provides guidelines on how political parties should operate. There are certain requirements for a political organisation to be registered. There are also some requirements needed for a registered political party to continue to exist. In particular, there is specification on the ability of a political party to win elections from the grassroots to the national level to prove its viability and need for continual existence. Failure to meet up these requirements means that such organisation is not qualified to exist and therefore, should be deregistered. However, in this respect, it is ironical that INEC has no legal or constitutional provision to deregister any non-performing party. This is why some political parties recently went to court to challenge the power of the Commission to proscribe them. However, in order to eliminate this legal cage working against the efficiency of INEC, the Senate, while amending the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution (as amended), decided to make provision for the Commission to be able to deregister political parties that could not win elections at the various levels of elections in the country. The Senate embarked on the amendment as a legislative intervention to rescue INEC from the difficulty it had encountered in the past, when it attempted to deregister non-performing parties but without success, due to litigations challenging its constitutional powers to apply such punitive measure against the erring parties. All 89 senators, who participated in the voting exercise last week Wednesday were in support of Clause 6 of the

CHUKWU DAVID takes a look at how the Senate is gradually plugging some legal, constitutional and technical loopholes in the Constitution and other Acts of Parliament as a means of strengthening the various democratic institutions in the country for effective performance through constitution amendment. Some of these institutions include the National Assembly itself and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

Mark

amended Act, empowering INEC to deregister political parties which fail to win presidential, governorship, chairmanship of a local government or area council seat, or a seat in the National or State Assembly elections. Therefore, when this amendment scales all legislative hurdles and becomes law, it is obvious that INEC will sanitise the political area and make it more decent. Right now, political party formation and operation has become a mockery in the country. Many people who know that they have no business to form and operate political parties have gone into the trade as a means of earning a living. There were instances in the recent past, where jobless Nigerians went into political party formation as a business. Once they get their organisation registered, they would not care whether they could win elections or not at any level. In such parties, the founder is the same person as the national chairman, as well as the presidential flag bearer. All they are interested in is the allocation from the government. Immediately they get it, they go to sleep. Now, with the on-going amendment to the Constitution and the Electoral Act, which has bestowed more powers on INEC, this sham in the nation’s political development will definitely stop. Only serious-minded political parties will be in the game; and that also means that the gangsterism characterising Nigerian politics through the presence of mediocres and job seekers will be curbed. Council of States Then on the part of the National

Ekweremadu

Assembly, which is an arm of government on its own just like the executive and the judiciary, the members of parliament have noticed and complained severally in the past that its members are excluded from the membership of the National Council of State. Conversely, past Presidents and heads of state as well as former Chief Justices of the Federation are all members of the Council. Therefore, the Senate resolved to bridge this gap by amending the constitution to this effect. Hence, the lawmakers passed Clause eight of the amendments, which seeks to alter the Third Schedule of the Constitution to include Serving President of the Senate, former Presidents of the Senate, serving Speaker and former Speakers of the House of Representatives as members of the National Council of States. Alteration of Electoral Act The Senate, while voting on the Alteration Bill 2014, also passed clauses six and seven which seek the alteration of Section 68 and 109 to mandate the Clerk of the National Assembly and the Clerks of States’ Houses of Assembly to notify the INEC of any vacancy in the Senate, House of Representatives and States’ Houses of Assembly. With this provision, the clerks are now constitutionally and legally empowered and required to write within seven days of the existence of a vacancy arising from death, resignation or defection of a member of the National Assembly or a member of the State House of Assembly. Another aspect the lawmakers ex-

HIGHLIGHTS

zz Serving, former Senate President and deputy, Speaker of the House of Representatives and deputy to be members of National Council of State zz INEC granted power to deregister parties zz Adjustment in period of rerun elections zz Federal High Court and Appeal Court to handle electoral offences cases zz Conduct of referendum on draft constitution amined to further strengthen INEC was concerning the time table for conducting presidential and governorship rerun elections. Accordingly, senators voted in support of clauses four and five, which seeks to alter Sections 134 and 179, which have to do with the extension of the time for conducting presidential and governorship rerun elections. The clauses prescribed the extension from seven days provided for by the existing Act to 21 days after results have been announced. This was intended to eliminate the problems usually encountered by both the INEC and the politicians with respect to time constraint in the performance of this exercise. Tinkering further with the Electoral Act, the Senate also voted in support of Clause seven, which deals with the conferment of exclusive jurisdiction on the Federal High Court for the trial of electoral offences. With the approval, Federal High Courts would be solely responsible for the trial of offences arising from, pertaining to or connected with the violation of the provisions of the Electoral Act and any other election related act of the National Assembly.

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

through constitution amendment The Senate, however, deferred voting on the contentious amendments to Section 9 (3a) which confers on the president, the power to initiate a new constitution. The Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution had made additional amendment to Clause 9 to empower Mr. President to initiate the process of writing a new Constitution. But the idea was vehemently resisted by most members of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). The Committee, through its Chairman and Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu later rescinded the proposal, by withdrawing the controversial insertions as it wanted to tear the Senate apart. The Red Chamber, however, will also vote on Clause 3 (m) which will mandate INEC to within six months of the receipt of the draft constitution cause a referendum to be conducted to approve the draft constitution. It will also vote on Clause 3 (n), which states that, “If the draft constitution receives a simple majority of votes cast in 2/3 of all states of the federation, it shall come into force as Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” Other amendments contained in the Electoral Act are among others, seeking powers for INEC to issue duplicate voter cards before election, determine voting procedure, holding of elections on a single day, and cause the electoral body to conduct debate for all candidates who are contesting election into the office of president. Apart from this, the amendments seek the conduct of general election, six months before the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent while by-elections should be held twice in a year. Briefing journalists after the passage of the Bill, spokesman of the Senate, Enyinnaya Abaribe said: “Basically, the clauses that we are considering are the clauses that relate to INEC and what they wanted with respect to the management of political parties and then the management of elections. “One of the clauses that was passed is the question of the management of political parties in which the clause we passed now said in effect that, if a party is unable to win any elections from the state assembly to the House of Representatives to the Senate to the governorship and also to the presidency, that INEC now has the powers to de-register such parties. “If you recall, INEC had tried to do that and people went to court and said it was against the constitution and that there was no provision in the constitution to de-register any political party. So, the amendment has been passed. “Secondly, we also passed the clause that has to do with the management of elections with respect to re-run. The position as at today in the constitution is that if nobody emerges a clear winner in an election, then INEC will now have to conduct an election within seven days; and what they felt was that because elections are held and then it takes three to four to five days before you can get a result, if no result comes, then that means they will be left with two to three days to conduct a rerun and they felt that they needed to give them

This absence of enabling laws to enforce certain statutory jurisdictions of agencies of government simply reduces many of them to toothless bulldogs

Jega

Abaribe

21 days which is what has been passed. “Also with respect to elections and electoral offences, what was passed also is that all matters relating to electoral offences will now have to be taken only by Federal High Courts and of course the Appeal Court as it were because what we found also with respect to elections in Nigeria is that all manner of obscure courts were granting all manner of judgements without actually looking at what was going on in cognate jurisdictions. So, we felt that they needed to stop all these confusion. So, we are actually helping the judiciary to be able to have a much more balanced way of looking at electoral offences and matters of that nature. “Then of course there was also the question of membership of National Council of States. As at today, in all

the arms of government, former heads of the other arms of government are members of the National Council of State. That is why former presidents are there, former Chief Justices of the Federation, but for the legislative arm, which is an arm of government, the former heads of these institutions are not there. So, the amendment that was passed today is to the effect that the former speakers and former presidents of the Senate are now members of the National Council of State. So, they are purely noncontroversial matters.” Commenting on Section 9 which the senators deferred voting on, Abaribe said: “Regarding Section 9, actually, I think there was a bit of misunderstanding because of the fact that we had earlier done a voting on section

POLITICS 41

9. The voting that was done earlier on section 9 was to the effect of amending it as to who has the authority to bring into play a new Constitution; that is what is in section 9 and we voted on it earlier and it was passed. “The problem is that it was passed with two-thirds, but the Constitution today requires that in passing such a measure with respect to bringing a new Constitution, we have to pass it with four-fifth and so we needed that number. Two-thirds is 73 and four-fifth is 87, and so we wanted to take it because we see that there was a lot of misunderstanding of the import of that section. But the section was so clear. The Deputy President of the Senate at the end of the session wanted to make Nigerians know exactly what was inside that, so that we don’t go out with wrong impression that there was something that was going on there that Nigerians will not understand. “Let me clarify also that section 9 simply states in section 3 that the assent for any alteration in the constitution will not be needed by the president because you know that there is a controversy that is there today and I remember when we passed the amendment that was done in the 1999 Constitution, if you recall, Olisa Agbakoba and few other lawyers went to court actually and insisted that since it is a bill, that the president needed to assent to it. But we had a real problem with that; if you are talking about the will of the people, if you now subject it to the president assenting to it, then you are actually talking about one person. “The president determining whether the will of the people will pass or not and so this was a constitutional matter that we needed to resolve and the resolution was what was brought to the fore to the effect that it was not necessary, that once it was passed here then that alteration will be deemed to have come into effect. That is just one of it. “The second one that was there was with respect to who will be the body of persons that will bring such a new constitution into being. In the previous amendments that we brought to section 9, we added that the President or the National Assembly could do that; but given the discussion that went on after that, with every other member of the National Assembly and the society, we also felt that it was unnecessary to add the president inside there because that was just a mere surplus-sage; and so, it was now removed in this particular amendment and it now states clearly that the National Assembly is the only organ that can bring an amendment into being.” A comparative appraisal of the performance of the present Senate will reveal that the 7th Red Chamber has made some tremendous marks over the previous assemblies in terms of trying to revolutionise the polity through its legislations. So, the three years of this assembly is commendable to a reasonable extent. However, from an objective perspective, without necessarily being pessimistic, it is pertinent to state that even if the legal system in Nigeria is perfect, without the will power to implement laws and policies of government, the situation cannot change. Again, a critical study of the root cause of the lack of will power to do things amongst Nigerians both in public and private offices, will definitely be traced to corruption. Therefore, the only solution to the problem of poor or lack of implementation of laws and policies in the system is for government and the entire populace to resolve and be committed to fighting corruption in all ramifications. Unless this is done, the expected impact of the noble contributions of the legislature towards national development might be like a drop of water in the ocean, which impact cannot be felt.

42 POLITICS

Okeke

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Akume

Adeyemi

Debate over part-time legislature Against the backdrop of the recent recommendation by the National Conference for part-time legislature, ETAGHENE EDIRIN examines the feasibility or otherwise of such a proposition

he concept of governance originated from the need of society to have a system of administration to formulate and enforce policies for the well-being and continuation of the state. Government therefore, refers to the set of political systems and institutions that make up the organisation of a specific state, or country. Hence there are different types of government from which people choose to run their respective states. In Nigeria’s case, it has chosen to operate a democratic system of government founded on the principle of elected officials representing a group of people, usually referred to as constituents. This system of government is a form of democracy in which people vote for representatives who then vote on policy initiatives as opposed to a direct democracy, a form of democracy in which people vote on policy initiatives directly. So, the legislative arm saddled with the responsibility of making laws, becomes an integral part of any representative democracy. The debate concerning the workability of a bicameral legislature, coupled with the financial cost has been an ongoing one. The debate was again brought to the fore recently with a recommendation by delegates at the National Conference for legislators to function on part-time basis, rather than the present full time. The delegates contended that this will drastically reduce cost of governance, which is already over bloated. Expectedly, the recommendation by the Standing Committee on Public Service chaired by a former Head of Service of the Federation, Ebele Okeke, got the approval of majority of delegates after a long debate. The committee also recommended that henceforth, no political appointee, from ministers to commissioners and

local government chairmen, should employ special advisers, special assistants, and personal assistants or make any such appointments under whatever guise in order to further control the cost and size of government. The committee stated that instead, such political office holders should utilise the staff of their ministries of posting where it becomes necessary, as contained in Circular Reference Number B63833/73 of January 3, 2000. As expected, the first salvo of condemnation to the recommendations came from the Senate where members of the opposition political parties rejected the proposal by the delegates. Senate Minority Leader, George Akume (APC, Benue North West), who addressed journalists on behalf of his colleagues, said; “Part-time legislature is not and can never be the answer to executive impunity and corruption in the country.” He argued that executive impunity was largely responsible for high cost of governance in Nigeria, stating that delegates to the confab do not “understand and appreciate what constituted elected offices, especially the what legislative seats stand for in the governance of the country under democratic template.” Akume, a former governor of Benue State, further stated: “I do not believe as wrongly proposed by the unelected delegates at the National Confab that part-time legislature would help in appreciable terms, in the reduction of cost of governance in Nigeria. It cannot serve in any way as antidote to executive impunity and corruption that had over the years been the cause of high cost of governance in the land.” But in his reaction, Senator Smart Adeyemi decried the high cost of running government and the attendant huge wage bill accruing to political office holders. Adeyemi who represents Kogi West Senatorial District on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), however, advocated for a change from the bicameral legislative system, to a unicameral system, as part of the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.

He said: “I do not believe we should run a bicameral (legislative) system in Nigeria. I believe one chamber is enough. If we are going to have the Senate, let’s have the Senate, if we are going to have the House of Representatives, let’s have it alone. I am in the system and I know that the cost of running government is too expensive; it is against the interest of the people. That is why everybody wants to be a politician, people now take politics for a profession and that is why there is corruption in the system.” Adeyemi stressed further that: “The process of running government should not be more costly than what the system will give to the people. Is it not madness for a governor to appoint 70 special assistants? It is a fraud! When you want to assess the performance of a government it is not by paying salaries. What makes a leader is your ability to manage the resources that are available. When a governor tars roads, it is not an achievement because the money is there,” he said. A cross-section of Ogun lawmakers expressed mixed reactions to the adoption of the report of the Committee on Public Service at the on-going National Conference on part-time legislature. Chairman, Public Accounts Committee in the Ogun House of Assembly, Abiodun Akovoyan, said part-time legislature would not allow those in the legislature to perform effectively and optimally. Citing example of the workload as a full-time legislator, Akovoyan said his

Legislators take away too much from the national treasury, thereby leaving very little for execution of projects that will benefit the people they claim to represent

committee has not been able to cover the auditors’ report of over 70 agencies in the state due to the burden of its task. “We are doing full-time and we have been unable to cover all the necessary areas. Is it when we are on part-time that we will be able to do it. I am the Chairman of Public Accounts, but if we want to do our job thoroughly in a year, the 365 days are not enough. “If we are on part-time, I will not leave my work and come and sit down here in the House, and this will automatically have an effect on the people of the state. So, I do not think I want to go with part-time legislature as an option,’’ the legislator said. However, the Chairman, Water Supply and Energy committee, Oludaisi Elemide, described the idea as a welcome development. Elemide, representing Odeda Constituency, said anyone aspiring to become a legislative member should have been successful in his or her chosen career. “Their background must be able to speak for them. If they have succeeded in their respective chosen career, then they will bring the wealth of experience into play in the house,” he said. On his part, Folorunso Adegbesan, representing Ijebu North II Constituency, said part-time legislature was better for the country, saying it would help in reducing the cost of governance. Clearly, this is not the first time the issue of remuneration, as it relates to the National Assembly will be making the headlines. It has always been the contention of many political pundits that legislators take away too much from the national treasury, thereby leaving very little for execution of projects that will benefit the people they claim to represent. At an event hosted by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre in 2013, former Education Minister, Obiageli Ezekwesili had said Nigeria’s federal legislators have gulped N1 trillion since 2005. She had presented a global comparison of legislators’ remuneration across the world published by the United Kingdom based The Economist Magazine whose report indicated that Nigerian federal legislators with a basic salary of $189,500 per annum (N30.6m) were the highest paid lawmakers in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 43

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Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Protecting Nigerian child’s interest O

ur bill of the week is a Bill for an act to establish the National Child Protection and Enforcement Agency 2012. This bill is sponsored by chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights, Hon. Beni Lar. The Bill, which recently passed for second reading seeks among other things to; establish an agency saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that the provision of the Child Rights Act 2003 are adhered to and respected to prevent the exposure of children from any form of abuse, physical or psychological and ensuring that persons who intentionally or otherwise expose, and or abuse children are held accountable for their actions. According to the sponsor, the Child Rights Act was borne out of the realisation that the Nigerian constitution does not recognise the legal status of a person until he or she has attained the age of 18 years. She argued: “It is necessary to ensure that persons of younger ages than 18 years be given such legal status that would protect and preserve their identity from such acts or treatments that are degrading of a person’s human right.” Lar is also of the contention that since the doctrine of social objectives as contained in chapter 11 section 17 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amendment) stipulates that “the State social order is founded on ideals of freedom, equality and justice,” it is necessary to pass the Child Rights Act 2003 which aims “to protect, preserve and promote the fundamental rights of children to good health, education, food, and the basic needs of life. It further prevents the abuse of children on the grounds of physical, mental, psychology and social grounds.” This bill, it is believed, if passed would give the necessary support for the protection and preservation of this fundamental obligation towards

CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 2

world. She also posited that part-time legislature would save costs. The jumbo allowance of the National Assembly members for a long time has been a source of worry for many Nigerians, who continue to argue that the value the country’s 469-member bicameral National Assembly adds to national development is debatable and incommensurate with the financial resources expended on them. This has also increased calls that it either be done on part-time basis or reverted to a single chamber legislature. Others who have also made cases for the amount of funds spent on the upkeep of the federal legislators have noted that under Section 63 of the 1999 Constitution, “The Senate and the House of Representatives shall each sit for a period of not less than 181 days in a year.” Analysts therefore argue that if the lawmakers should sit for only 181 out of 365 days in a year, they should work part-time rather than full-time and earn sitting allowances rather than the jumbo salary they are paid. The argument is predicated on the fact that the funds expended on servicing the legislature is not justified in the 181-day annual sitting and the number of bills passed within the period. They further maintain that the full-time legislature is a drain on the nation’s resources. Human rights lawyer Bamidele Aturu lends his support to the proposal for part-time legislature. He said: “It is a very good proposal if the National As-

BILL OF

WEEK

THE

Philip Nyam

This bill, it is believed, if passed, would give the necessary support for the protection and preservation of this fundamental obligation towards Nigerian children by making it legally binding to comply with the Child Rights Act Nigerian children by making it legally binding to comply with the Child Rights Act. Details Part I of the bill deals with the establishment of the National Child Protection and Enforcement Agency. The composition of its membership and appointment of members of the governing council, tenure of office and cessation of membership are all spelt out in this part. By virtue of Section 5 of its provisions, it empowers the agency to deal with all matters relating to the protection of the fundamental rights of children as guaranteed by the Constitution of Nigeria and all other domestic and international laws operating in Nigeria. It also gives investigative and prosecuting powers to the agency on those who contravene any part thereof and those found wanting of violating the Act. Another important feature of this bill is its mandate of informing and enlightening people on the provisions of the Act through such medium as

Lar

campaigns, seminars and workshop, all aimed at sensitizing the public on the provisions of the Act and also the need to respect rights and welfare of children. Part II deals with the functions of the agency and special powers of the agency to coordinate, regulate and enforce mechanism for government and non- government bodies involved in prevention of child abuse, child exploitation, protection and rehabilitation of victims of such abuse. The sponsor Lar represents Langtang North/ Langtang South Federal Constituency of Plateau State and was first elected

into the House of Representatives in 2007 and re-elected in 2011. She is a member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and daughter of the former national chairman of the party, the late Chief Solomon Lar. She is the chairman, Committee on Human Rights and member of other committees namely: Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), police affairs, population, rules and business, science and technology, women affairs and works. A lawyer by training, before her election to the House, she had served as Special Assistant on Women Affairs to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Debate over part-time legislature

Ezekwesili

sembly will allow it. We don’t have the resources to spend on people who will sit around doing nothing. Part-time legislature will save the country enormous resources because lawmakers will still practice their profession. If you are a doctor, a lawyer or journalist, you will still practice your profession.” He further argued that the Second Republic was largely a part-time legislature and that the process of lawmaking was better than what Nigeria presently has under a full-time legislature. For Adebayo Adeolu, a lawyer and political analyst, the nation’s full-time bi-

cameral legislature is wasteful. He said: “The legislature should be part-time the way it was during the First and Second Republics. The lawmakers should be paid sitting allowances instead of all this money wasted on jumbo salary.” Indeed, government has over the years continued to lament that it spends a greater part of its budget on recurrent expenditures than on capital projects, even in the face of dwindling resources. And given that every major economy is driven by small and medium scale businesses, there is the need for government to free as much fund as it can, in order to provide the needed infrastructure and facilities that will enable such businesses thrive. Some analysts also wonder how government at different levels can afford to spend so much on their legislators when it is a known fact that majority of the citizens live on less than $3 per day, and that many of the state governments have kicked against paying a minimum wage of #18,000 ($114.73) per month, as passed by the federal legislature. In this regard, Nigerians are once again questioning the appropriateness of the jumbo pay of public officers, especially cabinet ministers and national legislatures. Nigerian legislatures earn more than their contemporaries in more developed and wealthy nations in spite of the alarming poverty level and serious underdevelopment in the nation.

Sometime ago, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and new Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi while delivering a lecture in late November 2010 stated that 25 per cent of overhead in the nations annual budget is spent on the National Assembly. As expected, National Assembly members raised a lot of dust and hurled him before the Senate Committees on Appropriation and Finance where he stood his ground and rejected calls by the lawmakers for him to apologise for giving false figures to the public. Nigerians will not forget in a hurry, how Sanusi, instead backed up his claims with figures from the Budget Office on the 2010 budget, stating that “Total government overhead was #536,268,490,280. The total overhead of the National Assembly was #136,259,768,112, which is exactly 25.1 per cent of the Federal Government expenses.” Realising that figures are facts, the National Assembly let him off. Clearly, National Assembly salary and allowances have clearly become a financial burden on Nigerian resources, and it is still unclear if this is sustainable in the long run. Hence, this has necessitated calls by many Nigerians on the need to restructure and mandate the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to review salary structure for all political office holders, with a view to eliminate or cut unreasonable renumerations.

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Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Sanusi: Royal ascension and politics of 2015

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

Bayero, the heir-apparent to the throne and adding preserving the sanctity of the throne and the confidence reposed in the revered traditional institution.” The party further described the younger Bayero as an outstanding nobility who is also highly respected for his wealth of knowledge and experience as well as his statesmanly disposition and commitment to the stability and greatness of the emirate and the nation at large. It said: “Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero is a rare breed, a man of exceptional wisdom and humility. We have a new emir who, like his father, remains a detrabilised Nigerian with an unshaken belief in the unity and peaceful coexistence of our people as a nation. “We have no doubt whatsoever that the new emir will live up to his billing by building on the solid foundation and legacies left by his father to further the greatness of the Emirate where the welfare and prosperity of all are guaranteed.” The party added that the new emir, like his father, is a “gift” not only to the Kano Emirate but to the nation in general and that he will bring to bear his wealth of knowledge acquired both in the palace and in the Public Service in discharging his duties as the emir. It also commended the other sons of the late emir for supporting their elder brother, while charging others (apparently referring to Sanusi) who nursed the ambition of becoming emir to learn from the nobility and understand that positions of authority are bestowed only by God and not something to be grabbed through political scheming or by force. The party was to make a detour when the former CBN governor finally emerged. In a counter press statement also signed by Metuh, entitled: “RE: PDP congratulates new Emir of Kano: PDP official position,” the party said it relied on a false media report to come out with the statement. On Monday night, the PDP formally congratulated Sanusi. The party, in a statement by Metuh, advised the new Emir not to play politics with the revered traditional institution. The party said it “has an unflinching reverence for the traditional institution and in that regard extends the same reverence it had for the late Emir to Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.” It however said it expects the new emir to remain non-partisan deserving of the exalted and revered office, like his predecessor. “The PDP holds the office of the Emir of Kano in very high esteem. We therefore give the new emir our prayers and urge him to ensure that the sanctity of the throne and the traditional institution are absolutely guarded and preserved. “We are very much aware that his status has changed and we pray the Almighty Allah, who alone confers authority, to grant him the wisdom and good health to lead his people to peace and prosperity.” War without end Despite the PDP’s retraction, some analysts believe that the stage is set for a two-pronged war between the APC and PDP in Kano State ahead of the 2015 elections, especially that of the Presidency. As at Monday, the Presidency has not congratulated Sanusi on his new appointment. Shortly after Sanusi’s emergence, the Federal Government banned private planes from landing at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano, apparently to stop APC chieftains from visiting and paying homage

Sanusi

Jonathan

A quick look at the total number of registered voters in the 16 opposition states reveal that they formed 52.5 per cent of the country’s registered voters. PDP’s 18 states have a 42.5 per cent

Kwankwaso

to the new monarch. Brig. General Chris Olukolade, the spokesperson for the military, who explained that the ban was for “security reasons,” however declined to state the nature of the security concerns. The news of the ban came after Umaru Al-Makura, the Nasarawa State Governor, who was said to be flying into the Kano Airport from Makurdi, Benue State on Monday morning, was denied clearance to land at the airport. But some analysts and Sanusi’s supporter, who spoke on the issue, believe the security reasons, which Olukolade alluded to for the ban was triggered by the ruling party’s statement, congratulating the late Bayero’s son, even when it was clear that his successor was yet to emerge. A former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and chieftain of the APC, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, who jeered at associates of President Jonathan and the PDP over the emergence of Sanusi, wrote on his Twitter handle: “Alhamdulillah. The best man has won.” And moments after the former CBN governor was named officially, he added: “SLS (Sanusi Lamido Sanusi) is the Emir of Kano. Jonathanians can go jump into the lagoon.” To the national leadership of the PDP, he blasted it, saying: “The PDP out of fear and hatred of my brother SLS (Sanusi Lamido Sanusi) began circulating the falsehood that someone else had been appointed Emir of Kano. Then they congratulated the emir that had not been selected by the constituted authority.” He added: “Earlier, they had enlisted several PDP sympathiser-traditional rulers to put pressure on Governor Kwankawaso to discourage him from selecting SLS, who was recommended on merit among the aspirants by the

kingmakers. “They have now withdrawn their false and contrived congratulations. PDP represents all that is evil and wrong about our nation. May Allah separate Nigeria from this evil, divisive and poverty-inducing party.” What next? With Sanusi’s ascension to the revered Kano throne, the question is: What becomes of his indictment by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) on non compliance with the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) in its 2011/2012 financial year report? The CBN under him, was said to have budgeted N50 million in 2010; N200 million each in 2011, 2012 for International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) compliance, but did not comply with it. The apex bank, according to the council, also budgeted N150 million for IFRS compliance, which was reflected in the 2013 financial report, but without board approval; implementation of intervention projects by each department, especially the governor’s office, including dashing out N10 million to building palaces for five royal fathers. While Sanusi has succeeded in getting the court to halt his prosecution, but lost the one challenging his subsequent suspension as the CBN governor, analysts are watching if the Federal Government will appeal the judgement and go ahead with his prosecution since his new position does not accords him immunity, or will it let sleeping dogs lie. Should the government opt for the former, many are of the view that it will be courting fresh crisis, as Northerners revere their monarchs and can go to any length to defend their traditional and religious institutions. Political implications As old political alliances break down and new ones being formed ahead of 2015, the PDP, particularly President Jonathan would be facing a Herculean task in penetrating Kano State should

he decide to contest the presidential election. With Sanusi as the new Emir of Kano, the APC in the state solidifying its grip of the politics of the state, the recent nomination of a former governor of the state, Ibrahim Shekarau for ministerial appointment to galvanise support for the PDP in the state may not achieve the objective. The former CBN governor is likely to seize the opportunity offered by his new position to mobilise his subjects against the ruling party in the forthcoming polls. He is widely respected among his people as one of the most courageous public intellectuals of recent times. Internationally, he has been lauded for the role he played in sanitising the banking sector, which tackled widespread fraud and stabilised the economy. Against this backdrop, his allies believe he can use the position in the North’s main commercial centre and his experience as a top banker to galvanise action around regenerating the region’s ailing economy and in encouraging reforms in the Islamic education system. This, will in-turn earn him the support and respect of the people that could be a political advantage to his associates in the APC. El Rufai, who attested to this, said: “Now we have someone who is modern and progressive, who can be a rallying point for the changing attitudes towards the traditional leadership. We want him to take a unifying force in the Northern renaissance.” Kano ranks second to Lagos State in the number of registered voters. While the former has 5.1 million voters, the latter has 6.2 million. The two states with the highest number of registered voters now seem to be firmly in the hands of the opposition and between them have a combined voting population that is three quarters of the whole of the South-East and South-South, which are the President’s power base. And within the South-East and South-South, the President and his party are not sure of two states – Imo (South-East) which has 1.6 million and Rivers (South-South) with 2.4 million voters. The governors of the two states, Rochas Okorocha and Chibuike Amaechi belong to the opposition APC. Furthermore, a quick look at the total number of registered voters in the 16 opposition states reveal that they formed 52.5 per cent of the country’s registered voters. PDP’s 18 states have a 42.5 per cent. This means that even if the votes in Anambra and Ondo states with governors aligned to the ruling party go to the PDP it is still below the 50 per cent target. More worrisome for the ruling party is that the highest registered voters that make up its 18 states include states like Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe and Niger states (20 per cent of registered voters) won by the opposition in the last presidential election. By this calculation, the opposition seems poised to win the majority votes in 20 out of 36 states with 65 per cent of registered voters, even if Imo, Rivers and Edo (another South-South) go to the PDP out of sympathy for the President, who is one of their own, the ruling party can only boast of 16 states with 25 per cent of registered voters at the moment. But politics being a strife of interest masquerading as contest of principle, it would be too early for the opposition party to shout hurray, as the bad blood trailing Sanusi’s emergence may turn out a sour point in the APC’s bid to capitalise on the Kano development to have a sweet revenge on the Presidency and consolidate its grip on the politics of Kano State and by extension, Nigeria.

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Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Terrorism: Defence chiefs in Delta for intelligence gathering SECURITY Governor Uduaghan hosts military attaches in Asaba Dominic Adewole

ASABA

team of foreign defence advisers/attaches to the country yesterday placed surveillance on Delta State, for gainful intelligence gathering. The defence chiefs led by Captain Michael Afolabi, of the Nigerian Defence Intelligence Agency (NDIA), stormed Governor Emmanuel Oduaghan’s office in Asaba, to have knowledge of the oil rich state.

N1.94bn

Flanked by Col. Rajesh Sethi, the doyen of defence advisers and attaches in Nigeria, Captain Afolabi, who lauded Governor Uduaghan's administration for setting up structures for investments to thrive in the state, said his vision and foresight in evolving the ‘Delta Beyond Oil Economic Development Model,’ would reduce indolence, overdependence on oil largesse, oil theft and other related crimes. While Sethi observed that the model has the potential to diversify the economy of the state as envisioned by the government, Afolabi added that the team was impressed with the deft strategy deployed by the governor to develop the state since he assumed office. He hinted that the inter-

national community had since stepped up support for Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram, describing terrorism as “a global menace.” The governor, however, urged countries to collectively swing into action against terrorist attacks across the world. He said: “You are abreast of the security challenges in the country, in the Niger Delta, we had our own security challenges, starting from militancy and agitations, which were dealt with through dialogue and the amnesty programme,” the governor said. Uduaghan added that: “The fallout of the challengess such as kidnapping, oil theft, and vandalisation are also being tackled with our economic model, the ‘Delta Beyond Oil.’

5.48m

The IGR realized from PAYE (taxes) of Kebbi The total population of Denmark (representing State in 2012. 0.08% of world’s population) in 2010. Source: National Bureau of Statistics Source: Blatantworld.com

He commended foreign embassies and their home countries for condemning terrorism in Nigeria, calling for a collective effort to deal with it. The governor said his administration had taken proactive steps was ensure that the state is peaceful and safe for all, disclosing that the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) recently identified some illegal immigrants in Delta State and dealt with them in accordance with the law. “The oil can dry up tomorrow, but when our people are empowered in such areas as solid minerals, infrastructure, agriculture and tourism; it will be difficult to recruit them for criminal activities as they will become gainfully employed.”

The components of water (pumping and treatment) provision required f rom energy sources. Source: Unwater.org

Niger PDP asks citizens to be wary of APC Dan Atori

MINNA

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Niger State yesterday urged the people of the state to be wary of APC politicians, who they said have nothing to offer, but their desperate desire to grab power at all costs. A statement signed by the party's Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Hassan Mohammed-Saba, and made available to newsmen in Minna, said such politicians, who have lost virtually all the election they contested at all levels, are only versatile in cheap propaganda for cheap political gains. He said, "the incompetence of the APC leadership can be seen in its inability to hold a conclusive congress, which has brought about division among their members. “How can a political party that cannot hold a conclusive congress want to rule a state as complex as Niger,” Saba queried. The PDP said the APC is already on the verge of collapse, owing to what it called the crisis gener-

ated by its poor and haphazard attempt to organise congresses from ward to local government and state levels. “The people of Niger State should therefore distance themselves from this pack of incompetent people and their party.” He urged the people to disregard all concocted lies being peddled by a group of self-seeking, opportunistic politicians, against the PDP led government in a vain attempt to hide their failure through propaganda. Saba said the APC, like its predecessors - ACN, CPC and ANPP - will continue to fail at the polls and will soon fade away as the people are conscious of the Governor Babangida Aliyu’s developmental strides. He said the achievements recorded so far speak volumes in the fields of Education, Health, Agriculture, Transportation, Investment and the development of Human Capital in line with its vision to become one of the three most developed economies in the country by 2020.

Jonathan inaugurates 1,000 police housing units Emmanuel Onani

Abuja

Managing Partner, Smeep Consultancy Services, Mr. Olu Onakoya (left), receiving a Distinguished Alumni Award from President, Lagos Business School Alumni Association (LBSAA), Mr. Demola Aladekomo, at the LBSAA 20th Annual President's dinner in Lagos

NLC tackles NERC over energy cost, exploitation James Nwabueze

Abuja

or authorizing the inFergy crease in the cost of encharges despite poor

supply of electricity the Nigeria Electricity, Regulatory Commission (NERC) yesterday came under heavy criticism by the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The recent increase in energy cost took effect from June 2014, but speaking at the stakeholders meeting held in Abuja Tuesday, the NLC President Comrade Abdulwaheed Umar criticised NERC, declaring that the tariff was increased by

the regulatory body without due consultation with the NLC. He said; “The rate of tariff increase is quite worrisome, and there is no proportionate increase in electricity supply. The amount of consumption should determine the rate paid by consumers, what Nigerian consumers expect is an improvement in power supply, but what they have gotten in return is a hike on electricity tariff. Umar said Nigerians are tired of excuses from the regulatory body, which he said has being obtainable since the 70’s, urging it to match accessibility

with affordability. He also urged NERC to properly investigate the activities of the Distribution Companies (Discos) which according to him, bill customers based on estimation and not on adequate metering system made available by the regulatory body. “It is one thing to announce tariff rate without the capacity to enforce it, the social service component of electricity must not be laid down for profit maximization because the consumers are always at the receiving end,” he added. The NERC Chairman, Mr. Sam Amadi, explained

that the stakeholders meeting was organised to address some pertinent issues which affects electricity consumers.

ne-thousand unit of houses, built by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, for certain cadres of the Force, has been commissioned by President Goodluck Jonathan. During the commissioning ceremony yesterday, President Jonathan, who was represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, commended the police high command for the initiative, even as he called on other security agencies as well as Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to take a cue. He noted that the move by the police high command to provide low cost housing units for its personnel, was in line with his administration's commitment to social housing, as

encapsulated in his Transformation Agenda. According to Jonathan, the construction of the houses, "is important as it shows the commitment of the police authorities to providing affordable houses" for police personnel." While describing the estate named, Sunday Adewusi Housing Estate, as "aesthetically beautiful", Jonathan charged the force and other government agencies, to pay attention to "maintenance culture." In his address at the occasion, the IGP underscored the need "to ameliorate the observed perennial housing deficit facing the Force", as the driving vision behind the construction of the housing units. Abubakar further disclosed that the vision was realised through a Public Privatee Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

CLO commends police over security, human rights protection

he Bayelsa state chapter of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has commended the Nigerian Police over low crime rate and human rights protection in the state. According to the CLO,though issues of Police extortion at check points and during bail application is noticeable in some police formations

in the state,the drastic reduction in crime and establishment of a Human Rights Desk in all Police Divisions is commendable. The Bayelsa Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO),Chief Nengi James,while speaking yesterday during a call on the State Commissioner of Police,Mr. Hillary Okpara,by the

CLO members in the state, said the result of the survey conducted on the performance of the Police in the state showed in the areas of security patrol,in-House discipline and responses to distress calls. Chief Nengi James, was accompanied by the immediate past Secetary of CLO,Comrade Morris Alagoa.

46 BUSINESS | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

10-Jun-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.

Bonds

Price

FGN Bonds Issuer

Rating/Agency

Description 9.20 29-JUN-2014 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

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

29-Jun-07 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

9.20 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

45.00 100.00 535.00 470.27 452.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 110.00 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57

29-Jun-14 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

0.05 0.30 0.87 2.18 2.88 3.13 3.23 3.97 5.05 5.37 7.63 9.76 14.47 14.95 15.45 16.12

7.67 11.05 11.23 11.39 11.55 11.50 11.51 11.54 11.66 11.67 12.26 12.36 12.77 12.82 12.87 12.99

4.90 10.54 10.59 11.31 11.49 11.38 11.39 11.44 11.59 11.59 12.21 12.31 12.73 12.77 12.81 12.93

100.06 99.42 94.16 103.10 108.45 95.73 94.29 97.37 116.20 81.72 120.05 110.20 114.53 97.82 71.00 80.00

100.21 99.57 94.66 103.25 108.60 96.03 94.59 97.67 116.50 82.02 120.35 110.50 114.83 98.12 71.30 80.30

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Rating/Agency

4,334.84 Issuer

Agency Bonds AMCON FMBN

***LCRM

Description

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

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Issue 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 6.00 112.22 116.70 66.49

31-Oct-14 24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 20-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.39 0.95 1.44 2.50 2.86 3.07

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 3.20 1.00

11.33 13.90 13.56 13.40 14.67 12.50

95.78 87.97 104.97 97.91 91.25 93.86

05-Aug-14 15-Oct-14 31-Aug-15 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 30-Sep-20 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21

0.15 0.35 1.22 0.83 1.12 1.13 2.86 1.69 3.56 2.53 4.32 2.73 2.53 3.11 3.18 5.45 3.15 3.86 6.47 6.56 3.86 3.90

1.56 1.34 4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 5.59 1.00 1.79 1.80 1.00 1.00 1.21 1.00 1.00 1.94 2.74 2.74 1.00 1.94 1.44 1.95

10.22 11.36 15.73 14.45 15.75 14.77 17.06 12.30 13.31 13.21 12.56 12.45 12.62 12.50 12.51 13.63 14.24 14.28 12.93 13.89 12.98 13.49

100.50 100.80 96.47 99.41 98.19 101.01 84.49 102.42 101.88 101.84 104.65 104.50 118.18 104.97 107.68 103.24 101.24 101.34 102.44 104.65 115.18 114.84

07-Oct-14 18-Dec-14 31-Dec-14 17-Aug-15 09-Dec-15 06-Jan-16 29-Sep-16 25-Oct-16 30-Sep-17 30-Nov-17 09-Apr-18 09-Sep-18 09-Sep-18 22-Sep-18 18-Oct-18 17-Feb-19 01-Apr-19 14-Nov-20

0.33 0.52 0.56 0.70 1.02 0.86 2.30 2.38 3.31 2.12 2.08 2.25 2.25 4.29 2.36 2.44 3.56 6.43

1.00 5.21 8.71 4.88 1.00 2.63 1.00 1.34 4.52 1.88 3.48 5.20 5.06 1.00 2.29 6.11 2.16 2.76

10.87 16.30 19.81 16.05 12.29 13.86 12.36 12.72 16.03 13.21 14.80 16.55 16.41 12.55 13.66 17.50 13.68 14.68

100.13 98.64 98.55 96.01 99.75 100.40 101.20 103.02 92.39 109.32 102.36 102.97 101.97 104.63 104.26 99.33 106.36 102.29

11-Feb-18

3.67

1.00

12.53

93.28

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,304.32

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto A-/GCR A+/Agusto A/Agusto Nil A+/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro A/Agusto A-/GCR

KWARA NIGER KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA

14.00 KWARA 5-AUG-2014 14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020 13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

05-Aug-09 15-Oct-09 31-Aug-10 30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 30-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12 02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12 30-Sep-13 27-Nov-13 31-Dec-13 31-Dec-13 06-Jan-14

14.00 14.00 12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 14.75 13.50 15.00 14.50 15.00

17.00 6.00 8.50 16.50 13.00 18.50 57.00 50.00 25.00 50.00 9.00 20.00 12.00 27.00 20.00 80.00 30.00 11.40 87.00 5.00 5.00 5.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

572.90

Corporate Bonds A+/Agusto; AA/GCR Aa/Agusto Nil Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto BB+/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR A-/Agusto A/GCR BBB-/GCR BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR A/Agusto; A/GCR Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR BBB/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

LAFARGE WAPCO GTB µ NGC *UPDC *FLOURMILLS *CHELLARAMS NAHCO FSDH UBA *C & I LEASING *DANA# *TOWER# *TOWER# UBA *LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS# *DANA NAHCO

11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014 13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014 17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

07-Oct-11 18-Dec-09 01-Apr-10 17-Aug-10 09-Dec-10 06-Jan-11 29-Sep-11 25-Oct-13 30-Sep-10 30-Nov-12 09-Apr-11 09-Sep-11 09-Sep-11 22-Sep-11 18-Oct-13 17-Feb-12 01-Apr-14 14-Nov-13

11.50 13.50 17.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 13.00 14.25 13.00 18.00 16.00 18.00 16.00 14.00 15.75 17.00 16.00 15.25

11.80 13.17 2.00 15.00 37.50 1.50 15.00 5.53 20.00 0.94 8.01 3.63 1.00 35.00 3.00 0.54 4.50 2.05

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

180.17

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

IFC

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Rating/Agency

12.00 Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Issue Value ($'mm)

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

4.80

4.65

110.93

111.88

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

18-Dec-09

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.08

3.86

103.88

104.73

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

01-Apr-10

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.22

5.10

108.30

109.21

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

Corporate Eurobonds AFREN PLC I

11.50 FEB 01, 2016

01-Feb-11

11.50

450.00

01-Feb-16

3.93

3.11

111.85

113.25

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

4.97

4.35

104.60

105.77

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

6.22

5.95

99.15

100.18

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

7.20

6.71

100.14

101.50

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

8.52

7.98

94.61

96.33

AFREN PLC

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

5.10

4.33

113.51

114.98

ZENITH BANK PLC FIRST BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

6.44

6.17

99.21

100.33

B/S&P; B-/Fitch

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.06

6.59

104.19

105.93

B+/S&P; B+/Fitch

AFREN PLC

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

5.94

5.51

102.66

104.40

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

ACCESS BANK PLC FIDELITY BANK PLC

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

3,460.00

**Treasury Bills DTM 9 16 23 30 37 44 51

FIXINGS Maturity 19-Jun-14 26-Jun-14 3-Jul-14 10-Jul-14 17-Jul-14 24-Jul-14 31-Jul-14

Bid Discount (%) 8.90 8.50 10.00 8.00 10.10 10.20 10.20

Offer Discount (%) 8.65 8.25 9.75 7.75 9.85 9.95 9.95

Bid Yield (%) 8.92 8.53 10.06 8.05 10.20 10.33 10.35

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 10.7500 11.6556 13.1083 14.0403

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

10.46

Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

O/N

10.71

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M

162.73 162.83 163.09 163.67 164.86

162.83 163.09 163.43 164.31 166.04

Tenor Call

REPO

Rate (%) 10.25

A-/GCR NIGER A+/Agusto KADUNA A/Agusto *EBONYI Nil *BENUE A+/Agusto *IMO A+/Agusto; A+/GCR LAGOS A-/Agusto *BAYELSA A/Agusto EDO A+/Agusto; A+/GCR *DELTA A-/Agusto; A-/GCR NIGER A/Agusto; A-/GCR† *EKITI Wednesday, June 11, 2014 A-/Agusto *NIGER A/Agusto; A-/GCR *ONDO A/Agusto; A-/GCR *GOMBE Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR LAGOS A/Agusto; A-/GCR *OSUN A/Agusto *OSUN Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR LAGOS A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro KOGI A/Agusto *EKITI A-/GCR *NASARAWA Sanctity of Truth

14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 Index shed 87.08 basis points 14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020 to13.50 close atIV41,521.42 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020 as against 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 41,608.50 recorded last Monday, 14.50 EKITI 31-DEC-2020capitalisation while, theII market NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 of15.00 equities depreciated by N29

15-Oct-09 14.00 31-Aug-10 12.50 30-Sep-10 13.00 30-Jun-11 14.00 30-Jun-09 15.50 19-Apr-10 10.00 30-Jun-10 13.75 30-Dec-10 14.00 30-Sep-11 14.00 04-Oct-11 14.00 09-Dec-11 14.50 12-Dec-13 14.00 14-Feb-12 15.50 02-Oct-12 15.50 22-Nov-12 14.50 12-Dec-12 14.75 14.75 in the tor, 30-Sep-13 boosted by activity 27-Nov-13 13.50 Insurshares of Unity Wapic 15.00 a turnance31-Dec-13 Plc, followed with 14.50 shares over31-Dec-13 of 78.9 million 06-Jan-14 15.00 valued at N64.3 billion in 352

6.00 8.50 16.50 13.00 18.50 57.00 50.00 25.00 50.00 9.00 20.00 12.00 27.00 20.00 80.00 30.00 11.40 87.00 5.00 5.00 5.00

15-Oct-14 31-Aug-15 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 30-Sep-20 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 he international 06-Jan-21 (IFC) corporation

0.35 1.22 0.83 1.12 1.13 2.86 1.69 3.56 2.53 4.32 2.73 2.53 3.11 3.18 5.45 3.15 3.86 6.47 6.56 3.86 finance a 3.90 mem-

1.34 11.36 100.80 4.44 15.73 96.47 3.23 14.45 99.41 4.46 15.75 98.19 3.48 14.77 101.01 5.59 17.06 84.49 1.00 12.30 102.42 1.79 13.31 101.88 1.80 13.21 101.84 1.00 12.56 104.65 1.00 12.45 104.50 1.21 12.62 118.18 1.00 12.50 104.97 1.00 12.51 107.68 1.94 13.63 103.24 2.74 14.24 101.24 2.74 14.28 101.34 1.00 12.93 102.44 1.94 13.89 104.65 1.44per cent 12.98 115.18 Pro96 stake in Banco 1.95 13.49 114.84 Credit Mozambique previously

BUSINESS | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Nigerian stocks retreat on profit taking IFC set to covert two managed PLUNGING

Equities shed weight as building materials stocks TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE drag ASI lower Corporate Bonds

A+/Agusto; AA/GCR

LAFARGE WAPCO

Aa/Agusto GTB Stories by Chris Ugwu µ

Nil NGC Bbb-/Agusto *UPDC he Nigerian stock market A-/Agusto *FLOURMILLS slumped yesterday , as bears BB+/GCR *CHELLARAMS overwhelmed bulls followA+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO ing profit taking by invesA-/Agusto FSDH tors day’s A/GCRafter the previous UBA bullish BBB-/GCRrally. *C & I LEASING The key market BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR parameters, *DANA# the NSE BB-/GCR All Share*TOWER Index and # A-/DataPro†; # market capitalisation, fell 0.21 AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR *TOWER per centA/GCR each as the UBA two leading A/Agusto; building DanBbb+/Agusto;material BBB+/GCR stocks, *LA CASERA # gote CementBB+/GCR and Lafarge Wapco BBB-/DataPro†; *CHELLARAMS were worst hit. BBB/GCR *DANA A+/Agusto; A-/GCR Consequently , the All-Share NAHCO

billion or 0.21 per cent as market sentiments turned red. Meanwhile, a turnover of 1.4 11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014 billion shares worth N8.4 bil13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014 lion 5,686 deals was recorded 17.00in NGC 31-DEC-2014 in10.00 theUPDC day’s trading. 17-AUG-2015 AsFLOURMILLS usual, the banking sub12.00 9-DEC-2015 sector of the financial 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 services13.00 sector the most active NAHCO was 29-SEP-2016 during day (measured by 14.25 FSDHthe 25-OCT-2016 turnover volume); with 188.5 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 million shares30-NOV-2017 worth N2.05 bil18.00 C&I LEASING lion exchanged by investors in MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 1,612 deals. MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 Volume in9-SEP-2018 the banking subMPR+5.25 TOWER sector largely driven by 14.00 UBAwas II 22-SEP-2018 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 activity in the shares of UBA MPR+5.00 17-FEB-2019 Plc and CHELLARAMS GT BankIIPlc. 16.00 DANAinsurance II 1-APR-2019 Also, sub sector NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 of15.25 the financial services sec-

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

funds to ETI shares

572.90 ber of the World Bank deals. held by ProCredit Holding and The number of gainers at group has concluded ar- the DOEN Foundation. the close of trading session on rangement to convert two of The pan-African bank, in a 07-Oct-11 11.50 11.80 07-Oct-14 0.33 1.00 10.87 100.13 was18-Dec-09 31 while decliners closed 13.17 its managed funds to shares notification to NSE also said 13.50 18-Dec-14 0.52 5.21 16.30 98.64 at 30. of pan-Africa bank, Ecobank it had commenced trading in 01-Apr-10 17.00 2.00 31-Dec-14 0.56 8.71 19.81 98.55 Nigeria Breweries Plc led on Transnational Incorporated Mozambique. 17-Aug-10 10.00 15.00 17-Aug-15 0.70 4.88 16.05 96.01 the gainers’ table with N3.20 to 37.50 (ETI). The transaction had99.75 received 09-Dec-10 12.00 09-Dec-15 1.02 1.00 12.29 close06-Jan-11 at N180 per share, Conoil ETI in a notice to the Nigethe approval of the regulatory 14.00 1.50 06-Jan-16 0.86 2.63 13.86 100.40 Nigeria Plc followed13.00 with a gain 15.00 rian Stock Exchange 2.30 (NSE) authorities in Mozambique 29-Sep-11 29-Sep-16 1.00 12.36 101.20 and of N2.50 each to close at N57.00 , 5.53 said that the IFC ALAC Holding the as Eco25-Oct-13 14.25 25-Oct-16 2.38 1.34 ETI started 12.72 trading 103.02 while Unilever Plc added N2.23 20.00 Company II and the IFC3.31 Capi- bank Mozambique since 30-Sep-10 13.00 30-Sep-17 4.52 16.03 92.39 May to close at N50.05 per share . talisation 30-Nov-17 (Equity) Fund, 20th 30-Nov-12 18.00 0.94 2.12L.P., 1.88 2014. 13.21 109.32 On the other hand, two funds managed by the on behalf102.36 of PCH, 09-Apr-11 16.00Dangote 8.01 09-Apr-18 2.08 IFC 3.48Speaking 14.80 Cement Plc led the price would exercise Helen Alexander confirmed 09-Sep-11 18.00 losers’ 3.63 09-Sep-18their option 2.25 to 5.20 16.55 102.97 table, dropping N2.40 subscribe 09-Sep-18 for ETI shares that the negotiations 09-Sep-11 16.00 to close 1.00 2.25with 5.06 16.41 101.97 were at N226.60 while La- 35.00 effective date of 1st July4.29 2014. held 22-Sep-11 per share, 14.00 22-Sep-18 1.00 in a frank 12.55 and transparent 104.63 farge Wapco followed bank manner and transac18-Oct-13 15.75 with a 3.00 The pan-African 18-Oct-18 2.36said 2.29 13.66that the104.26 loss 17-Feb-12 of N1.51 to close at N111.99 0.54 the outstanding tion 17.00 17-Feb-19 convertible 2.44 6.11 had been 17.50concluded 99.33 to the per 01-Apr-14 share. GTB lost loans of the two funds, 3.56 which satisfaction of both parties. 16.00N1.00 to 4.50 01-Apr-19 2.16 13.68 106.36 15.25 2.05 6.43 the 2.76She explained: 14.68 102.29 are close14-Nov-13 at N30.50 per share. consist of 14-Nov-20 $56,385,000 for “We IFC Capitalisation (Equity) pleased to have concluded this 180.17 Fund and $18,795,000 for the IFC transaction and are confident ALAC Holding Company, would that we are leaving the bank 11-Feb-13 10.20 12.00 11-Feb-18 3.67 ETI 1.00the hands 12.53 be converted to 628,742,514 in of a very93.28 capable line with our strategy.” shares and 209,580,838 ETI partner. 12.00 He reviewed the company’s shares respectively. “Ecobank is well positioned operation during the period, As a result of this, the conto implement a growth stratIssue Date Coupon (%) Issue Value ($'mm) Maturity Date Bid Yield (%) Offer Yield (%) Bid Price Offer Price stressing: “In the luxury resi- vertible debts of ETI will be egy that will offer excellent dential category, we completed reduced by $75,180,000 and prospects for our clients, our Prices & Yields and delivered to buyers the consequently, the pan-African staff and for the Mozambique 07-Oct-11 4.80 ad4.65 prestigious 32-unit6.75 ‘Cameron 500.00 lender will28-Jan-21 issue 838,323,352 market as 110.93 a whole.” 111.88 Green’ Ikoyi. Phase 1 of Metro ditional shares. “The total ETI On her part, Ecobank’s 5.13 4.08 per 3.86 103.88 104.73 City,18-Dec-09 Abuja comprising of 88 500.00 shares will12-Jul-18 increase by 4.9 Group Chief Operating Officer, units01-Apr-10 of mixed residential apartcent from 17,212,152,208 shares Evelyne Tall re-affirmed that 6.38 500.00 12-Jul-23 5.22 108.30 5.10 109.21 ments was also completed and is to 18,050,475,560 shares,” the her institution would build rapbeing gradually handed to buy- 1,500.00 bank said. idly on the excellent foundation ers, while construction work on The bank said it is taking laid by ProCredit Holding to Phase 2 has commenced. all necessary steps to get the transform the bank into a ma01-Feb-11 11.50 01-Feb-16 “We also took advantage of 450.00 shares issued and listed3.93 on the jor the local113.25 financial 3.11 player in 111.85 the lack of a formal 7.50 retail chan- 500.00 three stock exchanges in services market. 19-May-11 19-May-16 4.97 line 4.35 104.60 105.77 nel in the Festac axis with usual08-Nov-18 requirement.6.22 into 100.18 Mozam08-Nov-13 6.00of Lagos 400.00 5.95“Our entry 99.15 State25-Jul-12 by undertaking ProCredit Holding bique brings the number of 7.25the ongo- 350.00 ETI and25-Jul-17 7.20 6.71 100.14 101.50 ing Festival (PCH) had 02-May-18 recently announced African countries in which 09-May-13 Mall development, 6.88 300.00 8.52 7.98 94.61 96.33 which is expected10.25 to open to 300.00 the conclusion Ecobank has a presence to 36,” 08-Apr-12 08-Apr-19of negotiation 5.10 4.33 113.51 114.98 customers 2014.” that led to the former acquiring she said. 99.21 22-Apr-14 by end of6.25 500.00 22-Apr-19 6.44 6.17 100.33

‘PMBs’ revised guidelines will deepen Mortgages’ Supranational Bond

AAA/S&P

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

IFC

he revised guidelines for TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) and a fully operaRating/Agency Issuer tional National Mortgage Refinance Company, will provide FGN Eurobonds a wider scope of activities and BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P for estate developopportunities ers, Chairman, UACN Property BB-/Fitch; FGN Development Company Plc, Mr. BB-/S&P Larry Ettah, has said. BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P Ettah while addressing TOTAL OUTSTANDING shareholders at theVALUE company’s the Annual General Meeting Corporate Eurobonds (AGM) held in Lagos, said the policy would ultimately result B-/S&P; B/Fitch AFREN PLC I in affordable mortgages and GTBANK PLC I B+/S&P; B+/Fitch increased home ownership for GTBANK PLC middle and lower income earnB+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC ers. B/S&P; B/Fitch FIDELITY BANK PLC Ettah said that in spite of the B/Fitch AFREN PLC challenging operating environB+/Fitch; BB-/S&P B/S&P; B-/Fitch

ZENITH BANK PLC FIRST BANK PLC

B+/S&P; B+/Fitch

AFREN PLC

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

ment, the company posted revenue of N11.29 billion against N12.04 billionDescription in 2012 as profit before taxation rose to N3.71 billion for 2013 against N2.45 billion in 2012. 6.75 JAN 28, 2021 The chairman, who explained that UPDC’s growth 12, 2018 momentum 5.13 hasJULincreased and reinforced its standing as a 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 market leader, said: “We successfully completed the floatation of the UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) in 2013 FEB 01, on a capital11.50 value of2016 N26.7 billion, of which currently 7.50UPDC MAY 19, 2016 holds 62.2 per cent. The REIT 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 was listed 7.25 onJULthe Nigerian 25, 2017 Stock Exchange (NSE) 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 on July 1, 2013. It is10.25 ourAPR plan to reduce 08, 2019 our holding6.25 toAPR 4022,per 2019 cent in 8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

8.25

FMDQ Daily Quotations List 6.63

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.06

6.59

104.19

360.00

09-Dec-20

5.94

5.51

102.66

3,460.00

105.93 104.40 10-Jun-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 **Treasury BillsOTC PLC Terms of Use and Disclaimer Statement. FIXINGS Money Market to the FMDQ Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

DTM Maturity Bid Discount (%) Offer Discount (%) 9 19-Jun-14 8.90 8.65 26-Jun-14 8.50 8.25 FGN Bonds16 23 3-Jul-14 10.00 9.75 30 10-Jul-14 8.00 7.75 Issuer Description Rating/Agency Issue Date 37 17-Jul-14 10.10 9.85 44 24-Jul-14 10.20 9.95 9.20 29-JUN-2014 29-Jun-07 51 31-Jul-14 10.20 9.95 9.25 28-SEP-2014 28-Sep-07 58 7-Aug-14 10.00 9.75 4.00 23-APR-2015 23-Apr-10 65 14-Aug-14 10.20 9.95 13.05 16-AUG-2016 16-Aug-13 72 21-Aug-14 10.10 9.85 15.10 27-APR-2017 27-Apr-12 79 28-Aug-14 10.30 10.05 9.85 27-JUL-2017 27-Jul-07 86 4-Sep-14 10.50 10.25 9.35 31-AUG-2017 31-Aug-07 93 11-Sep-14 10.65 10.40 10.70 30-MAY-2018 30-May-08 NA NA 100 18-Sep-14 10.60 10.35 16.00 29-JUN-2019 29-Jun-12 107 25-Sep-14 10.80 10.55 7.00 23-OCT-2019 23-Oct-09 114 2-Oct-14 10.60 10.35 16.39 27-JAN-2022 27-Jan-12 121 9-Oct-14 10.80 10.55 14.20 14-MAR-2024 14-Mar-14 128 16-Oct-14 10.80 10.55 15.00 28-NOV-2028 28-Nov-08 163 20-Nov-14 10.50 10.25 12.49 22-MAY-2029 22-May-09 177 4-Dec-14 10.50 10.25 8.50 20-NOV-2029 20-Nov-09 212 8-Jan-15 10.65 10.40 10.00 23-JUL-2030 23-Jul-10 226 10.60 10.35 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE22-Jan-15 240 5-Feb-15 10.60 10.35 254 19-Feb-15 10.65 10.40 268 5-Mar-15 10.55 10.30 Description Rating/Agency Issuer 303 9-Apr-15 10.45 10.20 317 23-Apr-15 10.45 10.20 Agency Bonds 331 7-May-15 10.45 10.20 0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) AMCON *from the Amortising 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 #bonds, the average life is FMBN Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums **Exclusive ofNA non-trading t.bills

***LCRM

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

Bid Yield (%) 8.92 8.53 10.06 8.05 Coupon (%) 10.20 10.33 9.20 10.35 9.25 10.16 4.00 10.39 13.05 10.31 15.10 10.53 9.85 10.77 9.35 10.95 10.70 10.92 16.00 11.15 7.00 10.96 16.39 11.20 14.20 11.23 15.00 11.02 12.49 11.06 8.50 11.35 10.00 11.34 11.39 11.50 11.44 Issue Date 11.44 11.49 11.54

100.00 535.00 470.27 NITTY 452.80 Tenor 20.00 1M 100.00 2M 300.00 3M 351.30 6M 233.90 9M 600.00 12M 110.00 75.00 150.00 200.00 NIFEX 591.57

Current Price ($/N) 4,334.84 BID($/N) OFFER ($/N)

Coupon (%)

0.00 0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

Rate (%) 10.7500 11.6556 Maturity Date 13.1083 14.0403 29-Jun-14 28-Sep-14 23-Apr-15 16-Aug-16 27-Apr-17 Rate (%) 27-Jul-17 8.0530 31-Aug-17 10.3270 30-May-18 10.8621 29-Jun-19 11.0788 23-Oct-19 11.4547 27-Jan-22 11.8480 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

10.46

O/N TTM (Yrs)

REPO

Tenor 0.05 Call0.30 1M0.87 3M2.18 6M2.88

Tenor

10.71 Bid Yield (%) Rate (%) 7.67 10.25 11.05 11.64 11.23 12.89 11.39 13.51 11.55

Bid ($/N)

Spot Offer 7D Yield 14D (%) 1M 4.90 2M10.54 3M10.59 6M11.31 1Y 11.49

3.13 11.50 11.38 3.23 11.51 11.39 3.97 11.54 11.44 :Benchmarks 5.05 11.66 11.59 * :Amortising Bond 5.37 11.67 11.59 µ :Convertible Bond 7.63 12.26 12.21 AMCON: Asset of Nigeria 9.76Management Corporation 12.36 12.31 FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria 14.47 12.77 12.73 FMBN: Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria 14.95 12.82 12.77 IFC: International Finance Corporation 15.45 12.87 12.81 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables 16.12 12.99 Management 12.93

NOTE:

162.73 162.83 Bid Price 163.09 163.67 100.06 164.86 99.42 166.13 94.16 169.77 103.10 177.59 108.45

Offer ($/N) Price 162.83 163.09 Offer Price 163.43 164.31 100.21 166.0499.57 167.8494.66 173.44 103.25 184.67 108.60

95.73 96.03 94.29 94.59 97.37 97.67 NA :Not Applicable 116.20 116.50 # :Floating81.72 Rate Bond 82.02 ***: Deferred coupon bonds120.35 120.05 110.20 110.50 †: Bond rating expired 114.53 114.83 97.82 98.12 71.00 71.30 80.00 80.30

NAHCO: Nigerian Aviation Handling Company NGC: Nigeria-German Company UBA: United Bank for Africa O/N: Overnight UPDC: UAC Property Development Company # Risk WAPCO:West Africa Portland Company Avg.Cement Life/TTM Valuation Yield Indicative Issue Value (N'bn) Maturity Date Premium (Yrs) (%) Price (%) 162.8375 162.9375

978.35 24.56 6.00 112.22 116.70 66.49

31-Oct-14 24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 20-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.39 0.95 1.44 2.50 2.86 3.07

05-Aug-14 15-Oct-14

0.15 0.35 1.22 Implied Yield 0.83 1.12 1.13 11.48 2.86 12.08 1.69 12.88 3.56 12.32 2.53 4.32 2.73 2.53 3.11 3.18 5.45 3.15 3.86 6.47

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 3.20 1.00

11.33 13.90 13.56 13.40 14.67 12.50

1.56 1.34

10.22 11.36 INDEX15.73 14.45 15.75 14.77 1,100.35 17.06 1,104.35 12.30 1,082.86 13.31 1,092.00 13.21 12.56 12.45 12.62 12.50 12.51 13.63 14.24 14.28 12.93

95.78 87.97 104.97 97.91 91.25 93.86

1,304.32

FMDQ FGN BOND INDEX

Sub-National Bonds KWARA NIGER Modified Duration KADUNA Buckets *EBONYI *BENUE <3 *IMO LAGOS 3<5 *BAYELSA>5 EDO Market *DELTA NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN *OSUN LAGOS

NIBOR

Tenor O/N Outstanding Value 1M (N'bn) 3M 6M 45.00

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

A/Agusto A-/GCR A+/Agusto A/Agusto Nil A+/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

Bonds

14.00 KWARA 5-AUG-2014 14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 Porfolio Market Total Outstanding 12.50 KADUNA Value(Bn)31-AUG-2015 Volume(Bn) 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 975.91 923.07 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 1,128.51 19-APR-2017 951.30 13.75 BAYELSA594.47 30-JUN-2017 701.57 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 2,698.90 2,575.94 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020 13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020

05-Aug-09 15-Oct-09

Weighting by 31-Aug-10 Outstanding Vol

30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 35.83 19-Apr-10 36.93 30-Jun-10 27.24 30-Dec-10 100.00 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12 02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12 30-Sep-13 27-Nov-13

14.00 14.00

Weighting by Mkt 12.50 Value

13.00 14.00 15.50 36.16 10.00 41.81 13.75 22.03 14.00 100.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 14.75 13.50

17.00 6.00 8.50 Bucket Weighting 16.50 13.00 18.50 0.36 57.00 0.37 50.00 0.27 25.00 1.00 50.00 9.00 20.00 12.00 27.00 20.00 80.00 30.00 11.40 87.00

% Exposure_ 31-Aug-15 Mod_Duration

30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 18.53 19-Apr-17 37.42 30-Jun-17 44.06 31-Dec-17 100.00 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 30-Sep-20 27-Nov-20

Implied 4.44 Portfolio Price 3.23 4.46 3.48 115.8512 5.59 130.4206 1.00 92.8238 1.79 114.9601 1.80 1.00 1.00 1.21 1.00 1.00 1.94 2.74 2.74 1.00

100.50 100.80

YTD Return 96.47 (%)

99.41 98.19 101.01 10.0350 84.49 10.4352 102.42 8.2865 101.88 9.1998 101.84 104.65 104.50 118.18 104.97 107.68 103.24 101.24 101.34 102.44

48 BUSINESS | CAPITAL MARKET

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Daily Summary as of 10/06/2014

Daily Summary as of 10/06/2014 Printed 10/06/2014 15:18:01.001

Printed 10/06/2014 15:18:01.001

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

Daily Summary (Bonds)

Activity Summary on Board DEBT Federal

Bond Name 15.10% FGN APR 2017 16.00% FGN JUN 2019 Federal Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Symbol FG9B2017S2 FG9B2019S3

DEBT Board Totals

No. of Deals 1 1 2

Current Price 110.50 118.00

Bond Activity Totals

Quantity Traded 400 2,500 2900

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

Value Traded 449,591.26 3,131,323.68 3,580,914.94

2,900

3,580,914.94

2900

3,580,914.94

Daily Summary as of 10/06/2014 Printed 10/06/2014 15:18:01.001

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

AGRICULTURE Totals

No. of Deals 1 44 11 56

Current Price 0.50 33.86 37.50

Quantity Traded 900 306,402 75,200 382,502

Value Traded 450.00 10,271,572.79 2,854,987.77 13,127,010.56

CONGLOMERATES

No. of Deals 39 39 Daily Summary (Equities) 95

Current Price 3.20

Quantity Traded 982,611 982,611

Value Traded 3,034,110.52 3,034,110.52

1,365,113

16,161,121.08

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 14 4 4 4 373 69 468

Current Price 1.38 3.95 1.15 5.06 4.48 60.00

Quantity Traded Page 174,405 13,336 8,092 600 1,043,607,735 233,463 1,044,037,631

Symbol COSTAIN

1,044,037,631

4,690,329,505.61

No. of Deals 33 33

Current Price 1.12

Quantity Traded 2,006,627 2,006,627

Value Traded 2,353,185.37 2,353,185.37

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 25 25

Current Price 70.87

Quantity Traded 94,680 94,680

Value Traded 6,655,037.04 6,655,037.04

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

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 22 22

Current Price 17.25

Quantity Traded 164,603 164,603

Value Traded 2,859,483.45 2,859,483.45

No. of Deals 1

Current Price 95.00

Quantity Traded 217

CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals JULIUS NIG. PLC. Daily Summary as ofBERGER 10/06/2014 Infrastructure/Heavy Printed 10/06/2014 15:18:01.001 Construction Totals

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) UPDC REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Totals

468

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol SKYESHELT

Page

Symbol UPDCREIT

No. of Deals 5 6

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. JOS INT. BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals

Daily Summary as of 10/06/2014 Printed 10/06/2014 15:18:01.001 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.

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Current Price 10.47

Processing Systems E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC

Activity Summary on Board Processing Systems Totals EQTY ICT ICT Totals

242,472.10 50,143.36 8,901.20 2,886.00 4,676,084,211.22 13,940,891.73 4,690,329,505.61

Value Traded 19,584.25 2

Quantity Traded 10,700 10,917

Value Traded 106,465.00 126,049.25

2,276,827

11,993,755.11

No. of Deals 2 61 35 5 130 233

Current Price 13.11 180.01 25.93 2.93 180.00

Quantity Traded 60,000 271,546 219,545 15,600 1,862,857 2,429,548

Value Traded 747,600.00 48,773,311.69 5,722,595.37 43,524.00 330,720,248.04 386,007,279.10

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 17 17

Current Price 90.00

Quantity Traded 23,526 23,526

Value Traded 2,158,528.31 2,158,528.31

No. of Deals 65 79 78 67 (Equities) 36 8

Current Price 8.45 9.64 78.00 4.25 12.30 20.78

Quantity Traded 911,547 4,900,456 2,224,772 10,367,270 1,281,101 180,195

Value Traded 7,613,341.87 48,000,159.75 173,210,346.15 44,196,600.70 15,810,324.30 3,587,908.00

No. of Deals 6 339

Current Price 0.55

Quantity Traded 37,984 19,903,325

Value Traded 20,132.52 292,438,813.29

No. of Deals 67 58 125

Current Price 81.89 1,080.01

Quantity Traded 351,544 76,113 427,657

Value Traded 27,806,462.13 82,681,250.29 110,487,712.42

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR Daily Summary NASCON NNFM

Page

Symbol UTC

Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Household Durables Totals

Symbol VITAFOAM

No. of Deals 12 12

Current Price 4.48

Quantity Traded 80,800 80,800

Value Traded 344,648.00 344,648.00

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

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 56 54 110

Current Price 36.94 50.65

Quantity Traded 423,101 298,371 721,472

Value Traded 15,433,755.63 14,969,581.45 30,403,337.08

23,586,328

821,840,318.20

Quantity Traded 83,654,533 15,828,288 1,379,470 5,446,816

Value Traded 827,656,063.25 108,804,800.71 23,144,593.20 11,043,734.04

ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC

836 Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 157 DIAMONDBNK 101 ETI 70 FIDELITYBK 86 Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 9.86 6.85 16.65 2.01

Page

Daily Summary as of 10/06/2014 Printed 10/06/2014 FINANCIAL15:18:01.001 SERVICES

Banking GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC.

Symbol No. of Deals GUARANTY 375 SKYEBANK 151 Daily Summary (Equities) STERLNBANK 69

Current Price 30.50 3.38 2.34

Quantity Traded 13,566,337 8,644,072 10,075,997

Current Price 7.90 10.30 0.50 0.96 25.20

Quantity Traded 33,811,635 364,802 1,021,000 1,336,053 13,411,835 188,540,838

No. of Deals 29 14 2 2 2 21 17 30 19 26 7 2 1 (Equities) 180 352

Current Price 0.82 1.07 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 2.56 0.52 0.82 0.53 0.54 0.50 0.50 0.78

Quantity Traded 2,747,057 1,522,000 101,000 21,200 100,000 4,299 2,424,860 4,500,000 965,124 962,206 Page 238,149

Symbol UBA UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK ZENITHBANK

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 1.02

Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Symbol RESORTSAL

No. of Deals 2 2

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

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX SIMCAPVAL STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 53 26 565 72 5 1 29 90 841

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE CORNERST EQUITYASUR LASACO LAWUNION MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM OASISINS PRESTIGE STACO STDINSURE Daily Summary WAPIC

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

FINANCIAL SERVICES Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals

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

7,841,022.62

Current Price 0.60

Quantity Traded 55,000 55,000

Value Traded 33,100.00 33,100.00

Symbol OMATEK

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 50,000 50,000

Value Traded 25,000.00 25,000.00

Symbol CWG NCR

No. of Deals 1 1 2

Current Price 5.48 15.99

Quantity Traded 400 20 420

Value Traded 2,084.00 304.00 2,388.00

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 2.21

Quantity Traded 50 50

Value Traded 105.00 105.00

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol ETRANZACT

Daily Summary (Equities)

No. of Deals 2 36 8

3,943,140

122,878,793.71 Value Traded 335,496.32 335,496.32

Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals

Symbol BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 16.00

Quantity Traded 59,250 59,250

Value Traded 942,076.00 942,076.00

4,183,955

124,156,366.03

Daily Summary as of 10/06/2014 Printed INDUSTRIAL 10/06/2014 15:18:01.001 GOODS Totals

Page Quantity Traded 2,400

Page

Symbol MULTIVERSE

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,300 1,300

Value Traded 650.00 650.00

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

Symbol THOMASWY

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 0.79

Quantity Traded 5,588 5,588

Value Traded 4,246.88 4,246.88

9,288

22,584.88

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 48 48

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 3,344,816 3,344,816

Value Traded 1,672,408.00 1,672,408.00

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 416 416

Current Price 20.10

Quantity Traded 9,839,040 9,839,040

Value Traded 202,680,211.27 202,680,211.27

Symbol No. of Deals Daily Summary (Equities) CONOIL 99

Current Price 57.00 3.66 250.01 126.00

Quantity Traded 467,481 1,824,676 259,438 25,441

Value Traded 26,429,321.20 6,481,927.26 58,583,151.32 3,284,090.36

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

SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

ETERNA FO MOBIL

46 83 19

Page

2,450,847,351.74

Quantity Traded 29,193 1,656,823 19,285

Value Traded 75,026.01 4,776,565.83 1,316,505.38

Symbol MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals 36 9 292

Current Price 48.00 170.00

Quantity Traded 122,666 4,290 2,703,992

Value Traded 5,775,409.22 734,965.75 101,288,865.11

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 10 10

Current Price 650.00

Quantity Traded 12,552 12,552

Value Traded 8,251,806.66 8,251,806.66

15,900,400

313,893,291.04

766 Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 21 21

Current Price 1.03

Quantity Traded 633,543 633,543

Value Traded 657,311.56 657,311.56

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 2 2 4

Current Price 4.60 2.20

Quantity Traded 28,000 11,111 39,111

Value Traded 127,800.00 23,221.99 151,021.99

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 60,000 60,000

Value Traded 30,000.00 30,000.00

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 2,000

Value Traded 1,000.00

TANTALIZER

Page

Hospitality Hospitality Totals

Symbol

No. of Deals 1

Current Price

Quantity Traded 2,000

Value Traded 1,000.00

Hotels/Lodging CAPITAL HOTEL PLC IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Symbol CAPHOTEL IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 2 3 5

Current Price 4.50 0.82

Quantity Traded 230 100,000 100,230

Value Traded 1,035.00 82,000.00 83,035.00

Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LEARN AFRICA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 4 7 7 18

Current Price 1.71 1.80 4.48

Quantity Traded 103,499 613,153 19,830 736,482

Value Traded 176,983.29 1,097,486.22 88,015.00 1,362,484.51

Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 17 17

Current Price 0.80

Quantity Traded 1,017,200 1,017,200

Value Traded 819,469.91 819,469.91

Specialty INTERLINKED TECHNOLOGIES PLC TECHNOLOGY PLC Specialty Totals

Symbol INTERLINK NSLTECH

No. of Deals 2 1 3

Current Price 4.90 0.50

Quantity Traded 180 1,960 2,140

Value Traded 838.80 980.00 1,818.80

Symbol No. of Deals AIRSERVICE 4 Daily Summary (Equities) NAHCO 28

Current Price 2.40 4.99

Quantity Traded 91,100 876,772

Value Traded 218,175.00 4,374,779.14

Daily Summary as of 10/06/2014 SECURE ELECTRONIC Printed 10/06/2014 15:18:01.001

303,193,384

Mining Services MULTIVERSE PLC Mining Services Totals

Hospitality TANTALIZERS PLC

Value Traded 1,598,279.45 2,407,253.39 283,446,674.66 16,474,990.09 251,020.86 980.00 5,432,112.87 29,022,528.11 338,633,839.43

Value Traded 17,688.00

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Quantity Traded 504,676 686,481 18,192,080 4,067,040 476,969 10 214,503 11,511,748 35,653,507

Quantity Traded 2,400

Daily Summary as of 10/06/2014 Employment Solutions Printed 10/06/2014 15:18:01.001

Current Price 3.20 3.48 15.60 4.05 0.53 98.33 25.32 2.40

9 of 14 Value Traded 17,688.00

Current Price

OIL AND GAS Totals

Value Traded 300.00 300.00

Current Price 7.75

No. of Deals 4

Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

Quantity Traded 600 600

295 Symbol No. of Deals Daily Summary (Equities) ALUMACO 4

Value Traded Value Traded 39,546,883.70 1,508,315.25 4,070,827.00 4,593,622.29 22,370,951.97 4,606.76 2,788.00 1,189,134.00 1,616,027.88 47,975,636.86

Symbol

OIL AND GAS Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

Current Price 0.50

Page

283

300.00 100.00 50,504,297.25 64,336,036.31

Quantity Traded 181,565 181,565

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. ActivityMOBIL Summary onPLC. Board EQTY OIL NIG

Value Traded 2,258,464.19 1,637,898.13 50,500.00 10,600.00 50,000.00 2,149.50 6,085,355.31 2,322,386.84 785,419.92 504,809.18 5 123,755.99 of 14

Current Price 1.83

Daily Printed 10/06/2014 15:18:01.001

Value Traded 267,032,857.21 3,710,154.59 510,500.00 1,284,160.41 336,867,651.61 2,047,876,206.00

60,593.00

No. of Deals 9 9

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services Summary as of 10/06/2014 JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals

Value Traded 414,881,906.28 29,207,495.35 23,732,289.35

Symbol CUTIX

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

6 of 14 Value Traded 970.00 970.00

Current Price 2.70 2.89 68.00

Page

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

NATURAL RESOURCES Metals Metals Totals

Page Quantity Traded 1,000 1,000

2,809 Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH

600 200 65,410,744 78,997,439

105,470

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Value Traded 1,213,881.36 454,031.04 5,013.00 7,841,022.62

No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded 68 26.05 1,517,913 11 9.01 166,695 23 40.00 102,617 40 10.10 442,744 32 226.60 98,374 2 1.11 4,346 2 0.50 5,576 3 1.40 849,630 12 4.81 327,500 90 111.99 427,745

C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

No. of Deals 300 53 3 38 209 1,612

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. Daily Summary as of 10/06/2014 CO (NIG) PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE Printed 10/06/2014 OASIS15:18:01.001 INSURANCE PLC Published by The NigerianASSURANCE Stock Exchange PRESTIGE CO.©PLC. STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

2,780,046

No. of Deals 2 2

Activity Summary on Board EQTY FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals

Quantity Traded 701,944 369,459 3,342 2,780,046

Symbol Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN DANGCEM DNMEYER IPWA PAINTCOM PORTPAINT WAPCO

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

CONSUMER GOODS Totals

INDUSTRIAL GOODS INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials

Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC DN MEYER PLC. IPWA PLC PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. Building Materials Totals

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

Daily Summary as ofSERVICES 10/06/2014 FINANCIAL Banking Printed 10/06/2014 15:18:01.001

IT Services COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC

Daily Summary as(NIGERIA) of 10/06/2014 NCR PLC. IT Services Totals Printed 10/06/2014 15:18:01.001

Value Traded 1 of 14

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW JOSBREW NB

CONSUMER GOODS Food Products U T C NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals

Current Price 1.75 1.25 1.57

Published by TheSummary Nigerian Stock Exchange © Activity on Board EQTY Symbol AGLEVENT CHELLARAM JOHNHOLT SCOA TRANSCORP UACN

A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. CHELLARAMS PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. S C O A NIG. PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC

Daily Summary as of and 10/06/2014 Computers Peripherals Totals Printed 10/06/2014 15:18:01.001

Symbol COURTVILLE

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

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Symbol FTNCOCOA OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 22 17 6 91

HEALTHCARE Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

AGRICULTURE Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals

Symbol MAYBAKER NEIMETH PHARMDEKO

Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Page

Transport-Related Services Transport-Related Services Totals

Symbol

No. of Deals 32

Current Price

Quantity Traded 967,872

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

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals 119 119

Current Price 4.19

Quantity Traded 6,309,019 6,309,019

SERVICES Totals

EQTY Board Totals Equity Activity Totals

Value Traded 4,592,954.14

Value Traded 26,704,338.67 26,704,338.67

223

9,867,597

34,403,434.58

5,686

1,407,306,039

8,471,549,343.89

5,686

1,407,306,039

8,471,549,343.89

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 1,985.00 19.22

Quantity Traded 50 2,010 2,060

Value Traded 99,250.00 38,672.20 137,922.20

137,922.20

ETF Board Totals

2,060

ETP Activity Totals

2,060

Page

137,922.20 14

BUSINESS | MONEY LINE 49

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

AMCON amends Sinking Fund Act To repay N800bn of bonds this year expression of interests which lasted for nine days period. He said that by September 15, 2014, AMCON’s divestment and sale of both banks would have been concluded while that of Keystone Bank would commence. The Sinking Fund, also known as Resolution Cost Fund, was set up last year to enable the corporation meet its obligations arising from debt securities, which arose from the banking sector bailout. Both the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and banks are expected to contribute to Fund, with the latter contributing on yearly bases, 0.5 per cent of their profits. The expected N800 billion ($4.9 billion) of bonds due August this year, leaves N3.8 trillion of remaining debt after N1 trillion was redeemed last year. AMCON was established in 2010 to buy bad debt from banks and save the industry from collapse as lenders reeled when loans to stock speculators and fuel importers soured after the global financial crisis in 2008. The agency spent N5.6 trillion in 2011 to acquire nonperforming loans and took over the three banks slated for sale, out of the eight banks it rescued with a N620 billion bailout. He said that AMCON had almost completed all the legal backing for the Sinking Fund, “so that tomorrow no new bank MD/CEO would start querying

BEWARE AMCON won't buy any Non-performing loans

Godson Ikoro

he Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has sought legal backing to Act of the Sinking Fund and would no longer buy any non performing loan from any bank just as it sets its 10 years deadline for the final resolution of the banking crisis. The corporation, which was set up to buy bad debts from banks, also plans to repay N800 billion ($4.9 billion) of bonds due August this year The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, AMCON, Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi said these during an interactive session with newsmen in Lagos yesterday. Fielding questions from Journalists, on the sale of the three legacy banks, namely Enterprise bank (defunct Spring Bank), Mainstreet Bank (obsolete Afribank) and Keystone bank ( defunt BankPHB), he said while the sale of Enterprise bank is nearing completion, the divestment from Mainstreet bank has begun with the

the rationale for such yearly contributions. Specifically, he said the plan to give legal backing to the Fund is about being concluded having gone through four out of the five stage process of amending the Act. On the possibility of AMCON purchasing new non performing loans, (NPLs) if banks still carry NPLs higher than the mandatory five per cent, Chike –Obi ruled out any new purchase, saying that other bodies like CBN, Ministry of finance, AMCON board and management would have “to come up with that idea.” However, he said that if the need arise, the CBN has to designate what to buy and give AMCON a pricing model from which it would decide whether or not to buy, stressing that as long as he is in AMCON, that would not happen. “AMCON does not see the possibility of buying new nonperforming loans till it winds up by 2022 as the banks are now stronger,” Chike-Obi said. Although the CBN has a rule that that no bank should carry non -performing loans above five percent of its total loan portfolio, he ruled out the possibility of large scale abuse or unethical practices, the type that predated the establishment of AMCON, stressing that the CBN and NDIC examiners would not allow such to happen again.

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

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

Description

TTM

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

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

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

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

Price 90.35 99.40 104.40 109.65 114.45 76.90

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

Rate (%) 12.1827 12.2737 12.3744 12.8521 12.8535 13.8443

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

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

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

NITTY

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80 Offer 163.38

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

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

On the complaints of shareholders that AMCON debited banks with 0.5 per cent Sinking Fund, thereby reducing their dividends, Chike-Obi said that AMCON had nothing to do with the debiting of banks, stressing that it has never debited the banks before and that that responsibility was that of the CBN.

He said that the banks are making profit today because AMCON bailed most of them out, querying what dividends the shareholders got in 2009, 2010 and 2011 when the crisis raged in the banks. Chike-obi said that shareholders and banks should be grateful to AMCON rather than complaining.

CBN outflows rises to $15.7bn in Q1 Godson Ikoro

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has paid out the sum of US$ 15.7billion in the first quarter of the current financial year, showing that outflows increased by 45.3 and 148.3 per cent over the levels in the preceding and the corresponding quarters of 2013 respectively. The bank stated this in its first quarter report. Specifically, the provisional data indicated that foreign exchange inflow through the CBN in the first quarter of 2014 also amounted to US$10.09 billion, representing an increase of 6.6 per cent above the level in the preceding quarter, but was 2.0 per cent below the level in the corresponding quarter of 2013. According to the report, total non-oil export receipts by banks fell by 27.8 and 2.0 per cent relative to the levels in the preceding and the corresponding quarters of 2013. Relative to the preceding quarter, the average naira exchange rate at the RDAS vis-à-vis the US dollar, appreciated marginally by 0.01 per cent to N157.30 per dollar. At the BDC segment of the market, the average naira exchange rate, at N170.84 vis-àvis the dollar, depreciated by 1.8 per cent, relative to the level in the preceding quarter. Similarly, at the interbank segment, the average naira exchange rate relative to the preceding quarter depreciated to

N162.78 per dollar. The gross external reserves fell by 12.7 per cent to US$37.40 billion below its level at the end of the preceding quarter. The development relative to the preceding quarter, according to the report, was attributed to the 14.2 per cent increase in receipts from crude oil exports. Outflow amounted to US$15.67 billion, showing an increase of 45.3 and 148.3 per cent above the levels in the fourth and the corresponding quarters of 2013, respectively. The rise in outflow relative to the preceding quarter the report stated, was attributed to the increase in DAS utilization, other official payments andexternal debt service payments. The development resulted in a net outflow of US$5.58 billion, compared with US$1.32 billion recorded in the preceding quarter, but was in contrast with net inflow of US$3.99 billion in the corresponding quarter of 2013. The provisional data on aggregate foreign exchange flows through the economy indicated that total inflow amounted to US$35.98 billion, representing an increase of 2.1 and 5.4 per cent above the levels in the preceding and the corresponding quarters of 2013, respectively. The development according to the apex bank, was attributed to increase in receipts from crude oil export and invisible inflows through autonomous sources (non-oil exports).

Sterling Bank lauds Fan Milk, others for brand support

terling Bank Plc has commended the Management of La Casera, Fan Milk, Farmer’s choice sausages and Ruff ‘n’ tumble for their brand support towards the successful hosting of the 2014 Children’s Day party organised by the Bank in Lagos. The provision of various branded materials by the partner brands, according to a statement from the Bank, created fun and excitement for the kids that attended the party held at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria island, Lagos. The Bank’s Group Head, Strategy & Communication, Sina Atlilola, assured that all efforts would be made by the Bank to ensure the sustenance of the goodwill and outstanding relationship that exist between the institution and the partner brands. He added that the companies have demonstrated the value they place on the Nige-

rian child with the support leading to the successful hosting of the party. In a related development, The Executive Director of Caleb International Schools, Mrs. Dr. (Mrs.) Dolapo Ogunbamwo led parents and students of various schools in Lagos to commend Sterling Bank for its role in uplifting the standard of education in the country. Mrs. Ogunbamwo, who spoke against the backdrop of the recent mathematics competition sponsored by the Bank among students of primary schools in Lagos, said she was extremely delighted by the support the school received from Sterling Bank to ensure the success of the competition. She said that the standard of education will improve tremendously if other corporate organizations in the country emulate the gesture from Sterling Bank and make education one of their key priorities.

50 WORLD | NEWS

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Taliban gunmen attack Karachi EKITI 2014 airport academy in second assault Group says Bamidele is best for Ekiti, slams Fayemi over violence    Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

A An airline employee stands in a warehouse gutted by fire at the Jinnah International Airport Pakistan, yesterday.

akistan’s Taliban insurgents claimed responsibility for an attack on a security academy at Karachi’s airport yesterday, less than 48 hours after an all-night siege by Taliban gunmen at Pakistan’s busiest airport that killed more than 30 people. The late Sunday assault destroyed prospects for peace talks between the Taliban and the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and triggered speculation that the army might opt for an all-out offensive against militant strongholds. Yesterday, a group of gunmen on motorbikes

opened fire on an academy run by the Airports Security Force (ASF) and fled after security forces retaliated. No one was hurt, officials said. “We accept responsibility for another successful attack against the government,” Pakistani Taliban spokesman Shahidullah Shahid told Reuters. “We are successfully achieving all our targets and we will go on carrying on many more such attacks.” Ten militants, disguised as security force members and armed with rocket-propelled grenades, broke into the airport in the first attack, one of the most brazen in a long-running Pakistani

Taliban insurgency. At least 34 people were killed. Reflecting an atmosphere of nervousness, Karachi airport suspended all flights in and out of the sprawling city of 18 million for the second time in two days, although most flights were restored by 0930 GMT. Earlier yesterday, Pakistani fighter jets bombed Taliban positions on the Afghan border. “Nine terrorist hideouts were destroyed by early morning military air strikes near the Pakistan-Afghan border,” the army’s press wing said, adding that 25 militants were killed.

group, the Elders’ Forum of Ekiti Labour Party has described Opeyemi Bamidele of the Labour Party (LP) as the best candidate among those contesting the governorship election, saying he will liberate the state from the stranglehold of foreignbacked leaders.  The group also said the current spate of political violence in the state would have been avoided if their efforts were not frustrated by Governor Kayode Fayemi.

Addressing newsmen in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, the Chairman, Prof Tunde Oluwasanmi, said a group under the aegis of Ekiti State Elders’ Forum, had planned to convey a meeting of all political actors and make them sign the famous Ido Declaration to compel them to conduct their activities in peaceful manner, was frustrated by the governor.  The declaration was arrived at after the 1983 general elections violence witnessed in the old Ondo State. Ekiti State was then part of old Ondo State and the violence really

affected the Ekiti part of the state, leading to the death of many people and the destruction of properties.  Prof Oluwasanmi added that after meeting Fayemi, the governor went ahead to sponsor another group to work for him and thereby split the original group.  “When we met the governor, he said he was happy, commended us and said that the day was one of his happiest days in government. Barely two weeks after, he set up another group to counter our efforts and painted us in bad colours.

Fayose promises to facilitate accreditation for College of Medicine

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has assured students of the Ekiti State University (EKSU), College of Medicine, of prompt accreditation of the College by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) if he gets to office.  Fayose, who lamented the failure of the Dr Kayode Fayode-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government to get the College of Medicine accredited more than three years in govern-

ment, said students of the College have been unable to move beyond 300 Level because of the non-accreditation.  In a release issued by the Director General of the Ayo Fayose Campaign Organisation (AFCO), Chief Dipo Anisulowo, the PDP governorship candidate challenged Governor Fayemi to explain to Ekiti people why the EKSU College of Medicine was not accredited till now by both the NUC and MDCN.  He said it was painful that students of the College of Medicine had not been able to move forward from 300 Level after five years. “Students in

the College of Medicine are crying. They could not progress beyond 300 Level having been in the university for five years.  “Even the 300 Level students now have three sets who could not write both 200 and 300 Level examinations that would make them cross to Clinicals (400 Level). “Fayemi must, therefore, tell Ekiti people why he has not added a single kobo for the progress and accreditation of the EKSU College of Medicine despite that he merged three existing universities into one,” Fayose said.

clash between the police and members of the All Progressives Congress.  The monarchs said the incident, which happened barely 24 hours before the President, Goodluck Jonathan visited the state, was totally sad and unacceptable to the generality of the people. They said: “In all civilized nations, police are meant to maintain peace and protect the citizens. “The barbaric act exhibited on Sunday by a member of the Nigeria Police Force, gunning down an innocent citizen, is totally unwar-

ranted and unacceptable to the Council of Obas in Ekiti State. It is condemnable in its entirety,” the statement said.  “We want such a policemantoberemovedfromEkiti State and incarcerated. He is not fit to participate in the coming election. Ekiti people will react if such an ugly occurrencerearsitsheadagain.  “The Commissioner of Police should desist from giving live ammunition to some classesof policeofficerswhile checking peaceful demonstrations. He should not allow the security of the state to get out of hand,” they said.

Egypt’s Sisi tells Interior Minister to fight sexual harassment Ekiti Obas call for MOPOL commander’s removal

gyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has ordered the Interior Minister to fight sexual harassment following the arrest of seven men for attacking women near Cairo’s Tahrir Square during his inauguration celebrations, his office said yesterday. Egypt issued a new law last week which punishes sexual harassment with at least six months in jail or fines of at least 3,000 Egyptian pounds ($420). Judicial sources said the arrests were made under the new law. Sunday night’s attacks

took place as thousands of people enjoyed inauguration festivities, raising new worries about Egypt’s commitment to fighting sexual violence. The arrests came after a graphic video was posted on YouTube on Sunday showing a naked woman with injuries on her hip being dragged through a large crowd towards an ambulance. It drew a massive public outcry and led further victims to come forward. “President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi instructed the Minister of Interior... to vigorously enforce the law and take all necessary measures to com-

bat sexual harassment, an unacceptable form of conduct,” the presidency said in a statement. “The president calls on all citizens to undertake their part to reinstate the true spirit of ethical and moral values in Egyptian society. This should come in parallel with the state’s efforts to robustly enforce the law. “Sexual assault was rampant at demonstrations during and after the 2011 uprising that ousted President Hosni Mubarak and has been common for a decade at large gatherings in Egypt.

raditional rulers in Ekiti State have called on the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar to immediately remove the Commander of Mobile Police Base in Ekiti, Mr Gabriel Serenkele.  In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers, the Onitaji of Itaji, Oba Adamo Babalola, in AdoEkiti yesterday, the monarchs expressed displeasure over the killing of one Taiwo Akinola, a native of Odo Owa Ekiti in Ijero Local Government on Sunday during a

FIFA confirms Uzoenyi as Echiejile’s replacement F

Safet Susic

IFA has confirmed Ejike Uzoenyi’s inclusion in the Super Eagles squad for the World Cup as controversy over his recall takes a twist. The Nigeria Football federation announced over the weekend that the petit Enugu Rangers winger had been called back

to camp to replace Elderson Echiejile who was said to have been ruled out of the tournament due to injury. But as the player was arranging his trip to Brazil to rejoin his colleagues, reports emerged that Coach Stephen Keshi had not sanctioned Uzoenyi’s recall.

SPORT

The coach was quoted as saying that Echiejile had not been effectively ruled out of the competition since the Monaco defender would only miss the team’s opening game against Iran. But a visit to the website of the world governing body revealed that Echeijile’s name

51 49

had already been replaced with Uzoenyi’s confirming that NFF had already effected the change. Meanwhile, of Enugu Rangers coach, John Obuh, has said that the club had not been officially informed about Uzoenyi’s invitation even though he had been excused from training session.

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/sports

ADEKUNLE SALAMI, DepUTY Editor, SPORTS kunle.salami@newtelegraphonline. com

AUTHORITATIVE VOICE IN GLOBAL SPORT

wednesday, june 11, 2014

We’re ready for war in Brazil - Oboabona

lsays Eagles’ mistakes will be corrected

S Oboabona

uper Eagles and Çaykur Rizespor of Turkey defender, Godfrey Oboabona, has declared that Nigeria will present a formidable team when they battle Iran in their first match of the World Cup in Brazil despite not too impressive pre-tournament friendly results. The Super Eagles have failed to win any of their pre-World Cup friendlies, drawing 2-2 with Scotland and 0-0 with Greece, before they were beaten 2-1 by the USA. But Oboabona maintained that the team was in high spirit having arrived Brazil on Tuesday, while

calling for support from Nigerian football fans. “We are in Brazil for war and we will not relent in our desire to give Nigerians a good representation. Playing with total concentration at the World Cup is very crucial as we might pay dearly if we are not in top shape,” the former Sunshine Stars of Akure defender said. He added that, “We are very confident that we will excel here in Brazil, but we will take the matches one after the other, with the Iran match being the most important.” The Eagles have not won in their

last five friendly matches having drawn against Italy (2-2), Mexico (0-0), Scotland (0-0), Greece (0-0) before losing 2-1 to USA, but Oboabona stressed that Eagles will not be pushovers when the competition begins. “We might have struggled in the friendly matches, but we are improving with each game and having a good outing at the World Cup is the most important target for us. “The coaching crew is working hard to help us correct our mistakes and we will prove to the world that we are proud to be Africans,” he enthused.

Singapore, 13 other countries for ITTF Lagos World Tour Emmanuel Tobi

ommonwealth champion, Singapore and 13 other countries have confirmed participation in the International Table Tennis Federation Lagos World Tour, tagged Nigeria Open, holding this month. Aside Singapore, other countries include Egypt, Russia, Benin,

Congo Brazzaville, Congo DRC, Cameroun, Ghana, Libya, Luxembourg, Morocco, Sierra Leone, Togo and Tunisia. Singapore’s Jing Yuan Yin will represent the Asian nation at the tournament and the junior sensation is expected to compete in the men’s and U-21 singles. The tournament is billed for June 23 to 26 at the Molade Okoya-

Thomas Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, with Omar Assar leading Egypt’s eight-man team to the competition. According to the chairman, Main Organising Committee, Wahid Oshodi, efforts are in place to ensure that the standard of organisation in this year’s event is improved. “The support and encourage-

ment of His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State is probably the most important factor in putting this tournament together. We also must thank our sponsors who are proving to be excellent partners. Of course our success last year has led to the African Table Tennis Federation giving us the hosting rights of the African Top 16 alongside the World Tour,” Oshodi said.

Assar

SPORT

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Focus on Africa

Slimani: Algeria want to make history

Day

To Go

Slimani Slimani

rising name in European club football, Algeria’s Islam Slimani could be a standout figure up front for his national team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and the Sporting Lisbon star says that he and his teammates are looking to leave a mark in Brazil. “Algeria has never got past the first round, so that’s our goal,” he told FIFA.com. “We are flying to Brazil with ambitions. It will be our fourth appearance at the finals. We all know about the victory against [West] Germany in 1982 with players like [Rabah] Madjer, [Salah] Assad or [Lakhdar] Belloumi. We all want to leave a trace in the history of Algerian football and follow in their footsteps.” Slimani, who will turn 26 during the finals, can look back at his first season in European football with some pride. Having signed for Sporting Lisbon in August last year from Algerian club CR Belouizdad, Slimani took a few weeks to break into the Sporting line-up, but once he managed to do that, there was no stopping him. Club action After being used mainly as a substitute and scoring a number of goals from the bench, Slimani made the most of an opportunity that presented itself earlier this year as he was given a starting role in the team. He scored in four consecutive games in March, including a winner against Porto that helped Lisbon finish above the reigning champions. Slimani ended the season tied for the second most goals on the team, finding the net eight times in 26 appearances - 16 of which were from the bench. Sporting ended the season in second place behind Benfica, and the club’s success has meant that many eyes have been focused on the talented attacking player. “This season, I discovered European football. I am happy with my first season during which I scored decisive goals. Sporting is a great team, and we managed to qualify for the next [UEFA] Champions League.” But Slimani has put any thought of participating in that tournament aside for the moment as he is concentrating solely on his contribution to the show-

piece event of world football: Algeria Nat ional Footb the FIFA World all Team Cup. The north Africans have been paired into Group H with Russia, Korea Republic and Belgium, whom many have earmarked as a dark horse in the competition. The 25-year-old said that Les Fennecs would not be scared of their opponents. “We do not want to have any regrets. We will play our game. We know that the group is difficult,” Slimani said. “Belgium has great players like Eden Hazard and Vincent Kompany. They are the favourites in our group. I also know that South Korea are a very tough team, who has made it to the semi finals of the World Cup. Finally, Russia are a major nation. Fabio Capello knows us well as he played against the Algerian team in 2010 with England.” South Africa 2010 Slimani still remembers the 2010 World Cup finals when Algeria finished bottom of their group after losing against the USA and Slovenia and playing out a goalless draw with England. “At the time, I was playing in the third division, and I did not think for one second that I could be in Brazil four years later,” he said. It is certain that this is a dream for all the players. “This will be the first time in my life that I go to Brazil. The opportunity of playing in Brazil means that I can play the World Cup in the country of football. I hope I’ll be up to the challenge on the field. My job is to score goals.” In the department of goal scoring, Slimani names

Romario and Ronaldinho as great strikers, but his personal favourite is former Barcelona forward Ronaldo. “Undoubtedly,” Slimani said. “He could do everything. He was just amazing. Too bad he was injured during a part of his career.” Slimani made his debut in the full Algerian side in May 2012 and scored his first international goal just a week later. He then played in all but one of Algeria’s 2014 World Cup qualifiers, scoring five goals as the Foxes achieved their second consecutive appearance at the finals. The rising star says he is indebted to Bosnian coach’s impact Bosnian coach Vahid Halilhozdic gave Slimani his debut in the national team and will be leading Algeria in Brazil. “He gave me my chance and gave me confidence,” Slimani said of Halilhozdic. “He is a coach who has great football experience. He is a former striker, and this makes him feel things better than anyone. It is clear that he brought a lot to Algeria.” As he heads into Algeria’s first group game against Belgium on June 17, the striker is aware that there will be some pressure on the team to do well in Brazil. “For Algeria, it is an immense pride to play at the World Cup,” he said. “When we play, we are constantly thinking of our people. We know that our country has come a long way and experienced very difficult things, so we will give all our heart.”

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Inside Eagles’ Enemies’ Camp 1

Transfer Updates ‘Casillas going nowhere’

rsenal’s hopes of signing Iker Casillas appear to be over after Carlo Ancelotti announced that the goalkeeper is set to stay at Real Madrid next season. The Spain international has been touted as a potential target for the Gunners in recent weeks, following Lukasz Fabianski’s departure to Swansea City. However, Los Blancos boss, Ancelotti, is adamant that the 33-year-old shot-stopper, who helped his side win the Champions League this term, will be at Real Madrid next season.

Aston Villa sign Cole on free transfer

stonVilla have made their second signing of the summer with the capture of Joe Cole. The 32-year-old former England attacking midfielder has signed a two-year deal following his release from West Ham United. “This is a massive club and there’s a massive opportunity for the club to push on,” he told the Aston Villa website. “That was the main factor. When I spoke to the manager I knew I’d be signing.”

Milan announce Poli signing

Algeria star set for Granada exit

ottenham have stolen a march on Everton in the race to sign Granada midfielder Yacine Brahimi. The 24-yearold attacking midfielder is expected to star for Algeria in the World Cup this summer, and could be new Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino’s first recruit. Brahimi was the standout player for La Liga strugglers Granada last season, scoring three goals in 33 appearances, and the Nazaries are resigned to losing their key man, who wants to move to the Premier League after the World Cup.

Clubs show interest in Atletico’s Miranda

tlético Madrid defender, Joao Miranda, has confirmed that he has offers from clubs in Spain and England as speculation over his future mounts. several of clubs have been linked with a move for the Brazilian, following his exceptional year, with Manchester United and Barcelona both reportedly interested in the defender. The Atlético Madrid ace told Radio ESPN: “I have some offers and we are negotiating.”

Monaco say no to injured Valdes

he future of goalkeeper Victor Valdes is as uncertain as ever. According to French newspaper, L’Equipe, AS Monaco have decided not to go after Valdes, despite having a pre-contract signed months ago. It’s obvious that the reason is the ACL tear Valdes suffered in his knee almost two months ago, taking him out of the rest of last season and the start of the 2014-15 campaign.

To Go

Bosnia won’t concentrate on Messi — coach

osnia-Herzegovina coach, Safet Susic, has stated that his side will not give special attention to Argentine superstar, Lionel Messi in his side’s first ever World Cup showdown on Sunday at the Maracana. “We never put a player on another and it will not start with Argentina and Messi,” he said “We have a player to man our defence in the person of Mohammad Besic , but putting him only on Messi wouldn’t be very good. Susic said he preferred a zonal system of play, which will see players

C Milan have officially announced the signing of midfielder Andrea Poli. The midfielder spent last season with the Rossoneri as part of a co-ownership deal w i t h Sampdoria. Milan had originally paid Sampdoria €1.8 million and the co-ownership rights to Bartosz Salamon. However, a statement on AC Milan’s official website read that the club had made both Poli’s move to Milan and Salamon’s to Sampdoria permanent. Milan still have 13 more players on co-ownership deals.

Day

close to Messi at any point in their match, do their job. He did not give any hints as to his line-up, saying only that “everyone is ready to face Argentina.” Bosnia beat an under-21 Santos select side on the island of Guaruja, just off the coastal city of Santos in Sao Paulo state. Stuttgart’s Vedad Ibisevic netted twice and Izet Hajrovic of Galatasaray, Senad Lulic of Lazio and Edin Visca of Istanbul BB also got on the scoresheet ran captain, Javad Nekin rainy conditions. ounam, has revealed that As well as Argentina, they were ready to give Bosnia will also meet Iran their best when they conand Nigeria in Group E. front the Super Eagles in the group opener in Brazil. With 140 caps to his name, Nekounam is an icon of Iranian football. The 33-year-old skipper, usually a central midfielder, is known for his ability to dictate games with his passing and has a fearsome long-range shot. A figurehead for his country, Nekounam will know progressing from Group F will be a tough ask. But he’s just delighted to be fancy their chances with involved in the tournament. the firepower that they “We are so happy to be going have going forward. to the World Cup,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if you “I think any of the South American teams can sur- are famous or not known, prise people. Chile showed all players dream of playhow good they are. They ing there. It is hard to excould be a surprise pack- plain how I felt but when we age. qualified, it was one of the “Colombia are probably best moments of my life. We less without [Radamel] Fal- have to train hard, prepare cao. He is the one we would well and be at our best. And love to see on the biggest stage, but obviously he misses through injury. He’s probably the bigosnia midfielder, gest loss [to the tournaMiralem Pjanic, has warned that Bosniament].” Herzegovina have no fear in facing ‘one of the favourites’ for the World Cup, Argentina, and another group opponent, Nigeria at the World Cup. ties have given us a basis of The Roma midfielder information and these fans will be identified and pre- and his international colvented from entering,” said leagues will open Group F of this summer’s tourLuiz Eduardo Navajas. “If they manage to get nament in Rio de Janeiro past the controls and are against Lionel Messi and found in Brazil, they will company, before then facing Nigeria and Iran. be deported.” Whilst recognising Navajas said he had no worries about European the challenge of that hooligans disrupting the opening fixture in partournament, as they are ticular, Pjanic has made already banned from trav- clear that Bosnia do not have any trepidation. elling to Brazil.

Anything can happen against Nigeria -Iran captain

Hamann: Argentina the team to beat in Brazil

ormer World Cup finalist and Liverpool legend, Didi Hamann, believes that Argentina are the team to beat in Brazil. Speaking to RTÉ Sport, Hamann, who was on the losing side to Brazil with Germany in the 2002 final, revealed that he expects South American teams to thrive this time out, and he feels that Argentina’s wealth of attacking options will give them the edge. “I think that Argentina are the team to beat. I really

‘Violent’ Argentine hooligans banned from Brazil

ore than 2000 Argentine hooligans will be prevented from entering Brazil ahead of the World Cup, because they are considered to be violent, Brazil’s Interpol chief says. The 2100 ‘barra bravas’ hooligans are already the subject of banning orders from attending domestic matches in their own country. “The Argentine authori-

Safet Susic

then we will see what happens in Brazil.” Iran will take part in their fourth finals after the 1978, 1998 and 2006 tournaments. In each of their previous three outings, they have failed to make it past the opening round. Iran’s only victory in nine World Cup matches was a 2-1 win over USA in 1998, courtesy of goals from Hamid Estili and Mehdi Mahdavikia. Iran made their World Cup debut in the 1978 edition and earned their first point with a 1-1 draw against Scotland.

Nekounam

Pjanic: We don’t fear Argentina, Nigeria

“We do not fear anyone because we believe in our chances,” the 24-year-old told Sky Sport 24. “We will play against one of the favourites in Argentina, but we have the expertise to challenge them. “Many of us have played in big European tournaments and know how to deal with certain situations. “Progressing from the group against Nigeria is our goal. Brazil is beautiful, it seldom happens that you can train on the beach, and we are realising how fascinating this country is.”

SPORT

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

NEWS UPDATES

Nothing special about Neymar – Boban

ormer AC Milan and Croatia star Zvonimir Boban, who won over 50 caps for his country in the 1990s, has claimed that Neymar is not as special as he has been made out to be. Boban, winner of four Serie A titles and the Champions League, told reporters that Brazil’s young bright hope had a better reputation than his ability suggested: “Neymar to win the Golden Ball? Not at all! He is not so good; so powerful.” “He is a great talent, but he is far from being among the best. He will never be a Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic, Iniesta or Messi.” Speaking of the latter, Boban added that the Barcelona playmaker, a four-time World Player of the Year, plays at “30 percent of his capacity”, and that is only against rivals Real Madrid. Boban’s comments may be with

the motive of unsettling the home camp before the tournament gets underway and may yet inspire their subjects to have an eye-catching competition.

My wife said no to England job, says Mourinho

helsea manager, Jose Mourinho, has revealed that his wife, Matilde, was responsible for his decision to turn down the role of England head coach in December 2007. Mourinho, who is in his second spell at Stamford Bridge, claims that he was considering an approach by the Football Association to succeed the sacked Steve McClaren, only for his wife’s reservations to deter him. “It was the right decision. My wife was right. She told me not to take it,” Mourinho told reporters in London. “We are not speaking about the job today. We are talking about seven

years ago, and I cannot wait two years for a big competition. “I cannot be spending two years playing against Kazakhstan and San Marino,” added Mourinho, who had left Chelsea by mutual consent in September 2007. The FA ultimately appointed Italian Fabio Capello, who remained in the role until 2012, while Mourinho went on to join Inter Milan. Mourinho, who also revealed that the terms of his severance deal with Chelsea prevented him from joining another English club, said that his former players had encouraged him to take up the role.

We’ve learnt from our mistakes – Makoun

ean Makoun is confident Cameroon have learned from the 2010 FIFA World Cup, as they plot a path to the knockout stages in Brazil. Four years ago the midfielder was part of a squad that failed to collect a single point from their group matches. But he is optimistic they can escape from a group featuring hosts Brazil, Croatia and Mexico. “What happened in South Africa should not happen again,” Makoun is quoted as saying in L’Equipe. “I think all who were there and will play at the World Cup in Brazil have gained experience and maturity.

for Lazio since 2011, and says that his Italian team mates who took part in the Confederations Cup last summer were reported to be struggling after just 20 minutes in their matches. The heat and humidity will certainly be unfamiliar for many. The striker said: “You need a fit team to go to Brazil and push themselves to the limits.” He claims the conditions will give the south American teams a major advantage, a theory supported by history – no European team has ever won a World Cup played in South America.

Lamouchi

Sabri Lamouchi has told those who feel Cote d’Ivoire will coast into the World Cup knockout stages from a group containing Japan, Colombia and Greece that “it’s a mistake to think that.” The former French international, who was appointed in 2012, told L’Equipe those who expect to see his players achieve progress at a canter should think again.

“If you know football, you could say that it’s open, evenly-balanced, but certainly not easy. I think that the four teams are level. Each has its style, each has a chance of going through. For me, the favourite is Colombia, even if Falcao isn’t there. That team has quality in attack. Greece will also be a difficult opponent, because they’re tough to play against, very solid defensively.” He added: “Our ambition is to go through the first round, which the Cote d’Ivoire have never managed to do up till now. In two years, I have brought in my ideas, my methods, and I can assure you that we are working well.”

Appiah happy with Ghana’s play

We have had four more years. There is a lot of serenity and solidarity in the squad. We needed this cohesion.” Cameroon face Mexico in their opening game on Friday and Makoun knows the importance of making a strong start. “Much will depend on the first game against Mexico, it’s almost a game of six points,” he added. “If we win, it puts us almost in orbit. In any case, it is important not to lose it. Our ambition is to pass the first round, which only happened once to Cameroon in the World Cup (in 1990).”

hana coach Kwesi Appiah was thrilled with how his team absorbed pressure against South Korea in their 4-0 win on Monday. South Korea took 12 shots and edged possession at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, but Ghana held firm and made the most of their opportunities on the counter-attack. While Hong Myung-bo’s side seemed to have Ghana on the back foot, they failed to hit the target throughout the friendly, while at the other end Jordan Ayew struck a hattrick and captain Asamoah Gyan was also on target. The win ended Ghana’s two-game losing streak in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup, after 1-0 defeats to Montenegro and the Netherlands. “You learn from your mistakes,” Appiah said in his post-match press conference. “Korea attacked really well. Playing against players with good pace, you have to be cautious in the back. We made good use of the counter-attack chances we got. The scoreline didn’t matter to me. I am not looking at the scoreline, I am looking at how best I will prepare my team.”

Klose worried over Brazilian heat iroslav Klose recognises the need for high levels of fitness if Germany are to have any chance of World Cup success. Klose, at 36 years old and entering his fourth World Cup, is one of the most experienced players in the tournament, and is part of a Germany squad containing a number of veterans. The Poland-born striker has shared his concerns that the climate will make for a formidable obstacle for the European teams to overcome. Klose has played in Italy

1 To Go No easy road for Elephants – Lamouchi Day

Jean Makoun dribbling past a Tunisian defender

England, Brazil can win Nishimura to referee opening match apan’s Yuichi Nishimura has the third Japanese referee to have World Cup, says Pele been assigned as the referee officiated at two World Cup finals

razil legend, Pele, believes England have equal opportunity as Brazil, the host, of winning their first World Cup since 1966. The 73-year-old World Cup winner said England have a reputation that needs to be respected, but digressed by saying that he is hoping to see his country face Uruguay in the final to make amends for their 1950 humiliation. Pele lifted the World Cup on three occasions and is widely regarded as the greatest player of all time.

for the opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ between Brazil and Croatia on Thursday 12 June. He will be assisted by compatriots Toru Sagara and Toshiyuki Nagi, with Alireza Faghani of Iran designated as the fourth official. Referee designations have been made for the first four matches of the World Cup and are available via accessing the PDF associated with this article. Nishimura, 42, is set to become

after Shizuo Takada (1986 and 1990) and Toru Kamikawa (2002 and 2006). At South Africa 2010 he handled four matches, including the quarter-final encounter between the Netherlands and Brazil.

Nishimura

SPORT 55

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Injured Omeruo doubtful for opener

igerian defender, Kenneth Omeruo, may be a huge doubt for the Super Eagles opener against Iran at the World Cup, as he failed to train with the team during their last training session on Monday evening in Florida, USA. The Super Eagles team departed for Brazil Tuesday morning and were expected to arrive São Paulo late on Tuesday to continue preparations for the World Cup. According to KickOffNigeria.com Omeruo, was said to have been injured in a training ground tackle with Victor Moses, and had a light session with the

team’s physiotherapist, walking round the field. The Chelsea player sat out Nigeria’s last warm-up game against the United States of America on Saturday, which they lost 2-1. Meanwhile the Eagles team got a boost as Ahmed Musa, who had knee injury against Greece, came through his third full training session unscathed, and is ready to play a part in the opening game against Iran on June 16. The squad was not expected to have a training session Tuesday, as they arrived in São Paulo in the night, but they will continue training tomorrow. Omeruo

Commonwealth Games: Weightlifting coach drops four, invites one

Ekpo

Mercy Jacob

ational weightlifting coach, Emmanuel Oshoma, has decamped four weight lifters from the Commonwealth Games camp, while extending invitation to one. The invited weightlifter is Gbemisola Yusuf, while those decamped are Rachel Ekoshoria, Chineye Fidelis, Augustina Nwokolo and Tijanni Abdulakeem. Oshoma told New Telegraph in an interview that his target for the Commonwealth

Jude Opara Abuja

he Nigeria Football Federation says it is not bothered by the poor result posted by the Super Eagles in the three international friendly matches the team played before jetting to Brazil for the 2014 World Cup which kicks off tomorrow.

Games was to surpass the feat recorded in the last Commonwealth Games in 2010 in New Delhi, insisting that it was what informed his intention of inviting one more athlete to strengthen the team. “Everything is going on well in the camp, the athletes are happy and the spirit is high. Before the end of today we are expecting one more athlete to join us, to strengthen areas that we have not perfected, meanwhile I have decamped five lifters, reducing the number to 23,

but by today our number is going to increase to 24. Among the athletes we have in camp only 19 or even less than that number will be taken to Glasgow,” Oshoma said. “We have set a target for ourselves although I cannot mention categorically the number of medals we are going to win, but we are hoping at least to surpass the record of the last Commonwealth Games. We had high hopes before now, but the situation has changed; the initial plan of calling the athletes to camp early failed; I can tell you if not for the intervention of the president of the federation, Mr. Chibudom Nwuche our camping would not have been a reality.” Oshoma said 28 weight lifters were invited to camp, 14 male and 14 female, adding that after the trial on 28 June, 19 will be selected for the tournament.

Don’t trifle with World Cup,Disu charges NFF,Keshi Mercy Jacob

ormer Super Eagles player, Tajudeen Disu, has urged the Nigeria Football Federation and Stephen Keshi to settle their differences so that they don’t affect Super Eagles at the World Cup, insisting that Nigerians will not forgive them if they trifle with the championship. The former Abiola Babes player tasked the federation to put their house in order, and avoid anything that can bring confusion before or during the competition. Disu’s advice was coming on the heels

Gaiya defends NFF’s World Cup budget

Charles Ogundiya

hair man House of Re presentatives Committee on Sports, Hon. Godfrey Gaiya, has defended the budget presented by the Nigeria Football Federation and approved by the Federal Government, for Super Eagles’ participation at the World Cup in Brazil. There had been some outcry following NFF’s budget, which was seen as outrageously high. The outcry was all the

NigerianotscaredofIran-Amadu General Secretary of the NFF Musa Amadu told journalists in Abuja yesterday, that what matters most for the federation is how the national team will defeat Iran in their first Group F match on June 16 and not necessarily the results of

the friendly matches which he argued do not reflect the strength of a team. “We are not bothered about what the Iranians are doing talking about the matches they have won, remember that before then they drew all their matches

of the confusion surrounding the return of Ejike Uzoenyi to the team after Elderson Echiejile was reportedly dropped due to injury he sustained in the Scotland friendly match. “We don’t need such confusion now otherwise it will mar our performance in Brazil. Whatever is the problem, they need to put it aside; if they allow it, it would affect our performance. Both parties need to settle their differences because if they mess up with this World Cup, Nigerians will not forgive them. If Echejile is truly injured there is no need to gamble. NFF on their own should allow Keshi do his work,” Disu said.

and I dare say that it is not the number of matches you win before that will determine what will happen when it comes to the World Cup itself. There are teams that won all their matches before the World Cup and when they got there they

more significant given the fact that participating teams got money from FIFA for qualifying for the Mundial, but Gaiya, in an exclusive interview with our correspondent, cleared the air, claiming that the budget included the appearance fee from FIFA and other funds from sponsors. “If you look at the budget presented by the NFF to the House Committee on Sports which I head, they captured all the revenues, not only

couldn’t perform. “I remember that Bulgaria at the World Cup in USA 1994, lost all 13 matches and they started the World Cup with a 3-0 defeat by Nigeria, but they still ended up as the third best team in the tournament; they progressed to the semifinals yet nobody gave them a chance.”

the participating cost from FIFA, but all the money coming from all the sponsors. The budget is a combination of all the money, with the balance coming from the Federal Government,” said Gaiya. “If you look at the budget, there is still a shortfall especially if the team makes it to the semi-final. Because getting to the semi-final involves either playing in the final or in the third place match. We are leaving no room for excuses; that is why we approved all the money that NFF requested for after proper consultation. “The budget is not only for the players and officials, but for some other contingencies, including estacodes for other functionaries that will be cheering the team in Brazil,” he stressed.

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APC: Old wine in new bottle?

n May 29th, this year, the nation was again entertained to another hollow ritual – celebration of democracy day. In spite of our misgivings about the practice and substance of democracy in Nigeria since 1999, we need to interrogate the specificities of party politics, the nature of the contestations in the build up to 2015, the configuration of the opposition and the countervailing forces that will make or mar the process of democratisation. Some informed thinkers have rightly described Nigeria’s democracy as pseudo democracy, but also argue that democratic consolidation is premised on the character and ideology of the opposition. In this wise, it is expedient to review the formation of the All Progressive Congress (APC), its capacity to serve as a bulwark that will end the bastion of dominant conservative party rule as represented by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). That will be a fitting counterpoise to the boastful and exuberant remarks of the Anenihs, Ogbulafors et al, who in different moments of ecstasy and exultant embrace of state power declared that the PDP will rule Nigeria for the next 60 years. This may be so, if good governance lines the routes the PDP has chosen to travel, if they are able to ameliorate the miserable and deplorable conditions of majority of Nigerian masses, if the party is able to key into the vision, dreams and aspirations of the different component units that inhabit Nigeria. The scenario of one party dominating the polity like we have had since 1999, until very recently, can continue to happen if the opposition is very weak, equally clueless or in slumber. What stuff is the APC made of ? What undercurrents or social forces midwived its birth? What prospects can the party be said to possess in the light of the forthcoming 2015 elections? Given the effusive sentiments, national uproar and uprising that trailed the annulment of June 12 1993 election, and the death of Chief M.K.O Abiola, it was not difficult for an ethnically diverse and multi-religious society like Nigeria to unite to cede power to the South western Yoruba speaking people of the Country. Obasanjo became the prime beneficiary of the national appeasement of the Yoruba race, in the same way that Jonathan’s emergence in the Presidential cabin has been seen by several as the inevitable pacifier of the restive Niger Delta. The Alliance for Democracy (AD) that had the Southwest as its catchment area was

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to open its underbelly when it succumbed to the machinations of Obasanjo, who in a skilful but Machiavellian tactics sent the Governors of Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Ogun reeling in their canvasses with a Political Knock Out (PKO). It was Bola Tinubu, the suave and courageous Lagos State Governor who saw through this maze of activities, and saved Lagos from Capitulating to the rampaging forces of PDP. Tinubu was the arrowhead of the resurrection of the Alliance for Democracy, later christened Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) which restored its preeminent position through political scheming, and legal proclamations. In the far North, the APP had considerable followership, as it didn’t have much political presence in the South West, South-South, and North Central; even though its fortunes had dwindled following the decimation of its ranks by the PDP. The Presidential Candidate of APP in 2003, later ANPP in 2007, the very austere, monk like, and incorruptible General Muhammadu Buhari was a thorn in the flesh of PDP. A lone ranger of sorts, the conscience of the nation in a polity ridden by corruption, Buhari insists on being, like Caesar’s wife, above board, his ascetic denial of the good things of life explains why some friends and foes alike see him as an old fuddy-duddy. In 2011 Presidential election on the shoulder of a new political platform, called Congress for Progressive Change, Muhammadu Buhari was able to garner 12 million votes (not rigged) mainly from the far Northern States. In a free and fair two legged contest, which promises to be more exciting, for democratic consolidation in Nigeria, one only imagines the enormous leverage that a Buhari APC ticket would bring to the table. Simply awesome. But there are roadblocks to cross, as the APC seem headed for implosion under the weight of its own internal contradictions. Its failure to manage the now festering selfishness may signal the untimely requiem of APC. The APC as a political party is a marriage of strange bedfellows, a child of political necessity and convenience. A bravura performance, if you like, its founding fathers included Bola Tinubu and his ACN Governors, Muhammadu Buhari and his CPC, the ANPP Governors, a splinter group of APGA, the national and state assembly, legislators, and lately the five erstwhile PDP Governors led by Chibuike Amechi. This

The world’s longest documented hair belongs to Xie Qiuping (China) at 5.627m (18 ft 5.54 in) when measured on 8 May 2004. She has been growing her hair since 1973 from the age of 13.

move was unprecedented in the history of political parties in Nigeria. Hitherto, what we have witnessed was an alliance or cooperation of sorts, not a metamorphosis into a new political party. The party managed to organise a membership registration drive that was largely successful. The APC has come out with its manifesto, a political blue print that in philosophy and outlook resembles the core principles of PDP. In other societies, political parties are delineated by what they stand for. In United States, United Kingdom etc, on policy matters, you know where the Democrats or Republicans stand, or Labour and conservative party members. Not so in Nigeria, as the gale of defections, the de-ideologisation of political parties have increasingly demonstrated. The APC needs to put its acts together and show that it is very serious about providing an alternative vehicle to national progress. What we see currently in different states is nothing to cheer about. In Ogun state, Olusegun Osoba with all Federal Legislators are at war with Ibikunde Amosun, the state Governor. In Oyo, Governor Ajimobi is having it very rough with chieftains as some of them including Senator Lanlehin have gone back to PDP. In Lagos, the endorsement of Akinwunmi Ambode by Oba Akiolu is causing ripples. In Edo state, Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomole has failed to keep very many of his close Associates, including Izamu who have found their way back to PDP. In Sokoto and Kano states, founding members Attahiru Bafarawa and Malam Ibrahim Shekarau (ex Governors) have all left APC in protest, and have since been rewarded with juicy positions by the Jonathan PDP. In the East, Achike Udenwa and others in Imo have deserted Owelle Rochas Okorocha, while in Anambra, Senator Chris Ngige, a man with cult hero followership is slugging it out with a materially broad shouldered business tycoon and pragmatic politician, Senator Annie Okonkwo. In Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Bayelsa states the story is the same. Indeed, only very few states are unaffected by this study in disorder. On the 12th and 13th of June, at Eagles Square, Abuja, the much talked about National Convention of APC will take place. Given the horse trading that characterise the build up, one hopes that the Convention Committee will allow a transparent, credible

and free election that will be different from the imposition that Nigerians have observed in other political parties. If not, trying to differentiate APC from PDP will be a distinction without a difference. The party should about now be thinking about who its flag bearers at the Presidential and state levels should be. A good choice of Presidential candidate can help rekindle and sustain the interest of Nigerians in the APC. The party must recognise the need to be sensitive to the diversity and sensibilities of Nigerians. Given the current polarisation of the country and the fear of religious domination, it would be politically suicidal to contemplate a Muslim/Muslim, or Christian/Christian ticket. The fact that Abiola and Kinkigbe were able to do that in 1993 cannot stand in today’s reality.Besides,Abiolawasdetribalisedanddereligious.Hecontributedhandsomelyinequal measureinthemanychurchandmosqueprojects throughout the country. It is politically expedient that APC takes the South East as a zone that requires urgent attention. APC is strong in North East, North West and South West. The South-South is Goodluck Jonathan’s base. If substantial work is not done in the South East, the zone will give President Jonathan or PDP 80 or more percent of its votes. And this may be the clincher in a Presidential election. Besides, the South Easterners are found in larger numbers throughout the federation, that it will be misleading to look at the census or registered voters in the South East as a determinant of political strength. A North Western/South Eastern ticket may be a deft political counter move to check the SouthSouth/North West ticket of PDP. A costly mistake by APC will sentence Nigeria to an extended PDP domination.

OmoBaba

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