Binder1 june 18,2014 by Newtelegraphonline

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Wednesday, June 18, 2014 Vol. 1 No. 120

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Reps: Alison-Madueke’s legal battle won’t stop N10bn jet probe lMinister, NNPC, PPMC say they will shun investigation on June 26 Philip Nyam Abuja

he House of Representatives has said that it will go ahead with

plans to probe the allegation that the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, spent N10 billion to charter private jets

despite her spirited legal battle to stop the probe. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the House, saddled with the task of probing the alle-

gation that the minister, with the connivance of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) spent N10 billion on chartered flights

for herself and family members is billed to begin public hearing into the case on June 26. But speaking against the backdrop of the sev-

eral suits the minister and NNPC have filed in court questioning the planned probe and challenging the powers of the legislature to summon Alison-Madueke CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Presidency: Obasanjo not sincere about Chibok girls

lNigeria launches scheme to protect schools from terror attacks lDHQ: Wanted Boko Haram kingpin among 486 Abia suspects Anule Emmanuel and Emmanuel Onani

he presidency has dismissed claims by former President Olusegun Obasanjo that he was awaiting the approval of President Goodluck Jonathan to negotiate with Boko Haram for the possible release of over 200 schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, Borno State over two months ago. A senior government official, who asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, told New Telegraph yesterday in Abuja that the former president was not sincere with his comments. According to him, if Obasanjo was serious, he would have formally informed the Federal Government of his efforts. He spoke on a day forCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Police officer slumps over transfer to Borno

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L-R: Globacom Business Director, Mr. Kemi Kaka; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Research and Documentation and representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Ferdinand Agu and the Director General, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Dr. Adolphus Ekpe, at the launch of the Nigeria Centenary Lottery television commercial produced by Glo in Abuja...yesterday.

Renewed call for resource control causes stir at confab Onwuka Nzeshi ABUJA

s the National Conference moves closer to considering the reports of its Committees on Devolution of Powers and Political Restruc-

turing, the people of the oil-rich Niger Delta have renewed their demand for a total control of natural resources in the region. They rejected the 1999

Constitution and demanded the enactment of a new constitution which, according to them, should be based on the principles of fiscal federalism as en-

shrined in the 1963 Republican Constitution. The region, under the auspices of a pressure group, Niger Delta Self Determination Movement

(NDSDM) , warned that if the demand for a 100 per cent resource ownership was not granted, it would have to pursue self-deterCONTINUED ON PAGE 3

LPPC shortlists Keyamo, 22 others for SAN interview }4

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DHQ: Wanted Boko Haram kingpin among 486 Abia suspects CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

mer Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Mr. Gordon Brown, launched the Safe School Initiative, in which Nigeria has contributed $10 million to guarantee safety of pupils, especially in the wake of the insurgency launched by Boko Haram that has scared many away from school. Brown launched the programme in Abuja in company of Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima and his Yobe State counterpart, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam as well as the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. On Obasanjo’s claim that he was in touch with the abductors of the Chibok girls and could negotiate their release if he got the go-ahead of the president, the official said the former president was trying to play a game that “amounts to grandstanding” in order to portray a “messianic image among Nigerians”. He added: “It is obvious that what the former president is doing is just for media attention and there is no sincerity in it. The former president has unfettered access to the president. Why has he not

sought an appointment with him (Jonathan) to discuss the issue? Why should the former president resort to the media on such a weighty issue? This is mere grandstanding. “If the Federal Government has accepted the offer of assistance from other world leaders to rescue the Chibok girls, will it turn down an offer of assistance from a former president of this country? The president is committed to getting the girls back and anybody that can assist in achieving that will be welcome. “To show you that former President Obasanjo is not sincere, President Jonathan recently summoned a meeting of former heads of state to discuss the Chibok girls’ abduction, all of them except Obasanjo attended. Even General Ibrahim Babangida who did not attend because he was bereaved sent in his input. Why did he (Obasanjo) not attend the meeting of the former heads of state with the president and the governor of Borno State? Is that a hallmark of somebody who is sincere?”

Also yesterday, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said one of the 486 suspected terrorists arrested in Abia State on Sunday night had been identified as a “kingpin” of the Boko Haram sect, who had earlier been declared wanted. Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, in an electronic statement said the discovery was made during investigation by the military. He said: “A wanted terrorist suspect, described as a kingpin, has been identified in the cause of ongoing screening of the 486 travellers in Abia State. Further development will be communicated later.” Soldiers from the 14 Brigade in Asa, had arrested the suspects, who were travelling in a convoy of 35 buses and were said to be on their way to Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital. Meanwhile, Jonathan yesterday met with Brown, who is also the United Nations Special Envoy on Global Education where he launched the safe school programme.

Addressing State House correspondents after the meeting with Jonathan, Okonjo-Iweala said the project was meant to provide better security for schools across the country. According to her, it is an initiative of Brown which was conceived in the wake of the abduction of the Chibok girls. She said Jonathan had instructed her to open a trust fund with N1.6 billion for the project, adding that the private sector and foreign development donors would contribute another N1.6 billion while the two governors of Borno and Yobe have pledged their cooperation and commitment to the success of the initiative. Although the programme is meant for the whole country, the Safe Schools Initiative is starting off in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states which have been worst hit by terrorist attacks. In his remarks, Brown said: “Every child is special, precious and unique. I have come here with the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, giving me

his support to do so to send our sympathies and our solidarity and our support to the children of Chibok who have been cruelly abducted and to give our support to the families of these girls and to the whole communities in Borno State. “And I am here to say that we wish as an international community to do everything we can to back the efforts of President Jonathan and the governors of the states to make sure these girls are returned to their families and at the same time to make sure that every parent feels free to send his children to school knowing they will be safe in future.” Speaking on the programme, he said: “This is a programme for the whole country, but it is starting in the states which have the greatest problem with terrorism over the recent months. It is our determination as an international community to help the families feel secure about their boys and girls going to school with the hope that they will be safe. “That is why we are CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST ABUJA

28oC 22oC Storms

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27oC 23oC Storms

KANO

38oC 26oC Mostly Sunny

ENUGU

31oC 23oC Storms

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30oC 23oC Storms

L-R: Yobe State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam; former British Prime Minister and now United Nation Envoy on Global Education, Mr. Gordon Brown; President Goodluck Jonathan; Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima and Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, at a meeting by members of Save School Initiative with the president in Abuja…yesterday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

Police officer slumps over transfer to Borno Tony Okafor Awka

CALABAR

28oC 23oC Rain Storms

MAIDUGURI

40oC 27oC Partially Cloudy

ONITSHA

31oC 23oC Rain Storms

n Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) names withheld at the Nnewi Central Police Station in Anambra State yesterday slumped and was rushed to hospital. The officer collapsed upon receiving news of his transfer to Borno State, where hundreds of lives and properties have

been lost to the Boko Haram insurgency. According to sources, the ASP had only one year more in the service. About 150 police officers in Anambra State have been transferred out of the state. Investigation showed that the officers were transferred to Borno, Sokoto, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Plateau, Yobe and Adamawa states. Speaking with New

Telegraph, some of the affected officers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the transfer was targeted at southern officers in the force, especially the Igbo. New Telegraph learnt that Governor Willie Obiano had petitioned the police authorities demanding the transfer of certain category of police officer out of the state, following their alleged complicity in crim-

inal activities, especially kidnapping. On assumption of office, Obiano had declared war against all forms of criminality in the state, necessitating him to launch “operation kpochapu” (wipe out). It was reliably gathered that Obiano was advised by a top security agency to seek the transfer of such police officers following the increasing crime rate in the state.

FLIGHT SCHEDULE FIRST NATION AIRWAYS LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06.50; 09:30; 11:45; 16:00 (SAT) 06:50; 11:45 (SUN) 11:45; 16:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 11:30; 13:40;18:30 (SAT) 09:00; 13:40 (SUN) 13:40; 18:30 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 14:45 (SAT) 16:15 (SUN) 14:45 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:50 (SAT) 18:20 (SUN) 16:50 AEROCONTRACTORS LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06:50; 13:30; 16:30; 19:45 (SAT/SUN) 12:30; 16:45 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 13:00; 19:00 (SAT) 12:30 (SUN) 15:30 MEDVIEW AIRLINES LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:50; 12:00; 15:30 (SAT) 10:00; 15:00 (SUN) 17:30; 18:30 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 14:00, 15:00; 18:30 OVERLAND AIRWAYS LAGOS-ILORIN (MON-FRI) 07:15 LAGOS-IBADAN (MON-FRI) 7:00 IBADAN-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:00 IBADAN-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:30 ILORIN –ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30 ILORIN –LAGOS (MON-FRI) 17:00 ABUJA-ASABA (MON-FRI) 10:00 ASABA-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 14:15 ASABA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 11:30 LAGOS-ASABA (MON-FRI) 13:00 ABUJA-ILORIN 16:00 ABUJA-IBADAN 15:00 ARIK AIR LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:00; 09:00; 11:00 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00; 20:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 09:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 07:00; 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 (SAT) 07:00; 11:00; 15:00 (SUN) 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 09:00; 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 (SAT) 07:30; 11:30; 09:00; 13:00; 17:00 (SUN) 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 ABUJA-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30; 16:50 (SAT/SUN) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30 PORT-HARCOURT-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10; 18:30 (SAT/SUN) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10

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PDP, APC bicker over youth leader’s age

Ayodele Ojo and Onyekachi Eze

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday engaged in a war of words over the actual age of the opposition’s National Youth Leader, Ibrahim Dasuki Jalo. The ruling PDP accused the APC of lying about Jalo’s age, claiming that he is 52 year old as opposed to 43 years which the opposition party claimed. Jalo was elected on Saturday at the national convention of the APC. In a statement yesterday by its National Pub-

licity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, PDP said while it conceded to APC the right to choose a person of any age as its official, the party should rather not insult the sensibility of Nigeria while doing so. It added that there was overwhelming evidence that Jalo was older than the age APC claimed. Metuh said: “It is public knowledge that Ibrahim Dasuki Jalo contested the Gombe/Kwame/Funakaye Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representative in 2011 during which he declared his age to be 49 years. The records are there and they speak for themselves. “If Ibrahim Dasuki

Jalo was 49 years in 2011, it naturally follows that he is 52 at present for which he should be grateful to God. It is therefore clear that the statement by the APC declaring him to be 43 years is false. “Whilst we concede that the APC has the right to select a person of any age for any position within their fold, including a man of 52 as national youth leader, we are however shocked that they chose to lie over an issue as ordinary as the age of a national officer.” The PDP said in lying over the age of its national officer, the APC had shown that “it has little regard for integrity and that its state-

ments cannot be trusted.” But the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said there was no truth in the PDP accusation. Why explaining that there is no age specification for party offices in the constitution of APC, Mohammed said the party did not lie about the age of its national youth leader. “We stand by the information given to us by Jalo. That information is accurate as our source. We have no reason to doubt that information. Those who claimed that he is older than 43, should present evidence. “If we find out that Jalo lied about his age, of

course, we will take appropriate step and sanction him. “As at today, what we know is that he was born on April 13, 1971 in Maiduguri and he is the son of Speaker, House of Representatives in the First Republic,” he added. He said the PDP was only accusing APC of lying in order to distract the party. According to him, “Today, PDP is devastated by the outcome of our national convention. They can no longer say APC is a one-man party, lacks in-

Renewed call for resource control causes stir at confab CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha (left) and Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church (Winners’ Chapel) during a visit to the governor in Owerri

FG to arraign Ekiti commissioner, 11 others for terrorism Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

he Federal Government will today arraign the Ekiti State Commissioner for Integration and InterGovernmental Affairs, Funminiyi Afuye and 11 others before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja. The Police had on Monday slammed a threecount terrorism charge on Afuye and others. They were arrested over the last violent clash by party supporters in Ekiti, during which a man identified as Peter Akin was killed. The charge, filed in the name of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and marked: FHC/ABJ/

CR/118/14 was signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Oloye Torugbene. The government’s decision to arraign the 12 is coming shortly after Afuye sued the Police in Ekiti State, alleging physical assault on him by Mobile Police Commander, Gabriel Selenkere. Afuye, in the suit filed before the state High Court in Ado Ekiti, is seeking N1 billion in damages for physical assault on his person and unlawful detention. The suit was brought pursuant to Order 11 Rules 123 and 5 of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement) Rules 2009 and sections 6, 34, 41 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution.

Others to be arraigned with Afuye are Idowu Aladejebi (68 years), Afuye Jide (30), Anisulowo Kayode (46), Azeez Suleiman (19), Ajayi Idowu (18), Babadi Ajayi (35), Abiodun Omoniyi (68), Oyedapo Olaoluwa (29), Sunday Olalere (27), Dapo David (26) and Akinyemi Tayo (25). Count one of the charge alleged that the accused persons conspired with each other to commit an act of terrorism at Ijegbo Round About to wit: “Using dangerous weapons/devices at Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, which resulted in destruction of properties and the death of one Peter Akin (M) and injured several other persons.” In count two, they

were accused of committing an act of terrorism “by using dangerous weapons at Ijigbo Round About and Oluyemi Kayode Stadium and shot one Peter Akin to death.” They are in count three, said to have “incited, promised and induced other persons to commit an act of terrorism, which resulted in the destruction of valuable properties, such as motor vehicles, motorcycles, etc.” According to the charge, the 12 allegedly committed the said offences on June 8, 2014. The alleged offences are said to be punishable under sections 1(2) (d), 2(2)(h) and 17 of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013.

ternal democracy or is an Islamic party. So, they are looking for something else. We won’t be distracted by their antics. Why should we lie?” On insinuation by the PDP that APC lacks integrity, Mohammed said: “How can a party that is so incompetent and clueless be talking about integrity? How can a party whose leader, Mr. President, says stealing is not corruption be talking about integrity? If they have integrity, half of their ministers would have resigned by now.”

mination to secure its land and people. In a 51-page document circulated to delegates at the venue of the conference yesterday, the group expressed concern at the position of northern delegates on various issues regarding the structure of Nigeria , adding that whereas Nigeria is said to be a federation, the country has been operating as a unitary state to the disadvantage of the people of the Niger Delta. But leader of the South -South delegation to the conference, Chief Edwin Clark, has disowned the document because it did not emanate from the delegation. Clark criticised the subtle threat by the authors of the document to secede if total resource control fails. According to Clark, the declarations contained in the document portrayed the Niger Delta as a region pushing for the disintegration of Nigeria. He described the document as fictitious and pledged that members of his delegation would investigate its source. “In 1961 when a national conference was summoned, the SouthSouth people, then Niger Delta, played a leading role to keep this country together. There were five documents prepared, one in yellow, one in red, one in white, one in blue and one in pink. Should this country remain together was one; do you want a unitary form of goverment?, that is two; do you want a federation, number three: a confederation; do we break this country? These were the things that were discussed at that time. And the people of Niger Delta, under the leadership of Chief An-

thony Enahoro, kept this country ......that we do not want to break country, Nigeria is one country. “Since then, we have been together. We have been cheated, we have been down-trodden, we have been oppressed, discriminated against. Everything has been done to the people of Niger Delta and we kept quiet. But today, God has made it that the president of this country is from the Niger Delta and we believed that Nigerians voted for us, we didn’t vote for ourselves. And we are members of this country. “The importance of this conference is for us to see whether we can build up a new Nigeria. Little did I know, a document came into my hands but I want to say that the South-South members did not subscribe to it. I am the leader of the South-South delegation to this conference; this document is fictitious and it is not a South-South paper. We are investigating this document and we shall get back to the conference. We are Nigerians and we remain Nigerians whatever we get from this conference,” Clark said. Following the denial of Clark and the controversy trailing the document, conference Chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi, appealed to delegates to be mindful of the nature of documents being circulated on the premises of the conference. He urged security agencies to be vigilant to avoid a situation where some strange elements would dump certain documents on delegates that could provoke a crisis. He ruled that the document was unknown to the conference as it was never submitted to the secretariat at any time.

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LPPC shortlists Keyamo, 22 others for SAN interview

agos lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo and 22 others have been shortlisted by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) for an interview in preparatory for this year’s award of the rank of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria. The interview, according to a statement by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Mr. Sunday

Olorundahunsi, would hold on July 8 and 9. In the statement, Olorundahunsi who doubles as LPPC Secretary said the shortlisted candidates had been found ‘worthy’ to attend the interview. Aside Keyamo, others shortlisted are GeraldGodwin Ezeuko (Jnr), Samuel Zibiri, Dr. Joshua Olukayode Olatoke, Dr. Adewale Adedamola Ola-

woyin, Olusola Olaseni Idowu, Chukwudi Obieze, Kevin Chukwudi Nwufo and Chief Wale Taiwo, Dr. Theophilus Akinpelu Onigbinde, Teslim Busari, Olatunde Oluranti Adejuyigbe, Richard Ayodele Akintunde, and Sylvanus Ogwemoh. Others include Adewale Adesokan, Taiwo Taiwo, Andrew Igbokwe, Chike Onyemenam, Fred-

son Chijioke Okoli, Dr. Amuda-Kannike Abiodun, Oluwakemi Balogun, Ahamefula Ikechukwu Ejelam, and Hakeem Afolabi Olatunde. However, the Committee urged members of the public to comment on the applicants’ integrity, reputation and competence on or before July 7. The statement reads: “This serves to notify the

general public that the under listed applicants have been found worthy to attend the interview preparatory to the award of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, 2014. “The interview dates shall be on the 8th and 9th July, 2014. The general public is at liberty to comment on the integrity, reputation and competence of any of the applicants. Such comments if any shall reach

the undersigned on or before 7th of July, 2014.” Meanwhile, the LPPC, in the statement, threatened to withdraw the SAN rank of a lawyer, Mr. Jadegoke Badejo, if he did not desist from engaging in “professional misconduct”. The committee said upon investigating a petition against Badejo, it decided to warn him against unprofessional practices.

Presidency: Obasanjo not sincere about Chibok girls CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

L-R: Executive Director, Union Bank Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Oyinkansade Adewole; Group Managing Director, Mr. Emeka Emuwa and Chairman, Senator Udo Udoma, during the Bank’s 45th Annual General Meeting in Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

NUPENG shelves planned strike, embraces negotiations Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

he National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG) workers yesterday said it has suspended its planned strike scheduled to commence today to allow room for dialogue and negotiation over the crises rocking the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN). The union however noted that the action did not mean it has decided to completely shelve the

strike which was as a result of the alleged failure of IPMAN to implement the 2009 agreement due to the ongoing leadership tussle. While addressing journalists in Abuja yesterday, National President of NUPENG, Igwe Achese, reiterated the commitment of the union to protecting the interest of its members who constitute the majority of the workforce in IPMAN. He said the union would wait for the outcome of the June 30 meeting for a response from the officials of the Ministries of Labour

and Justice on their mandate to resolve the crises. Achese lamented that efforts to reconcile the warring factions in IPMAN have been continually breached by the Aminu Abdulkadir-led faction. He clarified that the union had no intention of inflicting any form of hardship on the Nigerian populace, but was only interest in protecting the welfare of its members. Speaking on other issues, Achese cautioned against the balkanisation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation

(NNPC) as a pre-condition for the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) by the National Assembly. He called for the passage of the bill first, adding that all stakeholders in the industry can then discuss the way forward in the sector. “As a union, we are not against the privatisation of refineries, but we insist that the Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) must be carried out, pipelines secured and government must make sure new refineries are built,” he said.

Reps: Alison-Madueke’s legal battle won’t stop N10bn jet probe CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

and the oil corporation, Chairman of the House committee, Adeola Solomon Olamilekan, told reporters yesterday that would go ahead with the assignment. As at the last count, the minister has three suits pending before the Federal High Court seeking to stop the probe. In one of the suits, she asked the court to hold that the National Assembly lacks the power to summon her without the authorisation of President Goodluck

Jonathan. While Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja refused to grant the request to stop the probe and fixed hearing for today, the other two courts are yet to commence hearing in the case. Besides, the minister, NNPC and the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC), who have been summoned to assist the legislature in probing the allegation, have written to the investigative committee declining

to honour the invitation. While the NNPC and PPMC are accused of funding the hiring of the two private jets used by the minister, Alison-Madueke is under probe for allegedly using the private planes for her private trips instead of restricting flying on them to official assignments. They said they were not favourably disposed to appearing before the committee since the case was in different courts of competent jurisdiction and it would be subjudice

to speak on the matter. But Olamilekan said inasmuch as there was no court order stopping the probe, his committee would carry on with the assignment. “As we speak, we are set to commence the probe; there is no court injunction barring our committee from doing our job. So, whether they appear or not, it is not our problem. The law is very clear on this. We will do our job, write our report and submit our report to the House,” he said.

looking at security for the schools and how we can help the governors and how we can help the Nigerian people with fortifications, telecommunications, guards, safety equipment that will enable people feel more secure about the schools.” He said part of the programme was to assist the Federal Government rebuild schools destroyed in Chibok. Gaidam, while explaining the support from the North-East governors, promised to give the UN envoy all the necessary cooperation to ensure that the programme succeeds. Shettima also expressed the readiness of his administration to ensure the success of the programme. In another develop-

ment, the presidential factfinding committee on the abduction of the Chibok girls may submit its report today. Jonathan inaugurated the committee, chaired by Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Sabo, on May 16, to among other things, liaise with the Borno State Government and establish the circumstances leading to the school remaining open for boarding pupils when other schools were closed. The committee is also to liaise with relevant authorities and the parents of the missing girls to establish the actual number and identities of the girls abducted and to interface with the security services and Borno State Government to ascertain how many of the missing girls have returned.

FG: Security challenges are normal Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

he Federal Government yesterday stated that the present security challenges being faced by the country is normal. The Director General of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri, who stated this in Abuja was quick to add that the nation would overcome the challenges. Omeri coordinates information on the present security challenges in the country. The NOA Director General, who spoke at the office of the Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Ms. Olajumoke Akinjide, when he paid the minister a courtesy call, reiterated government’s commitment to overcoming the challenges. He said: “Our country though at the threshold of

a breakthrough is experiencing some challenges but these challenges are associated with normal processes of growth. “We are lucky that a little over 50 years we have reached the turning point where breakthrough is eminent. Our country will survive it; our country will represent the rest of African countries with good things. “The present challenges of insecurity are normal but we shall overcome them. The country is determined. I have travelled across the country and I have met a lot of people and what the citizens want is peace. Those who have access to the media should allow this country to be in peace. This is what the citizens desire.” The minister commended the works of the agency on the campaign for peace. “We need to reorient our people towards peace,” she said.

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Rivers 2015: Police, parties draw peace plan PEACE Rivers police boss, politicians map out strategies to stem violence Joe Ezuma

Port Harcourt

olitical parties in Rivers State have been advised to refrain from making remarks and issuing statements that could

fuel acrimony and cause public disorder in the build up to the 2015 general elections. They were also urged to adhere strictly to the directive by the police command to obtain police clearance for any gathering involving more than 20 people. Rivers State Police Commissioner, Mr. Tunde Ogunsakin, who gave the advice yesterday at a security cum peace meeting with leaders of political parties in Port Harcourt,

said it was in the interest of the political parties, their members and the society at large for the parties to get police clearance and protection before any rally, meeting or demonstrations. Representatives of the political parties present, while routing for peaceful and cordial conducts among their members, harped on the need for the meeting to develop a code of conduct that could guide the behaviour of politicians during outings

so as to ensure peace. During their deliberations, party representatives insisted that the APC must apologise to other parties for flouting the police directive when it held two protests in the state last week without obtaining police permission. Some of the party chieftains who attended the meeting included the APC Deputy Chairman, Chief Peter Odike; the party’s Secretary and Mr. Emeka Beke, other. Representing the PDP were Mowan

Etete, Walter Ibiba, deputy chairman and secretary, respectively. Others are Accord Party Chairman, Mr. Dimkpa Dike, his New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) counterpart, Mr. Dickson Princewill Enyi, as well as the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chairman, Mr. Terry Godfrey. In a communiqué signed by the party representatives and the police, all agreed that; “Every political activity at all levels

must be carried out under a condition that will not result in crises while all political parties must give information to the police at least five days before the day of planned protests/ demonstrations to enable the police arrange adequate security to cover the event. “All political parties should note or be reminded to abide by the provision of the Electoral Act that there should be no political rally/campaign, under any guise, 90 days before election.

Nigeria’s crude theft lowers OPEC’s output Adeola Yusuf ersistent crude theft in Nigeria yesterday took a toll on the total crude output of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). United States (US) energy agency, International Energy Agency (IEA), which made the claim, maintained that it expected "OPEC to increase its production capacity to meet up with this shortfall. Nigeria's biggest oil producing company, Royal Dutch Shell has estimated that up to 150,000 barrels of crude are stolen from Nigeria each day, out of production of around 2 million. IEA however reaffirmed in its forecast on Tuesday that, “OPEC output has been hit by unrest in Libya, sanctions on Iran and oil theft in Nigeria.” Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had also declared that Nigeria is losing nearly a fifth of its revenues to oil thieves. "Bunkering is an activity we have to stop," Okonjo-Iweala said quoting the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to have "reported

that 17 percent of oil production was lost in April, and this is about one fifth of revenue." Nigeria relies on oil for more than 95 per cent of government revenues. The IEA also confirmed that Iraq's oil growth targets look increasingly at risk given recent developments in the country. With the demand for oil currently picking up due to a stronger global economy, the situation in Nigerian and the prevailing political instability and violence in Iraq are said to be frustrating global progress in terms of oil production and exportation. Iraq is the second-largest producer in OPEC and its northern exports have been offline since March. IEA, the adviser to the United States and other industrialised countries also said in its Medium Term Oil Market Report that global growth in oil demand may start to slow down by the end of this decade due partly to high prices, and shale oil would start to spread outside the United States.

Adamawa gets 30,000 extra polling units Ibrahim Abdul

Yola

head of the 2015 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to create additional 30,000 polling units in Adamawa State. Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Kassim G. Gaidam, who disclosed this yesterday, added that the new polling units are to reduce the congestion at the polling units come 2015. The commissioner said this during the inauguration of the Inter-Agency Advisory Committee on Voter Education and Publicity (SICVEP), which took place in Yola.

He said the resolve was part of the effort of the commission to ensure that each polling unit does not contain more than 500 registered voters in order for the commission to simplify its job during elections. Gaidam said as part of its mission to create voters’ awareness, the commission is desirous to establish at the national level, the Inter agency Advisory Committee on Voter Education and Publicity and to similarly direct all states and local governments to follow suit. “The preparation for the general elections call for effective voter education to promote and ensure increased participation of Nigerian citizens at elections,” he said.

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Arik Air, Dr. Michael Arumemi-Ikhide; Deputy Managing Director, Operations, Capt. Ado Sanusi and Senior VicePresident, Finance, Mr. Rajan Nubia, during a press briefing on air flight from Lagos- Dubai via Abuja, at the Mutala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos…yesterday PHOTO: TONY EGUAYE

Atuche's trial: Court adjourns, reserves ruling until Sept 30

Medical, dental consultants back NMA strike

Joseph Onyekwere ustice Saliu Saidu of the Federal High Court, Lagos, yesterday adjourned till September 30, ruling in an address filed by counsel in the suit against Francis Atuche and Charles Ojo, charged with N125 billion fraud. Atuche, a former managing director of the defunct Bank PHB, is standing trial together with Ojo, a former managing director of the defunct Spring Bank Plc on an amended 45-count charge bordering on the offence. The judge adjourned the case for ruling after the prosecution and defence counsel had adopted their written addresses before the court, on the issue of practice direction. Adopting his address, defence counsel, Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN), argued that the practice direction was made pursuant to the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA). He argued that practice direction was inapplicable to the instant case, since the prosecution cannot force the defence

Sola Adeyemo

to disclose its case even before the commencement of trial. Idigbe said it was irregular for the defence to be constrained to specify in writing, the defence it intends to raise, or which aspects of the prosecution’s case it intends to oppose, where the prosecution had not called any witness. He therefore, urged the court to discountenance the reliance on practice direction as proffered by the prosecution, adding that the power of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court was limited by the provisions of sections 4 of the CPA. In response, the prosecutor, Mr. Kemi Pinhero (SAN), argued that the practice direction did not derogate from the provisions of the constitution. He noted that sections 254 of the constitution empowered the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, to make the rules of practice direction as so enacted. According to Pinhero, any power donated by the constitution cannot be derogated from, except by the constitution itself.

Ibadan

crisis rocking the Tenhe health sector has taka new dimension as

the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has threatened to withdraw its services in compliance with the Nigeria Medical Association’s directives. The threat was against the Federal Government’s alleged plan to grant concessions to the Joint Health Sectors Union (JOHESU). MDCAN in a release signed by its National President, Dr. Olusegun Ayodeji Oluwole, and made available to New Telegraph in Ibadan, war ned the gover nment to stop playing politics with professional health issues and put on hold all circulars that have been released to please the Joint Health Sectors Union (JOHESU). The Nigerian Medical Association had threatened to proceed on an indefinite strike by July 1, should the

Federal Gover nment fail to meet its demands. The Federal Government had reportedly granted concessions to JOHESU and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Association to include, approval of consultancy positions for support staff, abolition of Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee position and appointment of support staff as directors. MDCAN said that JOHESU should be prevented from inventing Nigerian type of medical services that will expose the nation to ridicule internationally. “That the ultimatum of the NMA to government on JOHESU matters is noted. While MDCAN remains committed to its policy of ensuring uninterrupted health services, it will comply with directives to withdraw services should government allow the situation to deteriorate to the extent that NMA will have no credible alternatives.”

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Osun: INEC reveals credentials of contestants Adeolu Adeyemo

OSOGBO

he Independent NaTCommission,(INEC) tional Electoral in

Osun State yesterday made public credentials of all candidates contesting for the August 9 governorship election in the state and challenged members of public who doubt the originality of the document submitted to INEC by the contenders to approach the court of law with immediate effect. The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the state INEC, Mrs. Tadese Adenike who made this

known in Osogbo in a statement, disclosed that the electoral body did that in compliance with section 31 subsections 3, 4 and 5 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended). She said, “the personal particulars submitted to the electoral body by all the candidates have been displayed at the Office of the Commission and its thirty Local Government Offices in the state to affords members of the public the opportunity to scrutinize the documents with a view to questioning the authenticity of the credentials where necessary under the law.”

Supreme Court fixes Nov 11 for Plateau stool appeal Tunde Oyesina

ABUJA

five-man Supreme Court panel yesterday fixed November 11 for the hearing of an appeal brought by Hudu Ibrahim Manomi, over the chieftaincy stool of Sumpyemof Pyemchiefdom inManguLocalGovernment of Plateau State. Manomi is challenging thesettingasideof hisearlier selection by the Court of Appeal,Josdivision,onJanuary 26, 2012. The apex court also ordered for service of the hearing notice to all relevant parties in the matter. Theapexcourthadearlier granted the appellant leave to appeal part of the decision of theAppealCourtsettingaside his earlier selection unto the throneof Sumpyemof Pyem chiefdom by eight out of the 11 kingmakers conducted on May17,2004andaffirmedthe judgement of the High Court of Plateau State delivered on April 13, 2006. In his argument before the court, the appellant submitted that while the matter was still pending in court, Mangu Local Government and Plateau State government went ahead to conduct another selection onNovember26,2013toreturn Mr. Charles Mato Dakat, who is the first respondent as the

Sumpyem of Pyem chiefdom. Based on this premise, the appellant is asking the apex court to declare the selection of November 26, 2013 as null and void and of no legal effect whatsoever. He also wants the apex court to restrain Dakat from parading himself as the Sumpyem of Pyem chiefdom. The appellant is praying the court for an order restraining the Mangu Local Government and Plateau State Government from installing Dakat as Sumpyem of the chiefdom. Speaking after the court session, Manomi said: “Even though I have chosen to remain calm, peaceful and law abiding. I have also enjoined mysupportersandwell-wisherstoremainsowhilewewait for the outcome of the decisionof theSupremeCourton theSumpyem’sstoolof Pyem chiefdom, I certainly know as well that the purported selection of Mr. Charles Mato Dakat as Sumpyem of Pyem chiefdom, conducted on November 26, 2013, without recourse to any legal procedure so set, is a typical and brazen display of the culture of impunity to serve certain interests and it is one of such arrangement undermining the principles of justice in our society.”

L-R: President, Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor; Archbishop of Methodist Church, Abuja, Most Rev. Uche Job and Chief Imam of Kaduna, Mallam Ibrahim Sayyadi, during a meeting between Christians and Muslims on peace, Unity and justices

65%

The percentage of individuals suing the internet in Bahamas in 2011. Source: Itu.int

Abeokuta

hairman, South-West Cbilisation Organisation and MoCommittee of

the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Buruji Kashamu, yesterday distanced himself from posters announcing his governorship ambition in Ogun State. Kashamu spoke against the backdrop of posters dotting many parts of the state, especially Abeokuta, the state

capital, but he denied any governorship ambition. The posters were sighted at Oke-Ilewo, Post Office, Panseke, Omida, Kuto, Oke-Mosan and Abiola Way, all in the state capital. It will be recalled that posters bearing the picture of Kashamu were widely pasted in Ijebu-Igbo and its environs last month. But in a statement yesterday, Kashamu debunked any speculation that he was nursing any governorship ambition.

38.2

The number of newspaper journalists per 1m inhabitants of Senegal in 2005. Source: Blatantworld.com

Bomb scare: We know how to defend ourselves, says Okorocha VIGILANCE Imo governor uses security challenge to draw his people closer Steve Uzoechi and Leo Sobechi OWERRI

mo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, yesterday said that Ndigbo know how to defend themselves when the need arises, charging every Igbo to be vigilant even as the country is currently facing serious security challenges following the Boko Haram insurgence. The governor spoke yesterday in Owerri, even as there were reports of the infiltration of Boko Haram sect members in the SouthEast.

Kashamu denies 2015 governorship ambition Kunle Olayeni

2.71m

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

He said: “My attention has again been drawn to the many posters dotting several parts of the state announcing my purported governorship ambition. I hereby reiterate that I am not interested in contesting any elective position. Being a governor or not, doesn’t stop me from empowering my people. “Even though it is true that people from all over the state have been pressurising me to run for the governorship of Ogun State."

Okorocha was playing host to leaders and members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Imo State chapter, who visited him in his office on the bomb scare incident in the state capital. He said every Igbo is part of Ohanaeze, charging thebodytobegintoaskthemselvesonerecurringquestion which is: ‘When will an Igbo manbecomethePresidentof Nigeria?’ He urged Nigerians to show preference for what people can offer and not where they come from, adding that time has come for Nigerians, including Ndigbo to begin to de-emphasise the issue of zoning, which he said promotes clannishness insteadof theonenessneeded for development and growth. According to him, someone with high intellect and the right vision, should lead the people and not someone whose only cre-

dential is where he comes from, advising that leadership positions should be given to those who can deliver and not on the basis of where the person comes from. Meanwhile, speaking against the incursion of insurgents into the region yesterday, leaders of Ogbete Main Market Traders Association (OMMTA) have expressed dismay at the influx of Islamic attires into the South-East, especially as they were sold at outrageously low prices. Rising from an emergency meeting yesterday, OMMTA urged Ndigbo to desist from buying those long dresses commonly called Jalabia for men and Senegalese for women, saying that it was meant to encourage the use of such attires in South-East. Themeetingobservedthat the long robes, which seem to

originate from Pakistan, are being sold at very low prices toencourageNdigbotobegin to adorn the dress style, saying such could make it easy for Boko Haram insurgents blend with the people and conceal their improvised explosive devices. President-General of OMMTA, Temple C. Ude, told New Telegraph that the WorksandSecurityCommittee of his executive would liaise with Enugu North Local Government to make their findings about the security situation in the market and its environs, known to the authorities, regretting that of late, a lot of barrow pushers have been noticed in the market. In a related development, a statement signed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Publicity Secretary, Nwabueze Oguchienti, yesterday condemned the failed bomb attack in Owerri.

Sterling Bank appoints Ogunba receiver manager for Dana Group assets or refusing to pay the Fquent debts they and conseupon the orders of

the Federal High Court in Lagos, Sterling Bank Plc has appointed the law firm of Mr. Kunle Ogunba (SAN) as the receiver/manager over the entire undertakings, stocks, plants and machinery and other moveable and fixed properties and assets of Dana Group of Companies Plc and Dana Impex Limited.

A statement issued by the bank said all the debtors of the company are to henceforth pay directly to the receiver/manager. It added that all deposits, cash, shares and others currently held by banks, financial institutions, companies and regulatory authorities in the country should be held until the issuance of further instructions by the receiver/manager in accordance with

the pre-emptive orders of the court in the suit pending before the Federal High Court, Lagos. The statement concluded that all holders of such deposits and current account should contact the receiver/manager at its Ikoyi office in Lagos, stating the balance and where secured facilities are granted, the type of security attached should be disclosed.

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Tunde Oyesina Abuja

embers of the Conscience Group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) have asked a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to void the nomination of governors Kayode Fayemi and Rauf Aregbesola as governorship candidates of the party in Ekiti and Osun states respectively. The group also dissociated itself from the national convention of the party held last Friday in Abuja. The group hinged its action on the ground that the tenure of the interim executive members of the party, led by Chief Bisi Akande had expired at the time the duo of Fayemi and Aregbesola were cleared. The group also dissoci-

Group asks court to void Fayemi, Aregbesola’s guber candidacy ated itself from the convention on the ground that it was an illegal exercise carried out by the Bisi Akande-led interim executive whose tenure, by law, expired on January 31, 2014. The group had earlier approached the court challenging the continued stay in office of the Interim National Working Committee of the party, headed by Akande. Joined as defendants in the suit were the APC, Akande, Tijani Tumsah and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In the motion on notice filed through its counsel,

Iheke Solomon, the group is seeking an order of the court directing the Board of Trustees of the party to constitute the Convention Committee to conduct congresses. The group further wanted the court to stop the Akande-led interim executive from conducting National Convention. However, their motion on notice for interlocutory injunction to stop the conduct of the convention could not be heard before the conduct of the exercise. In view of the pending suit in court, the group is also asking the court to nullify the convention

that produced the new elected officers of the party led by Chief John Odigie Oyegun. The plaintiffs want the court to declare that the constitutional and lawful tenure of the interim executives expired on January 31, 2014. On that premise, the group further prays the court to declare any acts, actions, decisions and or directives or policies of the interim executive members with effect from from January 31, 2014 as illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional, and therefore null, void, and of no effect. Speaking with New

Telegraph in a phone chat, the national chairman of the group, Chief Anthony Ojemba Chigbo, said the nomination of Fayemi and Aregbesola as APC governorship candidates for Ekiti and Osun states respectively was part of illegal actions carried out by the interim executive, and hence should be voided He added that the convention was also illegal having been organized by an executive committee which tenure had expired. Meanwhile, the trial Judge, Justice Abdul Kafarati has fixed July 19 to hear the motion for accel-

erated hearing. The plaintiffs are asking the court to hold that the constitutional tenure of the Akande-led interim leadership ended on January 31, 2014, and that all actions taken by it after the said date, including the conduct of the national convention, were null and void. They argued that since it was the interim leadership that set up the convention committee, headed by the Sokoto State governor, Aliyu Wamako, which conducted the elections that brought the Oyegun-led new NWC, the entire process was null and void. They also ask the court to declare that the constitution that was adopted by the joint merger committee constituted by the various merger parties should be declared as the constitution of APC.

Uranta wants Nigeria’s system overhauled before 2015 polls Temitope Ogunbanke and Wale Elegbede

L-R: A beneficiary, Ajayi Oreoluwa of Government Girls Science Secondary School; General Manager, Sales MTN Nigeria, Mr Adekunle Adebiyi and Principal, Goverment Girls Science Secondary School, Mrs Stella Ekpunobi, during the MTN 21 Days of Yello Care visit in Abuja

Ilorin fracas: OPC denies alleged role Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

he Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) yesterday denied involvement in the three-day fracas in Ilorin during which about three persons were feared killed. It asked security agencies in the state to fully probe the matter and deal with those found guilty, claiming that recently it had alerted security agencies and the government to the groupMuhammad Bashir Lokoja

hairman, Interim Management Committee of the Kogi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr. Joseph Akwu, has said his committee discovered that some retired teachers are still on the state government’s pay roll. Akwu stated this when

ing of some hoodlums in the area, but that nothing was done over the report. About 18 people have been arrested over the incident. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had alleged that some members of the OPC were the arrowheads of the fracas triggered by the disagreement over the sharing of money allegedly allocated to hoodlums who took part in a party function around Alore area of Ilorin metropolis. The

All Progressive Congress (APC) has denied any involvement in the fracas. Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Rex Olawoye, in a statement yesterday, alleged that “the gruesome killing of one of the defectors, Master Tajudeen” was perpetrated by suspected APC thugs and alleged members of the OPC whom the party claimed were contracted and heavily funded by a high-profile state official to unleash mayhem on those he

claimed had defected from the APC to the PDP. But the OPC, in a statement by its state coordinator, Maruf Olarewaju, warned the PDP not to involve the congress in its blame game over the crisis. “We are not political thugs and never shall we submit ourselves to any political party to be used as tools”, the statement said adding: “It is very obvious that OPC is a socio- cultural organisation and promotes Yoruba culture across the globe.

Retired teachers still take salaries in Kogi members of the Correspondents Chapel of the state Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), paid him a working visit at his office in Lokoja, yesterday. He equally stressed that investigation by the committee revealed that some persons working in other parts of the country, including Abuja, are also

taking salaries from the state. The chairman, who revealed that the state government is spending huge amount of its lean resources to service ghost workers, noted that the committee has worked out plans to expose and prosecute the culprits. While confirming the

spate of fake certificates paraded by some teachers in the state, Akwu said, "We have already set machinery in motion to visit various institutions to verify the authenticity of their certificates. We have gotten a nod from these institutions by giving full cooperation during the investigation."

member of the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue and Executive Secretary of National Summit Group (NSG), Mr. Tony Uranta, has stressed the need for Nigerians to work toward restructuring the country before the 2015 general elections. Speaking in Lagos, Uranta also noted that until Nigerians can guarantee that there would be development based on resource management, no positive change can occur in the country. His words: "I am not concerned about 2015 and I don't really give a hoot who becomes President or who becomes governor provided the people are being taken care of. And the people are only going

to be taken care of if the National Conference that is ongoing succeeds. "I am not concerned about 2015. If there is going to be an earthquake that will destroy Nigeria in December 2014, there would be no 2015. So, talk first of how you are going to survive to the end of 2014 into 2015. At present, we are sitting on the earthquake; earthquake of poverty, insecurity and political manoeuvering. People are killing people over the slightest and simplest of reasons or no reason sometimes. “We have all accepted a false system of life and that false system said steal as much as you can steal so that you can use it to save some money; in short, because we are all scared that the society, the government and the system cannot provide us with a future, we are concerned about now."

Appeal Court reserves ruling on repatriated Nigerian convicts Joseph Onyekwere

he Lagos division of the Court of Appeal yesterday reserved judgement in the appeal filed by 22 Nigerian citizens convicted for various offences of drug trafficking by the Kingdom of Thailand and repatriated to Nigeria. The appellate court, presided over by Justice Sidi Bage, reserved the appeal for judgement after lawyers to the parties adopted their briefs of argument. The appellants, Napoleon Marvelous, Azubuike Uzoma and 20 others had challenged the judgement delivered by Justice M B Idris of the Federal High Court which dismissed their suit challenging their detention in Nigeria. The appellants, were repatriated by virtue of a

purported treaty between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Thailand with regards to transfer of prisoners. Shortly after they arrived in Nigeria, the appellants were kept at the Kirikiri Prison to continue their respective sentences. Consequently, the appellants through their counsel, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), filed a suit before Justice M B Idris of the Federal High Court seeking a declaration that their imprisonment in Nigeria is illegal. The defendants in the suit are the Federal Government, the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, the Deputy Controller of Prisons, Kirikiri Maximum Prisons, Apapa Lagos and the Deputy Controller of Prisons (Female Wing) as defendants.

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ALGON chairman wants youths to fight terrorism Musa Pam Jos

hairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Plateau State chapter and Chairman of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Hon. Emmanuel Loman has urged Nigeria youths to kick against terrorism that has claimed lives of innocent people in the country especially in the

North-East. Loman made the called yesterday when the Association of Northern Youths for the Advancement of Peace, Harmony and Development (ANYPAD), presented him an award of excellence "As the best performing chairman on peace and security in North Central Nigeria". The event was held at the Council Headquarters, BakinLadi-Plateau State.

Nasarawa approves bursary Cheke Emmanuel LAFIA

he Nasarawa State government has approved a total of N280million bursary allowance for disbursement to indigents students studying in various higher institutions of learning across the country. A breakdown of the bursary showed that NCE I-II and NCE III would get N10,000.00 and N30,000.00.while

National Diploma and School of Health Technology students are to get N10,000.00 respectively. Briefing newsmen in Lafia, the state capital, the Executive Secretary, Nasarawa State Scholarship Board, Alhaji Suleiman Abdulwahab Suleiman, disclosed that the disbursement of the bursary would be flagged-off by Governor Al-makura at a ceremony at the Nasarawa State Univsersity,Keffi by the end of this month.

Benue Correspondents' Chapel boycott government activities Cephas Iorhenmen Makurdi

s the attack on the media by military personnel in some parts of the country continue unabated, members of the external correspondents chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Benue State have not been spared. To this end, members yesterday rose from their emergency meeting and unanimously voted to boycott all activities of the state government

following the brutality meted out to its members by security men attached to the government house. The chapel, in a twopaged statement jointly signed by its chairman, Mr. Sunday Ogli and Secretary, Freddie Adamgbe, regretted the frequent neglect and inhuman treatment doled out to its members by Governor Suswam's security men and noted with deep concern the undue harassment, intimidation and molestation which they described as disturbing.

Osun: SDP promises mass recruitment Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

he governorship candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Osun State, Mr. Olusegun Akinwusi, yesterday said that if elected as the governor of the state, his government will embark on massive recruitment of youth into the public service. Akinwusi, who made the pledge in a statement in Osogbo, explained

that he will use his past experience to ensure that more jobs are created for the about a million youth in the state. “While it is an obvious fact that government cannot employ all job seekers, we shall consider a sizeable numbers for immediate appointment in all critical areas in our government. Our government will tackle head-on the issue of vocational training to develop available skills in our youths."

L-R: Head, Consumer Liability Product, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, Mr. Shamsideen Fashola; Chief Executive Officer, Needlekraft Couture, Mrs. Tese Onokola and Head, Communications, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, Mrs. Uchenna Mojekwu, at the Needlekraft Fashion Show 2014 in Lagos

ECA grows to N3.73BN as FAAC shares N648.349bn

Businessman lauds FG over new consulate in China

Kenneth Tyohemba

Ebere Ameh

Abuja

he Federal Government yesterday announced the sum of N3.73 billion as the balance in the Excess Crude Account, saying that the amount rose from N3.6 billion in April to the level in May. Addressing newsmen in Abuja, the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr Jonah Otunla also announced N648.349

FUT Minna graduates 7482 students, says VC Dan Atori, Minna he Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Minna Niger State, Professor Musbau Adewumi Akanji, yesterday announced that 7482 students will be graduating on the forthcoming combined 21st ,22nd and 23rd convocation ceremonies of the university. Prof.Akanji dropped the

which has been laying fallow for over two decades, to a foreign company. The governor, who reopened the factory, said that it will be operated through a Public Private

hint in Minna while briefing journalists on the first of its kind forthcoming convocation ceremonies of the institution. The vice chancellor said this year's convocation will be graduating 7482 students, 6394 for first degree, 576 for master's degree, 45 doctor of philosophy and 467 for post graduate diplomas.

Atiku extols new APC NEC Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

ormer Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has sent a message of solidarity to the newly elected national executive committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the convention that produced it as transparent and credible. In a statement by his media office in Abuja yesterday, Atiku advised the

Yero reopens tomato coy after 20 years Ibraheem Musa, Kaduna overnor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero of Kaduna State has leased the Ikara Food Processing Company Limited, makers of Ikara Tomato Paste,

billion as the total allocation shared by the three tiers of government. The amount represented N582.934 billion Statutory Allocation and N65.415 billion realised from the Value Added Tax (VAT), making the total distributable revenue for the month to be N648.349 billion which when compared to last month, is N49.177 billion adding that the total allocation to SURE-P as usual, is N35.55 billion.

Partnership with an Indian firm, Messrs Springfield Agro Limited, as part of the government’s commitment to continuing all projects initiated by his predecessors.

Chief John Odigie-Oyegun led national executive to sustain the tempo and public enthusiasm, which greeted the birth of the opposition party last year. He said as a party member, he was proud that the elections were conducted without incidents or rancour, adding that the level of maturity demonstrated by APC followers was evident of their commitment to decent democratic conduct.

oordinator of Good Governance Initiative (GGI) and China based Nigerian entrepreneur, Mr. Festus Uzoma Mbisiogu, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for opening a Nigerian Consulate in China's commercial city of Guangzhou. The new consulate is in fulfilment of the promise by the president to Nigerian resi-

dents that make up the 80 per cent of Africans in the bustling southern city of China. "Before the establishment of the consulate" said Mbisiogu, "There was a very wide gap between Nigerians and the home government; more so, connectivity between Beijing, where the Nigeria embassy is situated and Guangzhou for even minor consular services was such a herculean experience.

Oko crisis: Youths petition IG over police intimidation

he youth wing of Oko People’s Union (OPU) in Orumba North Local Government of Anambra State has petitioned the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, over what it called unlawful detention and intimidation of its members by the police. In a two-page peti-

tion entitled; “Petition Against Police Area Commander Nnewi, Anambra State: Urgent Need for Intervention,” the youth leader in the area, Mr. Nnamdi Ezeonwuka, alleged that six of his executive members were yesterday whisked away by the Nnewi command of the police without justification.

Ajimobi appoints five new high court judges

yo State governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has approved the appointment of five legal practitioners as judges in the state. A statement issued in Ibadan yesterday by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adebayo Ojo, gave the names of the newlyappointed judges as Mrs. Bolaji Abosede Sikeade, a deputy chief registrar in the state high court and Mr.

Ganiyu Lateef Adebayo, director, litigation and advisory services officer in the Ministry of Justice. Others include Mrs. Mojisola Idayat Sule, acting director, Citizens Mediation Centre, Ministry of Justice, as well as Mr. Kamorudeen Babatunde Olawoyin and Mrs. Adeyemi Omolara Sherifat, who are legal practitioners based in Kano and Ibadan, respectively.

PDP to welcome all returnees in Plateau Buhari Bello, Jos

he member representing Shendam/Mikang Federal Constituency, Hon Innocent Tirsel, has said, the Peoples Demo-

cratic Party (PDP)in Plateau State has concluded arrangements to receive back all those who left the party in the state in a move to stem the crisis of leadership now looming

in the party. He explained that the party’s doors are wide open to accommodate all the decampees, who left the party in the state due to internal wrangling.

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Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Ilomuanya’s dethronement: Orlu women fault Okorocha DESECRATION

The battle bewteen two elephants over power in Imo is also affecting the grass Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

ollowing the purported withdrawal of the Certificate of Recognition of a monarch in Imo State, Eze Cletus

Ilomuanya, by Governor Rochas Okorocha, for undisclosed reasons last week, individuals and groups have continued to fault the move by the government. Irked by what they considered a desecration of Igbo traditional institution, Imo women of Orlu extraction under the auspices of Orlu Stakeholders’ Forum yesterday cautioned the governor on the issue, asking him to retrace his steps.

GBP125m

The total amount by which players’ wages in the English Premier League rose in 2013. Source: Goal.com

The women warned against the arbitrary removal of Igbo monarchs at the pleasure of governors, saying such was exposing Igbo traditional institution to ridicule. “In seeking to remove Ilomuanya at all cost, because he challenged him (Okorocha) in court and without any legal reason beside his ego, Governor Okorocha would have succeeded in rubbishing the Igbo traditional institution and our identity

160,000

The number of adults and children estimated to be living with HIV in Central African Republic in 2007. Source: Blatantworld.com

as a people,” the women lamented. The women, who spoke through their leader, Mrs. Dorathy Egbule, described as an abomination, the alleged recent conversion of the secretariat of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers to the Imo Women Development Centre by Okorocha. They advised the governor to reverse the order as no sane Imo woman will accept such ‘Greek gift.’

15.19

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants of Cape Verde in 2011. Source: Itu.int

“How can the governor expect us to move in and annex the spiritual base of traditional rulers in Imo State simply because the court reinstated Ilomuanya as the chairman of the council? We are a people with customs and tradition and a woman knows her place in our cultural tradition. So we won’t be part of this sacrilege,” they stressed. The Director General of the group, Dr. Goddy Dibe, called on the gov-

Ateke’s birthday rally adds colour to Rivers’ politicking Joe Ezuma

Port Harcourt

he build-up to the 2015 elections in Rivers State was made more interesting at the weekend as the leader of the Niger Delta Vigilante Group, Comrade Ateke Tom, celebrated his 52nd birthday with calls on him to run for elective office. Ateke, who has left no one in doubt that he is one of those that would shape the politics of Rivers, has insisted that the next governor should come from Ogoniland while on the other hand, his posters, proclaiming Ateke Tom for governorship in 2015, had lately adorned parts of Port Harcourt, the

L-R: Chairman, ASIS International, Lagos Chapter, Mr. Deji Bamgbose; Asistant Regional Vice- President, Wilson Esangbedo; President-Elect, Dave Tyson; Senior Regional Vice- President, Mrs. Victoria Ekhomu and Region 44 Vice-President, Mr. Dennis Amachree, during a visit by the President -Elect to Nigeria, in Lagos...yesterday

Imo APC congratulates Oyegun, Izunaso, says party primed to excel Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

mo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Chief John OdigieOyegun and Senator Osita Izunaso, on their election as the party’s national chairman and national

organising secretary respectively. In a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary, Nwabueze Oguchienti, the party described Odigie-Oyegun as a progressive and selfless democrat whose ideas and efforts were largely tailored toward public interest.

The party expressed the confidence that under the Odigie-Oyegun leadership, APC will excel in the 2015 general elections. According to the statement, the party was not surprised by Senator Izunaso’s overwhelming acceptance and victory, given his service anteced-

ents as an interim officer of the party. While assuring Izunaso of the unalloyed support of Imo APC, Oguchienti commended the leadership of the APC for organising a ‘very democratic, rancour-free and nationally-applauded party convention.'

Elechi advocates legislation to protect African child Ewa Nnanna Abakaliki

ife of Ebonyi State governor, Mrs. Josephine Elechi, has advocated for the enactment of effective legislation by the various governments across Africa to protect their children from diverse forms of abuses and inhuman treatment. Elechi, who stated this on the occasion of the African Child celebration held at the Women Development Centre, Abakaliki, called for the establishment of Girls Guilds Association in every public primary and

secondary school in the country. The governor’s wife also noted with dismay that a great percentage of children in Africa are undergoing various degrees of human degradation as “they are forced into child labour, abuse and trafficking by the existing socio-economic realities of the day.” Harping on the theme of the celebration; “A child friendly, quality, free and compulsory education for all children in Africa,” Mrs. Elechi said it was apt, especially in view of the current spate of violence against school children across the coun-

try with particular reference to the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State by the Boko Haram sect. According to her; “Quality education, no doubt is the panacea for the effective development of our children. It behoves our policy makers to guarantee a child friendly, quality, free and compulsory education for all children in the African continent.” The occasion was organised by the Nigerian Girl Guilds Association in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Af-

fairs and Social Development. Earlier in her speech, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Lady Maryjoy Umoke, said poverty is one of the major challenges of African children, which hinders them from competing favourably with other children of the world. Lady Umoke stressed further that ‘education is a tool of empowerment’ for children in Africa, enabling them to achieve maximum potential and enhancing their capacity to benefit from other entitlement that promote well-beings.

ernor to thread with caution while saying that; “By 2015, it would have been too late for the governor to realise that nobody ever wins his own people in a contest.” Urging the governor, who is also an Orlu man, to have a rethink, the forum reminded him that he was not the one that gave Eze Ilomuanya the Staff of Office or the Certificate of Recognition and that he cannot withdraw what he did not give.

capital city. For effect, the celebration was a blend of tradition, culture, arts and politics as no fewer than 20 Nigerian actors and actresses stormed Okochiri in Okrika Local Government for the event. Prominent among the Nollywood stars that graced the occasion, which was held at the Community Secondary School, Okochiri, included Chief Peter Edochie, Alex Osifo, Larry Cold Sweat, Zack Orji, among others. While the leading actors and actresses arrived at the venue in exotic cars, others came in a Toyota Hiace bus with the inscription, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN).

2015: Abia needs entrepreneur as governor, says Ibe Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

former university lecturer and business mogul, Dr. Gregory Ibe, has said that the best person to rule Abia State in 2015 is an entrepreneur. Ibe, the Chancellor/ Proprietor of Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State said this at a dinner with Abia journalists in Abuja. According to him, for Abia State to be where it ought to be, those that have excelled in business must be allowed to govern the state. The founder of Gregory Iyke Foundation, who is also aspiring to rule Abia in 2015, alleged that he was the highest employer of labour in Abia State, besides the government. Also speaking about his investment and commitment in the state, the former university teacher said the teaching hospital in Aba was his project and that he was still being owed N160 billion on the project. Ibe also said that he has N250 million scholarships running for indigenes of Abia State in the universities. He kicked against the

issue of zoning, saying that merit should be the focus of those interested in leading Abia and those whose duty would be to hand over power. Continuing, he said: “l am the highest investor after the government and I am definitely the highest employer of labour by the grace of God, aside the government. “The teaching hospital in Aba is my project and I am still being owed N160 billion on that project. It’s my own contribution to make sure that Abia is well. “I have done a lot of donation in the first term of our dear governor and he can attest to it. I have done a lot of equipment arrangement for Abia State University, where I have also taught openly. “When it comes to leadership, I believe in taking time. I have served the people of this country that have bestowed leadership on me and I think having stayed in leadership for some time, leading Abia would not be a bad thing and I have been prepared for this naturally and physically. I believe that by 2015, by the grace of God, I will be in the Abia Government House.”

10 NEW TELEGRAPH

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ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

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wednesday, JUNE 18, 2014

0802 393 8212

Prostitute stabs soldier to death VENGEANCE

A soldier loses his life for trying to cheat a sex worker Chris Ejim Yenagoa

commercial sex worker yesterday murdered a soldier attached to the Joint Military Task Force, codenamed Operation Pulo Shield, for refusing to pay after going to bed with her. The prostitute, referred to as ‘Bini Girl’, reportedly stabbed the soldier (name withheld) twice in the stomach. It was gathered that the incident, which occurred about 4am yesterday, caused pandemonium at the popular red light zone known as Hospital Junction on DSP Alamieyeseigha Way. Most of the men, who slept overnight with other prostitutes in their shanties, quickly dressed up and fled to avoid being detected by onlookers attracted by the incident. Sex workers, who spoke with our correspondent, claimed that the soldier’s intestines came out while the man bled profusely. It was gathered that the refusal by the soldier to pay after an all-night round of sex

led to an argument the following morning. The infuriated sex worker was said to have grabbed a knife and stabbed him in the stomach. A source, who identified himself as Chika, said that the killing caused panic in the area as the sex workers fled. He said: “The incident has created fear among the prostitutes and they have deserted the area. “We heard an argument coming from the prostitute’s room and the next thing we saw was the soldier struggling with

blood flowing from the wound in his stomach.” When contacted, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Hilary Opara, confirmed the incident and disclosed that the culprit had been arrested and facing investigation. He said: “But we are yet to receive report that the soldier died. The soldier is recuperating in the hospital.” However, when contacted on the incident, the media coordinator of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Lieutenant Colonel Mustapha Anka, said that he was in a meeting.

Chief of Army Staff, General Kenneth Minimah

FRSC, hospital offer drivers free medical treatment Camillus Nnaji

t least 30 commercial bus drivers benefited from free medical tests at the Owode Unit of the Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State. The exercise was sponsored by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC). Speaking on the exercise, the Assistant Corps Commander in charge of RS 2.23, Olundare Ogunjobi, said the programme was aimed at helping the drivers to know their health status. He said: “Many commercial bus drivers do not know their health conditions, yet they are sick and conveying passengers to and fro every day. Some of them have collapsed on steering and the cases reported to my office.

One of the drivers being attended to

“Recently, a driver started feeling dizzy and collapsed at AP Filling Station. When he was brought to us, we found out through medical examination that he has High Blood Pressure (HBP).” Ogunjobi added that the initiative came from FRSC Zone 2 in collaboration with Excel Medical Centre, Mowe, Ogun State.

“Today, we are at RETAN park and we will move over to Abeokuta. The medical team here will examine them and offer free medical advice, treatment and drugs on minor cases, other cases are referred to the hospitals. “This programme is designed to let all drivers and motorists inclusive understand that aside enforcement of traffic rules and punishment of offenders, FRSC also has their state of health condition in mind,” he added. One of the beneficiaries, who spoke on behalf of others, Mr. Ganiu Alimi, said the drivers loved the programme. In her own remarks, the Medical Team Leader from Excel Medical Centre, Mrs I. D. Alayo, said that the exercise was good not only for drivers but for everybody, including women and children. Alayo added that this was in line with one of the corporate social responsibilities of the hospital.

NSCDC arrests six for stealing cables Charles Onyekwere Abakaliki

fficers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested six suspects for allegedly vandalising electricity cables belonging to Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC). Parading the suspects at the command’s headquarters in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, the NSCDC state Commandant, Alhaji Popoola Waheed, said the suspects were arrested while vandalising EEDC installations in Amokpo-Nsokara community in Ezza-South Local Government Area. The suspects are identified as Fredrick Nkwuda, Nwali Oforbuike, Eze Festus, Emeka Ekuma, Nwachor Ezekiel Nwafor and Charles Omenka. Omenka is said to be the electrician cutting the wires. Waheed said the suspects would be arraigned immediately. He, however, warned that the corps would not tolerate the destruction of public infrastructure in any part of the state and urged criminal elements to desist from such acts. In an interview, two of the suspects, Festus and Nwafor claimed that the community mandated them to cut the cables. Some members of the community had earlier staged a peaceful protest to the command, claiming that the suspects were not vandals and demanded their release.

36-year-old man sells abducted baby for N300,000 Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

36-year-old auto electrician, Felix Owoicho, of No. 25, Bankole Street, Lagos State has been arraigned before a Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly abducting a baby girl and selling her for N300,000. According to the police prosecutor, the mother of the baby girl, Joy Owoicho, had on May 25 reported to the police that the accused came to her village at Ochobo in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State and hoodwinked her and took her and the baby away under the pretext that he would secure a job for her.

The complainant stated that in the process, the accused took her daughter, Eliana Michael, without her consent to an unknown destination and sold her for N300,000. She added that all efforts to trace the accused to recover her baby were fruitless. But during police investigation, it was discovered that the accused sold the child to an unidentified woman in the South-East. When the case came up for mention yesterday, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecutor, however, told the court that investigation was still in progress and asked for more time to complete it.

METRO

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Task force demolishes kidnappers’ houses

Groups condemn attack on Makoko residents

lAs police parade female forgers

The female suspects

Uwakwe Abugu Awka

he Anambra State Joint Security Task Force yesterday demolished two houses belonging to two notorious kidnappers and believed to be their hideouts. The houses were demolished in two locations in the state. The task force was set up by

Governor Willie Obiano to rid the state of kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminals. The Police Commissioner Usman Gwary, said that in one of the houses demolished at Ogidi near Onitsha, one of the kidnap suspects confessed that over N100 million was collected from their victims. Also yesterday, the State Anti-

Robbery Squad (SARS) paraded 17 suspects arrested for their involvement in various criminal activities in parts of the state. They included five young women who have been forging motorcycle particulars and number plates. The state Police Public Relations Officer,(PPRO), Emeka Chukwuemeka, said the women were arrested at Nnewi while carrying out the illegal act and denying the government of revenue. Meanwhile, one of the houses belonging to the kidnappers was demolished at Odida village, Ogidi, in Idemili North Local Government Area while the other one, a three-room and parlour apartment was brought down at Ire-Ojoto, Idemili South local Government. The task force had earlier in the course of its assignment demolished six houses operated by kidnappers who have been laying siege to the state for a while.

Boko Haram not fighting for Islam, says Cleric Olushola Ricketts

Appolonia Adeyemi

ondemnation has continued to trail the recent shooting of the residents of Makoko, an impoverished fishing community in Lagos. Two groups, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) and the Centre for Children’s Health Education, Orientation and Protection (CEE-HOPE), said in a joint statement that the shooting, allegedly on the orders of the Lagos State Government and a powerful police officer, was barbaric.

L-R: Mrs Lola Akin Akindeko, Mr Ladipo Sunday Olusola and Adewunmi at the event.

education because we have institutions there to bomb, not marketplaces, churches or the gatherings of people. “They are not doing what they preach and everybody should know by now that it is politically-motivated. But where it starts from, I do not know. Global Mission is out to cooperate with the government in all areas to move the country forward.” According to him, if it

was during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, the insurgency will not get this far. The cleric added that President Goodluck Jonathan has the power as the Commander-in-Chief but he was not doing much. He said: “To create problem is always very easy but solving it could be difficult. The problem of this country is a network or cobweb.”

Muritala Ayinla undreds of artisans under the aegis of Federal Motorcycle and Generator Mechanics Association of Nigeria (FEDMGMAN) yesterday marched on the office of Governor Babatunde Fashola in Ikeja, Lagos. The mechanics were protesting what they called “unjust onslaught” on them by the police. The group decried continuous seizure of motorcycles meant for repair in their workshops by the police, alleging that the police constantly extort money from their members under the guise of enforcing the Lagos Traffic Law 2012. The state government had on August 2, 2012 enacted the Lagos Road Traffic

Man in court for stealing N1m goods Bisola Tiamiyu

41-year-old man, Gbenga Oresanya, yesterday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos for allegedly stealing goods worth N1 million.

Oresanya was accused of stealing neck lace and bundles of cloths valued at N1 million. The charge sheet No: MIK/C/2014 reads: “That you, Gbenga Oresanya, on the 13th of June 2014 about 10:09 hours at No 23,

Mystic Fellowship Street, U-turn, Abule-Egba, Lagos and two others at large in Ikeja Magisterial District did steal gold chain and bundles of cloths valued N1,000,000 property of one Edobor Yanki ‘M’ of No 22, Ocean Street, Igando.

A portion of land at the Ori-Oke area of the community is said to be the bone of contention between a family and a church, alongside some of the residents. A police officer was said to have ordered policemen to forcefully evict the residents, despite a subsisting court case. The police reportedly invaded the area twice within one week. The first attempt was resisted by naked, protesting women while the latest met a strong resistance mounted by youths of the area.

Save us from police harassment, mechanics beg Fashola

he minister in-charge of St John’s Anglican Church, Iju-Ishaga, Lagos, Venerable Tope Adewunmi, has described the violent attacks by the terror group, Boko Haram, as politically-motivated Speaking during the just concluded three-day International Capacity Building and Strategies Workshop organised by Global Mission Chaplaincy Corps at Iju-Ishaga, Adewunmi said Boko Haram was a faceless group which had taught the country a great lesson. He said: “They call themselves Boko Haram, which means education is not righteous but the Quran says education is righteous. And they are not even fighting

Some children in Makoko

Some of the protesting mechanics

Law, which prohibits the operations of commercial motorcycles from major roads and bridges in the state. But the artisans alleged that the police had shifted their focus from erring motorcyclists to mount undue and illegal pressure on them with frequent arrests of their members and impounding motorcycles meant for repair in their workshops. They marched to the Lagos State House, Ikeja, with placards of various sizes, demanding justice and urging Fashola to call the police to order. They said they were lawabiding citizens who had the right to repair motorcycles. The protesters also appealed to the government to caution the police against

frequent arrest of their members and confiscation of motorcycles found in their workshops. President of FEDMGMAN, Ganiyu Imam, said in a letter addressed to Fashola entitled: “Save our soul,” that his members were not commercial motorcyclists and should not be seen and treated as criminals. The letter reads in part: “In recent times, following the ban of ‘okada’ in Lagos, members of Nigeria Police Force (Lagos Command) have been harassing, embarrassing and arresting our members and carting away Okada found in our workshops. “Sir, we understand that motorcycles are banned from plying some specific roads in Lagos but certain roads were exempted and Okada plying these roads go through wear and tear. Hence, they need to be serviced and repaired periodically. So, when these motorcycles are brought to our workshop for repair, men of the Lagos State Police Command indiscriminately enter our workshops, arrest our members and cart away these motorcycles.”

12 NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Jang's son sues Plateau House in bid to escape probe Musa Pam Jos

pecial Adviser on Special Duties to the Plateau State Governor, Mr. Yakubu Jang ( a son of the state governor), has sued the Speaker of the State House of Assembly and the other 23 members at the State High Court praying it to stop the House from investigating allegations of financial misappropriation against the state government. A group, "Plateau Patriotic Front", had petitioned the state House of Assembly alleging financial misconduct of over N20billion. A copy of the petition, obtained by New Telegraph, titled: "Allega-

tion of gross misconduct against Governor Jonah David Jang of Plateau State" contains allegations of extra- budgetary spending, misappropriation, inflated contract sum and unauthorised bank loans. The order of interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants (Speaker and House members) from giving effect to the petition which was received by the House on May 15, was also received by the court on June 11 through the plaintiff ’s counsel, Mr. Sunny-Gabriel Odey. The aspect of the allegation before the House which concerns the plaintiff, who is also the son of the Governor, is the part titled “Yakubu Jang Ille-

gally Operating An Account In Zenith Bank.” The paragraph reads, “Yakubu Jang is the one operating an account in Zenith Bank for the salaries of Civil Servants in the state. He does that with his crony, Pamson Dagyat who goes about amusing himself as Chief Statistician of Plateau State. This account takes about 70% of Federal allocations to the state monthly. He decides when salaries are to be paid. He makes his money when he chooses to punish government workers by simply withholding salaries to allow interests to accrue to him. This is illegal.” In the originating summons sent to the State High Court through his

93.1%

The number recorded deaths due to cancer The estimated percentage prevalence of and lung disease due to indoor air yearly Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in girls and worldwide. women (15-49 years) of Djibouti in 2006. Source: Unesco.org Source: Blatantworld.com

counsel, Yakubu Jang wants the court to make a declaration by virtue of Section 128 (1) of the 1999 Constiution of Nigeria (as amended) that the defendants cannot validly inquire into, deliberate or debate on matters relating to his conduct without a resolution of the House published in its journal or in the official gazette of the state government. Jang also urges the court to declare that the House of Assembly cannot entertain, hear, consider or debate a petition addressed, filed, and presented by a person who is not an elected member of the State House of Assembly. The plaintiff wants “A declaration that the petition dated 15th May, 2014

85%

The percentage of the total deaths of women and children due to cancer and lung disease worldwide each year. Source: Unesco.org

L-R: Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji; Deputy Governor, Sir Emeka Ananaba; Speaker, Udeh Okochukwu and Deputy Speaker, Allwell Okere, at the distribution of laptop computers and exercise books to government primary and secondary schools, in Umuahia…yesterday

Babatope Okeowo Akure

he face-off between lawyers in Ondo State and the Chief Judge, Justice Seinde Kumuyi, over the new bail conditions in the state worsened yesterday as ten lawyers who were enforcing court boycott were locked up on the orders of a chief magistrates’ court. The lawyers, including Olawale Dan, Bankole Alabi, Oju Kekemeke, Kayode Adewusi, Soji Adedeko, Israel Aluko, Muyiwa Familusi, had gone to court to enforce the court boycott pronounced by the NBA when the courtroom was locked against them. The lawyers since last week have been resuming at the courts and preventing the courts from attending to both official matters and litigants over the bail conditions announced by the Chief Judge.

10 lawyers locked up in Ondo court premises The major grouse of the lawyers is that the bail condition which stipulated that those standing sureties for accused persons must produce three years tax clearance is unknown to law. As early as 8am, the lawyers usually massed at the gates of the court telling lawyers and litigants to go back home as the court would not attend to them. Yesterday, the lawyers, led by chairman of the Akure branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lawrence Kayode Dare; Secretary, Mr Kayode Olorunfemi; Mr Wale Omotoso, Tunde Olofinsawo, Adedefe Oni, Chief Dapo Agbede and

other senior members of the association prevented all the courtrooms from attending to litigants. However, they heard that the magistrates’ court sitting in Olukayode House along Oluwatuyi street in Akure, the state capital, was sitting. This prompted the lawyers to mobilise to the premises. Narrating their ordeal, one of the lawyers, Soji Adedeko, said they were in the court premises to tell their colleagues about the NBA decision but discovered that one of the officials had padlocked the entrance of the court. He said one of the vehicles they took to the premises was marked as exhibit and was to be taken away

until other lawyers mobilised to the court and forcibly took the car away. Adedeko said the official who claimed to be an environmental official locked them inside the court and went away with the key. According to him, it was when one of the officials of the court wanted to leave the premises that the key was opened and they took the opportunity to remove the key and escape from custody. This development came as all the branches of NBA in the state set up a task force to enforce the court boycott until the chief judge of the state rescinds his decision on the new bail conditions.

addressed to the Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, by the Plateau Patriotic Front, was not, cannot, and could not have been validly and properly presented to the Plateau State House of Assembly as to warrant it being considered, regarded or countenanced in any way or manner by the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and/or the members of the Plateau State House of Assembly, the said petition having been originated by an unknown person, or persons with no ascertainable address and further not having been signed or presented by any elected member of the Plateau State House of Assembly.” Also being sought by

the plaintiff is an order restraining the Speaker and members of the House from in any way whatsoever, hearing, debating or countenancing the petition addressed to them by the said group. Yakubu Jang is also seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, “whether by themselves, their members, their agents, privies or assigns or any other person acting through them or however from giving effect to or acting on or upon any petition except in compliance with the Rules of the Plateau State House Assembly, 2008 (as amended) and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

African Child Day: Stakeholders seek child-friendly policies

Temitope Sobowale

s children across Africa mark the 2014 African Child Day, the founder of Children and the Environment (CATE), Sola Alamutu, has called for feasible child-friendly policies for children across the continent, saying that the perceived discrimination of colour between blacks and white can only be eliminated through education. Speaking yesterday in Lagos at the occasion of the celebration, Alamutu said education brought more hope for the African child as it would enable them to compete with kids from other part of the world. The 2014 celebration, which has the theme ‘Greening the African Child through Art Edu-

cation’, was witnessed by students of different schools, including Yaba College of Technology Secondary School, Epetedo Senior High School, the LAWMA Kids Kleen Club, among others. Recounting her experience, Alamutu said she had her first event of the ‘African Child’ about 15 years ago, adding that this has made her to love children, nature and the environment. She added that June 16 meant a lot to Africans, especially South African children. “The students in South African marched out in their numbers on the 16th of June 1976 to pour out there mind to the government, because of the discrimination among the whites and the blacks, not letting the blacks to their freedom."

Council staff protest salary deductions Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

ell was let loose in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State yesterday as hundreds of staff of the council went on the rampage in protest against illegal deductions of about 85 percent from their May salary by chairman of the council, Mr. Teryima Nguher. The deductions came on the heels of Governor Gabriel Suswam's warning that council chairmen in the state should stop illegal deduction of workers’ salaries. New Telegraph investigation revealed that rather than explain the deductions to the aggrieved staff, the chairman brought in thugs to beat up the workers.

Some of the council workers who spoke to New Telegraph but pleaded anonynity, accused both the chairman of the council and his Director General, Services and Administration (DGSA), Mr. Joseph Atsuku, of connivance. "We were shocked that last week, we started receiving alerts in our phones showing sharp deduction of our salaries, over 80 percent without any explanation. Does it mean that we in the local government do not have a right to know about what belongs to us? We are calling on the Adviser for Local Government to intervene in the matter without delay by directing the chairman to pay our complete salaries," they stated.

LEE: AMERICAN CONGRESSWOMAN WITH NIGERIA ON HER MIND / PAGE 43 | TINUBU: RENDERING STEWARDSHIP THREE YEARS AFTER / PAGE 16

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AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, POLITICS

APC CONVENTION: CAN OYEGUN SET FORTH AT DAWN?

ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

ayodeleojo@yahoo.com

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2014

ď&#x20AC;´p-17

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Season of apprehension, suspicion The National Conference has barely four weeks left with so much work left undone. However, a move to speed up the process of considering committee reports is generating protests and suspicion. In this piece, ONWUKA NZESHI captures the current mood at the conference.

s the ongoing National Conference enters its home stretch journey, it is gradually dawning on delegates that the talks would soon be over and every issue not resolved now would have to wait till probably, another round of talks in the future. Every delegate, every state, every ethnic or religious group and every regional block came to the conference with a specific agenda it wanted to promote. Each group came convinced it had a good case that must be addressed by the gathering. They knew they had 90 days to jaw jaw but not many expected the days to roll by so quickly. When they first realised that time was not going to wait for them, they asked for extra six weeks but the authorities granted them an extension of three weeks only. Now they have barely 24 four days to go and an atmosphere of apathy, apprehension and suspicion seems to have taken over the conference. Apathy There is a general feeling of apathy among delegates because after their committee assignments they are back to plenary to consider word for word what the 20 committees did, their observations and their recommendations. It is a tedious exercise that begins with the full presentation of voluminous reports and an elongated debate featuring at least a hundred delegates rising to criticise or endorse aspects of a committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s report. This is usually followed by a litany of proposals which delegates want included in the reports. It is drab and boring. Many delegates have chosen to abstain from the sessions and even those that attend sittings are more often shuttling between their seats and the coffee corner behind the hall. Resolutions So far, there are really no landmark decisions coming out of the conference. Apparently, this is due to the nature of issues in the reports already considered. Some of those decisions that might bring some changes in the

Kutigi

Briggs

polity in the long run include: a proposal from the Committee on Citizenship and Immigration seeking to encourage state governments in northern parts of the country to set up ranches for the use of nomadic Fulani herdsmen and their cattle. The idea is to discourage indiscriminate movement of the cattle in search of pastures and stem the tide of violent clashes between nomads and farmers. The conference has resolved to include religion, tribe and language in the enumeration data during the conduct of a national population census. Also adopted was the proposal that the indigenous language of every group be taught to children in the first three years of primary education to enhance assimilation and integration of people

wherever they choose to reside in Nigeria. The conference also resolved that every Nigerian citizen living in any part of the country shall enjoy all rights and privileges in their place of residence. The suggested that Section 35 of the Constitution should be amended to enable the Nigerian woman enjoy the rights accruing to all Nigerians either at her place of birth or at the husbands place. On the environment, the conference simply resolved to task the Federal Government on the need to implement the report of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) on Ogoniland. The conference noted that long after the report was released, the people of Ogoniland were still living in an environment devastated by oil spill

CROSSFIRE

Let them demostrate their madness and we shall all see the result. What they are trying to do is outside the law. Those people in E-Eleven are antiEkiti development and they are apologists of APC -Makanjuola Ogundipe

I am not a member of the E-Eleven and the APC as a party does not recorgnise or organise groups within the party. There is no way the E-Eleven can be labelled an arm of the APC - Jide Awe

following years of oil exploration and neglect of the environment. It was resolved that the Ecological Fund be moved from the Presidency to the Federal Ministry of Environment. The conference said that the Fund should not only be domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Environment but its disbursement should be tied to specific and identifiable projects. The bid by some delegates to expunge the Land Use Act from the constitution and push land matters to the Concurrent Legislative List has not succeeded yet and the matter has been kept in the cooler for now. However, in the course of considering the report of the Committee on Public Finance and Revenue, the conference endorsed a gradual phase out of the fuel subsidy scheme and gave a three-year moratorium for the government to put all necessary conditions in place. Perhaps the toughest decision so far is the resolution that the immunity clause shielding public office holders in the executive arm of government from prosecution while in office should be scrapped from the 1999 Constitution. The implication of this resolution is that the president and governors of the 36 states of the federation would face charges in court for both civil and criminal issues whenever they arise. CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

14 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

ECHOES FROM POLITICAL STAKEHOLDERS’ SUMMIT

Jega to politicians: Rampant change of political parties must end Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, in a keynote address titled, “Interparty collaboration, national stability and democratic consolidation in Nigeria” gave an insight into the challenges and prospects of collaboration and cooperation among the political parties at the All Nigeria Political Parties and Political Stakeholders’ Summit held on June 12 Political parties: the heart of democratic development Many of the new democracies that emerged from authoritarian rule in the 1990s, such as Nigeria, have now moved into what is generally regarded as the consolidation phase in their democratic development. The entry point to this phase of democratic development may be fixed as the first post-transition election and particularly, the first civilian-tocivilian change of power. Indeed, existing studies of democratisation in what Huntington has called the “third wave” identify three phases of development of democracy namely, the liberalisation phase, when the erstwhile authoritarian regime cedes power, the transition phase, which culminates in the holding of competitive elections and the consolidation phase, when democratic practices, particularly regular elections, become firmly rooted. Political parties are the heart of democratic development at each of these phases. The major role of political parties is system maintenance. Although they are competitive, their major role is to ensure stability and equilibrium in the system. This they do by aggregating interests, political socialisation, political education, and political recruitment, as well as constituting government. All these support system maintenance and national stability. The implication of this is that in some countries at some points, political parties play this role well, while in some other countries and at other times parties may be profoundly dysfunctional. Over the years in Nigeria, political parties have at some times in the history of democratic development been considered to play effective system maintenance role, while at other times they have been widely considered to be dysfunctional. For instance, in the First Republic, political parties were widely held responsible for the instability that engulfed the country and finally led to the demise of the democratic system. All the parties and their affiliate organisations were accordingly banned from operating. Early observers of Nigerian political parties, such as Prof. Richard Sklar, focused attention on the internal organisation and social basis. Increasingly, however, attention shifted to their contributions to Nigeria’s political development, particularly their role in the spate of instability experienced in the post-independence period. In fact, political parties were largely blamed for the demise of the First Republic, because of their purveyance of regional/ethnic politics and the entrenchment of regional party leaders, who acted at cross-purposes with each other. It is not surprising that as soon as the military took over power in 1966, all political parties and affiliate organisations were banned. However, it should be noted that the military seemed also concerned about having strong political competition and opposition, which political parties would have mounted, if they

were allowed to exist. In more recent times, observers have continued to interrogate the role of Nigerian political parties in democratic consolidation. The Uwais Committee (Election Reform Committee) had this to say about political parties in 2008: “One of the most crucial and yet least developed democratic institutions in the country is the political party system. There are currently 50 registered political parties in the country, most of which are an assemblage of people who share the same level of determination to use the party platform to get to power. As such, it is usually difficult to identify any party programmes or ideologies. The structure of the political parties is such that internal democracy is virtually absent. The political parties are weak and unable to effectively carry out political mobilisation, political education and discipline (Uwais et al 2008, p. 4). I think that the repeated negative experience of Nigerian political parties as stabilising agents of democracy has been partly due to their inability to create common grounds and partner each other and other stakeholders for the growth and consolidation of democracy. I believe that through inter-party collaboration it is possible to get all political parties to function effectively as system maintenance agencies and thereby ensure national stability and democratic consolidation. This is particularly important for us here in Nigeria where democratic institutions are yet to mature. Inter-party collaboration and system stability Excessive, immoderate and cutthroat competition among political parties is very dysfunctional. When political parties and candidates have a high propensity to invest in winning political power at all cost, the level of instability in the system rises tremendously. Inter-party collaboration provides that mediating and moderating function necessary for stability. This collaboration can span the

Excessive, immoderate and cutthroat competition among political parties is very dysfunctional. When political parties and candidates have a high propensity to invest in winning political power at all cost, the level of instability in the system rises tremendously

Jega

entire gamut of functions of a political party. First, in interest aggregation, a political party aggregates interests from within by listening to various groups, and uses the information to create policy alternatives and then build support for such policies. A political party also aggregates the interests of the electorate as a basis for mobilising support for these policies. Inter-party collaboration ensures that these processes of interest aggregation and mobilisation are conducted in a civic manner, in which disagreements are essentially policy based, rather than couched in entrenched group cleavages such as ethnicity, religion and wealth. Secondly, inter-party collaboration ensures that in political education, parties educate their members and the electorate on their role as citizens in the electoral process and their rights and obligations to participate in democratic activities in a responsible manner. They also enlighten their members and the citizens on their responsibilities to constructively engage the government and its officials. Thirdly, in political recruitment interparty collaboration could provide a framework for educating prospective political leaders, nurturing them into moderate leaders that uphold the highest standards of democratic governance. Finally, political parties as agents of political socialisation could be a veritable force for socialising the wider populace into political roles based on democratic culture. Inter-party collaboration could provide a platform for defining the character of political socialisation. In essence therefore, inter-party collaboration is a veritable instrument available to political parties in creating conditions that support both democratic consolidation and national stability. Where democracy remains unconsolidated and fledgling, national stability is threatened. To be sure, the characteristics of a consolidated democracy are by all means a contested terrain. Even in more established democracies, there are

still arguments regarding the extent to which they conform to or deviate from what may be seen as an ideal democratic system. This gap is assumed to measure the rootedness of such a democracy. Some observers prefer to focus on the attributes of a consolidated democracy, which include the length of existence of democratic structures, resilience in the face of destabilising forces, regular holding of free and non-violent elections, etc. There is no doubt that in whatever way we choose to look at democratic consolidation and national stability, inter-party collaboration is a very powerful tool for their promotion. Inter-Party Collaboration: the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) The principal framework for interparty collaboration in Nigeria today is the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC). The idea of IPAC was first developed in Ghana in the early 1990s. The Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) of Ghana is a loose, non-statutory and voluntary body comprising the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana and all political parties. It was established as a forum for representatives of political parties and officials of the Electoral Commission of Ghana to come together and discuss challenges to the electoral process and how they can collectively contribute to overcoming those challenges and thereby enhancing transparency and credibility in the electoral process. Prior to the establishment of the IPAC, especially after the 1992 general election, the EC was seriously criticized by opposition parties for the way it handled the elections which raised suspicion. So, the EC came up with the idea of IPAC to improve communication with political parties to remove suspicion and build trust. Although the IPAC in Ghana has had to contend with a number of challenges since its inception, it has over the years, been able to surmount most of these CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

POLITICS 15

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

ECHOES FROM POLITICAL STAKEHOLDERS’ SUMMIT President Goodluck Jonathan, in his remarks at the All Political Parties and Political Stakeholders’ Summit held in Abuja on June 12, cautioned the political class on the existence of anti-democratic forces in the polity. He also spoke on the concept of interparty relations

We won’t allow anti-democratic forces to prevail, says Jonathan

of Nigeria (NPN) and the Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP) made it possible for the NPP, which did not have a majority in the House, to produce the Speaker of the House of Representatives. At the commencement of the 4Fourth Republic, on invitation by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), members of opposition parties were appointed Ministers, Special Advisers to the President and into other positions in government. Indeed, the first Special Adviser to the President on Inter-Party Affairs, the late Senator Mahmud Waziri, was the founding National Chairman of the then opposition All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP).

bout 15 years ago, our nation found itself at the crossroads of political determination, its stability and progress threatened, and pushed to the limit. Fear, uncertainty and a near total loss of hope took over the minds of our people. It appeared we were close to losing our way in the struggle of building a united, prosperous and democratic nation. At that time, it was the political class that rose to the challenge of rescuing the nation and steering it back, onto the path of state building and productive enterprise. This courageous struggle for our democracy was fought across ethnic and religious divides, by politicians and statesmen, who put everything at stake, including their lives, to bring back hope to Nigerians and to the Nigerian State. Nigerians will still recollect the courageous struggle waged by various political associations and pressure groups notably - the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), the Eastern Mandate Union (EMU), the Afenifere, and the G-34, among others. Though different in style and ideological inclinations, these political associations advocated and converged on one central objective: relaunching the country on the path of true democracy and the preservation of its corporate existence. This they did, irrespective of tribal, ethnic, ideological and political differences. In the process, quite a number of these gallant men and women paid the ultimate price in restoring the nation to a democratic path. This marked the birth of the Fourth Republic. Thus, on May 29 1999, we not only celebrated our newly won democracy, but also the labours and struggles of these heroes, living and dead, in the struggle for the restoration of our democracy. We also celebrated the rebirth of a nation and the renewal of our collective commitment, towards a stable and selfsustaining statehood. New phase in electoral process In the past 15 years of the Nigerian Fourth Republic, several milestones have been recorded, in our political development. Our electoral processes have been transformed, strengthened and subjected to guiding principles of universal electoral standards. With greater election credibility, our democratic image has been enhanced and the culture of separation of powers and respect for the rule of law, deepened. Perhaps unsung, is the fact that Nigeria has operated and maintained, one of the most robust, effective and decisive electoral justice systems anywhere in the world. Procedures and provisions for seeking judicial redress have always been fully utilized by politicians and political parties before, during and after elections. Till date, every court or elections’ tribunal decision, has been respected and obeyed to the letter, by all parties, whether in or out of government. With the growth of our institutions, and the rightful positioning of our ombudsman as proper interface in public governance and service delivery, political parties and party politics have become entrenched as the anchor and basis of democracy in Nigeria.

Jonathan

The media, as the Fourth Estate, has also continued to play its role unhindered, as the watchdog. It is not in doubt that Nigeria has one of the freest media in the whole world, operating within fundamental freedoms and rights, unrestricted by the State. Lately this freedom of expression has also been robustly and exuberantly embraced by the social media. Today, freedom of association, assembly and expression, within constitutional provisions, is largely taken for granted. Anti-democratic forces in the polity Our democracy has witnessed unbroken political transitions and successful successions of government from 1999 to the present date. However, Nigeria’s social stability and democratic consolidation will be greatly undermined, if by a complacent and indifferent attitude by critical national political stakeholders, it is wrongly presumed that the nation’s democratic system has become invincible and can therefore be taken for granted without constant and careful monitoring. There are still very remorseless antidemocratic forces operating in the political system, ever ready to exploit lapses in the management of the political and electoral processes. Some of these forces may, indeed, view the forthcoming elections as their last stand to truncate the nation’s hard won democratic liberty. But, dear compatriots, with respect to the 2015 elections in particular, and our journey as a Nation in general, we must never allow these negative forces to prevail. Concept of inter-party relations The onset of the Fourth Republic, under the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, brought the institutionalization of inter party mechanisms, domiciled in the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Inter-Party Affairs. The concept of inter-party relations and collaboration presupposes that even though political parties may differ in ideologies, processes and structures of governance, they must remain united in the common objective of preserving and consolidating the nation’s unity and its democratic foundation. Political party affiliates must, thus, relate with one another and conduct them-

There are still very remorseless antidemocratic forces operating in the political system, ever ready to exploit lapses in the management of the political and electoral processes. Some of these forces may, indeed, view the forthcoming elections as their last stand to truncate the nation’s hard won democratic liberty selves with responsibility and statesmanship focused on positive inputs into governance, whether they be in power at present, or not. Inter-Party relations and collaboration make it incumbent on the party in power, at any level or section, to govern in recognition of the beneficial voices and views of opposition parties. And vice-versa for the parties out of government, to proffer issue-based engagement, geared towards improved performance in governance, and service delivery to the people. This is only possible through a rancour free relationship among political parties, in their conduct, acts and utterances. Nigeria’s political history since independence is replete with examples of viable collaborations among political parties, in and out of government. In the First Republic, the ruling Northern Peoples’ Congress (NPC) had an alliance with the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC), which allowed the leader of the latter, the late Right Honourable Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, to become the President of Nigeria. In the Second Republic, a unique alliance between the ruling National Party

Inter-party collaboration In furtherance of its role, the InterParty office has continued to promote cordial and positive relationship among all political parties, which culminated in the establishment of an Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), a structure recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Consequently in 2011, all political parties agreed and committed to a Code of Conduct for political behaviour. Article 7 of the Code states that: “No political party or candidate shall during campaign, resort to the use of inflammatory language, provocative actions, images or manifestation that incite violence, hatred, contempt or intimidation against another party or candidate or any person or group of persons on grounds of ethnicity or gender or for any other reason. Accordingly, no political party or candidate shall issue any poster, pamphlet, leaflet or other publication that contains any such incitement.” Utterances of political class creating tension However, dear compatriots, the current national political outlook with regard to inter-party collaboration is less than salutary. Indeed, the conduct and utterances of leading politicians at home and abroad are rapidly creating and spreading unnecessary tension in the country. Unguarded utterances on their part, fester the embers of discord, bitterness and rancour. Such unfortunate developments play into the hands of extremist elements, waging a vicious campaign of terror against the Nigerian State. The recent mindless bombings and killing of innocent Nigerians in Nyanya in the Federal Capital Territory, Jos in Plateau State, the killing in Adamawa State including that of the traditional ruler as well as the heartless and criminal abduction of over 200 schoolgirls from a secondary school in Chibok, Borno state are better addressed by a political class which is united in its commitment to defend the polity irrespective of political differences. We must never politicise the fundamental and core imperative of defending the State. To do so can only embolden the terrorists and other enemies of our Republic who will seek to exploit any perceived political and social divisions for their nefarious ends. We must never give them such opportunity. Our political parties must remain positive and constructive engagement as we seek to build a virile, strong and stable nation that can compete with other states in the world. Reflection for politicians This Summit today by all political parties in Nigeria therefore offers the opportunity for political parties and, indeed, CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

16 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Tinubu: Rendering stewardship three years after For Senator Oluremi Tinubu representing Lagos Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), it was time to lay bare her scorecard to her constituents three years after getting the mandate. WALE ELEGBEDE reports

hen Senator Oluremi Tinubu decided to contest the Lagos Central senatorial election in 2011, not a few dissenting voices were opposed to her aspiration. While some played down her aspiration on gender grounds, querying her political pedigree and relevance, others casually roped her ambition on the personality of her husband and former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, arguing that she only intends to ride on the back of his influence in the state. While serving as the First Lady of Lagos State for eight years when her husband was the state governor, she established the New Era Foundation, a programme dedicated to establishing centres for all-round development of young ones and promote public awareness on environmental health and community service, which has now become a model for states across the nation. Though her overwhelming victory at the election was contested by the Labour Party (LP), the National Assembly/Legislative House Election Petition Tribunal dismissed the two separate petitions filed by the party and its candidate for being incompetent, thereby upholding her election. Three years down the line, the outstanding track record and performance of the lawmaker, both within the confines of the National Assembly and her senatorial district seems to be winning sceptics, who had earlier doubted her credentials, to her side, just as some are already singing continuity song for the former Lagos State First Lady. At a media parley held recently at her constituency office in Lagos, Mrs. Tinubu gave a detailed account of her stewardship in the upper chamber in the past three years, just as she used the occasion to delve into some salient national issues. Recounting her input in the Senate through a report, titled: “Making a mark: Three years of people-focused representation,” Tinubu said she sponsored three bills and co-sponsored two motions affecting her constituency. She said the bills she has sponsored so far include the National Social Security Agency Bill, 2011; a Bill for an Act to Amend the Labour Act, 2004, and for other matters; and the Lagos State Special Economic Assistance Bill, 2013, which has passed through the first reading. The two motions she co-sponsored are the “Motion on Flood Disaster in Lagos” and the motion on the urgent need to investigate the imminent collapse of the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos. Lamenting the crawling nature of the bills, the lawmaker berated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the upper chamber, saying that they are playing politics with bills originating from the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senators. According to her, “Activities in the Senate has been very depressing such that there are a lot of things that I expect should be on the front-burner but I see them manipulating the lives of

Mrs Tinubu

Nigerians, it is sad. “To me, it’s not a place I really feel I want to go back to except the APC becomes a majority. But if it’s a PDP government, I don’t think it’s an environment I want to be. I have had my feel already,” she said during the interactive session. Reeling out some of the projects in her constituency captured in the budget, she pointed out the on-going construction of a N222.3 million Drug Rehabilitation and Counselling Centre at Gedegede, Eti-Osa; the construction of N223 million ultra-modern market in Oke-Ira, Eti-Osa and a N220 million model primary school at Takwa Bay in Iru/Victoria Island Council are products of her efforts to secure them in the budgets from 2012 to 2014. Giving an overview of her input in the committees she serves, Senator Tinubu said as a member of the Senate Committee on Education, she was able to secure intervention funds through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) for tertiary institutions in Lagos State. She listed the intervention funds as follows: N160 million for the construction of a 1,200-seater auditorium at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Ijanikin; N109 million intervention for Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED), Noforija, Epe; and N108 million for the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo. Also, through her effort in the Senate Committee on Education, additional resources were secured to rehabilitate

Activities in the Senate has been very depressing such that there are a lot of things that I expect should be on the frontburner, but I see them manipulating the lives of Nigerians

some schools and provide three classroom blocks with toilet facilities. These are Jibowu Junior High School, Yaba (N21 million); Banjo Primary School, Otumara–Ilogbo, Ebutte–Metta (N20 million); Christ Cathedral Church Primary School, CMS, Lagos Island (15 million); Teslim Elias Primary School, Oja–Oba, Lagos Island (N15 million); Ansar-ud-deen Primary School, Okepopo, Lagos Island (N15 million); and Ire Akari Primary School in Orile, Apapa Iganmu (N15 million). She said: “Through the Universal Service Provision Fund, Aje Comprehensive High School in Yaba was supplied with 100 computers, one server, two laptops and 110 charging points. In 2014, projects worth N61.5 million were proposed. Projects expected under the 2014 federal budget are the provision of three classroom blocks with VIP toilets and the supply of five sets of computers, UPS and printers to Iponri Primary School, Iponri; St. Clementina Primary School, Mosalasi Bus Stop, Surulere; State Nursery/Primary School, Arakan Barracks, Apapa; and Union Baptist Primary School, Oja–Oba, Isale Eko.” On the ‘Lagos Constituency Development and Empowerment Initiative’ funded from her purse, Mrs. Tinubu said that since the Post-Secondary School Scholarship Scheme (PSSS) was launched, 26 beneficiaries of fouryear scholarships receive a N100,000 annually to support their education, adding that selection was made from 650 candidates with the remaining 624 applicants given a one-off N10,000 each to buy books. “We launched the Petty Traders Empowerment Capital Scheme (PETECS) and 650 beneficiaries were given N20,000 each to enhance their trades or businesses. The sponsorship of Senator Muniru Muse Under–12 boys and Under–15 girls was in continuation of

a tournament introduced by my predecessor. We have hosted and sponsored three tournaments since I assumed office as a senator.” As one of the advocates of social welfare scheme, especially for the elderly and women, she said: “Since the Elderly Citizens’ Assistance Scheme (ECAS) was launched, it has been a yearly event. This was inspired by the Elderly Citizens’ Assistance Bill I initiated. A total of 1,300 beneficiaries drawn from the 13 LGAs/LCDAs in Lagos Central Senatorial District receive N10, 000 each with various gift items. In the 2013 edition, we introduced free health screening.” Stating her intervention on youth empowerment in Lagos Central Senatorial District, she said: “The Youth Empowerment and Skills Acquisition Scheme (YESAS) was initiated, under which 164 youths were trained in various vocational skills by experienced instructors (during three days and five days training programmes). A start-up kit worth N10,000 was given to each of them and N40, 000 was also given to them in two instalments. “Also, free GCE forms were distributed to 220 candidates during our Seventh Town Hall meeting on June 14, 2013, to enable them make up their results and fulfil their dreams of going to tertiary institutions.” With her deep knowledge as an educationist and by virtue of her experience as a former First Lady, Tinubu decided to first, change the name of area boys and girls within her constituency to good boys and good girls, and thereafter made moves to turn them around and make them useful to themselves and the society at large. “Under the Good Boys and Good Girls Empowerment Scheme (GBGES), N100,000 start–up capital was provided for 80 beneficiaries drawn from various parts of the state. This programme was introduced to give a second chance to unemployed and idle youths. Due to more pressure from those from my senatorial district, another set of 11 beneficiaries were added to the list.” Some of the notable leaders of the APC in the district present at the media parley were Lagos Central APC leader Prince Oluyole Olusi; former Minister of State for Defence, Chief Demola Seriki; Lagos APC Secretary, Eshinlokun Sanni; a former Finance Commissioner in the state, Wale Edun; Alhaji Mutiu Are and Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairman, Jide Jimoh who served as the compere at the event. In his closing remarks, Prince Olusi commended the gallant, impactful effort of the lawmaker, saying that the Lagos Central district has never had such heroic representation in the National Assembly. Responding to the comment by Mrs. Tinubu that she may not return to the Senate if the composition of the leadership in the upper house is still what it is now, the APC leader said the burden of representing the district is beyond the personal decision of the senator, stressing that few lawmakers could build lives, assist families and uphold dreams from their personal resources like the former First Lady is doing. He added that the leadership of the APC has already given her the ticket for a second term, noting that they were only biding time before making it known to her and the public. No doubt, the positive impact and influence of Senator Tinubu in Lagos Central district has dwarfed those who simply labelled her a political ‘greenhorn’ three years ago. Her focus to continue at meeting the yearnings and aspirations of her people through valuable contributions on the floor of the Senate and creation of support mechanisms through people-oriented activities at the homefront, has clearly endeared her to her constituents.

POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

After much acrimony, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has elected its new national leadership. Will the new leadership chart a new course for the party? YEKEEN NURUDEEN and JOHNCHUKS ONUANYIM, who covered the party’s national convention, ask

APC Convention: Can Oyegun set forth at dawn?

he expectation of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as they gathered at the Eagle Square in Abuja on Friday night to elect their national officers at its maiden National Convention was to take over the political terrain in the country as the ruling political party and restore internal democracy to the nation’s political culture. This aspiration led to the election of the former governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun as the National Chairman of the party on a consensus agreement. But political pundits are already expressing fears if the consensus that Oyegun’s emergence will give him the impetus to change the political tide. Oyegun is a consensus of the leaders of the APC and not the consensus of the candidates for the national chairmanship position of the party. Among the four candidates who indicated interest to lead the party, it was only Dr. Sam Sam Jaja who accepted the consensus of Oyegun. The other two, former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi, did not. Evidently, any consensus foisted on the aspirants for a political position by the leaders of the party would not stand the test of time as it is bound to tear the party apart. This also might play out in the APC just concluded convention as it might provide another harvest for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or any other political party. Ikimi and Sylva who were formerly of PDP before they joined APC might also find themselves back to their roots as it is the characteristics of politicians in this clime. The general belief in the country is that politicians don’t leave a political party on the ground of ideology, but on the grounds of losing election or ticket of the party for political position. To buttress that he was not happy over the consensus arrangement of the party, Ikimi absented himself from convention. Ikimi was not the only person, the former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba and his supporters were also absent from the convention ground because of the outcome of the Ogun APC congresses. Beyond the national chairmanship position, there was also controversies on the consensus candidate who as the National Secretary, Mai Mala Buni. Another contender for the position, Kashim Imam was allegedly unhappy with the consensus. It took the former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to come upstage to announce the withdrawal of Imam. Imam, a former PDP member was President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Special Adviser on National Assembly and two-time PDP governorship candidate in Borno State. Also elected were former governor of Ekiti State, who recently defected from the PDP, Mr. Segun Oni and former National Secretary of the defunct ACN, Alhaji Lawal Shuaibu as Deputy National Chairman (South) and the Deputy National chairman

L-R: Former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu; former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari; Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Wamakko; newly elected National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, at the party’s national convention in Abuja…

(North) respectively. Candidates of all other elective positions of the party were also returned unopposed. There was no doubt that the problem in APC was made manifest at the convention as some state delegates were denied accreditations. One of the delegates from Abia State, who identified himself as Uche Emeka, accused former Governor of Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige, Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha; former National Chairman of All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, and National ViceChairman of the party for the SouthEast, Dr. Anyim Nyerere, as being responsible for their plight. After a brawl at Abia stand in Eagle Square, the venue of the convention, he said: “We were reliably informed that Ngige and Okorocha have instructed that our chairman, who is Fabian Okonkwo, and the rest of us from Abia State should not be accredited. “We have been calling to inquire and we also have it on good authority that they are directly responsible for this. Our state chairman has been making calls to find out what is wrong, but no answer has been provided.” Also an agrieved delegate from Ebonyi State, who identified himself as Christian Ali said: “There are two factions of APC in Ebonyi. One is led by Chief Ogbonnaya Onu while the other is led by Senator Julius Ucha. “We conducted the state congresses and elected Ben Nwobasi, who belongs to Ucha’s camp as chairman. Accreditation tags have not been handed over to us because the trio of Ngige, Onu and Okorocha directed that the congress in Ebonyi be reconducted.” These are cases staring Oyegun in the face and capable of undermining the aspirations of APC becoming the real alternative that Nigerians yearn for.

If we fail in our task due to disunity and acrimony, it is not only ourselves we would have let down. We would have betrayed the hopes and aspirations of long-suffering Nigerians... Nigerian people are far more important than our individual or group interests, ambitions or grievances This aspiration of APC, which started last year when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) registered the group as a political party after many months of horse trading of three major opposition political parties; Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP) might be in danger. To meet up with these expectations of Nigerians, the proponents of APC decided to expand the political party landscape by wooing many other influential politicians into its fold. This led to the defection of five PDP governors to the opposition party. The governors, whose grievances against PDP was lack of internal democracy and bad party administration, are: Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Ahmed Abdulfatah (Kwara) and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers). Also the governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha also joined against the wishes of his party, All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

Not quite long, APC made more political harvest, as Atiku Abubakar and some members of the National Assembly from PDP decided also to join the fold. This political harvest raised the radius of APC as a strong opposition political party ready to unseat the ruling PDP. Former Head of State and a national leader of the party, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, at the convention ground gave the reason for the formation of APC as a political party, stating that the party came to being when opposition political parties realised that none of them could singlehandedly dethrone PDP as a ruling party. It is also important to note that while APC was trying to strengthen and extend its political tentacles, it sustained some casualties as some of its founding members defected to PDP. Such members include former governors of Sokoto and Kano states, Attahiru Bafarawa and Ibrahim Shekarau respectively. Also on the list was the governorship candidate of ACN in Kwara State in 2011, Dele Belgore (SAN). While all these where going on, the leadership of the party put in place an interim national executive for the party. However some eyebrows were raised against the leadership of the interim executives, it was given a timeframe to put in place a democratically elected structures for the party. The timeframe was not met as intrigues continued to play up in the party until last Saturday when Oyegun was elected as the national chairman. This came after the party had conducted its state congresses for the states leadership of the party. The congresses were alleged to have been CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

MORE STORIES ON PAGES 40-44

ARTS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2014

LITERATURE

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“Without literature, life is hell.” ― Charles Bukowski

TONY OKUYEME

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

Patriarchs, generals of God in Adelegan’s chronicle Title: Nigeria’s Leading Lights Of The Gospel (Revolutionaries in Worldwide Christianity) Author: Femi Adelegan Pages: 533 Reviewer: Bamidele Salam

he book, Nigeria’s Leading Lights of the Gospel, written by a veteran journalist, public administrator and church leader, makes a diligent study to unearth the mysterious persistence of God’s calling, the often stubborn resistance of the called, the eventual surrender and the justification of the calling. In a format reminiscent of the book of Acts of the Apostles in the bible and Roberts Liardon’s best seller “Gods Generals”, the author takes us through biographical account of how the divine potter transforms ordinary clay into substance of eternal value in His display of power in glory. It tells stories of how men and women obtained mercies from their Maker and got transformed into carriers of supernatural powers and went about doing good, healing all that were sick and releasing those who were bound by the devil just as Jesus the Redeemer taught and commanded. The 533 page book, divided into three major parts brings us into the private lives of some Nigerians who were qualified by reason of gracious election to carry the torch of the gospel beyond their living rooms into the world at large by winning souls into the kingdom of God and putting Nigeria on the global map of Christian evangelism. The first part, Churches and Waves of Revival in Nigeria, gives an over view of the history of Christianity and the church in Nigeria. Drawing extensively from archival materials and review of relevant literary works, the author examines the various incidences of cultural shock and social intolerance precipitated by the advent of Christianity to Nigeria in the 15th and 16th century. He goes further to explain historical incidents and spiritual under currents which either promoted or hindered the growth of the new religion in certain parts of Nigeria. The role of the school as a tool of evangelism in those earlier days as well as the leverages provided for this growth by the predominant social and economic factors especially in the Southern part of Nigeria also got a mention in this section. He thereafter did a brief history of 19 church denominations thereby giving readers a glimpse into the doctrines, leadership structure and succession challenges of most of these early churches. The second part from where the book derives its title gives a biographical account of 30 ecumenical personalities whose foot prints have been visible in the annals of church history at various times, and in

The author of this very informative book has done an uncommon job of providing rare insights into the life and ministry of many of the foremost apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers in Nigeria various parts of the geographical entity called Nigeria. Although a good number of these clergies had been born into Christian homes and grew up in environment where the bible was not a forbidden book, it is evident from the insight provided in this book that it was not until much later in their lives that they actually encountered the saving powers of God and became vessels unto honour. From the story of a Mathew who met the Lord Jesus in a state of drunkenness, to the Ben who loved to embarrass pastors because they were too noisy and an atheistic Samson who would rather chose to believe the theories of Evolution propounded by Charles Darwin, the story of transformation from sin to salvation appears in dramatic forms in the lives of His servants. Likes the story of Peter the fisherman in the book of Luke chapter 5 verses 1-11, many of today’s leading lights of the gospel met Jesus in their state of frustra-

tion. The despair and gloom which ruled these lives prepared the ground for the net breaking touch of God which makes their life history worth reading. Like peter, these men and women have been called to abandon their noble professional expertise in Medicine, Academics, Architecture, Law, Journalism etc. for a nobler calling of turning men back to their creator from the destructive path which Satan has drawn for a large part of humanity. Section 3 is sub-titled The Forerunners and Patriarchs. It chronicles the life and ministry of 13 Generals of God who had all gone to be with the Lord. Even though I do not understand why the author decided to make this the last section, bearing in mind that he appropriately calls them fore-runners, their stories of exploits in kingdom work reinforce the larger theme of lightening up the darkness of the world. While some of them like Rev. Moses Ladejo Stone, Elder Jacob Kehinde Coker and Remi Emmanuel Ajayi Dahunsi can be said to be relatively unknown in contemporary church history, others like the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa, Rev. Samuel Bilewu Oschoffa, Rev. Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi and Apostle Joseph Ayodele Babalola have names that still ring a bell as a result of the flourishing ministry they left behind. The author’s narrative on these men of God drew mainly from online sources as well as accounts of a few living associates of the ‘patriarchs’. Similar to the experi-

ences of the living legends of faith, the Almighty God met these vessels in various dramatic ways. One of them who eventually became a big terror to the Kingdom of Darkness was initially a hater of the church who met Jesus Christ on a day he attempted to humiliate a pastor in his neighbourhood. He was the man reputed to have challenged global witches and wizards to a duel and came victorious to the glory of the Lord of Hosts. One trait which seem to mark out the ‘patriarchs’ from most of the ‘living legends’ was the Spartan life which the former lived as well as the seemingly crude discipline they enforced among the brethren. The book recounts the story of how the founder of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Late Rev. Akindayomi administered corporal punishment such as caning erring pastors or asking them to undertake punishments like sweeping church auditorium. The fortitude with which the forbear bore what could be considered as personal losses as well as the strength of character in the face of persecution testify to the sufficient grace of God for all those who agree to carry the cross and forsake all for the love of Christ. Apart from the rather turgid details of the introductory chapter, the language and style employed by the author will retain readers’ attention just as the remarkable exploits done by the Lord through the hands of His servants will encourage the body of Christ. The similarity between those miraculous acts recorded in the bible and the ones documented in Nigeria’s Leading Lights of the Gospel goes a long way to confirm that indeed Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. However, it seems curious to one that the author did not consider it necessary to include any of the servants of God who have been mightily used in the music and drama ministries across the Nations of the world in his compilation. People like Rev. Panam Percy Paul, Evangelist (Dr.) Bola Are, Rev. Mike Bamiloye and a few others have made sufficient marks to be included in a book of this nature. One would also have expected that leading servants of God of northern Nigerian extraction would have featured in this book if only to fully justify its “Nigerianess”. It is also pertinent to suggest that this book could be further spiced with pictures and graphic illustrations of various miracles which the lord did through the hands of the men and women whose stories it contains. On the whole however, the author of this very informative book has done an uncommon job of providing rare insights into the life and ministry of many of the foremost apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers in Nigeria. He has documented the contributions of this great Nation to global evangelism and end time revival.

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EDITORIAL

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

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

WEDNESday, JUNE 18, 2014

Good leaders must lead by example

resident Goodluck Jonathan recently chided politicians about negative utterances, while swearing in his new Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Professor Rufai Alkali. He stated that “when one listens to some of the comments that we politicians make, sometimes (they) could be terrible and do not portray the character of good politics. We are supposed to be nation builders. Even though it is extremely difficult to agree that a politician could be a statesman because we tend to be partisan, at least in our utterances, we should give Nigerians hope that this country will be together and that we must unite and…collectively forge ahead to develop our country.” Jonathan’s statement is very apt and timely, particularly as the 2015 general election draws closer with increasing tension in the polity generated mainly by the political class. Politicians and political gladiators must watch what they say, how they say it and the context of their statements. They must not in any way overheat the polity and by any stroke of imagination do things that will negatively affect the sensibilities of the people. However, it is very germane to expressly state that the president must show exemplary leadership because he is a major culprit of unguarded statements unbecoming of his office. He must also warn his

aides, advisers, top party officials and leading government functionaries about their caustic and rude utterances, because anything they say is associated with the president. For instance, the Federal Government some weeks ago told the #Bringbackourgirls protesters that they should direct their protest to Boko Haram. The impression created, given the controversies surrounding the abduction of the over 200 school girls from Chibok, Borno State some 63 days ago, is that the Federal Government is unconcerned about the tragedieis that befall hapless citizens and does not understand its constitutional responsibility of providing and enforcing security even in the context of a rescue operation. While campaigning in Ekiti , President Jonathan said he would only develop the state when Ayodele Fayose the party’s contestant in the upcoming gubernatorial election wins. This seemingly innocuous statement is an egregious blunder and unbecoming of a leader who should be a unifier of the people irrespective of party affiliation. It is a remark which has become typical of the president and it demeans his personality and the status of the office. He has the right to support his party but not at the expense of the country’s unity. Another recent gaffe was when the President said there is insecurity only in non-PDP states. Such utterance is as provocative as it is untrue

because, in reality, as all kinds of insecurity exist even in places where the ruling PDP is in control including Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Kaduna and Abuja. The president seems to have a base approach to politics, which manifests when he speaks extemporaneously and it is not in the best interest of the country. Similarly, some answers to questions by the president during the presidential media chat have the same tendencies. For example, we recall that infamous statement about ‘not giving a damn’ that has continued to show the president as largely uncaring about the larger society. The president need not respond to everything that people say, and if he must react, it must be robust and articulate, after proper consultations must have been made. The president in the assessment of issues must be perspicacious and mature. It is only when other politicians see the president as not being frivolous and reckless in his utterances that they would take a cue from him. If the president is making provocative statements and he is asking other politicians to desist from making same, then the whole admonition would at the end of the day be nothing but a huge waste of time and the president would be accused of playing to the gallery to score cheap political points. There are certain expectations from the exalted office of the president, which must conform

to international best practices. Whenever something happens, the president must carefully analyze it before responding. President Jonathan should accept responsibilities where and when necessary. He must equally call some of his overzealous supporters and garrulous aides to order as their remarks are often very insensitive, especially the likes of Edwin Clark, Asari Dokubo, Doyin Okupe and Labaran Maku who should get behind the scene and polish their civility and decorum. The president must be very sure that what he and his aides say do not embarrass his person, his office and the whole country. The public remarks of a president should always be weighty; therefore utmost care is necessary in the choice of words for each occasion. However, since this call is coming from the president, perhaps, he is ready to turn a new leaf and undoubtedly this will be a right step in the right direction. The way and manner provocative statements are being made by politicians across all political divides is worrisome and leaves much to be desired. There is the exigent need for all politicians to fashion out an agreeable code of conduct that must be strictly adhered to by all for a sustainable democratic culture in the country take root in these climes. Only then can other politicians and public office holders be properly called to order, without sounding hypocritical. 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 18, 2014

OPINION On Delta demolition of caravans and others Mike Arayuwa Wilkie

y first piece on this subject matter was published last week. In the fundamental interest of those who missed the part one, I wish to paraphrase the said write-up and to commence on part two. In the aforementioned part one, I mentioned the predominant presence of caravans and their uses in some of the coastal states of this country. Essentially, the use of caravans in Delta State and a few others has become unacceptable to the extent that government has embarked on their demolition, including the serial illegal structures. Government’s decision to clean-up Delta State is, to my mind, a welcome development despite the fact that the demolition squad had exceeded its mandate. However, I concluded that the exercise had given some of the cities a face-lift and government in this respect is being appreciated. Further, I opined that the demolition had destroyed the daily bread of those concerned and they should be compensated accordingly. In my concluding part, I posited that the Delta State Government ought to make available an emergency market, industrial layout or any comfortable place for those concerned to enable them continue with their various business activities. As if to relax a bit, the demolition committee went on recess only to re-appear on Wednesday, June 4. The committee’s point of call was at Ifie Kporo, Ifie Tie and Ijala in the Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. Ijala is symbolic and unique in the history of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality and its place in the Ancient kingdom of Warri is revered and venerable. Perhaps, it is proper, for posterity to judge, to emphasize that Ijala and its immedi-

ate environs constitute the royal necropolis for the burial of Itsekiri monarchs for over 500 years. This long period is a clear indication of a resounding history of the Itsekiri unlike some of other monarchical institutions which were hurriedly put in place for political expediency. Examples of such political monarchies are littered all over Delta State. In the past, some miscreants and land grabbers had the audacity and effrontery to mislead a few people, mostly the Itsekiri, to buy some parts of Ijalaland for the purpose of erecting private buildings and other structures. Those land buyers, who are of the Itsekiri extraction, cannot claim complete ignorance of the nature of land, which they volunteered to purchase. Of course, the buyers knew outright that the land belonged to the Itsekiris and the purpose it is used for. On the other hand, the sellers sold such land with the satanic intent to damn the consequences. Hence, both the sellers and buyers of the Ijala Royal Cemetery conspired to wreak havoc on Itsekiri monarchs who have departed this world to meet their ancestors. At the time some Itsekiri rushed to the Ifie-Ijala axis to buy lands, the attraction and understanding was that they were extremely cheap when compared with other parcels of lands in Warri Urban and its adjoining areas. Thus, was the mass Exodus of some people for the acquisition of less expensive lands to the detriment of Itsekiri royal interests. It simply amounted to serious sacrilege and a traditional taboo for all those who participated in the sales and purchases of such lands. Additionally, the demolition squad fully armed with the map of Ifie discovered that some people equally sold and bought Government land right of way. This implied that buildings were already erected even on roads yet to be constructed by the relevant department of government

as an institution. These careless buildings were bound to experience a brief stay after their emergence on illegal and encroached lands. And, when the caterpillars and bulldozers started the unfortunate destruction, such buildings which consumed several millions of naira to construct were pulled down within a few minutes. But, painful as the destructions were, nobody, not even the youths, attempted to mobilize against the destructive squad, as doing so would have led to the flow of blood in view of the heavy presence of armed security agents. The prevailing circumstances led to the woeful destruction of an estimated 60 modern buildings which are not commonly found in Warri urban. These are buildings which the owners could be proud of in terms of classification of who owns what. Let the gospel truth be told that the owners of such modern buildings should not be allowed to labour in vain. A situation whereby some children came back from school only to meet their family houses already destroyed is, to say the least, psychologically traumatizing. As they say, two wrongs cannot a right make; therefore, government’s intervention is essential in order to give succour to the affected people. They should be compensated by government to prevent any rash action that some of the affected people may take out of frustration. The Delta State Government should, please, act fast. Governor Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan should take cognizance of his Delta South Senatorial ambition in 2015 and not allow the official destruction of private properties block his laudable motive and intention. So, he should take immediate steps to ameliorate the suffering of the affected former landlords. • Prince Mike Arayuwa Wilkie (uwa1950@yahoo.com), 08023097251

Countering the crisis of credibility (2) Jeff Hawkins Continued from Monday

n most cases where this hasn’t happened by the day after the election, it’s because the vote is too close to determine the winner without a careful recount. Otherwise, the day after the election, for losing candidates it’s about “going back to normal life.” In Nigeria, by contrast, for defeated candidates, the day after the election almost seems like the beginning of the real contest – that of the legal challenge to the election’s announced result. I would like to raise two questions: when will Nigeria reach a point where the system has enough credibility that losing candidates no longer regularly challenge their losses? And more importantly, what can each Nigerian do to move Nigeria closer to that moment? The latter question is especially salient. Nigerian elections are not going to be perfect this year or next year, but they have to continue to improve, and every Nigerian has to do his/her part. For those who are stakeholders in the election process, I have three points to make as Nigeria works towards that end: First, the sponsorship of violence and intimidation, and the rhetorical threat thereof, are utterly unacceptable in a democratic society, and need to be expunged once and for

all from the Nigerian polity and discourse. The U.S. has been deeply troubled by some of the rhetoric that has been thrown around in recent weeks and months as these elections have drawn closer. It is perfectly acceptable, and even praiseworthy, to seek to defend your vote and that of your fellow citizens who share your support for a particular candidate. It is not, however, productive or reasonable to threaten violence, even when you perceive others have been guilty of misconduct. We were deeply troubled by the threat of “rig and roast” issued multiple times by a major political figure in recent weeks. Who benefits from that type of violent rhetoric, we wondered? And why would any ordinary Nigerian accept such provocative language, especially considering the history of postelection violence in Nigeria, and the truly horrific carnage that this country has been suffering at the hands of Boko Haram? If a candidate believes an election is threatened, then that candidate should be doing everything possible to see that the rules of the game are enforced properly – by having party agents in the numerous locations where they are permitted, for example, to bear witness to what happens – or doesn’t happen. That is part of the painstaking work of participating in, and building, a democracy. Drawing on or threatening violence is an attempt to short-circuit that process for the benefit of a few, but to the detriment of many.

Second, Nigeria’s politicians must accept that they undermine the democratic process when they systematically deny even the possibility of defeat in a free and fair process. These politicians should repeat to themselves the following sentence, either now or sometime before Election Day: “It is possible that I can lose this election if it is conducted credibly.” I could reel off countless examples of elections in the United States in which one candidate or party had an evident advantage or advantages, and should have easily won. Sometimes even the toughest of candidates – a well-known, popular incumbent, for example – can lose, and lose badly. Going into her reelection battle in 1994, Texas Governor Ann Richards had a national political profile and enjoyed a 60% approval rating among Texans. But she lost, by a relatively wide margin, to the Republican candidate, George W. Bush. Neither she nor anyone around her suggested that there had been cheating in the election – she was just defeated, it was that simple. Voters liked her, but they chose to go a different direction. It is a fact that even in the fairest and most credible elections there MUST be a candidate who loses – and if there are more than two parties, as is the case in Nigeria, you will have multiple candidates who lose. Nigerian political parties and candidates need to start accepting that their defeats are not wholly, or perhaps even partly, a result of the malfeasance of their op-

ponent or opponents’ supporters. Nigerian democracy will grow stronger the sooner that starts to happen. Third, and finally, Nigeria has a well-established set of rules for elections – produced by INEC, in concert with the Electoral Act, and guided by the Nigerian Constitution. Abide by them. There is no process, democratic or otherwise, that can survive when its basic foundation is undermined by those seeking to use it. The Nigerian electoral process is only as good as Nigerians make it. That doesn’t mean only worrying about what the other parties are doing – it means worrying about what you and your allies are doing. The fundamental question is this: does what you’re doing help build and sustain an electoral process that you want your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to take part in? Nigerians have fought long and hard to earn the democratic rights they now possess, and Nigerians want – and deserve – peaceful, credible elections in Ekiti on June 21, in Osun on August 9, and across this great country in February 2015. That’s why these elections are a critical juncture. Every Nigerian – from the party leaders and candidates to average citizens – should do everything in his/her power to help meet those expectations, and thereby counter this crisis of credibility. Concluded

CAMPUS

UI students hold summit }p-29

EDUCATION

Our society needs to respect teachers, says NIJ Provost }p-25

NEW TELEGRAPH

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KAYODE OLANREWAJU, Editor, EDUCATION

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

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2014

UNIBEN: Leading the pack in research RESEARCH

Efforts of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) to place the institution in a world map of cutting-edge research has continued to yield fruit, 44-years after its establishment. Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

stablished 44 years ago, University of Benin (UNIBEN) has continued to demonstrate an outstanding track record in human capital development through quality learning, cutting-edge research and community service. Its main focus since 1970, when it was founded was how to lead the pack in technological invention, research advancement and other capacity building initiatives. Located in the heart of the ancient Benin City, the Ivory Tower, which has taken giant strides that have continued to attract stakeholders’ respect, could boast of an estimated 60,000 regular and part-time students in its enrolment, with about 6,000 members of academic and non-academic staff. The university, under its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Osayuki Godwin Oshodin, has witnessed an uncommon transformation in various spheres of its development. A growth which he recalled would not have been possible without the collaboration and team work of members of staff and management, coupled with the industrial harmony entrenched by the students. The peaceful co-existence and cordial relationship between the university and its host communities, fostered by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Effiong Bob, are other indices that have sustained the process of repositioning the university. What is instructive, however, is that, to its numerous products, UNIBEN has distinguished itself in the area of quality learning, performance drive and research development, what has today placed the institution on the map of excellence. Investigations by the New Telegraph revealed that the university’s focus on basic

UNIBEN gate

There must be synergy between the institutions and the industry, which is expected to tap into the research products Oshodin, VC

research areas has yielded tremendous results in scientific and technology-based research processes. Reeling out its research components, more noteworthy in UNIBEN’s research efforts, according to the management, is the Kilishi Processing Technology that has today become an outstanding project, in view of its commercial output to the university. Also, the Stem Cell Technology perfected by Dr. Bazuaye Godwin Nosakhare, and the remarkable breakthrough research in In-Vitro Fertilization in the treatment of infertility in couples, have placed the institution as a world class university in research development, which is a major component of university

existence. The Director of Research and Innovation, Professor John Oamen Igene of the Faculty of Agriculture, who spoke on the university’s strides in research, noted that since its establishment, UNIBEN has continued to meet specific challenges in the area of science and technology development, quality teaching, research innovations and public service in line with the aspirations of the founding fathers. Citing the university’s new process in the packaging of Kilishi (a local dry meat), a feat that placed the university as the first institution in the country to establish a commercial factory for the manufacture of the ‘Prof-Kilishi’ as it popularly called on the campus. Apart from being the first of such project to be registered

UNIBEN 2nd successful Stem Cell Plantation patient

with the National Agency for Food, Drugs, Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the research on Kilishi was said to have attracted a grant of $200, 000 from the USIAD in support of the research, with another N10 million support from the RMD, while the university had invested over N20 million in the project. According to Nosakhare, a Professor of Food Science and Technology, the Kilishi project was an outcome of the university’s research activities of over 20 years in the area of food manufacturing, which will be entirely mechanised. In the area of medicine, UNIBEN embarked on Stem Cell research, which has positioned it, as the first univer-

sity in Nigeria and Africa to change the SS Genotype to AA. He declared: “UNIBEN has carried out this and we are happy that the patients are alive today.” The third research breakthrough carried out by the institution, Nosakhare pointed out is in the In-vitro Fertilization Treatment, which deals with infertility in women and men. While explaining that the centre for the research is being financed by Professor A. Ohrue, he noted that the research could be realised through regular funds made available by the university management to the researchers. Nosakhare, who said his office approved more than N40 million research grant in May alone, added that through its substantive allocation for research, the university is in the forefront of research activities in the country. On how the various research outputs have impacted on the students, the don noted with dismay the sliding fortunes of students’ industrial attachments due to lack of adequate industries to absorb them for the required practical experience. “Even for medical students, no medical institution is readily available to offer them the opportunity to undertake their housemanship any longer, which is for fresh medical graduates to acquire first hand field experience. He decried what he described as the dearth of essential laboratory equipment and research facilities in the university system, which UNIBEN is not immune, to carry out the needed research work, pointing out that “researchers know what they want, but that the funds is a great challenge.” To move the system forward, he said there should be a synergy among key stakeholders, especially the society and government, which should support the university through provision of funds and the enabling research environment, while there must be synergy between the institutions and the industry, which is expected to tap into the research products, since research is a tripod. Lamenting the underfunding of research in the country, Nosakhare said it was high time well-meaning Nigerians CONTI NUED ON PAGE 22

22 EDUCATION

Poor education planning, cause of insecurity, Oloyede Appolos Christian

orried by the rising wave of insecurity in the country, the former ViceChancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, has said the Boko Haram insurgency is a product of poor education planning, inept leadership, social insecurity and injustice that permeate the nation’s political system over the years. Oloyede said this at a reception organised by the MasjidulMumineen of Houston Texas, United States of America, for seven Nigerian-American citizens who completed the memorisation of the entire Holy Qur'an. He noted that under the Islamic system of governance, human life is regarded as sacred and must be jealously protected by the state functionaries. The former Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by Dr. Abu-Bakr Imam Ali-Agan of the Department of Religions of the university, re-assured Nigerians in the Diaspora that the ongoing insurgency in the Northern part of the country has nothing to do with Islam, which, he said, is synonymous with stability and mutual peaceful co-existence. However, Oloyede, who is currently the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), noted that in spite of the domineering and attractive western culture, members of the Muslim community in Texas were able to organise a sound Islamic training programme for their children as evidenced by the memorisation of the Qur'an. CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 2

rose up to the challenges of funding research to complement government’s efforts for the growth of the nation. In his submission, the Dean Faculty of Law, Professor Lawrence Atsegbua, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), lauded the university for encouraging research activities to advance the course of teaching and learning, as well as challenged the research exposure of the academic staff memebers. In his research efforts, and despite the priority the university places on research, the don recalled that he had never received any grant for research since he joined the university in 1988. He, however, suggested that “it will be better if the Federal Government while allocating research grants to universities should build such into the salaries of individual researcher.” According to him, there are situations where research grants are not getting to certain lecturer “because the management does not like the face of such lecturer.” He argued that the government should as a matter of necessity assist and support the lecturers with provision of more grants, to carry out their research as is done in developed countries.

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Amaechi inaugurates Rivers scholarship board l Harps on effective human capital development Joe Ezuma

Port Harcourt

s part of efforts to enhance access to education in Rivers State, Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has inaugurated a 23-member State Scholarship Board, with a charge to ensure optimum human capital development to the benefit of the people. The board chaired by Benjamin Orugbani, is also to ensure that students from the

23 Local Government Areas of the state benefit from the schoalrship. The governor, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. George Feyii at the swearingin ceremony held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, urged members of the Board to exhibit high level of decorum and responsibility with a view to ensuring that the effort at promoting education in the state is achieved. He said: “Without human

capital development, any other thing you are doing will not be optimised. The State Scholarship Board is one of the largest boards in the state, because it has representatives from all the Local Government Areas as matter of necessity. The intention is to ensure that the entire state is covered adequately since the responsibility you are going to be discharging is an onerous task, so there is need for you to take it seriously. “You are expected to ensure

L-R: President, UNILAG Alumni Association, Dr. Kingsley Kuku; NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Julius Okojie; UNILAG VC, Prof. Rahmon Bello; Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; UNILAG Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Jery Gana and others during a commissioning of a project on the campus...recently. PHOTO: mojeed alabi

that every part of the state is given the opportunity to benefit from the scholarship programme so that there is human capital development across the state. We have no doubt that you have been carefully selected to do this job and we trust that you will do it well.” Describing the Board as one of the cardinal policies of his administration in the education sector, Amaechi said apart from the scholarship scheme for students in various institutions in the country, over N8 billion is being spent to sponsor Rivers indigenes studying overseas under the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA). His words: “It is already a well-known fact that education is given a pride of place in this administration. The investment that is being made in the education sector, particularly on human capital development, is something that takes time to mature, it is not seen immediately. But, in years to come, you will begin to realise the results in which this administration has invested so much in this sector. Apart from the scholarship schemes that we operate in the local institutions, if you look at what is being done on the sponsorship of Rivers indigenes abroad under the RSSDA programme, the state is spending an excess of N8 billion in that area.” In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board thanked the Governor Amaechi-led-administration for finding him and his colleagues worthy to serve the people, reiterating the commitment of the member, who are imbued with the fear of God, to perform their duties creditably.

Waxing stronger in research development “Today, as a lecturer I have sleepless nights, I buy rechargeable lamps, burn the generator and by 3a.m I am still sitting there reading, researching; and when you finish your writing you will be looking for someone to type and print them,” he said. Meanwhile, Atsegbua frowned at the attitude of the private sector for lack of interest in providing research grants to science lecturers to carry out their research works, saying the problem is not that the lecturers don’t undertake research, but that over 90 per cent of the research efforts are conducted without grants coming from nowhere. He said: “The problem is that the lecturers are the ones suffering since the money they ought to have used for other things are being diverted into research. We do not know how the research grants are disbursed.” Towards this end, the Law Professor, added that there was an urgent need to do away with the bureaucratic bottlenecks that hamper the disbursement of research grants to lecturers. On the part of Professor

Okojie

Emeka Chianu, also of the Faculty of Law, the issue of power supply which is key to research development, and which has become a major challenge in the university, should be tackled headlong. Besides, he stressed the importance of improved Internet facility, which according to him, is basic to research activities especially in the legal profession, noting that with improvement in such facilities, senior lecturers, associate

professors and professors will be able to publish journals for research. The renowned Land and Commercial Law Professor sought adequate funds for the university Law library in order to acquire more relevant materials and enabling environment to work with. Echoing the university’s priority for research, the university’s spokesman, Mr. Harrison Osarenren said: “As we all know, an average member of academic staff of the university, has two responsibilities; one is to teach, and the other is to carry out research, and part of the requirements to promote an academic staff is for him to publish articles and write books.” He pointed out that despite the efforts of the institution in research; the university is still struggling to be at par with what obtains in most developed countries. His words: “Let us be frank with ourselves; why do we think a Nigerian university is not listed among the best 100 in world’s universities? That is to tell you that we are not on the same pedestal at all in terms of facilities and funding. I don’t want us to be looking at universities in foreign

countries such as in Europe or America because we do not have the same facilities. But let me quickly add that when people say the standard of education is falling in Nigeria, I want to believe that it is not falling. “The only thing that has happened is that we have not been able to move with the trend of university development worldwide, going by the level of money that the country has. You will be amazed that the yearly budget of a university such as Harvard has a yearly budget that is almost the total budget of Federal Government for a year.” Osarenren, therefore, frowned at the non-availability of local contents and over emphasis on expatriates, and inadequate funding to encourage research activities in the universities and other sectors of the economy. He noted that there was a disconnect between the Nigerian universities and industry, as he challenged the private sector and well-meaning individuals to assist universities with a view to boosting their research potentials in line with the nation’s quest for development.

EDUCATION

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Anambra: Teacher relishes inter-cultural experience

Emeldah Ogene Abuja

o fewer than 104 candidates who were beneficiaries of the second edition of the Presidential Special Scholarship scheme for innovation and development (PRESSID) are still savouring their award. Their letters of award were issued to them last week by the Supervising Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, who noted that through the scholarship initiative, the Federal Government planned to develop a critical mass of professionals who would serve as catalysts of change of scientific and technological advancement, as well as act as agents of sustainable economic development. According to him, the federal government plans to achieve the objectives through the sponsorship of outstanding students for postgraduate studies in top 25 universities in the world. The 2014/2015 beneficiaries who are between 22 and 25 years old, comprised of 28 female students and 76 male scholars, which was an improvement of last year`s edition in which the 20 female and 81 male students benefitted. According to the minister, the seed being sown by the Federal Government through the scholarship scheme would yield tremendous benefits in the nearest future. “For the first in the country, we have a programme whose selection process is based purely on merit,” Wike said, adding that President Goodluck Jonathan`s instruction was clear that merit should be the criteria for selecting the

Mojeed Alabi

Dr. Ibrahim (standing), with some of the participants at the seminar

104 beneficiaries get FG scholarships beneficiaries. His words: “Consequently, the implementation committee ensured that only candidates with First Class in the required disciplines were short-listed for aptitude test, irrespective of their tribe, gender or any other criteria. “Out of about 2,000 applicants that registered on the electronic portal developed for the scheme, 629 were invited for a computer-based test. It is important to note that all

the 629 short-listed candidates performed very well, but it is unfortunate that we could not award the scholarship to all of them because of cost. Thus only the top 104 candidates made this year’s list.” Wike, who insisted that the process was transparent enough, pointed out that Nigerians should realise that merit should supersede federal character in some decisions if this country is to develop.” While congratulating the

beneficiaries, the minister advised them to be God fearing, humble, law abiding and to show exemplary behaviour at all times because they will be flying the flag of the country in the countries of their studies. Wike, however, warned that the Federal Government would not hastate to withdraw the scholarship if at any point it discovered any act of misconduct from any of the beneficiaries.

TETFund reviews criteria for accessing grants Emeldah Ogene Abuja

he Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Professor Suleiman Bogoro, has spoken of moves to review the requirements for accessing the funds research grants. Worried by the inability of several tertiary institutions to access their grants, he wondered that less than 10 per cent of the N3 billion budgeted for research has been accessed by the universities. Bogoro, told journalists in Abuja that TETFund Board of Trustees after due considerations decided to remove some of the perceived difficult procedures and approved new guidelines that would soon be made public for the universities to access their grants. The Executive Secretary, who spoke at a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) of TETFund National Book Development Fund (BDF) intervention meeting in Abuja, said the major obstacle to accessing the research grants, which was set up over three years ago is poorly written proposals. According to him, research is critical to the development of any nation and that the requirement for accessing the fund was reviewed in order to encourage researchers to access the funds.

Bogoro

He said: "If you have physical infrastructure without content and service being strengthened, you cannot achieve the quality we needed in the system. By this, we are talking about staff development, research, book development or manuscript development, and library development. "All these are related areas to academic publishing. That was what led to the establishment of many academic publishing centres across the country to anchor what we are doing in research as expressed in journals and books. "We set aside N2 billion for this purpose and less than half of it has been accessed.

We would like to fast track the process of accessing it, just as less than 10 per cent has been accessed from the N3 billion research grants, and we are not happy about that. "This led to the review of the requirements and criteria, or guidelines for approval of the research grants. This is to ensure that the fund is accessed.” Meanwhile, stakeholders in the tertiary education sector have expressed disappointment over what they described as the inability of most postgraduate students to write good theses. The Chairman of the SubCommittee on Book Publication, Prof. Charles Aworh regretted that the nation’s tertiary education sector has degenerated to a level that most postgraduate students could not write good theses. To address this, he said the Committee will work with National Universities Commission (NUC), the agency supervising university education in that direction. Aworh noted: “We want the NUC to ensure that postgraduate training is strengthened, that the process of accessing Ph.D theses is corrected because that is where the problems lies. It is unfortunate to see theses that were accepted by the universities, and years after you set up a panel to look

at them, only to find faults in the theses. This is a big problem and NUC has to intervene in that aspect. “Unfortunately, there are many poorly written theses; we looked at over 200 theses of which we could select only 50 that we believed will meet the criteria for conversion into books. But by the time we sent these theses to Nigerian professors, they came with damning reports on most of the theses, and of the 50, only 11 were found worthy of converting into books.” He, however, said the book publication initiative was set up by TETFund to address such problem, stressing that the nation’s universities do not have sufficient books for the students and members of staff, as well as for research. While insisting that the quality of available books is not what it ought to be, Aworh noted that the decision by TETFund to intervene by encouraging the publication of books that are written by Nigerian professionals for our tertiary institutions should be seen as a right step in a right direction. Meanwhile, he regretted why the nation over the years allowed the universities to degenerate to the extent that the university publishing houses lost their mandates to generate books.

ne of the facilitators of the British Council Nigeria Content Language and Integrated Learning (CLIL), a training programme for primary and junior secondary school teachers in Anambra State, Dr. Aisha Ibrahim, from Sokoto State has expressed satisfaction with the inter-cultural experiences shared during the programme. Dr. Ibrahim, recalled how she earlier nursed the fear of going to the Eastern part of the country, particularly as a Muslim, saying the manner participants at the training related with her demonstrated the fact that Nigeria is indivisible. While narrating her experience, the resource person enjoined policymakers to pay more attention to intercultural studies in schools, saying: “When I saw the letter of invitation to Anambra CLIL training from the British Council, I was thrilled because I have been waiting for such opportunity to visit other parts of the country. I was born and brought up in the North and all my travelling had been within the Northern part of the country. After the excitement, the thought of kidnapping, which is rampant in the Eastern part of the country, began to trouble my mind. This is because I have heard a lot about kidnapping in the East. However, I reassured myself with the thought that nobody knows me there. My other major concern was that as a Muslim by faith and a northerner, Islam as a religion has been negatively publicised because of the activities of Boko Haram. My fear then was that “what will be the perceptions of the participating teachers towards me? Her words: “In the class I saw expressionless faces, yet I thought perhaps something must be going on in their minds. But, thanks to the introductory session which set the ball rolling. She is jovial, one of the participants said to another. She is cheerful, yet another one said again. During the first day, all I heard were traditional names that I was not familiar with; I therefore asked them to tell me the meanings. One after the other, they told me the meanings of their names, for example; Nwakego - a child is better than money; Ifeyinwa - nothing is like a child; Chinweuba - God has wealth; Nnamdi - my father lives; Ngozi - Blessing, among others. “I taught them songs in Hausa and they in turn taught me songs in Igbo language and I joined them singing the songs,” Dr. Ibrahim said. She noted that at the end of the training, “we were all happy and appreciated one another.”

24 EDUCATION

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Ogun pupils win Nestle kids quiz Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

t was a dream come true for two pupils of Omolola Primary School, Sagamu, Ogun State as they emerged the overall winners of this year’s edition of the Healthy Kids Inter State Quiz competition, organised by Nestle Nigeria Plc. Each of the pupils received N100,000 scholarship grant, while each of the first and second runners-up, from Opebi Primary School, Ikeja and Anglican Primary School, Ogudu, Lagos received N50,000 and N30,000 respectively. The competition was introduced by Nestle Nigeria Plc to address the poor nutrition and diseases which had been identified as major causes of intellectual retardation among students in the country. The Managing Director/ Chief Executive of the beverage firm, Mr. Dharnesh Gordhon, said it was in response of this that school-based nutrition education quiz competition in primary schools in some South-West states was introduced. At the grand finale of the competition held in Ibadan, Gordhon, who was represented by Dr. Samuel Adenekan, the company's Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, explained that the long term focus of the company is to ensure kids’ intellectual development, reduce risk of diseases among them and encourage behaviouralbased nutrition education. According to him, the Healthy Kids global programme introduced in 2013, presently runs in 113 primary schools with 62, 483 pupils in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Ondo states. In 2013, the company conducted a preliminary monitoring and evaluation of the programme in Lagos and Ogun states, the result which, according to him, showed that

"the programme has started to demonstrate interesting results such as improved nutrition knowledge as well as increased fruit and vegetable consumption among the participating children." Stressing the benefits of the competition, the Nestle boss noted that "healthy eating patterns in childhood and adolescence promote optimal childhood health, growth and intellectual development; prevent immediate health problems such as iron deficiency anemia, obesity, eating disorders and prevent long term health problems such as coronary heart disease. He noted: "School health programmes such as the Nestle Healthy Kids programme can help children and adolescents attain full education potential and good health by providing them with the skills, social support and environmental reinforcement they need to adopt long term healthy eating behaviours. "Nestle healthy kids nutrition education programme also focuses on preventing children and adolescent from developing chronic diseases during adulthood. Unhealthy eating practices that contribute to chronic diseases are established early in life; young persons having unhealthy eating habits tend to maintain these habits as they age. Thus, it is efficacious to teach persons healthy eating patterns when they are young; high risk eating behaviour and psychological risk factors are difficult to change once they are established during youth." Other pupils, teachers and schools that participated in the competition received various gifts ranging from trophies, N10,00 education grants to household items. The quiz master, Mr. Kayode Adeleye, urged teachers to expose the pupils to more of practicals to facilitate their understanding and assimilation of the topics or subjects.

Commissioner offers reasons for Delta edu-marshall initiative

Uduaghan

Dominic Adewole Asaba

elta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof. Patrick Moboughare, has offered reasons why the state government instituted the Special Marshall, christened ‘Edu-Marshall’ for the state’s education sector. According to him, the agen-

cy is to enforce the policy of compulsory basic and secondary education for children in the state. Giving more insights into some of the reasons why the agency was introduced by the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan-led administration, the Commissioner noted that beyond the primary reason of ensuring that the children of school-age across the state were not denied access to basic and secondary education, the palpable fears that any child who is denied basic education will constitute security threat in the nearest future was high. Moboughare, who told the British Deputy High Commissioner in Nigeria, Mr. Peter Carter in Asaba, the state capital, that the move would reduce the fears and nip it in the bud, ensured him of a sustainable, virile and peaceful society in the future. While conducting the diplomat round some of the educational facilities in the state, the Commissioner underscored the importance of edu-

cation, particularly basic and secondary education, which he noted would aid the mental, moral and socio-economic development of the people. “The government thought it wise to ensure that all school children irrespective of their parental background and economic status have access to compulsory basic education,” he said. The Commissioner, who was accompanied by a team of other Commissioners in the state, told the visiting Deputy British High Commissioner and his team that the government of Dr. Uduaghan was irrevocably committed to the overall transformation and development of the education sector. While explaining the rationale behind the establishment of the state of the art Model Primary and Secondary Schools in the state, Moboughare noted that the administration has the interest of all people of the state at heart irrespective of the socioeconomic status.

NUC set for bio-medical research base Emeldah Ogene Abuja

leadership development and capacity building programme that will fast track the establishment of a stronger Bio-Medical research base in the country has been launched by the National Universities Commission (NUC). The Commission’s Executive Secretary, Professor Julius Okojie, said the programme would expand Bio-Medical science curriculum of Nigerian universities. While launching the initiative in Abuja, Okojie hinted that the Commission is engaging a global health partner; the BioMedical Ventures to introduce capacity building programme for researchers in Nigerian university system. He said: “The National Universities Commission is engaging the international Bio-Medical science group to introduce its capacity building programme for Bio-Medical researchers in Nigerian univer-

sity system. The Bio-Medical Science Ventures for Global Health will also work with us to expand the Nigeria university curriculum.” The Executive Secretary, who said that prominent attention would be given to Bio-Medical Research, stressed the need to work on research output in the universities. According to Okojie, there is the need for the country to work on its research output, while the government, the university and the industry will work together to ensure better output for our research. The President of Bio-Medical Ventures for Global Health, Jennifer Dent, noted that the capacity building programme launched by the NUC would build capabilities and skills of Nigerian researchers for new discoveries and development. The programme, she explained would identify individual researchers from Nigerian universities and facilitate their presence at international bio-pharmaceutical companies.

Pupils of Omolola Nursery and Primary School, Shagamu Ogun State, 1st Prize Winner of the grand finale of Nestle Healthy Kids Quiz Competition, with Mr. Jimoh Oladosu (3rd left), a teacher and Mr Bola Audu, Nestle Creative Shared Value Field Officer.

Varsity tasks students on entrepreneurship programme

tudents of Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, have been advised to avail themselves of the opportunity offered by the institution’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Start-up Programme to acquire entrepreneurial skills that would make them self-reliant and employers of labour after graduation. A Resident Entrepreneur at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States of America, Prof. Julius Akinyemi, gave the advice while addressing the students during an interactive session, organised by management of the university to equip the students with the importance of entrepreneurship. Akinyemi, who expressed worry over the rising rate of unemployment in the country, attributed the problem to lack of entrepreneurship programmes in the nation’s higher institu-

tions of learning. He traced the growth in advanced countries of the world, among other things to the development of entrepreneurship and technical education. He louded the students for creating 1,000 mobile applications in one day during a training programme organised by Google’s Build Window Africa, a feat the don noted had given the students access to Microsoft Corporation. Akinyemi restated the readiness of the university, through the Centre to commercialise the applications and other intellectual products of the students. While noting that he joined Elizade University in order to offer guidelines for the setting up of the Centre as requested by the Founder and Proprietor of the university, Chief Michael AdeOjo, he declared that the Centre would assist students with business plan, and to source for fund

to finance such business initiative. According to him, the establishment of the centre is deliberate attempt by the founder for the university to produce great entrepreneurs like himself. Speaking earlier, the ViceChancellor, Prof. Valentine Aletor expressed the readiness of the university to produce job creators and not job seekers that are being churned out yearly by the nation’s higher institutions of learning. Aletor explained that the university has entered into partnership with industries at the local and international levels to finance the business plans conceived by the students. He, therefore, challenged the students on the need to be creative in their thinking, saying that was the only thing that could stand them out among their colleagues all over the world.

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

What is your view on the level of girl child education in Nigeria? Well, I think it is getting better nowadays against what it used to be in the past. For instance, there was a time journalism was exclusively the preserve of men. Most women would not want to go into the pen profession as a result of all kinds of stereotyped norms, traditions and beliefs, in which some are either founded or otherwise, which one associated with the discipline. Some of these may be overlooked, but because of the societal norms, some parents would say no. They don’t want their daughters to go into the profession. But, today the situation is different and that has changed. So, it is a thing of joy nowadays to find out that those areas where we used to have only men, women are going into them already. And indeed, journalism profession is one of such areas. For instance, in the number of intakes into the institute, women have equaled and even surpassed men. You go to the classes you will see more girls. Which areas they go into to practice after graduation is a different matter entirely. But at least we are seeing more and more of them. In other areas, like mechanical engineering, medicine, law, those areas that we used to have men in the good old days, we now find our women even doing better. I think it is commendable and we hope that it will get better. And, I want to tell you that young girls of these days are go getters, who are very adventurous. So, I am not surprised that they are breaking all barriers and they are surging forward. Our society is male dominated, despite the outstanding performance of women in leadership positions, what would you say are the major factors hindering women’s role in leadership positions in this country? Traditionally, the dominant role of the man had been there. But, in the work place, I think that with the fight for equality over the years, especially the1975 Declaration for Women and Girl-Child Equality, I think that the door is open for women in every sphere of national life. What could appear as hindrance in the world of competition is how we want to put in our best as women, without anyone stopping you to learn or acquire education. Like what obtained in the Western world, if you put in your best as a woman and you feel cheated, there are liberty groups, social activists and human rights group that will Kayode Olanrewaju

school administrator has stressed the need for active, purposeful parental care and proper upbringing for children in order for them to excel in their academic pursuit. The Administrator of Grace Schools, Gbagada, Lagos, Mrs. Tokunbo Edun gave the advice during an interactive session with journalists shortly after the grand finale of Season Four of the Annual Grace Oshinowo Memorial

Our society needs to respect teachers, says NIJ Provost

fight your course for you. The hindrance is usually with the women themselves.

As the first female Provost to head a monotechnic such as this institute, what would you say has sustained you so far? I will say the same principles; the principle of fear of God, the principle of justice, equity, fair play and giving my best. You see, sometimes people don’t understand you; they are bound to misunderstand you. But as a leader, you go the extra miles to carry every one along in decision making, because you are the driver of the vision. Of course, what has sustained me so far are these principles that I have mentioned. God sent me here; God puts you in that position. You didn’t put yourself there, everybody that is created, particularly if you fear God, you should realise that God has a purpose for you. So, when God sent you to a place, especially to be a leader, there is a purpose for putting you there, and that has always been my prayer that every man and woman in the position of authorities in the country will understand that. They are in that position not for themselves, but for a divine purpose, and that divine purpose is usually for the good of humanity and for the glory of God. So, if you operate along that way, whatever challenges that may come your way, because challenges will definitely come, God will raise people to help you just as He is doing for us here. We have been very supportive by the forward looking Governing Council members who are ready to assist us. I mean those, who see this place as a place that should be raised for the good of this nation and humanity. So once you are focused on the purpose of God, He will raise men of vision as helpers. God will fight your battles; and God will make provisions where there is none for you. These are things any leader will face in the discharge of his or her responsibilities. Invariably, financial challenges will be there, and there are people who won’t understand your vision. You need support in terms of weakness and

Dr. Ikem

Dr. Elizabeth Ikem is the Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos. She speaks with FLORA ONWUDIWE about how her administration has transformed the institute, the decay in education sector, and other sundry issues.

And, I want to tell you that young girls of these days are go getters, who are very adventurous God will raise free leaders. Ask many leaders what they a facing, they will tell you they have different challenges. Here also we have some of those challenges, and because God is with us, we a surmounting them. As a former lecturer at the Department of Mass Commu-

nications, University of Lagos, and Times Journalism Institute, what will you say are responsible for the decay in the education sector? Well, I have mentioned something about destiny. I had thought I would be a lawyer, but God knew I was going into Journalism. Now, He has brought me here to give back into the industry what I have gained from the industry. I want to say that those of us, who are opportune to be managers in the education sector today should, borrowed some of those things we were exposed to in our school days. Then we reverence our teachers. For instance, when we were in primary school, we always feared our teachers. We would

School owner seeks parental care, support for pupils Football competition, which took place at Grace High School, Gbagada. According to Mrs. Edun, one of the problems many parents have when training their children is lack of adequate time to monitor them, especially when in the school. Hence, she made a case for adequate exposure of the pupils to sports and other co-curricular activities, which according to her will strengthen

them physically and mentally. She said: “We should all realise that when the young boys and girls get to secondary school, they are usually more active than when they were in primary school. Also, they are usually more audacious, and courageous, so they want to do so many things on their own. This is when parents need to pay greater attention to them. “Unfortunately, due to pres-

sure, especially of work and the social engagements as well as Lagos environment where everyone is daily rushing to and from work, most parents have no enough time for these children. Hence, as a result of lack of such parental care, we have a situation where the students look for avenues to burn their energy. You will no longer be surprised if you realise that they can go away from home to play football or

EDUCATION

the teacher is coming, teacher is coming and everybody would be running away, but these days teachers are nothing to the students. Why? We should ask ourselves some fundamental questions. Where is the reverence for the teachers; have we mortgage it? Did we sell it? Have we not mortgaged those things that made the education tick as it used to be in the good old days? Today, a student doesn’t have to be in class if he can buy hand-outs. Why? It wasn’t so before. If a teacher taught and believes that you needed these materials, such materials would be given to the class captains or class representatives who would go ahead to make photocopies, or buy the recommended textbooks at the school bookshops. I remembered in my school days how I would travel to the University of Benin bookshop to look for textbooks to buy, that is the recommended textbooks given to us at the beginning of every session. The lecturers will give us course outlines and we would get the books. But these days students don’t buy books anymore; teachers turn their note books into textbooks for students to buy. They insist that students must buy them. So, there are a lot of distortions in the system which we need to clean up. We should not forget we are breeding people with distorted perception, if we failed to correct such because they too will go on to replicate same in future. It is a clarion call that if we must produce students with integrity; people who are groomed something must be done urgently. For instance, in an English class where you suppose to have 100 students, only 30 are regular in throughout the session in class, and on the day of examination 100 students appeared, as a teacher why should you allow the hundred students to sit for the paper. The question is that did you teach them. Here at NIJ, if a student failed to make 70 per cent attendance he won’t be allowed to write any examination. It is a policy that we must sign attendance sheet for every class. The things I am talking about are things happening in our institutions, and we must all rise up to say no to it. Here at NIJ, we realise that we are producing leaders of people, kingmakers, because as journalists, we are kingmakers, we mould attitude; we influence the society by the things we write. And to do these successfully, we must start by ensuring that the students pay the required price to become people of integrity, discipline, who are well groomed, well taught that can shape the society. watch films and videos or do all sorts of negative things, which to them are good for them.” However, Mrs. Edu said as educationists, the schools should assist parents to keep the children positively engaged, and one of the ways schools do this is by organising various activities in which the pupils participate actively. The effect of this, she noted that once the students have so much to do, they will realise that there is no time for them to waste.

26 EDUCATION

EXCELLENCE At 24, Oluwadara Olaoluwa has shot himself to stardom in academics, as the best PhD to be produced by the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in its 52 years history of excellence. Mojeed Alabi

t a time when some of his peers are still writing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for admission into higher institutions, 24-year-old Hallowed Oluwadara Olaoluwa has distinguished himself as a rare gem in the education firmament. He was the cynosure of all eyes at the 2012/2013 convocation ceremony of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, where he recorded another landmark achievement in his academic career, as the best PhD graduate ever to be produced by the university in its 52 years of academic excellence. Prior to his new academic feat, Olaoluwa had obtained two first degrees in Physics and Mathematics respectively; as well as Masters Degrees also in the two fields of study (Physics and Mathematics), where many students feared to thread. Described as a genius and a great scholar, Olaoluwa has in conjunction with some professors published many research works, which today have contributed significantly to the field of Mathematics globally. However, going by Olaoluwa’s cool, calm and humble mien, his outstanding academic profile became the talk of the town during the ceremony among the guests who were gaping in amazement. Amazed by his academic prowess, the university Registrar, Dr. Taiwo Ipaye, while inviting Olaoluwa to the rostrum, declared that in the history of the 52-year-old Ivory Tower, no student, especially at Postgraduate level had scored the whole available five points in that course (Mathematics) as currently done by Olaoluwa. “But, this young man has set a record by scoring 5/5 during his three-year PhD programme here,” he announced. However, his announcement was greeted amid thunderous ovation that almost shook the university’s Multipurpose Hall, venue of the ceremony, to its roof. Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

niversity of Ibadan Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Adewole, has called on the Federal Government to ensure quality education and equitable distribution of wealth in order to rid the nation of its socio-political and economic crises. Adewole said this in his opening remarks at the 2014 Faculty of Law public lecture entitled: "Federalism and National Unity: Optimising the Richness of Diversity." The lecture was delivered by Dr. Fabian Ajogwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) based in Lagos. The Vice-Chancellor said: "Our leaders must get it right on

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

I plan to be a lecturer, pastor 24-yr-old UNILAG PhD graduate “Apart from scoring 5/5 in his course work, Olaoluwa’s thesis: “Studies on Fixed Points of Contractive and Expanding Maps in Multi-Dimensional Spaces,” which was supervised by the duo of Professors Johnson Olaleru and Samuel Ajala, was also adjudged the best PhD Thesis ahead of 104 others,” she added. Though, a native of Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Olaoluwa was born in the war-ravaged Central African Republic, where he began his journey to academic excellence from his elementary schools. Going by his records of academic prowess, while in primary school, Olaoluwa had a double promotion from Primary IV to VI, omitting Primary V, and in secondary school, his academic stardom continued to daze his teachers, as he was double promoted again from Junior Class II to Senior Class I, and from Senior School I to Senior School III. Olaoluwa spent four years to complete the six years secondary school education, a feat described as rare in the history of education in that clime. He said of his secondary school education: “During our mid-term in Senior School III, my teachers still discovered I was performing exceptionally well, the school authority moved me to Senior School IV, which is the Diploma year. Again, my excellent performance granted me Direct Entry opportunity to the university, where for the first time in the history of the institution I was allowed to study two different courses at the same time beginning from 200 Level.” Meanwhile, it is a law at the Universit´e de Bangui, Bangui, Central African Republic, that no student is allowed to study for more than one programme at a time, but in his case, the institution granted him a waver by setting aside the extant rule to allow the genius who had applied to study Physics and Mathematics simultaneously in the university have his way. Olaoluwa recalled: “It was not an easy task because I was just 15 years old then, and there were times the lecture periods clashed, but what I did was to devote more time to Mathematics than Physics, since Mathematics requires more attention and focus. But surprisingly, when I

Olaoluwa

eventually graduated in 2007, I had the best results in the two Departments. In fact, with my 16.76 point score out of the possible 20 points, the next student scored 11 points.” Meanwhile, at 19, Olaoluwa became the youngest Masters Degree holder ever recorded in the Central African Republic university. Thus, upon graduation, he was offered direct admission for his Masters programme in the two fields - Physics and Mathematics - where he once again led his other contemporaries by becoming the university’s best graduating student in the two Departments. Basking in the euphoria of his son’s achievement, Pastor Emmanuel Olaoluwa, a mechanical engineer, and Pastor of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (aka Deeper Life) at the Central African Republic Parish, recalled how Olaoluwa’s feat became the subject of discussion in Central African nation, and the entire church.

With Olaoluwa’s academic stardom, the attention of the General Overseer of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi, also a Mathematician and former lecturer at the University of Lagos, was said to have been drawn to the accolades being poured on the church and its members, as well as the young Mathematician and other Nigerians in the country. Towards this end, the Clergy offered to sponsor Olaoluwa’s PhD programme, but this time at the University of Lagos, Kumuyi’s alma mater. Olaoluwa explained: “That was how I returned to Nigeria in 2009, to pursue my PhD in Mathematics. Although, before my PhD programme, I had visited Nigeria on one or two occasions during holidays which were short visits. This time, I have been exposed to practical Nigerian culture, but it was really not that easy to adapt or acclimatise.” In the last three years as post-

VC harps on quality education the handling of the issue of religion. No country has got out of any religious war. Iran is still in turmoil despite America's intervention. Afghanistan is in crisis; Iraq is still in commotion. Sudan is at daggers drawn with itself. But, our people are dynamic. Nigerians are very intelligent and very enterprising. "Nigerians will not tolerate nonsense as we know our rights. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our counterparts overseas. But they want shelter, food, security, and our leaders must provide such. Whenever this is lacking, there cannot be peace.” According to him, what the

Adewole

country needs is equitable wealth distribution as solution to the nation’s crises because education and wealth distribution are part of the solutions to the problems.

“The Federal Government must look into this to ensure the country is safe for all to live," he added. At the Law Lecture Theatre, the venue of the lecture include Prof. Adewole; Dean of Law Faculty, Prof Oluyemisi Bamgbose; Head of Department of Public and International Law, Professor Adeniyi Olatunbosun; Acting HOD of Private and Business Law, Mrs. Jadesola Lokulo-Shodipe; Mrs. Folake Solanke (SAN), who chaired the lecture; and Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan branch, Mr. Kazeem Gbadamosi, among others.

graduate student in UNILAG, Olaoluwa, however, noted that he was exposed to many things he had hitherto found unbelievable about the country, especially Nigerian news that are always full of negative reports. Recounting his experience in the last three years in Nigeria, he said: “I am in this country without my parents and I found Nigerian food entirely strange to me. The Yoruba’s way of life, which is full of respect and greetings is somehow difficult for me to cope with. It took me some time to really adapt to these norms and practices, particularly when I had to go to Ayobo, a suburb of Lagos from UNILAG.” When asked about his academic success, Olaoluwa simply responded: “There is no shortcut to success. Every good thing in life has got its prices attached. I never have time for women in spite of several advances from ladies. As a born-again Christian I had challenges coping with advances from women, but with prayer and fasting, I have always overcome. “There were also times my friends would come knocking on my door, though they might mean no harm, most often their visits could be disturbing. But thank God, I was able to manage the whole situation without conflict or having collision with any of them.” Pastor Olaoluwa, his father, who was merely declining to comments on virtually some of the questions asked him, said he was not too surprised at his son’s outstanding performance because it is part of the manifestation of God’s wonders in his life. He added: “There is nothing surprising at all. He is just the last of my three children and even his elder brother, who is a Gynaecologist, has just finished a programme equivalent of PhD in that field. I think it is a journey we started long ago. As parents, we knew we did not have much to give our children like my colleagues who had pursued their careers in engineering, and so we felt the best we could offer them was sound education and sound religion.” To his mother, Olamide, her son’s success should be credited to God and not to anyone. Mrs. Olaoluwa, the church worker, said God was only passing a message through their son, even as he counseled him to remain humble and respectful in all his dealings in life. But to Olaoluwa, who said he is looking unto God for direction, he declared that he would like to pursue another Doctorate programme in a Physics-related field. His words: “I am looking onto God for my next line of action, but my hope is to work for God as a pastor alongside my career as a lecturer. Already, there are quite some offers, but I pray to God for His divine guidance.” Olaoluwa, who dedicated his achievement and success to the Almighty God, thanked his parents for giving him sound foundation, as well as several other individuals and organisations, especially the Deeper Life Church Ministry, which according to him, had made his academic journey a smooth one, particularly with the provision of funds.”

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‘My experience as corps member in Lagos’ Victoria Ewoh

youth corper, undertaking her compulsory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in Lagos, has recounted her service year in the Centre of Excellence, describing it as a mixed grill of experience. Abul Nguseer Philomina, a graduate of Houdegbe North American University Cotonou, Benin Republic, where she studied Accounting, is a native of Benue State. While sharing her experience with the New Telegraph, Abul Nguseer, who is undertaking her primary assignment at the Ikeja Local Government Area Secretariat, where she works at the Directorate of Account (DA), insisted that “living and serving in Lagos State as a corps member has not been easy in terms of the high cost of living in the city.” “I grew up and schooled in Benue State, where I had my elementary education before I went to Cotonu to further my education. The two cities are a different port of call entirely,” she noted. According to Abul Nguseer, working at the Secretariat has been great thing and lovely experience because I love what I do. One aspect of Lagos life, which she detests, is her inability to either understand or speak the Yoruba language, which she said has remained a problem for her since she was deployed to the state. She stressed: “I wish I could speak or understand Yoruba language which is the language spoken by the people. My prob-

lem is that I don’t speak and understand Yoruba which most workers at the Secretariat, who are mostly from the SouthWest, speak.” Despite, Abul Nguseer said she is impressed by the work ethics at the secretariat, in terms of the level of organisation and the organisational structure put in place by the state government. “The style of administration put in place by the Lagos Sate Government is a good one, all the workers here are well coordinated and organized. The organisational structure is superb,” the corps member added. To her, another area of life that makes living in Lagos uninteresting to Abul Nguseer is the hustling and bustling nature of the city. She said: “The busy nature of Lagos is another thing entirely. This is a city where everyone is in haste. The people are all impatient in doing things. The hectic traffic I face daily going and coming to office is not only stressful, but also worrisome. Most time I get home tired and weak after several hours on the road. But, of course, I am trying to cope with the situation of things here, especially at the market place which is very crowded all of the time.” The corps member, who recalled how she missed her way one fateful day at Balogun Market, said: “I almost got lost that day when I went for shopping. It was an interesting experience. ” She, however, noted that serving in Lagos could be wonderful, though very hectic, saying she is learning fast to adapt to the life in the city.

Some of the newly inducted pharmacists

UNIMAID inducts pharmacy graduates Taiwo Isola UNIMAID

he efforts of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) towards improved health services sector of the country was last week received a boost with the induction of new set of Pharmacists, that graduated from its Faculty of Pharmacy. The induction ceremony, which took place at the ElKanemi Hall of the university, attracted the new ViceChancellor, Prof Ibrahim Njodi, who was performing his maiden official function; members of the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria; principal officers of the university and students. Setting the tone of the induction, Njodi bemoaned

graduates will help to address the dearth of pharmacists in the country, while encouraging the inductees not only to put in their best for the profession, but also to upgrade their knowledge since the profession is a dynamic one. The high points of the event were the oath taking, induction and presentation of certificates to the inductees. One of the inductees, Ibukun Odukale, said: “I am happy to undertake my induction today as a fully qualified pharmacist. My past seven years at Maiduguri has been so challenging, but God is faithful to see me and my colleagues through. Today, I am a certified pharmacist and I pledge to play my part to help in growing the pharmacy industry in Nigeria.”

Student group lifts orphanage home with gifts Sikiru Akionla OAU

etermined to cater for the less-privileged in the society, a students' association, Club Luminous of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), has donated food items, provisions, toiletries, beds, fans, clothes, stationaries and books to an orphanage home. The items, which was valued at about N150,000 were donated to Covenant Orphanage and Welfare Centre, located in Moro, in Ife-North Local Government Area of Osun State. The students, who had ear-

Philomina

what he described as the critical shortage of pharmacists in the nation’s health sector, saying that there are only four universities in the whole Northern part of the country offering Pharmacy as a course of study. The event was climaxed with the Vice-Chancellor’s announcement of offer of provisional employment opportunities to the best two graduating students, which received thunderous ovation. Towards this end, Njodi, however, spoke of the commitment of the institution’s Faculty of Pharmacy to facilitate good health programme in the region. The Acting Registrar of the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, Mrs. Gloria Abumere said the induction of the

lier visited the Home for the list of relevant items needed by the inmates, recalled that they were surprised at the poor condition of the Home, saying the environment was not conducive and habitable, and so needed be lifted by kind-hearted Nigerians and well-meaning corporate organisations. Making the donation on behalf of the members of the Club, the President, Ayoola Oladipupo Christopher, said the need to help the needy and less-privileged children in the society, propelled the club to embark on the gesture. The 400 Level undergradu-

ate of International Relations, wondered how Nigeria, as nation with abundant resources should pay little attention to the needs of less-privileged, insisting that this group of people requires adequate attention. ‘This is why as a philanthropic club, we deemed it fit to assist the children in the Home by donating to them some of their needs,” he said. The Vice-President, Ishola Halimat, who explained that the club is a social and philanthropic one, said the club was passionate about making positive impacts on the society as a whole.

LASU fee crisis: Students demand 67% reduction across board T he Lagos State University (LASU) students have rejected the 34 to 60 per cent reduction in their school fees by the Lagos State Government. The students, who insisted that the percentage of reduction was not acceptable, said the government should slash the fees by 67 per cent across board. Governor Babatunde Fashola had last week heeded the demand of the students by reducing the tuition fees of the 32-year-old state university by

34 to 60 per cent, following protracted protests by the students in the last three years over the fee increase by the government. The students, under their umbrella union, the Students’ Union, are angling for 67 per cent reduction for all categories of students. The students had two weeks ago relocated to Alausa, Governor’s Office, where they kept few nights sleeping and cooking, insisting that they would not let go until the government slashed the fee.

But, following the government’s reduction announced last week, the union at a press briefing held at the International Press Centre, Ogba, Lagos, expressed disappointment at the decision of the government, saying the announcement has further confirmed the Governor Fashola-led administration’s insincerity to their plight. While addressing journalists, the President of the union, Nurudeen Yusuff chided the Lagos State Government for marking June 12 as a Democracy Day,

describing it as a high level of hypocrisy. According to them, the hike in fees in LASU could not have been part of the reason why the late business mogul and symbol of June 12, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola died. He said the anti-student policies of the state government have only taken the people back to the despotic eras of the military regime in the country. Yusuff, who frowned at the manner in which the students were attacked by the police dur-

ing one of their peaceful protest on June 10, said: “The attack on LASU students on June 10, 2014, has not only shown the level of impunity of the Nigeria Police, but it also brought disrepute to the Lagos State Government. The action right in front of the Governor’s Office is questionable. Where should the citizens be more safe and protected if not in the Government House? The students were outside the governor’s office singing and insisting that the Governor should address us.

EDUCATION | CAMPUS

Okolo bows out, as UNN new VC resumes

Students’ health campaign rids community of filth

Oladele Oge UNN

Akerele Oluwakemi UNILORIN

aced with the need to rid the society of dirty habit among the people, a group of students at the Department of Mass Communication, University of Ilorin, last week, embarked on a sanitisation programme in some major communities in the ancient city of Ilorin. Tagged: “Good Hygiene, Healthy Nation,” the programme is part of the students’ campaign against dirty habits, which to them is the major source of illness in the society. The students who are final year students of Public Relations of the department include Akerele Oluwakemi, Madu Edith, Motojehi Blessing and Mustapha Tracy. The health campaign, described as a social responsibility function, according to them, was undertaken to educate and sensitise members of the local communities towards developing the communities and the nation at large. The programme, which was organised under the umbrella of a Public Relations firm, Foremost Consultants, has not only helped in community development, but also contributed to maintenance of personal hygiene standards. According to the spokesman of the team, Akerele Oluwakemi, the programme was embarked upon to give back to the university’s host community, as well as towards the enhancement of the people’s health well-being and their environment. Toward ensuring effective campaign and also to lay a good example, the students, who engaged on a one day cleaning exercise at a designated location at Bubu community around the university environment, stressed that ‘cleanliness is next to Godliness.’ To them, the location for the cleaning exercise was strategically chosen because the community had over the time been used by the people as a dumpsite. According to the head of the management team, Madu Edith, the community and place were chosen for the exercise because it was discovered that many households in the community are without toilets, and hence people dump refuse and defecate at that site and as a result pollute the environment. In his response, the community head, Alhaji Aliu Umar expressed gratitude to the students, while promising that the people will do everything possible to avoid dumping refuse in the place. He, however, blamed the state waste management team assigned to help the community to dispose their waste for not been forthcoming in their

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Okolo

duties, even as he called on the state government to address their problem. On houses without toilets, the community head recalled that landlords had been ordered to build toilets in their houses, while reiterating that the policy will be strictly enforced with appropriate sanctions against defaulters.

new substantive ViceChancellor has been appointed for the nation’s first indigenous university, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). He is Benjamin Chukwuma Ozumba, a Professor of Gynecology and former Provost of the institution’s College of Medicine between 2004 and 2008. He was sworn-in on the June 10, to succeed Professor Bartho Okolo, whose five-year single term expired on June 9, after his appointment was ratified by the university’s Governing Councils. The erudite scholar has published more than 300 books

and undergone several training courses in different universities abroad and belongs to several local and international professional bodies. As one of his landmark achievements he founded the University of Nigeria College of Medicine Alumni Association (UNNCOMA). Speaking during the farewell ceremony organised by the university community in his honour Okolo, the outgone Vice-Chancellor, said he was leaving office a happy man, as he was leaving the university better, richer and stronger than he inherited it five years ago, when he was appointed as the 13th Vice-Chancellor of the 54-year-old university. Ozumba, in his speech pledged to run an open door

policy in which every member of staff would be carried along in vital decision making process, adding that his administration would work in closely with members of staff and students in finding lasting solutions to the challenges facing the institution. He, however, promised to complete all the abandoned projects in the university. But, to Dubem Okeke, a Law student of the institution, who described the administration of the outgone Vice-Chancellor as very strict, but however noted that he made significant impact during his five years tenure. He congratulated the new Vice-Chancellor and implored the university community to support the in-coming administration in order to enable it achieve greater development for the university.

Ajasin varsity gets Senate building, resource centre

t was a dream come true for management and members of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko community last week as they took delivery of the newly constructed four-wing - five-storey Senate Building. The handing over ceremony held amid pomp and ceremony was coming after the university took delivery of the Internet Resource Centre and a 500-capacity Lecture Theatre, christened Nelson Mandela Lecture Theatre, from the contractors handling the projects. With the delivery of the Senate Building, the age-long dream of the institution, named after the Second Republic Governor of old Ondo State, the Late Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin of having a beffiting Senate Building has been realised. Receiving the keys and photo album of the Senate Building on behalf of the university community from the contractors, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Femi Mimiko, described the completion of the edifice as "a dream come true and vision actualised." Mimiko, who noted that one of the major challenges facing his administration at inception in 2010, was acute deficit of infrastructure facilities, however recalled: "Four years down today, we are all witnesses to the rapid infrastructural development the university has witnessed and we can now confidently say Adekunle Ajasin University is on the march to greatness, and indeed we can compare favourably with other universities in terms of infrastruc-

Mimiko (10th right); DVC, Prof. Rotimi Ajayi (9thth right); Registrar, Mr. Bamidele Olotu (11th right) and university Librarian, Mr. William Akinfolarin (13th right), in a group photograph with top officers of the university, contractors and consultants after the handing-over ceremony.

tural development." The Vice-Chancellor restated his administration commitment to infrastructure and academic development of the university. Mimiko, who assured members of the university community that competent personnel would be deployed to ensure adequate maintenance of the Senate Building, expressed gratitude to the Visitor to the university and Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, for demonstrating genuine interest in the overall development of the university and for making funds available for its projects. He thanked the Consultants and Contractors handling the

project for the excellent job done, even as he praised the former Governing Council for fast tracking the development of the institution. Responding, the Architectural Consultant, Mr. Akin Olusola of Akin Olusola & Associates, said: "I have done my investigation and I stand corrected. This is the biggest Senate Building in any university in Nigeria. I make bold to say that if anybody finds anyone bigger than this, tell him to get across to me." He lauded the university management for its unflinching commitment to the project, saying: "It is a rare to find a project like this going on for two years and right from the

Unilever lauds Unilorin students' PR initiative Appolos Christian

he Unilever Nigeria Plc, has commended the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) students for their initiative in organising a competition on a Public Relations Techniques course for 300 Level students of the Departments of Mass Communication, and Library

and Information Science of the institution. The competition, which took place last week at the Quadrangle of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, according to the Kwara State Sales Manager of the firm, Mr. Osezuwa Ehigiamen, would stimulate students’ intellectual and challenge them

with real life experiences. He described the Public Relations practical project carried out by the undergraduates as a link between the Gown and Town. The former Acting Head of Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Adeshina Lukman Azeez, the lecturer in charge of the course, noted: “Schooling is

beginning to the end, it was not stopped for a single day for lack of funds." The General Manager of Charvet Nigeria Limited, the construction company handling the project, Mr. Peter Brittain, commended the university for establishing and maintaining a reliable and robust working relationship throughout the execution of the project. The Senate Building, which occupies a total floor area of 10,000 square meters, has over 260 offices, 5,000-capacity open piazza, a large reception hall, council chamber, senate chamber, three lifts with seven stair halls, conference halls, among other facilities. not just about acquiring certificate. It is only when you are innovative and creative that you will be able to impart and function well in the society.” According to him, Mass Communication is a skills-based course, and that students must identify their potential; build on it by acquiring skills, in addition to being innovative and creative in carrying out their responsibilities as public relations practitioners.

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Campus journalists’ lecture focuses on nation building Hammed Muritala

he curtains were last week lowered on a public lecture organised by the Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ), University of Ilorin chapter, as part of activities marking the maiden edition of its Press Week. The lecture entitled: “The Role of Journalism in Nation Building and Crisis Resolution,” was organised in honour of Dr. Ogah Emmanuel, the Executive Director of Cymmy Associates. In his lecture, Dr. Mahfouz Adedimeji, the Director of UNILORIN Center for Peace and Strategic Studies described journalists as integral part of modern life and the oxygen of democracy, stressing that they have crucial roles to play in nation building and development. He attributed the problems of nation building to ineffective communication, which he said leads to conflict, noting that this could be corrected by journalists as interpreters of events and issues in the society. “To communicate effectively is to promote peace and to communicate ineffectively is to en-

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Bayo Lawal (2nd left); Dr. Mahfouz Adedimeji (3rd left) and members of ACJ after the lecture

courage conflict,” he said. In his address, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Bayo Lawal, noted that journalists must always avoid sensationalism in their reportage, even as he challenged the students on the need to build their writing skills.

The Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, AbdulKareem Abiodun advised the student journalists to always uphold the ethics of the journalism profession, adding that the union would always partner with them on how to groom

them. Earlier in his address, the Registrar of the university, Mr. Dada Obafemi charged the students to promote the good image of the institution through their reportorial activities, noting that journalism was a noble profession that confers

certain privileges on its practitioners. He added: "You have come into the profession because it is a good one; writers right the wrongs in the society, so keep the flag flying, and do not be sentimental in your reporting. Surely, the sky is your starting point.” In his remarks, the honouree, Dr. Ogah urged youths to be agents of social change in the society. "To be a leader, you must be well educated; you must maximise your potentials by widening your scope beyond the academic line, so that you can fit properly into the new world of entrepreneurship," he said. The high point of the occasion was the presentation of Awards of Excellence to Ogah (the honouree); Adedimeji; Lawal and AbdulKareem, while some outstanding members of the UCJ including Wale Bakare was awarded the Media Personality of the Year. Also, rewarded are Hameed Muritala; Campus Journalist of the Year; Alao Idris (Executive Member of the Year and Sanni Zainab, who was named the Most Supportive Member of the Year.

UNIMAID new VC takes over Okolo

Prof. Ibrahim Njodi

Taiwo Isola UNIMAID

new substantive ViceChancellor has resumed office at the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Borno State, after a handing-over ceremony. He is Professor Ibrahim Njodi, who is expected to call the shots at the institution for the next five years. At the ceremony, which took place at the El-Kanemi Hall of the institution, last week, were the out-going Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mala Daura and other principal officers of the university. In his handing-over speech, the outgoing ViceChancellor regretted the Boko Haram insurgency, especially in the North-Eastern part of the country, which he said has taken its toll on the development of the institution, which has lost some of its members of staff and students to the insurgency. While some lecturers are leaving the university in droves for fear of insecurity situation in the state, he lamented that many aspiring

candidates have continued to shun admission into the institution. Daura, who recounted his achievements, however noted that he had implemented over 80 per cent of the recommendations in the white paper of the Visitation Panel raised by the Federal Government to the university, even as he added that the university is neither buoyant nor poor in funding its programmes or projects. In his response, Njodi, an alumnus of the university, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical and Health Education in 1985, commended members of staff for their support for his predecessor, and appealed to them to stand by the university and his administration in order for them to collectively take the university to its loftier heights. He assured both the staff and students that he would do his best to move the university forward. While commenting on the administration of the out-going Vice-Chancellor, a student, Idris Suleiman said: "The former Vice-Chancellor did his best especially in the areas of security and infrastructural development. We now have new faculties of Education and Pharmacy and a new College of Medical Sciences, new lecture theatres and halls were built during his tenure. Essentially, electricity and water supply to the university are now stable. We are optimistic and hopeful that his successor, Prof. Njodi will evolve administrative styles that will not only work hard, but also strive to surpass the present achievements.

UI Deputy Registrar Students' Affairs, Dr. Stella Soola, presenting award of excellence to the guest speaker Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu

Hamzat Hammed UI

mid frills, the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) of the Students’ Union, University of Ibadan (UI), has held its maiden Legislative summit. The summit, which took place at the popular Trenchard Hall, was according to the organisers, aimed at educating the student members in the 13 faculties and 12 halls of residence in the university. While welcoming guests to the summit, the Speaker of the Students’ Representative Council, Oluyemi Sarumi reiterated that the summit was organised as part of the desire of the ‘student legislators’ to change their mindset towards leadership style and build better leaders for a better tomorrow for the country. He attributed the Council’s achievements to the existing unity among the lawmakers to make good laws in the interest of students they represent in the Parliament.

UI students hold summit The Vice-Chancellor of the university and chief host at the summit, Prof. Isaac Adewole, who was represented by the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Akinola Alada lauded the council for organising the summit, saying such initiative will go a long way in helping to build leadership skills in the participants. Alada hinted that the dictatorial rule by the executive arm of government has always been the major setback militating against good legislative processes in the country, while noting that legislative conference is a viable platform to solve most of the challenges confronting legislative arm of the students’ union. In his lecture entitled: “The Link between Politics and Profession,” the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Frank and Gene Group of Companies, Mr. Eugene Dibiagwu, noted that since no profession was free from its own troubles, politics

itself is the act of looking for trouble, finding it and applying the right remedy. Dibiagwu, who was represented by Mr. Mwamkpa Mudestus, however, said politics could be seen as a struggle over scarce resources, while profession could be viewed as the means through which the struggle is conducted. The students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, led by their Speaker, urged other tertiary institutions in the country to embrace this kind of summit which aimed at forestalling conflicts within their unions. One of the participants and 400 Level undergraduate of the Department of Mathematics, Ahmed Quadri said the summit had to a large extent exposed him to how to be a vibrant legislator. He appealed to the organisers to make the lecture available to the generality of students on the campus.

EDUCATION

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Wednesday, June 18, 2014

‘Why Nigeria must learn from India’s experience’ Mojeed Alabi

ey stakeholders and policy makers in the education sector have been advised to build the country’s growth and developmental policies, particularly in the area of education, on the experiences of emerging global economies such as China and India, if truly the country aspires to address most of its challenges. This was the position of the Chairman, BanquiresSMS Consultants Limited, Dr. Adeduro Felix, in his presentation on industry-based and functional education for Nigerian children through Amity University, an Indian institution with campuses in nine countries and three continents around the world.

He insisted that taking Nigerian children to Europe and America for studying nowadays has little benefits on the country than taking them to India and China, where he said were once at par with Nigeria in terms of development, but which have suddenly built a robust economy through massive investment in education and technology. Adeduro said his company’s partnership with the Indian institution is aimed at importing knowledge-based economy in India to Nigeria, even as he lamented the fact that Nigeria was currently breeding a generation of graduates that were ill-trained, unemployable or under-employed. “China and India are the only two countries that are

aggressively growing; and we needed as a country to learn how they got to the level which they are presently. One of the best destinations for any country desiring growth is definitely India and not America or United Kingdom,” he said. He added that Nigeria could only achieve this by connecting with institutions in those countries, such as Amity University that can impart into her students, what it takes to develop the nation. Adeduro said: “We want Nigerians to go to this university to get exposed to what the people are doing that is assisting their fast development, with a view to be empowered with the skills in order to come back to Nigeria to aid the development of the nation.”

L-R: Deputy Director, Banquairies SMS Consultants, Olaolu David; Director, Mrs. Okeke Peppy and the company Chairman, Dr. Felix Adeduro at the event.

Don blames neglect of history for Nigeria’s woes Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

don at the University of Ilorin and Professor of Social Studies Education, Alice Jekayinfa, has advised the Federal Government to revive the study of History and Social Studies Education and make it compulsory subjects in secondary school for pupils from Senior Secondary School (SS I-III). According to her, this move would serve as a major strategy in the nation’s quest to tackle the growing social unrest, especially among the youth. Jekayinfa, who made the call while delivering the 148th inaugural lecture of the university, argued that the neglect of the two subjects in matters of national interest and development are the root causes of the social and political problems currently plaguing the country. She argued that a recent decision to drop the subjects from the national curriculum was ‘political’. The don, however, noted that unlike in Nigeria, Social Studies Education in Ghana, Sierra Leone and other parts of Africa is gaining increasing ascendancy in the schools' curricula, adding that “given the striking similarities of the Ghanaian and Nigerian socio-cultural

and political experiences, it will be foolhardy to undermine the advancement of Social Studies in the nation’s senior secondary school curriculum.” “The relegation of history and Social Studies as school subjects poses serious threat to the realisation of the goals of the Nigerian educational system,” the lecturer added. While justifying her call, the don explained that the Social Studies curriculum seeks to make children develop a sense of comprehension towards other people; their diverse cultures, history and those fundamental things that make them humans, even as she pointed out that, the unified integrative nature of the subjects rightly positions them as an embodiment of essential education which should not be relegated. Jekayinfa, who charged governments at all levels to encourage the youth to take interest in African and Nigerian History as an important step in the struggle for continental and national progress, noted that the subjects should be restored to their rightful place of priority in the nation's educational system, while insisting that they should be made compulsory for all secondary school pupils from SS I to SS III.

This, she noted, “will enable the country produce a new generation of leaders that would be inspired by the glories of the past and be empowered to improve the nation's battered image and place it on the path to greatness.” Her words: “Nigerian Historians must brace up and chart a new course for the once ennobled discipline so that history can return to its pride of place as prime motivator of national consciousness and as the bedrock of all humanities in Nigeria.” The inaugural lecturer, however, lamented that “this essential education, which ought to be taught and learnt at all levels of education, had been relegated severally by the government of this country”, saying that “the idea of dropping Social Studies at the Senior Secondary School (SSS) level was a political decision. “Social Studies is an indispensable veritable tool for achieving national development. An individual exposed to Social Studies content is given a positive orientation, which will ultimately prepare him or her to function effectively in the society. Furthermore, social studies education would checkmate the rising spate of corruption in our society.”

EDUPEACE

with Mahfouz A. Adedimeji (08066372516, sms only)

Let LASU students laugh last

r. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, is one Governor that has won the hearts of many Nigerians, including mine. This is because of the popular assessment that he has done tremendously well as the helmsman of the famed Centre of Excellence. Few people dedicate themselves seriously to the work of public service as Mr. Fashola does. His success story as an individual is the story of what education can do to change life. He is what the Yoruba would call a typical “atapatadide” (the-one-who-rose-from-grassto-grace). But to God be the glory, the starry-eyed boy of 1976 is the well-respected action Governor of today. As Governor Fashola wrote in his inspiring foreword to Mr. Segun Odegbami’s book, “Me, Football and More” (2013), a collection of the author’s essays, he was a poor secondary school boy of 13 years of age in 1976. Like many other football lovers, Segun Odegbemi was his hero. But more than that, Fashola even idolized and venerated Odegbami. It is unfortunate that few Nigerians have indigenous heroes to venerate today that everything, from role models to Brazilian hair and Chinese food, is imported. No thanks to bad governance. Well, that year, Mr. Fashola decided to “play truant” one day and since the IICC Shooting Stars were camped in a hotel behind Tejuosho Market as part of their preparations for a match, he stayed there perhaps he would see his football hero. He ended up in a sports store and he was admiring a pair of “green football shorts” that he could not afford to buy. It is better he speaks for himself: “If dreams come true for children, mine came true many folds that day. As I was longingly admiring the shorts, the man I came to catch a glimpse of walked in and asked me if I liked them and when I nodded, he asked me to take it and told the shop keeper that he would come back to pay it. ‘Big Sege’ was big then in my eyes and he remains even bigger today,” The Governor wrote. Governor Fashola must have benefitted from the free meals and affordable education of his day to be able to complete his university education. He is now the governor but his state university is making education unaffordable to the average Nigerian. The governor should re-think the fees and show the generosity of Odegbami as an individual to the students so that they

We urged the government to come out in unequivocal language as to how much will be paid by students in naira and kobo and not in percentage will laugh at last. He has done something but he can do more. In clear terms, it is stale news that Lagos State University (LASU) has been grounded for some time now partly because of the increase in school fees. The students are crying loud because while their colleagues elsewhere are learning, their own university is grounded. After some days of protest by students and their harassment by the state security apparatchik, the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Governor Fashola offered to reduce the institution’s fees by 34 to 60%. We thought that was a breath of fresh air but while rejecting the offer, the students made a good argument that would make one chuckle in admiration. According to the President of LASU Students’ Union, Nurudeen Yusuf, “we do not accept the percentage reduction offered by the government because when the fees were increased, it was not done on percentage method; rather the government made the pronouncement in naira and kobo. “We urged the government to come out in unequivocal language as to how much will be paid by students in naira and kobo and not in percentage. How do they expect our parents in the market, who did not go to school, to calculate the percentage?” It is apparent that with the current regime of fees, many students will not be able to afford education. By so doing, Governor Fashola would deny many young people whose future lies in education the opportunity he had. It is not good for many young people to remember the Governor as the person who denied them the opportunity of university education because of the exorbitant school fees his government introduced. I join the students in enjoining the action Governor to put smiles on the faces of LASU students so that they won’t forget him for good. l Dr Adedimeji is a Senior Lecturer and Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, Unilorin.

FEEDBACK Re: This University of Life Dear Sir, I read the article tagged “The University of Life”. It was interesting and educative to learn from the lesson illustrated. God bless. Adekunle. Learning makes life worth living. There wouldn’t have been any difference between man and animal if not man’s continuous learning. Salaudeen Oladipo

BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 2014

WHAT'S NEWS Nigeria, others export dried orange, lemon peel to Europe Traders from Europe are demanding more dried orange and lemon peel from Nigeria, Ghana and other West African countries.

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$23bn lost yearly as war against illegal fishing deepens Some countries have taken major steps forward in the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in West African coasts by endorsing the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) Voluntary Guidelines for Flag State Performance.

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PR agencies battle for survival The practice of public relations in the country as part of Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC), no doubt, has improved, compared with some years past. The PR practice became pronounced in the early 90s, following the commencement of operations by The Quadrant Company, the country’s first fullfledged PR agency.

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Fear grips operators over new auto policy There is a hint that order for the shipment of used vehicles from the port of loading to Nigerian ports have dropped due to the new auto policy.

TELEDENSITY Unexpected reduction in CDMA mobile phone lines impacts national subscription figures negatively

AYODELE AMINU, Deputy Editor (Business) SIMEON OGOEGBULEM, Dep. Business Editor BAYO AKOMOLAFE, Asst. Editor (Maritime) SUNDAY OJEME, Asst. Editor (Insurance) SIAKA MOMOH, Asst. Editor (Industry/Agric) GODSON IKORO , Asst. Editor (Money Market) JONAH IBOMA, ICT Editor DAYO ADEYEMI, Property Editor ADEOLA YUSUF, Energy Editor

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AYODELE AMINU, DEPUTY EDITOR, BUSINESS

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Nigeria loses 3.5m CDMA lines in March

Jonah Iboma

he massive decline in the use of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) phone lines in the country seemed not to be showing any sign of abating anytime soon as over 3.5 million of such subscribers were lost in March. According to figures released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and analysed by New Telegraph, the number of CDMA subscribers plunged from 7,620,525 to 4,083,672 between February and March, a decline of over 3.5 million. This drop in subscribers using CDMA technology is one of the highest the sector has recorded in the country. A very high decline in CDMA phones subscribers was recorded last December. When the figures fell from 11,241,343 to 7,684,028 within one month, according to NCC figures. CDMA operators, many of whom had only regional licences, once provided a viable and reliable alternative to national mobile networks that use

BRAIN DRAIN Lack of training by aviation personnel and the Federal Government for key aviation personnel has led to brain drain

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BUSINESS CREW

Wole Shadare

earth of indigenous pilots and aircraft engineers are some of the reasons why Nigeria has not been able to meet its 18 per cent quota in manpower development, President, Nigerian Aviation Safety Initiative (NASI), Capt. Pam Dung, has said. This short fall, he told New Telegraph, makes the dominance of expatriate pilots inevitable in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

L-R: Chief Operating Officer Jabo Industries, Mr. Julian Norford; Chief Operating Officer, IL&FS Energy, Mr. Haziq Beg; Executive Vice Chiarman, Proton Energy Limited, Mr. Oti Ikomi and Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, during a courtesy visit by the Management of Proton Energy Limited & International Consortium Team to the Minister of Power in Abuja

the GSM technology. CDMA services were often considered very reliable and their terminal devices more affordable. Mobile phone subscribers using CDMA technology have been declining steadily in the

past three years following the inability of operators to meet market challenges. As a result, many of them have either almost folded up or barely operating skeletal services. The once vibrant CDMA

companies that have ran into troubled waters include Starcomms, Intercellular, MultiLinks and MTS First Wireless. The challenges faced by CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

How to rescue Nigeria’s aviation, by NASI He noted: “Nigeria's population is 18 per cent of Africa’s; hence we are expected to provide the appropriate 18 per cent of the manpower.” This, according to him, means Nigeria should have precisely 128 additional pilots and 172 new engineers every year. He said that failing to meet this target, means Africa would have to mitigate the shortfall by employing expatriates. These will eventually be repatriated both in terms of the acquired skills and revenue back to their home countries to the detriment of this continent, the expert explained.

He said that the problem could have been eliminated if the promised academic upgrade and expansion of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, had been carried out as planned. “I carried out a census of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recognised aviation training institutions in Africa. The result showed that the United Kingdom has more ICAO-recognised aviation institutions than the 54 African countries combined,” he stressed. Pam noted that the lack of training by aviation personnel

and the Federal Government for key aviation personnel has led to brain drain. The entire transport policy for Nigeria he stated, needs to be re-written, advising that that the country needs clearly defined policies and their respective strategies with specific objectives and time-lines for safety, reliability, efficiency and sustainability. To him, the aviation policy should be part of an overarching transport policy that integrates road, rail, sea and CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

WOLE SHADARE, Aviation Editor 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

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE May 2014 ...............................8% April 2014...............................7.9% March 2014............................7.8%

LENDING RATE

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parellel As at June 13)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N167 InterBank Rate . . . . . . . . . 10.50% Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N284 Prime Lending Rate. . . . . 16.93% Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N228.50 Maximum Lending Rate..25.83% • Foreign Reserves – $37.033bn as at 09/06/2014

EXCHANGE RATE

(Official As at June 13)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N155.73 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N261.98 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N210.70 Source: CBN

32 BUSINESS | NEWS OPPORTUNITY New export opportunity for West African countries blossom Bayo Akomolafe

raders from Europe are demanding more dried orange and lemon peel from Nigeria, Ghana and other West African countries. It was learnt that the dried lemon and orange peel is mainly used as infusion in the production of tea. A sack of dried certified orange peel weighs about 12 kilos while that of lemon weighs about 16 kilos. It is sold for an average of £2 per kilogramme in Europe. The increasing demand from European Union countries such as Germany and Netherlands, among others, is seen as a boost to the export of non-traditional products. Major lemon peel buyer countries include the United States, United Kingdom, France and New Zealand. It was learnt that the peel being generated from fresh-fruit are first dried and passed through all quality control checks before being bagged in sacks. They are then packed into 20-foot and 40foot metal containers, depending on the quantity demanded by the importer. This shows the potential export revenue to be generated from the export of citrus peels if the trade is encouraged as part of the country’s non-traditional exports, according to Samuel Nii Quarcoo, an agronomist and Chief Executive Officer of Quin Organics.

How to rescue Nigeria’s aviation C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 1

technical log, refusing to fly an unserviceable aircraft, insisting on taking the legal amount of fuel for flights”. He reiterated that Nigeria needs to evolve a whistle-blower policy that ensures protection of both the system and its users. This he said would help to reduce the spread of corruption within the system. Besides, he said it would also help in identifying hazards and taking mitigating actions before the entire group is compromised. “The absence of this feature has left our aviation system constantly being overrun by corruption. Good people within the system who observe anomalies such as unsafe practices or misuse of public funds are left with the difficult choices. “Speaking out and sacrificing their careers and livelihood or keeping quiet and hoping that nothing goes wrong and nobody else finds out. The result is an unsafe system built on false security, devoid of transparency and accountability that fosters a contagion of corruption and unethical practices”.

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Nigeria, others export dried orange, lemon peel to Europe …As US ferries beef, pork to Nigeria, others “Our current exports to the EU are relatively low. We need to sign the EPAs to protect our current export level to the EU and improve upon it,” he said.

Under the Economic Partnership Agreements, the EU is offering ECOWAS nations including Nigeria and Ghana the opportunity to retain privileged

access to its market through duty-free and quota-free exports. Meanwhile, the United States’ Meat and Export Federation (USMEF) is flooding

L-R: Director General, National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr Paul Orhii; Nigerian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Amb Dauda Danladi, and High Commissioner of Pakistan in Nigeria, Lt. Gen. Muhammad Asharaf Saleem (rtd.), during the Nigeria-Pakistan Pharmacist Investment Forum, in Lagos.

$23bn lost yearly as war against illegal fishing deepens Bayo Akomolafe

ome countries have taken major steps forward in the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in West African coasts by endorsing the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) Voluntary Guidelines for Flag State Performance. It is believed that IUU fishing had escalated over the past 20 years in the high seas, and is now estimated at between eleven and 26 million tons of fish harvested illicitly each year, worth between $10 and $23 billion. The voluntary guidelines would hold countries more accountable for the activities of fishing vessels flying their flags. It was learnt that the guidelines spelled out a range of actions that countries could take to ensure that vessels registered under their flags do not conduct IUU fishing, one of the greatest threats to sustainable fisheries and related livelihoods. Although the guidelines are voluntary, their endorsement by members of the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI), whose 31st meeting is currently underway at the United Nations’ agency’s headquarters in Rome, is a signal by countries of their intent to adhere to a shared set of standards for flag state performance. Worked out over several years of negotiations, the guidelines now enjoy broad levels of international buy-in and support. The FAO assistant Director-

General for fisheries and aquaculture, Árni M Mathiesen said: “Today’s decision represents a massive breakthrough in combating IUU fishing, which not only puts marine ecosystems at risk, but undermines any effort undertaken at the national, regional or international level to manage fisheries in a sustainable manner. “Taken together with FAO’s 2009 Agreement on Port State Measures, which works to prevent entry into ports by IUU fishing vessels, and therefore, block the flow of IUU-caught fish into national and international markets, these guidelines would provide a potent tool to combat IUU fishing in the coming decades,” he said.

A flag state refers to a country – whether coastal or landlocked – that registers a fishing vessel and authorises it to fly its flag. Flag states are required to maintain a record of their registered vessels together with information on their authorisation to fish, such as the species they may fish for and the type of gear they may use. However, many fishing vessels engaged in illegal activities circumvent such control measures by flag-hopping – repeatedly registering with new flag states to avoid detection, which undermines anti-IUU efforts. The voluntary guidelines aim to crack down on this practice, among other things,

Nigeria, Ghana and the Democratic Republic of Congo with red meet. It was learnt that USMEF has been exploring the opportunities available for the export of red meat to West Africa in the last two years. Dan Halstrom, USMEF senior vice-president for marketing and communications said that most imported beef and pork was currently sold in traditional wet markets, saying that there was potential for rapid growth in modern retail, as well as the hotel, restaurant and institutional sectors. Halstrom explained that domestic meat production cannot keep up with growing demand, with strong growth predicted for the supermarket and restaurant sectors. “I was in Ghana three weeks ago and it was very apparent to me that if these economies continue to grow, they are going to be almost totally dependent on imports,” Halstrom said. According to Global Meet, most of what is going in on the imported beef and pork side were variety meats such as beef feet, sinews, snouts, lips, ears, tripe, masks and the vast majority is going into traditional wet markets. by promoting greater cooperation and information exchange between countries, so that flag states are in a position to refuse to register vessels that have previously been reported for IUU fishing, or that are already registered with another flag state. They also provide recommendations on how countries could encourage compliance and take action against noncompliance by vessels, as well as on how to enhance international cooperation to assist developing countries to fulfill their flag state responsibilities. The guidelines draw on existing international maritime law as well as international instruments such as the 1993 FAO Compliance Agreement, the 1995 FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, the 2001 FAO International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate IUU fishing.

Nigeria loses about 3.5m CDMA lines C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 1

CDMA operators made the former NCC Executive Vice-Chairman, Mr. Ernest Ndukwe, advise them to embark on mergers in order to remain competitive. Although, this was belatedly attempted in 2013 under a name called CAPCOM, the inability of the firms involved to iron out their differences has since left the merger plan comatose. Some experts, including the President of the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers, believed that NCC’s decision to unify the call termination rates of both CDMA

and GSM operators led to the death of the former as the cost of making calls on these networks became very close to that of GSM companies. Overall, the fall in subscriber base has affected the total number of telephone subscribers in Nigeria negatively as the country now has a total of 127,097,196 subscribers as at March 2014 as against 129,002,841 in February. This represents a decline of a little over two million subscribers. As at April 2013, there were as many as 14,248,485 CDMA subscribers in the country, majority of who were from

the Visafone network. The implication of the current decline is that over 10 million users of CDMA phones have been lost on the country’s network in the last one year. Meanwhile, GSM users continue to grow as subscribers have increased from 167.4 million in February 2014 to 168.60 in March. However, due to the fall in the number of CDMA users, the country’s teledensity has also dropped from 92.14 to 90.78, one of the few times that this will be recorded in the Nigerian market.

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Exports: NEPC partners RMRDC Amadi Nnamdi

he Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and Raw Material Research and Development Council (RMRDC), have agreed to synergise their activities to develop new products for export. The two government establishments stressed the need for the diversification of the nation’s economy from oil dependency to non-oil when the Executive Director/CEO of NEPC, Olusegun Awolowo, visited the Director-General of RMRDC, Dr. Hussein Ibrahim, in Abuja. Awolowo was of the view that the RMRDC was important to the growth of the Nigerian economy given its

resourcefulness in terms of researches conducted to enrich its database and other complementary roles towards the development and promotion of non-oil export. The NEPC chief Executive advocated mutual cooperation between the two bodies. He said: “We need to collaborate with your agency to ensure the discovery of new products that could be exported with a view to increasing our revenue and diversifying from dependency on oil.” Awolowo posited that there was the need for both agencies to continuously advocate speedy implementation of the National Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) to ensure that Nigeria gets on the list of top 20 economies by the year

2020. He disclosed that NEPC was also collaborating with the RMRDC towards the hosting of the 2nd International Symposium on Mycotoxin in nuts and dried fruits scheduled to hold in Abuja in September. Responding, Dr. Ibrahim said that the RMRDC was closely working with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to establish a committee on Gum Arabic, given the challenges of fluctuating fortunes of the product in the international market, due to stiff competition from other major exporters. Ibrahim disclosed that RMRDC was willing to partner NEPC to ensure that Nigeria meets the requisite standards for export.

Business operators bemoan shortage of lower notes Simeon Ogoegbulem Abuja

usiness operators in Abuja have continued to express Bconcern over the persistent de-

cline in supply of lower naira denominations. Some traders in Lagos on Monday appealed to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ease their transactions with customers by injecting adequate lower denomination currencies into the system. There has been persistent scarcity of lower denominations over the past six months with mainly higher denominations of N1,000, N500 and N200 in circulation while lower denominations from N100 down to five naira notes are had to come by.

The business operators, mostly in the informal sector of the economy, lamented that the scarcity of the lower Naira denominations was affecting the volume of their business activities. They alleged that the dearth of the lower naira notes has drastically reduced their daily turnovers and limited their daily income and thereby called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to come to their aid by releasing lower currency notes. The apex bank had last April promised to inject lower denominations of the currency into the system. Director, Banking Supervision of the CBN, Mrs Tokunbo Martins, made the promise in response to problems being encountered by most Nigerians while transacting small scale businesses.

SON signs MoU with Cameroun Amadi Nnamdi he Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has enTtered into a Memorandum of

Understanding (MoU) with the Standard and Quality Agency of Cameroun for cooperation between both countries. According to the Director General of SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, the purpose of the MOU is to foster a closer working relationship that would bring the two countries together using standards. “This will help our economies to relate better by removing all technical barriers to trade and improving trade volumes. Today indeed marks a turning point for our business men who seek and desire removal of hinL-R: Deputy Managing Director, GTBank, Cathy Echeozo; Managing Director, Segun Agbaje and Head, External Communidrances to free flow of goods and cation and Public Affairs, Lola Odedina, at the GTBank Heritage cup 2014 Season 3 finals, in Lagos services,” he said. PHOTO: ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA Odumodu who is also the president of African Organisation for Standards disclosed that his focus as president of the confrom expanding as over 70 per on the new investors in the power Simeon Ogoegbulem cent of their operating costs are sector to hasten and deliver qualAbuja gulped by fuelling and servicing ity power to Nigerians in order of their electricity generators. to further revitalise businesses. Simeon Ogoegbulem Samuel, a light machines fab- Abuja mall and Medium EnterHe noted that the huge prises (SMEs) operators amount being channelled to ricator, stated that the difference in the Federal Capital Ter- provision of alternative power between Nigerian entrepreneurs ritory (FCT) have appealed to by SMEs is responsible for the and their counterparts from othhe Nigerian Society of Enthe new owners of the defunct near stagnation of cottage indus- er African and Asian countries is gineers (NSE) has again Power Holding Company of tries in the country. power supply, adding that with appealed to the government Nigeria (PHCN) successor “SME operators are being improved power supply, Nigeri- at all levels, corporate bodies companies and government to stifled by energy constraints, the an economy will witness unprec- and individuals to encourage hasten the process of improv- huge amount of money spent to edented growth as most of the indigenous manufacturing ing power supply in Nigeria. acquire, fuel and service these cottage industries that have been concerns in the country. The operators who spoke generators are limiting the po- comatose will roar back to life. President of NSE, Ademola to New Telegraph separately tentials and contributions of the His words: “Go to Aba, Kano, Isaac Olorunfemi, who made lamented the huge cost being operators in creating jobs in the Onitsha, Nnewi, Ibadan and see the appeal in Abuja, submitborne by them due to erratic country,” Okoro further stated. how small scale industries are ted that it is only through papower supply. According to him, SME op- battling for survival, you can tronage of local manufacturA sachet water producer, erators in Nigeria are willing imagine what will happen when ing outfits that Nigeria could Emeka Okoro, said that gains and ready to further deepen the we have regular power supply. strive to attain true sovereignbeing made by small scale indus- economy but are being held back These machines from Asia are ty as a nation. trialists in the country are being by high overhead costs which not better than what we have here. The champion of the cameroded by rising energy costs. has limited their capacity to ex- The difference is that they have paign for patronage of madeOkoro stated that the opera- pand beyond engaging only a few cheaper power supply and this in-Nigeria goods further said makes their products cheaper that cultivating the habit of tors in the SME sector of the hands at time. economy were being hindered Also, Atoyobi Samuel called than our locally produced ones.” buying locally manufactured

SME operators demand improved power supply

tinental body is to ensure the integration of Africa, regional economies through the common language of standardisation. “Beyond signing this MoU, a faithful implementation of all aspects contained therein is expected to benefit our countries and foster regional integration using standards,” he added. In his speech, the Director General of Cameroun’s Standards and Quality Agency, Mr. Charles Booto, who also doubles as the vice president of African Organisation of Standard expressed delight at the signing of the MoU and further highlighted the importance of economic cooperation between Nigeria and Cameroun. “The presence of the High Commission of Cameroun in Nigeria goes further to prove the importance the government of Cameroun accords the cooperation between the two countries,” he said.

NSE seeks patronage for local firms

goods will, among other things, help create job opportunities for Nigerians, conserve foreign exchange as well as reduce poverty in the country. He noted that while the rebased gross Domestic product (GDP) puts the economy at $510 billion, unemployment still stands at 24.1 per cent while people living in poverty and malnutrition is an alarming figure of 46 per cent and 24 per cent respectively. According to the NSE president, such dismal statistics are “indications that we are yet to achieve a balanced economy in Nigeria, pointing out that patronage of local firms hold the key to converting Nigeria’s new GDP numbers to collateral economic and social security for much of the larger population.

FCT | BUSINESS WATCH

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

New auto policy will stop capital flight –Imasuen As mixed feelings continue to trail Federal Government’s new Automotive Policy, Project Manager of MFV-Nigeria, organisers of the forthcoming Abuja International Automobile Exhibition, Mr. Efosa Imasuen, speaks on the new auto policy, the benefits as well as the forthcoming exhibition. He spoke with AMADI NNAMDI. Excerpts.

will give them their standard rules and regulations. This car must be up to this standard and if they are buying floor mat from Aba to put in the car, they will tell the man who is going to supply the car mat to make it in order to meet international standards. So this policy will bring about standardisation in the country and you will see investors coming into this market and we will have more standard quality products in the market for Nigerians. One of the problems we have in Nigeria is that the spare parts we use here are of low quality. The ad• Imasuen vent of the policy will improve the small and medium scale businesses. There are many people in Apo Village or mechanic village who can patch tyres, the white man does not How will you describe the automobile industry in Nigeria? patch tyres, he changes his tyres, so if these industries The automobile industry in Nigeria is still a very fer- are set up, they will have need for such people who deliver tile and vast field. We have not started developing our quick repairs. So those people will be like sub-contractors intellectuals to really capture not just the market because like Shell and other multinational companies use in deif it is just the market then we will turn to China one livering their jobs. Like Nissan now is already making day and anything goes, but about the tradition of what demand for headlights, and this thing is produced in Aba is called automobile. If you go to America, people don’t and Nnewi, so you see, there will be contracts in the autopatronise cars because they are flashy but many people motive sector. Also, for exhibitions, if car manufacturing there patronise it because it is a Ford. I am from the vil- plants are mounted in the north you will see somebody lage of Henry Ford. Just imagine if Innoson is from your will start up another exhibition there. The automotive village, won’t you patronise him? Okay, imagine people sector is one of the powerful sectors in the world; the patronising Dangote’s products because it is from Dan- highest consumer of petrol in the world is cars. If we gote. That is what is going to happen to our cars very soon. have cars manufactured here, the income will be comSo, the automobile industry in Nigeria is very versed, it ing in. We hear this story going around that we are not needs to be nurtured, not really by government, because manufacturing cars, that we are only assembling cars, that is the mistake many people are making. The private and I always ask them if they know the real meaning sector has a lot to do. It is a promising sector, whatever of manufacturing. If you say we are not manufacturing you invest in it you will benefit. There is no car dealer in that means even you that manufacture clay pot here is not Nigeria that is broke, go and check. your own because it is not you that created the clay. So if Nissan starts importing engine and makes the chassis What is your take on the National Automotive Policy? here, my dear, the car is made in Nigeria because the chasThe National Automotive policy is a very welcome idea sis is a major factor in car production, it is on it that other coming from the Federal Government, because Nigeria components of the car are built. We cannot just jump into has been losing out on the automotive market. If you full-blown manufacturing. The Policy just came in and check out the number of people selling cars, those ones Innoson is already here so give it 10 years and see what that pay tax are very few. I buy a car from America, I ship will happen. For me, the National Automotive Policy is a it to a country, I display it at a place, I don’t pay rent, and welcome idea because the policy has so many things we I sell the car for millions of Naira, that is some big loss to have not talked about like price regulations, incentives government. When you leave that place, government cuts to encourage Nigerians to patronise them and a host of the grass on that place, government provides electricity other things. The only challenge in it might be the timeand security there, so it is a big loss to government. The line they have given to other people in the automobile Automotive Policy will one way or the other check those sector to buy into the policy. I am of the opinion that the things because if you put a high tariff on importation tariff should have been gradually increased instead of of fairly used cars, their dealers will be made to start pa- jumping at the 80 per cent they want to put it now, but tronising locally made cars, so we will not have that bulk on the other hand, if you don’t start radically, Nigerians capital flight. Importantly, if one car plant is set up in won’t adapt to it. Government has a lot of good things in Nigeria, it will employ about 15,000 people, direct employ- that policy that many Nigerians have not read. It is rather ment. So imagine if they set up 10 car manufacturing unfortunate that people are used to criticising anything plants in Nigeria, that will be about 150,000 people being that comes from government. The earlier the car dealers employed. That number is just the direct employment in Nigeria talk to their partners to come down to Nigeria, coming from the setting up of the plants. More than that number will also be engaged in indirect employment as a result of setting up of the plants. Government does not need to employ everybody. The new auto policy strategy We cannot just jump into full-blown will drastically reduce unemployment in the country if it is effectively implemented. Also, it will bring more about manufacturing. The policy just came professionalism. The policy will standardise the quality of in and Innoson is already here so, give made in Nigeria goods. This industry is interwoven with so many things in Nigeria. For instance, if Stallion buys it 10 years and see what will happen the franchise to manufacture Nissan in Nigeria, Nissan

the better for us. I believe government has a lot of work to do to really sensitise people about the real content of this policy which I know is good. Do you think that the three tiers of government are really encouraging the local vehicle manufacturers bearing in mind that they keep importing vehicles when they know they can be manufactured here? I will say yes. When we see the end result of what governments do we think it was done yesterday. We think that the papers were signed and the buses were delivered today and commissioned. If you go and check records, you will find out that those buses were ordered two or three years ago and the factory was given time to manufacture. You don’t manufacture buses like that and keep. I am not holding brief for them anyway, but if you check properly you will find out that those buses were ordered one or two years ago. People should not see it like government is trying to weaken the industry. It is a gradual thing. Now the new automotive policy has not been completely rolled out. Government wants to build about five institutions in Nigeria that will train automotive traders, manufacturers on how to manufacture standardised products and meet demand even for export purposes. Those things have been signed into law today; they will start giving out the contract in two or three years’ time to start building facilities. These institutions which will run equivalent to some universities and polytechnic will come into place like five or 10 years’ time. It will take some time before completion and then when completed they will say it is the man that won election in 2025 that built the first school to train automotive engineers in Nigeria. So, I don’t think they are trying to render the local industry useless. The policy has been put in place, and the local market should work with it so that government will see more reasons to withdraw from old policies and concentrate on this and not tonguelashing government on what they have done in the past. The Bank of Industry (BOI) is here to help finance the industry too. So I think government is trying, it is only a matter of time for things to get better. Can you give us an insight into the forthcoming edition of Abuja International Automobile Exhibition? The second edition of AAE is going to be a six-day event which will take place between June 24 and 29, 2014, at the Silverbird Entertainment Centre, Abuja. The event opens on the first day with Car Unveiling ceremony to be performed by the Minister for Trade, Investment and Industry, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, and the Director-General of National Automotive Council of Nigeria, Aminu Jalal. Also High Chief Peter Ojeme (Don-P communication), is expected to be the Special Guest of honour and the managing directors of all the exhibiting companies are all going to be there. For this year’s exhibition, we shall be having five exhibitors, they are: Dana Group (the authorised dealers of KIA motor brand), R.T Briscoe (the number one authorised dealers of Ford and Toyota brands in Nigeria), Innoson Group (the indigenous car manufacturing company). The other two exhibitors are Stallion Group and PAN Nigeria. Initially, we wanted to make the theme of this year’s edition focus made in Naija but because of some people who have not bought into that made in Naija thing, we don't want to seclude them, so we cannot just chase other people away. So now what we chose to do is Made in Nigeria competing on the same platform with international brands. For a made in Nigeria car to be placed side by side with a Toyota- the most popular car in the world means a whole lot. If it was not worthy we will not even bring it. For example, PAN Nigeria will start pulling out the 301 brand very soon, so they will use the opportunity of the AAE to advertise. Stallion will also be coming with six brands to the exhibition, which includes Skoda, Volkswagen, Hyunda and especially the made in Nigeria Nissan. In all, we are expecting about 17 automobile brands at the exhibition.

BUSINESS | MONEY 35

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Emefiele: The name, the man, his mission ... Central Bank of Nigeria's office, Abuja. Inset: Emefiele

By Godson Ikoro What’s in a name? The power of a name and its value has long been immortalised in prose, poetry, and religious ceremony. Everyone recognises himself or herself by name. The question is: how does a name influence a person's character? Let us consider what a name is. It is the grouping of several letters of an alphabet, or other symbols, which represent the identification of a person or an object. The one thing, which separates human beings from the animal kingdom is human mind, which has the ability to reason on a conscious level. The link between human intelligence, mind, language, and the order of the letters in the alphabet is the key to measuring human mind and solving the major problem of mental discord and imbalance. William Shakespeare also once asked: “What is in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name still smells as sweet”. As sociologists say, behind every African name, there is solid history. A man has a way of living out the name his parents give him at birth. So, what exactly is in the name Godwin Emefiele, the new Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor? Nigerians, particularly those from the south of the Niger often bear names that link them to their creator, wealth, prowess, peace and or any other thing that are significance in their life time. The circumstances behind ones birth, also provides the basis for the name. Godwin Emefiele For our amiable, teacher, manager of men and resources at the CBN, Godwin Emefiele would live out his name. The name Godwin means one with God is majority; one with God wins every battle – physical, spiritual, social in all ramifications, that is well known. But the history and interpretation of Emefiele, is the crux of the piece.

The name Emefiele, is both a puritan and religious instruction. Emefiele literally translated, means do not commit sin, misbehave or break the law. This means that his rule at CBN would be underscored by righteous living. Like a child of light, he would brook no deliberate breaking of the law or unruly behaviour. But if you do, he would not have mercy. He will deal with you according to the letters of the law, convention or terms of the agreement. Emefiele would stand on the side of the law and let you bear the full brunt or consequences of your actions. Living his name Last week, he sent this signal to his former colleagues whom he now regulates at the apex bank, that he would brook no infraction of laid down rules and regulation, when he insisted that any deposit money bank, which flouted the rules on Commission on Turnover (COT) must refund the excess charges to customers within 30 days. Going by the guideline on charging of commission on turnover, the apex bank and the bankers’ committee had agreed to phase out the charging of COT last year. The banks were

By the time this piece is published, Emefiele would have met with his former colleagues (bank CEOs) at the Bankers’ Committee in Abuja yesterday, where some of the ‘bold’ executives, who have nothing to hide, are expected to confront him on some of the pronouncements he made

to charge, N3 per mille in 2013; N2 per mille in 2014; N1 per mille in 2015 and zero change in 2016. But some banks pretended to have forgotten or willfully charged N3 per mille instead of N2 per mille. Apparently irked by the incident, Emefiele insisted that they should refund the excess charge of N1 per mille within 30 days or face severe sanctions; he simply told the erring banks not to commit sin. Likewise Emefiele will live up to his name when he brooks no hidden agenda, no hidden charges, no round tripping or any kind of foreign exchange scam or sharp practices. All eyes on Emefiele Business analysts and the media are also watching how he will stop deposit money banks, from using all the money they should have lent to the real sector of the economy, to fund imports (which indirectly creates jobs in the countries where these imports originate) or simply buy up treasury bills and take the proceeds as profit. They are also watching to see how he will stop cheque kiting and all manners of fraud not mentioned in the banking system. Nigeria are also watching to see how he will champion the job creation to tackle unemployment, and whether he will use moral suasion to insist that banks should employ an aggregate of 3000 workers mandatorily in 2014/2015, or make it a corporate governance issue, while he unfolds what other sectors of the economy will do to create jobs. The banking system, which used to enjoy job security, has relapsed into a state of déjà vu, where anything can happen. With the cashless economy he is pursuing, will the jobs in the bank increase or contract? Nigerians are watching. Nigerians expect ‘Mr. Sin not’ to change the direction of the wind and adjust his sails to always reach his destination – a successful tenure. Indeed, Emefiele who believes that no legacy is as rich as honesty, should have zero tolerance of any form of misdemeanor.

He has also promised not to allow the naira depreciate, while pursuing a slash in interest rate (after the forthcoming elections). How he would marry the two without one yielding for the other and without inflation, which has already increased to 8 per cent, spiking up, remains a miracle. Emefiele is occupying an exalted position. The attention and adulation that come with the job makes introspection difficult and vulnerabilities inadmissible. ‘Mr. Sin not’ has to make conscious effort to resist the illusion of self-importance, omnipotence and omniscience. It is essential that he makes a disciplined effort to stay humble, revisit decisions and actions, to continue to listen to his aides, who are specialists in different fields, so that he can find people who will be honest and forthright. Another very important constituency he must not joke with are his staff, who had expected an increase in their salaries before his predecessor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi left. Emefiele would have to revisit this issue and listen attentively to his staff, if he wants to succeed. As he sets the tone and redefine the CBN of his tenure, Nigerians expect him to be above board in his dealings. Emefiele should remember the son of whom he is. He should not do anything that would make people say “and you called yourself Emefiele”. Being an Emefiele, is very costly. But the consequence of not living holy would be too terrible to be compared with the cost. Bankers' Committee By the time this piece is published, Emefiele would have met with his former colleagues (bank CEOs) at the Bankers’ Committee in Abuja yesterday, where some of the ‘bold’ executives, who have nothing to hide, are expected to confront him on some of the pronouncements he made, especially on the stoppage of charges on deposits. The only fair thing for him to do is to listen to them and explain his motive.

BUSINESS | THE INVESTOR

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

NSE: Sound corporate governance as reengineering tool Chris Ugwu

orporate governance is one of the key elements in improving economic efficiency, growth as well as enhancing investors’ confidence in Nigerian capital market and its counterparts in other climes. Therefore, an effective corporate governance system within an individual company and across an economy as a whole, helps to provide a degree of confidence that is necessary for the proper functioning of a market economy. Sound corporate governance helps to lower the cost of capital and firms are encouraged to use resources more efficiently, thereby strengthening growth. Meanwhile, the degree to which corporations observe basic principles of good corporate governance is an important factor for investment decision. In Nigeria, however, lapses in adherence to these principles have contributed majorly to crisis in the Nigerian Stock Exchange even as most countries have recovered from the global financial meltdown. Over the years, many quoted companies have been violating this important obligation, thereby keeping investors in the dark about their financial health, among others. Many ignorant investors have burnt their fingers by investing in some of the dormant companies, which do not furnish the market with their financials. Investors cannot forget in a hurry the unreasonable manipulation of share prices, which firms, in collaboration with other financial institutions, indulged themselves, a despicable practice that saw the market bubble to a peak on March 5, 2008, with market capitalisation and index hitting N13 trillion and 66,371.20 points respectively only to reverse speedily to N6.957 trillion and 31,450.78 by December, 2008. It is noteworthy that the issue of how corporate governance impacts Nigeria’s capital market development is a two-way traffic. As much as good governance practices would promote the development of the capital market, weak corporate governance practices would also inhibit its development as it would erode confidence in the capital market with potential wider implications for the Nigerian financial markets and the general economy as seen in the 2008 ugly experience in the market. Regulators’ stand According to the Director-General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the apex market regulator, Ms Arunma Oteh, a developed capital market is a world class capital market and such market is one that engenders investor confidence, has breadth and depth in terms of product offerings, characterised by market integrity, has a sound regulatory framework, a strong and transparent disclosure and accountability regime, fosters good corporate governance and is fair, robust and efficient market place. Oteh said that the commission would do anything to compel operators in the market to obey the rules guiding it. This, according to her, informed the decision to tighten the noose on market infractions and other miscellaneous capital market crimes. “We must implement the SEC zero tolerance policy in a decisive and farreaching manner. I am therefore deter-

Ms Oteh

Oscar Onyema

mined to eliminate sharp practices, deter malpractice and change behaviours by ensuring that both the institutional and personal costs of any wrongdoing are extremely high.

rule and rules around the conduct of AGMs. He noted that while the NSE’s focus from 2011 to 2013 has been on revamping corporate governance, improving human capacity, cleansing and restructuring the market, improving technology, product development, and advocacy for changes to policy, “from 2014, we are determined to shift gears to drive innovations centred on increasing global visibility for the Nigerian capital market.” Onyema noted that the Exchange intend to develop a larger footprint on the African continent and ultimately, targeting emerging market status, adding that it was the reason why it is very much in support of the WACMI efforts and similar programs. According to Onyema, the improved regulatory environment and performance of quoted companies from 2012 till date, has positively impacted on stock market prices and overall market indices.

Name and shame “We will ensure high standards in regulatory oversight and enforcement and will name and shame where necessary. We are continuing to strengthen inspection and investigation and any operator found erring will be suspended, issued a warning, or fined depending on the gravity and nature of the violation. We hope that the various enforcement actions against erring operators, including their suspension from participating in capital market activities, will deter other operators from breaching rules,” she said. Otteh noted that the commission would also continue to strengthen all the processes related to investigation, enforcement, prosecution and publicity of outcomes in line with international standards. “We will also revitalise our enforcement programmes to ensure a focus on the cases that are of prime importance to the investors, that we pursue our programme speedily without compromising on fairness and that we impress on violators of the rules of the capital markets that there are high costs associated with flouting the regulations,” she said. The NSE also in an effort to achieve a world class capital market reiterated its commitment to maintain zero tolerance posture on dealing member firms and quoted companies on violations of rules and regulations. This on the back of the exchange’s determination to shift gears to drive innovations centred on increasing global visibility for the Nigerian capital market in the current year. The Chief Executive Officer of the NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema said that the Exchange will sustain a zero-tolerance stance on dealing member firms and listed companies violations. Onyema noted that the Exchange proposed several rules to codify the accepted mode of engagement in the market, adding that of a particular interest was its proposed Related Parties Transaction

Current actions SEC and the NSE have made efforts to promote good corporate governance practices and reposition the Nigerian capital market for development. SEC had recently issued a new code of corporate governance to align governance in public institutions with global best practices. The commission has also made efforts to retool in performing its regulatory oversight by raising the bar to strengthen its monitoring capacity, in order to address issues arising from various market infractions in the market. SEC had recently suspended Shalom Investment and Financial services Limited and its sponsored individuals from all capital market activities.

The SEC should continue to strengthen all processes related to investigation, enforcement, prosecution and publicity of its outcomes

Big stick A statement obtained by New Telegraph from SEC’s official website warned the general public that Shalom Investment and Financial services Limited and its sponsored individuals have been suspended from all capital market activities effective May 20, 2014. The apex regulator said that the suspension of Shalom Securities is as a result of its refusal/failure to comply with the commission’s directive to purchase completely client’s shares paid for since 2008, resolve the other complaints against it and pay the penalty imposed by the commission. Also in its commitment to ensuring sound corporate governance in the nation’s capital market, the commission had waded into issues relating to corporate governance breaches in Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI). Both the intervention and its outcomes were hailed by market watchers as pole position in market regulation in Africa. It constituted a pathfinder on regulatory imperatives for multi market jurisdiction players in the evolving African business landscape. Whistle blowing What triggered the regulatory undertaking was a whistle blowing by an employee, Executive Director of Risk and Finance at ETI, Laurence do Rego, who had written a letter to the regulator alleging insider dealings, alterations in the compensation element of the CEO’s contract which by-passed governance structures, and a planned sale of the group’s non-core assets. She wrote to express reservation and concern for a number of actions that the MD and Board Chairman had taken. These actions promoted personal interests of the people involved and their conduct ran counter to laid-down operational structures and procedures. Specifically, in the letter written in August 2013 to the SEC Nigeria and ETI’s board of directors, Laurence do Rego, alleged that the Chairman, Kolapo Lawson, and Group CEO, Thierry Tanoh, were attempting to sell non-core assets at values below prevailing market rates; that the two attempted to manipulate the 2012 results to enable the group show much better 2013 performance results; while raising questions around the propriety of an approval process through which a substantial increase in Tanoh’s 2012 bonus (which he subsequently opted not to receive) was arrived at. She also alleged that she was asked to write off debts owed by a real estate company in which Lawson was Board Chairman. Conclusion Weak corporate governance practices in both the public and private sectors of Nigeria’s economy contributed massively to the slow pace of economic development in Nigeria, the successive governments in Nigeria failed to take massive steps to correct the anomaly, which has persisted in all sectors of our economy. Good governance practices not only help to attract medium to long term investments but also ensure long term returns as companies are better positioned to perform well over the long term. Efforts should therefore be geared towards promoting good governance practices at the national level. By so doing, the positive effect would trickle down to the Nigerian capital market.

BUSINESS | BRANDS & MARKETING 37

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

BURDENED Most Public Relations agencies in Nigeria are in the near state of total collapse

PR agencies battle for survival

Dele Alao

he practice of public relations in the country as part of Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC), no doubt, has improved, compared with some years past. The PR practice became pronounced in the early 90s, following the commencement of operations by The Quadrant Company, the country’s first full-fledged PR agency. From then, other agencies such as JSP Corporate Communications led by Dr. Phil Osagie; Corporate & Financials, whose arrow head is Nn’Emeka Maduegbuna; TPT International led by Tokunbo Modupe; Mediacraft & Associates led by John Ehiguese, CMC Connect led by Yomi Badejo-Okusanya; Blueflower led by Chido Nwakanma and Xlr8 led by Calisthux Okoruwa, have since sprung up. Others include; Akonte Ekine’s Absolute PR, Synthesis Communications led by the duo of Desmond Ekeh and

Nwakanma

Ehiguese

Modupe

Agbo Agbo, Pauline Fredrick & Co led by Yemi Odusote, BD Consult led by Tola Bademosi and PR Redline led by Lekan Ishola. Taking a look at the practice, the managing director, Brooks and Blake, a PR consultancy firm, Sola Fijabi, said: “The PR industry is evolving on three levels; increasingly, more clients are beginning to appreciate the need to include strategic PR executions within campaigns. On the other hand, a good number of PR

agencies are beginning to reinvent their service offerings, bringing immense value to the marketing mix. “As long as we (PR agencies) continue to be innovative, creative and seek better ways to measure PR outputs, the future looks bright.” To the Chief Executive Officer, BroaderWorld Ltd, Christain Aburime, “The PR business in Nigeria over the years has picked up gradually even though the average Nigerian business person is yet to fully take advantage of the significance of PR to grow business. This is because most business persons do not understand the concept of PR. And

this is the key challenge for PR practitioners.” Also, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, NEO Media, Ehi Braimah, said that through the professional consulting body, the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN), capacity is being built through the Masterclass series training programme. But, while the practice of PR may have improved considerably, much is left to be desired of the business aspect, according to findings, which reveal that only a few agencies, out of about 45 registered corporate members of PRCAN, operate at optimal ca-

Teams emerge in Fayrous’ L’original fter rigorous online screenApremium ing, handlers of natural soft drink, Fayrouz,

has presented 10 most fashionable teams who will move to the next level of the L’original Expression competition. These teams of originals beat over 350 teams who registered for the competition and will battle to scale through the final stage, which will see only two teams compete for the grand prize. The regional, which was held at the Golden Royale Hall in Enugu recently and hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, had the top teams fly in from different parts of Nigeria to showcase their talents. Top R&B singer, Praiz, was the main performer for the night with DJ Spinall on the wheels of steel.

The L’original regional judges include creative duo of Gozel Green and fast-rising designer, Adebayo Oke-Lawal of Orange Culture. They will select the final two teams that will compete in the grand finale in Lagos in July with style icons, Mai Atafo, April By Kunbi and KinaButi as grand finale judges. The Fayrouz L’original Expression show will discover and promote different teams of four creative minds which consist of a fabric designer, make-up artist, photographer and a model. These teams will vie for the $20,000 grand prize and other opportunities in the fashion industry. Since it was introduced into the market, Fayrouz has made a name as a brand with unique natural ingredients.

Verdant Zeal’s gun power debuts any last minute change, Gun Power, from Bthearring stable of Verdant Zeal,

will be launched this Friday. According to the agency, Gun Power is a platform for stimulating intellectual and professional discourse around old or new concepts in the industry with a view to exploring different possibilities to sharpen such concepts and improve deliverables. The Chief Executive Offcer, Verdant Zeal, Tunji Olugbodi, said that the idea is a way of bridging gaps in intellectual depths in the industry by bringing professionals together to discuss and exchange

ideas in an atmosphere of robust intellectual discourse. Beyond the immediate advertising and marketing industry, Gun Power will cater for the larger creative industry including movies, music, arts, sports, fashion and modelling, among others. “It shall discuss issues around creativity. “We will always have two discussants - one for and the other against. We will review and critique works and style of their execution with a view to improving the mode, style and the thinking behind what we do,” the team’s creative director, Dipo Adesida, said.

pacity. Painting the scene of a troubled industry, Braimah said: “PR agencies are coping just like other businesses. The challenges are legion, ranging from power to cut throat bank interest rates, that is, if the agency is lucky to get the loan.” Checks also revealed that only a few agencies are able to pay staff salaries as at when due. This has led to mass exodus of employees from such affected agencies. The situation has got to an alarming rate that agencies now take “peanut” from clients with a view to survive. According to findings, there is a case of a particular agency (names withheld) which took N900,000 from a company for a brief that should cost over N2 million. “There is hardly any agency that can say it is operating at full capacity. There are certain accounts that could not even pay the staff working on those accounts but which some agencies collect,” the New Telegraph was told. “Most agencies collect accounts from multinational companies just to boost their profile and not because the fees is commensurate with the volume of briefs to be executed,” an industry source who preferred anonymity said.

Capri-Sonne connects consumers PROMO Capri-Sonne woos consumers in new panNigeria promotions

n an effort to reinforce its leadership of the fruit juice market for children, CapriSonne has launched a consumer promotion tagged ‘Collect the Fun.’ The promo which will utilise a 2014 American 3D computer-animated adventure-comedy film, RIO 2 merchandise and gift items in one million cartons of CapriSonne, will cover pan-Nigeria. The present promo is a se-

quel to the 2011 computer-animated blockbuster movie, Rio. The title refers to the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, where the first film was set and Rio 2 begins, though most of its plot occurs in the Amazon rainforest. Produced and marketed by Chi Limited in Nigeria, Capri Sonne is a fruit juice that is every child’s delight and trusted by mothers because “it contains 100 per cent natural ingredients.” Speaking on the promo at the company’s head office in Lagos, Managing Director of Chi Limited, Mr. Deepanjan Roy, said that the company is excited to tie up with CapriSonne Worldwide in the CapriSonne Consumer Promo.

According to Roy, every RIO 2 promo carton of Capri-Sonne will contain RIO free gifts including two straws, one wristwatch, one wrist wrap, one colour pencil and one puzzle, adding that the promo applies to all existing variants of Capri-Sonne. Roy further said that the Capri-Sonne promo will leverage on the wildly popular RIO 2 film to drive huge sales for the brand. He also disclosed that the turnout at the cinemas for the film which is being screened in Nigeria has been impressive. It is estimated that five billion pouches of Capri-Sonne are sold every year in approximately 100 countries around the world.

Samsung explores new strategy to fight Apple amsung has drafted in The deal also paves the Avengers: Age of Ultron. the collective strength of SSpider-Man, way for Samsung to launch In a statement, Samsung’s Iron Man and experiential and promotional executive vice president of Hulk in its battle with Apple for dominance in the mobile market. Samsung will offer customers phones and content featuring Marvel characters. The consumer electronics giant has signed a deal with Marvel that will see the launch of a host of co-branded content and products featuring the Disney-owned company’s most famous characters.

activity around Marvel movies. The first product of the deal will see owners of Samsung’s new Galaxy Tab S receive three months of subscription services for Marvel Unlimited, the company’s digital comic library. They will also be able to view previews of upcoming Marvel movies set for 2015 release including Marvel’s

global marketing for its mobile communications business, Younghee Lee, said: “Partnering with Marvel gives us the opportunity to bring our industry-leading mobile display technology to life. Through visual storytelling made possible by Marvel’s outstanding entertainment universe, Samsung’s Galaxy users will be able to enjoy the maximum of our product benefits.”

38 BUSINESS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Transport ministry seats on maritime bills IMPEDIMENT There is a snag in passage of the maritime bills at the National Assembly Stories by Bayo Akomolafe

he Nigerian Ports and Harbour Bill, the Nigerian Transport Commission Bill and other port sector reform bills have gathered dusts in the Federal Ministry of Transport. It was learnt that the bills are been delayed unnecessarily by the officials of the ministry and are still nowhere near the legislature. Also, the executive arm of government has been working on them at snail’s speed. They were deduced from the speeches of the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Zainab Kure, at the just concluded 13th edition of the maritime seminar for judges in Abuja. According to the minister, the all-important bills are still being processed by the Ministry of Transport. The Senate Committee Chairman, Hajia Kure, in her speech,

appealed to the minister to send the bills to the National Assembly, saying that the Assembly had been waiting for them. She added: “I would like to say that the Marine Transport Committee has been waiting for those bills to work on. They have been anxiously waiting for those bills that have a bearing on the ports, especially the Ports and Harbours Bill, so that they will be a thing of the past.” The Ports and Harbours Bill has been entangled in confusion and controversy since the conclusion of port concession in 2006. Two versions of the bill have been in circulation as there is one emanating from the National Assembly which had passed through second reading and one through public hearing which the executive arm stalled its passage. The controversy between the executive and the legislature over the bill blew open during a joint public hearing on the auction of overtime cargo organised by the House Committees on Finance, Marine Transport and Customs in Abuja. Trouble started when the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transport, Nebolisa Emordi, who represented the minister, Senator

Idris Umar, at the event, hinted that the ministry was putting finishing touches to the Ports and Harbours Bill for submission to the National Assembly. He declared: “The Federal Executive Council will soon submit a Bill to the National Assembly, which seeks to repeal the Nigerian Ports Authority Act of 1999 and enact the Nigerian Ports and Harbours Act. This Act envisages the provision of ownership, management, operation, development and control of ports and harbours; make the Ports

and Harbour Authority the technical regulator and promote private participation.” This infuriated the former chairman, House Committee on Marine Transport, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who remarked that the ministry’s action was nothing but a duplication of the efforts of the legislators. He said: “Why is the executive producing another Ports and Harbours Bill when we already have one here at the National Assembly? Are you people not aware that there’s a Ports and Harbours Bill here

sponsored by the Deputy Speaker and co-sponsored by me and which has passed second reading in the House? So, is it your own that the Senate will approve or the one sent from the House to the Senate?” It would be recalled that early last year, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) appointed the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Bello Adoke, as chairman of a special committee set up to finetune the proposed bills. But over a year after, the bill is yet to get to the national assembly.

Terminal operator invests $6.1bn in Onne FTZ JOB CREATION The zone has created 28,000 jobs with 170 investors

oncessionaire of the Onne oil and gas Free Trade Zone (FTZ), Orleans Invest West Africa Limited, has spent $6.1 billion in the last eight years to develop its terminal. The free trade zone is a 25year concession agreement with the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) and the oil servicing company. Orleans disclosed that $126.095 million had been remitted to the Nigerian government within the period. The concessionaire added that the Federal Government would be paid over $724.651 million for the 25-year period of the concession. Also, the company said that its investment had transformed the Onne FTZ into world class. Apart from its additional input to the Nigerian economy, it added that the investment had reduced the problems, which oil companies operating in the South-South region used to encounter with its state-of-the-art oil servicing facilities for easy lifting of oil by several local and foreign companies, including Oando, ExxonMobil, Chevron

and Agip, among others. Orleans’ Chief Executive Officer, Andrea Canoli, said that the free trade zone had been transformed from what it was when the company took full control in 2006. He explained that the transformation had attracted many local and foreign oil firms, which have continued to enjoy its facilities even as over 500 companies are currently investing in the zone. According to Canoli, the development of the zone, which has petrochemical, fertilizer and allied industries, has created over 28,000 jobs with 170 investors and no fewer than 500 companies. He assured of Orleans’ commitment to ensuring that the zone maintains its leading role in the development of the oil and gas sector in the country. Canoli described Onne Port as the strategic regional maritime hub in West Africa, stressing that development there is growing impressively. Also he added that Intels had invested $74.245 million (about N11.557 billion) in Port Facilities Infrastructure Development (PFID). He explained that the development of warehouse facilities, Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) and boat manufacturing facilities at FOT had gulped $1.679 billion.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, commending the NSC Executive Secretary, Hassan Bello, during the 13th seminar for judges in Abuja

No effective anti-terrorism measure in Nigerian ports –US

• Commends NIMASA

he United States Government has said that Nigerian ports lacked effective anti-terrorism measures. It also said that the nation's ports have not fully implemented the provisions of the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code and the primary international security standard. Besides, the US stressed that it has imposed Conditions of Entry (COE) on vessels calling from some Nigerian port terminals, which are yet to comply with the International Ships and Ports Facility Security (ISPS) Code. Its Embassy in Nigeria declared in a statement that the COE would require affected vessels to meet certain security measures prior to entering US ports. But the country has exempted 22 port facilities in Nigeria from the COE because “they have adequate security measures in place.” The embassy said: “The US

Coast Guard has worked cooperatively with the government of Nigeria to identify and address port security deficiencies observed during assessments of numerous facilities in the past six years. “Based on these assessments, it has determined that Nigerian ports have not fully implemented the provisions of the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code, the primary international security standard, and do not have effective anti-terrorism measures in place. “Twenty-two Nigerian port facilities have demonstrated effective anti-terrorism measures and will not be subject to additional security precautions. “The COE are not trade sanctions and do not ban Nigerian ships from entering US ports. It does require ships, however, to take certain additional securityrelated measures while at nonexempt Nigerian port facilities,

which will be verified by US Coast Guard port security personnel prior to entering US ports. “The COE has no impact on shipping traffic entering Nigerian waters and/or berthing at its ports; it deals only with shipping traffic departing Nigerian ports that is destined for the United States.” The U.S. Government commended Nigeria for the clear delineation of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) as the Designated Authority for implementation of the ISPS code. It said that NIMASA’s designation of port terminals was a positive step, “and the United States is aware of NIMASA’s efforts to improve its oversight of Nigeria’s port facilities. The US Coast Guard will continue to consult with the Government of Nigeria with the goal of achieving full ISPS Code compliance and the removal of the Conditions of Entry.”

BUSINESS | MARITIME

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Fear grips operators over new auto policy It is no longer business as usual for Importers, car dealers and terminal operator at the port. Those who formerly paid 20 per cent duty and two per cent levy on new cars are expected to pay 35 per cent duty and another 35 per cent levy, bringing the total tariff to 70 per cent in the next two weeks when the new automotive policy will be fully enforced, BAYO AKOMOLAFE reports

here is a hint that order for the shipment of used vehicles from the port of loading to Nigerian ports have dropped due to the new auto policy. Very soon, analyst said that the Roll On Roll Off ships will be coming to Nigeria half empty. Also, the specialised RoRo terminals, Nigeria Customs Service and the Federal Government will suffer huge revenue losses and may need to rework their business models. Port workers will also suffer the consequences of the new policy as there will be fewer jobs to do at the port. It was revealed that fewer roro vessels sailed to the PTML and Five Star Logistics terminal at Tin Can Island port, Lagos, compared to previous months. In February, 7,400 units of used and new vehicles were recorded. January recorded 11,563 units of new and used vehicles at the terminals in Lagos ports. The tariff Before now, Customs duties paid for the categories of vehicle include; cars 30 per cent, bus 15 per cent, trucks 30per cent and completely knocked down vehicles, 5 per cent. Other taxes are the Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS), one per cent, National Automotive Council, two per cent, VAT, five per cent. Stakeholder’s position A maritime economist and Executive Director of ABN Consults, Mr. Harrison Agada, has advised the Federal Government to halt implementation of the hike in tariff of imported vehicles to save the masses from further hardship. He said that contrary to claims by senior government officials, implementation of the import duty hike would place the cost of vehicles beyond the

Barge discharging vehicles

reach of about 90 per cent of Nigerians, increase the cost of transportation by at least 50 per cent and increase inflation before the end of this year. Agada said: “I believe that the new automotive policy will be bedevilled by several problems. First, there is a huge gap between demand and local capacity. Local production capacity of automobiles by all the assembly plants in the country today stands at a pathetic 45,000 units per annum while demand stands at 800,000 units per annum. Locally-made vehicles “Secondly, the price of locally-made vehicles is way out of the reach of average Nigerians and this is mostly as a result of the collapse of public infrastructure including power supply. Imported second hand cars have an average price of N1.5 million while the cheapest locally-assembled car sells for N3.5 million – more than twice the price. “It is just too expensive to manufacture in Nigeria and President Jonathan’s argument that Nigeria would soon begin to export cars is a mere pipe dream. Who does he plan to sell the cars to and for how much? Under the current production environment in Nigeria, can any manufacturer churn out products that can compete with those made in China, Japan and Korea?” Agada noted that infrastructural challenges including poor power supply and bad roads will make it impossible to produce enough cars locally for the Nigerian market. He also said that locally assembled cars cannot compete with imported ones on price. Problems Agada also said that “the imported vehicles will still dominate the market place. If government makes it too difficult to bring them into the country legitimately, importers will do so through unapproved means.

And with over 1,400 illegal entry routes, over 80 poorly manned borders, and an ill-equipped and largely corrupt Customs structure; smuggling will boom. So the Federal Government is inadvertently promoting smuggling through its ill-conceived policy. “There is precedence in the obnoxious rice policy that has cost this nation well over N300 billion in one year, an amount that would have been sufficient to upgrade and fix some bad roads in the country or build more hospitals or more schools. “The ugly consequence of President Jonathan’s ill-conceived and hastily implemented policy on rice, introduced in the first quarter of 2013, still stares us in the face. It is similar to the new automotive policy.” The maritime economist stated that the only beneficiaries of the new automotive policy and the hike in import duty of vehicles from 10 per cent in 2013 to 35per cent with an additional levy of 35 per cent will be smugglers and ports of neighboring countries, especially Cotonou Port. He said: “It may interest Mr President to know that if his policy is implemented this year, over 600,000 vehicles will be smuggled from the ports of neighbouring countries mainly Benin Republic. Smugglers are also guaranteed good returns. The President of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Chief Eugene Nweke, who expressed dis-

If you add the cost of ancillary services like transportation, loading and offloading, among others, very soon Nigerians will stop buying ‘tokumbo’ cars

satisfaction with the development, said that the sudden implementation is counterproductive. He urged the Federal Ministry of Finance to call for the immediate suspension of the implementation. Nweke said that there exists communication gap between Customs and Federal Ministry of Finance owing to the earlier discussions that the policy should be suspended until June. Also, the agents, under the aegis of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), said that government should revert to the old tariff. The Publicity Secretary of ANLCA, Mr Emmauel Onyeme, said that the protest was not only in the interest of importers, but of the entire population. But Mr Chris Osunkwo, spokesman for the Tin-Can Island Customs Command, had explained that the customs was only collecting the 20 per cent duty on new vehicles. He stressed: “At no time did the customs collect 35 per cent duty on second-hand vehicles. “The July 1 directive by the Federal Government on the item still stands. We (NCS) are not collecting such tariff until July 1. “Government said that we should collect 20 per cent duty on new vehicles and 35 per cent duty on used vehicles but the latter has not come into effect.” There is a drop in the number of vessels laden with imported vehicles to Lagos seaports in March this year compared to what was recorded in January and February. Some port users attributed the reduction in RoRo vessels traffic to the on-going construction at the terminals while others said that government policy on vehicles had deterred vehicle carriers from calling at the PTML and Five Stars Logistics terminals. However, statistics obtained from the NPA also revealed that in the last three weeks,

only three vessels laden with vehicles called at the terminal. At Five Star Logistics terminal, there was also a drop in the number of vessels berthed with vehicles. Reports of the daily berthing meeting of the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) also revealed that no car carrier berthed at both PTML and Five Star Logistics terminal in March. Miffed by the development, the Chairman of Abuja Car Dealers Association, Auwal Rilwan, has appealed to the Federal Government to suspend the new vehicle import tariff till local vehicle manufacturers begin full operations. Rilwan explained that implementing the policy now would lead to shortage of affordable cars for low income earners and loss of job to many people. According to him, government should first put the necessary infrastructure in place for local manufacturers to produce enough cars to meet demand before discouraging importation. Before the new tariff policy, imported vehicles attracted 20 per cent duty and two per cent levy. Rilwan said that the new tariff had doubled the clearing cost of imported cars and was impacting negatively on the country’s automobile market. He stressed: “I have some cars waiting to be cleared at the Lagos ports but Customs is telling me to pay 35 per cent duty and another 35 per cent levy on them. “Before now it cost about N250,000 to clear one car, but with this policy, we will be paying at least N400,000. “If you add the cost of ancillary services like transportation, loading and off-loading, among others, very soon Nigerians will stop buying ‘tokumbo’ cars due to their high price. “Government should wait for the investors that are coming to start producing affordable vehicles to meet local demands before limiting importation.”

40 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

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

The resolution came as delegates considered the report of the Committee on Economy, Trade and Investment. In passing the resolution, the conference said that the removal of the “executive shield” would minimise corruption and encourage accountability among the managers of the economy. Similarly, the recommendation that the socio-economic rights contained in Chapter Two of the 1999 Constitution should be made justiceable was accepted while government has been enjoined to put in place medium and short term programmes for poverty eradication with skills acquisition and job creation for the citizenry. The delegates have also adopted a proposal seeking to compel some categories of officials in the public service to declare their assets annually. The initiative modelled after the Bank Employees Declaration of Assets Act would require every public servant to declare his assets 14 days after his employment and the first week in the succeeding years of service. It would serve the country better than the present system which puts the burden of curbing corruption on the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) both of which prosecute corrupt public servants after they had left the service. In spite of these resolutions, many delegates believe that they are mere preambles to the critical issues that brought them to the conference. As far as most delegates are concerned, these are peripheral matters that are better left to government and its bureaucracy. Apprehension The sessions have been cumbersome and energy-sapping. When every delegate wants to speak on every issue, many end up repeating themselves, wasting precious time and keeping everyone sitting for long hours each day. The implication is that a report scheduled to be considered in one day often takes as many as three days. Some delegates who foresaw this scenario at the beginning had suggested an abridged approach to report consideration, but this proposal was rejected by the presiding officers. In line with the revised work plan of the conference, the consideration of report commenced with the report of the Committee on Citizenship and Immigration. Based on the schedule, the conference was expected to consider one report every day but by Thursday June 12 only seven out of 12 reports had been taken, leaving behind a backlog of four reports. Other reports considered within this period were those on Environment, Religion, Public Finance and Revenue, Public Service, Science and Technology as well as Development, Agriculture, Economy Trade and Investment. Suspicion Having wasted so much time doing less than it planned, Chairman of the Conference, Justice Idris Kutigi and other principal officers have expressed worry about the time lost and how to fast track the proceedings. Last week, Kutigi tried several times to persuade delegates to accept the earlier proposal of halting the debates and going straight to adoption of the recommendations of each report. When the leadership of the conference announced a change of procedure in the consideration of reports, some delegates readily embraced it as a way of fast tracking the proceedings. In introducing the new rule, Kutigi presented it not as a proposal for a change

Season of apprehension, suspicion hind the new rule. It hinged its preference for the new order solely on maximizing the five weeks left for the conference to round off its activities.

Falae

Ezeife

RECOMMENDATIONS zz Scrapping immunity clause zz Phasing out fuel subsidy scheme zz Implementation of UNEP report on Ogoniland zz Nigerians to enjoy rights and privileges in place of birth, residence zz Religion, tribe and language in the enumeration data zz Declaration of assets by public officers annually but as a consensus flowing from his personal observations and reading of the mood of the delegates. This subtle imposition of a new rule soon gave way for suspicion. When it was time for the new order to take effect, it was vehemently resisted by a cross section of delegates who observed that the adoption of the new rule did not follow the due process spelt out in the Conference Rules of Procedure. There were murmurings in the hall but it took the bravery of the fiery female Niger Delta activist, Ms Annkio Briggs to formally raise a point of order and demand a halt to the new order. Although her move to upturn the new rule met with stiff resistance from some northern delegates, the altercation that ensued sowed a seed that sprouted into further consultations among southern delegates opposed to the new rule. The delegates reportedly met for several hours on Monday night where it was agreed that the rule was dangerous to the goals of the conference and must be reversed. According to opponents of the controversial rule barring debates on committee reports would amount to swallowing hook, line and sinker the recommendation of committees on critical national issues such as devolution of powers, political restructuring and forms of government. It was therefore agreed that a motion seeking a reversal of the new rule be formally tabled before the conference. The motion which was filed at the resumption of plenary the following day read in part: “Whereas the National Conference Procedure Rules 2014, provides for Conference leadership to make further rules for the conference under Order1 Rule 2. “In all cases not provided for in these rules, the Chairman may in consultation with the Deputy Chairman and Secretary in pursuance of his mandate make further rules for the success of the conference provided a simple ma-

When every delegate wants to speak on every issue, many end up repeating themselves, wasting precious time and keeping everyone sitting for long hours each day jority of delegates present and voting adopts such order.” Considering that Order 9 Rule 2 also provides that “Such representative body shall speak for a period of 10 minutes or such other time as may be approved by the chairman on any given subject, provided that delegates shall be entitled to make written submissions which shall be clearly typed and bear the signature and articulates of the delegates or interest representing same. “Aware that the introduction of a new rule of debate of Committee Reports introduced by Conference Chairman during plenary on Monday, June 9, 2014 did not meet the provisions of Order 1 Rule 2 as the new decision on proposing amendments was never put to conference to enable members vote Yes or No. “Conscious of the fact that outlawing debates on reports circumvents Order 9 Rule 2; Conference is hereby invited to resolve as follows: “In order to have a balance between saving time and doing justice to Committee Reports, Conference should allow each zone to nominate five members representing various platforms from within it to speak on each report before recommendations are voted upon.” The motion was sponsored by Senator Anietie Okon, South South delegate; Yinka Odumakin, South-West delegate and co-sponsored by 18 other southern delegates including Chief E. K. Clark, General Ike Nwachukwu, Senator Femi Okuronmu, Mrs Josephine Anenih, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Air Cmdr. Idongesit Nkanga, Chief A K Horsfall, Prof. ABC Nwosu, Chief Goddy Uwazurike, Senator Adolphus Wabara and Chief Raymond Dokpesi. As soon as the motion was tabled, the leadership of the conference made frantic efforts to explain the reason be-

Status quo When his explanations did not seem to make any positive impression on the delegates, Kutigi reluctantly ruled that the conference would revert to the former mode of giving delegates ample opportunity to debate committee reports. He however warned that the implication was that a lot of time would be wasted and in the process, conference may not be able to complete its assignment within the stipulated time. Apparently not satisfied with the reversal, some northern delegates who had hitherto hailed the controversial rule held an emergency meeting at the fringes of the conference. Those familiar with the intrigues of this conference interpreted this move as a way of restrategising in order to chart a new course for their interests at the conference. It was also seen as an indication that there was more to the “no more debate” rule than meets the eye. Out of conviction that he was right and leading rightly or desperation to impose his will on the conference, Justice Kutigi made a fresh attempt to introduce the controversial rule the following day. He announced that some elders of the conference namely, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Nwachukwu and Chief Olu Falae had met with him on the issue and would like the conference to take a second look at it. Instead of disallowing debates entirely, he said the comments on each report should be limited to five delegates per zone. Again, this was like re-opening an old wound and it was roundly rejected by the delegates. While Kutigi was still struggling to present it as coming from some respected elders, the delegates chorused that they were comfortable with the status quo ante. The trap The conference has found itself in a cul-de-sac. Barely four weeks to the terminal date, there are as many as 11 committee reports yet to be considered in plenary and some of them are very contentious. Every delegate is looking forward to the reports of the Committees on National Security, Politics and Governance, Political Parties and Electoral Matters, Devolution of Powers, Political Restructuring and Forms of Government. These are seen as the priority committees from where the most sensitive recommendations would flow. Curiously, the work plan shows that these reports have been slated to come at the tail end of the conference. The position of these reports on the conference calendar may not be unconnected with the simple logic of clearing the stable and saving the best for the last. The handlers of the conference know that the issues addressed by these “special interest” committees are highly contentious, volatile and emotive, that they could take a whole year to resolve. In that sense, it was wise to treat the less controversial matters first and devote the rest of the time to the real issues. However, like everything Nigerian, there is a thick cloud of doubts hanging in the atmosphere. There is a mutual suspicion between the confab leadership and delegates. Whenever decisions are taken, they are viewed from ethno- religious and regional CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

POLITICS 41

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Last week, the House of Representatives Committee on Reform of Government Institutions, in conjunction with other bodies, held a stakeholders’ forum on transparent, credible and free and fair elections in 2015. PHILIP NYAM reviews the deliberations at the two-day event.

2015: Reps, stakeholders brainstorm on way forward

ith the release of the time-table for the 2015 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stakeholders have intensified efforts in working towards a successful election. It was in the light of this that the House of Representatives’ Committee on Reform of Government Institutions led by Hon. Matthew Omegara organised a two-day stakeholders’ forum to brainstorm on how to achieve a credible poll in 2015. The event was supported by the Department for International Development (DFID), Foreign Affairs Trade and Development, Canada, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Democratic Governance for Development (DGD). The forum according to Omegara, was part of committee’s jurisdiction in ensuring good governance through critical legislative impetus of providing a veritable platform for public institutions to proactively disclose information on the compliance with the Freedom of Information Act 2011 as well as due compliance with the Federal Government policies on institutional reforms. In his welcome address at the occasion, the chairman of the committee stated that good governance entails the fulfilment of campaign promises by the people’s representatives elected through a transparent democratic process. He said as such, leaders are expected to fulfil such promises by bringing the democratic dividends to the doorsteps of the electorate. According to him, “this will in turn result in the actualisation of developmental objectives and improved standard of living for the citizenry. In a nutshell, the implication is that if good leaders are elected, it will produce good governance, while if bad leaders are elected, it will give rise to bad governance.” He submitted that: “It is against these backdrops that we called for this stakeholders’ forum to provide the necessary information platform for us to look into the challenges of 2015 general election in order to adequately reposition the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), indeed all and sundry for the forthcoming general election in conscious deference to the wishes and aspiration of the Nigerian electorate. The task though daunting can be achieved with the cooperation of all you.” Observations Speaker of the House, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal while declaring the event open, observed that since the advent of the current democratic governance 15 years ago, the Nigerian people have consistently yearned for free, fair, credible and transparent elections comparable with global best practices across the world. He noted that both international observers and the Nigerians alike have often complained of many shortcomings and irregularities in the electoral processes in Nigeria. So, in order to ensure that the international best practices are met and the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians are fulfilled, the National Assembly has continually provided the platforms for addressing the challenges through amendments of

Tambuwal

the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Tambuwal pointed out that although INEC under the leadership of Prof. Attahiru Jega has recorded remarkable successes in the handling of elections in Nigeria, there is still room for improvement. He said: “For instance, the Budget for 2011 general election was acknowledged to be adequate; the introduction of Direct Data Capturing Machine for Voters Registers update of eligible voters, timely release of election timetable, recruitment and training of ad hoc staff, government pledge to provide level playing grounds for contestants remain some of these achievements by the INEC.” The Speaker also delved into the challenges that are likely to confront INEC in ensuring a free, fair, credible and transparent elections in 2015. He listed them to include, the issue of transparency in the conduct of elections without fear or favour by not succumbing to any external influence or dictatorship, security of election results at all levels, returning and declaring the winners by respecting the choice of the people, issues of electronic rigging, snatching of ballot boxes and papers, timely disposal of election cases. He said: “On the part of the National Assembly, the House of Representatives in particular, we wish to assure INEC, the Nigerian people and the world at large of our preparedness to provide the necessary legislative platform to ensure free, fair, credible and transparent elections in our dear country Nigeria. “Consequently, this two-day Dialogue/ Stakeholders’ Forum by the House Committee on Reform of Government Institutions is both instructive and timely to leverage result based dialogue for the advancement of national interest on improved electoral process in the country.”

In order to ensure that the international best practices are met and the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians are fulfilled, the National Assembly has continually provided the platforms for addressing the challenges through amendments of the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Constitution The challenges Jega while reeling out the challenges being faced by INEC expressed fear over paucity of funds declaring that funding of election in the country is unfortunately politicised. He said funding of election is supposed to be recognised as an election cycle whereby funding is provided for over a period of time and not to wait until when elections are around the corner. “In other countries, issues of election are handled long before elections, but in our country, election funding has been politicised. What is appropriated is not really adequate for our needs. We hope in the future some of the challenges will be addressed,” Jega said. The INEC chairman disclosed that: “As I speak with you, there is a huge funding gap between what is needed and what is appropriated. But I know that Mr. President and the leadership of the National Assembly are doing their best to address the challenge. It is an ap-

propriation challenge.” Another worrisome challenge which Jega brought to the knowledge of participants at the event was the issue of office accommodation and transportation. He disclosed that some local government offices of the commission do not have four-wheel drive vehicles for logistics. It means, INEC had been operating on chartered vans in such areas. This explains why the issue of late arrival of materials at election venue has been an intractable problem over the years. There are only 774 local government areas in the country, yet INEC cannot afford to get at least two vans for each of the councils to facilitate the movement of sensitive election materials. Similarly, Jega informed stakeholders that out of these 774 local government council offices about one-third of the offices are operating in rented apartments. This is also an issue that most stakeholders frowned at because INEC is handling a very sensitive job for the country and it does not speak well for the government. Something has to be dome urgently to redress this situation, they said. On the commission’s preparedness for the 2015 elections, Jega disclosed that INEC has learnt from its past mistakes and was better prepared for a transparent and credible poll insisting that the 2015 general election will see Nigeria take its rightful place in the global comity of nations, where electoral democracy is being consolidated. “We are convinced that 2015 general election will be remarkably better than that of 2011. We give assurance that preparations by INEC for the 2015 general election are proceeding in earnest. “There are, however, still a number of constraints and challenges facing the commission. These challenges are not insurmountable and we will spare no effort to ensure the aspirations of Nigerians for free, fair, credible and peaceful elections are actualised in 2015,” Jega assured. According to him, the commission has undertaken a restructuring and reorganisation of its bureaucracy and embarked on a far-reaching planning of its operations through an election project plan and an election management system. He said plans have been concluded to roll out a programme of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) nationwide, explaining that INEC has stopped the usage of Addendum register for elections. Jega said that the voter register has more integrity now as plans have been concluded to issue all duly registered voters with chip-based permanent voters’ cards (PVCs), which will be swiped with card readers in the 2015 elections to ensure 100 per cent verification and authentication of voters. He also informed that an election risk management tool is being deployed ahead of the 2015 elections, with the support of the African Union and International IDEA, to enable the commission gather information about risk factors associated with the election. Based on Jega’s presentation, it seems that if the commission gets the required funds, delivering credible, transparent and acceptable elections will be a mission accompli. But this should not be taken on a face value because having all the necessary funds and conducting a free and fair elections are different ball games. How committed and competent is the INEC staff that will conduct the elections? A whole lot of issues will come into play but above all, INEC must remain truly impartial and firm if it wants to give Nigerians an election of their dream.

42 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

ECHOES FROM POLITICAL STAKEHOLDERS’ SUMMIT

Political ‘nomadism’ must stop –Jega CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 4

challenges and has been able to bring together the political parties to address some of the most pressing challenges affecting the electoral process. Under the auspices of the IPAC, a number of symposia have been organised for political parties to discuss national issues and they also consented to the organisation of debates for parliamentary and presidential candidates, launched a code of conduct for political parties to regulate their conduct in the political arena not only for the elections but for every year of the political calendar. A mechanism for implementing the code of conduct was also established to resolve cases where parties are unable to reach mutually acceptable agreements. This has no doubt engendered a sense of unity and purpose among the membership of the parties and the general citizenry and has also enhanced confidence and trust between the EC, the political parties and the electorate. In Nigeria, IPAC was a collaborative venture between INEC and political parties, designed to be a common platform for all political parties to periodically meet, dialogue and make inputs into diverse aspects of election management. Through the IPAC, the Commission hoped to promote inter-party dialogue and provide a viable alternative platform for settling disagreements or grievances between political parties or their supporters if or when they occur. There are significant differences between the Ghana and Nigerian models of IPAC. Perhaps, the most important of these is that unlike in Ghana where IPAC is only a loose, ad hoc body convened at the pleasure of the EC for advise, the Nigerian IPAC has evolved a more or less permanent structure, with officials and operational committees. Over the past seven years, the political parties have collaborated with INEC to create a Political Parties Code of Conduct, which they accept as the “establishing authority of IPAC”. According to the code of conduct, IPAC consists of a general body, a technical working committee, and a secretariat. IPAC is constituted by “one representative per political party who shall be either a member of their party’s National Working Committees (NWC) or Board of Trustees (BOT), and a representative of INEC.” It is clear that IPAC in Nigeria is intended to be a permanent body of high-ranking officials of political parties. When this Commission came in 2010, it noticed a number of challenges that militate against its intended role in stabilizing the political system and consolidating democracy. First, there is the challenge of big party-small party dichotomy. The so-called big parties tend not to participate enthusiastically in the activities, leaving the turf to the “smaller parties”. Often the former saw IPAC as a trade union of small parties against the big parties, while the small parties perceived the big parties as bad team players, whose activities threatened the democratic system. Second, there was the issue of whether the Ghanaian advisor model is not to be preferred to the executive model of Nigeria. Third, there was the question of whether the ad hoc model is not to be preferred to the permanent model. Fourthly, observers also pointed to the internal squabbles within IPAC, especially regarding the election and changes to the executive body. Fifthly, there was the lingering problem of difficult relations between IPAC and INEC. Finally, IPAC experienced inadequate funds generally. Although some of these challenges remain, I am glad that in the past four years INEC has worked very closely with IPAC to address many of these challenges. Relations between IPAC and INEC

Code of Conduct also changed IPAC from a Committee to a Council and strengthens the mechanisms of implementation, monitoring and enforcement of the code. The present code expanded the executive committee and restructured the Council, including the creation of a standing strategy committee. Indeed, the code represents a significant step in creating a mutually agreed framework for the conduct of political competition devoid of rancour, while at the same time emphasising the values of tolerance, sound conduct, a spirit of accommodation and teamwork in planning and organising political competition. All these are desiderata for national stability and democratic consolidation. The continuing challenge facing INEC and IPAC is the full implementation and monitoring of the Code of Conduct.

Jega

There remains the issue of rampant change of political parties by politicians. Some observers have described this as “political nomadism”. While we must respect the right of citizens to choose at will what parties to belong to, as part of their freedom of association, the negative effects of hemorrhage of party members and the rancour it generates cannot be underestimated have improved tremendously and regular meetings are held between INEC and the chairmen and secretaries of political parties. In addition, the issue of selecting the leadership of IPAC has been resolved and the bigger parties are more involved now, as shown in the overall commitment to the signing of the last edition of the Code of Conduct. I must also commend IPAC for the role it has played in establishing the Political Parties Institute at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru in collaboration with the DGD Project of the UNDP. We hope that the Institute will develop into an international centre of excellence for not only the study of political parties and democratisation, but also the training of high level party cadres for policy making and membership mobilization. The role of INEC One central function of INEC could be said to be the regulation of politi-

cal parties. The 1999 Constitution (As Amended) is the principal legal framework from which INEC derives its powers to regulate political parties. Sections 221 through 228 establish both the regulatory powers of INEC and the grounds for regulation. These are then elaborated in the Electoral Act 2010 (As Amended), particularly in Part V. These powers of the commission are further given effect by its powers to make guidelines and regulations under the Electoral Act. Consequently, the Commission issues guidelines to regulate the activities of political parties, which usually cover areas such as registration of parties, nomination of candidates, campaign finance and role of party agents. In Nigeria, regulation of political parties has principally tried to achieve three related purposes. In the first place, it has aimed to achieve certain national political objectives, particularly national integration and stability. Second, it has had the purpose of strengthening internal party democracy. And third, it has sought to moderate electoral behaviour. Two recent instruments/mechanism are worth noting in this regard namely, the Political Parties Code of Conduct (2013) and Guidelines and Regulations for Political Parties (2013). Political Parties Code of Conduct, 2013 This code of conduct is a collaborative effort between INEC and IPAC with the support of development partners. The 2013 edition was signed on July 11, 2013 by all the 25 registered political parties at the time. The code of conduct is anchored on, among other things, issues of respect for the rule of law, internal party democracy, compliance with regulations on party finance, campaign, and Election Day as well as post-election issues. It emphasizes the need for adhering to the rules of the game in political competition, focus on issues rather than personalities, especially in candidate and party campaigns and the need to promote and strengthen inter and intra-party dialogue as key elements in our collective effort to build more secure and credible electoral process and stable nation. The

Guidelines and Regulations for Political Parties, 2013 These Guidelines and Regulations were issued in collaboration with political parties. It aims at streamlining, standardising and simplifying many processes such as registration of parties, party and candidate finance, nomination of candidates, party agents and monitoring of political parties. What this commission continues to do is to improve the framework for the functioning of political parties to ensure that they continue to play a positive role in national stability and democratic consolidation. I am glad that we are carrying the political parties along and there has been tremendous progress in the relations of INEC and the parties. Granted that from time to time there are difficulties in relations between INEC and individual political parties and also among the parties themselves, overall there has been a high level of maturity on all sides in dealing with these difficulties. Surely, this can only augur well for the future of democracy in Nigeria. Challenges of inter-party collaboration In spite of the positive strides in inter-party collaboration of the past three years, many challenges persist. I will just outline some of them, which are well known and need no major exposition: First, we need to continue to improve the functioning of IPAC to ensure full commitment of all parties to the Council and the Code of Conduct. We also need to improve the funding profile of IPAC to enable it continue to play its role in growing our democracy and national stability. Second, we need to continue to improve the organisation of political parties, with a view to modernising them and making them core institutions of democratic development in Nigeria. Third, the thorny issue of deregistration of political parties remain. INEC has submitted a proposal of the amendment of the Electoral Act to review the provision empowering the Commission to deregister political parties, such that the Commission is empowered to determine the criteria for parties to get on the ballot. We believe that this will afford political parties the space to continue to play their cardinal roles in political development, without the challenges posed to election management by the unwieldiness of countless ineffective political parties. Fourthly, there remains the issue of rampant change of political parties by politicians. Some observers have described this as “political nomadism”. While we must respect the right of citizens to choose at will what parties to belong to, as part of their freedom of association, the negative effects of hemorrhage of party members and the rancour it generates cannot be underestimated. I cannot end my discussion of chalCONTINUED ON PAGE 44

POLITICS 43

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

SUFUYAN OJEIFO writes on the untired spirit of an American Congresswoman committed to Nigeria’s cause

n March 22, 2005, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in concert with the Debt Management Office of the Presidency organised a roundtable on debt relief for Nigeria. The conference recommended, among others, that a team from the Senate should visit Nigeria’s principal creditors to seek support for the total cancellation of the country’s debts. The House of Representatives had, before the roundtable, conducted a debate on the issue and unanimously passed a resolution urging the executive to cease any further foreign debt payments. Its position was that Nigeria’s foreign debts were unsustainable and therefore unconscionable for the nation’s creditors to insist on the payments of the debts. And because of the shared objective of the federal legislature for 100 per cent debt cancellation, it resolved that for greater effectiveness, a combined parliamentary delegation should visit the creditor countries. The delegation’s first trip from Monday, April 24, 2005 to Saturday, May 7, 2005 was to the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy. The second trip to France and Japan was from Monday, May 16, 2005 to Sunday, May 22, 2005. The timing of the visits was strategic. It was aimed at ensuring that a resolution of the Nigerian debt issue would be on the agenda of the G-8 Summit scheduled to hold from July 6 to 8, 2005 at Gleneagles, Scotland. A whole lot of processes were involved in the eventual debt cancellation package that Nigeria benefitted under the Olusegun Obasanjo administration. Many global personalities also offered support for Nigeria. One of them is the subject of this piece: American Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, an influential and forceful voice in Washington who has been in the Congress since January 3, 1995. She is (currently) serving her 10th term (20 years) as a member of the United States House of Representatives. She represents the 18th Congressional District of Texas, centred in Houston, which is the energy capital of the world. Considered by many as the “Voice of Reason”, she has dedicated herself to upholding the constitutional rights of all people. The National Assembly delegation led by the then Senate Chief Whip, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, met with Sheila Jackson Lee and 12 other members of the American Congress. The Senate, in its report of the campaign for debt relief to Nigeria’s principal creditor countries, summarised its meeting with her thus: “Rep Sheila Jackson Lee (D-CA) is a leading Member of the House Judiciary Committee. Rep. Jackson Lee indicated her willingness to play a leadership role on the issue of Nigeria’s quest for debt relief. Because of the importance of the Appropriations Committee process, she invited Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA), member of the House Appropriations Committee – from the floor of the House of Representatives to meet with the delegation. She indicated that she would be willing to write a letter to Ms. Condoleeza Rice, the US Secretary of State, and John Snow, the US Treasury Secretary urging for debt relief for Nigeria.” Today, the story of Nigeria’s debt forgiveness is not complete without a mention of Sheila Jackson Lee. But it is significant that she has continued to intervene in critical socio-economic and political conditions in Nigeria. This year alone, she has spoken forcefully more than thrice against violence and acts of terror unleashed on Nigeria students. Credible feelers indicated that plans are afoot by Sheila Jackson Lee to visit Abuja soonest as part of global support for Nigeria in the battle against the Boko Haram insurgency and terrorist activi-

Lee: American Congresswoman with Nigeria on her mind

L-R: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Hon. E. J. Agbonayinma and former Speaker and Democrat Leader at US Congress, Nancy Pelosi.

ties in the country. In a February 27, 2014 statement issued in Washington DC, she condemned the Boko Haram terrorist attack that terminated the lives of innocent students at a secondary school in Buni Yadi, Yobe State. She said in a statement: “On Tuesday, a group of radical Islamist terrorists, Boko Haram, took the lives of more than 50 innocent, unarmed students in another senseless, unspeakable act of terror. In a cycle of continued violence which has claimed the lives of more than 300 people this month, most of which were civilians, Boko Haram has displayed that it is not only sickeningly ruthless, but it is also an organisation of condemnable cowardice by targeting the innocent. “I believe it is our duty and the duty of the world to respond to such horrifying terror acts with the extent of our power and to deter the maleficent actions that are all too often carried out by these radical organisations. Students from all over the world, regardless of the tumultuous nature of their political landscape, have the right to achieve an education and to do so without fear of consequence or reprisal. “I strongly urge President Goodluck Jonathan to administer immediate action to avert the potential for these despicable actions in the future and urge him to seek prompt justice for those that were lost in this senseless attack against the Nigerian students. The students of today are our leaders of tomorrow. If we do not act on a global scale to counteract this craven behaviour by radical organisations attempting to strip away the security of our students, we will not have a future at all. We must act now and act swiftly.” On May 7, 2014, she led a protest in Washington DC during which she asked the Nigerian government to work with the United States of America in order to bring the leader of Boko Haram to justice for kidnapping hundreds of schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State. On May 22, 2014, she pushed through in the Congress an amendment that established as an important priority for the United States Department of Defence to condemn Boko Haram’s crime against humanity and the kidnapping of more than 200 schoolgirls from the Government Girls’ Secondary School at Chibok. According to the senior member on

the House Homeland Security Committee and the House Judiciary Committee and Co-Chair of the House Congressional Children’s Caucus, “The world is outraged over the abduction of over 200 girls from their school in rural Nigeria by terrorist group Boko Haram. Boko Haram’s threat to sell the girls into slavery for $12 each is outrageous and brings new urgency to the need to stamp out modern day slavery and human trafficking in all forms. That is why I led the effort to include in the H.R. 4435, the National Defence Authorisation Act for FY2015, an amendment that puts the United States on record in solidarity with the people of Nigeria. This amendment, which was co-sponsored by Congresswoman Barbara Lee of California and Congresswoman Fredericka Wilson of Florida, makes three important contributions to the bill: “First, it strongly condemns the ongoing violence and the systematic gross human rights violations against the people of Nigeria carried out by the militant organisation Boko Haram, especially the kidnapping of the more than 200 young schoolgirls kidnapped from the Chibok School by Boko Haram; second, it expresses support for the people of Nigeria who wish to live in a peaceful, economically prosperous, and democratic Nigeria; and third, it requires that not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment, the Secretary of Defence shall report to Congress on the nature and extent of the crimes against humanity committed by Boko Haram in Nigeria.

The students of today are our leaders of tomorrow. If we do not act on a global scale to counteract this craven behaviour by radical organisations attempting to strip away the security of our students, we will not have a future at all

“This amendment can further the assistance of the United States in helping Nigeria galvanise other countries, the Africa Union and United Nations Peace Keepers in the effort against Boko Haram. I am also urging the Nigerian government to establish a Victim’s Fund to provide humanitarian relief and economic assistance to the victims of attacks by Boko Haram so that they can rebuild their lives and communities. I commend President Obama on his decision to deploy aid, personnel, law enforcement and experts to Nigeria to bolster the country’s ability to search and recover the missing girls and return them safely to their families. I urge world leaders to utilise all resources necessary to not only return the girls safely to their families but also to ensure unencumbered access to education, a basic human right. Not only is this a Nigerian problem, it is a world problem. The world must come to the aid of these girls now…. “Yesterday (May 21, 2014) I met with the ambassadors of several African nations and they conveyed to me that this is also a regional problem that must be addressed. I plan on making a trip to Nigeria to get an update on the current situation. The Nigerian Government must take these kidnappings and the reaction of Nigerian citizens as a wake-up call to re-evaluate their counter-terrorism strategy, and that we can work with them to develop a comprehensive strategy to combat Boko Haram – one that includes civil society, development, and better civil-military relations. Meanwhile, we in the United States must do all we can to ensure that these girls are returned home to their families, safely and soundly….” A Nigerian, Hon. EJ Agbonayinma, who has had a long-standing official relationship with Sheila Jackson Lee, confirmed that the congresswoman is committed to the service of humanity and God. Agbonayinma, a member of the Board of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) who also hinted of her impending visit to Nigeria, said: “She is selfless, humble, courageous and dogged in her fight for justice. My respect for her is tremendous. She is unrelenting in her support for Nigerians living in America and beyond. She deserves commendation by all and sundry.” For an American congresswoman who has invested so much passion, interest and love in Nigeria and its socioeconomic and political conditions, there is no better way to appreciate her heart of gold other than to give her a warm welcome as she visits the country soon.

44 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

APC Convention: Can Oyegun set forth at dawn? CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 7

fraught with irregularities. One of such states among others is Ogun State, where the former governor of the state, Osoba, has parted ways with the incumbent governor, Senator Ibukunle Amosun based on the outcome of the state congress of the party. Such leadership crisis in the states culminated also to the national level as it was difficult for the party to agree on its zoning formula. It is the present zoning arrangement in the party that brought a North-East chieftain from Borno

Jonathan: We won’t allow anti-democratic forces to prevail CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 5

politicians to reflect and review the possible consequences their actions, conduct and utterances in the recent past have had and could have, on our polity, national security and corporate existence. This Summit must be an occasion for political rejuvenation and re-orientation. Its outcome must be a common stand against all and any anti-democratic forces that are currently waging a vicious and mindless war against the State. Fellow compatriots, we must first build a nation before engaging in arguments on how best to run it. The system is not yet so shockproof to withstand all unguarded and careless political statements and actions. If our state enterprise fails, no political party or politician will be spared from the consequences. Hence, at a time such as this when our existence as a nation is threatened by anti-democratic forces we, politicians and political parties, must rise to the higher moral ground in defence and protection of our existence as one nation and one people. Our role should not be limited to the struggle to win elections and acquire political power, but also to handling the demands of patriotism and statesmanship, and restoring hope to the Nigerian people. In all these, it is exigent that the acts, conducts and utterances of all political stakeholders reflect, to the highest level, a commitment to the defence and preservation of our social cohesion, our political stability and our sovereignty as a nation. We must reinforce, and recommit our various supporters across the nation to the Nigerian Project, irrespective of party affiliation, ideological differences and alliances. We have no choice… History will not judge us kindly if this country fails as a result of our actions, or inactions. Let us bear in mind that no advantage or benefit can be gained by any political party, over the other, if our democracy fails. We have no choice but to work together and, that time, is now. I must express my profound gratitude to all the political patties that answered this clarion call today. You have indeed demonstrated statesmanship and patriotism as well as the willingness to put partisanship aside in the collective fight to preserve our nationhood. Finally, I commend the Offices of the National Security Adviser and the Special Adviser on Inter-Party Affairs, for organising this all-important summit, which couldn’t have come at a better time. I sincerely hope that the summit will indeed mark a turning point in our democratisation process. I wish you all fruitful deliberations. I hereby declare this summit open. Long live Nigeria! May God bless you all.

State, Mai Mala Buni as National Secretary, which has led to the allegation that the former vice president has been zoned out of the presidential ticket of the party. Atiku and the newly elected national secretary are from the same geo-political zone. But the Atiku Media Office has denied such, saying at no time did the party’s Convention Planning Committee or its recently-dissolved Interim National Executive Council (NEC) discuss the issue of zoning of elective offices outside the positions of leadership of the party which Atiku said were filled at the convention held on Friday. However, the new party National Chairman will definitely have his hands full and perhaps is also prepared for such. This might explained why in his acceptance speech at Eagle Square on Saturday morning, Oyegun extended the olive branch to all the aggrieved members of the party. He not only asked those aggrieved to forgive and forget, he equally solicited for their support. His words: “But for us to succeed, dear brothers and sisters, we must pledge this night to work together as a team. We must embrace the ideals of unity, oneness and harmony, and the spirit of give and take.

Odigie-Oyegun

“We must learn to let go of past grudges and previous grievances and move forward together as members of the same family. And so tonight, I call for the healing of rifts and the

smoothening of cracks. “I call for forgiveness of offences and injuries. I call for unity in our great party. I call for our collective embrace of a common vision. I call for a commitment to work hand in hand to accomplish the task before us. “If we fail in our task due to disunity and acrimony, it is not only ourselves we would have let down. We would have betrayed the hopes and aspirations of long-suffering Nigerians. And we must never lose sight of the fact that the collective destiny of the Nigerian people is far more important than our individual or group interests, ambitions or grievances. “Because the road ahead of us is long and hard, we must heed the wise advice of our esteemed Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka that “we must set forth at dawn”. And so, whereas tonight we celebrate the successful conclusion of the National Convention of our party, early tomorrow morning, we must rise with the dawn and set forth on our patriotic mission to set Nigerians free, and usher in the New Nigeria of our dreams.” Whether or not those offended and aggrieved before, during and after the party’s convention will heed his clarion call to set forth at dawn together with him is a matter of time.

Season of apprehension, suspicion CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 0

prisms and therefore subject to varied interpretations. This has been further fuelled by the rather strange manner Justice Kutigi and his deputy, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi had handled certain controversial issues in recent weeks. The protests that trailed the rulings on issues such as the Land Use Act, Religios Equity Commission, the Pilgrims Wefare Boards and the bid to place river ports ownership and management on the Concurrent List are still fresh in people’s memories. Though the decision to cut off debates was presented in the plain logic of saving time, it was seen by some delegates as an avenue to advance a hidden agenda. Opponents of the new rule believe it is designed to enhance a hurried consideration of the remaining reports and gloss over some critical issues with the overall intention to maintain the status quo. As far as some delegates are concerned, the reports of some key committees have been heavily compromised, empty and unsatisfactory. The only hope left was for

someone who is abreast of the issues to raise them afresh during the final debates. Such a golden opportunity to have the issues re-opened would be lost if the proposed ban on debates takes effect. It would mean that those salient issues would be swept away and never get into the final report. If it must do a thorough job on these reports, delegates must be prepared to sit for longer hours. About a fortnight ago, a new rule altering the duration of sittings was introduced and adopted. The new rule stipulated that plenary should begin at 9a.m. rather than 10 a.m. while lunch break which used to be two hours (2p.m.- 4p.m.) was reduced to one hour. There was also an extension in the number of days the conference should sit. Originally, the conference was meant to sit on Mondays to Thursdays but the move to sit on Fridays was stoutly resisted by delegates the first time it was to take effect. The reality now is that the conference may have to sit for longer hours and for more days including weekends if it must complete its assignment before

the terminal date of Thursday, July 17, 2014. The puzzle It is indeed a dicey situation for Kutigi and his team. What if the conference continues on its old ways and exhausts all the remaining time without completing its assignment? Would it then seek another extension or pack up and leave the remaining work undone? Should those opposed to the new rule on debates concede to the logic of saving time at the risk of taking some poorly conceived decisions? In the first place, some individuals and interest groups did not want the conference to hold. Some swore it would not hold because certain personalities had kicked against it. They probably prayed it should not hold or at best end in chaos. Therefore, any mishap that would make the work of the conference inconclusive would be like a disaster foretold and a negative prophesy fulfilled. The conference is at the crossroads and whichever direction it chooses to travel now, there are booby traps on its way.

‘Rampant change of political parties by politicians must end’ CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 2

lenges of inter-party collaboration without mentioning the issues of moderation and internal party democracy because of their profound implications for national stability and democratic consolidation. You would agree with me that in recent times there seems to be a widespread absence of moderation among our politicians. We are concerned about this because even if the management of elections meets the highest standards, insofar as the contestants are unwilling to play by the rules there will be grave problems. The commission remains deeply concerned about rising conflicts within parties and between contestants. The use of language is in most cases indecorous, which leads supporters to follow suit with more intemperate language, which ultimately may end up in violence. Parties even find it difficult to select candidates, creating a situation in which practically every party nomination process in Nigeria ends in a court case. In most cases, the commission gets either directly or indirectly dragged into these conflicts and court cases, which

becomes diversionary. Indeed, some of the pre-election court cases have threatened in the past to derail preparations for elections. Of particular note is the spate of ex parte injunctions that have been issued against the commission. Yet, one would expect that parties should have clear rules and procedures for selecting candidates and resolving issues therefrom, to the satisfaction of all their members. It seems to me therefore that a primary source of problem here is lack of internal party democracy resulting from lack of commitment to party rules. Conclusion In conclusion, inter-party collaboration is a veritable instrument for achieving a stable and consolidated democracy. It is the central function of political parties to pursue these ends. As an election management body, INEC has worked closely with political parties in the past four years in pursuit of national stability and democratic consolidation, particularly through the IPAC and regular meetings with chairmen and secretaries of all reg-

istered political parties. To be sure, there is always a paradox in inter-party collaboration, namely, the fact that political parties, which are essentially competitive, must collaborate in order to preserve the system. Yet there is no alternative to interparty collaboration in achieving political stability and democratic consolidation. Clearly, INEC and the political parties have made giant strides in pursuit of stability and democratic consolidation. However, several challenges persist. I hope that as we move into the final lap of preparations for the 2015 general election, we can continue to work together to address these residual challenges. We have little option than to continue to work at using inter-party collaboration to achieve democratic stability and consolidation. It is in the enlightened self-interest of political parties to do so because, at the end of the day, the democratic system and political parties are like the proverbial head and ear. If the ear is spoken to and it fails to listen, when the head is severed, the ear goes with it. I thank you for listening.

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Confab: Delegates reject revival of Nigeria Airways

Ekiti 2014

Fayose pledges to assist physically-challenged persons Adesina Wahab

Ado-Ekiti

kiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Mr. Peter Ayodele Fayose has pledged to accommodate the needs of the physically challenged people, if he wins Saturday's poll. According to a press statement issued by Fayose's spokesman, Mr Idowu Adelusi and made available to the press in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, Fayose said

their condition would not disqualify them from occupying rightful place in the incoming PDP government. He had earlier donated the sum of N500, 000 to the physically challenged people. While urging them to come out en mass to vote for him, Fayose told them to shun all entreaties from the All Progressive Congress (APC) describing it as deceit. In another development, the PDP candidate has told

various trade unions and ethnic groups that came to pledge their support for him on Tuesday that he had given red card to the Ekiti State APC-control government. The PDP candidate who said that the APC was jolted by the mammoth crowd of Ekiti people that came out to welcome President Goodluck Jonathan, said he had finished with them and urged Ekiti people to from now regard Fayemi administration as former.

Louis Achi and Onwuka Nzeshi ABUJA

elegates at the ongoing national conference yesterday rejected a proposal asking the Federal Government to take urgent steps towards the revival of Nigerian Airways or establishment of new national carrier. They also rejected another proposal seeking the immediate scrapping of Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) for alleged inefficiency in the discharge of its responsibilities. Both decisions came

...Dead victim was on life Jacket, says NEMA

APC's allegation of rigging baseless – PDP chair Adesina Wahab

Ado-Ekiti

he Ekiti State Chairman Tcratic of the People’s DemoParty (PDP), Mr Makanjuola Ogundipe, has said the allegation by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the PDP is conniving with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rig Saturday's poll is an indication that the APC is jittery, as it will suffer heavy defeat in the poll. Speaking in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, Ogundipe

said the APC's allegation was also crying wolf where there was none. He was reacting to the statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the APC, Mr Segun Dipe, that his party had uncovered plans by the PDP to connive with INEC to rig the poll by forging results from various polling centres. Dipe also gave a warning that his party and the people of the state would resist such acts with the last drop of their blood. However, Ogundipe challenged the APC to

prove their allegations by providing concrete evidence. "The APC people have come with their baseless and unfounded allegations. The other time they caused violence in Ado-Ekiti and were the first to rush to the press to raise false alarm. "Some weeks ago, the Labour Party held a rally in Ikere-Ekiti and AIT was paid to give a live coverage of the event and APC thugs attacked AIT crew and went to the media to say it was LP that attacked AIT crew: is that logical?

Suspected thugs attack APC members, kill one middle-aged man and Agressive member of the All ProCongress, (APC)

Mr Ojo Olujobi has been killed by suspected thugs in Ekiti State. The APC said the killing is coming less than one week after an assassination attempt was made on the life of the State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi. In a release signed by the APC spokesperson in the state, Mr Segun Dipe, the party said Olujobi was gruesomely clubbed to death at Isinbode by armed thugs. The APC said that the attack by the thugs was directed against

members of the APC who were returning from Ikota, a community in Ekiti East Local Government area, after a peaceful rally. Dipe said the APC leadership in Ekiti sent a fact finding group to the community when it was informed of the fracas. The APC said it was informed by the Isinbode traditional authority that Olujobi, after the rally, was sitting in the front of his father’s house when rampaging thugs, after they had caused havoc at the Ikota area moved to Isinbode where they attacked APC members who were re-

turning from a rally. Dipe alleged that a local member of the PDP in Isinbode led the violent attack on the APC members which claimed the life of the man. ‘Olujobi was hacked to death yesterday evening by PDP thugs. His father collapsed when he heard about the murder of his son. This is the second incidence of direct attacks by PDP thugs that have led to death in the past two months since Mr Fayose was nominated to lead the PDP campaign in Ekiti State’, Dipe said on Tuesday morning.

of all types should be on the Concurrent Legislative List to enable both the federal and state levels participate in the sector. They said that some states have built airports on the permission of the Federal Government but should be constitutionally empowered to enable more states build such transport infrastructure including river ports. The conference however, voted for the establishment of National Coastal Guards to strengthen security at the sea ports and other strategic national assets lying along the nation's coast line.

One dies in fresh Lagos boat mishap Muritala Ayinla gain, tragedy struck on Monday evening as a commercial passenger boat capsized in Apapa area of Lagos, killing one of the ten occupants and left others severely injured. The latest tragedy came almost a month after a passenger boat capsized around Bonny Camp, Victoria Island killing a middle age lady identified as Claire. As at the time of filing

L-R: Commissioner of Tertiary Education, Dr Muhammad Bashir Nuhu; Chairman, Governing Council, Prof Muhammed Daniya; Niger State Governor, Dr Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu; Provost, Introductory Technology Center of Niger State College of Education, Minna, Prof Faruk Rashid Harunaand others, during the commissioning of the College in Minna…yesterday

during the consideration of the final report of the Committee on Transportation. A delegate, Air Comdr Idongesit Nkanga, argued that Aviation should be on concurrent list while the merger of aviation regulatory agencies should not be allowed. He said that if the Nigeria Airways must come back, it must be private sector driven like the Ethiopian airlines. According to him, a national carrier will not work if it is kept under the Ministry of Aviation. Some delegates had argued that Transportation

this report, search and recovery efforts were still ongoing for the body of the only casualty which was still missing in the latest boat mishap. It was learnt that the incident occurred at Ibasa Operational Area of inland water way. The ill-fated boat was said to be heading to Coconut Island through the Ojo- Tin Can waterways when the unfortunate incident occurred. Although, the Lagos State Emergency Management

Agency, LASEMA could not immediately confirm the incident, the National Emergency Management Agency, said the incident occurred in the evening when some of the passengers were returning home. According to NEMA Southwest Spokesperson, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, the dead victim was still missing, saying all the passengers wore life jacket including the missing person feared to have been drowned.

Nnamani awaits Nov 3 court appearance Joseph Onyekwere gain, Justice Mohammed Yunusa of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday adjourned till November 3, the trial of former Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani. Nnamani is charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) together with

seven others, on a 105-count charge of money laundering. The other accused are Sunday Anyaogu, Rainbownet (Nig.) Limited, Hillgate (Nig.) Limited, Cosmos FM, Capital City Automobile (Nig.) Limited, Renaissance University Teaching Hospital and Mea Mater Elizabeth High School. At the resumed hearing of the case, counsel

representing Nnamani, Mr. Oluyele Delano (SAN), prayed the court for an adjournment on the ground that the accused was ill. He informed the court that his client was still unfit to go through the rigours of trial due to the fact that he had just undergone a quadruple by-pass (open heart surgery), which had recently caused him chronic chest pain.

Glo partners Nigeria Centenary Lottery n continuation of activiItry’s ties marking the councelebration of one

hundred years as a nation, Nigerians have been given a golden opportunity to win fantastic prizes including 24 Hyundai Jeeps and one hundred million naira grand prize in the Centenary Lottery organized by Secure Electronic Technology Plc and powered by Globacom. Addressing newsmen at the launch of a special Nigeria Centenary Lottery Television Commercial

sponsored by Globacom in support of the promotion in Abuja yesterday, the company’s Business Director, Mr. Kemi Kaka said the lottery was organized to give back to the society in a spectacular way. He said Globacom as a truly Nigerian company was irrevocably committed to uplifting Nigerians and empowering them in an unlimited manner, especially in the mood of the Centenary Celebrations. Apart from the grand prize of N100 million

naira, other prizes that will be won by Nigerians during the promo which will run from June 17 to September 2, include N5,000 daily for 100 winners, N10,000 daily for 10 winners, N25,000 daily for 4 winners, one generator daily for one winner and one laptop daily for one winner. In addition, one winner will win Hyundai ix35 Bi-Weekly while 3 Winners will win an all expenses paid trip to Brazil to watch the semi-finals of the World Cup in Brazil.

Appeal Court delivers judgment on APGA leadership crisis today Leo Sobechi he Court of Appeal, Abuja division will today deliver judgment on the appeal filed by the National chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh challenging the judg-

ment of an Abuja Federal High Court, which removed him from office. Justice Abdulkadir Abdu-Kafarati had while ruling on the matter filed by Chief Maxi Okwu and other members of APGA Working Committee

elected at the April 8, 2013 national convention of the party held at the Women Development Centre, Awka; declared that Umeh and Sani Shinkafi should stop parading themselves as national chairman and secretary of APGA.

46 BUSINESS | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

17-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

45.00 100.00 535.00 500.27 452.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 165.17 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

0.03 0.28 0.85 2.17 2.86 3.11 3.21 3.95 5.03 5.35 7.61 9.74 14.45 14.93 15.43 16.10

10.62 10.85 11.00 11.69 11.71 11.67 11.68 11.73 11.88 11.87 12.32 12.33 12.76 12.81 12.86 12.99

6.25 10.31 10.35 11.61 11.65 11.55 11.56 11.63 11.81 11.78 12.26 12.28 12.72 12.77 12.81 12.94

99.94 99.51 94.45 102.50 108.00 95.34 93.90 96.80 115.25 81.10 119.70 110.40 114.57 97.85 71.02 80.00

100.09 99.66 94.95 102.65 108.15 95.64 94.20 97.10 115.55 81.40 120.00 110.70 114.87 98.15 71.32 80.30

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Rating/Agency

4,420.01 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

0.37 0.93 1.42 2.48 2.84 3.05

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

11.93 13.62 13.48 13.59 12.64 12.66

95.78 88.41 105.04 97.76 96.19 93.67

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

0.13 0.33 1.21 0.81 1.10 1.11 2.84 1.67 3.54 2.51 4.30 2.71 2.71 3.09 3.16 5.43 3.22 3.84 6.45 6.54 3.85 3.88

1.56 3.29 4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 5.59 1.00 1.79 1.80 1.00 1.00 4.78 1.00 1.00 1.00 2.74 1.00 1.00 1.94 1.44 1.95

12.27 14.18 15.53 14.24 15.50 14.52 17.23 12.34 13.49 13.39 12.76 12.62 16.40 12.67 12.67 12.88 14.42 12.72 13.06 14.02 13.16 13.68

100.15 99.84 96.72 99.61 98.43 101.24 84.24 102.31 101.38 101.45 103.97 104.12 95.12 104.52 107.23 106.15 100.82 105.86 101.86 104.11 115.10 114.77

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

0.31 0.50 0.54 0.68 1.00 0.84 2.29 2.36 3.29 2.10 2.06 2.23 2.23 4.27 2.34 2.42 3.54 6.41

1.00 5.21 8.71 4.88 1.00 2.63 1.00 1.34 1.00 1.88 3.48 5.20 5.06 1.35 2.29 6.11 2.16 2.76

11.87 16.26 19.75 15.90 11.98 13.63 12.56 12.91 12.68 13.41 15.01 16.75 16.61 13.10 13.86 17.69 13.86 14.81

99.81 98.72 98.63 96.14 100.10 100.55 100.80 102.60 100.79 108.94 102.00 102.59 101.96 102.80 103.88 98.96 105.83 101.73

11-Feb-18

3.66

1.00

12.71

92.82

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

4.96

4.81

109.98

110.87

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

18-Dec-09

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.20

4.00

103.40

104.16

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

01-Apr-10

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.32

5.21

107.47

108.31

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

3.89

3.13

111.78

113.07

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

4.97

4.32

104.56

105.79

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

6.25

5.97

99.03

100.09

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

7.27

6.82

99.94

101.17

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

8.59

8.15

94.42

95.82

AFREN PLC

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

5.09

4.49

113.43

114.57

ZENITH BANK PLC FIRST BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

6.47

6.27

99.11

99.92

B/S&P; B-/Fitch

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.08

6.66

104.13

105.64

B+/S&P; B+/Fitch

AFREN PLC

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

6.02

5.77

102.35

103.31

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 26-Jun-14 3-Jul-14 10-Jul-14 17-Jul-14 24-Jul-14 31-Jul-14 7-Aug-14

Bid Discount (%) 10.00 10.30 8.00 10.35 10.15 10.20 10.30

Offer Discount (%) 9.75 10.05 7.75 10.10 9.90 9.95 10.05

Bid Yield (%) 10.02 10.35 8.04 10.44 10.26 10.33 10.45

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 11.6083 12.6093 13.7069 14.5496

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

11.38

Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

O/N

11.63

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M

163.10 163.05 163.31 163.89 165.10

163.20 163.31 163.65 164.54 166.30

Tenor Call

REPO

Rate (%) 11.25

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 18, 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 stocks appreciated, 14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020 while 31 others constituted the losers’ table. 13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 The twin market indicators, 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 the All-Share Index fell by 314.11 15.00 NASARAWA basis points 06-JAN-2021 or 0.76 per cent,

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 14.75 060, 30-Sep-13 Nigeria Breweries shed 27-Nov-13 13.50 N8.58 to close at N164.42, while 31-Dec-13 15.00 to close Conoil dipped by N7.08 31-Dec-13 14.50 at N72.73. 06-Jan-14 On the activity15.00 chart, the

Investors lose N104bn as profit taking persists

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Corporate Bonds

Stories by Chris Ugwu

A+/Agusto; AA/GCR LAFARGE WAPCO Aa/Agusto igerian capitalGTB market deµ Nil NGC preciated for the second Bbb-/Agusto *UPDC day on sustained bear acA-/Agusto *FLOURMILLS tivity following sell presBB+/GCR *CHELLARAMS sure on blue chip companies. A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO The twin market perforA-/Agusto FSDH mance measures,UBAthe NSE A/GCR ASI and market capitalisation BBB-/GCR *C & I LEASING dropped 0.76 per cent as the BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR *DANA# market tempo on the A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR lowered *TOWER# # back of Nestle Plc and AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCRNigeria *TOWER Nigeria Breweries Plc. A/Agusto; A/GCR UBA At the BBB+/GCR close of *LA trading, Bbb+/Agusto; CASERA 27 BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR *CHELLARAMS# BBB/GCR *DANA A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO

from 41,449.51 the previous day to close at 41,135.40, while market capitalisation of equi11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014 ties dropped N104 billion or 0.76 13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014 per cent from N13.686 trillion to 17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014 N13.582 trillion. 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 Further analysis of the day’s 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 trading showed that MRS Plc 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 topped the29-SEP-2016 gainers’ table with 13.00 NAHCO N3.36 to close at N51.36, while 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 Oando followed with N2.15 13.00 UBAPlc 30-SEP-2017 to18.00 close at N23.15 per share. C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 Dangote Cement added N2.00 MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 toMPR+7.00 close TOWER at N229.00. 9-SEP-2018 On the flip9-SEP-2018 side, Nestle NiMPR+5.25 TOWER geria PlcII 22-SEP-2018 led the losers with a 14.00 UBA 15.75 LA 18-OCT-2018 drop ofCASERA N10.00 to close at N1, MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

3.29 14.18 99.84 4.44 15.53 96.72 3.23 14.24 99.61 4.46 15.50 98.43 3.48 14.52 101.24 5.59 17.23 84.24 1.00 12.34 102.31 1.79 13.49 101.38 1.80 13.39 101.45 1.00 12.76 103.97 1.00 12.62 104.12 4.78 16.40 95.12 1.00 12.67 104.52 1.00 12.67 107.23 1.00 12.88 106.15 2.74 14.42 100.82 1.00diversification; 12.72 105.86 lio however, the 1.00 13.06 be reviewed 101.86 numbers would as 1.94 14.02 104.11 sector conditions change. 1.44The Nigerian 13.16 115.10began bourse 1.95 13.68 publishing the NSE 30114.77 Index in

BUSINESS | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Equities fall on sustained bear run RETREAT

6.00 15-Oct-14 0.33 8.50 31-Aug-15 1.21 16.50 30-Sep-15 0.81 13.00 30-Jun-16 1.10 18.50 30-Jun-16 1.11 57.00 19-Apr-17 2.84 50.00 30-Jun-17 1.67 25.00 31-Dec-17 3.54 50.00 30-Sep-18 2.51 9.00 04-Oct-18 4.30 20.00 09-Dec-18 2.71 12.00 12-Dec-18 2.71 27.00 14-Feb-19 3.09 20.00 02-Oct-19 3.16 80.00 22-Nov-19 5.43 30.00 12-Dec-19 3.22 11.40 he Nigerian 30-Sep-20 3.84 ExStock 87.00 change27-Nov-20 6.45 an(NSE) has 5.00 nounced 31-Dec-20 6.54 rethe expected 5.00 31-Dec-20 3.85 of view, by end of June 2014 5.00 06-Jan-21 3.88 the the NSE 30, NSE 50 and

NSE reviews market indices’ composition

Banking sub-sector dominated 572.90 six sectoral indices of the February 2009 with index valin volume terms with 88.5 mil- Exchange. These include the ues available from January 1, lion shares worth N1.2 billion in NSE Banking, NSE Consumer 2007. On July 1, 2008, the NSE 07-Oct-11 11.50 11.80 07-Oct-14 0.31 1.00 11.87 99.81 1,50018-Dec-09 deals. The sub-sector was 13.17 Goods, NSE Oil & Gas, NSE In- developed four sectoral indi13.50 18-Dec-14 0.50 5.21 16.26 98.72 enhanced by the activities in dustrial, NSE Insurance and ces with a base value of 1,000 01-Apr-10 17.00 2.00 31-Dec-14 0.54 8.71 19.75 98.63 the shares of Zenith and GTB 15.00 the NSE Lotus Islamic Indices. points, designed to provide in17-Aug-10 10.00 17-Aug-15 0.68 4.88 15.90 96.14 Bank Plc. The composition of these in- vestable benchmarks to capture 09-Dec-10 12.00 37.50 09-Dec-15 1.00 1.00 11.98 100.10 Other financial services sec- 1.50 dices after 06-Jan-16 the review would be the performance of specific sec06-Jan-11 14.00 0.84 2.63 13.63 100.55 tor boosted on 15.00 effective on29-Sep-16 July 1, 2014. 2.29 tors. indices 29-Sep-11 by the activities 13.00 1.00 The sectoral 12.56 100.80 comthe 25-Oct-13 shares of Custody NSE index2.36 team prise 15 most capitalised 14.25 Insur- 5.53 With the 25-Oct-16 1.34 the top 12.91 102.60 ance30-Sep-10 followed with 13.00 83.8 million 20.00 having commenced work and in the In30-Sep-17 3.29 in1.00 liquid companies 12.68 100.79 units, worth N490.7 billion in 0.94 tensely, the30-Nov-17 review is set 2.10 to wit- surance and Consumer 30-Nov-12 18.00 1.88 13.41 108.94Goods 726 deals. ness the entry/re-entry of2.06 some sectors, top15.01 10 most capitalised 09-Apr-11 16.00 8.01 09-Apr-18 3.48 102.00 In09-Sep-11 all, investors18.00 exchanged 3.63 major companies and companies in the 09-Sep-18 and the 2.23 exit 5.20 liquid16.75 102.59 a total of 313.08 million of others. 09-Sep-18 Banking and 09-Sep-11 16.00 shares, 1.00 2.23 5.06 16.61Industrial 101.96Goods worth N4.05 billion management4.27in a sector and 13.10 the top seven 22-Sep-11 14.00 in 5,066 35.00 NSE’s 22-Sep-18 1.35 102.80 most deals. statement 18-Oct-18 made available capitalised and liquid compa18-Oct-13 15.75 3.00 2.34 to 2.29 13.86 103.88 newsmen, 17-Feb-19 said the Index2.42 Com- nies 17-Feb-12 17.00 0.54 6.11 in the Oil 17.69 & Gas sector. 98.96 mittee explained NSE2012, the 105.83 Nigerian 01-Apr-14 16.00 4.50 01-Apr-19 that the 3.54 2.16In July 13.86 14-Nov-13 15.25 2.05 6.41 2.76 14.81 30, NSE-5014-Nov-20 and NSE Industrial bourse launched The101.73 NSE LoIndices are modified market tus Islamic index (NSE LII), 180.17 reduce the balance of the capitalisation index with the which consists of companies company’s share premium numbers of included stocks whose business practices are in 11-Feb-13by N286.98 10.20 billion 12.00 3.66 1.00 12.71 92.82 account fixed at 30,11-Feb-18 50 and 10, respecconformity with the principles tively. The numbers of included of Shari’ah with the aim of into be applied to the negative 12.00 retained earnings of N272.06 stocks in the NSE-Consumer creasing the breadth of the marbillion as at December, 2013 for Goods, Banking, Insurance ket and creating anOffer important Issue Date Coupon (%) Issue Value ($'mm) Maturity Date Bid Yield (%) Offer Yield (%) Bid Price Price the purpose of reducing same and Oil/Gas Indices are 15, 10, benchmark for investments to zero and to facilitate the As- 15 and 7 respectively. asPrices the alternative non-interest & Yields The stocks will be picked investment space widened. All set Management Corporation 07-Oct-11 6.75 28-Jan-21 4.96 4.81 companies 109.98 that appear 110.87 of Nigeria’s claw back of the 500.00 based on their market capitalithe on excess capital of N14.9 billion sation from the most liquid sec- the Islamic Index have been 18-Dec-09 5.13 12-Jul-18 4.20 on 4.00 103.40 arising from the injection of 500.00 tors. The liquidity is based thoroughly screened104.16 by Lotus the financial accommodation the number of times the stock is Capital Halal Investment, in ac01-Apr-10 6.38 500.00 12-Jul-23 5.32 107.47 5.21 108.31 amount of N305.7 billion. traded during the preceding half cordance with a methodology Addressing shareholders, 1,500.00 year. To be included, the stock approved by an internationally the Chairman of the bank, must be traded for at least 70 per recognised Shari’ah Advisory Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, cent of the number of times the Board comprising of renowned 01-Feb-16 said01-Feb-11 the lender in11.50 December 450.00 market opened for business. Islamic scholars. 3.89 3.13 111.78 113.07 201319-May-11 finalised its three year 500.00 The Committee stated which 7.50 19-May-16 further4.97 4.32The price 104.56 indices, 105.79 strategy, a 400.00 that the Exchange oblivi- were developed the mar08-Nov-13 which provides 6.00 08-Nov-18 was not6.25 5.97 99.03 using100.09 clear direction for ous of the fact that the number ket capitalisation methodology , 25-Jul-12 7.25 future 350.00 25-Jul-17 7.27 6.82 99.94 101.17 growth in line with of the stocks that will be includare rebalanced on a biannual 09-May-13 6.88 the on- 300.00 02-May-18 8.59 8.15 94.42 95.82 going transformation pro- 300.00 ed in some of the indices may be basis -on the first business day 08-Apr-12 10.25 08-Apr-19 5.09 4.49 113.43 114.57 gramme. inappropriate for optimal6.47 portfo- in January99.11 and in July . 22-Apr-14 6.25 500.00 22-Apr-19 6.27 99.92

Shareholders ratify Union Bank’s reform scheme TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

hareholders of Union Bank

Supranational Nigeria Bond Plc yesterday in

AAA/S&P Lagos approvedIFCthe lender’s scheme of arrangement TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE for restructuring. The approval, whichIssuer was Rating/Agency given as special resolutions at the bank’s 45th annual general FGN Eurobonds meeting (AGM), was considBB-/Fitch; ered to B+/S&P help in restructuring the bank. BB-/Fitch; As part of the special FGN resoBB-/S&P lution, BB-/Fitch; the shareholders auBB-/S&P the board of directors thorised VALUE toTOTAL takeOUTSTANDING all necessary steps to cancel the 37,171,140 ordinary Corporate shares of Eurobonds 50 kobo each held by the company following B-/S&P; B/Fitch AFREN the PLC I acquisition of UnionGTBANK Merchant PLC I B+/S&P; B+/Fitch Bank Limited in 2005 and subGTBANK PLC sequently reconstructed and B+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC re-allotted pro-rata in 2011. B/S&P; B/Fitch FIDELITY BANK PLC The approval also include B/Fitch AFREN PLC that the board should take necB+/Fitch; BB-/S&P B/S&P; B-/Fitch

ZENITH BANK PLC FIRST BANK PLC

B+/S&P; B+/Fitch

AFREN PLC

essary steps to raise mediumterm funding by issuance of 10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 debt instrument(s), tenured bond(s)and/or tier 11 securities or a combination of these financing options, up to a maxiDescription mum of US$750 million or its equivalent in any currency, or such terms as may be deterJAN 28, 2021 mined by the6.75 board. The shareholders also au5.13 JUL 12, 2018 thorised that subject to obtaining regulatory approval, 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 the board should set aside up to 570,693,750 ordinary shares from the company’s unissued ordinary shares, which repre11.50 cent FEB 01,of 2016 sents three per the company’s authorised capi7.50 MAY 19,share 2016 tal of 19,023,125,000 ordinary 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 shares to fund employee 7.25 JULan 25, 2017 share incentive programme. 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 Approval10.25was also APR 08, 2019 given to the board 6.25to APRtake 22, 2019steps to 8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

8.25

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

6.63

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.08

6.66

104.13

360.00

09-Dec-20

6.02

5.77

102.35

3,460.00

105.64 103.31 17-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 9 26-Jun-14 3-Jul-14 FGN Bonds16 23 10-Jul-14 30 17-Jul-14 Issuer Rating/Agency 37 24-Jul-14 44 31-Jul-14 51 7-Aug-14 58 14-Aug-14 65 21-Aug-14 72 28-Aug-14 79 4-Sep-14 86 11-Sep-14 93 18-Sep-14 NA NA 100 25-Sep-14 107 2-Oct-14 114 9-Oct-14 121 16-Oct-14 156 20-Nov-14 170 4-Dec-14 205 8-Jan-15 219 22-Jan-15 233 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 5-Feb-15 247 19-Feb-15 261 5-Mar-15 296 9-Apr-15 Rating/Agency Issuer 310 23-Apr-15 324 7-May-15

Agency Bonds

Bid Discount (%) Offer Discount (%) 10.00 9.75 10.30 10.05 8.00 7.75 10.35 10.10 Description Issue Date 10.15 9.90 10.20 9.95 9.20 29-JUN-2014 29-Jun-07 10.30 10.05 9.25 28-SEP-2014 28-Sep-07 10.25 10.00 4.00 23-APR-2015 23-Apr-10 10.25 10.00 13.05 16-AUG-2016 16-Aug-13 10.25 10.00 15.10 27-APR-2017 27-Apr-12 10.60 10.35 9.85 27-JUL-2017 27-Jul-07 10.65 10.40 9.35 31-AUG-2017 31-Aug-07 10.40 10.15 10.70 30-MAY-2018 30-May-08 10.55 10.30 16.00 29-JUN-2019 29-Jun-12 10.55 10.30 7.00 23-OCT-2019 23-Oct-09 10.80 10.55 16.39 27-JAN-2022 27-Jan-12 10.75 10.50 14.20 14-MAR-2024 14-Mar-14 10.50 10.25 15.00 28-NOV-2028 28-Nov-08 10.50 10.25 12.49 22-MAY-2029 22-May-09 10.50 10.25 8.50 20-NOV-2029 20-Nov-09 10.60 10.35 10.00 23-JUL-2030 23-Jul-10 10.55 10.30 10.55 10.30 10.50 10.25 10.30 10.05 Description 10.50 10.25 10.15 9.90 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 (%) 10.02 10.35 8.04 10.44 Coupon (%) 10.26 10.33 9.20 10.45 9.25 10.42 4.00 10.44 13.05 10.46 15.10 10.85 9.85 10.92 9.35 10.68 10.70 10.86 16.00 10.89 7.00 11.18 16.39 11.15 14.20 10.99 15.00 11.04 12.49 11.16 8.50 11.32 10.00 11.31 11.36 11.35 11.24 Issue Date 11.53 11.16

100.00 535.00 500.27 NITTY 452.80 Tenor 20.00 1M 100.00 2M 300.00 3M 351.30 6M 233.90 9M 600.00 12M 165.17 75.00 150.00 200.00 NIFEX 591.57

Current Price ($/N) 4,420.01 BID($/N) OFFER ($/N)

Coupon (%)

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

Rate (%) 11.6083 12.6093 Maturity Date 13.7069 14.5496 29-Jun-14 28-Sep-14 23-Apr-15 16-Aug-16 27-Apr-17 Rate (%) 27-Jul-17 10.2862 31-Aug-17 10.4590 30-May-18 10.7939 29-Jun-19 11.0736 23-Oct-19 11.3180 27-Jan-22 12.2816 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

11.38

O/N TTM (Yrs)

REPO

Tenor 0.03 Call0.28 1M0.85 3M2.17 6M2.86

Tenor

11.63 Bid Yield (%) Rate (%) 10.62 11.25 10.85 12.31 11.00 13.14 11.69 13.78 11.71

Bid ($/N)

Spot Offer 7D Yield 14D (%) 1M 6.25 2M10.31 3M10.35 6M11.61 1Y 11.65

3.11 11.67 11.55 3.21 11.68 11.56 3.95 11.73 11.63 :Benchmarks 5.03 11.88 11.81 * :Amortising Bond 5.35 11.87 11.78 µ :Convertible Bond 7.61 12.32 12.26 AMCON: Asset of Nigeria 9.74Management Corporation 12.33 12.28 FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria 14.45 12.76 12.72 FMBN: Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria 14.93 12.81 12.77 IFC: International Finance Corporation 15.43 12.86 12.81 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables 16.10 12.99 Management 12.94

NOTE:

163.10 163.05 Bid Price 163.31 163.89 99.94 165.10 99.51 166.35 94.45 170.00 102.50 177.83 108.00

Offer ($/N) Price 163.20 163.31 Offer Price 163.65 164.54 100.09 166.3099.66 167.9994.95 173.60 102.65 184.84 108.15

95.34 95.64 93.90 94.20 96.80 97.10 NA :Not Applicable 115.25 115.55 # :Floating81.10 Rate Bond 81.40 ***: Deferred coupon bonds120.00 119.70 110.40 110.70 †: Bond rating expired 114.57 114.87 97.85 98.15 71.02 71.32 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 (%) 162.8000 162.9000

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

0.37 0.93 1.42 2.48 2.84 3.05

05-Aug-14 15-Oct-14

0.13 0.33 1.21 Implied Yield 0.81 1.10 1.11 11.70 2.84 12.19 1.67 12.83 3.54 12.39 2.51 4.30 2.71 2.71 3.09 3.16 5.43 3.22 3.84 6.45

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

11.93 13.62 13.48 13.59 12.64 12.66

1.56 3.29

12.27 14.18 INDEX15.53 14.24 15.50 14.52 1,097.41 17.23 1,102.24 12.34 1,103.56 13.49 1,090.62 13.39 12.76 12.62 16.40 12.67 12.67 12.88 14.42 12.72 13.06

95.78 88.41 105.04 97.76 96.19 93.67

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 1,001.80 953.07 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 1,123.07 19-APR-2017 951.30 13.75 BAYELSA655.60 30-JUN-2017 756.74 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 2,780.48 2,661.11 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 35.81 19-Apr-10 35.75 30-Jun-10 28.44 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 36.03 10.00 40.39 13.75 23.58 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 0.36 50.00 0.28 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 18.37 19-Apr-17 36.23 30-Jun-17 45.40 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 3.48 115.5413 5.59 130.1706 1.00 94.5981 1.79 114.8154 1.80 1.00 1.00 4.78 1.00 1.00 1.00 2.74 1.00 1.00

100.15 99.84

YTD Return 96.72 (%)

99.61 98.43 101.24 9.7407 84.24 10.2235 102.31 10.3563 101.38 9.0624 101.45 103.97 104.12 95.12 104.52 107.23 106.15 100.82 105.86 101.86

48 BUSINESS | CAPITAL MARKET

Daily Summary as of 17/06/2014 Printed 17/06/2014 15:23:34.034

Daily Summary as of 17/06/2014

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Printed 17/06/2014 15:23:34.034

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at June 17, 2014 Daily Summary (Equities)

Daily Summary (Bonds)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Activity Summary on Board DEBT Federal

Bond Name 16.00% FGN JUN 2019 Federal Totals

Symbol FG9B2019S3

No. of Deals 1 1

DEBT Board Totals

Current Price 116.00

Bond Activity Totals

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 123,560.54 123,560.54

100

123,560.54

100

123,560.54

Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Daily Summary as of 17/06/2014 Crop Production Totals

Symbol FTNCOCOA OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 2 45 20 67

Current Price 0.50 33.10 37.00

Quantity Traded 5,600 529,535 109,883 645,018

Value Traded 2,800.00 17,516,610.72 3,977,053.16 21,496,463.88

No. of Deals 40 40 Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 3.04

Quantity Traded 1,852,500 1,852,500

Value Traded 5,680,284.36 5,680,284.36

Printed 17/06/2014 15:23:34.034

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

Symbol LIVESTOCK

AGRICULTURE Totals

107

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © S C O A NIG. PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals

Symbol AGLEVENT JOHNHOLT SCOA TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals 9 2 3 317 40 371

Symbol COSTAIN

Infrastructure/Heavy Daily Summary as of 17/06/2014Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Printed 17/06/2014 15:23:34.034 Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals

21,732,689

159,380,037.63

No. of Deals 19 19

Current Price 1.47

Quantity Traded 673,393 673,393

Value Traded 983,536.05 983,536.05

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 12 12

Current Price 70.87

Quantity Traded 45,845 45,845

Value Traded 3,211,628.75 3,211,628.75

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 34 34

Current Price 17.50

Quantity Traded 385,951 385,951

Value Traded 6,794,433.27 6,794,433.27

1,105,189

10,989,598.07

371

Daily Summary (Equities)

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals

27,176,748.24

Quantity Traded 131,000 820 Page 150 20,485,697 1,115,022 21,732,689

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

2,497,518

Current Price 1.32 1.15 4.91 4.48 59.51

Value Traded 177,069.50 902.00 1 of 14 700.50 92,840,832.85 66,360,532.78 159,380,037.63

Symbol DUNLOP

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded Page 5,861 5,861

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

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW JOSBREW NB

No. of Deals 3 46 22 8 91 170

Current Price 11.85 179.00 26.00 2.85 164.42

Quantity Traded 90,362 148,059 353,171 215,300 847,659 1,654,551

Value Traded 1,070,790.70 26,510,990.23 9,223,833.30 591,448.00 143,978,433.51 181,375,495.74

Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 17 17

Current Price 91.00

Quantity Traded 48,073 48,073

Value Traded 4,386,049.90 4,386,049.90

No. of Deals 48 82 41 61 36 (Equities) 2 4 274

Current Price 8.50 9.54 77.00 4.17 11.59 20.78 0.54

Quantity Traded 362,200 2,306,590 167,718 2,383,768 511,050 20,000 124,400 5,875,726

Value Traded 3,083,791.11 21,938,558.00 13,028,556.47 9,780,528.22 5,918,721.14 395,700.00 67,176.00 54,213,030.94

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 33 32 65

Current Price 81.89 1,060.00

Quantity Traded 91,397 158,220 249,617

Value Traded 7,135,280.29 167,818,450.10 174,953,730.39

Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 26 1 27

Current Price 4.40 1.44

Quantity Traded 2,053,950 500 2,054,450

Value Traded 8,390,343.51 685.00 8,391,028.51

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

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 42 44 86

Current Price 38.50 50.00

Quantity Traded 107,148 349,816 456,964

Value Traded 4,006,273.44 17,470,376.03 21,476,649.47

10,345,242

444,798,915.45

Quantity Traded 7,583,429 9,889,594 709,299 12,755,101 14,918,962 5,000,528 2,506,635

Value Traded 72,959,425.94 63,213,606.24 10,649,825.45 26,276,831.33 464,622,868.24 17,363,417.24 5,874,842.84

Food Products Daily Summary as of 17/06/2014 DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC Printed 17/06/2014 15:23:34.034

DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. U T C NIG. PLC. FoodSummary Products Totals Activity on Board EQTY

CONSUMER GOODS

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

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON Daily Summary NNFM UTC

CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL Daily Summary as ofSERVICES 17/06/2014 Banking Printed 17/06/2014 15:23:34.034

ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Daily Summary as of 17/06/2014 FIDELITY BANK PLC Printed 17/06/2014 15:23:34.034 GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC ActivitySTERLING Summary on Board BANK PLC. EQTY

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking UNITED BANKon FOR AFRICA PLC Activity Summary Board EQTY

FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals

641 Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 178 DIAMONDBNK 124 ETI 80 FIDELITYBK 90 Daily Summary (Equities) GUARANTY 271 SKYEBANK 104 STERLNBANK 29

Daily Summary (Equities)

Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC INFINITY TRUST MORTGAGE BANK PLC RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC. Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. Daily Summary as of 17/06/2014 ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. Printed 17/06/2014 15:23:34.034 SIM CAPITAL ALLIANCE VALUE FUND STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

Value Traded 121,130.00 121,130.00

IT Services NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals

Symbol NCR TRIPPLEG

No. of Deals 10 4 14

Current Price 15.20 1.97

Quantity Traded 39,242 500 39,742

Value Traded 596,669.40 940.00 597,609.40

Processing Systems CHAMS PLC E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Processing Systems Totals

Symbol CHAMS ETRANZACT

No. of Deals 2 1 3

Current Price 0.50 2.21

Quantity Traded 145,000 500 145,500

Value Traded 72,500.00 1,050.00 73,550.00

Telecommunications Services MASS TELECOMMUNICATION INNOVATIONS NIGERIA PLC Telecommunications Services Totals

Symbol MTI

No. of Deals 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,000

Value Traded 500.00

ICT Totals Daily Summary as ofGOODS 17/06/2014 INDUSTRIAL Printed 17/06/2014 15:23:34.034

Building Materials AFRICAN PAINTS (NIGERIA) PLC. ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 1.92

Quantity Traded 12,000 12,000

Value Traded 22,940.00 22,940.00

Symbol BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 16.59

Quantity Traded 2,000 2,000

Value Traded 33,180.00 33,180.00

8,566,507

891,039,765.40

Quantity Traded 600 600

Value Traded 3,660.00 3,660.00

600

3,660.00

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals Current Price 488 23.15 488

Quantity Traded 20,340,635 20,340,635

Value Traded 467,521,884.49 467,521,884.49

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

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals Current Price 55 65.65 33 3.98 17 250.01 15 132.00 23 51.36 16 170.51 159

Quantity Traded 187,129 1,013,063 106,830 11,650 238,416 12,704 1,569,792

Value Traded 12,287,606.35 4,034,642.42 25,373,193.30 1,520,442.27 11,940,410.62 2,176,588.45 57,332,883.41

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals Current Price 17 660.06 17

Quantity Traded 116,237 116,237

Value Traded 76,714,364.89 76,714,364.89

26,744,164

603,927,882.79

Quantity Traded 436,363

Value Traded 468,408.41

Printed 17/06/2014 15:23:34.034

OIL AND GAS Totals

SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY

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

1.10

Symbol

No. of Deals 11

Current Price

Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 15 2 17

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

Symbol CILEASING

Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC.

SERVICES

Current Price 0.82 1.08 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 2.62 0.54 0.84 0.50 0.53 0.54 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.72

Quantity Traded 5,004,158 3,820,648 50 1,000 1,000 200,000 21,516,454 6,262,950 3,814,833 3,000 1,773,757 46,000 1,000 1,000 10,000 Page 12,191,357

Value Traded 4,103,464.44 4,164,637.74 25.00 500.00 500.00 100,000.00 55,966,391.78 3,228,234.50 3,202,778.13 1,500.00 942,330.21 25,300.00 500.00 500.00 5,000.00 5 of 14 8,743,874.39 80,485,536.19

SECURE ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY PLC Specialty Totals

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 1.02

Quantity Traded Page 25,000 25,000

6Value Traded of 14 24,250.00 24,250.00

Symbol ASOSAVINGS INFINITY RESORTSAL UNHOMES

No. of Deals 1 1 1 2 5

Current Price 0.50 1.61 0.50 0.50

Quantity Traded 20 20 1,000 10,020 11,060

Value Traded 10.00 30.60 500.00 5,010.00 5,550.60

Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals

Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

Daily Summary as of AFRICA 17/06/2014 LEARN PLC Printed 17/06/2014 15:23:34.034 UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC.

Printing/Publishing Totals

Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY SERVICES

Support and Logistics Daily Summary as of 17/06/2014 CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Printed 17/06/2014 Support15:23:34.034 and Logistics Totals

RTBRISCOE

11 of 14 Value Traded

Current Price 4.67 2.35

Quantity Traded 1,121,100 16,787 1,137,887

Value Traded 5,167,344.00 37,602.88 5,204,946.88

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 395,000 395,000

Value Traded 197,500.00 197,500.00

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 0.76

Quantity Traded 386,740 386,740

Value Traded 293,922.40 293,922.40

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 15 1 13 29

Current Price 1.71 1.79 4.48

Quantity Traded 302,700 10 111,313 414,023

Value Traded 469,366.00 17.40 493,729.55 963,112.95

Symbol

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 0.85

Quantity Traded 738,070 738,070

Value Traded 627,559.50 627,559.50

Symbol NSLTECH

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded Page 3,000 3,000

Value Traded 12 of 14

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 15 21 36

Current Price 2.45 4.90

Quantity Traded 432,115 403,425 835,540

Value Traded 1,075,052.78 1,961,547.00 3,036,599.78

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals 198 198

Current Price 5.89

Quantity Traded 7,018,953 7,018,953

Value Traded 40,179,502.38 40,179,502.38

Daily Summary (Equities) ABCTRANS

SERVICES Totals

EQTY Board Totals

Activity Summary on Board ASeM Activity on Board ASeM OIL ANDSummary GAS

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors OIL AND GAS CAPITAL OIL PLC Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 3.72

Quantity Traded 10 10

Value Traded 35.40 35.40

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH NIG-GERMAN

No. of Deals 2 34 16 15 10 1 78

Current Price 2.65 3.03 67.00 1.66 1.30 7.36

Quantity Traded 18,000 1,596,600 1,046,892 410,341 161,724 87 3,233,644

Value Traded 46,800.00 4,783,859.94 70,149,375.60 683,691.06 207,472.68 609.00 75,871,808.28

3,233,654

75,871,843.68

Symbol

No. of Deals

Current Price

Quantity Traded

Value Traded

Page

11,365,576

50,973,052.30

313,086,574

4,056,366,947.35

No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded 1 0.50 792 No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded 1 792

Value Traded 396.00 Value Traded 396.00

792

396.00

792Page

1 5,066

313,087,366

396.00 of 14

4,056,367,343.35

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund

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

1,500.00 1,500.00

310

Daily Summary (Equities)

Symbol CAPOIL Symbol

468,408.41

5,065

Daily Summary (Equities)

OIL AND GAS Totals

Value Traded of 14 2,358,750.00 2,358,750.00

Quantity TradedPage 436,363

Equity Activity Totals Symbol EKOCORP

Current Price 6.37

1 1

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

Symbol NEWGOLD

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 1,995.00

Quantity Traded 25 25

Value Traded 49,875.00 49,875.00

ETF Board Totals

49,875.00

ETP Activity Totals

49,875.00

Value Traded 7,897,392.52 529,517,242.34 1,000.00 11,083.80 275,242,286.40 890,983,645.40

Quantity Traded Page 4,717,500 4,717,500

No. of Deals 26 22 1 1 1 1 21 23 24 2 19 3 1 1 (Equities) 1 68 215

1,791,412,654.39

Quantity Traded 732,932 2,317,268 2,000 7,540 2,548,526 8,552,507

No. of Deals Current Price 34 0.50 34

Value Traded 10,323,369.06 164,049.00 2,352,956.04 436,109,625.71 1,220,131,021.13

227,100,193

Symbol JAPAULOIL

Quantity Traded 1,023,420 328,098 2,476,313 17,461,120 88,543,377

2,447

Current Price 10.80 229.00 0.50 1.40 108.00

BOCGAS

Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Daily Summary as of 17/06/2014 Exploration and Production Totals

No. of Deals 49 38 1 1 65 321

Symbol No. of Deals Daily Summary (Equities)

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

Current Price 10.10 0.50 0.95 24.90

Value Traded 3,067,304.99 199,222,977.89 240,307,225.07 37,444,512.78 16,815.00 9,800.00 5,685,238.66 5,012,422.08 490,766,296.47

Value Traded 259.00 69,410,871.55 1,819,524.00 7,083,985.79

Activity Summary on Board NATURAL RESOURCES TotalsEQTY

No. of Deals 70 10 40 263 1,500

Quantity Traded 940,430 56,122,042 15,485,316 8,972,868 32,500 100 227,762 2,092,531 83,873,549

Quantity Traded 100 2,561,319 200,300 182,522

Current Price 2.72 27.01 9.00 40.00

325

NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. Chemicals Totals

Symbol UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK ZENITHBANK

Current Price 3.25 3.55 15.50 4.20 0.52 98.33 24.92 2.38

500.00 792,789.40

Symbol CCNN DANGCEM IPWA PAINTCOM WAPCO

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Value Traded 110,220,204.04

Symbol No. of Deals AFRIPRUD 55 CUSTODYINS 30 FBNH 432 FCMB 102 ROYALEX 4 SIMCAPVAL 1 STANBIC 20 UBCAP 82 Daily Summary (Equities) 726

1,000 395,242

Page

Packaging/Containers Daily Summary as of 17/06/2014 BETA GLASS CO PLC. Printed 17/06/2014 15:23:34.034 Totals Packaging/Containers

Quantity Traded 13,890,878

54,647,207

1 21 Symbol No. of Deals AFRPAINTS 1 ASHAKACEM 122 BERGER 17 Daily Summary (Equities) CAP 27

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

Current Price 7.95

HEALTHCARE Totals ICT Computer Based Systems

Quantity Traded 209,000 209,000

No. of Deals 241

FINANCIAL SERVICES TotalsEQTY Activity Summary on Board HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers EKOCORP PLC. Healthcare Providers Totals

Page

Current Price 0.59

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC IPWA PLC PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. Building Materials Totals

Value Traded of 14 2,930.50 2,930.50

No. of Deals 3 3

Symbol COURTVILLE

Symbol UBA

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Symbol AIICO INSURANCE PLC. AIICO CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CONTINSURE INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC INTENEGINS LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LASACO LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. LAWUNION LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC LINKASSURE MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MANSARD MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. MBENEFIT N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NEM Daily Summary as of 17/06/2014 NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. NIGERINS Printed 17/06/2014 15:23:34.034 OASIS INSURANCE PLC OASISINS PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC SOVRENINS STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC STACO Daily Summary UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC UNITYKAP Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © WAPIC INSURANCE PLC WAPIC Activity Summary on Board EQTY Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

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

Current Price 9.52 6.27 14.82 2.05 30.20 3.47 2.34

Page

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

Page

BUSINESS | MONEY LINE 49

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

CBN: Banking supervision’ll be ‘very intense’ Banks add 10,000 customers into biometric scheme al would be blacklisted, it was learnt yesterday. CBN's Director of Banking Supervision, Mrs. Tokunbo Martins, disclosed this to newsmen shortly after the Bankers’ Committee meeting in Abuja. She said: “There would be no soft touch regulation and supervision will be very intense. Serial bank debtors who go from one bank to another in different names and guises taking money and not paying back, such people will not be able to get credit anywhere in the system and will be blacklisted. ``The blacklisting is going to

PREDATOR BOROWERS The banking watchdog is set to blacklist serial debtors Abdulwahab Isa ABUJA

nder the current regime, banks would be thoroughly supervised, while predator borrowers who move from one bank to another to borrow money with the same collater-

be done gradually. We are looking at all those who borrowed N5million and above. ``Those involved in the bad loans that Asset Management Company of Nigeria bought over, we are looking at bringing the threshold down. The process will soon be rolled out.” Besides she said: “Godwin Emefiele (the new CBN governor) is passionate about reduction of interest rate; however, it will be done gradually. It is not something that can be done tomorrow. The CBN governor along with the banking industry will achieve this in the long

Citigroup’s global forex chief Jeff Feig quits

itigroup's global head of foreign exchange Jeff Feig is to leave the bank, it said yesterday, a second major change at the top of the currency trading operations at the world's single largest foreign exchange dealer. "Given his tenure in his role, his departure was well anticipated, and part of the natural cycle of the business," a Citigroup spokesman told Reuters. "We have a strong, talented bench that continues to support this core business." Feig had been with the bank since 1989. His spokesperson declined to comment.

The bank according to Reuters, had already announced the departure of another global head of its forex business, Anil Prasad, in February. There was no indication Feig's departure was related to the global investigation into alleged manipulation of the fixing benchmarks. According to Euromoney magazine's last poll, Citigroup sees almost 16 per cent of the estimated $5.3 trillion a day that passes across the world's largest financial market. Spot currency trading volumes in general have fallen

sharply this year, however, cooled by falling market volatility in an era of universally low interest rates and, some say, the impact of the "fixing" investigation on traders. As the investigation has intensified globally since being formally launched by US and UK authorities last October, around 40 forex traders at many of the world's biggest banks have been suspended or fired - including some at Citigroup. In most cases it is unclear whether the suspensions or departures are linked to the investigation

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

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

Analysts differ on special banks for women

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

run.” She reiterated Mr. Emefiele’s commitment to financial system stability, stressing that there would be zero tolerance for infractions. Mrs Martins said that the meeting focused on three areas of macro-economic, financial system stability and development banking and cashless Nigeria. Also speaking on the outcome of the meeting, Managing Director, United Bank for Africa Plc, Mr Philip Oduoza, said that 10,000 bank customers have been integrated under the biometric scheme at the pilot phase. He said the biometrics entailed taking the picture and finger prints of customers, noting that it would help to ensure effective implementation of the cashless policy. ``We are ready to rollout the cashless policy in the whole country in July as planned. We have integrated 10,000 customers in the bank biometric verification scheme, which we concluded at pilot scheme last week Friday. ``The verification has been rolled out for all customers in the banks since yesterday (Monday),’’ he said, stressing that the volume of transaction in the electronic banking had

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

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

increased tremendously. Oduoza also said that migration by customers from banking hall to electronic banking was fast growing. He said banking penetration was still low at about 25 per cent, but expressed the hope that it would improve with the biometric verification. ``We have about 30 million accounts in the banks but all phone users are potential bank customers. We have 120 million lines in the country, we hope to bring in so many unbanked people into the system,’’ he said. Also, Mr Ladi Balogun, Managing Director, First City Monument Bank, said the committee discussed issues on how to support the various development activities to help drive inclusive growth. He said that the committee agreed to continue to support the agricultural sector, small and medium enterprise and the power sector. ``Under the power sector, we want to ensure that we support the companies to ensure that the existing assets are maintained in their installed capacity,’’ Balogun said. The Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Bank, Mr Shegun Agbaje, said the committee agreed to support effort that would drive lower interest rates and maintain the inflation rate at single digit.

nalysts yesterday expressed divergent views on the recommendation made by the National Conference for the establishment of special banks for women in Nigeria.  Some of the analysts told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the recommendation was good, while others suggested that such banks should be established to attend to the needs of all low-income earners in the country. National conference delegates made the suggestion while deliberating on the report of the Committee on Economy, Trade and Investment o on June 11. The delegates said that the proposed banks would provide women with access to low interest loans to finance their businesses.   The National Public Relations Officer of KOWA Party, Prof. Oluremi Sonaiya, described the call for the establishment of the bank as morally right.  “Women are not able to access loans easily since they usually do not have the kind of collateral required. Empowering women in this way will have a positive impact on the lives of their family,” she said.   Mr Toyin Raheem, the Secretary General of Campaign for Constitutionalism and Human Rights, a non-governmental group, similarly, described the idea as good. She said: “It is a good recommendation, although the recommendation is quite shal-

low. This is because despite their consideration for the plights of women, it must be known that poverty has no respect for gender.   “There are men whose situations are worse than that of some women.  Therefore, delegates should rather call for the establishment of banks for all low income earners, peasants and petty traders.”   Raheem, however, argued that the essence of community banks had been defeated, noting that these institutions were charging interest above the authorised CBN rate.   In his view, Mr Mohammed Oyefeso, a former Electoral Commissioner of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, said that he was not in support of the establishment of the special banks.  “I do not agree with it as there are so many vulnerable groups that deserve it and not just the women.  It is also suggestive of the fact that women cannot compete with men on a level-playing ground,” Oyefeso said.   The National Chairman of the Advanced Congress of Democrats, Malam Yusuf Buba, however, urged women not to discriminate among themselves.  “Why are women underrating themselves? What makes them think they are not equal to their male counterparts?  “It is not good at all, they should ask for equality not apartheid,” Buba said.

50 WORLD | NEWS

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Iraq’s Maliki defies call to reach Arik decries dominance of foreign out, accuses Saudis of ‘genocide’ carriers, begins Dubai route

raq’s Shi’ite rulers defied Western calls yesterday to reach out to Sunnis to defuse the uprising in the north of the country, declaring a boycott of Iraq’s main Sunni political bloc and accusing Sunni power Saudi Arabia of promoting “genocide”. Washington has made clear it wants Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to embrace Sunni politicians as a condition of U.S. support to fight a lightning advance by forces from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

But the Shi’ite prime minister has moved in the opposite direction, announcing a crackdown on politicians and officers he considers “traitors” and lashing out at neighbouring Sunni countries for stoking militancy. The latest target of his government’s fury was Saudi Arabia, the main Sunni power in the Gulf, which funds Sunni militants in neighbouring Syria but denies it is behind ISIL. “We hold them responsible for supporting

these groups financially and morally, and for the outcome of that - which includes crimes that may qualify as genocide: the spilling of Iraqi blood, the destruction of Iraqi state institutions and historic and religious sites,” the Iraqi government said of Riyadh in a Maliki has blamed Saudi Arabia for supporting militants in the past, but the severe language was unprecedented. On Monday Riyadh blamed sectarianism in Baghdad for fuelling the violence.

Wole Shadare

he dominance of foreign airlines in the Nigerian skies has been described as a huge drain pipe on the country’s economy and one that has led to huge capital flight. The country is said to lose over N200 billion annually to international airlines that have been generously given more than enough flight rights into Nigeria at the detriment of Nigerian carriers, who are left with just three per

Abeokuta

Kenyan security chiefs under fire as Islamist threat grows

enya’s security chiefs were under mounting pressure yesterday, to resign after Islamist militants carried out another brazen attack, with the government accused of ignoring an increasingly sophisticated threat from Somalia’s Al-Qaeda-linked Shebab. The Islamist group said its fighters car-

ried out two nights of carnage that left 60 Kenyans dead in a town and villages along Kenya’s coast, before they “returned peacefully to their base” without a single arrest being made. The Law Society of Kenya said security forces were either “incompetent or incapacitated”, and called for the resig-

nation of police chief David Kimaiyo and the increasingly unpopular Interior Minister Joseph Ole Lenku. “The government’s response was lacking in clarity and, in parts, bordered on the ridiculous,” the Daily Nation newspaper said, criticising Lenku’s charge that attacks were the “product of political incitement”.

Zuma under pressure in major policy speech

outh African President Jacob Zuma delivers the first State of the Nation address of his second term yesterday, under pressure to outline plans for reviving growth and creating much-needed jobs in Africa’s most advanced economy. A double blow from ratings agencies last week

underlined the precarious state of the economy, which contracted in the first quarter. South Africans will also be closely watching Zuma himself after he was hospitalized this month with fatigue. The 72-year-old was quickly discharged after “routine tests”, his office said a week ago. However, he handed over the reins

to his deputy Cyril Ramaphosa for five days to give himself time to recover from the rigors of preparing for the May 7 election. Zuma’s African National Congress (ANC) won a 62 percent majority in the vote, the fifth since the end of apartheid in 1994, but the ruling party has had little to cheer about since the result.

to imbalance in the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and most countries, particularly European countries, who keep increasing flights to the country. British Airways operates 14 frequencies to Lagos and Abuja; Ethiopia Airways operates 37 frequencies to Enugu, Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, while airlines like Virgin Atlantic Airways, Lufthansa, Air FranceKLM, Etihad, Qatar and other carriers.

New Telegraph man emerges Ogun Correspondents’ Chapel chair Kunle Olayeni

Mehdi Army fighters march during a military style trainng in the holy city of Najaf

cent of the international market share. This was the view of the Group Chief Executive Officer of Arik Air, Dr. Michael ArumemiIkhide, while unveiling the plans of the carrier to commence direct flights to Dubai and the launch of its Frequent Flyer Programme, otherwise known as Arik Affinity Wings at the airline’s corporate headquarters in Lagos. The inability of Nigerian airlines to reciprocate most of the routes has led

he Ogun State Correspondent of New Telegraph Newspaper, Mr. Kunle Olayeni, was yesterday elected as the chairman of the state Correspondents’ Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). Olayeni was elected unopposed following the disqualification of the immediate past chairman, Kehinde Akinyemi, from the 2014 election of the chapel. Officials of the state

NUJ, including the chairman, Wole Shokunbi, and secretary, Soji Amosu, supervised the election. Announcing the results of the election, the chairman of the Screening/Electoral Committee, Mr. Bolu-Olu Esho, said the election was in accordance with the requirements of the NUJ constitution. In the election, Wale Adewunmi, who is the correspondent of Top Celebrities Magazine, was elected as secretary with 30 votes. He defeated Abiodun Onafuye (PM

News/The News Magazine) and Ernest Nwokolo (The Nation newspaper) who polled 18 and two votes respectively. James Ogunnaike of Splash FM was elected as Treasurer, having defeated Oluremi Olugbenro of FRCN by 29 votes to 20 votes. Razaq Ayinla of Business Day Newspaper was elected unopposed as Assistant Secretary of the chapel. The positions of Vice Chairman, Financial Secretary and Auditor were not contested but would later be filled.

Unemployment: Oshiomhole’s aide tasks government on skills acquisition Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

n aide on Youth Affairs to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Mr. Emmanuel Yakubu has described skills acquisition as a veritable tool that can help curb the menace of youth restiveness and unemployment in Nigeria. Yakubu made the ob-

servation in an interview with newsmen in Benin. He urged the Federal Government to empower the various relevant agencies charged with the responsibility for the creation of employment opportunities to help fast track the process aimed at ensuring that youths are taken off the streets. The governor’s aide also called on the three

tiers of government to bring about viable policies and programmes that would assist youths in the acquisition of better skills to better their lot as responsible members of the society. He frowned at the spate of youth restiveness in some parts of the country which he noted was a consequence of gross unemployment rate in the polity.

Osun: Thugs on the rampage

alpable fear gripped the Iwo community yesterday, when political thugs, allegedly of the All Progressive Congress (APC) were seen, armed with cutlasses, charms and other dangerous weapons. They

threatened to unleash terror on whosoever that dared them during the campaign activities for the re-election of Governor Rauf Aregbesola into office in the Iwo-Olaoluwa- Ayedire Federal Constituency of

the state. The fierce-looking men, who all dressed in white vests, disrupted the movement of human and vehicles heading to the venue of the campaign as they were heard singing war songs.

Kalusha tips Moses,Osaze to wreck Bosnia T

Kalusha Bwalya

he President of Zambia’s Football Association Kalusha Bwalya believes that Nigeria’s Victor Moses and Osaze Odemwingie should be on the field at the same time to run at defenders and create the magic against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday. The Super Eagles struggled to break down an organised Iran side in

their opening FIFA World Cup match on Monday night. The game ended goalless and became the first draw in what has been a thrilling tournament thus far. “I think Victor Moses and Osaze Odemwingie needed to both be in the starting line-up against Iran because they create something. You need guys

SPORT

to run at defenders, to create things,” Bwalya says. “I think Ahmed Musa was not at his best, so when Coach (Stephen) Keshi gets it right with the formation things will come right for Nigeria. “Bosnia are a strong team, so this will be the big test for Nigeria. Keshi will know what to expect from Argen-

tina, but now they need to win against Bosnia. “On the positive side, Bosnia will need to throw everything at Nigeria after their loss to Argentina and this could open the game up. They don’t just defend, they do also play football and I think Bosnia will make a good game out of this.”

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/sports

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

AUTHORITATIVE VOICE IN GLOBAL SPORT

wednesday, june 18, 2014

Keshi sparks another Osaze row Keshi

lSays Eagles wanted victory in 25 minutes lHails team’s performance

uper Eagles Head coach, Stephen Keshi, on Monday sparked another row with his players when he blamed Osaze Odemwinge for not playing to instructions. Followers of the game felt the Stoke striker added a little bite into the attack when he came in with just 20 minutes left in the game. But Keshi said, “The opposition did not allow us to play our game. We were unable to move because they all stood back. “I asked Osaze to go and play a role in the attack but he did not do it. He entered the match to suit himself.” It would be recalled that Keshi accused Spain-based Ike Uche of tectical indiscipline

which informed his exclusion from the World Cup list The coach also revealed that the Eagles held a meeting to finish off the game in 25 minutes shortly after the last training session in Curitiba. He said,” the players were anxious to get the results and they wanted to do so early too. I told them repeatedly to take it easy but before you knew it, things were already out of hand. “In the early minutes, you will notice that we pushed for goals but I think the style of the Iranians frustrated my boys. I knew they would defend but sadly my players were not patient enough to unlock that defence. “I told them to build up, hold on to the ball and draw them out

gradually to get the goals but it did not work that way.” Meanwhile, Keshi, shockingly said that the team did not play badly against Iran at the Arena De Baixada in Curitiba. Keshi said; “In football, everything is possible. We saw how Germany defeated Portugal 4-0 and Holland whipped Spain 5-1. Nobody saw those results coming. “We have to continue with hard work and dedication. This team is a good team. They played well in my view but the opposition decided to frustrate all our efforts. “I have to give Iran credit for doing well in their defensive style to get a result. We have ourselves to blame for not coming up with an answer to their pattern.”

Osaze

Athletes to compete at IAAF-certified Calabar stadium Charles Ogundiya

head of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria/Cross River State All Nigeria Athletics Competition which holds on 19 June in Calabar, the Cross River state government has disclosed that athletes taking part in the championship will compete in an IAAF Class

One Certified stadium – the first in Nigeria. Making this declaration was the State Deputy Governor, Efiok Cobham, during an inspection tour of the newly laid running tracks at the U.J. Esuene Stadium. “Despite a few finishing touches which need to be put in place, I am quite optimistic that by the time work on the tracks is

completed ahead of the competition on Thursday, it will be up to standard and also meet our target of IAAF certified stadium,” said Cobham. He added; “Even as famous as the US is in athletics, they have just four IAAF Class One certified stadia. So by the time we are through with the tracks, the U.J. Esuene Stadium will be the only

51 49

IAAF Class One Certified stadium in Nigeria.” “Given the best of facilities we are offering, I will like to see records being broken here and new ones set. Additionally, I will like to see our local athletes compete on equal footing with their international counterparts and making their own marks,” he said.

Asumnu

SPORT

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Nigeria, Iran Fall-out Draw disappointing,but there’s hope – Eguavoen

ormer Super Eagles coach, Austin Eguavoen, has described Nigeria’s goalless draw against Iran as disappointing. “It was a very disappointing result but there’s nothing we can do about it. We just have to take it as it is and work towards the next two games,” said Eguavoen. The draw against Iran notwithstanding, the Super Eagles can still progress to the next round in Brazil but have to secure wins, beginning with their next game against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Eguavoen was impressed with the performance of the Bosnians in their 2-1 loss to Argentina but is hopeful the Super Eagles can do enough to get a win against the Blue Dragons. “It’s not over yet; we still have four days to prepare for the game against Bosnia,” he continued. “But against the Bosnian side we saw

against Argentina it will take more than this sort of performance (against Iran) to defeat them. “Against the Bosnians, they should just take it easy but must also be aware of the fact that they have to win it,” he added.

Eagles were nervous –Taribo

ormer Nigeria defender, Taribo West, feels the Super Eagles suffered from nerves when they took on Iran in their opening game of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. West, who featured at both the 1998 and 2002 World Cup tournaments, said: “We can sit here and complain about

their performance, but as someone who has been to two editions of the World Cup I think what prevented the Eagles from really playing their game was the tension that comes from playing at the World Cup. “That is normal when you have a bunch of young players who are trying to get themselves

is what happened to the team,” added West, who feels the team will put up a better performance in their next game against Bosnia-Herzegovina. “I believe they will learn from this experience, go back to the drawing board and make sure they put their acts together and focus on their next game,” he stressed.

Keshi’s team lacked creativity – Fuludu

Reza Ghoochannejhad of Iran challenges John Obi Mikel of Nigeria

They were nonchalant – Kwande

n executive committee member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Sulaiman Kwande, has accused the country’s team of sabotage after they were held to a goalless draw by Iran

into a major global competition of this calibre; when you have players who want to really display their abilities and make sure they make an impact. “In that kind of global competition you have to be very careful because in order to do well sometimes you can become a victim, and I believe that

on Monday. Kwande said the players were not driven to represent the country against the backdrop of their demand for the payment of an appearance fee at Brazil 2014.

“These players were nonchalant, it’s a conspiracy. They were very rude during their meeting with the Senate President (over their demand for appearance fee for the World Cup). It was really,

really sad,” blasted Kwande. However, another NFF executive Felix Anyansi-Agwu has called on Nigerians to continue to support the team especially as they can still progress to the knockout rounds from a first round group, which also has Argentina and BosniaHerzegovina. “Iran played the game of their lives, we should therefore not be disappointed, and rather we should support the team. Who says we can’t beat Argentina,” argued AnyasiAgwu.

ormer Super Eagles midfielder, Edema Fuludu, has attributed the failure of the Super Eagles to defeat Iran in Monday’s goalless draw in Curitiba to lack of creativity and tactics on the part of the reigning African champions. The Super Eagles had greater possession of the ball against the Iranians but failed to carve out good scoring opportunities, and Fuludu feels the team’s coach, Stephen Keshi, has to be blamed for the way the game panned out. “Two things worked against the Super Eagles in the game against Iran. Firstly, the team played without a known tactic. I don’t know what informed the selection of that team list; maybe the coach wanted to keep faith with the same team that won in South Africa, but for God sake this is the World Cup and not the African Cup of Nations,” said an angry Fuludu. “The players were

busy throwing long balls which made it difficult for the strikers to do anything with it. “Secondly, there was no creative player in that team. I don’t know the criteria used in naming John Obi Mikel the Man of the Match because I didn’t feel his impact in that game. He was supposed to give out good passes to the attackers but he was busy throwing stray passes that failed to get to their destinations,” added Fuludu, who wants Osaze Odemwingie to get more playing time against the Bosnians. The Stoke City forward was a second half substitute against the Iranians, and Fuludu said: “When Odemwingie came into the game, you can see the difference he had. “I will only call on Keshi if he has any planB, that this is the time to revert to it ahead of the game against BosniaHerzegovina because our qualification now depends on that game.”

Victory non-negotiable against Bosnia –Maigari

Emmanuel Emenike of Nigeria (left) and Javad Nekounam of Iran challenge for the ball

resident of the Nigeria Football Federation, Aminu Maigari, has expressed optimism that the Super Eagles will qualify for the knockout stages of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, insisting victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday is nonnegotiable. “I remain optimistic and confident that the

Eagles will still qualify. Certainly, the Government and people of Nigeria were expecting victory in this game, but that is football for you,” said Maigari. “I have spoken with Stephen Keshi and he knows as well that victory against BosniaHerzegovina is non-negotiable. The team will do what is necessary to

earn the three points and then face Argentina with courage,” stressed Maigari. He added: “I want our people to remain strong behind the team and continue to support the players and technical crew with their prayers. The tournament is just starting, and the team has also seen this match as a wakeup call.”

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

inside eagles camp

Eagles’ll qualify, Onazi insists

Samba notes from Brazil

Compiled by Adekunle Salami

The ‘daddies’ in Eagles

There are two players in the Super Eagles who are playing a fatherly role to their other colleagues in the team. They are Joseph Yobo and Shola Ameobi. Shortly before the drab goalless encounter between Nigeria and Iran, our correspondent observed that Ameobi was addressing the strikers while Yobo was doing the same with the defenders. During the match after both ‘oldies’ were injected into the game they were still giving their younger colleagues instruction even on the field of play...Maybe it worked for Yobo as Eagles did not concede a goal but for Ameobi, it did not because the strikers failed to score.

A fan with a mission

There was a mild drama at the mixed zone on Monday after Nigeria failed to pick the three points at stake against Iran as expected. A Nigerian fan was so bitter such that he found his way to the mixed zone despite the heavy security. He was desperate and when the security people asked of his mission in a media environment he was very blunt. He said; “Please allow me to see Stephen Keshi. All I want to do is to give him two slaps and I will be okay. Please allow me.” Of course, Nigerian journalists at the mixed zone busted into laughter.

Journalists endure in Curitiba

The LOC for the ongoing tournament in Brazil is making all efforts to keep participating journalists fit. In Curitiba, media men had to trek round and round to get to the media centre and as if that was not enough, the route to the media tribune was another issue entirely. We had to climb the staircase of about ten floors to reach the media tribune. Surprisingly at the top floor we saw a lift which we learnt is only for equipments and officials but for journalists, you must climb to reach your seat. Within the media tribune you still have to climb the stairs up and down to locate your seat. It was tough as people were panting and gasping for breath on Monday before the match.

Samba girls in a flash

The samba girls are gradually coming out. Shortly after the match against Iran on Monday, three of them were seen with just ‘pants and bra’ in a cold evening outside the Arena De Beixada Stadium. Sad enough, the mood was not good enough for one to appreciate their ‘endowments’ This time they were not singing and dancing but distributing handbills on where people can see them entertain. It is now clear that the samba girls are missing the attention of the visitors just as the visitors are missing their dazzling entertainment.

Onazi

Enyeama: We let ourselves down

igeria goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, admits that the Super Eagles let themselves down in their goalless draw against Iran on Monday night. Nigeria were expected to make light work of the Asians to ease their passage to the next round, but struggled to find a way past disciplined and sometimes desperate Iranian defence. “As a team, we let ourselves down,” Enyeama said.”We are all part of the team and we must take responsibility as a group.”

Enyeama

Yobo expects better Bosnia outing

uper Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo has said that he expects the clash with Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday to be an open affair, as both teams need a win. The Eagles began their campaign with a poor goalless draw against Iran, while Bosnia fell 2-1 to Group F favourites Argentina. “ It will be an open game against Bosnia, who like us will be looking for their first win of the competition”, he said. “ I thought we played well against Iran, but we found it difficult to penetrate them. They always had 10 men behind the ball.

genyi Onazi insists that Nigeria can qualify for the second round of the World Cup despite an unexpected draw against Iran. The Super Eagles failed to find a way past the resolute defending of the Iranians to finish with the first goalless draw of the tournament,

but Onazi is confident all hope is not lost. “We are not happy we didn’t win, but that’s football,” Onazi said.”We wanted to win but that didn’t happen. “It doesn’t make it any more difficult. If we win the next two games, we will qualify from the group. That is what we have to do,” he added.

We must create more chances –Mikel

uper Eagles midfield- clinical in coming assigner, John Obi Mikel, ments. wants the side to cre“We will have to create more goal opportuni- ate more chances in our ties and improve their next match and be sharp conversion rates in the in front of goal, Mikel coming World Cup Group added. F matches. Nigeria two remaining Despite winning the Group matches is against man of the match award Argentina and Bosnia in the barren draw en- Herzegovina. counter with Iran, a disappointed Mikel says their opponents were working on preventing them from playing their style. “We are very disappointed because the opening match is very important. We looked for the win, but Iran knew what we wanted to do and put 11 men behind the ball. They managed to stop us from playing our game”. The midfielder says they will have to be more Mikel

Keshi eyes Bosnia scalp

igeria’s coach, Stephen Keshi, has played down the effect of the draw with Iran in Monday’s game at Curitiba by assuring fans that his team will aim for a win in their next game. Keshi was disappointed that his players could not translate their dominance into goals, but noted that it’s not an unusual trend in football for a dominant team to have goal scoring problems. “This is football, where you can dominate ball possession but cannot score goals. I don’t know (what went wrong), but that is

football.” The Big Boss however insisted that the team will have to move on from the game against Iran by improving on their performance and aim for a victory in their next game against Bosnia-Herzegovina which comes up on Saturday, June 21.

Keshi

Eagles’ Enemies’ Camp Bosnia coach celebrates Nigeria draw

Susic

osnia-Herzegovina coach, Safet Susic, declared “everything is in our hands” after Iran and Nigeria played out a goalless draw. Susic saw his team beaten 2-1 by Argentina in their Group F opener on Sunday, leaving them in a

potentially tricky position as they attempt to make the last 16 at their maiden FIFA World Cup. “I saw two teams with which we will have a lot of problems,” he said. “0-0 is a good result for us. The most important thing is that neither of the teams won, which means that with four points we can go into the next round of the World Cup. “So, we have a chance provided you do not lose any of the remaining two group games. Nothing is yet known. Everything is in our hands.”

Iran players get $3,000 each for Nigeria draw

ach Iran player was paid a bonus of $3,000 for holding African champions Nigeria to a barren draw in a World Cup group game on Monday. Team Melli massed their defence and launch the occasional counter to keep the more illustrious Nigerians at bay for all 90 minutes in Curitiba. According to media reports in Iran, each player got US$3,000 as a token of appreciation from the foot-

Reza Gucci

ball federation for the goalless draw with Nigeria. This bonus will serve as motivation for them as they prepare to face Argentina in their second Group F game.

Iran president praises team

ranian President, Has- sofa watching the match san Rouhani, took to on television with a glass Twitter on Tuesday to of tea and some pistapraise his country’s 0-0 chios. draw with Nigeria, afRouhani’s optimistic ter a lacklustre football take on the match was at World Cup opener for odds with supporters in Team Melli in Brazil. Curitba, who booed Iran “Proud of our boys who off the pitch after a defensecured our first point sive performance. -- hopefully the first of many more to come,” Rouhani tweeted on his English-language account, alongside a picture of him in tracksuit bottoms and a sports shirt adorned with the national flag. It was a rare casual image of the president, who is normally seen in a formal robe and white turban, sitting alone on a Rouhani

SPORT

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Ivory Coast duo cleared of injury scare

vory Coast have been boosted with the news that no serious injury has been detected on either of Dider Ya Konan and Arthur Boka. The duo sustained knocks during Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Japan in Recife which resulted in both Bundesliga based players having to undergo medicals tests as well as a MRI. Ya Konan replaced Wilfried Bony in the 78th minute against Japan, before being stretchered off in extra-time. While Boka had suffered the same fate fifteen minutes earlier, making way for Constant Djakpa on the left flank of the defence. According to a Côte d’Ivoire official, no major problem has been detected and both players should be able to re-

Mourinho backs fumbling Casillas

pain goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas has received backing from an unexpected quarter after his woeful World Cup Group B performance against the Netherlands on Friday - his former coach at Real Madrid Jose Mourinho. Holders Spain suffered a 5-1 loss against the Dutch in Salvador, their worst drubbing at a World Cup finals in more than 60 years. “The goalkeeper position is a very specific one and I wouldn’t like to make a change just because of one poor game,” Mourinho said. “Iker has had a fine run with the Spanish national team and he has the confidence of his coach. One bad game is not sufficient reason to change keepers.”

sume specific training after missing out on Sunday and Monday’s sessions. It is still unknown whether or not the duo will be fit enough to feature in the Elephants’ clash against Colombia in Brazilia on June 19

News Updates

Spain in must-win game against Chile

olders Spain face a crucial encounter at the World Cup on Wednesday when they meet Group B rivals Chile in Rio de Janeiro. The Spaniards saw the defence of their crown get off to a disastrous start last week as they were dismantled 5-1 by the Netherlands. While a draw with Chile would keep their hopes of reaching the second round alive, Vicente del Bosque’s team ideally need a victory to kickstart their campaign. However, they are up against a Chilean side full of confidence following a 3-1 win in their opening match against Australia. The South Americans head into the clash with Spain knowing that a victory would all but secure them a place in round two. Spain captain Iker Casillas’s place

in the side has been in doubt after his disappointing display versus the Dutch, but the galkeeper is likely to keep his spot after David de Gea suffered a hip injury in training. The world champions have no other fitness concerns, but Del Bosque has suggested that he could make multiple changes to his starting XI. Chile are expected to name the same team that saw off the Aussies, with Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez leading their attack.

Head-to-head

Spain Matches Wins

Losses

Chile

Drawn

Goals for

FIFA ranking

8 14

Sofiane Feghouli of Algeria and Eden Hazard of Belgium battle for the ball

Belgium fight back to edge Algeria

elgium came from behind against an impressive Algeria to secure a 2-1 win in their World Cup opener. After an impotent opening, the Red Devils allowed Les Fennecs to take a surprise first half lead, though a string of second half substitutions changed the game and enabled Belgium to net twice in the final 20 minutes and open their campaign with a win. Algeria defended excellently, though didn’t offer much going forward. However, all it took was

one swift counter for them to take advantage of Belgium’s weakness at the back, with makeshift left-back Jan Vertonghen bundling Sofiane Feghouli over in the box midway through the first half. Feghouli stepped up to convert the ensuing spotkick, and Les Fennecs incredibly found themselves ahead. Belgium coach Marc Wilmots looked to switch things up with the introduction of the mobile, tricky attacker Dries Mertens at halftime, and with 20 minutes remaining.

2018 W’Cup: England officials quizzed

fficials from England’s failed bid for the 2018 World Cup have been quizzed by FIFA ethics investigator Michael Garcia over the botched effort to provide designer handbags as gifts for the wives of FIFA members, it has emerged. Garcia requested receipts confirming the cost of the handbags when he interviewed bid officials last year.

It has previously been revealed Garcia is investigating England 2018 funding a £35,000 dinner in the Caribbean, England friendly matches against Trinidad and Brazil and a planned game against Thailand which was cancelled after the bid’s defeat. The handbags controversy arose after an attempt to curry favour with FIFA members by England - and

which back-fired spectacularly on the bid. The first handbag was given to the wife of Jack Warner, the former FIFA vice-president who resigned in disgrace in 2011. But the revelation provoked criticism that infuriated Warner who returned it claiming it had become “a symbol of derision, betrayal and embarrassment for me and my family”.

Boateng admits tough task after USA defeat

evin-Prince Boateng claims losing to the United States of America at the World Cup is not the end of the world but says Ghana now have a difficult task of reaching the knockout stage. The Schalke 04 star, considered one of Ghana’s best players, started from the bench and came on in the second half to play a key part in the team’s revival. “We just lost a game

Boateng

it is not the end of the world. Of course we are disappointed but we have another two games,” Boateng said.

Boateng knows that to win those two games especially the one against Germany, Ghana must clean its act up in defence which looked all over the place in Monday night’s loss. “We have to stop conceding goals. This was America and now we have to play against one of the best teams in the world so it is going to be harder to not concede, but that is going to be our target because upfront we can always score.”

Andres Iniesta (left) sliding across to get the ball while Daryl Janmaat looks on

Japanwon’tabandonattackingstyle –Kawashima

apanese goalkeeper, Kawashima, has insisted that his side will not abandon attacking style of play despite suffering defeat in their first match against Ivory Coast. The defeat means Alberto Zaccheroni’s men face a difficult task to qualify from the pool, and they face a potential make-or-break encounter

with Greece - who were humbled 3-0 by Colombia in their opening game on Thursday. But despite the mounting pressure, Kawashima is adamant Japan have no intention of sitting back in Natal. “For four years now we have focused on attack,” he told FIFA.com. “We want to keep the ball and

move it forward, using all of our qualities and technical ability to score goals. This is how we will play. We will attack. “This is the way Japan should play. Japanese players have very good technique and the agility to play fast. This is the way of football that is comfortable and natural to us.”

SPORT 55

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

NSC targets 15 gold medals at Commonwealth Games Jude Opara Abuja

he National Sports Commission said yesterday in Abuja that it will be targeting a minimum of 15 gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Director General of the commission, Gbenga Elegbeleye added that it has a tradition of setting a target higher than what it won at the last games of every championship it has registered for

Elegbeleye

Eagles disappoint Brazilians Adekunle Salami Sao Paulo

hence the resolve to surpass the 11 gold medals it recorded at that last edition of the championship in India. “We are expecting more than 15 gold medals at the Commonwealth Games, but we are setting a target of getting a minimum of that number. I did not settle for less than that because we had ten medals in Morocco last time we were at the African Youths Championship, now we got 41 in Botswana so we are not aiming at less than what we won in India in 2010. My calculation is that we must surpass our previous records,” the Director General added. He also revealed that some federations will be travelling outside Nigeria in the next one or two weeks to continue their preparations for the Games even as he urged the coaches to always make sure they know what their athletes will be doing at all times.

Tosin Oke

Improve your game, Mark charges Eagles

Brazil 2014 Group Stage Fixtures Date

Thursday June 12 A Friday June 13 A Friday June 13 B Friday June 13 B Saturday June 14 C Saturday June 14 C Saturday June 14 D Saturday June 15 D Sunday June 15 E Sunday June 15 E Sunday June 15 F Monday June 16 G Monday June 16 F Monday June 16 G Tuesday June 17 H Tuesday June 17 A Tuesday June 17 H Wed June 18 B Wed June 18 B Wed June 18 A Thursday June 19 C Thursday June 19 D Thursday June 19 C Friday June 20 D Friday June 20 E Friday June 20 E Saturday June 21 F Saturday June 21 G Saturday June 21 F Sunday June 22 H Sunday June 22 H Sunday June 22 G Monday June 23 B Monday June 23B Monday June 23A Monday June 23A Tuesday June 24 D Tuesday June 24 D Tuesday June 24 C Tuesday June 24 C Wed June 25 F Wed June 25 F Wed June 25 E Wed June 25 E Thursday June 26 G Thursday June 26 G Thursday June 26 H Thursday June 26 H

Group Teams

Brazil V Croatia Mexico V Cameroon Spain V Netherlands Chile V Australia Colombia V Greece Uruguay V Costa Rica England V Italy Côte d’Ivoire V Japan Switzerland V Ecuador France V Honduras Argentina V Bosnia & H Germany V Portugal IRAN V NIGERIA Ghana V USA Belgium V Algeria Brazil V Mexico Russia V Korea Republic Australia V Netherlands Spain V Chile Cameroon V Croatia Colombia V Côte d’Ivoire Uruguay V England Japan V Greece Italy V Costa Rica Switzerland V France Honduras V Ecuador Argentina B Iran Germany V Ghana NIGERIA V BOSNIA & H Belgium V Russia Korea Republic V Algeria USA V Portugal Netherlands V Chile Australia V Spain Cameroon V Brazil Croatia V Mexico Italy V Uruguay Costa Rica V England Japan V Colombia Greece V Côte d’Ivoire Nigeria V Argentina Bosnia & H V Iran Honduras V Switzerland Ecuador V France Portugal V Ghana USA V Germany Korea Rep V Belgium Algeria V Russia

Time

9pm 5pm 8pm 11pm 5pm 8pm 11pm 2am 5pm 8pm 11pm 5pm 8pm 11pm 5pm 8pm 10pm 5pm 8pm 11pm 5pm 8pm 11pm 5pm 8pm 11pm 5pm 8pm 11pm 5pm 8pm 11pm 5pm 5pm 9pm 9pm 5pm 5pm 9pm 9pm 5pm 5pm 11pm 11pm 5pm 5pm 9pm 9pm

he lacklustre show of the Super Eagles on Monday against Iran was a big disappointment to millions of Brazilians supporting the team. Brazilians were at the stadium on Monday shouting N-ig-e-r-i-a, N-i-g-e-r-i-a from the beginning to the end of the game against Iran but the eagles failed to score. A Brazilian, Olivera, who travelled from Sao Paulo to Curitiba for the Eagles said: “I was disappointed. I expect Nigeria to win by 4-0 but we did not even see a goal.” A volunteer at the media centre also lamented that the Eagles failed to take chances early to kill the game. “Nigeria had chances in the beginning but the players were not serious to score. It is sad because Argentina is a big country to play,” he said. Eagles skipper, Joseph Yobo, responded to the development. He said the draw was not a plan by the team but it just happened that way.

Venue

Results

Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo Estadio das Dunas, Natal Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza Arena Amazonia, Manaus Arena Pernambuco, Recife Estadio Nacional, Brasilia Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre Maracanã, Rio De Janeiro Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador Arena da Baixada, Curitiba Estadio das Dunas, Natal Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre Maracanã, Rio De Janeiro Arena Amazonia, Manaus Estadio Nacional, Brasilia Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo Estadio das Dunas, Natal Arena Pernambuco, Recife Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador Arena da Baixada, Curitiba Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba Maracanã, Rio De Janeiro Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre Arena Amazonia, Manaus Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo Estadio Nacional, Brasilia Estadio Nacional, Brasilia Arena Pernambuco, Recife Estadio das Dunas, Natal Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador Arena Amazonia, Manaus Maracanã, Rio De Janeiro Estadio Nacional, Brasilia Arena Pernambuco, Recife Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo Arena da Baixada, Curitiba

3 - 1 1-0 1 - 5 3 - 1 3-0 1-3 1-2 2-1 2-1 3-0 2-1 4-0 0-0 1-2 2-1

Chukwu David Abuja

eader of the Federal Government delegation to Brazil 2014 and President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has urged the Super Eagles to step up their game against Bosnia in order to qualify for the next stage of the competition. Senator Mark said the Nigerian players tried against Iran but needed to improve their game against Bosnia if they were to make the required impact in the tournament. “Every team is important and every match must be taken seriously. The Super Eagles must

therefore, bring their resilient and the indomitable spirit of Nigeria to bear and deliver goals. “Nigerians are eagerly waiting for an improved game in your next match. The national image and pride is at stake and you cannot afford to let our people down,” the President of the Senate stressed. In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President of the Senate on Media, Kola Ologbondiyan, Senator Mark assured of the government and people of Nigeria’s support to the Super Eagles and enjoined them to put the draw with Iran behind them and move ahead.

Guinness inspires Eagles with $5,000 per goal

uinness, official sponsors of the Super Eagles, has announced a reward of $5,000 for each goal scored by the team during the group stages in the ongoing 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The announcement is an improvement on the $2,000 earlier promised for each goal scored during the World Cup qualifiers. The Super Eagles in their first match against the Melli of Iran played out a goalless draw as the Asian team held out the forceful African champions. Announcing the reward, Mr. Austin Ufomba, Marketing and

Innovation Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc stated that despite the results, Guinness will always support the Eagles, encouraging Super Eagles fans to show the same spirit. “We are confident the Eagles will score goals in this tournament and that is why we have committed the resources to ensure that happens, rewarding the team with $5,000 for each goal scored. With the support of the over 160 million supporters of the Super Eagles, who are also anxiously looking forward to the goals, we believe the Eagles will excel,” Ufomba said.

World Record

On Marble

Men marry women with the hope they will never change. Women marry men with the hope they will change. Invaribly they are both disappointed.

Sanctity of Truth w w w. new tel eg rap ho nl i ne. co m

– Albert Einstein

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth – Buddha WEDNESday, JUNE 18, 2014

N150

The record for the highest attendance in the final match of a FIFA World Cup is 114,600 set on 29 June 1986 when Argentina took on Germany at the Azteca Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico.

Revisiting June 12

n June 12, 2014, on the floor of the National Conference, an attempt by Hon. Orok Ofu Duke to bring to the front burner the memories of June 12 was met with massive resistance from very many of the delegates. The same scenario had played itself out severally in the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly. It has thus become clear to discerning observers that a tribe of Nigeria’s current parasitic ruling class feel greatly hesitant to engage, or indeed, outrightly oppose, any attempt resurrect its June 12. All they seek to do is to live in denial, to obliterate completely the memories of the immense socio-political struggles that culminated in June 12, 1993. The resistance by mainly northern delegates to June 12 is to say the least unfortunate and incomprehensible. For June 12, was indeed not about Abiola as a person, but about the ideals, the sense of oneness, identity and nationhood that it engendered. June 12 should rightly be seen as a Watershed in Nigeria’s political development, an uncommon occurrence in the history of politics that should ordinarily be the dawn of a new era. It was a social movement of sorts, where Nigerians in their millions, oblivious of primordial boundaries, not minding the differences of tribes and tongues, united in one spirit to change the extant social order. As a nation, the event of June 12 was Revolutionary and transformatory as it sought to unchain Nigeria from the stranglehold of its debilitating past. Not too many events (indeed none known to me) have demonstrated the plausibility of building a Pan Nigerian consciousness, a true nation, in word, deed and essence. There is no substitute to June 12 as a national Democracy Day. May 29 is self serving, a charade. It should be dismantled. It is therefore to our eternal credit that as a people and a nation, we must continually seek to place in perspective the historicity and specific interjections and lessons of June 12. June 12 is about a noble idea, whose birth ironically took place in the womb of a decadent regime. Lest we forget, the then military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) commenced a bogey political transition programme intended to confer legitimacy on his illfated administration. Although IBB attracted very many distinguished Nigerians, professionals and radical

IvoryGlory Nkemdili Nnonyelu

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academics to participate in the Political Bureau that organized nationwide consultations, it was not long before genuine concerns were raised about the verisimilitude of the transition project. From the onset, the transition programme was a cocktail of deceit, was not intended to realize any meaningful development, political or economic. It was built on a premise of self preservation, hubris and protection of the military regime. Even the military chaps were not impressed by Babangida’s trickery, as Gideon Okar et al attempted, though unsuccessfully to forcefully evacuate the President from Dodan barracks, or summarily extinguish his inglorious reign. The ill-advised introduction of the Structural Adjustment Programme which hastened the deterioration of the citizens living standards, the arrival of the hitherto unknown letter bomb, as in the case of Dele Giwa, are some of the tragic events of that era. On the other hand, in the political turf, a season of activities was unfolding; the registration of two political parties namely; the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention, and the commencement of political activities marked a departure from the strict apolitical discipline of the Buhari/Idiagbon era (1983-1985). At the National Conventions of both parties Babagana Kinkigbe and Tom Ikimi were to emerge as National Chairmen. The Military Government drafted manifestoes for the political parties trying to differentiate them ideologically; SDP was a “little to the left”, somewhat progressive, while the NRC was a “little to the right”, and conservative. The Military Government also built for each of the parties, Secretariats, in 774 Local Government Areas. The military did not expect the flurry of activities, and must have formed these parties as the political wing of the military. Babangida and his cohorts were disappointed as notable

Abiola

presidential aspirants with national presence mobilized the populace. These included Shehu Musa Yar’dua, Olusola Saraki, Lateef Jakande, Olu Falae etc in the SDP. For NRC, men like Umaru Shinkafi, Adamu Civoma, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu dominated the scene. Threatened by the combined political weight of these politicians, IBB banned some of them unjustifiably from participating in the political process. Then came the concept of new breedism that opened the political space for new entrants. Regrettably and unfortunately, Nigerians did not oppose this ploy to change the goal post at the middle of the match. If they had done this, they would have prepared themselves for the abortion of the baby after he had been delivered. It was in the middle of this conspiracy that M.K.O Abiola, a nationally renowned philanthropist entered the race on the plat form of the SDP. Abiola was not necessarily a green horn or new breed, even though he was not a typical Nigerian politician, whose only business was politics. In 1982 he had contested for the position of Party Chairmanship of National party of Nigeria (NPN) which then was retained by A.M.A Akinloye. He also made futile effort to take over

the Presidency of the country after Shagari’s reign, and this too was effectively checkmated by the Umaru Dikkos in NPN. Abiola’s entrance however in 1993 was a Game Changer. With his slogan, Nigeria on the march again, in blistering speed, he moved round the entire country spreading the gospel of Hope 93 to all nooks and crannies. M.K.O was a household name, who had the advantage of contesting against one Bashir Othman Tofa, a largely unknown but equally wealthy Kano Indigene. In the Election of June 12, still certified as the freest and fairest by Nigerians and International Community, M.K.O was waiting to be declared winner, having obtained 58.36 percent of the total votes cast. In a tragic turn of events, the military junta bared its fangs, annulling the best election ever, desecrating the inviolability and sanctity of the ballot box, and by so doing returning Nigeria to the prehistoric era. In defense of the sacred mandate, in union with Nigerian masses Abiola became de-bourgeoisied, and even paid the supreme sacrifice. What else do Nigerians want? Faced with monumental betrayals, and a choice of returning to the comfort of his home and business, Abiola chose to honour the pact with Nigerians on June 12. Not to honour June 12 is the cruelest cut to Abiola, and greatest disservice to whatever ideals we share as a people. June 12 ought to live in our memories.

OmoBaba

WORLD CUP: EAGLES GET $75,000 APPEARANCE FEE – News

– And yet they fumbled!

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