Binder1 june 25,2014 by Newtelegraphonline

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Wednesday, June 25, 2014 Vol. 1 No. 127

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Porting: Globacom gains more subscribers Jonah Iboma

total of 14,603 mobile phone subscribers switched their service providers in April, as against the 13,757

recorded in March, according to figures released by the Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC). However, Globacom topped the list of gainers in the number of subscrib-

ers that have switched service providers under the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) scheme, with 7,955 customers joining its network in April. This represents 55 per cent of

all customers that joined the network. Etisalat came second on the gainers’ list, as it added 3,280 subscribers to its customer base in the same period, while Airtel with

2,816 porting-in subscribers in April, came third. MTN network had just 552 additional customers. In terms of outgoing or porting-out subscribers, Globacom also topped the

table as 6,930 left the network for other competitors leaving the network with a net addition of 1,025 subscribers. According to the reCONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Gunmen kill 38 in Kaduna villages

lSanusi consoles victims of Kano school bombing Ibraheem Musa and Muhammad Kabir

unmen have killed some 38 persons during a night raid on two villages in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State. It was gathered yesterday that the gunmen struck on Monday night during which many of the villagers, including women and children were killed. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Sanga Local Government Area Chairman, Emmanuel Adamu, according to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said in Sanga that the attacks were carried out simultaneously. “Twenty-one people were killed in Fadan Kashi CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

6,000 Nigerians on death row in foreign prisons

Lagos

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L-R: Benue State Governor, Mr. Gabriel Suswam; supervising Minister, National Planning Commission, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda; Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina; Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, at the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja… yesterday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

Defection: Reprieve for Amaechi, Kwankwaso, three governors lCourt suspends PDP’s suit indefinitely Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday adjourned indefinitely hearing in a suit

instituted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against five defected governor originally elected

on the party’s platform. The court hinged its decision to suspend further hearing in the case on

want of diligent service by PDP. The PDP through its counsel, Dr. Alex Izinyon

(SAN), had instituted a suit seeking to declare the seats of the governors – Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Chibuike Amaechi (RivCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

2015: INEC, parties discuss modalities for primaries }4

NEWS

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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Sanusi consoles victims of Kano school bombing CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

while 17 were killed in Nandu,” he said. He described the incident as unfortunate and condoled with the bereaved families just as he urged residents to remain calm. He said security agencies were tracking the attackers while measures had been adopted to forestall a recurrence. New Telegraph however learnt that the casualties arising from the attacks would not have been high if security agents had come to the rescue of the villagers. According to a source, the gunmen stormed the villages at 1a.m. and continued their orgy of violence till 11a.m., unchecked. The source added that several telephone calls were made to the Divisional Police Officer at Sanga, but the officer was quoted as saying that the police lacked the firepower to confront the gunmen. “Later, soldiers came but instead of going to the scene of the attack, they just parked their vehicle on the highway, saying that they didn’t have orders to go in,” the source added. According to him, the villagers killed about five of the assailants during the attacks. He explained that the

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bodies of the victims had been deposited at the Gwantu General Hospital. Condemning the attacks, Governor Ramalan Yero described the incident as a “provocative attempt by some unpatriotic people to cause confusion and unrest.” In a statement by his Director General, Media and Publicity, Ahmed Maiyaki, the governor condoled with families of the victims.

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already been directed to commence investigation into the matter and are on the tracks of the suspects. Meanwhile, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has said the spread of terrorism in the country is worrisome and called for an urgent step to protect lives and property. Sanusi, during a visit to victims of Monday bombing of School of Hygiene, Kano in which eight people

were killed, offered special prayers for the dead victims while wishing the injured ones quick recovery. Speaking to reporters after the visit, Sanusi said: “What is happening is a spread of terrorism in the whole of Nigeria and serious efforts should be made to arrest the situation.” He commended the hospital officials for their quick response and prompt attention to the patients.

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

L-R: Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; President Goodluck Jonathan; former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar; Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Mr. Hailie Mariam Desalegn, his wife, Roman and First Lady Mrs. Patience Jonathan during the groundbreaking of the Centenary City in Abuja...yesterday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN.

Court suspends PDP’s suit indefinitely CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ABUJA

He also called on the people of the state to remain calm as security forces had been deployed in the area to maintain law and order. “We should remain united and resolute in resisting obvious attempts by agents of darkness to create confusion and sow seeds of discord in our state,” he said. According to him, security agencies have

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

ers), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano) – vacant following their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The five governors, after months of running battle with their old party, had on November 26, 2013 left the PDP to join APC. Ruling in the disputed mode of service of court summons on the governors adopted by PDP, Justice Gabriel Kolawole held that PDP failed to follow the procedures allowed by law in reaching the defendants since December 10 when the court action was instituted. The court agreed with counsel to the governors that they have not been served with court papers and as such the court could not assume jurisdiction until the PDP, which is the plaintiff, has done the needful and put its house in order on the effective service of court summon. The purported service of the court process allegedly effected at 40, Blantyre Street, Abuja, being the new office of the APC, was

declared illegal, invalid, defective and was dismissed by the court for not having the court’s endorsement. Justice Kolawole held that the issue of service of originating summons by the plaintiff on the defendant was fundamental before any court can take further action against any defendant, adding that in the instant case, the service done by PDP was not in conformity with the procedure of the court. The judge adjourned the case sine die pending the time the plaintiff will comply with the law in the service of the originating summons on the five governors. Justice Kolawole asked PDP to formally write the court and attach the evidence of proper service of court processes on the defendants before any action could be taken against them. The PDP had claimed that in line with the court order obtained on December 13, 2013, the originating summons was taken to 6, Bissau Street, Abuja, but it later discovered that the APC had vacated the office and relocated to a new of-

fice located at 40, Blantyre Street, Abuja. PDP further claimed that the originating summons and other court papers were subsequently taken to the new office for onward delivery by the APC to the governors. But Justice Kolawale agreed with the governors that the service at 40, Blantyre Street was invalid, ineffective and faulty because the order of the court for service did not embody the address. The judge said what the plaintiff (PDP) ought to have done was to come back to the court to legally vary the order of service before it could be effective on 40, Blantyre Street, being the new APC national secretariat. PDP, while instituting the case, purportedly served the court process on 6, Bissau Street, Abuja, the former office of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). In a desperate move, the party moved the court summons to 40, Blantyre Street, Abuja believed to be the national secretariat of APC but which could not be delivered to the defen-

dants. In a reaction to the newspaper publication on the legal action, counsel to the governors came to the court to challenge the purported service of court papers on the governors. They claimed that the appropriate place to serve them with court summons is their offices in their respective state capital . The governors insisted that no legal action had been instituted against them until they had been properly served with court summons and other processes. But PDP said the governors were just evading papers that had been delivered at the APC national secretariat being their new political party. Justice Kolawole said the PDP would have done well if the service of the originating summons had been effected on the attorney generals of the affected states since such a service could hardly be faulted in law. He therefore ordered PDP to do the needful before the case could be resuscitated by the court for adjudication.

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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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

NEWS

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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

2015: INEC, parties discuss modalities for primaries lFashola, Ikuforiji courts LG vice-chairmen, councillors Onyekachi Eze and Muritala Ayinla

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday met with leaders of political parties to discuss modalities to adopt for primaries in picking candidates for the 2015 general election. By the INEC timetable for the general election, party primaries will hold in October. The meeting, which held in Abuja, also discussed the issue of approved guidelines for political party registration and de-registration. Also in Lagos State, the race for the forthcoming elections has shifted attention to the grassroots as the state governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, have begun moves to woo elected officials in the 20 local government and 37 local council development areas in the state in a bid

to determine who gets the governorship ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Although Fashola, who is completing his two-term tenure of eight years is not eligible to run again, he is said to be interested in determining who emerges as his successor while Ikuforiji is in the race to take over from the governor. At yesterday’s meeting between INEC and chairmen of political parties, Chairman of the electoral commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, in his opening remarks, urged the parties to always abide by the provisions of the political parties’ code of conduct and reassured them that the commission will ensure that elections conducted in the country are credible and meet the expectations of stakeholders. Jega told the parties that the successful conduct of last weekend’s governorship election in Ekiti State was a challenge and assured them that the commission would improve on its performances in 2015.

“The successful conduct of free, fair and peaceful election in Ekiti is a good omen for the subsequent elections to come and indeed, for the satisfaction of the aspiration of Nigerians for a consolidated democracy. “We must therefore not rest on our oars; but continue to do our best collectively, to sustain and keep on improving on this achievement. “The coming election in Osun State, God willing, should on all counts be better, and the 2015 general election must be the best,” he stated. Chairman of InterParty Advisory Council (IPAC), Yunisa Tanko, pledged the support of political parties at the subsequent elections in the country. Tanko however demanded the involvement of political parties in registration of voters, stressing that voter register is the foundation of any credible election in the country. “We want to share with

you in this regard. We want to be fully involved in the second phase,” Tanko said, adding that continuous voter registration should be made automatic for anyone who clocks 18 years. At the quarterly meeting between INEC and political parties yesterday, the APC commended INEC for the transparent conduct of the election. The party, who was represented at the meeting by its National Secretary, Tijani Tumsah, and National Organising Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso, according source present at the meeting, said despite the fact that its candidate lost, the conduct of the election was transparent, free and fair. New Telegraph gathered that party leaders at the meeting believed that if the 2015 general election could go the way of Ekiti, crises that usually trail the conduct of elections would minimise. The meeting also agreed that where the date for the conduct of

party primaries clash, INEC should intervene to reschedule the date to allow for proper monitoring by the commission. Meanwhile, investigations by New Telegraph have shown that Fashola and Ikuforiji have been reaching out to elected council officials to get their support in the governorship race in the state. While Ikuforji is courting the councillors to realise his governorship ambition, Fashola is said to be courting the vice chairmen of the 57 local government and local council development areas to get them to endorse his choice of successor. It was gathered that the development in Ekiti State, where Mr. Ayodele Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defeated the APC candidate and incumbent governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, due to the support he enjoyed in the grassroots, might have fuelled the renewed power struggle between the two principal officers of the state to woo the elected council officials. Ikuforiji had last Wednesday hosted councillors in the state and solicited their support for his ambition. About 500 councillors, including supervisory councillors led by Mr. Akeem Sulaimon, endorsed the speaker to succeed Fashola at the parley.

It was also learnt that Ikuforiji had sponsored some of the councillors on various training and workshops within and outside the country. The councillors hinged their decision to support the speaker on ‘the enviable height’ attained by the Lagos Assembly, under his leadership, which according to them, has made many people to described it as a foremost legislature in the country. According to them, Ikuforiji will bring his wealth of legislative experience acquired over the years to bear on governance, if elected as the next governor. Fashola, on his part, is set to meet today with the local government vice chairmen. Although, the governor’s appointment manifest did not state the issues to be deliberated upon at the meeting, sources told New Telegraph that the meeting would, among others, solicit the support of the council chiefs for whoever Fashola might prefer as his successor . It was gathered that Fashola is considering other candidates should his ‘preferred’ candidate and Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, whose candidature is being challenged on the basis of indigene, eventually failed.

Globacom makes gain in porting activities CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, signing the condolence register opened for the late Senator Awaisu Kuta, at the National Assembly in Abuja…yesterday.

NEITI: NNPC, IOCs’ audit reports ready December Adeola Yusuf

he much-awaited 2012 audited reports of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria’s multibillion dollars oil and gas industry will be ready by December, the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has declared. The industry watchdog is expected to unveil anomalies ranging from unremitted taxes and royalties to disparity in oil revenues declared by the government and the

actual money remitted to the government by oil companies. The IOCs in Nigeria are Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Total and Eni while other independents-majors are Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Oando, Conoil and Afren among others. Executive Secretary, NEITI, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, who disclosed this at an assessment workshop in Lagos yesterday, maintained that her agency has begun a new automation project to ease and fasttrack data capturing from the oil, gas and mining sector operators, for its yearly

audit programme. NEITI, Ahmed said, is planning to put up a common platform where data would be gathered for further assessment and for the audit process. She said: “NEITI has recognised the need to optimise and systemise the entire audit cycle in order to create a more efficient, effective and standardised process. “The purpose is to ensure that NEITI audit reports are regular and timely in fulfilment of EITI international reporting and NEITI act requirements.” According to her, EITI

has approved new standards in 2013 that require more data and information to be gathered and published in machine readable formats. The purpose, she said, was to enable seamless analysis and comparability between countries. This requirement further underscores the needs for automating the audit process. The NEITI boss however disclosed that the agency was working on next report to cover 2012 oil and gas audit and 20122013 solid mineral audit, which are expected to be published by the end of the year.

port, MTN Nigeria also lost 3,835 subscribers to other networks in April, as against 5,489 it lost in March. Etisalat Nigeria lost 1,817 subscribers to other networks in April, as against the 3,157 it lost in March. The implication for Etisalat is that it made a net gain 1,436 subscribers. The report also showed that Airtel lost 1,601 subscribers to other networks in April, as against the 1,457 it lost in March. Given that only 552 ported-into MTN’s network in April, the fact that 3,835 subscribers ported out resulted in a net loss of 3,283. A total of 14,183 telecom users engaged in portingout activities across the networks in April, as against the 13,383 recorded in March. The gain made by Globacom represented a shift from previous development where Etisalat had been making big gains in the past. In August 2013 for in-

stance, MTN took a big hit by recording 49 per cent of the overall subscribers that have switched service providers under the MNP scheme. NCC Director of Public Affairs, Tony Ojobo, said within the first month after the April launch of number porting that the scheme had deepened competition so far and given subscribers a choice to switch networks without losing their unique numbers, which he cited as one of the gains of the commercial roll out of GSM services in Nigeria in August 2001. The MNP was launched on April 22, 2013 by the NCC, with the aim of deepening competition in the industry. Generally, MNP has not been very successful but in Nigeria the increasing activities of subscribers show that they are embracing the practice and thus giving some validation to the regulator’s decision to provide the option for customers.

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA New Requirements for BDCs The Central Bank of Nigeria, in a bid to correct observed deficiencies in the operation of Bureaux de Change (BDCs) in Nigeria which have led to gross inefficiencies and sharp practices in the foreign exchange market, has taken steps to check the growing incidence of rent-seeking, depletion of external reserves, financing of unauthorized transactions and dollarization, among others. Consequently, the following circular shall henceforth guide the operation of Bureau de Change business in Nigeria: NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR THE OPERATION OF BUREAU DE CHANGE IN NIGERIA

Expected Role of BDCs: The CBN’s expectation is to have BDCs that are properly structured, effectively regulated, and well-capitalised to meet the objectives for which operators are licensed. In particular, the CBN envisages the following: i. The emergence of well-capitalised and structured entities that can effectively perform the roles of Bureau De Change in the economy; ii. Partnership between BDCs and renowned companies engaged in inward and outward money transfers in Nigeria. It is in expectation of this collaboration that the CBN as at 18 June 2014, approved the “Guidelines for International Money Transfer Services in Nigeria”. Under the Guidelines, Western Union, Monegram and RIA Financial Services have been authorised to carry out inward and outward money transfer services in Nigeria. iii. Creation of robust and sustainable business franchises that are not dependent on rent-seeking activities but are properly situated to compete in the foreign exchange market, and deliver superior values and returns.

Background: In line with the powers vested on it by the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 17 of 1995 and the BOFI Act of 1991, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) licenses and regulates Bureaux de Change (BDC) operations in Nigeria to achieve the following objectives: i. Provide access to foreign exchange to small-scale end-users; ii. Serve as tools for the management of exchange rate; iii. Assist in the fight against illegal financial activities; New Requirements: iv. Facilitate economic activities; and In view of the background and vision provided above, and in v. Provide economic data for policy decisions. order to ensure that only genuine companies operate as BDCs in Nigeria, the CBN makes the following modifications to the However, the CBN has observed with grave concern the “Bureaux De Change Guidelines”: deficiencies in the operational effectiveness of BDCs, which runs i. The minimum capital requirement for the operation of BDCs counter to the aforementioned objectives. In particular, the Bank in Nigeria is reviewed to N35 million; has observed the following unintended outcomes: ii. The mandatory cautionary deposit is reviewed to N35 i. Avalanche of rent-seeking operators only interested in million and shall be deposited in a non-interest yielding widening margins and profits from the foreign exchange account in the CBN upon the grant of Approval-in-Principle; market, regardless of prevailing official and interbank rates; iii. The following fees shall apply to the licensing of BDCs: ii. Weak and ineffective operational structure, resulting in the Application Fee—N100,000.00; Licensing Fee—N1 million; subsector completely abandoning the objectives for its and Annual Renewal Fee—N250,000.00; and establishment; iv. Ownership of multiple BDCs is not permissible, and would iii. Depletion of the country’s foreign reserves, in view of the be punishable if detected. unusually large number of BDCs; iv. Potential financing of unauthorized transactions with All existing BDCs and those currently operating with a Final foreign exchange procured from the CBN Window; Approval Letter are required to comply with the requirement on v. Gradual dollarization of the Nigerian economy with mandatory cautionary deposit by 15 July 2014 while all current attendant adverse consequences on the conduct of applications are expected to comply with these new requirements. monetary policy and subtle subversion of cashless policy initiative; and Furthermore, the compulsory membership of the Association of vi. Inadequate level of minimum paid-up capital. The required Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) is no longer a minimum paid-up capital of BDCs is set at N10 million. While requirement for the licensing of BDCs. the capital requirements of all other CBN-regulated entities have been reviewed upwards over the years, the one for BDCs has remained the same; and Signed vii. Prevailing ownership of several BDCs by the same promoters Kevin N. Amugo Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department in order to buy foreign exchange multiple times from the CBN Window, which is clearly related to the low level of capital requirements for licensing BDCs.

NEWS

Louis Achi and Onwuka Nzeshi ABUJA

bout 6,000 out of 15,316 Nigerians languishing in various prisons overseas are awaiting death penalty after being convicted for drug related offences. Former Minister of Health and delegate to the national conference, Dr Ihechukwu Madubuike, made the revelation yesterday while contributing to the debate on the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Matters. He also said another 3,719 Nigerians are being held somewhere in Canada for some undisclosed offences. He was

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

6,000 Nigerians on death row in foreign prisons lBakassi people seek resettlement, compensation quoting from a report of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. Madubuike noted that consular services at the Nigerian Missions abroad appear inadequate in terms of meeting the challenges faced by Nigerians in those countries. He endorsed the creation of a Foreign Service Commission to ensure that these Missions were well-funded and their personnel better trained to handle their responsibilities. “The figures I heard are staggering as well as sobering. Consular ser-

vices are not enough to take care of these people, that is why I support setting up commission that will give relief to our maligned Nigerians, most of them have suffered unnecessary masturbation and treated with hedonistic instinct not meant for human beings. “If a nation’s foreign policy is a mix of strategies to safeguard the interest of the nation, then they must pay special interest to our diasporan citizens, especially those who are in jail or who have been detained justly or unjustly.

“The foreign policy of a country begins and reflect its domestic policy, what you call your person that is what he answers; if our domestic policies can take care of our people, give them jobs, provide social securities for them, many of them who are languishing in prisons abroad would not be there today. “Nigerians of all categories are suspected as illegal persons even before they become illegal. Somebody like Wole Soyinka had his passport seized in New York. If that icon can be so treat-

ed, which of us here can escape that kind of treatment. I think this country deserve better than that,” he said. Meanwhile, the ceding of the oil-rich Bakassi peninsula has been described as an attempt to seal the Green Tree Agreement. A delegate of the South South, Senator Florence Ita Giwa stated this while contributing to the debate on the report of the committee. The ceding arrangement, she said, was to show to the world that two countries can settle a

dispute without necessarily losing blood or staying perpetually in court. According to Ita-Giwa, it would have been a misplaced priority if the issue of ceding Bakassi to Cameroun led to war between both countries, adding that all the people needed to be placated was better settlement through compensation. She, however, appealed to other stakeholders to prevail on the Federal Government to adequately compensate the people of Bakassi even though they have been relocated.

Fani-Kayode’s trial: Witness made voluntary statement, says EFCC Joseph Onyekwere he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday insisted that the claim by a prosecution witness that he was forced to lie in the trial of the former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode is untrue. The witness, Ojo Agbor, told the court on May 14 that the Commission's officials beat him up and detained him, forcing him to write a false statement so he would not be charged together with Fani-Kayode. Agbor said someone else gave him various amounts of money to pay into Fani-Kayode's account, but that EFCC asked him to write that it was the former minister who gave him the money. "They then told me that I should write that it was Fani-Kayode who gave me the money to deposit. They threatened to make me an

Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola (middle), sorrounded by supporters during his on-going Re-election camppaign in Ikirun …yesterday

6,221

The number of refugees in Venezuela at the beginning of 2010. Source: Blatantworld.com

GBP84m

The aggregate profit of English Premier League Clubs in 2011-12 season. Source: Goal.com

The percentage of domestic use of water worldwide. Source: Unesco.org

Confab asked to change Nigeria's name to ‘Naijiria'

Court halts PENGASSAN delegate’s conference

Onwuka Nzeshi

Joseph Onyekwere ustice Kenneth Amadi of the National Industrial Court (NIC), Lagos yesterday issued an order of interim injunction, restraining the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) from holding its delegate's conference, pending the determination of a substantive suit before it. The court made the order, following a suit against PENGASSAN, by two plaintiffs, Messrs John Nwanosike and Jonathan Omare, over alleged breach of their rights. The applicants, who are members of the Chevron branch of the Association, are seeking an order, restraining the defendants from holding any delegates' conference, pending determination of the suit. Defendants in the

Abuja

he National Conference yesterday received a proposal seeking a change of name for Nigeria. If the proposal gets the approval of delegates, Nigeria will change her name to Naijiria, a coinage from its current name but devoid of the stigma of colonialism. A former United Nations Assistant Secretary General, Dr. Agwu Ukiwe Okali who made the proposal said Nigeria had suffered greatly from her current name and there was need for her to make a change and wear a new toga in the comity of nations. Okali observed that the name, Nigeria has often been confused with Nigerien, a term which refers to citizens of Niger Republic, a neighboring francophone country. According to him, many

Nigerians had suffered embarrassments and punishments for offences committed by citizens of the Republic of Niger based on the similarity in the two names. Okali recalled that the height of the embarrassment came recently in Brasil when the flag of Niger Republic was erroneously displayed in place of Nigeria’s at the opening of the 2014 World Cup. “During the opening ceremony of the ongoing World Cup, there was a very embarrassing incident. This incident, simply put, is that the flag of Niger, our neighbouring country was displayed as the Nigerian Flag. Now many people may say why? The reason is that the way those countries’ names were written makes it very easy to confuse and requires a high level of concentration to differentiate.

suit are, PENGASSAN, its Chevron Branch, Mr Esanubi Frank and Mr Ayanate Kio. The applicants had initially filed the suit before a Federal High Court in Lagos, but had to discontinuance it, following jurisdictional objection raised by the defendants. The defendants had challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to hear the suit, which they claim was labour related. Consequently, the plaintiffs instituted a fresh suit before the NIC, by way of ex-parte application, seeking similar reliefs. Ruling on the ex-parte motion on Tuesday, Justice Kenneth Amadi granted an order of interim injunction, restraining the defendants from holding any delegates conference until the substantive suit is determined.

accomplice if I don't write that Fani-Kayode gave me the money. My Lord, I had no option than to write," Agbor had said. But an EFCC investigator Mr. Shuaibu Umar, who handled the case, yesterday said Agbor was never forced to make the statement. He said he discovered that lodgments were made by various individuals into Fani-Kayode's bank account, including by one Mark Ndifreke and Agbor. According to him, Agbor was invited to make an explanation on the monies he paid into Fani-Kayode's account. "He came to our office on his own, voluntarily. It's not true that Agbor was lured to EFCC, beaten, handcuffed and detained. It's not true that he was beaten up and tortured to write a statement or that he was not allowed to speak to his wife who just had a baby," he said.

Ministerial slot tears Anambra PDP apart Onyekachi Eze

ABUJA

nother crisis seems AAnambra to be brewing in the chapter of

the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) following attempt to fill the state's slot in the Federal Executive Council. Princess Stella Oduah who represented the state in the council was dropped last February. Since then, nobody has been nominated to fill the vacancy. New Telegraph gathered that members of the party in the state are divided over the choice of Oduah's replacement. But contrary to expectation of most party members, the state working committee, after its 98th meeting, allegedly recommended the former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi as possible ministerial

nominee who would represent the state in the federal cabinet. The argument proffered by the SWC in a letter to President Jonathan, was that the choice of Obi was because of his "popularity and acceptability". The letter allegedly signed by the Anambra State chairman of the party, Ken Emeakayi and secretary, Mike Akubude, expressed the hope that even though Obi is the member of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), "the former governor who will automatically become a member of PDP if and when appointed, is best positioned to galvanize all the interest groups, the people of the state and the South East zone towards the forthcoming presidential election."

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Fashola denies misuse of $90m World Bank loan

Muritala Ayinla

he Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, yesterday denied allegations that his administration misappropriated the N13.5billion ($90million) World Bank Education Loan granted the state in 2009. The Socio Economic Rights and Accountability Project(SERAP) had in December 2013 accused the Lagos State Government of mismanaging the funds and sought the order of the Federal High Court, Lagos to the state government to release information on how it was

spent. SERAP had also tested the efficacy of the Freedom of Information Act by asking the court to compel the state government to reveal details of the projects executed with the loan in the 667 schools across the state. But explaining how the money was expended at the launch of a book titled "Eko Project : A Legacy of Excellence", Fashola said the state government had nothing to hide on how it spent the funds. At the ceremony, Fashola emphasised that the concerns raised in some quarters that

the money had not been spent in an open manner was unfounded, saying the funds had been judiciously utilised for the development of the education sector . According to him, the loan, obtained to fund teaching and learning infrastructure under the state's Eko Secondary Education Project, was achieving its purpose, saying it had significantly improved student's performance. His words:" Some people have made unsubstantiated allegations against us that we have stolen World Bank money. "But in this govern-

ment, our collateral is our collective integrity. We have nothing to hide. That is why when we mark our every 100 days in office, we give account to the people because we have nothing to hide. "The results of our N13.5billion World Bank Education Loan are in the open for everybody to see. And those who are managing the funds are providing the details of how they are spending the loan. "So, nothing really to hide .The money is not in our hands, it is in the hands of the schools and the funds has been used judiciously. ``

Amosun pays severance package to Daniel’s ex-aides Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

overnor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State yesterday said the payment of severance package to former political office holders in the immediate past administration of his predecessor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, was devoid of any political consideration. Amosun spoke in Abeokuta during the presentation of cheques to ex-political office holders who served the state government between 2007 and 2011 as well as beneficiaries at the local government areas of the state. The event, held at the Arcade Ground of the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, saw each of the ben-

eficiaries receiving between N1.9million and N3.9million. About 200 former political office holders were listed among the beneficiaries of the severance allowance. However, some of the beneficiaries, including former Secretary to the State Government, Otunba Gbemi Onakoya; former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Jokotade Odebunmi; former Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Kehinde Sogunle, and current state chairman of Labour Party (LP), Comrade Niyi Osoba, were absent at the presentation. In his address, the governor said the dearth of funds and the need to first clear the backlog of

pensions and gratuities for retired civil servants caused the delay in payment of the severance allowances. He explained that the beneficiaries, who constituted the first batch of ex-political office holders, were not selected on political grounds. “To me, it is not about politics and it shouldn’t be about politics. I don’t care whichever party Mr. A or Mr. B is. One day, even after our eight years, we will leave and somebody else will come. Because of that I have said that everybody must be paid. Irrespective of our political leaning, our state should be dear to us all,” Amosun said. The governor gave assurance that other former political office

Edo APC chieftain petitions AIG, DSS, others, alleges threat to life Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

chieftain of the All A(APC) Progressives Congress in Edo State, Tony Kabaka Adun, yesterday raised the alarm over alleged threat to his life. Adun in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin the state capital disclosed that he received several threat text messages and calls while suspected assailants trailing him around

the capital town. The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Neighbourhood Watch to Governor Adams Oshiomhole said members of his family and property had come under frequent threats in recent times. According to the petition which was sent to the office of the Assitant Inspector General of Police (IGP), Zone 5, in Benin City, Mr. Hashimu Agungu, there was strong belief that his ordeal may

not be unconnected with the 2015 National Assembly and state houses of assembly general elections and 2016 governorship polls on the expiry of tenure of the incumbent governor in the state. Also copied are the Oba of Benin, the state governor, Commissioner of Police and Director of Department of State Security (DSS). Effort to get the comment of the AIG yesterday was not successful.

BPP charges contractors on registration Joseph Onyekwere Director General Tliche of the Bureau of PubProcurement (BPP),

Mr Emeka Ezeh, yesterday called on contractors and service providers to register with the bureau for effective services.

The DG made the call at the 2014 annual Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers (CCSPs) forum, held in Lagos yesterday. Represented by Mr Micheal Chukwura, Ezeh said until recently, most institutions did not realize the breadth

of the scope of public procurement, but acted on the notion that they were autonomous. He said however, that following elaborate and persistent public awareness initiatives, institutions have begun to appreciate the scope of the BPP.

holders, who were yet to benefit from the severance package, would collect their cheques in coming months. Amosun also highlighted some of his administration’s achievements and investments in education, road infrastructure and security and solicited the support of the former political office holders for the state government.

PDP ‘ll rule Ogun again, says Bankole Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

ormer Speaker of the Ftives, House of RepresentaDimeji Bankole,

has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State will bounce back to power in the 2015 general election. Bankole, who spoke in Ilaro during the stakeholders’ meeting of the party in Ogun West Senatorial District, said disunity and factionalisation within the PDP had gradually come to an end. Some former members of the National Assembly as well as serving and for-

mer members of the state House of Assembly attended the meeting held at the Empire Ground, Ilaro. Addressing PDP faithful, Bankole, who is believed to be nursing governorship ambition in 2015, advised members on the need to commence the rebuilding process of the party from the grassroots. The former Speaker said the PDP cannot afford to lose the state to other political parties in next year’s poll. He, however, called for discipline among party members, saying deceit and other vices should be eschewed ahead of 2015.

U.S plane missing in Cameroun Wole Shadare four-seater aircraft AKano which took off from en-route Gabon is

said to be missing. Air traffic controllers in Cameroon where the light aircraft was said to have last been seen are yet to know the whereabouts of the airplane. The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has said it had no information regarding the plane flying from Nigeria to Gabon via

Cameroon which disappeared yesterday. The plane, allegedly owned by a United States company, Global Aviation, took off from Kano at 1800 hours on Monday en route Libreville in Gabon, where it was scheduled to arrive at 2300 hours, after a stopover in Douala, Cameroon. However, the station said that the plane, with only the American pilot on board, did not make it to Douala.

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

North-East students hail Alkali’s appointment Temitope Ogunbanke he North-East Students’ Tplauded Forum (NESF) has apthe appointment

of Prof. Rufa’i Alkali, as President Goodluck Jonathan’s new Special Adviser on Political Affairs, saying his appointment will make a positive political impact. NESF in a statement by its Chairman, Auwal Jibrin Mohammed, said the concerned and regard shown by President

Jonathan for identifying with prominent sons and daughters from the North-East is indeed a giant stride towards the transformation agenda of the present administration. The group said Alkali is coming into office at a time when his political knowledge is needed to stabilise the polity as activities are gathering fresh momentum ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Group condemns militarisation of elections Ibraheem Musa Kaduna

Coordinator Ntionational of Independent ElecMonitoring Group

(IEMG), Festus Okoye, has condemned what he called the militaisation of elections in the country. Okoye spoke yesterday while giving a preliminary report on the just concluded governorship election in Ekiti state. He said the election monitoring group observed that a deputy and an assistant

inspectors-general of police, including five commissioners of police were deployed for the election. He said preparation for elections in the country is like going to war and Nigerians cannot afford to continue with this practice. “The police also deployed 25 sniffer dogs and horses, 200 counter terrorism specialists, 200 crime prevention specialists and 12,000 police men to Ekiti State,” IEMG noted.

2015: Suswam’s brother tasks stakeholders on aspirants Cephas Iorhemen

Makurdi

lder brother of Benue State governor, Chief Terkura Suswam, has implored stakeholders in Minda to trim down the number of governorship aspirants from the area, where over 15 aspirants are jostling to succeed his younger brother, Gabriel Suswam. He said the gesture will further mollify the work of the People Democratic Party ahead next year’s

general elections. Chief Suswam spoke yesterday when one of the aspirants, Dr. Samuel Ortom, the Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, visited him in his domain. He said although he supported power shift to the Minda block, what happened at the PDP primaries of 2007, where no aspirant could obtain an outright win might repeat itself if the number of aspirants from the axis was not reduced.

Minor cabinet reshuffle in Kwara Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

State governor, AlKhaswara haji Abdulfatah Ahmed, approved the appoint-

ment of Hon. Christopher Ayeni, as the new Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, in a minor cabinet reshuffle designed to realign his team for higher performance. Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isia-

ka Gold, who disclosed this in a statement in Ilorin, said Ayeni, former Senior Special Assistant, Agriculture, replaces Mr. Leke Ogungbe, who is now the Special Adviser, Budget Monitoring. Gold also announced the redeployment of Seye Ogunbiyi, former Special Adviser, Budget Monitoring to the new position of Special Adviser, Agriculture.

L-R: Chief Operations Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Tolu Ojo; Winner, Airtel's One Mic Campus Tour, Temidayo Omoniyi and Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Maurice Newa, during the presentation of Kia Picanto keys to the winners in Lagos

Shell pays $70bn to Nigeria in five years Adeola Yusuf

hell declared yesterday that it had paid $70 billion to the coffers of the Federal Government and Nigerians in the last five years. Country Chair of Shell in Nigeria, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, stated this while presenting the 2013 Facts and Figures of the company to newsmen in Lagos. Sunmonu maintained that between 2009 and 2013, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) contributed $44 billion while Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company

judges in Oyo State will be sworn-in tomorrow, June 26, 2014 by the state governor, Abiola Ajimobi at 11.00am.

This was contained in a statement issued in Ibadan yesterday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo. The swearing-in had earlier been fixed for

Amadi Nnamdi

National Assembly Tonhe through its committee Human right is working on a bill called Victims Compensation Act. The bill according to the Chairman, House committee on Human rights, Honourable Beni Lar proposes for the establishment of an office that will see to the compensation of victims of mass crime. Lar disclosed this in

Benue State GovTashe ernment has described mischievous reports

in some section of the media attributed to the State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT that over 300 teachers have died in the state as a result of the seven months old strike action embarked upon by the Primary School teachers.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Public Affairs, Dr. Cletus Akwaya said these reports are completely false, mischievous and a calculated attempt to misinform members of the public with the aim of whipping up negative sentiments against the Benue State Government.

Abuja yesterday while addressing journalists. According to her, "the bill is similar to what obtains in America where there is an office for Victims of Mass crime. "It's been modelled after the American Victims Crime act. It is a bill which will propose to first of all establish an office for the compensation of victims of mass crime. We have issues of victims of mass crimes as a result of terrorism.

Boko Haram: Group donates N10m relief materials Ahmed Mringa Maiduguri

Benue debunks alleged J teachers’ death

aiz Foundation, the social responsibility arm of the Jaiz Bank, has donated relief materials worth N10 million to the victims of Boko Haram insurgency in Borno. Delivering the materials to the Borno State Governor, Hon. Kashim Shettima at the Government House Maiduguri, the Branch Manager, Jaiz Bank Maiduguri, Alhaji Baba-Ali Bukar,

said the material was part of corporate social responsibility of the bank. “Your resolve to tackle the insecurity in the state and assisting the citizens of Borno State to rebuild their livelihood and strengthening their productive capacity is commendable. We, therefore, appeal to you to continue the good works you are to the people of the state despite the security challenges,” the manger stated.

Tourism minister commends NNPC seeks synergy with PENGASSAN Nigerians’ enterprise

James Nwabueze Abuja

he leadership the PetroTSenior leum and Natural Gas Staff Association

of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) have been urged to sustain the industrial harmony between the association and the Nige-

Oyo swears in new high court judges tomorrow

he five legal practiTpointed tioners recently apas High Court

(SNEPCo) contributed about $26 billion between 2009 and 2013 to the amount. He said: "In 2013, Shell operated companies awarded contracts worth $1.5 billion to Nigerian Companies. “Shell companies in Nigeria have contributed in the last five years about $70 billion; SPDC $44 billion and SNEPCO about $26 billion between 2009 and 2013 to Nigerian economy." The Shell boss also denied reports that his company is compelled to make financial donations to politicians for 2015 electioneering.

Bill to compensate victims of mass crime underway

June 20, 2014, but had to be postponed due to the seven-day mourning declared by the state government for the late Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola Alao.

rian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of NNPC, Mr. Ohi Alegbe, in a statement said Group Managing Director of NNPC, Andrew Yakubu made the call yesterday during the opening ceremony of the 4th triennial national delegates’ conference of the Association in Abuja. According to the statement, the NNPC boss urged sustenance of industrial harmony among stakeholders noting that the synergy has led to the growth of the entire petroleum industry.

Andrew Iro Okungbowa ABUJA

he Tourism Minister, Tcommended Chief Edem Duke has the enter-

prise and creative abilities of Nigerians. The minister made the commendation yesterday in Abuja while declaring open a three day international food exhibition hosted by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR). Speaking on the essence of the food fair, Duke said Nigeria food culture is vast and rich while expressing delight

over the way food vendors of all kinds from the local level to the highest levels have transformed and packaged Nigerian food and made it more exciting and colourful to the extent that food has become one great industry in the country today. This development, according to him, shows the enterprise and creative spirit of Nigerians just as he called for this new industry to be taken to greater height by aggregating the effort of Nigerians to put food on the table of the people and generate wealth for the people.

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

SAD

Fresh from break, Senators go into mourning Chukwu David Abuja

he Senate yesterday adjourned plenary in honour of their late colleague, Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta, who died in the early hours of Thursday, June 12, 2014 at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). The Senate, which just resumed from its three-week end-of-thirdlegislative-session recess, sat for few minutes for the adoption of votes

Senate adjourns in honour of Kuta and proceedings of its last sitting, which held on June 5, 2014. After the adoption, the Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, moved a motion entitled, "Demise of Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta", to announce the death of Senator Kuta, who passed on while the Upper Chamber was on recess. Moving the motion for the Senate adjournment, Ndoma Egba (PDP, Cross Rivers Central), said " While we were on break , tragedy befell this chamber with the sudden death of our dear colleague, Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta,

the Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Character, who died on the 12th of this month in Lagos on his way for medical treatment abroad. "Distinguished Colleagues, may I in line with our tradition, move that this senate adjourns plenary till tomorrow (25th June 2014) in honour of our departed colleague. " Subsequently, the Senate adopted the motion, which was put to it for approval by the President of the Senate, David Mark. Mark, in his short remark, told the senators that the Chamber would

1.15

UI expels 78 over academic deficiency

eventy-eight students of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, have been shown the way out of the institution for their failure to obtain the minimum academic requirements for the 2012/2013 session. This was disclosed in the report of approval granted for the withdrawal of studentship of the concerned candidates by the Senate of the institution. According to the report from the bulletin signed by the Registrar of the Institution, Mr. Olujimi

Olukoya, the expelled students cut across all the thirteen faculties in the school. A breakdown of the students indicated that six of them gained admission into the university through Direct Entry mode; 66 through University Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), while the remaining six secured admission through UME. The report indicated that, "the premier University will continue to uphold the highest standards in global scholarship."

devote today solely for valedictory session in honour of the late senator, who represented Niger East. He also noted that today's valedictory session would be attended by the Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu, family members of the late senator and other prominent Nigerians, especially politicians who at one time or another served as members of the National Assembly. The Senate President also led other senators to sign the condolence register opened at the entrance of the Senate chamber, where he told

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

journalists that, "In Kuta, Nigeria and indeed the Senate have lost a very patriotic citizen, who at all times, joined hands with other patriots to move the country forward through whatever national assignment given to him. "Specifically, the late Senator Kuta made the Senate Committee on Federal Character to be very vibrant and responsive to its legislative responsibilities in terms of making relevant agencies under it to reflect equity in federal appointment and distribution of resources." Aside the Senate President, the Deputy

The total number of internally displaced people in Colombia in 1997. Source: Unhcr.org.uk

President of the Senate, Ike EKweremadu; the Senate Leader, Ndoma Egba; Minority Leader, George Akume; Deputy Minority Whip and many others also made remarks on the late senator after signing the condolence register. Awaisu Kuta was the third Senator to die in the 7th Senate. Senator Gyang Datong (Plateau North, PDP) died in 2012 while attending a funeral of his constituents, who were allegedly killed during the invasion of some villages in his senatorial district by Fulani herdsmen. Also, in June 2013, the Senate lost Pius Ewherido, who represented Delta Central Senatorial District.

$US2.87trn The nominal GDP of France (IMF) in 2009. Source: Blatantworld.com

2015: Igbo congress'll be neutral Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja.

he past President of the T(WIC) World Igbo Congress, Chief Augustine

Egwuonwu, has said the congress would not collectively back any Presidential candidate in the 2015 general election. Egwuonwu, who was in Abuja also spoke on the activities of WIC and the possible agenda of 2014 WIC coming up in September. WIC, with Headquarters in New Jersey, is a socio-cultural group of the Igbos in diaspora. According to Egwuonwu, the concern of the congress is the well-being of the Igbos wherever they are all over the world. Speaking on the 2015 general election, Egwuonwu said WIC would not support any presidential candidate since the group is apolitical. According to him, many political affiliations make up the congress, therefore the congress distances itself from political affiliation of a party or candidate. He said, "On the issue of the 2015 election, we are very careful the way we go about election issues. You know, as a group we have different political parties, which we are affiliated individually with. So we

don’t come out to support a particular political party." Egwuonwu added that the congress this year would look at the issue of insurgency and how it has affected the Igbos. He listed the achievements of the WIC to include the International Airport at Enugu and the 2nd Niger Bridge. He said, "Under Igbo leaders, we moved, among others, to have international airport and second Niger Bridge. We campaigned for it openly and privately. We mustered the necessary materials to achieve our goals for Igbo and Nigeria as a country and to help one another in America, Europe etc." On the ongoing confab and the expectation of WIC from Igbo delegates, he said, "We have able and distinguished personalities in the confab. I am sure that with the calibre of people there, they will represent us in the confab as the Igbo race. The agenda is not hidden, an average Igbo person knows what we really need in Nigeria; we don’t want to dominate any group, we want to be given opportunity to progress according to our own pace and strength. I am confident that the confab would be successful and productive."

L-R: Chairman, Nigeria Railway Corporation, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; Alhaji Lateef Oyelade; Oyo State PDP gubernatorial aspirant, Seyi Makinde; Oloye Lekan Alabi, during their condolence visit to the family of late Alhaji Abdulazeez Arisekola, in Ibadan, Oyo State

Lawmakers to probe courts’ conditions in Kwara Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

awmakers in Kwara State agreed yesterday to investigate what they described as the deplorable conditions of magistrate, high courts and judges quarters in parts of the state. The Assembly took the decision during a plenary session presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Professor Gana Yissa, after listening to a motion on a matter of general public importance on the condi-

tion of court rooms in the state raised by Mr Tope Layonu (APC) representing Ojomu/Balogun Constituency. Layonu had told his colleagues that the deplorable conditions of most court rooms, especially in Offa Local Government, make it very difficult for judges to sit and adjudicate the cases before them. While describing the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, the lawmaker said the condition of most court rooms

and judges quarters would adversely the dispensation of justice . In his own contribution to the debate, Alhaji Abdulfatai Salman (PDP) of Ilorin North/ West Constituency said the deplorable condition of court rooms requires urgent attention by the state government. He also argued that furniture in most court rooms was poor and urged the parliament to come to the aid of the judicial arm of government to ensure proper dispen-

sation of justice. On his part, another PDP lawmaker, Mr. Hassan Oyeleke, however called the attention of his colleagues to the financial constraint of the state, especially the low federal allocation, as one of the hinderances of proper funding of the judiciary. The Deputy Speaker later directed the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Judiciary to investigate the matter and report back to the House on July 15 for further action.

Glo introduces electronic recharge in Benin Republic

subscribers Gnowlobacom in Benin Republic can get their airtime re-

charged anytime and anywhere without the use of recharge cards as the company has introduced E-top up service. According to the Head of Glomobile Benin, Mr. Femi Ogunlusi, the anonymity of the subscriber’s

number and recharge code is one of the advantages of the new E-Top up service in the Benin Republic telecoms market. “Considering that the average Beninois is very security-conscious, the privacy of his personal identity, phone number and secrecy of his recharge code is of high

importance to him. The Glo E-Top Up is therefore special to him because he can recharge electronically with anonymity,” he said. In addition, the Glo E-Top Up is a “most convenient, stress-free and hassle-free recharging platform for Glo subscribers anytime and from

anywhere within Benin Republic.” Ogunlusi explained that Glomobile Benin introduced the E-Top Up because Globacom, in all its operations, identifies with the peculiar needs of its subscribers and develops products to meet them in ways that guarantee optimum value for money.

NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/metro

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

Wednesday, JUNE 25, 2014

Man jailed three years for impregnating 12-year-old girl Dan Atori Minna

Court in Minna, Niger AoldMagistrates’ State, yesterday sentenced a 31-yearlabourer, Ndagi Mohammed, to three

years’ imprisonment for impregnating a 12-year-old girl. The convict was arraigned on a onecount charge of unlawful sexual intercourse with a child. The police prosecutor, Inspector Alfred Auta, told the court that one Ahmed Zakariya of Okada Road, Minna reported the matter at GRA Police Station, Minna on June 22. Auta said that the complainant alleged that on June 20, he discovered his younger sister was pregnant. The prosecutor also said that the accused was said to have impregnated the girl, a primary school pupil, after having sexual intercourse with her three times in his house, adding that the offence contravened Section 18 of the Niger State Child Rights Act 2010. When the charge was read to the convict, he pleaded guilty and begged the court for leniency. The prosecutor, thereafter, urged the court to try him summarily in line with Section 157 of the Criminal Procedure Code‎. In her ruling, Magistrate Amina Musa sentenced the man to three years’ imprisonment without an option of fine.

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

0802 393 8212

Six feared dead as robbers snatch DAREDEVILRY Virulent armed robbers attack a bullion van in Delta State, kill six persons and injure several others Dominic Adewole Asaba

rmed robbers snatched a bullion van at Ubulu-Okiti in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State yesterday. The robbers also killed six people, including policemen escorting the van. The bullion was conveying money from Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, to the head office of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Asaba, the state capital. Ubulu-Okiti is an agrarian town on Benin-Asaba Expressway. The axis has been known for violent robbery attacks in the past five years. It was on the same road and town that a Commissioner of Police in the state was attacked while on his way from Benin. In that attack, about eight policemen were killed. A witness told our correspondent that the robbers, numbering 15, who had laid ambush on the road, rode in

Abubakar, IGP

File picture of bullion van.

two vehicles, decked in red T-shirts, covered their faces and heads with caps, bandanas, berets and others. The source said the robbers stormed Ubulu-Okiti in a gang-style manner, stood on top of their vehicles and shoot sporadically to scare away people. “The display by the robbers triggered fear among hundreds of travellers on the route from Edo, Lagos

Nasarawa school feeding gulps N255m Cheke Emmanuel Lafia

asarawa State Government said it had Ngramme spent N255 million on school feeding proin 28 boarding secondary schools in

five months. The Comprehensive School Feeding Programme was initiated along with the Free Education Policy introduced by Governor Tanko Al-Makura in February. The Commissioner for Education, Mr Yakubu Sani Na’Hauwa, told journalists in an interview in Lafia, that the government spent N51 million monthly on the school feeding and upkeep of students in its 28 boarding schools. Na’Hauwa said that though the expenditure was not captured in this year’s budget, a supplementary budget would be sent to the House of Assembly to cover for the expenditure. He disclosed that the government had set up a committee to work out modalities for re-introduction of Teachers Colleges (TC) to train professional teachers that could teach in public primary schools. The commissioner added that public schools infrastructure would be expanded to meet the increasing population of students currently overstretching the existing school buildings. He disclosed that any principal or school head caught collecting school fees or levies would be sacked. Na’Hauwa said that government had taken measures to capture payment of ‘mock’ and Junior Secondary School examinations in its free education policy.

Five young persons arrested by the police.

Police kill 15-year-old, label him robber, group alleges Juliana Francis

he Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, has been called upon to probe the shooting and killing of a 15-yearold boy allegedly by the police, who later labelled him a robber. The slain teenager was identified

as Lovely Omoregie. After he was killed, his five friends, who witnessed his murder, were arrested and also allegedly labelled armed robbers. The Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN), made the call after it received the information about the killing in Benin, Edo State, from

and Ondo states who were on their way to Onitsha and other states in the East, forcing many vehicles to make a quick U-turn. In the process, some vehicles tumbled. “I was driving towards Asaba when people started shouting robbers, robbers. As I was pulling aside, I saw policemen in their Hilux van coming to take cover and positioning themselves to face the rampaga law firm to the deceased. B. A. Iluobe Law Firm, based in Benin, Edo State informed NOPRIN that on June 5, that six young persons were playing card game in front of their house at No. 20, Omoregie Street, off Upper Mission Extension, Ikpoba Hill, Benin when the incident occurred. The players were between the ages of 15 and 24. The NOPRIN National Coordinator, Okechukwu Nwanguma, said a team of policemen from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Edo State Police Command drove into the compound and asked them why they were not in school at that time. He said: “They handcuffed the boys and later shot the 15-year-old Lovely Omoregie thrice and arrested the other five.” It was further gathered that on June 6, the police obtained a warrant to bury Omoregie from a coroner’s court, after allegedly misinforming the magistrate that the deceased was shot at a scene of robbery. “On June 7, the family ran to Iluobe Law Firm and the head of the chambers quickly called the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) on the phone and told him that the state would burn if Lovely Omoregie was buried as an armed robber,” Nwanguma added. He said that the lawyer also called the state commissioner of police and also warned him to avoid problem by acquiescing to the secret burial of the boy as an armed robber. After the call, the commissioner ordered the arrest of the six policemen responsible for the brutal murder of the teenager.

METRO

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

I escaped being killed by the hoodlums as they suddenly opened fire on policemen who had taken cover beside my car, killing four of them instantly

bullion van ing gang. “But it was the gang members who struck first as they opened fire on the policemen who died instantly. Fortunately for me, no bullet hit me or my car, I just saw the lifeless bodies of policemen,” the witness said. Another witness, who simply identified himself as Ikechukwu, said: “I escaped being killed by the hoodlums as they suddenly opened fire on policemen who had taken cover beside my car, killing four of them instantly.” The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Celestina Kalu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) confirmed the robbery attack. She said: “I am yet to ascertain if anybody was killed.” Kalu, however, said those injured were rushed to an undisclosed hospital. She said: “There was a robbery incident this afternoon when armed robbers ran into our men after robbing a bullion van coming from Agbor. They met our men while escaping after attacking the bullion van. “I do not have record of any death as a result of the incident. What I have is that our men were injured and they have been taken to the hospital for medical attention. Even the civilians that were injured have been taken to the hospital as well.”

Fraudsters resist arrest, assault policemen

‘Widows can still be fruitful’ ICPC arraigns

husband, wife for pension fraud

Elijah Samuel

idows have been adW vised not to depend on hand-outs from peo-

ple and family members because of the loss of their spouses. The advice was given at a fellowship organised by Serendipity House Nigeria and God’s Wives International, to mark this year’s Word Widows’ Day in Lagos on Monday. The guest speaker, Mrs Rosemary Ohio, in a lecture tagged: Fruitfulness in Widowhood, urged the widows to acknowledge the reality of their state of widowhood and afterwards make effort to discover the latent talents which could be used to advance their course and meet the needs of their offspring. She said: “The time when the spouse is lost is not a time to embark on an endless lamentation of the loss. It is the time to look inward and discover God-given gift endowed in you and see what you can do with it for your survival. “You should be determined and move on in life; and try to put the misfortune behind you

he Independent Corrupt Practices Tmission and Other Related Offences Com(ICPC) yesterday arraigned Cross section of participants at the event

and see what you can do to get yourself empowered.” Underscoring the importance of knowledgeacquisition in whatever ventures of life that is being embarked upon, Ohio, who has made a success of widowhood, said “it is never too late to learn a vocation. So, don’t despise new beginning; see what you can do to survive with the children”. Speaking on the rationale behind the programme, the founder and the Chief Executive Officer of God’s Wives International, Olori Ayo Yemisi Jaiyeola, disclosed that the passion to give solution to the plight of the widows

had relentlessly driven her to come up with programme that would offer succour to widows. She said: “The passion to see an end to the suffering of the widows has motivated the organisation of this programme which is intended for their emancipation and education on how to be fruitful in widowhood. “Again, we have embarked on the process of building widows’ home at Isheri. This is intended to somewhat take care of the shelter problem of the widows. That is why we are trying to raise funds for this project which we call God’s Wives Widows Home Project.”

Prosecute ‘One Million Boys,’ widow begs

Chris Ejim Yenagoa

here was a mild drama at Mechanic VilTyesterday lage, Tombia, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, , as alleged fraudsters resisted

arrest and instead ‘detained’ two policemen who came to apprehend them. The policemen from Akenfa Police Division on the outskirts of Yenagoa, had gone to the park with a complainant, Mr Frederick Ojukwu, and a witness, Mr Ebi Ozegbe, over alleged fraud involving N140,000. It was learnt that the complainant, a restaurateur, gave the suspects the N140,000 as a deposit for a second-hand vehicle which he intended to use for commercial purpose. Ojukwu was said to have given out the money with the understanding that after inspecting the vehicle, he would offset the balance of N60,000. It was gathered the suspects, whose arrowhead is identified as Obum, had shown the complainant a rickety vehicle, said to be good only for the museum, which Ojukwu rejected and demanded refund of his deposit. The suspects, it was learnt, agreed to repay him, but unknown to him, they were not sincere with the promise. After the encounter, the suspects allegedly disappeared for many months, leaving the complainant in a quandary. Luck was said to have run out on the alleged fraudsters when information got to the complainant that they had resurfaced at the park. Ojukwu contacted Ozegbe, a journalist, and the two men went to Akenfa Police Station to lodge a complaint.

Ademola’s widow and her son.

Taiwo Jimoh widow of Yusuf AdeTtohemola, who was stabbed death recently by some

hoodlums in Ajegunle area of Lagos State, has called on politicians not to politicise husband’s death. She said the important thing for her now was to get justice for her late husband. Ademola was murdered by suspected members One Million Boys when they attempted to supplant the Chairman of tricycle riders in the area, Ashamu Fagbenro. The widow, Kemi Ademola, told our correspondent yesterday that a member of the state House Assembly, repre-

senting Ajeromi Ifelodun Constituency 2, said he had given her three children scholarship and placed her on a monthly stipend. She said: “I was surprised over that statement credited to the honourable that I and my family were placed on a monthly salary. “I was sleeping when he came to commiserate with my father-in-law. I did not have any interaction with him. How can he then claim that he placed me on a monthly salary? “Since the demised of my husband, things have not been easy for me to cater for the three children. While he was alive, I was a full house wife.

“Things have been hard for me and the children. My father-in-law is one taking care of me and the children. “The death of my husband was a big disaster to me and my children, because these One Million Boys who stabbed my husband stabbed me some time last year when I was pregnant, before they eventually killed him. “I want those One Million Boys arrested and prosecuted.” Corroborating Mrs Ademola’s views, the late Yusuf ’s father, Pa Soliu Ademola, said his son was the one taking care of him. He said: “When I could not continue to work as a result of old age, I asked my son to take over the security guard of the market. Now the boy is no more, who will take care of me at my old age? “Immediately after the death of my son, the One Million Boys also threatened to kill me if I dare come into the Boundary Market. I am scared of the boys, so I decided to stay indoors.” Pa Ademola added that the attack was not the first time they would attack him and his family members.

one Mr Abiodun Osagie, his wife, Mrs Regina Osagie, and Mr. Oladimeji Bello, all of the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation (OHSF). The three persons were arraigned before FCT Abuja High Court 6 for allegedly diverting pension funds into private accounts, using various banks and fake identities in violation of the provisions of the ICPC Act 2000. Osagie is currently with the Police Service Commission while his wife is now with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. Bello is still with the OHSF and was part of the Pensions Management Committee set up after the dissolution of the Maina-led Pensions Reform Task Team (PRTT). He allegedly abused his office by re-inserting the ghost names into the pension list. Also listed for arraignment is Osagie’s sister-in-law, Mrs Philomena Ayodele, a 42-year-old housewife and a pure-water seller, who has been enjoying pension for six years without having served for one day in the Federal Civil Service. Ayodele was arrested on July 19, 2013 at Keystone Bank, Mararaba branch while trying to withdraw her monthly ‘pension’. In her statement, she was alleged to have confessed that it was Mr Osagie who approached her and requested for her bank account details in order to enable them pay monthly pensions into her account. She alleged that she had been collecting the pension from her account and the proceeds were usually shared among the suspects. The arraignment of the suspects marked the end of a nine-month undercover investigation by ICPC of corrupt practices in the Pensions Department of the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation. In the course of the investigation, the ICPC team visited the residence of Osagie and a list containing several names and account numbers in banks was retrieved. These accounts were opened with fictitious names and had as beneficiaries Osagie’s wife, his sister-in-law and other relatives. The ICPC detectives also discovered that all these accounts had pensions funds credited into them on a monthly basis since 2008 until their arrests in 2013. The payments were done in such a way as not to attract attention but the special squad set up in the Financial Investigations Unit under the direct supervision of ICPC chairman, was able to piece the puzzle into a meaningful pattern that exposed the perpetrators through deductive investigations. Before pensions management was moved to the Pensions Transitions Administration Department (PETAD), a review of the pension processes in the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation ordered by ICPC had started yielding very positive results following the full support of the immediate past and current Heads of Service. The court is yet to set a date for hearing.

12 NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

ekiti 2014

Senators disagree over outcome

Olajumoke: Hope for PDP in South-West

Chukwu David

Babatope Okeowo

Abuja

ivergent reactions among senators have continued to trail the Ekiti State gubernatorial election, which was lost by the incumbent governor, Kayode Fayemi, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ayo Fayose. While the Senate Minority Leader, George Akume (APC Benue North-West) alleged that the election was militarised and commercialised, could not be described as free, fair and credible, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Senator Andy Uba (PDP-Anambra South),

said the election was transparently and successfully conducted by the commission. Akume, in an interview with journalists yesterday shortly after plenary said: “Yes the Ekiti election has come and gone, but the highly militarised and commercialised process of the election, which must have, in one way or the other, affected its results substantially, cannot just be waved aside, in spite of the fact that the governor, a democrat to the core and product of our great party, Kayode Fayemi, has accepted the result by congratulating the winner. “Questions such as why were APC governors prevented from entering Ado Ekiti, two days to the election for the party's

mega rally to shore up support for Fayemi? Why were the same soldiers or police arrested APC leaders across the sixteen local government areas of the state on the day of election without any corresponding arrest of leaders of the PDP etc must be asked before jumping to conclusion that the election was substantially credible. “However, as bad as the election process may be, credit needs to be given to Governor Fayemi, who has, no doubt, set a good precedence for all other political players in the country on electoral contests and their outcomes. “Fayemi has, no doubt, proven that in APC, there are democrats indeed, who are always ready to put the interest of the country first in whatever

circumstances they find themselves.” But Andy Uba, in his own reaction in a statement circulated to journalists in Abuja yesterday commended the successful conduct of the election, describing it as very credible. Uba, in the statement which he entitled: “Ekiti Election, A landmark exercise,” said peace and stability, which are integral component of meaningful development in any society, were exemplified in the Ekiti election by INEC. He said INEC surpassed its previous efforts in conducting elections by putting right all that attracted the commission condemnation from the public in previous elections, noting that Nigerians from diverse sections applauded INEC for a job well done.

Akure

member of the Board APeoples of Trustees (BoT) of the Democratic Party

(PDP), Senator Bode Olajumoke, yesterday tasked losers of election in the country to emulate the example of Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State. Also, he said the result of the election in Ekiti has shown that the people of the South-West are gravitating towards the PDP. Olajumoke said the ac-

tion of Fayemi has raised the bar of politics and subsequent losers of election would have no option than to accept defeat. According to him, Fayemi is a rare politician that should be emulated by all. He said the governor’s decision to accept defeat in the election has given hope to Nigerians on the development of democracy. Olajumoke, who spoke with newsmen in Akure, Ondo State, said Fayemi with his action has also dashed the hope of people that the election would lead to bloodshed.

NLC urges Fayose to keep electoral promises Yekeen Nurudeen

Abuja

s the Ekiti State governorAcontinues elect, Ayodele Fayose, to bask in the euphoria of his success in last Saturday’s governorship election, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged him to keep to his campaign promises. “We at the Nigeria Labour Congress has urged him to keep his campaign promises to the people of the state.” According to the body in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by its President, Abdulwahid Omar, Fayose owes the

people a duty to keep his electoral campaign promises. While describing as heart-warming his decision to work with the outgoing governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, to move the state forward, it also advised him to build on what his predecessor has done. NLC also commended Dr. Fayemi for accepting the verdict of the people without contesting it, noting that he has displayed uncommon courage and statesmanship by not only accepting defeat, but by promptly congratulating his opponent.

Fayemi to create new LGs before leaving office Adesina Wahab Former Oyo State governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala (left), addressing his supporters on his adoption as PDP flag bearer for the 2015 gubernatorial election by five local government areas in Ogbomosho …yesterday

Obas, NBA, others laud Fayose’s victory •Give Fayemi thumbs up By Our Reporters ore eminent Nigerians and groups yesterday lauded the victory of Ekiti State governor-elect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, even as encomiums continued to pour in for Governor Kayode Fayemi, over his sportsmanship attitude to the outcome of the election. Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) yesterday congratulated the governor-elect on his victory in last Saturday’s governorship poll. In a congratulatory message to Fayose, Chairman of the Traditional Council of Obas, the Onitaji of ItajiEkiti, Oba Adamo Babalola, advised Fayose to see his victory as a call to serve the

people. He said having served as a governor before, Fayose was not lacking in the experience to govern the state. The Oba also commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, for his spirit of sportsmanship and by the manner he conceded defeat, saying such was rare in the history of Nigeria. In a similar development, the NUT in a statement by its Chairman, Mr. Samuel Akosile, said the victory of Fayose was divine. The NUT boss advised Fayose to run an allembracing government, adding that having once served as governor, Fayose was no stranger to how to run a state.

He expressed confidence that teachers would enjoy a good rapport with the government during his tenure. Also, the South-West zone of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commended Governor Kayode Fayemi and Mr. Ayodele Fayose, for displaying high sense of maturity over the just concluded election. The party in a statement issued by its Zonal Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Waheed Lawal, said that unlike the old practice of throwing fire and brimstone by the contestants and planning litigation, the governor congratulated the winner and embraced him while the latter reciprocated the gesture.

“Honestly, this is a confirmation of genuine patriotism and passion for the growth of Ekiti State, where the two contestants come from,” the party said. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) also congratulated Fayose yesterday, urging him to form an all-inclusive government for stability and peace in the state. Also, the Students’ Union Government, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, congratulated the governor-elect, saying his emergence through an acceptable election would make him enjoy legitimacy and popular support among Ekiti populace.

Ado-Ekiti

State governor, Dr. Edaykiti Kayode Fayemi, yestergave the indication that his administration would create new council areas before leaving office on October 16. Speaking while receiving the report of the Committee for the Creation of Additional Local Governments, he said a committee to issue a White Paper on the committee's report would be constituted with-

in 24 hours. He added that the State Executive Council would consider the report of the committee at its meeting today. The governor, who kept mum on the number of councils recommended by the committee, set up the seven-man committee headed by retired Justice Akin Ajakaye, on January 15, 2014 to understudy the possibility of creating more councils to bring governance nearer to the people.

Students’ leaders to support Jang’s candidate Musa Pam

Jos

of students’ Chasoalition leaders in Plateau State said that they will sup-

port the candidature of any governorship candidate endorsed by Governor Jonah Jang in the 2015 elections. The students’ leaders said their decision was to ensure the continuity of

the development strides witnessed during Governor Jang’s tenure. They appealed to the people to accept and support whoever the governor endorses as his successor in the election. Addressing a joint press conference in Jos yesterday, spokesperson of the group said “we hereby support Governor Jang's candidate.

HOW EKITI GOVERNORSHIP POLL WAS LOST, WON / PAGE 14 | ON THE TRAIL OF AREGBESOLA’S CAMPAIGNS / PAGE 16

POLITICS

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/politics

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, POLITICS

ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

ayodeleojo@yahoo.com

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

WE’LL CONTINUE TO PROBE MINISTERS –AKPATASON

p-17

Fayemi

Osoba

Mbadinuju

Doma

Akande

Audu

Shinkafi

Agagu

This belief is due to the level of resources; financial, human and material at the disposal of incumbents, who also have control over the agents of state, like the security agencies and others, who are usually deployed at their whims and caprices to tailor the electioneering process to favour themselves. Before the advent of the Fourth Republic, it was rare for a sitting governor or legislature to lose an election while still in office. Across the country, however, the influence of the incumbency factor is gradually being whittled down, as many incumbents since 1999, when the country returned on the democratic track, have lost out in elections to return to their positions. A number of governors and lawmakers have lost out in their bid to seek re-election, as they have been defeated by candidates considered as underdogs to them. Although it is yet to happen at the presidential level, pundits are of the view that it is only a matter of time, as

awareness and political development of the electorate have continued to increase.

16, 2006, winner of the contest, with 203, 090 votes. He defeated other candidates including the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate and incumbent governor, Fayemi who polled 120,433 votes, and Labour Party’s (LP) Opeyemi Bamidele who had 18, 135 votes. Fayose won the election in all the 16 local government areas of the state, scoring about 57.9 per cent of the total votes cast. Fayemi lost not because of performance. He has done better than any governor of the state. A lot of factors were responsible for his defeat. Pundits say most of those in the government or elected on APC platform detached themselves from the people. Fayemi’s relationship is also his major undoing. The civil servants which constitute the major voting population were against him. The crisis within his party was another major factor. The state is called

The incumbency factor or level of performance no longer seems to be a major advantage for sitting governors seeking reelections as evident in recent developments in the polity. ETAGHENE EDIRIN takes a critical look at the history of incumbent governors who have been handed defeat in their quest to seek re-election since the return of civil rule in 1999

ver the years, the potency of incumbency in the politics of re-election to different political positions in the country has always been taunted as a very strong determining factor. Previously, it was taken for granted that an incumbent would win the election into the position being contested for, no matter who the opponent is. It was also taken for granted that a candidate seeking election into any position will most likely win if he/she has the support of an incumbent office holder.

Second term jinx: Growing list of ‘casualties’ Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) The defeat of Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State last Saturday at the poll by former Governor Ayo Fayose has once again strengthened the arguments of followers of events in that state who have over the years maintained that chief executives of that state are jinxed from securing a second term in office as governors. This is because over the years, since the creation of the state in 1996 by the junta of late General Sani Abacha, no sitting governor has been able to win a re-election bid. The Returning Officer for the 2014 Ekiti governorship election and Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Isaac Azuzu announced the results of the exercise and declared Fayose, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who was governor of Ekiti State from May 29, 2003 to October

CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

14 POLITICS The June 21 governorship poll in Ekiti State has come and gone and many are still shocked as to how the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) routed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The result upturned an election many thought would be close to a one-horse race. ADESINA WAHAB examines some of the factors that determined the outcome of the election Disconnection with the people Perhaps the greatest proof of the gulf between the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders can be seen in the post-election comment of Senator Babafemi Ojudu when he said: “We have to re-organise our party. Mistakes have been made, lessons have also been learnt. It appears that a few of us who are leaders seem to be miles ahead of our people. It is time for us to build a party that will subscribe to our vision.” Simply put, APC leaders allowed their offices to come between them and the people. A leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state and ministerial nominee, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, summed the situation: “Their government can best be described as government of strangers by strangers and for strangers.” Most members of the cabinet do not connect with their people at home. Before Governor Kayode Fayemi sacked his cabinet in January last year, some members were not even spending three days in the state. They come from either Lagos or Ibadan and after attending the usual Wednesday Executive Council meeting, take off to their bases. However, when the governor reconstituted the cabinet the following month, most of them still found their way back. In this part of the world, constituents expect their representatives in government to come home and share their largesse with them. Many APC leaders are seen as stingy. It was only last yuletide that some cabinet members started giving gifts to their constituents, a gesture that came too late. A member of the cabinet, who is seen as being open-handed, fell out with the powers that be in the government when others became jealous of him. It was learnt that other cabinet members protested to Fayemi that the commissioner was powerful because he had more access to resources than them. Added to the above is that the little patronage from the government to the people did not get down. Perceived arrogance of APC leaders Closely linked to the above factor is the perceived arrogance of many APC leaders who did not deem it fit to identify with their people and who underrated their opponents. When Fayose worked with Fayemi in the build up to the 2009 re-run governorship election, he was reportedly promised some things including Ekiti Central Senatorial District ticket. But that was not to be, as APC leaders allegedly told him he had been ‘paid’ for his assistance and support. The APC also underrated Fayose because they felt his bid for a Senate seat that did not materialise on the platform of Labour Party (LP) in 2011 had

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

How Ekiti governorship poll

Fayose

shown he was down politically. They probably forgot that the bandwagon effect of having a sitting APC governor might have affected him and also the weak platform he contested on. Collision with workers Fayemi also made the same mistake one of his leaders in the APC, Chief Bisi Akande, made as a governor of Osun State when he was in the saddle from 1999 to 2003. Akande ran into troubled waters by executing policies that labour frowned at. Fayemi started to toe the same path with the examinations he conducted for secondary school principals. Some of them, said to have failed, were demoted and others retired compulsorily. Local government workers were not spared as well as some directors who were retired, demoted or redeployed. This is as retirees were owed some dues. The climax of the face-off came when the state government insisted on conducting a competence test for teachers in its employ. The Teachers Development Needs Assessment

TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE writes on how Ekiti GovernorElect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has ended the second term dream of two incumbent governors in the state

gainst all odds, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in last Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Peter Fayose, has again ended the second term dream of an incumbent governor in the state. Fayose defeated the incumbent governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This is the same way he sent Fayemi’s political godfather, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, packing from Ekiti Government House in 2003. Fayose’s emergence as the governorElect has again confirmed that no incumbent governor has won a re-election in Ekiti State to remain in office. Since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999, no incumbent governor has won a re-election in Ekiti State. It started with Adebayo who came into

Fayemi

(TDNA) generated so much bad blood, and twice the government tried to conduct it, twice it failed as the teachers were resolute. The fear of the teachers was that they would be humiliated like the secondary school principals. The same scenario obtained in the relationship between the government and local government workers. The workers had to go on strike for about three months in 2012 over the payment of CONHESS and CONMESS and other sundry issues. Civil servants also complained about their running grants being cancelled. APC leaders are quick to say that civil servants are less than 15 per cent of the population of the state and should not make needless demands, forgetting the fact that these people relate more with the people at the grassroots and could serve as their ambassadors. Absence of a Tinubu in Ekiti Fayemi acts more like an administrator than a politician. This showed in some of the actions he took. The controversial TDNA for instance is one. It took intense persuasion from party

Bamidele

leaders for him to put the test on hold. In Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is the one doing the politicking for his governor, Babatunde Fashola. Fayemi has no such opportunity. Although some APC leaders accused him of not heeding their advice. This, one of them said last year when Tinubu came to try and resolve the Fayemi/ Opeyemi Bamidele face-off. APC miscalculation Among the points APC banked on to win the election was that the PDP would face serious crisis in its bid to choose a candidate and that the disenchantment would lead to a mass exodus from the party to the APC. Luckily for the PDP, its post-primary election crisis was managed in a way that did not lead to any exodus though some leaders and members were dissatisfied with the emergence of Fayose. Former Governor Segun Oni who defected to the APC did that literally naked. His political group, the Segun Oni Campaign Organisation (SOCO) was almost intact behind Adeyeye who took over the group to project his gu-

Fayose: Breaking governors’ power in 1999 on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) having defeated the PDP candidate, Prof. Tunde Adeniran. Despite the incumbency power, Adebayo could not secure his reelection as Fayose, who was an underdog and PDP candidate, defeated him in the 2003 governorship election. Fayose, who contested on the platform of PDP, polled 220,906 votes as against his closest rival, Adebayo, who polled 169,191 votes. The victory of the PDP candidate shook Ekiti and announced Fayose to the entire country. Unfortunately, Fayose too did not have the opportunity of being re-elected as he ran into troubled waters before his tenure lapsed; he was impeached and ran out of the state. In the contentious 2007 general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Engr. Segun Oni of the PDP winner of the governorship poll with 177,780 votes, defeating 12 others including Fayemi of the then Action Congress (AC) who came second with 108,305 votes. Oni too did not have the opportunity of seeking a re-election as he was sent packing by the court, three years after assuming office.

Like a normal trend in the Fountain of Knowledge state, Fayose during the June 21 election also denied Fayemi the opportunity of being re-elected as governor of Ekiti State. Fayose in the election, which was adjudged free and fair by many people polled 203,090 votes while Fayemi polled 120,433 votes. Prior to the election, some opinion polls placed Fayemi as the favourite candidate in the governorship race, based on results of the research conducted by many organisations while Fayose came distant second. Many people also pre-

He has also set another record in the politics of the state and Nigeria at large as the only person to have beaten incumbent governor successfully on two occasions.

POLITICS 15

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

was lost, won

bernatorial ambition. Oni’s deputy, Dr. Sikiru Lawal, most of his commissioners, advisers and backers remained in the PDP and backed Fayose. The nomination of Adeyeye as a minister by President Goodluck Jonathan also reinforced the group’s belief that they were not going to be used and dumped. Overtures to aggrieved parties late in coming After serious political calculations, the governor decided to placate aggrieved teachers, local government workers and pensioners. He cancelled the TDNA exam for teachers, recalled sacked council workers and part of entitlements to retirees paid few weeks to the election. However, the steps were taken a little too late as the people had made up their minds. For the teachers, they were quick to remind themselves that a sister

state controlled by the APC, Edo, is having a running battle with teachers over TDNA which Governor Adams Oshiomhole introduced after he got re-elected. Till the day of the poll, teachers kept reminding themselves of the need to vote against Fayemi. It was even alleged that they took oath over the matter. The same applied to council workers who felt they were being humiliated by the government. There is this slang among them ‘remember Sunkanmi, the Boko Haram’. Sunkanmi is the consultant allegedly given the job of fishing out late comers in the 16 local government areas of the state for an alleged fee of N500,000 monthly per local government. Till election day, just like the teachers, council workers exchanged text messages to remind themselves of the need to vote ‘wisely’.

BREAKDOWN BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT Local Govt Emure LG Oye LG Ikere LG Ilejemeje LG Efon LG Ikole LG Ekiti South West LG Ijero LG Irepodun/Ifelodun LG Ekiti East LG Moba LG Ise/Orun LG Gboyin LG Ekiti West LG Ido/Osi LG Ado LG TOTAL

APC 4,332 10,176 7,989 3,336 3,422 8,804 6,746 9,348 6,834 8,584 7,994 5,809 8,138 7,860 7,134 13,927 120,433

LP 1,527 512 585 165 358 1,259 1,413 1,554 3,555 762 1,000 600 714 884 2,065 18,135

PDP 7,086 11,200 16,197 3,670 5,335 14,238 11,038 13,814 13,038 12,498 8,878 10,136 11,046 10,702 13,045 41,169 203,090

second term dream dicted that the election is going to be a three-horse race between Fayemi, Fayose and Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele of the Labour Party (LP) but the result of the election proved many wrong. It showed that the contest was strictly between Fayose and Fayemi, considering Bamidele’s poor performance in the election. The Labour Party candidate polled just 18, 135 votes, which is about five per cent of the total 341,655 valid votes. Prior to last the governorship election, Fayose during the campaign boasted that just as he did to the then AD in 2003, so he would do again against the APC in the June 21 election. He also said that he will defeat Fayemi the way he defeated his godfather, Adebayo, during the 2003 election. True to his words, the PDP candidate did not only win in Adebayo’s council, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, which is also Fayoye’s, and Fayemi’s local government, Oye Local Government Area; he defeated the incumbent governor in all the 16 councils in the state with a wide margin. Without any iota of doubt, Fayose with the outcome of the governorship election result had proved to be a jinx

breaker considering how he made mockery of the power of incumbency in the state. He has also set another record in the politics of the state and Nigeria at large as the only person to have beaten incumbent governors successfully on two occasions.

Adebayo

Putting APC on the defensive With allegation of being prone to instigating violence trailing because of past events, Fayose pulled a surprise by ensuring his followers eschew violence while campaigning. In fact, he was always insisting at rallies that nobody should fight any opponent on his behalf and that he would personally hand over any errant supporters to law enforcement agents. As luck would have it, most of the initial violent clashes were between APC and LP supporters. It got to a point that APC state chairman, Chief Jide Awe, openly said his party members were being attacked from an unexpected angle, the LP. In his comment, which was at a press parley, he absolved Fayose of any blame. And going by incidents of the killings in Omuo, Emure and Erijiyan, all under APC regime, attempts to accuse Fayose and PDP of violence did not stick. Wrong use of media Agreed that the various means of communication (media) are necessary and useful in politicians’ bids to sell themselves to the electorate, but a wrong use of the media could be counter-productive. The local television and radio stations were wrongly used (in most instances) to abuse opponents which led to some voters seeing the affected politicians as being persecuted and thereby switching allegiance to them. The situation also led to Fayose refusing to partake in debates slated for candidates by different groups. Some factors that made PDP win Management of post-party primary crisis The party’s ability to manage the crisis that followed the conduct of its primary was a great factor. The party

did not fall apart as some people anticipated and most of the gladiators stayed and supported the party. Adeyeye, who became the leader of the SOCO caucus in the party, stayed put with his supporters and his ministerial appointment geared the group to work hard for the party and its candidate in the poll. The PDP as a platform While there is no doubt that Fayose is popular in the state, the platform on which he contested also played a role. When Fayose defected to the LP and contested the senatorial election on its platform, he lost as some of his supporters did not follow him to the LP. The PDP is the party in control at the federal level and President Jonathan and other PDP leaders were very impressed with the mega rally held on June 7 and thereafter promised assistance for Fayose. They did that and it helped the party to win. Fayose’s personality Fayose is not only popular, but his approach to governance is populist in nature. When he was in office, he took governance to the grassroots and that endeared him to many people, even though some criticised his not adhering to protocols occasionally. Divine factor It would be eight years after leaving office when Fayose is inaugurated on October 16 this year. His wife, Feyisetan, had predicted that her husband would be back as the governor of the state. Given the controversy that surrounded his ouster from office, the many labels given him by different people and groups, the manner he was supported by many people in the state is still baffling. One is tempted to see ‘the hand of God’ in this matter.

Fayemi: I’ve fought a good fight On Sunday, June 22, Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, delivered a Concession Speech titled: “If This Is the Will of the People” following the June 21 gubernatorial elections in which he lost his re-election bid to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate In o kun o Ekiti kete. esterday (Saturday), Ekiti State decided. Following the gubernatorial elections held in the land of honour, Ekiti State, Nigeria, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially returned the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the election. If indeed this is the will of the Ekiti people, I stand in deference to your will. If the result of the elections is an expression of the voice of our people, we must all heed your voice. I have just spoken with my brother, Mr. Peter Ayodele Fayose, congratulating him on his victory. In a few hours from now, I would be meeting the Governor-elect to discuss the future of our dear state and how we would work together to institute a smooth transition programme. It has been a hard fought election. As expected, in the course of the campaigns, there were unsavoury episodes as the candidates toured the nooks and crannies of the state to sell ourselves to the people. Elections tend to be highly divisive affairs that often see brother

rising against brother. Despite our diverse party affiliations, and regardless of which way we voted on Saturday, we must remember that we are all sons and daughters of Ekiti State. Ekiti is ours to build together. On our part, over the course of the campaigns, we presented our scorecards before the people of Ekiti State. We never at any point took your support for granted. We campaigned, we canvassed and we traversed the nooks and crannies of this state. Our performance and achievements in office will remain the backdrop against which the next government and indeed future governments will be assessed. We are proud that with the support of Ekiti people, we have raised the bar of excellence in governance. In all, we gave our best, for conscience and for posterity. Indeed a new sociology of the Ekiti people may have evolved. However, the task of understanding how the outcome of this election has defined us as a people will be that of scholars. For us as an administration and a cadre of political leaders in Ekiti State, we have fought a good fight, we have kept faith. To members of our party, our campaign team and indeed all Ekiti people who defied the siege on our state to cast their votes for our party, I salute your exemplary courage and doggedness in the face of harassment. Thank you for staying the course. The incidences of brazen harassment, intimidation and allied infractions on fundamental human rights, which many of you suffered in the hands of agents of the state, would be documented and communicated to the appropriate authorities, for the records. I thank you all for listening. May God bless the land of honour, Ekiti State, Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

16 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

On the trail of Aregbesola’s campaigns The Ile Ife, Osogbo and Ikire ecstatic campaign crowd have established the massive support Governor Rauf Aregbesola enjoys across Osun. The colour, content and messages that have attended the campaigns so far have shown nothing other than how a people appreciate the turnaround of the state by a peoplefocused government, writes ADEKUNLE OWOLABI of the Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor The journey to the Source, Ile Ife The return of the mythical Oranmiyan to Ile Ife, considered as the source of all Yoruba could not have been a strange thing given the well-known Yoruba mythology. Perhaps, this was what made the flag off of the re-election campaigns of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, popularly seen as symbol of the Oranmiyan phenomenon to be somewhat an electrifying event that would be memorable for a long time to come. Some called it a political fun-fare. Some said it was in celebration of a political figure who symbolises the new thinking and perspective in political reordering. Whatever you chose to call it, the Ife Federal Constituency re-election campaign of Aregbesola brought the Ooni Okunade Sijuwade’s Ile Ife to a standstill on Tuesday May 27, 2014. The carnival that attended the entry of Ogbeni as he is popularly called has given his supporters the confidence to say that what looks like the only challenge to his re-election, Senator Iyiola Omisore, who hails from the ancient city is really no match for the governor. The whole town was agog. From the main entry point through the popular Lagere Road down to Enuwa, the palace of His Royal Majesty Oba Okunade Sijuwade, people poured into the street in thousands to welcome the campaign train of the governor. For close to six hours, Ile-Ife stood still for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate. The first point of call was the palace where Aregbesola was received and regaled in a grand manner typical of the demonstration of Ooni’s majesty. The significance of Aregbesola’s straight journey to the palace was not lost on the people. The monarch’s Iwure (royal blessing) and endorsement that followed put paid to all insinuations that given the fact that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate is of the Ife stock, the royal father might be tempted to blindly throw his weight behind him. But not only did the Ooni pray for Aregbesola, his words were believed to be profound enough attestation to the royal support he is poised to offer to the governor, whose sterling performance he affirmed. In his remark, the first class monarch said election is not a do-or-die but only a civil exercise to choose those whom the people want to lead them. In a passionate prayerful mood that appears to have jolted the opposition, the influential royal father had said in Yoruba, “Olorun to fi e s’ibe ko de ni mu e kuro” (meaning God that enthroned you will ensure your continuity in office). He also said: “All you have been doing are not for yourself or for your people.

Governor Aregbesola addressing the crowd at the Ila Orangun rally

You are striving for the good of the entire Yoruba race, for the country. God will always be with you.” Ooni said he had called a meeting of all politicians in the town and cautioned them to conduct themselves in the peaceful manner devoid of bloodshed. The monarch commended Aregbesola for his numerous achievements in all sectors of governance. “As royal father to all, I can only tell the politicians to conduct themselves in the accepted manner and play according to the electoral rules. Election is just a routine through which people elect those they want to rule them. “Therefore, election is not synonymous with bloodshed. This is why I cautioned all politicians to eschew violence before, during and after the election,” Ooni said. Armed with the royal blessing, Aregbesola’s campaign train left the palace snaking through the city on its way to the campaign ground at the Ile Ife Technical School playground. Expectedly, commercial activities came to an end; traffic movement slowly wound to a halt. Left, right and centre, people radiated happiness as they saw a leader, who, for close to four years now, has busied himself with how his people would live better and qualitative lives different from the lives of hopelessness they had been subjected to in the years past. At the campaign ground, speaker after speaker x-rayed the performance of Aregbesola, which they said is uncommon, unrivalled and unarguably unassailable at the moment. In what has become characteristic of his campaigns, Aregbesola undoubtedly stirred the crowd by simply telling them what his administration had done since his assumption of office. According to the governor, seeking reelection is to perfect the establishment of genuine and credible leadership that only aims at delivery of service to the people in the state. He said though electoral fraudsters stole his mandate in 2007, the shenanigans of that year would not happen again in the history of Osun politics. Aregbesola also remembered the 12 innocent people, who were killed in their bid to prevent rigging in their constituencies, saying never again would violence against the people be allowed in any part of Osun. His emphasis against violence was understandable. Not only were members of his party killed in 2007, no fewer than another six were brutally murdered on the eve of the National Assembly election in 2011. For a man who hinges his bid for sec-

the state.”

We believe, and are of the opinion that power is responsibility. But PDP believes that power has no responsibility. That is the difference between the two of us ond term on his scorecard for the first opportunity to serve, Aregbesola reeled out his administration’s achievements in the Ife Federal Constituency thus: “We have touched lives in all facets of human endeavour. In the constituency, we have constructed more the 50 kilometre of intra-city roads; built six new schools, several boreholes, distributed 1, 473 pieces of Opon Imo tablets to high school students. “This is in addition to ensuring adequate security by providing necessary equipment to security agencies, provision of health care facilities as well as monthly welfare package for vulnerable elders under the Agba Osun Scheme. “All these we have done and are doing. While we want a second term is to consolidate on all these achievements as well as lay down a solid foundation for credible governance,”Aregbesola said. The ‘Serubawon’ Factor The intimidating crowd in Ife seems to have sent signals to many quarters. From then, the wave of defections to the APC has increased. While many are still believed to be on their way perfecting their defection strategies, former governor of the state, Senator Isiaka Adeleke formally boosted the rank of the APC with his defection on Saturday May 31, when he led thousands of his supporters to the party. Adeleke was given a grand reception in the state capital, Osogbo. Addressing the gathering at the popular Nelson Mandela Freedom Square, Osogbo, Adeleke said he dumped the PDP because he does not want a mediocre to take over from a performing governor so as to avoid dragging the hand of the clock of progress backward. Adeleke said: “I am happy to be with the progressives. I was a governor under Social Democratic Party (SDP), which was a progressive party. “I was involved in the struggle for the actualisation of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. I cannot work for a thug to become the next governor of

Campaigns or Dodo Ikire carnival? It was this streak that blazed down to Ikire on Tuesday June 3 when the campaign train berthed at Isokan/Ayedade/ Irewole Federal Constituency. As is the tradition, the governor first paid homage to the traditional ruler of the town, Akire of Ikire, His Royal Highness, Oba Olatunde Falabi, who commended the governor for what he described as a revolutionary touch in the state. Oba Falabi said the people did not need a soothsayer to tell them that the government of APC has brought huge development to the state in the past three and half years. Falabi would not see any need to change what he called a winning team in the affairs of Osun. “You have done very well in your first term. We did not need another person to tell us that. We can see the development with our very eyes. We can see the transformation of the state all around us. “In fact, you have been doing the job as if your life depends on it. With this achievement, your second term is guaranteed,” Akire said. While speaking, Aregbesola said his achievement in his first term in office will be dwarfed by that of second term if elected. The governor said they should expect more than the 88 boreholes which had been sunk in the federal constituency; 2,299 Opon Imo distributed to secondary schools in this axis and the beautification of Asejire to Gbongan on Ibadan-Ife Expressway. Aregbesola also listed five newly built ultra-modern school buildings; intra and inter road networks totalling 60 kilometres among other things in IsokanAyedaade-Irewole Federal constituency. His words: “We believe, and are of the opinion that power is responsibility. But PDP believes that power has no responsibility. That is the difference between the two of us. “Our party rules with the aim of running a government that is beneficial to the people. We have the people’s welfare at heart. Whereas the PDP is selfish, greedy and avaricious, we do not resemble them.” Like in a carnival, Dodo Ikire, a popular delicacy made of mashed ripe plantain was served in excess to all that came for the campaign that day. Just as the people went hysterical with the campaigns, so they savoured the pleasure that had been part of the economic life CONTINUED ON PAGE 48

POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

We’ll continue to probe ministers –Akpatason Hon. Peter Akpatason is the former President of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and member representing Akoko Edo federal constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the House of Representatives. In this interview with CAJETAN MMUTA, he speaks on the activities of the lower chamber of the National Assembly, judiciary, corruption, democracy and other knotty issues. Excerpts: As a lawmaker, what would you say are some of the gains that have come with this democracy? It is very obvious that we have moved from military dictatorship to democratic leadership. In the course of that journey, we have seen tremendous improvement in the respect for human rights; we have seen greater involvement of Nigerians in the political systems. The process of constituting government in the various sectors is by elections, popular participation, involving those who want to vie. But, even, the voting populace are becoming more conscious of elections, while Nigerians are becoming more conscious about their rights and privileges. There is an improvement in our leaders in that area. In terms of impact in the democratic governance on the people, we have also seen something at the level of the constituencies. The representatives at the various levels are now concerned about what comes to the people they represent; benefits that the people can derive from the process. Budgets are put in place by a combination of elected and appointed government officials, people put into consideration the benefits of their people. There has been a lot of improvement; there is no way you compare the head of state in military uniform to a civilian president who is elected and is respon-

Akpatason

sible to the people. We have seen improvements in the area of accountability, people being responsible to the populace. As a result of that, the effects on the quantity and quality of infrastructure is increasing. But we still have a very long way to go, because over the years, even during this political dispensation, the amount of impunity, the amount of civil dictatorship was also very high. With the emergence of strong opposition, we are seeing some changes again. Today, people have the option of choosing between parties. In the past, it was like a one-party system. One-party system is close to military dictatorship. But when there is competition, and there are options to choose from, then the situation begins to change from a proximity to military dictatorship to a more democratic system. I think that is a recent development. The tendency to carry the people along, to factor the polity into what the people want becomes higher, b e cause at this point i n t i m e, unlike in the past, where a leader in a county can just anoint someone for elective position and you are sure that that leader will win. People were so arrogant in the past t o

say that the moment you win primaries, you are sure of victory at the polls. But today, things are totally different. The masses were totally relegated. But in this present dispensation, Nigerians have become much more important because you need them to win elections. Even the master-riggers know that without connecting with the people, you can’t even win; because the people are ready to defend their votes. The people are so conscious that no one will sit somewhere and anoint a candidate that is not their choice. For me, that is a major attraction. Why is it that legislators seem to have their hands tied in the fight against corruption? I was going to talk about the role of the judiciary in this democratic dispensation. I am going to talk about the cases we have raised. I am also going to talk about how the judiciary has been able to guarantee justice, and protect the rights of the people; for people to know their rights there is need for us to have a very robust judiciary. We have seen landmark judgements that tended to assure and reassure Nigerians about the sustainability of the democratic process. There have been landmark judgements that tended to discourage things that were below the expectations of the Nigerian people. We begin to see that when the judiciary is properly made independent, bereft of corrupt elements, Nigerians will be more confident of the democratic system. Talking about the legislative arm of government, in curbing corruption and impunity, I must tell you here that the power of legislative arm of government in Nigeria to curb corruption is grossly limited. Many people think there are no laws in Nigeria until I got to the parliament. I never knew that virtually in every aspect of our lives, there are laws. Some might be up to date, some not up-to-date. But there is hardly any area where you don’t have them. But unfortunately, the main issue is implementation. And who is in position to sanction when people violate laws? The legislative arm of government doesn’t seem to have that power of sanction. We are churning out laws, we are reviewing old ones, we are strengthening the legal aspects of the anti-corruption agencies. But then, a situation where you don’t have sufficient budgetary allocation, the legislative arm of government is not in a position to propose budgets for any agency of government. Sometimes they come with the budget proposal and we amend the proposal. Then a minister will go on air and say that it has been reduced beyond proportion, that we have manipulated it. But the role of the legi s l at ive arm of gover n-

ment is to appropriate. And in the course of appropriation, people expect, especially the executive arm of government, that when they come with a proposal, we rubber-stamp and take it back to them. If we don’t rubber-stamp as they brought it, they say you have manipulated. They have access to the press, they have access to the people and people begin to think that it is wrong for us to do our job. That is the area where we need to further sensitise our people and we are trying to do that as much as possible. We have got laws; we will continue to review laws. But the actual laws lie in sensitizing our people about the true nature of our duty at the National Assembly. It has been alleged that the House of Representatives spends more time on an annual basis inviting members of the executive to appear before the House to either defend or explain something. Is there no other way the legislature can get needed information aside wasting time asking these people to appear? If you use the word ‘waste of time’, then I will be totally disappointed. You don’t use that word because that is the propaganda of a certain arm of government. They must sit up and do their job. If they don’t do their job, we will invite them more and more. We will continue to invite them to appear before the House. The constitution gives us that right to do so. You are asking what we are doing about this impunity, and on the other hand you are querying why we are doing what we are doing. Isn’t that contradictory? People are appointed as ministers and commissioners, and they think that they own the funds. They use the money the way they like, and when we ask questions people say why are we inviting them? Do they have any other job than to listen to the Nigerian people, and the representatives of the Nigerian people? I don’t think that we have taken too much of their time. If they do what is right, we will not invite them. Whenever they do what is not right, we will continue to invite them. The question you should ask yourself is: have we had some positive outcomes? Have we not thrown up some revelations that are producing results in this country? We have invited ministers and it was discovered that they spent money they didn’t have the power to spend. Some of them were removed, others were too powerful to be removed. Are they more powerful than the legislative arm of government? When I say they are too powerful, you should know that in this country, all fingers are equal, but some are more equal than others. You have a situation whereby, you commit the same offence, certain people are kicked out and certain others will remain, with impunity, and nothing happens. That is what I am talking about.

People are appointed as ministers and commissioners, and they think that they own the funds. They use the money the way they like, and when we ask questions people say why are we inviting them? MORE STORIES ON PAGES 40-44

ARTS

LITERATURE

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

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“Literature is the most agreeable way of ignoring life.” ― Fernando Pessoa

TONY OKUYEME

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Principles, practice for winning life’s battles Title: Conquering Your Enemy Author: Kayode Salako Publisher: Success Insight Network, Lagos Pages: 108 Price: Not Stated Reviewer: Elijah Samuel

onquering Your Enemy is an attempt by Kayode Salako to offer biblical principles as a way out of the getting out of the entanglement that has persistently beset man in his effort to overcome the battles of life. The book, published by Success Insight Network, has the espoused principles needed to conquer the enemy. It is laid out in 13 chapters spanning 108 pages. Salako is a servant of God who has dedicated much of his time to the depth study of God’s word with the goal of unraveling the mysteries therein, for the benefits of the human kind. In the first chapter, titled Understanding the Power of Purpose, Salako begins his exposition on strategy needed to conquer the enemy with an emphatic note that unless and until an individual discovers God’s purpose for the individual’s sojourn in this terrestrial plain, one will be walking outside God’s ordained will. For this, the knowledge, dependence and appreciation of God’s omnipotence become a prelude to achieving whatever envisioned breakthrough in life. Titled Courage for Conquest, chapter two enacts the fact that even if greatness and success have been promised, one should anticipate and be ready to surmount such accompanying challenges unfold and never quake. The garb of courage needs to be worn as this surely assures strength through the challenges of life. Chapter three underscores the importance of believing in one self, and admonishes never to quiver under the weight of negativism or pessimism. According to the author, one should realize that God has predestined success and victory for those He has called no matter the challenge of the moment. Thus, one keeps on keeping on until the fulfillment of God’s purpose is earned. In chapter four, the author shows that no matter how protracted and difficult a situation is, there is always a way of escape. Although, according to Salako, there is God’s way and there is man’s way; man’s way often leads to failure, regret, frustration and destruction. But God’s way leads to the rest, peace, safety and fulfillment one can ever crave for in life. The author however recommends that spiritual sensitivity and boldness in enquiring from God are very paramount characteristics to accessing God’s way of escape. The fifth chapter is used by Salako to

Having an encounter with God and being in His presence is likened to a platform which should be longed for by anyone who desires enviable height in life espouse that having a feast with the King of kings affords one to access great benefits which may not have been possible at other times. In other words, having an encounter with God and being in His presence is likened to a platform which should be longed for by anyone who desires enviable height in life.

Overcoming the vicissitudes and storms of life may be an impossible task without inviting God into the situation. Thus, the author shows in chapter six the imperative of provoking diving help. He goes on to show that life is a battle field, the implication of which means that everyone sojourning here has strong forces that are up in arms and waging virulent attacks against destinies. Thus, higher power that will assist one to triumph over these forces of darkness is needed. In chapter seven, the author goes further to show that winning life battle begins with recognising the covenant of divine help which is made possible by God. Citing applicable scriptures, the author shows that it is the lack of the knowledge of the covenant of divine help that has made overcoming the enemy impossible. Salako however states that to enjoy di-

Elle’s cocktail recipe book for launch

lle’s Icebox will formally be launching its cocktail recipe book on August 1, 2014. The “Cocktail Guide” compilation by its CEO, Chizoba Okpala, will feature a selection of cocktail recipes to serve as a guide for beginners at home and future mixologists. The author Chizoba, says, “This book is a first of its kind cocktail literature and will be a great addition to the bar of budding cocktail enthusi-

asts and people who love to throw a good party- who doesn’t love a good cocktail.” From the amateur home bartender to the seasoned cocktail mixologist, this book offers new recipes to try out. The book will also serve as one of the learning materials for future mixologists who attend the Elle’s Icebox Training School which will formally open in September, 2014.

vine help of God in time of trouble, one need to recognize the offices of pastors and prophets that He (God) provided for His people; being obedient to them and believing every true word of God from their mouths. In chapters eight, nine and ten, Salako points out that actual calling, total reliance on and sincere seeking of God alone are the essential tonic needed during the trials and battles of life. Interestingly, chapter eleven is used by the author to advocate that cultivating the power of hospitality as a weapon guarantees victory over the vagaries of life. He anchors his assertion on the Old Testament examples. While showing that hospitality is a command from God Salako says that it takes obedience to actually activate the potency and benefits of this command. In chapter twelve, the essence of mentorship in the process of attaining victory and success in the midst of life’s challenges is emphasised. Citing Mordecai/Esther and Elijah/Elisha examples, the author shows that regardless of one’s endowment and attainment in life, mentoring should be acknowledged, and submission should be accorded whoever God may place in position to mentor one in order to fulfill life’s goals and purpose. To appropriate the intrinsic benefits of mentoring, the author posits that being spiritually-inclined, obedient and humble are prerequisites. The place of praise in winning the battle against the enemy, according to Salako in the last chapter, cannot be underestimated. He avers that praise is a potent weapon that can be used to move God into action for one’s maximum advantage. Apart from the accruable gains of engaging in praise, it should be done to affirm the supremacy of God over all beings.

Son of My Age Oladipo Kehinde I am a poet The son of my age I have seen the future I am growing with poetry I am a giving tree With fruits in my hands I wear the perfume of season I love the upland sun And the homecoming ancient rain I am a poet I have tasted the honey Of the clouds The aroma of sweet words And play the strings of my heart and learn the lyrics Of the happiness river I am a poet The son of age I have seen the future Rising with the sun With the eyes of my heart

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WEDNESday, JUNE 25, 2014

How not to fight corruption

he Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke recently withdrew the N446.3bn theft charges instituted against Mohammed Abacha, a son of former Head of State, late General Sani Abacha. The Federal Government in February this year accused Abacha of unlawfully receiving about N446.3bn allegedly stolen from government’s coffers between 1995 and 1998. But Adoke, acting for the Federal Government, last Wednesday, asked Justice Mamman Kolo of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to strike out the charges on the grounds of “fresh facts” that just emerged concerning the case. It is important to note that efforts to arraign Abacha on two previous occasions were unsuccessful because of his repeated absence from court. But he was present in court last Wednesday when the private prosecuting counsel, Mr. Daniel Enwelum informed the court of Adoke’s instruction to discontinue the case. Applying for the withdrawal of the case, Enwelum said, “I have been instructed by the AGF and Minister of Justice to withdraw the charges as presently filed before this court, because there are fresh facts and documents avail-

able to him. In this circumstance, he instructed me to file a notice of withdrawal without prejudice to future cause of action to be taken by his (AGF’s) office. In the light of that, I have filed a notice of withdrawal dated June 17, 2014. I humbly apply to withdraw the charges accordingly.” Abacha’s lawyer, Abdullahi Haruna, did not oppose the application for withdrawal. Justice Kolo subsequently, in a ruling on the application, made an order striking out the charges against the accused person. In the now struck-off ninecount charge, the Federal Government had accused Abacha of “dishonestly receiving stolen property” and “voluntarily assisting in concealing money”. The charge replaced a previous one of 121 counts, in which Mohammed was charged along with Atiku Bagudu. The government has now excluded Bagudu from the fresh charge, leaving only Mohammed. According to the new charge, marked CR.2124/2008, the stolen money allegedly received by Abacha, which he was accused of concealing included 141,100,000 and $384,353,000 made up of cash and travellers cheques. This is certainly how not to fight corruption especially in Nigeria, because it creates the impression that corruption is

welcome. Increasingly, the body language of the present administration suggests that corruption is no longer a big issue in Nigeria. From the controversy over purchase of bullet proof cars by the Aviation Ministry, the alleged disappearance of $20 million from NNPC’s coffers, several corruption cases appear to have been swept under the carpet. For instance, investigations into the activities of the petroleum resources ministry have stalled while Ekit governor-elect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose who was being investigated for alleged corruption charges was not only fielded as PDP candidate, he has now been declared winner in the Ekiti gubernatorial election, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has quickly announced suspension of the case sighting the immunity clause even when he is yet to be sworn into office. Should the EFCC not have been in the forefront of legally challenging his legibility to contest? The obvious message is that corruption is permissible in Nigeria if one has the right connections. The administration is creating the impression that there are two sets of laws in the country, one for the rich and the other for the poor. When the poor steal, they are imprisoned with hard labour, but the rich not only get a

pat on the back but are told to go and enjoy their loot. This unethical behavior has made us butt of jokes in the world, earning Nigerians scorn, disdain, disrespect and contempt. No wonder, Nigeria has been classified as a country of anything is possible. Corruption remains a major cause of underdevelopment and stagnation, as it stalls growth and development, kills the innate capacity of the people, makes poverty and unemployment widespread and ensures backwardness. That corruption exists in very high places is merely stating the obvious. Corruption has now become a vicious cycle what late Afro- beat exponent, Fela, called paddy-paddy government; looting with style, stealing and protecting the interests of rogues and pen robbers. No wonder both EFCC and ICPC have been rendered functionally impotent. Both anti-corruption agencies have become toothless bull dogs that keep barking but lack the capacity to bite when it matters. They are used to harass and intimidate perceived enemies of the government, and this is not how to fight corruption. The uncomfortable truth is that if we do not fight corruption properly, it will turn around to fight us in a devastating way sooner than later. The ominous signs are already here. 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 25, 2014

OPINION Governor Kayode Fayemi, a fine democrat Prince M. Arayuwa Wilkie

he Ekiti State Gubernatorial election which took place on last Saturday, has been fought, won and lost by the three major contestants of the APC, PDP and the Labour Party (LP). Some 732,166 registered voters were estimated to participate in the election to choose a candidate of their choice who would be governor to pilot the affairs of Ekiti State for another four years. The State has 177 electoral wards with 2,195 polling units across 16 local government areas. Let me state, for the purpose of clarity, that the authentic result as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) clearly revealed that Peter Ayodele Fayose of the PDP won with 203,090 votes; His Excellency, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi (APC), the incumbent governor, placed second with 120,433 votes while Michael Opeyemi Bamidele of the Labour Party had 18,135 votes. Other numerous political parties and their candidates were mainly political jobbers when compared with the aforementioned three gladiatorial contestants. Their votes were therefore not relevant in the circumstances because they were simply busybody candidates who intended to upgrade their respective curriculum vitae in politics. Fayose holds the singular record of defeating his governorship opponents. He floored Niyi Adbayo of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 2003 and again Fayemi in last Saturday’s election. From all indications, Fayose is blessed with the political master stroke to rubbish incumbency factors. As far as he is concerned, he is competent to win any elective post in Ekiti State. It is quite obvious that the said election result came as a complete negation of the forecasts of corporate organizations and the Nigerian press, most especially, the print media. I should stress that the purpose of this piece is to anchor it on Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, who is gentle to the core in view of the roles he had played during and after the governorship election of his state. His Excellency, who was born on February 9, 1965, is a native of Isan-Ekiti in Oye Local Government Area of the State.

He holds a PhD in Civil-Military Relations from King’s College, University of London. Prior to this period, he had graduated from his first and Masters Degrees in History, Politics and International Relations from the Universities of Lagos and Obafemi Awolowo, Ille-Ife respectively. Armed with these intimidating credentials, Dr. Fayemi has worked within and without Nigeria in various capacities including lectureship. According to Peter Ayodele Fayose, the Governorelect of Ekiti State, Fayemi was influenced to come home from abroad to contest the governorship of his State but unfortunately, he lost. However, he became Ekiti governor via the special grace of the courts and re-run election against Engr. Segun Oni of the PDP. Precisely, he was sworn in on October 16, 2010 as governor whose four-year tenure would expire in 2014. Preparatory to the just-concluded governorship election, John Kayode Fayemi rolled-out his programme of action which included education and human capital development, gender empowerment, affordable health-care system and infrastructural development. On the whole, the governor had an eight-point agenda, which further included participatory governance and accountability, better productivity, creation of intellectual bank for policy formulation and implementation. Throughout the campaign period, he covered all the nooks and crannies of the state preaching the political gospel of his electoral manifesto and if voted for, he would continue to give a face-lift to the state in terms of concrete development. But, as far as Ekiti people were concerned, most of his programmes were too utopian and academic to comprehend. Rather, the result has shown that they preferred Ayodele Fayose with lesser qualification to lead them as governor. It is in my view to that the latter is seen as a seasoned grassroots politician unlike Governor Fayemi who belongs to the academia. I find it difficult to comprehend how Ekiti State which constitutes the intellectual hallmark of the South West and by extension, Nigeria, would prefer the governor-elect to a fine scholar who ought to have continued in office as governor. In spite of all the excellent academic credentials of Dr. John Kayode Fayemi who was also a chieftain of NADECO, it is unbelievable that he could be treated as

if he did not perform at all. Well, Ekiti people have made their preferred choice and they have spoken. The beauty of the Ekiti governorship election result is the countenance of the governor himself. He was cool, calculated, undisturbed and resolute in his acceptance of the INEC result, which has made him lose his governorship job and thrown into the unemployment market. Fayemi acknowledged the fact that the voting was free, fair and peaceful all over the state as against some political pundits and predictors that Ekiti would become a warfront on June 21, 2014, the day of the election. Fayose and Bamidele equally whispered almost same comments. In the unique political spirit of a good sportsmanship, Fayemi congratulated Fayose, who beat him hands-down in all the 16 local government areas of the state. He stressed that he even called the governor-elect and discussed with him on how they can put in place a transition committee that would herald the assumption of duty of Chief Peter Ayodele Fayose as Governor of Ekiti, a state which breeds professors. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele who came third in the election equally followedup and congratulated the governor-elect. I am of the opinion that the position taken by the governor may not go down well with his party’s leadership and the noise makers of the APC. I wonder if the party’s maximum leader, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu will accept to let Ekiti go without court actions to ensure that the status quo is maintained. I am not even in a position to gauge the mindset of Chief John Oyegun, the newly elected National Chairman of the APC. I equally doubt if Lai Mohammed, the APC National Publicity secretary will not make some reactionary statements about rigging against the PDP. The bottom line is the fact that Fayemi, a resounding democrat and scholar has set the pace in Ekiti State, Nigeria, and it is roundly advisable that the Nigerian contestants for public offices should borrow a leaf from him. This is the first of its kind in contemporary Nigerian politics. I wish my dear Fayemi the best of luck in all his future endeavours and to congratulate Ayo Fayose, the governor-elect of the Land of Honour. • Prince Mike Arayuwa Wilkie (uwa1950@yahoo.com), 08023097251

Alhaji Aare Azeez Arisekola Taiye Ayorinde

are Arisekola Alao a man born to be great. Aare Arisekola the man who was born to move with Kings and Dine with serves until he was raised by his maker to be kingmaker. I was not there when he was born; but I think that God heard him when it was his turn to make request from papa God. Probably what he asked for was to be blessed with enough resources so that he could bless others. If we have to postulate the on what he ask papa God for, I dare say that Aare Arisekola Alao asked for knowledge and wisdom whilst on earth. In the book of Jeremiah Chapter one in the bible, God said to Jeremiah “Before you were formed in your mother’s womb, I knew you” so also God had already decreed…like the postulation that I made that God gave wealth to Arisekola as additional gift. Equally Azeez Arisekola Alao received the gift of the gab and brain. He

took his own education by the strides until he got to the position of commanding posture as a self educated man. Aare Arisekola utilized his wealth in a way that affirms the saying that the “giver never lacks.” He would spend and spend until he was spent. Among the agreements he made with God (as I think) was that he would feed the down-trodden with his wealth. The evidence of this claim was that you will find people every FRIDAY at his place. You will see hundreds of head taking cues to be blessed with food and money. The case heightened on any festive period – Ileya, Ramadan, Eid- El –Moulud, New Year, Christmas and Easter was never excluded. Aare Azeez Arisekola Alao will be remembered for his oversized generosity. Those who relate with him very well will know that though he was a confirmed Muslim of note, he would not forget his relatives that were Christians. For those who care to know, they can go to Christ Anglican Church, Mapo. He helped in sta-

bilizing quarrels in some other churches and had made good and reasonable donations in the service of God. When my father the Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief John Adeyemi Ayorinde died – Azeez showed himself as a relative per excellence. Aare Arisekola did not miss any of the NINE days that the ceremony lasted. He was very prominent in the church service. So also was his presence and participation at the church during the burial ceremony of Otun Iyalode of Ibadanland Chief Mrs. Aduke Vaughan, the founder of Omolewa Primary and Secondary School. In short he lived a life of ardent follower of the commandment of God “Love your fellow men as yourself” For those who knew him well they dared not go into Christian Religion argument with him. In the same breath he was a revered Muslim throughout the length and breadth of Nigeria – AARE MUSLUMI – being the Aare (Generalisimo) of all the Muslims in Yorubaland. He was NOT a Muslim fanatic and he

would NOT be in favour/support of any fanatic – Christian or a Muslim. If I have the power like what Jesus did for Lazarus, I would say Aare Azeez Arisekola – wake up and come forth because you have an unfinished job to do for Ibadan, Oyo State and Nigeria in general. But, who are we to blame God for allowing his demise now? If it would need money to stop his death…there is enough of it. If it would be prayers from both Christians and Muslims to stop him going to higher glory Nigeria, Oyo State and most especially Ibadan, have millions of them ready to beg God. But sorry to say that God has planted a timer in each and every one of us. No matter how much we try, or how hard we pray and fast for God not to take him away once the time is up for man to go…he has no choice. God time is no man’s time. Good night Arisekola Alao…Good night the man of the people. • Elder (Dr.) Taiye Ayorinde is Bale of Ekotedo

CAMPUS

OAU students defy order to vacate }p-28 campus

EDUCATION

Bayelsa }p-22 disburses $1m, N200m for scholarships

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/education

KAYODE OLANREWAJU, Editor, EDUCATION

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

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

INSECURITY

Several prospective corps members especially from the southern part of the country are afraid of being posted to the north for the compulsory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme following the rising wave of insecurity.

‘How Boko Haram redeployed me to Lagos’

Victoria Ewoh

corps member has narrated how, the fear of Boko Haram, as people say, “is the beginning of wisdom,” has made her to seek redeployment to Lagos from the north, going by the spate of insecurity especially in some parts of the federation, in which many lives and property worth several billions of naira have been lost. Face with this fear, Yinka Bamidele, a graduate of Microbiology from Bowen University, Osun State, recounted how she had to redeploy from the north to Lagos State for her compulsory one year National Youth Service Commission (NYSC) scheme. Following the insurgency and insecurity in the Northern part of the country, many would-be corps members and their parents have vowed not to accept any posting to the North East part of the country. “Most corps members will rather not serve at all than go to the north,” Bamidele, who was initially posted to the north for her youth service corps, said. According to him, she had to seek redeployment to Lagos because of the insurgency in the northern part of the country. It will be recalled how some corps members posted to the north from the Southern part of the country were killed by the Boko Haram members during their service year in 2009. “Seeking redeployment was my only option, other options were life threatening and the North is not safe,” she said. Bamidele, who lives Ikotun, a suburb of Lagos and undertakes her primary assignment at Ikotun Local Government Council, as a Laboratory Assistant in the Science Laboratory, is happy for being paid extra N5,000 by the council monthly. The corps member said she was excited doing what she is doing at her place of her primary assignment, where she runs blood tests, documents information on patients’ state of health. Still on her redeployment to Lagos, she said: "I often wondered why corps members should be posted to a place where there is insecurity. I

Corps members

cannot go to the north to server because I don't want to die now. There are too many killings and the government is now providing answers to people’s safety in the face of rising wave of insecurity. No parent, if they have their way would allow their children or wards to serve in the north because the place is unsafe." “Most of my friends and classmates also redeployed to other states because I am so sure that nobody wants to die after spending so much time in the university.” Bamidele, who is currently learning how to make small chops snacks in order to train interested members of the community, said: “I am learning this because I want to train others how to make a living out of making small chops snacks. “Though, I am paying to learn how to do this, when I am through with learning, I am going to train the people in the community free. I want to equip them with skills that will enable them to be self-employed instead of living an idled life. This will be my service to the community,” she said. Bamidele is not alone in this predicament. Several other prospective corps members, especially from the southern part of the country, dread being posted to the northern part of the coun-

Bamidele

try for the one-year National Youth Service Corps for the fear of being killed or maimed by the Boko Haram Islamic sect. In the last few years, many parents have continued to express disenchantment whenever their children are posted to the north, because of the high level of insecurity in that part of the country. Going by the rising cases of insecurity in the country and following the killing of some corps members in Jos in 2009,

and in Bauchi in 2011, the call for the scrapping of the 41-yearold NYSC programme was heightened by some stakeholders who argued that the scheme had over lived its relevance. During the post-election violence that erupted in Bauchi in 2011, no fewer than 11 corps members from the South were killed during the upheaval, while several others serving in the state were either raped or assaulted. The killing of the corps

members in 2009 and 2011 had not only been condemned, it had also been described as barbaric, even as the relevance of the scheme was challenged by stakeholders. Some stakeholders said: “It is barbaric and primitive acts like the killing of corps members that make us, and indeed, most Nigerians, question the relevance of the NYSC in its present form. When we recall some of the hideous and intolerable treatment meted to corps members in their supposed host states and communities, we are being forced to question why the scheme should still be retained in its current format. “When we try to quantify what it takes a Nigerian youth to pass through the stormy educational sector, we see no excuse to have them sent to places where they are martyred through frivolous guises and reasons. We know the pains and anxieties parents pass through to see their children and wards through schools. We also know the enormous resources involved in training a child through school and we cannot reconcile this with the cheap and reckless manner lives of these promising youths are wasted just because they are forced to partake in a scheme that has, from all intents, outlived its usefulness. Mr. Bada Adelanwa, who expressed worry over the 2009 and 2011 killing of corps members in some parts of the northern states, said if the government failed to provide adequate security in the country, he would not allow his children or wards to participate in the one-year programme. “We must bear in mind that the brutal killing of some corps members in the violence that erupted in Jos in 2009 over the conduct of council elections in Plateau State. We must also bear in mind that there have been several cases of heartless mauling of serving youth corps members in some states, especially in the North and these have stretched the patience of those that are merely tolerating this scheme that makes very scant effort to protect Nigerian youths from all manners of man-made hazard during their period of service,” he said.

22 EDUCATION

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Bayelsa disburses $1m, N200m for scholarships Joe Ezuma

Port Harcourt

he Bayelsa State Government has released $1 million and N200 million to the State Scholarship Board for disbursement as state government scholarship to students who are the state origin studying in the United Kingdom. Governor Seriake Dickson, who disclosed this in Yenagoa, the state capital, said the funds were in fulfillment of his administration’s pledge to the students during his interactive session with them in London. Dickson, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fulfill its scholarship obligations to Bayelsans in different parts of the world, noted with satisfaction, the exemplary conduct of the UK-based students, whom he described as the pride of the state. He explained that, despite the dwindling finances of the

Gov. Dickson

government, it will continue to make regular disbursement to the students, while urging them to take their studies seriously in order to justify government’s huge financial investment on them. According to him, his administration will continue to make massive investments in

the education sector, because of the manpower requirement of the state and the pivotal role education plays in the overall development of human being. The governor restated government’s preparedness to fulfill an earlier promise to pay the bursaries to Bayelsa students in higher institutions of learning in the country, stating that the disbursement will commence by the end of this month. In his remarks, the Chairman of the State Scholarships Board, Evangelist Foster Ogola praised the Governor Dickson-led administration for fulfilling its promise to the students, noting that it will go a long way in boosting the morale of the students. He assured the governor and the people of the state that the government’s N200 million and $1 million investment in the students’ education will be judiciously disbursed to the students, who are at various universities in the United Kingdom.

Chibok Girls: Don to launch book on effective policing Mojeed Alabi

owards achieving sustainable peace as a requisite for socio-economic growth and national development, a Professor of Counselling and Criminal Justice at the Department of Guidance and Counselling, University of Ibadan (UI), Oyesoji Aremu is set to launch a book. The book, titled: “Policing and Terrorism: Challenges and Issues in Intelligence,” according to the writer, is aimed at contributing to effective policing and security measures in the country, and the African continent in general. The book, the don said is in fulfillment of the basic responsibilities of university lecturers which he said include teaching, research and community service, adding that the book, scheduled for launch at the university’s Conference Centre on June 26, is in commemoration of his golden jubilee birthday anniversary. The book launch, which is expected to have the Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola as special guest, will be chaired by the Chief Adebayo Akande, while the Dean of Faculty of Arts, and University Orator, Prof. Remi Raji will be the book reviewer. Aremu, who described the continued abduction of the students of Government Girls’ Secondary Schools, Chibok, Borno State, as a direct attack on the country, criticised the country’s intelligence gathering capacity and counter terrorism strategies, while insisting that the 375,000 policemen in the country was grossly inadequate. He lamented that until the

Aremu

country realises the relevance and importance of state policing, the country may continue to face the insurgency challenge and various other forms of criminal activities. He said: “Except we face the reality of the importance of state police, there is no evidence that Nigeria is set to tackle insurgency. In most nations of the world, state police is in vogue because those to be recruited into the state police will not only understand the psychology and culture of the people, they will also understand the terrain. “And if anyone is afraid of the governors using the policemen to fight their course, then we are making serious mistakes because even as the situation stands now, are governors not funding the police? Don’t they influence them? We must face these realities if truly we are to overcome our challenges and grant our people adequate protection.”

Osinbajo, Alade to speak at Covenant varsity lecture Mojeed Alabi Cross section of Youth Independent Coalition (YIC), during their 2013/2014 graduation ceremony/prize presentation to the first set of empowered youths in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

Unionist seeks pragmatic intervention on school girls’ abduction

s the Presidential Committee on missing Chibok girls finally submits its report to the Federal Government, a member of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Lagos State University (LASU) chapter, Mrs. Arinola Abass, is seeking a more proactive approach to free the abducted Chibok school girls. She said the Federal Government and opposition parties should stop their bickering and deploy more pragmatic action in ensuring the urgent release of the missing girls. The submission of report of its findings by the Committee to the government, last week, has put an end to speculation in some quarters

whether the girls were actually abducted or not. Abass, in a statement, said as a mother, parent and a true Nigerian, she had come up with a campaign since the abduction of the innocent girls that the Abubakar Shekauled Boko Haram terrorists should release the school girls unconditionally and without further delay. She said: "I feel for these girls because the government has not done enough to facilitate their release. Were it to be the daughters of the President, or any of the Senators, members of the House of Representatives or any of those in government, will it take them this long to facilitate their re-

lease? "These girls have been in the den of lions for over two months, we don't need stories that four of them have been found or not, what we want is that all of them must be released unconditionally and without further delay. “The buck passing between the Federal Government and the main opposition party, All Peoples Congress (APC) must stop. We don't need all these." She argued that it was time the Federal Government and the oppositions work together in the interest of the pupils, their parents and the nation’s security integrity to bring the activities of the insurgents to an end.

he former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) and the former Acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Sarah Alade, are two of the eminent Nigerians expected to deliver the ninth convocation lecture of the Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State. The ceremony, which is billed to hold between June 25 and June 29, will tomorrow feature Osinbajo delivering the

Covenant VC, Prof. Chalse

convocation lecture with the theme: “Repositioning Nigerian Universities for the 21st Century: Paradigms for Innovation and Change,” while Alade will present the keynote address on Friday during the awards of First and Higher Degrees, and presentation of prizes to graduating students. Alade is expected to speak on “Rethinking the Concept of National Transformation: the Role of Higher Education Institutions.” The five-day ceremony, according to a release by the Public Affairs Section of the institution, will commence with a special convocation assembly, today and will be immediately followed by an exhibition to showcase some of the university’s innovations by the university’s research and development platform. According to the release, the Chancellor’s Special Assembly/Release of ninth Batch of Eagles ceremony, alumni investiture and presentation of plaques will take place on Saturday, June 28, and will be rounded off on Sunday with a special thanksgiving service at the university chapel.

EDUCATION

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Jang restates commitment to lift education

Joe Ezuma

Port Harcourt

he Federal Government has spoken of plans to establish a girls' secondary school in Ogu community in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, in order to boost girl-child education in the area. The Supervising Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, who disclosed this, said the Federal Government’s decision was a response to the state government’s attitude towards fulfilling its promise of building a mega secondary school in the area, before it demolished the only existing school that was built in 1973 in the area. Wike explained that the model school is part of the federal government’s project geared towards improving girlchild education in the state, while he accused the administration of Governor Rotimi Amaechi of demolishing the existing school. The Minister, who was in Ogu on a visit to the paramount ruler of the area, Eze Nicholas Ibiebele Nimenibo IX, Amanyanabo of Ogu, regretted that it was wrong for the state government to have demolished the Ogu Government Secondary School which

Musa Pam Jos

L-R: Media Consultant, African Refugee Foundation, Mr. Wole Adediran; Foundation's Director, Mr. Jimi Olusola; Consultant, Mr. Tony Uranta and Honorary Presidet of the foundation, Chief Mrs. Opral Benson during a media briefing to disclose AREF's readiness to partner NYSC on Peace Advocacy

Wike to establish girls’ school in Ogu community has produced people like Senator George Sekibo, Mr. Evans Bipi among others since 2008, without building the mega school it earlier promised. The minister said: “Amaechi promised to build a mega school in Ogu. He demolished the existing school in 2008. When he heard that I was com-

ing here today he rushed to lay a foundation stone of seven blocks of building. We will do everything possible to make sure that Ogu community is given a befitting school that it deserves. “If the state government could demolish your school in 2008, six years after they are

now rushing down here to lay a foundation stone of the school promised since then, how will they complete the school in the next nine months that they have left to spend in office?” Wike was accompanied to Ogu by Senator Sekibo, Prince Uche Secondus, Dr. Abiye Sekibo and Bipi among others.

Mimiko counsels students on vices l As 3,634 fresh students take matric oath

A cross-section of the matriculating students.

Kayode Olanrewaju

ome 3,634 fresh students admitted into the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, for the 2013/2014 academic session, have been counseled by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Femi Mimiko to shun vices capable of truncating their education and future. Represented by his Deputy, Prof. Rotimi Ajayi, the ViceChancellor, who warned the students that the university had zero tolerance to acts capable of disrupting the stability of the institution, said: “Let me make it abundantly clear that Adekunle Ajasin University has zero tolerance for so-

cial vices.” He urged that the students, having taken the university’s matriculation oath, to abide by the oath of allegiance by eschewing all forms of social vices including cultism, examination misconduct, truancy, drug addiction, indiscipline, rape, murder, prostitution, indecent dressing, kidnapping and all other forms of violence, saying such could bring their education to abrupt end. The Vice-Chancellor noted: “This university is governed by laws and the instrumentality of the law shall be applied at any moment of infraction. I sincerely advise you to guard your admission jealously, by resisting anything that could

rob you of this golden privilege to study in this great university.” While congratulating the matriculating students on their admission into the university, the Vice-Chancellor, however, declared that of the 18,019 candidates that applied for admission into the university, only 3,634 successful candidates were admitted purely on merit. According Mimiko, the university’s merit-driven admission policy was a deliberate effort by his administration to make the Ivory Tower globally competitive in the 21st Century. He added: “It is an initiative geared toward producing confident, self-reliant and well-

rounded graduates who could compete favourably with their contemporaries anywhere in the world and who would be the pride to the country.” He urged the new students to surrender themselves for discipline and training the university is prepared to instill in them in the next four or five years in order to mould their lives. Meanwhile, Mimiko, who reiterated that the institution had been noted for its stable academic calendar in the last five years, said “Adekunle Ajasin University remains a beacon of hope as we vigorously strive to give the highest standard and quality education to the students and to graduate

arring last minute change of mind, Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State is set to uplift the standard of education in the state, and to position Plateau State as the best in the Northern states. The governor restated the his administration’s commitment in Jos, the state capital, while inspecting the school project at Government Secondary School (GSS), Zagun in Bassa Local Government Area of the state While inspecting the projects, he said: “I am happy to see the level and quality of the work at the school, which was not as good as a primary school standard before, but now it is in the standard of secondary school, which I attended in my school days. "Unfortunately, the standard of education had fallen in the state before I assumed office as the governor of the state, but my administration swung to action by re-building the primary and secondary schools to meet up to the standard in order to restore quality to the education system.” them at a record time.” “As a result of the philosophy of the government-led by our amiable and education loving Governor Olusegun Mimiko, the Visitor to the university, that no child drops out of school on account of inability to pay school fees, the university charges the least fees in the country and has a student work study scheme to support indigent students and to teach dignity of labour,” he said. He, however, advised the students to have the right attitude of hard work towards their studies in order to achieve academic excellence and abide by all rules and regulations of the university as handed over to them during the orientation programme. While urging students of the university to at all times observe personal security measures, as well as stay clear of trouble and cooperate with the security personnel, the ViceChancellor pledged the readiness of the institution to put in place relevant machineries that would guarantee security of lives and property on campus. His words: “However, I want to use this medium to appeal to you to observe personal security. Do not go to unsafe locations within and outside the campus and avoid nocturnal movements. Do not embark on frivolous travels and avoid the company of people with suspicious and questionable character. Whenever you are under threat by anybody or group of people, do not hesitate to contact the university Security Unit or the Students’ Affairs Division, which will be ready to act promptly.” While administering the matriculation oath on the students, the university Registrar, Mr. Bamidele Olotu, also warned them of those acts that could bring the name of the university into disrepute.

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Ondo sets up scholarship trust fund for PGD students Babatope Okeowo Akure

etter days awaits prospective postgraduate students of Ondo State origin, as the state government has unfolded plans to establish Scholarship Trust Fund (STF) to take care of the scholarship needs of the postgraduate students in tertiary institutions in the country. The Chairman of the State Scholarship Board, Mr. Dayo Awude, who disclosed this, said the scheme had become necessary since the state’s present bursary and scholarship schemes did not take care of the postgraduate students. This development came on the heels of the National Association of Ondo State Students, (NAOSS) push for the upward review of the bursary and scholarship grants to students of the state origin. NAOSS President and Senate President, Messrs Awodele Afolayan and Israel Fagbemigun said the N10,000 and N50,000 given by the government was grossly inadequate considering the economic realities in the country. According to them, the N10,000 given as bursary is not enough to buy educational and research materials. Afolayan, who explained that many universities in the country had increased their school fees, while the cost of living had also gone beyond the reach of common men, pleaded with the government to lessen the burden of their parents by increasing the bursary and scholarship grants to the students. However, the Chairman of the Board said the govern-

ment had increased the scholarship and bursary grants to students, stressing that the government is still opened to discussion in order to alleviate the suffering of students of the state origin in tertiary institutions. This, Awude noted necessitated the setting up of the Scholarship Trust Fund, which would pool funds from private, public and international institutions and disburse same as needed by the students. According to him, the state government would collaborate with private sector for the postgraduate scholarship scheme so that all indigenes of the state would be able to benefit from the scheme. Meanwhile, he hinted that the state would organ-

ise education fair early next year, where tertiary institutions within and outside the country would display their potentials to the indigenes of the state. Through the fair, Awude said the students would be able to know the scholarship opportunities available to them and how to tap into them instead of relying solely on government for their scholarship needs. The Chairman said: “The state government has completed payment of last year scholarship grants in which 197 institutions were beneficiaries. In that year, the sum of N396 million was spent by the government on the schemes. This year's applications have also been completed and the board has

he former Dean of Students’ Affairs, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, and Yeye Oge of Lagos, Chief Opral Benson, has revealed that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), it helped to develop has failed to fulfill the mandate of its establishment. Benson, who said she was a member of the committee that worked on the mandate of the scheme while at UNILAG in the ‘70s, said the primary motive was to enhance inter-cultural relations and to preach peace among the Nigerian people at the grassroots through the youth, whom she said, were still full of life. However, Benson said the moment the scheme’s mobilisation strategies became manipulated, and the posting of corps members to their

begun the verification exercise in order to ascertain the genuineness of the forms obtained.” He added that the students who qualified for either the scholarship or bursary award would be paid before the end of the year.

L-R: CEO, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Michael Ikpoki; Director, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Olayinka Bello presenting a laptop to the winner of MTN’s schools debate competition, Master Daniel Nweneka of Government Senior College, Ikoyi, while the MTN's Customer Relations Executive, Ms. Ugonwa Nwoye and Human Resources Executive, Mrs. Aminat Oyagbola look on. at the closing ceremony of the 2014 edition of MTN 21 Days of Y’ello Care themed, “Education in a Digital World”, which held at MTN office in Falomo.

NYSC has lost focus, says Benson, ex-UNILAG dean Mojeed Alabi

Gov. Mimiko

places of primary assignment were no longer following their fields of training and areas of interest, the motive became defeated. The former university administrator and socialite, who addressed a press briefing as part of activities marking this year’s annual Refugee Day, said the scheme should be revitalised to serve as the channel of preaching peace among Nigerians. The President of the African Refugee Foundation, however, added that pet projects of the corps members should focus extensively on the significance of the nation’s unity. She said AREF would partner NYSC to introduce some programmes that would focus on educational, cultural and peace advocacy to complement the efforts of the government at all levels in entrenching peaceful atmosphere in the

country. She said: “It is unfortunate that AREF created some initiatives such as the Peace Education for West African Communities (PEWAC) and Corps of Mediators, Peace Makers and Promoters of a Culture of Peace Training (COMPACT), which were successfully initiated, but which the government rejected or refused to endorse when we contacted them. “Now, we believe the NYSC should be able to serve the purpose of implementing this idea by adopting the initiative for corps members’ pet projects. Because they are youth and relate very well with the grassroots, they should be able to convey these messages to the people in a more practical manner. This is the purpose of the scheme and it should be restructured to fulfill the mandate.”

FG injects N6bn to Rivers' education sector Joe Ezuma

Port Harcourt

he Federal Government says it has in the past few years injected over N6 billion into Rivers State education sector towards improving the standard of education in the state. This is even as government has decided to construct a new federal polytechnic in Bonny Local Government Area of the state to enhance access of the people to sound education. Supervising Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, who revealed this in Bolo community in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area during his visit to some schools in the rural areas, said that the fund had been released over time for various educational development projects in the state. While echoing the importance of high standard education in the development of any country, Wike said the on-going federal government’s interventionist programme was aimed at ensuring that every Nigerian irrespective of social class was given unhindered access to good education. Wike disclosed that it was on this basis that the federal government injected some funds into improving the standard of tertiary institutions, not only in Rivers State, but also across all states of the federation. The Minister reiterated the federal government’s resolve to intervene in the education sector in order to improve the living standard of the people, even as he listed some of the federal government’s intervention projects in Rivers to include the N1.5 billion grant to the Ignatius Ajuru University. He said: “Through the ministry the federal government released N500 million, and another N1billion, while in Kpopropeteghe school the government released another N500 million.

FUT, Minna produces 82 first class graduates Emeldah Ogene Abuja

t was a dream come true for no fewer than 82 graduating students of the Federal Unniversity of Technology (FUT), Minna, Niger State, as they bagged First Class Division at the combined 21st, 22nd, and 23rd convocation of the university. Giving further break down of the results, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Musbau Akanji said 1,533 students came out with Second Class Upper; 3,000 students in Second Class Lower Division; 1,563 with Third Class, while 216 students obtained Pass. He said a total of 7,482 graduating students received their scrolls at the combined graduation ceremony. Akanji, who gave the breakdown at the main campus of the institution in Gidan Kwano, while addressing the congregation, however noted that 6,394 students were awarded first

degree, while 576 students Master’s degrees, 45 Doctor of Philosophy and 467 Post Graduate Diplomas. While acknowledging that the university had recorded several landmark achievements in the last one and half years of his administration, the Vice-Chancellor announced to the excitement of the students, their parents and other guests that the graduating students would collect their certificates at the ceremony. Besides, Akanji added that the students’ transcripts would be processed and released within two weeks of the receipt of officially completed applications. “The university has entered the consciousness of the global academic community, and for the first time been rated among the best 100 universities in Africa, in which it ranked 65th in the latest ranking by one of the foremost university ranking agencies in the world.”

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Dominic Adewole Asaba

etermined to assuage the students' fear in Mathematics, especially among secondary school students in Delta State, a Commissioner on the board of the Delta State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Mr. Michael Diden, has initiated a competition for the pupils. Tagged: “Ejele Mathematics Quiz Competition,” the competition, according to him, was designed for pupils in senior secondary school (SSI-III) across the state. At the maiden edition of the quiz, which took place at Sapele, the headquarters of Sapele Local Government Area of the state, Diden declared that the competition was instituted in honour and remembrance of the former Federal Minister of Finance, late Festus OkotieEboh. Some of the participating schools included Okpe Grammar School, Excellence School of Science and Technology, both in Sapele, and International High School. The winners of the compe-

Commissioner institutes maths quiz to enhance learning tition went home with various prizes including laptops, I-pads, school bags, and note books as well as cash prizes for the teachers. At the final stage of the competition, in which three pupils represented each of the schools, two pupils of Okpe Grammar School emerged the overall winners, while the pupils of Excellence School came second, and pupils of International High School emerged as second runner up. Apart from the winners, other participants at the finale stage went home with consolation prizes. Diden, who described the competition as “a legacy of restoration”, said part of the objectives of the competition was to groom students in Mathematics, which he described as, “the first subject on earth that is very important to the study of sciencerelated disciplines.” He added that the competition, which was in honour of

the late Okotie-Eboh, is aimed at setting Sapele and Delta in the world map of Mathematics, even as he maintained that “since the death of the former Minister, little or nothing has been heard about the town (Sapele).” He said: “Charity begins at home. In the past we had a minister, the late Festus OkotieEboh, who came from Sapele. And from that time till now, we have not had any other from this community. I decided to institute this competition for people who believe in education to compete favourably with their counterparts within and outside the state. The aim is to put Sapele in the world map again as it was in the good old days.” The Commissioner, representing Itsekiri in the Commission, called for the establishment of well-equipped technical and vocational skills acquisition centres in all local government areas of the state. According to the DESOPADEC chief, such centres

should be adequately funded by the Federal Government with a view to providing free training for the youths in the state in diverse fields of technical and vocational education. Diden urged the leaders to show more commitment towards the empowerment of the youth beyond the rhetoric of electioneering campaign and lip-service that have become the order of the day in the country, especially among the politically class. “The youth want legitimate means of income and if given the opportunity will contribute to the course of national development,” he said, stressing that the competition would be sustained as a yearly event from the local to the national levels for the promotion of mathematics in schools. He, however, warned the students to shun all forms of act that are capable of denting the image of the state, and the country at large.

Elizade, South African varsities to collaborate on exchange programme

L-R: Hillhouse, Lulu and the Dean, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Prof. Olatunji Oyelana during the visit of the Ambassador to the university.

Kayode Olanrewaju

he management of the Elizade University, IlaraMokin, Ondo State has concluded plans that will facilitate student exchange programme between the university and top universities in South Africa. The plan is part of moves by the private university to enhance the standard of tuition and the quality of graduates to be produced by the institution. The South African Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Lulu Mnguni Lulu disclosed this during his visit to Ilara-Mokin, main campus of the university. The Diplomat, who expressed delight over the level of develop-

ment at the private university, said what he saw on ground has further rekindled his hope that Africa is on the rise. Lulu, while inspecting some of the projects carried out by the students, hinted that their parents should expect all-round men and women who have been equipped with technical skills and not only textbook skills when the students graduate from the university. The Diplomat, who was led on the facility tour of the campus by a South African Professor and Head of Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Gregory Hillhouse, said the presence of Prof. Hillhouse, his country man and other highly rated academics from other de-

veloped countries of the world as members of staff of the university is an indication that the institution is determined to bring education of international standard to the country. While lauding the practical orientation instituted by the university, Lulu declared that education must be relevant to the needs of the people, even as he priased the students for their creativity and zeal for innovation. According to the South African Head of Mission in Nigeria, the qualifications of the faculty members and the quality of the facilities at the university are what Nigeria needs as a country to groom future leaders that would bring its development

and growth to the fore. He praised the founder of the university, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo for investing his hardearned resources towards improving the quality of education in the country, while calling on well-meaning Nigerians to take a cue from the proprietor by identifying areas where they could be relevant to the quest of the country for development. In his remarks, the ViceChancellor of the university, Prof. Valentine Aletor, stressed the determination of the institution to be a model in the country, saying the university was working to ensure that its graduates learn how to use their heads and hands before graduation.

UNIOSUN, UI VCs mourn Arisekola-Alao

Late Arisekola-Alao

he management, Staff and students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) have commiserated with the family of late Alhaji Azeez Arisekola Alao, the government and people of Oyo State over the death of Alhaji Azeez Arisekola Alao, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland. Expressing the university’s condolence, the Vice-Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adekunle Bashiru Okesina, on behalf of the Senate, management, staff and students of the university, said: “I commiserate with the family of late Alhaji Azeez Arisekola Alao, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland over the death of Alhaji Azeez Arisekola Alao. “His death is not only a rude shock to the university community but a great loss to Nigeria’s industrial and education sectors." Describing his death as a great loss, he added that the late business guru invested greatly in education, particularly in terms of endowments in several Nigerian universities, donations to several private tertiary institutions, scholarships for indigent students in various tertiary institutions and establishment of the cheapest private international school in Ibadan. While praying that may Almighty Allah grant him Aljannah Fidaous, the Vice-Chancellor recalled that prior to his death, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland had pledged to invest donated an entrepreneurship centre complex to the university. In a related development, the Vice-Chancellor of University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole has described the death of Alhaji Arisekola as sad and loss of colossus and a gem. The Vice-Chancellor, who led other key officers of the university on a condolence visit to the family of the deceased, said he worked for a smooth and ideal society. Adewole said the late Arisekola, a UI benefactor has touched many people in different facets of life, religion, politics, business, education, socials and so on In a statement by the university's Director of Public Communication, Mr. Olatunji Oladejo, said: "This death brings to mind the positive impact he made in the lives of all who crossed his path.” It added: “He was gracious and amiable. The aura left no one in doubt that he was a leader in every way. A repertoire of Yoruba history and development, he left his indelible footprints on the sand of time. We will keep his dreams and ideals."

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Washington fellows: US varsities to train Nigerian students Mojeed Alabi

Participants at the competition

UNICAL VC harps on adequate implementation Appolos Christian

niversity of Calabar (UNICAL) Vice-Chancellor, Prof. James Epoke has urged the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) to ensure adequate implementation of the system. He recalled the previous integrated payroll and personal system earlier introduced had failed due to inadequate implementation. The Vice-Chancellor made the call in his welcome address at a three-day workshop organised by GIFMIS at the university's AFRIHUB budget training room. Epoke, who wondered that

the various policies introduced by the Federal Government to curb unethical financial practices in the system had failed, added that with proper implementation, Nigerians stands to benefit from the new system. Highlighting the relevance of the system, the Vice-Chancellor said the system aimed at putting financial records right in the departments, ministries and agencies, will also strengthen governance, accountability and reduce complications which have been the bane of financial prudence in the country. Epoke, who declared that the introduction of the system was a welcome development,

given the peculiar situation of UNICAL, however insisted that its implementation in the institution will address the discrepancies that normally arise in the payroll unit as a result of poor documentation and improper records keeping. According to the resource person at the workshop, Mr. Badejo Tolutope, GIFMIS is an IT base solution for financial management and accounting system introduced by the Federal Government to improve public expenditure management processes, enhance greater accountability in its ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). Badejo enumerated the objectives of the system to in-

clude the ability of the Federal Government to undertake central control and monitoring of expenditure and receipts in the MDAs, increasing the ability to access information on financial and operational performance, increase internal controls, prevent and detect potential and actual fraud in the system. Others objectives of the system are to improve medium-term planning through a medium-term expenditure framework (MFEF), improve the ability to understand the cost of activities and tasks, and also increase the ability to demonstrate accountability and transparency to the public and cooperating partners.

Centre initiates ‘School On Air’ programme Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

aced by the dearth of teachers and declining quality of teaching in primary and secondary schools, especially in rural communities of Oyo State, and the urgent need to remedy the trend, an educationist, Mr Muyiwa Bamgbose, has introduced the “School On Air (SOA)” project. School On Air, a free teaching initiative on satellite television through decoder transmission, according to Bamgbose, proprietor of the Educational Advancement Centre in Ibadan, was conceived to reduce failure in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). Inaugurating the initiative, he hinted that it is a means by which children in rural communities could have access to enhanced learning, by providing solutions to quality learning where there is shortage of teachers in schools. According to him, the project will serve as an alternative to teachers as it covers all subject areas, with instructors dishing out details of each subject in simplistic manner that all average students could comprehend. Bamgbose said: “The School On Air is a free teaching initiative on satellite television produced in Nigeria for Africa. It is aimed at assisting the over one million candidates who fail the SSCE examination yearly.”

L-R: Bamigbose explaining the workings of the "School on Air" project to the teachers of Ido Community and High School, all in Ibadan. INSET: Introduction of school on Air to Oyo secondary schools.

He explained that the e-class initiative was introduced when the organisation discovered that dearth of teachers was becoming a major threat to improved education standard, as well as the declining performance of pupils in external examinations. He said: “One of the challenges facing quality education delivery in the country is shortage of teachers. Even when the teachers are available, some of the pupils would not want to go to schools in the rural communities. Hence, the idea is to use few teachers to teach and impact knowledge on pupils across the country at the same time. It is to encour-

age good teachers-to-pupils ratio in the country since the lessons have been compiled in a simple, interactive manner for all categories of pupils to understand.” Though, he noted that the modules are currently packaged for the senior secondary schools (SS I to III), Bamgbose assured stakeholders that the programme would soon cover the primary and secondary school curriculum. Apart from teacher-student disparity, Bamgbose noted that the programme is also useful in communities where attendance at conventional classrooms or school is difficult or impossible in the face of inse-

curity. Through the initiative, he stressed that as government at ward level, community leaders and parents could procure the dish and decoder for their children to gain access to the lessons, which run according to a pre-defined timetable. While launching the 'SchoolOn-Air' programme at the United Christian High School, the Transition Committee Chairman of Ido Council Area of the state, Professor Joseph Olowofela, explained that "the concept is a revolution that can help make access to education easier and more attractive to students through the use of satellite television broadcast."

ome Nigerian youths, who are part of the 500 Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, have arrived at the various universities in the United States for the commencement of the programme, aimed at building leadership qualities Africa’s future leaders. The programme, which is the flagship of President Barack Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), is aimed at empowering 500 Africa’s most promising young leaders through academic coursework at United States colleges and universities on leadership training, networking, and professional opportunities. According to the American Government, the Washington Fellowship is a key component of President Obama’s commitment to invest in the future of Africa. A statement by the government said: “The White House developed this initiative in recognition of the critical and increasing role that young Africans are playing in strengthening democratic institutions, spurring economic growth, and enhancing peace and security in Africa. Over the next six weeks, the Washington Fellows will be hosted by colleges and universities that have generously matched the U.S. Government funding commitment to this initiative. “On campus, Fellows will participate in academic and leadership institutes in one of three areas including business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management. All Fellows will convene in Washington D.C. for a three-day presidential summit, where they will engage in a Town Hall event with President Obama. One hundred of the 500 Fellows will remain in the United States for professional fellowships at U.S. businesses, non-governmental organisations, and governmental offices. Upon returning to their home countries, the fellows will engage in networking sessions and have access to seed funding and professional development opportunities.” It was reported that over 49,000 candidates from Sub-Saharan Africa between the ages of 25 and 35 applied for the programme, making the selection highly competitive. “Of the 500 selected youths, 50 per cent are women, represent all the 49 countries in SubSaharan Africa,” the statement said.

Obama

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Institute of Bankers lauds UNICAL management Appolos Christian

Members of ENACTUS Club of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic in a group photograph with participants of the empowerment seminar.

Club empowers community at seminar Dayo Ojerinde

embers of the Entrepreneurship Action in Us (ENACTUS) Club of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, have organised free empowerment seminar for the people of Emure-Ile community, one of the host communities of the polytechnic. The seminar was held at the Community Grammar School, Emure-Ile, which is a few minute-drive away from the polytechnic. No fewer than 40 mem-

bers of the community were trained on how to produce detergents and other allied products, as well as strategies to market their produce and how to produce them in large scales. The community members were trained on how to make liquid dish wash which was tagged ‘Rejuvenate and sparkle your kitchen utensils’, Disinfectant tagged ‘Kills germs’, Toilet wash ‘Restore your toilet hygiene’ and Active bleach ‘Get rid-off stain from white cloth’. On the rationale behind the

seminar, Joseph Adebowale, the ENACTUS team leader, said: “We have a passion that if adequately harnessed could inspire others to act. We discovered innovations that will make people live a healthier life by enhancing their source of income towards a livelihood if properly harnessed. We discovered a problem at Emure-Ile community and we offered to provide solution on how to solve it. We targeted the people of this community that live below one dollar per day and we decided that the best way to empower their

men and women is to train them on what will help the community and boost their livelihood." Also the ENACTUS Faculty Adviser, Mr. Akintan Akinyemi, said that considering the relevant economic, social and environmental factors, the seminar would go a long way to improve the quality and standard of living of the people, especially participants at the seminar, whom the club effectively empowered using entrepreneurial approach to improve their quality of life and standard of living."

Senate Committee on Education hails FUTA

he Senate Committee on Education has applauded the management of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) over what it described as the university’s sterling efforts at promoting academic excellence and nurturing a new generation of technologically savvy Nigerians through its well-grounded academic programmes. The committee Chairman, Senator Uche Chuckwumerije, who was represented by Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, stated this during a working visit to the institution as part of the committee’s oversight function. The team, which had Senator Emmanuel Agwariavwodo and the Clerk, Mr. Felix Orumwense, said it was also very proud of the numerous national and international achievements and laurels garnered by the institution, saying: “FUTA is a pride to Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole.” Responding on behalf of the team shortly after the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Adebiyi Daramola, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Adedayo Fasakin

L-R: Fasakin, Senator Bagudu, Senator Agwariavwodo and Dr. Modupe Ajayi during the visit to the institution.

presented an overview of the university, its achievements, challenges and future projections, Bagudu expressed satisfaction with the institution’s achievements in upholding the standard of education and for keeping faith with its motto: “Technology for SelfReliance”. Meanwhile, the management solicited allocation of

more funds to the university to solve its pressing problems in order to enhance the delivery of its mandate of teaching, research and community development. Bagudu, who acknowledged the numerous challenges facing education in the country, commended the university for its giant strides, saying FUTA should be supported

to do more for its numerous stakeholders. The legislator, who stressed that quality education at all levels of education had become imperative in the country for national development, pledged that the Committee would continue to support the institution’s efforts aimed at improving the quality of education in the country.

he Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has expressed satisfaction over the level of development at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), as the institute restated its resolve to work owards the transformation of the institution. The institute, which lauded the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. James Epoke, during a courtesy visit to the Vice- Chancellor in his office, said in view of the developmental achievement, it would partner with the management in order to move the university to the next level. The Chairman and President of the institute, Mr. Segun Aina, who led the institute’s team on the visit hinted that CIBN is looking beyond the presence towards a better and brighter future for prospective bankers, adding that while the university concentrates on providing training in the theoretical aspect of banking, the institute was poised to come up with some form of training that would impact the students with practical banking skills. He noted that the CIBN is working towards ensuring that a professional training programme is incorporated into the university’s curriculum, stressing that this will offer additional qualification apart from the M.Sc Degrees. According to him, this programme will put the students of the institution on edge over their contemporaries who after graduation might be required to do additional professional course(s) or programme. Meanwhile, the President extended an invitation the university to attend a training workshop to be organised by CIBN, which is expected to be hosted by the National Universities Commission (NUC) at the Abuja NUC headquarters. He added that the workshop would be a forum for seasoned bankers to rub minds together with a view to moving the banking sector to the next level. Responding, the Vice-Chancellor thanked the CIBN President and his team for the visit and for its kind gesture for the university’s participation at the proposed workshop. Epoke assured his visitors of the university’s readiness to partner with the institute and any other organisations in order to churn out excellent graduates, even as he noted that every detail in the CIBN’s proposal for the required changes would be carefully studied. The Vice-Chancellor urged all other professional bodies to take a cue from the CIBN, saying this will enhance confidence in the quality of graduates produced by the universities.

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Sanctity of Truth

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OAU students defy order to vacate campus l Presidential aide to visit institution

The students during the protest

Oluwafemi Ogunjobi and Lanre Oyedeji OAU

he students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, last week, shocked the management and other stakeholders when they defied the university order to vacate the institution. The order to vacate the campus was given by the management, led by the ViceChancellor, prof. Bamitale Omole, following the students protest over the hike of their school fees. The students who had been resilient, vehemently opposed the increment of the fees payable by the fresh and returning students. Since the new fees regime

was announced a month ago, all have not been well with the university, as the increment has pitted the students who trooped to the streets in protest, against the university management. The management which it never occurred to that the students could sustain the tempo of their protest till last week when they locked up the university’s Senate Building, as well as other important offices and buildings such as the library, Computer Centre, and some lecture halls, ordered the forceful closure of the institution, but the students refused to vacate the campus. However, when last week, the students’ union leaders realised that their protracted protest against the new fees

regime had been rebuffed by the management, especially going by the media briefing addressed by the Vice-Chancellor, insisting on going ahead with the new fees, the students mobilised their colleagues who locked all offices and barricaded access roads on campus. One of the students who preferred anonymity told New Telegraph: “We pleaded with our Muslims brothers and sisters among us not to go to the Mosque for prayers, for them to pray on the main road as part of our protest. To effectively do this, we offered to supply them water for ablution. The welfare team of the students’ union set up cooking stands at the entrance of the building where we fried

snacks to feed the resilient students. Others were seen playing football, chess, and some acted drama.” When on Wednesday, the university management realised that it was incapable of curtailing what it described as the excesses of the students, it announced the immediate closure of the campus, asking the students to vacate their halls of residence latest by 12 noon on the following Thursday. Piqued by the action of the management, the students at a separate congresses warned that no student should leave or vacate the campus. “In fact, the student body issued a statement that whoever was found attempting to leave or vacate the campus would be seen and treated as a traitor. Motorcyclists, popular reffered to okada riders and other bus drivers plying the campus were prevented from working and immediately ordered to leave the campus. On the fateful Thursday morning, when the students were expected to vacate the campus as ordered by the management, the students rather than vacating the university stormed the university main gate where they locked the gate and barred the people from coming to the university. Also, the mobile policemen in three Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) and seven vans fully loaded drafted to the university on the order of the management to force the students out of the campus, were not allowed access to the university as the students resisted them from gaining entry into the campus. As part of moves to restore sanity into the university by forestalling further protest, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Osun State Com-

mand, convened a meeting of the university’s Students’ Union leaders with the police in Osogbo, the state capital, which the students turned down and insisted that the meeting should be held at a neutral venue - Ooni’s palace.

30 UK varsities for British Council exhibition

he British Council in Nigeria has revealed that more than 30 universities in the United Kingdom (UK) are expected to participate in the 2014 edition of its exhibition for Nigerian students willing to study for their postgraduate programmes in UK. The exhibition, which is billed to hold in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory on July 3, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, while that of Lagos, is slated for July 5, at the Grand Ballroom of the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island. According to the Council’s media officer, Mr. Omovie Desmond, the exhibition provides a platform for prospective students considering the international study option to meet one-on-one with representatives of the UK’s institutions and get direct advice on the opportunities available to them for study in the UK. He said: “Specifically, the objectives of the exhibition are to: showcase the wide range of opportunities and possibilities within the UK education system and also provide first-hand information to suitably qualified students who are interested in a UK educational qualification with a focus on Engineering, Computer Science, Business and Management Courses as well as Oil & Gas Sector.”

World Sickle Cell Day: Corps members sensitise Akure community Kemi Busari OAU

s part of activities marking this year’s World Sickle Cell Day, a corps member undertaking her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, Ifeoluwa Osundare, has mobilised her colleagues and some health officials in the council, to sensitise community members in the state capital against what she described as wrong perceptions about the persons living with sickle cell anaemia. The programme, which is part of Osundare’s community development initiatives, also featured free tests conducted for beneficiaries, which include HIV screening, diabetes screening, blood test, blood sugar level test, dental check-up and other basic health checks. The awareness programme was heralded by 10am with a health walk by corps members amidst singing and dancing, which ended at the Oja Oba Market in Akure, venue of the programme. Speaking on the nature of sickle cell, a Consultant Hema-

Some of the health workers attending to members of the community

tologist at the Ondo State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Osho Patrick said it was false that sickle cell patients die prematurely. He said: “Sickle cell can only be transferred through heredity. The hemoglobin in the blood of a sickle cell victim is weak and that is why we always advise them to go for medical checkup frequently. Drugs which contain folic acid

should be taken more constantly by them.” Speaking further, Osho lamented that the country has one of the highest rate of sickle cell occurrence in the world, saying in every four Nigerians, there is a sickle cell carrier, and that it could not be cured but only managed. He, therefore, urged the people to always ascertain their

genotype before getting married. Another health practitioner and an Assistant Chief Nursing Officer at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Mrs. Soetan Abimbola, also explained that a sickle cell patient can only function well in the society with necessary support from the people around them. She explained: “You need to

be watchful as parents if you have them. Dehydration is a factor that aggravates it so you need to give them water from time to time, they shouldn’t be left to excessive exercise, mosquitoes should be prevented from biting them, they should be kept warm always and more importantly, the environment where they live should be kept clean at all times. The more the attention given to them, the less the crises they face, and the more the chances of living a longer life.” At the Oja Oba Market screening exercise the turn-out was high, as people volunteered to know their health status. One of the sickle cell patients and 27year-old 400 Level student of the University of Jos, Azizat Gbadebo said she learnt about the programme through her frequent visits to the clinic. She said: “All the tests we were offered here today are quite good. As carriers of the SS genotype, we need to get tested often in order to keep maintaining ourselves. We should know our HIV status, blood sugar level and many others.”

INTERVIEW | EDUCATION 29

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Why postgraduate development still at low ebb, by JABU Dean

and lack of infrastructure in the university system for their training. Like I said earlier, these challenges are so numerous. How can university system train postgraduates when there is shortage of professors to train or supervise postgraduate students, or when there is shortage of trainable postgraduate students. These are the challenges facing the universities in production of doctoral students. Let us take a cursory look at the availability of infrastructure in the system. H o w many

Olubunmi Akinsanya Alo, is a Professor of Medical Sociology at the Department of Demography and Social Statistics at Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State. Alo, the Dean, School of Postgraduate of the private university founded by the Christ Apostolic Church (C.A.C), in this interview with Education Editor, KAYODE OLANREWAJU, speaks about the development of postgraduate programme in the nation’s university system, its challenges and how the programme could be improved. What is your assessment of the level of postgraduate development in the country? Well, the level of postgraduate development in Nigeria university system is still far from what we could say is adequate in terms of quality and quantity. Let me stress here that the base of research for community development is the postgraduate school, but all we see in the country today in our university system in terms of research and general mandate of postgraduate school is research for academic degree. But, to a large extent, this is unlike what obtains in Europe, America and other developed nations, where research is centred on their development. However, this is one major area where Joseph Ayo Babalola University is making a difference. As the first entrepreneurial university in Nigeria we are doing a good marriage between the town and the gown. We do not only engage our postgraduate trainees in research but research works that are tailored towards solution to problems in the society. We have realised from onset that research component that is not geared towards solution to the problem of the country or foster the town and gown needs should not be considered as community research that could take the country to its promised land. The National Universities Commission (NUC) few years ago issued a deadline for universities to ensure that the lecturers in the system acquire PhD. What has been the level of compliance? Let me start by saying that despite the NUC’s deadline, the level of compliance is still very low. There are many factors responsible for this. First and foremost, the National Universities Commission seems not to be very serious about this pronouncement, they do more of talking

than action. Secondly, there are some misfits in the university system; there are still those whose primary desire is to make money and who did not have genuine interest in academics. They are in academics and still engage in other businesses to make money. The precious time they ought to invest in research as one of the three core mandates of the university - teaching, research and community service - are used to pursue money. These set of lecturers are one leg in academics and the other leg outside. And indeed, this is not healthy for the system, if the university is to contribute significantly to national development. In a similar vein, it is unfortunate to add here that university system encourages a lot of insolence, especially among the members of academics. The rule is that when you come into the system as an assistant lecturer, within a stipulated time you must complete your Ph.D programme. Otherwise the system determines your appointment. How many universities have invoked this law? Some of the lecturers who taught me as an undergraduate still do not have Ph.D degree as I talk to you and they are not doing anything about it. Do not forget that not until recently some disciplines do not require a Ph.D to become a professor. Not until all the stakeholders in the system rise up to their responsibilities, it is going to be business as usual. Would you agree that the university system (public and private) has not been able to meet its postgraduate needs? Of course, I quite agree with you. One of the challenges confronting the university system today is that universities, either public or private have not been able to

Prof. Alo

One of the challenges confronting the university system today is that universities, either public or private have not been able to meet their postgraduate needs in the country meet their postgraduate needs in the country. This is part of the reasons for shortage of Ph.D holders in the country’s university system, and the low ebb of research development which is facing the nation. Some disciplines are particularly disadvantaged where qualified and willing applicants cannot be admitted because of shortage of manpower to train them. This is sometimes the case with Business Administration, Banking and Finance and Law among other disciplines in that category. The best hands in those areas often prefer private sector because of better remuneration. What then are the challenges inhibiting the production of postgraduates, especially PhD? There are numerous challenges which required urgent attention if that sector is to be developed. These include inadequacy of manpower to train postgraduate students, shortage of trainable postgraduate students, lack of fund for research work, non-sensitivity on the part of government, complacency on the part of university administrators,

universities have regular power supply needed for the training of postgraduate students, or the enabling or conducive environment with laboratory equipment and facilities to train the students. If we talk about lack or poor infrastructure, what of funds, do we have adequate funds to develop the system? These are challenges that should be addressed frontally in order for the system to move forward. It was moved at a time that the Nigeria’ premier university, the University of Ibadan (UI) should be designated for postgraduate programme, what is your reaction? Such suggestion was good and could be said to be welladvised. Let me stress here, the Postgraduate School of University of Ibadan is a very good one, but the school does not have the capacity to cater for all the postgraduate needs of the country. If all the undergraduate programmes are cancelled and converted to postgraduate programmes it will still not have the capacity. We should not also forget the fact that some private sectors also require postgraduate training. So, it will be difficult for the university, considering the postgraduate need of the country to meet such responsibility. We must look at the number of universities in the country vis-à-vis their postgraduate needs. What is your take on the quality of postgraduate programme in private universities? Public and private universities are regulated by the same body; the National Universities Commission; and the Commission under its mandate will verify the resources available before the take-off of any postgraduate programme. The same body will come back for accreditation before the graduation of

the students. In terms of quality, the quality is and should be better in the private universities, where there is no Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Union of Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) or any other workers’ or students’ union to disrupt the academic calendar in the institutions. The trainees (postgraduate students) have the benefit of uninterrupted academic programme and research activities. Again, in private universities you earn your pay unlike the public universities where many things are taken for granted; where anything goes and where some supervisors are demi-gods to their supervisee. They can choose to ignore them for as long as they desire. On the part of the students the school fees is cheap enough for them to play with time. Let me quickly add that there are two categories of private universities in Nigeria; the faith-based and the other one set up as a business outfit where profit and loss account must be balanced on the profit side. You will remember the quality of education provided by the missionary schools in the good old days in Nigeria, that is the reference point for most faith-based universities in the country today, where quality of tuition, research and service delivery are more seriously and without compromise. It has been discovered that some of the First Class graduates from some private universities are not doing well in their postgraduate programmes, especially in public universities. How will you react to this? I have said it earlier that there are two categories of private universities in Nigeria (faith-based and those established by individuals or business organisations). I want to say without sounding immodest that this observation cannot be correct of the faithbased private universities in the country, considering the enabling environment with which we are operating. For instance, here at JABU, our First Class products are first class anywhere in the world. The management of the university does everything to retain them in the system, and sponsor them for postgraduate degree immediately they are out of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme; except when they have good reason to decline such offer. In fact, that tells you the extent of confidence we have in our First Class graduates. One of them recently came back from South Africa where he topped his Master’s class in Mass Communication. Another one also came back not too long ago with in record time from United Kingdom, where she also topped her Master’s class in Economics. I can say with all confidence that Joseph Ayo Babalola University First Class graduates will proof their worth in any postgraduate school within and outside the country. Though, I may not be able to say the same thing for the other category, because I don’t know what operates there.

EDUCATION

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

FG releases N12.4b for TVET Emeldah Ogene Abuja

s part of move to enhance its commitment towards creating employment for the youth and ensure sustainable development, through the promotion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the Federal Government has released N12.4 billion to 51 federal and state polytechnics. Besides, N6 billion has been approved by the government for the supply of equipment for the rehabilitation of the nation’s technical colleges, while additional N15 billion had already been spent on the rehabilitation of the technical laboratories in 51 Polytechnics. The Supervising Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, disclosed this in Abuja during the Commonwealth Association of Polytechnics in Africa (CAPA) conference. The theme of the confer-

ence was: “International Developing Competent WorkForce for Agriculture and Manufacturing Industries In Africa: The Role of TVET.” The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. MacJohn Nwaobiala, said that creating employment is government`s priority and it is the first major step towards ensuring that the youth have the needed skills to support the industries. He noted that the government was aware of the importance of education, especially human capital development, to the long-term development of the country. To further support the development of TVET in the country, he said the National Vocational Qualifications Framework (NVQF) had already been approved by the Federal Executive Council, adding that the National Occupations Standards are also being developed in a number

of industrial areas including manufacturing, construction, Information Communication Technology, hotel and hospitality, and agriculture. While addressing the skills development through TVET, the minister explained that “we must to recognise the importance of continuous idea sharing in order to enhance success. His words: “Without the necessary manpower, we are to fall victim of a situation where organisations seek manpower outside the country shores because we have not developed our local human resources. This will continue to leave the country with the problem of unemployment and economic stagnation.” According to Wike, the conference is coming at a time when the government was making frantic efforts towards repositioning the country’s economy through human capital development.

The Deputy Director, Directorate of Corporate Affairs, University of Ilorin, Mr. Kunle Akogun presenting the award plaque to the university's Campus Journalist of the year, Hammed Muritala...recently.

Winners of spelling bee emerge Kayode Olanrewaju

en-year-old Kamal Adeleke, a Primary Six pupil of Lafred Private School, Ebute Metta, Lagos has emerged the winners of the maiden edition of Achymedia Spelling Bee Exploded for private primary and secondary schools in Lagos State in the primary school category. The duo of Okonkwo Chinedu, 11-year-old from Our Lady of Mount Camel Primary School, Ebute Metta, came second, while Basira Olorunsola, a 10-year-old pupil of Ajoke Group of Schools, Badagry emerged third in that category. The competition was instituted by Achymedia Limited, a non-government organisation, with bias in event management and media publicity, according to its Creative Manager/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Akintoye Waliu, to enhance quality education of the pupils. The Spelling Bee competition, he said was instituted purely for only private schools in the state to fill the vacuum created by a similar competition introduced by the wife

of former Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, which is for only pupils in the state’s public primary and secondary schools. “There is the Spelling Bee, introduced by the New Era Foundation of Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, which produces the One Day Governor of Lagos State. And when we discovered that pupils from private schools were neglected in the competition, Achymedia Limited decided to introduce this Spelling Bee Exploded to fill the vacuum,” he explained. Akintoye, who insisted that the competition was instituted to make education more accessible to all and sundry without restriction to schools, said the competition is inclusive regardless of the status of the private schools. While describing the competition as transparent and standard, he said of the 145 primary and secondary schools that signified to participate in the competition, 110 schools participated in the competition, which took place at Estate Grammar School, Ilupeju, Lagos.

Star winners at the primary and secondary categories, received a laptops, while the first runners up laughed home with Android phone or its cash equivalent, while the second runners up will get Nokia phone. Akintoye recalled that the participating schools, the schools were given about 500 words to study from which the words were picked during the competition. Describing his victory as outcome of hard work, Adeleke, whose father is a plumber and mother a petty trader, said he would learn how to use the laptop he won. “I am very happy today. I studied the words very well by asking some of my classmates to dictate some of the words to me during practice. I will keep the laptop and learn how to use it,” he said. His English teacher, Miss Olowoporoku Oluwatosin, who expressed delight over the outstanding performance of his pupil (Adeleke), recalled that the pupil was well groomed and prepared for the competition.

EDUPEACE

with Mahfouz A. Adedimeji (08066372516, sms only)

Hang on to your hope The world is in a bad state with the horrifying news that always dominates our airwaves. Every day, we are regaled with details of nerve-wrenching atrocities bordering on human inhumanity. The global situation is chaotic, messy and bloody. In Nigeria, the evil genie has escaped from the bottle and we live in fear, the fear of ourselves. Our days are dangerous and our nights are nightmarish. Death is cheap and disaster always looms. We live to die, from dangerous roads to ritualists and all kinds of gunmen baying for blood. Atukwei Okai’s poem, “Sunset Sonata”, continues to be relevant and decades after it was composed, it still reflects our situation with grim pungency: "For a hundred hells Hunt for the human heart While a billion Blows bang upon its door, And unpitying paws Pounce forth from every part Till cruel cries Cake up at its very core." However, we need to hang on to our hope, as E. B. White once counseled, because education is meaningless without hope, the feeling that tomorrow will be better. Hope is the conviction that every cloud has a silver lining and that every adversity has an inherent component of equivalent or equal benefit. In his “Keep Hope Alive”, an address he delivered at the Leadership Summit of the students of his university on March 20, 2013, the ViceChancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Abdul Ganiyu Ambali, said Nigeria would be better and I share his optimism: “Despite the challenges in high cost of living, poor public services, corruption in the larger society, depletion of the ranks of the role models, youth unemployment and socio-political dislocations and their aftermath in crime and criminal behaviour, the message I have for our students is simple: keep hope alive… Nigeria will be better and the future is bright, believe it,” he said. One indication that Nigeria will truly be better emerged after the keenly-contested Ekiti governorship election held last weekend (June 21, 2014). In a manner that appeared atypical of a Nigerian politician, the incumbent Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, a man of great learning, conceded defeat and congratulated his rival and Governor-elect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose. “I have just spoken with my brother, Mr. Peter Ayodele

We can only hope that these same traits will enable him to claw his way out Fayose, congratulating him on his victory. In a few hours from now, I would be meeting the Governor-elect to discuss the future of our dear state and how we would work together to institute a smooth transition programme. It has been a hard-fought election… Despite our diverse party affiliations and regardless of which way we voted on Saturday, we must all remember that we are all sons and daughters of Ekiti State. Ekiti is ours to build together,” the Governor said after the declaration of the result. Nigerians should be educated; Dr. Fayemi has shown real education. Nigerians should be hopeful; Dr. Fayemi has demonstrated that our hope for a better country will soon become a reality. The words of E. B. White to comfort a man who had lost hope in humanity: should serve our purpose: “As long as there is one upright man, as long as there is one compassionate woman, the contagion may spread and the scene is not desolate. Hope is the thing that is left to us in a bad time. I shall get up Sunday morning and wind the clock, as a contribution to order and steadfastness. “Sailors have an expression about the weather: they say, the weather is a great bluffer. I guess the same is true of our human society – things can look dark, then a break shows in the clouds, and all is changed, sometimes rather suddenly. It is quite obvious that the human race has made a queer mess of life on this planet. But as a people we probably habour seeds of goodness that have lain for a long time waiting to sprout when the conditions are right. Man’s curiosity, his relentlessness, his inventiveness, his ingenuity have led him into deep trouble. We can only hope that these same traits will enable him to claw his way out. “Hang on to your hat. Hang on to your hope. And wind up the clock, for tomorrow is another day.” Nigeria's tomorrow will certainly be better than today. l Dr Adedimeji is a Senior Lecturer and Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, Unilorin.

FEEDBACK

Re: Let LASU students laugh last

Sir, Good to read your candid opinion and advice to our amiable Governor Fashola on the LASU issue. You hit the nail on the head. I pray he heed the wise counsel but my opinion is that most of our politicians are detached from the reality on ground while there… Have a lovely day and may your writing ink never run dry. – Barrister Maduka, Lagos

BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

WHAT'S NEWS Honda, Mazda, Nissan recall 3m vehicles over airbag defect Japanese automakers have recalled nearly three million vehicles worldwide over an airbag defect that could pose fire risk.

}p-32

Vehicle imports drop 50% as clearing cost soars As the implementation of the new auto policy by Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to commence next month, the volume of vehicles imported into the country has declined by 50 per cent.

}p-32

W/Bank boosts irrigation farming in Nigeria with $500m The World Bank has approved $495.3 million (about N817.57 billion) to boost irrigation farming in Nigeria. The project, which will be implemented by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources (FMWR) is planned to become effective from October, 2014.

}p-33

Shippers pay N29.7bn to service providers from 1% CISS Importers under the aegis of Shippers’ Association Lagos State (SALST) have said that between January and November 2013, N29.7 billion was collected from them by service providers at the port.

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BUSINESS CREW 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

31 NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/business

CONTROVERSY OVER NON-INTEREST BANKING UNNECESSARY –DUTSINMA }p-35

AYODELE AMINU, DEPUTY EDITOR, BUSINESS

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

Global yearly cybercrime cost hits $575bn INTERNET Increasing breaches of online transactions causing massive financial losses

Jonah Iboma

new report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has pegged the annual worldwide economic cost of cybercrime at between $375 and $575 billion – or between 15 per cent and 20 per cent of the entire value generated each year through the Internet. The report titled: “Net Losses – Estimating the Global Cost of Cybercrime,” also pointed out that some cybercrime gangs around the world had grown very elaborate, organised, and profitable, concluding that they could be on the same level as nation-states when it comes to their capacity to breach networks, steal data, and evade detection. “Cybercrime produces high returns at low risk and (relatively) low cost for hackers,” said the report. “These groups have repeatedly shown they can

LETHARGY Seven months after the commencement of the bid round, identity of the 31 oil blocks put up for sale is still shrouded in secrecy Adeola Yusuf

resh controversy has greeted the new marginal field bid round, New Telegraph gathered on Monday. Seven months after the commencement of the bid round, the identity of 31 oil blocks for sale is still shrouded in secrecy. New Telegraph investigation showed that the industry

overcome almost any cyber defence. Financial crime in cyberspace now occurs at industrial scale.” Perhaps there’s no clearer – or more troubling – illustration of this industrial scale than the emergence “crime as a service,” which is when buyers and sellers connect in the cyber underground and transact on everything from both specific and general malware attacks

(such as the recently dismantled Gameover Zeus botnet), to stock market manipulation, to money laundering, to purchasing goods with stolen credit cards, and the list goes on. “Someone who wants to infect computers with a particular type of malware would go to one of the organised crime groups and ask them – crime as a service – can you infect 20,000 computers and for that we’ll pay

you so much,” commented Paul Gillen, head of operations at McAfee’s European Cybercrime Center. “They do that and they get a pay-per-infection rate. It is quite a sophisticated business model.” The report also noted that IPstealing cybercrime has a chilling effect on innovation, which CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

L-R: Manager, Swiss Pharma Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Ignatius Anukwum; Chairman, Mr. Colin Cummings and Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Abass Sambo, at the company's World Health Organisation media briefing in Lagos .

31 new oil blocks’ delay heightens foreign, local investors’ apathy regulator, the Department of petroleum Resources (DPR), is neither willing to announce the identities of the blocks nor make them available on its website for now. An industry source told this newspaper that this is already dampening the morale of prospective investors. “The DPR is still waiting for a go-ahead, which it may not get as soon as we think,” he said, adding that everybody “is disturbed at the level of embarrassment this kind of arrange-

ment is having on our level of coordination.” Already, he said, “the foreign and local investors who want to bring massive invesmnets to the country through the marginal field bid round are pushed aback by this non-disclosure of oil blocks identities, seven months after the commencement of the process.” The Federal Government had indicated that it would conduct the exercise in March, 2014. The Minister of Petroleum

Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, had announced on November 28, last year, that the bid round would be completed by March, this year, but the failure to meet the deadline has further fuelled speculation that government has a sinister motive to auction the field to its political allies controlling major indigenous oil firms. Also, the failure of the DPR to release the lists of oil fields that are available for sale is putCONTINUED 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 April 2014...............................7.9% March 2014............................7.8% Feburary 2014 ........................7.7%

LENDING RATE

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parellel As at June 20)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N166.50 InterBank Rate . . . . . . . . . 10.50% Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N284 Prime Lending Rate. . . . . 16.93% Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N227.50 Maximum Lending Rate..25.83% • Foreign Reserves – $37.08bn as at 19/06/2014

EXCHANGE RATE

(Official As at June 20)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N156.73 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N266.36 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N212.62 Source: CBN

32 BUSINESS | NEWS BACKLASH More automakers involve in gale of recalls Dele Alao

WITH AGENCY REPORT

apanese automakers have recalled nearly three million vehicles worldwide over an airbag defect that could pose fire risk. Honda said that it recalled about 2,033,000 vehicles which were produced between August 2000 and December 2005, including over one million in North America and 668,000 in Japan. Two other automakers, Mazda and Nissan, also recalled hundreds of thousands of vehicles over the same problem, which was also responsible for earlier recalls by Toyota. Japan's Takata Corp., which made the airbag, noted its US subsidiary had manufactured the airbag, apologising for the problem and vowing to make its utmost efforts to prevent a recurrence. "We apologise deeply for causing tremendous trouble and worries to client companies, users of our products and other people concerned," the company said. Nissan recalled a combined 755,000 vehicles, including 128,000 in Japan and 627,000 overseas.

POLICY Government policy is affecting stakeholders in the port industry Bayo Akomolafe

s the implementation of the new auto policy by Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to commence next month, the volume of vehicles imported into the country has declined by 50 per cent. Also, the cost of clearing a vehicle has jumped by the same

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Honda, Mazda, Nissan recall 3m vehicles over airbag defect "In North America, 228,000 are on the recall list, with 7,000 in China," a Nissan spokesman said. A Mazda spokeswoman said: "The recall will cover 11,832 vehicles at home and 147,975 units overseas, mainly in Europe and China." Subject to Honda's recall are a total of 13 types of vehicles in Japan including popular Fit and Accord models. “Front passenger airbag inflators could have been assembled with an improperly manufactured propellant component,” Japan's third largest automaker said. It added: “That could cause the container of the inflator to rupture in the event of a crash, posing a fire risk or injuring passengers.” The same problem has also caused top automaker, Toyota, to recall millions of vehicles globally. Toyota has earlier said that it acted as it received a complaint from a Japanese customer who said that his passenger seat was burned from the defect. In February, GM started recalling 2.6 million Chevrolet Cobalts and other small cars

equipped with defective ignition switches. “But that was just the beginning. So far this year, GM has ordered 44 recalls covering 17.7 million vehicles in the United States and over 20 million in North America,” the automaker said.

Vehicle imports drop 50% as clearing cost soars margin. NCS had commenced implementation of the 35 per cent duty on imported vehicles in May from its original 10 per cent. It was revealed that as a result of the new tariff, importers and dealers of vehicles were not placing orders for shipment of used vehicles to Nigeria as expected, leading to sharp drop in customs revenue. The agent to a liner calling

not only stifles advancement and growth at both an organisation and national level, but if left unchecked is expected to trigger significant job losses in the near future that could run as high as 200,000 in the United States of America and 150,000 across Europe. The problem is now global and just last week, internet experts warned that Nigeria risked losing about $15 million to cyber theft by 2020 if precautionary steps were not taken to curb the trend. The warning came on the heels of revelations that the country lost a whopping N641 billion in 2013 to cybercrime. According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria lost about N7.33 billion in 2007 to cyber

crime, while recently a House of Representatives member was defrauded of N4.3 million and another fleeced of N600 million. It was also revealed that MTN Nigeria’s transaction worth over N70 million in electronic recharge cards sent via email to a customer was intercepted by a cyber thief in London, who later sent the recharge pins to another scammer in Nigeria for sale. As if that was not enough, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently disclosed that some banks in the country also lost N40 million to cybercrime in 2013 alone. From the policy document of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), it identified five top cyber threats to include cybercrime, cyber espionage, cyber conflict, cyber terrorism and child online abuse and exploitation. Cyber crime is further divided into

ers and regulators. And, of course, there's the debacle confronting General Motors, which is facing multiple investigations for taking more than a decade to recall cars equipped with a defective ignition switch linked to at least 13 deaths.

Mr. Aderemi Makanjuola commissioning the 500-seat Caverton Hall at Federal University of Technology, Minna over the weekend. With him are his wife Mrs. Yoyinsola Makanjuola and Prof. Rufai Alkali (left), chairman of the school's governing council

at Nigerian ports who spoke on condition of anonymity said: “We are already seeing the impact as a shipping line. Less than half the orders that should have been placed this month have been placed. “Nigerians may not have noticed yet but in a few months, it will be visible to all that importers are no longer willing to ship vehicles to Nigeria because of the high rate of import duty.”

Global yearly cybercrime cost hits $575bn C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 1

Industry analysts see two big factors behind the flood of recalls: Automakers everywhere are being extra careful after seeing Toyota get slapped by a $1.2 billion fine earlier this year to settle charges that it hid safety problems from custom-

phishing and spam mails. Various speakers at the just concluded first 2014 National Cyber Security Forum (NCSF) organised by ONSA, in conjunction with the Ministry of Technology and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Lagos were of the opinion that collaboration with youths may provide the solution for ending cyber crime since the age brackets of cyber perpetrators are usually in the range of 15 to 35 years. Themed “Towards MultiStakeholders Partnership for National Cyber Security Engagement,” the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr. Tunji Olaopa, for instance, noted that 0.8 per cent of the global economy is attributed to cyber crime and that the United Kingdom is ranked fifth among countries with incessant cyber crime.

Also, a freight forwarder and Director General of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mr Chukwudi Ike, said that the socalled local assemblers of new vehicles were just deceiving government. “The issue is that government has not been able to check that most of the manufacturing companies bring in assembled cars alongside the CKDs using the same platform of Completely Knocked Down (CKD) pricing. You still see new cars rolling out from the ports. I think that government is not being realistic.” Another freight forwarder at Tincan Island Port, Alhaji Idowu Owoade, said that the new auto policy would worsen the living condition of many Nigerians. He explained that the time scheduled for the new automotive policy implementation was wrong, adding that it would take not less than five years to put in place the right framework for local manufacture of vehicles. Owoade noted that not only has the volume of imported vehicles declined drastically, the costs of clearing them have risen by as much as 50 per cent. He said: “A 1999 Toyota Camry cleared before with N200,000 is now N300,000. A 2004 Toyota Camry cleared before N400,000 is now cleared with N600,000. And for a brand new vehicle, that one is unaffordable.”

31 new oil blocks’ delay heightens foreign, local investors’ apathy C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 1

ting prospective buyers in the dark and eroding transparency in the process. Industry sources have accused the regulator of deliberately flouting the guidelines ostensibly to use the exercise as a platform to raise money for politicians toward the 2015 general elections. At an energy forum in Lagos recently, some investors accused the DPR of not implementing the guidelines for the fields, saying that the agency is being used by the Federal Government to woo politicians with oil blocks ahead of the 2015 polls. For the first time in 12 years, the Federal Government kickstarted the process for the second marginal field licencing round, offering 31 onshore and off-shore fields. Some operators have expressed fears that their technical partners may become apprehensive and withdraw their funds. Already, some insist that some oil mining leases in which politicians in the opposition and the ruling party have larger stakes but which cannot be verified are now in circulation among oil companies. Among the lists obtained from some operators include the Uzuaku field on Oil Mining Lease (OML) 11 in Ogoni land, the Egbolom field on OML 23 that was previously operated by Shell in Rivers State, three offshore fields on OML 100 (Usoro, Ikong, Ibiom) and two on OML 67 (Amaniba and Ekpat).

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

W/Bank boost irrigation farming in Nigeria with $500m facility Simeon Ogoegbulem Abuja

he World Bank has approved $495.3 million (about N817.57 billion) to boost irrigation farming in Nigeria. The project, which will be implemented by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources (FMWR) is planned to become effective from October, 2014.

Coming under the International Development Association (IDA), the soft lending arm of the World Bank, it specifically targets improved farmers’ access to irrigation and drainage services and strengthen institutional arrangements. It will also aim at integrated water resources management and improve delivery of agricultural services in selected, large-scale public schemes in

Northern Nigeria. The Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project will also improve existing irrigation on 27,000 hectares, irrigate an additional 23,000 hectares, and benefit over 140,000 farmers while mobilising private sector investment. It marks a transformational effort to improve large-scale public irrigation for expanding food production and catalysing

economic growth in rural areas necessary to end poverty and boost prosperity, as well as enhance resilience of agriculture production systems. Agriculture is a key sector of the Nigerian economy, accounting for 22 per cent of gross domestic product in 2012. The Government of Nigeria’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) is a major initiative to drive rural income growth, accelerate achievement of food and nutritional security, and generate employment. The bank’s portfolio of projects in agriculture, including agriculture research, extension and technology dissemination, as well as market access and value addition, is fully geared towards supporting the implementation of ATA. Reaching the ATA’s goals requires pursuing an ambitious policy and institutional reform agenda, and transforming public irrigation will play an important role for securing sustainable growth of food production. “Given Nigeria’s determination to diversify and integrate its national economy to benefit

all Nigerians, this project will help to advance this ambition in three vital ways, by restoring agricultural productivity, creating job opportunities for a large number of unskilled young people, as well as creating conditions for growth and peace in northern Nigeria,” said Marie Francoise MarieNelly, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria. The project will help to setup Water User Associations (WUAs) and engage local communities in setting, collecting, and allocating water user fees. The project will also help support the design of a comprehensive reform package for water resources management and irrigation in Nigeria. “The project’s innovative approach seeks to improve sustainability by promoting autonomy at scheme level and empowering Water Users Associations (WUAs) organisation,” said David Casanova, World Bank Task Team Leader for the TRIMING project. “We look forward to effective implementation of this important project,” he added.

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, Maximedia Audio-visuals Ltd, Tolu Ajayi; Chief Operating Officer, Publicis Consultants Soulcomm, Mojisola Saka; Creative Director, SO&U Limited, Anthony Ekun; Human Resources Manager, SO&U Limited, Kemi Evbota, Chief Operating Officer, Maximedia Limited, Femi Adefowokan and Director, Friday Okuwe, at the Lagos Business School Alumni Association's President Dinner in Lagos.

Dangote Academy to be converted to university

Cement: Northern block makers comply with SON classification

Abdulwahab Isa

Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

lock makers in the northern zone of the country said that they are already complying with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) cement classification. SON had classified cement into grades for different uses as a way of addressing rampant cases of building collapse across the country. In the classification, SON stipulates that 52.5R be used for bridges, 42.5R for casting of columns, beams, slabs and making blocks, while the low grade 32.5MPA was restricted to plastering. Dangote Cement Plc is the only company that presently produces the 42.5R grade. Speaking during a sensitisation seminar organised by Dangote Cement Plc, block makers in the north said that they have complied, as most of them now use 42.5R for moulding blocks. A statement from Dangote

Group quoted chairman of the Kaduna State Blocks and Concrete Makers Association, Alhaji Hamza Haruna Gambo, as disclosing this during questions and answer session with newsmen in Kaduna. According to the statement, Gambo said that all his members have complied with the SON directive on cement classification. Gambo who owns blockmaking factories across the country said that the directive was in the national interest and that “most block makers in the north now use Dangote 3X cement as it is the only cement with 42.5R grade which meets SON’s specification.” He warned those who have not complied to do so as his association was desirous to support government in its effort to stamp out what he described as “senseless killing of innocent people” as a result of the phenomenon of collapse building in the country. “We’ve been using the new cement for the past two months.

Those of our members who will refuse to comply, we would deal with them according to our constitution,” he added. He commended Dangote Group for organising the seminar across the country, saying that it would add value to block making businesses and safety of Nigerians. Speaking to newsmen in Kaduna, Sales Regional Director of the Dangote Cement Plc, Mr Shola Alo, said that the seminar was aimed at sensitising the block makers on the new directive of SON, as well as educate them on issues bordering on manufacturing, marketing, sales, cement usage and also lend a helping hand and get a feedback. Regional Sales Director, Mr Olaniyi Johnson, who handled the technical aspect of the training, said that the seminars across the North are paying off as they enable the end users to make right choices and at the same time avoid unethical practices in the application of cement.

Abuja

here are indications that Dangote Academy will be Tconverted to full-fledged uni-

versity soon. Director of the Academy, Mr Paramjit Pabby, gave the hint of the conversion of the academy to full university recently while inaugurating 22 new trainees into the Dangote Academy at Obajana Cement Plant in Kogi State. Pabby said that the vision of the academy is to help bridge the skill gap needed for industrial take off in the country. “We are creating talent pipelines for Dangote companies and for others in Nigeria,” he said. The inaugurated young engineers who passed through rigorous selection process were graduates of electrical, mechanical and chemical engineering from Nigerian universities and polytechnics. He said that the inaugurated graduate engineers will have the opportunity of learning practical and relevant skills in 12 months after which they will be absorbed into the group. The Dangote Academy runs Graduate Engineer Trainees Scheme (GET), Junior Techni-

cians Scheme (JTS), Management Skills and Leadership training, among others. Speaking, Head of Management Development of the academy, Mr Hassan Salisu, said that the philosophy behind the academy was to support Nigeria’s educational system by emphasising practical application of knowledge and skills. He said that the absorbed graduates have started adding value to the company, and that Dangote Group may not need to shop for engineers outside the shores of Nigeria in the nearest future. According to him, the academy gulped huge amount of money and it is the first of its kind in the country. Fielding questions from newsmen also, Assistant General Manager (AGM) Training of the Dangote Cement Plc, Haruna Adinoyi, said that the phases I and II of the Dangote Academy campus is expected to accommodate about 550 trainees at once. He disclosed that so far about 450 Graduate Trainees and Junior Technicians have been trained and absorbed; about 150 are currently undergoing training at different levels; while 300 trainees are expected to join later in the year.

FCT | BUSINESS WATCH

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

New pension roadmap underway • Experts converge on Abuja for World Pension Summit Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

arely three months after hosting the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa, Nigeria is set to host another global gathering. This time, pension experts and administrators from around the world will gather in Abuja for the World Pension Summit. The summit, expected to bring together over 1,000 pension experts across the globe, is to chart a new way forward especially for Nigeria and other countries that are latest in the implementation of Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). About 55 Africa countries, including South Africa, Botswana, Ghana and Kenya and others are billed for the summit. Key issues to engage pension experts include lessons learned amongst African nations on pensions administration, investments, risk management, regulatory essentials, technology, communication, and financial literacy. Speaking in Abuja recently at an enlarged press briefing to announce the summit, Chairman of World Pension Summit, Eric Eggink, gave insight into the choice of Nigeria as host for the summit. According to him, Nigeria's accelerated development within the African continent stands the country out. Besides, Eggink said that the country's fast paced development and achievements recorded in the implementation of new contributory pension scheme was a classical example worthy of sharing by other countries in Africa implementing the CPS. For Eggink, “the focus on pension is just one issue of lots that will engage experts attention. The growing potential of Nigeria is well acknowledged and its economy is growing and the summit will discuss everything about pension and experts will share views. "Africa's growth story, particularly Nigeria as its larg-

Mrs. Anohu-Amazu

est economy, has been well documented. But with such growth come a responsibility, expectation and opportunity to leverage capital growth, using pension funds as an instrument for further economic and social development. "The summit represents a strong commitment to ensure sufficient pension provision across the continent, so that African workers reap the benefits of their countries' successes with a future that is safeguarded in retirement," he said. With a whopping pension assets currently put at N4.3 trillion, the summit will afford PenCom and key pension players such as Pension Funds Administrators (PFAs) and Pension Funds Custodians (PFCs) the opportunity to deepen their knowledge on less risky areas of investments that pension asset could be ploughed for investment yield. The opportunity to seek and identify

Ideva

areas that yield returns on investment is imperative as any slight misapplication whatsoever , could put the entire economy in jeopardy. The July pension summit arguably the largest annual gathering of pension professionals worldwide is a forum for pension eggheads and professionals to discuss issues on how to advance the provision of pension. Based in Amsterdam, The Netherland, WPS has evolved to be a routine forum attracting over 1,000 senior pension professionals from across the globe since its inception to discuss issues on pension matters and proffering workable solutions to such identified issues. The partnership between WPS and National Pension Commission (PenCom) culminated in the bringing wealth of experience of big pension players to Africa. The summit indeed, pres-

ents ample opportunity for the commission to share, tap and compare notes with pension experts from other countries on pension best practices. It is a platform for PenCom to find solution to the pressing challenges hindering it from moving to the next level. Speaking recently on the July summit, Acting Director- General PenCom, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu – Amahu, assured that PenCom would leverage outcomes of the WPS to reposition for greater, efficient pension delivery service. “The future appears bright and quite challenging. PenCom has a social responsibility to discharge. The Nigerian workers must derive the benefits of belonging to the CPS: and the country as a whole must be significantly impacted by the effective deployment of the pension assets. This is the challenge for us at Pencom and we must focus to deliver on it,"

D’ Banj leads ‘Do Agric’ campaign to Abuja Kenneth Tyohemba

ip-hop artist and Ambassador of Agriculture in Nigeria, D’ Banj has, as part of his “Do Agric” campaign to put positive pressure on African leaders to invest more in agriculture, during the week, led the campaign in Abuja to the Federal Government through the Minister of Finance. The Koko Master, as he is fondly called, said that he and eleven other African artists embarked on the campaign

through their songs which are meant to create awareness on the need to embrace farming as business. He said: “The youths are not aware that they can be rich through farming, and that is why as an ambassador I champion the cause for the signature of over two million youths to promote farming to a big business.” Responding, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, expressed delight for playing host to the mu-

sical icon who is also the ambassador of agriculture in Nigeria and Africa. Iweala who gave a thumb up to the Agriculture Transformation of the Fedferal Government said that agriculture has come to be a big business as it has the potential to eradicate poverty. She hinted of the Agriculture Intervention Fund from the Central Bank of Nigeria channelled into agriculture, which, according to her, has already facilitated the training of 750 thousand youths in the country. While calling on youths to

embrace agriculture, the Finance Minister pointed out that “already the government has invested in the water sector for irrigation and transportation by constructing roads and rail to enhance agricultural participation.” High points of the event featured the presentation of over two million petition signatures to the Finance Minister for onward transmission to the president, and the presentation of Koko gari, which is a well processed and packaged gari owned by the musical icon.

she said. On the choice of Nigeria as the host country, Amahu said: “We are delighted to bring the World pension summit to Africa. A number of African nations are experiencing strong economic growth supported by the rising investment in natural resources and robust private consumption. As a result, the role of the pensions industry in providing a stable consumer savings vehicle for Africa's growing middle classes, and the investment of capital from its pension funds, is of increasing significance. "The summit will be an opportunity for the continent's pension professionals to share blueprints and practices with the aim of further developing Africa's pension market over the next decade." Established through Pension Reforms Act, 2004, PenCom, which began operation nine years ago, has put paid to various problems associated with pension administration in Nigeria. The reform gave birth to mandatory Contributory Pension Scheme for employees of both government and private sector organisations with five or more employees. Through the new scheme, over 98,000 retired workers have been receiving their retirement benefits as and when due without the usual hassles associated with the previous uncoordinated pension administration. With July World summit on pension, experts believe a road map to solving some intractable problems assailing the new CPS would be drawn.

FCT | BUSINESS WATCH 35

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Controversy over non-interest banking unnecessary, says Dutsinma A former banker and currently the Chief Executive Officer of Islamic Banking and Finance Institute of Nigeria, Aminu Sani Dutsinma, spoke to SIMEON OGOEGBULEM on the controversies trailing the introduction of non-interest banking in Nigeria and other sundry issues. Excerpts not share risks. In the conventional banking system capital does not share risks, forgetting that money itself cannot make money without other factors of production. So other factors of production in the capitalist conventional banking system are the ones that take the full risk while the capital does not take any risk. In the non-interest system, each and every factor is liable to risk. There is this perception that sometimes you pay more in non-interest banking than in conventional banking system You see it is very simple. it is not â&#x20AC;˘ Ixxx time bound but activity bound in the Islamic perspective. We are not giving you money and say in so number of Why do you think the introduction of Islamic Banking years you pay back the money based on agreed percentdrew controversy? age. Take for instance, you are a builder and you come It is lack of understanding. To me, Islamic banking is and take a loan because you want to build a house, you a kind of divine banking system. It should not be seen already know how much it will cost to build the house from the Islamic perspective alone. Judaism, Christian- and at the end of the day you know how much you will ity and Islam have sanctioned it. Now, when you look at sell the house, it is what you sell and when you sell the it from that perspective that this is the way God said we house that is where and when the profit is determined. should do things. Look at it from a holistic point of view, In Islamic banking when I give you money for an acbut simply when you limit it to the Islamic perspective tivity, I am tying my profit based on the outcome of that is where misconception and misunderstanding that particular activity. I give you an example, I know a real time situation whereby cattle merchant who buys come in. It is simply saying that interest is forbidden both in animals from Northern Nigeria and takes them to the Judaism, Christianity and Islam and if it is forbidden Southern part of the country, borrowed money, and in then how do we do things without interest? Now you one of his trips, his truck was involved in an accident may agree with me that within the contemporary world and the cattle perished. In a conventional banking you economic system, interest is one of the greatest prob- have to pay the bank its own money plus the interest lems that is mitigating towards progress of all economic no matter how long it takes, but in the Islamic banking progress in the world. Interest is a contending problem. system risk is fully taken by the bank, that is where It is a problem that has been militating against progress. risk sharing comes in. You don't share only profit, you Whenever you find recession and other economic prob- also share loss. lems the bottom-line to that problem is interest. Interest is a problem, interest is forbidden with- Is it that the regulatory authorities did not carry people in the religious angles of Islam, Christianity and along before coming up with that policy like sensitizing Judaism and I think we should make a system that the people before introducing it? everyone will benefit from out of the conventional I recall way back when Professor Chukwuma Soludo capitalist system of doing things. started the concept of non-interest banking. You know before Soludo when I was in Habib Bank we started the Business is about profit, how do you distinguish interest concept of non-interest banking in the bank way back from profit in non-interest based transaction? around1998/99. There was so much misunderstanding You see what people refuse to realise is that in a con- and that is why we came up with the term Non-interest ventional banking system it has no other business but rather than Islamic. Now there was so much pressure to sell money. Money is simply a commodity in the con- from here and there, people were not trying to underventional banking system now there is no economist stand but trying to antagonize the concept. Now some or banker or anybody who goes to the classroom and is of us decided to research further and we realized it taught that money is a commodity. Money as a means was not simply Islamic, it is divine, since we looked of exchange is no longer a means of exchange in the at it both from the Christian, Jewish and Islamic perconventional banking sector it becomes a commodity. spective interest is forbidden. So when CBN came up, The conventional banking system is selling money to Soludo wanted to put a genuine regulatory guidelines, the highest bidder. They sell money in order to make there was not much involvement of the public, the money. Now that is not necessarily the only way to use public simply got it as a news not as a participatory money, rather than trading in money you can trade with public. Even the conventional banks have not accepted money. What I mean is simple, in non-interest banking, the concept fully for them to educate the bankers, non money is used to create wealth while in the conventional bankers and the general public. Unfortunately, when banking system, money is being sold in order to create Sanusi wanted to take the next step and he was permoney. Take for instance, a conventional banker will ceived wrongly of wanting to introduce or Islamise look at you and your credit worthiness before advancing the banking system. I personally wrote the President credit to you. That is why we have a history in the Ni- of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other gerian context whereby a bank can look at the Speaker of House of Assembly and give him billions of naira in credit without considering what he would do with the money or how the money will be productive in the economy. Now in the Islamic or non-interest banking It was not simply Islamic, it is divine, sector it is the activity that is being looked at because it is out of the activity that you get your returns out. There since we looked at it both from is direct correlation between the function of money and the Christian, Jewish and Islamic return on money in the interest free banking sector. Another analogy is this, in Islamic system you must perspective interest is forbidden share risks, and there is no return on you if you do

prominent people, explaining to them even offered to give a kind of public lecture if need be, but the whole issue was made to be different from what it was, the media was so carried away, because Sanusi was doing it. When Soludo initiated the process, nobody was making noise, but immediately the former governor started implementing the concept, all hell was let loose. For me, all that was uncalled for, today the western world itself has accepted the non-interest banking. Is that what gave rise to your floating the Islamic Banking and Finance Institute of Nigeria? The Islamic Banking and Finance Institute of Nigeria (ISBFIN) came into existence in 2009; we are into training, research and consultancy services. What we are trying to do is to educate and enlighten people and offer our services to those conventional banks and other financial houses who are interested in establishing Islamic banking system or financial system. You may say it is part of the contribution we hope to give in order to clarify things within the Nigerian context and I can say that we have done a little not much on that side, but on the education side which we do, we even partnered with Ahmadu Bello University Zaria to do programmes in Islamic banking and finance. So five years down the line in the life of this institute, how has it been? Have you gotten the type of acceptance that you anticipated? Our main aim now is to educate the public, now if you look at it from the context I told you ABU has accepted this institute and has collaborated in issuing a joint certificate signed by Directors in the ABU and our Institute and educating people in Islamic banking and I think yes we are satisfied. What are your expectations from the new CBN Governor? My major expectation from the new CBN governor is probably the stability of the naira. I think he needs to fix that fluctuation. Specifically on non-interest banking system that the CBN has introduced, I think is for him to look inward and look at the advantages Nigeria ought to gain from the system. Secondly, there is this issue of people being excluded within the banking system, with the introduction of this non-interest banking system, it will include a lot of people in the banking system and cash circulation will be reduced. If the CBN governor will give the right recognition to the concept in order to improve the economy. Let me tell you that when this concept was introduced in Habib Bank, while majority of the depositors in that window were Muslims, the majority of the beneficiaries were non-Muslims. Nigerians had anticipated that the introduction of noninterest banking would open a flood gate of financial institutions in that direction but so far, only one bank (Jaiz) has come on board. What do you think is responsible? That is true, Jaiz is a kind of monopoly now, although I think Stanbic-IBTC and some other bank have Islamic banking windows. The environment when it started was volatile and uncomfortable, the antagonism has played a very critical role in discouraging a lot of people. Secondly, we have done feasibility studies for about two institutions from outside the country. Generally, the Nigerian financial sector is also affected, not just the Islamic banking system. Don't forget the bank crisis that happened and how Sanusi tried to nationalise them and don't forget that Nigerian is not entirely a business oriented nation. We have a rent driven economy. Our major business in Nigeria is import and export. We sell out petrol and then we try to buy from aircrafts down to toothpick. You find out that such is not favourable for Islamic banks whereby they look entirely at that project.

BUSINESS | THE INVESTOR

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

ASeM development: Need for collaboration Chris Ugwu

espite the widely acknowledged role of small and medium scale enterprises in fostering economic growth and development, they have continued to face constraints. Some of the challenges include inadequate infrastructural facilities, shortage of skilled manpower, high rate of enterprise mortality, low level of entrepreneurial skills, lack of a conducive operating environment, restricted market access and cumbersome regulatory requirements. However, a key problem for SMEs is the issue of access to finance. SMEs, especially in developing countries, suffer from lack of access to appropriate funds from both the money and capital markets. This is due in part to the perception of high risks resulting in high mortality rate of the business, poorly prepared project proposals, inadequate collateral, absence of verifiable history of past credits and lack of adequate historical records of the company’s transaction. SMEs are vital for economic growth and development in both industrialised and developing countries, as they play a key role in creating new jobs. They need adequate financing to meet needs at each stage of their life cycle, from creation through operation, development, restructuring, recovery and beyond. Previous actions On this background, various efforts have been made by both government and other stakeholders in the nation’s economy to encourage and power the SMEs sector. Government’s attempt to elevate this sector came in the 1950s when the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank was established, which was followed by several incentives to maximise exploitation of natural resources. In the 1990s, the Federal Government redoubled its SME development effort through the creation of the NDE. Given that government could not achieve the desired result for the sector through its previous efforts, it again established the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s MSME fund which did not give the much needed impact. On the capital market, the first move to save MSMEs was in 1972 when the Federal Government promulgated the indigenisation decree and in 1977, the Nigeria Enterprise Promotion Act. While the enterprise promotion act helped the primary and secondary market of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), it did a little to drive the MSMEs, hence the creation of the Second Tier Securities Market (SSM) in 1980 by the NSE which was later renamed Emerging Markets. After years of non-performance, the Exchange in 2009 under the leadership of Professor Ndi Okereke-Onyuike scrapped the second-tier securities market and amended some of the existing pre-listing rules. It was to be known as Alternative Securities/Private Placement Exchange (ASEM/PRIPEX). Recent efforts Since the efforts continued to dwindle with performance below expectations and trading activities in the sector remain so low that its contribution to the total market capitalisation is less than one per cent, the NSE, as part of efforts to revive small and medium enterprises investment market, launched the Alternative Securities Market (ASeM) - a specialised board to accommodate small and mid-sized companies with high growth potential seeking to access the capital market. ASeM provides the opportunity for

Skye Bank MD, Timothy Oguntayo

Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr Oscar Onyema

Director General of SMEDAN, Alhaji Muhammad Umar

these companies to raise long term capital at relatively low cost from the capital market, while creating opportunities for growth and institutionalisation of companies listed on the board. The board, which was specifically designed for emerging businesses, was expected to serve as a veritable platform for them to access the capital market for long term funding. Also, the board seeks to address major challenges of emerging businesses in Nigeria, such as difficulty in accessing long term capital due to high cost of funds as a result of perceived high risk, informal nature of operations and inadequate accounting standards, controls and management of resources. The Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr Oscar Onyema, said that ASeM seeks to address major challenges of emerging businesses in Nigeria, such as difficulty in accessing long term capital due to high cost of fund as a result of perceived high risk, informal nature of operations and inadequate accounting standards, controls and management of resources. He listed key initiative of ASeM to include development of brand essence towards launching of the board with identity, purpose and target company criteria, reviewed listing requirements, making listing on ASeM readily accessible and affordable to a wide range of viable emerging businesses, introduce Designated Adviser (DA) Programme to support companies listed on ASeM in complying with post listing obligations and maintaining their listing status, introduce ASeM Growth Ambassador (GA) Programme to project the ASeM brand and support the advocacy and quotations drive of The Exchange and introduce a bouquet of value added services, including Institutional Services, to assist listed companies to maximise benefit of their listing status. According to him, the on-going initiative include development of consequence management process for rule violation, reviewing and currently enhancing market structure and trading mechanics for ASeM companies towards driving liquidity, introducing ASeM Index to track performance of companies listed on the board, introducing alternative capital raising instruments, other than pure vanilla equity for ASeM companies to achieve optimal capital structure, collaboration with organisations (SMEDAN,

etc) towards developmental programmes for ASeM companies and involvement in the on-going MSME Policy Formulation to address capital market provision for SMEs, among others.

recorded about 0.24 per cent decline in growth in 2013. The NSE ASeM Index, which gauges the performance of companies listed on this specialised board, dropped from 964.59 points in 2012 to 962.31 points in 2013.

Listing requirements As part of the Self-Regulatory Organisation’s (SRO) efforts to attract more companies to list on this segment of the market, the Exchange has made flexible the requirements for admission to ASeM, to accommodate a wide range of emerging businesses. They include medium term (two years) comprehensive business plan, in which a company must have been in operation for at least two years; and date of last audited accounts must not be more than nine months. Also, for a company to list, it is required that the public would hold a minimum of 15 per cent of each class of equity securities; promoters will retain 50 per cent of shares pre-IPO for 12 months; the number of the public shareholders would be at least 51 for equity shares; application fee for new or additional listing is N100,000, while annual fee is N200,000 (total fee for new listing – N300,000). This is in addition to the continuing obligation requirements of the NSE’s listing, disclosure and transparency rules; submission of quarterly, semiannual and annual statements. Annual certification on adherence to corporate governance is required; and companies are required to have a designated adviser for as long as they are listed. However, since the launch in 2013, financial analysts have noted that ASeM are constrained by limited awareness on developments around the specialised board. According to them, the constrain was the reason why the market couldn’t attract the much needed growth and

Synergy between the capital and money markets were essential to improve the growth and development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country

Need for synergy On the background of enhanced efforts to nurturing the growth of small to mid-sized companies, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Association of Nigeria (SMEDAN) called for a more partnership between the capital and money markets. The Director General of SMEDAN, Alhaji Muhammad Umar, said that synergy between the capital and money markets were essential to improve the growth and development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country. Umar also advised the Nigerian Stock Exchange to ensure that ASeM listing conditions should be more relaxed and less stringent than what is obtained in the second tier market. Umar listed challenges facing SMEs to include multiple taxation, weak business capacity in terms of knowledge and skills, weak or absence of human resource policy, including lack of clear succession, irregular and insecure local demands, and low synergy among the three tiers of government, among others. Skye Bank Plc, recently keyed into SMEDAN demand, when the bank expressed its readiness to partner with the Nigerian Stock Exchange to provide support for the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country. The Group Managing Director of the bank, Mr Timothy Oguntayo , who stated this during the bank’s courtesy visit to the Nigerian Stock Exchange in Lagos, said that the bank will continue to encourage SME’s through provision of adequate funding that would propel growth and prepare them for listing in the stock market. Oguntayo stressed that the bank would leverage growth opportunities in SMEs to expand its business activities. “Today, the merger of the bank has increased the number of SMEs in our account. We took companies like Tantalizers and Multitrex from the beginning till they get listed on the Exchange and presently, we have quite a number of them that are yet to approach the market,” he said.

BUSINESS | BRANDS & MARKETING 37

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Confusion over ‘appointment’ of new APCON chairman CONFLICT Apex advertising regulatory body is embroiled in a leadership challenge Stories by Dele Alao

ho is the actual chairman of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON)? This is the question on the lips stakeholders in the advertising industry. APCON is under the supervision of the Ministry of Information. The position of the chairman of the advertising regulatory body became vacant late last year, following the expiration of the tenure of Lolu Akinwunmi. Akinwunmi was appointed in 2010. However, the delay in announcing Akinwunmi’s successor has become a subject of debate in the industry. “This is the first time in the

history of the regulatory body that we are witnessing such a long delay in announcing the appointment of a new chairman of APCON,” a source told New Telegraph. More confusing is the recent media reports that one Prince Ngozi Emioma has been appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan, through the Ministry of Information under Labaran Maku, as the new APCON chairman. Maku has also absolved the ministry of endorsing Emioma, A media statement signed by press secretary to the Minister of Information, Joseph Mutah, said that the minister was aware of the reports in various newspapers, saying that the ministry has endorsed Emioma. “The report claims that the persons who visited the Minister of Information were holding their first official meeting as the leadership of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), at the Radio House, Abuja. Yet in the same report, it was stated that the Council had not been inaugurated. On what basis could they have held their

first ‘official’ meeting with the minister? “Therefore, the minister wishes to clarify that his meeting with the visitors where they raised a number of issues was private and not in their official capacity as the leadership of APCON. The Council has yet to be inaugurated,” the statements read. “The general public is hereby advised to disregard the report in its entirety as no any iota of truth is contained in the publication,” the statement added. Emioma too, in a chat with the media, said that the APCON Board, which he was “appointed” as chairman, did not need the minister’s endorsement to function. Emioma said that the first meeting of the board at Maku’s office on May 26, was not meant to endorse, approve, certify or confirm the APCON board, but to inform the minister that the board

was set to carry out its mandate. He said that if any person was aggrieved over Mr. President’s appointment, such was free to go to court and seek redress. Emioma urged stakeholders to cooperate with the new APCON board in its efforts at building a viable advertising industry, which would fast-track the economy and deepen the nation’s democratic process. “We further urge the information minister to facilitate the smooth take-off of the board as APCON has no other board to run its affairs except the Prince Ngozi Emioma-led leadership, appointed, endorsed, approved and authorised by President Jonathan,” Emioma said. A source, however, told New Telegragh that Emioma is only known on the pages of newspapers and not a registered advertising practitioner with APCON. Efforts to speak with the Reg-

istrar, APCON, Alhaji Garba Bello Kankarofi, who is in France for the Cannes Festival, as at the time of filing this report, did not yield any positive result. He did not respond to SMS either. Before the on-going controversy, the Chief Executive Officer and the former president, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Bates Cosse, Funmi Onabolu, one of the oldest serving members in the council and who has served APCON and AAAN in various capacities including chairman of APCON Committee on Advertising Practice Reforms (ACAPR); Willy Nnorom, Chief Executive Officer, SO &U Saatchi and Saatchi, Udeme Ofot, chairman of Advertising Standard Panel of APCON Ade Akinde and veteran advertising practitioner, Babu Akinbobola, are being touted to take over from Akinwunmi.

‘Wealthy Nigerians have appetite for luxury shopping abroad’ he founder and Managing Director of Polo Luxury TGroup, John Obayuwana,

has said that wealthy Nigerians have a huge appetite for luxury from shopping abroad. Obayuwana said this at the Financial Times Business of Luxury Summit, held at St. Regis Hotel in Mexico City recently. This year, the summit took a deep-dive into the markets of the future, from the geographic to the virtual, and the value systems that make the difference. Obayuwana spoke on a panel that focused on the economies and the luxury industry of Turkey and Africa. Other members of his panel included Christian Louboutin, Burak Celet and William Hutchings. Discussions at the summit delved into African countries being regularly touted as the next big thing in luxury, yet luxury has been notably slow to embrace Africa. Obayuwana took on such discussions, as he explained the current state, the challenges

and opportunities that exist for international luxury brands in Africa particularly in Nigeria. Speaking on the preference exhibited by Nigerians when consuming luxury, he said: “In Nigeria, customers are not just looking for logos, they are looking for quality and great service.” In addition, he spoke about the challenges that have inhibited the luxury industry in Nigeria such as lack of power supply, high cost of operation, lack of human capital and lack of retail infrastructure. “Despite a chronic dearth of infrastructure, Lagos alone could generate $2-3 billion in luxury sales,” he said. The current consumption of luxury goods by Nigerians in shopping destinations such as Paris, Dubai and UK, among others, according to the Polo boss, shows the spending power of Nigerians in the luxury sector. Obayuwana stressed the importance of paying attention to the middle class in order to ensure the sustainable development of the luxury industry.

Founder, Christian Louboutin Ltd, Mr Christian Louboutin; Managing Director, Polo Limited, Mr John Obayuwana and Chief Executive Officer, DESA, Burak Celet, at the Financial Times Business of Luxury summit in Mexico.

Consumers pledge to aid Dettol’s move against Diarrhoea SOCIAL MARKETING Dettol moves against diarrhoea in a new platform

n furtherance of its commitment to reduce infant mortality rate in Nigeria and promote basic health and hygiene practices among consumers, leading antiseptic brand, Dettol, has strengthened its affinity with

69 firms meet SERA’s CSR Awards 2014 deadline

rganisers of the SERA, 8th OTruContact annual Nigeria CSR awards, CSR Nigeria, which

has grown to become the most credible business awards promoting corporate social responsibility and sustainability in Nigeria, have announced an increase in the number of Nigeria’s top hundred companies that have entered for the 2014 awards billed to hold on October 18 at the MUSON Centre, Lagos. First Bank, Fidelity Bank, BAT, DHL, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Nestle, Shell, Promasidor, Oando, Cornerstone Insurance

and 59 others beat the May 30, 2014 deadline for the submission of entries. The award, which was launched in 2007, has enjoyed successful seasons. The theme for 2014 is – Creating an enabling organizational structure for sustainability. The choice of thematic focus owes to the fact that Nigeria is not short of successful business that post brilliant annual returns and maintain shareholders enthusiasm. Despite great strides recorded in getting businesses in Nigeria to imbibe the culture of responsible behaviour and

sustainability, there still appears that underlying question of how organisations make profit vis-àvis their internal processes and their openness to public scrutiny especially as it affects social, environmental and governance issues All is set for the commencement of verification and facility visits to projects and locations entered by the organizations. The SERA involves the production of an annual Nigeria Social Enterprise Report that documents the CSR and sustainability interventions of corporate organizations countrywide.

consumers when they turned up for its walkathon to pledge their support against diarrhoea and their commitment to simple hygienic practices. The walkathon which held at Teslim Balogun stadium, Surulere, Lagos, was part of commemorative activities to mark Dettol’s 50 years presence in the Nigerian market and was tagged “a pledge to save 10 million children” is a strategy aimed at reaching 10 million moms with the multiplier effect of helping save the lives of 10 million Nigerian children from premature death. This initiative is centred on helping Nigeria meet its 2015 Millennium Development Goals of reducing child mortality for children under the age of five by 6.3 per cent by 2015. Speaking to the crowd who turned up at the event, Marketing Director for West Africa, Reckitt Benckiser, Oguzhan Silivrili, said that the walkathon was a very symbolic component of the company’s greater journey motif. He described it as a conviction that allows Dettol lead the charge in Nigeria’s journey to

reducing infant mortality and to partner all relevant government and non-government agencies in creating a hygiene conscious nation. He explained that the motivation for the Dettol Walkathon was a demonstration of Reckitt Benckiser’s global vision of building healthier kids and happier homes. Silivrili added that two hundred thousand children in Nigeria died from diarrhoea last year and this new initiative was designed to galvanise action in the face of what he called ‘unacceptable’ number of infant mortality rates in Nigeria noting that it will take collective action to bring down the figure. At the same event, Managing Director, Reckitt Benckiser Nigeria Limited/General Manager, Reckitt Benckiser West Africa, Rahul Murgai, equally said that the Momentum campaign whose goal is to save 10 million lives will go a long way in improving the hygienic situation of many households in Nigeria and significantly help to reduce death arising from preventable diseases.

EDIMENT

is a snag in passage maritime bills at ational Assembly

38 BUSINESS

BLUNDER Importers and Customs agents are upset over anti-trade practice at a port terminal in Lagos Stories by Bayo Akomolafe

ort users at the Port and Terminal Multi-services Limited (PTML), Tincan Port, have said that multiple valuation desks created by the Nigeria Customs (NCS) at its PTML Command is hampering the planned 48-hour cargo clearance. They urged the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Alhaji Dikko Inde Abdullahi, to trim down the work force at the command in order to curb sharp practices by the Customs officials. The stakeholders alleged that the command is currently over-populated by officers, adding that the jobs available at the command do not require so many tables.

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Port users decry Customs’ multiple valuation desks

They insisted that genuine tariffs should be provided and circulated to all operators in order to stop extortion at the port. Also, the new Area Controller in charge of the PTML Command, Mr Adegoke Folorunsho, has been accused by stakeholders of allegedly snubbing them since he took over the reins at the command. According to them, over population of the work force was hampering cargo clearance and desired 48-hour clearance. Executives of some associations have been meeting secretly with him mainly to help their personal businesses; there has not been any formal meeting between the controller and the stakeholders. One of them, Mr Paul Ukemu said: “Customs are over-populated, you see them too many, by

virtue of the system we operate here, if every officer is mandated to do his job effectively, government will know we don’t need so many officers.” He alleged that there were too many tables in the clearance system at the command and this has resulted into having dully cleared containers from PTML terminal being subjected to double clearance at the gate-by-gate officers. “They have to go on their own examination, whatever you give them then goes into their personal pocket and not government coffers, they will tell you it’s for checks and balance, they believe we don’t have the mind to go to Abuja to report them and that’s why they do what they like,” Ukemu alleged. Also, the Secretary of PTML Chapter of National Associa-

tion of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) confirmed that there has not been any stakeholders’ meeting between the Custom boss and the operators. He noted: “One of the hitches we are having is multiple valuation, they should print out the real valuation for us to pay, presently there are different and confusing tariffs, the new valuation man just want to be noticed, so every job goes on query and valuation checks. “We don’t have one particular valuation unit at hand, by the time you go to the man’s table he will now bring out a paper, by this time, 24 hours clearance has already been defeated,” However, Chairman of the

Customs agents lament transfer of containers from ports

agents operating at Cpa,ustoms the Lagos Port Complex, Apaare not happy over the vol-

Army uniforms seized from smugglers by officials of the Nigeria Customs Service at the port and terminal multi-service (PTML), Tincan Port in Lagos.

PTML Chapter of Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Bola Adesokan, said that the executives of the associations had met with the PTML Controller, but there is yet to be a general forum. Adesokan also confirmed that there were issues bordering on valuation and tariff on vehicles which would be tabled before the Customs boss. He said: “Issue of valuation will come up, we normally start our operations from valuation, so what we are trying to tell the valuation in-house is to use their wisdom. “As a valuation officer, government has sent you a message, but you must know how to deliver the message to the people.”

ume of containers being transferred to bonded terminals. While the Customs Area Controller at Apapa Area 1 Command, Mr Charles Edike, said the policy of transferring containers from Lagos Port to bonded terminals was to facilitate trade, agents said that the trend was killing their businesses. The agents stressed that the idea of transferring containers to bonded terminals has not only taken a toll on their business activities but has also affected the importers who incur additional cost in the cause of transfer. Speaking on behalf of the

agents, Mr Frank Aliakor said most of the containers that were supposed to be cleared at Apapa were being transferred out of the ports, which has thus reduced the volume of container traffic at the port and has impacted negatively on the command’s revenue performance. “If you look at the environment, you will notice that there is slow operation of work around here. Operation work at Apapa is no longer at its high pace. “It has reduced unlike before when there is high volume of jobs being cleared here. Some of the containers transferred were supposed to be cleared here but now they have been taken away, so everywhere is empty,” he said.

NIWA impounds sub-standard life jackets in Lagos ILLEGAL Illegal businesses boom at National Inland Waterways Authority’s jetties

he National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has seized over 200 substandard life jackets from boat operators in the Lagos area. Head of the Marine Department of NIWA, Mrs. Sarat Suleiman, said that the jackets were seized recently. She explained that it was part of the authority’s mandate to make the state’s waterways safe for all voyagers, noting that this should be more paramount to every operator and passenger. Mrs Suleiman added: “As part of our efforts to sanitise waterways and make it safe, we seized no fewer than 200 fake life jackets in a single raid last week. “One of the ways of ensuring water safety is the use of stan-

• NDLEA seizes N75m cocaine in Calabar

dard life jackets and operators must comply.” She said that the fake life jackets seized in 2014 by the authority are usually burnt on Wednesdays. While assuring that the authority would sustain the crusade against sub-standard life jackets, Mrs Suleiman warned boat operators to provide standard jackets for passengers or risk more sanctions. NIWA Area Manager, Alhaji Muazu Sambo, had earlier said that government had been donating standard life jackets to operators as part of efforts to enhance safety. Sambo noted that NIWA had commenced full enforcement of laws regarding the safety of waterways, advising ferry operators and passengers to comply with safety requirements. Also, the Cross River State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency

(NDLEA) has arrested a 26-yearold suspect, Kelechi Amaka, with 6.3 kilogrammes of cocaine valued at N75 million. Amaka, an Imo State indigene based in Cameroon, was arrested at the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) jetty in Calabar on his way from Cameroon. The State Commander of the

agency, Mr Kayode Adeniyi, said that the drugs were concealed in six factory sealed ladies hand bags and kept in a leather box, adding that the suspect was intercepted by NDLEA officers at the NIWA Jetty. He stressed that the arrest was the largest singular one with respect to category ‘A’ drug ever made by the Cross River

State Command. Adeniyi explained that the most trafficked drug in Cross River has been cannabis sativa popularly known as Indian hemp. He said: “Nowadays, we have discovered the influx of cocaine and heroin into the illicit drug market in Calabar and its environs.”

Shipping line to restructure Lagos, others' service

apag-Lloyd is planning to HLagos restructure its services to ports and Tema Port in Ghana. The West Africa Service Network, comprising of West Africa Service (WAX) as well as West Africa Mediterranean Express (WMX) will also affect Antwerp, Hamburg, London Gateway, Algeciras, Dakar, Abidjan, Algeciras ports The shipping line said in a statement that effective June

ending, 2014, it would merge both complementary products into one single comprehensive service, by directly calling at Lagos/Apapa as well as adding a second Algeciras (northbound) call to the rotation. It added: “In addition and following market requirements, we will be re-instating a direct United Kingdom call to the schedule of the enhanced West Africa service by mid July 2014, thus complet-

ing the restructuring. But it noted that the direct service to Cotonou, Benin, would be suspended for the time being. “The first sailings with the revised rotation are: Phase 1 (adding Lagos/Apapa and Algeciras northbound) and Phase 2 (adding London Gateway). The revised WAX will provide service network at the ports of Algeciras - from and to East/ West Mediterranean as well as Canada/Montreal Gateway.”

BUSINESS | MARITIME

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Shippers pay N29.7bn to service providers from 1% CISS EXPLOITATION Shippers are not happy over 'undue' charges by Customs on imports Stories by Bayo Akomolafe

mporters under the aegis of Shippers’ Association Lagos State (SALST) have said that between January and November 2013, N29.7 billion was collected from them by service providers at the port. Its president, Mr Jonathan Nicol, disclosed that the amount covered the one per cent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) charges. He urged the Federal Government to stop the CISS charge paid to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), explaining that the seven per cent of all import duties collected by the service (NCS) was enough to sustain its services at the ports. In December 2013, the Federal Government directed NCS to take over the Destination Inspection Scheme from the three service providers - SGS, Cotecna and Global Scan systems. According to him, the large chunk of shippers’ capital which goes into the CISS charges was affected, saying that business could not continue like this without a change. He argued: “If the Customs receive seven per cent of the total import duties, you know the outcome is enormous for a government parastatal. I don’t think that any other government parastatal has such kind

of incentive.” The shippers said that the seven per cent was enough to equip the service adequately, adding that if they were not using the charges, it should be paid back to government. Nicol stressed: “Initially, government contracted private service providers and levied the Nigerian shippers to pay the one per cent CISS charges. Ordinarily, we expect the customs service to sympathise with the Nigerian shippers whose efforts gave them the privileged position that they are now. “We are of the opinion that if necessary, the one per cent CISS should be paid to customs from the Federation Account and not from the pockets of the Nigerian shippers.

ported to anywhere and until all the factories are operational and the vehicles coupled and tested, the Federal Government should step slowly,” the shipper said. He advised that the new vehicle tariffs should come when the vehicle assembly plants are in place. According to him, Nigerians would be glad to drive new cars instead of second hand vehicles, adding that Nigerians were not used to second hand materials until 1990s. The Federal Government had in April 2014, unveiled the vehicle tariff policy of 35 per cent import duty and 35 per cent levy on second hand vehicles, up from 20 per cent duty and 2 per cent levy. The policy fuelled agitations by shippers and clearing agents.

MV Ionian Wind discharging cement at Lagos port

Man jailed over e-waste export to Nigeria, others 54-year old man has been sentenced to 16 months in prison for illegally exporting waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) to Nigeria, Ghana, the Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo between September and April 2013. He was convicted for a similar charge 18 months ago. The man, Mr Joe Benson, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court for exporting 46 tons of hazardous waste to the West African countries. Benson was previously convicted of exporting hazardous electrical waste to Nigeria in 2011 during one of the agency’s biggest illegal export cases. Fines totalling over £150,000 were handed out to seven defendants in December. According to the United Kingdom Environment Agency, this is the first time a defendant has been sentenced to a custodial sentence for illegally exporting waste. Benson then unsuccessfully

“If the service is incapable of absorbing maintenance fees (of the scanners), which we consider to be part and parcel of destination inspection, it should honourably hand over that aspect of its profession to private bodies,” Nicol said. The NCS defended its stance on the CISS collection, saying that it provided Destination Inspection services, maintain scanners, keep offices opened for 24 hours and pay its workers well. On new vehicle import tariffs, Nicol urged the Federal Government and the NCS to step slowly in its implementation. “We have not seen the car assembly plants on ground. We have not seen massive evacuation of Completely Knocked Down (CKD) parts being trans-

sought to appeal against his conviction, while continuing to export waste televisions and freezers to West Africa. Passing the sentence, Judge Stephen Dawson said: “In my view, this is a serious offence that you have committed before. The public and the world need protecting from this sort of offence.” The court heard that broken cathode ray tube televisions and fridge freezers had been found in four containers intercepted at ports by Environment Agency investigators. Under the terms of the Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations 2007 electronic goods can be exported for resale where there is a legitimate market for used goods and where they have been subject to rigorous testing. However, it is illegal to send unusable electronic waste from the United Kingdom to developing countries where it could be dumped and burnt to extract precious metals, posing serious risks to people’s health and damage to the environment.

IMO, others to celebrate Seafarers day he International Maritime Tmaritime Organisation (IMO) and all countries will celebrate Seafarers’ Day today. The Seafarers Day is a yearly event dedicated worldwide to appreciate the efforts of seafarers in the global maritime trade. The organisation said: “Seafarers are the people without whom food, clothes, gifts, gadgets or even basic needs would not reach our doors. We rely on them every day. Yet have you ever said thank you to a seafarer? Chances are you haven’t. In commemoration of the day, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) said it is joining other maritime nations to celebrate the day by hosting a seminar for Nigerian seafarers. The association said that this year’s celebration will take place at the Maritime International Press Centre in Apapa, Lagos. It said: “The abject neglect of the world’s seafarers of today poses danger to the shipping industry. We appeal to shipping nations to take urgent steps to improve the lives of the numerous seafarers living in squalor.

“The seafarers are critical to the global economy because they offer immense help to millions of people that face various forms of danger in the sea, but painfully their remuneration remains paltry", the statement added. It also noted that Nigerian seafarers had been frustrated as a result of their inability to secure good jobs on board vessels. In a statement issued in Lagos and signed by MARAN President, Mr Bolaji Akinola, the association recounted that the problems of Nigerian seafarers started with the mismanagement and subsequent liquidation of the Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL). It enjoined the Federal Government through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to urgently take adequate measures to ensure that Nigerian seafarers are adequately rewarded by their employers. It noted that this is key, especially as the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 is coming on stream this month. The convention seeks to improve the welfare of seafarers all over the world.

Nigeria pledges N16.2m to IMO anti-piracy campaign SUPPORT Global maritime activities have received support from Nigeria through donation

igeria has pledged to donate N16.2 million ($100,000) to International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to tackle piracy, armed robbery against ships and illicit maritime activity in the Gulf of Guinea. Transport Minister, Senator Idris Umar, who led Nigeria’s delegation to the on-going IMO Council meeting in London, also pledged a further $50,000 to IMO’s general Technical Cooperation Fund. The IMO’s Strategy for implementing sustainable maritime security measures in West and Central Africa outlines IMO’s undertaken and programmed work to implement all of the key areas identified in the Code of Conduct concerning the repression of piracy, armed robbery against ships and illicit maritime activity in west and central Africa which was adopted formally in Yaoundé in June 2013 by heads of state or their representatives from the 25 West and Central African countries. The strategy also includes implementation of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) developed by IMO and the Maritime Organisation for West and Central Africa (MOWCA). IMO’s initiatives takes place within the wider context of United Nations Security Council resolutions 2018 (2011) and 2039 (2012); United Nations General Assembly resolutions including resolution 67/78 on Oceans and the law of the sea; the Zone of Peace and Cooperation in the South Atlantic; the maritime strategies of the African Union, the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC). The 28th session of the IMO Assembly in December 2013 unanimously adopted resolution A.1069(28) on Prevention and suppression of piracy, armed robbery against ships and illicit maritime activity in the Gulf of Guinea. The resolution appeals to countries in the region to take all measures possible within the provisions of international law, to ensure that all acts or attempted acts of piracy, armed robbery against ships and other illicit maritime activities are terminated.

40 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

3rd Session: 7th Senateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scorecard

CHUKWU DAVID x-rays the legislative performance of the Third Session of the 7th Senate

ccording to the legislative calendar of the National Assembly, a session equals 13 months of a particular Assembly, beginning from the day of its inauguration. After the enthronement of democracy in 1999, the President and governors were sworn-in on May 29 of the same year. This informs why May 29 of every year is celebrated as the Democracy Day in Nigeria in the last 15 years. However, the 7th Assembly of the National Assembly was inaugurated on June 6, 2011. Consequently, June 5 of each year marks the end of a session in the subsisting Assembly. Therefore, the Senate completed three of the four legislative sessions of this Assembly on June 5, 2014. In keeping with legislative tradition and practice, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Ita Enang, on Monday June 9 addressed a press conference in Abuja, where he released a comprehensive report on the legislative activities of the Senate in the last legislative session, which covered from June 6, 2013 to June 5, 2014. From his presentation, the status of bills, motions, petitions and other legislative measures were brought to public knowledge. Enang revealed that, as at the close of legislative business in plenary on Thursday, June 5, a total of 187 bills were introduced from June 2013. These include bills either passed, withdrawn, read a second time, committed to either standing committees or committee of the whole, consolidated, published but yet to be read. All bills howsoever must be published in the journal of the Senate. He also noted that there were, however, some draft bills, which were yet to be numbered or published in the journal, being now re-drafted or scrutinised to determine if there were existing laws, pending bills, or matters which should not be attended by a bill for an act, or other matters howsoever impeding. The bills in this category are not included in the 187 bills numbered within the period. A statistical analysis of the 187 bills indicate that, nine are Executive bills while the remaining 178 fall into the class of Private-member bills. Private-member bills are bills that are sponsored by the members of the Senate themselves, while Executive bills are sponsored by the Executive arm of government. The nine Executive bills are: Nigeria Financial Intelligence Centre Bill 2014 (SB. 344); Cyber Crime Bill 2014 (SB. 38), Nigerian Metallurgical Industry Bill 2014 (SB. 461), National Fertilizer Bill 2014 (SB. 462); Proceeds of Crimes Bill 2014 (SB. 471), and National Tobacco Control Bill 2014 (SB. 477). Others are: Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill 2014 (SB. 470); 2013 Appropriation (Amendment) Bill (SB. 344) and 2014 Appropriation Bill (SB. 437). Again, out of the number of bills pending, 14 were read a second time and referred to the relevant committees for further legislative action. Also, 13 out of the 187 bills have been passed to the final stage by the Senate, pending Presidential assent. These bills include: Federal Capital Territory College of Education (Establishment) Bill 2013 (HB. 40); Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Bill 2012 (SB. 102); Companies and Allied Matters Act CAP C20 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill 2014 (SB. 185); National Assembly

Mark

Service Commission Act Cap. N7 2004 (Repeal and Re-enactment) 2014 (SB. 245); 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Further Alteration) Bill 2013 (SB. 261); and Pension Reform Act Cap P4. LFN 2011 (Repeal and Reenactment) Bill 2014 (SB. 288). Others are: Motor Vehicle (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act Cap M21 LFN 2011(Amendment) Bill 2013 (SB. 289); 2013 Appropriation Act (Amendment) Bill No. 2 (SB. 344); 2014 Appropriation Bill (SB. 437); HIV and AIDS Anti-Discrimination Bill 2014 (SB. 258); Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Act 2003 (Amendment) Bill 2014 (SB. 264); FCT Internal Revenue Board Bill 2014 (SB. 203) and Constitution (Alteration) Bill 2014 (SB. 77). It is imperative to highlight some other specific achievements of the Senate in the 3rd Session in terms of bills or motions passed. This will form empirical basis for assessing their performance; and also to establish whether the lawmakers are effectively representing the electorate or not. Within the period under review, the Senate passed the Pension Reform Bill. Since the passage of this bill, there have been reactions from the various segments of the public. Most analysts assert that the prompt action taken on the bill was a reflection of the sensitivity of the Senate towards the plight of pensioners and Nigerian workers. This bill is aimed particularly at regulating the administration of the uniform contributory pension scheme for both the public and private sectors in Nigeria. Another important bill passed by the upper chamber is the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Bill, which seeks to ensure full integration of persons with disabilities into the society as well as establish a National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and vest it with the responsibilities for their education, health care and the protection

Enang

One major legislation pending in the Senate, which tends to rubbish the efforts of the Red Chamber is the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) of their social, economic and civil rights. When this bill is signed into law by the President, it will become an offence to subject disabled Nigerians to any form of discrimination or stigmatisation. Another milestone achievement of the Senate in the concluded 3rd Session was the approval of the extension of the state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. This was done to enable the Federal Government engage sustained military operations in the North-East states, which have been under the menace of Boko Haram insurgency in the past three years. However, getting the approval of the Senate this time around was tasking. It took a lot of horse trading and intense political bargaining to get senators from particularly the North East and the North West geo-political zones to support the extension. Furthermore, the Senate in the 3rd Session. passed the Constitution (Alteration) Bill, which brings the number of alterations the Senate has carried out on the 1999 Constitution to four. Meanwhile, the alteration of Section 9 is yet to be voted on. According to the clue from the Rules and Business Committee, the Senate will vote on the Section at the beginning of the 4th and last Session of the 7th Senate, which actually commenced on

June 24, 2014. Also notable amongst the legislative feats recorded by the upper chamber within this period are the various confirmations of executive nominations, ranging from ministers to heads of government agencies, Justices of the Supreme Court and President of the Court of Appeal. In addition, the legislators confirmed the appointment of Mr. Godwin Emefiele as the new governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and who recently assumed office at the apex bank. However, in spite of this performance, one major legislation pending in the Senate, which tends to rubbish the efforts of the Red Chamber is the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). Nigerians are eagerly looking up to the passage of the PIB because it is one proposal, which if passed into law, will revolutionise the petroleum sector and the entire economy. It is believed that the legislation is very comprehensive and has the capacity to address the current multifarious challenges being witnessed in the industry. The PIB has suffered a lot of setbacks as a result of the conflicting interests it has attracted from the various strata of the polity. The Senate had on many occasions promised Nigerians that it would expedite action on the passage of the bill; but this was never fulfilled. While listing some areas that the upper chamber would give priority attention when it resumed for the Fourth Session, Senator Enang also mentioned the PIB. Other priority areas that will attract the attention of the lawmakers in the 4th Session, according to Enang are: Confirmation of the last ministerial nominations by President Jonathan; budgets of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and government parastatals; statutory report of the agencies, and matters dealing with electoral structuring and votersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; registration. The Senate will only sit for five weeks from June 24 (date of resumption from end of the 3rd Session recess) before proceeding on an eightweek annual recess from July 25 to September 22, 2014.

POLITICS 41

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

An Abuja Federal High Court, last Thursday, issued an injunction restraining the House of Representatives from investigating the Minister of Petroleum resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, on allegations of expending over N10 billion on charter of private jets pending the determination of the suit before it. PHILIP NYAM reviews the genesis of the investigation that has generated so much controversy

N10bn chartered jet: Long walk to a probe

House apology At last, in compliance with the directive of the court, the House was compelled to apologise for the mix up in the press conference it addressed on the purported restraining order against PAC to investigate the alleged expenditure of N10 billion on chattered jets by AlisonMadueke was misread. Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Victor Ogene, who tendered the apology at a press briefing had said: “We are sorry for that slip, wherever it came from.” He said the House was grateful to Justice Mohammed “for standing on the side of justice” by clearly declaring that he never granted any injunction against the House in favour of the minister and the NNPC.

he journey of this controversial investigation began on March 20, 2014 when the House at a plenary passed a resolution mandating its Committee on Public Accounts led by Hon. Adeola Solomon Olamilekan to investigate allegations of reckless spending of over N10 billion on charter of private jets by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke. The resolution was consequent upon the motion brought by Hon. Samuel Adejare (APC, Lagos). Adejare had in the motion alleged that there were incontrovertible evidence that the minister spent N130 million (£479,000) a month on a private jet for personal use. He submitted that Alison-Madueke had spent a total of N10 billion (£37m) on travel over the last two years. Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who presided over the session, however did not allow the motion to be debated. It was thereafter unanimously endorsed in a voice vote. This resolution ruffled not a few feathers and the intrigues, machinations and underground deals surfaced. There were allegations of attempts by the Presidency to pressurise the leadership of the House to stop the probe. This was closely followed by allegations of plots to bribe the committee members to truncate the exercise. This was followed by series of denial by the House. Consequently, the Public Accounts Committee scheduled the commencement of the investigation. This began what could best be described as the season of postponement and confusion. Alison-Madueke vs PAC The Public Accounts Committee had on March 26 written to Alison-Madueke to make written submissions on the allegation before April 28, 2014. The public hearing itself was fixed to begin April 29. The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Andrew Yakubu, was also asked to submit a memo to the committee. The committee had called for the NNPC’s response after the corporation defended the minister on the grounds that chartered jets were allowed for oil industry operations. Both Alison-Madueke and Andrew Yakubu failed to reply the memo from the committee. Misinterpreted court notice As the committee was awaiting the reply from the minister and other stakeholders, a misinterpretation of an alleged court order surfaced and incidentally stalled the commencement of the investigation on April 29. Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Zakari Mohammed and his PAC counterpart, Hon. Adeola Solomon Olamilekan on April 29, announced at a joint press conference that the probe of the minister could not go on as there was a court notice indicating that the minister had gone to court. Both Mohammed and Olamilekan had expressed shock that the minister

Alison-Madueke

waited until Monday April 28, the scheduled date for the commencement of the investigation, before coming up with a court order, giving the impression that the court document had just been served. The lawmakers disclosed that the House leadership would study the order and decide on a response. The House spokesman had said specifically that: “As a law abiding arm of government, we will tarry a while and of course take a legal opinion as far as issues are concerned.” Judge’s denial The confusion continued as the Justice Ahmed Mohammed of Federal High Court, Abuja, a day after the House tarried on the probe denied granting any order preventing the House from probing the minister. The judge who was visibly surprised by media reports that he purportedly granted the minister’s ex parte motion filed on April 11 seeking to stop her probe by the House explained that he only directed the respondents (National Assembly and House of Representatives) to appear before the court on April 17, 2014 and show cause why the orders of interim injunction being sought by the applicants’ motion on notice filed on April 11 should not be granted. The judge explained that the court only ordered the defendants (National Assembly and the House of Representatives) to be put on notice after the plaintiff counsel moved an ex parte motion praying for an order of interim injunction to restrain the House of Representatives from summoning the minister. He stated: “This court in a ruling directed the defendants to appear in this court on April 17 and show cause why the interim order should not be made. On April 17, plaintiff counsel informed the court that processes have not been served on the defendants owing to the Nyanya bomb blast and the court adjourned till today (Tuesday, April 29).” Reps failure to appear On May 5, the House of Representa-

The trial judge, Justice Mohammed had, on April 29, directed the House to appear before him to explain the origin of the restraining order it said stopped its committee from investigating allegation that the minister spent N10 billion on chartered private jets tives did not honour the summons issued against it by the court. The trial judge, Justice Mohammed had on April 29 directed the House to appear before him to explain the origin of the restraining order it said stopped its committee from investigating allegation that the minister spent N10 billion on chartered private jets. Although the National Assembly, which was joined as the 1st respondent in the suit, was represented by its lawyer, Mr. Yakubu Mikyau (SAN), no lawyer appeared for the House of Representatives. However, both Mikyau and Madueke’s lawyer, Mr. Etigwe Uwa (SAN), told the court that they earlier received a call from Mr. A. B. Mammud (SAN), who said he had been briefed by the Speaker of the House but was yet to receive copies of the relevant court processes. Though Madueke’s lawyer urged the court to take decisive action against the House for “disrespecting the direct orders of this court,” Mikyau pleaded with the court for a short adjournment on behalf of the House.

Tambuwal’s explanation Even after it was confirmed that Justice Mohammed never granted any injunction but there was actually a suit by the minister against the House, Tambuwal insisted that the minister was still under investigation by the House. The Speaker had explained at the plenary that the House would continue with the investigation but had to stay action pending receipt of legal advice on the matter before the court. But a week after, Tambuwal directed the PAC to resume investigation of the allegations against the minister. Tambuwal, in issuing the order to the committee, also denied ever contemplating reversing or selling out the resolution of the House to investigate the minister as it has been widely insinuated in some media reports. According to the Speaker, the House will not renege on its resolve to probe the allegations, adding that the leadership of the House had consulted with Justice Mohammed of the Federal High Court that supposedly granted a restraining order stopping the probe and other stakeholders. Court stops House However, two weeks after Tambuwal issued a fresh order and a new date was fixed for the investigation, a Federal High Court presided over by Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed last week stopped the House from investigating the minister over the aircraft lease. Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed gave the ordered at the resumed hearing of the legal action instituted by the minister against the House and the Senate. The order came on the heels of the plan by the House to carry out the probe on June 25, 26 and 27. The order followed an application by the counsel for the plaintiffs, Mr. Etigwe Uwa (SAN), who asked the court for a preservative order pending the hearing of the suit. He had urged the court to give the order, alleging that a letter dated May 23 by the House committee, inviting his clients for the probe disrespected the court. The judge in his ruling said the Committee on Public Accounts had no genuine reason to continue the probe on June 25, 26 and 27, having been aware of the pending suit seeking an order to restrain them from carrying out the said investigation. The end The big question now is whether these allegations will ever be investigated. Can the courts stop the probe finally? And if it is to continue, when will this investigation hold? As the House reconvenes this week, it is expected to take a final position on the lingering confusion over this impending investigation.

42 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

How Osoba, Mbadinuju, Akala, Shinkafi, CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

the ‘Fountain of Knowledge’ probably due to the fact that it has produced more learned individuals, especially professors, than any other state in the country. Ekiti has also produced more governors than any other state in the country since 1999, when the nation returned on the track of democratic governance. In the course of the 15 years of the Fourth Republic, seven governors have occupied the exalted seat in Ekiti Government House. Niyi Adebayo First civilian governor of the state, under the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Adebayo seems the luckiest of all so far, because until Fayemi, he was the only one to have completed a tenure, but then failed to secure a second term. Like Fayemi, Adebayo was widely seen to have done a lot to merit a second term in office to stay beyond May 29, 2003. This was not to be as Ekiti people voted for the opposition PDP candidate, Fayose. Fayose on his part had set in motion, machineries to retain the seat, but did not last beyond three years out of his four-year tenure, as he was impeached in 2006, and went on exile. Chinwoke Mbadinuju After a hectic battle to secure the PDP ticket to contest the Anambra State governorship election in 1999, Mbadinuju had a turbulent four years in office as governor of Anambra State, from 1999, with his party being noted for several internal disputes. This may have been partly responsible for his inability to win a re-election in 2003. He lost the party’s ticket to Dr. Chris Ngige, who went on to win the governorship election in the state. Mbadinuju claimed to have lost the PDP gubernatorial ticket for re-election to Ngige in 2003 because former President Olusegun Obasanjo opposed his candidature. He defected to the AD to contest the 2003 governorship election. But he lost woefully. Hence, his re-election became history. So, after one term in office as governor, Mbadinuju, unable to return, went into political oblivion, as he had to battle one litigation after another, after his handover. Adebayo Adefarati Adefarati was governor of Ondo State from 1999 to 2003, having been elected on the platform of AD. Prior to that, he was a two-time commissioner under the late Yoruba and Afenifere leader, Pa. Michael Adekunle Ajasin. His bid to secure a second term of office at the polls in April 2003 met a brick wall. His plight was associated with a fallout with many of his erstwhile colleagues from his days in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). He was defeated by the PDP candidate, Dr. Olusegun Agagu. After his defeat at the gubernatorial election, Adefarati was however not cowed as he later secured the ticket of the AD to stand as its presidential candidate in the April 2007 presidential election. He died a few weeks to the election, putting an end to the dream of returning to the seat of the number one citizen. Olusegun Agagu He was a deputy governor to Bamidele Olumilua, under the short-lived Third Republic from January 1992 to November 1993, elected on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), but they were forced out of office when the military regime of Abacha took over power. After serving as a Minister of Aviation under the administration of President Obasanjo, Agagu contested the gubernatorial election in Ondo State under the PDP in 2003 and defeated Adefarati,

Kwankwaso

Lawal

the incumbent governor. In his bid to secure a second term in office, he was declared winner of the governorship election in 2007, but the court voided his re-election on account of electoral irregularities. He was replaced by Olusegun Mimiko of the LP. Unlike Adefarati and Agagu, Mimiko was able to secure his re-election in 2013.

of Kwara and Benue states produced Prince Audu as the first elected executive governor on the platform of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC). That administration only lasted for 22 months before it was abruptly terminated by military intervention. But history again orchestrated events in favour of Audu when in 1999, the military once again relinquished power to civilian administration, and he emerged governor again by a landslide victory, this time on the platform of All Peoples Party (APP), which later became the All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP) now defunct. He could not return to Government House in 2007 as he was defeated by the PDP candidate in the governorship election, Ibrahim Idris. Undaunted, he still sought a return to the coveted seat in the 2007 election, which was cancelled by the court, and rerun election of 2008. In 2010, Prince Audu again sought to be re-elected, but still could not break the jinx, as he flied the governorship ticket of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Once again, he lost out to the PDP candidate, Idris Wada.

Olusegun Osoba Journalist turned-politician, Osoba was governor of Ogun State from January 1992 until November 1993, during the Third Republic before it was sacked by Abacha. He was elected on the SDP platform. However, after the return of democracy in 1999, he again won election as governor on the AD platform, holding office between May 1999 and May 2003. He also failed to secure re-election at the poll despite his popularity as he was humbled in the 2007 gubernatorial election by Otunba Gbenga Daniel of the PDP. Abubakar Audu The first democratic election held in Kogi State in 1991 after it was carved out John Ainofenokhai “Fayose is a son of a bitch.” “Yes, he is our son of a bitch.” he above statements came from an exchange between two users on a social network medium to express their opinions on the outcome of the Ekiti governorship election, which Ayodele Peter Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emphatically won. As inappropriate as their language may sound, nobody can capture what has just happened in Ekiti State any better. Yes, Fayose, the PDP candidate went into that election trusting only one thing: the efficacy of democracy in guaranteeing the popular will. He was insulted, called names, denigrated and had his reputation dragged in the mud by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and its supporters, especially in the media. He was portrayed by the APC and a good section of the elite in the South-West as a bad dream that should not be allowed to come to pass. And when all that failed, propaganda was ignited that “a court” judgement has barred the PDP candidate from the election. It was all too clear that the emergence of Fayose as the PDP governorship candidate in Ekiti State had thrown the APC into confusion. Their natural response was to hit the panic button by threatening violence, thunder and brimstone in what should simply be a peaceful process for the enlight-

Ohakim

Abubakar Hashidu One-time Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, Hashidu became governor of Gombe State in 1999 on APP platform. He was able to secure the party’s mandate to seek re-election in the April 2003 elections, but was unable to gain the people’s mandate, as he failed to get reelected and conceded defeat gracefully to Danjuma Goje of the PDP. Hashidu was again candidate for governor of Gombe State in 2007 on the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) platform, but lost out. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso In 1999, Kwankwaso was elected as the executive governor of Kano State on PDP platform and served a four-year tenure which terminated in 2003. He sought reelection and lost to Ibrahim Shekarau of the ANPP. The Muhammadu Buhari factor affected Kwankwaso’s re-election. The former Head of State was the presidential candidate of the ANPP in the election which robbed off on Shekarau in

“Clueless” Jonathan ened people of the state to decide on their collective fate. Thus, speaking at his investiture as the Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, the APC leader, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, had called on his supporters to unleash mayhem should there be any other outcome other than his party’s victory in Ekiti and Osun governorship elections. According to the APC chieftain, “it will be rig and roast…we are prepared not to go to court but to drive you out. We will not take it anymore. If you mess up in Ekiti and Osun states, you will see our reactions. For every action, there must be a reaction.” Interestingly, the people of Ekiti State on Saturday (June 21) shunned Tinubu and his APC war chants to embrace the democratic principle of “one man, one vote.” Thus, that morning, with the reassuring presence of security operatives, which the President, Goodluck Jonathan, had promised, the voters in Ekiti were confident enough to turn out in large numbers to cast their votes for the candidate of their choice after what was largely a heated campaign period largely coloured by the melodrama and infantile pretensions of some APC governors. So, rather than the “war declaration” of the APC, the Ekiti election was very peaceful and the conduct, exemplary. There

were no reports of ballot box snatching or stuffing and neither were there allegations of the same. While the PDP and the governor-elect, Fayose savour this moment of victory, the sterling performance, which INEC displayed in delivering the Ekiti State election, deserves commendation. After the 2011 general election for which Prof. Atahiru Jega and his INEC were lauded, they followed it up in Edo and Ondo states respectively. But in Anambra just recently, the election management body was heavily criticised for somewhat shoddy handling of the election process. But the way INEC has responded with its transparent handling of every step in the entire process of the Ekiti election hints of an institution

He has also set another record in the politics of the state and Nigeria at large as the only person to have beaten incumbent governor successfully on two occasions.

POLITICS 43

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Doma lost re-election bids

Adesina

Alao-Akala

Kachalla

Kano. Buhari has cult followers in Kano. He however got appointed as Minister of Defence in 2003 and later as Special Adviser to the President on Dafur and Somalia in 2006. He was also appointed into the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in 2009. It was eight years after that he was able to break the jinx of securing a second term as governor, when he made a come-back to the Government House, under the PDP platform.

514,962 votes to Shinkafi’s 460,656. When Shinkafi defected to the PDP, he took along with him the ANPP’s state executive committee. The ANPP’s National Headquarters in Abuja was forced to create a caretaker committee headed by Yari.

military governor of Ogun State, Lawal, was elected governor of Kwara State on ANPP platform. He was a protégé of Senator Olusola Saraki, the late godfather of Kwara politics. Saraki however later moved to the PDP. Lawal sought re-election in 2003, but without the support of Saraki, who backed his children, Bukola and Gbemisola for governorship and Senate respectively. Lawal lost the governorship seat to the younger Saraki of the PDP, who went on to spend eight years as governor.

Mamuda Shinkafi Created in 1996 from the old Sokoto State, Zamfara State had a military administrator before the country returned to democratic governance in 1999. After two terms as deputy governor, from 1999 to 2007, Shinkafi was elected governor of Zamfara State in 2007 on the ANPP platform, but he later defected to the rival PDP. This was probably his undoing, as he was unable to gain re-election under that platform in 2011. As an incumbent, he was defeated at the poll by his son-in-law, and candidate of his former party, the ANPP, Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, who got

Mala Kachalla He was elected governor of Borno State in April 1999, on the platform of the APP. However, before the April 2003 elections, when he was to seek a reelection, it became clear that Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, who was said to have sponsored Kachalla in 1999, would be the ANPP candidate for the governorship contest him. Kachalla left the ANPP and joined the AD, but was still unable to scale through as he was defeated by Sheriff. In hopes of staging another comeback in 2007, Kachalla again changed parties, joining the PDP in 2006. The attempt still proved abortive to his hopes of overcoming the re-election jinx. Kachalla is late. Mohammed Lawal In the April 1999 elections, the former

Adebisi Akande Former interim national chairman of the APC, Akande was also unable to win a re-election bid as governor of Osun State. As governor from 1999 to 2003, on the platform of the AD, Akande who was one time deputy governor of Oyo State between 1979 and 1983 under Bola Ige ran for re-election in 2003 but was defeated by Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola of the PDP. While in office, Akande performed well. His major undoing was his battle against civil servants and traditional rulers. This cost him re-election.

runs APC aground in Ekiti that appropriates criticisms positively for improved performance. More than anything else, INEC’s performance in Ekiti naturally has increased public confidence in the electoral process as a vehicle for delivering popular will. As one of the most important indices of democracy, periodic elections are the best vehicle for vertical accountability in self-restraining systems. In other words, elections remain the chief means by which citizens control what their government does. They serve the purpose of rewarding a performing administration with a new mandate as has been done by the people of Ekiti State. But all these would have amounted to nothing without an unbiased umpire, which INEC has proved to be. It is important also to note that President Jonathan by showing his hand early as a democrat has given INEC the courage to exercise its critical independence. That has never been the character of INEC under past administrations. The lesson in the outcome of the Ekiti election is there for all to learn. First, democracy is a rule-governed system. Once there are no infractions on the rules, the result is always acceptable to both the victor and the vanquished. Second, democracy is about suasion and popular choice. It is about the people and the people alone. It does not matter how

well-meaning and eloquent a candidate might be, it’s all down to popular choice. Fayose might be “a son of a bitch” but Ekiti people are saying that he is “their son of a bitch.” Those who think that the 2015 general election is ominous for the continued existence of our country can take the Ekiti election as an irrepressible metaphor for what is to come. All the threats of “rig and roast” and “the baboon and the monkey will be soaked in their own blood” petered out into an anti-climax. What is needed is for the political parties to improve on their internal democracy so as to produce credible and popular candidates through competitive and transparent primaries. This is where the APC lost it. Whereas the APC characteristically did not even want to discuss the issue of primaries in Ekiti thus shutting out an asset like Opeyemi Bamidele, PDP rejected the temptations of a consensus candidate that most probably would have eliminated a popular choice like Fayose. President Jonathan deserves the credit for insisting on this competitive primary in Ekiti for his party and followed it up by providing a secured ambience for the election to hold. And yet in another deft move, the President quickly moved in to quell the internal acrimonies that resulted from the PDP

Jonathan

primaries. That was simply how a clueless Jonathan routed the savvy APC in Ekiti. Is this a sign of what is to come in 2015? •Ainofenokhai, a public affairs commentator, contributed this piece from Benin City

Lam Adesina, Adebayo Alao-Akala Oyo State is one peculiar terrain where no governor has ever won a reelection bid, since the return of democracy to the country. Every governor that has ever governed the state has only been able to secure just a single tenure. It started with Bola Ige who was elected in 1979 but lost his re-election bid in 1983. Lam Adesina was elected governor in 1999 on AD platform, but lost his reelection bid in 2003 to Rashidi Ladoja of the PDP, who was in turn impeached in January 2006, but reinstated by the Supreme Court in December 2006. Ladoja failed to win the PDP nomination as candidate for a second term. His party instead favoured his deputy, Adebayo Alao-Akala, who had been in charge during his impeachment saga. Alao-Akala went on to win the governorship election in 2007, to take over from his former boss. Alao-Akala was however also unable to secure a second term victory in 2011 as he was defeated by the ACN candidate, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, whom he had defeated earlier in 2007. Ajimobi had contested the 2007 gubernatorial election on ANPP platform. Adesina was a strong supporter of Ajimobi in his successful bid to be elected to the Senate in 2003. Later the two men fell apart, and Ajimobi moved to the ANPP, but in October 2009 they were reconciled in Action Congress (AC) party, which contributed to Ajimobi’s victory. Aliyu Akwe Doma Doma was governor of Nasarawa State from 2007 to 2011 as a member of the PDP. He ran for a second term in office in April 2011, but lost to Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, the candidate of the opposition Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). Ikedi Ohakim He was one-time Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Tourism from 1992 to 1993 in Evan Enwerem administration before the government was sacked by the military regime of late Gen. Abacha. Though a founding member of the PDP in the state, he decamped to the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), under which he ran for the governorship of Imo State in April 2007 and won. According to him, there was little ideological difference between the PDP and the PPA. He again decamped to the PDP prior to the 2011 election, where he picked the party’s gubernatorial ticket. His second term bid was however terminated by Owelle Rochas Okorocha of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who had also earlier decamped from the PDP, to also contest the election, in a keenly contested competition, in which INEC had to organise a supplementary poll in four local government areas and one ward to get a clear winner. Okorocha was declared winner with 336, 859 votes against Ohakim’s 290, 490 votes, and Senator Ifeanyi Ararume of the ACN with 107, 068 votes. What the future holds Given the level of political development of the Nigerian electorate, it is safe to say the incumbency factor which was hitherto taken for granted by most politicians, may no longer be a major advantage for sitting elected public office holders. Propaganda also notwithstanding, the electorate have taken recourse in other criteria to cast their votes, as some governors who were believed to have done well have also been voted out, when seeking a second term in office. With this, it is very unclear what fate awaits governors who are in their first term of office, and may be interested in seeking a second term. It is no more enough to secure the political party’s ticket to vie for election, as the voters have the final say, on who is fit, and capable to represent their interests.

MORE STORIES ON PAGE 48

BUSINESS | MONEY LINE

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Cashless policy: Emefiele Keeps July 1, 2014

CASHLESS The apex bank reduces the burden of carrying cash for all Nigerians

• Postpones withdrawal charges in 30 states implementation of the cashless policy nationwide. In a statement signed by Mr. Isaac Okoroafor, for Director of External Communications sent to the New Telegraph yesterday, the apex bank notified all stakeholders and the general public that phase 3 of the policy’s implementation

Stories by Godson Ikoro

he Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, yesterday said he would keep fate with July 1, 2014 date for the

would commence as scheduled on July 1, 2014, in the remaining 30 States of the Federation. However, a one-year waiver has been granted on the application of withdrawal charges in the 30 states slated for rollout in phase 3, as was the case in the Pilot States.

This means that withdrawal charges will continue to apply to transactions above the specified limits in Abia, Anambra, Lagos, Ogun, Kano, Rivers States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Consequently, charges on withdrawals for both individual and corporate account

FMDQ submits investors protection funds proposal to SEC

oised to enhance the proficiency of dealers and quality of dealing in the Money Market, the Board of Financial Market Dealers Association has submitted proposal for investors protection funds to the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) for consideration. Managing Director/FMDQ OTC PLC, Mr. Bola Onadele Koko, disclosed this to journalists at an interactive session at the weekend. Speaking on the operations of FMDQ, milestones and market development initiatives, Onadele said that the Board of the company had submitted names and institutions that would be represented at the investor’s protection funds drawn largely from players in the bond and treasures market. He confirmed that the Securities and Exchange Com-

mission had received the proposal; stressing that the fund will not be managed under FMDQ because investors have claims. According to him, members of the FMDQ are contributing money to a licensed dealer who will manage the funds, emphsising that the positioning of compliance unit and listing rules would be strictly observed. He averred that the company’s value proposition of being global would foster compelling competiveness, operational excellence, liquidity and diversity; adding that FMDQ remained focused on its gold agenda of contributing to the transformation of Nigerian under the counter (OTC) financial markets through various initiatives. On the impact of FMDQ, he said equity investment, mutual funds and bonds are

listed on FMDQ, saying that to manage funds available on its platform demands a lot of time and attention, which was why investors should give money to professional fund managers. Noting that investors lost money in equity during the last global financial crisis, he said that those who gave their funds to professional managers did not lose as much as those who did not. Furthermore, he argued that FMDQ so far, had done a lot of work particularly in the area of Corporate Governance. According to him, prior to the advent of FMDQ, members were not paying to develop the market, but today, members submit to the governance by FMDQ. Explaining further, he said that in line with FMDQ’s gold agenda, the company strives

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

Description

TTM

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

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

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

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

Price 90.35 99.40 104.40 109.65 114.45 76.90

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

Rate (%) 12.1827 12.2737 12.3744 12.8521 12.8535 13.8443

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

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

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

NITTY

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80 Offer 163.38

quotes to one another, while banks buy treasury bills, bonds and commercial papers, noting that banks now have what he called price discovery. Consequently, trading in security will now indicate the amount traded, at what price and people can examine their report. He also said that the market had become open due to technology and price discovery. According to him, clients can see the activities of their pension administrators as they can see their quotes at lowest price and the highest price. He attributed that to governance, transparency which has permeated the pension fund administration. FMDQ’s key mandate is to bring the current gaps in the Nigerian Financial Markets by bringing Nigeria’s thin, dispersed and high potential OTC markets under a single robust governance structure and single operation platform among others.

Enterprise Bank Boss sues for fitness, healthy living he Managing Director and of everything is bad. So the Chief Executive Officer of emphasis should be for every TEnterprise Bank Limited, Mal- one of us to be conscious and

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

to utilize every opportunity to reform the market while hinting that the financial members have up to August to pay up their obligation. He contended that in the past, nobody organized the market as SEC could not bring the market up to the level it is enjoying today. He cited technology as one of the metrics to gauge the development of the market, adding that liquidity had gone up while volumes traded now hovered over N3 million. He also believes that the standards and pricing of pension is better now than before. Hitherto, banks used to dominate the money/ financial market, but today there are clients and dealing licenses such that you can borrow today and pay tomorrow, as some banks act as clearing house. More so, he said market under FMDQ was providing

holders will only take effect in the 30 States from July 1, 2015. This waiver is to allow ample time for the deployment of adequate infrastructure needed to support the policy, as well as additional sensitisation of various stakeholders on the merits of the policy.

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

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

lam Ahmed Kuru, has called on Nigerians to be conscious of their lifestyle and prioritise the habits of regular exercise and healthy eating to ensure a fit and healthy life. Kuru, who spoke at the end of the 2nd edition of the Walk-For-Life campaign, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative organized by the bank, stated that lack of regular exercise and poor eating habits by people cause health challenges later in life. The 2nd edition of the Walkfor-Life campaign which took place recently (at the weekend) saw staff of the bank and their friends as well as family members, walk a distance of about nine kilometers covering Victoria, Lagos and Ikoyi Islands. While commending the staff and other members of the public for turning out in large numbers to participate and complete the health walk, the Managing Director emphasized the need for moderation in all the people do. Said he: “I am one of those who believe in moderation in anything we do. For me, people should be free to eat well but the watch word should be moderation at all times because too much

engage in regular exercise so that we can strike a balance with what we eat.” The MD/CEO also added that it was because of the importance the bank attached to the health of its staff and the citizenry that it has decided to ensure that the Walk-For-Life campaign becomes a regular programme in the life of the bank. He also called on everybody to brace up for a longer walk in the coming edition of the exercise. Like in the previous edition, the 2nd Enterprise Bank Walk-For-Life campaign, which kicked off at 7:00a.m. last Saturday, held simultaneously across the 10 regions of the bank nationwide, except in Ekiti State, where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted an election and some of the states with security situations. The Walk-For-Life initiative is another effort by the management of Enterprise Bank to continually seek new ways of improving the lives and lifestyle of all its stakeholders by making them always conscious of their health. Enterprise Bankintroduced the event in 2013 and held the first edition.

Daily Summary as of 24/06/2014

Printed 24/06/2014 15:29:08.008

Daily Summary as of 24/06/2014 Printed 24/06/2014 15:29:08.008

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

BUSINESS | CAPITAL MARKET 45

Daily Summary (Bonds)

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at June 24, 2014

No Debt Trading Activity

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 51 15 66

Current Price 32.26 36.00

Quantity Traded 734,960 79,066 814,026

Value Traded 23,857,515.07 2,865,735.50 26,723,250.57

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 39 39

Current Price 3.15

Quantity Traded 1,887,824 1,887,824

Value Traded 5,936,369.59 5,936,369.59

2,701,850

32,659,620.16

Quantity Traded 203,849,530 672,213 204,521,743

Value Traded 1,137,608,452.31 40,509,546.40 1,178,117,998.71

204,521,743

1,178,117,998.71

Quantity Traded 818,924

Value Traded 1,093,727.10

AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Daily Summary as of 24/06/2014 Diversified Industries Totals

105 Symbol TRANSCORP UACN

Printed 24/06/2014 15:29:08.008

No. of Deals 873 45 918

CONGLOMERATES Totals

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

Current Price 5.50 60.20

918

DailySymbol Summary (Equities) No. of Deals COSTAIN

Current Price 1.30

Page

Symbol

No. of Deals 24

Current Price

Quantity Traded 818,924

Value Traded 1,093,727.10

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 31 31

Current Price 76.45

Quantity Traded 114,120 114,120

Value Traded 8,572,458.61 8,572,458.61

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

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 27 27

Current Price 18.00

Quantity Traded 693,151 693,151

Value Traded 12,529,383.00 12,529,383.00

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Symbol UNION HOMES REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST (REIT) UHOMREIT Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Totals

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 47.59

Quantity Traded 10 10

Value Traded 452.20 452.20

1,626,205

22,196,020.91

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC Daily Summary as of 24/06/2014 Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals Printed 24/06/2014 15:29:08.008

83 No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 750 750

Value Traded 375.00 375.00

No. of Deals 6 1 (Equities) 35 20

Current Price 11.26 0.71 180.60 26.00

Quantity Traded 73,000 259 57,850 127,510

Value Traded 781,100.00 191.66 10,446,922.06 3,331,611.05

Symbol NB PREMBREW

No. of Deals 152 1 215

Current Price 175.00 0.77

Quantity Traded 3,577,157 4,000 3,839,776

Value Traded 619,481,745.41 3,200.00 634,044,770.18

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

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 19 19

Current Price 91.00

Quantity Traded 71,388 71,388

Value Traded 6,526,953.19 6,526,953.19

Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC U T C NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR MULTITREX NASCON UTC

No. of Deals 59 118 48 69 1 82 1 378

Current Price 8.08 9.30 77.00 4.15 0.50 11.49 0.54

Quantity Traded 1,463,507 2,903,926 75,422 2,029,270 3,000 4,766,833 9,015 11,250,973

Value Traded 11,885,165.68 27,320,888.98 5,836,287.11 8,377,402.18 1,500.00 55,043,305.85 4,687.80 108,469,237.60

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 41 58 99

Current Price 81.89 1,050.00

Quantity Traded 122,837 75,120 197,957

Value Traded 9,590,412.41 78,658,087.61 88,248,500.02

Current Price 4.45

Quantity Traded 452,409

Value Traded 1,965,929.58

Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC.

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Symbol DUNLOP Symbol CHAMPION GOLDBREW Daily Summary GUINNESS INTBREW

Page

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. PREMIER BREWERIES PLC Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals

Daily Summary as of 24/06/2014 Food Products--Diversified Printed 24/06/2014 15:29:08.008

CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC.

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals VITAFOAM

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Page

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

CONSUMER GOODS Household Durables Household Durables Totals

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

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Banking Totals

Quantity Traded 291,495 191,534 483,029

Value Traded 10,351,646.52 9,627,230.27 19,978,876.79

16,296,282

859,234,642.36

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. OASIS INSURANCE PLC PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Value Traded 202,740,300.51 47,069,102.96 92,588,970.38 38,613,600.98 523,911,974.51 24,837,762.85 12,080,426.35 113,852,291.20 12,210,352.43 1,884,000.00 10,092,277.64

Mortgage Brokers and Services Daily Summary as ofCarriers, 24/06/2014 UNION15:29:08.008 HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC. Printed 24/06/2014

Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FBN HOLDINGS Activity Summary onPLC Board EQTY FINANCIAL SERVICES Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Other Financial Institutions FCMB GROUP PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE INTENEGINS LAWUNION MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM OASISINS PRESTIGE STACO WAPIC

No. of Deals 39 5 18 1 12 19 50 6 6 1 112 269

Current Price 0.85 1.07 0.52 0.50 2.65 0.54 0.85 0.53 0.53 0.50 0.73

Quantity Traded 2,331,654 3,004,550 2,167,544 1,000,000 143,252 2,364,700 7,403,703 1,462,252 624,861 100 45,800,083 66,302,699

Value Traded 1,966,176.92 3,214,903.00 1,086,938.44 500,000.00 380,902.23 1,240,324.00 6,316,687.55 763,371.04 331,175.13 50.00 34,171,101.25 49,971,629.56

Symbol UNHOMES

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 200 200

Value Traded 100.00 100.00

No. of Deals 66 27 599

Current Price 3.25 3.56 15.42

Quantity Traded 638,917 10,690,882 28,708,841

Value Traded 2,072,704.56 39,394,885.02 444,168,384.40

Symbol

AFRIPRUD Daily Summary (Equities) CUSTODYINS FBNH Symbol FCMB STANBIC UBCAP

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC Healthcare Providers Totals Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals HEALTHCARE Totals

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

No. of Deals 83 46 154 975

Current Price 4.27 26.80 2.38

2,962

133,570,824

Page

Value Traded 4 of 13 494,984,313.25 1,574,865,373.06

Quantity Traded 3,601,852 588,453 12,031,694 56,260,639

Value Traded 15,211,543.45 15,744,372.51 28,250,825.58 544,842,715.52

256,134,362

2,169,679,818.14

Symbol UNIONDAC

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,000 1,000

Value Traded 500.00 500.00

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH PHARMDEKO

No. of Deals 5 39 41 19 16 3 123

Current Price 2.40 3.10 65.01 1.70 1.29 1.50

Quantity Traded 181,355 7,726,396 672,282 488,627 292,789 10,180 9,371,629

Value Traded 425,888.40 23,569,107.58 43,630,084.65 825,548.57 366,671.63 14,767.00 68,832,067.83

9,372,629

68,832,567.83

124

Page

Quantity Traded 250,000 250,000

Value Traded 125,000.00 125,000.00

IT Services COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. IT Services Totals

Symbol CWG NCR

No. of Deals 7 3 10

Current Price 5.00 15.20

Quantity Traded 150,000 16,597 166,597

Value Traded 738,834.64 252,274.40 991,109.04

Processing Systems E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Processing Systems Totals

Symbol ETRANZACT

No. of Deals 3 3

Current Price 2.21

Quantity Traded 20,000 20,000

Value Traded 44,059.20 44,059.20

834,070

1,386,512.59

Quantity Traded 4,646,342 124,890 309,602 2,421,749 121,075

Value Traded 134,704,439.38 1,124,010.00 12,495,655.00 28,929,922.53 27,586,703.90

Daily Summary as of 24/06/2014 INDUSTRIAL GOODS Printed 24/06/2014 15:29:08.008 Building Materials

ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY Daily Summary as of 24/06/2014

24 Symbol No. of Deals ASHAKACEM 104 BERGER 3 CAP 23 Daily Summary (Equities) CCNN 84 DANGCEM 41

Current Price 29.00 9.00 40.50 11.99 228.25

Symbol No. of Deals DNMEYER 1 Daily Summary (Equities) IPWA 7 PAINTCOM 1 PORTPAINT 8

Quantity Traded 100,000 799,178 1,900 559,500

Value Traded 111,000.00 399,589.00 2,660.00 2,691,150.00

No. of Deals 38 310

Current Price 110.65

Quantity Traded 129,304 9,213,540

Value Traded 14,327,016.58 222,372,146.39

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

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 1.97

Quantity Traded 21,850 21,850

Value Traded 43,470.50 43,470.50

Packaging/Containers AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS Packaging/Containers Totals

Symbol AVONCROWN

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 1.77

Quantity Traded 450 450

Value Traded 760.50 760.50

9,235,840

222,416,377.39

Quantity Traded 249 249

Value Traded 1,835.13 1,835.13

249

1,835.13

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

316 Symbol ALUMACO

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 7.75

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 98 98

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals Current Price 1,800 33.39 1,800

Page 9Value Traded of 13 Quantity Traded 83,304,983 2,838,797,689.50 83,304,983 2,838,797,689.50

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 59 67.80 146 5.03 24 250.01 19 130.12 43 70.00 24 171.05 315

Quantity Traded 180,812 11,078,284 51,293 95,452 547,484 215,269 12,168,594

Value Traded 11,676,321.78 57,775,742.63 12,182,649.43 12,594,289.30 37,287,508.53 36,892,289.18 168,408,800.85

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

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals Current Price 34 675.00 34

Quantity Traded 210,239 210,239

Value Traded 145,341,035.73 145,341,035.73

106,151,732

3,159,445,618.69

Quantity Traded 1,233,580 1,233,580

Value Traded 1,302,438.42 1,302,438.42

Quantity Traded 496,028

Value Traded 2,445,226.04

OIL AND GAS Totals SERVICES Daily Summary as of 24/06/2014 Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Printed 24/06/2014 15:29:08.008 R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC

Current Price 0.66

2,247 Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals Current Price 37 1.08 37

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

Value Traded

8 6,898,092.61 of 13 6,898,092.61

4.93

Symbol

No. of Deals 15

Current Price

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 45 45

Current Price 0.56

Quantity Traded 3,144,756 3,144,756

Value Traded 1,733,149.80 1,733,149.80

Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 12 12

Current Price 0.90

Quantity Traded 1,131,879 1,131,879

Value Traded 1,018,481.10 1,018,481.10

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

Symbol LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 22 12 34

Current Price 1.65 4.35

Quantity Traded 1,530,937 198,194 1,729,131

Value Traded 2,450,693.20 851,571.28 3,302,264.48

Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 14 14

Current Price 0.83

Quantity Traded 1,714,406 1,714,406

Value Traded 1,449,920.10 1,449,920.10

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 15 75 90

Current Price 2.30 4.90

Quantity Traded 413,200 3,450,399 3,863,599

Value Traded 971,975.00 17,087,447.69 18,059,422.69

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals 56

Current Price 6.73

Quantity Traded 2,189,404

Value Traded 14,722,501.83

Symbol

No. of Deals 56

Current Price

Quantity Traded 2,189,404

SERVICES

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Courier/Freight/Delivery Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

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

Support and Logistics Activity SummaryOFFSHORE on Board EQTY CAVERTON SUPPORT GRP PLC SERVICES Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Support and Logistics Support and Logistics Totals

REDSTAREX

Quantity Traded 10,467,916 Page 10,467,916

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Daily Summary as of 24/06/2014 Transport-Related Printed 24/06/2014 15:29:08.008Services

Daily Summary (Equities)

SERVICES Totals

Page

Current Price 1.11 0.50 1.38 4.70

Symbol WAPCO

OIL AND GAS Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals

Current Price 36.40 50.00

Quantity Traded Page 19,891,121

Current Price 0.50

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OILStock & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Published by The Nigerian Exchange © Energy Equipment Services Activity Summary on and Board EQTYTotals

No. of Deals 60 32 92

Current Price 25.00

No. of Deals 2 2

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 319 1,717

Symbol OMATEK

ALUMINIUM MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC Metals Totals

Symbol ZENITHBANK

Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC Computers and Peripherals Totals

Daily Summary asRESOURCES of 24/06/2014 NATURAL Metals 15:29:08.008 Printed 24/06/2014

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Banking Published by ZENITH The Nigerian Stock Exchange © PLC INTERNATIONAL BANK

Value Traded 226,344.35 226,344.35

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. Building Materials Totals

Value Traded 1,965,929.58

Quantity Traded 20,826,949 7,302,351 5,822,839 19,079,369 17,981,512 7,417,851 5,167,291 14,568,709 1,219,347 3,768,000 10,525,485

Quantity Traded 397,473 397,473

Building Materials DN MEYER PLC. IPWA PLC PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Quantity Traded 452,409

Current Price 9.57 6.40 15.96 2.03 28.50 3.33 2.34 7.77 10.00 0.50 0.99

Current Price 0.57

Printed 24/06/2014 15:29:08.008

Current Price

Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 179 DIAMONDBNK 62 ETI 116 FIDELITYBK 119 GUARANTY 310 SKYEBANK 136 STERLNBANK 59 UBA 244 UBN 82 Daily Summary (Equities) UNITYBNK 13 WEMABANK 78

No. of Deals 9 9

GOODS PublishedINDUSTRIAL by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

No. of Deals 33

837

Symbol COURTVILLE

ICT Totals

Symbol

CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC Daily Summary as of 24/06/2014 GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. Printed 24/06/2014 SKYE15:29:08.008 BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC.

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

EQTY Board Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

Page Quantity Traded 496,028

Page

10 of 13 Value Traded 2,445,226.04

Value Traded 14,722,501.83

303

15,502,783

44,033,404.46

7,920

622,377,745

7,758,004,416.37

Quantity Traded 200 200

Value Traded 138.00 138.00

200

138.00

Activity Summary on Board ASeM OIL AND GAS Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors NAVITUS ENERGY PLC Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Daily Summary as of 24/06/2014

Symbol UNIONVENT

No. of Deals 1 1

Printed 24/06/2014 15:29:08.008 OIL AND GAS Totals

ASeM Board Totals Equity Activity Totals

Exchange Traded Fund

Name NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals Published The Nigerian ETFby Board Totals Stock Exchange ©

ETP Activity Totals

Current Price 0.66

Daily Summary (ETP) Symbol NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

200

138.00

7,921

622,377,945

7,758,004,554.37

No. of Deals 2 3 5

Current Price 2,064.00 19.13

Quantity Traded 316 25,200 25,516

Value Traded 652,224.00 483,076.00 1,135,300.00

Page 25,516

12 of 13 1,135,300.00

25,516

1,135,300.00

46 BUSINESS | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

24-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 9.25 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

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

9.25 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

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

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

0.26 0.83 2.15 2.84 3.09 3.19 3.93 5.01 5.33 7.60 9.72 14.43 14.91 15.41 16.08

10.92 10.74 11.55 11.53 11.47 11.47 11.47 11.53 11.54 12.17 12.26 12.75 12.80 12.86 12.99

10.34 10.07 11.47 11.47 11.35 11.35 11.37 11.46 11.46 12.12 12.21 12.71 12.76 12.80 12.94

99.52 94.77 102.75 108.40 95.86 94.45 97.61 116.65 82.26 120.50 110.80 114.67 97.92 71.05 80.00

99.67 95.27 102.90 108.55 96.16 94.75 97.91 116.95 82.56 120.80 111.10 114.97 98.22 71.35 80.30

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Rating/Agency

4,375.01 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

0.35 0.92 1.40 2.46 2.82 3.03

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

11.64 13.33 13.21 13.41 12.45 12.47

96.08 88.86 105.36 98.37 96.86 94.38

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

0.12 0.31 1.19 0.79 1.08 1.09 2.82 1.65 3.52 2.49 4.28 2.69 2.69 3.07 3.14 5.41 3.20 3.82 6.43 6.52 3.83 3.86

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

11.80 13.86 15.23 13.99 15.18 14.20 17.04 12.12 13.26 13.22 12.46 12.44 16.22 12.47 12.47 12.56 14.21 12.47 12.82 13.78 12.91 13.42

100.18 99.93 97.09 99.84 98.73 101.53 84.69 102.62 102.03 101.82 104.93 104.54 95.53 104.99 107.75 107.41 101.34 106.61 102.90 105.12 116.36 116.04

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

0.29 0.48 0.52 0.67 0.98 0.83 2.27 2.34 3.27 2.08 2.04 2.21 2.21 4.25 2.32 2.40 3.52 6.39

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

11.53 16.07 19.59 15.69 11.67 13.37 12.39 12.74 12.47 13.25 14.85 16.59 16.45 12.81 13.69 17.52 13.63 14.57

99.91 98.83 98.77 96.30 100.45 100.72 101.12 102.92 101.34 109.24 102.29 102.89 101.95 103.74 104.22 99.28 106.46 102.72

11-Feb-18

3.64

1.00

12.47

93.51

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

4.93

4.76

110.15

111.11

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

18-Dec-09

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.20

3.98

103.39

104.24

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

01-Apr-10

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.31

5.19

107.58

108.50

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

3.91

3.24

111.61

112.73

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

5.10

4.26

104.28

105.84

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

6.18

5.91

99.31

100.34

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

6.95

6.55

100.82

101.93

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

8.66

8.25

94.24

95.52

AFREN PLC

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

5.16

4.51

113.22

114.44

ZENITH BANK PLC FIRST BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

6.40

6.20

99.40

100.22

B/S&P; B-/Fitch

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.18

6.76

103.75

105.25

B+/S&P; B+/Fitch

AFREN PLC

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

5.83

5.57

103.07

104.09

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

Bid Discount (%) 10.30 8.00 10.20 9.90 10.30 9.90 10.00

Offer Discount (%) 10.05 7.75 9.95 9.65 10.05 9.65 9.75

Bid Yield (%) 10.33 8.03 10.27 9.98 10.41 10.02 10.14

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 10.5833 12.2600 13.2775 14.1841

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

10.25

Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

O/N

10.50

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M

162.70 162.90 163.16 163.74 164.93

162.80 163.16 163.50 164.38 166.12

Tenor Call

REPO

Rate (%) 10.25

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 25, 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

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 vious day opened the week on 13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 positive trajectory as transac15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 tion share prices of Se14.50 in EKITIthe II 31-DEC-2020 plat Petroleum Development 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

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 30-Sep-13 14.75 (measured vol27-Nov-13 by turnover 13.50 ume); with 133.5 million 31-Dec-13 15.00 shares worth N1.5 billion exchanged by 31-Dec-13 14.50 investors 06-Jan-14in 1,717 deals. 15.00

8.50 31-Aug-15 1.19 16.50 30-Sep-15 0.79 13.00 30-Jun-16 1.08 18.50 30-Jun-16 1.09 57.00 19-Apr-17 2.82 50.00 30-Jun-17 1.65 25.00 31-Dec-17 3.52 50.00 30-Sep-18 2.49 9.00 04-Oct-18 4.28 20.00 09-Dec-18 2.69 12.00 12-Dec-18 2.69 27.00 14-Feb-19 3.07 20.00 02-Oct-19 3.14 80.00 22-Nov-19 5.41 30.00 12-Dec-19 3.20 11.40 30-Sep-20 3.82 added N3.00 to close at N70.00 87.00 27-Nov-20 6.43 per share. 31-Dec-20 5.00 6.52 other hand, Seplat 5.00 On the 31-Dec-20 3.83 Petroleum06-Jan-21 Development3.86 Com5.00

4.44 15.23 97.09 3.23 13.99 99.84 4.46 15.18 98.73 3.48 14.20 101.53 5.59 17.04 84.69 1.00 12.12 102.62 1.79 13.26 102.03 1.80 13.22 101.82 1.00 12.46 104.93 1.00 12.44 104.54 4.78 16.22 95.53 1.00 12.47 104.99 1.00 12.47 107.75 1.00 12.56 107.41 2.74 14.21 101.34 1.00 12.47 106.61 at per share 1.00N675.0012.82 102.90while NASCON followed with 1.94 13.78 105.12a loss of close at N40.50 1.44N1.50 to12.91 116.36 per share and 13.42 GSK Nigeria 1.95 116.04 Plc

BUSINESS | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Bulls dominate investment activities in equities GREEN

Stock market upbeat on confidence levelVALUE TOTAL OUTSTANDING Corporate Bonds

A+/Agusto; AA/GCR Chris Ugwu

LAFARGE WAPCO Aa/Agusto GTB µ Nil he bulls maintained NGC marBbb-/Agusto ket dominance*UPDC yesterday A-/Agusto *FLOURMILLSpofollowing investment BB+/GCR *CHELLARAMS sition taken by bargain A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCOcompahunters on blue chip A-/Agusto FSDH nies. A/GCR UBA The key market performance BBB-/GCR *C & Share I LEASINGInmeasures, the NSE All BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR *DANA# dex and market capitalisation, # A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR *TOWER rose by 0.39 per cent as market # AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR *TOWER sentiments extended gaining A/Agusto; A/GCR UBA streak following investors’ high Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR *LA CASERA optimism. BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR *CHELLARAMS# Trading activities on the BBB/GCR *DANA floor of Exchange had the preA+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO

Company Plc and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc led other gainers to lift market indicators. 11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014 Specifically , the All-Share In13.50gained GUARANTY TRUSTbasis 18-DEC-2014 dex 163.05 points or 17.00per NGCcent 31-DEC-2014 0.39 to close at 41,740.52 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 as10.00 against 41,577.47 recorded 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 Monday while the market 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 capitalization of equities ap13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 preciated by N54 billion or 0.39 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 per cent as market sentiment 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 remained green. 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 Meanwhile, a turnover of MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 622.3 million shares worth N7.7 MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 billion in 7,921 deals was recordMPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 ed14.00 inUBA theII day’s trading. 22-SEP-2018 Just as in the previous day, 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 the banking sub-sector of the MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 financial services sector was 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 the during the day 15.25most NAHCOactive II 14-NOV-2020

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Volume in the banking sub- 572.90 pany Plc led the price losers’ shed 99 kobo to close at N65.01 sector was largely driven by table, dropping N9.00 to close per share. activity in the shares of Access 07-Oct-11 11.50 07-Oct-14 0.29 1.00 11.53 99.91 Bank Plc and Zeinith Bank Plc. 11.80 18-Dec-09 18-Dec-14 0.48 5.21 16.07 98.83 Also, insurance 13.50 sub sector 13.17 01-Apr-10 17.00 31-Dec-14 0.52 8.71 19.59 98.77 of the financial services sec- 2.00 17-Aug-10 10.00 in the 15.00 17-Aug-15 0.67 4.88 15.69 96.30 tor, boosted by activity 09-Dec-10 12.00 09-Dec-15 0.98 1.00 11.67 100.45 shares of Wapic Insurance Plc, 37.50 06-Jan-11 14.00 of 66.3 1.50 06-Jan-16 0.83 2.63 13.37 100.72 followed with a turnover 29-Sep-11 13.00 at N49.9 15.00 he Federal 29-Sep-16 2.27 1.00 12.39 to ensure 101.12 that million shares valued Inland Revenue working hard 25-Oct-13 14.25 5.53 25-Oct-16 2.34 1.34 12.74 102.92 billion in 269 deals. Service (FIRS) has called those amenities were on ground. 30-Sep-10 13.00 30-Sep-17 3.27 1.00 12.47 101.34 The number of gainers at the 20.00 on the operators of Bureau He also noted that organisa30-Nov-12 18.00 0.94 30-Nov-17 2.08 1.88 13.25 109.24 close of trading session was 34 De Change (BDC) to embrace tions and individuals were not 09-Apr-11 16.00 8.01 09-Apr-18 2.04 3.48 14.85 102.29 while decliners closed at 26. the self assessment tax regime willing to submit to taxation, 09-Sep-11 18.00 09-Sep-18 2.21 5.20 Skye Shelter Nigeria Plc led 3.63 in their various organisations. therefore, it16.59 becomes102.89 impera09-Sep-11 16.00 2.21 5.06 16.45 101.95 the gainers’ table with a gain 1.00 The call 09-Sep-18 was made yesterday tive to enact laws that would 22-Sep-11 14.00 35.00 22-Sep-18 4.25 1.35 12.81 103.74 of N5.00 to close at N100.00 per at an interactive forum organ- compel taxpayers to pay to en18-Oct-13 15.75 3.00 18-Oct-18 2.32 2.29 13.69 104.22 share while Nigeria Breweries ised for operators of Bureau De able government provide the 17-Feb-12 17.00 0.54 17-Feb-19 2.40 6.11 17.52 99.28 Plc followed with a gain of N4.98 4.50 Change by 01-Apr-19 the FIRS. expected social amenities. 01-Apr-14 16.00 3.52 2.16 13.63 106.46 to close at N175.00. MRS Plc The forum provides a platAgu urged taxpayers to be 14-Nov-13 15.25 2.05 14-Nov-20 6.39 2.76 14.57 102.72 form where stakeholders rub truthful in presentation of in180.17 minds and chart a credible and formation to the tax office as acceptable means of making well as timely presentation of tax compliance attractive. their tax returns. 11-Feb-13 10.20 12.00 11-Feb-18 3.64 1.00 12.47 93.51 on all fronts. To achieve this, The Tax Controller, Victoria Tax controller, Large Tax12.00 we have cleared out all legacy Island Micro and Small Tax Of- payers Office (Non Oil), Mr. accounting issues, incurred fice, Mr. Bennett Agu, in his ad- Olukayode Taiwo, in a speech Issue Date one-off Coupon (%) Issue Value ($'mm)saidMaturity Datestakeholders’ Bid Yield (%) Offer Yield (%) Bid Offer Price exnecessary costs and dress that the delivered atPrice the seminar, significantly increased our in- forum was initiated by the FIRS plained that self assessment & Yields vestment in our capital (both to bring the taxpayers closer, taxPrices regime was a system of tax human and financial), goverknow their problems and aspiraadministration whereby the tax 07-Oct-11 6.75 500.00 28-Jan-21 4.93 4.76 110.15 111.11 nance and branding. We are tions, create unhindered access payer is granted the right by law confident will begin 500.00 to tax offices12-Jul-18 and explore ways to3.98computerise liability, 18-Dec-09that these5.13 4.20 to 103.39 his tax104.24 to reflect positively on our oper- serve them better and efficiently. pay the tax due and produce evi12-Jul-23 5.31 107.58 5.19 108.50 ating01-Apr-10 performance as6.38 from 2014. 500.00 Agu noted that the governdence of tax paid at the time of "We have re-calibrated our ment wanted to reduce depen- filing his/her tax return at the 1,500.00 operating model and have ar- dence on oil revenue hence it is tax office. ticulated unique value propo- driving non-oil revenue avenues He noted that the self-assesssitions targeted at growing rein its economic reforms which ment was the current regime in 01-Feb-11 11.50 450.00 01-Feb-16 3.91 3.24 111.61 112.73 lationships across all segments effective tax administration place for assessing tax payers 19-May-11 7.50 19-May-16 5.10 . 4.26 by CITA 104.28 of the economy. We acquired 500.00 would enhance substantially who section 105.84 52 are li08-Nov-13IT capabilities 6.00 08-Nov-18 5.91 to file returns. 99.31 100.34 requisite to en- 400.00 He said that the state 6.18 had to able 25-Jul-12 25-Jul-17 6.95 6.55 100.82 hance operational 7.25 efficiency 350.00 provide necessary amenities Taiwo said whether101.93 or not a 6.88 300.00 02-May-18to have the 8.66 de8.25 95.52 and 09-May-13 support our multichannel for the taxpayer company is94.24 liable to pay tax un08-Apr-12and also remodelled 10.25 300.00 08-Apr-19 5.16that 4.51 this act,113.22 114.44 strategy; sire to pay his taxes, adding der it must file returns 22-Apr-14 6.25 500.00 6.40was 6.20 99.40 form. 100.22 our sales force." the current22-Apr-19 administration in a prescribed

FIRS tasks BDCs on voluntary tax compliance

WAPIC Insurance records N208m loss Supranational Bond

AAA/S&P

IFC

apic Insurance Plc, one of

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Nigeria’s oldest and most

capitalised insurance comRating/Agency Issuer panies, has posted a N208 million loss in profit after tax during the FGN Eurobonds financial year ended 2013. This was contained in the BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P company’s fourth quarter 2013 BB-/Fitch; statement submitted financial FGN toBB-/S&P the Nigerian Stock Exchange. BB-/Fitch; The company recorded a loss BB-/S&P in profit after tax of N208 milTOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE lion in 2013 as against a profit of N383 million in the comparable Corporate Eurobonds period of 2012. B-/S&P; B/Fitch AFREN PLC I Wapic equally posted 213.9 GTBANK PLC I per cent loss in profit before tax, B+/S&P; B+/Fitch GTBANK PLC in from a gain of N552.3 million B+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC 2012 to a loss of N629.1 million B/S&P; B/Fitch FIDELITY BANK PLC during the year under review. B/Fitch The results also indicate AFREN PLC a 10 B+/Fitch; per centBB-/S&P drop in Wapic’s gross ZENITH BANK PLC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

written premium (revenue) from N4.17 billion in 2012, to N3.76 billion in 2013. However, inDescription the period under review, the company grew its total assets by 76 per cent from N12.68 billion 2012, to N22.30 6.75in JAN 28, 2021 billion in 2013. Similarly, its shareholders’ increased 5.13funds JUL 12, 2018 significantly up from N7.62 bil6.38 JUL 12, 2023 year to lion in the preceding N14.18 billion in 2013. Reacting to the performance, the Managing Director of the company Mr. Ashish Desai, 11.50 FEB 01, 2016 said, “The past year has been 7.50 MAY 19, 2016 a transformative one for Wapic 6.00 NOV 08, and we are proud of2018 the deter7.25 JUL 25, 2017we have mination with which 6.88 restructured MAY 09, 2018 fundamentally the 10.25 APRis 08,now 2019 more business. Wapic 6.25 APR 22, 2019 than ever positioned to deliver

B/S&P; B-/Fitch

FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

B+/S&P; B+/Fitch

AFREN PLC

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.18

6.76

103.75

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

5.83

5.57

103.07

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

3,460.00

105.25 104.09

24-Jun-14

The FMDQBills Daily Quotations List (DQL) comprises market and model prices/rates of foreign exchange ($/N) products, fixed income securities andMoney instruments The use of this report is subject **Treasury FIXINGS Market in the OTC market. Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) to the FMDQ OTC PLC Terms of Use and Disclaimer Statement.

DTM Maturity 9 3-Jul-14 16 10-Jul-14 FGN Bonds23 17-Jul-14 30 24-Jul-14 Issuer Rating/Agency 37 31-Jul-14 44 7-Aug-14 51 14-Aug-14 58 21-Aug-14 65 28-Aug-14 72 4-Sep-14 79 11-Sep-14 86 18-Sep-14 93 25-Sep-14 NA NA 100 2-Oct-14 107 9-Oct-14 114 16-Oct-14 121 23-Oct-14 128 30-Oct-14 149 20-Nov-14 163 4-Dec-14 198 8-Jan-15 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE22-Jan-15 212 226 5-Feb-15 240 19-Feb-15 254 5-Mar-15 Rating/Agency Issuer 289 9-Apr-15 303 23-Apr-15 Agency Bonds 317 7-May-15

Bid Discount (%) Offer Discount (%) 10.30 10.05 8.00 7.75 10.20 9.95 9.90 9.65 Description Issue 10.30 10.05Date 9.90 9.65 9.25 28-SEP-2014 28-Sep-07 10.00 9.75 4.00 23-APR-2015 23-Apr-10 10.00 9.75 13.05 16-AUG-2016 16-Aug-13 10.15 9.90 15.10 27-APR-2017 27-Apr-12 10.25 10.00 9.85 27-JUL-2017 27-Jul-07 10.70 10.45 9.35 31-AUG-2017 31-Aug-07 10.70 10.45 10.70 30-MAY-2018 30-May-08 10.50 10.25 16.00 29-JUN-2019 29-Jun-12 10.75 10.50 7.00 23-OCT-2019 23-Oct-09 10.70 10.45 16.39 27-JAN-2022 27-Jan-12 10.75 10.50 14.20 14-MAR-2024 14-Mar-14 10.80 10.55 15.00 28-NOV-2028 28-Nov-08 10.80 10.55 12.49 22-MAY-2029 22-May-09 10.30 10.05 8.50 20-NOV-2029 20-Nov-09 10.35 10.10 10.00 23-JUL-2030 23-Jul-10 10.30 10.05 10.40 10.15 10.30 10.05 10.40 10.15 10.40 Description 10.15 10.30 10.05 10.20 9.95 9.85 9.60

0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 *from the Amortising 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 NA #bonds, the average life is 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums ***LCRM 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 **Exclusive of non-trading t.bills 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017 AMCON FMBN

Bid Yield (%) 10.33 8.03 10.27 9.98 Coupon 10.41 (%) 10.02 9.25 10.14 4.00 10.16 13.05 10.34 15.10 10.46 9.85 10.95 9.35 10.98 10.70 10.79 16.00 11.08 7.00 11.05 16.39 11.12 14.20 11.20 15.00 11.23 12.49 10.75 8.50 10.85 10.00 10.91 11.07 11.00 11.16 11.21 Date Issue 11.21 11.14 10.77

Bonds

NIBOR

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

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

Current4,375.01 Price ($/N) BID($/N) OFFER ($/N) Coupon (%)

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

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

28-Sep-14 23-Apr-15 16-Aug-16 27-Apr-17 27-Jul-17 Rate (%) 31-Aug-17 10.1337 30-May-18 10.4343 29-Jun-19 10.7426 23-Oct-19 10.8749 27-Jan-22 11.1738 14-Mar-24 11.3795 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30

Rate (%)

OBB

10.25

Tenor

10.50

Spot 7D Offer Yield 14D (%) 1M 2M 10.34 3M 10.07 6M 11.47 1Y 11.47

O/N

REPO TTM (Yrs) Tenor 0.26 Call 1M 0.83 3M 2.15 6M 2.84

Bid Yield (%) Rate (%) 10.2510.92 12.3210.74 13.3411.55 13.9811.53

3.09 11.47 11.35 3.19 11.47 11.35 3.93 11.47 11.37 5.01 11.53 11.46 :Benchmarks 5.33 11.54 11.46 * :Amortising Bond 7.60 12.17 12.12 µ :Convertible Bond 9.72 12.26 12.21 AMCON: Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria 14.43 12.75 12.71 FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria 14.91 12.80 12.76 FMBN: Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria 15.41 Finance Corporation 12.86 12.80 IFC: International 12.99 Management 12.94 LCRM: Local16.08 Contractors Receivables

NOTE:

Bid ($/N) 162.70 162.90 Bid Price 163.16 163.74 164.9399.52 166.2094.77 102.75 169.84 108.40 177.67

Offer ($/N) Price 162.80 163.16 Offer Price 163.50 164.38 166.1299.67 167.8495.27 102.90 173.44 108.55 184.67

95.86 96.16 94.45 94.75 97.61 97.91 116.65 116.95 NA :Not Applicable 82.56 # :Floating82.26 Rate Bond 120.50 ***: Deferred coupon bonds120.80 110.80 111.10 114.67 114.97 †: Bond rating expired 97.92 98.22 71.05 71.35 80.00 80.30

NAHCO: Nigerian Aviation Handling Company NGC: Nigeria-German Company 162.6500 UBA: United Bank for Africa O/N: Overnight 162.7500 UPDC: UAC Property Development Company #Risk Avg. Life/TTM Valuation Yield Indicative WAPCO:West Africa Company Issue Value (N'bn) Maturity DatePortland Cement Premium (Yrs) (%) Price (%) 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

0.35 0.92 1.40 2.46 2.82 3.03

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

11.64 13.33 13.21 13.41 12.45 12.47

96.08 88.86 105.36 98.37 96.86 94.38

05-Aug-14 15-Oct-14 31-Aug-15 % Exposure_ 30-Sep-15 Mod_Duration 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 18.28 30-Jun-17 36.29 31-Dec-17 45.42 30-Sep-18 100.00 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

0.12 0.31 1.19 0.79 Implied Yield 1.08 1.09 2.82 11.54 1.65 11.98 3.52 12.82 2.49 12.28 4.28 2.69 2.69 3.07 3.14 5.41 3.20 3.82 6.43

1.56 3.29 4.44 Implied3.23 Portfolio Price 4.46 3.48 5.59 116.1432 1.00 131.5139 1.79 94.9017 1.80 115.5975 1.00 1.00 4.78 1.00 1.00 1.00 2.74 1.00 1.00

11.80 13.86 15.23 INDEX13.99 15.18 14.20 17.04 1,103.12 12.12 1,113.61 13.26 1,107.10 13.22 1,098.05 12.46 12.44 16.22 12.47 12.47 12.56 14.21 12.47 12.82

100.18 99.93 97.09 YTD Return 99.84 (%) 98.73 101.53 84.69 10.3124 102.62 11.3609 102.03 10.7105 101.82 9.8053 104.93 104.54 95.53 104.99 107.75 107.41 101.34 106.61 102.90

1,304.32

Rate (%) 10.5833 12.2600 Maturity 13.2775 Date 14.1841

Tenor

14.00 KWARA 5-AUG-2014 14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 Porfolio Market Total Outstanding 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 Value(Bn) Volume(Bn) 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS1,004.86 19-APR-2017 953.07 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 1,132.79 951.30 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 656.26 756.74 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 2,793.92 2,661.11 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

FMDQ FGN BOND INDEX

05-Aug-09 15-Oct-09 31-Aug-10 Weighting by 30-Sep-10 Outstanding Vol 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 35.81 30-Jun-10 35.75 30-Dec-10 28.44 30-Sep-11 100.00 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 12.50 Weighting13.00 by Mkt Value 14.00 15.50 10.00 35.97 13.75 40.54 14.00 23.49 14.00 100.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 14.75 13.50

17.00 6.00 8.50 16.50 Bucket Weighting 13.00 18.50 57.00 0.36 50.00 0.36 25.00 0.28 50.00 9.001.00 20.00 12.00 27.00 20.00 80.00 30.00 11.40 87.00

48 POLITICS

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Arisekola-Alao: Exit of a great philanthropist FELIX NWANERI writes on the life and times of the man who promoted the cause of Islam and touched the lives of many, especially the less privileged.

orn in 1945 to Alhaji Abdul Raheem Alao and Alhaja Olatutu Alao, Alhaji Abdulazeez Arisekola Alao was a notable businessman with a heart of gold. Until his death, he was deputy head of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA). Noted for his philanthropy towards Islamic causes, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland was one name that stood out among Nigerians, as he was daily concerned about touching the lives of the people, especially the less privileged persons and the aged in the society, irrespective of tribe or religion. Coming from a humble background, his parents were peasant farmers who hailed from Ajia in Ona-Ara local government of Oyo State, but Arisekola Alao achieved greatness through hard work. He attended St. Lukes School, Adigun, Ibadan and ICC Primary School, Igosun, Ibadan. He also studied Arabic Studies. After his primary school education in 1960, financial constraint created an impediment for his pursuit of an academic career. However, whatever Arisekola Alao lost in formal education, he gained abundantly in business: intelligence, shrewdness and aggressiveness. In 1960, he was with the Ogunpa-Oyo Commercial Centre before venturing into full-time business a year later. His traditional commercial focus is in auto sales, flour mills and oil marketing through his Lister brand. He also had interest in real estate, insurance, publishing and banking. It was the establishment of Lister Motors that actually brought him to limelight, as the firm added a charitable face to the business through donations to handicap homes, hospitals, schools, sport clubs and notable religious organisations. Arisekola, who was the publisher of the now defunct Monitor Newspaper, saw his fortunes rise during the

CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 6

of the Ikire town for decades. Day Ila Orangun stood still for Ogbeni Having gone to Ife and Ikire, it appeared that the federal constituencies were poised to outdo one another in the mobilisation of the supporters. When the campaign train of Aregbesola arrived in Ila-Orangun, the crowd that received him and his team appeared to have dwarfed those of Ife and Ikire. Perhaps, being the homestead of the former Interim National Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande, it was not unexpected that a tumultuous crowd came forward to assure Aregbesola of his second term in office. The people of Ila-Orangun went extra miles in their demonstration of love for the governor. The Bisi Akande factor was one that brought the crowd out. Historically, Orangun of Ila, according to Yoruba history, is the first born of Oranmiyan. With Aregbesola seen as the symbol of Oranmiyan, there was no other place that would be ideal for the Oranmiyan forbears to conflate than Ila-Orangun. This was the second major factor that added pep to the crowd in Ila Orangun. Ila, last Tuesday, was therefore a beehive of activities as the people trooped

Arisekola-Alao

regimes of General Ibrahim Babangida and late General Sani Abacha, though he was sometimes criticised for favouring any regime that can butter his nest. Arisekola Alao inestimable support for Islamic cause, which includes the construction of mosques and alms, giving to many residents who troop to his home daily, earned him the title of Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland by the league of Imams and Alfas in the region in 1980. The Abdul Azeez Arisekola Central Mosque in Ibadan, which he built and named after himself has well-paid Imams and dozens of staff for its maintenance. He also built a 100-bed

Despite his strong Islamic faith, he never discriminated against adherents of other religions ward as part of Oyo State Muslim Hospital, which was named Rabiatu Alao Ward, after his mother. He was instrumental to the establishment of the Grand Council for Is-

lamic Affairs in Nigeria (1996) and the Alasalatu Ibadu Rahaman, which was set up for the spiritual advancement of Muslim women. He was until his death the greatest financier of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) and patron of more than 100 Islamic organisations within and outside Nigeria including the youth wing of the National Council of Musim Youth Organizations of Nigeria (NACOMYO). Arisekola-Alao is the only Nigerian who is honoured with selecting delegates by the Chief Imam of Mecca for the annual ceremonial washing of the Ka’aba and annual international convention of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs of Egypt. Despite his strong Islamic faith, he never discriminated against adherents of other religions. He was co-chair of a committee interested in promoting cross fertilisation of ideas and interreligious understanding between Christians and Muslims. His love for education led to the establishment of Pa Raheem Alao Scholarship Foundation for indigent students of tertiary institutions. He is a co-founder of Barakat International School, Bodija, Ibadan. He also has endowments in most Nigerian universities. During the transition programme of General Abacha’s regime, Arisekola Alao, along with the late strong man of Ibadan politics, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, pitched his tent with the defunct Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN). However, his closeness to the Abacha regime did not go down well with most people in Yorubaland. His Monitor Press outfit was burnt in May 1998 during the aftermath of the campaign for the prolongation of the Abacha regime. As a result of anger over his relationship with the military junta, a visit to University of Ibadan shortly after Abacha’s death caused a minor riot when students shouted him down. In the process, his limousine was burnt. Highly respected by the people of Ibadan, who nicknamed him “IgiOwo,” a Yoruba word for Tree of Wealth, Alhaji Arisekola Alao was honoured with the National Award of Commander of Order of the Niger (CON) by the late President Umar Musa Yar’adua in December 2008. He died on June 18 in the United Kingdom at the age of 69.

On the trail of Aregbesola’s campaigns out in thousands to give their governor a rousing welcome. The arrival at the palace of Orangun of Ila, His Royal Highness, Oba Abdulwahab Adedotun, was in grand style as human and vehicular traffic freely mingled to form a long and unbroken cavalcade on which the governor rode into the waiting arms of traditional rulers and their chiefs who were all eager to offer their blessings. Then the Orangun of Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, launched into the royal blessing after which prayers were also offered in Christian, Islamic and traditional modes. Armed with the royal blessings again, the lion roared into town! Ogbeni came out to the waiting hands of the now impatient crowd, which had formed an unending line at both sides of the road, chanting, singing, dancing and with reinvigorating gusto, waiving the APC flags and brooms. The crowd was uncontrollable, moving energetically along the Ajegunle to Ora Road and on and on to Ila-Orangun City Stadium, the venue of the campaign.

Akande, while speaking, described the crowd as uncommon and an unthinkable assemblage of people. He described Aregbesola as a unique leader, who promises and delivers on those promises. Akande said Aregbesola is a God-sent to Osun State to come and place it on an enviable height. In Ila, former Governors Akande and Adeleke were on hand at the same campaign ground to send the message home that the candidate of the PDP or any other candidate has no chance in the August 9 poll. It was also an opportunity for the Deputy Governor, Otunba Grace Titi LaoyeTomori, to describe as unsubstantiated, claim by the opposition that Governor Aregbesola plans to retrench workers immediately after he secures his mandate for a second term. Laoye-Tomori said there is no government today in the country that is more workers’ friendly than the government of Aregbesola. Logically, the deputy governor said, it does not add up for a government that is recruiting teachers and others in the state because of acute shortage in personnel in

some critical areas, to at the same time conceive the idea of downsizing. The deputy governor averred that government has employed more than 10, 000 teachers and 3, 500 women for the O’Meal programme more than any government in the history of the state. She said: “This government has no plan to retrench anybody. The rumour is emanating from opposition, which did nothing when it was in power. “This is a cheap lie and our people can read in between the lines that the opposition has failed in the state.” Characteristic of his appearances in Ile Ife and Ikire, Aregbesola also highlighted some of the successes his administration has recorded in the area on rural electrification, interest-free loans to women, provision of boreholes and roads. The rallies expected to take the governor to all nooks of the state are meant to showcase the goodies that the journey of the last three and a half years has brought to the people. Each campaign is expected to bring up messages of hopes as other parts of the state get ready to receive the campaign train.

NEWS 49

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Nasarawa spends N225m on school feeding Cheke Emmanuel LAFIA

State governNhasasarawa ment yesterday said it spent N255 million on the state’s school feeding programme in five months. The programme runs in 28 boarding secondary schools across the state. The Comprehensive School Fe e d i n g P ro g r a m m e was initiated along with the Free Education Policy introduced by Governor Tanko Al-Makura, in February this year. Commissioner for Education, Mr. Yakubu Sani Na’Hauwa, told journalists in an interview in Lafia, that government spent N51 million monthly on the programme and the upkeep of the students. Na’Hauwa said though the amout was not captured in this year’s budget, a supplementary

budget would be sent to the House of Assembly to cover the expenditure. He disclosed that the government has set up a committee to work out modalities for the reintroduction of Teachers Colleges (TC) to train teachers that could teach in public primary schools. The commissioner added that public schools’ infrastructure would be expanded to decongest the heavy population currently overstretching existing schools. He said any principal or school head caught collecting school fees or levies from their wards would have his or her appointment terminated. The commissioner said government has taken measures to capture payments for mock and Junior Secondary School Examination in the free education policy currently on-going in the state.

Osun APC chieftain alleges threat to life Adeolu Adeyemo OSOGBO

chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and member of the House of Representatives for Ife federal constituency, Hon. Rotimi Makinde, yesterday raised the alarm that some PDP chieftains are after his life. Makinde, who raised the alarm in a press conference in Ile-Ife, said threat to his life has become more pronounced in the last few weeks. He stated that he has petitioned the InspectorGeneral of Police, the police commissioner and other security operatives on the development, charging them to quickly act accordingly. The lawmaker said the threats have been coming in form of anonymous phone calls, death threats, subtle coercing by others who request that he mellow down on his position and support for Governor Rauf Aregbesola, but affirmed that no situation could force him to retreat from the course of a progressive minded person like the governor. “Though, this ugly development has been extended to my immediate family, near and far, but I will not relent in my support for the governor, whose zeal for a second term is of general public demand. “The evil perpetrators see me as the only threat to their unpopular ambition. They should be told that our people know their true leaders and they have given me their mandate to represent them, because

they are aware of my genuine passion to see to their development and empowerment.” Makinde, who warned them to desist from their plans, reminded that there is no monopoly of violence, saying "PDP is the symbol of violence in the state, but we in the APC will definitely resist the party in the coming election." Reacting, PDP Director of Publicity and Strategy, Prince Diran Odeyemi, said Makinde was only yelling as there was no truth in his allegation.

Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Bashar (right), presenting a copy of the Holy Qu'ran to the Emir of Kano, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, during Sanusi’s visit to Birnin Kebbi…on Monday

No voting without permanent cards, says INEC Musa Pam

Jos

he Independent NaTmission tional Electoral Com(INEC) in Pla-

teau State has said that no one will be allowed to vote in next year’s general election without a permanent voter’s card. Plateau State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hon. Habu Zarma, disclosed this yesterday in Jos while inaugurating the state Inter-Agency Advisory committee on

Deji’s stool: Court fixes hearing for October 16 Babatope Okeowo Akure

he Court of Appeal sitTState ting in Akure, the Ondo capital, yesterday

fixed hearing of the suit filed by the deposed Deji of Akure, Prince Oluwadare Adesina, against his deposition for October 16, 2014. The adjournment was sequel to the absence of two of the three judges of the appellate court that were supposed to sit on the matter. The court at the resumed hearing of the appeal filed by Adesina over the decision of the lower court, could not sit on the matter as only one judge was around while the others were said to be unavoidably absent. Parties to the suit, including twelve of the kingmakers of the town

and their counsel, were in court for the hearing of the injunction, attempting to restrain gover nment from going ahead with fresh selection processes. An Akure High Court had earlier struck out a suit filed by the deposed monarch challenging his deposition by the Ondo State government in 2010. The court struck out the suit for lack of diligent prosecution, prompting him to approach the appellate court to challenge the decision and prayed for an order to re-list the suit. Speaking with newsmen on the matter, counsel to the state government, Mr. Kayode Salami, a Deputy Director of Public Prosecution, said some issues were supposed to have been determined yesterday.

Voter Education and Publicity. According to him, the distribution of the permanent voter’s cards would be in three phases and Plateau is among the last batch of states, which serves as an added advantage to correct the mistake done in the two other zones during the distribution. Zarma, who was represented at the occasion by the Administrative Secretary of the commission, Alhaji

Usman Baba Bukar, said the cards will be officially displayed at the various polling units for collection within three days starting from August 22 to 24 2014, between the hours of 8.00am to 4.00pm. He said nobody will be allowed to collect the cards for anyone who refuses to turnout for the exercise. He said the commission has committed a lot of time and resources to voter and civic education, sensitisation,

mobilisation and the general enlightenment of the public about the electoral process, as well as the rights and responsibilities of various stakeholders. The state inter-agency committee, which draws its membership from INEC, relevant ministries, departments, agencies, professional bodies, nongovernmental and faithbased organisations are expected to key in into the strategic plan of INEC from 2012-2016.

Benue nursing schools grounded over poor facilities Cephas Iorhemen

Makurdi

uthorities of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Makurdi, Benue State, have raised the alarm over the poor state of the institution. They decried the neglect the school has suffered, especially in terms of facilities, which they said have become dilapidated and are on the brink of collapse. The institution, which was established 37 years ago is facing challenges ranging from poor infrastructure to inadequate personnel that are required for running the school and that are prerequisites for accreditation. As a result of dilapidated infrastructure and neglect, the institution could not admit fresh students since

two years ago. New Telegraph observed during a visit to the school that many of the structures, including wooden windows, classroom desks and chairs as well as vehicles were either bad or had been grounded. Principal of the school, Mrs. Pauline Atser, told newsmen that apart from the problem of infrastructure and mobility, the institution had lost personnel to retirement, transfer or death, which led to the fall in the minimum standard required for accreditation. According to her, if the situation is not addressed soon, the school may fold up with time. Deputy Director of Nursing and Midwifery in the State Health Management Board, Mr. Abraham Ijir, confirming

the situation, said the situation is the same at the 23 general hospitals in the state. Also reacting, Chairman, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Alhaji Mustapha Jumar, said the council had made provisions for the barest minimum for accreditation of some schools under a special consideration and was ready to retain the validity of the school in Makurdi as soon as such considerations were made. Some students, who spoke with New Telegraph on the issue, but who did not want their names in print, expressed worry over the neglect suffered by the school, appealing to the government to intervene in the matter to avoid a total collapse by upgrading the school to a degree awarding institution.

50 WORLD | NEWS

UN: 1,075 killed in Iraq

t least 1,075 people, the vast majority of them civilians, have been killed in Iraq during June as a Sunni insurgency overtakes key areas of the country, the United Nations said yesterday. According to the U.N. human rights team in Iraq, there were at least 757 civilians killed and 599 injured in Nineveh, Diyala and Salah al-Din provinces from June 5-22, as troops led by Shiite-led government in Baghdad failed to stop the advance of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL. “This figure which should be viewed very much as a minimum in-

cludes a number of verified summary executions and extra-judicial killings of civilians, police, and soldiers who were hors (de) combat,” said U.N. human rights office spokesman Rupert Colville, using the French term for soldiers who have signaled they are no longer combatants. The Iraq team said another 318 people were killed and 590 injured during the same time in Baghdad and areas in the south, many of them from least six separate vehicleborne bombs. It also is trying to verify what Colville called “a number of alleged human rights violations that have been taking place in Iraq” since

ISIL’s advances in early June. Colville told reporters in Geneva that kidnappings of foreigners and others continue in the Northern provinces and in Baghdad, including 48 Turkish citizens taken from Turkey’s consulate when ISIL captured Mosul and 40 Indian nationals who had been working for an Iraqi construction company. But he said 16 Georgians reported kidnapped 10 days ago have been released, and 44 other foreign workers abducted by ISIL when they captured AlDoor also have been freed and returned safely after local tribal leaders negotiated between the Iraqi army and ISIL.

NEWS

N25.5b: EFCC forced us to implicate Atuche, says witness Appolos Christian

former employee of Keystone Bank, Mr Uguru Onyike, yesterday painted a graphic picture of how he was allegedly coerced into making false allegations against his former boss in a N25.7m theft charge at the defunct Bank PHB.  Onyike, who chronicled his alleged involvement in the matter, yesterday told an Ikeja High Court that the bank’s former Managing Director, Mr. Francis Atuche, was innocent of the alleged criminal offence.  Specifically, Onyike,

Awka

Apostasy: Freed Sudan Christian woman re-arrested at airport

Sudanese Christian woman was arrested yesterday at Khartoum airport a day after a court annulled her death sentence for apostasy and released her from prison, a source familiar with the incident said. “The National Security took her and Daniel,” said the source, referring to Meriam Yahia Ibrahim Ishag, 26, and her American husband Daniel Wani. The status of their two young children, one a baby born in prison before Ishag’s release, was not immediately known. The couple were detained, for reasons that are unclear, at about 1100 GMT as they tried to leave the country, said the source. He could not give more details except to say they

were taken to a facility of the powerful National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS). “She has the right to leave the country,” the source said. Ishag’s case sparked an outcry from Western governments and rights groups after a lower-court judge sentenced her to death on May 15. Almost one million people appealed to save her life on the Change.org petition website. Born to a Muslim father and an Ethiopian Orthodox Christian mother, Ishag was convicted under Islamic sharia law that has been in force in Sudan since 1983 and outlaws conversions on pain of death. When Ishag was five, her father abandoned the family, and she was raised according to her mother’s

faith. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Khartoum said she joined the Catholic church shortly before she married. “She has never been a Muslim in her life,” a statement said. After the appeal courts quashed the earlier verdict, Ishag went into hiding, fearing for her life because of death threats, one of her lawyers said. “She is in a safe place. I will not tell you where,” Mohanad Mustafa, told AFP on Monday night. “The main reason is that we are concerned about her life.” Mustafa said Wani had been reunited with his wife, newborn baby and the couple’s 20-month-old son who had been incarcerated with his mother. “Now she is with her husband and their children in the safe place,” said the lawyer.

who was led in evidence by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo, at the resumed trial of the former bank chief, said Atuche was wrongly implicated in the alleged fraud, insisting that he, alongside others, were forced to name him as the mastermind of the alleged fraud. “Allegations of forgery against Atuche were false”, Onyike said, adding, “ The bank and the EFCC were working together and they told us to write a statement implicating Atuche and that the documents were not authentic”.  Onyike, a former head

of operations of the bank’s Central Shared Services(CSS) Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos made the claim while testifying before Justice Lateefat Okunnu at the resumed trial of Atuche.   Atuche and his wife, Elizabeth, are being prosecuted for allegedly stealing N25.7 billion belonging to Bank PHB (now Keystone Bank) by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Also charged with them is a former Chief Financial Officer of the bank, Ugo Anyanwu.

Obiano: Anambra to produce 12,000 barrels of crude Uwakwe Abugu

Mourners Chanting slogans against al-Qaida breakaway group ISIL ... yesterday

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

overnor Willie Obiano of Anambra State yesterday announced that the state will be producing 12,000 barrels of crude oil daily in the next six months. He said the state is currently producing 6,000 barrels of the product daily. Obiano, in a broadcast to the people of the state to

mark his first 100 days in office, also announced that in the next nine months, Orient Petroleum Refinery based in the state, will become operational and will start refining crude in the state. According to the governor, his administration has deployed much energy and attention to several activities and synergies with relevant stakeholders in a bid to ensure that in that in no distant future, Anambra

will become the 10th oil producing state in the country. The governor gave more insight into the efforts in this direction, saying that “In Oil and Gas, we have recorded some progress in our efforts to make Anambra State the 10th oil producing state in Nigeria. “At the moment, we produce 6000 barrels of crude oil per day. Efforts are underway to double this production capacity in the next six months”, he stated.

Reps to discuss harassment of Tambuwal

ladjourns plenary for Kuta Philip Nyam Abuja

he House of Representatives is set to move a motion today (Wednesday) to condemn the alleged harassment of Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal by soldiers in Kaduna on Monday.

This is just as the House, which reconvened yesterday from a two-week break suspended sitting in honour of the late Senator Idris Kuta, who died recently. The motion, New Telegraph learnt reliably, will be moved by the minority leader of the

House; Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, to condemn the shabby treatment meted to the speaker and warns against further occurrence of such. Gbajabiamila is to anchor his motion on matters of urgent national importance and ‘breach of privileges’ of the Speaker.

CP warns against unethical practice Onah .O. Onah Onitsha

he Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Usman Gwary, has warned officers and men of the Force to serve according to the police ethical standard or face the wrath of the law.

The Police commissioner handed down the warning while addressing Police Personnel and members of the vigilante group at the Central Police Station, CPS, Onitsha. Gwary, who told police officers and men that the major aim of his em-

barking on a familiarization tour to some police divisions under Onitsha Area Command was to access the operational ethics of the officers in the state, also said it was to strengthen the police public relationship that has been damaged due to some bad eggs.

C’wealth Games: Hope for Team Nigeria Charles Ogundiya

N Blake

igeria’s chances of picking a medal in the sprints at the Commonwealth Games, in Glasgow, Scotland, has significantly improved following the withdrawal of Jamaican sprint star, Yohan Blake, from

51 49

…as Blake withdraws from Team Jamaica the event. With Usain Bolt’s chances of recovering from injury ahead of the Games becoming increasingly slim, the anticipated presence of Blake was viewed as a consolation to sprint fans. But the for-

SPORT

mer world champion’s manager, Cubie Seegobin, has confirmed that Blake, who suffered a series of injuries last season, was going to pick and choose his races this year. “He’s healthy, you saw how he

has looked since coming back, but he is looking forward to the next three years, so this year is about getting him back in the saddle and getting him back to running really fast again,” said Seegobin.

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/sports

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

AUTHORITATIVE VOICE IN GLOBAL SPORT

wednesday, june 25, 2014

Nigeria can shock Argentina –Kanu

ormer Nigeria captain, Nwankwo Kanu, believes the Super Eagles can defeat Argentina and secure passage to the knockout rounds of the World Cup when both sides meet on Wednesday in Porto Alegre. The Super Eagles only need a draw against the Argentines to ensure a spot in the round of 16 for the first time since 1998. And Kanu, who was part of the Nigerian team that made it to the World Cup second round at France ’98, is confident Stephen Keshi’s side has what it takes to do well against Lionel Messi and company. Asked if the Super Eagles will be able to earn the required point against the twotime former world champions, Kanu replied: “Yeah, I think so, because what has happened with the Nigerian team is that they keep getting better game after game, so I believe when we play Argentina the confidence and the winning

mentality beating Bosnia will mean we will be able to do well against Argentina.” The former Ajax, Inter Milan and Arsenal forward, who is currently in Brazil, also aired his thoughts on Keshi, insisting he is happy at the way his former Super Eagles teammate has been overseeing the affairs of the national team. “We support [Keshi], we know what he can do. He has done it in the Africa Cup of Nations but he still has to do it this time around. It’s good to see him, a former captain, become the coach, a player who appeared at the World Cup now leading his side at the tournament again,” said Kanu, who featured for Nigeria at three FIFA World Cups. He added: “When [Keshi] came in, he said we need to build a team and before we knew it we had won the Nations Cup and now we are in the World Cup, so I think the work is in progress.”

Super Eagles celebrate Osaze Odemwingie’s goal against Bosnia last Saturday

Local Organising Committee under fire over World Cup logistics

he Local Organising Committee for the World Cup is under fire over the general organisation of the competition. Journalists and fans have been complaining of the various logistics problems in the competition ranging from distance between venues to information. English journalist, Roy Robson, wondered why the organ-

isers had to scatter the games the way they did as people have been travelling all over the place depending on the team they are covering. “This competition is not convenient for anybody. It is tough to travel for every game and the distance is huge here. Brazil is a big place and just six to eight venues would have been enough, but we

have 12. Imagine travelling every other day for games and it is also expensive, “he said. A Brazilian fan in Sao Paulo, Dennis, is not happy that many centres will only host two or three games. “The full impact of the event could have been felt better if four teams were in a group and so one would need to travel just

once and you watch about four to six games in a place where your favourite team is. Moving from one place to the other is not easy for anybody not only the visitors,” he said. Though the organisers argued that the situation was the same in South Africa, it can be recalled that in the last World Cup three venues were near one another.

LOC chairman, Jose Maria Marin

SPORT

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

News Updates

Iran target Chicharito ready to down flying Bosnia win with Dutchmen eyes on last 16

avier Hernandez is looking forward to taking on Louis van Gaal and Robin van Persie’s Netherlands in the knockout stages of the World Cup on Sunday. The Mexico marksman came off the bench to help spark a superb 3-1 victory over Croatia in Group A and become United’s sixth different scorer in the tournament with his 36th international strike. “I feel like a weight has been lifted,” he told FIFA.com afterwards. “But I just enjoy playing football, I love having fun on the field. I’ve had games where a lot of people said I played really well, even without having a single shot on goal. “That’s one of the nice things about football, it’s not only about scoring goals. Of course they’re important, but, when you’re a footballer, you also need to work with your team-mates and put them first. “This whole year has been very tough. Players need confidence more than anything else, and I’ve been very short of it. Very few people have shown faith in me over this past year.”

ran will look to send BosniaHerzegovina back home winless and surprisingly reach the last 16 of the World Cup when they play their final group game in Salvador on Wednesday afternoon. Carlos Queiroz’s side can reach the knockout stages of the tournament if they beat Bosnia and Argentina get the better of Nigeria in the other match. They were beaten by Lionel Messi’s last-gasp strike on Saturday and will be confident of beating a Bosnia side who are already out of the tournament. After playing well against Argentina, Bosnia fell to Nigeria and will now be playing for pride on Wednesday. Bosnia coach Safet Susic could make changes, but star players Edin Dzeko and Miralem Pjanic are likely to continue. Even if Iran manage to win, they might be denied a place in the last 16 if FIFA needs to draw lots to

decide who goes through between them and Nigeria. If Iran beat Bosnia 1-0 and Nigeria lose to Argentina by the same score line, then both teams will be completely level and the team that progresses will be completely down to luck. Interestingly, Iran were the first team that Bosnia-Herzegovina ever played in a non-FIFA international way back in 1993 soon after their independence from Yugoslavia. The last time the two met was in a 2009 friendly when Dzeko scored twice, but Bosnia still went down 3-2 in Sarajevo.

Head-to-head

Matches

Wins

Losses

Bosnia

Iran

Drawn

Goals for

FIFA ranking

Iran’s Andranik Teymourian challenging John Obi Mikel

Win over Cameroon our best outing –Neymar N eymar hailed Brazil’s 4-1 victory over Cameroon as the hosts’ “best performance yet”, after a man-of-the-match display that fired his team into the World Cup last 16 on Monday. “The most important thing was the team and I think this was our best performance,” said the 22-year-old after receiving his award at the National Stadium in Brasilia. “Not because of the number of goals we scored but because of

Uruguay send Italy packing lAs Costa Rica, England end goalless

ruguay knocked Italy out of the World Cup with controversy, as Claudio Marchisio was harshly sent off and Luis Suarez bit Giorgio Chiellini. The Azzurri needed at least a point to reach the Last 16, while Uruguay would only qualify with a victory. Following a goalless first half, Italy coach, Cesare Prandelli, made a surprise substitution at half-time, re-

Javier Hernandez celebrating after scoring against Croatia

Luis Suarez involved in another biting incident

placing the visibly irritable and already-booked Mario Balotelli with Parma attack-

how we played, pressing our opponents in the way we wanted to. Congratulations to everyone. We are on the right track and are growing all the time as we get closer to making our dream come true.” Brazil’s win saw them finish top of Group A on goal difference from Mexico and took them through to a last-16 tie against Chile on Saturday in Belo Horizonte. “I think it will be a very difficult match,” Neymar said.

ing midfielder Marco Parolo. Then on the hour mark, the referee showed a straight red card to Claudio Marchisio for his challenge on Arevalo Rios. His studs were up, but they were so close together that there was no dangerous power behind the tackle, so it seemed a very harsh decision. Marchisio became the first Azzurro to see red in a World Cup since Marco Materazzi against Australia in 2006.

Hazard unimpressed with performance France eager to avoid Argentina

den Hazard gave himself a low mark for his overall World Cup performances, but a distinction for proving decisive as Belgium have already secured a second-round berth with one match to play. “Personally I feel I haven’t played well, but I’ve been decisive and that is what the coach has

asked of me. I understand very well that people are expecting a lot from me and I know that I can do better,” he said. Hazard made both winners for Belgium in their first two Group H matches, and he said: “The fact I have twice played in decisive balls means I’m fresh, in physically good shape. But I’m aware that

if I hadn’t, there would certainly have been criticism and that’s also normal. Hopefully I can show the public a better Eden Hazard. “I give myself two out of 10 for the opening 80 minutes and nine out of 10 for the closing stages.” He said Belgium’s overall play could also be improved.

rance are vowing not to let-up on their thrilling attacking style as they seek to storm into the last 16 of the World Cup against Ecuador on Wednesday. A draw in Wednesday’s game at the Maracana Stadium would be enough to clinch first place and avoid a probable meeting with Argentina in the last

16. But France full-back Mathieu Debuchy says his team-mates will aim to finish with a flourish to maintain momentum. “We need to avoid taking our foot off the gas even if there is not a huge amount at stake,” Debuchy said. “We want to win this match and maintain our positive dynamics in order to prepare well for what is

to come.” France’s huge goal difference of plus six also means they could even lose to Ecuador and still win the group. Switzerland, level with Ecuador on three points, but trailing on goal difference, would then need to win big against Honduras to have any chance of advancing.

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

inside eagles camp Samba notes from Brazil

Compiled by Adekunle Salami

Mad rush in Naija restaurant The food here is getting monotonous and often you could feel as if you were been punished when you are about to eat. On Monday, I went out in search of Nigerian food and destination was Republican. When I got there I met many Nigerians, most of them were members of the supporters club. The woman in charge of the restaurant is from the eastern part of Nigeria and the problem there was service. At a time, only one Kelechi was serving people and the place was so rowdy. It took close to 45 minutes to be served and people shouted on top of their voices to get served. It was my first time there and so was looking as events unfolded. I eat rice and stew as my colleagues took solid African food. Republican crowd, magic I went on a trip to Republican area of Sao Paulo on Monday. The area is one of the down town parts of the beautiful city in Brazil. The metro station is so big that it took about 15 minutes if not more to get out of the place. With the language barrier, asking for directions was a problem. Some colleagues staying in the area told me that in the evening the area is notorious with ‘ladies of the night’ they will stay in their apartment and beckon on men from the window smiling. As fate will have it, I was again at the Republican for an assignment in the evening and the place was like Ojuelegba in Surulere or Allen Avenue in Ikeja. Even with the cold weather ladies were seen on the road in skimpy outfits trying to woe ‘customers’. Wi fi everywhere One good thing in Brazil is the internet service provided all over the place which is a huge advantage to journalists covering the World Cup. Every house or hotel in Brazil has a wi fi wireless. It was learnt that it is compulsory for every building to have it either residential or office. If you are in a vehicle and you try to connect your device, many wireless networks will appear. However, many of them have passwords and you cannot use it any how. During a trip to Curitiba for the Nigeria, Iran match we had a stopover at a supermarket and just as I checked my network I discovered that the wi fi was working even without password.

Eagles battle Argentina for second round spot

uper Eagles, today, meet Argentina for the fourth time in the World Cup, but they will have their minds on what happens in the tie between Bosnia and Iran. Nigeria need at least a point from the Argentina tie to scale through to the next round regardless of what happens in the other match. However, Argentina have beaten the Eagles in their three previous meetings, but Nigeria could still qualify even if they lose this tie provided that Iran do not win against Bosnia. Eagles who opened their campaign with a lackluster performance against a disciplined Iran rekindled hope with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bosnia and a section of

QueenofBelgium’serror

he King and Queen of Belgium attended their country’s match against Russia at the Maracana on Sunday and they witnessed Divock Origi become the first teenager to score in a World Cup. Later, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde met the players and the queen took this opportunity to congratulate Origi on his goal. Except she said this to starter Romelu Lukaku, Who seemed to handle the situation better than he did the substitution though, pointing out Origi to the confused queen.

osnia-Herzegovina star Vedad Ibisevic has urged his team-mates to restore some pride before heading home as they face Iran in their last group game today. “We need to recover.

Omeruo (right) tackling Bosnia’s Edin Dzeko

Nigerian fans now believe the team could make it to the next round for the first time since 1998. For Argentina, even though they have booked their second round place, a positive result is still vital. It is important not just

to secure first place in the group. After narrow wins against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran, Alejandro Ibisevic Sabella’s men need to show their full attacking potential to silence doubters and send the team into the knockouts in the highest of spirits. ran striker, Ashkan Dejagah, has said that his team will score against But if Nigeria lose to Ar- Bosnia in their last group gentina and Iran also lose game today. The Persian Stars have or draw against Bosnia, the posted brilliant defensive Eagles will still move into displays so far and the Fulthe second round in second ham striker believes they position. can go a step up by scoring Nigeria will meet France aginst the Bosnians who in Brasilia if the country finare out of the competition. ishes second and the Eagles “The fact we’ve not will play in Sao Paulo to scored yet is something we likely meet Switzerland if need to put right. I think the team beats Argentina to we were really unlucky top group F. against Argentina though. We had a lot of chances

tina, the Super Eagles will go ahead to top group F with seven points and Argentina will finish in second position. If the Eagles play a draw, the team will end up as second behind Argentina in the standings. However a defeat for Eagles and a big win with a twogoal margin in favour of Iran against Bosnia could lead to an ouster for Nigeria.

Yobo

tough encounter against Argentina. “I think it’s going to be a tough one against Argentina. We know they’re a very good side and we respect them. “But there is confidence flowing in our team now. After the game against Bosnia, we now believe more in ourselves. We just have to

play well, I know it’ll be a tough and exciting game.” Yobo said. Yobo, who will make his 100th cap against the Albiceleste if he plays also insists that the Super Eagles have got a lot to give – not only against Argentina, but in the tournament. “This is the world cup and anything can happen.

SAFA denies naming Keshi coach N igeriacoachStephenKeshi has not signed a deal to becomeSouthAfrica’snewboss, theSouthAfricanFootballAssociation (SAFA) has said. ReportsinNigeriaclaimed that Keshi, who has been in the job since 2011 and won the Africa Cup of Nations last year, had agreed terms to take over South Africa after

the FIFA World Cup. SAFA rejected that claim in a statement released on Tuesday, but added that an appointment would be made following the tournament in Brazil. “That article ... is devoid of any truth as SAFA will only make the decision on the appointment of the new

Most of us are experienced enough to know the game and we will quickly forget the negative things and as soon as possible direct our thoughts to the next game. “Iran are a very wellorganised team. They gave Argentina a lot of trouble. “Against us they will be even more motivated, because they can go into the next round with a win. “I hope we can show our true selves and defeat them so we can leave the World Cup honourably. It will be difficult.”

We will score against Bosnia –Dejegah

Yobo predicts tough Argentina game igeria captain Joseph Yobo has predicted a

Bosnia must restore pride –Ibisevic

Permutations for Nigeria’s last 16 berth igeria will have to avoid a toss of coin situation today by getting a result against Argentina to confirm their status as a second round team in the ongoing World Cup. There are various permutations as two teams, Nigeria and Iran battle for the second ticket in Group F. If Nigeria beat Argen-

Eagles’ Enemies’ Camp

coach mid-July,” said SAFA president Dr Danny Jordaan in the statement. “Keshi’s name is among the various names that have been thrown around by the media. SAFA has not yet arrived at any decision regarding the appointment of the new senior men’s national coach.

and it was one of those games where everyone in the team did their job and played well. “Hopefully this third match will bring another step up. We’ll definitely be going for goals and we still have a chance to go through, I’m sure of that. What we need to do is take the good things we’ve done so far, improve a little bit in other areas and give everything to beat Bosnia. If we do that - and I think it’s a game we can win - we can still qualify.”

FIFA to decide referee’s World Cup fate

ew Zealand Football is defending a Kiwi referee facing international criticism for appearing to favour Nigeria during a controversial World Cup game. Bosnian fans want FIFA to sack Peter O’Leary after an image emerged that appears to show him celebrating with Nigeria’s goalkeeper. A representative for Kiwi refs says there is nothing sinister about O’Leary’s post-match behaviour. “It was just two human beings coming together at the end of a high-pressure game,” says New Zealand Football referee development manager Ken Wal-

lace. “The goalkeeper puts his arm around the referee, what’s the referee going to do?” O’Leary might have the support of his backers on home soil, but FIFA will be the one to decide if the official will get another shot at World Cup action.

Peter O’Leary

SPORT

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Nigeria, Iran Fall-out

Henry: This generation of Les Bleus can win trophies

Thierry Henry is convinced that the French troop at the 2014 World Cup have all it takes to lift the trophy, given their performance at the group stage. In Rio de Janeiro to analyse Brazil 2014 matches for television, the 36-yearold New York Red Bulls star recounted his long-lasting love affair with the French national football team.

comes from playing in tournaments like these. They’ll learn a lot, and it won’t always be easy, but this generation really does have the quality to do well and lift trophies. I hope they do it quite quickly. When you play in a World Cup, you never know if you’ll get the chance to do it again. I had the opportunity to play in four, so it probably seems a bit strange to say that, but you have to approach each one as if it’s your last. Which current French players are you most impressed with? There are a few. We lost Franck Ribery ahead of the World Cup, but he’s an amazing player. And then there’s Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba, Raphael Varane and so on. The guys in the midfield and up front are getting a lot of praise, but Varane is an extraordinary player. He’s composed, and already plays like a defender with a ten-year career under his belt. I don’t think people are talking about him enough. It’s quite unusual to be so mature at such a young age, although playing at Real Madrid has clearly helped him. We had Laurent Blanc; Varane has a similar style, but with different qualities. It’s pretty easy to spot a defence that has a player who remains calm no matter what.

Do you remember the first time you saw France play? My earliest memory of watching France is Marius Tresor’s goal against Germany at the 1982 World Cup in Spain. It’s just a brief flashback. I was in the West Indies at the time, and there was an explosion of joy in my house – I didn’t really understand what was happening. I turned around and saw the replay of Tresor’s volley. Everyone knows what happened next. Was it right then that you were won over by the French national side? I was just five then, so it was the only image I had of them. But Mexico 1986 definitely did trigger something. Les Bleus had a great run, knocking out Brazil along the way. That’s when I really started to take an interest. There was Euro 1984 too. As a supporter, it was easy to fall in love with that team. At what point did you think that the feeling was mutual? That was also easy to tell, because it helps when you play in a World Cup that your country is hosting. That co-

Henry

incided with my debut. The victory in 1998 was the high point – you dream about that as a young boy, you tell yourself that one day you’ll win the World Cup, but at the same time a small part of you knows that it’s a fantasy that’ll never become reality. And then, in the end, we did it, and the fact that we did

Nigeria Vs Argentina

so just along the road from where I grew up was truly incredible. What advice would you give to the new generation of French internationals? The two pieces of advice that I would give them is to make the most of it, and to understand that experience

It seems that the French public has fallen in love with Les Bleus again. Well, in football, I think love is generated by winning matches. When you’re not winning, the bond isn’t quite so strong, if it exists at all. There are highs and lows, and it’s up to you to perform well and thereby ensure that those feelings remain intact.

Eagles’ battle cry!

Stephen Keshi

Joseph Yobo

“This team is getting better by the day and I believe after the victory over Bosnia, we are going to get better. We will be all out against Argentina because we are not there yet. We still need a result to be sure of a place in the last 16.”

“The Eagles have all it takes to compete well with Argentina and come out well. It is going to be tough but we are going to be ready for it as well. The challenge is huge but we are going to be up for it. They have great players but we are going to show the world that we are equally as good.”

Keneth Omeruo

Ogenyi Onazi

“We came here not expecting easy games and this particular one is the match we have all been waiting for since the draw was made. It is going to be interesting. We need at least a draw to confirm our place in the second round, but we will go for a win.”

“We are going to play against one of the best teams in the competition and that is a big one. Iran almost defeated the same team and we are going to draw inspiration from that to do well in the match. It is dicey because anything can happen in the other match and so we need to fight our qualification battle ourselves.”

Emmanuel Emenike

Efe Ambrose

Vincent Enyeama

“We have shown the world in our last match that we are not in Brazil to joke and so we intend to continue with that form against Argentina. We are going to defend well and also try to get goals against them.”

“This is our biggest challenge and we are looking forward to it with determination. The victory on Saturday has given us confidence that we can do it if we put in our best effort. No doubt we need to up our game and we will be fine after the game.”

“With God, all things are possible. So far in this competition we are yet to concede a goal and we are hoping not to do so against Argentina. If we achieve that we are in the second round, but we are also going to be ambitious to get goals. Its football and we are going to put in our best to get a result.’

SPORT 55

Sanctity of Truth

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Wimbledon 2014: Federer, Wawrinka, Nadal go through Argentina: Brazilian fans want lKuznetsova sent packing Nigeria jerseys to back Eagles

even-time champion, Roger Federer, eased into the second round at Wimbledon after beating Italian Paolo Lorenzi in straight sets. The Swiss fourth seed was barely troubled in a 6-1 6-1 6-3 win over a player who has never won a match at a Grand Slam in 13 attempts. Reacting to his victory, Federer said; “I thought I played very well, served well, played the transition game, came to the net. You want to be eager to play, motivated, not wanting to underestimate anybody and

win the tournament and that’s why I’m here.”Federer’s compatriot, the Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka, was also a straight-sets winner. The fifth seed beat world number 41 Joao Sousa of Portugal 6-3 6-4 6-3.Wawrinka has a poor record on grass, losing in the first round in three of the last four years at SW19, but served solidly to earn the victory. French Open champion, Rafael Nadal become the 11th player in

the Open Era to win at least 700 matches in his career and the first to accomplish the feat since Federer after coming from a set down to defeat Martin Klizan 4-6 6-3 6-3 6-3 in his first game at the All White Club. It was his first win on grass in two years. In the women’s game, Portugal’s Michelle Larcher de Brito caused an upset on Court 17 by beating Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova, the 28th seed, 3-6 6-3 6-1.

Emmanuel Tobi Sao Paulo

s a pre-condition for supporting the Super Eagles when they take on Argentina today, some Brazilian fans in Porto Alegre, have enquired how to get Nigerian souvenirs like jerseys so as to back the Eagles. Speaking to New Telegraph in Brazil, some of the fans who were fascinated with the jersey worn by our correspondent wanted the Eagles to defeat the Argentines who are their arch

rivals. “We love Nigeria, we love Mikel, we want Nigeria jerseys,” said a female fan in her smattering English! She further stressed that Brazilians were banking on the Eagles to defeat Argentina to demoralise them and affect their confidence ahead of the second round matches. “We want Argentina out in the second round. Nigeria must beat Argentina to kill their spirit. Up Nigeria! Up Nigeria!” she said.

ITTF Lagos World Tour: Omotayo bows out of U-21 event

igeria’s teenage star, Olajide Omotayo, has been eliminated from the boys’ U-21 event of the International Table Tennis Federation Lagos World Tour holding in Lagos.

Omotayo

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 V 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

Venue

9pm Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo 5pm Estadio das Dunas, Natal 8pm Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador 11pm Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba 5pm Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte 8pm Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza 11pm Arena Amazonia, Manaus 2am Arena Pernambuco, Recife 5pm Estadio Nacional, Brasilia 8pm Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre 11pm Maracanã, Rio De Janeiro 5pm Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador 8pm Arena da Baixada, Curitiba 11pm Estadio das Dunas, Natal 5pm Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte 8pm Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza 10pm Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba 5pm Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre 8pm Maracanã, Rio De Janeiro 11pm Arena Amazonia, Manaus 5pm Estadio Nacional, Brasilia 8pm Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo 11pm Estadio das Dunas, Natal 5pm Arena Pernambuco, Recife 8pm Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador 11pm Arena da Baixada, Curitiba 5pm Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte 8pm Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza 11pm Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba 5pm Maracanã, Rio De Janeiro 8pm Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre 11pm Arena Amazonia, Manaus 5pm Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo 5pm Estadio Nacional, Brasilia 9pm Estadio Nacional, Brasilia 9pm Arena Pernambuco, Recife 5pm Estadio das Dunas, Natal 5pm Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte 9pm Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba 9pm Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza 5pm Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre 5pm Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador 11pm Arena Amazonia, Manaus 11pm Maracanã, Rio De Janeiro 5pm Estadio Nacional, Brasilia 5pm Arena Pernambuco, Recife 9pm Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo 9pm Arena da Baixada, Curitiba

Results 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 0- 0 1-1 2-3 0-2 0-4 2-1 2-1 0-0 1-2 2-5 1-2 1-0 2-2 1-0 1-0 2-4 2-2 2-0 0-3 1-4 1-3 0-1 0-0

The Italy-based player was beaten 3-2 by his compatriot, Akinwale Fagbamila, in the round of 16 on Tuesday but vowed to bounce back in the men singles event. “I have not been playing very well in this competition and my confidence is waning, I think I will try my best in the Men’s Singles, hopefully I will progress,” he said. Also yesterday, Nigeria’s Ayo Omotara defeated Cameroun’s Jague Alain Patrick to berth in the main draw.

Dutch fans urge Kanu, Finidi to emulate Kluivert Emmanuel Tobi Sao Paulo

utch fans who stormed the Arena De Sao Paulo when the Netherlands defeated Chile 2-0 on Monday, wanted to know why Nwankwo Kanu and George Finidi were not part of the current Super Eagles coaching crew like their former Ajax of Amsterdam teammate, Patrick Kluvert, who is one of the assistant, coaches of their national team. The fans were emotionally attached to the Nigerian duo because of their heroics at Ajax, where Kluivert was

also the part of the victorious Champions League squad that dominated Europe in 1995 and 1996. Christian Verhaegh, a PSV Eindhoven supporter, said; “Finidi and Kanu not in Brazil? They should be with Nigerian coaches because they were great players for Ajax like Kluivert! They gave PSV a lot of problem because they were very gifted.” Another fan, Philo van Weder, who spoke through an interpreter, also said; “Kanu should be assisting the coaches on the strikers just like Kluivert, and Finidi on the wingers.

Primlaks Group commends fans for supporting Eagles A

s the Super Eagles set out to do Nigeria proud in the final group F match against Argentina on Wednesday, at the ongoing FIFA 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the management of Primlaks Group has commended soccer fans in Nigeria for the overwhelming support for the team. Primlaks Group Managing Director, Mr. Anil Hem-

nani, said in Lagos on Tuesday that: “The massive home support given by football lovers all over the country greatly inspired the national team to record a spectacular victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina last weekend. “With more home support on Wednesday, the Eagles will equally be motivated to soar higher than the Argentines.”

World Record

On Marble

The darkest hour in any man’s life is when he sits down to plan how to get money without earning it.

– Horace Greeley

Sanctity of Truth w w w. new tel eg rap ho nl i ne. co m

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth – Buddha WEDNESday, JUNE 25, 2014

70-year-old twin prostitutes, Louise and Martine Fokkens have slept with 355,000 men in their 50 year career in Amsterdam’s red light district.

N150

Bayero’s death: The lesson within

y their very formative processes, lessons are not usually what they should be once in the making. This is because at this stage, they have a level of freshness that naturally limits their impacts and appeal to an overwhelming reality of their being. This means lessons only acquire their meanings and logical relevance in the due process of time. This too means, it takes one with extra mental ability to wrestle down the inhibiting agitation in lessons and take them for what they are at the very first encounter. But most importantly, it takes one with a double of such ability to perceive lessons in persons and events miles away. This is because the processes of lessons themselves have a matching expression in the common attitudinal flaw of man. The relative individuality in the perception of lessons as they relate to persons, events and situations subject them to detached interpretations which inevitably seek to excuse, condemn or applaude the message therein, using a variable pretty away from self. This makes every other lesson other ‘people’s affair’. The truth is, for every event, there is a lesson, immediate or remote. And for every lesson, there is a message, positive or negative. Now, buried in the death of the emir of Kano and the resultant emergence of a new emir for the state in the person of the former CBN governor, Sunusi Lamido Sunusi, is indeed a mighty lesson begging to be learnt by many. Looking back at history, the Kano emirate had an intimidating commitment to the course of the commoners that largely accounted for the high measure of influence it had on the people. Of course, there is still an impressive residue of this legendary affair up till today. In fact, while the average Kano person recognizes and obeys instituted authorities as a matter of course, his true allegiance lies with the state’s traditional institution. The late emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, was in particular revered by many in a way that was almost religious. It took the emir to cool down tension and frayed nerves and even to pacify the people’s anger. Perhaps, for an emir who had been known to champion the course of the ordinary people and to practically identify with them in every way

We are in a time when arrogance and highhandedness are no longer exclusive to some people. We all have come to realise that no one any longer has a monopoly of anything, good or bad. And we all have come to realise too that one understands better when one is spoken to in the kind of language one knows best possible, that was only expected. I always maintain that Ado Bayero was an emir plus, he advised his subjects the way a father should, he cautioned them the way a leaned ulama should, he counseled his subjects the way a teacher should and he led them the way a leader should. This made him a teacher to some, a father to others and a leader to all. Interestingly enough, the emir saw all that as the true dictates of leadership which he had to uphold in the demanding manner of trust. And it was this especially that made him unique among his class of emirs and made his reign remarkably different. May the soul of the late emir rest in peace. Traditionally however, the death of an emir calls for the emergence of a new one anywhere. Therefore, the death of Ado Bayero and the emergence of Sunusi Lamido Sunusi as the new emir of Kano are new realities that the people of Kano have to come to terms with. For sure, there were push and pull that trailed the announcement of Sunusi Lamido Sunusi as the new emir of Kano which should form solid food for thought for all. Though I choose to

The late Bayero

reserve my comments over this, the truth is, with minds dully saddened by the passage of a long serving emir on one hand, and a sudden chance adequately doted by the rare grace of God on the other, it was almost unavoidable that a thick and dangerous air of mixed feelings was consuming the confusion occasioned by the momentary stillness never before experienced in the past 51 years. So, what started like an involuntary parade of feelings , through a helpless moment of expectations, inched into a violent affair. But then, situations like this, unfortunate as they may be, are full of lessons for reference, especially for leaders and elders who need to survive and keep fit in a world where simple logic, empathy and self regulation are replacing the barbarism of force and sheer arrogance. There is in particular a huge lesson for the new emir of Kano who needs understand the very reason for his rough start, if he is to enjoy the rest of his reign. In fact, as an individual with apparently a heavy tilt towards a style of life and a manner of reasoning that pretty stand him at odd with

the simple logic and common reasoning process of his average subject, he is not only faced with the huge assignment of fully understanding his subjects, but the difficult one of regulating his attitudinal disposition in line with the dictates of his new position Most importantly perhaps, is the urgent need for self or image laundering even if for damage control mission. Indeed, if what greeted his emergence as the new person on the traditional throne of Kano is a factor to go bye, he certainly needs to restrategise and market well himself, especially if he is to preserve the proud line of the smooth relationship that have been existing between the Emirate and the people of Kano and beyond. Certainly, we are in a time when arrogance and highhandedness are no longer exclusive to some people. We all have come to realise that no one any longer has a monopoly of anything, good or bad. And we all have come to realise too that one understands better when one is spoken to in the kind of language one knows best. For the people of Kano, there is also a message in this lesson in the making. It is this. That no situation is ever permanent, life is dynamic in much the same manner change is. There is a change now, and it’s for real. So, the best they can do is to adjust and come to terms with it fast enough for the needed peace.

OmoBaba

I ‘VE FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT – Fayemi

– But, gov 16-0 is KNOCK-OUT!

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