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Thursday, October 23, 2014

Vol. 1 No. 247

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House okays $1bn to fight Boko Haram

lWe are not funding sect, says CBN Philip Nyam and Tunde Oyesina

resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday

got the consent of the National Assembly to borrow $1 billion from external sources to make the country safer.

About one month after the Senate approved the request, the House of Representatives yesterday gave its concurrence

to the bid by the president to take the loan, which among others, will be used to retool the military to make it more efficient

and effective in fighting Boko Haram. The approval was granted at the plenary CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Tension in Abia over Orji’s political plot - Pg 7

APC governors kick over revenue sharing lDemand meeting with president over delay

Quick Read Editorial

Stiffer penalty against rape }19 Airlines face new insurance regime over insecurity }4 Jonathan effects minor cabinet reshuffle }6 Kalu: Nigeria needs a foreign coach }52

IG probes police armouries }5 It’s easy defeating Jonathan, says Kwankwaso }5 LAGOS

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L-R: Chairman, Lafarge Cement WAPCO Plc, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye; Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga; Chairman, Ashaka Cement Plc, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga and Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, at a meeting of World Cement Group with President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja...yesterday PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

PDP gives Jonathan, others a week ultimatum Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday directed

all aspirants, including President Goodluck Jonathan, to indicate their interest to vie for elective positions latest by October 30. According to the par-

ty’s National Working Committee (NWC) Jonathan and others must do so by then by obtaining the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms by next Thursday as the

October 30 deadline for the close of sales of the documents will not be extended. Although the president has not indicated interest on whether or not he

will seek a second term, he has been endorsed by all organs of the party as PDP sole presidential candidate for the February 2015 election. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

News

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

APC governors kick over revenue sharing delay Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

ll Progressives Congress (APC) governors have decided to take their complaint over the dwindling revenue from the Federation Account, which has hampered states from discharging their financial obligations to President Goodluck Jonathan. They decided at a meeting yesterday in Ilorin that the consistent decline in federal allocation accruable to them has put them in a dire strait and since there is nothing to suggest that Nigeria is broke, the president need to explain the nation’s finance to them. Their decision came against the backdrop of the inability of the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to meet as and when due to share funds from the Federation Account among the three tiers of government, federal, states and local governments. The delay has taken a toll on the finances of many states resulting in their inability to pay staff salaries and meet their obligations to contractors, among others. The situation prompted Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, to warn on Tuesday that 31 out of the 36 states of the federation, whom he said could not survive without federal allocations, would be hard hit by the cash crunch. Briefing reporters after their meeting, Chairman, Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF) and Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, said such a meeting with the president was imperative because there was no justifiable reason for the constant drop in the revenue accruable to states. He also said the governors were yet to decide on whom to back among the presidential aspirants of the APC for the 2015 race. He, however, promised that they will give Nigeria a candidate that will bring about the needed change in the country. The forum, he added, would not allow imposition of any candidate on the party. “We looked at the dwindling resources of the state coming from FAAC on our monthly allocation, which has made it imperative that most states may not afford to pay salaries as a result of the dwindling resources. “This has become very serious concern to us as governors and we felt that

issues that affect the lives of our people must never be politicised. “We refuse to accept that this nation is broke. I thank God that the Federal Government is not broke; that if the nation is not broke, what is due to states as revenues should be paid to the states. “This idea of cutting down what should go to states does not in any way promote democracy and democratic dividends and so we as progressive governors do call on the Federal Government to look into the issue of dwindling resources or convince us as to why the states should not get what is due to them. “We do not know why our colleagues in the PDP are not talking of this matter. If they are not talking, it is either they are not affected or somehow they are getting something from the back door which

we do not know. “But if that is not the reasons, I think the presidency or the Federal Government should act quickly on the present ugly situation which this terrible condition of dwindling has caused us by making sure that the states get what is due to them to enable them to at least pay the basic salaries of the workers. “We are making an open demand to meet with the president on this issue and we want it as soon as possible,” Okorocha said. On the forthcoming presidential primaries of the party, he said: “We discussed the issues relating to our party. It is our firm belief that our party will provide for Nigeria the long-awaited purposeful, visionary leadership come 2015. So we the APC governors are in full support of the activity of our party

and assure Nigerians that we shall provide them a credible presidential candidate that will steer the affairs of this nation in 2015. “On consensus, out forum is in full support of consensus as one of the ways to produce our presidential candidate or any candidate in the party for as long as it is done with regards to respect to internal democracy. “There will be no imposition of candidate in our party. Our forum has not adopted any candidate but we shall encourage consensus and dialogue within the leadership of the party and aspirants to see how we come up with a candidate. But where that is not possible, like true progressives, we shall have free and fair primaries from the APC.” Earlier, the forum had given its pioneer chairman and immediate past

Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and a standing ovation at a valedictory session at which Okorocha described the former governor as a man who has carved his name in gold in the annals of his state, his party and the nation at large. Fayemi, while responding to the valedictory commendation read by Okorocha, used the occasion to reveal how the forum was used in brokering the defection of five former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors to the APC. He said: “It is a rare privilege to serve our people in any capacity. To have served as a governor is even a rarer privilege and to have served alongside those of us who are members of this forum has been one of the great blessings I have had as a Nigerian.

“This is one group that has played such a critical role in our party. Many will recall how this party started. It was our very first meeting in Lagos that gave this party its prominence and name All Progressives Congress (APC). It was our third meeting that took all of us to Maiduguri in solidarity with our brothers in Borno and Yobe that succeeded in giving the party the direction on its logo and identity. “And ultimately it also this forum that played a critical role in brokering the eventual entry of our brothers from the Peoples Democratic Party into this whole family. So for me, I am going to miss this body greatly; I am going to miss the various debates and extensive intellectual discussions we had in taking our country into a much more robust democracy.”

L-R: Governors Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) at the Progressive Governors’ Forum meeting in Ilorin...yesterday

PHOTO: OYO GOVERNMENT HOUSE

SURE-P receives N441bn, says Budget Office T he Director-General, Federal Budget Office, Dr. Bright Okogu, yesterday said Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) received N441 billion for its programmes from 2012 to date. Okogu made this known in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, while presenting a paper titled “Three Years of Delivering SURE-P

mandate: The Benefits and the Costs” at a twoday stakeholders’ conference organised by SURE-P. He said that although the programme had an annual allocation of N180 billion from the Federation Account, it received N126 billion in 2012, N180 billion in 2013, and N135 in 2014 billion. He said that the subsidy funds would have

been utilised in other ways but that the establishment of SURE-P for the use of the money was on the insistence of President Goodluck Jonathan “after wide consultations with Nigerians.” According to him, in line with its mandate, SURE-P intervened in social safety net, health, road infrastructure, bridges and rail transportation, among others. “The purpose is to do

what the people can see and enjoy,” he said. Okogu, however, expressed that the declining crude oil price may adversely affect the operations of SURE-P, explaining that SUREP fund was dependent on the gap between the pump price of petroleum products and crude oil price. “Survival of the SURE-P is contingent on the continued price gap,”

he said. He stated competition in the global oil market may get tougher in view of the changing dynamics in the market and discovery of oil in many African countries. Okogu also called for reintroduction of toll gates on roads to provide the necessary funds for their maintenance rather than leaving such expenditure to the government or SURE-P alone.

News

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Airlines face new insurance regime over insecurity Wole Shadare

nsecurity occasioned by the insurgency in the North-East could shoot up premium on air craft lease and other payments as insurers worldwide are going to have to pay up a record of $800 million to cover the damage done by attacks on airplanes this year, driving prices up and drawing rivals into the market. According to a report by Reuters, the hefty bill dwarfs the $60-$90 million in income insurers received last year to cover the incidents, which have included the downing of Malaysia Airlines’ MH17 passenger jet in Ukraine, and could mean some bow out of the market if the price increases are not enough to stay profitable. The prospect of heavy claims has kept the market tense since July, when, within less than two weeks, MH17 was shot down over Ukraine, an Air Algerie flight crashed in Mali due to unknown causes and fighting destroyed nearly all the planes docked at the main airport in Tripoli, Libya’s capital. Experts told New Telegraph yesterday that GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), Cab Tree and Aercap had recently raised

lease on aircraft to Nigerian airlines by over 30 per cent, with a plan to hike it to 40 per cent soon after the frequent air mishaps recorded in Nigeria. Airlines currently pay about 50 cents per passenger to insure planes against attacks and other risks such as accidents. Before the Dana accident of 2012 and that of Associated Airlines on October 3, 2013, a B737500, which was leased for $120,000, now attracts $200,000 monthly. For new generation airplanes that are in high demand and popularly referred to as Next Gen (that is, aircraft below 15 years), the lease, according to airline operators, has risen to

$280,000 per month. New market entrants keen on tapping the higher rates, but without obligation to pay any of the claims, could well prove the winners in coming weeks as large airlines and insurers begin in earnest to renegotiate their annual insurance contracts. Chief Executive of Atrium Underwriting, Richard Harries said: “Depending on what happens at these renewals, people might reconsider their position (in the market). “We know the price we want for business, and if it hits that price, we’re in, and if it doesn’t, we’re not.” He added that he still expected Atrium, which currently leads the insurance

market covering attacks on planes to remain in it. The price of insuring a plane against attack is likely to more than double, and more than triple in conflict zones such as the Middle East, Senior Vice-President at insurance broker Lockton Companies, Peter Eden, said. This may include Nigeria, if the lingering insecurity caused by Boko Haram is not settled speedily, although no threats to domestic operation have been witnessed so far. Analysts believe that this could be devastating to local airlines which are struggling to stay in business. A new aircraft worth $200 million belonging to

a major airline could currently be insured against attacks for about $40,000, although the price tag varies depending on the likelihood that the carrier will be targeted. The prospect of richer pickings has already drawn some in. Analysts, brokers and underwriters said they expected claims between $650-$800 million, with the top end of this range beating losses of $700 million from the Iraq war in 1990, unadjusted for inflation. Premiums have tumbled since then, weighed down by relatively low claims and the market’s overcapacity from post9/11 new entrants, which never left after they swarmed in.

PORT HARCOURT

24o C 18oC Storms

KANO

18oC

Mostly Sunny

ENUGU

16o C 13oC Cloudy

IBADAN

30oC

22oC

Thunder Storms

CALABAR

29o C 23oC Storms

MAIDUGURI

36oC

24oC

Mostly Sunny

ONITSHA

L-R: Son-in-law to the late Mrs. Remi Oyo, Mr. Tolu Abudiore, his son, Tobiloba; widower, Mr. Vincent Oyo and his daughter, Mrs. Okiemuote Abudiore, at a mass for the deceased at St. Joachim/Anne’s Catholic Church, Lagos…yesterday

PDP gives Jonathan, others a week ultimatum CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

35oC

21oC

11oC

Mostly Sunny

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

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

16o C 13oC Cloudy

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

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

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST ABUJA

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

Briefing journalists at the end of its weekly NWC meeting yesterday in Abuja, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said the party had decided that there would be no extension of the closing date for the collection of nomination forms. “It will not be extended. By 6pm on October 30, no party member can obtain forms for our congress and convention after the deadline. The last date is October 30 and it will not be extended. “The constitution of the party stipulates that there will be a national convention where decisions or memos from the national executive will either be approved or rejected and there is no way that you can go to a presidential election and say

you are adopting or electing someone who has not bought form. “The October 30 deadline for the purchase of forms will not be extended and it is applicable to all candidates,” he stated. But barely a week to the closing date for the purchase of PDP nomination forms, Jonathan is yet to declare his intention to contest the presidency. Last Friday, the Niger Delta Youths for President Goodluck Jonathan said it had written to the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, seeking permission to purchase the Expression of Interest and nomination forms for the president. Chairman, Board of Trustee (BoT) of the group, Benjamin Nduka Egbunike, said they were told that PDP has a procedure since the president

is the sole presidential candidate, adding that the group would pay for the forms on Wednesday (yesterday). But Metuh said he was not aware of the claims of the group. “We are not aware of it; we have not been informed of any group that wants to buy form for the president. I am just hearing it for the first time. “Groups have come to purchase forms for senators and governors. I don’t think that the NWC is against anybody coming to purchase form for the president. We know that the president has not declared and he has not signified his indication that he is going to contest. He has not given an answer to the yearnings of Nigerians; but at the same time, the NWC will not be against any group that wants to purchase

form for him. I think they are dealing with the wrong channel,” Metuh said. He also said the NWC had granted unconditional waivers to all returning and new members of the party seeking to participate in the ward delegate primaries. He added that those running for House of Assembly, National Assembly or governorship elections would go through the process by applying to the party leadership for waiver. “Because it is ad hoc primaries, the NWC wishes to clarify that there is no requirement for party members to write to ward chairmen or local government chairmen for waivers. All party members, new, and returning members are free to participate in the ward delegate congress,” he added.

ARIK AIR LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:00; 09:00; 11:00 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00; 20:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 09:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 07:00; 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 (SAT) 07:00; 11:00; 15:00 (SUN) 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 09:00; 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 (SAT) 07:30; 11:30; 09:00; 13:00; 17:00 (SUN) 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 ABUJA-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30; 16:50 (SAT/SUN) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30 PORT-HARCOURT-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10; 18:30 (SAT/SUN) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10

News

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

It’s easy defeating Jonathan, says Kwankwaso Biodun Oyeleye and Muhammad Kabir

ano State governor and presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, has described President Goodluck Jonathan as “the easiest sitting president for any opposition party to defeat in an election.”

The governor also predicted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not last beyond 2015, having spent 16 years in power. He hinged his verdict on the failure of the president and his party to provide security for the citizenry. Kwankwaso, who spoke with newsmen on Tuesday night in Ilorin, Kwara State, posited that

what Nigeria needs in 2015 is a leader who can instil discipline and demonstrate the capacity to effect needed changes in the polity. He said none of those seeking to pick APC presidential ticket has democratic credentials to match his experiences. He said: “Jonathan is the easiest sitting president to defeat in an election because of insecu-

rity in the land. The first and foremost responsibility of any government is security of the people. “You people are not in the front line and that is why you may not understand the gravity of the situation. As I speak with you, some people are on the hills, in the forest, under mountains taking refuge; they are internally displaced. Just yesterday (Monday) we sent six

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema and Managing Director, Unity Bank Plc, Mr. Henry James Semenitari, during the bank’s visit to the bourse in Lagos…yesterday

trucks of relief materials to our people in refugee camps in Niger Republic. “Unfortunately, we have leaders in this country who have divided the county along religious and ethnic lines. All other countries are making progress but here we are being fed with statistics that cannot be verified. I think Jonathan should be happy if we unseat him because it will help him to go and rest. “Change is possible once you get the right agent of change. What has happened in Kano State, for instance, has never happened and what made it possible was that the people had a new governor in 2011; it was that simple. We need people who are disciplined in Nigeria; people who mean what they say and stick to it.” The governor, who expressed support for the use of consensus in picking his party’s flag bearer, however faulted the process used by the PDP in endorsing President Jonathan for the 2015, saying it was not democratic. He said: “One of the greatest mistakes of the PDP is the way they did their consensus; governors and other stakeholders just sat down and endorsed one person, people came from different places just to sit in Abuja and endorse what was done in the Villa.

That is not democracy. I think founding fathers of the PDP will be sad in their graves over this. “But in any case, I have said it before that PDP will rule for only 16 years and that 16 years will lapse by May 2015. They will pack out by 2015 and that is it,” he said. Meanwhile, Kwankwaso said he will not hesitate to make his presidential declaration on the streets of Abuja following the denial of a venue by agency of government on October 26. “Since they have denied me venue to declare my intention and address my supporters in a peaceful manner, I will carry my supporters to the street of Abuja and declare my intention, because I’m also a Nigerian who is constitutionally eligible to have every place for my contest,” he said. The governor said he was denied the use of eagle Square for his declaration. He said: “I applied for the venue and up till this moment I have not received any answer whether they have giving me the place or not. But as a Nigerian, I will gladly go to the streets of Abuja and do it. I think nobody has the power to also deny me that.” Kwankawso said he is not under pressure to withdraw from the race.

We are not funding sect, says CBN IG orders probe of CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

presided over by Deputy Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, after the House had adopted the report of the Joint Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management and Finance that was given the task of processing the request. The House, however, granted the approval on the condition that the National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) will provide it with the breakdown of allocations appropriated to the army, Air force, Navy, Police, State Security Service (SSS) and the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA). It equally requested the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to provide information on source of funds, terms and conditions of the loan vis-a-vis the tenor and interest repayment to the House within one week. Jonathan had, in a letter which was read on the floor of the House on July

16, sought permission to borrow $1 billion to upgrade the equipment of the armed forces. House Speaker, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, had last week given the joint committee one week to submit its report after Chairman of the Committee on Finance, Hon. Abdulmumin Jubril, briefed the House on the progress of its investigation. The House had, before proceeding on its annual recess in July, referred the request to the joint committee to conduct a public hearing and advise it appropriately on whether to grant the request or not. Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has denied the allegations that there are people using the apex bank to fund the activities of Boko Haram. The apex bank made the denial in a letter dated October 16 and addressed to the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). The letter, with reference LSD/ACL/GEN/

SRP/02/090 was signed by O.A. Ogundana on behalf of the Director, Legal Services Department of the bank. The letter was in reply to an earlier letter written by SERAP to the bank requesting for information over the allegation that the apex bank has been laundering money for Boko Haram. The letter reads in part: “We wish to inform you that after investigating the allegations across various departments at the bank that deal with payments, the bank could not find any information pertaining to persons involved in money laundering through the CBN to fund the activities of Boko Haram. “The CBN as Banker to the Federal Government only maintains accounts for and on behalf of the Government, its Ministries, Departments and Agencies; Deposit Money banks and other financial institutions in Nigeria can only make payments on their behalf based on

authorized mandates. “Consequently, the CBN does not maintain or operate any accounts for individuals, officers or offices within the bank. In conclusion, your organisation may wish to note that the bank maintains a robust Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism framework to prevent the use of its platform for financial crimes. Please, accept the assurances of the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria.” SERAP had on October 14 sued the CBN at the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos after the bank refused to provide answer to its questions. The organisation had through an originating summons filed by Adetokunbo Mumuni seeks among other things, the court to determine whether by virtue of the provision of section 4(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, the CBN is under an obligation to provide the plaintiff with the information requested for.

police armouries Emmanuel Onani Abuja

he Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, has ordered a thorough audit of police armouries across the country. The directive, according to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Emmanuel Ojukwu, an Acting Commissioner of Police, is aimed at strengthening accountability in policing, especially as it relates to the force’s “stock of weaponry.” The nationwide exercise is coming on the heels of the daring attack of September 20 on Police Training College in Gwoza, Borno State, by Boko Haram insurgents. About 20 police officers, who were among different units of officers that were at the college at the time of the attack, are still missing.

It was reported that the suspected insurgents carted away arms and ammunition during the onslaught. However, Ojukwu noted that the stock-taking exercise, which has begun, will cover all police commands, formations, stations, as well as units across the country. The statement reads: “As part of measures to strengthen accountability of the stock of weaponry of the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, has ordered a thorough check and audit of police armouries nationwide. “The exercise, which has already commenced, will cover all police commands, formations, stations and units across the country. This measure will also enable the force to review the current state of arms and ammunition in stock at various police armouries.”

News

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

EFCC insists on extradition of ex-mint boss Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday asked the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to extradite former Managing Director of the Nigerian Security, Minting and Printing Company (NSMPC), Ehidiamhem Okoyomon, to the United Kingdom to face criminal charges slammed on him. The application was prompted by the UK government’s request to extradite Okoyomon to the country to face charges relating to bribery allegation involving officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the NSMPC and the Securency International Pty of Australia between 2006 and 2008. Okoyomon, however, objected to the application for his extradition to the UK, but rather opted for trial in Nigeria. The trial judge, Justice Evoh Chukwu, after listening to submissions of counsel on the legality and the merit of the application, adjourned till December 1 for judgement.

The court further ordered Okoyomon to remain in EFCC custody pending the next adjourned date. The applicant, in its argument, had maintained that there was no basis to subject Okoyomon to trial in Nigeria when there was no pending charge against him. Counsel to Okoyomon, Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), while opposing the application, insisted that there was no existing extradition treaty between Nigeria and the UK. Izinyon added that extraditing his client to face trial in the UK when part of the crime he was being wanted for in the UK was allegedly committed in Nigeria, would amount to subordination of Nigeria’s sovereignty to that of the UK. He argued that extraditing him to the UK is subordination of our sovereignty to that of the United Kingdom adding that issue of fair hearing in the UK does not arise. Izinyon further noted that the Extradition Treaty of 1931 and the London Scheme for Extradition, relied upon by the EFCC, were no longer applicable

Reps summon defence chiefs, IG, others over use of hoods Philip Nyam Abuja

he House of Representatives yesterday mandated its committees to invite heads of the nation’s security agencies to provide information on the use of face masks and hoods by their personnel. The committees include that of Defence, Army, Air force, Navy, Police and National Security and Intelligence. The decision to probe into the practice was taken after a motion brought by Hon. Nathaniel Agunbiade seeking the leave of the House to stop the use of face masks and hoods by military and state security services personnel. Leading debate on the motion, Agunbiade noted that every security agency has an assigned uniform for ease of identification, expressing worry that some of the agencies have marks or hoods as part of the uniform. He described the use of masks and hoods as not being part of the security personnel’s uniforms, and should be discouraged, especially in these days of insurgency and kidnappings, as criminals may

cash in on that against innocent Nigerians. Agunbiade’s submission was supported by Hon. Bimbo Daramola (APC, Ekiti), Hon. Friday Itulah (PDP, Edo) and Hon. Zakari Mohammed (APC, Kwara). “If somebody is coming to arrest me, I have to know who the person is,” Daramola stated. Opposing the motion, Hon. Hassan Saleh (PDP, Benue) said: “Before now, they have not been wearing masks, so the question should be; what went wrong? We should not condemn them, we should rather encourage them to do their job.” Deputy House Leader, Hon. Leo Ogor, and chairman of the House Committee on Youth Development, Hon. Kamil Akinlabi (APC, Oyo), in their separate contributions said it would be unfair to pass the motion without listening to the security forces on what led to the new practice. Deputy Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, who gave the order after a heated debate on the motion, said: “I suggest our security related committees invite heads of the security agencies and submit a report to the House.”

in Nigeria. He added that the combination of the two instruments does not and cannot not confer locus on the Attorney General of the Federation to make the application. He also argued that the Extradition Treaty of 1931 (Exhibit A) had been repealed in Nigeria by virtue of section 21(3) of Sched-

ule 4 of Decree 87 of 1966. He further submitted that the London Scheme for Extradition (Exhibit B) was an agreement between the United States of America and the UK, which had yet to be domesticated in Nigeria. He said having not been domesticated in accordance with its provisions in Article 22, the London

Scheme for Extradition could not be applicable in Nigeria. But the EFCC’s counsel, M. Hassan, disagreed with Izinyon, insisting that the Extradition Treaty of 1931, made to be applicable in Nigeria in 1935, had not been repealed. Hassan added that the treaty was not among the ones repealed by provi-

sions of Decree 87 of 1966. He also maintained that the London Scheme for Extradition had been domesticated in Nigeria by virtue of provisions of section 12 of the Constitution. He noted that Section 2 of the Extradition Act 2004 provides that the Act shall apply to every Commonwealth country.

L-R: ICT Coordinator, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund), Mr. Gbenga Arolasafe; Deputy Provost, Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Dr. Olajumoke Mekiliuwa; Provost, Dr. Sijibomi Olusanya and Coordinator, South-West Zone, Tetfund, Mr. Segun Jebola, at a workshop for librarians in public institutions in Lagos…yesterday PHOTO: Suleiman Husaini

Jonathan effects minor cabinet reshuffle Anule Emmanuel Abuja

resident Goodluck Jonathan has announced a minor reshuffle of the Federal Executive Council (FEC). The decision follows the resignation of seven ministers who are pursuing governorship elections in their states in 2015. The president has approved the appointment

of Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (II), to replace Mr. Labaran Maku as supervising Minister of Information. Briefing journalists after the FEC meeting, Nurudeen disclosed that Dr. Haliru Alhassan, Minister of State for Health, takes full responsibility as Minister of Health following the resignation of Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu.

Prof. Viola Onwuliri, formerly Minister of Foreign Affairs (I), replaces Mr. Nyesom Wike as Minister of State for Education. The Minister of Defence, Lt. General Aliyu Gusau, will now oversees all the affairs of the ministry while Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, take over full responsibility of the ministry with the exit of

Dr. Samuel Ortom. Minister of Special Duties, Saminu Turaki (SAN) is the supervising Minister of Labour and Productivity following the resignation of Emeka Wogu. The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Stephen Oru, takes full control of the ministry. His Minister of State, Darius Isiaku, has resigned to contest the Taraba State governorship seat.

Reps probe N3.7trn refinery projects Philip Nyam Abuja

he House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) to investigate the delay in the execution of the N3.7 trillion Green Field Refineries contract awarded almost four years ago. The committee has been given two weeks within which to complete the assignment. Yesterday’s resolution was sequel to a motion brought by Hon. Abbas Tajudeen (PDP, Kogi) ti-

tled “Need for urgent explanation of the failure to construct the N3.7 trillion Green Field Refineries at Lagos, Bayelsa and Kogi states, four years after the award of the contract.” Leading debate on the motion, Tajudeen noted: “The Federal Government signed an agreement on May 13, 2010 with China State Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), for the construction of the refineries projects at Lagos, Bayelsa and Kogi states at a cost of $23 billion, equivalent of N3.7 trillion with a completion period of five years.

“Based on the terms, 80 per cent of the cost is to be funded with a loan provided by the China Export Credit Insurance Corporation and a consortium of Chinese banks led by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, while the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is to provide 20 per cent of the funding as equity contribution.” According to him, “no tangible work has been executed at any of the three project sites with just a year to the end of the project period for com-

pletion of the refineries, even though the Minister of Petroleum Resources had assured the public of the commitment of the NNPC to pursue the projects as soon as the White Paper on the report of the 22-member task force, headed by former Minister of Finance, Kalu Idika Kalu, was released.” The lawmaker said he was amazed that “despite a favourable recommendation by the Task Force for the Lagos Refinery, there is no evidence of any plan to construct a refinery at the Lekki site by year 2015.”

News

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

Orji’s triple imposition plans unsettle Abia PDP Wale Elegbede

he unilateral decision of Abia State governor, Theodore Orji, to enforce his triple plans of imposing his successor, emerging as the senatorial candidate and foists his son as the Speaker of the state House of Assembly has turned the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into disarray. New Telegraph gathered that the hitherto docile leadership and members of the party in the state are already disenchanted with Orji and his son, Chinedum, a.k.a Ikuku, and are already making moves to counter whatever decision the 11-member state congress committee inaugurated by the governor for that task come up with. A source within the

state executive of the party who craves anonymity said: “The governor and his son have anointed Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, who just resigned as the Deputy General Manager, Aba zone of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, as their candidate for the party primaries. Ikpeazu who is said to have been empowered with N200 million has begun consulting stakeholders of the party about his ambition. He has also declared his ambition to the party executives at his Obingwa Local Government Area and Abia South zone, respectively.” The 11-man committee is headed by Orji’s cousin and deputy chief of staff, Government House, Chief Charles Ogbonnaya. The committee comprises of individuals and known acolytes of the governor such as

former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mazi Donatus Okorie; Admin Secretary of the party, Uzodinma Ugele; Tony Ezebuiro, state PDP deputy chairman, Chief Allen Nwachukwu; Obi Chimaobi; Chika Obike; Mrs Ngozi Eruba and Orji’s man Friday, Chief Chijioke Nwakodo. The source noted further that: “The Ogbonnaya-led committee is meant to elect ad hoc delegates who will do the bidding of the governor and his son to realise the plot of installing their anointed candidate as the PDP flag bearer at the November 29 party primaries and to give them easy route to their own planned destinations. “Majority of the members of the committee hail from Umuahia and cannot pose any opposition to the governor and his

son using the committee to achieve their objective of imposing a successor on the people of the state.” Few months ago, there was discontentment and confusion in the political landscape of the state when Ikpeazu, who was initially supporting the governorship ambition of his in-law and former deputy governor, Acho Nwakanma, suddenly turned around and announced his ambition to run for the same office. The source noted further that: “Ikpeazu was still at Abuja where he went to discuss the issue with the governor and his son when it leaked back in Abia. “Before the Abuja meeting sometime in June, the plan to have Dr. Ikpeazu succeed Governor Orji was hatched by his son, Chinedum who was said to have

convinced his father that Dr. Ikpeazu was the only Ngwa man they can trust with power. Orji later sent for Ikpeazu asking him if his son has delivered a message to him. “Ikpeazu replied that Chinedum told him that he wants to make him governor, but he will consider it. A livid Governor Orji said why should Ikpeazu sleep over an issue his Ukwa/Ngwa people are killing themselves over, directing the former ASEPA boss to “Go now and start working with my son, he will tell you what to do. “Emboldened by the discussion with the governor and his son, Ikpeazu accompanied by one of the governor’s cousins, embarked on a journey to consult with some Abia elders living in Abuja. The trip was not pleasant for Ikpeazu as the said elders

L-R: President, University of Ibadan Medical Students’ Association, Mr Elegbede Adeniyi; Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Oladipupo Akinkugbe and Mrs Winfred Awosika, at Awosika Symposium in Ibadan…yesterday

Don’t negotiate with Boko Haram, Alaafin tells FG Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

he Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has called on the Federal Government not to negotiate with the Boko Haram sect, but root them out through the military. The monarch gave the charge while speaking with journalists in his palace yesterday. According to him, “It is extremely wrong for the government to think that entering into dialogue

with some set of hoodlums like Boko Haram who do not have respect for human life can succeed.” Alaafin said: “During the Second World War, Russia made attempt to involve America and when they refused they killed 1,000 Americans in retaliation. America used Atomic bomb which killed four million people at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which ended the war. “Also, during the Nigerian civil war, the Igbo people till date keep on accusing the late Chief

Obafemi Awolowo of being behind their defeat. Awolowo advised the government under the leadership of Yakubu Gowon to change currency and stop supplying the Biafrans with food. Eventually that was how the war ended. “Ojukwu, who led the war against Nigerian government, was given state burial while Brig.Gen. Benjamin Adekunle who won the war for the country was buried like nobody. God will help us. “In 1747, Alaafin sent an emissary to Diahomey.

They were attacked and killed by the Diahomey. Alaafin therefore sent soldiers and all the three communities there were held hostage for three months. Since then, they never tried Alaafin of Oyo’s authority. “The Boko Haram had never come out to tell anybody their grievances. They are killing both Muslims and Christians, children, elderly people, and all kinds of people without mercy, giving the government bad name, and you are saying you are negotiating with

them. “The Federal Government should gather all the military chiefs to go into our armouries, contact our neighbouring countries for necessary assistance and shell Boko Haram and stamp them out once and for all for this country to have peace. Their motive is to destabilise the country. God will not allow them and we too from our ends should not allow them,” he said. On 2015 general election, Alaafin urged politicians to play the game according to the rule.

were said not to have been favourably disposed to have someone imposed on the state in 2015.” Meanwhile, a close associate of Ikpeazu confided in New Telegraph that part of the deal in the agreement is Ikpeazu emerges as governor is to ensure that the governor’s son, Chinedu who wants to run for the Umuahia Central Assembly seat, becomes the Speaker of the incoming Abia Assembly. The Congress committee led by Chief Charles Ogbonnaya has been mandated to ensure that no ranking member from the Umuahia/Ikwuano federal constituency where the Speakership seat is likely to be zoned to returns to the House in 2015 to make it easy for the governor’s son to emerge speaker. The contraption is that Ikpeazu would be governor, Udechukwu Oko, the present Speaker of the State House of Assembly, deputy governor and Chinedum Orji (Ikuku), Speaker. Already, members of the party in the state are saying that it amounts to playing god for the governor to want to represent Abia Central at the Senate, determine who succeeds him while his son takes the Umuahia Central state Assembly seat. “Ahead of the party primaries, it is clear that the peace which the party has enjoyed over a time is about to be sacrificed on the altar of greed by Governor Orji and his son. What will the governor tell people like Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu or Chief Emeka Wogu who had just resigned his ministerial appointment to contest the governorship election? Will these people who have sacrificed a lot for PDP even when Governor Orji was in another party, allow him to have his way? November 29 will tell,” the source said. Already, members of the party are gearing up to petition the PDP national secretariat on the issue, stressing that the headquarters should not be carried away by the spurious claim of the governor that there is no opposition in Abia State. “Other parties are waiting in the wings. It is when they allow the governor to impose a candidate on the party they would be able to know that people of the state need a clean break from the eight years misrule of the Abia by T.A Orji,” they averred.

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national

thursday, OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

WIMBIZ set for 13th annual conference Ebere Ameh

L-R: Corps Marshal and Chief Executive Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi; Manager, Commercial Sales, Administration, Nigeria LNG Limited, Mr. Mohammed Buba and Senior Government Relations Officer, Nigeria LNG Limited, Mr. Emmanuel Ike, at the donation of metro-count device and radar guns to officials of the corps in Abuja …on Monday. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

N82.8m fraud: Judge renews bench warrant on Okorodudu Foluso Ogunmodede

or the umpteenth time, a Lagos High Court, sitting in Ikeja, yesterday renewed an earlier order compelling security agencies in the country to arrest the Chairman of a giant transport company, Cross Country Transport Limited, Mr. Bube Okorodudu. Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo, who issued the order, held that the bench warrant, which was issued on Okorodudu on July 1, was still in force as the nation’s security agencies had been put on the alert to arrest, detain and be brought before the court on the next adjourned date. Okorodudu, Cross Country Limited and Car Link Limited are facing a ninecount charge of conspiracy, stealing and forgery. They were charged before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC had specifically accused the defendants of stealing N82.8 million through the fraudulent sale of 17 units of Volkswagen transporter buses belonging to AG Moeller Limited, a company owned by Mr. Adeloye Olukemi. The judge had issued the bench warrant, following Okorodudu’s refusal to appear before the court to face the criminal charge against him. Besides, Justice Lawal-Akapo, also flayed the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Bello Adoke, for allegedly delaying the case following the takeover of the matter from the EFCC.

hurry

From Calabar to Oron will no more take three hours. Just 30 minutes and you are there if... Anule Emmanuel

he Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved contracts worth N212.8 billion for the construction of the East-West Road Section V, covering Oron-Calabar phase one in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. The amount also covers contract for the construction of the Calabar-Oba-Nsan-Okoroba-Ajasor road (Section 1) in Cross Rivers State and the construction of road and drainage at Mbaise Ring Road intersecting Owerri-Umahia road in

FEC approves N213bn for Oron-Calabar Road Imo State. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (II), Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed, who is now supervising Minister of Information, while addressing State House correspondents during his maiden FEC briefing, said the council had approved N165.2 billion for the award of contract for the construction of the East-West Road Section V, covering Oron-Calabar phase 1 in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. According to him, FEC also approved proposals for the award of contracts for the supervision of construction of Calabar-Oba-Nsan-Okoroba-Ajasor road (Section 1) in Cross River State and

construction of road and drainage at Mbaise Ring Road intersecting Owerri-Umahia road in Imo State, both to the tune of over N212.8 million. The approvals, he explained, followed the submission of the memorandum by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Steven Oruh to FEC. The minister noted that on completion of the projects, the expansion of the all-important EastWest roads in the Niger Delta region would open up both commercial and other vehicular activities in the areas. According to Mohammed, “The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs brought a memorandum to seek Council’s ratification of

Mr. President’s anticipatory approval for the award of contract for the construction of phase 1, section V of the East West road, beginning from Uyo/Oron roundabout in Akwa Ibom State to Calabar-Odukpani road in Calabar, Criss Rivers State. “The benefits to be derived from the extension of the East-West road are enormous as it greatly reduces travel time from Oron, the end section IV of the East-West road to Calabar from three hours to 30 minutes.” “It will also reduce vehicle operating costs, opening up access to various riverine communities and the proposed Ibaga Seaport.”

APGA releases guideline, pegs governorship forms at N12m

Stakeholders laud Senate over National Tobacco Control Bill

ith less than four months to the general elections, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) yesterday released guidelines for the conduct of its primaries to select candidates for the elections. In a schedule of activities released after the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) meeting signed by its National Secretary Dr. Abdulahi Sani Shinkafi, the purchase and return of the expression of interest forms and nomination will commence on October 27 and end on November 4. The party pegged its governorship form at N12 million with the Expression of Interest Form going for N2 million while the

Ndubuisi Ugah

Nomination Form is N10 million. For the Houses of Assembly, the Expression of Interest form goes for N200, 000 while the nomination form is N1million. The expression of interest form for the House of Representatives is N500, 000 and the nomination form is N2million. Expression of interest form for the Senate goes for N500, 000, while the nomination form is N3 million. Shinkafi said women aspirants shall pay only 50 per cent of the fees for the nomination forms stipulated above. State Assembly and National Assembly expression of interest forms and nomination forms are obtainable at the state secretariats of the party.

takeholders yesterday commended the Federal Government and the Senate for coming up with bills that are aimed to address the issues of regulation and control of production, manufacturing, sale, advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products in Nigeria during the recent public hearing on Tobacco Control Bill (NTCB) in Abuja. Speaking at the public hearing, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), represented by one of its national officers, the organisation commended the National Assembly for the bill as it will go a long

way in further sanitising the industry. They counselled that the House should ensure the enactment of a producer-user friendly legislation that will drastically reduce the negative effects and maximise the positive effects of tobacco production and smoking in Nigeria. The body also advocated for its inclusion in the National Tobacco Control Committee (NATOCC). In its presentation, the Intellectual Property Law Association of Nigeria (IPLAN) represented by its President, Prof. Bankole Sodipo, urged the National Assembly to amend the bill in order to align with the Nigerian constitution and the international treaties to which Nigeria is a party.

Nigeria-based nongovernmental organisation, Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), is set to hold its 13th annual conference on November 3 and 4, 2014. With the theme; “Nigeria Rising...Accelerating Transformation,” the organization, which has a mandate to “be the catalyst that elevates the status and influence of women and their contribution to nation building” is billed to hold at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. At a press conference by the organisation, Chairperson of WIMBIZ, Osayi Alile, said they are excited because they are pushing the bar and are expecting over 700 women as against the 500 they had last year. “This year, we are set to push the bar in terms of what we did last year. We have chosen the theme ‘Nigeria rising... Accelerating Transformation,’ because Nigeria has been adjudged the country with the biggest economy in Africa. The question is what is that to us as a country and to you as a woman?”

NOUN to establish study centre in National Assembly Chukwu David Abuja

eputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, yesterday revealed that the National Assembly had approved in principle, plan by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), to establish a Study Centre within the National Assembly Complex, Abuja. He also commended NOUN for accepting to open a Study Centre in Awgu Local Government in his senatorial district in Enugu State. Ekweremadu spoke when he received a delegation of NOUN, which was on a courtesy call to his office in Abuja. He commended NOUN for the opportunity given to Nigerians to access tertiary education across the country, emphasising that “an educated populace is very critical to the development of our nation.” The politician also expressed hope that the Study Centre in Awgu town would bring tertiary education closer to his constituents and the surrounding rural communities.

NEW TELEGRAPH thursday, OCTOBER 23, 2014

ownership

The battle for the soul of Newswatch will go beyond the lower courts

Foluso Ogunmodede

arely forty-eight hours after a Federal High Court, Lagos, quashed its Share Purchase Agreement (SPA), which transferred ownership to businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim, owner of Global Media Mirror Limited (GMML), Newswatch Communications, yesterday headed for the Court of Appeal.

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national

Jimoh Ibrahim asks appellate court to validate Newswatch takeover It is asking the appellate court in Lagos to invalidate Justice Ibrahim Buba’s verdict, which declared sales of the majority shareholding in Newswatch invalid. The appeal stated various grounds of misdirection in facts and law. Consequently, the Registrar of the Federal High Court has issued Civil Form seven of the Federal High Court, being summons to parties for the compilation of records of proceedings for

transmission to the Court of Appeal tomorrow. According to a Notice of Appeal initiated by Newswatch Communications Limited, the trial court took the case outside the pleadings of the parties as he failed to recognise the payment of N510 million made by the core investor to the company, when they allegedly struck the deal together some two years ago. Besides, it informed the appellate court that there were sufficient evi-

dence in Page 13 of the offering memorandum admitted before the court that Newswatch Communications was running at a loss of N362 million under Mr. Ray Ekpu as the then Chief Executive Officer and wondered why the court awarded damages for business that was running at a loss. In the notice of appeal, which has as appellants: NCL, GMML, Jimoh Ibrahim and Newswatch Newspapers Limited and respondents: Mr. Nuhu

Wada Aruwa, Prof. Jibril Aminu and the Corporate Affairs Commission, the appellants want the appellate court to set aside the Justice Buba’s judgement. Justice Buba had in his judgement delivered on Monday, declared the sales of the majority shareholding in the company to the publisher, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, as invalid. There are six specific grounds of appeal. They include: “That the

learned trial judge misdirected himself on the fact, when he held that the appellants had a proliferation of issues in an attempt to take the case of the 1st and 2nd respondents outside the scope of the pleadings. “That the learned trial judge misdirected himself on the fact, when he held that nothing in the paragraphs of the amended reply to the petition filed by the appellants suggests that the 2nd and 3rd appellants paid for the shares of the 1st appellant company as per the provisions of the share purchase agreement.” “The particulars of this ground stated that the 1st and 2nd respondents exhibited before the lower court evidence of payment, by the 2nd and 3rd appellants, of the sum of N510 million being payment for the shares of the 1st appellant company; and same was admitted as exhibit P9 by the lower court.”

Slok commiserates with Total

S L-R: Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr Paul Orhii; Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr Seni Adetu and Director, Supply Chain, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr Cephas Afebuameh, at a courtesy visit/facility tour by the Director-General to Guinness Nigeria, Ogba Brewery, Ikeja, Lagos…on Monday

Obi of Agbor seeks improved ‘Don’t use detained terrorists to negotiate ceasefire’ men in Lagos, UNDEDSS However, they are welWale Elegbede varsity funding Secretary General, Tony come if they come to the Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

ein of Agbor Kingdom and Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Dr. Benjamin Ikenchukwu, yesterday called on the Federal Government to improve on its level of funding to universities across the country to restore excellence in the education sector. According to the monarch, while delivering his address at the university’s 30th convocation ceremony held at the institution’s auditorium, government’s efforts in the education sector will bear little or no fruit except funding and other logistics are carefully put into consideration in the interest of the future of the nation. While noting that the university authority identifies with the efforts of the Federal Government to revolutionise the education sector, especially

higher institutions, the traditional ruler promised to ensure that the institution remains among the best globally. He said: “The University of Ilorin remains stable, peaceful and committed to high class ideals of academic excellence and sound moral rectitude for both staff and students. I thank the Federal Government and the university’s authority for the successes we have recorded so far. “Our dream and desire is to make this citadel of learning second to none among African universities and others outside the continent. The towering image of this university as a citadel of academic excellence is the result of the enormous goodwill created by Council in ensuring that both staff and students work and live harmoniously without rancour and acrimony,” the Obi said.

political group, the United Niger Delta Energy Development Security Strategy (UNDEDSS) has urged the Nigerian military not to predicate the ceasefire talks with the Boko Haram sect on the release of its detained members. The Nigerian military on October 17, said it had agreed a truce with the Boko Haram sect. Speaking with news-

Uranta, said that troops stationed to fight terrorism in affected northern states must not be withdrawn following the ceasefire. “Every Nigerian is happy to hear that there seems to be a beginning to an end to the conflicts plaguing us, especially in the North-East by Boko Haram with the ceasefire talks. “We cannot foreclose an opportunity for peace.

negotiating table unconditionally. “Nigeria must be careful. The UNDEDSS had earlier this year said that Nigeria cannot negotiate with faceless people in order to give them amnesty, but we put a caveat that we know that Boko Haram will not accept amnesty or peace. “The terrorists must come forward if there is any sincerity in their ceasefire claims.”

FG inaugurates inter-ministerial committee on land policy Yusuf Shuaib Abuja

n line with President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda on lands and housing, Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs. Akon Etim Eyakanyi, yesterday inaugurated a 30-member inter-ministerial committee on national land policy.

The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Ezekiel Oyemomi, who spoke at the ceremony, described land as the critical factor in the socio-cultural, political and economic life of nations, and an indispensable element in sustainable development. According to her, land is life and because it commands a fundamental basis for human shelter, food production and other

economic activities, it engages the interest of the government and the governed, she said. “The fact that land is a scarce resource and inelastic in supply, underscores the need for prudent utilisation of land, which makes it necessary to establish comprehensive regulatory policies and ensure that land, as a commodity, is put to its highest and best use,” she said.

lok Group yesterday sympathised with the management and staff of French oil major, Total, over the death of its Chief Executive Officer, Christophe de Margerie. Margerie died on Monday, when a private jet he was travelling in crashed near Moscow, Russia. Slok Managing Director, Firas Abboud, in a condolence message, acknowledged the outstanding performance and contributions of Margerie to the oil and gas industry globally. Abboud said: “It is with a heavy heart and pain that I write on behalf of the management and staff of Slok Group to express our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to the entire Total family over the death of its Chief Executive Officer, Christophe de Margerie. “It is indeed a sad news, but we take solace in the fact that the deceased left behind a good legacy worthy of emulation. Our prayers and thoughts are with the deceased’s family at this sad moment.” He urged the family of the departed to uphold the ideals of Margerie. Abboud prayed God to grant the departed eternal rest and give the Margerie family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Metro

PDP\APC clash: One killed, 10 injured in Lagos

Taiwo Jimoh

ension rekindled at the Isale-Eko surburb in Lagos State on Monday after hoodlums in the area stabbed a man to death and injured several others. The clash is believed to be between members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). It was gathered that the deceased, identified as Sikiru Alaran a vulcanizer was working in his workshop around 8pm, when his assailants attacked and stabbed him on the neck. Alaran’s injured friend has been identified as Paul. It was also gathered that aside from Paul, over 10 people were seriously injured as the hoodlums went on the rampage. The incident occurred at the entrance of Moboreje Market, where the victim was working as a vulcanizer. Witnesses in the market said that the hoodlums, over 20 stormed the market with dangerous weapon, threatening traders and passers-by. The witnesses believed that the killing of the deceased was premeditated.

Buhari Bello Jos.

65-year-old woman and 10 other people were killed and property worth millions of naira destroyed during a clash in Plateau State between Irigwe and Rukuba communities of Bassa Local Government. It was gathered that the attack, which was a renewed hostilities in the area, was as a result of reprisal from Irigwe Community over the killing of an old woman. The woman is suspected to have been killed by the Rukuba Community, which led to the burning of houses and killing of about 10 persons. Police spokesman, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP),

The Late Alaran

A witness who refused to disclose his name, said: “I was outside the entrance of the market, when I saw people rushing back into the market. Before I could get up from where I was sitting, I saw them attacking the vulcanizer man.”

FEATURES Editor

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

Immediately after the hoodlums carried out the act, they disappeared, while sympathisers rushed to assist the wounded man. Sulaimon, a trader said: “We’re tired of this crisis! Each time the hoodlums fight, it always affects our

businesses. These boys always converge at Pelewura Market, close to where the vulcanizer was killed. When we walk on the road at night, we’re not safe! They rob people of their phones and snatch bags.” One of the deceased’s

Old woman, others killed in communal clash Mr. Emmanuel Abuh, confirmed the attack on the telephone, adding that the police promptly responded and brought the crisis under control. According to him, if not for the quick intervention of the police, the clash would have escalated. Abuh appealed to the Irigwe and Rukuba communities to lay down their arms and embrace peace, irrespective of their differences. He advised the district heads of the affected communities to ensure that peace returns to the area. Chairman of Irigwe/Rukuba Peace Vanguard, Honourable Kure Abbas Yakwe, confirmed the death of a 65-year-old wom-

an. He said she was killed by suspected gunmen while returning from Rukuba market. He said peace had been restored in the area and further noted: “We have even organised peace tournament between the fighting communities to engage them on peace and dialogue, so that they will eschew violence and embrace one another.” Yakwe said that some faceless individual who did not mean well for the community, were conniving with outsiders to wreak havoc in the LG. He further explained that the reprisal attack led to the loss of lives and burning of e houses between the Bacha youth and

Felix Nwaneri

‘Why Ndigbo celebrates New Yam Festival’

A ABIODUN BELLO

Paul

friends, Kunle Abiodun, said he was inside his shop when someone called him on the phone that his friend had been stabbed. “When I got to the scene, he was still on the ground. I and some people rushed him to a private hospital on the Island. He was pronounced dead by the doctor.” When our correspondent visited the hospital, the Chief Medical Officer of the hospital, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that some of the injured people, rushed into the hospital, while trying to escape from the hoodlums. He said: “I’ve asked the family of those injured to come forward and take them away. I don’t want to have another corpse in my hospital.” Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and OPMESA were stationed at different junctions to maintain law and order. It would be recalled that on September, 20, the leader of APC on Lagos Island, Ashake Azeez, was allegedly shot dead by some suspected members of the opposition party, immediately President Goodluck Jonathan who visited area left.

n Igbo leader in Lagos, Eze Uche Dimgba, has described the New Yam Festival, celebrated by Ndigbo as a mark of thanksgiving to God for His protection and blessings. Dimgba, who is the Eze Ndigbo of Ikeja, Lagos, explained this at his Unity Palace while speaking on this weekend’s New Yam Festival

by Ndigbo in Ikeja. He said: “New Yam Festival is a very significant event in Igbo land, because yam is the king of all crops. Celebrating it marks the end of farming season whenever it is harvested. It’s used to thank God and project for the future.” According to Dimgba, this year’s celebration would be

the Irigwe native. The chairman said: “I received calls of fresh attack going on but we are yet to know how many numbers of dead were recorded but there are casualties. The two communities shared cultural festivals together, and since the crises brokeup on May, 5, 2014, we’ve estimated that many lives were lost but I cannot give the details of people and properties involved with crops worth millions were destroyed. We called on the people to understand that peace was priceless. Let’s all together embrace peace. This is paramount in the development of any community.

used to showcase the culture and tradition of the people as well as an avenue to show the world that Ndigbo speaks with one voice. “All Igbo sons and daughters in Lagos will be part of the event as well as friends of Ndigbo because our culture is an inclusive one,” said the leader. Dimgba added that aspi-

Abba, IG

rants from various political parties will also use it to market their various manifesto to Ndigbo in Lagos. “As traditional rulers, we do not play politics, but we’ll allow politicians to come and explain to us how we’ll benefit from their parties if we cast our votes for them,” he said.

Metro 11

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

Lagos records 1.129 million pregnant women yearly l As 57,587 women test positive to HIV Muritala Ayinla

o fewer than 1.129 million women in Lagos get pregnant yearly. This was even as the Lagos State Government revealed that about 57,587 women tested positive to the deadly HIV. The gover nment urged residents, especially pregnant women, to go for periodic test to know their HIV status, so as to prevent mother to child transmission. Addressing thousands of nursing mothers and pregnant women at the Eko FM, State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, said being a HIV positive did not mean a death sentence, “but if the infected person discovers early, it would only allow for proper medication.”

He urged residents to undergo the test regularly to enable them take necessary precaution. He added that the meeting titled: “The Demand Creation for Accelerated Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission”, was to stop the spread of the diseases through reproduction. Lamenting the rate at which women get infected, the state Director, Disease Control, Dr. Jemilade Longe, said that 57,587 women had tested positive to HIV across the 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas. According to him, women of reproductive age in the state, stood at 4.96 million, out of which 1.129 million of them get pregnant yearly. He added that Lagos

Worker steals N8m to cover salary arrears

Mrs Fashola

women to always check their HIV status. Her words: “It’s very clear that our state must play a significant role in the efforts to eliminate mother-to-child trans-

mission. Statistics shows that only a few pregnant women have actively been counseled and tested for HIV, thereby increasing the risk of mother-to-child-trans-

Abandoned BRT project lanes increases road accidents Joe Obende Warri

Camillus Nnaji

member of staff who said he was owed several months by his company, has cleverly taken over N8 million goods from his company and declared that the money accrued from the goods was money for his salary arrears. Adeboye Adefolahan, 40, alleged that he obtained a credit to the tune of N8, 159,684.00 from his employers and since he was unable to pay back, he told his company to use the money to cover the salary owed him. Adefolahan, who is a staff with Justine Pharmaceutical Company Limited, said he was owed several months of salaries by the firm. Appearing before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court in Lagos yesterday, the prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Samson Ekikere, explained that Adefolahan was arrested and arraigned in court because he had, on March, 8, 2010, deceived the company into obtaining goods valued at the said amount on credit. An offence he said is punishable under section 312(b) vol. 44 No. 11 Law of Lagos State. Quoting from the charge sheet No. MIK/A/129/14, Ekikere said the accused, on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Lagos magiste-

had HIV prevalence rate of 5.1 percent. To stem HIV prevalence rate among women, Longe said that 987 health workers had been trained across public and private health facilities in 2013, while training of Traditional Birth Attendance from 20 LGs were also carried out on universal safety precaution. The wife of the Lagos State Governor, Abimbola Fashola, said one million Lagosians are living with HIV in Lagos, adding that the state was among the 12 states that accounted for over 70 percent of the country’s burden. She further said that with the 5.1 percent HIV prevalence in the state, it meant that mother-tochild transmission of the virus would be high. He called on pregnant

mission of the virus. “Majority of pregnant women do not know the benefit of utilizing these services because they are not aware or informed. We call for action on the part of all, including women leaders to stop this trend and join the global drive to eliminate Mother-toChild-Transmission of HIV.” Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr. Yewande Adeshina, said it was regrettable that in spite of efforts, access to PMTCT and family planning services by pregnant women remains poor. Adeshina explained that it in its quest to eliminate mother-toChild-Transmission of HIV, Lagos State had adopted all the strategies recommended by relevant international agencies, including the United Nations AIDS agency, United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, amongst others.

rial district did commit stealing and punishable under section 285 (i) vol. 44, No. 11 Law of Lagos, 2011. Ekikere told the court that the severity of the charges was further highlighted after the accused issued a cheque to the company when he knew he had no money in his account. “The cheque, when presented for payment, was dishonored on grounds that no funds were available. This offence is also punishable under section 319 of the law of Lagos,” said the Prosecutor. Presiding magistrate, Mrs. E.A Fabanwo admitted the accused on bail, on most liberal terms. The accused was asked to pay the N200, 000 bail fee, provide two sureties who are gainfully employed with their full addresses. Fabanwo adjourned the case till January 28, 2015.

oad crashes have drastically jerked up in and around Effurun, Delta State, following the abandonment of the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) project by the State government. The BRT lanes, unlike in Lagos, is in the middle of the ever busy federal road which connects Effurun Roundabout to the Nigerian Ports Authority Complex in Warri. Since the project started last year, plants and other heavy equipment, including raw materials, heaps of granite and sand are left haphazardly on the road. Vehicles and tricycles crash into these objects on a daily basis, especially at night. In April this year, five persons, including a child, a baby and their mother lost their lives when one of the bulldozers being used in the construction, rammed into a tricycle. The two-lanes, which was carved out of part of the Be-

Scene of the accident

nin - Warri Expressway and took the federal government over 20 years to complete, had been made too narrow for convenient driving at night. With the construction, no auxiliary roads were provided to assuage the daily melee that has become a permanent feature on the about three-kilometer stretch of road. Enerhen Police Division confirmed that accidents occurred almost every day now. The source however refused

to give specific numbers of such accidents recorded every day. Ugborikoko Police Division on the other hand, promised to look at the records to get the figures but was not forthcoming as at the time of filing this report. Attempt made to get the works commissioner, Funkekeme Solomon, was abortive, as his phone said: “Sorry, this number cannot receive calls at the moment, please try again later.”

Samsung introduces e-learning in Imo Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

lectronic manufacturing company, Samsung West Africa, has introduced what it calls, ‘the Samsung Smart School Solution,’ a fully integrated elearning platform for schools in Imo State. This was made possible with the use of the company’s e-boards and other devices

such as tablets, personal computers and other cutting edge technological tools. In the event themed “smarter minds, better results,” the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Bravo Kim, said the initiative was a three-pronged converged digital education package that provides students and teachers with access to 65-inch interactive eboards and tablet devices. Bravo, who was represented by one of the company’s

managers, Jacinta Agwu, noted that the interactive management solution delivers content to students and allows for the sharing of screens inside a classroom with teachers having the opportunity to monitor students’ progress. The second component, he added, was the learning management system which provides educational materials, such as e-textbooks, timetables and learning applications for users.

News

THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

SOUTH-WEST

Aspirant decries automatic tickets in Ekiti APC Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State, Mr Olusegun Osinkolu, has said that according automatic slots to the party’s serving members of the National Assem-

bly will not help the fortunes of the party in next year’s general elections. Rather, Osinkolu said organising credible primaries for the party candidates to emerge will boost the image and chances of the APC at the polls. Osinkolu, who is a senatorial aspirant spoke on yesterday in

Ayede-Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area of the state while declaring his intention to contest the 2015 election. Commenting on the defection of six APC members of the House of Assembly to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last week, Osinkolu said the lawmakers would

soon retrace their steps to the party. He, however, expressed regret that the lawmakers, who have benefitted immensely through the party and risen to political stardom could defect on the first day of PDP’s rule in Ekiti. He said all good-intentioned APC members

would resist dashing automatic tickets to any aspirant, saying credible primaries would produce candidate that would be acceptable to all. Osinkolu, who promised to pioneer a robust and exemplary representation at the Senate, said he would make youth empowerment and general

L-R: National Chairman, Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Dr. Frederick Fasehun; National Financial Secretary, Mrs. Felicia Oridani; Deputy National Secretary, Prince Samson Ndubisi and National Treasurer, Mr Okey Nwaneri, at a press conference on the current division in the leadership of the party in Lagos…yesterday

Fasehun blames UPN’s crisis on moles Wale Elegbede

ational Chairman of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Dr, Fredrick Fasehun says recent incidents of discord within the party, is the handiwork of fifth columnist planted in the party by political interests and politicians who feel their interest is being threatened by the resuscitation of the party. Addressing a press conference yesterday in Lagos, Fasehun said the ultimate objective of these interests is to procure the dismembering of the party by first decapitating the UPN through his (Fasehun) elimination as the national chairman of the party. He said: “UPN’s last NEC Meeting that held on 13th October 2014 exposed to the whole world the existence and operation of moles in UPN the party. This group acted out a script written by politicians, political interests and political parties that feel threatened by the

resuscitation of UPN and are determined to destroy the party. “These malevolent elements have demonstrated clearly that they hold the person, the office and the authority of the UPN National Chairman in contempt. Through their open disregard for the UPN the party Constitution this past year, they have held the entire party to ransom. “Their recurring acts of indiscipline, disrespect, insubordination and corruption, have finally climaxed in this vain and futile announcement of the unconstitutional suspension of Dr. Frederick Fasehun as the party’s leader.” While acknowledging a spilt in the party’s leadership, Fasehun alleges that the trio of party’s National Organising Secretary, Mr. Tunji Olateju; National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Bari Adedeji and a governorship aspirant in Ogun State, Mr. Rotimi Paseda, were the central characters in the onslaught against him.

well-being of his constituents top priority, rather than pursuing personal aggrandizement. The APC chieftain maintained that the loss suffered by the party during the June 21 election would not affect its fortunes in the forthcoming general elections, describing the APC as a party to beat in the state, considering the landmark achievements recorded by ex-Governor Kayode Fayemi. He said: “Our quest is for a greater Ekiti and it is our hope that there will be transparency and the will of the people will always be allowed to prevail. But I advise INEC not to allow itself to be teleguided in 2015. It must respect the collective will of the masses. “The days when elective positions were meant for personal gains is over. Election is now based largely on who the people want and who can render service and stewardship. It is no longer about parties, but personalities involved. So the impression that the PDP is in control is a non-issue,” Osinkolu said.

LCDA: Fayose reiterates compliance with constitution Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

he Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayo Fayose has reiterated the position of his administration on the 19 Local Council Development Areas ( LCDA), created by the former governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, stressing that aside the fact that the matter is in court, he would comply fully with

provisions of the Nigerian Constitution on local government creation. According to a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Idowu Adelusi and made available to newsmen, Fayose said Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended clearly spells out the authorities and proce-

dures for the creation of local governments. The governor noted that pending the pronouncements of the courts, the administration would be guided by the provisions of Section 3 and Part 1, First schedule of the 1999 Constitution on the list of local governments in Nigeria in the allocation of resources to that tier of government. Governor Fayose as-

sured Ekiti people that he would not do anything that would undermine the court and the constitution as the LCDA issue was concerned. Meanwhile, Fayose has approved the appointment of Mr Samuel Adeyemi as the Chairman, Ekiti State Petroleum Products Consumer Protection Agency ( PPCPA) and the appointment takes immediate effect.

‘Nigeria’ll be leading rice, cassava exporter by 2015’ Adeolu Adeyemo OSOGBO

Senatorial aspirant for Osun Central Senatorial District on the Platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2015 general elections, Chief Oludaisi Aina, yesterday assured that Nigeria would be the highest exporter of Rice and Cassava in the world by year 2015. Aina, who made the assurance at the PDP secretariat in Osogbo

while answering questions from newsmen after the submission of his intention form for the senatorial seat, said the country is the largest producer of cassava and wheat in the whole world but least exporter as at now. He further stated that by the grace of God, the present administration under the leadership of president Goodluck Jonathan, has put every ting in place to make the country actualize her dream as a leading cas-

sava exporting country in the world by 2015. “With the intervention of the present administration in Agriculture, Nigeria will, by next year become net exporter of rice and cassava.” He however charged compariots to vote for him in the forthcoming election saying he has intimidating template that would make the country more virile. Aina who is also the chairman of Governing Board of the National Root Crops Research In-

stitute, Umudike, Abia state, then appealed to Nigerians to be patient with Jonathan, as according to him,the massive investment by the present administration would soon start yielding desired results. “The passion I see in President Jonathan to develop the country is boundless and I want to assure Nigerians that in no distant time, more advancement would be recorded in the length and breadth of the country,” he added.

Aganga to defend rebased economy at Bell varsity’s convocation Mojeed Alabi

inister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, has been scheduled to debate the status

of Nigeria as the biggest African economy as part of activities marking the sixth convocation ceremony of Bells University of Technology, BELLSTECH, Ota,

in Ogun State. The essence of the discourse according to the university’s ViceChancellor, Prof. Isaac Adeyemi, is to further enlighten Nigerians on

the importance of the country’s status and justify the acclaimed position especially with the biting poverty in the country. The University is said to be owned by

former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Adeyemi, while addressing a media briefing to announce the events scheduled to mark the convocation

ceremony, said Aganga would be discussing the theme: ‘Emergence of Nigeria as Africa’s Leading Economy: Challenges for the Future.”

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

Guber election

National Assembly

Ndoma-Egba: Turnover of senators erodes institutional memory

Obanikoro, Agbaje can’t win Lagos for PDP –Kuye

Folarin: Oyo politics is very destructive

Lagos 2015

Clarification

Why Imoke took N40bn loan –Okon

Politics

Obi is an empty bag, says Umeh National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sir Victor Umeh, believes that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) needs no celebration over the defection of former Governor Peter Obi to the party. In this interview with TONY OKAFOR, Umeh describes Obi as ‘empty bag.’ He also speaks on the future of APGA, national conference and his senatorial bid. Excerpts: How has it been since you declared your intention for the senatorial race? Since I accepted the call of my people to contest the senatorial election for Anambra Central Senatorial District, a lot of people have been excited by my decision or acceptance to run for that office. I was under immense pressure from the people of my state, my party members, particularly people from Anambra Central senatorial zone that I should contest this election on behalf of our party. Some of the reasons they gave me included but not limited to the following: that APGA has not produced a senator from Anambra State since its existence even though the party has been in charge of the government for eight years. Many people considered it not good for the party. Secondly, they urged me to run because they felt I would present a good face for the party and the Igbo people at the National Assembly, going by what I have represented in my political life over the years. They became more desperate to urge me to run after I participated in the National Conference, where I was everywhere, championing the cause of Igbo people and fighting for the entire Nigeria in terms of pushing for something that will make Nigeria a more functional nation, a country that would be run on the basis of equity and fairness. The other reason is that they have not been happy with the way the Anambra

AYODELE OJO

DEPUTY EDITOR, PoLITICS ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

balance was the creation of the military and the military used the war prejudices against the Igbo nation, to punish us by reducing us to insignificant minority on the political structure and the way they shared things in Nigeria. So, with that wound and of course, coming from this part of Nigeria, I had to go with that drive, that the injustices must be addressed. Some other people came with their own agitation to the conference. I was therefore there to canvass most importantly for an equitable Nigeria, where things are done on the basis of fairness to all concerned. There is no way the Igbo nation that constitutes the major ethnic group in this country, with the amount of contribution they are making to national development would be consigned to political minority. So, we had to speak for that as basis for fighting for justice. If it offended some people that we are talking about this, addressing imbalance, it will not make me hated by other parts of Nigeria because we conceded to the people of South-South for example of their demand for improved derivation. Injustice is injustice, it does not matter who is suffering it. So, the effort I made at the National Conference was to address the injustice. So, if I was identified as somebody with domineering Igbo character, I have no apology.

Umeh

Central was being represented at the Senate by Dr. Chris Ngige. They considered him to be a shadow of himself. They expected a more vibrant representation from him, going by his antecedent but suddenly, he was swallowed at the chamber of the Senate. So, they expect that there was need to have somebody who cannot change colour, when the person goes to the National Assembly. So, I accepted to do that and since I accepted to run, it has been endorsement galore from all parts of the state. Some people are of the opinion that you were too ethnic at the conference? First of all, the National Conference was convened on the representative arrangement. People were called from all parts of Nigeria to the conference to come and contribute their own ideas in the national dialogue. The essence of the confab was to fashion out a way of resolving the agitation that had held Nigeria down over

the years. The initiative was to cure Nigeria of her present structural imbalances and marginalisation that some parts of Nigeria has been suffering. As an Igbo man who arrived at that National Conference, I went there with the mindset that my people have been badly treated in Nigeria over the years. Since the war ended, we have been so sidelined over national affairs. The structural imbalance that we complained about was mostly suffered by the Igbo people. We are the only political group that has five states in Nigeria, others have six states and North-West has seven states. We have the least number of local governments, 95 local governments; the closest people to us have 123, that is the South-South. And in Nigeria, number of states, number of local government have been the indices for sharing revenue in this country. That also applies to the Federal Character principle in recruiting people to national offices. So, it could be seen that structural im-

With the defection of the former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, and some members of the National Assembly from APGA to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), how strong is your party now? APGA is a political party with a different character. APGA is the movement of a people. It is not something that an individual can reduce its potentialities in any contest. For example, APGA had been registered before I dragged Obi into the party to contest the governorship election. I was the one who dragged him into the party. I used the word dragged because by October 8, 2002, when I was the one in charge of his bid to run for the governorship election in Anambra State, Obi had not made up his mind which party he would contest the election on. As a matter of fact, his uncle, Chief Sylvanus Nwobu-Alor advised him to join the UNPP and told him that he would not win any election through APGA even though UNPP was registered the same time with APGA. So, when he was vacillating, I had to threaten him that if he failed to join APGA, I would back-off supporting him for the governorship of Anambra State. It was at that stage that in a meeting, where Chief Paul Odenigbo and Chief Callistus Ilozumba were present that I told him ‘if you don’t join APGA and declare, I would back-off.’ It was at that stage that he accepted because he could not do without me having led him for about a year plus. CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Politics | Interview

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Folarin: Oyo politics is very destructive Former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, has set his eyes on the Agodi Government House. He is contesting the Oyo State governorship seat on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015. In this interview with SOLA ADEYEMO, Folarin bares his mind on the political situation in the state, his relationship with former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala and 2015 general election. Excerpts: There are speculations whether you are for the governorship seat of Oyo State in 2015. Are you really contesting? That I have not made my intention known is not correct. I have made it crystal clear that I intend to contest the governorship of Oyo State on the platform of my great party, the PDP. And we have been doing a lot; we have been consulting, moving over the local government councils in the state; talking to the people. There is nowhere in the constitution of the PDP where it is said that you have to declare. Nowhere. You may choose to declare or not to declare. I’m not going to do things because other people are doing it. I have my own style. To some people, your eight years in the Senate was not impactful on the people in your district. What is your reaction to this? I think you members of the press also have a job to do in educating members of the public; to moderate their expectations from the office of a senator. Who is a senator? A senator is just a legislator; a senator is a glorified councillor. He does not have vote; so where do you expect me to get the money to build hospitals or schools? I think you are not doing enough to educate people. How can they compare a senator to governor? You cannot. You can’t even compare a senator to a local government chairman because a local government chairman has vote to spend. Having said that, you can attract projects; you can complement the efforts of the state and the local government councils. And it makes me laugh when people say we have not done anything. During the time I was in office, we had three health centres: When you look at the road construction, the road network at Olubadan Estate in Egbeda Local Government is superb. We facilitated it: we didn’t do it. We told the Federal Government to come and help them do it and they did it. Over 150 boreholes were sunk, even though I don’t believe in sinking boreholes, I think that’s too pedestrian. If you look at

the rehabilitation of Lagos-Ibadan Road, we did a lot to get the Federal Government to do something and then they came over to tell us that there’s this Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) with Bi-Courtney. There was nothing we could do and when we saw that Bi-Courtney was having challenges, the approach changed. The rehabilitation of Ibadan/ Ijebu Road is also there. We did it. Look at the rehabilitation going on at the Ibadan Airport, it was during our tenure that we did all these. So, when people say we didn’t do anything, I don’t understand, I think the people saying this are just out to make political mischief. We did our best and I think our best was good enough. There are reports that you have been endorsed by the PDP as governorship candidate. How true is this? No one has been endorsed. There is nowhere in the PDP constitution that talks about endorsement. What it says is that there will be primary election and we look forward to November 29. We think it will be okay. No one has endorsed anybody and no one has been endorsed.

the courage to draw the line and move on, I don’t know. There is the general feeling that you are disconnected from the people and that this may affect your electoral fortune. Do you nurse such fear? What do you mean by disconnect with the people? You have been here since morning. I have been attending to people. You see, the politics we play in Nigeria, especially in this Oyo State is very destructive. You know, this pull-himdown syndrome: when they cannot get to you, if they don’t call you a murderer, they will say you are stingy. If they don’t say that, they will say they cannot move near you and that you are far away from the people. I don’t know what they mean. I am accessible to people. A lot of people are there waiting to see me. They will be here till night. I see them, they see me. So, I don’t know what they are talking about.

Folarin

With the large number of governorship aspirants, don’t you think there may be need for a consensus arrangement ahead of the primaries to avoid crisis? I don’t understand why people talk of post-primary election crisis. The primary election will be free and fair. It will be conducted on the existing structure of the party. If we win, we expect people to accept the result and work with us. If we lose, we will do the same and work with others so far there’s no violence as it used to be in the past. We will support anybody who wins and expect them to do the same if we win. How do we reconcile the feelings of some of the party members that you were part of the forces that contributed to the failure of PDP in 2011? I have been trying to address this issue and I will do the same now. Politics needs not be about violence; it should be about building a consensus. It is about inclusiveness, not about excluding people. There are two parts to the movie, it is very convenient for them to play part two and ignore part one where Teslim Folarin was humiliated; and locked up for something I knew nothing about and I asked them the question, if they were in my shoes, what would they do? I was also the Senate Leader. They took that ticket off me; I wasn’t allowed to participate in the primaries. I think I have addressed this issue enough. I think our people should move on and I believe people who said this are people still aggrieved and I asked them: where were they when I was being maltreated? They could have put in a word to say no, this is wrong; this is right. You know, they never said anything. To them it was okay, get rid of Teslim Folarin. But now, they can’t get rid of me; I’m here. So, we have to manage each other and I believe that as a party, we should draw a line and move on.

What’s your relationship with former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala? I have no score against the former governor. I don’t play politics of personality, I play issues-oriented politics. If you witnessed occasions where we met, you would see that we are very cordial. We greet each other, and don’t forget that he’s very much older than me and as a Yoruba man, I have to respect him and I do that. With what happened in the past when you were taken to court.... (Cuts in) They didn’t take me to court; they locked me up unjustly.

The politics we play in Nigeria, especially in this Oyo State is very destructive. You know, this pullhim-down syndrome: when they cannot get to you

I want you to expatiate on that issue of being stingy. If people say that, I don’t know what to say. don’t know, but I know EFCC will not come and arrest you for being stingy. They won’t. I don’t think it is a pre requisite of Electoral Act. I can only give what I have. May be people think I have more than what I have. I am not Arisekola: the late Chief Arisekola, I am not in that category, I wish I have. If I am in that category, I will spend it. Politics is about consultation, have you for once told the former governor, Alao-Akala of your ambition? Why should I tell him? He is a leader of your party. He is a leader and I am also a leader of the party. A leader of a party should not be an aspirant. So, why should I tell him? He can’t be a leader and aspirant at the same time.

Will you still support that same person (Alao-Akala) who orchestrated how you were locked up if he emerges the party’s candidate? Absolutely, because it is a process. There hasn’t been any violence in the process. We have all been playing politics the way it should be played. So, if I’m outwitted, yes, why not? It is when you prevent people from participating, it is when you exclude people that crisis occurs. When you exclude me, don’t forget I also have my followers. People are talking about people in government, what about my own followers that have aspirations, but were all frustrated? I think as a party, we should just draw a line and move on, because if they want to talk about part two, I also will talk about part one and it will get us nowhere. So, let’s just draw a line and move on.

But he is a former governor? You heard what I said. For me, you can’t be an aspirant and be a leader. I am an aspirant, I am not a leader. You don’t expect me to go to a fellow aspirant and be telling him I want to contest. Where is that done?

How far have you gone in reconciling with those in the opposing camp who felt you short-changed them in 2011? I didn’t short-change anybody, rather they short-changed me. They tried to bring trump-up charges against me. Do you know what it means for a serving Senate Leader to be so treated? I don’t want to talk about it. So, you have to ask them whether they also have

What is your take on the performance of the Ajimobi administration? If you look at the definition of democracy, it is government of the people by the people and for the people. I think they got it wrong. They haven’t got the parlance right. To me, all they are doing is just beautification and you have to strike a balance between beautification and developmental projects.

You did a lot to ensure that the Abiola Ajimobi emerged as governor in 2011... (Cuts in) When you say helped, I don’t know what you mean. I keep saying it that it was the Ibadan agenda that snowballed into Oyo State agenda against the former governor. Go and ask them what happened. Go and ask all the traditional rulers. Alaafin is still alive; Soun is still there; Olubadan is still alive. Go and ask them. How can only me, ordinary me, do such a thing?

Politics | Interview

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

Ndoma-Egba: Turnover of senators erodes institutional memory In this interview, Senate Leader, Victor NdomaEgba laments the danger posed by high turnover of parliamentarians in Nigeria’s democracy. CHUKWU DAVID brings the excerpts:

It has been observed that the National Assembly has recorded high turnover of members since 1999. What does this portend for our democracy? First of all, the Nigerian constitution provides for tenure and age limit to qualify for certain executive offices, and in the judiciary you must practice for certain number of years before you can be eligible for appointment and there is a retirement age there. In the legislature, the constitution only provides for an entry age. It has no tenure limit, it has no retirement age. In presidential constitution, all over the world, it is the same practice because of the peculiarity of parliament. There is an elaborate bureaucracy to service the executive. There is formal handing over and taking over notes during a change of government. In the judiciary, there is hierarchy of courts and judicial precedents, so that when the highest court pronounces on an issue, every other court under it is bound by that pronouncement. The judiciary also has a very elaborate archival system. If you are looking for a judgement delivered by a customary court in 1981, you are likely to find it. Now, in parliament, we have the bureaucracy that serves the institution. But parliament is made up of members who, when voted out of office, leave with their contacts, network, records, knowledge and experience; and I am not obliged to say a word to the person taking over from me. He comes in and now begins from scratch. What constitutes the institutional memory of parliament is the aggregate memory of its members. What has been our experience? People say National Assembly is not doing well; why are we not doing well even though I don’t agree with them. From 1999 till date, can you recall how many senators were able to survive the turnover you are talking about? From 1999 till date, we have only two senators who survived the unfortunate trend in the National Assembly. They are Senators David Mark and Bello Gwarzo. Secondly, Nigeria lost 107 senators and we did not notice. All the institutional memory of the 107 senators lost; had been eroded. When memory is eroded, capacity is equally eroded. In the United States, if about four in seven senators lose their position during an election year, it is an upheaval. But here in Nigeria, there is no election year that we have up to 30 senators who would

Ndoma-Egba

return to their position. This development constitutes massive haemorrhage, massive erosion of institutionalisation. What has the Senate benefitted from the experience of Mark and Gwarzo? The Senate has achieved stability and peace. Before 2007, during the musical chair era, some days you could even have two senate presidents. One presiding over plenary in the morning and the other emerging before the end of the session. However, from 2007, because we have these two very experienced senators who started since 1999, now at the helms of affairs in the Senate, we have stability in the upper chamber. There has been no scandal from 2007 till date and Nigeria had benefitted a lot from that stability. The stability in the Senate also stabilises the polity. Are you contesting in the 2015 general election? I am re-contesting next year because it will be in the interest of the polity for us to continue with the stability and fortunately, I have been part of the leadership that have provided this stability. We want to build capacity in this institution. We want to maximise institutional memory. In any case, and in all humility, we have been doing well. You were accused of masterminding an attack on another aspirant, Hon. John Eno, who is also going for your senatorial seat in 2015. How true is this? I was not there when the attack was allegedly carried out by the said people during the new yam festival, which happened to be one of the very few celebrations I have missed in many years. I had arrived Abuja from the United States

There is no election year that we have up to 30 senators who would return to their position. This development constitutes massive haemorrhage, massive erosion of institutionalisation

on the eve of the purported attack and fully exhausted; so I couldn’t make it to the village. The village clan called me on the day of the festival that some youths blocked the road leading to the village and prevented the aspirant who is currently a member of the House of Representatives, but I condemned the act of the youths because every Nigerian has freedom of movement. In any case, it’s a thing of joy for visitors to celebrate the new yam festival with us. I immediately put a call through to a few people to persuade the youths to remove the blockage and that was the end of the matter. The action of the youths in the first instance was unfortunate and I strongly condemned it. It is a development that should not happen and should not be encouraged. I have been prevented on many occasions from entering into some communities in the past and I did not make an issue out of it. There was a time some youths removed the bridge leading to their community in order to stop me, and in another occasion, they made bonfire on the road. However, on each occasion I negotiated with them and they let me go. I did not cry over it or blow it out of proportion, and I did not also accuse anybody of being the mastermind. Is it true that you are not popular amongst your people, and that your people once booed you in your area as a mark of rejecting you? I can confidently tell you that I remain very popular among my people and I am a man of peace. There was never a time that the governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, raised up my hand and my people booed me. It is a figment of the imagination of those who are saying that.

16 Politics | Interview The Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, has resigned to contest the Lagos governorship seat. How do you see the development? It is a good development but one thing that bothers me is: why leaving his job at this time he is mostly needed? He is mostly needed in terms of assisting the party in the area of security in the forthcoming elections. So, whatever is left aside from that is personally known to him. I am not against anybody being ambitious but one has to look inward, whether it is going to be positive or negative. Obanikoro seems to be the most popular among the PDP governorship aspirants. Do you see his entrance in the governorship race as an added advantage to the party? If you are popular you will win elections. Obanikoro has contested once in 2007 and he lost, so what does that translate to? Popularity has so many meanings. You may be popular within the arms of thugs; you may be popular within the areas boys and market women, but we are talking of political acceptability at the state level, from all and sundry; market women, artisans, workers, civil servants, Christians and Muslim associations and all others in the state. That is what is meant by complete acceptability and popularity in politics. So, I don’t think the popularity is much there compared to the votes he scored in 2007. I am not saying he is not popular; he is popular as a person but I don’t think he is much tested and can win governorship election in Lagos. Why do you think so, considering his experience as a former local government chairman, commissioner, senator, ambassador and minister? All these accolades you are talking about were gotten by Obanikoro when he came to the PDP. When he was in Alliance for Democracy (AD) and AC he wasn’t as popular as he is today. Let me tell you one thing, you need to think twice before moving into politics. He has dined with all the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders; they dine together, dance together and did everything together but all these people rarely understand his cross. They really understand his movement and workings; they understand him as a person. Jimi Agbaje too is from that end, so if any of them is presented as PDP candidate, then we should forget about PDP winning Lagos. I am saying it emphatically that, presenting Obanikoro or Agbaje as PDP gubernatorial candidate will be a great loss to the party in Lagos. I am not saying they are not good as people; they are and they are humble, but dinning with AD, AC and ACN in the past will have great effect on them. The APC people have their dossiers. So, there is nowhere they will move that they can escape. APC leaders in the last two to three weeks have been revealing a lot of things about Jimi Agbaje and it is the same Agbaje that somebody will come out and cry that he is going

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Obanikoro, Agbaje can’t win Lagos for PDP –Kuye Chief Taiwo Kuye is a member of the Lagos State Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this interview with TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE, he speaks on the chances of the party in 2015 and of possible failure at the polls if the party presents any of its two leading aspirants, Musiliu Obanikoro and Jimi Agbaje, for the governorship election

If you think presenting Obanikoro and Agbaje will not be in the interest of your party, who do you think should fly PDP flag in 2015? A neutral fresh breed candidate will give the PDP the winning machine in Lagos. And who are the fresh breed aspirants? We have Tokunbo Pearse, who has not contested before. Dr. Dominic has not contested before. Deji Doherty has not contested before. Tokunbo Kamson has never been gubernatorial candidate before. Babatunde Gbadamosi and Branco Rhodes have never been candidates. All these are fresh breed who APC cannot give negative punching about their candidature. Generally speaking, those that have been tested before; Agbaje, Ade Dosunmu and Obanikoro should be left in the cooler.

If you are popular you will win elections. Obanikoro has contested once in 2007 and he lost, so what does that translate to? Popularity has so many meanings. You may be popular within the arms of thugs

As members of the Lagos PDP executives, will the party primaries be free and fair? The managers of the party have come together alongside the leadership of this party that everybody is going to be given a level playing field. That means there is going to be primaries. So, good luck to anybody that emerges at the primaries. Anything short of that is against the constitution of PDP. Even Mr. President was in Lagos recently to advise us on the possibility of reducing the number of aspirants going for primaries or more importantly arrive at a consensus candidate. But in the alternative, if that cannot be achieved, they should cut down the number of the aspirants and let us have peaceful and responsible primaries.

But politics is about experience and political structure. Do you think the new breeds have the needed political experience and structures to defeat APC candidate? The fact that we call them a new breed doesn’t mean that they are young in the politics of the state. We call them new breeds because they have not contested before as a candidate on the platform of the PDP. Some of them have been in politics for over 20 to 30 years and they know what governance and administration of a state is all about, but the only thing that eludes them is that they have not been given a ticket on the platform of the PDP to become the party’s candidate.

There are speculations that the PDP leaders in Lagos, especially Chief Bode George, have already endorsed a particular governorship aspirant for the 2015 election. I stand to exonerate Chief George anywhere, anytime. He is very experienced and a dignified leader. I heard some people saying that Bode George is supporting Jimi Agbaje; I don’t believe that. Where have you ever heard a leader in such position of George doing that? His calibre in the leadership is at the top echelon of the party, not even at the state or zonal level. He is a member of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC), Board of Trustees (BoT), former Deputy National Chairman and the only member present at the national caucus from the South-West for years back. So, the man is always a careful person and I stand to exonerate him; he doesn’t support anybody. I am one of his foot soldiers and I know what he is talking about. Some dirty elements who are leaders in the party have been bombarding him to gather support for one of the aspirants but he did not yield to their pressure. So, I can guarantee you wholeheartedly that George is neutral and he preaches a smooth congress and a level playing ground for all the aspirants.

In the last 15 years, PDP has made efforts to govern Lagos State but the party is always divided after its primaries. Don’t you foresee the repeat of that in 2015? It is not going to be so this time around because our house is in order. What is going to happen in the 2015 elections has been mapped out with our leadership in the party and what went wrong in the past is no more existing in the PDP. Lagos PDP is now one indivisible entity. So, anybody that is acting contrary to what the party is doing is on

Do you see PDP winning Lagos in 2015? Confidently, we are going to win Lagos with what is on ground. We have discovered all the antics of the APC; we have seen them and gotten their roadmap to the rigging machine. We have gotten it and it is in our palm, the eight to nine local governments where they are going to rig; where they are going to stuff ballot papers and boxes, believe me, if they do that this time around, they will lick their wounds.

Kuye

to be the messiah to get the governorship seat for PDP in Lagos. How can Agbaje who came into the party two or three months ago claim that he has been endorsed by the party leaders? How can somebody that has lost election in Lagos come today and be a messiah. So, anybody that is swimming in that water should go and correct him or herself.

his own.

Politics | Interview 17

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

Why Imoke took N40bn loan –Okon The governor recently borrowed N40 billion a few months to the end of his tenure. Is this justified? The governor raised the bond to service some of our debts. Like the Tinapa, which was constructed by the administration of Donald Duke, the state incurred so much debt. With the seizing of our oil wells and the ceding of Bakassi, it is difficult to embark on any meaningful project. It took Donald Duke great perception to build Tinapa, but in doing that, it meant future generation and government have to pay for it. Those debts were there already and Imoke cannot go and cancel them. The commitment was made by the previous government and the present administration has been paying these debts. At the same time, Imoke cannot abandon what has been termed the legacy projects like the international conference centre, the specialist hospital, the monorail which will attract investors and tourists and make us break even or even the international golf course. And this bond is made in such a way that it will not bring a burden to the incoming government because the maturity period has been sparse. This is better than going to the bank to collect a loan of one year and six months. Now capital floating takes years, may be 10 or 20 years to pay back. So, there is no problem with the bond.

Elder John Okon is the Cross River State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this interview with CLEMENT JAMES, he speaks on preparations for the governorship election in the state, the N40 billion bond the governor took and other issues. Excerpts: Now that the 2015 elections draw closer, what preparation are you putting in place? As chairman, I have always promised to deepen democracy and that is why we have put structures in place. I have tried my best not to be the centre of activities so that democracy can be deepened at the grassroots. That’s why you find out that at every stage, we have tried to create an opportunity for people to discuss. We have come to a stage where we have put in place all the apparatuses at the ward, local government, senatorial and state levels to drive our programme so that there will be less rancour. If you check, we have ensured that from the ward level to the state level, structures have been established to give everybody a sense of belonging. In deepening democracy, I have also ensured that democratic ethos is imbibed. The State Exco has ensured that members of the PDP family are encouraged to abide by the rules and that has been one of our biggest achievements. A lot of people see the restructuring as being foolish. There will be ad hoc delegates because we are going to do our ward congresses on November 1, the local government congresses will take place on November 8, congresses for House of Assembly will take place on November 15, National Assembly congress will be held on November 19, while Senate congresses will take place on November 22. State congress for the governorship will be on November 29. We are hoping that with this guideline, we will be able to make our returns to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in case there is any appeal. I have been able to take time to brief the state exco and we have been able to hold meetings with council chairmen, chapter chairmen, leaders and elders’ forum as well as community development officers with the intention that the whole caucuses in the state will now be able to hold their meetings, in terms of zoning of positions, in terms of building of consensus so that before the primaries, we will know who and who the various caucuses will advise the leadership of the party to contest all the positions. Is there no faction in your party? What I want you know is that we don’t have any faction in PDP in Cross River State. PDP is one under the leadership of Senator Liyel Imoke and my exco. We are one family. No doubt, there are challenges, but we are hoping that we will be able to overcome them and ensure that the harmony, unity and justice that exist in PDP would be sustained in the state where we are designing a model of democracy. The PDP has endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan as its sole presidential candidate in 2015. What was the rationale behind the adoption? I think the issue of the adoption of Mr. President is clear. First, is that we must maintain the unity and cohesion of the party. Even in the United States, the president who is an incumbent is always given the right of first refusal. This is new and not common in the country. But PDP is ready to deepen democracy. Secondly, we agreed at the National Executive Council (NEC) that with the Transformation Agenda of the president, in

Okon

terms of road construction, railway system, power and agriculture, among others, if he gets a second term, he will put Nigeria on the path of leadership in Africa. Even in the face of Boko Haram, you could see how he is calmly managing the crisis; you can see that Mr. President has the stability of mind despite the various challenges. You can also see the policies he is putting in place to rehabilitate the people in the north eastern part of the country. We considered all of these things and we felt that this is not the time for distraction. It is time for us go give him the PDP ticket because we know that with him, our party will win the national election. You also notice that a lot of people are coming into the party because from all indications, President Jonathan is the best person at the moment. So, that’s what informed that decision. Will the same criteria used in adopting the president be used in Cross River? What is going to happen in the state, I don’t know because I am not God. But I have already told you that we have put structures on ground. There are many aspirants, but we will only have one candidate. How that candidate is going to emerge is what God will decide. We have given all the aspirants enough time to go and consult with their people. We have said the caucuses should meet and we have taken the major decision of zoning the governorship to the northern part of the state. This is a landmark decision. In other states, you see the rancour that is going on, but in Cross River State, zoning has stabilised the polity and everybody is looking up to the north to produce a candidate. Whoever is coming from the north, the party leaders will study the situation. If it’s going to be consensus, they will inform us. If it’s going to be primaries, you will see it. Don’t forget that in the case of the President, he is going for a second term. In our case, the present governor is concluding his tenure, thus constitutionally barred. So, anybody coming up is going to be a fresh hand and that means the scenario is different. So, how the person will emerge will depend on what the people want. But what we have done is that we have zoned the governorship to the north.

Imoke cannot leave the treasury empty. The bond does not, in any way, affect the next government. If Imoke wanted to punish the next government, he would have collected a short term loan and continue to manage it until he leaves office

Would there be anything in the treasury left for the next government? Imoke cannot leave the treasury empty. The bond does not in any way affect the next government. If Imoke wanted to punish the next government, he would have collected a short term loan and continue to manage it until he leaves office. He would have gone to the bank for a short term loan and you know the interest is high. This is a credit that was structured through bond and the incoming government is going to be in a more relaxed atmosphere than when Imoke came in and inherited a lot of loans. That made him to go to banks to renegotiate some of those loans. It took us time to even reschedule our loan because it was so heavy. But what we are doing now is not going to be the same thing. So, people should try and understand the situation with government. We have always tried to lay bare the financial situation of the state. Our budget is presented in public. We show our debt profile and how we intend to pay the debt. It’s there in the document. In the pre-budgeting period, up to the House of Assembly, these things are open. We even set aside money for debt servicing. I was the Clerk of the House and I know that these things are presented. Does the large number of governorship aspirants so far portend any danger? In Cross River State today, we have put together structures that no other state or any past administration has been able to. When I came as chairman, I said I was not going to follow the tradition of making myself very powerful. It’s easy to do that. All you need to do is to sit in your office and aspirants will come and pay homage to you. But when I spoke with His Excellency, he agreed that it will be good for all aspirants to have an interface with their people before coming to see us. On the selection process, we are following the activities of all the candidates. Where there is undue influence, we are watching. We are monitoring it and we will be thorough in our choice of candidate. The purpose of interfacing with the people by aspirants is to help them make an informed decision on the candidate. All the aspirants are members of the same family and as far as I am concerned, all of them are my friends. I, therefore do not have any fear that if any of them emerges as governor, it will affect the rapport existing in the family. Indeed, I am happy at the brotherhood that they bring to bear on the consultations, notwithstanding their ambitions.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion

Of PDP and black legs (1)

Olugbenga Johnson

mong the frequently repeated aphorisms among the Igbo is that of the proverbial child who talked so much during the night and even abused his elders oblivious of the fact that it will soon be day break. Sometime in June 2011, some ambitious young men, basking from the euphoria of being re-elected (some for the third time) into the House of Representatives, defied the zoning policy of their party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and got themselves elected as principle officers of the house. Notable among them were the current Speaker, The Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal and his deputy, the Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha. Their election ran against the expectations and preferences of the party’s leadership which had wanted the Speaker to emerge from the South West geo-political zone. And the party leadership, including the presidency, never minced words that it was not going to support members who were seeking for the offices from outside the favoured zones. The matter was even such that both Tambuwal and Ihedioha, acting on a tip off that security agents had been detailed to prevent them from entering into the House Chambers on the day of the election (of principal officers), disguised themselves so heavily that if indeed there were any such instructions to security agents, it would have been impossible for them to detect the two. While Tambuwal discarded his traditional Fulani caftan and white cap to don a three piece black English suit, complete with a hat, Ihedioha threw away his green cap and turned out in full Fulani regalia with hat to match. They slipped through security into the Green Chambers and

succeeded in getting elected respectively as Speaker and Deputy Speaker. But that was with the help of the opposition parties whose members in the House were bent on rubbishing the leadership of the PDP, particularly the presidency. Although Tambawal, and Ihedioha had the constitutional right to seek for the offices , their ‘success’ became rather a major-set back for the party and the presidency. While the two gentlemen savoured in their victory, the party leadership licked it wounds. And true to fears, that episode laid the basis for the protracted struggle of supremacy between the PDP and the opposition in the Green Chambers. The success of the opposition, then made up of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), give it the impetus to begin to become more assertive . In a way, it was “good for democracy” but from point of view of partisan politics, it marked the very beginning of the many woes the ruling party and especially the presidency have had to pass through in the hands of members of Nigeria’s lower legislative House. Leading opposition politicians outside the House saw that as an opportunity to increase the vulnerability of the PDP. The first signs that the PDP was in for a rough time was that the opposition, drawing inspiration from the ‘defeat’ of the PDP, made sure it got more committee chairmanship positions than the PDP. They followed that up with an impeachment threat against President Goodluck Jonathan who even after succeeding in wriggling out of that, began to find it more difficult in having his budget passed in the House. Then came the series of probes of federal government agencies and parastatals - the Securities and

Exchange Commission (SEC), the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) etc. As a matter of fact, it is generally believed that the instability that characterizes Nigeria’s House of Representatives has its root in that earlier ‘victory’ of the opposition to stall PDP’s zoning policy that was ultimately aimed at maintaining more harmony, not only within the party but in the entire nation. For example, the emergence of Ihedioha and Ike Ekweremadu respectively as Deputy Speaker and Deputy Senate President, was seen in several circles as an anomaly, since both come from the same (South East) geo-political zone. Conversely, analysts point out that it was the failure of the PDP to implement its earlier decision to have the Speaker emerge from the South-West geo-political zone that laid the foundation for the apparent lack of goodwill for the leadership of the PDP, especially the President, from the people of the zone (the South West). Till date, opposition elements from the zone do not mince words in telling anybody that cares to listen that the Jonathan presidency is marginalizing the zone. Matters were not helped by the subsequent posturing of the Speaker himself. It was not long after his emergence that Tambuwal began to show signs that he owed more allegiance to the opposition, through whose grace he emerged, than his party, the PDP. Shortly after the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), speculations were rife that Tambuwal was among the PDP stalwarts that were planning to defect to the new opposition party. • Johnson, wrote in from Shagamu, Ogun State.

The Chibok girls embroilment Mike Arayuwa Wilkie

he Boko Haram insurgent is a self-acclaimed Islamic sect and a terror organization. Its formative stages actually started in 2001 but became notorious as from 2009. Then the barbarians preached hatred for Western Education in preference of Islamic education. When the sect mandated itself to cause mayhem in the North Eastern part of Nigeria through the detonations of bombs and suicide bombings, it became obvious that its agenda had been expanded to include the wanton killing of fellow Nigerians. In its avowed murderous commitment, churches, mosques, public institutions, organizations, the Army and Police Barracks and offices became the sect’s irrevocable targets. Numerous Nigerians died in the process. It is glaring that the Chibok girls saga has become ugly news to Nigeria and the rest of the world. On April 14-15, 2014, about 276 Girls of a Government secondary school in Chibok, Borno State, were criminally kidnapped by Boko Haram. On June 29, 2014, the leader of the soulless gang announced that he will sell off. Since the seizure of these girls, Boko Haram has intensified its war against the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the extent that it annexed Gwoza and flew a flag there and declared it a caliphate. That should be the beginning of the establishment of their Islamic State in Nigeria

before the rag-tag militia was completely uprooted from the area by the Nigerian Army. Not too long ago, the Federal Government declared an Amnesty for all members of the sect so as to end the misadventure of the murderers. Boko Haram bluntly refused to take advantage of the unique government gesture in view of the fact that they were on top of the carnage then. For now, it is evidently clear that the table of military confrontation has changed hands in favour of the Nigerian Army. Momentarily, the Federal Government and Boko Haram are however talking peace and indeed declared a ceasefire to enable them continue with the peace process. Quintessentially, I am in serious doubt if the ceasefire is being meticulously and honestly observed by Boko Haram. The second day after the announcement of the ceasefire, some National Newspapers carried a news item stating that a few villages in Borno State were sacked by militants and that four people were killed. It is so obvious that there are no other militants in the North Eastern part of Nigeria. Such attacks replicate and retroflex the modus Operandi of the deadly and conscienceless Boko Haram. A ceasefire of this nature is expected to be sincerely observed in the fundamental interest of the good people of Nigeria. The leadership of Boko Haram is therefore expected to play its part of honour and forget about the consistent and senseless killings

of fellow human beings. The funding of the insurgents has been classified in secrecy which President Jonathan has deliberately refused to release to the anxious Nigerians and the rest of the world who are well wishers of our country. Isis in Iraq, Al-Shabaab of Somalia, Isil in Syria and other militant groups operating within the ambit of the Turkish, Lebanese and the recent squad in Yemen including Al-Qaeda are perhaps being sponsored, just like the sponsors of Boko Haram are unknown. For the records, I am of the strong opinion that the nuissance called Boko Haram should also have their sponsors from the Arab World. I say this without any contradiction, consequent upon the fact that all the Muslim terrorist gangs have the same agenda to establish Islamic States in their preferred areas. Some Nigerians who are certainly over-ambitious, politically, are contributors to the finances of the dangerous sect. Mr. President who is the Chief Security Officer of the Nigerian Sovereign State should summon enough political will to expose the financial contributors of Boko Haram for posterity to judge. Dr. Goodluck President’s actions to end the reign of terror of the wicked sect may not have yielded the required result in accordance with the expectations of Nigerians and other people. It was certain that the terrorists turned-down the Amnesty as proposed by President Jonathan. Also a peace committee of the Federal Government constituted by Mr. Presi-

dent was crippled at its infant stages. At present, is the on-going peace talk with its attendant ceasefire. As a nonpessimist, I do hope that this may lead to peace and if it fails, the President will be compelled to intensify a full scale declaration of war on the haters of Western Education including the sect’s determination to create a caliphate or an Islamic State in Nigeria. All the intentions of Mr. President were geared towards the termination of the murderous activities of the Muslim fundamentalists but all to no avail. As President and CommanderIn-Chief, he has played his part in these circumstances. He is not expected, as a result to, carry arms and ammunitions and head towards the operational bases of the border in Sambisa forest and other forests which stretches from the Chad Republic to the Cameroons to fight the terror gang. The All Peoples Progressives’ Congress (APC) and Lai Mohammed, its insulting and disrespectful National publicist ought to advise Mr. President on how best the Boko Haram debacle can be halted once and for all rather than engage in unwarranted criticism against Jonathan. I am to add that Pa Audu Ogbe, a frontline leader of the APC had recently admitted that APC is the sponsor of “bring back our Chibok girls placard carriers” both at home and abroad. The last of the Chibok girls is yet to be heard. • Prince Wilkie can be reached at pmikky1950@yahoo. com (08023097251)

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

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Stiffer penalty against rape

he statistics on rape in Nigeria are, to say the least, grim and scary. According to Campaign against Molestation of Young Women (CAMYW), a non-governmental organization, about 207 rape cases were recorded in the country in 2013, out of which 117 victims were said to be between the ages of 12 and 17. Also, between March 2012 and March 2013, Lagos State Police Command recorded 678 cases of rape in the state. The Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development said a total of 1,200 women and young girls were raped in Rivers State in 2010. These figures are not, however, a reflection of the true statistics on rape as most of the incidents are not reported to the police for fear of stigmatization and victimization. Another sour point and perhaps a cardinal reason rape cases are not given proper attention by governments is non-availability of authentic data to paint a vivid picture of the situation. The concern posed by rape is expressed all over the country. The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Katsina State, Alhaji Ibrahim Dantsoho was recently quoted as saying that in Katsina Local Government Area alone, there were 21 cases awaiting trial. “It is unfor-

tunate that out of every 10 cases brought to our courts, five are on rape, and in most cases, the victims are small girls,” Dantsoho said. He urged the people and the justice system to join hands in fighting the menace, saying the cases of rape have become a source of concern to parents, government and stakeholders. Rapists cut across all age brackets and classes. They range from security personnel, close associates and relations to ministers of the gospel. Indecent dressing is said to be one of the reasons girls are raped. But, what reasons would an adult give for sexually molesting a toddler? Indecent dressing, seduction or what? Sexual violence against minors could be a product of demented mind. But, influence of drugs and exposure to pornography, conflict in relationships and outright wickedness may also influence the commission of the crime. Total breakdown of family values, especially traditional values such as love, care and respect is also a factor. Besides, parents and guardians are increasingly spending less time with their children and wards, leaving them to cater for themselves or in the hands of care-givers without adequate protection and moral guidance. Regrettably, the provisions of relevant laws in the country are

not in sync with today’s realities. Various definitions given to rape by the federal, state, Sharia and customary laws are restrictive, narrow, tepid, unfair and lopsided. For instance, the Penal Code describes rape as a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment of up to 14 years, which can be combined with a fine, and up to seven years and a fine in the case of a child-related sexual assault (defilement).Whereas Section 357 of the Criminal Code Act confirms the seriousness of rape as a crime, it lacks the bite for proper conviction and implementation. According to section 358 of the Criminal Code Act, rape is punishable with life imprisonment. Also, section 359 of the same Act stipulates 14 years of imprisonment with or without caning as a punishment for attempted rape. But one major drawback of these seemingly lofty provisions is Section 179 (5) of the Evidence Act, which stipulates that: “A person shall not be convicted of the offences mentioned in paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of Section 51 or in Sections 218, 221, 223 or 224 of the Criminal Code upon the uncorroborated testimony of one witness.” The implication is that before a victim of rape can get justice, a witness must corroborate her story; even when it is well-known that in most rape cases, there are no wit-

nesses to corroborate the story of the victim. This provision as it were has made some of the anti-rape laws in the country a mockery of such laws. Thus, the strict provisions of the Evidence Act must be amended to ensure that rape victims get justice. Clearly, judicial attitude of light sentencing, light bail terms and elongated trials paralyse the effectiveness of statutory provisions as deterrent measures. For instance, when bail is granted in such ridiculous manner that may be easily afforded, then the law is giving room for overindulgence. It is of utmost expedience that the provisions of these laws are amended to accommodate present realities as well as ensure that we conform to International Human Rights law on rape, molestation, defilement and incest. The on-going National Assembly review of the 1999 Constitution must as a matter of urgency address this crime. It must also expedite action on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill and the Anti-Rape bill before it. Besides, the judicial officers must play their role by using their discretion to bring to book the paedophiles in our midst. The enforcement of the law must be severe without an option of fine or compensation or out of court settlement to serve as a deterrent to potential rapists.

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20 Politics | Interview C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

At that time, he accepted that he would now run in APGA. By the time he declared at the Holy Trinity field that he was going to run for governor through APGA, Nwobu-Alor and his associates were in UNPP. So, I had to drag him because I knew it was only through APGA that he could win that election. I was also aware that as at July 2002, Chief Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu had called on all Igbo people to join APGA. The late Ojukwu was also on his way to APGA because at that time, he was the chairman of Board of Trustees of the All Peoples Party (APP). So, I knew that once Ojukwu joined APGA, that it would become a different type of political movement for our people and that was exactly what happened when he declared to run for presidency in APGA in December 2002. So, you can now see that it was that character that APGA has that was responsible for the followerswhip the party enjoys in the South-East and in other places. So, APGA’s strength is something that cannot be credited to any individual order than the character. Ojukwu told our people that this was the platform and when APGA was being registered, our vision was that it was going to offer itself as a political platform for the SouthEast people that have been marginalised structurally in Nigeria. Our people embraced the party believing that through APGA, they would gain their voice and with Ojukwu commanding the affairs of the party, he became the face of the party. Even in death, the Igbos are still identifying with APGA as that vehicle, that platform they will use to get to the Promise Land. So, what is going to be the effect of Obi’s exit from APGA? That some people left the party cannot in any way be a problem because they did not give APGA the character. Obi did not give APGA its character. Obi was never the face of APGA like some of his media aides are putting out in the internet and in the newspapers. The face of APGA has remained Ojukwu and the character of the party has remained its strength in Nigeria. If anything is to be said, I will say that APGA made Peter Obi what he is politically. He did not make APGA but the party made him. If he had left in October 2002 to join UNPP, Nigerians would not have known anybody called Peter Obi. He would have gone back to his business after the election because he would have lost woefully. It was that decision to come into APGA to run for governor of Anambra that made it possible for his visibility in Nigeria. And, of course, you know that his ascenscion to the governor of Anambra was not gotten on a platter of gold. It came through strenuous struggle of all sorts to establish him as the governor in 2006, nearly three years after the election was conducted. It took my coordination of the affairs of the party and the legal challenges in court with the father cover of Ojukwu to put the matter on course. It was in our effort in the court to retrieve the mandate which the people of Anambra State gave to APGA and Obi that led to the first crisis in the party. Our former chairman lost faith in the judicial struggle and attempted to tradeoff that mandate to Ngige. And we came together, myself and Obi with the support of Ojukwu and my colleagues in the National Working Committee (NWC) and agreed that there was need for a change in the leadership of the party in order to preserve the matter at the court. That is how we got rid of Chekwas Okorie, continued the struggle in court where I was the first witness for Obi. I was in the witness box for one month. In the end, we won and we shepherded Obi’s mandate. Six months after that he was impeached. I had to work with Ojukwu on how we can return to office. That time, Ojukwu was

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Umeh: I’ve no apology for my actions at confab

Umeh

angry with some of the things Obi did in the first six months in office. It took me time to convince Ojukwu to accept that Obi would be reinstated. He asked me to go and plan the strategy. I gave him the strategy. He accepted it and we implemented it. That was how Obi got back to office on February 7, 2007. So, it is not something he can come out to tell anybody that he made himself governor and so on and so forth. For Obi’s four years of governorship, we had no respite in our party, both Ojukwu and other party patriots were on their toes, fighting to protect Obi in office. And again second term election came in 2010, before that time through a combination of antics they were trying to stop Obi through APGA. At that time, Ojukwu, myself and other party faithful went through strenuous process of campaigns to get him re-elected. It was a very difficult re-election for Obi, and Ojukwu had to cry at various rallies. After I got to the podium to solicit for support, I would invite Ojukwu to make his comment; I would take microphone to where he was sitting because his health was failing him and he would cry, asking our people to do him his last wish; to vote for Peter Obi, that this party should not be allowed to die. It was what he did. He cried at Onitsha, Otuocha, and Ekwulobia. Then the climax of the report was the final rally we had at Nnewi, where even myself joined Ojukwu in crying. Our people hearkened to Ojukwu. The chorus everywhere was this is my last wish. They responded. They voted. And we won the election. Are you saying that APGA is still formidable without Obi? How can somebody come to Anambra State and say that Peter Obi was the person defeating PDP and not APGA, and that now that Obi has gone to PDP, APGA is finished. From this short and brief account I have given you, Obi owes his political successes and journey to APGA as a political party. For the other people who defected from the House of

Representatives, I have reacted before and I said he (Obi) is the one who told them to defect, hoping to join them soon and he has. Instead of APGA diminishing we are receiving people into the party. When the four members of the House of Representatives defected, the screaming headline was that all the APGA members in the House of Reps have decamped to PDP, yet Hon. Emeka Nwogbo did not defect with other people, one person who defected recanted immediately and came back, Hon, Afam Ogene, making it two. And just last month a decampee from PDP, Hon. Chriscato Ameke, representing Anambra East/West in the House of Reps joined APGA. The next day after Obi defected, we received over 7,000 persons in Delta State. APGA is booming everywhere. On

What does the party lose? That Mr. Obi defected to PDP and PDP is celebrating; they are celebrating an empty bag. There is nothing inside it. So, if PDP thinks that they are celebrating Obi, election is imminent, we are going to show them that APGA is irrepressible

October 1st, we had a ground-breaking rally in Imo State to launch APGA programme ahead of 2015 general election. The crowd that came to Grasshoppers Stadium in Owerri was unprecedented. And you can see the new life in APGA because Obi’s defection to PDP was belated. Through my management of issues in the party, we were able to elect a successor to Obi on the platform of APGA. We have Governor Willie Obiano. Just six months in office, you can see the difference. He went to Owerri with me on October 3rd for a public rally, charging like a lion that APGA will win Imo State. For eight years, Obi was governor, he did not attend any APGA rally outside the state. He did not attend Rochas Okorocha rally. I was alone. Ojukwu was bedridden. He went nowhere and sometime he told people who cared to ask him that he would not be leading his party to contest against his brother governors in the other parties in South-East because he was the chairman of South East Governors’ Forum. That was the lame excuse he gave for not doing that. But look at the new governor, “yes we are supporting President Jonathan but we are contesting all other positions.” So, you have to compare and contrast to know whether APGA is in a position to grow strong now or when we had a governor who was not proud to be called a member of APGA. Things have changed for the party now. In Anambra, APGA officers are in the protocol list of the Government House. For eight years Obi was governor, even myself was hardly recognised in a state function as the national chairman of APGA. It became a taboo to mention anything APGA at state functions. Today, the governor will recognise all the party officers present. This is the way to promote your party. He flies the flag of the party everywhere. The other time I went to the Villa with Obiano, he flew APGA flag in his car in and out. Are people understanding how these things work? Governor Obiano is in command of the operations of APGA in Anambra State. The party has members of the state executive council, 21 local government chairmen, and 318 councillors. Then look at all the other parastatals, the markets are under the control of the governor. So, the political structure in Anambra State is under the control of somebody who is courageous and bold to assert his party. What does the party lose? That Mr. Obi defected to PDP and PDP is celebrating; they are celebrating an empty bag. There is nothing inside it. So, if PDP thinks that they are celebrating Obi, election is imminent, we are going to show them that APGA is irrepressible. APGA is the movement of our people. Even if I leave APGA as chairman today, nothing will happen to APGA. The party is like a spirit and you cannot kill a spirit. Okorocha described APGA as a religion of the Igbo people. Have you seen where religion is conquered? Go and conquer Islam, go and conquer Christianity. You cannot. Our people will not under any circumstance abandon this party in Nigeria. If they do, they are finished in Nigeria. And I know they will never do. Since Obi announced his defection, I have received over 2,000 text messages from even ordinary people, urging me to be strong that they are standing behind me and Governor Obiano. That is the way to test whether I have lost anything. So, APGA is more than ever ready than before in the 2015 general election. We are going to surprise Nigeria.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

News

Interview

Jurist

Lawyers shun Ondo legal year over ‘stringent’ bail conditions

‘KAI’s abuse of power, bane of Lagos prison congestion’

Nwobike: Why Amaechi must listen to NJC on Rivers judiciary

23&25

24&25

Law

Discordant tunes over immunity for president, governors

Adesina, SAN

Should the National Assembly expunge Section 308 from the 1999 Constitution? Lawyers say yes, no. FOLUSO OGUNMODEDE, TUNDE OYESINA, AKEEM NAFIU and APPOLOS CHRISTIAN report

FOLUSO OGUNMODEDE JUDICIARY Editor

foluso.ogunmodede@ newtelegraphonline.com

Ahamba, SAN

ven though the National Assembly are pushing for the removal of the immunity clause being enjoyed by the President, Vice-President, governors and their deputies, such plot may not receive Nigerians’ blessings just as the moves had pitted members of the gown and wig profession against each order. Although the clamour for the removal of the ‘offensive’ clause from the Constitution had been on for years, it erupted last week from the floor of the House of Representatives as members endorsed the removal of the clause from the Constitution. The immunity clause otherwise known as Section 308 protects President, Vice-President, governors and their deputies from prosecution while in office with a view to arresting situations where public servants are distracted from the business of government by cases in courts. Section 308 (1) says: Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Constitution, but subject to subsection (2) of this section- no civil or criminal proceedings shall

Dr. Abayomi

be instituted or continued against a person to whom this section applies during his period of office; A person to whom this section applies shall not be arrested or imprisoned during that period either in pursuance of the process of any court or otherwise… However, while some queried the lawmakers’ motives for the push, others applauded them, describing it as laudable. For instance, a former GeneralSecretary of the lawyers’ umbrella body- the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Deacon Dele Adesina, SAN, Dr. Joseph Nwobike, SAN, Mr. Osaro Eghobamien, SAN, Dr. Anthony Okorodas and a rights activist, Mr. Wale Ogunade, described the lawmakers’ quest to expunge the immunity clause as grossly inept if it was aimed at reducing the high incidence of corruption in the country. But a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Mike Ozekhome and a rights activist, Mr. Festus Keyamo, Mr. Toki and Chief Akpan Nkwereum lauded the lawmakers’ position, saying it was time public office holders were made to answer for their financial crimes

There have been allegations against ministers and some other people. How many of them have been arraigned before the court of law and charged?

while in office. Picking holes in the lawmakers’ move, Adesina said it was illconceived as the removal of immunity clause as being touted by the lawmakers could not guarantee an end to the endemic era of corrupt practices in the country. He said: “Speaking as a lawyer and for myself, I think we have to look at it from all ramifications. First, only about 40 people are affected in a population of over 170 million. Secondly, when it comes to the issue of corruption, how many people in this country apart from the President, VicePresident, Governors and their Deputies who are alleged to have committed acts of corruption have been charged and prosecuted for such offences? “There have been allegations against ministers and some other people. How many of them have been arraigned before the court of law and charged? How many past Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Governors and their Deputies have been arraigned before the court of law for criminal proseCONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Law | News

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Lawyers shun Ondo legal year over ‘stringent’ bail conditions

Lawyers protesting to demand reversal of stringent bail conditions

Babatope Okeowo

ARELY six months after a face-off erupted over ‘stringent bail condition, another battle line appeared drawn between lawyers and the Ondo State Judiciary. This, however reared its ugly head last week during the annual legal year as a section of lawyers boycotted a dinner organized by the Bench to commemorate the new legal year. There has been no love lost between the NBA in the state and the judiciary over the presentation of tax clearance as one of the bail conditions by the courts. The lawyers were of the opinion that the court rules would keep their clients in detention unnecessarily. They also said it would rule out the discretion of the courts to spell out bail conditions for those standing trials before the courts.

Judicial activities were for days, paralysed late last year as lawyers did not only boycot courts, the temple of justice in the state were under lock and key. Particularly, lawyers shunned courts as they barred the courts from entertaining either civil or criminal matters. However, the matter got to a head when judges in the state shunned the lawyers’ annual law week. Besides, many of the judges invited to play key roles at the lawyers’ event which had lecture, conferment of awards on Justice Babatunde Adejumo, the President of National Industrial Court and Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, were no where to be found while the love lost lasted. However, the intervention of senior lawyers doused the tension between the Bar and the Bench, hence their invitation to this legal year ceremony organized by the state judiciary became

This year’s legal year in Ondo State was marred by lawyers’ boycott and JUSUN’s strike

inevitable. But rather than allow the ceremony to unite them, the crisis reared its ugly head as the Chairman of Conference of the Bar Associations, who doubled as the Akure chapter of the Nigeria Bar Association, Mr Kayode Dare and his counterparts in Ondo and Ikare were disallowed by judges from reading their prepared speeches. This did not go down with the majority of lawyers especially as a few of their colleagues, who are chairmen from Owo and Okitipupa branches of NBA, Ola Orimoloye and Victor Ajisomo were honoured by the judges while shutting their doors against others. The Chairman of Ondo Chapter of NBA, Mr Kunle Adetowubo blamed their exclusion from the event on some of their colleagues, who he described as ‘sell-out’ contrary to their resolve to boycott the function. According to him, his

colleagues would not have been treated with disdain by the State Judiciary if they had keyed to their resolve to shun the annual event even though there the Bench could not exist without the Bar. Meanwhile, the state Chief Judge, Justice Kumuyi, has described the 2013/2014 legal year as a disappointment following the ongoing industrial action embarked upon by lawyers and the judicial staff. His words: “Despite our successes, the 2013/2014 legal year ended on a rather unfortunate note because for the first time, lawyers in Nigeria engaged in near violent protest against some policies which they felt were averse to their interest. While divergent opinions are expected in a free environment, it should always be captured within the provinces of caution and decorum especially for members of the law profession who are well rated by the gen-

eral public as opinion ‘moulder’. “Demonstrations on the street before the same people who rate them as very learned in almost everything is to say the least, most disappointing. Lawyers are equipped with civilized capacity to use the court system in correcting any policy without personalizing administrative matters through frivolous petitions and mudslinging.” Meanwhile, the NBA chairman, Akure branch blamed Justice Kumuyi on the face-off between the Bar and the Bench in the state, saying the circular of May 27 prescribing tax clearance as precondition for approval or perfection of all bail applications issued by him was sparked of the dispute. The statement reads in part: “To be candid, the Bar is not against citizens paying tax to the state government. However, the constitutional right to bail should not be sacrificed and used as a sanction for non-payment of tax. More so, the discretionary power of a judge or magistrate to determine the conditions of bail should not be fettered by an administrative circular. The Bar had no option than to embark upon boycott of all courts which lasted for two months when the Chief Judge decided not to withdraw the circular. “There is no doubt that this situation portends serious threat to justice sector because the Bar and the Bench must work in harmony to attain the objective of dispensation of justice in any country. It is sad that despite the fact that the Chief Judge has withdrawn the said circular, majority of our magistrates are still granting bails based on the circular, thereby compromising their positions. A magistrate who cannot adjudicate on a matter before him without external influence is not fit and proper person to remain on Bench.”

Discordant tunes over immunity for president, govs CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

cutions for their acts and omissions while in office apart from the experience we had during the military era?’’. To him, if the answers to these questions were in the negative, the lawmakers and other Nigerians had misfired to believe that ‘a mere removal of the immunity clause from the constitution will help us fight the monster called corruption”. Adesina went on: “What happens to the business of governance while that prosecution is

on-going? Can you as a citizen obey instructions, orders and be loyal to the Governor of your state who is standing trial for a criminal prosecution in the law court”? Adesina was corroborated by Nwobike, who berated the lawmakers bid to remove the immunity clause, saying the National Assembly had no such justification for endorsing its removal. He said: “How many office holders are covered by immunity? The President, Vice-President, 36 State Governors and their deputies. How many are

all these people in total compared to more than a million other public office holders? “I think we should face the reality. If we talk about corruption in this country, is it only among the President, Vice-President, Governors and their deputies? No. Corruption is everywhere. So, Nigerians must change their attitude, mentality and the way we reason on corruption. “Today, if you check what was alleged to have been embezzled by public office holders, it is not near what was lost during

the banking reforms. If you look at these financial institutions before Sanusi Lamido became the CBN Governor, you can imagine the amount of money these bank chiefs have embezzled’’. To Eghobamien: “I think what we should concentrate on is discipline to enforce rules. If we are disciplined, we can always take actions on issues but instead we are changing rules to create more competition. “If you remove the immunity clause and expose the President and Governors to all man-

ners of litigations, it will be so distracted because all manners of claims both genuine and frivolous will be coming up. So, I think it is a wrong move. “We have not even succeeded in sueing those who ran for power and are now out of power and we are now removing the immunity clause. The clause is not the reason why a number of people who have served are not prosecuted but the judicial system’’. Dr. Tunji Abayomi said “no statute of limitation CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Law | Interview

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

‘KAI’s abuse of power, bane of Lagos prison congestion’ He is the founder, Stephen and Solomon Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO). Chief Gabriel Giwa-Amu has taken his rights activism to the prison where he has consistently played a key role in the decongestion of prisons in the country. Giwa-Amu speaks on his NGO, why he has focused on prisons’ decongestion and sundry issues. EBERE AMEH met him. How did come about those facts contained in your letter to President Goodluck Jonathan about the deplorable conditions of Nigeria’s prisons? It is based on facts from all over the country. We have a logistics department headed by Stephen Chinua. He travels on a monthly basis to particular units. Within the period of the lawful incorporation of the foundation, which is roughly two and half years ago, we were able to go round most of the prisons except those areas where the prisons have been closed down because of the insurgency. Did you write to the Minister of Interior, what is their response? We wrote to them and so far, there is no response from them. And they have gotten our letter. You raised an issue that warders and some prisons officials pay for their promotion, how did you arrive at that? It’s a fact. I have friends who are in the low cadre in the prison service who have come here to as much as solicit for loan to pay those who are in charge of promotion. It’s all over the nation. It’s like a rule, particularly in Lagos. What happens is that even for your name is to be put on the list, you have to pay. Simply put, it is bribe. And what makes it easy, what has made it go on unchecked is because some of these prison warders too, for some reason, fail to upgrade themselves educationally. Does the prison authority give them the opportunity to upgrade themselves? They have training schools. It is left for you to make up your mind to attend. Though the training schools are not well equipped and not well funded and logistics is also a problem, but if you are serious, you can go in there and get whatever certificate they are giving and come out. But these people are not just enterprising. So, they are stuck there. But that is not a justification for the extortion. We have been hearing of changes and reforms in the prison. But from the tone of your letter, it’s like there are no reformatory facilities in there, what is the correct position? I don’t think there is a deliberate policy of the government to carry on such policy of reformation. We were on an NTA

programme with Abba Moro, the Minister of Interior some time ago. He was there from Abuja and we were here in Lagos. So he mentioned that there are three Rs in the Nigerian prison service - Reformation, Restoration and Rehabilitation. And I said to him, in my own contribution, that what we have here in Nigeria are not prisons but dumpsites. How do you restore a man who has lost five years of his life awaiting trial only for the court to find him not guilty at the end of the day? What do you restore to him? Is it financial restoration or family restoration? On the issue of reformation, how do you reform people when the handler themselves need to be reformed? Most of the prison warders need to be reformed themselves. And that was when I drew it to the attention of the minister, the fact that a bag of Indian hemp sells in the prison for N250, 000, when that same bag sells for N50,000 outside. That means somebody must be smuggling these things inside and they are prison warders. But what do you expect from a man who earns N35,000 a month? He has to escort about five to ten inmates singlehandedly to court. That is not an excuse for him to be engaged in smuggling or trafficking in their circle there though, but when you block these things, then you can start a genuine reform. Let the prison warders be well looked after first. Let their barracks be well kept and not be like a pig sty. Let them be given the opportunity to leave the shores of this country and see how it is done outside and they will come back and know whether they should apply that to an inmate or not. It will interest you to know that the prison service doesn’t have a functional hospital, they do have a clinic, which is not functional to the best of what it should be. They have doctors in the yard, but when the case is serious, there should be a Nigerian prison hospital but instead, they are taken to the military hospital or the naval hospital. Then on the issue of rehabilitation, they are supposed to have provisions for aftercare. To rehabilitate a person presupposes that he has been con-

Giwa-Amu

A bag of Indian hemp sells in the prison for N250, 000, when that same bag sells for N50,000 outside. That means somebody must be smuggling these things inside and they are prison warders

victed. While in custody, he was made to undergo a particular training, either in carpentry or whatever. When he leaves the walls of the prison, you rehabilitate him by setting him up, based on what he learnt in prison and follow him up – that is aftercare. Not by renting a shop for him but where there is a provision for little jobs to be done, for instance, you incorporate that ex-convict to partake in the project to make a living for himself. That is rehabilitation. But the aftercare section of the Nigerian prison is dead. They don’t even have a functional vehicle. The office is always empty. If you are posted to the aftercare section of the service, it’s like the most unlucrative, it’s like posting someone to a section where he won’t even get a salute. Their ACG in Lagos, who is equivalent to an AIG zone 2 when compared, does not have a functional vehicle to go to work. His office is not what you can even look at. That’s Nigerian prison for you. And you are talking about rehabilitating people when the man you sent to rehabilitate people also need to be rehabilitated himself ?

Talking about rehabilitation, do they have workshops in the yard for such? Yes, they have workshops. It is functional because the incharge of most of these yards take it upon himself to make it so. It comes by way of donation from NGOs, the staff and public spirited individuals, etc. Like in Kirikiri, they have a workshop there. They have a printing press, a Carpentry and Welding sections there, which was revived by the In-Charge there with his own funds and donations from members of staff there - warders and wardresses and NGOs. And the funny thing again is that when they sell the products they produce, like the toilet roll they produce, they pay the money into the government treasury. So, when you are sourcing for funds to sustain yourself, you are still obliged to pay to government. Having had the opportunity to be there on several occasions, can you give us an overview of the condition of the prisons and the inmates? It is very sad. Like I said earlier, what we have here are dumpsites. Some of the inmates are people whom certain people want to remove from circulation. Not because they committed an offence but just because they wanted them out of circulation. The other one again is that our prison yards are next to a psychiatric home. They notice some unusual behaviour of their wards or child, the next thing is to find something and charge him to court and put him in prison, because definitely, the prisons will feed him and are bound to give temper drugs. That is one of the reasons I say it’s a dumpsite. Honestly, apart from Lagos state prison command, all other prison yards are a disgrace. Kwale, Ogwashi-uku, Kogi, Abakiliki Benin, Kwara, and all the rest are a disgrace. We don’t have prison yards there. These are places where some of the inmates sleep on bare floor because even when allocations are made, and mattresses are provided, some prison officers who haven’t had mattresses to sleep on, you expect them to give them to inmates? Of course, no. On the issue of food, the officer in charge is not able to tell what he needs. This is because the food comes from Abuja. They receive their food based on a contract between the Nigerian prison headquarters and a contractor who then supplies what the officials at the headquarters feel the commands need. Most times, they are saddled with, sometimes, what CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Law | Jurist

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nwobike: Why Amaechi must listen to NJC on Rivers judiciary

lthough he defended his colleagues against the backdrop of corruption allegation making the rounds that lawyers are to blame for corruption on the Bench, Dr. Joseph Nwobike believes the allegation was better imagined than real. Nwobike said there was no iota of truth in the allegation even though lawyers represent their clients at various level, the insinuations that they were corrupt was malicious. The Senior Advocate told New Telegraph this way: “Let me start by saying that there is no corruption at the Bar per se. The reason why one may find a trace of corrupt practice among lawyers is because lawyers carry out instructions on behalf of their clients as lawyers essentially do not act for themselves. “So, if a lawyer or a group of lawyers for any reason are found to have been involved in corrupt practices, such lawyers or group of lawyers must have been acting for their clients. Although lawyers are not supposed or expected to carry out instructions that are tainted with illegality but if that happens, they are acting on behalf of their clients. So it’s to that extent I say that there is no corruption in the Bar per se, in other words, the Bar politics is not denominated in corrupt practices. Now, whether or not there is corruption in the NBA is a matter that has been bandied all over the place that there is corruption and sorts of illegal engagements but no specific allegation has been made, proved or attempt to prove a specific allegation against any officers of the NBA. So, I will take corruption at the NBA as rumor mongering and beer parlor discussion without any element of truism. So again, to that extent I will say there is no corruption at the Bar’. However, Nwobike also rose in defence of the elections into the national office of the lawyers’ umbrella body, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), held in July as corruption free. He said the election which ursherd in Augustine Alegeh’s led leadership, was the most transparent election in the annals of the NBA. His words: “To be frank, NBA election is corrupt free because it is delegatevoting pattern. I mean, the election in the national level cannot be compared to it especially as the selection of the delegates, were very clear. The delegates came and voted at the elections and the ballot papers were counted in the presence of everyone while the results were announced almost immediately. So, I am not aware if there were corrupt practices in NBA elections, even if there were a few discrepancies here and there, I think such will be too minimal to have any effect in the entire process. So, NBA election in its nature was free and fair. On allegations by the CJN that corruption has penetrated the lowest rung of the judiciary ladder, Nwobike said: “Well, the CJN is part of the judiciary and in her capacity as the chairman of the NJC, she is responsible for the discipline of erring judges. I believe she will work out measures to address the perceived corruption in whatever level it is said to be today. But I must confess that I think that the issues of corruption in the judiciary is been over blown because we have over 1000 judges today in Nigeria and not up to 10 judges have been dismissed for corrupt practices in the last five years, so what the percentage

He holds a doctorate degree in Law. Dr. Joseph Nwobike, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria reviewed allegation by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mariam Aloma-Muktar that lawyers are to blame for corruption on the Bench and concluded that it is far from the truth. Besides, he speaks on the crisis rocking the Rivers State judiciary and concluded that the governor should give peace a chance. APPOLOS CHRISTIAN met him.

Nwobike, SAN

of the judges that are dismissed to the percentage of those who have no criminal allegations against them? “So, we cannot say that because a few allegations were made against a few judges to conclude that the entire judiciary is corrupt is out of it. I think we should respect the judiciary with regards to these corruption utterances against it. I don’t think it is justifying for us to just cast the entire judiciary as corrupt; that everybody within the judiciary is corrupt, I find it so unease because some of this talks border on allegations that can never be substantiated. If we say the judiciary is corrupt, let us also point out those members of the judiciary who are corrupt and report them to the NJC. And we all know that the current Chief Justice of Nigeria accelerated the hearing and determination of petitions against judges since her tenure. Now the question is; how many judges have been dismissed or penalized? Again, Nigeria is also a country where when a lawyer loses a case, he accuses the judge or the judiciary of corruption. So, we don’t have the spirit to loose or understand that you either win or lose in the court. So, when you lose, instead of you to find out why you lose and keep up; you rather result to writing frivolous accusations and going about saying this and that against the judiciary. I think the CJN also referred to

Justice Okocha is the rightful person to be the chief judge of Rivers State being the most senior judge of Rivers State judiciary

the fact that a lot of frivolous petitions are been written against judges. So, I believe that to a very large extent the hue and cry about the corruption in the judiciary appears to be over blown. On judicial autonomy, Nwobike said “let me tell you one thing, the financial autonomy of the judiciary is a mirage because it is practically impossible. It would have been possible if the judiciary is also generating income because the judiciary does not generate income it will be difficult for us to say that it will be financially autonomous. In fact, Mr. Babatunde Fashola , SAN, the governor of Lagos state, stated it point very clear that the judiciary depends on the execu-

tive and legislative for funding and even when this fund has been budgeted, the cash backing has to come from funds that has been generated. And the arm of government that generates this fund is not the judiciary, in light of this circumstance, how can the judiciary be autonomous? It will be difficult. I know that a judgment was recently secured where it was declared that the judiciary is to be financially autonomous and government at the states and federal levels are directed to ensure the financial autonomy of the judiciary, but the practicality of that judgment is apparently doubtful considering the fact that the judiciary does not generate funds. He went on: “So, financial allocations to the judiciary must come from the executive for there to be availability of funds, if the judiciary says for instance; our budget for this year is N10 billion, that is all well and good but where is the money and where will it come from? From the executive of course but there are other sectors. So, when we are talking about the financial autonomy of the judiciary, we should bear in mind the practical implications of what it means. In fact the only arm of government that is financially autonomous is the executive because it is the executive that generates the funds. So, even the principle of separation of powers cannot do anything in this wise because even the legislature has never been financially autonomous. Even there are cases where the legislature has budgeted a particular amount of money but eventually didn’t get it as budgeted from the executive, because there is a whole lot of difference from budgeted amount and the cash backing. The budget process is anticipatory base on the expected income that will come, but what happens when the income didn’t come as expected? So, it is to that extend I said that financial autonomy of the judiciary is a mirage. Now, considering how financial autonomy to reduce corruption is indeed a truth because some evidence of it exists at the federal level because the federal government rarely interferes in the affairs of the judiciary. But when you come to the states level, it’s a different ball game because most of the governors see themselves as emperors while the Chief Judges and other judges see themselves as public servants who are responsible to the governors. In fact, while it easier to obtain judgment against the federal government at the federal level, it is highly impossible to obtain judgment against a state government at the states level except in a few cases. That is the truth. But that cannot be attributed solely to financial autonomy because there are several other factors such as the fact that most of the people appointed judges in the states are from the state ministry of justice, so they see themselves and the judiciary as an extension of the state’s ministry of justice, which has and will always affect the way they carry out their judicial function. And lastly in respect of corruption, corruption is a function of several factors. And a thief is a thief even if you give him or her billions of naira. Meaning that a corrupt judge is a corrupt judge, likewise a permanent secretary, governor and what have you. Otherwise some of these governors whose security votes runs into billions wouldn’t have been stealing public funds. So, the fact that you have given somebody money CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Law | Interview

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

Corruption thrives in Nigerian prisons, says Giwa-Amu CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

they don’t need. There is a rule; they don’t cook in the prisons with firewood. But most of the prison yards now cannot afford gas. So, they cook with firewood and sometimes, the food is half done. Except for Sagamu prison which I visited the other day, their meal was just an exception. Maybe because they know I am coming. I had the privilege to have breakfast with the prisoners and it passed as barely edible food. But that is not the same as other prisons. So apart from the Lagos State Prison Command where the officers in charge of the different yards are doing their best, based on donations from NGOs to ameliorate the plight of the inmates, every other prison is a disgrace. Does it mean the other prisons yards are not receiving donations from NGOs or they are not using the donations for the good of their yards? Lagos state is a lucrative command. We have many people and groups that pretend to be charities in Lagos. They pretend that they have so much compassion to show. I use the word pretend because everyone has his own reason for doing what he is doing. What is the situation of the police cells? It has been a very sad experience, although better now than in the past. Before Abubakar Mohamed came in, it was terrible. But he came in with a new drive. Now the police has been enjoined, mandatorily so, to ensure that the suspects are charged to court within 24 hours. And I think the police are complying with that. Although, we have some situations where we either hear that the IPO travelled on essential duty and so, no case file, in such cases, we insist that with or without the case file, we have plain sheets to apply for bail. So, there is an improvement. It’s better than the prisons because there is less congestion now. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

cannot change the person from a life style such as corruption. On the imbroglio rocking the Rivers State judiciary, the Senior Advocate believes there is a light after the tunnel in regardless of Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s interest in the matter. According to him, since it was impossible for the governor to appoint a Chief Judge without recourse to the National Judicial Council (NJC), it was high time the Governor Amaechi must worked with the NJC with a view to appointing a substantive Chief Judge. Nwobike said: “Well, I know that it is impossible

Is the congestion in the prisons still as bad, what are the statistics? In all of the prisons, congestion is not really the prisons itself but the awaiting trial section. If you remove the awaiting trial section, there is no problem. I know that the Ikoyi prisons that was built to house 700 inmates now has about 1,890 inmates as at today. It is very bad. And the medium has about 2000 but it was built for 1200. People always say that the maximum prison, Kirikiri is not congested, and the reason is because, except one is convicted for an offence of over four years, you are not taken to maximum prison. Second, the court believes that the maximum prison is not for awaiting trials. So, in the warrant, they always minute to Ikoyi or medium prisons. What have the authorities been doing about decongesting the awaiting trial section? Lagos state again, like I said earlier are the pathfinders and the trail blazers when it comes to salutary laws meant to decongest the prisons. In Lagos State now, the DPP advice has to come out within 30 days at first instance in capital offences matter. If within that 30 days that legal advice is not out, the DPP office must show cause why the advice did not come out in 30 days. They are given another 30 days, that is 60 days now. After that, the magistrate’s court is entitled to release that person. This ought to have been done in the High C\ourt but the magistrate has the powers now. Only Lagos state has that law and it is aimed at decongesting the prisons. Unfortunately, the same Lagos state has a very ‘vibrant’ organization that carries on the interpretation and enforcement of the law with so much abuse. The KAI Brigade in charge of environmental offences. These are people who act with so much arbitrariness. Indiscriminately, they go to a market and arrest

Giwa Amu

Lagos state has a very ‘vibrant’ organization that carries on the interpretation and enforcement of the law with so much abuse

market women and traders and allege that they are doing street trading and charge them to court. They take as many as a hundred of them to prison in one day, forgetting that this facility is run with Federal Government funding, if there is any funding. And the prison officers have to be looking after these large numbers of persons. That is why we have said in many occasions and in our write ups to the authorities, that is, for those who care to listen, that the officers in charge of the yards should be able to exercise discretion to refuse to accept these ‘suspects’. What do you propose for the government to be able to turnaround the prisons for good? There is a problem. The problem is that you can’t really tell a man who is deaf, blind, dumb that his mother just died. It’s difficult. Until these people go into the prison system, then they will understand what is happening there. And that is why a lot of people think that the former president,

Olusegun Obasanjo, with respect to him, did not do enough for the prisons, but I disagree with them and I will say why. People say that being an exconvict, he ought to have done more for the prison service but I don’t agree with that school of thought. I know a little bit about governance because of my relationship with my late brother. It’s possible for a Head of State or governor to assign a person to handle one aspect of our society. But there are so many frustrating tactics that some people may apply to prevent that thing from being done giving them the opportunity to embezzle the money that has been disbursed for that purpose. Obasanjo may have done something in revival of the prison service but I can assure you that when it comes to governance, between the minister and the Nigerian prison service, the various commands, and the prison yards, a lot of things would have gone on that makes it very frustrating to people at the lowest end of the rung. In between, so many juggling of figures, before he remembers that, there is a plane crash somewhere that he has to attend to, there is Boko Haram, and before he remembers, somebody tells him look, you know you have to go for a re-election, let’s leave this matter for a while. That’s governance for you. So except there is somebody who is a believer in the system itself, and we have many. You don’t just appoint a CGP just because he is next in command, no. Appoint somebody who believes in the system, who can work and develop the system. Then you can get progress in the sector. Second, there must be a way to stop the flow of inmates to prisons if we truly want to decongest them. States should not take the benefit of receiving fine as part of their revenue, and not share of the burden of maintaining the prison. Jail houses should be made available, where those awaiting trial will be catered for by the state and those convicted referred to the federal facility. This will enable the state to exercise discretion in apprehending and sending environmental offenders to jail instead of a community service and setting them free.

‘Corruption in judiciary is overblown’

I think the right thing is for the governor to listen to the NJC

for a governor to appoint a chief judge without the NJC or for the NJC to recommend a chief judge and have that recommendation put into effect without the approval of the governor and of course the state house of assembly. So the state house of assembly, the governor and the NJC must work together for a valid appointment of a chief judge. I am also aware there are two conflicting judgment by the Federal High Court in respect of the subject matter but be that as it may, I do not think that that is a sufficient reason

Nwobike, SAN

while the whole judiciary of Rivers state has been closed down for months.

It is unheard of. It therefore means that the judiciary of Rivers state has been politicized and that politics is now driving the judiciary of Rivers state which is very bad. On a way forward, Nwobike said “without missing words, I think the right thing is for the governor to listen to the NJC. And with all sense of reasonability and responsibility, I think that Justice Okocha is the rightful person to be the chief judge of Rivers state being the most senior judge of Rivers state judiciary. Funny enough

both Justice Okocha and Justice Agumagu are from Ikwere tribe in Rivers state just as I am. In fact Justice Agumagu and I are from the same local government area, my point being that I support the right course of given honor to whom it’s due and that is what is expected of me as a SAN.” So, people should avoid sentiments and be reasonable in this matter so that Rivers state judiciary will move forward. So, once again, Justice Okocha should be the chief judge of Rivers state that is my take.

Law

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Discordant tunes over immunity

l Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, is a member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) and currently serve as Committee member of Human Rights and Political Communication of the American Political Science Association (APSA) chaired at the New York University, USA

FredLatimore Oghenesivbe

Judgement, sentencing and appeals in criminal matters in Nigeria continued FROM LAST WE E K

D Ozekhome

Keyamo

CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 22

affect criminal prosecution, a governor can be prosecuted when he leaves office for an offence committed while in office. “There is nothing to be anxious about as the constitution has taken care of gross misconduct by the President or the Governor in office by providing for impeachment. “If we remove immunity clause, how can we execute it? How can the Attorney -General prosecute his boss. You cannot subject the Chief Executive Officer to prosecution. If you do that, it will lead to total confusion and disorder. “A lot of long, deep and intelligent thinking was carried out before the clause was injected into the constitution. The removal will be wrong, unwarranted and unnecessary.” Chief Mike Ahamba, SAN simply said “immunity clause is not the problem of the nation and its removal will never be the answer”. He however stated that the problem of the country was the failure of various institutions to carry out their functions as provided by the law. In his view, Ogunade described the lawmakers’ removal of the immunity as an unfortunate phenomenon. He said: “One will expect that because both of them are birds of a feather, the removal should have affected all of them together. It is expected that because those in the legislature and executive are political servants whose conducts must be above board, anyone of them who runs foul of the law must be made to face the instrumentality of the legal system’’. “They want to preserve themselves and the people they see as their enemy, they want to destroy them. So, what they have done is very wrong. But, even with me, I still see the Decree 24 which is called the 1999 Constitution as an aberration and this is why it is necessary that we have a people’s constitution. I am sure if the people sit down, all these irregularities will be corrected. “With what members of the House of Representatives have done now, they have even added more trouble to the constitution and the system. I believe the executive will not keep quiet on this issue and if the matter is tested in court, the executive will succeed”. Also, Okorodas, who is the chairman, Yenagoa branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, said were on a futile adventure if the immunity clause was the only evil they had discovered in the Constitution. He said: “If indeed our representatives have voted to expunge the immunity from prosecution being currently enjoyed by the President, Vice-President, Governors and their deputies, it’s an indication that

Some governors have been known to use security agents to kill or maim their political opponents and at the end of the day because of the immunity, they are left untouched like sacred cows

they do not appreciate the rationale for constitutional provision. “Immunity was provided to ensure that the president and governors are not distracted by litigation, and to protect the symbols of authority of the state [i.e. the head of state and governors] from ridicule. Can you imagine your president in handcuffs? The dignity of the office must be preserved. “No one is happy that some governors abuse the immunity enjoyed by them by stealing public funds, the point is that legislators who have the power to impeach should first have such a governors removed from office so that he could be dealt with as a private citizen. “That way, the dignity of the office is preserved and the ends of justice also met. If we have this alternative and effective way of dealing with a criminal governor, why removing immunity from our constitution and open up the office to a possible ridicule and frivolous distracting litigation? “I also wonder if an independent National Assembly could not deal with the president of this country, is it the police and the Attorney-General [office which essentially takes instruction from the president] that would prosecute a serving President? In the context of Nigeria, it’s a huge joke. But Keyamo and Ozekhome lauded the lawmakers, describing the removal of the immunity clause as long overdue. Keyamo simply said “it is a welcome development because it is what has been clamored for”. To Ozekhome: “It is really a laudable move. Though what the House of Representatives has done is to queue behind the national conference, where I was a federal government delegate. “The national conference had already recommended the removal of immunity clause from the constitution for elected officials because it was discovered that immunity clause was been abuse severally particularly by many governors because they felt that they had immunity.

eath sentence cannot be passed on an offender whose age at the time of committing the offence has not reached the age of seventeen (17) years. As a general rule, only a person that is aggrieved by the decision of a court may appeal against such decision. In criminal cases only the prosecutor or the accused person has the right of appeal under Section 243 (9) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and as decided in Nafiu Rabiu vs. The State. Flowing from the above, Persons outside these two categories of persons has no locus standi to bring an appeal under any circumstances. However, any person who will be affected by the decision of the court can be made a party to an appeal as decided in the case of Pan African Bank Ltd vs. The State and also in Akiinbiyi vs. Adelabu. Appeal shall emanate from Magistrate Court to High Court, from High Court to Court of Appeal and from Court of Appeal to Supreme Court of Nigeria, as the case may be. The decision of the Supreme Court is final in all cases including criminal matters. The notice of appeal stating the grounds of appeal is usually prepared by the counsel to the party that is approaching the appellate court for a redress. Each Court has its rules and procedure to be followed when approaching a superior court for appeal. The service of a legal practitioner is required for this process.

Judgment, sentence and appeal in criminal matters are technical legally and at the same time procedural. Certain rules must be applied as can be seen from the above court discussions. A party challenging the judgment and sentence passed by the lower court has the constitutional right to approach a higher or superior court for appeal. Appeal is only necessary where the appellant and his counsel are convinced that there was a miscarriage of justice or that the legal principle of fair hearing was not adhered to during trial. Appeal is also necessary where judgment is delivered without the Judge reviewing the evidence of the prosecution and defense and also for failing to give legal reasons for the court’s decision. A valid judgment must of a necessity include the guilt or innocence of the accused person, fact and proof of the elements of offence, ingredients of offence as well as sections of relevant enactments and case laws where the offence contravened is contained and specified as decided in Yesufu vs. IGP (1960).

Death sentence cannot be passed on an offender whose age at the time of committing the offence has not reached seventeen (17) years.

Privileges of elevation to the silk: Matters arising continued FROM LAST WE E K

Michael A. Agbamuche

s at the date of this writing, that is May 2012, the Supreme Court is only able to attend to appeals ripe for hearing that was filed in 2004. Indeed the average time span of a contested civil appeal to the Supreme Court is 8 years. The English method would appear to be more consistent with the desire of the right thinking members of the Nigerian Bar, i.e. a system of taking soundings from High Court judges in the jurisdiction where the prospective awardees practice law mainly and in the appellate court such as the Court of Appeal. Secondly, appli-

cants for the award ought not to be less than 20 years at the Bar and if they have been consistently in practice in those 20 years and have no blemish in their record; they should be conferred with the rank with no difficulty.

Agbamuche

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2014

Health News

Healthy Living

Health Features

Health News

Sugary drinks warning signs change habits of teenagers

Tackle osteoarthritis with moderate weight, exercises

Early detection key to control breast cancer

Hand washing critical to reducing child deaths –Pharmacists

Health

R-E-V-E-A-L-E-D!

Key to surviving Ebola Appolonia Adeyemi

or many Nigerians, Monday, October 20 is a memorable day. It is the day the World Health Organisation (WHO) officially declared Nigeria Ebola-free. The expected declaration, which came 42 days after the nation’s last reported an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case. While there is general reliefs devoid of the Ebola scare among the leadership and citizenry over the development, Ruiz Gama Vaz, WHO country representative to Nigeria, has warned that Ebola remained a threat to the country because some west African countries – Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone were not free of the disease yet. EVD outbreaks have killed over 4500, almost all of them in these three countries. The fact according to Vaz is that until the last case is effectively tackled, both Nigeria and other world countries remain at risk of new outbreaks. This fact is evident in the newly reported cases presently exported to the United States which is raising fears over how to address the ailment in the interim against the background of non availability of drugs to cure and vaccines to prevent the scourge. So, far handling cases with a view to reduce mortality is the area Nigeria scored high points. Although, fatality from the ailment used to be as high as 90 percent, a new WHO report estimated that 70 percent of those infected have died. By the time the last Ebola

Appolonia Adeyemi appolonia.adeyemi@newtelegraphonline.com

case in Nigeria was reported on September 5, 2014, Nigeria had recorded 19 cases with eight deaths and 11 survivors. Till date, observers still ask: “how did Nigeria to it?” For those that were down with the illness, what treatment saved their lives? Some of the 11 Nigerians who survived the infection have been speaking out on their personal experiences. Dr. Ada Igonoh, an EVD survivor and medical officer at the First Consultants Hospitals Medical Centre (FCMC) said based on advice from the Ebola specialist that provided care at the Ebola Isolation Centre in Lagos, she monitored fluid loss she experienced from diarrhea and vomiting. “No matter how much I felt (ordeal), I tried and took the oral rehydration solution (ORS) which the specialist mixed for me. He told me how to mix it and I started mixing it by myself when I ran out of the one mixed for me.” Quoting the Ebola specialist known as Dr.David, Igonoh said, “ninety percent of EVD treatment solely depends on the patient. Remaining hydrated and rehydrate is the key.” Speaking further, Igonoh said, “I had fever, vomiting and diahrroea so they treated us as we present. For the fever, I was given paracetamo and for the vomiting and diahrroea, I was given ORS which Dr. David had already told me about when I first came to isolation centre. He told me that I had to consume at least 4.5 liters of ORS a day regardless of how I felt. “My urine initially was dark and that told me that I still need to drink more electrolyte until my urine get lighter.” Many EVD patients experience frequent diarrhoea and vomiting during which they become dehydrated while losing electrolytes in the process. Electrolytes affect the amount of water in the blood, acidity of the blood, muscle function and other important processes in the body. Explaining the importance of

Ohiaeri

The Ebola Virus

He told me that I had to consume at least 4.5 liters of ORS a day regardless of how I felt. My urine initially was dark and that told me that I still need to drink more electrolyte until my urine gets lighter

Dr. Igonoh

ORS for EVD patients, a Professor of Community Health, Bayo Onajole said because diarrhoae and vomiting lead to loss of fluid and electrolyte, “What doctors try to do is to encourage fluid replacement as much as possible. That is the basis of ORS but a few of the patients were given intravenous fluid, depending on how bad they were.” According to Onajole, those who were strong enough to take their ORS orally were able to take more fluid than those whose ORS were passed to them intravenously. Furthermore, Onajole said a few of the patients that had other associated disorders were treated for whatever symptom they presented. For instance, “Paracetamol was used for pain relief but he noted that care givers avoided administering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to EVD patients.” According to him, these types

Fadipe

of drugs contain aspirin that could prolong bleeding time which is one of the side effects in Ebola disease. “If a drug does not allow blood to clot fast enough, it means when patients bled, they would bleed for a prolonged period of time and could be disastrous.” He noted that one or two of the patients needed to be transfused with blood. The treatment each patient got depended on how the symptoms he or she presented. However, Onajole said the most important thing is to see the patient early enough so that the patient is supported on replacing fluid and electrolyte loss. The professor of community underscored the necessity to see the patient early enough by saying, “Ebola starts to present initially with a high temperature, which is associated with insensible (invisible) fluid loss. CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

Health News

THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sugary drinks warning signs change habits of teenagers

Healthy Living

igns warning shoppers how much exercise they need to do to burn off calories in sugary drinks can encourage healthier choices, a United States (U.S) research has suggested. A study of teenagers’ purchasing habits found they bought fewer sugary drinks and more water when the signs were up. The most effective sign said it took five miles to walk off the 250 calories in a sugary drink. Public Health England said the study showed simple health messages worked. Study leader Dr Sara Bleich, associate professor at the Bloomberg School, John Hopkins University, said people do not understand calorie content on its own on a label. “What our research found is that when you explain calories in an easily understandable way such as how many miles of walking is needed to burn them off, you can encourage behaviour change.” For six weeks, the brightly coloured signs were displayed in corner

Dr. Ihuoma Uko-Ndukwe ada.ndukwe@yahoo.com

Tackle osteoarthritis with moderate weight, exercises Soda

shops in neighbourhoods in Baltimore, in full view of young customers buying sugary drinks. Four different signs were used in the shops. Two translated the calories in the drinks into the amount of exercise needed to burn off those calories. One sign said it would take 50 minutes of running to work off the 250 calories - or 16 teaspoons of sugar - contained in a 590ml bottle of fizzy drink, sports drink or fruit juice. The remaining signs listed the sugar content of the drink and the calories contained in the drink. Sugary drink Sugary drinks, such as fruit

PHOTO www.redorbit.com

juices and fizzy drinks, can contain up to nine teaspoons of sugar in one can A can of fizzy drink, which is 330ml in size in the United Kingdom (UK), contains around nine teaspoons of sugar. To find out the impact of the signs, the researchers - writing in the American Journal of Public Health - interviewed children aged between 12 and 18 years old leaving the shop. Out of the 35 percent of those interviewed who said they saw the signs, 59 percent said they believed the sign and 40 percent said their behaviour had changed as a consequence.

BRACED Commission seeks infectious disease hospitals C

ommissioners of Health of the BRACED Commission have called on their respective state governments within the region not to be carried away by the success recorded in fighting the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) but to establish infectious diseases hospitals in their respective states. To this end, it called for “a clearly discernable policy on the management operation and monitoring of mortuaries, disposal of corpses and the need to ensure that postmortem death certificates are issued before corpses are buried”. The Commission, comprising Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa- Ibom, Cross River Edo and Delta states, has also resolved to effect cooperation and collaboration, in ensuring greater improvement in the health sector in the region. “The building of wellequipped infectious diseases centres/isolation units within the confines of hospitals and their management by qualified staff rather

than sitting hospitals where they are strongly opposed by communities is very vital” the commission said. Rising from the meeting of the commissioners of health in the commission, it called for “greater political will and commitment on the part of the leadership of the states on health and related issues, and the development of requisite capacities and continuous training for health officials especially in managing emergencies.” The communiqué signed by the DirectorGeneral of the Commission, Ambassador Joe Keshi and Commissioners of Health of the six states, also asked for the provision of effective waste disposal mechanism/sites in hospitals and management of hospital wastes to eliminate the potential danger to the public of contagious materials. It called for the introduction of an insurance policy for health personnel especially those involved in the treatment of infectious diseases

and increased funding of the health institutions especially in the provision of Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) for health workers. The commission urged state governments to invest more in the health sector as any investment in the sector contributes significantly to economic growth and development and to the health of the society. It called upon schools and teachers at all levels particularly primary and secondary schools to seize the moment to cascade the teaching of personal hygiene to pupils and students, as a better knowledge and increased sensitisation of the dangers posed by such killer diseases like Ebola, HIV, cholera and diarrhoea will enable the younger generation to pay more attention to their health. In the long run, this will not only improve the health of citizens but will considerably reduce the cost of health delivery in the region and indeed in the country.

JOINT HEALTH Biochemical changes in the body and stresses impact bones

steoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis which affects most weight-bearing joints like the hands, hips, knee and feet. It is a progressive degenerative disease of the cartilages associated with the changes in the bone. The disease is thought to be a result not from ageing as originally thought but from a process of biochemical changes and stresses in the body. Osteoarthritis breaks down the cartilage in your joints. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. Healthy cartilage absorbs the shock of movement but when it is lost, bones rub together and with time, the rubbing together of bones damages the joints most times permanently. The most common factors that cause this condition are obesity (overweight, which is the single most important factor), getting older and injuring a joint. Other risk factors are family genetics, female gender and past trauma to a joint. A joint is where two or more bones come together. In addition, the most commonly affected joints are the hip, elbow, knee or shoulder, spine but almost any joint can be affected. It can be seen as joint space narrowing, joint destruction and small tiny growth spots on the joint called osteophytes. Joints can be damaged by many types of diseases and injuries or simply years of use and misuse, causing wear and tear. It may or may not affect both joints at the same time. One can have a severe debilitating pain on a knee and a normal well functioning, pain-free on the other knee. Some other causes might be secondary to a disease process. Some health conditions like diabetes,

PHOTOS: American academy of family physicians.

and gouts msy also cause it. The most common symptom of osteoarthritis is joint pain which worsens with activity especially after a period of rest, pain on movement that worsens with increasing joint usage, slowly progressive deformity and pain that starts in this order: initially, pain at the high use joint area that is relieved with rest. Next, is constant pain on affected joint with usage and pain that occurs at night and at rest which might lead to muscle pain, joints contracting (bending) and unequal joints. (asymetric joints) morning stiffness that lasts less than 30 minutes unlike rheumatoid arthritis. Some people may experience joint locking or joint instability, limiting activities of daily living. It is not a direct cause of fatigue or tiredness or generalised weakness, but it is very uncommon before age 40. Prevention Maintaining appropriate weight, continue moderate joint activity like normal use of the joint, aerobic exercise especially in weight-bearing joints like swimming, cycling upper body exercises, brisk walking and more

Joints can be damaged by many types of diseases and injuries or simply years of use and misuse, causing wear and tear. regular use of those joints can help prevent osteoarthritis. This is because decreased joint use can cause abnormal cartilage repair which is what we need to avoid wear and tear. Treatment Non Medications: If obese, aggressive weight loss can significantly decrease joint pains, especially knee arthritis. Weight loss of five percent goes a long way in decreasing pain and exercises that involve use of the joints impact positively. Other methods are using physiotherapy - heat or cold application, joint protection with devices such as bracing and splints to help support painful or unstable joints.

Health Features 29

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2014

Early detection, key to control breast cancer Wole Shadare

he Founder of Sebeccly Cancer Care, Dr. Lola Salako, a clinical/radiation oncologist has said that there is no sufficient knowledge on the causes of breast cancer disease in the medical world but added that early detection remains the cornerstone for the control of the disease. Salako spoke at a sensitisation seminar organised for staff of Bristow helicopters on how to detect breast cancer and measures on how to combat the disease when diagnosed. As a way of giving back to the society, Bristow helicopters partnered with Sebeccly Cancer Care, a non-governmental organisation to organise the seminar so as to raise the level of breast cancer awareness in the country. The founder of Sebeccly Cancer Care and Support Centre stated that thousands of women in Nigeria are diagnosed with breast cancer

yearly and a majority of them presently with the disease are at advanced stage which is incurable. Breast cancer which is prevalent among women presently has no known cure and is usually regarded as a death sentence in most developing countries. According to Salako, majority of deaths occur in low and middle-income countries where most women with breast cancer are diagnosed in late stages due mainly to lack of awareness on early detection and barriers to health services, adding that the situation can be reverted if adequate public health programmes are put in place. She added that the survival rate for patients living with the disease in the country is still very low because they cannot afford the treatment. Some of them lack support. So there are so many barriers to a breast cancer patient surviving the disease and the rate is still low. We have cancer registry but on a national basis we cannot collate the exact

number of cancer patients; therefore it is difficult to state the survival rate.” Speaking also at the event, Bristow uplift coordinator for Nigeria, and Business Development Manager, Mr. Mayowa Babatunde, stated that the company decided to partner with Sebeccly as a way of giving back to the society. He said it is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility of committing its time, resources and intervening in the society in order to help the need. “There is a partnership that we have established with Sebeccly to create awareness on breast cancer. It is one of the diseases that is affecting Nigerian women severely and it is still considered as a death sentence. So, we just want to play our part in helping to save more lives. Safety uplift up charitable giving programme, where we intervene in the society by giving our time and resources to help the needy in the society.”

Picture of a lady doing breast self examination (BSE)

PHOTO: www.bcf.org.sg

IFC helps HealthPlus expand pharmaceutical services I

FC a member of the World Bank Group is providing a $5million loan facility to help HealthPlus Limited and CasaBella International Limited expand pharmaceutical and personal care services in Nigeria. The project will support Nigeria’s drive for delivery of quality pharmaceutical and personal care products, create more jobs, and contribute towards the improvement of health and wellbeing in the Country. Under the agreement, IFC will assist HealthPlus and CasaBella to establish a central distribution center in Lagos and expand their combined retail business network from 38 to 120 stores across Nigeria within the

next three to four years. Olubukunola (Bukky) George, Chief Executive Officer of HealthPlus Limited and CasaBella said, “At HealthPlus and CasaBella, our strongest drive is to help people achieve optimum health and vitality by providing quality pharmaceutical and personal care products. Partnering with IFC will help us expand our reach and will give us access to global industry best practices. With support from IFC and our other stakeholders, we will be able to achieve our vision of bringing quality health and wellbeing to more Nigerians.” According to a World Bank health report, African health expenditure will keep growing rapidly, with

the private sector playing a key role. The private sector will be the key player in the delivery of quality health and personal care services to the urban poor and rural dwellers. German Vegarra, IFC Regional Industry Head said “As a partner to HealthPlus, IFC hopes to increase access to affordable quality health and personal care products, and foster industry best practices that will boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical and personal care sector. By supporting HealthPlus and CasaBella, IFC is promoting a medium-sized enterprise that was founded by a woman entrepreneur and has become a household name in the country.

L-R: : Director HealthPlus, Jide George; CEO HealthPlus Limited, Bukky George; Regional Industry Head for IFC, German Vegarra; and Investment Officer for IFC, Paul Mukasa at the signing ceremony between Health Plus Limited & CasaBella International Limited and International Finance Corporation, held in Lagos recently.

IFC supports the health sector to improve access to high quality healthcare services for people at lower and middle-income

levels. By working with partners who are willing and able to bring best practices to health care and life sciences, IFC is

promoting the growth of efficient and effective companies to generate an important public good in a sustainable way.

Ebola survivors recount ordeal CO N TI N U ED F RO M PAGE 27

He addded that this also must be checked, no matter how little, but when the fluid loss is rapid, it changes the body system. “The body itself will try to compensate by getting fluid from other parts of the body and that in itself will compromise the functions of the other organs of the body,” he said. Determination on the part of the patients to fight the disease is another key factor that drove survival. That is what happened to Dr. Akinniyi Fadipe another Ebola survivor and medical officer at the FCMC. Recounting his determination to fight Ebola, he said, “Getting to the hospital I started vomiting, once that Ebola symptom manifested, I concluded within me that this is Ebola and I made up my mind to fight it. I read in the newspapers that people survived it. So, I told myself that I am ready to fight and survive.” Fadipe is not the only Nigerian survivor such determination worked for. It similarly worked for Igonoh who explaining other factors behind her survival said, “It is a combination of strong will to survive because you should not give up on yourself. I actually did not give up on myself. I knew I had to do what I was asked to do - take the medication, the ORS and the paracetamol for pains. I continued to take these until the diarrhoea and vomiting stopped. “I took banana with the aim of increasing my potassium level because I knew that due to diarrhoea, I had lost

a lot of body fluid and there was no means to check my electrolyte level. “A lot of medical tests that should have been done were not done because the Lagos State Government was not prepared to cater for the situation at that early stage. So, gradually, volunteers came to help. “Initially, it was just Dr. David that was doing everything and the pressure was much for him. Besides, he, also had to limit contact (with Ebola patients) because there is actually a number of time he should come into the isolation centre on a daily basis.” For the Medical Director of FCMC, Dr. Benjamin Ohiaeri, having a treatment protocol which caregivers must adhere to is an important factor. Although, this helped the team at the FCMC the lack of protocol at the Texas Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, did not help matters. According to Ohiaeri, “What happened in Dallas, Texas is that the hospital that provided care for Thomas Erik Duncan did not have an incident group. Duncan contracted Ebola in Liberia before travelling to U.S. If anyone in the care giving team misses something out, another will not miss it out. “The protocol that is set out does not allow those treating Ebola to make mistakes and that is what helped the FCMC, Obalende to link symptoms of late Mr. Patrick with Ebola. Similarly, Ohiaeri stressed that there should be a very good job of surveillance so as to track those that had been in contact with persons that tested positive to the virus.

Health News

THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Hand washing critical to reducing child deaths –Pharmacists Stories by Appolonia Adeyemi

s part efforts to reduce death of children especially under five, the Association of Community Pharmacists in Nigeria (ACPN) has initiated activities to sensitise school children on hand washing. To this end, the ACPN has appealed to states and local governments as well management of various schools in the country to ensure availability of water in schools. National Chairman of ACPN, Olufemi Ismael Adebayo who made the call also urged school authority to teach younger ones the culture of handwashing so as to make hygiene a routine practice among children. “A vast change in hand washing behaviour is critical to meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) of reducing the mortality of children under five years of age by two-third by year 2015. Hand washing with soap under running water still remains the cheapest and most

effective way to prevent Ebola, diarrhea, typhoid and respiratory diseases,” Adebayo said, adding that the provision of running water in various schools is essential to sustain hand washing among school children.” He spoke on the occasion of October 15 Global Hand washing Day, a global campaign to sensitise and mobilise millions of people around the world to wash their hands with soap. The theme for the 2014 Global Hand washing Day is “Choose Hand Washing Choose Health”. According to the chairman of ACPN, “When people choose to wash their hands with soap especially after using the restroom and before touching food, they are choosing to create a healthier environment not only for themselves but for people around them.” Furthermore, he said, “Good hygiene practices must become a habit that involves regular performance. Adebayo added that people should choose hand washing not only on Global Hand Washing Day but every day.

L-R: Adebayo; National Assistant Secretary of the Association of Community Pharmacists (ACPN), Lawrence Osaretin Ekhator; and National Treasurer, ACPN, Mrs. Christy Ediomo-Abasi at the ACPN’s press conference to mark Global Hand Washing Day in Lagos recently.

Nestlé advocates access to safe water, sanitation

estlé’ has advocated access to improved sanitation and the provision of safe water to rural communities worldwide. This is one of the highlights of the Creating Shared Value Business Forum 2014 organised by Nestlé in conjunction with United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Switzerland pennultimate Thursday. Nestlé, the first corporate partner of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), has been working with the organisation since 2006, with a particular focus on improving rural communities’ access to water. At the event, Nestlé also announced the renewal of this long-standing collaboration, committing to contribute CHF5 million over five years to the organisation . Speaking at the forum with the theme, “Changing Role of Business in Society”, Bulcke said that both organisations had benefited from each other’s expertise.“We have moved from a purely philanthropic relationship to one that embodies our CSV business model which results in a lasting difference for the communities that surround our operations,” he said.

Safe access to water and sanitation provides a fertile ground for better health and quality of life,” he said. The programme which is the sixth edition of Nestlé Creating Share Value (CSV) Forum in Switzerland was monitored in Nigeria through live webcast However, this year’s CSV Forum, held in the presence of the President of the Swiss Confederation Didier Burkhalter focused on how to create a new role for industry, at the heart of the societies in which it operates. Through the collaboration, 100,000 people in Cote d’Ivoire cocoa communities now have access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities. Nestlé

said it would expand the water access and hygiene project to neighbouring Ghana. Speaking in similar vein, Bulcke urged business operators to create long-term value which has lasting impact for growth of the communities. Bulcke called for combination of holistic thinking, long-term goals and a return to strong and clear values, based on respect and described the approach as the only way forward. “Too many people and businesses had been seduced by or pressured into delivering on short-term egoistic targets and there was a general shift in thinking towards ‘me-now’ instead of ‘us-tomorrow’,” Bulcke said.

Nestle Nigeria Coorporate Communications Manager, Dr. Samuel Adenekan illustrates a point at the webcast monitored in Lagos

P&G champions fight against infection lDonates soaps to 2,000 schools

ormer Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu and the Lagos State Government have commended the leading consumer goods manufacturing company, Procter & Gamble (P&G) Nigeria, for its efforts towards the elevation of the health status of Nigerians. Chukwu gave the commendation during the official handover of Safeguard Antibacterial Soap by P&G Nigeria to the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) on October 10, 2014, as part of the company’s global campaign against communicable diseases. P&G Nigeria similarly donated Safeguard Antibacterial Soap to the Lagos State Ministry of Education to boost the state’s efforts towards the promotion of the fight against communicable diseases as well as the ebola surveillance in schools. At the presentation of the soaps, Chukwu said he was particularly impressed that the company, without being prompted, chose to identify with the FG’s on-going hand wash-

ing campaign and encouraged other corporate organisations operating in Nigeria to emulate such gesture as that would go a long way in making the nation disease free. Earlier at the event which held in Abuja, Mrs Temitope Iluyemi, P&G Director, Global Government Relations, SubSahara Africa, said the donation was a demonstration of P&G’s support for the Ministry’s Hand Washing Campaign. Iluyemi, who made the donation on behalf of P&G to Chukwu, represented by the Minister of State for Health, Dr Khaliru Alhassan, said that this was aimed at curbing the transmission of communicable diseases in Nigeria. In related development, soaps donated by P&G were received on behalf of the Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Omolara Erogbogbo at the event that held at the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

Industry

ICT

2.6Ghz band: A fillip to broadband penetration

Cybercrime: Firm introduces anti-hacking software

How we’re attracting investors to Ondo – Olateru-Olagbegi

Business What's news

$1.62trn assets in peril at Calabar Ports Investments by companies worth over N1.62 trillion ($10 billion) at the Calabar Port has been put in jeopardy, as no container ship has berthed at the Port in the last four years following the shallowness of the 84 nautical miles channel that enters the port.

$1.5bn Olokola, Brass LNG investments, redundant FOOT-DRAGGING NNPC’s $700 million investments suffer same fate over FID delay

p.32

while the pull-out from Olokola has made its FID to on hold. NNPC is the major shareholder with 46.75 per cent stake, while BG Group, which had earlier withdrawn, had 14.25 per cent.

Chevron and Shell had, last year, pulled out of the Olokola LNG project just four years after BG Group divested from the project. Both companies have a combined shareholding of 39 per cent in the project; with 19.5 per cent

stake each in the company. A source said that the withdrawal of the oil majors was due to a number of factors, including the lack of commitment on the part of CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Adeola Yusuf

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Godson Ikoro

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Abdulwahab Isa Finance Editor

ver $ 1.5 billion investments made on the Olokola and Brass Liquefied Natural gas (LNG) project by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and partners have remained redundant over six years after the start of the projects, New Telegraph has gathered. Checks revealed that while a total of $500 million had been spent on Olokola LNG, the Brass LNG has gulped $1 billion. Out of these $1.5 billion total investments, the NNPC contributed over $700 million. “It is true that the investments are inactive,” a source at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources told this newspaper, adding that these “investments are yet to be active because of the pull out by the international oil companies (IOCs) such as Chevron, Shell and ConocoPhillips from the projects. “You are aware that this has greatly affected the Final Investments Decision (FID) on the projects and it does not augur well for the country’s LNG development’s aspiration.” The Olokola project located between Ogun and Ondo states, was initiated in 2005 while that of Brass LNG began in 2008. There has been delay in the FIDs on the Brass LNG

Kunle Azeez Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo Asst Production Editor

‘Nigeria, key to Samsung’s annual $187.8bn sales’ Kunle Azeez

igeria is one of the critical markets in Africa that contributes significantly to Samsung’s annual sales currently valued at $187.8 billion, the global Information Technology company and smart de-

vices manufacturer, has said. The company, which stated this in a statement made available to New Telegraph, also announced an addition of Galaxy Note 4 to its line of Galaxy devices, which is to be launched into the Nigerian this Friday. “Through relentless in-

novation and discovery, Samsung is transforming the worlds of televisions, smartphones, personal computers, printers, cameras, home appliances, Long-Term Evolution systems, medical devices, semiconductors and CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Rates Dashboard

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin

L-R: Head, Regulation and Monitoring, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Nwakuche Duruogu, GM, Lagos Island Bank and Chairman, Save4 Scholarship Savings Central Promo Committee, Emeka Obiagwu, Madam Fadeke Adigun, her daughter and husband, as the Executive Director, Shared Services, Chijioke Ugochukwu, presents her with a cheque of N500,000 she won at the Fidelity Save4 Scholarship Savings Promo.

INFLATION RATE August 2014............................8.5% July 2014.................................8.3% May 2014.................................8.2%

LENDING RATE InterBank Rate....................11.57% Prime Lending Rate...........16.93% Maximum Lending Rate...25.83%

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parellel As at Oct 17)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N156.75 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N254.68 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N198.08

l Foreign Reserves – $39.41bn as at 16/10/2014

Source: CBN

EXCHANGE RATE (Official As at Oct 17)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N155.76 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N249.01 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N198.50

Business | News

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

$1.62trn assets in peril at Calabar Ports IDLE The 35-year old Calabar Port is being underutilised

Bayo Akomolafe

nvestments by companies worth over N1.62 trillion ($10 billion) at the Calabar Port has been put in jeopardy, as no container ship has berthed at the Port in the last four years following the shallowness of the 84 nautical miles channel that enters the port. As at last Friday, no container was found at the port terminal, which was concessioned to ECM Terminals Limited and Intel Services

by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE). Also, the mobile scanning machine was idle. Other companies around the port are the General Electric, Tinapa Business Resort, Calabar Free Trade Zone, Cocoa Industries and some oil and gas tank farms. Terminal B of the port was taken over by ECM in 2007, as contained in the section 9.6 of the concession agreement between the company and the NPA. Stakeholders, who spoke to our reporter, explained that big vessels could not reach the port because of its shallow nature. It was learnt that the channel was between 6.4 metres and eight metres. The concessionaires have invested over $13 million in the port but

handled less than 500 vessels in the last seven years. A source at the port said the concessionaires were unable to meet their financial projection because shippers deserted the port. The source expalined that cargo throughput was low due to government’s failure to dredge the port. It was also revealed that the delay in the work had impacted negatively on the economic activi-

ties of Cross River State. At the flag off of the dredging by President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by transport minister, Senator Idris Umar, the Governor of Cross River State governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, was miffed about the state of the port. He noted that nine years after, the Calabar channel dredging contract had not been realised. He said: “We hope that

this time around, the project will come to stay. This project is not about dredging of Calabar port channel, it has become a sentimental issue to us.” He said the Calabar Port has been severely under served and has never translated into its true potentials. However, the governor noted that the successful completion of the project will boost the economy of the state, noting that companies such as General Electric and Calabar

Free Trade Zone, depend on the port to realize their objectives. Imoke assured that the people of the state would support the president to achieve his campaign dream. Also, Mrs Florence ItaGiwa urged the president to modernise the Ikom bridge and Odukpani road, saying that without this the dredging would amount to nothing. She noted that if the road is repaired, it would open doors for business.

‘Nigeria, key to Samsung’s annual $187.8bn sales’ CO NTINUED FROM PAG E 3 1

LED solutions. “The company employs 236,000 people across 79 countries with annual sales of $187.8 billion and Nigerian market is a key unit in our operational spectrum in this revenue generation,” the company. It was, however, silent on the actual percentage of contribution of the Nigerian market to its annual global sales. Samsung plays in various segment of the ICT industry spectrum ranging from mobile communications devices, smart television, audio system, cameras and other home appliances sub-sector. The company has continued to enjoy impressive sales in the Nigerian market with its Galaxy lines of products, placing it ahead of other smartphone manufactures in volume sales, according to International Data Corporation’s recent study. Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics West Africa’s Director of Information Technology and Mobile, Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas, has said that the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy Note 4 will officially go on sale in Nigeria tomorrow. The device, he said, will be available for purchase through all authorised Samsung partner stores and telecom operator stores nationwide. Revmatas stated that a formal launch of the new device in Nigeria will take place at Samsung’s Experience Store in Ikeja City Mall, Lagos

on the same day, with lots of exciting gifts and Samsung accessories for consumers that purchase the device at the event. The Galaxy Note 4 retains its predecessor, the Note 3’s whopping 5.7-inch screen, with substantial innovation and upgrade in design and performance. The screen now boasts a Quad High Definition Super AMOLED technology that stretches to 515 pixels per inch to allow users enjoy sharper images and brighter colours. Coupled with this is Samsung’s innovative adaptive display that optimizes screen view depending on available lighting conditions. A sleek metal trim and premium leather-feel back cover make the latest Note device a must-have. Other highlights of the device include a powerful 3220mAh battery that goes from zero to 50 per cent battery charge in just 30 minutes as well as an improved S Pen, which now comes with two writing options, Calligraphy and Fountain and the ability to edit images using the device’s Snap Note feature. As a special promo, Samsung is offering one free accessory with every purchase of the Galaxy Note 4 on the first day of sales at all of its dealer stores nationwide. Emmanuel said the new device is available in four colours - Frosted White, Charcoal Black, Bronze Gold and Blossom Pink.

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs Omolara Erogbogbo; Chief Financial Officer, UACN Plc, Mr Abdul Bello; Tutor General and Permanent Secretary, Education District 2, Mrs Titilayo Solarin; Managing Director, Chemical & Allied Products (CAP) Plc, Mrs Omolara Elemide and Principal, Eva Adelaja Girls’ Senior Secondary Grammar School, Bariga, Mrs Olujoke Akindele, during the handing over of the repainted Eva Adelaja Girls’ Secondary Grammar School by CAP Plc in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

$1.5bn Olokola, Brass LNG investments, redundant CO N TI N U ED F RO M PAGE 31

the Federal Government to pursue the completion of the project and the non-passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). Brass LNG project was designed to produce 10 million metric tonnes of LNG per year, with the FID initially planned for 2006. But it was later rescheduled for 2008 and then 2010. It was initially billed to be executed in 2012 and later last year, but it has yet to be taken by the shareholders, which include the NNPC, Total and Eni Group. ConocoPhillips withdrew from the project in 2012. The withdrawal of ConocoPhillips from Brass project in 2012 was a major factor hindering the existing stakeholders from taking the FID on the project, as there was need to sell the stake to a new buyer. The withdrawal of the American oil giant was said to have dampened government’s drive to attract fresh FDI into the petroleum sector. Sources said that it was quite obvious that these investments would go down the drain if there were no new investors ready to partner NNPC in these projects.

They said the withdrawn Shell and Chevron may mitigate their expenditure on the Olokola LNG against upstream tax. This means the NNPC would have to lose the entire over $1.5 billion on the project. Nigeria has abundant natural gas than oil. Part of it is used for power generation and to run some heavy industries. The extent of gas usage in the country is dependent on gas infrastructure, which is just being conceptualised. LNG, which yields high foreign revenue, is a good way of utilising Nigerian gas. Natural gas is purchased, treated, refrigerated and shipped to industrial economies for high value foreign exchange income Meanwhile, Chevron Nigeria Limited, operator of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture, has officially reaffirmed its withdrawal from the Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas project. The General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria, Mr Deji Haastrup, told members of Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills (AWARES), Pan-Atlantic University, recently that the withdrawal

from the project took effect from July 31, 2013. He lamented that efforts over the last eight years to mature the project had not resulted in the FID. Haastrup, who had earlier confirmed the withdrawal in a statement, said that his company took the decision based on the review of its investment portfolio. “The business decision to withdraw from the OKLNG is based on a review of our investment portfolio, the lack of progress on the project and a reprioritisation of resources to focus on growing domestic gas supply,” the company said in the statement. NNPC, BG, Chevron and Shell formed the OKLNG project company in 2007. But BG and Shell withdrew from the project in June 2012 and July 2013, respectively. “The NNPC was duly informed of Chevron’s decision to withdraw and the divestment process is being managed in accordance with the provisions of the shareholders’ agreement governing the project,” the statement added. Chevron originally had 19.5 per cent equity in the project, but this increased to 22.74 per cent after BG’s withdrawal.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

Labour, power inhibit industrial growth, says Ogunleye p.34 A pre-commissioning visit by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, to the cold steel rolling complex being operated by KAM Industries Nigeria Limited in Ilorin, Kwara State, provided an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange views about the issue of affordable financing. BIODUN OYELEYE writes Funding One major or critical issue that has confronted businesses across the world is the issue of funding. It is a big challenge in Nigeria and several parts of the world. Issues with small business funding, for instance, is the number one reason why many people are afraid to start a business of their own. There are times, however, that the issue may not really be financing, but affordability. At a recent pre-commissioning event of Kam Industries Nigeria Limited, Ilorin, Kwara State, stakeholders met and deliberated on how funding could be available for businesses. The firm, a multi-billion Naira conglomerate that is into the production of iron rods, nails, roofing sheets and recently cold roll mill which is described as the centre hook chain holding together the upstream and downstream steels industry globally. The plant, according to the Deputy Managing Director, Alhaja Bola Yusuf, has capacity to produce vehicle panel bodies in Nigeria, adding that the installed capacity of the cold steel had created a steady market for hot rolled steel coils which no facility in Nigeria can currently produce as it is imported completely. Banks need to do more Managing Director of the organisation, Alhaji Kamaldeen Yusuf, told the mini conference which included the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, the Managing Director of Bank of Industries (BoI), Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa, the Olofa of Offa and a renowned industrialist who is also on the board of KAM Industries, Oba Muftau Gbadamosi, the National President of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN) and former Finance Minister, Chief Kola Jamodu and the Kwara State chairman of MAN, Mrs Lola Olabayo as well as representatives of the Kwara State government that the experiences of the company in raising fund for the project was a sorry tale. “When we wanted to start this project went everywhere at the in-

Industry

WIMBIZ taps into transformation agenda p.34

Stakeholders meet on affordable funding for businesses

A small scale production firm

ternational level to source fund but they would always tell us the allocation for Nigeria had been exhausted,” he told the participants, adding that his team was only rescued when officials of the BoI agreed to work with him after which two other commercial banks came in to help. He expressed concern that most Nigerian banks are ‘traders’ and not really investor friendly as they would readily swoop on clients with the slightest delay in meeting obligations. “It is like some of them just like to liquidate your enterprise,” the industrialist said, adding that as he faced newsmen at the event, “I can’t share my experiences with them here.” But the BoI Managing Director said that the tide would change with recent review of processes for accessing fund by investors on the platform of the leading development finance institution in Nigeria. He also noted that many of those who have been disappointed in the course of seeking funding from the bank might have failed to meet some of the laid down requirements. He said: “A few days ago, we had meeting with development service providers we have appointed to ensure that the process of applying for loans in the Bank of Industry is made very easy. They will help you on the process of packaging your loan so that by the time your application gets to the Bank of Industry, the applications or the proposals are really bankable. According to him, BoI, over the years, has financed close to 2,000 projects all over the country in several sectors with a total of N692 billion in loans, a development he

Everywhere I go, I tell people we have the richest African in Nigeria and the 26th richest in the world and he made his money in Nigeria, so if he can, then there is hope for every Nigerian

noted has also created approximately one million jobs. In his own contribution, Aganga explained that President Goodluck Jonathan has already set up a committee about how to make sure that industries, especially in the real sector, have access to affordable finances, pointing out that the BoI will play major roles in the new dispensation. The minister also took questions on the reliability and affordability of made-in Nigeria products, given the launch recently of a Nigerian car. He assured that government was committed to ensuring all participants in the sector operate within acceptable global standard, saying that his ministry has set up a contact team to work with United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to set standard which, once agreed upon, will lead to the registration of accredited laboratories that will test every madein Nigeria product before they are exported. Such move, he noted, would enhance the acceptability of Nigerian products abroad. Because of government’s efforts, he recounted meeting top leadership of Peugeot a few days before the Ilorin event and disclosed the readiness of car manufacturing outfits to come back to Nigeria ‘heavily.’ Essence of local industries The relevance of local industries to the national economy was also in focus at the meeting. Aganga said that it was key that Nigerians understand the issue perfectly. “Everywhere I go, I tell people we have the richest African in Nigeria and the 26th richest in the world and he made his money in Nige-

ria, so if he can, then there is hope for every Nigerian,” the minister said, referring to global industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who the MD of KAM Industries said has been a major source of inspiration for his own conglomerate. The minister underscored the importance of the steel sector to the industrial plan of the incumbent administration. According to him, Nigeria has about two million metric tons of iron ore reserve, yet it spends $3.3 billion annually importing steel and iron. Besides, the country has the second largest iron ore deposit in Africa and 12th largest in the world, adding that with the way things are, the country might end up spending $15 billion every year to import steel. “We spend $3.3 billion every year importing those items. In the next decade, because of the way we are growing, that $3.3 billion will become $15 billion,” he said. Aganga said: “Anyone in the country who is creating thousands of jobs is hero. This company, Kamwire Industries Ltd today creates directly over 3,000 jobs. If you go by industrial standard generally, it is one to three, so if you multiply it, that is 9,000, not talking of the end users such as the housing sector. Deputy Managing Director of the company also appealed to the Federal Government to support the various integration projects of the organisation, which, she noted, is capable of saving the nation some $1 billion dollars every year. According to her, the Cold Steel Rolling Mill Complex may be the third in the country CONTINUED ON PAGE 35

Business | Industry

BANE Industrialist identifies factors inhibiting the growth of industry in Nigeria Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

n Ekiti State-based industrialist, Mr Johnson Ogunleye, has said that unskilled manpower being churned out by universities and unstable power supply remains the greatest factors militating against the country’s industrial sector. The proprietor of Onward Hotels and Suites Limited, Ilupeju-Ekiti, said this at the inauguration of the facility. Ogunleye added that the sector would perpetually groan under hardship, unless there was improved power supply and an effective and virile polytechnic education to produce the needed technical manpower. He urged President Goodluck

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Labour, power inhibit industrial growth, says Ogunleye Jonathan to work assiduously and ensure that investment in the power sector was fruitful. Ogunleye also urged the Federal Government to invest in the tourism and hospitality sector for it to serve as credible and veritable alternative to oil. He urged government at all levels to continue to provide enabling environment for businesses to thrive to provide job opportunities for youths. Ogunleye, who noted that the hotel business he established in his hometown was in tandem with Governor Ayodele Fayose’s advocacy that well-meaning indigenes should invest in Ekiti, said: “Aside providing regular power supply, the Federal Government should also invest in technical education to provide skilled manpower that can help

the growth of businesses. Government must strengthen the polytechnics to be able to produce enough manpower that would drive the economy. Graduates are coming out but they are without skills. And how do you get jobs nowadays without skills? So, the Federal Government must do enough here to promote the business sector.”

He urged government to also de-emphasize preference for certificates and rely solely on competence for the country to move forward. Ogunleye appealed to Ekiti State government to provide adequate security for people to have the assurances of the safety of their investments in the state.

Firm introduces 10-in-1 pack seasoning cubes Esther Odili

ne of Nigeria’s most preferred food seasonings, Mr Chef, has launched a marketchanging 10-in-1 pack seasoning cubes. The initiative, according to the firm, is in response to customer demands. The latest effort, described by the firm as money-saving initiative, was part of Mr Chef ’s two instant big win incentives announced to distributors and wholesalers at a launch held in Abuja recently. According to the managing director, Bayswater Industries, owners of the seasoning cubes, Mr Piyush Nair, the 10-in-1 pack of seasoning is the first of its kind to be introduced by any seasoning producer in Nigeria to answer customer demand for convenience, hygiene, quality and affordability. Nair added that the concept was developed from insights

gained from customer interactions over time, especially in terms of hygiene, quantity and pricing. According to Nair, Mr Chef ’s 10-in-1 pack of seasoning cubes combines hygiene, quality, quantity and convenience with right pricing to demonstrate that cooking could be both inexpensive and a great delight. “The cubes are sealed in tamper-proof packs so customers are assured of hygienic packaging because the cubes are not touched by hands before they are sealed in the packs,” he said, adding that “the packaging ensures that the number of cubes is not subject to manipulation by re-sellers.” Unlike the current whole packs in the market that may require customers to buy more than they need or packs of 20 cubes that may stretch customers’ budget, Mr. Chef ’s 10-in-1 pack, Nair said, matches the right quantity with the right price.

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Symrise Group, Dr. Heinz-Jürgen Bertram, Managing Director of Allied Technology Systems Limited, Henry Olujimi Boyo and Head of Corporate Communications, Symrise Group, Bernhard Kott, at the commissioning of the office complex of Symrise Group in Lagos.

WIMBIZ taps into transformation agenda Dele Alao

omen in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), said it has concluded arrangements to encourage women to key into the Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government. To this end, WIMBIZ will empower women to tap into and contribute to Nigeria’s growth and development in its 2014 annual conference. The 13th conference, themed “Nigeria Rising … Accelerating Transformation,” will hold

ICC Nigeria launches mediation rules Dele Alao

he Nigeria chapter of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), has concluded plans to introduce a new mediation rule. Scheduled for next week in Lagos, the launch would hold under the auspices of ICC Nigeria in alliance with ICC headquarters, Paris. Already launched in different jurisdictions around the world, the new ICC Mediation Rules, which takes effect from January 1, 2014, have been adapted to help parties resolve even the most complex cross-border disputes quickly and reliably.

The secretary general, ICC Nigeria, Mrs Olubunmi Osuntuyi, said that the launch conference will be first opportunity for Nigerian practitioners to acquire a comprehensive knowledge of the new ICC rules after only a few months of their entry into force. “Participants will also have the opportunity to acquire knowledge on how to become involved in ICC Mediation. The conference would be a forum for international and indigenous experts to impact key ideas of the new rules in the practical sessions of the programme. Since the settlement of international busi-

ness disputes and the legal and procedural aspects of resolution of international disputes are germane to the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the need to explore the benefits of this rules becomes inevitable for in-house counsel, company executives and management staff, lawyers, academics, human resources practitioners, mediators and other dispute resolution specialists. As one of the world’s major institutions for the settlement of disputes, ICC’s role has been globally acknowledged. Mediation can be an efficient and cost-effective means of resolving disputes,” she said.

between Novenmber 3 and 4 at the Zinnia Hall, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. According to Chairperson of WIMBIZ, Osayi Alile, the two-day conference seeks to examine the possibilities and opportunities in Nigeria and provide insights on the role of citizens, particularly women in achieving and accelerating the identified prospects. “In addition, participants will be equipped with tools and skills to harness and take advantage of the opportunities in the new Nigeria,” Alile said. “The conference primarily targets women in the private and public sectors, but they also reach out to men that are sensitive to gender issues and are committed to elevating the profile and influence of women in Nigeria. Alile, who noted that WIMBIZ is a non-profit organisation established by 14 individuals in 2002, said: “Our vision is “to be the catalyst that elevates the status and influence of women and their contribution to nation-building in Nigeria. “This vision derives from our concerns about gender inequalities in the workplace and businesses and we have promoted our vision through various initiatives– lectures, conferences, mentoring, training, outreaches- at which women meet other women to dialogue on issues that mili-

tates against women achieving their full potential,” she added. The Conference Keynote Speaker is the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) and the Chairperson is the Founder, Top Grade Secondary School, Proprietress and Administrator, Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, Chief (Mrs.) Leila Fowler. Conference speakers include Director, Vic Lawrence and Associates, Mrs. Alero Otobo; Executive Producer, Half of a Yellow Sun; Ms. Yewande Sadiku, Managing Director, Sahel Capital, Mr. Mezuo Nwuneli, Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, among many speakers,” she said. She added: “This 13th Annual Conference will attract over 800 local and international delegates and will equip them with the skills, tools and information required to advance in their careers and business; thereby inspiring and empowering them to be meaningful contributors to national development.” Alile, who noted that WIMBIZ, is a non-profit organization established by 14 individuals in 2002, said: “Our vision is “to be the catalyst that elevates the status and influence of women and their contribution to nation-building in Nigeria.

Business | Industry

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

How we’re attracting investors to Ondo – Olateru-Olagbegi A prince of Owo kingdom, Nekan Olateru-Olagbegi, is the coordinator of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in Ondo State. He speaks with reporters on the efforts of the agency in attracting investors to the state, among other national issues, Babatope Okeowo was there. Excerpts: looking in that stream, we are thinking that there should be a befitting hotel to complement the Dome and the mall.

Olateru-Olagbegi

How was the Public-Private Partnership before you came to office? Different people with different ideology and different capacity, so I am sure that in my own little way I have been able to tap into the goodwill of the governor and sell it to the public and let the public know the kind of natural resources we have in Ondo State and made a statement that Ondo State is a haven for serious investors. Since your appointment, what have you been doing to attract investors to the state? I resumed in January 2014 as the coordinator of PPP and since then we have been turning the place around in the area of processes because for you to be able to market the state, you have to have a department that can sell the state and can market the state well, the kind of department that will function just like a normal ministry. Immediately I resumed in PPP office, with some orientation, we were able to put some things in place and set up processes, which means that when an application or client comes in we treat them as client. That means when they sent in letters or emails we are ever prompt in giving them what they need, and always very receptive to them because they are coming here to invest and this has been yielding a lot of good dividends. There’s a construction going on in the old Owena Hotel, the mall, which is a partnership between the state and the top services. And that was carefully negotiated by the PPP department. With that Mall, we will have Shoprites in Akure less than 15 months, just like we have in other mega cities of the country. What is the deal about and how will it benefit the people of the state? A 30 per cent equity of the deal is coming to the state and the only thing we are putting down is the land which is 24,000 square meters and at the end of thirty years, the entire properties will be handed back to Ondo State. It is a very careful negotiation and apart from that we are

What are the prospects? We are finalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) now for a fourstar hotel that would replace the Owena Motels. We are also on the verge of finalising a MoU of a deep-sea port. In the entire country, there’s no natural deep-sea port because of the state of our coastline. What we are doing now in Ondo state is that we have been able to attract investors that have their own unique ways of building these sea ports, which can accommodate the largest vessels in the world. Which means Ondo State can easily become the hub port for the entire Africa. That’s what we are currently pursuing and bearing in mind that government does not have much money. Because our attitude is that the current government has expended a lot of money in so many infrastructural development, on education, health care, urban development and community development. Those are the areas we are using to attract investors to Ondo State by letting them understand that we have the enabling environment to accommodate them. Also in Idanre, the cocoa industry is getting ready to be revitalised because we have investors now standing by to invest in it. The Ifon ceramic too, we have investors standing by. Some investors are interested in growing rice in a mechanised way in the state and all they need from us is what we can provide easily and we are giving priority to this right now and in another couple of months, we might also join rice growing states, bearing in mind that Nigerians consume well over six million tonnes of rice every year and over half of this is being imported at the cost of well over N300 billion. So, if Ondo State can join in the rice production, you can then imagine the economic benefits that will be for the state and the entire country. We have so many other areas that are in the pipeline now. But do you see the establishment of Shoprite reducing the unemployment rate in the state? Even in America, the biggest employer of labour is the small businesses which usually employ ten to twenty people and by the time you put all these together, it will reduce un-

employment because I am sure that we have over 50 spaces at the mall with each employing 10 or 20 people, you can then imagine the number of those that will be working there. I can say this confidently that it will certainly reduce unemployment in this state and will add to the economy of the state positively The previous government tried to do something about the deep Sea Ports. What are the things you think you can do differently from what the past administration did? Yes, the previous administration tried to do something about the deep sea port. But they did not go in the same direction like we are talking now. What they planned to do was a deep sea port in Olokola and Olokola does not belong to Ondo State exclusively, it belongs to Ondo and Ogun states with the partnership of some other companies involved, but what we are talking about is going to be exclusively in Ondo State and the state will partner with the Nigerian Port Authority, unlike the deep sea port of the past where we have to go through Ogun State and many other states. You talked about moribund companies, do you see them coming back to life with the epileptic power supply in the country, don’t you see that as a barrier? It is really a barrier because power generation adds to the cost of production, but most of the investors have looked into it, done their own calculations and they have come to tell us that they can do it and we are believing that they can do it because they have demonstrated that they can do it. Apart from the one I have mentioned, we also looked into the silky sands where we can make glass, and we have companies lining up to start production of glass and also we have companies lining up for bitumen, oil and gas production. We have all these investors willing to invest in Ondo State and I am optimistic about the future of Ondo State.

In another couple of months, we might also join ricegrowing states

How many investors are we talking about here? We are expecting investors in bitumen, oil and gas, cocoa and many others. What we do is that in any investor forum we attend, we pitch most of these companies and most of the resources we have together and we have been able to attract serious investors. Do you think all these will be sustained after you might have left the office because you are aspiring for the senate in the next dispensation? When I leave this place and I am elected as senator of the Federal Republic, I don’t see how that will affect the PPP. But I am assuring you that it will enhance it because as a lawmaker, I will have more broad knowledge about the country and will also have access to more companies and as a good citizen of Ondo State there is no way I will see investment that will benefit the state from anywhere in the world that I will not bring it home to enhance what we are doing here already.

Stakeholders meet on funding for businesses CO N TI N U ED F RO M PAGE 33

in terms of age, but it is the first of its kind in terms of machinery configurations and quality. It is an assemblage of high technology from 11 countries, including India, USA, Belgium, Germany, Korea and China, among others. With little addition of equipment, she said that the outfit can produce vehicle panel bodies here in Nigeria and a host of raw materials for many companies. She said: “Our experience in the industry has taught us to indigenise the upstream sector of the steel in-

dustry as it was done in China, India, Japan, Brazil and Ukraine to avoid pitfalls which Nigeria found itself in the oil sector where we produce one of the best variants of crude in the world and yet we are not selfsufficient in petroleum products. We need to save our foreign exchange for capital investments and our initiatives guarantee $1 billion savings every year if we receive the needed support.” Providing the enabling environment On its part, the Kwara State government said it was ready to support the

company and others to enhance the economic development of the state. Aganga had earlier commended the state government for linking Kamwires to a dedicated line on its 33KVA power sub-station at Ganmo. Commissioner for Industry and Solid Minerals Development, Alhaji Aliyu Lade, who represented Governor AbdulFattah Ahmed at the event, noted that the state government was in the process of setting up an industrial cluster where small companies that can provide services and inputs to the bigger companies like Kam Industries will be located.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

ICT

Airtel, Apollo to drive telemedicine in Nigeria p.38

Zinox to float Nigeria’s ‘largest’ IT support centre p.39

2.6Ghz band: A fillip to broadband penetration As Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently released the auction modalities for the spectrum slots in the 2.6 gigahertz frequency band, analysts say the successful auctioning of the spectrum will add the needed impetus to the country’s march towards achieving pervasive broadband –penetration writes KUNLE AZEEZ

he drive for pervasive broadband penetration across Nigeria is upbeat with the publication, on October 10, of the Information Memorandum (IM) on the proposed licensing of the 2.6 gigahertz spectrum by the telecoms industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The IM defines the process that the Commission has decided to adopt for the licensing of 2 X 70 MHz paired spectrum available in the 2.6 gigahertz band. It also provides information on the Nigerian telecommunications market, details of the spectrum to be made available, the pre-qualification process, the auction process and indicative timetable. According to the NCC, the process for the licensing of the new spectrum is predicated on demands by operators for additional spectrum to avail them the opportunity of providing advanced wireless broadband services for the country. This is in line with international trends and provisions of the National Broadband Plan 2013204, which proposes a 30 per cent broadband penetration target for Nigeria by 2018. “The target to achieve 30 per cent broadband penetration by 2018 is a tall order for us at NCC and we are doing everything possible to ensure that we make available new spectrum bands to ensure that wireless broadband services are provided to Nigerians,” said the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah, at a forum in Lagos last month. Nigeria currently has a broadband penetration of six per cent and this with a clear plan to grow it five-folds in the next four years. Specifications and price According to the IM for 2.6 gigahertz spectrum licensing, the spectrum offers 14 lots of 2 X 5

Johnson

megahertz FDD paired spectrum in the 2.6 gigahertz, ranging from 2500 – 2570 megahertz and 2620 to 2690 megahertz (totalling 2 X 70 megahertz) for auction. A generic reserve price (GRP) of $16 million has, therefore, been fixed on each of the 14 lots. NCC further stated in the IM: “The GRP is the minimum price at which a lot shall be sold, which is the Reserve Price for one Lot of 2 X 5 megahertz, and as such, each has a value of $16 million. This means that each lot of 2 X 5 megahertz represents one eligibility point. An applicant that pays the IBD for six lots will have a total of six eligibility points.” Consequently, with $16 million minimum GRP tagged on each of the 14 lots, it is estimated that the NCC will generate a minimum of $224 million (about N35.8 billion) into the government coffer, in addition to the over N300 billion it said it had generated from spectrum licensing in the last 13 years of telecoms liberalisation. Qualification criteria On the eligibility criteria to participate in the auction, the NCC sated in the IM that applicants in the spectrum allocation process will not be required as a prequalification criterion to hold any telecommunications operational license in Nigeria. However, to be qualified, the regulator said that applicants must fulfil a number of pre-qualification criteria, which require applicants to be a company registered in Nigeria with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and also be independent of all other applicants under the allocation process. Applicants must also transfer an Intention-to-Bid Deposit (IBD) into the designated account in cleared funds by the Commission. NCC said that the deposit will bind the applicant to take up a licence, should it be a successful

Juwah

bidder, at the reserve price or any higher bid value submitted during the process. As part of the qualification criteria also, the NCC said that operators participating in the process must fulfil all existing obligations to the commission including payments of Annual Operating Levy (AOL), Spectrum and National Numbering Plan fees prior to prequalification, among others. On the assignment process, the commission said this will comprise an auction billed to take place during the first week of December, 2014, in Abuja through the application of Ascending Clock Auction system.

The auctioning of spectrum in the 2.6 gigahertz band will add the required impetus in the provision of wireless broadband services nationwide

Impact of auction According to industry experts, just as those licensed before it, the auctioning of spectrum in the 2.6 gigahertz band will add the required impetus in the provision of wireless broadband services nationwide. Though divergent views have previously been expressed by stakeholders on whether the spectrum should be auctioned as a national or a regional licence among multiple operators, the Commission, has clearly indicated preference for a national licence for the spectrum in order to ensure that a company with necessary expertise and financial muscle wins the auction to provide services nationwide. It has also been expressed that at a time when broadband development has been declared by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) as a necessary tool to be competitive in the 21st century, the successful auctioning of 2.6 gigahertz spectrum will, no doubt, help in fast-tracking the delivery of fast-speed internet provisioning in the country. “Nigeria is a country with most of the telecoms services being provided through wireless means,” said President of Association of

Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr Lanre Ajayi. “Providing services wireless means you need to additional spectrum that should be available to the operators so as to be able to deploy services nationwide.” A telecoms lawyer, Mr Adewale Jones, also said that “with solid broadband plan in place in Nigeria, the ongoing collaborations between the NCC and telecoms operators to see how more spectrum bands can be made available are a step in the right direction.” In his views, Chief Executive Officer, Swift Networks, Mr Charles Anudu, noted that the having more spectrum available will translate into the provision of more innovative by the operators to the consumers, whose demand for data, he observed, has been upswing. According to him, “global mobile data traffic grew 81 per cent in 2013. Also, video traffic account for 53 per cent of the global Internet traffic. This is growing even faster in Nigeria, which is still an emerging market and fastest-growing telecoms market in the world. Indeed, telecoms firms are really trying in Nigeria but the growth in demand for data services, most especially, is outstripping the networks, putting more pressure on the operators.” He explained further that the increase in the number of webbased applications, being developed daily, is another factor where demand for data is coming in the telecoms sector. “So, for me, the licensing of the 2.6 gigahertz spectrum band based on the timelines already stipulated by the Commission would produce multiplier effect on all sectors, as more broadband services can be accessed by companies, institutions and individuals, which would have positive effect on the nation’s Gross Domestic product (GDP.” The NCC had in February this year, licensed the 2.3 gigahertz spectrum to a national licenses, BitFlux, to provide wholesale services to other telecoms companies, as part of the drive to deepen broadband penetration in the country. Five months after, the Commission also announced plan to auction the available spectrum in the 5.4 gigahertz frequency band, all in an effort to drive broadband development as next revolution in the nation’s telecoms sector. Assessing the trend, the Chief Executive Officer, Teledom International, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, said, “I have no doubt that the NCC is keen on delivering on its mandate of deepening widespread broadband penetration in the country. “So, the 2.3 gigahertz spectrum band, the 5.4 gigahertz and the new 2.6 gigahertz, being planned, will altogether add necessary impetus to our drive as a nation to achieve ubiquitous broadband Internet penetration.”

Business | ICT

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

Commonwealth telecos want specific goals for ICT DEVELOPMENT ICT is expected to be fully incorporated into post2015 development agenda Stories by Kunle Azeez

ollowing consultations with its members, the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) has asked for an explicit reflection of Information and Communication Technology in the post-2015 global development goals. “Formal discussion over

the new goals to be adopted by the international community in the period after 2015 has so far placed insufficient emphasis on the potential of ICTs to transform development,” the statement said. “The failure to have targets relating to ICTs more widely embedded in global thinking on the post-2015 goals is cause for considerable concern, particularly in the light of the significant efforts to build on the conclusions and recommendations of the 2003 and 2005 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).” To ensure ICT is reflected in the new development objectives

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Precise Financial System, Mr Yele Okeremi; President, Nigeria Computer Society, Prof. David Adewunmi and Chief Executive Officer, HiiT Plc., Mr Kayode Shobajo, at Nigerian Pavilion during the 2014 Gulf Information Technology Exhibition held in Dubai.

being drafted, the CTO said it should be suggested that “relevant ICTs are universally accessible and are used effectively for development interventions.” To achieve this, CTO listed three targets that should be established to include that “percentage of households or individuals connected to the latest technology by a given date; percentage of people using the Internet for ‘development’ purpose, such as education, health, or rural development; while percentage of members of particular marginalised groups actively using digital technologies.” Meanwhile, CTO has said that ICT is both a key sector to the achievement of the stated objectives in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), saying that it should be clearly incorporated into post 2015 MDGs. According to CTO, ICT is also critical for economic growth and transformation and as an enabler of wider social, cultural and political development. “A very rapid growth and expansion in the use of ICT has been one of the most dramatic changes to the world’s development context since the launching of the MDGs in 2000. In the original MDGs, ICT was specifically referred to in the sixth target of Goal 8, which targets the creation of a global partnership for development with targets for aid, trade and debt relief,” CTO said in a statement. The organisation believes

Industry honours Edo ICT agency’s chief

Telecoms firm extends operations to Abuja, PH T BROADBAND Mobile broadband will continue to play a crucial role in development

igeria’s Internet service provider, Smile Communications Nigeria Limited, has launched its 4th Generation Long-Term Evolution (4G LTE) broadband Internet service in Abuja and Port Harcourt. The Abuja and Port Harcourt rollout came barely one year after Smile’s 2013 commercial launch of its network in Ibadan and months after Lagos, following over three years of extensive testing and development. Speaking at the launch of the fast-speed Internet in Abuja, Smile Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Tom Allen, said that Abuja was strategic in the company’s growth, saying that Smile had taken its time to ensure the service is at its best in the capital city. “Our vision of becoming the broadband Internet provider of choice in Nigeria has guided us in everything from selecting our people and partners to developing relevant products and

services. “We are confident and excited, and we are ready to share the promise of digital citizenship with Abuja residents and millions of Nigerians,” Allen said. He noted that Smile’s Nigerian customers were already experiencing global standard speed and quality. “Our customers will experience average speeds in excess of 6Mbps, and some customers are already running at average speeds in excess of 20Mbps, which is substantially faster than the speed that can be achieved in other parts of the world, including the United Kingdom,” he said. Similarly speaking at the Port Harcourt launch, Allen noted that Nigeria is one of the most dynamic markets in the world, stressing that mobile broadband, as introduced in Port Harcourt, will continue to play a crucial role in the transformation and development of the country. He noted that Smile was well equipped to play a significant role in the nation’s telecommunications industry. Allen assured the inhabitants of Port Harcourt that Smile’s best-in-class service delivery will remain consistent. “We

have the technology, people and partners to ensure that we deliver what we promise and more.” He said that 4G LTE deployed by Smile was an advanced global technological standard for wireless data communications and represents a major change compared to older technologies such as 3G. “The Port Harcourt roll-out is very unique because the city will enjoy new services introduced by Smile from day one. Smile Nigeria has introduced several new innovations in its offerings, all intended to improve the customer’s experience. “The first innovation was a few weeks ago where they introduced the ability for a customer to dynamically select the speed of the service through a personalised online portal called MySmile with this tool an individual select the speed of the Smile data service and you can change it whenever you want. “Smile has also gone further, on the same personal portal page (MySmile); you can now select to disable access to high data sites. The objective of this is to give the customer more control and help them manage their data efficient and effectively,” he said.

that in cooperation with the private sector, there is the need to make available benefits of new technologies, especially information and communications. It, however, observed that formal discussion over the new goals to be adopted by the international community in the period after 2015 has so far placed insufficient emphasis on the potential of ICT to transform development. “The United Nations HighLevel Panel, for example, identified 12 universal goals and 54 national targets; none of the goals referred directly to ICT and only one target (within Goal 8) mentioned them in the context of jobs and g growth: ‘Strengthen productive capacity by providing universal access to financial services and infrastructure such as transportation and ICT.’ “Similarly, the outcome document of the Open Working Group for Sustainable Development has identified 17 goals, each with numerous targets, but once again ICTs are not specifically mentioned as one of the goals. They are, though, included four times within the targets, in the context of capacity building, education, women’s empowerment, and access to the Internet. “The most powerful of these is the intent in Target 4b to ‘significantly increase access to ICT and strive to provide universal and affordable access to Internet in LDCs by 2020,’” the statement said.

he Managing Director of the Edo State Information Communications and Technology Agency (ICTA), Olayemi Keri, has been honoured as Nigeria’s Most Outstanding Public Sector Chief Information Officer by the telecoms industry. He received the award during the ICT Centenary Awards organised by an ICT media group in Abuja. The Nigeria Centenary ICT Centenary Awards 2014 was put in place to celebrate the country’s single largest achievement in the last 100 years, according to ICT Media Initiative, the organizers of the awards. The event recognises and celebrates individuals, government institutions and corporate bodies who have contributed immensely to the growth and development of ICT in Nigeria in the last 100 years. Keri was selected as the winner of the Public Sector CIO category because of her roles in establishing the largest and most impacting ICT agency in the country. In the citation read to honour Keri, the organisers credited her with creating the framework of ICT policy in Edo State, broadening the recognition of the values and acceptance of information technology into the public service.

She was also said to have been instrumental to the establishment of the first-ever ICT agency backed by law in the state, as a critical enabler for the full delivery of e-governance in the state. This, the organisers, noted has attracted collaborative support from International Development Agencies (IDA) and study tour from federal and state agencies. Keri was also applauded for the management and supervision of the centralized ICT structure of the state government, which spans business strategy, implementation of networks, communications, infrastructure, software and the information systems that relates to all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). Responding, Keri dedicated the awards first to Governor Adams Oshiomole for giving her the opportunity to serve the state government. She also bestowed the awards to her teams for working very hard to make technology the driver of the public service in Edo State. “This award is a testimony and rewards for the leadership of my Comrade Governor and the invaluable efforts of my team and staff to create something from nothing. The awards can only spur on to do more for our dear state,” she said.

Business | ICT

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Cybercrime: Firm introduces anti-hacking software RELIEF Internet users may witness better security against online attacks Stories by Kunle Azeez

ith the increasing spate of cybercrime in the country, and Information Technology firm, Business Growth System Services, has unveiled online security

software that protects Internet users against hackers. Known as SurfSafeVPN and manufactured in the United States, the software affords users the opportunity to do online banking and shopping without their personal details being stolen. According to the Chief Executive Officer of Business Growth System Services, Mr Okechukwu Okonkwo, who spoke at the product’s launch in Lagos, the solution makes users invincible online, gives access to many Internet Pro-

tocol (IP) addresses around the world and unblocks any blocked website anywhere in the world. “Online identity theft is the world’s fastest growing criminal activity and one in 12 people have their identities stolen every three seconds, yet no one ever mentions a solution to the problem. The team here at SurfSafeVPN has developed the solution for individuals, as well as small to medium businesses and travellers of every description. “For those who want to be proactive rather than reactive, SurfSafeVPN is your answer. Quit rolling the dice by saying, ‘Identity Theft won’t happen to me,’ and ensure that it won’t happen by using SurfSafeVPN,” he said. Explaining other benefits of the product, Okonwo said that it also gives users shield on posted pictures on social media, protects intellectual

property as well as protecting devices against using of IP addresses to send virus and loss of files. “It’s more than a catchy saying, we mean it. We know the dangers that exist on the Internet and our mission is to keep you safe from those dangers. SurfSafeVPN was created in 2011 by a group of individuals with Internet security being the main focus. “Far too often the Internet is thought of as a safe place; however all evidence points to the contrary. SurfSafeVPN is taking back the Internet and making it safe, secure and private. After all, isn’t this the way the Internet should be,” Okonkwo said. While noting that the product comes in packages that cover between a month and a year, he added that the software is available for Individuals, companies, government agencies and parastatals.

Chams CEO to speak at CIBN Annual Lecture

L-R: Chief Technology Officer, Computer Warehouse Group Plc., Mr James Agada; Doyen of Brokers, Mr Sam Ndata; Founder and Chief Executive Officer, CWG Plc., Mr Austin Okere; Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Stock Exchange, Mr Oscar Onyema; General Manager, Listings Sales and Retention, NSE, Mrs Taba Peterside and Chief Operating Officer, CWG Plc., Mr Phillip Obioha, during a recent official visit of NSE to CWG Plc. in Lagos

Airtel, Apollo to drive telemedicine in Nigeria

igeria’s third largest telecoms firm, Airtel, has partnered one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in the world, Apollo Hospitals, to enhance access to world-class healthcare services in Nigeria. Under the partnership, “Ask Apollo,” the technology deployed to offer the services would enable video consultation by Airtel Nigeria Premier customers with Apollo Hospitals doctors in India with prior appointment. In addition to this service, Apollo Hospitals would also work with Airtel Nigeria to create health awareness with emphasis on preventive healthcare. Speaking at the launch of the e-health solution in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer of Apollo Hospitals Group, Dr. Hari Prasad, said that Apollo Hospitals and Airtel Nigeria were taking advantage of the technology revolution to get the people of Nigeria closer to world-renowned doctors from Apollo Hospitals. Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Mr Segun Ogunsanya, noted that the part-

nership with Apollo Hospitals will not only make it possible for Airtel Premier customers to have access to experienced healthcare practitioners and life-saving information, but also offers convenience and a platform for improved quality of life. Representing the telco, Ogunsanya, who was represented by the Director of Public Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility at Airtel, Mr Emeka Opara, said that the new marriage between the companies was another demonstration of Airtel’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life of Nigerians through innovative products and services. “Because we see our customers as more than just a connection, we have taken this further step to provide them access to excellent medical attention, which they ordinarily would have travelled abroad for,” Ogunsanya stated. “Airtel Premier Customers interested in availing these services have been provided with dedicated number to call while the consultation facilities will be available at

Diamond Helix Medical Assistance Limited, which is the representative and telemedicine/information centre,” he said. He added that the service offers 10 per cent discount on the consultation fees and has the additional advantage of 5-10 per cent discount on Emirates Airline flights, if a customer wishes to proceed to India for further medical attention.

roup Managing Director of Chams Plc, Mr Demola Aladekomo, will deliver the keynote address at the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) annual lecture holding in Lagos today. The CIBN Annual Lecture, designed to address topical contemporary issues in the Nigerian economy, is part of the institute’s contribution to national development. In a statement, Aladekomo, who is widely recognised as a pioneer in Nigeria’s identity management system will be speaking on “Identity Management: A catalyst for the new economic and financial service transformation.” The 2014 lecture will also feature a roundtable to enable a thorough discussion on the lecture. The lecture is expected to highlight the long-term benefits of identity management and also outline the capability of the on-going National ID and Banks’ Biometric Verification Number (BVN) projects to bring a large number of Nigerians out of the shadows

and give Nigeria’s competitive edge a quantum leap. It will also highlight the benefits of a robust identity management infrastructure to financial services, education, health care and agriculture sectors of the economy which can result in an improved internally generated revenue, costsavings and fraud reduction. Aladekomo-led Chams Plc is Nigeria’s leading player in the identity assurance space. Chams Plc has worked for and is currently engaged by governments, relevant agencies and private sector institutions to provide identity management products and services. Chams is also working on two identity management projects of scale in the private and public sectors including the National ID and BVN projects. The annual lecture has always attracted important personalities from all sectors of the economy including top government functionaries, top executives of banks and nonbank institutions, diplomatic missions, professional bodies and the academia.

Etisalat reiterates commitment to innovation

igeria’s fourth largest telecoms services provider, Etisalat, has reiterated its support for innovation and creativity as the 5th edition of Nigeria’s only international arts festival of photography, LagosPhoto Festival announces its second phase. The second phase of the festival will feature workshops on technique and style, photo exhibitions, discussion sessions and displays of large-scale prints to reclaim and beautify public spaces within Lagos State. At a press conference, the Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr Matthew Willsher, said that Etisalat was passionate

about innovation and creativity. “We have also been in the forefront of promoting excellence, nurturing talent and providing platforms for people to express themselves and communicate their ideas. It is in this light that we have sponsored the LagosPhoto Festival right from inception about four years ago,” he said. Willsher also indicated that a high level of participation had already been recorded in the Etisalat Photography Competition, which is an integral part of the LagosPhoto Festival, noting that lots of entries are being uploaded regularly to the Official

LagosPhoto Mobile App, which is powered by Etisalat. He added that as a sequel to the opening events, the annual LagosPhoto fundraising gala dinner will hold on November 2, 2014 to raise support for the artists whose images continue to push the boundaries of photography. The 5th edition of LagosPhoto, which has the theme “Staging Reality, Documenting Fiction,” has been running since July this year where it was flagged off with the World Press Photo Exhibition and the Etisalat Photography Competition tagged ‘Mastering the Selfie.’

Business | ICT

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

Zinox to float Nigeria’s ‘largest’ IT support centre EFFICIENCY Nigerians will experience reduction in cost of living Stories by Kunle Azeez

igeria’s integrated Information Technology services provider, Zinox Group, has disclosed plans to unveil the ‘largest IT support centre in Africa’ in Nigeria before the end of the year. Chairman, Zinox Group, Mr Leo Stan Ekeh, made the revelation during the unveiling of an IT solution to tackle power outages and unreliable electricity supply in the country. The iPower Plus solution is an inverter that allows individuals, private and public organisations to manage their power consumption more effectively. According to him, Zinox has been at the forefront of providing relevant IT services to address an array of challenges facing African nations, particularly Nigeria, saying that following the introduction of the inverter, the group will introduce an initiative that will impact positively on the industry. “Today, there is no stronger integrated IT systems provider like Zinox. Beyond this power solution we are launching today, Zinox Group is setting up its flagship in Abuja. “The flagship will be the biggest support centre in Africa being set up in the next two weeks alongside the biggest

l Unveils iPower Plus solution retail showroom in Nigeria,” he said. Meanwhile, in an earlier presentation at the unveiling of the power solution, Head, Power Solutions of Zinox Technologies, Mr Lekan Faola, said that the iPowerPlus introduction into the Nigerian market will help in correcting deficiencies in public power supply. iPower Plus is a product of five years of extensive research into reliable, efficient and robust smart power solution for Nigerian homes and offices by Zinox and her international partners. Faola further said that iPower Plus, a customised power engine, took over 18 months of continuous research and statistical analysis of power parameters generated from monitoring of the power conditions in different homes and offices throughout all the six geo- political zones of the country. He said that the company applied the same technology to achieve a clean, reliable and stable smart power system suitable for the regions. He noted that Zinox iPower Plus power solution is backed by a minimum of 12 months warranty both for batteries and inverters. Faola stated that the cost effective power solution has the capacity to dictate and manage the deficiencies in most electrical wirings through its built in auto voltage filtering and stabilisation system which also opti-

MainOne lifts schools in Lagos

s part of its commitment to its host community in Ajah, MainOne has renovated a block of four classrooms in Okun Mapo Community Primary School, Ogombo. It also provided new school gates and classroom furniture for its students. The company, in a statement, also said it supplied crèche furniture, visitors’ chairs, mattresses and educational toys to Okun Ajah Primary School at Ogombo, Ajah Local Government Area, Lagos. Speaking on the initiative, MainOne’s Head, Support Services, Mrs Bimbo Olu-Martins, said its current drive was part of the company’s efforts to improve education in Nigeria. “The major thrust of our community engagement has been towards the development of the education sector. This is why we have, since 2011, assisted these community schools in Ogombo, Ajah via identifying their various needs and exploring how we can provide them,” she said. Mrs Olu-Martins also stressed the importance of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) thrust, stressing that the Ogombo community has been an accommodating host to MainOne.

“Our CSR effort is hinged on strengthening our relationship with the community by enhancing the infrastructure in the community schools and ensuring their continued relevance to the society. That is why we have consistently supported these educational institutions by improving their environment,” she added. Principal of Ogombo Primary School, Mr Sarafa Iyowun, expressed appreciation for the laudable transformation that MainOne has implemented in the schools. “The school and the pupils are forever grateful to the company for this inestimable and kind gesture, as he urged other corporate organisations to emulate MainOne,” he said. Since 2011, MainOne has been involved in implementing various social investment initiatives in the primary schools in Ogombo, Okun Ajah and Okun Mapo areas with yearly donations of study materials including school bags, text and exercise books and renovation of critical infrastructure facilities. The company’s contribution to the development of the schools forms a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility focus in education and ICT development.

mises electrical wiring network and maintain proper load balance within the network. He said the initial release will be 1 – 10KVA solutions and by the end of April 2015, Zinox will launch the Ultimate iPower Plus (20 – 100KVA) series. “We have certified smart power engineers and technicians in every state to install, commission and support iPower Plus. We also provide free consultations relative to efficient load balancing for new constructions to reduce or eliminate power due to wrong electrical systems deployments, this will help reduce cost due to power losses and improve power efficiency for the beneficiaries and enable

people live comfortably,” Faola added. Speaking further, Faola emphasised that Zinox was determined to reduce the cost of living in Nigeria through provision of efficient and inexpensive power solutions at homes and offices. “A budget driven iPower plus solution will power your lights, televisions, electrical fans, refrigerator, and air conditioners for between 12-24 hours, longer backup than any other inverter in the market,” he added. Zinox has also set up a 24-hours online technical audiovisual support centre to provide total support to all customers no matter the time of the day or night on the products.

L-R: Executive Director, Sunnet System & Datacom Services Limited, Mr Kehinde Sogunl; Head, Information Technology Application Solution, Mr Sakiru Dosumu and Team Lead, Database Administration and Services, Mr Bolanle Soyoye, both of First Bank Plc, Head, Enterprise Sales, Sunnet Systems and Datacom Services Limited, Mr Satish Sankar and Head, Other Business Applications Manager, First Bank, Ms Rachel Adeshina, during a one-day customer conference organised by Sunnet in collaboration with IBM in Lagos.

NSE optimistic on CWG’s potential

he Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr Oscar Onyema, has expressed confidence on the prospect of Computer Warehouse Group Plc (CWG), citing its impressive performance and auspicious growth roadmap as reason for the regulator’s optimism. Onyem who stated this during a working visit of the NSE to CWG at the company’s head office in Lagos, also stressed that following the adoption of CWG’s subscription-based business model tagged CWG 2.0, the Information and Communications Technology conglomerate is capable of being ‘the Alibaba of Nigeria.’ The meeting was also graced by key stakeholders from the NSE and CWG. “From their subscription businesses which they call CWG 2.0 to their legacy business, which is more infrastructure-based, CWG has done quite well. We have been to their Tier 3 datacentre, which supports multiple businesses. “We have seen their contact

centre where they handle inbound calls. In all, it is professionally run. We are quite excited at the possibility of growth and how the company might be the next Alibaba for Nigeria,” he said. Speaking about the performance of CWG since its listing last year, Onyema noted that “CWG has been a very good listed company. They have complied with the pre and post listing standards. They have been a good ambassador of what it means to be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.” According to him, “As you know, at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in May, WEF recognized CWG as one of the Global Growth Companies in the world. So, we are very excited about their performance in the ICT sector of the Stock Exchange. They are the biggest security in the sector, and we are very happy at what they are doing.” Onyema also noted that the visit was in line with the practice of the NSE, whereby such visit is paid to listed companies

by the brokers’ community so as to better understand their operations, which will, in turn, equip brokers with the required information to advise clients, especially at the brokers’ level. “These visits are important in making sure that companies are on ground and running, and reflect what they represented to the investing public,” he said. Also, the Doyen of Brokers, Mr Sam Ndata, while speaking at the session, explained the need for the visit. According to him, “We want to be sure that the company is in existence and doing what they are supposed to do, and based on what we have witnessed, the company is doing well and we are happy.” Chief Executive Officer, CWG Plc., Mr Austin Okere, explained that the visit enabled the company to give a feedback of what had happened since she listed on the exchange in November last year. “What this does is to establish a continuum. People want to know what we are doing with their money invested in the company,” he noted.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Features

Tackling poverty through skills acquisition Rather than providing ‘stomach infrastructure,’ the Lagos State Government is teaching its citizens how to catch fish, writes MURITALA AYINLA

imothy Peter, like thousands of people who come into Lagos daily in search of greener pastures, arrived early this year, hoping to get a means of livelihood. The 39-year-old man, who hails from Abia State, lost his job where he worked as a factory worker in Aba, an economic nerve centre in the state. For many months he wandered around Lagos metropolis searching for where he could work to earn a living but all to no avail. He was later introduced to a skill acquisition programme organised by the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Peter enrolled in the photography section of the programme for six months and was empowered with the tools needed to practice his chosen trade. Today, he no longer searches for job but people who need his services search for him to take pictures of their memorable events. Cecilia Shomide is an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) holder from the Lagos State Polytechnic. She had no means to further her education as she could not even manage to secure a job with her certificate. According to her, she was exposed to a series of harassment in her efforts to earn a living through begging and other menial jobs in the Lagos metropolis. Shomide added that she would have loved to learn some vocational skills but she had no money to enrol for any of her dream vocations. But help came her way and she realised her dream of learning and acquiring vocational skills when one of the people she had ran to for financial assistance introduced her to vocational skill training centre in Alimosho Local Government. Life is no longer the same for the 25-year-old Shomide because today, she has become a highly resourceful lady whose services are being sought for by her teeming customers. According to her, she might not

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun. bello@newtelegraphonline.com

Benficiaries

have become the best and the most successful caterer in the state, but she is an accomplished caterer. For Mrs Ibukun Tokosi, a widow, the skills acquisition programme is an elixir to poverty. Prior to her training, which made her a famous fashion designer in her area, she had joined the team of political foot soldiers, which goes everywhere with politicians to chant political songs for a living. According to Tokosi, with her new tailoring job, she earns more than what she got following politicians from one place to another. She said: “Although, I’m still a member of a political party, I’m more contented and happier with what I’m getting here. Nothing could give one joy than to be self-reliant.” These are the stories of some of the over 25,000 residents of Lagos recently empowered by the state government. At a time when “stomach infrastructure” is fast becoming a popular political lexicon in Nigeria with many citizens yearning for better empowerment strategies to better their lots, the Lagos State Government tends to make people selfreliant through skills acquisition programmes. Launching the second phase of the skill acquisition training tagged: “Economic Empowerment Programme,” Governor Babatunde Fashola said the gesture was a promise fulfilled. He said: “We have kept our promise of 1st of September and had trained 11,862 registered participants in the first phase, against the projected 5,000 in local government centres, this is because more people have shown interest in the programme.

Peter

I’m more contented and happier with what I’m getting here. Nothing could give one joy than to be selfreliant

“The second phase of the programme will therefore train additional 14,000 registered participants during the exercise which commences today in another 10 local governments.” Fashola explained the government was embarking on skill acquisition programme for the residents to make up for the failure of the Federal Government which, according to him, takes the lion’s share of the national revenue but fails to perform its duties and responsibilities for citizens, despite it promises. He said: “When promises are not kept, there will be problems. Because there is no electricity, many factories spend a lot of money in running generators, which makes production to be expensive and unaffordable. We were therefore compelled to assist.” Harping on the gains of the training to the economy, the governor said that some of the trained residents in vocations like shoe-making,

printing, photography, automobile, hairdressing and soap-making, were now handling contracts for government in their chosen vocations. According to him, some of the beneficiaries make costumes used for the annual Lagos Carnivals while some of those trained in soapmaking recently produced soap used by some public schools for regular hand-washing as measure to prevent the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). Fashola, who spoke through his deputy, Mrs Adejoke Orelope Adefulire, said constant power failure in the country had frustrated many Nigerian artisans, saying the government designed the empowerment programme as a creative strategy to tackle poverty worsened by the erratic power supply. This, he explained, was why government was looking at vocations that they would not necessarily depend on power before they could practice them. The governor added that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government embarked on “stomach infrastructure” because it knew it had failed in the provision of basic things that could raise the standard of living. He said: “They know they have failed in their promises; they do not give a damn. They said they will give you some cash to buy kerosene and rice, to forget about the failed promises, so that they can make new promises.” Fashola said his administration disagreed with the method because “we know the money will not last, the kerosene will finish and the rice will not take you far. “We know that if we train you to make things, nobody can take away what you learn.”

Business | Money Line

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

POLITICAL TENSION

There will be political tension to hold the naira until elections

he naira strengthened, rebounding from the lowest level in seven months, on speculation the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is intervening by selling dollars. The currency of Africa’s largest economy gained 0.2 percent yesterday, the most since October 13 on a closing basis, to N165.10 against the dollar. The naira earlier weakened as much as 0.4 percent to N166.07, the lowest intraday level since March 24. “The central bank is in the market” and “selling dollars to banks outside of the auction,” Kunle Ezun, a fixedincome and currencies analyst at Lagos-based Ecobank Transnational Inc., said by phone. Calls to CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele and Deputy Governor Sarah Alade, according to Bloomberg news, weren’t answered, while those to spokesman Ibrahim Mu’azu didn’t connect. The apex bank has

Naira rebounds from seven-month low on CBN intervention supported the naira since mid-September by using reserves to sell dollars outside of twice-weekly auctions, according to Standard Chartered Plc. At the auctions, it offers the currency at N155 per dollar, plus or minus 3 percent. While the intervention helped prevent the naira from being among the worst performers in emerging markets this year, reserves are starting to erode, falling to $39.2 billion on October 20 from $43.6 billion at the end of 2013. The naira declined 0.8 percent this month as Brent crude fell to the lowest level in more than four years. Further losses would force Africa’s largest oil producer to choose between raising interest rates, eroding foreign-exchange reserves or, eventually, devaluing the currency, according to Exotix Ltd., a London-based investment bank. “It is not clear to traders how successful the central bank will be on managing the naira situation as oil price is

influenced externally,” Sewa Wusu, an analyst at Lagos-based Sterling Capital Markets, said by phone. Brent for December settlement rose 0.4 percent to $86.45 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. The banking watchdog sells dollars outside of its Monday and Wednesday auctions when the interbank

market is going “haywire,” Charles Mordi, director of research at the regulator, said on Sept. 30. “There will be political pressure to hold the naira until the elections” scheduled for Feb. 14, Kayode Akindele, a money manager at Lagos-based 46 Parallels, said by phone. “After the election it will have more room to adjust.”

Godson Ikoro

he Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) has said that it will only attain 80 per cent of the N42billion budgeted by the Federal Government this financial year under the Sure-P programme. A member of Sure –P and Presidential economic committee on Sure-P, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa said this in Lagos. Ohuabunwa, who spoke to New Telegraph shortly after a press briefing on the forth coming National Summit on Entrepreneurship and innovation (NSEI 2014), said that the NRC can only attain 80

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

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

Description

TTM

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

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

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

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

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

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

NITTY

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80 Offer 163.38

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

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

A weaker currency would boost the cost of importing everything from fuel to food, threatening support for the party of President Goodluck Jonathan, who’s already under pressure for failing to stem deadly attacks by Islamist militants. While Nigeria is the continent’s biggest producer of crude, which accounts for about 80 percent of

government revenue, it imports around 70 percent of its fuel needs because of inadequate refining capacity. The local unit opened at N165.55 against the U.S. dollar. Dealers said a lack of central bank intervention in the market to support the naira since last week had worsened the dollar shortage and triggered a panic selling of the naira.

SURE-P: NRC targets 80% budget execution per cent because of the way the payment system is configured. He said that NRC will not pay any contractor unless the project being handled is accomplished 100 per cent and certified okay before they can access the money. “The Sure-P told contractors that they have to finish the job and after the monitoring and evaluation committee certifies the job, they will signal the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to pay through the director of budgets, who is the Sure-P’s accounting officer. Once we inspect and the job is done, we pay off the contractor”, he said. While stating that the significant progress has been made on the railway project, he said this year’s performance would be better than last year. Ohuabuwa noted that last

year, the Federal Government budgeted N60 billion but only N20 billion was accessed, emphasising that this year is better. He averred that the SureP Programme is effectively making impacts across various sectors and states of the federation. According to him, Sure-P does not give out the money for any project until the work is done and we certify it. The former Neimeith MD/CEO, expressed optimism that before the year runs out, the building of IduKaduna modern gauge rail will be fully built. He said that 100km of the rail line had been built, adding that by the time the project is completed in December this Year, it will take one hour to travel from Abuja to Kaduna by fast train instead of three hours by road.

CSR: SOS Village praises Ecobank

Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

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

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

he National Director, SOS Children’s Villages in Nigeria, Mr. Erhumwunse Eghosa has commended Ecobank Nigeria’s continued support and commitment to the welfare of less privileged children in the SOS homes across Nigeria. A statement from Ecobank said Eghosa noted that the lender has consistently demonstrated strong financial support to SOS orphanages in the country thereby making life meaningful for the children. Eghosa enjoined other corporate organizations and public spirited individuals to emulate the bank, stressing that reminds the children that they believe in their right to a happy, healthy childhood and a bright future.” He assured that the children will continue to receive the needed physical and emotional bonding that every child deserves, ‘so as to help

them cope with the challenges of their day to day life as well as build and strengthen the foundation for their holistic development. Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Jibril Aku, said the bank’s support to the SOS Villages is part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment. He explained that the bank has consistently supported the organization annually because ‘we share a common vision of assisting the underprivileged in the society’, adding that all children need long term family-based care. ‘This donation is in line with our commitment to help the SOS Villages to continue in their mission of providing a loving home for every child that has been orphaned or abandoned. We share that common vision and as a responsible bank, we will continue to play an active role in this regard”, he said.

Business | Financiel Market News

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

22-Oct-14

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

Bonds FGN Bonds

Price

Rating/Agency

Issuer

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

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

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

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

535.00 563.89 452.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 371.68 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 130.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,675.13

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,619.14

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

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

0.50 1.82 2.51 2.76 2.86 3.60 4.69 5.00 7.27 9.39 14.10 14.58 15.08 15.75 19.74

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

11.08 12.64 12.64 12.73 12.73 12.79 12.82 12.88 12.76 12.77 12.83 12.83 12.84 12.80 12.76

10.75 12.55 12.57 12.66 12.67 12.68 12.74 12.78 12.70 12.72 12.79 12.79 12.78 12.74 12.71

96.63 100.60 105.15 93.43 92.08 94.07 110.90 78.81 116.80 107.65 113.96 97.74 71.37 81.20 95.60

96.78 100.75 105.30 93.58 92.23 94.37 111.20 79.11 117.10 107.95 114.26 98.04 71.67 81.50 95.90

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

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

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

978.35 24.56 3.00 112.22 116.70 66.49

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

0.02 0.59 1.32 2.13 2.49 2.70

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

12.00 13.79 14.29 14.72 13.71 13.72

99.71 92.44 103.57 100.27 98.10 95.35

97.36

Agency Bonds AMCON FMBN

***LCRM

0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,301.32

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,291.69

Sub-National Bonds A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.86

4.44

15.86

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.70

3.23

14.50

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

6.27

30-Jun-16

0.98

4.46

16.00

98.55

15.50

7.37

30-Jun-16

0.99

3.48

15.02

100.99

99.38

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.49

5.59

18.30

83.96

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

29.92

30-Jun-17

1.54

1.00

13.30

100.93

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.19

1.79

14.55

98.58

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.37

1.80

14.51

99.12

A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

3.95

1.00

13.82

100.51

A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

14.96

09-Dec-18

2.36

1.00

13.71

101.74

A-/Agusto

*NIGER

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

11.13

12-Dec-18

2.36

4.78

17.49

93.59

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.75

1.00

13.73

101.73

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*GOMBE

15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019

02-Oct-12

15.50

16.23

02-Oct-19

3.00

1.00

13.74

104.15

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019

22-Nov-12

14.50

80.00

22-Nov-19

5.09

1.00

13.87

102.20

14.75

27.51

12-Dec-19

2.97

2.74

15.48

98.39 102.57

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

12-Dec-12

A/Agusto

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020

30-Sep-13

14.75

11.40

30-Sep-20

3.49

1.00

13.78

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020

27-Nov-13

13.50

87.00

27-Nov-20

6.10

1.00

13.83

98.63

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020

31-Dec-13

15.00

5.00

31-Dec-20

6.19

1.94

14.77

100.86

A/Agusto A-/GCR

*EKITI *NASARAWA

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

31-Dec-13

14.50

4.78

31-Dec-20

3.67

1.44

14.24

100.85

06-Jan-14

15.00

4.79

06-Jan-21

3.71

1.95

14.75

100.82

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

471.18 462.67

Corporate Bonds Aa/Agusto Nil Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto

GTB NGC

13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014

18-Dec-09

13.50

13.17

18-Dec-14

0.16

5.21

15.92

99.52

17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014

01-Apr-10

17.00

2.00

31-Dec-14

0.19

8.71

19.34

99.38

*UPDC

10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015

17-Aug-10

10.00

3.61

17-Aug-15

0.58

4.88

16.03

97.23

*FLOURMILLS

12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015

09-Dec-10

12.00

13.62

09-Dec-15

0.65

1.00

12.22

100.34 100.74

BB+/GCR

*CHELLARAMS

14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016

06-Jan-11

14.00

0.60

06-Jan-16

0.73

2.63

13.93

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016

29-Sep-11

13.00

15.00

29-Sep-16

1.94

1.00

13.67

98.88

A-/Agusto

FSDH

14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016

25-Oct-13

14.25

5.53

25-Oct-16

2.01

1.34

14.06

100.31

A/GCR

UBA

13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017

30-Sep-10

13.00

20.00

30-Sep-17

2.94

1.00

13.74

98.24

BBB-/GCR

18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017

30-Nov-12

18.00

0.73

30-Nov-17

1.76

1.88

14.38

106.76

BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR

*C & I LEASING *DANA#

MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018

09-Apr-11

16.00

6.30

09-Apr-18

1.96

3.48

16.17

99.82

A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR

*TOWER#

MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

18.00

2.90

09-Sep-18

2.13

5.20

17.92

100.40

101.79

AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR

*TOWER

MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018

09-Sep-11

16.00

0.80

09-Sep-18

2.13

5.06

17.78

A/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

3.92

1.35

14.17

99.47

Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.40

18-Oct-18

2.24

2.29

15.01

101.35

BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

17.00

0.41

17-Feb-19

2.32

6.11

18.82

97.06

BBB/GCR

*DANA

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

3.19

2.16

14.92

102.66

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

NAHCO

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

14-Nov-13

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

6.06

2.76

15.59

98.66

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

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

30-Sep-14

N/A

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.94

1.00

13.80

86.14

A/GCR

STANBIC IBTC

13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024

30-Sep-14

13.25

15.44

30-Sep-24

9.94

1.00

13.80

97.04

11-Feb-18

3.31

1.00

13.77

90.74

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

144.16

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

143.05

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

IFC

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

12.00 10.89

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value ($mm)

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

5.33

5.17

107.45

108.32

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.38

4.14

102.52

103.36

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.61

5.49

105.19

106.03

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,575.75

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

AFREN PLC I

11.50 FEB 01, 2016

01-Feb-11

11.50

450.00

01-Feb-16

8.66

103.30

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

4.13

105.04

105.04 101.72

B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

6.55

101.72

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

8.89

8.32

93.99

95.66

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

6.16

5.96

99.42

100.12

B/Fitch

AFREN PLC II

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

9.68

102.00

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

6.77

98.00

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

9.12

8.76

98.62

99.93

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.67

101.63

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

7.50

95.75

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

24-Jun-14

9.25

400.00

24-Jun-21

8.66

8.48

103.00

103.88

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

AFREN PLC III

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC II

B-/Fitch; B/S&P

FIRST BANK LTD

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021

23-Jul-14

8.00

450.00

23-Jul-21

7.47

101.63

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

8.42

8.22

100.56

101.60

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

4,760.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

4,789.24

**Treasury Bills DTM 8 15 22 29 36 43 50 64

Money Market

FIXINGS Maturity 30-Oct-14 6-Nov-14 13-Nov-14 20-Nov-14 27-Nov-14 4-Dec-14 11-Dec-14 25-Dec-14

Bid Discount (%) 10.15 10.80 10.70 10.55 11.00 10.55 10.90 11.15

Offer Discount (%) 9.90 10.55 10.45 10.30 10.75 10.30 10.65 10.90

Bid Yield (%) 10.17 10.85 10.77 10.64 11.12 10.68 11.07 11.37

Tenor

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 11.1417 12.4513 13.2367 14.0040

Rate (%)

OBB

10.96

O/N

11.04

Tenor Call 1M

REPO

Rate (%) 11.00 12.33

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M 3M

164.90 165.24 165.50 166.17 167.28 168.45

165.00 165.47 165.81 166.79 168.34 170.07

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,301.32

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,291.69

Sub-National Bonds A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.86

4.44

15.86

97.36

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.70

3.23

14.50

99.38

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

6.27

30-Jun-16

0.98

4.46

16.00

98.55

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

7.37

30-Jun-16

0.99

3.48

15.02

100.99

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.49

5.59

18.30

83.96

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

29.92

30-Jun-17

1.54

1.00

13.30

100.93

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.19

1.79

14.55

98.58

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.37

1.80

14.51

99.12

A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

3.95

1.00

13.82

100.51

A/Agusto; A-/GCR†

*EKITI

14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018

09-Dec-11

14.50

14.96

09-Dec-18

2.36

1.00

13.71

101.74

14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

12-Dec-13

14.00

11.13

12-Dec-18

2.36

4.78

17.49

93.59

15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019

14-Feb-12

15.50

27.00

14-Feb-19

2.75

1.00

13.73

101.73

15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019

02-Oct-12

15.50

16.23

02-Oct-19

3.00

1.00

13.74

104.15

14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019

22-Nov-12

14.50

80.00

22-Nov-19

5.09

1.00

13.87

102.20

14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019

12-Dec-12

14.75

27.51

12-Dec-19

2.97

2.74

15.48

98.39

14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020

30-Sep-13

14.75

11.40

30-Sep-20

3.49

1.00

13.78

102.57

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, A/Agusto EDO OCTOBER 23, 2014 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

A-/Agusto UPBEAT

A/Agusto; A-/GCR

A/Agusto; A-/GCR Investors gain Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR N112billion A/Agusto; A-/GCR

*ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN *OSUN

Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR

LAGOS

A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro

KOGI

Nigerian stocks sustain bullish rally

*NIGER

A/Agusto

Business | Financiel Market News

market capitalisation par27-Nov-13 13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020stocks, which were increased 15.00 by KOGI 0.86 per ticularly driven by the 31-Dec-13 31-DEC-2020 31-Dec-13 A/Agusto *EKITI 14.50 EKITI IIsenti31-DEC-2020 two companies. cent, as market Stories 06-Jan-14 A-/GCR by Chris *NASARAWA 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021 ments remained on the Consequently, at the Ugwu TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE green zone. close of transactions, TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Transactions in the market capitalisation share prices of Guin- increased by 0.86 per Corporate Bonds 13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014 18-Dec-09 cent or N112 billion he bullish tenness Nigeria and Nestle Aa/Agusto GTB 17.00led NGC 31-DEC-2014 01-Apr-10 Nil dencies on µNGC the Nigeria Plc other from N12.803 trillion 17-AUG-2015 17-Aug-10 Bbb-/Agusto *UPDC traded on Tuesday to Nigerian Stock gainers to10.00 liftUPDC market 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 A-/Agusto 09-Dec-10 *FLOURMILLS Exchange (NSE) indicators. N12.915 trillion. 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 BB+/GCR 06-Jan-11 *CHELLARAMS sustained rally yesterThe key13.00 benchmark Also, the NSE All NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR 29-Sep-11 NAHCO indices maintained Share Index (ASI) apday,A-/Agusto as bargain hunt14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 25-Oct-13 FSDH 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 positive trajectory to preciated by 336.9530-Sep-10 ersA/GCR taking positionsUBA on basis C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 BBB-/GCRdominated *C 30-Nov-12 & I LEASING equities the close in the18.00 green, takpoints or 0.86 per cent to # MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 09-Apr-11 BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR trading activities. *DANA # ing supports majorly 39,113.62 index points MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 09-Sep-11 A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR *TOWER from largeMPR+5.25 capitalised The NSE ASI and from 38,776.67 points reTOWER 9-SEP-2018 09-Sep-11 AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR *TOWER#

corded the previous 13.50 87.00day. Further review 15.00 5.00 of 14.50 4.78 yesterday’s trading 15.00 4.79 showed that investors 471.18 bought 193.2 million 462.67 shares worth N2.6 billion in 4,302. 13.17 On13.50 the sub-sectorial 2.00seclevel,17.00 banking sub 3.61 tor of10.00 the financial ser12.00 13.62 vice sector strengthened 14.00 0.60 by the activities on 13.00 15.00 the shares 14.25of ETI Plc 5.53and 13.00 Bank Plc,20.00 Sterling led in 18.00terms with 0.7385.7 volume 16.00 6.30 million shares worth 18.00 2.90 947.0416.00 million in0.80 1,444

deals. with a gain of 27-Nov-20Other financial 6.10 1.00 lowed 13.83 98.63 services also1.94 N2.95 to14.77 close at N983.00. 31-Dec-20 sub sector, 6.19 100.86 3.67service1.44 Dangote 14.24 Cement 100.85 Plc of 31-Dec-20 the financial 06-Jan-21 3.71 N1.11 per100.82 share sector boosted by the1.95 added 14.75 shares of FBNH, had to close at N213.00 per 21.2 million ordinary share. shares worth N250.4 On the other hand, 18-Dec-14done in 0.16 15.92 Nigeria 99.52 Plc billion 779 deals.5.21 Unilever 31-Dec-14 19.34 price 99.38 losers’ The number0.19of gain-8.71 led the 17-Aug-15 16.03 97.23 ers at the close0.58of trad-4.88 table, dropping N2.12 to 09-Dec-15 0.65 1.00 12.22 100.34 ing session was 26, while close at N40.16 per share 06-Jan-16 0.73 2.63 13.93 100.74 decliners closed Nige29-Sep-16 1.94at 19. 1.00 while PZ 13.67Cussons 98.88 Guinness Nigerian followed100.31 with a 25-Oct-16 2.01 1.34 ria Plc14.06 30-Sep-17 2.94 98.24 Plc led the gainers’ ta-1.00 loss of 13.74 N1.24 to close at 30-Nov-17 106.76 ble with N14.901.76to close1.88 N26.50.14.38 Forte Oil Nige1.96 99.82 at 09-Apr-18 N192 per share, while3.48 ria Plc16.17 shed 50 kobo per 09-Sep-18 2.13 5.20 17.92 100.40 Nestle Nigeria Plc folshare to close at N213.50. 09-Sep-18 2.13 5.06 17.78 101.79

A/Agusto; A/GCR

UBA

14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018

22-Sep-11

14.00

35.00

22-Sep-18

3.92

1.35

14.17

99.47

Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR

15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018

18-Oct-13

15.75

2.40

18-Oct-18

2.24

2.29

15.01

101.35

BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR

*LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS#

MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019

17-Feb-12

17.00

0.41

17-Feb-19

2.32

6.11

18.82

97.06

BBB/GCR

*DANA

16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019

01-Apr-14

16.00

4.50

01-Apr-19

3.19

2.16

14.92

102.66

14-Nov-13 NAHCO igerian Breweries for the half182D year ended “In addition, we beT.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024 30-Sep-14 STANBIC IBTC Plc has recorded June 30, 2014. lieve unit volumes also 13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024 A/GCR 30-Sep-14 STANBIC IBTC 11.3 per cent VALUE leap According to a notice received a slight boost TOTAL OUTSTANDING in net earnings for the to the Exchange, the com- from strong beer deTOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION third quarter ended Sep- pany’s net earnings grew mand on the back of the Supranational Bond tember 30, 2014. to N23.871 billion up 15.5 world cup event, which 10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 AAA/S&P IFC 11-Feb-13 percent from N20.663 bil- started in the second The company’s profit TOTAL VALUE lion in the same period after taxOUTSTANDING in a filing with week of June. Based on MARKETStock CAPITALISATION the results, we estimate theTOTAL Nigerian Ex- of 2013. change (NSE) showed a Similarly, pretax that unit volumes likely Issuer Date growth Rating/Agency of N29.826 billion profit grew 14.4 per centDescription grew by around Issue 5 per up by 11.3 per cent from to N33.882 billion in the cent y/y. FGN Eurobonds N26.801 billion in the half-year of 2014 from “In terms of outlook, 6.75 JAN 28, 2021 BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P 07-Oct-11 N29.607 billion in the same period of 2013. although the mainSimilarly , pretax profit corresponding period5.13 of JUL 12, stream beer brands are BB-/Fitch; FGN 2018 12-Jul-13 BB-/S&P grew by 10.5 per cent to 2013. still under pressure from BB-/Fitch; 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 12-Jul-13 N42.583 billion in the Revenue also incompeting value brands BB-/S&P third quarter of 2014 creased to N141.495 bilthat are growing their TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE from N38.530 billion in lion in the second quar- unit volume by double TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION the corresponding period ter (Q2) 2014 compared digits, we expect that prewith N133.815 billion election spending ahead of 2013. Corporate Eurobonds in the correthe 2015 general01-Feb-11 elecRevenue also AFREN in- PLC reported 11.50 FEB of 01, 2016 B/Fitch; B-/S&P I creased marginallyGTBANK by PLCsponding period of 2013. tions 7.50 MAY 19, 2016 will be supportive B+/Fitch; B+/S&P I 19-May-11 2.3 B+/S&P per cent to N194.739 Analysts at FBN Capof2017 volume growth,25-Jul-12 par7.25 JUL 25, ACCESS BANK PLC billion in the Q3 2014 ital ticularly in the second 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 B/Fitch; B/S&P FIDELITY BANK PLCResearch had also 09-May-13 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 of the year. B+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC 08-Nov-13 compared with N190.303 believed that the results half B/Fitch reported in AFREN II 08-Apr-12 billion the PLC were largely reflective10.25 of APR 08, 2019 Notwithstanding, in 6.25 APR 22, 2019 B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P ZENITH BANK PLC 22-Apr-14 corresponding period of seasonal trends, as hisQ1, the management of 8.75 May 21, 2019 B/Fitch; B/S&P DIAMOND BANK PLC 21-May-14 2013. torically, the Q2 quarter Heineken guided to unit 8.25 AUG 07, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK PLC 07-Aug-13 The breweries giant is the second strongest volume growth coming 6.63 DEC 09, 2020 B-/Fitch; B/S&P AFREN PLC III 09-Dec-13 hadB-/Fitch; posted a 15.5 per cent quarter for beer9.25/6M demand in at slightly below24-Jun-14 douUSD LIBOR+7.677 JUN 24, 2021 B/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC II ble-digits,” leap in its post tax profit Q4. 8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 they said. B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANKafter LTD 23-Jul-14

15.25

2.05

14-Nov-20

6.06

2.76

15.59

98.66

0.10

30-Sep-24

9.94

1.00

13.80

86.14

14-Aug-21

8.42

8.22

100.56

101.60

Nigerian Breweries Q3 earnings rise by 11%

15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

A+/Agusto; A-/GCR A/GCR

B-/S&P

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

NSE lists 78.40bn Unity Bank shares

N/A

he Nigerian Stock Ex30-Sep-24 9.94 change (NSE) yesterday 144.16 listed 78.4 billion ordi143.05 nary shares of Unity Bank Plc arising from the lender’s right 11-Feb-18 issue12.00 and special placement, 3.31 on 12.00 its official list. 10.89 Managing Director/ The CEO of the bank, Mr. Henry Outstanding Value Maturity Date Bid Yield (%) James ($mm)Semenitari, who spoke at the Closing Gong Ceremony at the Exchange yesterday, 500.00 28-Jan-21 5.33 expressed appreciation to the NSE500.00 and all the parties in12-Jul-18 4.38 volved in the right issue. 500.00 12-Jul-23noted that 5.61 Semenitari, who the1,500.00 right issue was oversubscribed, assured shareholders of 1,575.75 improved return on investment. He said that having successfully450.00 completed01-Feb-16 the right issue, 8.66 the 500.00 bank would judiciously 19-May-16 4.13 and350.00 professionally deploy the 25-Jul-17 6.55 funds in upgrading 300.00 02-May-18the infra8.89 400.00 08-Nov-18 6.16 structure and shoring up the 300.00 sheet, 08-Apr-19 9.68 balance which accord22-Apr-19 6.77 ing 500.00 to him, would lead to capi200.00 21-May-19 9.12 tal appreciation. 300.00 07-Aug-20 7.67 Semenitari noted that with360.00 09-Dec-20 7.50 in the next few years share400.00 24-Jun-21 8.66 holders bank will not 450.00 of the 23-Jul-21 7.47

13.25

15.44

10.20

Coupon (%)

6.75 5.13 6.38

11.50 7.50 7.25 6.88 6.00 10.25 6.25 8.75 8.25 6.63 9.25 8.00

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

4,760.00

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

only1.00benefit 13.80 from capital 97.04 appreciation but also from dividend. He assured the shareholders that the funds would be judiciously used to achieve 1.00 13.77 90.74 set goals. “Dividend is a journey, it is not something that will come up immediately knowing Offer Yield (%) Bid Price Offer from, Price where we are coming but I believe within few years Prices & Yields down the line, shareholders 107.45 108.32 will5.17 not just benefit from capital appreciation but also the 4.14 102.52 103.36 dividend.” 5.49 105.19 106.03a toUnity Bank had raised tal of N39.2 billion via rights issue of 38,446,689,710 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at 50 kobo per share and private placement of103.30 40 billion ordi8.66 103.30 nary4.13shares of 50 kobo 105.04 each at 105.04 50 kobo per share. 6.55 101.72 101.72 From the rights issue,95.66 which 8.32 93.99 100.12 is on5.96the basis99.42 of one ordinary 9.68 for every 102.00 one ordinary 102.00 share 6.77 98.00 share held as98.00 at December 16, 8.76 98.62 99.93 2013, Unity Bank is targeted 7.67 101.63 101.63 to raise N19.295.75 billion and N20 7.50 95.75 billion from the private place8.48 103.00 103.88 ment. 7.47 101.63 101.63

22-Oct-14

4,789.24

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

DTM Maturity Bid Discount (%) 8 30-Oct-14 10.15 15 6-Nov-14 10.80 FGN Bonds 22 13-Nov-14 10.70 29 20-Nov-14 10.55 36 27-Nov-14 11.00 Rating/Agency Issuer Description 43 4-Dec-14 10.55 50 11-Dec-14 10.90 4.00 23-APR-2015 64 25-Dec-14 11.15 13.05 16-AUG-2016 71 1-Jan-15 11.15 15.10 27-APR-2017 78 8-Jan-15 10.95 9.85 27-JUL-2017 85 15-Jan-15 11.00 9.35 31-AUG-2017 92 22-Jan-15 10.10 10.70 30-MAY-2018 99 29-Jan-15 11.15 106 5-Feb-15 10.50 16.00 29-JUN-2019 12-Feb-15 11.10 NA113 NA 7.00 23-OCT-2019 120 19-Feb-15 10.35 16.39 27-JAN-2022 127 26-Feb-15 11.10 14.20 14-MAR-2024 134 5-Mar-15 11.00 15.00 28-NOV-2028 141 12-Mar-15 11.00 12.49 22-MAY-2029 155 26-Mar-15 11.10 8.50 20-NOV-2029 169 9-Apr-15 10.90 10.00 23-JUL-2030 183 23-Apr-15 10.50 12.1493 18-JUL-2034 197 7-May-15 10.40 288 6-Aug-15 10.75 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE 316 3-Sep-15 10.55 *from the Amortising bonds, the average life is calculated and not the duration TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

Offer Discount (%) 9.90 10.55 10.45 10.30 10.75 Issue Date 10.30 10.65 23-Apr-10 10.90 16-Aug-13 10.90 27-Apr-12 10.70 27-Jul-07 10.75 31-Aug-07 9.85 30-May-08 10.90 10.25 29-Jun-12 10.85 23-Oct-09 10.10 27-Jan-12 10.85 14-Mar-14 10.75 28-Nov-08 10.75 22-May-09 10.85 20-Nov-09 10.65 23-Jul-10 10.25 18-Jul-14 10.15 10.50 10.30

Bid Yield (%) 10.17 10.85 10.77 10.64 11.12 Coupon (%) 10.68 11.07 4.00 11.37 13.05 11.40 15.10 11.21 9.85 11.29 9.35 10.36 10.70 11.50 10.83 16.00 11.50 7.00 10.71 16.39 11.55 14.20 11.46 15.00 11.49 12.49 11.65 8.50 11.48 10.00 11.08 12.1493 11.02 11.75 11.61

Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums **Exclusive of non-trading t.bills

Rating/Agency

Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Agency Bonds 0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 Total Outstanding Modified Duration Buckets Porfolio Market Value(Bn) 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 Volume(Bn) 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 ***LCRM <3 1,016.68 0.00/16.50 LCRM 1,043.38 III 06-JUL-2017 AMCON

FMBN

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

NIBOR

Bonds

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

Value

Rate (%) 11.1417 12.4513 13.2367 Maturity Date 14.0040

535.00 23-Apr-15 563.89 16-Aug-16 NITTY 452.80 27-Apr-17 20.00 27-Jul-17 Tenor Rate (%) 100.00 31-Aug-17 1M 10.7298 300.00 30-May-18 2M 11.2372 3M 11.3637 351.30 29-Jun-19 6M 11.4494 233.90 23-Oct-19 9M 11.7205 600.00 27-Jan-22 12M 12.0593 371.68 14-Mar-24 75.00 28-Nov-28 150.00 22-May-29 NIFEX 20-Nov-29 200.00 591.57 23-Jul-30 Current Price ($/N) 18-Jul-34 BID($/N)130.00 165.9175

OFFER ($/N)

4,675.13

166.0175

4,619.14 Coupon (%)

28-Dec-11 FMDQ FGN 0.00BOND 24-May-10 0.00 03-Apr-12by 17.25by Mkt Weighting Weighting 09-Dec-11Vol 0.00/16.00 Outstanding Value 20-Apr-12 0.00/16.50 06-Jul-1233.21 0.00/16.5033.24

3<5

1,090.39

951.30

31.08

34.74

1,004.75

1,093.25

35.71

32.01

Market

3,138.52

3,061.23

100.00

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

INDEX978.35

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

10.96

O/N

11.04

REPO Bid Yield (%) TTM (Yrs) Tenor Call 0.50 1M 1.82 3M 2.51 6M

Rate (%) 11.00 11.08 12.33 12.64 13.33 12.64 14.16

Tenor Spot 7D Offer 14DYield (%) 1M 2M 10.75 3M 12.55 6M 12.57 1Y

2.76 12.73 12.66 2.86 12.73 12.67 3.60 12.79 12.68 :Benchmarks 4.69 12.82 12.74 * :Amortising 5.00 Bond 12.88 12.78 µ :Convertible 7.27 Bond 12.76 12.70 AMCON: Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria 9.39 12.77 12.72 FGN: Federal Government of Nigeria 14.10 12.83 12.79 FMBN: Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria 14.58 12.83 12.79 IFC: International Finance Corporation 15.08Contractors Receivables 12.84 12.78 LCRM: Local Management 15.75 Aviation Handling 12.80 Company 12.74 NAHCO: Nigerian 19.74 12.76 12.71 O/N: Overnight NOTE:

UPDC: UAC Property Development Company WAPCO:West Africa Portland Cement Company

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

24.56 3.00 Bucket Weighting 112.22 116.70 66.49 0.33

31-Oct-14 24-May-15 03-Apr-17 % Exposure_ 09-Dec-16 Mod_Duration 20-Apr-17 14.30 06-Jul-17

0.02 0.59 1.32 Implied Yield 2.13 2.49 12.64 2.70

1,301.320.31

# Risk Premium (%)

1.00 2.63 2.27 Implied 2.00 Portfolio Price 1.00 118.1862 1.00

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

Price 165.00 164.90 165.24 165.47 165.50 165.81 Bid Price Offer Price 166.17 166.79 167.28 168.34 96.63 96.78 168.45 170.07 100.60 100.75 172.17 175.58 105.15 105.30 179.63 187.62

93.43 93.58 92.08 92.23 94.07 94.37 NA :Not110.90 Applicable 111.20 # :Floating Rate Bond 78.81 79.11 ***: Deferred coupon bonds 116.80 117.10 107.65 107.95 †: Bond rating expired 113.96 114.26 N/A :Not Available 97.74 98.04 71.37 71.67 81.20 81.50 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 95.60Bank for Africa 95.90 UBA: United

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

12.00 13.79 14.29 INDEX 14.72 13.71 1,122.53 13.72

99.71 92.44 YTD 103.57 Return 100.27 (%) 98.10 12.2528 95.35

12.3494

30.32

12.78

132.6812

1,123.49

0.36

55.38

12.78

102.1811

1,194.68

19.4676

1.00

100.00

12.76

116.9747

1,117.01

11.7006

1,291.69

Sub-National Bonds A+/Agusto

KADUNA

12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015

31-Aug-10

12.50

8.50

31-Aug-15

0.86

4.44

15.86

97.36

A/Agusto

*EBONYI

13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015

30-Sep-10

13.00

4.18

30-Sep-15

0.70

3.23

14.50

99.38

A-/Agusto

*BENUE

14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-11

14.00

6.27

30-Jun-16

0.98

4.46

16.00

98.55

A+/Agusto

*IMO

15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016

30-Jun-09

15.50

7.37

30-Jun-16

0.99

3.48

15.02

100.99

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

LAGOS

10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017

19-Apr-10

10.00

57.00

19-Apr-17

2.49

5.59

18.30

83.96

A-/Agusto

*BAYELSA

13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017

30-Jun-10

13.75

29.92

30-Jun-17

1.54

1.00

13.30

100.93

A/Agusto

EDO

14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017

30-Dec-10

14.00

25.00

31-Dec-17

3.19

1.79

14.55

98.58

A+/Agusto; A+/GCR

*DELTA

14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018

30-Sep-11

14.00

34.14

30-Sep-18

2.37

1.80

14.51

99.12

A-/Agusto; A-/GCR

NIGER

14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018

04-Oct-11

14.00

9.00

04-Oct-18

3.95

1.00

13.82

100.51

Business | Capital Market

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH Daily Summary as of 22/10/2014 Printed 22/10/2014 15:00:50.050

Daily Summary as of 22/10/2014

Printed 22/10/2014 15:00:50.050

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at October 22, 2014 Daily Summary (Equities)

Daily Summary (Bonds)

Activity Summary on Board DEBT

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Federal

Bond Name 13.05% FGN AUG 2016 Federal Totals

Symbol FG102016S1

No. of Deals 1 1

DEBT Board Totals

Current Price 101.20

Bond Activity Totals

Quantity Traded 4,600 4600

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Pharmaceuticals Totals

Value Traded 4,767,756.25 4,767,756.25

4,600

4,767,756.25

4600

4,767,756.25

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

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Daily Summary as of 22/10/2014 Printed 22/10/2014 15:00:50.050

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

AGRICULTURE Totals

Symbol FTNCOCOA OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 2 13 4 19

Current Price 0.50 33.00 35.50

Quantity Traded 2,009,000 47,205 30,513 2,086,718

Value Traded 1,004,500.00 1,479,928.10 1,029,203.49 3,513,631.59

No. of Deals 38 38 Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 2.92

Quantity Traded 1,108,968 1,108,968

Value Traded 3,135,019.55 3,135,019.55

3,195,686

6,648,651.14

Symbol LIVESTOCK

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

Symbol AGLEVENT SCOA TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals 3 1 234 66 304

Symbol COSTAIN

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED

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

Daily Summary as of 22/10/2014 Real Estate Development Totals Printed 22/10/2014 15:00:50.050 CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals

CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC.

Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC Daily Summary as ofMILLS 22/10/2014 FLOUR NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC Printed 22/10/2014 15:00:50.050 NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC U T C NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals

Daily Summary as of 22/10/2014 IT Services Printed 22/10/2014 15:00:50.050

COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC IT Services Totals

Processing Systems CHAMS PLC Processing Systems Totals

34,514,020

186,121,416.30

No. of Deals 48 48

Current Price 0.96

Quantity Traded 3,275,262 3,275,262

Value Traded 3,126,624.07 3,126,624.07

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 21 21

Current Price 67.20

Quantity Traded 96,725 96,725

Value Traded 5,872,350.20 5,872,350.20

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 16 16

Current Price 14.00

Quantity Traded 44,306 44,306

Value Traded 614,161.65 614,161.65

3,416,293

9,613,135.92

Quantity Traded 20,385

Value Traded 275,135.65

304

85 Symbol No. of Deals Daily Summary (Equities) CHAMPION

Current Price 14.94

Page

Value Traded 8,861.25 of 88.8013 173,830,441.29 12,282,024.96 186,121,416.30

No. of Deals 1 38 10 119 6 180

Current Price 0.84 192.90 32.00 169.00 3.98

Quantity Traded 3,296 104,802 71,266 3,259,688 35,828 3,495,265

Value Traded 2,900.48 19,693,461.55 2,175,422.32 549,309,257.52 135,788.12 571,591,965.64

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals 25 25

Current Price 162.86

Quantity Traded 22,216 22,216

Value Traded 3,954,798.06 3,954,798.06

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON UTC

No. of Deals 11 74 42 33 19 2 181

Current Price 6.55 7.71 61.40 3.95 9.29 0.50

Quantity Traded 49,060 1,556,980 84,036 1,113,105 287,953 66,969 3,158,103

Value Traded 305,643.80 12,092,933.69 4,825,417.88 4,416,257.95 2,644,827.73 33,484.50 24,318,565.55

Symbol No. of Deals Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 52.51 983.00

Quantity Traded 29,090 161,084 190,174

Value Traded 1,490,413.34 158,323,501.66 159,813,915.00

Current Price 4.29 1.35

Quantity Traded 401,373 101,000 502,373

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

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 109 41 150

Current Price 26.50 40.16

Quantity Traded 1,320,557 226,668 1,547,225

Value Traded 35,011,890.04 9,115,149.38 44,127,039.42

8,915,356

805,619,417.52

Current Price 8.46 6.32 19.00 1.95 27.41 2.73 2.32 5.98 9.06 0.50

Quantity Traded 7,006,025 5,563,029 28,595,910 2,780,088 3,509,289 2,041,448 16,817,927 10,409,542 977,303 2,314,197

Value Traded 59,662,037.72 34,788,190.61 528,681,291.48 5,440,793.02 96,233,366.59 5,637,086.66 39,079,835.52 61,806,614.84 8,872,024.51 1,157,098.50

Value Traded 4 992,543.89 of 13 104,696,792.53 947,047,675.87

CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Daily Summary as of 22/10/2014 FIDELITY BANK PLC Printed 22/10/2014 15:00:50.050 GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

642 Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 109 DIAMONDBNK 74 ETI 84 FIDELITYBK 66 GUARANTY 255 SKYEBANK 89 STERLNBANK 241 UBA 218 Daily Summary (Equities) UBN 45 UNITYBNK 18

No. of Deals 33 212 1,444

Current Price 0.95 22.60

Quantity Traded Page 1,040,644 4,658,404 85,713,806

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE CORNERST INTENEGINS LASACO MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM PRESTIGE STDINSURE WAPIC

No. of Deals 20 9 1 1 1 3 3 23 16 1 64 142

Current Price 0.81 0.92 0.50 0.51 0.50 3.00 0.55 0.76 0.50 0.50 0.64

Quantity Traded 828,062 660,000 50,000 466 75,193 30,000 130,000 1,971,990 7,561,720 1,000 3,626,258 14,934,689

Value Traded 665,211.67 605,460.00 25,000.00 237.66 37,596.50 88,900.00 71,200.00 1,514,407.35 3,780,860.00 500.00 2,311,858.55 9,101,231.73

Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 1.01

Quantity Traded 448,800 448,800

Value Traded 450,508.00 450,508.00

Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC

Symbol RESORTSAL

No. of Deals 4

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 950,000

Value Traded 475,000.00

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. Daily Summary as of 22/10/2014 WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Printed 22/10/2014 15:00:50.050 Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

FINANCIAL SERVICES Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. NIGERIA ENERYGY SECTOR FUND ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 20,000 20,000

Value Traded 10,000.00 10,000.00

Symbol CWG

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 4.80

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 490.00 490.00

Symbol

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 1,078,514 1,078,514

Value Traded 539,257.00 539,257.00

1,240,185

624,779.63

Daily Summary (Equities) CHAMS

Symbol PORTPAINT WAPCO

No. of Deals 8 52 203

Current Price 5.01 118.00

Quantity Traded 205,500 502,096 2,338,063

Value Traded 1,014,615.00 59,262,078.92 301,435,661.25

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

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 1.76

Quantity Traded 96,000 96,000

Value Traded 168,960.00 168,960.00

Packaging/Containers AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals

Symbol AVONCROWN BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 1 9 10

Current Price 1.59 20.00

Quantity Traded 678 60,090 60,768

Value Traded 1,030.56 1,177,372.00 1,178,402.56

2,494,831

302,783,023.81

Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN Daily Summary DANGCEM DNMEYER FIRSTALUM

218 Symbol BOCGAS

No. of Deals 2 2 2

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

No. of Deals 75 18 460 43 1 8 49 125 779

Current Price 3.15 3.90 12.60 4.08 552.20 0.53 31.15 2.05

Quantity Traded 1,789,689 326,252 10,243,768 1,604,157 100 132,043 3,226,827 3,891,478 21,214,314 123,261,609

Page

No. of Deals 218 218

Current Price 23.80

Quantity Traded 2,249,598 2,249,598

Value Traded 53,322,519.37 53,322,519.37

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 43 17 70 20 2 9 161

Current Price 49.23 3.80 213.50 166.00 56.00 171.00

Quantity Traded 261,012 197,146 178,969 12,825 1,450 2,072 653,474

Value Traded 12,237,438.12 720,696.20 38,128,326.33 2,161,731.50 77,140.00 357,662.70 53,682,994.85

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

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 10 10

Current Price 574.00

Quantity Traded 7,192 7,192

Value Traded 4,036,639.53 4,036,639.53

3,181,914

111,177,978.75

Quantity Traded 296,895 296,895

Value Traded 248,179.98 248,179.98

395 Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 12 12

Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 0.83

Page

Value Traded 135,825.00

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

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 6 3 9

Current Price 4.15 1.29

Quantity Traded 29,700 2,500 32,200

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 2,030,000 2,030,000

Value Traded 1,015,000.00 1,015,000.00

Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 54 54

Current Price 3.09

Quantity Traded 8,114,616 8,114,616

Value Traded 25,391,322.70 25,391,322.70

Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Media/Entertainment Totals

Symbol DAARCOMM

No. of Deals 7 7

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 98,500 98,500

Value Traded 49,250.00 49,250.00

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 3 15 8 26

Current Price 1.38 1.39 4.14

Quantity Traded 22,000 375,764 80,500 478,264

Value Traded 29,040.00 507,151.97 312,710.00 848,901.97

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

Quantity Traded 81,478 81,478

Value Traded 55,994.60 55,994.60

SERVICES Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Transport-Related Services Value Traded 475,000.00AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC

Transport-Related Services Totals Value Traded 5,640,251.05 Support and Logistics 1,270,510.10CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals 128,345,246.24 6,452,701.50 SERVICES Totals 57,900.00 69,527.33 EQTY Board Totals 100,526,840.60 8,123,581.30 Equity Activity Totals 250,486,558.12

1,207,560,973.72 Exchange Traded Fund Name

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 3.72

Quantity Traded 1,500 1,500

Value Traded NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF 5,310.00 Exchange Traded Fund Totals Daily5,310.00 Summary as of 22/10/2014

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER

No. of Deals 11 14 5 8

Current Price 1.95 3.31 56.00 1.63

Quantity Traded 30,880 346,978 10,660 484,194

ABCTRANS

6 6

0.69

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 4 16 20

Current Price 1.91 5.00

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals 23 23

Current Price 4.24

Page Quantity Traded 10,500 239,813 250,313

Value Traded 123,909.00 3,075.00 126,984.00

11 of 13 Value Traded 20,820.00 1,201,443.00

1,222,263.00

Quantity Traded 448,200 448,200

Value Traded 1,898,291.66 1,898,291.66

159

11,830,466

30,856,187.91

4,302

193,242,715

2,663,961,122.62

4,302

193,242,715

2,663,961,122.62

Daily Summary (ETP) Symbol NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

PrintedETF 22/10/2014 Board 15:00:50.050 Totals

Value Traded 135,825.00

Symbol OANDO

Quantity Traded 271,650

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

Symbol EKOCORP

Page

16,515.70

Quantity Traded 271,650

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB NESF ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

0.50

16,515.70

3,170

Current Price

Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Road Transportation Totals

Quantity Traded 950,000

8Value Traded of 13 16,515.70

No. of Deals 6

UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals

Current Price

Quantity Traded Page 3,170 3,170

Symbol

Printing/Publishing Daily Summary as of 22/10/2014 ACADEMY PRESS PLC. Printed 22/10/2014 15:00:50.050 LEARN AFRICA PLC

Current Price 5.48

Value Traded 9,145,837.70

7 459,155.00 of 13

Energy Equipment and Services Energy Equipment and Services Totals

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

No. of Deals 4

2,380

Symbol OMATEK

Daily Summary as of 22/10/2014 PrintedOIL 22/10/2014 15:00:50.050 AND GAS Totals

Symbol

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers EKOCORP PLC. Healthcare Providers Totals

Page

Value Traded 75,032.63 75,032.63

2,380,446.22 1,351,632.10 227,788,564.31 23,332.00 10,000.00

Value Traded 1,682,843.85 130,290.00 1,813,133.85

Symbol WEMABANK ZENITHBANK

ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals

Quantity Traded 141,571 141,571

Quantity Traded 292,158 Page 58,151 59,982 93,952 1,082,892 23,332 20,000

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY

No. of Deals 22 13 35

Page

Current Price 0.53

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

2,939,042.22

No. of Deals 4 4

Printed 22/10/2014 15:00:50.050

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

1,189,185

Current Price 31.17 8.08 39.00 14.06 213.00 1.05 0.50

NATURAL RESOURCES Published byChemicals The Nigerian Stock Exchange © B.O.C. GASES PLC. Daily Summary as of 22/10/2014 Chemicals Totals

20 51 71

Value Traded 361,080.03 2,933,732.22

Symbol COURTVILLE

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

CADBURY NESTLE

Quantity Traded 314,973 1,187,685

No. of Deals 30 13 25 19 (Equities) 54 1 1

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

Symbol GOLDBREW GUINNESS INTBREW NB PREMBREW

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

INDUSTRIAL Daily Summary as ofGOODS 22/10/2014 Building15:00:50.050 Materials Printed 22/10/2014 ASHAKA CEM PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC DN MEYER PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC

Current Price 1.16

Activity Summary on Board EQTY ICT Totals

Quantity Traded 6,375 20 Page 34,278,427 229,198 34,514,020

Activity on Board EQTY Published by TheSummary Nigerian Stock Exchange © CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. PREMIER BREWERIES PLC Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals

Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC Computers and Peripherals Totals

Current Price 1.33 4.67 5.15 53.79

CONGLOMERATES Totals

No. of Deals 11 49

HEALTHCARE Totals

Daily Summary (Equities)

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

Symbol NEIMETH

No. of Deals 1 2 3

Current Price 2,002.00 17.63

Quantity Traded 8 50,000 50,008

Value Traded 16,016.00 881,500.00 897,516.00

50,008

897,516.00

50,008

Page

Daily Summary (ETP)

897,516.00

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2014

News 45

SOUTH-SOUTH

Aspirant: I won’t step down for Wike Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sir Gabriel Pidomson, yesterday said he will not step down for the immediate past Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, or any other aspirant stressing that he was in the race to get the ticket. Pidomson, who stated

this while declaring his intention to contest the primary at a forum in Port Harcourt, said it was not true that Wike had been endorsed by the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, when he visited the party’s secretariat recently. He said the fact that Muazu said Wike was on track does not mean that has been endorsed by the party, but that some persons interpreted it to mean so.

He said: “Rivers cannot feed the nation and achieve personal ambition unless we have a leader that can first make the state strong by building strong institutions. “It is our ability to take care of our own at home that gives us the strength to stand up for what we believe around the country.” He said he would not have paid N11 million to buy the governorship form if the party had nominated

Wike, stressing that he has “the skill to untangle the complexities associated with governance.” Pidomson, who served as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) during the brief stint of Sir Celestine Omehia as governor, said it was unjustifiable for Wike, an Ikwerre to succeed Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, adding that it would amount to 16 uninterrupted years of

Ikwerre rule in the state. “I will not bring out N11 million if I knew Wike had been endorsed,” he said, noting that when the minister and others resigned from the cabinet of President Goodluck Jonathan, they were given the option to return. “If an Ikwerre man rules Rivers State for another eight years, it means Ikwerre would have ruled the state for 16 years. It is a bad precedent,” he added.

L-R: Representative of the Chancellor, Benson Idahosa University, Prof. Bishop Joel Thomas; Presiding Archbishop, Church of God Mission Intertional/Chancellor, Benson Idahosa University, Archbishop Margaret Idahosa; President, Women Arise and Campaign for Democracy, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin; founder, Pathfinders Justice Initiative, Ruth Idahosa; President, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Edo State chapter, Stella Ojeme, at the ‘Take Me Off Mute Seminar,’ organised by Pathfinders Justice Initiative/Benson Idahosa University (BIU) in Benin City, Edo State…yesterday

CAN, PFN leaders storm Benin for prayers Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

eaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) will next week converge on Benin City, Edo State, to pray for peace in Nigeria, ahead of the 2015 general elections in the country. Besides, the Christians leaders will also pray for the peace, unity and progress of the country during the Bible Alive Believers International Convention (BABIC), an annual convention of the Gospel Light International Ministries, New Covenant Gospel Church in Benin. PFN National President, Rev. Felix Omobude, disclosed this in a press statement in Benin, yesterday. He said all the renowned Christian clerics would start arriving the ancient city on Monday, next week. He also added that the one-week convention with the theme; “Thy Kingdom Come,” would be attended by over 120, 000 Christians, including about 2, 000 Christian clerics from within and outside country.

INEC fixes November for collection of PVCs in Edo Oshiomhole’s aide makes Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday said the distribution of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) for the 2015 general elections will commence on November 13, for voters in Edo State. Edo State Resident Electoral Commission (REC), Mr. Baritur Gbigi, stated this in Benin, yesterday. He said the ongoing distribution of perma-

nent voters’ cards to registered voters in the state would be concluded before the commission commences fresh registration of voters. He said the process would start in November and end on Sunday, November 17, 2014. According to Gbigi, the commission is expected to exhaust the list of registered voters in possession of temporary voters’ cards by giving them their PVCs, so that only those who are duly eligible and have not registered before are captured in the fresh reg-

istration exercise. “The fresh registration will be for those who were not eligible in 2011 and 2012, because they were not 18years old. On the issue of multiple registrations, INEC has a software, which easily detects multiple registrations and deletes the voter from the register.” He said all those who lost or damaged their cards over time should apply for new ones in writing through the INEC offices in their local governments of registration for necessary replacement. The commission

warned against multiple registrations, while calling on voters who have changed location and so desire, can now apply with a photocopy of their temporary voters card to be relocated rather than applying for fresh registration. The REC said the commission has set up a sensitisation team of the media, women, youths and civil society groups as well as other agencies to create awareness on the voting and election process for voters across the nation ahead of next year’s polls.

Abduction: NBA members demand release of lawyer Gabriel Choba Ughelli

he Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Sapele branch, yesterday protested the abduction of one of their members, Desmond S. Dudu, demanding for his unconditional release. Dudu was abducted last Sunday around Eku-Abraka road, by gunmen. Hundreds of lawyers,

who protested around the town, carrying placards with various inscriptions like; “Free Barr. Dudu,” “Kidnapping is wrong and evil,” ‘Stop the kidnapping and release our colleague,” appealed to the police to swing into action and trap the kidnappers. Speaking on behalf of the protesting lawyers yesterday, Sapele NBA Chairman, Gabriel Ekerewe, said Dudu was

kidnapped on Sunday, but that the news got to them on Monday, hence the court obliged them by not sitting. “We are irked by the kidnap of our colleague, Desmond S. Dudu and we are therefore using this medium to appeal to the kidnappers to release him unconditionally.” While commending the police for their good job in combating crime and other criminal vices,

the Sapele NBA chairman urged the police to put in more efforts in shaping their activities to ensure that their colleagues are freed. Responding, the Divisional Police Officer, Mammah Sale Rijau, while expressing sympathy, told them to be patient as the police are on top of the situation and doing their best to ensure that the kidnapers are trapped.

case for state police Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

he Special Assistant to Governor Adams Oshiomhole on Protocol, Mr. John Akhigbe, yesterday called on Nigerians to take a second look at the creation of state police as it seems to be the only option towards effective policing in the country. Akhigbe, who spoke against the backdrop of alleged role played by the police during the attack on Edo State House of Assembly’s legislative quarters, said if there had been state police, such ugly incident would have been prevented. Akhigbe spoke during an interview with newsmen in Benin on the political situation in the state. He thanked God that no life was lost in the attack, but blamed the police for failure to act swiftly on the information available to them. “I am disappointed at the role of security agencies, especially, the police in the whole af-

fair. This has changed my position about the agitation for state police. It is very important that we have state police. I was reliably informed that the commissioner of police was called about 10.35pm, a day before the attack. The commissioner was told of the plan to attack, but he did nothing about it.” The governor’s aide said: “If the police were on ground, I don’t see how the thugs would have been able to hold the legislative quarters to ransom for over 20 minutes. The state police command failed the people and should be ashamed of itself for allowing themselves to be used.” According to him, “The command is only two minutes’ drive from to the legislative quarters, less than five minutes’ drive from the DSS and less than two minutes’ drive from the Army Brigade and yet, none of these security agencies could savage the situation while these thugs unleashed mayhem on the lawmakers and members and families oftheir Families.”

News

SOUTH-EAST

THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ogah denies taking Abia PDP to court Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

Hon. Bethel Amadi (left), receiving the nomination form to run as Imo State governor from the National Organising Secretary, Peoples Democratic Party [PDP], Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, at National Secretariat of the party in Abuja…yesterday. PHOTO: ELIJAH OLALUYI

Ekweremadu, Chime shift battle to Abuja Uwakwe Abugu Enugu

here are indications that the political gladiators in Enugu State, who have been fighting over governorship and National Assembly position for the 2015 general elections have shifted base to Abuja. New Telegraph gathered that intense lob-

bying is currently going on. As the situation continues to heat up the polity in the state, more reactions have continued to trail a news report alleging that the presidency has placed a watch on some National Assembly members said to be friends of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, and who are

being favoured in their governorship ambitions in their respective states. On Tuesday, three chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party in Enugu State, among them, two members of the Board of Trustees of the party, raised the alarm over the activities of those behind that publication, alleging that Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who emerged the consen-

Assembly tells Okorocha to declare emergency on Nekede erosion site Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

embers of the Imo State House of Assembly, at its plenary yesterday, unanimously urged Governor Rochas Okorocha to urgently declare a state of emergency on Nekede Old Road gully erosion site, as well as the Ihim UmunekeUmukaku-Umuelemai road, to avert possible loss of lives and property. This was sequel to a motion sponsored by the member representing Owerri West state constituency, Hon. Innocent Ekeh. The House also directed the state Commissioner for Works to appear before its executive session to brief members on the measures adopted by the Ministry to tackle ecological issues in the state.

Ekeh, during a debate on the motion, decried the deplorable condition of the road and warned that if urgent measures were not taken by relevant agencies of government, Nekede, which is a satellite town in Owerri, with large chunk of its residents as civil servants, low income earners and businessmen alike, would easily be cut off from the Owerri Municipality. He also suggested that the State Emergency Management Agency of the state government be empowered to immediately embark on palliative measures to save thousands of people who reside in the area from imminent disaster. Other members, who contributed to the motion including Hon. Simeon Iwunze, Hon. Ikenna Amuka and Hon.

Samuel Anyanwu, berated the unwholesome attitudes of sand excavators in various parts of the state and lamented that their actions largely contribute to the ecological challenges being witnessed across the state. The Speaker, Chief Benjamin Uwajumogu directed a standing Committee to be headed by Hon. Kingsley Dimaku to immediately undertake an on-the-spot assessment of all erosion sites in the state and report to the House for necessary actions. Meanwhile, the House has also pleaded with the executive arm of the government in the state to urgently address the Ihim Umuneke,-Umukaku- Umuelemai road to enable the people of the area further feel the impact of government.

sus governorship candidate of the party was under watch for allegedly being on the good books of Tambuwal. The group said such people are out to deceive Mr. President. Ambassador Justina Eze, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, both members of the party’s BOT, as well as another chieftain of the party in Enugu State had expressed anger over the publication and coun-

selled President Jonathan to watch such characters, who would make him lose his support base. On the shifting of the battle ground to Abuja, an Enugu Government House source said yesterday that “the main battle is now going on in Abuja and that is why you see that most of the big wigs involved in all these blocs of crisis over tickets of the party are not around”.

governorship aspirant in Abia State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah has debunked insinuations that he dragged the state PDP to court over the constitution of the congress/primary election panel constituted by the party for the conduct of the primaries. He said that despite the negative reactions from majority of Abians over the committee headed by the deputy chief of staff, Chief Charles Ogbonnaya, with many of them believing that the committee’s decision would be skewed in favour of predetermined candidates, he has not been one of such group. His reaction was contained in a release made available to newsmen in Umuahia, yesterday, in which he said “I am not a member of this school of thought, because my aspiration to the governorship of Abia State is divine and no human force can stop it. Therefore, I have no reason to drag anybody to court, be it Abia PDP state chapter or any person or persons.”

Njemanze joins Imo governorship race Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

ormer Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Imo State, Sir Ken Njemanze (SAN) has secured the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to seek nomination as the Governorship flag-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State in 2015. Njemanze, who paid the mandatory fees at the

national headquarters of the party on Monday, yesterday collected the forms to signal his formal interest in the gubernatorial primaries in the state. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria and scion of the Njemanze royal family of Owerri, who spoke to newsmen after collecting the forms, explained that the procurement of the forms signifies his unwavering determination to be a major contender for

the Imo governorship seat on the platform of the PDP. He stressed the need for PDP to conduct credible primaries by letting the will of the people prevail in the primaries. Njemanze maintains that only a purposeful leadership anchored on the tenets of the rule of law and good governance will restore Imo State on the path of progress and economic prosperity that has eluded the state in the last four years.

Abia Chief of Staff resigns Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

he Chief of Staff to Abia State Governor Theodore Orji, Mr. Cosmos Ndukwe, has resigned New Telegraph can authoritatively report. Although the resignation has not been officially published, it was

gathered from impeccable sources that the Chief of staff resigned to pursue a political ambition. Although the former Chief of Staff could not confirm the resignation when he was asked on phone, he did not deny it either. He just said “let the rumour continue.” New Telegraph checks reveal that since the news

of the resignation became public on Monday, he has not been seen in the office. His car park is empty while the usual official activity that makes the office the hub of government house business is not there. A close source to Ndukwe confirmed the resignation but denied knowledge of the reason for the action.

“I am here to further consult the party to consider whether I could be allowed to contest for the party’s governorship primary election,” he said, adding, “I am running for the gubernatorial primary election, come

November 29”. Nwadiala, as he is popularly called, said that his nomination form had been bought for him on October 17, 2014, by a group known as ‘Nwadiala Friends’.

Wogu joins Abia guber race, shuts down Umuahia Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

he intimidating convoy of the immediate past minister of labour and productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, sent a sig-

nal to other aspirants yesterday that the governorship race is not for ‘boys’ as he made his triumphant return after resigning from the Federal Executive Council. The convoy of sup-

porters, spanning over two kilometres, followed him to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat in Umuahia where the Finbars road was closed to traffic as long as the ceremony lasted.

At the party secretariat, Wogu told the party leadership that having successfully completed his national assignment in Abuja, he was now ready to vie for the ticket to govern Abia State.

NEW TELEGRAPH thursday, OCTOBER 23, 2014

reaction

Suleiman challenges Ahmed on performance, stands by earlier claims Biodun Oyeleye ILORIN

inister of National Planning and Deputy Chairman, National Planning Commission (NPC), Dr. Abubakar Olanrrewaju

News 47

north

Minister chides gov over criticism Sulaiman, yesterday dismissed claims by the Kwara State government, that the federal government has neglected roads within the state for several years assuring, that the Jebba-Mokwa as well as the Ajase-Ipo- Offa roads will soon be fixed. The minister however took a swipe at the state government on the issue of road construction in the state, stating that it

was that the incumbent administration in the state that has not done any new road in the last four years. The minister in a statement in Ilorin, Kwara state, by his media aide, AbdulRahauf AbdulRahaman said he had secured President Goodluck Jonathan’s nod for the jobs. Part of the statement reads: “I challenge the

state government under the Abdulfatah Ahmedled administration to come up with a list of new roads it has opened in its close to four years in office. Available record show that all the government could do is to patching and fixing potholes, a job better handled by the local government. “It is unfortunate that civil servants in our state remain the least paid in

the country. That should not be so. The other time they were critical of me over this statement, but up till now, they have not been able to come up with facts. All they could say was that they pay as at when due. Let us call the spade by its name and address issues. This is just one of the numerous posers I have raised for genuine response and not name calling.

“Their counterparts in states like Osun, Oyo and Niger are being paid handsomely. But here, they are being short changed. A response in facts and figures is very apt in this regard.” Let the government speak up. We all see what Jigawa and Katisna for instance are doing with their allocation. They earn about the same or less than Kwara . so, where is our own money going to?”

Aliyu harps on girl-child education Dan Atori MINNA

L-R: Acting Regional General Manager, Kano International Airport, Mallam Ibrahim Chatta; Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria [FAAN], Sale Dunoma; Chief of Staff to the Managing Director, FAAN, Mallam Kabiru Mohammed Yusuf; Mr Wong Wong of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and Mr. Bini Sam Leo, during Engr Dunoma’s inspection of the New Terminal under construction at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano…yesterday

Wamakko: Sokoto spent N299m on unemployed youths Umar Danladi Ado

overnor Aliyu Wamakko, of Sokoto State has said his administration has spent over N299 million on the seven-week training of 2,300 unemployed youths as environmental, security and traffic marshals. Wamakko disclosed this yesterday at the graduation of the youths who were drawn from the 23 local governments of the state. The governor stated that the youths were trained under the state’s Subsidy Re-Investment Programme ( SURE-P), stating that the youths would be deployed across the state to complement the efforts of the various security agencies, including traffic authority,as well as environmental agencies. He however urged youths not to be overzealous in the discharge of their duties rather they should do everything to portray themselves as good ambassadors of the

state. The governor said that the operations of the youths would strictly be monitored and evaluated, warning, ‘’ any acts of indiscipline will be sanctioned accordingly.’’ Wamakko stated that an office to serve as the programme’s state headquarters had been provided, while efforts are on to provide other logistics to the youths. The governor disclosed that his administration had so far trained over 300,000 unemployed youths in various vocational skills from 2007 to date. He also announced the appointment of a retired Commissioner of Police, Mr Sa’idu Madawaki as the Commandant-General of the traffic corps. The state Commissioner of Special Duties, Alhaji Abdullahi Dange stated that the scheme has helped in mopping up these 2,300 hitherto unemployed youths should thereby making them useful to themselves and the society.

Benue bye-election: PDP candidate gets certificate of return Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Benue State yesterday presented the Certificate of return to Mr. Terfa Tyav, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP), House of Representatives winner of last Saturday’s bye-election for Buruku Federal Constituency. Presenting the certificate at the headquarters of the commission in

Makurdi, the Resident Electoral Commissioner Alhaji Baba Abba Yusuf expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election, and extolled supporters and stakeholders of the party in the area for their conduct during the exercise. Yusuf charged the member-elect to carry the people of his constituency along as well as strive to pacify aggrieved members with a view to wooing them into his fold for the development of the area.

Responding Tyav appreciated the support of governor Gabriel Suswam, the PDP as well as the INEC over the smooth conduct of the election which he described as the freest and fairest in the history of the area. He thanked his constituents for their unalloyed support throughout the exercise and dedicated the victory to them with a promise not to disappoint them but lobby for meaningful projects that will fast-track development in the area.

Ochekpe faults policy on RBDAs Dan Atori MINNA,

inister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe on Wednesday blamed the Federal Government over the removal of non water programmes from the functions of the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs), lamenting it has led to the dwindling fortune of the

river basins in the country. Mrs. Ochekpe made the remark at the four day National Irrigation and Drainage Seminar in Minna tagged ‘Advancing the Frontiers of Irrigation and Drainage for Agricultural Transformation’. She said, “As a consequence of the decisions of the federal government in the 1990s, the fortunes of these public irrigation institutions such

as the RBDAs began to change. The change was manifested in restructuring programmes which removed the non-water programmes from the functions of the RBDAs”. Mrs. Ochekpe said the effect of the policy was that enormous assets of the RBDAs such as tractors, vehicles, plants and equipment, fishery schemes, cattle ranches, and buildings were hastily disposed off.

iger state Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu has advocated that that the need for free, compulsory and full scale girl child education in the country is imperative. The governor’s position was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Israel Ebije’s at the flagging off ceremony of the distribution of school uniforms to JSS one female students at Munya local government area of the state. He said following the over 10 million out of school children recorded against Nigeria, the need to renew efforts to reduce education deficit cannot be over emphasised adding, that girl child education should be prioritized. Ebije said, “It is important to ensure that female children are well educated. When you train a man, you train an individual but when you train a woman, you train a nation. “It is the responsibility of government at all levels to ensure provision of free education from primary to junior secondary school. Failure to comply with this has forced many school age children out of school and the girl child is most affected”. He therefore directed the 25 local government chairmen to replicate government’s effort by flagging off their own free girl child educational materials. He said part of the directive to local government is to ensure that they help sensitize parents and school age students adding that despite the free education policy of the state government, girl child education enrolment in rural areas needs to be scaled up.

News

NATIONAL

THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

PDP won’t impose candidate on Oyo, says Mark Chukwu David ABUJA

enate President, David David Mark, yesterday dismissed reports that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Integration Committee for the South West was plotting to impose a governorship candidate on the Oyo State Chapter of the Party. Mark made this reaction in Abuja against the backdrop of an allegation by a group of PDP members known as ‘Rescue Team 2015’ that the Senate President-led integration committee was planning to impose a candidate on the state. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, the Senate boss denied the rumours when he met with stakeholders from the state at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa. He said, “We are not here to impose anybody or to choose a flag bearer for you”. “You are to choose your flag bearer and ensure that PDP wins her elections in Oyo State. That is the agenda handed over to us.“ According to him, “the Committee did not select gubernatorial aspirants that were invited for the meeting. Rather, every stakeholder was invited. “I didn’t call gubernatorial candidates to my house. The meeting here (Banquet Hall) was opened and all inclusive.”

L-R: Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mrs. Ekon Enyakenyi; Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe and Minister of Environment, Mrs. Lawrential Laraba Mallam, at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja…yesterday. PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

Anenih seeks support for Yero Ibraheem Musa Kaduna

s part of his efforts to reconcile all aggrieved camps within the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) family, Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih has advised all party members in Kaduna state to forget the past and support Governor Muktar Yero in the coming elections. Speaking at a meeting with key stakeholders of the party at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House yesterday, Anenih said the delegation was in Kaduna State to make peace and unite the party ahead of next

year’s polls. Describing Yero as a performing governor, the BoT Chairman noted that the governor needs party members in order to succeed, adding that ‘’he is a young man and the sky is his limit, but he needs a solid foundation built on unity hard work and loyalty. According to Anenih, ‘’we have come to Kaduna to make peace among ourselves to be able to accommodate even those that are sitting on the fence, so that at the end of the day, our load will be very light. Even when you are chewing your tongue, the teeth and tongue remain together.”

Thugs in free-for-all at Kogi PDP office Muhammad Bashir LOKOJA

t was free for all fight yestarday in Lokoja, as thugs believed to be supporter of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), aspirant in the Kogi State capital, engaged another opponent’s supporters , in a free for all fight using dangerous weapons. Journalists who were the party’s Secratariat were said to have scrambled for safety as they

were not spared by rampaging hoodlums, who smashed vehicles wind shields while attacking every visible persons during the fracas that lasted several hours. Trouble started when supporters of an aspirant fingered an opponent who was alleged to have cheated on them taking side with a different aspirant. He was said to have denied them of their benefit before defecting to the other side.

The party Chairman, Hassan Salawu who was hurrying down to the party office to take stock of the offensive behaviour of these Thugs was held hostage by the hoodlums for a reasonable time The thugs who out numbered the security men at the party secratariat initially were brought to order by the quick intervention of Anti Terrorist Squad, ATS, who were deployed to the secretariat.

Ex-perm sec picks Benue APC’s guber nomination form Cephas Iorhemen Makurdi

he All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Benue state, Mr. Akange Audu yesterday picked his expression of intent and nomination form to contest the 2015 governorship race. Audu, a retired per-

manent secretary in the Akume administration picked his form amidst a hordes of supporters who drove round the town in a long convoy through the major streets of Makurdi, the state capital . Speaking to newsmen at the party’s secretariat, state organising secretary of APC, Hon. Titus Zam assured that the party

will provided a level playing field for all aspirants, and urged them to carry out peaceful campaigns devoid of rancour. Zam said as a law abiding party , the leader of the party in the state and Senate Minority Leader Dr. George Akume has assured that he would not impose any candidate on the people.

It was widely speculated that former governor of Kaduna state, Senator Ahmed Makarfi and his camp have been sidelined in the political arena. For this reason, most of his supporters had defected to All Progressives Congress(APC) last December. In the same vein, it was rumoured that Ma-

karfi will also follow suit ‘’at the right time.’’ The BoT Chairman reminded members of the ruling party of the significance of Kaduna in the nation’s political sphere, saying that ‘’when Kaduna sneezes; Nigeria catches cold, that is the importance of your state to Nigeria

and beyond.” Speaking after the meeting, Governor Yero expressed satisfaction with conduct of the meeting saying “this visit is very important to unite the party and to end the complaints within the party and it will surely help the success of the party.’’

Aspirants besiege PDP office for nomination forms Muhammad Kabir KANO

n apparent effort to beat the deadline for the closure for aspirants in the 2015 general election approaches, the Jigawa State headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), has turned to a Mecca for politicians, as several aspirants stormed the place to purchase forms for various positions towards actualizing their political ambi-

tions in the State. The headquarters of the party situated at the Government House Road, was a beehive of activities with aspirants seen purchasing nomination forms for the various positions in the coming elections, while others were seen busy returning their completed forms. One of the aspirants, Alhaji Ali Tukur Gantsa, contesting the Federal House of Representatives seat in Birnin Kudu/Buji federal constituency, told

New Telegraph that his main reason for seeking election, was to ensure the further fulfillment of educational development in the state as currently being witnessed in the governor Sule Lamido’s regime. Ali Tukur Gantsa an educationist, a former University Don, and who is currently the Jigawa State PDP Secretary, explained that his major objective for his political aspiration was to add to the monumental achievement made in the state.

NANS endorses Nasko as next Niger gov Dan Atori MINNA

he National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), on yesterday endorsed the candidature of Governor Aliyu’s former Chief of Staff, Honourable Umar Nasko as its preferred candidate for the 2015 gubernatorial election in Niger state. NANS, Niger state chapter member institutions’ include the National Association of Niger state Students (NANIS), Student Union Government (SUG) of the Ibrahim Babangida University Lapai (IBBUL), SUG undergraduate section of the College of Education (COE), Minna and

Niger State Entertainment and Promoters Association (NISEPA) The Student unions from various institutions besieged the campaign office of the gubernatorial aspirant in Minna and pledged their support to the candidate who is vying to be the flagbearer under the Peoples Democratic Party in the state. The students who were led by their President, presented an endorsement letter to the Deputy Director of the Evergreen Mandate Group (a group spearheading the campaign for Umar Nasko), Hajiya Aisha Morgan in Minna. The National President of NANIS, Comrade Mohammed Chatta

while presenting the association’s endorsement letter to Morgan extolled the qualities of Nasko stating that “the sayings of youths being the future leaders is gradually coming to reality”. The other groups also spoke in the same vein as they express their expectations for him to empower more youths and women when he finally comes into power. The Deputy Director General of the Evergreen Mandate Group (EMG), Hajiya Aisha Morgan thanked the groups for their endorsement and partnership as she stated that the group is ready to partner with drugfree, well behaved and serious minded youths.

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NEW TELEGRAPH thursday, OCTOBER 23, 2014

N82.8m fraud: Judge renews bench warrant on Cross Country boss Foluso Ogunmodede

or the umpteenth time, a Lagos High Cour t, Ikeja yesterday renewed an earlier order compelling security agencies in the country to arrest the chairman of transport company, Cross Country Transport Limited, Mr. Bube Okorodudu. Justice Lateef LawalAkapo, who issued the order, held that the bench

warrant which was issued on Okorodudu on July 1 was still in force as the nation’s security agencies had been put on alert to arrest, detain and be brought before the court on the next adjourned date. Okorodudu, Cross Country Limited and Car Link Limited are facing a nine-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and forgery. They were charged before the court by the Economic and Finan-

cial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC had specifically accused the defendants of stealing N82.8 million through the fraudulent sale of 17 units of Volkswagen transporter buses belonging to AG Moeller Limited, a company owned by Mr. Adeloye Olukemi. The judge had issued the bench warrant following Okorodudu’s refusal to appear before the court to face the

criminal charge against him. Besides, Justice Lawal-Akapo also flayed the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Bello Adoke for allegedly delaying the case following the takeover of the matter from the EFCC. When the case came up yesterday, Okorodudu’s lawyer, Mr. Taiwo Taiwo, apologised for his absence in court and assured the court of his readiness to present him at the next adjourned

date. Besides, Taiwo told the court that he had filed an application to challenge the bench warrant, adding that it was the confusion as to the adjourned date that made his client not to be in court. On his part, a lawyer from the office of the AGF, G.E Kaswe, who appeared for the prosecution, urged the court to grant him short adjournment to enable him get the original case file from the EFCC, the agency that had hitherto prosecuted the matter. Kaswe had specifically said that the AGF took over the case from the EFCC with a view to forming an opinion on the next step in view of a similar case before

the Federal High Court in Lagos. Irked by the request, Justice Lawal-Akapo said he was not impressed with the way the office of the AGF had handled the matter, insisting that there was no process which the AGF could not get by applying to the court to search the file, instead of waiting endlessly to get the case file from the EFCC. He said: “Section 8 C and D of Gazzet No 25 of the National Judicial Council provides that a judge should take firm charge of his court and should be proactive in dealing with interlocutory applications and must not bend to the whims and caprices of counsel.

PUBLIC NOTICE THE HOLY GREAT CITY OF THE LORD MINISTRY

L-R: Leader of Accord Party, Sen. Rasidi Ladoja; Deputy Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Tunde Olaniyan and Representative of the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Dr Adekeye Abiona, at the Save Masses Initiative Symposium in Ibadan …yesterday

Court throws out suit seeking to quash same- sex marriage Act Tunde Oyesina Abuja

he Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday struck out a suit challenging the constitutionality of the Anti-gay law -Same-Sex Marriage [Prohibition] Act 2013 on the grounds that it violates the Nigerians human rights as protected by the 1999 constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The trial judge, Justice Abdul Kafarati, who

threw out the suit, upheld the preliminary objections by the Federal Government that the plaintiff lacked the requisite locus standi to sue on behalf of other Nigerians. Besides, the court held that the plaintiff did not place material evidence before the court that he has suffered or about to suffer from the implementation of the Act as required by law. The court held that there is no doubt that fundamental rights derived from the constitution but law or provision of any

A’Ibom 2015: Akpabio’s support for Udom doesn’t bother me, says ex-AG Tony Anichebe Uyo

he immediate past Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and a governorship aspirant in Akwa Ibom State, Ekpenyong Ntekim has said he is not afraid of Governor Godswill Akpabio’s alleged support for the immediate past Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel in the race for Hilltop mansion. Briefing newsmen

yesterday at his campaign office in Uyo, Ntekim, who was a former state PDP and ANPP chairman at different times in the state, said he is the most qualified person to succeed Akpabio going by his years of experience in politics and governance. According to him, it would be a grave tragedy for Akpabio’s achievements in infrastructural development and other sectors to be rubbished by someone, who is inexperienced in the art of governance.

NIS bars 7,836 Nigerians from travelling abroad

Synagogue: LASUTH concludes collection of DNA samples

Ndubuisi Ugah

Appolonia Adeyemi

igerian Immigration Service (NIS) has said about 7,836 Nigerians were prevented from travelling out of the country within the first six months of this year, while about 4,896 were deported from various countries of the world within the same period. NIS Service Public Relations Officer, Chukwuemeka Obua, stated this yesterday at a media

parley of the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA), which was hosted by I-Nigerian Initiative in Abuja. He said many reasons account for why some Nigerians were refused permission to leave the country, including doubts concerning their motive and conflicting travelling documents as their destination countries may decide to refuse them entry.

he Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja yesterday said it had concluded the collection of DNA samples for the victims of the collapsed building which occurred at the Synagogue Church of All Nations, Lagos. Prof. Wale Oke, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, said this at a news conference to

give account of stewardship by the newly inaugurated Management board of the hospital. The Board was constituted and inaugurated on May 20, 2013. Oke said that they were awaiting the results of the DNA samples sent to South Africa for analyses. “Well, you are aware that there is an inquest ongoing now. So, there is limitation of what I can tell you about this.

Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matter act No.1 of 1990. The Trustees are: 1. Prophet Joseph Gbenga Ayoola - General Overseer 2. Mr. Kabiru Isaiah Alabede - Secretary 3. Miss Babatunde Arinola - Member 4. Pastor Samuel Timothy - General Evangelist 5. Pastor (Mrs) Yetunde Ayoola - Member 6. Mr. Olayemi Ayoola - Member AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To embark on Evangelistic Missions and Programmes throughout Nigeria and in any part of the world with a view to win souls for the Lord Jesus Christ and preparing men for His (Jesus) second coming (Mark 16:15-16; Matt. 28:18-20; Isaiah 11:1-3). 2. To plant Churches and engage in Christian Missionary activities. 3. To mobilize funds for the advancement of Christianity. 4. To raise men and women for Christ for the purpose of loosing those that are in bondage of sin and satan ( Isaiah 61:1; Luke 13:15-16; Mark 5:1-8). 5. To train believers in the Bible-based Christian life. 6. To co-operate and associate with other organizations having similar objectives. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: TRUSTEES

PUBLIC NOTICE AJIRAN COMMUNITY MUTUAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION, LAGOS STATE Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matter act No.1 of 1990. The Trustees are: 1. Alh, (Chief) Ashimiyu Raji Fadipe - (Chairman) 2. Alh. (Chief) Minirudeen Ope-Ifa 3. Dr. Quamdeen Hakeem-Habeeb 4. Dr. Hakeem Gbolahan Agboola-Onikoyi 5. Chief Bashiru BelloOdofin 6. Mrs. Saratu Abinuwaiye-Oluge 7. Chief Nurudeen Adekunle Odofin 8. Mrs. Susana Omolara Adesanya 9. Alh. Jamiyu Birisiyu - (Secretary) AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To provide the community with free health facilities. 2. To assist in providing environmental health programmes for the development of the community. 3. To liase with government and International organizations on community health training programmes , information gathering and related issues. 4. To assist the less priviledged in the community in obtaining treatment for their ailment.. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: TRUSTEES

PUBLIC NOTICE

TWO ORDER EVANGELICAL MINISTRY Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part “C” of the companies and allied matter act No.1 of 1990. The Trustees are: 1. Rev. Dr. Siyanbola John Ogundare 2. Pastor Solomon Famuyide Olubanjo 3. Pastor Samson Afolabi Ayomide 4. Rev. Mrs. Siyanbola Comfort Mojisola 5. Siyanbola Damilola Racheal 6. Siyanbola Damilola Faith 7. Siyanbola Dansol Rebecca 8. Siyanbola Daramola Aina 9. Pastor Adeagbo Oludayo AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: OMONIYI LANRE 08023317670

WORLD | News

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

East African leaders push for peace in South Sudan

ast African leaders met South Sudan President Salva Kiir yesterday in the latest push to end over 10 months of a civil war that has devastated the young nation. Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ugandan Prime Minister-Ruhakana Rugunda visited the war-torn nation’s capital on a one-day visit to discuss the “on-going peace process”, a spokesman in Kiir’s office told AFP. All are members of regional east Africa’s IGAD bloc which has mediated currently stalled talks in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda are hosting 467,000

South Sudanese refugees who have fled the war. Uganda has also sent in troops to back Kiir’s forces. Thousands of people have been killed and almost two million have fled during fights between government troops, mutinous soldiers and ragtag militia forces divided along tribal lines. As leaders left later yesterday, an IGAD communique gave no details about the meeting but praised both Kiir and his archrival rebel chief Riek Machar for their “courageous and visionary leadership”. Monday, Kiir and sacked vice-president Machar said they accepted mutual responsibility for the war, in which civilians have been massacred, patients murdered

in hospitals and people killed while sheltering in churches. It was their first meeting since signing a ceasefire accord in August. They agreed to reunite the divided ruling party. The August ceasefire, like three previous agreements, swiftly collapsed. Almost 100,000 people are sheltering in

squalid UN peacekeeping bases fearing they will be killed if they leave. The UN special envoy on sexual violence Zainab Bangura has said this month the levels of rape are the worst she had ever seen. Political and military leaders have repeatedly broken promises made under intense international pressure, including

during visits to South Sudan by UN chief Ban Ki-moon and US Secretary of State John Kerry. Earlier this month, a group of 19 major aid agencies warned that while massive food drops had helped avert famine for now, the threat remained, and the risk grew greater and the longer the war continues.

Shooting locks down Canadian parliament, one suspect dead

gunman who shot and wounded a soldier in Ottawa and then entered the country’s parliament buildings was chased by police, with at least 30 shots fired, according to media and eyewitness reports yesterday. CBC TV said that the suspected gunman was shot dead inside the parliament building. It was not clear if he was acting alone. Ottawa police said they were actively looking for one or more suspects. Parliament was locked down and Prime Minister Stephen Harper had left the building safely as police converged on the area. As the situation developed, CBC News said in a tweeted news alert that more shots were fired near parliament and the gunman was still at large. Police and tactical teams converged on the area, crouching behind police cars and along fences. Police cleared streets around parliament and cleared people from the area, shouting “it’s still active.” “People in downtown Ottawa should stay away from windows and off roofs due to an “ongoing police incident,” the Royal Canadian Mounted Police cautioned in a statement. The wounded soldier was taken into an ambulance where medical personnel gave him cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The shooting comes two days after an Islamic convert ran down two Canadian soldiers with his car, killing one, near Montreal,

before being shot and killed by police. A construction worker on the scene told Reuters he heard a gunshot, and then saw a man dressed in black with a scarf over his face running towards parliament with a gun. The man stopped a black car at gunpoint and hijacked it, construction worker Scott Walsh told Reuters. The driver got out safely, then the man drove the car to the Center Block on Parliament Hill, where construction work is underway. The suspected gunman rushed past a woman with a child in a stroller, who ran away screaming. He did not attack the woman or child, Walsh said. Center Block is the main building at Parliament Hill, a sprawling complex of buildings and open space in downtown Ottawa. It contains the House of Commons and Senate chambers as well as the offices of some members of parliament, senators, and senior administration for both legislative houses. A Globe and Mail reporter in Center Block on Parliament Hill tweeted that the building was under lockdown after “at least one shooter burst in and opened fire”. One member of parliament, Mark Strahl, tweeted from inside parliament: “Very tense situation in Ottawa this morning. Multiple gun shots fired outside of our caucus room. I am safe and in lockdown. Unbelievable.”

Rwandese peacekeepers patrol in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

Ebola: German govt commends Nigeria Oluwatosin Omoniyi

he German government has commended President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on the declaration of Nigeria as being Ebola-free by the World Health Organisation, WHO. The commendation which was made during a joint press conference in Berlin Germany was delivered by Ambassador. Aminu Wali, the minister of Foreign Affairs, and his German counterpart, Dr. FrankWalter Steinmeier at the end of the second Nigeria-Germany Bi-National Commission, (BNC) held recently. Amb. Wali, while responding to the commendation said it was a confirmation of the personal commitment of the President to eradicate the disease and the aggressive efforts of the government and people of Nigeria who

complied with the world health organisation, WHO, instructions on preventive measures. He also called for an end to stigmatisation and discrimination against Nigerians travelling abroad. As a fall-out of the BNC, the German Foreign Affairs Minister disclosed that the German government was giving Nigeria a green credit line to the tune of 300 million euros for small scale investors in the power sector. Similarly, Dr. Steinmeier called for a new working group on urbanisation for the development of urban infrastructure, waste management and development of mega cities. The Nigeria Foreign Affairs Minister however, expressed regrets over the West African sub-region as it was not yet Ebola-free, he therefore called on development partners to increase support at controlling and containing the Ebola virus in other

sister nations. On the Boko Haram insurgency, Amb. Wali disclosed that the joint efforts by the neigbhouring countries and development partners have paid off with the recent ceasefire deal with the sect. He expressed optimism that this would facilitate the speedy release of the abducted Chibok School girls. He also called for concerted efforts and cooperation of Nigeria’s sub-regional neighbours and the International community, especially Germany, towards addressing the challenges posed by the Boko Haram insurgency. He informed of the meeting of Member States of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, LCBC, and Benin Republic to send a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council, UNSC, and African Union,AU, on a legal framework for military action against Boko Haram across the borders.

We don’t want revenge on Pistorius, says US airdrop to Kurds in Kobani a Steenkamp’s mother mistake, says Turkish President he mother of Oscar Pis- added: “We don’t want revenge, Pistorius, 27, had testified

urkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says that the US made a mistake in airdropping weapons to Kurds defending the Syrian city of Kobani from the Islamic State group. Erdogan told reporters in reporters in Ankara yesterday that the move was a mistake because some of the weapons ended up in IS hands. According to Turkey’s private Dogan news agency, Erdogan said: “It turns out that what

was done was wrong.” The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Tuesday that the Islamic militants seized a small part of the airdrop that included hand grenades, ammunition and rocket-propelled grenade launchers. The caches were airdropped early Monday to Kurds in embattled Kobani, near the Turkish border. Differences about how to defend Kobani have sparked tensions between Turkey and its NATO partners.

torius’s girlfriend said yesterday she did not want “revenge”, a day after the disgraced South African athlete began serving a five-year jail term for shooting her daughter dead. June Steenkamp told British broadcaster ITV that she was “settled” with Pistorius’s sentence for killing Reeva Steenkamp, even though it could mean he is out of prison and under house arrest after 10 months. Looking pale and holding her husband Barry’s hand, she

we want a fair punishment under the circumstances on his disabilities. “We wouldn’t have wanted him to go to jail and be abused and I feel that he will realise that he can’t go around doing that, he can’t kill someone like that.”Pistorius, the first double amputee Paralympian to compete against able-bodied athletes at the 2012 London Olympics, was ordered Tuesday to serve a maximum five years in prison for culpable homicide, or manslaughter after a seven-month trial.

that he shot the 29-year-old model four times through a locked bathroom door at his Pretoria home after he mistakenly believed she was an intruder. Prosecutors had argued that he murdered her in a fit of rage after an argument in the early hours of Valentine’s Day last year. June Steenkamp reacted angrily in September when he was acquitted of the murder charge. “We were shocked. Shocked. Disappointed,” she told ITV News then. “You know your heart drops because you just want the truth,” she said.

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

Sports News

International Football Messi: My focus is to beat real Madrid

Uduok scores six as Dolphins thrash Nembe

Amodu seeks quality defenders, creative midfielders

Sport

Nigeria League

Did you know? That Shaktar Donetsk striker Luiz Adriano was the first player to score four goals in the first half of a game in the 7-0 victory against BATE Borisov in the UEFA Champions League.

Keshishouldblameself forremoval–Omokaro

Super Eagles during a brainstorming session

Vincent Eboigbe

ormer Nigeria defence stalwart, Bright Omokaro, has stated that Stephen Keshi could not have succeeded in recent time given his reputation of picking quarrels with his players and the way he handled perceived rancour among Super Eagles stars. Omokaro was reacting to the reports of the division that wracked the

team leading up to the 2015 AFCON qualifiers that have, in the main, been more of a fiasco. Keshi fuelled the wrangling by taking sides in the quarrels involving his star players, especially the one that pitted Mikel Obi against Emmanuel Emenike. Keshi even went to the extent of accusing Emenike of causing disaffection in the Super Eagles. Omokaro who was Keshi’s teammate in the unforgettable New Nige-

ria Bank team of the ’80s argued that any coach who picked fights with his players was courting trouble, likening players to “tools” that must be well taken care of. “If he (Keshi) did that (fighting his players), that was unprofessional. He has himself to blame because players are like tools and the coach like a mechanic; so if a mechanic throws his tools all over the place after the day’s work, what will he use the following day?” querried Omokaro. “The players are your

materials as a coach and you have to make sure they are well managed. If a team is divided, it can’t go anywhere. If there is a crack, there is a huge problem. In this regard, Keshi got it wrong. “If I were in his position, I would have done everything to unite the team, ensure we qualify for the Nations Cup and be in a position of strength to negotiate a new contract.” Omokaro was however not impressed with the decision to remove Keshi, saying that action may further

hinder Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the AFCON. “The sacking was not timely; it will take the grace of God to qualify now. Any coach contracted now has a ready-made excuse if he fails; he is even likely to adopt an “I don’t care attitude” after all the problem predated him (new coach). I think they should have allowed Keshi to continue,” Omokaro added. “For me, the problem actually started in the office (Nigeria Football Omokaro Federation).”

Oshoala’s brace lifts Falcons to AWC final, World Cup The Sport Team

Adekunle Salami l Deputy Editor, Sports Emmanuel Tobi l Assistant Editor, Sports

Ifeanyi Ibeh l Sports Correspondent

Ajibade Olusesan l Sports Correspondent

Ifeanyi Ibeh

igeria’s Super Falcons are through to the final of the Africa Women Championship after edging past South Africa 2-1 in a tough semi-final tie decided in Windhoek, Namibia. Asisat Oshoala was the scorer of both Nigerian goals, while Jane Refiloe grabbed South Africa’s consolatory goal. After an opening 38 minutes, dominated by the Nigerians, who were denied from going ahead by some exemplary goalkeeping from South Africa’s Thokozile Mndaweni, Asisat Oshoala put

coach Edwin Okon’s side in the lead with a shot that was deflected past the Banyana Banyana goalkeeper. Mndaweni opposite number in the Nigerian goal, Ibubeleye Whyte, was however not as composed as her South African counterpart and almost gifted Banyana Banyana a goal on 45 minutes after fumbling a seemingly harmless long range shot from the South African captain, Janine Van Wyk. But only seconds after, Oshoala, after noticing that Mndaweni was off her goal line, attempted a fortuitous long ball which sailed unhindered into the back

of the South African net for Nigeria’s and her second of the game. The second half saw Coach Vera Pauw’s Banyana Banyana side coming all-out in search of goals but the Super Falcons defence held their ground until the 68th minute when a deceptively harmless cross from Refiloe was adjudged to have crossed the Nigerian goal line by the referee’s assistant much to the dismay of the Nigerian team. But after soaking up more pressure from the South Africans, the Super Falcons held on to secure a hard-earned victory over their fierce rivals to book a place in Saturday’s final, as well as a spot at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.

SPORT

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nigeria needs a foreign coach – Kalu Super Eagles to open Akwa Ibom Charles Ogundiya

illar of Sports in Nigeria and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has thrown his weight behind the decision of the Nigeria Football Federation to hire a foreign coach to manage the Super Eagles. Speaking in a television programme on Wednesday, Dr. Kalu stressed the need for a sound foreign coach to enhance the abilities of Nigerian technical crew. “We need to go to East European countries like Serbia or a good football nation like France to get a foreign coach. He will be a Technical Adviser and then we have a Nigerian as the chief coach; I thought Keshi would have been extra ordinary and learn from others but it is unfortunate that he ended up like this. “He was stubborn, and you cannot be stubborn in the national team because a tree does not make a forest. You must listen to other people’s opinions, that is very important. You cannot win if you are not a team, just like

Enyimba did when they were winning all available cups in the country and also on the continent,” he said. Speaking on the chances of Nigeria to qualify for the 2015 AFCON, Kalu said: “It is very possible, Shaibu Amodu used to be a member of Enyimba technical crew, he is a very good coach who is a straight forward person and he always have a good rapport with his players. And most importantly he listens to people; we have the best squad in Africa we just need to mold them into a team.” He added: “I think with Amaju Pinnick as the president of NFF, with his tolerance and knowledge about football,

and considering the quality of his board members, we will to qualify. Dr. Kalu also expressed the confidence that Nigeria could host the 2015 Nations Cup if Morocco finally reneged on their commitment to host the competition. “We have the capacity and it will be very good for the President Goodluck Jonathan government if we can host the Nations Cup in Nigeria. We need a competition like the Nations Cup to reduce tension in the country. If the government needs assistance Dr. Amos Adamu and I can deliver the hosting right to Nigeria,” he said.

Ilorin to host N’Central athletics Championship Charles Ogundiya

he inaugural edition of North Central Athletics Championships has been slated for October 29, at the main bowl of the magnificent Ilorin Stadium Complex with athletes coming from Niger, Kogi, Benue, Plateau, and Nasarawa. The championship is an initiative of Tunde Agbaji, the Vice President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria, who is also the Chairman of Kwara Athletics Association. Athletes will compete in the sprints events, quarter-mile, middle and long distance, jumps, hurdles, and the relays with prize money to be won by the top three finishers. Technical manager Yussuf Alli and Coach Abiodun Adeyemi are expected to organise the one day event.

The sponsor of the championships, Tunde Agbaji, a former quarter-miler and retired chartered accountant said he decided to sponsor the event because: “Athletics in Nigeria has witnessed a new resurgence, especially at the international level where we have won many medals, particularly at the last Africa Championships and the Commonwealth Games. We need to sustain the momentum by discovering new talents. Also, remember Kwara used to be a center of excellence for track and field in Nigeria. “We have produced great athletes like Sunday Bada, Ahmed Adio, Bisi Afolabi, Olapade Adeniken, and many others. We are now continuing in that culture of discovering new talents and nurturing them to become world beaters,’’ said Tunde Agbaji.

Stadium November 6

igeria’s Super Eagles, made up entirely of domestic league players, will play a friendly game in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, to formally open the new Akwa Ibom Stadium on November 6,2014. Officials of the Nigeria Football Federation disclosed in Abuja that the friendly encounter, which is to be bankrolled by the Akwa Ibom State Government, would see the Super Eagles play a North African team that will be confirmed this week. Head Coach Amodu Shaibu is already planning to use the opportunity of this international friendly to begin preparations for Nigeria’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations campaigns in November. “22 players will be called up to camp in Uyo from Sunday, November 2 ahead of the friendly and

Akwa Ibom Stadium

Amodu seeks quality defenders,creative midfielders Emmanuel Tobi

s part of strategies aimed at fixing the immediate problems of the Super Eagles, interim coach, Shaibu Amodu, has spread his dragnet in search of quality defenders, especially those capable of operating from the right full-back position, which has in recent time been the weakest link of the national team. Amodu on Tuesday received a 66-man list from the techni-

cal department of the Nigeria Football Federation from which to pick players that would prosecute the last two matches in the 2015 AFCON qualifiers. The 56-year-old said that the 66 players include those plying their trade locally as well as on the foreign scene. New Telegraph exclusively gathered that Amodu, who at the weekend was at the Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, to watch the Nigeria Premier League match between Bayelsa United and FC Taraba, which ended in a 3-0 win for Bayelsa United, has also set

his sights on finding midfielders capable of adding the much needed creativity to the national team’s midfield. Erstwhile Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, preferred Efe Ambrose, a natural centre-half, as his first-choice right full-back for the greater part of his threeyear stint with the national team. And on the occasions when the Celtic of Scotland star failed to impress, Keshi deployed Ogenyi Onazi, a midfielder, as a right full-back as was the case during the national team’s recent 3-1 defeat of Sudan in Abuja.

Zola,Cooreman join Eagles job race

Zola

ormer West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola, 48, is in the frame to handle the Super Eagles, a position which is now vacant after the Nigeria Federation decided not to extend the contract of Stephen Keshi. Nigeria - born agent Ladi Salami has already started doing the groundwork to make sure his candidate is interviewed by the Nigeria Federation when names are shortlisted for the vacant post. A source privy to the communication between Zola’s representative and the NFF told SL10.NG : ‘’Gianfranco Zola is interested in coaching the Super Eagles and will apply for the job as soon as possible. His agent is in contact with

that game will afford us a wonderful opportunity to see some of our best legs in the domestic league more closely,”Shaibu said. “We will have the opportunity of working with them for about three days before the friendly. Some of those who show the quality we are looking for will then join the main squad for the qualifiers. “We must seize every opportunity we have to get a strong squad ready for the challenges ahead and we really appreciate the Akwa Ibom State Government as well as the Nigeria Football Federation for putting this programme together,”Shaibu added. The new 30,000 capacity Akwa Ibom Stadium in Uyo is also expected to host Nigeria’s final 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa on November 19.

the Nigeria Federation. ‘’ Zola, who played alongside Celestine Babayaro at Chelsea, is now a free agent after he resigned as manager of Watford in December 2013. Similarly, Maurice Cooreman has expressed his desire to coach the Super Eagles. The highly-rated coach won the 2007 Premier League shield with Enyimba International and also piloted the team to the semi-final in the 2008 CAF Champions League. Cooreman, who has been involved in Nigerian football for more than 10 years, has also managed Nigerdock, NPA, Bendel Insurance, Lobi Stars, Gabros International, Warri Wolves and Gombe United.

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Kanu Nwankwo I wish super falcons all the best and hope they will come up with the win. @papilokanu IDEYE BROWN MON So Proud to be a Baggie. @OfficialIdeye Serena Williams Diamonds are a girls best friend. @serenawilliams Muhammad Ali I wish people would love everybody else the way they love me. It would be a better world. #MuhammadAli @MuhammadAli

Junior Golf Challengeteesoff Thursday Ifeanyi Ibeh

he maiden edition of the Junior Golf Challenge gets underway today, Thursday October 23, at the Ikoyi Club 1938, in Lagos, with over 50 teenagers competing for honours in the two-day event. The tournament, which is for kids aged between 8 and 15, is organised by golf promotions outfit, Fairstrokes, in partnership with Access Bank, one of the country’s leading financial institutions, and Caritas PR Limited, a leading public relations firm. The 36-hole contest, which is endorsed by the Nigeria Golf Federation, will see the young golfers compete in two age categories for boys and girls: the ages 8-11 and 12-15 categories. Sam Emehelu, Executive Director of Fairstrokes, said,“We want to introduce golf to these kids at a very young age so that we can in the foreseeable future replace the older ones.”

SPORT | INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

Messi: My focus is to beat Real Madrid

arcelona star Lionel Messi says Real Madrid in Saturday’s Clasico is his main priority, instead of breaking Telmo Zarra’s Liga goalscoring record. The Argentine star is just one goal away from levelling the league’s alltime highest scorer, having netted his 250th goal in the 3-0 win over Eibar. Coming up a g ainst fierce rivals Madrid on Saturday means Messi could equal or break the

record in the Santiago Ber nabeu, but he insists he is not thinking about doing so, only picking up the three points against Carlo Ancelotti’s side. “We will go there to do our best and to try and win,” he told reporters. It will not decide anything, there is a lot of time left in the league, but we will try and win and play well. Messi “The important thing is to win there, not to beat Zarra’s record.”

I won’t lead Brazilian revolution but I can help, says Kaka

aka has conceded he won’t be the man to lead Brazil into a new era, but insists he can still be of use to the national team as they begin preparations for World Cup 2018. The 32-year-old was a late inclusion for the Brasil Global Tour clashes with Argentina and Japan earlier this month, coming in as a late replacement for the injured Ricardo Goulart for what was the on-loan Sao Paulo midfielder’s first callup in over 18 months. And the former Fifa

anuel Pellegrini was left in a prickly mood after Manchester City threw away a two-goal lead against CSKA Moscow on Tuesday, but insists his side can still qualify for the knock-out stages. Goals from Sergio Aguero and James Milner put the Premier League champions into a commanding position at half-time as they went in search of their first victory in Group E. It would also have been their first European win since beating Bayern Munich in December last year, but an underwhelming dis-

play after the break saw the hosts roar back to claim a point. “Football is 95 minutes not just the first half,” the Chilean said. “We played well and had clear chances to score two or three more goals. We have to play for 90 minutes against a good team - we gave them space. “We have nine points more to play [for], after we’ve played those games we will see who has more points. We will play and fight until the end.” Asked if he was confident of reaching the last-16, he snapped back: “Of course.”

Robinho investigated over sexual assault

ose Mourinho insists he is not concerned by the prospect of Diego Costa and Loic Remy missing Chelsea’s clash with Manchester United. Both strikers are expected to be unavailable when Chelsea head to Old Trafford on

World Player of the Year says he is desperate to stick around, at least in the short term. “Surely I am not going to be the name who leads the national team into a new era, but in the short term I think I can add a lot,” he told Sportv. “There are some very good new players emerging in the team and what I can bring, beyond my technical and tactical help on the field, is all my years of experience in the national team.”

Pellegrini certain of Man City qualification

razilian striker Robinho is reportedly under investigation for his alleged involvement in the group sexual assault of an 18-year-old woman in Milan. The alleged attack, in which the Brazilian teenager was abused by several men, took place in the northern Italian city in Jan 2013 when Robinho was playing for AC Robinho Milan. cation and sexually assaulted The young woman, who her, according to the Italian has not been named, met Robdaily. inho in a restaurant, where he The teenager only reported was having dinner with sevthe attack six months after it eral other players, Corriere took place, the newspaper said, della Sera reported. adding that there were “some The players allegedly took doubts” as to her account. the woman to an unknown lo-

Mourinho unfazed over striker shortage

Drogba

Sunday. Costa has missed Chelsea’s last two games due to hamstring trouble, while Remy suffered a groin injury in the act of opening the scoring as Mourinho’s men trounced Maribor 6-0 on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League. Didier Drogba, who was also on target against Maribor to register his first goal since returning to Stamford Bridge, could now lead the line against United and Mourinho is remaining relaxed. “I’m not worried. When a player is injured, play another one,” said the Portuguese. “[Wednesday] is a day off

and the doctor is forbidden to call me to speak about injuries. I don’t want to speak about injuries, Man United. I don’t want to know. “We don’t cry on injuries. It’s our philosophy, we don’t cry. We just think one injury means an opportunity for somebody else. “We cannot hide. In this moment we have some problems with players that are not available to play. “We will prepare [for] the game Thursday, Friday, Saturday to try to be at our best possible level against an opponent which we respect very, very much.”

CAF slams Platini for AFCON comments T

he Confederation of African Football has slammed UEFA president Michel Platini for giving his opinion on whether the Africa Cup of Nations should be called off over Ebola fears. “In Morocco they are right to ask themselves about the organisation - or not - of the AFCON,” Platini told beIN Sport. “They should contact the World Health Organisation to know if there is risk or not to play it. I think the health of the people is an absolute prior-

ity. It would not be easy to postpone it, the football calendar is extremely packed already.” However, CAF, yet to confirm where the tournament will be held after planned hosts Morocco requested a postponement, has urged Platini to concentrate on his own affairs. “The president of UEFA, Michel Platini, found it necessary to question maintaining the scheduled date of the AFCON,” a statement from CAF read. “The issue has been debat-

Pope praises Bayern after Roma rout

ope Francis welcomed the victorious Bayern Munich team to the Vatican after the 7-1 Champions League rout of Roma, telling the players Wednesday they “played a wonderful game” and receiving a signed jersey and ball in return. CEO Karl Heinz Rummenigge said it was “a great honor” for the German club and announced Bayern would donate to Francis one million euros in proceeds from a future friendly match for charitable purposes. Rumminegge told Francis it would be up to him to use the money “to help people in need wherever they are in the world and regardless of their faith,” the

team’s website reported. The soccer-mad Francis has received several visiting teams and has a collection of signed jerseys. The one presented Wednesday was a No. 1 with “Francis” across the back. The Bayern website quoted Francis as admitting to “surprise” at the club’s victory margin over Roma the night before. And it said Francis also revealed during the audience that he had been in Mexico to see Rummenigge play in the 1986 World Cup. The Vatican released no details about the meeting other than to say it took place before the Pope’s Wednesday general audience.

ed and has been in the public domain the last few days following a request for postponement by Morocco due to the Ebola outbreak. “CAF, under the leadership of its president, Issa Hayatou, has always promoted free expression within it. Far from it, therefore, can it claim to deprive anyone latitude to express themselves. But we must beware of what appears in every way as interference by a president of a confederation, in cases involving first and foremost Africa and Caf.”

Ibrahimovic suffers injury setback

latan Ibrahimovic h a s s u f f e re d a n i n j u r y s e t - b a ck a f t e r h e was forced to retur n to Pa r i s w i t h a s u s p e c t e d heel spur. He underwent medical tests Wednesday in the capital and will miss this weekend’s g ame ag ainst Bordeaux. According to Swedish publication Spor tbladet, the striker may require surgery. G e t F r e n c h Fo o t b a l l News understands that no decision has yet been m a d e o n p o s s i bl e s u rgery at the time of writing.

SPORT

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nigerian League Rendezvous

Pyagbara credits mates for goals

with charles Ogundiya

charlesog2001@yahoo.com,

Bello’s exit haunts Crown

t is almost certain that Crown Football Club of Ogbomosho will be making a quick return to the Nigeria National League. Where did it go wrong for the team? Crown got promoted to the elite division after placing second in Nigerian National League Group B last season behind Abia Warriors. The Premier League has been perhaps too hot for the club. With three matches to the end of the season, Crown are currently second to the last in the 20-club league, and it will take a miracle for the team to escape the drop. They lost 7-1 to Warri Wolves on Wednesday to further move closer to relegation. Investigations by League Rendezvous revealed that one of the major problems affecting the team was the failure of the sponsors, Oyo State government, to pay the players remunerations. Despite the financial problems encountered during the

08098042287

club’s days in the NNL, the team worked so hard to gain promotion, a feat that was attributed to the club’s chairman, Alhaji Noah Bello. Some of the players are blaming the club’s poor runs on the removal of Bello by the state government. “They have destroyed the team by removing Bello. He was using his personal money to support the team but since they removed him, the new chairman has been unable to sustain the club success,” the player who doesn’t want his name in print said. Adding his voice, a former player of the club, Yemi Olanrewaju, said; “The greatest mistake the government made was to remove the former chairman, Alhaji Bello.” However despite the imminent relegation of Crown, Ibadan fans will surely enjoy premier league action next season as the state darling team, Shooting Stars, are on the verge of promotion.

Adams Sibad,Lobi and Shehu Dauda, Crown

Uduok scores six as Dolphins thrash Nembe

Arunabanksoncoach’s Rackets magicforWorldCup glory Bats

frica champion, Aruna Quadri, has said that his chances at the table Tennis World Cup has become brighter with the appointment of Martin Adomeit as his coach for the tournament that will serves off in Düsseldorf, Germany on Friday. Kit manufacturer, Joola, has been sponsoring the Nigerian star for the past four years and offered to help him further with the appointment of the former Germany national table tennis team at the event. The player said it had been tough playing alone without any instructor at the World Tour he had featured in this year and said the coach would bring the best out of his game at the tournament. “It will be great to have someone at my back advising me on the table during World Cup because it has not been easy for me playing alone in all the ITTF World Tour events I have played so far this year. I also believe that having a coach behind me in Düsseldorf will enable me to correct

olphins’ striker Emem Uduok move to the top of the scorers chart with 19 goals after scoring all six goals in the 6-0 drubbing of Nigeria National Leaguebound Nembe City. With the goals Uduok has created a premier league record, becoming the first player to score six goals in a single match. Another contender for the highest goals crown, Enyimba’s striker, Mfon Udoh, increased

his tally to 18 after scoring the only goal in a 1-0 defeat of El-Kanemi Warriors in Aba. Defending champion Kano Pillars came from a goal down to beat Kaduna United 2-1 to maintain their spot at the top of the league. Warri Wolves striker, Gbolahan Salami, took his goals to 16 in a 7-1 defeat of Crown FC of Ogbomosho, recording a brace in the highest scoring game of the season.

with Ajibade Olusesan 07065377853

Akwa Utd 1-0 Bayelsa Utd FC Taraba 2-0 Lobi Stars Abia Warriors 1-1 Heartland Warri Wolves 7-1 Crown Rangers 1-0Sharks Sunshine 2-0 Gombe Utd Kano Pillars 2-1 Kaduna Utd Enyimba 1-0 El-Kanemi

eight games and wrapped up the 6-0, 6-2 victory in just 65 minutes. It was just the second time in her career that Williams had won just two games in a match. The previous was in a 6-1, 6-1 quarterfinal defeat to Joannette Kruger in Oklahoma City way back in 1998. Williams was 16 at the time.

Dolphins 6-0 Nembe

Players want December date for Governor’s Cup

ome top tennis players have called on the organisers of the Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis tournament to move the championship forward till December. Speaking to New Telegraph, former international, Destiny Ford Da-Silva, said some of the players had been training to compete in a competition in Kano same period. The organiser of the annual Governor’s Cup has revealed that the 2014 edition of the competition will hold from November 17 to 22 at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club. “The players didn’t know the Governor’s Cup

Halep wallops Serena

noon when Simona Halep defeated world No. 1 Serena Williams. Halep had never beaten the four-time WTA Finals champion but on Wednesday she would not only Halep get her first win, but she he 2014 WTA Finals handed Williams one of the were thrown a curve worst losses of her career. ball on Wednesday afterHalep won the first

Glo NPL Result

some of my mistakes,” he said. The player will be representing the continent at the global tournament and said his first target was to enter the knockout stage, insisting that his dream will become clearer as the tournament progresses. “My primary objective is to surpass my previous World Cup record and to qualify from the group stage”, he explained. “If I qualify from the group stage, I seriously believe I can cause an upset in the knockout stage; in the main draw nobody knows what might happen.” He said that mahy of players ranked far above him will be featuring in the tournament but he Quadri can never be intimidated.

harks FC of Port Harcourt midfielder, Christian Pyagbara, has showered praises on his teammates for his recent scoring form in the league. Pyagbara increased his goal tally to 14 in the ongoing season after a superlative performance in the 4-1 drubbing of Sunshine Stars of Akure in one of the Week 34 games played at the weekend, where he scored four goals. The Ogoni-born CHAN 2014 Super Eagles player joined Victor Ezeji as the only two players to have scored four goals in a match for Sharks. “I am very delighted with my performance so far this season and I must commend my teammates for making the goals easy for me. “I was not expecting to score as many as four goals in a match so early in my career, it is a dream for me as a player, especially equaling Ezeji’s record,” he said.

will hold again this year and they have been preparing hard for the Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship coming up same period in Kano. “My advice to the Nigeria Tennis Federation is to postpone the competition till after the Dala championship, or maybe relate with organisers of Dala to change their date,” he said. The Governor’s Cup was earlier endangered by the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease in Lagos, hence, the need for an abridged version, which will feature only participants from within Africa this year.

First baby joy for Djokovic N

ovak Djokovic is a proud father. The top-ranked tennis player tweeted on Wednesday that he and his wife, Jelena, were celebrating the birth of their first child - a boy named Stefan.

“Stefan, our baby angel was born!” Djokovic posted on Twitter early on Wednesday. “I’m so proud of my beautiful wife Jelena! Thank you so much for your love and support. We love you all!!!”

NEW TELEGRAPH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

Sanctity of Truth

On Marble

Do not let your anger lead to hatred, as you will hurt yourself more than you would the other. – Stephen Richards

World Record

The largest rock in the world is Mt Augustus (92 km²) in Western Australia, located inland, east of Carnarvon, and about 850km north of Perth.

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

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Thuggery: Anyone for hire?

ith no pre-arranged meeting, his name was powerful enough to open doors of many presidential palaces or villas. As one of the most influential men in the world, he was not in the habit of waiting for presidents or prime ministers. They were always eager to wait for him because any wrong pronouncement or theory from his office could ruin the economy of any country. A Professor of Economics at the Paris Institute of Political Studies and French Minister of Economy under the Socialist Prime Minister, Lionel Jospin, from 1997 to 1999, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, as the President of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), commanded the respect of hundreds of world leaders. Expectedly, he was also highly feared. Before getting the IMF top job, he was elected Mayor of Sarcelles, a suburb of Paris in 1995 and contested for the presidential nomination in 2006, losing to Ségolène Royal, who ultimately lost a second-round runoff to Nicolas Sarkozy, the 23rd President of France from May 16, 2007 to May 15, 2012. Strauss-Kahn was so popular that Sarkozy arranged for him to get the IMF job, obviously to remove a popular rival from France’s political landscape. He was warming up for the 2012 presidential election when the unexpected happened on May 14, 2011. Strauss-Kahn was on his way to Paris when he was arrested by two detectives of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in the first-class section of Air France Flight 23 at New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport minutes before takeoff and he was immediately turned over to detectives from the Midtown South Precinct. Why? He was accused of sexually molesting a 32-year-old maid, Nafissatou Diallo, in his $3,000-anight Room 2806 Suite at the Sofitel New York Hotel. The Mayor of New York, the Governor of New York State and even President Barack Obama watched the arrest on the Cable News Network (CNN) and other news channels. This was somebody who only needed to make a phone call to see Obama in 30 minutes but was arrested by two ‘ordinary’ detectives. In fact, German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, was already preparing to meet him the next day in Berlin. Strauss-Kahn was detained in Rikers Island, a notorious maximum prisons in New York and spent five days in jail before a judge allowed him to go home on bail. When he was taken to the court, he was handcuffed and the case was People v. Strauss-Khan, 1225782, Criminal Court of the City of New York (New York County). Four days after the arrest, he resigned as IMF boss. The lesson is that when you have a strong and effective institution, individuals can’t escape the long arm of the law. The first loyalty of any law enforcement agent is to the state, not individuals. And that is the difference between the West and African countries. No matter how highly placed you are, the moment you run foul of the law, you will not be

Talking Tough GABRIEL AKINADEWO gabyfola@hotmail.com

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spared. A law enforcement agent does not have to get clearance from any superior officer or elected public officials before moving against a suspect, no matter how highly placed. The ordeal of Strauss-Kahn proved why the West is working and why some African countries are retarding. The Western world adores institutions because without them, the state is finished. Individuals will come and go but credible institutions remain. In fact, they are the foundation on which the state rests. To the Western world, a crime is a crime and it doesn’t matter if you want to give it political, religious, economic or social colouration. In Nigeria, crime has been ethnicised. You hear talks like ‘They are victimising me because I am Yoruba; EFCC is after me because I am Igbo, the President is after my life because I am Hausa’. Nobody will ever own up to any crime. It is even unthinkable, in any sane country, to have some people, who see themselves as above the state, operating unhindered and endlessly as we have in this country. Because the first impression is the only impression, any form of thuggery will be nipped in the bud immediately. Anything contrary will affect the institution of statehood and if that is compromised, individuals will have no credible platform to hold on to to get justice. I have never heard anywhere in the West that thugs, hoodlums and roughnecks went on the rampage and security agents were helpless.

If the truth must be said, which security agent in this country, without a direct order from the presidency or a governor, will arrest a local government chairman for any offence, no matter how grievous?

If a man as powerful as Strauss-Kahn could be arrested by two detectives who did not even think whether their boss would challenge their ‘effrontery’ to have arrested a ‘big man’, then hoodlums have no place in such a society. Pitiably, the culture of impunity is so deep to the extent that it has become a way of life in this country. Thugs are not only operating unhindered, they are given official backing and security agents look the other way. It is only in this country that security agents will get clearance to arrest anybody causing a breach of the peace. When you see security agents carrying the bags of wives of public officials, what then do you expect? If the truth must be said, which security agent in this country, without a direct order from the presidency or a governor, will arrest a local government chairman for any offence, no matter how grievous? Obviously, strict application of laws is necessary for any society to grow because from birth to death, activities of human beings are governed by laws. Without these, such a society becomes a jungle, an animal kingdom. So, it is clear why Nigeria is not progressing. People contravene the law and go scot free. In the build up to the 2015 elections, the rate thugs are being recruited by those seeking elected offices is unprecedented in the history of this country. Everyday, from North to South, East to West, these thugs unleash mayhem on the same Nigerians who are expected to vote for these aspirants. Election time is here and Nigerians have started witnessing bloody drama. If not, how did thugs invade the campaign office of President Goodluck Jonathan, holding people hostage for hours a few weeks ago? Ideally, the Legacy House in Abuja should be the most-secured campaign office in the country but when leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State met members of the SouthSouth Integration Committee in this complex, it was a tug of war. Despite the fact that security agents were around, thugs suspected to be loyal to a governorship aspirant from the

South-South state invaded the complex, seized the gate, took charge of the main building, padlocked the waiting room and beat the hell out of those perceived to be against the ambition of the aspirant. Cameramen of Silverbird and Channels Televisions were manhandled. Other reporters were chased out of the waiting room. A popular politician from the state, Chief Anamsara Egbe; former Commissioner for Water Resources, Lolo Ibeneiye; Professor Israel Owate; Dr. Innocent Ekwu and others were maltreated. Ekwu reportedly said he was pained because while the assault lasted, security agents around did nothing. Tubotamuno Dick, coordinator of Network for Defence of Democracy and Good Governance (NDDGG) in Rivers State, sustained injury on his left eye. Attacks by thugs all over the country are raising the level of impunity to a pedestal not even contemplated in the days of the military. What happened at Legacy House was a child’s play to the theatre of war in Benin, Edo State a few days later. A member of the House of Assembly, Abdul Razaq Momoh, was violently attacked and in a reprisal, over 100 thugs invaded the Assembly quarters. In an attack that lasted for more than 30 minutes, scores of vehicles were riddled with bullets. How did thugs invade such a facility that should be well secured? Sadly, thuggery seems to be synonymous with Nigerian political process. In the name of thuggery, thousands of promising youths are recruited and killed in their attempt to protect a mandate which, in most cases, was fraudulently obtained. The irony is that sponsors of thuggery will never allow their children join the thugs while unleashing mayhem. It seems as if activities of thugs have been legalised and powerfully backed by the political class. The Constitution is being subverted for selfish and political gains and godfathers are placing themselves above the laws of the land. In many campaign offices, roughnecks are seen with arms and ammunition openly with no challenge from security agents. Some of these thugs are placed on regular salaries, with allowances ‘for a job well done’. To give official backing to this menace, some thugs are employed as special advisers, special assistants and personal assistants. Some of them are called bodyguards and the encouragement given to thuggery has resulted in many unresolved politically-motivated assassinations. By failing to sanction them, the government, indirectly, has given a seal of approval to their actions and they become emboldened. This vice has become a global embarrassment to this country. What exactly is going on? Is this democracy working? If the government is part of the problem, how can the same government salvage the situation? Is the case hopeless like the sub-titling of some Yoruba Nollywood movies? I watched one of the movies recently. What did I read on the screen? ‘The person you killed is dead’. End of story.

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